Update: Baby is 1 month old now (Really?!)

Sorry it has taken so long to update. My son Archer was born on Valentines Day. His name is kind of funny because we had picked it out long before he was born. We had no idea he would be born on Valentines Day or even that his name would be connected with V day at all. LOL Anyways, he was born at 7 lb 4 oz and 19 1/2 inches long. Since then, he has packed on the pounds and now weighs 9 lbs 1 oz. Wow! What a big boy! :) He is my pride and joy- for sure. That is not to say that these last 4 weeks have been totally smooth. The birth went exceedingly well. I wouldn't say it was painful. I would say it was just INTENSE. The first 2 weeks were pretty tough. He had jaundice, so I was constantly waking him up to feed him because it is important that jaundice babies be well nourished and get lots of breast milk. Newborns sleep almost all the time, so that was a very daunting task sometimes to wake him up! I felt so bad using a cold washrag to wake him up, but I was too worried to just let him sleep. I also struggled a lot with breastfeeding. He had a hard time latching, especially on one breast. I eventually had to pump to keep up my supply and use a nipple shield. One night I even resorted to using a bottle of breast milk because he was screaming and crying and wouldn't feed from my breasts! I felt so depressed and like a failure. I also got very frustrated with the middle-of-the-night feedings and was starting to feel like my breastfeeding struggles were interfering with our bonding. Luckily, I stuck with it and things are MUCH better. I still have difficult days, especially when he cries and I don't know what to do to console him. I am slowly starting to figure it out.

Tomorrow we are getting newborn and family pictures taken. Yay!

Ooops. Gotta go. Baby boy just woke up from a nap. ;)

Baby born on Valentines Day!

Wow. What a shocker. I was convinced baby would come AFTER my due date, but he came a week before and on a HOLIDAY. He is such a sweetheart and I love him very much. I gave birth to him naturally, which was VERY intense but so worth it.

38 1/2 weeks Update!

Yikes! It's been over a month since I last posted! I have been super busy these last few weeks getting ready for the baby. Last weekend, we finished up our last Bradley birth class (12 weeks total). I can't believe in about 2 weeks, the baby will be coming! I hope I am- we are- ready. Also, I have been busy with meetings at work and getting everything ready for my sub. It makes me kind of sad to think that I have been concentrating more on work than the upcoming arrival of my baby, but maybe it just seems that way. Or maybe that's a good thing because once baby comes, I know I won't be thinking about work at all. I have also been busy buying last minute things for baby and getting things ready around the house. We bought a pack-and-play and a co-sleeper 2 weeks ago. We are also adding a bathroom in the basement. (Yes, we're crazy.) The tub is already installed, which I am excited about because I can use it as a pain relief method when I am in labor. (The upstairs tub is WAY too shallow.)

Also, I meant to post this a month or two ago, but baby's room is done. It has a Dr. Seuss theme. Here are some pictures...

 Behind the blue fabric is the baby's name. I am keeping it hidden for now so nosey family members don't find out. :)

I made the quilt.

I bought this clock and adorned it with Dr. Seuss pictures.

 I added Dr. Suess fabric to the bottom of these curtains.

 This is a photshopped (obviously) picture of my cat who died over the summer. 

A co-worker made this for my baby. Cute!

 The quilt was made by great-grandma on my dad's side of the family. I want to find a better way to display it.

 I decoupaged the light switch plate.

 Close-up of the wall border.

 I put Dr. Seuss fabric on the lamp shade.

I made green eggs and ham out of air-dry clay. Behind the green eggs and ham is a framed ultrasound picture.

Pregnancy questionnaire

I borrowed this from http://soyoukno.blogspot.com/ because it sounded fun! :)

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When are you due: February 21

How many weeks are you: 33 weeks and 2 days

Was this planned or unplanned: Very much planned. I've wanted to be a mom since I was 17!

How much weight gained: Not too sure because I don't know what my starting weight was. I think I have gained around 26 pounds. I didn't gain hardly anything until about 22 weeks. During these last few weeks, I have really started to pack on the pounds! LOL

Do you wear maternity clothes: YES. I am all about comfort. I have been wearing maternity clothes exclusively since about 13-14 weeks.

Is this your first pregnancy?: No. I had one pregnancy earlier in 2011 that resulted in a miscarriage in April. I am so glad this baby is doing so well!

Latest food craving: I don't really have cravings, but my preferences have changed. For example, I hated white milk pre-pregnancy and now could drink it all the time (and do). I also like a lot of spicy stuff now, which I didn't really before. 

Your top two name choices or baby's name: We have a name in mind, but aren't telling anybody until he is here.

Worst Thing about being pregnant: It seems like I am constantly sore now. The middle of my back feels very strained at times (probably due to all the weight in front). My ribs right under my boob hurt sometimes. Also, when I get out of bed in the morning or get out of a car, my hips ache quite a bit. I am not complaining though. I am very grateful to be pregnant and I'd take this (anything) to give my son life.

Best Thing about being pregnant: Movement! It seems like I feel him moving ALL the time! It is so cool to see/feel his foot pressing out!

The first person you told was: My husband. (Read previous post from June 2011)

Are you more scared or excited: Mostly excited. I might be crazy, but I am not too worried about taking care of him after he is born. I assume I will figure it out. I am a little scared about childbirth. I am doing it without pain medication, so I really hope I have what it takes to do it. I have put a lot of time and effort into learning how to manage the pain and about the birth process in general. I am just nervous because I know it WILL be painful, but I have no idea how much because I have never given birth before. I guess I'll find out soon though, right? ;)

Happy or mostly moody: Happy, for sure. This is the happiest I have ever been. Starting a family is my biggest dream.

Last time you cried over something ridiculous was: I was watching "I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant" and crying because a woman gave birth in campground bathroom and the baby hit her head on the concrete floor when she was born. Thank god the baby was OK! I cried though because I was thinking how scary that scenario would be for both mom and baby.

You pee an estimated __ times a day?: I have no idea, but only a little more than before. I can still make it all night without getting up to pee. (Yay!)

Weirdest dream you've had since pregnant?: I had a dream that I was trying to save my cat who was stranded on a ship and a tornado was heading straight for the ship. I was so scared that I wouldn't be able to save her in time!

Will you breast feed: Yes, definitely. At least 6 months.

What are you looking forward to: Looking at my son for the first time, holding him, and breastfeeding him. Also, seeing how great my husband will do as my birth coach. I know he will be there for me, and I will feel love overflow my heart.  

What are you not looking forward to: Going back to work after a 12 week leave! I hope I am not too much of an emotional mess!

Words of wisdom: Although I have not given birth yet, I think it's important for moms to be very educated on the birth process. This knowledge will be crucial in my ability to avoid certain interventions I do not want. C-sections happen way more than they should, in my opinion. I definitely do NOT want one, unless there is a real emergency.

Christmas: Coming Soon

Christmas makes me thankful that I am starting my own family. Hopefully, I will do right by this kid, and he'll want to spend time with me even when he is an adult. Can't wait for him to be here!

Love you, sweet baby boy!

Third trimester!

Here I am! Third trimester already! Before I know it, it will be Christmas and then baby will come 2 months later! Wow. Time is really flying by. I can't wait to meet my little boy!

I am so glad I am taking Bradley classes. Even though I still have more to learn and do, I feel like I will be able to handle childbirth. I actually almost feel excited about it. Very little fear.

Baby is moving like crazy now. He's big and strong too. Sometimes I have to jump a little when I feel a kick in my ribs. Yesterday, I went to a vocal jazz/Christmas concert with my mother-in-law. I play music all the time for my baby, but he does not usually move any more than usual when it's playing. Maybe I haven't been playing the right kind of music! LOL During the concert yesterday, I swear he was not only kicking me, but I think he did a few flips too. A couple of times I felt a bulge sticking out about the size of a medium orange. Not sure if that was the head or the butt. Pretty cool, regardless!

Also, I got the baby's room done. I just need to add some more decorative touches. Pictures to come.

Pieces are all coming together now

I am so excited about giving birth! I had my first Bradley class yesterday, and that went really well. I feel like these classes will truly prepare me to give birth. We actually got lots of homework to do before our next class on Sunday. I also had a doctor appointment today, and my doula attended it. I asked my doctor some questions about when she would show up during labor, when I would need to push, etc. I liked her answers and feel like she is very supportive of me and my desire to have a natural birth. I feel like all the pieces are coming together and that I might actually accomplish the kind of birth that I want!

Also, only 3 more days (2 work days) until Thanksgiving, so that really has me excited as well! All the yummy food and plenty of relaxation time... Can't wait.... hmmmm..... :)

Have a great Thanksgiving, everyone!