No matter how frequently I hear them, comments about having kids can still blindside me. “That’ll be you in a couple of years,” says my father-in-law, in response to a commercial for one of those “tons of space, but still cool” family cars. “Or a few years…” he corrects himself, seeing my expression.

I have some bad news. That life you’ve grown accustomed to? It’s long-, far-away-, never-to-be-seen-again gone. May it rest in peace. (Which is ironic, because you will not be resting in peace, or any other state, for quite some time.)

Sometimes, being pregnant is a drag. You can’t drink. Or eat sushi. Your ankles swell, and you forget things constantly. But there are some pretty awesome perks that come along with pregnancy.