Beware of Steam, You Will Get Burned

This last week has been interesting.  I've had a few really really bad days, and a few really really good days (yay!!!).  However, mixed in with my own physical state have been little things nagging at me mentally and emotionally, so warning: the vent has been opened to release the pressure.


First, the most common comment I have received during the past week is along the lines of, "Wow, when did you get so big?" or "You're really popping out now!"  Although I'm sure these statements are all meant with the sweetest intentions, they do tend to grate on my nerves a bit.  For one, yes I am pregnant and will continue to "pop out" until the baby decides to make its entrance.  For two, thanks, I didn't notice on my own and appreciate you pointing it out to me!  Okay, so maybe a little harsh, but I do realize that I'm getting larger with each passing week.  Some of my loose fitting clothes don't even fit anymore, so that's a pretty big clue.  Oh, and I do look in the mirror on a daily basis.  Even full length ones as our closet doors are mirrors.  I'm at the point where I do realize I have a baby growing inside of me, but I feel more on the getting fat side than the miraculous growing a baby side.  I've had to start going through my clothes and putting aside some of my favorite things that no longer fit.  And to go along with that, I've had to look at buying maternity clothes.  If you're trying to live on a budget and can't afford to spend $100 on a shirt and $200 on a pair of pants, you will be wearing a mu-mu and sweat pants.  Great, not only do the clothes I love not fit, but I will look and feel like I'm wearing a tent for the next 5 months.  *To keep myself in line, I will be making some shirts that I found online that I think are super cute (hope they turn out so I don't spend $100 on one!!) and I just bought a pair of comfortable, but not lounge type, dark grey maternity pants that are kind of normal/cute*  Oh, and the next person that mentions that I'm waddling before I get to at least 30 weeks will probably not appreciate my response to their "well intentioned" comment.


Next, although EVERYONE notices my belly now, I personally have regained my invisible status.  I'm sure people are a little tired of me responding that I'm still sick whenever they ask how I am, but guess what.  I think I'M a little more tired of it than YOU, but I still appreciate it when people genuinely care about how I am doing.  I'm sure this is a bit on the selfish side, but I want people to care about me before my life becomes my baby's, and there isn't a whole lot of time left for that.  If someone asks how I am doing, (or going as they say here) I may respond that I'm fine or that I'm still sick depending on the day/person asking/sincerity of the question/etc.  However, when I get asked how my belly is instead, I may start responding with the exact measurement of that day, amount of gas cramps, or what I've eaten so far.  Those must be the details in question, right?  


Finally, to go along with my invisible status, (just on a different tangent) I believe I still have the same name that I had before I was pregnant.  ***Disclaimer-some of my best friends and family members may fit into this category and I have NO hard feelings towards any of you, so please don't take it personally.***  I realize that major events during life's course cause nicknames to pop up, and said nicknames tend to disappear once the novelty wears off.  Examples would be the Graduate, Newly Weds, Greeny/Newbie, etc..  We are all typically fine with these nicknames for a short amount of time, but would prefer for the novelty to wear off a little quicker than it sometimes does so we can get back to our real names.  I'm sure most are familiar with the names most prevalent in a pregnant woman's life, but my main two are Mummy-to-be and Prego.  Now, I do resemble those remarks, so to a point I don't mind.  My only complaint is when these nicknames become more dominant than my given name and my physical state becomes who I am.  I am pretty sure that last time I checked I wasn't in elementary or jr. high where Fatty, 4-eyes, Pimples/Zits, Baldy, Shorty, and the like became the person's identity.  I'm sure there are plenty of other names that I could be called that would be worse, like stretch marks or cankles, (don't have either yet thankfully) but if you feel so inclined to use my name versus one of the nicknames, I guarantee it will be taken as a more sincere interest on my behalf and a welcome breath of fresh air.


Now, on a more pleasant note, Prego would like to share a glimpse of the "popped out" belly of which she has recently acquired.

HAPPY 18 WEEKS!