Expecting…

You know how life is just hilarious sometimes? When everything is going as planned and you know what you’re doing and where you’re going… then suddenly the world says ‘Lol don’t think so, hun’ and there’s a big plot twist?

Well, the last few years I’ve been feeling pretty content with life. Living with Josh, working in a job I like, travelling as much as I can and steadily building my blog. So I mean, I was a prime target for a bit of a shake up.

And then bam, I’m engaged and pregnant in the same month.

That’s right kiddo, I’ve only gone and gotten myself knocked up. Total plot twist.

You remember I got engaged in Italy in April? (Read about it over here) Well I spent the following couple of weeks in wedding planning mode. Working out our budget and who was going to be on the guest list. I subscribed to the amazing Rock N Roll Bride magazine and started pinning beautiful tulle dresses and quirky cake ideas.

Then I peed on the stick and everything changed. It turns out I got a little too excited about the engagement in Italy… Needless to say, this was unplanned!

But Josh and I had been talking about trying for a baby in the near future, so it wasn’t totally out of the blue. We had spoken about it, about how many kids we wanted and what kind of parents we wanted to be. I came off of the pill at the end of last year so that I was off any hormones by the time we wanted to start trying. But it still was shocking.

Because I had got it into my head that we were getting married first. I had just gotten used to having the ring on my finger and started saving some cash. I like to plan things, I’m a bit neurotic like that. So this change of plans had me shook.

I realise I sound totally unhappy about the situation, but trust me, I’m really happy! This is an exciting new chapter and one that I’m absolutely ready for.

I mean my initial reactions were – WTF. When did I become a grown-up?! Am I old enough for all this?? (Yes, yes I am. I’m 30.)

But I’ve been sitting on this news for a little while now and I’m really bloody excited to meet this kid. I’m currently 14 weeks pregnant. And to be honest it’s only just starting to feel real. I’ve started showing, I’ve invested in some solid maternity pieces to see me through the rest of the year and Josh has already sent me a link to a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles outfit for the baby… You know, the essentials. But I also need to move house soon and start putting together a nursery and go to antenatal classes and how the hell is anyone meant to survive on maternity pay… *hyperventilates*

It’s ok, I got this (I tell myself constantly).

Pregnancy is a surreal experience. And it’s definitely been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster so far. I’m always worrying about scans and test results and Googling every single symptom I experience to make sure it’s normal.

The hardest bit has definitely been the first trimester. Keeping it a secret is so bloody hard. When you have to pretend to drink and you really have mocktails or alcohol-free beers. When you have morning sickness at work. When you are overcome with complete exhaustion and then have to go on a press trip. It’s a lot. I have some stories to tell for sure!

I’m going to write a few posts about my experiences of pregnancy, because it’s really fucking weird, and actually nothing like TV and films have led me to believe (weird that Rachel in Friends never mentioned piles, huh?). But don’t worry, there will still be lots of travel content in between. I’m already planning a relaxing Babymoon and figuring out how we’re going to travel with a baby!

I just wanted to give you a heads up that I’m y’know ‘with child’. So I’m definitely going to be slowing down on the travel-front for the rest of the year. Luckily I have about 476 posts from my last few trips that I’ve been too tired to write over the past 3 months… So there will be lots of newness on here, pal.

Also, think of me when you’re tucking into your camembert and drinking your mulled wine this Christmas. Because I will be huge and so mad about it. I already know.

But come January, there will be a new addition around these parts! Eek! What do you think – Heels In My Nappybag? Bottle In My Backpack?

I guess this is the start of my biggest adventure yet…

BRB just going to drink a pint of pink squash and eat some salt and vinegar crisps. #Cravings