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Every thing I have gotten rid of has been replaced by maternity or baby clothes, so this process is not really emptying many drawers.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!