I’m Having a Baby (I Think)

Chel Owens

This last year has been the longest decade of my life. From injury to surgery to SURPRISE pregnancy to associated complications, I’ve wrestled with keeping some part of me afloat. The problem is, that part has not always been a useful one -like my face.

Yet as I draw ever nearer my scheduled surgery date, I must finally face the facts: I’m probably having a baby.

I know, I know; that sounds funny. Of course I’m having a baby. I’ve had appointments. I’m eating peppermint ice cream. There’s something moving down there that had better not be the oft-parodied Alien‘s clip. Professional people with professional equipment have seen a humanoid in my uterus.

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And, though you’ll NEVER see a picture of this, I’m about the size and weight of a hippopotamus. Still, I’ve been in a bit of denial. I’ve been ignoring the elephant in the womb in an effort to not accept the inevitable. But, facts are facts and this alien’s gonna be coming on December 2nd at 5:00 p.m.

Which leads to some other things I need to announce about life, the blog-o-verse, and my writing:

  1. Time
    Frankly, I won’t have any.
  2. Time
    Because of this, the Weekly Terrible Poetry Contest will be on hold for the entire month of December. The last one of the year will run from November 16-22, 2019. The next will resume on January 4, 2020.
  3. Time
    I will not be writing on the blog, beginning on December 2nd. Oh -maybe I’ll drop a Wednesday Gripe or a Sunday Prompt, but I think taking a sabbatical would be healthiest for me and my spawn.
  4. Time
    I will also not be consistent in reading people’s blogs, though that’s been the case since about May. I love you all and will do my best.

My hope is you’ll stick around and deal with the adorable baby picture or two I’m liable to post. Thank you for your friendship, patience, and support.

—————-

And, here’s what I wrote this week:
Wednesday, November 6: Addressed my unhealthy lack of anticipation in “What do you hope for?”

Thursday, November 7: Shared Heather Dawn‘s post, “I Met Depression… and I Won.”

Friday, November 8: Winner of the Weekly Terribly Poetry Contest. Congratulations to The Abject Muse!

Saturday, November 9: Announced the 51st Weekly Terrible Poetry Contest. The theme is Christmas commercialism. PLEASE ENTER!

And, encouraged everyone to go vote for a finalist in Susanna Leonard Hill’s Halloweensie Contest.

Sunday, November 10: “Capture a Critter #1: Monkey Buffet Festival,” in response to Deb Whittam‘s prompt.

Monday, November 11: An ‘inspirational’ quote by Steve Martin.

Tuesday, November 12: “Since the Bombs Fell: Four,” the fourth in a series I intend to end at #6.

Wednesday, November 13: Today.

 

I also posted a poem at my motherhood site: “Towels, a poem.”

 

©2019 Chelsea Owens

84 thoughts on “I’m Having a Baby (I Think)”

  2. How exciting, Chelsea enjoy every minute…The Alien mention made me smile I am sure at some time during your little sprog’s life you will think of that we all have…haha….Have a great weekend 🙂 xx

    Liked by 1 person

  4. “elephant in the womb” – ha, ha! I see what you did there!

    Wow! Didn’t realize you were that close to D-Day! At least after so much practice you have a clue to reality. I worked with a girl who had her first pregnancy. She told me she was stockpiling movies to watch “for when the baby slept”. After I stopped laughing, I advised her that when the baby slept, she’d be doing the same and be grateful for those 10 minutes of slumber!

    All the best! Looking forward to baby pics that…look more like non-Alien spawn than that ultrasound.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. 😀 I knew so little with my first ….your mention of movies reminded me that I couldn’t even watch a movie when I was in labor with my first. My husband said something like, “It will distract you.” Yeah; no.

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  7. It will all be wonderful and amazing when the time comes, Chelsea. I was telling my son just yesterday that the anxiety before a life changing event is always worse than dealing with it afterwards. We adapt so quickly. All the best with everything.

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    2. “the anxiety before a life changing event is always worse than dealing with it afterwards. We adapt so quickly.” That’s so true and I’m happy right now that I read that this morning because this is stuff I need to remember so thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Congratulations, Chelsea. “Elephant in the womb,”—that’s great! Too bad I’m not pregnant because I want to use that one, ha-ha! No need to explain the importance of life events taking priority. I’ll wait for more baby pictures, perhaps out of the womb next time.

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  11. I don’t care what the modern world thinks – I think it’s wonderful (despite modern theories about the value of human life) that you’re having this baby in a good full nine months of ups and downs – and no matter what, he’ll be the best thing since sliced bread – as undoubtedly are his brothers. Good on you Chelsea. I think you’re wonderful!

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  12. Oh how i envy your use of the elephant in the womb. Perfect delivery too.. I’ll be crossing my fingers that it will be easy peasy but i suspect it’ll be tough so lots of self compassion girl and we’ll miss you but look forward to getting you back. Bruce said it. We all stand it a little bit of awe when we read about your ups and downs. So lots of love from this far side of the pond. And Dog sends a lick or two

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  17. The ultrasound picture was cool. I can never tell what’s what in those pictures so the identifiers helped a little. Also, peppermint ice cream is great. Peppermint Bon Bon ice cream (peppermint ice cream with chocolate chips) is big here in Minnesota and I learned not too long ago that Peppermint Bon Bon ice cream is a regional thing and people in other parts of the country don’t know what that is because they call it “Mint Chocolate Chip” ice cream. Anyway, I’m sad to see you taking a break because you’re one of my favorite bloggers but I’m really excited for you and your family and I’m looking forward to baby pictures because baby pictures are as cool as Peppermint Bon Bon ice cream!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. 😀 You’ve officially given me a reason to visit Minnesota.

      And an ultrasound is the neatest, strangest thing to see! -my favorite is the technician pointing to random dark spots and saying things like, “Here’s baby’s kidneys -oh! and there’s hair!”
      “What the heck, woman?? It’s all gray spots!”

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  20. Wishing you oodles of good luck with the up coming baby. Try to rest when you can. Stay positive, eventually you’ll figure out a routine. A new little person. How exciting!
    Life often gets in the way of our writing and our blog. Cancer stopped my blog in its tracks. With chemo, on Most days I’m in a blind nauseated haze, overcome with mouth sores, weakness and just plain too sick to do anything. I have an upcoming surgery and more chemo. Then hopefully this yucky disease will be done with and with luck my life will resume and get back to normal again.
    I’d trade places with you in heartbeat my dear. You have another beautiful baby to raise and years ahead. How glorious! Take good care of yourself!
    I’m pretty sure my future will be ok too. But for now neither of us will be on WP. So wishing you well and post some pictures! ❤️

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    1. ❤❤❤ Thank you, Lesley! My close friend and neighbor went through cancer twice -different types. I’d change places with anyone going through chemo just to give them one treatment’s respite.

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  21. First of all, congratulations! I love the elephant in the womb line. I’m not sure if its original, but its the first time I’ve heard it. A sabbatical is totally understood and deserved. I’m not sure I’m strong enough to handle post-partum Chelsea critiquing my terrible entries.Enjoy your time away.

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  22. Congrats Congrats Congrats, Chelsea. I get how daunting it must be, though. Take all the time you need to enjoy your spawn and rest, rest, rest with every free minute. All blogging stuff can wait. Although a photo or two now and then would be great. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  23. Do NOT read my site until after the baby is born. I don’t want to inadvertently be funny causing you to laugh the baby out at your computer.

    BTW, why do so few women laugh during labor?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hmmm… that may be good advice. And, considering I’ll have a C-Section, avoiding your site AFTER might be a good idea as well. I’d hate to pop a stitch.

      In answer to your final query: why do so few people laugh while passing a kidney stone?

      Liked by 1 person

        1. 😀 So there’s your answer.

          On that topic, by the way, my son asked if labor hurts. I immediately said, “Yes.”
          He wanted to know how much.
          “It’s the worst pain I’ve even been in in my life,” I told him, without hesitation.

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  24. Praying for you . Please tell your doctor about the depression because I’m worried about you . You may get PPD pretty bad after this rough year. I’d hate for you to miss out on enjoying your baby’s early months like I did with some of mine . 😕 I have almost no memory of my last two’s infancy and even toddlerhood. So much stress, anxiety and depression.

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  27. December 2,2019 5:00 p.m. Just wrote it on my desktop calendar. I’ll raise a toast to you and your baby at that time…..and say a prayer. Eighteen days to go, I’m so excited I can’t wait. Stay healthy and God Bless you.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Speaking of chocolate, I made a smashing (and I’m saying smashing because I’ve been listening to British interviews all day), vegan banana bread and threw in some vegan chocolate chips. It was a bit much for me, BUT I threw it into a bowl of almond milk and nuked it and it was delicious.

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  30. Congrats! December 2 – that’s when my first daughter was born. Prayers for a safe and healthy delivery and a great time meeting that precious little one. Will look forward to your return in January.

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