The Jeans

They've been waiting patiently, folded neatly in my drawer. The drawer I avoided like the plague. Oh how I've longed for buttons and zippers instead of elastic!

Today I was brave.

Today I opened that drawer. I pulled them out. I carefully unfolded them. With trembling hands I held them as I slipped my feet in and pulled them up, up, up. Then came the true test. I slowly, ever so nervously, pulled up the zipper and fastened the button.

THEY FIT! HALLELUJAH!

As I danced around my bedroom and my toddler questioned my sanity I reveled in the wonder of old jeans. A wonder that only a new mother can appreciate! It only took 4 months. I haven't worn a zipper clad pair of jeans in over a year, but I'm there finally. They fit, they fit, they fit!!!! Praise the Lord!

Good-bye maternity clothes!

My Pregnancy Week 41

Well folks this baby is still liking it's place in mommy's belly.

I had an appointment yesterday. Baby is doing fine, heart rate was good. I'm doing fine so we're just waiting some more.

I am having "signs that I won't be pregnant forever" as my midwife put it. So, we'll see.

Any "come out baby!" prayers you could send my way would be greatly appreciated!

I'm sure the neighbors got a good chuckle....

So, my wonderful, amazing hunk of a husband hung up my clothes line the other day. It has been wonderful to hang the laundry out to dry and not have to use our dryer so much. Especially since I've been doing laundry almost daily these days so that if the baby does arrive the laundry is done. One less thing to worry about, you know.

Well, this morning I did some laundry, mostly just Timmy's things (diaper leak and car sheets...you get the picture) and we went out and hung them on the line.

It's was a nice windy day. A little overcast but nothing to worry about.

The clothes were drying fast from the wind, in fact, they were just about dry. I was about to go out and check on them. I looked out the window and....

It was pouring rain.

So, picture a nine-month pregnant woman running around outside yanking laundry off the line in the pouring rain.

It's okay you can laugh....

I'm sure the neighbors are.

And I will once I catch my breath.

Now I am consoling myself with the knowledge that:

1. at least no cars honked.

2. I can still run.

My Pregnancy Week 40

Happy "Due Date" to me!

Today is that happy little day that has been circled and starred on my calendar for the past nine months. Today is the day we have been looking forward to. Even though I knew I would probably not have the baby on my "due date" it was still something nice to look forward to. (I think the actual number of women who deliver on their due date is something like 5%). And now here it is May 7th 2008. Just a normal day to everyone else in the world but a huge reminder to me that I haven't had a baby yet. *sigh*

Okay, enough of that, I had to be depressed for a second there. I really am doing just fine. I know the baby will come when he/she is ready and I wouldn't want him/her to come a second earlier!

I had a prenatal appointment last night. The baby's heartbeat was beating away at a good 140. I am measuring at 41 weeks, so I am assuming another big baby, but you never can tell! My blood pressure was really high. But she retested me again at the end of my appointment and it was back down in a normal range. It was probably from all the rushing around to get there and everything that caused the high blood pressure reading so that was nothing to worry about, especially since it was back down to normal after a few minutes. The baby is in the same position it has been.....head down, back on the left side, little hip/butt up by my belly button, feet and legs off to the right. And the head would not wiggle at all! YAY! That is good news.

The past two nights I have been up all night with menstrual type cramps in my back. It does not help me get enough sleep and is rather frustrating because they stop once I get up. But they are doing something, I'm sure, and will hopefully make for a shorter labor. *crossing fingers* I just wish they would continue and turn into the real thing! =)

I have decided that if I don't have the baby by Sunday I am boycotting church. I can't handle another Sunday of comments and questions. So, poor Christopher will have to endure all that, I just can't do it again....especially not on Mother's Day! I think God will forgive a poor pregnant woman. At least I hope....*wink*.

Well, that's all the updates I have for you all. I'm still here, still pregnant, still waiting for our little miracle to make his/her entrance into this world. And Lord willing (Please Lord, Please!!) this will be the last of the "My Pregnancy Week....." posts!

My Pregnancy Week 39

I had a prenatal appointment on Tuesday. Everything is looking good. The heart beat was beating away at 132 and rose to 148 with stimulation (which is what we want!). I lost a pound, but that was no big deal because I also lost a lot of swelling (dandelion leaf tea works wonders, the cold weather has helped as well). I am measuring at 38 weeks so that's right on. The baby is head down and engaged (i.e. way down in the pelvis and not wiggling! Talk about a strange sensation!).

I am feeling good. Some days I am more anxious than others. It seems to be directly correlated with how much sleep I've gotten. haha! Speaking of sleeping I am now having to keep a log of how much I sleep so that I can make sure I am getting at least 8 hours in a 24 hour period because I wake up so much at night. I've found that I sleep an average of 5-6 hours a night, and never sleep more than 1 1/2 hours at a time. So, my daily 2 1/2 to 3 hour nap is essential!

I am tired of people asking me when I'm due and if I've had any contractions yet, but that kind of comes with the territory here at the end so I am trying to be gracious and nice. =) But I secretly would like to smack some people for their insensitive remarks! =P

I am also pretty much out of clothes that fit anymore. Which is hard on a girls self-esteem. =/ But whatever, it happens. And Christopher still thinks I'm beautiful and that's all that matters! =)

My midwife is out of town Thursday through Sunday so I am anxious for Sunday to arrive and her to get back so I can stop worrying about having the baby before she returns. I don't think I will, but it's just kind of nerve-wrecking. If I did go into labor her two assistants would come who I know well and love, and her back-up midwife. I have never met the back-up midwife so I would rather have Patrice there. I would be so sad if she missed the birth, and I know she would be sad as well.

My feeling though is I will go into labor near or after my due date, not before. So, I really have nothing to worry about. It's just one of those things.

I am now on to the weekly prenatal visits, so I will have another one on Tuesday. I'll let ya'll know how that goes. And of course I will update if Oat Bran decides to make an appearance!

"Ready Baby?"

So, last week I cleaned the infant car seat. While I was putting it back together I was explaining to Blue-Eyed Boy that it was for the new baby. I also mentioned to him that now that it is clean we are all ready for the baby to come. (it was the last thing I had to do!)

Ever since then he keeps asking me "ready baby?", I answer "yes, we're all ready". (this occurs about 5 times a day! Nothing like being reminded that NOTHING IS HAPPENING! But it's cute none-the-less.)

Today our conversation went as follows:

Blue-Eyed Boy: "Ready baby?"

Me: "Yep, we're all ready for the baby. We just have to wait for it to come out of mommy's belly"

Blue-Eyed Boy: "Daddy ready baby?"

Me: "Yes, Daddy's ready for the baby too. Are you ready for the baby?"

Blue-Eyed Boy: "Yes, ready baby! Ready, set--GO!"

So, my dear little Oat Bran you heard your brother....

Ready.

Set.

GO!

Just wanted to let you all know....

I'm still here.

I just haven't had anything to talk about. We're just waiting for Oat Bran to make his/her appearance. So, I've been kind of focused on that.

I'm feeling good. My ankles and feet are super swollen which doesn't feel too good, especially when my wonderful toddler thinks it's fun to stand on my sore feet. owie. Other than that I have to take it easy since I'm so big and get tired rather easily.

Life is good. I'm not as anxious as I was; I'm very content with the waiting. Just trusting God and Oat Bran to know when it's time.

My Pregnancy Week 36

Wow, I haven't written in a loooong time! We had a virus on our computer for a week or two there so we couldn't use it. Other than that I've just had nothing to say!

Well, I'm 36 weeks pregnant now. I can't believe it has gone by so fast. But I will admit that the time is draaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaging by now. I just want to hold this little one and know who it is and you know, be able to see my feet again! *wink*

The baby clothes are washed and put away.
(oh my goodness are they small! A LOT smaller than 4T!)
The new diapers and covers are washed and ready.

Now we are just waiting and waiting.....

I try to keep myself busy, but there's not a lot to do around here. Our new house is pretty much all organized and in order except for the dining room. So that's my goal for this week.

We are also down to one car again. Christopher's car broke in our driveway a few weeks ago. So, now Timmy and I are stuck here all day with no way to get anywhere. This wasn't so much a big deal when we were living in Grandville, because we mostly walked everywhere anyways...but here in North Muskegon....there is no walking anywhere. We live in the middle of nowhere. HAHA! It mostly stinks when I'm making dinner and realize I don't have enough eggs for the cornbread and I can't just hop in the car and go get some. *sigh* but we're making it work. It is nice on Sunday mornings to all drive home from church together. Timmy and I get up early and drop Christopher off (he has to be there at 6:30am) and then we come back for the 9:45 service and Sunday School. Then we head over to Mom and Dad's--in one car! We're also saving on gas money! WAHOO!!

In other words the days are slow and long. But not too bad. I try to take Timmy outside to play in our yard (yay! I still get a thrill saying that!) but it's kind of cumbersome for me to get around these days and I trip over everything! (especially since there are like 50 gazillion sticks all over our yard......we don't think they did any maintenance to the yard AT ALL last year!) So, we don't go out too much. Which makes me feel like a bad mama because Timmy loves to be outside and dig in the dirt and collect leaves and watch airplanes. Thankfully Christopher's work schedule has changed so that he works from 6am until sometime in the afternoon, the latest is today--4pm. So, when he gets home he usually takes T out to play which is a good daddy-son time!

I'm still having a hard time grasping the whole...I'M GOING TO HAVE TWO KIDS....concept. As anxious as I am to have this baby out, I just can't imagine it not being just Christopher, Timmy and I. I guess it's one of those things that you don't really grasp until it actually happens.

So here I remain waiting and waiting some more!

My Pregnancy Week 33

Not too much new to report.

Physically: I'm big. I'm tired. I'm sick.

Emotionally: I'm anxious. I'm happy. I'm excited.

That's about it.

I have realized that I need to enjoy and take full advantage of my last weeks of just Timmy and me. All too soon I won't be able to devote my full attention and energies to my precious little boy. It makes me sad in a way. But I think that always comes when one season of your life ends and another is beginning. Even when the change is a good and wonderful one.

All I have to say is AMEN!

(This essay was written by Marcela Valle and was posted to the ICAN Yahoo group 5/19/07.)

Don't you want a doctor?...

It is a question I have been asked, "Don't you want someone who can handle *anything*?" When I heard this question, so many feelings boiled inside me so fast that my answer constituted: "No, because I don't want someone waiting for the slightest opportunity to cut me open again." And, while that holds true, there's so much more than that and it deserves to be put into words…

I don't want a doctor because I believe in my ability to birth. I believe that Mother Nature/Creation/ God(s)-or whomever you revere- have given us the ability and the opportunity to birth, and to go through that passage for a reason. Over the years in North American culture, we have lost sight of such experience and its purpose. It has been said before, that "A child is born, and so is a mother."

I don't want a doctor because they are experts in many things, but not normal birth.

I don't want a doctor because I want a birth attendant who believes in me. An attendant who will empower me, and support me, and tell me to get it together and birth this baby. I choose someone who will encourage me to be educated and make decisions with me, not for me.

I don't want a doctor because I am not making decisions based on fear. I make decisions based on research, and logic and, all the while, I also follow my heart.

I don't want a doctor because, despite widely held beliefs, birth in a hospital is not as safe as birth outside a hospital. Birth with a midwife, at home, is a rational choice.

I do not want a doctor because I am more than a paycheck, a liability, or a 'difficult' patient.

I do not want a doctor because I do not need to wait an hour in a waiting room to be seen for 5 minutes and by someone who needs to look at my chart to know my name. Instead, I want to be welcomed with a hug, offered water, a snack, and have an hour talking about my pregnancy, my feelings, and my birth plans.

I do not want a doctor because I do not need to feel scared about being an inconvenience, or have questions, take too much time, be too "needy" or have too many expectations.

I don't want a doctor because I want to be regarded as a healthy birthing mother. I am not sick, I am not a patient. I am full with life.

I don't want a doctor because birth is NOT an emergency waiting to happen, it is NOT dangerous. A doctor makes you believe birth is unsafe and you need them. After all, they would not have a job otherwise. A midwife trusts the process and allows it to take its course without fitting it into a box or random standards.

I don't want a doctor because I want someone who can handle things without a knife and someone who knows how to help me get the baby into a better position and under a pubic bone, and whatever else, without slicing me open or using torture devices.

I don't want a doctor because my body works. And it works best if not surrounded by strangers poking, probing and interrupting my concentration.

I don't want a doctor because I know I WILL go into labor, my hips are NOT small, they're the perfect size. My baby is NOT too big, my body CAN dilate, I am NOT a failure to progress…I DO NOT need to be saved. By not having a doctor, I AM saving myself.

I don't want a doctor because I don't want him, or a calendar, or a clock to tell me when I HAVE to birth and how fast I need to dilate. My body knows it, my baby knows it. We'll do it when it's time for the baby to be born, and time for me to birth my child.

I don't want a doctor because I don't want to be offered an induction (or be cut open) because it's close to Christmas, Mother's Day, or Labor Day. I won't be hurried because there's a golf game, a cruise, or a date to be made, or it's just inconvenient for me to wake them up at night or to take too long.

I don't want a doctor because I don't want to be imprisoned in a bed "just in case" and I don't want to have to stay still so a machine can work properly and the nurse doesn't have time to come into my room.

I don't want a doctor because I do not need to ask for permission to use the rest room, move around, eat, or have an opinion. Nor, do I need scare tactics and a "dead baby" card when I opt out of a procedure done only to cover the doctor's legal butt.

I do not want a doctor because I appreciate being talked to respectfully, and acknowledged, and being taken into account. I DO WANT TO KNOW, AND I WILL worry my little head about it, after all, it is my birth, my child, and my responsibility to do so.

I don't want a doctor because I don't want an electronic monitor to tell someone how I'm doing or whether I am in pain or not, or if my baby hugs are adequate enough.

I don't want a doctor because I don't want someone to "manage" my birth, and "solve" things by using interventions, which may lead to more interventions, which would be solved with even more interventions

I don't want a doctor because I don't want to be silent. I will groan, and moan, and sing if I want to, and my midwife may sing with me.

I don't want a doctor because* I *will birth my baby. My midwife will be present at my birth but nothing (besides food) will be *delivered*.

I do not want a doctor because I am not birthing on my back, or holding my breath or counting to 10.

I don't want a doctor because I don't want my child to be poked and prodded before we have a chance to hold each other. I want my baby to hear my voice first.

I don't want a doctor because I cannot bear another cut into my uterus and my heart, nor can I bear to watch another baby of mine born into blinding bright lights, deep suctioning, IV's and antibiotics.

I don't want a doctor because I have all it takes: wisdom, strength, courage, faith and a vagina.

I think I'm moving to Iceland...

I just read this on another blog I frequent and it's quite interesting to me that the USA is not on this list.

Actually, it's not all that surprising to me.

Especially in light of my own recent struggles to be respected and have my rights upheld as a birthing woman in America.

But that is a topic for another time and another day. I don't think I'm ready to broadcast my own human rights violation story on the World Wide Web just yet. But I would be happy to have a private conversation with anyone anytime about it, so shoot me an email.

I will, however, give you few little statistics here to help you understand why I am not surprised by this list.

1. The cesarean rate in America was 30.1% (and rising) in 2006. According to the World Health Organization: "there is no justification for any region to have a cesarean rate more than 10-15%". (Cesarean section: What you need to know. Henci Goer). The higher the rate goes, the more women will not only die, but be faced with physical and psychological complications resulting from this surgery.

2. In 1999, the US ranked 21st in the world for maternal death. But the CDC estimates that maternal deaths are underreported by one half to two thirds, and that half of maternal deaths are preventable. The rate of death due to childbirth has not decreased since 1982, and it has actually been increasing since 1999. (Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. Ina May Gaskin. Bantam, 2003. pp 274-277). Is it scary to anyone else that our country spends more on health care than any other country in the world and yet the maternal death rate has not decreased in 25 years?

3. The US ranks 29th in the world for infant mortality. Some other countries that are above the US are: Czech Republic, Israel, Cuba, and Japan. (National Center for Health Statistics, website). I tell ya, it sure makes me feel so good to know that I could fly down to Cuba and have a better chance of my baby being born alive and living through it's first year than I do here in America.

Women's rights to birth are in deep trouble here in America, folks. It has been predicted that in the near future (I've heard as early as 2015, but don't quote me on that!) vaginal birth will be an exception and every baby will be born by cesarean. Do a little research on cesareans (here's a good place to start) and you will see how very wrong this is. America needs help, and fast.

For those of you who live in Muskegon. If you would like to learn more about birth in this country there is going to be a showing of a wonderful documentary on April 17th, 2008 at 6pm. It is being hosted by Full Circle Midwifery (the wonderful midwives whom I see!!). It is being held at the MAREC center. A $5 donation is appreciated but no one will be turned away! The documentary is called "The Business of Being Born", go here for more info.

I hope some of you will come, and that you will pass this info along to other women here in Muskegon. Because let me tell you...it's pretty bad here for birthing women.

It's really bad in America for birthing women.

It's time we stood up for ourselves and demanded better health care for ourselves and our babies.

I include myself in this, and have already begun trying to make a difference. If I can help one woman avoid the unnecessary surgery I went through to "birth" my son then it will all have been worth it.

UGH! Almost 32 weeks pregnant and....

today was rough.

It was one of those hi-we're-your-pregnancy-hormones-and-we're-going-to-take-over-your
-body-and-turn-you-into-a-horrible-grump days. Let me tell you--it. wasn't. fun. For anyone involved.

*sigh*

Luckily I have the most amazing two guys in the world living with me! Handsome Hunk was very loving and patient (and super happy to leave for work this morning, I'm sure!). And Blue-Eyed Boy was very snuggly and loving today. It was good. They were great. I wouldn't have made it through the day without some sort of mental breakdown if it wasn't for them.

I tell ya, pregnancy is not for the weak!

My Pregnancy Week 30

I must say I cannot believe I'm already 30 weeks, but at the same time I can't believe I still have so far to go!!

I am feeling good. Mostly just completely exhausted, but I believe the move has made the normal tiredness of the 3rd trimester worse. I keep getting leg cramps in the early morning. Boy do those stink. Folks, it's awful to be woken from a dead sleep with a horrible pain in the calf muscle. Christopher is good about rubbing my leg for me though....such a sweet hubby I have!

I am super clumsy as well. In case you weren't aware ice and a clumsy pregnant lady, who can't see her feet, don't go well. I fell in our driveway the other day. I was more embarrassed than hurt. I'm glad it was dark out and the neighbors couldn't see me crawling to the snow bank so I could stand up! I'm sure it was a sight. But no harm was done to me (or baby) except my pride. haha!

And the wonderful swelling has begun. Especially if I stand a lot (you know like unpacking boxes and moving requires!). So, I have been having swollen ankles and hands at the end of the day. I decided today to take it easy and not unpack anything....we'll see if I can hold out for an entire day. Not likely.

I've been asked a couple times if I think it's easier being pregnant the second time so I would like to share my thoughts on this.

I think that it's really a toss up. In some respects the first was harder and in some respects this time is harder. But if I had to choose I'd say the second time is easier. Mostly because I'm not completely consumed with the pregnancy like I was the first time. I have to take care of Timmy and everything isn't new. I've been there. done that. So, I don't need to freak out about every discomfort and run to my pregnancy book to make sure nothing is wrong. I think that is the biggest difference. I think this pregnancy is harder in regards to the first trimester because I had so much morning sickness like I didn't have with Timmy. But other than that it's been a breeze. My body already knows what to do, the stretching isn't as painful because I'm already stretched. I think every pregnancy is different just like every baby is different so it's very hard to compare them.

Anyways...10 more weeks to go! (I'm figuring 12 though since I was almost two weeks overdue with Timmy--then I won't get TOO anxious near the end!! *crossing fingers*).

Oh I also wanted to say that we have our names picked out-finally!

*drum roll please*

If Oat Bran is a girl her name will be.......

Ellie Kay

If Oat Bran is a boy his name will be.......

Elijah Christopher

I guess we have an "e" thing going on this time.

So, those are our names we picked...if you don't like 'em TOO BAD it's our kid! HA! *wink*

Timmy was supposed to be Elijah Christopher, and Timothy Scott was our "back-up" name. But I took one look at him and said.."He's a Timothy". Christopher said "are you sure?" I said yes. And that was that. I can't imagine him being a little Eli. I'm sure none of the rest of you can either- he's a Timmy through and through!

I would say Stay tuned next week for another weekly pregnancy report unfortunately I haven't been keeping up with that too well.

So I guess instead I'll say...

Stay tuned for in case I find something interesting to say about my pregnancy in the coming weeks!

How Could I Forget?

Today we went to our NEW HOUSE (It still gives me a thrill to say it!) and took a couple boxes of books over (Sorry I pack them too heavy honey!), and I wanted to clean the kitchen and bathroom, etc.

So, while I was cleaning Handsome Hunk and Blue-Eyed Boy went on a quest for a snow shovel and a dish drying rack (I would like to introduce you to our new dishwasher--ME!). They were unsuccessful. Apparently Meijer stopped carrying snow shovels months ago (Did they miss the blizzard? or did I just imagine it? Hello this is MICHIGAN). Needless to say Handsome Hunk was quite surprised. So, Blue-Eyed Boy and I will later be heading out on a quest for a snow shovel---oh the joys of home "renter-ship"!

Anyways...in my zeal to clean the kitchen I seemed to have forgotten something very important.

I am 7 MONTHS PREGNANT!

And climbing on top of counters (shh don't tell the Hunk I did that!) and kneeling on the floor would be regretted later.

Well it's later folks and let me tell you........

I need a nap

and maybe some Tylenol

and maybe some ice cream *wink*

But at least the kitchen is spotless.

Please excuse me while I freak out

So today Blue-Eyed Boy got a package in the mail from my Grandmother who lives in Florida. We open it up and there are two cars (there was much rejoicing from the little man) a new shirt for Blue-Eyed Boy, and 3 onesies for Oat Bran.

They were so small. I held them up and said to Handsome Hunk....these are too small. Our baby can't be this small! I can't seem to comprehend anything smaller than a 2T. I guess you forget how small they were at first because they grow so gradually.

This then spurned me into realizing that I am 27 almost 28 weeks pregnant. This means that I can safely have this baby in as little as 10 weeks. 10 WEEKS!! TEN. WEEKS!

Begin freak out now.

I don't have anything ready. Blue-Eyed Boy was born in the winter so we can't re-use his clothes because it will be summer!

We don't have a double stroller.

We only have toddler size diapers and covers (yes we use cloth!).

and

and

and

*hyperventilating*

I can't handle it. I'm already feeling nesty and we haven't even found a new place to live.

And then it will get even worse because

EVERYTHING HAS TO BE PERFECTLY CLEAN FOR THE BABY!

AHHH!

Okay.

*deep breath*

End freak out.

Sane pregnant woman has returned. (ha! what an oxymoron)

Everything will be fine. I just needed to get my crazy pregnant emotions out of the way there. Babies don't need much except food and diapers. We got the food covered, I just need to get on those diapers......

Well, Folks, it is Finally Here!

Today I have entered the third trimester!

I have stepped over the final threshold and am three short months away from holding my little Oat Bran in my arms. Oh the joy! Oh the wonder!

I can't wait.

My Pregnancy Week 25

I realized today that I haven't been writing my weekly pregnancy reports. I know you all have missed them terribly so here we go!

I can definitely feel the third trimester creeping up on me. I find I am getting increasingly more and more tired, and hungry! Because of this I have been trying to go to bed earlier (trying is the key word here, failing is what actually happens.) But I have yet to succeed. So, that is my quest, to get more sleep. It is hard though because Christopher doesn't get home until after 10 most nights from work....and I haven't spoken to an adult all day, so then we have to talk and talk for an hour and don't end up going to bed until 11:30 or so! Oh well, such is life.

Other than being tired and hungry I'm feeling great! I do still have a lot of stretchy pains in my pelvis, but that is what happens folks! I mean a girl can't expect to have her belly go from flat to a basketball without some discomfort! And this is not fun at night when it takes five minutes of great will power to roll to the other side, only to find that it isn't comfortable, or that your husband is in the way!

Oat Bran is forever swimming and kicking and punching all over. The hiccups get quite annoying, but they are a good thing, so I remind myself of that often. And all to soon the wonder of having a little one growing inside of me will be done.

So, there you go folks. I hope this installment of week 25 of my pregnancy was as thrillingly boring as you remembered!

Have a great day!

My Pregnancy Week 22

Welcome back to another post on pregnancy! =)

I have been gone for awhile because.....well Verizon is a company composed of a bunch of boneheads who don't know the first thing about customer service! Anyways....enough about that.

Christmas was great. What a wonderful time to be reflecting on the birth of our Lord and Savior when my own thoughts are consumed with the little miracle growing inside of me! I found that I viewed Mary in a whole different light. The fear, frustration, and pain she went through is all too real to me now as I am going through the same things she did. And yet it is entirely different. Our baby was planned and brought to life through two loving people. I cannot imagine becoming with child and not having that security.

New Years Eve we spent celebrating the marriage of my husbands cousin. It was a ton of fun. I danced and danced and danced. Which I think caused this baby to move from the transverse (sideways) to the breech (feet down) position. I'm not worried though, I have lots of time for this little one to get into the proper (head down) position.

I have been feeling fine. A little tired at the end of the day, but other than that no problems. This is the "fun" part of the pregnancy where you feel like a normal person, except that you have a basketball in your belly. (tying my shoes has become problematic).

Now we are in the process of finding somewhere else to move. My goal is to be moved by March 1st or sooner if we can find somewhere. We just got our renewal papers for our apartment here and they are raising our rent by $120!!! We can hardly afford what it is now, so that was shocking. ESPECIALLY since this is housing for low-income families. So, I will be packing and packing here soon....as soon as Christopher brings me some boxes home from work! I think we will also be giving a bunch away. When we moved last May we gave about 1/2 of our things away. But we seem to have accumulated a bunch more stuff in that short time. So, it's time to whittle down and become less materialistic. This is a struggle for us...more for Christopher than me--I think. He's a HUGE pack rat. He hates to throw anything away. Because "we might need it later". I've come to the realization that if I haven't used it in a few months, I never really needed it in the first place. And if I give it away and we find out later we did need it then we can buy a new one knowing that it will be used, rather than taking up our precious closet space!

Anyways....this is kind of a weird post. I didn't really talk about my pregnancy much. But there isn't really anything to talk about at this point. So, I will sign off for now.

May your new year be filled with all the blessings and trials only the Lord can so lovingly give!

This Is Hilarious

If you are pregnant you will find this funny because it's 100% TRUE! If you've never been pregnant you may still find it funny......

How to relate to your pregnant wife

My Pregnancy 20 Weeks

Well folks, I'm officially HALFWAY!!!!!
Oat Bran moves around like crazy in there. Which keeps me up at night and makes me smile during the day. It's really fun to let Christopher feel the baby move. I've tried to get Timmy too, but he won't hold his hand there long enough to feel it, but he doesn't really understand that there's a baby in there either.
Well, an update on my quest for a VBAC. I have found a wonderful midwife who is very supportive of VBAC's and has agreed to accept me!!! YAY! She has a 90% success rate, which is very encouraging. Christopher and I are just so thankful that we found her and that we can take the safer route of a natural birth rather than major abdominal surgery....for no reason.
Other than that, I'm just growing and growing. It seems everyday my belly gets a little bigger. Oh and finally!!! I gained 3 pounds!! WAHOO! I am very proud of myself. It averages out to 1 pound a week which is what the docs recommend. With Timmy I gained like 5-6 pounds a week! Yikes.

I've been trying to limit my sugar (hard with Christmas!!), cheese and juice intake. I had asked my midwife if I would have an even bigger baby this time since the second baby tends to be bigger than the first. And she told me that the studies have found that large amounts of sugar, whole milk cheeses and fruit juice cause bigger babies. So, I am hoping maybe I'll have a 8 1/2 pounder this time rather than a 91/2! But regardless, I just want a healthy baby, whether it's 6 pounds or 11 pounds!!
Until next week.....Merry Christmas!!