How I Found out I was Pregnant

I’m a Type-A planner. When my husband and I decided to start trying for our first child, I read every book I could get my hands on. I scheduled all the dates on a calendar. I was ready to be a new mom.

So when I took an early pregnancy test on the day I had mapped out, I was almost certain it would come back positive. We had done everything we were supposed to do! But that second line never appeared. Even though it was a letdown, we knew we were still early in the process, and we were ready to keep trying.

A week later, I realized the period I had been expecting had never occurred. Without much hope, I took another pregnancy test -- and this time, the double lines were clear as crystal. It just goes to show that tests aren’t always correct!

By the time we started trying for our second child, I had gotten back into running and was training for my first half marathon since my son Noah’s birth. I couldn’t wait for this comeback race. I’ve been a runner since college and was looking forward to commemorating my official return. 

The marathon was great: My husband ran it, too, ahead of me. And Noah and his grandparents surprised me at the halfway point with cheers and encouragement. I came home feeling tired but empowered and proud of everything I had accomplished.

Of course, even in the midst of marathon training, I had planned this second pregnancy just like the first. I was armed with calendars and schedules to help build our growing family. It just so happened that the date of my marathon was also the date I could take an early pregnancy test.

If I learned anything from my first pregnancy, it was that tests aren’t always accurate, and planning can only take you so far. But I couldn’t help myself: I snuck off to the bathroom, hopeful, and just a little skeptical.

A big grin spread across my face as the double lines appeared. Even when you’ve planned it all out, it’s still a wonderful surprise to see that positive result!

Photo by Viviana Rishe on Unsplash