The 3 month growth spurt is probably upon us. Although Karina is 10 weeks I am very certain she is having a growth spurt. With the continual feeding last night and all day today I was actually able to peal myself out of bed by noon in order to eat and get dressed. I was actually up at 6AM this morning, which is very early in this house. No one usually gets out of bed until 7:30 - but today I got out of bed after a big Karina feed because I knew she would want me back in bed for another feed and perhaps her dad could keep her asleep a little longer with his presence next to her. I was back in bed by 9AM where I snuggled and fed Karina and drifted in and out of sleep. I swear my nipple was in her mouth the whole time...
So I had an hour to myself where I sipped coffee and blogged. It was quite nice to sit back in a quiet house and enjoy the time to myself. After having used a bodem for our coffee for years and breaking two in the month that Karina was born, we invested in a nice coffee machine. Each night I pregrind and preset the machine to 7AM, so that when Jordan rolls out of bed when Jonas wakes up, he is greeted with some nice coffee - its like a little 'I love you for getting up with Jonas' coffee. Mind you, I am usually up within half an hour of Jordan and Jonas getting out of bed.
As I type this, Karina has slept in the Baby Bjorn for the past hour. She has now woken up and is trying to have a conversation with me. I love that she is more awake and aware now. She loves, as Jonas did, babbling and smiling at me as we have a 'conversation'. So sweet. I am loving my time with my little baby girl. She will grow up too fast and I already know that.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Anxiety
Although it wasn't mandatory, I encouraged Jordan to attend a Community Forest conference over the weekend. I arranged to have my parents come over from the Island for the weekend so that I could have some help. I know that as my hormones settle and I become more used to life with two small children, I will become better adapted. I knew I would be fine on my own, but I also knew that I would be better off with a little help.
I have a certain anxiety when I am alone with both kids for several hours - mainly around bedtime. Jordan had a ball tournament one weekend which was fine because I would go out for walks with Jonas and Karina and it was quite easy. But when its bedtime and you have a crying baby and a very tired and cranky 3 year old its a tough juggle struggle. Every time I have Karina almost asleep, Jonas will make a noise or ask if I am ready to put him to bed. I have only been through this a few times but I must say I felt anxiety. I almost feel better simply admitting to this weakness in myself because I know it will pass with time.
Of course its good to work hard and be the best you can be, but I also believe it is healthy to admit ones weaknesses and shortcomings. We are humans, not superheros. I am not supermom and never will be.
As anyone who has read ethnopediatrician, Meredith Small's book, 'Our Babies, Ourselves: How Biology and Culture Shape the Way We Parent', will see that we are one of the few cultures around the world where a mother and usually a father will single handedly raise their children. Alone. This way of child rearing has never really been a practice that I instinctively felt was entirely healthy for anyone involved. Could this be a contributing factor to the overwhelming amount of Post Partum Depression in our culture. I think it is a major one. Maybe it contributes to the isolation people will feel at different times in their lives. With so much importance and expectation placed on that of the 'family', especially in this culture, you are bound to be disappointed! We are a culture who has many, many definitions of family, which, in all honesty I am often confused about. It seems as if each person has their own definition of what a family looks like. Whether its the nuclear family or ones spiritual/church family, I think it all needs to be incorporated into a larger picture of family. Community perhaps? SSince this is still a blog written firstly for my children as a record, according to mom, of their early life with us - perhaps I will eventually write another post dedicated to our picture of family!
I read Our Babies Ourselves when Jonas was a baby. I enjoyed how it gave such a wide overview of infant care practices across the world and then presented in a clear and concise manner. Small notes that what may seem to be "normal" baby care for one culture seems quite strange, even shocking or disturbing, for another.It is not a parenting book, really, but it does give affirmation for making instinctual parenting choices. It is a great book for anyone who is interested in infant care in other cultures. It is also a good book for parents needing encouragement that what they are doing is best for their baby even when society says it's not (especially for issues such as co-sleeping and baby wearing.)
I have a certain anxiety when I am alone with both kids for several hours - mainly around bedtime. Jordan had a ball tournament one weekend which was fine because I would go out for walks with Jonas and Karina and it was quite easy. But when its bedtime and you have a crying baby and a very tired and cranky 3 year old its a tough juggle struggle. Every time I have Karina almost asleep, Jonas will make a noise or ask if I am ready to put him to bed. I have only been through this a few times but I must say I felt anxiety. I almost feel better simply admitting to this weakness in myself because I know it will pass with time.
Of course its good to work hard and be the best you can be, but I also believe it is healthy to admit ones weaknesses and shortcomings. We are humans, not superheros. I am not supermom and never will be.
As anyone who has read ethnopediatrician, Meredith Small's book, 'Our Babies, Ourselves: How Biology and Culture Shape the Way We Parent', will see that we are one of the few cultures around the world where a mother and usually a father will single handedly raise their children. Alone. This way of child rearing has never really been a practice that I instinctively felt was entirely healthy for anyone involved. Could this be a contributing factor to the overwhelming amount of Post Partum Depression in our culture. I think it is a major one. Maybe it contributes to the isolation people will feel at different times in their lives. With so much importance and expectation placed on that of the 'family', especially in this culture, you are bound to be disappointed! We are a culture who has many, many definitions of family, which, in all honesty I am often confused about. It seems as if each person has their own definition of what a family looks like. Whether its the nuclear family or ones spiritual/church family, I think it all needs to be incorporated into a larger picture of family. Community perhaps? SSince this is still a blog written firstly for my children as a record, according to mom, of their early life with us - perhaps I will eventually write another post dedicated to our picture of family!
I read Our Babies Ourselves when Jonas was a baby. I enjoyed how it gave such a wide overview of infant care practices across the world and then presented in a clear and concise manner. Small notes that what may seem to be "normal" baby care for one culture seems quite strange, even shocking or disturbing, for another.It is not a parenting book, really, but it does give affirmation for making instinctual parenting choices. It is a great book for anyone who is interested in infant care in other cultures. It is also a good book for parents needing encouragement that what they are doing is best for their baby even when society says it's not (especially for issues such as co-sleeping and baby wearing.)
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
My Little Girl
We seem to have settled into our little life as a family of 4. Karina is almost 9 weeks and is a very sweet and normal little babe. She eats, plays, sleeps and then does it all over again and of course in any order she sees fit. Life with child 2 is much smoother than with the first. I know what to expect and that is simply you never know how each day with a little baby will go. Maybe we will nurse all day and lay around and then eat Bunny noodles for dinner. Or maybe Karina will sleep abit more and I will be able to get lots accomplished. I take each day as it comes. Karina will typically nurse throughout the night but these nights are not so bad because I am so accustomed to them after already having been through one nursling already. I don't expect Karina to sleep through the night, though she occassionally sleeps for 4 hours straight without a nurse session. She will also sleep in the side cradle for the first part of the night and then come into bed with us. I find that I sleep much better once she is with us because she is nice and close and I feel more in tune with her. This is just how it has worked out for us. I was like this with Jonas as well. This time, however, I am making more of an effort to start the night with Karina in her own bed because she will probably move out of our bed to be with her brother sooner than her brother left our bed (at 18 months).
The only big difference between Karina and Jonas so far is that Jonas always fell asleep breastfeeding whereas Karina often does not and likes to sleep when she is ready - and on her own. With Jonas I could convince him through breastfeeding to fall asleep quickly or to go back to sleep if he woke up after a short 20 minute nap.
This time around I am also much more conscious of my body and much more driven to take good care of it. I am eating well and exercising lots with special focus on my back. I felt much weaker postpartum this time around and I knew that in order to function optimally and carry Karina around for hours a day in the sling and bjorn, I would have to strengthen my core. I need to carry her in order to get anything done and I can't be sore.
Karina smiles lots now, she laughs and babbles and has taken an interest in Mr Lion which was Jonas's first 'toy' as well.
Jonas is, as always, a ton of fun with the exception of typical 3 year old naughtiness!
Recently he said to Jordan when asked if he wanted to go to The Aquarium or Science World - 'I want to go to Science World so that I can play with things, not just look at things'. Science World has been his fave for the past 8 months.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
3 Weeks Postpartum
For this baby, my parents were the first to come to help out and meet the new family member. Jordan's mom and dad were the first to meet and greet Jonas 3 years ago.
So, of course, West coast style, my parents had to wait until the day after Karina was born due to high winds and ferry cancellations. Funny how things work out because we found it nice to have that first partial day to ourselves to unpack and settle back at home. We weren't discharged from the hospital until later in the afternoon after Karina's birth. It was nice, though, because I got the chance to rest and take a few showers without worrying about cleaning up after myself.
We settled in at home and my parents arrived as we were waking up the next morning!! It was a nice surprise to have them there so early and they brought some snacks and chocolate (Easter weekend!!!) and some presents for Karina and Jonas. It was very festive and I was feeling great. I did not have much pain after the birth - just an achy back and some strong after pains around my belly and lower gut area (the uterus shrinking very quickly!).
Karina slept ALOT those first few days and I swear my parents only saw her awake a handful of times. She only really nursed every 3-5 hours, but I was not concerned as she was filling up her diapers with gusto and a postpartum Midwife appointment confirmed her weight gain.
My parents entertained Jonas and took him out and about. They made us some meals and hung out as we rested and recuperated. Our very thoughtful friends had us over for a turkey dinner and we got some great little pink sleepers etc - Thanks to the Fabien's and Ruff's! We felt very well taken care of!
My parents left after the long weekend and the next day I became so engorged! My milk had come in already but now it was coming full force and Karina could not drink it all! She was still sleeping all the time and only feeding every 3 or so hours. My nipples were beginning to get sore and I organized myself so that I was pumping a little and using ice packs and cabbage leaves. I was very diligent but I was in alot of pain and couldn't believe this was happening to second time mom! I nursed Jonas for 2.5 years and I thought there would not be any problems breastfeeding a second time. I was wrong. It was like starting all over again. teaching Karina how to latch and trying to figure out why my nipples were so sore and why Karina was making a clicking sound at each suck. I also began nursing on one breast only for 5 hours because I was overflowing! It was a really difficult 3 or 4 days and I needed to take alot of Tylenol and ibuprofen. I had abit of relief and healed slowly.
A week after Karina was born, Jordan's mom came over from the Island to help out. Having taken the week off, Jordan needed to finnish off a paper and prepare for a presentation for the following week. Janet stayed for the week and made our dinners, cleaned the house, shopped and took care of Jonas on the days he was not in school. I was feeling quite tired that week and I was still dealing with sore breasts. The timing couldn't have been better and she helped us out tremendously and all of the support we have collectively received has helped us get off on the right foot - well rested and healthy and school work successfully completed. Jordan has taken a week off and then he will get back to his thesis and also hopefully line up more research money for his PhD.
Aside from difficulties with soreness, mothering a second time has been really easy. Barely an adjustment. Jordan is totally confident and often puts Karina to sleep. Jonas has welcomed his little sister beautifully and loves to talk with her and watch her diapers being changed - he calls her milk poos 'flat poos' and really gets a kick out of her 'blowouts'. She has had all of her baths with her brother and one of us and she is very mellow and observant and seems to enjoy being with everyone while bathing.
Karina is a little more alert these days, but still prefers sleeping to anything else. Jonas liked nursing more than anything else. He fed every two hours whereas Karina can go for 4 hours without a feed. She is also able to settle easily without a huge need for sucking. Totally opposite of Jonas so this is all very new for us. Many times now, in the evening, after an alert period, she will nurse and then I will lay her beside me in our bed and we look at each other, side by side and I slowly close my eyes, blinking sometimes and watching her and she copies me until she is actually asleep! She begins to close her eyes when she thinks that I am sleeping - but if I open them abruptly then she wakes up fully.
So, of course, West coast style, my parents had to wait until the day after Karina was born due to high winds and ferry cancellations. Funny how things work out because we found it nice to have that first partial day to ourselves to unpack and settle back at home. We weren't discharged from the hospital until later in the afternoon after Karina's birth. It was nice, though, because I got the chance to rest and take a few showers without worrying about cleaning up after myself.
We settled in at home and my parents arrived as we were waking up the next morning!! It was a nice surprise to have them there so early and they brought some snacks and chocolate (Easter weekend!!!) and some presents for Karina and Jonas. It was very festive and I was feeling great. I did not have much pain after the birth - just an achy back and some strong after pains around my belly and lower gut area (the uterus shrinking very quickly!).
Karina slept ALOT those first few days and I swear my parents only saw her awake a handful of times. She only really nursed every 3-5 hours, but I was not concerned as she was filling up her diapers with gusto and a postpartum Midwife appointment confirmed her weight gain.
My parents entertained Jonas and took him out and about. They made us some meals and hung out as we rested and recuperated. Our very thoughtful friends had us over for a turkey dinner and we got some great little pink sleepers etc - Thanks to the Fabien's and Ruff's! We felt very well taken care of!
My parents left after the long weekend and the next day I became so engorged! My milk had come in already but now it was coming full force and Karina could not drink it all! She was still sleeping all the time and only feeding every 3 or so hours. My nipples were beginning to get sore and I organized myself so that I was pumping a little and using ice packs and cabbage leaves. I was very diligent but I was in alot of pain and couldn't believe this was happening to second time mom! I nursed Jonas for 2.5 years and I thought there would not be any problems breastfeeding a second time. I was wrong. It was like starting all over again. teaching Karina how to latch and trying to figure out why my nipples were so sore and why Karina was making a clicking sound at each suck. I also began nursing on one breast only for 5 hours because I was overflowing! It was a really difficult 3 or 4 days and I needed to take alot of Tylenol and ibuprofen. I had abit of relief and healed slowly.
A week after Karina was born, Jordan's mom came over from the Island to help out. Having taken the week off, Jordan needed to finnish off a paper and prepare for a presentation for the following week. Janet stayed for the week and made our dinners, cleaned the house, shopped and took care of Jonas on the days he was not in school. I was feeling quite tired that week and I was still dealing with sore breasts. The timing couldn't have been better and she helped us out tremendously and all of the support we have collectively received has helped us get off on the right foot - well rested and healthy and school work successfully completed. Jordan has taken a week off and then he will get back to his thesis and also hopefully line up more research money for his PhD.
Aside from difficulties with soreness, mothering a second time has been really easy. Barely an adjustment. Jordan is totally confident and often puts Karina to sleep. Jonas has welcomed his little sister beautifully and loves to talk with her and watch her diapers being changed - he calls her milk poos 'flat poos' and really gets a kick out of her 'blowouts'. She has had all of her baths with her brother and one of us and she is very mellow and observant and seems to enjoy being with everyone while bathing.
Karina is a little more alert these days, but still prefers sleeping to anything else. Jonas liked nursing more than anything else. He fed every two hours whereas Karina can go for 4 hours without a feed. She is also able to settle easily without a huge need for sucking. Totally opposite of Jonas so this is all very new for us. Many times now, in the evening, after an alert period, she will nurse and then I will lay her beside me in our bed and we look at each other, side by side and I slowly close my eyes, blinking sometimes and watching her and she copies me until she is actually asleep! She begins to close her eyes when she thinks that I am sleeping - but if I open them abruptly then she wakes up fully.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Karina's Birth
After meeting up with my Midwife two Thursdays ago, I decided to do some Easter shopping on my way home. After some chocolate purchases I decided to pick out a little baby girl Easter sleeper. I thought, well, since I don't have a single item of baby girl clothing and since this would be a wonderful weekend to birth a baby, I might as well be prepared in case I actually have a girl. Just in case. Purchase justified, I headed home.
Wondered around the house for abit, deciding against doing any dishes and decided instead to have a nap beside Jordan as he worked away on his computer. I awoke from light sleep with the feeling that I had peed myself and quickly went to the bathroom. With all the baby pressure on my bladder I couldn't be sure what had happened. I was definitely leaking. I called Jordy and told her and she laughed and said, you know that's what women say when their water has broken, that they think its just pee. I still wasn't sure. But when I continued leaking I figured something was up and told Jordan. I told him that he needed to finnish up his work and wrap it up for the weekend because my water had probably broken and a baby might be coming this weekend!
About an hour later it was 5pm and I asked Jordan to do the dishes (I still hadn't done them and they had piled up that day) because my contractions had started and I needed to focus on getting some last minute stuff together. So far the contractions had only just started and they were 6-7 minutes apart at 30-45 seconds long. I called my Midwife to let her know that things had begun to move and that I was beginning labour. Jordan picked up Jonas from school and we all hung out together on the couch and decided to stay at home until my contractions became more uncomfortable. Jordan picked up a couple of rib dinners and we all ate dinner and I told Jonas that the baby had decided that it was ready to come and that soon we would be heading to Soren and Andrea's house so that we could be close to the hospital.
I kept busy between contractions because I felt really restless - so I packed a bag for Jonas and straightened out my room and we slowly made our way to the car. I think we made it to Soren's place by 9pm. I was quite relaxed and for each contraction I just leaned against the ball or the wall and tried to relax my body as much as possible during the contraction. Not always possible during the entire 45 seconds but definitely for part of them. I decided to retreat into the bedroom for abit because I was beginning to feel a little distracted by Jonas, Jordan and Soren. I got on the phone with my sister and chatted for awhile. For each contraction I needed to put the phone down and focus. Soon the time came when I was no longer comfortable talking on the phone and my contractions were beginning to feel much more intense. I hadn't been doing much timing - I was going more on intuition for this labour. I said goodbye to Ashleigh and went and had a contraction in the bathroom. At this point they were getting big and I needed Jordan now. I figured we could be together in the bathroom for abit and he could massage me and maybe I would even have a shower. Soren played with Jonas and Jordan joined me. But within a couple of contractions Jordan figured it was time to call the Midwife and start moving along to the hospital. I was a little shocked that everything had moved so quickly but agreed to make the call. I was beginning to shake and my legs were beginning to bend alot during each contraction. Candace was already at the hospital so she asked us to meet her there. WIthin a few minutes we were in admitting at Women's Hospital and if you can believe it, all the beds were full. The usual hospital policy is to go through admitting where a nurse or your Midwife will check you dilation - they do not want women in early labour using up the beds in labour and delivery. It was fairly obvious that I was in deep labour and I was even squatting a little so after checking my blood pressure, Candace convinced whoever is in charge to let me through. I was in a completely different world but knew enough about what was going on around me to kind of laugh (in my mind) and think 'is this for freaking real?? what a crazy thing to be in such labour and have to go through admitting - I felt sorry for all those first time mothers in admitting and not officially dilated enough to get a bed!' ugh. I can see how this situation could close up your cervix and slow your labour for many women - especially those who have a random nurse checking them and their doctor is nowhere to be seen. At least it is more comfortable with your midwife whom you know and have a trusting relationship with!
Luckily we were assigned to one of the nicer labour and delivery rooms and Candace wheeled me away and what I remember is how nice the wind felt on my face - we were moving fast. Everything from this point on moved at lightning speed, as I was told later. Karina was born an hour after we arrived at the hospital!
Being in my own world, I completely fell into myself. Its so hard to explain but its the most amazing state to be in. I was just body and spirit. There was no fear, I felt completely safe. I felt joy. I let my body do what it needed to move that baby down and out.
I was 5 cms dilated and that was the first and only time Candace checked me. Jordan was right at my side as contractions came closer together and Jordy (my friend and Doula) arrived minutes after we were settled. I think she got me some water as I knew I was a little dehydrated. I was also given an IV in case I needed oxytocin if I were to have another bleed like I did after Jonas was born.
Soon I had a huge puke that seems to happen to many women in transition (the last few cms of dilation are usually the most intense part of labour). After the huge puke, I remember Candace saying - I bet she's fully dilated after that! Well, soon after I felt the urge to push and 15 minutes later Karina was born! I went from pushing sideways on the bed to being on all fours because the heart rate had been lost (I think) and there was the need to quickly find it again. So out my baby came and she was swiftly brought to me between my legs where I looked down, moved the umbilical cord out of the way and declared that it was a girl! What an amazing moment! I turned around and held her to my belly and watched her in awe. She watched me and all was good. The umbilical cord was left unclamped as I had requested and we just stayed in the moment. A while later my placenta had not delivered and I had a bleed which was quickly brought under control with an IV of oxytocin. The OB came to coax the placenta out and all was good. Jordy took many many photos (thanks girl!), Jordan held Karina and snuggled her into his bare chest and much later we had her weighed and checked. She was perfect and had her first meal a couple of hours after birth.
Wondered around the house for abit, deciding against doing any dishes and decided instead to have a nap beside Jordan as he worked away on his computer. I awoke from light sleep with the feeling that I had peed myself and quickly went to the bathroom. With all the baby pressure on my bladder I couldn't be sure what had happened. I was definitely leaking. I called Jordy and told her and she laughed and said, you know that's what women say when their water has broken, that they think its just pee. I still wasn't sure. But when I continued leaking I figured something was up and told Jordan. I told him that he needed to finnish up his work and wrap it up for the weekend because my water had probably broken and a baby might be coming this weekend!
About an hour later it was 5pm and I asked Jordan to do the dishes (I still hadn't done them and they had piled up that day) because my contractions had started and I needed to focus on getting some last minute stuff together. So far the contractions had only just started and they were 6-7 minutes apart at 30-45 seconds long. I called my Midwife to let her know that things had begun to move and that I was beginning labour. Jordan picked up Jonas from school and we all hung out together on the couch and decided to stay at home until my contractions became more uncomfortable. Jordan picked up a couple of rib dinners and we all ate dinner and I told Jonas that the baby had decided that it was ready to come and that soon we would be heading to Soren and Andrea's house so that we could be close to the hospital.
I kept busy between contractions because I felt really restless - so I packed a bag for Jonas and straightened out my room and we slowly made our way to the car. I think we made it to Soren's place by 9pm. I was quite relaxed and for each contraction I just leaned against the ball or the wall and tried to relax my body as much as possible during the contraction. Not always possible during the entire 45 seconds but definitely for part of them. I decided to retreat into the bedroom for abit because I was beginning to feel a little distracted by Jonas, Jordan and Soren. I got on the phone with my sister and chatted for awhile. For each contraction I needed to put the phone down and focus. Soon the time came when I was no longer comfortable talking on the phone and my contractions were beginning to feel much more intense. I hadn't been doing much timing - I was going more on intuition for this labour. I said goodbye to Ashleigh and went and had a contraction in the bathroom. At this point they were getting big and I needed Jordan now. I figured we could be together in the bathroom for abit and he could massage me and maybe I would even have a shower. Soren played with Jonas and Jordan joined me. But within a couple of contractions Jordan figured it was time to call the Midwife and start moving along to the hospital. I was a little shocked that everything had moved so quickly but agreed to make the call. I was beginning to shake and my legs were beginning to bend alot during each contraction. Candace was already at the hospital so she asked us to meet her there. WIthin a few minutes we were in admitting at Women's Hospital and if you can believe it, all the beds were full. The usual hospital policy is to go through admitting where a nurse or your Midwife will check you dilation - they do not want women in early labour using up the beds in labour and delivery. It was fairly obvious that I was in deep labour and I was even squatting a little so after checking my blood pressure, Candace convinced whoever is in charge to let me through. I was in a completely different world but knew enough about what was going on around me to kind of laugh (in my mind) and think 'is this for freaking real?? what a crazy thing to be in such labour and have to go through admitting - I felt sorry for all those first time mothers in admitting and not officially dilated enough to get a bed!' ugh. I can see how this situation could close up your cervix and slow your labour for many women - especially those who have a random nurse checking them and their doctor is nowhere to be seen. At least it is more comfortable with your midwife whom you know and have a trusting relationship with!
Luckily we were assigned to one of the nicer labour and delivery rooms and Candace wheeled me away and what I remember is how nice the wind felt on my face - we were moving fast. Everything from this point on moved at lightning speed, as I was told later. Karina was born an hour after we arrived at the hospital!
Being in my own world, I completely fell into myself. Its so hard to explain but its the most amazing state to be in. I was just body and spirit. There was no fear, I felt completely safe. I felt joy. I let my body do what it needed to move that baby down and out.
I was 5 cms dilated and that was the first and only time Candace checked me. Jordan was right at my side as contractions came closer together and Jordy (my friend and Doula) arrived minutes after we were settled. I think she got me some water as I knew I was a little dehydrated. I was also given an IV in case I needed oxytocin if I were to have another bleed like I did after Jonas was born.
Soon I had a huge puke that seems to happen to many women in transition (the last few cms of dilation are usually the most intense part of labour). After the huge puke, I remember Candace saying - I bet she's fully dilated after that! Well, soon after I felt the urge to push and 15 minutes later Karina was born! I went from pushing sideways on the bed to being on all fours because the heart rate had been lost (I think) and there was the need to quickly find it again. So out my baby came and she was swiftly brought to me between my legs where I looked down, moved the umbilical cord out of the way and declared that it was a girl! What an amazing moment! I turned around and held her to my belly and watched her in awe. She watched me and all was good. The umbilical cord was left unclamped as I had requested and we just stayed in the moment. A while later my placenta had not delivered and I had a bleed which was quickly brought under control with an IV of oxytocin. The OB came to coax the placenta out and all was good. Jordy took many many photos (thanks girl!), Jordan held Karina and snuggled her into his bare chest and much later we had her weighed and checked. She was perfect and had her first meal a couple of hours after birth.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Karina
Jonas holds Karina, 3 days old
Our wonderful Midwife, Candace Plohman, checking on 2 day old Karina
Bonding with Dad soon after birth
Baby Karina, Born at 11:45 PM, April 1, 2010
7lbs13oz
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Blessed!
No, the little one isn't here yet, but I am feeling a little blessed to have this day to myslef. Jonas got over his fever within 3 days and neither Jordan or I got any sickness. Jonas missed daycare on Monday and Tuesday while he recouperated. Wednesday found us at the library and doing some gardening in the yard. By the evening Jonas was getting more and more difficult and this is always the part of Jonas and sickness that I hate. The aftermath. While he is sick he is a little angel, but when he is finally better he becomes clingy for me, demanding, whiney and overall there can be quite a few tears throughout the day. I was exhausted by the evening and Jordan put Jonas to bed. This morning I called his school and asked if there was an opening for him and yes there was! I felt blessed and I really felt like I needed today to just rest and take care of some things before the long weekend. This also gives Jordan a chance to work on some research and really get ahead today because I am not too sure how this weekend will turn out. haha.
I met with my midwife today and all is well and ready to go. The little one is at -1 in my pelvis. A little lower than I had thought originally since I am definitely feeling more discomfort and sensitivity in my ribs than in my pelvis. Baby must be long because I never felt these sensations in my ribs with Jonas. Sometimes I feel like the baby will birth through my solar plexis than my vagina!
I met with my midwife today and all is well and ready to go. The little one is at -1 in my pelvis. A little lower than I had thought originally since I am definitely feeling more discomfort and sensitivity in my ribs than in my pelvis. Baby must be long because I never felt these sensations in my ribs with Jonas. Sometimes I feel like the baby will birth through my solar plexis than my vagina!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Mostly Bad Sleeps...
For the first pregnancy you are told that the frequent night wakings to empty your bladder helps to prepare you for frequent night feedings after the baby arrives. This time around I find myself getting frustrated on the bad nights. We go to bed, read, Jord falls asleep nice and easy. I read more, get that horrible restlessness in my legs and head out to the family room where I will do some stretches. listen to relaxing music, have a snack, stretch some more and eventually by around 3AM I am ready for real sleep. A couple of times in the past week I actually took some gravel by 2AM because I knew that I NEEDED to sleep. The last thing I need right now is to go into labour while exhausted from sleep deprivation. And the frustrating part is that I get tired because of my body and not because of having a 3 year old or because of work.....its because my body is not letting me sleep! And then after I fall asleep I am up for bathroom trips at least 3 times before 7:30AM BooHoo! But hey, its my blog and I will cry if I want to. The rib pain is prety inense as well. Never had rib issues with Jonas. Must be a bigger baby in there.
Friday, I had my weekly prelabour acupuncture. It was my third session in three weeks. For the first time the needles created some very strong sensations throughout my body and especially when they were first inserted and later when they were stimulated. Bronwynn said that this is a normal reaction when the mother is getting close to labour. I went for a peaceful walk around campus that afternoon and then climbed lots of stairs because I was feeling so good. But then of course the next morning (Sat) I was sore in the pelvis. I kind of expected that, though, because it seems like I am always a little sore in the pelvis the day after acupuncture. I noticed last week that by the evening of my acupuncture, the baby had dropped a ton and I have not had any acid indigestion since. yay.
So Saturday started off very sore, but I went with Jonas and Jordan to gymnastics in New Westminster and then a walk in Queens Park. By the time we got home the pelvis was still sore so I rested and we decided to invite some friends over for a barbecue. I didn't know if I would be able to stay awake and join everyone but by the time people arrived I was beginning to feel better and my mind was able to be occupied by other things other than my aching body. It ended up being a very good idea.
Unfortunatly, I foud out a few hours before diiner that my friend (and back up Doula) down the hall, Jordanne, and her husband and two kids had become very sick, very fast with the stomach flu. Jonas is close with her girls and had been at school with Porter the day before. So I hoped for the best with us getting sick as well. But by the time our guests left and I was putting Jonas to sleep, he had a definite fever. He was happy and had been energetic all evening (trying to get everyone to check out his 'dedroom') But he was hit with a fever and again this morning he awoke with a fever and a cough. So far no stomach issues. Also, Jordy had to call in another back up Doula for a client that was giving birth while she and her family were sick. Too bad.
Today was spent on the fold out couch, resting, reading and watching cartoons. Too rainy for a stroller walk with the sick little guy. We took a trip to the store and bought some yummy sick treats like grapes, strawberries, waffles and orangess and are now relaxing again on the fold out couch.
I am telling myself that I will remain healthy and not get this sickness. I had been thinking that tomorrows full moon would be a nice time to begin labour but now I am hoping baby waits a few more days until its big bro is feeling better. Afterall Jonas is still super keen to be around for the birth and helping to cut the cord. Either way things will work out how they are meant to be....
Friday, I had my weekly prelabour acupuncture. It was my third session in three weeks. For the first time the needles created some very strong sensations throughout my body and especially when they were first inserted and later when they were stimulated. Bronwynn said that this is a normal reaction when the mother is getting close to labour. I went for a peaceful walk around campus that afternoon and then climbed lots of stairs because I was feeling so good. But then of course the next morning (Sat) I was sore in the pelvis. I kind of expected that, though, because it seems like I am always a little sore in the pelvis the day after acupuncture. I noticed last week that by the evening of my acupuncture, the baby had dropped a ton and I have not had any acid indigestion since. yay.
So Saturday started off very sore, but I went with Jonas and Jordan to gymnastics in New Westminster and then a walk in Queens Park. By the time we got home the pelvis was still sore so I rested and we decided to invite some friends over for a barbecue. I didn't know if I would be able to stay awake and join everyone but by the time people arrived I was beginning to feel better and my mind was able to be occupied by other things other than my aching body. It ended up being a very good idea.
Unfortunatly, I foud out a few hours before diiner that my friend (and back up Doula) down the hall, Jordanne, and her husband and two kids had become very sick, very fast with the stomach flu. Jonas is close with her girls and had been at school with Porter the day before. So I hoped for the best with us getting sick as well. But by the time our guests left and I was putting Jonas to sleep, he had a definite fever. He was happy and had been energetic all evening (trying to get everyone to check out his 'dedroom') But he was hit with a fever and again this morning he awoke with a fever and a cough. So far no stomach issues. Also, Jordy had to call in another back up Doula for a client that was giving birth while she and her family were sick. Too bad.
Today was spent on the fold out couch, resting, reading and watching cartoons. Too rainy for a stroller walk with the sick little guy. We took a trip to the store and bought some yummy sick treats like grapes, strawberries, waffles and orangess and are now relaxing again on the fold out couch.
I am telling myself that I will remain healthy and not get this sickness. I had been thinking that tomorrows full moon would be a nice time to begin labour but now I am hoping baby waits a few more days until its big bro is feeling better. Afterall Jonas is still super keen to be around for the birth and helping to cut the cord. Either way things will work out how they are meant to be....
Monday, March 22, 2010
38 Weeks
I am ready and waiting. I've done everything I need to do to prepare for this new baby. The head is halfway down my pelvis and I am drawing my focus inward. I actually did a visualisation of the birth the other day - not what would be the perfect birth, but more the stages of labour and the sensations my body would go through as it worked with the baby to bring it down, open the cervix, release more great hormones and finally ease the baby out. It was simple. It made me smile. I think going into labour is always a surprise. With Jonas I wasn't expecting it when it started at 39 weeks and once I realized what was going on I was so giddy with excitement! This time around I am finding that I am really looking for signs of labour and wondering each day if this is the day that we will all meet the new baby.
I met with one of the back up Midwives today for my weekly visit. I did some complaining of my soreness and told her that I don't ever remember being this uncomfortable in the pelvis for the first pregnancy. I am also having alot of rib pain which was never an issue with Jonas. In all honesty I am sore and tired. My body is beginning to feel depleted. But then some days I wake up with lots of energy. Its like a physical rollercoster rather than an emotional rollercoaster. My one main hope is that I am as well rested for this birth as I was with Jonas'.
Through some bloodwork I have learned that I am now iron deficient and my ferratin levels are getting low. Maybe that is the reason for the increased fatigue and low moods these past few days. Funny about the iron because I have been craving my old green smoothies lately and have begun to blend and freeze batches of spinach, kale and parsley to make easy smoothies after the baby comes. I also made some energy balls with Jonas tonight (almond butter, agave, goji berries, cherries, sunflower seeds etc).
So tonight my feelings are that I am ready and waiting. Excited to meet the baby. Looking forward to moving about freely, running, chasing Jonas, hot yoga and everything else I can't physically do at the moment.
Monday, March 8, 2010
36 Weeks
Last week Jonas and I returned home after spending 9 days on the Island. It was very refreshing to be back home and I got a few opportunities to rest and enjoy some massage/cranial sacral sessions. It was great to catch up with everyone and also celebrate Jonas' 3rd birthday with family. We ended up having two different cakes/parties while on the Island and then another cake/party with his LRH friends. I hope Jonas doesn't expect to have 3 parties everytime he has a birthday!
I have felt much stronger and healthier over these past 3 weeks than I had for the previous month. With those two back to back colds I had, I almost felt like I would go into labour early because of my exhaustion. Yet after a visit with my Naturopath and following through with several of her suggestions and treatments, I am feeling great these days.
The baby has been in the same position for as long as I can remember. Kicks on the left side, back on the right side. The head has been engaged for a few weeks now, so I am hoping that it is in the best position possible for both my pelvis and the big exit. Hiccups are common throughout the day and as always the Braxton Hicks are on top of each other. I am now becoming abit swollen in the hands and feet and still suffer from some restless leg at night. My pelvis is often sore and feels very loose and expanded. I usually stop to rest because of pain here and there and not because of fatigue. My energy is great and I just went through several days of extreme nesting. I was never like this with Jonas - maybe abit of nesting, but this time I am an organized freak. Everything is ready to go, including my hospital bag. It could still be another month until labour, but I just felt a very strong need to get everything ready. I do not want to be surprised with labour. I just want to be ready for when the baby decides to make its way out. I am so excited to begin this labour and am so anxious to meet the little baby that has already become a big part of our family. I think I will have to dedicate a whole post to Jonas's excitement about the baby. I didn't think he would be so interested and involved with the baby before it has even arrived, but he is absolutely fascinated. I guess my bulging belly also helps to remind him all the time of the baby growing inside.
Indeed this 2nd pregnancy has been very similar to my first one and yet it is so different on so many levels. I have loved and enjoyed them both so much and have really appreciated the differences and uniquness of both pregnancy experiences. Of course each pregnancy seems to have presented different difficulties and adjustments - there have been difficult times during each and I also expect that after this birth everything will be entirely different again compared to when Jonas was a newborn, I am looking forward to the birth but I am also resting and enjoying the moment.
36 weeks...
I have felt much stronger and healthier over these past 3 weeks than I had for the previous month. With those two back to back colds I had, I almost felt like I would go into labour early because of my exhaustion. Yet after a visit with my Naturopath and following through with several of her suggestions and treatments, I am feeling great these days.
The baby has been in the same position for as long as I can remember. Kicks on the left side, back on the right side. The head has been engaged for a few weeks now, so I am hoping that it is in the best position possible for both my pelvis and the big exit. Hiccups are common throughout the day and as always the Braxton Hicks are on top of each other. I am now becoming abit swollen in the hands and feet and still suffer from some restless leg at night. My pelvis is often sore and feels very loose and expanded. I usually stop to rest because of pain here and there and not because of fatigue. My energy is great and I just went through several days of extreme nesting. I was never like this with Jonas - maybe abit of nesting, but this time I am an organized freak. Everything is ready to go, including my hospital bag. It could still be another month until labour, but I just felt a very strong need to get everything ready. I do not want to be surprised with labour. I just want to be ready for when the baby decides to make its way out. I am so excited to begin this labour and am so anxious to meet the little baby that has already become a big part of our family. I think I will have to dedicate a whole post to Jonas's excitement about the baby. I didn't think he would be so interested and involved with the baby before it has even arrived, but he is absolutely fascinated. I guess my bulging belly also helps to remind him all the time of the baby growing inside.
Indeed this 2nd pregnancy has been very similar to my first one and yet it is so different on so many levels. I have loved and enjoyed them both so much and have really appreciated the differences and uniquness of both pregnancy experiences. Of course each pregnancy seems to have presented different difficulties and adjustments - there have been difficult times during each and I also expect that after this birth everything will be entirely different again compared to when Jonas was a newborn, I am looking forward to the birth but I am also resting and enjoying the moment.
36 weeks...
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
32 Weeks
Last week I met with my Midwife, Candace Plohman, from The Midwifery Group on Main Street. It's abit of a drive from SFU but when I found out I was pregnant I knew I wanted her as my primary caregiver because she was the one who caught Jonas three years ago. At the time she was a student midwife but my last several visits were with her and my husband and I really liked her. So it was very cute when Jonas accompanied me to the appointment last week and was completely involved in the whole check up. He found a child's medical kit and as Candace measured and examined me, Jonas followed along with his own equipment. And then when we were to listen to the heart Jonas made sure Candace had the Doppler turned down low as he doesn't like the sound to be too loud. He also wanted to know where baby peed while inside of mom.
For the duration of my pregnancy I will be seeing Candace's two back up Midwives so I become comfortable with them in case they are with me for the birth. My appointments are now every two weeks this month and then weekly in March.
Candace gave me a questionnaire sheet about prenatal depression to check out as standard practice in this point of my pregnancy. Although I have no issues it did make me think about how quickly this birth is coming up and I have not done much preparation for it. As with most women I think the first pregnancy is much more involved as far as prep for the actual birth etc. This time around I feel like alot of the prep work is with Jonas and my organising and preparing for life after the birth. I am so happy to have another baby and this was definitely the perfect time to have another but I know its always hard to accept that for the months after baby is born I will not accomplish anything for myself and when I really do accept that (as with Jonas when he was a baby) then life with baby will be much easier and smoother. My belief is that the first 2 or so years of life really do set the stage for the rest of an individuals life. If baby learns that it can trust and be loved unconditionally then I think their walk through life can be much easier and fulfilling. Of course parenting will continue for the rest of my life, I think that the beginning is the most intense all consuming part of the whole lifetime role.
So what about preparation for the actual birth? I guess its easier this time around because I have already had a first birth and also because I have learned so much about birth through being a Doula. I am now very confident and comfortable with the whole birthing experience so I guess I am not too worried about prep. I will be giving birth at Women's Hospital because it is where Candace practices and although I loved the homebirth with Jonas, I felt a hospital birth made more sense this time around. I am hoping to take advantage of Women's big tubs that I have heard so much about and its nice to know that I can have a waterbirth if I feel like it at the time. Anyway, my mission at the moment is to kick this horrible head cold that has been coming and going for the past month (its been a really bad one) and then do some birth prep - you know kegels and stuff. Hahaha
Some video of Jonas dancing. Aside from dancing he loves mighty machines like cranes, trains, cement trucks, airplanes, big ships and on and on....
For the duration of my pregnancy I will be seeing Candace's two back up Midwives so I become comfortable with them in case they are with me for the birth. My appointments are now every two weeks this month and then weekly in March.
Candace gave me a questionnaire sheet about prenatal depression to check out as standard practice in this point of my pregnancy. Although I have no issues it did make me think about how quickly this birth is coming up and I have not done much preparation for it. As with most women I think the first pregnancy is much more involved as far as prep for the actual birth etc. This time around I feel like alot of the prep work is with Jonas and my organising and preparing for life after the birth. I am so happy to have another baby and this was definitely the perfect time to have another but I know its always hard to accept that for the months after baby is born I will not accomplish anything for myself and when I really do accept that (as with Jonas when he was a baby) then life with baby will be much easier and smoother. My belief is that the first 2 or so years of life really do set the stage for the rest of an individuals life. If baby learns that it can trust and be loved unconditionally then I think their walk through life can be much easier and fulfilling. Of course parenting will continue for the rest of my life, I think that the beginning is the most intense all consuming part of the whole lifetime role.
So what about preparation for the actual birth? I guess its easier this time around because I have already had a first birth and also because I have learned so much about birth through being a Doula. I am now very confident and comfortable with the whole birthing experience so I guess I am not too worried about prep. I will be giving birth at Women's Hospital because it is where Candace practices and although I loved the homebirth with Jonas, I felt a hospital birth made more sense this time around. I am hoping to take advantage of Women's big tubs that I have heard so much about and its nice to know that I can have a waterbirth if I feel like it at the time. Anyway, my mission at the moment is to kick this horrible head cold that has been coming and going for the past month (its been a really bad one) and then do some birth prep - you know kegels and stuff. Hahaha
Some video of Jonas dancing. Aside from dancing he loves mighty machines like cranes, trains, cement trucks, airplanes, big ships and on and on....
Friday, February 5, 2010
31 Weeks
Although I still have 2 months left of this pregnancy, I have already felt my life shifting and changing in anticipation for the arrival of our little babe. I have attended my last few births this past month and although I am a little sad to have to let go of my career path for the next year, I know that when time allows, I will be working on some of my online courses. I will still have my foot in the door and aside from that I can still go to conferences and meetings with breastfeeding babe in tow.
So with this shifting and changing of life, my focus has narrowed and I am now spending more time taking care of myself and my family. Meaning I am trying to get the house organized; creating more flow in the kitchen, trying to figure out how to use this small space in the best way possible for all of us. I am looking for ways to make life a little easier with the arrival of the baby. I am finding new recipes and trying to cook more. I am enjoying all of this and I guess its called 'nesting'. One goal is to have a deep freezer filled with premade food before the birth. By being prepared my hope is to have a smooth transition with the new baby and a fun and relaxing summer!
Emotionally, I feel really good these days. I feel supported by Jordan, my friends and family. Spiritually, I feel full of life and very content - pregnancy seems to make me feel like a super person - someone doing and carrying out the most sacred process in the world. Physically, well, I am pregnant. Just like the last time I have had frequent Braxton Hicks contractions which started around month 3/4. This time around, beginning in the last week or so, the BH have become much more intense. On two occasions there has been enough soreness in the pelvic area that I am forced to stop and lay in bed for an hour or two until things have calmed down. This will only happen after a bunch of activity or exhaustion.
Jonas loves to give my belly kisses; especially first thing in the morning and then at bedtime. He mentions the baby throughout the day and will sometimes let me know what it is doing/experiencing and what it will want to do when it comes out. We have had many very interesting and powerful discussions about the baby. Jonas has come to many of my midwife appointments and really enjoys the whole process. A month ago, while driving to an appointment, Jonas let me know that the baby wouldn't be coming out until 'the waves' came and pushed it out. Interesting because I have never thought/described contractions as waves. Jonas has seen many babies being born and looked at many birth pictures so he is very comfortable with the idea of women giving birth. Sometimes he reminds me that he would like to be there when baby is born but sometimes when I ask if he would like to come he says no. But then the other day as he was working with his scissors he said that he would like to cut the cord. So we shall see. At the beginning of the pregnancy, Jordan and I both talked about what a big boy Jonas was now and that he would be a big brother soon etc..But then we saw a shift in his behaviour and he starting talking and acting like a baby at times. Of course we ignored the annoying behaviour, but realized that this way of preparing for the new baby was not working. I read somewhere that at Jonas's age (almost 3), the child is seeking independence but is also coming back to mom and dad for comfort and reassurance. Its like they know that they are no longer babies but they are much smaller than the big kids still - like they are caught in an awkward space. So now whenever Jonas wants a snuggle and reverts to acting abit babyish I will always say, 'you are always my little baby, my little Jonas'. And I think that this comforts him in a special way. And of course we try not talk about him being a big boy now - we just leave it. He, on the other hand, loves to talk about how he is growing and doing big kid stuff etc....`
So with this shifting and changing of life, my focus has narrowed and I am now spending more time taking care of myself and my family. Meaning I am trying to get the house organized; creating more flow in the kitchen, trying to figure out how to use this small space in the best way possible for all of us. I am looking for ways to make life a little easier with the arrival of the baby. I am finding new recipes and trying to cook more. I am enjoying all of this and I guess its called 'nesting'. One goal is to have a deep freezer filled with premade food before the birth. By being prepared my hope is to have a smooth transition with the new baby and a fun and relaxing summer!
Emotionally, I feel really good these days. I feel supported by Jordan, my friends and family. Spiritually, I feel full of life and very content - pregnancy seems to make me feel like a super person - someone doing and carrying out the most sacred process in the world. Physically, well, I am pregnant. Just like the last time I have had frequent Braxton Hicks contractions which started around month 3/4. This time around, beginning in the last week or so, the BH have become much more intense. On two occasions there has been enough soreness in the pelvic area that I am forced to stop and lay in bed for an hour or two until things have calmed down. This will only happen after a bunch of activity or exhaustion.
Jonas loves to give my belly kisses; especially first thing in the morning and then at bedtime. He mentions the baby throughout the day and will sometimes let me know what it is doing/experiencing and what it will want to do when it comes out. We have had many very interesting and powerful discussions about the baby. Jonas has come to many of my midwife appointments and really enjoys the whole process. A month ago, while driving to an appointment, Jonas let me know that the baby wouldn't be coming out until 'the waves' came and pushed it out. Interesting because I have never thought/described contractions as waves. Jonas has seen many babies being born and looked at many birth pictures so he is very comfortable with the idea of women giving birth. Sometimes he reminds me that he would like to be there when baby is born but sometimes when I ask if he would like to come he says no. But then the other day as he was working with his scissors he said that he would like to cut the cord. So we shall see. At the beginning of the pregnancy, Jordan and I both talked about what a big boy Jonas was now and that he would be a big brother soon etc..But then we saw a shift in his behaviour and he starting talking and acting like a baby at times. Of course we ignored the annoying behaviour, but realized that this way of preparing for the new baby was not working. I read somewhere that at Jonas's age (almost 3), the child is seeking independence but is also coming back to mom and dad for comfort and reassurance. Its like they know that they are no longer babies but they are much smaller than the big kids still - like they are caught in an awkward space. So now whenever Jonas wants a snuggle and reverts to acting abit babyish I will always say, 'you are always my little baby, my little Jonas'. And I think that this comforts him in a special way. And of course we try not talk about him being a big boy now - we just leave it. He, on the other hand, loves to talk about how he is growing and doing big kid stuff etc....`
Jonas is now at SFU's Morningside, which is the next age group. His best little girlfriend Porter is there as well as 2 other little friends from our building. I really was reminded with this small change how quickly our children grow and need change that supports their growth. Its not only their clothes and shoes - its their environment and social surroundings that need changing from time to time. I think that this helps with their ability to grow and become resilient. Resilience is so important. I loved Jonas's old daycare, SFU's Malaika, which was actually my old daycare in '79. Yet when he started at his new school, he immediately busied himself and fit right in! When I looked around at all the different activities for him to work on, I realized how stimulated he was going to be and how much he was going to learn through this type of play. There are blocks of all shapes, textures and sizes for building and all sorts of other building supplies (Jonas loves to build), there is make believe and pretend play area, an art area with lots of scissors, glue, felts etc. The centre is really set up nicely with the Reggio Emilio (sp?) style incorporated. So there is lots to do, a great playground amongst the trees and the teachers seem nice.
Aside from school 2X a week, Jonas and I have 3 days to ourselves. Normally I like to get out at least one day of the three, so we will spend half a day at Science World or the Aquarium or more recently, the local Strong Start Program. This week we went to Stanley Park and the Aquarium. Then on Thurs and Fri (today)
we had some nice sun and ended up alternating between gardening and baking/cooking all day. It was great! Jonas cut all the dead chocolate mint plants and watered all the bulb pots. He moved some dirt around and checked out some stuff with his magnifying glass. He found spiders and a ladybug. We saw Mr Squirrel and the crows and we also saw a couple of pileated woodpeckers. Of course there are always mail trucks and and other big trucks driving by which is exciting for Jonas as he pushes his own dump truck around the yard. We made cottage cheese pancakes for lunch and then went back outside where I lounged and he stayed busy. I have a feeling we will be spending a lot of time in the yard this summer! Maybe we will even get the strawberries planted this weekend!!!!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
28 Weeks
Its Sunday night. It's the New Year and we are back into our routine. ahhh. It feels good. I feel rested and content and ready for my last trimester. And now I have a moment to write this blog entry.
The Christmas season was really great. Jordan was off at the beginning of Dec and although he still worked a little here and there on his research, we spent the month having some very memorable family time. This was the first year that Jonas was really into the whole Christmas thing and it was just so much fun!
I held off until December 1st and then began lots of cooking and baking with Jonas - so much fun! Watched wintery movies together, checked out lights and decorations, cut down our own Christmas tree and had fun decorating it. Jonas sung Jingle Bells many many times and also got into Rudolf the Red Nosed Reighndeer - it was all just so cute! We read new stories, books about Christmas and winter etc and did lots of arts and crafts.
In the earlier part of the month Jordan and I were treated to a wonderful three day retreat to Whistler for our first vacation alone away from Jonas and the rest of the world. Grandpa Jerry and Uncle Nick came over from the Island to be with Jonas ( a great experience for Jonas!) and Jordan and I drove off into the mountains. When we originally began planning our little getaway I scoffed at the idea of going to Whistler. I just thought it would be too busy and not very cozy or romantic. We didn't want to go far. We checked out Manning, Mnt Baker. We didn't want to do the Island thing because we have been doing that for years now and I really do miss the mountains....so it came down to Whislter - and I was very pleasantly surprised. We found a cozy room in a hotel right in the village midweek. It was quiet with some views. We had a separate bedroom and a little kitchen and a living room. We didn't bring our laptops or any of our non fiction books. We bought a couple of fast read fiction books like John Grisham at some second hand bookstore along Hastings on our way out of town. It was great. We brought wine and chocolate and cheese and all sorts of goodies. The trip was very self indulgent and very romantic. We read, ate, swam and went for walks. There was no fresh snow so we didn't do any snowshoing but we didn't mind. We found some yummy restaurants and promised each other that we would do this again within 2 years. I wouldn't have wanted to leave Jonas any earlier - I would have probably found it harder than he would have, had it been any earlier! And what fun is a trip away from your child when you worry and miss them too much? For this trip I felt confident that Jonas was fine and I didn't have a single concern whatsoever. 
Soon after we got back, Jordan took Jonas to Victoria for a guys only trip. They hung out with Uncle Casey and cousin Taagen and checked out submarines, went to a hockey game and I think spent alot of time playing hard.
My parents came over from the Island along with Cousin Livia for a few days. We had such fun! Jonas went to visit Santa with Livia and he was very brave and had a little chat with Santa about the food to leave for him and his helpers on Christmas. We all went to Stanley Park for a train ride and to check out the lights. Jonas was so excited to have his older cousin come and stay at his house - they played endlessly. Jonas is truly never happier than when he gets to visit his family. Grandma Janet and Opa Case came to visit as well. I had to work a few days while they were here, but they stayed busy and went to Science World with Jonas and did alot of playing at home. Jonas had abit of a Science World thing throughout the month of Dec and probably went 5 or more times. We were even there on Christmas Eve!
Needless to say we indulged ourselves in Dec and enjoyed all of the visiting, baked goods and city adventures.
santa's snacks
Jonas in his new 'smock/apron' which he wore almost all day, opening gifts, checking out the new telescope
and me putting together one of Jonas's gifts....
a new coloring book
Thursday, November 26, 2009
21 Weeks
The most difficult part of Jonas being sick is the part where he is getting better. Maybe its like this for all parents, I don't know. Two weeks ago Jonas spiked a high fever which continued on for 4 days and was accompanied by a cough. He mostly slept and watched DVD's. Oh and of course he wanted mommy attached the entire time. I got some good rest but was beginning to worry about my lack of movement during those days. I had just had my H1N1 shot the week before and therefor was not fully immune against this influenza if this is indeed what Jonas had. I believe it was H1N1. I don't know how ANY parent can avoid all the coughing, snot and other bodily fluids being thrown in their direction during such an illness - mind you I didn't think too much of it while I took care of him during that week. Lots of love and snuggles, massage, teas, humidifier, juice, Tylenol, vitamins, cold cloths and some homeopathy and Jonas was better within the week. Once he felt better, however, is when things always seem to get tough. He wants to play and tires himself out quickly, he gets cranky. He doesn't eat dinner then wants snacks in bed at night. He is so freakin cranky! On again, off again. We see bits of our little boy and then out comes the psycho dragon.
I can even tell the all patient Jordan wears thin after all of this. As I write, he is still in Jonas's room, laying with him in bed and waiting for him to fall asleep. He's been in there for 1.5 hours with many ups and downs. Its tough. We took shifts tonight. I made dinner, Jordan did some art with Jonas to keep him busy, we sat down to eat, luckily we finished in time to deal with more meltdown which I dealt with for an hour while Jord went to our room and rested (he had a really hectic school day today and got off to a late start - more Jonas drama in the middle of the night and a major accidental sleep in for everyone!). Anyway Jord and I went back and forth a few times to give each other a break and then alas bedtime! phew. There's some honest parent rambling for you! Inspired by Reesh (in a good way!) because as we all know there are some great ups and some serious downs in the work of parenting. But, for me, the most fulfilling experience of my life so far.
These past 2 weeks have gone from having a slight baby bump to having a full on baby bump. All of a sudden I feel huge and I still have 19 weeks left! sheesh! Everything is stretching and I swear baby has had a growth spurt recently. I have gained 3 pounds in about 10 days, so in total I have gained maybe 7 or 8 lbs. It was like this for the last pregnancy as well - none to slow weight gain at the beginning and then much quicker halfway through. I never did write down any numbers and I wish I would have because its nice to know for future reference. I think this stuff can be passed down through genetics. My mom always gained 30 lbs with each pregnancy and her first baby (me) weighed 6 lbs 14 ounces and labour was a back labour - Same as me - Jonas weighed 6 lbs 14 ounces, I had a back labour and in the end I gained between 25 -28 lbs. Same as my mom.
On a side note, a prenatal client I recently had said that her mother had very quick and easy labours for all of her children. Her mom actually came to some of our meetings and talked a bit about her labours. I shared with them that I felt that her daughter would labour just as she had. And you know what? She did, exactly!
So if I have a daughter, I will share with her as much as possible about my own pregnancy and labor and about her grandmothers and I think she will appreciate this knowledge being passed down to her. Maybe it will help to empower her and really trust in her body and all that it can do!!!
I had my regular midwife appointment today which was, as always, really nice. Everything is great and baby measurement is slightly above average (fundal height) which is nothing to be concerned about.
I am making an effort to get back into the yoga now - I have a great Bikram yoga DVD for pregnant women that I really enjoy. I feel so great after I finnish the session and wonder why I don't do it every day. I have not gone back to swimming since the first few times in the first trimester. This is another activity that I will put more of a focus on this Dec. I am no longer as tired so I think its best that I get back to being active.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
20 Weeks
There have been many times over these past weeks where I have wanted to blog about one thing or another. There is just too much to say in one post. Nothing at all life changing, just a whole lot of thoughts and ideas filtering through my mind.
I am now halfway through this pregnancy. It is going by so quick. Yesterday I finally felt like I had popped out and I am really beginning to notice the belly. I am also finally beginning to gain weight which I know from the last time around happens for me quite steadily from now until labour.
With this 'growth spurt' comes a lot of creative flow. Overall, I feel really good these days. I feel so ready for this new baby. It feels like I have been preparing myself for quite awhile for this baby. Jonas has become much more independent from me. He has self weaned himself to the point where he will go several days without breastfeeding and then perhaps talk about it and sometimes asks for a sip. I comply if its nap time or bed time but not usually any other time. Jordan has been putting him to bed now for the past 6 months and although it was tough at first, it has worked out for the best. Jonas has been sleeping right through the night since those early weeks of Jordan putting him to bed. Since then I almost feel like I am on vacation in a way. I am having a great break and really recharging for round number 2. Also, I am attending births and will do so until a month or two before I give birth myself. My goal is to either finish my childbirth education course or lactation counsellor course before I give birth. I plan to stay involved in the local birthing scene after baby is born, but more at a leisurely pace. I will do the mom at home thing again for another 18 months or so and then most likely I will be off to Midwifery school. I know, I know, plans don't always go accordingly, but I have always had a plan and a goal and although they may change and grow over time, its just how I am. I like to have a vision but I am also open to change.
As I mentioned earlier this seems to be the time in my pregnancy where I look for peace and tranquility in my life. It is the part of pregnancy that becomes most holy, where i feel so creative and also protective of all that touches me. I declutter my mind and attend to all the thoughts that do not serve me or my growing baby in a positive way. I dream, I read, I theorize and I release. Maybe its the time of pregnancy that my baby is most affected by my thoughts and surroundings and there is just no room for any garbage, so I feel this strong urge to get rid of it all. I do that and I move on. And as this happens I feel a stronger and stronger presence within me of my baby's entire being. Its consciousness, its personality. I feel it very strongly these days and I must say that I have a slight inkling that this baby could be female. And I have her name that keeps repeating to me. But to be on the safe side and since this baby will someday read this blog as a bound book, if you are a boy then that's just great!!! It doesn't really matter, but a small part of me says girl.
The last birth I was at really made me reconsider and rethink trying a hospital birth. I am still not entirely satisfied with the idea of having this baby at the hospital. The thought of having to guess when I have reached 4 or 5 cm (in order to be admitted to hospital), driving in a car in active labour, getting dilation checked in admitting and then heading to the L&D room to continue labouring sounds really unnatural and difficult. My last client felt like she was ready to head to the hospital and was told to go home after being checked in admitting - she was only 2 cm dilated and having incredible back labour. We drove back home together while we tried to help her feel comfortable in the car while she vomited and contracted all the way home. I got her as comfortable as possible at home where she quickly regained her rhythm and progressed very quickly. It was so quick in fact that she was feeling the urge to push within two hours and we had the midwife come asap where she announced that either she could go back to the hospital and go through the whole routine again or have the baby right there in the living room within half an hour. She didn't want to move and welcomed the idea of birthing right then and there. Of course the midwife had everything needed in case of an emergency with baby or mother. The birthing was absolutely beautiful and empowering.
Another common theme lately is some of the misinformation out there about the H1N1 vaccine. What particularly bothers me is when non supported ideas and opinions of this vaccine circulate and affect the decision making processes of the pregnant teen moms I work with. You should hear some of the info they have picked up around them! These teens are picking up bits and pieces of info online, friends, television and are really confused as to what to do. Yet when it comes down to it, there are some basic facts out there that they need to know and then begin their decision making process from there. These are facts that are evidence based. And I want these young pregnant women to know, bottom line, what the pros and cons of getting this vaccine are. How many women are in the hospital in their third trimester in respiratory distress and at risk of preterm labour and other complications vs proven life threatening side affects from the vaccine ingredients. Will the mercury (about the same amount as a can of tuna) give your child autism? Will this inactive vaccine get you sick with swine?? Well, its not live...
Once these women know the facts I really do support them in their decision making. They will feel confidence in their decision because they have taken responsibility and therefor some control in their life. I try to do the same if a woman wants an epidural (or any intervention in labour). I respect her decision as long as she has been given the facts - meaning what could happen if she gets the epidural vs not getting it. Facts that are not founded on opinion and creative ideas, but by the most current scientifically supported evidence.
When the adjuvant free vaccine came out a couple of weeks ago I got it. I was not prepared to take on the risks of getting H1N1 during this pregnancy. I am a strong believer in preventative, healthy living and I also see a Naturopath and in the past would see a Chinese doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner. I like natural most and have never had a flu vaccine. Didn't feel I needed one. But this time around I went for it. Jonas got sick a week ago with a fever for 5 days, chest cough and lethargy. Its been a week now and he is just coughing and sensitive and cranky. I am just glad I was able to give him all my time and energy over the week.
Now I am recharging and letting dad take over for the weekend. haha. I can hear them doing 'science experiments' in the kitchen.....
Saturday, October 17, 2009
15 Weeks
I love being pregnant a second time. The changes of my body; knowing that it is working hard and precisely, growing and nourishing this lovely soul who has joined our family. How content and fulfilled I feel in knowing that this was the right decision for me, Jonas and Jordan. Of course, there are the nagging questions in the back of my mind, how will this change us? How will manage? What will we gain and how will we grow with this new little being. Its never a question as to what we may lose because it is not the huge leap of having no children to having a first child. Now THAT was an adjustment! I know what to expect and I also know that there may be surprises. I know about the fatigue and the lack of sleep but I also know all that completely outweighs the difficulties.
I am now into the second trimester. Thankfully I am nowhere near as bone tired as I was earlier-that is truly the worst type of tired. Tired because of something you cannot control. Even with 8 hours of blessed sleep, naps and a general slowing down does not seem to help that type of tired. There are some similarities to the last pregnancy such as slow/no weight gain for the first trimester and a decreased appetite. Also food aversions as before. This time around, though, I am having definite food cravings to greasy salty food. I also have nauseousness that started about a month ago. It sucks. It can happen anytime throughout the day and it can make it difficult to cook. Jordan now does more than half the cooking - normally he will do it half the time. I am glad he is a great cook. I can already feel the Braxton Hicks and its still so shocking that my little belly can get so tight and not harm the baby. At least I know I will have a well tuned uterus when its time to push the baby out!
Jordan is in full on school still which is just great with me. He is minutes from him classes and does all of his research at home. He makes time to do lots with us and still stays on top of his work. I must say, and he will hate me for posting this, but I am so proud of him and all that he has accomplished this past year. His supervisor asked if he would be interested in teaching a 4th year forestry class for next semester. He said it would have to wait another year because he would never have had the time and the baby is due at the end of the semester and it would all be too stressful.
I am also very proud of Jonas. He is such a sweet little boy - still as sensitive as ever and almost always so much fun to be around. He loves his art, music class, gymnastics, books, walks, trains and marble tower. He is now a champion sleeper and falls asleep at 8:30 and gets up at 6:30. Never wakes up during the night. He has a big boy bed thanks to Grandma Janet. He has also decided to be out of diapers and although he was going in the big potty before he was one, he always reverted back to the diapers. He is now quite good at being consistent with pottying except with a little mishap on Thanksgiving in front of me and Soren. Jonas was just beyond exhaustion, but because Uncle Soren and Andrea were visiting he was on high gear and running around his bedroom bottomless. He said he had to pee and would be peeing on a pillow and we were saying No! go to the potty and he was all wild and just did it on his marble bag and pillow! It was so crazy because we were all laughing and couldn't stop and I knew we shouldn't be laughing which made us laugh harder.
Besides growing a baby, I continue to work with clients pre and postnatally. I am on call at the moment for a birth and lucky for me it will be my first birth with a midwife rather than a doctor. I imagine it will be vastly different and possibly more satisfying for this young couple. OB's are essential when there are complications but in my small bit of experience it seems that our regular system of hospital birth with nurse and doctor actually cause more intervention and complication than need be. Of course this is a generalization but this has been my experience so far. The upcoming delivery will be at Women's Hospital which will be new for me because I have only worked at Lions Gate and Burnaby General which are fairly basic rooms but I think Women's might be a whole new experience because they also have the birthing tubs and larger rooms and possibly more comfortable for the Dads. It is also designated by WHO to be baby friendly which is the only hospital in BC with this distinction. I am also going back to SMILE to help support the young pregnant moms during the childbirth education classes and possibly some of their births as well. I am trying to pack in as much as possible before April so that I can feel really good about my change of focus which will be happening in the Spring.......phew.
Jonas with his favourite music group 'Bobs and Lolo' at the Aquarium at the membership party in Sept. He was stoked!
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