Spilled the beans!

Status: 8w3d

For a few days now I've really felt like I wanted to tell the kids about Little Foot. So tonight, we finally did. I didn't do anything creative, I just sat down and told them - one by one. 

Eli (5) wanted to know if it was a boy or a girl and when it was coming. I told him I didn't know, and we expect him/her in the Spring, after Pesach. He took that all in.

When I told Talia (3), she threw her hands up in the air and yelled "Yay!!!" She's very excited, in case it wasn't obvious. 

Reuben (23 mon) is about as excited as you can be for an almost 2 year old. He seemed happy, and was excited to say "Big Brother."

Knowing my kids can't keep a secret, we called my parents and let them share the news. My mom pretty much already knew and was just waiting for confirmation. Both my parents were very happy, as expected. 

Let's See Baby!

Status: 7w5d

On Monday, at 7w2d, I went to See Baby for an ultrasound to make sure there was no cause for my "over eager" (that's what I'm calling it) uterus. 

There isn't. :) Just one perfectly healthy little baby in there with a HB of 166 bpm. It wasn't super loud, but this mama know just what that beautiful sound is - I only wish I could have recorded it for Joel to hear later. 

While I was there, I had my homebirth consult with Dr. Bootstaylor, who will be OFFICIALLY providing backup services for our birth! I'm so excited to have this as an option this time, and I'm still wrapping my brain around it being possible. He ordered my labs for me, and said he'd see me when I decided to come back! 

I'm tired.

Status: 6w4d

Well that's probably the understatement of the century. I am EXHAUSTED. And to top it all off I have pregnancy insomnia, although not as bad as last round. No matter how tired I am, I am up past 1 AM every night. The combo is killing me. I guess part of pregnancy amnesia is forgetting how bad this part was. Although last time, both my kids still napped. This time, I have one short napper, one transitioning out of naps, and one that doesn't nap. To say there is a lot of tv watching at our house would be lying. It's ALL that's happening. Homeschool is bare minimum, but we are trudging along. 

Now, where's my pillow?

The first checkup!

Status 6w4d

First off, since it's after midnight.....

Happy 5th Birthday 

Big Brother

Eli!!!

Now that that's taken care of, moving on to the point of this post. Yesterday, I had my first appointment with one of the midwives who will be caring for us during this pregnancy. We have chosen to work with a new set of midwives this time - Debbie Schneider and Constance Conn of Dawning Life Midwifery. 

I saw Debbie yesterday, along with Ashley (one of the apprentices). We had a two hour visit, during which we reviewed my history, current health status, concerns, work/life habits, etc. You name it, we probably touched on it. They also did the usual urine and BP check - I need to drink more water, but my BP was good. 

Then, Debbie felt my belly. She told me that there shouldn't be anything for her to palpate since I was only 6w3d, but then she paused. She could feel my uterus. She pushed on it a few times and asked if I felt what she was pushing on. I said, "yes." She pushed on it some more and asked if I could feel her pushing in my cervix. I said, "Yes." She said my uterus felt about 12 weeks, and asked me if I was sure about my dates. I think I said, "Please don't say that! I'm definitely sure." She reassured me that it was not uncommon for moms on their 4th + pregnancy to have an over-eager uterus, and told me everything would probably even out by 20 weeks. 

Later on this evening, I got a little panicky, and started to feel unsettled. I decided I wanted a second opinion, so I emailed my back-up doctor, Dr. Bootstaylor (I have used him with all my kids, except Eli). 

I also emailed Debbie and told her how I was feeling, and she suggested that I go in for an ultrasound for reassurance. I asked her to send the referral, and I would sleep on it. I'll keep you updated about what I decide to do!

Overall, we had a great appointment. Debbie and I had a brief discussion about my fear of another unassisted birth. She suggested that if I felt like I needed someone at my house earlier than was typical, that would be something they could accommodate. So that's something I will have to think about. My next midwife appointment is September 30th. 

Peace, love, and happy gestating!

Feeling Large and Not So In Charge

Status: 6w2d 

I have nothing to wear. Clothes that fit last week, no longer fit. Normally I would just go into my maternity clothes, but they are all at someone's house. Sigh..... Guess I'll be hitting up some consignment stores this week...

This pregnancy is kicking my butt - lots of insomnia combined with exhaustion. It's a great combination. Not! I've also read that with a 4th baby you might look pregnant sooner, but this is ridiculous!