Or – Getting Pregnant Over 40

My pregnancy story is one my husband gets great joy in telling. Mainly because of how manic and crazy I was about making sure I really and truly was pregnant. But you see, when you are over 40, and want a baby more than anything, you pray with all your might for a positive, but the realistic part of you knows how incredibly hard it is to conceive. And how lucky you are if you do.

I have all the faith in the world. But after a certain point, those doubts creep in. Those “maybe it’s just not meant to be me”s come in and wreak havoc with your head. And so when you have all that going on, and you see some signs that point toward a miracle, you get just a wee bit crazy. And I’m okay with that. I’d probably do it again the exact same way.

This story starts on August 15, 2016. But there was a slight precursor the month before. When I thought I just might be pregnant. I thought I had experienced break through bleeding, and some other symptoms, but I hadn’t. Cue one month later, when it all gets really, really real.

I feel this post is best played out exactly as I wrote my notes that life-changing week. If something is in need of clarification, I have put it in brackets. And just to point out – this post is not just the beginning of my pregnancy story; it’s also a big indicator of just how sometimes very honest this blog will be.

So here, in all its glory, is my “omg, I’m pregnant” story.

Monday, August 15, 2016

So I’m freaking out right now. Felt a pinch in the abdomen this morning. After I woke up and went to the bathroom, there was a little light pink on underwear, but nothing else. Went to the bathroom a little later and there was a little more. So – I was/am devastated. I tried to say “implantation bleeding” last month, but it was clearly a period. And, today is Cory’s birthday. How’s that for a gift? But then I said eff it. I’m going to take a test anyway. THERE IS A LINE!! I repeat, THERE IS A LINE!! Is this legit? Is it a false positive? I’m. Freaking. Out. Tested a second time because there was very little pee in the cup the first time. Another line!! Please please be accurate. Please don’t be a false positive. 

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

When we got home from the restaurant last night [our yearly DFW Restaurant Week dinner for hubs’ birthday], there was just a little blood. Not much at all. And none last night or so far today. Took another test today, and again there was a line. Holy smokes – is this actually happening?!!

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Pretty bad headache yesterday. Still have it today, though a little milder. Still some weird pinch cramping on the left side. Tested again and was positive. Tested some water on another one and it was negative. Ordered a First Response test, just to see. Should be in today. [for the record: yes, I really did test one with straight water to see if I was getting a false positive].

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Also took first response test today. Both positive!! [I had been using some other tests every. single. day. This day I took it and the first response]. Still some cramping and pinching in lower tummy. Specifically left lower. Shortness of breath. I’m definitely feeling different.

Friday, August 19, 2016

No cramps today and boobs aren’t as sore. Should I be worried? Took both tests again. Both were positive. Today was the fifth day for positive, so I officially turned on pregnancy mode [on my p tracker app]. Told hubs today.

And So It Begins

The ending seems anti-climactic, so here’s more of a description of what went down when I told my spouse. I’m an Amazon Prime member (love you, Amazon), and not to jinx anything, but on Thursday, after four days of positives, I ordered a University of Oklahoma baby bib and bottle that said “Future Sooner” and wrapped it (we’re born and raised Oklahomans now transplanted to Texas). When Cory got home from work, I gave him the gift. He thought that I was thinking he didn’t like the other gifts I had given him for his birthday and was trying to overcompensate. So he kept saying, “no, I have enough, really.” I kept telling him to open the gift. He kept not opening. So I finally had to say, “Just open the effing gift already.”

And he did. And there was the tiny bib and bottle. Along with every single positive test in a ziplock bag. And it was the sweetest moment ever. Oh, and I threatened him that I was going to have him take a test also, just to be REALLY sure.

So that’s my story of getting pregnant over 40 (or at least the reaction when you find out that you are). Our son was born the next April, and he was perfect, and momma was pretty good, too.