*Disclaimer: The opinions and ideas presented in this post are strictly my own. I have no desire to convince anyone otherwise but merely record them for records sake.
I have mentioned many times in my weekly updates my desire for a natural childbirth. I know in today's age of advanced medical care I may not be the norm. I'm not saying in any way that the advances in the birthing realm aren't for the better. Now a days we have ways to control pain, turn breech babies in the womb, and deliver healthy babies (and moms!) via cesarean section when things go awry.
My desire for a natural childbirth comes from a lot of personal research. I feel that by avoiding drugs during my labor I am giving my child the best start she can have. I believe that she will better be able to bond and breastfeed shortly after being born which is one of my greatest desires.
Choosing to avoid drugs also comes with a bit of a fear of having a needle stuck into my spinal chord. Yes I know that they don't leave the needle in but it still makes me nervous. Despite my health background, my flight or fight response is a bit heightened and I'm afraid that I may react more than the average individual. Although I haven't experienced pain worse than the average bruise or knick, I am confident that my will to endure labor will overcome the pain. As my doula puts it, "I will be putting my big girl panties on."
Having a natural labor, to me, also means avoiding any type of "intervention" whether this is pitocin to speed things along or forceps help deliver the baby. To me this seems to be a slippery slope. If you are induced it usually leads to painful and fast contracts, this can lead to little time to relax between them and a mother begging for pain relief, pain relief can then slow things down, and eventually you could end up in the OR. Yes I understand this doesn't happen to everyone but I'd rather not see how I react in this chain of events. Its not a road I want to travel down.
Lastly and most importantly (to me at least), I feel God created my body to do this. To bring children into this world. And Lord willing, I will do that very soon!
Having said all that, am I thankful that we have these medical interventions available if something goes wrong on delivery day. YES! I want the best care for my child and myself and if that means an emergency c-section then that's where I'll be. BUT Lord willing we won't be there and will be able to have the birth we desire.
Friday, September 13, 2013
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Freezer Meals aka I Don't Want to Cook When She is Born
I really do like to cook. Preparing a home-cooked meal for my husband at the end of the days is one of my favorite things. BUT add in a newborn and I'm thinking that we're going to want something a little faster than our usual meals.
I've never made a lot of prepared meals before so I started off by hitting up one of my favorite sources for recipes, Pinterest. There I found a lot of one pot wonders and crock pot meals that would work for us and compiled a massive shopping list.
This morning I hit up the commissary and could barely move my cart by the time I was done. I was really shocked with the grand total of all the groceries. I mean it was for 30 meals but that's the beauty of the commissary.
When I got home I unloaded all the goods and was a little overwhelmed by how much the food overtook my fridge. My nesting instincts kicked in and I wanted to get these raw ingredients put together in meals and out of my cupboards and fridge!
I didn't want to try to do too many things at once so I took it recipe by recipe. My plan is to prepare 15 different meals twice giving us 30 dinners! I think this will work best for us despite the added work because I don't do well with leftovers. I like variety in my food and this will give it to us. I also made sure to check that each meal will serve at least four. I know that first month we'll have lots of visitors so this should cover everyone.
Today I made Tex-Mex Chicken, Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches, Pepper Steak, and Scalloped Potatoes and Ham. For each meal I started by laying out all the necessary ingredients. From there I labeled zip lock bags with the name of the recipe, date, and cooking instructions. Then I did all the necessary vegetable chopping and meat prep and finally threw it all in the bag. It really was super simple!!
I made sure to get all the air out of the bags and get them laying as flat as possible in the freezer. I'm hoping this will optimise my limited space. It took me about two hours to make these four meals which isn't too bad especially when you take into account how slow I move these days.
8 dinners is a good start but I want to make at least half of the 30 meals by the end of the week. Another day at it should do the trick!
I've never made a lot of prepared meals before so I started off by hitting up one of my favorite sources for recipes, Pinterest. There I found a lot of one pot wonders and crock pot meals that would work for us and compiled a massive shopping list.
This morning I hit up the commissary and could barely move my cart by the time I was done. I was really shocked with the grand total of all the groceries. I mean it was for 30 meals but that's the beauty of the commissary.
When I got home I unloaded all the goods and was a little overwhelmed by how much the food overtook my fridge. My nesting instincts kicked in and I wanted to get these raw ingredients put together in meals and out of my cupboards and fridge!
I didn't want to try to do too many things at once so I took it recipe by recipe. My plan is to prepare 15 different meals twice giving us 30 dinners! I think this will work best for us despite the added work because I don't do well with leftovers. I like variety in my food and this will give it to us. I also made sure to check that each meal will serve at least four. I know that first month we'll have lots of visitors so this should cover everyone.
Today I made Tex-Mex Chicken, Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches, Pepper Steak, and Scalloped Potatoes and Ham. For each meal I started by laying out all the necessary ingredients. From there I labeled zip lock bags with the name of the recipe, date, and cooking instructions. Then I did all the necessary vegetable chopping and meat prep and finally threw it all in the bag. It really was super simple!!
 |
| Ingredients for Tex-Mex Chicken |
 |
| First meals complete! |
I made sure to get all the air out of the bags and get them laying as flat as possible in the freezer. I'm hoping this will optimise my limited space. It took me about two hours to make these four meals which isn't too bad especially when you take into account how slow I move these days.
 |
| Hawaiian Chicken |
 |
| Scalloped Potatoes and Ham |
8 dinners is a good start but I want to make at least half of the 30 meals by the end of the week. Another day at it should do the trick!
 |
| Success! |
Monday, September 9, 2013
37 Weeks
This weeks makes us officially "full term". I'm not really sure why doctors have put this label on pregnancy other than baby girl should be good to go no matter when she decides to make her arrival. Everything is looking great in there. She's moving around a lot which is fun but I'm not sure there's much more space in there. Josh has loved been able to really feel her which he wasn't really able to do until about a month ago. We can feel little feet and knees all the time!
Our 36 week appointment went really well. I still don't know the results of my group b test but I'm less worried about it after talking to my doula. I found out that even if I'm positive she will labor with me at home and then when we get to the hospital (they may be a little peeved) but they won't get too worried about it. Baby girl's heartbeat was right on track along with her measurements. We haven't gotten an estimate of her size but frankly I don't think I really want to know. I've seen so many doctors be way off and I don't want it to affect how I feel about my birth plan at all. We go back next week for our 38 week check up and then its every week from then out!
So how am I feeling...well I'm getting a ton of twinges. Lately I've been getting these pinched muscles in my legs which are pretty painful. The doctor says its just my hips expanding and baby girl settling down in there. Overall things are just harder to do. I went on a walk the other day and felt like I had run 10 miles after only about 2. I am still trying to slow down and take it easy. Operation deep cleaning is still going. I have 8 rooms left and am feeling really good about it. This week I'm also going to be cooking some freezer meals and I'm excited to get stocked up.
I am a little worried about baby girl getting here on time. The hospital won't let you go more than ten days past your due date so I'm praying that the date we have is accurate enough. I really don't want to be induced and will be doing everything in my power to move her along if she's still in there by October 1. Right now she's a bit slanted in there (think head at 5 and legs at 11) and I hope she gets fully head down soon. As with all things in this pregnancy, I think she just wants her space and this position gives it to her. BUT she will eventually have to move into a full 6 and 12 if you know what I mean!
We would appreciate some prayers though:
Prayer for baby girl's health and mine
Prayer for a safe and natural delivery
Prayer that baby girl comes before I have to be induced
Prayer that out doula will have no other conflicts when I do in fact go into labor
Our 36 week appointment went really well. I still don't know the results of my group b test but I'm less worried about it after talking to my doula. I found out that even if I'm positive she will labor with me at home and then when we get to the hospital (they may be a little peeved) but they won't get too worried about it. Baby girl's heartbeat was right on track along with her measurements. We haven't gotten an estimate of her size but frankly I don't think I really want to know. I've seen so many doctors be way off and I don't want it to affect how I feel about my birth plan at all. We go back next week for our 38 week check up and then its every week from then out!
So how am I feeling...well I'm getting a ton of twinges. Lately I've been getting these pinched muscles in my legs which are pretty painful. The doctor says its just my hips expanding and baby girl settling down in there. Overall things are just harder to do. I went on a walk the other day and felt like I had run 10 miles after only about 2. I am still trying to slow down and take it easy. Operation deep cleaning is still going. I have 8 rooms left and am feeling really good about it. This week I'm also going to be cooking some freezer meals and I'm excited to get stocked up.
I am a little worried about baby girl getting here on time. The hospital won't let you go more than ten days past your due date so I'm praying that the date we have is accurate enough. I really don't want to be induced and will be doing everything in my power to move her along if she's still in there by October 1. Right now she's a bit slanted in there (think head at 5 and legs at 11) and I hope she gets fully head down soon. As with all things in this pregnancy, I think she just wants her space and this position gives it to her. BUT she will eventually have to move into a full 6 and 12 if you know what I mean!
We would appreciate some prayers though:
Prayer for baby girl's health and mine
Prayer for a safe and natural delivery
Prayer that baby girl comes before I have to be induced
Prayer that out doula will have no other conflicts when I do in fact go into labor
 |
| Don't think the belly has changed much |
Friday, September 6, 2013
Random Friday
Today my thoughts are pretty much all over the place so I think it's appropriate that this post is a bit random.
-I'm obsessing over all things fall. I don't know if it's the fact that its September or that I haven't had seasons living in Kenya for the last two years. Problem is it doesn't really feel like fall here. I mean its still 80+ outside. I think we won't see "fall" till sometime around November.
-Lately I've been thinking a lot about holiday traditions. I LOVE traditions and I can't wait to start making them with our little family. I want our kids to look back at the holidays and how we tried to make them special for them.
-Hello Nesting! I've tackled five rooms in our house and have about 2/3 left to go. I also have this crazy need to organize. I went out and bought containers today. Do I have someplace to put them yet? No. But I'm sure we can use them somewhere...
-I'm kind of ready to not be pregnant anymore. I'm getting a lot of pain in my back and left leg. I know I probably have another month left but if she wanted to come sooner I wouldn't complain.
-Buddy has gone through a phase of really not liking me lately. I caught him eating my plants one night and in the process almost broke the pots. I disciplined him and now he's ignoring me. Just this evening he gave me the stink eye and proceeded to claw the expensive rug. He's plotting something?
-I'm having dreams about baby girl. I haven't had any dreams about her thus far so its kind of crazy that I'm getting them this late in the game.
-I'm almost finished with a craft project that I started last Christmas. Yes I know we're almost at a year now but in my defense a lot has happened between now and then.
-So pumped that its Friday. Friday means I get my husband for two straight days, sleeping in and blissful weekends of doing nothing if we so choose.
-I'm obsessing over all things fall. I don't know if it's the fact that its September or that I haven't had seasons living in Kenya for the last two years. Problem is it doesn't really feel like fall here. I mean its still 80+ outside. I think we won't see "fall" till sometime around November.
-Lately I've been thinking a lot about holiday traditions. I LOVE traditions and I can't wait to start making them with our little family. I want our kids to look back at the holidays and how we tried to make them special for them.
-Hello Nesting! I've tackled five rooms in our house and have about 2/3 left to go. I also have this crazy need to organize. I went out and bought containers today. Do I have someplace to put them yet? No. But I'm sure we can use them somewhere...
-I'm kind of ready to not be pregnant anymore. I'm getting a lot of pain in my back and left leg. I know I probably have another month left but if she wanted to come sooner I wouldn't complain.
-Buddy has gone through a phase of really not liking me lately. I caught him eating my plants one night and in the process almost broke the pots. I disciplined him and now he's ignoring me. Just this evening he gave me the stink eye and proceeded to claw the expensive rug. He's plotting something?
-I'm having dreams about baby girl. I haven't had any dreams about her thus far so its kind of crazy that I'm getting them this late in the game.
-I'm almost finished with a craft project that I started last Christmas. Yes I know we're almost at a year now but in my defense a lot has happened between now and then.
-So pumped that its Friday. Friday means I get my husband for two straight days, sleeping in and blissful weekends of doing nothing if we so choose.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Dear Baby Girl
Dear Baby Girl,
I can't believe you'll be here in approximately four short weeks. I can't believe we'll finally be able to look into your little eyes and count your little fingers and toes. To say that your Daddy and I are excited doesn't even begin to describe it. We have finished your nursery and have everything we'll need for your arrival and are just waiting on you to decide you want to join us.
You have become one active girl inside there and love to remind your Mama that you're here too. You are still pretty shy when your Daddy puts his hand to my belly though. I think you're probably just loving hearing his voice and stop moving to listen to him. I don't have any worries about it though because you will have him wrapped around your little fingers in no time.
Baby girl we have so many hopes and dreams for you.
We hope that you know how much you are loved. We are not perfect and will make mistakes but we pray that you will always know how much we love you.
We hope you will always dream and dream big. If there is anything I have learned in this life is you have to be willing to dream and follow your heart. We will always be there through the rough times and will always believe in you baby girl.
We hope you will always focus on the larger parts of life rather than focusing on the details. What kind of car you drive, the clothes you wear are little things and although they may seem important in the moment in the long run they will become minimal. They do not define you.
Most importantly we hope that you grow to love the Lord and seek His presence in your life. God knew you long before you were even a thought in our hearts. He has a plan and a purpose for your life.
Baby girl you are loved unconditionally and your daddy and I cannot wait to meet you!
Love,
Mommy & Daddy
I can't believe you'll be here in approximately four short weeks. I can't believe we'll finally be able to look into your little eyes and count your little fingers and toes. To say that your Daddy and I are excited doesn't even begin to describe it. We have finished your nursery and have everything we'll need for your arrival and are just waiting on you to decide you want to join us.
You have become one active girl inside there and love to remind your Mama that you're here too. You are still pretty shy when your Daddy puts his hand to my belly though. I think you're probably just loving hearing his voice and stop moving to listen to him. I don't have any worries about it though because you will have him wrapped around your little fingers in no time.
Baby girl we have so many hopes and dreams for you.
We hope that you know how much you are loved. We are not perfect and will make mistakes but we pray that you will always know how much we love you.
We hope you will always dream and dream big. If there is anything I have learned in this life is you have to be willing to dream and follow your heart. We will always be there through the rough times and will always believe in you baby girl.
We hope you will always focus on the larger parts of life rather than focusing on the details. What kind of car you drive, the clothes you wear are little things and although they may seem important in the moment in the long run they will become minimal. They do not define you.
Most importantly we hope that you grow to love the Lord and seek His presence in your life. God knew you long before you were even a thought in our hearts. He has a plan and a purpose for your life.
Baby girl you are loved unconditionally and your daddy and I cannot wait to meet you!
Love,
Mommy & Daddy
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
36 Weeks
Well that's it folks. We are officially at 9 months. I think its really funny that pregnancy is advertised as this 9 month journey. News flash its 10 months! Yes 10 months not 9. I have count them FOUR weeks left (give or take). This week things are starting to get down right painful. Baby girl feels like she is sitting so low which is causing a lot of pressure on my *cough* lady parts and bladder. It takes me so much longer to do everything now. Just last night we went for a walk and got caught in a downpour. I literally couldn't walk any faster and ended up just drenched. Sleep thankfully is still going ok. I've read that some people experience insomnia these last few weeks but thus far I've been out at night. I still have the hip pain and get up multiple times during the night but I've gotten to the point where I don't factor this into "good sleep".
Baby girl is still moving and grooving in there. Her latest trick is to pull her knees up toward her head. Josh and I spent one evening just pushing baby knees back down into my stomach. She was really quiet this last weekend which got me a bit worried but has since returned to her usual self today. We go in for our 36 week appointment at the end of the week and I am excited to make sure she is still head down and ready to go! I also have the group B strep test which I am a bit nervous about. I am really hoping I do not test positive because being hooked up to antibiotics during my labor is not something I want.
This week begins Operation Deep Clean. Yes I am calling it an operation. I mean when you're married to a military man things become "operations". I will be going room to room and doing an overhaul cleaning every space. No worries I'm not going to over do it. I already have it in my head (and timed out) that I am only allowed to do one room a day. This its not so overwhelming and easy to do touch ups before she gets here.
I have also started compiling recipes for freezer meals. I want to put together at least a couple of weeks worth of food so we (or I) won't have to do any cooking. Now I know we'll have family visiting who are more than willing to pitch in but I just want to have some meals on hand to be sure! I'm going to make some soups, crockpot meals and one dish wonders. My goal for this week is just to get to the point of having a complete grocery list. Next week I can shop and start the prep to cook all the dinners!
Otherwise everything else is rolling along as usual. We are getting super excited for baby girl's arrival and just can't believe she will be here probably within the month. We just continue to pray for mine and her health, a safe delivery and grace for the huge change of going from a family of 2 to 3.
Baby girl is still moving and grooving in there. Her latest trick is to pull her knees up toward her head. Josh and I spent one evening just pushing baby knees back down into my stomach. She was really quiet this last weekend which got me a bit worried but has since returned to her usual self today. We go in for our 36 week appointment at the end of the week and I am excited to make sure she is still head down and ready to go! I also have the group B strep test which I am a bit nervous about. I am really hoping I do not test positive because being hooked up to antibiotics during my labor is not something I want.
This week begins Operation Deep Clean. Yes I am calling it an operation. I mean when you're married to a military man things become "operations". I will be going room to room and doing an overhaul cleaning every space. No worries I'm not going to over do it. I already have it in my head (and timed out) that I am only allowed to do one room a day. This its not so overwhelming and easy to do touch ups before she gets here.
I have also started compiling recipes for freezer meals. I want to put together at least a couple of weeks worth of food so we (or I) won't have to do any cooking. Now I know we'll have family visiting who are more than willing to pitch in but I just want to have some meals on hand to be sure! I'm going to make some soups, crockpot meals and one dish wonders. My goal for this week is just to get to the point of having a complete grocery list. Next week I can shop and start the prep to cook all the dinners!
Otherwise everything else is rolling along as usual. We are getting super excited for baby girl's arrival and just can't believe she will be here probably within the month. We just continue to pray for mine and her health, a safe delivery and grace for the huge change of going from a family of 2 to 3.
 |
| One more month! |
Monday, September 2, 2013
Labor Day Weekend
This weekend Josh had a four day holiday and being almost 9 months pregnant we figured it would probably be the last chance for us to get away before we were a family of 3. We didn't want to do anything huge but wanted to spend at least a few days away from Fayetteville.
On Friday we just relaxed at the house. I had a surge of energy and spent most of the morning trying to "burn" it off. That night I headed to another consignment sale to see what treasures I could find for baby girl. We really didn't need many things but I did get a few key items. I bought a fleece cover for the car seat when it gets cold and a dishwasher safe bottle washer. (We don't plan to use many bottles but the washer is great for keeping track of small items in the dishwasher) I also got baby girl some great books and a few more clothes, mainly 9 month items.
On Saturday we set off bright and early for Williamsburg, Virginia. Our plan was to spend the day at Water Country USA, spend the night and then lazily make our way back on Sunday. The trip was uneventful until we hit Richmond where traffic got really bad. It seemed as if everyone else had the same idea we had for the weekend!
Once we got to the waterpark the day went by quickly. We first hit up the wave pool to get wet and then went to check out some of the slides. Now before everyone freaks out I did check the rules about pregnancy and water slides. We came to the conclusion that as long as the ride was "family geared" and involved a large tube it would be ok; AND IT WAS!
The first slide we went on was a two person tube called Wild Thang. It was pretty standard for water slides. Then Josh went on this slide where he sat on a sled and was dumped over the edge of a super steep slide. It looked like fun but there was no way I was getting on it! After these rides we headed to another tube ride called Malibu Pipeline. This one was unusual because it was all in the dark. The dark gives it that added sense of surprise when you make a sudden twist or turn.
Lunch was simple waterpark food then it was off to hit up some more rides. By now the lines were getting a bit longer but I really didn't mind too much. We went on a family tube ride called Aquazoid where we rode a huge raft down the slide. This one was a bit slower but that was perfect. Frankly I was just excited to be able to do activities!
Next on the agenda was the lazy river, but there really wasn't anything lazy about it. We donned life jackets and floated along. They had the currents going so you were able to make a few laps in about ten minutes. Josh decided to take advantage of the short lines at the tallest water slide and hit one of the large slides. You know those slides where your shorts end up bunched up and you get more water in your mouth than air.
We rounded out the day with one more family tube ride (which ended up being the best one of the day) and one more solo Josh ride. The solo ride was a telephone booth like tube where you stepped into it and the floor gave way. Basically you fell a few stories before hitting the rest of the slide. IT seemed like fun but Josh's back got a few scratches that made it a bit uncomfortable.
The rest of the night we just relaxed in the hotel and ordered in dinner. It was nice to just chill after a long day in the sun. We also watched Josh's Clemson Tigers BEAT Georgia in their season opener.
On Sunday we decided to walk around Colonial Williamsburg before heading back home. It was a quaint area with a lot of fun shops. Of course we only indulged in good food! We got honey, maple syrup, candy, peanuts, cheese and beer. Although the shopping was fun, I think we'll come back and check out the more "historical parts" of the city as well.
Today we just took it easy again. It was nice to lounge around the house and I got a few more things done on my to do list. We watched way too much tennis and were just lazy which is by far the best weekends. Overall I think our last sans baby trip was great. It wasn't too tiring for me and it was great to get out and spend sometime together. I think we'll definitely make it back there!
*sorry for no pictures. Being at a waterpark wasn't really conducive to picture taking :)*
On Friday we just relaxed at the house. I had a surge of energy and spent most of the morning trying to "burn" it off. That night I headed to another consignment sale to see what treasures I could find for baby girl. We really didn't need many things but I did get a few key items. I bought a fleece cover for the car seat when it gets cold and a dishwasher safe bottle washer. (We don't plan to use many bottles but the washer is great for keeping track of small items in the dishwasher) I also got baby girl some great books and a few more clothes, mainly 9 month items.
On Saturday we set off bright and early for Williamsburg, Virginia. Our plan was to spend the day at Water Country USA, spend the night and then lazily make our way back on Sunday. The trip was uneventful until we hit Richmond where traffic got really bad. It seemed as if everyone else had the same idea we had for the weekend!
Once we got to the waterpark the day went by quickly. We first hit up the wave pool to get wet and then went to check out some of the slides. Now before everyone freaks out I did check the rules about pregnancy and water slides. We came to the conclusion that as long as the ride was "family geared" and involved a large tube it would be ok; AND IT WAS!
The first slide we went on was a two person tube called Wild Thang. It was pretty standard for water slides. Then Josh went on this slide where he sat on a sled and was dumped over the edge of a super steep slide. It looked like fun but there was no way I was getting on it! After these rides we headed to another tube ride called Malibu Pipeline. This one was unusual because it was all in the dark. The dark gives it that added sense of surprise when you make a sudden twist or turn.
Lunch was simple waterpark food then it was off to hit up some more rides. By now the lines were getting a bit longer but I really didn't mind too much. We went on a family tube ride called Aquazoid where we rode a huge raft down the slide. This one was a bit slower but that was perfect. Frankly I was just excited to be able to do activities!
Next on the agenda was the lazy river, but there really wasn't anything lazy about it. We donned life jackets and floated along. They had the currents going so you were able to make a few laps in about ten minutes. Josh decided to take advantage of the short lines at the tallest water slide and hit one of the large slides. You know those slides where your shorts end up bunched up and you get more water in your mouth than air.
We rounded out the day with one more family tube ride (which ended up being the best one of the day) and one more solo Josh ride. The solo ride was a telephone booth like tube where you stepped into it and the floor gave way. Basically you fell a few stories before hitting the rest of the slide. IT seemed like fun but Josh's back got a few scratches that made it a bit uncomfortable.
The rest of the night we just relaxed in the hotel and ordered in dinner. It was nice to just chill after a long day in the sun. We also watched Josh's Clemson Tigers BEAT Georgia in their season opener.
On Sunday we decided to walk around Colonial Williamsburg before heading back home. It was a quaint area with a lot of fun shops. Of course we only indulged in good food! We got honey, maple syrup, candy, peanuts, cheese and beer. Although the shopping was fun, I think we'll come back and check out the more "historical parts" of the city as well.
Today we just took it easy again. It was nice to lounge around the house and I got a few more things done on my to do list. We watched way too much tennis and were just lazy which is by far the best weekends. Overall I think our last sans baby trip was great. It wasn't too tiring for me and it was great to get out and spend sometime together. I think we'll definitely make it back there!
*sorry for no pictures. Being at a waterpark wasn't really conducive to picture taking :)*
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