Big Life Update

Big Life Update

Hi you guys! It has been a minute, but I am back and ready to jump back into blogging head first. Here is a brief but big life update…

Let me preface this by saying a lot of this may be old news, but I wanted to share nonetheless.

Things have been an absolute whirlwind. In case you haven’t heard, WE MOVED! We built a house and are starting to get settled (with a million projects we still want to do). Some days it’s hard to believe we only moved from Chicago to Zionsville about 4 months ago, and other days it feels like we just moved yesterday. I have really been missing friends, but other than that, I love the transition from city to burbs thus far. It is also incredible being closer to my step-kids; especially since they will soon be a big sis and big bro to our little baby Coy.

That’s the other news in case you haven’t heard. WE ARE PREGNANT! Finding out that I was/am pregnant is as surreal as it gets. If you have been following along on our infertility journey, you will likely understand why.

When I found out, I honestly thought the test was broken or defective. This was one of those “just in case because I will be drinking” tests. The kind a lot of us have taken a million and one times. After not being able to conceive after trying naturally for 9 months back in 2016, and countless rounds of IVF with all the extra tests and protocols over a 4 year span; it was a complete shock when this test showed double lines…or as I like to call it, my double rainbow. Because I kinda felt like I was on drugs…euphoric, high and out of control with my emotions. I was actually pregnant from having sex after years of it not happening. But wholly and truly, I never thought this would last. I still get the eeby jeebys even saying this because anything can still happen, but I never thought I would see the heartbeat. So, when we did, I cried and I cried. Even before that, when my HCG was doubling at very large numbers, I was thinking it would all crash. But it didn’t, and here I am, 32 weeks pregnant with a little girl.

I cannot begin to tell everyone how truly blessed I feel to have the love and support you have all shown me. And for some of you, I know how hard that can be. I have been there. But after 4 years of pure agony, questioning if I’d ever be a mother, and talking about surrogacy, adoption, donor eggs and all the things, I decided I need to rejoice and be happy. I decided to stop the “what if something bad happens” and go with “but what if it doesn’t”?

The first trimester was very hard. I had migraines and horrible nausea that caused me to throw up 7-8 times a day. I lost weight and realized that if it’s not one thing, it is another. Trent literally had to pack our entire apartment- I could basically work and that was it. Thank God during the actual move I felt better and was able to help unpack and get the new house in order. Relinquishing all control is hard for me, but Trent really made sure to think of me in how he did things. I feel very lucky to have him especially in these harder moments. Side note: please know I am not complaining. I have hoped for so long to feel the morning sickness, and other pains that come along with pregnancy. It is still a challenge in itself though. Every season truly comes with its own struggles.

In my second trimester, I felt better. And my third, that is another story. I will definitely be sharing more about my pregnancy, baby prep, the nursery, and all the things in the coming weeks.

I also plan to share a lot more around the house and get your feedback on projects and decor. It is overwhelming at times but it is so nice having this place to call our own.

All in all we are getting comfortable, seeing family more, enjoying Madelynn and Max’s activities and shenanigans. We found a church we like, and I am hoping to get more active in the community. Any orgs people in the area love to volunteer for?

I also want to build my community here too. With that, I’d love to hear what you guys are most interested in. You can email me at melanie@withlovemelanie.com, or comment below. I want to be sensitive when talking about pregnancy, baby stuff, but want to be authentic to what is going on in my life. I also love sharing style, cooking, decorating, and everyday life stuff. Now that I am back, all the feedback is welcome. Wow, I really missed you all. So happy to be back.