Giving Birth: The Sequel

I feel so much more relaxed this time about the birth of our new one coming in May. With Sam there was the fear of the unknown- I had no idea what contractions would feel like or how much pain I would be in. Many women described it to me the best that they could... but it is one of those things you have to experience yourself.

My fear this time around is that this birth will not go as smoothly as it went with Sam. I had a relatively easy (10 hours of labor- 1 hour of pushing), uncomplicated drug free birth with Sam. I had great support from Russ, my parents and my amazing doula Rhonda. I could not have done it drug free without the support of Rhonda. Anyone who is hoping for a natural delivery should have a doula present. My favorite doctor out of the large group of ob-gyn's I go to was on call the day my water broke. Sam latched on like a champ and breastfeeding was so natural and easy for us. I would not change a thing about the day. It was the best day of my life so far.

I had such a positive birth experience. I went into labor trusting my body would tell me what to do and I am so glad I felt every single second. I was amazed at my strength and instinctively knowing what to do. I loved that I felt every moment of it and am looking forward to doing it again. My doula Rhonda and I were talking about this the other day. She told me to let that go... no worries or comparing it to Sams' birth. It will be it's own experience- probably different but no less as amazing. I can't wait...

Here are a few pictures from Sam's birth- 7/20/06-

Watch Us Grow

Time is moving along quickly and we couldn't be more excited and ready to meet our little one. We are still trying to decide on a girl name but have decided on a boy name. We always struggle more with girl names but we figure we have some time. We are pretty sure we have it narrowed down to 2 or 3 we both like. Besides some lower back pain I feel great and still have quite a bit of energy. Tomorrow my good friend Amy's husband Tony is coming over to paint Sam's new "big boy" room with the help of Russ. I can't wait to see how it turns out- I think we picked some great colors. I will post some pictures when it is done. Sam has been a bit under the weather and I am going to just hang out with him and cuddle as needed:)
Ok, so here is the next installment in the belly shots. As you can tell from the first photo Sam wanted to be right in the mix.

Learning to Play Golf

Working Against Me

So, I have some good pictures to post and my monthly belly photo but until this afternoon could not find our camera. It was found... on the third shelf of our refrigerator way in the back. Thanks Sam. Ok, now we have the camera but I can't find the USB cord. Something tells me Sam was up to this one too. I am in fear it was thrown away because he loves to put EVERYTHING in the trash can. I guess we may have to go buy a new one tomorrow. Come tomorrow... I will have some great new photos to share:)

Happy Valentine's Day

I am the lucky recipient of a root canal on this Valentine's Day! I am actually looking forward to it because I have been in such horrible pain for the last ten days. Russ works late tonight so it looks like I will be spending the day with another man:


Instead of a nice dinner out my day and evening will be spent playing with cars, giving many wagon rides and maybe some cuddling and Barney before bed.
And there is nothing else in the world I would rather be doing...

Have a great Valentine's Day:)

Shakin' His Tail Feathers

Old Friends

Last night I had dinner with two girlfriends I have known forever. My friend Amy I have known since middle school and she recently got back in touch with another friend Emily. We all met and gossiped and had a good time. It is nice how easily you can fall back into good conversation after so many years. We were commenting how high school seems like yesterday some days and others it feels a million years ago. Amy and I have been in touch through the years- sometimes a year would go by with no contact- but recently are more involved in each others lives. The birth of Sam and her recent wedding have brought us back in contact with more frequency. There is something so familiar and comfortable when time is spent with an old friend.
So, I do get out once and awhile but I am usually the one to do the whole bedtime routine and put Sam down. Russ was in charge last night and it was an interesting evening. He took Sam out to dinner- brave man to attempt it solo- and then put Sam to bed in his clothes. Last time I checked Russ does not sleep in his clothes he wore to work all day. I mentioned this to Russ and he acted like it was the norm. Russ, let me introduce you to pajamas! I guess some things I will never understand:)
Here is a picture of us out last night. We all laughed and laughed because I stayed seated which made me look like I was in a wheelchair?! Pregnancy is tiring but no worries...I can still walk!

Getting Ready for Baby

Yesterday we all split up: the boys went down to Park Avenue and the girls went to IKEA and then home to do some closet organizing. IKEA has some really great stuff and all so reasonably priced. We are very lucky to have one in town. My mom and I organized the linen closet and cleaned out Sams' closet. We ended up with four bagfuls of old clothes that Sam has outgrown or never even got the chance to wear before he outgrew them. If I have another boy I will be set... and if I have a girl cousin Jake who is ten months younger than Sam will be set:)