Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Pregnancy Reflections Volume 1

Now that I've been rocking this pregnancy for a few months, I thought it was about time for an update. Here are some random thoughts.

-I think it is funny that people pat my belly. I COMPLETELY understand the urge to pat a rounded prego belly, I myself often have the same urge when I see pregnant acquaintances. I just think that being the pregnant person, it is a weird thing to get used to. That being said, if you see me, (edit: and actually KNOW me) feel free to pat the bump. I have no problem with the belly touching, it is just weird to suddenly surrender part of yourself... then again, I should probably get used to that now.

-I may or may not be feeling the baby. (Stop reading if the thought of bodily functions is disturbing.) It could just be gas. Either way, I'm ready for "really" feeling the baby. After several months of not a lot of pregnancy symptoms, I'm ready for this to all start feeling real. I mean, beyond the fact that my pants don't fit. :)

-Don't ever tell a pregnant woman that she is showing early unless you are SURE she will take it as a compliment.

-Tailbone pain sucks. Darn you South Dakota childhood and all your episodes of breaking/bruising my tailbone.

-Drinking so much water is hard. I am BAD at drinking a lot of water. Plus, drinking the water means going to the bathroom more, and I'm finally enjoying the second trimester break from the constant urge to pee!

-Don't laugh at me, annoyingly smile or pat my head when I tell you I want a natural childbirth (in the hospital, but with no drugs). Don't patronize me, people. I know it won't be easy, but I also know that people all over the world do it. I know it will hurt like I've never hurt before. But I also know that this is what we want and I could really use some positive voices on the subject rather than a bunch of downers. As a side note, don't assume that by saying I want a natural child birth that I am somehow saying you are less of a mother because you did not go the natural route. Just let me be me...you be you.

-I just slept through the night last night for the first time in months without having to get up to go to the bathroom. What a blessing. I know it won't last long, but the reprieve was nice. It also made me worry that something was wrong with the baby. I hear that this is normal, however.

-I love cheese. A lot.

-I am struggling a little with my body image. Being overweight to begin with, my pregnancy bump has a little extra padding. I'm just looking forward to the day when I sit down and have one belly bump instead of two. The belly button dividing line isn't cute in my opinion. Too much information? :)

-The hardest thing to give up during pregnancy has been spray paint. No, not huffing it! I miss being able to effortlessly transform household objects on a whim. Now I have to have Marc do it, and let's be honest, he lacks my expertise in the spray painting skills department.

That is it for now. Hope you enjoy my reflections, rants, etc. Thank you all for your support. I have some crafty things in the works, I've just had to put that on hold while we had family in town. Yay for family in town, though! :)

7 comments:

Tiffani P said...

I say that if you want a natural childbirth, more power to you, Carrie! I will support you!! (I'll also say, be prepared that sometimes your expectations aren't met - read my friend Alexis' birthing story to see what I mean) But I will TOTALLY support you in your desire to experience the birth of baby Anderson without an epidural!! XOXO!

Lindsay said...

I am a belly patter but I can totally see how for the momma-to-be it can take some time getting used to!

bmcdaniel said...

Do you have netflix? I randomly watched a documentary with Ricki Lake in it about natural childbirth and home pregnancy and I thought it was fascinating. I know it was random for me to be watching it, but it sold me on natural childbirth as well. You might want to check it out.

Locketts said...

When I was 8 and my sister was 3, she pulled a rolling office chair out from under me and I hit my tailbone on concrete. It was fetal Ava's favorite diving board, or so it felt. I feel (felt) your pain. You need to start practicing a mantra I use often for certain family choices (co-sleeping, extended nursing, not choosing a steady diet of mac & cheese and h.f.c.s., having a child who goes to bed and sleeps late), "It works for us." It's impossible to argue with that...even if you're a doting grandparent.

Carrie said...

Tiffani, Thanks for the support! I should have also written that I know that sometimes things happen that make natural childbirth impossible or unwise. We aren't so gung ho for natural that we are "closed" to other options, we just want to prepare ourselves for natural and go that way unless the labor process prevents that.

Lindsay, it is really weird. Actually, the only really weird times are when the person doing the patting is practically a stranger.

Brittany, I also randomly watched that on Netflix. It is called the Business of Being Born and it is AWESOME and super insightful. It is actually what prompted our desire to do things the natural way, if possible. We're actually considering hypnobirthing which helps you stay focused using hypnosis techniques to relieve pain.

Barb said...

Ah, Carrie, this takes me back 34 years to when I was carrying my first.Everyone thinks their own choices were the best and anything different is "wrong". Just smile and let their comments go in one ear and out the other. Enjoy every single minute - yes even morning sickness, constant bathroom calls, and all. Unless you're planning on being another Mrs. Dugger, you won't get many chances to experience this miracle.

We love you, and pray for you and Marc often.
Aunt Barb

Elizabeth said...

I want to pat your belly!!!

 
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