Weekend of Classes

This weekend we had 14 hours of classes.  Talk about exhausting and overwhelming.  We did learn so much though.  I even signed up for additional classes.  I cannot believe how much we did not know or really ever think about.

Some interesting things from class...

Child birth class
- Natural birth is whack: They made us sit through videos of women giving birth without medication.  Torture.  I don't need to see that or hear the sounds they made.  I totally do not understand the no epidural thing.  I'd let them knock me out completely if I could.  (low pain tolerance)
- You have to get a catheter if you have an epidural:  That makes sense since you can't walk, but I hadn't ever thought about it.  That idea creeps me out.

Child Care Class
- Don't use baby powder anymore...the baby inhales it
- Babe doesn't need lotion either.  They need to learn to regulate moisture on their own.

Breast Feeding Class
- You have to feed your baby...like, a lot more than I thought. Apparently they lose weight after birth and the docs want them back to birth weight at two weeks old.  Which means, you have to feed them at least every three hours, even if they are sleeping, for the first two weeks.  AND if you want to breastfeed, you can't introduce a bottle yet.  Ummmm, what?  I will be her sole feeder 8-12 times a day?
-Breastfeeding is also whack...yes, it is a miracle and yes, I want to try, but it's still weird.  I could go on but I'll leave it at that.

Although I make it sound displeasing, we really did enjoy our classes.  I am definitely more overwhelmed now, but also more prepared.  Which is good because it's getting way close.  48 more days if she's on time.

What I wish I'd known about pregnancy and birth...

This was the title of an email I got today via the Baby Center.  I usually ignore most of their email blurbs.  I figure if they are important or interesting, Ashley will let me know.  Yes, she signed up on Baby Center with me so she could follow along through the whole pregnancy and get all the updates.

Want to know what I learned from this article?  Nothing, except that the women who post on here are really bitchy pregnant women.  They griped about everything… morning sickness, exhaustion, swelling, ligament pain, etc.  I kinda thought everyone knew about those things going into pregnancy?  I was looking for some good, new info!

Anyway, I wanted to put a positive spin on pregnancy, so I posted a short comment about pregnancy actually being enjoyable.  I have been blessed with a rather easy pregnancy and an extremely supportive husband.  Yes, I definitely have my days that I am more emotional, whiny, moody, and just want a dang glass of wine, but I’ve tried to keep a positive attitude for the most part.  (Well, I think I have anyway…maybe I should ask JP for the truth).  So I put together the following list;  (I went back and forth with the name for this list.  I thought, “Why my friends shouldn’t be scared to get knocked up” sounded good too.)

Why pregnancy doesn’t suck so bad…

1.       Ice Cream – I eat it almost every day now.  It’s easier to justify the calories when you’re pregnant.  Plus, P needs the calcium, right?  I’m pretty sure JP has enjoyed this part too.

2.       People are really nice – I feel like I am treated like a queen sometimes.  People go out of their way to help the preggers out.  Even strangers are always asking if I need help, open doors, and ask to carry stuff for me.  It’s nice to know that there are still a lot of good people in this world.

3.       Massages – As you know, my back hurts a lot lately so JP is usually willing to give me a back massage.  (It’s the least he can do, right?)

4.       You always have an excuse – Bad mood? Forget something?  Want to eat 3 pieces of cake? Accidentally park your car on the work bench in the garage?...Doesn’t matter.  You’re pregnant.  You are making a human and you have crazy hormones. It can be an excuse for everything.

5.       (My favorite perk of all) There is a baby in there – This little miracle still blows my mind daily.  Seriously, how is she living in there?  I still get excited with each move, kick, punch, and hiccup. 

“Children are a gift from the Lord.  They are a reward from Him” Psalm 127:3

God is good J 

Parker's Shower

Parker’s shower

Parker’s shower was perfect.  We got a lot of really cute stuff.  Thanks to my wonderful hostesses and JP’s mom, Debbie, for all their hard work.

Cheerleader in training

We went to Stork Vision last week for Parker's 3D pictures.  I guess she didn't like the way her hair looked that day because she did not cooperate.  Her hands were in front of her face and she was squished up against the placenta. (ewww I don't like that word)  Although she didn't participate, we did get to confirm that she is still a girl.  That was the first thing I asked the sonographer since we haven't seen her since week 18.  I was terrified that she would have a penis.  What would I do to her nursery and with all the clothes/bows I've bought.  Which by the way, I have a serious problem buying for this child.  If you know me, you know that I USED to be extremely cheap and always looking for a good deal.  That is so not the case with Parker.  I need to get back in control.

Anyway, we went back on Tuesday for a redo sonogram.  They suggested I drink a lot of caffeine...I was so excited since I've been limiting my caffeine intake.  I got a Sonic Route 44 vanilla diet coke on the way to the appointment.  (Don't worry, I didn't drink it all)  Did it make her move you ask? ...nope, but I was wired and could not shut up.  I think I told JP ten stories without a breath.  I digress.  Parker did decide to participate this time though...well, sort of.  We could see half of her face.  She was practicing her heel stretch so her leg was squishing one side of her face.  I'm glad she is already working on her cheer skills.  See JP, this is why she can't go to A&M...no cheerleaders.  I'm pretty sure she already wants to go to Tech anyway.  She always moves when I sing the fight song to her. Yes, I sing the fight song and school song to her.  I gotta take advantage while I can.

That is her foot on the right

 

She kept opening and closing her mouth - the only thing that was moving

 

 

Oh and I asked the sonographer if she could see hair.  (A natural concern coming from someone that didn't have hair until 3 years old)  Apparently, it's easier to see hair on 2D vs 3D.  She checked it out and said she could definitely see hair.  I guess we will see soon enough if that lady knows her stuff. 

 

 

30 week check up

 

I knew this pregnancy couldn't be smooth sailing the whole time or maybe I've just been bitchier lately.  Either way, I'm sick of this heat, my back hurts, and I just want my to do lists to be done.  We had also gotten used to getting an A+ at every doctor's visit.  Not the case this week. We had my 30 week check up and my doctor is still concerned with my weight gain (or lack thereof).  I know, I know, doesn't sound like much of a problem, but we have to make sure Parker weighs enough.  The doc scheduled a sonogram in two weeks so we can double check her size and weight.  Hoping everything looks good.

 

 

We are almost done with the nursery.  Just a few finishing touches.  I did finally get her deer canvas' painted.  I am so not crafty and it took forever, but I'm happy with the finished product.

In remembrance of the two deer JP shot in front of me