So the most exciting thing that has happened recently is that I have officially reserved a spot at The Midwife Group and Birth Center in Savannah. After doing some research and watching many birth videos on YouTube, I have come to the conclusion that delivering my baby in a birthing center is definitely my preference. Basically this means that I will deliver my baby naturally in the birthing center with the help of certified Nurse Midwives as an alternative to high tech and interventive birth practices that could occur in a hospital. After talking to a midwife on the phone and reading the information on the website, I have learned that I relate to all of the philosophies about pregnancy and birth that the Birth Center follows: (I copied the ones about birth from the website)
* Labor should begin on its own.
* Laboring women should be free to move throughout labor.
* Laboring women should have continuous support from others throughout labor.
* There should be no routine interventions during labor and birth.
* Women should not give birth on their backs.
* Mothers and babies should not be separated after birth and should have unlimited opportunity for breast feeding.
The midwife told me that at 36 weeks I will write a “birth plan”. In the birth plan I will specify what I want to happen during my labor and birth. I have been researching water births and I think it’s the option I am leaning most towards at the moment. Birthing in water seems so natural, soothing, and comforting. In the videos I have watched, the water births seem to be an almost completely different experience then birthing laying down in a hospital bed. In the birth plan I will also indicate things like who I want supporting me during labor and what role they will play, music I want playing and even the scent of candles I want burning. The entire birth experience is made completely personal and I will have so much freedom to make the experience whatever I want it to be. I am so thrilled that I am going to be able to deliver at the center and am very anxious to become a patient there and get things moving! Oh and in case you were wondering, in the chance of an emergency, the center has everything set in place in case something was to happen.
I have one last appointment at the OB/GYN that I have been seeing up here and then I will be transferring all of my records to the birthing center. I am going to attend an open house on Sunday May 17th and I have my first appointment on June 2nd. Yesterday I had to go to a lab to complete my 1 hour gestational diabetes test. I had to drink this sugary orange drink in 5 minutes and then had to wait an hour for them to test my blood sugar level. Hopefully the test will come back negative!!
I hope everyone is doing well and getting excited about the approaching summer!! Love you guys! ☺
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
24 weeks tomorrow! 3rd trimester!!
Ok so let me start this blog off by saying that I am pretty sure I have a future soccer player growing in my belly. Everyday I become more amazed at the new sensations and movements my baby is creating in my body. I have felt kicks, punches, and what feels like summersaults going on. I’ve been telling people that if movement in the womb dictates what type of personality the baby will have, this is going to be one hyper child! The baby seems to become most active at night when I am sleeping or laying down and when either Kyle or I have a hand on my stomach. The most uncomfortable feeling has been when the baby has put pressure on my bladder and caused a sudden and strong urge for me to pee. I don’t know if I just haven’t talked to many pregnant woman or if its just something you have to experience yourself until you can fully understand it, but I never imagined it would feel like this. I never imagined how frequently or how strong the movements the baby created in my belly would be. I love when I am reminded of my baby’s presence throughout the day and it never ceases to bring a smile to my face. It’s a special bond that I know I will miss once the baby is born!
Has anyone ever noticed a lack of cute and affordable maternity clothes?? I have yet to purchase any new maternity items (well, excluding two new sports bras) and it is starting to become a problem. You would think that with the MANY added expenses of a new baby the last thing a pregnant woman would have to worry about spending money on would be maternity clothes right??? WRONG! Motherhood Maternity did not have a single pair of cute pants or shorts for less then 40 dollars!! That may not seem like a lot to some, but I am really cheap and have always been an extreme bargain shopper. I just cannot justify spending hundreds of dollars on clothes I am going to wear for 3 months and I am really disheartened by the fact that there seems to be no available maternity clothes for a person on a budget. I figured Target would have some cute clothes for sure, but all of their maternity clothes were either ugly, too Grandma (no offense Mom ☺), or seemingly not even made for a woman’s body. Sorry if I am ranting and raving, it just makes me angry and it is becoming very annoying unbuttoning my pants every time I sit down. I may be going to the outlets on Hilton Head this weekend and my Mom says they have awesome deals at a maternity store up there so hopefully I will have some luck!
So we finally did our registry at Babies R Us this past Friday. We were there for 3 ½ hours and didn’t even finish everything! It was funny because when we started we gave serious thought about each item we scanned but by the end we were scanning everything and anything that seemed useful or appealing. I have started to realize how much stuff a little 7-pound baby needs!! I never realized how many types of bottles, pacifiers, strollers, cribs, breast pumps, monitors, etc. there are!!! Everything requires a decision because there are 100 brands out there that are all offering you the exact same thing. It was both fun and difficult but definitely a memorable experience. My baby shower up here in Kennesaw that Ashley G., Jessie, and Ashley C. are planning for me is going to be Sunday May 3rd. Its going to include people from up here so if you didn’t get an invite then you will get one to my shower that will be held in Savannah. If I somehow forgot you or you would rather come to this one just let me know and it won’t be a problem at all!
I am going to have Kyle put up my recent pictures today. I have really grown the last few weeks and I cannot believe how big my belly is!! People in public are starting to ask me questions like “Is this your first baby?” or “Is it a boy or a girl?” and I love it. I’ve known I was pregnant for 5 months and its nice now that the rest of the world can tell too. ☺
Has anyone ever noticed a lack of cute and affordable maternity clothes?? I have yet to purchase any new maternity items (well, excluding two new sports bras) and it is starting to become a problem. You would think that with the MANY added expenses of a new baby the last thing a pregnant woman would have to worry about spending money on would be maternity clothes right??? WRONG! Motherhood Maternity did not have a single pair of cute pants or shorts for less then 40 dollars!! That may not seem like a lot to some, but I am really cheap and have always been an extreme bargain shopper. I just cannot justify spending hundreds of dollars on clothes I am going to wear for 3 months and I am really disheartened by the fact that there seems to be no available maternity clothes for a person on a budget. I figured Target would have some cute clothes for sure, but all of their maternity clothes were either ugly, too Grandma (no offense Mom ☺), or seemingly not even made for a woman’s body. Sorry if I am ranting and raving, it just makes me angry and it is becoming very annoying unbuttoning my pants every time I sit down. I may be going to the outlets on Hilton Head this weekend and my Mom says they have awesome deals at a maternity store up there so hopefully I will have some luck!
So we finally did our registry at Babies R Us this past Friday. We were there for 3 ½ hours and didn’t even finish everything! It was funny because when we started we gave serious thought about each item we scanned but by the end we were scanning everything and anything that seemed useful or appealing. I have started to realize how much stuff a little 7-pound baby needs!! I never realized how many types of bottles, pacifiers, strollers, cribs, breast pumps, monitors, etc. there are!!! Everything requires a decision because there are 100 brands out there that are all offering you the exact same thing. It was both fun and difficult but definitely a memorable experience. My baby shower up here in Kennesaw that Ashley G., Jessie, and Ashley C. are planning for me is going to be Sunday May 3rd. Its going to include people from up here so if you didn’t get an invite then you will get one to my shower that will be held in Savannah. If I somehow forgot you or you would rather come to this one just let me know and it won’t be a problem at all!
I am going to have Kyle put up my recent pictures today. I have really grown the last few weeks and I cannot believe how big my belly is!! People in public are starting to ask me questions like “Is this your first baby?” or “Is it a boy or a girl?” and I love it. I’ve known I was pregnant for 5 months and its nice now that the rest of the world can tell too. ☺
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
21 Weeks 6 Days
So I think its about time for another blog entry. I hope that everyone has had an opportunity to watch the ultrasound videos and look at the pictures we put up of our new stroller. The stroller is very cute and in my opinion the best one they had at BABYS R US. My parents had gotten me a stroller for Christmas from Target but I wanted to look around to make sure it was what we wanted. I was glad I waited because they had a much better selection at BABYS R US and the one we got is awesome! It really is the only purchase we have made for the baby thus far and it was very exciting. For all those that have been asking, we are going to do a registry at BABYS R US for sure and possibly at target as well. We will be doing that within the next week or so.
I am now more then halfway through my pregnancy and feel like I have accomplished something! I have been feeling great (minus the back issues I have been experiencing) and am so happy to be relieved of my “morning” sickness. Although those of you that were around me know that the sickness lasted all day and did not just happen in the morning. I am also glad that I can eat somewhat normally again and do not have some kind of aversion to every other thing I try to eat. The only food that I crave on a daily basis is sweets and that happened before I was pregnant anyway. I have yet to have any strange or disgusting pregnancy cravings, but I guess we’ll see. I have been trying to exercise regularly which ends up being about every other day. Up to this point I have continued to run, but have recently begun having pain/pressure in my feet when I run which is really uncomfortable. I can only really handle running for a while then walking. I think it is important for me to maintain some type of exercise regime to stay as healthy as possible. I’ve read that working out throughout pregnancy can only help with the labor so the more the better.
My next appointment is Wednesday April 1st. This appointment will probably be the last one up here in Kennesaw because I will be transferring to a doctor in Savannah, which is where I will be having the baby. Thanks everyone for the comments!! Kyle and I both enjoy reading them and appreciate everyone’s love and support! ☺ ☺
I am now more then halfway through my pregnancy and feel like I have accomplished something! I have been feeling great (minus the back issues I have been experiencing) and am so happy to be relieved of my “morning” sickness. Although those of you that were around me know that the sickness lasted all day and did not just happen in the morning. I am also glad that I can eat somewhat normally again and do not have some kind of aversion to every other thing I try to eat. The only food that I crave on a daily basis is sweets and that happened before I was pregnant anyway. I have yet to have any strange or disgusting pregnancy cravings, but I guess we’ll see. I have been trying to exercise regularly which ends up being about every other day. Up to this point I have continued to run, but have recently begun having pain/pressure in my feet when I run which is really uncomfortable. I can only really handle running for a while then walking. I think it is important for me to maintain some type of exercise regime to stay as healthy as possible. I’ve read that working out throughout pregnancy can only help with the labor so the more the better.
My next appointment is Wednesday April 1st. This appointment will probably be the last one up here in Kennesaw because I will be transferring to a doctor in Savannah, which is where I will be having the baby. Thanks everyone for the comments!! Kyle and I both enjoy reading them and appreciate everyone’s love and support! ☺ ☺
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
19 Weeks - The Ultrasound
We went to the doctor for a sonogram earlier this week and got to see the baby for the second time. The first time was at our first appointment when we got to see the baby at seven weeks. What a big difference! It really looks like a baby now. The midwife told us that everything looked healthy and on track. They measure several different parts like the skull diameter and the femur length to judge the development. The average was around 20 weeks, which is a little ahead of where it should be, but that's no problem.
We could have found out the sex, but we decided not to. We both think it will be more fun that way. Everyone was looking for evidence but no one saw anything for sure. Brandie thought she saw the "area" and there was nothing there, but Ashley thought she saw some boy parts. I didn't see any evidence either way. Guess we will just have to wait!
I'll post the videos of the for you guys to watch. Thanks to Jessie for taping. There is a great shot of the little feet in there. Unfortunately, we didn't get a picture of them, but it's really cute.
That's all for now, check out the videos and I posted the pictures from the first ultrasound as well.
We could have found out the sex, but we decided not to. We both think it will be more fun that way. Everyone was looking for evidence but no one saw anything for sure. Brandie thought she saw the "area" and there was nothing there, but Ashley thought she saw some boy parts. I didn't see any evidence either way. Guess we will just have to wait!
I'll post the videos of the for you guys to watch. Thanks to Jessie for taping. There is a great shot of the little feet in there. Unfortunately, we didn't get a picture of them, but it's really cute.
That's all for now, check out the videos and I posted the pictures from the first ultrasound as well.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Ultrasound!
We went to the doctor today for the sonogram! There are some pictures here. More to come later about the entire experience (and possibly some of the video we took), but in the meantime enjoy the pictures!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Hello Everyone! 18 weeks 4 days...
So I was thinking about how hard it is to keep everyone up to date and aware of what is new and changing with Kyle and me. I am always wishing I could tell everyone about everything new that happens, but it is very hard with all of our busy schedules! So…I decided that it would be fun and helpful to write a weekly (or bi-weekly) blog updating everyone on any new changes, thoughts, or occurrences. This is such an exciting and eventful time in our lives and I want to be able to share it with my friends and family. Also, I think there is probably some way that people can post questions if you are wondering anything, which seems easier then having to call…Kyle will have to help me with that. ☺
Today is Sunday March 1, 2009 so I am exactly 18 weeks and 4 days pregnant and am now in my 19th week! I think everyday someone asks me that question so hopefully this blog will help to keep things on track. Time has flown by up to this point and I cannot believe that I am going to be in my 20’s weeks soon!! It’s exciting but kind of scary at the same time just because everything is happening so fast. I remember back in November when I first found out that I was pregnant and thinking that (1) it would be forever before I was in my second or third trimesters and (2) by 18 weeks I was going to be huge! Both of those things have been proven untrue. I am now halfway through my second trimester and my belly is obviously bigger, but certainly not huge (thank god! haha). Now don’t get me wrong, I am so excited to get my baby belly, but figure that I have 5 months until my due date (which is July 30, 2009 for those who don’t know) so I don’t want to be getting big too quickly!
So I would say that pretty much everyone knows that I am pregnant now. I am sure that news has traveled fast through Richmond Hill and by now anyone who knows either Kyle or me has found out from someone. This week I told a lot of people at work and a few more friends up here in Kennesaw. Kyle also told a few more of his friends. It’s a nice feeling to know that now I can talk about it openly with anyone anywhere! I am still glad that we waited until this point to make it totally public though. I now feel that Kyle and I have had enough time to accept and embrace our growing baby and I know everything is healthy and well with my pregnancy. I am glad that we had time to figure everything out ourselves before the whole world found out. I know that a lot of people had a hard time understanding my strong feelings about this, but I just had to remember that it is my pregnancy, my body, and my feelings and looking back I am so glad that we did it this way.
Everyone also keeps asking me if I have “felt” the baby yet. I have not yet felt the flutters or movements that I think most people are asking me about. I have though begun to notice and feel the presence of my growing uterus. I think I have about 3 pairs of jeans that I feel comfortable wearing and most of my shirts make me feel fat. Kyle hates it when I say that because he says I am pregnant not fat, but I feel like I am in this in between stage where I don’t necessarily look pregnant but I definitely have a pooch. It doesn’t bother me too much, but I am realizing that I really am going to have to get more clothes that I feel comfortable and cute in. I cannot wait to feel the baby and I have been reading that it should start happening any day. I am so excited for my appointment next Wednesday (3-4-09) because I am going to get my sonogram!!! I cannot wait until I can hear the heartbeat again and see how much our baby has grown and what it looks like now! I am sooooooo excited!!! ☺ ☺ We could find out the sex, but we have decided that we are going to let it remain a mystery. I know most people want to know but I think it will be (1) something to look forward to and a motivation for me (2) fun hearing everyone’s predictions (3) it would be like peaking at presents before Christmas! Sorry for anyone who wants to know!! ☺ We’re probably going to get some kind of poll going at some point so start thinking about it.
Another question that I keep getting is whether Kyle and I have any names picked out yet. Honestly, I don’t think either of us have had any serious thoughts about any of the names we’ve thought of. For a girl we both liked the name Iris but almost everyone I talked to didn’t like it so that one is probably out the window. I also liked the name Cambria but I am thinking that Cambria Finnegan would be too long of a name. We have yet to think of any boy names. I am open to suggestions from anyone so if you have any ideas let us know!!! We are looking for a name that is unique, strong, and that sounds good with the last name Finnegan.
I think I have probably written enough for now, but keep checking for new posts!
Today is Sunday March 1, 2009 so I am exactly 18 weeks and 4 days pregnant and am now in my 19th week! I think everyday someone asks me that question so hopefully this blog will help to keep things on track. Time has flown by up to this point and I cannot believe that I am going to be in my 20’s weeks soon!! It’s exciting but kind of scary at the same time just because everything is happening so fast. I remember back in November when I first found out that I was pregnant and thinking that (1) it would be forever before I was in my second or third trimesters and (2) by 18 weeks I was going to be huge! Both of those things have been proven untrue. I am now halfway through my second trimester and my belly is obviously bigger, but certainly not huge (thank god! haha). Now don’t get me wrong, I am so excited to get my baby belly, but figure that I have 5 months until my due date (which is July 30, 2009 for those who don’t know) so I don’t want to be getting big too quickly!
So I would say that pretty much everyone knows that I am pregnant now. I am sure that news has traveled fast through Richmond Hill and by now anyone who knows either Kyle or me has found out from someone. This week I told a lot of people at work and a few more friends up here in Kennesaw. Kyle also told a few more of his friends. It’s a nice feeling to know that now I can talk about it openly with anyone anywhere! I am still glad that we waited until this point to make it totally public though. I now feel that Kyle and I have had enough time to accept and embrace our growing baby and I know everything is healthy and well with my pregnancy. I am glad that we had time to figure everything out ourselves before the whole world found out. I know that a lot of people had a hard time understanding my strong feelings about this, but I just had to remember that it is my pregnancy, my body, and my feelings and looking back I am so glad that we did it this way.
Everyone also keeps asking me if I have “felt” the baby yet. I have not yet felt the flutters or movements that I think most people are asking me about. I have though begun to notice and feel the presence of my growing uterus. I think I have about 3 pairs of jeans that I feel comfortable wearing and most of my shirts make me feel fat. Kyle hates it when I say that because he says I am pregnant not fat, but I feel like I am in this in between stage where I don’t necessarily look pregnant but I definitely have a pooch. It doesn’t bother me too much, but I am realizing that I really am going to have to get more clothes that I feel comfortable and cute in. I cannot wait to feel the baby and I have been reading that it should start happening any day. I am so excited for my appointment next Wednesday (3-4-09) because I am going to get my sonogram!!! I cannot wait until I can hear the heartbeat again and see how much our baby has grown and what it looks like now! I am sooooooo excited!!! ☺ ☺ We could find out the sex, but we have decided that we are going to let it remain a mystery. I know most people want to know but I think it will be (1) something to look forward to and a motivation for me (2) fun hearing everyone’s predictions (3) it would be like peaking at presents before Christmas! Sorry for anyone who wants to know!! ☺ We’re probably going to get some kind of poll going at some point so start thinking about it.
Another question that I keep getting is whether Kyle and I have any names picked out yet. Honestly, I don’t think either of us have had any serious thoughts about any of the names we’ve thought of. For a girl we both liked the name Iris but almost everyone I talked to didn’t like it so that one is probably out the window. I also liked the name Cambria but I am thinking that Cambria Finnegan would be too long of a name. We have yet to think of any boy names. I am open to suggestions from anyone so if you have any ideas let us know!!! We are looking for a name that is unique, strong, and that sounds good with the last name Finnegan.
I think I have probably written enough for now, but keep checking for new posts!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
