5 weeks

 

Big week this week. Baby is the size of a sesame seed! And so is mom’s appetite. Not feeling nauseous or getting sick, but definitely not interested in eating food. I’ve been sticking to frequent, small snacks consisting mostly of fruits, veggies, and yogurt. Despite my general disinterest in food, there is one thing I can’t get enough of: SALSA. That’s right, my very first pregnancy craving! Before this, I was rather ambivalent toward salsa – and now I cannot get enough. Tom is quite enjoying this new development, as he is an avid salsa fan and – for the first time in our marriage – a jar (or 2 or 3) can always be found in our cupboards.

Other than that, the only other symptoms I’m having so far are heartburn (which I’ve never really had before), frequent trips to the ladies room (which I had had before, but not at such an astonishing rate), difficulty sleeping (complicated by the train and my beloved husband’s snoring), and unquenchable thirst (which can only be satisfied by milk and/or water). Nothing too overwhelming, though, and overall I feel pretty normal so far. Knock on wood!

In other news, we made our first pregnancy announcements this week! Sadly, we didn’t make it one day before telling our friends Danny and Jackie who live with us in Wauwatosa. They got married on the same day (and at the exact same time!) as us, have been going through medical school with us, and have been on par with us regarding starting a family. We knew they would find out within the week (when I would have to turn down alcohol during happy hour), so we met them at Gille’s Frozen Custard on our way back into town and – for the first time – shared our big news! They were beyond excited, and it made it feel even more real to have other people know about our little one.    

Having spent a week in secret agony, we spontaneously decided to tell our families the following weekend. First, we drove to Oshkosh to visit the Vandenbergs. Having always shared an unconditional love for the Milwaukee Brewers with them, I purchased a maternity Brewers T-shirt with the words “Future Fan” and an arrow pointing to my stomach. When we came through the door, my Dad absentmindedly pointed at my shirt, saying “How ‘bout them Brewers?” When all he got in response were raised eyebrows from me and a boyish grin from Tom, he looked a little closer – then did a double take. His eyes widened as he looked up at me and said, “NO WAY! Really?!?” My mom, overhearing my Dad’s reaction from the adjacent room, came racing in yelling, “I KNEW IT!” before even seeing the shirt. In true motherly fashion, she had – in fact – known it. 

The next day we headed to Wautoma where all but 1 Leschke were gathered for a weekend at the cottage. Tom’s childhood is often characterized by his adoration for superheroes and his tendency to dress up as his most beloved idol: Superman. So, disguised as a combined Mothers/Fathers Day gift, we wrapped up a tiny Superman onesie and attached a note that read: COMING FEB 3^rd, and gave it to Tom’s parents while the family was gathered in the sunroom. Tom’s dad laughed. His mother cried. And champagne was served for everyone…but me (and Tom, who has chosen to also abstain from alcohol– as he would say – “ in solidarity”).

Finally, (I told you it was a big week!) – we had our very first prenatal appointment, where we learned about the laundry list of things one should not eat, drink, do, or think while being pregnant. Bye-bye booze. Bye-bye soft cheeses. Bye-bye hot tubs and bike rides. Hello nine months of crazy, beautiful, scary, exciting, mysterious, magical wonder.