It's about time....

I started organizing in the nursery today. I have a list of things we need to get done this weekend, like a new blind, etc. Our chair from BRU (for the den) is in, so we'll need to borrow a friends truck to go get that. It's so soft and comfortable, I can't wait. I'm washing a bunch of hand-me- downs right now- my friend Jen from work hooked me up. I'm not opening any new stuff past 6 months size. I'm also washing socks, mittens, bibs, and some 0-3 months clothes. I'm trying not to do to much, until our showers. I don't want to open and wash more stuff than he can wear before outgrowing it.

After this load is done, I'm starting on the diapers!!! I'm so excited. I can't wait to get them all ready and organized. Maybe by the end of the weekend, I'll have enough done to take some photos and share. Washing such tiny socks and hats makes me realize that he'll be here before we know it. I can't wait!

Babies Babies everywhere!

My sister in law Lindsay is finding out the sex of her baby right now! I'm so excited to know, and my SIL Bridget is only 2 weeks behind Linds. I think Linds is having a girl, but we'll see very shortly. My mother's instinct was right on for my own Shim, but I don't know if it's accurate for other people's Shim's. The suspense is killing me........

Okay, you won't believe this, but the little one would NOT uncross it's legs. Oh the stubborness!

We'll just have to wait to know until they go for a 3/4d, and hope it's not so shy then.

28 weeks and 3 days appointment

What a productive morning I had! It started off at my checkup, drinking the orange drink for my glucose tolerance test. After I drank that, I had my appointment with Sage. My belly measured 28 cm exactly, so that's right on target. His FHT were 148, also on target. Want to know the best news EVER??? He's head down! I suspected as much since I always feel kicks above my belly button, but wanted confirmation. No ultrasound; if you have an experienced provider, they can usually tell by feel. Of course that isn't as accurate as US, but it works for me. I hope to not have any more ultrasounds if all goes well. The other fabulous piece of info from my visit is that I've only gained 11 pounds! Doesn't seem right since my belly is so big, but Sage said that's normal since I'm a small framed person. She said I'm simply all baby, and to enjoy it! They will call me tomorrow if anything is off in my bloodwork, otherwise I go back in 2 weeks. I thought those every two weeks visits started at 32 weeks, but I was wrong. I see Sage again next time. I asked about the lack of midwife coverage on weekends, since I was none to happy when my friend Kim informed me there's not always one on call. Turns out they have a fifth midwife starting in December, and after that there will be 36 hours each weekend where there isn't a midwife on call. So, here's hoping for a weekday baby! Or that I get the OB my friend Kim had at her delivery, and was very happy with. I think that pretty much sums up that appt.

My next appt today was at a pediatrician's office to check it out. I met with the practice manager for about 30 minutes, and then we walked around to show me the office. I met 4 of the doctors while touring, and all were super nice. There was once whos' personality I really liked alot. There are 7 docs total, and 2 PNP's. There is a 24/7 nurse line for minor questions and issues, and always a doc on call. Plus they have 1-2 doctors each day without scheduled appointments; they only see same day sick pts. In general, the practice is provaccination, and conservative with antibiotics. They like to follow the AAP's vaccination schedule, but are open to selective and delayed vac's within reason. And since Shim will be in daycare two days a week, he's going to be required to have his vac's anyways. I will still delay as much as possible, and probably claim religious beliefs in order to delay all Hepatitis. I think between 4-5 years is plenty of time to get all the Hepatitis vaccines. I am also very antibiotic conservative, so that meshes well with the practice beliefs. The office is also open on Saturdays from 9-1 to see sick kiddos. I really liked the practice, and we'll probably go with them. I just need to tell Eric all about it, and get his agreement.

As I was parking at the appt for the pediatrician's appt, I noticed a sign for Clark Pediatric Dentistry. As in Jason Clark, whom I work with from time to time, putting spoiled & horribly misbehaved kids to sleep for dental work. He is great with kids and parents, and really nice to the staff as well. Fortunately for us the two offices are side by side-SWEET! I didn't expect to get two birds with one stone.

So, after that I proceeded on to the daycare I liked so much last week. I showed up unannounced and asked for a second tour. It was just as nice as before, with the exception that it wasn't naptime today. Less sleeping, and more crying going on. I don't love that Shim won't always be immediately tended to when crying. But, I know that in the long run it will be good for him. Being with mommy and daddy 4-5 days a week is still plenty of time to be completely spoiled.

One last thing to add-----WHY DID I QUIT GOING TO WALMART? I love me some Target, and always go there. But today I had time to kill between appts, and ran into Walmart to browse. I found two adorable dresses. They aren't maternity, but can be worn as such. I'm super pumped to be pregnant during a time when big and flowing dresses/tops are so popular. I got both dresses, one cute cardigan like sweater, and a candle--all for $60! I'm so going back to shopping at Walmart. I forgot how great that place can be. And the sooner I cut expenses and pay off debt, the sooner I can be a SAHM!

28 weeks and 2 days

So, my 28 week appointment is tomorrow, and I'm quite excited to see Sage again. I'm anxious to give her another chance, since she irritated me with the epidural comment when we met before. As always, I have my list of questions to ask. I hate forgetting things, so going in with a list works well for me. I've done that since the very first appointment. I can't wait to see what position she thinks he's in. Send me head down vibes!!! I'll be sure to update everyone tomorrow evening after the appt.

I also have an appt tomorrow at 11am to tour a pediatrician's office. I'll sit down with the office manager for an overview of how their office works, then take a tour. She said she'll introduce me to as many of the doctors and PNP's (pediatric nurse practitioners) as possible on our tour. The main issues for me are their thoughts on vaccinations and antibiotics. We'll see if we mesh well. Hopefully Eric can come too, but he's not sure of his work schedule yet.

I've included pics below of my gorgeous nursery bedding. My mom handmade every piece of it--can you believe that? She is one talented seamstress! I chose black, white, and red because it's gender neutral. It turned out very modern and elegant. Not babyish at all, which was another goal. The bumper and quilt have this amazing fabric called "snuggli", and it is so soft. I want it on my bed to be honest with you. As far as the fabrics, my Mom and I spent about 2 hours in this HUGE fabric store (Mary Jo's) a couple of months ago, picking it all out. I cannot wait to order and get our crib, so we can really start to put the nursery together. Then I'll really feel like we are ready. I can't believe that he will be here in less than 3 months. I'm nervous but so excited!

Nursery photos

The 28 week belly. I'm still enjoying it, but once my face and arms get fat, I won't be happy about it. So much to look forward to in the next three months!

The is the drape for the nursery. It's a Roman shade, that is tied up by the red ribbons hanging down.
The crib bumper--it is SO soft!
The crib skirt; so cute.
The handmade quilt. We'll probably leave it draped over the back of the rocking chair until Shim gets old enough to have a blanket.

What is Hypnobabies?

HB is the childbirth preparation course I chose after much research. It is a program in the way that Lamaze or Bradley is, if you are familiar. It's not something taught at a hospital on a Saturday afternoon. It can be done in a class with other couples and an instructor, or as homestudy. We are doing homestudy b/c it's so much cheaper. Plus our doula teaches it, so we have her as an ever ready resource person. Since most people I know have never heard of it, here is a nice overview straight from the official website, www.hypnobabies.com

Here at Hypnobabies, our Mission is very clear:

Hypnobabies exists, and all of our staff and Instructors work diligently every day, for the following ideals :
--To help every expectant mother prepare for her baby's birth in a way that helps her fully enjoy the rest of her pregnancy in health and peace, so that she eagerly looks forward to her birthing day.
--To help every expectant mother have the easiest, safest and most comfortable childbirth experience she can, allowing her to fully enjoy her birthing, and pass that legacy along to her children, friends and family.
--To educate and support all Birth Partners, so that they too can look forward to and enjoy the birth of their child with confidence, retaining the memory of childbirth as a beautiful, inspiring life event.
--To help babies be born as gently and safely as possible, so that their entrance into our world can be one of joy and wonder, quiet and peace.
--To support our Hypno-Moms, no matter what their choices are, before, during and after their babies are born. Every mother counts; every pre-nate is loved; every birth is a gift.
--To educate the medical community on the benefits of natural childbirth, how to work with couples who have chosen this wonderful way to give birth, and to respect each birthing woman's choices as she comes to them for prenatal care and birthing assistance.
--To educate the natural childbirth community on the special needs and desires of Hypnobabies birthing couples, towards an easier and more enjoyable experience for all.




Why choose a natural, easier birth using Hynobabies? The benefits are many:


● The Hypno-mom will use fewer drugs or no drugs, which means less risk of side effects for mother and baby, due to elimination of the Fear/Tension/Pain Syndrome, and using post-hypnotic suggestions.

● Most Hypno-mothers have shorter labors since there is less resistance of the birthing muscles when pain and fear are minimized or eliminated.

● The birthing woman generally has much more energy throughout first and second stage, due to a total relaxation throughout the birthing process.

● The birthing environment is much more calm and peaceful when the natural childbirth mother is comfortable.

● Breech and posterior babies can be turned using hypnosis.

● Blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature can be lowered and nausea, back and hip pain eliminated with hypnosis during pregnancy and labor.

● There are fewer interventions for failure to progress and therefore fewer fetal and maternal complications during labor.

● The deep relaxation in Hypnobabies sessions has also helped many a nervous birth partner to enjoy their partner's pregnancy and childbirth, and the skills that the Hypno-couple learns for relaxation and hypnosis will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

● Our Hyno-couples are "deprogrammed" from the usual negativity of childbirth stories and scenarios they've always heard, by way of training in Hypnobabies classes and audio CDs which have positive messages and hypnotic suggestions. This automatically allows for a positive attitude and much more confidence in birthing.

So there you have it, an introduction to hypnobabies. If anyone has questions, I'll be happy to try to answer as to why I'm enjoying the program.
If anyone wants to question my intentions, or tell me I'm crazy, or put down the program and/or my birthing goals, then your comment will be deleted. Negativity is not part of my thinking when it comes to my pregnancy or birthing, so don't present me with any of it. Thanks!

Yippee Yay!

So, there are two things that I'm really happy about right now. I've decided to share :-)

First, my friend Kim from work had her baby last weekend. We use the same midwives/OB group. She also delivered at the same place I will be. Keep in mind this is not the hospital we work at, so I don't know all the inside nitty gritty. (Knowing what I do about where I work is what made me change!) Anyhow, CMC Pineville is the hospital, and Kim just had an amazing experience there! We have alot of the same goals for labor and delivery, and I'm happy to say that Kim met all of her goals!!! She said the hospital, nurses, midwives, and OB were all beyond her expectations. She introduced the OB to his first squatting delivery. You go girl!!! So you may be wondering why she had an OB instead of the one of the midwives.

This new little piece of info honestly has me quite pissed off. It turns out there is not a midwife on call 24/7. Apparently there are some weekend nights where only an OB is there. I DON'T WANT ONE!!! And why am I just finding out at 28 weeks that this is the way it is? I am happy to say that Kim loved the OB and had nothing but glowing things to say. He was extremely supportive of her intervention free birth, and essentially was just there to help her catch her own baby. Yep- you heard me right. The doctor helped HER deliver her own baby. That's normal for a midwife, but not an OB. It makes me feel really good to know that even the OB's in my group are on my wavelength. I just hope and pray that I end up with a good one if I can't have one of my midwives. With all I've heard about the practice lately, I'm feeling really confident about my future birthing. As it turns out, one of the recovery nurses at work delivered a few months ago, with the midwife who I initally didn't like. CMC Pineville as well, and she also had nothing but good things to say also. She loved the midwife, honestly just raved about her. She was apparently very encouraging of her intervention free birth.

Hearing positive things helps my positive thinking, which is a big part of my hypnobabies. Look for more on that later....

So the second really fabulous thing that I'm so excited about occurred today. Since we discovered Shim, one of our friends Moms has said she'd nanny for us. But when it came down to it, it was really wasn't something she was interested in. Nanny placement agencies cost between $900-1600 in Charlotte, just to find a nanny. That's not the nanny's pay, which runs between $10-15 an hour. In an effort to make sure we researched all of our options thoroughly, I decided to look into preschools and daycares. I went and visited two on Tuesday. The first made me cry. I'm not even joking. I'd go work at Burger King for extra cash before sending Shim to a place like that. I was so sad, b/c it was supposedly a really good one. I was devastated thinking that if it was "good" for Charlotte, I'd never find one that I thought was acceptable. The second place was VERY nice, I really liked it alot. However there were two issues. First, he would have to go 5 days a week. (B/c I work long shifts, we only need childcare 2-3 days a week). I just can't stand the idea of paying for 5 days when we don't need that. The second problem was that they won't accept cloth diapers. That's a dealbreaker for me, although Eric really doesn't care. He thinks that sposies 2 days a week is just fine, but I think it defeats the purpose. So, long story short, Tuesday sucked. I spent yesterday resuming my nanny search.

Well, today I got off at 12, and had an appointment to see a third preschool at 1pm. I seriously almost skipped it in favor of a nap. But I decided to go, and it was the best decision EVER! This place was just fabulous. Everything about it. I had such a good feeling and vibe from everyone there. The workers looked like people I'd be friends with, and the kiddos all seemed so happy. They prefer you have an appt to come by, so they can guarantee you a full tour. But, you are welcome to drop by any day and time without notifying them, to assure yourself they aren't "putting on a show". I'm going to go back next Monday about the same time of day, unannounced. If I still like what I see, then I'm going to put down the deposit to get Shim on the wait list. He can go just Tues/Thurs, which works lovely for our family. And you wanna know the cool thing? THEY TAKE CLOTH DIAPERS! Which I'm sure you assumed since I liked the place. They don't have anyone at this particular location who CD's, but apparently someone at the Ballantyne location does.

Enough for now, but I just wanted to share the two things that I'm really happy about right now. I'm gonna go hunt for some hypnobabies info to share....

Circumcision

For clarifications sake, there are a couple of things I want to add and/or repeat. I do not judge or fault others who choose to circumsize their little guys. It's not what I want for Shim, but that does not mean I think others are wrong in choosing it for their family.

I do not think current day male circumcision is the same as the female genital mutilation occuring in Africa. My previous blog should have been a little more clear on that. What I was attempting to say is that I am curious if people thousands of years ago were initially horrified by male circumcision, as we are horrified today by female circumcision.

And lastly, to all who like to throw in my face....."But he'll get picked on in the locker room" rebuttal. Go back and reread the little factoid about only 50-60% of boys being circumsized in the US currently. So, that means, he'll look exactly the same as 40-50% of the other guys in the locker room. Do the math, it's not a locker room issue. If that is the only reason someone has to circumsize their child, then nothing I say will make them ever consider otherwise.

Asheville weekend

So, I was 30 last Thursday, and Eric is 32 today. It's actually a lot of fun having birthdays only 4 days apart. I don't mind sharing some of the attention, even as much as I LOVE my birthday. Eric's parents came into town last Thursday from Buffalo, and are heading out in the am. My parents came last Thursday just for the day, and we all 6 went to dinner that night. I love this spanish place named Sole, and we went for a fabulous dinner. I had my honorary glass of Sangria, even though I wanted the entire pitcher (or two). On Friday we left for Asheville, which is this fabulous little granola mountain town. For those who aren't familiar, it's an unbelievably hippie town perched in the western NC mountains. It's also the location of the Biltmore house, which is the largest privately owned home in the US. It really is something amazing to see if you've never been. We went and took Eric's parents, since they'd never been. It was beautiful with the leaves changing colors. It was a nice birthday weekend, despite all the Braxton Hicks from walking so much. I can only imagine how different next years birthdays will be having our little man with us. We'll be lucky to celebrate at all probably! Time will be spent planning Shim's first birthday instead. :-)

Asheville pics

Biltmore

Biltmore

I even look preggo all bundled up. This is in the gardens at Biltmore.

Me and my sweetie

Eric's parents at Biltmore

NYC trip

Well, I've been back from New York City for a week now, and I'm finally making some time to blog. I've realized lately that unless I make time for myself, no one else will. I've got to look out for me, to stay in the best mental and physical health possible for the little Shimmeister. I've just been going so much lately, that I've absolutely worn myself out. I'm overdue for some "Nikki time". It's noone's fault but my own (for overscheduling).

Anyhow, NYC was fun and interesting to see. I really wasn't impressed to be honest. I've done enough traveling to large cities that it was very anticlimactic. I will say that I loved the shopping on Canal Street, down in Chinatown. I could've spent much more money there than what I did, given limitless amounts of cash. The boat ride out the the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island was a lot of fun. I was very disappointed that there wasn't even a lookout over the old Twin Towers Site. I got some shots of cranes, and that was about it. One of my favorite things was dinner at Beni Hana(Japanese Hibachi), probably b/c I was so hungry that night. There was lots of walking, and I'm honestly kinda over that as I enter my third trimester. Some walking is great and healthy, but after Europe and NYC, I'm done! We went and saw Mamma Mia on Broadway, which was well worth it. I want to see Lion King next time I go though. That sums up the trip as a whole, and I've got to get going. My inlaws are in town, so I'm going to go hang out some more, and visit with them.

NYC pictures

The horse pulling the carriage had really sad eyes. I just wanted to rescue him and set him free in some huge field.

My Mom and I at Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center).
Me and my cousins after our carriage ride through some of Central Park.
On the cruise out to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Me with my SIL, cousins, and my SIL BFF.
Beautiful candles in St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Big 3-0

That's right, it's my birthday. Entering a whole new decade. We've got Eric's parents in town for a few days, so it'll probably be awhile before I truly blog again. I love my birthday, it's the only day the whole year where it's truly all about me. It's just fabulous! Although I never planned to be pregnant on my 30th! I promise to show some NYC pics, and Asheville pics when I get back to blogging. We are going to Asheville tomorrow for the night. I found I miss blogging when I can't find the time for it. I'll be back!

IT'S HERE!!!

OMG- MY HYPNOBABIES MATERIAL IS IN!!!  

I am so excited, I don't even know where to start.  I'm gonna download the first couple of CD's to my ipod tonight, so I can start to listen while traveling.  And of course, I'm taking my brand new book/manual for reading material on the plane.  I cannot wait to get started, I just hope Eric will get into it too.  We'll see...

New York City

Well, I leave for NYC Wednesday morning, and I'm mostly packed. Took care of that necessary evil this evening. I'm going with my mom, SIL, cousins, aunts, and a bunch of family friends. All women, no men allowed! Most of us have never been to NYC before. It's a city I've always wanted to visit, but probably just once. We'll see how I feel after this trip, I may want to go back yearly. Who knows! I'm happy not to be the only preggo on the trip. I may have a cohort if an afternoon nap becomes a necessity. I'm really excited to take pictures there- lots of prime photo ops. I'll post them all when I get home at gallery.mac.com/winternichole. So, in any case you won't be hearing from me for the next 5-6 days or so. I'm sure you'll miss me. I promise to come back. I'll probably even have a new soapbox. My hypnobabies materials should arrive tomorrow, so it'll probably be about that:-)

So as it turns out....

I'm not the only pregnant one in my family! I'm not sure how much I've posted about this (if at all), but now I can totally spill the beans! So, I have 3 sister-in-laws. (SIL) I have one brother,Davy, and he is married to Bridget. They live in South Cackalackey with the rest of the fam. Eric has one brother, Joe, who is married to Dianna. They live in Rochester, home of Dinosaur BBQ with the BEST ribs ever!!! And last but not least, Eric has one sister named Lindsay, who is married to Brian, and they live in Buffalo. Pretty much the rest of his family is all in Buffalo. So, for a period of time in July/August, me and all four of my SIL's were ALL PREGNANT TOGETHER!!! It was so much fun, but I couldn't talk about it with anybody. Linds and Bridget were still in the closet since they were so early in their pregnancies. Dianna had Gavin September 1st, our first new family member. And he is pretty darn handsome (yes I'm biased), and we can't wait to meet him! If I get Dianna's permission, I'll show you some photos of just how cute he is after our trip in November.

Now we are down to three preggos, and it's still pretty amazing and overwhelming. I'm so thankful that we are all blessed to not have major fertility issues. Infertility is a painful and expensive thing, and I know we are lucky to not be fighting that battle. Linds is due April 2nd, and Bridget is due April 16th! Talk about a busy April schedule! I also go back to work in April, so heaven knows how it will all work out. Luckily their baby showers will be while I'm on maternity leave. Eric and I still aren't sure if we'll make it to Lindsay's shower, mainly because I'm not taking such a young baby on an airplane (with recirculated air) during flu/RSV season. We'll wait and see how it all works out. We'll drive to Florence for Bridget's shower, but I'm taking sanitizing foam from work for people to use before they touch Shim. Yes, I'm a psychotic, over protective mother already- and he's not even here. :-)

Anyhow, I just felt like telling the world how excited I am to be sharing such a wonderful experience with three very special SIL's. We can all share and complain to one another...

It is so great to think about how much fun Shim will have growing up with his cousins. We can't wait for summers at the cottage in Canada, and trips to SC beaches and lakes. It will be such a blast! Now the question remains, will Gavin and Shim have more boys to join them, or will there be a girl in the mist??? Stay tuned in 4-6 more weeks for that update!