Well, mom was right

There are two people that I doubted, who turned out to be completely right–my mom, and my friend Amber.

There, that guarantees at least two readers 😉 *waves to mom and Amber*

My mom told me early on, in the no-sugar-coating tough-love way that she can have that I was allowing myself to become lazy. She didn’t blame the pregnancy–she’s been completely supportive of whatever accommodation that I might need, but she was right. *I* was letting the various discomforts of pregnancy allow me to justify being a lazy bones.

It didn’t start out that way! Oh no, nope. I am my mother’s daughter and that means I am frequently a work horse. If something needs doing, I get it done. But lately, it’s more like “…I get it done*”

* unless I’m tired, have Braxton hicks, swollen feet or hands, or just don’t want to. Then I’m entitled to sit on my butt and put it off.

That kind of attitude finally made me snap last week and I’ve been back at it ever since. Getting things done around the house, taking care of errands, etc.

As I have learned more about the various discomforts of pregnancy, I realize that there were quite a few I should’ve worked through, ESPECIALLY in second and early third trimesters. For example, I didn’t know what it was the first time I experienced Braxton Hicks contractions after a work out. All I knew was that it didn’t feel good, so I thought that meant I’d have to tone it down on the work outs… So I toned it down..and then some more..and well, f-it, I just can’t work out anymore. Guess what? I still get Braxton Hicks, except since I haven’t been working out, I also feel like a blimp :-P.

Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as prodromal labour or practice contractions, or incorrectly as false labour, are sporadic uterine contractions that sometimes start around six weeks into a pregnancy. However, they are not usually felt until the second trimester or third trimester of pregnancy.

thank you, Wikipedia

Tired? So what? You have to burn energy to earn energy.

Swollen feet? *record scratch sound effect*

Okay, well, when they’re that bad, I’ll give myself a break… I usually have ankles.. and I can usually bend at said ankles way more than what you see here. Today’s swelling is pretty bad..

Before, though?? Should’ve pushed through the discomfort and got things done, gone for a walk, or otherwise kept up with house maintenance and fitness. I’d likely feeling a lot better about myself mentally and physically if I had kept up with my activity level throughout, instead of getting intimidated by discomforts. Live and learn, though, right? After all, this is my first time through all these changes.

So what does that leave for Amber to be right about? She called it. When I was happy go lucky at around 30 Weeks, she said I’d be “so done,” by week 37. Pssh! No! I’ve felt so good this entire time (See? Mom was right…) That there’s no way my attitude would change by 37.

Well, I’m 37+3 and so done. Hahaha!

Yeeeaaahhh… LOL.. So done. With the vasospasms, swelling, heartburn, frequent trips to the bathroom, Braxton hicks, “bowling ball bearing down” feeling when I walk.. yeah. Bring on the “crying poo machine” because it’s gotta be better than this! 😛

I’m only exaggerating a little bit. I’m content to let her be until it’s her time to come.

I’ve gotta hope that the heartburn and vasospasms subside soon after her arrival, though. Those burning sensations are the worst. I imagine I’ll trade the trips to the bathroom for feeding sessions, and the swelling for other discomforts, but at least I’ll have our little girl to snuggle and remind me that it’s all completely worth it.

Thinking of her makes me momentarily forget that my feet could double as canoe paddles. Every time I hear Jeff talk about how much he’s looking forward to being a dad, I get this warmth and forget all about the heartburn.

Yes, I am looking forward to “being myself” again, so that I can walk longer distances, lift heavy things, and have energy back. But then I stop and remember that I’ll never be the same ever again. Instead I’m getting a new identity..one that will shake up my priority list and the available time, and essentially everything that our little family of two knows. I have no idea, even still, what it’ll be like. How we will relate, or what our routines will be, how me and Jeff will still connect as a couple.. I have no idea what to expect, so I’m trying my best to go forward without expectations.

Mom was right, I can, and am, pushing through more of the discomforts that shouldn’t actually stop me in my tracks.

Amber was right, I am ready to be through with this stage and move on to the next.

But I’m right too… I’ll push further while still listening to my body. I’ll rest as needed, and just take each day as it comes. When the day arrives for us to meet our baby girl, I’ll be so, so thankful, and all of the discomforts will be but a fading memory.