Here's the thing: everything I expected to experience during pregnancy has turned out to be the exact opposite. I thought I would have morning sickness for nine months straight after not being able to keep anything down for a few days, but I haven't been sick in months. I also thought no one in their right mind would have such honest inputs about my abilities or body, but I remain surprised. These are just two examples, but there are plenty more that every pregnant woman can relate to, such as these.

1. Expect Shock and Surprise

Regardless of who you choose to tell first, you can never expect to know how they will react. However, I can assure you that they will be shocked! My mom couldn't even form a sentence when I surprised her and my dad with a box full of pink and blue balloons before Christmas. Some of your loved ones will be so shocked that they can't even say anything, others will give you the tightest hug you've every received. Either way, it'll be alright!

2. Expect Advice (even from people that aren't parents)

You get advice on everything when you've pregnant, I swear. What to name your little one, when to announce you're even having a baby, what to eat, how much you should exercise, your gender reveal plans, and let's not forget the advice on all things birth related. The advice that one of my classmates gave me is something I will never forget: "You probably shouldn't find out the gender, or announce it, because when you deliver it won't be as exciting since everyone already knows if it's a boy or girl". Little did this classmate know: I am the type of person to celebrate even the smallest life events, and I had been pinning ideas for my Gender Reveal Party! Oh well, finding out the gender was one of the best days of my life.

3. Expect to Feel Exhausted

During the first trimester, the day will come when you are simply worn out! You have bags under your eyes, and you wonder if it'll get better from there. To be honest, I felt like I had been hit by a truck, or a bike at least. Don't get me wrong, it's totally worth it! Thankfully, once you get to the second trimester, you get a burst of energy back. I was thankful that my loved ones took care of me when I was sick during the first trimester.

4. Expect Lots of Help and Lectures (even when you don't ask for any of it)

I'm a pretty independent, stubborn person, so this was a little difficult for me to accept. Pregnant women do have certain limitations, but we are very capable of knowing what we can or can't do. Regardless, I recommend taking all of the help, and all of the crazy advice. In the end, you'll only appreciate it because it's out of love and concern for your well-being.

5. Expect Joy

When I realized that I was pregnant at only three weeks along, it was the most exciting moment of my life. I have won countless awards and nominations, but I had never felt such joy. I suspected that I was pregnant during a workout when things just didn't feel right. Once I took four tests and they came back positive within minutes, my heart began to flutter. Then comes the first ultrasound, and the one after that, and the one after that. Each time, I saw my little one grow, and eventually move like crazy when his dad talked to my belly.

To conclude, I'm so thankful for my little one, and I can't wait for all of the memories our little family will make. These past five month shave flown right on by, so if you're a new mommy, enjoy this time while it lasts.