AND I think I felt movement in there for the first time, about an hour ago. It's so hard to describe what it felt like -- it was kind of like when your stomach growls, but, you know, not your stomach. And then there was a small swift flipping sensation, like a fish turning over. Little fishy.
I've been waiting and waiting for this. It's so exciting! It's just all been so . . . abstract . . . these past months, no matter how hard you try to really believe there's a baby growing in there, you look at your belly and . . . I don't know, the imagination fails. Like when you stand inside the Roman Coliseum or the seraglio of Topkapi Palace, and try to really imagine them back in the day, thronged with gladiators or concubines, and your brain just will not conjure it? But NOW, now that there's some belly roundness, and not just that, but this strange substantialness to it, and this little fish is flipping over, it begins to be real. I begin to be able to truly grasp the fact there is (ohmygosh!) something living inside of me.
Which brings me to the T-shirt my darling sister just sent me:
Cute, no? Ultrasound in two weeks to find out if it's a girl parasite or a boy parasite! I have no prediction whatsoever, and neither does Jim. No preference either. SO curious, though!!!!!!!
It's a gloomy, rainy, windy day today with trash cans rolling down the street, and I am writing writing writing. That's what the rest of the weekend holds in store too (and indeed, the entire month of March): writing writing writing. With mint tea and naps and cooking intermingled, and Leroy following me from room to room without fail, in that darling dog way. Jim is upstairs reinstalling software, which will hopefully stem the flow of sudden, explosive cursing that has been increasing in frequency as Photoshop keeps quitting on him while he tries to finish the last of the Lips Touch illustrations. Fingers crossed!
And speaking of Lips Touch, we got an ARC! Eeeep! It's so fabulous! It wasn't a "Back to the Future box," just a single copy, but I hope I will get more; I really want to give one or two away here. AND I really want to show it, but I haven't been given the go-ahead yet, darn it. So I shall continue to be mysterious . . .
Back to writing now, with my body *listening* for fishy :-)
32 comments:
Oh! I loved those first baby moments. I was completely amazed the first AND the second time.A friend once compared the fishy feeling to a soft moth fluttering inside. I would jokingly call my babies parasites and often get worried looks. But I only said it with the kindest, most adoring and mothering attitude. I'm so glad you're enjoying these early moments. Happy writing!
Yay for fishy!
And I keep checking to see if you have the Lips Touch cover on your banner yet. Anticipation is a large part of the fun. Right? With babies and books.
SO EXCITING!!! You have a belly and some flutterings! :-) Funny about the t-shirt...that's what I called both of my babies. And parasites they are, truly. But good ones! Ok, mine is calling for more milk...
How exciting! And I love that t-shirt. I'll bet you get some weird looks when you wear it. :)
Yes, fishy movements is exactly what I felt, and funny enough, I also felt mine exactly at 18 weeks. In fact, I had my ultrasound in which I SAW him moving, which blew my mind, and the very next day I felt him. The movement just gets more and more obvious from there until at one point your belly is swinging from side to side like you've got snakes in there! I'm SO happy for you...so so happy. Thanks for sharing it too, and letting us share in the joy with you. What great parents you're going to be. My boy is nearly 9 mos now!
Laini - my youngest sister is pregnant with her first right now as well. She's due July 20th - probably pretty close to your due date!! She live in Australia and emails me 'belly shots' photos. She just popped out too.
It is, hands down, the MOST exhilerating time, ever.
I'm super curious, too, but probably not as much as you. Oh, I'm so excited for you!
And yes, that T-shirt is awesome.
Sigh. I loved the flutterings. This is so sweet, thanks for sharing. And so you know, the baby will make great excuses.
Sometimes, when I was pregnant and my husband was annoying me (aka: buying the wrong kind of donuts) I would look at him seriously and say, "Baby is so mad at you right now." Then I'd always get my way. haha.
Can't wait to see the book cover!
Your sister is a funny woman. I love that in this one post you referred to your baby-to-be as both a fish and a parasite. I wish I could see your belly protruding - I'm very happy for you and Jim, and wish him well with the software gremlins!
Yes, I well remember the first fleeting feelings of baby flutterings. Soon enough it turns into karate kicks. But it is so amazing.
That butterfly feeling was one of the best things about pregnancy! Next up: fetus with hiccups! :D
How cool! I am so waiting for that sensation! I thought I felt something the other night, but I think it was just gas, really :)
I wrote a really long comment, but then it struck me that maybe your other readers aren't particularly interested in how *my* belly looks these days, haha. I'll send you an email.
Big hug!
so exciting, Laini! Congratulations on your flutters...yeah, hiccups to come! And just wait until you can *watch* your belly move. It's the BEST. Good luck with your writing. I can't wait to see and read Lips Touch and Silksinger!
p.s. Leroy totally knows what's going on. And I bet he's very proud.
So, so exciting, Laini! You described those first movements perfectly.
I was just in the Portland area for the the oh-so briefest time and couldn't help but think of you guys and wish I would have had time to visit. Next time...
This is so cool!
Oh dear...but please don't name your daughter Fishy.
Yes, daughter, I assume it will be a girl because being a female myself I can identify if there's a connection and considering that I'm all the way in Canada, the connection would have to be pretty strong so it's definate!
Wicked name suggestions:
http://www.hippy.com/hippynames.htm
No worries, in no way are they "hippy"ish at all, just unique and pretty. :)
Baby movements are so exciting! When my sisters were pregnant I kept my hand planted on a belly every chance I got, just to feel that little miracle.
I'm quite sure I've heard that same cursing from this room upstairs too - computers must come with their own set of swear words. Hope the problem is well solved by the time you read this.
ahhhh i love that feeling :)
How exciting! Yes - I do remember it feeling like a little fish flipping - or sometimes, in the beginning, like little butterflies (which made me wonder if that's where the saying came from, about having 'butterflies in your stomach'). So happy for you - about your little one and your 'Lips Touch' - how wonderful that they're both coming along so well!
I'm a riddle in nine syllables,
An elephant, a ponderous house,
A melon strolling on two tendrils.
O red fruit, ivory, fine timbers!
This loaf's big with its yeasty rising.
Money's new-minted in this fat purse.
I'm a means, a stage, a cow in calf.
I've eaten a bag of green apples,
Boarded the train there's no getting off.
-Sylvia Plath
(thought you might like this poem during this time :D)
Aww! So exciting! I like the thought of a little goldfish swimming around...
Oh! This is the big time now!
When I felt one of my babies first move, it was like gas bubbles, but they went across my belly instead of up, so that was how I knew. The first one swam to the top of the uterus and stuck her hard little head there for the longest time. It is truly one of the more amazing things about being a woman.
So exciting!
Speaking of all the tea you're drinking, Laini, you should try red raspberry leaf tea. It's the BEST tea for pregnant women to drink! I drank it after the 1st trimester with all four of my pregnancies & had EASY deliveries each time. Check it out & you'll see that other women have said the same...
Wow! Great description. You don't forget how that feels. We called Kaj an alien. Ahhhh... I remember the baby and writing days. You might not have much time, but the inspiration is rich. I'm excited for you all, and I can't wait to see the new Laini's Lady that comes from this!
wao! so exciting Laini! Happy for you!
and..well I am a very good "guesser" so just tell me if you are loosing your waist (seen from the back) and I will tell you if it is a girl or a boy :)
best for you 3!
Oh yes, the "watching of the belly" is amazing! Tony and I would just be curled up together with his arm over my belly and a good kick would move his arm up several inches! It was the strangest thing to see, and feel! But so, so amazing!
Near the end you will begin to wonder when it will all be over, but I tell you what, it seems to have been over too soon for me! My son is 18 months now and he's gotten so big!
Thank you for sharing and keeping us updated. Enjoy your free time now!
Just remember these sweet moments of bliss and wonder when s/he is shoving her/his darling feet up into your ribcage for the umpteenth time, suspending your ability to breather momentarily. :)
Aah, pregnancy, there's nothing like it! And hiccups are the best.
Congrats on the flip! Wait until they're big enough for Jim to feel. The look on his face will be priceless. :)
Yay, baby movement. and that tee shirt....totaly cute. These are exciting days for you and Jim
Awwww!! And it's just going to get more and more strange! LOL!
We have a video of me when I was preg with Wyatt, and you can SEE his WHOLE little foot-- even toes!-- pushing on my belly! SO ODD. LOL
Enjoy! Love the shirt. Funny!
:)
I've been reading your blog on my feed, but keep forgetting to click through and comment on your exciting news. So now, late - but with feeling - CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Congratulations on the little fishy ; ) I am adding you to my blogroll. You're delightful, which I should have known, since Stephanie raves about you and SHE is delightful, so of course you would be, too.
Is this your 1st parasite? Gosh feeling the baby move for the first time is So great. Remember that ultrasounds can be wrong! Wouldn't paint the room yet! Ha, as if you and your artist husband will do a boring boy or girl theme.
Great T-shirt!
Post a Comment