HB to me!

my 34th was yesterday, but I keep recalling last year's - that's when I found out I was 6 weeks pregnant!

Anthony & I had just returned from our trip to Canada, passing through Dubai on the way back home. Dubai was (is) the hottest place on earth, and I felt miserable... but I chalked it up to to the fact that I was tired from the hectic agenda we had just completed, and maybe a bit affected by quitting smoking. I used the long flights to assist me in quitting - I had decided earlier that I would quit on the way home since we were 'trying' to become pregnant!

While I was in Canada, there were a number of things that should have given me a clue, but didn't... I had gained a few pounds (much to my chagrin), and Zita's comment about my new bust size went right over my head. I scarfed down copious amounts of broccoli salad and didn't much feel like drinking (alcohol I mean!). I started getting this awful back pain in Toronto - so bad that it prevented me from walking much - and I had never felt like that before. I was also way tired and totally wanted to be in bed around 8pm! All of these are completely unlike un-pregnant me, so I don't know why I didn't clue in....

Last year, my birthday was on Monday - my first day back to work after our vacation. I woke up super early and started exercising before breakfast, doing a simple routine in my bedroom to try and work on that weight gain problem. But then I felt sick! I didn't think I was that out of shape, but figured maybe I should eat something. I made toast and planned to have it with blueberry jam - but for some reason, the toast smelled so yucky I thought I'd barf for sure... weird! At that point, it dawned on me.... DUH!

I did go to work, excited & hopeful the whole day. I stopped by Nairobi Women's Hospital on the way home for a test - the at-home tests aren't so common here so I thought I'd just go straight to the clinic. POSITIVE! I couldn't believe it... I was shaking & my life was passing before my eyes. ME! PREGNANT!! And already married and everything! Like, I'm allowed to be pregnant, this is a good thing! But it means that I'm HAVING A BABY! .....ME!!

I brought home the 'positive' paper to Anthony and he broke into a big grin & did a little dance. Yay! We're gonna be parents!

....so, though nothing can top the news of Toby as my best birthday present, thanks for all of the greetings sent to me yesterday :)