Seeing the Good

Because being pregnant is not easy, it's easy to dwell on the negative. But there are some great things about being pregnant, so I thought I'd mention a few things I've enjoyed:

#1 The size of my belly has a purpose! It seems like it took forever for my pregnant belly to grow larger than my normal belly had been. But even before that happened, I loved the feeling of just letting it all hang out there because I had a good reason for it! It's awesome to have a huge belly and feel like you can flaunt it. Gain with no shame!

#2 I'm hungry all the time. This is sometimes annoying, but mostly I enjoy responding to hunger pains by eating lots of small, yummy meals throughout the day. It's a lot better than the hating-food part of pregnancy!!

#3 People smile at me and treat me with a greater measure of respect and courtesy. I also get a lot more compliments. This is may be just my good fortune (because I know a lot of women say that their interactions with strangers get more awkward while pregnant), but no one has rubbed my belly without permission or said anything rude to me. In fact, the comment I get most often is, "You look great!" Can't complain about that!

#4 I never get cold. Not that this is a problem in Houston. But normally, my hands and feet get cold easily, especially in winter. However, when you are pregnant your blood volume almost doubles, and that ends up being major plus in winter, especially when coats and most of your shoes don't fit. It may be 60 degrees outside, but it feels like 70 to me!

#5 My husband, who already treats me like a queen, does even more for me. He picks things up off the floor, rubs my feet, lets me rest while he does the dishes. I feel pretty spoiled. And I have to admit, I like having an excuse for being pampered.

#6 I get more attention in general. People are always concerned about how I am doing, or want to know how things are going. And I feel this has helped me make new friends and/or develop better friendships with old friends, especially with other pregnant women I know.

#7 I feel more connected to the women in my life-- both those who have children and those who want children in the future. Preparing to become a mother is the most womanly thing I have ever done. I feel like I'm finally joining the ranks. I do not mean that by being pregnant and giving birth I am "joining the ranks", but by becoming a mother. There are many ways to become a mother, and everyone has a different path. But I believe fulfilling mothering roles is essential to finding true satisfaction as a woman. So, I am excited that this baby is providing an opportunity for me to do that.

#8  It's awesome to see my body work. I can't believe that I have a baby inside of me! It is crazy! It's weird to feel him move and even weirder to think that he is his own person. And I'm excited to watch my body give birth, because at this point I'm still kind of in denial that it is possible. Our bodies are amazing!