There are things I take for granted in every day life: having a healthy back, and the ability to walk, sit, and bend comfortably, just to name a few. I never took the time to appreciate how important these simple motions are, especially as an active children’s photographer and a mom to a 3-year-old. That perspective changed this week when pregnancy growing pains rendered me virtually incapacitated for two days. Without being overly dramatic, I can attest that I haven’t been that physically uncomfortable since I was in labor with Eloise. It came out of the blue, and, because of the nerves already surrounding this pregnancy, was especially scary. My doctor reassured me that this type of lower back pain is common in pregnancy, although this is my first experience with it, and predicted it wouldn’t last for the next four months. A fear that may have been irrational on my part…but one that felt extremely real while I was experiencing the worst of it! She was right, though, and thankfully, after two days of rest, heating pads, and extra-strength Tylenol, I was magically healed. I find it mildly hilarious that I’ve spent the past three weeks trying to avoid catching the nasty cold Mike and Eloise have been passing back and forth…and I ended up “catching” Dorey-the-dog’s back problems, instead! How’s that for solidarity? We made a pathetic sight, the two of us hobbling around the house this week!
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*Two wonderful nurses. Mike dropped everything to take care of me and keep our household running, and Eloise was one understanding 3-year-old. I know it was scary for both of them to see me knocked out for the count, but they alone got me through it. I can’t possibly describe my love and appreciation for those two.
*Timing is everything. A fervent wish of mine since the very beginning of this pregnancy has been that I wouldn’t have to cancel any sessions or shut down the business due to severe complications again. Thankfully, even with my unexpected back issues this week, I was able to keep appointments, and am fully functional in time for this weekend’s sessions. The lucky timing of this incident isn’t lost on me, and I feel very grateful that I am feeling great now and able to continue doing what I love.
*Ahoy, Matey. To celebrate feeling better, and to shake off some of the week’s drama, I treated Eloise to a mommy-daughter lunch at Wendy’s. We were just settling down with our Frosties when she spotted a nearby biker guy wearing a bandana. She stood up on the bench, pointed, and screamed, “Look, Mom! A pirate!” Leave it to a three-year-old to restore all humor and perspective in your life.
*Heatwave. I’d like to point out the irony that it was warmer in Chicago for a few days this week than it was in Tempe, Az, where my sister lives. I know, Becky, I can rub that in now…but the laugh’s on me in just another few months!