Have you ever thought about how many definitions the word expectant has? My thesaurus lists suspense, waiting, anxiety, apprehension, curiosity, hope, belief and faith. When I think of the word expectant, the first thing that comes to mind is pregnancy and the expectant Mommy. "Oh, congratulations, you're expecting!" is the usual greeting when the word gets out. A simple sentence that encompasses all of the words listed above. Suspense, certainly. Will it be a boy or girl? Waiting, yes, nine months can seem like an eternity. Anxiety, absolutely! Every time you go to the doctor's office to get weighed. I make my appointments early in the morning and then go to breakfast after the weigh-in, it's a little tip that helps. I always gain more than the recommended amount. Apprehension is always going to accompany the entire time you are carrying that new life inside you. That is not to say that it is stress and worry in the classic sense. Apprehension can be as silly as how can I still look stylish as the months go by. Will I still be attractive? Is my waddling around even slightly cute? If it is your first baby, apprehension can take the form of questioning being a good parent. We all want to give our kids more and be better parents than our parents were. Will we be able to accomplish that ? Thank goodness, there are so many resources to read, learn from and apply. Apprehension of all sorts is only resolved with the passage of time, trial and error. The first child is the test child and by the time the second and third come around you're a pro. Then there's the word curiosity. What will they look like, will they be outgoing or shy, sugar and spice, tall or short, curly hair or straight? And what will their brothers or sisters think of the new addition to the family. How does this change the dynamic of the structure you now enjoy? So much to be curious about. The last three words that define expectant are hope, belief and faith. These are the words that get you through all of life with an upbeat attitude. The hope in new life and the belief and faith that things will always turn out for the best. Always expect the best in life and that's what you will find. Expectant Mommy's give the greatest gift that can be given, to give new life. Be cool, literally and figuratively. I have faith in you and all your decisions. There are great resources from which to learn and grow in beauty and strength as your body grows. My best advice is to enjoy every moment of your pregnancy and enjoy expecting in every sense of the word.

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Lenore ZurWelle