tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49044250996957476402024-03-21T21:52:14.865-07:00Preconceived NotionsBFP 1/18/2009
ETA September 30, 2009<br>
========================================================<br>faedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904425099695747640.post-72315661744589435472010-03-31T16:50:00.001-07:002010-03-31T16:59:19.528-07:00MovingI'm moving to a new blog, I'll be sure to post the link here in case anyone wants to follow. It will focus on my efforts to raise a well-adjusted only child. I'm still trying to decide if I want to start fresh or migrate all of my posts over. Hmmm.faedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904425099695747640.post-91153587020684892262010-02-06T12:37:00.000-08:002010-02-06T12:55:12.519-08:00Mobile Intent<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUsNdAsIiSjvjNW_2vYphj3qPS2A3BCoEAlvKXW-g6bzSbBjjVXyIH8-YKgMx0QB5Ip9XysxEguBVcnhUvfJI-2HJRqceZ13dfnhD0Nne9ZibVDqmIxXNSXI2IpS-oHfyZsuxBc022Tk/s1600-h/gummysmile.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 176px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUsNdAsIiSjvjNW_2vYphj3qPS2A3BCoEAlvKXW-g6bzSbBjjVXyIH8-YKgMx0QB5Ip9XysxEguBVcnhUvfJI-2HJRqceZ13dfnhD0Nne9ZibVDqmIxXNSXI2IpS-oHfyZsuxBc022Tk/s200/gummysmile.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435236767674256402" /></a><br />Indra is 4.5 months now. She's smiling much more, and threatening to roll, and she WANTS to crawl so badly but isn't able just yet. She also loves to stand, and adores being sung to. <br /><br />In short, she's wonderful. I love coming home to her each day. I was coming home every day for lunch until this past Wednesday. She's eating much better from the bottle, and her and daddy have a good rhythm. So, while I miss her, it saves on gas and makes my day feel less frantic when I don't come home for lunch. I was only able to visit for ~20 minutes anyway. This way, I get home earlier.<br /><br />I did call home and talk to her, daddy said it put a big smile on her face. :)<br /><br />Tonight we're trying some rice cereal. Indra has been lunging at me whenever I put anything in my mouth. So, she's definitely interested. I can't wait to see how she takes to solids. While breastfeeding has gone very very well, I won't miss pumping at work!<br /><br />In an hour we're going to my SIL's baby shower. She's due any day now! It will be wonderful for Indra to have a cousin so close in age, especially since we'll probably only have this one child. I'm also looking forward to meeting her and holding her. I can scarcely remember how tiny Indra was, it has gone by so quickly. Maybe seeing another new baby will remind me. :)faedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904425099695747640.post-25889539155962796922009-12-24T09:54:00.000-08:002009-12-24T09:58:54.287-08:00Merry Xmas!I haven't opened anything yet, but I have received my Christmas wish, achieved my New Year's Resolution, and otherwise been thoroughly blessed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljrHJa76I5F4yqb4O5h33URiryH_hIHf1jSILD1PDiwnRWHIvK_qpdJnDXfucJDNO24tWRo_sA9qzEpUCoCL7bcfqTL-_03_NlNExJtl2o0Z9zUNo3yE3BoN_T7ZtqX3_WtOxN5welAs/s1600-h/bigsmileweb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 197px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljrHJa76I5F4yqb4O5h33URiryH_hIHf1jSILD1PDiwnRWHIvK_qpdJnDXfucJDNO24tWRo_sA9qzEpUCoCL7bcfqTL-_03_NlNExJtl2o0Z9zUNo3yE3BoN_T7ZtqX3_WtOxN5welAs/s200/bigsmileweb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418863215254550386" /></a><br /><br />Daddy hates headbands, dresses, and the green shawl, but oh well. :) Indra and I have enjoyed several parties and outings. Am I a bad mommy for using my daughter as a social lubricant? She has been very effective.<br /><br />My favorite time of day is our snuggle-nap. There is nothing like a warm baby in the wintertime.<br /><br />I'm not looking forward to full time work on January 4th.faedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904425099695747640.post-36765522735636573532009-11-30T13:53:00.001-08:002009-11-30T13:55:08.632-08:00Cutie BugI'm taking pictures nearly every day, trying to find the best one to put on a Mug as gifts for Grandma, Grandma, and Grandpa. I'm not sure if I'll pick this one, but I do rather love it:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z201/faedrake/Indra/080fuzz.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 1023px; height: 726px;" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z201/faedrake/Indra/080fuzz.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />In other news, Indra only woke up ONCE last night. That, combined with a blissful snuggle-nap has left me feeling rather awesome.faedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904425099695747640.post-63444818803655311532009-11-16T15:42:00.000-08:002009-11-16T15:58:39.101-08:00Two Month AppointmentI took Indra to her 2 month checkup today. She now weighs 10 pounds on the dot. There are no concerns, though they still want to X-ray her hips in a few months. <br /><br />Poor baby endured one oral vaccine and three shots. Though my dread of the shots seemed worse than the actual event. She cried, it was a cry I haven't heard much before, and I knew it meant "OUCH"! But, she calmed right down as soon as I nursed her. She's been very sleepy ever since, but she usually naps around this time. <br /><br />I have the tylenol on standby in case she spikes a fever, but I don't want to use it unless needed. I read the latest research regarding how it can potentially reduce the immune response, which is the point of the vaccinations. If Indra is happy and isn't running a concerning temp then I'm not worrying about it.<br /><br />I'm going to try to get us to bed early tonight by doing dinner at 6, bath at 7, bed at 8. We'll see! For now, I need a snack. :)faedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904425099695747640.post-26773855930600138332009-11-14T12:25:00.000-08:002009-11-14T12:39:14.942-08:00Back to WerkI'm only back part time, but it has still been a transition. The first day, Thursday, was rough. Indra was crabby all night, I barely slept, then she made daddy miserable and would hardly eat from the bottle. Yesterday was better. I slept a little better, and she ate a little better. This made it far easier to bring her to Grandma's and have our date night. She had her usual fussy hour at Grandma's, but she ate well for Grandma. <br /><br />Werk is nuts, my workload is more than full time, my boss will be out on leave as of Monday (giving me more to do) and I need to take a midday break to pump. I forgot to take this break on Friday, and, OUCH. I won't be forgetting again. I'm not sure how I'm going to get anything done. Yet, come January, I don't know how I'm going to be able to part with Indra for 8 hours a day. :( Maybe I'll work a little later and come home for lunches.<br /><br />Here are a few pictures, including my Halloween kitty cat. Then, I must get to the dishes while Indra is still asleep:<br /><br /><a href="http://s194.photobucket.com/albums/z201/faedrake/Indra/?action=view¤t=IndraMisc033.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z201/faedrake/Indra/IndraMisc033.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s194.photobucket.com/albums/z201/faedrake/Indra/?action=view¤t=IndraMisc039.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z201/faedrake/Indra/IndraMisc039.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s194.photobucket.com/albums/z201/faedrake/Indra/?action=view¤t=IndraMisc048.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z201/faedrake/Indra/IndraMisc048.jpg" border="0" alt="Indra Adore"></a>faedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904425099695747640.post-60633084868210146352009-10-26T21:04:00.000-07:002009-10-26T21:08:52.629-07:00Indra's Favorite Hobby<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzHtpCUdiFeQYEQMWm891jgnWEJdAlW_C_nmGjOkK4E4VsWWMUHPspJnX4zPdWqS5pfEi4l86Ts-2vU0odEew' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>faedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904425099695747640.post-50901156748029280132009-10-26T20:45:00.000-07:002009-10-26T20:56:45.045-07:00Breasts Runneth OverI seem to be having a bit of an oversupply issue. I know, some would kill for such a "problem". But, they don't write in this space and I do, so let me describe what this problem has lead to:<br /><br />- An overabundance of green poo diapers<br />- Boobs that try to drown the poor infant they are designed to nourish<br />- An infant with a resulting love/hate relationship for said boobs, making for very fussy messy feedings<br />- An infant that might just be the inspiration for the cherub fountains that continually spout water, except Indra is not spouting water.<br />- A gassy fussy hungry baby during the evening hours and thus: not enough sleep<br /><br />I've done my homework, all of the authorities suggest block feeding for a while (offering only one side until the other demands to be emptied). Hopefully it will settle the issue over time. Until then, the abject adoration of our little cherub continues, starting with Indra and Grandma:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlaW9inCur0JW0FYmGxFDFPjJ6mpEbnsfUlZkv7QniQpdMEtIgFIIP-sCEScItIRgMzKmR5knVdbMFa8XwUqxKYvVs5KQcHUdpiVSnnp0KLSXN4cdinIJ1G3btRlwHTV-NpJ5700onDo/s1600-h/IndraGrandma.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlaW9inCur0JW0FYmGxFDFPjJ6mpEbnsfUlZkv7QniQpdMEtIgFIIP-sCEScItIRgMzKmR5knVdbMFa8XwUqxKYvVs5KQcHUdpiVSnnp0KLSXN4cdinIJ1G3btRlwHTV-NpJ5700onDo/s320/IndraGrandma.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397122596615718338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tK1d0VbamVu8pMsOOmdyXUSgN5rJYQbcIaeSmX3nUU-IUuEqOsyrHYJcnvLyeEnNTpF4r3WP9MrGF7KjmTgBF4j_rXt7733ZDSc7O6E-xg1qwTsM9o_lvfHjQ2RPA1urzkk7MeYuLf4/s1600-h/IndraSnow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tK1d0VbamVu8pMsOOmdyXUSgN5rJYQbcIaeSmX3nUU-IUuEqOsyrHYJcnvLyeEnNTpF4r3WP9MrGF7KjmTgBF4j_rXt7733ZDSc7O6E-xg1qwTsM9o_lvfHjQ2RPA1urzkk7MeYuLf4/s320/IndraSnow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397122612634747474" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwBxgI3ZIUmaFlrKn0R09NxsWURS8DAemgk7CMdHcY92c4Sp7ydScdevRLjHRz9E7LhwzXD_lSYfNd7GbF8ajwDdkQly7SAq0AKwCo6A-q7D4V1p3YeslZek-nKeWQna_uDXApo6IZzs/s1600-h/IndraSkin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwBxgI3ZIUmaFlrKn0R09NxsWURS8DAemgk7CMdHcY92c4Sp7ydScdevRLjHRz9E7LhwzXD_lSYfNd7GbF8ajwDdkQly7SAq0AKwCo6A-q7D4V1p3YeslZek-nKeWQna_uDXApo6IZzs/s320/IndraSkin.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397122606608108130" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-FFQYWFk0oZuImx4bK9sWS9Q7fqQdQ7tQdD2ki78uUc-Sk-DLShbC0Zc5RPUv6n3QwQYQF2lWZ3fYPxbWZTCVVQXTTtViEF5iLXGFx4SFCHdivPctsgW19MCoT8QHwiVbH3Si71KTC0/s1600-h/IndraSheep.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-FFQYWFk0oZuImx4bK9sWS9Q7fqQdQ7tQdD2ki78uUc-Sk-DLShbC0Zc5RPUv6n3QwQYQF2lWZ3fYPxbWZTCVVQXTTtViEF5iLXGFx4SFCHdivPctsgW19MCoT8QHwiVbH3Si71KTC0/s320/IndraSheep.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397122602738833378" /></a>faedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904425099695747640.post-79788923039672330742009-10-11T10:33:00.000-07:002009-10-11T11:33:21.372-07:00Bad Blogger = Good Mommy, right?I'm finding my time/desire to update this blog is waning. I may consider closing this chapter at some point. But for now I need to make a reflective mommy post.<br /><br />Little Indra is nearly a month old, and I couldn't imagine life without her. Already she is growing and changing. Her cord has fallen off, and she's making much more eye contact. We play a game called, "Mommy's over here!" wherein she sits on my lap and I lean left/right/center and she turns her head to look for me.<br /><br />She has one primary nickname: bug. She is a beautiful little bug with big bright eyes and chubby cheeks. DH and I also sometimes call her a little pterodactyl due to the high-pitched reptilian squeals she emits. <br /><br />She does scream and cry, mostly during diaper changes (she would much rather wear a dirty diaper than suffer the tragedy of having it changed) and her crabby hour(s) which are usually somewhere between 8pm and 2am. Thankfully DH guides her through the rough patch while I sleep. He's the night owl in the family.<br /><br />Is being a mom what I expected? Yes and no. Some things are much easier than I expected. I imagined that breastfeeding would be quite a struggle. But, it has gone quite smoothly, so smoothly I am able to pump a bit and have DH take the first night feeding. She has no trouble with the bottle either. <br /><br />Cesarean recovery has been another challenge that I overestimated. I'm walking, cooking, and driving without trouble. I only take OTC pain meds when I've really been out and about. I'm itching to get my all clear in a couple of weeks, not just for quality time with DH... the yard and garden need to be put to rest for the winter.<br /><br />DH = superdad. I knew, in the abstract, that he would be. But, it truly warm-fuzzies me to see him love on our girl, bounce her and quiet her when I feel worn out, and latch her onto me with expert aim when she's hungry. She's lucky to have such a great dad.<br /><br />Other things are tougher... namely the lack of sleep. Everyone knows that newborns inhibit parental sleep quality and quantity. But, no amount of awareness can truly prepare you for being dead tired-to-tears, holding a squaling infant. Thankfully I've only hit that point a couple of times, and things seem to be improving. Though our little bug still likes to eat every 2-3 hours around the clock.<br /><br />Getting out of the house is tough. It seems impossible to fit such preparations into the feed/burp/diaper cycle. She's very hungry lately, but her weight gain exceeds expectations so it's all good. We are blessed:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrOijQwvmrC00XTMo_6ZT1H6Cii1BBq8K8ovOnKLXgMa5aVVfVLvmohJWmw-T6SueDO_eoh0J0IFXWusilh0X_thUAbteRVGDSjMSpxS7PM5rYaMtCPjhOnzcgHscrpNFfG0-kKkaEFU/s1600-h/Indra+Misc+089.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrOijQwvmrC00XTMo_6ZT1H6Cii1BBq8K8ovOnKLXgMa5aVVfVLvmohJWmw-T6SueDO_eoh0J0IFXWusilh0X_thUAbteRVGDSjMSpxS7PM5rYaMtCPjhOnzcgHscrpNFfG0-kKkaEFU/s320/Indra+Misc+089.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391411967855622994" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKhcfogoRJmTyegGGvZF8bHK8Q6VxBYij45SK2OyshRL3TTJ9Cnw3A8Y9nil7iej935_lM1m5bdRHkdUrAeq45KcXZgHFmTEGpLQbtcURWDVYnaow_u08R27L_MZYD8Iok7Edxs-7ZAY/s1600-h/Indra+Misc+064.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKhcfogoRJmTyegGGvZF8bHK8Q6VxBYij45SK2OyshRL3TTJ9Cnw3A8Y9nil7iej935_lM1m5bdRHkdUrAeq45KcXZgHFmTEGpLQbtcURWDVYnaow_u08R27L_MZYD8Iok7Edxs-7ZAY/s320/Indra+Misc+064.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391411953375041410" /></a>faedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904425099695747640.post-51551052116905958612009-09-24T13:45:00.000-07:002009-09-24T13:47:09.842-07:00Birth StoryThe stats:<br />Baby girl, Indra Alexandra<br />Born via cesarean (breech) on 9/16/09 at 7:17am<br />6lbs 2oz 19 ¼ inches long<br />Apgars 9/9<br /><br />I expected a routine doctor’s appointment on the 14th, just my GBS results and my cervical check. However, when my OB felt the baby’s bum instead of her head everything changed. While I knew she was breech (head under my ribs for months) and I knew I’d probably need a C-section, I didn’t know my doctor would want to do it on Friday! <br /><br />I still had a ton of work to do before going on leave. So, I put in nearly 12 hours on Tuesday trying to wrap things up. I intended to do the same on Wednesday… but our little one had other plans!<br /><br />I woke up Wednesday morning at around 4am to use the bathroom. As I was sitting there, I heard a faint pop, and heard a trickle. I thought to myself, I have way too much to do for my water to have broken! I wiped and there was mucous, a little pink, but I’d been losing mucous a lot lately. <br /><br />I jumped in the shower, because either way I thought a shower would be a good idea. This is when I felt the first menstrual-like cramps. I got out of the shower and put a pad on. DH came downstairs to check on me. I told him I think maybe my water broke. He was tired (had actually just gone to bed) and I didn’t sound very convincing so he went back to bed. I called the hospital, and was told to come in if I soak the pad or if my contractions get harder. <br /><br />Sure enough, I felt the need for a more absorbent pad, and my contractions proceeded from dull nagging to painful. I went upstairs and asked DH to wake up and help me finish packing. I thought we had a few more days, so only a few things were in my bag. But, at least I had my list.<br /><br />At about 5:10am I timed my contractions at 4 minutes apart. I could still walk and talk through them, but they definitely gave me pause. We finished packing way too much stuff and headed out, luckily the hospital was only 10 minutes away. I now know why contractions and cars don’t mix! I think we arrived in emergency shortly before 6:00am. Next came a long brutal walk to L&D, if I knew how long I would’ve taken up their offer for a wheelchair, but I made it!<br /><br />Finally in my room, I changed into the gown and laid down for a game of 5 million questions, with the questions repeating whenever a new doctor or nurse came into the room. Yes, I had pre-registered. Laying down was awful. They hooked me up to the monitor and asked me how long I’d been contracting like that! But they did tell me I was doing very well with them, and that contractions that strong were usually rated at a 9 on the pain scale. My mom arrived (DH had called her) and I whined that I thought I was going to get to skip the labor part! No such luck. <br /><br />I squeezed DH’s hand and breathed through the contractions. At some point they gave me a shot of terbutaline to slow my labor down. It did space out the contractions. My OB was called, and decided to come in early for his shift. He did a last minute ultrasound to confirm breech. They prepped me and I rode in a wheelchair to the OR where I sat on the table to receive the spinal. It wasn’t bad at all, the hard part was getting the right curve in my back during contractions. DH said my expression changed instantly when the spinal took hold. My legs felt blissfully warm (not numb yet, just warm) and they told me to go limp so they could lay me down properly. I was actually pretty happy, and excited.<br /><br />The drape went up and they let me get nice and numb, couldn’t feel a pinch, but I still felt like I could breathe just fine. Mostly I was glad to be through with the contractions. I felt various tugs and pulls when they were operating, but it was more interesting to me than frightening. No pain at all.<br /><br />It didn’t seem like long at all before I felt some big tugs and heard a cry! I immediately started crying in response. It was 7:17am on my little brother’s birthday. I heard various voices saying how cute she was while they moved the little body to the plastic bassinet in the corner where they could clean her up a little and check her out. She wailed and wailed and I wanted to comfort her so badly! They finally placed her on my chest where I could stroke her cheek and talk to her. Her eyes were open and she was already calming down. She has tons of dark hair and grandma’s nose.<br /><br />DH carried her to the nursery while they finished stitching me up. I was alert and actually interested as the nurse anesthetist was describing the spinal to a student (I said the students could watch). It didn’t seem to take long before the drape was dropped. It was so weird to see them moving legs that looked like mine but certainly didn’t feel like mine! They transferred me back into my bed and wheeled me back to the room where I stayed for the rest of the hospital experience. <br /><br />DH came to see me not long after, while my parents were with our baby in the nursery. He showed me pictures from the nursery on the back of the camera. I think she was brought to me at shortly after 9am. I tried nursing her for the first time within the hour, and it went very well. <br /><br />I was itchy from the drugs, but I said I didn’t want anything for it. I really wanted to stay alert, and I was so happy to spend the next several hours (days) snuggled with our baby. I had some problems with nausea at first, strangely it would always hit me during breastfeeding. Indra was only away from our room once, to get an ultrasound on her hips (a breech thing that will probably resolve itself without intervention). We left the hospital on Friday, I’m recovering nicely, and our little 1 week old baby is doing just fine. At her Dr Appt Tuesday she had already gained an ounce over her birthweight.<br /><br />Here should be a link to some pics on Photobucket:<br /><a href="http://s194.photobucket.com/albums/z201/faedrake/Indra/">http://s194.photobucket.com/albums/z201/faedrake/Indra/</a>faedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904425099695747640.post-59141933024901169332009-09-22T12:29:00.000-07:002009-09-22T12:36:31.122-07:00PreciousI promise to post more pictures soon. Alas, the laptop is on my lap, the camera is across the room, and the little one is getting hungry. :)<br /><br />However, I did want to record these words while they were in my head and heart. She is so precious. She has never been unkind to anyone, never made a mistake, never experienced regret. She is pure and precious and I know now in ways I never quite understood before... why babies are so beloved. Yes, their little features are adoreable and heart-melting, but what they represent is, to me, the greater treasure.<br /><br />Even as I look forward to her growing awareness and all of the joys and pitfalls it brings... I wanted to make note, and take stock, and love who she is right now.faedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904425099695747640.post-64911688083278043802009-09-19T19:28:00.000-07:002009-09-19T19:38:41.070-07:00Indra is here!The last time I posted, I had a C-Section scheduled for Friday (yesterday). But, our little girl had other plans! She is a whole 3 days old today, her name is Indra Alexandra.<br /><br />I will post the cliff's notes version of the update until I have a chance to fit in the whole enchilada.<br /><br />Monday September 14th – Indra is breech! A c-section is scheduled for Friday<br /><br />Tuesday September 15th – I work a long day to prepare for leave.<br /><br />Wednesday September 16th<br /> 4am – water breaks! Though not with a gush, so I’m in denial <br /> 4:30am – contractions start! No more denial. I wake Ryan to help me <br /> pack (he had just gone to bed).<br /> 5:10am – contractions are ~4 minutes apart<br /> 5:30am – checked into the hospital<br /> 6-7ish - received spinal, surgery begins<br /> 7:17am - Indra is born with eyes open and crying!<br /> 6 lbs 2 oz, 19 ¼ inches, Apgars 9 and 9<br /><br />Friday September 19th<br /> 1:00pm - Finally came home. :)<br /><br />You can't tell from the pictures, but our precious little girl is tiny in the most adorable possible way. I'll have to find some other pictures that include more stuff for scale. :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrn6o9gQjy4mmXvgnoR3EYF4zdHbEHF6DeXSrX-Z38GjtWlfl1SCpZa3-IJSgnYTVGqxhXCcplFXcmaSV690caJisLCIiJhXKBrHkDCvznD14Ipoad4IikOAI22XhWfyKANLN4uXZoVE0/s1600-h/Indra_003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrn6o9gQjy4mmXvgnoR3EYF4zdHbEHF6DeXSrX-Z38GjtWlfl1SCpZa3-IJSgnYTVGqxhXCcplFXcmaSV690caJisLCIiJhXKBrHkDCvznD14Ipoad4IikOAI22XhWfyKANLN4uXZoVE0/s320/Indra_003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383372706656305234" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hxLlFe1RzQ5xsW_I9Acw4QSW9f5RCp80DViMcARiQnI8c9nnYmVikrCYfZckLUetICez7U3S8VzZCav_-nY1ODNqIKFHn68y_YZHv5hj8IVq54YFNBRZ8brWTmU_FPtUaM0kTqabNe8/s1600-h/Indra_002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hxLlFe1RzQ5xsW_I9Acw4QSW9f5RCp80DViMcARiQnI8c9nnYmVikrCYfZckLUetICez7U3S8VzZCav_-nY1ODNqIKFHn68y_YZHv5hj8IVq54YFNBRZ8brWTmU_FPtUaM0kTqabNe8/s320/Indra_002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383372701235969634" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibw0T7FmN5Q-_5zN529ZQMuK017RiwfZkUDSfxOrx2qdTi7UAOGwZbuwih5Ka5l02mlDi5YKlj4_ixoUwmUMzqw4A1jqM4eig0j53k-WfELBtUA4Rr1pQdq81XkHJ5NoLL3E9iw5yn5_Q/s1600-h/Indra_001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 316px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibw0T7FmN5Q-_5zN529ZQMuK017RiwfZkUDSfxOrx2qdTi7UAOGwZbuwih5Ka5l02mlDi5YKlj4_ixoUwmUMzqw4A1jqM4eig0j53k-WfELBtUA4Rr1pQdq81XkHJ5NoLL3E9iw5yn5_Q/s320/Indra_001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383372700924164258" /></a><br /><br />Last but not least, I'm recovering well and we are SO HAPPY to be home. Dad is beyond awesome, I didn't even change a single diaper until yesterday.faedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904425099695747640.post-79568467022172545432009-09-14T19:50:00.000-07:002009-09-14T20:14:54.107-07:00Ready or not!!!I went in today, expecting more of the same. Maybe the results of my GBS test, maybe a little more dilation or effacement (though hopefully not too much more) and that's it. Thanks, see you in a week!<br /><br />That's not what happened.<br /><br />My 38 week appointment began as usual, with the happy friendly heartbeat of my baby. But, the pelvic exam brought ominous sounds from my doctor's lips, and a quick call for the ultrasound machine. While the nurse wheeled in C3P0, he said (in more medicalized verbage) that he was feeling butt crack instead of skull plates. The gooey wand confirmed the head I've felt under my right rib for ages.<br /><br />Yep, she really is breech. He sounded very disappointed, swearing in a near Flandersesque fashion. Me? Not so much. Again, my preferences are for an uncomplicated natural vaginal birth or planned C-Section. Not that I expect anyone to understand my dueling extreme preferences.<br /><br />What really threw me for a loop is what came next. I dressed and met my doctor in his office for a talk about the options. I already knew I wouldn't be a good candidate for an external version. I already knew vaginal breech births weren't an option at that hospital. What I didn't know is: "Do not pass go, do not go into labor, report for a c-section Thursday or Friday, we'll call to let you know which." Apparently the little girl is wedged in there tight, and he doesn't want her wedged much tighter before having to pull her back up and out.<br /><br />Thus, I'm going to be a mom in 3-4 days and its blowing my mind. Also, by the way, that timeline that I got my boss to push back was reinstated by my boss's boss. So, that's my top priority. Yuck. <br /><br />I'm going in to work tomorrow at 5am-ish and probably staying until that late tomorrow night, and maybe the day after as well. Hell, I might as well live at work for the next two days. At least that way I know I will have done as much as I can.faedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904425099695747640.post-45731290740285357092009-09-05T06:33:00.000-07:002009-09-05T06:53:54.777-07:00Week 37 Loud and ClearI was a little freaked out earlier this week, not just by my progress. I've been seeing unmistakable evidence of plug loss over the past couple of days. While I know it could still be weeks, it is another way my body is telling me to get ready! I'm definitely listening now.<br /><br />So, I managed to wiggle out of some timelines at work yesterday (boss is having medical issues too, so it really makes sense to put some things off to January for both of us). This is a big relief, now I can focus on properly delegating stuff with what time remains for me at work.<br /><br />DH's timelines changed too, so now he's free to paint the nursery. Finally, we can BOTH focus on the nest, yay! We'll pick up our bassinet and breastpump and a couple of odds and ends today and make some final decisions about a play yard that my mom wants to get us. Then we'll focus inward.<br /><br />I have the newborn and 0-3 baby clothes washed. They consist of 10 onesies, 6 sleepers with footies, and a couple of sleep gowns. But, I forgot to wash the socks, I'll have to see how many of those we have. If I don't feel we have enough maybe I'll find an easy pattern and knit a pair. Thanks to the generosity of friends and family we haven't had to buy a single clothing item yet. Though we may pick up a gender neutral outfit today, just in case.<br /><br />Last but not least, I need to finish sanding the furniture so it can be painted. Its supposed to rain tomorrow but I think I can finish the rocking chair today. Hopefully the dresser can wait until Monday or next weekend...faedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904425099695747640.post-74107705745404066572009-09-03T16:25:00.000-07:002009-09-03T16:27:32.836-07:00In short...36 week appointment, baby seems head down to the Dr, I'm 2cm and 80% effaced. Even as tired as I am, moving my office over the first week of school, I have been terrified into action. It could be days or weeks, and I'm hoping for the later.<br /><br />Time to do more dishes and wash some baby clothes.faedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904425099695747640.post-2141553925667203522009-08-23T10:50:00.000-07:002009-08-23T11:02:53.789-07:00Belly Pic, CountdownI made this picture on my home computer instead of my work laptop so I didn't have the same font for the week label. Oh well! Everyone has told me that I've dropped, thankfully no one has mentioned that I'm ready to pop or how huge I look. And yes, I will post at least one of my maternity photo shoot images when we get them. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyB3Qe1zAvl7sFnLyKwyHjE43uIRunFIGhgFCX2xsUQHwSdg5_qZsqL1v8e9SQJu3P8DIgYoSM4LRiEt3DCocB1Nhct7c9f_dL4_-a4kUp8yqBKRrEMp291NpykOuG3xJMGFGZvXqCKQ/s1600-h/belly31-35.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyB3Qe1zAvl7sFnLyKwyHjE43uIRunFIGhgFCX2xsUQHwSdg5_qZsqL1v8e9SQJu3P8DIgYoSM4LRiEt3DCocB1Nhct7c9f_dL4_-a4kUp8yqBKRrEMp291NpykOuG3xJMGFGZvXqCKQ/s320/belly31-35.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373221035251322258" /></a><br /><br />I'm 35 weeks now, just 5 more to go. That means I have 4 (maybe 5) more weekends until the baby comes. Considering all of the sanding, painting, and sewing I have to do (not to mention working)... I'm beginning to think the nursery won't be done. Oh well. There are worse things, and it isn't like the baby will care. :)<br /><br />I still want to try to do as much as possible ahead of time though. Having a new baby around is going to leave me with less time and energy, not more! But, I'm awfully beat. After doing some sanding yesterday I crashed for a 2 hour nap. During week nights I haven't felt like doing *anything* outside of cobbling together some dinner. <br /><br />I wonder if the fatigue is a function of the last month of pregnancy, pitiful amounts of less than restful sleep, or some combination of the two. I'm feeling hormonal too, just when DH is feeling distant and preoccupied by other things. *pout*<br /><br />But, enough poor me, all is well and the baby shower this evening will surely bring joy and merriment. :)faedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904425099695747640.post-5009041522407743712009-08-19T19:19:00.000-07:002009-08-19T19:32:42.261-07:0034 Week ApptMy appointment went well today, it was pretty brief, and I didn't have to wait as long as I do sometimes... <br /><br />The heartbeat is in the 150s, and doctor said I'm not growing a big baby but I'm not growing a small baby either. So, would that make this a Goldilocks baby? It sounds just right to me. :)<br /><br />I think she's still head up, but I'm not sure. Admittedly, I feel all the hiccups very low on the right. But, the firm round hardness poking out from under my ribs is so very headlike. The doctor agreed with me last time. I didn't ask about it this time. The next appointment will be an exam anyway. They will test me for GBS and check the position internally and by ultrasound if needed. I can't wait... two weeks... it will be September. Holy Cow.<br /><br />To go backwards in time a bit... we reviewed the maternity photos yesterday. They were all so gorgeous, it was hard to choose. But, we didn't want to spend a fortune, and this is a private (not cheap) professional photographer. So, we knew we weren't going to get many prints, just some really special ones to remember this time...<br /><br />We're buying a 10x10 collage of 4 pics and a 5x7 of just me, and I'm not going to say how much that cost! But, I can't wait to have them, she said 3ish weeks. :) Thanks to DH for the most wonderful birthday gift. The photo shoot was so much fun, I felt like a star. I think more pictures were taken of me on Tuesday than in my entire life beforehand. <br /><br />Next topic, baby shower. My extended family seems to be reluctant to RSVP... I hope more people show up. :/ I can count 7 that will make it, including me and my mother and the 2 hostesses. But, I'm sure it will be fun regardless.faedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904425099695747640.post-164177335946058262009-08-16T19:31:00.000-07:002009-08-16T19:55:36.315-07:00CraftyShort PG update: 34 weeks now, nursery is NOT ready, next Dr appt on Wednesday, baby is still heads up, baby shower next Sunday, did maternity photo shoot last week, will preview the pics on Tuesday, I'm excited!<br /><br />Now then, aside from working and doing the bare minimum in terms of housework and yardwork, I have been polishing off some old projects. One, I finally beat Zelda Twilight Princess (Wii). I hadn't played in ages, it was fun to finish it. Now there's yet another Wii game we can trade in, I should really go through our embarrasing stack of never-played games. Mario Kart Wii lives in the slot. :)<br /><br />The other project was a cross stitch, started circa 1999 or thereabouts. I'm pretty sure at one point DH decreed that I would NEVER finish it. Well, if his idea of never was a decade then perhaps he was right, because it's done! See, I bought needles and yarn to start some knitting projects. Then, I found my old cross stitch in a drawer and decided I really should finish it before moving on. So, I did. Here it is:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0aKu0B8s-3BsZP2GyA8jU6jkJwGtWmr_vvcWLuzI4FHTJlNnNhi38sU0Zx654yUe7b14meKcx8JEJy0KlPnhShBKdWDvrh7unPAPRL0iBACdxn-rNgpr197XzJbxSRml9cszw2EEqQA/s1600-h/dolphinstitch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0aKu0B8s-3BsZP2GyA8jU6jkJwGtWmr_vvcWLuzI4FHTJlNnNhi38sU0Zx654yUe7b14meKcx8JEJy0KlPnhShBKdWDvrh7unPAPRL0iBACdxn-rNgpr197XzJbxSRml9cszw2EEqQA/s320/dolphinstitch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370757104525598242" /></a><br /><br />Right now it's on the speaker on my night stand, DH thinks it should go in the baby's room. Maybe, though it doesn't much fit the theme.<br /><br />Now, without further ado, knitting! My stitches are NOT even, and I make mistakes. This was my first real attempt at making anything from a pattern. In the past I have knitted slippers (as taught by mom/grandma) and pot holders. Knit, purl, that's it. So, I know I can and should improve upon this.<br /><br />I found a leaf pattern online, I want to soak it in essential oils and make it into a car freshener. I'm not sure if my half-baked idea will work, but here's' the first attempt:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0W8CtntJGqb7PkLmnvn2zQcRpS3WrbrHskPg24vhvMuG31GNz4P9QLLpdPy3bJJ5kOTRoPSTXan8h58YsQvdCl9eloPlekDizN4-FS1UscwrfQbm-guVLvwRLzbLo2LB9L070SA1RKGI/s1600-h/firstleaf.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0W8CtntJGqb7PkLmnvn2zQcRpS3WrbrHskPg24vhvMuG31GNz4P9QLLpdPy3bJJ5kOTRoPSTXan8h58YsQvdCl9eloPlekDizN4-FS1UscwrfQbm-guVLvwRLzbLo2LB9L070SA1RKGI/s320/firstleaf.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370757118883967650" /></a><br /><br />I don't like the lopsidedness... it must have something to do with the way I cast on the second set of stitches. I also dropped a stitch in there somewhere in one of the decreases. I'm not sure if I'll keep it, or scrap it. But I know I'll try to make another. :)faedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904425099695747640.post-63890612173627998972009-08-05T18:47:00.000-07:002009-08-05T19:22:00.667-07:00Long update, Crib in the house!I'll be 33 weeks this weekend! I wish I was a little bigger to be honest. I'm having my maternity portrait done on Tuesday. I guess I have an excuse to pig out this weekend. :P<br /><br />My appointment today went well, I gained a perfectly acceptable pound from my last appointment. I chatted more with the doc about baby's breechy position. In my doctor's experience, external versions (the procedure to turn a baby forcibly from the outside) are not very successful in people of my body shape/size. That settles it for me, I wasn't very excited about the prospect anyway. I told him a C-Section doesn't freak me out if it comes to that. There is still plenty of time for her to turn (as shown by a recent unscientific google poll of "breech 32 weeks"). However, either she's lazy or things are getting a little snug. She hasn't budged for ~3 weeks.<br /><br />After my appointment, I went to BRU to finish what we started on Monday. It took an extra few days and an extra trip but we have a crib!<br /><br />We are very accustomed to stuffing almost anything into our hatchback vehicles (both our old and the new). Anything has in the past included a rain barrel, 8 foot posts, a full sized BBQ, THREE vinyl windows, etc (no, not all at once, but we didn't try so maybe it would have worked). <br /><br />Truly, they are one part pickup truck one part dimensional pocket.<br /><br />So, you can see why it did not occur to us *at all* that we'd have trouble fitting the crib. Alas, it appears that the hatchback opening of our car obeys the laws of physics after all. Also, apparently Carters Lifetime cribs have a reputation for coming in LARGE packages. To continue the long story, I had to appeal to my SUV-wielding parents to help us pick up and deliver the crib.<br /><br />The crib loaded up nicely (just barely). Then, of course, we spent much time wandering through BRU and gawking at all things cute. Eventually, Dad and I had to tear my mom away, even as she limped to yet another clothing rack on her black/blue and possibly broken little toe. The Halloween outfits were awww-inspiring. Ghosty sleepsacks, hooded kitty sleepers with ears, and much orange and black. I know DH would throw a fit if I bought a one-time outfit. But, he can't stop grandma. :) <br /><br />The crib now sits, still in box, in the living room. It may collect some friends as time passes and we accumulate stuff that has nowhere to go. Programming before painting... speaking of which...<br /><br />I'm ending this day quite happy and content except for one minor detail. My summer vacation is OVER. :( I go back to work tomorrow, and what a pile of it I go back to. My updates will grow sparse as I spend more time doing and less time writing about doing. The net nanny is not kind to blogger or gmail. <br /><br />The one bright side to going back to massive quantities of work is this: time is going to FLY like it never has before. I just hope I can snatch a breather to focus on hearth and home before the stork makes an appearance.faedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904425099695747640.post-6444040066527898432009-07-31T14:45:00.001-07:002009-07-31T14:57:36.994-07:0031 Week Belly<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NEFC4vZ-eaUyWQtyMMYXngcY0FFstH5Mepozh5G3sNCwWbYp8jLHxn0vk5C_wXUEw0-XJB4RkJrl0j0KNenFNlAz_goeJh04GuxK-OpYtSXRw5CpQtyUAn24mmkAq2u3mPI3skvHKpo/s1600-h/belly28-31.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NEFC4vZ-eaUyWQtyMMYXngcY0FFstH5Mepozh5G3sNCwWbYp8jLHxn0vk5C_wXUEw0-XJB4RkJrl0j0KNenFNlAz_goeJh04GuxK-OpYtSXRw5CpQtyUAn24mmkAq2u3mPI3skvHKpo/s320/belly28-31.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364743733431090162" /></a><br /><br />See! New belly picture!<br /><br />I can say I'm definitely feeling pregnant these days. Each change of position takes 50% more effort than it used to, and dropping anything on the floor is a minor tragedy to be greeted with much groaning. But, those are the worst of my complaints so everything must be going well.<br /><br />I had a couple of nasty bouts of heartburn, the kind that make you realize why major prescription drugs exist to treat it. "Oh, heartburn really can be debilitating!" But, thankfully some generic tums did the trick and it must have been situational/dietary because it hasn't come back.<br /><br />The family baby shower has been scheduled, whew! Now I need to get the list of addresses to my friend so she can do invites. Everyone is so awesome and sweet. I need to conjure up some suitable hostess gifts.<br /><br />I can't believe I go back to work full time next Thursday. Ugh. I could use a few more weeks to finish work projects, grant projects, and oh yeah, that nursery project... Alas, I can focus better on the work projects once I'm back at work anyway. It should all be done in a couple of weeks, same with the grant project. The lion's share of the nursery work will be DH's domain anyway, and we'll have almost all of September to work on it (I hope).<br /><br />I know some women get crabby and feel done with being pregnant about now... while in some ways I'd like to have my body back (intimate relations really aren't worth the trouble at this point), I'm not impatient in the least. Also, air conditioning makes everything more bearable. :)faedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904425099695747640.post-49455568216767126402009-07-22T18:51:00.000-07:002009-07-22T19:17:14.814-07:00Heads Up!It is very early yet, but my OB confirmed for me today that the softballesque shape I've been feeling near my right ribs is indeed a head. He said if baby is still breech in a month they will do an ultrasound to confirm, then talk about options.<br /><br />I'm actually quite relaxed about this. One, a month is a long time for the little one to turn. Two, I'm really not much afraid of a C-Section. I have no interest in attempting to deliver a breech babe vaginally. In fact, I'm more concerned about an attempted external version that doesn't turn out well (I'm tainted by a horror story I read once). <br /><br />My birth preferences go like this... Ideally I'd have an unmedicated mostly intervention-free labor and delivery of a baby in the perfect position, of the perfect size for me, with *relatively* little trauma to my pelvic region. My second most preferred birth would be a planned cesarean. I know, I like the extremes. Summer and winter, gardening and programming, natural birth and cesarean, what can I say?<br /><br />I'm not saying if labor isn't easy then I want a cesarean. Not at all. I'm looking at relaxing music, breathing techniques, meditation, and reading a slew of "natural" birth stories with the expectation that labor pains may just blow all of that out of the water anyway. Difficulty is to be expected, even if there's no way I can really prepare for the degree or severity. But, I'd rather the baby not be posterior, in distress, with labor stalled/induced, under duress, etc. <br /><br />Now, of course, I don't get to check a little box on a piece of paper somewhere and make that choice. "I want birth combo A please, and hold the pain." I didn't check a little box to pick when I would get pregnant, and there is no "healthy child please" box either. Stuff can happen that's beyond anyone's control. Of course it does not and should not stop me from having preferences and discussing them with my doctor. If she's still breech when the time comes, then so be it.<br /><br />Now, a change of subject... DH has decided he's over his issues with the childbirth class and has developed some coping mechanisms for when he feels things have gone from useful to useless, ridiculous, or downright insulting. Yay! That's 1/3 less drama to concern myself with. :)faedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904425099695747640.post-51422820578697177852009-07-20T18:10:00.001-07:002009-07-20T18:25:49.003-07:00SokayAll is well, especially on the pregnancy and health front. Though there are a few items under my skin as of late in the drama category.<br /><br />DH has decided he hates our childbirth class. Admittedly, I haven't gotten much out of it, and I don't truly blame him. He hasn't decided if he's willing to go to another or not. I hope so... One, we paid for it. Two, there are some other subjects they will cover that we are both interested in. Three, if I show up alone I know I'll be pointed out (the instructor pointed out someone who was solo last class...) If we can just get the agenda (she still doesn't have it yet due to problems scheduling the pediatrician - one of the classes I want to go to) then maybe we can talk about which ones we still want to go to.<br /><br />I've covered most birthing topics in even greater detail via my birthing books and the internet. I might highlight a few items for DH to take note of. Maybe we'll do some at-home education if we decide not to go to certain classes. I must do the hospital tour though. I'm still quite happy with the hospital.<br /><br />The other drama item is the family baby shower, and scheduling issues. Those who are throwing the party for me are only available on the day/days that my mother is not available. Sigh. I'm trying not to stress about it, but I'm playing go between so it grumps me out.<br /><br />Last but not least, DH doesn't want my mom in the room during the actual pushing/birthing part. That would kinda be okay with me, I tend to undergo certain regressions when with my mother that would probably not be productive. Except, she kinda already thinks she'll be there and I have to figure out how to uninvite her. I'm not going to lie or make anything up, or "forget" to call her when I'm going to the hospital. I just need to find a good way to be straightforward about it.<br /><br />So, there's my vent. I'd take these problems over more serious ones any day! On the bright side, the 90 degree heat has been much more bearable so far than I expected, especially since we don't get air conditioning until Wednesday at the earliest.faedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904425099695747640.post-52061240286139908462009-07-09T19:29:00.000-07:002009-07-09T19:43:42.125-07:00Waddling AlongI've really grown lately, see:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTcCT88yduNZ_B_gbypdVm3qtr0TVZ9yGK9-whRZo7ADl0F4YbH9bz9v2yCvLHB9JONQaEa5q8KEjtYE9NJVG6x0WBlkLaiQfyWDHEbnoD2svb-1CMEKxBpPZcTGC9qpbNkN69t0BC5M/s1600-h/belly24-28_jpg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTcCT88yduNZ_B_gbypdVm3qtr0TVZ9yGK9-whRZo7ADl0F4YbH9bz9v2yCvLHB9JONQaEa5q8KEjtYE9NJVG6x0WBlkLaiQfyWDHEbnoD2svb-1CMEKxBpPZcTGC9qpbNkN69t0BC5M/s320/belly24-28_jpg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356656522937174770" /></a><br /><br />In other news, we had our first "Prepared Childbirth" a.k.a. Lamaze class on Tuesday. It was a little long, and didn't contain much new info for a net-loving content-siphon like myself. They stopped the birth video before the cesarean part because we "weren't ready for that yet" (I've watched a few on YouTube).<br /><br />I think hubby learned a bit, and I did need the reminder to exercise and drink plenty of water. Later on I know I'll benefit from the practice breathing/relaxing sessions, if only I let myself get into them and truly practice, instead of just giggling and feeling ridiculous. I'm not good at public vocalizations unless I'm in a teaching role. <br /><br />The most reassuring thing was hearing about our particular hospital. I've been reading a TON of OB Nursing blogs, hearing all of the complaints and horror stories about interventions pushed on women in vulnerable positions. Yet, the nurse giving our class had nothing but wonderful things to say about our hospital. She says the reason why their cesarean rates are so low is because they have a doctor in the building at ALL times. So, the doc "on call" is actually sleeping there, cutting down on uncertainty and preemptive measures for everyone.<br /><br />I have a post stewing about labor, delivery, birth plans, etc. It isn't ready yet though. I also have a stack of birthing books about 6 deep now (I recently rediscovered the public library! They even ship books to my local branch and hold them for me!). But, I need to finish reading the China Study first. :)faedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904425099695747640.post-12668818908467131482009-07-05T18:55:00.001-07:002009-07-05T19:02:00.617-07:00Hades at HomeEgads its hot. Tis 86 degrees in here. <br /><br />I finally opened the windows, as the sun is set and its finally cooling off outside. It probably wouldn't get so bad if it were not for all of the heat-producing electronics in the house. Like, two CRT monitors, the aquarium lights, and the chiller to keep DH's aquarium cool (because the lights and the pump heat the water too much). Then there are minor things like the Wii, the modem, the stereo, etc. Oh, and lunch today involved the oven. :(<br /><br />We cool the house down pretty well at night, but it gets awfully hot way before it cools off enough to open things up again. <br /><br />That said, cooler days are coming! It's supposed to be 10 degrees cooler tomorrow. Also, in the next 2 weeks we are having 3 new windows delivered! One of them will become the home of an air conditioner (our current windows are ancient and all painted/nailed shut), and then life will be much easier. Hopefully that will be done by the time the next heatwave hits.<br /><br />Until then, there's plenty of water, and ice cream. :)faedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904425099695747640.post-29009534670715981012009-07-04T13:32:00.001-07:002009-07-04T13:58:48.780-07:00Happy 4th!Wishing my fellow Americans a happy 4th of July (and a happy Saturday to others). I will be the obligatory designated driver this evening, following the BBQ at my brother's house. I've made and am bringing the classic family potato salad, by request. :)<br /><br />Today I am also celebrating the beginning of the 3rd trimester. Could I really be holding a baby in my arms in 84ish days??? I alternate joy and terror at the thought. Much left to be done...<br /><br />My MIL brought us a slightly used changing table and carseat, and I truly appreciate her generousity. Though I have my concerns about a used carseat. We already have the brand new one with the travel system, so we were just going to get another base for it for our other car. I'll have to look it up and make sure it hasn't been recalled. Or, I could give it to my parents for occasional use. Anyway, less stuff to buy is great. <br /><br />I've also been sanding my old dresser. I have one more drawer left to sand, and then the whole dresser piece. I also have 2 little bookshelf/nightstands to sand. Then I'm going to paint it all white. Maybe if I get ambitious I'll stencil some dragonflies on it. That leaves the following big items to buy: crib, cosleeper/bassinet, and pack n'play (for downstairs and grandparents). We have some gift cards that should help with that. <br /><br />Yesterday we bought paint! Imperial Plum, Zero Voc, I can't wait to see it on the walls. We're also buying 3 windows for downstairs. All of our current windows in the livingroom are ancient and painted shut. It will be so very welcome to have an air conditioner and a cross breeze. <br /><br />Surely the economy should recover swiftly though our efforts. :pfaedrakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.com0