The Growing Bump

25 weeks

20 weeks

15 Weeks

Finishing up 26 weeks, and the 2nd trimester!

Hello! I have not updated in a while, mainly because there's not a ton to report. We have had an appointment since my last blog, but it wasn't very eventful. We waited almost an hour for a 10 minute appt. She measured my belly, weighed me, blood pressure, and we listened to her heartbeat. Pleasant, but nothing new. I have gained a total of 12 pounds (well, at that point), which she said is great! And, my belly was measuring right on target as well. She said the heartbeat sounded perfect and my blood pressure was great. All in all, good visit! We hadn't met Chris yet, our new midwife, and she was very nice. Hopefully, we will have her for delivery, but it's so hit and miss. If our insurance allows it, my next child will be born in a birth center or at home, with the same midwife throughout the entire pregnancy!

Work is still going well, I am enjoying my nanny job. It is very nice to be able to work from home and Marlee and very cute and sweet! Every week she grows, changes and does new things! (she's 3 1/2 months developmentally) It makes me even more excited for our baby to be born!

My wonderful friends Jennifer and Elaine have started planning my baby shower, which I am very excited about! We are registered at Babies R Us and had a very fun time doing that! Nelson can't believe all the things there are for babies! I am also very excited, because my brother and sister-in-law will be there that weekend!! They are coming home on their mid-term leave from Afshanistan, I'm so excited to see them! They should be home in July for good. Oh, and my niece will be there too! I can't believe she'll already be 10 months old!

Let's see, I have some frequently asked questions about my pregnancy to answer: (1) I feel fine!! (I'm kinda sick of everyone asking how I'm feeling, even though I do the same thing when I see my pregnant friends!) Truthfully, right now I am feeling great. Everyone says the 2nd trimester is pleasant and I agree! My appetite is good, no sickness, fairly energized and well! If I didn't have a bump growing bigger by the week and something kicking in my womb, I could forget I'm pregnant at all! (2) Yes, I'm going to breastfeed. The fact that some people are asking this, proves how little some people know me. I plan to breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months, add baby food (which I'm already learning how to make myself and plan to continue to do so) until one year and then only nurse at night and maybe first thing in the morning until age 2. If you really want to know all of my reasoning, I'll be glad to let you know. (3) We are planning to use cloth diapers. We already have several, which we purchased at a reduced rate on ebay. (used, but in almost-new condition) I'm very determined to do this and am really tired of the people who keep saying, "Oh, you'll only do that for the first baby..." and "Oh, you can do that, since you're a stay-at-home-mom." Niether are true. If you are determined, you'll make it work! (4) Yes, we know her name and NO, we're not telling it until she is born. However, her middle name is not definite. I have answered this a million times, but people keep asking.

23 weeks or 5 months completed

Holy cow, this pregnancy is moving along! We have another midwife appt tomorrow, although I don't think too much is going to happen. After finding out she's a girl and all the ultrasound pics from the last visit, this will probably be pretty basic. However, we are seeing a different mid-wife, so that we can get to know the different options. Sigh....I am VERY greatful to have medical insurance (especially after having to pay out of pocket last year!!), but I wish we would be able to choose one midwife for the entire pregnancy and be guaranteed to have her deliever our baby. I know, I know, that's just how it's done at many hospitals now, but.....you other women understand!

I have started my new job working from home as a nanny for little Marlee. It's going really well! I just wish we had a second car, because her parents are leaving their car with me during the day and I feel bad that they have to do that. Oh well. I don't really use it, I have it just incase, which won't be necessary. (we hope) I am also still working as the youth group leader at our church. I love both jobs and I can't ever remember being able to say that about a job I've had in the past, so I'm very happy! I'm so thankful that we have found a way for me to be at home with our baby when she gets here, yet still be able to earn some sort of income for our family. People comment that "it must be so nice for us" to have found a way for me to stay at home, but I don't think it's that hard to do, especially when I hear what people are paying for childcare!!! Usually only of the household incomes completely pays for that! Crazy. I guess if you really like your job.....maybe I will go crazy once I'm home all the time with our baby, but I cannot IMAGINE having to leave her to go to work. I couldn't do it.

To answer many people's questions, yes, we have picked her name and no, we're not telling it until she's born. Our hint is this: I was given the same initials as my mother's married name and we are continuing tradition.

22 Weeks/New Year!

Well, it is officially the year that we become parents, amazing!! That means that our daughter will graduate in 2027, holy smokes!!! (assuming she graduates on time, I suppose!)

The last few weeks have been busy with holiday, a growing belly, catching up with family and friends, house-sitting, and SNOW!! My goodness, where did this come from?? I though we left the winter weather in Indiana! I knew it was bad when my husband, while driving, said, "I miss Indiana!!" (I never thought I'd hear that from him!) For the record, he only said it because Oregon is absolutely HORRIBLE about clearing snow from the roads and Indiana was fantastic. Oh well, we didn't have to drive in it too much.

Let's see.....we spent the last week and a half house-sitting for Klay and Jess (I am going to be their nanny and are friends of ours) while they spent Christmas on the east coast. It was nice to stay in a house to ourselves, but we were kinda stranded for a few days, due to the weather. Not much of a problem, since it was during winter break. We spent Christmas Eve and day at my parents' house. We got to see Nelson's family a few days later than expected, but pretty soon after Christmas. It was very quiet this year. No Colin or family, which was hard, but we talked to him and he is safe and well. We received some nice presents, including a crib from my parents! Very exciting!! We got other baby things as well. Nelson's wonderful wife gave him Guitar Hero World Tour, not realizing that she (meaning me!) would have to play too. I didn't know this game was addicting!! It's so pathetic, but it's fun!

Pregnancy-wise, everything is going great! My appetite is still going full swing and it's no longer a bump, it's turning into a belly! Nelson gets a big kick of it, and giggles about it a lot. My belly-button is getting shallower and shallower, which he also thinks is hilarious. A stranger officially commented on my pregnancy, so I must be looking the part! I feel great, sometimes get tired out easily, but for the most part, awesome! It's nice to be able to enjoy food again. And she moves A LOT. It is no longer just flutters and bubbles either. She gets some good kicks in! And when she turns over/around or something, I can sure feel that!

I start working again on Monday, 3 days per week, as a nanny. This is just perfect, I'm really excited! I am still the youth group leader at church, which is also a good, small job that I really enjoy. All in all, I could not be happier with the way 2009 is starting out!

20 Week Appointment

Monday starts week 20, holy smokes!! Already halfway there! That is incredible. We had our 20 week midwife appt and ultrasound this week. As mentioned in the previous post, we are having a girl!! I knew it, 100%. I didn't want to go around saying this, just incase I was wrong, but I was pretty sure the whole time. Yes, we already pretty much have her name picked out and no, we are not sharing it with anyone, until her birth! (we wanted to keep something a surprise, since we didn't manage to hold out on finding out her gender.) And believe me, she left no doubt. She was quite the excibitionist (sp?) and showed us right away! (a habit that I hope will disappear in time!) The ultrasound went great, Jana (our midwife) said she's just perfect! And oh my stars, she is a mover! She did not stop twisting and turning the entire time!! (and it lasted almost 1/2 an hour!) Even the nurse commented on how much she was moving, saying she hadn't seen a baby move that much! I'm glad she's active, but I may have trouble sleeping later on!!

On that note, we are definitely feeling regular movements! Well, I am for sure. Nelson has thought he's felt her a few times. I love feeling her, it's amazing! Now that morning sickness and being exhausted all the time are gone, pregnancy is great! I feel great and am very excited to feel her. I also love that my belly is growing and loving wearing maternity clothes! I'm excited that my appetite has returned!! I am still trying to eat very healthy. Since she can taste now, I'm trying to expose her to a variety of flavors and healthy foods. We now live VERY close to Trader Joe's, which is fantastic for healthy and interesting snacks. I am totally addicted to humus right now!

Speaking of where we live, we have officially moved! We are now renting an apartment in Tualatin (Oooo, she just started moving a bunch!) and really like the location. It's very quiet and right on the Tualatin River. It shares property with a huge park with lots of walking trails, ponds and trees, I love it! Pippy is loving taking walks every day. (when it's not raining, or snowing, which is supposed to happen tonight, crazy!) For bad weather days, there's a 24-hour workout room, which is really nice. If only the pool was indoor, it would be just perfect!

My stress level has also gone WAY down, because I'm done with my teaching job. I am still the youth minister at our church, which I am really enjoying. It is MUCH less time consuming. I will start my nanny job of 3 days a week in January, which I am looking forward to. I must be less stressed, my blood pressure was the lowest it's ever been at my midwife appt! (still very healthy range though!) I have also finally gained a few pounds. Not that I wanted to especially, but I was starting to wonder, since I had lost weight at previous appts.

We are having a GIRL!!!!!!

Starting the 5th Month

Wow, starting the 5th month already, crazy!! Well, lots to update, since it's been awhile!

Baby Showers! We've already had 2 small showers. The people at Nelson's work threw us and 2 other couples a small shower, which was very nice. We got a nice sized gift card for Target, which will definitely come in handy! My 2nd grade team threw me another small shower at Sarah's house. (she's the woman I'm doing my long-term sub job for) We got some cute clothes and 2 great books, one about making our own baby food (which we plan to do) and one about raising a "green" baby, which is perfect for us! The women on my mom's Kindergarten team are also throwing me a small shower on Tuesday. 3 already, awesome!!

Belly!! I officially have a baby belly. I put a pic up of it on MySpace and Facebook, which taught me 2 things. (1) People either think I'm pooching it out to look bigger (I'm not intentionally, but my back may be slightly arched) (2) SOME people think my belly is bigger than expected. I have already been asked about twins. NOPE, but, I am past 4 months, so back off! (only a little bitter, I swear) Anyway, I think it's fun to have the belly! AND, I've started feeling little flutters and movements, which is very exciting!!

THE ultrasound! It's scheduled for December 10th, as long as baby will cooperate. I know, I know, we said we wanted it to be a surprise, but I hate saying "IT." Plus, I'm ready to register and all that and (unfortunately) it's just easier!!

Our Living Situation: We are moving out of my parent's house! I honestly don't mind living with them a bit, but it will make life easier for Nelson and my jobs. Plus, I'm ready to be back in our own place. And, we really like the (rental) complex we're moving into. For the first time, I feel like we're living in an adult and family complex, rather than college/cheap housing. It's REALLY nice, in a beautiful area and convenient to a lot. (it's in Tualatin)

Jobs: Nelson is staying with his job for now, who knows for the future? As we've planned all along, I will not be working much longer. Being a stay at home mom is exactly what I want and Nelson has always supported that and encouraged it. I will still be making an income as the youth group leader at our church, which is just perfect. I am starting my nanny job in January and may keep that once the baby is born, but in the fall. I'm going to see how I feel about having a toddler and an infant 3 days a week. I plan to give it a try, but I don't know about our baby yet! It would be nice to have the income and it will be in my home, which is nice. I finish up my teaching job this week and am very excited about it!

Hmmm...I think that covers it. If I think of more, Ill blog again!

Kosrae Baby

This is hilarious and very interesting!  Nan found this online for Nelson and I to make sure that our baby is as true to its culture as possible!!!

CHILDBIRTH ON KOSRAE 

Although there are no ceremonies before childbirth, certain customs are followed by many expectant mothers. Everything that she needs should be prepared before the delivery. According to custom, the woman should not go out at night. Otherwise she will become very weak and will be sick when her child is born. Also, the woman is encouraged to be active to exercise her body and to swim in salt-water. It is felt that if she does not do these things, she will have difficulty in her delivery. She is also restricted in the kinds of foods she may eat.

Responsibility for the pregnant woman is usually in the hands of her own mother. However, others who are familiar with delivering babies may be asked to assist. After the delivery and the severing of the umbilical cord, the husband will bury it and usually plant a coconut tree on top of it to mark the place. The new motherwill be provided with food and also local medicine so she can gain strength. The baby will be kept warm by a local leaf that has been heated and placed on its body.

In Kosraean custom, the husband cannot stay with his wife after childbirth. He must stay in a different room or house for a number of months. The practical reason for this is so the mother or child will not contact diseases and become ill. The husband and other members of the family will provide her with food and limit the kinds that she eats. The foods given to her will have very little fat. Also, fish is considered to be the best food at this time.

The main celebration of childbirth on Kosrae takes place one year after the child has been born. Plans for the occasion will be made well in advance of the day and it is the husband's responsibility to organize it. On this day, very early in the morning, the mother will feed and wash her child and dress him/her in his/her finest clothes. The cooking for the feast will begin immediately and different foods such as breadfruit, taro, pigs, and chickens are prepared. Cooking takes place at the houses of both the husband's and wife's relatives. Although men do much of the cooking at this time, women and girls will assist. Also, every woman on this occasion will bring a gift for the baby.

When the cooking has been completed and all of the food is brought together, the father and child will select several men to distribute it. It is the mother's responsibility to keep track of the gifts and food.

There is little difference in the celebration even if the mother is not married. The only difference is that other male relatives of the mother would be responsible for the duties of the father. The actual celebration is the same for all children on Kosrae.

There are names given to children that are particular to the people of Kosrae and different names are given males and females. These names are traditional. Although they were given much more in the past, they are quite evident on the island today and the parents make this decision. Baby boys might be named Sru, Nena, Alik, Kilafwasru, Aliksru, Palik, Palikna, Alikna, Kun, Tolenna, tolensa, and Tulenkun. Popular names for baby girls are Shra, Notwe, Tulpe, Shrue, Kenye, and Sepe, among others. Today, a combination of Christian and traditional names is given and anyone might name the child with the permission of the parents.

Maternity Clothes and Another Ultrasound

So, I have officially entered the second trimester!  Not much has changed, I still need to keep eating to keep from feeling sick.  I'm also still tired most of the time.  It probably doesn't help that I am in the middle of parent-teacher conferences and have had to be at school until 8 o'clock the last 2 nights.  Plus, we had our Halloween party on Tuesday and our field trip to the pumpkin patch on Monday.  Whew!!  No wonder I'm tired!

Well, I'm officially starting to show, just a little bit.  I'm sure some people may just think I have a spare tire, but only if they don't know me.  People at school and church are excited and are saying, "You're showing!", which is exciting!  I can still fit into normal pants, but they are extremely uncomfortable if I have to wear them all day.  My only 'normal' pants and skirts that I still wear have elastic waists.  Otherwise, I've switched to maternity clothes!  Luckily, I have a couple of friends who have passed on cute maternity clothes that they don't currently need.  I have also found some good sales at Target and Ross, and found some cute tops at Goodwill.  Of course, the shirts that fit me right now are borrowed from Jennifer and I'm pretty sure she was able to wear these clothes until her delivery!!  Oh well, there's a lesson, never borrow maternity clothes from your skinny friends.  : )  Her taste is so cute though!

We had another (scheduled) ultrasound last Friday with much clearer pictures!  Baby is growing and moving around!  The pictures really looked like a baby and it was awesome!  We got to see the face, arms, legs, heartbeat, you name it!  I'm still having occasional spotting, but I have remained calm about it and there haven't been any scary changes.  Seeing the baby twice has really helped!  Not to mention prayer!

Incase you don't know, Nelson and I are the youth group leaders at our Episcopal church and it has been quite the experience already!  We really like our kids.  We went to a haunted house out at the Washington County fairgrounds last Sunday evening and had a lot of fun!  They had 2 under 12 haunted houses, 2 PG-13 houses, miniature golf, and a hay slide.  "Expectant mothers" were not allowed in the scary houses and I was thrilled to have an excuse not to go in!  I HATE haunted houses!  I get nightmares.  Plus, Halloween has turned into this big excuse for girls to dress like sluts (thank you Mean Girls) and haunted houses full of disgusting, vulgar displays.  I love the fun side of Halloween, but not the other stuff.  Nelson will have to take our kids some day, if they want to go!

Scary (kinda blunt too)

Well, last week we had our first and hopefully VERY LAST scare about the baby.  On Thursday (at school of all places) I started having some blood and spotting.  I of course, freaked out, cried, panicked, you name it.  Have I mentioned how nice it is to work in the same location as your mother??  I went in her room and told her what happened.  This was 2 minutes before my class was supposed to be coming in from lunch.  My mom told me not to panic, I wasn't cramping and there wasn't a lot of blood.  I told one of the teachers on my team and she kindly offered to take my class while I called our midwife.  I am so greatful to her for doing this!

I called the midwife and told them all of my symptoms.  They called right back and said not to worry.  Based on my description, it sounded like everything was okay.  They gave me things to watch for and to call back if anything happened.  The rest of Thursday was okay.

Then, Friday morning, I woke up with more blood.  Luckily, it was still the same color as before, but there was more.  No cramping though, thank God.  I immediately called the midwife again and the nurse I spoke with was so wonderful.  She calmed me down and offered to let us come in that afternoon for a quick checkup for reassurance.  We went at 4 and had a quick exam and ultrasound.  We got to see baby's heartbeat and I have felt nothing but peace since then.  Still a little bleeding this weekend, but I feel much, MUCH better.  I have been thankful all weekend.  I also participated in some healing prayer at church yesterday, which put my heart even more at ease.  So, baby is safe and all is well!