The Joys and Frustrations of Pregnancy

Today is a day of venting. I feel the need to disclose some of my joys and frustrations of pregnancy, in no particular order. 

• As someone who once prided herself on being somewhat intelligent, I find it extremely frustrating when my mind fails to function. I find myself forgetting names of people and objects, losing words in mid-sentence, and being generally disorganized in thought. I understand that this is completely "normal" but it is still unnerving.
• One morning I looked in the mirror as I was getting ready and did not recognize the chest staring back at me. I was never blessed in this area and have always wondered who got the genes from my grandmother, because I certainly did not. I am told however that the minor discomfort I felt a couple of months ago is nothing compared to the feeling of engorgement, but I am determined to enjoy this while it lasts.... we shall see.
• My growing stomach is a subject of mixed emotion. While the majority of the time I love looking down and knowing my baby is growing inside me, there are days when I wish I could just see my feet. I have had moments when I wish my stomach went down instead of out, and then proceeded to feel rather guilty for these thoughts. I am annoyed that shaving my legs has become quite difficult and uncomfortable; and I have yet tried to repaint my toenails, which desperately needs to be done.
• There are no words to describe the kicking, pushing, stretching, twisting, and turning that I feel inside me. I just sit and watch my stomach move as my baby moves inside me. I love grabbing my husband's hand and placing it on my stomach so he can feel the baby move, and then seeing the wonderment spread across his face when he finally does feel the baby move. I am going to miss feeling every little move after the baby is born. 
• I have felt a growing sense of camaraderie among women these last months. Women that I grew up with and look up to as mothers have shared so many hilarious and heartfelt stories with me of their experiences. I feel like I have been given a membership into an exclusive club. I have laughed so hard at shared stories of pregnancy and motherhood. I have felt so loved and cherished by these women who I have looked at as second mothers.
• "Morning" sickness! Let me just say that for me it did go away after the first trimester, it has continued throughout. And the name "morning" sickness is incorrect in my book. It does not go away at the magic hour of noon, it comes and goes as it pleases with no regard for time. And while on this subject, let me just express my love of indigestion. I have yet to understand how I can get indigestion off of water, but yet I seem to have accomplished this feat. Antacids have become a daily part of my diet and they taste so lovely...yum.
• I would like to end on a joyous note... I have found a new respect, reverence, and love for my mother. As a woman who did not have the easiest of pregnancies and who went through it three times, I literally owe her my life. Her undying support throughout these last few months has been more precious to me than anything. Being able to call whenever and bounce ideas, questions, and concerns off her has been more helpful and comforting than anything else. I love her more than words can say, and I know my love will only grow has I go through this journey.