Reflections During This Pregnancy

I have learned a lot of things in the last six months that I feel should have been learned over a lifetime. Some are definitely good while some are probably the lowest of lows... but I'm learning each day to let the bad stuff go and not let it waste my time.

What I have learned... the good, bad and ugly.

1. EVERYONE has an opinion in regards to how you should raise a baby and love to give you feedback and advice... whether they have kids or not! To me, I love all advice because I love to learn it, but sometimes it is to much! I have to take a step back to breathe in my own thoughts at times because it can be quite overwhelming. People who I know who do not have children seem to pipe up the most advice :-) ironic isnt it?

2. I have learned that I cannot accommodate everyone. Throughout the pregnancy I have seen some true colors shine through on people and I cant keep up with accommodating others. Ive always tried to be the people pleaser and I have noticed I've been more taken advantage of during this pregnancy and it has been hard to say no... but my sanity needs it. Clark keeps telling me that I need to think of myself and the baby first. I am the type of person who normally goes out and tells people I can do this, that, etc. But now I am feeling more used than anything. I have learned I need to accommodate myself and Anson as well as my husband and doggies before anyone else.

3. I have learned that my temper is touchy. I've noticed it more with friends or family who cancel all the time or show up sick to places... most of everyone we hang out with has kids or has raised kids, etc. And I wonder if people are just inconsiderate in regards to not disclosing your child has a cold or the flu or the adult is sick! That usually makes me really frustrated as im always the first to get sick.... even when I am not pregnant! My pet peeve about cancelling is the fact that I am super busy. I work a full work week and come home to my candle business I started back in August... I usually have to find time in my crazy schedule to make plans... so when I have to move plans around for someone and they cancel that irritates the heck out of me.

4. I have learned to love my body.  Don't get me wrong, I feel fat and gross... quite hairy and uncomfortable all the time as I am progressing in my pregnancy, but I love the fact that I am learning to love my body.  Even though my body probably isn't loving me back.  For a while I felt very uncomfortable going out in public... my face is getting the double chin, I have stretch marks up the wazoo and quite honestly, I feel like a huge blimp walking around... After thousands of words from my husband of "you're pregnant" it has finally kicked in.  I don't love being pregnant just in the aspect of wanting control of my body... but I am learning to love my body for the miracle that it is giving me.

5. I have learned pregnancy brain is completely real!  I have had friends who forget SO much when they are pregnant and I understand why now!  I feel bad for the people I chastised about remembering things!  Unless I have it written down or verbally told to me 10 times, I WILL NOT remember.  I don't know what it is, but my brain capacity is not like it used to be!  I have always been the multi-tasker, now I have a hard time doing 1 things at a time!!

6. I have learned that I have some of the best friends around.  I mean, come on, I already knew it before... but I swear... I feel horrific for the people who are in my life who have to deal with me!  I am moody, I am hormonal, and I am kind of bitchy to some people who get on my nerves... but I do it out of love.  As most of my friends and family know I am not the easiest person to be around.  I am high maintenance and I like things to go my way... that is definitely my only child syndrome.  I have noticed I am not as nice pregnant, but my husband says I am SUPER nice pregnant haha!

7. I have learned I cannot control certain situations.  GOOGLE has become one of my best friends and one of my worst enemies... I get very paranoid at some times and wonder if the baby is okay and going to be healthy... etc. Sometimes I need to learn, like with my severe round ligament pain, that I cannot control what is going on in my body, yet alone my day to day life.

8. I have learned that when one door closes, another opens... sometimes even multiples.  

9. Pregnancy is a full time job.  For the mother's who have to stand on their feet all day, God bless your hearts... I don't know how you can do it... I get winded just walking up the stairs these days!

10. I have learned my husband is the best!  Most people say "when you post about how great your husband is, usually means there are bad things going on in  your life".  Honestly, my husband is amazing.  I have never been so pampered or loved since I have been pregnant.  Don't get me wrong, we bicker and fight every now and then... but he has literally done the world for me.  He does ALL the chores, unless I have enough energy to do them, he takes the dogs out all the time so I can rest, he gives me at LEAST 3 foot rubs a week and he is so EXCITED for Anson to join our family.  

There are so many more things I have learned, but those are the top 10 I can think of :) 

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