Pregnancy is a rollercoaster ride, and let me tell you, it’s quite the journey. Day by day, week by week, and yes, pound by pound, the adventure continues. Just when I think I’ve conquered one challenge, another pops up to keep me on my toes.
I’m finally out of that miserable phase of headaches that transformed into migraines, which left me struggling to keep my head up. I should count my blessings that I’m not spending my days clutching a garbage can or scurrying to the bathroom every few minutes. But now, my little one is resting right on my sciatic nerve, causing waves of pain that leave me immobilized at times. My breathing? Heavier. With the weight I’ve gained, it feels like my baby is pressing against my lungs. Some days, I swear I feel at least a decade older.
When I look in the mirror, I see everything that’s grown and shifted in ways I didn’t expect. It’s funny how pregnancy seems to expand every inch of me to keep up with this incredible transformation. The well-meaning comments from others can be a bit much: “Oh, you poor thing. You look exhausted! How are you feeling?” And then there’s the classic, “Wow, you must be due any day now!” I brace myself for their surprise when I share just how much longer I have to go.
If I’m being honest, I miss my former self—the toned, fit version of me that has been replaced by this softer, rounder body. I find myself laughing, sneezing, and coughing, and yes, I pee… a lot. And guess what? I’ll be giving birth at the end of summer. Need I say more?
Some days I drag my feet, while others, I stomp around like a toddler having a meltdown. Getting through the evenings feels like I’m running the last leg of a marathon. I find myself laughing and crying all at once, often unsure why.
Ah, sleep—the elusive luxury. After my first pregnancy, I realized that restful nights are a thing of the past. Between the kids waking up and those frequent bathroom trips, going to the bathroom twenty times a day feels like a chore.
But through every struggle, what keeps me going are those little moments of joy. Feeling her kick and move inside me is a constant reminder of the life I’m nurturing. For this being my fourth pregnancy, the excitement hasn’t faded one bit. Watching my kids gently place their hands on my belly, talking to their soon-to-arrive sister, melts my heart. Their love for her already is one of my favorite parts of this journey.
I can’t wait for that moment when they place her on my chest. The thought of bringing another life into the world is simply breathtaking. I imagine holding her close while she nurses, those tiny sounds of her feeding are bound to be endearing. I think about snuggling her against my neck, feeling those delicate breaths against my ear—sounds that will forever imprint on my heart.
I picture the first time her eyes meet mine, and she realizes who I am, the person who would go to the ends of the earth for her. I envision her tiny hand wrapping around my finger, and the instinct kicking in as she cries out for me, despite how exhausted I may feel. I know I’ll beam with pride, looking past the wrinkles, gray hairs, and bags under my eyes, because my love for this little one will shine brighter than anything.
All these challenges are temporary. Though they might feel endless, they’re just a small moment in the grand adventure of watching her grow. No matter how tough this pregnancy is, I know that in just a few days after giving birth, I’ll already find myself longing for this experience again. Each day is a new blend of humility and joy.
How is it possible to feel both overwhelmed and grateful at the same time? As I balance the weight of this journey, I’m reminded that I’m experiencing one of life’s greatest miracles. I’ve been chosen to be this little girl’s mother, and that’s something truly special.
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In summary, pregnancy is a wild mix of challenges and joys, filled with moments that make it all worthwhile. Despite the discomfort and exhaustion, the love for this new life is what truly matters.