Nine months later...

Here is a list of things that are different since we last met:
1. I have completed 38 weeks of pregnancy.
2.
That might be the only difference. But it is a HUGE one! Sadly, that can also be taken literally. I die a little inside each time I go to the doctor and have to step on the scale. For some reason that feeling doesn't stick with me very long though. Definitely not long enough for me to deny myself that costco cake (and why would I? The bakery at costco puts magic in those cakes).
It is an interesting experience, though, creating life. My pregnancy has been pretty darn easy comparatively, so I am not going to fill this post with my woes. I remember once sitting in 9th grade English class looking down at my stomach, and I had a very poignant realization that some day that thing would house a person. Okay, I'm not stupid, and I knew prior to that experience that that's how it works. But knowing something intellectually and then having a realization emotionally are two separate and distinct things. I've had a lot of those over the last 38 weeks.
I love to list things, so here is my (probably cliched) list of some things that are actually cool about being pregnant:
1. The first time you feel the baby move is awesome. Some people get sick of it. I haven't. It's weird/amazing/beautiful. One of my primary kids asked why my baby wiggles so much. I told her it was because she is bored. She really probably is. Poor kid. But I like it.
2. Naps. I take them all the time. I love them. I feel zero guilt napping while pregnant.
3. I have a seriously awesome rack. Temporary? Yes. Is it going to be pitiful later? All signs point to yes. But for now, things are good (it's just a pity everything else looks awful right now..sigh. you can't have it all)
4. Sometimes you just need a good, long, irrational cry. I find a lot of my stories lately end with "..and I burst into tears."
5. Avoiding heavy lifting. This one is a double-edged sword though. Good when I don't want to lift stuff. Bad when I am nesting like crazy and want to rearrange all the furniture. I've had to settle for other psycho nesting acts instead, like vacuuming out cupboards, scrubbing the front door, and vacuuming the porch.
6. I waited until number six to state this one, but who am I kidding? This is definitely one of my favorites. I eat what I want in whatever quantities I want anytime I want. Yes, I do realize pregnancy will end, and I will have a tough habit to break. But that's later.
7. I am so large/hot/sick of being hungry all the time that I am really really excited to go into labor. Mother nature sure knows how to get you excited for something that should really scare you senseless. But I am ready. I am right now (it's almost midnight) contemplating scrubbing my floor because apparently the motions can assist your labor starting. The only problem is that my floor is spotless because I've already tried this 3 times this week. Hmmm.
8. Seeing Dave switch into Daddy mode has me goo goo eyed for him. It's the puppy love stage all over again. He is so in love with this baby, and that makes me crazier about him. Even in his sleep, his instinct is to hold my belly (which is adorable, but lately I've had to push him away because I have been a billion degrees). All it takes is for him to sing, talk, or try and high-five the baby, and I am blissfully happy. This is my all-time favorite thing about being pregnant.

Some of my favorite things

Oprah does this. People seem to enjoy it. The only difference here is that these are My Favorite Things; Pregnancy Edition, and that you will not be receiving any of these items. Unless you buy them.
On a side note, why hasn't America's favorite talk show host ever had children?? This seems like a real missed opportunity. Cool people are the ones that SHOULD be procreating. 


And here we goooooooooo! (I am trying to phonetically recreate Oprah-speak. Just go with me on this).

1. The Body Pillow
There are soooo many products out there for pregnancy. Since I am only sort of rich, I have not bought most of them. They have specialized curvy pillows that are supposed to cradle your expanding body. I'm not gonna lie, it's not always easy to get comfortable when you're pregnant. Especially if, like me, you are a back and belly sleeper. However, I spent ten well allocated dollars on a body pillow from walmart. It has been amazing. It's almost like tricking yourself into thinking you're sleeping on your belly. Does it contain patented contour shaping technology, like the Snoogle? Nope. Does it look completely ridiculous and have no function post pregnancy, like the Snoogle? Nope. Does it cost a bajillion dollars, like the Snoogle? Also no. So, while I'm sure the Snoogle is comfortable, I'll tell you that I have been pleased with my simple little $10 body pillow.

Snoogle! Not only does it look retarded, but it has a stupid name too. 

2. Panty Liners

I won't go into too much detail here, but these are great for those unexpected sneezes. And now we will move on. (I know what you're thinking....what, no picture? You'll just have to use your imagination on this one.)

3. Flip Flops

Especially for the last trimester, these have been my best friend. This way as my feet expand throughout the day, they have room to. The only con here is that my feet get really dirty. I hate that. Since I can't exactly reach my feet right now, I have to beg Dave to take a couple baby wipes to my feet and clean them off. I have only been successful in convincing him to do this like twice. My other option is to sit down in the shower after they have gotten soft to scrub them. I worry that someday I will find myself on the floor of my shower, unable to get back up. Buuut the flip flops are worth it.

4. Unisom

It is an over-the-counter sleeping pill that my OB told me to take to help with my morning sickness during the first trimester. It didn't really solve that...but it is powerful. I was only taking 1/4 of a dose, and it was enough to pretty much knock me out. When pregnancy insomnia strikes, this is my savior. I still only take 1/4 of a dose, because that way it puts me to sleep, but doesn't leave grogginess the next day. The best part is that it's not something I need every night. Usually it just takes one time to get my body back on track for the next few weeks. I love it.

5. C.O. Bigelow Lip Gloss

This was a staple before pregnancy, but I feel like it is important to note now too. Pregnancy is weird, and suddenly this body that I have been used to is completely different. Even my face is fatter. It's frustrating to me to feel so ugly all the time without being able to do anything about it. I know, I know, it's going to all be worth it in the end. I really do know that. But in the meantime, it has been important for my sanity and self-esteem to do things that make me feel pretty. Silly me, thinking that body image issues only existed during the teenage years. 

Seriously, there are SO MANY "must-have" products out there for pregnant mamas. Somehow I have survived without most of them. I think I'll probably make it all the way through without them too.