My Baby and My Other Baby

I’m publishing my first book in September. I’m expecting my first baby in November. 

They say that when it rains, it pours, and I feel that way about the abundance in my life. Are there times of stagnation where I am not actively working towards anything? Yes. However, it feels like more often than not there are periods where I have almost too much to be excited about. 

For example, last year we were moving into our new house at the same time I was finalizing plans for my trip to Europe. I’ve alluded in previous blog posts to the fact that I have a lot of balls in the air, so to speak, and often have to compartmentalize everything just to stay on top of it. Now, I’m planning for my book release, arranging for my maternity leave from work, and preparing our family for the massive change of welcoming a baby. 

The thing is, I can’t separate all of this into different categories, because it’s all my real life! So, will I be promoting my book while heavily pregnant? Yep, I guess I am! 

We had decided to have a baby around the same time that I sent my book to publishers. I was definitely ready for a new chapter in my life in several capacities, I just didn’t expect it to all happen at once. The publishing came first. 

I signed my contract with Koehler before the end of 2024, and was well into the editing process when I found out I was pregnant. I’m glad that I got a lot of the intellectual work out of the way before “pregnancy brain” hit me, because I’ve never had such brain fog in my life!

Long story short, it’s been interesting talking about and promoting my book while celebrating the baby on the way. At the first baby shower celebration that family members threw for us, I was telling family friends about the content and themes of the book, and several people felt compelled to preorder it. Is it politically incorrect to celebrate my book when we’re gathering to celebrate my other bundle of joy? 

Who knows. Like in my book, declaring “right” from “wrong” can be a Gray Area. Thanks to everyone who celebrates and enjoys one or both of my pieces of exciting news this year! 

Also, if there’s one regret I have, it’s using some of the great names I did in the book that I should have been saving for babies!