My perfect birth.
As suggested by my midwives, I wrote down my birth story as I would like it to be.
I will likely have contractions for weeks leading up to my birth and already be about 3-5 cm dilated before true labor even hits from all the prodromal labor. I will feel frustrated, pissy, and tired. I know myself well enough. I will be done being pregnant! I have a feeling labor will start in the afternoon while Scott is at work. I'm making lunch for the kids, irritated that I have been crampy and miserable all morning only to be hit with a hard contraction that has me calling Scott and the midwives to come. They hit hard and fast, but unlike last time I will bear them better, because I know baby will come quickly and smoothly. Plus I have 2 little ones that need me to be calm. "Get them settled and run yourself a bath" I tell myself.
Scott will have sped home and come in to help. I'm thankful it is still above freezing outside and the roads are clear and traffic should be light. I will get in the bath tub and he will put blankets or towels in a bag in the oven and set the kids up with a show while I continue to holler from the bathroom in labor mode. "Scott, get my fan, I need air." Air circulating has always helped me when I am in pain. Feeling like I can breathe well and my body stays cool helps. I get out of the tub and he wraps me in a warm towel as I sit on my hands and knees in front of the fan. I know Amy and Jill are both on their way. They know to come quick. one or two more contractions hit and I feel the need to push. I've only been laboring about an hour but I need to push. Scott grabs the chux pads, gloves, and warm blankets in a rush. He texts Amy/Jill: door's unlocked, we're pushing... Just then, Jill arrives. She was pulling in the driveway when she got the text and is by Scott's side, Baby is almost ready to crown. I feel that intense burning, the pain and I bite down on a towel and do my best to focus on breathing. Next thing I know Amy is there too. All three of them are around me and ready for the next moment...I push just twice and our sweet baby arrives earth side. Amy helps Scott as he catches our baby and Jill applies counter pressure to help keep me from tearing. This birth was so easy! Not as intense, not as scary. The pushing definitely hurt but went fast and wasn't too bad. No tears and minimal swelling! Heck at this point my babies are practically falling out..The placenta comes out soon after, easily and with almost no effort on my end.
Less than an hour and a half start to finish, all that annoying prodromal labor was worth it. I got a quick and smooth birth and I feel great! Only a cup or so of blood lost, the baby and my vitals are perfect and everyone was there just in time for the best part. We move to the freshly made bed and spend our golden hour together. Scott makes me some toast with peanut butter and banana...wait, dang kids hogged all the banana's... guess we'll go with honey and a warm cup of tea and some Tylenol to help with the after pains. Jill runs me a nice warm Epsom salt bath to clean up and soak my bottom while daddy gets his turn to meet the baby. Amy put on another Mickey Mouse movie for the kids and give them a snack. All clean and dressed, I come back and Amy weighs the baby. 6 pounds 15 ounces! 19 1/2 inches long. Our smallest baby yet but still very plump, healthy, and perfect. Jill checks my uterus and bleeding again, I'm great and barely sore! It's getting close to supper time and the midwives leave to head home. Scott pops a pre-made Lasagna in the oven and all the kids are on the bed looking at the new baby. We're all in love. A wonderful birth to end my child bearing years with. We look at our baby, Happy to be done, slightly sad that it's our last and excited for the future. Our family is complete.
-Cass
Monday, June 29, 2015
Saturday, June 20, 2015
6/18/15
I don' know why I feel like writing but I do. I feel slightly emotional today but about nothing really in particular. My house is a mess and never seems to leave that state. I haven't ate the best the past 2 days, lots of meat, cheese, and carbs, and I am just really tired. Thought I was supposed to get my energy back? I'm in my second trimester! I'm sure all of these things make for a tired more emotional me.
Got back on FB. I hate to admit I missed it. Well not really, but at the same time yes. I've decided that I am going to make the effort to actually see and know the people on my "friends list". The way I see it, if I don't really know them and they don't really know me and we are not comfortable asking to visit one another without an occasion... then why are we friends? I have trouble deleting some people though, friends or not. I want to see what is going on in their lives, many of them live in exciting places or are going through transitions into marriage, parenthood, work life, etc... and curiosity wants to see where life takes them, though I know I am only seeing the highlight reel. I've made lots of plans for the next two weeks, cook-outs, swimming, and playdates. I need more adult time and instead of whining about it I decided why not get off my lazy ass and connect. Sure it sucks to be the one that has to initiate, but I think that in time with my amazingly charming personality, people will start wanting to spend time and make plans with me... ;) Yes, I know, so humble right?
I have to feel good about something in my life. I'll never be a beauty queen but I can do my best to develop a beautiful and contagious personality that people enjoy.
Let's see what else is on my mind. How about I'm not really digging chickens anymore. With out main flock battling sickness and mites and our meat chickens being... well quick growing and sort of lazy, I'm just not feeling the chicken love that I used to. I liked it better having a pretty coop and a small flock I loved as pets versus more of a farming attitude. It's weird how conflicting that feeling is. One minute I love having a nice sized property and the "potential" it offers and on the other hand I crave something a little more intimate and manageable. Like a nice big back yard that offers the space for a garden, chickens, and playing, but that was not so far out of town that I have to travel to everyone and everything. Hard to convince people to come out to the boonies. I also want a little less work. With a fourth child on the way extra yard work, lots of animals, and farm work seems daunting when coupled with my jewelry business and household work (that as I mentioned above never seems to end or even subside some). I sort of look forward to moving to Tennessee. Now that we have a better idea of what works for our family we can make a wise decision on a home. Hopefully a less expensive home... I'd love to see us meet our goal of becoming debt free. We'd be made if we could do that.
Finances are so stressful, so many damn bills and every time we start making a small dent, another bill comes up. Ash breaking his leg, me becoming pregnant, $655 ultrasounds...-_- Glad I at least fought and got them to remove the $397 charge for the STD tests I refused... It seems so overwhelming. I wish we could just sell half our stuff, but it's hard to part with most of it. It always seems like when we sell stuff a year or two later we always have to buy it again because circumstances change... like our queen bed, sure we don't need it now, but we will need it soon enough, or the extra sectional down stairs... IDK, I can't wait for this baby to be born so we can finally purge the dozens of baby boxes down stairs. I will keep a few sentimental things, but other than that I can not wait to be rid of all the baby items. Everything is already so full, closets, shelves, boxes... it's all just too much some days... If anything my goal this week should be a toy and clothes purge for the kids... maybe that would make me feel a little better.
6/20/15
I don't know why I bother trying to clean up our house. Had a friend help me clean ALL day yesterday. Finally got bathrooms all clean and floors fully swept and mopped and kitchen cleaned... I think it stayed that way about 3 hours... oy.
Today I woke up with a headache and exhausted. Food feels/looks/smells disgusting... and I have zero energy. I have felt like I am in a fog the entire day. Not sure if it is just pregnancy or maybe a combination of the fact that it has rained for over a week straight and not expected to stop for another 8 days or so with the exception of a few hours here and there... all we need, more flooding.
Everyone has the stomach flu and I pray when we go to Galion on Monday for a couple days we don't pick it up. Last thing I want is for me or my kids to be violently ill when I am already over nauseous and tired. Today was just one of those blah days, but I wanted to remember to finish this post. Not like anyone reads my blog but it is here for me I guess as an outlet.
-Cass
I don' know why I feel like writing but I do. I feel slightly emotional today but about nothing really in particular. My house is a mess and never seems to leave that state. I haven't ate the best the past 2 days, lots of meat, cheese, and carbs, and I am just really tired. Thought I was supposed to get my energy back? I'm in my second trimester! I'm sure all of these things make for a tired more emotional me.
Got back on FB. I hate to admit I missed it. Well not really, but at the same time yes. I've decided that I am going to make the effort to actually see and know the people on my "friends list". The way I see it, if I don't really know them and they don't really know me and we are not comfortable asking to visit one another without an occasion... then why are we friends? I have trouble deleting some people though, friends or not. I want to see what is going on in their lives, many of them live in exciting places or are going through transitions into marriage, parenthood, work life, etc... and curiosity wants to see where life takes them, though I know I am only seeing the highlight reel. I've made lots of plans for the next two weeks, cook-outs, swimming, and playdates. I need more adult time and instead of whining about it I decided why not get off my lazy ass and connect. Sure it sucks to be the one that has to initiate, but I think that in time with my amazingly charming personality, people will start wanting to spend time and make plans with me... ;) Yes, I know, so humble right?
I have to feel good about something in my life. I'll never be a beauty queen but I can do my best to develop a beautiful and contagious personality that people enjoy.
Let's see what else is on my mind. How about I'm not really digging chickens anymore. With out main flock battling sickness and mites and our meat chickens being... well quick growing and sort of lazy, I'm just not feeling the chicken love that I used to. I liked it better having a pretty coop and a small flock I loved as pets versus more of a farming attitude. It's weird how conflicting that feeling is. One minute I love having a nice sized property and the "potential" it offers and on the other hand I crave something a little more intimate and manageable. Like a nice big back yard that offers the space for a garden, chickens, and playing, but that was not so far out of town that I have to travel to everyone and everything. Hard to convince people to come out to the boonies. I also want a little less work. With a fourth child on the way extra yard work, lots of animals, and farm work seems daunting when coupled with my jewelry business and household work (that as I mentioned above never seems to end or even subside some). I sort of look forward to moving to Tennessee. Now that we have a better idea of what works for our family we can make a wise decision on a home. Hopefully a less expensive home... I'd love to see us meet our goal of becoming debt free. We'd be made if we could do that.
Finances are so stressful, so many damn bills and every time we start making a small dent, another bill comes up. Ash breaking his leg, me becoming pregnant, $655 ultrasounds...-_- Glad I at least fought and got them to remove the $397 charge for the STD tests I refused... It seems so overwhelming. I wish we could just sell half our stuff, but it's hard to part with most of it. It always seems like when we sell stuff a year or two later we always have to buy it again because circumstances change... like our queen bed, sure we don't need it now, but we will need it soon enough, or the extra sectional down stairs... IDK, I can't wait for this baby to be born so we can finally purge the dozens of baby boxes down stairs. I will keep a few sentimental things, but other than that I can not wait to be rid of all the baby items. Everything is already so full, closets, shelves, boxes... it's all just too much some days... If anything my goal this week should be a toy and clothes purge for the kids... maybe that would make me feel a little better.
6/20/15
I don't know why I bother trying to clean up our house. Had a friend help me clean ALL day yesterday. Finally got bathrooms all clean and floors fully swept and mopped and kitchen cleaned... I think it stayed that way about 3 hours... oy.
Today I woke up with a headache and exhausted. Food feels/looks/smells disgusting... and I have zero energy. I have felt like I am in a fog the entire day. Not sure if it is just pregnancy or maybe a combination of the fact that it has rained for over a week straight and not expected to stop for another 8 days or so with the exception of a few hours here and there... all we need, more flooding.
Everyone has the stomach flu and I pray when we go to Galion on Monday for a couple days we don't pick it up. Last thing I want is for me or my kids to be violently ill when I am already over nauseous and tired. Today was just one of those blah days, but I wanted to remember to finish this post. Not like anyone reads my blog but it is here for me I guess as an outlet.
-Cass
Monday, June 15, 2015
Baby Colgan #4 Pregnancy Journal- Week 14
Oh morning sickness, why do you tease me so? Some days I think, I may be past it! I'm in my second trimester! Then you hit me like a ton of bricks when a smelly guy at Kroger passes by and continue to plague me only to disappear and make me think maybe I'm nuts.
Let me tell you about that. There I was at Kroger, feeling fine, then out of nowhere a man caught my attention, or better yet, my nose's attention. He smelled like he smoked 2 packs of stale cigarettes a day and just got done working out without deodorant. I grabbed a veggie bag and fled the scene, trying to keep the contents of my stomach down and find uncontaminated air to breathe. I made it away and thought, if I hurry I should be safe... but no, smokey cut across the store and cut me off at the dairy isle and before I had a chance to run.... blehhhhhhh..... right into the veggie bag. He looked at me with that look of mixed disgust and concern and said "Ew, what's wrong with you are you okay?" No I'm not OKAY! I shoved past him and said, " I'm sorry, I'm pregnant and you stink" and I got out of there as quickly as I could, thankful I only needed a few things... SO AWFUL!
Saw the midwives today, talked to them about a lot of the things on my mind between Aiden running around like a crazy child and my children tearing into things. Told them about my appointment with Dr. S and how the are charging me $397 for STD testing I opted not to do but they did anyway, then tried to claim it was a law and I couldn't get a birth certificate without it... can I call bullshit? Not to mention $655 for an ultrasound, $139 for the technician that did the ultrasound, and $205 for the basic Dr. appt, that didn't include the check up... I am kicking myself in the ass for even going there, I usually like to go to the first appt. to make sure all is well for me to VBAC but I should have just spent $125 and went to Ultrasona at that rate. Geeze.
Let see, what else have I been feeling? Frequent Braxton Hicks, the baby move when I lay down at night (mostly if I am on my belly, Yay for the placenta being in the back!) frequent loose stools, which I think may be from eggs... though I have never been allergic to eggs before, though I read it is common to develop and increase sensitivities to allergens while pregnant. Energy is up some and I am trying to get things in my garden... Still trying to stay positive and not slack too badly on my vitamins, I need to be better about it... I really do. I have been trying to clean up our diet some with less fast food and more home cooking. It's hard when I am so tired though.
Well I guess that is all for now, I'm catching a cold/sore throat and plan to lay down, maybe drink some hot tea.
-Cass
Let me tell you about that. There I was at Kroger, feeling fine, then out of nowhere a man caught my attention, or better yet, my nose's attention. He smelled like he smoked 2 packs of stale cigarettes a day and just got done working out without deodorant. I grabbed a veggie bag and fled the scene, trying to keep the contents of my stomach down and find uncontaminated air to breathe. I made it away and thought, if I hurry I should be safe... but no, smokey cut across the store and cut me off at the dairy isle and before I had a chance to run.... blehhhhhhh..... right into the veggie bag. He looked at me with that look of mixed disgust and concern and said "Ew, what's wrong with you are you okay?" No I'm not OKAY! I shoved past him and said, " I'm sorry, I'm pregnant and you stink" and I got out of there as quickly as I could, thankful I only needed a few things... SO AWFUL!
Saw the midwives today, talked to them about a lot of the things on my mind between Aiden running around like a crazy child and my children tearing into things. Told them about my appointment with Dr. S and how the are charging me $397 for STD testing I opted not to do but they did anyway, then tried to claim it was a law and I couldn't get a birth certificate without it... can I call bullshit? Not to mention $655 for an ultrasound, $139 for the technician that did the ultrasound, and $205 for the basic Dr. appt, that didn't include the check up... I am kicking myself in the ass for even going there, I usually like to go to the first appt. to make sure all is well for me to VBAC but I should have just spent $125 and went to Ultrasona at that rate. Geeze.
Let see, what else have I been feeling? Frequent Braxton Hicks, the baby move when I lay down at night (mostly if I am on my belly, Yay for the placenta being in the back!) frequent loose stools, which I think may be from eggs... though I have never been allergic to eggs before, though I read it is common to develop and increase sensitivities to allergens while pregnant. Energy is up some and I am trying to get things in my garden... Still trying to stay positive and not slack too badly on my vitamins, I need to be better about it... I really do. I have been trying to clean up our diet some with less fast food and more home cooking. It's hard when I am so tired though.
Well I guess that is all for now, I'm catching a cold/sore throat and plan to lay down, maybe drink some hot tea.
-Cass
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Precipitous Labor aka Fast or Rapid Labor, Not as Easy as it Seems
Precipitous Labor aka as Rapid or Fast Labor is a labor that last less than 3 hours from start to finish. Many moms with 6+ hour labors hear that and may pang with jealousy... well how easy is that? Such a short labor... let me tell you, not that easy.
While the labor and birth may be fast, unlike a normal length labor, it is much more intense and hard. I have, so far, had both, a prolonged labor of 28 hours and a precipitous labor of 2 hours 21 minutes. Both were definitely hard in their own ways, but my rapid labor was much harder, and here's why:
With my longer labor I had the chance to ease into contractions, I felt them build. I had the chance to get excited, call my family and let them know... I was in labor, YAY.
With my longer labor I had breaks, I could feel the contractions come, peak, and subside and I had a short time to rest between them, I could feel my body doing it's job and could take advantage of labor techniques like massages, sitting on the birthing ball and even for a short time, laying down.
My long labor was more tiring from the lack of sleep and the abnormal length which made recovery harder and blood loss heavier. The labor was easy, recovery was hard.
With my rapid birth everything hit hard and fast. There was no build up, no real moment to be excited, "Yay, I'm in labor" The contractions were long and hard and close together with VERY short breaks, Contract 2 min, break 30 seconds, contract 1 min 40 sec break for 20... it was hard. It felt hard to focus, hard to do anything but rock on my hands and knees in agony at how intense it was. It took all my focus just to breathe and not clench my teeth to the point of breaking.
It was scary wondering, will my midwives arrive in time? Is everything okay? My labor didn't hurt like this before... is the baby okay?
Pushing and delivery was the worst, so much more painful, so intense but it was over quick.
Recovery was a breeze. I felt great after my birth, almost like I barely had a baby. I was up and about the next day,
In comparison, I think 6 -8 hours is a great length of time. Just long enough to not be crazy intense, but just short enough not to take everything out of you. Rapid Labor may be shorter, but it was definitely more painful and emotionally taxing. Makes me nervous about my labor this December, seeing as I will likely have another rapid labor....
-Cass
While the labor and birth may be fast, unlike a normal length labor, it is much more intense and hard. I have, so far, had both, a prolonged labor of 28 hours and a precipitous labor of 2 hours 21 minutes. Both were definitely hard in their own ways, but my rapid labor was much harder, and here's why:
With my longer labor I had the chance to ease into contractions, I felt them build. I had the chance to get excited, call my family and let them know... I was in labor, YAY.
With my longer labor I had breaks, I could feel the contractions come, peak, and subside and I had a short time to rest between them, I could feel my body doing it's job and could take advantage of labor techniques like massages, sitting on the birthing ball and even for a short time, laying down.
My long labor was more tiring from the lack of sleep and the abnormal length which made recovery harder and blood loss heavier. The labor was easy, recovery was hard.
With my rapid birth everything hit hard and fast. There was no build up, no real moment to be excited, "Yay, I'm in labor" The contractions were long and hard and close together with VERY short breaks, Contract 2 min, break 30 seconds, contract 1 min 40 sec break for 20... it was hard. It felt hard to focus, hard to do anything but rock on my hands and knees in agony at how intense it was. It took all my focus just to breathe and not clench my teeth to the point of breaking.
It was scary wondering, will my midwives arrive in time? Is everything okay? My labor didn't hurt like this before... is the baby okay?
Pushing and delivery was the worst, so much more painful, so intense but it was over quick.
Recovery was a breeze. I felt great after my birth, almost like I barely had a baby. I was up and about the next day,
In comparison, I think 6 -8 hours is a great length of time. Just long enough to not be crazy intense, but just short enough not to take everything out of you. Rapid Labor may be shorter, but it was definitely more painful and emotionally taxing. Makes me nervous about my labor this December, seeing as I will likely have another rapid labor....
-Cass
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Baby Colgan #4 Pregnancy Journal- Week 11
So much has happened in the past few weeks! First the usually morning sickness kicked in. Some days were harder than others. Lots of nausea, gagging, and sour stomach but nothing too unbearable thankfully. Very tired and my upper back still hurt. I had been dropping the hints for months... Hubby, we need a new bed, our just doesn't cut it anymore. 8 years and 3 pregnancies left quite a dip in it. Our new KING bed arrived today and is sitting in my front yard soaking up the sun and airing out... the delivery men thought I was nuts. :P
I had my first midwife appointment last week (5/18) and easily heard baby's little heart beat. That made me happy. Then Thursday I went to my one and only OB appt to have an initial ultrasound. Baby looked and sounded great. It was precious watching him/her bounce around and suck it's thumb. Awe Baby!!
Went to my BIL wedding this weekend, that was an exhausting trip. I was happy that the morning sickness was starting to subside but a new nasty symptom reared it's ugly head. Dizziness, weakness, and double vision. I would have spells of feeling really faint. Scary! Amy(midwife) suggestion lots of water and Iron. So Floradix was added to my vitamin regimen. I have only taken a few doses but I am already feeling a bit better! So thankful for that. So now, I take liquid Calcium Mag/Zinc with dinner, a dose of liquid iron before breakfast and lunch and my folate tab in the morning. I know, I know, not a "complete" prenatal, but it is something my belly can handle as I hate pills.
I also began seeing the Chiro for my back issues, Seems to be helping so far! I am going twice a week and it helps me feel better. (not to mention our awesome mattress that I am very excited to sleep on tonight.
I am trying so hard to stay committed to making this my best pregnancy. I want to start exercising again as soon as my energy returns. I need to, my poor body feels so weak and I need it to be strong for December!
-Cass
I had my first midwife appointment last week (5/18) and easily heard baby's little heart beat. That made me happy. Then Thursday I went to my one and only OB appt to have an initial ultrasound. Baby looked and sounded great. It was precious watching him/her bounce around and suck it's thumb. Awe Baby!!
Went to my BIL wedding this weekend, that was an exhausting trip. I was happy that the morning sickness was starting to subside but a new nasty symptom reared it's ugly head. Dizziness, weakness, and double vision. I would have spells of feeling really faint. Scary! Amy(midwife) suggestion lots of water and Iron. So Floradix was added to my vitamin regimen. I have only taken a few doses but I am already feeling a bit better! So thankful for that. So now, I take liquid Calcium Mag/Zinc with dinner, a dose of liquid iron before breakfast and lunch and my folate tab in the morning. I know, I know, not a "complete" prenatal, but it is something my belly can handle as I hate pills.
I also began seeing the Chiro for my back issues, Seems to be helping so far! I am going twice a week and it helps me feel better. (not to mention our awesome mattress that I am very excited to sleep on tonight.
I am trying so hard to stay committed to making this my best pregnancy. I want to start exercising again as soon as my energy returns. I need to, my poor body feels so weak and I need it to be strong for December!
-Cass
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Colgan Baby #4 Pregnancy Journal- Week 5
When I first saw those 2 lines pop up instantly saying "pregnant" on April 8th I cried. No I take that back, I bawled. Then I went downstairs and told Scott the news and he held me while I bawled some more.
"I already have babies" I sobbed... "In diapers, crying, milk drinking babies..."
Asher was born in February of 2012 and only 10 months later I was pregnant with Azzie. I got severely overwhelmed, depressed, and suffered from anxiety and depression most of my pregnancy and for about 9 months after she was born. It was too much. Handling 3 children was too much. Now here I was 18 months after Azzie finding out I was pregnant with a fourth. Emotion overwhelmed me and for a second all I could think is... I can't feel like that again. I can't let depression get hold of me AGAIN.
That night I sat in bed thinking. I need to change my thinking. I knew I wanted another baby later down the road so what are the benefits of having this baby a little sooner?
1. I get to have the same midwives that delivered Azzie and Asher attend this baby's birth. (instead of trying to figure out who to go to after we move to Tennessee.)
2.I will have given birth to my last child by the age of 27 meaning I will be 45 when my last baby graduates high school. So young still and able to enjoy life!
3.My kids will all go to school together and be close in age. My brother and I were 6 years apart and were never in school together, It definitely affected things.
4.We already have all the baby things we need for both a boy or girl so we can keep the sex of this baby a surprise.... so lots of positives.
Once I got my mind leaning towards the positive I had to think, how can I proactively keep my mind this way... and it hit me... I need to take care of me this time around! I didn't want to mope around focusing on something I can't (or rather won't) change.Who knew taking care of myself could feel so good! I want to do everything "right". I'm actually taking those yucky prenatal vitamins and folate, adding fruits and veggies to EVERY meal, and drinking water and hot tea like a fish. I have begun an exercise routine and try to rest for an hour in the afternoon... I have to say I feel wonderful! I am focusing on being happy and pregnant.
I also feel relieved. Knowing that this will be my last baby has given me a sense of calm. I know after this my body will be my own again forever. After this no more worries about "surprises" and I can enjoy watching my children grow. I expect I will get those twinges every now and again, but at 4 I feel complete. I feel relaxed. It's like somehow things will be easier now. Haha.
Due December 10-12th... somewhere in there.. :)
Asher was born in February of 2012 and only 10 months later I was pregnant with Azzie. I got severely overwhelmed, depressed, and suffered from anxiety and depression most of my pregnancy and for about 9 months after she was born. It was too much. Handling 3 children was too much. Now here I was 18 months after Azzie finding out I was pregnant with a fourth. Emotion overwhelmed me and for a second all I could think is... I can't feel like that again. I can't let depression get hold of me AGAIN.
That night I sat in bed thinking. I need to change my thinking. I knew I wanted another baby later down the road so what are the benefits of having this baby a little sooner?
1. I get to have the same midwives that delivered Azzie and Asher attend this baby's birth. (instead of trying to figure out who to go to after we move to Tennessee.)
2.I will have given birth to my last child by the age of 27 meaning I will be 45 when my last baby graduates high school. So young still and able to enjoy life!
3.My kids will all go to school together and be close in age. My brother and I were 6 years apart and were never in school together, It definitely affected things.
4.We already have all the baby things we need for both a boy or girl so we can keep the sex of this baby a surprise.... so lots of positives.
Once I got my mind leaning towards the positive I had to think, how can I proactively keep my mind this way... and it hit me... I need to take care of me this time around! I didn't want to mope around focusing on something I can't (or rather won't) change.Who knew taking care of myself could feel so good! I want to do everything "right". I'm actually taking those yucky prenatal vitamins and folate, adding fruits and veggies to EVERY meal, and drinking water and hot tea like a fish. I have begun an exercise routine and try to rest for an hour in the afternoon... I have to say I feel wonderful! I am focusing on being happy and pregnant.
I also feel relieved. Knowing that this will be my last baby has given me a sense of calm. I know after this my body will be my own again forever. After this no more worries about "surprises" and I can enjoy watching my children grow. I expect I will get those twinges every now and again, but at 4 I feel complete. I feel relaxed. It's like somehow things will be easier now. Haha.
Due December 10-12th... somewhere in there.. :)
Thursday, October 30, 2014
The Ultimate, Hand-made, Mama Giveaway! Nov. 10th- Nov. 14th
Woohoo! Christmas Season is coming, you know what that means? Time to start shopping! Some of you may say... "It's WAY too early to shop." For some of you, that may be so BUT it is never too early to start looking and if you plan to buy handmade, the earlier you get your gift picked out, the better...
This giveaway features 5 AWESOME, hand-made shops. At the conclusion of each feature there is a Random.org generator for you to enter to win a free gift from that shop owner! Entering is easy and you can enter every single one if you like! So sit back, read a bit, and enter for a chance to WIN!
First up:
Meet the Shop: Brigid's Grove-
Why Brigid?
Brigid is the Irish triple goddess of smithcraft/metalwork, poetry, and midwifery. She is also a Christian saint associated with midwives, birthing mothers, and infants. We chose our shop name based on how beautifully Brigid represents the interests and skills of our whole family.
Shop: brigidsgrove.etsy.com
Website: brigidsgrove.com
Facebook: facebook.com/brigidsgrove
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Meet the Shop: Home Baby Crafts-
What inspired you to open up shop?
I opened my business in November of 2011 while pregnant with my second child. One day I was admiring an Uncommon Goods magazine and saw a beautiful tree of life pendant made by Ethora. They were stunning but way out of my price range and I wanted a more realistic look, so I decided to make my own. Who knew that a few short years later I would have my own line of unique trees and a thriving business!
What is one thing you would want everyone to know about Home Baby Crafts?I am a one woman show. While I may seek assistance in cutting out jewelry cards or putting clasps on chains, each piece is hand created by myself. I have made almost 4,000 pieces of jewelry in the past 2 ½ years! From each of these pieces, a portion of the earnings was donated to birth and mother related charity. Whether it was helping a few moms pay for doulas or purchasing books and supplies for training midwives in third world countries, or life wraps to prevent hemorrhage, each purchase made gives back… and possibly saved the lives of mothers. To read my learn more about my HBAC experience and what fuels the passion, click here.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomeBabyCrafts
Shop: www.homebabycrafts.com
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/homebabycrafts
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Meet the Shop: Monkey Mama Necklaces-
When my son was about a year old, I became frustrated at the choice of nursing necklaces that were out there. I wanted something that would keep him focused, and keep his twiddly fingers occupied and out of my bra. However, I also wanted something robust and non toxic that I could wear as a regular piece of attractive jewellery. I'd tried necklaces with breakaway clasps, but it had become a game for Isaac to yank these off my neck at the start of a feed, and as such they'd become useless - these wouldn't be a feature of my designs!
The search began for suitable beads, and I spent months coming looking for some that didn't look childlike and plasticky and wasn't made in a Chinese factory. I finally came across the lovely handmade resin beads I use, which are made in a cottage Industry in Indonesia and ethically traded. I was over the moon when they arrived to discover that they were even more beautiful in person. After a few failed prototypes, the first Twiddle Buster necklace was eventually born.
I tentatively wondered if other mamas were also frustrated by the current choices on the market and would be interested in my necklaces to help occupy their little nurselings and sling riders. I dipped my toes in the water, listing 20 necklaces in an Etsy shop at the end of July 2011. A couple of days later, I made my first sale, and the rest, as they say, is history.
What is one thing you would want everyone to know about Monkey Mama?
On a number of occasions I've considered expanding my business and taking on helpers, but I always come back to the decision to keep it small and personal. Monkey Mama is me, Nat. It's my values, my personality, my aesthetic and my slightly disorganized working practices. ;) I like that it's personal, that everything is designed, made and packaged by me, and I like the personal relationships with my customers. My range of styles and colorways has expanded hugely since those early days, but the same core principles remain - Monkey Mama necklaces are beautiful, functional, safe and ethical.
Facebook: www.fb.com/monkeymamanecklaces
Etsy Shop:https://www.etsy.com/shop/monkeymamanecklaces
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Meet the Shop: EcoAlternatives-
Greetings! My name is Traci Chandler and I am the sole proprietor of Eco Alternatives. I was inspired to open Eco Alternatives after years of cloth diapering our boys. I was having sensitivities to the traditional products sold in stores and thought, "If I use cloth for my boys, why not for me?"I have always treasured goods made by hand. The time, thought, energy, and love that is spent on a single handmade good is priceless. Whether it is a needlepoint pillow, ceramic vase, a cloth pad, or a handwritten letter, giving something handmade exudes love and thought. If I could share a few things about my business, it would be that I love what I do. I enjoy creating unique and custom products for women around the world. Embrace womanhood and treat yourself to a chuckle each month. Whether you pick pretty floral pads or a pad with owls, you are bound to view your monthly cycle a bit differently when you choose to use cloth. Enjoy the freedom from the ‘sanitary napkin’ aisle. Remember, life is full of choices!
Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ecoalternatives
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EcoAlternatives
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ecoaltonetsy
Twitter: @ECOALTonETSY
Meet the Shop: Tank’s Treasures-
This season I am focusing on the hand knit infinity scarves I make. They are so beautiful, with lots of color options, and are very warm and cozy. Its therapeutic for me to sit and arm knit these scarves. I get lost in thought and think about how our story can provide peace for other families walking the road of child loss. Each piece leaves with a part of my heart and the love of our dear angel.
I am new to this business side, and I have enjoyed doing a few craft shows and being apart of different opportunities to donate and raise funds for certain organizations.
I look forward to meeting so many amazingly crafty people while on this journey. I'm excited to be apart of this opportunity to spread the Tank's Treasures Love. Its all for our son who grew his wings far too soon.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tanks-Treasures/625182657545930
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TanksTreasures
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