"How are you feeling?"

I get asked this question a lot, and if I were to answer without thinking, I would say. "I feel like crap!" But I never really know how to answer, actually. The fatigue, especially early on, is un-human, and for many weeks it felt like I had the flu without really having the flu or a fever. I also don't ever want to sound negative or whiny because I am truly grateful to feel like this as it reassures me that I am still pregnant. If I tell you that I threw up, feel free to answer with, "Well that is great news!" Because this is how I've felt about the occasional throwing up over the last 12 weeks! I have very little energy. After 10 hour days filled with lifting and chasing kids and equipment and pretending (to a degree) to be happy and cheerful ALL DAY LONG to co-workers and families, it leads me directly to the couch at the end of the day, staring mindlessly at the TV in silence. Yes, at this point you can think to yourself, "Oh poor Paul!" But man, is he a trooper! He doesn't seem to mind fending for himself for dinner as I attempt to eat cereal, toast, or a popsicle. He doesn't even seem to mind that I have zero energy or motivation to do much of anything on my days off. For him, I am also grateful! It is hard work growing a human! So, in a nutshell, that is how I feel. I look forward to the idea that you feel better in the second trimester, as this begins in just about a week!