So lately I've been thinking about the things I have learned since becoming pregnant. Honestly, I wouldn't have thought it, but you learn so much about yourself, those around you, and just factoids you never had the use for. And don't kid yourself. Just because your sister, best friend since high school, or neighbor has been pregnant and shared her stories...that does not mean you know what to expect. I ask friends now "Have you experienced...." and they calmly reply "Oh, yeah. That is so common!" I decided to make a list of these "thoughts." I'll try to update it periodically...because I'm constantly learning so much everyday. So here we go...
1) Self View of Body: Seriously, I've always been very conscious of my weight. So conscious in fact I took those tricky little injections - of course leading to our very precious gift. Nonetheless, being very self conscious of my body image it was very difficult to see my body change. And sometimes those changes happened (what seemed like) OVERNIGHT! As my pregnancy has progressed, I have learned to embrace my body. My body is performing one of the greatest miracles God ever intended. So, what if I gain more than one pound a week! I'm making a baby!
2) Others View of My Body: Still difficult for me is those who seem to have forgotten I have a face and stare at my belly. Sometimes it feels like no one has ever since a pregnant chick before. I haven't had to many belly touchers - just the belly watchers.
3) Priority Shift: Before becoming pregnant my life revolved around accomplishing goals. I had a set list of goals that were going to be accomplished hands down. Over the course of my pregnancy I have reevaluated those goals. They are indeed still important. However, when you realize you have this precious child you are going to be responsible for things change. Along these same lines, I have also come to appreciate my family more than ever. My love for Hai increases everyday as I see him prepare to become a father. My parents are without a doubt the best. I can't wait to see them as grandparents. My dad as even said he would take off work to care for the baby. I can't imagine what that would be like - Emma would be out feeding the chickens! Ha.
4) Clothes, Clothes, Clothes: I love clothes. Clothes, in my humble opinion, are the first introduction to anyone you meet. But...maternity clothes. Good Lord! There's a couple of problems with maternity clothes. (A) They are too pricey. Geesh, you only wear them for a short period of time...but you pay a lifetime of monies for them. (B) They are ugly. Short and simple there are not very great maternity clothes out there. Who wants to wear a t-shirt with a giant bow right under your breasts! Certainly, not I! :)
5) Old Navy Rules: See #4. Their maternity clothes (online) are somewhat stylish and somewhat cheap. Emphasis on "somewhat." I've never appreciated Old Navy. Now, they are fabulous!
6) Pain: There is this hidden secret to pregnancy no one tells you. You just have to find it out. So, ladies, if you haven't ever been pregnant I'm going to help you out here! During the first trimester and maybe a little of the second, I have experienced some of the worst pain in places I never knew existed. My Drs. call these growing pains! Seriously, growing pains?!?! These areas do not need to grow.
7) Tynenol investment: Breast pain...take a tynenol. Back pain...take a tynenol. Headache...take a tynenol. Stomach pain...take a tynenol. Get the drift?!?! I'm pretty sure if I said my pinky toe was falling off the remedy would be tynenol. I get the point...obviously, there are not many medicines you can take while pregnant. But I have come to this conclusion - Tynenol is nothing more than a sugar pill. It doesn't work.
I have so much more to share. However, I'll cut it there for today :)
No comments:
Post a Comment