Pretty & Pregnant

Now 16 weeks pregnant, I'm to the point where you can tell I've gained weight. After 4 months, I should have gained some! I still don't feel like I look pregnant, but my stomach is definitely not as flat as it normally is. Since the day I found out I was pregnant, I've been faithfully praying that I would handle the weight gain gracefully - not stressing out over it, but just enjoying this time, knowing that thanks to my awesome job, I know how to get the weight off when that time comes.

However, I've been amazed by the words certain people have used to describe me...to my face...especially those who know that I struggled with an eating disorder during college. I thought it might be helpful to take this time to post some suggestions when speaking to pregnant women in your life. :)

It's really very simple.

Take every opportunity you can to remind her how pretty she is. During pregnancy, a woman's body goes through so many changes, she can't even keep up! It's like those insecure adolescent years...as far as bodily changes go, pregnancy is a similar time. She needs encouragement during this time that she is beautiful -- After all, there's nothing in this world more beautiful than the gift of a child.

Feel free to be creative and use your own favorite word, but here some suggestions to get you started: beautiful, charming, cute, darling, delightful, elegant, glowing, lovely, gorgeous...

Avoid any negative comment about her changing appearance. She knows she's gained weight. Even if you don't mean it in a negative way, she doesn't need you to point that out. It's as much of an adjustment for her when she puts her clothes on in the morning or looks in the mirror. Unless you are using obvious words like "pregnant," "expecting" or "with child," it's probably a good idea to stick with the words from the first list if you'd like to make a comment.

In addition to the weight gain, many women struggle with the fact that they may have paler skin, increased fatigue, acne, or dark circles under their eyes. Again, it seems like it would be common sense not to bring these things up in conversation...but again...you'd be surprised what I've either had said to me or heard said to a pregnant friend.

Words to Avoid: big, bulging, chunky, full, large, plump, fat, pudgy, round, sickly, swollen, tired, pale, exhausted, worn out...Just remember: while some of those words may be true, it's probably not the most uplifting thing that could come out of your mouth! :)

That's it! See? Told you - it's simple!

We find out if Baby Myers is a boy or girl in 9 days! We are so excited to see our little prince/princess again. He/she's gone through quite a growth spurt since our last sonogram at 10 weeks. Stay tuned!

Pamper Yourself A Little!

I've mentioned before that I've had a little bit of trouble sleeping because I can't get comfortable sleeping on my side. So today, I decided that it was time for a little bit of muscle relief. Thanks to my generous husband, I went to get my first pregnancy massage.

As great as massage is anytime, today felt extra incredible! There are just so many changes going on in your body, you can't always be precise with the source of the pain. In addition to tension relief in the muscles, prenatal massage has a lot of perks. Check out this article to read more about the benefits of prenatal massage.

In a lot of ways, pregnancy massage is very similar to a normal relaxation massage. However, just as you have certain positions you can't lay in while sleeping, you can't lay flat on your back while getting a pregnancy massage. You also reach a point where it's uncomfortable to lay on your stomach, so most of the massage will be given while you are laying on one of your sides or propped up at an angle on your back. Second, there are certain trigger spots that educated massage therapists know to avoid since stimulating those areas could cause early contractions when you are far enough along in your pregnancy. Last, make sure that your massage therapist uses only organic essential oils, such as lavender, and avoids using strong-smelling oils like peppermint. (P.S. I didn't know this before today. I'm very comfortable with my therapist, and she is used to me asking a lot of questions. Lucky for me, she's very smart and always has an answer!)

Even if you're on a tight budget, I highly encourage you to save up and splurge on a few massages during pregnancy. After all, the more comfortable and relaxed you are, the better it is for you and the baby. That's worth it, right?

One final note: Always check with your doctor on her thoughts about when you can begin pregnancy massage. Some doctors are fine with it anytime, but my doctor wanted me to wait until my 2nd trimester. But once you get the go ahead from your doctor, go for it!

Thanks to Cynthia Garcia for an amazing massage. If you are in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, check out her website to schedule an appointment for you or to buy a gift certificate for someone else. (Husbands, it would make a GREAT Christmas gift!)

My First REAL Craving!

James has been complaining because he hasn't had a "real" pregnant wife yet. Ever since I told him the story of our friend, Austen Williams, having a

watermelon dipped in queso craving, he has been waiting on me to want something...well...unhealthy.

As you know, I'm a pretty healthy eater. Instead of cravings, I've had more aversions to foods that I normally eat. In fact, I barely touched meat throughout my first trimester. Anytime he would ask me what I wanted to eat, I would want Subway or a big salad from Chick-Fil-A.

Well, last night...I'm pretty sure I made my husband's day. I saw a commercial for pretzel M&MS. Thinking to myself, "Sweet AND salty....yes please!" So, I sent James to the store, and he was instructed not to come back without pretzel M&Ms.

I only ate a handful. They tasted just as good as I thought they would. Balance and moderation... a handful is not going to hurt. Plus, I think my husband REALLY believes I'm pregnant now. Now, if I could actually start showing...

My Favorite Thump!

Thump, thump....thump, thump...thump, thump....

The sound of Baby Myers' heartbeat has got to be one of the best sounds I've ever heard. Today was my 14 week routine check-up. It was a very quick visit - I came in, gave my regular urine sample, weighed in, heard the heartbeat, and scheduled our next apppointment! But those very few seconds when I got to hear the baby were amazing...I keep trying to replay the sound in my mind.

Because of my anorexic history, I don't really weigh myself. Normally, I just monitor my weight by how my clothes fit...which is pretty much impossible right now! So, basically, I've just asked my doctor to be honest with me as to whether I am gaining the right amount of weight. Today, she said I'm right on target - I haven't gained too much, but I've also gained enough to where she isn't concerned that I'm not taking good care of myself.

On a funnier note, my maternity jeans were in the laundry on Sunday, so I had to wear my regular jeans to church. WOW, that was uncomfortable! I won't be making that mistake again!! Thankfully, I just got an awesome shipment from my good friend, Brooke Allen - she's loaning my 5 pairs of maternity pants! AMAZING! I'm so thankful for generous friends who are willing to share. Thanks, Brooke!

The next Baby Myers appointment is December 7...which is when we will find out the sex of the baby! So far, the guesses are pretty split. The Chinese calendar says boy...do you think it's right?

Changes, Changes, Changes...

So, it's been a while since I've updated...and Baby Myers has gone through a lot of changes! By the end of week 13, Baby Myers will still be tiny (only about 3 inches long)...but be a fully formed baby! I am blown away by how quickly the 1st trimester went by.

Baby Myers isn't the only one experiencing change. I'm loving the 2nd trimester energy everyone told me about! Last week, there were several days in a row when I got up, had my Bible study, worked out, AND ate breakfast all before 7 am! I feel like I am back to normal...at least for me. I'm still going to bed really early, but I don't need naps in the afternoon anymore.

I am having a little bit of trouble getting comfortable at night. I'm a back sleeper, so this whole sleeping on my side thing is a bit of an adjustment. I did go to Bed, Bath & Beyond and bought a wedge pillow, which has helped a lot. However, I still end up on the couch with Bauer for a few hours some nights. He has been a good snuggler. Usually, he doesn't like cuddling when he's sleeping, but I think he knows I'm uncomfortable. It's very sweet.

The changes don't end there. God has given James and I a new ministry assignment. After Thanksgiving, we are moving to Austin, TX to serve at Great Hills Baptist Church. James will be the College & Singles Pastor. We are going to miss our church family and friends here, but we know God is calling us to Austin. Please pray for us during our transition. Specific to Baby Myers, please pray that I can quickly find a new doctor and a great hospital to deliver.

If anyone has ever moved during pregnancy, I appreciate any wisdom you're willing to share!