Thursday, May 26, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
My Shield of Faith
God is faithful.
Our desire to add a third baby to the family began several years ago. It took some convincing, but Corey finally agreed...well...I'll say..relented in 2009. We had wonderful perfect plans of how and when it would fit into our timeline. We had two babies of happy accident fame, so never did we anticipate the fact that years and circumstances would change.
After two almost back to back pregnancy losses, our faith was shaken. We began to question if this was really God's will for our lives...another baby. We have both honestly stated that we would not change anything about what happened with those pregnancies. We stated that even before we were successful with a third.
There is nothing like the closeness to God you feel in the midst of what seems like the worst thing that can happen. Corey and I were pulled together as team in such a deep way...we were both pulled close to God in such a deep way. There is no substitute for tragedy as a faith building exercise.
At the beginning of this pregnancy, we had signs of it bringing yet another loss. For night and half a day we experienced the same fears and prayed the same prayers we had prayed twice before.
Yet, God moved in our lives and she lived inside me. She thrived.
I was sick and my body was tired. Our family was growing.
And now, we have seen faith realized.
The Bible verse that I clung to during the times when we waited out the losses...
"Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for....the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
It means even more to me as I have been through this particular fire and have seen that God is always faithful and He will see us through to the answer He has in store. Whether that be a deep contentment with the journey and companionship with Him. Or whether it be through an answer that you will forever be able to point at and say, "there.... there is the evidence that God is faithful...there is the evidence that God answers prayers and gives out blessings above and beyond all that we could ever imagine or repay." Or whether it be through both. A journey that has left me on the other side of the entire thing RICH with both. With increased faith...increased trust.....a building up of my marriage, my family, my confidence, the ability to face things I would have never dreamed my body could make it through emotionally or physically.
I can't imagine now...if we had had it easy with bringing Ruby into the world and into our family. I wouldn't trade a single minute of the last two years. I am blessed to have this layer added to my Shield of Faith. When doubts threaten my ability to trust we will be ready. We have the evidence. That God is faithful...He is faithful to US, and His plan is for our good. And it is very good.
Our desire to add a third baby to the family began several years ago. It took some convincing, but Corey finally agreed...well...I'll say..relented in 2009. We had wonderful perfect plans of how and when it would fit into our timeline. We had two babies of happy accident fame, so never did we anticipate the fact that years and circumstances would change.
After two almost back to back pregnancy losses, our faith was shaken. We began to question if this was really God's will for our lives...another baby. We have both honestly stated that we would not change anything about what happened with those pregnancies. We stated that even before we were successful with a third.
There is nothing like the closeness to God you feel in the midst of what seems like the worst thing that can happen. Corey and I were pulled together as team in such a deep way...we were both pulled close to God in such a deep way. There is no substitute for tragedy as a faith building exercise.
At the beginning of this pregnancy, we had signs of it bringing yet another loss. For night and half a day we experienced the same fears and prayed the same prayers we had prayed twice before.
Yet, God moved in our lives and she lived inside me. She thrived.
I was sick and my body was tired. Our family was growing.
And now, we have seen faith realized.
The Bible verse that I clung to during the times when we waited out the losses...
"Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for....the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
It means even more to me as I have been through this particular fire and have seen that God is always faithful and He will see us through to the answer He has in store. Whether that be a deep contentment with the journey and companionship with Him. Or whether it be through an answer that you will forever be able to point at and say, "there.... there is the evidence that God is faithful...there is the evidence that God answers prayers and gives out blessings above and beyond all that we could ever imagine or repay." Or whether it be through both. A journey that has left me on the other side of the entire thing RICH with both. With increased faith...increased trust.....a building up of my marriage, my family, my confidence, the ability to face things I would have never dreamed my body could make it through emotionally or physically.
I can't imagine now...if we had had it easy with bringing Ruby into the world and into our family. I wouldn't trade a single minute of the last two years. I am blessed to have this layer added to my Shield of Faith. When doubts threaten my ability to trust we will be ready. We have the evidence. That God is faithful...He is faithful to US, and His plan is for our good. And it is very good.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Ruby's Birth
Warning: There are details about childbirth in this post. Do not read it you don't want to "hear" the details.
It seems like this story started a long time ago. We started looking for her to arrive at the beginning of May, but....she didn't. Not on Mother's Day...not on Corey's birthday, not on Friday the 13th...not even on the full moon.
I had several periods of early contractions that would be regular and fairly strong. Then I would go to bed and they would stop.
My blood pressure would not behave at the dr. office and was high a few times at home. I didn't have any other symptoms of pre-eclampsia so I personally did not feel in danger but the dr. was giving me the push for an induction starting when I hit the due date. I held out. They wanted to start me with Cytotec which I felt very strongly against. It was because she was high and I wasn't dilating at all, the cytotec thins the cervix and would prepare me to be induced. I kept holding out on them. 40 weeks came. 41 weeks came. And the night before my appointment on Thursday May 19th I had more contractions. The morning of my appointment the dr. had to leave to catch a baby so my appointment was put off until the afternoon and I kept having contractions off and on all day. By that afternoon when they checked me I had progressed to 2-3 cm, 50% thinned but she was still high. We had already discussed the fact that if I progressed enough that we could start an induction with just pitocin, we would agree. And I had. BUT, they wanted me to go to the hospital right then. I held them off again so I could attend the kids' recital for their homeschool afternoon co-op group. The doctors and nurses really thought I had lost my mind. I was 41 weeks and 2 days and asking for another delay on the induction! The dr. told me to report to the hospital at 5am.
I got harder contractions the rest of the day. That night at the kids' recital they got harder and we decided to let the kids go ahead and spend the night with my parents afterward. On the way home we stopped at the store and I thought for sure we would be going straight home and back out to the hospital. The contractions were harder and very regular.
Well...guess what happened when we got home? They stopped. But not before keeping me up till 11pm the night before I was reporting at 5am.
Now, we get to the actual birth story....
We got up at 4:15. Arrived to the hospital to check in at 5am.
It was around 8:00 before they got everything going/hooked up/checked in.
At 8:15, the dr. on call came in. NOT A FAN. She was extremely snippy. She is one of those who is a "swooper" with a domineering attitude. Before I knew what was happening she had broken my water, upped the pitocin, and made me cry.
The AMAZING nurse comforted me.
Lindsey, our birth instructor/birth coach assistant/friend arrived soon after that at around 8:30. She is the one who kept notes and a timeline so I could even put this together so I am very thankful for that.
At 9:15 I was having contractions 2-3 minutes apart. I was needing to concentrate during them, but in between I was talking and chatting.
We decided to try out the birth ball chair that the hospital has. It was pretty neat...a ball on a wheeled base with a back on it. I sat on the ball through the next few contractions and then decided to get up. When I did, (around 10am) I had a BIG gush of water and I started laughing which then resulted in an even bigger gush of water. It soaked the floor everywhere and my socks. We all got a good laugh in before the next contraction came.
The nurse checked me at 10:20 and I was 4-5 cm dilated and the baby still at -4 station. I was personally a little disappointed and was hoping things would start going a little faster. The contractions were very strong and close together. At 11:05 I had a triple peak contraction...no rest in between.
Every time I had a contraction I was doubting my ability to go through with this without an epidural. But then in between the relief was so intensely AMAZING that I reminded Corey to not let me give in.
At 11:20 I had my freak out session. I said I didn't want to do it, couldn't do it. Every time I had a bad contraction I would freak out thinking about pushing her out and how much worse that was going to be.
Corey and Lindsey got me refocused and encouraged me.
Corey was so great the entire time. He was smiling, encouraging me, and not freaking out at all (in front of me anyway!)
At 11:40 my contractions were making me feel very "pushy." Lindsey suggested that I use a high pitched singy songy voice instead of the low moan I was doing. She noted that my response to that was "I'm not doing that!" ha ha. I did end up with my own variation which was a high pitched "heeeeeee heeeeeee" sound instead.
These were VERY intense pains. There was no build up or let down. It was just instantly very intense and then instantly gone. I am not sure exactly how long they were lasting, but it didn't seem terribly long. There just wasn't a good break in between many times.
At noon the nurse checked me again and I was 8-9 cm. FINALLY some progress. Her head was a little lower but still fairly high.
At some point Lindsey suggested we stop and pray. I cannot remember at all when we did that but it was a beautiful encouragement for me. I believe it was while the squat bar was up but it isn't listed in the notes so I honestly don't remember for sure.
At 12:15 we got the squat bar for the bed. I changed positions a little bit and started using the bar instead of Corey's arm to pull on during the contractions.
After being checked and being 8-9 cm in my head I knew now that there was no giving in or backing out now. There wasn't time for an epidural. I finally found myself in a good rhythm of heading off the contractions with a good breath, doing the high pitched sounds and then collapsing in between. I was in a dream like state almost. At one point I actually felt myself falling into a dream and with a half smile on my face as I came out of it into a contraction.
Now looking at this timeline I see why my arms starting killing me yesterday afternoon! I used the squat bar to pull myself up during the contractions...it felt good to have something to do with my body and change my position while it was happening. I started feeling a lot of pressure so the nurse checked me again.
At 12:57 I was still 8-9 cm and she said that the cervix left was on one side so to try moving my body at a different angle through the next ones.
At 1:08 I got this sudden overwhelming amount of pressure and I lifted myself up off the bed and yelled: "She's coming!!!!!!!!!"
Lindsey yelled, "Lynda hurry!" (Lynda-nurse)
My body totally pushed her out. I was never in less control of myself than I was at that moment. I felt no ring of fire moment. It was way less painful than all the contractions. The part I had dreaded the most was happening so quickly that I didn't even have time to think about what was going on. I felt like I was watching it all on tv...everything because busy and frantic as the nurse tried to get the dr. in. I really had no idea what I was going on as they got me sitting back instead of whatever position it was I was in during the squat bar/head crowning moment.
Everything seemed to happen all at once as Lynda started catching the baby and the dr. walked in just in time to "finish" the delivery at 1:10pm. Corey got to cut the cord.
She came out so quickly! Apparently she took a couple of minutes to pink up just because of how fast she came out. She had to be suctioned because of all the "stuff" still in there and she was pooping on the way out.
At 1:12pm she had pinked up. Her APGARS were 7/9. They laid her on my chest for a couple of minutes but I can't remember exactly when in this timeline that was because of the suctioning, etc.
At 1:20 the placenta was out and the dr. was stitching me up. I never did ask exactly what kind of tear or stitching I had done. The dr. was gone by 1:30pm. THANKFULLY I didn't have to deal with the dr. very much at all which I had also been dreading throughout labor. I think I may have a very special nurse to thank for how very last minute the dr. was in arriving. ;)
At 1:40pm she was brought to me again and she immediately was rooting and ready to nurse. She latched very well and was awake and actively nursing for a full 20 minutes!
At 2pm the notes stop because Lindsey left to give us our quiet family time.
It was amazing to have that time for the three of us to just be together. Her arrival has been anxiously awaited now for what seems like years. The experience of labor just brought it full circle. She is finally here and we are in love!
I was instantly happy that I didn't give up and get an epidural. My legs were strong and stable almost immediately. I was able to move around while they got me and the bed cleaned up, etc.
I will post some pictures and more about our time together later, I just wanted to get this typed up before the details got even more fuzzy.
I wouldn't change a single thing! Well...I guess I would have preferred if labor had started on it's own because I know the pitocin made things harder to endure. But I would not choose to get drugs if I was doing it again. Ruby is alert, interested in nursing, actively nursing already, and so content and happy. But the biggest advantage is the fact that less than 24 hours later I am for the most part completely back to normal! The difference in how I feel after less than 48 hrs as compared to my drugged births is completely unable to be compared in the least! I feel awesome.
More to come later.
Added: Many people think/thought I was crazy for wanting to experience childbirth without pain medication. I understand why people question because it is just the norm to get an epidural or other pain medication. I want to clarify that I did not want to do this to be "tough." I am not one who enjoys pain. If I get a bad headache I will take medicine for it.
My reasoning for going epidural free is for the sake of the labor/delivery/baby/and myself.
I did not want to inhibit or prolong labor and delivery. I didn't want pitocin to cause stress on the baby which is often needed if you get an epidural. I also did not want the drug to pass over to Ruby during labor. I also desired to experience the natural hormonal surges that occur with labor and delivery that can be blocked when the natural process is altered/inhibited. You can also read a longer list of things HERE which played a part in my decision. There are many other websites that list reasons to avoid interventions but I chose one that wasn't necessarily on a "natural" childbirth website to share.
The main thing I wanted to repeat is that I did not make this choice easily or just to appear "tough." I had to compromise on having zero intervention due to the fact that Ruby decided to wait long past her due date and I ended up with pitocin anyway.
To me, using pain medication increased my odds of having other situations arise that were not desirable. I would not get a tooth pulled without medication because that would not help the procedure go more easily or quickly or without additional risks. It's a personal choice, I do not judge others who choose epidurals. I just wanted to explain my reasons.
I wasn't actually sure I would be able to do it until I actually did it. If I'd have given in, I wouldn't have hated myself forever or anything. I am just glad that I went through with it because now I know that I can, and that I did what I wanted to do after having considered all the options/choices. :)
It seems like this story started a long time ago. We started looking for her to arrive at the beginning of May, but....she didn't. Not on Mother's Day...not on Corey's birthday, not on Friday the 13th...not even on the full moon.
I had several periods of early contractions that would be regular and fairly strong. Then I would go to bed and they would stop.
My blood pressure would not behave at the dr. office and was high a few times at home. I didn't have any other symptoms of pre-eclampsia so I personally did not feel in danger but the dr. was giving me the push for an induction starting when I hit the due date. I held out. They wanted to start me with Cytotec which I felt very strongly against. It was because she was high and I wasn't dilating at all, the cytotec thins the cervix and would prepare me to be induced. I kept holding out on them. 40 weeks came. 41 weeks came. And the night before my appointment on Thursday May 19th I had more contractions. The morning of my appointment the dr. had to leave to catch a baby so my appointment was put off until the afternoon and I kept having contractions off and on all day. By that afternoon when they checked me I had progressed to 2-3 cm, 50% thinned but she was still high. We had already discussed the fact that if I progressed enough that we could start an induction with just pitocin, we would agree. And I had. BUT, they wanted me to go to the hospital right then. I held them off again so I could attend the kids' recital for their homeschool afternoon co-op group. The doctors and nurses really thought I had lost my mind. I was 41 weeks and 2 days and asking for another delay on the induction! The dr. told me to report to the hospital at 5am.
I got harder contractions the rest of the day. That night at the kids' recital they got harder and we decided to let the kids go ahead and spend the night with my parents afterward. On the way home we stopped at the store and I thought for sure we would be going straight home and back out to the hospital. The contractions were harder and very regular.
Well...guess what happened when we got home? They stopped. But not before keeping me up till 11pm the night before I was reporting at 5am.
Now, we get to the actual birth story....
We got up at 4:15. Arrived to the hospital to check in at 5am.
It was around 8:00 before they got everything going/hooked up/checked in.
At 8:15, the dr. on call came in. NOT A FAN. She was extremely snippy. She is one of those who is a "swooper" with a domineering attitude. Before I knew what was happening she had broken my water, upped the pitocin, and made me cry.
The AMAZING nurse comforted me.
Lindsey, our birth instructor/birth coach assistant/friend arrived soon after that at around 8:30. She is the one who kept notes and a timeline so I could even put this together so I am very thankful for that.
At 9:15 I was having contractions 2-3 minutes apart. I was needing to concentrate during them, but in between I was talking and chatting.
We decided to try out the birth ball chair that the hospital has. It was pretty neat...a ball on a wheeled base with a back on it. I sat on the ball through the next few contractions and then decided to get up. When I did, (around 10am) I had a BIG gush of water and I started laughing which then resulted in an even bigger gush of water. It soaked the floor everywhere and my socks. We all got a good laugh in before the next contraction came.
The nurse checked me at 10:20 and I was 4-5 cm dilated and the baby still at -4 station. I was personally a little disappointed and was hoping things would start going a little faster. The contractions were very strong and close together. At 11:05 I had a triple peak contraction...no rest in between.
Every time I had a contraction I was doubting my ability to go through with this without an epidural. But then in between the relief was so intensely AMAZING that I reminded Corey to not let me give in.
At 11:20 I had my freak out session. I said I didn't want to do it, couldn't do it. Every time I had a bad contraction I would freak out thinking about pushing her out and how much worse that was going to be.
Corey and Lindsey got me refocused and encouraged me.
Corey was so great the entire time. He was smiling, encouraging me, and not freaking out at all (in front of me anyway!)
At 11:40 my contractions were making me feel very "pushy." Lindsey suggested that I use a high pitched singy songy voice instead of the low moan I was doing. She noted that my response to that was "I'm not doing that!" ha ha. I did end up with my own variation which was a high pitched "heeeeeee heeeeeee" sound instead.
These were VERY intense pains. There was no build up or let down. It was just instantly very intense and then instantly gone. I am not sure exactly how long they were lasting, but it didn't seem terribly long. There just wasn't a good break in between many times.
At noon the nurse checked me again and I was 8-9 cm. FINALLY some progress. Her head was a little lower but still fairly high.
At some point Lindsey suggested we stop and pray. I cannot remember at all when we did that but it was a beautiful encouragement for me. I believe it was while the squat bar was up but it isn't listed in the notes so I honestly don't remember for sure.
At 12:15 we got the squat bar for the bed. I changed positions a little bit and started using the bar instead of Corey's arm to pull on during the contractions.
After being checked and being 8-9 cm in my head I knew now that there was no giving in or backing out now. There wasn't time for an epidural. I finally found myself in a good rhythm of heading off the contractions with a good breath, doing the high pitched sounds and then collapsing in between. I was in a dream like state almost. At one point I actually felt myself falling into a dream and with a half smile on my face as I came out of it into a contraction.
Now looking at this timeline I see why my arms starting killing me yesterday afternoon! I used the squat bar to pull myself up during the contractions...it felt good to have something to do with my body and change my position while it was happening. I started feeling a lot of pressure so the nurse checked me again.
At 12:57 I was still 8-9 cm and she said that the cervix left was on one side so to try moving my body at a different angle through the next ones.
At 1:08 I got this sudden overwhelming amount of pressure and I lifted myself up off the bed and yelled: "She's coming!!!!!!!!!"
Lindsey yelled, "Lynda hurry!" (Lynda-nurse)
My body totally pushed her out. I was never in less control of myself than I was at that moment. I felt no ring of fire moment. It was way less painful than all the contractions. The part I had dreaded the most was happening so quickly that I didn't even have time to think about what was going on. I felt like I was watching it all on tv...everything because busy and frantic as the nurse tried to get the dr. in. I really had no idea what I was going on as they got me sitting back instead of whatever position it was I was in during the squat bar/head crowning moment.
Everything seemed to happen all at once as Lynda started catching the baby and the dr. walked in just in time to "finish" the delivery at 1:10pm. Corey got to cut the cord.
She came out so quickly! Apparently she took a couple of minutes to pink up just because of how fast she came out. She had to be suctioned because of all the "stuff" still in there and she was pooping on the way out.
At 1:12pm she had pinked up. Her APGARS were 7/9. They laid her on my chest for a couple of minutes but I can't remember exactly when in this timeline that was because of the suctioning, etc.
At 1:20 the placenta was out and the dr. was stitching me up. I never did ask exactly what kind of tear or stitching I had done. The dr. was gone by 1:30pm. THANKFULLY I didn't have to deal with the dr. very much at all which I had also been dreading throughout labor. I think I may have a very special nurse to thank for how very last minute the dr. was in arriving. ;)
At 1:40pm she was brought to me again and she immediately was rooting and ready to nurse. She latched very well and was awake and actively nursing for a full 20 minutes!
At 2pm the notes stop because Lindsey left to give us our quiet family time.
It was amazing to have that time for the three of us to just be together. Her arrival has been anxiously awaited now for what seems like years. The experience of labor just brought it full circle. She is finally here and we are in love!
I was instantly happy that I didn't give up and get an epidural. My legs were strong and stable almost immediately. I was able to move around while they got me and the bed cleaned up, etc.
I will post some pictures and more about our time together later, I just wanted to get this typed up before the details got even more fuzzy.
I wouldn't change a single thing! Well...I guess I would have preferred if labor had started on it's own because I know the pitocin made things harder to endure. But I would not choose to get drugs if I was doing it again. Ruby is alert, interested in nursing, actively nursing already, and so content and happy. But the biggest advantage is the fact that less than 24 hours later I am for the most part completely back to normal! The difference in how I feel after less than 48 hrs as compared to my drugged births is completely unable to be compared in the least! I feel awesome.
More to come later.
Added: Many people think/thought I was crazy for wanting to experience childbirth without pain medication. I understand why people question because it is just the norm to get an epidural or other pain medication. I want to clarify that I did not want to do this to be "tough." I am not one who enjoys pain. If I get a bad headache I will take medicine for it.
My reasoning for going epidural free is for the sake of the labor/delivery/baby/and myself.
I did not want to inhibit or prolong labor and delivery. I didn't want pitocin to cause stress on the baby which is often needed if you get an epidural. I also did not want the drug to pass over to Ruby during labor. I also desired to experience the natural hormonal surges that occur with labor and delivery that can be blocked when the natural process is altered/inhibited. You can also read a longer list of things HERE which played a part in my decision. There are many other websites that list reasons to avoid interventions but I chose one that wasn't necessarily on a "natural" childbirth website to share.
The main thing I wanted to repeat is that I did not make this choice easily or just to appear "tough." I had to compromise on having zero intervention due to the fact that Ruby decided to wait long past her due date and I ended up with pitocin anyway.
To me, using pain medication increased my odds of having other situations arise that were not desirable. I would not get a tooth pulled without medication because that would not help the procedure go more easily or quickly or without additional risks. It's a personal choice, I do not judge others who choose epidurals. I just wanted to explain my reasons.
I wasn't actually sure I would be able to do it until I actually did it. If I'd have given in, I wouldn't have hated myself forever or anything. I am just glad that I went through with it because now I know that I can, and that I did what I wanted to do after having considered all the options/choices. :)
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Ruby is Here!
Born on May 20th, 2011
8 pounds, 15 ounces
21 1/2 inches long
Birth Story to come later.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
41 Weeks
I held off posting...in hopes that any minute would be the one.
But I'm still here and I'm still pregnant.
I have had several periods of time with a few hours of contractions. In fact, last night they were so hard that I was positive we would be having a baby by this morning. But they always fizzle out. Last night they fizzled out.
The good news is that my blood pressure is great.
Last week I had a high reading at the dr. and they wanted to send me straight over to be induced, but when I got to the hospital and relaxed it went down and there were no other indicators that I needed to be induced. Baby was fine, I was fine, urine and blood was fine. So we went home. I monitored my bp at home over the weekend and it was fine. Went back for a follow up Monday morning and it was high again. I really think I just get really stressed about being at the dr. I can even feel my pulse start to race when I'm in the waiting room.
On Monday he gave me two choices. He was sending in orders for an induction Monday night and he wanted me to make an appointment for Thursday morning.
I obviously didn't go in for the induction. I really thought I wouldn't be going back to the dr. Thursday. I thought she would be here!
On top of everything, my best friend is leaving in the morning to go to her husband's army officer graduation and will only be back for two days after that before they head to Missourri for his training period for several months. Then they are headed to Alaska! I really was hoping for Ruby to be here for a while before she had to leave! :(
*sigh*
This whole entire journey to baby #3 has been one big lesson in patience, God's timing, and giving up control.
I didn't think there was any way we could still be learning that lesson! ha!
But I'm still here and I'm still pregnant.
I have had several periods of time with a few hours of contractions. In fact, last night they were so hard that I was positive we would be having a baby by this morning. But they always fizzle out. Last night they fizzled out.
The good news is that my blood pressure is great.
Last week I had a high reading at the dr. and they wanted to send me straight over to be induced, but when I got to the hospital and relaxed it went down and there were no other indicators that I needed to be induced. Baby was fine, I was fine, urine and blood was fine. So we went home. I monitored my bp at home over the weekend and it was fine. Went back for a follow up Monday morning and it was high again. I really think I just get really stressed about being at the dr. I can even feel my pulse start to race when I'm in the waiting room.
On Monday he gave me two choices. He was sending in orders for an induction Monday night and he wanted me to make an appointment for Thursday morning.
I obviously didn't go in for the induction. I really thought I wouldn't be going back to the dr. Thursday. I thought she would be here!
On top of everything, my best friend is leaving in the morning to go to her husband's army officer graduation and will only be back for two days after that before they head to Missourri for his training period for several months. Then they are headed to Alaska! I really was hoping for Ruby to be here for a while before she had to leave! :(
*sigh*
This whole entire journey to baby #3 has been one big lesson in patience, God's timing, and giving up control.
I didn't think there was any way we could still be learning that lesson! ha!
And thus, the learning never ends! 41 weeks and counting.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
40 Weeks!
Due date day! It's here....and passing............tick tock tick tock.
Nothing to report. I most likely will give an update after going to the doctor Thursday if I make it till then, and won't update again unless something major happens before she is born. Hopefully the next post after Thursday, or even after this one, will be a birth story!
Here's a lot of info about week 40:
It's hard to say for sure how big your baby will be, but the average newborn weighs about 7 1/2 pounds and is about 20 inches long. Her skull bones are not yet fused, which allows them to overlap a bit if it's a snug fit through the birth canal during labor. This so-called "molding" is the reason your baby's noggin may look a little conehead-ish after birth. Rest assured — it's normal and temporary.
Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.
You still have a couple of weeks before you'll be considered "post-term." But to be sure your baby is still thriving, your practitioner will schedule you for testing to keep an eye on her if your pregnancy continues.
You may have a biophysical profile, which consists of an ultrasound to look at your baby's overall movements, breathing movements (movement of her chest muscles and diaphragm), and muscle tone (whether she opens and closes her hand or extends and then flexes her limbs), as well as the amount of amniotic fluid that surrounds her (important because it's a reflection of how well the placenta is supporting your baby).
Fetal heart rate monitoring (called a nonstress test or NST) will generally be done as well — by itself or as part of the BPP. Or, you may have what's known as a modified BPP, which consists of an NST and an ultrasound to assess the amount of amniotic fluid.
If the fetal testing isn't reassuring — the amniotic fluid level is too low, for example — you'll be induced. If there's a serious, urgent problem, you may have an immediate c-section.
Your practitioner will also check your cervix to see if it's "ripening." Its position, how soft it is, how effaced (thinned out) it is, and how dilated (open) it is can all affect when and how your labor is induced. If you don't go into labor on your own, you'll be induced, usually sometime between 41 and 42 weeks.
Nothing to report. I most likely will give an update after going to the doctor Thursday if I make it till then, and won't update again unless something major happens before she is born. Hopefully the next post after Thursday, or even after this one, will be a birth story!
Here's a lot of info about week 40:
It's hard to say for sure how big your baby will be, but the average newborn weighs about 7 1/2 pounds and is about 20 inches long. Her skull bones are not yet fused, which allows them to overlap a bit if it's a snug fit through the birth canal during labor. This so-called "molding" is the reason your baby's noggin may look a little conehead-ish after birth. Rest assured — it's normal and temporary.
Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.
How your life's changing:
After months of anticipation, your due date rolls around, and... you're still pregnant. It's a frustrating, but common, situation in which to find yourself. You may not be as late as you think, especially if you're relying solely on a due date calculated from the day of your last period because sometimes women ovulate later than expected. Even with reliable dating, some women have prolonged pregnancies for no apparent reason.You still have a couple of weeks before you'll be considered "post-term." But to be sure your baby is still thriving, your practitioner will schedule you for testing to keep an eye on her if your pregnancy continues.
You may have a biophysical profile, which consists of an ultrasound to look at your baby's overall movements, breathing movements (movement of her chest muscles and diaphragm), and muscle tone (whether she opens and closes her hand or extends and then flexes her limbs), as well as the amount of amniotic fluid that surrounds her (important because it's a reflection of how well the placenta is supporting your baby).
Fetal heart rate monitoring (called a nonstress test or NST) will generally be done as well — by itself or as part of the BPP. Or, you may have what's known as a modified BPP, which consists of an NST and an ultrasound to assess the amount of amniotic fluid.
If the fetal testing isn't reassuring — the amniotic fluid level is too low, for example — you'll be induced. If there's a serious, urgent problem, you may have an immediate c-section.
Your practitioner will also check your cervix to see if it's "ripening." Its position, how soft it is, how effaced (thinned out) it is, and how dilated (open) it is can all affect when and how your labor is induced. If you don't go into labor on your own, you'll be induced, usually sometime between 41 and 42 weeks.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
A Place to Sleep
The baby corner......all gussied up now.
This is the cradle that my mom picked up for us, made by my great uncle.
It now has blankets stored underneath, a mattress made by my mom, and is covered with waterproof pads, and decorated with handmade quilts and decorated burp cloths.
And as a nice finishing touch, a beautiful decorative touch with a pink heart from Corey's mom that reads "Sweet Girl."
If she's been waiting for this to be ready, then she doesn't have to wait any more! :)
Thursday, May 5, 2011
39 Week Appointment
Nothing to report. "About" a fingertip dilated. She is still high. Guess I need to up the walking and bouncing and drinking of tea. :)
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
39 Weeks!
Well....here we are. The final countdown! I have absolutely no idea or inclination of any kind whether Ruby will come any time soon. I suppose I know she will be coming "sometime" soon as in it won't be a month ha ha. I had a slight blood pressure problem yesterday. It went up about 20 points higher than my normal and was kind of climbing/all over the place for several hours. But, Ruby was active throughout. The thing that scared me was that I really felt badly too...I had a bad headache and felt nauseated. A few hours after dinner, it leveled out and came down. I was so glad. I really didn't want to spend time at the hospital basically doing what I was doing at home (checking it). I was going to call the doctor if it didn't settle down, but it did, so I got to sleep in my own bed. I didn't want to be pressured into induction either, which is also what might have happened if I had been there and it hadn't gone down within their time frame. I don't go to the doctor until Thursday this week. I've been drinking my red raspberry leaf tea, went walking this morning, and have been bouncing on my exercise ball to maybe get some news of progression this week, in some small way at least.
Here is more about week 39:
Your baby's waiting to greet the world! She continues to build a layer of fat to help control her body temperature after birth, but it's likely she already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of her skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.
39 weeks, freshly painted/prettied toes compliments of Bethany! :)
Here is more about week 39:
Your baby's waiting to greet the world! She continues to build a layer of fat to help control her body temperature after birth, but it's likely she already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of her skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
38 Week Dr. Visit
Well....I caved and let them check me today. It's my 30th birthday.
Absolutely nothing going on! Guess we will be definitely having a May baby! :)
Absolutely nothing going on! Guess we will be definitely having a May baby! :)
Here I am! 30 years old and 38 weeks pregnant!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
38 Weeks!
Another week down! New symptom this week: cramping.
It's nothing strong and it isn't stop and go, so not contractions. Just general, uncomfortable, feels like my time of the month cramps. It was only at night but I am feeling it this morning too. I suppose it is just more stretching going on.
We still have some things to get done here at home but basically have everything we need.
Here's more about week 38:
Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long. She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.
Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)
It's nothing strong and it isn't stop and go, so not contractions. Just general, uncomfortable, feels like my time of the month cramps. It was only at night but I am feeling it this morning too. I suppose it is just more stretching going on.
We still have some things to get done here at home but basically have everything we need.
Here's more about week 38:
Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long. She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.
Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)
Monday, April 25, 2011
My packing lists
I thought of doing this the other day just due to the fact that I can reference it later on if needed. :)
Here are my various packing/purchase lists I've used over the past few weeks to get everything ready!
Labor/Delivery Bag:
Birth Plan
Baby Book
Boppy Pillow
Thick Towel (for various use...probably Corey in case he needs to kneel on the floor)
Snacks
Camera
Ipod
Rescue Remedy Spray
Wash Cloths
Massage Oil
Notepad/pen
Hospital Stay Bag
Pajamas? In case I want them.
Robe
Nursing Tanks
Nursing Bras
Clothes to wear home
Toiletries
Underwear
Pads
Nursing Pads
Lanolin
Extra reusable bag for bringing "stuff" home
Vitamins
Corey's supplies
Diaper Bag:
2 extra onesies
blanket
diaper/wipes
Swaddle Me Blankets
Burp Cloths
Coming home outfit
hats
socks
nail clippers (we always needed nail clippers for our other two right away! ha!)
Katie and Noah's bags for the gparents:
clothes
vitamins
underwear
sleeping bag
The other stuff I picked up to have at home afterward is what I could remember having to send someone out for or get on the way home. I may or may not need it this time around but I would rather have it ready and waiting than to wish I had it. I already placed them in a little plastic bin under the bathroom sink so Corey can get it out for me easily and I can add the other stuff from the hospital that I remember getting, like the little squirt water bottle and various other "stuffs." Here it is:
At Home Supplies
Dermoplast Spray
Witch Hazel
Epsom Salt
Pads in all various sizes and shapes
gentle stool softener
Post pregnancy tea
Disposable plates/cups/bowls to use the first couple of days. :)
A few more things on my to-do list:
PACK all this stuff. I have it all together, but it is not in a bag, except for the double supply of toiletries I picked up.
CLEAN the house finally!
Pack up the school supplies and restock for next year.
Put the pack n play sheet on the co sleeper.
Put the waterproof mattress pad under the sheets on my side of the bed! (just in case! :)
Pick up a robe.
Pick up a set of full size sheets for the guest bed. (this is a low priority)
Pick up the replacement parts set for my breast pump. I won't need them right away or even the first 6 weeks or so, but I do want to have them because I have a really nice pump from when I worked full time and nursed Noah. Since I already have it I figure why not use it to get some spare put away for those "just in case" situations. It would make me feel less stressed and worried because I'm always thinking about the what ifs, ha. What if I had to have surgery or got sick with something or blah blah blah.
Here are my various packing/purchase lists I've used over the past few weeks to get everything ready!
Labor/Delivery Bag:
Birth Plan
Baby Book
Boppy Pillow
Thick Towel (for various use...probably Corey in case he needs to kneel on the floor)
Snacks
Camera
Ipod
Rescue Remedy Spray
Wash Cloths
Massage Oil
Notepad/pen
Hospital Stay Bag
Pajamas? In case I want them.
Robe
Nursing Tanks
Nursing Bras
Clothes to wear home
Toiletries
Underwear
Pads
Nursing Pads
Lanolin
Extra reusable bag for bringing "stuff" home
Vitamins
Corey's supplies
Diaper Bag:
2 extra onesies
blanket
diaper/wipes
Swaddle Me Blankets
Burp Cloths
Coming home outfit
hats
socks
nail clippers (we always needed nail clippers for our other two right away! ha!)
Katie and Noah's bags for the gparents:
clothes
vitamins
underwear
sleeping bag
The other stuff I picked up to have at home afterward is what I could remember having to send someone out for or get on the way home. I may or may not need it this time around but I would rather have it ready and waiting than to wish I had it. I already placed them in a little plastic bin under the bathroom sink so Corey can get it out for me easily and I can add the other stuff from the hospital that I remember getting, like the little squirt water bottle and various other "stuffs." Here it is:
At Home Supplies
Dermoplast Spray
Witch Hazel
Epsom Salt
Pads in all various sizes and shapes
gentle stool softener
Post pregnancy tea
Disposable plates/cups/bowls to use the first couple of days. :)
A few more things on my to-do list:
PACK all this stuff. I have it all together, but it is not in a bag, except for the double supply of toiletries I picked up.
CLEAN the house finally!
Pack up the school supplies and restock for next year.
Put the pack n play sheet on the co sleeper.
Put the waterproof mattress pad under the sheets on my side of the bed! (just in case! :)
Pick up a robe.
Pick up a set of full size sheets for the guest bed. (this is a low priority)
Pick up the replacement parts set for my breast pump. I won't need them right away or even the first 6 weeks or so, but I do want to have them because I have a really nice pump from when I worked full time and nursed Noah. Since I already have it I figure why not use it to get some spare put away for those "just in case" situations. It would make me feel less stressed and worried because I'm always thinking about the what ifs, ha. What if I had to have surgery or got sick with something or blah blah blah.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
It's (Still) a Girl!
Today was doctor day! I saw the same lady who did our 20 week ultrasound. I really like her. She makes nice conversation when she comes in. I mentioned what the doctor said last time about suspecting she could be breech so she felt around and couldn't find the head down low. So, she suggested we pop over to the ultrasound room for a quick look!
She immediately confirmed that her butt is up high and her head is way down low! YAY! Such a relief! No more stressing about having to spend time trying to get her to flip. While we were in there she also took the time to confirm that YES she is definitely still a GIRL! *WHEW!* Corey and I had both been a little worried in the back of our minds just because we actually painted a pink wall and have tons of pink stuff already! We lived in apartments with both the other two so we never painted anything and always stuck with gender neutral on bigger stuff like bouncy seats, etc. She got some really cute shots......
She immediately confirmed that her butt is up high and her head is way down low! YAY! Such a relief! No more stressing about having to spend time trying to get her to flip. While we were in there she also took the time to confirm that YES she is definitely still a GIRL! *WHEW!* Corey and I had both been a little worried in the back of our minds just because we actually painted a pink wall and have tons of pink stuff already! We lived in apartments with both the other two so we never painted anything and always stuck with gender neutral on bigger stuff like bouncy seats, etc. She got some really cute shots......
Alien baby face! aaaahh! ha ha ha ha. The eyes never show up well. This is straight on looking at her face.
A little less of an alien look in that one. I have another later on with labels. Her face is sideways, if you tilt to the right you get the right view. She said that the little white fuzzy area at the top of her head is some hair.
This one is my favorite even though you can't see most of the face. You can see her pudgy little nose and cheeks and lips. There's one labeled further down so you can reference it.
And....now....
For the sake of perhaps one day putting this blog into book form, there's the "girl" shot, right next to the little white plus sign, ha ha.
Profile, with leg/foot up by her face.
I am thrilled I got to get these pics today! And to confirm double good news: head DOWN and still a girl!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
37 Weeks!
Any time now! Though, I am not anticipating anything happening until at LEAST May, probably the week of the due date or later.
I am having a few minor cramps and pains at night, some worse than others. But I think it's just due to end of the day exhaustion. I am getting in the mood to get things done around here finally....to Corey's relief I am sure! ha.
We discussed our plans for the hospital this weekend and have decided that the best plan for success with the natural childbirth is to be alone..just Corey and myself at the hospital for labor and delivery. I am someone who is affected by things in my head BIG TIME and the thought of anyone waiting at the hospital makes me really anxious. I am determined to go through with the natural childbirth and I would be really disappointed if anything distracted us from that goal. We want time alone with Ruby right after her birth, not an audience. Especially since this may very well be our last experience, I want it to be a BIG memory for Corey and me. Katie, Noah, and the grandparents will be the first to come and visit, and THEN we will be announcing it to the world. I mean, what's the rush? Right? :) All I can remember immediately after Katie's birth is the feeling of the papparazzi invading our room. It was overwhelming.
It could happen any time now!
Here's more about week 37:
Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, her lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. (Some babies need a bit more time, though. So if you're planning to have a repeat c-section, for example, your practitioner will schedule it for no earlier than 39 weeks unless there's a medical reason to intervene earlier.)
Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.
I am having a few minor cramps and pains at night, some worse than others. But I think it's just due to end of the day exhaustion. I am getting in the mood to get things done around here finally....to Corey's relief I am sure! ha.
We discussed our plans for the hospital this weekend and have decided that the best plan for success with the natural childbirth is to be alone..just Corey and myself at the hospital for labor and delivery. I am someone who is affected by things in my head BIG TIME and the thought of anyone waiting at the hospital makes me really anxious. I am determined to go through with the natural childbirth and I would be really disappointed if anything distracted us from that goal. We want time alone with Ruby right after her birth, not an audience. Especially since this may very well be our last experience, I want it to be a BIG memory for Corey and me. Katie, Noah, and the grandparents will be the first to come and visit, and THEN we will be announcing it to the world. I mean, what's the rush? Right? :) All I can remember immediately after Katie's birth is the feeling of the papparazzi invading our room. It was overwhelming.
It could happen any time now!
Here's more about week 37:
Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, her lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. (Some babies need a bit more time, though. So if you're planning to have a repeat c-section, for example, your practitioner will schedule it for no earlier than 39 weeks unless there's a medical reason to intervene earlier.)
Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Counting Down and Finishing Projects
I have had a "to-do" list posted on my regular blog. Now that we have a lot of the big things done, it's time to move on to the little last minute things. I don't remember any of this planning with the other two. I think I was too busy being a college student and newlywed, ha ha. You can read the last update to our lists here. Since this is the baby blog though, I will share the photos of the nursery on this one. Corey just finished setting up the furniture an hour ago.
These pictures were taken on my phone...sigh...sorry I am super lazy.
These pictures were taken on my phone...sigh...sorry I am super lazy.
This was Friday right after Corey painted the pink wall. The color just doesn't show up well.
And now...with the bed. We have to get some full size sheets to go on this bed because the ones we had were WORN OUT by Katie in the years she used this bed, ha ha. We got rid of them they were so bad.
This is the only bed in the room for right now. We plan to use it for guests and for all those times when you just need a place nearer to the baby/toddler/etc when they are sick and etc. We've never had a guest bed, I am very pleased that we finally do! We will put a crib in here later when we get one..no rush on that. We have the co-sleeper in our room beside our bed for now and the near future.
Here's the view from the bed corner. There's still cleaning stuff on the dresser. That's where we plan to put the changing pad. We are big users of the changing pad, and were with both babies. We have hard wood floors in the living room which means we will definitely use it a lot this time around also. We just have to GET a changing pad. One of the very few things we didn't get at our shower.
So...there's the update on the nursery. She won't really be IN there for a while, but we definitely needed this space ready for all her *stuff*. Now I can start cleaning the rest of the house that is currently piled up with all that stuff! :)
Our current to-do list:
1. Get all the baby stuff organized in the baby room.
2. Buy stuff needed still on our must have list. (changing pad for dresser, robe for me, nursing bra, replacement parts for breast pump)
3. Get bags packed for me, baby, and kids. (I have to go re-buy the coming home outfit in a smaller size)
4. Buy supplies we/I need to have on hand post partum at home. (assorted pharmacy and Walmart items)
5. Get the flower bed area in the front yard presentable for post baby visitation.
6. Wash baby clothes/blankets (esp the cloth diapers) to have ready when we get home from the hospital.
7. Finish getting house deep cleaned and keep it up! ha!
8. Get sheets for the bed in the baby room!
2. Buy stuff needed still on our must have list. (changing pad for dresser, robe for me, nursing bra, replacement parts for breast pump)
3. Get bags packed for me, baby, and kids. (I have to go re-buy the coming home outfit in a smaller size)
4. Buy supplies we/I need to have on hand post partum at home. (assorted pharmacy and Walmart items)
5. Get the flower bed area in the front yard presentable for post baby visitation.
6. Wash baby clothes/blankets (esp the cloth diapers) to have ready when we get home from the hospital.
7. Finish getting house deep cleaned and keep it up! ha!
8. Get sheets for the bed in the baby room!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
36 Weeks!
THIRTY SIX weeks! Wow! I am really feeling the pressure to finalize everything around here. I know that some things can still be done after Ruby gets here, but....it's nice to have a deadline and make ourselves get it done.
I made a list of what I need to pack for the hospital. I've got a list for my labor/delivery bag, another "staying" bag, the diaper bag for baby stuff, and a list for the kids' bags for wherever they end up while we are at the hospital. I also made a list of stuff I want to be sure to have on hand at home once we get back. I remember trips to the pharmacy for various post partum supplies and want to go ahead and have that done ahead.
Now...I just need to actually get all the stuff and pack the bags!
There are only three "big" things on the list that I need to purchase...a robe, the parts for our breastpump, and a nursing bra. The rest is random little items.
Here's more about week 36:
Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.
At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely she's in a head-down position. But if she isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating her from the outside of your belly.
I made a list of what I need to pack for the hospital. I've got a list for my labor/delivery bag, another "staying" bag, the diaper bag for baby stuff, and a list for the kids' bags for wherever they end up while we are at the hospital. I also made a list of stuff I want to be sure to have on hand at home once we get back. I remember trips to the pharmacy for various post partum supplies and want to go ahead and have that done ahead.
Now...I just need to actually get all the stuff and pack the bags!
There are only three "big" things on the list that I need to purchase...a robe, the parts for our breastpump, and a nursing bra. The rest is random little items.
Here's more about week 36:
Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.
At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely she's in a head-down position. But if she isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating her from the outside of your belly.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
35 Weeks
That really sounds like near the end right?! :)
So, my recent development is nightly, like clockwork...EXTREME heartburn. Almost to the point of vomiting.
I will feel fine all day...then at about 7:30-8pm..it hits. And it is rough. At least if it doesn't go away I only have about 5 more weeks or so.
Here is more about Ruby at 35 weeks:
Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now thats he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds. Because it's so snug in your womb, she isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times she kicks should remain about the same. Her kidneys are fully developed now, and her liver can process some waste products. Most of her basic physical development is now complete —s he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.
So, my recent development is nightly, like clockwork...EXTREME heartburn. Almost to the point of vomiting.
I will feel fine all day...then at about 7:30-8pm..it hits. And it is rough. At least if it doesn't go away I only have about 5 more weeks or so.
Here is more about Ruby at 35 weeks:
Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now thats he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds. Because it's so snug in your womb, she isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times she kicks should remain about the same. Her kidneys are fully developed now, and her liver can process some waste products. Most of her basic physical development is now complete —s he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Baby Shower!
The church hosted a baby shower for me/us yesterday. It was wonderful! We got so many useful things for Ruby and had a lot of fun. Here are just a few pictures:
I LOVE shower food. These were yummy YUMMY cake balls! Chocolate cake with pink chocolate coating and white cake with white coating.
A handmade quilt from my mom. She also gave us a big supply of Econobums,
the cloth diapers we plan to use.
This is the gift basket from Corey's mom. A personalized teddy bear sitting in a bouncy seat and on a boppy, surrounded with lots of itty baby goodies.
My mom, me, Katie, and Karen (Corey's mom)
Me and Hannah.
Me and Bethany
PJ!
Chris!
All the girls from church minus Lauren who had already left.
The stash at home! We really got so much great stuff! We are extremely blessed.
Among everything we have diapers, wipes, bathtub, bouncy seat, quilts, burp cloths, outfits, 17 bibs and 19 onesies! Also sleepers, diaper cream, a book, and more!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
34 Weeks
I realized late yesterday that I had not posted the weekly update, so I decided to just wait until after my appointment this morning.
I am up a total of 20 pounds now. My blood pressure is doing well in spite of being high a few times when I checked it at home. Dr. Taylor said everything is measuring right on schedule and he could tell that her head is right in the center and she is head down! That is great news. Hopefully she will stay where she is for the next six weeks. I will do a lot of walking to help that cause.
The biggest annoying symptom right now is that when I wait a long time to pee, then I stand up, it HURTS! As in I can hardly walk to the bathroom, ha ha. I need to not wait so long.
Here is more about week 34:
Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.
I am up a total of 20 pounds now. My blood pressure is doing well in spite of being high a few times when I checked it at home. Dr. Taylor said everything is measuring right on schedule and he could tell that her head is right in the center and she is head down! That is great news. Hopefully she will stay where she is for the next six weeks. I will do a lot of walking to help that cause.
The biggest annoying symptom right now is that when I wait a long time to pee, then I stand up, it HURTS! As in I can hardly walk to the bathroom, ha ha. I need to not wait so long.
Here is more about week 34:
Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
33 Weeks
In the past couple of days I have made the transition into....discomfort. It's hard to get up after lying down, the acid reflux is worse when I get it, and rolling from side to side in the bed is extremely difficult and hurts.
My hips get VERY sore after laying on one side for part of the night, then I flip over (with extreme discomfort) and lay the other way until I wake up with that hip hurting. I never had the hip pain with the other two pregnancies. I also have muscle ...something...like restless legs. Flexing and tensing helps.
Fun fun fun fun fun! Only 7 more weeks till due date! Here's more about Ruby this week:
This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds and has passed the 17-inch mark. She's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and her skeleton is hardening. The bones in her skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for her to fit through the birth canal. These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as her brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.
My hips get VERY sore after laying on one side for part of the night, then I flip over (with extreme discomfort) and lay the other way until I wake up with that hip hurting. I never had the hip pain with the other two pregnancies. I also have muscle ...something...like restless legs. Flexing and tensing helps.
Fun fun fun fun fun! Only 7 more weeks till due date! Here's more about Ruby this week:
This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds and has passed the 17-inch mark. She's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and her skeleton is hardening. The bones in her skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for her to fit through the birth canal. These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as her brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Consignment Sale Finds!
And here's the fav:
Super awesome Beatles onesie! Adorable!
I also got a car rearview mirror to view the baby from the driver's seat for $2, brand new in the package.
And a couple of things for Katie and Noah.
I almost snagged a changing pad, one of the contoured types that we loved with Katie and Noah, but a lady had it in her hands looking at it and decided to get it. I was about 2 minutes too late to getting it! ha!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Doctor Doctor!
I had an uneventful appointment this morning. As far as the baby goes anyway.
It started out with my running late and forgetting my phone. There isn't a better way to know that the dr. will be running behind than when I forget my phone at home.
So, I'm five minutes late, and they are totally packed! They called back about five patients in a row right before me and I ended up waiting a full 30 minutes. I know that doesn't sound like a really long time, but I usually only wait about 5 minutes, tops.
Then....today is an iron check day! I KNEW it would happen today since I ran out of vitamins this past weekend. I knew I should have picked some up before today. My iron level was 10.8, they don't like it to be below 10. Ooops!
The good news is that I only gained 1 pound in the past two weeks....so that 6 pound jump last time must have just been a big growth spurt or something.
It's already 9:40 (my appointment was at 8:45!), and I am getting anxious because Corey has to leave to be at work at 10 and I don't have my phone to text him about what is going on.
The doctor comes in and today, of course, he has a nurse practitioner student with him. Thus, instead of the quick 2 minute visit, it takes a full 5-6 minutes, ha ha.
I get finished, go up to check out and make my next appointment, and no one is at the window except one lady swamped by phone calls. This never happens! I finally get my appointment and am out the door and on the way home by 9:55. No way to call Corey.
When I finally make it home, as I pull into the neighborhood I pass him on the way out, the kids in PJs in the backseat.
He turned around to let them out and I apologize for leaving my phone at home. It was absolutely crazy that my appointment was at 8:45 and I didn't get to leave until a full hour later. It's just so unusual for this office that Corey was kind of worried.
I won't be leaving my phone at home again! And, if the long wait happened to be because I was five minutes late, I will definitely be getting there early from now on!
I'll see them again in 2 more weeks.
It started out with my running late and forgetting my phone. There isn't a better way to know that the dr. will be running behind than when I forget my phone at home.
So, I'm five minutes late, and they are totally packed! They called back about five patients in a row right before me and I ended up waiting a full 30 minutes. I know that doesn't sound like a really long time, but I usually only wait about 5 minutes, tops.
Then....today is an iron check day! I KNEW it would happen today since I ran out of vitamins this past weekend. I knew I should have picked some up before today. My iron level was 10.8, they don't like it to be below 10. Ooops!
The good news is that I only gained 1 pound in the past two weeks....so that 6 pound jump last time must have just been a big growth spurt or something.
It's already 9:40 (my appointment was at 8:45!), and I am getting anxious because Corey has to leave to be at work at 10 and I don't have my phone to text him about what is going on.
The doctor comes in and today, of course, he has a nurse practitioner student with him. Thus, instead of the quick 2 minute visit, it takes a full 5-6 minutes, ha ha.
I get finished, go up to check out and make my next appointment, and no one is at the window except one lady swamped by phone calls. This never happens! I finally get my appointment and am out the door and on the way home by 9:55. No way to call Corey.
When I finally make it home, as I pull into the neighborhood I pass him on the way out, the kids in PJs in the backseat.
He turned around to let them out and I apologize for leaving my phone at home. It was absolutely crazy that my appointment was at 8:45 and I didn't get to leave until a full hour later. It's just so unusual for this office that Corey was kind of worried.
I won't be leaving my phone at home again! And, if the long wait happened to be because I was five minutes late, I will definitely be getting there early from now on!
I'll see them again in 2 more weeks.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
32 Weeks
Wow. 32 Weeks. In just 5 more weeks I will be considered "full term" and it will be pretty safe for her to be born. I am in no hurry though, and not looking for it to happen until at least the due date week.
We talked about managing the "pushing" stage this week in our birth classes. It's surprising to me how little I know about how to handle the whole process, since I was drugged the first two times. I feel that I wasn't drugged while pushing Katie and it was a very difficult process. We have so much more knowledge now to hopefully make that part quicker and less strenuous. One thing I must work on is taking deep breaths. I think I hyperventilated while pushing with Katie...I remember being on oxygen and my chest hurting a lot. I think it's because I was panicked and was doing a lot of shallow breathing.
We went walking last night at the track. It felt so good afterward. It made me breathe better. Katie and I made it around 3 laps while Corey and Noah made it around 5. Noah ran the first two laps without stopping! What stamina! ha ha. He needs to start training and run some 5Ks with grandpa! We would have done more but Noah had to go to the bathroom "really bad" so we needed to get home, ha.
We also finally made a little bit of progress on our house projects. The laundry closet is cleaned and reorganized, the hallway closet, and the kids closet is moved together. The attempt now is to get the toys organized in their room together before the weekend and maybe we can then start on our room and closet.
My baby shower is scheduled for April 3rd. I am excited just because it will be fun to celebrate, and Katie will have a blast, of course. We really only have a couple of things that we *need* before she arrives, one is a pad for the cradle. I have to get to a good craft store for that though. Maybe I can do that in the next week or so because that isn't really something that someone else can buy since it is a custom measurement.
Here is more about week 32:
By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.
We talked about managing the "pushing" stage this week in our birth classes. It's surprising to me how little I know about how to handle the whole process, since I was drugged the first two times. I feel that I wasn't drugged while pushing Katie and it was a very difficult process. We have so much more knowledge now to hopefully make that part quicker and less strenuous. One thing I must work on is taking deep breaths. I think I hyperventilated while pushing with Katie...I remember being on oxygen and my chest hurting a lot. I think it's because I was panicked and was doing a lot of shallow breathing.
We went walking last night at the track. It felt so good afterward. It made me breathe better. Katie and I made it around 3 laps while Corey and Noah made it around 5. Noah ran the first two laps without stopping! What stamina! ha ha. He needs to start training and run some 5Ks with grandpa! We would have done more but Noah had to go to the bathroom "really bad" so we needed to get home, ha.
We also finally made a little bit of progress on our house projects. The laundry closet is cleaned and reorganized, the hallway closet, and the kids closet is moved together. The attempt now is to get the toys organized in their room together before the weekend and maybe we can then start on our room and closet.
My baby shower is scheduled for April 3rd. I am excited just because it will be fun to celebrate, and Katie will have a blast, of course. We really only have a couple of things that we *need* before she arrives, one is a pad for the cradle. I have to get to a good craft store for that though. Maybe I can do that in the next week or so because that isn't really something that someone else can buy since it is a custom measurement.
Here is more about week 32:
By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
31 Weeks!
Today marks 31 weeks! Only 9-ish to go! Still feeling full all the time, but hungry, but getting indigestion no matter what I eat.
Bradley class this week really started getting into the nitty gritty....we talked about when to get to the hospital and what signs to look for throughout the first stage of labor when I am dilating. Helpful info!
We still have many things left to do around the house. I'm waiting for the nesting to kick in...it just hasn't yet!
Here's more info on week 31:
This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. She weighs about 3.3 poundsand is heading into a growth spurt. She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.
Bradley class this week really started getting into the nitty gritty....we talked about when to get to the hospital and what signs to look for throughout the first stage of labor when I am dilating. Helpful info!
We still have many things left to do around the house. I'm waiting for the nesting to kick in...it just hasn't yet!
Here's more info on week 31:
This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. She weighs about 3.3 poundsand is heading into a growth spurt. She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Two Week Appointment
I had my first "two week" appointment this morning.
I gained SIX pounds in just TWO weeks!!!!! ACK! I'm not sure exactly what I did differently in these past two weeks. But, I definitely resolve to get active and try to drink more water...maybe that will take care of that not happening quite so suddenly again!
On the other hand....My fundal height measured at 32 weeks...two weeks ahead. It doesn't necessarily mean anything, but just something to note. It could even mean she was in breech position today....or she just had a big growth spurt....our babies have never been extremely small really...both 8 pounds. So..who knows? We just gotta get ready! ha ha.
Another thing on our to do list this week is to visit the hospital. I am very excited about doing that. I think it will help me relax a little more about the delivery if I know what to expect!
I gained SIX pounds in just TWO weeks!!!!! ACK! I'm not sure exactly what I did differently in these past two weeks. But, I definitely resolve to get active and try to drink more water...maybe that will take care of that not happening quite so suddenly again!
On the other hand....My fundal height measured at 32 weeks...two weeks ahead. It doesn't necessarily mean anything, but just something to note. It could even mean she was in breech position today....or she just had a big growth spurt....our babies have never been extremely small really...both 8 pounds. So..who knows? We just gotta get ready! ha ha.
Another thing on our to do list this week is to visit the hospital. I am very excited about doing that. I think it will help me relax a little more about the delivery if I know what to expect!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
30 Weeks!
3/4 of the way there! THIRTY WEEKS! Ten more until "due date" but I am keeping my brain thinking in the "range" mentality. So...it could be anywhere from 8-9, or even 11 more weeks really.
The acid reflux has definitely returned in full force. I have to be very careful about what I eat or I will be completely miserable! NO tomatoes, salsa, or strong spices. I've taken to eating a bowl of ice cream each night before bed, ha ha..but it really does help!!! Seriously! :)
I am headed to the doctor tomorrow....since my visits are now every two weeks. I'm really not excited about that especially since it seems so pointless...they just listen to the heartbeat and weigh me. Blah.
Here's more about week 30:
Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds. A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)
The acid reflux has definitely returned in full force. I have to be very careful about what I eat or I will be completely miserable! NO tomatoes, salsa, or strong spices. I've taken to eating a bowl of ice cream each night before bed, ha ha..but it really does help!!! Seriously! :)
I am headed to the doctor tomorrow....since my visits are now every two weeks. I'm really not excited about that especially since it seems so pointless...they just listen to the heartbeat and weigh me. Blah.
Here's more about week 30:
Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds. A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)
Friday, February 25, 2011
Little Sister!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
29 Weeks
This past week has definitely left me feeling bigger. I have the feeling of being full all the time when I am sitting pretty much in any position besides lying down stretching out. Ruby is kicking a LOT. The other day she was really low and her kicks were hurting waaaaay down there. Then, last night, not sure where she was, but wherever it was it HURT. I had to roll over on a different side and when she finally moved it was great. I think she must have been pushing on some internal organ that was really very uncomfortable!
We had our second Bradley Class Sunday night. It was fun and informative. The other couple didn't come, so we got to have one on one time and talk about "us" specific issues and questions. Corey has been good about helping me to practice relaxing.
Here is what the internet says about week 29:
Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. Her muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and hers head is growing bigger to make room for her developing brain. To meet her increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because her bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.
We had our second Bradley Class Sunday night. It was fun and informative. The other couple didn't come, so we got to have one on one time and talk about "us" specific issues and questions. Corey has been good about helping me to practice relaxing.
Here is what the internet says about week 29:
Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. Her muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and hers head is growing bigger to make room for her developing brain. To meet her increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because her bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Rock-a-Bye
A few weeks ago my mom went over to where some family members live to pick up some old family furniture. She got a few things, but one item was sent with us in mind. This hand made cradle:
It was made by my great uncle, Ozell Sparks. The husband of my grandmother's sister-in-law. He handcrafted many furniture items. Katie actually has a tiny doll cradle that he made also that used to be mine. He passed away many years ago, but I know he would love that we will be using this cradle for his great-great-niece. It will be just the right size for use as a bassinet for the first few weeks she is home. You can't tell from this picture very well, but it has a shelf underneath that is the perfect size to hold a few storage bins for diapers, blankets, etc. We just have to find a pad, or else make one, to use as a small mattress. I am very excited to have this piece of family furniture for Ruby!
And here is a 28 week photo of my and Ruby. Pretty sure I've grown since the last photo.
And here is a 28 week photo of my and Ruby. Pretty sure I've grown since the last photo.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
28 Weeks
I have another cold! Blah! I hardly ever get sick but it seems I am picking up every little thing in this nine month period.
We started our Bradley classes on Sunday night. We had lots of fun. Lindsey, our neighbor/friend is the teacher and she is a lot of fun. We learned some stretches that I need to do to get my legs ready for labor. Also, we learned some ways that Corey can help me relax during contractions. Very nice things to know! I am anticipating learning a lot throughout the course and will hopefully gain all the confidence I need to make it through a natural labor and delivery! Here's more week 28 news:
By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.
Only 12 more weeks till due date time! I am honestly feeling like she won't be here before then. I think it will be sometimes in the week of the due date, but not before. She measured a little smaller at the 20 week ultrasound, so I'm going to keep on thinking toward that time frame and try to not get antsy until after that time.
We started our Bradley classes on Sunday night. We had lots of fun. Lindsey, our neighbor/friend is the teacher and she is a lot of fun. We learned some stretches that I need to do to get my legs ready for labor. Also, we learned some ways that Corey can help me relax during contractions. Very nice things to know! I am anticipating learning a lot throughout the course and will hopefully gain all the confidence I need to make it through a natural labor and delivery! Here's more week 28 news:
By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.
Only 12 more weeks till due date time! I am honestly feeling like she won't be here before then. I think it will be sometimes in the week of the due date, but not before. She measured a little smaller at the 20 week ultrasound, so I'm going to keep on thinking toward that time frame and try to not get antsy until after that time.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Essentials
Today was shopping day!
We are now officially ready for Ruby to come home, since we got our infant car seat! :)
Thanks to a generous Christmas gift from Memaw and Grandaddy, plus an old car seat from my parents that was worth a $50 discount at the Babies R Us Trade-in event, we got all this:
for a VERY reasonable price! :)
On the top is a backpack diaper bag, which looks smaller in that picture than it is in person.
It has an entire zip up area on the side that is insulated. A very neat feature that will come in great use.
You can't see it in the photo on the bottom, but the infant seat has a triangular handle, which makes it extremely easy to carry..especially for short me! You can click here to see the product page and if you scroll down you can see all the features of the stroller set, including an ipod plug in w/speakers on the tray!
We also created a registry while we were in the store. Corey and the kids were very patient with all the shopping we did today. And then the kids got to spend their own Christmas gift money.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Diapers!
The first big purchase for Ruby has officially been made as of this morning! We ordered.......
diapers!!!!!!
I have been doing a lot of research over the past months. Thought I had settled on one thing, then another.
Finally came to the conclusion after talking to friends that the good old fashioned prefold diapers are the best way to go based on ease of clean/dry, etc.
I was going to go with one brand in particular, but then this morning I found out about a great sale on Econobums brand diapers. They are currently buy one get one free! (buy one diaper and cover, get one diaper and cover free!)
So.....after a brief conversation Corey and I decided to go ahead and order a starter set of these diapers.
12 diapers and 12 covers.
They don't come in as many colors as other brands, but..we got a mix of the pinkish color above, the green, and plain white.
I am SO excited!!!!!
These are also one size..the covers adjust from 8-35 lbs. No pins or velcro needed...you just lay the baby in the flat/prefold diaper, and then fasten the elastic cover around them.
(PS, I might have shared this sale with someone else who went ahead and picked up something for the baby shower...so our starter stash will actually be 24!)
diapers!!!!!!
I have been doing a lot of research over the past months. Thought I had settled on one thing, then another.
Finally came to the conclusion after talking to friends that the good old fashioned prefold diapers are the best way to go based on ease of clean/dry, etc.
I was going to go with one brand in particular, but then this morning I found out about a great sale on Econobums brand diapers. They are currently buy one get one free! (buy one diaper and cover, get one diaper and cover free!)
So.....after a brief conversation Corey and I decided to go ahead and order a starter set of these diapers.
12 diapers and 12 covers.
They don't come in as many colors as other brands, but..we got a mix of the pinkish color above, the green, and plain white.
I am SO excited!!!!!
These are also one size..the covers adjust from 8-35 lbs. No pins or velcro needed...you just lay the baby in the flat/prefold diaper, and then fasten the elastic cover around them.
(PS, I might have shared this sale with someone else who went ahead and picked up something for the baby shower...so our starter stash will actually be 24!)
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