When I Am Not Pregnant

So tomorrow's the big day!  There's a bowl of ice cream calling my name and a good night's sleep that I'm hoping to get, but I have one more pregnant post rolling around in my head and I have to get it out.

I've been privileged to know a few people who handle constant pain or illness with grace that points to our Almighty God.  No complaining, no whining; you'd never know they managed chronic pain without hope of relief.  I've had a rough pregnancy and it's taken a toll on my body, but I've always known it wouldn't last forever.  And the hope of getting my body back helps me tolerate the daily aches and pains (though not with much grace at all).

So this is another note-to-self post...all the things I've been looking forward to and don't want to take for granted when I am not pregnant.

When I am not pregnant, I will tie my shoes without sitting down and eventually, perhaps without bending my knees.  I will enjoy the feeling of my toes wiggling free in my shoes without the squeeze of compression hose.  I will sit on the floor and play with my children cheerfully because my blood will continue to circulate to my extremities, and the only noise I will make when it is time to get up will be a shout of praise because I didn't require a piece of furniture to hold on to.

When I am not pregnant, I will sit in any chair available without regard for the density of its cushion or the depth of its seat.  I will spring out of said chair without using my hands, nor will I be pushed or pulled by anyone else.  I will not unwillingly expose my lower abdomen to total strangers because my pants will stay where I put them.  I will be grateful for every night of sleep that is interrupted only once by my bladder.  I will sleep without a pillow between me and my husband.

When I am not pregnant, I will chase my children and race down the driveway with them.  I will give them piggyback rides, teach them how to jump rope, and go on bike rides with them.  We will go for walks, stop and explore, crouching on the ground to investigate a bug.  We will go to the swimming pool.  I will hold them all on my lap at the same time.  I will not get angry when little elbows come in contact with my belly button.

When I am not pregnant, I will stretch and bend my body in graceful, fluid motions that demonstrate its strength.  I will exercise my body and tune it to be nimble, flexible, strong and healthy.  I have been blessed with the opportunity for relief from the aches and pains and I will not take that for granted.  I do not like being limited by my body's weakness and will be responsible with the amazing gift of health I have been given.

I feel better getting that out of my head.  Here's to a good night's sleep, an early morning, not being pregnant tomorrow, and getting to meet our son.