I couldn't have said it better myself.....

I am always on the look out for blogs to read - I'm loving to read up on other moms' stories and lessons learned and suggestions regarding children or fun gadgets or their journey and suggestions to going green.  I've been finding excellent resources through the blogs I follow and am quite enjoying reading up on the stories (of complete strangers!).

I found a new blog today that I now follow and there is a recent post regarding a topic I am very passionate about - breastfeeding and more specifically breastfeeding in public.  Her post puts into words what I have not been able to do completely successfully and I think everyone should definitely check it out:

Mommy Made Green:  My First Offensive Post

Decision #949 while preparing for baby

So Adam and I have started our childbirth classes at the hospital.  It's a four week series, for a total of 12 hours.  I had just about no expectations going in....I figured it'd be important to learn whatever they had to offer considering I'll be pushing a watermelon out a very small part of my body in a few short months - and who couldn't use more information about how to do that successfully??

So far, us parents-to-be are learning the stages of labor, breathing techniques, partner tips, pain relief ideas, best positions for labor and best positions for pushing - who would have thought you don't actually just breath like "hee hee who" on your back in bed like they do in the movies?  We have watched several videos of births and women in labor - all women who have opted for the natural avenue.  I'm pretty sure they picked the toughest, most pain-tolerant women on earth to shoot in these videos as to not scare everyone into not coming back to class or to hopefully get more women to go the natural route, instead of to epidural-land.  I have even been inspired by these videos thinking that I might be capable of such a feat - I mean, my body was designed to do this, right?

I have previously joked that there are two ways this baby can come into this world:  1)  with mommy screaming and cursing and yelling (kind of like the exorcist without the twisting of my head all the way around)  2)  with mommy being much more enjoyable to be around.  I'll let you figure out which one is which....

So, I had always just assumed I would have an epidural - why endure the horrendous amount of pain if I didn't absolutely need to?  After learning more about labor and delivery, I'm starting to at least consider the alternative.  Here is my thought process for each:

One ticket to epidural-land, please....choo-choo.....

1. Duh....no pain during the hardest parts of labor and delivery....yes, please
2. So the first words to my son aren't "You are grounded until you are 30 - that REALLY hurt mommy!"
3. If something were to happen and I needed an emergency c-section, I wouldn't be knocked out for the birth of my son - this might not be as likely, but it's something that terrifies me!!  To possibly miss out on being awake for the birth.
4. It's pretty hard to fathom what labor feels like until you are knocking on its door, right?  But I'm pretty sure they don't make women screaming like they do during labor/delivery in movies for the dramatic effect....I'm pretty dang scared of the pain!
5. I very well could be growing the world's largest baby at this very moment...can you say 12 pounder?  That's quite a large object to be pushed thru any of hole of anyone's body.

N is for natural....

1. I'd definitely be more in control of my body during this process - I will be able to walk and move around, less likely to have intervention (such as needing Pitocin or delivery with forceps) which could possibly lower my risk of having to have a c-section (who knew?).  I'll know when I'm ready to push and will be able to work with my body thru labor instead of depending on a monitor or a nurse.  Oh, and no catheter.
2. For the rest of our lives I would be able to use this as leverage to ask Adam to do something - "I gave birth to our children...naturally...can you, please, paint the kitchen?"  HA just kidding.
3. I think I would definitely have a sense of accomplishment and empowerment afterwards.  I'm sure I would regardless of what method I choose, but something about being able to work with my body to accomplish this would be something quite amazing.  And again, this is how the body was designed to do it.
4. A bonding experience with Adam - this could be something that Adam and I work together to manage my pain and to find ways to get thru each contraction using breathing and relaxation and other pain management methods.  This, of course, would not work out if the pain is much worse than I imagine and I just become violent towards Adam - hitting him and throwing hospital objects at him for putting me in this position.  So this choice could go either way.  HA!  [and no joke - one of the videos of a woman going thru a contraction, she was hitting her husband in a rhythmic pattern while performing breathing techniques - hilarious!]

So it all really comes down to what I want and what is best for me and baby.  So I think I might go forward with an open mind of my two options...with perhaps a mindset leaning a little more in favor of buying that train ticket......

Daddy's Surprise!

This is football season.  I am understanding that my hubby is busy with school and coaching stuff.  I've been patient.  He left me the most magical surprise for me to come home to!!

HE STARTED SETTING UP THE NURSERY!!

I (barely) pulled into the garage to find heaping mounds of boxes.  That could only mean one thing - so I raced up to William's room to find the crib and dresser set up!!  I was jumping up and down (and totally confused poor Tressel).  Our baby will be sleeping in this room in just a few short months!!  This will be the room where we read him books before bed and dress him up for the ladies and watch him while he sleeps.  I am bursting with excitement!! 

My baby is gonna sleep here.....

Dresser - we will also use as changing table

People ask what color his room will be - here's a looksie....

 

This is how Adam set up the mattress - now THAT's funny right there!  hehe

Thankful Thursday - 09.09.10

• Dimmer switch in bathroom - After waking up two to three times a night, it's nice to be able to see where I'm going without having to turn on a crazy bright light to completely wake me up out of my nice sleep....
• Football season - I'm pretty sure this is a repeat from a few weeks ago, but I love it!  Ohio State crushed Marshall last week and Peoria HS (my hubby's team) crushed East Peoria HS in second half surprise on Friday!  The windows are open at the house to enjoy the nice, cool weather.  It just feels like fall and football!
• The puppy - I'm absolutely in love with a boy - his name is Tressel.  He's a black lab and he just turned 1!  I love being able to come home to my hubby everynight, but I will say that he does not stand at the door with his tail wagging with excitement to see me.  Tressel is such a cuddler and I love being able to wake up in the morning, call him and have him cuddle with me for a few minutes before I start my day.  He's our "baby"!  (yes....I'm aware I'm one of those people)
• Kroger brand (Private Selection) Extreme Moosetracks Ice Cream - I'm not one that will turn down ice cream....at all.  I'll eat just about anything.  However, Adam and I have recently become addicted to this ice cream.  Chocolate ice cream, chocolate cups and chocolate fudge....need I say more?  Please....I urge you....go buy some.....

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes....

I'm definitely into the third trimester.  My body has already been thru so many changes so far...and they just keep on coming.  I'll spare most of the details but let's just say that I'm happy I read ahead in my pregnancy books, that google is an easy click away and mom is just a phone call away.  HA!

We started childbirth classes yesterday and the anticipation is just mounting as we look forward and continue to get ready for William's arrival!  I am just closing my eyes and trying to imagine what it'll feel like after hours (and hours and hours) of labor when they finally lay him on my chest - my heart about bursts just thinking about it....

Mommy and Daddy can't wait to meet you, William!!!

(Indirect) Shopping for William

I love pictures!  I love taking my camera everywhere to be able to snap pictures if I wanted.  I have been scrapbooking for about 10 years and have 10 filled scrapbooks.  I have been happy with my Canon point and shoot camera for several years now, but was looking to go to something different to be able to take better pictures, especially once William arrives!

We have officially upgraded to a Canon digital SLR!  I'm so excited at the drastic difference with absolutely no knowledge at all!  We are ready to capture some priceless baby moments!!

Even Tressel is more photogenic with the new camera!!

Shopping for William

Several weeks ago, Adam and I started registering for baby.  Having done the wedding registry thing not too long ago, we figured this wouldn't be too terribly difficult.  Umm...wrong.

Maybe I'm looking too far into things, but picking items to use with your baby (when there are SO MANY options) is a little tricky.  It's kind of a balance between convenience, safety and just plain we-don't-REALLY-need-that.  It's a balance between looking at weights that the item supports, the materials that it's made out of, looking at reviews to see what people liked and didn't like and trying to somehow comprehend what kind of routine you'll use and what things you might find handy around the house.  I've actually enjoyed (and learned a lot) but researching some of the big items that we were selecting!

Also, we FINALLY picked out our car seat and stroller system!  
Chicco Cortina Travel System - Discovery

We already picked out the crib and dresser - but how do you pick a mattress to go with it?  My mom feels the best way is to have my dad and sis to test them out....in the store....to see which is the most firm and sturdy.  If it wasn't so hilarious, I would have walked away while in the store. 

It was a great, fun day looking at baby stuff!!!  It led to a very full cart and very full car on the way back to Illinois!!

Visit with Family

Weekend in Cincinnati to make a quick visit with family!

The drive was 8 hours, instead of the normal 5, because I-74 was closed down.  I took advantage of this by making the best of it, rolling down the car windows and enjoying the most beautiful day ever and started finishing up my book in the car.  (we weren't moving, don't worry)  The woman in the car next to me called me "a soldier" since I'm so pregnant and didn't have to run into the trees to go to the bathroom.  HA!

It was a great weekend - visits with family, good food, shopping for baby with Mom and Mel!

There was also a surprise visit from my favorite kiddies that I haven't seen in forever!!  After missing seeing them last weekend, they made the trip down from Columbus to visit!!  It was a wonderful surprise!!  Also got to see Mason-butt too!!!

Surprise visit from Sam, Jeb and Ellie - they are so big!!!

Mason!!  He can't help but be cute....

They're heeeere

The day has finally arrived.....not the good kind.

....damned stretch marks.....

I figured I saw them last week and thought, maybe it was just the impression on my skin from my clothes and I didn't wanna say anything out loud in case I'd jinx it and then they would absolutely be real. 

Where are these stretch marks, you ask?  Wouldn't you think on my belly or whereabouts, where my body has exploded with my ever-growing son and is now the size of a soccer ball  basketball   punching balloon hot air balloon.  You'd think...

They have magically appeared on my northern lady humps.  Swell....

hehe

Thankful Thursday - 9.2.10

• Going "Home" - OK, so I haven't lived in my parent's house for about 10 years now, but when I make the trip, I still call it "home."  Adam and I have made a wonderful home in Illinois but I guess my parent's house will always have that place in my heart.  I'm visiting "home" this weekend and can't wait to see my family!
• Adam's t-shirts - After several times of me walking around in my t-shirts and Adam asking me if my belly was cold, he got the hint.  My belly was hanging out of the bottom of all of my normal t-shirts and he kindly gave me a selection and put them in my dresser drawer.  I'm drowning in the chest and sleeves, but my belly fits just right.  Hehe.
• Our garage - We have lived in our house for about a year now and I'm still in love with the garage.  I think a garage is one of those things you don't really 'need' until you have one!  I love being able to pull right in while it's pouring down rain and unload my groceries, completely dry.  Winter isn't as bad knowing I will not have to wake up and scrape frost and snow and ice off my car in the morning.  It's just nice to have.
• Web Cams - I love where I live in Peoria.  I love the city, I enjoy my job, I love our house, I love Adam's family being close.  There are plenty of times I miss being near my immediate and extended family though.  There have been plenty of birthday parties or graduation parties or other family get-togethers that I have missed over the past few years and I've missed seeing the fam for each, especially all the kiddies that are growing up so fast!  This past weekend, when everyone was together at my parent's house, we were able to sign on to the trusty web cam so I could see the kiddies and family!  There might not have been hugs and kisses, but just seeing them and hearing them all together gave me a taste of family again that might normally be reserved when we make it to town for holidays!