Christmas day marked my 37th week of pregnancy! I was thrilled to reach the full term point, but now as I am realizing that it will soon be over I am feeling several different emotions. I'm nervous, excited, kinda sad but yet super happy to meet my little boy Nicolas. I'm nervous because this is my first pregnancy & I don't know what to expect as far as labor/delivery or getting him home...I've been reading a lot of articles and asking my mama friends for advice to prepare. I'm excited to meet my son and start this new chapter of life with my family. I am sad because I'll miss this pregnant silhouette...yeah, I said it. I'll miss feeling his movements and I'll miss leaning over my belly to speak to him, miss hugging the bump for mom when she texts me saying "hug Nicolas", I'll miss carrying him with me wherever I go. On the flipside, I am so thrilled to think I'll finally get to see him face to face and kiss his sweet little face. YAY!
As my pregnancy wraps up, I wanted to extend some advice to future mamas out there:
1) Savor every moment! Nausea, illness, loss of balance and weight gain are all trumped by the first feeling of movement, the little hiccup episodes, the "Wave" babies do in the belly haha and the fascinating transformation your body takes. Take pictures of your growing belly, write down your thoughts, take warm bubble baths, eat chocolate haha and healthy things too of course - just savor it all!!!
2) Take people's opinions with a grain of salt. I can't tell you how many sweet compliments I've gotten with my growing bump but of course there's always the few sour comments that I seem to put too much value on. "You're so big!" "I don't think you're going to make it full term!" "Are you sure you're not having twins?" "You look so tired" HAHAHA....Now I can look back and chuckle, but at the time some comments really sent me to the bathroom checking my reflection, regretting eating that Hershey bar and even crying. Maybe those negative comments really prepare us for what lies ahead? People will ALWAYS have opinions about our appearances, our attitude and I'm realizing that I will have to deal with people's judgement on my parenting too as Nicolas and I grow up together. So, all I can say is SCREW IT (for lack of better words). I seriously could care less what people think anymore. This is my body, my experience, my baby and my life. Anyone who doesn't approve can realize it's their problem, not mine.
3) Be comfy: For work and for trips out I always tried to wear jeggings, leggings or yoga pants that were stretchy but paired it with cute tops and accessorized with scarves, jewelry, cute hair do, etc. It's very important to be comfortable & part of that for me is feeling confident! I will never use being a mom as an excuse to be lazy or "not care". Becoming a mom has reinforced for me the importance of feeling good, feeling confident and still feeling like ME. Of course I have makeup less days and I run to the store in my Colts hoodie and some sweats, but overall I know I won't let myself go because being a mom may be a big role but it's not the only role I have.
4) Stretch: I did yoga through out my entire pregnancy. I made sure in the beginning it was lower level intensity & as Nicolas has grown, I've transitioned to prenatal yoga. I am not one to run to Tylenol for pain relief, I'd rather not mask the problem but really remedy it with exercise. Back pain is a sure thing so stretching/yoga exercises really helped me & the mental benefits are amazing as well. Yoga is a true gift to the human body/mind.
5) Escape: I had one weekend getaway with my mom to Ohio and a couple to visit my aunt & uncle in Southern IN. I'm telling you it's SO nice to escape the routine and get away. All of those weekend trips were very much needed.
6) Accept help/donations: I didn't realize how much stuff babies needed & when it started kicking in, I got majorly stressed out............to say the least. I was lucky to get donated lots of maternity clothes but we were also donated the CRIB, baby's bathtub, nursing gear & a high chair. I receieved lots of gifts for Nicolas at his shower too, a carrier, another high chair, a swing, a pumpkin seat and lotssss of clothes. My son is set!
7) Don't WORRY. This is my final piece of advice. This pregnancy has taught me from DAY 1 that
I am not in control. God is in control. I've always been the one to try to manage things and keep things the way I want them but with pregnancy, it's not that way at all. My first trimester was agonic and so slow because I spent every single day worrying. I was worried I'd lose my son. I had to keep myself off the internet reading awful things about miscarrying and eptopic pregnancies, etc. Whatever happens will happen...I had to let go and let GOD. He spoke to me at one point. I heard him say "Be still and know that I am God." Amen! He has carried me through this experience and showed me in his gentle, loving way that HE is the one who provides, He is the one who set pregnancy in motion. My body is just doing what God designed it to do. I will be okay. Nicolas will be okay. You will be okay. God is in control, do not fear.
8) Okay, I fibbed - one more piece of advice. Reach out to others! I don't know what I would've done without my precious mom. I stressed her out I'm sure with so many questions and worries and complaints but she has been my angel. During pregnancy, it's VERY important to feel supported. Reach out to other people who care for you and your baby. Let them guide you and comfort you as your experience this baffling miracle. Don't let yourself feel alone or afraid. Don't be afraid to let people love you and help you.
I'm thankful for a new day! Even if I am snowed in...lol I choose to praise God on this day and I hope you will too.
XO
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