Well, it's been a while, an while I would apologize, I am okay with the fact that it's been a while since I have done a blog post. I didn't on purposely take a break but I do think it was something that was necessary that just sort of happened. For those of you who have been following I am growing a human inside me. Now that the end of my pregnancy is here and I just have 2 months left till I will be holding my sweet baby in my arms I thought it would be fun to post somethings I have learned in the eyes of a pregnant woman.
So here it is, the things that have gotten under my skin to the things that were just simply to beautiful not to share with people.
First the Ugly:
- "Your Stomach is the size of a beach ball": This was said to me at a bank, by someone who doesn't even know me. 1: it is NEVER okay to comment on how large my stomach is unless you are my best friend that will have no problem getting a slap to the face of a comeback, I suggest you just stay away from this line, or lines similar such as "Are you sure there isn't a few in there? Your HUGE."
- "We are having a baby": While this is innocent enough, I don't think all of us will be on a table feeling contractions at the end of this. So maybe instead "We are so excited for the baby" or "We can't wait to be a part of this child's life" my leg cramps at night tell remind me that I am the one having the baby everyone else is just enjoying the perks after the fact. Your welcome.
- "Did you hear about the mom who died.....": thank you but no thank you I would prefer not to hear about the horror story you heard about on 20/20 last night or a random facebook post. While yes I know there are things to look out for, and things to be aware of I do not need them being sent to me. This is the time I am supposed to stay relaxed and at ease, I don't need to worry about a random brain disease contracted from a random spider at a random location that will kill me just as I am having my child. For peace of mind though I love Jesus and while I would love to be there as a mother for my child. I'll be okay either way.
- "Wow, Hey everyone look she's gotten so BIG, like wow she's just huge": This was someone in the family and it still does not sit well with me. At first I ignored it, however when the opinion got louder and more prominent demanding my attention the spit fire in me replied with "At least I have a reason for my weight." so that being said, if your going to risk your life with a pregnant woman by commenting loudly on her weight, be prepared because she legit does not have a filter and probably won't even after the child is born.
- "You have no idea how bad my back has been hurting.": Yeah your right, I'm just carrying this HUMAN BEING in the front of me and my back has decided to naturally form into a huge capitol C for the remainder of the pregnancy and let's not forget the limitations when it comes to comfortable positions in bed because ya know can't lay on your back, or your stomach, and you really should avoid laying on your right side for long periods of time. Oh and while your taking your nice pain killers I get to enjoy low dose tylenol.... just plain tylenol.... so please while I would love to have pitty you can do something about it. so do it.
- "You should.... ": This one is a fill in the blank, I have no clue anymore how many people told me what to eat, drink, how to handle certain symptoms and half of them are not very good advice or even safe for a pregnant woman. While I totally appreicate help and suggestions for acid reflux, and insomnia, please don't tell about the strange foods I should be upping and the amazing foods that make me feel so happy inside that I should be avoiding. My doctor is happy, my child is happy, I am happy.... DO NOT RUIN THAT!!! Ruining a pregnant woman's food craving joy especially when she is doing it in moderation is real close to being considered a sin.
Now time for the beautiful
- "God will only give you what He can handle, and no He is not limited in finances.": This was told to me very early in the pregnancy by my uncle when we were awaiting for our first ultrasound. He joked about wanting me to have twins. I had freaked out saying absolutely not. When asked why I said we couldn't handle that and this reply he gave sat with me since then... You are everything your child needs. God will give you what you need. Just focus on being the best you that you can be for your child and trust the rest to God.
- "You look so healthy.": YAS!!! This is the kind of remark that a pregnant woman needs to hear, thank you for taking the time to notice my body doing the most naturally amazing thing ever which is growing a human. This remark means the world to me because it makes me feel like for a brief second they are acknowledging the sacrifices I have made, and the in depth healthy choices I have made to ensure the best womb environment for my child.
- "You don't even look pregnant from the back.": At first I thought this was weird however as my pregnancy went on I grew to like it... I know weird.
- "Your wife doesn't even seem like she is that far along in her pregnancy. She's doing great.": This was one that I loved, and has been said a couple times to my husband and even to me, I have worked so hard to not be that miserable person who complains, and feels the world must cater to me. I know there are so many women who would do anything to feel what I feel and be doing what I am doing so it's important to me that I soak it in and be super appreciative even for the crazy leg cramps randomly at night!
- "I need you to gain more weight.": This was said by my doctors multiple times which I LOVED!!! How many times does a woman get to hear from medical professionals to eat more? It was frustrating for me because I was eating a lot more however I was and still am eating mostly organic and fresh so while yes calories are upped they are healthy calories so therefore not as much fat build up is happening.
- "Can I feel her kicking?": This is beautiful in the fact your treating me as a human and not a petting zoo. Thank you for acknowledging that my growing a human doesn't give you and every other person in the world the right to touch me. This is still my body and my private space.
- "When it comes to you pregnancy do what works for you, not everyone else.": This one was told to me by someone repeatedly when I would talk about certain things and it wasn't till about a month ago that I really adopted it. I have the right to my opinions and I have the right to do what makes me feel best about my child coming into this world so thank you person who helped me find my vocals to express myself openly.
I know this is a lot, and it may come across mean at times however the fact of the matter is, being pregnant isn't easy but it's such a blessing. Take every moment in, and learn from it. The number one thing if anything is to learn that not one pregnancy is the same as another. Pregnancy is different for everyone and it's important that we just respect the fact that this is a big moment in this person's life.
