Childbirth Classes

Paul and I went to the second of three childbirth classes today. Paul couldn't make it to the last class, because he was out of town for work. So, Kelly made an excellent partner and filled in for him. (Kelly and I always have too much fun together... a few times she cracked me up so much that I almost had to leave the room. I swear I was trying to pay attention.) This week we talked about when to go to the hospital, our biggest fears of labor, signs of labor, epidurals (yay), and breathing techniques.

I can now "Hee Hee Hoo" with the best of them, and Paul was a very good coach!

We also watched a birthing video... and all I have to say is ... I'm definitely getting an epidural. I'll take a big needle in the back over hours and hours of what looks like excruciating pain. Now I think my biggest fear is being able to get to the hospital in time to get the epidural. We live about 30 minutes from our hospital, and if I go into labor during rush hour it could be much longer. However, from what the nurse says... a first time mom takes a pretty long time during labor so we should be fine. I'm sure we'll make it in plenty of time.

These are the "growing weeks" and I'm feeling the consequences. I'm almost 33 weeks and am starting to "roll along" (as my mom says) instead of walk. Muscles are stretching, I'm starting to get sore, and it's getting a little more difficult to move at my regular pace and roll over in bed. I'm SO glad to be out for the summer... It's time to crank the AC, eat popsicles, and watch bad day time television with the pups to keep me company. That is... of course after we get things ready. Paul is currently painting the nursery (we finally decided on a nice green), we still need to do a lot to get ready. I'm glad we still have some time. I just can't believe how fast this last trimester is going already!

Let the Anxiety Dreams BEGIN!

We went to visit Paul's grandmother a couple of weeks ago, and I'm sure that my conversation with her (and the fact that I am starting to get really anxious about labor stuff) spurred this dream I had last night. Grandma Jean told me that when she had her kids the doctors gave women ether to knock them out before they went into labor.

My dream...

I go into labor. When Paul and I get to the hospital the doctor decides to give me ether instead of an epidural for pain. So, when I wake up from the ether, I've had the baby. I ask the doctor when I can see her, and he says "HER? You had a boy!" So of course I'm shocked, but my first question is... "well how big was he?" The doctor says "Oh, he was 15 pounds!"

"15 pounds?!!! Oh my gosh! I had a 15 pound baby?!" Then I start freaking out... what am I going to do with all the pink baby onsies for newborns? I walked into the doctor's office and my mom is sitting there with our new baby who looks like he is almost 2 years old with red hair and a mouth full of teeth.

Yeah... weird.

Barefoot and Pregnant

I am now 31 weeks along. Addison has ramped up her movements, she even
woke me up last night with her kicking. She always seems to stop when
Paul tries to feel her move. I think that may change soon, because
space is becoming limited!