If you’ve ever had a tattoo, I think I’ve found the most excellent way to explain what a woman feels in her heart when she can tell that her baby is moving in her belly.
When I was 18 years old, I got my very first tattoo on my upper-lower back. (So, no, when I squat down and the back of my shirt lifts, you usually still can’t see it.) I drew an outline of a dove flying with olive branches in his mouth and carried that around with me until the time was right to ink it. Most can know me for years without realizing that it’s ever been there.
And while I could go into specifics about the date and the time and the hows and the whys and the whats of every single detail of the experience, the real takeaway here is this: a tattoo is like a potato chip. You can’t have just one. Even if you could, you’ll forever be dreaming about the next one (or how to add to the last one).
I dare you to try and find five people that you know that either A) only have one tattoo or B) don’t have an idea in mind about what their next tattoo could be. It’s almost impossible. Getting tattooed is like immediately getting inked with an addiction. Some people react to that addiction immediately while others pace themselves over the course of the rest of their lives, adding to their artwork little by little.
Apparently the same sort of sensation holds true for feeling the baby move in your belly.
You start thinking about the next time you’ll feel it.
You start wishing that the next time would come sooner.
You remember the first time and begin to prepare yourself for the next.
You want to show it off.
And it’s a quiet pleasure that, given the wrong company, you simply don’t have to admit to, just like a tattoo.
Hopefully this has been an enlightening lesson for those of you who either have had babies, but no tattoos or had tattoos, but no babies.
In other news: pray for me. Square Piece has begun her baby registering. No, it’s still all on paper… in an outline… complete with the Roman numeral system and three symbols to indicate which source has the best price for each item… My eyes are burning from cross-comparing.
Suzy, I love your comparisons and can’t wait to know where to shop!
Haha. That was me with the kicks. I missed being pregnant and feeling the kicks so when I felt them again it was awesome!
I feel you with finding stuff for Little one. I have researched so many dressers and glider chairs I’m about to go cross-eyed! I’m so excited to start shopping for you!!! I went out today and have done a ton of random baby shopping for others and myself!
Can I just copy your registry so I don’t have to do all that awesome work you’ve already so perfectly done? Thanks!
Certainly!
I just love reading about how your baby is growing. Can’t wait to meet the little guy! By the way, if you want some info on car seats or bassinets, I’d be happy to show you what I’ve found. Also, cragslist.com is a great place to find gently use baby items for great prices.
I love this post! Can’t wait to see you in October!!!
🙂
still have just one tattoo and no clue what to do next …. but I’d be hard pressed to find four more people 😉
True. But I have heard you, on more than one occasion, talk about how you’d add to your existing tattoo. Just sayin’.
Unlike a new tattoo, however, which you may or may not like better than your last, each movement of my children got better for me as the ninth month approached. More distinct, more ‘feelable’, more real. I will not ever forget the feeling.
Maggie has only one tattoo, by the way. Just so you know your clients secrets!
Love you and loved this post so much.
Thanks, Melody! Ditto.