Page 34 of With Every Breath

“In moderation, yes. I wouldn’t recommend having five cups a day, but a cup in the morning isn’t going to hurt anything.” She laughed as I sighed in relief.

“Can I keep coaching? I mean, I usually run around and play with the kids.” I grimaced because soccer was probably the one thing other than Dex and this baby that I loved the most.

“Yes, exercise is good. As long as you keep doing what you’ve always done. You can’t do things you haven’t trained for, but your body is used to that activity, so it should be fine. If it feels like it’s too much, then cut back and talk to your OB about it. Anything else?”

“I’m sure there is, but I’m just too excited to really think straight right now. Thank you so much.” I held out my hand to shake hers.

“You’re very welcome. Congratulations, and good luck. The first trimester can be hard. Just keep telling yourself it will be worth it in the end.” She left, and I hopped off the table with more bounce than I’d had in months.

All I could think about was getting home and celebrating this with Dex. I needed to call Madi, and my parents. I felt like shouting this news to the world. We’d persevered, and were going to reap the rewards.

Chapter 16

Bailey

I called my OBGYN as soon as I got back home. The earliest they could get me in was two weeks away. The nurse told me not to worry, and if I experienced anything I considered out of the ordinary, to call them back and they’d see me right away.

Dex has been a lifesaver these last few days. As much as I want this baby, the morning sickness is already kicking my butt. I can’t eat much in the morning, and then things get rough at night, too. I’ve been living off of Saltines and ginger ale. I’m tired all the time, and I’ve been getting headaches. My mom keeps telling me to relax, every pregnancy is different, and to be happy that I’m carrying the baby I prayed for. It’s hard to be grateful when you feel like crap all the time.

“Are you planning to go to the rec center today?” Dex handed me my morning coffee, which I’ve only been able to keep down once over the last week.

“Yeah.” I yawned. “I haven’t been there in three days. I figure I’ve punished Madi enough.” Madi’s been helping with my coaching responsibilities. My boss was ok with it when I told him she played with me at Pepperdine. She was so happy about the baby that I probably could’ve convinced her to do just about anything.

“You know you’re entitled to rest if you need it. We can make it a few months with my new promotion.” He smiled as he sat beside me and started rubbing my back.

“I know, but I love what I do. I can’t wait to teach this one to play.” I rubbed my belly, and in that moment my little bean decided it didn’t want coffee today. I held up my hand and I thrust the mug back at Dex before rushing to the bathroom. The few sips I’d had came out in a vicious blast before I sagged to the floor. I know I’m tired because I can’t keep any food or liquid down.

“Hey, babe?” Dex stuck his head through the door opening. “Maybe you should mention how bad this is at your appointment. I know they make stuff to help with this. The baby needs food.”

My head swung in his direction, and my eyes shot daggers. “I need food too, ya know?”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for that sound like I wasn’t thinking about you, too. You both need food, and rest.” He rubbed my back as he handed me a cup of water. “Are you sure you wanna go back today?”

“I’m sure.” I sighed as I stood up. Flashes of my mom doing this after a chemo treatment came rushing back. I’ve lived like this before under different circumstances, and the idea that I’d have to live like this again for nine months scared the crap outta me.

I made my way into our room, dressed in some workout gear, grabbed my bag, and forced myself to go back to the living room. “I’ll see you this afternoon. I’m going to make it a short day today.” I twisted my hair up on my head before reaching for my keys.

“Ok. I’ll cook tonight so you can rest. Call me if you need anything.” He came over and wrapped his arms around me, kissing my cheek in the process. “I love you… both of you.” He smiled softly, and held the front door open as I stepped out.

ooooooooo

It was a nice day. Warm, sunny, and full of promise. The closer I got to the rec center, the better I seemed to feel. Mornings were the hardest, by far, but being away from something I loved was harder.

I parked in my usual spot, grabbed my bag, and made my way inside. I was planning to have an outdoor practice since it was nice. Madi was standing by the indoor field with the team when I came through the doors.

“You’re here!” She smiled. “Yay!” the team echoed behind her.

“Couldn’t stay away forever. I missed you guys.” I grinned back at them. “What do you say to practice outside today?” I motioned to the doors that led to our outdoor fields.

“Sounds great!” one of the kids shouted.

“I’ll meet you out there.” I ushered them toward the door as Madi and I grabbed the equipment bag.

“They’ve been asking where you were. I didn’t want to say anything until you were ready.” Madi’s voice was low as we followed the kids outdoors.

“I won’t be able to hide it forever, but I wanna wait a bit in case something happens.”

“I understand.” Madi nodded. “Let’s make them run a little. Way too much energy today.” She giggled as a few of the girls began bouncing to some cheer they’d made up.

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