So we're kind of behind the curve with our childbirth class updates. Here's what happened the past two weeks...
Last week Jer and I were happily surprised to have the class go only one hour. The class was nice because with the snowy weather, there were only 6 of us in the room. So it was intimate and there were more Q&A opportunities than in our other classes. There isn't much to share here on the blog because the class was full of after delivery details...what to expect the rest of your hospital stay...and all the fun after baby stuff that moms go through. It was great info, just not all that interesting to anyone who won't be going through it. So...I'll spare details here and just say we learned a lot and I now have a great idea of what I'll go through after delivery. And I was pleased to find out that the nurses have standing orders of 3 different pain killers! That's comforting!
This week our subject was infant care. The class started with two students from the dental school giving us some tips on when to take our child to the dentist and how to care for baby's gums before they have teeth. We then got an hour lecture from a labor and delivery nurse about all the do's and don'ts with our baby. At first I thought her approach was more of a scare tactic approach. You CAN'T do this because this horrible thing could happen. And you WON'T do this because this horrible thing could happen. However, after hearing a few of her stories about babies and children brought into the ER, I realized why she used that method. She actually told us about people who said because their baby wouldn't stop crying, they put vodka in their bottle. That is no joke people. Vodka in the bottle. Her approach softened as the night went on and she showed us her sense of humor. My favorite part of the night was when she took us upstairs for a sponge bath demonstration on a baby in the nursery! The baby was sound asleep and she did not like being woke up for a bath. But man was she a cutey!
All in all, the class was great because there is so much information out there. Use a crib bumper, don't use a crib bumper. No water in their bottles till they are a year. Breast feeding vs. bottle feeding. It's hard to feel confident you are making the right choices. But when we left, Jer and I both felt like we had a good handle on things to expect, and things we want to make sure we do once our baby has arrived.
One more class to go and we'll official graduate from Baby University! Stay tuned. Next week is all about epidurals!
February 6, 2009
A Wonderful Amazing Fabulous Party in Our Honor
Saturday, January 24th Jer and I got to attend our long anticipated Baby Shower!! This day was better than we could have ever imagined!! Steff and Bryan lovingly opened their home to our family and friends. We got ready and were at their house around 3pm. When we got there they had a beautiful fire going in the fireplace, the house was spotless, warm and inviting, and Steff then showed me the way to the garage where they had decorated the whole place with the cutest jungle themed decorations EVER! Steff made us an adorable sign for everyone to sign and leave us advice. We placed our scrapbook and pictures around the sign for people to enjoy. It was beautiful…and just more than I’d ever pictured!
Our guests started arriving around 3:40 and it was pretty much craziness from that point on. The shower flew by. Jer and I got to spend a lot of time catching up with friends and family. Having everyone together in one place was chaotic, but we wouldn’t have had it any other way!
Around 5pm we all headed to the garage to eat! The food was amazing and delicious. They know how to keep a pregnant girl happy :) After eating Alison helped entertain the crowd with a game. The game involved me and Jer only. She had a series of questions to ask us. Each of had a dry erase board and would fill in the answers without consulting each other. Then after a few seconds we would compare answers to see how similarly we answered. We only missed 2 of the questions…and both of us were trying to think of what the other person would put. My favorite answer was the one where we were asked, “If you had one wish for your child, what would it be?” Both of us answered happiness! It was fun and everyone seemed to really enjoy it!
After the game we opened gifts. We were so spoiled!! Our nursery is now packed with all kinds of wonderful things for Baby Linley! It was a little crazy opening gifts from nearly 40 people, but oh so much fun! I tried to make sure we read each card and thanked each person as we opened. Hopefully we did ok with this!
After the gift opening Pastor Brad gave us a Lay of Hands. It’s an ancient Christian tradition. It’s a way of blessing the baby and the baby’s family. It was by far the neatest thing Jer and I have had done. Jer and I both placed a hand on my belly. Then everyone gathered around us and touched our head or shoulders. Brad said a prayer over us. I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and ease about everything that’s in store for me and Jer.
Jer and I owe so many thank you’s it’s hard to know where to start. And the bottom line is that there are hardly any words that will express how much it truly meant to us to be surrounded by those who were there. Thank you Bryan and Steff for being our best friends. We’ve talked about this many times, but God knew what he was doing when Steff and I met that day at Hickey College. Words can’t express our gratitude for everything. Steff you were the most gracious and caring host ever! You get the “Hostess with the Mostess” award that Brad often likes to give out! Alison and Julie, thank you so much for everything you both did. Having you there and knowing Jer and I have your support means so much! Mom, Robin, Stacey, Jackie, April and Missy…you girls are all awesome! There wasn’t a food I didn’t go back for more of!! Finally…to our guests who might be reading this…THANK YOU! Jer and I would not be the people we are today without the love and support of everyone who took part in our day. We are truly truly blessed. God has seen fit to fill our lives with more love than we know what to do with!
Our guests started arriving around 3:40 and it was pretty much craziness from that point on. The shower flew by. Jer and I got to spend a lot of time catching up with friends and family. Having everyone together in one place was chaotic, but we wouldn’t have had it any other way!
Around 5pm we all headed to the garage to eat! The food was amazing and delicious. They know how to keep a pregnant girl happy :) After eating Alison helped entertain the crowd with a game. The game involved me and Jer only. She had a series of questions to ask us. Each of had a dry erase board and would fill in the answers without consulting each other. Then after a few seconds we would compare answers to see how similarly we answered. We only missed 2 of the questions…and both of us were trying to think of what the other person would put. My favorite answer was the one where we were asked, “If you had one wish for your child, what would it be?” Both of us answered happiness! It was fun and everyone seemed to really enjoy it!
After the game we opened gifts. We were so spoiled!! Our nursery is now packed with all kinds of wonderful things for Baby Linley! It was a little crazy opening gifts from nearly 40 people, but oh so much fun! I tried to make sure we read each card and thanked each person as we opened. Hopefully we did ok with this!
After the gift opening Pastor Brad gave us a Lay of Hands. It’s an ancient Christian tradition. It’s a way of blessing the baby and the baby’s family. It was by far the neatest thing Jer and I have had done. Jer and I both placed a hand on my belly. Then everyone gathered around us and touched our head or shoulders. Brad said a prayer over us. I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and ease about everything that’s in store for me and Jer.
Jer and I owe so many thank you’s it’s hard to know where to start. And the bottom line is that there are hardly any words that will express how much it truly meant to us to be surrounded by those who were there. Thank you Bryan and Steff for being our best friends. We’ve talked about this many times, but God knew what he was doing when Steff and I met that day at Hickey College. Words can’t express our gratitude for everything. Steff you were the most gracious and caring host ever! You get the “Hostess with the Mostess” award that Brad often likes to give out! Alison and Julie, thank you so much for everything you both did. Having you there and knowing Jer and I have your support means so much! Mom, Robin, Stacey, Jackie, April and Missy…you girls are all awesome! There wasn’t a food I didn’t go back for more of!! Finally…to our guests who might be reading this…THANK YOU! Jer and I would not be the people we are today without the love and support of everyone who took part in our day. We are truly truly blessed. God has seen fit to fill our lives with more love than we know what to do with!
February 2, 2009
I know, I know, I know!
Long time no post...and I promise several are coming soon!
Stay tuned for info about our AWESOME, amazing, most wonderful baby shower, nursery progress (photos included), child birth class updates and a few other random ramblings from me!
Stay tuned for info about our AWESOME, amazing, most wonderful baby shower, nursery progress (photos included), child birth class updates and a few other random ramblings from me!
January 23, 2009
Getting Ready...
Soooo...our couples baby shower is tomorrow and I CANNOT wait!! I've been excited since Steff called me back in July to toss the idea around. I love that Jer and I get to share in this together. Afterall, this is our baby...not just mine! Why should I get to open all the presents and eat all the cake by myself? Steff and everyone have put a lot of hard work into everything. She's even put up with me saying I wanted to be surprised, but asking a lot of questions she couldn't really answer if I truly wanted to be surprised. I'm a pregnant pain in the butt! Thanks Steff ;) But before we are truly ready for the shower...we have a few things to do. So today Jer and I decided to take some time off work. He took the day and I decided to work a half day from home. We have lots of things on our to-do list. I can't wait to finish up some small details in the nursery, like hanging blinds and getting some of our baby clothes in the dresser. Stay tuned. I'll be posting nursery pics soon. I'm also looking forward to getting a couple scrapbooks in order to put on display. It's going to be a blast and neither of us can wait to see all our friends and family tomorrow!
Happy Friday :)
Happy Friday :)
Eagle Watching
This past Saturday Jer and I got to enjoy spending a relaxing morning with my parents - The Lambie's . We all got up relatively early, for a Saturday, and Mom & Dad took us to Piasa Harbor to get a Big Weekend Breakfast! Afterwards, Baby Linley got his/her first taste of a long standing tradition in my family! We took a drive to look for eagles, both Immature and Mature (ask David for further explanation). Yes - We are the crazy people driving up and down the River Road looking to see if we can spot one of those gracious and beautiful birds.
We drove down the Great River Road, across to Lincoln Shields, and then over towards the Lock and Dam. We saw a ton of them out on the ice and a few soaring above us. But we never really got a good look at any up close until we took off down the Berm (Route 143) . There, Dad spotted one and pulled off near the bike path along the levee . We were able to walk down a trail to the river and follow it. We watched it soaring right above us. I think it might even have landed in the trees right above us, but we were loud and scared it off. What a fabulous improtu Saturday morning adventure!
January 22, 2009
30 Week Check-Up :
Last Friday, I had our 30-week check-up. Since Jer had to work, my Mom said that she would like to come with me to this appointment.
At this visit, we learned that the baby is nearly 3.5 or possibly 4 pounds, already – which Dr. Talsky says is big for this stage in the game. No wonder I am hungry ALL the time! When we listened to the heartbeat, the baby was very active causing the heart rate to go up and down. It fluctuated between 130 and 160 beats per minute. Dr. Talsky explained that this type of fluctuation is what they like to see. Apparently, the change in heart rate means the baby has good blood and oxygen flow to the brain. Good news!
Again, Dr. Talsky was impressed with my belly. I’m measuring 32 weeks, which is still just slightly ahead of where I should be measuring at this point. He made more of his famous comments. Starting with, “Wow. Look at that big belly looking up at me,” and “Everything is going wonderfully. We’re just a little ahead of schedule on the baby size.” If I had a dime for every time he said “big baby”, I’d be rich! Knowing us, we’ll have a 6-lb skinny pee-wee and I'll go a week over my due date. Right now, with the way Dr. Talsky is acting, I’m expecting a toddler to come walking out!
He told me because everything looked great and I was doing so well, we could wait another 3 weeks for our next appointment. So, we go again on February 6th. He said at this point, we have to make it at least 6 more weeks without going into labor. Since I haven’t really had anything I’d classify as a real contraction, I’m guessing that shouldn’t be too hard to do. We'll see as the weeks go by. He told me to get 9 - 10 hours of sleep a night and do a lot of relaxing. And since I’m knee deep in Twilight, I think I can handle those orders!
All in all, it was our shortest, fastest visit and Mom & I were munching on taco wraps at the mall by 1:45. I left feeling very relieved and motivated to keep on chugging!
At this visit, we learned that the baby is nearly 3.5 or possibly 4 pounds, already – which Dr. Talsky says is big for this stage in the game. No wonder I am hungry ALL the time! When we listened to the heartbeat, the baby was very active causing the heart rate to go up and down. It fluctuated between 130 and 160 beats per minute. Dr. Talsky explained that this type of fluctuation is what they like to see. Apparently, the change in heart rate means the baby has good blood and oxygen flow to the brain. Good news!
Again, Dr. Talsky was impressed with my belly. I’m measuring 32 weeks, which is still just slightly ahead of where I should be measuring at this point. He made more of his famous comments. Starting with, “Wow. Look at that big belly looking up at me,” and “Everything is going wonderfully. We’re just a little ahead of schedule on the baby size.” If I had a dime for every time he said “big baby”, I’d be rich! Knowing us, we’ll have a 6-lb skinny pee-wee and I'll go a week over my due date. Right now, with the way Dr. Talsky is acting, I’m expecting a toddler to come walking out!
He told me because everything looked great and I was doing so well, we could wait another 3 weeks for our next appointment. So, we go again on February 6th. He said at this point, we have to make it at least 6 more weeks without going into labor. Since I haven’t really had anything I’d classify as a real contraction, I’m guessing that shouldn’t be too hard to do. We'll see as the weeks go by. He told me to get 9 - 10 hours of sleep a night and do a lot of relaxing. And since I’m knee deep in Twilight, I think I can handle those orders!
All in all, it was our shortest, fastest visit and Mom & I were munching on taco wraps at the mall by 1:45. I left feeling very relieved and motivated to keep on chugging!
January 20, 2009
Childbirth Classes - Week 3:
Last night we went to week 3 of our childbirth classes at SAHC. It was a good night and very informational!
We started with a tour of the Women's Pavilion. It was a quick tour, and I was a little disappointed b/c the nursery had just sent all the recent babies home, so it was empty. But she informed us that they had two women pushing at that very moment, so there would be two new babies born last night! How exciting :-) We learned all about the crib warmers, what happens to the babies when they come to the nursery, and other important things like what happens to sick babies when they can't care for them there. She also showed us an exam room where they check you out before admitting you to a birthing room. And finally she showed us the birthing rooms. They are very spacious and cozy. Seeing the room put a lot of things at ease in my mind, but also made me realize how very real this all really is. Wow - This is going to be me in a few short weeks! At least I know I'm in good hands, and will be in a nice relaxing space!
After the tour we took our CPR lesson. We watched a video and learned how to give chest compressions and breaths to a non-responsive child.
We also learned about how to help a choking child. Jer and I each got to take turns practicing our skills. It was sort of scary after thinking about the fact that neither one of us has had much first-hand knowledge of CPR, much less, Infant CPR and child choking hazards. But it's definitely a great thing to learn! And we would recommend learning it to anyone.
For more information on CPR check out this link from the Red Cross.
We started with a tour of the Women's Pavilion. It was a quick tour, and I was a little disappointed b/c the nursery had just sent all the recent babies home, so it was empty. But she informed us that they had two women pushing at that very moment, so there would be two new babies born last night! How exciting :-) We learned all about the crib warmers, what happens to the babies when they come to the nursery, and other important things like what happens to sick babies when they can't care for them there. She also showed us an exam room where they check you out before admitting you to a birthing room. And finally she showed us the birthing rooms. They are very spacious and cozy. Seeing the room put a lot of things at ease in my mind, but also made me realize how very real this all really is. Wow - This is going to be me in a few short weeks! At least I know I'm in good hands, and will be in a nice relaxing space!
After the tour we took our CPR lesson. We watched a video and learned how to give chest compressions and breaths to a non-responsive child.
We also learned about how to help a choking child. Jer and I each got to take turns practicing our skills. It was sort of scary after thinking about the fact that neither one of us has had much first-hand knowledge of CPR, much less, Infant CPR and child choking hazards. But it's definitely a great thing to learn! And we would recommend learning it to anyone.
For more information on CPR check out this link from the Red Cross.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)