The Plot Twist I Didn’t See Coming

By Trinity Barnette

For a few days, I felt like absolute trash.

Not dramatic trash. Not “I skipped coffee” trash. I mean nauseous, exhausted, can’t-even-look-at-food, why-do-I-feel-like-this kind of sick. I thought maybe I caught something. Maybe stress. Maybe my body just hated me.

Then my boyfriend casually said, “What if you’re pregnant?”

I laughed.

And then I paused.

Because what if?

So naturally, instead of sitting in anxiety like a normal person, I DoorDashed a pregnancy test.

It came. I took it.

Positive.

I stared at it for a solid five minutes, blinking like maybe the second line would disappear out of embarrassment.

It didn’t.

So obviously, I did what any rational woman would do—I ordered two more tests later that day.

Both positive.

Three for three. No debate team required.

The First Appointment

Tuesday was my first OBGYN appointment. Walking in felt surreal. I’ve written about motherhood before. I’ve talked about the future before. But sitting in that office? It suddenly wasn’t hypothetical.

Based on my last period, they estimated my due date to be October 2nd.

October.

Which is wild, considering my birthday is October 11. A little Libra baby moment? Iconic.

The Ultrasound

Today I had my first ultrasound.

And everything became real in a way that words genuinely struggle to explain.

I’m measuring at 10 weeks and 6 day—which makes September 22nd a more likely due date.

Seeing that tiny little body on the screen… hearing the heartbeat… realizing there is an entire human growing inside me right now?

There’s nothing that prepares you for that.

It’s overwhelming. Beautiful. Terrifying. Sacred.

All at once.

What This Means

I’m going to be a mom.

Typing that feels insane.

This wasn’t part of my neatly organized life plan. I’m 20. I’m in school. I’m building my brand. I’m still figuring out who I am some days.

And now I’m also growing someone.

But here’s what I know: life doesn’t wait for perfect timing. It moves. It shifts. It stretches you.

And maybe this isn’t a detour.

Maybe this is the chapter that shapes everything else.

I’m stepping into a new era—one that’s softer, stronger, and a little less predictable.

And I wanted you to hear it from me.

Baby due September 22, 2026.

Mom era loading.

🤍