Thoughts On Pregnancy, 4

1. Yep, lasts forever

2. As an Engineer and a woman, I feel the female anatomy has been poorly designed in relation to pregnancy. I feel it would greatly benefit mankind to re-design the placement of or the materials of construction of the bladder.

3. Really tired of feeling like I really really have to pee, only not really - it's just that poor design thing I mentioned in #2.

4. As exciting and sweet as it is to feel her move around, I can do without the heavyweight boxing match she's having with whatever on my right side has angered her so badly.

5. Is it normal to be bruised from the inside?

6. Those achey parts are multiplying

7. Childbirth classes are very informative however, there are just some things where "ignorance is bliss" applies 100%

8. Those women who just looooove being pregnant need psychiatric care

9. As much as I know I am not and never will be ready for a newborn - I'm ready for this whole pregnancy thing to be over now

10. Did I mention it lasts forever?

From the Mouths of Husbands, Part VI

Scene: Master bedroom where I am changing out of my work clothes; Matt walks in.

Matt: (giggling) Your belly is getting so big.
Me: I know, she's really growing
Matt: It's almost time for another belly picture.
Me: I was thinking we'd do that again when I'm at 36 weeks. I'm only 34.
Matt: But... the camera lens is only so big
Me: (stare)
Matt: I can only zoom out so far
Me: (stare)
Matt: I can only back up so far
Me: (stare)
Matt: (walking out of the room, still giggling) Aahhhh, I crack me up.

If he wasn't so damn cute, he'd be in trouble.
Also, he may be right.

From the Mouths of Husbands, Part V

These days, I resemble a beach ball with legs and arms. I feel a lot like it too. After work, this beach ball plops on the couch with no intention of moving ever again. Ever. Said beach ball is wearing me out.

Many of these "plop on the couch" nights, when it's time for bed, Matt has to help me up to at least the sitting position. Even if I had the energy, I can barely maneuver to the sitting position from a supine position.

So, last night, I tried to sit up on my own and Matt laughed at me. What was so funny?

He said, "You look like an over turned turtle with arms and legs flailing in the air".

He may be right but he was in so much trouble and I yelled at him right after I finished giggling.
Silly silly boy. Hmph.

See Anything Unusual?

Just wondering if anything strikes you as odd and what your thoughts are because, you know, I find something out of the ordinary here. Just wondering if it's just me.

32 and Counting Plus Stuff

32 week belly picture:

To me, this picture looks very similar to the last belly picture I posted. Only this time, I'm in my house working (aka: deck sealing, shutter painting and grass cutting) clothes. The doctor has assured me that my belly has grown right on track and will continue to grow. You may not be able to tell in this picture but, boy oh boy, I feel it and the poor earphones I use to place on my belly at night to introduce her to various types of music and lullabies are on the verge of raising the white flag of surrender.

She's a wiggle worm, there isn't much kicking these days as there is fidgeting. I frequently call her "Squirmy McSquirmison" because it really feels like something is squirming under my skin. And let me tell you about attitude. She's got plenty and makes no bones about what she does or doesn't like.

Matt and I have signed up for classes at the hospial. Birthing class, breastfeeding, baby making (oh wait - I think we may have mastered this one), and of course, the all important facility tour. The tour, to me, is the most important. Matt, for all his fantastic qualities and the many reasons I married him, is directionally challenged. I can just see him getting lost for a half hour or so when I've just sent him down the hall.

I still haven't cried "Uncle" at work yet but last week was much easier than the previous few weeks. I'm hanging in there and my bosses have given me the "just say the word and we'll do whatever you need" talk so that is encouraging. My swelling days are few and not that bad; my breathing is hit or miss. I've also found out that my maternity leave will be covered under Short Term Disability so I will receive 2/3 of my pay while we are resting and healing. BONUS! That makes the old wallet breathe a little easier.

Speaking of maternity leave, shortly after she makes her arrival, Matt and I will be packing up the car and heading home. I'm not looking forward to the drive however I am looking forward to going home for several weeks to spend time with family, friends and warm weather. The primary reason we are going home is to trade in my leased car and pick up a new one. I've decided to get a newer version of the car I currently lease (Chrysler 300). We are going to take our time getting there , stopping along the way to visit friends in North Carolina and spend a few days in Savannah, Georgia - if for no other reason than to give us a chance to rest just in case. I have no idea how this will go with a newborn. We may be crazy for even trying this or it may work out fine. I guess we're going to find out.

Realization

I just looked at Matt and said "Eight more weeks."

Then I heard what I said.
Then I realized what it meant.

...stunned blinking...

Then I yelled, "HOLY CRAP EIGHT! EIGHT!" and peed a little.

Now, excuse me while I go catch my breath and find my heart.
It's on the floor, somewhere, along with my chin.

Occasional Indulgence

For the past several years, Matt, his brother and a few friends have taken off for a long weekend of fun in Las Vegas. I call it "The Boy Weekend" and this past weekend was it. Matt was surprised that I supported him going this year with a baby due in 2 months, but my thinking was, why not?

• So far so good in the pregnancy and there's no way to know what or if anything will happen,
• we don't know what next year will bring us (we've always handled this trip on a year by year basis),
• I believe that boys need some time to be boys away from their significant others and
• I enjoy this weekend too.

You see, I get to sleep in the middle of a king size bed by myself, I get unchallenged control of the remote, there's no "we have to do" or "we have to get" and - this is my favorite part - I get to rediscover all my favorite comfort foods.

I can cook and yes, I probably should, but I'm not going to. I'm tired at the end of the day and I just don't feel like it. I won't even mention the fact that I'm completely spoiled with Matt making dinner for me most nights. I can readily admit this.

So, what are my favorite comfort foods? You know what they are - the ones that got you through the first years out on your own, got you through college, the things you grabbed after a night of drinking, the only thing you could afford or knew how to make yourself. Mine were Kraft Mac & Cheese, Totino's party pizza, chicken strips and last but not least, the good ol' PBJ.

Are they good? Debateable.
Are they good for me? Probably not.
Are they still yummy in a nostalgic way? Absolutely!

I love them and look forward to them every year - for just a few days. Because that's all I can handle.

What are your secret comfort foods?