Happy Mother's Day at 12 Weeks!

I was somewhat surprised at the "Happy Mother's Day" comments I got today. I guess I never considered the fact that although I have yet to change diapers and clean up puke and wipe tears, I am now a mother! The feeling is very new to me, somewhat scary, but I am definitely embracing it. It still doesn't feel real.

A quick note to express how much I appreciate my own mother and the many other women in my life. I am blessed to be around strong, faithful, independent, loving women who have shaped me into who I am today. Although sometimes they each drive me a little crazy, I am so blessed to have their example. I am so proud of both my own mother and sister, who somehow have managed to raise kids and put their families first all while working stressful full-time jobs. I just wanted to write a few words of thanks to the amazing women in my life.

Now, one of my 12 week pictures. I was a little leery about taking a picture without my shirt covering my belly, but I decided to go for it. Here I am at exactly 12 weeks!!

Wow, from this point I look HUGE. And, I know it's silly, but I feel huge!! Most of my jeans are so uncomfortably tight at this point and I'm in the stage where I look more like I've eaten too many Snickers than being pregnant. I think it's pretty common to feel this way at this point. Although I don't look forward to waddling and being HUGE, I do look forward to getting closer to the baby being here and also for people to actually know I'm expecting and not just eating too much :)

Now, a quick run-down of my recent thoughts on pregnancy.

Things I love about being pregnant:

1. How wonderful my husband is to me! He is always wonderful, but he understands when I am tired, hungry, or moody. He is quick to help me if I need help and very understanding.

2. Babycenter updates. I LOVE these! I get so excited when I see the e-mail that says "Update: 12 weeks" or whatever. It is SO neat learning what size the baby is and what is happening in my body that week. Today I learned that Baby Arnold is now the size of a lime! His/Her reflexes are formed now as well and although I can't feel it move, if I were to prod my belly, it would respond by kicking around. I love that thought and can't wait until I CAN feel it!

3. Other people's excitement. It is so neat that people that aren't even close friends are excited for Andy and I and excited for baby to come.

4. Identifing with other mothers. This is neat because naturally, when you start to get older, friends and co-workers and family members start going through the joys of pregnancy and although you support them and are excited, it doesn't really register with you. Going through it yourself puts everything in a very real and very personal aspect. Although I still have a long way to go, I love that I can discuss what is going on with my body with other mothers. It is funny that gas, indigestion, and boob size are now just common topics for discussion!

5. Miracles that are happening!! I guess I realized right away what a miracle a growing fetus is. At 4 weeks the 4 chambers of the heart were already being formed. Thanks to the previously mentioned Babycenter updates, I am constantly aware of the organs being formed VERY early in pregnancy and how quickly this happens. Did you know that at just 12 weeks the baby's kidneys are starting to excrete urine into it's bladder? Simply amazing.

Now, for the things that I miss about not being pregnant!

1. Energy! Although, thankfully, my energy is starting to return, it has been weeks since I've really felt energized! Everything you read is so big on exercise during pregnancy, and I am just now starting to feel like that may be possible. For the past 8 weeks I have thought whoever thought that concept up was simply insane, or must be a man! :) I did find myself actually CLEANING my house the other night - complete with spending an entire hour scrubbing a (very nasty) shower (that my husband insisted was not so bad...we have very different views on cleanliness!).

2. Ceasar salad. I really miss these. I guess I'm not supposed to eat it because it has raw eggs and anchovies. Bummer :(. This will be one of the first things I attack after birth!!

3. Regularity. I know this may be gross to some, but pregnancy brings a host of indigestion, gas, and constipation. It's just not cool and very uncomfortable.

4. The occasional margarita. This may sound bad, but really it's not! I am not a drinker and hardly ever drink, but sometimes a strawberry margarita sounds really good! This is not a huge deal to me though, and the only time I even think about it is when we are out at a fancy restaurant for dinner (like our 2 year anniversary on Cinco de Mayo!).

5. Painting/Other household improvements. I know this is debatable, but Andy is adament that I not partake in any painting. This has been pretty crappy since I have been off of school for the past 2 weeks and we are remodeling and re-painting rooms. I really wanted to tackle the kitchen that has been ready to paint for about 2 months now, but he's not allowing it. I guess I should embrace this instead of miss it :)

I think that's about it for now. School starts on THURSDAY so there's a chance it will be a few weeks before I can post again. For all of the mothers and mothers-to-be out there...happy YOU day!!

Proverbs 31:28

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."