Feeling Very Pregnant May 16, 2008

I feel like I haven’t written a post in forever. Work has been so busy, and I’ve been rather sick. Nausea and throwing up or nausea without the throwing up, which can almost be worse. We’ve been working 12-14 hour days which are exhausting. I feel like like I could fall asleep at 7 or 8pm, and I’m a regular in-bed-at-11-or-12-girl. This morning I really struggled to get out of bed. It was a challenge. The pups were cozy and warm in bed - Jarratt cuddled against my pillow. The bed felt so nice and smelled like sleep and I didn’t want to leave. We have to work for a few hours this weekend, but I’m hoping to catch up on some zzz’s at some point. Anyway, about feeling very pregnant. Yeah, I really do. It’s like all of a sudden, it’s hit me. Week 9 has done it! I feel fat (understatement of the world)….but it’s a weird “fat” feeling. I sleep on my stomach, and my belly feels harder and bigger and there’s lots of pressure there. It almost hurts a little bit, so I often have to switch to my side. My backache is still bad and I am peeing all the time. I can’t say I’ve enjoyed the first trimester so far….I don’t really feel like myself - physically or emotionally. I’m hoping the second trimester brings more energy, less sickness and I can enjoy this amazing experience. All the bad stuff aside, it’s ALL worth it. No doubt about that. Tuesday was 9 weeks. I will update belly pics on Saturday. Here’s what’s going on (See the ticker on the right? Today is the day that Wee One gets ovaries or testes! Come on ovaries!!!) :

“You’re getting close to the end of the first trimester and your little baby is really starting to take off, with eyes and ears, and even their kidney is getting ready to start making wee-wee! Your slightly bulging mid-line could still be mistaken for too many Mallomars, but you’re on the path to steady weight gain, which we recommend you keep track of now (you’ll thank us later).”

We have a fun weekend planned. Tonight we’re getting together with a bunch of our friends from the lesbian discussion group we used to be in. The group sort of dissolved after 3 years; people just had too much going on I think. We haven’t seen some of these girls in months, so it will be nice to catch up, eat some yummy Mexican food and just relax.

Tomorrow morning we’re picking up our bassinet!! Again, we prepare early, as you all know! We’re getting the Eddie Bauer Wooden Musical Bassinet (matches our high chair, and we’re going to eventually get the dark wood swing as well!). Karli is especially excited to pick it up. So cute and we’re getting an awesome deal. We were going to buy it off ebay and it just so happened that the buyer was only 15 mins from us, so now we don’t have to pay shipping! Woo! Very excited about that. We’re also going to Woofstock on Saturday with our Beagle group. It will be nice to let the pups run and play.

Sunday evening we are going to G@y Pr.de Virginia’s Annual Drag Dodgeball Tournament & Luau!! It is so much fun - and K is actually playing on a team this year!! We’re calling ourselves (of course I’ll only be watching as Wee One said he/she doesn’t want to be hit by fast-thrown ball!) MANGINA. All the guys are in 4 or 5 inch heels, with fabulous wigs, makeup and dresses or skirts. It’s hilarious. All the gals will slick back their hair and wear these shirts that K designed and will print today at the shop (shirts are flesh coloured with the word MANGINA stamped across the right chest muscle):

I am going to take lots of pictures of the tournament. Hopefully K can kick some serious drag boy ass! How sweet would it be if we won it all?? Yeah, probably not, but a girl can hope right!? Apparently, some of the people competing are pretty hardcore and even considered professional dodgeball players. I didn’t even know professional dodgeball existed. Shows what I know.

Ps. Huge CONGRATS to JKC and her girl over at Our Incredible True Adventures. They got their BFP!!! Couldn’t be happier for you both!!!

Happy Mother’s Day Mama! May 10, 2008

We love you so much and can’t imagine our lives without you! We put together this photo montage of you and Mommy (and us, of course!). Hope you enjoy it AND your special day tomorrow!

Ps. We’re a little nervous that we might not be given as much attention next year when THE BABY is here. We would still like to go to the Farmer’s Market, dog park, the River and all the B.eagles of Richmond events. Please ensure that this is still possible, or we will be SO SAD.

Thank you.

Love Jarratt, Bentley & Olivia

Ps. I would like to keep my sleeping spot, in between your pillow and Mommy’s when the baby gets here. I think you should highly consider not kicking me out of bed. - XOXO Jarratt

The Perfect Appointment May 6, 2008

I’m back from my 1st appointment and decided to update you all now, rather then a few days from now. It went so well, I was eager to tell you all. I can’t begin to tell you how AMAZING our nurse practitioner was!!! The visit totally exceeded my expectations!

We arrived at the Medical Park at 9:15 or so. Our appointment was for 9:30am. I had to pee something fierce (even though I had gone to the bathroom right as we left the house!) so all I really cared about was a finding a bathroom! K insisted that we find the office first and tell them we were there. After locating Suite 205, we walked through the doors into the office, which was very classy. Framed black & white pictures of big bellied women hung on the walls. The secretary handed me a clipboard with several pages for me to fill out. First, the bathroom. “Can you point me in the right direction??” She led me to the restroom. She asked if I would mind ‘providing a sample’. Peeing in a cup? No problem! Been there, done that (MANY times!). After all those OPK’s and HPT’s, this seemed like a piece of cake. She provided me with an itty bitty pee cup, barely bigger than a thimble. WHAT is this? Seriously. Actually, it looked like one of those tiny cups that the dentist gives you to rinse your mouth out. Small. I was freaking out because I had to pee SO badly and now I had to aim into this miniscule cup. Despite my fears, the pee didn’t gush all over the place and I managed a sample just fine.

We had never met the NP before and had no idea what to expect. A few minutes later, a woman in her mid-60’s came into the waiting room, and yelled out to K and I “come on in you two!”. She had an upbeat, fiery personality and we knew immediately we’d get along with her just fine.

She included K in the whole process. We sat down in her office and she asked how I was feeling, talked somewhat about nutrition….said that it was perfectly normal to have a bit of tuna, a little bit of wine occasionally, etc….and told me to eat what I could keep down during this next month. She changed my due date from Dec 20 to Dec 16! (I’ve updated all my little blog tickers to reflect the new date!) I was hoping I wouldn’t have Wee One ON my birthday (Dec 22nd), so it was great that she said our due date was the 16th. That will give Wee One a little bit more time to get here a few days before my birthday & Christmas. Really, if our little boy or girl decides to come on one of those days, it’d be okay. (Just a request Baby, that’s all. You come whenever you’re ready!).

I was dreading getting weighed. I miss my old 135 lbs weight…..and knew I had gained a lot. I worried she would get on me for putting on some poundage. Right away she said, “I’m not going to nag you about being a little overweight. I’ve always found that if you have a little extra weight on you, you put on less during your pregnancy. My concern is the baby growing well, not your weight - you’re fine!” Sweet! Next was my blood pressure, which she said was “perfect”. She went over my medical history, did bloodwork (omitted STD stuff that we totally didn’t need) and I discussed my concerns about the pap smear. I was wondering why this was necessary. I’d never had an abnormal pap in the past, and had fears about things being shoved up there near the baby. She assured me that it was gentle, and in no way could harm the baby.

I put on the standard gown that ties in the back and sat down on the table (which was crinkling with the slightest movement). I was sort of nervous and felt like I was sweating profusely. When she came back into the room, she checked my lungs and did a breast exam. Next was the pap (ugh, my favourite part…..). I had taken the EXTRA time to make sure I did an A+ shave job and was as clean as clean could be. Clean or not though, it still feels weird to have someone else looking and inserting foreign objects into your va-jay-jay. Nevertheless, I got through it. She actually let K look inside me, which K thought was SO fascinating! It wasn’t so bad. She was joking around with both of us, and the conversation flowed with ease. She laughed and said that she loves to tease partners by saying “I’ve seen more of your partner than you have!!” Ha! She felt my uterus and said it was a “nice size ball, measuring about 8 weeks”. K loved her and wished SHE could be our midwife. She was just so cool with K and I being a same-sex couple, and she totally made us feel 150% comfortable there. She applauded us on going the home-birth route and said that our midwife was the best around.

I also asked her when we could hear the heartbeat, and she said probably next month. I was pretty disappointed. She said that she usually does that around 11 or 12 weeks. I felt like that was a long time to wait….but tried not to show my disappointment. Well, despite voicing my sadness about that, I think she could just tell I needed some kind of reassurance…..so she said, “Okay, come here, I have a surprise for you two!” She brought us into a dark room and I saw the ultrasound machine! (We weren’t supposed to have an ultrasound until 20 weeks) She instructed me to lay down and pull my jeans low and my shirt up bit. I was expecting cold gel on my pelvic area, but she had it heated - nice! I couldn’t believe when she pressed on my pelvis and we saw our wee one!!! “You see the white blob?” Yup. She zoomed in on the sac, and inside it we saw our baby. We saw the little heart beating away!!! You SAW it beating fast!!! I was AMAZED. This is real. It FINALLY seems real. I started crying when I saw the heart beating, and she said, “Congratulations Mommas!”. She was so happy for us, and so OKAY with us being a lesbian couple. MORE than okay actually. She was so considerate and caring. She made sure K had a spot right next to me for the ultrasound, and asked us both if we could clearly see the monitor. I CAN’T even express how happy we were with the appointment. Our minds are really at ease now! I just hope the midwife is as awesome as she was! Wow!!! We are in awe of what we saw today and just so happy. We won’t go back to see her until our 20 week ultrasound. We have an appointment with our midwife June 5th. It will be the first time that we’ll meet her! I’m crossing my fingers that our experience with her is as good as with our NP!!

Just Breathe May 5, 2008

We had a very busy weekend! We went to ARTS IN THE PARK on Saturday, an event that goes on once a year…..tons of artwork, crafts, etc outside in the park. I took the above picture of ivy winding up a tree. Almost every tree in the park was covered in ivy - so pretty! Anyway, K and I didn’t buy anything (except for some delicious softserve ice cream for me!) but we did get some GREAT ideas for craft projects for home. We saw some framed, painted reeds that were different shades of green (it would have matched perfectly in the future nursery!). The picture was 1500 dollars….so, it wasn’t an option for us to pick that up, but we’re going to try to replicate it ourselves in a few months. It was SO hot this weekend. I am sunburnt just from walking around for 2 hours outside!!! We also took the dogs down to the River to go swimming (our oldest beagle pimping the lifejacket!) climbing the rocks, and walking on some trails. Richmond has gotten an unusual amount of rain in the last few weeks, so the water in the James River was higher than usual. K and I (and pups) weren’t able to go out as far as we normally do. We stopped at a little area that didn’t have a strong current and let the doggies swim:

We attended the memorial service for our friend N’s late parter Z on Sunday. Pictures of Z were passed around for everyone to look at. That was rough. Our hearts were breaking for N, who was joking with friends and trying to be so strong. His family and a big group of friends were there supporting him - hopefully the ’service’ brought some closure to Nick. He planted a tree in Z’s memory and said a few words about his love. He broke down as he planted the tree - said he would always love him and would miss him beyond words. Mostly, it was just a way for N to say goodbye to Z, since he wasn’t allowed to attend the funeral. They had gotten so much done in a week - probably a good thing as it kept N so busy - they pulled up all the carpeting in the bedroom where Z died and replaced it with new stuff. They painted the room a beautiful yellow. He said it really made the room look alive again. K and I are really going to try to spend a lot more time with N in the coming months. He is excited about us being preggo and insisted that he is psychic and said that ‘yup, it’s a boy.’ in a very matter-of-fact tone. I told him that he must have it wrong, because surely it is a girl. Ha ha…. K was thrilled with N’s prediction, of course, as she is hoping that we have a little boy.

From the sadness on Sunday to great news on Monday. My good friend J did not have a miscarriage!! Thanks for the kind words of concern for her! She is so excited and relieved. She said it’s been such an emotional ride. For 6 weeks she thought she was pregnant, for 2 she thought she wasn’t, and now she is again!! The ultrasound immediately showed a sac, with a little one inside!!! She said it looked like a kitten - ha! She is exactly 2 weeks behind me!! So thrilled for her and her boyfriend.

The weekend seemed to just FLY by. It was so jam-packed with stuff, we didn’t get much of our normal “down time” to just breathe. I can’t believe we’re already at 7 weeks. Time is going by quickly. Tomorrow morning is our 1st prenatal appointment. I have no idea what to expect. We aren’t having an ultrasound until 20 wks, so I think this will mostly be going over medical history, doing bloodwork, etc. I don’t know. This isn’t my usual doctor, so I’m a bit nervous. We have all the prenatal appointments with the doctor and then the actual delivery (and probably SOME prenatal work) with our midwife. I really want to meet her in person soon. I’m going to give her a call this week to try to set something up. We both feel that it is really important to feel good about the woman who will be having such a big role in our birth. I will update later in the week about the appt!! Also, do you notice the difference in my stomach from week 6 to week 7?? Above my belly button!! It’s a totally different shape!

About Nothing In Particular May 1, 2008

Sitting here eating organic rasberry yogurt for breakfast with a kiddie spoon. It’s miniture size and has a yellow puppy dog on it, surrounded by brightly coloured spots. I don’t even know how we got this spoon. Odd. Anyway, I’m trying to think if there is anything blogworthy to report. Not really, but I’ll try. I haven’t had any other weird cravings lately…..haven’t experienced any nausea/vomiting - yay! Right when I get up in the morning, I feel like I could possibly get sick. I eat RIGHT AWAY, trying not to go any more than 2 hours without eating - at any point throughout the day. I’m still definitely on the peeing-every-two-minutes train too. I doubt I’ll get off that one for awhile. I rush to the bathroom and don’t even pee that much….but you feel like you have to go so badly! Other weirdness (and I apologize if this it TMI for some) is that, to me, my pee smells like cheerios. I know, how odd is that?? Cheerios sitting in a bowl of milk. I guess it’s just my pregnancy nose!!! I also feel like I’m getting fatter. Really. It’s kind of depressing. K said she really noticed a change in my belly last night. She couldn’t believe it. I totally have the “B” belly. Below my belly button I have this fat pouch (I had it before, but it’s definitely bigger). It’s hard to tell with my body now though. My weight is 40lbs heavier than it was a year ago…..so I know I have more fat…..but something is different. I’ve added a page next to “Who Are We?” titled “Belly Shots”. I am posting my weekly pics for those interested in the changes! I really just feel flubbery, and I know it’s only gonna get worse in the coming weeks! I’m just trying to eat as healthfully as possible.

In other news, my very close friend J is going in to get an ultrasound today. She’s been on my mind a lot lately, as she told me she was pregnant (she is about 9 weeks). She has had some bleeding the last 2 weeks on and off….and I’m so scared for her. I have this sick, awful feeling that she had a miscarriage, though I’m hoping like heck my gut feeling is wrong. She told me she still feels very pregnant….nauseau, appetite, etc, but I just don’t know. She took a pregnancy test again on Saturday (2 pink lines) and she told me the second line was light. I don’t know how long the HCG can stay in your system…I would think up to a few weeks before it’s all gone. Man, I just hope I’m wrong….but bleeding during pregnancy (more than spotting) can’t be a good thing.

K and I are looking forward to the weekend. She completed a 3000 t-shirt order yesterday; it’s a huge weight lifted off her shoulders! She was in to work this morning in the wee hours of the morning (technically the middle of the night!) so I know she’s exhausted. She’s been very sweet lately too - she even woke me up yesterday morning before work and told me she had made me breakfast. A whole wheat bagel with scrambled eggs and cheese, and she even put chunks of watermelon on the plate with it! How sweet was that? I really appreciated it….stuff like that means a lot to me!

…….Unfortunately, we do have to attend a memorial service on Sunday for our friend’s partner, who committed suicide. Awful situation and our hearts are breaking for N. He had been with his partner for 15 years, and he shot and killed himself when N had left the room for only a moment. Words can’t express the pain he’s in. He will need all the support he can get this weekend, and in the coming weeks and months.

Other than that stuff, I’m just anxiously awaiting Tuesday’s appointment. I think it’s mostly going to be bloodwork and such, but still - at least someone else can tell me I’m pregnant!!! I can’t wait!

*Also* So sorry for the “other related posts” that keep popping up.  This is an automatically generated thing from wordpress……not something I’m fond of!!!!

Granny Smith, With A Touch Of Downy April 28, 2008

I love apples. It’s one of the few fruits I really enjoy eating. I’ve been trying hard to eat as healthy and organic as possible lately. What I eat, Wee One eats, and I just can’t justify stuffing my face with junk food now. My weird tastebuds (as of late) are making it difficult to eat my beloved apples. I’m having to snack much more often than before (every 2 hours or so), so just a few hours after a big breakfast, I pulled out an apple. I washed it and took a bite. Everyone looked at me strangely when I practically gagged and said, “It tastes and smells like laundry detergent. Downy. This really tastes like Downy”. Of course I’ve never actually tasted Downy fabric softener. But by the smell of the stuff (which I’ve always thought was quite pleasant in the past) I can only imagine what that would taste like. I got K to smell the apple. I got all the boys in the back of the shop to smell the apple. I asked K’s dad to take a bite. He refused. But, he did smell it. “Yeah, it just smells like a normal apple.” Cue me looking like an idiot. I I thought maybe it was the skin…. the texture maybe…..so I peeled all the skin off the apple and tried again. Bite. Spew. Gross. The inside tastes like Downy too. I’m officially off apples and looking for a new fruit.

6 Weeks April 26, 2008

Wow, 6 weeks already!!! How excited are we?? I’m still a lucky duck with NO nausea! Keeping my fingers crossed that I’m one of those very few who don’t get it!! Symptoms-wise: my chest feels like it’s gotten huge…and is very sensitive. A good friend gave me a hug last night, and I felt like I could have cried! Still having occasion cramping, and continued backache. And did I mention that I’m peeing ALL THE TIME? No? I’m peeing ALL THE TIME. It’s insane.

I was amazed to read what will be going on this week. The developments each day are just awesome:

Your magical miniature baby is growing at unprecedented rates, developing hand plates and the beginnings of finger buds. What’s more they’re already demonstrating the reflex responses to stimulation! Ah at last! The beginning of symptoms of morning sickness should be kicking in for you about now if you’re one of the 85% of women that experience it.

Your baby is now about the size of an apple seed. That’s about 0.08 to 0.16 inches (2 to 4mm) from crown to rump. It has formed a distinct head with the first stages of eyes and ears. The spinal column and cord are formed. Buds that will grow limbs have also formed. The heart is starting to beat and at this stage its beating may even be detected by sensitive ultrasound equipment, though, it’s still very early. The kidneys, liver and nerve cells have also begun to develop. Ten dental buds are growing in the jaws. Blood circulation has begun and primitive red blood cells circulate. The neural tube has closed over along your baby’s spine. The optic vesicles, which resemble tiny discs of pigment set in cups along the sides of your baby’s head will develop into your baby’s eyes. A distinct tail is still present. The body is shaped like the letter “C”.

Here is my 6 week belly shot. K thinks she sees a difference…. I don’t know. I still feel bloated though!

Beautiful Women April 24, 2008

So … I had no idea that it was Beautiful Women Month. A friend informed me this morning by sending me this lovely poem by Sam Levenson - a favourite of Audrey Hepburn’s.

Now I’m sharing these “beauty tips” to all the awesome women out there in blogland. You are all beautiful in so many ways! And to the most IMPORTANT “beautiful woman” in my life: I love you heaps. xo

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge you’ll never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed;

Never throw out anybody.

Remember, If you ever need a helping hand, you’ll find one at the end of your arm.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands:

One for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart,

The place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.

It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows,

And the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

Make Peace April 20, 2008

The rain has been steady all day. This morning the thunder crashed so loudly, it woke us up. It sounded like it was right outside the window - the rain poured down for several hours earlier today, drizzled during the afternoon, and now is teeming again. The thunder is still crashing too, with the last bolt shaking the house. We’re supposed to have weather like this for the next few days. I’m not complaining. Rain has always been my favourite type of weather. As a kid, I used to go out walking in the storms. Something about the sound of the rain and thunder - I find it peaceful; it makes thinking easier somehow, and for some reason, I get my best sleep during a storm. I’m thankful it’s cooled off a bit, with the last few days being in the 80’s. I don’t do well in the heat, unfortunately. There are puddles of yellow rain on the sides of the roads now; the showers were much-needed though, as the pollen had gotten out of control, causing K’s allergies to act up again. As soon as she starts using that nasal spray, I know it’s bad. She practically gets addicted to that stuff during allergy season!

Friday night found us at the newly opened venue THE NATIONAL, for a live performance by hometown boy JASON MRAZ. The concert was impressive, to say the least. His talent never ceases to amaze me! The opening acts including a magician that was witty, funny and really worked the crowd. We also got to hear a trio of siblings called the MAKEPEACE BROTHERS that had some powerful lyrics and killer harmonies. They blew me away; I’m definitely going to be picking up their cd here soon. It was so nice to hear a group with a sweet sound, and positive lyrics promoting change. We also got to hear some fab new stuff from Mraz’s upcoming cd, “We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things”. Awesome. He did a couple of special songs bringing him back to his hometown Richmond roots. (I’ll will post some videos and music from Mraz below). He had his whole family there: aunts and uncles, cousins, friends, and his adorable little grandma. It was so cool to see him back home with so much support behind him. It was such a feel-good show and his voice was simply stunning. A pic of K and I as we were leaving for the show:

So, back in pregnancyland, today is 5w1d. K took a belly shot of me this morning (for our own ‘private collection’ - ha ha! you guys are only getting them every TWO weeks, remember!?), actually the belly looks a little smaller this week then it did last week. The bloating hasn’t gone away though, and my body just feels DIFFERENT. I have been having cramping, on and off every day (sometimes takes my breath away!), and backache. Haven’t had any other weird cravings the last few days though, but we’ll see what this week brings. Here is what wee one is supposed to look like right now:

K and I paid USA.BABY a visit on Saturday, and got a demo of the very buga.boo-ish SKATE by P.eg P.erego. It is made in Italy, has the look and performs beautifully- and has a way-too-cute bubbles pattern, and personally, gets my vote over the bug.aboo frog OR chameleon. At around $899 though … it should be mighty beautiful!!! That includes the extras like the rain cover, muff for colder weather, cup holder, etc, that would cost you extra $$$ with the bug.aboo. It is a lot of money though, not as bad knowing that we’ll use it for two children, but still it’s pricey for sure:

K and I are still looking at the Fisher Price Infant-To-Todder stroller that is a mere $150 and has gotten rave reviews in the Baby Bargains book:

We’re doing a lot of looking around, a lot of research. We most likely will register at T@rget and Babys.R.us when we’re around 3 months along. It’s a fun stage right now, just browsing the stores and keeping ourselves busy until we see the midwife. And with me still not having any morning sickness, it’s a prime time for shopping. Any distractions to keep from worrying is a good thing, and the appointment isn’t too far away now!

We’ll be trying to go as organic as possibly throughout my pregnancy, and in raising our wee one. I have switched to organic toothpaste and deodorant this past week (made with no aluminum), and will be getting as many certified organic baby products as possible. We are going to register for organic crib sheets, mattress, etc too, which aren’t pumped full of chemicals, and come from more natural ingredients. Also diaper-wise we like g.Diapers and K.ushies. Something that is a happy medium between disposable and all-cloth.

We’ve got a busy week ahead, with a 3000 shirt order due soon. It’s looking like K and the boys in the shop will be working all weekend too. Lots to do!!! Hope you all had a relaxing and restful weekend. I’m off again to watch the rain falling outside and relax in front of the tv with K.

Jason Mraz singing “Love For A Child” Friday night (I LOVED this one):

Wandering Thoughts On Water Births April 17, 2008

So, these last few days I’ve really been thinking a lot more about having a home birth. I’m getting more excited about it, and even becoming confident in my ability to do this sans medication. I will be committed to a med-free birth at home, unless (God-forbid) there are complications that make it impossible. Okay, I know I’m really really early into my pregnancy, and I’m jumping ahead thinking about the delivery and birth plan already - but the organizational freak in me thought it’d be a good idea to jump right in with my research!!! I found birthing tanks for rent through aquadoula, but wasn’t sold. It didn’t look too comfortable. I didn’t see anything to hold on to. It seemed a little pricey too, with rental being $250 and shipping close to $200. Right there you’re at $450, without add-ons. I googled birthing tanks, birth pools and many other similar variations, and came across the Birth Pool In A Box. As soon as I saw it, I thought “that’s it!!”. I was so excited, AM so excited. They offer their birth pools for purchase, not rental, and they can be used more than once with new disposable liners (hello, baby #2!!!). They looked super comfy, with 4 sturdy handles and a seat!! I loved the seat, giving mommy some time to spend with the baby after the birth. They offer 3 types of pools: the birth pool in a box regular, mini, and eco (regular-sized). At only $185 with $20 shipping, this is very affordable. Here’s a picture of it:

The Regular Birth Pool in a Box: Eco includes a seat, and has been designed for strength and comfort with 2 people, enabling your partner to take an active part in the birth of your baby. The Birth Pool in a Box Mini is a smaller alternative for use when space is limited. The Eco Birth Pool In A Box is one of the only inflatable Birth Pools made without phthalates, which have been linked to fertility problems. Better for the environment, better for you and your baby.

I am so pumped to have found this! I really have to do a lot more reading on water births, but they honestly sound beautiful - what an amazing way to bring a baby into the world!

Pros of Water Births that I love:

1. Significant pain relief is provided by getting into a tub. Some have compared it to the relaxing benefit of a narcotic.
2. The water reduces gravity’s pull of the baby toward the mother’s back, thereby reducing pain from back labor.
3. There is some evidence that tearing may be reduced in water births.
4. Home births/water births involve fewer episiotomies and c-sections because the natural rhythms of the body are respected; these procedures are often done because of lack of patience on the part of the caregiver.
5. Freedom to control your own birth experience. (lighting, music, noise level, people present).
6. Environment is safe, warm, and inviting, making relaxation easier and labor smoother.
7. Mother and baby have already developed antibodies to any germs found in the home, so they pose little threat to mother and child.
8. Mother can eat, drink, and move around as she chooses.
9. No separation of mother from infant.
10. Partner can play as active a role as she wishes.
    

As for how I’m feeling: still in tip-top shape! No nausea whatsoever. My appetite has picked up and I still have the dull backache. Last night it was a little worse, and I struggled to sleep in any position. Also, I’m getting sharp twinges in my pelvic area that only last a second or two. I had another weird craving this morning.

Yorkshire pudding with gravy. This was breakfast time, so it was rather odd. MMMmmm…I could really go for some. Other than that, I really don’t even feel pregnant. For that reason, I can’t even tell you how desperately I need to hear that heartbeat. I need the confirmation of knowing the wee one is THERE and okay. Just a few more weeks. I can’t wait.

Tomorrow K and I are going to see Jason Mraz in concert. I know we’re going to have a blast!! Woo! Bring on the weekend . . . . .