Rants, Raves, and Praise of a Pregnant Lady

Well I figure I better throw out all of my complaints now...so I can blame my ranting on hormones :)

~ Why is it that everywhere you go and everyone you know is pregnant when you are trying to get pregnant. All of a sudden my whole town was having a baby...

~When you announce you are pregnant, why do people feel the need to ask you "Was it planned?" First of all, that is rude! It is none of your business if we planned or didn't plan our pregnancy. Obviously it was a part of God's plan or it wouldn't be happening. By asking you are implying that I am either too young or crazy for wanting a baby. Yes today most people wait longer, but most of our parents had multiple children at my age. Oh and by the way, I am 24 years old, Mark and I both have good jobs, a home, and yes we planned our little ones arrival!!! We would like our parents to enjoy grandchildren when they can still get on the floor and play with them. Plus we are looking forward to the time when we are empty-nesters and still able to travel and honeymoon before settling into a nursing home.

~Favorite beginning moments: Telling Mark. "Hey Mark come here for a second." Mark comes to the bathroom as I proudly point to the stick I just peed on (which he had no idea i was taking the test). He looks. He looks a little closer...and a little closer...he looks at me. Then a rush of words, "That's 2 lines. 2 means your pregnant?! (I nod) So there are 2 lines. It's a yes? That's a yes?! Are you sure?. could it be wrong?! should you do another test?! WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A BABY?!!!! I am going to be a dad!!!! (me nodding and smiling) "Yes mark it's a yes! and yes i am positive it is right." Happy Father's day a night early!!!!!

~Even though I was positive... I still peed on the remaining 2 test over the next week...just because!! :)

~ Second favorite beginning moment: Telling the parents. My mom: "Your pregnant?! Are you taking a vitamin!" My dad: BIG SMILE. Mark's mom: Squealing "your pregnant?!....when are you due???" Mark's dad: BIG SMILE. and of course hugs from everyone. And siblings of course led to a lot of screaming and jumping from Mark's sisters, and a big "I knew it!" from my brother.

~The first trimester is the scariest.... nobody told me I would pray more prayers and worry more then ever before. All of a sudden I am responsible for a little person's health and well being. Nobody told me I would start worrying about things such as: what will we do if there is a 2 hr delay and I have to work? or what if there are no good schools around here? etc. And the worrying/praying doesn't stop after the 1st trimester....I am pretty sure it continues for life....

~First Trimester woes: nausea every day, all day. Vomiting anytime, anywhere. fatigue. runny nose and sneezing. bleeding gums. frequent peeing. forgetfulness.

~First ultrasound: AMAZING!! seeing the little heart beat!!! Mark's look of pride and excitement.

~ Second Trimester woes: getting chubby...not looking pregnant....just chubby. Too small for maternity clothes...too fat for my clothes. peeing even more frequently. very very vivid and frequent dreams. HUNGRY! still have that pregnancy brain.

~Second ultrasound: JUST as AMAZING as the first!! seeing a real baby...moving...touching it's face....so cute! And again Mark's face!!! I love the 15 ultrasound pics gracing my refrigerator.

~ Favorite moment of 2nd trimester: feeling my cinnabon kick. First it felt like a twitch at about 16 weeks and gradually turned into a full fledged kicking and turning. Mark's surprise the first time he felt it. I absolutely love it! I love watching people feel my belly when the baby kicks! I can just sit smiling to myself feeling my little one flip and turn.

~ The growing baby bump. So why do people feel the need to say "Wow you are huge!" or "You are getting big!" I know I am huge...trust me I know. And I absolutely love my belly growing, but at the same time I see myself in the mirror. I don't feel attractive. It sort of scares me. I try not to think about getting my old body back, and if that is even possible. I prefer comments such as "you look so good!" "You are so cute pregnant!" "Look at your little belly." (yes i know its not little, but I like it when people say it is.) All of those are very acceptable. Please refrain from words such as WOW and BIG. And the worst comment ever: "Your face is looking fuller... you have that pregnancy glow." Okay the last part was fine, but it doesn't make up for the fact that you just reminded me of my fat face. Like I said I know I am getting rounder...I don't need it pointed out. Maybe its fluid i am retaining or just plain fat...but please keep it to yourself.

~Rubbing, patty, and talking to my belly. Anyone and everyone will do it. I can't lie. It's annoying...especially strangers. I mean seriously who are you and get your hands off my tummy!! It's okay if you ask, or I ask you, but otherwise I just feel awkward.

~ Speaking of strangers...everyone wants to know about your pregnancy...the guy on the elevator "Is it your first?" the lady behind the counter "it's a girl...how far along are you." etc. Suddenly I am very popular!!! But i don't mind...i love to talk about the baby!

~Why do people continue to guess names when we have told them we aren't telling names. Please keep guessing...I won't say yes or no! Seriously people. GIVE it UP!

~The awkward baby bump. All of a sudden it is uncomfortable to put shoes and socks on. Thank you Mark for helping me with that!!! I have trouble getting up off the floor. carrying the laundry basket is a chore. I can't see my feet. my back hurts. my feet hurt. I waddle. I get tired going up the stairs. I wake up to roll over during the night...it's not easy! I have lost my center of balance...yes I did fall down the stairs once. The most embarrassing part: my belly button sticks out soooo far...no matter how many shirts I have on, you can still see it plain as day!

Well that is all for now... I am getting hungry and need a snack! Maybe I will add more later as this AMAZING experience comes to an end :) I can't wait to see my lil cinnabon!

P.S.- This is supposed to be funny....I am really not upset!