Doula, cloth diapers, and nursery- Oh my!

My husband and I interviewed a doula in Panera Bread yesterday and loved her.  We both felt that she was very sweet, supportive, and informed.  I am so excited to have her be a part of this journey.  I was pretty nervous, because I just don't feel as though I know all the options available to me and did not want to get stuck having to rely on what the doctors tell me to do.

I have also found a birthing class recommended by our doula.  It starts in January and covers the birthing process, as well as relaxation and breathing, and breastfeeding.

The nursery, formerly known as the CATCH-ALL-OFFICE, is starting to get emptied out day by day.  John took out the big item with his dad yesterday, the desk.  I have been busy going through all four of my seasonal wardrobes and thinning the fat.  I am starting to realize, finally, that just because the hot fuchsia sweater is on sale, does not mean that I am going to use it more than once. We took 3 large bags to goodwill yesterday.  I have filled another this morning.  I have also kept some Juicy Couture and boutique stuff for my skinny friend at church. I have even been able to get rid of some dog clothes!

Every thing I have gotten rid of has been replaced by maternity or baby clothes, so this process is not really emptying many drawers. It is hard to empty one room and have to dispurse its' belongings. I'm ready to just have a large New Years Eve bon fire with everything that was in that room and call it a day! LOL

So, I am LOVING pinterest!  Best website ever.  After about one hour of being sucked into it, I have plans to make s'more muffins, paint flower pots with chalk paint and make containers out of them, decoupage light switches for the nursery, and make organic smoothies to eat every morning.

My new favorite cloth diapering mama is The Natural Mama Blog on You Tube.  Watch her, she rocks!

Naatural Mama Blog- Cloth diapers

Well, I don't have huge plans for New Years Eve, my back has been hurting really badly and in the evenings I have a hard time walking, so I have had to turn down invites.  However, this is still the most exciting NYE I have had in a while.  I compare it to my NYEs in NYC and they had nothing on this. I can't wait for what this new year will bring: my little baby girl.

Have a wonderful, safe, and blessed New Years, y'all~

Baby kick me one more time!

I have been feeling the baby move for a few weeks now.  Yesterday was the first time I got to share this experience with my husband.  We were on the couch watching a movie and all of a sudden, I felt the baby kick my arm!  This was the first time I had been able to feel the baby move externally. I grabbed my husband's hand, and he was able to feel it too.  It was so magical to share that experience with him and not just have him hear me talk about it.

My husband and I are both off of work for over a week for the Christmas holiday.  We plan to spend our break finishing our bathroom renovation, painting our kitchen, and getting the baby's nursery ready.  The tile guy is actually here right now, installing our bathroom tile.  John is painting our kitchen this awesome light grey color that we bought yesterday.  View the paint color

The idea we have for the nursery is something I saw on Pottery Barn Kids.  It is a light lavender and with white and silver accents.

I can't decide on the type of bedding that I want.  It is between the Gabrielle Bedding and the Harper Bedding from PBK.  If you have an opinion, please share!

Harper Bedding

Gabrielle Bedding

I am going to get monogramming done on the pillows and blanket.  I was set on the Gabrielle Bedding at first, however the reviews suggest that the quality of the Harper is better and more durable.  Decisions, decisions...


This is the paint color that we bought for the nursery, it's called Easter Basket. Easter basket  (The purple color, not the bright pink the picture)


I spoke with a potential doula on the phone a few days ago.  We have a meeting on December 30. I am really excited.  She seems really nice and knowledgeable. She has suggested some birthing classes, a lactation group, and a breast feeding book for me to get. 


We had a fetal echocardiogram on December 13.  The baby's heart was healthy and normal.  Her growth was right on track as well.  It was a great doctor's visit.  We enjoyed seeing the baby again.  As usual, she hid her face form the monitor, however we got a few peeks!  She is super cute. I love her little, skinny hands, legs, and feet. 


There is evidence of God's greatness in this world, in things like flowers, the sun, and the powerful ocean.  I have always made it  a habit to thank God for those small miracles that show us his hand is in everything.  Being pregnant has taken that to a whole new level.  Each kick, ultrasound,&  positive doctor's report is such a tangible reminder of his greatness and involvement in my life.  I ask for God to continue to knit my baby uniquely in my womb and guide John and I in every aspect of our lives, especially as our journey as parents.  


Psalm 139:13  For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

Doula

After watching a documentary called "The Business of Baby", recommended by my cousin, I have decided to seek the assistance of a doula during my delivery.  According to the DONA website, the use of a doula often results in shorter labors, & reduces the need for pitocin, epidurals, & pain medication. In addition, the doula offers consistent emotional support to the mother.  Doulas often use music, massage, aromatherapy, and other techniques to make the experience more comfortable for the mother.  Unlike the busy nurses in the hospital, they are able to dedicate their assistance to only you.
Doulas are helpful to your spouse as well.  They take the pressure off of your spouse, with out taking away from his experience and involvement.  Doulas will be as involved as you would like them to be.  Usually you meet with your doula multiple times prior to birth in order to develop a birth plan.
Many of the doulas I found also specialize in lactation and offer tips and help with breast feeding.
Doulas range from 300-1000 dollars.  I think it is worth the money because of the individualized support and treatment you receive.
I have scheduled to meet with two local doulas to see which one I would like to work with.
Tip to those who are considering using a doula, schedule early, they book up fast!

Learning to be a bum-genius!

When I first started fertility treatments, I began looking into various parenting options and made some decisions of what I wanted to do when I finally did become pregnant.  One of the important decisions I made was to use mainly cloth diapers. In the pursuit of being environmentally friendly, financially friendly, and most importantly, "Au natural":  cloth seemed like the best fit for me.
As my due date draws closer, I decided to start really looking into buying/registering for some cloth diapers. Who knew that this wasn't so cut and dry as it seemed?  The doll babies I had when I was little had a little piece of cloth secured with pastel colored large safety pins to cover all the messy spots.  Oh no, that is not the case these days.  There is a whole cloth subculture:  types, brands, covers, blogs, accessories, stores..the list goes on and on...
It is overwhelming- thankfully I have I have 2 friends who are both on child number 2 using cloth.  They have hooked me up with advice and websites with valuable information. Still with these virtual cloth tour guides, there is so much to take in.
My tentative plan is to use primarily cloth unless I am going out for an extended period of time or leaving the baby at the church nursery.  I am considering using pre-folds when the baby is a new born and then switching to All In Ones when the baby is a bit bigger.  Prefolds are the basic cloth that you secure with a fastener.  The All in Ones (AIO) have a waterproof outer layer and do not require a diaper cover.  They close with snappies or velcro. I love the colors and designs that they come in and have heard a lot about the brand, Bum genius.

I am going to be making an appointment at a local cloth diaper store and they will walk me through my options and how to successfully use cloth.  I will keep you posted on how this journey goes. I am having fun so far!

Flutters

I unmistakably felt the baby tumbling around yesterday.  It was the coolest feeling in the world.  It happened twice yesterday.  It wasn't a kick, it was more like synchronized swimming or gymnastics.  It lasted a long time and consisted of multiple movements.  I have felt it again today, for even longer.  I just love this!  It brings a reality to this experience, similar to that of the ultrasounds.
So thankful!  Praise the Lord.
In honor of Thanksgiving and my thankful mood, here is a thankfulness list:
1) God/Jesus
2) Baby Johnson
3) My wonderful, loving husband
4) My loving, supportive parents
5) My kind, loving in-laws
6) My silly doggies
7) Our home
8) Our jobs
9) Our church
10) Our friends/ community group (Bible Study Group)
11) Our health
12)  Our extended family
13) Heat in the cold
14) The beautiful weather
15) Ultrasounds
16) Feeling the baby move
17) Christmas time
18) Love

Ok, that is it, I could go on for ages!  I had a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with fun, food, and love.  So thankful & blessed.

Daily Prayers

Here are the things I daily pray for for the baby:
1) That she know and love Jesus from a young age and through out her life
2) That she loves her parents and extended family
3) That  she is healthy: no physical, mental, behavioral, or emotional disabilities
4) That God protect her, keep her healthy, happy, & safe and continue to uniquely knit her in my womb
5) That she is getting adequate nutrition and hydration
6) That she loves people and animals and is God's hands, feet, & tongue in this world
7) That she is able to avoid the darkness and despair of being separated from Christ
8) That she is blessed by God
9) That she finds a husband as great as mine, who has a relationship with God
10) That she knows her value 

Blessed Assurance

The nurse squeezed me in to check the heart beat once again.  It was strong, fast, & loud.  Music to my ears.  The baby even kicked the doppler! I heard the noise of the kick, however do not feel them yet. I am so thankful that everything is ok~ God is so good!

Heart Beat

I had a routine monthly check up yesterday.  I was really excited before the appointment to hear the heart beat and once again be reassured that everything was still ok.  The first few months of pregnancy are strange, there are outward signs that something is changing, such as my growing belly, but other than that, not much signals to a little life beginning inside.  No kicks, no sounds, no discernible movements. I rely on the ultrasounds and Doppler to reassure me that this is real, that there is really a little being growing inside me.
So, there I am, laying on the table at the doctor's office with my greased up belly exposed, waiting for the nurse to find the heart beat.  She moves the Doppler from side to side, then up and down, and again from side to side... Fear begins to creep in.  I hear a faint heart beat, which she tells me is my own.  Where is the heart beat?  Where is the sign of life that I so needed and longed to hear?  I begin to pray silently. 
The nurse comments that she is having trouble locating the heart beat and it is probably just the position of the baby.  She goes to fetch the doctor.  As I wait for the doctor, the fear creeps in harder.  I pray as silent tears streak my cheek.  I text my best friend, asking her to pray. 
The doctor comes in and is able to locate a faint, muffled, heart beat.  He says that it is definitely the fetal heart beat and that he can hear the limbs moving.  He said the nurse had trouble finding it because the baby is lower than expected for 18.5 weeks.  He said that the baby was hiding and in a position that made it hard to hear the heart beat. 
His words assured me while I was there.  However, when I left, the fear crept in again.  I am trying to pray and release my worries.  I'm sure the doctor would not release me if there was any concern.  I also trust that the Lord is watching over me and my baby. This is hard though.  These doctors visits are what I look forward to for reassurance that everything is ok.  This particular visit just left me with more fear. 
I do not want to lack faith by worrying, so I am trying not to.  Please pray for me and the health of the baby. 
Matthew 6:25-27  “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?  Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

You know, when I was going through the fertility treatments, I always thought that once I am pregnant, life will be awesome and worry free!  It seems that I have so many more possible worries now.  I am scared for this life inside me.  I am committed to enjoy this pregnancy and not worry it away.  Worry is a choice and I am determined fight against it.

Pregnancy Test Day

On August 4, 2011 I took a blood pregnancy test (beta) at my reproductive endocrinologist's office. At 2:35pm, Dr O called me saying that he had "good news for me".  I was truly surprised because I had spotted the day before and was convinced that it was my period.  Dr.O said that I was pregnant with a beta level of 152.  I asked him that if that was a good level, and he said that it was in the normal range.  I was so happy, but a little nervous because I had hoped for a higher beta. 

After I got off the phone with Dr.O, I called John.  He was at work, and was unable to answer.  So then I called my parents, I talked to my mom first and then my dad.  After that phone call, I dropped to my knees and prayed, thanking and praising God. 

I left my house and went to Food Lion where I bought a chocolate chip cookie cake for John.  On the cake, I had the baker write "Congratulations you're a dad".  The ladies at the bakery were really friendly and very happy for me.

I then went to my acupuncture appointment. On my way to acupuncture, I called my best friend and told her the news.  When I got home from acupuncture, John was home.  I presented him with the cake.  When he read it, he hugged and kissed me.  We called his parents, aunts, uncles, & his best friend to tell them the news.

We celebrated at The Melting Pot. The waitress wrote congratulations in chocolate sauce on our desert plate and put a pink candle on it.

This day was so special and I will never forget it.  The excitement, joy, & love as we started a journey that we had waited so long to begin.

13 week 1 day Picture

Welcome

Hi! This blog is an off shoot of my previous blog Chicken Curry N' Apple Pie. After close to 2 years of dealing with infertility, I am pleased and blessed to announce that I am pregnant. This baby is an answer to our prayers, a blessing from God, and a precious miracle.
I hope to document my journey through the pregnancy, as well as write notes to my baby. I want to discuss my hopes, dreams, and most of all to glorify the Lord, who has made this pregnancy possible.
I hope to raise my child in accordance to the will of God. I am open to comments and suggestions, as this is my first go around!
I look forward to treading this road with you all.
 God Bless You~