And baby makes 3
August 4, 2008
I hate keeping secrets. I toss them over in my head over and over waiting till the appropriate time to spill it out. And now, finally, is that time.
I am so excited to tell you that we are a little over 12 weeks pregnant! A baby bean is coming our way in February! Yeeee!
I still can’t believe this is real… We’d been trying for about a year and a half and wanted this little soul to come into our lives so badly. And it finally happened in the month of May that I took off for some intense healing and personal space (remember?). (I wanted to tell you then, but of course could not…)
Colin and I were unknowingly practicing conscious conception (my yoga instructor informed me that everything we were doing was on this path: yoga together, clearing up old personal wounds, detoxing our space, becoming veg, etc) and that paired with some good western docs steering us in the right direction finally did the trick I think. And now we are just on cloud nine!
And this probably explains why my creativity has fallen to record lows in the last 3 months. Colin says that I’ve just been busy creating something completely different. (Isn’t he sweet?) And that paired with the fact that I have pretty much felt nauseous 24/7 and that I could barely keep my eyes open for more than 2 hours at a time explains why I’ve been quiet and down for the count here. I had to fit what I could into the few moments that I was awake!
I really couldn’t believe that the first trimester took me out like that. My sister had just been through it and said it knocked her out, and I secretly thought she was just being a wuss. (sorry Laur! hee!) I couldn’t imagine being that tired because of a few cells spinning around in my belly. And I truly thought that I’d be able to plow through it like my normal self. That tiredness and nausea was something I could conquer with hard work and determination.
Um, not so much.
My body was completely commandeered and I had no choice but to honor that. It suddenly put things into perspective. Work could wait. I could fit in in the cracks if I cut back on the amount of assignments I was taking. Social events had to be put on hold because I never felt good enough to go. And I had to focus on self-care only… Sleeping. Eating healthy food. Relaxing.
But I have to say that it has been VERY difficult through the move and house hunt and caring for Alison while Tom was away. I had to learn to let other people do things for me. Something I’m just not good at. (I tend to think that my way of doing things is better… Arrogant, I know…)
So, this has all just been a huge learning time for me so far. And I’m sure it’s just going to continue to teach me and mold me as it progresses… the pregnancy as well as the sweet little one on its way.
But I’m looking forward to it all. It’s a reprogramming that I welcome with open arms. I am so looking forward to kissing little baby toes, sniffing a tiny baby head, and having my world rocked so hard it’s unrecognizable. Can’t wait!
!!!
August 4th, 2008 at 6:30 am
Congratulations to you and Colin! That’s so exciting! February is an excellent month for a birthday (and I don’t just say that because my birthday is in February… Ok. Maybe I do. Hee!)
August 4th, 2008 at 6:44 am
[...] penelope Share [...]
August 4th, 2008 at 6:49 am
This is wonderful news! I’m so happy for you guys. You’re in for a wonderful, painful, bizarre, enriching, terrible, scary, joyful, miraculous, guilt-inducing, happy, neverending trip!
August 4th, 2008 at 6:51 am
penelope, congratulations!! it is so exciting to hear this. I’m pregnant myself (due in january) and can totally relate to your non-creative first trimester. i lost interest in all of my creative pursuits, it was so strange. anyway, i am so happy for you and wish you the best rest of your pregnancy. :)
August 4th, 2008 at 6:51 am
Congratulations!!!
August 4th, 2008 at 7:01 am
Congratulations! I’ve heard it said parenthood is the hardest job you’ll ever love. Good luck and enjoy every moment!
August 4th, 2008 at 7:07 am
WOW! Congratulations! This is amazing news.
I love the way you talk about learning through this pregnancy, both in letting your body take over when your sheer will and determination just wouldn’t work, and in allowing others in to do things for you that you’d normally do (better) yourself. Congrats to you two!
August 4th, 2008 at 7:16 am
congratulations!! it’s so hard keeping extra special secrets. hugs to you both!
August 4th, 2008 at 7:25 am
Congratulations!!
I’m an artist Mom myself.
It’s a wonderful, amazing journey!
August 4th, 2008 at 7:29 am
Massive congratulations! Have a happy, healthy pregnancy :)
August 4th, 2008 at 7:42 am
This is the most wonderful creativity of all :-) Colin is right. How beautiful. Congratulations!
August 4th, 2008 at 7:48 am
I said congratulations about the house, so what should I say now. This is SO much bigger! C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S! :)
August 4th, 2008 at 7:52 am
YAY!
That’s wonderful news. Congratulations to you both!!
:)
August 4th, 2008 at 8:06 am
Congratulations to you both! What a gift. You have been truly blessed!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:08 am
Congratulations to you and your loved ones! How great that things are finally working out, after all you’ve been through. Good luck through everything!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:08 am
Congratulations to you and collin :) What exciting news! Best of luck to you throughout the pregnancy. And congrats on finding a home to build your family in too!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Grinning EAR TO EAR for you, Penelope! :) Many congrats to you and Colin!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:44 am
congratulations!
Thanks for sharing your happiness with us!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Huge congratulations! Wow, so many good and new things coming your way. And I´m totally agreeing with Lydia above as for February being a very good month to be born - maybe it is for the same reason?! ;)
August 4th, 2008 at 9:00 am
I cannot wait to meet little Bean (Strawberry, Cantelope, Watermelon…) Dullaghan and it goes without saying that I am just delighted in every way for you!!! This is one going to be one lucky, loved and incredibly beautiful child with you two as parents. I’m feeling girl again… but ask me in a few more minutes and I may change!!
love always xoxoxooxoxo
August 4th, 2008 at 9:04 am
so happy for you both. hugs.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:08 am
ahhhhh, sniffing a tiny baby head! oh lordy be…that has to be the most amazing scent in the world. divine nectar! hee. it is your time, and i couldn’t be happier for you 3. and the painting is ultra sweet. enjoy ever split second of it all. xoxoj
August 4th, 2008 at 9:14 am
congratulations…the first three months always knock you out. The next three months can be awesome. you usually feel extremely alive and creative. take it easy and take care of yourself. enjoy being in this moment right now.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Oh that’s just wonderful news, P, congratulations!!
August 4th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Congratulations!
August 4th, 2008 at 10:02 am
congrats, okay this is just strange everyone I know is pregant, and about the same amount there must have been something in the air. Hope the journey is wonderful!
August 4th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Oh Penelope!
I am so happy for you and Colin.
I cannot wait to see the adventures that ensue with baby in tow.
Congrats!!!
{ Lindsey }
http://www.coveiter.com
August 4th, 2008 at 10:27 am
So happy for you. You are TOTALLY still creating…only it’s a little person right now. You’re creativity and energy will come back soon…within a few weeks I’m betting. Until then, enjoy the rest!
August 4th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Congratulations! I know how flattened being pregnant can make you feel. I really really struggled with my loss of creativity and even personality with both of my pregnancies and infants. The hormones of pregnancy and breast feeding really took it out of me, I think.
The only thing that helped me understand a little is remembering when a friend of mine was pregnant, and how the bright light that she was kind of disappeared and turned inward when she was pregnant. I saw it from the outside, so recognized it when it was happening on the inside. It made sense to me when I watched her, her light was going to her child in that time. But that didn’t make me feel better when I was going through it. It is HARD. Goodluck with your creativity, your energy and your new little spirit.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Congratulations!!
August 4th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Yay! Congratulations! xx
August 4th, 2008 at 11:49 am
Wow! Congratulations, Penny, to you and Colin! You’re going to be amazing parents. :)
August 4th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Congratulations!
August 4th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Very exciting, congrats to you both!! Glad to hear the house worked out too.
August 4th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Congratulations! It’s so nice to see someone get pregnant that has been working on it for awhile. I guess I need to practice conscious conception (we have been trying for 3 years).
August 4th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
I don’t know what it is, but EVERYONE is getting pregnant nowadays. Most of my friends and now all of the blogs I read! (I don’t know if you read her blog or not, but Ali Edwards just anounced she’s pregnant too.)
CONGRATULATIONS ALL AROUND!
Denise
August 4th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Congratulations! That’s really great news. :-)
August 4th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
A joy and a blessing…..congratulations!
August 4th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Congratulations!!! I had a funny feeling that perhaps you were pregnant - so glad you’ve shared it with us all. Yes, there definitely is something in the air with all these February babies… ;)
August 4th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
ahhhh! Congratulations to you and Colin - so happy for you!
August 4th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Congratulations my dear…wonderful news. xoxo
August 4th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
woo-hoo!! congrats and good vibes your way! what wonderful news, and what a great illustration. motherhood makes the best woman in us flourish. I am 100% a better woman for being a mom. big hugs.
August 4th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
a wuss huh? haha you’ll see. totally changes everything, every day it changes.
its very humbling to accept and ask for help. just ask mom,i had a hard time with it until she told me to quit it! so glad your going to be close so we can grow our families together and share all the upcoming experiences. just wait till you can’t see your feet and cannot get comfortable no matter what you do!
totally worth it though!
August 4th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
I wish you and your husband all the best! Thanks for sharing your good news with us. :o)
August 4th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Oh my word! So exciting :D Can’t wait to see pregnant P at Squam!
August 4th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
this is SO beautiful hon… big big big smiles…
and i so love the artwork you have illustrated this with… i can only imagine the creative pregnacious illustrations to bloom from you during this time.
make no mistake, this world is a better place because of you my friend miss p.
big love & gentle bear hugs,
leonie
xoxo
August 4th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
I’ve sent the little bean a “package” from the beach!
August 4th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Yeah! Let me know if I can give you any advice! Hope this finds you well!
Meg
August 4th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
congratulations!! like gina, i had a funny feeling that you might be pregnant as well based on a post a few months ago… I am so happy for the both of you! you are clearly a very nurturing person - i am sure you’ll make an outstanding mom! that’s one lucky kid!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Congratulations!!
August 4th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Congratulations! Best wishes to you and Colin!
August 4th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Oh congratulations! Having a little person inside definitely channels all of the creative energy inward from my experience. This is your biggest creative project ever! So sweet.
I could be wrong, but I suspect you are usually a bit of a “floaty, lost in thought” person like me. Pregnancy is so grounding, in a slam down to earth, primal, “give me food and sleep” kind of way. Feeling that way always takes me by suprise when I am pregnant. Definitely give yourself permission to do as little as possible. Enjoy!
*hugs*
Betsy
August 4th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
happy for you, guys. Kid makes life harder, but much bigger!
August 5th, 2008 at 12:25 am
How wonderful! Congratulations!!!
August 5th, 2008 at 4:41 am
Penelope! Congratulations!!! That’s awesome!! You are super hero for moving across the country during your first tri.
I’m pregnant too, a day shy of 15 weeks and I mostly barf, whine, and lay in bed.
I haven’t done an illustration in more than a month. I can relate to that.
August 5th, 2008 at 6:51 am
Congratulations, Penelope! I think I’d have a hard time not spilling the beans too about such wonderful news :)
Wishing you and Colin all the best!
August 5th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Congratulations! And thank you to you (and all the commenters, too) for mentioning your subsequent lack of creativity during this time - I am 15 weeks along and have had zero creativity for the past three months. It feels like that part of my brain/being just isn’t there - but I hadn’t considered it as a side effect to being pregnant. I think it’ll be a lot easier to just accept it for the time being and go with the flow - and to remember that we’re into a whole new kind of creating right now! Best wishes!
August 5th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Congratulations, you guys! Here’s to another beautiful collaboration.
August 5th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Yay! My son is just over 4 months old and I haven’t been happier in my life! CONGRATS!
August 5th, 2008 at 11:29 am
Congratulations! That is wonderful news!!!
August 5th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Congratulations to you both! Best wishes of health on your wonderful journey.
August 5th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Oh my goodness!! Congratulations!!!! Sending you both the best wishes…
August 5th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Penny - I’m so glad you finally shared this news with the rest of your “circle.” I can’t wait to be an aunt!!!!! Your child will be so loved, SO creative, and so lucky to have you and Colin as parents. Congratulations for the umpteenth time!
Love,
YSIL
August 5th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
I’m delurking to say a big Congratulations to you! I’ve been reading your blog for a while and have really enjoyed your writing style and your art. I just went through what you’re about to go through (our first son is nine months old now) and it is the most amazing experience I’ve ever been through. I look forward to reading your account of it. Congrats again! Now go get some rest!
August 5th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Congratulations Penny, i am so excited for you! You are going to be a wonderful mother!
August 5th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
i was just squealing with delight at your happy news and then clicked over to your brother’s blog. oh, penelope - i am so very, very sorry. i’ve been so touched by tom’s utter devotion to alison. i’m sending love to you both through the blogosphere.
August 5th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Hello! I’m Michelle-I was Alison’s Chemo Angel for over a year.
I’m devastated to hear of Ali’s passing earlier today, but I am so thankful she is no longer suffering.
Someone just last week told me that she’d always been told that when one angel leaves this earth, God sends another one in his/her place. Ali would have been over the moon to know you were expecting (maybe she already knew, not sure).
My hubby & I have been through almost 15 years of infertility heartache. We just adopted a newborn baby girl on July 1. We have a baby blog where you can read all about our miracle, if you’d like.
I’m keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings!
August 6th, 2008 at 12:49 am
That’s fantastic! Congratulations! Weren’t you talking about a secret a while back, I was sure you meant pregnancy!:o)
August 6th, 2008 at 5:29 am
I write this after reading of Alison, sadness and joy together but so much joy here, my best to you and indeed congratulations!
August 6th, 2008 at 6:04 am
Wow, life takes us to high heights and low depths all at once sometimes. I’m so sad to hear about Alison. I really wanted her to survive, she was so strong! Your baby can be sure of the best guardian angel there possibly is. Lots of love and strength to you all.
August 6th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
I had a feeling something like this was going on. :) Maybe you mentioned thinking about it a while ago? I’ve had you on my prayer list of expectant mamas for a while now.
♥ CONGRATULATIONS! ♥
August 6th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
congratulations!
August 6th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Congratulations on your pregnancy. I just became a new mom two weeks ago and it has been an amazing journey to this point. May this little being help bring joy to your lives during such a sad time as you mourn the loss of Alison.
August 7th, 2008 at 5:40 am
CONGRATS!!! It is the strangest thing to have a child take over your body like that. It’s just not yours for 9 months and you have no clue what to expect.
August 7th, 2008 at 10:35 am
congrats to you!
we’re actually due at around the same time (i’m feb 11th)- and i’m taking a class with you at squam in september! very excited to finally be in the 2nd trimester…the sickness and nausea is finally beginning to give me a break- hope your break is on its way, too!
August 7th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Congratulations! I just gave birth July 2 and didn’t feel creative until the third trimester, but it was hard to move around well. Now the sleep deprivation as sucked it away totally, but I hear it returns again…someday.
get your rest.
And I’m so sorry to read about Allison. I’ve been lurking and following her story. I didn’t know her, but her passing has affected me. I’ve been thinking about it a lot and it has taught me to not take life for granted.
August 7th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Oh WOW! That’s so exciting, Penelope. You and your husband are going to be the best parents. Imagine playing arts and crafts with your little one! Or decorating for the holidays! It’ll be interesting to see where your artwork will go once you have this child in your lives. Congratulations!
August 7th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
OMG!!!! That is SO exciting. Congratulations!
August 8th, 2008 at 3:20 am
I have two now and felt exactly the same way you did the first time, it is such a special time, traesure every moment. congratulations!!!!
August 8th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Congratulations! You will be a great mom. But… the pregnancy is all about you right now. Good luck, take good care of yourself, it’s really a cool, amazing and wonderful experience, with all of it’s strangeness and beauty. Please check out my illustrated pregnancy blog for some chuckles and empathy.
http://40drawnweeks.blogspot.com/
start at the beginning….
August 9th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Oh wow!! congrats!!!!
August 14th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Well — I’m obviously a couple weeks behind on this huge news, so BELATED CONGRATULATIONS!!! I’m expecting my first as well (in December) and can totally identify with your first trimester feelings! Many, many congrats on your little one!