Wednesday, June 16, 2010
We have Moved!
Please visit & follow us at http://www.namastemommy.wordpress.com as we continue to document our journey!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Delicious Daddy
I meant to post this about a month ago, before Baby Dominic made his arrival. However, life seemed to happen as it normally does and I did not have a chance to upload this post.
Dearest Husband,
As you know our lives are about to change very shortly. Change is fast approaching as the due date draws closer and I wanted to take this time to express to you what a wonderful father I know you will be as you enter the Delicious Daddy Club Your caring, loving and nurturing personality will continue to shine through as a father to our little boy and I can't wait to see you hold him for the first time. Touching his soft skin, smelling his sweet smells and sharing in his precious smiles are pictures I cannot erase from my mind.
You have been extremely supportive the last 37 weeks through this pregnancy, as rough as it has been at times for me physically, and I know you will be there in the years to come. You have been my rock at all times. Whether it has been making sure I am eating regularly, taking my vitamins and medications, buying garbage cans to decorate each floor of our house during my vomiting episodes, telling me I look beautiful as the stretch marks continue to grow, or cleaning things up around the house...these all just a few of the wonderful things you do for me....you have been there through it all. For this I thank you from the bottom of my heart and know you are going to make the world’s best dad to our children.
You made me proud as the only father in our prenatal class who had actually read a pregnancy related book, and continued to amaze me as you would answer questions or start a conversation with me about pregnancy/baby related things I had no idea you knew about. Thank you for explaining the different kinds of breast milk to me. Your eagerness to learn, share knowledge and become informed has added to the fantastic dad qualities you already possess.
Thank you for wiping my tears away during emotional times of the pregnancy, squeezing my hand when I needed to know I was not doing this alone, and for sharing in the smiles and joys of feeling the baby move. I know you will be there to wipe away our children’s tears, just like you did mine, when they scrape their knee running after the soccer ball, get bruised from jumping off the too high play structure or their feelings are hurt. This is another father quality that radiates from you each and every day.
I look forward to each day we have together and all the years ahead of us as we start a new chapter in our life and build a loving family. Your love for our child already shines through brightly and I cannot wait to see your face when he finally makes his arrival into our lives.
So from my heart to yours I love you forever and always. I know you will be the best dad you can be, above and beyond my wildest expectations. Thank you for being you....a delicious daddy!
Love always,
Your Wife
Dearest Husband,
As you know our lives are about to change very shortly. Change is fast approaching as the due date draws closer and I wanted to take this time to express to you what a wonderful father I know you will be as you enter the Delicious Daddy Club Your caring, loving and nurturing personality will continue to shine through as a father to our little boy and I can't wait to see you hold him for the first time. Touching his soft skin, smelling his sweet smells and sharing in his precious smiles are pictures I cannot erase from my mind.
You have been extremely supportive the last 37 weeks through this pregnancy, as rough as it has been at times for me physically, and I know you will be there in the years to come. You have been my rock at all times. Whether it has been making sure I am eating regularly, taking my vitamins and medications, buying garbage cans to decorate each floor of our house during my vomiting episodes, telling me I look beautiful as the stretch marks continue to grow, or cleaning things up around the house...these all just a few of the wonderful things you do for me....you have been there through it all. For this I thank you from the bottom of my heart and know you are going to make the world’s best dad to our children.
You made me proud as the only father in our prenatal class who had actually read a pregnancy related book, and continued to amaze me as you would answer questions or start a conversation with me about pregnancy/baby related things I had no idea you knew about. Thank you for explaining the different kinds of breast milk to me. Your eagerness to learn, share knowledge and become informed has added to the fantastic dad qualities you already possess.
Thank you for wiping my tears away during emotional times of the pregnancy, squeezing my hand when I needed to know I was not doing this alone, and for sharing in the smiles and joys of feeling the baby move. I know you will be there to wipe away our children’s tears, just like you did mine, when they scrape their knee running after the soccer ball, get bruised from jumping off the too high play structure or their feelings are hurt. This is another father quality that radiates from you each and every day.
I look forward to each day we have together and all the years ahead of us as we start a new chapter in our life and build a loving family. Your love for our child already shines through brightly and I cannot wait to see your face when he finally makes his arrival into our lives.
So from my heart to yours I love you forever and always. I know you will be the best dad you can be, above and beyond my wildest expectations. Thank you for being you....a delicious daddy!
Love always,
Your Wife
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Our Birth Story
Well Baby Boy, Dominic, finally made his arrival into the world on Friday May 14th at 6:45p.m.
My doctors appointment on Friday May 6th had me at 1.5cm dilated, well Dr said 2cm but that was being generous. I was hoping that when I went back on the 13th that things would of progressed a little but when Dr. Eason checked I was still only 2cm dilated. She suggested we do a stretch and sweep, but when she did it said that she was doubtful that it would work from what she felt and apologized as it would probably just make me spot a little and be a little crampy. But she hoped that there was a small possibility it may get things moving as Baby Boy was growing, growing, growing!
I came home from the Dr's a little crampy and was quite tired that day and night. This was out of ordinary for me as I had gotten in the routine of going downstairs around 10p.m. everynight while daddy would sleep and mommmy would work on her computer, watch tv and movies! I would usually fall asleep around 2a.m., however that night was fast asleep by midnight.
I woke up crampy around 4a.m. Friday May 14th but thought nothing of it as the Dr had said I would be crampy and I had been crampy over the last few weeks. Adam came down to have a shower around 6:30 and of course asked if there was any pattern (as he had asked for the past 3 weeks whenever I mentioned a small cramp) I said I didn't know and that I was just crampy. I got up to go to the bathroom at 7a.m. and I soaked everywhere! Guess it was a little shock as it definitly was not urine ;)
We called our doula to see whether we should be going to the hospital as we weren't sure if it was my water that had broke our not! She said it sounded like it, so into triage we went arond 7:30a.m.
The nurse at triage did a swab and it came back saying that my membranes had not broken, but I was 3cm dilated and she thought we would be back again soon. She had wanted us to stay at the hospital but we ensured her we would come back if anything changed and would check in via telephone a few hours later. She had informed us that we were to go home and walk around. By the time we got home the cramping had intensified and all I wanted to do was lie down and then be in the warm water bathtub. By 11 we had called Anna to let her know we were indeed in labour and at 11:30 I had Adam call back and tell her I wanted her NOW!
When our doula arrived she informed us that it was time to go to the hospital so off we went. Triage put my iv in and got us registered into a room. The birthing rooms at Montfort are quite beautiful and we were very lucky to be in a newly renovated hospital with large rooms.
The contractions began to quickly intensify and once checked into the hospital I immediately got into the big birthing tub and much of what happened after that was a bit of a blur. You completely forget what time it is as you get into the zone of riding the wave of each contraction. I spent quite a bit of time in the birthing tub as the contractions intensified with each one. The zone I was in was so focused I was under the impression that I had used the same iv bag throughout the entire labour to come and find out from hubby that they changed it 3 times! After the tub our doula had me on the stability ball for a while over the bed. However, each time I was moved from one position to another the contractions would pick back up making it a challenge to re-focus and then I would be back in my zone. We rotated from the bath, to the ball and then to sitting on the toilet. Our doula had informed us that the toilet was a great prop and wonderfully opened the pelvis. I quickly learned that she was indeed right as the contractions would greatly intensify while resting there. I vividly remember sitting on the ball at one point learning over a sink grabbing onto the faucet for dear life. I then remember having the thought of whether we would have to pay for it should I happen to rip it right out of the sink ;)
The nurse we had was a young nurse who seemed quite interested in giving me drugs. I only screamed for an epidural 3 times, and each one was during the height of a contraction. Anna would soothingly tell me to sing my baby out in which my response was to yell for Adam. Poor Adam, the look in his eyes when he would come to my side. The look of helplessness, wishing he could take the pain away but couldn't. He was absolutely amazing at running for water, ice chips and cold packs as I was quite hot throughout the labour. The few times I would scream for an epidural the nurse would look at me with these eyes of "Don't let your doula push you, I will go and get the epidural for yoü"." However, Anna, Adam & I had discussed our birth plan and my hopes and desires was to have a natural childbirth. At no time did I ask for an epidural during a moment of rest, it was only during the height of the contraction. The nurse used the doppler to locate the babies heart rate quite frequently and would listen for a minute each time. The issue being that when contractions come one on top of another it was hard to find time to check the heartbeat in between them. She would also ask if I was having a contraction and them gently push on my uterus. Little did I know that this pressure would then send me into another contraction!
Dr. Aubin came in to speak to me, and I remember everyone saying that the doctor was there and wanted to speak to me. I kind of looked in her genreally direction while resting in the tub but remember not caring or registering much of what she said. There were people around but it was like I didn't really see them in my vision. I got out of the bath and back to the bed so Dr. Aubin could check me. She had said that I was 10cm at that point, which was a relief as I had dilated 2 whole cm while just resting on the toilet. I was 10cm dilated, 100% effaced but still at 0 station. She made the comment that I was still going to be a few more hours and that she probably would not be there for the birth of the baby.
The pressure was quite intesne and I kept saying I felt like I could push. Anna had me get up over the bed on my hands and knees, as I rocked through the constant contractions. The Dr. had said that if I wanted to push I could, but not to tire myself out as I would have a while. As soon as she said I could push thats all I heard! Anna informed me with the next contraction I could start pushing while over the bed. The instant relief that I felt from the pushing was amazing! I pushed a few times and then the nurse tried to find the babies heartbeat again. She located it for a second and then lost it again. She hit the cold blue and all I remember was all of a suddent there were many nurses and doctors in the room and somebody putting an oxygen mask on my. My thought did not even turn to the baby, something inside me must of known he was just fine, but I did think OOOOHHH YES oxygen, maybe a little break! A more experienced nurse found the heartbeat immediately and everyone left the room. Anna had me push a few more times while on my back and all of a sudden she said the baby is right there! The nurse quickly called the doctor and to my luck Dr. Eason (who I had wished for all along!!!) came in. Adam said she watched me push for a moment and quickly said get me the tray as the baby was right there. I felt some burning as the head began to crown, but was definitely not as intense as I had thought it may be. I pushed the head out, slowed down to get teh shoulders out and a few more pushes he was here!! Adam who had been sitting in the corner by my head, looking in the other direction, finally looked as they placed Dominic on my chest and the tears that ran down his face were absolutely priceless. The proud moment of a new father!
Dominic was born at 6:45p.m.& mommy pushed for a total of 45 minutes, which seemed to go by a lot quicker than that!
Adam wasn't keen on cutting the cord so we had asked Anna to do the honours, as she had helped us through something we would not of been able to do naturally on our own. To be honest we would of had an epidural whtin the first hour of being there.
Adam then took the baby to get weighed and have his APGAR score (which was 9 at 5 minutes and 10 minutes!) while I delivered the placenta. This was more painful than I had thought originally, but absolutely nothing compared to the contractions in labour!
Once Dominic was weighed and measured (9.5lbs 55cm long) he was brought back to my chest where he instantly began rooting for the breast and with little direction latched on right away. This successful latching brought on cramping of the uterus, but with the new love of your life on you you don't notie that much! While I was starting to feed Dom, daddy was out making all the phone calls to let everyone know that our bundle of joy had finally arrived.
Adam and I snuggled as our new family shared the love, hugs, kisses & happiness.
I cannot believe that Dominic is fianlly here! We stare at him and cuddle him all day in amazement of every movement he makes. I highly recommend the use of a doula, as it made my experience everything and more that I had wished and hoped for!
My doctors appointment on Friday May 6th had me at 1.5cm dilated, well Dr said 2cm but that was being generous. I was hoping that when I went back on the 13th that things would of progressed a little but when Dr. Eason checked I was still only 2cm dilated. She suggested we do a stretch and sweep, but when she did it said that she was doubtful that it would work from what she felt and apologized as it would probably just make me spot a little and be a little crampy. But she hoped that there was a small possibility it may get things moving as Baby Boy was growing, growing, growing!
I came home from the Dr's a little crampy and was quite tired that day and night. This was out of ordinary for me as I had gotten in the routine of going downstairs around 10p.m. everynight while daddy would sleep and mommmy would work on her computer, watch tv and movies! I would usually fall asleep around 2a.m., however that night was fast asleep by midnight.
I woke up crampy around 4a.m. Friday May 14th but thought nothing of it as the Dr had said I would be crampy and I had been crampy over the last few weeks. Adam came down to have a shower around 6:30 and of course asked if there was any pattern (as he had asked for the past 3 weeks whenever I mentioned a small cramp) I said I didn't know and that I was just crampy. I got up to go to the bathroom at 7a.m. and I soaked everywhere! Guess it was a little shock as it definitly was not urine ;)
We called our doula to see whether we should be going to the hospital as we weren't sure if it was my water that had broke our not! She said it sounded like it, so into triage we went arond 7:30a.m.
The nurse at triage did a swab and it came back saying that my membranes had not broken, but I was 3cm dilated and she thought we would be back again soon. She had wanted us to stay at the hospital but we ensured her we would come back if anything changed and would check in via telephone a few hours later. She had informed us that we were to go home and walk around. By the time we got home the cramping had intensified and all I wanted to do was lie down and then be in the warm water bathtub. By 11 we had called Anna to let her know we were indeed in labour and at 11:30 I had Adam call back and tell her I wanted her NOW!
When our doula arrived she informed us that it was time to go to the hospital so off we went. Triage put my iv in and got us registered into a room. The birthing rooms at Montfort are quite beautiful and we were very lucky to be in a newly renovated hospital with large rooms.
The contractions began to quickly intensify and once checked into the hospital I immediately got into the big birthing tub and much of what happened after that was a bit of a blur. You completely forget what time it is as you get into the zone of riding the wave of each contraction. I spent quite a bit of time in the birthing tub as the contractions intensified with each one. The zone I was in was so focused I was under the impression that I had used the same iv bag throughout the entire labour to come and find out from hubby that they changed it 3 times! After the tub our doula had me on the stability ball for a while over the bed. However, each time I was moved from one position to another the contractions would pick back up making it a challenge to re-focus and then I would be back in my zone. We rotated from the bath, to the ball and then to sitting on the toilet. Our doula had informed us that the toilet was a great prop and wonderfully opened the pelvis. I quickly learned that she was indeed right as the contractions would greatly intensify while resting there. I vividly remember sitting on the ball at one point learning over a sink grabbing onto the faucet for dear life. I then remember having the thought of whether we would have to pay for it should I happen to rip it right out of the sink ;)
The nurse we had was a young nurse who seemed quite interested in giving me drugs. I only screamed for an epidural 3 times, and each one was during the height of a contraction. Anna would soothingly tell me to sing my baby out in which my response was to yell for Adam. Poor Adam, the look in his eyes when he would come to my side. The look of helplessness, wishing he could take the pain away but couldn't. He was absolutely amazing at running for water, ice chips and cold packs as I was quite hot throughout the labour. The few times I would scream for an epidural the nurse would look at me with these eyes of "Don't let your doula push you, I will go and get the epidural for yoü"." However, Anna, Adam & I had discussed our birth plan and my hopes and desires was to have a natural childbirth. At no time did I ask for an epidural during a moment of rest, it was only during the height of the contraction. The nurse used the doppler to locate the babies heart rate quite frequently and would listen for a minute each time. The issue being that when contractions come one on top of another it was hard to find time to check the heartbeat in between them. She would also ask if I was having a contraction and them gently push on my uterus. Little did I know that this pressure would then send me into another contraction!
Dr. Aubin came in to speak to me, and I remember everyone saying that the doctor was there and wanted to speak to me. I kind of looked in her genreally direction while resting in the tub but remember not caring or registering much of what she said. There were people around but it was like I didn't really see them in my vision. I got out of the bath and back to the bed so Dr. Aubin could check me. She had said that I was 10cm at that point, which was a relief as I had dilated 2 whole cm while just resting on the toilet. I was 10cm dilated, 100% effaced but still at 0 station. She made the comment that I was still going to be a few more hours and that she probably would not be there for the birth of the baby.
The pressure was quite intesne and I kept saying I felt like I could push. Anna had me get up over the bed on my hands and knees, as I rocked through the constant contractions. The Dr. had said that if I wanted to push I could, but not to tire myself out as I would have a while. As soon as she said I could push thats all I heard! Anna informed me with the next contraction I could start pushing while over the bed. The instant relief that I felt from the pushing was amazing! I pushed a few times and then the nurse tried to find the babies heartbeat again. She located it for a second and then lost it again. She hit the cold blue and all I remember was all of a suddent there were many nurses and doctors in the room and somebody putting an oxygen mask on my. My thought did not even turn to the baby, something inside me must of known he was just fine, but I did think OOOOHHH YES oxygen, maybe a little break! A more experienced nurse found the heartbeat immediately and everyone left the room. Anna had me push a few more times while on my back and all of a sudden she said the baby is right there! The nurse quickly called the doctor and to my luck Dr. Eason (who I had wished for all along!!!) came in. Adam said she watched me push for a moment and quickly said get me the tray as the baby was right there. I felt some burning as the head began to crown, but was definitely not as intense as I had thought it may be. I pushed the head out, slowed down to get teh shoulders out and a few more pushes he was here!! Adam who had been sitting in the corner by my head, looking in the other direction, finally looked as they placed Dominic on my chest and the tears that ran down his face were absolutely priceless. The proud moment of a new father!
Dominic was born at 6:45p.m.& mommy pushed for a total of 45 minutes, which seemed to go by a lot quicker than that!
Adam wasn't keen on cutting the cord so we had asked Anna to do the honours, as she had helped us through something we would not of been able to do naturally on our own. To be honest we would of had an epidural whtin the first hour of being there.
Adam then took the baby to get weighed and have his APGAR score (which was 9 at 5 minutes and 10 minutes!) while I delivered the placenta. This was more painful than I had thought originally, but absolutely nothing compared to the contractions in labour!
Once Dominic was weighed and measured (9.5lbs 55cm long) he was brought back to my chest where he instantly began rooting for the breast and with little direction latched on right away. This successful latching brought on cramping of the uterus, but with the new love of your life on you you don't notie that much! While I was starting to feed Dom, daddy was out making all the phone calls to let everyone know that our bundle of joy had finally arrived.
Adam and I snuggled as our new family shared the love, hugs, kisses & happiness.
I cannot believe that Dominic is fianlly here! We stare at him and cuddle him all day in amazement of every movement he makes. I highly recommend the use of a doula, as it made my experience everything and more that I had wished and hoped for!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Too Late to Run?
So baby boy is due on Saturday. The clock is ticking and in some ways I am eager to meet him. Eager to have my body back (well my new post baby body), eager to not feel nauseous anymore, eager to not feel like I have a bowling ball stuck between my legs and eager to get on with life after the ride the last 9 months has been. Eager, at this particular moment, to have just a taste of a gin & tonic on a summer patio. Well maybe a teeny bit more than a taste.
However, in some ways I am getting a little apprehensive that this child actually needs to come out of my body. I want to have a natural birth. Picturing it as a joyous, yet painful experience, which I am able to get through with a strong mind and body connection. It has been a mix of emotions, a roller coaster ride, throughout the pregnancy. The joys of feeling him kick and move, then the realization and bizarre thought that something is actually growing inside me. As a yoga teacher I am used to be in tune with my mind and body. I am used to being in control of my minds thoughts and also have worked very hard in letting things go that I cannot control. However, pregnancy has been a whole new challenge.
The ups of the excitement of what's to come, with the downs of feeling sore, achy and mentally not feeling like my true self. I guess where I have struggled is the fact that I am changing. I am changing from one Amanda to another Amanda. The old Amanda is used to taking care of herself, feeding her own needs, wants & desires. The new Amanda continues to love and support her wonderful husband. The new Amanda who is nurturing and taking care of another human being. A human being that I cannot give back at the end of the work day, take a sick day from or book vacation away from (without organizing childcare and then worrying about what he is doing while I am away and if he is okay). The new Amanda of trying to still find time to be herself, do the things she enjoys and balance it all.
So part of me is ready for this baby, I am finished being pregnancy and ready for the next step. This being said from the mommy to be who is sitting on her stability ball in a squatting position, extremely uncomfortable from the pelvic pressure, but wishfully hoping that I will continue to dilate past 2cm in a fast manner and not be stuck here for another 10 days. Another part of me is wondering am I ready for what is to come next? Wondering if I am selfish for wondering if I will ever have a spare moment to myself again without having to worry about another individual.
To all the wonderful mommies out there, did you ever feel this way while you were pregnant? What thoughts were floating through your mind as the time approached for the big day?
However, in some ways I am getting a little apprehensive that this child actually needs to come out of my body. I want to have a natural birth. Picturing it as a joyous, yet painful experience, which I am able to get through with a strong mind and body connection. It has been a mix of emotions, a roller coaster ride, throughout the pregnancy. The joys of feeling him kick and move, then the realization and bizarre thought that something is actually growing inside me. As a yoga teacher I am used to be in tune with my mind and body. I am used to being in control of my minds thoughts and also have worked very hard in letting things go that I cannot control. However, pregnancy has been a whole new challenge.
The ups of the excitement of what's to come, with the downs of feeling sore, achy and mentally not feeling like my true self. I guess where I have struggled is the fact that I am changing. I am changing from one Amanda to another Amanda. The old Amanda is used to taking care of herself, feeding her own needs, wants & desires. The new Amanda continues to love and support her wonderful husband. The new Amanda who is nurturing and taking care of another human being. A human being that I cannot give back at the end of the work day, take a sick day from or book vacation away from (without organizing childcare and then worrying about what he is doing while I am away and if he is okay). The new Amanda of trying to still find time to be herself, do the things she enjoys and balance it all.
So part of me is ready for this baby, I am finished being pregnancy and ready for the next step. This being said from the mommy to be who is sitting on her stability ball in a squatting position, extremely uncomfortable from the pelvic pressure, but wishfully hoping that I will continue to dilate past 2cm in a fast manner and not be stuck here for another 10 days. Another part of me is wondering am I ready for what is to come next? Wondering if I am selfish for wondering if I will ever have a spare moment to myself again without having to worry about another individual.
To all the wonderful mommies out there, did you ever feel this way while you were pregnant? What thoughts were floating through your mind as the time approached for the big day?
Friday, May 7, 2010
A Mother Is....
This post is inspired by a contest that Loukia is having on her blog Loulou's Views Entrants are asked to write a post about what being a MOTHER means to them.
This has been an extremely exciting year for my husband and I as we embark on the journey of expanding our family. We were extremely blessed in August of 2009 to find out that we were indeed expecting a little one. The excitment, fears, dreams and hopes began to build from that day forward to where we will now meet our little man any day now.
I am forever grateful to my grandmothers, mother, and mother in law for showing me what it means to be a mother. To me they define motherhood above and beyond my expectations. As I look at the years ahead I know if I can be half the mother these amazing women have been my children will be blessed above and beyond anything else.
A mother is someone who nurtures another life inside her for 9 months even when nausea, vomittimg, aches, pains, endless doctors appointments, cravings and swolllen feet seem to take over her days. A mother is a super human, giving her life selflessly to grow another.
A mother is someone who may sometimes feel like she has lost her identity but seeing her childs innocent face her heart melts and she is brought back to the reality of why she did it all in the first place. Out of everlasting love.
A mother continues to work towards her own goals, thriving and being passionate about her own life, needs and desires. In doing so not only does she benefit but so does her family.
A mother is always looking out for her childs best interest, providing an environment for them to thrive and with the intention of ensuring they are always free from harm.
A mother is always there to wipe the tears away as they run down her little ones cheeks, kiss a scraped knee and hold a hand when needed.
A mother is there to offer encouragement, a gentle nudge and set boundaries when she knows it will enable her child to grow into their true self and invites them to show self-expression.
A mothers job often entails snot wiping, vomit cleaning, poop cleaning and wiping up pee. But she does it out of true love for her child, because really...why else would anybody want to do that?
A mother is not afraid to get dirty jumping into piles of leaves, puddle jumping, tree climbing and nature walking. All done for the love of seeing her sweet childs smile.
A mother is a teacher and a coach, always there to cheer on their child at every sports event, school play, and any other special occasion that their child participates in.
A mother knows their childs sweet smell from any other childs. The smell of their freshly bathed bodies to the smell of her child after a fun filled day outside in the sun.
A mothers heart shines when she feels the first kick, sees the heart beating on the ultrasound screen for the first time, sees her childs first smile, hears the first coo, takes their first steps, goes off to their first nursery school, graduations, first loves, marriage events and when her own child becomes a parent for the first time.
A mother is full of love, everlasting and evergrowing.
This has been an extremely exciting year for my husband and I as we embark on the journey of expanding our family. We were extremely blessed in August of 2009 to find out that we were indeed expecting a little one. The excitment, fears, dreams and hopes began to build from that day forward to where we will now meet our little man any day now.
I am forever grateful to my grandmothers, mother, and mother in law for showing me what it means to be a mother. To me they define motherhood above and beyond my expectations. As I look at the years ahead I know if I can be half the mother these amazing women have been my children will be blessed above and beyond anything else.
A mother is someone who nurtures another life inside her for 9 months even when nausea, vomittimg, aches, pains, endless doctors appointments, cravings and swolllen feet seem to take over her days. A mother is a super human, giving her life selflessly to grow another.
A mother is someone who may sometimes feel like she has lost her identity but seeing her childs innocent face her heart melts and she is brought back to the reality of why she did it all in the first place. Out of everlasting love.
A mother continues to work towards her own goals, thriving and being passionate about her own life, needs and desires. In doing so not only does she benefit but so does her family.
A mother is always looking out for her childs best interest, providing an environment for them to thrive and with the intention of ensuring they are always free from harm.
A mother is always there to wipe the tears away as they run down her little ones cheeks, kiss a scraped knee and hold a hand when needed.
A mother is there to offer encouragement, a gentle nudge and set boundaries when she knows it will enable her child to grow into their true self and invites them to show self-expression.
A mothers job often entails snot wiping, vomit cleaning, poop cleaning and wiping up pee. But she does it out of true love for her child, because really...why else would anybody want to do that?
A mother is not afraid to get dirty jumping into piles of leaves, puddle jumping, tree climbing and nature walking. All done for the love of seeing her sweet childs smile.
A mother is a teacher and a coach, always there to cheer on their child at every sports event, school play, and any other special occasion that their child participates in.
A mother knows their childs sweet smell from any other childs. The smell of their freshly bathed bodies to the smell of her child after a fun filled day outside in the sun.
A mothers heart shines when she feels the first kick, sees the heart beating on the ultrasound screen for the first time, sees her childs first smile, hears the first coo, takes their first steps, goes off to their first nursery school, graduations, first loves, marriage events and when her own child becomes a parent for the first time.
A mother is full of love, everlasting and evergrowing.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Dearest Husband
Dearest Husband,
As you know our lives are about to change very shortly. Change is fast approaching as the due date draws closer and I wanted to take this time to express to you what a wonderful father I know you will be. Your caring, loving and nurturing personality will continue to shine through as a father to our little boy and I can't wait to see you hold him for the first time. Touching his soft skin and smelling his sweet smells (well until his diaper is full anyways).
You have been extremely supportive the last 37 weeks through this pregnancy, as rough as its been at times for my physically, and I know you will be there in the years to come. You have been my rock at all times. Whether its been making sure I am eating regularly, taking my vitamins and medications, buying garbage cans to decorate each floor of our house during my vomiting episodes, telling me I look beautiful as the stretch marks continue to grow, or cleaning things up around the house...these all just a few of the wonderful things you do for me....you have been there through it all. For this I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
You made me proud as the only father in our prenatal class who had actually read a pregnancy related book, and continued to amaze me as you would answer questions or start a conversation with me about pregnancy/baby related things I had no idea you knew about. Thank you for explaining the different kinds of breast milk to me ;)
The past 7 years I have spent with you have been absolutely breath taking. You continue to put a smile on my face each and everyday, for this I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Waking up next to you is an absolute blessing.
I look forward to each day we have together and all the years ahead of us as we start a new chapter in our life
and build a loving family.
Thank you for wiping my tears away during emotional times of the pregnancy, squeezing my hand when I needed to know I was not doing this alone, for sharing in the smiles and joy of feeling the baby kick and more recently seeing
my stomach move around and be kicked by the little guy growing inside.
Thank you for being so supportive and encouraging as I make this transition to from the workforce to motherhood and sharing your thoughts openly on becoming a parent. Your love for our child already shines through brightly
and I cannot wait to see your face when he finally makes his arrival into our lives.
So from my heart to yours I love you forever and always. I promise to support you as a father, encourage you as we learn together on this special journey and to alway be there no matter what. Thank you for being you.
Love always,
Amanda
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Embracing the Belly
Last Sunday we had the wonderful photographer, Daisy Ducharme of Baby & Belly come into our home to take pictures of my ever growing belly. We wanted to do something that would allow us to always remember this wonderful journey (well if you can ever call constant nausea wonderful!) but also important for me to be able to minimize the stretch marks that show up in pictures ;)
Daisy brought all her equipment to our home and made us feel very relaxed throughout. I highly recommend her and can't wait until we do our newborn photo shoot once this baby decides to make his arrival!
Daisy brought all her equipment to our home and made us feel very relaxed throughout. I highly recommend her and can't wait until we do our newborn photo shoot once this baby decides to make his arrival!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Morning Sickness
To all those suffering from morning sickness, or from what I have called permanent day sickness (PDS) please know that you are not alone! This post is to share what I have learned along my journey the past 8 months and most of all for those of you who may be suffering and reading this to know you are not alone!
For me it all started within 4 weeks of finding out I was preganant. I was scheduled to present at a fitness conference in Halifax, a full 8 hour event that featured none other than the newly pregnant me. I started feeling a little queasy in the mornings a few days before I was to travel and thought nothing of it. This is what I had read about and was prepard for. A little uneasiness in the morning and on with my day I would go.
I made it to Halifax late afternoon and by the next morning when it was time for me to shine I had already hugged the toilet a few times too many. I made it through the day with some grace and nobody seemed to suspect anything, or mentioned otherwise. The next morning in my hotel room was followed with some dry heaving and I made my goal of making it to the airport and flying home.
From the first day home forward my PDS began. I thought that for some this was the morning sickness they spoke of and that it would soon pass.
However I learned after a week of not being able to leave my bed or the toilet that this was not the regular morning sickness described in books. The depression started to hit me. Getting out of bed in the morning was a scary thought, even just opening my eyes after being asleep as I knew the vomitting would come next.
I had been so excited for this pregnancy and always dreamed of being the glowing and vibrant pregnant women and was devastated at first that this was not me.
I tried different food combinations, drinks, smoothies, etc. Nothing seemed to help. What went in usually came back out. I read and read books and information on the internet. However most pregnant women do not experience nausea and vomitting to this extreme. I was at my wits ends and realized that I needed help if I wanted to be able to function at all throughout this pregnancy.
Thanks to Ann Douglas and our twitter conversations I picked up the phone and called MotherRisk out of Sick Kids in Toronto.
Here are some things I found helpful throughout my pregnancy and hope they may help you......
*Call motherrisk @ Sick Kids I cannot express this enough. They have tips and tricks that will make you feel better! Not cured but can take the edge off most days. They are also usually better at informing of diclectin doses than Dr. And will tell you other anti nausea meds that are safe and can help keep diclectin down ;)
*get your doctor to prescribe diclectin
*eat very very small meals
*never drink fluids while eating. The combo is guaranteed to bring on vomit!
*Gwen from Nayla Natural Care I cannot thank you enough! I am ever grateful to the introduction to Earth Mama Morning Sickness Tea & Preggie Pops Gwen- your thoughtfullness, caring nature and warm thoughts from experience sincerely helped me get through some very dreary days over the past months. We have yet to meet in person but I cannot wait until the day we do!
*eat whatever you can whenever you can. Dearest Husband looked a little crooked eyed at me somedays with my requests and even asked the doctor if he should be concerned with making sure I ate certain things. The Dr. said give the girl what she wants! There were some very odd requests at times but the concern is getting food in and keeping whatever you can down. Poutine was something that for some reason or another usually would stay in! Breakfast requests, 2 days in a row, was poutine and mozzarella cheese sticks. I don't know why but thats what worked. Othere days it was toast, crackers or anything else with salt!
*jello made with pedialite or sports drinks turned into ice cubes also was a great way to stay dehydrated. Sports drinks on their own were too sweet for me but watered down or made into ice cubes was good. That being said too much of one thing can be bad. I hope to never see a sports drink again ;)
*some medications say not to take during pregnancy but talk to your doctor & Mother Risk. ex: anti-nausea pills say not for pregnant women. Mother Risk has done much research on how much and when you are able to take them. For me they were prescribed to take before my diclectin just to keep that down!
*some vitamins can increase nausea. Talk to your doctor about your options to help you get appropriate nutrition and stay vomit-free for a few more minutes ;)
*be forewarned that the nausea may improve but it may also stay with you through the duration of the pregnancy.
*ask for help and support. Don't be afraid to tell others about your permanent day sickness! There are more of us out there than you usually think. Most importantly you are not alone!
~A
For me it all started within 4 weeks of finding out I was preganant. I was scheduled to present at a fitness conference in Halifax, a full 8 hour event that featured none other than the newly pregnant me. I started feeling a little queasy in the mornings a few days before I was to travel and thought nothing of it. This is what I had read about and was prepard for. A little uneasiness in the morning and on with my day I would go.
I made it to Halifax late afternoon and by the next morning when it was time for me to shine I had already hugged the toilet a few times too many. I made it through the day with some grace and nobody seemed to suspect anything, or mentioned otherwise. The next morning in my hotel room was followed with some dry heaving and I made my goal of making it to the airport and flying home.
From the first day home forward my PDS began. I thought that for some this was the morning sickness they spoke of and that it would soon pass.
However I learned after a week of not being able to leave my bed or the toilet that this was not the regular morning sickness described in books. The depression started to hit me. Getting out of bed in the morning was a scary thought, even just opening my eyes after being asleep as I knew the vomitting would come next.
I had been so excited for this pregnancy and always dreamed of being the glowing and vibrant pregnant women and was devastated at first that this was not me.
I tried different food combinations, drinks, smoothies, etc. Nothing seemed to help. What went in usually came back out. I read and read books and information on the internet. However most pregnant women do not experience nausea and vomitting to this extreme. I was at my wits ends and realized that I needed help if I wanted to be able to function at all throughout this pregnancy.
Thanks to Ann Douglas and our twitter conversations I picked up the phone and called MotherRisk out of Sick Kids in Toronto.
Here are some things I found helpful throughout my pregnancy and hope they may help you......
*Call motherrisk @ Sick Kids I cannot express this enough. They have tips and tricks that will make you feel better! Not cured but can take the edge off most days. They are also usually better at informing of diclectin doses than Dr. And will tell you other anti nausea meds that are safe and can help keep diclectin down ;)
*get your doctor to prescribe diclectin
*eat very very small meals
*never drink fluids while eating. The combo is guaranteed to bring on vomit!
*Gwen from Nayla Natural Care I cannot thank you enough! I am ever grateful to the introduction to Earth Mama Morning Sickness Tea & Preggie Pops Gwen- your thoughtfullness, caring nature and warm thoughts from experience sincerely helped me get through some very dreary days over the past months. We have yet to meet in person but I cannot wait until the day we do!
*eat whatever you can whenever you can. Dearest Husband looked a little crooked eyed at me somedays with my requests and even asked the doctor if he should be concerned with making sure I ate certain things. The Dr. said give the girl what she wants! There were some very odd requests at times but the concern is getting food in and keeping whatever you can down. Poutine was something that for some reason or another usually would stay in! Breakfast requests, 2 days in a row, was poutine and mozzarella cheese sticks. I don't know why but thats what worked. Othere days it was toast, crackers or anything else with salt!
*jello made with pedialite or sports drinks turned into ice cubes also was a great way to stay dehydrated. Sports drinks on their own were too sweet for me but watered down or made into ice cubes was good. That being said too much of one thing can be bad. I hope to never see a sports drink again ;)
*some medications say not to take during pregnancy but talk to your doctor & Mother Risk. ex: anti-nausea pills say not for pregnant women. Mother Risk has done much research on how much and when you are able to take them. For me they were prescribed to take before my diclectin just to keep that down!
*some vitamins can increase nausea. Talk to your doctor about your options to help you get appropriate nutrition and stay vomit-free for a few more minutes ;)
*be forewarned that the nausea may improve but it may also stay with you through the duration of the pregnancy.
*ask for help and support. Don't be afraid to tell others about your permanent day sickness! There are more of us out there than you usually think. Most importantly you are not alone!
~A
Monday, March 22, 2010
Working Mom To Be- the Myth!
I had the privilage of putting together an article for the Yummy Mummy Club last month for their fantastic online magazine and newsletter.
Read here to see my thoughts on becoming a new mom while running a business that I hope to continue to expand!
Enjoy!
Read here to see my thoughts on becoming a new mom while running a business that I hope to continue to expand!
Enjoy!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Pregnant or Thinking of Becoming Pregnant? Read this first!!
1. Itchy, oh boy do I get itchy! My skin at times is itchy beyond anything it has ever been before. I have not changed my lotions, soaps, or laundry detergent. All are still completely natural and environmentally friendly but my skin is beyond dry. I apply moisturizer upon moisturizer and have even thought about tying my hands up to not be able to scratch, scratch and scratch!
2. Stretch marks- Beware! These things seem to just pop out of nowhere! One day there are none the next day a ton! We started off the pregnancy rubbing cocoa butter and olive oil on my tummy. It was a way for daddy to begin bonding with the baby and to give mommy one less thing to whine about! Don't waste your time with any lotions, creams or oils. GO STRAIGHT FOR THE VITAMIN E, don't fool around with this, the minute you find out you are pregnant start smearing it on morning, noon and night. If you are one of those "special women" who never get a single mark I don't want to hear from you ;)
3. Insomnia- first 3-4 months I slept, slept non stop all the time. I was never a napper until I became pregnant. Give me an opportunity to close my eyes, and I could fall asleep in no time. It was really the only time I don't feel extremely nauseous or have the chance to vomit so I would sleep for as long as I could. I knew that the moment I would wake up it would be another run to the toilet or garbage can! I then fell into a great routine of "regular" sleeping for a month. Then poof, out the window that went. Holy freakin insomnia! I now am able to stay up hours and hours later than ever before. I finally am able to fall asleep, generally around midnight or 1a.m. and then am woken up at least every 2 hours to go to the bathroom. People tell you to get as much sleep as you can before the baby comes, I wish I could sleep now! I am in a marathon of training for when baby arrives and is up continually wanting to be fed.
4. Nausea- Working with pregnant clients I always saw them glowing. I thought pregnancy would be an absolute joy, a wonderful experience that I could not wait to partake in. You read about nausea, how some have "morning sickness" during the first trimester. Only 1 book (thank you Ann Douglas ) for sharing that it is possible for a few woman to have nausea throughout the pregnancy. I hugged the toilet for weeks upon weeks. I had vivid images of how it would be nice to not be pregnant and then I would feel bad as we had planned this pregnancy and thought I should just suck it up. Let me tell you something, I didn't have "morning sickness" I had "permanent day sickness". The only time I was not vomiting was when I was sleeping. It didn't matter what I ate or when I ate it. I finally broke down and my doctor prescribed diclectin. His suggested 4 doses per day did absolutely nothing. It was no help of course that I would take my first pill of the day and immediately vomit it up. Then try to take another and vomit it up. I was a mess. Emotionally, physically and mentally. Ann Douglas finally tweeted and highly recommended that I contacted Mother Risk out of Sick Kids for information and assistance. It was mentioned in her book, but thought that maybe I could get past this stage of the first trimester and life would be good. I finally broke down and made the call. SAVED MY LIFE! The information they had was absolutely wonderful. Extremely helpful, supportive and caring group of individuals. They increased my daily dosage of diclectin and even informed me I could take gravol in the morning (and up to 4 times per day) to keep my diclectin in. There is no doubt in my mind that I would not of made it to 28 weeks so far with a sane mind (okay, I have my moments ;) without their assistance and information. Thanks to @themotherofall for finally saying CALL THEM!
5. Heartburn & Indigestion - I had heard of people complain of heartburn and indigestion before but had never once experienced it. I had no idea what people were talking about when they would talk about the discomfort it would cause. I just didn't get it. Well, OMG, it sucks! I have tried teas, drinks, various food options and over the counter medications....nothing works! People keep saying that it means our child will be born with a lot of hair. If this is true our baby will need to be taken straight to the barber!
6. Constipation - Being on progesterone pills for the first 12 weeks did not help this pregnancy issue or complaint, but I thought it may improve once I was off the progesterone. Oh no, my doctor took me off the progesterone pills and increased my iron pills. I drink at least 2L of water a day and still have to make sure I have lots of fibre. Dearest husband has seen me many days in an absolute bitch and he knows most of the time now without asking what the problem is. Get out of my way and pray to the bathroom gods that I will go to the bathroom soon!
7. Shaving- I never in the world had any idea that shaving, a regular routine and task, would become such a daunting one. We have reached the point that getting to my calves is daunting. I have started to trust my lovely husband with the razor for my legs (and legs ONLY!) Women who have never been pregnant and are thinking of it....WARNING...there will come a day when you can no longer see your lady parts. This becomes scary as you have no idea what is going on "down there". The only way to see what is happening in certain areas is to look in a mirror. Holding a mirror and shaving is NOT fun! I have been hesitant to continue with waxing with the horror stories I have heard of waxing and the delicate pregnancy skin and possible rashes that don't usually appear!
8.Putting on socks - This has become a daunting task, one that I didn't think I would need help with until a much older age! If I happen to put on two different socks I say screw it, too much work to take them off :)
9.Pedicures - Spend the money and get yourself regular pedicures. Trust me, you will love yourself for it. When your feet have officially disappeared you will want somebody to take the time to trim your toe nails, pretty-up your feet and paint those nails a vibrant colour so when you put your feet up at the end of the day you will have something nice to look at.
10. Sore boobies & Funny Nipples - Take PMS boobies, and times it by a hundred. Boobies become very, very sore. My lovely husband has learned to stop asking why I walk around with either a bra on at all times or am constantly holding them in one position. They hurt whenever they are not supportive. Read: whenever they are not glued to your chest and are able to move even in the slightest manner. Beware of the nipple changes that will appear. At times they become so tough that a tiger could chew on them and I am sure it would not phase me. Well, maybe that's a little extreme, but you get the picture. Other times they are so sensitive that the lightest breeze brings shooting pain to them and your hands are immediately retracted to your chest.
11. Discharge - I read, thanks again to The Mother of All books by Ann Douglas (if you don't have these and are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant run out and BUY THEM NOW!) that vaginal discharge may increase so I thought I was prepared. I called my doctor one day in a panic thinking I may be leaking amniotic fluid! He reassured me that all was well and to just relax. Other times, "down there", will be complete opposite. Oh the joys :)
12.Get massages, get massages, get massages. Need I say more??
13. Register and prep the babies room when you have the energy you never know when this energy may be zapped away from you. Since I hugged the toilet bowl for 4-5 months I took advantage of getting everything finalized around the 6th month mark since I had heard things can start to go downhill and become challenging during the last trimester. Also, always check up to date consumer reports. You can never be too informed! p.s. while you are at it, skip the crib bumper pad section...totally not needed and extremely unsafe!
14. Buy, Buy, Buy....well only if its needed (or so freakin cute you just can't say no!) It's never too early to buy things, especially if its on sale or a really good deal. Save money where and when you can! Take hand me downs (your child will just spit up all over it anyways) where you can and borrow from friends and family. The only exception to this, in my opinion, are cribs and car seats.
15. Don't let anybody touch your belly if you don't want them to. I HATE THIS! I have yet to tell some people that I absolutely hate it when they touch my belly. I feel like saying TOUCH YOUR OWN FREAKIN STOMACH but have yet had the words come out of my mouth. Watch out people, its coming! In the meantime until I actually find the time to verbalize this to you, back off, keep your hands to your self.
16. Hire a doula! Being a first time mom, I have no freakin idea what to expect or what may happen. Neither does my lovely and supportive, yet at times weak stomach when it comes to blood, husband. We marched out there right away and found the doula that was right for us. She has been great support to date and we can't wait to share our experience with her.
17. The first time you feel movement of your baby is absolutely magical. The tiny flutters are constant reminders of the life you are nurturing inside you. Enjoy those flutters as they eventually become hard kicks and punches. Uncomfortable at times but totally worth it :)
18. Enjoy the pregnancy and take time as a couple to spend quality time together. We were to take a European getaway together over Christmas, but I was too nauseous all the time to travel that far. We still got away, to close by Montreal, and spend all the time we can as a couple before our little man arrives and our family grows.
Now its your turn, I look forward to hearing from you as you share your ups and downs, experiences and knowledge. Especially all you veteran moms, what do you wish you would of known before your little one made their arrival? What were your expectations of pregnancy and how did it actually play out for you?
2. Stretch marks- Beware! These things seem to just pop out of nowhere! One day there are none the next day a ton! We started off the pregnancy rubbing cocoa butter and olive oil on my tummy. It was a way for daddy to begin bonding with the baby and to give mommy one less thing to whine about! Don't waste your time with any lotions, creams or oils. GO STRAIGHT FOR THE VITAMIN E, don't fool around with this, the minute you find out you are pregnant start smearing it on morning, noon and night. If you are one of those "special women" who never get a single mark I don't want to hear from you ;)
3. Insomnia- first 3-4 months I slept, slept non stop all the time. I was never a napper until I became pregnant. Give me an opportunity to close my eyes, and I could fall asleep in no time. It was really the only time I don't feel extremely nauseous or have the chance to vomit so I would sleep for as long as I could. I knew that the moment I would wake up it would be another run to the toilet or garbage can! I then fell into a great routine of "regular" sleeping for a month. Then poof, out the window that went. Holy freakin insomnia! I now am able to stay up hours and hours later than ever before. I finally am able to fall asleep, generally around midnight or 1a.m. and then am woken up at least every 2 hours to go to the bathroom. People tell you to get as much sleep as you can before the baby comes, I wish I could sleep now! I am in a marathon of training for when baby arrives and is up continually wanting to be fed.
4. Nausea- Working with pregnant clients I always saw them glowing. I thought pregnancy would be an absolute joy, a wonderful experience that I could not wait to partake in. You read about nausea, how some have "morning sickness" during the first trimester. Only 1 book (thank you Ann Douglas ) for sharing that it is possible for a few woman to have nausea throughout the pregnancy. I hugged the toilet for weeks upon weeks. I had vivid images of how it would be nice to not be pregnant and then I would feel bad as we had planned this pregnancy and thought I should just suck it up. Let me tell you something, I didn't have "morning sickness" I had "permanent day sickness". The only time I was not vomiting was when I was sleeping. It didn't matter what I ate or when I ate it. I finally broke down and my doctor prescribed diclectin. His suggested 4 doses per day did absolutely nothing. It was no help of course that I would take my first pill of the day and immediately vomit it up. Then try to take another and vomit it up. I was a mess. Emotionally, physically and mentally. Ann Douglas finally tweeted and highly recommended that I contacted Mother Risk out of Sick Kids for information and assistance. It was mentioned in her book, but thought that maybe I could get past this stage of the first trimester and life would be good. I finally broke down and made the call. SAVED MY LIFE! The information they had was absolutely wonderful. Extremely helpful, supportive and caring group of individuals. They increased my daily dosage of diclectin and even informed me I could take gravol in the morning (and up to 4 times per day) to keep my diclectin in. There is no doubt in my mind that I would not of made it to 28 weeks so far with a sane mind (okay, I have my moments ;) without their assistance and information. Thanks to @themotherofall for finally saying CALL THEM!
5. Heartburn & Indigestion - I had heard of people complain of heartburn and indigestion before but had never once experienced it. I had no idea what people were talking about when they would talk about the discomfort it would cause. I just didn't get it. Well, OMG, it sucks! I have tried teas, drinks, various food options and over the counter medications....nothing works! People keep saying that it means our child will be born with a lot of hair. If this is true our baby will need to be taken straight to the barber!
6. Constipation - Being on progesterone pills for the first 12 weeks did not help this pregnancy issue or complaint, but I thought it may improve once I was off the progesterone. Oh no, my doctor took me off the progesterone pills and increased my iron pills. I drink at least 2L of water a day and still have to make sure I have lots of fibre. Dearest husband has seen me many days in an absolute bitch and he knows most of the time now without asking what the problem is. Get out of my way and pray to the bathroom gods that I will go to the bathroom soon!
7. Shaving- I never in the world had any idea that shaving, a regular routine and task, would become such a daunting one. We have reached the point that getting to my calves is daunting. I have started to trust my lovely husband with the razor for my legs (and legs ONLY!) Women who have never been pregnant and are thinking of it....WARNING...there will come a day when you can no longer see your lady parts. This becomes scary as you have no idea what is going on "down there". The only way to see what is happening in certain areas is to look in a mirror. Holding a mirror and shaving is NOT fun! I have been hesitant to continue with waxing with the horror stories I have heard of waxing and the delicate pregnancy skin and possible rashes that don't usually appear!
8.Putting on socks - This has become a daunting task, one that I didn't think I would need help with until a much older age! If I happen to put on two different socks I say screw it, too much work to take them off :)
9.Pedicures - Spend the money and get yourself regular pedicures. Trust me, you will love yourself for it. When your feet have officially disappeared you will want somebody to take the time to trim your toe nails, pretty-up your feet and paint those nails a vibrant colour so when you put your feet up at the end of the day you will have something nice to look at.
10. Sore boobies & Funny Nipples - Take PMS boobies, and times it by a hundred. Boobies become very, very sore. My lovely husband has learned to stop asking why I walk around with either a bra on at all times or am constantly holding them in one position. They hurt whenever they are not supportive. Read: whenever they are not glued to your chest and are able to move even in the slightest manner. Beware of the nipple changes that will appear. At times they become so tough that a tiger could chew on them and I am sure it would not phase me. Well, maybe that's a little extreme, but you get the picture. Other times they are so sensitive that the lightest breeze brings shooting pain to them and your hands are immediately retracted to your chest.
11. Discharge - I read, thanks again to The Mother of All books by Ann Douglas (if you don't have these and are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant run out and BUY THEM NOW!) that vaginal discharge may increase so I thought I was prepared. I called my doctor one day in a panic thinking I may be leaking amniotic fluid! He reassured me that all was well and to just relax. Other times, "down there", will be complete opposite. Oh the joys :)
12.Get massages, get massages, get massages. Need I say more??
13. Register and prep the babies room when you have the energy you never know when this energy may be zapped away from you. Since I hugged the toilet bowl for 4-5 months I took advantage of getting everything finalized around the 6th month mark since I had heard things can start to go downhill and become challenging during the last trimester. Also, always check up to date consumer reports. You can never be too informed! p.s. while you are at it, skip the crib bumper pad section...totally not needed and extremely unsafe!
14. Buy, Buy, Buy....well only if its needed (or so freakin cute you just can't say no!) It's never too early to buy things, especially if its on sale or a really good deal. Save money where and when you can! Take hand me downs (your child will just spit up all over it anyways) where you can and borrow from friends and family. The only exception to this, in my opinion, are cribs and car seats.
15. Don't let anybody touch your belly if you don't want them to. I HATE THIS! I have yet to tell some people that I absolutely hate it when they touch my belly. I feel like saying TOUCH YOUR OWN FREAKIN STOMACH but have yet had the words come out of my mouth. Watch out people, its coming! In the meantime until I actually find the time to verbalize this to you, back off, keep your hands to your self.
16. Hire a doula! Being a first time mom, I have no freakin idea what to expect or what may happen. Neither does my lovely and supportive, yet at times weak stomach when it comes to blood, husband. We marched out there right away and found the doula that was right for us. She has been great support to date and we can't wait to share our experience with her.
17. The first time you feel movement of your baby is absolutely magical. The tiny flutters are constant reminders of the life you are nurturing inside you. Enjoy those flutters as they eventually become hard kicks and punches. Uncomfortable at times but totally worth it :)
18. Enjoy the pregnancy and take time as a couple to spend quality time together. We were to take a European getaway together over Christmas, but I was too nauseous all the time to travel that far. We still got away, to close by Montreal, and spend all the time we can as a couple before our little man arrives and our family grows.
Now its your turn, I look forward to hearing from you as you share your ups and downs, experiences and knowledge. Especially all you veteran moms, what do you wish you would of known before your little one made their arrival? What were your expectations of pregnancy and how did it actually play out for you?
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Generation Y, Trying to Do It All
Its official the wedding rings have come off the finger they have eagerly rested on and beautified my hand while doing so. They had progressively been getting tighter and I knew the day was destined to come. I am not attached to the rings themselves, as I know my husband loves me no matter what and we don't need to signify our love with material objects. I love wearing my rings because they are stunning (well to me anyways) and so I don't get 'the look', the oh you poor young girl pregnant with no husband look. Its the generation gap I guess, especially between those similar age of my grandparents. Yes, I am still young, in some eyes too young, I am 26 and dearest husband is 30. In today's society I find that more people are waiting to expand their family than in the years past. However its a decision we made together. Did we want to have kids now, have the energy and stamina to keep up with them, or did we wish to wait another 15 years when we had more life experience and possibly financial stability? Another deciding factor was that when we retire it would be nice if our kids were out of the house, independent and we would be able to enjoy our time together and do the things we enjoy as adults, minus the children.
It's a new generation. It's the "all about me" Generation Y, or some would say. The generation that is setting their goals and going to get them, no matter what it takes. We have decided that we are starting our family now, not waiting, and are going to do it in as eco-friendly as our lives will allow us. I told a family member that we had registered for various slings and baby carriers as I support baby wearing. Her response... "Oh you are going to be one of those cloth diaper parents as well, lol". Actually, yes. Yes, we will be "one of those cloth diapering families". I didn't think it was the right time to also tell her that there was no way in hell we would be putting chemical products, such as Johnson's baby products, on our sweet little guys skin!
So with our little mans arrival getting closer and closer (pregnancy has not been gentle to me!) we are ready for this journey. The journey of a Generation Y mom wanting it all.....and I am set to do it.....or so I think. Its going to be quite a ride and I am so ready! Oh, did I mention that I run a business, or two, and hope to do this while simultaneously nursing an infant?!
It's a new generation. It's the "all about me" Generation Y, or some would say. The generation that is setting their goals and going to get them, no matter what it takes. We have decided that we are starting our family now, not waiting, and are going to do it in as eco-friendly as our lives will allow us. I told a family member that we had registered for various slings and baby carriers as I support baby wearing. Her response... "Oh you are going to be one of those cloth diaper parents as well, lol". Actually, yes. Yes, we will be "one of those cloth diapering families". I didn't think it was the right time to also tell her that there was no way in hell we would be putting chemical products, such as Johnson's baby products, on our sweet little guys skin!
So with our little mans arrival getting closer and closer (pregnancy has not been gentle to me!) we are ready for this journey. The journey of a Generation Y mom wanting it all.....and I am set to do it.....or so I think. Its going to be quite a ride and I am so ready! Oh, did I mention that I run a business, or two, and hope to do this while simultaneously nursing an infant?!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Progress is Being Made!
Had another prenatal appointment at the hospital this morning and was ecstatic that I only had to wait 10 minutes. Definitly a first! Our Dr. is absolutely amazing and worth the wait so I went with books in hand with the expectation of getting comfy in the waiting room.
I have only gained 2lbs since our last appointment the first week of January, which was a nice change from the 12lbs I gained from the Dec to Jan. appt! Not sure how I only managed to gain 2lbs with all the Starbucks mocha and breakfast sandwiches :) Little boys heart beat is very strong and he seems very healthy to date. He was hanging out more to the left side of me this morning.
I have been booked in to see the family of OB's at the Montfort hospital as my Dr. currently does not deliver babies, he works mostly with infertility patients and I was lucky enough just to have this amazing doctor with having no difficulties getting pregnant. He was quite thorough and was very warm. Dearest Husband (DH)and I will meet with a new OB mid March and will continue the last few months appts with her. When its time for delivery it will be whoever happens to be on call at that time, thats why we have a wonderful Doula to assist us through the process. Natural birth or C-Section it will be myself, DH and Doula. Our hope is to spend time bonding with the baby for at least a few days, if not a week, before we receive family visits.
Continually putting polysporin on the nice belly burn I have. Forgot how big my belly has grown and leaned over a hot baking tray that was on the counter. I heard the sizzle and then felt the heat, luckily its not too big and seems to just blend in with the stretch marks that are starting to appear. AGH, stretch marks. Must continue to rub the cream and keep praying to the stretch mark gods!
Looking forward to being done work soon and taking some time for me before the baby arrives. Only another 7-8 weeks or so. Moved all of our Little Lotus Yoga info over to wordpress over the last few weeks and really liking the feel of wordpress over blogger. I think I may eventually switch this blog over as well.
Until then, its time for me to eat some lunch as I am starving!
I have only gained 2lbs since our last appointment the first week of January, which was a nice change from the 12lbs I gained from the Dec to Jan. appt! Not sure how I only managed to gain 2lbs with all the Starbucks mocha and breakfast sandwiches :) Little boys heart beat is very strong and he seems very healthy to date. He was hanging out more to the left side of me this morning.
I have been booked in to see the family of OB's at the Montfort hospital as my Dr. currently does not deliver babies, he works mostly with infertility patients and I was lucky enough just to have this amazing doctor with having no difficulties getting pregnant. He was quite thorough and was very warm. Dearest Husband (DH)and I will meet with a new OB mid March and will continue the last few months appts with her. When its time for delivery it will be whoever happens to be on call at that time, thats why we have a wonderful Doula to assist us through the process. Natural birth or C-Section it will be myself, DH and Doula. Our hope is to spend time bonding with the baby for at least a few days, if not a week, before we receive family visits.
Continually putting polysporin on the nice belly burn I have. Forgot how big my belly has grown and leaned over a hot baking tray that was on the counter. I heard the sizzle and then felt the heat, luckily its not too big and seems to just blend in with the stretch marks that are starting to appear. AGH, stretch marks. Must continue to rub the cream and keep praying to the stretch mark gods!
Looking forward to being done work soon and taking some time for me before the baby arrives. Only another 7-8 weeks or so. Moved all of our Little Lotus Yoga info over to wordpress over the last few weeks and really liking the feel of wordpress over blogger. I think I may eventually switch this blog over as well.
Until then, its time for me to eat some lunch as I am starving!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
We Are Going With Cloth!
We have decided that our little man will be the proud wearer of cloth diapers. Dearest Husband and I both are aware of the benefits of cloth diapering, including but not limited to the environmental awareness and cost savings. If you are not yet on the cloth diapering band wagon I suggest you read the most recent blog post recently posted by the Extraordinary Baby Shoppe (www.extraordinarybabyshoppe.com) The blog post will inform you of all the benefits of cloth diapering, and you can even find their blog post showing the cost savings. You can find it here: http://extraordinarybabyshoppe.blogspot.com
For me the idea of having chemicals against my little guys skin all day long for the first few years is not appealing. I have worked with enough children and have seen the intense rashes that can come forth on their sensitive bottoms. Cloth diapering has come a long way in the past years and there are way too many cute cloth diaper options to pass up on. The choice can be overwhelming to those who have never used cloth diapers before, but their are great resources and trial programs available to those who would like to try them out. I have had the opportunity to work with a cloth diapered baby in the past and found absolutely no inconvenience to using cloth diapers, even while on outings.
We have had a few people think we are crazy for going the cloth diaper route and all I have to say is poo poo on you! We have weighed the pros and cons and have decided that cloth diapering is what is best for our child. I am not saying that we are going to be all or nothing. There will be outings and overnights, and possible vacation trips where we decide to use disposable diapers. However, when and where possible we will be a cloth diapering family.
So to those family members who are skeptical, yes Uncle Justin you too, we will get you on the cloth diapering band wagon sooner or later. In the meantime we will continue to send our little man to you with disposable & cloth diapers in the hope that one day you may bring him back in a cloth diaper :)
Huge thanks to Shannon from http://pictureimperfect.ca for answering all the endless questions I have about cloth diapering and sharing her experience and expertise. Also hugs to Arwen for sharing in her cloth diapering experiences with her two sweet little ones and for encouraging me at the times I may be a little apprehensive about pushing this child out naturally!
So its back to folding all the cute little cloth diapers we have accumulated so far, and continue to show the lovely husband the differences between what I have choosen so far and when we will be using the various kinds!
For me the idea of having chemicals against my little guys skin all day long for the first few years is not appealing. I have worked with enough children and have seen the intense rashes that can come forth on their sensitive bottoms. Cloth diapering has come a long way in the past years and there are way too many cute cloth diaper options to pass up on. The choice can be overwhelming to those who have never used cloth diapers before, but their are great resources and trial programs available to those who would like to try them out. I have had the opportunity to work with a cloth diapered baby in the past and found absolutely no inconvenience to using cloth diapers, even while on outings.
We have had a few people think we are crazy for going the cloth diaper route and all I have to say is poo poo on you! We have weighed the pros and cons and have decided that cloth diapering is what is best for our child. I am not saying that we are going to be all or nothing. There will be outings and overnights, and possible vacation trips where we decide to use disposable diapers. However, when and where possible we will be a cloth diapering family.
So to those family members who are skeptical, yes Uncle Justin you too, we will get you on the cloth diapering band wagon sooner or later. In the meantime we will continue to send our little man to you with disposable & cloth diapers in the hope that one day you may bring him back in a cloth diaper :)
Huge thanks to Shannon from http://pictureimperfect.ca for answering all the endless questions I have about cloth diapering and sharing her experience and expertise. Also hugs to Arwen for sharing in her cloth diapering experiences with her two sweet little ones and for encouraging me at the times I may be a little apprehensive about pushing this child out naturally!
So its back to folding all the cute little cloth diapers we have accumulated so far, and continue to show the lovely husband the differences between what I have choosen so far and when we will be using the various kinds!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Fatigue....Fatigue....Fatigue
The business ideas fly through my head, I continue to teach my yummy yoga classes, take the kids from here and there and ensure they are well taken care of, and I continue to wake several times a night to pee. I have been going to bed around 10pm most nights but am finding its taking a bit of time to wind down and prepare my mind and body for sleep. Or taking time to turn off the fingers from skimming around on the blackberry and actually disconnect from the virtual world! By the time I read and feel tired enough to sleep its usually around 11 or 12. Then begins the 2 hour sleep, then bathroom break, back to bed and take back my body pillow from my husband who has somehow while sleeping taken over MY body pillow!
Weekends are when I tend to catch up on my sleep and usually end up having a nap on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Saturday's are still an early rise for me as we have a Little Lotus class that starts at 8:30am, followed by two more throughout the day.
I thought the intention would be to sleep continually now in preparation for little Dominic to make his arrival, however it seems baby has a different plan as he continues to be most active at night and loves punching my bladder.
So I guess for now I will embrace the fatigue as I enter into motherhood and take the no sleeping as early preparation.....possibly even boot camp!
Weekends are when I tend to catch up on my sleep and usually end up having a nap on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Saturday's are still an early rise for me as we have a Little Lotus class that starts at 8:30am, followed by two more throughout the day.
I thought the intention would be to sleep continually now in preparation for little Dominic to make his arrival, however it seems baby has a different plan as he continues to be most active at night and loves punching my bladder.
So I guess for now I will embrace the fatigue as I enter into motherhood and take the no sleeping as early preparation.....possibly even boot camp!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
New Beginings, New Goals, New to Motherhood
Many of you may already know that I started my first company at the age of 16 and have always thoroughly enjoyed being an entrepreuner. My mind constantly spins and moves with new ideas, full of passion, yet over excitement and passion can overtake my diretion at times. Starfish Swimming ran successfully for 4+ years, running Red Cross & Lifesaving Society swim lessons and leadership programs to those within Eastern Ontario with specific emphasis in the Smiths Falls area. It came to the point after being in University for 2 years, working almost full time at aquatic centres throughout the City of Ottawa and teaching fitness classes, travelling across Canada training and presenting at fitness workshops, conferences and events, that it was too challenging for me to manage a company that was based out of Smiths Falls and find confident staff that were mature enough to run the programs without direct supervision. Problem #2 being that I had built Starfish Swimming from the ground up depending on me being there every step of the way. People came to the programs for my instruction and my leadership. It was challenging to step out of this role when I built a business basically relying on my sole participation at all times.
Since my passion in the Wellness & Lifestyle industry was greatly expanding it only seemed fit to begin my current company DeGrace Energetics. Again my passion and excitement took over, along with the word spreading fast that I was still available for trainings, teaching and events. DeGrace Energetics expanded quickly, yet again relying on myself (I think there is a constant here...that would be me liking to micro manage....) and the ideas kept sprouting with little time to fully expand and complete each goal that I had for specific programs. DeGrace Energetics is now comprised of the following:
1. Safe Parent- I developed this program to fill the gap and need of a first aid, CPR and safety program for parents. Training parents in home safety, first aid and CPR is a strong passion as I have always worked with families that have young children and have seen the need first hand for quick reaction to various first aid situations. With my background as an Instructor, Examiner and Instructor Trainer with the Lifesaving Society in First Aid, AED & Airway Management this course felt very natural to me. However, of course I felt the need to create a top of the line manual, which continues to expand and I am yet to be happy with a "finished" version. Courses were ran monthly throughout the area or could be booked privately to be done in your home. Again it was challenging to find a course conductor or leader who had solid leadership skills, qualifications to suit the oourse and I trusted thoroughly to represent the company with its values and morals in place. hmmm...once again here is the issue of finding competent staff and contractors. One goal is to create a manual for Staff with policies and procdures, but to do so in a motivating manner that people come knocking on my door to conduct our courses and want to work with us.
2. Little Lotus Yoga- this program expanded way faster than I ever thought there would be a need to. LLY is made up of a program for 2-5 year olds (the only un-parented yoga program available to date within the area that is strictly for preschoolers) and 6-12 year olds. I started off with 2 classes in New Edinburgh and quickly expanded to Rockcliffe Park, Walter Baker, Glebe Community Centre and many private contracts with schools and camps. My goal with this program in the future is to create contacts with solid and well established instructors, who are willing to teach children's classes. There are a growing number of yoga instructors in the Ottawa area (there is a need for more as well!) but many tend to shy away from teaching such young age groups. It takes a dynamic individual who has knowledge in teh development of children and is willing to take on the possiblity of having 6 2-year olds all crying at the same time (for most its their first program on their own), or having children share their booger germs with you, along with their sweet smiles and love.
3. Fitness Workshops, Conferences & Trainings- I continue to have the privilege of being offered contracts to present at fitness conferences nationally as well as training fitness instructor for certiication organizations. At this time I have slowed down due to the pregnancy and the fact that I spent the first 4 months being sick all day every day even on prescribed meds! I am unsure what direction I will take with this in the future as these contracts tend to take me far from home. I have always thoroughly enjoyed being able to escape for a weekend, or even a week at a time to various parts in Canada and meet absolutely wonderful and enthusiastic fitness professionals. However, once my precious bundle of joy arrives, I do not expect to be travelling far from him within at least the first year. Dearest husband is extremely hands on and would be willing to be a single parent for those times, but I think it will be too challenging to leave for long periods of time. Who knows, in a few years I may be saying I need to get the hell away from here for a night or two!!
4. Childcare Consulting- I have continued to work one on one with families who require part time and full time childcare solutions. To date I am working with 2 young children on a daily basis, being an intricate part of their life and the family household dynamic. DeGrace Energetics has also consulted with families in assisting them to find the childcare solution that works best for them, should it be home daycare, nanny, etc. In the past I have also consulted with parents who required assistance in moving forward and creating solutions to deal with their children's behaviour, creating routines, sleep behaviours, etc.
5. Personal Training- I have always thoroughly enjoyed the one on one training sessions, whether it be dry land training or aquatic personal training & aquatic post-rehab. I have trained clients in community gyms, their personal homes (some have access to fitness equipment, others have none but want to learn how to workout using their body and environment around them), private facilities and outdoor spaces. I have always found clients strictly through word of mouth and enjoy personal training sessions with my clients. However, this can be time consuming travelling from client to client with several other ventures on the go. I would like to look at this in the future and how I can continue to incorporate this aspect of training into the company, but in a more time efficient manner.
I could go on and on with the ideas that have been brewing in my head, but in all honesty have enough going on with the above 5 business areas I have been working on and growing.
As I embrace my first pregnancy and look forward to the new beginnings of motherhood I have decided it is finally time to make the jump and really put my full attention and care into specific aspects of my company that will invite it to grow and expand above and beyond my dreams and aspirations.
How am I going do do that? I am joining the Entrepreunerial Moms Ottawa chapter that is launching this week. I have always wanted to join a network, but have been extremely hesistant. Feeling my business wasn't "big or successful" enough to swim along companies that are part of other local entrepreuner and business chapters. Entrepreunerial Moms appeals to me with the aspect being of all female members, who are also juggling their businesses and family lives at the same time. Not only do I look forward to meeting a dynamic group of inspiring women, but meeting women who I may create everlasting bonds with as we move through motherhood together.
So here is to new beginnings, new goals, and looking forward to the joys of motherhood (as soon as this little guy is done cooking, boy 40 weeks is a long time!)
~A
Since my passion in the Wellness & Lifestyle industry was greatly expanding it only seemed fit to begin my current company DeGrace Energetics. Again my passion and excitement took over, along with the word spreading fast that I was still available for trainings, teaching and events. DeGrace Energetics expanded quickly, yet again relying on myself (I think there is a constant here...that would be me liking to micro manage....) and the ideas kept sprouting with little time to fully expand and complete each goal that I had for specific programs. DeGrace Energetics is now comprised of the following:
1. Safe Parent- I developed this program to fill the gap and need of a first aid, CPR and safety program for parents. Training parents in home safety, first aid and CPR is a strong passion as I have always worked with families that have young children and have seen the need first hand for quick reaction to various first aid situations. With my background as an Instructor, Examiner and Instructor Trainer with the Lifesaving Society in First Aid, AED & Airway Management this course felt very natural to me. However, of course I felt the need to create a top of the line manual, which continues to expand and I am yet to be happy with a "finished" version. Courses were ran monthly throughout the area or could be booked privately to be done in your home. Again it was challenging to find a course conductor or leader who had solid leadership skills, qualifications to suit the oourse and I trusted thoroughly to represent the company with its values and morals in place. hmmm...once again here is the issue of finding competent staff and contractors. One goal is to create a manual for Staff with policies and procdures, but to do so in a motivating manner that people come knocking on my door to conduct our courses and want to work with us.
2. Little Lotus Yoga- this program expanded way faster than I ever thought there would be a need to. LLY is made up of a program for 2-5 year olds (the only un-parented yoga program available to date within the area that is strictly for preschoolers) and 6-12 year olds. I started off with 2 classes in New Edinburgh and quickly expanded to Rockcliffe Park, Walter Baker, Glebe Community Centre and many private contracts with schools and camps. My goal with this program in the future is to create contacts with solid and well established instructors, who are willing to teach children's classes. There are a growing number of yoga instructors in the Ottawa area (there is a need for more as well!) but many tend to shy away from teaching such young age groups. It takes a dynamic individual who has knowledge in teh development of children and is willing to take on the possiblity of having 6 2-year olds all crying at the same time (for most its their first program on their own), or having children share their booger germs with you, along with their sweet smiles and love.
3. Fitness Workshops, Conferences & Trainings- I continue to have the privilege of being offered contracts to present at fitness conferences nationally as well as training fitness instructor for certiication organizations. At this time I have slowed down due to the pregnancy and the fact that I spent the first 4 months being sick all day every day even on prescribed meds! I am unsure what direction I will take with this in the future as these contracts tend to take me far from home. I have always thoroughly enjoyed being able to escape for a weekend, or even a week at a time to various parts in Canada and meet absolutely wonderful and enthusiastic fitness professionals. However, once my precious bundle of joy arrives, I do not expect to be travelling far from him within at least the first year. Dearest husband is extremely hands on and would be willing to be a single parent for those times, but I think it will be too challenging to leave for long periods of time. Who knows, in a few years I may be saying I need to get the hell away from here for a night or two!!
4. Childcare Consulting- I have continued to work one on one with families who require part time and full time childcare solutions. To date I am working with 2 young children on a daily basis, being an intricate part of their life and the family household dynamic. DeGrace Energetics has also consulted with families in assisting them to find the childcare solution that works best for them, should it be home daycare, nanny, etc. In the past I have also consulted with parents who required assistance in moving forward and creating solutions to deal with their children's behaviour, creating routines, sleep behaviours, etc.
5. Personal Training- I have always thoroughly enjoyed the one on one training sessions, whether it be dry land training or aquatic personal training & aquatic post-rehab. I have trained clients in community gyms, their personal homes (some have access to fitness equipment, others have none but want to learn how to workout using their body and environment around them), private facilities and outdoor spaces. I have always found clients strictly through word of mouth and enjoy personal training sessions with my clients. However, this can be time consuming travelling from client to client with several other ventures on the go. I would like to look at this in the future and how I can continue to incorporate this aspect of training into the company, but in a more time efficient manner.
I could go on and on with the ideas that have been brewing in my head, but in all honesty have enough going on with the above 5 business areas I have been working on and growing.
As I embrace my first pregnancy and look forward to the new beginnings of motherhood I have decided it is finally time to make the jump and really put my full attention and care into specific aspects of my company that will invite it to grow and expand above and beyond my dreams and aspirations.
How am I going do do that? I am joining the Entrepreunerial Moms Ottawa chapter that is launching this week. I have always wanted to join a network, but have been extremely hesistant. Feeling my business wasn't "big or successful" enough to swim along companies that are part of other local entrepreuner and business chapters. Entrepreunerial Moms appeals to me with the aspect being of all female members, who are also juggling their businesses and family lives at the same time. Not only do I look forward to meeting a dynamic group of inspiring women, but meeting women who I may create everlasting bonds with as we move through motherhood together.
So here is to new beginnings, new goals, and looking forward to the joys of motherhood (as soon as this little guy is done cooking, boy 40 weeks is a long time!)
~A
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Dear Placenta
Dear Placenta,
It has been brought to our attention from our last ultrasound that you originally decided to implant yourself anterior and very low. Not too low in that you are already covering my cervix, but enough that you really need to move.
So here I am now praying to the placenta gods, should you be listening, to get freakin moving. Yes, I know I may sound a little nutty speaking to a placenta, and no I will not be bringing my placenta home from the hospital. If we were having a home birth I know we would of had to bury it and would of had it somewhere in our yard (I am sure our condo neighbours & our condo board would of loved this idea) but thats for another time and another birth.
My goal is to continue thinking positively with the hope that the placenta will indeed decide to travel up a little as our little man continues to grow. Statistics show that most of the time as the baby grows the placenta will travel upwards, however there is a small chance that it may not.
So, dear placenta, my dear placenta, I do NOT want to have a C-section. Our goal is for the most natural birth possible. I strongly believe that one medical intervention will just lead to another. I am a strong women, have a supportive husband and a doula extraordinaire. I know natural birth is a strong possibility for us.
Placenta, if you hear me, GET MOVING!!!
Thank You
A
It has been brought to our attention from our last ultrasound that you originally decided to implant yourself anterior and very low. Not too low in that you are already covering my cervix, but enough that you really need to move.
So here I am now praying to the placenta gods, should you be listening, to get freakin moving. Yes, I know I may sound a little nutty speaking to a placenta, and no I will not be bringing my placenta home from the hospital. If we were having a home birth I know we would of had to bury it and would of had it somewhere in our yard (I am sure our condo neighbours & our condo board would of loved this idea) but thats for another time and another birth.
My goal is to continue thinking positively with the hope that the placenta will indeed decide to travel up a little as our little man continues to grow. Statistics show that most of the time as the baby grows the placenta will travel upwards, however there is a small chance that it may not.
So, dear placenta, my dear placenta, I do NOT want to have a C-section. Our goal is for the most natural birth possible. I strongly believe that one medical intervention will just lead to another. I am a strong women, have a supportive husband and a doula extraordinaire. I know natural birth is a strong possibility for us.
Placenta, if you hear me, GET MOVING!!!
Thank You
A
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Will I Really Need All This?!
Those who know me know that I am a list fanatic, and always have been. Everything has to be organized and be in its proper place at all times, yes I have admitted its probably a bit OCD. Even more I understand that with a little one on the way things in their proper place may never really happen again for a long time, but I am still willing to try.
I have compiled a list of things that have been recommended in various books and sites I have read with respect to what to pack in our hospital bag. I like to be prepared for anything, and know that if we have a quick delivery and are out of the hospital quickly then I will not need everything, but its possible I could be there for a few days (fingers crossed this is not the case and Baby Boy comes gliding out with no hiccups along the way!)and I want to be prepared.
Here is what I have compiled to date:
toothpaste
toothbrush (and one for DH)
deodorant
shampoo
conditioner
soap
comb
nightgown (should I bring more than 1, and will they let me wear my own...yes I know it will be ruined, or will I have to wear the yucky hospital ones?)
bathrobe
flip flops
extra underwear
extra socks
comfy go home clothes
bottles of water
camera
stopwatch
sanitary pads (so should I go and buy the big thick overnight ones that have yet to step foot in my house?!)
nursing bra
nursing pads
baby blankets
baby clothes
baby diapers
baby hat
baby mittens- no scratch
magazines (for me & DH)
books
phone numbers
quarters or calling card
pillow
lip balm
massage oil / lotion
birth plan
hospital pre-registration card
health card
hospital card
snacks for me & DH (and our wonderful Doula!)
gum
lollipops
bathing suit and flip flops for DH in case he needs to get into shower to help me
extra clothes for DH (in case he doesn't end up passing out and holds the baby when he comes out all gooey, or we are at hospital for long time)
car seat
Okay, so that's what I have for now. If you think I have missed anything PLEASE help this yummy mummy to be out! Also, if there is something there is no way in hell you ever would of used or think I may not please share!!
~A
I have compiled a list of things that have been recommended in various books and sites I have read with respect to what to pack in our hospital bag. I like to be prepared for anything, and know that if we have a quick delivery and are out of the hospital quickly then I will not need everything, but its possible I could be there for a few days (fingers crossed this is not the case and Baby Boy comes gliding out with no hiccups along the way!)and I want to be prepared.
Here is what I have compiled to date:
toothpaste
toothbrush (and one for DH)
deodorant
shampoo
conditioner
soap
comb
nightgown (should I bring more than 1, and will they let me wear my own...yes I know it will be ruined, or will I have to wear the yucky hospital ones?)
bathrobe
flip flops
extra underwear
extra socks
comfy go home clothes
bottles of water
camera
stopwatch
sanitary pads (so should I go and buy the big thick overnight ones that have yet to step foot in my house?!)
nursing bra
nursing pads
baby blankets
baby clothes
baby diapers
baby hat
baby mittens- no scratch
magazines (for me & DH)
books
phone numbers
quarters or calling card
pillow
lip balm
massage oil / lotion
birth plan
hospital pre-registration card
health card
hospital card
snacks for me & DH (and our wonderful Doula!)
gum
lollipops
bathing suit and flip flops for DH in case he needs to get into shower to help me
extra clothes for DH (in case he doesn't end up passing out and holds the baby when he comes out all gooey, or we are at hospital for long time)
car seat
Okay, so that's what I have for now. If you think I have missed anything PLEASE help this yummy mummy to be out! Also, if there is something there is no way in hell you ever would of used or think I may not please share!!
~A
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