All The Dirty Laundry

How did you realise you were pregnant? Did you have any signs or inklings before you tested? Or did you know because your period was late?

When I fell pregnant with L, I thought there might be a slight possibility considering we took no precautions, but I wasn't going to gets my hopes up. It wasn't until I started eating cookies and cream icecream with sour cream and onion Pringles mixed in that I thought "hey, this is a bit bizarre!" and decided I would test before my period was due. Positive! And so were the next 2 tests.

With this pregnancy, I had absolutely no idea earlier on. We were sometimes using protection but not having a lot of sex anyway, because lets face it, I was tired and not getting much emotional support from G to even think about having that intimate, physical contact. I knew when I was ovulating (or I thought I did) and had sex without wanting to, basically pressured into it. It didn't even cross my mind for a second that we'd created a baby. It wasn't until my period was 4 days late, which was also the day G kicked me out and ended our relationship, that I got my Dad to drive me to the chemist to get a test. Luckily I grabbed a box of 2, because the first one that night didn't work. The next day I did the other one, this time collecting my wee in a container and the great thing about a digital test is no guessing if you can actually see a second line or if it's just your eyes playing tricks. When that test showed Pregnant 3+ I was shocked. By then, I expected it as I'm never late, but I still couldn't believe it. Why? Why now? How? What!? I took the test out to my Mum and I couldn't speak. She could tell by the look on my face, but asked anyway and I just showed her. I mean, if I wasn't pregnant I would have just come out and said "nope" and continued on with my day.

I couldn't get excited. I couldn't share the news with G and be overjoyed together like the first time. I felt sad for L. I wanted to give her all my love and undivided attention for her first 3 years at least. How on earth was I going to look after two under the age of two when I can hardly manage to look after myself? I rang my Dad and told him and he was excited, another little grandchild for him to dote on. I know once the baby arrives he is going to be a tremendous help, as he was and still is with L.

Then when I thought about it, I was eating a lot of chocolate. And I mean a LOT. I do like a bit of chocolate every now and then, perhaps a Snickers bar or a Tim Tam, but this was eating those Cadbury Marvellous Creations by the block. It didn't click though, because chocolate isn't odd in itself and those Marvellous Creations are quite delicious with the little jelly bits and the popping candy that still pops in the back of your throat. I can't eat it now though. There's a block in the cupboard and I'm not even interested. Now I inhale salt and vinegar chips or silverside and cucumber sandwiches.

When did you suspect you were pregnant? How did you feel when you found out? What bizarre things did you find yourself eating?