We are in the home stretch folks!! WOW!! I look back over the last 9 months, since we first saw that positive pregnancy test and it has flown by! And, it's only going to go into warp drive once baby gets here! We are so excited, but honestly, I still don't know if it's hitting me that a baby is about to come out of me! Yes, we have everything set up and there's evidence of baby all around our house, ready to go, but really?? A baby?? Nelson and I are becoming PARENTS?? That is a crazy concept. You would think after 9 months of preparing (not to mention 26 and 1/2 years....) that I would be as ready as I could be, which I think I am, but ready or not, here she comes!
Well, if I had any doubts that I had a baby growing inside me, this last week it has REALLY become obvious. She is BIG. We haven't had estimations on her size or anything, it's just that I can't really get into any type of comfortable position these days and she has gotten heavy on my pelvis. I am very, very lucky that I really haven't had this kind of discomfort until now. I feel SO sorry for women who have these struggles in earlier months. Sleep is a new experience too, there is officially no comfortable position, unless she shifts by pure luck. I have to get up every 3 hours to pee anyway, so I start the whole process of getting comfortable all over again! Pillows are the single greatest invention, especially my body pillow.
I had my last official day of work this week, little Marlee is off to day care! Hopefully I can resume this job in the fall, because it really has been the perfect working situation for me. As long as I can handle 2 babies, we'll be okay!! I do miss her already though!
Baby is still breech, but I've pretty much accepted that fact. So many of our friends and family members have been so sweet and supportive, understanding that this has been a hard reality for me to face and I appreciate it so much! We are focusing on the positive aspects of the cesarian birth and are just getting excited to see her! She will be making her debut to the world on Wednesday! (6 days!!!!!!) We met our OB on Monday and she was very nice and sounded very ready to let us have the birth experience we desire, with the new circumstances factored in. It sounds like baby and Nelson can stay in the operating room the whole time and that we will all go to recovery together, which is wonderful! We should be at the hospital until Saturday or Sunday, so we should all be home together for Mother's Day and Nelson's birthday! Thank you so much to everyone for your prayers, love and support! We can't wait for everyone to see her and meet her! AND, we know everyone is excited to learn her name!! (only 2 people have guessed correctly, way to go Sarah and Joel!)
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
More 37 week info
Well, let's see.....we are getting into the home stretch and are finalizing everything around the house to be ready when baby comes home. Our bags for the hospital are packed and ready to go. The nursery is basically done, at least enough-so that we have everything we will need for baby once she gets here. We haven't done anything too elaborate, since we're in a rental apartment. We're saving big decorating things for when we eventually move, which is likely to happen this summer. We are hoping to buy a house, but we want to be sure we're ready to settle for a few years, since although it is a great time to buy, it is an awful time to sell! Anyway, I have also been cooking, cooking, cooking to get ready for the first few weeks of exhaustion! I have double batches of soups, chili, spaghetti sauce, sauce for homemade mac and cheese, and breads waiting in the fridge. I've stocked up on a bunch of quick-cook stuff, like soups, pasta and frozen stuff, which I normally try to avoid, but it will make life a lot easier for Nelson and I! We have lots of people who are willing to help out around the house, but I think I'm going to be very selfish about our time at home with just us. Nelson has 2 weeks (vacation) with us and then will work half-time for another 3 weeks (sick leave) before having to go back full time. We know those weeks will fly by and we want to have as much bonding time with her as possible. We are thinking of having an "open house" one weekend in May or June, so that people can come and visit us and meet baby. We just don't want to get overwhelmed with people, even though we know everyone has the best intentions! : ) We just know it's going to go so fast!!
For those of you who don't know, we are starting to think ahead to her baptism, which will be a double-special event, because Nelson and her will be baptized together! They are going to baptized in the church where we were married, which is the church we currently attend. This will likely be some time in June, when the great-grandparents are visiting. We would love if Uncle Colin and Aunt Carrie were back from Afghanistan to attend too, but it sounds like they won't be here until July, which is coming up soon, so we are thankful! Uncle Theo (Nelson's brother) will be the godfather.
I have to say that one of the positive things about having this breech baby experience is the love and support that has shown up in the last few weeks! Good old facebook! So many people are supporting us in this pregnancy, so many kind words of encouragement and helpful advice! So many people are praying for us and our baby, it's wonderful! It's very humbling to feel so loved!
Nelson and I decided to preserve the belly forever by creating a "belly cast", so we did that Tuesday evening. It's big! I haven't decided how I'm going to decorate it yet, probably paint with her name a "birth stats", or some kind of collage, we'll see. It was fun to do, Nelson did the whole thing! We were warned to use a LOT of vaseline, which we did, so much so it was challenging to get it off!! It took almost 20 min of scrubbing in the shower!! Here are some pics of it:
Wow, I look tired, but it took longer than we thought and this picture was taken at about 11pm. Worth it though!
For those of you who don't know, we are starting to think ahead to her baptism, which will be a double-special event, because Nelson and her will be baptized together! They are going to baptized in the church where we were married, which is the church we currently attend. This will likely be some time in June, when the great-grandparents are visiting. We would love if Uncle Colin and Aunt Carrie were back from Afghanistan to attend too, but it sounds like they won't be here until July, which is coming up soon, so we are thankful! Uncle Theo (Nelson's brother) will be the godfather.
I have to say that one of the positive things about having this breech baby experience is the love and support that has shown up in the last few weeks! Good old facebook! So many people are supporting us in this pregnancy, so many kind words of encouragement and helpful advice! So many people are praying for us and our baby, it's wonderful! It's very humbling to feel so loved!
Nelson and I decided to preserve the belly forever by creating a "belly cast", so we did that Tuesday evening. It's big! I haven't decided how I'm going to decorate it yet, probably paint with her name a "birth stats", or some kind of collage, we'll see. It was fun to do, Nelson did the whole thing! We were warned to use a LOT of vaseline, which we did, so much so it was challenging to get it off!! It took almost 20 min of scrubbing in the shower!! Here are some pics of it:
Wow, I look tired, but it took longer than we thought and this picture was taken at about 11pm. Worth it though!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
37 weeks
Happy Earth Day!!
Well, we are getting down to crunch time, getting closer by the day!! So, today was our a version and baby decided she is not ready to turn head down. We tried 5 times to turn her and she was just not having it! If I had to choose a word to describe the process, I would say intense! Our nurse and doctor were wonderful and made a gallant effort, but I have a "toned and muscular daughter". They would push on her and she'd start to turn, realize what was happening and decide she didn't want to! So, I have an independent daughter with a mind of her own, which is a good thing! She'll know when she's ready. And, hey, she may know more about my uterus than I do. Maybe her cord length is not ideal to turn or my uterus is shaped the wrong way for head down. We don't know, but baby knows! Anyway, the procedure was painful, but it was great practice for labor. I was able to breathe, focus and relax through the pain more than I knew I would be able to, which was very empowering for me. And, Nelson was.....amazing. I can't even describe how lucky I felt looking in his eyes during the whole thing. He was so calming, loving and supporting. I in no way felt tension or stress from him, he was GREAT! The thing that threw me off was not the pain, it was the way my body reacted! I started shaking uncontrollably, which is normal, but it was stressful. It was like the room had just plunged to minus 2 degrees, I just couldn't stop shivering! It was all the adrenaline, I guess.
So, the moral of this story is that we now know the day we will become parents, unless our daughter changes her mind! She is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday, May 6th! Only 2 weeks! However, she can still change her mind, turn and we'll do this on her schedule! (and you know what, that would not surprise me at all) We are going to continue to make efforts for her to turn, but I'm not going to stress over it. If she turns, she turns, if not, I've mentally prepared myself for a Cesarean. No matter what, we'll see her in 2 weeks or less! : ) CRAZY
Well, we are getting down to crunch time, getting closer by the day!! So, today was our a version and baby decided she is not ready to turn head down. We tried 5 times to turn her and she was just not having it! If I had to choose a word to describe the process, I would say intense! Our nurse and doctor were wonderful and made a gallant effort, but I have a "toned and muscular daughter". They would push on her and she'd start to turn, realize what was happening and decide she didn't want to! So, I have an independent daughter with a mind of her own, which is a good thing! She'll know when she's ready. And, hey, she may know more about my uterus than I do. Maybe her cord length is not ideal to turn or my uterus is shaped the wrong way for head down. We don't know, but baby knows! Anyway, the procedure was painful, but it was great practice for labor. I was able to breathe, focus and relax through the pain more than I knew I would be able to, which was very empowering for me. And, Nelson was.....amazing. I can't even describe how lucky I felt looking in his eyes during the whole thing. He was so calming, loving and supporting. I in no way felt tension or stress from him, he was GREAT! The thing that threw me off was not the pain, it was the way my body reacted! I started shaking uncontrollably, which is normal, but it was stressful. It was like the room had just plunged to minus 2 degrees, I just couldn't stop shivering! It was all the adrenaline, I guess.
So, the moral of this story is that we now know the day we will become parents, unless our daughter changes her mind! She is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday, May 6th! Only 2 weeks! However, she can still change her mind, turn and we'll do this on her schedule! (and you know what, that would not surprise me at all) We are going to continue to make efforts for her to turn, but I'm not going to stress over it. If she turns, she turns, if not, I've mentally prepared myself for a Cesarean. No matter what, we'll see her in 2 weeks or less! : ) CRAZY
Monday, April 20, 2009
Belly Portraits
We went this weekend and had belly portraits taken, so fun! Here's the link to view them:
www.photodepository.com/web/143.html
Click on our names to view. The last outfit was intended for black and white pictures only, I like them better that way. :)
www.photodepository.com/web/143.html
Click on our names to view. The last outfit was intended for black and white pictures only, I like them better that way. :)
Friday, April 17, 2009
Attempt #1, with no results
So, we were scheduled to do a version to attempt to turn baby at 9:00 this morning. We got there at 9 and were admitted. Long story short, the doctor who was to do the procedure had 2 unexpected c-sections to perform instead! Unfortunately, we had to wait around for almost 4 hours before it was determined that she would not be able to meet with us today. Did I mention I wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything for 8 hours beforehand or while we were waiting? That makes for a hungry mama and baby! So, we have another appointment Wednesday morning to try again. The good news is, baby looked great on the ultrasound and her heartbeat and everything was strong and steady. But, still head up!! So, she has a few more days to turn on her own, which will hopefully happen. We'll keep doing moxibustion and the other tricks people have recommended. The only part that bothered me was the routine meeting with the anesthigiologist (I'm sure that's spelled wrong), since there is a very slight chance that the version can cause stress to the baby and/or can rupture the placenta, which would require an emergency c-section. The man was very nice, but it was scary to hear about the risks involved, (i.e. words like mortality, stroke, paralysis, etc) which I already knew, but to hear them laid out like that, eeeek! Luckily, it didn't matter and we're home! So, no news, after all that. We'll try again Wednesday!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
36 Weeks
Well, we are officially at full term! Any time after this, she will be considered a full-term baby and not a preemie, good news! She continues to have a strong heartbeat and I am still progressing normally for vitals and all that.
Saturday was our last (small) baby shower. Nelson's family had a bar-b-q for us and we received some small presents. The food was delicious! Nelson's dad needs to teach him his recipe for his bbq marinade. It's the only steak I've ever had that I actually like. (Nelson and I don't eat red meat or pork, unless it's the occasional burger or pizza topping when out to eat. We're pretty much poultry only. Or seafood)
So we had a midwife appointment today (we're going every week now) to check baby's position again. Unfortunately, she is still head-up. I've decided it's not because she's stubborn, just lazy. She's rather stay comfortable and sleep then work to move head-down. Since Nelson and I are the same way, it makes sense! Anyway, so we are schedule for a version Friday morning to try and have a doctor turn her head-down. It involves a one hand-in, one hand outside procedure. (figure it out for yourself) And, it's supposed to hurt. Cris didn't even try to sugar-coat it. But, if we can avoid a cesarean, I am ready. It was scary to start talking about what will happen if she won't turn. I have been hoping, praying and striving for a completely natural delivery and it is upsetting thinking that may not happen. I know that can still change, but today it's what I'm thinking about. It just seems unfair that so many other women have their baby in the correct position, but it isn't as significant for them, especially those that would prefer a c-section. Sigh. I'll feel more optimistic tomorrow, I hope!
We are still going to try "home remedies" to get her to turn. And, I went to an acupuncturist today and started moxitocin (sp??) treatments, which often help turn babies. It isn't done with needles, it has to do with burning herbs on the pressure points on my toes. We had a treatment done in the office today and she showed Nelson how to do it at home, so we don't have to come in every day. This was recommended to us by our midwife and often works, so our fingers are crossed! We have lots of people praying that she will turn soon, so we can have the birth experience we're hoping for! Thanks for those of you who are thinking head-down for us!!
Saturday was our last (small) baby shower. Nelson's family had a bar-b-q for us and we received some small presents. The food was delicious! Nelson's dad needs to teach him his recipe for his bbq marinade. It's the only steak I've ever had that I actually like. (Nelson and I don't eat red meat or pork, unless it's the occasional burger or pizza topping when out to eat. We're pretty much poultry only. Or seafood)
So we had a midwife appointment today (we're going every week now) to check baby's position again. Unfortunately, she is still head-up. I've decided it's not because she's stubborn, just lazy. She's rather stay comfortable and sleep then work to move head-down. Since Nelson and I are the same way, it makes sense! Anyway, so we are schedule for a version Friday morning to try and have a doctor turn her head-down. It involves a one hand-in, one hand outside procedure. (figure it out for yourself) And, it's supposed to hurt. Cris didn't even try to sugar-coat it. But, if we can avoid a cesarean, I am ready. It was scary to start talking about what will happen if she won't turn. I have been hoping, praying and striving for a completely natural delivery and it is upsetting thinking that may not happen. I know that can still change, but today it's what I'm thinking about. It just seems unfair that so many other women have their baby in the correct position, but it isn't as significant for them, especially those that would prefer a c-section. Sigh. I'll feel more optimistic tomorrow, I hope!
We are still going to try "home remedies" to get her to turn. And, I went to an acupuncturist today and started moxitocin (sp??) treatments, which often help turn babies. It isn't done with needles, it has to do with burning herbs on the pressure points on my toes. We had a treatment done in the office today and she showed Nelson how to do it at home, so we don't have to come in every day. This was recommended to us by our midwife and often works, so our fingers are crossed! We have lots of people praying that she will turn soon, so we can have the birth experience we're hoping for! Thanks for those of you who are thinking head-down for us!!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
35 Weeks
Well, busy week pregnancy-wise! Last Saturday was the baby shower thrown by my church ladies, which was very fun! Lots more cute outfits and some great practical stuff too! I'll tell you what, my daughter is SET on clothes for her first year and then some. The nice thing is that we won't have to do laundry as often! Not for clothes anyway....we'll be washing loads often enough with cloth wipes and diapers! Anyway, the shower was fun and the lunch was yummy! Our big gift from the ladies was a high chair! Exciting!!
Saturday night was also exciting, we went to see Wicked!! So amazing!!! I absolutely loved it, as I figured I would. I will never look at the story of the Wizard of Oz the same way again! I'm going to read the book next and Nelson and I are both going to read the original series of books, which is a lot more books than I thought it was! We went to the play with our friends Joel and Sarah and went to dinner downtown before hand, very fun! Baby liked the show too, she was wiggling and moving during several songs!
Monday, we met with our doula, Megan, to start with our second pregnancy class that we're taking. I already like it SO much more than the generic childbirth class we're finishing up tonight. It's focused completely on embracing pregnancy and delivery physically, emotionally and spiritually, trusting that your body is designed for the process and that I'll be able to do it with little or no medical intervention. It is a very empowering concept! I loved the class and I'm excited for the rest of the series. I've already read most of the book it is based on, "Birthing From Within" and have loved it.
Yesterday was an appointment with our midwife. She checked the normal stuff, but also the baby's position. Unfortunately, she is currently breech. We are trying some home remedies to get her to turn. I have been laying inclined on our ironing board (propped up on the couch) 3 times a day to encourage her. The idea is that she will float out of my pelvis and start to turn head down when I get back up, since her head is the heaviest part of her body. I can tell she is shifting positions already, which is good news! We go back for an extra appt next week to see if she's turned. If not, we will try one more week and will likely try acupuncture. If that doesn't work, they will attempt to turn her through my belly (I can't remember the term for it). It is apparently very painful, but if it avoids a c-section, I am all for it. Plus, I can start practicing those breathing techniques I'll use in labor, right?? We'll see. Cross your fingers she'll turn on her own!!
Tonight we finish up our insurance-provided class, which means we're getting closer and closer to the due date! The date is one month from Saturday, crazy!! According to my "ticker" on myspace, only 32 days to go! However, I do realize there's a strong chance I'll go past my due date, seeing as this is my first pregnancy. We'll see! Happy Easter everyone!!
Saturday night was also exciting, we went to see Wicked!! So amazing!!! I absolutely loved it, as I figured I would. I will never look at the story of the Wizard of Oz the same way again! I'm going to read the book next and Nelson and I are both going to read the original series of books, which is a lot more books than I thought it was! We went to the play with our friends Joel and Sarah and went to dinner downtown before hand, very fun! Baby liked the show too, she was wiggling and moving during several songs!
Monday, we met with our doula, Megan, to start with our second pregnancy class that we're taking. I already like it SO much more than the generic childbirth class we're finishing up tonight. It's focused completely on embracing pregnancy and delivery physically, emotionally and spiritually, trusting that your body is designed for the process and that I'll be able to do it with little or no medical intervention. It is a very empowering concept! I loved the class and I'm excited for the rest of the series. I've already read most of the book it is based on, "Birthing From Within" and have loved it.
Yesterday was an appointment with our midwife. She checked the normal stuff, but also the baby's position. Unfortunately, she is currently breech. We are trying some home remedies to get her to turn. I have been laying inclined on our ironing board (propped up on the couch) 3 times a day to encourage her. The idea is that she will float out of my pelvis and start to turn head down when I get back up, since her head is the heaviest part of her body. I can tell she is shifting positions already, which is good news! We go back for an extra appt next week to see if she's turned. If not, we will try one more week and will likely try acupuncture. If that doesn't work, they will attempt to turn her through my belly (I can't remember the term for it). It is apparently very painful, but if it avoids a c-section, I am all for it. Plus, I can start practicing those breathing techniques I'll use in labor, right?? We'll see. Cross your fingers she'll turn on her own!!
Tonight we finish up our insurance-provided class, which means we're getting closer and closer to the due date! The date is one month from Saturday, crazy!! According to my "ticker" on myspace, only 32 days to go! However, I do realize there's a strong chance I'll go past my due date, seeing as this is my first pregnancy. We'll see! Happy Easter everyone!!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
34 Weeks/8 Months
I had the baby!!! APRIL FOOLS!!
Well, I didn't blog last week, so here's two weeks worth of info:
Last week was very fun! My mom and I took our road trip to Chico, Ca, where I pretty much grew up. We drove down Sat and got back on Wed. It was a very leisurely trip, we just kind of played everything by ear. We got to see several of our friends from church, our old neighborhood and my childhood, more than we expected, so that was fun! We also got to eat at our favorite restaurants, which was great for the pregnant mamma! Lots of yummy food, I'm sure I gained more weight, but I get bigger by the day anyway. Nelson didn't go with us and when I got back, he said the belly had definitely gotten bigger during the five days I was gone!!
We hired a doula!! I LOVE her!! Her name is Megan Kelley and she is going to be an amazing asset to our delivery. She has years of experience and two daughters of her own. She is also a Birthing From Within instructor which is a HUGE advantage to our plans for a natural delivery. I've been reading Birthing From Within and we will be taking the class from her soon. So excited!!
We have 2 more of our Kaiser Permanente generic classes, which have been fine. The class has covered a huge range of topics, which has been great, but the focus is not doing this naturally. They try to present all information as naturally as possible, but it's obvious that "most" people who take this class are planning on drugs and medical intervention. Only one other couple in the class is planning on trying to birth as naturally as possible. It's sad to me how many women/couples don't realize how empowering and amazing birth can be. Last week we saw images of babies crowning and emerging from the birth canal and one woman actually said, "Eww, gross, I could have made it through everything never seeing that!" I was shocked! I mean, I probably wouldn't wallpaper my house with those images, but they're amazing!! I think it's awesome that my body can do that. I actually want pictures of ALL the details of the birth, but apparently we are not allowed to take pictures or film when she's actually coming out. I'm pretty mad about this. I wanted the pictures just for me and maybe for my daughter some day, maybe in preparation for her own deliveries, but I guess it's against hospital policy. I am NOT happy about that.
I'm still feeling pretty good, about the same. It's just getting harder and harder to find comfortable positions to do pretty much....everything. She's getting bigger and bigger and, depending on where she's hanging out, it's getting more challenging to do regular things. There are days I'm fine, but then other times, I refuse to wear shoes with laces (unless someone is willing to tie them for me). I have trouble finding comfortable sleep positions sometimes, and get up at least 2 times per night to pee. Any time I sit or lay in a position too long, I get uncomfortable. And on that note, I've been sitting at the computer too long!!
Well, I didn't blog last week, so here's two weeks worth of info:
Last week was very fun! My mom and I took our road trip to Chico, Ca, where I pretty much grew up. We drove down Sat and got back on Wed. It was a very leisurely trip, we just kind of played everything by ear. We got to see several of our friends from church, our old neighborhood and my childhood, more than we expected, so that was fun! We also got to eat at our favorite restaurants, which was great for the pregnant mamma! Lots of yummy food, I'm sure I gained more weight, but I get bigger by the day anyway. Nelson didn't go with us and when I got back, he said the belly had definitely gotten bigger during the five days I was gone!!
We hired a doula!! I LOVE her!! Her name is Megan Kelley and she is going to be an amazing asset to our delivery. She has years of experience and two daughters of her own. She is also a Birthing From Within instructor which is a HUGE advantage to our plans for a natural delivery. I've been reading Birthing From Within and we will be taking the class from her soon. So excited!!
We have 2 more of our Kaiser Permanente generic classes, which have been fine. The class has covered a huge range of topics, which has been great, but the focus is not doing this naturally. They try to present all information as naturally as possible, but it's obvious that "most" people who take this class are planning on drugs and medical intervention. Only one other couple in the class is planning on trying to birth as naturally as possible. It's sad to me how many women/couples don't realize how empowering and amazing birth can be. Last week we saw images of babies crowning and emerging from the birth canal and one woman actually said, "Eww, gross, I could have made it through everything never seeing that!" I was shocked! I mean, I probably wouldn't wallpaper my house with those images, but they're amazing!! I think it's awesome that my body can do that. I actually want pictures of ALL the details of the birth, but apparently we are not allowed to take pictures or film when she's actually coming out. I'm pretty mad about this. I wanted the pictures just for me and maybe for my daughter some day, maybe in preparation for her own deliveries, but I guess it's against hospital policy. I am NOT happy about that.
I'm still feeling pretty good, about the same. It's just getting harder and harder to find comfortable positions to do pretty much....everything. She's getting bigger and bigger and, depending on where she's hanging out, it's getting more challenging to do regular things. There are days I'm fine, but then other times, I refuse to wear shoes with laces (unless someone is willing to tie them for me). I have trouble finding comfortable sleep positions sometimes, and get up at least 2 times per night to pee. Any time I sit or lay in a position too long, I get uncomfortable. And on that note, I've been sitting at the computer too long!!
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