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 ;)

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

18 weeks, 22 more to go!



17 weeks 3 days



Finally, a month into the second trimester, I am over the nausea.  I have a small hint of it every now and again, but by and large I am feeling better.  This baby is strong--I started feeling him or her at 13 weeks and I swear I felt quivers even before that.  Max was even able to feel the baby at 17 weeks, 3 days.  I am starting to notice braxton hicks contractions, but they are very mild and I know they are nothing to worry about.  They started around this time when I was pregnant with Staci, too.  So far, I've gained 10lbs which isn't too bad. 

 Hello baby number TWO! I am in awe of your existance, to be quite honest. I was shocked, to say the least, when I found out you had set up shop in my belly and planned on staying for quite some time. I am thrilled to have you on board. I often catch myself wondering what you're going to be like; if you'll be a good sleeper much unlike your big sister, if you'll have the same dimples she got, or the infectious giggle. I wonder who you'll look more like, your father or me. Will you love to dance like your mom and sister?


Your mommy wants you to know how much she already loves you, and how much she's looking forward to introducing you to your totally awesome super cool Daddy and rambunctious big sister. I know they are going to have the same kind of awe and love for you I already have. Stay well in there little one, I'll meet you in 22 weeks!

kick, kick, kick

Today I am 15 weeks and 3 days pregnant. The whole first trimester flew by, even with the crazy hard core nausea and fatigue.  I am feeling much better these days--especially now that I'm feeling some kicks! I even felt a couple from the outside for the first time tonight.  I called Max downstairs and of course the baby got shy.  It is still early, but it sure would be fun to 'share' the kicks with Max!

I haven't gotten around to taking any belly shots yet, but that needs to happen soon as the bump is beginning to grow beyond leftover Staci and into New Baby territory.  I've been in maternity clothes for a month already.  CrazyTown.

kick, kick, kick... kick kick kick... ;)

Wordless Wednesday

I haven't shared this pic yet, so here is the perfect opportunity as I'm still having a bit of trouble believing it myself.  These are the 3 positive tests I got the day I found out I was pregnant.  I sorta thought the first one was a fluke!  Now that the nausea is mostly gone (Thank GOD!), I'm starting to feel less tired, and at 13 weeks I'm not feeling much movement... it is still hard for me to believe! I mean, I know I'm pregnant, but I think it is still sinking in!

Big News

Everyone who frequents this blog already knows, and Max and I are looking for a fun way to tell long distance family. so, here it is!

No one was more shocked than me to see that line pop up on the pregnancy test! I tested because I was planning on drinking wine that evening, and since my cycles hadn't become regular yet (in fact, I only had one) I figured it was a good precautionery measure.  I was so surprised I walked out to tell Max, and couldn't utter a word.  I ended up just handing him the pregnancy test.  He jumped up and hugged me, and I just started giggling.  With everything we went through to get pregnant with Staci, I did not think there was any chance we would ever have a surprise pregnancy.  Obviously, I was wrong! 

I did have a little bit of spotting a few days after the positive test and went into the doctor for some bloodwork to see what my levels were doing.  the first level came back at 156, and the second was 397.  It more than doubled in 48 hours which is fantastic, and faster than the doubling time from when I was pregnant with Staci.  

We went for an ultrasound on Wednesday, 7/14 and I was measuring 6 weeks and 2 days pregnant, so exactly where I thought I was.  we got to see the heartbeat and even got to hear it for a little bit.  The heart was beating at 120 beats per minute, which is just about perfect for how far along I am.  I think the heart rate will go up over the next couple of weeks. If it stays low, I will be thinking boy!

In the ultrasound above, the baby is on the right and the yolk sac is on the left. 

So far, I have been feeling pretty nauseous for about a week.  I ordered some psi bands and got them today, they seem to be helping a little.  Basically, they put pressure on an accupressure point that is supposed to disrupt your nervous system's recognition of nausea.  I'm glad to be feeling some relief!  When I was pregnant with Staci I used the b-natal therapops and those worked well, despite the icky too sweet flavor of the cherry I had.  This time I got the green apple flavor but they are still too sweet and not all that effective with this pregnancy--which is unfortunate.

Other than nausea, I have been outrageously hungry and it seems if I am not shoving food in my mouth I'm nauseated.  So, I might be gaining a lot more weight with this baby--I'm hoping I don't! I am also exhausted.  Pregnant and breastfeeding my 15 month old is really wearing me out.  yawn.

Although there are some unpleasant symptoms, I am so thrilled to be expecting again!!  My babies will be about 23 months apart, which is how far apart my brother and I are. I think it will be perfect.  I can't wait to find out of this is a boy or a girl!

I won't be sharing this on facebook for a while, so please no comments there quite yet.  But most people that read this blog already know, and the ones that don't are family so we decided to go for it! ;)