Can You Feel It Kicking?
Today i want to share with you a moment my wife, Marisa and I and our unborn child had last night.
It was late in the evening and Marisa was already in bed and I jumped in to join her; as i lay down I brushed my foot against hers and she threw the covers back and said, “I can feel something!” Feeling exhausted from the day i simply said, “That’s my foot”.
She said again, “No i can feel something!”
At this point i thought there was a snake in the bed and I repeated, “I know, its my foot on your foot!” Marisa grabbed my hand and put it on her belly and said, “Its the baby!”
Feeling pretty stupid but excited i sat up in bed and looked at her belly in anticipation; we waited for it to happen again. I put my head on her belly listening for something and trying to communicate hoping we would get a response.
Again Marisa had a little tap tap on her belly! I couldnt actually feel it because she has just gone 17 weeks so its very small but it was amazing to have the first sign of life. It was like the baby was introducing itself to us for the first time.
We took photos and made notes in the diary so we could remember what happened the first time our baby made a physical connection with us, it was pretty special.
Being a male I don’t get to experience the whole pregnancy physically and because of this its easy to forget what is actually happening in Marisa’s tummy. Every day she wakes up and puts her hand on her belly knowing that a little person is growing inside her. For me, its not so obvious so when a physical movement presents itself it brings it all into reality.
Marisa has been really sick for the whole 17 weeks and the morning after the kicking from the baby, she woke up feeling great! She didn’t feel nauseous anymore and the fatigue seemed to have disappeared, just like that.
It was as if the baby woke up and said, “Oh hi guys, i just worked out what’s happening in here, i am a human growing in your belly so you don’t have to be sick anymore…. its all good, see you in 5 months”
Going through this experience for the first time brings up an array of emotions and they come up without notice. Joy at what is coming into our lives, fear that everything is going to be ok, anticipation for what to expect, love for each other and the gift we are being given, worry that we will be able to cope.
In the end i think it all comes down to trust. Trust in each other that we will be awesome parents and that the universe will make everything as it should be.
Its a good feeling when you take away all the fear of the unknown and just go with the flow and enjoy the ride. Life is a gift, a gift to be treasured, especially when we are given the gift of another life.
Hi Matt
lol – that sounds like a good scene for a comedy!
I’m so pleased (but not surprised) that you’re a man who is going to enjoy every moment of your wife’s pregnancy along with her.
I remember feeling the first kicks for each of my pregnancies! Feeling the baby moving seems to make the pregnancy all the more real! (although a baby growing inside you with the hiccups is another story … it can become very uncomfortable!).
I used to lay awake at night, feeling every kick possible – I didn’t want to miss out on anything! In hindsight, I should have made sure I got more sleep! lol
The other thing that I loved doing was laying on my back in the bath and watching my tummy move around. I was utterly fascinated with it and didn’t tire of it with any of the kids. Each pregnancy was just as special as the other (as are my kids!).
Oh, how I loved being pregnant … can you tell?!
Lucky Marisa … someone should have told my babies to turn off the morning sickness once they started kicking! If only! lol
Even though my kids are growing up (11, 8 & 5 years old), I still think to myself at times, “Wow! We made these little people! Isn’t that amazing!” and then I feel all “warm and fuzzy”.
Matt, I have no doubt that you and Marisa will be wonderful parents to this baby. There is no feeling to compare to that of the love you feel for your own child(ren).
~ Kylie ~
.-= Kylie Doak´s last blog ..How to Migrate (Export and Import) Posts and Comments Files From One WordPress Blog to Another =-.
Fantastic post Matt, I laughed and laughed at the beginning, when you thought Marisa was referring to your foot
I remember the feeling of my children moving in my tummy, it was an absolutely awesome feeling.
I have no doubt that you will both be stellar parents, your love and commitment shines thru in your words.
Your awareness of trusting is spot on
To your exciting journey
Toni
.-= Toni King´s last blog ..Profit Online, Being You. =-.
Oh Matt, Those precious moments when you first feel life. There is nothing to compare with it. And the really cool part is that someday your child will read this post and experience the feelings you just shared.
I walked that same journey 26 years ago, and it is still as real today as if it were yesterday. It is an awesome feeling that never leaves you. Your “array of emotions” paragraph says it all.
Please continue to share this amazing time with us. Am loving every minute of it!
Congrats Matt, your life is never going to be the same again!!!!! Sounds like you are off to a great start as a Dad.
This post made me smile with the depth of love, excitement and anticipation at the miracle of the whole thing! Its a beautiful think that you are enjoying the process and sharing in the magic of each moment. What a deep and powerful bonding process and a journey you’ll never forget. The happiness is so tangible in your post and made me smile. Thank you for sharing this personal moment!
.-= Kimberly Castleberry´s last blog ..How To Make A Link Open In A New Window in WordPress =-.
The miracle of life is just that – A Miracle! I like your humor as usual, Matt! It is wonderful for your wife and child that you are so attentive! You are a great example to all the fathers!
.-= Linda G Cox´s last blog ..How Our Self-Esteem Affects Our Children =-.
Matt, thanks so much for sharing this special story. I’m sure you have so many wonderful adventures ahead of you.
Sally
.-= Sally Bath´s last blog ..Having Fun – Do We Need To Remind Ourselves? =-.
Thank you ladies for the beautiful comments. Its great to be able to share our special times with you all.
I would love to hear from some guys out there too
.-= Matt Jones´s last blog ..Can You Feel It Kicking? =-.
Wow Matt, that’s truly amazing!
Hopefully Jen & I can make it to the next property group meeting so we can catch up, it has been a while
Ben