Dance Barre is my baby.
Created by me through blood sweat and tears, Dance Barre was the product of nine months of hard work. Like a new-born child it has grown quicker than I could have ever been prepared for, has taken countless hours of sleep from me, and has occupied my days since the day it was born.
Preparation is everything, they say. But with my mind on my baby in Albion and my energy focussed on my new Katie Dickens Online site, prepared was not where I was 16 weeks ago when I received the biggest surprise of my life.
Those two pink lines on a pregnancy test are something that some people dream about, and that some people fear. Quite honestly, I had not even considered these two pink lines.
Relaxing in the studio on a Sunday morning, about to film an intense Lower Body Goddess workout (DB girls you feel me) for Katie Dickens Workouts, I found out I was pregnant.
A false positive, it must be. Sure, my period was late and I had been extremely tired recently, but I was busying myself with tests for chronic fatigue and glandular fever, not pregnancy! My bloods were all over the place (as a regular visitor as The Compounding Lab I was aware of this) and with the amount that was on my plate; juggling classes, staff, training sessions, three hours of filming a day, creating my new baby Katie Dickens Online, as well as having a family, surely my body was not physically able to do this. But one thing I know about the body is that it is amazing. Now, I believe that even more.
Despite my absolute certainty that I was not pregnant, I can now assure you that I am very much having a baby. Trimester one has been an interesting ride for me, something that I was in no way, shape or form ready for.
How did I survive?
1. Carbs.
No, I’m not kidding.
2. Taking one day at a time.
This is overwhelming, thats for sure. So taking everything as it comes, day by day, has made it manageable.
3. Asking many many many questions.
I know I’ve already rang that person three times. And yes I have been trawling through pregnancy websites and blogs. But it all helps, being prepared and knowing that I was normal is just what I needed. So ask away.
4. Health Practitioners.
I have seen pretty much everyone you could see. Acupuncturists, physios, doctors, pharmacists, pilates specialists and mummas. You name it, I’ve been to them. The more I feel comfortable in my body and the more knowledge I have as I am going through this amazing experience, the better. BIG shoutout to the gorgeous girls at The Compounding Lab who see me most days of the week, they have been awesome in helping me through the aches, pains and migraines of the first trimester.
5. Family & Girlfriends.
Well, where would you be without them? My beautiful family and my closest girlfriends have been incredibly supportive. They have helped me ride the highs and have supported me through the lows that come with pregnancy. They give great advice, they tell you when you’re being emotional and ridiculous, they bring you food, and share their pregnancy stories, but mainly they give you some major support, both emotionally and mentally. This baby making business is a whole world of its own. Having my nearest and dearest by my side has been a lifesaver during this incredible life changing journey I am on and I know that this is only the beginning. I am now and forever will be, grateful for them.
6. How could I forget, my amazing fiancé.
Bryce has been my rock, my rationale and my hero throughout it all in particular the last 16 weeks. He tells me when to go home and put my feet up (I really should listen more, he can see me crashing before I do), gives me cuddles on demand when I need them most, he deals with those nasty pregnancy hormones and most of all he absolutely shares my joy. I can’t believe we are creating a little life together. I knew this would be on the cards I just didn’t expect it so soon. But how unreal is this! What an incredible journey we are on, it has definitely brought us even closer together. I especially love when he comes home and rest his hand on my growing belly and talks to the bub “How’s my baby doing today” just gives me butterflies sharing this with you.
Keeping this HUGE secret has been a little challenging at times. I’m not someone who owns too many loose tees or singlets, however as soon as I noticed my bloated and fluid-like belly starting to make an appearance I knew I needed some serious baggy tees to help cover my growing bump – I certainly wasn’t ready to share my big surprise. My personal favourite has been hiding my belly behind the DB reception desk in the later weeks after my belly had popped, ever so discreetly – or not so muc
h so I hear.
So far pregnancy, like many other women experience, hasn’t been all smooth sailing during the first and second trimester. Experiencing morning sickness – which might I add should be called non-stop sickness – daily headaches and migraines as well as the ever so pleasant unpredictable vomiting session at home, in the car, in the studio, or on the way to a meeting. But while at times it has been tough, my excitement only continues to grow. It’s safe to say that this wasn’t in the game plan for this year, surprise is an understatement. Life throws these things our way sometimes and right now, I could not be more excited to introduce you to the extra special DB baby in our life.
…arriving August 2017!