Friday, September 30, 2011

End of A Busy Week...

1. I’m having a frustrating clothing day. I’ve decided I like full-panel pants way better - these short-banded jeans are driving me nuts, they don’t stay up and none of my shirts seem long enough to hide the preggo bands. I feel like I’m going to have to do more small laundry loads just to be able to wear what works!


2. Your average Jane Doe fashion blog? I’m over it - they annoy me and it seems really self-indulgent to me... maybe I’m just jealous I can’t fit into anything!


3. The person who told me “You don’t get a trophy for natural birth.” Really? I thought that was the only reason for doing it. I just bit my tongue and seethed under my skin. Please don’t throw that comment around until you know the reasons behind someone’s decision to have a non-managed birth.


Wow I’m glad this week is about over - I’m cranky!


Monday, September 26, 2011

NOW I feel like a grown-up

I’ve been driving a ‘98 Corolla since my senior year of college. Nearly 10 years. And lately when I’ve driven it - I feel like I’m still in college, and not in a good way.

I knew I wanted a car with a hatchback and have always had my eye on Subaru Outbacks - the Matrix has made us both dependent on that sweet uplifting door. I also wanted fairly safe and decent mileage even though I think I’ll be continuing with the bus. AND Subaru is known for being a little “greener” than most auto companies which is always a plus in my book.

So we went to test drive one we found online at Busom Subaru in Fairfield - it felt really comfortable and safe and drove well - I was pretty much sold. The amount of room is amazing - Pack-n-Plays, diapers bags and one goofy dog could all fit in there : )

We talked numbers and I was happy with where we netted out - I’m a “new” car owner for the first time in my life! It’s a 2011 Outback, graphite grey, and was used as their service loaner so it has about 7,200 miles, therefore was more affordable than a brand-spankin’ new one.

Despite owning a home, being married and pregnant, for some reason this car finally makes me feel like an adult - funny, huh?

Friday, September 23, 2011

Never-ending To-Do List

I had a wave of overwhelm-ness this week. [That’s a word, right?] Work has been very demanding lately and I’m toast by the time I get home. Tuesday I was falling asleep on the couch by 8:30.
On top of that I’m continually reminded that I still need to find a pediatrician and childcare. Sigh. Have I mentioned I’m tired of interviewing people for a child that is not here?


I have 3-4 Pediatrician ideas within a few miles of us - I’m not even entirely sure what to ask yet. I know evening and weekend hours will be important though!


Two women I know have suggested using www.care.com to find childcare. Ideally I’d like someone around our area out of their home who will accept a 3-day pay - Tim and I are thinking about each working 4-day weeks that overlap so BGK is only in childcare 3 days a week for a while. Fingers crossed...


I finally scheduled our hospital tour for this Sunday. And at some point I need to get a flu shot - not only to protect BGK first, but the past two years I’ve been blindsided by the flu - gross.


Oh and life insurance too...


See - I’m the donkey.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

That Doula Thing...

I’d been somewhat familiar with doulas prior to becoming pregnant - I thought it was a “hippie” thing... I would never say that now; I see doulas as another support tool to help women in labor and delivery who don’t want medical interventions. 


Since this is our first time, the OB isn’t always with you and nurses are in and out, I could only picture Tim and I alone in the delivery room with wide eyes and no idea what is going on. The doula is non-medical support during labor and after - can tell us what’s going on and help with positions to relieve pressure and move labor in the right direction.


Studies have been done that having a doula support you reduces the length of your labor, reduces the chance of a C-section, there are fewer complications, and babies come out healthier and breastfeed more easily. Of course, you can never predict how a birth will go, I just want to stack my cards for the best result!


Our doula will come to our home when I’m in labor and help me focus on getting through my surges [contractions] and will tell us when the best time to leave it - I plan on staying home as long as possible!! 
She’ll also come for a visit after birth to see that we’re getting on well and breastfeeding is going well too. 


I’m hopeful and eager to see how her help and support works when the time comes!




Doula in the circle, ya’ll!


Friday, September 16, 2011

You Are Going Deeper...

Our first Hypnobirthing class was great - only 5 other couples so it feels more “intimate.” All ranges of ages and people. 


It was a nice mix of information about the benefits and stats of a calm, relaxed birth and we even started relaxation practices... it will take some training, but I feel good - I shouldn’t try sitting up with crossed legs because my foot fell asleep! 


We walked away with a CD - the first half [25 mins] is just verbal affirmations such as “My body is in control.” “I become increasingly relaxed as my birth progresses.” So yes - cheesy, but I want this stuff ingrained into my subconsious! 


So the second half of the disc is a 25 minute “hypnosis/deep relaxation” that I’ll listen to before bed every night. The same woman simply talks about waves of relaxation moving over parts of your body and as I got comfy, I listened and tried to put my mind there... well it worked because I don’t even remember getting to the end of the session! 


I’ve got these bad boys on my iPod and plan on taking it to the hospital with me! 


Let’s do this!


Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Third Trimester Switch!

27 Weeks


Well I knew women did it, I didn’t know I’d be one of those women - I’m switching OB practices at 28 Weeks! 


I’d been with my current OB/Gyn since college and have always been fine with them. But now that I’m pregnant and have an idea of how I’d like my labor and delivery to move forward, that practice doesn’t fit what I need. 


They have about 6 OBs and 2 Midwives, but on the day of delivery I have no idea who’s going to show up. Second, all those professionals range from midwives [Woo Natural!] to High-Risk OBs [Natural? Right.] Every visit I was seeing someone new and it just didn’t feel right - I never felt I “knew” any one doctor well. I even had a Midwife tell me “Oh Dr. ______? She won’t like your decision.” Really? That’s not comforting and I don’t want someone in the delivery room forcing me to take any procedures that I don’t want. 


So I’d never been totally comfortable there. Meanwhile, as I’m interviewing doulas [more about that later] two of them recommended the Bowen Center in Springdale... I had a consultation yesterday with Dr. Wall. He was extremely nice and listened. There are only two doctors and they share the same philosophy that OBs can be supportive of natural delivery in a hospital setting. I felt very comfortable there and he even walked me around the small office and introduced me to the staff members - wow! This is where I should have started - I wish I’d known sooner!

So now I feel 4/5 prepared; I have the hospital that is equipped, I have the doula, I have the OB and we start Hypnobirthing tomorrow night. Now the only missing piece is ME! I hope I can train myself to mentally do what I need : )


Labor position!

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Bump It

26 Weeks


Just a few bump shots to pass the time...



Gift for Daddy

26 Weeks


I bought Tim a gift - a neat book called Show Dad How - funny and easy to read, yet surprisingly informative. It also shows you how to teach your child ninja skills.