I'm Pregnant...Bring on the unsolicited advice!

Funny how having a belly makes you fair game.



I mean, if you're just fat, people don't feel the need to grab at your muffin top. There is something about a pregnant woman that makes people thinks its ok to touch and feel. They ask you if its kicking and even if you say no, a hand shoots to your belly like metal to a magnet. Now, I don't think I am weird, but I am not a huge touchy feely person. I will tell you I love you if I do. I will even hug you if I feel compelled. But, I will not touch a stranger or tell them about my placenta. Not. Ever.



So, in good nature, I have compiled a top ten of things that have happened in the last week or so that I am calling "Top 10 things to avoid when dealing with a Prego"



1. Don't ask me what I weigh. I would never tell the truth. I will take off 50 pounds and convince myself its the truth. I will tell you that my pregnancy gain is at about 20 pounds so far, mostly because I am on track to not gain a ton and this makes me proud. But, if you tell me I look like a mack truck, I will run you over and blame it on hormones :-)



2. Don't touch my belly unless you A. ask or B. I know you, love you or invite you to. I have no problems with the belly touching. I get it- its weird that a human is in there. But strangers touching my womb? No thanks- ever hear of the Swine flu epedemic?



3. Please don't ask how many babies I have in here. I promise, its only one. Please see #1.



4. I do not feel cute. I understand that to a non-pregs, pregnant people are the most beautiful things in the world. The roundness. The baby bump. Adorable, right? Well, as long as you don't factor in my stretching skin, growing cankles and cellulite. I don't feel cute, and that's ok, so let's move on.



5. Please don't tell me to not freak over said weight gain. You gain 8 pounds in 2 weeks and then call me. I understand that its for a good cause. Still, the scale hurts and it upsets me. Again, please see #1.



6. I love getting advice from mothers who have been there before. However, I don't want you to tell me that what I am planning is wrong. Even if it is. Let me figure it out. I am pretty smart, I will come around. Please let me have my pipe dreams- even if you know they are just that. Don't burst the prego bubble I am living in.



7. I do not want to hear about your birth experience. Currently, thoughts of pushing a watermelon out of a lemon haunt my dreams. I get that you survive. I know I will be there. I am just not prepared to talk about it.



8. Speaking of birth experiences- no one tells you actual symptoms of pregnancy. I mean, crazy stuff goes on with your body. If people told you, you probably would not have kids. I get that now. So, in the opposite fashion of the rest of this list- THANK YOU for not sharing. I will oblige and do the same.



9. Do not chime in about my name choice. I get it, you know blah blah who is named this and he ruined your life. I am sorry. My kid will be called (insert crude nickname here) for his life. I have thought about that- but we still like the name. Unless you are having this baby for me, keep the opinions to yourself. I will promise not to name your baby when you have one. Really.



10. Finally, I don't know why inappropriate questions are allowed while you are pregnant in the first place. Hello, etiquette? Do I ask if your nipples are sore? Do I want to know how your discharge is? Have I EVER asked you if you have hemorroids? The answer, my friend, is no. Please extend me the same courtesy. I will let you know if I want to complain- but don't ask. Really. Refer to #8. You. are. welcome.

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On a serious note, I thank God daily for this ability and amazing gift to carry my son. I pray for those who are struggling or have struggled with infertility (my mother took 7 years to have my sister and another 4 to have me!) each day. I am just trying to bring out the "lighter" side of this experience I am having.

On my knees...

...and praying for Stellan.

Please stop for a second, moment, or minute to pray for this little one year old, in surgery for his heart. You can read his miraculous journey here: http://www.mycharmingkids.net/

Times like these remind me how fragile life is and who is really in control. As I prepare for the arrival of my son, I can only praise God for the miracles he works and pray that I don't ever have to know first hand what this sweet family is enduring.

"Neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

Also, please say a little prayer for Kelly and Scott. They are on their way to El Salvador for a mission trip.

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works" Hebrews 10:24

Happy November!

Whew! A little slice of our weekend...

I am exhausted from cooking my "bun" in my "oven." My husband, the Chef, is quite proud of his "bun" as well :-) Only 14 more weeks of cooking!

My husband got a little too excited with the mullet wig. Note: his apron does say"I keep my best snacks under my apron." I realize that this is offensive, however, it was a gift from my sister. If you know her, you get it. :-)

How about them CATS? Too bad they lost this weekend, but what can you do? Terrible homecoming, but I hope they can come back and beat EKU this week! GOOOOO CATS!

No Swine flu for me or the hubs...in 2 weeks :-) We both got our shots on Saturday (for free!) at a local high school. Whoo hoo! Although the 2 week period to build immunity sucks, we are hoping we avoid this nastiness. I know there is some debate, but being pregnant, my doctor felt it very important to get the shot. I am praying for no unsavory side effects- OINK!

Guess what else we had to get this weekend? I was washing clothes on Saturday when my washing machine...well, died. JM and I scooped out water with a measuring cup only to have it fill back up- it was working, right? WRONG. Once it filled BACK up, it quit again. I have neve cried so much out of frustration!

After a trip to HH Gregg, I said "RIP Old Maytag from my Mother in Law....Hello Whirlpool Duet!"

Yep, a new washer AND dryer (just what every expecting parent wants to spend $$ on). The worst part of the whole washer/dryer sales scheme? They sell these super capacity washers that your old dryers' capacity isn't compatible with. What's the point of having a washer that can clean 16 pairs of jeans in one load when you can only dry 6-8 at a time? You're right, I am sucker, but we got the set. AND....they are glorious. I will be in hock for a while, but I am hoping with the baby, this is an investment we won't regret.

Hope everyone had a GREAT (and appliance buying free!) weekend!

I cannot believe November is here :-)