Comparing Pineapples and Oranges

I've been away from my blogging duties for too long. It has been a rather trying and hectic last few months but having come out of the other-side, I can truly say that there is always a reason for every happening, even the unpleasant ones. People will try to knock you down and out, especially when they see that you are vulnerable but it is important to stand your ground, keep your chin-up, and do NOT be afraid. I am constantly surprised, shocked, and disgusted at the lengths I have seen privileged hypocrites go to in order to "hit their bottom-line" or "put someone in their place" but that is just fine, the Universe has a way of making all fools pay for their short-comings and nasty attitudes. That is all I will say about that because that's all that needs to be said.

On to happier reports, after all the craziness, the baby and I are healthy and right on track. As I round week 34 of this pregnancy, I'm learning more and more each day about the social aspects of pregnancy. For instance, I had to hold back some cynicism I was ready to spit after a new mom wanted to harp on how uncomfortable she was at 18 weeks; her back aches, her heartburn, her this and that. It made me stop in my tracks and think about where that sudden rush of "just wait, chica" actually came from. I had actually tried to compare her experience with mine in an impossible way. Then I thought back to how I felt at the beginning of my pregnancy and how new and extraordinary everything felt to me and even how after experiencing some scares and tough news, my experience is still just my own and I hold no rights to say mine is tougher than the next woman's. Motherhood (and pregnancy, for that matter) seems  to be like a club; you only get bragging (or whining) rights by collecting those stripes... what a load of bs. I need to remember that everyone's birth experience is very different and equally extraordinary. Just like I'm sure there are some seasoned cynics who scoff at this blog, I tried to scoff at this poor new mom's lament... what a jerk am I! I started this blog to help me have a way to connect to other new and seasoned mom's, not to showcase my issues. And she was lamenting as a way to reach out... I felt like such an asshole! As much as I love to connect with others and share experiences, this reaction in me made me think... I had forgotten myself for a minute. Luckily, instead of letting my cynicism take over, I ended up talking with her about some remedies I had discovered. She, in turn, had some information that I didn't know and so the sharing and growing and bonding was allowed to flourish... like it always should be. I'll whine when I want to whine and if another mom needs to whine on a shoulder, I will happily and whole-heartedly lend mine.  I've always been about building community (that's why I was so drawn to non-profit and social services for a career) and becoming a mom is yet another avenue for building a different type of community. We are the only ones who understand what we are going through. Motherhood is humbling... I hope I stay open to all this new learning. So moms EVERYWHERE, give me your advice and stories about your difficult/amazing birth experiences, I am listening :)

By the way, my pregnancy app says that the baby is the size of a pineapple... now I want pineapple!