Saturday, June 28, 2008

6 baseball players, 1 laughing idiot

39w1d

Super strange dream last night.

I dreamt, my brother, my husband and I were part of a old timer’s baseball game. It wasn’t regular baseball. It was more like a minor league fun game in between a major game but with major athletes.

All the action took place in centerfield. The three of us were positioned in left field, myself, my brother and hubby respectively.

Now here is the funky part, it was Frisbee baseball or at least some sort of variation that looked more like a carnival game. Several ‘pitchers’ evenly distributed between the Mets and the Yankees would let loose an orange or white/blue Frisbee towards center field. At center field were 6 targets. Each target had an old timer professional baseball player. They were stacked in 3s. To the right of the 6 old timers was their team captain in a giant standing box that looked like a carnival dunking booth. He was in charge of resetting his players if they were knocked down. The team captain was Don Mattingly. To the right of the team captain was the mascot audiences voted on. I’m guessing it isn’t the most loved mascot as the poor mascot would get beaned often. In my dream, it was a red robin that sort of looked like the San Diego chicken.

To restack players, the entire ‘rack’ would fall over, including the mascot and team captain. In essence, they’d fall and land horizontally on the floor but the team captain would wind this giant crank in his box while lying horizontally and like a stack of clown heads in a shoot ‘em up carnival game, they’d pop up vertical again. Don was really good at resetting everyone.

Anyway, if that wasn’t strange enough, the reason I had to share this dream was not because of the absurd game my brain created but because of what happens next.

A barrage of orange and white/blue Frisbees are streaming at the 8 characters. At one point, the three of us get into the action although my Frisbees keep arcing to the left and missing badly. Only three characters were hit. Don gets ready to reset his players for the next ‘inning’. He flips the switch, everyone topples over. He cranks the windup doodad and everyone pops up like wooden soldiers. Everyone except for the baseball player closest to us who grabs his left knee, hops on his right knee, exposes his untied cleat and unceremoniously falls over to his left side in a cloud of dirt and dust.

The entire stadium is laughing uproariously. Being the person that I am, I laughed the hardest. My brother muffled his laughter but I couldn’t contain it. I hid behind his linebacker physique and tried desperately to hold in my laughter which made it that much worse.

Then out of nowhere, in his deadpan sarcastic way, hubby turned to the player and said, "Sure you’re up for another year there, Ernie?" My brother busts out laughing and I go into a convulsions, tears streaming down the face laugh where your stomach muscles hurt but you just can’t stop.

Ernie looks up a little embarrassed but smiles and chuckles himself and tips his hat to the audience.

Then in my head I could hear the tv commentators chatting it up about the fall and replaying it over and over, as if they were John Madden going crazy with his screen-pen. His name was Ernie Camarante. I have no clue if that is a real baseball player but I remember the tv commentator saying Ernie took a bad fall.

I have no idea why I thought this was so hysterical. The gentlemen was supposed to be an old timer but apparently was considering signing on for another season, hence hubby’s comment. He looked like a cross between Reggie Jackson and Carl Weathers and took the fall in stride. I felt like I was being rude but it was so gosh darn funny. If I fell like that, I think I’d pee myself from laughing so hard.

Anyway, what made me remember this dream was the fact that I woke up laughing. I was laughing in my dream and in real life. I was clutching my belly because I was laughing so hard. My husband slept through it but I woke myself up laughing and had to do a serious waddle to the bathroom for fear I might wet myself.

So there you go, another weird dream during pregnancy. I have no idea what it means but I thought I’d share.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Our first kiss...

39w0d

Today I thought about my first kiss with your dad. I think it popped in my head because I realized this morning, that I hope to give you your first kiss in 7 days. I feel like I’ve known you forever, ok, all your life at least, and I’ve spoken to you, shouted my love for you, rubbed you and I guess cradled you but have yet to kiss you.

What I remember the most about the kiss was how warm, safe and enveloped I felt in your dad’s arms. Maybe I was innocent or it was kismet, that day we kissed, I knew your dad wouldn’t be one of those guys that would hurt me or break my heart.

I remember feeling a bit nervous and scared right before. I think we both knew a kiss was going to happen. It was an ideal now or never moment, I suppose. I will tell you the story one day.

I remember he put his hand around my neck gently and pulled me close and then he kissed me. And I kissed him back.

It took a bit of time after that for your dad and I to become official. We both felt very muddled. Well, your dad felt very muddled. Your mom wishfully thought we would somehow get together. We were both young and wanted to clear our closets before we moved to the next level. I guess deep down inside, we both knew something special was there and we should both start on a clean page.

Now, in approximately 7 days your dad and I are starting another chapter in our book of love. This chapter is totally new for both of us and I guess for you too. I hope you feel as warm and secure as I felt when we first kiss and hold you.

I’m going to shower you with kisses all over and my arms are going to envelope you. I know I’ll want to shield you and protect you and keep you safe, as safe as I felt the first time your dad kissed and held me.

I look forward to our first kiss, baby girl.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

8 Days a week, I Love You.

38w6d

Baby Girl, every morning I rub my belly and I count the days to you. Today, I sang to you.


Ooh I need your love babe,
Guess you know it's true.
Hope you need my love babe,
Just like I need you.
Hold me, love me, hold me, love me.
I ain't got nothin' but love babe,
Eight days a week.

Love you ev'ry day girl,
Always on my mind.
One thing I can say girl,
Love you all the time.
Hold me, love me, hold me, love me.
I ain't got nothin' but love girl,
Eight days a week.

Eight days a week
I love you.
Eight days a week
Is not enough to show I care.

Ooh I need your love babe,
Guess you know it's true.
Hope you need my love babe,
Just like I need you.
Hold me, love me, hold me, love me.
I ain't got nothin' but love babe,
Eight days a week.

Eight days a week
I love you.
Eight days a week
Is not enough to show I care.

Love you ev'ry day girl,
Always on my mind.
One thing I can say girl,
Love you all the time.
Hold me, love me, hold me, love me.
I ain't got nothin' but love girl,
Eight days a week,
Eight days a week,
Eight days a week.
-- The Beatles, Eight Days a Week, Beatles for Sale, 1964, Parlophone

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

9 days left and my obsession with bodily fluids continues

38w5d

I think pregnancy desensitizes you to bodily fluids and allows you to become uninhibited about discussing said topic.

The other day, while my husband and I had a very nice 'grown up' dinner outside at a restaurant, I couldn't stop talking about meconium and how olive oil or petroleum jelly should help prevent it from sticking too much on our baby girl's bum. My husband had to stop me and remind me 'adults' don't have conversations about bodily excretions during dinner. "It's ok when it's the two of us but when we go out with friends, especially friends without kids, there are better dinner topics, honey."

Anyway, well, what I thought was the plug wasn't.

Being the paranoid person that I am, I called my doctor on Monday to make sure what came out was normal. He told me to come in and he said he still felt my membrane. Upon further exam he said it looks like I had a reaction to the jelly they used for my exam on Friday. ick.

He gave me some medicine and then had an ultrasound performed.

In the past two and half weeks, baby girl jumped from 6lbs5oz to 8lbs5oz. yikes! Hubby is now calling himself Kreskin for predicting a 10 lb baby.

The doc called me in and said he wants to monitor her growth as I'm only 5'2" and she had a significant jump in a short period of time.

I'll be honest, I'm terrified of passing a baby. Is my body going to be able to do this without tearing me in two? I know the body is fairly resistant but this is something my body has never had to do before!

Anyway, other than the extra bulkage the sonographer said is coming from the baby's tummy, things look good. The infection should not affect the baby and should be cleared by the end of the week. Saying an extra prayer.

He says things are going as scheduled and seemed confident.

Then last night at 2:45am something passed. It was slimy and pink. I know. I know. I should have put a disclaimer on this entry. I'm sharing more about myself than I would normally share but pregnancy will lead you to lose a degree of discretion. It's not just me. Do a google search on mucous plug and you will see what I mean. All of sudden, completely sane women become obsessed with this clinically irrelevant bodily secretion.

Anyway, there was a bunch of this boogie slimy thing and now hubby wants me to call the doc just to make sure this is kosher.

So I'm waiting until the RN arrives at the office to give her a call. I don't want to be the crazy patient that calls for everything but I suppose it is normal to wonder what the heck that is. "Honey, I'd rather you be overly cautious than think you should be polite and find out it was something they should be aware of. Besides, I'm fairly certain there are crazier women calling them than you."

Lord help the pediatrician when baby girl comes. I pray I'm not like Rachel on Friends calling the pediatrician for everything.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

On the subject of bodily functions...

38w2d

Today, I lost my mucous plug. I’m fairly certain it was the mucous plug because it was disgusting looking and anything that is labeled as ‘mucous plug’ does not denote a lovely image. Most of the books state the plug is described as various. For your mom, the best I can describe it is like a really ugly loogie that you expectorate during a really congested chest cold. In short, it looked green.

Now, your mom has read several people take photos and show it to their spouses. I’ll have you know, I really didn’t care to share this image with anyone to be scrutinized. Nor did your dad wish to see this phlegm-like item. So if you are interested, I apologize but I really didn’t want to save the image for posterity.

Yes, I have images of the stick I peed on to confirm you were growing inside me but your mom draws the line on the cork.

How did it happen?

I can't be sure but your mom and dad went driving in Manhattan to do some errands. I'm sure your dad wasn't doing it on purpose, but I swear we hit every pot hole known to man. It was not the most comfortable ride. I was bouncing around like a beach ball.

Anyway, I went into Buy Buy Baby to purchase some changing pad covers and stopped in the bathroom and noticed some strange discharge. I didn't think anything of it except that the bumpy ride may have dislodge stuff.

When I got home, Z-girl was following me around like a loon. I went to the bathroom and there was a quarter sized gloop on the toilet tissue.

How do I feel about it?

Well, it’s scary. I was nervous immediately but after a nice warm shower, I felt better. The doctor says losing the plug doesn’t mean anything except that the cervix is preparing. He said not to worry or call until other signs appear which can in about two weeks.

I think it did turbo charge your dad though. He cleaned up his closet and his dressers. He threw out a ton of recyclables and trash. He still is reluctant to put up the play pen but I think that’s just because he wants to clean up the living room before he unpacks it.

I’m still nervous but I realize that all I can do is pray and listen to my body. I’ve also been able to burp the last two days which hasn’t happened in a while. I take that as a sign that I have a bit more room for my stomach and esophagus.

You are very active today. It feels nice to feel your tumbling and stretching. Funny thing is you stop moving around as much as soon as dad looks at my belly or he puts his hands on you. I think he thinks you are playing a game with him.

Words to Live By...

38w2d

"Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin?
Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge.
Even all the hairs of your head are counted.
So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
-- Matthew 10:29-31

Words to Live By...

38w2d

"Fear no one.
Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.
What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light;
what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops."
-- Matthew 10:26-27

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Firsts for everything

37w5d

Baby Girl, if there is one question I will probably be asking myself for the rest of my life, it will be, “Am I being a good mom?”

I’m not going to obsessive over it but I can see this is a question that most woman ask themselves.

I am fairly excited but also nervous. A new role is coming into the picture. In two weeks time, I will be an official mom. I will be the person I hope you run to when you have questions, are scared, are happy, are sad. At first you may consider me the person you run to when your tummy grumbles but I’d like to think that we’ll establish a good bond that goes beyond me being a cow.

We’ve been waiting for you for so long that now that we’re getting closer, I’m getting more nervous. You’ll understand one day. It’s like when you wanted something for so long and when it’s finally within reach you start questioning. It’s not a bad thing. It’s normal. It’s the ‘Now What?’ you ask after striving for something for so long.

I can’t wait to hold you in my arms. I can’t wait to smell your sweet smell (and eventually your stinky poopies). I can’t wait to put you close to my chest. I can’t wait to see your dad hold you in his arms. I chuckle at how protective he is of you now and wonder how much more he will be when you arrive.

First times I’m looking forward to:
Holding you in my arms
Holding your hand
Caressing your delicate head
Your dad holding you
Bath time/Sponge bath time
Singing a lullaby to you
Rocking you
Introducing you to the doggies
Taking you to the park
Smiling (gas or an actual smile)
Giggle (gas or an actual giggle)
Kiss from mommy and daddy
Kiss from baby
Coo


Nervous firsts:
Changing a stinky diaper
Breastfeeding
Changing your clothes (putting a shirt over your delicate head and neck)
Cleaning your umbilical cord
Spit up
Doctor’s visit
Vaccinations
Drive home from the hospital
Nail clipping
Temperature taking
Spit up


Nice firsts since pregnancy for mommy:
A nice cold beer
A glass of red wine
A nice seafood dinner without worrying about mercury
An Italian sub
Sleeping on my belly


Anxious firsts since pregnancy for mommy:
Pooping
Sex (yes, this is natural)
fight between mommy and daddy (we'll be tired and cranky. it is bound to happen.)


Things your mom will miss about pregnancy:
Eating ice cream without feeling guilty
Eating an entire meal without feeling guilty
Getting a seat on the bus
Buses stopping in the middle of street to pick me up
Foot rubs by your dad
Belly rubbing
Belly talking by your dad
Feeling you move inside
Picture day with dad
Your dad rolling over and rubbing my belly and playing Simon with you
Taking baths and watching you squirm inside my belly as I free float

Monday, June 16, 2008

Honey, Western Union doesn't need to be contacted before the baby is born

37w3d

My husband has an obsession. He feels that he needs to call everyone as soon as I am in labor.

I’m not sure why. I have already asked that no one come to the hospital until either the next day or at least 12 hours after to allow me absorb everything, bond with the baby and my husband and get some rest.

I don’t think he understands I want downtime. I’m going to be exhausted. Emotions are going to be high. We need time to absorb it.

The one thing that I wished my husband understood about our wedding was how little time I had with him. Every time I wanted him to spend some couple time to absorb everything, he was busy running around getting a camera or finding a battery or making sure his mom’s husband was ok because he had a stomach ache.

All I wanted was 10 minutes alone without worrying about something but absorbing the time together. 30 minutes before we were separate people. Now we are considered a unit. I’m guessing when our baby arrives it will be similar.

I’m not sure why he doesn’t get it. Is it an emotional thing? He doesn’t wear his heart on his sleeve. Maybe he doesn’t feel comfortable about it.

Anyway, now he wants to call his estranged father’s wife who recently emailed me to ask me to let her know when she can visit to see the baby. I told her I’d call her when the baby arrives so she is aware. Hubby now wants to call her as soon as labor sets in.

Why?

What is this fascination with telling everyone I’m in labor? Labor can last forever. Afterwards, I don’t want anyone visiting right away. What is the point?

Am I being a grouch about this? I just don’t understand why he is obsessed with calling people when I’m in labor. The only person he should call is my doctor.

After the baby is born, we have emails and text messages set to be sent. (Yes, we are geeks.) We also have a list of phone numbers to call as well. That’s fine.

How do I get this through his head? There were two people present during the conception. There should be two people present at the delivery and subsequent initial bonding moments.

AFTERTHOUGHT:

After posting, I thought about it. Maybe he's just so gosh darn excited he wants to tell the world? Maybe I shouldn't be so harsh but I'm still very protective of my privacy. I'm still not sure how to approach this without busting any excitement he may have.

Even in my dreams, I think about poop

37w3d

I’m having strange dreams again. This time, I had to poop and your dad kept coming into the bathroom and interrupting me. I woke up screaming, “Get out!” Your dad was knocked out cold and didn’t hear a thing.

Weird.



Your dad’s first father’s day was spent doing what he wanted to do, absolutely nothing. No running around doing errands. No preparations for your arrival. No household chores. He said he wanted this first father’s day to be a quiet day as his subsequent father’s days would probably involve a lot of planned activities. In fact, he wanted us to nap so we napped mid-day. It was actually a very nice nap. Your dad placed his hand on my belly and felt you moving around for a bit. Then he moved over and I placed my belly on his arm and while we slept he said he felt you moving around again. That was when your mom slept the best. I guess, it felt good that your dad was kind of buffering you. I felt like you were protected on all sides and I could really relax and nap.

Your dad also liked his present very much. I put it in your crib and he immediately saw it and opened it up. I think he really needed a day of nothing. After church, we had breakfast and just spent the entire day together do nothing and not planning anything. I’m actually thinking that the last few weekends have been chock full of planning, preparation and chores that scheduling a do nothing weekend day at least once a month may be a good thing. Of course, that is easier said than done. If I plan to schedule a mom and dad day, I think I can schedule a do nothing day. We’ll see.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Car Seats and Diaper Bags

37w1d

Car Seat Inspection

Today, your dad reluctantly went with me to get the car seat installed and inspected. See, your dad feels that this does not warrant a special day or appointment with ‘specialists’. It’s not that your dad isn’t concerned with your safety. It’s that your dad believes thousands of dads have installed a seat before. Why should he be any different.

Your mom’s thought is if a professional can do it for us and show how to do it right, why not? Also, it’s free. Plus, if your dad wasn’t going to read the 80 page manual, your mom wasn’t about to either.

Anyway, we got there after a very bumpy ride and dad played his favorite game and continued his sulking and general crankiness. However by the end, your dad said he didn’t downright admit it but he seemed content at the outcome.

The lady that showed us how to put your seat safely in the car, told us how to tighten the harnesses and what to do during winter weather when you have more bundles of clothing on. She wasn’t judgmental and was pretty casual which I appreciated.
So now, your car seat has been installed and inspected, baby girl.

By the way, although hubby thought this was initially a waste of time, a scam where they'd fill our mailbox with junk or ask us for money, in the end, I think he thought it was a good idea.

I strongly urge anyone who stumbles upon this to schedule an inspection of your car seat. It takes 15-20 minutes. They will give you tips and tricks, review your seat against a recall list and answer any questions you may have. It's free and it offers peace of mind. To find your local car seat inspection site go to: http://www.seatcheck.org/.

I plan to do this again when we switch to a convertible seat.

Diaper Bag

Your diaper bag came today. Your OCD mom, made a wipeable checklist so she can check it off when she packs it. She’s already packed staples like diapers, wipes, creams, baggies, burp cloths, a washcloth, socks, undershirts, hats and a blankie but she knows she’ll need to pack an extra set of clothing and other items before an actual trip.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Baby's first of many loads of laundry to come...

37w0d

Your dad did your first set of laundry today.

You are probably laughing. Ok, I’m probably laughing. By now we have probably done a ton of laundry for you but this was the first time I folded your little shirts, onesies, socks, towels, hats and bed linens.

It’s stereotypical to see a pregnant woman folding laundry on her belly but there is a method to the madness. It’s hard to lean forward and at this point I have a tendency to lean back so naturally, the belly makes a nice shelf for a onesie to be folded on.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

If I were a witch, I'd be nose-twitching Samantha Stephens

36w6d

Baby girl,
I’ve hit the point in the pregnancy where I am so big and so uncomfortable, I really can’t do much more than sit or lie in bed.

Still, I’ve got so much to do but I know physically I can’t. Your dad is doing most of the work.

The last thing I was able to do completely was stock the freezer with a ton of meals for your dad. I have two more meals I want to do but I think I can do that this week.

Right now, I can’t though. I woke up with such a weird feeling. My cervix hurts and I really can’t move that much without feeling discomfort.

If I could, I would wave a magic wand and my hospital bag would pack itself.

I’d like to pack the bag tonight when your dad gets home.

We sorted your clothes last night. Dad thinks it’s a Mothra thing but I told him that all moms sort the clothes. First of all you won’t need your 6-9 mth size clothes for a while so it’s best to pack them away for the interim. Second, we probably want to exchange the many pretty outfits folks got you that are newborn sized. Yes you are a newborn but a little bigger size would last longer. Plus, it would be easier to put on and in all honesty, you really don’t need 10 dress outfits. I’m pretty sure you’ll prefer the sleepers for the first few months.

Your mom has been staying hydrated and trying to stay in the cool indoors. The heat is a doozy. Your dad has been a darling and doing a ton of work. So far the list still includes:

1. Wash your clothes
2. Pack hospital bag
3. Pack bag for daddy
4. Pack diaper bag
5. Inspect car seat
6. Exchange some items at Macys, Baby Gap, Babies R Us and Buy Buy Baby
7. Wash mommy’s clothes
8. Cook chicken and stash in freezer
9. Put together poop duty area
10. Put up new shades in bedroom
11. Put together play pen
12. Put together bouncy seat

I’d like to complete as much as possible by this weekend but that requires a lot of help from your dad.

We had a 4d scan completed this week of your face. It was part of your dad’s First Father’s Day present. Your dad kept smiling. I think he’s really excited to finally meet you. I’m pretty excited for your dad’s first Father’s Day. I know it’s not a super big holiday but it’s your Dad’s day. That’s something pretty special especially since everyone has been doting on you and me for the past few months. I want to celebrate how important it is to be a dad.

We are both praying you will be introduced to the world in 3-4 weeks. Yes, it will be tough for me but the longer you simmer, the better for you and us. We want you to be as healthy as possible.

Plus, we need the weeks to prepare the world for you. Enjoy the sublet, Baby Girl. You are welcome to it.

Oh, our first family photos came out perfect. Your uncle did a great job taking photos of the three of us in our neighborhood park. I made a little brag book for your grandparents but saved a few just for us to share. It’s our first family portrait and I think we make a very good family photo even if I do say so myself.

Sunday, June 08, 2008

Words to live by...

"Your piety is like a morning cloud, like the dew that early passes away.
...for it is love that I desire, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than holocausts." -- Hosea 6:3-6

Saturday, June 07, 2008

High Anxiety... (Key Change!)

36w1d


I’ve been having crazy dreams throughout this pregnancy. Many were short and some just didn’t warrant documentation. My latest dreams deal with more anxieties. Anxieties that I may not be able to give my child the love and care she needs. I know it’s all my anxieties of being a mom creeping through. I know that all I can do is pray and do what I believe is best. It just remember how detached I felt and I didn’t think that was right.

Anyway, along with the anxieties of impending motherhood, I also noticed I dropped a bit. Yes indeed, Miss Bean is preparing to make her debut. Miss Bean, if possible, please hold out 4 more weeks. Mom and dad are doing the last minute preparations. I still need to wash your clothes and bedding. I still have not packed my hospital bag. Yes, I know denial is holding me back. So if at all possible, make use of the lovely sublet for just awhile longer.

Did I mention that the humidity is awful. It’s much more comfortable where you are right now, I’m sure.

Poop, the universal commonality

36w1d

Warning: poop discussion about to commence:

Not to be disgusting but I must share that I did experience 2 days of back up trouble. Now, I know many women have bowel issues throughout their entire pregnancy so I am not going to complain too much about it. I will say that after 2 days, I feel that I can sympathize with the ladies.

No one likes being backed up but imagine you are backed up and in your third trimester of pregnancy. You are as big as you are going to be. You feel very awkward bearing down as your baby’s head is on your crotch. You are feeling very full in the front and obviously full in the back.

It’s not a happy feeling. Add to that that if you do bear down a bit too much you run the risk that you may receive a hemi.

Yesterday I found myself making strange noises trying for the love of Pete to relieve myself. Note that I was not in the comforts of my own home. I was unfortunately at work praying that no one I knew would walk in to the loo.

I don’t know what was more disheartening, the fact that I left the bathroom feeling unproductive or the fact that I still knew I had to somehow relieve myself.
Anyway, as I’m documenting the craziness of pregnancy, the good and the bad, I figured I’d add my two cents on poop and the need to poop.

I will say that drinking a carton of orange juice did nothing to help nor did eating more fiber and fruits.

You just have to let time do it’s thing.

Monday, June 02, 2008

We've been kissing your booty for weeks.

35w3d

Well I had my 35 week check up and guess what? What I thought was her head turns out to be her butt. For two weeks now I’ve noticed this big bulge on my left side and tons of kicking movement on the right side. My belly has looked lopsided. I thought she was transverse.

The doc comes in and I’m prepared for him to tell me that I may need to consider a version to get her ready and in position. He feels my tummy and says, “Well her head is pressing on your bladder now. Feel.”

He takes my hands and presses them down by my crotch and by golly, I felt her head!

“So doc, is this big bulge her butt?”
“Yup. Looks like she has a J-Lo butt.”

The nurse giggles and my eyes widen. Of course I’m one of the rare Asian woman out there with a butt. Between my butt and her dad’s Hispanic genes, I’m sure this girl is going to have a nice bottom. Lol.

Humidity has picked up and I now understand why woman say to try to avoid being in your 3rd trimester during the summer. It’s difficult already to waddle around. The humidity only adds to the weight and heaviness I feel. This is only compounded by the unfortunate lack of air conditioning in my office.

Apparently humidity also increases likelihood of swelling or edema. I have been fortunate and have not had too much swelling but I am not immune. When I do occasionally have swelling, it’s in my legs mostly.

The increased humidity and baby sitting on my crotch makes walking a bit difficult. The pressure on my crotch makes me go beyond waddling now. My husband calls it the bear walk. My legs are taking a wider stance and I’m sort of leaning left and right to walk. This evening, he told me to wave my arms around while I walk and chuckled and called me Grizzly.

I surely could never be a woman of the prairie. I’m such a wuss compared to these women. If I had my say, woman would receive paid maternity leave by the end of the second trimester and care and support services immediately available to them from birth through to the sixth month. Oh and a mandatory spa weekend during post partum.

Here is a small list of items I have been surprised by;
1. Lack of extra boobage. I thought I’d have some sort of cleavage at least.
2. How tired I’d get lying on my back. I’d love to sleep or lie on my stomach.
3. How many pillows I’d need to get into a comfortable position.
4. How as soon as I’m comfortable I need to move the pillows to make my way to the bathroom or kitchen.
5. How absolutely randy I could feel even with an extra 30-40 lbs.

Now that I’ve complained a bit, here are some things I’m fortunate and blessed with during this pregnancy:
1. No morning sickness
2. No crazy cravings
3. Minimal hormonally induced emotional outbreaks (my husband will dispute this)
4. Positive feedback and advice from most folks
5. No major worries/complications
6. No major edema
7. No major back or joint problems
8. No hemorrhoids (please let’s keep it this way)
9. No major inconveniences
10. No major leakage or peeing on myself issues
11. No major boob leakage
12. Baby Kicks (They just bring a smile to your face.)
13. The ability to eat ice cream without guilt.
14. How delicious strawberries and bananas can taste.
15. How a simple piece of cheese or a hard boiled egg could make me happy and content.
16. How simply amazing it feels to be part of the process of creating a human being.
17. How lucky I feel to be given this opportunity and to have a supportive husband who is just as excited, nervous and anxious as I am.