Even (Wanna-Be) Superheroes Need a Break

I'm not saying I'm a superhero. Far from it!  But a lot of times I feel like I should be one!  Especially one that had more hands to do the things that need to be done and speed. I wish I could get things done more quickly!

As a mom I try to everything I can for my kids: teaching them to be independent, teaching them basic educational skills to prep them for school, provide healthy meals, provide lots of lots of snuggles, read with them, and most importantly let them know that they are loved. Truthfully the list can go on and on.

One of the things I've been most frustrated about with this pregnancy is my lack of ability to get all the things done that I feel like I need to get done during the day. I have been so tired.  The chores have been neglected, dinners are just barely getting done before Hubby gets home. And lately more often than not, he's been bringing home dinner.  I haven't been able to make it to the gym, and I feel like a lot of our days are spent playing inside while Mama rests on the couch.

Well I now have a doctor's prescription for more rest and restricted activities.  My body has been telling me for months to slow down and I've done it kicking and screaming...well from the couch because kicking and screaming just takes too much energy!

Warning:  The next paragraphs may be TMI!

The last few weeks have been nerve-wracking. I had been experiencing some bleeding, which is not good when you are entering your 2nd trimester.  After going to the doctor she recommended another sonogram to determine placental placement. It took me two weeks to get an appointment. The first week they were completely booked and the second week I had to finagle a time when I could get care for my kids.  The technician gave me a hard time about waiting so long but it wasn't entirely my fault!

Well the week before getting the sonogram I had more spotting. After the sonogram this past Friday I had more spotting on Monday night accompanied by some cramping. After all the lab work and internal exams all they could say is all looks normal, but be prepared for  a miscarriage.  I'm 17 weeks along.  Terror filled our hearts as Hubby and I heard that.  Monday was a holiday and I was sent to Urgent Care. But they recommended I see my regular doctor ASAP the next day.

I managed to see one of the OBs in the our practice and thank goodness for his calm demeanor. He's overseen both of my previous pregnancies and I felt really comfortable with him.  He did say that while technically he couldn't diagnose me with placenta previa, I was an inch away from it. Meaning that the placenta was very near the cervix, which is causing my spotting. So even if I'm taking it easy, I might have some spotting. He gave me some good advice to know when I should realize that's what it was and when I should call to get checked out again. Though he did say, I could always call and get someone to check me out and that was fine.  He also said that the believed the cramping was not related and that I may be dehydrated. Recommendation: more water!

With that being said, I am not on bedrest, but I am on restricted activity.  I'm allowed to let the house get messy. I'm allowed to sit on the couch and watch my children play.  Yes, I can still make meals for my family, but be sensible and not do a lot.  He said it was very difficult to put me on strict bedrest because I already have two small children. But if I promised to take it easy, then I should be fine.  I have to be sensible.

I'm used to pushing the envelope a little bit. Doing a little more than I should. But the possibility of losing this baby when I can prevent it by taking it easy is enough for me! I'm allowing myself to take it easy. I'm even calling the gym to suspend my membership until after the baby arrives! (That's huge for me since I vowed that I will not gain excess weight with this pregnancy!)  I'm allowing my friends to take over for me when I need it. I will ask for help when I need it. I will sit and I will let the house get messy. I will be grateful for the wonderful husband I have who will never complain (at least to me!).

I will allow my wannabe-Superhero self to sit. I will cherish every moment I have with my children and know that everyday that this baby stays in the womb is one day closer to full-term. Praise God!