Invincible.

Happy Monday, all! 

Hope you enjoyed your weekend - I know mine was way too short. They always seem to be, though, so that's not too much of a surprise. 

Today I wanted to share something with you all , and that is my uncanny ability to push myself too hard. I've always felt like I should be able to do anything, and I should be able to do it by myself. When things don't happen this way, I often get frustrated and discouraged. 

For me, one of the hardest parts about being pregnant has been learning that I am not, in fact, invincible. I am fragile, and I am carrying a very special life inside of me. I think, over the past week, I have had to learn this the hard way. 

I worked out on Wednesday, and it was great, but it was hard. I couldn't run or jump like I could before, and you'd be amazed how much of a difference these extra 7 lbs have made. It's hard for me to catch my breath, and I have to slow it down to keep my heart rate in the "safe" range. 

Saturday, I decided to spend the day painting, putting up the Christmas decorations, and rearranging our living room. I did all of this just like I would If I wasn't pregnant. No big deal, right? Wrong. I spent all day yesterday nursing the back pain that resulted from those activities

I learned the hard way that I am not invincible. I'm not 100% right now, and as a perfectionist, that bothers me. It bothers me when I realize that my hips no longer fit in my pants, and it bothers me when I look in the mirror and see a face covered in pimples. I'm bothered when I realize that, for the time being, my body isn't mine. 

You know what, though? I've realized that it's okay to be human, and that these changes occurring in my body are not just okay, they are a miracle. In a little over five months, I will be holding that miracle in my arms, and I have the feeling that I will look at that little baby with tears in my eyes and feel invincible once again. 
Okay, so this is actually my nephew, but you get the idea.

On a completely unrelated note... Does anyone know where I can print my custom Christmas cards?? I made ours for this year, and I just want to find somewhere that will print them for a reasonable price. :)

27 comments:

RadiantKristen said...

I hear that vistaprint is really cheap for that kind of stuff.

Hopefully that husband of yours will help you remember not to push so hard as you get closer to your due date. And let's take a moment to both get excited that you find out the gender THIS MONTH!!!

I heart you. Talking to you on google chat tonight was magical.

Rosie said...

I hate that women are made to feel like they habe to be invincible and do/have it all. You can switch off the activity, but not always the guilt. Embrace a slower pace of life....I know I'm trying to even without a baby. X

Dearest Lou said...

Aww Alyx I know exactly how you feel, it is really hard being pregnant sometimes but it's totally worth it! Once you see Baby G for the first time you will feel so accomplished and be so unbelievably happy! I'm so excited for you to experience what I'm talking about (;

My body looks nothing like it did back in February but every extra inch around my waist, stretch mark, and sore boobs are worth it for this little guy. There will be plenty of time in the future to work out and get back in shape and I'm sure your husband loves and appreciates everything you are sacrificing for your little one!

Sara Louise said...

Getting older has taught me this lesson. I've learned that my body doesn't 'bounce back' the way it once did. I don't like it one bit.

Ashley said...

You definitely are creating a miracle, so don't beat yourself up too bad!!

B said...

I suffer from this same problem, minus the pregnancy. I am convinced that I need to do everything by myself, and that I should need no help with anything.

Then, something hits me on the head and says, HEY YOU DORK, you do need help! Like the time I burned my finger on the stove arguing with hubby that I didn't need help cooking. Clearly I was distracted and needed help, hence the burning finger. DUH

Some of these adorable lessons really do have to be learned the hard way, my sweet. :-(

Alex, Speaking Denglish said...

awww so your beb already has a cousin! so great, love it!

Andi of My Beautiful Adventures said...

Try 123print.com or uprinting.com. Both like to work with bloggers, so maybe you could even get it done for free?

EMily said...

...and you will never ever sleep again, or maybe that is just me. Yes, it's hard to rely on other people and come to terms with the fact you can't do everything, but trust me, you won't want to. I did our 5x7 at Shutterfly, if they are a normal size you can do them pretty much anywhere, walgreens, walmart, vistaprint, kinkos, your office... :)

Lissa @ Pass Go and Be Below said...

i love vista print for good printing and in a pinch i'll do fed ex kinkos too. Sam's club if they are photo cards.

Alana Christine said...

Goodness girl, don't overdo it!

Sue // As It Seems said...

That's been one of the hardest parts of my pregnancy! Some days I don't even have the energy to do the dishes or cook dinner and I feel so lazy and bad about myself. I know my body will bounce back but it's hard to remember on the days I feel like a useless lump. But she's worth it!

Why Girls Are Weird said...

Oh man, I have a feeling when I get to that point I'm going to be in BIG TROUBLE.

Genna said...

I love that you are so honest! I can't even imagine how much of an adjustment being pregnant is. On another note, I print just about all my cards and pictures on mpix.com. I have never once had an issue and they turn out so well!

Jewels said...

vistaprint.com is the best. I think they are having a sale also. That is where I got mine this year and it only took about 3 business days to get here after I ordered. I was surprised. Best of luck!

rooth said...

I think that would really bother me as well but like you said, in 5 months it'll all be worth it. PS - I have a 25% off coupon for Vista Print. Let me know if you're interested!

Unknown said...

I can totally relate. i am having very similar feelings right now. I am trying to live as normally as possible and to enjoy my pregnancy, but sometimes it can for sure be frustrating. For me the hardest part is gaining weight. I really struggle with watching the numbers on the scale rise.

Bri Buzali said...

I can totally relate to this post. I have such a hard time asking for help, because I don't want to feel anything but independent! You aren't weak though for needing to ask for help, or for not being able to do everything 100% like you used to, you have a precious lil babe inside of you! So don't be hard on yourself :) you still rock!

Kelly said...

What a cute post! I really love Vista Print for holiday cards, good luck!

xx
Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness, I hear you! I am really hard on myself too, pregnant or not, haha. For whatever reason, I don't ever feel like I should just relax. I feel bad even if I take the time to sit down and just watch a movie or something... Gotta get over that I guess.

Kelly said...

I can imagine it's difficult to go through all of those changes! I hate not being in control of my body, and I can imagine your frustration in not being able to push yourself. It'll all be worth it soon, I'm sure :)

Unknown said...

you're right - it is totally okay to be human. And being a little fragile right now will totally be worth it!

xoxo

Katie @ My Darling Days said...

Aww, hang in there babe... you are beautiful no matter how big your hips get or how many pimples your face decides to sprout. :)

Unknown said...

Walgreens usually does that kinda stuff and has good quality pictures.

None of us are invincible...unfortunately, but as long as we give our all and best...that's what truly matters.

T&S said...

I'm not even pregnant and I become overwhelmed sometimes with a feeling of sadness when I realize that I am not superwoman and am not able to do EVERYTHING.

I admire your ability to look at the positive and I also admire that you realize that it's OK.

Xo Lourdes

Simply Evani said...

I know the feeling of trying or thinking your invincible, its crosses my mind ANYTIME someone asks me to do something and I say yes. You have such a gift growing inside of you and you are INVINCIBLE just for carrying the little person! :)

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