One of the few lucky enough to do what she loves, Lauren Zoucha has made a career out of creating. Whether at her day job in marketing for Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) in Waxahachie or tackling special projects for her graphic design-slash-wedding photography company Zuka Creative, 24-year-old Lauren never misses an opportunity to flex her creative muscle. Today, after two years of marriage to her college sweetheart, Anthony, who also works for SAGU in IT, Lauren is five months pregnant and awaiting the arrival of her greatest creation yet: Sophia Grace.
So was the pregnancy planned or a surprise?
It was planned. We were planning on starting to try around our second anniversary and we were surprised that we got pregnant right away. It was exciting and a little shocking at the same time!
Tell me about finding out you were pregnant.
I was starting to feel some symptoms, but I was a little skeptical. I had taken a pregnancy test a little early and it came back negative, so I thought, “Well, I’ll just wait.” I waited about a week and a half and woke up that morning and thought, “I think I want to take one this morning.” So I did and it turned out positive. I was kind of freaking out by myself because I get up before my husband. Later that afternoon, we were by ourselves and I had the test in a plastic bag. I set it on his lap and said, “I have something for you.” We were both really excited. Since he had wanted kids too, he didn’t really get the jitters about it. He was genuinely happy.
How has your perception of being pregnant differed from the reality? Any surprises?
I think I was expecting to “feel” more pregnant in the beginning. I'm sure I will more so as I continue to grow … I was definitely surprised at the side effects of pregnancy and how many changes the woman’s body actually [undergoes]. You see photos of beaming pregnant women in books and magazines, but the reality is much different!
How excited are the grandparents?
Oh my word! They’re just over the moon. On my side, it will be the first grandbaby. My mom is the epitome of baby fever. We’re blessed to have a lot of support on both sides. They’re definitely all very happy for us.
How’s the pregnancy going?
I’m starting to feel a lot better. The first trimester was rough with the nausea and the fatigue, but slowly that’s starting to get better. My appetite has been picking up a lot more, which is kind of funny because normally I eat like a bird. Now I’ll have two bowls of cereal and a banana for breakfast.
Any odd cravings?
Not anything weird. But — even more than normal — I like spicy foods. I like Mexican food and Chick-fil-A. I could eat those all the time.
You recently found out it’s a girl! Were you hoping for a girl?
I was really trying to stay neutral. I think deep down I thought it might be a girl, but I was going to be happy either way. But I am really excited it’s going to be a girl!
How’s Anthony handling impending fatherhood?
Really well. He’s doing great. I think it’s the most precious thing — he’ll talk to my belly and he’s wanting to get books, so we can read to the baby. He’s been really supportive.
What are you looking forward to chowing down on after Sophia comes?
Over-easy eggs. Breakfast is one of the things I could eat a ton of anytime of the day, and I’ve only had scrambled eggs. I also miss sushi.
How are you feeling about labor and delivery?
I’m kind of taking the stance, “Don’t think about it because it’s not going to help anything.” I think we’ll definitely do classes. I'm not totally going to ignore it, but I’ll just take it as it goes. I hear you forget all the bad stuff once you see your baby, so I’m hoping that’s the way it goes. I think it’s going to be like nothing else I’ve ever experienced.
Are your maternal instincts kicking in?
Yes, I would say I’m more aware of being safe and eating healthy. Different senses are more alert.
What are you most looking forward to about Sophia Grace’s arrival?
It’s hard to pinpoint one thing — getting to hold her and raise her I guess. Just the everyday sort of things, getting to teach her and see the first of everything.
