As The Waves of Nausea Recede

Ahhh.... the 2nd trimester has begun and, as promised, the waves of nausea are receding, my energy is returning and I'm feeling more human. Of course a co-worker had to ruin my momentary joy by saying, "enjoy it while you can, that 3rd trimester is a bitch..." Man, can't she just let me enjoy the calm before the storm?

But I WILL enjoy this. Enjoy that I'm feeling good enough to do a little weight lifting and walking again. Who knows... maybe if it dries out here I'll even jog a little. I know I'll start up my yoga again. It's hard not to want to rush into everything... but the little lemon-sized being inside me slows me again when I get too excited. Indigestion is a new demon to replace nausea, but it's not horrible and not often. And I'm just thankful to be feeling better.

It's not like the first trimester was all that horrible either. Don't get me wrong... frequent waking to pee, headaches and nausea weren't the best, but so many other pregnant women around me had it worse - much worse. What I mostly hated was that it made me feel weak or sick or both. I wanted to think I could power through anything. I wanted to think I wouldn't be lying on the couch grateful to a husband who would get me a drink or make up my dinner because working all day made me feel worse than I thought. I wanted to be one of those pregnant women who exercised through the whole pregnancy, never needed help, never complained, went to work like a champion without needing the help of my co-workers when my energy sagged. That was just pride and ignorance talking, I've discovered. Every pregnancy is different and I needn't be ashamed of needing a 2 hour nap after an 8-9 hour day at work. I'm just not good at asking for help.

Something happened recently that made me slow down though... made me decide I WILL ask for help, I will take care of myself and I will admit that growing this little person has made me more tired, weaker even.

A rep who stops into our office often stopped by about 3-4 weeks ago all excited about his wife's pregnancy. They had been trying for so long and actually only found out she was pregnant about 3 months into it. So she unfortunately went through nearly the entire first trimester not caring for herself and not getting the medical attention she needed. But now they were on the right track and were going to get an ultrasound to find out what they were having. She was about 5 months along or so, so it was definitely far along enough to tell.

They didn't get the chance. Last week something went wrong and she had the baby at around 26-27 weeks (normal is at 38-42 weeks). Lungs don't finish development until around week 37. Their little baby daughter weighs under a pound and may not make it. I pray for that little girl every night. My friend Kim was born at week 28 and made it... I hope this one does too.

So now I'll rest when I'm tired. Accept help when it's offered and enjoy this 2nd trimester and the feeling better. Hell, I'll enjoy the 3rd trimester even if it's a bitch. I just want a healthy child. I can't feel it yet, I don't have a belly yet... but hearing our rep's story made me see I'm already attached and this isn't about just me anymore. I've got a little person to take care of and if that means naps and sickness and accepting help, I'd better suck it up and shut up. And take every opportunity to carry full term, as healthy as possible.

Speaking of which... the little being is hungry - or at least I am. I'm going to go enjoy some food. Lots of it. :)