Week 29: Not my first rodeo

Over Memorial Day weekend, we got to revel in the sunshine and went to our neighborhood pool. They open it every year right around this time and leave it open all summer until Labor Day weekend. This year, I am more thankful than ever that I have a pool I’ll be able to take advantage of. Since last week, I swear I’ve grown even more. My tummy is so much rounder and fuller than it was in my first pregnancy. A close friend of mine even remarked I was as big as I am now when I was at my maximum with Anaïs! It’s amazing how the body just knows what to do when growing a baby, you know? As I lowered myself into the water, I felt the instant relief that being weightless brings. I had no pressure on my back, or anywhere on my body for that matter. I was just there, floating in the cool water, moving as slowly as I wanted to move as if I had absolutely nowhere to be. And it was glorious.
My body did not ache like this the first time around. It didn’t grow as quickly, nor did I fully understand what was happening as much as I do now. That’s not to say these changes aren’t surprising. I started having some pretty remarkable pelvic pain that I’ve never felt before. Evidently, it’s pretty normal. It could be that he’s already getting cozy and starting to burrow into my pelvis. But is it crazy to think that this baby is a little too eager to do so at 29 weeks? I’ve been seeing my chiropractor every couple of weeks and the adjustments have been a godsend. In fact, I just saw her yesterday and it felt like she literally popped my tailbone back into place. Sweet relief!
By the way this kid is growing, I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t arrive before his due date in August. I mean, this pain that I’ve been feeling recently is best described as pressure causing discomfort. Imagine a 10-pound bowling ball inside of you just sitting heavily comfortably on your cervix. Now imagine said bowling ball suddenly bouncing for a split second. Yeah, it’s that uncomfortable. So it feels like that, plus back and leg pain, some anxiety, restless nights and exhausting days. Yup, the exhaustion has returned now that I’m in my third trimester. Surprise! Pregnancy is actually not as glamorous as some may make it out to be, present company included.
I know that when I look back on this time years down the line, I will laugh and pine for these moments again. In all seriousness, pregnancy, even with all of its crazy and sometimes seemingly debilitating ailments, is an amazing adventure. It’s full of mysterious self-discoveries I didn’t even know I needed to have. It’s both an emotional and physical growing experience. It’s all part of the fun. For now, though, I’ll just let this baby do his thing, even if that means I need to grin and bear it from time to time.