I thought it would be a good idea to record some of my pregnancy observations so I can always remember how special this time of my life was/is. I also thought Addi Kate might get a kick out of reading how I felt while I was pregnant with her. So here goes...
I am not a touchy-feely person AT ALL!!! I heard stories all the time about strangers walking up to pregnant women and feeling/rubbing on their bellies. Sadly, I was dreading when this would happen to me. But to my surprise, I absolutely LOVE IT! It is the strangest thing to have people come up to you and just want to touch the little miracle in your belly, but it doesn't bother me at all. Now to be honest, I haven't really had any strangers try to do this yet, but my family, friends, co-workers, and students are always giving Addison a little love pat and I don't mind one single bit. I am obsessed with my bellly too...I can't seem to keep my hands off of it. I rub it, pat it, look at it, and just admire God's gift inside of it.
While we are on the subject of my belly...I am still taking Heparin shots twice a day. So unfortunately, I have some little bruises all around my belly button. But I have generously been using Vitamin E oil every single day, so the bruises have really faded. It has been 22 weeks and 2 days of this pregnancy...which is roughly 312 shots, not to mention all the shots I took to GET pregnant. I thought these shots were going to drive me batty, but I've actually gotten pretty used to them and pretty good at administering them to myself. Truth be told...I would give myself shots for the rest of my life as long as it means my sweet baby girl is healthy and continuing to grow.
Bending over has become a TASK!!! I literally laughed out loud the other morning when I attempted to shave my legs in the shower. It was NOT easy to reach my legs, so needless to say, I think I'll be taking a bath on the days when I need to shave. AND I've realized that clumsiness comes hand-in-hand with pregnancy...which means somehow I drop E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G!! Which also means I have to bend down to pick it up...and you should hear the grunt I make each time this body has to bend over...haha!
One more belly observation and I'll move on...my most prized possession is this sweet belly (and of course God's miracle nestled inside). But it sure does get in the way sometimes!!! I've hit myself with the restroom stall door several times because I didn't realize how big this belly had grown. I also had to start parking my car in a major diagonal in the garage because one afternoon I literally couldn't get out of my car. I'm only half way to my due date, so I can only imagine how big I'll be by the time February rolls around.
Indigestion, heartburn, and acid reflux are NOT my friends :( It seems that no matter what I eat or drink, I get one of these. I've learned to have chocolate milk and Tums on-hand at all times. I've heard that this means Addison will have a full head of hair...I sure hope this is true because Lord knows I've bought enough hair bows for her to wear a different one every single day of her life.
Protective Daddy...I have known David for at least 10 years now and I have NEVER seen him so protective. Bless Addi Kate's little heart...she doesn't stand a chance when it's time for dating. It all started early in pregancy when I received my first email from David about what I should and shouldn't eat. Then it escalated into what exercise I need to be doing to when I should see the dentist for a teeth cleaning. Heaven sakes...the man has even started vacuuming for me! David also has a STRONG opinion about baby clothes and especially the design of the nursery. He shared with me that he took a picture of a dress I had monogrammed with Addi's name on it and used it for his Facebook picture...ahhhhh! And we have gone round and round about what furniture we want to put in her nursery to what picture will be hanging on the wall over her crib. I'm afraid I won't stand a chance when Addison finally arrives...she's already got him wrapped around her little finger.
Overall, this pregnancy has been picture perfect. I never experience morning sickness (although I don't think I'll ever be able to enjoy the taste of chicken again, the smell just gives me the creeps). I've lost a little sleep, but I've tried to taken advantage of that time and thank God for answering my prayers with the greatest gift He's ever given me. I have enjoyed every single minute of this pregnancy thus far and can't wait to see what the next 18 weeks will bring!
