Mommy-To-Be Reflections

We are 19w1d today. And as I approach the halfway mark of this journey I've had a few reflections of the things I've missed most during pregnancy. 

They are:

• A normal sense of smell. I miss being able to take the trash out or do the dishes without gagging. 
• Alcohol. While I was never a heavy drinker, I miss girls nights with wine or margaritas with Mexican.
• Off-limits foods. Sushi!! While Jason and I made some the other night (vegetarian of course). I miss sushi rolls with raw tuna and a spicy sauce.
• Peaceful sleep. I miss being able to sleep through the night without having to get up to pee every few hours. And I really miss sleeping on my stomach.
• Cute shoes. Its all about comfort now. No more high heels or wedges for this lady!
• Feeling sexy. I miss my bikini and cute tank tops. I hate granny panties and I'm not looking forward to wearing maxi pads the last stretch of this pregnancy to prevent wetting my pants when I sneeze!
• Feeling strong and independent. While I'm still stubborn about doing things by myself I feel like everyone treats me like I can't pick a box up or open a door. I can still do a lot of stuff- slowly, but I can still do it.
• Being included. At my young age, I miss being invited to parties on the weekends, theme parks, and wineries. Apparently, pregnant people can't leave their houses...
• My pre-pregnancy body. While I've gained zero weight so far. I miss having a waist and being able to fit into slinky dresses. With three weddings this summer I have to purchase dresses wondering if my belly will fit in it instead of how well it hugs my curves.
• Emotional control. I miss being laid back and spontaneous. I think I've fallen into nesting syndrome already. I'm more concerned about planning my next snack and cleaning the house than going and doing things. I need to lighten up!
• Caffeinated beverages. Pop, coffee, tea. I was never a huge soda drinker but I do miss flavored coffee and more than one cup of tea a day. :/

These reflections are by no means complaints but mere changes I've noticed thus far in the pregnancy. Many I will regain after baby comes but others will probably be gone forever.  And you know, that's okay. It's a sacrifice we make as women, as moms. And I'm ready to make those sacrifices if it means sharing a once in a lifetime experience with my husband and our families. I cannot wait to meet our little boy or girl! 

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Speaking of. Here's what baby is up to this week:

-His/her organs are growing and maturing.

-His/her HB is 150.

-He/she is moving a lot now! In a few weeks daddy should be able to feel it.

-He/she is stretching out more and is ideally 8-10" from head to toe but won't be measured that way until after 20 weeks.

-He/she is working on their first poop, called "meconium" which will be passed shortly after the baby is born.

-Vernix continues to cover baby's body to protect it from amniotic fluid.

-If its a girl her girl "parts" are fully developed and she already houses millions of eggs. If its a boy his "parts" are fully developed but his testicles won't drop for another week or two. 

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And mom?

-Round ligament pain has started again as my tummy stretches to accommodate the baby.

-Occasional dizziness if I stand up too fast or haven't had water in a while.

-Hip and lower back aches to accommodate my growing tummy.

-A Growing appetite.

-Fluctuating energy levels.

-Sleepless nights.

Overall, mom is good. While my appetite has increased I also find that if I don't feed it right away it subsides. Not sure if that's mental a mental thing or what. In fact, I should probably go feed this baby now..

its lunch time!

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Pregnancy Health Tip of the Week:

Don't forget your mental health! If you're feeling frustrated, down, or moody and need an outlet. Phone, skype, or visit a family member and/or friend. I'm sure they'd be more than willing to take your mind of those pesky pregnancy hormones or at least coax you with an ice cream cone and a chick flick ;). 

Until next time....