Pregnancy

When did you find out?

Collin and I are huge planners. When we talked about starting a family, we knew we wanted to accomplish certain goals; mainly, Collin finishing his EdD program at USC. We planned to go on our honeymoon and spend as much time as we can just the two of us... including our dog son Clutch of course.

For a couple of weeks I felt like I was getting cramps even though I wasn't due for a period. I knew something was different but wanted to wait it out. One day at work I decided to take a pregnancy test... an R&D one I've been working on at work no less! I peed on the stick and waited for the results. With my trained eye I saw the faintest of lines. I quickly took a picture and sent it to Collin. His response: "what line?". I scheduled an appointment with my OB and they confirmed we were pregnant.

One year and two months into our marriage we were excited when we found out we were expecting on my 28th birthday. (Cue the app downloads for expectant mothers.) 

Announcement?

Oma & Opa: I called my mom and dad that day just to talk like any other day; they were supposed to visit me for my birthday. When I called her, she said, "I had a dream last night that you were holding a baby. I don't know if it was a boy or girl... but you were holding a baby. Are you pregnant?" Before I could tell her I was, or confirm with the doctor, I guess Caia wanted to let Oma know first that she was arriving. I immediately burst into tears and told her I was, but its not confirmed yet. 

Grandma & Grandpa: Collin finished his doctorate program and was defending his dissertation on September 25th. We planned on telling his parents during dinner... they probably would have guessed I was pregnant if I wasn't drinking. We printed out a diploma saying "Congratulations on being great parents and soon to be grand parents". 

The World: We decided we would tell social media (The World) on Thanksgiving 2016 (14 weeks) We asked my childhood friend Emily to take pictures of us and Clutch wearing a "Big Brother" scarf. It was perfect timing to thank God for our biggest blessing yet! 

Cravings?

Our pregnancy was everything I imagined an easy pregnancy could be. #blessed The first month, I was constantly craving apples. I never had the urge to eat pickles, I was never a fan of them anyways. There was a week where all I wanted was sandwiches. Most everyday cravings consisted of Starbucks Hot Chocolate (mornings) and smoothie (dinner). Food aversions? Squash... especially spaghetti squash. I couldn't look or eat spaghetti the whole time I was pregnant. It is safe to say I will NEVER eat spaghetti squash EVER AGAIN. 

"Little Light"

Before finding out her gender, I called her "Little Light". Some people wonder if Caia means "Little Light"...it doesn't. I called her little light because for weeks I found myself singing "This Little Light of Mine". It also felt fitting to call her "Little Light" because in the world where there are so many disappointments, heart breaking news... she gave me hope. She will forever be one of the brightest lights in my life and I wanted to raise her to be a light in other people's lives as well. This Little Light of ours... her light will never fade.