Getting In The Way

I'm starting to notice that my belly is getting in the way.  First of all, I should clarify that I mean "getting in the way" in a "physical/spatial" sense...not in an "inconvenience" sort of way (after what we've been through, I don't ever think that I could think of my belly as an "inconvenience").  But I am noticing that I--physically--can't fit through spaces that used to be so easy for me just months ago.  For example, my husband is currently applying the second coat of paint to the nursery, and he very sweetly set up the rotating fan in the doorway, with the fumes directed out the open window.  I go in briefly from time to time to check on him, but am noticing the I can't really fit through the remaining space in the doorway without bumping into the fan.  The same goes for the space between the dining room chairs and the temporary spot for the changing table as we pain. I tried to squeeze through so that I could open the dining room window to allow for some ventilation, and found that I had to tiptoe to raise my belly higher than the chair backs to fit through.

I've also had some near misses in the kitchen, as my belly now protrudes enough to bump the handles of the pots and pans on the stove.  I'm now extra careful when reaching around hot items.  But eating and drinking--that's another story.  When I got home from work today, I just threw on the tank top that I was wearing last night--only to discover that I had apparently spilled little bits of curry all over my belly at dinner last night.  These are the types of spills that I think would normally drop right onto a napkin in my lap...only the said napkin in my lap now apparently has a large belly blocking 90% of it's purpose.

But I share this simply in "observation mode".  I love my belly!  In fact, since so many people have commented on how small I look, I welcome the growth!  I absolutely love all that is happening inside of me that is causing my belly to grow and expand and "get in the way".  I can totally adjust to bumping into things for the next few weeks.

So to share a recent image of me and my belly, here is a picture of my amazing sister-in-law and I at the conclusion of my shower.  I'm in the purple dress at 32 weeks; she's in the green dress at 11 weeks:

And speaking of my sister-in-law, I consider her my blessing for today.  She and my brother left for vacation shortly after the shower, so I haven't been able to talk to her for this whole last week.  It was so wonderful to have the chance to catch up with her today and to hear that her pregnancy is continuing to go well.  She and my brother will celebrate their three year anniversary later this week, and I truly consider my whole family to be blessed to have her join us.  I always wanted a sister, and I'm so blessed to have someone who is such an amazing sister-in-law and friend.