You Know Your 9 Months Pregnant When.....

Just when you think you have something figured out, life seems to throw a surprise. At least that's what I've experienced these past 9 months.  Having done it 3 other times, all of which were very similar, I thought I knew what was in store when pregnancy #4 began. But I have been proven wrong!!  This time around has been a new experience.  I've learned to truly appreciate women who have many children, not just because they love, nurture and raise them but because they endured all those pregnancies as well.  I've come to the realization that yes indeed, some people are physically sick the entire 9 months and they're not being complainers or over-dramatic. I've learned that pregnancy does slow you down.  Most of all, I'm experiencing the "9th Month Syndrome"...when everything (and even sometimes everyone around you... at least that's what it feels like) reminds you that you're 9 months pregnant! 

So I've been thinking, you know your 9 months pregnant when:
1. Tums become a staple at your house and routinely appear on the grocery list. 
I've never had to buy Tums and now I can't live without them

2. You can't make it up and down the stairs without feeling winded
This is so depressing!

3. People you don't know continually make the comment, "You gonna have that baby any day now?"
Even at 35-36 weeks, I was getting this comment. Not very encouraging.

4. Even worse... when people say, "You've got the waddle!!"
Just as a sidenote, do they really have to remind you? Pregnant women already feel uncomfortable, fat and unattractive. Do we really need to be reminded that now we walk funny too? And another sidenote, men should never ever ever be allowed to make this comment. Especially when they really don't know you!   

5. You can appreciate the kankles. 
I've discovered that just when shaving my legs gets akward, now at least I don't have to worry about knicking my ankle bone with the razor.  The swelling protects this!  Yeah for Kankles!

6. The idea of a newborn waking at all hours of the night is no longer dreaded.
Because I'm already awake for several hours during the night because of discomfort, I feel like at least with a newborn I will have a few restful and comfortable hours during the night.  Even more so, it is much easier waking up for a sweet newborn rather than pelvic pain just trying to roll over, or terrible heartburn that won't allow me to lay down.

So yes, I'm ready for the pregnancy to be over.  But I think we are given 9 months of pregnancy for a reason.  We are prepared to get to the point of not fearing labor and delivery or all of the adjustments that newborns bring to our lives.  For me, it means many changes I haven't experienced for quite awhile. Like being sleep deprived; having less "me" time; toting around all the baby accessories, like a diaper bag and stroller; spending lots of money on diapers and wipes and everything else; and not being able to just walk out the door with just my purse but instead having to allow for much more time to be prepared to go anywhere.  But in exchange, I am receiving such a blessing. A new baby to cuddle and love and watch my children and husband dote over.  It's been awhile since we've experienced this and it's time to soak it all in again. We are all so excited.  We have been anticipating this for awhile.  So yes, we are ready. Especially me.