Third Time Around

Here I am, seven months pregnant with baby number three. You'd think it'd get easier or simpler, or somehow more normal, but it doesn't. Pregnancy is just kinda lame. Sorry, I know some women love to be pregnant, but that's definitely not me. I love the outcome, of course, but it is a rather miserable means to an end.

This pregnancy has been just kinda miserable. I already talked about the horrible morning sickness, which lasted almost 20 weeks. Thankfully, it cleared up and didn't last the whole time!! Sadly, I didn't get much relief because it seems all the other aches, pains, and general misery set in very, very early this time around.

I've been having absolutely horrible leg pain this time around; not sciatica, not cramps. It feels like the blood isn't pumping through my legs properly sometimes. I actually had to go into the hospital to check for a possible blood clot because of the pain and swelling in one calf. Thankfully, I was just diagnosed with a "slow flowing common femoral vein." Other times I get such bad pains in my thighs it feels like I'm having contractions. I don't know what this kid is up to, but it should probably stop. I feel like I've been pregnant forever and still have two whole months to go!!

But enough of my complaining. Pregnancy really is a beautiful and wonderful blessing! Despite all my moaning, it's not at all lost on me that I am extremely blessed to be having a healthy pregnancy, especially when I know so many wonderful women out there would love nothing more than to have those obnoxious pains if it meant being able to have a baby. I truly am grateful to be able to bring Heavenly Father's children to this earth, even with all the crazy.

Since this blog is really kept for my own records, I had to include some of the random things so I don't forget:

My other kids didn't really get the hiccups that often, but this little girl does. All the time!

This baby also doesn't really kick; she just makes sudden rolls and flailings. Must have my spas genes...

This pregnancy has turned me on to so many foods that I normally don't particularly like. Sauerkraut, oh my gosh, I just want to eat hotdogs covered in it all day. Blackberries and raspberries, normally all those little seeds drive me crazy but I'm totally cool with that now. Runny eggs, I never would have thought I'd even tolerate let alone love those. Salt and vinegar chips, new absolute favorite.

Other cravings: pastrami sandwiches covered in sauerkraut and thousand island dressing; balsamic vinegar; soy sauce; blue icees; watermelon; BLTs... I normally don't have a ton of cravings but this pregnancy is out of control when it comes to eating.

I get this weird thing when I'm pregnant called (if I remember correctly) geographic tongue. It's basically these weird marks on your tongue that aren't harmful but cause sensitivity to acid or spicy foods. This pregnancy it is really, really sensitive. Like I'll a banana and feel like my mouth is on fire. It's crazy frustrating.

Bloody noses like every day! Is that a normal pregnancy thing? It's totally not normal for me!

Overall, I feel and look like a beached whale most of the time. Sadly, this pregnancy has not been very good to me, physically speaking. Last time, I felt like I could kinda rock the "cute pregnant lady" vibe. This time, I just know I'm fat and I feel it all the time. I'm working out, trying to be healthy, but man those pounds are just packing on for some reason. I now think I understand why women say it's harder to lose the weight after more kids! I got off fairly easy the last two times, I may not be so lucky this time around.

I'm very excited to have this little girl in October! Even with all the pains, frustrations, and extra pounds, I know she will be a beautiful addition to our family and it's totally worth it. Now I just need to remind myself of that for the next two, eternal months...