Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Pregnancy Ponderings

In this edition of pregnancy ponderings:

-Girl Talk

There have been many times throughout my life when I have heard women say that they 'just knew' that they were going to have a boy or a girl, that they felt 'close' to their children while they were in utero, and that they even knew things about their kid's personalities before they were born.


Well, I'm here to tell you, I've got nothin'.


Or do I? I talked to a sister about this, a sister who swears she knew her kids before they were born. I asked her how this was possible. She said it was through journaling. She journaled her thoughts and experiences throughout her pregnancies, and when the kids were born, she was right on the money. She encouraged me to journal throughout my pregnancy as well.


So I gave it a shot.


My first entry was penned a night or two after my grandmother passed away, and I wrote to my unborn babe about that incredible woman. I wrote about the legacy she left behind and the wonderful things she did in her life. I wrote that I thought maybe my grandma was looking after my future kids up there in heaven. And as I wrote, I felt a strong kinship with the women in my family; not only my Grandma Kathleen, but my Grandma Lydia as well, along with their mothers, grandmothers, and their sisters, and my own mother, mother-in-law, sisters and on. I thought of the wonderful women I could teach this little babe of mine about. I thought of our family of women, woven into the fabric of a beautiful quilt.


And as I have dreamed those strange pregnant dreams throughout these past 20 weeks, my baby has always been a girl. This is recorded as well.


But do I know my child? Know she is a girl?


I didn't until today, when I lay there on an exam table, covered with blankets, and watched my little girl wriggle across the TV screen before me.


Yes, it's true. Our little one is no longer a 'one' or an 'it' or a 'Leon'. She is our little girl, and one who will grow into a woman and join the ranks of all those who have gone before.


Did I know it all along without knowing I knew?


Maybe.


15 comments:

Chris said...

She looks like Bri.

Kimba said...

Dang you look cute. :) HAVE YOU BOOKED YOUR FLIGHT YET!??!!??!

Gees, woman! We've got some shopping to do.

Kjersti said...

I love the idea of journaling to and about your baby while you're pregnant.
I'm so excited for you and your little girl, I can't wait to see what great parents you and Brian will be. I think she looks a lot like Brian, too. I know she's going to be beautiful!
Congratulations again! I can't wait to meet her!

Ashley and Zach Smart said...

Congrats on finding out! A girl will be so much fun!!

Tanya said...

a girl!!!!! i can't even handle myself! congrats!

Adam and Tara said...

You look fantastic! Sounds like your little girl has a lot of amazing people to look up to. It's such a nice thought that the people who have passed on are taking care of our kiddies before we get the chance to :)

Ryan and Amber said...

Yeah! My little guys can fight over her :) How fun! Congrats.

Steph said...

You are so amazing. This little girl is so blessed to have such a wonderful strong woman to be her mother:) Love you girl...When are we going to get a name??

Danae said...

Abby, that's so exciting! I felt that Isaac would be a boy, too. I really liked your post. What a great idea to journal about it... not sure I ever did that. It would be fun to go back and check. :) Enjoy the shopping to come... it's so fun to buy clothes for girls!!

L Chang said...

Congrats!
I have a friend/pen pal for your little lady as soon as she arrives!
So, names. What have you got so far?

Unknown said...

Congrats on the mini Abby! So excited for you!

Leslie said...

What a lucky girl. Great parents and a great heritage. Congrats!

And I think you knew you knew before you knew. Really.

Abby said...

Well, as far as names go, we have one picked out, and many of you may know it already. However, Brian is holding his name cards pretty close to his chest, and has asked that I not divulge name info on the blog until after she is born. Father knows best, I suppose! ;)

Jocelyn Pehrson said...

I know your little girl will be amazing, especially if she is anything like you or your mom! I love you ladies! I am so excited that you and Brian are having a girl! I know Wyatt will probably be a first pick for a suitor, but if you want to give our little boy any thoughts we would be very happy. I guess Ginger might have some say over it too though. LOL

heather said...

Sorry for the delayed congrats on your little girl. You'll brew up a beauty.