Christmas 2010!!

So this is the Christmas card that we sent out this year! Yes that's right I actually sent cards out!! And I made this one using my scrapbook software, which makes it even more special!

I was a little disappointed that my little photomate printer doesn't print 5x7 but I made due with sending out 4x6!


I forced Joe to pose for the pics and these are the two that were in the running. On a side note: my cute knit slippers were a gift from Kathy last Christmas...I love those things!

My attempt to capture our Christmas tree on Christmas Eve...

Here is our tree in all of it's 4 foot grandeur!! The funny thing is that from the outside it looks like a normal size tree!!

3rd Trimester!

That's right, Jesse and I have officially made it into the 3rd trimester...that is 28 weeks, aka. 7mos! We now have appointments every two weeks with the midwives and childbirth classes every Wednesday!

My little guy is getting big and is still super active! He's already head down (but he's got plenty of room to change position if he wants to). He's been hanging out with his head in my left hip and his little feet in my right ribs!! He also likes to try and stretch while in this position which is getting uncomfortable for me, however, he appears to enjoy it very much!!

So here's what the website What To Expect says is going on with me and Jesse in week 28...

Week 28 of Pregnancy

Your baby has started blinking and dreaming while you may be dreaming that the pain in your derriere will disappear!

Your Baby in Week 28 of Pregnancy

Your baby is settling into the proper position for birth, with his head facing downward (toward your body's nearest exit!). Your little work in progress is now about 2.5 pounds and almost 16 inches long. He's busy adding new skills such as blinking to an already impressive repertoire of tricks like coughing, sucking, hiccuping, and taking practice breaths. Your baby's sleep now includes the REM (rapid eye movement) phase — and that means he could be dreaming already (what do you suppose he's dreaming about?).

Learn more about your baby this week and fetal brain activity.

Your Body in Week 28 of Pregnancy

While it's good news that your baby is settling into the right position for childbirth (since you're now entering the third trimester), the potentially painful news is his head — plus the weight of your uterus — may now be sitting on your sciatic nerve, which runs through the lower part of your back, buttocks, and legs. This common condition (called sciatica) can cause sharp, shooting pain and/or tingling or numbness, starting in your rear end and radiating down the backs of your legs. The best thing to do for sciatica (and the rest of your week 28 aches and woes)? Take it easy — and hope your baby changes position sooner rather than later.

Busy Day Indeed!

Wow! We had a super busy day today! I had another appointment with the midwives and I had to do the 1 hour glucose test to check for gestational diabetes. The appointment went very well! Jesse appears to be doing what he needs to be doing and he's currently in proper position, however, he's still small enough to flip-flop if he so desires. Joe got to feel where Jesse's head is and I've discovered why he's always jabbing my in my left hip and right rib!! The glucose wasn't as bad as I had anticipated and I had no adverse reactions afterwards!! WooHoo, praise Jesus. I was also very brave and didn't throw a fit when the midwife had to draw the blood! =)

We also were driving all around town trying to look at gliders and ottomans, cribs, and pillow cases for my snoogle (it didn't come with one!!).

We couldn't get the glider we wanted and it was a really good price. We ended up settling for one that was a little bit more expensive and a slightly different color, only to find out that it was actually CHEAPER!! Another WooHoo!! We decided to wait on the crib for awhile longer however, we have one picked out. I was also able to find the very allusive Snoogle pillow case!!

Next on our to-do list is clean out the office and convert it into a baby room!! We're not looking forward to it but my goal is to have it done by January so we better get a move on it!!

Woo Hoo! They've finally arrived!!

With all of the pregnant woman around me, and those with young children, I've discovered many new options that I would have never considered!! One option in particular...cloth diapers!

My grandmother told me stories of how she used cloth diapers and it sounded absolutely horrid!! I mean cloth being hosed off on the deck in the back yard (you can use your imagination here...) and being swished around in the toilet or a bucket...YUK!! I could just see myself here in Alaska trying to hose off a dirty diaper in the back yard in 2 degree weather in the winter time!! LOL! I don't think so!!

So anyways, several ladies I know have started doing cloth diapers and I began asking some questions. One friend was kind enough to bring one to show me and after that I was sold!! Well, I think I was sold when she told me she found this website that sells them for SUPER cheap...and well, THEN I was sold!!

So here are the cloth diapers that I just got in the mail from Sweet Doll Baby. I only purchased 12 of them because I'm not positive if Jesse will have any allergies to them. Didn't want to invest too much only to find out that it's not really an option. They were only $4.50 with two cloth inserts to help absorb.

So a big issue I had with this whole set up was the hosing and the swishing. What if "stuff" gets all clumpy in there?? So my friend showed me this amazing thing that helps her avoid really having to deal with the "stuff"!! She uses these things that look like dryer sheets which are placed in the diaper. When baby does his business, all mom has to do is remove the liner (dryer sheet looking thingy) and flush it!!! That's right...I get to flush it down the toilet!!! These were only $10.00 for 200 sheets at DivaDiapers!!

GroVia Bio Liners

GroVia™ BioLiners™ GroVia™ BioLiners™ allow moisture to pass through while keeping your baby's skin dry. Easy to use, they keep solids contained for easy clean-up. Simply remove the liner and flush. 200 Unscented 100% Natural Liners GroVia™ BioLiners™ are made from Ingeo™ Fibers, a renewable fiber free of harsh synthetic chemicals and preservatives. Fragrance Free Chlorine Free Dye Free Flushable Breathable So that's right, cloth diapers that require no hosing, swishing, or safety pins to jab my poor little Jesse...and I get to flush the "stuff" too!!

Childbirth Classes...lots of options!!

Spurred on by a pregnant friend who just finished a 1 day birth class, I found the sudden urge to begin investigating which childbirth class would be a good fit for Joe and I. My friend is having her boy in a hospital and wants to try to have her little guy naturally. She gave me some great insight into the standard classes provided at the local hospital.

I discovered that half of the class was geared towards informing mothers of the different medicinal ways to manage pain and when you can have them administered. My friend also informed me that she wished the class would have spent more time on birthing positions. I knew from her experience that this class was not a good fit for us. We plan on having Jesse in a birth center where epidurals and medicine for pain management is not even an option. Why would I attend a class where half of the lessons do not even apply to us??

In the end we decided on going with the Bradley Method. I had originally looked into the Bradley Diet at the beginning of the pregnancy and thought that the diet was too difficult (like I could ever eat that much!!). But after looking at the class content we were sold!! Not to mention that Joe just happened to be reading a book Husband-Coached Childbirth, by Robert A. Bradley (the guy who came up with the Bradley Method).

So this is a 12 week course that meets once a week for 2 hours. Each class focuses on a different topic. The purpose of the class is to help parents be their own advocates and know their rights. It also stresses the importance of a proper diet and exercise to prepare for birth. I love how there are several classes that are geared specifically for the husbands on how to be a good coach!!

We've already attended 2 classes and have learned a lot!! We should finish up at the end of February!

"The W in Christmas"

I found this on one of my favorite blogs (Faith Sisters) which is starting a new scrapbook project for December. I just had to share it...and being all hormonal and stuff I kind of got teary eyed at the end! JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!!

The "W" in Christmas

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six-year-old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant."

I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.

So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row-center stage -- held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down -- totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a “W." The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W." Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"

And He still is! I hope this special message is one that helps you reflect on CHRISTmas and the reason for this celebration!

Why Jesse Won't Be Born In A Hospital...

...At least that's the plan...

Joe and I decided very early on that we would have our baby in a birth center as opposed to the local hospital. Many a family member has raised an eyebrow or two at our decision and others just don't get it.

Honestly, I never even realized that a birth center was an option before we moved to Alaska!! I am blessed enough to attend a wonderful church that has a lot of young moms (several of whom have had deliveries in a birth center or with a midwife or doula). It is here that I learned about my various options. These moms were kind enough to share their experiences!

So, why will Jesse be born in a birth center??

• I hate hospitals!! They make me nervous, uncomfortable, and stressed (when I'm the patient, if I'm visiting it's not such a big deal)
• Surgery is more likely to occur in a hospital setting...if I can avoid being cut open I will!!
• I want to have more options available to me. If I am able to manage the pain by sitting in a jacuzzi tub, in a shower, or by sitting on a birthing ball, I want to be able to do that and not be discouraged!!
• I want to know who is delivering my baby. At a birth center I get to know each midwife and I know that at least one of those great ladies will be there to help deliver Jesse. At a hospital I may not get the doctor that I've been seeing throughout the pregnancy!
• The birth center allows us to be more involved in the process and helps us be our own advocates.
• Joe and I personally know several ladies who have delivered at this particular birth center and they all had amazing experiences.

We've also gotten the "So, yeah, yeah, yeah, that's all nice, but aren't you concerned about emergencies?"

I pray that we have no complications but I'm not too concerned about it. The midwives work under a doctor at a hospital that is only minutes away. If an emergency were to occur, Jesse or myself would be transported to the hospital where I would be immediately admitted and the situation would be addressed. Also, these women are Certified Nurse Midwives and not just some lady off the street. They've gone to school to do this and this is their specialty!

On a side note, we also know several women who have had unforeseen emergency situation occur while at the birth center (or even at a home birth) and they were transfered to the hospital without issues and were taken care of. And those women were still happy with their experience at the birth center (or with their midwife).

This is a personal choice and I understand that it's not for everyone, but we are happy with the decision that we've made and would not choose to make any changes so far!!

Week 26 Of Pregnancy!

Want to know what's new with Jesse and me? Well here's the overview from www.whattoexpect.com

Week 26 of Pregnancy

Major excitement: Your baby opens her eyes! On the flip side, you might wish yours would stay closed so you could get some sleep.

Your Baby in Week 26 of Pregnancy
What's up with your baby? She now weighs a full two pounds and measures nine-plus inches. And this week, her eyes, which until now were developing under fused eyelids, start to open. Of course, there's not much to see in there, but if your baby spots a bright light (or hears a loud noise) near your belly, you may notice an increase in fetal activity. (“Hey, I'm in here, Mommy! Where’s the party!”) What accounts for that response? Her brain is more developed and sophisticated.

Learn more about your baby in week 26 and a baby’s eye development.

Your Body in Week 26 of Pregnancy
If a full night's rest has become elusive, welcome to the (sleepless) world of pregnancy insomnia. Between heartburn and leg cramps, bathroom runs and that big beach ball (with its protruding navel!) beneath your nightie, it's no wonder your body's having trouble calming down and drifting off. But there are lots of tactics to try that should help keep you in bed (and asleep!) instead of pacing the floor; these include daytime exercise, a daily dose of fresh air, and limiting fluids before you hit the hay.

Learn more about your body in week 26 and your protruding belly button during pregnancy.

Week 26 Pregnancy Tip: Baby's Movements in the Womb

Feel like you're carrying the Karate Kid with all the kicking going on? Your baby is actually practicing all kinds of movements that will eventually be used in life on the outside — including pedaling against your belly, a sort of prewalking skill. As your baby's nervous system becomes more developed, the movements will become much more coordinated. And as the baby gets bigger and stronger, the movements will become much more powerful…and occasionally, even painful to you. If your baby lands a good one, that tiny left hook might hurt — a lot. Another trick she may try — stretching that leg out so far that the foot becomes lodged between your ribs (ouch). Next time you come under attack, try changing positions or doing some stretches of your own. You can also gently push your baby back with your hand when your knee-jerker jerks a little too hard. You just might be able to send your slugger back into the corner of the ring!

Christmas Cards!!

That's right! I actually did it...I actually sent out Christmas cards!! I have good intentions every year, and have even gone so far as to purchase cards, fill them out, place them in an envelope with postage, address and all, and STILL did not send them out!!! Well not this year...they actually made it into the mailbox!! WooHoo!! My major motivation was the fact that I had been promising family members a CD of ultrasound pics of Jesse (from 12 AND 18 weeks!!!).

I decided to use my digital scrapbooking software to make the cards, but unfortunately our current printer doesn't like to print out quality photos! Thankfully, I have a small Epson PictureMate, which worked wonderfully! Only draw back is that while I'd have really liked to print out cards in 5x7 I had to settle for 4x6. But I figure beggars can't be choosers and at least I actually made it to the mailbox this year!

I'll be posting a copy of our homemade Christmas cards/pics sometime soon (don't want to spoil the surprise), so stay tuned!

Jesse's 1st Christmas Present

I know he's not here yet (for several months still...) but we went and got him his first Christmas gift! I was looking for a baby memory book that I could get started on but just couldn't find one that I really liked. That is until I found this one... God Created Me!

I love how this memory book is centered around God! I also love that this memory book is actually written as a story that can be read to Jesse as he grows up. It also includes scripture throughout that relates to particular topics on each page. I can't wait to get started on baby Jesse's memory book! Oh yeah and a picture of Jesse can be inserted in the cover so when he sees the book he'll see himself! Absolutely love it!!

25 Wk Midwife Appt. & Other Stuff

Today was filled with baby events!!!

I had my 25 week appointment with one of the midwives. Jesse is doing great and his heartbeat is nice and strong! My blood pressure and weight are right were they should be as well! It was interesting to see this midwife try to locate Jesse by squishing my belly around and feeling for his outline (and seeing my belly be lopsided as Jesse laid at an angle)! Joe was super excited to find out that he can "catch" the baby during delivery which I think he started talking about half jokingly!! I was also referred to a physical therapist (who specializes in pregnant women) for my hip pain and because of the scoliosis. I was kind of surprised to find out that my next appointment isn't a month away but 3weeks now!! So I'll be back in at the end of the month! Oh yes, and next month I have to do like a prelim. of the glucose test. I have to drink a small thing of glucose after and an hour later they'll do a blood test. If my sugar levels are high then I'll have to do the full on glucose test which sounds like NO FUN at all!!

I also has an appointment with a lactation consultant at the WIC office. That was very interesting to learn more about breast feeding. I was one of 4 girls in the room, probably the oldest, the only one married, AND the only one who appeared interested! So sad!

In other news I finally got a pillow to help me sleep. I had to upgrade from a wadded up blanket wedged under my belly!! We ended up getting the Snoogle which looked pretty comfortable to me! I'll have to let you know how it goes!

Doctor's Orders

You may or may not know that I have been going to a chiropractor (who is amazing and also a Believer) for about 3mos. now. Joe and I started going after we got into a crazy freak (minor) accident in a parking lot in town. I already have back and neck issues (scoliosis and hairline fractures from previous injuries) so after that accident I knew I'd better get checked out FAST!

Well I started out going in 3x per week and have since been reduced to 2x per week. The only problem is that being pregnant only makes things worse!!! All of these ligaments in my body are "relaxing" due to hormones and I've been told by my midwife that pregnancy could make my scoliosis feel better or worse...mine is definitely worse!!

On the mend: the neck is doing MUCH better (WooHoo)!! Falling apart: my range of motion while bending over has decreased dramatically. Basically, I can bend about 45 degrees forward before I start to feel some pain in the low back. It also feels like something is actually loose near the tail bone region (pregnancy hormones).

SO the doctor's orders...I have to continue my therapy 2x per week for at least 3 more weeks and I have to do a zillion different stretches (okay it's more like 6) 4-5 times a day! How can something that makes you feel better be so annoying to do??

By the way, if you're in the Anchorage area and need to see a chiropractor, let me know! Dr. Stan and Dr. Ketz are wonderful and give discounts to those who are referred!!

A Sleepless Night And a Baby Ninja

Last night was the first night that I had a very difficult time sleeping. We went to bed around 11:30ish and I fell asleep without incident. The only problem was that I kept waking up! I'd sleep on my left side and my left leg would go numb and start to hurt. So then I'd wake up and turn to my back (which hasn't been an issue for me yet!!!). But then a few minutes later I'd start to feel my pulse in my stomach and legs! So I'd roll over to the right side, only to wake up with a numb left leg (again) AND a numb right ear!!

By the time it was about 4am I was wide awake just laying in bed! Jesse kept me entertained the first hour by demonstrating his awesome ninja moves while I laid on my side! That was too cute, however, even he fell asleep after an hour, leaving me to lay in bed, wide awake by myself!

I finally dozed off sometime after 6am only to be awoken by a stupid 7am alarm (that was set for my yoga class months ago!). Luckily I fell back asleep quickly, only to be awoken by an alarm (Joe's)...once again. I dozed off (woohoo) but then I got a phone call (around 8ish) from my little brother giving me the wonderful news that Jesse is going to have a boy for a cousin!!

After that I was tired of trying to fall back asleep and just decided to get out of bed! Interesting side note, I've come to realize that Jesse CAN hear noises now! Every time the alarm would go off or the phone would ring I could feel him start to wiggle like, "What now? Can't you see I'm trying to sleep Mom??"

U/S Scrapbook Page

Well, I've begun to mess with my scrapbook stuff again and came up with this! I love the 3D pics that they were able to get of Jesse! I hope I can get these again if I get one more u/s. I would love to see how much he has developed! Not sure if you can tell, but Jesse got a lot bigger from 12 to 18 wks. I wish I could see how much he's changed from 18 to 24!!

25 Weeks Today!

Here's an overview of what's going on with Jesse and me (from www.parenting.com)

2nd trimester: Week 25 - Parenting.com

Your Pregnancy: Week 25

The fetus's legs and feet, framed by the mother's pelvis

© The Anatomical Travelogue

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Your Baby

This week, your baby weighs approximately 1 1/2 pounds. His heart is beating so loudly that anyone who presses an ear to your belly can hear it. His lungs are getting ready to take their first breath, and, though the sex of your baby was determined long ago, genital differentiation is now becoming complete. He can make a fist and reach his feet, and he may already exhibit a preference for his left or right hand.

Hot Topics:

• Preventing a Miscarriage
• Can You Prevent Preterm Labor?
• Stay-Healthy Guide for Moms-to-Be

Your Body

You're already a soccer mom, so to speak, in that youruterus is now about the size of a soccer ball. During the day, you're juggling the many tasks related to the baby's arrival, including touring hospitals, ordering equipment, and going for checkups, but you're just as busy at night, when vivid and lengthy dreams take center stage.

Do's and Don'ts

Do keep a water bottle handy and drink from it frequently. Staying hydrated prevents swelling in your hands and feet, which is common at this stage, especially when it's hot and humid. If your hands and face seem unusually puffy or if swelling comes on suddenly, check in with your health care provider. You'll want to rule out preeclampsia, a potentially dangerous health condition that can occur during pregnancy.

Your Pregnant Body:

• Can I Use Teeth Whiteners?
• Pregnancy Wives' Tales

Health

Planning a vacation before the baby comes? Be sure to schedule any flights for before your 36th week, which is the cutoff for most airlines. (If you're at risk for preterm labor your doctor or midwife may ground you even earlier.) Experts have linked sitting still during long flights to the formation of potentially harmful blood clots -- so be sure to stand up and stretch your legs often. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.