A letter from the future....

Dear Newly Pregnant Katy (May 2011)

As a service to you, I am writing to let you know some pretty important things about your pregnancy and where it is headed. You can thank me later. In about 32 weeks, you will ignore the important advice of your doctor (because you think you are smarter than her) and you land yourself on bed rest for the remainder of your pregnancy. I know, stinks huh? So please read these rules and lessons carefully and follow my instructions perfectly. I don't think there is much hope for you this time around, but maybe by the 3rd baby (we can talk about that later) you will have learned your lesson.

Love, 32 Weeks Pregnant Katy (November 27, 2011)


1. Just because you are craving something, try not to give in every time. For example, you are going to walk into HEB one morning and the smell of donuts will be so overwhelming and delicious that you will eat 2 of them. I promise, this will NOT help your morning sickness.


2. Just because you can still button your pre-pregnancy pants when you are 12 weeks along, don't do it. I promise that the muffin top you create with this ensamble will not be pleasent for anybody.


3. Drink water. LOTS of it. This will help later down the road, I promise.


4. Just because you can "relate" to every woman on TLC and Discovery Health because you are both pregnant, doesn't mean you need to watch every single episode of a Baby Story or anything related to it. Believe me, watching other women give birth will not help you out.


5. You can buy Goldfish crackers in huge tubs. Try to buy only one tub at a time. They will give you wicked heartburn and you have no self control.


6. Around 20 weeks you will start feeling contractions. Warn Dr. Storey. Even though everybody and their brother will tell you "that's normal, those are just braxton hicks..." ignore them and talk to the doctor. Yours are not normal.


7. When you find out that baby #2 is a boy (oops...sorry for the spoiler) try not to respond with "no, really...is it a girl?" I feel like this could be giving him a complex pretty early on.


8. You are going to gain weight faster this time. Just deal with it. Zack doesn't care, your Mom doesn't feel sorry for you and all your friends will give you a look of death for complaining about it. Just get over it and enjoy a snack.


9. You will develop a new love affair with your crock pot. Make sure and have it washed and ready around month 6 when the cravings hit.


10. Jonathan is going to poke your belly. A LOT. At first this makes you self conscience (remember rule number 8) but the first time you see him pat Zack's belly and say "baby!" it will be worth it.


11. Now this one is important.....around 25 weeks, Dr. Storey will listen to you about your contractions, give you medicine and tell you to take it easy. DO IT. Don't go strolling around the mall or Target because you are bored. Don't try to work in the yard. Don't stand at hallway duty every period and breakfast duty twice a week. Ask for help and accept it when it is given.


12. You will start to waddle earlier. Just deal with it.


13. At 31 weeks, you will be surprised with a positive FFN test. This will set a new course for the rest of your pregnancy. Don't freak out, don't start crying to Zack that you are a failure and that your body is 100% "jacked up," don't leave the house that morning for the doctor's office with nothing but a water bottle. Instead, think ahead (which you will do thanks to this letter) and take a good shower, dry your hair, shave your legs, pack a bag with a toothbrush, face wash, some jammies and a brush. Take it with you and act like you are in control. Because you are.
Thanks to me.


Now, the rest of your important lessons will come soon. I have lots to say about what to do and how to behave in the hospital, so be on the lookout for that letter. It's an important one.