Hello, Month 8; you didn’t tell me you were coming with your own stress. I thought we agreed on no more stress. This month has to be one stressful but exciting month. By this time, I was already heavy and looking like a balloon. My bump was bigger. I love the part where a lot of people treated me with kindness, I didn’t have to stand in the queue when I needed to get things done, but please, I hate the “Iya ibeji” who told you I want to have twins (I’m rolling my eyes at this point).
My baby grew bigger, which means the movement was reduced, but I still looked forward to the tiny kicks and movements. I journaled more and wrote letters to my baby each day I had the chance. Shortness of breath was the issue here, fam; bending down became a chore, and cooking wasn’t as fun as it used to be.
My husband was always ready to help; all I had to do was ask. I also love the fact that I could use pregnancy to escape anything, especially when he needs me to do something for him, lol. He was always covering me in prayer, I would wake up in the morning, and I could feel his hand on my stomach praying for the baby, and after that, he touches my head to pray for me. Hearing him pray for me always made me feel special. The truth was that we carried this pregnancy together.
I continued my antenatal, and I was already tired of going for the thing by this time. My doctor and nurses were far too kind. They were always encouraging and smiling. I almost forgot to tell you; they always gave us biscuits and milk every antenatal session.
The thing with month 8 is that you are close to the journey’s end, so you can’t wait. I was always doing countdowns because mehn I was tired already. I also intentionally chose not to satisfy my cravings. I was craving ice cream every day, but I never yielded to the temptation, so I resolved to take fruit and natural juices. Pregnancy will humble you because, on a normal day, I was the chairlady of taking sweet things.
My husband also played a significant role because he would always beg me not to indulge my cravings. After all, having a big baby is work, lol. Shoutout to every pregnant woman. This journey is filled with so many experiences.
The highlight of month 8 was my friends coming together to throw a baby shower. I didn’t see it coming. My husband told me he wanted to take me out that weekend, I was wondering what was going on, and the reason is this we are both home buddies; we would rather order our food and bring the restaurant experience home. We rarely go out, so when he said he wanted us to go out, I was shocked but at the same time happy.
I dressed up, and we headed out that Saturday morning only to get to the restaurant, and I heard surprise. These ladies really went over and beyond. I had a good time; we laughed, danced, played games, prayed and ate. I know you guys will read this, so I am saying thank you for making that huge sacrifice. I felt so loved. They even dragged my sister Jumoke from her father’s house in Kwara to come. It was such a beautiful day. Y’all are the best sisters!
I started packing my hospital bag this month. You can say I’m not serious. Packing that bag with my husband was so interesting because this is the real reminder on our faces we are going to be parents!
This month, I had a talk with my gynaecologist about my birthing options. He did a background check and sent me for a scan to check the baby’s weight and position. He advised me to go for a caesarian operation because I have done surgery before. I went home to discuss it with my husband, and I remember him giving me a big hug and he said, “all that matters is a healthy mother and baby, whatever means it will take, just know that Jesus will be glorified”. I was so relieved after he said those words.
I don’t have a problem with CS, but a part of me wanted a virginal birth. I remember the Holy Spirit asking me why and I realized it was all because I wanted to share the story and take all the glory. I spoke with a few friends who had done CS, and those women made me feel so safe. At the end of the day, Jesus was indeed glorified. I am so grateful I chose to go for CS! Before I continue, let me say this, please resist the urge to ask people after they gave birth what way the baby came out. Whether CS or virginal delivery, there is nothing easy about it. It takes a lot to birth a child. All that matters is the mother and child coming out alive and healthy. I want to say well done to every mother! This journey humbled me.
My journey is rounding up, and it’s time to take you on the final journey and month. Let’s see how month 9 went down.