Now that I'm officially in week 39 of my pregnancy, I've started reflecting back about the things I'm going to miss when I'm no longer pregnant and all the things I look forward to getting back to. There have been a lot of ups and a few downs on this incredible journey and the fact that I'm really the first of any of my friends to experience pregnancy has made it all the more eye-opening.
I'll start with the things I'm going to really miss:
1. Feeling her move around in my tummy - I truly love just sitting down and feeling her kick and roll around. Its fascinating how she went from these little nudges that only I could feel, to these huge rolling movements that make my entire belly look as though its going to burst. There were several times when I would wonder if she would grow up to be a gymnast or kickboxer the way she flailed about. She has always been particularly energetic at nighttime, and I really love laying in bed with Rob's hand and my hand on my tummy feeling her move before we sleep. She also has the hiccups twice a day every day. I love feeling that. I really enjoyed that my family (Mom, mother-in--law, father-in-law, grandmother) were able feel her move on a few occasions. Its so fantastic being able to share that with them.
2. Being able to eat what I want, guilt free. This is definitely one of the perks. As someone who has had to watch what they eat for as long as I can remember, I was so happy that the pregnancy gods smiled upon me and allowed me to enjoy 9 months of freedom with limited weight gain. I honestly worried a little that I would be the woman who gained 60lbs while pregnant despite eating only fruit and salad. I luckily did not have to change my diet. I continued to eat regular food and absolutely gave into cravings when they hit. Whether it be chicken wings, banana splits or shortbread cookies, I enjoyed every single bite. No one is as surprised as I am that I only gained 10 lbs throughout the entire pregnancy. I'm sure certain body parts will require tightening up after all is said and done, but I'm very thankful that I won't need to drop drastic amounts of weight to get back to my pre-pregnancy shape.
3. Fantastic skin, nails and hair. This has to be the only benefit of pregnancy hormones. I've struggled with my acne-prone skin since I hit puberty, but during pregnancy my skin seemed to clear up on its own. I've had a few break-outs here and there, but for the most part my skin was (as they say) glowing. I hear that this positive benefit may even continue after pregnancy, so fingers crossed for that! My hair also grew at great lengths and became thicker and softer. The one thing that surprised me the most was my nails. I've been a nail biter since I was a young girl, but during that first and third trimester I finally quit. No idea how or why, but I have a full set of long, strong and beautiful nails. I really hope I can keep this up after I deliver because I've been trying to quit biting them for years!
4. Being able to sleep in. Everyone I run into has told me time and time again "I hope you're getting sleep now because you won't get any after the baby arrives". I couldn't tell you how often I hear this comment. I've always been a night owl. My perfect day runs from about 10am to 2am. I know that things are about to change. My peaceful lazy mornings will soon be filled with feedings and diaper changes. Then after that she'll be up wanting to play at the crack of dawn. (Why do kids love mornings to much anyways?) So these last few weeks I've really been embracing the fact that I can sleep in til any hour I choose. Man, I'm really going to miss this one!
5. My comfy maternity dress pants that I wore everywhere! Last but not least on my list are my grey dress pants. I received these pants second hand from my friend Kelly who has finished having kids and once they were on, I fell in love. Not only do they look great, but the belly band was so freaking comfortable. I struggled the first few months and experimented with other maternity pants. I bought jeans, tried on khakis and even attempted a few skirts, but nothing, nothing, compared to these pants. Not sure if you noticed, but in almost every single baby belly photo I took, I was wearing these pants. They literally came off my body, went in the wash, and were back on the next day. Such fantastic pants!
Although I really do love being pregnant, I'd be lying if I said there weren't a few things that I am looking forward to about no longer being with child.
1. Not having to pee every 20 minutes. This one is pretty self explanatory, but probably close to tops on my list of what I can't wait for! Being able to make it though an entire tv show, or travel in the car without having to stop at random gas stations and coffee shops will be blissful. Heck, I've had to go twice already while writing this blog.
2. Sleeping on my stomach. You've heard me complain about this a few times throughout pregnancy. I honestly cannot wait to get back to this oh so comfortable position. Not having to toss and turn or take 5 minutes to roll over will be amazing. Being able to just flop into bed, or cuddle without a giant belly getting in the way brings a smile to my face. Granted I likely won't be getting much sleep once she arrives, but at least the sleep I will be getting will be in a position I'm actually comfortable in.
3. Being able to wear "normal" clothes. These last few weeks I have caught myself daydreaming about my old wardrobe. How amazing it will be to be able to wear just jeans and t-shirt again. Pants that actually have buttons and not an elastic waist. High heels, dresses, skirts, dress shirts with buttons, winter boots with a heel, and my red winter pea coat. I'll finally have more than 5 shirts and 2 pairs of pants to choose from. Granted everything will soon be covered in baby spit, but at least I'll look good cleaning it off.
4. Wine. Need I say more?
5. Watching my little peanut grow and learn and experience this big ole world. Obviously this one takes the cake. The reward for 40 weeks of hard work will soon be here. I can't help but smile when I think about her learning to smile, or saying her first word, or learning to read, or watching her interact and love Jake as her big furry brother. Seeing her grandparents spoil her rotten, and looking at her and seeing parts of myself in that sweet little face. I know she will grow and push my buttons and get into trouble from time to time, but all those little moments are the memories that will last a lifetime. They say time flies and that kids grew up before you know it, so I hope I can remember to slow down and embrace every moment.
