Megan Navarro
Every nook and cranny of our house that, just a year ago, was bought and decorated for a couple and their dog has now become a stepping stone for a family with a newborn baby.
In just a few weeks, the “just us” era that we have known for the last five years married, but 13 years total together, will be coming to an end. Am I sad? A little bit because, as selfish as it sounds, I am mourning what is going to be different.
I am going to miss the current dynamic that we have.
I am going to miss the ease that is felt when we want to go out and do something, knowing that we already have some challenges with navigating our opposite schedules, while also having to wrangle our four-legged son to be okay when we are out of the house.
I am going to miss the vacations and road trips where it is the two of us. We are able to take as much or as little time as we want without worry.
I am going to miss staying up late at night — well, as much as I can handle before falling asleep — watching the newest movies and TV shows.
I am going to miss the time we get to spend together doing the little “adulting” dates, where we go to H-E-B, Walmart or Target shopping for groceries, things around the house or prepping for the baby's arrival.
And the list goes on.
However, there are some things that I definitely do not/will not miss or, on the other hand, am looking forward to.
I do not miss — despite their good intentions — the feeling that people constantly ask when you are going to have kids.
I do not miss the instant jealousy I felt when I would see other families bond with their babies, just waiting for when it was going to be our turn.
I do not miss the anxiety that took over when it felt like it was “our time,” but the tests kept showing up negative and then, you think: what am I doing wrong?
I will not miss the bloodwork that comes with being pregnant because your girl does not do well with needles.
I will not miss the different kind of tired I feel when I am pregnant. I have a list in my head of things I want to do and should get done, but the lack of motivation creeps in when I just want to take a nap.
While I know that navigating parenthood is going to be a challenge, there are so many moments that I am looking forward to, especially with baby girl due in late August and that means that we get to celebrate her first holidays soon.
I am also excited to meet her and get to know who she is as a person. I can’t wait to have a mini built-in best friend.
Soon, it will no longer be “just us,” but that makes these final moments even sweeter to prepare us for what’s to come.
Navarro is the executive editor for the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch. She can be reached by emailing [email protected].
