I was doing so well... almost through 9 whole months without catching the many bugs and viruses that float around campus all winter... So here I am, almost 3 weeks left and I suffer from the dreaded cold. I swear this is the worst cold I have ever had... made worse by the fact that I cannot take my beloved Ny-quil to help me sleep. Needless to say the last few nights have been rather long and frustrating.
However, my body was absolutely exhausted yesterday and that translated into at least 6 hours of sleep last night (breaking a record by at least 2!). I also got to sleep in today and I am feeling better (whether that translates into me sounding better I have yet to determine...). With any luck this will pass in the next day or so!
As inconvenient as this cold is, it has forced me to slow down a bit and I am grateful for that. I have found a little time to reflect and ponder and realize just how very blessed I am. I am grateful for my family and their support through all of this craziness of being pregnant. I am grateful for my mother especially. She has been busy at the sewing machine with some cute boy fabrics (I am way excited for them to become something cute!), but she checks up on me and even took me to get a pedicure to celebrate our survival of our latest break down... :) I have cute toes that keep me smiling when I can see them... :)
I am grateful for a thoughtful daddy who sends me little texts to check up on how I am doing. They have made some tough days happier and I know he loves me and wants the best for me. It is also very comforting to know he is so close by in case I may need him for anything.
My hubby does everything for me with patience and love. He makes me laugh when I'm upset and helps stand up when I'm stuck on the couch... I couldn't have anyone better by my side through all of this! I hope this little one grows up to be like his dad.
While she's not related by blood, she is just as close... My dear bestest friend has been an incredible support through this whole thing. Its a good thing she wants to be a nurse... or she may have quit speaking to me around month 2... She has been there with rides, love and support, and a sympathetic ear whenever I need her. She's the best! I love you!
My in-laws have been very supportive and excited for us as well. They are farther away but they keep careful tabs on our goings on. My mother in-law put together a wonderful baby shower on top of everything else that is going on in the family. It was so much fun to have the family there (even if everyone overshot fairly long on how big I am...) :)
Big Bird's grandparents live right next to the hospital we will be delivering at. They are so excited for us and have invited us to come to their house if the hospital wont take us in on the big day. They hosted the baby shower and have had us over a few times for a basketball game or two. :) We are grateful for their example, excitement, and willingness to have us over. Its always a treat to visit!
So many of our extended family have been so helpful and supportive. We are so grateful for the helpful advice, baby items donated to us, and encouragement from you all! We have felt your love, support, and prayers and are eternally grateful for such an amazing family that you are! Thanks for all you have done and continue to do!
Hows that for a silver lining? :) Thanks for reading. I'll be back with better news soon... :)
The whole process of smuggling the perfect watermelon is an art. One that will take time, practice, and a few tries in order to achieve. Each watermelon is different, with its own challenges and successes. While I am, by no means, a professional (more of a novice really...) I have learned a few tricks along the way... this knowledge could change life as we know it! (at least it has a great impact on mine...)No one told me about the smells... it seems that watermelons heighten your nose sensitivity by about a thousand. This new sensitivity can trigger a quick visit to (my new friend) the toilet almost faster than brushing my teeth... I have also learned that there is a certain grace to puking and certain warning signs you should never ignore. These new skills have come in handy on certain car rides where I did not have a bag with me (I know, a rookie mistake.)
Always, always, always have a water bottle with you at all times... you just never know...
Now, the watermelon will become more pronounced as is grows into the 4th month or so. This is the time to embrace it... and do those things that you will not be able to come month 8... (like tie your own shoes... shave your legs... those sort of things...) Continue to enjoy pants with a waistband for a little longer... and shirts that are not the size of small tents...
Eventually your appetite will come back to you and you can start eating real food (not just cold cereal and Campbell's soup) again. Don't get too excited however, anything with any amount of flavor will be problematic as indigestion and heartburn will have you tasting your dinner 3 or 4 times... so if it is strong the first time... hope you enjoyed it!
With the new weight (and rearranging of your insides) I have come to know the importance of a close bathroom, soft seating, and a pillow (or in my case, my fluffy coat wads up quite nicely). My first week of the semester was spent figuring out what buildings are best for those hour breaks between classes... and what drinking fountains and vending machines offer the best results. I am fairly expert now... And no, not all bathrooms are created equal...
As bad as it sounds there are good things to this smuggling business. Some highlights for me:
The look on my husbands face when I said "Congratulations Daddy" for the first time.
Watching my mom's face transform from utter confusion to excited tears as she realized the album I gave her said "Grandkids" on it. Then watching her proudly show her mother that she was going to be a grandma too.
Peanut Butter has become a food staple... with everything...
Feeling the strange stomach spasms and then finally realizing that it was my baby I could feel... I love feeling him wiggle around... (despite the bruised ribs...)
Seeing the little person for the first time at my doctor's office... then again to measure his growth and figure out the gender.
Big Bird's attempt to hide a smile when the doctor told us we were looking at a little boy.
The excuse of the extra passenger gives me to eat what I crave... when I want... and I can eat as much as I want without having to feel guilty! I am supposed to gain weight... :)
I learned how to make myself a maternity shirt (and it is amazing if I do say so myself.).
I have been able to watch my husband. He takes such good care of me. He rubs my back when it aches, he lifts things that are too heavy or in awkward places for me to reach, he doesn't laugh at me when I make funny faces as my ribs are kicked... He is incredibly sweet and patient and I can see what an amazing father my children will have. I thank God every day for him and I do hope he knows how much I truly do love him. (I know mushy... but hey, I'm pregnant!)
There has been an incredible, overwhelmingly awesome spirit in our home among our little family. We look forward to becoming parents for the first time and the anticipation and questions that come with it are scarier than reason. We have felt such an incredible support from our families, our friends, and mostly from the Lord. We have learned a lot about the unknown and how much faith it requires. We practice our faith every day as we take it one day closer to "D-day."
Can you believe that we have just over a month left of this incredible journey? I have grown so much in the past 8 months... literally (Honestly, we have passed the uncomfortable stage and are now just trying to to burst or rupture everything.) and spiritually as I have undertaken the biggest step in my life thus far. I have learned to rely on the Lord in my insecurities, because lets face it, I'm not perfect (yes, I said it, you can sit back on your chair now). I have so much to be thankful for and pray that I can remember that as I finish the last leg of this journey...
Wish us luck!
and its starting be become a blockade for a multitude of things I used to do very easily... Like tying my own shoes, picking up stuff off the floor, curling up in a ball to read a good book... all these things I can still do, for the most part, but are getting steadily difficult as the little guy inside me continues to grow. There are some perks though, I now look like I am pregnant which reminds me and my dear husband why I am achy and slightly miserable sometimes... and though its unpleasant sometimes our little guy will be worth it. (Mom keeps telling me...) When he gets a burst of energy I can feel it and what an amazing feeling to have a little person dancing around in your stomach... The body is an amazing thing and these little ones are such an incredible miracle. (although he would be so much cuter if he didn't kick until the early morning...)
We are at 25 weeks and 3 days today. Said the doctor as we met with him again. The next time I'll see the doctor will be in my 3rd trimester! Can you believe that? I can't... until this little guy kicks me again... then I can't wait! :)
Just thought I'd share a short update... more to come soon!
