baby t

five things

So, it's not exactly a secret that the first six months of motherhood kicked my booty. In all seriousness, I was pretty consumed with postpartum anxiety (and pre existing depression). There were weeks where I rarely left the house with Asa for fear that x,y, or z would happen. Looking back on this I realize how crazy that is, but of course hindsight is 20/20. Part of dealing with this and putting those fears behind me is making goals for myself. So I thought I'd share some things I'm looking forward to these next six months.

 

I am really looking forward to this one! Whether I go alone while James watches Asa or we get a sitter and go together I don't really care. I know there are some Mommy matinees here, but I just want to go and enjoy myself and not have to worry about the little one. Got to make this happen.

 

I cannot wait to give Asa his first taste of a ripe Texas peach or some juicy melon. I hope he loves them as much as we do.

 

Call me a dork but I'm so excited about planning Asa's first birthday party. 

 

Asa is really enjoying playing with toys right now. he loves music and anything that makes noise. I'm so excited to watch him grow, learn and play over these next few months.

 

We are lucky to have a pool at our apartment and I am so *stoked* to be able to take Asa swimming whenever we'd like. If bath time is any indication, he is going to love the pool.

How about you? What are you looking forward to doing with your little one?

(all photos taken by me)

my pregnancy must haves

 

 

 

Hello.

Thank you for all of the wonderful comments and emails. I love hearing bits about your joys and struggles, too. Labor is intense, right? Understatement of the year, but I know you feel me.

So before I drift into the happy place of forgetfulness (I'm half there already) I wanted to share my personal pregnancy must haves. Perhaps if I have another child I can look back on this list-or maybe my ten friends who are expecting right now will find this useful. Here goes.

Papaya Juice

This tip comes from my Mom. I suffered from the most intense heartburn during pregnancy. It started around the 20th week and just became progressively worse. First I cut out spicy foods and citrus but slowly came to the realization that even water was giving me heartburn. I gobbled up some TUMS, but they didn't help too much and to be honest I didn't love the idea of taking them. My Mom suggested papaya juice and it immediately gave me relief. I'm warning you-the juice is sort of gross, but it is totally worth it for the heartburn relief.

Yoga Ball

So there's this magical time of pregnancy-somewhere around 30-32 weeks, where you become quite "full" of the baby. For me even sitting in a normal chair became awkward and somewhat painful. Enter the magic yoga ball. This thing saved me; I could sit on it while doing computer work and sort of bounce and roll on it during false labor. Supposedly, bouncing on it can help with moving the baby into the right position. I'm not so sure, since I bounced A LOT on that thing and Asa came out posterior-but hey-it's worth a shot. Many people use it during labor. I was able to use it during the first 12 hours but the last 12 hours I wanted nothing to do with it. At about six weeks post partum when I was finally healed up in my lower region I was able to start bouncing Asa on it. Since we can't afford a glider or rocker (well, not one that we like anyway) this thing has been a godsend. Asa loves being bounced to sleep.

A Place to Swim

We moved into our new apartment in May. One of the key selling points of the place was that it has a swimming pool. This summer was the hottest on record, so that pool certainly came in handy. But even if you are in a cold climate, I highly encourage you to swim. It's great exercise and it gives temporary relief to your back and shoulders. Sleep can be hard to come by in the last trimester but I found that if I had a good swim my sleep would be a lot better. Birth is like a marathon and it really pays to stay in shape if you can.

Birthing Classes

I feel like most people have strong opinions about taking birthing classes. Either they loved them or they think that they don't need them. We didn't have a choice-our birthing center makes first time parents take an eight week course of "Bradley"-esque natural childbirth classes. I was skeptical at first, after all I'd read about 10 books already and talked to many moms about their natural childbirth experiences, why would I need a class? Well, I'm really glad we went. Even if you know the information, it always helps to hear it again-and I think it really helped James learn a lot. Even though I felt dorky practicing labor positions it definitely helped prepare James to be my support. And it was nice to have a couple hours a week set aside to focus on the baby. If you are planning a partner supported natural birth I would urge you to take some classes with your partner.

Body Pillow

At about the halfway point of pregnancy it became impossible for me to sleep on my back. Hugging a body pillow was pretty much the only way I could get to sleep. It sort of helped prop up my awkward belly. I ended up using the pillow during my last ten hours of labor, too. I don't know what I would've done without that thing. There are expensive "pregnancy" pillows but I just bought a normal body pillow for about $20.

Gap Maternity Leggings

I lived in leggings and dresses during my pregnancy (and for weeks after). In my opinion, Gap has the best ones. They also have great maternity jeans. A word of warning: I bought some maternity clothes at Target and all of them-literally all of them- fell apart within a couple of weeks-no joke! They are a super rip off.

Floradix and Emergen-C

I was anemic during my pregnancy and it got the point where it was pretty bad. The midwives warned that if I didn't get my iron levels up, I'd have to deliver in a hospital since blood loss would be a big deal. I'd been taking iron supplements for weeks with no improvement. Finally I talked to one of the older midwives at the center and she advised me to take my iron with a vitamin C supplement and not eat any calcium source for an hour before or after. Also, she told me to steer clear of decaf tea and coffee because they still have elements in them that block iron absorption. So this magic formula finally worked for me-I wish I would've heard those wise words a lot sooner! My iron supplement of choice was floradix and I used Emergen-C for the extra vitamin C.

* * * * *

So what were some of your pregnancy must haves? I would love to hear them! Coming up: my must haves for postpartum Moms and my newborn must haves.

 

 

 

 

 

hello again

Well, gees-I definitely didn't plan on abandoning this blog for weeks and weeks but it's just one of those things that happen. 

I'm sure if you read this blog, you read my other blog and have heard that I had my baby. Actually, I gave birth almost seven weeks ago. Yeah, I am slow like that. Before Asa's arrival I imagined myself calmly blogging as he napped, puttering around doing housework with him in a sling and just being giddy at being a stay at home Mom. Ok, now imagine almost the complete opposite of that scenario and you have my current life status. Although he does indeed make me very happy and we are truly blessed to have Asa in our lives.

I wanted to open back up here with my birth story-well, with Asa's birth story- but I think that even after seven weeks there are still a lot of parts of it that I am processing. Let's just say giving birth was the most shocking and traumatic experience I've been through. That is not to say that it wasn't beautiful and joyous as well. Pretty much any emotion I've ever felt was felt during my 24 hours of labor. I will say that I did birth as planned at the birth center, it was a drug free birth and at the moment we are all ok. Things were a lot different than anticipated and maybe someday I will let that all go. For now though, it stews...

Probably the most difficult part of it all was the first week postpartum. I didn't fully grasp that I'd be caring for this new life while I myself was trying to heal. Perhaps the biggest lesson I've ever learned I learned during that week: if I don't take care of myself, I am pretty useless to everyone else. That's been a hard one for me to grasp, but oh so important. I stepped back, admitted defeat a few times and took the help that was offered. It was the only way to move forward and I'm so glad that I did. 

Asa is an amazing soul. I swear he came out of the womb smiling. Though he's a fragile little creature he is astonishingly strong both physically and mentally. I cannot describe how much joy he gives us. People told me that a child would make me love my spouse even more and they were right. We are very lucky, indeed. 

So this post is all over the place, I'm not even sure it makes much sense as I am currently functioning on about three hours of sleep. Basically, I just wanted to come back here and say hello. More soon.

why so many things don't actually matter

Well, Asa-here we are; near the end of journey together and I can hardly believe it.

I can't wait to meet you, to hold you in my arms, to feel you on the outside of me-but part of me is ok with the fact that I may have to wait a few weeks more.

Before I was pregnant with you, I thought I knew a lot about pregnancy. See, my Mom had nine kids,five of my sisters have birthed 10 children, I babysat throughout my teenage and college years and recently worked for years in a children's boutique. But once I really started researching more, I soon realized I didn't know near as much as I thought.

One thing that really astounds me about pregnancy is how much pressure the general population puts on a certain "due date". Less than 5% of babies are actually born on this "due date" and really-the date has no indication of how healthy or ready the baby is to be born. We actually have two dates-the one given to us by our Birthing  Center and the one I gave you since I know the exact day you were conceived. Yep-the dates given to Mommas by their doctors or midwives are just based on a certain number of days after their last cycle. That's it. A woman is asked when her last cycle was and 40 weeks are plopped on to that date and the magical "due date" arrives. Funny thing though-I for one know my cycle isn't a perfect one-and I highly doubt every other woman has a perfect cycle....and many women need more or less than 40 weeks to produce a baby.

Another funny thing? Babies born between 37-42 weeks are considered "at term". Some babies born at 38 weeks are perfectly healthy, fine and normal just like some born at 41 weeks can be in need of medical attention. Babies born naturally without any medical interventions can come anytime within this window (and even a week or two before or after)and it's a totally normal thing. Most of my Mom's births came between 36-38 weeks. Many of my sisters gave birth then, too. 

So the thing of it is, I've given myself a good six week window of "this is when Asa will come". I've completely thrown my due date out the door. Here we are, sitting in the middle of those weeks and that is just fine by me. 

A couple of weeks ago I had my first cervical check. This was another thing I thought I knew about but was apparently wrong about. I thought that knowing how dilated and effaced you were was a good indication of when you may start labor, but after reading about and talking to others I found that (especially for first time moms) it really doesn't mean anything. I asked my midwife to not tell me any specifics-and she agreed she'd just tell me whether or not my cervix had begun to "ripen". Well, she barely starts the check when all of the sudden she exclaims "Wow". She proceeds to explain to James and I that Asa's head is at a +1 station and that we should be ready to welcome this guy into the world at anytime. 

Like I said, that was a few weeks ago and here we sit...waiting.

So the lesson is...Asa, you will come when you are ready. I am healthy, you are healthy and that is all that matters. Soon enough you will be here and due dates, cervical checks and stations will all be forgotten.  

*******

So if you're a reader and actually took the time to read this-wow, bravo. And do me a favor will you? Next time you see a pregnant lady-ask her how her day is or tell her she looks great...please just don't say "when will that baby be here?". Thanks. 

a post for Asa

So Asa, I intended on writing more "journal" like posts here, so that one day perhaps-you could look back on what it was like when I was pregnant with you. As you can see, a public place is probably not the best/easiest place to share this info and I have been less than good at keeping up over here.

So how about I sum up the past several weeks for you?

So you and I flew to California to be in my sister's wedding. That's us in the top photo. It was the wedding of your Aunt Cassie and Uncle Eddie. I was a bit worried about flying together-but it was actually pretty much ok. I think I flew at the perfect time. I really can't imagine flying with you now-you are far too big! You and I were in the wedding and it was beautiful. I'm so glad we were able to make it!

While in California we got to see many aunts, uncles, grandparents, great grandma and many of your cousins. Your Aunt Allison threw us a book themed baby shower at your Grandma Powell's. It was great-see those blondies up there? Yeah, they were delicious...and you were kicking like crazy after I ate some. You've been almost non-stop moving ever since! Your Great Grandma Thompson gave us some really special books she had saved from when your Dad was a baby. Isn't that neat? We were very lucky and got a lot of sweet gifts from everyone.

When we got back from California, your Dad had put together the crib. I love it! I'm hoping you will, too. We also found a cosleeper bassinet for you to sleep in for the first few months. In the following weeks we put up all of the shelving, curtains and furniture in your room. See those bookshelves? They are filled with books from your shower :) (in case anyone is interested-those shelves are really $4 spice racks from ikea-original idea found here)

We've been slowly gathering clothing, toys and other gear for you. We bought your first little soft toy and hope you'll love it! I'm a bit eager for your arrival so everything is already washed and put away for you.

We started taking a natural birthing class. It's been interesting -it's very nice to have time set aside to think all about you and how you'll be getting here. So far we've already had a couple of trial runs at false labor-my body is just preparing to help get you out, that's all. But I am hoping you'll stay put at least another three weeks. See those photos of me up there? The one where I'm wearing black was taken around 28 or 29 weeks and the other was taken at 33 weeks. Isn't that crazy? It almost looks like you shrunk! But I think you just dropped down further in my torso. I feel lucky to be pretty tall and long so you've got a lot of room to move around down there.

That last photo there is a picture of your baby shower invite for the one we'll have here in Texas. I feel lucky that we've only been here a short while but our friends want to celebrate your coming! Your Dad is also having a shower with his work friends. I think that is pretty sweet. His coworkers are some of the nicest people around, I'm sure you'll meet some of them and their kids. 

 It's been one of the hottest, driest summers around but luckily we have a pool at our apartment. You do love it when we swim...I hope that endures when you are out of the womb.

I guess that's pretty much it, not much else to report.

Ok buddy, we'll see you in about 3-7 weeks, huh?

 

 

 

 

memories from today

Dear Baby T,

well, today is the day we found out that you are officially a boy baby! But, we both kinda knew that already. People have been telling us all along that you are a boy (specifically your Grandpa Thompson) and your Dad and I kept catching ourselves saying "him" whenever we talk about you. 

Your Dad went to work this morning and I was busy answering emails and packing up orders. Then he came to pick me up to run some errands before our appointment. Boy was he a nervous wreck! He was drving super fast and talking a mile a minute, it was hilarious. We had our ultrasound with a super nice woman named Christina. She's the Mom of five boys. She was so kind and explained everything to us!

Well, you are quite the active one. You kept moving and flipping all around. Then for awhile you were literally dancing on my bladder. Well, that explains those stabbing pains!! Haha, but really-you are worth it :) She also told me that the way my placenta is tilted that I would probably have felt movement sooner than most first time Moms. And boy is she right-both your Dad and I have felt you move for weeks now.

Your Dad and I both got a little teary eyed when we saw you.  Your Dad was just so happy you have all of your fingers and toes! Apparently he was worried about that ;)

We then went to grab a little snack and shot the photo above. We emailed and texted it to all the important people in your life. Of course, I tried to call Grandma Powell and her phone was off the hook! But I got a hold of her eventually. All of your aunts, uncles, friends and grandparents are so happy that you are coming. We can hardly wait. 

I love you, Baby T. 

the beginning

(Is is gross that we kept the pee test? Probably, but I really don't care. :)

Hello out there world!

Well here you go, yet another baby blog! Is it just me or does everyone and their grandma have a baby blog these days? Well, here I go-joining the ranks.  I really want to have a space where I can be open and frank about my pregnancy-and all hopes, dreams, gross stuff and great stuff that goes along with being a parent.

I am just under twelve weeks along...a bit early to do something like this maybe-but here's the deal-I'm a planner. I'm a dreamer. I'm a journaler and I am a freaker outer...so I need this little outlet here to gather my thoughts.

James and I were married over seven years ago at the ripe old age of 21. I feel very lucky to have "grown up" with James, and lucky that we had time to get to know one another before becoming parents. He is going to be an awesome father...I think I need a little work, though!

We found out in early January that we were expecting. I had a terrible cold but knew that the nausea was from something else... I took one test and it came out negative. At least, that is what we told ourselves, but it was definitely hard to tell "for sure"-the lines were so faint. Test two happened early Saturday morning, before heading to the farmer's market. James didn't even know I decided to retest and I came out of the bathroom saying:

"Well, I'm not going to the market today. I'm totally pregnant."

That weekend was a whirlwind of crazy highs and lows. We immediately went out and bought What to Expect When You're Expecting (although I find that book a little janky now). Since that weekend our lives have completely changed. It's crazy, it's amazing.

I've had a couple of appointments at the Austin Birthing Center and (if all goes well) will deliver my baby there. I feel extremely grateful to have such a lovely birthing center so close to us. 

Anyway, if you are still reading, thanks! I hope you'll enjoy this little space.

(OH...and baby t? That's because the baby's last name will be Thompson.)