- Sweet pickles are the best thing in the world right now. But maybe they’re not as great as Haagen Dazs strawberry sorbet or raspberry sorbet. Obviously the little things get me going! Or maybe it’s just food that gets me going.
- I am about two weeks away from reaching my limit with maternity clothes. I expressed these opinions during my pregnancy with Hudson, but I just don’t love pregnancy. I spend so many weeks being sick, then wearing the same clothes over and over again, and then hobbling around because I’m so uncomfortable. I love to feel the baby move, but it also kind of gives me weird motion sickness when he moves a ton. I’m just ready for my baby to be here for me to hold!
- I have some big concerns about this summer. Hudson doesn’t have school in the summer and I worry about him getting bored at home when his baby brother and I can’t really leave the house yet. Thank goodness KK will be here for a while to keep him entertained and to spoil him to no end. He won’t even know he has any reason to be jealous!
- I get super competitive. And not over things that should matter, but over silly things like card games and board games. TC and I bought Connect 4 (yes, we are children) one night at Target because we thought we’d have a good time. But I hate to lose and I usually did lose. Except the times he let me win because I was so sad about losing. (I probably shouldn’t have admitted any of that.)
- I struggle with loving other people’s kids. Okay, correction. I love my friends’ kids and my friends with kids know who they are. If I tell you that I love your child, then I love your child. (Blog and IRL friends whose children I have met – or haven’t met- and have told you I love them, then I really do!) But I don’t love kids just because they’re kids. And I realize that not everyone loves my kids. I have some super respect for teachers who deal with other people’s kids (and parents) on a regular basis. I like to be able to correct a child without feeling like I’m going to get in trouble! Please don’t think I’m mean-spirited because of what I just said. I’d just prefer to spend my time with adults. I think this is why God has put me in positions to work with families and children in a volunteer capacity. My patience level has greatly increased in the last few months when it comes to this topic.
- I sneezed yesterday and I thought my body had been turned inside out! Why does it hurt so bad to sneeze when you’re pregnant?
- I had a little more than 5 inches of hair cut off this week. It basically looks the same just lots shorter. But apparently not short enough for most people to notice. So I guess that’s a good thing? Because I already really miss every single one of those inches. I don’t want to be the crazy hair lady with hair down to my butt. I only had super long hair for a couple of years, but I’m already having an identity crisis. Someone slap some perspective across my face and tell me to snap out of it.
- It really bugs me when people just come right out and ask me if I’m planning to breast feed. I know it’s not a super personal topic for a lot of women, but I still feel super private about it. Which is why I didn’t talk a whole lot about it when I breast fed Hudson.
- Would you believe that I am a private person even though I put so much of my life on the internet?
I’m an elementary art teacher (off this year w/ my daughter), but dealing with other peoples kids is HARD WORK. Oh my gosh. And its true, its hard to “love” them all sometimes. I mean , I care for them, their well being, etc. But, ugh. They aren’t YOUR kids, ya know?
I feel opposite about breastfeeding for some reason. I just don’t think of it as a private thing- I don’t know. (Obviously personal opinion!) I for some reason like to talk & blog about nursing to take the fear/unknown/etc out of it for other new moms. Since, there is a lot of that.
And confession: everytime I sneezed while pregnant I peed a little.
Thanks for the update Erin! I am super private too-I have about 20 blog entries saved as ‘drafts’ because I write them and then don’t want to send them into the online world…too funny!
You’re hilarious!
We’re super competative too. We’ve gotten in giant fights playing board games and air hockey/pool/tabletennis.
I’m actually pretty private too — yet I put my life on the internet. I can’t beleive people ask you about breastfeeding. That’s so intrusive. Although I can attest that people ask insensitive questions all the time.
I get what you are saying about not loving all kids or at least loving being around them. I am not a kid person. Its not mean spirited its just a personal preference or comfort level. I love my niece and always will…but it doesn’t mean I am prepared to spend the afternoon with any other 1 year olds.
The one thing about pregnancy that I truly dread (besides labor and delivery) is that people think they have the right to touch your belly and ask overly personal questions. It is not okay.
Ummm…hubs and I have recently started playing words with friends and talk about competitive!!! I swear we are always neck and neck till the very end! I don’t mind losing but winning sure is fun!
Where do you get your hair done? My lady moved so now I’m on the hunt again for a new place.
Wait—it hurts to sneeze when you’re pregnant?! What?! I never knew that.
I am the same way with games. I hate to play them with my husband because I turn into a five-year-old and pout if I’m losing, so I’m hesitant to play with anyone but him.
Haha, I like these truth-telling posts 🙂 I am not a fan of pregnancy either, which surprised me, I always thought I’d love it. Nope! Love the baby, not the pregnancy! I do like children in general, but those who aren’t disciplined, I have a real problem with them. And I have an issue with expecting everyone to discipline for behavior that I would discipline for.
Amen to breastfeeding questions! Just because you’re having a baby does NOT give people permission to ask you such personal questions! I work in an open office, with mostly men, and I have one annoying female co-worker. She yelled to me one day if I was going to brestfeed, and everyone on the floor heard! Sooo embarrassing!
I’ve never had a baby, but I’ve read a few blogs where they have the same opinion about breastfeeding, why do people ask so many questions about it? Is there a good or bad way to feed your child? Why does it matter so much?
Ha, love this post and your honesty. I also don’t “love” all children. I love my niece and nephew to pieces and my friends kids but that’s about it. I know I will no doubt love our little girl but I’m with you I prefer adult company. There should be warning about sneezing during pregnancy as I’m pretty sure my abdomen ripped this morning when I sneezed. Best of luck to you these next few weeks!!
Love the truth telling! I hated the breastfeeding questions that turned into well why aren’t you breastfeeding don’t you know it is the best? Sometimes I would get so annoyed I would launch into the reasons that I couldn’t breastfeed….preemie baby, extended hospital stay, bloody diapers, allergies, etc! Most of the time I would just tell them that Hudson couldn’t latch and that would be the end of it.
Have you checked to see if there are any summer camp programs for kids (your) Hudson’s age around town?
you are not alone, my friend. i am not really a “kid” person either – except for the ones i like. haha. i know it sounds mean but i don’t mean it that way. i’m not really a cat person either. i don’t hate cats and don’t mind petting one every now and again but i’d never personally want to clean the liter box. should i compare kids and cats??
i didn’t talk about breastfeeding either on my blog. i did however mention that i’ve never said the word “breast” so much in my life. i don’t blame you. and to be honest, i don’t care if you nurse your baby or not. i’ll still be here to read your blog and see sweet pictures of your new little man! stay strong. he’s almost here!!!!
Wish I could’ve read this both times I was pregnant. I felt so guilty for not liking being pregnant–like people would take that as me not being thankful for my baby on the way. I was SO thankful!! But it was hard to be sick, feel terrible, unable to breath, and all the while chase a toddler around and cook and clean! Yes, lovin’ the babies but not so much those pregnancies:)
The sorbet looks delish! I love Connect 4!
I am glad I am not the only one that just doesn’t care/like other people’s kids! I like “my” kids (aka my niece, children of dear friends), but I just don’t have an interest in kids for kids sake. People make you feel like that means you shouldn’t have children or something, but I know I will love my own children when I have them. I did roll around going to nursing school to be a L&D nurse for several years, which I guess is odd considering what I just said about kids! ha…
Do yall play Sequence? That’s our favorite board game!
I have a friend who started working full time and wanted to be sure she could keep her daughter entertained over the summer. She ended up enrolling her in day camp and it was awesome. Her daughter got to hang out with kids in a super casual environment and make fun projects. Maybe there is something like that in your area Hudson would enjoy.
I think you can be a very private person but put your life out on the Internet. I’m a pretty shy and private person, but, you’d probably never know that reading my blog. I’ve been trying to grow my hair out for probably 4 years–it’s finally what I consider “long”, but, you have the most beautiful hair! I’m so jealous!
Ugh, I hear you on the breastfeeding. Eventhough I am breastfeeding, I get endless comments about it, how long will I nurse, am I supplementing, etc… I guess people do not know what to say. Best say nothing! Just congrats! I wish my body just hurt with I sneezed when I was pregnant. Instead, if I had a full bladder (which I always did), I peed my pants. Boo! Pregnancy is not so glamorous.
Thank you for the shout out to teachers. You cannot believe the excuses we hear for bad behavior (and why we shouldn’t take privileges from their child). I’m with you on pregnancy. Other than the baby moving and the fact that you don’t have to worry if your stomach is sticking out, it’s not so great. Hang in there . . . your little man will be here soon.
Erin,
I can sympathize with so many of your pregnancy posts! I have a 5.5 month old and am 15 weeks pregnant..(yes my children will be 11 months apart lol)! With both pregnancies I have been completley caught off guard when people ask me if I am planning to nurse. I am not sure why people care so much. With my first pregnancy I always responded “I will try” but this time around people ask a) If I am currently nursing and b) Do I plan to nurse the next one. I find myself backed against a wall, as there is no easy way to respond without giving way to much personal information about my struggles with nursing. I am sure people dont mean it but I can’t help but feel judged if I don’t answer correctly. I am sorry that people ask you as well, but I am glad I am not the only momma who dreads this question.
I am with you on the kid thing. I generally love all of my friends’ children, but kids in general can drive me a bit crazy. Now that my boys are in elementary school, I have less control over the children they interact with. Mine have started saying “Not to hurt your feelings, but…” which is exactly the kind of kid phrase that is like fingernails on a chalkboard to me. They informed me that they got it from a friend at school…ugh!! Mine tend to talk like little adults, and I am praying they don’t end up picking all kinds of those “kid phrases” up. I have found that if I like the adults, I usually like their kids; if I’m not crazy about the adults, usually not crazy about their offspring either.
You always crack me up so much! Little kids always reprimand me? What is that about? My son’s little friends are like, “you already said that, or my mom lets me!” (You can leave now…HA ,not really)! I remember the motion sickness feeling, not fun. I don’t think your fat free sorbet needs to be a confession. When you polish off a box of Dove ice cream bars , the we’ll talk.
As the wife of a teacher, I can understand your comment about loving other kids. He has to deal with some crazy situations and crazy parents everyday… the stories he comes home with!! And it hurts when you sneeze when you are pregnant? OMG! I sneeze HUGELY too! I mean whole-body-wracking sneezes! I think I’m in for a hard time with that! Yikes!
I am sooo in love with all of your posts…it is almost like we have the same mind. Haha…But in all seriousness I know what you mean….I HATE, HATE, HATE for people (except my husband) to ask questions about my pregnancy, touch my stomach, etc… I’ve had some complications with this second pregnancy too, and even though everyone means well, I get soooo tired of people asking “How are you feeling?” Doesn’t that sound selfish and ungrateful for their thoughtfulness?! I also do not really enjoy being pregnant…nothing about it is pleasant…stretch marks, waddling, constantly peeing on yourself, backaches, hips hurting…I could go on and on about everything I hate about it 🙂
I am also a teacher…although I have not worked since Christmas due to pregnancy complications…but it is impossible to love all kids…you just have to learn to tolerate them and know that one good thing is there is always a new group coming next year.
I wish we could talk in person…I honestly feel as if we are best friends because of your blog. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy.
I can totally relate to the hair thing. I’m getting ten inches cut off this coming week. It will still be just below the shoulders, but its going to be a BIG change. It’s definitely not a spontaneous thing and I told someone recently that I’ve had to grieve, in a way, the fact that I’m cutting off so much. It does feel like I’m losing a part of my identity, but then Im reminded that I shouldn’t put my identity in something so material anyway and I’m blessed to still have so much hair.
I totally get where you’re coming from on the not loving kids just because they’re kids thing.
When I was pregnant with L, my cousin’s son was about 4 months old, and the family kept trying to pawn him off on me to hold and cuddle, thinking that I was just overflowing with maternal hormones. NOTsomuch. I didn’t want to feed him, hold him, change him. None of it. Partially because his mom and I have never gotten along, but also, I don’t just love ALL children. I love my child, I love my friends’ children that I’m around… I think H is a doll-face 😉 But… yeah, totally get it.
Also, I hated being pregnant too. And I’m not really looking forward to it the 2nd time around. That’s why we’re only having 2- because I was kind of miserable the whole time. I love that you admit it: people usually look a me like I’m a horrible person when they gush about pregnancy and then ask my opinion and I give an honest answer. I loved the result, but not the process.
Yum, raspberry sorbet is one of my all time favorites…in a waffle cone!
xoxo
HA! Loved that because I too don’t care for pregnancy AND I don’t love being around kids all the time. I was so scared of what I would feel like when I was pregnant, because kids drove me nuts. Turns out I love being a momma so much, but I still don’t just love all kids! ha
Not a fan of being pregnant myself, but you are a trooper for going through it twice. I hated the pregnant sneeze!
I’m totally with you about the kid thing. I love my friend’s kids and like you if I tell somebody I love their kids then I LOVE their kids. But today was my day to volunteer in my youngest child’s kindergarten class and I seriously wanted to take a child out in the hallway and chat with him. Actually, I wanted to send his behind to the principal. I spoke to him as much as I felt comfortable to with being a volunteer and the child being my neighbor…but OH MY! I thought I was the only person that felt that around some kids. I feel for and admire the teachers so much because they have more patience than imaginable.
Maybe a new piece of maternity clothes or some pampering will help you feel comfortable in them for a little while longer.
We were SO meant to be friends!
I’m also super competitive. It’s bad. One time, B was beating me so bad at tennis and I just could not catch up that I sat down and cried in frustration. Then when he walked off because he couldn’t deal with me, I chased after him and told him we had to play til I caught up. What is wrong with me?!? I was pretty hormonal at the time.
Also- I’m not a kid person. Still. I mean, I like mine (duh) and I like some of my friends (not even all of them because some are bad!!), but most of them? not a fan. If I interact with the child, I like it. It’s a small group. You know I love H. I let him crawl in my lap! Doll baby!
And while I talk about the fact that b*reast feeding didn’t work for me, I don’t like to actually talk about it. And when people whip it out (I’m so going to get crucified for this) in public, I’m still like “woah! It’s a boob”. Apparently I’m 12. Or freakishly private.
I’m going to quit now. I don’t think I’m earning friends with this comment 😉
Oh my gosh! I am SO competitivevwhen it comes to platings with my husband. He always wins (typical) and I end up in a pouty mood–ha!!
**playing games**
Typing with a baby is tough:)
Haagen-Dazs strawberry ice cream is my favorite. I haven’t tried the sorbet.
I love that you’re competitive at games…I’m just picturing you playing Connect 4 and getting angry. LOL Alex likes to play Scrabble with me because he knows he has a larger vocab than me and will always win. HAHA! I’m not competitive at board games…but I am at sports…hate to lose!
You really have a great Mom. Taking care of Hudson is the best thing she can do for you when the new baby arrives.
It’s hard for me to work with other people’s kids because I find myself wanting to discipline them the way I would my own and I can’t. I wasn’t called to be a teacher – that is for sure. 🙂
You have great hair. Maybe I need layers…mine seems to just hang and is so boring. I get tired of it all of the time. I can’t cut it real short though or my face will look even bigger than it already does.
Okay, I’ve said enough. 🙂
Have a great weekend, girl!
I LOVE that you admitted that about playing games. My husband and I are super competitive, and I pout SO badly when I lose. Especially when I lose repeatedly. I’m such the bad sport!
On another note, I love blogging (writing, really), but I’m a very low discloser. I don’t know that anyone would really KNOW me just by reading about me.
Hang in there, mom! You’re doing great. I’m sorry you’re working though so much physical discomfort–hope you can make time to do whatever makes you feel better!
I totally agree that it’s weird when people ask if you plan on breastfeeding. You know what’s even wierder? Having the Reverand who married us ask me if I was breastfeeding – WTH????
I’m in the beginning of my first pregnancy and my only comfort was thinking that I’ll start to feel better soon when I’m not puking every day… But now i.m extremely scared for how I’m going to feel later! It’s like torture and I don’t think I want to do this again 🙁
oh i’m super competitive too. But I usually win when it comes to games or other things with my husband. He’s so laid back that I can usually find a way to win. 🙂 I play in a bunco group with a bunch of gals in my neighborhood and we just started playing for $$. You bet that I’m silently pissed when I don’t win. I just cut 7.5 inches off my hair and i don’t miss it for one second. My hair had gotten SOOO long I just couldn’t take it anymore. But weirdly, not many people have noticed. And, nearly 12 inches is cut off the front b/c of shorter layers. Crazy! Have a great weekend!!!
Hi Erin,
I have been reading your blog for about a month now, and I think it’s fabulous. I totally agree with you about other people’s kids. A lot of my friends don’t understand why I don’t just go gaga over strangers kids, and because I don’t they think I don’t like kids. I don’t have children of my own, but I love the kids I know.
Okay sister……breast feeding. When I was pregnant, I could not BELIEVE the amount of people and people that I wasn’t that personal with that would ask about that. That is private to me and I am not private. Talking about breast feeding to me is like saying some of your gross words…..like…moist..yuck!