In November 2009, Nick and I started a journey towards parenthood. In June 2012, we found out we were pregnant. This is our story.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
What's in a Name?
I have been thinking of baby names since I was a kid.
I'm pretty infamous around my forever church friends about wanting to have 8 kids when I was younger, and I had names for all of them. I don't remember most, but I do remember wanting a boy named Austin Bentley, and a girl named Sisera Barak.
What can I say? I was 11, and an idiot.
Now that I'm faced with actually naming a child, the choices become a little more important. I would rather eat dirt than name my kid Austin, and Bentley is a dog's name. And Sisera Barak, besides being weird and a name my husband would NEVER agree to, is named after Biblical characters who weren't exactly savory in their actions.
The middle name would definitely be Jeanne, no matter what. Ashley and I are both having this. Mom's middle name was Jeanne. Grandma Hume's middle name is Jean, and Mamaw Campbell's name was Jeanetta. Then, on Nick's side, his Grandma's middle name is Jean, his sister's middle name is Jean, and his aunt's middle name is Jean.
I hada few several requirements:
* It could not end with an "-en" sound. I already have to deal with being AllisON WaltON, and the repetitive nature of that.
* I wanted it to be a name not in the top 100 names for the last several years, which eliminated my top name immediately. For a long time, I wanted to name a little girl Sydney (after the butt-kicking amazingness of the Alias character), but it's one of the most popular names for the last several years. I don't want her being one of 18 Sydneys in her Kindergarten class.
* I have several names that were eliminated because of past students.
* I didn't want to end up with any goofy initials.
* The middle name (if a girl) would be Jeanne, after mom, so it had to sound good with that--which immediately eliminated all names starting with G or J.
* No goofy spellings.
* Several names are eliminated because they are already in our family.
* I didn't want anything *too* girly--no Victorias or Gabriellas for me.
Making a choice with Nick has proven difficult, as well. Nick is a man with little original input, but lots of opinions. What I mean is that he doesn't give any suggestions for what to name our little girl, but he definitely employs veto power at a moment's notice. For instance, one of his main requirements was that our child not be named after a movie or TV character (well, drat). While seemingly impossible, he did say that we could get our name from a movie or TV show (because, let's be honest, almost every name has been used at one point or another), but it couldn't be an obvious one--like naming your son Mason because that's what the Kardashians did--and Phoebe and Monica were definitely out.
These are names that were rejected by Nick or I for one reason or another:
Sydney - Aforementioned veto because too popular and a TV name.
Felicity - Nick thought it sounded too frou-frou.
Maire (pronounced My-rah) - Nick really hated it. "We're not Irish."
Jada - Nick thought it was too ethnic of a name for us
Veronica - vetoed because of Veronica Mars
Cecily - Nick said it sounded like a city in Italy.
Iris - He just didn't like it.
Schuyler - He hated the spelling.
Lorelai - vetoed because of Gilmore Girls
MaKenna - I vetoed because it is too popular.
Harper - this was a frontrunner until I learned it is the fastest rising name in popularity. Darn you, Beckham family!
When I say that Nick rejected these names, most of the time it is an immediate rejection--I am talking, within the first 10 seconds.
So, when I said one name in particular, and he didn't veto it right away--and then said, "That one is okay." I immediately thought, "That's the one!!"
It sounds great with our last name, and flows well with Jeanne.
It hasn't been in the top 1000 names in the last 100 years.
It's girly but not too girly.
It is based on literature, but not a character's name. And it is based on literature that helped shape my growing up experience, so it makes it even more precious.
My dad liked it.
I love the meaning of the name.
Thankfully, the few people that I have tried the name out on have really liked it, and not deemed it "too weird".
and most importantly, Nick didn't veto it!
The *only* problem with this name is that Nick and I didn't really decide on the name together. It really was me coming up with it, and asking Nick what he thought. However, he hasn't really come up with any other names (like, really. None.), and he does like the name. How important is it that we do it together? Most people that I talk to have had similar situations--that is, one person comes up with the name, and the other person just agrees. But I do want Nick to feel like he has ownership and that it wasn't just a decision of mine.
Nick is hesitant to tell people the name. He thinks "it is too early" and that "we have plenty of time". However, I did ask him if we could just decide that it was the name, but not announce it to everyone, to which he said, "That would be okay." I feel like that is an acceptance. But, out of respect to him, we are not announcing it yet. I would really like to (because I am excited about it), but we're still waiting.
Now I am just praying that our name doesn't get chosen by Wills and Kate, or Kim and Kanye. I'm pretty much screwed then.
I'm pretty infamous around my forever church friends about wanting to have 8 kids when I was younger, and I had names for all of them. I don't remember most, but I do remember wanting a boy named Austin Bentley, and a girl named Sisera Barak.
What can I say? I was 11, and an idiot.
Now that I'm faced with actually naming a child, the choices become a little more important. I would rather eat dirt than name my kid Austin, and Bentley is a dog's name. And Sisera Barak, besides being weird and a name my husband would NEVER agree to, is named after Biblical characters who weren't exactly savory in their actions.
The middle name would definitely be Jeanne, no matter what. Ashley and I are both having this. Mom's middle name was Jeanne. Grandma Hume's middle name is Jean, and Mamaw Campbell's name was Jeanetta. Then, on Nick's side, his Grandma's middle name is Jean, his sister's middle name is Jean, and his aunt's middle name is Jean.
I had
* It could not end with an "-en" sound. I already have to deal with being AllisON WaltON, and the repetitive nature of that.
* I wanted it to be a name not in the top 100 names for the last several years, which eliminated my top name immediately. For a long time, I wanted to name a little girl Sydney (after the butt-kicking amazingness of the Alias character), but it's one of the most popular names for the last several years. I don't want her being one of 18 Sydneys in her Kindergarten class.
* I have several names that were eliminated because of past students.
* I didn't want to end up with any goofy initials.
* The middle name (if a girl) would be Jeanne, after mom, so it had to sound good with that--which immediately eliminated all names starting with G or J.
* No goofy spellings.
* Several names are eliminated because they are already in our family.
* I didn't want anything *too* girly--no Victorias or Gabriellas for me.
Making a choice with Nick has proven difficult, as well. Nick is a man with little original input, but lots of opinions. What I mean is that he doesn't give any suggestions for what to name our little girl, but he definitely employs veto power at a moment's notice. For instance, one of his main requirements was that our child not be named after a movie or TV character (well, drat). While seemingly impossible, he did say that we could get our name from a movie or TV show (because, let's be honest, almost every name has been used at one point or another), but it couldn't be an obvious one--like naming your son Mason because that's what the Kardashians did--and Phoebe and Monica were definitely out.
These are names that were rejected by Nick or I for one reason or another:
Sydney - Aforementioned veto because too popular and a TV name.
Felicity - Nick thought it sounded too frou-frou.
Maire (pronounced My-rah) - Nick really hated it. "We're not Irish."
Jada - Nick thought it was too ethnic of a name for us
Veronica - vetoed because of Veronica Mars
Cecily - Nick said it sounded like a city in Italy.
Iris - He just didn't like it.
Schuyler - He hated the spelling.
Lorelai - vetoed because of Gilmore Girls
MaKenna - I vetoed because it is too popular.
Harper - this was a frontrunner until I learned it is the fastest rising name in popularity. Darn you, Beckham family!
When I say that Nick rejected these names, most of the time it is an immediate rejection--I am talking, within the first 10 seconds.
So, when I said one name in particular, and he didn't veto it right away--and then said, "That one is okay." I immediately thought, "That's the one!!"
It sounds great with our last name, and flows well with Jeanne.
It hasn't been in the top 1000 names in the last 100 years.
It's girly but not too girly.
It is based on literature, but not a character's name. And it is based on literature that helped shape my growing up experience, so it makes it even more precious.
My dad liked it.
I love the meaning of the name.
Thankfully, the few people that I have tried the name out on have really liked it, and not deemed it "too weird".
and most importantly, Nick didn't veto it!
The *only* problem with this name is that Nick and I didn't really decide on the name together. It really was me coming up with it, and asking Nick what he thought. However, he hasn't really come up with any other names (like, really. None.), and he does like the name. How important is it that we do it together? Most people that I talk to have had similar situations--that is, one person comes up with the name, and the other person just agrees. But I do want Nick to feel like he has ownership and that it wasn't just a decision of mine.
Nick is hesitant to tell people the name. He thinks "it is too early" and that "we have plenty of time". However, I did ask him if we could just decide that it was the name, but not announce it to everyone, to which he said, "That would be okay." I feel like that is an acceptance. But, out of respect to him, we are not announcing it yet. I would really like to (because I am excited about it), but we're still waiting.
Now I am just praying that our name doesn't get chosen by Wills and Kate, or Kim and Kanye. I'm pretty much screwed then.
Monday, January 21, 2013
OB Question
So, I wrote a few weeks ago about how I found my new doctor, and that I really like him a lot.
This weekend, however, I talked to a friend, and when she heard who my doctor was, she got very quiet. Turns out, she used to go to my doctor, and during some kind of exam or procedure, she was injured so badly that she had to have surgery and ended up reporting my doctor to the medical board.
Question: What do I do with this information? Do I try to switch doctors again, or do I just stick with him since I have liked him so far (but, to be fair, he hasn't done any internal examinations or anything)?
This weekend, however, I talked to a friend, and when she heard who my doctor was, she got very quiet. Turns out, she used to go to my doctor, and during some kind of exam or procedure, she was injured so badly that she had to have surgery and ended up reporting my doctor to the medical board.
Question: What do I do with this information? Do I try to switch doctors again, or do I just stick with him since I have liked him so far (but, to be fair, he hasn't done any internal examinations or anything)?
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Mysterious Medical Maladies
Why does pregnancy bring on such irritating and weird medical issues?
1. I bought Prilosec OTC today on a recommendation from a friend. I'm currently taking around 8-12 Tums a day, which I know can't be good for my system. Trying something new in hopes of having longer-term relief.
2. The bathroom and I have become great friends, due to my constipation. A friend suggested that the Tums I am taking is not helping, which prompted the switch.
3. I have a numb spot on my upper stomach, right in the center, below my bra line. I used to think it was something with my clothes or my bra, rubbing the spot and making it sensitive. But after doing some research, it seems to be a common problem. It's very irritating.
4. I got my first varicose vein, and BOY is it a doozy. Thankfully, I don't really have problems with them when I'm not pregnant, so I heard that they will go away. Also thankfully it doesn't hurt...yet.
5. My back hurts 99% of the time I am laying or sitting down. Ice and I are friends.
6. I have woken up the last 4 days with sharp aches in my back. The uncomfortable stage has begun.
7. My vision has been fuzzy lately. Which freaks me out, because I had Lasik surgery only 2 years ago.
There are also some bonuses:
1. My hair has stopped breaking off, and is thick and easy to style.
2. My nails grow at a ridiculous rate.
3. My skin is the clearest it has ever been. I think I have had one zit on my back in the last 4 months (and if you know ANYTHING about my history, you'll know this is a miracle). I still have my scars, but it's so nice to get a hug from someone, and not be in pain because they hit a particularly painful zit.
Oh, pregnancy, you are weird.
1. I bought Prilosec OTC today on a recommendation from a friend. I'm currently taking around 8-12 Tums a day, which I know can't be good for my system. Trying something new in hopes of having longer-term relief.
2. The bathroom and I have become great friends, due to my constipation. A friend suggested that the Tums I am taking is not helping, which prompted the switch.
3. I have a numb spot on my upper stomach, right in the center, below my bra line. I used to think it was something with my clothes or my bra, rubbing the spot and making it sensitive. But after doing some research, it seems to be a common problem. It's very irritating.
4. I got my first varicose vein, and BOY is it a doozy. Thankfully, I don't really have problems with them when I'm not pregnant, so I heard that they will go away. Also thankfully it doesn't hurt...yet.
5. My back hurts 99% of the time I am laying or sitting down. Ice and I are friends.
6. I have woken up the last 4 days with sharp aches in my back. The uncomfortable stage has begun.
7. My vision has been fuzzy lately. Which freaks me out, because I had Lasik surgery only 2 years ago.
There are also some bonuses:
1. My hair has stopped breaking off, and is thick and easy to style.
2. My nails grow at a ridiculous rate.
3. My skin is the clearest it has ever been. I think I have had one zit on my back in the last 4 months (and if you know ANYTHING about my history, you'll know this is a miracle). I still have my scars, but it's so nice to get a hug from someone, and not be in pain because they hit a particularly painful zit.
Oh, pregnancy, you are weird.
Monday, January 14, 2013
9 Months is perfect
This post is honesty.
When I found out I was pregnant, I wasn't ready.
I was happy with the life we created here. I was getting some wedding photography going. I was getting happy with my body, and losing weight. I was volunteering with Girls on the Run, and loving the impact I was able to make.
I wasn't ready for the changes, both to my body, and to my family.
And to be honest, I was happy, but I wasn't 100% happy. I felt like I *should* be 1000% happy. After all, I had prayed for this child. This is what I said I wanted, and what my heart desired. But I wasn't completely happy.
To top off these not-so-happy feelings, I was having a rough 1st trimester. Which just made me resent the little nugget even more. All of the emails and forums had these women who were saying over and over, "Oh, I just love my baby! I just love being pregnant!" and I was thinking, "I hate this baby--it's ruining my life and making me feel like s*#@."
God's design is perfect, though. There is a reason that we humans are pregnant for 9 months. Because He has been using that 9 months to change my heart and prepare me to be a mom. And recently, especially in the last few weeks as she has been kicking and moving, I really find myself growing in love more and more with each kick. I see how what I do is affecting her. We have kick/poke battles with each other, which are just these little moments of bonding that have softened my heart. I find myself talking to her when she kicks me extra strong, or when I can see her move back and forth.
Yesterday, I felt a strong movement on my left side, and when I went to nudge that area, it was very firm--like a head! My heart skipped a beat.
My little nugget is growing so quickly, and changing, and I am falling in love more and more. I can't wait to meet her.
When I found out I was pregnant, I wasn't ready.
I was happy with the life we created here. I was getting some wedding photography going. I was getting happy with my body, and losing weight. I was volunteering with Girls on the Run, and loving the impact I was able to make.
I wasn't ready for the changes, both to my body, and to my family.
And to be honest, I was happy, but I wasn't 100% happy. I felt like I *should* be 1000% happy. After all, I had prayed for this child. This is what I said I wanted, and what my heart desired. But I wasn't completely happy.
To top off these not-so-happy feelings, I was having a rough 1st trimester. Which just made me resent the little nugget even more. All of the emails and forums had these women who were saying over and over, "Oh, I just love my baby! I just love being pregnant!" and I was thinking, "I hate this baby--it's ruining my life and making me feel like s*#@."
God's design is perfect, though. There is a reason that we humans are pregnant for 9 months. Because He has been using that 9 months to change my heart and prepare me to be a mom. And recently, especially in the last few weeks as she has been kicking and moving, I really find myself growing in love more and more with each kick. I see how what I do is affecting her. We have kick/poke battles with each other, which are just these little moments of bonding that have softened my heart. I find myself talking to her when she kicks me extra strong, or when I can see her move back and forth.
Yesterday, I felt a strong movement on my left side, and when I went to nudge that area, it was very firm--like a head! My heart skipped a beat.
My little nugget is growing so quickly, and changing, and I am falling in love more and more. I can't wait to meet her.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Christmas Gift Cards!
It was SO nice to be able to plug in a bunch of Amazon gift cards today, and be able to purchase:
Our diaper pail:
A Storybook Bible:
Our Pack-n-Play:
A quilted sheet for the pack-n-play:
and our jogging stroller:
What a blessing!!
Our diaper pail:
A Storybook Bible:
Our Pack-n-Play:
A quilted sheet for the pack-n-play:
and our jogging stroller:
What a blessing!!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Letter to Baby
Hey baby girl,
Your daddy is out of town on business this week, which always makes me reflect on him. I really miss him when he is away. You've been kicking like crazy since he's been gone, which I am taking to mean that you miss him, too. You're letting me know that you're still with me!
Let me tell you a little bit about your daddy. You are the luckiest baby girl in the whole world. Your daddy is an amazing man. Did you know, that at one point, I didn't really like your daddy very much? It's true! When we first met, I thought he was kind of mean--he wouldn't let me use his sweatshirt when it was cold! But very soon after that, I changed my mind about him. He was funny! We would play silly games with each other, and make each other laugh. Plus, we don't like coffee, which is really unusual for people when they get older.
Your daddy makes me laugh. Sometimes, he tries to make me laugh when I'm in a cranky mood, and it only makes me more cranky, until I tell him to stop, but I can't because he makes me laugh.
Your daddy is SO smart. He is always figuring out how to solve these puzzles--not, like crossword puzzles, but like, why the car is making a funny noise, or why one side of the house is warmer than another. And he is SO good at solving those kinds of puzzles! Your daddy can fix anything!! There are other people that are in awe of all the things he is able to do--and if he can't do it, he learns how to do it so he can do it!
Your daddy didn't have the easiest growing up. But that made him such a strong man. He loves me, and I know that he is 1000% committed to me--and now to you too! He is a little nervous about becoming your daddy, because it's not something he has been taught how to do (of course, I haven't, either!), but just like everything else in his life, he will succeed at it because he is committed to doing the best job that he can. He is such a hard worker!
Your daddy can also be a bulldog. What I mean is that when he gets his mind on something, or believes something to be right, he will not give up on it. I saw this in action the other day when we were charged an unfair fee at the bank. But what makes your daddy so great is that he doesn't get mad! See, if I were trying to solve this problem, I would get frustrated and probably start to yell. But your daddy doesn't yell. I don't think he has ever yelled at me for anything in the years that we have been married. He is very patient, but also very firm. He sticks to his guns, and doesn't let anyone walk all over him. I am hoping that you will learn to trust this strength in him, and realize he is a man of integrity that you can always depend on. When you get older, you might resent this a little bit, because he'll probably not let you do something you want to do, but he wants the best for you at all times.
Your daddy is a cutie, too. He has beautiful blue eyes, and lovely blonde hair. His teeth are perfect (but you should listen to mommy about brushing your teeth), and he has never needed glasses. His sideburns are red, so mommy secretly hopes that you get a little bit of that red hair, too.
I love you, baby girl,
Mommy
Your daddy is out of town on business this week, which always makes me reflect on him. I really miss him when he is away. You've been kicking like crazy since he's been gone, which I am taking to mean that you miss him, too. You're letting me know that you're still with me!
Let me tell you a little bit about your daddy. You are the luckiest baby girl in the whole world. Your daddy is an amazing man. Did you know, that at one point, I didn't really like your daddy very much? It's true! When we first met, I thought he was kind of mean--he wouldn't let me use his sweatshirt when it was cold! But very soon after that, I changed my mind about him. He was funny! We would play silly games with each other, and make each other laugh. Plus, we don't like coffee, which is really unusual for people when they get older.
Your daddy makes me laugh. Sometimes, he tries to make me laugh when I'm in a cranky mood, and it only makes me more cranky, until I tell him to stop, but I can't because he makes me laugh.
Your daddy is SO smart. He is always figuring out how to solve these puzzles--not, like crossword puzzles, but like, why the car is making a funny noise, or why one side of the house is warmer than another. And he is SO good at solving those kinds of puzzles! Your daddy can fix anything!! There are other people that are in awe of all the things he is able to do--and if he can't do it, he learns how to do it so he can do it!
Your daddy didn't have the easiest growing up. But that made him such a strong man. He loves me, and I know that he is 1000% committed to me--and now to you too! He is a little nervous about becoming your daddy, because it's not something he has been taught how to do (of course, I haven't, either!), but just like everything else in his life, he will succeed at it because he is committed to doing the best job that he can. He is such a hard worker!
Your daddy can also be a bulldog. What I mean is that when he gets his mind on something, or believes something to be right, he will not give up on it. I saw this in action the other day when we were charged an unfair fee at the bank. But what makes your daddy so great is that he doesn't get mad! See, if I were trying to solve this problem, I would get frustrated and probably start to yell. But your daddy doesn't yell. I don't think he has ever yelled at me for anything in the years that we have been married. He is very patient, but also very firm. He sticks to his guns, and doesn't let anyone walk all over him. I am hoping that you will learn to trust this strength in him, and realize he is a man of integrity that you can always depend on. When you get older, you might resent this a little bit, because he'll probably not let you do something you want to do, but he wants the best for you at all times.
Your daddy is a cutie, too. He has beautiful blue eyes, and lovely blonde hair. His teeth are perfect (but you should listen to mommy about brushing your teeth), and he has never needed glasses. His sideburns are red, so mommy secretly hopes that you get a little bit of that red hair, too.
Mommy
Monday, January 7, 2013
Glucose Screening
I got my glucose screening test done today. People have really complained about it, but I didn't think it was that bad. I had the "lemon lime" version, and it really did taste like a flat Sprite or 7-Up. In and out, quick and easy. Didn't feel nauseous or anything. Here's hoping I don't have a high result, because I don't think I would do well having to fast in the morning. I've been so hungry all the time!
On the way home from work tonight, I got 3 tacos from Taco Bell (had to get home quickly to let the dogs out--poor boys had been inside all day!). Then, when I got home, I ate an entire bag of steamed peas. An entire bag. Ridiculous. But I was so hungry!!
Today at work, I had 2 different ladies comment on how good I looked. One of them said I was so tiny, and another one said how "stunning" I looked. It was a nice change after the people last week who kept saying how "huge" I was. It was nice to hear, and made me happy.
On the way home from work tonight, I got 3 tacos from Taco Bell (had to get home quickly to let the dogs out--poor boys had been inside all day!). Then, when I got home, I ate an entire bag of steamed peas. An entire bag. Ridiculous. But I was so hungry!!
Today at work, I had 2 different ladies comment on how good I looked. One of them said I was so tiny, and another one said how "stunning" I looked. It was a nice change after the people last week who kept saying how "huge" I was. It was nice to hear, and made me happy.
Friday, January 4, 2013
New Doctor
Nick and I had our first appointment with our new doctor on the 2nd. I got a recommendation from a friend at church for someone in Burbank, but they didn't take our insurance. So, I went on Yelp. I think it's actually a good way to find a doctor, because people are going to go there if they really like something, or if they really hate something. This new doctor, Dr. Pearson, got really good reviews from every person.
I called their office to set up the appointment, and came off the phone hoping that the Dr. would be as awesome as their receptionist. She was so nice!!
Thankfully, we were not disappointed. When we first got there, we went into his office, and the nurse (the same woman I talked to on the phone) gave us a huge bag filled with goodies and info. Immediately, this was one thing different from my other office. I always felt like I should have gotten some kind of "welcome packet" or something. They gave me a list of local pediatricians, a list of the local parenting/childbirth classes, an equipment rental service, a pregnancy journal, and information about the local hospital where the doctor practices.
Then, the doctor came in, and we just sat and chatted for a while. He went over the pregnancy basics with me, about diet and vitamins, and other things. It was so reassuring, because I felt like I was being treated like this was my first kid. I also liked how realistic he was. He asked me if I was taking prenatal vitamins, and then talked about how stupidly expensive they are and how they are really kind of pointless. My other doctor was trying to get me to buy these vegan vitamins for $85/bottle. He also encouraged me that I'm okay for having my glass of sweet tea or Mt. Dew a day, and he told Nick not to worry about my half-marathon. It was a combination of many things, but I am SO glad that I switched.
Oh--he also has a really fun English accent, and studied at Dublin University, so that's fun! Nick felt really comfortable with him, too.
I get to go back in 2 weeks, after taking my glucose test. Hooray for the goofy sugar water!
On another note, there are now 3 women who work in my kids church with me who are all pregnant, and due within 4 months of each other. It's fun to share this experience with other first-timers. One friend is having a lot of the same nausea problems that I was having, so I am glad to be able to support her and encourage her on her journey.
I called their office to set up the appointment, and came off the phone hoping that the Dr. would be as awesome as their receptionist. She was so nice!!
Thankfully, we were not disappointed. When we first got there, we went into his office, and the nurse (the same woman I talked to on the phone) gave us a huge bag filled with goodies and info. Immediately, this was one thing different from my other office. I always felt like I should have gotten some kind of "welcome packet" or something. They gave me a list of local pediatricians, a list of the local parenting/childbirth classes, an equipment rental service, a pregnancy journal, and information about the local hospital where the doctor practices.
Then, the doctor came in, and we just sat and chatted for a while. He went over the pregnancy basics with me, about diet and vitamins, and other things. It was so reassuring, because I felt like I was being treated like this was my first kid. I also liked how realistic he was. He asked me if I was taking prenatal vitamins, and then talked about how stupidly expensive they are and how they are really kind of pointless. My other doctor was trying to get me to buy these vegan vitamins for $85/bottle. He also encouraged me that I'm okay for having my glass of sweet tea or Mt. Dew a day, and he told Nick not to worry about my half-marathon. It was a combination of many things, but I am SO glad that I switched.
Oh--he also has a really fun English accent, and studied at Dublin University, so that's fun! Nick felt really comfortable with him, too.
I get to go back in 2 weeks, after taking my glucose test. Hooray for the goofy sugar water!
On another note, there are now 3 women who work in my kids church with me who are all pregnant, and due within 4 months of each other. It's fun to share this experience with other first-timers. One friend is having a lot of the same nausea problems that I was having, so I am glad to be able to support her and encourage her on her journey.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Body Image Suckitude
I live in a land where Jennifer Lawrence says, In Hollywood, I’m obese. I’m considered a fat actress, I’m Val Kilmer in that one picture on the beach."
In case you don't know, this is Jennifer Lawrence:
Yeah, she's a fatty.
I have been saying it for a while: I'm a big girl living in a small girl world. This usually doesn't bother me. But for some reason, it has really been affecting me recently. I guess it's because I just keep getting bigger and bigger. And yesterday at my doctor's appointment, I tipped the scale to the dreaded 200lb number.
I know I'm not unhealthy. I'm having a baby, after all! I don't eat boxes of chocolate or ho-hos at a time. I am an athletic person, and have been walking throughout my pregnancy (in fact, I'm doing a half-marathon in 2 weeks). I'm sure I can be doing better--eating more veggies and things--but isn't that always true? I have gained 20lbs this pregnancy, which is well within the acceptable range so far. I know I have it a lot better than other people who really struggle with their weight--which makes me feel guilty for even stressing about this. I know these things in my heart. But it's still hard for me to accept what is happening to my body. It's also made harder by the people at work who talk about how "huge" I am to my face. It's hard when images of "baby after body" scream at me from every grocery store checkout aisle (when I'm at Kroger at midnight buying mac and cheese), making me feel guilty about my choices.
It's vanity. It really is. It's just ridiculous vanity. But it's still something I am struggling with right now, as I look in the mirror and never see myself getting smaller.
A long time ago, I came to terms with the fact that I won't be 135lbs ever again. But its still hard to be on this side of the weight scale.
It's one of the things I was really nervous about when I got pregnant. Well, "nervous" isn't really the right word. I guess, if I'm being honest, the right word is disappointed. I've said before that I went through a myriad of emotions when I saw that positive pregnancy test--and one of those feelings was disappointment. Disappointment at knowing that my body would never look that good again.
Vanity, you are an ugly bitch.
In case you don't know, this is Jennifer Lawrence:
Yeah, she's a fatty.
I have been saying it for a while: I'm a big girl living in a small girl world. This usually doesn't bother me. But for some reason, it has really been affecting me recently. I guess it's because I just keep getting bigger and bigger. And yesterday at my doctor's appointment, I tipped the scale to the dreaded 200lb number.
I know I'm not unhealthy. I'm having a baby, after all! I don't eat boxes of chocolate or ho-hos at a time. I am an athletic person, and have been walking throughout my pregnancy (in fact, I'm doing a half-marathon in 2 weeks). I'm sure I can be doing better--eating more veggies and things--but isn't that always true? I have gained 20lbs this pregnancy, which is well within the acceptable range so far. I know I have it a lot better than other people who really struggle with their weight--which makes me feel guilty for even stressing about this. I know these things in my heart. But it's still hard for me to accept what is happening to my body. It's also made harder by the people at work who talk about how "huge" I am to my face. It's hard when images of "baby after body" scream at me from every grocery store checkout aisle (when I'm at Kroger at midnight buying mac and cheese), making me feel guilty about my choices.
It's vanity. It really is. It's just ridiculous vanity. But it's still something I am struggling with right now, as I look in the mirror and never see myself getting smaller.
A long time ago, I came to terms with the fact that I won't be 135lbs ever again. But its still hard to be on this side of the weight scale.
It's one of the things I was really nervous about when I got pregnant. Well, "nervous" isn't really the right word. I guess, if I'm being honest, the right word is disappointed. I've said before that I went through a myriad of emotions when I saw that positive pregnancy test--and one of those feelings was disappointment. Disappointment at knowing that my body would never look that good again.
Vanity, you are an ugly bitch.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)