Second Trimester, the Best Trimester

Dear Baby,

You and I have reached the second trimester. From what most people are telling me, it is the best trimester. You and I are both growing, but not to an uncomfortable degree where I am a giant heifer and you are squeezed into too tight of a space. There was actually some debate among the internet about when the beginning of the second trimester falls. Some say twelve weeks, some thirteen, and some fourteen. I like to think that it isn’t fourteen because that would imply that pregnancy  goes for 42 weeks, but fourteen weeks is what the Baby Center App said so that is what we are going to go with. In any case, I am fourteen weeks and four days pregnant so by all accounts we are in the second trimester!

The second trimester so far has been what I hoped pregnancy would be. I am granted an extra 300 calories a day (that is medically acceptable) and my belly is starting to protrude to a point where it looks like you are in there and it’s not just cookies. I wake up to use the ladies room about twice a night as opposed to seven times a night, AND the cat is now out of the bag for your existence for virtually everyone. Your father and I disclosed your existence to our coworkers (which is good because the lunch lady point-blank asked me if I was pregnant just by looking at me the other day), and both of our managers were particularly happy with the news because when we asked to speak to them in their respective offices they both thought that your father and I were quitting.

The only aspect of pregnancy that I feel has taken a turn for the scary is time. The first trimester I was so nervous because it is, inherently, the highest risk. I just wanted to get through it, and get through it quickly. I was constantly thinking, “Ugh, so much longer to go,” and did not have the patience. I hated not being able to tell people about you or talk about you to anyone. NOW, I have made a complete one-eighty and I’m like, “CRAP. ONLY 6 MONTHS TO GO!" That is a very short time when put in perspective against my thirty-one years, and your father and I have a lot to prepare for.

For example, this trimester is sure to be one of nesting as in a couple of months we are set to make renovations to what is now Uncle Eli’s apartment. I have big plans for your bedroom. Also, this trimester we will find out your gender, which just makes me completely giddy as I want to buy you clothes more than anything (sure, and I suppose and the practical items too…). The other day at the mall I hit the jackpot on little baby girl dresses, but I refrained. And don’t worry, if you are a boy I found an outfit just as cute that you will grow to hate in your teenage years when I show people the picture (see below).

  

Your Aunt Joanne tells me that Dad used to sport an outfit like the one on the left.

She is supposed to find me this picture. Then, if you are a boy you can be twinsies.

For Easter, your Leavitt grandparents got you your first book, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” an excellent choice. They made me and your father a little Easter basket and stuck it in there. Your father’s knowledge of children’s literature seems to be severely lacking so I am excited for him to discover these classics for the first time with you. Of course we have many more to accumulate, but they will come. I am particularly excited for you to get old enough for Roald Dahl, my favorite childhood author (but let’s not rush that process).

Everyone here is excited for what is to come so you just keep doing what you’re doing and let’s enjoy this second trimester before we both get uncomfortable being in such close quarters to one another.

Love,

Mom