It's funny how interested people are about our delivery plans. So I thought I would post them here for everyone to know at once.
Hannah's official due date is April 10. And the plan is that if she's not here by then, we will induce on April 9. My body has progressed very well on its own, and while I really hope that I go into labor naturally, I am favorable to be induced should we need it. In other words, it won't take much medical intervention to get this baby out.
I have a very conservative doctor that doesn't believe in scheduling inductions for the sake of convenience, which I greatly appreciate. However, she is not a fan of her patient's carrying babies past their due date as the risk of complications drastically increases by the day. Since I work in health care, I have educated myself on all of the options available to us, feel peace about our decisions and trust the medical professionals God has placed in our life for our natal care. I appreciate everyone's interest and concern - I really do - so I wanted to let you in on what our plans are.
With that being said, Hannah Riley has a birthday coming up next week one way or another that we can't wait to celebrate!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Welcome to the Crib!
Meet Hannah's buddies, Roscoe and Maebe.
Roscoe Cat has been around a while hanging out in Hannah's room, just waiting on her to get here. Since he's home alone all day playing in her room, the anticipation has made him nuts! So that he could have someone to share in the excitement and help him throw an even bigger welcome home party for Hannah, we got him a friend. Her name is Maebe Panda. Hannah's going to be excited to meet her cool new friends. On the flip side, Hannah may be slightly dismayed that her mother is a big dork. :)
Thursday, March 26, 2009
As IF...
I went to the doctor today, and as if you really wanted to know anything about my uterus... let's just say I'm "progressing" pretty well on my own. I'm exactly 14 days away from my due date and my body is telling me that the end of my pregnancy is drawing near. Hannah is sitting really low and is pretty much ready for her birthday... as am I! I'll be as patient as possible until my due date - after all, it's not bad for her to go full term - but this baby's getting the boot on April 9! Other than that, I'm feeling mild contractions, as if my body's warming up for the big day.
My FAVORITE part about it all is being unable to manage how the hormones and tiredness affect my emotions. (Note the sarcasm.) And I've only had a few bouts of craziness, so I don't think anyone would really say I've been one of those insanely emotional pregnant ladies... hopefully! But today over lunch, Chris said something that made me emotional - nothing extreme like anger or sadness or happiness for that matter, just emotional - and all of the sudden I could not contain the tears welling up in my eyes in the middle of the restaurant. Thankfully, Don Juan's (holla!) was slow at the moment because I'm pretty sure I made Chris look like a creep in the middle of one of Tyler's busiest lunch spots, so thankfully no one was there to see what appeared to be some big guy making a little preggy girl cry... because he didn't. The hormones made me do it. And to make matters worse, there's no control. I can't convey that enough. I can't stop crying to the point that eventually I just start to laugh because it's ridiculous!
Anyway, I'm ready to have my sanity back... does that ever happen? I'm just so grateful I have an amazing husband who sees the absurdity for what it is and can laugh with me... or at me. :)
My FAVORITE part about it all is being unable to manage how the hormones and tiredness affect my emotions. (Note the sarcasm.) And I've only had a few bouts of craziness, so I don't think anyone would really say I've been one of those insanely emotional pregnant ladies... hopefully! But today over lunch, Chris said something that made me emotional - nothing extreme like anger or sadness or happiness for that matter, just emotional - and all of the sudden I could not contain the tears welling up in my eyes in the middle of the restaurant. Thankfully, Don Juan's (holla!) was slow at the moment because I'm pretty sure I made Chris look like a creep in the middle of one of Tyler's busiest lunch spots, so thankfully no one was there to see what appeared to be some big guy making a little preggy girl cry... because he didn't. The hormones made me do it. And to make matters worse, there's no control. I can't convey that enough. I can't stop crying to the point that eventually I just start to laugh because it's ridiculous!
Anyway, I'm ready to have my sanity back... does that ever happen? I'm just so grateful I have an amazing husband who sees the absurdity for what it is and can laugh with me... or at me. :)
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
I Feel Like A Woman
First let me say that Chris is going to be the sweetest Dad. From the get-go, his excitement about having a baby reminds me of the way a child anticipates Christmas Day. While some men have trouble bonding with their newborns, Chris has had no trouble at all and Hannah’s not even here yet!
You may have heard stories of how some Dads-to-be sympathize with their pregnant wives by having unexplained aches and pains or even weight gain. While Chris hasn’t experienced any of the aforementioned symptoms, he’s found other ways to sympathize, though maybe not intentionally. Let’s just say there have been a couple of distinct opportunities where he has been able to mildly experience what women go through to have a child.
As I’ve learned, a lot of Dads don’t or aren’t able to go to all of the prenatal appointments. But I’m proud to say that Chris hasn’t missed a single one. He’s been such a good sport as I’ve asked my doctor a lot of uncomfortable questions (because I’m totally clueless) and he’s actually asked quite a few, too. I would have to say the most awkward moment was during one of our first appointments when the doctor realized I was due for my annual physical. I’m not sure that it clicked with Chris when the word “annual” was mentioned because when she asked if he would like to step outside the room during the exam, he said he was fine and just stayed seated. And just so he got the full experience of what a woman goes through year after year (and really just to be dramatic), I think I winced in pain a little more than usual just for his sake.
On top of being extremely excited and involved, I would definitely consider Chris to be very supportive. In fact, he was one of the only few Dads to attend our breastfeeding class. (Childbirth and nursing classes deserve a blog entry all of their own, so I’ll spare details for now.)
I got a breast pump a few weeks ago, and since the time draws near that I would need it, I decided to put all the parts together just to make sure it all worked and I had everything. Chris was absolutely intrigued. He got down in the floor with me and adjusted the speed and latched one of the funnels on to the inside of his arm. It was really pretty amazing to watch the pump repeatedly suck his arm as he had it turned to MAX.
So then my husband went insane for a moment. And before I knew what he was about to do, he lifted up his shirt and stuck that funnel onto his chest. Yes, he did, while it was still on MAX. And I have to tell you that he screamed out like a little girl. I don’t know if it was out of pain, out of disbelief that his nipple was sucked halfway through the funnel or a little bit of both. But nonetheless, Chris has a new appreciation for breastfeeding.
I must say, Hannah Riley is getting the best Dad.
You may have heard stories of how some Dads-to-be sympathize with their pregnant wives by having unexplained aches and pains or even weight gain. While Chris hasn’t experienced any of the aforementioned symptoms, he’s found other ways to sympathize, though maybe not intentionally. Let’s just say there have been a couple of distinct opportunities where he has been able to mildly experience what women go through to have a child.
As I’ve learned, a lot of Dads don’t or aren’t able to go to all of the prenatal appointments. But I’m proud to say that Chris hasn’t missed a single one. He’s been such a good sport as I’ve asked my doctor a lot of uncomfortable questions (because I’m totally clueless) and he’s actually asked quite a few, too. I would have to say the most awkward moment was during one of our first appointments when the doctor realized I was due for my annual physical. I’m not sure that it clicked with Chris when the word “annual” was mentioned because when she asked if he would like to step outside the room during the exam, he said he was fine and just stayed seated. And just so he got the full experience of what a woman goes through year after year (and really just to be dramatic), I think I winced in pain a little more than usual just for his sake.
On top of being extremely excited and involved, I would definitely consider Chris to be very supportive. In fact, he was one of the only few Dads to attend our breastfeeding class. (Childbirth and nursing classes deserve a blog entry all of their own, so I’ll spare details for now.)
I got a breast pump a few weeks ago, and since the time draws near that I would need it, I decided to put all the parts together just to make sure it all worked and I had everything. Chris was absolutely intrigued. He got down in the floor with me and adjusted the speed and latched one of the funnels on to the inside of his arm. It was really pretty amazing to watch the pump repeatedly suck his arm as he had it turned to MAX.
So then my husband went insane for a moment. And before I knew what he was about to do, he lifted up his shirt and stuck that funnel onto his chest. Yes, he did, while it was still on MAX. And I have to tell you that he screamed out like a little girl. I don’t know if it was out of pain, out of disbelief that his nipple was sucked halfway through the funnel or a little bit of both. But nonetheless, Chris has a new appreciation for breastfeeding.
I must say, Hannah Riley is getting the best Dad.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Stories to Tell Hannah
Chris and I have experienced some interesting times since we've been pregnant. There are things that have happened in the last eight months or so that we'll tell Hannah about someday. Maybe she'll find these stories funny or endearing, or maybe she'll wish she had someone else's parents. Either way, it makes for decent blog material, so I'll share.
Crazy Lady Syndrome -
While I know that hormones can make women feel crazy at times, there have been instances where they have taken over my body through this pregnancy. One late night at our apartment, our old noisy, chain-smoking downstairs neighbor was watching his T.V. really loud. It was so loud, we could put our T.V. on mute and clearly hear what he was watching. Ridiculous. I was irate. So I asked Chris if he would politely go down and say something to the guy. As impatient as my husband can be, he picked a very bad time to display patience and he told me no. So I start putting on my shoes to go tell this guy what's up and that he was keeping everyone awake. I mean, I was willing to throw down the pregnancy card if I had to, but I was going to make it very clear he needed to turn down his T.V. Chris starts trying to calm me down and tells me how I'm over-reacting, blahblahblah, and how I'm not to go downstairs. Well I'm pretty sure that was the breaking point for me and the hormones completely took over my body. I walked around behind the couch and began jumping up and down, yelling where our neighbor surely heard me, "TURN YOUR TV DOWN!!!" Yes, I did this. I turned into a 5-year-old and pitched a fit. And right then, the look in my husband's eyes told me that I had completely acted a fool. Utterly embarrassed, I begin to weep for a few minutes... and then out of nowhere, I begin to laugh hysterically at how ridiculous and out of control I had become over a stupid T.V. And now that I think of it, I can't even remember if the guy quieted down or not. But I do know that Chris deserves some kind of trophy for being very patient with me.
There are other instances where my emotions spanned the spectrum in a matter of moments, but this is the best one.
More stories to come this week. :)
Crazy Lady Syndrome -
While I know that hormones can make women feel crazy at times, there have been instances where they have taken over my body through this pregnancy. One late night at our apartment, our old noisy, chain-smoking downstairs neighbor was watching his T.V. really loud. It was so loud, we could put our T.V. on mute and clearly hear what he was watching. Ridiculous. I was irate. So I asked Chris if he would politely go down and say something to the guy. As impatient as my husband can be, he picked a very bad time to display patience and he told me no. So I start putting on my shoes to go tell this guy what's up and that he was keeping everyone awake. I mean, I was willing to throw down the pregnancy card if I had to, but I was going to make it very clear he needed to turn down his T.V. Chris starts trying to calm me down and tells me how I'm over-reacting, blahblahblah, and how I'm not to go downstairs. Well I'm pretty sure that was the breaking point for me and the hormones completely took over my body. I walked around behind the couch and began jumping up and down, yelling where our neighbor surely heard me, "TURN YOUR TV DOWN!!!" Yes, I did this. I turned into a 5-year-old and pitched a fit. And right then, the look in my husband's eyes told me that I had completely acted a fool. Utterly embarrassed, I begin to weep for a few minutes... and then out of nowhere, I begin to laugh hysterically at how ridiculous and out of control I had become over a stupid T.V. And now that I think of it, I can't even remember if the guy quieted down or not. But I do know that Chris deserves some kind of trophy for being very patient with me.
There are other instances where my emotions spanned the spectrum in a matter of moments, but this is the best one.
More stories to come this week. :)
Monday, March 9, 2009
Ancy Pants
Well, I’m in the final weeks before Hannah arrives! It dawned on me today that Hannah is due to be here one month from today. At 36 weeks out of 40 (give or take a week or two… it’s not an exact science, ya know), I’d say I’m about ready to pop! I’m constantly asked if I’m just ready to get this baby out. And while I’m not one that’s soooo in love with being pregnant, I do want Hannah to “cook” as long as she can up until her due date. Then I’m gonna have to ask her to vacate the premises, por favor. :)
Being pregnant brings out the strangest behavior in people. For whatever reason, people have been compelled to tell me the most horrifying birth stories known to man. I actually had a lady go into great detail about how she actually died while giving birth and then had to be revived. It’s a pretty amazing story, but maybe tell me AFTER I’ve delivered? Also, I’ve had strangers come up, and not just touch or rub, but actually GRAB my belly. If you ask to touch my stomach, it’s cool. I get it. Baby bellies really are amazing! But seriously, you wouldn’t touch another stranger’s stomach on a normal day, and you certainly wouldn’t grab someone else’s child if it was outside the womb… unless you were a kidnapper. Hmmm… I may need to keep my eye on some folks.
At a wedding this weekend, I had a flower girl come up and stand eye-level with my belly and just stare. For about a minute without saying a single word, she just stared. She was super cute, and I was reminded that most girls dream of having babies all of their lives. I am definitely one of those girls, and it’s quite amazing to think that I’m about to meet a person I’ve dreamt of for so long.
Being pregnant brings out the strangest behavior in people. For whatever reason, people have been compelled to tell me the most horrifying birth stories known to man. I actually had a lady go into great detail about how she actually died while giving birth and then had to be revived. It’s a pretty amazing story, but maybe tell me AFTER I’ve delivered? Also, I’ve had strangers come up, and not just touch or rub, but actually GRAB my belly. If you ask to touch my stomach, it’s cool. I get it. Baby bellies really are amazing! But seriously, you wouldn’t touch another stranger’s stomach on a normal day, and you certainly wouldn’t grab someone else’s child if it was outside the womb… unless you were a kidnapper. Hmmm… I may need to keep my eye on some folks.
At a wedding this weekend, I had a flower girl come up and stand eye-level with my belly and just stare. For about a minute without saying a single word, she just stared. She was super cute, and I was reminded that most girls dream of having babies all of their lives. I am definitely one of those girls, and it’s quite amazing to think that I’m about to meet a person I’ve dreamt of for so long.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Babycakes!
OK, check out how awesome this cake is! My coworker, Marlo, made this two-tiered cake for the surprise baby shower the office threw for me. Not only did it look good, but it tasted good, too! I have to say, I work with some great folks, particularly a few amazing girls: Hollee, Lindsay and Marlo! Thanks for the shower, ladies!
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