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Monday, April 18, 2011

34 Week Dr. Check Up and Some Gushing

Everything at my dr. appointment this morning went well: When I go back in two weeks, they'll be doing another ultrasound to estimate the baby's size since the doctor is somewhat apprehensive that because I measure big I might be growing GIANT baby in there.  I'm still not concerned that he's gimongous, but I would appreciate it if he'd get his left foot out of my rib cage; sometimes I feel a little short of breath because of that limb kicking me in the lungs.

At the doctor's office, the nurse chirpily said, "Getting close!"  And that's a phrase a lot of people are saying when they look at me these days even though I still have 6 weeks until my due date.  So, even though I still have what I think of as "plenty of time," as I was driving today, I was thinking about how near the end I'm getting with this pregnancy, and to be honest, it makes me a little sad.

I know I joke a lot about the discomforts and inconveniences of pregnancy, but truth be told, I do enjoy it -- in my own way.  Granted, I'm not the sort to gush over the "beauty" of pregnancy, nor am I the sort to sit and marvel over the intimacy of the growing baby within me.  However, that doesn't mean that I don't enjoy certain aspects of pregnancy, so I figured today I'd highlight a few things I like about being pregnant:
  • My "spidey" senses.  Especially my intensified sense of smell.  For some preggos, this is annoying as it can trigger nausea, but for me, I find scents -- even typically unpleasant ones like gasoline or car exhaust -- to be intoxicating.  I'm especially obsessed with cleansers and cleaning products.  If there were a way for me to just sit and sniff the Bath and Body Works foaming hand soap in White Citrus all day long, I would.  I also seem to really delight in brushing my teeth.  It's weird, I know, but there's something really awesome about both the taste and the texture of my toothpaste that makes me LOVE brushing my teeth!
  • My hair.  It's usually a little on the fine side, but during pregnancy, because fewer hairs are shed, my hair is thicker.  Which is great.  But, it also, I swear, feels softer and healthier.
  • My skin too.  I'm not going to claim a "glow," but my skin is softer during pregnancy and clearer.  I don't normally have many issues with blemishes, but it seems that during pregnancy, I am even luckier than normal in that I don't even seem to get a blackhead.
  • My baby belly.  As much as I joke and sometimes mock-complain about having to heave my giant self around, in a lot of ways, that's just hyperbole.  The truth is that I really like having that belly out there.  For some reason, I guess, it makes me feel both healthy and feminine.  Does that make sense?  I'm not sure if it does, but to me, I suppose there's a certain amount of pride in being pregnant -- there's just something about it that says "I'm healthy and strong enough for this."
  • Feeling the baby move.  And seeing him move, since, at this point, his movement is visible on the surface and he reacts to touch on the surface as well.  Sometimes, it looks as though he's just wiggling back and forth within there.
  • Having Norah cuddle my belly.   We still don't think she fully grasps that I'm pregnant despite the fact that we talk to her about it, but she does seem to "know" something is up, and she's been extra cuddly with me lately.  A week ago, while we were watching Sesame Street, she climbed in my lap, grabbed my arms and wrapped herself up while saying "cuddle, cuddle!"  And often times, if we're lounging together, she leans against or hugs my belly. 
So, even though I'm excited to meet Caleb in less than 6 weeks, I know that once he's here, I'll miss having him inside me and I'll miss being pregnant.  I don't really know that we'll have more than 2 children (we aren't ready to definitively plan one way or another), so a big part of me is trying to savor these remaining weeks.

But you may have to remind me of how sentimental I was in this post when, in a short time, I'm bitching and moaning again about being uncomfortable.  I'll try to remind myself, but as is typical with a preggo, forgetfulness is a plague.

16 comments:

Marlene said...

My word verification is "sizing" - how appropriate. :)

I'm glad everything is coming along well. Enjoy these 6 weeks!

Erin said...

Those are all good reasons to enjoy pregnancy. I thought you were going to get all crazy on me for a second.

Carly said...

I loved being pregnant for all of those same reasons. Wow, time is really flying! I can't believe you are on a single digit countdown.

Pharmie said...

I've been feeling the same way lately! It has just hit me the last couple of weeks that I need to slow down and ENJOY the time I have left. I won't be able to carry the munchkin with me everywhere I go for much longer!

Robin said...

This is a great post because you will be able to go back and remember the positive things about being pregnant a lot easier in the future. I laugh though b/c almost all the things you listed about liking your heightened sense of smell are all things that made me gag when I was pregnant, due to my morning sickness :)

Julie D said...

I'm so glad to hear positive pregnancy thoughts for once!

fancy nancy said...

Enjoy the next 6 weeks! It's so cute that Norah cuddles with your belly!

MCM Mama said...

I loved the feel of the baby moving when I was pregnant. It's one of the few parts I'd repeat in a heartbeat.

Enjoy the last 6 weeks. All too soon you'll be juggling two!

Running 365 said...

That's sweet! I think the occasional gushing is appropriate.

Lee said...

I liked reading this. Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy.

Krissy said...

Oh I know exactly how you feel, I am the same way about being pregnant and I wouldn't say I miss it 100% right now because I do feel much better than I did those last 2 months of my pregnancy BUT I really did cherish every kick and having my preggo belly. I too don't think a 3rd is in our future so every snuggle I get with my little Bo is cherished! And you will be surprised how much Norah will get it when the baby arrives, I was shocked with Eli, he is very gentle and asks to see the baby the first think when he wakes up! It is so cute :)

Carolina John said...

We had our first at 36 weeks, and the second at 38 weeks into the pregnancies. Congratulations Jess, you might be only a couple of weeks away! Good on 'ya!

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

I am so happy to read that you are loving aspects of being pregnate! I am one of those people to wonder at the amazement of it all. It's a large part of why we are here and it is such a painfully brief period (well, unless your that Duggard lady). Enjoy every last wiggle and all the moments to show off that wonderful belly. It all does say that you are doing an amazing thing!

Whitney said...

I loved being pregnant. Feeling the baby move is one of the most incredible experiences. Hope everything goes well for the rest of the pregnancy!

N.D. said...

I think that is the way pregnancy is. Its good to appreciate it but its work!!

MNFirefly said...

Even though my two kids are 14 and 9, I still remember my times being pregnant. It was wonderful to experience. I just I didn't have that "high risk" flag hanging over me during both of them. It took some of the fun out of it.