Official complaint

Up to this point in my life, I have seen pregnant women periodically who were 8-9 months pregnant. I always remember noting how uncomfortable they looked. I had heard that they didn't get much sleep, but somehow I had no idea what all of that really meant.

Let me define... the word "uncomfortable" actually means "in pain". Somehow all these years I had no idea. I honestly and truly have been in pain regularly/ almost constantly since the beginning of August. My "medieval torture device" (aka- rib cage expansion) has been a source of continual pain. Generally, in the mild range- just enough to grate on the nerves, but more and more frequently it is enough to leave me just really struggling to maintain personality. Hello! A person's ribs were not meant to move!- Much less expand more than 4 inches. It takes some serious crane action to make that happen. OUCH!!! Sleep is really my only escape.... YA RIGHT!!! I go to sleep to escape, however, then I'm up 5-7 times. You see, at night, my rib cage muscles and stomach muscles go to sleep- thank goodness- but my butt muscles take the strain. I wake up every hour because my butt muscles are dying and I must turn over. Translation- No escape.

Ok- so I make a special point to keep a good attitude about all of this. I'm ok with the pain and discomfort. I'm excited about our little boy and willing to deal with some pain in the process. It just comes with the territory. I make it through work and church with rarely a sign. I refuse to be a miserable, whiney pregnant woman. I deliberately choose to handle all of this gracefully. By evening all of my resources are gone- it takes energy to keep up a good attitude when you hurt like heck. I come home and crash on the couch. I'm just grateful to be married to Dave- who knows this is the best I have to offer. He is just incredibly supportive!

My point is not to whine--- but to file an official complaint---- Ok. I really, truly want to hit those people who say, "Get your sleep now- cause you won't be getting any for a long time." They can kiss mine!!! I realize that I have such a good attitude about all of this that they have not a clue that I might be in distress. But really- do they think they are being cute? (Just trying to get a jab in- since I'm so joyful.) Or do they think I'm just naive and don't realize that parents are up every few hours for quite a long time? (I'm not stupid!) Either way- I want to beat them for being so insensitive. Of course- I just smile and say something positive, but it really gets on my nerves. I want to say, "Listen darn it, I am in serious pain. I only WISH I could sleep! Kiss mine! Thank you for the friendly reminder that I not only can't get sleep now, but won't ever get sleep for the rest of my life. It is such helpful information!" UGGGH!!!