Subscribe
Share
Share
Embed
The New Mom Podcast is a Christian motherhood podcast for women navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and early motherhood.
Whether you're a first-time mom, expecting, or in the middle of sleepless nights, this show offers real, honest conversations about motherhood, marriage, identity, and faith. We talk about birth stories, postpartum recovery, relationships, mental health, and trusting God through every stage of motherhood. If you're looking for encouragement, practical advice, and a reminder that you're not alone—this podcast is for you.
Our prayer is that New Mom leaves you feeling seen, strengthened, and a little more equipped for the beautiful calling of motherhood!
New episodes weekly.
Hello, and welcome back to New Mom. I'm your host, Carrie Alexander, and I am so excited to be with you here today. Today on the show, I got to sit down with my dear friend, Merritt Puth. Merritt is pregnant. She's a true new mom.
Carrie:She is exactly the demographic for the show. She's my friend that is eight months pregnant with her first baby, a sweet baby boy that they're welcoming in I think she's 33, so just in a couple of months. She is such a joy and she's a friend that actually is an LA friend that has moved to Nashville with her husband. And it's just such a cool god story that we get to stay in each other's lives and be friends in in a new city. We dive into pregnancy in this episode.
Carrie:Like, this was so much fun when I say that we literally were like, wait. Were we recording? We just talk all the first trimester symptoms, all the crazy things people should not say to pregnant pregnant people, all the times our husbands are hyperchondrikes and pretending they have the same symptoms we have. Like, what? Anyway, we get into to so much of it.
Carrie:But this is a pregnancy focused episode in all of the best ways. It's a fun one. Merritt is such a joy and a light, and I can't wait for you to hear it. Without further ado, here's my conversation with the beautiful Merritt. Merritt, yay.
Carrie:Welcome to New Mom. Thank you. So I excited to be knew when you first told me you were pregnant, was like, I have to have her on. Yes. So I'm so excited that you're
Merritt:finally I've been listening to this, I think, before I was even pregnant. Like, oh, save save save save that I love you. Thank you. You're so
Carrie:you're so sweet. Thank you for being And welcome kinda welcome to Nashville. You're still pretty pretty new on the ground.
Merritt:Very new.
Carrie:Yeah. How long have you guys
Merritt:moved here? So technically, got here in May, but I spent most of the summer in North Carolina and then came back, like, end of August.
Carrie:So you're, like, super new.
Merritt:Yeah. Super new. Yeah. Not even really exploring a ton. So yeah.
Merritt:Okay.
Carrie:And if you're not watching, you may not know, but Merritt's also super pregnant. Also, just look amazing. You would not know that you're super pregnant. I was like, oh, I love those maternity pants. You're like, they're not even they're not even They're my maternity they're stretchy.
Carrie:They are stretchy. But you look so cute. But So tell us like, don't I know, just like tell us a bit about yourself, about your marriage, how far along in your cute pregnancy. Okay.
Merritt:So, I have been married, oh gosh, nine or ten months. We got married in December.
Carrie:Okay. Yes.
Merritt:And, coming up, which is it's just been the craziest year. Okay. So we got married in December and we were living in LA. And, for my birthday in February, we got a cute little puppy, a golden retriever, which was so fun. And we were like, yay, this will be nice.
Merritt:Mind you, during all this, our house is for sale. Because we were like, okay, you know what? We love LA, but kind of being called back East. Like, I've always wanted to go back to North Carolina. Stephen's like, let's meet in the middle for my work.
Merritt:And we landed on Nashville. And so got the puppy. We're like, great. Whenever the house sells. And I think it was like six days after eating the puppy, we found out we were pregnant.
Merritt:And then I think four weeks after that, found out the household. And yeah. So that was from February to now. I'm thirty two and a half weeks pregnant. Crazy.
Merritt:Yeah. And Crazy. All
Carrie:with their,
Merritt:like yeah. Marriage and everything, puppy, mom momhood coming up. So, yeah. It's been a lot, but Yeah. It's been
Carrie:Yeah. Well, look great.
Merritt:Thank you.
Carrie:And I'm so excited to have you here. I wanna give people, like, background on our story and our
Merritt:friendship because
Carrie:I think it's actually, like, so sweet.
Merritt:I know.
Carrie:God's just really kind. Yeah. Because so we met we met at v kids. Right? Yes.
Carrie:Adventist. We were nursery. Yeah. We we served the nursery together maybe, like, 2023 maybe we might. It was a while.
Merritt:I honestly, I think 2021. '20 What? Yes.
Carrie:Oh my gosh. I'm Was I married? Yes. Okay. So it could have been '22.
Merritt:Well, okay. Then it '20
Carrie:I'm married in '22. Okay. It was '22. Right after I got married. We served together in the, like, fours and fives Yeah.
Carrie:Room or whatever. Yes. And we totally hit it off. But the thing at Vintage, Shoutout Vintage, our our old church, was it's big. And then also, Connor and I were, like, living we lived, like, thirty minutes away.
Carrie:Right. So we were in the about so I feel like you were one of those friends that, like, when we served together, we were just, oh my gosh. How are you? And, like, caught up on everything. Then we just went and see each other as much.
Carrie:But then we got to do we did the women's bible study together Yes. And that
Merritt:was cool. That was so fun.
Carrie:And then we got to hang out a few times. But it was always one of those things where I was, I love you and you're such a friend. But I was like, I don't really get to like, we never really got to spend a ton of time together.
Merritt:Yeah.
Carrie:And then you get married and then you text me and you're like, so we're moving to Nashville and I'm pregnant. Yes. And it was just it's so kind of God.
Merritt:It was so cool. Like, the alignment always, like, through even though, yes, we were, like we didn't see each other a ton, but, like, always have that connection and now we're back in the same city so far away. It's It's really cool.
Carrie:And it's cool because when we moved, I always felt like that this sounds so silly. But with you and Steven, we we just loved you guys and we hit it off with a few times we got to do, like, a date night or something. I love them. Yeah. And we always felt like, oh, we just, like, didn't get to like, it just didn't feel like it was over, the story.
Carrie:I'm like, oh, they're so awesome. And then and then you guys being here is, like, so cool. Got to have dinner with you a few weeks ago.
Merritt:I'm like I know.
Carrie:Having you in the neighborhood, like, close by. It's just it's just so cool. And the timing of like Yeah. You becoming a mom
Merritt:Yes. And everything. My go to like, help. Yeah. I know.
Merritt:It's just
Carrie:like it's it's seriously such a full And circle now we get to raise kids together and be in the same city.
Merritt:I wouldn't believe it.
Carrie:Yeah. It's awesome. And our husbands have a lot in common and hit it off and Yes. They do. Are both hypochondriacs.
Carrie:No. We're just kidding. We we talked beforehand. Like, the weight of our husband's the same people.
Merritt:Literally the same. It's like, I
Carrie:have this pregnancy symptom. Me too?
Merritt:No. Stephen has had That was you. Stephen's had all the same pregnancy symptoms.
Carrie:That's so okay. I wanna note this a thing. Everyone. Because when I was pregnant and I had insomnia, right, Con? You had insomnia at the same time.
Carrie:He had insomnia at the same But I'm so but then you said this, I'm like, isn't just like a my husband thing. Is this is this real or are they hypochondriacs?
Merritt:I don't know. I mean, I I mean, it's been every symptom across the board for sleeping. He also growing a belly? He thinks so. He thinks yes.
Merritt:Because he's eating. Because when I was hungry, he was hungry. Yeah. When I, you know, felt cramping, he felt cramping in his stomach. Like, when I've been really
Carrie:You hot need the pregnant girls to to write in on this. Are your husband saying they have the same symptoms? Because we have experiences.
Merritt:And some are, like, very particular, like, you don't have a a little human in you. And he's feeling the same. It yeah. It's been interesting. I it's been funny.
Merritt:I just kinda giggle because I'm like, okay. I'm like, how can I help you? How can I help? What do you need? Cause I don't I can't figure mine out so maybe I could
Carrie:Yeah. Seriously, it's like when I was just telling her that it's like when the the husband gets the man flu and it's like the we are down for the count as a family.
Merritt:It's Yeah.
Carrie:When Connor gets the man flu.
Merritt:Right. Yeah. It's Yeah. I know. Like, Steven got his hand a paper cut yesterday and, like, ran for a band aid.
Merritt:I was like, okay. I'm I can alright. He's helping me prep. He's helping me get ready prep. To get this baby out.
Merritt:Yeah. Oh
Carrie:my gosh.
Merritt:It's crazy.
Carrie:So I don't actually know this story, but like when did you how did you find out you're pregnant?
Merritt:Okay. I mean, it wasn't like a whole big woo. Like Were you
Carrie:guys trying? Like were you not seeing? Yes. Okay. We knew what
Merritt:we were doing. We were like try Yes. I, I had some friends that were definitely going through a more difficult journey that, you know, was very vocal. Like if you ever wanna have a kid or you know, you're thinking about it, I am all for going ahead and trying. Because they were struggling in their season of trying to conceive and there were speed bumps along the way.
Merritt:And I was just like, oh my gosh, like I hadn't thought about that. You know? I was just like, especially coming off being freshly married, I've always wanted to be a mom. But it wasn't like, I want to be a mom right away. But it wasn't all also like, I'm gonna wait a little bit.
Merritt:You know, it was kind of just And so I was like, you know what? Let's just try and God willing, you know, we're married. We're not, you know, 22. Like, you know, we're we're older ish. I know not old, but, so yeah.
Merritt:So we were like, okay, let's try. And we're very blessed. That's so good. Very, very blessed.
Carrie:Yeah. That is amazing.
Merritt:Yeah. It was really special. And yeah. And so I, my brother, my middle brother had come to LA to visit and we were going to like this jazz club he loves. And he was like, do you wanna get a drink?
Merritt:And I was like, I don't know. You know, I didn't say anything to him, but I was like, you know, I don't think so. And he was like, okay. And I was like, yeah, I just like, I'm fine. And so I had like this intuition.
Merritt:I was like, okay. But I was like, I'm not going to take a test while my brother's here. Like, I'm just gonna wait. So I remember I dropped him off at the airport a couple days later and took the went to the store and took the test on the way home or took the test on my way home. And I picked up the test on the way home.
Carrie:Okay. Was like, wait.
Merritt:I did not take it I in the was like, how did
Carrie:you take it? I'll spill. That's crazy.
Merritt:I picked up the test and then I went home and yeah, it was positive. And I was just like, I think I was like anxious and nervous that it wasn't like, oh, Steven, like whatever. Then I walked and I told him. And I think there were tears of just like shock, like not That's fast. Not like not sad, but not like, wow.
Merritt:You know, I feel like you see some of these reactions online. I'm like, oh, I wasn't like ecstatic like that. Like, was so excited.
Carrie:Well, it's also it is just such a shock. Like, had some of our best friends had like a similar thing where they after they got married pretty quickly, they got pregnant. And it's like, you're still so happy and so excited. And they also like weren't super young. So they were like, honestly, let's be open to it.
Carrie:Right. But then it is surprising because you do hear so many stories of people that it can take a year or two years to Yes. And they're perfectly healthy Right. And they have tons of kids and it it all works out, but it can take a while. Yes.
Carrie:So like Yeah. I'm sure you're like, wait, woah, woah. We were just like open to this.
Merritt:Yay. But like, oh my gosh. Because like, yeah, there's a way to try out. Yeah. If it's If you're okay and if it's gonna happen is if you try, you know?
Merritt:And so it was it was such a blessing. But I think it was just kind of I was like, oh my gosh, we have this precious cute puppy, but like we have a puppy. Like very, very puppy.
Carrie:Golden retriever puppy.
Merritt:Golden retriever, little goose. Goose on the loose. On the loose. But he was like so little and we were just kind of adapting to that, which was a big change from just like, you know, us two. And then a baby puppy who very needy at that stage.
Merritt:And then yeah. And then I found out I was pregnant and I think it was probably like a good four or six weeks. And then the not feeling great hit and I was like, okay.
Carrie:Okay. Was gonna ask that. Like, how was your first trimester? Would you remember like, would you remember okay. This is I wanna know.
Merritt:Yeah.
Carrie:Do you remember, like, your early symptoms? Like, you know when you were like, okay. Like, I'm pregnant. Like, I either just found out or I don't even know if I am pregnant yet. Did you have anything, like, super early?
Merritt:I feel like super super early, no.
Carrie:When did you start to have
Merritt:Okay. So we were flying to North Carolina to surprise, my brother for his birthday. And I remember I was five weeks at the time and I had gone to this little place. It's called Little Bellies. And it's basically where you can get an ultrasound before, you know, a doctor will see We
Carrie:looked into that. We never did that. But yeah, yep.
Merritt:I was like, okay, I definitely want to tell my family, you know, in person. But I was like, I also I've just taken a little pregnancy test. Like I want to confirm it. So we took that or we went in and they confirmed it, which was also like, because it was also really early on, but I was like, I don't want to fly and tell them this news and, you know, it not be the case. So I was really early on.
Merritt:So I was fly I mean, I remember that trip. So that was five weeks. I feel like it wasn't till I mean, I guess Yes. I guess kind of early on. I guess probably like eight to ten weeks is when it started.
Merritt:Like, I didn't I was just hungry all the time. And that's when I was getting sick, when I wasn't eating enough.
Carrie:Yes. I feel like that's so common where it's like the, like, hunger pains.
Merritt:Yes.
Carrie:It's like when you're pregnant, hunger pains, your your brain confuses them with nausea.
Merritt:Oh. Mhmm.
Carrie:I'm hungry a k a Mhmm. I wanna throw up.
Merritt:I'm nauseous. Yes. Yeah. That's exactly what happened.
Carrie:Okay. Yeah. Remember that feeling. I I started getting sick at, like, five weeks, which actually is pretty early now that I'm, like, thinking about that. And I I remember that's what, like, shifted was I didn't have, like I never had terrible morning sickness and stuff, but I just had, like, the the grumbly stomach that was, like, ugh.
Carrie:Like, I'm just, like, so nauseous Yes. But also starving. And that sort of, like, really early, which was kind of kinda bummed me out. So, like, I'm only five weeks. Why am I, you know, like, yet.
Carrie:Yeah. It's not crazy compared to people that are like vomiting all the time. Like, I have friends that were like in the ER getting IV fluids. People have it rough in the first time.
Merritt:So that's where like I really I had one really close friend who was it was brutal her whole pregnancy. Just like just so sensitive to, like, smells and nourishment and everything. And so that's why I'm like, when people ask me, like, I've been great overall.
Carrie:Know? You seem like a happy pregnant girl. Yeah.
Merritt:Like, you're driving. Yes. I've been pretty happy and, like, feeling great overall compared to, like, other people that I know where I'm like, I can't complain. Like Yeah. It's not I can smell things.
Merritt:I can stomach stuff still. But yeah. So I guess it was, like, eight to ten weeks when I was not feeling good. I literally just had, like, a box of mini saltines by the bed, just, like, pop crackers
Carrie:a really good life hack. Like, okay. I remember my mom telling me that. She's like, okay. Whenever you just like wake up in the morning before you can even think about feeling sick, you just pop your cracker.
Merritt:And you're but at that stage, you're like, I don't even wanna eat. Like, not even that hungry. But then it's like, if you don't eat, it's worse.
Carrie:Yeah. It's gonna be worse.
Merritt:Yes. Like, true. So yeah. I found out saltines had minis. I'd like pop a couple minis.
Merritt:Nice. Crackers.
Carrie:Did you have like specific cravings?
Merritt:No. That's another thing.
Carrie:Really?
Merritt:That I You know, the old wives tales of like this or that. And I never craved anything more salty over more sweet or anything sweet, you know, like Mhmm. I didn't have anything weird craving wise or like, I remember my mom and dad said with me that my mom I don't know if they're exaggerating, but like every night she wanted a hot fudge sundae from Dairy Queen. And my dad was like, well, that's how I put on the weight because I had to get a hot fudge sundae too. Or, you know, like the pickle juice thing or Yes.
Merritt:Like, I've not had any of that.
Carrie:That's so funny. My mom with my sister, I don't think okay. For me, she craved, vanilla sandwich cookies. And she said she had like a roll a day, like, of those, like, those are good. Honestly, underrated.
Merritt:And those you can eat.
Carrie:You can just, like, pop them. They're like Oreos. Yeah. Right. She craved those with me.
Carrie:I don't think she craved anything with my brother. And then with my sister, she got I'd have to, like, fact check this with my mom.
Merritt:I'm pretty sure. She said that every day
Carrie:for lunch, the whole pregnancy, like, broke the bank, she'd order a cheese pizza from Casanos, this, like, local place in Tip City. And she'd she'd, like, literally, like, craved it so badly. She ordered it every single day for lunch. And my dad was like, okay, we cannot keep
Merritt:this up. Okay. This is the thing.
Carrie:Like Yes.
Merritt:This is Steven was not loving the every day was something different Yeah. What I wanted.
Carrie:That's how more how I was. Yes. And then once I'd eat it, I was like, I don't want that again. Yeah.
Merritt:So The the DoorDash bill was pretty high. I mean, because last thing I wanna do was cook. And I couldn't think like, let me go to the grocery store.
Carrie:By the time you do that, you want something different. Right. That's what I'm feeling sick again. Yes.
Merritt:I'm like, well, this is so convenient. And plus his heart. I I think he was like, well, I'm just gonna eat like a piece of toast so you can eat out every meal. Yeah.
Carrie:It was it was pretty Yeah.
Merritt:It was pretty extreme to like Oh my gosh. Eating out. But it was so convenient. And I think because you know there's like a million options.
Carrie:And you know you only need to buy it for one meal. Right. But that's like the other thing is that if you go to the grocery store and you're like, oh, I'm I'm craving whatever it is like, I'm and then you buy like a huge amount of it Yes. And you're like, wait, I only want it for one meal and now like, I'm not gonna eat that And then it's a waste. I did that with, like, a couple different cereals and stuff where I was like, I really want this cereal.
Carrie:And then I remember after one bowl, it tastes delicious. And then the next bowl, was like, I don't want that for a few months.
Merritt:Yes. Exactly. And Steven's favorite store is Costco. So I was like, we need to stop going there.
Carrie:Like, we don't need that Supply. Size of Be like, I just need one meal of this.
Merritt:I know. If I I think I was like, honey nut Cheerios were my cereal. And I ate it for, like, two or three days, but he's like, I mean, should we
Carrie:go to Costco? I'm like No. Absolutely not. Yeah. Red flags.
Carrie:Do not
Merritt:do it. Unless you wanna eat.
Carrie:That's actually a really good life hack. It's like first trimester, don't go to Costco. Stick to, like, the mini bags of things. Try it out for a day.
Merritt:And just Have
Carrie:you do you watch Gilmore Girls? Love. Yes. Do you remember the episode where Suki is pregnant and she's, like, crying and saying all the food she wants and she changes it, like, in one line, like, 25 times? She's like, miss Pistachios, no chocolate, macadamia.
Carrie:And she like keep shifting it like the entire
Merritt:scene. Yes.
Carrie:I feel like that's first trimester. Oh, yeah. It's just I think honestly, it's kinda come back for me. Like, I
Merritt:I think of that scene and Steven the other night, was like, what do you want? So was like, I just don't feel great. Like, I'm hungry. And I'm at this stage now where I've heard this happens where the closer you get, like, your appetite kind of slows down. You're not I mean, I don't
Carrie:Some people get the the, morning sickness again. Yeah. That's like a thing apparently. Yes.
Merritt:Mhmm. I hope that I've kind of been a little bit not a 100%. Like, I've kind of felt a little bit of that, but it's kind of at night where I'm like, okay, baby's bigger.
Carrie:Could she be tired or full?
Merritt:Exactly. But I mean, I cannot eat, like, if we went to a Mexican restaurant, like a taco, rice, beans, chips, and salsa, like, I cannot eat that. I have, like, no room. Yes. I'm like, Steven, I think my stomach's gonna split up, I think the skin's going to rip open.
Merritt:But the other night, he was like, what do you want? Because I wasn't feeling great. And I think I named every something from every category of the food pyramid. I was like, I don't know. I was like, it was it was back kind of back to first trimester where like I couldn't I was like, I know I need or want something, but I could not
Carrie:Can't figure out what it on it.
Merritt:No. It's such a specific feeling.
Carrie:Yeah. I see I love this stuff.
Merritt:You're reminding me like by the time you figured out, like, you're hangry and you're like, I don't even know if I want this anymore. It's just it's so funny.
Carrie:It's it's it's a whole thing. Yeah. Okay. So after your first trimester, what was did your you have, like, a smooth second trimester? Yeah.
Merritt:I mean, yeah. And it was only a couple weeks of like bad I wanna say it basically when I wasn't eating, I threw out probably five times and it was like That's not terrible. But I would feel immediate relief. Mhmm. Thank God, at least
Carrie:for That's true. Okay. So some of my friends that I had nausea and I did get sick a couple times and I felt relief too.
Merritt:Yeah.
Carrie:But I didn't have, like, some people vomiting all day or whatever. Right. Some of my friends had the nausea and they never vomited and they're like, that's not better. Yes. Because you just wanna get sick and like, do you feel better?
Carrie:Is there relief if you do? Yeah. And I feel like actually there was. Like, the days where I had the worst nausea, I like, it would lift for the day.
Merritt:Yeah. Oh. Oh, it was gone for the whole day. Yeah. It's really crazy.
Merritt:One of my best friend's pregnant right now. There's literally like 10 of us pregnant at the same time. Like, my big pregnant sweet, by the way. Like coolest story. When I tell people like they can't believe it, but I'm like, in the nicest way, like we weren't in a group chat like, alright, who's trying?
Merritt:Like, it all just was like, by the grace of God, like, couple of my friends that were struggling for like over a year are now pregnant this season. Like, But it's really one of them, she was texting me. She's like, I'm terrified of throwing up. Like, ugh, it's worth And I'm like, girlfriend, no. Like, if you can do it, it's Yeah.
Merritt:Really I'm like, she really will probably help because when it just, I don't know.
Carrie:Yeah. I have a I have a friend that's pregnant right now for the second time and she was pregnant. She was really sick both times. Yeah. And I was asking her how, like, they compare.
Carrie:I don't know. I'm wondering, like, with, you know, thinking about pregnancy number two, I'm like, how does it feel? Did it feel the same? Right. And she was saying she's like, what I've learned by, you know, this time around that I get sick, she's like, so I just throw up first thing in the morning every day and, you know, have It's a good like, you're just gagging for Yeah.
Merritt:But honestly If it's gonna happen.
Carrie:Not a bad life hack. If that if you know you're going to anyway and, like, until you do, inevitably you're gonna be sick.
Merritt:So I thought that
Carrie:was kind of a funny life hack. Was actually yeah. Just do
Merritt:that before I go to work.
Carrie:I'm, you know, good to go and Yeah.
Merritt:I mean, because for me and I guess you too, it did. I really felt relief right after.
Carrie:Yeah. Thank God. For sure.
Merritt:Yeah. So after that first trimester, it's been kind of smooth sailing since, thankfully. I think like all the crazy things that go on that you just like don't know about, like, with your body has been cool, but nothing like bad or scary.
Carrie:Yeah. Like, I've not been feeling. You've had a smooth time. Yeah. Also think it's funny.
Carrie:I kinda want you to share the story that you guys are planning on not knowing the gender, but
Merritt:Here we go.
Carrie:If you wanna share,
Merritt:I don't know will.
Carrie:Okay. Oh my gosh. Because we didn't find out the gender. Yes. So I know how sacred that feeling is of, like, we're gonna choose to not find out.
Carrie:First of all, did you guys, like, know you didn't wanna find out? Like, was that a decision you made game time decision? Or did you always know you didn't wanna find
Merritt:I've always known that. I'm the oldest of three and my mom did it with all three of us and I'm eight years older than my youngest sibling. And so I remember it. Like, I remember the whole process of, like, you know, not finding out, you know, mom telling me she was pregnant. I just remember it all because at like seven, eight, you know.
Carrie:Yeah, totally. It's like
Merritt:So I was like, oh my gosh, I didn't really know any different, you know, just because of that situation. So I was like, oh my gosh, what a blessing. And like, it doesn't matter at the end the day, you know, and everyone says it, but it really is true. Like you just want a healthy baby and like a smooth pregnancy. And so I was not torn either way.
Merritt:Not, you know, and if I was, it's up to God. Like, you know? Yeah. So yeah. So we just Steven was along for that.
Merritt:He didn't really
Carrie:Was he down?
Merritt:Yeah. He didn't really have Not that he didn't have an opinion, but he was like, yeah, that's totally fine. Like, he's like, I don't I'm not die hard wanting to know. And so we started our appointments in LA. And I think we only made it to like two or three there before we moved.
Merritt:And then did the process of finding a new OB here, which was something. Which is
Carrie:like a whole thing probably.
Merritt:Yeah. It was I mean, yes. Because it's my first time, you know, like when you're not going, when you're only going like once a month or every six weeks, you're like, is everything okay? You know, you just have stomachaches.
Carrie:Oh my gosh. Yeah.
Merritt:That's another thing. I had no idea before I got pregnant that like, you don't even see a doctor. They usually won't even see you till you're eight
Carrie:weeks. Age of 12. Yes. I yeah. We I did not know.
Carrie:We had like an an insurance, like, pickup, if you will. Like, we had to switch groups and stuff. Yeah. And so I didn't go to twelve.
Merritt:It was
Carrie:thirteen weeks. And I was like, Lord, this is only by the your grace Right. That I am peacefully walking through this first trimester. Like, I don't even know if I'm pregnant. I I know I don't have a period.
Carrie:So I guess I'm pregnant, but you're not showing yet. No. Like, you're not feeling the baby. No. I just knew that I was wrecked.
Carrie:Was like, do I have food poisoning
Merritt:or am
Carrie:I pregnant for 13? But it's like,
Merritt:that is something that like I was not aware of that like No. You do a I thought I was like, okay, they'll look at me every week. The the second I call and say
Carrie:I'm pregnant. Great. You're pregnant. See you in six weeks. See you in eight weeks.
Merritt:I had no idea. So that was a a big learning thing. But yeah. I I guess between my last LA appointment and what would've what was my first Nashville appointment was, like, quite an extended amount of time. And I was just like, is this normal?
Merritt:Is this okay? Like, I feel but, you know, you're kinda just like, I don't probably what you were feeling in those, like, thirteen weeks of like, okay.
Carrie:Like, I'm trusting God. Right. Everything seems okay.
Merritt:I trust the Lord but Mhmm. Okay. You know, I'm not feeling anything. And you're not really you're I guess you're starting to show but like everything's just like so new and fresh.
Carrie:And also I will say in that second trimester period, like, you don't really feel anything like you're thriving. So it's like yeah. It's just like a weird time. Don't feel pregnant. People are like, my symptoms went away.
Carrie:It's so weird.
Merritt:Right. And then you're not seeing a doctor. So it's not even like, oh, I heard the heartbeat, you know? Totally. It was like a definitely a long, period of time.
Merritt:But yeah, I don't know. It was great and it was an easy like transition. I found a good doctor that I love. And so, we Okay. So we did a couple appointments in LA and then we got here, found a doctor, loved the doctor.
Merritt:And we were going, I guess, scheduled like every four weeks. So then we They called me back after my anatomy scan and your anatomy is at twenty weeks. So they called me back and they're like, we just want to get another look at something, but everything's fine. You know, they messaged me. I'm like, okay, I need to come in now?
Merritt:They're like, oh, just next appointment. I'm like, okay, four weeks. Okay. I guess everything's fine. Yeah.
Merritt:Oh, this is stressful. Yeah. It was just something. And then, oh, like, thank you, God. Everything was fine.
Merritt:So that was good. And then four weeks after that, so I guess I'm like twenty six or twenty eight weeks at this this ultrasound. And, every time we've gone in, I tell whoever the ultrasound tech is, I'm like, we're not finding out the gender. Like we're doing a surprise. Apparently it's noted on our chart.
Merritt:Like, you know, they're calling my name and whatever. And then one of my friends, who's a mom, she was like, just FYI, like always just tell them to when you get in there again, like before they ultrasound. And I was like, yeah, got it. Perfect. So I've always done that.
Merritt:So they call Stephen and I back and this is the first one where everything's good. It's just like a normal ultrasound. But they've been telling us that baby is very big and in the ninety seventh percentile. So we're getting ultrasounds quite frequently, which Okay. I mean, I'm like, this is fun.
Merritt:I get to see baby, you know, So we get the sweetest ultrasound tech and so happy, like loves her job, like, and I think it might be I like, not that I hate this saying, but like, I definitely feel it now. It's like, mom brain has already started. So I'm like listening and we get down there to the We get down there. We get to the like ultrasound room. And I always tell Steven like, will you please record?
Merritt:Because we never know if they're gonna like print little pictures. Yeah. And so he had like just started recording. And I really think before I could turn to her and say, like, tell us when to look away because, you know, when they're moving around Yeah. Whatever.
Merritt:And we've done it, like, a million times before. She put the ultrasound on my belly and goes, look at his little balls. And I I mean, it's all on camera, but like we just started laughing at each other, Steven and I. And then she started giggling with us. She was like, why are these people laughing?
Merritt:She was like, my god, she loves that. Like, oh, she was so sweet. I think we were just like, oh my gosh. Like, okay. Okay.
Merritt:Like we literally were just laughing. There were no tears. We don't even think we could speak. And she was so sweet because she like I was asking her size questions because they had me like really not concerned, but like, okay, so you keep telling me I'm having a big baby. Like what does that mean?
Merritt:Yeah. And she was so sweet and like flipped the screen from like the ultrasound camera to charts and was just like, I was like, okay, maybe she like thinks we're giggling. So she's like giving me the VIP look. I'm like, this is nice. Like baby's not as I thought I was gonna have a fifteen pound baby.
Carrie:She was they're projected to be seven pounds. Like, is that normal?
Merritt:Yes. They were like, right now at full term it'd be like eight and a pounds, like on the larger size, nine and a half. I was like, okay. So we're still under ten.
Carrie:I was like That's
Merritt:So she we got that little exclusive look, guess, because we were just giggling the whole time. And then we walk out of the room and we just kinda look at each other. I'm like, oh my goodness. Like, okay. And and, you know, I really do think it's just like a part of God's plan because we had made it so far and it was like the first appointment back, since I had been back in Nashville.
Merritt:I was like home in North Carolina, second stint, like helping my mom and dad with like a health thing. So it was just like the timing of it. Was like, you know what? It just must be a God thing because it's a healthy large baby and now we know what it is. And so I remember just calling my parents and I was like, I have to tell.
Merritt:So I was like, do y'all wanna know like the gender? And and they're like, yeah. Because they're also, you know, big surprise people. They did it with all three of us. And so I told them and I think it was really fun at like, you know, now the the grandma and the granddaughter sending clothes.
Carrie:That's so sweet. There there's so many perks to know. Like, I really I really get both. And it's actually kinda cool because you guys got I mean, obviously, it's like, it's a bummer. Sure.
Carrie:But, like, it's cool that you got to have that experience for so long because most people, when you find out the gender, now I think you can find out at, like, like eight weeks. Like super early if you want to. Twelve weeks for sure if you do that blood test and stuff. And then I guess like late in the game, it'll be twenty weeks. But it's kinda fun that you got to like basically ride out the whole pregnancy not knowing and then have a little time to prepare and be excited about having a son, which is so exciting.
Carrie:I'm so excited.
Merritt:It was like, we had art like the nursery is green and like Noah's Ark art. Like, was like really And then I think we had We got pretty green wallpaper put up and it was like two days later. I was like, okay, well, it's a green room. I'm glad we did green. Like that will just throw in some blue.
Merritt:It's But been really I do think like, yeah, it's crazy making that making it that far without knowing. But it was such a sweet season because all of my friends that are pregnant, like it was fun, you know, them finding out because I'm the only one. Everyone thought I was crazy not finding out. And I'm the only one that didn't. So it was so fun getting to celebrate with them Yeah.
Merritt:That dinner. And then I ended up surprising all my friends and some family, at my baby shower recently. And they were like, okay. Like, we played the game with Steven. Like, do you you know, who's gonna be like this or that as a parent?
Merritt:And then they were my best friend was like, okay. So, like, what's y'all's final guess? And I was like, well, we have a surprise. We told everyone and they were excited. So it was really fun, but it's been a fun, you know, announcement and like getting to prep now.
Merritt:Because now we're like, the finish line, we can see it. And so I'm like, That was that was kind of tough. I mean, such a first world problem, but like walking into baby stores and there's so many cute ones here in Nashville, like
Carrie:So many cute ones
Merritt:Franklin everywhere. And I was like, okay, Not the cutest gender neutral clothes. Yeah.
Carrie:That's true.
Merritt:And I was like, okay. This is the one time I'm like, I would love to know if I should buy pink or blue.
Carrie:You know what's funny, Merritt? I felt the same way. Like that was because we loved waiting. It was like super fun.
Merritt:Yeah.
Carrie:Would do again. Don't know if we will, but like. Definitely would recommend if you wanna do it. Right. But the clothes were the hardest part because everybody's so sweet wants to buy you stuff.
Carrie:Yes. But here's what I this is the way I leaned. I don't know how you feel. But I feel like most gender neutral really just means, like, boy light.
Merritt:Mhmm. Mhmm.
Carrie:You know what I mean? Yes. It's like a boy would probably wear this. Were occasional things that were more girl leaning, but it's like pretty much you just have to lean on the boy side.
Merritt:A 100%.
Carrie:And so was like, if have a little girl, this girl's gonna be so beige. Right. Like, she's gonna be
Merritt:The beige.
Carrie:Yeah. I was relieved when we had our cheeks. I was like, good. These are because there's so many, like, they're technically gender neutral, but they just lean. They look boy.
Merritt:Or they're so so so so plain. Yes. I was like, is this a business opportunity? I'm like, should I just do like cute gender neutral? Because I would go into stores and I didn't even see green really.
Merritt:Yeah. And like green, I feel like throw a pink bow on or like throw a cute like blue short with it for the but I didn't even see a lot. It was just like beige. And I was like, I'm
Carrie:not really Beige gray. Yeah. You're like, okay.
Merritt:Right. I'm gonna end up with this. The whole the the what was keeping me like, okay, is we're due early November. So was like, okay, holidays will be all pink or all blue. Like, that'll be great.
Carrie:Yes. That's true. That's true. The Christmas time, the grandparents will go crazy and, like, do all the Yeah. Like, whatever you
Merritt:do Walking with into these cute little stores, I'm like, okay, like
Carrie:This is gonna be fun to know.
Merritt:Yeah. This this Oh, yeah. Is what it would be. So we haven't actually been, honestly, probably students do this on purpose. I've been like, let's go try out this store.
Merritt:I But think he knows, like, if we go in, it's like, it's dangerous now that I know. Like, can get blue.
Carrie:I think it's The boy stuff's pretty cute. There's some cute stores in Franklin and also the factory like That one. The factory. Yes. That one is crazy cute.
Carrie:Little little something. I forget what it's called. Oh my gosh. Oh my It's
Merritt:horrible. We walked through there pre knowing the gender and I was like, Steven, maybe we can get like Yeah. One of
Carrie:It's insane. It's dangerous.
Merritt:Yeah. So
Carrie:Man, we're like seven weeks away? Did you say thirty three weeks?
Merritt:Yeah. I'm thirty three weeks in two days. So yeah. Okay. Do you
Carrie:have like a feeling? Like, do you think you're gonna go into labor early? Yes. Be late? Yeah.
Merritt:I think early. Just because I don't know. I just have this feeling. Mhmm. My mom also called me the other day and was like, oh, well, like I found your little calendar, birth calendar that I had when I was pregnant with you.
Merritt:She was like, yeah, I went like, I think three weeks early with you. And Oh, that's really like I didn't realize, I mean, I have not googled the stats, but, I've had quite a lot of friends that that was like what they followed. They followed after their mother. Like if their mother gave birth.
Carrie:Really? Yeah. That's interesting.
Merritt:It's really yeah. It's really actually a, like, kind of determining factor. Of course, not always, but I do have a lot of friends that, like, their mom went two or three weeks early. They went around the same time.
Carrie:Yeah. I actually have friends have that. And then I think I'm trying to think. I think my mom was always, on the money. Yeah.
Carrie:And then I went I went to labor like 39 like Yeah. Yeah. That is interesting.
Merritt:Yeah. Okay. She's a fun one. Was like, oh, okay. I was like, alright.
Merritt:We gotta Gotta be ready. Yeah. I'm like, so all we've just been unpacking all the boxes from like baby shower gifts and stuff, which is fun. And I think yeah. So I I have a feeling I'll go early just with that and baby trending bigger.
Carrie:Yeah. Oh, that's true. That's true. I don't know. It's so funny.
Carrie:I I feel like there's no right or wrong, like, mental place to be when you're in those final weeks because we we were for some reason, we had it in our mind that, like, I was gonna go early.
Merritt:Yeah.
Carrie:And I know. We were, like, so sure. Yeah. I don't know. And the funny thing was we had okay.
Carrie:So I didn't. I went, like, right. So those those two and a half weeks, let me just tell you, we were, I felt like I was forty five weeks pregnant. Was like, I'm so behind. I'm like, I'm not even at my due date.
Carrie:Like, I just felt like it was forever. Every time we go to dinner, we'd be like, it's probably the last one.
Merritt:Right. Right. Right.
Carrie:Our last dinner. Let's enjoy it. And like two weeks later, we're the same restaurant. You're like, oh my I'm I keep
Merritt:seeing that. And I saw this funny little reel yesterday where it's like this woman, she's she looked very pregnant and she was just like, how am I supposed to function knowing that any second I could go? And she was like, but I'm still three and a half weeks out. But it is. It's just like you're kinda on edge.
Carrie:Well, that's what was gonna say. So we had the mentality, like, kind of like, you're was like, think I'm gonna go fairly early. I don't think it's gonna be he was so low, like Yeah. So low. I could I had that lightning crotch thing, like, couldn't really walk.
Carrie:So I was like, I'm pretty sure. Anyway, didn't go super early, obviously. But we had friends
Merritt:Yeah.
Carrie:That were like, oh, it's they always say 40. It could be 41 or 42. But then, like, sometimes those people got induced early or had to have a c section. They could be like, wait, what? I'm not or like, one one of my friend's water broke at thirty three weeks, which is obviously very early.
Carrie:Her baby was fine. Yeah. But like, you're like, I don't even know what I'm supposed to do. So like if you're chill and you're like, oh, it's gonna be forty two weeks
Merritt:I feel
Carrie:like then you're not ready. Uh-huh. And then at thirty six weeks, you're like, oh my gosh, any second. And a month later, you're like, I'm over this.
Merritt:You're like, I I know. It kinda is like that. That bad, but you never
Carrie:really know. The last month is just like, I don't even know. Especially, like I feel like with the next baby that we have, that'll be interesting to see because we have him. So, like Right. That'll be different.
Carrie:But I feel like with your first baby, like, moms that are pregnant will understand this. But it's like that particular, like, last month when it's just the two of you for the final time, and like any day this child could come into the world and we're always gonna be a family of three now. Yes. And it'll never just be
Merritt:the two of I've been having these.
Carrie:It's like so much to process Yes. But you're like, but also I I'm so ready.
Merritt:Yes.
Carrie:But also like, I'm trying to soak this up. Right. Such a weird like Right. Two feelings
Merritt:at once. Yeah. I've a 100% like been having this like in the best way. But I think it also just ties in. I'm like, we're not even one year married yet.
Merritt:And like, is all happening. I'm just like, oh my gosh. Like, so excited. But it's like, not sad, but it's just like, I don't know how to like, it's not sad,
Carrie:but it's It's sentimental? Yes. Yeah. Yeah. It makes you Oh.
Merritt:I I guess for us, it's like it's I mean, we've been together five five years. So it's not like, oh, we
Carrie:it was like It's not you just met.
Merritt:Right. But I'm just like, oh, marriage wise, it's hardly been just the two of us. Mhmm. Which is so great that we get like a precious baby in this pretty much whole season of marriage. But yeah, I'm like, oh my gosh.
Merritt:It's just these mornings
Carrie:that are
Merritt:so easier at nights. But but it's
Carrie:It's so good. It changes the chapter so good. And now we we talk about with Archie, we're like, could we ever love a child as much as you love Archie? It's the three of us for life. Right?
Carrie:Like, you know, then you think that. It's like, I'm sure it probably just like continues and continues. But think it's change.
Merritt:You know, it's just like a bit a bit It is. The biggest change.
Carrie:Change is hard. Mean, moving, I felt like was hard too for that same it's just like, oh my gosh. Like, it's the last time it's our family in this home and Mhmm. Yeah. I can only imagine.
Carrie:Yeah. Have you had any, like do you have any gear that you're really excited about or like any any baby things that you're like, oh, I can't wait to use this or
Merritt:I'm trying to think. So my best friend one of my best friends flew to my hometown for a baby shower. It's like so probably simple. And people are gonna be like, oh, well, that's honestly kind of a necessity too. But she, has a let's see.
Merritt:So she came really early. Her baby came at 33. And she's one where her mom had her at 34. That's see, that's good. Both placenta abruptions.
Merritt:Like crazy. I'm like, is this genetic? And I was like, y'all need to be studied. So it was like really early. So that was like another little story of like another daughter falling after her mom.
Merritt:And even that was like even like a med- a similar medical reason as fascinating. To So I guess three months, three and a half months. She was born June 1, but she was supposed to be middle of July. So it's funny. She's like, she's three months, but her real age, you know, like what it would So she's
Carrie:My like, friend has that too, the 33. And she's always like, well, she's one, but she's not doing these things. Right. She's really like, you know, 10. Thought about that.
Carrie:Not neither. I just think your age is your birthday.
Merritt:Yes.
Carrie:But if you're preemie
Merritt:Right.
Carrie:You're not as cooked. Yes. Really are. Yeah. You get to cook this long.
Merritt:You're just sleeping.
Carrie:Yeah. Literally younger. It's crazy. Yeah.
Merritt:So I guess three. I'll just call her three, almost 3.5. But she came to visit and she brought sweet little nugget. And, Steven was there with us and he put on one of the baby carriers and she was like, this one is the best. And I was like, okay.
Merritt:Like clueless about some of this stuff. Because I'm like, ignorance is bliss. And the whole like baby product industry is like It's it's overwhelming. Oh my gosh.
Carrie:Especially if it enters your algorithm.
Merritt:Yes. I've I've tried not to let it. So I'm like, okay, I know I need to carry the baby somehow. Like, let me just look at different But she was like, I've tried this one and this one was my favorite because even with a preemie, with whatever other one she was trying before, she was like, even hurt my back with less like support or something. So she like carried her around with it.
Merritt:And then Steven tried it. And I was like, come on, let's see you practice. And so he like had her and it was really cute. And my sweet friend like sent us one by the time we got back, this brand. And, they're really nice, really fancy.
Merritt:But truly, I'm like very excited to put it on myself and like use it because I was not wearing her little bit. I was like, don't think I can do it. She can I don't I was like being pregnant right now? I'm not gonna try it. I'll let Steven try it.
Merritt:And he was like, oh, yeah. This is so nice. I'm like, okay.
Carrie:Are you liking me? Also, baby carriers are the best. Like, Archie
Merritt:you know what I was
Carrie:just thinking as you were talking? Then like, this is just my mom brain going Yeah. All over the place. But I was just like, when's the last time I put him in a carrier? Like, it probably already passed.
Carrie:Because I haven't done that in a few months. And I'm like, he still loves his carrier. Well, not really anymore. And I'm like, we just had this big kid. Prices over here while you're talking about a baby carrier.
Carrie:Are we done? Should I pack it up? Is it over? That is probably mean He's kinda done with it. I mean, he's really big.
Carrie:And he was probably like, mom, what are we doing? And but he's really I'm independent now. But truly, like, he would he wore that thing up to, like, a year sometimes. That's He loved it. But, like, the baby carriers are so nice, especially when they're little
Merritt:and they're first born.
Carrie:Like, she's the sweetest thing ever.
Merritt:It's sweet. And I feel like it gives you some, like, freedom too to,
Carrie:like Totally.
Merritt:Still move around with all.
Carrie:Yes. Absolutely.
Merritt:Mean, it's probably not a fun answer, but I'm excited for No.
Carrie:Are you kidding? That's no. That's a great answer. I because it's actually surprising. I've had a lot of girls that are like, oh, wait.
Carrie:Do I need a baby carrier? Like, some of my one one of my friends, like, she didn't realize till baby number two or three. She's like, guess I should get one. I'm like, you have to get one. Yeah.
Carrie:Yeah. I've heard You you need a baby carrier.
Merritt:I heard great things and witnessed it. So Yeah. I'm excited for that. And it was really sweet. She sent us, like, the brand that she has and it's, like, really cute.
Carrie:Is it like a proper carrier or a wrap? Proper carrier. Okay. Because I also got the wrap Okay. Which So tell me about the wrap because that's
Merritt:what she was saying it kind of hurt
Carrie:her back. Okay. I could see that. So I loved my wrap. I did wrap and carrier.
Carrie:I did both. Okay. But the wrap is like this hilarious It's so long. Like, every every new parent like, when we would stand in the vintage parking lot, like, the parents' church parking, you just see, like, all these new parents, like, with the YouTube video pulled up, like, trying to do the wrap every single week, like, tie it around. Is it this way?
Carrie:This way? It's such a thing. And nobody knows till they the baby and they're like, how do you put this freaking wrap on? Like, have to YouTube it every time. So anyway but once you memorize it Yeah.
Carrie:The wrap is awesome. It's it's cozy. Like, it was really snug when he was really little. Yeah. And as they get bigger, the carriers just I'm sure, like, as she got heavier Yeah.
Carrie:It probably would hurt your back if you don't have more support.
Merritt:That's what she was saying.
Carrie:But the wrap is so funny. I just if you guys do get a wrap, please text me when you and Steven are putting it on. I know. I know.
Merritt:Con Film it.
Carrie:Yeah. You gotta film it. It'll probably go viral because Conner I kept being like, pull up the video again. Is it this way or this? It's just like this long it's the never ending scarf.
Carrie:Right. And there's no longest scarf you've ever seen. Yeah. And somehow it's supposed to hold up your child seamlessly and it's like, I'm a
Merritt:It's kind of intimidating.
Carrie:It is.
Merritt:Yeah. The wrap. That's where I was like, oh, okay. Perfect. One that just buckles?
Merritt:Great. I'm like too nervous that they'll Exactly. But I know mean, it's so much fabric that I think we do have one.
Carrie:Yeah. We'll do I was sketched out at first. Was like, you're telling me this this cute chic scarf is gonna like hold up my my newborn that just came out. Okay. We'll see if I
Merritt:But I do see what you mean like when they're really little.
Carrie:It's really nice. I remember like doing that at church and stuff really. Just like feel so snug and they're just like in there. It's sweet. But yeah.
Carrie:Carriers are Yeah. Awesome. I'm trying to think of like what are my I was really excited about like, we got a stroller that also had, like, the bassinet feature.
Merritt:Yes.
Carrie:That's really nice. Yeah. That was fun for, like, those early weeks with the newborn. We're like, I just wanna get out of the house a little bit and, like, they can still be laying there all cozy, like, taking their naps or whatever. Right.
Carrie:That was really nice. I loved that. Try think to of what else we had that was like
Merritt:There's like so much.
Carrie:There's so much. You know what you'll use later that we got that like we use all the time now is all the like we got so many glass jars for baby food and stuff. Oh. And don't even know why I put those on my registry. I think I just thought they were cute.
Carrie:Yeah. Yeah. Was like, sounds chic.
Merritt:Oh, that's good to know.
Carrie:But I still like make ground beef, make chicken, make all this different stuff and have it in those glass jars and it's so chic. And so it's something that we we like when I first had Archie, I was like, why did I why did get these? Like, I don't even know
Merritt:what the fuck
Carrie:it looks great. But now it's crazy the things that I use now that I'm like, oh, actually this is so like smart because it it lasts like down the road. Could use this forever, you know?
Merritt:Okay. Maybe I need to
Carrie:add Any a baby like food stuff, you don't wanna buy later. I mean, you don't have to have it now, but, like, if people are gonna gift you things, like,
Merritt:it's a
Carrie:fun thing for people to gift you. That's a
Merritt:good idea. Because I feel like even with leftovers with us, I'm like, we have so, like, so much space in the Tupperware for just, the little bit that we need.
Carrie:So, like,
Merritt:for a kid size, that's probably so smart.
Carrie:Be like exactly. Like, the little minis are so nice. Okay. That's good. So good.
Merritt:But sneaky. I never would have thought about that.
Carrie:Yeah. I know.
Merritt:For so
Carrie:many. So what are you guys like, what are some of the things you're looking forward to, like, becoming parents in literally just few months? We did talk about the weather. We talked about, like
Merritt:Yeah. You got
Carrie:me really excited for this. Merritt is having my dream pregnancy. I'll you why. I don't know why, but I decided I think before I ever got pregnant, was like, November, that's the due date. That's the time to have a baby.
Carrie:Because Yeah. You get to be so cozy and it's the holiday season and you can just sit on the couch and watch Christmas movies Yeah. With your newborn.
Merritt:And I hadn't even thought of I was
Carrie:telling Carrie, like, had not even thought about it.
Merritt:Yeah. I was like I was like, oh, now I'm excited.
Carrie:I'm like You know you have the ideal today.
Merritt:Yeah. You're like, during the holidays, you're already in just sweats. I'm like, I didn't even think about that. But honestly, that's like one of the I mean, of course, having him here and like, not all time and just like the whole journey. But I am excited about this season because it is, like, a slower season and it's, like
Carrie:It's gonna actually be cold here
Merritt:and cozy. Right. Cozy. And I, like, I love Christmas and the holidays and to have, like, a fresh little little guy will be so sweet. So I think I'm really looking forward to that whole season of just, like, growing in the motherhood, leaning into it, learning.
Carrie:Yeah. And there's a slowness with the holidays. I mean Yeah. There can be a chaos. But it's an opportunity to lean into the slowness.
Carrie:Ours is forced slow now. Yes. Yes. Exactly. Because I feel like when we had Arch, it was spring, which is totally fine.
Carrie:But like
Merritt:know what you were saying.
Carrie:Summer and people are amping up on trips and all this stuff. And you're like, well, we're in this bubble of like
Merritt:And weather's nice and
Carrie:probably scorching and pretty. Yeah. Yeah. And I'm like, I kinda wanna be out doing things, but I just remember that. But for you, it's the time of year when it's like, actually, like an excuse to kinda unplug for a month or two and just be your little family and be cozy and listen to Christmas music.
Carrie:It's like, are you kidding me? I'm so excited.
Merritt:Yeah. You you
Carrie:have I'm loving my Carrie sister. You're home. She's like Let me do the math. How do I have a baby in November? When do I need to make the summer?
Carrie:Okay. February.
Merritt:February will be I mean, summer Yeah. We were talking about it like, not that summer has been awful. Again, super blessed, but like, it's been very hot here and you run hot. So I was like But at least I'm not When it was really bad, I feel like August I was in my mid twenty weeks, you know, and stuff.
Carrie:Yeah. You're not at like 35 My
Merritt:mom had My youngest brother, the one that I remember her being pregnant with, he used to like middle of August. And I remember like, the whole summer she was just like miserable that pregnant in that hot of a season.
Carrie:That had to be rough.
Merritt:Yeah.
Carrie:So Like walking through.
Merritt:I'm glad that it's cooled off a little bit now for, like, the last few weeks.
Carrie:That's true. See, that's another reason. It's the perfect time.
Merritt:Yep. That'd be weird. Reason.
Carrie:It is, like, the perfect time.
Merritt:Good month.
Carrie:Okay. So I kinda wanted to talk about things that people shouldn't say to pregnant girls. Have you had any of these stories, by the way? Like, have people said any things to you? You just look so cute and good.
Merritt:You're sweet.
Carrie:No. You're literally like model. It's like, probably not. I feel like
Merritt:not honestly, the most comments I got are like opinions or statements, whatever you wanna say. It was just kind of like the gender thing when I was like, we're not finding out. It's like, oh, well, you're for sure having a girl or oh, you're
Carrie:for sure having People do that. Yeah.
Merritt:Oh my
Carrie:gosh. Like, oh, you what like, you're hormonal? Oh, definitely Craving a cookie? It's a girl.
Merritt:Yes. It was like And and you know, I would Like my whole ideal pregnancy was just like the surprise. So I was just not googling anything. And so not that I was listening but to every I was like, oh, I didn't think about that. Like, oh, okay.
Merritt:Cool. But one thing I've learned this whole pregnancy is that all the I mean, to each their own, but I've learned that none of the wives It's literally genetics. Like, I had a dream in May. So I was like freshly Well, not freshly, but a few weeks pregnant. And I had a dream it was a boy.
Merritt:And I've only had one dream. And it was a boy. And it was sweet. But I was like, you know, who You know, who knows? I will find out on his birthday.
Merritt:And my dad had a dream it was a boy. Really? I'm like, that's really cool. Kind of close together. But again, we were like, whatever.
Merritt:So I was like, okay, you know, and I kind of had a feeling it was like, maybe it's a boy. And I don't know if it was leaning into that dream. But then when I was home in North Carolina with like a few of my friends that are pregnant, they knew they were having boys and they are caring much different than I am. So they're like, you must be having a girl. And so leading up until when this ultrasound tech told us a gender, I had kind of flipped my mind.
Merritt:You're probably right. I was like, okay, yeah, like I'm caring different. But it's like, that doesn't Like everyone's body is built up differently. Yeah.
Carrie:Like It's
Merritt:so true.
Carrie:You hear
Merritt:And like my friend who was That I was referring to that was so so sick her whole pregnancy, you would think, girl, she had a boy. Like, and everyone's like, everyone's so sick with a girl. Like Yeah. Girls take your beauty. I'm like, no.
Merritt:It's everything Also,
Carrie:girls take your beauty? Okay. Listen, I had a boy and my nose doubled. Nose was I did have that. I don't know what it's called.
Carrie:Like
Merritt:pregnancy nose.
Carrie:Yeah. I've But it's like an actual thing and I think I had it. Again, I had body dysmorphia in the best way. I was, like, thinking I was so cute. You
Merritt:were cute.
Carrie:I mean, were so cute. It was fun. I was Yes. Was comfy and stuff. But I looked back at pictures
Merritt:the other day and I was like,
Carrie:oh, my nose was huge. And I was showing Merritt pictures of like because she was like, really? People said things about about you when you're pregnant? Yeah. Because my my belly was like a tube and it was out.
Carrie:Like, I it was literally Mhmm. Like a straight out you saw. Was like all it was all belly. It was all belly. I had someone at the gym.
Carrie:I had lots of my comments at gym.
Merritt:Some crazy comments.
Carrie:But one comment so I'm working out. And this lady comes up to me and she was like, you know what's so crazy? I see you in here working out all the time. And I was like, yeah. And she's and yet every day you just get bigger and bigger and bigger.
Merritt:True story. True
Carrie:story. And and she's like, oh, it's just crazy. You're working so hard, but you just keep getting bigger and bigger. It's Pregnancy. And I was like
Merritt:I'm like, sister, this is how it goes.
Carrie:I am trying my husband here. I'm like doing my little, like, my band And and I was like, I'm just gonna go, you know, die in a hole. I just I just latched it off or whatever. But, yeah, I had so many people ask me if I was having twins. That is That sure is
Merritt:not twins. Right. That I feel like that should be like
Carrie:That's just not. That's like number one
Merritt:or number two. You don't
Carrie:say that. Yeah. You don't don't
Merritt:ask. You don't say. Like
Carrie:No. That's you're intimidating. You're huge. Yeah. There there's no other way.
Carrie:Like, because what I had a lot of grandmas come up to me and be like, oh my gosh. When are you due? Like, that kind of a thing. But that's, like, also kind of intense. But at the same time, you're like, you're just excited.
Carrie:You see a pregnant girl, whatever. But the twins is undeniably, you're just telling me I'm huge too much. You're not wrong.
Merritt:But it's a little bit ruder than like, oh, you're probably due soon. It's like, okay, so you think I'm big? Yeah. But twins is crazy to ask.
Carrie:It is crazy. It's it's so funny. And I mean, I think I I handled it all well because
Merritt:I bet you did.
Carrie:Lord will like, not Lord willing. Thank you, Jesus. Yeah. I had a smooth pregnancy, so I was like, listen. I'm waddling straight to the finish line.
Carrie:Right.
Merritt:You're like, I feel good.
Carrie:I feel good. I'm Yeah. But people say some crazy crazy things.
Merritt:Like we were saying, like, I don't under I don't know. It definitely I've not had anyone younger, like, you know, around our age.
Carrie:It's it's always the older. Mhmm. It's always the older generation. It's like, hey, guys, let's get that filter back up. Right.
Carrie:Because it's like Put it back on.
Merritt:Like the lady that said that, she's she could be a mom or grandma has to make good comments. It's like, okay. So you've been So through you know that
Carrie:kind of, you know, we can be self conscious in this time.
Merritt:Yeah. I just I find it crazy that people still comment on that because I don't know. Like, people have been you know, pregnancy is such a, like, sacred special thing that a lot of people, like, struggle with or don't ever get the opportunity to. So, like, any kind of comment, like, is kind of crazy. Because, like, even the twin comment, like, what if you had, you know, had been expecting twins and something happened?
Merritt:You know what I mean? Or like Exactly.
Carrie:Like a sensitive thing.
Merritt:Very sensitive.
Carrie:I always now, if I see a pregnant girl, just like give her a thumbs up at the gym or something. Just like Crazy. Yeah. I don't wanna say anything. I'm just like, you go.
Carrie:Like, you're killing it. Yeah. Is it just anything can feel not that I wasn't even super sensitive to it. I just was like, some people would be. Right?
Carrie:Yes. Like, you guys said this to the wrong girl that like ran away. I remember telling Connor that. Was like, thank God I'm confident. And I kept squatting and like doing my day.
Carrie:Yeah. But I was like, some people would run out of here and not return Yeah. Till they have the baby. Right. Right.
Carrie:But okay. So That's great. Last question I wanna ask. Yeah. Because I can't say best piece of advice for a new mom, I guess, yet.
Carrie:Yes. I'll hop you back on. But what is your best piece of advice for a girl who like found just found out she's pregnant? Like, what would you say about pregnancy? What are some, like, encouragements?
Merritt:Kinda like what we were talking about. I mean, it's been a crazy season, but just, like, through the hormones and the potential morning sickness and everything, just enjoy it. It goes by so fast. And I feel like mine went extra fast with just like all the changes in the moving and like all this stuff. But yeah, I would just say like enjoy it.
Merritt:You know, you don't always feel great and you're confused about 90% of the stuff going on. I've told people I'm like, they tell you how to get pregnant and then you're sent to the sharks. That's so true. It's just And like the best way and I feel like I love to live by ignorance is bliss with some things. But there's stuff that goes on that you're just like, is this normal?
Merritt:And like Google can be really good and also really scary. So it's like being in a season where other friends are pregnant or, you know, have children is like really a blessing to like lean on them. But just like, you know, through all the craziness and confusion and like exhaustion and sickness, just like enjoy it. And, you know, I I feel like I talked to you about it and you were just like, I miss being pregnant, you know? And like when you're in it, you're just kinda
Carrie:like, it's really special.
Merritt:Like, I'm so excited, but like, I can't wait to meet you. Totally. But yeah, I definitely have, met people and spoken with people that are like, I miss it. Know, like I miss the kicks. And of course on social media, like I get the things where it's just like a few more weeks of like just you being able to hold them and stuff like that.
Merritt:I'm like, I would never forget
Carrie:algorithm does just get you Get you in your hormones?
Merritt:Can't even like, I wasn't even thinking about it
Carrie:that way
Merritt:with like, know, you're the only one carrying them or, you know, feeling those little kicks. And it's like, oh my gosh, what a blessing. And like, just you see God throughout pregnancy.
Carrie:Oh my gosh. The miracle
Merritt:of twenty five eight. Like in insane. Like it's just, it's so cool. And again, like more videos I get. I try and limit my videos because I'm like, I don't wanna get in the black hole of pregnancy stuff.
Merritt:But it's just like, you know, what the one that sticks out was this guy, I guess, showing like, you know, probably an AI image of just like the baby growing in your belly. And it's just like, no wonder you're tired. Like, look at what's happening. And it goes from like the little tiny fingernail to like the limbs to the eyes opening. It's just like Oh my gosh.
Merritt:Miracle. It's such a miracle. And it's like, it's happening to you, but since you don't see it, you know, I feel
Carrie:like Yeah. Not that
Merritt:you're not in sync with it, but like, you know, seeing and really thinking about what's actually happening there is like, It's like life is
Carrie:truly forming inside you. Right. Your child that you're gonna love forever. It's it's almost too much. Mean, it's too much to comprehend.
Merritt:Oh, it is. Like when people are like, are you so excited? I'm like, yes. And they're like, can you believe it? I'm like, no.
Merritt:And people think like I'm crazy or like I don't But I mean it and like, it's just, it's still yeah. I can't comprehend, like, cool and, like, what a blessing it is that, like, God allows us to, like, make a human Yeah. With, the person you love. And they're just, like, growing right now. He's just cooking.
Merritt:It's
Carrie:Seriously. So cool. It's so incredible.
Merritt:So I think, yeah, just enjoy even the rough moments and try and really, like, think about what's happening and how cool and amazing you are and, like, what your body's doing even if Yeah. Your husband has the same symptoms. It's okay. Yeah.
Carrie:No. We get that. Honestly, that's such a good encouragement because I do think it can be so easy for us girls to get in the negativity hole because Yeah. There is that Instagram algorithm too of just like the woe is me. And like, there are very hard thing like you just said, it is tiring.
Carrie:There are hard things. People are gonna have tough pregnancies. Right. But it's really beautiful just to that that we can walk in the gratitude of like we get to carry life. And not every woman, unfortunately, like, will get the chance to do that.
Carrie:Like, we're really blessed to to get to do it. And so we can acknowledge that it's hard and and and it is. Yeah. But also we can rejoice and and just and soak up every second of it because it really is a season. Yeah.
Merritt:It's nine months. I know. It's almost And the older I get, like, we were talking about how long we've known each other, I'm like, what? I think I thought it like a year. You guys, like, got married last year.
Merritt:We're still
Carrie:21. Right? I'm just kidding. I literally thought
Merritt:I'm like, I'm a child bride and a teen mom.
Carrie:Yeah. That's that's nice. Right?
Merritt:I'm literally stuck in that mindset. Totally. Yeah. No. It's like it's such a beautiful season and I feel like so thankful and yeah.
Merritt:I think yeah.
Carrie:It's gonna I'm so excited. I'm gonna have to have you back after you have little boy and see how like whole mom life's changing.
Merritt:I'm putting my carrier.
Carrie:Yeah. Do it. Do it. I love that. Thought a few moms do that.
Carrie:It was the cutest thing ever.
Merritt:Bring the carrier.
Carrie:Bring that carrier. We'll throw out
Merritt:a link when you bring it. These are the good ones.
Carrie:Yeah. Exactly. These are the that don't hurt you. You and Connor can do a A little demo? Yeah.
Carrie:I love it. Well, Merritt, this was so fun. Thank you so much for being on.
Merritt:Oh my gosh. Thank you for having me.
Carrie:Absolutely.