Wow, has today ever been busy. And seeing as how I’m running at about half speed these days (and that’s being incredibly generous, I think), a busy day means a tired, hot, swollen pregnant woman. And yes, busy as in out in the world and the usual busy which is just sitting here work, work, working. Which is just as busy as being out in the world but less physically demanding. Sometimes. (Depends on the client) We had MOPS in the morning, then lunch out at KFC (H’s favorite, bless his heart) and a shopping trip to Walmart that darn near killed me.
To my credit, I didn’t bitch and whine too much. But halfway through the store I was starting to hurt in a bad way. My back hurt, my hips were sore (hence the waddling) and my feet were aching. I sat down at one point, to catch my breath when I noticed my ankles. Most particularly, my right ankle that I broke last year. It was swollen up to twice it’s size, I kid you not. Even now, five hours later, it’s still swollen but at least resembles the ankle that it was. Yowzers. I never had a problem with swelling, really, my last two pregnancies so this is new territory for me. Seeing as how today was merely in the low 80’s, I can see this is going to be an issue from here on out. And that? Freaks me out just a little.
Guys? I’m only just barely 32 weeks along. I have a little less than 6 weeks left. I think I’m in trouble. Just wait until this belly REALLY starts to pop. Things are going to get obscene around here, quick.
I may be complaining a bit, but really, the pregnancy is going well. The belly gets larger, I swear, every day. I get lots and lots of great kicks from the little bean and that makes me feel so much more secure. I’m recognizing the “schedule” this kid is on, and what I can do to stimulate him or her. I always get a reaction from ice cream and orange juice. And the baby is always active when I lay down at night to go to sleep. That’s playtime! Even my Braxton-Hicks are getting predictable. Of course, I always get them when I particularly exert myself (such as today). But regardless of my activity level, I always get the bulk of the contractions in the evenings. Every evening. Without fail. 
And I’m getting a baby shower on Saturday. That’ll be so fun.
I have an appointment tomorrow. Will I have gained any weight? Furthermore, am I supposed to hope that I did? 
There’s a slim chance we could get another ultrasound, but I highly doubt it. And really? I don’t care. I bought a horrifically adorable girl outfit at Walmart today. Am I throwing away the receipt? Nope. But I’m glad I got it. Girl, boy…. who really cares, right? What difference will it make? Very little, from where I’m sitting. I’ll have a baby and that’s what I care about.
In the end, that’s truly all that matters. Swelling, aching backs, silly waddling… it’s temporary. And the end result is so, so worth it. Even if my sleep for the next six weeks (and beyond ) is less than ideal, it’ll be all worth it. And I wouldn’t trade an achy, miserable, sweating moment for the world.
