Not that I wasn't before, but it took a while this time around for the symptoms of pregnancy to really kick in. At this point, I am enjoying all the side effects (or "collateral damage," as I am more prone calling them) pretty much daily: insomnia, pelvic aches, indigestion/heartburn, trouble reaching my toes, dizzy spells, etc. While it continues to humble me that this is all the more I have to contribute to the amazing process that's taking within, there is the increasing awareness that I am making contributions to what's happening.
31 weeks and grow-ing!
At my 24-week appointment, I measured 4cm shy of where I was "supposed" to be. At my 30-week appointment, I was only 1cm shy. We are taking a lot of ground in the past 2 months, as evidenced not only by the measurements that are rapidly catching up, but also by the numbers on the scale, my increasing sense of "big," and the never-ending hunger/cravings I seem to have.
Between hunger and heartburn, food manages to be both my best friend and worst enemy.
My iron levels are low again. My hemoglobin dropped from 11.7 to 9.4 in a short seven weeks and my hematocrit is down to 28% (for reference, "normal" is 12-15 and 38-46%). I'm trying so hard this time around, yet anemia seems to simply be part and parcel for me when pregnant. It's discouraging when my efforts have been so heightened. I'd be lying to say I don't mind the weakness, dizziness, and heart palpitations that accompany anemia (I actually hate it all), and perhaps what's even harder than the physical affects are the emotional ramifications of this increasing exhaustion/weakness. Particularly in the past two weeks, I find myself easily overwhelmed, overly sensitive, and quickly done in. Frequently of late the Lord has had to remind me that there are always seasons in life when I "run out," but that He doesn't.
Good reminders, I tell you.
And I'm trying to keep perspective: this is worth it.
SO worth it!
Before we know it, we will meet this little person. A season of 12-ish weeks of being abnormally tired and weary is altogether short in the grand scheme of things. The joy of a new life, a new destiny, will overwhelm any memories of the small price I had to pay.
Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?
the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
Psalm 127:3
Your belly is so cute!! Seriously. You look so amazing!!
ReplyDeleteAnd, if I'm not mistaken, you're wearing skinny jeans??! PREGNANT?!?!? I can't fit anything skinny on my pinky while pregnant! hahahaha!!