Pregnancy Adventures

The First Trimester: So tired. So homesick.

Sharing the News

We shared the news quite early with our immediate families. The Hemkers were planning a summer trip in the states that we knew we wouldn't be able to make, so we needed to let them know as soon as we could. We called them to show them the "new song" we were practicing... and paused after the first few lines and waited for their reaction.

It's not quite the same to share the news over a video call, but there was plenty of surprise, laughter, and tears as we told people near and far.

Baking and cravings

Though I haven't had any major cravings, the majority have been either related to home (mushroom eggs, baking cookies, finding cantaloupe—surprisingly hard in Madrid) or spicy (mostly Ramen soup or Indian food).

Hiking

I was lucky to feel pretty good during the first trimester, and we managed to get a hike in with friends (though I skipped the climbing bits 🙃).

A Ski-less Ski Trip

We had already planned a ski trip around my birthday (a tradition we started last year and were hoping to continue), so in the end we went but I spent the trip mostly reading, baking, and resting in the flat we rented there in the mountains. In any case, the views were worth the trip.

The Second Trimester: Squeezing in all the fun we can.

A Visit from the Fam

It was wonderful to have a bit of home in Spain, since it's hard to make the trip back while pregnant. We toured our neighborhood, spent sunny days on the beach, but—most importantly—had plenty of time just to play, talk, and be together.

BBQs

The family visit inspired more home comfort foods and we hosted some BBQs with friends and coworkers in our flat.

Tennis

We were excited go to a tennis tournament with friends visiting from London, and Coque was absolutely thrilled to see his tennis idol, Rafa Nadal, compete in his last Madrid Open.

The Third Trimester: Just keep swimming.

Baby Moon

In May, we headed to the south of Spain for a little Baby Moon. I researched trails and was all excited to hike... until we did one, and it was a bit rough trying to breathe with Luna's home limiting my lungs. haha We then adapted our plan and included some shorter hikes with less incline, lots of beach time, and gorgeous sunsets.

Beach time with parents

Throughout the spring, we had more visits with mom and dad, in Madrid and Alicante. We enjoyed some baby shopping, beach walks, and board game dinner nights.

Graduation

After a challenging year, it was a pleasure to celebrate the graduation of my Master's students.

A family wedding

We headed to Valencia (the East coast of Spain) for Coque's cousin's wedding. It was a lovely escape from the city with a lot of family time, though I didn't quite make it to the dance.

Support Circle: Babies and Friends

Our pregnancy was quite the surprise, and we weren't quite ready for her. It has been an incredible help to have friends and family sharing the journey with us. From early on, my amazing OBGYN friends have walked me through test results and panicked questions. Overall, our friends have been at the ready: to check in, to listen to us rant about baby prep, to just be by our side as we navigate the transition to parenting.

Three of Coque's closest friends were also expecting this year (and have already welcomed their little ones in March and June, plus one we are still waiting for in July), and we have loved commiserating and co-celebrating the wild ride that is pregnancy and baby prep with them.

Others in our close friend group had recently had their first or second child, and had plenty of advice to give. Our siblings both had their third child recently and have a lot of experience, and our parents and extended family have the wisdom that comes from reaching the next levels of parenthood: grown children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. Everyone from neighbors to coworkers has been ready to lend a hand, give recommendations, and support us in this journey. We are so grateful for the part that everyone has (and will) play in our and Luna's lives. Thank you.