Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Back to School
Waaaaay back in March, I started looking into childbirth classes. I knew that one organization associated with the hospital offered them, and decided to go ahead and register for the class. That class happened this past Saturday.
Josh moaned and groaned about having to give up an entire Saturday to sit in a class learning about all the beautiful (and gory/disgusting/gross) things that go along with labor and the birth process and subsequent recovery. But, he knew there was no fighting me on it.
So, Saturday morning, we showed up at the hospital with our two pillows we were instructed to bring, unsure of what to expect.
The instructor of the class was a very sweet, soft-spoken woman, who had previously been a labor and delivery nurse. You could tell right away she loves her job and all things related to birth and babies. There were 8 other couples in the class, and it was a very relaxed atmosphere. We started off the class with all of the dads introducing themselves and their partner, telling the group the due date and sex (if known), and what the highlights have been of the pregnancy so far. Then, the moms were to state what the highlights have been for them, and what one of the not-so-great parts has been.
We then moved into hormones, the labor process, how the baby moves into birth position, how he/she rotates through the pelvis to fit out, and what to expect to happen right after the baby is born. She had models of everything, including a placenta, amniotic sac, uterus, umbilical cord, and pelvis. Although I'm fairly familiar with how everything happens, it was neat to see how it happens "in person" (although it was much less gooey and gross than a real birth!). It was also good for Josh to see, and to help him understand it better. After all, you can only get so much from a book.
We talked about contractions (both true and Braxton Hicks), how to time them, and when to head to the hospital. Next came breathing techniques to help with the pain, and massage techniques. We did the "He, He, Ho" and "He, He, He, Ho" you commonly see/hear about it. The instructor then brought out cups of ice chips, and we were told we were going to do a little experiment. We each grabbed a handful of ice, and held it for 50 seconds. Oh.My.Gosh. It hurt. Fifty seconds is a LONG time to hold ice in your hand. We then switched hands, and practiced the two breathing techniques while holding the ice. Holy Moly! It helped! The ice was definitely still cold, but those 50 seconds weren't nearly as uncomfortable as the first. One neat thing was the labor coaches were put on the spot to actually coach. The moms were told to have a mini-freakout about halfway through the "contraction", and the dads had to help us get focused again and continue our breathing. At first, most of us were laughing. But then, we really started to get into it! Josh was great at knowing what I needed, and brought me back down to a calm level where I could get back into my breathing rhythm. [And no, I'm not stupid enough to think that holding those ice chips equates to the pain of a contraction. Obviously everything in labor will be intensified by about a million, but this was a nice little practice step.] The massage techniques were by far my favorite part- the instructor dimmed the lights, had us moms get comfortable, and gave the dads racquet balls, "nukkles', and other tools to try out. So basically, we got a ten minute massage in the middle of class :) After the massages we tried out different positions to try while laboring, including kneeling over something, the "slow dance" position, being on all fours, etc.
Next came pushing. We were propped up against our "labor partners", and told to bend our knees and put our hands on our knees. The instructor would time a 60-second "contraction", and we would practice breathing in, holding it, and "pushing", while our partners counted to ten. We would do three "pushes" per contraction. [Obviously, we weren't actually pushing; just practicing the positioning and timing.] I could hear Josh counting to ten behind me, and at first, I could tell he was just kind of halfway going along with it. But then, he leaned in close, and started counting in my ear, tapping my leg or arm in time with the counting, and really put in maximal effort. I think this was the exact moment we both had our "Holy Crap" feelings. We had a bathroom break right after this part, and while walking the halls, we both were kind of freaked out- but in a good way. It hit us- we're actually going to be going through this in just a few weeks. All of this practicing is because IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN. A BABY is going to be coming OUT and SOON!
The rest of the class time was spent talking about what happens after the baby is born- the suctioning of his nose/mouth, cleaning him up, bonding time, etc. We also discussed pain options during labor, and she demonstrated how an epidural is done. Next came postpartum care (all of the guys' FAVORITE part, I'm sure). Then, we headed down to the Labor and Delivery unit of the hospital for our tour. We were able to see the delivery rooms (which are HUGE), how the beds break down, the birthing tubs, and then the postpartum rooms. Josh and I have both seen the postpartum rooms several times lately, due to all of the babies born to friends and family in the last few months.
We were supposed to watch a video, but the equipment wasn't working, so we're all getting a copy sent to us in the mail.
After the class was done, Josh decided the class was a good idea, and that it wasn't nearly as bad as he expected. We were given handouts on the material from class, including a hospital packing list. Which Josh has decided we need to do NOW. Just in case.
Doing all of this practicing makes me feel more relaxed for the actual impending birth, and also made me fall in love all over again with Josh. He is going to be a fantastic labor coach/birth partner, and an even more incredible dad. He has always been my strength and my rock, and proves this again and again.
Next up is my breastfeeding class at the end of August, and then we hurry up and wait for the little man to arrive. We are 32w2d, and (hopefully) have less than 8 weeks to go!
Josh moaned and groaned about having to give up an entire Saturday to sit in a class learning about all the beautiful (and gory/disgusting/gross) things that go along with labor and the birth process and subsequent recovery. But, he knew there was no fighting me on it.
So, Saturday morning, we showed up at the hospital with our two pillows we were instructed to bring, unsure of what to expect.
The instructor of the class was a very sweet, soft-spoken woman, who had previously been a labor and delivery nurse. You could tell right away she loves her job and all things related to birth and babies. There were 8 other couples in the class, and it was a very relaxed atmosphere. We started off the class with all of the dads introducing themselves and their partner, telling the group the due date and sex (if known), and what the highlights have been of the pregnancy so far. Then, the moms were to state what the highlights have been for them, and what one of the not-so-great parts has been.
We then moved into hormones, the labor process, how the baby moves into birth position, how he/she rotates through the pelvis to fit out, and what to expect to happen right after the baby is born. She had models of everything, including a placenta, amniotic sac, uterus, umbilical cord, and pelvis. Although I'm fairly familiar with how everything happens, it was neat to see how it happens "in person" (although it was much less gooey and gross than a real birth!). It was also good for Josh to see, and to help him understand it better. After all, you can only get so much from a book.
We talked about contractions (both true and Braxton Hicks), how to time them, and when to head to the hospital. Next came breathing techniques to help with the pain, and massage techniques. We did the "He, He, Ho" and "He, He, He, Ho" you commonly see/hear about it. The instructor then brought out cups of ice chips, and we were told we were going to do a little experiment. We each grabbed a handful of ice, and held it for 50 seconds. Oh.My.Gosh. It hurt. Fifty seconds is a LONG time to hold ice in your hand. We then switched hands, and practiced the two breathing techniques while holding the ice. Holy Moly! It helped! The ice was definitely still cold, but those 50 seconds weren't nearly as uncomfortable as the first. One neat thing was the labor coaches were put on the spot to actually coach. The moms were told to have a mini-freakout about halfway through the "contraction", and the dads had to help us get focused again and continue our breathing. At first, most of us were laughing. But then, we really started to get into it! Josh was great at knowing what I needed, and brought me back down to a calm level where I could get back into my breathing rhythm. [And no, I'm not stupid enough to think that holding those ice chips equates to the pain of a contraction. Obviously everything in labor will be intensified by about a million, but this was a nice little practice step.] The massage techniques were by far my favorite part- the instructor dimmed the lights, had us moms get comfortable, and gave the dads racquet balls, "nukkles', and other tools to try out. So basically, we got a ten minute massage in the middle of class :) After the massages we tried out different positions to try while laboring, including kneeling over something, the "slow dance" position, being on all fours, etc.
Next came pushing. We were propped up against our "labor partners", and told to bend our knees and put our hands on our knees. The instructor would time a 60-second "contraction", and we would practice breathing in, holding it, and "pushing", while our partners counted to ten. We would do three "pushes" per contraction. [Obviously, we weren't actually pushing; just practicing the positioning and timing.] I could hear Josh counting to ten behind me, and at first, I could tell he was just kind of halfway going along with it. But then, he leaned in close, and started counting in my ear, tapping my leg or arm in time with the counting, and really put in maximal effort. I think this was the exact moment we both had our "Holy Crap" feelings. We had a bathroom break right after this part, and while walking the halls, we both were kind of freaked out- but in a good way. It hit us- we're actually going to be going through this in just a few weeks. All of this practicing is because IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN. A BABY is going to be coming OUT and SOON!
The rest of the class time was spent talking about what happens after the baby is born- the suctioning of his nose/mouth, cleaning him up, bonding time, etc. We also discussed pain options during labor, and she demonstrated how an epidural is done. Next came postpartum care (all of the guys' FAVORITE part, I'm sure). Then, we headed down to the Labor and Delivery unit of the hospital for our tour. We were able to see the delivery rooms (which are HUGE), how the beds break down, the birthing tubs, and then the postpartum rooms. Josh and I have both seen the postpartum rooms several times lately, due to all of the babies born to friends and family in the last few months.
We were supposed to watch a video, but the equipment wasn't working, so we're all getting a copy sent to us in the mail.
After the class was done, Josh decided the class was a good idea, and that it wasn't nearly as bad as he expected. We were given handouts on the material from class, including a hospital packing list. Which Josh has decided we need to do NOW. Just in case.
Doing all of this practicing makes me feel more relaxed for the actual impending birth, and also made me fall in love all over again with Josh. He is going to be a fantastic labor coach/birth partner, and an even more incredible dad. He has always been my strength and my rock, and proves this again and again.
Next up is my breastfeeding class at the end of August, and then we hurry up and wait for the little man to arrive. We are 32w2d, and (hopefully) have less than 8 weeks to go!
Monday, August 1, 2011
A Big To-Do
List, that is.
I figure if I post my master to-do list here, I can't misplace it! Here is the list:
Baby Room:
I figure if I post my master to-do list here, I can't misplace it! Here is the list:
Baby Room:
- Hang ceiling fan
- Fix closet doors
- Wash bedding
- Buy/install blind for window
- Install heater
- Hang/make/buy decor
- Major grocery shopping trip in mid-September
- Major Costco shopping trip
- Buy anything left on registry after baby showers
- Buy mini toiletries for hospital bag
- Buy snacks for hospital bag
- Buy nursing bras and nursing tanks
- Get breast pump and supplies
- Figure out where/with whom Molly will be going while we are in the hospital
- Find insurance papers to add the kiddo to Josh's insurance
- Update phone address book with numbers and groups so mass texts can be sent out
- Plan/make freezer meals for after kiddo comes home
Friday, July 29, 2011
Field Trial Dog
If you haven't noticed by some of my previous blog posts, we're a little obsessed with our dog, Molly. She is just over 1 year old, and is a Labrador Retriever/Golden Retriever mix. We got her because we wanted a bird hunting dog, as well as a "family" dog. And she fits the bill perfectly.
I originally wanted to take her to a dog trainer, to teach her the basics: sit, stay, come, heel, how to walk on a leash, etc. Josh, however, was committed to training her himself. I have to admit- I was worried he would get bored with it, and wouldn't commit the necessary time to her. But we decided to give it a go.
The results have been amazing. Josh STILL spends time with her almost every day, working on training. Molly can do all of the basics: sit, stay, lay down, heel, walk on a leash. But her retrieving skills are what really set her apart. We can sit her down, go 100+ yards away, blow a duck call, fire a shotgun, throw a fake/real bird, say every "m" word possible, and even walk away and leave her, and that dog will not move from her spot. She won't go after it until we say her name. Its incredible to watch, really. She is so darn focused!! We can even throw two or three bumpers (training dummies) at a time in different directions, and she'll go after one, bring it back to your left side, sit next to you, and hold it in her mouth until you tell her "leave" and take it from her. Then she'll go get the second one, and repeat.
Josh also taught her not to shake after retrieving from the water, which comes in very handy! Instead, we'll throw something in the water, and she'll go get it, bring it your left side, etc., and then after you take the object from her, you can back away far enough to avoid getting soaked, and then tell her to shake off. Its nice to be able to stay dry!
All of this training is geared towards duck hunting, and the skills she has learned are directly translated into hunting situations. However, duck hunting is only a few short months out of the year. What is there to do the rest of the year, you ask?
Field trials.
These competitions simulate hunting situations, and test each dog against a set of regulated retrieves/tests. The problem we have found is most competitions require the dog to be purebred, which Molly is not. However, we have found one organization that Molly can test in, and she will hopefully be competing this September (if Baby Davis hasn't arrived!). It will be her first competition, and will more so just be a way to gauge her and our interest, and to see how she compares.
We (meaning mostly Josh) have stepped up her training, and I'm constantly impressed by how she performs. If all goes as planned, I'll be able to videotape her test, and I'll be sure to post it on here!
I love that this is a hobby we can all do together, and that the kiddo can someday get into (with a pup of his own), if he's interested. Love family hobbies!
I originally wanted to take her to a dog trainer, to teach her the basics: sit, stay, come, heel, how to walk on a leash, etc. Josh, however, was committed to training her himself. I have to admit- I was worried he would get bored with it, and wouldn't commit the necessary time to her. But we decided to give it a go.
The results have been amazing. Josh STILL spends time with her almost every day, working on training. Molly can do all of the basics: sit, stay, lay down, heel, walk on a leash. But her retrieving skills are what really set her apart. We can sit her down, go 100+ yards away, blow a duck call, fire a shotgun, throw a fake/real bird, say every "m" word possible, and even walk away and leave her, and that dog will not move from her spot. She won't go after it until we say her name. Its incredible to watch, really. She is so darn focused!! We can even throw two or three bumpers (training dummies) at a time in different directions, and she'll go after one, bring it back to your left side, sit next to you, and hold it in her mouth until you tell her "leave" and take it from her. Then she'll go get the second one, and repeat.
Josh also taught her not to shake after retrieving from the water, which comes in very handy! Instead, we'll throw something in the water, and she'll go get it, bring it your left side, etc., and then after you take the object from her, you can back away far enough to avoid getting soaked, and then tell her to shake off. Its nice to be able to stay dry!
All of this training is geared towards duck hunting, and the skills she has learned are directly translated into hunting situations. However, duck hunting is only a few short months out of the year. What is there to do the rest of the year, you ask?
Field trials.
These competitions simulate hunting situations, and test each dog against a set of regulated retrieves/tests. The problem we have found is most competitions require the dog to be purebred, which Molly is not. However, we have found one organization that Molly can test in, and she will hopefully be competing this September (if Baby Davis hasn't arrived!). It will be her first competition, and will more so just be a way to gauge her and our interest, and to see how she compares.
We (meaning mostly Josh) have stepped up her training, and I'm constantly impressed by how she performs. If all goes as planned, I'll be able to videotape her test, and I'll be sure to post it on here!
I love that this is a hobby we can all do together, and that the kiddo can someday get into (with a pup of his own), if he's interested. Love family hobbies!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
30+ Week Survey
How far along? 30 weeks and 4 days
How big is baby? According to The Bump, 15.2-16.7 in. and 2.5-3.8 lbs; roughly the size of a squash.
Total weight gain/loss: Up 20 lbs. This number has now remained the same for 3+ weeks. FINALLY the weight gain has slowed down!
Sleep: Constantly sleepy. I think that comes from the fact that its hard for me to get comfortable for any length of time. Rolling over in bed takes tremendous effort, and is extremely painful. Plus, I am always too warm.
Best moment this week: Realizing how quickly August is going to fly by, and feeling stronger and stronger movements.
Movement: Very strong, and clearly noticeable from the outside. Its so strange to see my belly changing shape as he moves around!
Symptoms: What symptoms DON'T I have??
Symptoms I DON'T have: None that I can think of.
Food cravings: Lately its desserts of all kinds, which only adds to my growing shape.
Food aversions: Unfortunately, nothing.
Gender: Definitely a boy. Two ultrasounds have confirmed it!
Labor Signs: None, and I'd like to keep it that way for at least 6.5 more weeks!
Belly Button in or out? Still technically in. Its basically flush with the rest of my stomach. I thought for sure it would poke out, but now I'm thinking it may just stay this way for the remainder of this pregnancy,
What I miss: My ribs not hurting, being able to get comfortable, not wincing every time I get up to walk.
What I am looking forward to: Our childbirth class next weekend, followed by our first baby shower the weekend after. Then its off to Lake Chelan for 4 days, and then home for a baby shower the following weekend. And THEN, its September!!
Milestones: Getting closer and closer to being full-term, and checking little things off our to-do list.
How big is baby? According to The Bump, 15.2-16.7 in. and 2.5-3.8 lbs; roughly the size of a squash.
Total weight gain/loss: Up 20 lbs. This number has now remained the same for 3+ weeks. FINALLY the weight gain has slowed down!
Sleep: Constantly sleepy. I think that comes from the fact that its hard for me to get comfortable for any length of time. Rolling over in bed takes tremendous effort, and is extremely painful. Plus, I am always too warm.
Best moment this week: Realizing how quickly August is going to fly by, and feeling stronger and stronger movements.
Movement: Very strong, and clearly noticeable from the outside. Its so strange to see my belly changing shape as he moves around!
Symptoms: What symptoms DON'T I have??
Symptoms I DON'T have: None that I can think of.
Food cravings: Lately its desserts of all kinds, which only adds to my growing shape.
Food aversions: Unfortunately, nothing.
Gender: Definitely a boy. Two ultrasounds have confirmed it!
Labor Signs: None, and I'd like to keep it that way for at least 6.5 more weeks!
Belly Button in or out? Still technically in. Its basically flush with the rest of my stomach. I thought for sure it would poke out, but now I'm thinking it may just stay this way for the remainder of this pregnancy,
What I miss: My ribs not hurting, being able to get comfortable, not wincing every time I get up to walk.
What I am looking forward to: Our childbirth class next weekend, followed by our first baby shower the weekend after. Then its off to Lake Chelan for 4 days, and then home for a baby shower the following weekend. And THEN, its September!!
Milestones: Getting closer and closer to being full-term, and checking little things off our to-do list.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Freezer Meals
I've been thinking recently about making some freezer meals for us to eat after the kiddo arrives. I have a hard enough time now coming home after work and cooking, and I can only imagine what it will be like after he is born. I know a lot of our family/friends want to bring us meals, and we greatly appreciate it!! But I don't want to find ourselves depending on that graciousness.
I've been scouring my cookbooks and various websites, looking for recipes. One of my favorite sites is What's Cookin, Chicago? I love that Joelen has a huge collection of recipes, how to freeze them, and various tips for storage of freezer meals. None of the recipes are too complex, and I get hungry just searching through them.
I'm going to try making a few of the recipes this weekend, since Josh will be working overtime and I'll be home by my lonesome (with the exception of the cat and dog). This will give us a chance to see what we like, how well things freeze, and how big the portions are. Plus, it means I won't have to do much cooking over the next week or so :)
Doing things in preparation for his birth/after we're home really make me realize how close we're getting to delivery day!!
I've been scouring my cookbooks and various websites, looking for recipes. One of my favorite sites is What's Cookin, Chicago? I love that Joelen has a huge collection of recipes, how to freeze them, and various tips for storage of freezer meals. None of the recipes are too complex, and I get hungry just searching through them.
I'm going to try making a few of the recipes this weekend, since Josh will be working overtime and I'll be home by my lonesome (with the exception of the cat and dog). This will give us a chance to see what we like, how well things freeze, and how big the portions are. Plus, it means I won't have to do much cooking over the next week or so :)
Doing things in preparation for his birth/after we're home really make me realize how close we're getting to delivery day!!
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