I Don't Like Being Pregnant- Who Would've Thunk It?

I used to think being pregnant would be so much fun. I would stuff a pillow under my shirt and admire how cute I was with a big belly. But then I became pregnant- and I found out that it wasn't exactly fun and I definitely didn't look cute. If only my belly was the only part of me that becomes pregnant. Instead, I'm one of those girls whose entire body is affected by pregnancy. I have swollen ankles, my skin breaks out, I have permanent "tired eyes" and I develop a serious case of hot dog fingers. Yeah, pregnancy is not fun.
The one thing I do love about being pregnant is feeling the baby move. I think that is the most amazing feeling in the world. Knowing that someone is growing inside of you. Feeling their little hiccups. So for this pregnancy, I've decided to focus on the good things about being pregnant. Not just feeling the baby move and having a free pass to eat whatever I want, but the physical side of being pregnant too. I want to embrace the enormous belly. I'm about 8 1/2 weeks right now. It seems like it's already been forever. And my belly is rapidly growing already- actually, I don't know if it's really pregnancy big or if I just don't feel the need to suck in my gut anymore. At any rate, this is me- 8 1/2 weeks pregnant (because that 1/2 a week makes a difference!) 32 more to go. :)



This is my "8 weeks down, 32 more to go" look. Lovely, huh?



















I guess my body is just so used to being pregnant, that it jumps right into looking seriously pregnant.

There's Been a Change in Plans

I haven't been updating this like I should... mostly because I don't think anyone really reads it.
And if anyone does read it, they most likely already know why my plans have changed... another baby Watson is on the way. My plans have only changed slightly though. Somehow I've found the strength and motivation to continue working out 5 days a week. And my constant feeling that I'm going to puke has kept me from indulging in anything too unhealthy. So I'm still getting in shape- I just won't be sporting that bikini this summer! :)

The first date that Nathan and I went on, he told me that he wanted a big family one day. I was surprised that a young man would have such a passion for children. That's one of the reasons why I know that God brought us together for a reason. Thankfully, he wasn't just trying to impress me with his desire to have kids... we both feel incredibly blessed to have such a big family.
As our family grows, I'm learning that a lot of people don't feel the same way about big families. When I was pregnant with Ezekiel, we took many trips to the beach. One particular day, we decided to stop at the store to grab drinks and lunch for a picnic on the beach. Nathan went off trying to find drinks and the kids and I scoured the produce section for a healthy treat. As I filled a bag with peaches, an older man stood next to me. "Are they all yours?," he asked. This is a question I'm used to- usually followed by laughing. "Yes," I said. He looked confused. "And your having another one?", he replied motioning towards me swollen belly. "Yup". He shook his head. "That's too many." I was shocked. Never did I think that having a large family would be thought of as something negative. I didn't know what to say. Finally, I responded with, "well, at least I won't be old and alone in the produce section one day!" Actually, I didn't say that. The man had already walked away and I'm far too nice.
All this to say, we are so very blessed to have these children. Yes, we have a lot. And they may miss out on taking a multitude of ballet classes, or swimming lessons, or keeping up with the latest fashion. But they will grow up having the memories of picnics on the beach, and visiting imaginary lands, and coloring pictures until their hands hurt. And they will always, always have their family.