Well, here we are — 30 weeks pregnant, wildly emotional, and somehow existing in a constant state of both overwhelming joy and sheer panic. Motherhood is no longer some abstract idea floating in the distant future.
She’s coming.
She’s real.
And she kicks like she’s training for the Olympics.
Sometimes, she kicks so hard I lose my breath. Other times, she kicks just to remind me that I have approximately ten weeks before my world permanently shifts on its axis.
But let’s get into it: my latest doctor’s appointment.
Measuring Small, But Not Panicking (Yet?)
At my two-week follow-up, my doctor mentioned that I’m measuring on the smaller side — not alarmingly so, but small enough that if things don’t change by my next appointment, they’ll want to do additional ultrasounds. Cue internal screaming.
Am I worried?
Honestly, not really.
My husband and I were both premature babies, born around five pounds, so it’s not shocking that our little girl might just be naturally tiny. My doctor expects me to carry to term, and we even discussed a possible induction date.
So, while my brain is doing the usual anxiety spiral (because that’s just my default setting these days), I’m choosing to believe that everything is going exactly as it’s meant to.
No Time for a Baby Shower, No Time for a Break, Just a Whole Lot of Reality
Speaking of reality… I’m officially overwhelmed.
Between my husband’s brutal neurosurgery residency and my own never-ending to-do list, we literally do not have time for a baby shower. It sounds lovely in theory — gathering with loved ones, celebrating, receiving adorable onesies that say things like Mommy’s Little Sidekick — but in real life? Not happening.
So instead, I’ve been working part-time to save up for baby essentials and pay off some debt, while also hunting for secondhand gems and accepting donations from friends and family.
And honestly?
People have come through in ways that make me want to cry.
We have a crib.
We have a rocker.
We even have a car seat. (Which means I will not, in fact, be carrying this baby around in a backpack. Progress!)
A Shameless Plea for Help (Because Babies Are Expensive and We Are Tired)
I hate asking for help.
I really do.
But here we are.
I put together a Zola baby registry with the things we still need — some essentials, some “would-make-life-easier” items, and some wish-list things that I know will make a real difference.
Some highlights:
- Reusable diapers — because saving money AND the environment feels like a win.
- A baby monitor — so I can obsessively check on her every five minutes like the neurotic new mom I am destined to be.
- A lightweight stroller — because I need something that won’t make me look like I’m wrestling a wild animal every time I leave the house.
- Glass bottles — better for the baby, better for the environment, better for my peace of mind.
If you want to contribute but don’t necessarily vibe with buying stuff, Venmo donations are also deeply, profoundly appreciated. Because at the end of the day, every little bit helps.
Registry link: Zola Baby Registry
A Moment of Gratitude (Before I Spiral Again)
Listen — I know times are tough.
Not everyone can contribute, and that’s okay.
Even if you’re just here reading, supporting, commenting, sending good vibes — you have no idea how much that means to me.
This journey has been wild.
Exciting.
Terrifying.
Beautiful.
Completely surreal.
And knowing that I have this incredible community behind me makes it all the more special.
So thank you.
For everything.
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Hi, I’m Fiona, a writer going through an unexpected chapter in life.
I lost my job in April 2024, and my husband and I have been getting by on his small medical residency income. After stepping away from IVF, we were surprised and overjoyed to find ourselves pregnant, but it’s added financial stress as we prepare for this new journey.
Writing is my way of contributing to our family while covering essentials like groceries, bills and maybe items for our 🌈 miracle baby.
If you’d like to support us, your kindness would mean the world — every little bit helps. $1, $2…Anything is appreciated. Donate here (Venmo).
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Read also: Our Marriage Ended Before It Began: The Pregnancy That Shattered Everything
Read also: I’m Pregnant And Broke — My Cry For Help
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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Photo credit: Juliia Abramova on Unsplash
