Update on the Prego

Well here are a few pictures from 23 (almost 24) weeks for those of you who having been asking (Mom!). They hardly do the growing belly justice, but that's okay.

Basically, I'm feeling pretty good overall! If you by chance want more info about how I'm liking pregnancy, you can read my little "best and worst list" below (subject to modification, of course, during the next 16 weeks).

Best things about being pregnant:

1. Feeling the little guy move. How could this not be someone's favorite thing about pregnancy?? I first felt him at a little less than 17 weeks (although it was really soft and would only happen right before bed). Of course his movements have become much more obvious since then and a few weeks ago his kicks were already so strong I started to worry about pushing out a too-big baby. Now, when he has mellow days where I don't feel much I worry like crazy that something is wrong. (See "worrying" under the 'worst' list.) Joe has been able to feel him multiple times, starting at 22 weeks, and we love feeling his body parts pressing up against my skin (although we can't really figure out what they are yet). Basically, I am never going to complain about too much kicking; I love every single reminder that he is in there and doing well.

2. Fast Sundays. Need I say more?

3. Joining "the club." While I was in law school, it was more challening to find things I had in common with other people (making friendships and conversations a little bit harder). Now I am part of the club and can talk forever about pregnancy & babies, which any mom or mom-to-be is eager to do. Finally!

4. How much I love my baby. I was have trouble thinking of anything else postive to say, but then I realized that this is one - seeing all the ways am I already changing my daily way of life, just because I am constantly thinking about my baby. For instance, I am listening to a lot less of my normal music (although not bad, it is usually fast-paced and annoying, I'll admit) and more classical music. I have started reading baby books aloud. I am constantly trying to make sure I am eating the right amount of the right thing (although this is a tough one and I am definitely not perfect at it ... should probably go on the 'worst' list, actually). Also, I feel horrible if I yell or say a bad word because my baby can hear me! Although most of the time I just go on with my daily life and don't really comprehend what is happening to me, there are times when it sinks in just how much I love this little guy and how excited I am to hold him once he gets here.

Now on to .... My least favorite things about being pregnant:

1. Worrying. Like I said, this happens a lot. Joe, being the rationally-minded guy he is, doesn't get it. My mom says the worrying won't be this bad once we get him here. I have my doubts about that, but I hope she is right!

2. Sleeping. I have had trouble with this one for as long as I can remember, and unfortunately being limited to side sleeping and having to get up for several bathroom trips a night isn't helping much! Man I can't wait to sleep on my stomach again (I know, it's a little early to be getting too excited about this).

3. Exercising. I had to learn early on (when I was bleeding) to alter my routine (basically, stop running) but I have been trying to keep doing as many other things as possible without over-doing it. However, I can already feel my body slowly wanting to do less and less. It just takes some getting used to ... and it someday it will be nice to exercise as hard as I want to without having to worry about anyone but myself. :)

4. Unmentionables. There are a few other small complaints I have that aren't exactly blog-appropriate (as well as a couple things on the plus side). Overall, though, I know I am pretty lucky to have had an "easy" pregnancy. Regardless, I am amazed at all the junk we women have to go through to birth our children. Fortunately we are all obsessed with the little person we are doing it for and that makes it all much, much rosier!

And now, three more pieces of news:

1. Stretchy pants. I finally found some maternity jeans and have started wearing them! (Boy was that a challenge.) Joe calls them my 'stretchy pants.' About a month ago when I was wanting to start looking for some, Joe absolutely did NOT believe that pregnant girls actually wore pants with stretchy-fabric waists. He thought the idea was totally laughable and insisted that I should just get a "bigger size" of my normal jeans and all would be well. I had to have several of my close friends assure Joe that yes, normal people wear such articles of clothing, and would be up a creek if they didn't. Boy was that funny!

2. People are noticing. I have had two strangers comment on my pregnant belly so far. First, a lady at the AT&T store who had just had a baby 3 months ago, and second, a Food Lion cashier. It is fun to finally be looking pregnant instead of fat!!

3. I have to go to work on Monday. I've had a couple months off since the bar exam, and now things are finally worked out so that next week I'll be starting to work full time. I'm pretty sure this will help solve my exercise complaint (no more time or energy) and will make the food thing a bit more tricky (Joe you better be ready to help cook because I am not going back to cold cereal!) I'll post more on this later .....