I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and there were a number of things that occurred simply because I am pregnant. This got me thinking about all of the things that are made more difficult or funny by pregnancy and all the things that come with it. So, I decided to create a small list of experiences I've had during my pregnancies that I've found frustrating, funny, ironic and just plain weird. Feel free to comment below to add yours as well!
1. Getting into my car yesterday, I slid into the driver seat as I normally do. My belly, however, had a mind of it's own and hit the steering wheel right on the horn. Hands-free honking? I didn't sign up for that.
2. Do you ever get tired of the urine samples at your doctor's appointments? How about when you get to the point where it becomes a guessing game called "Blindly Catch Enough Ounces for Your Urine Sample". I didn't realize that I needed to bring a handheld mirror so I can avoid peeing everywhere BUT the cup. Can someone please just invent a urine sample only toilet so we can all put the days of awkwardly holding a cup down there behind us?
3. It's a good thing I can barely see my feet, because not only am I unable to bend my body in a way that enables me to put on socks, but I can kiss goodbye the days of putting on nail polish, foot scrubs or any other luxury that makes my feet feel good. Pregnancy should come with an on-call pedicurist. Just saying.
4. I work in an office where it's expected for the employees to dress somewhere in between business professional and business casual. Up until a few months ago, this was no issue at all. My pants still buttoned, all my shirts were long enough to cover my belly and my feet weren't puffy and therefore still comfortably fit into all my shoes. Nowadays, I walk into the office wearing something out of my limited maternity rotation of clothes. I don't care if that means jeans on a Monday, if it makes me comfortable, that's what I'm wearing! I'm not going to go out and buy a new set of clothes that I'll be swimming in later on just so I can uphold the dress code.
5. Eating for Two. I'd like to know who created this false phrase that brainwashed me into thinking I could eat whatever I wanted and as much as I wanted while I was pregnant. I remember reading the first time around that you really only needed an extra 200 calories a day and I immediately thought back to the days I'd spent eating everything in sight "so the baby would be healthy"...aka because I had an excuse to get fat. I still eat more than is recommended, but this is really nothing different than non-pregnant life. We'll see how much I regret those extra cupcakes when I give birth to a 13 pound baby.
6. I'm not sure what it is about pregnancy, but it gives people cause to have the strangest reactions. The people I like least are the ones who think they have a right to touch your belly, even if they don't know you. I've only had this happen a few times, but one time was so uncomfortable that I don't think I'll ever forget it. Shane and I were in Fred Meyer late in my first pregnancy when a woman stopped us in one of the aisles. She asked the typical questions and then proceeded to move closer to me while asking if she could pray for the baby. I remember thinking, "Sure lady, knock yourself out", but what I didn't realize is that she meant right then and there. She put her hands on my stomach, closed her eyes and began going off in prayer as I stared at Shane with huge eyes and tried to think of a way to wrap it up. Don't me wrong, I'm all for prayer. I'm not for strangers touching me and creating a clog in a grocery aisle when all other people want to do is get past us to pick up their cereal.
7. A few nights ago, Shane and I were watching TV before bedtime. Our show ended and I gave a big grunt as I tried to stand up....then nothing. I was stuck. Actually, physically stuck in a squat position. Butt off the couch, far from standing up straight and I couldn't move! I wobbled a bit before I finally found the balance, strength and flexibility to straighten my body out. This wasn't the first time my belly has completely thrown off my balance. For the first time in my adult life, about a week ago, I actually rolled off our bed. I was asleep up until the point my butt hit the ground, but I remember looking up at Shane and saying, "I just fell off the bed!!" He, of course, was still half-asleep so I think he mumbled something about me being ok and then went back to sleep (how the thud didn't shake the house, I'll never know!).
8. I love the pregnancy waddle. There's something so hilarious about watching a woman walk like a bowl-legged toddler for a few months. I especially love when we're on one of our nightly walks and I can feel my ponytail violently swishing from side to side because it's gotten that out of control. It's one of my few pregnancy joys!
These are just a few of things that irritate, confuse and entertain me about pregnancy. Hopefully some of you can relate and I'm not the only one!
Here's to the last 6 weeks!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
New Camera!
As some of you might know, Shane and I have been in the market for a new video camera of some sort. We had one for many years, but it saw it's final days a few months ago when a tape got stuck in it and Shane felt compelled to take it completely apart. It then sat on his desk, collecting dust and odds that it would be tossed out.
I wasn't quite sure what to do. We had a decent Canon digital camera that we had gotten about a year and a half ago. It took video, but the quality wasn't good enough to make it our sole device for capturing all those one of a kind moments. I researched the Flip UltraHD camera, the Kodak Zi8 camera, pretty much every Sony camera....basically any type of camera that was on the market was under my scrutiny. I couldn't decide if I wanted to carry around TWO cameras, sacrifice zoom quality or deal with a smaller memory that required me to upload every 1 to 2 hours.
In the back of my mind, there was also that little voice that was telling me to just give in and get a DSLR camera. I have wanted one for so long but could never really justify the cost. The second factor was the size. They all were roughly the same size and weight (that I had looked into) which was a little too big for my taste.
That's when I finally came across the Sony Alpha NEX-3. It's basically one of the smallest, lightest interchangeable lens digital cameras there are and the quality is that of a DLSR AND it films HD movies. I bought it a few weeks ago and I've been going crazy taking pictures, video and trying to familiarize myself with all of the settings it has to offer. I'm definitely excited to have everything I need in ONE camera while not compromising the size. Don't get me wrong, the lens is still big, but the body of the camera is small, which is a great balance.
I promise to have one post filled with just pictures and/or video from our latest purchase and I can't wait to see how beautiful the shots turn out when edited by my in-house graphic designer. :)
So if you're unable to locate me, just listen for the endless repeat of "Cheese!" coming from Colin and my squeals of delight as I gaze at each shot. I'm in love!
I wasn't quite sure what to do. We had a decent Canon digital camera that we had gotten about a year and a half ago. It took video, but the quality wasn't good enough to make it our sole device for capturing all those one of a kind moments. I researched the Flip UltraHD camera, the Kodak Zi8 camera, pretty much every Sony camera....basically any type of camera that was on the market was under my scrutiny. I couldn't decide if I wanted to carry around TWO cameras, sacrifice zoom quality or deal with a smaller memory that required me to upload every 1 to 2 hours.
In the back of my mind, there was also that little voice that was telling me to just give in and get a DSLR camera. I have wanted one for so long but could never really justify the cost. The second factor was the size. They all were roughly the same size and weight (that I had looked into) which was a little too big for my taste.
That's when I finally came across the Sony Alpha NEX-3. It's basically one of the smallest, lightest interchangeable lens digital cameras there are and the quality is that of a DLSR AND it films HD movies. I bought it a few weeks ago and I've been going crazy taking pictures, video and trying to familiarize myself with all of the settings it has to offer. I'm definitely excited to have everything I need in ONE camera while not compromising the size. Don't get me wrong, the lens is still big, but the body of the camera is small, which is a great balance.
I promise to have one post filled with just pictures and/or video from our latest purchase and I can't wait to see how beautiful the shots turn out when edited by my in-house graphic designer. :)
So if you're unable to locate me, just listen for the endless repeat of "Cheese!" coming from Colin and my squeals of delight as I gaze at each shot. I'm in love!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Time flies when you're having fun and stops when you're pregnant
It's been about 2 months since my last post and honestly, I just haven't felt like writing. In truth, I haven't felt like doing ANYTHING. The smallest chores and tasks now feel like huge hassles and burdens that have been thrown at me simply to make life more difficult.
It hasn't been much of secret that I am OVER being pregnant. I feel bad for saying it, but there is no amount of energy in me that can be spared to muster up a fake response when asked how I'm feeling lately. With Colin, I loved being pregnant. I enjoyed every milestone, every month, every kick/jab combo...those were all reminders of the amazing transformation that was happening.
This time, the pregnancy fairies must have run out of delusional dust when they got to me. I only feel what I imagine to be fingers and toes playing harp with my ribcage and am increasingly aware of this little guy who is stealing the space reserved for my stomach and bladder. I'm reminded every time I eat a little too much or wait a little too long to go to the bathroom. He then begins treating me like a bouncy house, ricocheting from one side to the other in what must be attempts to do a triple back flip.
I'm sure it has a great deal to do with the fact that this time around I'm no longer able to lay on the couch for hours on end, eating wheat thins with string cheese and reminding myself that I'm pregnant, therefore allowed to be lazy. This time I'm chasing a naked toddler who runs about the house yelling "choo-choo!!" and calling our cat a "Titty". Don't get me wrong, it's been a great distraction. Up until the past month or so, Colin's energy and schedule have kept my mind off the ordeal my body was going through. But lately, it's been hard to find anything that can replace the mental countdown until baby #2 arrives. I know, I know....I won't be getting any rest once the baby comes! This hasn't been about rest for me. It's been about the restrictions my body faces as I grow larger, which isn't easy on someone who likes to be active and say, touch or even SEE her toes.
So this is for all the pregnant women who have ever been sweaty, puffy, uncomfortable and jiggly. If I could, I'd waddle over and give you a hug because you deserve it. And if you're anything like me the first time I was pregnant: glowing, giddy, energetic and joyful...I'd like to waddle over and punch you in the face.
It hasn't been much of secret that I am OVER being pregnant. I feel bad for saying it, but there is no amount of energy in me that can be spared to muster up a fake response when asked how I'm feeling lately. With Colin, I loved being pregnant. I enjoyed every milestone, every month, every kick/jab combo...those were all reminders of the amazing transformation that was happening.
This time, the pregnancy fairies must have run out of delusional dust when they got to me. I only feel what I imagine to be fingers and toes playing harp with my ribcage and am increasingly aware of this little guy who is stealing the space reserved for my stomach and bladder. I'm reminded every time I eat a little too much or wait a little too long to go to the bathroom. He then begins treating me like a bouncy house, ricocheting from one side to the other in what must be attempts to do a triple back flip.
I'm sure it has a great deal to do with the fact that this time around I'm no longer able to lay on the couch for hours on end, eating wheat thins with string cheese and reminding myself that I'm pregnant, therefore allowed to be lazy. This time I'm chasing a naked toddler who runs about the house yelling "choo-choo!!" and calling our cat a "Titty". Don't get me wrong, it's been a great distraction. Up until the past month or so, Colin's energy and schedule have kept my mind off the ordeal my body was going through. But lately, it's been hard to find anything that can replace the mental countdown until baby #2 arrives. I know, I know....I won't be getting any rest once the baby comes! This hasn't been about rest for me. It's been about the restrictions my body faces as I grow larger, which isn't easy on someone who likes to be active and say, touch or even SEE her toes.
So this is for all the pregnant women who have ever been sweaty, puffy, uncomfortable and jiggly. If I could, I'd waddle over and give you a hug because you deserve it. And if you're anything like me the first time I was pregnant: glowing, giddy, energetic and joyful...I'd like to waddle over and punch you in the face.
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