Grace

It may be apparent by my lack of posts lately that I have been busy with other things. I have actually begun to feel relatively overwhelmed by untouched to-do lists and a general lack of energy and motivation. I feel even more overwhelmed by the feelings of disappointment, guilt and failure that ensue.

On top of those personal issues to deal with, we have had our cars in the shop 3 times in the last 2 weeks. Last night our furnace stopped working. It feels like one thing after another around here!

Today I came across this post and knew it was exactly what I needed to remember:

suzie studios: reflecting beauty

7 Most Convenient Things about the Baby Bump

1. You no longer need to wash your belly button. It is inside out, so not only is there no dirt/dust getting stuck in the first place, it is also way easier to clean.

2. Built in TV-tray.

3. Any extra non baby chub pretty much blends in.

4. Most people automatically think you're cute.

5. You are providing for, caring for, and creating a safe place for your baby with minimal effort - it's not EASY, but it is different than the work required after birth. AND WELL WORTH IT.

6. The world basically gives you an excuse to eat whatever and as much as you want [aside from 'risky' foods].

7. In the right moment, people will allow you to cut in front of them in line [ahem, public bathrooms].

8 Most Inconvenient Things about the Baby Bump

1. Toothpaste drips on your belly instead of into the sink.

2. Your belly gets wet from being against the sink/always finding random stains on your belly from accidentally leaning onto things.

3. You require an abundance of pillows for comfort that lasts only a couple hours.

4. You cannot hug your husband as closely as you once did.

5. You cannot see below your belly button.

6. People want to talk to you about it and touch your body. And tell you all kinds of unsolicited advice/stories about themselves and everyone they have ever known who has been pregnant.

7. Your stomach [and lung] capacity continually decrease... and your appetite increases.

8. Your clothes do not fit. When you get clothes to fit, they either look weird or stop fitting after a few weeks.

Second Trimester Bliss

1 link = 1 week of pregnancy left

I am happy to report that I have finally entered what I am considering Second Trimester Bliss! Although this is certainly something to celebrate*, don't get ahead of yourself thinking that it's your regular type of Bliss. It simply means that I can prepare food in the morning [and maybe even get dressed first, or go to the bathroom first] without gagging-or-worse immediately. It means that I can go a little longer before I start to feel nauseous. It means I am actually motivated about some things, I am cooking and cleaning again, and I'm not wishing I could spend the entirety of every day snuggled in bed. It also means that instead of feeling a general aversion to food/eating/cooking/smelling, I am having cravings. Lately: garlic. and avocado. Right now, avocados are the only thing on my mind.... except I finished all the avocados we had here last week and haven't gotten more yet. I cannot think of anything else that sounds good - I am forcing down some pizza now [which is normally a favorite!]

I've been sort of in a limbo state between Morning All-Day-Sickness and Second Trimester Bliss for a couple weeks. Some days are better than others, and some days are still bad days. Of course, the flu and the dreary Ohio weather haven't done too much to help.

I am so, so, so thankful to be feeling better! Although the bad days are discouraging to me, because I cannot do what I had planned, I am thankful for the good days. I am thankful to be a little bit closer to the mother, wife, and caretaker that I would like to be. I am thankful for Josh picking up all my slack, taking care of me as I was sick and dealing with me in the dark moments. I am thankful for Merit's sweet smile and soggy kisses!



*I have been celebrating by making chocolate lava cakes and brownie pudding cake. Both are delicious treats for the chocolate lover and I'll try to share the recipes soon! They are really magic!