Reflecting

Since things are winding down now, I've had a lot of time to really reflect on this pregnancy. I have really had an easy pregnancy and, for that, I am so blessed. I did not have morning sickness, no problems with the baby at any time and things have just gone very smoothly. I'm a person who does quite well with "change", but we've had a lot of changes in the past year and I think that the Man up stairs was looking out for me by giving me an easy pregnancy so we could deal with all of the changes that were happening around us. It's made us better, stronger and we are READY for this baby now. I think that we needed to go through all of this change, in order to bring us to such a peaceful place.

That being said, I really have loved being pregnant... but there are some things that I will not miss!

Here are the things that I LOVED about being pregnant:

* I love feeling the baby move. EVERY single kick. I love. Some women get annoyed toward the end because, trust me, this baby kicks A LOT now (and they are sometimes painful!), but every single kick let me know that the baby was doing okay, so I loved them.

* I really loved that strangers are so nice to you when you are pregnant! I've never had so many people smile, hold doors and complete strangers tell me I'm beautiful. I walked out of Walmart 3 days ago, had no make up and greasy hair and this little old man stopped me dead in my tracks, threw his hand up in the air and tell me how beautiful I was (when I certainly did not feel it!). That feels good.

* I love the anticipation. I'm really proud that we didn't find out the sex. It was hard, but it's been really fun.

* I loved setting up the nursery. It's my most favorite room in the house. I love to go in there and just sit.

* I loved that I was pregnant with Kairee. We talked/texted almost every day throughout this pregnancy and I can't wait to now share mommy-hood with her! We've really made each other laugh constantly throughout this but it's also been nice to share our fears, and the scary/not-so-great things too. Only my girlfriends can understand how personal we can get with each other and Kairee and I have had each other in hysterics over the funny, sometimes gross, things that are happening with our bodies and also our husband's reactions.

* I've really enjoyed eating. Obviously.

* I love that this is the first grandchild for both sides of our family. This child is going to be spoiled and so loved by both sides and we are so excited to share this experience with our parents and family.

* I love how excited Ryan is about this baby. He is going to be the best dad in the world and I cannot wait for him to be a father. He is SO nervous right now- every little groan or movement I make, he wants to make sure I'm okay. I'm just so excited for him to hold this baby for the first time.

And now for the things that I'm totally over:

* The weight gain. Over it. Obviously, it comes with the territory but what I really dislike is the weight gain in the face, arms and legs.

* "Pregnancy face". I don't even recognize myself when I look in the mirror these days! My nose and lips are enormous. So strange.

* The "Mask of Pregnancy", as if having a huge nose and lips isn't bad enough, add a huge, blotchy birthmark all over my face. My upper lip is so dark it looks like I'm in serious need of a wax.

* Swollen feet and cankels. They are worse than I ever thought they would be. Exhibit A (aka Fred Flinstone Feet):

* Baby hiccups. I know I said that I love every little move, but the hiccups are pretty annoying. They started out so cute, but now this kid gets 'em all the time, they last for about 20 minutes and my whole belly shakes. I'm over the hiccups.

* Peeing. When they say that pregnant women have to pee a lot, I never imagined it would be like this! I will go pee and then, no joke, 3 minutes later need to do it again! I'm over it.

*I'm sick of being tired. I know this is only going to get worse in the upcoming months though, so I'll save that complaint for later.

*I'm sick and tired of the pregnancy "waddle". I look and feel like a duck. QUACK, QUACK!

* I miss my young-feeling body. I feel like I'm 90 years old. My body HURTS. My body is like a box of rice krispies right now- every move comes along with a snap, crackle and a pop. My feet hurt. My back hurts. I just pray my body goes back to normal!

* And lastly, all of the stuff that I mention on my weekly round up.... I miss my wedding ring. I miss hot yoga. I miss red wine. I miss soft cheeses. I miss oysters. - these are all things that I've missed, but I know it's all worth it :)