Well, folks, I knew it was coming. I don’t know why it catches me off guard every time, but it does. I have never been a “little” pregnant woman. Even when I was super thin with my 2nd child, I had a big ole pregnant belly. It’s how I carry. I like to tell people I’m livin’ large. 😉
So, yes, in the past week I have gotten a handful of comments on how I cannot possibly be only 21 weeks pregnant which has only solidified my plan to never tell people my due date, but rather say, “I’m due this Winter.” It’s a nice non-committal answer.
This week’s points of interest:
*My little ones (including the almost 2 yr old) like to gather round my belly and talk to baby. Garin says, “Hello Baby,” and yesterday, Micah asked baby if he/she was playing soccer in my tummy. Funny the things little children think of.
*I’ve been working on creating a nice space for baby in my bedroom. I’ll be posting about it after we put up the bassinet. Who knows when that will be. I looked back in one of my pregnancy journals and realized I had already put up the crib and the bassinet by this time with my second child! Eeek! Cannot imagine!
*We will not be using our crib this time. I’m planning to purchase a new Pack and Play (ours has been through a lot of children and was used when we got it!) and use that for baby once he/she is out of the bassinet. You might remember with my last baby, I had a rather in-depth discussion on here about sleeping baby in a Pack and Play. Well, my friend Tami bought me a wonderfully soft quilted Pack and Play sheet from Carters and I fell in love with this sleeping arrangement. In fact, the 23 month old is still sleeping in his Pack and Play and I don’t plan to change this until I think he is ready for a toddler bed and I am ready for him to roam the halls at night. 😉
*I put in an order for Wool Diaper Covers from Sweet Little Blessings. After doing the series on Cloth Diapering Basics and getting such great feedback about wool covers, I decided to give it a try with this baby. You see, I do not cloth diaper at night. The few times I have tried it, it has been disastrous with broken-out babies. But, I’ve always wanted to try wool (which is what my friend Michaele uses with great success), so here we go!
*The Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction has kicked in. It’s not nearly as bad as it has been with other pregnancies and it is actually later showing up than usual, but it does make for some interesting times around here.
Yesterday, I cut all the boys’ hair and that did me in. As I was showering one of the younger ones to get the hair off of him, my hip locked up and there I was stuck and in pain. Of course, despite the pain, my family had a good laugh about Mommy getting “stuck.” It takes a lot of creativity to get me out of the fixes I manage to get myself in to. In fact, it isn’t uncommon to hear the 3 year old say, “Mommy, you stuck?” followed by a “I help you.” 🙂
*Overall, I feel fantastic! I tend to overdo it because I feel so great, but my family is pretty understanding of the days when I crash and burn.
And because I know my children will ask what fruit baby is today…
Kristy says
I normally don’t leave comments but I wanted to thank you for posting this. I’ve been pregnant 10 times. I have 4 angel baby’s in heaven, 5 daughters here and am 16 weeks pregnant tomorrow. (we have gender ultrasound tomorrow. When you have all girls… everyone wants to know what the next one is! lol) Anyway, I look huge compared to a lot of women who are as far along as I am. It was refreshing to read your post tonight. It’s good to know I’m not alone. Thank you <3 <3
Cheryl @ Treasures from a Shoebox says
Kristy, we had 6 girls before our first son was born. We named him Isaac~ “The long-awaited-for son”! We didn’t find out until he was born. That was a real shocker! (We’ve since had 2 more boys and 1 more girl). Everyone thought we were just trying for a boy and were surprised when we shared news of number 8.
Josi says
Here’s what I’m thinking: you were carrying a cantaloupe last week and now a banana this week….well, based on the bananas we buy, you’re actually getting smaller!! You look great and I’m just thrilled to hear that you feel fantastic. PTL! 🙂
Amy says
Yeah, I haven’t decided if they are measuring length or what…seemed a little strange to me!
Rébecca says
I can’t believe how similar our pregnancies are (I’m at 25 weeks) ! Severe morning sickness, diastisis recti, restless-leg syndrom, and now sacroiliac joint dysfunction… I’m actually learning so much from your blog, like what I suffer from is actually called ! It’s so nice to know I’m not the only one because when I talk about my symptoms around me it seems everybody says “oh I never had the slightest hint of nausea during pregnancy” or just give me a blank stare as if they don’t know what I’m talking about.
I’ve always had sacroiliac joint dysfunction in pregnancy, but since my last child (4th) over 3 years ago I have pain whenever I’m up and about too much. The pain and “getting stuck” and not being able to roll over in bed at night has started as soon as I got pregnant this time (must be the relaxin hormones) BUT I have to say that since I’ve been wearing the ContourMD belt (got it last week, I don’t live in the USA) it has helped so much ! I still have pain if I’m standing or walking a lot and still get stuck, but not nearly as bad as when I didn’t have the belt support. I didn’t even have to have my husband help me roll over in bed last night !!
Amy says
Yes, I notice the same thing with the belt! I should have been wearing it when I was cutting hair. 🙁
jennifer g says
I am going to have to look that up. I have a little “catch” in my left hip that started right after my first son was born. It has not gotten worse during this pregnancy thankfully, but it is definitely still there.
Blair @ The Straightened Path says
Amy, you look great! I have never been a small pregnant lady either. People ask me how I am feeling lately (at 34 weeks) how I am feeling. I find myself answering, “Large and in charge”. Why I say that about myself I have no idea. lol So happy to get to come along this pregnancy journey with you even if it is only via the internet. 🙂
Amy says
I probably say things about myself as a defense…I beat them to it! 😉
HeatherHH says
I’ve never sustained cloth diapering at night, because we’ve had rash problems. We used to use flatfold, then prefolds, and just stuff them fuller with a fleece liner I’d made. Well, we recently switched to BumGenius One-Size Diapers, and they are working beautifully at night with just the newborn liner stuffed in with the regular one. The lining of the diaper is wonderful, because it really feels dry even when it’s soaked inside!
Amy says
That’s good to know! I’ll have to keep those in mind.
carrie says
You look beautiful! I always looked further along than I actually was. I am only 5 foot 2 so my babies only had one way to go…out!
Best wishes.
Amy says
Yes, I figure it just how I am built. I’m 5’4″.
hsmominmo says
You look lovely, as always, Amy! What a beautiful belly! How sweet that your wee one hears all those loving voices already.
I’ve been looking at the wool covers as well. Not for me, but for a new grandbaby due in December (yay!). They will be living very nearby (yay!) so I’ll be referring my dd to your diaper series. thanks!
Amy says
Oh how wonderful they will be so close!!
Megan says
Oh my goodness, your 3 year old’s sweet words made me laugh out loud this morning! 🙂 Bless your heart, Amy. People can be so rude to pregnant women. I’m so happy for you for this baby and hope the rest of the time goes smoothly for you.
Amy says
The worst comments are the ones that are not actually spoken to you but muttered as you go by. Learning to get a thick skin. 😉
Cheryl @ Treasures from a Shoebox says
There are those who look “adorably cute” when pregnant, and then there are…US! I get huge during pregnancy (but in my defense, my last two babies weighed over 11 lbs each). Hey, I have that same maternity shirt! Glad all is going well.
Amy says
My last one was over 11 as well!
Sharon says
Hi Amy,
I am a mother of 9 and I also carry large. I try not to take on board people’s comments about my size. The worst comment I ever received was from a seriously skinny lady who said ” I forgot how huge you get at the end of the pregnancy.” I SO felt like punching her in the nose right then (not very christian I know, but it did make me mad). I was already feeling huge and uncomfortable and it didn’t help.
My Dr said that people just dont know what to say, so they say something about you being big for dates or small for dates. Since hearing that I realise that it is just something people say without thinking about how it makes the pregnant girl feel. I also feel rather sorry for obstetricians who must have women crying to them all day about this LOL.
I always have to sleep with a pillow between my legs and turn over very carefully and slowly. A chiropractic belt has helped me keep my hips in place when they were bad. When that failed I’d end up at the chiropractor. I have had some improvement from strengthening my stomach muscles through exercise. I need to get back to that
(virtual hoola hooping on wii fit).
Praying that the rest of your pregnancy will go as smoothly as possible.
God Bless,
Sharon
Amy says
The chiropractor couldn’t fix me last time, so I’m just learning to cope. And yes, I should have had my maternity belt on!
Rachel Q says
Soccer! Love it =) Maybe THAT’S what my baby is doing in there. Sometimes I think she’s trying to push her little arms and feet through my sides so she can escape earlier.
Glad you are feeling well…I’m with you on creating baby space. I HAVE TO GET THE BASSINET washed and ready. This baby could be here any day!
Hope all continues to go well for you. Take it easy! =)
Amy says
LOL – funny how it gets later and later with each baby! Congrats!
Kira says
I think you look beautiful! There’s no fun in being pregnant if people have to look at you and wonder if you are pregnant or just getting fat. 😉 At least that’s what I told myself when I looked like I was ready to pop at 24 weeks.
Amy says
Aww, thanks!
Mary A. says
I think you look beautiful and just wanted to stop in to say congratulations again on your pregnancy. It always surprises me the comments people think are appropriate to shower a pregnant woman with- and telling her how huge she is never made it on my favorites list in this pregnancy, or my first. Apparently I’m somewhere between carrying a pumpkin and honey dew melon this week, so that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it! 🙂
Amy says
Good excuse!
Molly says
You look great! I’m not a ‘little’ pregnant person either. I get as round as a I am tall. After baby #1, a pastor’s wife commented, “wow, such a tiny peanut (had a baby girl 6lbs 14oz) for as big as you were.” Um, yeah.
Love the ‘due this winter’ comment. That’s perfect. Praise the Lord for this baby and pregnancy going so much better. So excited for you. 🙂
Amy says
Oh my! I bet that made you feel wonderful!
Seastar says
When I had my first baby we were living in a one bedroom apartment and didn’t have room for a crib. I got a pack in play and she slept in that. It even doubled as a bassinet for the first few weeks. The plan was to eventually get a crib but it never happened. Once she could climb out of the pack n play (at about a year and a half) we just put her in a normal bed and that was that. We did the same with the next and the next, the crib idea totally forgotten. My youngest even had the pack n play set up in my walk n closet and that is where she slept until she was well into her 2nd year. (she was slow to climbing out). It worked out perfectly for us and was so nice to be able to just take with us when we went to Grandma’s house.
Amy says
We had our last in a walk in closet too!
Emily Fay says
I carried the same way, and always received lots of comments on how big I was! lol Glad to hear things are going well. Hope you have a beautiful weekend~
Amy says
Thank you!
Jamie says
HA! Sorry to say I can relate to your “living large” comment. I am doing that very same thing. Our little girl, Elena will is 28 wks going strong and making her Momma look like she is having twins 🙂 I don’t mind it I think with my first 3, I was like..excuse me..When someone would say something but last year we lost a sweet little girl at 33wks. This changed everything for me. I am excited with every moment and I am sure you understand. Keep thinking good thoughts and remember “those” people are just so excited about that precious baby that they expect to see it sooner than it’s ready 🙂
Karla says
I’m pregnant with our third and I already feel huge. It doesn’t help that everyone else pregnant I know is thin and stays relatively thin. *sigh* When I get pregnant, I get pregnant all over. I like that answer – “due this Winter.” People always want to know the DATE, though.
I’m curious about wool covers, too! I’m already into cloth diapering but would like to try a better cover option, especially since my current PUL covers are one-size. I was thinking of buying wool sweaters at a consignment store and making my own soakers, so we’ll see.
Samantha says
I’m only 17 weeks and I get comments about how since I’m over weight that no one will ever be able to tell that I’m pregnant since I’m so fat. Some times the comments people say are cruel. It makes me wonder if they ever think before they speak. This is my technically 6th pregnancy as we lost the last one and I have to admit that I am tired more easily that I ever was with the other 4 children.
Stephanie says
I am so glad that I am not the only one that uses a pack n play.. our little man will be 1 next month and he is still in his pack n play! 🙂 (and still in our room) we are waiting for the final room to be finished!
Tracie says
I feel your pain! I always show VERY quickly and am way bigger than most. I remember with my son I was 8 weeks along and my friend introduced me to a friend and said I was about 5 months along, right? Uh, no. *Hangs head* But I like the fact that I don’t have to suck in my tummy any longer, so I let it ALL hang out. Ha!! I’ve enjoyed so much reading your blog. We decided recently to let God take over the planning of our family. It has brought so much peace. So we are patiently waiting to see what He has for us.
Elise says
I would say be thankful people realize you are pregnant. I am 5’3 but very busty and cary kind of long, up and down for most of it. The most hurtful comments I get are towards the last month when people say ” I did not realize you were expecting!” Great, so they just thought I was getting fatter 🙁 I have had people walk up to me after the baby was born and say ” Is this your little one? I did not even realize you were pregnant. ” It has been especially hard this time around because my daughter was stillborn a few days before my due date. People at church are really confused if I bring up the daughter we lost and panic thinking something happend to my oldest. I have to say no, I was pregnant and go into the whole story….
Congratulations on your blessing and I pray people are kind to you this time around.
Amy says
Oh, I am so sorry. I’m sure that is very difficult to deal with on top of your own grief.
Brooke says
I have been carrying big since baby #2. I am on #4 now and almost 26 weeks. People finally quit asking me if I was expecting twins. 😛 My last two like/liked to hang out transverse (sideways) so that doesn’t help at all either! Hopefully this one will turn head down in the next month or two like the last did.
Crystal @ Serving Joyfully says
I was big with both my babies as well, and I looked about like you at 21 weeks. It got to be so frustrating! Some days, if someone asked a question about my due date, I would just say “I’m due August 28th. It’s not twins, and yes I know I’m huge.” Some days I just couldn’t handle the “Wow, you’re not due till the end of August? You’re huge?!?” or “You have to be having twins.” comments, because it happened about 12 times a day, and was always followed by hilarious laughter like the person thought they were the most clever person ever…lol. It gets old, people! lol
Amy says
LOL!
Vanderbilt Wife says
I know this is insane but I wish I would show sooner. I hate the just looking fat(ter) part of pregnancy. I want to look pregnant! I thought with this one maybe I would show sooner, since it’s #3, but so far, no go. With my second I was still wearing regular clothes at 22 weeks. Insane.
Thanks for your candid telling it like it is about pregnancy. I hate that it is painful for you. 🙁
Jessie
Amy says
I have a friend who purposely bought regular clothes that had high waists in them so she would at least feel like she was wearing maternity clothes. 🙂
Katena says
Well you look great and after 6 boys I always never was a small pregnant woman either. I am glad things are going better and you made me laugh when you get stuck. I get stuck even without being pregnant congrats and thanks for keeping us posted.
Emily Q says
I’m expecting my fifth and even from the first pregnancy I have hear “Oh my! You should get another ultrasound. You are much too big to be only ___ weeks!” It’s aggravating but I have learned to just let it go for the most part. I’m ecstatic to be eight weeks and not have moved out of my normal pants yet. Usually by now I have already gotten a bloated looking bulge. So, I understand the way you feel. 🙂
nancy says
Hey there!
I TOTALLY understand- like when people start asking “how many days left?” and you’re still counting up in months, much less counting down in weeks or days 🙂 Oh well- the baby is worth it- it is our priveledge 🙂
His,
Nancy
jennifer g says
I am at 28 weeks and I feel (like I look) huge. Even so one lady at church didn’t know I was pregnant and told my mil (who was only too happy to share with me) that she thought I was getting fat and was just one of those women who carried my fat in my belly.
Melissa says
I don’t normally comment, but I have to commiserate with you. I am 30 weeks pregnant for the 9th time. I have 5 in heaven and have 3 boys (this one is a girl) but this is the 5th time I’ve been THIS pregnant. So, my body knows exactly what it’s doing and how to get there the most effecient way…lol! I was showing early and in maternity clothes full time before I was out of the first trimester. I have been getting comments since about 16-18 weeks about how I look like I’m ready to pop. It gets old. Now, when I’m asked when I’m due (Nov 18th, but I tell people end of Oct because I’ll have a scheduled csection then), I get big eyes and looks of surprise because I know they think I’m due any moment. LOL! I think I may take up your idea and just say, this fall…lol!
Tari says
Hi Amy,
I would absolutely love a big pregnant belly-I bet you look adorable! With my 4th, people started getting comfortable with making comments to me about how I just look overweight (which I’m not) when I’m pregnant. They say I just look like I put on the “freshmen 15”. Well, whatever! I’m with you–if I am blessed with another baby I sure hope to be thicker skinned! I’m done asking the Lord to have a huge pregnancy belly. He made me who I am and onlookers can keep guessing whether I am pregnant or just fluffy. I will keep loving them and happy that I am blessed by so much:)
Tammy H. says
I’m livin’ large too! I’m 27 weeks along, but look like I’m ready to give birth now! Sometimes I feel like it too. Hee, hee. I don’t mind the “big” comments (as long as they’re not completely rude), as I always thought pregnant ladies were supposed to be big anyway. There’s a BABY in there! =) I also figure size is proportionate as I’m not a petit, slender lady who gets the tiniest little bump that looks more like I’m carrying a tumor than a baby, and my babies are 9 pounders at birth.
We can live large, and be thrilled with the blessing growing in us at the same time! =)
Ann Finch says
I always read your posts with great joy and interest. They have been a blessing to me. I believe my daughter, Rachel, follows your blog as well, and enjoys it, too. She has had trouble bone and joint pain during her pregnancies and has found that essential oils have REALLY helped! We get our essential oils from Heritage Essential Oils. The one my daughter has used with great success for bone and joint pain is (surprise!) called “Bones and Joints”. 😉 There may be others that would work for you. This is just a thought! Rachel never thought an essential oil could possibly work for her awful pain during pregnancy–but–it DID!
Hope you continue to have a wonderful pregnancy. Such a joy to add another little one to the mix!
God bless you.
Ann
Amy says
Thanks for the info!
Nicole Hale says
Honey – I was ALWAYS big too – I started showing like 5 minutes after I took the home pregnancy test!!! I also know it’s hard – just remember the end reward of a healthy baby!!! Blessings!!!
Ashley W says
My sister had her baby yesterday and I got to go hold him the first time today! He is only 7lbs 2oz. My smallest baby was 7lbs 14oz so he seems so small to me! :o)
Hannah says
I’ve had to have a thick skin too with this pregnancy since I’m so HUGE (although baby is measuring exactly where he should be!). The “best” comment I’ve gotten so far was from my husband when he saw a very pregnant news anchor on tv one night and very innocently said, “Look at that. She blows up like you do when you’re pregnant.” It was so unexpected that all I could do was laugh about it. Poor guy couldn’t figure out where he went wrong with that comment, LOL.
Julie Nitz says
I usually look bigger than my weeks pregnant, too. Since I Freebirth, I get comments like, “Are you SURE you’re not having twins?” lol Depending on which hormonal wave I’m riding at the moment, it usually doesn’t bother me.
Shalom,
Julie
Amanda L says
My little peanut is still in a pack & play – she just turned 2 and she sleeps in it right beside our bed! I’ve always felt a little badly about it (I know it doesn’t seem super comfy to me), but she still fits nicely, seems to sleep great and certainly isn’t complaining. Her little brother/sister should be making an appearance any time now (he/she was technically “due” the 5th), and we aren’t ready to “boot her out” into her own room yet, especially with a new little love coming. So for now, it’s co-sleeper on one side, pack’n’play on the other, and hubby and I in between. Haha, you do what works, right?
You’ll have to keep us posted on how the wool covers work… I had a horrible time with cloth diapers at night too!
Glad to hear you’re feeling well 🙂
Amy says
I will keep you posted!
Andrea says
Amy, you look great! Also, I know it’s been some time since you posted it, but thank you so much for writing about your journey with diastasis! I have had this condition since baby #1, and now I’m pregnant with #6 and already dreading how I’m going to deal with the jelly belly postpartum! I enjoy following your blog, many blessings to you and the rest of your pregnancy!
Sarah says
I feel your pain! I only have three, but with the last two by mid second semester strangers were asking when I was due…as if it could be any day! With my last one a friend said, “Well, get used to it,” making me feel huge (I was 🙁 and I went home and nearly cried. I ended up with bad diastasis recti and had to have surgery on a large umbilical hernia 3 weeks after I delivered. BTW, did you finish the 5 month exercise plan for that? I ordered it, had trouble with the splint, and never did it 🙁 I got the green light to have another baby a year after my surgery, but I’m scared to get pregnant again…anyway, wondering if it worked for you. Congratulations on your baby!
Sarah says
Uhhmm, trimester, not semester 🙂
Amy says
I had two miscarriages this winter, so no, I did not finish the program, but plan to start back in about 6 weeks after baby comes. 🙂
Sarah says
Oh, I’m so sorry! I lost my first baby and it’s always hard. So glad you’re doing well now, and praying for this new little baby!
abba12 says
I have the opposite problem, and really, despite what people say it’s not any better on this side of things! I FINALLY ‘popped’ this week. Now instead of looking 16-20 weeks pregnant I look 24 weeks, maybe even 28 weeks in some evenings! That’d be fine, except for the fact I’m 34 weeks! For me it’s a combination of treated hyperemesis that lasts all pregnancy, carrying in an unusual way, and I suspect a lower than normal water level, though the doctors haven’t said anything yet. I only just regained the weight lost during the first trimester, and I’m hoping to put on a little more between now and due date, so I’m at my pre-pregnancy weight once the baby arrives. With my first I was lighter at term than I was pre-pregnancy, and it wasn’t healthy for me. The lightest I have ever been as an adult was while 4 and 5 months pregnant. The next lightest time was directly after the birth of my first child.
But carrying so small has it’s negatives. For one, while my back is fine with it, my hips hate it, the pressure is directed and concentrated instead of spread, and the wrong positioning of baby can render me almost immobile as things wedge and press against each other. Strangers aren’t terribly helpful either, I am still small enough to be ‘just fat’ so there’s no giving up seats or other courtesies. But the worst thing I’m finding now is that there’s just no padding between baby and the outside world. When it moves it’s arm, I have a very hard, very tender lump protruding out of my belly, until my skin simply won’t stretch any further. Baby bellies aren’t usually lumpy, but mine definitely is. If my toddler presses against any skin that also has the baby inside pressing or in any way resting against it, it HURTS, because there’s so little between them. I regularly have to physically push the baby’s elbows and feet back inwards with my hand because it feels like the baby is almost going to push right through, my belly visibly wriggles and bounces by itself in quite a pronounced manner when the baby is awake. and I’m quite nervous about any minor bumps or falls because there is simply so little protection. To top it all off, I couldn’t breastfeed the first time and am preparing for troubles this time, simply because I have no extra fat to turn into cream, which is vitally important for breastfed babies, they can’t survive off the watery foremilk alone, baby needs my calories.
I know the grass always seems greener, but I hope it makes you feel just a little better hearing that the other extreme is just as bad. God knew what he was doing when he made pregnant women put on weight and gain a physically larger belly (which is not always weight, as I’m guessing is partially the case for you) That weight is sustenance to your baby while it’s both inside and outside of you. That belly and fat offers protection and padding, which makes you more comfortable as the baby gets bigger, and acts as protection for the bubs inside. If a big belly takes a bump, the baby has more room to be pushed back, a small belly offers very little ‘give’. Obviously you have more space and/or weight than you need or want, but too little is just as bad as too much.
I think you look great, and I kind of envy you. Oh how I’d love to look as pregnant as you do. Maybe when I hit term and bubs is just growing bigger I’ll show some more. Be proud of your belly, even if it’s bigger than ‘normal’, it’s proof for the world to see that a miracle is happening inside you, and you’re busy doing one of the hardest and most amazing jobs there is, growing a little life.
Amy says
Most of the time, I’m just fine with my size, but it’s when I have to spend a great deal of time out in public that I get very tired of the comments. And about the giving up seats for pregnant women…here in the states that seems to be non-existent. :(. (hugs) – thanks for sharing your perspective.
Susan says
o.k. I am glad to know that I am not the only one who is huge. i am pregnant with baby number 9 and I am only 11 weeks along. I am embarressed to say that I am growing out of my clothes already. My doctor even checked for twins. How crazy is that. I can only imagine how I will be at the end of this. I like your idea of not telling the due date I think I will just say I am due inthe Spring of 2013.
Tina Williams says
I’m sending my niece the link to your blog. She is pregnant for the first time and I’m sure she’ll love reading and getting some tips from you. The Pack N Play idea is great, I think. Thanks very much! 🙂
Candace says
I hear you on the big belly comments! I get big early in pregnancy. People insist I must be carrying twins EVERY TIME! I’m used to it though, so it doesn’t really bother me.
Here’s my belly at 18 weeks (when most people I know still aren’t showing much): http://www.sacredmommyhood.com/2012/06/18-weeks-almost-half-way.html
I am 30 weeks now. And feeling big everywhere else too! We’ll just live large together! ; )
Amy says
Awww, you’re so cute! Thanks for sharing and livin’ large with me! 🙂