Saturday, August 16th, 2014
Hard to believe that there's been a little life growing in me for 35 weeks now. It feels like yesterday that I had those first thoughts of "Hmmm. Something is different with me these days." Yet at the same time it feels like a lifetime since I peed on those sticks and hopefully, prayerfully, waited the agonizingly long 3 minutes to see the faintest lines appear, and the clincher "pregnant" show up on the digital test a week later. So much change and growth has happened since those cold January days.... not only for the baby, but for our whole family.
As I sit here writing (actually thumbing since I only have one hand free and I'm doing a post from my phone), I look down and see my boys... the two most precious gems I've ever been entrusted with. Luke has been struggling with the impending arrival of his little brother. He has been more clingy and needy of me over the past few weeks. There's a part of me that gets frustrated and impatient with his tantrums and the constant touching from him, but thankfully I am able to keep my emotions in check and realize that his feelings and concerns are not only real, but huge and overwhelming for him. It's my job to teach him how to handle these feelings, and how to act when he feels like he's lost/loosing control. It's my job to be his safe-place when his world is in turmoil. So sometimes that means putting the million-and-a-half to-do's aside to be there for my son... my 2.5 year old baby. I realize that the days of being able to cuddle him and hold him through his naps are short lived, so I try my best to cherish the snuggles, the sweaty hair and smell of my sleepy headed, blind-haired, little man.
Today's current view :)
2 days ago.
4 days ago.
Last week.
Last week part 2 :)
As I sit here writing (actually thumbing since I only have one hand free and I'm doing a post from my phone), I look down and see my boys... the two most precious gems I've ever been entrusted with. Luke has been struggling with the impending arrival of his little brother. He has been more clingy and needy of me over the past few weeks. There's a part of me that gets frustrated and impatient with his tantrums and the constant touching from him, but thankfully I am able to keep my emotions in check and realize that his feelings and concerns are not only real, but huge and overwhelming for him. It's my job to teach him how to handle these feelings, and how to act when he feels like he's lost/loosing control. It's my job to be his safe-place when his world is in turmoil. So sometimes that means putting the million-and-a-half to-do's aside to be there for my son... my 2.5 year old baby. I realize that the days of being able to cuddle him and hold him through his naps are short lived, so I try my best to cherish the snuggles, the sweaty hair and smell of my sleepy headed, blind-haired, little man.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Third Trimester Thoughts
*Deep Breathe* Ok so I am 33 weeks pregnant with this little man (currently karate chopping my insides with great intensity as I type), and it's finally starting to feel real.... I'm going to have another baby in my life soon. I'm going to be a mommy of two boys. Wow.
As the days to delivery day are winding down, I am starting to really get excited now. I spent the last two days doing laundry, taking out the big rubbermaid bins of Luke's old, out-grown clothes, and washing the itty bitty sleepers and onesies that were so significant 28 months ago. Seeing them hanging on the line, I forgot how tiny my rambunctious toddler was *tear*. Folding the teeny tiny socks that are small enough to fit my cat, made me think back to the wrinkly little toes that once wore them. It's emotional... remembering, with fondness, the firsts with Luke, and anxiously awaiting a reliving of sorts with this little sprout.
And yet, I know there are still plenty of firsts to experience with both boys. Luke and I have been spending a lot of time in the baby's room these days. Luke has been adjusting to having some of his old stuff taken out of his room (a carpet, his dresser, some "babyish" stuffed animals, toys and books), and we have had a few melt-downs and, in turn, extra snuggles. But, once he's realized that he can still come into the baby's room and play with the old toys, and read the old books, he has been content. Meanwhile, again, I've been sorting through clothes and putting things away. I'm excited for the first time I get to see this little bump. I'm excited for the first time Luke meets his little brother. I'm excited for the first fluffy newborn bum (we only started cloth diapering when Luke was 4 months old). I'm excited for the first time I get to take both boys out for a walk... will Luke want to be carried like his baby brother? I'm excited to nurse again... yes I've enjoyed a few months break but now I miss it... I wonder will Luke want to nurse again too? I'm excited to see Mitch with his two boys for the first time. I'm excited for everything *sigh*.
Thanks, as always, for checking in and reading my random ramblings. These were simply today's third trimester thoughts and ponderings.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Third Trimester Thoughts
*Deep Breathe* Ok so I am 33 weeks pregnant with this little man (currently karate chopping my insides with great intensity as I type), and it's finally starting to feel real.... I'm going to have another baby in my life soon. I'm going to be a mommy of two boys. Wow.
As the days to delivery day are winding down, I am starting to really get excited now. I spent the last two days doing laundry, taking out the big rubbermaid bins of Luke's old, out-grown clothes, and washing the itty bitty sleepers and onesies that were so significant 28 months ago. Seeing them hanging on the line, I forgot how tiny my rambunctious toddler was *tear*. Folding the teeny tiny socks that are small enough to fit my cat, made me think back to the wrinkly little toes that once wore them. It's emotional... remembering, with fondness, the firsts with Luke, and anxiously awaiting a reliving of sorts with this little sprout.
And yet, I know there are still plenty of firsts to experience with both boys. Luke and I have been spending a lot of time in the baby's room these days. Luke has been adjusting to having some of his old stuff taken out of his room (a carpet, his dresser, some "babyish" stuffed animals, toys and books), and we have had a few melt-downs and, in turn, extra snuggles. But, once he's realized that he can still come into the baby's room and play with the old toys, and read the old books, he has been content. Meanwhile, again, I've been sorting through clothes and putting things away. I'm excited for the first time I get to see this little bump. I'm excited for the first time Luke meets his little brother. I'm excited for the first fluffy newborn bum (we only started cloth diapering when Luke was 4 months old). I'm excited for the first time I get to take both boys out for a walk... will Luke want to be carried like his baby brother? I'm excited to nurse again... yes I've enjoyed a few months break but now I miss it... I wonder will Luke want to nurse again too? I'm excited to see Mitch with his two boys for the first time. I'm excited for everything *sigh*.
Thanks, as always, for checking in and reading my random ramblings. These were simply today's third trimester thoughts and ponderings.
As the days to delivery day are winding down, I am starting to really get excited now. I spent the last two days doing laundry, taking out the big rubbermaid bins of Luke's old, out-grown clothes, and washing the itty bitty sleepers and onesies that were so significant 28 months ago. Seeing them hanging on the line, I forgot how tiny my rambunctious toddler was *tear*. Folding the teeny tiny socks that are small enough to fit my cat, made me think back to the wrinkly little toes that once wore them. It's emotional... remembering, with fondness, the firsts with Luke, and anxiously awaiting a reliving of sorts with this little sprout.
And yet, I know there are still plenty of firsts to experience with both boys. Luke and I have been spending a lot of time in the baby's room these days. Luke has been adjusting to having some of his old stuff taken out of his room (a carpet, his dresser, some "babyish" stuffed animals, toys and books), and we have had a few melt-downs and, in turn, extra snuggles. But, once he's realized that he can still come into the baby's room and play with the old toys, and read the old books, he has been content. Meanwhile, again, I've been sorting through clothes and putting things away. I'm excited for the first time I get to see this little bump. I'm excited for the first time Luke meets his little brother. I'm excited for the first fluffy newborn bum (we only started cloth diapering when Luke was 4 months old). I'm excited for the first time I get to take both boys out for a walk... will Luke want to be carried like his baby brother? I'm excited to nurse again... yes I've enjoyed a few months break but now I miss it... I wonder will Luke want to nurse again too? I'm excited to see Mitch with his two boys for the first time. I'm excited for everything *sigh*.
Thanks, as always, for checking in and reading my random ramblings. These were simply today's third trimester thoughts and ponderings.
Oh how I love babywearing! I don't know how parents get by without it. Today's post is going to be filled with pics of me and my little Luke and talks of how/why babywearing has been such a blessing in my life.
I wore Luke for the first time when he was 4 days old. I had a simple cotton ring sling made by the wonderful Natalie Arsenault, and I wanted to keep my baby close to me at all times. Plus, due to my horrible 3rd degree perineal tear, I needed to use both hands to help push myself up to get from sitting to standing at all times for the first few weeks. I didn't want to have to hand Luke off every time I wanted to get up. So, learning how to use my ring sling was essential.
I loved my two ring slings in those early months. A lot of people choose a stretchy-style wrap (like a Moby) for their first carrier. I looked into it but found wrapping a little too complicated for this overwhelmed first time mom. And I had a feeling I'd have a fairly big baby (around 9 lbs), and stretchies aren't recommended past 15lbs, so I knew it wouldn't last long and didn't want to waste any money. So the ring slings just seemed like a much better fit for me.
But, as Luke grew, and was more curious about the world around him, he became more squirmy -- and I became more unsure of my virgin-babywearing-self. So I invested in a Ergo.
The Ergo allowed me to do SO much. It gave me the confidence of knowing he was in there properly and wasn't going to fall out. I would literally wear Luke for hours every day. He was a "clingy" baby, or as I like to say, a very "attached" baby; he wanted to be held constantly, and wouldn't sleep without being held. So every naptime, dog walk, housecleaning day, I'd have him in the Ergo.
Oh and when Luke was teething he was even more clingy. I'd stick him in the Ergo and he'd be fine. Teething pads were essential though.
People often asked me how I lost the weight after having Luke --- it was a ton of walking. I'd walk with him for hours to keep him napping, and thanks to the Ergo I could.
I'm stereotyping, but for the most part, Dads prefer soft-structured carriers over slings and wraps. Maybe it's all the straps and buckles... more utilitarian looking. Mitch loves wearing Luke, and I like to call these pics Mommy porn :) Nothing sexier than seeing my hubby babywearing.
Typical Dad -- Liquor Store run with his son
And at their favourite spot -- Chapters :)
Soft-structured carriers are great for active, outdoorsy people. Mitch and I love to go out for walks in the woods, and love snow-shoeing in the winter.
As my love of babywearing grew, I looked into woven wraps. I have a couple of wrap conversion ring-slings that have replaced my first two ring slings. They are SO supportive, and Luke loves them still... even at 27 months. Even my hubby prefers to take the woven wrap conversion ring slings to wear Luke for quick trips to the store. If I had to choose only one baby carrier a WCRS would be it.
This picture was from our trip to the zoo last year. I'm wearing my WCRS with the rings on the back with a capped shoulder. Super comfy and easy. It was funny to see all of the other parents pushing empty strollers and carrying their kids so that they could actually see the animals. Meanwhile I was happily hands free and Luke could see everything no problem :)
In the two pics above I'm wearing my WCRS in a simple ruck with rings under the bum (RUB). This is a safe carry for experienced babywearers, but I wouldn't recommend it to newbies. Luke loves it like this though because, unlike the Ergo, he is so much higher on my back that he can see over my shoulder, straight ahead of him, rather than only to the side.
Luke in the WCRS at the mall one day. Rings on back. This pic is over a year old, but whenever we go to the mall he still prefers to be worn than to wander amongst the chaos.
I have fallen in love with full length woven wraps too, mainly because of how supportive they are. I, honestly, would rather put Luke in a wrap than in the Ergo for long periods of time. I can get him in the perfect, custom fit, spot on my back or belly, and never get back pain for hours... even now that he's over 30 lbs. Wrapping is a little tricky but there are some great YouTube videos out there to help. But with a little practice you can get it and when you do you'll see how amazing it can be!
This pic was taken after a 1.5 hour walk outside. Luke was happy and comfy and so was I thanks to my Didymos Jeans Viola Wrap made from 100% organic cotton.
You can't really tell in this picture but Luke had a major goose-egg bump on his forehead, right above his eye. He screamed and cried for what seemed like an eternity. I rocked him, I swayed with him, I did everything I could to try to calm him down. The magic trick that finally made him happy was being wrapped, comfort nursing, and holding onto his favourite toy -- his bow and arrow. Wrapping makes him feel so safe... like he's in a constant hug :)
Wrapping also solves the problem of a stubborn toddler, who doesn't want to put his snowsuit on, and momma doesn't have the energy to fight him because of first trimester exhaustion and morning sickness, but they have to go outside to take the dog for a walk so he can do his "business". I wrapped him up, then put my coat on backwards so it kept him warm. I won that battle :)
Babywearing has been such an eye-opening experience for me. It just "feels right", and has right from the start. Sure I did what most first time moms do, and go out and buy an expensive, top-of-the line, stroller. And I used it on rainy or stormy days when Luke was just a baby and our dog Jack needed to go for a walk. But I honestly can say that I might have used the stroller 1 in ever 20 times I went out for a walk, and only ever used the stroller out shopping once! Here's a fun little challenge for you: next time you're out at the mall on a busy Saturday, look around and see how many parents are pushing an empty stroller (it may be filled with shopping bags), while holding a cranky baby in the other arm.
I would be remiss if I wrote this post about babywearing and didn't write about safety. Babywearing is wonderful, but make sure you know what you are doing --- don't go out and buy "crotch danglers" like Baby Bjorns as they're bad for your baby's hips and alignment.... and often are uncomfortable for you too. Make sure, that no matter what carrier you use, that your baby's lower half looks like a big letter M... feet low, knees high, bum low .... knees should always be higher than their bum. Please don't ever do a forward facing carry until your baby is over 12 months --- overstimulation is a huge issue! Babies under a year need to face momma, and be able to hide their head away from the chaos that surrounds them from time to time. And always remember the TICKS of babywearing:
So there you have it, a longwinded post about how I use babywearing to save my sanity :) I would love to hear from you on your thoughts and experiences too, so please comment or contact me. Thanks for reading!
Saturday, June 21, 2014
As I get ready to welcome a second child into our lives I've been spending some time thinking about what parenting decisions that I am really proud to have made the first time around. Looking back, there are definitely many things I would change, but one thing that I am so proud of is the choice to keep limited, and simple toys in Luke's world. There's a saying that goes, "The more the toy does, the less the child has to do." And, as many of us know, play is a child's work; so, I want my kids to work hard, not just sit back and let the toys do the work for them. And so, I figure I might as well share some of my favourite toys that I recommend any/all parents to get for their children here on the blog. Today's post is all about playsilks.
We got Luke his playsilks for his first Christmas. He was 8 and 1/2 months old and loved playing peek-a-boo so I thought this would be the prefect present for him. He LOVED them. They were soft, vibrant, and so light. They were perfect for him to learn how to cover himself up and hide, and light enough for him to pull off to reveal himself to us again. Countless hours were spent playing with the silks in the months following Christmas.
Whenever I have babies over for My Smart Hands, baby signing, classes, I always haul out the basket of playsilks and they are always a big hit with the new kiddos. Parents are always asking me where I got them, and commenting on what a great idea it is.
We have used our playsilks in tons of different ways. For Luke's first birthday we hung them from our ceiling like "streamers" and Luke was in awe! He kept pointing and saying "oooo". Honestly, he didn't care about his other presents because he was so busy staring up at the ceiling. We also used a few to decorate/present the shelf where we displayed all of his presents. I've seen other parents use playsilks to wrap presents rather than buy wrapping paper --- save the environment, stimulate the senses, use playsilks.
As Luke's grown he's really enjoyed "wearing" the silks. There is rarely a day that passes without the silks being used as some sort of cape or headgear. With a husband who loves comic books, Luke definitely has been exposed to the world of superheroes from an early age, and he always pretends he's Superman with the read cape one, Batman with the blue, etc.
Mitch has introduced Luke to the world of knights and archers, and so a good sword fight is not complete without the power that comes from the playsilk cloaks :) Luke is only 27 months old, but as his imagination grows the silks will only continue to be used in new and vibrant ways, I'm sure!
I have three wonderful nieces (ages, 5, 5 and 7) and they always are excited to pull out the basket of silks whenever they are over to visit too. Common themes for them are pretending they are princesses and dancers with gorgeous dresses, or Rapunzel with flowing long hair, and lots of pirate play too!
Anyway, I love playsilks! There are tons of different places to get them. Many people sell them on Etsy, or you can make your own. Silk is quite expensive, and you don't necessarily need to get "fancy" ones... head out to Value Village or other thrift stores and look for old silk scarves. Personally, I love Sarah's Silks. Yes they are pricey, but the quality is amazing. I ended up purchasing a couple bags of "seconds"-- these are cheaper than the regular ones because they are said to have some sort of sewing or dying error. I never noticed a thing wrong with any of the ones that I received, and plan to order more this way for the next baby.
Playsilks.... used in Waldorf Schools and Childcare facilities world wide. Let your child's imagination soar, by providing quality, simple toys, that allow your child to do the work :)
Tuesday, June 17th, 2014
Pregnancy Update.... Finally!
Oh my goodness, once again blog updates got put on the back burner once morning sickness reared its ugly head :( Second pregnancy, second time rocked by the ol' all day nausea beast. I found it even worse this time around though because I was so much more tired chasing a toddler around all day, nursing him 3 and 4 times a night, than I was working a desk job like I did when I was pregnant with Luke. But I'm not going to dwell on the past, and just get on with the update.
I am currently 26 weeks-ish pregnant with our second baby BOY. We couldn't be more thrilled to have another little man joining our family in mid-late September. We have a name picked out and settled on but we are keeping it a secret until he is born. Stay tuned.... Only 14ish weeks to go.
I can definitely say I am super excited to be pregnant and have a little life growing inside of me but it's so different this time around. I am so busy with Luke that I don't really have the time to even notice if baby #2 is alive and kicking until naptime and bedtime. We haven't started to plan the nursery yet, we haven't really done much at all for this kiddo. Second child syndrome at its best.
Physically, however I'm noticing a lot of differences this time around. I started showing so much earlier... had to haul out the pregnancy pants at 14 weeks this time. I have been getting a lot of pain/pressure on my pelvic bone over the last few weeks-- pelvic girdle pain. No fun! This little dude is sitting really low in my pelvis which isn't helping I'm sure. I haven't been exercising nearly as much this time and need to really make that a focus and priority now that I'm in the "feel good" trimester. Yoga, walking, and biking will be my staples shortly. Oh and I get lots of stabbing pains in and around my abdomen.... Round ligament pain is way worse this pregnancy. And lastly, the most frustrating and embarrassing physical issue is urinary incontinence. Panty liners are a must! Between sneezing, picking up my 30lb toddler, and having a growing baby sitting on my bladder I don't have a hope in heck to stay dry. Kegels haven't helped at all. I have a referral to see a physiotherapist who specializes is pelvic floor issues and I have a feeling she is going to be my new best friend over the next year or so.
Oh and the biggest and most exciting news is we have decided to have this little sprout at home. I always have felt like hospitals are for sick people and pregnancy isn't a sickness. Having a home birth feels so right and aligns itself so well with who I am. I will end there and will do a seperate post on our plan to birth baby #2 at home.
Mommy Guilt
Disclaimer--- originally written a few months ago but never managed to publish until now. Better late than never right?!
Uuuuggghh! My intentions of being more active on this blog he been stunted by constant nausea. What a rough few weeks it has been! The constant head-in-toilet action around here has put a damper on my "joy" of being a mom.
More than anything lately I struggle wit the dreaded "g-word"...... Guilt. I feel guilty for not being my usual upbeat, energetic, fun, stimulating mom to Luke. I once prided myself on the fact that my son never watched any TV other than on long car rides. Now he is watching an hour + every day because it's the only thing to keep him entertained while I have regular dates with the porcelain throne. as an educator I know just how critical these months are in Luke's developmental growth and yet I can't bring myself to given him what I know he deserves.
I feel guilty that I can't nurse him as often and as long as I used to. My milk supply has dropped significantly and the pain I feel after about 10 minutes is too much to bear. It's been hard to Luke to adjust to not nursing to sleep every night. He'll say, "Mommmy mo (more)?" and my response is "Mommy needs to make more, you drank it all up." Which is always followed by a big ol cry from him. He even said last night "Put baaaa (back)". He wanted to put he milk he drank back so he could nurse more. poor lil guy.
I feel guilty for not being as excited for this new little sprout growing in me as I was with Luke. Of course I am excited but it's just been really hard to be thrilled that my constant morning sickness is here interrupting my supermom-ness with Luke.
I feel guilty that I haven't been able to eat as well during the first trimester with this new one as I was when pregnant with Luke. I've been living on carbs, eggs and bananas as compared to the tons of veggies and fruit I ate during my first pregnancy.
(Side note: I had my first prenatal doctor's appointment last week! I really was excited for it and to hear the little heartbeat that's hiding inside of my belly. Two days later I had a "dating ultrasound". It turns out that I am only 12 weeks tomorrow so new due date is September 20th. Oh and yes I am completely IN LOVE with my new baby. It's so hard to explain how it feels! Here is a pic of my newest love.)
(OK, back to guilt...)
I feel guilty as a wife. I haven't been able to hold up my end of our daily chores. Laundry is forever piling up, and when I do manage to get it done it never manages to find it's way into their drawers, shelves as hangers. Meals have been mediocre. Cleaning is just not in the cards. Oh and intimacy with Mitch is impossible without the threat of puking all over him. My incredibly amazing, supportive husband is wonderful and has picked up my slack without any complaints, yet I still feel guilty. Here is the note I came downstairs to yesterday:
I am an awful pet owner lately. The smell of Jack (our gorgeous flat coated retriever) is enough to make me hurl. And my kitty Holly just wants to cuddle and I can't stand being touched. So yet again I feel guilty.
I know it's hormones that are fuelling these feelings but man it's not fun to deal with. I can't wait for Spring... Hope of a new season, new trimester, new life. A resurgence of all things Laura is definitely in order!
Monday, January 27, 2014
Week 6
I have officially finished my sixth week of this pregnancy. It was a bittersweet week. The excitement of a new little sprout growing inside of me was dulled by the arrival of an old familiar feeling of all day nausea.
I find that this pregnancy is very similar to the one I had with Luke. I have the same feelings of morning sickness at the same time (started at 6 weeks with Luke too),the same old first trimester exhaustion, acne and bloat. ---Pregnancy sounds so beautiful when you put it like that doesn't it?!
But, I have noticed some new symptoms that I never had with Luke. I am constantly running to the bathroom no matter how much or how little I drink. I also have to reacquaint myself with kegels because of what happens when I sneeze, or carry something heavy (if you know what I mean). And I find it is starting to really hurt to nurse Luke these days, which I find really difficult. Our breastfeeding journey has been an amazing one, and I really hope it doesn't end on a bad note. I realize many toddlers wean when milk supply goes down at the start of the second trimester so I am trying my hardest to keep in mind that each painful feeding now may be one closer to the end of the incredible nursing relationship that we have shared for he last 22 months and 5 days.
Another new experience for me is cravings! I never had them with Luke but I seriously crave EVERYTHING!!! Ice cream, pickles, salsa, pizza, plain noodles, French fries, you name it I have been craving it. I haven't indulged or given in to any of them yet except for a Western sandwich (fried eggs in general), and veggies and dip. I seriously eat one of these trays everyday.
As I go through each passing week of this pregnancy I am trying to enjoy every moment , yes even the sick ones, because I don't know if I will ever be pregnant again. I would love to have more kids but financially I just don't think we can handle more. So for now I'll enjoy the nausea, as I go enjoy some fried eggs while Luke has his nap :)
Monday, January 13, 2014
Good News
Well, I'm happy to say that I've already reached one of my biggest goals for the New Year..... I'm pregnant!!!! To say that we're thrilled is definitely an understatement :)
We had been trying for baby #2 for over a year but because I refused to wean Luke from breastfeeding, my cycles were non-existant until June (15 months post Partum) and remained irregular since then. Because of the irregularity, we had thought we might be pregnant a few times in the last year, only to be heartbroken to get yet another negative pregnancy test. But this time things were a little different...
I had been really tired - but thought it was because the holidays threw Luke out of schedule and he was getting up at 3:30 and 4 for the day for over a week.
I was running to the bathroom every 10 minutes to pee - but I never had that frequent urination symptom when I was pregnant with Luke, and thought maybe it was because I was drinking more coffee and tea (see tiredness above).
I was getting slight cramping and bloat - but I have a gluten intolerance and sometimes I get gas pains from food.
But I convinced Mitch to go buy a test for me anyway. So of course he buys the no- name brand, hard to read kind. This is what I got:
The faintest line ever!!! (Oh and the pic was put through Instagram filters to help see it.) But I remember hearing, no matter how faint the line is, if there is a line then you're pregnant. So I was convinced. And ecstatic.
All week, Mitch, was a little off... He didn't get excited like he did when we were pregnant with Luke. So I was worried he was disappointed or something, a didn't understand why. But finally on Friday morning he texted me from work and told me he wasn't convinced because "those lines were REALLY faint". I told him to buy a name brand, digital test so there could be no denying it. He did and this was the result:
He was finally able to accept it and the excitement broke through. Men eh? Haha.
So it's really early, according to the apps I'm 5 weeks and 1 day right now. Due date is approximately September 15th. I can't wait to share the next 9 months with you :)
Sunday, June 3, 2012
The Mommy in Me
Well I've officially been a mom for 17 weeks and 5 days. My goodness it's been a whirlwind as I've learned (and continue to learn) to adjust to life as a first time mom. First, I have to say that I honestly have loved EVERY minute of it... and yes that includes getting pooped, peed and spit-up on, as well as the sleepless nights. Taking care of my baby boy is what I am meant to go. It honestly fills me with the deepest joy.
It's hard to believe that my little Luke will be 4 and 1/2 months old this Thursday! Time is flying and he is growing way too fast. I notice him changing every day-- getting taller, his hair growing longer, his facial expressions getting more pronounced, his vocalizations having more and more meaning, volume, and personality. I feel so privileged to get to be a witness to his little life.
The teacher in me is in awe of this little developing person. Watching him figure our how to bat or grasp a dangling toy, or how to roll over (which he can now do both ways---front to back and back to front), or even seeing him feel new sensations (the grass on his bare feet, the condensation on my cold glass of water, etc.) I find myself continually amazed by his bright desire and determination to learn and experience new things.
I am so thankful to the Lord for giving me my son!
As I get ready to welcome a second child into our lives I've been spending some time thinking about what parenting decisions that I am really proud to have made the first time around. Looking back, there are definitely many things I would change, but one thing that I am so proud of is the choice to keep limited, and simple toys in Luke's world. There's a saying that goes, "The more the toy does, the less the child has to do." And, as many of us know, play is a child's work; so, I want my kids to work hard, not just sit back and let the toys do the work for them. And so, I figure I might as well share some of my favourite toys that I recommend any/all parents to get for their children here on the blog. Today's post is all about playsilks.
We got Luke his playsilks for his first Christmas. He was 8 and 1/2 months old and loved playing peek-a-boo so I thought this would be the prefect present for him. He LOVED them. They were soft, vibrant, and so light. They were perfect for him to learn how to cover himself up and hide, and light enough for him to pull off to reveal himself to us again. Countless hours were spent playing with the silks in the months following Christmas.
Whenever I have babies over for My Smart Hands, baby signing, classes, I always haul out the basket of playsilks and they are always a big hit with the new kiddos. Parents are always asking me where I got them, and commenting on what a great idea it is.
We have used our playsilks in tons of different ways. For Luke's first birthday we hung them from our ceiling like "streamers" and Luke was in awe! He kept pointing and saying "oooo". Honestly, he didn't care about his other presents because he was so busy staring up at the ceiling. We also used a few to decorate/present the shelf where we displayed all of his presents. I've seen other parents use playsilks to wrap presents rather than buy wrapping paper --- save the environment, stimulate the senses, use playsilks.
As Luke's grown he's really enjoyed "wearing" the silks. There is rarely a day that passes without the silks being used as some sort of cape or headgear. With a husband who loves comic books, Luke definitely has been exposed to the world of superheroes from an early age, and he always pretends he's Superman with the read cape one, Batman with the blue, etc.
Mitch has introduced Luke to the world of knights and archers, and so a good sword fight is not complete without the power that comes from the playsilk cloaks :) Luke is only 27 months old, but as his imagination grows the silks will only continue to be used in new and vibrant ways, I'm sure!
I have three wonderful nieces (ages, 5, 5 and 7) and they always are excited to pull out the basket of silks whenever they are over to visit too. Common themes for them are pretending they are princesses and dancers with gorgeous dresses, or Rapunzel with flowing long hair, and lots of pirate play too!
Anyway, I love playsilks! There are tons of different places to get them. Many people sell them on Etsy, or you can make your own. Silk is quite expensive, and you don't necessarily need to get "fancy" ones... head out to Value Village or other thrift stores and look for old silk scarves. Personally, I love Sarah's Silks. Yes they are pricey, but the quality is amazing. I ended up purchasing a couple bags of "seconds"-- these are cheaper than the regular ones because they are said to have some sort of sewing or dying error. I never noticed a thing wrong with any of the ones that I received, and plan to order more this way for the next baby.
Playsilks.... used in Waldorf Schools and Childcare facilities world wide. Let your child's imagination soar, by providing quality, simple toys, that allow your child to do the work :)
I am currently 26 weeks-ish pregnant with our second baby BOY. We couldn't be more thrilled to have another little man joining our family in mid-late September. We have a name picked out and settled on but we are keeping it a secret until he is born. Stay tuned.... Only 14ish weeks to go.
I can definitely say I am super excited to be pregnant and have a little life growing inside of me but it's so different this time around. I am so busy with Luke that I don't really have the time to even notice if baby #2 is alive and kicking until naptime and bedtime. We haven't started to plan the nursery yet, we haven't really done much at all for this kiddo. Second child syndrome at its best.
Physically, however I'm noticing a lot of differences this time around. I started showing so much earlier... had to haul out the pregnancy pants at 14 weeks this time. I have been getting a lot of pain/pressure on my pelvic bone over the last few weeks-- pelvic girdle pain. No fun! This little dude is sitting really low in my pelvis which isn't helping I'm sure. I haven't been exercising nearly as much this time and need to really make that a focus and priority now that I'm in the "feel good" trimester. Yoga, walking, and biking will be my staples shortly. Oh and I get lots of stabbing pains in and around my abdomen.... Round ligament pain is way worse this pregnancy. And lastly, the most frustrating and embarrassing physical issue is urinary incontinence. Panty liners are a must! Between sneezing, picking up my 30lb toddler, and having a growing baby sitting on my bladder I don't have a hope in heck to stay dry. Kegels haven't helped at all. I have a referral to see a physiotherapist who specializes is pelvic floor issues and I have a feeling she is going to be my new best friend over the next year or so.
Oh and the biggest and most exciting news is we have decided to have this little sprout at home. I always have felt like hospitals are for sick people and pregnancy isn't a sickness. Having a home birth feels so right and aligns itself so well with who I am. I will end there and will do a seperate post on our plan to birth baby #2 at home.
Uuuuggghh! My intentions of being more active on this blog he been stunted by constant nausea. What a rough few weeks it has been! The constant head-in-toilet action around here has put a damper on my "joy" of being a mom.
More than anything lately I struggle wit the dreaded "g-word"...... Guilt. I feel guilty for not being my usual upbeat, energetic, fun, stimulating mom to Luke. I once prided myself on the fact that my son never watched any TV other than on long car rides. Now he is watching an hour + every day because it's the only thing to keep him entertained while I have regular dates with the porcelain throne. as an educator I know just how critical these months are in Luke's developmental growth and yet I can't bring myself to given him what I know he deserves.
I feel guilty that I can't nurse him as often and as long as I used to. My milk supply has dropped significantly and the pain I feel after about 10 minutes is too much to bear. It's been hard to Luke to adjust to not nursing to sleep every night. He'll say, "Mommmy mo (more)?" and my response is "Mommy needs to make more, you drank it all up." Which is always followed by a big ol cry from him. He even said last night "Put baaaa (back)". He wanted to put he milk he drank back so he could nurse more. poor lil guy.
I feel guilty for not being as excited for this new little sprout growing in me as I was with Luke. Of course I am excited but it's just been really hard to be thrilled that my constant morning sickness is here interrupting my supermom-ness with Luke.
I feel guilty that I haven't been able to eat as well during the first trimester with this new one as I was when pregnant with Luke. I've been living on carbs, eggs and bananas as compared to the tons of veggies and fruit I ate during my first pregnancy.
(Side note: I had my first prenatal doctor's appointment last week! I really was excited for it and to hear the little heartbeat that's hiding inside of my belly. Two days later I had a "dating ultrasound". It turns out that I am only 12 weeks tomorrow so new due date is September 20th. Oh and yes I am completely IN LOVE with my new baby. It's so hard to explain how it feels! Here is a pic of my newest love.)
(OK, back to guilt...)
I feel guilty as a wife. I haven't been able to hold up my end of our daily chores. Laundry is forever piling up, and when I do manage to get it done it never manages to find it's way into their drawers, shelves as hangers. Meals have been mediocre. Cleaning is just not in the cards. Oh and intimacy with Mitch is impossible without the threat of puking all over him. My incredibly amazing, supportive husband is wonderful and has picked up my slack without any complaints, yet I still feel guilty. Here is the note I came downstairs to yesterday:
I am an awful pet owner lately. The smell of Jack (our gorgeous flat coated retriever) is enough to make me hurl. And my kitty Holly just wants to cuddle and I can't stand being touched. So yet again I feel guilty.
I know it's hormones that are fuelling these feelings but man it's not fun to deal with. I can't wait for Spring... Hope of a new season, new trimester, new life. A resurgence of all things Laura is definitely in order!
I have officially finished my sixth week of this pregnancy. It was a bittersweet week. The excitement of a new little sprout growing inside of me was dulled by the arrival of an old familiar feeling of all day nausea.
I find that this pregnancy is very similar to the one I had with Luke. I have the same feelings of morning sickness at the same time (started at 6 weeks with Luke too),the same old first trimester exhaustion, acne and bloat. ---Pregnancy sounds so beautiful when you put it like that doesn't it?!
But, I have noticed some new symptoms that I never had with Luke. I am constantly running to the bathroom no matter how much or how little I drink. I also have to reacquaint myself with kegels because of what happens when I sneeze, or carry something heavy (if you know what I mean). And I find it is starting to really hurt to nurse Luke these days, which I find really difficult. Our breastfeeding journey has been an amazing one, and I really hope it doesn't end on a bad note. I realize many toddlers wean when milk supply goes down at the start of the second trimester so I am trying my hardest to keep in mind that each painful feeding now may be one closer to the end of the incredible nursing relationship that we have shared for he last 22 months and 5 days.
Another new experience for me is cravings! I never had them with Luke but I seriously crave EVERYTHING!!! Ice cream, pickles, salsa, pizza, plain noodles, French fries, you name it I have been craving it. I haven't indulged or given in to any of them yet except for a Western sandwich (fried eggs in general), and veggies and dip. I seriously eat one of these trays everyday.
As I go through each passing week of this pregnancy I am trying to enjoy every moment , yes even the sick ones, because I don't know if I will ever be pregnant again. I would love to have more kids but financially I just don't think we can handle more. So for now I'll enjoy the nausea, as I go enjoy some fried eggs while Luke has his nap :)
We had been trying for baby #2 for over a year but because I refused to wean Luke from breastfeeding, my cycles were non-existant until June (15 months post Partum) and remained irregular since then. Because of the irregularity, we had thought we might be pregnant a few times in the last year, only to be heartbroken to get yet another negative pregnancy test. But this time things were a little different...
I had been really tired - but thought it was because the holidays threw Luke out of schedule and he was getting up at 3:30 and 4 for the day for over a week.
I was running to the bathroom every 10 minutes to pee - but I never had that frequent urination symptom when I was pregnant with Luke, and thought maybe it was because I was drinking more coffee and tea (see tiredness above).
I was getting slight cramping and bloat - but I have a gluten intolerance and sometimes I get gas pains from food.
But I convinced Mitch to go buy a test for me anyway. So of course he buys the no- name brand, hard to read kind. This is what I got:
The faintest line ever!!! (Oh and the pic was put through Instagram filters to help see it.) But I remember hearing, no matter how faint the line is, if there is a line then you're pregnant. So I was convinced. And ecstatic.
All week, Mitch, was a little off... He didn't get excited like he did when we were pregnant with Luke. So I was worried he was disappointed or something, a didn't understand why. But finally on Friday morning he texted me from work and told me he wasn't convinced because "those lines were REALLY faint". I told him to buy a name brand, digital test so there could be no denying it. He did and this was the result:
He was finally able to accept it and the excitement broke through. Men eh? Haha.
So it's really early, according to the apps I'm 5 weeks and 1 day right now. Due date is approximately September 15th. I can't wait to share the next 9 months with you :)
It's hard to believe that my little Luke will be 4 and 1/2 months old this Thursday! Time is flying and he is growing way too fast. I notice him changing every day-- getting taller, his hair growing longer, his facial expressions getting more pronounced, his vocalizations having more and more meaning, volume, and personality. I feel so privileged to get to be a witness to his little life.
The teacher in me is in awe of this little developing person. Watching him figure our how to bat or grasp a dangling toy, or how to roll over (which he can now do both ways---front to back and back to front), or even seeing him feel new sensations (the grass on his bare feet, the condensation on my cold glass of water, etc.) I find myself continually amazed by his bright desire and determination to learn and experience new things.
I am so thankful to the Lord for giving me my son!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Luke's Birth Story --part 2 (at the hospital)
So, Mitch and I get to the hospital at 4 a.m. We enter through the Emergency entrance because the main doors are still locked for the evening. A nice young lady directed us to the elevator and up to the 3rd floor. Then from there Mitch and I kind of had to find our own way. I never took the prenatal classes that the hospital offered, and thus, never had a tour of the maternity floor. Despite not knowing where exactly we were going, and despite having contractions every 3-4 minutes Mitch and I were in great spirits.
Finally, a nurse saw us and got us settled into the labour and delivery room. I changed into the hospital gown and then she hooked me up to the monitor for 20 minutes. Baby's heart rate was great and my blood pressure was fine so she unhooked me from the monitor and left. Mitch and I didn't really know what to do next haha. The nurse never really gave us much direction so I decided I'd pretend I was at home... That I'd do what I would be doing if I were at home in my room, rather than the cramped, small L&D room.
The next few hours were spent with me standing up and swaying, or sitting down and rocking.... Just riding each wave of uncomfort. At 6:30ish I started to feel like the contractions were painful not just uncomfortable. The pain wasn't too bad... old sports injuries were much worse.
It wasn't long after 6:30 that the nurse came and hooked me up to the monitor again. She asked me if I was having to breathe through the contractions yet. I told her that yes, I was breathing through most of then. About 10 minutes later (but felt like forever since I had to sit still in bed and couldn't get up and move), she came back and unhooked me. She said, "Oh you're just having some mild contractions right now, I'll be back later." I remember feeling so mad at her. " How dare she say these are mild contractions?! "
Mitch and I turned the TV on but I really din't remember what we watched. By this time I was so focused on each contraction. Again, I just alternated between standing up and swaying, and sitting on the edge of the bed rocking.
At 7:50 Mitch got up to use the bathroom. The contractions I had when he was in there were the worst. Apparently, Mitch knew things were picking up because instead of hearing me do my usual sounds on a simple, I ended up making a faint "hoo" sound. All I remember was trying to get comfortable... I couldn't sit because it hurt too much, and I couldn't stand either. Mitch came out of the bathroom as I was trying to sit on the edge of the bed, and as I let out another little "hoo" because the pressure was just too much. As I went to sit... POP, my water broke all over the sheets. It was 7:50 a.m.
Mitch spoke up so the nurses would hear him, "Excuse me nurse, her water just broke". I looked at the bed quickly before heading to the bathroom and saw the fluid was green-tinged, not clear. I felt so disappointed and worried that the meconium would hurt the baby... And possibly lead to a c-section if I couldn't get him out. But I made my way to the toilet so that the test of the waters would go there. The nurse came into the room... It was a new nurse (a much nicer one); there had been a shift change.
As I sat on the toilet the pressure as really bad and I said, " It feels like he's coming out!" When I said that another nurse came in and helped to get me back to the bed... the other nurse stripped the bed and put new sheets down. Then they checked me and said, "you're ready, you are a 10!"
Then things got a little panicky feeling... Not for me but for the nurses. The doctor hadn't arrived yet. She was stuck in traffic. The nurses told me not to push... to wait until the doctor arrived. I told them, "I can't help it!" but I did try my best to not push so that I could give my perineum time to stretch, open, and adjust.
The doctor arrived at 8:05, and introduced herself as she got gowned and into position. She was so nice and despite the situation was very calming. She obviously didn't have time to read my birth plan but someone must have filled her in on the way because she was on the ball... she mentioned she was not a fan of episiotomies either, no pitocin, delay cutting cord, and a few other "top priorities" of mine. She did tell me that since the baby pooped inside and the amniotic fluid wasn't clear, they would have to pay extra attention to his breathing. If he cried right away then everything would be fine and he could do skin-to-skin immediately. However, if he didn't cry they'd have to hand him to an awaiting doctor (who was standing in the corner of the room). I prayed right then and there that he'd be ok.
Finally by 8:10 we were good to go. I was able to push. I remember one nurse telling me to "push through the pain". That phrase really helped me. Whenever it would start to really hurt I tried to push harder and the baby moved down farther. Well it only took about a dozen pushes before our little Luke was born.
At 8:34 Luke arrived with a big cry. They lifted my son onto my chest and within seconds he had latched on to have his first feeding. He was so warm and precious... even though he pooped on me :) Mitch and I thought we would cry the minute we saw him, but we didn't. As Luke nursed away, I looked up at Mitch and we both just smiled at each other, in awe of the blessing that was in my arms.
I don't really remember exactly what the doctor said to me but it was something along the lines of--- placenta breaking down so they couldn't wait to cut the umbilical cord. Mitch got to do it :) I was a little disappointed that it had to be cut so soon since I had read about how beneficial it can be to wait until it stops pulsing etc. But I figured if that was all that had gone "wrong" I was one lucky mama.
I lost quite a bit of blood before the placenta was birthed... Which came within a few short minutes. Thankfully the bleeding stopped on its own soon after so I didn't have to have a shot of pitocin. Hallelujah for the 100% drug free, natural birth that I wanted!
I did have to have some major repairs done "down below. I ended up withe a 3rd degree tear... Which basically is the 2nd worst kind of tear you can get (there are only 4 degrees). So the gynecologist came in and worked away at me for nearly 45 minutes, and then my OB finished up the last of it. The local anesthetic they gave me started to wear off when she came in to finish things up. She asked if i wanted another shot, but said, "you just delivered a big baby without any pain meds, i think you can handle a few short minutes of stitches." To say the least, i didn't opt for more anesthetic.
So for an hour they stitched up layers of tissue, muscle and skin. The time went by pretty fast though because I had Luke nursing away the whole time. He was a great distraction from it all.
Finally it was clean-up time. Mitch and Luke went to the nursery to get all wiped down, weighed and measured. Meanwhile the nurses helped clean me up. I had to stay in the L&D room all morning because they had to wait for my private room to be ready.
Just before it was time to move me a nurse came in to help me try going to the bathroom. Well, I got to the toilet and had a "head rush" (dizzy, seeing stars, etc) and fainted. Mitch was holding Luke and the nurse told him to put the baby down and help her. She told him to push the emergency button and a bunch of nurses showed up just as I came to. I woke up feeling like I had just had the best dream... I felt so rested and relaxed. The nurse got Mitch to help me from the toilet to a wheel chair. Well, I stood up, wrapped my arms around him and fainted again. He was strong enough to take my weight, and when I came to again I was sitting in the wheel chair. Again, I felt like I had the best dream, and was so rested. They wheeled me over to the bed, and Mitch helped me up and into bed. Thankfully no more fainting. For the rest of the day, everytime I stood up I felt the "head rush" feeling so Mitch had to help me to the bathroom all day. I wasn't overly worried about it because being 6'1" I've always had issues with getting the blood to my brain when standing up too fast. But poor Mitch... I'll never forget the looks of concern on his face.
10 and 1/2 hours of labour was definitely not easy. It was hard and fast. But it was SO worth every minute of it. My little Luke is the light of my life. I didn't know it was possible to love a person so much, so fast until he came along. I feel so incredibly blessed to have him here. I feel so incredibly blessed to have Mitch as my husband and for Luke to have him as his Dad. I am so thankful to God for these amazing blessings that He has given me.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Luke's Birth Story- part one (before the hospital)
Well, it's kind of hard to believe our baby boy has arrived! Mitch and I are enamoured and still kind of in shock over the fact that, together, we made this little guy.
So before I forget what actually happened during the hours leading up to/during/shortly after our son's birth I thought I should write it down. And because reading other people's stories helped me envision my own experience I am posting it here for any travelers to stumble upon :)
LUKE THOMAS MARTIN
March 22, 2012
8:34 am
8 lbs 7.7 oz.
It all began on Wednesday I guess. I got up that morning, went downstairs to make Mitch his lunch and spend some time together before he headed off to work. I remember him saying, "Luke, it's time to come out. We want to meet you." We both laughed and Mitch left for work for the day. It was a gorgeous day and decided to do some laundry and hang it on the line. Other than that all my chores were done. I had nothing else to do but relax. So I went to the living room and tried to get my mind off of being overdue. After browsing the Internet for "natural ways to induce labour" and learning lots, my sister-in-law called and then came over with my niece for a little visit. It was so nice to have company and visitors since I was starting to find the time home long.
Anyway, the rest of the afternoon was spent doing laundry, vacuuming, talking with my mom on the phone, and just generally relaxing. It was 25 degrees outside so I even took a book and caught a little vitamin d :) it was during this afternoon that I began to feel a little gassy and ended up pooping 2 times ( which is rare for me... My gluten intolerance has me a once every two days kind of gal). I really didn't think much of it though.
I should mention that at my last doctor's appointment they scheduled me for induction for Thursday morning... I wasn't happy about this and had decided to call the labour and delivery section of the hospital, early on Thursday morning, to tell them that I wouldn't be coming in and would like to wait longer as my baby,at the time, was only 1 week late.
Mitch texted me in the late afternoon to check in with me. He then put he idea of going to the food court at the mall for crappy Chinese food for supper. The Inside of the house was hot and I didn't really feel like cooking so I was game.
Mitch arrived home from work shortly after that and we took Jack for his nightly walk. Then headed off to the mall. We enjoyed a junk food supper of Chinese food and then a DQ blizzard for dessert. We waddled around the mall a couple of times and headed home.
The remainder of the evening was spent relaxing in front of the TV, and just sitting and talking. Finally at 9:45 we headed up to bed. We got settled all cosy under the covers, and just like every night for the past 9 months, Mitch talked to my belly for a few minutes, read a story, and kissed me. He added his nightly salutation of "Goodnight and sweet dreams. I love you." He rolled over and went to sleep.
I laid there and silently said my prayers. When I was done I felt my first contraction... although I didn't know it was one. It just felt like bad gas pains, like what I would feel if I were to eat wheat. I looked at the time and it was 10:09. I continued to lay there trying to fall asleep.
Exactly 20 minutes later I felt it again. I decided to get up and try going to the bathroom, but once I was there the pain had stopped and I couldn't go. So I waddled back to bed thinking, "Hmm something's up". And so I began to time the "gas pains" when the next one happened (11 minutes after the second one). Here is what I tracked:
10:42. 10:52
11:03. 11:10
11:19. 11:33
I decided to wake Mitch up by this time to let him know that I was definitely having contractions. And that it was really uncomfortable to lay-still so I was gonna be getting in and out of bed a lot. Knowing this whole labour thing could take a while he went back to sleep.
From 11:40 onward contractions were coming every 4-6 minutes. I remember liking the consistency because I could enjoy the down time between contractions, knowing I could be comfortable for 4 full minutes was a great relief.
At around midnight Mitch woke up and checked to see if I was ok. I jokingly said, "oh this is gonna take a while. I am guessing the baby will come around 8:30. We won't head to the hospital until 6:30 ish."
2:16- by this time things were getting a little more uncomfortable so I decided to take a shower. I woke Mitch to tell him just so that he could keep an ear out in case I needed him. I had more contractions while I was in the shower. And boy are "they" right when they say water helps relieve the uncomfort.
Most books you read about childbirth advise first time moms to go to the hospital after contractions have been consistently 5 minutes apart for an hour. Well, the book that I decided to trust - Natural Hospital Childbirth- said to stay home as long as possible in order to avoid pressure of intervention from the nurses and OB's. So we decided to ignore the one hour rule.
By 3 am Mitch couldn't sleep.. He said he was getting excited :) So he decided to get up and give Jack his morning walk ( 3 hours earlier than normal ), and have a shower. I sat and bounced/swayed on my exercise ball through all of this.
At 3:30 we were sitting in the kitchen, Mitch was eating breakfast, I was drinking water (trying to prevent dehydration during birth) and the car was all packed up and ready to go, and we looked at each other and said we were bored. Yes, bored. Everything was done and ready so it was just a waiting game from there. So, we talked about it and chose to head to the hospital early... There'd be no traffic to fight with, parking would be easier to find, etc. And at 3:45 we got in the car and headed to the hospital
Monday, March 5, 2012
My Natural Hospital Childbirth Plan
As the birth of my little boy approaches I thought I better put all of my thoughts and heartfelt desires for my birth onto paper, to have at the ready when it's time to go to the hospital.
I would ideally like to have a home birth, assisted by a licensed mid-wife. Well, living in New Brunswick,Canada where midwifery is allegal and where currently there are no certified midwives accepting new clients, this ideal cannot be a reality for me. And although I would do a home birth with "just" a doula, Mitch is not comfortable with that. So, we will head to the hospital when labour happens.
So here it is... my plan for a natural hospital childbirth (extended version):
I am planning a natural, intervention-free birth. I have never done this before, and although I'm a little nervous, I am hopeful, prepared, and determined. Please support me in this endeavour.
BEGINNING LABOUR
-I would like to begin labour naturally. I know that artificially induced labour can hurt more than a labour that begins on its own, and I really don't want to have to use pain medicines.
-If my water breaks first, I would like to wait for contractions to begin on their own. I am prepared to try natural ways to augment the start of contractions (walking, nipple stimulation, etc.)
-I know it's a "frivolous" request but I would really feel more comfortable in my own clothes during labour, birth and post-partum.
PEOPLE IN THE ROOM
-I request that I have the fewest number of people in the room as possible (please no extra students, residents etc. Just the doctor, nurse and baby nurse)
-I would like to have no other visitors or guests, etc., before or during labour. It should be just me and my husband.
FIRST STAGE OF LABOUR
-I request that only intermittent fetal monitoring be done and that I not be hooked up to an IV so that I can be mobile throughout this stage of labour.
-I request that vaginal exams be limited (one upon arrival to the hospital and one when I feel the urge to push). I don't want to be disappointed by a low number.
-I am aware that pain medications are available. If I need them I will ask, so please don't ask me if I want them.
-I plan to manage my pain in a variety of ways: changing positions, using an exercise ball, walking, using water (shower/ tub), etc.
- Please do not break my water... I would like that to happen on its own
SECOND STAGE OF LABOUR
-I would like to choose the position in which I push in ( this most likely will not be on my back)
-I would like to push without coaching or "counting to ten". I will push and breathe at my own pace
-As long as my baby and I are healthy I prefer no time limits on pushing
-please use perineal massage and warm compresses on my perineum
-I would rather risk a tear than have an episiotomy... Please get my consent before doing an episiotomy.
-please do not use forceps or a vacuum extractor unless absolutely necessary... Again please get my consent before using them.
BABY'S HEARTBEAT
If the heart rate if my baby becomes a concern I would like to do the following:
-eat and drink something to see if the extra sugars will wake the baby up
-change positions to see if this moves the baby off of his umbilical cord
-after this, I'd like to have the heart rate checked with a handheld Doppler
-please rub the baby's head to see if his positively affects the heart rate
C-SECTION
- I STRONGLY hope to avoid a cesarean section. However, if one becomes necessary I would like my husband to be present at all times of the operation.
-I would like to touch/hold my baby as soon as possible... Before an examination of the baby.
-I would liked husband to be with the baby at all times
POST-BIRTH
-I'd like to hold my baby immediately after birth as I know how important skin to skin is
-I'd like the staff to wait until the umbilical cord stops pulsing before clamping it
-I would like my husband to cut the cord
- I do not want routine Pitocin post-partum. I have confidence that the uterine contractions that occur when breast feeding my baby will help deliver the placenta and stop any hemorrhaging
-I would like to have all routine newborn procedures post-poned until after I have held and breasted my baby. I would especially like to post pone eye ointment
-I would like all newborn procedures to be done in my presence, while I am ( or my husband is) holding/touching the baby.
-NO HepB vaccine! I understand it is important that my baby receive the full gamut of vaccinations as a baby but I would rather delay them and do them on my own schedule.
*If at any time there are complications and the baby has any problems I'd like my husband to be with the baby at all times!*
I am excited to bring my baby into the world naturally, and I am excited to bring him home as soon as possible. I would prefer to be discharged as soon as we can, especially at this time of year where whooping cough and Norwalk virus are around. I understand that I will have to being my baby back for PKU testing within a few days and will definitely do this. I have always struggled with being comfortable in a hospital and would just prefer to be back home with my family and personal support system as soon as possible. This will allow me to rest better, and will allow me to relax and bond better with my baby and will allow my milk to let down more easily as well.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this over and for all of your patience and understanding. This once in a lifetime experience (having my first baby) is something I look forward to with anticipation and joy.
Friday, March 2, 2012
And So We Wait
Well, once again I apologize for being MIA on this blog for the past few months. I really have no excuse. So instead of dwelling on it I am just going to move onwards and upwards and assume most of the people that read this will forgive me :)
I guess the biggest thing to update you on us the fact that I am now 38 and 1/2 weeks pregnant. Yes, I have survived the roller coaster of emotions and physical changes that come with being pregnant for the first time-yahoo!- and now I can truly say I really have loved every minute of it. Sure the morning sickness and the mood swings and the exhaustion is difficult but I believe that it just makes the reward of bring a life into this world that much more meaningful. The Lird has blessed me with the ability to co-create with Him this little boy that is growing inside of me... what an incredible privilege it is!
I have to say that the last 9 months really have brought Mitch and me closer together. We have been together for 8 and 1/2 years now (5 dating and 3 1/2 married) and I can say - with much confidence- that we are ready to be parents together. We aren't naive to think that having a baby is going to be all sunshine and lollipops. We know it's going to change our lives for ever, but we also know that we will be there to support each other through it all. We know that our love brought this life into being and we can trust in that love.
So, now that the 9 months is over, and our little boy is considered to be "full term" we simply get to wait. We'll wait for the last leg of this incredible journey. We'll wait for the real work - the labour - to kick in (I've been sitting at 3cm dilation for the past 2 weeks). And when it does, we will be excited to bring our little "Luke" into our lives. I am nervous but excited for the delivery process but I am able to stay relatively calm about it knowing that I will have my incredible husband by my side, and our ever-present Father watching over us all.
I can't wait to hear that little cry and to hold my baby boy for the first time.
Finally, a nurse saw us and got us settled into the labour and delivery room. I changed into the hospital gown and then she hooked me up to the monitor for 20 minutes. Baby's heart rate was great and my blood pressure was fine so she unhooked me from the monitor and left. Mitch and I didn't really know what to do next haha. The nurse never really gave us much direction so I decided I'd pretend I was at home... That I'd do what I would be doing if I were at home in my room, rather than the cramped, small L&D room.
The next few hours were spent with me standing up and swaying, or sitting down and rocking.... Just riding each wave of uncomfort. At 6:30ish I started to feel like the contractions were painful not just uncomfortable. The pain wasn't too bad... old sports injuries were much worse.
It wasn't long after 6:30 that the nurse came and hooked me up to the monitor again. She asked me if I was having to breathe through the contractions yet. I told her that yes, I was breathing through most of then. About 10 minutes later (but felt like forever since I had to sit still in bed and couldn't get up and move), she came back and unhooked me. She said, "Oh you're just having some mild contractions right now, I'll be back later." I remember feeling so mad at her. " How dare she say these are mild contractions?! "
Mitch and I turned the TV on but I really din't remember what we watched. By this time I was so focused on each contraction. Again, I just alternated between standing up and swaying, and sitting on the edge of the bed rocking.
At 7:50 Mitch got up to use the bathroom. The contractions I had when he was in there were the worst. Apparently, Mitch knew things were picking up because instead of hearing me do my usual sounds on a simple, I ended up making a faint "hoo" sound. All I remember was trying to get comfortable... I couldn't sit because it hurt too much, and I couldn't stand either. Mitch came out of the bathroom as I was trying to sit on the edge of the bed, and as I let out another little "hoo" because the pressure was just too much. As I went to sit... POP, my water broke all over the sheets. It was 7:50 a.m.
Mitch spoke up so the nurses would hear him, "Excuse me nurse, her water just broke". I looked at the bed quickly before heading to the bathroom and saw the fluid was green-tinged, not clear. I felt so disappointed and worried that the meconium would hurt the baby... And possibly lead to a c-section if I couldn't get him out. But I made my way to the toilet so that the test of the waters would go there. The nurse came into the room... It was a new nurse (a much nicer one); there had been a shift change.
As I sat on the toilet the pressure as really bad and I said, " It feels like he's coming out!" When I said that another nurse came in and helped to get me back to the bed... the other nurse stripped the bed and put new sheets down. Then they checked me and said, "you're ready, you are a 10!"
Then things got a little panicky feeling... Not for me but for the nurses. The doctor hadn't arrived yet. She was stuck in traffic. The nurses told me not to push... to wait until the doctor arrived. I told them, "I can't help it!" but I did try my best to not push so that I could give my perineum time to stretch, open, and adjust.
The doctor arrived at 8:05, and introduced herself as she got gowned and into position. She was so nice and despite the situation was very calming. She obviously didn't have time to read my birth plan but someone must have filled her in on the way because she was on the ball... she mentioned she was not a fan of episiotomies either, no pitocin, delay cutting cord, and a few other "top priorities" of mine. She did tell me that since the baby pooped inside and the amniotic fluid wasn't clear, they would have to pay extra attention to his breathing. If he cried right away then everything would be fine and he could do skin-to-skin immediately. However, if he didn't cry they'd have to hand him to an awaiting doctor (who was standing in the corner of the room). I prayed right then and there that he'd be ok.
Finally by 8:10 we were good to go. I was able to push. I remember one nurse telling me to "push through the pain". That phrase really helped me. Whenever it would start to really hurt I tried to push harder and the baby moved down farther. Well it only took about a dozen pushes before our little Luke was born.
At 8:34 Luke arrived with a big cry. They lifted my son onto my chest and within seconds he had latched on to have his first feeding. He was so warm and precious... even though he pooped on me :) Mitch and I thought we would cry the minute we saw him, but we didn't. As Luke nursed away, I looked up at Mitch and we both just smiled at each other, in awe of the blessing that was in my arms.
I don't really remember exactly what the doctor said to me but it was something along the lines of--- placenta breaking down so they couldn't wait to cut the umbilical cord. Mitch got to do it :) I was a little disappointed that it had to be cut so soon since I had read about how beneficial it can be to wait until it stops pulsing etc. But I figured if that was all that had gone "wrong" I was one lucky mama.
I lost quite a bit of blood before the placenta was birthed... Which came within a few short minutes. Thankfully the bleeding stopped on its own soon after so I didn't have to have a shot of pitocin. Hallelujah for the 100% drug free, natural birth that I wanted!
So for an hour they stitched up layers of tissue, muscle and skin. The time went by pretty fast though because I had Luke nursing away the whole time. He was a great distraction from it all.
Finally it was clean-up time. Mitch and Luke went to the nursery to get all wiped down, weighed and measured. Meanwhile the nurses helped clean me up. I had to stay in the L&D room all morning because they had to wait for my private room to be ready.
So before I forget what actually happened during the hours leading up to/during/shortly after our son's birth I thought I should write it down. And because reading other people's stories helped me envision my own experience I am posting it here for any travelers to stumble upon :)
LUKE THOMAS MARTIN
March 22, 2012
8:34 am
8 lbs 7.7 oz.
It all began on Wednesday I guess. I got up that morning, went downstairs to make Mitch his lunch and spend some time together before he headed off to work. I remember him saying, "Luke, it's time to come out. We want to meet you." We both laughed and Mitch left for work for the day. It was a gorgeous day and decided to do some laundry and hang it on the line. Other than that all my chores were done. I had nothing else to do but relax. So I went to the living room and tried to get my mind off of being overdue. After browsing the Internet for "natural ways to induce labour" and learning lots, my sister-in-law called and then came over with my niece for a little visit. It was so nice to have company and visitors since I was starting to find the time home long.
Anyway, the rest of the afternoon was spent doing laundry, vacuuming, talking with my mom on the phone, and just generally relaxing. It was 25 degrees outside so I even took a book and caught a little vitamin d :) it was during this afternoon that I began to feel a little gassy and ended up pooping 2 times ( which is rare for me... My gluten intolerance has me a once every two days kind of gal). I really didn't think much of it though.
I should mention that at my last doctor's appointment they scheduled me for induction for Thursday morning... I wasn't happy about this and had decided to call the labour and delivery section of the hospital, early on Thursday morning, to tell them that I wouldn't be coming in and would like to wait longer as my baby,at the time, was only 1 week late.
Mitch texted me in the late afternoon to check in with me. He then put he idea of going to the food court at the mall for crappy Chinese food for supper. The Inside of the house was hot and I didn't really feel like cooking so I was game.
Mitch arrived home from work shortly after that and we took Jack for his nightly walk. Then headed off to the mall. We enjoyed a junk food supper of Chinese food and then a DQ blizzard for dessert. We waddled around the mall a couple of times and headed home.
The remainder of the evening was spent relaxing in front of the TV, and just sitting and talking. Finally at 9:45 we headed up to bed. We got settled all cosy under the covers, and just like every night for the past 9 months, Mitch talked to my belly for a few minutes, read a story, and kissed me. He added his nightly salutation of "Goodnight and sweet dreams. I love you." He rolled over and went to sleep.
I laid there and silently said my prayers. When I was done I felt my first contraction... although I didn't know it was one. It just felt like bad gas pains, like what I would feel if I were to eat wheat. I looked at the time and it was 10:09. I continued to lay there trying to fall asleep.
Exactly 20 minutes later I felt it again. I decided to get up and try going to the bathroom, but once I was there the pain had stopped and I couldn't go. So I waddled back to bed thinking, "Hmm something's up". And so I began to time the "gas pains" when the next one happened (11 minutes after the second one). Here is what I tracked:
10:42. 10:52
11:03. 11:10
11:19. 11:33
I decided to wake Mitch up by this time to let him know that I was definitely having contractions. And that it was really uncomfortable to lay-still so I was gonna be getting in and out of bed a lot. Knowing this whole labour thing could take a while he went back to sleep.
From 11:40 onward contractions were coming every 4-6 minutes. I remember liking the consistency because I could enjoy the down time between contractions, knowing I could be comfortable for 4 full minutes was a great relief.
At around midnight Mitch woke up and checked to see if I was ok. I jokingly said, "oh this is gonna take a while. I am guessing the baby will come around 8:30. We won't head to the hospital until 6:30 ish."
2:16- by this time things were getting a little more uncomfortable so I decided to take a shower. I woke Mitch to tell him just so that he could keep an ear out in case I needed him. I had more contractions while I was in the shower. And boy are "they" right when they say water helps relieve the uncomfort.
Most books you read about childbirth advise first time moms to go to the hospital after contractions have been consistently 5 minutes apart for an hour. Well, the book that I decided to trust - Natural Hospital Childbirth- said to stay home as long as possible in order to avoid pressure of intervention from the nurses and OB's. So we decided to ignore the one hour rule.
By 3 am Mitch couldn't sleep.. He said he was getting excited :) So he decided to get up and give Jack his morning walk ( 3 hours earlier than normal ), and have a shower. I sat and bounced/swayed on my exercise ball through all of this.
At 3:30 we were sitting in the kitchen, Mitch was eating breakfast, I was drinking water (trying to prevent dehydration during birth) and the car was all packed up and ready to go, and we looked at each other and said we were bored. Yes, bored. Everything was done and ready so it was just a waiting game from there. So, we talked about it and chose to head to the hospital early... There'd be no traffic to fight with, parking would be easier to find, etc. And at 3:45 we got in the car and headed to the hospital
So here it is... my plan for a natural hospital childbirth (extended version):
I am planning a natural, intervention-free birth. I have never done this before, and although I'm a little nervous, I am hopeful, prepared, and determined. Please support me in this endeavour.
BEGINNING LABOUR
-I would like to begin labour naturally. I know that artificially induced labour can hurt more than a labour that begins on its own, and I really don't want to have to use pain medicines.
-If my water breaks first, I would like to wait for contractions to begin on their own. I am prepared to try natural ways to augment the start of contractions (walking, nipple stimulation, etc.)
-I know it's a "frivolous" request but I would really feel more comfortable in my own clothes during labour, birth and post-partum.
PEOPLE IN THE ROOM
-I request that I have the fewest number of people in the room as possible (please no extra students, residents etc. Just the doctor, nurse and baby nurse)
-I would like to have no other visitors or guests, etc., before or during labour. It should be just me and my husband.
FIRST STAGE OF LABOUR
-I request that only intermittent fetal monitoring be done and that I not be hooked up to an IV so that I can be mobile throughout this stage of labour.
-I request that vaginal exams be limited (one upon arrival to the hospital and one when I feel the urge to push). I don't want to be disappointed by a low number.
-I am aware that pain medications are available. If I need them I will ask, so please don't ask me if I want them.
-I plan to manage my pain in a variety of ways: changing positions, using an exercise ball, walking, using water (shower/ tub), etc.
- Please do not break my water... I would like that to happen on its own
SECOND STAGE OF LABOUR
-I would like to choose the position in which I push in ( this most likely will not be on my back)
-I would like to push without coaching or "counting to ten". I will push and breathe at my own pace
-As long as my baby and I are healthy I prefer no time limits on pushing
-please use perineal massage and warm compresses on my perineum
-I would rather risk a tear than have an episiotomy... Please get my consent before doing an episiotomy.
-please do not use forceps or a vacuum extractor unless absolutely necessary... Again please get my consent before using them.
BABY'S HEARTBEAT
If the heart rate if my baby becomes a concern I would like to do the following:
-eat and drink something to see if the extra sugars will wake the baby up
-change positions to see if this moves the baby off of his umbilical cord
-after this, I'd like to have the heart rate checked with a handheld Doppler
-please rub the baby's head to see if his positively affects the heart rate
C-SECTION
- I STRONGLY hope to avoid a cesarean section. However, if one becomes necessary I would like my husband to be present at all times of the operation.
-I would like to touch/hold my baby as soon as possible... Before an examination of the baby.
-I would liked husband to be with the baby at all times
POST-BIRTH
-I'd like to hold my baby immediately after birth as I know how important skin to skin is
-I'd like the staff to wait until the umbilical cord stops pulsing before clamping it
-I would like my husband to cut the cord
- I do not want routine Pitocin post-partum. I have confidence that the uterine contractions that occur when breast feeding my baby will help deliver the placenta and stop any hemorrhaging
-I would like to have all routine newborn procedures post-poned until after I have held and breasted my baby. I would especially like to post pone eye ointment
-I would like all newborn procedures to be done in my presence, while I am ( or my husband is) holding/touching the baby.
-NO HepB vaccine! I understand it is important that my baby receive the full gamut of vaccinations as a baby but I would rather delay them and do them on my own schedule.
*If at any time there are complications and the baby has any problems I'd like my husband to be with the baby at all times!*
I am excited to bring my baby into the world naturally, and I am excited to bring him home as soon as possible. I would prefer to be discharged as soon as we can, especially at this time of year where whooping cough and Norwalk virus are around. I understand that I will have to being my baby back for PKU testing within a few days and will definitely do this. I have always struggled with being comfortable in a hospital and would just prefer to be back home with my family and personal support system as soon as possible. This will allow me to rest better, and will allow me to relax and bond better with my baby and will allow my milk to let down more easily as well.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this over and for all of your patience and understanding. This once in a lifetime experience (having my first baby) is something I look forward to with anticipation and joy.
I guess the biggest thing to update you on us the fact that I am now 38 and 1/2 weeks pregnant. Yes, I have survived the roller coaster of emotions and physical changes that come with being pregnant for the first time-yahoo!- and now I can truly say I really have loved every minute of it. Sure the morning sickness and the mood swings and the exhaustion is difficult but I believe that it just makes the reward of bring a life into this world that much more meaningful. The Lird has blessed me with the ability to co-create with Him this little boy that is growing inside of me... what an incredible privilege it is!
I can't wait to hear that little cry and to hold my baby boy for the first time.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Plum Plump
I have been completely miserable with regards to the morning sickness I've had. It's just been so unpredictable. One day I could feel pretty good (just the usual tiredness and a little nausea when I haven't eaten in a while), but then the next I could be throwing up every hour on the hour. It's been quite hard to deal with. I know that there are different medicines that you can take that make you feel better, but I'm a hippie at heart and don't like putting any unnatural substances in my body if I don't have to.... I'd rather deal with the sickness than know that potentially I could be hurting this little baby that's inside of me. So, I suffer willingly :)
Week 10 was by far the worst week... thankfully it was the week that I had off work, so I could stay home and be sick in my own toilet rather than the public ones at the University. It was also the week that we went for our first official prenatal doctor's appointment. To be honest I was a little nervous, as I'd never been to this particular hospital before, and I'd never met that particular doctor before etc. etc. And to make things worse we had a really hard time finding parking so I was getting a little stressed out... not good for the baby I know. But once we finally did find a parking space, and found the clinic, I was able to calm down since everyone there was really nice and welcoming though, which made things better.
The nurse that saw us was so sweet. She was great. But when it came time for her to use the doppler to try to find the baby's heartbeat she couldn't.... which I knew was ok especially this early on, but I was a little disappointed just the same. The nurse told me that my abs were to strong for her to get through, so that made me feel good. Then we had to wait and wait and wait for the doctor, since the doctor that we had was delivering a baby via emergency c-section. So after about an hour or so of waiting, a really young doctor met with us. She asked a bunch of questions and then gave me my pap. Well OUCH!!! I know this is probably too much information for a blog, but never before did I have a pap hurt like that in my life! When she was inserting the speculum she stabbed me in my vaginal wall and it started to bleed... then she continued with the procedure and asked, "Do you normally bleed when you have a pap?". I wanted to yell "NO!!! Normally I have a doctor who actually knows what they're doing!!!", but this doctor seemed nervous and young and I was trying to be nice. Anyway, finally the REAL doctor came in and she was amazing. Very nice and reassuring. But, because of the bleeding -- which the young doctor told the older one started before she even reached my cervix (which was true because of the stabbing), and because of the fact that I only had 2 regular 28 day cycles before I got pregnant (the 4 before that were irregular... 26 days one time 31 the next etc.), and because the nurse couldn't find my heartbeat, she wanted me to go to getting a "Dating Ultrasound" done. Too say the least I was disappointed again. Again, the hippie in me didn't want to be shooting any extra sound-waves at my little tiny developing baby if I didn't have to.
Then after that was all said and done, I had to go down to get blood work done, which is never fun. So, to say the least I went home crying and crying. What a horrible day. Approximately 2 hours later I got a call from the Ultrasound department, scheduling me in for the next day. So, after a night filled with horrible sleep and tears, I got up the next day trying to be excited about it all... which was REALLY hard because I had horrible morning sickness and I had to drink a lot of water which only ever makes me feel worse. In fact, on the way out of the house to leave for the hospital I had to turn around and run inside to be sick one more time before I left.
So, we find our way to the ultrasound place... and they called my name and gave me one of those ugly blue gowns that you know a gazillion people have worn before (YUCK) and then tell you to go sit in the main waiting room until they're ready for you. Well, it's not fun to have people walk up and down the hall and see you in that blue gown thinking you're sick or that something's wrong with you. So again, a rough start to a day I was trying to be optimistic at.
Well, finally they called Mitch and I back to the ultrasound room. "Here we go... " I thought to myself. We get to the room, and actually it was quite nice... all the lights were out except for the lights on the machine, which actually made it cozy. Mitch sat right beside me holding my hand, making me feel like no matter what everything was going to be ok. The Ultrasound Technician was SO sweet and friendly which made things much easier. So, up comes the gown to expose my flat belly, and I prepared myself for the cold gel.... which ended up just coming out of the warmer so it wasn't cold at all :) As soon as she put the transducer on me there appeared the little baby. The heart was beating at 176 bpm just as healthy as could be :). The technician moved it all around and took lots of pictures. Then did an internal ultrasound since the baby was still just the size of a prune. We could see the baby even more clearly, and we even saw it moving it's little leg. Mitch was SO excited, shocked and emotional about this. Anyway, after about a half hour of looking at our baby we finally were ready to leave the hospital. I left in a much better mood than I came in, even despite still feeling sick.
Anyway, those are the most significant things to note in this update. Until next time :)
How far along?: 12 Weeks 4 days
Total weight gain/loss: A little gained... back to my regular 155lbs.
How big is baby: The baby is now the size of a plum.
Maternity clothes?:Still no need but it's definitely getting closer... I can't wear my pants without doing the old elastic trick. I'm definitely feeling more "plum"p :)
Stretch Marks: Not yet. And from what I've read, they're a genetic thing in the way that if your mom had lots of stretch marks then you'll have lots.... well mom barely had any so I think I'm going to be ok.
Sleep: This is still my favourite word ever. I love sleep. It is my life saver these days.
Best moment this week: Having more and more breaks from morning sickness YAY!!! And, probably waking up this morning to Mitch rubbing my belly and saying, "I love your little bump... look it even hangs when you're laying on your side!"
Movement: Nope none yet.
Food cravings: Junk food... I am happy to say I haven't caved in yet, but I've been craving pizza, a big mac and french fries from Mc. D's... and OOOOoooo Chinese food... those noodles and veggies, fried rice, egg rolls and plum sauce, and of course chicken balls with sweet and sour sauce. MmMMmMm.
Food aversions: Not really at this point... I still do better with cold foods than I do with hot foods, but that's slowly changing :)
Gender: I have no idea yet. I want a girl, Mitch wants a boy, but we'll both be happy with whatever we end up with as long as he/she is healthy. (Ditto from last week)
Labor signs: No, thank the Lord.
Belly Button in or out? Innie
What I miss: Feeling capable... for the last little while I've felt incapable of doing even the most menial household tasks.
What I am looking forward to: Seeing the new stroller and car seat that got delivered this morning (it's at home, and I'm at work).... and then the 2nd, and hopefully final, ultrasound appointment on October 19th.... that's when we get to find out if it's a boy or a girl, and we can finally stop calling this baby "The grape" or "The plum" etc.
Weekly wisdom: Continue to eat, eat, eat :)
Milestones: The bump is showing a little
Baby Blueberry Update
Well, it's been a few weeks since I've had a chance to update this blog with baby fun. So, today, during my lunch break at work I'll do it. For the last 2 weeks the "morning sickness" or the 24/7 sickness as I like to call it, has really set in. I have been lucky in the sense that I haven't thrown up very much, but unlucky in that I feel like I could every minute of every day.
Poor Mitch says that I'm like a ghost that haunts the house that he lives in with Jack and Holly. He has been amazing. I am so lucky to have a husband like him. He has done the laundry, made meals, done the dishes, cleaned the floors, gotten groceries. Wow. I sure am lucky.
We both are getting more and more excited for this little sprout that growing inside of me. We have been tossing names around, and looking at clothes and nursery ideas. All of the expensive but fun parts of being soon-to-be parents.
So until next week, here's the update:
How far along?: 7 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: A little lost... down from 155 to 152 lbs, although I don't know how since I'm exercising less and eating more. Maybe it's muscle loss.
How big is baby: The baby is now the size of a blueberry.
Maternity clothes?:Still no need.... but still majorly bloated. Yuck.
Stretch Marks: Not yet. I'm still putting lots of cream on my belly, hoping to keep them away.
Sleep: This is my favourite word ever. I love sleep. It is my life saver these days.
Best moment this week: Having a break from morning sickness so far today. On a scale from 1 to 10 (1 being not sick at all and 10 being puking like crazy) I'm about a 5 today... the lowest I've been in 2 weeks!
Movement: Nope none yet.
Food cravings: Um I was craving apple juice the other day... but I think that's because I was thirsty and a commercial for apple juice was on TV. And actually, Mitch went out and got me some and I love it! It settles my queezy belly :)
Food aversions: Well I think I had my first one on Monday. I lived on homemade chicken noodle soup last week, and then Monday I opened up my thermos to have my lunch, and I couldn't because one smell of it and I was ready to hurl. EWWW. Oh yeah, and bananas.... I was working at a youth supper on Friday, and I had to hand out apples and bananas... well it was a 40 degree Celsius day and the bananas had been left out all day, and they stunk SO bad. Now, one look at a banana and I'm running to the bathroom. Gross.
Gender: I have no idea yet. I want a girl, Mitch wants a boy, but we'll both be happy with whatever we end up with as long as he/she is healthy. (Ditto from last week)
Labor signs: No, thank the Lord.
Belly Button in or out? Innie
What I miss: Feeling energetic and feeling like I'm not going to be sick every minute of every day.
What I am looking forward to: Again, the first OB/GYN appointment... August 17... only 3 more weeks away. And of course for the morning sickness to go away.
Weekly wisdom: Eat before going to bed.... eat when you get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, and eat before you get out of bed in the morning.
Milestones: Our little sprout is making mommy sick.... I now have a whole new respect for the thousands of moms who have gone through morning sickness before.
July 15, 2011
We're pregnant!!! We found out and couldn't be happier. We started trying in mid June, thinking it would take at least a few months to get pregnant, but, first time is the charm! I was lucky to find out early, at the four week mark when our baby or, "Sprout" as we affectionately call it, was just the size of a grain of rice.
We couldn't be happier. I am now 5 weeks along, my due date is March 15th, 2 days after my Mom's birthday, and 2 days before Mitch's birthday. I figure it'll come much later than that anyway, since most people say your first is always late. I found the following template on a friend's blog... check her out: The Rookie Wife. So, I stole it and will use it to track the fun of the next few months too.
How far along?: 5 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: So far, nothing... I'm a steady 155lbs.
How big is baby: The size of an appleseed now. (S)He doubles in size every week!
Maternity clothes?: I don't need them yet... but I'm excited to go shopping for some :) I have had a lot of pregnancy bloat though, that has made my pants a little tighter than usual.
Stretch Marks: Not yet, and I'm trying my best not to get them.... lots of creaming up my belly.
Sleep: This is all I want to do ALL the time!!!!!! I'm exhausted. I've been taking naps every day after work. As for night time... I'm still doing ok... I do have to get up to pee more than usual though which is annoying since it takes me a little while to fall back to sleep after I do get up.
Total weight gain/loss: So far, nothing... I'm a steady 155lbs.
How big is baby: The size of an appleseed now. (S)He doubles in size every week!
Maternity clothes?: I don't need them yet... but I'm excited to go shopping for some :) I have had a lot of pregnancy bloat though, that has made my pants a little tighter than usual.
Stretch Marks: Not yet, and I'm trying my best not to get them.... lots of creaming up my belly.
Sleep: This is all I want to do ALL the time!!!!!! I'm exhausted. I've been taking naps every day after work. As for night time... I'm still doing ok... I do have to get up to pee more than usual though which is annoying since it takes me a little while to fall back to sleep after I do get up.
Best moment this week: Sharing the exciting news with family and close friends! It's so neat to watch their reactions.
Movement: Nope, just lots of gas haha.Food cravings: None really. I've been trying my best to eat as healthy as possible so I'm glad I haven't had any cravings yet.Food aversions: I have aversions to some things, mainly because of the smells.... I was making homemade pizza the other night, and the smell of the spaghetti sauce nearly made me throw up. And at work yesterday the smell of the hallway outside of the staff room did quite a number on me too. Oh, and yummy Timothy's coffee... a guy at work made some the other day and I had to get up and close my door and open my window because I got so nauseous.
Gender: I have no idea yet. I want a girl, Mitch wants a boy, but we'll both be happy with whatever we end up with as long as he/she is healthy.
Labor signs: No, thankfully it's too soon for that!Belly Button in or out? Innie What I miss: I do miss a cold beer on a hot summer's day *sigh*
What I am looking forward to: Everything! Going to my first appointment at the OB/GYN, hearing the heartbeat for the first time, first ultrasound, finding out if it's a boy or girl, shopping for baby and me.... and of course bringing baby home for the first time.
Weekly wisdom: I've learned to rest when you feel tired... you are much easier to live with if you do.
Milestones: Our little sprout is making mommy sore... light period-like cramping, bloating, headaches, stabbing pain of ligaments stretching. But I know these are all good signs :)
Movement: Nope, just lots of gas haha.Food cravings: None really. I've been trying my best to eat as healthy as possible so I'm glad I haven't had any cravings yet.Food aversions: I have aversions to some things, mainly because of the smells.... I was making homemade pizza the other night, and the smell of the spaghetti sauce nearly made me throw up. And at work yesterday the smell of the hallway outside of the staff room did quite a number on me too. Oh, and yummy Timothy's coffee... a guy at work made some the other day and I had to get up and close my door and open my window because I got so nauseous.
Gender: I have no idea yet. I want a girl, Mitch wants a boy, but we'll both be happy with whatever we end up with as long as he/she is healthy.
Labor signs: No, thankfully it's too soon for that!Belly Button in or out? Innie What I miss: I do miss a cold beer on a hot summer's day *sigh*
What I am looking forward to: Everything! Going to my first appointment at the OB/GYN, hearing the heartbeat for the first time, first ultrasound, finding out if it's a boy or girl, shopping for baby and me.... and of course bringing baby home for the first time.
Weekly wisdom: I've learned to rest when you feel tired... you are much easier to live with if you do.
Milestones: Our little sprout is making mommy sore... light period-like cramping, bloating, headaches, stabbing pain of ligaments stretching. But I know these are all good signs :)
