Relaxing Doesn't Make Babies

Is this what everyone was always talking about?

June 23, 2007 — 12:08 am

My day took a somewhat turn for the worse.
“And then out of the corner of my eye I saw water creeping out from under the washer. ‘Water!’ I said. ‘Something’s leaking!!’ … Den tilted the machine back so I could see underneath… and sure enough water is pouring out from the bottom of the washer.”

The good news: Our brand new front loader washer and dryer arrived two days ago! They’re beautiful!

The bad news: Our washer is defective and flooded our kitchen.

More good news: Repairs/replacement is fully covered by warranty.

More bad news: The repair place isn’t even open until monday.

So. Yay?

Other than that I’m just glad it’s Friday. Of course I got a call from a client today saying that something still isn’t working and of course I need to fix it ASAP, plus I still have other projects that need to get done very soon, so I’m not really sure how much relaxation I’m going to get this weekend. But Monday we are going to Six Flags damnit. Come hell or, well, flooding already happened. But I am going to Six Flags and I am going to ride the coasters and I am not going to think about work or how I’m still not effing pregnant yet all day.

Or, I won’t think about it at least until I get home, when I need to take my first lupron shot. Somewhat exciting. Somewhat.

I mentioned in a previous post about how I’ve changed from “I’ll be pregnant soon” to “Not like I’m going to get pregnant anytime soon.” Along with that change in perspective has come another one:

Seeing pregnant people or women with small babies used to just make me sad in a wistful kind of way. Hearing about pregnancies and friends’ babies used to not bother me. Getting unexpected news was hard, but I could fully participate in the rest of it.

I no longer feel able to cope right now. I no longer just feel “sad” – I feel angry and empty. Instead of a warm wistful feeling when I pass by a pregnant woman in a store I get a very cold lump in my stomach. I actually feel myself emotionally shutting down inside. And, sadly enough, I feel like right now I’m just not really able to participate emotionally with my pregnant and parenting friends. I’m lurking, but sometimes even that I can’t do. Even fellow stirrup queens. And I know it’s normal, and I know it’s “okay” to have to withdraw for a little while. I don’t like feeling like this though.

I’m okay with the Baby Blogorama stuff though…. mainly because I feel like it’s a job, and I’m so focussed on the code and the lists and the data it’s okay. I put myself in working mode and it’s fine. I don’t have to emotionally connect. (I should emotionally connect, but I don’t have to, and right now I just can’t.)

Or maybe I’m just feeling extra cranky tonight.

5 responses to “Is this what everyone was always talking about?”

  1. Leah says:

    I understand 178% what you are talking about. I have a whole post dedicated to the anger and resentfulness I feel when I see pregnant women — including my very best friend. I haven’t published the post because, frankly, I’m ashamed about how strong and hostile these feelings of jealousy and anger are. They simply *must* subside soon or I’m going to implode…

    If you figure out how to work through them, please tell me so I can follow. In the meantime, hang in there. Avoid all pregnant women and babies, and feel free to silently seethe whenever necessary.

  2. shelby says:

    I’m sorry about your new washer! What a hassle. Hopefully they’ll fix it monday.

    I definitely understand where your anger/resentment is coming from. It’s not easy having to go through all we do just to have a baby, when other just sneeze and get pregnant. Hopefully the anger will subside a little soon. I think it’s all part of the grief process.

  3. Rachel says:

    I go from feeling angry to feeling numb to feeling sad. I think it’s all in the realm of normal.

    Sorry about the flooded kitchen.

  4. Nearlydawn says:

    Wow, sounds like when it rains it really pours at your house. LOL Sorry, couldn’t resist.

    You know, there is NOTHING wrong with how you are feeling. These feelings will come and go. They get stronger and weaker depending on where you are in any given cycle.

    It’s going to be OK. You will make it through it. Just keep hanging in there.

  5. Kareno says:

    Hope your day at Six Flags will be great fun! :)