Doula Labor Support (Week 35)

Before my pregnancy I wasn't familiar with the term "Doula". After hearing the term repeatedly through books, websites and prenatal classes, we decided to look into it. At first I was a bit skeptical as to whether hiring a doula would be right for me. I have thought about having a child and giving birth my whole life. I never imagined it to include a support person that I didn't know.

A doula is a person that you hire to be there throughout labor and delivery. She will come to the house at the onset of labor and continue with us to the hospital when the time is right. Through her knowledge and experience, she supports the laboring mother and her partner to help ensure a positive birth experience. She provides emotional support through encouragement, patience and her knowlege of the laboring and birthing process. She provides physical support through massage, use of various relaxation techniques and suggests progressive labor and delivery positions to help ease discomfort. Should complications arise, she ensures we have a good understanding of our options and the information presented to us. She helps in overseeing that our birth plan is followed when appropriate.

After meeting with our Doula, Liz, and learing more about the process and the support she will provide not only for me, but for Dave, I am looking forward to the birth of our son, with less fear of the unknown.

Baby Shower (Week 34)

We feel very fortunate to have such supportive friends and family. The baby showers at both the Mahoney's and at the Tachibana's were wonderful. We feel so grateful for everyone's generosity. I was not expecting to be so prepared for our little one's arrival. We have been washing and sorting all the cute clothes, hats, socks and blankets that we received. We have put together the bouncer, pack n play, stroller, car seats, bathtub and high chair. Dave even tried on the baby carrier, secure with a doll for practice! We have been organizing and sorting all the books, towels, bibs, diapers, bath supplies and various other items. I can't wait until we can put everything to use in about a month!

Baby Room Part 2 (Week 32)

In Photoshop, I drew a bear (pictured above) and framed it in three colors for the baby's room. Did I say, "baby's room?" Yes! It is all baby room now and no longer office. I am so excited about that. It was feeling really crowded in there with the desk, filing cabinet, etc. so we decided to reorganize. Now there is room to hang out, put a large rug in the middle of the floor and have hangout space for us and the little one. I can't wait to pick up more items for the room and the walls. My sister got us the pack and play we are going to use for a crib. It looks awesome in there. It's all coming together. We only have about 8 weeks to go!

Getting Ready for the Baby (Week 31)

We have finally started to set up the baby's room. It is very exciting to see it come together. We are living in a 2 bedroom house and the second bedroom is the office, so we are converting it to half office - half baby room. Dave just painted the blue dresser. It was one my parents had purchased at a thrift store for their first daughter, and I have memories of it from when I was a child. I love the things that family has given us and getting it all set up for our little one to arrive. Today we are off to A.G. to a baby shower at my sister's house this weekend and to spend time with my family.

Ultrasound (Week 29)

We went for our ultrasound on Thursday and everything is looking good. The doctor said everything is fine, he is measuring about a week ahead, and fluid levels look normal. Right now he is in the breech position, but he has time to turn.

Our little guy sure is making his presence known. His little feet have been playing with my bladder a lot this week. Luckily I haven't peed my pants... yet. I've read stories.

Third Trimester (Week 28)

I am so excited to be entering my third and final trimester. It doesn't seem like long ago when I felt as if it would be ages before I reached this point. We both feel our baby boy moving all the time now. I think he can recognize Dave's voice too as he often starts moving when Dave talks to him. I love it.

Dave and I went to our pre-natal appointment on Thursday and I am measuring the same, which was expected. She is going to order an ultrasound to take the baby's measurements, which is more accurate than just going off a tape measure on my belly. We saw a different doctor than last time and she didn't sound worried. She said I may just be having a large baby. Given that I was 11 lbs 2 1/2 oz. at birth, that doesn't surprise me. Hopefully baby Rumley won't be that big!! She said if a baby reaches 11lbs, they do mandatory c-section as there may be complications with him fitting out of the birth canal. Ouch!

We are going to continue to see that doctor going forward as it felt a lot less rushed than our other appointments. She even showed Dave how to use the Doppler and let him find the heartbeat.

Time Flies (Week 27)

I can't believe I am a week away from starting my third trimester! The last several weeks have gone by so fast. I have been working full time since we are short handed at work and they've needed me to fill in. I'm happy to take advantage of the hours while I can, but it really makes time go fast. I'm pretty tired at the end of the day and with it getting dark out so early, it's hard to do anything productive during the week.

Last Thursday I had a prenatal appointment and the Nurse Practitioner said my uterus is measuring larger than it should be at this point, so I have another appointment this Thursday so they can take another measurement. If it is still measuring that way, then I may have an ultrasound to see what is going on. She didn't sound overly concerned, but this is the first complication that I've some across, so it's a little worrisome for me. I guess I should stop saying how easy this pregnancy has been for me so far. I asked her if it could be measuring big because of all the holiday candy and goodies I've been eating, but she said that wouldn't make my uterus bigger. Although I know I did gain a bit more weight then I probably should have. Oh well, it was worth it.

Happy New Year!