Reflecting on Pregnancy Thus Far

Evenin’ Beautiful Son,

I got an e-mail this morning from BabyZone informing me that this is the last week of our third trimester together. It tells us about what’s going on with you, and specifically says that this week “rapid eye movements are beginning! [That your] eyes open and shut frequently, and [your] eyebrows and eyelashes are present.”  Can you believe it? It’s been a pretty easy ride so far. I know you didn’t cause any of the easiness or discomfort specifically, but I want to thank you for hanging in here with us. I hope it’s been as comfortable for you.

I’ve heard/read about terrible pregnancy experiences, and I truly do feel so fortunate. The first trimester was a breeze compared to the norm. There were only a few days of nausea, a handful of migraines, and although I was extremely tired, I was blessed with the ability to lie around a lot as I needed to. It was really a pretty blissful experience.

Now, at the end of the second trimester, I realize I’ve remained lucky. I’ve been able to return to school full-time and I’m still going strong. People generally say that the third trimester is pretty exhausting too, so I should probably try to get ahead while I still can, but it really wouldn’t surprise me if the rest of the pregnancy was comparatively smooth as well. The e-mail also tells us that the stretch marks are probably on their way, and I have no doubt you’re growing like kudzoo on a Georgia highway. Last week I was in terrible pain in my upper abdomen – my friend told me she read that the stomach muscles eventually tear when the baby grows enough, and while she thought people ordinarily didn’t feel that, that’s the only explanation I can think of for what was so painful. It was like stretching and bruising all at once. Well, that we can’t do anything about – and wouldn’t want to – we want you to be a healthy sized baby. But the outside is a different story. Your dad and I will have to get on the stick with the cocoa butter. I don’t know how much it’s possible to do to avoid them, but we’re sure going to try!!!