Being Pregnant

There are a lot of books out there about pregnancy. A LOT. And while most of them are filled with fantastic reference information, there's nothing like hearing the "facts" straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak. Basically, some of the best advice I've received so far has come from friends that have recently had kids or are currently pregnant. So, I figured, why not pass on a little of my own experience. I'll touch on some of the most frequently mentioned things about pregnancy:

1. Morning Sickness
As I've mentioned before, and Meghan seconded, "morning" sickness is a bunch of bullshit. I'm almost 11 weeks, and I haven't puked once (although sometimes I wish I just would). Although most mornings I'm barely able to choke down a couple pieces of toast, that's definitely not where the bulk of my nausea has been. It's usually in the afternoon, and is typically the worst if my stomach is growling. Catch 22 - it's pretty hard to eat anything when you feel like you are going to barf.

2. Fatigue
I don't think I've ever been so tired. I mean all the time. If I could sleep all day, I'd be a happy camper. The last time I fell asleep on the couch this much, I think I was about 8 years old. I can barely make it through a movie anymore (and these days, "making it through a movie" usually means Mike didn't catch me cat napping in the middle of it - but he always does).

3. Cravings
I haven't been craving anything too weird. Mainly a lot of carbs and, oddly enough, processed cheese products. I'd say the most specific thing I've had a craving for so far was Mac 'n Cheese the way my mom made it when we were kids - with wide egg noodles and Velveeta. I did want McDonald's Chicken McNuggets with sweet and sour sauce one night, but Mike (bless his heart) wouldn't give in and instead picked me up some Kraft Singles so I could make a grilled cheese instead. My cravings so far have been more along the lines of, "What can I eat that doesn't make me want to vomit when I think about it?" Definitely no pickles and ice cream.

4. Aversions
I think it's safe to say I've had more aversions than cravings. Which probably accounts for my increased intake of carbs and processed cheese products mentioned above. A lot of things that I absolutely love make my stomach turn just thinking about them. And cooking - save for baking, making grilled cheese, pasta or smoothies - has been pretty much out of the question.

5. Pregnancy-Induced Stupidity/Forgetfulness
Well, I think this one is true. Maybe. I can't really remember any specific instances.

6. Boobs
They hurt, they're bigger, and they'll get even bigger - and that scares the crap out of me!

7. Sex (Ben, you can skip this section)
I read in more than a few places that a lot of women just can't get enough of it when they are pregnant. Well, I'm one of those women. And I'm sure Mike doesn't have any complaints about that, although I'm sure he'd appreciate it if I didn't wake him up in the middle of the day when he is working night shifts!

That's all I can think of for now (see item #5), but I'm sure there will be more to come...