If you’ve followed my blog for any length of time, then you know my first pregnancy with my son was very difficult. I was on bedrest for over 5 months with preterm labor. I remember the first time I went into the Emergency Room at 17 weeks. My husband rarely. ever. cries. Rarely. When I mean rarely, I mean that I can count the number of times on one hand. We’ve been married 4 1/2 years. I guess that’s about once a year, right? I’m honestly not making light of the situation. Anyway, when I saw the tears welling up in my husband’s eyes as he spoke to his mother on the phone about what was going on, I just about lost it. Any glimmer of hope I had was shattered. Because my husband never cries. He’s the rock in our relationship. The calm, rational, collected one.
Rather than bore you with what happened during that pregnancy, I’ll just say that it was determined that I had (and still have) an irritable uterus. In other words, the further along I get, the more it likes to contract. And the more activity I engage in, the more I contract. So, I’m off of work right now (but not on bedrest as of yet) and trying to limit my activity since activity equals contractions. My son was born healthy, full-term by the way. So when my doctor tells me to slow down and listen to my body, I do it (although it’s a bit more difficult with a 2 year old).
I remember feeling very uneasy with my first pregnancy. I was afraid, nervous, on edge, stressed, worried about every twinge. I wish I could say that I enjoyed the pregnancy. But…I was thankful that a. I was able to get pregnant and b. my son was born healthy and beautiful. Some of the same feelings of anxiety and fear have carried over into this pregnancy, especially as of late. Every OB visit ends with my doctor handing me a tissue. I’m certain much of that is due to hormones.
One of the things that helped me during my first pregnancy, was to name my son. We knew we were having a boy very early on (probably around 14 or 15 weeks). Naming him helped me connect and bond. Naming him helped me and my family and friends pray for him. And…since I believe that life begins at conception, it made perfect sense for me to name him while he was growing and developing inside of me.
We found out a month ago that we’re having the little girl that I had been praying and hoping for. Tears streamed down my face as I looked over at my husband for confirmation of what the ultrasound technician was telling us. I think I asked her 3 times if she was “sure.” And that day, our little baby had a name. It’s a name I’ve had picked out for many, many years. Her name is perfect and beautiful and timeless and familial.
Her name is Cate.
- Discover Luxury at Sonesta Irvine: Your Ideal Staycation - August 8, 2024
- CHOC Walk Returns to the Disneyland Resort – Special Events and Ways to Support - June 28, 2023
- Beastly Ball Returns to the Los Angeles Zoo - May 8, 2023
That’s a beautiful name and I love the spelling! 🙂
Reading this makes me sooo thankful that I did not have any complications whatsoever while I was pregnant for my son, also 2 years old. It surprised me that I didn’t though….I was overweight when I got pregnant and I still gained weight. I am so glad that at 20 weeks when we found out that we were having a boy, we had already picked a name for him. It is the perfect name….he wears is proudly and it suits him. Lawson James.
I am so happy for you and your family. Cate is a stunning and beautiful name. Hopefully, she will also wear it proudly!!! Congratulations to you!
A beautiful name! Thank you for sharing your story! It’s good you have slowed down and know to listen to your body. We will send you No Contraction vibes so Cate can stay put!!
I will be praying for you and Cate. We are curremtly trying to get pregnant. Our son is 18 months and we would like 1 more before he is much older. I am hoping for a girl as well. I can’t imagine having to be on bedrest and I hope everything goes well for the remainder of your pregnancy.
I love it! The name and the spelling. So simple and chic. Congratulations…I cant wait to meet her at Blissdome (HINT HINT!!!)
I understand you being so emotional! My OB told me I could never carry a child to term. With my first, I started dilating early, like you I stopped working and ended up having him on his due date. With my second, he came 2 weeks early. I was worried too, but sometimes the doctors are wrong, thankfully! I’m sure resting up helps too! I know that will be more challenging for you since you have a little one running around. I love the name you picked out! It’s beautiful! I’m so happy you’ll have the little girl you wanted!
Yay! Congratulations! That’s a beeeautiful name and so originally spelled. I love it. 🙂
What a sweet and lovely name. Thanks for sharing your story. Take care of yourself and that baby!!
that is beautiful Caryn!
I totally understand- my uterus is “irritable” as well and WOW did it ever suck. I went in to preterm labour with my first as well and ended up on bedrest with all 3. Sometimes I wonder if that is why I had 4 miscarriages as well… probably not but it does make me wonder!!
I love the name too.
yay!
love it 🙂
I can’t wait girl! I am so excited for you both 🙂 I’m so glad I met you! Thanks for being a great bloggy friend! I’m here if you need me.♥
Congrats Caryn! I love the name, Cate.
Congratulations. What a beautiful name!
What a beautiful name! So exciting!