Prego

When I was recently in Italy, after saying "Grazie" (thank you) to people, they would respond with "Prego".  Hey, watch it, I know I'm only 3.5 months pregnant, but come on.  Then I remembered "Prego" means "you're welcome".  (psst..I knew that all along, I just thought it was funny)

So, yeah, the cat's out of the bag.  So it seems we are expecting our second child...and finally...some may say.  It's official on Facebook; 530 people know I'm pregnant, so I might as well write about it on my blog.  But, don't worry, I'm pretty private about it.  Maybe because it's only my second and most likely my last.  I haven't been pregnant enough to get used to being all open about it.  You won't see an ultrasound pic on Facebook or read a post about detailed movements I feel or anything like that.

BUT I thought it would be fun to share what it's like being pregnant in another country:

• One of the worst things is that I can't satisfy my food cravings I'm having or have access to comfort food I miss.  For example in the first three months, I was brought to tears at the thought of Chipotle.  I also on a regular basis crave: Boba, Thai food, fresh guacamole, Mexican food in general, Chick-fil-A, Greek food, Gluten-free food I love from Trader Joe's or Whole Foods, and definitely veggie tacos from Chipotle. 

• Weighing all of my options on where to deliver has been very difficult.  There is much to take into consideration.  Part of my personality is not wanting to disappoint others, but of course we have to take into account what is right for our family. 
• Being in a foreign country with virtually 0 baby items, including maternity clothes is a bit daunting.  I've grown to have a peace about this and know that we'll have everything we need, but in the beginning, the idea of this was pretty scary.
• Going to the doctor's office and every time not knowing exactly how to communicate with the nurses who don't speak English.  I think it's getting better though, which is good.
• Learning another language and continuing to go to language classes when you're exhausted and nauseous.  That was a good time. 

Unless you're a pro and are on your 7th child, like my sister, I think it's quite normal to be where I'm at - filled with excitement but also a bit of fear, and nervousness to expand our family, especially in a foreign context.

I'm excited though to get to know other moms and the other day I experienced the joys of maybe how a Croatian woman is congratulated when they tell others they're pregnant.  I told our neighbor, a "baka" (a grandma) who oddly enough asked if I was pregnant before I even bought a pregnancy test.  All I said at that point was "Možda (maybe)."  So this time I decided to tell her that yes I was and how many weeks I am.  She rushed over to me, embraced me and gave me a kiss on each cheek uttering many words of congratulations and expressing her happiness for us.  It almost brought me to tears.

It was such a blessing.