It's official: Zach and I are graduates of our childbirth prep classes! Granted, it was only the "weekend intensive course," which means 3 hours on Friday and 7 on Saturday, but after 10 straight hours of "intensive preparation," I think it's only fair to say we have successfully completed the requirements; therefore, we are graduates.
I personally have graduated to a completely different stage in my pregnancy, one I've not yet experienced, and for lack of a better title, this new stage is called "Holy Crap." Don't misunderstand me, I'm still very excited and feeling wonderful, but are you aware of how babies are born? About the descending into the pelvis, all of the dilation stages, the pain that makes walking, talking, and thinking next to impossible feats? Oh, yes, THIS is the level to which I have graduated and I have no choice but to be a bit anxious/nervous/scared out of my mind for the whole process to happen to my cervix. Then again, women do this every day and have been doing this every day for years and years and years. They've given birth in fields, in hay, on floors, in cars, in elevators, in water--so clearly, I CAN do this. The question that now remains is: will I be able to hold it together? Because even though the videos and the information and the diagrams honestly did scare me, I'm more convinced than ever that I want a natural birth. There are just too many side-effects and inconveniences with most of the medical interventions. However, if I could get hooked up with a walking epidural, I just may muse that option over a bit, but alas, Magee does not offer the walking epidural. Such is life.
I've had another doctor appointment, my last before the internal exams start again. Whoa! I can't believe how quickly this pregnancy has gone! But my blood pressure is still "stellar" at a 110/60, my weight gain has been normal, and all other vitals for the baby are great. It's also been established that what's kicking my right rib is, in fact, a leg or foot because the baby's bum is right below my rib. That means the head is positioned for its "descent (or dropping) into the pelvis." Let the good times roll :o)
In other news, my childhood hero Michael Jackson has unexpectedly passed away. It's such a shame that Baby J. will grow up without knowing the talent of the man firsthand. Yes, he was a bit...eccentric? But he's still a huge part of what I remember about growing up--I named my brother after the man, so I clearly was a fan!! R.I.P., MJ :o(
I'm throwing around the idea of having "belly pictures" taken by a family friend, so that's exciting. I would like some bare belly shots, but of course my hormones have decided to grant me an attractive rash all over my belly. It itches like crazy and has left little red dots all over the place, so I don't know that the bare belly pics would still be an option. But I do have a few poses I'd like to try, namely one of Zach and I holding hands and the shot just includes our hands and "the baby." I've seen that done in black and white and would LOVE to have one like it of us. I figured since our wedding pictures were such a disgrace, we should at least treat ourselves to some nice pregnancy shots!!
I'm still having trouble sleeping, mostly because I'm uncomfortable, so I've decided to finally cash in on my brother's Christmas gift: a pre-natal massage. My doctor gave me the go ahead and so I am--tomorrow!
No new pics this time--maybe for the next post, we'll have our "professional belly pics!"
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Daddy's Pregnancy Dreams???
Apparently, I'm not the only one having dreams about our pregnancy and eventual labor and birth. I am, however, the only one who will admit it!
For the past few weeks, Zach has been having some freaky dreams; they actually wake him up in the middle of the night, at which point he feels the need to share every single detail with me...regardless of the time! I don't mind; I think it's interesting insight into his anticipation for the "big day," and what I find most amusing is that he doesn't see (or refuses to see?) any connection between his dreams and his possible feelings about Baby J.!
Read below for some Zachary Dream Analysis Fun:
Dream One:
I insisted on driving somewhere and Zach thought it was unnecessary because the weather was bad, so he came with me. I guess we lost control of the car and it veered into a river where it began to sink. He said he was holding onto me, freaking out, but I was perfectly calm, assuring him things would be okay. I was actually telling HIM what to do as the ground below me began giving away and he was left on shore. Then the scene switched to his Nonno's house, where his grandfather was telling him to expect something in the mail; it would arrive on November 14th...that's my birthday! Conclusions? The helplessness Zach felt and the calm I felt during the sinking may be the different ways in which we're feeling about our pregnancy, and possibly my labor. The Nov. 14th mailing is beyond me, but I just thought it was interesting how whatever it was that was coming was due on my bday. Hmmm!!
Dream Two:
This dream begins with me pinned between a wall and a car--sounds good so far, right?! Zach had bought a toy that, he insists, actually exists today! I guess it's a squishy ball the size of a softball that comes in different faces; this particular one was a monster! When you squeeze it, a mini version of the monster, a baby monster if you will!!, shoots out. So, I guess this mini monster was responsible for pinning me against the wall, and Zach felt helpless because there was nothing he could do to ease my pain. I guess I was screaming, but he could only stand there. Now, I think this one is pretty self-explanatory, no?! Big monster, baby monster, Zach is helpless...is it about the birth? His fear that the baby will come in between us? Hmmm!!
The second part of the dream involved a bunch of us at a Pittsbugh Penguins game; apparently, they were playing on a pond, the ice breaks, and they all fall through! After that, my brother decides he wants to mini golf, so he gathers a bunch of friends to play but then never shows up. So Zach is in charge of this big group of mini-golfers, only he feels overwhelmed by having to organize the event; there was just too much to do and he didn't feel qualified. Maybe impending fatherhood is a bit a overwhelming??? (I know impending motherhood sure is!)
Poor Zach! These dreams have awakened him from a deep sleep each time he's had them. I can only hope he's awakened in the middle of the night by a screaming baby that easily--2 am diaper duty is sure to be a good time :o)
For the past few weeks, Zach has been having some freaky dreams; they actually wake him up in the middle of the night, at which point he feels the need to share every single detail with me...regardless of the time! I don't mind; I think it's interesting insight into his anticipation for the "big day," and what I find most amusing is that he doesn't see (or refuses to see?) any connection between his dreams and his possible feelings about Baby J.!
Read below for some Zachary Dream Analysis Fun:
Dream One:
I insisted on driving somewhere and Zach thought it was unnecessary because the weather was bad, so he came with me. I guess we lost control of the car and it veered into a river where it began to sink. He said he was holding onto me, freaking out, but I was perfectly calm, assuring him things would be okay. I was actually telling HIM what to do as the ground below me began giving away and he was left on shore. Then the scene switched to his Nonno's house, where his grandfather was telling him to expect something in the mail; it would arrive on November 14th...that's my birthday! Conclusions? The helplessness Zach felt and the calm I felt during the sinking may be the different ways in which we're feeling about our pregnancy, and possibly my labor. The Nov. 14th mailing is beyond me, but I just thought it was interesting how whatever it was that was coming was due on my bday. Hmmm!!
Dream Two:
This dream begins with me pinned between a wall and a car--sounds good so far, right?! Zach had bought a toy that, he insists, actually exists today! I guess it's a squishy ball the size of a softball that comes in different faces; this particular one was a monster! When you squeeze it, a mini version of the monster, a baby monster if you will!!, shoots out. So, I guess this mini monster was responsible for pinning me against the wall, and Zach felt helpless because there was nothing he could do to ease my pain. I guess I was screaming, but he could only stand there. Now, I think this one is pretty self-explanatory, no?! Big monster, baby monster, Zach is helpless...is it about the birth? His fear that the baby will come in between us? Hmmm!!
The second part of the dream involved a bunch of us at a Pittsbugh Penguins game; apparently, they were playing on a pond, the ice breaks, and they all fall through! After that, my brother decides he wants to mini golf, so he gathers a bunch of friends to play but then never shows up. So Zach is in charge of this big group of mini-golfers, only he feels overwhelmed by having to organize the event; there was just too much to do and he didn't feel qualified. Maybe impending fatherhood is a bit a overwhelming??? (I know impending motherhood sure is!)
Poor Zach! These dreams have awakened him from a deep sleep each time he's had them. I can only hope he's awakened in the middle of the night by a screaming baby that easily--2 am diaper duty is sure to be a good time :o)
Friday, June 19, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Baby Shower Times Two!
The last few weeks have been crazy busy! Between the end of school, preparing materials for a sub for the beginning of next year, starting another grad class, 2 baby showers, and vacation, I've had very little down time--and I'm not complaining!!
On June 6th, my gal pals from Valley threw me a VHS Shower to which so many of my good friends came. I don't get to see many of them these days, so getting together again was a great time. And, they were SUPER generous. I got my diaper bag (packed full of diapers and other baby necessities!); a ton of bathing stuff; cute onesies (including a My First Valentine's Day); a Bumbo, which is a little baby seat that helps Baby J. strengthen his/her neck; Baby Einstein DVDs; Pooh stuff, etc. It was very relaxed and some of the new mothers brought their little ones--I loved that! My old principal came as a surprise guest; it was really great to see her. In true educator fashion, she got us books to add to Baby J.'s quickly growing library. I've attached some pics of the gifts, but my friends are still in the process of forwarding the pics that they took, so we'll all have to wait a bit more for those!
The following weekend, June 13th, brought my SECOND shower! Baby J.'s grandmas really did a nice job with this one: it was at River Forest Country Club, the food was yummy, and the room was gorgeous. I cannot even begin to explain the generosity of our family and friends. I've attached pictures, but again, only of the gifts because I'm waiting for my photographer, Jen!, to send me the pics she took! Just like with my VHS pals, it's really amazing how much we were given; we feel super blessed to have these thoughtful, kind, and loving people in our lives. Rather than play games as is tradition at a lot of showers, we asked our guests to create individual pages that we'll include in a scrapbook for Baby J. I've had the chance to read through a few of them and they are lovely! Between the funny notes from my little cousins to the touching messages from other mothers, I think this scrapbook will be a keepsake that Baby J. will really enjoy as he/she grows...well, let's be honest, only a GIRL Baby J. will appreciate it :o)
The day after the shower, June 14th, we took off for South Carolina, which is where I am as I type this! I think a lot of people were displeased (maybe even surprised?!) with my decision to travel, but my doctors said it was fine because I've had such a healthy pregnancy, and I feel great even now, so I figured why not? So we drove for a bit on Sunday, stayed the night at a hotel right over the border of North Carolina, and then continued the drive on Monday. We got to the beach house (which is my great uncle's) and did our food shopping before relaxing. Since then, we've gone to the beach (where Zach has seriously limited my ocean time!), the pool, played mini golf, eaten some great dinners, went to the movies, etc. and I'm still feeling great! There was a point when I felt like I was overheating, and I won't lie, I was NOT a happy camper. But then we realized the AC was broken--it was over 80 degrees in the house! We got it fixed, prego is happy again, and now all is well! Oh, I did forget about the fact that my MATERNITY bathing suit no longer fits!!! Let me rephrase that: the bottoms fit; the top does not. It fit when I tried it on 2 months ago, and I even had the foresight to buy one size larger at that point, but alas, my efforts were in vain. Apparently, I'm pretty big! This is news to me, though, because I like the way I look and I don't FEEL that much heavier (even though at this point, I'm up about 28 pounds!), but as Zach and I were walking yesterday, I caught a profile glimpse of myself in a store window!! WHOA! That baby is really growing...and yes, I'm huge :o)
We'll be coming home on Monday, hopefully before noon so I can pick up my puppies from the kennel. I do miss my doggies, but I'm going to soak up the beautiful weather and the laid back lifestyle of the south while I can! Until next time, we'll be here in S.C. riding around in style courtesy of our golf cart :o)
On June 6th, my gal pals from Valley threw me a VHS Shower to which so many of my good friends came. I don't get to see many of them these days, so getting together again was a great time. And, they were SUPER generous. I got my diaper bag (packed full of diapers and other baby necessities!); a ton of bathing stuff; cute onesies (including a My First Valentine's Day); a Bumbo, which is a little baby seat that helps Baby J. strengthen his/her neck; Baby Einstein DVDs; Pooh stuff, etc. It was very relaxed and some of the new mothers brought their little ones--I loved that! My old principal came as a surprise guest; it was really great to see her. In true educator fashion, she got us books to add to Baby J.'s quickly growing library. I've attached some pics of the gifts, but my friends are still in the process of forwarding the pics that they took, so we'll all have to wait a bit more for those!
The following weekend, June 13th, brought my SECOND shower! Baby J.'s grandmas really did a nice job with this one: it was at River Forest Country Club, the food was yummy, and the room was gorgeous. I cannot even begin to explain the generosity of our family and friends. I've attached pictures, but again, only of the gifts because I'm waiting for my photographer, Jen!, to send me the pics she took! Just like with my VHS pals, it's really amazing how much we were given; we feel super blessed to have these thoughtful, kind, and loving people in our lives. Rather than play games as is tradition at a lot of showers, we asked our guests to create individual pages that we'll include in a scrapbook for Baby J. I've had the chance to read through a few of them and they are lovely! Between the funny notes from my little cousins to the touching messages from other mothers, I think this scrapbook will be a keepsake that Baby J. will really enjoy as he/she grows...well, let's be honest, only a GIRL Baby J. will appreciate it :o)
The day after the shower, June 14th, we took off for South Carolina, which is where I am as I type this! I think a lot of people were displeased (maybe even surprised?!) with my decision to travel, but my doctors said it was fine because I've had such a healthy pregnancy, and I feel great even now, so I figured why not? So we drove for a bit on Sunday, stayed the night at a hotel right over the border of North Carolina, and then continued the drive on Monday. We got to the beach house (which is my great uncle's) and did our food shopping before relaxing. Since then, we've gone to the beach (where Zach has seriously limited my ocean time!), the pool, played mini golf, eaten some great dinners, went to the movies, etc. and I'm still feeling great! There was a point when I felt like I was overheating, and I won't lie, I was NOT a happy camper. But then we realized the AC was broken--it was over 80 degrees in the house! We got it fixed, prego is happy again, and now all is well! Oh, I did forget about the fact that my MATERNITY bathing suit no longer fits!!! Let me rephrase that: the bottoms fit; the top does not. It fit when I tried it on 2 months ago, and I even had the foresight to buy one size larger at that point, but alas, my efforts were in vain. Apparently, I'm pretty big! This is news to me, though, because I like the way I look and I don't FEEL that much heavier (even though at this point, I'm up about 28 pounds!), but as Zach and I were walking yesterday, I caught a profile glimpse of myself in a store window!! WHOA! That baby is really growing...and yes, I'm huge :o)
We'll be coming home on Monday, hopefully before noon so I can pick up my puppies from the kennel. I do miss my doggies, but I'm going to soak up the beautiful weather and the laid back lifestyle of the south while I can! Until next time, we'll be here in S.C. riding around in style courtesy of our golf cart :o)
Monday, June 15, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Body Issues
Had someone asked me a year ago what my "body issues" were, I would have certainly cited particular parts of my body that I don't like, could be better, could be smaller (or bigger!), etc. These days, "body issues" refer specifically to pregnancy-related things going on in my ever-growing frame.
For example, today I noticed the inside of my bra was wet. Low and behold, my body has begun churning! While it is somewhat inconvenient, I have to admit it's oh-so-exciting! So what if I have to wear the bra pads a bit earlier than I originally thought? I think it's amazing how the body just prepares itself for this important job. It's also a classic "Zach moment" when he asks if he can milk me :o)
Not so pleasant as the creation of food that will sustain the life I've been growing inside of me for almost 8 months now are the arrival of Braxton-Hicks contractions. One hit me today out of nowhere and it stopped me in my tracks. I think it mostly surprised me because I wasn't ready for it, but it truly felt a lot like the kind of cramping I experienced with my gallstones. So, I feel confident that I can get through them, which helps prepare me for the "real thing."
Speaking of the "real thing," I'm seriously contemplating natural childbirth. I don't want anything in my spine, I don't want a catheter, and I don't want to be confined to my bed. For all those reasons and others, I'm leaning toward natural. However, I'm not vain enough to rule out help if necessary, so don't hold me to anything! I strongly believe in mind over matter, so that will get me far, but if I need it or if the doctor suggests it, I would certainly entertain the idea of some "help." Otherwise, au naturale is my goal!
For example, today I noticed the inside of my bra was wet. Low and behold, my body has begun churning! While it is somewhat inconvenient, I have to admit it's oh-so-exciting! So what if I have to wear the bra pads a bit earlier than I originally thought? I think it's amazing how the body just prepares itself for this important job. It's also a classic "Zach moment" when he asks if he can milk me :o)
Not so pleasant as the creation of food that will sustain the life I've been growing inside of me for almost 8 months now are the arrival of Braxton-Hicks contractions. One hit me today out of nowhere and it stopped me in my tracks. I think it mostly surprised me because I wasn't ready for it, but it truly felt a lot like the kind of cramping I experienced with my gallstones. So, I feel confident that I can get through them, which helps prepare me for the "real thing."
Speaking of the "real thing," I'm seriously contemplating natural childbirth. I don't want anything in my spine, I don't want a catheter, and I don't want to be confined to my bed. For all those reasons and others, I'm leaning toward natural. However, I'm not vain enough to rule out help if necessary, so don't hold me to anything! I strongly believe in mind over matter, so that will get me far, but if I need it or if the doctor suggests it, I would certainly entertain the idea of some "help." Otherwise, au naturale is my goal!
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