Ready for You Baby Girl

We are ready for you Marlo Kelly. It has been a long 38 weeks. Downsides included morning (afternoon, evening) sickness, pubic symphysis, sciatica, unmanaged anxiety, hormone imbalances and sickening cravings for over 9 months. I'm ready to reclaim my body and start you on your way to becoming an independent, capable woman...in about 18 to 24 years.

Some women claim they LOVE pregnancy; that being pregnant has been a fun and enjoyable time in their lives. Admittedly, I was one of those women when I would think back on my pregnancy with Henry, four plus years ago. However, I was in my twenties working downtown in a new job I loved with fun friends who would indulge my every pregnancy request and complaint.  Even my fluctuating high blood pressure and numerous non-stress tests couldn't get me down. I splurged on a beautiful, professional maternity wardrobe and strutted in 4 inch hells; I vowed to be a stylish mama to the end.

*Happy family one week before we welcomed home our first child, Henry.  

My second pregnancy experience has presented different challenges. I am now in my early thirties. One month prior to conception, I was laid off from a healthcare management position I was passionate about and it was a real blow to my confidence. Struggling with the depression of losing a job and living with an overworked and over-stressed husband, I tried my best to be a stay at home mom to my 3 year old son. Despite the 18 months of trying to conceive, I was not mentally or emotionally prepared to be pregnant.

*This is me at the hospital the second week of August. I guess I was wishful in that you were arriving early because I spent 3 hours at West Penn to have a tragically virgin intern tell me my water did not break, but I could have peed my pants. I guess I should have been working harder (at all) on my kegel's. 

My luck changed when I entered my second trimester. An unconventional broadcasting company brought me on board as an HR rep temporarily replacing a manager on an extended maternity leave. I was able to work my favorite aspects of human resources - special projects and recruiting - and work with a group of truly wonderful people. I have no doubt that if I do not return to this position post-recovery, I will have made life-long friends. 

*A co-worker assured me Oreos are a great source of iron and I kept a steady supply of them at my desk. Struggling to make sure you come out big and strong baby girl. 

Some may wonder why I needed a J-O-B if I already had the best one...S-A-H-M! Well, to-each-their-own I say. Henry is perfectly happy and thriving in a structured pre-school with friends he has known and played with for 3 years. I will forever offer him my unconditional love, lessons on how to treat those sharing this planet, and hugs and kisses galore; but I know my limitations. I am neither an academic teacher nor a toddler play mate. I have no hesitation in offering my boy the opportunity to get the most out of his childhood, whether it is time spent on my hip or 5 miles away in pre-school.

The opportunity for me work with professionals in a new and exciting industry was at the very least an excellent distraction to a challenging pregnancy.  After 5 months with these folks, I am home with Henry for the final month of pregnancy. Now this I can manage. Although my mother warned me against over scheduling my days, I spent the first week taking daily trips to the zoo, museums, parks and lunches.  While at week 4 I am not giving up on these activities, I am taking it much more slowly.  In less than one week I will be the mother of two small children, and I am balancing relaxation for me and one on one time with Henry.

No situation is perfect and my biggest challenge is not in the challenges themselves, but in realizing the good in my circumstances and not fume over the worst. Now I just need to remember I said that so I can act as an example to my children. No one realizes just how screwed up they are until we can see it – whether it is someone pointing it out or having our offspring mimic what we don’t like about our own personalities. 

So Marlo, our 9 month rooming situation is coming to a close and I am ready to give you my best in this world – or at least give it my best try.  I am not perfect and I will never expect you to be anything more than our girl who gives it her best try; and I know that will be more amazing than anything else I could hope for you. Come safely and swiftly little one. There is much love awaiting you on the outside.