Started our Childbirth Classes Last Night!

We don't have any "natural" classes in our area, the closest ones are about 2 hours away, so these are classes that the hospital offers. I know that isn't ideal, but I've been doing lots of research and reading on my own (right now I'm loving Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way) and our doula did recommend these classes.

So far I really like them. Our teacher is a registered doula and lactation consultant herself....so although she has to cover the hospital's curriculm, I think she is more pro-natural than the typical hospital instructor. And next week is totally focused on natural coping techniques.

Also, Jason is getting more out of it than he expected. He wasn't thrilled when he found out about the whole childbirth class for 6 weeks thing. But he seemed happy when we left, said he had learned things, and he is totally on board and committed to helping me have a natural childbirth...he said this is my baby, and I want what is best for it, so we are going to get through it together without drugs. :) He really is going to benefit from this class and will be a much better support person for me now, I'm so excited and looking forward to having this experience with him. :)

We're getting closer...

Wow, it's been a long time since I updated this. I hope everyone had a good Christmas! Our family gave us lots of things for Baby, so we were very excited that we could finally get started on the nursery. Here is Daddy-to-be putting the crib together...

And the finished product...

And Jason's parents also got us the dresser/changer that we wanted...

I'm so excited about how the nursery is coming together. I was unsure about it at first, just because of the layout of the room, but I think it's going to be perfect! We added a rocking chair and there is still plenty of space in the room. I can't wait to get our bedding and mattress; then we'll just need curtains and some sort of organizer for the closet!

Since my last post, Nana has gotten to feel some kicks, and so has Aunt Karen :) Here is a pic of me at 27 weeks...

My glucose test is in 2 days so keep your fingers crossed that I pass :-/ Then my appointments start getting scheduled every two weeks! This pregnancy is going by so quickly!!

Baby's Growing ~ 22 weeks!

Baby is getting so big! I feel it's kicks all the time, and most nights Jason gets to feel too. I've even seen my belly poke out from its kicks. Also, Baby's mommom-to-be got to feel a kick, which she was very excited about. It's amazing how much space it's taking up now. I feel like almost my whole belly is baby.

Speaking of my belly, it's getting huge. Every week when I go to the gym it takes me by surprise. I really notice it there because of all the mirrors and my workout clothes. Luckily all the weight I've gained seems to be in my belly so far.

Here I am at 22 weeks, 1 day:

Ultrasound Results!

Our ultrasound was amazing! The tech did all the measurments then surprised us and flipped it over to 4D. I started crying, it was amazing to all of the sudden see a real baby and not just an outline of bones. Baby looks beautiful and perfect and healthy! We even watched it have the hiccups, so adorable! We made it through the u/s without finding out the gender, so we are officially staying on the green team!!

She said the baby's measuring a whole week early, 20w3d. And it's weight is estimated at 12oz, instead of the "normal" 8-10oz...great, a big baby! haha, i knew there was a reason I was getting so big!

Here are some pics!

A perfect little profile :)

This is when she flipped the switch and went to 4D...amazing.

Almost giving us a little smile

Feeling Movement!

Just over a week ago, at 17weeks, 5days, I felt my first definite movement! About 5 little taps just below my belly button while I was sitting at my desk at work. All week I've been feeling little kicks, yesterday was the best day so far. Hopefully it wont be too long until these itty bitty kicks are strong enough to feel from the outside so Jason can feel them too.

Another exciting milestone: Strangers can tell I'm pregnant! On our cruise last week, the first person to say anything was one of the photographers. We were having our picture taken after dinner one night and he said to Jason, "Sir, hand on baby." I almost cried, it was so sweet. By the end of the cruise two more people had asked if I was expecting. Of course, we were on a cruise...I'm sure my belly was sticking out more than usual because of the eating we were doing!

We have hired our doula. The meeting went great; I know she will help me have the birth experience I'm hoping for. Now I'm just reading everything I can get my hands on to help me prepare. We'll sign up for childbirth classes that start mid-december.

The ultrasound is scheduled for tomorrow at 4:00, so hopefully I will have some cute baby pics to put up soon. Until then here is me at 18 weeks.

Meeting Doula Today!

Tonight we meet our potential doula! I'm very excited, I'm almost postive that we are going to be using her. Jason is excited about meeting her too. I think the idea of him being my only support during labor was a little intimidating, especially since I'm planning on having a natural birth. He's looking forward to having some help. Plus if any visitors are not being supportive, or are getting on my nerves during labor, she can be the one to kick them out...so no hard feelings torwards Jason for being the bad guy.

Tomorrow we are going to see So You Think You Can Dance on tour!! I'm so excited about it! We've been every year; I'm not sure how long that tradition will continue once our little one arrives, so I'm really going to enjoy myself this time and just soak it all in!

Our big ultrasound is scheduled for November 4th!! I can't wait! We are having it done at this nice place, where they put the picture up on a big flat screen on the wall. They have a couch and a big chair in there, so you can bring up to 5 people along with you. Both of our mom's were very happy to accept the invitation! It should be fun :)

Here's me at 16 weeks.

Doctor Appointment Today

Everything seems great!! I heard the baby's heartbeat again and it sounded good :) I really liked the doctor that I saw today, it was the first time I didn't feel super rushed, and I was able to get all my questions answered. My next ultrasound will be scheduled for sometime between November 1st-10th! Although, we don't plan on finding out the gender, so it will just be another chance to see baby! :)

And she gave me the letter so I can go on our cruise! Yay, vacation in 2 weeks!!