No One Told Me . . .

Hello 31 weeks! I had a few people wanting to see a picture of the baby bump so I thought I would oblige. This might be my one pregnancy picture. Jumping in front of a camera isn’t my favorite thing to do at this point.

No one told me how mentally and emotionally difficult this whole weight gaining thing would be. I expected to gain a baby bump; I mean that’s where the baby goes. What I didn’t expect was the baby bump that showed up on my hips and butt as well. What’s up with that?  I feel like I am 15 again and worried that everyone is looking at me saying “Man, Erica really took that whole eating for two thing to heart.” I realize it’s pathetic that a grown woman has reverted back to a high school mentality but it’s the truth. Trying to focus on the little guy inside me and not the number on the scale has been a good lesson for me though. I’ve always stressed about my weight and size and this has forced me to put that on the back burner for now. Another positive is that I have gained much more appreciation for my pre-pregnancy body. At this point I would love to be that size again. Let’s hope I will be there again someday.

No one told me that being pregnant would make me realize how awesome my husband is. If you don’t like hearing someone gush about their spouse then skip to the next paragraph. These last few months have really made me appreciate Carver and it has reminded me once again that I picked the perfect guy for me. He cooked when I was sick, helps me get up off the couch and is always checking to see what I need to feel better. He is constantly reminding me that no I am not the size of a house, and if I happen to get to that point I will still be a very good looking house. I need that reminder on a weekly, sometimes daily basis. He is a patient man. Best of all he is super excited himself for baby boy to arrive. There is something very comforting in knowing your husband is looking forward to being a dad.

Carver has this little ensemble set up in our room, he can't wait to dress up a little cowboy

No one told me that the sleepless nights start before the baby is even here. How is that fair? I am a back sleeper; it’s truly the most comfortable way to sleep. Well, that went out the window weeks ago so I have had to adjust to sleeping on my side. Carver belongs to the school of side sleepers so he doesn’t get my complaining but I just can’t sleep as well on my side.  Add to that the fact that my hands go numb when I sleep and it can make for a rough night. Poor Carver has been startled awake by me flapping my arms all over trying to get some feeling back into my hands. I had to start wearing wrist braces at night just like my mom used to. Lesson learned - don’t laugh at the silly pregnancy things your mom had to do. Now each night before bed I get to suit up like a D.I. superhero or ninja that’s off to fight crime. I realize that once baby is here I still won’t be getting much sleep, but if I can be on my back and retain feeling in my hands then I will be a happy girl.

Ready for a night of fighting crime

No one told me how weird/awesome it would feel to have baby boy moving around inside my belly. Sitting down at night has become one of my favorite things to do. He is most active in the evening so I get to watch my stomach twitch and bounce all over the place. I wish I could see what he was doing in there. The funny thing is that I feel like I know him a little. I haven’t even met him yet and I am already quite attached. It makes me wonder how I will feel when he is actually here. This has really made me think more about Heavenly Father and how much he must love each of us. Comparing how much I love this kid I haven’t even met yet to the love he must have for all his children boggles my mind. It’s a humbling thought and I appreciate the lesson.

People did tell me that the home stretch is the hardest. 31 weeks down and 9 more to go. It seems fast when I think about everything that needs to get done, and slow when I think that things will continue to get more uncomfortable. I told my mom the other day that I couldn’t imagine myself getting any bigger at this point. She just laughed. That is never a good sign. She said, “Just when you think your belly couldn’t possibly stretch anymore, it will.” At least she is honest. But I don’t want baby boy coming until he is ready so I’ll take it. I feel blessed to have this chance to be mother so I’ll take whatever comes. Bring on the stretch marks and swollen ankles!