Sunday Funday

Sunday's are fun because we usually get to relax. What a wonderful thing compared to being on the go all week long. Eric took me out to dinner last night, and we found a restaurant we really liked. That alone made me happy! I had a great birthday, although I can't believe I'm 31. Eric will be 33 on Tuesday- he's really getting old!

It's back to the grindstone this week. Week number 1 of 5, until I'm off for another week. Every 6th week off is a truly glorious thing! This weeks agenda includes taking Drake to the fair on Thursday. Eric is working about 80 hours a week now, trying to build up the sleep lab he's working for. He, needless to say, won't be going with us. I'm trying to talk my parents into going. I really think Drake would enjoy seeing all of the sights.

We are going to Buffalo for my next week off, which happens to fall at Thanksgiving. We are thrilled to be able to spend the holidays with Eric's family, because the timing for that rarely works out. I am very nervous about taking Drake on an airplane in November though. Lots of germs unfortunately.

I am obsessively planning our trip to Disney. I must have something to plan at all times. For now, it's Disney World. We'll be going with a 5 month old and 20 month old. It may seem insane to some, but it works for us. I have to go to a continuing education conference once a year, and I get a stipend from work to do that. So, it might as well be at Disney. I'm really excited! Drake is going to love it, and the new baby will just love a week of snuggle time with Mommy and Daddy.

Reason number 247 to cloth diaper: Drake's butt is very fluffy when he falls. And since he does NOTHING but pull up, stand, and cruise around holding on to furniture, this is a good thing.

It's night-night time around here, so I must get to it!

DUH!

I am 31 tomorrow, not 32 like I had originally posted. Thanks Mom for pointing that out. Motherhood is KILLING my brain.

Random thoughts

My sweet boy was a such a little trooper at his nine month photos today! I couldn't believe how many times we managed to get him in a different outfit or look. Because of me having to work 5 days a week, it's gonna be about 3 weeks before I can get back to view them. I don't even want to think about how much money I'm going to spend. Shhh, don't tell my husband.

In other photo news, I've been thinking about having our next birth documented. I first heard about it in Charlotte, as there was a photographer there who had just started doing it. It is more common amongst natural birthing moms and home birthing moms. I'm not really sure why that is. There is certainly more to photograph for them. I mean, there are only so many shots you can get of a mom in bed with an epidural, and attached to an IV. I wonder if that's why NCB moms choose to have birth documentation/photos more often than other moms. So, I've been thinking about this, and an opportunity has presented itself at the perfect time.

The photographer we are using in Florence for our family's portraits has a blog on his website. Check out www.cmsmithportraits.com. His wife writes the blog, and recently wrote about possibly starting "lifestyle photography" as a division of their studio. Birth photography and documentation is part of that, and I was beyond thrilled to read about that. I really had not anticipated finding someone in Florence for that type of work. And get this---she's had TWO natural childbirths! So not only could she shoot our birth day, she could also be an advocate and supporter.

Drake is super tired this afternoon, and it took FOREVER to get him asleep. He's currently tied to my chest in the Moby. It was the only way he'd finally fall asleep. We tried everything else known to man.

I love having these two days off, and having so much snuggle time with my sweet boy. There truly isn't anything like it.

A Work In Progress

I've started my letter to my hospital's administrative staff, and it is amazingly politically correct. For someone who is more blunt than eloquent, I've really been pulling some surprising words and phrases out of my ass. I want to clarify that the hospital issues are really what's driving me towards wanting a homebirth. While I don't like my OB's office staff, or her one particular partner, I really do love my OB. She took so much time to listen to and discuss my concerns at my visit with her, and I'm really grateful for that. I'm gonna see if she'll take cash under the table to come to my birth, even if she's not on call;-)

There is a really fun (and yet disturbing) website at www.myobsaidwhat.com. It's a compilation of ridiculous things said by not just OB's, but also midwives, nurses, lactation consultants, doulas, and even some fellow anesthesia peeps. You can check it out if you want to be amused. I'm going to send in a statement from my last visit. The OB who I wasn't very fond of said (in response to my birth plan), "Well, you aren't opposed to having your water broken are you- THAT's natural". Ummmmm- no it's not. Please tell me what part of having a plastic hook inserted into my vagina, through my cervix, and then ripping a hole in my baby's protective amniotic sac IS NATURAL!!! Ummmmmm, no, it's not natural. So, I think I may send that comment in, because it's beginning to amuse me the more I think about it.

In Drake news, his separation anxiety has hit an all new high. I walked out of his nursery tonight to put a load of diapers in, and he completely lost it. I mean, bawled uncontrollably. And he wouldn't calm down until I sat down, and held him in my lap. Someone has his mommy wrapped around his chubby little fingers. I'm taking him for his nine month photos tomorrow, and I'm excited! In other exciting news, we are finally close to getting a pediatrician appointment. I raised hell today at the office in Charlotte, and they actually faxed the records since they failed to mail them last week. The nicest girl helped me (over the phone) and was very apologetic after I had demanded to speak with the office manager. Fast forward to the next conversation, with the Florence office. After three weeks of them refusing to make an appt with this certain pediatrician, without records, they just now today inform me there isn't an appt available for 2 months with the guy I requested. I said I'd be thrilled to see ANY doctor, and even happier to see the nurse practitioner. I also just had to tell them that for an office so 'concerned' with fully vaccinating their patients, they certainly didn't seem to be very concerned with getting my son in, especially when he's due for a vaccine. After that, she informed me they do have a doctor newer to the practice, who they could get Drake in with quickly. I figured that mentioning he needed a vaccine would do the trick:-)

I'll be 32 whole years old on Friday, and my massage is already scheduled!!! I'm also shopping, and getting a mani/pedi. All alone!!! I can't wait for some Nikki time. I told my parents that the only thing I wanted for my birthday was for them to watch Drake for the afternoon! Well, I've gotta get back to my letter writing. I hope to get it mailed next week.

Until next time.....

It's time...

It's either time for action, or time for a change of plans. I had the chance today to speak with the nurse manager of the L&D floor where I work. This is (obviously) where I'll be delivering our next addition. To make a long story short, I wasn't happy with her answers to my questions. Their lack of proper equipment for a natural birthing mom was disturbing. Their policies regarding visitors are deplorable. I was not impressed, to say the least. Combine that with my general level of unhappiness and dissatisfaction with the OB's office, and now I'm thinking about a change of plans.

You guessed it, I'm finally considering a midwife attended homebirth. Eric and I still have to get some questions answered by the midwife, mostly regarding what emergency equipment and supplies she travels with. I'm hoping to meet her and love her, and have the decision be an easy one.

At the same time, I'd also like to try and implement change within my employers L&D services. Some of their policies do not match the other hospital in town, and they are going to have to change those in order to stay competitive. Quite a bit of their routine doesn't follow current research; it's not evidence based practice. I intend to point that out, but doubt anything will come of it. At least I know it would in MY birth, because I'd demand it. I'm drafting a letter to send to the hospital CEO, and any other administrators involved in the L&D unit of Women's Services. Who knows if anyone will even read the letters, or much less care to do anything about it. But it will make me feel better to at least write them. Maybe they will actually take a look at their routine and policy, and other Moms will benefit. That would be beyond amazing.

I can say, for sure, 100% without doubt, that they will not get my business unless they at least amend the visiting policy for me. The other hospital in town will cost me more, since they aren't a "preferred provider" in my insurance network, but I'd consider them if my pregnancy became high risk.

Patients often assume they don't really have choices. They are told what's best for them, and what the hospital policy is, and they just go along with it. I hope just one person reads this and realizes, you DO have choices. Research, and empower yourself. Demand what you know is best for you and your family!!!

Photo Dump

My friend Adriann got married at the end of September. Congrats to her and Judd! This is me and my sweetie, before the wedding.

Drake laughing as he tries to eat a leaf. His Halloween outfit is one of his Grandma Brenda's creations.
This is what happens when I ask my husband to feed Drake lunch, on a Sunday afternoon. That's right folks, the highchair was pulled into the living room so they could watch the Panthers.
My evening routine (unless I'm one of the late CRNA's that day), is to give Drake dinner about 5:30, then a bath, and finally pajamas and a bottle. He's usually asleep in his crib between 6:30 and 7:30.
I don't know why this picture insisted on flipping back this way, but it's really cute. My boys love to nap together!
This was from our first weekend in Florence. We took Drake to the park to explore a little. He loved the swings!

The Pumpkin Patch

I sure love this stinker!

We could not in a million years have planned for this photo. Eric was just snapping away, and Drake chose that exact moment to puke. We both thought it to be hilarious, although this photo will probably make my Dad gag.

He wasn't feeling the pumpkin patch.
See the Bills gear? Drake's a true fan, even though his dad is a little frustrated with the season thus far.
He's happy as long as he can pull up and stand! He hates to sit now.
His confused face.