This week’s title is inspired by the fact that my belly is HUGE, and the fact that my company had its annual bowling tournament today. It’s one of a few fun things we do each year for team building and all that jazz. So, today, I carried a bowling ball strapped to my front while also throwing one down an alley. Or lane. Whatever.
(I actually scored really well. Not that I’m bragging or anything, because hi, I can’t really bowl. But I scored a 130 during the first game and a 104 in the second. It was definitely better than my showing last year. I guess the baby strapped to the front of me might’ve done me some good.)
There’s definitely no hiding that I’m pregnant now. I know I’ve been talking about getting bigger every week, and that this is SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN, but it’s kind of unbelievable to me. I feel like a week or two ago, I still looked like I was just carrying some extra weight around, but now there is a BABY BELLY.
It feels enormous. And although I’m undoubtedly getting bigger faster than I did last time, I was looking back at pics of my pregnancy with Nora just now, and I don’t think I’m THAT much bigger. At least not as big as I thought I was. It’s weird how much your perception of yourself can be skewed. Maybe it just looks so huge to me because I’m the one looking DOWN on it all day long. If I stand straight up, I’m not sure I can even see my feet anymore. Hmm. I’ll have to test that theory.
The other thing I’m judging myself about as I look at my pics the last few weeks? I really need a hair appointment. I haven’t had it done since October. The color is drab. The cut needs a refresh. Looks like I need to treat myself soon.
As far as the pregnancy is concerned, things continue to go well. I’ve started exercising again, I don’t have much soreness, I’m not experiencing any swelling or anything like that yet. I feel the baby move a lot, and can even see it moving from the outside if I’m lying down and being still. That’s still as cool as it gets—it’s not old, even though this is the second time I’m going through this.
The only thing that’s really a pain in my side (literally)? MY BRA. (If there are any men reading this, my apologies.) Holy crap, bras are the devil. I remember going through this with my pregnancy with Nora, too, but all I had to do was buy a bra clasp extender and things got better. This time? No. I think it’s the underwire. It’s KILLING me. I went through the trouble of trying on (which is traumatizing in and of itself) and buying new bras at the store only to get them home, try them on again, and determine that I don’t think they’re going to fix the problem. It’s got to be the underwire. Kill me now.
I think I am realizing more during this pregnancy that although there are certain aspects of pregnancy that are amazing and fun… there are definitely parts of it that aren’t. I’m not one of those women who LOVES being pregnant. I cherish it for the miracle it is, and because I know that it is only temporary, I relish in it knowing that like everything in life, it is fleeting. And although I would never say never, I am growing increasingly comfortable with the idea that I think I’m going to be good with two kids. And this one’s not even here yet, which—duh—is the part that’s actually hard. So that’s saying something!
21 weeks down, 19 weeks to go.
6 Responses to 21 Weeks: Bowling Balls
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About
I'm Heather. I'm 33 and have been married to Michael for seven years. Together, we have two beautiful little girls we love more than anything, and a miniature dachshund who drives us crazy. I'm a full-time working mom who has very little time for my own "stuff" these days, like home improvement, cooking/baking, cake decorating, and photography. Despite the team not making the playoffs since 1999, I'm STILL a Buffalo Bills fan, which I think speaks to my loyalty AND sense of humor. I can't wait to pick up the pace with travel again some day... you know, when we're done being ruled by tiny fists. Welcome to my blog.
I loved pregnancy with my first (same age as Nora). I was not very fond of pregnancy with my second (6 months old). It was so much harder the second time around. Although labor was much easier and recovery was easy for the second. It is amazing how different pregnancies and children can be.
Heather, I HATE when the underwire pokes!! I found these great bra’s at Kohls, and I feel like they were sent fro heaven :) They are from a brean called Barely There…and they have a decently wide strap across the back that is supposed to hide “back fat”. Check them out. Maybe they will make you feel more comfy! http://www.amazon.com/Barely-There-Womens-Have-Wirefree/dp/B0088DB4ME
I had the same issue with bras. I ended up getting am underwire free one from Lane Bryant…which I know, pluss size store, but it’s soooo comfy and they do sell regular sizes too. I was totally surprised at how well it was like a wire bra, if you are still looking for something I would try there! Hope this helps!
Pregnancy always seems really good in theory…that is, until you are actually pregnant and are faced with the harsh reality of how fun it is not. We are pregnant with our 2nd and 3rd babies. Yes, twins. We have an 18 month old and will have 2 babies this fall. My husband is already asking if I want a 4th, to which I calmly (as calmly as any pregnant woman says anything) remind him in no uncertain terms that this is my last pregnancy and he will be happy with the 3 children I am giving him :-) This growing children thing is hard work!
You look fabulous, by the way! I swear I am probably as big as you are and am only 12 weeks. Yikes!
I love these underwire free bras– http://www.victoriassecret.com/bras/wireless/wireless-bra-body-by-victoria?ProductID=93875&CatalogueType=OLS
I can’t wait to finish with nursing bras so I can wear them again.
get yourself a bravado bra — the wireless ones don’t give you uniboob and you can wear it postpartum as a nursing bra giving you more bang for your buck. Also Elle McPhereson (I just misspelled her last name and I don’t care to google it to correct myself) has a wireless bra that is pretty and comfortable and can also double as a nursing bra postpartum. they sell it on zulily all the time and I recently saw it in Motherhood Maternity. however, the cheapest I’ve seen it is on the website herroom.com which is a great place to buy bras :)