To think it has been almost 8 months since I last posted. So much has changed since then. I am already 23 weeks pregnant. Only 5 weeks till I am in my third trimester. My feelings at this point are indescribable. I find myself constantly looking at anything and everything baby. I long for the moments when I feel her kick. They always make me giggle. Feeling her move inside of me is so surreal.......... first they were small and now I can sit and watch my whole tummy roll and bounce around......... there is nothing else like it.
Our Bradley Method Classes begin October 9th and continue through December 18th. I am determined to have a natural birth. Having done plenty of research I feel that it is best for the both of us that I pursue a drug free birth. I am not sure if I will be requesting my birth be iv free but I know for sure I want it to be pitocin and epidural free. The fact that I am having this baby in a Military hospital scares me. The day I deliver will most likely be the first time I meet the Dr. who will be delivering my baby. It's not what I wanted, but it is what it is. I am scared that my wishes will be hard to get across to them. For one I don't want epidurals even being offered to me. I know that the pain of birth will be blinding and I might not be myself. Therefore I think it best if I ask for the epidural, because if they offer it, I might be quick to accept without thinking about it clearly. Luckily the bradley method believes in the birth being coached by the father. I am confident that John will be a terrific coach. He is on board with me as far as believing that a natural birth is the best way to go. On the day of delivery I know he will be reminding me why I thought an epidural free birth was a good idea in the first place. Another thing that I want is for the cord to stop pulsing before they cut it. Research shows that it is better for the baby and it helps the placenta to detatch more easily.
My mom will be helping me with the nursery and we plan on starting it in October. I really want to do her room in cherry blossoms. I haven't found bedding yet, but with my mom's help, I know decorating the room should be a breeze! She has also taken over planning my baby shower. With the help of my mother in law and a few of my closest friends. I am so lucky that she is doing this for me. I can't imagine dealing with the stress of planning a baby shower for over 30 people! My mom is so amazing! I know she will be the best "Namaw" ever!
Emma Grace is due on January 8th 2011. We had a 3d/4d ultrasound a couple of weeks ago to confirm that it was a she, and everyone says she looks like daddy! It was amazing to see her features and knowing what she looks like has made me feel even closer to her. Calling her by her name really makes me feel like what I am going through is real. I have moments though, when I am like "oh wow, this is really happening, I'm going to be a mom.......... am I ready for this??? Well ready or not! Here she comes............
I love you Emma.
