13 weeks and counting

So I have quickly begun to discover that there are things that happen to your body during pregnancy that I had NO idea were a part of pregnancy. Sure - the nausea, the fatigue, sore boobs - I expected those, but the other "stuff" - no idea. Not sure how I missed out on all these things watching several of my girlfriends go through pregnancy - but somehow I did. Here are just a few of the "extras" that I have discovered come with growing a baby from scratch: (**Please note, in NO way am I complaining - just a little surprised at a few of the "bonuses")

breathlessness

That's right, this was one of the first things that I noticed. I get out of breath so easy. I got out of breath yesterday doing yoga! Who gets light headed doing yoga? This preggo! I get out of breath walking to my car in the parking lot. I am always having to make sure I stand up slowly, take frequent breaths when talking, or sit after standing for awhile=) Who would have guessed? It has definitely slowed down my running. I feel like I need to wear a big sign that says: PREGNANT! Not just slow and out of breath!

burping

Yep. I was raised that burping was a very rude, "un-lady-like" thing to do. I now burp all the time. In the shower, while teaching, running, eating, talking on the phone - even sleeping. I pretty much sound like a jr high boy - I am sure I could burp the whole alphabet if I wanted to. Gross I know.

body growth

Yeah I knew it would happen but it might be the hardest thing I am dealing with. (And FYI - I am being completely vulnerable right now - so no judging please) I guess since I am fit and healthy, I thought/hoped I would just look like I swallowed a basketball - that the only thing that would grow, other than my boobs would be my stomach. Not so much. I am gaining weight in other parts of my body. I am constantly hungry - its like I can't stop eating. And its okay - at least that is what I am training my mind to believe. I am surrendering my body for another's growth & development. It is a very weird feeling to be gaining weight and have to be okay with that. Maybe it will be easier when I am past the "is she chubby or pregnant stage".

brain power (or lack-there-of)

I had no idea fetal brain drain began this early - I thought that wouldn't happen until much later. Oh no. I forget LOTS of things. Meetings, lunches, what I was thinking/doing. I put the kitchen spray bottle away in the bathtub. I put the peanut butter in the refrigerator. Things on my grocery list. Random things. Oh well - I just roll with it=) And the ADD-ish thoughts I experience while running I now realize that I experience when I get up to pee in the middle of the night. As random as those thoughts are (And yes - I have battled socialized health care in the middle of the night also) I will have to devote an entire blog just to those thoughts.

hormones

So I haven't had a lot of meltdowns or rage-outs - but it is kind of funny what happens when I do - Its like this whole other being takes control of my body. I will realize that what I am thinking/saying/shouting/crying about is slightly over the top- but it still just comes out. I had a rage out at work when I found out at the last minute that I was supposed to go on a field trip to a farm all day in the rain. ( I was wearing flats and a super cute outfit - not "farm in the freezing rain" attire) I like to be prepared for this type of thing - appropriate clothing/snacks etc. This rage out included yelling, tears, storming out of my classroom, some choice words, etc (NONE in front of children - don't worry. If you work with me and are reading this - I am still sorry you saw that side of me) Last week I was home sick with a fever. I decided to watch My Sister's Keeper. I've read the book - I know what happens. Bad move - I cried the entire movie. Not just the sad parts - happy parts too. The next meltdown involved trying to brine a turkey the night before Thanksgiving. I had cooked all day and was exhausted. I mistakenly saved the whole clean the turkey part for last. There were tears and choice words at my poor husband. My mom and Mat finally sent me to bed and took over (and it all turned out MUCH better than I could have done!)

ALL in ALL - so far so good. I have so much to be thankful for. At 13 weeks I am starting to feel better, still running and some of my dislikes are turning into likes again. I actually like coffee again. Still hate the smell - but am starting to enjoy the taste again. Here is a picture that either makes me look like I am showing a little bit or just enjoyed Thanksgiving too much!