Maternity Pics

Mandy from MLP took some amazing maternity pictures a couple of weeks ago.  check them out!  here is one of my faves. 

It always amazes me when I see the finished product of the photographs Mandy takes.  She truly is gifted--I'm so lucky to have her as a friend--for much more than just the pictures of course!  They are, however, a wonderful bonus :)

38 weeks

We are getting very excited to welcome baby Olivia into our lives on the outside!  In just 2 weeks, give or take, our lives are going to be forever changed by a tiny little person.  She is going to grow and grow, but she will start out tiny (at least Mommy hopes). 

I have set up a bassinette next to my side of the bed, I've been making diapers like crazy, I have my birth bins all set to go--dare I say we are ready?  Only a few things left to do--I want to finish up a couple of diaper covers and we need to get the infant seat installed in the car. 

As far as birth preparations go, I still need to figure out how to attach the hose to the sink to fill the birth tub, but other than that I think we are good to go.  I have an 'emergency birth kit' prepared just in case things happen too quickly and no one can get here in time--and since I'm all prepared for that I'm sure labor will putter in and out just as it did for Staci--giving me plenty of time to cook and clean and prepare. 

I think Staci is starting to come around to the idea of there being another baby in the house.  She pulled out my shirt and looked down at my chest, pointed and said, "milk" the other day.  I was so shocked, but yes Staci that is where milk comes from and that's what the new baby is going to eat!  She just looked at me and nodded.  She astounds me with her level of perception. 

Dear Olivia,
  We absolutely cannot wait to meet you!  I'm so excited for your birth, to sniff your tiny head and cover it with kisses.  I want to introduce you to your daddy and your big sister, I know you will love them just as much as I do. 

I've dreamt about you, felt you in my arms and it was SO real. but I am not the only one who has been dreaming about you and your birth.  Myself, your daddy, 3 of my friends AND our midwife have all dreamt about your birth.  There are a lot of people anticipating your arrival.  You are already so loved here, and that love is only going to grow once you arrive. 

I keep forming tiny baby faces in my mind, and it's hard to imagine having a baby that doesn't look like your sister.  It's going to be so amazing to see what you look like--and to see how your personality is different.  We love you dear Olivia and we can't wait to meet you--so please come out soon!

Fun with Staci

Just wanted to share b/c I think my kid is so cute :)

Looking back and planning ahead

Today marks 31 weeks pregnant, and my biggest area of focus right now is preparing for labor and delivery.  This is my second time around, and my goal is that it goes at least as well (and hopefully much better) than my first labor and delivery.  It is an amazing, almost out of body experience--at least it was for me.  Those of you that know me well (and probably even if you don't know me that well!) know that I am a huge supporter of natural labor.  In a normal, healthy pregnancy, it is my belief that it's best to allow things to progress as nature intended.  Luckily, I was successful in a natural labor and delivery with my first baby.  Almost every mom I talked to, excluding my own, basically told me I wouldn't be able to do it. But I did.  It wasn't easy, but it was something that was very important to me, and I was lucky that things progressed the way they did in order to allow it to happen. 

As I look back on Staci's birth, there are things I know I want to be different.  I don't want to have to sign 874 pieces of paper during hard labor.  In fact, it's actually illegal to ask a woman in labor to sign anything within a certain distance from a hospital.  And yet hospitals still do it.  I'm pretty sure I would have signed away my baby for all the reading I was able to do in that state.  I don't want a HEP-lock inserted into my wrist during a contraction while another nurse holds me down.  I don't want a nurse so unsupportive of natural labor she refuses to acknowledge simple requests, like keeping the lights off and being quiet during contractions.  I don't want to be 'checked' when I say no.  There is no reason to check until I am ready to push, and shoving your hand where the sun don't shine is still not ok even if I'm in labor.  I definitely don't want 15 people to waltz into the room as the baby is crowning to watch the freak show.  I literally was thinking to myself, 'perhaps I should apologize for not keeping my nether regions a bit more, well, kept?'  I really shouldn't have to worry about that as I prepare to push a baby out, should I?  And finally, I don't want a support staff so unfamiliar with the natural progression of labor that my doctor is literally MIA and barely makes it in time to catch the baby. 

As the hospital bills started to roll in, I felt angry.  We chose to have our birth in the hospital 'just in case' anything went wrong.  And I fully understand the reasoning behind that--but I can honestly say in MY situation--a healthy baby and a healthy mommy--the chances of anything going wrong are very, very slim.  Nonetheless, it was my first go and I don't regret my choice one bit.  But, it was angering to pay so much money when I felt I did not get the kind of care I SHOULD have received for that kind of price.  Seriously, if I am paying someone $800 (and that doesn't include what our insurance paid out) to waltz in and catch the baby at the last second, what have I really paid them for?  Literally, anyone could have caught her.  I could have reached down and grabbed her myself.  and saved $800! and that was only for the OB.  I think by the time all was said and done, we spent well over 2k, even with the help of our insurance.  I felt cheated.  I felt mistreated.  I was angry. 

After much research, and considering my and Olivia's healthy disposition, we have chosen to strive for a homebirth this time around.  (GASP, I know)  Before you go lecturing me on how unsafe it is, I encourage you to do your own research.  I have found surprising information confirming that for healthy babies and healthy pregnancies, it is equally as safe as a hospital birth.  If we do need to transfer to a hospital, I live just 10 minutes away.  The chances of something going wrong where we couldn't get to the hospital in time are very, very slim.  Especially since this is our second baby, and second babies generally come a bit easier than first babies.  Also, to put your mind at ease, if anything feels hinky I will not wait to transfer. 

A good overview of statistics found by a recent study in the US can be found here. 
Another overview of studies done on homebirth around the globe can be found here. 

All of that said, as long as I and Olivia stay healthy, a homebirth is ideal for us.  But in no way do I think everyone should have or want a homebirth, nor is it appropriate in many situations.  Please send healthy, happy, and easy birthing vibes our way!  64 days and counting...give or take ;)

8 thoughts on Christmas cards and a tip

Just some giggles as I address, stamp and stuff...

1) My thumb has been asleep now for 2 days
2) I don't know why it makes me giggle to send something to the Raymonts from the Raymonts, but it does
3) It occurs to me I never get as many as I send, but that's ok. I love sending them (even though I can't feel my thumb--it's all about the sacrifice. er whatever)
4) I wish I had the time and the money to send a better card, one with a personalized message or at least an update on what's new with us.  This year it's just a quote from Dr. Seuss.  That's all ya get peeps.
5) It feels really funny to type when you can't feel your thumb
6) I'm thrilled I made it through without addressing any upside-down.  at least I don't think.
7) I love our picture for the card more than words can express.  Thank you MLP!
8) Addressing, stamping and stuffing is way more fun with wine. I really missed it this year.

Quick tip: instead of licking all those envelopes, use a damp sponge.  keep a small bowl of water nearby to re-moisten as needed.  so much faster! (and less icky)

PSA: Watch Your Mouth

What a lovely weekend it has been!  Got to go out with my husband last night to a fun Christmas party while my mom watched Staci.  This morning we had homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast, and then I got to go to Costco with my mom toddler-free!  I forgot how fun and easy shopping is when you're not wrangling a VERY busy toddler.  *sigh* 

The trip to Costco was enjoyable, we walked up and down almost every aisle just browsing and checked out all the toys and books for kids.  And then one of the demo ladies (who was not very slim herself to say the least) handing out pita chips and hummus should really have just kept her mouth shut.  Our conversation went something like this:

Her: OH, when are you due?
Me: March 7th
Her: OOOH, you still have a WHILE then (looking quite surprised, then looks down at my stomach again) it's a boy then?
Me: no, it's a girl
Her: Oh, you're carrying SO low! Is the baby measuring big? You are SO big already!
Me: No, baby is measuring right on track.
Her: Oh, your uterus must just be all out front like a basketball then (eyes wide in disbelief)
Me: yeah, my midwife did say my uterus is right out front... (walking away, wondering wtf just happened)

Which brings me to my PSA for you all.  In case you haven't noticed, pregnant women do not need to hear how big we're getting.  We already know.  Intimately.  I also do not want to have conversations with people I've never met about the placement of my uterus on my body.  The only things that are appropriate to say to ANY pregnant woman, no matter HOW big she is, is something along the lines of, "Wow, you are glowing. You look absolutely beautiful and your belly is so cute!"  Anything that strays even slightly from this statement is really not ok.  Also, if I have never met you, it isn't cool to ask me where or how I plan to deliver, whether or not I plan to breastfeed, or to say things like, "oh it's your second? and your first is HOW old?  WOW, (widening eyes) YOU are going to be BUSY".  So please, watch your mouth.

26 week belly comparison and a name

26 weeks pregnant with Staci

26 weeks pregnant with Olivia



It's kind of hard to tell, but I am pretty sure my belly is rounder this time around, and sticking out a bit further. I wonder if this baby is going to be much bigger than Staci was.  I expect her to be bigger, but the question is how MUCH? :) Anyone want to take a guess on her weight at birth? I'm guessing 7lbs8oz.  Staci was 6lbs2oz if that gives you any idea. What do you think?

Also, we have chosen a name.  Max says we can still change our minds, but I'm pretty set on it ;) Olivia Charlotte. <3