Two heartbeats

Sometimes, when I had trouble sleeping, I'd lay on my stomach and wrap my arm across my chest with my fingers next to my neck. Then, I'd fall asleep listening to my heartbeat. It might sound strange, but that slow rhythm was calming and beautiful.

A few days ago, I had the pleasure of listening to my slow rhythmic heart beat and another beat, rapid and fluttering quietly in time with me.

I am pregnant. And for the first time in my life, I am sharing all my experiences with another little soul. Up until now, it was only me. I was all alone. Even after being married, it was still me on my own sometimes. But now whatever I do, this little one, is there... there on my bike rides and at work and while I sleep... growing.

So, besides the fact that I can't stand chocolate now and I crave chicken nuggets and marinara sauce all the time, (not together) and I go to bed and wake up with a stomach ache, I remember this is something big. It is divine and it is a gift. It is our gift. Our first baby.