Sunday, April 17, 2011

Last Time to Post from this Address

We are moving tomorrow! I, however, will be going to work because I'm useless in that situation. I've been doing lots of packing, though, and will be doing a lot of unpacking, so I'm not getting a free pass or anything. We are just moving down the street.

Today I am 35 weeks along, with 35 days to go until my due date. Liam is still doing really well as far as I know. I think he's content where he is and has given me no indication that he's going to want to come out early. He squirms all the time, but he's quite limited on where he can go. He's been in a head down position for a while, and I really hope he stays that way. He does, however, shift from side to side. Two appointments ago, his heartbeat was on my right side. At the next appointment, it was on the left, and at the most recent appointment it was back on the right side. As long he stays head down, I don't care what he does!

Since we are moving, we are not currently prepared for Liam's arrival if it were to happen sooner than we expect. The crib is still at the store waiting to be picked up. (If you recall, we bought an IKEA crib a few months ago. However, my mom was generous enough to buy us a different one and we took the IKEA one back). We need to buy a crib mattress soon. That's not such a big deal, though, because he will be sleeping in our room for a while in a bassinet in a pack and play which has yet to be acquired. Hopefully, we'll get that soon. I feel like he has enough clothes and various things, but I feel like we still need so much more stuff to be adequately prepared. We are planning on cloth diapering him, but we'll transition into that about 3-4 weeks after he is born. That means we will need enough regular diapers to get us to that point. We have some, but not enough. I don't have any cloth diapers yet, either. I'm afraid of buying a bunch of one kind and then finding they don't work well for Liam. My plan is to get one of several different kinds from a local cloth diaper store and experiment to see what works, then buy our supply of them. We have no changing pad, but we do have a changing table! That's a start. I don't have any bottles in case I need them. I'm hoping to strictly breastfeed, though, so hopefully it will be a while before I need some. But if I do end up needing to use them shortly after his birth, I am not prepared. I don't have a diaper bag yet. We do have the stroller and car seat, but they are still in the box. We will finally take them out this week after the move. I'm not sure when we need to install the car seat in the car, though. Soon I'm guessing. I don't have any nursing clothes or bras or anything like that yet. I definitely have not packed any bags for the hospital. I need to get some nursing gear before I do that. Once we move, we will gather together the items to use during labor and have them in one spot with our hospital bags. I need to finish preregistering online for the birth. I'm sure this is not all I'm lacking. I try not to think about it too much because my lack of preparedness kind of stresses me out. I know it will all work itself out somehow, though. It always does.

Next weekend, we're traveling to Louisiana for the last time before Liam is born. It will be a pretty quick trip. My friends are hosting a baby shower for me, and I'm so excited about it! I can't wait to see all the people I don't get to see very often...or ever. I'm hoping that Liam is chill for the whole trip and all those bumps on I-20 don't make him want to come join us.

I have three more weeks of work left, which will put me working until 2 weeks before my due date. I will not be going back to work after Liam is born which makes me extremely happy! I get to be a stay at home mommy...well, technically a work from home mommy. I will still need to do some data entry work from home part time to make some money. I have one gig that I do now from home, but I'm looking for a better opportunity. Please let me know if you have any info on part-time work from home jobs.

Well, it's back to packing for me.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Baby Shower, Texas Edition

This past Saturday some wonderful friends hosted a baby shower for me (and Liam). They put a lot of thought and effort into it and I think it was wonderful! I'm so thankful they did this for me. A wonderful time was had by all. Liam got lots of cute and useful things. My mom came, which was really nice. That's a long drive for her! Here are a few pictures from the shower:
Opening presents

Me and the hostesses: Anne, Christina, and Kristin
The side view is much more impressive...I am huge, although that shirt did exaggerate the bump a bit.
Presents and Liam's name banner
Food and the diaper cake Kristin made
Cupcakes with cute toppers
As you can see, the shower was awesome. Saturday was a great day...then Sunday happened when our kitty, Squirt, had to have emergency surgery. Thankfully she's ok now, but it has been a rough couple of days.

Baby Liam is growing more and more everyday. As Will says, "Well, he's not going to get any smaller." Today he wiggled around a whole bunch. I think he's trying to expand his territory and finding there's nowhere to go. So he just pushes against me. Our first "official" appointment with our midwife was last week. Will got to go. It was the first time he'd heard Liam's heartbeat since the 20 week ultrasound, which was 3 months ago! She let us listen to the valves of his heart opening and closing, the whooshing sound of his umbilical cord, and the sound of the placenta. She said he was still head down! I really hope he stays that way. Liam and I are both doing well so far. He's really taken it easy on me.

I have less than 7 weeks until my official due date. I'm fine with going past that, though. There's just so much to do in April that it overwhelms me to think about it. Once May gets here, things should calm down some...until Liam's arrival!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

The Switcheroo

If you read this blog, you know our goal is a non-medicated, natural birth. Some people think that's crazy, but I'm not sure why anyone would think that. Yes, it will be harder (pain-wise) on me, but it will be so much better for Liam. I'm willing to endure that pain because it's what's best for him. Plus, the epidural scares me more than the pain. I've never been in the hospital or been given heavy narcotic medication, and I don't know how my body will react to it. The most important moment of my life is not when I want to find out.

I had talked to my doctor some about my wishes for a non-medicated birth. Her reaction was that, yes, I could do that, but I would be be asked several times if I wanted the epidural. Most of the women she delivers get the epidural, so that is what's normal for her. There would also be a time limit on labor, meaning that if I labor a long time, I would be pushed to speed things up. Also, my  one position option for delivery would be on my back on the bed. Now, they obviously can't FORCE me to do anything I don't want to do (except the delivery position). My fear is that I would get bothered so much about these things and I might be in such an emotional and physically exhausted state that I might give in. I would rather not be in such a situation.

So, we finally decided we needed to make a change...at 31 weeks pregnant. We had known for a while that a midwife would be a better choice for us. I just didn't know how to switch or if it would even be possible to switch. The first thing we did was call some birth centers, since we figured that would be the only type of place to get a midwife. All of them were pretty much booked up for May, but were willing to meet with us and possibly take us on. Then my doctor informed me I was a carrier of Group B Strep. It doesn't mean I have an infection, just the bacteria that can cause it. It does mean that I will have to get antibiotics by IV when I am in labor because it can be bad news if a baby were to get the infection while being birthed. My doctor and nurse informed me it was not a big deal at all. However, with that information we decided we would feel more comfortable delivering at a hospital just in case something were to happen. I just figured I would stick with my doctor and hope for the best outcome.

Then our Bradley instructor told us about a midwife who delivers at a hospital (big Baylor). She said this midwife was wonderful and that Baylor was the most non-medicated birth friendly hospital in the area. I called the midwife's office, explained my situation, and set up a meeting with her. She is the only midwife in an office of doctors, which means she is covered in network by our insurance. I met with her last Wednesday and absolutely loved her. She answered all my questions the way I wanted them to be answered. She didn't hesitate to become my midwife, and she referred to my son by his name throughout the meeting. I loved that! Before I left, she checked his heartbeat and felt him. She said his heart sounded perfect and that it felt like he was currently in a head down position. I left there feeling great about making the decision to switch! I will not be asked if I want an epidural. I will be allowed to labor AND deliver in any position I want. I can labor in water or walk around outside if I want to. Yay!

Today, we took the maternity tour at Baylor and I feel 100% sure we made the right decision to switch. They advocate no separation between mother and child (unless, of course, it's necessary). They are super supportive of breastfeeding, with 90%  of mothers there choosing to do so. Everything the instructor said was what I wanted to hear. I am actually excited about giving birth there. Our new midwife was even there in the Labor and Delivery area because she had just delivered an 8 pound, 10 ounce baby naturally...on a Saturday. That baby was not scheduled! Will got to meet her.

I am so much more at ease with our choice now. I'm actually looking forward to the labor and delivery of our son!

Friday, March 18, 2011

30 Week Update

I am 3/4 of the way through this pregnancy (assuming I last until 40 weeks). By the grace of God, everything is still going amazingly well!

I had my 30 week appointment a few days ago. Baby Liam is doing well. He had a strong heartbeat and has grown since the last appointment. I did pass my glucose test and my iron levels were "awesome" according to the nurse. She asked me if I ate a lot of red meat. I told her I hadn't had red meat in about 5 years because I'm a vegetarian. She was very impressed. So it is totally possible to be a vegetarian and perfectly healthy while pregnant.

As we come into the final couple months before Liam's birth, I have to admit that I am not yet ready for his arrival. The next 6 weeks or so are going to be crazy busy. Will has to travel for work, I'll have two baby showers, and we will move to a new apartment. I will not feel really settled and ready until we are completely moved into the new place. Add work on top of all of that and the weeks are going to fly right by. Our plan is to start packing this weekend. I've been snagging paper boxes from work.

We are trying to make Liam's birth the best it can be, which is why at 30 (almost 31) weeks, I am trying to switch from my current doctor to a midwife. At first, I thought my doctor would be fine with a natural birth, but now I'm not so sure. She says she's fine with it, but I don't think she has much experience with it. My fear is that I will be pressured into doing something I don't want to do at the hospital out of fear or ignorance. SO, I have an appointment Monday with a midwife who practices in a doctor's office and delivers at a hospital. I'm praying it's the best of both worlds. I got my medical records from my current doctor today, and I'm hoping the midwife agrees to take me on as a patient. I like knowing he would be delivered by someone totally committed to natural birth, and if something were to go wrong, then we'd be at supposedly the best hospital in DFW (Big Baylor). That also means I got to see all my pregnancy-related medical records. It's confirmation that everything really is going well.

I leave you with a picture of shoes. We bought Liam his first pair of Simple shoes this week (with a coupon!). Here's one of Will's Simple shoes next to Liam's little one. There's going to be two tiny feet in this house soon!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Last Week of the Twenties

Today, I'm 29 weeks pregnant, which means next Sunday I hit the 30 week mark. 30 weeks! This second half of pregnancy is going by just as fast as the first.

I had a doctor's appointment Thursday. I had to take the 1 hour glucose test. I don't know yet if I passed or not. Of course, I'm really hoping I passed it...unless I actually do have gestational diabetes. Then we need to find out as quickly as possible. It's crazy that it really has no symptoms. I'm hoping they tell me tomorrow or Tuesday if I failed or passed.
Other than that possibility, everything is going perfectly fine. My blood pressure was still normal, although it was slightly elevated for me. The nurse said the glucose drink can do that to some people. I got to hear Liam's heartbeat, and the doctor said it was good and strong at 135 beats per minute. I wish she listened to it longer. I could probably listen all day. I guess the good news is that I don't have to wait a whole month to hear it again. I have to go to the doctor every two weeks now! I guess my belly is measuring fine. She never comments on the size of it.

This past Wednesday, we started our Bradley method childbirth classes! The Bradley Method Our goal is to have a natural, non-medicated birth. We have to learn how to do that, so we're taking a class. I think it will be a great resource for us. In the first class, we learned the exercises I need to do everyday to prepare my body for it, a relaxation technique, and proper nutrition. Thankfully, I already knew some of that because my friend Crystal is a Bradley instructor and has told me some stuff, plus I've read Dr. Bradley's book, "Husband-Coached Childbirth." I'm taking it seriously and doing my exercises everyday. I'm getting 80 - 100 grams of protein everyday (on a balanced, vegetarian diet). I like it so far because Will has to be super involved as well. Liam is his child too and Will wants the best for him. I think Will would prefer I give birth at home with a midwife, but I'm not on board with that this time. I do have the "What if something goes wrong?" thoughts. Hopefully for the second child (God-willing) when I know more about how labor and delivery works, we can do that. We are thinking about hiring a doula for this birth. So I will be giving birth in a regular hospital. I know that will make it harder to get the natural birth I want, but it's not impossible. They can't MAKE me get an epidural. BUT, if it starts hurting really bad, I might want to cave and get one since it would be so convenient. That's where Will comes in to help me through the pain and help me stick to the natural decision we've made. A natural birth will be impossible without him. There will be pain. Childbirth is meant to be painful. Through this class, we'll learn how to manage the pain. I'm really excited about this class! Of course, there's always the possibility I will have to have a c-section for some reason. Some of them are actually necessary (not all, but some). I would be cheating myself and Liam if I didn't prepare for the best way, though. And I pray everyday that I won't have to have a c-section. But if it ends up being best for Liam and for me to have one, then that's how it will be.

Last night, we experienced the first time moms presale at Divine Consign, a huge baby/child consignment sale. I guess I didn't really know what to expect since I don't frequent consignment sales. I thought we had a leg up since we got to go to the presale before the general public, but those who actually put items in the sale got to start shopping 2 hours earlier. They pretty much bought all the good stuff. We were hoping to find a changing table, but no luck. Everything that was halfway decent already had a pink Sold sticker on it. There were people everywhere with carts and strollers and laundry baskets piled high with baby clothes and other items. It was overwhelming to me. Somehow we ended up buying 4 things: a pair of baby shoes, a tummy time mat, a gently used Baby Bjorn carrier, and a fabric sling that was only $7. The tummy time mat and Baby Bjorn were things I had actually registered for (I took them off the list), so it was not a complete failure. However, the long check out line almost made us want to give up before we even started.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Third and Final

Today marks the beginning of the third trimester!

I'm still feeling normal and pretty great overall. My belly is getting bigger everyday. Liam has been kicking a lot lately. He's getting bigger and stronger. Will gets to feel him kick all the time now.  Liam even kicked Will in the head a few times the other night when he put his head on my belly and started talking to Liam.

I think we're both really excited that Liam will be here before too long! Sometimes when I stop to really think about what's about to happen, though, and realize that my life will never be the same again, and that it will no longer be just me and Will...it feels a little overwhelming. I don't know what it's like to not be just the two of us, and the unknown can always be kind of scary. I think it will be amazing, though. We just celebrated our eighth anniversary, so it's about time we had a kid, right?

Saturday, February 26, 2011

My Childhood

It's been a little while since I posted anything, so I figured it was time to do so. Lately I've been thinking and wondering what kinds of things Liam is going to like when he's a kid. I wonder what the coolest toys will be, and if I'll have to deal with a child who begs for them whenever we go to a store. So that got me thinking about the things that remind me of my childhood. I'm talking about toys and games and TV shows and such. Things that when I see or hear mention of them these days, I get a little nostalgic. So growing up as a girl in the 80s, here are some of the things I quite enjoyed back then (in no particular order of importance or even in date order):

Barbies: I had a TON of Barbies, and played with them all the time. Fave: Peaches and Cream Barbie

Pogo Ball: Shaped like Saturn and tons of jumping fun

Ribbon Streamers: Great for twirling around and dancing with
Care Bears: I still have my Care Bears lunch box I got in preschool
Strawberry Shortcake: I loved anything Strawberry Shortcake
My Little Pony: My favorite one was pink with teal hair

Hula Hooping: In my adult life, I can't do it to save my life, but back in the day I could handle two at once and even walk around while hula hooping. Skills.
Popples: I had one that was a soccer ball when you rolled it up
Jem and the Holograms: I had books and dolls and watched the cartoon. I always wanted some big star earrings.

The Disney Channel: I stayed with my grandparents a lot and they had satellite TV, so I watched it all the time when I was there. Back then, the Disney Channel played old stuff so I mostly remember old Mickey Mouse cartoons and Disney movies.
Nickelodeon: If I wasn't watching the Disney Channel, I was definitely watching Nickelodeon. Double Dare, Inspector Gadget, You Can't Do That on Television, Out of Control, Looney Toons, Mr. Wizard, then later on-Pete and Pete, Salute Your Shorts, Hey Dude, Doug, Rugrats, Ren and Stimpy, etc. Then you had the old shows they aired like Dennis the Menace and Lassie. My favorite was probably Clarissa Explains it All, though. I do have a fondness for old school Nickelodeon.

The Monkees: For some reason, Nickelodeon aired episodes of The Monkees TV show from the sixties. As a result, they were my favorite band when I was 7. I'm pretty sure I entered a contest to meet them.

Nick at Nite: Man, I sure watched a lot of Nickelodeon. I would watch Nick at Nite with my grandparents. I loved Mr. Ed, The Patty Duke Show, The Donna Reed Show, Dobie Gillis, My Three Sons, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Green Acres, etc. I also remember watching Laugh-In and Mork and Mindy. All that old stuff! I also asked them if the TV was broken since it was in black and white.
Dirty Dancing: Yes, I was allowed to watch this movie as a child whenever it came out. I remember dancing to "I've Had the Time of My Life" on the second grade playground!

Walk Like an Egyptian: This was my favorite song for a while when I was a kid, and yes, I walked around doing the Egyptian arms.
California Raisins: Remember when they were huge? I still have my California Raisins I got from all those kid's meals at Hardees in Homer.

New Kids on the Block: Around 4th grade every girl loved them. I remember being quite upset when I didn't get to go to either concert they performed in Shreveport. Then I remember the hubub dying down in 5th grade. Were they really that short-lived, or am I not remembering it correctly?
The Baby Sitters Club: I was obsessed. Lots of books, movies...the board game. You name it, I probably had it. That obsession lasted for years. Well, it lasted until I was 13, which is the same age as the girls in the books. Once they were no longer older than me, it was no longer cool. I have the same birthday as the author, Ann M. Martin, though. I was truly upset when I found out years later that most of the BSC books were ghost-written.


There you have it, some of the things that remind me of my childhood. There's so much more I could add, but I will stop there. Perhaps I'll get Will to post about his childhood since he's a boy and liked different stuff. This post was fun!