I don't usually shell out unsolicited advice. But to anyone reading who's pregnant with her first child?
ENJOY IT. Enjoy it like crazy. And then enjoy it some more, for those of us who don't have the luxury.
And trust me, it is a luxury.
Oh sure, you may be sick or swollen like a blimp or feel like you've been kicked in the crotch or are sprouting weird hairs in unfortunate places. I don't mean you have to enjoy that. But, y'all? Savor the fact that you still have the ability to do something about it; this is largely confined to your first pregnancy, unless you have a devoted house-husband to tend to your every need and whim (and if so, I hate you).
If you're swollen, you can sit down and put your feet up for a while without having to worry about someone - or multiple someones - climbing all over you like a jungle gym (or needing help with something in the other room the second your butt touches the couch). Those hairs? You can lock yourself in the bathroom with some wax for as long as it takes, without worrying that someone is sprinkling sugar all over your kitchen or pooping in an unacceptable location. If you're sick? You can get in the bed, alone, or at least hang over the toilet without hearing, "Mommy! Mommy, are you throwing up? Mommy, can I watch?" Perhaps exhaustion is your problem? Then going to bed at 6:30 is your prerogative ... no waiting until baths and homework are complete and Scooby Doo is over or it's "dark enough" outside. Too tired to cook? Then don't! There's no one in your house unable to feed him or herself ... yet! Not one iota of bad-mom guilt to worry about!
I remember being pregnant with Colin, seven long years ago, and doing things like napping on the couch and eating cookies for dinner just because that's what I wanted. Now those things seem like a faraway dream. I've got stuff to do that just can't be neglected unless I want Child Protective Services knocking at my door. Like feeding my kids (relatively) balanced meals and providing them with clean clothes and basic hygiene, since for the most part they're all too young to do any of that themselves. And helping Colin get ready for school and stuff. And refereeing brotherly squabble after brotherly squabble. It doesn't matter if I've had five hours of spotty sleep and feel hung over and look like somebody's grandpa.
So. If you're expecting your first child? SAVOR THE EXPERIENCE. At no other time will you be able to take care of yourself the way you can right now. Each pregnancy will get progressively more tiring, and there won't be a damn thing you can do about it.
... Except take to your blog and complain bitterly. Not that I'd know anything about that. ;)
