Baby Update - 14 weeks pregnant

I have to say -- I am relieved to be in the 2nd Trimester now! I'm passed food aversion and nausea, so now it's time to grow this baby! For those of you who do not know, this is baby #2 in our family. My son is now 2 years old and I am 14 weeks along with this new little one! 

Having had our son at home [you can read that story HERE], my husband and I are hopeful that we can once again have a homebirth and be under midwife care for prenatals as well! We are unable to have our beloved midwife from our son's birth (*tears* -- we LOVE her!) [Joy Coonfield of Birth with Joy Midwifery], since we moved from NW Arkansas to S Florida in March -- so we were on a mission to find another midwife for our family. I actually started searching online and through friends before we were even pregnant, and I think maybe even before we moved! Gotta have a good one, people!

Our choice? Gelena Hinkley from Peaceful Pregnancy Pathways (P3)! So far we've had our first consultation, which took place at her office -- and two IN HOME visits - at 10 weeks and 14 weeks (this past Monday). I really appreciate her health and nutritional advice so far as well as the many resources she provides!

On Monday I had my blood drawn at home and we chatted about how things were going so far. I'm working on building up my iron and helping my body to absorb it better, so I've recently begun taking Floradix. It has already helped boost my energy, and doesn't taste half bad either! 

Purchase through Vitacost for $10 off $30 with my referral link: http://goo.gl/rj6rfq

Also, I had called Gelena a week prior when I'd had some cramping pain, so Gelena followed up with me on that. I was nervous going into the appointment because I had not yet heard the little one's heartbeat. I laid on the couch to have Gelena use the doppler to find the heartbeat, but she was unable to find it. There were a couple times when it seemed like we heard baby, but it was short and passing. My midwife reassured me that sometimes when they're that little they can be pretty far back and not get picked up on the instrument. Also, the babies don't prefer the sound of the doppler, so they often swim away. Due to the fact that we hadn't heard baby, my midwife connected me with her ultrasound technician and let me know that I should be able to get in the same day. 

We were very nervous going in to have the ultrasound, but tried to focus on the known and the hopeful. We knew that God has a plan for every child and we prayed that we would get to meet and raise this little one. By the time I was laying on the table with my belly jellied up, I couldn't hold back the tears anymore in anticipation.

When the precious figure of our baby appeared on the screen my heart jumped and relief poured through me as the baby waved energetically to us as if to say, "Hey there mom and dad! I'm here, and everything is fine!" Tears of joy streamed down my face and we were all smiles from then on as we got to watch our sweet baby wiggle and kick around for us -- amazing. strong. *sigh* 
1 Samuel 1:27 NIV - I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.

Marshall was in the room with us and started noticing that the dark room actually had a baby on the screen! He let us know, "Baby, right there! Baby is sleeping!" Praise the Lord, our baby is being knit together and all is well! What a tremendous blessing! They even gave a guess as to the gender :) ... but they won't give a true declaration for another week or few. 
Boy or Girl? What do YOU think? Stay tuned and subscribe to stay connected!

    

Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Bloglovin' 

Our Birth Story Part 2

To read the first part of our story CLICK HERE!
Time was irrelevant to me. I had no point of reference, only working in the present. Knowing it could be close to "time", Josh asked, "When will you want her to start pushing." To which the midwife replied, "She'll know when". I remember thinking, "I sure hope I do!" But I did, and it was a relief! Of course I became acquainted with the notorious ring-of-fire that I'd heard about, but when I knew it the little one was getting close and was crowning, I realized that I might be able to actually catch the baby! I knew I was a couple of pushes away, but I waited until it made sense to me to push. When I did, and the baby was ready to come out--I guided the head in my hands, the midwife calmly checked him in the water and we slowly raised the baby to the surface.

I was overwhelmed with emotion, bursting out in tears of relief and of elation I held the little one and remember kissing and kissing his little face. HIS little face! It's a boy! His ears were like gummy bears and his eyes were soaking it all in! WELCOME TO THE WORLD! Josh wrapped his arms around us and held us both, together - his family!

The room filled with life and amazement! Our midwives checked our baby in my arms and let us enjoy our first moments. At last, I was able to share my son with others, my husband, our families. He peeked out of the little towel he was wrapped in, he looked like a dream.
I was able to feed my child for the first time, so glad that I had been given direction and support. Nursing my baby brought on the final stage of labor, the dear ol' placenta, so Josh brought our little guy out into our living room to meet his grandfathers. I labored a bit longer on the tarp covered armchair, annoyed to have to birth something that was not my baby, but thankful that it had served it's roll. It took longer than I wanted, I remember that, but soon it was delivered and I was glad to be no longer laboring.

Our family of three had some time alone, we had yet to finalize the name of our little boy. We waited to meet him and see what name suited this little person's person. We repeated our candidate names and discussed which suited him best. We agreed and brought him to the family to announce his name, tribute to our fathers. Marshall Jay. Marshall, for my dad's childhood nickname, and Jay, Josh's dad's first name. They were so honored and proud.

When walking to the herb bath in the other room, I remember my arm and leg muscles being quite sore, I hadn't even realized it until then! I was basically able to relax in candlelit sauna bathhouse that smelled like an Italian kitchen! Marshall was brought in at one point, gently pushing off with his legs and enjoying the water.

Then...it hit me...I WAS HUNGRY!!! My dad had prepared and brought over a platter of savory chicken and I chowed down! I ate and ate! My energy spiked and I was hyper as can be--not ready for bed, just wanting to stare at my baby! At this point the midwives weighed and measured Marshall and did whatever else they were supposed to do. Soon after, Josh and the little-Marshall-cocoon napped together on our bed.

Our midwives then gave us resources and said goodbye until their morning return. My mom fixed her bed on our big red couch while Josh and I prepared for the night. Every two hours, here we come! It was so exciting and memorable to care for the little guy that first night while our adrenaline and responsibility were peaked. Those quite moments of holding him, he looked so familiar, a joining of the man I love and the face I see in the mirror. I was surprised how much I instantly fell in love. I thought caring for my child would feel like an obligation, and sure, it can be hard sometimes, but it was so different than, say babysitting. Enjoying your time with children, but still looking forward to the parent's return. I was enamored and intrigued by each little feature. We determined that he had my hands, Josh's feet, Josh's mouth, my ears... but so precious and intricately formed.

In the days that followed, I was highly supported by my mom and my husband. They were (and are) the best! My mom brought me fresh made smoothies and made sure I stayed hydrated and fed. Josh was the master diaper changer. I realized it was several days in before I actually had to change a diaper! Our little apartment was quite the swinging door for awhile in addition to little check-ups with the midwife and doctor. I enjoyed everyone's company, but was pleased to also slip away to feed my child and have some quiet time alone. I knew my life had dramatically changed, so much adaptation and growth for my extroverted and people pleasing self was already in shape.

What I've learned by being a mother -- I am selfish. --and my selfishness just doesn't fly nowadays. Yeah, I want to have more sleep, freedom, no responsibilities... but you know what-- it is refining. I know I've changed, I didn't really want to change, but I think that's okay, even required. Life is all about growing, adapting, and changing. Life would be dull without difference. --and now that I have baby fever already creeping into my system again, I can only guess as to how a little number 2 will be a game changer. This is a good life.

Without the help of the LORD it is useless to build a home or to guard a city. It is useless to get up early and stay up late in order to earn a living. God takes care of his own, even while they sleep. Children are a blessing and a gift from the LORD. Psalm 127: 1-3 CEV

To read Part 1 CLICK HERE!

    

Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Bloglovin'
Click this button to vote for me and my blog! 

Our Birth Story PART 1

Our Birth Story: Part 1

Andrea: Monday, August 6^th began like every day. I wondered if the baby would come early, on time, or late. The waiting game was on – and had been “on” for quite some time. Each day, I fought my expectations and what-ifs. It was Josh’s regular day off—and boy was it great to have Josh home on the day before my due date! I knew I would be extra distracted by that fact, hoping all day that the baby would come. After taking a half-hour nap around 10 am, I awoke rested and ready to run some errands. Josh and I headed to pick up our replacement vehicle while our rear-ended Jeep went in to the repair shop.

Josh: So... as we were waiting to get our rental car, I saw Andrea squeeze her legs together. My eyes widened a bit. “Did your water just break?” I asked. Andrea looked at me and smile-giggled. “I’m going to go sit in the car,” she whispered. She waddled out the door while I waited. Now the seconds felt like minutes. The lady was all ticked off that the insurance company was giving us a sub-compact car instead of something comparable to our Jeep. I did not care at this point. I would’ve driven off in a monster truck at that point. I just wanted to get to get my soon-to-not-be pregnant wife home. I was a little nervous, but grateful that the big day had finally arrived.

A: We headed home, knowing that we had only a matter of time if this was what we thought it was! We cranked the radio, laughed and enjoyed the ten-minute drive. Josh was frequently asking how I was doing- the kind soul. All the way home I was praying that the car’s cloth seats would not show evidence of the event and was thankful for my smarts in what I wore that morning and Josh’s hoodie that just happened to be along for the ride. Success! When we got home we watched one of our favorite movies, one that Josh introduced to me when we were dating –Fantastic Mr. Fox. I made frequent trips to the loo, and gradually experienced “cramps”. I changed into my “happy birth-day baby outfit” which consisted of my swimsuit top and my red and blue college graduation dress that Josh and I had picked out together! I had Josh snap a picture “while I could still smile and look happy in it”!

we kept track of progress on the back of our wedding program until we started using the app!

J: About half way through the movie Andrea’s contractions started to intensify. We had downloaded an app that timed contractions and they were getting closer together. Quickly. We had called Joy, our midwife, on the drive home, and she had come by to talk and check. We called her again to give her an update. 

A: We also updated my sisters as it went along. I remember texting Natalie something like, “Joy would be here in an hour or so!”, to which she replied “No way! That’s SO awesome! Way to go! I love that name”...no Natalie!...that’s the midwife...not the baby. “HAHA! I was thinking that was fast...and they know it’s a girl!” hehe! I called my mom to tell her that I was ready for her to come over and handed Josh his iPhone back...we had been keeping track of my contractions on an app. It had been fun for a while, but at that point...I just didn’t want to know anymore. She arrived around 3. It’s always good to have Mommy around!

J: My best man, Matt, and his new bride, Pauline, had said prior to the event, “We really want to be there for y’all when the baby comes! Anything you need, we’re there!” I called Matt to give him the news. It went something like this:

            Matt: “Hello?”

            Me: “Hey man...”

            Matt: “...Hey what’s up?”

            Me: “Oh...you know.”

            Matt: “Is she...”

            Me: “Yep...she sure is.”

            Matt: *SCREAMS*

A: I had good breaks, but they were definitely contractions by the time our friends came over. We could chat it up and then I had to concentrate...bounce on the exercise ball for a bit and then come back to the real world. It helped the time pass, although it was a tough time. I can’t remember exactly when our midwife, Joy arrived with her two apprentices, Misty and Debbie—but when they did arrive, they got straight to work! They monitored my vitals as well as the baby’s, but otherwise, let me “do my thing”. They set up in the spare room, which transformed into the birthing room, and soon after would become-- the baby’s room!

J: Once the contractions started to intensify, I decided that it was time for everyone who wasn’t a part of the birthing party (sort of like a wedding party, but way different) to leave. I asked my good friends to depart and they totally understood. At this point Andrea wasn’t saying much, just whispering please and thank you for everything. So polite. After about three hours in, Joy wanted to check Andreas “progress”. 2cm. This did not make my wife happy. After a couple of contractions in our room, we moved back to the living room and it was back to the birthing ball 4 or so hours. I held Andrea’s hands while she gracefully drained the blood from mine, squeezing them like a boa constricting a tiger. Around the time Matt and Pauline were heading out, my mom arrived with drinks from Sonic and food for the evening ahead.

A: The timeline is all very sketchy for me. I will defer most of that to Josh, but here are some things I remember...I remember rocking-bouncing-swaying on that exercise/birthing ball because I wanted to make “progress”! At one point Joy had me change positions to get the baby to move around and get the little one’s heart rate at an even more “ideal” level. I didn’t feel stressed at all about that. Actually, it wasn’t even presented in much of a tone of concern. I moved from the ball to the floor and labored there for a while. That did the trick, right in the perfect zone. However...it was not my favorite position. I would lie on my side and press my feet off the couch. All the while, Josh continued to be by my side. I remember him asking permission to get up at points to eat a little snack, but he was always back quicker than I realized he had gone. What a great man! I should also mention that my mom was on “drink duty”. She would offer me juice and water, which we had discussed before hand would be in cups with straws. I knew I would drink more if there were a straw! The water cup was one of those tall reusable Starbucks cups that Josh had purchased for me as a Tuesday Gift!

J: By about 7pm the birthing party consisted of: Josh, Andrea, Marshall (status: unborn), Joy, Misty, Debbie, Jay and Jennifer, and Matt and Jean. Food and chairs were everywhere and the place was rather warm because of the birthing tub, the chicken provided by Matt Greene, and the 10.5 people in the 2-bedroom apartment. Andrea, Jean, myself, and the midwives were in the soon-to-be baby room. Andrea was getting ready to get in the tub because within 3 or so hours she’d gone from 2cm to 7cm. Yes! My mom was in and out providing an ice bucket with wash clothes for Andrea’s face. They felt very good to her. The dads stayed in the living room.

A: I was very glad to get into the 100-degree water. It wasn’t that immediate “ahhhh” that you feel when you get into a bath, but it did distract my mind. The best part about the pool: getting to MOVE! I had so much buoyancy that allowed me to “go” with each of the contractions, moving my body with them. I LOVED the ice-cold washcloths. During each contraction I would rub them on my face as fast as I could. It was nice just to feel something else. I think I moved in every way possible in that tub, but that was nice. I remember thinking, “I want a break soon”, as I hadn’t had pain-free time between contractions in quite awhile. I remember everyone being SO encouraging. Quiet. Assuring. I remember my sister Leah’s words, “don’t panic, it doesn’t help”. She wasn’t able to be there yet, but I heard her reminders. The lights were dim and occasionally I heard music in the background, although most of the time I forgot it was there.

...to be continued...aka...when we get a chance to sit down and write the rest!

UPDATE: For Part 2 CLICK HERE!

    

Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Bloglovin'
Click this button to vote for me and my blog! 

In preparation

Josh and I have sorted through quite a few random boxes over the past few days as we transition the spare room into the "baby room" AND, I should mention, the birthing room! Yep, that's right, we're planning on a home birth! We had our full home-visit today with Joy, Misty and Debbie along with our mommies.  It is surreal to think that we will soon be gathering again--laboring through the arrival of our little one. Josh and I have been praying that everything will work out to have our baby at home. So far, so good. We are not opposed to the hospital or those that choose to birth there, but we are very excited about the opportunity to have our baby at home. Yes, there are uncertainties, but we are at peace that we will start at home and know that whatever happens, we will make choices that are best for our family. 

I have never had a baby, and don't pretend to have things figured out, but I'm willing to do my very best with the support of my family, midwifery professionals, and our Savior. We've prepared our best, and that's all we can do. It was so fun today to gather in our living room and casually chat about life, and, of course, labor. We can't wait to meet our baby! I told the ladies, some days I think I may have to go out and buy bows after the baby is born, while other days I assume we'll have to schedule a circumcision! Whether a boy or girl, we will love this baby to the fullest!

After the meeting we were treated to dinner by Josh's parents, my parents in love, Jay and Jennifer. Our destination? Mazzio's Pizza! What a treat! They introduced their gluten-free pizza to our location this past week, and let's just say this outing wasn't our first of the week and won't be our last in the weeks to come. We enjoyed our time together, and concluded the outing with smooth custard from Andy's! 

Josh wrote the first post on his new blog today! I'm looking forward to reading his words and learning more about music, especially his style. I'm glad we're trying to blog/journal more often, it helps archive this life-changing time. 

I was flipping through Josh's phone and came across this ultrasound picture of our baby. All those little bones and muscles at 20 weeks formed. We can't wait to meet you on the outside little one!