.JPG)
No matter how many apps and books and words of wisdom I followed, pregnancy is more than I ever imagined. Baby and I have countless intimate-- almost
secret-- moments, feeling her every movement.
While I try to involve Julian by having him watch my belly move or try
to catch her kicking, it's not quite the full experience. That's not to
say he hasn't been along for the ride or contributing a great amount to
this pregnancy season.
Julian has made his
share of sacrifices-- altering his cooking to ensure proper nutrition
for us (like scrapping his usual chicken dishes when the food aversions
kicked in), offering massages (a pregnancy essential and my personal fave), being sensitive to my exhaustion and my
inability to participate in social events, stepping up with housework, reading, praying and singing with the
baby (oh yes, LOTS of singing),
etc. And for someone who has always struggled with body image, my
growing belly provoked silly questions always directed to my gracious
husband who would gently remind me,
"of course you're gaining weight-- you're pregnant. You're growing a
child," shaking me out of my insecurities.
He really has proven to be an amazing
father already and this season has further revealed how blessed I am to
have such a loving husband and now partner in parenthood. Funny how
that works-- because of this little baby, I love my husband even more. And
that'll be so crucial for Baby Girl to feel secure and loved too.
Many have warned us that you will never be completely "ready" for
parenthood. Our prayer has been that our growing nest will be full of
the love of Jesus and for each other, so that when our daughter joins
the party, she will enter a home overflowing with that love. And with a
leader and partner like my dear husband (and the sheer grace of God!),
I think we're on the right track. So cheers to you Ian, Baby Girl and I love
you so much!
- M
- M
i love this! TOTALLY feel you on the body image stuff. that's why i wore baggy/loose clothing most of the time i was pregnant. i could not deal with my insecurities! but when serene came, all of those insecurities didn't matter as much (i wish i could say they didn't matter anymore but alas, my vanity lives on, but to a lesser degree. praise God)! it's weird. i think i was so self-absorbed with my own image pre and during pregnancy, and now i am too enamored and occupied with serene (and alex of course) that the post-baby pooch in my belly, and my hair always up in a bun don't really stress me out anymore. at the end of the day, we're given a beautiful gift. a child is SO worth the body changes and more! :) so happy for you guys. we love you so much, and know that God is giving baby Leong AMAZING, God-fearing parents who will teach her His ways. :)
ReplyDelete