this pregnancy...

Thank you so much for all your kind comments and emails. You have made me feel very encouraged and special. I would be honored to share the adventures of this pregnancy with you and (again) covet your prayers as my family enters a how new way of life!

This pregnancy, so far, has been rather different than my last one. I am 18 weeks and look more like I am six months pregnant. I hear this is absolutely normal and please feel free to tell me again it is... Because I have felt like a huge whale since week 8. It was so odd, I did not start showing with double l until right about now and I remember wishing I would as soon as possible and overjoyed when I "popped". Now, since I have been sporting this belly for weeks, I feel more like a wibble-wobbble and less smitten with my ever growing mid-section. Don't get me wrong, I do admire this belly of mine when me and my little one are at rest and alone! But...

This pregnancy has been very challenging -- both emotionally and physically. And for the life of me, I don't totally understand why!

1.) Physically - Besides the rapid belly growth explained above, I have been totally exhausted. When I was pregnant with double l, I was very tired in the beginning, but by week 12 I was full of energy again. With this pregnancy, I look like I have been through a war every day. Very dark circles highlight my eyes and my yawn is a normal occurence every 20 minutes! I worked out often in the first weeks of this pregnancy and still work out about 2-3 times a week. But I most admit, its a struggle. My doctor checked for all possible medical causes, but I am healthy as a horse! I alway loved that saying... Anyway, I need to wake up. Any suggestions. Oh and then there is the lower gi issues. In the beginning (just like with double l), I was so sick (vomiting), but like with double l that went away around week 11/12. However, since then, I have experienced, lets just say for lack of exposing too much!, severe pain as a result of a failure of my lower gi system. Bringing tears and stress where I have never even imagined there would be such a thing! I do not normally pray in the bathroom, but have found its absolutely a perfect spot!

2.) Emotionally - For moments in time, I feel unstable. At times, I feel like I could cry for days, but I don't! I am sure all the physical issues above do not help this very odd side of me during this pregnancy. It seems like my reactions to what would normally bother me a little are magnified! My feelings are hurt so easily and I hate it, but can't seem to stop it! I did not feel this way at all while pregnant with double l. I really do not like this part and could use all the pointers and prayers I can get! Is this somewhat normal?

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So now that I have ranted about the horrors of this pregnancy, I should tell you that I am very excited to welcome another precious baby into our home. I find myself daydreaming about life after this little one is born and can honestly say not one negative thought crosses over to those dreams. I am very much aware this "stuff" that's going on will pass and I am so looking forward to documenting this very special pregnancy on 'mommie blogs'. And a post would not be complete without telling you about double l. He has been such a mama's boy these days and I must say its a cure for everything that causes me strife!

Best of all, double l's favorite tune these days (remember this one) is "All Shook Up". The card I gave my bub for his birthday played this song and LL brings it everywhere with him. Its hilarious. he dances and sings along. He's favorite part and what he yells "...I am in LOVE..." Too cute. BTW, we love Elvis in this house. Young Elvis, not scary Vegas Elvis...

Enjoy!