Time to get to nesting

So...we pretty much finished Evie's room this last weekend, and now...lots to do on Little Man's room...Paint, find/sew curtains, sew coordinating pillow for glider, sew stroller blanket, paint artwork for his wall, find a side table, lamp, bookcase...Sheesh. It was hard enough for me to put one kid's room together! Evie's came out really good, though. Now, how to evict her from the nursery. Alan suggested that we move her crib in her big girl room, but I don't know.

I am feeling fine, just a little more tired, so days. I have my next appointment on Thursday for my 23 week appointment. I don't get to see Dr. Ehrenberger, but his associate, for the next two months. It should be fine, but I will just wait to discuss my new, revised birthing plan with him. It won't really be a big deal until we get closer anyway. I was going to go to Prenatal yoga on Wednesday, but I couldn't leave because Riley ran away, and I had to stay with Evie while Alan went out looking for the dummy. He's nice, I am not so sure I would have gone to look for her. I am going to try to go to Yoga this Wednesday, though. I have been practicing relaxation techniques on my drive home. If I can learn to relax my body and mind while sitting on 270...I can relax through anything!

Not much else to report. He is busy in there. Every time I go to Jen D's he does a total 180. He did it to me again on Saturday. It is the weirdest feeling! Andrea was able to feel him though, which is fun. I will update more after our appointment, but I wouldn't expect to have much to report. Pretty routine, I am guessing, other than speculating about the Previa. I won't know anymore on that until the 16th.

Ohhhh...and Sange has her next appointment a week from Tomorrow. THEN she is going to schedule an ultrasound appointment. She is a lot more patient than me. Her oldest friend, Jen, is an ultrasound tech and has all the time in the world to just take a peek. I would not be able to keep from going to see her at work all the time. I really can't wait to know what all the people who are preggers are having...nosy and impatient...bad combo!

I'll check in later this week, unless I have some epiphany. Love to all, Mumma out

The Doula

So, we met our prospective Doula, Lisa, tonight. I didn't really know what to expect. To say I am not the world's most touchy-feely person might be an understatement. I am glad that those exact traits are seemingly what makes someone a good Doula. She was very calm and caring and insightful. She is most of the things I am not...what I am lacking. She asked me a lot about what I want to happen differently from last time, what the biggest challenges were for me, and what I am hoping to gain from this.

Firstly...the biggest issue that I had with Evie's birth (and probably in life, in general) was the inability to relax and focus. Lisa asked my what I do to relax, and you could hear *crickets*. I don't relax much, as those who know me best may have guessed. That is my first(self-imposed) assignment...try to find things that will relax me. I will go to Yoga (for the first time ever) on Tuesday, and start there. I will try to become more self aware and quiet. I promise to put aside time for myself to concentrate on breathing, what tension feels like and how to dissipate it. I want to be prepared and not swayed.

I re-read my journal that I did with Evie's birth. The reason they hooked me up to the monitor was not for any reason other than to monitor how labor was progressing, the strength of my contractions, etc. I am changing my birthing plan to adamantly deny this with this birth. Labor will progress how it will progress. They can monitor me intermittently, otherwise, don't fence me in! I am leaning toward not being induced, unless there is a medically necessary reason. If I want the "full experience" that means going into labor spontaneously. The more I think about it, the more I am sure that is what the plan is. Maybe without the induction, they won't have a good reason to hook me up to every monitor in the book, and I can actually practice some coping methods.

That brings me to assignment number 2: Actually immerse myself in pain management, pushing, and relaxation techniques. Plan on a natural birth, believe that I can do it, and prepare for it, the best I can. I, in talking to Lisa, realize that the most compelling reason that I called her is that deep-down I felt like a failure for not being able to give birth to Evie naturally. Why not me? I can do this, and I want support that believes/knows I can do it.

I knew, and was VERY clear, the first time that I was to have no narcotics systemically because I didn't want to dull my senses. What I didn't really think about was the epidural dulling the natural senses that might help me progress...the pain, the urges to move around, change position, to push. I have no delusions...it will hurt, it will be really hard, but I hope I can also say, I did everything I could to get him out on my terms with this equipment I was born with.

These are my intentions, and I am really going to work toward making them happen. Alan is on board, and we are bringing in a professional :) Now...I just hope that my budding idea to not be induced will not sway when I am two weeks overdue ;) and that this placenta previa resolves, so I can carry out my plan.

We are all good, and we are getting closer and closer every day. 4.5 months left...before I know it, 4 months. I want to enjoy this time I have with my girl and man, before the addition arrives. That's all. Nothing more to report pregnancy or baby-wise.

Love, and out- Mumma

Same Ole...

Not that it's a bad thing, but there is nothing really to report. Uneventful is good :) We can't wait to get another peek at our guy in about 3 and 1/2 weeks. Hopefully the placenta has moved, but if not, there is still time. I am feeling really well, although I seem a bit irritable, lately. Not sure if I can blame that on the hormones, or just being a crab.

I can't imagine that I will get as big as I am inevitably going to get. Will anything fit? I already bought two really cute 'Pea in the Pod' tops in size large that are just barely fitting. Nothing worse than being too big for maternity clothes that should be your size.

Evie is definitely two. Acting naughty, then "sorry, mummy" to try to make up for it. She really isn't interested in what is in my belly. Little Man was seriously kicking, so you could feel it from the outside, and I put Evie's hand on my belly, and she drew it back and said, "No tummy." Maybe she'll like him when he's out :)

That's about all for now. Next prenatal appointment is my 24 week, in two weeks. Perhaps may have nothing to say until then...Until then - Love to all.

The big reveal!

So...FINALLY, yesterday, we had our 20 week ultrasound. We went to St. Anthony's Central this time, since we didn't really care for the tech at Avista. This tech, Beth, was GREAT. First helpful thing...her first language is English. Second, she mainly does only OB ultrasounds, and actually seems to like her job :) Alan came in a little late, after being misdirected by the front desk. By the time he had gotten there, Beth had already told me that my placenta was very low...not a total placenta previa, but marginal, meaning that it is bordering the cervix, right now. She said that this can change over the pregnancy, so I will talk to Dr. E about how often he will monitor that.

Alan got there, we filled him in on that part, and went on. Baby was being a little wriggly, so the tech was having trouble trying to get images of the four chambers of the heart, etc, but then baby settled down. Beth got her measurements done, and then went searching for gender, and it wasn't hard to find! It's a Boy!!! Alan said, "I knew it!" and I had to high five him, because he never swayed from that. Lately, I was in the same opinion, but didn't really voice it. I wrote it previously in my written journal, that at the first Ultrasound, I thought I saw "something" but didn't put too much stake in my ability to determine gender. Especially since the last tech said it was too early to tell. Anyway, back to the ultrasound...

Beth also got us a few REALLY good profile pictures, and Alan immediately pointed out that our Baby's nose looks like Dustin's, and I would have to agree. Maybe Alan will get a mini-me this time!!! I was so happy for him. Even if the baby looks like me, there is bound to be more resemblance to Alan, as well, just because they're both boys. We got four print outs, 2 profiles, one of the gender determining appendage (with an arrow...hehehe) and both feet. So precious. We thanked Beth profusely, as this was SO much better than any of the three prenatal ultrasounds we've had in the past. We will go back there anytime!!! I am sure I will need to, also, to check on the previa status.

I got on the phone to Jennifer, my sisters, Halley (so she could pass on to the rest of the office) and then Sandra called. That is SO FUN!!! I went out to go shopping right after, as I had some girl things to return and had to get him something out of excitement! So cute! No pink, purple, crowns, etc.! Just rough and tumble boy stuff. I had wondered what I would do with a boy, but I am pretty sure we will figure it out, quick! I returned some maternity clothes as well, and got a few other things (plain white tee, black leggings, both AWESOME) and nursing bras and tanks. I think I am pretty much set, although I STILL cannot find a flattering pair of denim shorts, so I am still in search of those. But...I will buy a sweater for the fall, and I think, then, I am set. 5 nursing tanks, 5 nursing bras, just need a nursing gown for the hospital. Maternity clothes, though, are set. :)

I read more about Placenta Previa, and apparently, only 10% of marginal previa detected at your 2nd trimester ultrasound stay where they are, precluding vaginal delivery. Hopefully, my uterus will grow and bring it out of the way. I don't really have a problem with the C-section, if that is what it takes to keep little guy and me safe, but obviously, I would rather go through with the natural birth. The Doula forgot our appointment, so she is supposed to call me next week, and we will meet!

I came home and went through the little boy stuff, and it occurred to me that we will need to get Evie's things out of the "baby room" to make room for the new stuff! We are going to be swimming in baby stuff! I REALLY hope Sandra is going to have a girl, so we can do a little swap-a-roo. Wait...had I mentioned that Sandra is pregnant?! I am so EXCITED!!! She is 14 weeks pregnant, according to her doctor, but she thinks she is more like 12 weeks. She told me Thursday morning, and I could not be happier! They will be 6 weeks behind us, so even closer than Evie and Wyatt were in age. I really can't wait to find out what they are having. For one thing...I am just really curious, and want them to know, and secondly, because I want to know if I need to get boy stuff! I went through Evie's things, and there might me 5 things (like onesies) total, that are unisex, so I guess we won't be using much!

What else? Alan is racing this weekend, but it is raining. Evie is doing this funny thing every morning where she is trying to help Mommy out of bed by pulling. She pulls my foot/toes and says, "Mommy, out! Push!" She still needs to learn the difference between push and pull. Once she gets my foot on the floor (with a little assistance from me,) she goes looking for my hand, and starts to pull that. SO CUTE. We are off to the Children's Museum and then going to watch Daddy run in the rain. Hopefully no incidents! That's it...I am not sure if Alan wants me to reveal the name, but we are 95% sure we have our baby boy's name picked out. Some of you will laugh, and Maria already figured out from where we got the name...which is the funny part:) We are preparing for our son to be a handsome, wise-cracking, nickname giving literary hick...enough of a clue? Love to all of you, our life is great, and I am happy to share it with you all!

Love, Mumma

T-I-R-E-D

So...with rollling out a new trial, an audit at work and chasing a toddler...I am pooped. Not most of the time...I usually feel really good, but it has all caught up with me all at once. I fell asleep in my chair at work today...sitting up.

I am more that impatient to find out who it is in there kicking me. The full revolutions every other day, or so is crazy. I don't remember Evie doing that. It catches you off guard. I was waiting for an elevator yesterday, and a man was also waiting. Baby did a flip and I actually yelped. The man looked frightened...it was embarassing, but amusing.

Other than that...not much else to report. Evie really likes the 'I'm a big sister' book, and we read it almost every night. I want to get the Olivia big sister book, since she already loves "Pig."

Mumma out (until Friday...then news, I hope!)

Produce

Just a random, though amusing realization I had today. The weekly updates from babycenter that I get telling me about this week in baby's development always use produce when using a comparion on the size of your baby. For instance, weeks 4 through 7 were a poppy seed, sesame seed, lentil bean, and blueberry, respectively. Week 14 and 15 gave us the lemon and apple analogies. Week 16, it starting to strike me as comical, with an Avocado. Week 17 and 18, funnier still; turnip and a "large bell pepper" (we're using qualifiers now)... which brings us to today - Week 19. A "Large Heirloom Tomato." Now..."Heirloom"doesn't really refer to a certain variety of tomato, like, say, beefsteak, but rather is any variety that has been passed down through the generations. I am picturing a beefsteak in my mind, because that would logically follow a large red bell pepper, but really folks, who writes this crap?

Also interesting about these weekly updates is how eerily accurate they have been, when describing what may or may not be going on for me during any given week; be it rhinitis of pregnancy, getting my appetite back or getting round ligament pain. I would like them to stop listening in on my inner monologue and putting it on their website!

That's all, nothing new of note. Happy Weekend!

Same old, same old...

Well, I am almost half way through, and I honestly cannot believe how quickly your pregnancy goes when you are preoccupied with other things. Work has been Super Busy, enrolling three trials at one time (soon to be four,) chasing after Evie, trying to get baby things lined up, and Making sure my husband doesn't kill himself on two wheels...

About a week ago, I had my latest appointment with Dr. Ehrenberger. Nothing very interesting to report. Baby Guess Who is VERY active, as could be heard with the Doppler, and apparently I am the correct size, etc. I still have no idea how much I weigh, but so far they haven't said anything good or bad, so we'll take that as a good sign. Really, though, this baby is SOOOOOO busy, in there. I can sometimes feel full revolutions in my belly, every 5 days, or so. Getting comfy before there isn't as much room to stretch out, I am guessing. Dr. E talked to me about getting another Ultrasound. I told him I would go to Avista, if that was where I needed to go, and he said, "no, you didn't like it, don't go there, pick somewhere else." I like this guy for a reason! I scheduled it for EXACTLY my 20 week mark, next Friday. We are going to St. Anthony's, so hopefully that will yield some more information, maybe even the gender ;)

I wasn't dying to know before, but somehow, I really am now. I need to get thinking of names. We are pretty much set on a boy name (to be disclosed at a later date) but I am having a hard time with girl names. Most of the ones we like are on the top 100 reported baby names on the social security website, so we steer clear of those. I can't believe Violet is up there...must be some resurgence due to Willy Wonka remake, or something. Not that I want to picture a scenario where I would get the opportunity to say, "Violet, you're turning violet." Seems like that would be a hypoxic event requiring the Heimlich, or an overzealous magic marker incident.

I have contacted a Doula, and we are meeting with her next week. I thought about it, a lot, and have read over my "birth story" in my journal for Evie, many times. I started to write my revised birthing plan, and I came to the conclusion that the thing I liked the least about the first time around was the out of control feeling. I can't even remember why, if for any reason, they hooked me up to the continuous monitor right away. It pretty much tethered me to that bed, not allowing me to try all the coping mechanisms I had planned; walking, tub time, birthing ball, hands and knees position. I especially didn't like the pushing...not because it was hard. That, I expected. It was the not having any idea where I was in the process, where Evie was. I started out pushing like a champ, and Dr. E told me that if I pushed like that, she'd be out in no time. The problem is, how do you recreate something you didn't feel yourself do in the first place? Those good pushes, I don't know what those felt like or exactly what I did, and more importantly, how to do it again. I know, I know...being able to feel all that comes with a price...PAIN, and lots of it. I am not saying I am a tough or stoic woman - actually far from it. But I believe that with some help, I can do this. I want to think I can, and not have any regrets. I still don't want to take a class, so it might be that the Doula, Lisa, who teaches classes, can give me some "homework" to do on our own. We'll see...I just want the whole experience, good and bad, since this is the last time I will ever do this.

What else...maternity clothes, right now, are the bane of my existence. All the ones I like, and might feel like something other than a 70 year old hippo in are expensive. I am cheap as it is, then you ad in the factor that these are clothes I am planning to wear for the next 4.5 months, tops? I just don't know what to do. Have found a few great finds on ebay, but those are few and far between. They need to set up a rental service, or something. I think, this weekend, I am going to hit up some maternity consignments stores and local community yard sales. I am just about giving up and planning on wearing the same thing over and over each day. *baby kicks*

Alan crashed him bike two weekends ago, and damaged it badly. He was very lucky to come out relatively unhurt, but I feel worse about his disappointment. He won the very first race of the season in his class, and now, his hopes of a class championship are shot...even if he can get this bike back together in time for some of the upcoming rounds. This is pretty much his last shot, and it is shot. Long nights for him out in the garage for weeks to come...and he is already burnt out. We did get to go camping for Memorial Day, and that seemed to refresh us all. It was so good to spend time together just being us three. I cannot wait to go again, hopefully in the next month. We are already planning on up-sizing the tent, etc, since next year we will have an additional member. Right now, she/he doesn't take up too much tent floor space :)

I took a picture, but am torn about posting it. I don't feel cute and pregnant, just really large. I cannot believe the enormity of this belly, already. I am afraid of how much bigger I can possibly get in the next 4.5 months! That's about it...as you can imagine, I will have news and portraits to share next week, so tune in. Love to all of you out there...I gotta go see about a Root Beer Float,

Mumma, Out