If there is one word I can use to describe the past two years would be - growth.
In 2022, we decided to
try for our second child and little did we know, it was harder than we
expected. After countless jabs, pokes, pricks, tests, and consuming hormonal pills
of sorts, we decided to go for IUI, to use science to make this process better.
Based on closely monitored ultrasound results, we managed to yield two healthy
eggs (which means twins) which caught us off guard – it made us reconsider if
we should still proceed with babies #2 and #3. Somehow life has its plans, the
day of the procedure turns out to be a public holiday, so we were advised to
try naturally at home if we like to, or skip this round entirely.
So, we tried
naturally, we waited so long for this, we will manage as it comes. The two-week
wait was excruciating – the thought of having twins, the cost, the logistics,
the joy of course, or the disappointment of zero. It was a mixed bag of feelings.
Blood test results
came quickly to tell us about the positive news of pregnancy but whether it is
one or two, it requires more testing. At our first 5-week ultrasound scan, we got
to hear its heartbeat and see it – it was one loud, resounding heartbeat, with
one little black blob! ONE.
No one warns you how
hard it is to be pregnant with a toddler – the running around with him, the carrying
him to bed, bending up and down to clean up over him. The lack of sleep, being
with him (we didn’t allow screen time at all, so it was us and him, and toys
and books). Everything was a true test of patience – this was all that I wanted
but not without the side effects of fatigue. The nine months felt longer this
time much much longer, I was in more pain, and I was much more tired than ever.
I count down to the days to pop the fella, but deep down I know the days exclusively
with my firstborn are numbered, so I made efforts to slow down and embrace.
January came. And apparently,
I have been dilating for a few days at home. I felt some pain but was rejected
for admission for reasons like inconsistency of pain, no blood, no show, etc. When
the gynae checked at 38 ½ week check-up, the baby was seen tangled with the
cord with low to no fluid left in the womb. I was induced and after a couple of
big pushes, our big big baby was born healthy and I was so relieved. What a
roller coaster ride of emotions.
I have been lucky,
very lucky to conceive and birth a healthy baby. I was very lucky; things could
have gone worse at any possible turn in any possible way. I always tell others I
have no luck with lottery or games because I used up all my luck on three occasions
– meeting my spouse, and the birth of the two boys.
Here’s Hogan – our strong
warrior.
