Today it is officially one week since we found out I am pregnant. Today I went in for bloodwork to see how our pregnancy is doing. My doctor likes to check my progesterone levels alongside HCG which I really appreciate. He is super thorough and that gives me peace of mind. My previous doctor did not thoroughly check my HCG or progesterone and we had the unfortunate experience of going into our first OB ultrasound finding out the worst. After that devastating experience while we pray everyday we don't have that experience again. We know the risks but that was the worst way to find out. The way to nurses handles it didn't help but I think they also did not know what to do.
I am really trying to be patient and keep my mind occupied. I did go to a pilates class and ran a couple errands. Even going to pilates I get a little worried hoping nothing I am doing could hurt our little embryo. I make sure to now overdue anything, I typically go for the tough poses but now I keep everything light and easy. If anything makes me feel out of breath or uncomfortable I listen to my body and stop. Since I have been back home I wait by the phone like a puppy dog. I am being patient with myself and understanding that the waiting is part of the journey, but not the easy part. In fact there really have not been many easy parts to this journey and that is okay. I understand this is about more now than becoming a mom and growing a family with together. This has become a spiritual journey and I know I am on this journey for a reason I have to surrender to it or it will consume me. I feel I am being a bit dramatic here, but I am fine with that.
So I wait and I wait…Yesterday I made a big homemade chicken soup. It was Sunday and we had our first snowstorm of the year. I have to admit I love when it snows. There is something so magical, peaceful and meditative about watching the snow fall. I felt calm and grounded making a good old fashion chicken soup for us to enjoy for dinner - whole bird and all.
I woke up pretty early and got it started first adding lots of filtered water to the pot (thanks to my Big Berkey) I added some Himalayan salt to the pot and while using my disposable gloves I added the chicken into the water. I chopped up a white onions, carrots, leeks, green onions, garlic and celery. I also add in some spices like parsley, dill, whole peppercorns and turmeric. I place that all into the pot and let it boil and then simmer for a good 8 hours before we enjoyed it! It was so delicious I even made some polish potato dumplings that I added in at the end.
Just because waiting can make you do some wild things. I think its best to use the time wisely so you don't drive yourself too crazy. I have really been enjoying cooking as a way to relax this cycle and I do think it had really helped me. Maybe I will put together an official recipe to put on this blog of mine. I have to say having this outlet is really helping me.
Thanks for stopping by my lil corner of the world. Sending you love and baby dust.