Pregnancy Bliss

Some would hate me for saying this, but the truth is I loved being pregnant. If motherhood were as smooth as pregnancy for me, I would want to have at least 10 kids. Of course, that's saying nothing about labor and delivery.

Steve and I recently made the decision to stop birth control and open ourselves to the higher chance of pregnancy. We think we're as ready as we can be for another Laymon to enter our household.

Thinking about a possible pregnancy makes me excited. Here are the top 10 things I love about pregnancy.

10. New maternity clothes. I borrowed so many last time that whether I can borrow again or need to buy more, it's fun to have new clothes to wear!

9. The liberty to eat more, although it's important to note that the joy of eating comes in the 2nd, not the 1st trimester. Unfortunately, eating in the 1st trimester sucks, and I didn't even really get morning sickness. Most days, I was forcing things down my throat because I knew I needed to eat... everything just seemed bland, and some things were down right repulsive. Once that faded though, eating was so great! Bring on the pickles and chocolate!

 8. Following the baby's development by reading Week by Week pregnancy books, watching videos and ultrasounds and all the pictures and analogies of a life being formed, i.e. "your baby is the size of a grapefruit this week". It's so fascinating to have a glimpse into what's going on in your body, and that without any of your control.

7. Creating special spaces and places for the new baby -- decorating and picking a theme for all the baby gear.

6. Feeling the movements and kicks of the new life inside.

5. Having a perfect excuse for sleep and rest and generally not getting things done -- I didn't use this one as much as I should have last time. I will try not to make the same mistake again. Steve and I have a theory that Jed is so active because I never rested when I was pregnant with him. Our experiment this time will be for me to be more restful. We'll see if we can manipulate a less active baby... it's probably a long shot, but it doesn't hurt to try.

4. Body pillows and more pillows, although they make Steve a little jealous.

3. No periods! Nuff said.

2. I noticed that people tended to smile and be more friendly with me when I walked down the street. That's just fun.

1. The joy of entering the mystery of new creation, new life, not being in control of it but being an active participant in God's creating work. In short, taking part in a miracle.

So just to clarify, I'm not pregnant yet! But it's kind of fun to enjoy the anticipation and I thought you could enjoy it with me.