22 Weeks and Feelin’… Grouchy
I had to call and apologize to my husband again this morning. If you read the blog pretty often, you probably picked up on the fact that he’s the sweetest most amazing man ever, and I’ve been a grouchy punk one more than one occasion to him. I hate it :/ This morning, I was fast asleep and had just hit the snooze button to sleep 10 more minutes –no matter what time I *want* to wake up, I always hit snooze at least once- and he rolled over to give me a hug. With a groggy, squeaky voice I said, “Stop, you’re smashing me.” So rude.
In all fairness, he did this to me:
😉
Why does being preg make you (or me, rather -haha) grouchy? Maybe it’s the lack of sleep –I can’t get comfy to save my life- the hormones, or the extra work that everything takes, but it’s kind of a bummer. I try to keep it under wraps most of the time, but sometimes the crankiness comes out. [I cried over a salad for goodness sake]
This week, the baby is the size of spaghetti squash (11 inches!) and I’m finally feeling real, legit kicks. They magically appeared about 2 days ago and I’m obsessed with them. Last night, I laid on the couch with my hand on my belly and felt the little nuggette kick away for a good half hour. Tom finally got to feel it, too, and while I think it weirded him out a little, I also think he really loved it 😉
Notes:
-Cravings and aversions have been pretty much the same (lots of fruit, salads, smoothies, spicy and cruncy), but I’ve added chicken back into the mix. It started to finally sound good to me again, which is interesting because my midwife said my iron levels were borderline low. I’m hoping that my 1-2 servings a week, along with the veggie sources of iron I usually eat (beans, quinoa, leafy greens, dried apricots) will keep me from having to take an iron supplement (which I’ve heard less than fab things about).
-Weight gained so far: 14 lbs
-I got to stop wearing my belly band for now! I originally started wearing it to hide my swimming pool bellybutton… however, my “innie” is well on its way to becoming a temporary “outie.” To wear my pants and shorts, I’ve been rocking the hair tie trick (just loop a hair tie around the button hole and then around the button a few times).
-I’m starting to think of pregnancy like a triathlon, which is funny because I’ve never done one and I can’t ride a bike or swim. But here’s my philosophy:
Part 1, first trimester = the swim. Scary land of unknown, and you spend the entire time anxious for it to be over and praying you make it. [Especially if you can’t swim, like me] First trimester was an apprehensive time for me. All of the what-ifs were constantly crossing my mind, and while I was so thankful and over-the-moon excited, I tried to be cautiously optimistic. I was glad for it to be over.
Part 2, second trimester: the bike ride. I’d imagine this would be the easiest part of a triathlon? Sandwich anything in between running and swimming (yodeling? haha) and I’d probably think it was “easier.” 😉 I feel like I’m pretty much coasting through the second trimester. My energy is pretty good –I get tired earlier than normal and need to rest more, but I cooked for 50 people this weekend so I think that’s a win- and I’m focused on enjoying this part of the ride as much as possible. We started our registry, the nursery and things are starting to fall into place.
Part 3, third trimester: the run. I’m guessing that third trimester is going to feel like a distance run: long, slow, heavy.. yet temporary. I’ll probably be uncomfortable and starting to get anxious, but then it will be over and we’ll be holding our little girl. Just like the triumph of a long race, it will be a thousand times more worth it.
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I’m in the final part of the run, and it’s a long one! But the good news is I can see the finish line from where I am now 🙂
You’re doing wonderful! Lots of spinach and lentils boosted my iron back up when it started dropping.
Love this! Good for you for apologizing to your hubby. We all make mistakes 🙂 and we all get grouchy from time to time!
Yay!! I love family posts. I especially love ‘you did this to me’ because I’m fairly certain I’ll be screaming that at the Hubs in the delivery room one day haha 🙂
Hormones are a biotch– I once was on a BCP that made me all wonky and I was a CRAZED beast of emotion. Pre-tty sure I cried over things less important than salad… just saying’ 🙂
Awwwwww you look amazing Gina!
I can totally relate to this post. I’m about 18 weeks along and have snapped at my husband on mor than one ocassion too. Usually over the smallest things too. I always feel guilty about it and I think he is just ready for my hormones to get back to normal! <– I blame this on the heat (I'm from AZ as well)!
I loved your triathalon analogy! I was so excited yet so nervous in the first trimester! Second tri is going good so far, but like you mentioned, I get tired easily as well!
Aw such a cute pregnant woman you are! I am sure that the pilot is trying to understand all that you are going through and that he does not take things too personally. Sometimes I get grumpy and snappy like that too to my hubby and I’m not pregnant. I tend to blame my hormones anyways 🙂
Love the pregnancy/triathlon comparison! I’m doing a tri this weekend, so we are kind of in the same boat? haha. Except I think your “finisher’s medal” will be a hell of a lot cuter than mine : )
Crankiness aside, I’m so glad to hear you are doing great. I’ve been following you and a few other pregnant bloggers and I’m amazed at how fast the weeks go by, I’m sure you are too! I like the triathlon comparison, although, maybe it’s more like an Ironman 😉
Can I just say that between you and the pilot that is going to be one stunning little girl. Love the preggers posts – all of these pregnant bloggers are so fun to live vicariously through. It must be amazing to have so many people across the globe be sooo excited for you 🙂
aww thank you!
It’s funny that you compare pregnancy to a triathalon. I always compared it to the Boilermaker, which is the largest 15k in the nation. It’s held near my hometown, and I run it religiously. Anyways, I said pregnancy is like the Boilermaker because when you’re at the start line, you’re really apprehensive. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve done it, you’re bound to be nervous. You “know” what to expect, but everyone’s experience is a little different! The first few miles are tough. You need to find your pace. The middle miles are fun, and you feel like you could run forever. The last three miles get tougher and tougher, but when you cross that finish line, all you can think is, “Where do I sign up to do it again?” This was my first pregnancy, and even after giving birth, I think this analogy is true.
You look adorable!
My belly button never popped. I was positive it would, especially because I was eating massive amounts of watermelon. But it just popped even with my stomach, i called it a “flat” haha!
I was very moody in the earlier months of my pregnancy. Family, friends and hubby’s need to understand, it comes with the belly! 😉
Those kicks are amazing! They get stronger and stronger, just wait! I use to watch my stomach ripple, it was so crazy!
I love these posts! When I get pregnant (hopefully about a year from now?) I will be reading these over and over and over 😉
Plus 1st trimester is like swimming because you’re sort of sea sick, hah!
Not to scare but late pregnancy can be really uncomfortable. But it makes you really look forward to labor, which is a good thing! It all goes quickly, too. I remember thinking if my baby was late I would be soooo mad. I could not wait to be no longer pregnant. I thought I’d love being pregnant, too, but eh. Everyone’s different.
Hi! Just curious…what bad things have you heard about iron supplements? I was super-anemic awhile ago due to my rigorous exercise schedule and lack of good supporting nutrition, and had to take them for a few months. I am feeling like I may be becoming anemic again, and wondered what bad effects there might be for taking iron supplements again. I try to improve my iron through diet, but when you get to a certain point, you have to take the supplements. Thanks!
I second this. I’ve been anemic for years and can not increase my iron levels without a supplement. I can usually go a month or so remembering to take them every day, then I start to forget and eventually feel like crap and realize it’s because I’m not taking my pills! I don’t really notice any bad effects so I’d be interested to hear what others have to say.
I’d also like to know what bad things you’ve heard. Judging by some comments you’ve scared a few people! Is there any actual evidence for this?
I think she means it a different way. Alot of women can’t stomach iron supplements. They make them sick.
Some women get major constipation iron supplements. MAJOR.
didn’t mean to scare anyone! i just heard they taste like death and can mess with your digestion
just heard they taste bad and can mess with digestion- nothing too horrible, but hoping i don’t have to take them
I love your pregnancy = triathlon explanation — makes sense to me and I’ve never been pregnant.
You look adorable!!!
I love the triathlon metaphor! And you look amazing as always, even with your lil spaghetti squash!
If you need to take an iron supplement, you should go to CVS and get their brand of High Potency Iron with Vitamin C pills. They’re in a box and the box is green, white and orange. I take them at night and I have not had any problems.
Also, you had mentioned in a previous post about prenatal massages. I just had one last weekend at Karma Day Spa on Tucson Blvd and 6th street and it was AMAZING! I did have to lay on my side, but they give you a ton of pillows so you’re comfortable. She really worked on my glutes, thighs, lower back… they also use all natural lotions and body products!
I’ve been a grouch this week too. Must be in the air… 😉
Gina! You’re baby bump is so cute! I love your analogy to the triathlon. So true! I just got to the RUN!! ahhh I hate running, I want back on the bike. LOL!! Love your family posts! : )
OMG LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!
You are so stinkin cute!
I like your comparison. I will keep this in mind when I have a little nugget of my own in my belly.
You look great and yes, pregnancy on one hand goes by fast but on the other hand…much more slowly. I think your triathlon analogy is a good one. The long haul mentality.
Iron…eat lots of beets! Nature’s Queen in the iron family. Just one thing I did was load up on tons and tons of beets so avoided the dreaded iron pills. Doesn’t work for everyone, of course, but in holistic circles, beets are always a great tip and thing to try.
Also blackstrap molasses. And more dark leafies. Those are some things that worked for me…hope you can avoid iron pills.
And having the ups and downs…totally normal! Hormones are fun, arent they 🙂
So cool that she’s finally kicking! 🙂
I found out from my doctor yesterday that I have low iron levels, so she put me on a chelated iron supplement. Now I’m concerned though… what negative things have you heard about iron supplements? Also, did your doctor say why your iron levels might be low?
i just heard they taste horrible and can mess with digestion. mine might be low because i haven’t been eating the usual amount of fish. i haven’t been in the mood or will just have a small amount
This might sound kooky but it worked for me. Do you have an iron skillet? I was anemic when I was pregnant and my mom gave me an iron skillet to use (advice passed down from my nana). I cooked everything in it….scrambled eggs, veggies, chicken, chili, cornbread. I still crave spinach sauteed with mushrooms and onions cooked in that skillet when I am feeling especially tired or drained.
I did have to take the supplements with my first baby but was able to cut back on the dose after a few weeks. I was able to avoid iron supplements completely during the second pregnancy even though I was much sicker with the second and my overall diet was much worse.
I really hated the supplements so I hope you can avoid it. They made me nauseous and left a weird taste in my mouth and well…I’ll just stop there.
You looks So good!!!
It’s funny…I was much nicer to my hubby when I was pregnant. I am moody when I am not…poor guy. He gets the apology calls and texts time to time too.
I totally told my OB when I was in labor that I thought of my pregnancy of my marathon. They loved it and all the nurses were saying it. Love your analogy.
To agree with Averie….I loaded up on beet greens and beets, blackstrap molasses replaced and sugar I did have i baking, etc…I did a whole iron post on how I kept that up eating mostly vegan (I ate lots more fish when I was preggo).
Swimming pool belly…haha….I was so excited when ti became a temp outi!!!
Hey Gina,
I think I remember you wrote once about the pregnancy books you have been reading and you mentionned one that Tom read (pregnancy guide for dudes, or something?). Would you mind telling me what the title was please?
thanks xx
yep, pregnancy guide for dudes 🙂
I know it feels bad to be grouchy to someone you love, but think about it this way: you have to go through 40 weeks of pregnancy, then after all that, give birth and (if you so choose) breastfeed. He has to deal with grouchiness and hormones. I’m pretty sure he still has the easier end of the bargain.
I know you may be feeling grouchy but you look absolutely gorgeous and glowing!! And I’m sure the hubs understands, especially since you’re carrying his lil nuggette! 😉
Btw, I love your Lulu shorts and tops! What name/style are they?
tadasana tank and knock out shorts
Sweet, thanks Gina! Awesome names too – leave it to Lulu 😉
I LOVE THAT ANALOGY! Makes so much sense! And I love the part about the run….its true the ending is the best part and you feel so accomplished….having a healthy, beautiful baby will definitely be an accomplishment!!!
Awwww, I’m pretty sure he knows you’re just as sweet and kind as he is when you aren’t carrying a spaghetti squash inside you, grouch-attacks aside. I treasure my sleep sooooo much and I don’t know how I’d handle not being able to get enough, perish the thought. It’ll be over soon enough and if I were a husband and my wife graciously decided to give up her body and temporary sanity to bear my child, I’d put up with almost anything. You do more in a week than I do in a month sometimes, and you’re Pregnant, cut yourself some slack. You apologized, you’re a tsunami of hormones, it aint all puppies and rainbows! I think you’re amazing and are both gonna be kick-ass parents. 🙂
I think that if there is ever an excuse to be grumpy, it is pregnancy! I am sure that your sweet Tom understands. And it is only temporary! Plus, what you describe is really barely grumpy anyways, it could be much, much worse.
LOL. I’m always grouchy and I’m NOT preggo 🙂
You are doing great! And chicken is the good to have too! You know, Natalie Portman, who was 100 % organic vegan, started to eat meat and other not vegan foods during her pregnancy, as was advices by her educator in order to sustain all the required nutrition for developing fetus. So if chicken – then be it! Enjoy and have yourself very well pampered – both fiscally and mentally – and you will be cool as always -) xo following your blog every day and dying to see ALL of you guys soon -) xo
GOod analogy. The third trimester isn’t nearly as bad as the first (if you were really sick) but the last month of the pregnancy is the longest of your life! You are a very cute and fit 22 weeks.
Great analogy. I do think it’s true too!
Love the triathlon metaphor! I just did my first, and this sounds about right (although I have no idea what being pregnant is like). By the way, you wear a spaghetti squash well! So cute! Congrats on feeling her kick, I’m sure that is such an amazing feeling!! So surreal!
At 20 weeks I am super grouchy lately!
Maybe this was already said, but I think of pregnancy more as a marathon because it can be really overwhelming if you focus on how long it really is. Right now I’m between thinking about how far I have come and how much farther I have to go. I am trying to just focus on the here and now but I cannot help but count down the days (i.e. what day am I on, what week am I in, what month am I). But then I ask myself, why am I in such a rush? I am not ready today to be a parent. I still have things to buy, daycare to plan, money to save. I guess I should be happy that I still have time left!
Also, you look great! I haven’t popped yet but its definitely starting! =)
#1: You look awesome at week 22! I’m jealous that you can still fit into your pre-preg jeans w/ the button & hair tie trick. My thighs threw down a huge veto on that setup at week 18.
#2: I’m also a huge grouch right now. Every little thing sets me off. Pregnancy hormones are crazy!
#3: Your triathlon-pregnancy metaphor was spot on. I’ve only done one tri, but it seriously identical to the tris of pregnancy!
Good luck with everything! With the iron (dietitian-here), for better absorption, avoid eating dairy (not sure if you eat dairy or not) bc calcium blocks absorption of iron but DO eat vitamin C with iron…helps absorption! Hope that helps! 🙂
i knew that about the vitamin c, but not the dairy! thank you 🙂
I am right there with ya on being a grouch to hubs (i am at 30 weeks), i feel SO bad…but i know they understand…gotta let it roll of their backs. Tom seems like he would do that:)
Hang in there girl, you look fab and are doing great – enjoy as it is flying by for me too!!!!!! The 3rd tri has been fun so far…i like the analagy, totally makes sense!
I love this analogy. AWESOME. 🙂
Sorry to say, but the grouchy hormonal portion doesn’t end when the triathlon is over. I have been grumpy this week to my husband too because I just started work after maternity leave and I feel overwhelmed and miss my baby since I don’t see him as much. Of course I’m still breastfeeding (or pumping and bottle feeding I should say) so my hormones are whacked and hubs takes the brunt of it. Poor dude.
gina- its normal to be grouchy.. when I was pregnant I was the meanest person ever… really. I felt as if I had literally NO emotion at all!! sad things happened and it wouldn’t even phase me. NO tears. ever. Even when I wanted to cry I just couldn’t. But when it came to a stupid tv show I would cry? but death in the family? no, losing my wallet for a week, no. Getting a speeding ticket. nope. milo and otis. TEARS. its crazy.
I should of just worn a shirt the whole time that says. I’m sorry. Cause I was not kind… And I am always happy and go lucky.. but I guess having 4 legs in my ribs flipped that upside down.. haha!
I love your triathlon analogy. 🙂 I’ve never been pregnant, and I’ve never done a triathlon, but it seems to make a lot of sense! You’ll be crossing the “finish line” soon enough. And imagine the awesome prize you’ll get for finishing that race! Your husband really does sound like a great guy.
Since you’re talking about hormones, and you’re in the fitness industry, I thought I’d share a little story with you… My sister is a personal trainer and was working with one of her clients on food journaling. The client called to tell my sis that a milkshake she wanted to order had over 1000 calories. What’d my sister do? She was so upset by this news that she CRIED! Her husband said, “Sarah – What’s wrong? Why are you crying?!” She told him about the shake, and he was like, “that’s stupid…” And she cried even more because she knew it was completely ridiculous to be upset over the calories in a milkshake.
That was a little long but I wanted to let you know you are NOT the only one who becomes a hormonal moody person. <3
K first of all, you are the most adorable pregnant lady ever. It suits you.
Second of all, I’ve said things like that to my boyfriend and I’m not pregnant. Either that makes your moods totally normal, or I’m just an ass ; ) From what you’ve said about the Pilot, he knows you don’t mean it!
Ha, I have enough crabby tendencies without a baby, this is one thing that I’m slightly nervous about when we have kids. But I’m sure your wonderful husband, though, does take into consideration the fact that you are pregnant and that may be why you’re being grouchy 😉
Aww I’m sorry you’re feeling grouchy! While I’m not pregnant, I have definite hormonal issues, so I can feel like quite a grouch sometimes (okay a lot) and get so frustrated because I don’t want to be!!
I say this in the most non creepy way – but I really look forward to your belly shots! It’s so exciting haha. (I’m such a long way off ever having a little nugget of my own but I do love it when friends etc have babies … my boss just had her first and I find it impossible to get any work done when bubs is around!) You look amazing!
thank you, louise!
I am sure Tom will forgive your grouchiness. My hubby only gets to hear me over Skype since he is currently deployed, and I’m sure when he gets home at the end of October and I’m 38 weeks and it will bad. You are looking great!!! I’m trying to avoid taking extra iron as well, my prenatal vitamins are bad enough, bleh.
That was always the hardest for me. Just not feeling like myself. I hated being hormonal, cranky, and grouchy all the time.
Right after I had my son, my husband picked up dinner at CPK. When he got home I realized they gave him the wrong dressing for my salad. I cried like a baby. Crazy what hormones do to you. 🙂
thank you, that made me feel better 🙂
Girl, I’m a mega grouchy pants and I’m not even pregnant. At least you have an excuse. 😉