I apologize for the scarcity of posts lately. With the baby due in less than a week, I should be stockpiling blog posts for the upcoming crazy newborn months. Instead, I feel quite disconnected from my gardening life, and that leaves me feeling like I’ve got not much to say.
Pregnancy has now taken over my life. It’s all encompassing, and I feel
quite boring for it – and bored with it. I’m in limbo: desperate to hang onto life as it is
now but also anxious to meet the
little one. And wear different clothes.
I’m watching spring unfold through a lens. My garden may as well be behind glass, because that’s where I’m viewing it from. I’ve never been so hands-off, mostly because I can’t quite reach my plants. The other reason is that everything feels so tentative. Like I shouldn’t make plans or get too attached to those seedlings in case I forget all about them when the baby comes.
And now I’m going to go stick my head in the oven. Just kidding! Sorry for the whiny post – I guess I needed to vent.
Kirsten says
Oh – you’re still gardening, you’re just growing something new that you haven’t planted before. ;-)
Hang in there – that last little bit is the roughest… but I have to say don’t look to forward to getting into those new clothes. I thought that too, and then it took months before I was able to get out of maternity wear… not to burst your bubble or anything, but i wish someone had told me so that i could have some accurate expectations.
and you’ll garden this year i’m sure. in one way or another.
Melanthia says
My son was born last July and until recently I only puttered in the yard maybe twice. This means lots of weeding now but I’m happy just to be getting dirty. Overall, everything else took a backseat when the little guy came along and I hardly noticed. There were times when I questioned whether we’d made the right decision but every smile, coo and touch confirmed it. Hang in there. Just think, in a few years you’ll have an extra pair of hands to help with those weeds!
Dee/reddirtramblings says
Oh, poor Petal. I have so been there. Except I thought I would have tons of time after the little one came. I was wrong, but I did get to garden some. You will get to also, and you will eventually get to wear new and different clothes. Blessings on you and the Little Petal.~~Dee
Melanthia says
You’ll have your life back, it’ll just be different. At least now you’ll eventually have a little garden helper. That’s how I’ve been looking at it!
There’s an award for you over at my site. cheers!
Thystle says
I was where you are now a little over a year ago.
In hindsight, its a beautiful place to be. Not quite a mother but definitely not not-a-mother. On the cusp of a spectacular transformation. Ok, I’m making myself teary eyed thinking about all the changes and the amazing energy you currently embody (not that I know you, but pregnant mamas are definitely on another plane in my opinion). I wouldn’t worry about your plants or your lack of interest in your plants. Everything is as it should be. Focus on being.
Please keep us updated as your energy and spirit moves you!
Paula says
When people come to visit, pass off the baby and water your plants. Visitors should always be encouraged to help out-perhaps the grass needs mowing, or the beds weeded (maybe these chores are too much, but you never know until you ask!). Last summer, I found that my little guy would watch me(or sleep) from the bouncy chair in the shade, while I puttered in the flowers; gardening education needs to be in place as early as possible! I need a new partner for the garden center, since my six year old has decided it is too boring. Rest now while you can. Best of luck!
At least you can see your garden, my is being buried by giant flakes of snow- we must have a foot out there! My tulips thought that it was spring!
Margaret says
Hi,
I read and enjoy your blog all the time and no apologies are needed for fewer postings lately.
Wishing you well and good health in the coming weeks and will look forward to more postings when you are ready.
Margaret
Wendy says
I can relate. I felt the same way when I was pregnant. Who would ever though that arms can shrink while pregnant ;) I’m sure you will get your seedlings planted eventually. In between feedings & naptimes (yours & the baby’s) Enjoy your new life :)
jen says
Good luck with the delivery! I had mine on the 4th. Gardening seems so far away now.
Andrea Bellamy says
Wow. I’ll admit I’m a bit teary-eyed right now, having just read all your comments. Thank you all for your advice and support – it means so much to have so many great people cheering for me!
Jenn says
Ha. Not to worry about the whining. Even those of us who’ve not given birth are sympathetic to the stresses involved.
Glad that you gave us an update. I was wondering when you were due, now I will know when to really start anticipating the announcement.
And I suspect that a lot of your gardening in the next year will be online. Life gets really busy once the baby arrives.
Stay cool.
paola says
Whining is entirely understandable. The last few weeks of pregnancy are horrid. Though the first few weeks of newbornness make pregnancy seem delightful unless you have plenty of help or give birth to an angel (which I didn’t).
But summer will coincide with that delightful period when they can be put down in a baby gym under a tree and THEY CAN’T MOVE AWAY, allowing you to garden around them.
Make the most of this time. You will soon be in possession of a three year old who – in the name of helpfulness – thoroughly raked over a bed of newly planted vegetable seeds. No nice neat rows for us this year…
Much good luck and love to you and your seedling.
kate says
This post took me back to 15 years ago and a cold October, waiting for my baby to be born. I was so uncomfortable, not sleeping well and not sure what to expect. Once I held my son, I couldn’t believe I actually produced this baby and from then on, I became focussed on feedings, changing diapers and seeing the world through what felt like a different pair of eyes. Besides I felt much lighter and remember so clearly the excitement of seeing my feet again. Your gardening time can become a spot of tranquillity in the upcoming months. You can be outdoors during naptimes and feedings.
I hope your delivery goes well – and please let us know when your babe is born. It is a truly magical time, tiredness notwithstanding.
Al, the Bokashi man, has sent me some Bokashi bins. I’ve started composting using both this system as well as having started vermi-composting too. Soon, soon, I’ll be scattering seeds in a few places about here.
Thinking of you … all the best!
Kate
jamie says
Your post left me so nostalgic, as I was you at this time last year. Time has flown by, and I can’t believe my youngest will now be turning one in two weeks from now.
Please go easy on yourself, this is understandibly a very uncomfortable and sleep deprived time. In a short while, you will be holding the most precious thing you’ve ever grown, and this is a wonderful time of year to have a baby. You’ll be able to enjoy the long daylight hours and be out in the fresh air without having to spend half an hour getting them bundled up to go outside. Even if your gardening is on a slightly scaled back approach this year, she or he will be out there right along with you in the summers to come!
Can’t wait to hear the news, take care and best wishes for a safe and happy delivery.
James | Double Danger says
Andrea – we have recently found your site through a fellow blogger and we can’t get enough of it. I know you probably hear it everyday, but it is true. Keep up the awesome posting but take the time you need to get back 100%.
Blogging is hardwork sometimes.
Marcel says
Congratulations. We have a now 10 month old who is a daily joy to be with.
God bless, and thanks for the mushrooms post (discovered through make: ) It encourages me to get down to it. I’ve been wanting to try for a few years with a particular interest in sharing this information with friends in rural Africa.
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