Posted by Claire Williams January 25, 2008 at 7:53 p.m.

Tin Roof, Rusted!

So, we are six months in and I finally decided to write about my "pregnorant" experiences so far. Having a baby wasn't something that we were planning on ahead of time, so unlike many women who come prepared to motherhood, I feel like I have been running around like the proverbial headless chicken. As my due date approaches the flapping and clucking are getting more frantic, but at least I feel a little bit more knowledgeable as to what I am in for.Here is a short summary of what the first 24 weeks have been like.Week One: Take test. 2 pink lines, oh jeebus what does that mean? Take test again. Yep, still 2 pink lines. Now what?Week Two: Buy every book on pregnancy, parenting, breastfeeding, and cranky toddlers that the Lawrence Public Library book sale and Half Price Books have to offer. Set myself the goal of reading every single one in the next week. Fail miserably.Weeks Three-Eight: Life almost normal--eagerly anticipating first prenatal appointment where I am sure I will be told all I need to know about being pregnant.Week Nine: First doctor's appointment gives me a healthy dose of reality. After an hour of poking and prodding, I leave with lots of paperwork about childbirth and breastfeeding classes as well as a prescription for prenatal vitamins "guaranteed to make the restroom an adventure". Weeks Ten-Fifteen: I remain blissfully immune from morning sickness; but mood swings, fatigue, back pain, and a need to eat every 15 minutes more than make up for it. I manage a portrait studio, and this time span is the peak of our Christmas busy season. I begin to hate my life.Week Sixteen: Congratulations, you're having an alien!http://worldonline.media.clients.elli... Seventeen-Twenty Four: With the return of my energy, I enter the stage of "FRANTIC WORRIER". Why haven't I gained more weight? Will the baby be too small because I can't gain more? Will I be able to handle labor? Have I forgotten anything for my "baby list" of stuff to buy? How are we going to afford all of that stuff on the list in the first place? What hospital should I choose to deliver at? Ad infinitum...this mantra of worries, combined with pummeling of my tummy by the unknown lump, keeps me up at night....as well as the need to use the restroom every 30 minutes. That brings us current, twenty five weeks. I have managed to finagle a studio closer to home, so that I am commuting only 30 minutes instead of an hour and a half (1 way!) Sciatica was making the drive a nightmare, so I am happy about the switch in locations. Maternity photos will be done this week, so fat belly pictures will be on the way soon.Although this exchange with strangers on a daily basis has grown rather amusing:Random Person: Oh, look at you! What are you having?Me: A Baby.Random Person: . . .oh. . .kay. . .We are having a 3-D ultrasound in two weeks, which I am excited about. In addition to being able to see the little bugger squirming around in amazing 3D action (without the need for silly glasses, even!), we will finally know what the ninja in my tummy is smuggling between its legs. Speaking of the little one, it has chosen this moment to use my bladder as a trampoline. Until next time!