Puddle Duck Kisses

noreply@blogger.com (A Joyful Girl) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:35:00 +0000

So, I asked them again to try and strip my membranes. Normally I dont like people fishing around in there, but I want him OUT! She said I was a fingertip dilated, where as last week I wasnt dilated in the slightest. So, nothing major, but still positive change. She said she didnt technically strip my membranes this time, but was able to reach my bag of water and certainly stirred things up enough that it would release some hormones. Of course it doesnt always work, but hopefully it will do something. Kyle is also much lower- hes not fully egaged, but he isnt floating like last time so thats great too.

Now we just wait and see!

noreply@blogger.com (A Joyful Girl) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 04:21:00 +0000

Sorry ladies, I need to complain for a minute. I just need to get it out.

As of yesterday morning I have been having horrible pain in the joint in the front of my public bone. Rolling over in bed is awful, and when I get up from sitting/lying its painful too. I'm *hoping* this means he's engaged- his butt isnt a ton lower, but it is by about an inch. Other than the public pain, I dont feel other pressure so Im not sure...

My ribs still hurt like a SOB. A few nights now I've taken Benadryl and Tylenol because Ive been exhausted to the brink of tears, and its literally been impossible to sleep without it. I wake up feeling SO much better, but obviously I dont want to be doing that every night. I just need him out. I have been having strong BH's all day- more than the last few days, but nothing patterned. Hopefully its soon...

I've also been reading Birthing From Within... Im actually disappointed, I though I would really like it but I dont. I cant quite pinpoint why- I guess Im not into the art projects at all, and I disagree with some of whats in there (like not writing a birth plan). I still think its a valuable book though- Im only halfway though though, and there is a lot of focus on empowerment and finding your inner "birth warrior" that I do find helpful. i just had expected to love the book for some reason, and dont...

One thing I did identify with was the frequent comparisons to birthing women as being instinctual like other animals- I can see myself becoming protective of my birthing space and feeling very primal in birthing.

I should say too that I have the best husband in the world. Today my OCD put me into a panic- the house wasnt clean enough, but I was so exhausted that cleaning it felt like trying to lift the world. Its not that the house isnt clean... it is, but I get into headspace sometimes where any clutter whatsoever makes me feel panicked. Add that its likely nesting as well, and its just overwhelming. I hugged DH and he commented that my heart was racing, which it was, and all I was doing was putting laundry in the machine. He made me lay down, close my eyes, do some deep breathing and even some visual work (which always makes me laugh, I've never been into that). He even tidied some of the basement (which was a wreck) and supervised Ben's part of cleaning up. Later on I got overwhelmed again after being offended by a friend, and he came and did the same thing plus massage.

He also told me today that he was going to be really proud of me after the birth, and thought that I would be proud of myself too. I told him that hes right- that I think it will be empowering. I cant tell you how nice it is to have that kind of support... DH has always been wonderful, but its a wonderful feeling to know that your spouse is really there for you when you need him.

Anyway, thanks for letting me whine and for listening.

noreply@blogger.com (A Joyful Girl) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 18:14:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (A Joyful Girl) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:22:00 +0000

Im so tired, I dont even know what to write. Sleeping is impossible... beyond newborn impossible. Still having a ton of BH's, sometimes patterned for a few hours but they have yet to take me into labor.

Other than that we're ready - We had our car seat inspection done and its now installed properly and we know how to use it properly. Still dont have the van bought- DH is on serious deadline at work and has a ton on his plate. I dont see it getting done until he's off work and home with us... which I guess is fine (I trust him to buy us a van).

I'm a smidge bummed we arent having a shower- a friend of DH's at work had long ago asked if it was ok for her to throw us one but with everything going on at their work I guess its not going to happen.. I'm not bummed because of not getting "stuff"- we're blessed in that we can afford to buy everything we need- its more that our family and friends are so far away and its a reminder of how alone we are here. I think we will have a welcome baby BBQ once I've recovered - really I just want everyone to come together and welcome Kyle into the world. We dont need stuff, I just need friends...

noreply@blogger.com (A Joyful Girl) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:21:00 +0000

Ben loves gardening, but being 8 he needs help with it. Im 38w pregnant and huge and tired and just dont have the energy this year to dig him out a spot in the yard that would work for his garden. So, I got the bright idea that we would use a deck planter like we did in years past, but I wanted something bigger (a single tomato plant isnt going to cut it this year). I couldnt find a deck planter that was deep enough, and even the ones long enough were expensive (the big wooden ones). Passing by the big storage bins I got the bright idea to use one of those! The bin was only $10!

So, we took it home and drilled holes in the bottom for drainage. This morning I took Ben to the little farmers market and we bought topsoil and manure to mix together, 2 tomato plants, 2 green pepper plants, and 1 pea plant (he picked his plants). He carried the soil himself to fill it, mixed up the soils, planted his plants, and watered them.

The total cost was about 20$

noreply@blogger.com (A Joyful Girl) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:32:00 +0000

Meshing a few posts together...

So, its 11:30 my time and I've been having braxton hicks every 10 mins since 6:30. They arent getting a ton stronger at all, but theyre more irregular- I've had a few every 3-6 mins and some 10 mins apart, but never more then 10 mins apart. I drank lots of water, had a bath, and lay down- nothing helps.

I called the MW and she suggested either a glass of wine or ibuprohen (just this one time for either)- I hate wine, so we're going to try the ibuprohen. If in a few hours nothing has changed then I call her back and likely go get checked. Im 36+2 so I would have to go to the hospital. Ironically this started in birthing class, which my doula teaches, so if they let baby come tonight (if he wants to) I will still have her there.

DH is freaking out, but he wont admit it.

Update...

DH had to go to the store and buy the ibuprofen, and then I tried sleeping. I fell asleep around 1am, woke up at 3am and was having a few more, and then fell back asleep and they stopped.

So- no baby yet.

It did make us realize how much we dont have done- like ordering our cord blood kit, or doing a birth plan! The doula gave us a generic one where you tick off boxes, so we did that last night just in case we had to go to the hospital. I also need to back my bag, and Ben's overnight bag... heh.

Update 2...

so, this morning after I posted I started contracting again- every 4-15 minutes. After a few hours I called the midwife; because its been hours and hours (including last night) and they havent gotten stronger at all, she said its likely just practice.

She sent me to go and get some Cramp Bark tincture to help "quiet the uterus", and take it until Monday. OMG that stuff is vile... but I'd really like Kyle to hold out til Monday so that he's full term and also so that I can birth at the birth center. At 34.5 weeks he was already over 6lbs (Im now 36.5) and he was doing a ton of practice breathing- everyone thinks he would be fine if he had to come now, but obviously full term would be better.

noreply@blogger.com (A Joyful Girl) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:50:00 +0000

waiting for DH to get home (DH is away!)

Its a long wait.

noreply@blogger.com (A Joyful Girl) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 18:14:00 +0000

People keep asking me if I'm ready to give birth, and I always say no- because he isnt ready to come out yet, and I'll be ready when I hit full term at 37 weeks.

The last few days have been so uncomfortable- the MW told me he literally has his butt wedged under my diaphragm and his legs/feet pushing into my ribs. I knew that already! The heartburn is horrible but manageable with zantac, but yesterday there was nothing I would do to get his out from my left rib. By the end of the day I was in so much pain- I spent a lot of time in the "cow" and "childs pose" yoga positions and sat on the birthing ball leaning forward which helped, but eventually that hurts your hips.

I cant sleep at all at night the last week- if I lay on either side the ribs on that side hurt even more, I guess just from gravity. I cant lay on my back of course (not that I can even breathe that way) and belly is obviously not an option. I was trying to sleep semi-propped on my back, but I'm trying not to recline in an effort to get him to turn.

Last night I went down stairs and started crying on DH, telling him I was getting ready for Kyle to come out! :( I'm exhausted and pained... I dont want him to come early, I just want to be 40 weeks already! (well, ideally- I'd be a day past birth lol). Just farst forward me to the part where he's born.

I think the exhaustion caught up with me though, I slept SIX straight hours last night! I couldnt believe it. I think the tiredness outdid my rib pain (although it hurt like hell when I got up) but I feel MUCH better having slept.

Birthing class starts Wednesday 6 more weeks to go...

noreply@blogger.com (A Joyful Girl) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 06:26:00 +0000

DH has been very sweet- last night he said that he was looking forward to when Kyle would grab his finger. I told him he would likely do that when he was born, and he said "I know". It was just so sweet I teared up, and told him I love him. He talks to the baby all the time- he sings him the alphabet! Ben knows how soon his little brother is coming, he knows its in the beginning of May and about how many days it is. He isnt any more excited than before- he thinks the baby is going to cry a lot at night, but is looking forward to being a big brother.

I've put on about 26lbs, its starting to pack on faster now though. Im starving all of the time! Even though I eat well, its just a lot of food. DH says not to worry about it until after Kyle is born and I've recovered from birth, so Im trying not to. I always hated when pregnant women bitched about weight gain but it is hard seeing the numbers climb (especially post ED).

We start birthing class (Bradley) next week, and we'll be meeting the midwife for the first time then (she teaches the class). We have a midwife appt wednesday, and then starting 1.5 weeks later we start going every week. Im also starting to get massages every week starting Friday which Im looking forward to, especially this week; I fell up concrete steps last week and jarred my back and shoulders and have been hurting even since. the chiro helped a ton but the muscles are still locked up. Also going to yoga twice a week although I often miss a day... but that helps too.

Off to bed, belly pic below.

noreply@blogger.com (A Joyful Girl) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:24:00 +0000

I always check on Ben before I go to sleep- I go into his room and kiss him and make sure hes breathing (yes, hes 8 and I still do this!). Last night I realized I'm going to have two little boys to check on before bed, and I was overwhelmed with gratitude and thanks to the powers that be.

I dont spend a lot of time thinking about Kyle actually being here- I know he's coming, but what he smells like, looks like, sounds like is all kind of imaginary right now. But, in ~7 weeks time I'm going to be tucking two kids into bed... theres going to be a whole other person here! The nursery that I've spent weeks getting ready, the clothes in the dresser, the little bathtub, the swing, the box of diapers, are all going to be used by someone. I've always known it in my head, but I'm starting to feel it. :)

noreply@blogger.com (A Joyful Girl) — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 17:40:00 +0000

I really hate how judgmental other moms can be of each other sometimes.

Today I was at a trial class for gymnastics with Ben. Some kid yelled at Ben, and Ben pushed him away. The teachers dealt with it, but the other kid freaked out and was crying, stomping, hitting the wall, etc. He came out to see his mother after punching the glass window and slamming the door. Mom was talking to him in German, and then the kid went back in, slamming the door even harder. I waved for Ben to come see me and he told me that he pushed the kid and why (I didnt see him)- I scolded Ben and essentially told him all the expected things when your kid doesnt keep their hands to themselves and to go apologize.

The upset kids mother went to get her baby something, and the mom next to me said "its not just you kid". I said "Oh I know kids do that sometimes- but hes too old to be pushing other kids and has to keep his hands to himself". She turns around to see if the angry kids mother is there and starts telling me how she understands German, and the other mother doesnt deal with her kid the right way and it figures he acts like that. It doesnt surprise me when mothers bash eachother... but it always catches me off guard. I just said "oh. well either way Ben cant be pushing kids" and left it at that.

I dont know what the angry kids mom said, and I dont like that she didnt give her kid hell for punching windows or slamming doors- but its not my kid! And unless your child is doing something to mine, its not my business. I dont know what this kid has going on- he might have behavioural issues theyre trying to work though- a disability, a loss in the family- either way its not my place to judge this womans parenting. You cant know what these kids have going on in their lives, or their mothers, and your particular method of parenting isnt necessarily whats best for every child. Even if I dont like it, I certainly wouldnt be bashing this stranger's parenting to other mothers (who are also strangers)- I find it judgmental and catty.

A few months ago I bumped into a mother and daughter that Ben recognized, and somehow we got to talking about another kid. The girls mother starts telling me how the other kids mother "knows all the men in our city if kwim" and how she a bartender (like thats a bad thing somehow). I dont know the girls mother (or the other kids mother) from adam- why on earth would you spread rumors like that? Its a different situation than the gym thing, but its the same judgment about other moms coming from from total strangers.

I'm sure I've been on the receiving end of that- Ben has had some serious behavioral issues before, so Im sensitive to it. I just wish mothers were more empathetic to eachother, and tried to be more understanding of where they might be coming from...

noreply@blogger.com (A Joyful Girl) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:51:00 +0000

YAY! The crib and dresser finally came. Unfortunately the crib is scuffed along one rail... Im talking with the store and the delivery people about what to do. Anyway, Im thrilled its here I still need to get a child-safe blind and put up the artwork I have a buy a few more, plus get a crib skirt. I also want to get some of the letters to spell out his name for above his crib.

Just over 8 weeks to go- Im getting excited

noreply@blogger.com (A Joyful Girl) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:27:00 +0000

So Im 31 weeks tomorrow! The crib & dresser are coming either Thursday or Friday which I'm really excited about. I just had DH move all of my office stuff out of there yesterday, so its finally ready to be finished painting (theres just the corner left where the desk was). I got a little bit of wall decor for his room (below), so this week I'll be working on the nursury.

Im having a ton of braxton hicks- about 10 in a day that I'm noticing. They are uncomfortably strong and made me nervous for labor... they dont hurt, but so do have to stop what Im doing sometimes and wait for it to pass. I dont have more than 5 in an hour, it doesnt affect my back at all, they dont get stronger or more frequent so Im not worried about it being early labor (and its been like this for over a week).

I have my first midwife appointment tomorrow (we changed from an OB) and Im excited about that. DH is in NZ so hes missing it, but hes been to all the others so he is forgiven. Other then that I've been going to prenatal yoga twice a week and shopping online- its too hard to walk around a lot, so Im ordering baby gear to the house

9 weeks to go!

noreply@blogger.com (A Joyful Girl) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 23:00:00 +0000

So, I slept on it, and decided to go with the birth center. Its a much more supportive and relaxed environment, and I wont have to fight with anyone about anything. I read up about the morbidity rates at hospital vs. birth enter and they are comparable for non-high risk births (obviously the rate is higher at the hospital since thats where high risk births happen). The infection rate at hospitals is highest vs home birth or birth center- which seems counter intuitive but with that many people (and so many sick people at that) it makes sense. I went ahead and booked my appts right up until my due date with the birth center and confirmed with insurance that its covered.

An added little bonus is that its going to cost a lot less- we pay a % of the facility fee (copay with insurance), and the birth center costs a tenth of what the hospital does. The difference in amount pays for our doula and birthing class!

I found our doula yesterday. Shes been practicing for ten years using an adapted bradley method and seems awesome. I looked her up on facebook (lol) before I called her and she seems awesome personally, so I called her up and we chatted for an hour. She also teaches birthing classes, so we're starting that with her in March.

noreply@blogger.com (A Joyful Girl) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 05:24:00 +0000

I made a batch of cupcakes for DH's work for tomorrow (I bake a lot and send stuff to work with him). I set a tray right by the back door to cool. I come back less than 10 minutes later, and 3 are missing!

It was actually kind of funny... one is totally gone- wrapper and all. The second is gone, but the wrapper has been peeled off and is fully intact. The third I found closest to the back door, just a bite out of it, the rest still there. And all 3 that were removed from the tray were from the same row, one by one.

I imagine it was a raccoon, since its hard to remove a wrapper without thumbs and I once saw one right at our back door before...part of me doesnt blame the animal for acting like an animal, and the other part of me curses the beast and hope it gets the runs!!

I did toss the remaining 9 that were untouched... I didnt feel comfortable eating food that was near a wild animal, I imagine DH's coworkers might feel the same!

noreply@blogger.com (A Joyful Girl) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:54:00 +0000

So, I went to my 28 weeks appt today (Im 28+2 today). Heartbeat was 153 and belly is measuring perfect, I put on 21lbs so far.

I told my OB that we were touring a birthing center on Monday and are considering that route. I explained what my concerns were in terms of having specific things not done to Kyle and we went through my list. She was totally open to doing vit K drops instead of shots, not doing the Hep shot, the hospital has a policy of only doing episiotomies if the baby is in distress (she said their cut rate was less than 6%), they often have the request not to do the drops in the eyes so thats ok too.

Overall she was happy to go with what I wanted- she said the hospital was well known for respecting parents wishes. I was happy to hear this and will likely hire a doula and birth there instead of the birthing center. I love my OB and feel better if godforbid there was an emergency, I just worried about the staff respecting our wishes.

She said they dont do water births but I am welcome to stay in the tub until its time to push - I dont know the details, but she said they had an infant drown at the hospital as a result of water birth. She said its very rare and wasnt trying to scare me away from it, but because of it they wont do it. I can deal with that though - I hadnt made up my mind on what I wanted anyway.

28+2 week belly pic below

noreply@blogger.com (A Joyful Girl) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 22:44:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (A Joyful Girl) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 22:50:00 +0000

I practiced yoga a few times a week for about 1-2 years but stopped awhile back, and decided pregnancy was a good motivator for getting back into it. I couldnt find a class close enough or at the right time until yesterday- the Y near me has one! Its 2 days a week, mid morning.

I went today and it was great - there are only 5 of us (only 4 showed up). Im not sure I'll make friends or not, theres a lady there I chatted with some that seems nice but Im so picky about friends... anyway the instructor is certified to teach prenatal and I think she did a great job. I'm out of shape- holy cow! Before I got married last fed I worked out a few times a week, but stopped pretty much as soon as we started TTC so its been a long time since Ive really done anything physical (well, except the TTY lol).

I actually find it really difficult to start a new class- having to talk with strangers makes me feel anxious...I even stutter mildly sometimes (which is funny because I have no trouble at all talking AT people for presentations or trainings, even for huge groups). I almost didnt go today, but Im glad I did.

Anyway, I'll go back- after todays class I came home and slept for 2.5 hours! Dh woke up my at 5am when he got home from work, so I'll blame that

noreply@blogger.com (A Joyful Girl) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 20:07:00 +0000

I'm almost 27 weeks, which Im really excited about. Survival rates seem to jump for preemies after 28 weeks, so even though Im not high-risk for preterm labor I will feel a lot better when I hit that mark.

We're starting to get ready for Kyle to be here- I'm getting the essentials in case he comes early; we have the stroller, car seat, pack n play (with bassinet- he can sleep in there), some bottles (even though Im breastfeeding, just in case), a bunch of clothes, some crib sheets, pacifiers, bath wash/tub insert, a sling, a bumbo (not necessary at all, or even needed for months, but I got a good price on it)... We ordered the crib and dresser, the mobile/lamp, valance is here already, change pad is on its way. I forgot how much stuff babies need! Love all the shopping though

We still havent settled on a middle name, but we're thinking Forrest. I know not everyone will like it but I dont really care- its a middle name, and we like it lol. we like Jacob too, but its just too biblical for me. Its likely either Forrest or Nathan... Im not worrying too much about it.

I've also decided (well, almost 100% sure) that I'm going to switch from an ob/hospital birth to a birthing center. I have a consult with the birthing center and midwife on the 16th, and as long as I feel comfortable with the people and setting Im going to go for it. Im terrified of commiting to a natual birth, but I just dont feel like the traditional hospital birth is whats best for me or Kyle.

anyway- belly pics below- Im 26+5 today

noreply@blogger.com (A Joyful Girl) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 19:05:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (A Joyful Girl) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:59:00 +0000

Ok, well I found a crib and dresser that I feel confident will hold up over the years. Its made by Young America (made by Stanley) and its solid maple! Its freaking expensive, but I negotiated with DH that instead of the crib+dresser+change table that I would just get the crib and dresser and this way it still fits into our budget. The dresser is big enough I can put a pad on that and change him there. Kyle's room isnt very big, so I dont mind not cramming in the extra piece of furniture. The change table is only 4 drawers, and Im not prone to changing babies on their tables every time anyway!

noreply@blogger.com (A Joyful Girl) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:11:00 +0000

im so freaking upset- I went to put together the crib and it has scratches in a bunch of places. The dresser had one or two, but now im saying f-it and returning them both (what the point if of keeping it if they dont match!). Amazon is sending UPS to come and get it... now i have to put all the pieces back in the box and take apart the dresser and get that in the box!

AND now I have to find a new crib/dresser/change table

*sniff*

noreply@blogger.com (A Joyful Girl) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 20:37:00 +0000

Ive been looking for weeks for a crib/table/dresser set I want... Im going to settle. If I get what I really want its going to be like 2,000 and since we're getting a van and recovering from the vet bill I just dont want to spend it.

Anyway, this is what I picked- Im going to go and see it in person before I order it but its gotten great reviews from people online. I want to make sure its not a yellow colour (the dresser pic looks more yellow than the crib and table, although its the same set and same colour when you select it).

noreply@blogger.com (A Joyful Girl) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:32:00 +0000

I decided Bens room looked a little dumpy- I painted it last year but but the colour is a little dark so Im thinking I will do it again (with VOC-free paint...).

I bought him this dresser yesterday (below) should come next week- his current one has bob the builder stickers on it and is literally falling apart! It really looks trashy... Im thinking with this new one I will replace the knobs to match the new curtain rod (brushed nickel)

I also got him these curtains- his old ones are too dark and too long. I tried hemming them last night and I totally screwed them up! Now his room looks worse!! So I found these on sale... I think they will match his room well- his room is ocean theemed I though they were kindof wavy and watery looking. :) I got a matching valance which Im hoping will look really nice compared to what he has now... OH and I of course had to get a new double rod set so I could hang the valance- its brushed nickle which will be brighter than the black one he has now that came with the house.

I could get a photo to post, but if you click on it you can see the colour and zoom in for the pattern. I love the pattern better :)

http://www2.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6E.aspx?ItemID=1502d32&GrpTyp=ENS&catid=0&deptid=0&CmCatId=searchresults

DH was annoyed that I spent the money given we're recovering from the dog being sick and Christmas... I explaied though that a) theyre on clearance and b) I ahd a 20% off code- I wouldnt have paid that price later on.

noreply@blogger.com (A Joyful Girl) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 01:16:00 +0000

I just bought this blanket for Kyle- the bedding and pack n play all have brown & blue with either circles or polka dots. I LOVE rag quilts

Cant wait for it to get here. It comes with the pillow too! Had to fight for it... it cost 56$, but its handmade which I love and I couldnt find anything like it elsewhere