Looking Back

Well, this pregnancy is almost over and, looking back, it's been quite a ride. Naturally, we've gone through a roller coaster of emotions (and we continually need to remind ourselves that the adventure has just begun).

• Finding out I was pregnant was exciting.
• Finding out I was pregnant two days after Jason lost his job was terrifying.
• Hearing the baby's heartbeat was the best sound to ever hit our ears.
• Seeing that little bouncy 12-week-old fetus on the ultrasound was indescribable.
• Seeing Jason's face when they said, "It's a girl" was priceless.
• Understanding that my body could do this was humbling.
• Feeling the baby move was fascinating.
• Seeing the baby make the remote control dance on my belly was hilarious.
• Truly understanding the love my own mother has for me was enlightening.

I could go on and on with this list, because the variety of emotions and realizations is unending. Instead, I'll start a new list...the list of things I never knew (or realized) about pregnancy:

• Not only is every pregnancy different, but most women FORGET what their pregnancy was like. This can be mildly frustrating when I'm describing any given symptom and I hear, "Gee, I wish you would just enjoy this pregnancy. I just LOVED being pregnant." *sigh*
• Not everyone gets morning sickness, but some of us have UNCONTROLLABLE emotions and have to constantly say, "I'm sorry honey. I'm just a little unstable right now."
• When you're in your second trimester and you think you're uncomfortable...just wait.
• Sleeping on your stomach is often taken for granted.
• Sleeping, period, is taken for granted.
• A pregnant belly is an open invitation for unsolicited advice from strangers, even MEN.
• The internet is an invaluable resource for pregnant women. If I didn't have the internet to research my symptoms, my doctor probably would've had to issue a restraining order.
• Allowing someone else to feel the baby move is like sharing the best secret you've ever had with someone you love.
• They should market that "Life Alert" product for pregnant women. I can see the commercial now, "HELP! I'm in the tub and I can't get out!"
• They should issue every pregnant woman a personal assistant for two jobs: 1) pushing her up the stairs; and 2) picking anything up that she drops on the floor.
• Expecting a baby changes your entire outlook on life. Your priorities change completely and what you thought was important before becomes frivolous in the grand scheme of things.

Again, I could go on and on with this list...but I'll spare you from my ramblings. All in all, it's been a wonderful ride...and the fun is just beginning.

Mandy