I am slowly but surely working on creating this blog to be a documenting blog... one that captures the important things happening in our lives as a family. I figure it's about time I chat a little more specifically about the pregnancy, with stats and experiences I'd like to remember. Yesterday I finally landed in the third trimester. The final stretch... the one in which it gets the heaviest (and most uncomfortable) and ends with the best gift in the world. Ahhh, here we go.
The weight gain: I was really anxious about gaining too much weight during this pregnancy. I have never been one to drop pounds easily nor have I ever been addicted to exercise (though I have come in and out of routines). However, now as the pounds are really adding up, I find myself no longer concerned about them. (Other than the fact that I need to be sure to remain healthy for the baby.) I am finding relief in the fact that this really is only temporary, that it's a part of the process, and I will have the opportunity to lose the weight once baby is here. And that is so good to know.
Maternity clothes: Oh I can't wear anything but maternity clothes right now. I'd say, so far, that has been THE most expensive part of pregnancy and expecting a baby. Being comfortable is important to me, but feeling cute AND comfortable? The best ever. I love maternity clothes and am enjoying the comfort of them, just not the price tag. :)
Stretch marks: So far, so good! But I know they are coming and I am not worried about them.
Sleep: While I AM getting enough sleep, it's just not really happening through the night. I am usually awake from 3am - 6am nightly. Luckily I fall back to sleep and have a job that allows me to sleep as late as necessary in the morning to make up for it. I honestly think the only reason I am suffering from interrupted sleep is due to the fact that I am getting too hot every night. Our thermostat resets itself at midnight and noon daily, so there's really nothing I can do about the temperature. We already have two fans blowing in the room, one directly pointed at my face. But I am not complaining, I get good sleep later in the morning and even more excellent nap times. :)
Best moment of pregnancy: I absolutely LOVE feeling baby move inside of me and I love it even more when I catch it with my eyes! It's weird, I constantly forget that the movements are totally unpredictable. Unlike other grumbles in your stomach, just because I feel something small and weird, does not necessarily mean a big movement is coming next. (Okay that just sounds gross, but I think you mamas out there know what I'm saying?) It's kind of a fun little reminder that the baby moves (and arrives and develops and everything else) on his/her own time! :)
Worst moment of pregnancy: I am not trying to remember or dwell on any of the bad things about pregnancy... but I'll go ahead and say that the changes and pains in my chest have been absolutely horrible. It feels like there are little men in there stabbing me with knives from the inside out. Hands down the worst pain so far... which I like to coach myself through to practice for coaching myself through the pain of childbirth. (Tell me that's not laughable!)
Food cravings: SWEETS. Like crazy. For a while I couldn't swallow the thought (or even the food) of meat. Any meat. Then I got a little okay with red meat again. But poultry is still not as appetizing as it used to be - we used to eat it at least 3x/week before the pregnancy. I crave a lot of pasta now, but luckily Tommy is not feeling the pasta thing so that helps keep my cravings at bay.
Some other regular cravings I have experienced throughout this pregnancy are:
- cereal (Tommy will make the "omg you have got to be kidding me" face every time I pour another bowl of this stuff)
- kraft macaroni & cheese
- lemonade and other fresh/fruity tastes
The public's reaction: Some of the things that come out of people's mouths when they find out I am pregnant really are so, so entertaining. I try to think gracefully as I have been known to stick my foot in my mouth on numerous occasions. I just smile and giggle a little when I think back to the things that have been said. My favorite comments, though, are from other moms and couples that also waited to find out the gender until the birthday. The encouragement is neverending and it has us even so much more excited for that moment!
Baby thoughts: Oh baby, baby. It is challenging to feel connected to you when we don't know who you are... but I try my best to enjoy your little movements and look forward to the moment when we will finally find out! I am so grateful to God that you are strong, healthy, and that we are enjoying a normal pregnancy together. Your little developing life has brought your dad and I closer than ever and I am looking forward to the day of your birth more than you can imagine. We are both so very excited.
