Dear friends,
I must share with you the joy and immense blessing that Zachary and I have received over the past couple of weeks.
#1: Daycare - We went to tour another daycare a couple of weeks ago and left feeling, unsettled. I told Zach, no matter what daycare I visit, I'm still going to be antsy and uneasy, so we might as well just pick one and run with it. Well, later that day, I was speaking with a very sweet lady from our church who wished to watch Theodore, however we needed. Needless to say, this mamma was in tears. But she said something that I'll always remember: "God opened the door for you to take Theodore to work because he knew that you weren't ready. Now, God opened this door as the next transition for you for you to see to continually trust in Him to provide for you." I can't tell you guys how much a blessing this family is to ours. We would not have met them had we not visited this small little church on a whim and had not these ladies shown a deep love for me when things got really rough on my maternity leave. Blessed.
#2: Theodore - I put a shout out on Facebook about Theodore needing winter clothes. We were not exaggerating that he needed clothes stat and it just simply wasn't in our budget. Yes of course, we would've gone and gotten him clothes, but we were waiting for a period of extra cash. A few days later there were texts, pictures and packages on our doorstep of winter clothes for our son. Blessed.
#3: Cash Flow - As we all know, cash flow is tight right now. Zach and I are continually having to put our faith in Jesus for our foundation in our current situation. We were looking at situations in order to help make ends meet and then out of the blue, we received a couple of checks from friends who wrote and said that we were on their hearts and they had some extra cash to pass along. Blessed.
#4: Being a working mom - This is something that I am going to continue to struggle with as I find my role as a mother and as a working mom. I enjoy my job, I enjoy my son, one isn't greater than the other, they both bring their own joy. I was feeling a great deal of pressure and a dear friend called and let me cry on her shoulders for a bit about the whole situation. She said that God has a plan in place for our lives and right now this is what it looks like, and tomorrow, it could be different. I needed to hear that I wasn't a bad mom for not being able to watch him. I needed to hear that other moms struggle with this same situation. God knew that I needed this relationship and I'm blessed to have her in my life.
Now this is not to say that we aren't faced with struggles each day. There are many things in which I am trying to see why they are happening and how to glorify God in the process. But, what Zachary and I have learned thus far is to keep putting our faith where it belongs, God does provide, and He will continue to provide -- whatever that may look like.
"When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Thy consolations delight my soul' - Psalm 94:19
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Mom Lesson #1
For the past 4 and 1/2 months, I have been extremely blessed to take my son with me to work everyday. He is loved on, passed around, played with. He attends my meetings, donor visits and makes the three hour round trip commute everyday. I cannot begin to express the thankfulness and gratitude to my boss and co-workers for allowing this opportunity. However, about a week or so ago I noticed that Theodore is starting to get bored at work. I'm unable to play with him on the level that he needs. I am unable to give him the extra attention and stimulation that he deserves. And I noticed about a week or so ago that my time bringing him to work with me is quickly coming to an end.
This put mamma into frantic mode. How can we cut expenses, how can I stay at home, How can we make extra money. Okay! I'll work evenings and weekends and we will cut everything (from our already cut budget) and make this work! Mine you readers, we don't have extras - no cable, work covers phone bill - we do have netflix (whoop!). Outside of that, we eat out ONCE a week and carpool to save on gas. We all know that child care is ridiculously expensive, but we are blessed in the fact that we have just BARELY enough (I'm talking maybe 10 extra a paycheck) for the cost of daycare.
This mamma still wasn't happy. He won't get the attention he deserves, he won't eat, he'll be left alone, he won't be loved on. Negative Negative Negative. Me - pushing all these assumptions on innocent individuals - judging them and the daycare setting before even giving it a chance. But no, I was determined to make this work, to keep him from this awful, awful thought of daycare. I mistakenly polled the facebook audience about my thoughts and was bombarded by mothers who had the option to stay at home, to spend time with their children. I was met with hostility towards the thought of leaving my son during the day to help provide for our family. In the midst of my tears a dear friend called and said that everything was going to be just fine - we are in similar situations and we are doing what we need to do in this moment in time. She said the Lord knows the plans for you and your son....
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matt 6:25-27
Then and there the Lord spoke to my stubborn and unyielding heart. I felt him asking me - Why do you doubt his safety? Why do you doubt the plan that I have for you in your current situation? Why do you not think that I will continue to take care of you and your family? Let me work in your life - your son will be fine, as he has always been.
I became very silent and began to feel His peace surrounding me. I began to realize that I was putting my priorities, my desire, my wants in front of letting God work in my current situation. I began to worship this other life I desired instead of being content and thankful for where I currently am. How we are foolish and broken people.
I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Psalm 34:4-7
We are currently seeking daycare options. There are a few on the table and I ask that you pray for the best situation for our family. I am hoping to write more around this - to show how God is shining and working in our lives and current situation in hopes to remind other working moms and dads of the bigger picture. I pray that through this process other working moms and dads who have to leave their children during the day to provide for their family find peace with me in this journey. I am praying for you. I pray that those who are fortunate enough to stay at home would encourage and support those who are not able.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6
This put mamma into frantic mode. How can we cut expenses, how can I stay at home, How can we make extra money. Okay! I'll work evenings and weekends and we will cut everything (from our already cut budget) and make this work! Mine you readers, we don't have extras - no cable, work covers phone bill - we do have netflix (whoop!). Outside of that, we eat out ONCE a week and carpool to save on gas. We all know that child care is ridiculously expensive, but we are blessed in the fact that we have just BARELY enough (I'm talking maybe 10 extra a paycheck) for the cost of daycare.
This mamma still wasn't happy. He won't get the attention he deserves, he won't eat, he'll be left alone, he won't be loved on. Negative Negative Negative. Me - pushing all these assumptions on innocent individuals - judging them and the daycare setting before even giving it a chance. But no, I was determined to make this work, to keep him from this awful, awful thought of daycare. I mistakenly polled the facebook audience about my thoughts and was bombarded by mothers who had the option to stay at home, to spend time with their children. I was met with hostility towards the thought of leaving my son during the day to help provide for our family. In the midst of my tears a dear friend called and said that everything was going to be just fine - we are in similar situations and we are doing what we need to do in this moment in time. She said the Lord knows the plans for you and your son....
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matt 6:25-27
Then and there the Lord spoke to my stubborn and unyielding heart. I felt him asking me - Why do you doubt his safety? Why do you doubt the plan that I have for you in your current situation? Why do you not think that I will continue to take care of you and your family? Let me work in your life - your son will be fine, as he has always been.
I became very silent and began to feel His peace surrounding me. I began to realize that I was putting my priorities, my desire, my wants in front of letting God work in my current situation. I began to worship this other life I desired instead of being content and thankful for where I currently am. How we are foolish and broken people.
I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Psalm 34:4-7
We are currently seeking daycare options. There are a few on the table and I ask that you pray for the best situation for our family. I am hoping to write more around this - to show how God is shining and working in our lives and current situation in hopes to remind other working moms and dads of the bigger picture. I pray that through this process other working moms and dads who have to leave their children during the day to provide for their family find peace with me in this journey. I am praying for you. I pray that those who are fortunate enough to stay at home would encourage and support those who are not able.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6
Monday, September 23, 2013
Not too sure where to pick this up from - we all know the story of Theodore and how he arrived.
I'm here to write an honest conversation, in an effort to help my thoughts come together and to potentially encourage and inspire other mom's out there.
My life has been completely flipped sideways-turned around and has landed lopsided - in a completely and different place than I originally planned. I find myself completely exhausted from commuting on average 3 hours a day, working a full time job, tending to my almost 4 month old, being a wife, a mother, housekeeper and socialite.
This is coming from the long nights of being awake to feed, to provide comfort and to handle the screams of teething. This is coming from having 3 hours of sleep and having to put in a full days work the next day with a smiling face. This is coming from a mom who cooks every meal due to dietary restrictions and extreme budget limitations that are out of her control. This is coming from a family who can't simply cut "extravagant expenses" to consider living on one income, when we don't have anything extra to cut (okay, we have netflix...whoop!). This is coming from a husband who works tirelessly at two jobs to help keep the family afloat. This is coming from a mom who is saddened by the fact of putting her son in daycare and wishes to stay at home.
It's from meeting mothers at fairs who are completely exhausted and seek community, comfort, and a few words of encouragement to continue on this journey of parenthood. It's to building relationships with new moms with an unbelieveable amount of advice given at all hours of the day and night. It's through the unknown of what a few week old baby really needs when the baby itself is unsure of what is happening.
We are all tired.
I pray for you, your family, your little one. I pray for rest, for patience, mercy and for friends and family to love and cling to you for you to not feel alone. I wish nothing more than to walk with you side by side in this wonderful journey full of extreme joys and extremely challenging moments.
Through all of this happening the past three months, my husband and I realized how much glory we must give to God and how little our lives reflected His work and His passions for us. We thought we were walking quite comfortably in our faith but have been awakened that we are broken and selfish individuals who need the grace, love, and mercy of our God and Savior. Why weren't we sharing the joy of life given to us with others - so that others might be encouraged by our walk?
We realized things need to change, and we invite each of you to pray for our family as we look at what the future holds for us. The lives we had been living, while was pleasing to God, isn't enough. He is moving in our lives, and we seek to listen to Him. He has been waiting and we have been avoiding.
Here's to a life full of joy and rest in Jesus. What a glorious day.
"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other." -- Matthew 6:24
I'm here to write an honest conversation, in an effort to help my thoughts come together and to potentially encourage and inspire other mom's out there.
My life has been completely flipped sideways-turned around and has landed lopsided - in a completely and different place than I originally planned. I find myself completely exhausted from commuting on average 3 hours a day, working a full time job, tending to my almost 4 month old, being a wife, a mother, housekeeper and socialite.
This is coming from the long nights of being awake to feed, to provide comfort and to handle the screams of teething. This is coming from having 3 hours of sleep and having to put in a full days work the next day with a smiling face. This is coming from a mom who cooks every meal due to dietary restrictions and extreme budget limitations that are out of her control. This is coming from a family who can't simply cut "extravagant expenses" to consider living on one income, when we don't have anything extra to cut (okay, we have netflix...whoop!). This is coming from a husband who works tirelessly at two jobs to help keep the family afloat. This is coming from a mom who is saddened by the fact of putting her son in daycare and wishes to stay at home.
It's from meeting mothers at fairs who are completely exhausted and seek community, comfort, and a few words of encouragement to continue on this journey of parenthood. It's to building relationships with new moms with an unbelieveable amount of advice given at all hours of the day and night. It's through the unknown of what a few week old baby really needs when the baby itself is unsure of what is happening.
We are all tired.
I pray for you, your family, your little one. I pray for rest, for patience, mercy and for friends and family to love and cling to you for you to not feel alone. I wish nothing more than to walk with you side by side in this wonderful journey full of extreme joys and extremely challenging moments.
Through all of this happening the past three months, my husband and I realized how much glory we must give to God and how little our lives reflected His work and His passions for us. We thought we were walking quite comfortably in our faith but have been awakened that we are broken and selfish individuals who need the grace, love, and mercy of our God and Savior. Why weren't we sharing the joy of life given to us with others - so that others might be encouraged by our walk?
We realized things need to change, and we invite each of you to pray for our family as we look at what the future holds for us. The lives we had been living, while was pleasing to God, isn't enough. He is moving in our lives, and we seek to listen to Him. He has been waiting and we have been avoiding.
Here's to a life full of joy and rest in Jesus. What a glorious day.
"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other." -- Matthew 6:24
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Nearing 41 weeks!
To answer everyone at the same time: No, Baby Honea is not here yet and everything is just fine. We aren't going to apologize for not responding to every text message, email, comment, phone call, etc., because in all honesty, its exhausting. We thank you for your kindness and your thoughtfulness as we near the end of the pregnancy - but you will know when you need to know, until then, keep praying for us and we will be in communication with you. Stop stressing out the mamma-to-be :).
I've been home from work going on my third week and it has had it's ups and downs. It is incredibly challenging to go from working full-time and a full-time grad student to absolutely nothing and just waiting for your little one to arrive. I haven't done something like this in many, many years and it's been challenging but rewarding. The greatest thing I can say from this experience thus far has been how we are used to timelines and deadlines that we set for ourselves and have become used to this norm. We instantly get anything that we want/crave/need, set dates on everything and can pretty much predict our day to day routine. In pregnancy, the only thing that you know is that you're growing a baby - there are no definite answers and solutions. It's been an incredible faith defining experience and has shed light to the fact that I tend to trust myself to get through situations and not my Creator. I thank God for this moment and continue to struggle with this daily.
Tomorrow we go back to the birthing center for a stress-test on baby just to check in to make sure placenta, baby, etc. is still doing good along with some more additional natural labor induction techniques. OH - did acupuncture yesterday and it was...different? I'm not against the experience, just not something that I normally seek, etc. It didn't bring on too many contractions, but it did help calm my nerves a bit.
In the mean time, here are some pictures and notes about the nursery (on a budget):
1. Crib sheet/skirt made my Susan Honea (mother-in-law)
2. Curtains made by Juliet Wright (my mom :), not pictured)
3. White dresser used to be Zach's when he was a baby
4. Mobile and owl artwork made by me
5. Rocking chair bought for next to nothing
6. Bookshelf was left by previous owners - why not use it? Books include gifts from zach's childhood and my childhood.
7. Stuffed animals from my childhood
Theres a couple other things I'd like to do - but would rather wait and see if its a boy or girl!
I've been home from work going on my third week and it has had it's ups and downs. It is incredibly challenging to go from working full-time and a full-time grad student to absolutely nothing and just waiting for your little one to arrive. I haven't done something like this in many, many years and it's been challenging but rewarding. The greatest thing I can say from this experience thus far has been how we are used to timelines and deadlines that we set for ourselves and have become used to this norm. We instantly get anything that we want/crave/need, set dates on everything and can pretty much predict our day to day routine. In pregnancy, the only thing that you know is that you're growing a baby - there are no definite answers and solutions. It's been an incredible faith defining experience and has shed light to the fact that I tend to trust myself to get through situations and not my Creator. I thank God for this moment and continue to struggle with this daily.
Tomorrow we go back to the birthing center for a stress-test on baby just to check in to make sure placenta, baby, etc. is still doing good along with some more additional natural labor induction techniques. OH - did acupuncture yesterday and it was...different? I'm not against the experience, just not something that I normally seek, etc. It didn't bring on too many contractions, but it did help calm my nerves a bit.
In the mean time, here are some pictures and notes about the nursery (on a budget):
1. Crib sheet/skirt made my Susan Honea (mother-in-law)
2. Curtains made by Juliet Wright (my mom :), not pictured)
3. White dresser used to be Zach's when he was a baby
4. Mobile and owl artwork made by me
5. Rocking chair bought for next to nothing
6. Bookshelf was left by previous owners - why not use it? Books include gifts from zach's childhood and my childhood.
7. Stuffed animals from my childhood
Theres a couple other things I'd like to do - but would rather wait and see if its a boy or girl!
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
May 29th: Due Date!
Dear Baby Honea,
Well, here we are - 40 weeks complete with potentially two more weeks to go before you arrive in our arms. I didn't expect you to arrive today, but it would have been a nice surprise!
Today at the midwife appointment membranes were swept in order to help labor potentially begin. Both of the midwives are excited to see you and me return before my appointment next week to give birth to you! Let's not disappoint them.
Zachary and I are going into "hibernation" mode over the next two weeks in order to focus on you coming and preparing our hearts for you. We are making an effort to un-plug for a while, so readers, if we fail to respond to your text, call you back, or even email, you'll understand and hear from us again soon.
Here's to the final stretch Baby Honea. Let's do this!
-Mom and Dad
Well, here we are - 40 weeks complete with potentially two more weeks to go before you arrive in our arms. I didn't expect you to arrive today, but it would have been a nice surprise!
Today at the midwife appointment membranes were swept in order to help labor potentially begin. Both of the midwives are excited to see you and me return before my appointment next week to give birth to you! Let's not disappoint them.
Zachary and I are going into "hibernation" mode over the next two weeks in order to focus on you coming and preparing our hearts for you. We are making an effort to un-plug for a while, so readers, if we fail to respond to your text, call you back, or even email, you'll understand and hear from us again soon.
Here's to the final stretch Baby Honea. Let's do this!
-Mom and Dad
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
38 weeks man!
Obviously, I'm not the best blogger but here's a recap of the past few weeks:
1. Finished up all centering classes/breast feeding classes/books.
2. Baby Honea will be here in the next four weeks - HOLY MOLY!
3. Nursery is almost complete - just finishing up hanging a few hand made items
4. Last day of work is Friday.
Symptoms:
-Exhaustion - mainly from not being able to move my torso anymore!
-Swelling - still in the left ankle - some minor in hands
-Daily Braxton Hicks
-Total weight gain: 27 pounds - BAM!
Feelings:
-Nervous about being a mother - Dear Lord prepare my heart
-Excited about birth/labor
-Anxious about people being at the house while trying to adjust to a newborn
Baby Names:
Girl: Adelaide Lucille Honea
Boy: Theodore Michael Honea or Nehmiah Michael Honea
After this whole process - I am looking into training to become a post-postpartum doula/lactation consultant. My life has been incredibly changed and moved by this beautiful time of pregnancy and I can't imagine the process any differently.
Baby is head down and ready for take off - let's get this show on the road little youngin!
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1. Finished up all centering classes/breast feeding classes/books.
2. Baby Honea will be here in the next four weeks - HOLY MOLY!
3. Nursery is almost complete - just finishing up hanging a few hand made items
4. Last day of work is Friday.
Symptoms:
-Exhaustion - mainly from not being able to move my torso anymore!
-Swelling - still in the left ankle - some minor in hands
-Daily Braxton Hicks
-Total weight gain: 27 pounds - BAM!
Feelings:
-Nervous about being a mother - Dear Lord prepare my heart
-Excited about birth/labor
-Anxious about people being at the house while trying to adjust to a newborn
Baby Names:
Girl: Adelaide Lucille Honea
Boy: Theodore Michael Honea or Nehmiah Michael Honea
After this whole process - I am looking into training to become a post-postpartum doula/lactation consultant. My life has been incredibly changed and moved by this beautiful time of pregnancy and I can't imagine the process any differently.
Baby is head down and ready for take off - let's get this show on the road little youngin!
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Saturday, March 30, 2013
8 and 1/2 weeks to go!
There is a LOT to catch you up on - those of you fellow readers.
(31 weeks pregnant - excuse my look of exhaustion, lol)
(Thank you for putting the crib together sweetheart!)
(We're so excited, and so tired already)
(Almost finished crib. My mother in law is making a yellow chevron crib skirt to put below. Can't wait to see it finished!)
(Baby shower. Man, how I love this man.)
We are now meeting bi-weekly for our centering groups at the birthing center. The first meeting in March was my favorite by far. Mainly because we played role reversal where the men were given scenarios they had to act out and the wives were the support partner. Talk about hilarious. They took us into the birthing rooms and each couple had their chance to act out their scene. Learned a lot though about the different tactics they can use during labor and made me feel more comfortable in the room. However, did learn - guys don't know anything about labor - lol.
Second centering session revolved around newborn care. Holy moly. That was a whirlwind full of information. Between the forms to sign at the birthing center, pediatricians to find that align with your health philosophy, suggested immunization schedules, etc. I left with my head twirling and added even more things to do to my ever growing list of things to accomplish in the next 8 and 1/2 weeks .... or sooner!
March 17th was the honea baby shower and we were and continue to be extremely blessed by all of our friends and family. We were a little nervous hosting the baby shower (well, we were still painting the house until the week of the shower) and weren't really sure who was going to attend. We were shocked and humbled by the generosity of all of those who came and those who helped to put the shower together. We cannot even begin to thank each of you. It helped to relieve a lot of the financial stress of getting everything together for this little one. Thank you.
As for the pregnancy: swelling has now become a challenge. It's positional and only on the left ankle. Some days are good - some days are bad. Don't worry - I'm walking/resting/eating protein/staying hydrated/etc - but theres only so much this girl can do. However, I am learning to slow down now and not commit to anything after this weekend. Our focus from here on out is getting the nursery put together, graduating from grad school, and having this baby. Everything else can wait. :)
I do feel the weight of the baby now - it is more challenging to roll over at night and I catch myself needing a few extra breaths when moving. It is strange though to have this big mass of baby taking over your abdomen section. I never realized how often we use our "core" everyday - and now that it's blocked - it's hilarious.
Baby kicks and moves and gets hiccups.
Now time for pictures!
(31 weeks pregnant - excuse my look of exhaustion, lol)
(Thank you for putting the crib together sweetheart!)
(We're so excited, and so tired already)
(Almost finished crib. My mother in law is making a yellow chevron crib skirt to put below. Can't wait to see it finished!)
(Baby shower. Man, how I love this man.)Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Centering Session: February
Happy 26 Weeks!
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Our centering class today focused on fears during labor and relaxation techniques. It was great to discuss some of the fears like tearing, or transition or needing to go to the hospital. In all honesty, I'm not necessarily "scared" of those items. There is something that has me most worked up, but it's something that isn't highly appropriate for my blog readers - and no, it's not about pooping during labor!
Baby Honea is happy, healthy, and kicking like crazy - we got a real mover on our hands folks. Aside from that - there isn't a whole lot to update in the baby department. No "cravings", no weird things, no pains, nada. Sorry to disappoint but this baby is perfectly happy with how things are going right now!
The nursery will start to come together over the next month. And you're invited to our shower on March 17th at 2:00PM at our new casa. Make plans to come! :) We would love to have you to celebrate with us.
I am getting more and more excited about meeting this little one and a bit more scared everyday. It's becoming more of a reality of this little baby being in our lives in just a few short months. I suppose it started to sink in by calling daycare centers and pediatricians earlier this week. For some reason - I just don't trust anyone, haha. Motherly instincts? Outside of that, daycare is ridiculously expensive (1,000 or so a month) and that just isn't in our budget. What are parents to do who must work full-time but have a child that needs daycare? I pray that the Lord will send a nanny into our lives soon or that both sets or parents will move to Austin.
Gestational Diabetes test in 2 weeks. Ick.
Keep growing away baby!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Centering Session #3
I am completely and utterly fascinated by labor. It is such an interesting and awe-inspiring process that completely blows my mind every time I read about it. It's absolutely amazing how God created our bodies and made us capable of handling such a feat.
There is definitely a mover on our hands going on down there. Specifically around 7-8 in the morning and around 7-8 at night. But, that correlates with the 10-15 hour sleep cycle that baby is getting in the womb. It's hilarious to feel movement. I was one of those people who thought that feeling the baby move would be the weirdest thing ever - and sometimes, its kinda weird - especially now that I can kind of see a little bit a movement on the belly. Fascinating.
At our centering class yesterday we just talked about the labor process and what to "expect" - which was great. Next time will be more hands on, positions, coping process, etc.
Books I've read and recommend:
1. The Birth Partner by by Penny Simkin: This is great for the coach/parent/friend who will be involved throughout the labor process. Essentially a how-to manual for natural birthing
2. Heading home with your Newborn by Laura Jana and Jennifer Shu: LOVED this book! It was simple enough but gave you so much information about feeding, shots, medicine, developmental milestones, etc.
3. Baby Wise by Gary Ezzo: This book talks about how to encourage your baby to sleep during certain times and eat during certain times. Of course its all flexible and depends on the baby, but great advice
4. The Womanly art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League: WONDERFUL book. Highly recommend.
5. The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth by Susan McCutheon-Rosegg: Thoroughly explains labor to where I didn't feel as though we needed to take the class.
Upcoming books to read:
1. Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May: I want to meet this woman and go to her farm!
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There is definitely a mover on our hands going on down there. Specifically around 7-8 in the morning and around 7-8 at night. But, that correlates with the 10-15 hour sleep cycle that baby is getting in the womb. It's hilarious to feel movement. I was one of those people who thought that feeling the baby move would be the weirdest thing ever - and sometimes, its kinda weird - especially now that I can kind of see a little bit a movement on the belly. Fascinating.
At our centering class yesterday we just talked about the labor process and what to "expect" - which was great. Next time will be more hands on, positions, coping process, etc.
Books I've read and recommend:
1. The Birth Partner by by Penny Simkin: This is great for the coach/parent/friend who will be involved throughout the labor process. Essentially a how-to manual for natural birthing
2. Heading home with your Newborn by Laura Jana and Jennifer Shu: LOVED this book! It was simple enough but gave you so much information about feeding, shots, medicine, developmental milestones, etc.
3. Baby Wise by Gary Ezzo: This book talks about how to encourage your baby to sleep during certain times and eat during certain times. Of course its all flexible and depends on the baby, but great advice
4. The Womanly art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League: WONDERFUL book. Highly recommend.
5. The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth by Susan McCutheon-Rosegg: Thoroughly explains labor to where I didn't feel as though we needed to take the class.
Upcoming books to read:
1. Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May: I want to meet this woman and go to her farm!
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(Completely exhausted after doing repairs at our new house - 23 weeks)
Monday, January 14, 2013
It's a healthy, perfect, lovely, little.... :: gasps ::
I didn't think that having your 20 week anatomy scan would be that stressful, but this has been a CRAZY day. My nerves were on end, Zachary's nerves were on end, but in the end, there is a perfect healthy, well developing baby inside! :)
I've been feeling movement since around 18 weeks or so. For those of you who haven't been pregnant or are still waiting - these movements feel like an eye twitch or a muscle spasm. At first, nothing was though of it, but it occurs in the same spot - typically whenever Baby Honea is hungry or right after a meal.
Anyway, here are just a few pictures. There are many more that I would love to show you in person, but would like to save that for in person conversations.
ETA: May 29th, 2013
I've been feeling movement since around 18 weeks or so. For those of you who haven't been pregnant or are still waiting - these movements feel like an eye twitch or a muscle spasm. At first, nothing was though of it, but it occurs in the same spot - typically whenever Baby Honea is hungry or right after a meal.
Anyway, here are just a few pictures. There are many more that I would love to show you in person, but would like to save that for in person conversations.
ETA: May 29th, 2013
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Centering Session #2
Today we began our 2nd centering session. Uterus is measuring around 22 weeks, thus far I'm 19 weeks and going strong! We go back on the 14th for our anatomy ultrasound to see how the baby has developed thus far in the pregnancy, and we can also find out the gender. But, sorry dear friends, we are waiting until the baby is born to know :). Keep the 14th on your prayer list - I'm super nervous.
Today we basically talked about posture and pregnancy pains. A pretty relaxed class over all - a majority of the information Zachary and I have already read about or googled - man on man, google.
My favorite part thus far going to the birthing center - outside of meeting wonderful soon to be parents - is the absolutely empowerment you feel. It's first of all a relaxing place where you are well taken care of, can voice opinions, ask questions, etc. But these women also enforce your decision for a natural birth 100% every time.
It's incredibly frustrating to say "yes, we are having a natural birth and going to a midwife" and people have absolutely no idea what we mean. WHAT!? YOU WANT PAIN IN PREGNANCY!? First of all, if you fear something its going to make it worse. Secondly, pregnancy isn't the worst pain you have experienced in your life. Third, yeah if you were confined to a bed on your back with epidurals and drugs with no control how you body has birthed a baby naturally for thousands of years, you're likely have a bad experience. :: steps off soap box ::
To do list from centering group:
1. Start some yoga/stretching exercises
2. Draft email to family a/b expectations if helping afterwords/during labor process
Recent Craft Project. DIY Bibs from old t-shirts with added flannel on the back. Also cut up lots of flannel to make cloth diaper wipes. Here's to be frugal and resourceful!
Today we basically talked about posture and pregnancy pains. A pretty relaxed class over all - a majority of the information Zachary and I have already read about or googled - man on man, google.
My favorite part thus far going to the birthing center - outside of meeting wonderful soon to be parents - is the absolutely empowerment you feel. It's first of all a relaxing place where you are well taken care of, can voice opinions, ask questions, etc. But these women also enforce your decision for a natural birth 100% every time.
It's incredibly frustrating to say "yes, we are having a natural birth and going to a midwife" and people have absolutely no idea what we mean. WHAT!? YOU WANT PAIN IN PREGNANCY!? First of all, if you fear something its going to make it worse. Secondly, pregnancy isn't the worst pain you have experienced in your life. Third, yeah if you were confined to a bed on your back with epidurals and drugs with no control how you body has birthed a baby naturally for thousands of years, you're likely have a bad experience. :: steps off soap box ::
To do list from centering group:
1. Start some yoga/stretching exercises
2. Draft email to family a/b expectations if helping afterwords/during labor process
Recent Craft Project. DIY Bibs from old t-shirts with added flannel on the back. Also cut up lots of flannel to make cloth diaper wipes. Here's to be frugal and resourceful!
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