Due Date: 7-14-11

No, Bethany is not seven months pregnant. She's not pregnant at all actually. But she is going to be a mommy again sometime around the middle of July when we adopt our little angel from China, Tian Tian (Tiana). Last night my bride was feeling overwhelmed by the amount of things we have to finish before bringing our daughter home such as painting her bedroom, buying a new bed, buying clothes, applying for our travel visas, buying intercontinental plane tickets, etc. She was down on herself for what she called "being moody" lately. But while trying to tie up all these loose ends, she is also holding down a full time job, is busy being a mother to two young boys, and being a supportive wife to a first-time author/head case. I told her that she was entitled to feel moody or however she felt because just like any expectant mother who is in her third trimester, she has a lot on her mind right now. However, unlike most pregnant mothers, she only deals with the logistics of bringing home a child, she doesn't get to enjoy the feeling of carrying a new life inside of her. She doesn't get to feel her baby kick when she eats spicy foods. She doesn't get to see her baby's heart beat on a sonogram. She won't get those tiny diapers and adorable clothes for a newborn at a baby shower. She doesn't have people coming up to her to feel her pregnant belly or asking her if it's going to be a boy or a girl. People don't approach her and say, "You're positively glowing today--are you pregnant?" (Although our friends and family have been very supportive and have shown great interest in our adoption journey. Thank you!)

I told Bethany that she needs to start thinking of herself as being seven months pregnant. She asked, "So it's okay that I'm all emotional and crazy lately?" I said of course it is: All pregnant women are crazy and emotional. Whether adopting or giving birth, all expectant mothers get a free pass on that. I think that made her feel a little better. Now is the time for her to start enjoying "being pregnant" and to daydream about having a daughter with whom she can have tea parties and go shopping. It's time to have some fun! Although she has no "due date," the date for her to begin to think like a mommy-to-be is long overdue.

I just want to proclaim for all the world to read: I love Bethany Naughton, the mother of my children. Honey, you're positively glowing today--are you pregnant?