Pregnancy really is a gift. Being able to carry around a little ball of joy for nine months and then being able to raise that ball of joy is the best experience you will ever have in your life.

However, it’s far from an easy process, which is why I have learned to depend on a few milestones to get me through the day.

• The day you decide to finally buy maternity clothing: Making this switch is a struggle. I never fancied the idea of spending money on clothing that can only be worn for a few months but I finally decided to make the switch. Let me tell you, this was a good decision. Maternity clothing is really comfortable and definitely not as expensive as you would think.
• They day you and your partner agree on an answer to the “should we find out” question:
  “Should we find out if we are having a boy or a girl?”
  “I’m not sure. What do you think?”
  “I don’t know, that’s why I’m asking you!”
  Decide on an answer by week 20 and stick to it. My partner and I chose to find out so that we could have everything planned as much as possible. I’m happy with my decision, which is the most important part. So, the steps are: agree on an answer, stick with it and then be happy!
• The first night you don’t feel like sleeping by 8 p.m.: I was the sleepiest I have ever been in my life during the first trimester. It was normal for me to fall asleep at the dinner table and in the morning when I was packing my kids lunches. Fortunately, the day will come where you don’t feel like passing out before the sun goes down!
• The day you and your partner choose a name: This will be one of the greatest reliefs during your pregnancy. I remember wanting to cry the day my husband and I finally chose a name; it’s seriously like the heavens are shining down on you.
• The day you hit 30 weeks: You might be wondering why this is a milestone and the answer lies in the fact that you can finally count down. This leaves only 10 more weeks in your pregnancy! Believe me, you’ll want to celebrate when you make it this far.

These milestones bring even more beauty to the joys of pregnancy.