Monday, November 16, 2009

Disney is going to kill me

It's no secret that I have had good pregnancies.

No morning sickness, no horrible back pain, not even really all that much discomfort toward the end. I'm tall, so that helps. I remember going in to see Dr. Brody when I was about 38 weeks pregnant with Benjamin. He asked me how I was feeling, and I told him I felt great! That if I stayed exactly how I was, I could easily go another month.

Sure, I get tired. I get heartburn. I have the dreaded vericose veins. My skin itches so badly sometimes I think I'm going to draw blood when I scratch it. Toward the end I have trouble tying my shoes, going up the stairs quickly, and being on my feet for long periods of time.

But overall, my last two pregnancies were fairly easy. I was able to pretty much do my normal stuff until toward the end, when I had to kind of take it easy a little bit.

So when we planned a trip for Matthew, Andrew, and I to go to Disney World for a week at the beginning of January, when I'll be six months pregnant, I thought it would be completely fine.

We'll most likely take it easy anyway since you can only do so much with a not-quite-four-year-old. And since we'll be there for a week, we won't have to zoom through the parks.

Things were going great with this pregnancy, and I was feeling fine. I got through the "I'm-so-tired-I-really-and-truly-might-fall-asleep-driving" first trimester and got some energy back for a couple of months.

Then I hit 20 weeks. Only halfway there.

And suddenly my body thinks that it is either 40 weeks along or 40 years older. I can't decide.

Either way, I am exhausted.

My feet hurt when I stand for a while. I get winded walking down the (flat and short) driveway to get the mail. When I squat down on the ground to get something from the bottom shelf at the grocery store, I almost need help standing back up.

I think a lot of the reason for this is that I need to take it easy. I keep thinking that I can go up our 16 stairs at the same pace that I did pre-pregnancy. I have always been a fast walker, and now, when I walk up my mom's back hill at the same pace as before, I have to stop and catch my breath before I go into the house.

And so now I am terrified that I am going to spend the entire week at Disney on a bench or in the hotel room.

Or complaining.

All of which are really bad options for a first-time visitor to experience the most magical place on earth.

Or whatever it's called.

We are going b/c Matthew is running the Disney 5K and the Disney Marathon. Andrew has never been. I have never been. Benjamin is really too young (mentally) to enjoy it, so we are leaving him back at home with the cats family. It's really a great time to go b/c once we have another baby and can all make it back down to Orlando (about an eight-hour drive), Andrew will be too old. You know, to still experience that special magic that can only be there when you're young enough to think Mickey Mouse truly is real.

I thought the worst part was going to be missing out on all the rollercoasters and fast rides that I can't ride b/c I'm pregnant. I'm a bit of a ride junkie--even more so than Matthew.

But I'm beginning to think that the worst part is going to be the fact that I will be too physically exhausted to enjoy it.

Matthew thinks that if I start exercising regularly (walking around the neighborhood) now, that by the time we go (in seven weeks), I will be more prepared. And while in theory this might work, I really think you just can't fight the natural downhill slope of pregnancy.

I only hope Mickey will understand when I have to hug him from my seat because my legs are too tired to allow me to stand. Heck, with me seated, we'll probably be the same height anyway.

15 comments:

Kirsten said...

I don't know if you will remember me...I am from Andrew's birth board on Babyzone. My second son, Jack, is my March baby.

Anyway, all that is to say that we will be there at the same exact time and you will LOVE it! Seeing Disney through the eyes of Andrew will be something you will not regret or ever forget. I can assure that you will have a blast! This is the best time to go...it is the "slow" time, the crowds will be low, and you can take your time and just experience everything. You wil not have to be a "commando style" tourist because you will have the time to do everything and anything you want to.

We are DVC members and go at least once per year. Our two (5 and 3) have been tons of time already! You should let me if you have any questions, I would be happy to help!

Anonymous said...

I am so feeling you with this pregnancy. I am so stinking tired and I move at a snails pace. I think I might start to waddle soon :( I realize that it was over 11 years ago that I had Aidan, but I feel so much older and slower then I did with that one. Even with Zander, I feel a lot slower...



Jamie

heidi marie said...

going to disney will be so much fun. i can not wait to go there with my own kids and see them experience something like that. BUT yes you need to take care of yourself missy. first pregnancy you had no kids, second you only had one to worry about...well now you have two kiddos you are taking care of. that's twice the picking up, bending down, two to chase, clean up after, feed, etc. so don't forget to take a break! :)

Sarah said...

It's the third baby. I remember being utterly exhausted all the time with the third pregnancy. Just make sure to take it easy and listen to your body and not push past your limits.

I am so excited for Andrew! Seeing Disney through the eyes of a child is such a special thing--even more so when it is your own child.

You guys will be so close I just might have to drive to Orlando so we can meet. Maybe we could hit Downtown Disney one day while you are here.

Anonymous said...

You know what is cracking me up? The fact that you told us you were taking a break from the blog yet we are still hearing funny stories!!!

Love ya!
-JILL

Jill S. said...

Ooooh, disney!! that sounds like so much fun!! I hear ya about the pregnant thing, though...that may be a bit harder, but with only one to chase after, you may have an easier time!! Lots of water (getting dehydrated makes you contract..I know, I see plenty of dehydrated women as an L and D nurse) and good walking shoes, and plenty of breaks and you'll be fine!! Have an awesome time! Can't wait to see pics!

Anonymous said...

i think its the 3rd pregnancy curse or something,, and although i gained the least weight with my 3rd (14lbs to be exact- i don't know how, i ate everything)- i felt the worst,, so tired, and everything just hurt more,, you'll have fun at disney b/c andrew, but u def. need to take it easy..
lynn hoover:)

Unknown said...

I agree with Matthew. Start walking now. Paul and I walked more in Disney that almost any of our other trips (maybe more in San Francisco) I had as much fun as Emma so you will want to "do" things. Also nothing is a short walk. It takes a lot of time to get everywhere. Plan ahead for extra time so you can walk slow.

mlfont said...

you will be having so much fun you will forget the tiredness! And so many great places to take a quick rest and enjoy the beautiful scenery. I am jealous, we love DisneyWorld! We went to DisneyLand when I was pregnant w/Parker last Nov and I was having terrible all day morning sickness and fatigue and I still had a great time. Be sure to eat and hydrate and you will be OK!!!

Kellye said...

WHAT?! What do you mean " You know, to still experience that special magic that can only be there when you're young enough to think Mickey Mouse truly is real" What the hell Angela? Mickey IS real!!! I mean seriously! I take you as a reasonably and even above average intelligence woman and now you're telling me a) you've never been and b) Mickey's not real. I don't think so!!! GAH!!!

Okay in all seriousness, you guys will have a great time and as a Disney LOVAH!!!!!! I can attest that the feeling of magic will only explode right in your face when you see Andrew's face the first time he has that "OMG this is the coolest ever!" and it will literally almost bring tears to your eyes!!!!

We actually leave in 10 days and I could almost pee myself because I'm so excited! And I won't even lie and say it's for my kids...no, I'm excited and I will have to keep myself in check so I don't bumrush Mickey to give him a thousand hugs!!!

Aishlea said...

I hope you will have energy when you are there so you can have a great time! I've never been, either... :)

Tricia said...

I am praying for you. Pregnancy is so unpredictable and can be so hard sometimes. Maybe this one is a girl and that is why it is so different. :) I hope you are able to enjoy Disney. God bless.

Anna said...

Oh we will be there from Dec. 27th to Jan. 2nd! I hope you start feeling better. When will you be there?

Shannon said...

you will have a magical time there... sprinkle a little pixie dust on your feet, and off you go!!!

just make sure to spend a good portion of the day relaxing by the pool. and maybe rent one of those motorized carts...lol!!!

Lindsey said...

I was about 6 months when we went there last year. I was so. completely. exhausted. it was unreal. I was glad for the chances to wait while K and E went on a ride or to sit down and watch a parade. I went to sleep at 8:30 every night with E. BUT we had so much fun, I can't wait to go back. It will be really hard on your body- drink lots of water. Take lots of pictures.(Wait a minute, who am I talking too?) You will have fun and the tired will be real and worth it at the same time!