Ready or not, baby Dryden is on the way!

In typical first-time-parent-fashion, Creighton and I are equal parts thrilled and terrified about welcoming a child into the world.

It’s a funny thing, becoming a parent…it’s the most grown up I’ve ever felt while also the most out of control I’ve ever felt. But I’m (re)learning the most valuable lesson: that God is sovereign over timing, that He sustains and produces life, and that no fear should overcome us because He is in control.

To share a little more, I’ve decided to format this blog post in the form of an interview….yes, I will be answering questions that no one asked (ha), but that I as a reader would be curious to know. So here we go!

How did you find out you were pregnant?

Creighton and I had been open to the idea of pregnancy, but not super hopeful that it would come quickly for us. I have an on-going health issue that reared it’s ugly head at the beginning of 2021 and my doctors had warned that it might be a long road to conception. We had only been married a year and weren’t in any hurry…plus, we truly believed that God would give us the family we needed in the way and timing that was best. We loved the life we currently led with just the two of us, so we just lived our normal lives for a few months, knowing that we could get pregnant, while also knowing that it could never happen for us.

One really rainy Monday, I took a pregnancy test for reasons that you might expect, but strange as it sounds, I really thought it would be negative. In fact, I would’ve bet money on it. You see, that pesky ongoing health issue was not exactly under control…and, if I’m being totally honest, I also have this other pesky condition that is more of an emotional problem: I truly believe good things won’t come to me because I’m not worthy of them. I know, that’s deep and dark and not at all true, but I constantly struggle to believe God will give me good gifts. I just assumed pregnancy wouldn’t go my way.

But wouldn’t you know, I picked up that pregnancy test after the allotted three minutes and there were two pink lines.

It’s sappy, but my first response was tears of joy and gratitude. I just kept saying “thank you” out loud, knowing that God had given us a gift—one I knew I didn’t deserve (re: my ongoing feeling that God withholds me good things due to my sin), and yet, He gives and gives and gives. I truly couldn’t believe it.

Also, one cool thing about when we found out: the 22nd has become “our lucky day,” due to the following:

• Our first date was on June 22, 2018
• We were married on February 22, 2020
• We found out we were expecting on March 22, 2021

Hooray for the 22nd and the reminder of God’s kindness to us that it continually brings!

How did you tell Creighton?

Well, weird as it may sound, Creighton was NOT the first person I told. I knew he had a busy work day, so I instead immediately texted my best friend Bailey (I think I needed another human being to verify that my eyes did not deceive me in that moment.). Bailey is such a celebrator of people and also had some recent experience with pregnancy, so I definitely picked the right mama to call. One of her texts really stuck with me…she said, “Kat, you have a little soul in you right now.” Isn’t that cool? She also encouraged me to tell Creighton in a fun, creative way, so here’s what I did…

I already had on the docket that day to buy some baby books for a friend’s shower, so I went to Barnes and Nobels and grabbed some, along with an additional book called, “Becoming a First Time Dad for Dummies.” My plan was to have the books on the counter when Creighton got home from work and tell him to check out the things I bought for our pal, Michelle. I knew he’d question why I got the Dads for Dummies book and that’s when I’d whip out the positive pregnancy tests (yes, “tests.” I took no less than THREE just to make sure they all had the same answer, HA.). But when Creighton got home, he sweetly came over, gave me a hug, and jokingly said, “You’re so pretty, I could marry you.” I seized the opportunity and said, “Am I so pretty you could have a baby with me?” He didn’t get it and just said “of course,” but when I showed him the positive tests conveniently hanging out in my back pocket, he immediately understood and a giant grin filled his face. I later gave him the Dads for Dummies book even though it didn’t become part of the actual baby reveal…and I immediately regretted that gift because he’s used the first line against me so many times. It says: “Don’t let your partner tell you differently: Pregnancy is hard on dads too.” EYE ROLL, AM I RIGHT?

Do you know the gender?

Boy

When are you due?

We will have a little Thanksgiving baby—due November 24th. Hence his nickname: Turkey.

Have y’all picked a name?

I think so, but we haven’t 100% committed. I have had a list of much-loved baby names on my phone since I was in college, but turns out actually naming a baby is harder than one would think.

Weird food aversions?

Only during first trimester: I couldn’t stand the taste/smell of peanut butter, turkey, or mints.

Food cravings?

I don’t think I’ve had any. I eat about the same as always (just much, much more).

Strangest part of pregnancy?

Heightened senses all around. It’s very bizarre. I was deep in my first trimester during the peak of spring, and I swear there was a day in early April when I walked outside and it smelled like I was walking past a bakery. The air smelled so sweet that it was overwhelming, but Creighton promised me it smelled normal…I think I could just strongly smell the blooming flowers. I know that sounds ridiculous, but it’s true. Another time, I was on a walk and passed a pizza delivery man. I don’t know what possessed me to say this, but I asked him, “Is that a BBQ Chicken pizza.” The guy laughed and said, “good nose.” The heightened smell has pretty much subsided, but I do feel like I’m still more sensitive to smells, taste, noise, and touch even today at 25 weeks pregnant.

Did you have a feeling it would be a boy?

No! I 100% thought the baby would be a girl. I have no idea why…maybe because I grew up with all sisters and that’s all I’ve ever known? BUT, here’s a funny/weird thing. During my first trimester, I had probably 3-5 dreams about the baby and in the dreams the baby was always a boy…and always named Charlie. Weird, right? Now, I don’t think Charlie will be our boy name (though, it was a contender!), but I can’t help but wonder if the subconscious self can determine gender before it’s even proved. Who knows, probably not. Though, two of my girlfriends with multiple kids have confirmed that they’ve always had dreams that aligned with the gender of their children before actually knowing the baby’s sex. Pretty interesting, huh?

Best moment in pregnancy?

• Finding out
• Telling Creighton
• Seeing the baby’s sonograms…especially the most recent one! See below!

Scariest moment in pregnancy?

We almost miscarried at 9 weeks. It all ended up being ok, but we definitely had a rocky few weeks.

Second trimester symptoms?

Second tri is SO much easier than first trimester (see ya never, nausea). But about week 21 I started to feel a little more “pregnant.” Here’s what I mean…

• Heartburn (coconut water helps so much)
• Back pain
• Trouble sleeping
• Constant urination
• Fatigue is coming back (which for a go-getter like me, is just plain annoying)

Movement?

Yes! About week 21-22 I started to feel daily kicks.

Weight gain?

I would normally NOT talk about my weight gain on this blog, but I figured if I were the reader/had never had a baby before, I’d want to know! So, Yes to weight gain…so far about 15 lbs (I’m 25 weeks for reference). I feel pretty good about it, but my outfit choices are starting to be limited.

Prayer for the baby?

Creighton and I pray for the baby every night. My main prayer is that he would grow into a kind, humble man who loves Jesus and others well.

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Phew! That was a long one. Thanks for caring enough to read.

KAT
Currently listening to “Strawberries” by CAAMP