9 weeks to go. 9 weeks to go...
I've officially entered the uncomfortable stage of pregnancy. I still don't feel incredibly large, but I sure do feel inhibited in every day life. It's hard to sit, to move around, to lie down. I've been feeling really good though, except for 2 things.
1. I have the worst burning/pain sensation on my lower right ribs (almost right in the center of my sternum). I seriously can't figure out what in the world it would be. It's like my skin has a huge, raw scratch/burn on it, but there's nothing there. When I press on my bones they are tender, and there are a few really sensitive spots, but I have no idea why I have this burning, stinging, pain 24/7. Has anyone ever heard of this before? It's only on 1 side! I wonder if it's just stretching pain. All I know is I'm about to go crazy if it doesn't stop. I don't think I can handle 9 more weeks of this.
2. I'm really tired. I didn't really get fatigue in the first trimester like a lot of women do. I slept more than usual, but daytime was fine. I never needed a nap. Lately I've been getting so tired in the afternoon and I have to lie down (even if I don't really nap). Luckily my schedule is really open and I have the time to relax.
The past week or so I've been having a lot of labor dreams. None of them painful. All of them very realistic. Also, every morning when I wake up I have this moment of "oh my goodness, I'm really pregnant! I'm really going to have a child, and I have to push him out in 2 months!" Makes for relaxing mornings. haha.
However, I am so excited to be a mother. I've been listening to a lot of recent general conference talks about motherhood/parenthood, and it makes me so excited to begin this journey (one that will never end). I'm excited to be able to love this baby, and nurture him, and feed him, and teach him, and see him grow. I'll admit, I often get overwhelmed thinking about all the changes that are soon to happen. I get a lot of anxiety thinking about actually raising a child (especially when I often still feel like a child myself). I have to remind myself that I just have to take one day at a time. I often see and think about mothers who just stay home all day with their kids (which is obviously something I want), but it actually makes me anxious to think that I'm going to be doing that soon. How in the world will I ever come up with enough creative things for my children to do? (I know they don't need much when they're really little, but they grow up really quickly!) I'm really not a "fun" person. I don't like games, I don't like "playing" outside very much, I'm not creative or crafty. I get really nervous thinking that I'll just be a failure of a mother. Boring and dull. Good thing I'm married to Mike.
On that note, can I just say how much I LOVE my husband? It's funny. I always knew, even before we married, that he was a great fit for me. Ever day I realize more and more that he is an absolute perfect fit for me. He is always positive, and I find myself SO much happier than I've ever been in my life. I used to be really grumpy. A lot. Mike has a way of always making me happy, and helping me to see the positive in life. I've found that now I'm naturally more positive, even when we're apart. He is driven and has wonderful aspirations for life. He is also wonderful with kids. He loves to play games, he loves to be a little crazy, he loves being social.
Mike works harder than anyone I know. If he does something, he does it 110%. He never complains about working. In fact, he rarely complains about anything. He is organized and clean (I am so grateful for this one!) Those of you who know me know how clean and organized I like to be. Mike balances me perfectly in this area. He loves having our "lives" organized (our finances, our cars, our bills, etc). He takes the lead in those areas, while I take the lead in the "house" organization. The result is that we live in so much peace. Peace of mind, body and space. It's wonderful.
Mike never lets a day pass without letting me know how much he loves me. He is sincere and honest. We are always (well, most of the time) able to communicate very well (which I am so grateful for). I've grown up seeing many poor examples of communication and a great lack of respect from married couples. I am grateful that we have a lot of respect for one another, and we both always try to show that respect. I can't even remember a single fight we've ever had. Disagreements, yes. Annoyances, yes. Fights, never.
Mike has a very romantic, sentimental side. I found a little video on our camera of a night when I was asleep and Mike had recorded just a minute of it. On the video he whispered that he just wanted to remember this moment, and how much he loved me, and how grateful he was for me. If it sounds cheesy, oh well. I thought it was the sweetest thing in the world. I'm so grateful to have him.
This little boy is going to love his daddy...but probably not as much as I do! :)
I really don't know what to say about your rib pain. Possibly by baby pushing or pressure. My suggestion is to call your DR. I have found that Dr.'s prefer you to ask your questions instead of worrying (or just being in pain, not good either). I suggest you talk to your baby Dr. if they aren't concerned, you probably shouldn't be either :)
ReplyDeleteIt was great reading this post. You seem so happy Rach and I'm so happy for you. Motherhood is a wonderful journey. Even though Cayman is 2 1/2 I still wake up thinking, "I'm a Mom, this little boy depends on me to help him learn and grow and keep him happy". It's crazy how life keeps going and doesn't stop. It's great that you are enjoying this journey and it's great that there is still so much out there for all of us to experience and enjoy. I love you tonz Rach!
ReplyDeleteSaw on facebook that you wanted advice. I had the same type of rib pain and tenderness for most of my pregnancy. I have (or had) a tiny rib cage and a small torso, so my ribs had to stretch a lot! It was definitely the most uncomfortable/painful part of my whole pregnancy. If you are worried, my suggestion is also to call your doctor. But for me the rib pain was just an annoying, but normal part of being pregnant.
ReplyDeleteHope this helps a little.
I had that same rib pain my whole pregnancy because Naomi spent the whole pregnancy in my ribs. It's most likely from your ribs stretching and pressure from the baby, maybe even some ribs bones off alignment in your back. I slept in a lazy boy chair for the last 3 months of my pregnancy and that helped a little. Light back rubs help a little. And maybe try some prenatal yoga. But other than that you can't do much until after you have your little boy, and don't wait until he is two because that is how long I waited to do something about it. Good luck, 9 weeks will go faster than you think.
ReplyDeleteOn a different note, I saw that you have passionate homemaking on your side bar. That is my very favorite blog! It's so inspiring.
ReplyDeleteYou are so cute and and I love to hear all you have to say. You are going to be a wonderful mother. Isn't it comforting to know we have so much guidance from living prophets on this earth today. (responding to your earlier post about listening to conference talks) !
I look forward to more fun posts:)
Awe Rach! You made me cry! I love reading how much you and my brother love each other so much! It makes me overjoyed! You two will the best parents in the world!! Dont worry about not being "fun" becasue you ARE fun!!! It might not be your personality style to wrestle and play tag and do summersaults with your kids...but you are right, that is where mike comes in! You are the loving, nurturing one whom they will absolutely adore spending time with! I see you cleaning with them and going for walks and taking them out for special days out with mom, and most of all, dancing with them! You dont have to worry about finding fun and creative things for them to do 24/7, because they will know the things that they love to do, and you can just support them in that! :) I cant wait for this little guy to come play!! I hate thinking that I will be gone during his crawling and cute stages! :( But I better get lots and lots of pictures! :) I love you Rach! I feel that we need to get together more and build our relationship! Lets get togetehr and have a girls night out with kristie and your sisters? :) Or just the kitto girls! We love you and want to be a part of your life! :)
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