Memorial Day

First off, Happy Memorial Day to everyone!!! My husband and I took a moment to stop by my father's grave yesterday and leave some flowers in memory of his time in service. It is hard to believe that Dad died over 4 years ago, time has really flown by.

We spent a majority of the day at a local state park and a small waterpark with our son and several of our friends. Blaine had fun swimming with their children and riding down the big slide with his aunt. My husband was sweet enough to sit out on all the fun and keep me company by the pool. We were afraid of what might be in the water and didn't want to put the baby at risk, so there was no water time for me.

I guess it is back to work tomorrow, unless by some miracle Levy decides he want to be born tonight. We have tried everything under the sun, except for caster oil. But if things become desperate there is bottle sitting on the kitchen counter, I just haven't worked up the nerve yet.

Keeping our fingers crossed that nature will hurry up.

Several Mixed Emotions

I know that the pregnancy does have some effect on my emotions and the way I react to things. The two primary emotions are ANGER and SADNESS about the doctor for choosing to push back the date I will meet my son. Mixed in with those are feelings of EMBRASSMENT for telling everyone he would be born yesterday and then having to say "Well, opps! There's been a change of plans".

Even with all those emotions swirling in my head I understand that two simple facts are true:
1)   The doctor is the professioinal, I am not!
2)   He knows what is best for my baby!

Short and Sweet (well, Unsweet)

I am gonna keep this short and too the point. I finally got myself worked up and excited about the possibility of having the baby tomorrow, but when I got to the doctor my husband and I were given some bad news. The doctor said he had hoped that I would have "progressed" (dilated) more, but since I am still at 1 cm he does not want to induce labor tomorrow. And, just to add to the great news we were getting, he informs me that he will be out of town next week and therefore doesn't want me to come back until June 6th. That is two days past my due date!!!! I guess I should have realized that while I am the "eternal optimist" of our household, my husband , the "end-of-the-world pessimist" is ALWAYS right. I guess I need to keep repeating "good things come to those who wait".

My Oldest Graduated Kindergarten

Today is going to be a very hectic and busy day. Our oldest son, Blaine, graduates from Kindergarten this morning and then shortly after lunch we go to the doctor to discuss the birth of the newest addition to our family. I am so nervous about this afternoon and overjoyed about this morning! Congrats to you Wild Child!!

38 weeks and 4 days

I am now to the point that I am counrting the hours until my next doctors appointment when we will find out for sure if they will induce labor a week before my due date or not. While I am excited about the prospects of meeting our new baby I am worried about possible side effects from being induced early and from the pain meds given during labor. With my first son labor was induced a week after my due date (standard precedure), but complication arose during labor from the pain meds given thru my IV. I stopped breathing shortly after the nurse gave me the injection and my son was born with no heartbeat. Luckily, the doctors were able to revive him, but that is NOT an experience I want to go thru again. I have discussed my concerns about the pain medicine with my husband and we have agreed that it will be his call if he feels I need an epidural. I have spent the last few months practicing my meditation skills and I thoroughly believe that I should be able to handle the pain without the help of medication. I know within a 3 day stretch of time exactly when I got pregnant so I feel confident that my due date is accurate. With that said, I am still worried about the fact they will be possible inducing my previous to my due date, but I understand the doctor's reasoning behind inducing me early (my son's head measure nearly 5 weeks ahead of schedule). I have actually toyed with the idea of refusing to be induced, going full term, and then opting for a c-section if my son is too large for me to have naturally. I guess I'll find out for sure tomorrow and will discuss my concerns with the doctor at the time.

Introduction To A 1st Time, 2nd Time Mom

I am a soon-to-be second time mom. My husband and I are happily (and nevously) awaiting the arrivial of our second son in the next week or so. I had hoped to start this blog several weeks ago as a way to vent my worries, share my new experiences, and give insight into any alternative techniques I try this go 'round. Unfortunately I didn't get the courage to start it until yesterday and I am supposed to be induced Thursday. With this child I have decided to take up several enviromentally friendly, and hopefully cost effective, methods of child care including: reusable cloth diapers, breastfeeding, and hand-me-down clothes from my first son. I am also having to face the delima of either being a stay-at-home mom or returning to the workforce and will be introduced to the headache of sibling rivalry. This pregnancy has been very different from my first and I have to admit that it has been very nerve racking. Between trips to the hospital because of extended periods of time without any fetal movement and additional ultrasounds required because of low ambioatic fluid levels, my husband and I have both spent many sleepless nights worried about our baby. Now the count down is on for the few remaining days we have to wait until we meet our little boy.

-Melinda