Blogging is so relaxing, so freeing, and comforting–so I will write on a topic I have enjoyed to the max lately (my very first pregnancy) instead of on current events. It has been super exciting, envigorating, and has made me cry for numerous reasons, but it is all a very joyful and wonderful experience. So many changes, much to digest. Planning. Rearrangements of life–yes. But enjoyable nonetheless. I have already talked to many people about the things they loved/hated about their pregnancies, and I’m thankful to have earnest yet funny and smart friends who have gone before me (or are currently just a bit further along than I am). Imagine me as one of the little squirrels you have skittering about your yard–I’m constantly gathering little tidbits–little nuts of knowledge–for my own experience. Not all of them will prove necessary, but grabbing up a whole lot of info has always helped me to make an informed decision.
Here I will compile, in all reality, my three-month-long assessment of what I love and hate thus far:
Love: I love the feeling I have with a little life inside me. Knowing that I have been chosen as a vessel for brand new breath. A beating heart in my womb, a boy or a girl who will walk and talk and think and act. A person who will vote, who will have opinions, who will make decisions, who will have a purpose. It thrills me.
Hate: Feeling a bit on eggshells about all of the No-No’s (as there are multiple no-no’s… various infractions one can commit) of pregnancy. I feel I must be very careful of everything, which is somewhat true. Part of me wishes that we were all more educated on these things somehow before we had to go through them–so we knew proper precautions. I mean, it’s gotta be more useful to my life than Trigonometry, right??! I just feel that there are so many things to avoid, such as unsteamed deli meat, some seafoods, certain cheeses, etc… that I sometimes catch myself looking closely at everything that touches my mouth. There are far less things to DO that are emphasized in our culture, but I am certainly trying to find those out too. Walking. Prenatal yoga. Kegel exercises. Daily DHA doses. To name a few.
Love: Having friends who ask me fun questions like, “So what is the thing you’re looking forward to the most when the little one gets here?” I’d have to say that I’m really anticipating reading to my baby. And cuddling. And I think I’m looking forward to nursing, though I’ve heard it can be painful at first. It will be a bonding experience. Anyhow, it’s so important to me that these people show genuine interest in my own personal experience, my own daily thoughts about pregnancy. It is truly a blessing and very supportive. They make me feel special in this time, where I’m at.
Hate: Hearing too many pregnancy stories from others, who have had multiple pregnancies or have TONS of stories and just want to talk about everything, but don’t really listen… hearing some of it is fun, but after awhile it becomes overwhelming. These kinds of people generally don’t seem interested in my unique pregnancy story, but want to give a lot of unsolicited advice and tell me what to do. Not really what I’m looking for.
Love: Having a husband who pampers me–and just generally is watching out for what I need and wants to get it for me! What a huge help! He is so understanding, though this is our first pregnancy, and wants to know what i’m going through. When we realized that ginger ale was going to be something that REALLY did help the nausea for me, he went out and bought a liter bottle, and a twelve pack, and mde sure we were super stocked up. Bravo. He is supportive, loving, and Christ-like to me.. not to mention I love laughing with him and knowing that he’s going to be a father who loves his children.
Hate: Not being able to eat veggies extensively, as I once did. Truly, this is my most hated aspect of pregnancy. The nausea that accompanies my food choices makes me think twice about what I will consume. One sniff of mushrooms, and I’m a goner. I did not think that food could have such an effect on me–and I have somewhat of a guilt complex because I want to eat veggies and help my little person be as healthy as possible–though I know they say it will all “even out” in my other trimesters. Still. Its rough since I love vegetables anyhow. At least I can take Chlorella, a supplement a friend suggested, to help me get the same nutrients I normally would from leafy greens.
I’m sure I’ve painted a colorful, and hopefully accurate picture of life as a pregnant momma. I’m enjoying this stage of my life, and I hope you’re enjoying yours!
With love,
-M
A Captive Mind 