Hello my beautiful friends! This is a post I’ve been meaning to get out there for a while now, a post I never thought I’d ever write! Especially not at this point in my life. But here we are, I am pregnant at almost 39 years of age! This has been a shocking surprise and an incredible gift from God!
So grab a cup of ____ (insert here the drink of your choice, mine would be lemon-ginger tea) and let’s catch up!
Life Update
I am currently 21 weeks pregnant, in my 5th month of pregnancy and more than half way there. Only 4 months to go! According to the world wide web, my little bebe is the size of a medium banana! I certainly never imagined I would be pregnant at this point in my life and definitely not during a pandemic!! I never envisioned spending what’s most likely my last run around the pregnancy block in quarantine, under state-wide stay-at-home orders due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). But I am incredibly grateful and counting my blessings every day!
Surprise Pregnancy
For me, this pregnancy is a miracle. You see, I struggled with infertility for 10 years. After 4 rounds of IUI, 3 rounds of IVF, 2 miscarriages, major ovarian surgery last November (doctors removed my left ovary and Fallopian Tube due to an endometrioma cyst and diagnosed me with endometriosis), I really didn’t think I would or could ever get pregnant again. Nor did I want to.
I had handed over the baton. I got rid of all the baby stuff I was hoarding. I became all about cherishing what I have, spending lots of time with my almost 6-year-old son Luca (why is it these kiddos grow so quickly!!!), going on dates with my husband and just enjoying life. So when back in January I began to feel unwell, I just assumed I was experiencing early menopause symptoms, a potential side effect of the ovarian surgery. It wasn’t easy to come to terms with that. I remember sitting in bed one night thinking, is this really how my story goes from here? In that moment a thought came to me. The next day I went to Target and picked up a pregnancy test. And here we are.
The first 16 weeks of pregnancy were rough, more so than when I was pregnant with my son Luca. I had nausea, fatigue and low energy levels almost every day. I tried to stay grateful, but it was difficult to control my mind. I wasn’t exercising at that time (I wanted to take it easy during my first trimester) and I couldn’t eat much. And just as I’d given up the idea of ever feeling like myself again, around week 17, my energy came back. I started working out again using YouTube videos. Even on days when I struggle, I still make sure to move for at least 15 minutes. It’s interesting, but I always feel better when I move. My mind seems clearer.
Current Life
We haven’t really shared the news with too many people yet. Just immediate family and very close friends. Initially, we were in shock. I think I’m still in shock at times. Then the pandemic started and it just didn’t feel like the right time to share happy news.
We are expecting our baby boy at the beginning of September. We are not prepared yet, but I have vowed to myself to keep it very minimal in terms of baby purchases. I do find myself a lot calmer this time around and a bit surer of myself than when I first became a mom six years ago. We are beyond excited and grateful for this experience! I simply cannot wait to meet this little angel, this gift from God. If you have any baby boy name suggestions, please do share in the comments below. Is it just me or is it harder to come up with boy names?
Happy Mother’s Day!
Mother’s Day is around the corner. I keep thinking about all the women who are pregnant now, those who are about to give birth right now and those who are longing to be mothers one day. I am praying for all of you. To all the mothers out there, wishing you an early Happy Mother’s Day! And to those struggling to become a mother: have faith, don’t give up. Miracles happen when you least expect it!
Massive congratulations. What a news Cat! Lots of love 💕 for you and your family. I feel like it gets easier second time round. My favourite boy name is obviously Alex – don’t know why but whenever we were thinking of starting a family with my husband, we immediately agreed that it’s going to be our boy’s name.
Thank you Anna so much! I really appreciate your beautiful message and kind wishes! It means more than you know! I’m also very grateful for the name recommendation. It’s one of the names we are considering as well! 🙂 ~ Cat L.
Dear Cat,
I’m so very happy for you as I remember we discussed your struggles via DM a couple of years ago. Your son will have a brother to bond with and I’m so excited for your new journey! Many blessings to you!
Dom
PS❣️You are positively glowing!
PSS❣️In the latest photo I shared on my IG- two of my girlfriends are also pregnant in that photo. You are not alone. 😊Stay safe.
Oh Dom, thank you for stopping by and thank you SO much for such a beautiful message! This has definitely been the biggest surprise and most incredible gift! And it came when I had given up all hope! I really appreciate your kind words, it means more than you know!
Oh wow, so so happy for your friends!! Wishing both of them a wonderful, smooth pregnancy and an easy birth! I know a few other girls who are pregnant right now, I guess it’s a pandemic baby boom! Truly amazing news! 🙂 ~ Cat L.
Oh my goodness I don’t know where to start!! This is truly an incredible blessing Cat, huge congratulations to you and your family! Your little boy is growing so fast, so handsome! Sending you love and hugs sweet friend! Can’t wait to see your little boy! Take care!
Thank you Laura SO much! I truly appreciate your beautiful and thoughtful message! It means more than you know! Sending lots of love and blessings your way as well! ~ Cat L.
Omg Cat!! Huge congratulations. Sending you love and lots of blessings your way. Your little boy is so cute and I can’t wait to see photos of the new baby boy. You look so beautiful and you are glowing. Stay safe my beautiful friend and congratulations again!!
Lily
Thank you dear Lily so much! I am so grateful for messages like yours! They mean more than you know! Hope you’re well and safe! ~ Cat L.
Dear Cat, congratulations!!! I’m so happy for you!! And gosh, I feel like we are on such similar paths! I remember you sharing about your struggles with health issues years ago, and how much of a blessing Luca is to you. This new bebe is surely doubly blessed and will multiply the joy in your household! God bless your last trimester and may the delivery go smoothly. I cant wait to see pictures of your new darling!
Ps: yes boy names are hard!! I briefly considered Finn….
Dearest Linda, thank you so much for stopping by and for such a beautiful message! Your kind words made my day! You were actually one of the first people who came to mind when I found out I was pregnant. I am beyond grateful and overjoyed to step right into your footsteps!! You make motherhood seem so effortless and I really don’t know how you manage all that you do while always looking fab!! You are my mommy role model! Sending lots of love and blessings your way! ~ Cat L.
Thank you also for the name suggestion! I love Finn. It’s unique, short and a bit mysterious. Must admit, I am looking for a short(er) first name. Our Greek last name is so long that going for something with fewer letters really appeals to me. Thank you, Linda! ~ Cat L.
Omg Cat, I am so happy for you!
I am so sorry that you had to go through such a hard time. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. The photo with your son Luca is the cutest. You look so beautiful and radiant. I cant wait to see your little Virgo angel. I wish for you and the baby to be healthy. Congratulations to you and your beautiful family!
Thank you dear Lena for such a heartfelt message! It means more than you know! I don’t always talk about my personal journey thru life, but it felt like this was something i had to get out. And if it helps or inspires just one person, then it’s served its purpose. Hope you’re well and staying safe. Sending lots of positive vibes your way! ~ Cat L.
So so so happy for you my love! big congratulations. I am tearing as I read your story as I had my one and only son at 38 through ivf after 10years of marriage. I am praying that you will have a smooth pregnancy and delivery ♥️ Sending you big hugs xx
Oh Monique, I am tearing up reading your message! Life is truly a big mystery. Sometimes it’s really hard and crummy and other times, it’s the most beautiful thing. But always THE biggest gift! I am so incredibly overjoyed you’ve got your little angel. I know from your IG posts, just how special your son is to you. I realize now that things don’t happen in our timetable, they always happen in divine timing! Thank you for sharing your own story with me! I feel honored and humbled! Sending lots of love and blessings your way! ~ Cat L.
Cat, when I read this it gives me joyful tears ! You deserve every part of this miracle , God knew this blessing was going to come Into fruition for you because of the kind, genuine , honest, loving and giving person you are . Congrats to you , hubby, Luca and Bella ! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you Nina for such a beautiful, thoughtful and heartfelt message! You made my day! Sending lots of love and many blessings your way! ~ Cat L.