Status: 31 weeks, 5 days
We took a class tonight entitled, "Massage for Pregnancy & Labor." OMG! We should have taken this a LOOOOONG time ago! The teacher is a massage therapist and she was amazing! She taught us about proper positioning, how to help the guys be more productive using less effort, and how to communicate what we like and don't like. She also practiced on each of us (which happened a lot since there were only 3 couples in the class). We learned the basic techniques, but we also learned some ways to put pressure on certain areas to relieve tension in others. Who would have thought that a guy pushing on your knees while you're sitting (aimed at your back) would feel good....but it does!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Another check off the prep list!
Status: 31 weeks, 4 days
I am soooooo excited! Prepping for this baby is almost like prepping for a wedding (and we're even on the same basic countdown schedule as we were last year...LOL). The only big difference is that the baby lasts more than one day!
On the big long list of things to plan for, childcare is one of the HARDEST to cover. Choosing whether or not to stay home, go back to work, or go part-time is hard enough, but then having to decide who will take care of your child just adds to the craziness! My mom had this brilliant (and don't tell her I said this, because otherwise she'll think I REALLy listen to her - j/k mom, wink, wink) idea of asking around to see if there was a stay-at-home mom (SAHM) who was looking for a little extra income that would agree to watch Tobe a few days a week. Well..... I found one!
As most of you know, I am a daily (if not, more often) visitor to TheBump.com (yes, that's one of the spinoffs from TheKnot.com). There are tons of SAHMs there, so I decided to post - just to see if anyone was interested. I found a taker!
Her name is Lauren and she is a SAHM of a 13 month old named Colin who has the MOST gorgeous eyes EVER! I kid you not, you cannot take your eyes off of his because they are so blue and sparkly! We have emailed back and forth a couple times, and decided to meet up for lunch today to discuss the situation. It is PERFECT! I don't know if I prayed hard or what, but she was sent from heaven!
She will come to our house whatever days we need, and she'll stay with Tobe for a VERY reasonable hourly rate! I just can't believe our luck! She even has a back-up plan for if her child is sick, or she can't make it. Her cousin is a SAHM near our home and would be able to helpout.....I am so grateful to have met her, and I think we will become friends - and hopefully our boys will, too!
I am soooooo excited! Prepping for this baby is almost like prepping for a wedding (and we're even on the same basic countdown schedule as we were last year...LOL). The only big difference is that the baby lasts more than one day!
On the big long list of things to plan for, childcare is one of the HARDEST to cover. Choosing whether or not to stay home, go back to work, or go part-time is hard enough, but then having to decide who will take care of your child just adds to the craziness! My mom had this brilliant (and don't tell her I said this, because otherwise she'll think I REALLy listen to her - j/k mom, wink, wink) idea of asking around to see if there was a stay-at-home mom (SAHM) who was looking for a little extra income that would agree to watch Tobe a few days a week. Well..... I found one!
As most of you know, I am a daily (if not, more often) visitor to TheBump.com (yes, that's one of the spinoffs from TheKnot.com). There are tons of SAHMs there, so I decided to post - just to see if anyone was interested. I found a taker!
Her name is Lauren and she is a SAHM of a 13 month old named Colin who has the MOST gorgeous eyes EVER! I kid you not, you cannot take your eyes off of his because they are so blue and sparkly! We have emailed back and forth a couple times, and decided to meet up for lunch today to discuss the situation. It is PERFECT! I don't know if I prayed hard or what, but she was sent from heaven!
She will come to our house whatever days we need, and she'll stay with Tobe for a VERY reasonable hourly rate! I just can't believe our luck! She even has a back-up plan for if her child is sick, or she can't make it. Her cousin is a SAHM near our home and would be able to helpout.....I am so grateful to have met her, and I think we will become friends - and hopefully our boys will, too!
Adding to our CD stash!
Prepared Childbirth: Take 3!
Status: 31 weeks, 4 days
On Monday night, we had our 3rd Prepared Childbirth class @ Kennestone. This week, we reviewed transition, pushing positions, and more massage techniques (yay!). Our instructor also pulled out the birth balls. I sat on the egg. It was ok, except you can't rock from side to side so the whole balance thing was a problem. It worked REALLY well for kneeling though. I actually liked this position more than I thought I would because it made it so much easier to breathe without Tobe up in my lungs!
On Monday night, we had our 3rd Prepared Childbirth class @ Kennestone. This week, we reviewed transition, pushing positions, and more massage techniques (yay!). Our instructor also pulled out the birth balls. I sat on the egg. It was ok, except you can't rock from side to side so the whole balance thing was a problem. It worked REALLY well for kneeling though. I actually liked this position more than I thought I would because it made it so much easier to breathe without Tobe up in my lungs!
A view of week 31
Status: 31 weeks, 4 days
Here is my picture of the week:
On my way to work, as usual. I wasn't feeling particularly large this day, but apparently it suddenly became obvious to everyone else because I got a lot of "Wow! When did you get so big?" comments.....I don't take it badly, though, because I haven't looked pregnant for most of my pregnancy.....
Here is my picture of the week:
31 weeks, 2 days
On my way to work, as usual. I wasn't feeling particularly large this day, but apparently it suddenly became obvious to everyone else because I got a lot of "Wow! When did you get so big?" comments.....I don't take it badly, though, because I haven't looked pregnant for most of my pregnancy.....
Learning to let go....
Status: 31 weeks, 4 days
On Saturday we took our first Intuitive Birth class with Laura from Baby Steps. We are taking this class privately because my work schedule did not permit us to take one of their regularly scheduled classes. The bonus to this is that it is very much tailored to us, and we only have to go to 4 classes instead of 6!
This week we covered nutrition & exercise, reframing birth concepts, and the beginning of labor. Our homework for the next two weeks (until we have another class) is to practice the exercises (mostly for stretching and relief of back pain), keep a food diary for a week (to monitor protein intake), practice relaxation scripts, and think about how we want to go through this experience.
I know we are taking a lot of classes, and poor Joel is probably overwhelmed, but I think that hearing a lot of the same things over and over is helping both of us to relax. Although I learned about the process of birth in nursing school, learning about giving birth yourself is a completely different thing. It takes a lot of practice to learn to trust yourself and your body and to know that you are capable of doing something that seems impossible. I really like that all of the classes we have taken so far seem to be very middle-ground. They don't preach natural or medicated births, they simply show you how to use all your resources and to make the experience of giving birth a beautiful one for your family.
On Saturday we took our first Intuitive Birth class with Laura from Baby Steps. We are taking this class privately because my work schedule did not permit us to take one of their regularly scheduled classes. The bonus to this is that it is very much tailored to us, and we only have to go to 4 classes instead of 6!
This week we covered nutrition & exercise, reframing birth concepts, and the beginning of labor. Our homework for the next two weeks (until we have another class) is to practice the exercises (mostly for stretching and relief of back pain), keep a food diary for a week (to monitor protein intake), practice relaxation scripts, and think about how we want to go through this experience.
I know we are taking a lot of classes, and poor Joel is probably overwhelmed, but I think that hearing a lot of the same things over and over is helping both of us to relax. Although I learned about the process of birth in nursing school, learning about giving birth yourself is a completely different thing. It takes a lot of practice to learn to trust yourself and your body and to know that you are capable of doing something that seems impossible. I really like that all of the classes we have taken so far seem to be very middle-ground. They don't preach natural or medicated births, they simply show you how to use all your resources and to make the experience of giving birth a beautiful one for your family.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Another successful appointment!
Status: 30 weeks, 6 days
We had our second meeting with the hematologist today. My bloodwork came back normal (as we expected it would). The next step is to have it drawn one more time at the end of August and meet back with the doctor to discuss postpartum testing.
We also asked him what we need to tell potential pediatricians and mohels. He told us that the baby's cord blood would be tested, and as long as it looks fine then we're all clear for the bris (we expect that it will be)!
Here's the irony of the whole thing: Joel and I were walking into the house after the appointment and he was following me up the stairs. He stops me and says, "What is THAT on your leg?" I looked at him like he was crazy. He pointed down to the back of my calf and this was staring back at me:
I didn't hit anything that I remember, and it doesn't hurt and wasn't there yesterday...go figure.....
We had our second meeting with the hematologist today. My bloodwork came back normal (as we expected it would). The next step is to have it drawn one more time at the end of August and meet back with the doctor to discuss postpartum testing.
We also asked him what we need to tell potential pediatricians and mohels. He told us that the baby's cord blood would be tested, and as long as it looks fine then we're all clear for the bris (we expect that it will be)!
Here's the irony of the whole thing: Joel and I were walking into the house after the appointment and he was following me up the stairs. He stops me and says, "What is THAT on your leg?" I looked at him like he was crazy. He pointed down to the back of my calf and this was staring back at me:
I didn't hit anything that I remember, and it doesn't hurt and wasn't there yesterday...go figure.....
I got some CDs!!!
Status: 30 weeks, 6 days
No, I did not buy anymore Rock-a-bye Baby CDs or some soothing music, these are a different kind of CD - cloth diapers.
Let me just stop you now before I get a million comments about how "it's SOOOOO much work" or "they leak" or whatever else you want to say. Joel and I have been thinking about doing this since an online friend of mine introduced me to the idea about 5 months ago. We did not hit our heads, and we have not "gone green" (although we ARE environmentally conscious), this is just what we've decided to do to save money.
So back to my excitement! My friend (same one who introduced me to the idea) introduced me to Diaperswappers.com and I have spent a good part of today finally looking into purchasing from some folks on there. So far, I have talked to a couple people about their stashes (that's code for "stash of diapers"), but I have only made one purchase. I bought 3 Kushies AIO (All-In-One's - basically, they function like a disposable diaper, except you wash them) for $20 - including shipping!!!! They should be shipped out tomorrow and arrive in a few days.
I am also in the process of negotiations on several other kinds of diapers. I've heard (and agree) that it's best to get different kinds and then buy more of what you like. Plus, they have a great resale value so if I don't like them I can make some (or all) of my money back!
No, I did not buy anymore Rock-a-bye Baby CDs or some soothing music, these are a different kind of CD - cloth diapers.
Let me just stop you now before I get a million comments about how "it's SOOOOO much work" or "they leak" or whatever else you want to say. Joel and I have been thinking about doing this since an online friend of mine introduced me to the idea about 5 months ago. We did not hit our heads, and we have not "gone green" (although we ARE environmentally conscious), this is just what we've decided to do to save money.
So back to my excitement! My friend (same one who introduced me to the idea) introduced me to Diaperswappers.com and I have spent a good part of today finally looking into purchasing from some folks on there. So far, I have talked to a couple people about their stashes (that's code for "stash of diapers"), but I have only made one purchase. I bought 3 Kushies AIO (All-In-One's - basically, they function like a disposable diaper, except you wash them) for $20 - including shipping!!!! They should be shipped out tomorrow and arrive in a few days.
I am also in the process of negotiations on several other kinds of diapers. I've heard (and agree) that it's best to get different kinds and then buy more of what you like. Plus, they have a great resale value so if I don't like them I can make some (or all) of my money back!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
A dose of reality...
Status: 30 weeks, 5 days
We went on our hospital tour this evening. It was reassuring, scary, and exciting all at the same time! The hospital we will be delivering at is Northside Hospital in Atlanta. It is located about 5 miles from our home, and just next door to both our midwives' and our perinatologists' offices - so it's pretty convenient!
On our tour, they showed us where I'm supposed to come in when I'm in labor (and how to keep the car from getting towed), a typical labor and delivery room, where the cafeteria & 24-hour McDonald's are located, where the cashier's office and birth certificate office are, and where we get discharged. We also took a quick peek by one of the nurseries and saw a couple of newborns. This was super-cute because Joel got all excited and had this big grin on his face! I think it was yet another step that made the whole thing real for him....
We went on our hospital tour this evening. It was reassuring, scary, and exciting all at the same time! The hospital we will be delivering at is Northside Hospital in Atlanta. It is located about 5 miles from our home, and just next door to both our midwives' and our perinatologists' offices - so it's pretty convenient!
On our tour, they showed us where I'm supposed to come in when I'm in labor (and how to keep the car from getting towed), a typical labor and delivery room, where the cafeteria & 24-hour McDonald's are located, where the cashier's office and birth certificate office are, and where we get discharged. We also took a quick peek by one of the nurseries and saw a couple of newborns. This was super-cute because Joel got all excited and had this big grin on his face! I think it was yet another step that made the whole thing real for him....
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
30 weeks and going strong!
Status: 30 weeks, 4 days
Yesterday we had our 30 week midwife appointment. This time we met with Mitra, who we hadn't seen since our very first appointment at the beginning of our pregnancy. For some reason I had originally thought that our personalities didn't really mesh, but yesterday we had a great meeting, and I'm really happy with her! I really like all of the midwives we've met, actually.
Yesterday we had our 30 week midwife appointment. This time we met with Mitra, who we hadn't seen since our very first appointment at the beginning of our pregnancy. For some reason I had originally thought that our personalities didn't really mesh, but yesterday we had a great meeting, and I'm really happy with her! I really like all of the midwives we've met, actually.
Stats for yesterday's appointment:
Fundal height: 29 cm (a little small, should be about 30.5)
Weight gain: 16 lbs Total
Heart Rate: 153bpm
BP: 122/70
Fundal height: 29 cm (a little small, should be about 30.5)
Weight gain: 16 lbs Total
Heart Rate: 153bpm
BP: 122/70
What that means, in English, is everything looks really good. We did have a few questions yesterday, and her answers were pretty helpful.
1. Why do my arms and legs have moments where they suddenly feel heavy (the same as when I've had some alcohol - and no, I have not)? Apparently, it's the fluid occluding my nerves in pretty much the same way as carpal tunnel syndrome (which I have had).
2. I get Braxton Hicks contractions, but I also get a different tight feeling. Is this normal? I need to slow down and stay off my feet more. If there are more than 4-6 in an hour (which happens) drink lots of water, put my feet up, and go pee.
3. If my water were to break at home, how long would we be allowed to wait before they would want to induce if nothing was happening? (We were asked to find this out for class.) There are two answers: A) If I am Group B Strep + , then about 6 hours. B) If I am Group B Strep -, then 10 or more hours.
Overall, a great appointment! We are now on our bi-weekly appointment schedule, so look for lots of updates!
1. Why do my arms and legs have moments where they suddenly feel heavy (the same as when I've had some alcohol - and no, I have not)? Apparently, it's the fluid occluding my nerves in pretty much the same way as carpal tunnel syndrome (which I have had).
2. I get Braxton Hicks contractions, but I also get a different tight feeling. Is this normal? I need to slow down and stay off my feet more. If there are more than 4-6 in an hour (which happens) drink lots of water, put my feet up, and go pee.
3. If my water were to break at home, how long would we be allowed to wait before they would want to induce if nothing was happening? (We were asked to find this out for class.) There are two answers: A) If I am Group B Strep + , then about 6 hours. B) If I am Group B Strep -, then 10 or more hours.
Overall, a great appointment! We are now on our bi-weekly appointment schedule, so look for lots of updates!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Prepared Childbirth : Take 2
Status: 30 weeks, 3 days
Last night we had our second session of our Prepared Childbirth class. It was a lot more relaxed this week, and I think we all felt more comfortable with each other in general. The topics covered this week were: active labor, relaxation, and the use of different labor positions.
First, we reviewed what we learned about early labor from the first week's class. After that, we learned about back labor, comfort measures, and the support person's role in active labor. To make it even more real, we watched a 15 minute video of a woman who had a natural labor with an awesome support person. I think it gave the partners a lot more confidence when they could see that it actually works!
After we scared all the guys, we went on to a little bit of deep breathing and relaxation practice. We sat facing backward in a chair with a pillow, and the partners tried different back massage techniques....it was sooooooo nice! I can't wait to practice that part some more!
Last night we had our second session of our Prepared Childbirth class. It was a lot more relaxed this week, and I think we all felt more comfortable with each other in general. The topics covered this week were: active labor, relaxation, and the use of different labor positions.
First, we reviewed what we learned about early labor from the first week's class. After that, we learned about back labor, comfort measures, and the support person's role in active labor. To make it even more real, we watched a 15 minute video of a woman who had a natural labor with an awesome support person. I think it gave the partners a lot more confidence when they could see that it actually works!
After we scared all the guys, we went on to a little bit of deep breathing and relaxation practice. We sat facing backward in a chair with a pillow, and the partners tried different back massage techniques....it was sooooooo nice! I can't wait to practice that part some more!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
It was like a belly convention....
Status: 30 weeks, 0 days
Because we are taking our "regular" childbirth class at another hospital, we decided to take a one day class with one of the midwives at our practice. Although a lot of the topics covered are things we go over in our other class, I think it was beneficial.
The midwife teaching our class was Kelley Starnes - one of the ones we hadn't interacted with before. She went over the normal things - when to call, what to look for, etc., but she also answered a lot of questions specific to the practice, too. We also had a presentation from a rep from Viacord (although he actually managed to present an unbiased little seminar) and from a local pediatrician. Overall, a very good class, but honestly, I have NEVER seen that many pregnant women in one room EVER . There had to be about 25 or so......
Because we are taking our "regular" childbirth class at another hospital, we decided to take a one day class with one of the midwives at our practice. Although a lot of the topics covered are things we go over in our other class, I think it was beneficial.
The midwife teaching our class was Kelley Starnes - one of the ones we hadn't interacted with before. She went over the normal things - when to call, what to look for, etc., but she also answered a lot of questions specific to the practice, too. We also had a presentation from a rep from Viacord (although he actually managed to present an unbiased little seminar) and from a local pediatrician. Overall, a very good class, but honestly, I have NEVER seen that many pregnant women in one room EVER . There had to be about 25 or so......
Forgive me....
Status: 30 weeks, 0 days
I apologize that I am grouping pics, but here's what you've been missing (unless you're on Facebook, and then you've seen these already).
27 weeks, 1 day
28 weeks (and a couple days, I think)
30 weeks
I apologize that I am grouping pics, but here's what you've been missing (unless you're on Facebook, and then you've seen these already).
26 Weeks - In St. Louis
27 weeks, 1 day
28 weeks (and a couple days, I think)
30 weeks
Yes, I realize there is no 29 week pic. By the time we remembered and had the energy to take one it was the end of the week, so we didn't bother.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Learning something every day!
Status: 29 weeks, 3 days
Joel and I went to our first "Prepared Childbirth" class last night. We ended up signing up for a class at a Wellstar Kennestone Hospital instead of at Northside (where we will deliver) because of scheduling, and I was a bit nervous about that. I was worried they would focus a lot on what the hospital itself would do, but so far that seems to be on the back burner. I LOVE our teacher, she is hilarious!
Our class has 7 couples in it with various due dates from late August to late September. After an initial quiet period, we all seemed to relax and it was pretty informal and fun. We get to sit in these awesome gliders (except that they are vinyl and therefore cause me to sweat) and we got to put our feet up on birthing balls! It was nice to relax after 4 days at work. We also came into a darkened room with peaceful music on....I could have fallen asleep right there. I'm looking forward to learning more as the weeks go on (we have 4 more classes).
Last night we covered stages of labor, third trimester physical changes, signs of labor, and when to go to the hospital. I think Joel's biggest lesson was that he doesn't have to run out the door as soon as I tell him we're in labor. I think that really calmed him down a bit. Our instructor encouraged us to stay home as long as possible, and to eat, shower, and rest before going to the hospital. The partners were encouraged to distract us from timing contractions at the very beginning (at least more than an hour), and to not jingle the car keys in our faces (that was my joke) as soon as we mentioned the word contraction.
Overall, it was a fun class...looking forward to next week!
Joel and I went to our first "Prepared Childbirth" class last night. We ended up signing up for a class at a Wellstar Kennestone Hospital instead of at Northside (where we will deliver) because of scheduling, and I was a bit nervous about that. I was worried they would focus a lot on what the hospital itself would do, but so far that seems to be on the back burner. I LOVE our teacher, she is hilarious!
Our class has 7 couples in it with various due dates from late August to late September. After an initial quiet period, we all seemed to relax and it was pretty informal and fun. We get to sit in these awesome gliders (except that they are vinyl and therefore cause me to sweat) and we got to put our feet up on birthing balls! It was nice to relax after 4 days at work. We also came into a darkened room with peaceful music on....I could have fallen asleep right there. I'm looking forward to learning more as the weeks go on (we have 4 more classes).
Last night we covered stages of labor, third trimester physical changes, signs of labor, and when to go to the hospital. I think Joel's biggest lesson was that he doesn't have to run out the door as soon as I tell him we're in labor. I think that really calmed him down a bit. Our instructor encouraged us to stay home as long as possible, and to eat, shower, and rest before going to the hospital. The partners were encouraged to distract us from timing contractions at the very beginning (at least more than an hour), and to not jingle the car keys in our faces (that was my joke) as soon as we mentioned the word contraction.
Overall, it was a fun class...looking forward to next week!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Growing and changing
Status: 28 weeks, 5 days
This has been an insanely busy week! Lots of doctors appointments, lots of house guests, a party, and working 9 days straight kind of make one get behind really quickly on blogging!
So back to last week....we had the appointment with the perinatologist on June 25th. We saw the gorgeous shots that are posted in the previous entry, and we also found out that Tobe looks absolutely perfect! They haven't found a thing wrong with him. He measured in at an estimated 2lbs 6oz. This put him in the 45th percentile for weight for his age. Joel and I were pretty happy to have such good news and to know our little boy is growing just as he should - not too big and not too small.
The next day I went in for my 28 week midwife appointment. Unfortunately, Joel wasn't able to come because I had to have thee appointment in the morning. At my 24 week glucose tolerance test, I failed by a measly 2 points, and because of this, I had to repeat the test with a fasting, 3 hour version. This had to be done first thing in the morning, so off I went at 7 am to sit for 3 1/2 hours and 4 blood draws. While I was there, I had my appointment with the midwife who found Tobe to have a strong heartbeat at 133bpm and my size was good. I was a little disappointed that I gained 5 lbs in the last 4 weeks, but I knew it would happen sometime. I am now at a total of 14 lbs. I did find out yesterday that I passed my second round of glucose testing! However, I was still advised to modify my diet and try to stay low-carb (TRY is the operative word that I got in that sentence).
I also got sick, again. This time with an upper respiratory infection. I thought it was just a cold, so I battled it for a week. When I finally went to seea doctor I found out I have bronchitis and wheezing. I'm now on albuterol and antibiotics and feeling much better, but still short of breath sometimes.
Oh yea, and Tobe's furniture came last week! I will post pics soon. His rocker is also in, so we are probably going to go pick it up today!!!!
This has been an insanely busy week! Lots of doctors appointments, lots of house guests, a party, and working 9 days straight kind of make one get behind really quickly on blogging!
So back to last week....we had the appointment with the perinatologist on June 25th. We saw the gorgeous shots that are posted in the previous entry, and we also found out that Tobe looks absolutely perfect! They haven't found a thing wrong with him. He measured in at an estimated 2lbs 6oz. This put him in the 45th percentile for weight for his age. Joel and I were pretty happy to have such good news and to know our little boy is growing just as he should - not too big and not too small.
The next day I went in for my 28 week midwife appointment. Unfortunately, Joel wasn't able to come because I had to have thee appointment in the morning. At my 24 week glucose tolerance test, I failed by a measly 2 points, and because of this, I had to repeat the test with a fasting, 3 hour version. This had to be done first thing in the morning, so off I went at 7 am to sit for 3 1/2 hours and 4 blood draws. While I was there, I had my appointment with the midwife who found Tobe to have a strong heartbeat at 133bpm and my size was good. I was a little disappointed that I gained 5 lbs in the last 4 weeks, but I knew it would happen sometime. I am now at a total of 14 lbs. I did find out yesterday that I passed my second round of glucose testing! However, I was still advised to modify my diet and try to stay low-carb (TRY is the operative word that I got in that sentence).
I also got sick, again. This time with an upper respiratory infection. I thought it was just a cold, so I battled it for a week. When I finally went to seea doctor I found out I have bronchitis and wheezing. I'm now on albuterol and antibiotics and feeling much better, but still short of breath sometimes.
Oh yea, and Tobe's furniture came last week! I will post pics soon. His rocker is also in, so we are probably going to go pick it up today!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
