So I’ve been a big slacker lately. And when I say big? I mean that quite literally.
Told you we grow ‘em big in my family. Good thing I only have about three weeks left. Wait, did I say three weeks? Silly me. I meant THREE MONTHS. Seriously. At this point in pregnancy, I am bigger than most of my friends are when they are ripe and ready to deliver.
I can’t complain though. This pregnancy has been much better than my last, and I know a lot of people have it much worse. Even though I’ve been in a bit of a funk lately, I have been fairly comfortable. I haven’t puked in a month, and the serious heartburn only started two nights ago.
You know what sucks though? This.
Nice eh? I had terrible tendonitis in my knee playing sports throughout college, so I always wore a strap on my patella to take the pressure off. That resulted in a nice little bulging vein inside my knee. No big deal right? Until pregnancy #1. The sucker spread and took over my right leg. And it has gotten progressively worse with my 2nd and 3rd pregnancies.
The thing about varicose veins? I used to think to think it was just a cosmetic thing, and that people got them fixed for vanity purposes. But oh my gosh they hurt like the devil. This picture was taken after NOT being on my feet for several hours. If I’m on my feet for more than ten minutes or so, they bulge a couple inches and make me want to scream obscenities at anyone who looks at me the wrong way.
*Sidenote for the sickos* If you’re the type that enjoys watching people eat bugs, get hurt, or other things that normal people find repulsive, do a Google image search for ‘varicose veins’. And eat your heart out.
In the meantime, I’m wearing this sucker daily because it is impossible to stay off your feet while chasing two small children and running a business.
From toes to upper thigh. Imagine the tighest thickest thing you ever squeezed into. (Girdles ladies? Spandex bodysuits a couple sizes too small maybe?) It is a compression stocking on steroids. It adds 10 degrees to my body temperature, but boy does it help with pain. So totally worth it, despite the strange looks and comments I get.
If you see me and want to make fun of me for wearing just one? Watch out, I’ve been known to turn around quickly and take people out with this belly of mine. All quite innocently of course. Because me? I’m just a sweet innocent pregnant girl.
Anna says:
But the good thing about the belly is that there isn’t a stretch mark in sight.
So sorry about the veins - pregnant women should be exempt from additional pain and trouble.
August 7th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Helen Farr says:
Oouch!
August 8th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Lacy says:
I googled “varicose veins” and up until now I thought I’d seen some bad ones in our family, not anymore. Gosh that is gross!
August 9th, 2008 at 4:40 am
Michelle says:
Oh! I feel for you. That looks so painful. Especially with your helper man heading back to school. Sending best wishes to you while you chase the girls.
August 10th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
britt says:
Oh my…I am so sorry! That looks incredibly painful. Does it settle down once you have the baby or will you always have that kind of pain?
August 10th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Jen says:
So Sorry…
I know saying that doesn’t take away any veins! Hang in there… when is your due date? So good to see you are still your comical self… Love the updates.
August 11th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Lyndsey Durst says:
Hi! I found you by Tyra, who I was looking for her bows…I am in AZ for a month now actually. I had a little girl 2 weeks ago…How are you all???
August 13th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
KK B SHAKE says:
I LOVE IT! You are so brave to post your leg! Do the proceedure, it’s WORTH every penny…There isn’t nearly as much pain. And you can say goodbye to the stockings!!!
PS. Maybe they should make a new olympic sport “the belly fling” ha.
August 26th, 2008 at 10:14 am
kanani says:
When is this baby coming?!
August 30th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Abby says:
Oh, Rachel. I had no clue. Please keep me updated and I will do anything needed. Hang in there, NOT much longer!!
September 9th, 2008 at 11:20 am
MG says:
DISGUSTING. COVER IT UP!
September 22nd, 2008 at 10:36 pm
RG in ID » The final countdown… says:
[…] Seeing your toes is highly overrated. […]
October 10th, 2008 at 8:58 pm