It’s more than safe to say that this pregnancy has been one of my favorite experiences of my life. We prepared so much before deciding on this next chapter of our lives, yet I could have never prepared for how much happiness this whole situation would bring to me. Bringing a child into this world was probably the biggest decisions we have ever made but unquestionably the best.

It’s nuts to watch everything you worked so hard for your entire life slowly unravel – all your prayers slowly get answered. God is so so good. I remember the nights I prayed for my future – my husband, our life, our family, my job and everything in between. Every day might not always be easy but knowing that all this goodness came from each struggle is just humbling and so rewarding.

Baby Messore is growing so big and strong. Seeing this little human on that monitor or hearing the baby’s heartbeat is the BEST. But honestly, seeing my husband experience these moments is even better. I never knew I could ever love two humans so much. Watching my husband be amazed by this little human growing inside of me, that we created, is just magical. I’m so very thankful for what we have because I could never in a million years imagine doing this without him. I pray even when things are hard or when we are overtired, we always feel this much love.

We are now 23 weeks in and more than certain we won’t be finding out Baby M’s gender even though we get asked repetitively. People act like we’re from another planet because we want to wait! We try to just laugh it off now but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t kind of annoying. We constantly hear, “how are you not finding out?!?! I could never wait that long”. But my favorite is when people try to speak down upon one gender over the other. Cause apparently we get to pick! 🤷🏻‍♀️ Well the good news is that I’m the one carrying the baby 😉 and we are perfectly content with our choice of not knowing. So no one has to be so concerned for us. We just want a happy healthy baby.

There’s just so much beauty is not finding out. I just keep thinking of my delivery day and how incredibly special it will be to share in this moment with my husband before anyone in the world gets to know. That bond, that moment is one of the main reasons. How could I ever ask for anything more? There is something so special about starting your own little family. It is so private and so intimate. Literally a dream come true. I guess I also don’t see how knowing in advanced does a single thing. No one needs an entire pink or blue themed wardrobe prior to arrival. I have Baby M’s entire life to provide whatever theme he or she desires.

The only other annoyance that pregnancy has brought is a lot of unwanted opinions and a lot of negativity. I know no one means harm but it gets old hearing the same comments over and over again. “You’ll never sleep again, say goodbye to your life, good luck showering” and so on. Understanding the realities and harshness of parenthood is one thing but let’s be real – I have a husband who is equally a part of this baby’s life. It’s called teamwork. That’s the beauty of marriage. I’m not in this alone. Just like in marriage, parenthood should not have score keeping. You are in this together and your priority is this child. I have plenty of mommy friends who do it all and then some. They just pick what matters most to them and yes, some things fall behind but you just have to rotate. Also, props go to their husbands because they play a part in making it possible but it is possible.

I just pray I’m never one to spread so much negativity and that I share the joys that motherhood brings especially to those currently expecting. Yes, we should always “keep it real”. I will certainly be guilty of saying I didn’t sleep well or complain that my baby is up teething all night (we are all human) but I hope I still remember that when I share a negative, I’ll always remember to share the good too. Because honestly, there is SO MUCH GOOD and SO MUCH JOY.

But for everyone who keeps asking if we’ll change our minds, nope. So hop on the gender neutral train (we only have a little over 4 months left – 17 weeks), I promise it’s not so bad. ❤️

Now for the normal Mommy & Baby Messore quick updates!

Health –

• Thyroid is doing well but needed to slightly increase my dosage.
• Heartburn is a killer but manageable – otherwise I feel great!!
• Baby is great and that is all that really matters ☺️
• Glucose test coming up way too soon – dreading that orange drink!!!

Emotions –

I literally just feel so happy, all the stinking time. Happier than I’ve ever been. I feel like I’m constantly bursting at the seams. It’s insane. I’ve never felt more thankful in my life. I love pregnancy, my husband and the fact that we are growing our family from two to three.

Currently loving –

• My husband – thank you for all my back massages and for eating endless amounts of pancakes with me. You the real MVP. 💯
• Baby M’s kicks and wiggles – feeling and seeing them makes this experience so real. Aaron finally got to see it too. AMAZING
• Asiago cheese bagel with chive cream cheese
• All the water one could imagine
• The Magic of Motherhood – my most recent book I’m reading

Looking forward –

• Finishing up the nursery. My mom is almost done painting. I’m so in love with it so far.
• Baby educational classes coming soon
• My baby shower
• My next ultrasound
• But mostly, more baby kicks!!!!!!!!

That’s all for now!

XOXOX-Tiff