'Not me Monday' #5

Today I am a little more optimistic about waiting for the baby to come. I'm not as antsy or anxious, well at least not yet. Here is to hoping, right?

I haven't done a 'not me monday' for a while, so enjoy...

This blog carnival was created by mkmama. A 'Not me Monday' is a funny way to 'fess up some embarrassing things you've done that week... by pretending you totally did not actually do them. Here we go again!

Ted planned a movie date for us, which was supposed to happen Saturday morning. We were going to see My Sisters Keeper, because for once a preview for a movie looked worth seeing in theatre (I am more of a wait and rent it kinda girl). I did not cancel the movie date with my husband in exchange for garage saleing because I was afraid I would sob just as bad and hysterically as I did watching P.S. I love you for the 4th time the other night. Nope, not me!

I did not begin sobbing while watching P.S. I love you before the part of the movie that I cry the most at came on. I did not make my 16 year old sister incredibly uncomfortable and left to comfort her 22 year old "adult" sister ;) Nope not me!

I did not just delete the 'not me' paragraph that was just where I am typing now because I realized it was a tad inappropriate! Nope, not me!

After leaving the hospital incredibly disappointed yesterday (read below blog), I did not ask Ted to stop and get me a decaffeinated star bucks, hoping that would cheer me up. And as we waited in the drive thru line for our drinks, the lady at the window did not notice our hospital bags in the back and ask if we were headed to the hospital. I told her we had a false alarm and we were headed home. She did not then decide that this was the perfect time to share two birth stories with me (remember we're in the drive thru with cars behind us). She also did not encourage me to push every time I have a braxton hicks contraction, which is what she said she did to put herself into labor with her first son! As we drove away, Ted did not look at me with excitement and say, "You should try that!" I did not roll my eyes and say "Yeah, that sounds fun and completely natural!" all the while deep inside, I did not even consider this ;) Nope, not me!

Saturday evening I did not order a medium Gourmet Chicken Garlic pizza from Papa Murphys (my fav). I did not eat the entire pizza (minus 3 pieces, but only cuz Ted asked me to save him some) all by myself in a matter of a few hours. Nope, not me!

Ted just (literally) got out of the shower and came to give me a kiss and said, okay I'm going to go put some clothes on, I did not say "Go to work naked today!" thinking I am incredibly funny and I did not begin laughing hysterically. In fact, I am not still laughing. I love my pregnancy emotions! Nope, not me!

I did not chew my beautiful finger nails down to nothing in the past week due to anxiousness. Nope, not me!

I do not have toes that look like mini sausages and feet that look as bloated as a dead cow (a dead cow was the only thing that came to mind...) Nope, not me!

I do not avoid looking at full length mirrors if I can help it.

I did not eat 1.35 a scoop Chinese 4 times within the past two weeks and I definitely didn't order 4 egg rolls each time and eat them all by myself. Nope, not me!

I obviously do not have a problem with food. Nope, not me!

I have not had extreme bouts of tears the past 3 days, nope, not me!

I do not constantly forget things and in fact forget what kind of 'not me' things I have done in the past 2 weeks of not updating. I know there are more but this will have to do :)

False Alarm, Really?!

This morning as we were about to leave for Ted to lead worship at church I felt a gush of something down below. I was talking and stopped mid sentence in awe, leaving the guys of the house wondering...

"I think my water just broke... or I peed myself. I don't know"

Ted remembered them saying the fluid wouldn't smell like urine but sweeter (which makes me laugh now) so I ran to the bathroom and sure enough, my underwear and my gouchos were wet. So I checked it out (...) and it wasn't urine, that's for sure! I changed quickly into new bottoms which I also wet by the time we got into the car. Before we made it to the hospital I felt 4 "gushes".

We did called our doctor, who sent us to the hospital because I have GBS and if my water had been broken, I needed antibiotics immediately. As we grabbed our hospital bags, took off and got to the hospital I felt the an array of emotions (and Ted did too). This could be it! We might meet our baby today!

We got checked into a labor and delivery room, did a urine sample for them, stripped down and put a gown on, then waited at they monitored the baby and my contractions. The baby HATES being monitored. He/she kept moving like crazy inside. Poor baby.

I was having contractions, but that's pretty normal right now. The baby's heartbeat was great and the only worry was my blood pressure. It was the first time in pregnancy that it was high, but she told me she thought it was because I was anxious, nervous, etc. and told me to lay back and try and calm down. It was hard, but my blood pressure went back to normal after 45 minutes. I was going crazy inside!

Anyways, she checked out the fluid inside and shocked Ted and I both by telling us my water had not broken. The look on Ted's face still makes me want to cry. We were so sure that it had. We had heard that it could come in trickles, gushes or full blown and yet nothing for us.

I wanted to cry right then, but felt like I couldn't in front of the nurse. I felt so disappointed and somewhat like an idiot. I know it was best for us to be safe than sorry, but this was so shocking!

She went on to tell us that my cervix was soft and ready, but that it hadn't released anything yet. She told me that the gushes "were a good sign that the baby is coming soon", which honestly at that point didn't comfort me at all. I had already gotten my hopes up for today.

We were monitored for another 30 minutes, which seemed like 3 hours because we just wanted to get out of the hospital. Once we were released, we both agreed that we didn't want to go home yet, so we stopped at starbucks where a lady told me two of her birth stories (which happens all the time now) and then we went to a thrift store to take out mind off things. It didn't help really.

Ted told me he just wishes it wasn't so complicated, wondering "is this it?". We both realized more and more that this is not going to happen like it does in the movies. You know, where the woman's water breaks in a huge gush, they rush to the hospital, and bam there's a baby. Most of the time this is not the case.

I prayed and asked God to let it be really obvious to us, cause today was so disappointing. I've heard many women say, "Oh you'll know when you're in labor." Maybe for some this is true, but obviously not yet for me.

I know the baby will come in the right timing. And honestly, once he/she does arrive we will have forgotten this disappointment, but right now it's hard! Please pray for us in this final stretch!

Our Baby Names (Hints)!

This morning I spent at the base working on the few projects they needed done and then I just chilled with Alanna at my side! I had a lot of fun watching her try and guess our boy's name.

I absolutely adore our baby names that we have decided.

:

Our girl's first name begins with an E and is totally me and it's also unique. I decided I wanted this name when I was 16 and thankfully Ted really fell in love with it. It means Strong. It only recently made the baby name website and still isn't on a few of them. Her middle name is a place inside of a country we love and means break of day. Ted and I were searching and as soon as Ted spoke the name, I knew it was perfect. Combined, it's truly beautiful.

:

Our boy's name took a while to find. We like the literal meaning of his first name rather than the meaning they have for it on baby name sites. So scratch that meaning, once you hear "it's a boy" (if we have a boy). I can't actually share the meaning of the first name because it would give it away. The middle name is something we've had for a while and it's meaning would give it away as well. The combination of the first and middle name is what makes his name so literal. And very Ted and Jami- if you know us even the littlest bit. Basically, I've given close to nothing away about our boy's name. Sorry, but I don't know how to describe it without giving it away!

I am bias about our names of course, but sometimes I have this incredible fear of man and what people might say. Then I realize, our names are very Ted and I and they are meaningful to us both. That is what matters. Sometimes when I here a baby's name, I initially may not like it but when you put a face to the name, or you know the parents well to know it's totally them, or you hear why they've chosen the names and you fall in love!! You can't be too quick to judge!

My Baby will wear Baby Roos!

My balloon belly just keeps getting bigger!

A gift from my sweet Aussie friend Alanna. So cute huh?!

Aussie booties! Baby Roos!

I have to have the baby before July 7th because my Aussie friend Alanna is visiting and leaving on that day and two other friends are also leaving on the same day! Yikes, talk about pressure!

I've been trying to post new videos for a week now and every time they never upload! It's more of the baby moving around, hiccuping, and then one of me waking the baby by lifting my Buddha belly :) Pretty funny and hopefully coming soon!

I dream of what I cannot fathom.

I dream of what I cannot fathom.

(Written May 11 on my suchprettyrain.blogspot.com )

I dream of that moment when I first hold you in my arms

And whisper my love to you and cry

I dream of your little eyes starting into mine

Already glowing because you know how much I love you

For I know you will!

I dream of singing "You are my sunshine"

As you lay beside me in bed and your little hand holds tightly to my finger

I dream of the moments where you lay between momma and daddy

And we watch in awe at our creation- You, our precious baby.

I dream of times during worship, where daddy will hold you against his chest

And I will probably cry because it will be the most beautiful sight

I dream of what you might look like

And you always leave me wondering, will you be dark like momma or light like daddy?

I dream of your first little smiles, your first tiny giggles, your first words...

You always leave me wondering what your personality will be!

Will you be shy like momma or bold and courageous like daddy?

Either way I know that your little smile while capture everyone!

I dream of you cuddling against me and falling asleep as I hold you closely

Those moments I will adore.

I dream of watching your daddy talk baby talk to you and you smiling and giggling in return.

I dream of our new little family beginning with excitement and joy!

I dream of who you will become and you finding who you are in Christ!

You are so precious to me, my sweet baby.

You have already taken apart of my heart and I will never ask for it back,

For you, my baby, I love and will always adore.

I dream of the first moment that I see you and they place you on my chest,

I cannot even fathom the love that I will feel in that moment.

I love you my little sunshine and can't wait to meet you face to face in a few weeks!

Two Years, Already?!

Two years ago today, I married the love of my life and my best friend. It all happened rather suddenly, but we knew God brought us together!

I wrote a bit of our story here; http://suchprettyrain.blogspot.com/

Our first anniversary was spent in Thailand with the team we led and our second one, I am 9 months prego! Wonder what our 3rd one will be like?!

Love you Teddy!

Week 38; Anxiously Waiting.

See the stretch marks?

38 weeks!

Baby EAD/CJD:

Baby is really plumping up. He/she could weigh about 6.8 pounds and be over 19 1/2 inches long. He/she has a firm grasp and his/her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.

Lately our baby has really loved what I call "launching" off my belly. He/she extends his legs full out and pushes with all it's little might (which is shocking to see). He/she's done this before but now it's really intense and funny to watch if you can catch it.

We had another appointment this week and still nothing. In fact my cervix is still hard... bummer. I am still 2 weeks out and Ted and I are preparing ourselves for the possibility that the baby might camp out until the last second. When measuring my uterus while I was laying down today, my Doctor said to me, "Wow, we're up to 37 cm." (14.5 in) I asked if that was a bad thing and he replied, "With how small you are, we'd prefer a small baby, wouldn't we?" I was like, uh oh!

Now, that too doesn't necessarily mean anything. I've realized more and more lately, that sometimes things mean everything and sometimes things mean nothing at all. What am I talking about? Let me try to explain.

What I mean is some women carry way out (like me) and have 6/7 lb babies, some women carry side to side and have 8/9 lb babies, some women dilate early and some women begin dilating the day the baby arrives, some women have can have a hard as a rock cervix one day and the next be in labor, some women can have a cervix that's thinning out and still go to their due date, some women have their water break as a sign of labor, some (most) don't until a later stage of labor, etc. This is what I am talking about.

I've heard a lot of stories since being pregnant and most everyone has been completely different from the other. Wonder what our story will be? We shall see soon.

Mommy:

I've truly enjoyed being pregnant and have been really blessed with a wonderful pregnancy, but I can honestly say I have now reached that point where I am ready to have my baby and have him/her in my arms.

This is my mind when I crawl into bed (or anytime that I am alone for too long):

I wonder what day our baby will come? Maybe tonight my water will break! I wonder if Ted hinted the sex to me today and I missed it. I'm definitely having a girl, no I am definitely having a boy. I wonder if I'm actually carrying twins and they missed one? My belly is so huge! Or maybe I'm carrying an 8/9 lb baby! What if it's only 6 lbs? I'll be shocked! I wonder what

he/she looks like? Bright blond like Ted? Probably dark hair like me. I wonder if he/she has my features, Ted or both? Definitely my nose from the looks of the ultrasound. Wow- that contraction was strong... could this be it? I don't want to start timing again and then be disappointed so let's wait this out. I wonder if my water will break someplace weird? I hope it does break right off the bat as a sign of labor. Then I wouldn't be left wondering "Am i really in labor?" I really need to sleep, maybe another hot shower will help or maybe it will help cause labor? I wonder if that really works? I heard it speeds things up...

That is my mind. That is annoying, huh?

This can now happen any day now or next week or a few days after our due date, and that is hard to wrap my mind around. The last big life event for me, was our wedding day (2 years ago tomorrow!) and that came with a set date. I planned, prepared and knew the date which I would marry the love of my life. I am now 9 months prego and waiting for our baby to decide when I should meet him/her!

I've recently had some great advice come my way. I am trying to busy my days with projects, friends, creating things, etc. Yesterday actually went by pretty quickly because I made projects and had things to do. I'm also planning dates with friends and especially my love, before the baby decides to come. Tomorrow is our 2nd anniversary, which is hard to believe! I didn't really want our baby to come on that day because I want him/her to have their own special day! Kids love their birthdays :)

So here we go, I am going to try to thoroughly enjoy these last few weeks and make the most of them!

Some cute onesies. It's hard to believe how teeny these are and they are 3 months!!

Here is the sling my momma made for me and Baby E/C!

Today our 'sleepy wrap' came http://www.sleepywrap.com/, which made me super excited!

My friend Chey modeled the Sleepy wrap, cause I'm just too big to model it!

I've had 3 friends recommend this (well, similar kinds). If you're prego, seriously consider saving up and buying one!

Well, thanks for reading this novel.

Welcome Baby #4 of 5.

Asher Douglas Alley

6 lbs 14 oz 21 in.

June 19th

It is pretty surreal that I am the next one due and the last one until december. It makes things a little more intense in my head for some reason. Whoa. Any day now!

The Hardest Stretch.

In the very beginning of this pregnancy I was thrilled to stand and have Ted take a photo or to take one myself. Well, as of last week, I now really disliked having my picture taken. Everything is swollen on me and enlarged! I also knew that if I did not take a photo per week, I would regret it. So far throughout this pregnancy we've taken at least one shot a week, except last week (36) because I didn't want it. I regret that now!

So here I am. I can't believe how huge my belly is and how far it's stretching. At the end of week 36 we started noticing, as our baby drops lower, I have begun to get tiny stretch marks on mostly one side of my tummy! I've been saying, "They're coming, I can feel it!" And here they've officially arrived at 37 weeks and only 3ish weeks out. My mom and Ted think they look like veins right now, so we'll see what they really are!

They're pretty small right now. I think the only one you can really see in this picture is the one on my hip. I really had to think about what part of my body it is, because you can't tell it's a hip. Haha!

Baby can come any day now. I'm still hoping he/she holds out til next week and Ted and I both think the baby is going to wait to come til the last second. Exciting times though!!

Oh and baby #4 of the 5 of us due around the same time, is arriving as we speak. Well, I mean she's in labor! I am almost officially the largest and most prego on site :)

This is by far the HARDEST stretch and have been the longest weeks. Well, since last week. The final part; waiting til our sweet Baby E/C arrives!

Week 37: Full Term!

Can you believe it's been 4 days since my last update? Yeah, I'm a little shocked myself ;)

Well, here we are at 37 weeks and full term! Baby can now safely arrive any day!!

Baby E/C:

If Baby arrives now his/her lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb. Baby could weighs 6 1/3 pounds and could measure a bit over 19 inches, head to heel. Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long- which makes me wonder, what colour?! Although baby's hair and eye colour can and most of the time do change not long after birth. The baby is moving lower and lower inside of me and because of this I can breathe a lot better, but he/she is SO scrunched! My stomach is always rock solid, because it just can't stretch any further! At all times I can see where his/her bum is.

Yesterday we had our check up and our Doctor checked Baby's heartbeat and then once the baby started moving like crazy (which always happens right after the checkup) and Dr. Hill said, "This little one wants out now." I was like, I wouldn't mind that.

Every evening before going to bed, we talk and sing then pray for the baby and Ted is always praying for the baby to come now. I love it and I want that too, so very much. We'll see. I am waiting for a friend of mine to go into labor first cause she's due next Friday and she'd be so devastated if she was last out of the 5 of us here (well now 2 pregos). Anyways, still nothing for me down below, which kind of surprised us because I get pretty frequent contractions. I still think baby E/C is going to hold out til 40 weeks or more, but I can hope!

Momma:

I am about to write how I am doing - but I'm not complaining, I feel great for 37 weeks prego! It's just for memouries sake and because some of it is just funny. Sleeping is still hard to come by, but it's not too bad, I mean I still sleep some :) My back is beginning to ache more and my legs feel numb or like dead weights still as the baby moves lower and lower (ODD feeling). Basically I can't sit too long and I can't stand too long, so I mix it up as much as possible. My 5'1 frame can not take any more weight or pressure, or so I think. I was glad to know I've only gained a pound since last week and 1/2 pound is baby. I've now hit 33 pounds and am no longer fitting into my size 5 capris that I was just a month ago! YIKES! I dream of what it would be like to go running- let's hope this desire stays inside me 'til after the baby arrives!

I am SO anxious lately. I've been trying to do things to make my mind not constantly be focused on the "when is baby coming". It's so odd that baby can come at any given time. I can either go weeks with contractions until I dilate slowly, or wake up one day/night and bam OR baby could wait 'til the due date and even then the baby could still wait! I don't know which category I fall under, which is odd. I love surprises too and this is just eating me up. I want to meet our baby, know if he/she is a E or a C!!

I am what is called a "freak show". Meaning, everywhere I go, people just stare at me and how huge my belly is. My mom just heard a story about a petite girl, 5'2, who was prego and her baby went straight out too and even with how huge her belly got- she still only had a 6 pound baby! That's probably going to be me too. CRAZY!

Okay, pics to come - even though I'm at the point where I do not want a photo taken, I know I would regret not taking this weeks photo. So I will!! Our camera is still out, pray for it to come FAST because it could still be another 6 weeks... which is so sad. We love taking photos and now we're about to have the most exciting day happen and no camera! Our friend is letting us borrow his nice camera for those moments, so that is good.

Sorry this is long,

Emotions Galore.

I just needed to write for my minds sake. See, I'm sitting home alone this morning and my mind won't calm down.

This morning I had to drop Ted off at the YWAM base so he and a few others could head out for some yard work to make a little money. I dropped him off around 8am and drove to the ARC thrift store by our house because I figured it's 50% off day and they had just opened so maybe if I saw something we needed...

Anyways, I didn't find anything we really needed so I left. As I was walking out I looked to my left and saw there was no car and began my walk to the car and then suddenly a car flew past me (coming from the right) going at least 25 mph. I halted and put my hand on my chest. One more step and I would have been hit. I've never come so close to being hit in my life. 

After the shock, I immediately began crying. And a lady and her daughter who witnessed the entire thing, came over to me and began to try and comfort me saying, "Some people are so rude and thoughtless, I'm sorry honey". I went to my car and just sobbed.

I'm still pretty shaken up. I can't help but thinking about the "what ifs" which isn't helping at all. I called Ted, then my dad, then talked with my mom about it. Trying to calm down and see the reality... Baby is okay. I am okay.

Just needed to write and express. Phew.

Week 36: "Practice Makes Perfect"

Last night baby, momma and daddy had another eventful (well not that eventful) night. Another night full of contractions. Baby obviously loves wednesday evenings and early thursday mornings :) Braxton hicks, the practice kind. Practice makes perfect so I'm holding out for a perfect labor and delivery! I am chugging water, water, water and resting to keep them from coming too strong. Last night was the "worst" I've ever felt and I yes, I know that it's not the real deal (for all you mommy's who've already gone through this and are laughing at me, haha). I am kind of a wimp and planning on going all natural- and I really am praying that God gives me super strength. 

Our Little Baby E/C: 

Baby is still packing on the pounds supposably at the rate of about an ounce a day. He/she should now weigh almost 6 pounds and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. He/she's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his/her body as well. 

At the end of this week, baby will be considered full-term! Baby is still head down and has dropped. When standing or walking my legs feel like dead weights and sometimes feel numb or like I've just worked out really hard (definitely didn't do that one). When I have contractions I feel awful for our baby. I mean you should see my stomach, it's unbelievable how tight it contracts and I can just see it smashing baby. Okay, not really but I do feel bad. Poor baby! Thanks goodness God designed babies to be flexible in our wombs. My short torso leaves no room for baby! I told Ted today, our baby is going to come out with it's legs curled against his/her chest for months ;)

Momma: 

I will say this week has probably been the roughest I've had in a while. Sleeping is a delicacy anymore and naps are a must during the day. Thankfully I am on my first week of maternity this week, so that is blessing! I am a bit more emotional, I think because I have too much time to think anymore so I've spent most of this week continuing to "nest". Last night Ted and I had a Baby business class- which was basically a tour of the hospital birthing center, nursery, etc. In this class they have you fill out all of the paperwork now, so when you come for labor it's already done. It was pretty crazy filling out everything we can on our baby's birth certificate. Whoa, our baby is almost here!

It's becoming real to Ted and I with each passing day until we hold our baby. It's pretty crazy that we don't know the time and date, but one day I'll go into labor and meet our baby! I am hoping it is really obvious the moment I go into labor, like my water breaks, which surprisingly only 12% of women begin like this.

YWAM women have quite amazing birth stories. What I mean is most of the stories I've heard at our base, are labors lasting 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and recently 1 1/2 hours. That is it?! I'm not saying every women here has these but most. They've got it easy! I have also heard of one women that had a 48 hour labor. I am obviously hoping/praying for a shorter one, but we shall see. This might sound weird but I told Ted yesterday that if our labor is starting out really slow, I want to walk and try different techniques but I recently added a "technique"... board games!

Here is my latest lofty idea; You might think I am crazy but there are two that I can think of that might help distract and/or pass time; stratego (which I play with Ted often) and scrabble. Let's see if we really do this. ;)

Pictures of this weeks baby bump to come. Our camera is still broken and will take 4-5 weeks to fix, which means we won't have our during the labor and first photos! Our friend is letting us use his Nikon D40 so that will take amazing photos too, thankfully!

30 Days to Go! (Maybe more, maybe less)

Today's date is June 9th, which means... 30 days 'til our due date and meeting our little one (if he/she chooses to wait that long)!!

We had our weekly appointment today and Baby is doing great, still head down, heartbeat is still speedy, and I'm now measuring right on, not a week ahead. Right before our midwife came in, Ted said to me, "I really hope you are dilated!" (A new word he learned in our birthing class, just kidding... or maybe?!) and I said, "Babe, even if I'm dilated 1-2 cm now, it still may be a few weeks." 

He looked so bummed but His excitement skyrocketed when our midwife told us that beginning next week, we can welcome the baby anytime because his/her lungs would be fully developed. 

Last night before bed, after we sung and prayed for Baby, Ted said, "Sometimes I hope baby comes early, in fact I just prayed for skutter to come tonight!" (We say skutter so he doesn't slip up and tell me the baby's sex)... I was like "Ted! Not yet!" Although I can't wait to meet our baby, I do want his/her lungs developed and to finish a few more things around the house to feel "ready".

This morning I awoke eager to get things done and to finish final projects. Today my mom, sisters and brother came down to help me finish our living room. They are seriously blessing me like crazy, helping me prepare! Thank you family!

The finishing touches.

• Painting walls red (sneak peek)

• Painting accent things black.
• Making curtains from leftover fabric from our bridesmaids dresses (Dupioni silk).

• Getting rid of a big couch and one recliner and replacing them with a glider and papasan chair. 
• Hanging wall art and photos. 

Once that room is done, I will feel like our home is ready to welcome baby home. He/she could come now, but for some reason I really want our home to be "finished" and homey! This isn't like me at all, but for me I guess this is what one of my motherly sides look like?

My mom gave me an incredible gift today. It's something I knew I wouldn't have time to do but really wanted to.

A book filled with my writings of this journey.

She printed some of my blog postings & added her own touches.

Thanks Madre!!

Check out this cute baby travel bag my grandma bought for Baby E/C;

We also set up our stroller travel set today! We're putting the car seat base in the car tonight, which is making things seem so close!

And here is our bouncer up close and personal; 

Random bits and pieces of my day as preparing to be a momma!

Love,

Birthing Class Part 1

Yesterday we completed one session of our birthing class. It was six hours of information, activities and discussion- which might sound rough but it was incredibly helpful and worth every minutes. Even Ted would say so!

My mind is kind of on overload right now, but with extremely helpful information. First of all, it was nice to meet other pregnant couples and it was awesome having open discussion and questions that other prego moms or dads would think of that we might not have but definitely found good to know.

Knowing Ted, I knew that since he knew nothing about what is about to happen (labor & delivery), he would get a lot out of today. And surprisingly we both did! I think I was being a little proud of myself and "how much I'd researched" (ha) and that we were doing the class for Ted... we both learned a ton! Not just Ted :)

I don't even know where to begin. I guess I will just condense as much as I can and share what Ted and I took away from today. 

1) The stages of Birth

We watched a video on the stages of birth. It followed three women's journeys through their day of delivery. It also showed a very detailed image of what is going on from within while going through each stage. This was incredible (and occasionally painful) to watch. By the end of the video, when the women deliver beautiful babies, most of us in the room were teary eyed (including Ted & a few other dads)! 

After watching these women go through everything that I will soon be going through, it really opened my eyes to really putting my foot down and deciding what Ted and I want for our birth plan. I've changed it so much and today I've officially decided what I truly want. 

2) Techniques for coping with the pain

We also did an activity where as couples we walked from station to station learning different techniques for coping with pain. Massage, relaxation, birthing ball, squatting, walking around, aromatherapy, etc. I LOVED this because we were able to practice each technique. That helped me to remember it. Visual aid and hands on REALLY help me remember right now!

We both loved this because this is how we are planning on walking through the pain during labor. Now we both feel way more prepared. I also learned that the essential oil lavender(non-perfumed kind) can help with pain! Can you believe it? It's going into my hospital bag this week!

3) All Natural or Medicated Birth

We also watched a video on IV meds and epidural after previously watching all natural deliveries. Ted and I are planning on going all natural, so that was kind of just hard to watch, um mostly because I dislike needles soooo much. So much! After watching the video, we officially decided all natural opposed to doing some kind of narcotics. This is personally what we've decided, so please don't be offended if you choose/chose differently!

We will be using different techniques to cope with the pain. We realize that we won't really know the intensity until the day of and so we will just bring  list of these techniques and pick and choose what will help us in the moment. 

4) Ted as a coach

One thing I realized during an activity is how Ted might react during my intense contractions.

They taught us different ways to breath and then had mom put ice in both her palms and squeeze it tight for one minute. Dads had to help us cope with the "pain" of it. (Which surprisingly it stung). 

Ted knew that I like to be spoken to and encouraged as well as having my back rubbed. He began encouraging me and rubbing my back and halfway through he stopped talking to me. I turned and was like, "Babe, you stopped encouraging me." and we realized that he wanted to see how I was handling the pain and if I was breathing correctly. You see, even with such minimal pain he wanted to make sure that I was doing okay but forgot to talk and check on me. This was good for us to find out now! My mom and Ted will be coaching me throughout the stages of birth, so I am not worried because they know how I like to be comforted in pain.

5) Pain with a purpose

When our instructor said this phrase "pain with a purpose", both Ted and I both immediately took this to heart. It settled inside us, really causing peace to us both. That might not make sense, but I don't really know how to explain it. We know it will be a painful experience but the end result is truly a miracle. When we watched the women deliver their babies and then have their little ones placed on their stomachs immediately, the emotion you saw in the mother wasunbelievable. 

This pain has a purpose; our little baby! We will make it through that day of delivery, whether it be long or short. This is natural and the amazing thing is even though the labor pains are technically a curse, God blessed us with resting periods between contractions. I find that amazing and so like our God.

As strange as this might sound, I cannot wait for the day of delivery and the end result. Our beautiful baby!

We learned a ton, but this is what's in my mind right now. Oh and a funny story to end with...

We did one final activity to end the day. She had us lay a blanket and two pillows down (that we brought) and lie down like we were going to bed. Awkardly everyone laid down. She then dimmed the lights, turned on relaxing music and began walking us through a technique called progressive relaxation. Which basically she spoke to us and had us close our eyes and relax every muscle from the top of our head to our toes. 

During this I could tell Ted was about to fall asleep because his breathing had changed. I put my hand on his arm and would occasionally squeeze or even once, scratch him to keep him awake. Our instructor then told us to visualize a peaceful thing or something, so I pictured me sitting on the beach in Kho Samet, Thailand listening to the waves. Just as I was doing this I hear Ted begin to breath deeply and then immediately snore!! I was shocked! I squeezed his arm and he opened his eyes and turned to me "I fell asleep didn't I?" I was like, "Yes and you snored!". We both started giggling like kids and of course we were in the front of the class. Oh man!

I tried to relax after that, but I closed my eyes and instead of picturing Thailand I pictured hamburger helper. Our instructor then said, "Picture the details." So I picture the noodles all covered in sauce. mmmm. She then said, "How does this make you feel?" and I was all of a sudden extremely hungry. After this visualization... she had the dad massage the mom's head all the way down to her toes. This was relaxing and amazing! 

And that was the end of our day. More to come next week, thanks for reading my long winded blog =)

'Not me Monday' #4

This blog carnival was created by mkmama. A 'Not me Monday' is a funny way to 'fess up some embarrassing things you've done that week... by pretending you totally did not actually do them. Here we go again!

I did not have my first "I'm in labor" dream and wake up panicked, thinking that I really was. Nope, not me!

I am not getting more emotional with each passing day. Nope, not me.

I did not drive 20-30 minutes just to go to BabysRus and I did not return the incredible (& expensive) baby bath we bought with shower money, just so I could get a cheaper one and buy $30 worth of baby items with the extra money. I'm still not sure that was the best idea... we shall see!

I did not then try to talk myself in then out of getting a Cherry limeade at the Sonic on the way back. I did not try and justify it by say to myself "Sonic is so far away from my home, so I can treat myself, just this once..." Nope, not me!

I did not wake up at 3:30 am one morning this week for no apparent reason & when I could not go back to sleep, I did not try waking my hubby around 4:30 and he did not finally wake up around 5:30 with a wife ready to hang out and chitchat. That's so insensitive, nope not me! (this isn't the first time and probably not the last).

I do not constantly stub my toes or walk into the crib next to our bed when I wake to use the bathroom numerous times a night (Petra, you were right!) and I did not finally decide to move our bed over 1/2 foot and probably soon 1 foot.

When entering our car, I do not enter slowly, like I've had a recent hip replacement. Nope, not me.

I do not constantly (still) underestimate the size of my growing belly and hit it on tables, counters, swinging doors, etc. Nope, not me!

I also do not try and turn sideways to let someone pass beside me in a narrow hall or in the lunch/dinner lines... Surely by now I would learn that I'm bigger sideways! Nope, not me!

I do not have a secret stash of Hershey's cookies & cream bars hidden in our freezer. And I will not hurt one of the boys, if they were discovered. Nope, not me!

I am not currently ignoring the piles of laundry sitting right in front of me, to do my 'not me Monday' update. Nope, not me.

I'm not at all worried that soon my bella band will no longer fit this belly that somehow continues to grow farther out. Without the bella band my stomach will be exposed or I will need to wear Ted's shirts... nope, not me!

I am not extremely thankful for my growing belly because it hides my legs below. And I am notworried about what I will see after the belly is gone and baby is in my arms. 30 lbs later, surely my legs will be the same size as pre-pregnancy right?!

I have not "lost" my cell phone numerous times while sitting down, only to find it on my lapclose to my belly each time. Whether I'm sitting in our car, in our bed, on our couch, etc. Didn't realize how often I use my leg to hold my phone!

While sitting home alone on Friday evening, I was not worried when a tornado watch was in effect for the counties surrounding ours, and I was not convinced it was coming our way and constantly checking out the window and watching the news. I also did not call Ted telling him how worried I was. Nope, not me.

When showering each morning, I am not constantly forgetting my routine. I do not stand in the shower longer, trying to figure out what I've done and what comes next... nope not me!

I did not just spell routine in the above sentence like this; ruetine. Spell check is not my new best friend while prego. Nope, not me!

I did not spend 10-15 minutes searching for a shirt that will cover my entire belly and I did not spill on that shirt during lunch that same day, then say "Oh well" and still continue to wear it cause it fit. Nope, not me.

I am not at all embarrassed at how badly my face swells up some days and want to hide away.Nope, not me.

I did not cry while watching a video on the stages of birth, during our birthing class yesterday. Nope not me! (Even despite how tired I will be after the birth of our baby, I will probably still sob!)

I am not in a constant battle within, one day hoping the baby will come early and others hoping the baby will go full term. I can't make up my mind! 

I did not originally wanted him/her to come June 16 because 3 years ago on that day Ted and I became a couple and had our first "date" and I did not recently change my mind because I realized just how close that actually is. One week from today! Nope, not me!

Two Little Blessings & Our Baby Shower.

Charles Brown Elijah Cobb

May 26

7 lbs. 4 oz. 21 in.

Zackary Drake Failla 

May 29

7 lbs. 13 oz.  20? in.

5 generations. Baby, me, my mom, grandma and great grandma!

My beautiful sisters.

I had to post this for memouries sake because I am huge compared to them now! My face is almost unrecognizable, I think I will laugh about this in the months to come! I hope! 

My Aunt made the cake to match our bedding (minus the pink, but she too thinks I'm having a little girl).

This is extremely lazy but I am really wiped out and these are all the photos I will post for now. Have a great weekend!

Week 35: Ready & Waiting.

check out my swollen hands!

I had to post a pic of my swollen face and my mask of pregnancy. See my brown nose, my two patches on my cheeks and dark line mustache? :)

Baby:

Baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he/she's over 18 inches long and weighs approx. 5 1/4 pounds. Baby's kidneys are fully developed now, and his/her liver can process some waste products. Most of his/her basic physical development is now complete — now he/she'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight, which Momma is feeling. I wonder just how much our little one really weighs... curious!

Momma:

Occasionally it just hits me full force, that I am carrying a living, breathing human being inside of me. Definitely the best thing I've ever helped create! It's such a miracle! I truly love being pregnant and have been blessed with a great pregnancy, but I can't wait for that moment when our little Sunshine is in my arms! I do hear of women missing their growing bellies and I can imagine that it will take some time getting used to not having such a large belly. Walking and sleeping should be a lot easier, I'm guessing. :)

How am I feeling? Still great! We're 5ish weeks out and the thought of soon holding our baby helps soothe every aching moment and restless night.

Our first baby shower was incredible and we were blessed above and beyond what we could have imagined (Thank You if you were there!). Ted and I knew God would provide, but for weeks now we've been kind of worried about living by support only and trying to figure out how to get everything we need. And for me, in my nesting mode, it's been incredibly hard that we weren't buying things we needed before his/her arrival!

At our shower, we received almost everything we needed and with the money & gift cards we were able to buy the rest of the things we really need before he/she comes! Once Baby E/C arrives we will be having a shower here at YWAM for gender specific clothes. I like the YWAM showers too because the community knows us really well, so they tend to buy cute baby things based on what mom and dad's style is! I can't wait.

I will post some pics of the shower when I can. One of my Aunt's made an incredible baby cake based on the colours of our bedding and the elephants. It turned out amazing!

This weekend we have a 6 hour long childbirth class, along with finishing the deep clean of our house (still)! It should be busy but well worth it. On Tuesday next week we will be painting our living room Red w/black accents and rearranging the last bits of everything. Then we will be completely ready!

Oh and don't forget to guess our baby's arrival here: http://bebepool.com/go/?a=Colourherhope&view=list !

Until next time (knowing me, probably tomorrow),