Things I Love About Being Pregnant

I have said since I was pregnant with Gabe that I thought this act of nature is one of the strangest things a female body goes through. There are several things that I love about being in this position that I didn't really enjoy last time. First, I really enjoy being pregnant at least at this stage. I am not too big, but you can definitely tell that there is a baby in the belly. I love feeling Shelby move and seeing it too. Gabe didn't do this until later, and it's so amazing to me. Gabe has really surprised me with this whole baby thing. When he sees my belly, he smiles and talks to Shelby. Then he sticks his belly out as far as he can and says "Shelby, Shelby." I love seeing that and am anxious to see how he will actually be with her. Jeremy has been so busy lately that he has not really been able to participate in all the doctor's appointments. But it's so funny to me when we looks at me in the evening and says, "Your belly is getting so big," like he just noticed it was there. I also love the fact I have not gained any weight. this has not been on purpose, but I am really happy about it. I am hoping I don't get huge at the end, but I am really not worried about that. As Shelby gets bigger, the less room I have and really, the less I want to eat. I feel so stuffed after a bowl of cereal. I also love saying, "It's a girl." It is so exciting to me and I cannot wait to see what Shelby looks like. I also enjoy looking at all the clothes and am excited to get hand-me-downs from some friends. There are a few complaints, but not many. I have headaches almost everyday and do get nauseous on occasion. I am also having a lot of trouble sleeping and my body aches at the end of the day. But I guess everything has good and bad sides to it. And my belly looks a bit strange with no tan, but that's okay. Gabe and I are in the sun everyday and are both getting "brown as biscuits" as my mom always used to say when I was younger.

Father's Day

Oh, what a great day. It was Jeremy's first whole day off since March, so he really deserved it. We decided to not waste the day away in the apartment and go to a beautiful beach. So we drove 2 hours into Alabama and went to Orange Beach. When we got there, we just stared at the beach and Gabe kept screaching with delight. The clear water and white sand was such a sight. Unfortunately, the beach in Gulfport looks nothing like that. So we gathered ALL of our beach gear and headed to the water. Gabe was itching to get in, but remained surprisingly patient as I changed him and slathered him with sunscreen. But once I said go, he took off at full blast. He and Jeremy played forever in the water and sand. I just enjoyed the view and sat in the shade. Being pregnant in the summer is so different from the winter. I am not uncomfortable, but I do notice the heat way more. Gabe loved the waves but seemed to be scared of them at the same time. He would run right up the the water and then when it would hit him he would scream and laugh all at once. I entertained Gabe for a bit in the sand, while Jeremy took a short rest. It is really amazing to see his imagination come to life and the way he connects things together. He was so enthralled with filling his buckets with sand AND water. He got so upset if there was too much of one and not the other, already a perfectionist. Then we all got in the water and enjoyed the waves and warm breeze. I know it may sound cheesy, but it really was a great day and one that we will remember. Jeremy has worked so much since we have been here, so it was special to us.

A Bit of Freedom

Wow. It has been so nice having some time to myself. Gabe went to stay with my parents for 4 days and I have had some wonderful alone time. When I talked to my Mom she said she was exhausted and I knew just how she felt. But I am glad that she and my Dad enjoyed having him for the week. I actually went to playgroup without a child. It was really great spending time with my friends without having to worry about nap time or diaper change. I enjoyed being around everyone with no worries. I also got some packing done so that is one less thing to worry about when the time comes to move. I have read some books, worked on Sudoku puzzles and basically layed on the couch. Jeremy and I have savored the quiet evenings alone and ironically spent most of the time talking about Gabe and Shelby. Thankfully Jeremy is finally starting to get home at a very decent time and will soon have a normal work schedule. Poor thing, he hasn't had that since we moved here almost one year ago. He has done a lot of sleeping lately, which I am sure he needs at least a week to catch up on all he's missed. Every time I spoke with Gabe on the phone he sounded completely content which helped me feel more comfortable with him being gone. I have missed him, but I feel rejuvenated and ready to take care of my little wild man again ( until the next break).