37 Weeks - No longer premature!

I have now reached the point where the baby would no longer be considered premature if it was born now. It's all fair game at this point. I am nearing the finish line and who knows when the baby will actually make it's appearance. It's exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. I still have things I want to finish up...knitting the baby blanket, picking out middle names for the baby, putting away the last few items in the baby's room, putting up shelves in the baby's room and getting the cube organizer for it, practicing my natural child birthing techniques more...and just having some time to breathe and think about the baby coming. *sigh*

Physically, not much seems to have changed. The baby is pretty low inside and head down, so there are many times when the baby's head pushes on sensitive/sore areas and it's hard to walk...sometimes there are sharp stabbing pains. The baby also pushes it's feet (or maybe knees) against my belly, somewhere above my belly button, and while it's cute, it often hurts. I am being abused. And even though the baby is dropped lower and supposedly I should be able to breathe easier, I still get out of breath pretty quickly...some days are worse than others. And of course, I have to use the bathroom pretty darn often. At least at night it's not so bad...usually one, maybe two, trips. One woman in my prenatal yoga class is apparently up about 7 times a night...sheesh!

Mentally...well, depends on what you focus on. As I said above, I feel like I am running out of time to get things done before this baby comes, and I am not quite mentally ready for the big changes the baby will bring. I want some time to get things settled and be able to just chill for a bit. But, I guess with only 2-4 weeks to go, I don't really have much time for that. *sigh*
Regarding labor itself, I am doing much better. Matt and I had someone come over to our house for two one-on-one natural child birthing classes, and those did a world of good for me. I have been worried about how this labor experience would go, given that my first one went so badly (don't ever let yourself get induced unless it really is medically necessary and you get a second opinion). I was worried that things would just go downhill again, and I would end up with another c-section. But thanks to the classes, I have been able to let go of a lot of that fear and worry and to get excited about this upcoming birth. And confident that I can have the labor/delivery experience I am hoping for.

For those not familiar, my first experience was to be induced a week early due to worries about Liam's skull fusing together too soon (which it wasn't, and CHOP confirmed that there was no reason I should have been induced over that, so it was completely unnecessary). My body wasn't really ready, so progress was slow, and eventually I was running out of energy and the doctor convinced me to go for the epidural, which I gave in to (and was upset about)...and then Liam's heart rate went up, which is one of the things that can happen. And that resulted in a c-section, which is something epidurals are known to lead to. I am very bitter about the whole thing and feel like I was cheated of a great natural experience.

So, this time around, I am doing VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) and planning to go natural again. And before you say to yourself "wow, she is crazy", ask yourself why they heck you feel you aren't capable of handling a normal birth yourself (well, if you are a female...obviously males don't need to deal with it the same). I am not trying to "be brave" or prove anything. I am trying to experience birth the way it was meant to and in the safest way. So many cultures are not afraid of childbirth, but ours has become one that is. Most women having a baby for the first time have never witnessed someone else having a baby and so all they have to go on are TV shows and movies, and the horror stories that other women seem to like to tell. So childbirth is the big, unknown, scary thing to them by the time they are pregnant. So they go into labor expecting it to hurt worse than anything, and they want to avoid that, so they are all ready to go for the drugs, without really caring much about the consequences or taking time to think if they could really just do it on their own. I believe ALL women are strong and capable of handling natural childbirth. And read up on epidurals and the like...there are still way too many negatives with them...they really should just be used when you really can't stand things anymore, or if medically necessary (needing a c-section). To me, the lessening of pain in that manner is not worth the risks it involves...not when I can use natural methods to lessen pain almost just as effectively. Go ahead, watch some you-tube videos of natural births, especially those using techniques like hypnobirthing, and see how amazing they are. Woman aren't writhing in pain or screaming bloody murder, they do quite fine, and some even seem to be in a trance-like state (deep relaxation, and they only feel intense sensations, not pain). And when they have the baby, they are so much more aware and happy and fulfilled. I am really looking forward to that, and being able to add my personal accounts to birthing stories.

Anyway, don't want to get carried away. Just want people to think about it more, instead of just assuming or jumping to conclusions. Just about everyone I meet thinks I am weird or crazy for wanting a natural birth, and that just doesn't make much sense to me, since "I" am the one doing the normal, natural thing. Heh.

So...enough for now...here's the official baby info.

Your Baby This Week
Baby's weight continues to increase, reaching around 6.5 pounds (3.2 kg) now. While baby is about 21 inches (53 cm) long, his limbs and tummy are all growing rounder and chubbier every day. His skin is less wrinkly now, and most of the redness has turned to a hue that reflects your baby's ethnic heritage.
By this time, most babies descend down into your pelvis, head first, getting ready for birth. In about 3% of pregnancies, babies turn in the other direction, a situation known as a breech presentation. If this is the case for your baby, don't worry as this often changes--sometimes just hours before labor!

Your Body This Week
You are probably not seeing much change in the size of your tummy now, and your weight should be close to the maximum that your health care provider predicted or recommended. You can expect your caregiver to perform a pelvic exam around this time to help determine the progress of your pregnancy and better judge your due date.
Your due date is so close that you could easily deliver at any time! Chances are very good that delivering from this week on, your baby will be healthy. Take a deep breath. Labor, delivery and motherhood will all be amazing and wonderful experiences!

Halfway done

Now that I am home on maternity leave, I am starting to make a bit more progress on the baby blanket. I was hoping I would be further than I am, but at least it's moving. And if this baby waits another two weeks or so, I think I might actually finish it in time. I just need to keep knitting as much as possible. I am finally at the halfway point, and it's looking pretty good, I think. Here, take a look:



Not too bad, eh? I can't wait to see the thing finished. Of course, I will have a million ends to weave in (okay, more like 58 or so...but that's a heck of a lot. Way more than the multi-colored baby hats I do which I usually feel have too many ends to weave in...*sigh* I should weave in ends as a I go, probably...to save myself some crying). And then there is a crocheted edge and blocking. But...one day at a time. If that has to be done after the baby is born, so be it.

So, hopefully I will be able to post a new picture next week, with even more progress on it. Here's to quick knitting!

What's in a name?

For months now, Matt and I have been trying to pick out names for the baby. I really thought we would have picked out two names a lot sooner. I figured this time would be easier somehow (not sure why, this time we had two to pick out, plus middle names, instead of just going with Matt's to start a tradition), and that we would be done a lot sooner. Instead, here we are at 36 weeks and 3 days, and we just now have settled on the two first names. I had a list of 20+ girls names, and almost as many boys names. Matt's lists were a bit smaller...but despite their sizes, NONE of our boys names were the same, AND only three of the girls names happened to be the same. *sigh* So began the process of narrowing down the lists. And when we finally got down to a handful on either, it became really hard. Because we had our favorites and neither really wanted to give them up, AND because the ones we liked the most, the other didn't really like it at all (my favorite names were some of his least favorite, and vice versa).
Finally, today, we came to a compromise. Out of 5 boys names, we went with his favorite and my 3rd choice. Out of 4 girls names, we went with my 2nd choice and his 3rd choice (both our favorites for girls were names that the other really didn't like). *sigh*
And I am finding it hard to just accept them. I guess I really wanted to go with my names. I am trying to imagine naming our son with Matt's choice, and it's not really my ideal. But I can't always get my way, and I sort of won with Liam the first time around. But even with the girl's name...it's not my first, ideal choice. But Matt dislikes that one enough that I would feel weird going with it. So...we both had to compromise a bit on it...not either of our first choices. So, again...I am not all that happy. But again...why should I get my way? I tend to get my way a lot. I want a certain color for a room...it's that color. I want to do a specific thing on a given day...it tends to happen. Etc...either because Matt doesn't really have a preference, or because he doesn't feel it's worth it to voice his preference...or I just really can't give in. (yeah, I am spoiled...but that's probably for another post...need to work on that)
So...I am here, now...trying to accept these final names, trying to accept that neither of my favorites have made it, and that with both I am giving in a little (or a lot more). I know I will get used to them, and after a while, the names WILL become a part of who the baby is, and we won't be able to imagine the baby with any other name. The baby is who the baby is...regardless of name. It shouldn't really be a big deal, should it?
*sigh*

And no, I am not yet going to post the names. We still need to figure out middle names...and it's been less than 12 hours since we decided on the names, so there is still room for change. The names will probably be announced when the baby is born...at least, the one name will be. So...stop thinking about it. heh.

When cleaning up is wonderful!

So, I took advantage of the great weather today and cleaned up my garden. Something I always enjoy (although by the end of it I usually am annoyed at just how big my gardens are and I wonder why I put in the extra garden). It's nice to clear out the dead stuff and to see the new stuff starting to grow in, to smell the clean earthy scent mixed with mulch. To no longer see the cluttery mess that is this:




But to see large stretches of earth-colored mulch with new beginnings of life springing from it:





(I LOVE purple flowers!)




(see the new life poking out of the ground? *smile* Those are hostas in the making.)

OMG, at 36 weeks!

I am now 36 weeks pregnant...which means I have 4 weeks to go (give or take). For some reason, it seems like another mile marker. I guess only having one month to go. Holy crap. It's just around the corner, and if I go early like I want to, it's even closer.

Let's see, what updates do I have? Well, I am now on maternity leave. Friday was my last day of work. So today is my first day of being at home instead of work. And it feels...AWESOME! It feels freeing! Like I have tons of time to get stuff done! I don't just have evenings to try to cram stuff into. I have the whole day to get things done. AND, I don't really have any major projects now. The baby's room is pretty much ready (just need to finish unpacking the shower gifts and putting away baby laundry), Liam's birthday party is past (just a little post-party clean-up left), and it's mainly just getting caught up with laundry and a few things now. And knitting. I do have that baby blanket to finish and need to get a move-on with that, BUT now I have full days in which to do it, so there might be hope yet.

Anyway, I actually have to run off to an appointment (got a prenatal massage booked...mmmmmmmm), so I will post this week's belly picture and official info, and post any other updates later in the week.



Your Baby This Week
Nearly 21 inches (53 cm) long and weighing in at 6 pounds (3 kg), your baby is rapidly approaching her birth weight. You may notice your "belly" seems to have dropped and may seem slightly smaller. That's because your baby has dropped lower in your pelvis, relieving some of the pressure on your abdomen.
While she may still move around a bit in the weeks to come, generally she'll settle comfortably in the lower part of your uterus. In the meantime, baby's brain tissue continues to develop, and finally, the lungs and respiratory system are nearing maturity.

Your Body This Week
Well there's no getting around it--you're feeling like you're carrying a beach ball! Driving will become more difficult, as will sitting in the front seat of a vehicle; going up and down stairs will start to feel like climbing a mountain! Even though you have a few weeks to go, your weight may stabilize around this time, so you won't get much larger. Stay off your feet as much as possible to minimize swelling and cramping, and rest when you can.
You will probably visit your health care provider on a weekly basis now--a sign that the delivery day is drawing near. Although your appointments will be frequent, they'll also be short; bring a list of any questions you have, particularly about labor and delivery.

Finally! It's here!

It's official. Today is the day. A day I've been waiting for. Not much different than yesterday, technically. But still, a special day nonetheless.

Today...is the First Day of Spring!

After all that winter brought...all that snow and ice and cold and bleakness, to day I can finally say it's Spring. True, Thursday and Friday's were much more along the lines of Spring, in the 60's and 70's. Today was a high of 52. But still...TODAY is officialy Spring. TODAY. And given that the highs for the next 10 days are all in the upper 40's to the high 50's, it looks like we are out of the truly cold weather. And I am a MUCH happier person for it!

I am going to celebrate this week by clearing out all the dead stuff in my garden. Needs done anyway and if I wasn't so busy preparing for maternity leave and my son's birthday, I probably would have done it already. But, this seems like good timing (and both the party and last day of work have passed), so clean-up it is.

*happy sigh*

35 weeks (late post)

Sorry, I was 35 weeks on Monday (14th), but things have been so hectic this week that I haven't had time to post. I am MAKING time to post right now, but as a result don't have time to really add much personal stuff. Basically, this is my last week of week before Maternity Leave and I have a HUGE amount of stuff to get done before it's over.
Did the hospital tour on Saturday with my mom (Matt was geeking it out at PAXEast in Boston the entire weekend). Maternity area is older and more narrow-feeling than Underwood and the whole process there is a bit more confusing, with a lot more room-moving and rules and such going on. And the impending move to the new facility in May (we'll miss out on that by a month) has generated some confusion as well. Guess we'll figure it out as we go. Hopefully I won't be at the hospital long at all, anyway.
I had my OB appointment on Monday and everything looks great. Baby sounds and measures fine, I am doing fine, the baby hurting me a lot is normal, and even though I swear there will be a permanent footprint inside my uterus in one spot, it's all good.

On to the official info:

Your Baby This Week
Well over 5 pounds (2.5 kg) and more than 20 inches (51 cm) long, your baby is continuing to grow at a rapid pace.
If you were to give birth this week, your baby would probably need the warmth of an incubator to survive. That's because he still doesn't have enough fat cells to keep his body warm. But he will have the warmth of your tummy for just a little while longer!

Your Body This Week
As the anticipation builds, you're beginning to feel more like a "mother" every day. If you haven't already picked out a name, start narrowing down the list now! As the time draws near, your anxiety may build and you might find yourself experiencing the mood swings of early pregnancy. You probably feel frustrated as your size keeps you from your normal routines and makes sleeping more difficult. It's also normal to worry about your baby's health, the anticipated pain of labor, and potential problems with delivery. If these things are bothering you, talk to your health care provider, along with your mother, sisters or girlfriends. You'll soon discover that everyone had the same fears and got through it.

Four

Today is a very special day. It's March 10th.

Four years ago today, my son was born, and I became a mother. It seems an eternity ago, so much has happened with him. He's grown up so quick, and so big. No longer a little baby or even toddler, but a little boy. And it seems like he won't be little for much longer. The things he says, the things he remembers, the concepts he grasps, the imagination he has...it's all so amazing. It just blows my mind. I am so proud of him.

This...



...is now this...


(sorry for poor quality, will upload better one when I can get one)


I could go on and on about him, but where do I stop? There is just so much to tell about him, so much to share. I suddenly am overwhelmed with how much there is to share. His love of pirates and everything Pirates of the Caribbean. His love of firetrucks and rescue vehicles. The way he smiles. His hugs, and his kisses. His reasoning, and lack thereof. The way he snores softly when asleep. How he dresses and undresses himself, and even how he uses the potty like a big boy. His imagination, his point of view, and his memory of things. All unbelieveable. Completely...

Now at 34 weeks

The weeks keep ticking by and it seems like they are speeding up. Things are slowly getting done for the baby, but not as quickly as the weeks are flying by. *sigh* I am only now a quarter done with the blanket and almost half of the time I had left has passed, so I need to pick up the pace. And we really need to go over baby names and narrow them down. *sigh* The baby's room needs to be painted and the rest of the furniture pulled together, and we need to get a dresser in there so the baby clothes aren't just sitting in a big basket on the floor. CRAZY!

On a upbeat note, my Baby Sprinkle (mini baby shower) was this weekend, and it was fun to hang out with all the ladies. As soon as my mom gives me her pictures, I'll post them up here.

Here is the belly picture and official info for this week, since I am out of time for much else:




Your Baby This Week
Your baby is almost ready to greet you and the rest of the world. A bouncing bundle of joy at 5 pounds (2.5 kg) and nearly 20 inches (51 cm), your baby's organs are almost fully matured with the exception of the lungs, which will continue to develop almost until birth.
Though you can't see your baby, her skin is turning from red to pink. While her fingernails are fully formed, the toenails still need more time to grow. Some babies will even have a full head of hair by this point.

Your Body This Week
You're probably starting to give serious thought to ideas like breastfeeding, labor and delivery. Now is a good time to begin discussing all your options with your health care provider. Meanwhile, baby is snoozing a lot, letting you run the show for a little while longer.
If you have been experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions already, they may become more frequent now (or you may start to experience them for the first time). These can be intense, but are much shorter in duration than the contractions you'll experience during real labor. Because your pelvis is rapidly expanding, it may begin to ache; your lower back is also feeling the strain of your growing baby. Getting off your feet as much as possible and lying on your left side will help a lot.

33 Weeks Pregnant

Another week gone. Not too much different from last time, at least from my standpoint. A little more progress with the baby's room, but not enough for pictures yet. Matt and I started talking about baby names, but since we hardly have any overlapping names and aren't crazy about the few that do, it seems like it will be a hard decision to finalize the two names (complete with middle names...ugh). I feel like I am running out of time with everything. No names picked yet, room not finished, haven't been doing as my practicing with the hypnobirthing and still want to sign up for actual classes (and take them), not very far on knitting baby blanket, no thoughts yet for what I will need in my "hospital/delivery bag". *sigh*

So here...look at official info:

Baby's Shaping Up
Space is tight inside Hotel de Mama these days, but baby still manages to get in a little exercise (and you should, too, Mom!). These days, there's no room for somersaults. Instead of gymnastics, baby's exercise comes in the form of boxing (punching Mom in the bladder), dancing (high-kicking mom when she's sleeping), and even yoga (wedging feet under Mom's ribs).

Your Baby This Week
Gaining about half a pound (0.23 kg) each week, your baby probably weights over 4 pounds (2 kg) and measures over 19 inches (48 cm) long--what a little bundle of love!
His knees will curl up towards his tiny chest as he begins to assume the classic "fetal" position. Because there is a little less room to move around in, your baby is a bit quieter now, storing up energy and getting ready for his grand entrance.

Your Body This Week
As delivery day draws closer, your excitement will grow right along with your tummy. At the same time, don't be surprised if you are starting to feel as if you will be pregnant forever!
You're still gaining about one pound (0.5 kg) per week, but at least half of that weight is going directly to your baby. You'll also continue to feel short of breath and may find that you need some extra rest, so take those naps as often as you need them. While it's generally safe to have sex during this time (check with your doctor to be sure), you may find you are too physically uncomfortable for your traditional romantic experiences. You and your partner may need to be a little more creative when it comes to intimacy!

Achingly slowwwwwww...

So, I spent most of the afternoon/evening knitting on the blanket. Row after 112-stitch row. I really thought I would be a lot further than I am. Didn't expect to be halfway or anything, but thought I would make it past the first row of colored squares and into the white bar that separates it from the next row. But I seem to have fallen into that black hole of knitting that Stephanie Pearl-McPhee always talks about with her shawls. I need the squares to be about 6" long, since that is how wide they are. I measured them....3.5". I knit for a while. 3.75". I knit longer, doing a few extra rows until I measured it (or so I thought..I didn't really count rows, just knit a lot and it felt like I was doing a lot of rows after all that time). Measured again...4". Holy crap, half an inch so far?
Fast forward to now, when I have put my knitting away for the day. The squares are now measuring at 5", after all that knitting. That's it. Not even 2" of progress...forget about the 3" I was hoping to get accomplished. At this rate, the blanket will be finished around Christmas! (seriously, though...don't know HOW I will get this finished before the baby is born.)

At least it's looking nice, though...


(closeup of the moss stitch (white) and seed stitch (color) combo)

Well, THAT didn't last long

I know "hate" is a strong word, but I can't help it...I hate winter. I am sick of it, and I am sick of everything it brings...cold weather with bulky coats and chilly winds, nasty messy snow, and blah scenery. It makes me feel more depressed and drained and even though it's a good excuse to stay indoors and knit (which I don't all that much...I stay indoors and clean), I really want to go outside and get some fresh air and see new life growing (and knit with the sun shining on me for some warmth).

So I've been very happy that the past few days have been pretty warn, even getting up into the 60s for a few days. I was able to walk around without a big winter coat, just a jacket, and for a day or so there, no jacket at all. Heck, I even took a walk wearing short-sleeves! And the great thing? All that nasty snow was melted away. Sure, there are big piles that were still there, slowly whittling away. But all the snow on OUR property was gone (the last little pile melted away on Sunday when I mushed it up), and there was hardly any to be seen in the neighborhood. Even though the scenery was still blah, at least it wasn't coated in cold, white blah.

And then I woke up this morning.



(maybe it's winter that hates me...)

32 Weeks Pregnant

I have 8 more weeks to go...give or take. Since the most I could go past my due date is probably 2 weeks (if even that), I have AT MOST 10 weeks. Hopefully I go earlier than my due date and so it's more like 7 weeks. Eeek...not much time. Which is why I am glad we are finally getting the baby's room in order. We move pretty much everything out of the old craft room, with the exception of a bookshelf and a desk that need to be donated to Goodwill when we get rid of the first load that is still waiting in my car (darn it...you know, if you list your hours as noon to 6pm, then you should really be able to take drop-offs up until 6pm. OTHERWISE, it would be REALLY nice to say that drop-off hours end at 5:30. So that we don't arrive there at 5:40 and find out it's too late to donate and now I have a car full of heavy stuff clunking around back there with every turn. Grrrrrr.)

And last night, I put THIS back together:



Of course, now it's even more obvious that things don't really match in the room. The walls probably should be repainted a neutral color, and I need to switch out the curtains with the ones from Liam's room (need to make him some with some nice pirate fabric). There is still some work to be done, but at least I can start moving furniture around in the room and figure out the set-up, and start putting some decor in there. We need to go buy a dresser for the baby's clothes, and now there is room to put it in there. Yay.

As for how I am feeling...more of the same, although less crazy now. Well, sort of. I feel like I am running out of time...BUT now that the craft/baby and computer rooms are getting settled, I feel like things are getting accomplished more. Once we settle on names, I'll feel a step more prepared. And I feel better now that the decision to switch OB's and hospitals has been made and I can concentrate on other things (like knitting a baby blanket that may take months to do unless I stop going to work or stop sleeping...*SIGH*).
The baby itself is kicking around in there less, now that things are getting more cramped. I mainly just feel sliding movements, and pushing. A kick here or there. Crushing my bladder or lungs or diaphragm. Heh.

Here is my belly at 32 Weeks. Sorry, it's not the best, didn't realize my clothing was covering it as much, and the lighting wasn't very good this morning. Too cloudy.




Official Week 32 Baby Info.

Your Baby This Week
Within two months, the big day will arrive, and baby is just as excited as you are--something you can probably feel from the increasing activity in your tummy!
At almost 4 pounds (2 kg) in weight and 19 inches (48 cm) in length, your baby is nearly filling up your entire uterus. Most of the time, her head will be facing upward, but there's still enough room to somersault now and then. In her spare time, baby is getting ready for her first loving look at Mom, as she practices opening and closing her eyes. Baby's skin is also becoming less wrinkled, as layers of fat continue to plump out the body.

Your Body This Week
Visits to your health care provider are probably increasing to every two weeks, and this frequency will continue until the last month, when you'll visit weekly until your delivery day. Back and leg aches may continue, and you may become easily winded. This is not only due to the extra weight of your growing baby, but also because she's pressing against your diaphragm, making breathing more difficult. Around this time you may also notice a yellow-tinged liquid coming from your nipples. Known as colostrum (foremilk), it means your breasts are getting ready to produce milk.

I have begun...

When I created this blog originally, I had intended to post about a lot of different things. Things I had seen, thoughts I had, places I had gone, things that had happened. And I had totally intended to post about things I have knit...as I love knitting and want to share what I work on (not that I have much time to work on things and so don't have a lot of projects to post about...still...). But lately, the only thing I seem to be posting about is the baby. Belly pictures, info, statistics, etc. True, the incoming baby is going to be a big part of our life. But I don't feel like I have as much in my journal that is non-baby...and I don't think I've posted anything about knitting yet.

So....here is my first post about knitting.

I finally began a project that I really wanted to start weeks ago.



It's in it's very beginning stage...only a few rows done, out of a hundred million (okay, more like 280 or so). But hopefully it will pick up soon.
Oh...what is it? Well...um...yeah...

It's a baby blanket.

Okay, so baby stuff is mostly on my mind lately. I knit one for Liam and so it's only right that I knit one for this baby as well, and I AM short on time. So it's my main focus.
But, look, here...something NOT baby-related. A cardigan for myself that I started finally in January, that is on hold for now but WILL be picked up as soon as the baby blanket is finished and I've adjusted to another child in the house.

31 Weeks

Today I am 31 weeks pregnant. While I don't feel that I have gotten much bigger, I know the baby has...less kicking, because he/she is more cramped in there. Which means I also feel more pokes and scrapes and such, as the baby turns and pushes against my belly from the inside. Makes for some painful times...especially when the baby rakes an elbow across the inside...or probably pushes his/her head into my abdomen with all his/her might. Oh, the baby has hiccups now. Liam had lots of hiccups while I carried him, but this baby seems to be less prone to them. Until now. Several times over the last few days I have felt the baby hiccuping inside...cute little rhythmic bumps. My little cutie.

On to the official baby info...


Your Baby This Week
Weighing in at more than three pounds, baby is about half his birth weight. Now that he measures about 18 inches (45 cm) long, you can tell that bones and muscles are continuing to grow along with his organs and brain.
If you haven't already been talking to your baby, now is the time to start. Until now, he interpreted sounds as vibrations. But this week he can hear actual sounds and will begin to recognize your voice or the music you play.

Your Body This Week
Don't be surprised if you slip off your shoes for just 10 minutes and find that you can't get them back on. Foot and leg swelling are common now, but you can control some of it by not crossing your legs when sitting. Sleeping on your left side will also reduce water retention and help you feel more comfortable. It's also natural to experience a slight rise in blood pressure around the seventh month. But if you experience headaches, blurred vision, or rapid and severe swelling in your hands or feet, call your doctor immediately. These are warning signs of pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), which requires immediate medical attention for the sake of you and your baby. In less than 10 weeks you're going to be a mom! You may feel excited and happy, apprehensive and scared, or all things combined. Relax! That's normal!

Delivery Drama and Decisions

The last few weeks, and the past week especially, I've had a lot going on in my mind with regards to my labor and delivery. I finally have some time to post about it here, and now that things seem to be resolving, I can think about it more clearly. I am also 31 weeks today and will post some info about that.

Regarding my intended labor and delivery wishes, I am going to attempt a VBAC - Vaginal Birth After C-section. No longer is it the case that once you've had a c-section you always have to get another c-section. That is old information, a carry-over from the days when incisions were made vertically across the muscle. Unfortunately, even though it's been known in the medical world for a while that it's far safer and better to try for a VBAC than a repeat c-section, doctors don't seem to be making their patients are of this, and hospitals and OB practices are still pushing for repeat c-sections instead. The rate of c-sections is higher than ever...insane. And unfortunately, there are so many woman out there that just accept what their doctors say or just assume that things haven't changed. So many don't ask questions or look into things.
Anyway, I did my research and it's SO much better to go for the VBAC. I also plan to labor as naturally as possible. The epidural just comes with too many negatives that I am not happy with, and there is no reason to be afraid of labor just because there is intensity and pain involved. It's a natural pain, one that has been a part of life since the beginning, and so I welcome it, welcome the entire experience (yes, I am still a little scared, but it's mainly today's American society that has brought in so much fear).
Part of laboring naturally means finding natural methods to manage the pain and intensity...and there are LOTS of methods out there. (check out THIS site: http://www.birthingnaturally.net/birth/index.html) When employed, especially with the help of a doula (look it up on Wikipedia), it can have almost the same effect as an epidural...and the great thing is that it is natural, so there are no nasty side-effects. Some of these methods employ different positions, some employ touch or sound, some mobility, some water, etc. So it's important to have as much freedom and mobility as possible during labor, to be able to bring to bear any of these methods whenever they might be best used (sitting in a tub, standing in a shower, walking the halls, sitting on a birthing ball, swaying hips, etc).

Hence my frustration when I found out that my OB practice, while open to VBACs and supportive of them, required me to be on constant fetal monitoring. Which means being tied to a machine with only an 8-foot cord at most. So no walking the halls, no getting in the shower, and maybe even a limit to the types of positions I could get in. Especially when they mention that if they can't get the monitor to stay on well and get a good reading on the fetal heartbeat, they might have to ask me to lay in the bed, not moving much. Definitely not where I want to be...laying in bed, maybe on your back, is the last place you want to be in labor...it slows it down and makes it harder to deal with. I looked online to see why it was necessary to have the continuous monitoring, and found out that it isn't. That VBAC is not considered high-risk and that continuous fetal monitoring shows no added benefit when compared to periodic monitoring and is only shown to increase the chance of a repeat c-section (due to slowing labor down, and possible false readings). That more and more hospitals and practices are starting to adapt to these findings and not require continuous monitoring, etc.
Unfortunately, talking to my OB and even showing them the information that I had found, they said it was strict policy to keep VBAC mothers on constant monitoring. And of course they mention the possibilities of maternal and fetal death, etc. Which scares me, of course, as I am a paranoid person at times. And one of the OBs was also talking about scheduling a "just in case c-section" at 39 weeks...in the event that when I was checked out, I wasn't progressing enough for them to feel I would go into labor on my own before I was a week past my due-date, and so it would be better to get a c-section early as opposed to getting one anyway a week past my due-date. I wasn't happy with that, because unless they could PROVE I wouldn't go into labor on my own (which they couldn't), or there was some issue with the baby that required an quick c-section, there was no way I was going to opt for an early c-section. And having an appointment scheduled just seemed like it would make it easier and more convenient for the doctors to convince me it was best to make use of it in an "iffy" situation.
So now I have been worried about being forced into a c-section too soon, and also that I would be so limited during my labor that things might not progress as fast as they could, and I would get too frustrated and worried about having a repeat of my last labor experience...and would lose my nerve and let fear take over...and eventually give in to the epidural and end up in a c-section again. So I decided to look into the services of a doula, to help me manage the pain as naturally as possible, to give me the best chance. And I considered trying to find an OB practice that was not so set in their ways and was more up on current research.
Long story short, I found an awesome doula who is so supportive and easy to talk to, and who had lots of good advice and made me feel that I will have a great labor...and she even recommended an OB practice that she loves working with that are more willing to work with VBAC mothers in their search for as natural a labor as possible. So...it looks like I will be switching OBs as well as the hospital I am delivering at. It's a little crazy and scary...changing at so late in my pregnancy, and going with a hospital that is potentially a 30 minute drive as opposed to only 5 minutes away...and worrying about what if I happen to fall in that really small percentage chance of a uterine rupture and I AM endangering myself and the baby by NOT being continuously monitored (even though supposedly there is no added benefit to catching the issues even in the case of VBAC)... But I think it's the best choice. That the benefits outweigh the risks. That it will give me the most positive labor experience, and joy. And let's just hope that the labor fates see fit to give me a quick, safe, relatively easy labor (4-5 hours would be nice).

Hit the 30 week mark!

I am 30 weeks pregnant! I am in the 30s now. Three-quarters of the way done. Seems to make the end that much closer, being in that last stretch, although it's still about 10 weeks to go, give or take. Although since I probably won't be allowed to go more than a week past my due date, it's only 11 weeks at the most.

I don't really have time to post anything other than the official info and a belly picture. I am feeling a lot both physically and mentally and the mental part makes it all too much right now. There are a lot of things I need to get worked out. Maybe I will post about it at some other point, if I feel like subjecting people to it (again, not that anyone actually reads this).




Your Baby This Week
Now that your baby weighs about 3 pounds (1.3 kg) and measures about 17 inches (43 cm) in length, you're beginning to feel like your tummy will pop if she keeps growing!
Your little cherub is starting to look more like a chubby little cherub, growing plumper and cuter every day. Her hair is growing thicker on the scalp, and those lashes are lengthening. The hands and feet are now fully formed and baby's head and body are closer to normal proportions. Overall, your baby is beginning to look similar to how she will look at birth--just tinier. To prepare for her big entrance, your baby is now starting to control her own body temperature!

Your Body This Week
You may begin to feel some significant discomfort now. Weighing more than ever, you may even wonder how much bigger you could possibly get! But your tummy will continue to grow, much faster now than in the previous months, and you'll continue to gain, about one pound (0.5 kg) a week, for at least the next 6 to 8 weeks.

29 Weeks

I don't really have much to add for this week's pregnancy update. I feel about the same physically, although the hip pain at night is becoming a little bit more acute. I think it's a posture thing, as opposed to a pressure thing, so I need to figure out what I need to change.
Mentally I am getting more and more worried about the impending labor. Not because of the pain and such...but because of the limitations that I seem to be encountering as a VBAC patient. I feel like I am still stuck in too much of a medical world and that I am going to be forced into limitations that might end with me having another c-section that could possibly have been prevented if nature was allowed to do it's thing. I fully blame the epidural I had last time for Liam's heart rate going up, which is why the c-section was done. And I feel I needed the epidural because I was induce a week early, so my body was not yet ready to go into labor (hence the slow progression and halt at 6 cm) and it was a harder labor, making it more painful to deal with. And I was essentially tied to a monitor the entire time, so I couldn't walk the halls or get into the shower or any of the other things that I know would help with pain management.
So, this time around, I really wanted to avoid all those limitations. I even switched practices to find doctors more open to such changes. But now it seems those same limitations are cropping back up. Due to my previous c-section, they want to monitor me at all times. So no walking the halls, or getting into showers...and who knows, perhaps not even being able to sit on a chair or birthing ball nearby if the monitor doesn't stay on very well. I really want to object and insist on walking the halls, etc, but I don't know if I can. I am afraid that I will be confined to the bed, and will end up on my back, or that I will still be so limited that the pain won't be as easy to manage and I'll eventually psyche myself out and end up going for the epidural again (which will disappoint me to no end), and possibly another c-section (which will upset me a lot).
AND, while I know I will need to schedule a c-section if the baby goes too late (a week or two past the due date), I was not prepared for the OB to ask me to schedule one for 39 weeks, just in case my check-up at that point showed that I might not be progressing as much as they thought and they felt it would end in a c-section anyway so why not do it ahead of time. I thought that I would only need a c-section if there was an emergency or if it was just getting way too much past the due date. I don't like the idea of having a convenient c-section appointment scheduled...if the doctor is on the fence about something, I want to take my chances and give nature the benefit of the doubt...NOT bow to guilt and uncertainty and opt for an already scheduled c-section. But I feel like I would be a "bad girl" by not doing what the doctor recommends...I mean, they are only trying to do what it safe and best for me and the baby, right? Ugh!
So...I am scared...and worried...and panicking. I feel like maybe now I didn't do enough searching for an OB practice that was exactly what I wanted. I really wanted a birthing center with medical capabilities, but couldn't seem to find that. And it seems crazy to change things this late in the game. But I am getting more and more worried about this, and I don't know what to do. Help.

*sigh* Anyway, the official baby info:

Your Baby This Week
Between weeks 26 and 27, your baby begins to experience REM sleep and he can dream! Your baby now weighs close to 3 pounds (1.3 kg) and is approaching 17 inches (43 cm) from head to toe.
His eyes are becoming more sensitive and might be able to notice when you are sitting in the sun or reading by a bright light. As baby grows, conditions in the uterus become a little cramped, so there isn't quite as much room to kick those tiny legs or wave those teeny arms. Therefore, you may feel a little less movement now, but that's normal.

Your Body This Week
Your tummy is continuing to grow and you're steadily gaining weight. As you edge closer to delivery day, premature labor is possible. Signs include menstrual-like cramping, lower back pain, and a leaking of amniotic fluid (sometimes accompanied by a pink or brown watery stain and a thick, mucous-rich plug). If these symptoms occur, call your health care provider right away (and go to the nearest hospital if you can't reach him or her). When caught early on, premature labor can be stopped. Following up with bed rest will help ensure your baby gets more time to grow. If you find yourself dreaming about that perfect little baby, you're not alone. Baby dreams, too--about you, the perfect mom!

Fire and Ice

Every winter the town of Mount Holly has a Fire and Ice Festival, with the focus on two contests. The Ice is celebrated by ice carving/sculptures (pretty) and the Fire by chili (yummy). This is the second year we have gone, as I only just found out about it last year when I started looking into more things to do with Liam outside the home. This year it was just Liam, my Dad, and myself, and it was pretty fun. Cold, but not nearly as cold as last year. And since Liam is totally into fire trucks and such, it was even more enjoyable to go to the old historic fire station for the chili contest/tasting, and to see/ride the fire engines.

Let me share some of the pictures from the day (yesterday, by the way).


First, we took advantage of a short line to ride the fire trucks first thing. Sorry for the blurry pictures, but it's hard to take them in a bouncing fire truck.
















After the ride, there is a quick stop so that Liam and PopPop can say hello.











Then we swung indoors to the college for the science-y portion of things, where Liam took a turn at being surrounded by a huge bubble tube. He seemed to enjoy popping it.














Liam insisted on posing with a fire hydrant at some point. Crazy boy.

















Then we watched some dog-sledding demonstrations.






























And then there were the ice sculptures.























Then finally, we ended the day with Liam getting to sit in a Police car and flash the lights, sound the horn and the siren, and chat with the police officer.

Breathtaking Beauty

We got hit with more snow here. I don't like it. I am NOT a fan of winter, and actually use the word "hate" with it. I don't like the cold, and I don't like the mess that snow creates. Things are more hazardous when driving, it has to be cleaned up from various surfaces, it's very cold, and aside from pristine fields and trees and such, it leaves everything looking dirty and bleak.
BUT...I gotta say...this last snow-fall left the trees looking beautiful. At least the ones I drove past on the way to work. They were all coated with about 2" of snow, almost every single branch. And that left them looking so soft and beautiful. I passed a small wooded property and it nearly took my breath away...to see all that soft intertwining white, with the sun shining on it. I really wish I could have pulled over and taken a picture of it, to show here on the blog, but with the lack of shoulders, there was no way to do that. But, it DID make that drive into work (luckily mostly brief for me) worth it, to be able to see that.

(But that's it...no more snow after this. I'm serious)