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To us outsiders, being pregnant seems like such a beautiful experience. Months of researching baby names, learning about the human body during doctor's appointments, and bringing a new life into this world. Honestly, it sounds so magical.

But the everyday life of pregnancy is so much more than that. And way less glamorous than the movies want us to believe. Stylish maternity clothes are really expensive and hard to find, and that "glow" that everyone keeps mentioning is more sweat than sprinkles.

To paint you a more accurate picture of what it's really like to grow a human being in your belly, Bored Panda has compiled a list of honest posts that mothers and their loved ones made about them expecting.

#1

Unsolicited Advice

Unsolicited Advice

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New Prometheus
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's ok to assume one is pregnant if it encourages to be polite (to give a seat, open doors, etc) but if it's used to control and humiliate like in this example... Makes me MAD.

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To help you make sense of what pregnant women go through, Bored Panda contacted Vicki Broadbent, a writer, director, broadcaster, and founder of the parenting blog Honest Mum. "There is a myriad of changes which take place when you're pregnant: hormonal so chemical/emotional changes and of course physical as your body expands to house your precious cargo," the bestselling author of Mumboss (UK) and The Working Mom (the US and Canada) said.

Vicki herself has two boys and a baby girl on the way. "I believe pregnancy has provided me with somewhat of a maternal superpower too. My instincts are sharpened so my boundaries are stronger; I have less tolerance for any BS or drama as I'm protective of my mental and physical health and that of my baby's and my focus is firmly on that which brings me joy," she explained. "I recently read that women are born with all of the eggs they'll ever have in a lifetime and that when my mother was in my grandmother's womb I was there, nestled within her as a tiny egg. How incredible is that? I like to think there's a generational strength that has been passed down to me from this strong line of women, empowering me on a cellular level."

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That's true, female babies are born with all the egg cells they're ever going to have; around 1-2 million of them! No new egg cells are made during their lifetime. When a girl reaches puberty, she has between 300,000 and 400,000 eggs left.

#3

A Gift My Husband Made For Me To Use When Strangers/Family Get Too Grabby Towards My Belly Without Asking First

A Gift My Husband Made For Me To Use When Strangers/Family Get Too Grabby Towards My Belly Without Asking First

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IAN KELLY
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is disgusting, even when they’re pregnant they still have personal space! They should have two persons worth in fact!

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#4

Feelin’ Like A Whole Chicken

Feelin’ Like A Whole Chicken

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Pregnancy starts taking its toll right from the get-go. "First-trimester nausea and fatigue certainly aren't fun. Nor is indigestion and insomnia of the second trimester but as this is my fourth pregnancy and third baby (I sadly lost a baby last year), I am relishing the magic of pregnancy as much as possible," Vicki Broadbent said.

That being said, Vicki still faces challenges. "I can't lie and say I'm fully at peace with my changing body as society/the media and my own pressure to not look 'too big' does affect me but I'm certainly trying to be kind to myself with loving affirmations and making healthy food choices and safely exercising. I'm doing daily meditation too so I can be more responsive and less reactive — hormones can be wild at times — so that helps!"

Tommy's, the largest UK charity researching the causes and prevention of pregnancy complications, miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and neonatal death, also recognizes that it's natural to get a bit stressed when you're pregnant and acknowledges that coping with your symptoms and changing lifestyle, as well as everyday life, can sometimes be overwhelming. To relax, Tommy's offers these tips.

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#5

I Texted My 36 Week Pregnant Wife To Ask How She Was Feeling, This Was The Photo I Got In Response

I Texted My 36 Week Pregnant Wife To Ask How She Was Feeling, This Was The Photo I Got In Response

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#6

My Pregnant Wife Had To Dress Up As A Superhero For Work Today

My Pregnant Wife Had To Dress Up As A Superhero For Work Today

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Helena Houzarová
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Another way in which Endgame delivered! (The more serious being showing a superhero battling depression, generally being a mess, and crying, while still being a superhero.)

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Personally, Vicki prefers meditation and allowing herself to feel all the emotions that arise. This includes crying when she needs to. 

"Talking candidly about how I'm feeling is key," she said. "I kept a lot of trauma buried within me after a tough first birth and I learned from that period that not expressing my pain was detrimental to my mental health so now I talk (and talk) to those I love."

The mom listens to her body too. "When I need to sleep, I sleep and any guilt I might have harbored to try and be superwoman in previous pregnancies has definitely gone this time around."

Vicki discusses her experiences in her blog Honest Mum as well as on Facebook and Instagram. She will be releasing a new post today so be sure to check it out. Nobody is quite as articulate and sincere as she is.

#7

My Pregnant Wife Is Practicing Her Swaddling. Skittles Isn't A Fan

My Pregnant Wife Is Practicing Her Swaddling. Skittles Isn't A Fan

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#8

Pregnancy Problems

Pregnancy Problems

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Bear Hall
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"It's not funny Ugha. Pick up and give me the honey covered pickles or you'll wish you married a sabretooth tiger." - even cavemen knew this joke.

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#11

My 39-Week Pregnant Wife Went To The Store To “Get Stuff For Dinner”. This Is What She Came Home With

My 39-Week Pregnant Wife Went To The Store To “Get Stuff For Dinner”. This Is What She Came Home With

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Vicky Z
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see dinner i just don't see your dinner! She didn't buy anything for you😅

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Iʕ •ᴥ•ʔ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your wife has good choices for ice cream . And the lollipops down there . I had jello and cereal for dinner . Equal rights for food !

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Shinedown28
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Itsfood is it not? My mom will yell at me all the time for suggesting things like this for dinner, but my father and sibling know she wouldn't fight it if someone offered it

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Kate Johnson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, oh, I get it now! Ooh! Because there aren't any sprinkles, right guys?

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Jessica N
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At 8+ months I came home with 6 giant cans of Piknik Stix once. Was all i wanted to eat xD

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Zophra
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This does not necessarily have anything to do with pregnancy. :)

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Yourdailydoseofanime
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thats a good dinner in my opinion but i'll just take the lolipops thanks

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Jonathan Dickson
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bruh why do I get the feeling she saw the ice cream cone box and was like, "hmm those flavors look good stacked like that."

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Stacey King
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like dinner is gonna be a sweet 😋 ne. 🍨🍦🎂🍰 LOL, I just bought several sweet items at the grocery store last night to make my supply of Cowboy 🤠 confections of ginger snaps, dark chocolate brownies and vanilla canned frosting to flavor with my Cowboy Bitter Sauce(aka Cowboy Chocolate)made of: Instant coffee ☕, molasses, and liquid smoke, but sometimes sweetened with a tablespoon of Kero brand dark syrup. I also got cool whip for especially a convenient quick dessert of Bananas Cowboy and marshmallow cream to sweeten black coffee and a couple boxed pudding mixes of chocolate and vanilla, I still yet have to buy me some nuts.

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Lucky2BAlive
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I ate cold corn dogs (in 27 years, I’ve never eaten another one or cheese sticks *L*) and this seems totally rational. Women always somehow have one last big crave.

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Keisha
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That seems to be right,no wait she forgot the whipped cream.

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Preslie Schubot
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

gurl your missing the whipped cream!!!You need whipped cream or its not a dinner!!!!!!!

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Lori Lathrom
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Legitimate dietary food choices. Let’s see, ya got yer dairy group, yer flavoring group, yer chocolate chip group…

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Maija Mobley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Women need more repect about what they go through-my brain I need real food!!*comes home with ice cream*- me

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Dan h
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m a guy, and I have that dinner sometimes...Albeit not quite as much....

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Wendy McNeil
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Een there. When i was pregnant i once ate an entire huge jar of pickles for supper

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Teena Hunter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh I didn't know you had to be pregnant to plan this for supper.

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Lizzy J
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, if u have a problem go get ur own dinner. This is all my dinner.

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Tabitha Hunt
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can relate. 😆 My husband thought it was a good idea to send a pregnant woman to the grocery store as well, I came home with 5 boxes of brownies.

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Leoninus Fate
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

as a full-grown adult male with the mind of a 15 year old, I see no problem here

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Spriots
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah no, get the chocolate ganache flavor if you can, it’s so good

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Peppermint Psaki
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a feeling that request “bring stuff for dinner” really meant “bring stuff for her to cook”

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Amy Davis
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She saw the picture on the box of cones first. I guarantee it. The lollipops...? Those were an afterthought for the kids to keep them away from her ice cream. (She'll end up hiding the lollipops for herself later, though.) ... wait, I think this picture was stolen from my Instagram account!

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Joan Zatorski
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember this well! Sadly, at age 67, I STILL like this for dinner (and it shows!!)

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AspieGirl88
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My 2 flavours of choice would be honeycomb & bubblegum, though if it’s meant to be dinner; I’d include crispy spring rolls (from my favourite Chinese takeaway)! 😋🍨💖🌯

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Emily Fravel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That dinner is rich in calcium. I once worked with a woman who had such bed hyperemesis during her pregnancy that the only thing she could keep down was Bryer's Vanilla Bean ice cream. Not regular vanilla. No other brand. They had a freezer just for her ice cream. I haven't been pregnant in almost 14 years and I still eat ice cream for dinner pretty regularly. I have appetite issues from taking adderall. At some point, calories are calories.

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Kim Lorton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There’s bread, so making an ice cream sandwich with whole grain honey wheat is good for you!

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Terri Davis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would do that when I was pregnant with my first child so many times, my husband took over the grocery shopping. I hate grocery shopping!!

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Hel-B
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Turkey Hill is not the most appetising brand name for ice cream. (Context: never heard of it).

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backatya
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wait until after the kid pops out. She'll regret she over did it on eating. Women think when they need to nourish the baby that they can eat whatever they want. They always go for the treats and then they have a FAT problem. That's why there's so many unhealthy moms around

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COCO puff
Community Member
2 years ago

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Unhealthy food for the mom and especially for the baby.

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#12

My Pregnant Wife Wanted Pancakes In The Middle Of The Night. I Delivered

My Pregnant Wife Wanted Pancakes In The Middle Of The Night. I Delivered

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#13

Pregnancy Struggles

Pregnancy Struggles

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Otter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

While pregnant, a friend used to refer to the toilets as "the pregnant woman's hangout".

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#14

My Wife Is Pregnant And She Thought It Would Be Funny To Take A Picture Of Our Dog's Feet Looking Like They Are Her's

My Wife Is Pregnant And She Thought It Would Be Funny To Take A Picture Of Our Dog's Feet Looking Like They Are Her's

Preventiongeek Report

#16

Pregnancy Is Beautiful They Said. You'll Glow They Said

Pregnancy Is Beautiful They Said. You'll Glow They Said

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#18

My Pregnant Wife Has Been Practicing Her Swaddling Technique On The Dog

My Pregnant Wife Has Been Practicing Her Swaddling Technique On The Dog

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#21

My Wife Is 39 Weeks Pregnant And Really Wants To See Deadpool 2

My Wife Is 39 Weeks Pregnant And Really Wants To See Deadpool 2

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#22

My Husband Found Me Hiding In The Bathroom, Pants Down, Shoveling Cookie Dough Ice Cream In My Mouth And Hiding From Our Kids. This Is Pregnancy (29weeks)

My Husband Found Me Hiding In The Bathroom, Pants Down, Shoveling Cookie Dough Ice Cream In My Mouth And Hiding From Our Kids. This Is Pregnancy (29weeks)

imgur.com Report

#23

Pregnancy Struggles

Pregnancy Struggles

AndreaKBrooks Report

#25

Pregnancy Brain Is So Real. My Daughters Daycare Lady Sent Me This. I’m So Embarrassed

Pregnancy Brain Is So Real. My Daughters Daycare Lady Sent Me This. I’m So Embarrassed

Stacieinhorrorland Report

#26

Looking All Over The House For A Good While... And Freaking Out Since Already Running Late, Finally Found My Damn Keys

Looking All Over The House For A Good While... And Freaking Out Since Already Running Late, Finally Found My Damn Keys

Common side effect of parenting while pregnant.

arbonne_with_pam Report

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Amy Bindokas
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s not just a pregnancy thing I’ve done done this a few times found my phone in the freezer once.

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#27

Too Hot To Wear Pants And Dresses Are Mostly All That Fits Me So I Had To Figure Out A Way To Shave My Legs While Not Being Able To Bend Over

Too Hot To Wear Pants And Dresses Are Mostly All That Fits Me So I Had To Figure Out A Way To Shave My Legs While Not Being Able To Bend Over

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#28

8 Months Pregnant And Came Out Of The Bank To Find This... (I’m The Blue Car)

8 Months Pregnant And Came Out Of The Bank To Find This... (I’m The Blue Car)

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Bear Hall
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kick the other car till the alarm starts and start to yell with them when they'll come running.

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#30

I Heard “You’re So Big!” And “You’re So Small!” Literally Within The Same Day In Pregnancy And I Was Like Wut

I Heard “You’re So Big!” And “You’re So Small!” Literally Within The Same Day In Pregnancy And I Was Like Wut

What is it about our baby bumps that makes people think they can give us their UNSOLICITED comments and suggestions?⁠
Here's a tip: Just wish us and our baby good health and safe delivery. ⁠

What's the worst unsolicited comment you've heard about your pregnancy?⁠

you_lingerie Report

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Nadine Debard
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very often they're only kind people being a bit clumsy. First one: 'oh, you're 7 months pregnant, but your belly is very discreet'. A week later, (admiring tone) ' wow you're due in October, but your belly is already quite big' (really depends on the clothes I wear). I know my baby is OK, I didn't overweight, I'm in good health and shape, so I really don't mind comments like this as they're first meant to be nice.

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#31

Cracking Up At The Hilarious (& Oh So Relatable) Difference Of My Undies From March vs. Today At 37 Weeks

Cracking Up At The Hilarious (& Oh So Relatable) Difference Of My Undies From March vs. Today At 37 Weeks

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Queen Boudicca
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those blue undies may have inadvertently contributed to you needing the olive ones....good for you!

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#32

The Next Person That Asks Me How My Pregnancy Is Going Will Just Be Shown This Picture

The Next Person That Asks Me How My Pregnancy Is Going Will Just Be Shown This Picture

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#33

Technically This Conversation With My Husband Happened Yesterday, But I Swear It Feels Like I Have A Similar One With Him Everyday

Technically This Conversation With My Husband Happened Yesterday, But I Swear It Feels Like I Have A Similar One With Him Everyday

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Anne
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

maybe husband could pack your bag for you in the morning (if the schedules match)

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#34

I Sent This Series Of Texts To My Hubby Just Now

I Sent This Series Of Texts To My Hubby Just Now

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#35

How Many Breakfasts Have You Had Today? This Is My Third

How Many Breakfasts Have You Had Today? This Is My Third

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#37

My Husband And I Took Our 5 Year Old To The Amusement Park For The First Time Today. I'm 9 Months Pregnant, This Was My Favorite Ride

My Husband And I Took Our 5 Year Old To The Amusement Park For The First Time Today. I'm 9 Months Pregnant, This Was My Favorite Ride

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Andy Acceber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whyyyyyyy? Going to the amusement park for the first time at the age of 6 will be just as fun.

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#42

Im Not Saying That She Has Pregnancy Brain... I Mean It’s Also Possible That She Made Chocolate Waffles. Either Way It Smells Like A Delicious Campfire In Our Kitchen

Im Not Saying That She Has Pregnancy Brain... I Mean It’s Also Possible That She Made Chocolate Waffles. Either Way It Smells Like A Delicious Campfire In Our Kitchen

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#43

Pregnancy Is Weird

Pregnancy Is Weird

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A B C
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is this boxed and custom made as if it were from a pizza place, but uncooked and sealed in plastic?

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#44

Pregnant Wife Ordered Cheese Fries, This Isn’t Going To End Well

Pregnant Wife Ordered Cheese Fries, This Isn’t Going To End Well

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#45

My Friend's Wife Is Pregnant. She Got Cravings For Sweet And Spicy

My Friend's Wife Is Pregnant. She Got Cravings For Sweet And Spicy

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#46

Preggo Brain At Its Finest. Opened My Front Door This Morning To Find These In It

Preggo Brain At Its Finest. Opened My Front Door This Morning To Find These In It

_trishee_ Report

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#49

Let's Say I "Hypothetically" Forgot To Take A Pyrex Lid Out Of The Oven Before I Preheat It And It "Hypothetically" Melted

Let's Say I "Hypothetically" Forgot To Take A Pyrex Lid Out Of The Oven Before I Preheat It And It "Hypothetically" Melted

What would be the best way to get the plastic off the hypothetical oven rack? Or would one need to just throw the whole damn oven out? Asking for a friend.

amy_kl_scheerer Report

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Otter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually, melted plastic usually peels right off of smooth metal, once it cools. Ask me anything about bad housekeeping!

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#50

Third Trimester Probz

Third Trimester Probz

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Note: this post originally had 107 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.