Mother's Sacrifice

Sacrifice. 

I’ve thought a lot about sacrifice over the past 8 months—ever since we found out on January 8 that we were expecting our first child.

To bear a child requires a measure of sacrifice. As Christ sacrificed himself to give us life, so a mother gives of her body to bring a new life into the world. I am not trying to equate death on a cross with pregnancy, however pregnancy is a way that a woman gives up that which she values (comfort, mobility, figure, and such) to make life possible for another. (In some circumstances mothers have literally given their lives to bear a child.)

Christ sacrificed himself, his comfort, his body to give us life. Mothers have a unique opportunity to follow in Christ's footsteps through the bearing of children.

After we conceived, I didn’t fully realize how much my body would have to change to accommodate and grow a little person. (And, she didn’t feel like a baby until much later in the pregnancy.)

First Trimester (Weeks 5-13)

Initially, I felt carsick all of the time. I didn’t realize I was feeling morning sickness until my mom told me I was feeling morning sickness. Since I was busy with a new semester teaching and started part-time work at a non-profit, I was terribly busy and felt like I was just trying to survive each week.

At the start of every week, I’d rejoice that I was (hopefully?) closer to not feeling so “blah” all of the time. Through the physical changes, my dear husband was loving and supportive—he would even toss a few ingredients together and make his own dinner when I felt too sick to look at food.  (The most offensive smell was….my own pantry! I couldn’t handle opening it!)

Second Trimester (Weeks 14-27)

Towards the beginning I still felt pretty icky, but around week 17 or so I started to feel slightly “normal.” But, I still didn’t feel her kick until about week 18 or 19. (I might have felt movement sooner, but I can’t be sure).

Around week 20, I felt pretty great—and actually pregnant. Not just chunkier than usual. Not just more tired that usual. But pregnant. I still didn’t have much of a belly until week 27 or so.  

Third Trimester (Weeks 28-due date)

We are at week 33 and I suppose I still don’t have much of a belly. But, I so appreciate that perfect strangers know I am pregnant.   

“Oh, when are you due?!” “Are you having a boy or a girl?” “You're due when?! You’re so tiny!” (<--love that one!)

My favorite moment: I am in the checkout line at Coscto and an elderly Hispanic man in a wheel chair points at my belly and says, “BOY!?!?” 

I replied, “Uh no, girl. You were so close!” 

Close? Really? How was that even close? Ah well, he did give his best try. 

I love feeling her kick and squirm (she’s always moving!). I like feeling her hiccup. I enjoy watching her push my belly button up and down. (Always when I try to read my bible—I think God understands though).  

The verse I’ve clung to often is Is. 40:11 

“He will tend his flock like a shepherd;
     he will gather the lambs in his arms;
he will carry them in his bosom,
    and gently lead those that are with young.”

With God’s help, I can carry and deliver this lil’ girl.

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