A corner turned?

So we are staring down the barrel of the third trimester.  I can definitely feel a difference.  My energy level and my appetite have both disappeared.  I am grumpy and complainy and intolerant of things that used to be a breeze.  I cry easily and fall asleep even easier.  Sharing my body is hard work.

On the bright side I have amazing support.  Not the least of which is Christian.  I truly did marry my best friend.  He has been more steady, unconditionally caring and supportive than I could have asked for.  One exercise this Sunday in our Bradley class was to thank our partners for being so involved.  We had to say three things we were grateful for in our partners.  I could have gone on and on.  It's a pretty good feeling a week before our third anniversary.

Another person I am grateful for is Tara.  Today I went to her house, complained endlessly about my heartburn and just held and fed her babies.  It felt great.  She just let me be and it was what I needed.  Cuddle time with babies and kitties, an understanding ear and Thai food.  A nice reprieve from work which seems like an endless, impossible checklist.

So, other than reaching out for help when I need it, what else can I do to take care of myself in these last few months?  Here are some ideas I have:
1) Eat more protein
2) Sleep when I can
3) Lovingly say NO to extra work/taking on others' problems.  I don't, at present, have the energy to give it the attention it deserves.  It takes love to say no.
4) Remember that I am loved and valuable because of who I am, not what I DO.
5) Drink more water
6) Use crying as a release.  I have read recently that crying is also good in labor.  I believe it!  Boy do I feel lighter after I've let it out, even if I don't know what "it" is.
7) Remember that this too shall pass. Though I know I'll be tired in the future, I have so much to look forward to!
8) Honor the work that my body is doing by not abusing it with late nights, junk food, and extra stress.
9) Talk to my baby.  Remember that this is all for a good reason.  Learning to take care of myself is essential to creating a healthy family.
10) Laugh!!

For those of you reading this that I am in contact with often, I would not mind gentle reminders of my own list as I count down the last months of my pregnancy.  It really does take a village.