What to Expect When You're Expecting

In the downhill slide of my fourth forty-week tour, I can tell you exactly what to expect. Expect the unexpected. As warm, fuzzy, and sometimes downright frightening as those pregnancy books are, I think they neglect a few details. At my current state, I'm experiencing things that I can't remember reading about in books. Want to hear my top symptoms right now? Okay, I thought you did...

• We're experiencing 4th of July temperatures in May. Who could have called that? As a result, I want to do nothing other than sit in the A/C with a fan on high-speed blowing directly in my face.
• Most of my pants  are too small and uncomfortable. I may wear yoga pants every day for the duration of the pregnancy unless I absolutely have to appear "presentable" somewhere. 
• Every morning when I wake up, I feel like someone twisted my spine while I was sleeping. It stays that way for a good while afterward.
• Those yoga pants I mentioned, it's really hard to get them on when you can't bend over. Tying shoes is also out.
• I'm very thankful to somehow be able to still trim my toenails....somehow. 
• I've learned that my heartburn is caused by eating ____________ (insert any food or drink item) or nothing at all. We're talking fire-breathing, people.
• My hand falls asleep every time I talk on the phone. 
• I can smell roadkill and raw sewage facilities about five miles from wherever I sit. 
• I am exhausted, but my legs are restless. That's fun.
• I saved the most unexpected for last; it's all worth it. 

The throes of pregnancy are just temporary. They are truly minor afflictions in the grand-scheme of life; and, besides, most of the 40 weeks isn't so bad! It's just the last few that are most challenging. Even still, it's my goal to maintain a pretty placid demeanor whenever possible as not offend my husband, family and friends by my current state of uncomfortableness. Instead of lashing out in hormonal rage, I've been praying and praising God instead and, it's working. Here are some things I've been practicing:

• When I feel like complaining, I try to remember to pray instead.
• When I start to dwell on my pain, I remember Christ at the cross.
• When I want sit down and zone out for the duration of the pregnancy, I remember the many undeserved blessings I've been given that need my attention even though I feel weak. I praise God for those!
• I praise God regularly for this blessing of a new baby! I can't wait to meet her and get to know her. I know that the challenges of pregnancy are worth this awesome gift!!
• Every time I check to see how far along I am (and think it feels like I should be closer to 40wks than I am), I'm thankful for the virtue of patience that is being refined in my heart.

Verses to apply: 

• Phil 2:14 - ¹⁴ Do all things without grumbling or disputing,
• Romans 5:3 - ³ And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
• Peter 3:14 - ¹⁴ But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
• Romans 8:18 - ¹⁸ For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

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This post is linked up to Grace Laced Mondays, Better Mom Mondays and Just for Fun Fridays

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