Week 19: When it rains, it pours

A few days ago, our 3-year-old, Anaïs, got a mean case of tummy troubles that had her out for two full days. It had been going around school, and it was only a matter of time before she caught it. Kids getting sick at school or daycare is par for the course, but I guess I overlooked how easily adults could catch something, too. Something I’ve learned about being a preschool teacher is this: You get sick. But being a pregnant preschool teacher? You get sick a lot. And this week has been no exception.

Since before the holidays, all sorts of illnesses would circulate. No one was immune from the common cold, the flu, the stomach bug, you name it—and now it was my turn (again). With an already compromised immune system, I have been diligent about washing my hands, taking my vitamins, staying hydrated and making sure I got ample amounts of rest. Alas, it wasn’t enough.

I thought back to when I was stuck in bed for days at a time because of some nasty virus that was going around. I most likely surrounded myself with tissues, brewed some Thera-Flu and reached for my arsenal of medicines that would ease every ache or pain, sneeze or cough, sore throat or congestion. Well, it isn’t quite so simple with a baby in my belly. Gone are the restful nights of NyQuil and the breathing aid that is Benadryl. Even though there are a few medications that are typically considered “safe” (like acetaminophen), I’m still skeptical and nervous about taking them.

That said, it’s slim pickin’s for this mama. Do any of you other moms have any tried and true ways of battling illnesses? I’d love to know! I’ve looked into more natural remedies, and they’ve been lifesavers! I’ve started using essential oils like peppermint on my temples when I feel a headache coming on and thieves oil on the soles of my feet to boost my immunity. Epsom salt baths have been really soothing on my sore muscles, too. It can’t hurt to try something holistic, right?

On a different and exciting note, we also recently visited our midwife and our little bean is growing right on target. I can’t believe that we’re almost at the halfway mark! Time is flying and before we know it, we’ll have a little one in our arms all over again. Anaïs was adamant that it was a girl from the moment we told her she would become a big sister. That all changed a couple of weeks ago when she declared, “Mama, the baby girl changed to a baby boy. It’s a boy now.” And since then, she’s been very clear that she’s having a little brother.

We’ve been asked a lot if we have a preference as to what the baby will be. That’s kind of an odd question, if you really think about it, you know? Truthfully, we don’t prefer one or the other. Sure, that may seem like a very diplomatic answer to give, but it’s true. All we wanted was a baby—a healthy, happy baby. It doesn’t matter if it’s a boy or a girl.

Another question we’ve been getting a lot is whether or not we have an inkling as to what it will be. I don’t. With my first, I had a feeling she was actually a boy. Obviously, I was mistaken. This time around, I have no idea. The majority of our friends and family have guessed that it’ll be a boy (something about the way I’m carrying?), but I don’t have any sneaking suspicions. So it’ll be interesting when we do find out at our 20-week ultrasound next week! What do you think?