– Being pregnant while taking care of 3 kids is a lot harder than being pregnant and taking care of two, or no kids. It’s true. Physically, mentally, emotionally, you name it.
– Pregnancy aches, discomforts, Braxton hicks etc. seem to come on sooner than they did the last two pregnancies. I am not complaining, I am just observing….It makes sense, though. I still have had really healthy and fairly easy pregnancies thus far, and I am so grateful!
-Pelvic floor exercises are a good thing after having a vaginal birth. I didn’t have any issues after my c-section obviously, but this pregnancy was a little different. I will just say that I have mastered what I call the “flamingo leg” whenever I have a big sneeze coming on. It’s all good people, you can thank me later for that one.
-Sleep is important, exercise is important, eating well is important, constant spiritual nourishment is important. Having a husband who can manage the hormonal tidal waves and roller coaster of emotions with sensitivity is important:)
-This last Sunday I went through 5 or 6 outfits before I could find something that I felt fit and matched. Yes, it’s getting to that time where there are slim pickings in the wardrobe department. Even so, I’m gonna rock this belly, and it’s not gonna be in king size sheets!
-Midwives are the bomb dot com. I’m sorry if I seem bias, but I have never felt so much support and genuine love and care then I do from the midwives I have seen and am currently seeing. There’s something about having a nice long, unrushed conversation with another woman who has been there done that, and doesn’t make you feel silly about anything. I know there are some great OBs out there too, but I love love love midwives.
-People will always say things about how you look when you are pregnant. For me it’s usually how big I am,
(in your best troll voice, because that’s the only voice I know how to do for these)
“You’re 8 weeks along, and you already have a baby belly?!”
(said to me by the nurse at my old midwives office)
“You’re HUGE!!!”
(said to me by a stranger while at a research study)
“Funny how you carry different each pregnancy because I don’t remember your stomach being so far out there last time…”
(said to me by my hairdresser last month)
“38 weeks along?”
(said to me last weekend by a male stranger)
-Why people care so much about how I carry my baby, or how big I am will continue to baffle my mind. While I have gotten better at not taking them personally over the years, it still bothers me at times. I am also critical of my body as most women are, and hearing other people being critical just makes it worse. The point is I’m carrying a baby, and I’m doing a good job of it, and people should really limit their comments to positive words only, and preferably those that aren’t related to size. I can’t change other people’s words, but I can add a large grain or a few gallons of salt to them.
-This could be our last baby, my last pregnancy, my last birth, and so I want to punch anyone including myself when any negativity about my body or weight enters because there is no time for it. No time. I struggle with self-image and body issues, and I always have, but I want to enjoy this last month, and I’m going to by golly!
-Pregnancy is truly a magical time. My face somehow doesn’t break out. My skin is smooth and shiny, but not in a KFC chicken thigh way. My hair doesn’t fall out EVER and is thicker and easier to manage. I can actually fill out a bra, and I’m growing a human all at the same time! I mean come on, can it get any better? That might sound really shallow…but as I said I’m enjoying this pregnancy in every way I can!
-This sweet little girl is active and very strong! I have a feeling she is a lot like her mom, and I’m so excited and nervous at the same time to meet her. I wonder what she will look like, and what she will be like. I wonder what she will add to our little family. Her name means “and God will add” (shhh!!!!don’t tell Kevin I told you that), and I think it fits her perfectly. I have no doubt that she will add something special to our lives.
-Overall I’m really really grateful for this little girl that I’m carrying, and for Heavenly Father for entrusting me with another child. I have so many weaknesses as a mother, oh SO MANY! I know He sees them on a regular basis. He knows about all the times I’ve messed up and haven’t tried hard enough, but at the same time, I know that He can see my potential and that with Him I can reach it. I can be better with His help. Sometimes I think, “are you sure you wanted to give me this baby, even after everything I need to work on, and all the mistakes I keep making over and over and over again?” But the answer is clear, she is coming, and she is meant to be part of our family. It’s definitely humbling experience.
OurFamily says
Such a happy post! It makes me want to be pregnant again. But then i remember I dont enjoy being pregnant…
You look amazing!
Lani says
Why people think it's OK to say anything other than, "You look amazing!" to pregnant women baffles me!
Kimmie says
I love your blog! I think you are beyond beautiful,both inside and out, and I'm happy I got to see you today and happy you'll be bringing another sweet, adorable baby into the world!