As women, we have heard about and experienced the myriad of hormonal and physical changes our body undergoes at different times of our life. Puberty. Periods. Pregnancy. Post-pregnancy. Breastfeeding. Menopause. I’m not sure why men got let off the hook on all of these things, but they got lucky. For me, the biggest change (so far) has been during and post pregnancy.
Pre-Babies
I was always cold and I couldn’t stand being cold. The thermostat would read 72 and I was probably wearing a sweatshirt, pants, and slippers. I knit too, so I made myself these really easy fingerless gloves, so that I could still knit and crochet and make sure my hands didn’t get too cold. Sitting there with all of my clothes, my gloves, and the blanket I was crocheting covering my lap, I was comfortable. My husband would look at me like I was crazy, as he sat next to me in a t-shirt and shorts. I could see the thoughts running through his head: “how is she not sweltering?” “would she notice if I turned the AC up a little?” He would walk over to the thermostat and a low, uncontrolled growl would escape my lips. He would quickly change direction and ask if I wanted anything from the kitchen, as if that was where he was going the whole time. He also had this whole plan to buy us a comforter that was heavy on one side and light on the other, so that I could cocoon myself and he wouldn’t sweat through the sheets. He never quite found what he was looking for, but it was a good idea.
Post-Babies
“Honey, is the heat on? Why is it so hot in here?” “Nope. Thermostat says it’s 72.” Seriously!?!
I spend most of my days now in a tank top and shorts and not just because it’s summer. I sleep with at least half of my body hanging out of the covers. I can’t remember the last time I put on socks and I’ve stopped crocheting, because it sounds hot (and also, I have no brainpower for it, but that’s for a different post). At first I thought it was just because I was pregnant and more specifically, pregnant during the summer (never fun). Then I thought I was just hot because my tiny, infant, always held boys were also little heaters; however, as I started putting them down more to play, I realized that it wasn’t just them, it was totally me.
Out of all of the changes that I really noticed (hair loss, breast changes, etc.) the temperature thing has been the hardest. I look at my comfy sweatshirts and I actually miss them! I also look at them and think, if I put that on right now, I would die. Perhaps I will wear you again comfy sweatshirt, but until that day comes, you will stay nicely folded and untouched in the bottom drawer.
My hormones during pregnancy have affected my hair big time. My hair has always been on the oily side, but at the very beginning of pregnancy and a few times along the way, my scalp would produce so much oil, even immediately following a shower. When I was pregnant with my first, I was working in an office setting, and this oily hair dilemma really made for some frustrating mornings :/.
I’m currently 7.5 months pregnant and am super grateful for this cooler weather 🙂