Of Babies and Books
I no longer believe that birthing a book is like birthing a baby. Contrary to what I've said in previous posts, "paper" pregnancies are completely different from human pregnancies. Well, at least mine are.
As I near the end of the first trimester of my first human pregnancy, I'm quickly realizing that this baby is whole 'nother creature from any of the books I've created. Granted I'm only about a third of the way through, so I may have to re-retract my statement. But I don't think so.
Like a fair number of authors, I LOVE the beginnings of a book. The daydreaming that sparks an idea that seizes you until you start to scribble it out. Typing out the first third of a story is no problem for me usually. It's like falling in love. That's the easy part. Sticking with a book or relationship and growing/maturing is the hard (but rewarding) part.
Let's just say I have NOT enjoyed the first third of this pregnancy. I am clinging to the promises of mothers who have gone before and given me hope that the merry-go-ride of nausea and vomiting will be ending soon. It has sucked my creativity dry and left me quoting weird scriptures that never seemed relevant to me before.
"They loathed all food and drew near the
"He gives
"The end of a
This last one I'm especially putting stock in--much to the chagrin of those Bible interpreters who say Ecclesiastes is largely satire and sarcasm. I'm looking forward to the end of this pregnancy culminating in the birth of our baby. God will get us through the hard parts and once we see our baby, all the pain, sickness, misquoted Bible verses, and bad "Alien" jokes by relatives will be worth it.
Because as much as I love writing and love books, a baby is better than a book. She is an epic unto herself that I will love seeing the story unfold as she grows up. And one day, when I get my brain back and can write again, I'll have plenty of fodder for novels. Mmmmwwwwhahahahaaa!
PS--I'm using she because I don't like using "it." We don't know yet if we're having a girl or a boy. But we are having a person. Unless we're having a hippo or a turtle. Which our cat might be happier about if this video is any indication: https://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-buzz/hilarious-video-cat-meeting-baby-first-time-165640235.html
Photo by Brina Blum on Unsplash
First, CONGRATS! And so sorry you have had it so rough....Welcome to the sacrificial side of motherhood. About baby brain. I used to have an amazing sense of direction that guided me in travels all over the world. Now I can't even get somewhere with GPS. It all seemed to happen about the time I was pregnant with Ben. So good luck with that! So excited for you both!
ReplyDeleteMaybe you should borrow a baby for Haddy to meet a couple times so she knows what tiny humans are. On the other hand, you could wait and video tape HER response to your baby! It *will* get better after this.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many reasons to love this post! When people asked my nephew what his mommy had in her belly, he told them it was a giraffe. After considering that, giving birth to a baby seemed like a piece of cake! :-)
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