and Repeat…

This week I’m participating in SITS’ Back to Blogging Event. SITS stands for The Secret is in the Sauce and consists of a SITSahood of thousands of woman bloggers who come together to offer support and friendship through commenting. I’ve found so many of my favorite bloggers through SITS. If you’re new to blogging, or if you are simply searching for a way to connect with other bloggers, SITS is the place for you.

Today’s task is to share a post that you wish more people had read, and share why that post is important to you.

It took me awhile to get into a blogging groove, and it took me even longer to figure out who I was as a blogger. I’m very much a “tell it like it is” kind of girl, and one of my chief complaints about blogging is that it makes it very easy to present yourself and/or your life as being bright, shiny, and perfect at all times. Well, readers, bright and shiny I most certainly am not. I’m not perfect by any means and I don’t want to give the impression that my life is all roses and sunshine. I try my best to keep my blog upbeat and positive, but I refuse to lie about who I am or what I’m experiencing. Thus, my blog philosophy was born: keepin’ it real. If I’m going to talk about it, I’m going to talk about it honestly. The post where I truly feel like I 100% embraced that philosophy is Andrea’s Guide to Pregnancy.

One thing I learned pretty quickly after finding out I was pregnant: mommies and moms-to-be love to talk about their experiences. There really isn’t anything you could ask a mom or mom-to-be that would shock her. If something awful or gross happen to her during her pregnancy – trust me, she wants to share.

Me? I’m no different. I’m very much a “keepin’ it real” kind of girl. I’m also pretty open and honest – if you ask me something, unless it is completely none of your business, I’ll answer you.

I really wasn’t prepared for all the funky stuff that happens to you when you’re pregnant. Here’s a secret for those of you who have not experienced pregnancy: it ain’t pretty. Your body does some weird, terrible things. You loose control over certain bodily functions. Things that used to embarrass you? Not anymore.

Luckily for you all, you have me. I’m not afraid to embarrass myself or share my secrets in the name of keepin’ it real. Grab a coffee, ladies, and settle in for:

Andrea’s Guide to Pregnancy: The Things The Books Don’t Tell You But Your Girlfriends Will

“Morning” Sickness

Morning sickness my butt. I’d like to find the person who named this and slap them silly. My morning sickness started the moment I opened my eyes until the time I fell asleep. My sister-in-law used to wake up in the middle of the night and get sick. Moral of the story: it can happen at any time.

I can clearly remember at week 6 telling the husband “I feel great! Maybe I will be one of those women who never get sick.” Y’all, I could reach back in time and stab myself in the vocal cords. I think the so-called “morning sickness” (hereafter referred to as The Beast) started the next day.

I was sick from week 7 until week 18. Weeks 7-9 were tolerable – I was sick about three times a day. Weeks 9-11 were terrible; I’ve seriously blocked out the hideousness. Everything I put in my mouth came back up. I was sick at least 12-15 times a day. It calmed down around week 12, and from week 12-17 I went back to being sick “just” a few times a day. I still get sick but since it is no longer every day I manage it just fine. The truly ironic thing? I took prescription medication (Zofran) and was still that sick. How bad would it have been had I not taken meds?

Read the full post here.

While you’re reading, settle in for part 2 of Andrea’s Guide to Pregnancy: The Things the Books Don’t Tell You but Your Girlfriends Will.

Don’t miss the finale of the series: Andrea’s Guide to Labor & Delivery: What Childbirth Classes Don’t Prepare You For & Your Girlfriends Don’t Tell You Because They Want You To Have Kids, Too.

I am really proud of these posts. I’m proud because I set out to be honest about my pregnancy, and honesty means sharing that it wasn’t smooth sailing the way some books and movies can present it to be.

Is there a post you’ve written that you’re really proud of? Link up in the comments!

***SITS is giving away an Electrolux turquoise sky washer and dryer, courtesy of Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen & Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances. Click here for information on how to enter.