Friday, June 10, 2016

The Maternity Life

Baby number 4.

I swore I wouldn't deal with the last stages of pregnancy in the summer anymore.  I think I've made myself that promise 3 times now.

But, here I am, 33 years old, in the middle of June, with two months left to go in this pregnancy.

And, because I'm not sure if there will be a baby number 5, I am making some concessions to pregnant life.

First and foremost, I am turning the AC down as much as I want and freezing my family out.  :)

Second, I bought myself two huge non-maternity dresses that fit very comfortably over my expanding belly.  (Hopefully, I can still wear them after baby comes, at least for a little while.)

Third, on the days when I don't feel good, I'm giving myself a pass.  Last time around, my feet swelled up to 3 times their normal size and were sore for months.  This time?  I'm letting myself put my feet up for hours at a time.

Fourth, I've decided that it's okay to not get all the things done that I need to do.  Or, if I really do need to get them done, I can take several days, if that's all my energy allows.

Fifth, I'm pretty sure that if we do have another baby, I'll need to hire somebody to help me clean my house and play with my kids for the duration of the pregnancy.

And... it's nice.  I feel a little guilty for taking so much me-time, but I also know I'll only have another couple of months of this, and then life will pick up steam again.

So, because I'm avoiding cameras like the plague, please picture me, lounging on my couch, feet up, surrounded by children's toys, clad in a bright pink nightgown-shaped dress, hair in a messy bun, sipping juice, watching Gilmore Girls, and smiling every so slightly as life passes me by.

2 comments:

Lynn said...

I'm so proud of you! You're not just taking care of you, you're taking care of baby! If you are exhausted and swelling, how is your body supposed to provide all the needed nutrients for the little one inside you?

And you're setting a great example for your other children of how priorities can adjust. They see you when you work hard; now they get to see you taking time to do the important thing of getting ready to give birth. And maybe because of your example, they will not pressure themselves or their wives to try to do it all.

By the way, I hope you have something left of your ears after our drive to San Jose. I appreciated the ride so much! I do hope poor little Cara bounced back quickly.

Chels said...

Thank you! That's so nice!

Cara was just fine for the rest of the day, and I mostly enjoyed the drive to San Jose as well. I was a little stressed, obviously, but everything worked out great. It was nice to have company.