I came across an article from Fit Pregnancy today that featured "25 ways to love being pregnant." While I'd like to think I've been a pretty easy-going, hard working prego chick and have genuinely enjoyed (most) every part of this pregnancy, the article did remind me of some things that I can work on. It also provided me with food for thought and a chance to reflect as my first pregnancy draws to a close... a little too quickly if you ask me!
Here's my abridged version of their list, along with my self evaluation:
Take advantage of your status.
Never again will more people be so willing to help you. Accept that bus seat. Say yes to offers to carry your packages. Rather than feel guilty, resolve to pass the favors on to another pregnant woman later.
Self evaluation: C+.
It's pretty hard for me to not be able to do things on my own. Looking back, I wish I would have said "yes" to the 10 Vons guys who offered me help out with my 50 bags of groceries. If there were ever a time for me to say yes to them, it would have been the past few months. But, I declined every time. Just last weekend I spent my entire Sunday cleaning out every closet of this house because I don't want to feel like I'm not contributing. But I'm giving myself the + because I have gladly accepted lots and lots of foot rubs from the hub and several times have allowed co-workers to help me carry things to/from the office. I also got out of doing the dishes last family night :)
Go easy on nesting.
Setting up a nursery and shopping for a new baby can be fun, but don’t let it overwhelm you. All he really needs is shelter, basic clothing, diapers, food and you.
Self evaluation: C-
What's weird about this one is that in any other situation this type of lifestyle would describe me perfectly. I usually don't go overboard with decorating or anything else that entails spending a bunch of money on stuff that ultimately doesn't matter. But I'll admit, putting together an amazing nursery has been very important to me. It's also been fun to work on the room with Brian and his mom, and when I look at what we've accomplished (well, mostly what they've accomplished - with some input from me)... it makes me feel amazing! (I'll post pics soon!!) As I'm typing this, I'm sitting in the glider in the nursery and loving everything in front of me. This room makes me smile because I know it's going to be our son's room very soon.
At first, I gave myself a D+ on this one, but bumped it up to a C- because while I have been mildly obsessed with getting his room (and every other room!) done before he's born, we have kept things pretty minimal and I haven't gone crazy with the shopping (yet anyway). I really disagree with the last part of this statement, though: the baby most definitely needs more than shelter, clothing, diapers and food. Much more.
Look your best.
Invest in a couple of special maternity outfits, including some pretty lingerie. Wear flattering colors and styles. Get beauty treatments often. Have a glamour photo taken (don’t worry, you can keep your clothes on).
Self evaluation: B
I'm pretty proud of myself for this one. Even though I rock the maternity hand-me-downs, I did purchase some nice maternity jeans and a few new items that I love. And I got pretty comfortable wearing tighter clothing that I think is flattering? (I hope anyway!) I've also gotten a few blow outs and more than a few pedis. I know those days are almost over...
Revel in your belly.
When your baby is awake and active, put a jelly bean or half-filled glass of water on your belly, lean back, and watch the show. Photograph or videotape your ultrasound. Record the heartbeat. Have a cast made of your belly. Show the real thing off, too.
Self evaluation: A+
I LOVE my belly! And embarrassingly enough actually have a cast that I'm going to bust out of the box soon. I could lay down and watch him move around in there all night and love when people touch it (seriously). I gave myself an A, but am changing to an A+.
Evaluate your life.
Suddenly, climbing the corporate ladder may not seem so important. Perhaps your lifestyle feels “off” now that you are bringing a child into it. Take advantage of any doubts or discontentment to do some soul-searching, and be prepared for shifts in your priorities.
Self evaluation: A
I am very ready to shift my priorities. I understand that I really have no clue what it's like to have a baby, but I'm ready to drop everything for him and do whatever I need to do that's best for our fam. Bring it on!
Get information.
Arming yourself with knowledge can decrease anxiety; just don’t overstudy, or you’ll defeat the purpose. Go to childbirth and baby-care classes. Ask your doctor, midwife or mother-friends to recommend a good pregnancy book. Surf the Internet for moms’ chat rooms and information about pregnancy and parenting. Remember: Always double-check medical information with a reliable source.
Self evaluation: B-
I have most definitely done my fair share of research and we both participated in all the lamaze and breastfeeding classes, but giving myself the minus because from the second I saw those double lines, I was googling every symptom and obsessing over every little thing. Especially in the first few months, when I was a nervous wreck! Brian had to set a "no google" rule, which I sometimes obeyed. I did learn to stay away from the Baby Center message boards though - those things are filled with idiots who can't spell, suffered from the rarest disorder and now think they're smarter than their doctors.
Go courting.
Use the limited time you and your partner have to be alone together to deepen and strengthen your relationship. Go on dates. Take weekend getaways. Share your hopes and fears about parenting and how the baby will change your relationship. “Pregnancy is a time when you can go quite far in a relationship,” says Andrew Condey, Ph.D., a psychologist at the Solano Center in Albany, Calif. “I wish more couples would work on issues then, because there’s naturally so much more sensitivity and understanding.”
Self evaluation: A-
Brian and I have really enjoyed the last 8 months together! We've seen movies, gone to dinner, gone to concerts and parties, worked on projects together, slept in, spent some QT at home. We're both pretty aware that our lives will be turned upside down very soon and made a point to do lots of stuff just the two of us. I've loved every second.
Get off the scale.
Pregnancy isn’t the time to obsess about every pound gained. Don’t go overboard and gain more than your doctor recommends, but do enjoy your increased appetite. If you are gaining more weight than is desirable, standing on the scale won’t help; instead, concentrate on developing healthful habits.
Self evaluation: A+
The first trimester I was stepping on the scale every other day. I had gained about 10 lbs in the first six weeks and was worried that I was on the fast track to Jessica Simpson. Then, one week I lost 1 pound and was worried that something was wrong. When my doctor assured me it was totally normal, I realized how crazy I was being and made the decision to not step on the scale at home one more time and let my doctor monitor my weight and let me know if there was cause for concern. I'm happy to say that once I made that decision, I stuck to it and haven't really worried about that number since. But I may be telling another story if I had ended up becoming Jessica. Which I'm happy to say I haven't... yet. But I still have 3 weeks to go.
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