Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

I finally finished reading Ina May's Guide to Childbirth after going back to it on-and-off for the last few months. This book has made me approach this second pregnancy with new insight.

When I was pregnant with Cole, I made the mistake of not reading any books on pregnancy or the birthing process. My thought was, I could find any information I needed on the internet with a quick search. While that can certainly be true, it was very much like trying to register for baby shower gifts: overwhelming. There are so many different websites to click on, articles to read, opinions to receive, that it became easier just to ask the doctor at monthly appointments and hope I didn't forget anything, than it was to overwhelm myself with too much information.

I feel so much more prepared for this next labor and delivery, in part, because I've already been through it once, but now I also have an arsenal of ideas for positions to labor in, pain relief techniques, and I think most importantly, knowing that my body is doing what it's supposed to.

The book is set up so that the first part is labor and delivery stories. You get to read tons of beautiful birth stories that start in 1970's and go all the way through to the early 2000's. I especially loved that there were women who naturally birthed 10 pound babies-whoa! With Cole being born at 9lbs 13oz, I'm fairly confident I'll be having another big baby. How encouraging is that?!

The remainder of the book details the mechanics of labor and delivery. Even though I've been through it before, there were things I didn't realize could effect the laboring process. Now that I know a person's demeanor, the space I'm birthing in, hunger, etc., all play huge factors in my labor's ability to progress, I will have better control over the situation, which is incredibly comforting to me.

If all goes according to plan, I will be attempting a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). I'm still waiting to hear back from my doctor as to whether or not my cesarean incision was done to facilitate my hopes for a VBAC. Fingers crossed I will be given the green light.

As soon as Cole was born, I knew that I would do everything in my power to have a VBAC. Part of me still struggles with the fact that I had to have a cesarean. Was there something else I could have done? Maybe if I tried doing this or that, I would've been more successful. I know I need to stop beating myself up about it, the end goal was reached, I had a beautiful, healthy baby boy, that's all that matters, right?

In the end, I know that I will be overjoyed to welcome my second son, regardless of how he enters the world. If you are pregnant, and haven't read it yet, please give this book a shot, you won't regret it. Thanks to Ina May's beautiful book, I will be going into this birth with confidence and a positive attitude.

31 weeks

So this is what it feels like to be 31 weeks. Feels good. 9 weeks to go, can you believe it?! I am 1/4 of the way through my third trimester if that makes any sense. I hope you're not getting tired of my weekly updates. If I'm being completely honest, it's really the only noteworthy thing going on right now. I'm such a square.

I'm working on a recipe book so that all my loose-leaf pages can be compiled into one place, which is exciting to me and probably me alone :) Another reason why I'm a square. What can I say, I am loving the new stuff I'm trying and keeping track of it all is getting a bit out of hand. This is a nice easy task I am able to do and I think it's going to come in handy after Etcha arrives.

With the sorting of my recipes underway, I was trying to figure out where I wanted to put all of them. Maybe a generic white binder and I'll jazz up the cover? No. Put them all on my computer? No. I grabbed Josh's Grandmother's recipe book to sort through, and it hit me: these recipes have to go in here. This book is the perfect fit. It's got an old school flair about it that you can't find anywhere and all the recipes within it seem more important, like they've been handed down from generation to generation. I will hold on to and cherish this book forever; and then it will handed it down, as it should be.

Top 5 pregnancy faves

I've been thinking about this blog for a little while now, but I wasn't sure how to start it. There are so many things that I have loved during this pregnancy, at the same time, I wanted to keep this list short and simple. Today, I had a few surprises that just so happen to fall under two of my top 5 categories, today was definitely the day to write this blog. So, here we go!

 

5. Ice water. I can't get enough of it! Luckily, Josh surprised me today with this water bottle. In case you didn't know, it's the best water bottle in the world! You can get it here.

4. Bowling. It's keeping me active, at the same time I can go at my own pace. My approach consists of a slow waddle, not a whole lot I can do about it at this point. Pretty soon I'm going to have to hang up my bowling shoes until after Etcha comes. Soon, but not yet. I'll enjoy it while I can, but better safe than sorry right?

 3. Ittibitz. If I can't get Dippin' Dots here in Germany, I can at least make a trip to the commissary for this amazing knock-off. It's the perfect amount. Now I'm getting hungry. Shoot.

2. The name. Contrary to popular belief, we are not naming our son Etcha. That was the nickname we gave him before we found out the gender so we wouldn't have to refer to him as an "it." Josh and I have decided on a name, but we are going to wait until he is born to reveal it, an extra surprise for everyone!

1. Josh. My husband has been amazing throughout this whole experience. There are days when I might not feel top notch, and he's always there to make me feel better. Josh knows just what to say to make me laugh. I love that he's obsessed with my belly button, even if I'm not so excited about it becoming an outie. Josh is genuinely excited for this baby, and that is the most comforting aspect of this whole experience. My husband is going to be a great daddy.
He woke me up this morning, and not only surprised me with my new water bottle, but a brand new cast iron skillet AND a step stool. I told Josh in passing a few weeks back that I would love a cast iron skillet and being the thoughtful man he is, he remembered and voila. As for the step stool, our bathtub has high walls, and this belly of mine makes it a little difficult to get in and out. Enter the step stool, brilliance. Thank you Josh, I love you and you almost make me want to change this to a top 6 just so I can add today into the mix.

I'm obsessed...

I love the feel of a freshly made bed. There's something so relaxing and refreshing about it, especially this time of year when windows are open and sun is shining in; I can't help but smile. What could possibly be better than a freshly made bed?! A new bedding set of course! Don't you just love picking out new bedding, looking for a happy medium between masculine and feminine, although feminine is always easier to come by, poor Josh.

I've been keeping an eye out for new bedding for almost 6 months, this kind of decision takes some time. Josh actually found the bedding we chose (snaps for Josh!), and maybe this is only funny to me, but this is the first time we purchased a bedding set that came with Euro pillows. You're sides aren't splitting yet? It was slightly funny to me that we're buying Euro pillows in Germany, then it made me think do Europeans call Euro pillows just that, or do they perhaps just call them pillows? Do they call normal rectangle pillows Ameri pillows? That had me laughing for almost 5 minutes, awww pregnancy and the crazy giggle fits you've give me when no one else thinks its remotely funny; in case you were wondering Josh didn't think it was that funny either.

On that note, happy Friday! Hope everyone has a safe St. Patrick's day tomorrow! Hopefully I'll have a great corned beef minus the cabbage recipe to share soon!

Do you ever feel bad for the 29th week?!

If you think about it, the 28th week is exciting because you've finally reached the third trimester. The 30th week is great because it's a nice round number that seems to be a great milestone marker; and then there's poor week 29. 

Not as exciting as being able to say for the first time that you're in your third trimester and nowhere as cool as 30 weeks especially since being 30 weeks is just that much closer to delivery day. The 29th week also has the misfortune of being an odd number, which if you know me, you know I'm not a fan.

Poor week 29. 

I do have one thing I can celebrate. Even though I'm an ocean away, I'll still celebrate my Dad's birthday! So, I guess for me at least, the 29th week isn't all terrible.

I love my Cecilia visits!

I refer to Cecilia as our baby nurse (which isn't exactly a correct title but we'll get to that in a sec.) really she's a Godsend. Since Josh and I are in Germany, we have the privilege of several programs aimed toward helping first-time parents. 
Instead of the normal 15 minute doctor's appointment, we go to Centering. Centering is a 2 hour group appointment that's meant to better prepare parents for their newest addition. We discuss a range of topics from breast feeding to birth control to delivery options. Plus, Josh gets out of work for the appointment which is also a plus!!!
The New Parent Support Program offers several different services, one of which is Cecilia (there are others too, but not as good as Cecilia, but I'll openly admit bias). Cecilia is a registered nurse who comes to our house every 2 weeks to discuss a cornucopia  (isn't that a fun word?!) of topics. It's just one more tool to have in our belt as we approach the big day. 
I love when Cecilia comes because there are always questions that pop in my head that I can ask her instead of waiting until my next appointment. She always makes me feel like I'm heading in the right direction, which is incredibly comforting.
Honestly, I wish everyone had a Cecilia. I am feeling more and more prepared for the upcoming labor and for after we take Etcha home with every visit we have. The real purpose I wanted to write this blog today was to simply thank Cecilia for everything she has done for me and my growing family!

Third Trimester already?!

I can’t believe I’m in the home stretch, the third trimester-wow! Only 12 weeks left. It’s such a strange feeling to think that a few short months ago Josh and I were just finding out, and the doctor had to convince me it wasn’t a hysterical pregnancy.

Here I am, big belly and all; finishing a journey that I’m so unbelievably blessed to be experiencing. Now that most of our friends who became pregnant before us have had their beautiful babes, I find myself much more impatient with this whole process.

I keep reminding myself that this growing boy needs a little more time. While I wait it out, I try and think of the things I love right now:

• His movement. I love feeling him kick and flop around, especially when I can look down and see my stomach move; I’ll never get used to that and I hope not to, I don’t think I’d appreciate it as much if I was expecting it.
• His nursery. It may be coming along slowly, but I like it better that way. I like thinking about how to organize diapers (I get to organize diapers, this is just too exciting!), or where to put furniture. It’s like an adult version of playing house; just getting to imagine Etcha in his crib or holding him in my arms cuddled up on the chair. I live for these daydreams!
• His hiccups. I have been looking forward to this since we found out! I LOVE when he gets the hiccups. What a strange phenomenon that my diaphragm is hiccupping, but it’s not me. It’s just wild!
• His cravings. Okay, well my cravings, or is it our cravings? In any case, it’s fun to see what’s next. I have found myself indulging in shaved almonds, yum! On a less healthy note, I can’t stop drinking Crystal Light Raspberry Ice, at least there’s no sugar in it!
• The people. I guess when you reach a point where strangers can finally tell that you’re expecting, they’re much nicer and definitely more willing to help you, especially if you drop something.
• His ability to slow me down. I’ve had to learn to slow down; at first it was because I just had to. I just couldn’t go the same speed I used to. Now, I realize how nice it is to slow down; to just appreciate what is happening to my body and my surroundings.
• His love. How else do you explain this pregnancy going as well as it is?! This baby is already showing me his love by taking it easy on me. Sure, I get tired easily and have to pee all the time but if that’s my biggest problem I’ll consider myself lucky, and loved!
• His dad. Josh and I have always had a strong relationship, but now it’s like we’ve reached a whole new level of love and appreciation for each other. I love his excitement for our son and when he taps my belly to see if the baby will tap back (okay, that can be a little weird but that’s because the baby usually taps back, but only for Josh). Josh is going to be a great daddy, there’s no doubt in my mind about that!

As long as I can remind myself of these things, I think I can make it to the end, I hope!

Milestones and Nursery Ideas

Holy smokes, where did January go?! In years past, January always crept by since it’s my birthday month; this year, however, it seems to have slipped through my fingers!

It was so weird to ring in this New Year, the thought of entering the year that Etcha will be joining us makes it seem so much closer, and more real! This coming Friday will mark the age that I will be when I give birth-that’s just nuts! I’m happy to celebrate these milestones, however small they may be, why not?!

Josh and I have FINALLY decided on the baby’s room theme!!! It’s not that we’ve been arguing over it, I just keep changing my mind! Aww the joys of being a lady! Perhaps my statement was a little misleading-we’re not really going with a theme as much as we’re going with colors. Royal blue and lime green to be exact. It’s not that I dislike nursery themes; I just can’t to commit to one theme. I probably changed my mind 10 times before deciding it was probably best to just go with colors!

Really, I think it’s because of my ambition to sew and create a unique nursery that we’re shying away from a specific theme. One of the things I want to make are curtains for the baby’s room and if I choose a theme I might be limiting myself to only one fabric or design, and I like having different options, does that make sense?!

Now that we’ve chosen what we want to do for Etcha’s room, we can actually proceed in making these plans come to life! I can’t wait to see the finished product!

Oh the possibilities!

Can you believe how many names there are in this world?! Too many to choose from! How are we supposed to whittle the list down from an infinite supply of names to just one that both of us agree on-yowza! 

I guess the first step is to find out what we’re having, that’ll at least make it 50% easier to decide! Luckily, Josh and I have a few names floating around to hopefully make our choice easier, only time will tell though!

How did you decide on your child’s name? Is it a family name? Something you’ve always wanted since you were little? Was it important to have an original name, or perhaps a more traditional name was a better choice for your bundle of joy?!

To think all this stress for the first name, maybe we'll just stick with Etcha! And don’t even get me started on the middle name dilemma!

What people don't tell you about pregnancy

With less than a week until Josh and I find out the sex of Etcha, I started thinking about before we got pregnant and how I thought this pregnancy would go, and the expectations that I had. So, I figured this was a perfect time to share what I wasn’t expecting while expecting!

I was so nervous about the possibility of morning sickness during pregnancy. I have so many friends that got pregnant before me who had a tough time with morning (noon, and night) sickness and it only seemed natural that I was supposed to get it too; I feel so fortunate to be able to say that I have had no issues (and I’m keeping my fingers crossed it stays that way).

Who knew that watching the Darth Vader Volkswagen commercial would cause such a large amount of water works?! I wouldn’t say that I’m crazy-emotional, but I’m a girl and random things will make me tear up. I wasn’t expecting however, to break down during a commercial I’ve not only seen a million and a half times, but a commercial I’ve never cried during either, weird.

I think I can speak for everyone that really knows me when I say that my pregnancy cravings have been a little lackluster. I enjoyed weird things before becoming pregnant; baby dill pickles dipped in chocolate pudding anyone?! It’s somewhat disappointing that I haven’t had cravings on the fun side. I do, however, enjoy macaroni and cheese, tater tots, grapes, and any fruit juice!

Have you ever been people watching (I know I can’t be the only one) and noticed a woman who suddenly stops and either hunches down or quickly, and awkwardly crosses her legs while still standing because she needed to cough or sneeze?! I get it now. I always thought it was so funny to see grown women act so strangely and never knew what they were doing, but its all clear. They were slightly peeing themselves. This is my karma for laughing at those women, because I too feel the need to take “the stance.” I share this only to warn those who are also pregnant, possibly thinking about becoming pregnant, or are near me when I cough, sneeze or laugh.

Anyway, there are probably more expectations or things I wish I knew before hand, but due to pregnancy brain, I’ve just plum forgot what they are!

Is it December already?!

Holy cow! Can you believe it’s December already!? This year has been a true whirlwind. It’s weird to think that at the beginning of 2011 I was still living in Nebraska and working for Kids Net, counting down the days until I made the move to Biloxi, Mississippi.

Here we are, it’s December 2, 2011 and I’m in Ramstein, Germany! It’s crazy how in less than a year I’ve moved twice, met some pretty fun people, explored my surroundings, and last but certainly not least; Josh and I are having a baby!!! 

14 weeks and 5 days

In a year filled with so many wonderful memories, I feel especially blessed to add a baby into the mix! I am so incredibly excited to start yet another new journey, and I’m actually feeling pretty confident at this point! I thought I’d be a hot mess of nerves worrying about the pregnancy and our future child, but now that it’s really happening it’s almost like a calm has come over this typically hyper gal! Like it was meant to be; and I think it was!

Does it seem like all I talk about anymore is the pregnancy?! Man, sorry about that! It’s all new to me, so please excuse my constant need to share and thank you for continuing to read! You are a fabulous audience! Random thought: when I put “so please excuse my” did anyone else thing “dear Aunt Sally?” No? Oh man! Good times Mrs. Rezek, good times! 

Is that considered “pregnancy brain?” I don’t really think it is, because I’d think like that before I was pregnant, so maybe I’m just a loon and I accept that!

This could be the pregnancy talking, or just random thoughts

Josh is working nights for the rest of the week, so I had a little extra time on my hands to do some pondering and this is what I came up with:

I really enjoy the show Reba, I forgot how funny it is!

This is exciting, at least to me, I think I’m starting to get a baby bump!!! As a result, my pants aren’t fitting the way they should, and I’m not quite ready for maternity pants. Thank God for sweatpants!!!

Crunch Berries are amazing; I can’t get enough of them!

German toilets are weird, they have a stop nozzle, and no matter where you go the flusher on every toilet is different. Some toilets are even self-cleaning!

I kid you not the big button is for "heavier things" and the small button is for "lighter things." All so you don't waste water.

I can’t wait until we move into our new home next week.

1. Because I want my clothes (that will still fit) back

2. My bed, my oh-so-comfortable bed

3. I’m ready for space that this hotel room is lacking

4. This room doesn’t have a bathtub, and I’d like to take a nice bath

Crangrape is my favorite juice!

I loved the movie Juno before I was pregnant and now it has a whole new meaning and appreciation for me!

Ice water has never tasted better to me!

Thanks Mom for the boots you bought me when we were home they have become the most comfortable pair of shoes I own currently!

I learned that if you ask a German how they are doing, they will tell you…in detail so don’t ask if you don’t really care but if they ask you feel free to tell them exactly what’s on your mind

On a similar note, I found out that if you are one of those people who like to block the aisle by standing in the middle or talking to someone else therefore blocking the way completely, a German is likely to GROWL at you and if that doesn’t work they will push past you and you will receive the stink eye as they go by. Beware, just beware!

I’m obsessed with looking at baby names, so many options!

I watched a professional bocce ball tournament on Euro Sports, it was intense!

I can’t wait to have American outlets again! At least that’s in the near future, gotta love base housing!!!

Well that’s pretty much it for me today, who knows what I’ll post tomorrow! Have a great day everyone!

Just a thought...

As I sat down to do this blog, I was thinking about Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays that I would normally be spending with family; and I realized how many wonderful traditions (holiday or not) I have that I get to pass down to this baby!

I know Josh will have a lot of traditions he would add to this list too and hopefully I’ll be able to add some of them now; but for the time being, here is a list of holiday traditions I can’t wait to share with baby Trout!

·       Christmas movies! Especially White Christmas on Sunday nights with my dad’s Chicken in the Oven!

·       Putting the Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving

·       Watching Wizard of Oz on Thanksgiving night

·       24 hours of A Christmas Story on Christmas Eve

·       Lots of people for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner (usually this is blood relations, but has recently been extended to my Air Force family!)

·       Christmas music constantly after Thanksgiving, or if Josh isn’t in the room, after Halloween!

·       Fire pit for Halloween! And yummy s’mores!

·       Biscuits and Gravy for Christmas breakfast

·       Christmas light looking

·       Advent calendars!

·       Turkey sandwiches while decorating the Christmas tree

·       Leaving the Christmas lights on the whole night of Christmas Eve (so Santa knows where to go!)

·       Christmas crafts

·       Saying what we’re thankful for on Thanksgiving

·       Gift exchanges with friends

·       Watching Peanuts movies on their assigned holidays with Heidi

·       Spending New Year’s Eve with friends (but not as crazy, after all there will be a baby with us in utero or in person)

·       Making Christmas treats: cookies, chocolate covered pretzels, etc

Well, I could go on, but I think that’s a good start! I’m going to miss spending Christmas with our families, but I’m also excited to start new traditions with our little family!

Oh and crossing my fingers that we will be able to get Nessa Rose over here before I have the baby, I don’t want her to think we’re replacing her! I miss my baby girl more than anything right now and I hope she’ll be able to join us soon!