I am 23 weeks pregnant with a baby girl. Did you know? I sure did, especially lately.
This pregnancy, like the other two, is uneventful. If there is anything I am good at, it's being pregnant. I only get sick for about a month and then after that it's smooth sailing. Having two other children to care for during the day doesn't give me much time to think about the fact that I am pregnant. But as it is getting harder to bend over to pick things up, I sure remember I am pregnant. Like if I bend over to pick up toys or socks, I feel like I am going to implode. My eyes feel like they are going to pop right out of my head. I truly cannot breath. My back hurts. Bending over is my reminder of being pregnant.
The end of the day is when I feel like I have been hit by a truck. My legs feel heavy when I climb up the stairs. My lower belly muscles are shot. My back feels stretched. And I happily peel off my Bella Band and my jeans and slip into my comfy pants. That is always the best part of the day.
I can feel my baby girl moving throughout the day. I feel her the most in the morning right as I wake up. If I am lucky enough to wake up before Jack summons me to get Van out of the crib, I can enjoy the first morning kicks and rolls in silence. She is starting to get big enough to where I can see her move if I stare at my stretch-marked belly long enough.
It is interesting to watch Ethan evolve as a dad with each pregnancy. With Jack, we had not idea what to expect. When he was born, Ethan was in love, but still apprehensive. With Van, he was nervous that he wouldn't love him as much as he loved Jack. But sure enough, he was just as enamored. With this baby, he is thrilled. He knows what to expect, he knows the late nights don't last and he knows he will love our baby girl just as much as his boys. I think a girl will be good for him. It will soften his rougher edges.
Amid the gaping stretch marks and uncomfortable sleep, I am profoundly grateful that I am able to get pregnant and be pregnant. In Relief Society a few Sundays ago, the teacher asked, "What shows you that God exists?" My answer was pregnancy. I do not know how you can be pregnant and not believe in a higher power. The way your body knows just what to do is amazing. As is your body knowing how to feed your new baby.
Pregnancy is a miracle and I am honored to have my body do what God created it to do.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
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23 comments:
Although I've never been pregnant, I agree that pregnancy is definitely a way to know that God exists. I mean, you are growing another PERSON inside of you. That little person will come out of your body; one minute breathing liquid and the next moment air. So freaking amazing.
Ethan rocks. He's a great dad. I think it's spectacular that he's not one of those dad's who doesn't get involved in the rearing part of kids. He's not one of the dudes who has no idea what to do with the boys when you walk out the door. How comforting for you.
And Jessica is a total liar. She's been pregnant. She has three kids. She just pretends that she doesn't so that I don't feel like the oddball I am. She cares THAT much.
GREAT post. Doesn't make me want to be pregnant again (yet?), but GREAT post, nonetheless. :)
It is totally amazing. I look back at my children sometimes and think "WOW, I had you." I feel blessed by them in more ways than one.
~ingrid
Yup, good.
Except can you help me?
My kid has decided to only nap when I hold him. And I'm losing my mind. And crying it out doesn't work. Did I mention I'm losing my mind?
I'm LOSING MY MIND! And I yelled at my father in law.
Things are not going well, help.
That was a beautiful post! I'm one of your newest readers and am thoroughly enjoying Rookie Cookie. Keep those posts coming! :) And Kalli, how about we lace some of tonight's gourmet cookies with a little Dramamine or Benadryl? Let him have a treat just before nap time and voila! He'll be sleeping like, well, a baby. (And I'm totally kidding so don't call child protective services thinking I lace my kids' food with sleep aids.)
A girl! How fun... I see Ethan being quite the protective dad. And with two older brothers...I already feel sorry for future suitors. But again, how fun!
Thanks for the comments on my blog, and yes, I'm still feeling good with this pregnancy. The lower back pain has somewhat eased due to swimming laps more frequently, and the leg cramps happen less often lately. In all, that's been the only "downside" of the pregnancy, so I guess I"m pretty lucky.
Hang in there!
Beautiful post and I couldn't agree more! I have family members who have trouble getting pregnant and recently had 3 different friends lose babies and it makes me that much more grateful that my body will do what God created it to do. Well stated... and I'm so glad to hear someone else has a stretch marked belly besides me! =)
Your blog looks so romantic.
Someone must love you.
I love reading your blog, everything I've tried is great! Thanks. Congrats with the girl! I am 23 weeks pregnant too! May 21 due date! I find out this week what I'm having. I am just so blessed as well, this being my third pregnancy, I have easy pregnancies, with this one it started off scary and I am so blessed to have been able to keep it! Good luck with your pregnancy.
Great post! I'm adopted and I tell you, having my OWN kids is a joy and a miracle. Enjoy EVERY day!
Taking off the Bella Band at the end of day is totally the best! I had forgotten all about that feeling and you reminding me of it made me smile!
Aside from being completely terrified of pregnancy, I am very much in awe. Lucky for me, we've decided to wait a few years for kids, but I just know that it will be something very special.
loved this. very well put.
and there's nothing sweeter than daddies and daughters (except maybe your Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Gingerbread .. but that's different).
Only three kids, Sparks? You underestimate my ability to pull the wool over your eyes. I have at least six. Lost count after four.
And, I do care about you THAT much, Sparks.
p.s. Rookie, your blog is dreamy and romantic. Looks like someone cares about you THAT much too.
What a beautiful post, and I agree with everything you said...you just know how to articulate it better than most people. We have two kiddos and are debating if there's one more that should come into our family. I hope you'll let us all know what it's like to have 3! Best wishes.
@ Kalli Ko- How old is your son? Answers might vary depending on his age. Have you tried some other napping areas, such as a swing or bouncer seat? Sometimes when they want to sleep upright it can be related to reflux issues...
@sarah2227 - Oh boy. Kalli's baby might break a swing or a bouncer. He's like a redwood tree. Solid as a rock.
Congrats!!
Take it easy.
I wish they made a bouncer for 30 lb 17 month olds. A bouncer with a silencer built in. That'd be pretty amazing.
I completely agree. Pregnancy, child birth and newborns are just so incredible. And the way you described going into comfy clothes was right on!!
@ Kalli Ko- Wow, my almost 3 year old is 30 pounds :) And you didn't have this problem before? Are there any changes in his eating habits, or is he maybe getting ready to give up on naptime? My 1 year old is long finished with her morning nap, and only does a short afternoon nap at this point... I have found with the "cry it out" method that when it doesn't work, it is because of some sort of underlying issue (hence, my first thought, reflux.) Of course, it could be a temporary thing, like teething or a virus. Anyway, you should know that every mom can identify with your frustration, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need a time out.
Where have I been? LOL.
CONGRATS!! =)
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