34 wks

Well, its definitely going downhill at this point! The weeks are passing faster and now it's only approx 6 weeks till Miles could come! Wow. I am realizing that labor is imminent. He's going to come out, no matter what!
A good quote

"There is no way out of the experience except through it"--Penelope Leach, Your Baby and Child

A couple of nights ago I was leaving the gym and recalling my Danskin Triathlon experience. It was really powerful, because I gained confidence (from band-nerd to semi-athlete?). Well, at least I felt like an athlete by completing the triathlon. I did things I NEVER thought I could do and I did them pretty well (well the swim and biking anyway:).

So, back to my revelation. The prospect of GIVING birth seems less intimidating after doing things that are scary/hard (triathlons and other life experiences) and succeeding. It's like each of these things that you conquer prepares you for the next one and the one after that. All the while knowing that Christ gives us grace and strengthens us for the task at hand. And that we CAN do all things through him who gives us strength!

Of course, after taking our Bradley class, reading books and hearing/watching labors and knowing that I must do it, all help a lot:)

So, all that to say, lately I've been feeling really optimistic about birth/labor etc. Mandy's words have stuck in my mind and Matt reiterates them daily "I can do this!"

I felt some *real* contractions last week and last night. They are subtle still, but uncomfortable for a moment.

So, it's been about two weeks of going to the gym everyday and walking briskly for 30 min. This week I added some tiny weights...my back has felt MUCH better and I can feel my muscles strengthening with the consistency.

Other than that, I've been on a craft, Christmas mission:

This is a banner I made for above the crib: (I am also wearing my first (and likely last) attempt at a baby sling. It was TOO small.)

Yesterday we met with Roswitha, Matt's favorite. He likes he cause she is German, matter of fact and for some reason he takes pleasure in the fact that I'm terrified of her hands digging into my abdomen to find out where the baby is located! She was pushing to find out how he was positioned and he started moving and kicking and she said "ok, well now he's just getting angry"-which in a German accent was very comical:)To make sure Miles was still head down, she pulled on the ultrasound machine! What a treat! He is head down and doing great.

My blood pressure is good at 116/72 and I gained 4 pounds since our last visit. At first she did her insecurity-inducing German-grimace when I said my weight, but then she looked at the last few visits and realized I hadn't gained any last time, so in theory I was making up for the last 4 weeks w/ the four pounds. Ahh, it's so intense to have to 'weigh in' and stare at the scale is disbelief! stressful!

Rowitha and Matt:

The ABC:

34wks!:

Matt's about to explode cause deer season opens Saturday. Him and his skull?:

Next week, we'll meet with our doula, Nicole, and talk more about labor! She's coming to our house to get the lay of the land in the event that I labor there for awhile. We are really grateful to have someone we know to help keep us both focused.

And the house search continues. We've found one that *might* be the one, but we're taking a 2nd look on Mon. Though this is not the ideal time to move, we're trusting God that he's gonna make a way...and it will all work out:)

Tomorrow my mother in law and her close friend Esther fly into Austin for the family baby shower! It will be so fun to catch up with them and celebrate Miles:) Every time I get clothes or supplies for him, it just makes it so much more real that he's a little person and he'll be here soon! It is so fun.

32 wks

Here is our Bradley class! We are done!! well, all except the 2 classes we missed...but we'll see:)

Last night we watched a video of several Brazilian women giving birth in the squatting position. It looked pretty easy for them. I have become so curious about birth in other cultures...I went to the PCL to find some books on childbirth and labor in Asian/African cultures, but they were all mis-shelved, so I left empty handed. Later, I did get the La Leche Leagues The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding for some American perspective. But the La Leche folks are a bit fringe...they have some extreme ideas. I am not sure how I feel about it yet.

Ok, so Bradley recap. As boring, graphic, late at night and far away as our class was, I do think it was worth it. Last night was my favorite, as the whole time she talked about ways to save $ and why having a child DOES NOT take $250,000 from birth to college (excluding the birth and the college:).

Our teacher talked about all the ways to save $ (cloth diapers, making your own baby food, not buying into all the unnecessary things Babies R us tries to sell you like diaper warmers etc.:) It was inspiring, as I find most budget talk to be!


And, we just returned from our appt at the ABC. We met the newest midwife, Sarah. Miles is head down and has a great heart beat. Everything is good!

thanks for reading. more news to come!

30 wks

30 weeks! wow. 6 more weeks till delivery is allowed at the ABC!
I had my glucose test last week and passed and had good iron levels.

Weight gain: 22#

Cravings: nothing that's overpowering or even consistent. sometimes i think about cinnabon, but i used to do that anyway...yesterday i was thinking about Ceci's mac and cheese w/ breadcrumbs and it sounded amazing. i've been trying to eat lots of fruit and veggies smoothies + soups and grilled cheese.

Physically: my back hurt unbelievably for two weeks! BUT yesterday we took the memory foam OFF our bed and miraculously I am already so.much.better. I've been sitting at my desk since 8am and have only had incidental pain from not getting up enough. i can't stand memory foam!!
Oh, because of the ridiculous policy change at UT, I dropped my swim class. So, I am trying to swim and walk at home.

Emotionally: pretty stable so far...the emotional-ness of the 1st trimester may be slipping back in, but so far, not too bad:) it's a little stressful contemplating having a baby in the middle of moving, but I know it will be ok, despite less than ideal circumstances:)

Next Prenatal Appt: Oct 21st @ 2:30p

Other: Baby showers seem kinda awkward to me, but I am really excited about having them. I didn't realize that I like to be prepared, but I can't wait to be stocked and ready to go. I keep thinking that he'd better not come early, b/c i have nothing ready (as in, own nothing for taking care of a baby)!!
-also, I've been trying to direct my 'nesting' desires into crafty things for a someday nursery... and somehow I've made like a quart of chicken stock, a gallon ziplock of veggie stock and tons of pesto all sitting in the freezer. I just seem to be on the homemaking kick. Tomorrow is canning!
-Miles is moving a lot these days. Our midwife yesterday, Roswitha, said she thinks he's curled in an C shape, and just needs to slide into the right position in the next few weeks. In the next weeks they'll be able to tell more of where he's at and if I need to do headstands in the pool or something to help him flip:)

And finally, someone asked me why I'd rather birth at a birthing center vs. hospital. I guess I went into this pregnancy not even considering hospitals, so I'm not sure if I've ever mentioned why I prefer the birthing center...
Anyway, the things I love about the birthing center are:
1. birth in not viewed as an emergency, but a natural, normal thing
2. they are super laid back (hence, the lack of emergency) and try all sorts of positions and natural pain relief tactics throughout labor
3. there isn't an inherent rush to have your baby. They want the baby to be ready and labor to be natural.
4. They are ex-labor and delivery staff, so they know their stuff and are trained for any and all emergencies
5. they are super sweet and personal and approach your pregnancy from a holistic perspective (like what are you eating, are you stressed, how much weight is healthy to gain, etc).
ok, just in case you were wondering, that's why I want to have my baby there. I'm not living in a fantasy world, so I know things can go wrong and so do the midwives, so we of course will do what is best for Miles when it comes down to it, but Lord willing, we'll get to deliver there!!

This t-shirt was a 2yr anniversary present from Matt; finally UT maternity! We got to celebrate last weekend at a beautiful lake house.

3rd trimester! (27 weeks)

3rd Trimester! New shirt from Lynn and flowers from my mom!

resolution?

The yield !!

So, it's been awhile...I am officially 3rd trimester! Some updates:

1. I just went through a growth spurt...my 'normal' shirts got the boot and are bagged up.

2. I turned 27 on Tues!

3. I've had a cold/sinus infection attack for a week now! (the midwife said it will take 2x as long to recover from when pregnant:(=no sugar, no dairy, lots of fruits and veggies, eucalyptus steam inhalations, ginger, lemon, honey drinks and the netti pot galore!...happy bday to me:/

4. We've made it to two of our Bradley classes and learned a lot. Nutrition, exercises, relaxation techniques etc. We skipped last night cause of colds + birthday...

5. It rained in Austin for almost SIX days in a row!! (this just in, 40% chance of rain tom). Due to that blessed event, I got tons of okra, jalapenos and beans (see pic above).

6. Miles kicked me HARD today! It was one of the first ones that made me exclaim verbally.

So, that's the news for now. In two weeks I'll take my glucose test for gestational diabetes and after that I'll be on a every two week schedule for our midwife appts. It's getting close! We have two doula's (those are the labor coaches that basically just help you stay comfy, relaxed and focused in labor; they are my insurance of support in case Matt passes out and will hopefully keep us both more calm) lined up since our birth is near the holidays, just so we have better coverage, depending on when Miles decides to come out...

Oh! and our Bradley teacher, Chan, went on this long rant last time about how today women are super eager to get the baby out as soon after 36 weeks as possible, but actually every day or week more the baby has in the womb is very helpful for maturing and being ready for life on the outside. So basically, be patient and let the baby come whenever they are ready...(vs induction or something...) And she also talked about how the due date tells very little about when the babe will come as well...great:/

photos-6 months

6 month belly! Matt says it's the size of a soccer ball and babycenter.com agrees. Miles is a little over 1 lb and a foot long! Last night we had a delightful dinner at Chee Zee and then went to see Wicked. Since I ate too much (normally not a big deal on a fun night out, but painful when pregnant) the first Act, I had to focus way too much on breathing and NOT panicking at the tight theater quarters (being in between two large, leggy people). By the end I was doing ok and at intermission I got to stand outside in the rain!

It was a great show and such a fun experience! Matt planned it all as a surprise!

ok, back to work.

till next week.

24 weeks!

OK, so I am a little behind. Since the last post, lots has happen.

First, we met with a possible doula-to-be. The slight problem with our birth is that I am due on Dec 17th. A week late (totally normal for first timers) puts us at Christmas Eve!! Yeah, not exactly the easiest time to get someone to work! I mean, Miles most likely NOT going to come on his due date...so the question is WHEN?? :)

We both felt great about our first doula interview, great enough to forgo the rest of the 'interview's' and go with her...but then there holiday issue, so we may need to find a back up..Details to come.

Next, our last appt at the ABC went great. We met Annabelle, who set both of us at ease instantly! She was very encouraging about the pregnancy concerns I had and reassuring that I am not actually hurting Miles if I end up on my back in the middle of the night:) So that was a relief! In a few weeks I do my gestational diabetes test...

Also, Matt has been coaching me through breathing exercises lately. Sometimes, if my clothes are too tight or I've been in the car for a while or stuck at my computer ALL DAY, I start feel anxious and realize that I can no longer take deep breaths like I used to...sacrificing lung space for the little guy:) Its is VERY stressful when I start thinking & thinking about it. BUT luckily Matt is a GREAT coach and can transport me mentally if I just close my eyes and focus on whatever imaginary situation he's coaxing me through...its very sweet:) Also we've been going to the pool several times a week; swimming and 'jogging' and talking..Its very relaxing and feels wonderful to be weightless!

Also, I've been trying to walk the days we don't swim. According to most medical journals...or every website on pregnancy...almost EVERY pregnancy problem can be solved/reduced by walking a mile a day. Which on the treadmill in the AC is a piece of cake! So, I am trying to stay on top of that, even when it's painful to go. My swim class starts tomorrow at UT. I've found a teacher who is very sympathetic toward the 'pregnant' and will make some accommodations from the usual rigorous class pace. I'm so thankful!

As far as food goes, here's the latest treats:

-fried eggs on whole wheat english muffins (like several a day...)

-veggie wraps (whole wheat tortilla, guac, mushrooms, spinach, sprouts)

-peanuts/almonds

-LARABARS!!! too bad they are 1.4/each!

-sweet potatoes

-any and all soups (esp tomato basil)

-Dove peanut butter chocolates, that are apparently off limits since I lack self control in this area...

I am trying to keep the ratio healthy, but definitely 'craving' or greatly wanting treats. But I can tell my body is rejecting them (headaches, feeling sluggish) even though I think I want them so badly. Matt and I are both trying to integrate more raw foods into our diets. Starting the day with 32oz of water, then a huge bowl of fruit is undeniably a great way to start the day! But, I am keeping everything pretty normal + lots of fruit and veggies.

We are dressing up for dinner and the Broadway show "Wicked" tonight, so picture to come tomorrow. I promise!

22 weeks

Photo from 21 weeks. I am finally FEELING pregnant. As in large, awkard, having difficulty in picking objects off the floor, trouble getting comfy to sleep, etc. I just can't wait to see this little human that's inside of me. I've got some great maternity clothes passed down (thx Mandy & Ceci) and new stuff from Lynn and Mom, so hopefully I am set. Not sure how big of a jacket I'll need by Dec, but maybe it won't even be cold yet, knowing the TX weather...

We have some exciting appts this week, so I'll keep it short today and repost at the end of the week with any updates. By the way, for the those who've asked, Husband Coached Birthing is, so far, the BEST book I've read on labor. The more I read, the calmer I feel. PLUS talking to Mandy post-labor has also helped a lot; to know that it's very, very hard, but very doable! yay. over half way till show time:)

Here's what Miles looks like this week: