Week 31- Childbirth class

Wednesday Feb 18th- We had our doctors appointment on Wednesday morning and we met a new doctor in the rotation. This was our first female doctor and to be honest I am more comfortable with male doctors as I think I have always had male doctors since I was a little kid. This doctor was fine, I just prefer a male. So we had our visit... my blood pressure is consistent since I have been pregnant. My rating was a 108/68. I have gained 20 pounds so far in pregnancy which is right on!!! I am on target to gain the recommended weight of 25-30 pounds. I measured a 31cm on my belly which is perfect because I am 31 weeks. The little ones heart rate dropped to 140 at this visit. We are still listening for the heartbeat below the belly button which is a good sign that the head is down and not breech right now. We love gravity and that the little one thinks this position is comfortable! We have now switched to 2 week appointments since I am passed 30 weeks now. After 36 weeks we will go to 1 week doctor's appointments.


My parents call all the time to check on me and the baby. I don't always write about it, but I should because I want our little one to know that their grammie and gramps loves him/her very much. My mom continues to send me an email at work everyday checking in on how we are feeling. My dad calls about every few days to check in on me when he gets home from work. They are going to be wonderful grandparents.

We got an update about Riley's biopsy and it was benign. Thank you God! I didn't want to have to go through cancer treatments for my dog. She is my baby and just so in tune with this pregnancy. She is going to be the protective little mother to our little one. (she doesn't know that she is a dog) actually, I don't think any of our dogs realize they are dogs because they are so loved and spoiled and are allowed to go on furniture, car rides, they get tons of love and attention just like a child would.


So at work this week, I have had tons of meetings. The little one has a very good chance of becoming an accountant because of all the accounting talk that this one has been involved in. We are in constant meetings with our CFO and controller at work and with the economic stimulus package that was just passed, lots of research and the potential affects on me personally (which Jeremy and I will not be receiving that much of a benefit-- go figure... isn't that how it always works) and then the business side and what the effects are for my employer. One reason why I love tax so much is the changes in tax law. We are always learning.



Thursday- February 19th- We received our dresser to complete the nursery furniture. Actually we still need the bed rails, but we aren't too concerned about that since it will be down the road when we might be using these. I was so excited and can't wait to get all the clothes organized and put into the tall dresser. Right now they are in the hutch, but I think I am going to use that more for all the diapers since the changing table is on top of the hutch.



Saturday February 21st- We had our childbirth class at Memorial Hospital today. This was an all day event from 9-5 and there were a total of 12 couples in the class. It first started by the instructor, Donella, asking the due date to the dads. Out of the 12 couples, we had 11 dads in the room and a grandma. The grandma was filling in for her son-in-law who is serving in Iraq. I told the pregnant women to tell her husband thank you for serving our country. I couldn't imagine not having Jeremy with me during pregnancy and am very appreciative that he is here and involved with the pregnancy.



It was very interesting in the beginning of class because out of the 12 couples, 10 choose to find out the sex of their baby. The other couple that didn't find out was split that one spouse wanted to find out and the other didn't. Jeremy and I are very unique that we did not want to find out the sex of our baby and we both agreed on this. There are very few things in life that are surprises and this is one of them. It actually hasn't been bad at all not knowing. I thought I would crack along the way and want to find out, but no that hasn't changed one bit! I am so happy that we didn't find out. I feel it will just make that bond so much more special when we get to see our little one and truly take in the moment.



So as class started, she went around to ask the parents what they were looking forward to most with the arrival of the little one and what we were looking forward to least. Jeremy was asked what he was looking forward to and he said "someone to play with". I was asked what was looking forward to least and I said "the unexpected". I know there will be lots of this and how to deal with all the situations and to raise our child right with morals, ethics, responsibility, manners, etc... I have expectations for myself that I do not want to fail my little one. I want to be the best parent possible as I had great role models in my life and I want to carry that on... I think that is why I have been obsessed with research and getting as much planning done as possible ahead of time.



The class explained the birthing process and we got to see through models how the pelvic bone, uterus, cervix and placenta all interact with each other and what will determine the stages of birth and if a vaginal delivery or Cesarean delivery is needed. We watch birthing videos and also saw a c-section video. We learned about forceps and the vacuum. I am not in favor of these delivery methods and will choose a c-section over these methods. I want the pain to be on me rather than my baby and the minor risks involved with these methods. Knowing that forceps are rarely used in delivery and that the doctors are not very comfortable with these because they rarely use them... I would be more comfortable taking on the pain. With the vacuum, just the risk of bleeding on the brain of my baby if the suction is not applied correctly is not worth it to me. there have been 9 deaths in 5 years and I know its only 9, but if my child was one of those 9, that is enough for me to make my decision for my birth plan. It will be easier for me to tell the doctor if something is wrong with me, rather than my baby not being able to communicate in the way that I could be.



So after the videos we went to lunch and I had a Snickers frozen bar that was my treat for the day! I did share with Jeremy because I couldn't finish it all. So after lunch we learned about the baby dropping and positioning of the baby and how this also impacts the bladder and how the dads need to be more sympathetic on this matter, especially getting up in the middle of the night and if we need help getting up. I think the dads were able to get more out of the class and understand more the changing in the females body during pregnancy. We learned breathing techniques and I was an example for the class and had to focus on a focal point along with Donella rubbing my back for different methods to soothe the mom while she is in labor. There will be times where the mom will want to be touched, not touched, talked to, coached on breathing. Jeremy did great when we had to go through these exercises after our tour of the facility. I really think that this childbirth class should be mandatory for all mothers and fathers. Even if you learn one thing in my mind, its worth it! You can never be prepared enough in my opinion on what to expect.



The tour of the facility started on where we go once our contractions are 5 minutes apart for an hour. We know where to enter and who to talk to. We will be sent to triage for examination to determine how much we have dilated and if we are in labor. at this point we could be sent home or sent to a birthing suite. The suites are very nice and we will stay in here while we labor and also up to 2 hours after delivery. We will do the first feeding after delivery in this room. They have 10 birthing suites and they have never run into a problem with needing a room for delivery. They have 2 c-section rooms and then the 5 triage rooms along with a few other rooms that if needed are available. So she put us all at ease that we will be in a birthing suite. The birthing suites are equipped with a TV, CD player, tub along with other amenities. There is enough space to get up and move around and do our positions if the baby is not in position for birth.



After the birthing suite, we went and played the Happy Birthday song which plays across the entire hospital to let people know a baby has been born!!! The dads have the honor of pressing this button... how neat is this!!! I can't wait for Jeremy to announce the arrival of our little one!



We then went to another wing on the 3rd floor which will be the room that we stay in for 24-48 hours after a normal delivery and we got to see the nursery. Most parents choose to have their babies in their room with them, but since a class was coming by, 2 moms allowed their babies to be sent for 30 minutes to the nursery for our learning experience. Donella said we are gonna scare ya today.... the 24 of us "students" were nervous. They had 2 babies. The first baby she showed us was 6 pounds 7 ounces. An adorable baby girl and she opened her eyes for us. She had so much hair I couldn't believe it. The second baby was 9 pounds 10 ounces... yeah a huge difference in these babies. I have a feeling this will be the difference in Adam's and Elizabeth's baby and ours. Adam and Elizabeth are expecting to have a huge baby and we are not, just based on doctors appointments and family history. So this will be interesting when we put our little ones together for their first picture together!



All in all, I have to say that Donella picked on Jeremy a few times during class as it was pretty funny. The class found out that Jeremy is obsessive compulsive about things and he is an accountant so when Donella was talking percentages, she got confirmation from Jeremy on the fractions she was using. I am convinced that if our kid doesn't want to get dirty that this trait will come from daddy! I am hoping that the organization of wanting to put toys away comes from daddy! I told Donella that I am obsessive to a point on things, but not like Jeremy. For instance, I wanted to make sure that they received our admission form, which is required to be turned in 3 months before delivery. I couldn't believe the amount of people in our class that did not have this done and they were due in March... it just blows my mind. So I made sure that they received our admission form and they had it! They are set for our arrival!


Now its time to start packing the bag for the hospital!


I came home after class and checked our photographers website and there are some of our maternity pictures posted, but not all of them so once they are all up there, I will post them for you to view!!! I can't wait!!!

Sunday- Feb 22nd- we had lunch with Derek and his women Erika. Derek is one of my good friends from high school and he is like a brother to me and we have kept in touch all this time. We went to Brewesters up in New Buffalo for lunch and it was yummy! It is always great to get together with old friends. I am glad that our little one will be able to have all of my friends as aunts and uncles... they can't wait! They even offered to babysit while we attend ND football games.

After lunch we went to my parents house and filled them in on the childbirth class and also talked about other things. My dad felt the little one move as I sit next to him at the kitchen table. It's funny because we all have our spots at the kitchen table... we will soon be making room for the little one when Grammie or Gramps cooks dinner!

So the changes that I have been noticing so far this week is that the little one loves to move around alot now. I wouldn't say they are huge movements, but that it is very noticeable that the little one is moving around in there and trying to get comfortable. Also it is become noticeable that the little one is awake more throughout the day. I normally have my 10 movements within the first hour that I wake up. It's funny because I will take a bath (usually on the weekends) and Jeremy will just watch my belly move. To him its a little freaky seeing my stomach go into all these different shapes... one side is higher than the other and then something will poke out but we have no idea what it is. It is all very interesting as the pregnancy gets further and further along.

So every morning I have an Eggo and a glass of milk. Riley, Russeau and Bob also get to have a bite of this with me every morning as well. They wait at the kitchen table and my last three little bites goes to them. They are just loving this pregnancy with me as they are getting to eat some snacks that normally they would not be receiving!

I also talked with Jeremy's mom this week and filled her in on the childbirth class and where they will need to go once its time! It's all new to all of us and just so exciting... we can't wait! (well we can, but just want to make sure the baby has done all the developing before any arrival is made).

Week 30- Maternity Pics

So this week I had a few meetings over in the other building at Crowe (my old stomping grounds) and I met with one of my old partners Paj. As soon as he saw me he touched the belly and this was just awesome. He is going to be a great grandpa one day. I also ran into Sarah who touched the belly too! Kassie who is a new addition to the tax department asked me if the baby was moving and since I was standing and was walking around, usually the baby isn't moving, but I tried and put her hand on my belly and she was so excited to feel a pregnant ladies belly as she has never felt one before. Unfortunately, the little one wasn't moving, but I will try to get the little one to move for her so she can feel the next time I am over in that building. The baby also received lots of love at Crowe this week from Hillary in the elevator! She just had a baby a few months ago and its just so nice to share these experiences with new moms.

Margie, our neighbor, came over this week and we chatted for an hour one night and she touched the belly. She calls in a checks on me and wants to know if the little one is moving and how we are doing. She is just so sweet.

So on Wednesday this week, Riley had a procedure done at the vet. She had a growth on her right side of her body and we decided to have it removed and the size was small enough to where she did not have to be sedated and could be done through a local numbing of the area. The procedure was very short and she ended up with 2 stitches on her side. We have to watch her so she doesn't itch it with her back leg and that the other dogs do not play with her too rough or to make sure they do not lick it. So far so good. Riley has been receiving special attention as she has been allowed to sleep in bed with us. We find out next week from the biopsy. We pray that everything will be benign.

After Riley's procedure an old high school friend, Kristen, came over with her two daughters, Brayden and Tyler. I helped Kristen with her taxes and we got caught up on old times. It's always good to reminisce as we've known each other for 16 years now.

On Thursday we went to the Notre Dame's basketball game with Meg and Josh to see ND win by 30 points against Louisville. The baby knows Aunt Meg for sure! I don't know if it hormones or just expected emotions, but at halftime, 4 soldiers were honored. They were all injured in the war. The first soldier introduced was burned and missing his arms, the second soldier was missing his arm, the third soldier was shot and the fourth soldier lost his legs and came out with crutches and prosthetic. I had tears flowing and just so thankful to our military for fighting for our freedom. As the student chanted "USA" I couldn't get a peep out as I couldn't control my tears. It was bittersweet to be there and see our soldiers. I wish that we did this more often at events as it is very important to recognize our military and country.

So at work today, one of the senior managers at Crowe, Betsy, came up to me and said that she had a very important lunch and that she had a very important question for me. Of course there have been alot of changes at work so I get nervous for these types of intros to questions. She made my day because the meeting was about the baby and throwing an after baby shower for me at work for my new group that I am in. They wanted to know if I would be ok with an after baby shower and for me to bring the little one in while I am on maternity leave and of course I was so honored and so appreciative. This will be our 4th shower and it just means so much to us. We really appreciate everything that everyone is doing for the baby and us.

On Friday the 13th it was very low key. I got flowers at work from Jeremy. He sent me tulips which are a flower that I like so he did good. Jeremy played basketball with the boys at ND. He loves to play basketball and I am sure if we have a boy that he will be teaching the little one how to shoot properly. Jeremy is very adamant on his shooting. When we watch basketball on tv and the 3 point shots that are made Jeremy can easily determine if the basket will be made. He is hardly wrong. He has an eye for this. Now if we have a little girl... I hope that she will take after me and want to play volleyball.

Valentine's Day- we started off the day by going to the barber shop. I have to admit that for a girl I shouldn't be going to the barber shop, but when Jeremy and I have shopping to do, I usually end up going with him. I actually love going to the barber shop with him. Roger and Jerry are some funny guys. Again, if we have a little boy, I am sure that Jeremy will be taking our little one to the barber shop. There were 3 little boys their getting their hair cuts and it was so cute to watch how they deal with a crying boy for the first time for the first hair cut. I will have to be their to capture the first haircut picture and also to collect that first piece of hair! Now if we have a girl, she will be going to the salon!

So after the barber shop, we went to the mall and ran into Kathy and her twin boys, Tyler and Dylan. She is married to a distant cousin so it was great to see them. They are expecting as well and not sure if they are going to have twins again. Their first ultrasound only shows 1 so far, but we will soon find out as that was done early. Kathy also touched the belly and we of coursed loved it.

I have to say that Aunt Joan and I continue our weekly chats and she checks in on me and the baby. She is just so excited for this little one and can't wait for the shower. 2 more weeks and our first shower will be here.

So it was dinner time on Valentine's day and my dad made reservations at Portofino's for us. We had dinner with my parents and I of course had my garlic bread which is just so yummy at Portofino's. Our waitress that we normally have is in Vegas right now getting married so we had a new waitress and she did a good job. The belly received lots of attention from the owner, Mary, and we also ran into some friends there that I play volleyball with, Tim and Laura. It was a great Valentine's Dinner!

Sunday- February 15th- We started the day at St. John Kanty church with my mom because there was a mass for my Busia (my mom's mom). My mom and I took up the gifts at mass and this was very special as the baby was involved too. During mass, my mom and Jeremy felt the baby move. The little one loves church music and just moves and moves all around!

After mass we went to visit Dzie Dzie and had an ok visit with him. He is getting older and his memory is fading. He still tells me 2 twin girls though. So far there is only one.

We had an appointment later in the day with a family friend, Cheryl, who is also a photographer and we were meeting for our maternity pictures! Our first pictures started with me and pictures of the belly and then continues to pictures of Jeremy, me and the belly and then Jeremy kissing the belly. When they are posted on her website I will let everyone know the link! I am so happy to have done maternity pictures because this is just an amazing experience in life that I want to document and show my little one. Jeremy and I hope to have more kids if we are blessed to. We know that we are very lucky to be having a baby and just hope the joy continues!

Monday - Feb 16th-
I took the day off from work to be with my mom today. We went shopping and got items for the baby shower and shopped today on top of other personal things that we did. We did the end day with visiting Dzie Dzie and he asked if the "babies were bouncing" I said he/she was just moving and I went to sit closer to him and he felt his great grandchild move. Just a tender sweet moment. He still tells me twin girls so we will see in a few months! At least he is consistent with his thoughts!

Week 29- Girl's week

me with Andrea at Carrabba's




me with Meg and Andrea!



We had an eventful week this week.

We started the week off by going to the eye doctor for the yearly check-up. I have been going to my doctor since I was a little kid so I am sure that our little one will be going to my doctor (at least until he retires). We started off doing the usual tests and I did great. Then it was time to see the doctor and we chatted about the baby and he said that he does not dilate the eyes during pregnancy as this hasn't been tested on the effects it would have on the baby since the dilation does go into your body. So we played it safe and no dilation this time of the eyes. All in all no change in my eye vision.. no headaches so nothing to worry about during the pregnancy right now. So I asked him if I could get new glasses as I have had mine for about 3-4 years now and it was about time for a new look. I am gonna be a mom so I figured now is the time to start for a new mommy look! I went to Kathie who always helps me and she is just so sweet. She has been there forever and she is my doctors assistant. She is honest with me and tells me what looks good and what doesn't! Don't we all need friends like this! So anyway I settled on a red pair of Coach glasses. Then I asked if I could get my sunglass lenses changed to be prescription sunglasses.... my doctor at this point came out to see how we are doing... I love receiving the special attention!! I showed him my sunglasses and he wasn't sure because of the curve on them and said we will send them to the lab to see if they can do the lenses. Sure enough I got a call from Kathie later in the week and they could do it! So mama is getting 2 new sets of eye wear!!

On Wednesday, February 4th, we went to have a girls dinner with Andrea and Meg. I love spending time with these girls because we just chat and chat and chat and we laugh, laugh, laugh. It is a good time. Andrea was able to feel the little one move as she has been so excited to feel the baby. I was happy the little one was moving! The little one is known to be stubborn at times... gotta love that Polish heritage! So we had dinner at Carrabba's and about 2.5 hours later we decided it was time to head home to the hubbies.



On Thursday February 5th I had another girls dinner with 2 of the aunts from Jeremy's side of the family. Aunt Kellie and Aunt Jill. We always have a ton of fun when we are together. I hang out with them alot during volleyball during the summer and we are getting closer and closer and just love it. We went to Friday's and had a long fun dinner of talking, laughing and just telling stories. I love the fact that the little one and me are receiving alot of love and this means so much. I know once the baby arrives things will change and I won't have alot of time to hang out like I do now, but hopefully their will be alone time for daddy and then mama can still have some time with her friends when the little one is old enough and when I can leave my baby. I have a feeling this will be along time as it took me awhile to leave the dogs.... I can't imagine leaving my little one. Anyway, while we were at Friday's, I had this slushie Strawberry Lemonade drink and it was so yummy. I came home and told Jeremy about it.... I was like we have to figure out how to make this. (I will continue the story later on in the blog)

So Friday- Jeremy played basketball with some friends and I ran over to my Uncle's house to pick up his taxes and Lorissa felt the belly, which everyone knows that I love this! I came home and did their taxes and then just chilled out at home. I relaxed... did the dishes and just watched TV.

Saturday- we have been going to Saturday mass and the little one really likes church music. I felt two big movements on my top right side that were letting me know the little one was awake.

After church we went out to dinner with my parents. We got to hear their story and how they won the public hearing.. I am not going to write about it in the blog as it is my parents story to tell their grand-child one day, but they were victorious with all the research and communication that they had to do in order to be successful at the hearing!

Sunday- we went over to Jeremy's parents house and visited but I also used Pam's computer to copy photos of old pictures of my Busia and Dzie Dzie. My mom is in the process of cleaning out my Dzie Dzie's condo and came across these photos and she wants me and my Uncle Mitch to have copies of them. She knows that it is important to carry on this tradition for our little one and to know his/her great-grandparents. We had pizza with Jeremy's parents and talked about the baby which was very nice. Pam also gave me a pair of very comfy slippers which I know will come in handy!

So we came home and I was still craving that drink from Friday's. Jeremy did some research online and found a recipe. It was about 7:30 at night and I said can we go to Martin's to get the ingredients. Any other time he would have said no, but since this was something healthy and that he knew I was craving, we made the trip to the supermarket. We got home and I made it, but it wasn't as good as at Friday's, but it helped me with my craving!

so the dogs have been really following me around the house lately. As I sit here typing, the dogs are all in the office with me and just laying down. Bob I think is becoming more and more aware of the baby. I try to tell them that mama is gonna have a baby and if they are laying on my stomach and the baby moves I tell them that was the baby. So hopefully they are getting used to the name "baby" so when we do actually bring the baby home they will at least be familiar with the tone in my voice when I say baby.

Monday at work I had a meeting and one of the ladies is always asking to feel the baby move. Well we were in the meeting together and the little one moved so I told Cindy to feel the belly and sure enough the little one moved and it was a big movement at the top of my stomach. She was so happy and so was I. Cindy is expecting twin grand-daughters a few weeks before me so she is just so excited.