Positives

The other day my mom asked me, "Do you like being pregnant?" My immediate reaction was to say "NO," but the more I thought about it and all the complaints I've had, I realized it's not really as bad as I often think it is. So here's a list of all the pregnancy perks.

1.) FOOD. It's delicious, it's comforting, and when you're pregnant... it's often free. I've noticed that people love to feed a pregnant lady, and I rarely turn down food. You know when you go to a restaurant and you're splitting an appetizer and there's just ONE left on the plate? Yup... it all goes to the pregnant lady. After all, she's eating for two right? Waiters and waitresses bring extra food, neighbors stop by with baked goods, and at a buffet, everyone insists you go first. At first I tried to be modest about it and turn down all the offers, but I quickly got to the point where food seemed to be my fuel, and I welcomed it with open arms, and an open mouth.

2.) Maternity pants. I don't know why I haven't been wearing these my whole life. They're jeans, with a sweatpants waist on them! No more unbuttoning those jeans after a big meal, and with a growing belly, I can really let it all hang out. People used to say, "You're pregnant? You don't look pregnant." My response was always, "Just wait till after I eat."

3.) No alcohol. I'm not really a big drinker, so going to parties was often a big chore to avoid peer pressure. No matter how many times I would turn down drinks they would still find a way of showing up in front of me, and since people paid for them, it would be rude not to drink them, right? Then I end up with heartburn all night and the worry about when I'll be able to drive home. Now when I go to parties, people offer me more food instead of booze. It's a major win.

4.) No period. Enough said.

5.) Gifts for the baby. I've never been very good at receiving gifts. I get shy over the attention, and guilt that someone spent money on me, and I end up constantly thinking of ways to pay them back. Now all the gifts that come my way are for the baby, and I get so excited for him! He's not even born and people are loving him enough to buy him little outfits and make him blankets, and it warms my heart more than I ever thought possible. I want nothing but the best for him, and I'm so thankful for the generosity of my family, friends, and total strangers who are welcoming him into the world with so much love.

6.) Extra attention from the husband. He's been AMAZING. He goes with me to all my doctor appointments, he always makes sure I'm content, and he's willing to go downstairs and get me water in the middle of the night. If that's not love, then I don't know what is. He carries laundry for me, mows the lawn, goes on walks with me, and lends an ear when I'm getting emotional and scared about everything that's going to happen in the next three months. I'm so lucky to have him, and I know he's going to be an awesome dad.

7.) Overall Support. This whole experience has been overwhelming, exciting, and terrifying, but the support from family members, friends, and total strangers have really helped me more than I can say. When I was suffering with morning sickness, one of my dearest friends put together a care package for me with accupressure wrist bands, soothing tea, and candies to fight of morning sickness. It was a lifesaver. I had a LOT of depression, fear, and anxiety about being pregnant when month four rolled around, and finally I broke down and called my sister crying my eyes out. She talked me through all my fears and let me know that everything I was going through emotionally was normal, and after over an hour on the phone and a few calls throughout the day to check on me, I was ok again. It was a scary time, and she really helped me through it. At month five my doctor had concerns about my blood pressure, so my mother in law called me up and said she's going to walk with me every day to help get my blood pressure down, and get me exercising in prep for what may or may not be a difficult labor. I've been walking with her almost everyday now, and my blood pressure is back to normal, my energy level is up, and I'm no longer in the danger zone. Friends who I haven't talked to in years are meeting up with me and giving me tons of much needed advice, and they're suggesting Facebook groups and support groups to go to for answers and help. It's just nice to know I'm not alone in my fears, excitement, and pregnancy symptoms, and I'm SO thankful for all these wonderful people in my life.

8.) Moments of extreme euphoria. There are days when I'm so happy I feel like I'm going to start throwing up rainbows. On those days I pick projects to do around the house, and I get a LOT done. I pruned all my roses in one afternoon, I've made fabulous dinners, and I've cleaned every corner of every room. Who needs drugs when you've got hormones?

9.) Ability to fall asleep anywhere. I guess this can be a pro or con... depends on how you look at it. When I'm tired, I fall asleep FAST now, and even if I'm not tired, I'll sit down on the couch and open my eyes to discover that I fell asleep for two hours. I've never been more well rested in my life, which is probably why I wake up at 3am or 5am every morning and go back to sleep at 6am. Everyone tells me to cherish the sleep I'm getting now, and believe me, I do.

10.) Maternity pants. Just had to throw that in there again. Seriously... they're incredible.