Orange cardamom aperitif

There were more than a few things I didn’t like about pregnancy. The morning sickness, the headaches… the caffeine and cocktail deprivation.

Deep into my third trimester, ankles the size of melons, carpal tunnel braces on my hands, I woke up for the fourteenth time to pee and stumbled my way through the dark like a boxer with a hefty concussion straight into the bathroom door.

I thought for sure I’d broken my nose. But as I worked my way back into the pretzel of a body pillow I needed to fall back asleep, cursing my giant belly and the stupid (blessed) light canceling shades that made the room so dark… the little bean inside me jumped, and all I could feel was joy.

It’s amazing how one little kick can change the world.

In nine months, pregnancy prepares you for parenthood as best it can… and it does a damn good job. The sleep deprivation, the aches and pains, the worry, and the soul-crushing, life-altering love…

I won’t lie, one month in it’s still hard to think of much besides this bundle that’s barely left my arms. He’s already changed so much, and time feels as if it’s slipping away like never before.

We haven’t slept more than a few hours, and just carving out the time to make lunch still feels like a chore, but I could stare at his face for days on end.

… and I have, because time is short, and I’m well aware that the day is coming soon when I’ll have to return back to work. So, for now, I’m enjoying the sleep deprivation and soaking up all the love that I can.

Thankfully, at least some semblance of normalcy has returned. I’m also working on mastering the perfectly timed cocktail (something of an art for the breastfeeding mom, and one I’m relishing after 9 sad, dry months…).

P.S. Learn how to make your own bitters here!