For the love of all things ICE!

My 52 ounce friend, Bubba

Today, I want to write my 27 1/2 week commentary on pregnancy.  However, I can't pull myself away from my crushed ice long enough to type.  I am serious.

Since God knit little Cash in my womb, I developed an insatiable thirst.  My best buddy's name is Bubba.  He is a 52 oz. insulated jug.  He has brought me much joy by saving me numerous trips to the kitchen.  A few weeks ago, I noticed that this need for ice water turned into an intense craving for ICE!  The texture makes me smile and the taste...oh, the taste!!!!  I LOVE it!  I set aside my pride as I admit that the BEST ice is the freezer burned flakes that collect on the bottom of our ice pan.  Oh, my GOODNESS!!  I can not get enough.  I have been faithful to fill up my Vita Mix two times a day every day with ice and crush it in 3 seconds flat.  Needless to say, as we drove a few hours across South Carolina to the lake house rental, I felt a small ache in my heart.  I missed my Bubba jug & my Vita Mix.  I was overjoyed that this lake house has a fancy fridge that crushes ice for you!  My husband and in-laws have been very gracious about letting me chew and chew and chew.

Allow me to digress to another topic where I will try to be both blunt and discrete.  Some women say, "Oh, you are so lucky that you don't have to deal with PMS (and all the joy that comes with that)."

First, let me preface this.  I am blessed that God has knit a child within my womb.  My heart aches for those struggling with infertility or the pains of adoption papers & corrupt governments, or financial hardships that require a hold on family planning.  I do not consider it a light thing that God has chosen to bless us so quickly and easily with a child. 

Now, back to me being lucky to not have monthly issues & allow me to offer some perspective.  You are right, I don't have to deal with discomfort for 1-3 days a month.  It's more like EVERY DAY for 9-10 months, and it's not just cramps to deal with.  Check out what I like to call "pre-labor training."

Nausea
Food aversions
Fatigue
Bad headaches with no relief
Loss of appetite
Cramps
Giant gas bubbles that move through you like a painfully sharp glass ball
Shingles
Heartburn
Intense appetite
Daily sore throat due to said heartburn
No allergy relief
Back pain
Sharp ligament pain
Talk about moody!  Extreme lows and highs.  From tears to anger, from sensitive to fierce.
You feel bloated every month?  How sad that my maternity pants, MATERNITY PANTS are too tight!!!

Now, I haven't taken a single pain killer, not because I'm so great and strong, but because I felt like it was safer my baby & good pain intolerance training for me.  So, ladies, when you are tempted to think that, physically, a pregnant woman must feel better than you do a few days every month, just pop that Midol in your mouth and enjoy the relief that follows within the hour.  My relief won't come until I push a giant watermelon out of a small water slide, and THAT won't happen in an hour or less. :)

***No comments about iron deficiency, please.  I have doc appointments scheduled and I've researched.  Iron deficient or not, ice cravings are purely normal in pregnancy.***

Crushed Ice - The Abby Recipe
Fill your blender to the top with ice (preferably the Vita Mix).
Fill the blender with room temperature water.  Leave about 1" of ice uncovered at the top.  (You don't want it too watery and room temp water keeps your ice from getting brain-freeze-cold.)
Blend for 5 seconds with the tamper.
Voila!!  Instant crushed ice!