We’ve all heard the saying, it takes a village when it comes to raising children; it’s something my mom loves to remind me of when she grumbles about how far away we are from her before working herself up into a worried frenzy about not having a relationship with her soon to be grandson (we’re a short hour and a half flight…just saying…). And I think they are right, it does take a village, but not just for raising your kids, it also takes a village to keep pregnant ladies sane.
Community has always been an important part of my life; actually, I would say it’s a top priority in my life. It is infused into everything I do – from my social life, to my professional life, and even my fitness life – it seems that creating and fostering communities is in my DNA. And if last week’s pregnancy meltdown really taught me anything, it’s that I’m incredibly blessed to have such an incredible community behind me.
I was floored by the support, words of wisdom, love, and empathy that I received; reflecting back on last week, I realize that people really went above and beyond for me, showering me with the words and positivity I needed to be where I am this week. Which is calm.
Not fucking freaking out.
I’m just now over the 20 week mark, which is also considered to be the halfway point of this journey, and it’s been an exciting one, to say the least. Thus far, I have been through a bleeding scare in my first trimester (due to the fact that surprise, I’m Rh negative), a terrifying fainting episode, and now complete placenta previa. Put all of that together with extreme pregnancy hormones, weight gain, and good, old pregnancy fatigue and it’s enough to make even the most sane person feel a little insane (and I’m not even the most sane person…).
And while I sit here, negotiating with my pants so that I can sit at my desk comfortably (hello, it’s officially time to switch to maternity clothes), drinking endless amounts of water, while also contemplating the next cheese related food item I can eat….
…I can finally say that I feel calm about everything. The anxiety and stress of last week is officially behind me. And it’s all thanks to my amazing community.
Reading everyone’s notes, stories, words of wisdom, and advice made me feel normal again. Hearing what other moms had gone through during their pregnancies – whether similar to mine or by sharing their many different obstacles – it made me feel less alone. Less crazy. And even validated.
So thank you all for being who you are – you truly saved me from my own insanity – and I am so grateful (and so is my husband…).
Truly, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
As always, stay sweaty friends!
XO
Jamie
Alyse says
December 7, 2017 at 8:41 pm<3 <3 <3 thanks for always being there for me!
Jamie says
December 7, 2017 at 8:43 pmThanks for letting me UNLOAD all of the crazy on you last week! And always. Pretty much 34 years….
Autumn says
December 7, 2017 at 8:57 pmIm a community builder too, and no matter how many times I’ve tried not to be…it’s just a part of my heart too. I have never leaned on that more than during my second (antepartum laden) pregnancy. Those women who have build up around us, for us, and with us… damn. That community of love and unconditional “mmmhmmm, it’s tough” are fucking invaluable. Thank goodness for it!
Jamie says
December 7, 2017 at 9:20 pmI wouldn’t survive without community…and strong women…and I am SO grateful for all of them in my life. YOU included. 🙂 XOOXO
Liz says
December 7, 2017 at 10:42 pmYou are so strong. You are there for so many people. And so many people are there for and love you! Our community is such an incredible one!
Jamie says
December 8, 2017 at 9:46 amIt truly is the best community – so blessed! XO
Sarah P. says
December 8, 2017 at 9:04 amI’m also just past the 20 week mark. I had no idea you were pregnant!!! So excited to find someone else! Congratulations! I have a small group of friends on FB that I get feed back from. My family is all in Northern California and I’m in British Columbia. It’s been tough. Earlier this week I almost called my Nana to come take care of me. I was so frustrated. I’m still waking up sick. It’s been a long trot. High fives for making it to the half way point! 🙌🏻
Jamie says
December 8, 2017 at 9:45 amHey Sarah, yay to more 20 weekers! 🙂 I’m so glad to have someone else to share this wild ride with too. I’m so sorry that you’re still experiencing sickness – ugh – it’s like lay off already pregnancy – but hopefully it will start to pass soon enough. The frustrations and crazy feelings are all valid. Much love to you and super congrats!
crista says
December 9, 2017 at 7:50 am20 Weeks!! So exciting! It does take a village, which caught me by surprise. You’re ahead of the game girl 🙂 I wish I lived in Portland so I could be part of your community, I crave it so much and I think because I was a wanderer for so long I never made it a priority. Thinking of you over your next 20 weeks! xoxo
Jamie says
December 13, 2017 at 10:31 amThanks Crista, I wish you were closer too, it would be so lovely to have more awesome, strong mommy friends close by like you! Appreciate the kind words and good wishes!
Chrystal Rose says
December 14, 2017 at 11:10 amCommunity is a huge part of my life too! Loving your perspective. You are looking amazing too, by the way!!
Jamie says
December 14, 2017 at 2:43 pmthank you chrystal, so appreciate you! XOXO