I attended my first prenatal swim class tonight. It was surprisingly relaxing and enjoyable! I was a little worried that it would be geared toward “non exercisers” and filled with women interested only in doggy paddling around the shallow end. In truth, it was a low-key workout, but a seriously nice change from my usual high intensity, high impact, land routines. It felt great to glide through the water and take the pressure off what I’m now calling my “shrek feet”.
When I originally signed up there was not one other person registered for the class. On May 1st, I was told there were two, including me. So I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived and there were 6 other pregnant ladies—we started chatting immediately. Most women are due in August—I am by far the most pregnant, and apparently the boldest as I donned last years bikini. I felt a little weird at first, but it all worked out fine! Four of us are having boys, 2 are having girls, and one is pregnant with twins!
One woman looked familiar and after a short conversation we remembered a particular day, when upon my arrival to the Pentagon slug line, she had cheerfully greeted me with, “Oh! Another pregnant slugger!”. Funny how interconnected the DC/Northern VA area really is.
The class starts at 7:20pm, lasts 45 minutes, and will take place twice a week for the rest of the month. I reek of chlorine and my eyes are burning, but my feet experienced some relief and Baby Sears seemed to enjoy the routine, so I’ll look forward to next Tuesday.
As for tomorrow, it’s back to kickboxing.
May 7, 2009
May 6, 2009
Name poll: CLOSED! Birth-day poll: OPEN!
Hmm...verrry interesting!
Forty-eight percent of respondents identified Roscoe as the chosen name, while 20% think we are trying to throw you off our trail by choosing a name not included on the list! We can't wait to share the name we picked--we think it's pretty cool--and hopefully you won't have to wait too much longer...
With all this talk of progress and impending parenthood, it's time to cast your vote on which week will fall a very special birthday!
Forty-eight percent of respondents identified Roscoe as the chosen name, while 20% think we are trying to throw you off our trail by choosing a name not included on the list! We can't wait to share the name we picked--we think it's pretty cool--and hopefully you won't have to wait too much longer...
With all this talk of progress and impending parenthood, it's time to cast your vote on which week will fall a very special birthday!
When next we meet...
Our Doula came to the house last night for our final prenatal visit. Initially, when we were planning a hospital birth, we contracted Lori for independent labor support and advocacy in the hospital setting. Now that we're planning a home birth, her role will also include assisting our midwife as needed--primarily during the actual birth and postpartum.
I must say that Andy has been amazing throughout the entire pregnancy--not that I expected anything less! He was a great partner during our 12 week Bradley course and has remained actively involved and engaged in the experience. While Andy will serve as my primary support, Lori has assisted hundreds of women in labor and knows so much about facilitating natural birth--she has many tricks in her bag!
Many people have asked us, "Well if Andy is your primary support, why have a doula!?"
At this point, labor and birth are relative unknowns for both of us. Andy has said more than once that he would feel a lot of pressure if I were planning to rely solely on him for labor support. Knowing that he can pull from Lori's experience makes him more confident in his ability to support me in ways that will be most helpful. For me, I anticipate that giving birth will be a lot of physical and emotional work. The choice to surround myself with women who trust the process of natural birth, and who believe in my body's ability to birth my baby, is fundamental.
I think we’ve assembled a phenomenal birth team, and I feel nothing but positive anticipation for the big day.
I must say that Andy has been amazing throughout the entire pregnancy--not that I expected anything less! He was a great partner during our 12 week Bradley course and has remained actively involved and engaged in the experience. While Andy will serve as my primary support, Lori has assisted hundreds of women in labor and knows so much about facilitating natural birth--she has many tricks in her bag!
Many people have asked us, "Well if Andy is your primary support, why have a doula!?"
At this point, labor and birth are relative unknowns for both of us. Andy has said more than once that he would feel a lot of pressure if I were planning to rely solely on him for labor support. Knowing that he can pull from Lori's experience makes him more confident in his ability to support me in ways that will be most helpful. For me, I anticipate that giving birth will be a lot of physical and emotional work. The choice to surround myself with women who trust the process of natural birth, and who believe in my body's ability to birth my baby, is fundamental.
I think we’ve assembled a phenomenal birth team, and I feel nothing but positive anticipation for the big day.
May 5, 2009
Surprise!
My awesome co-workers surprised me with a sushi dinner (and Georgetown cupcakes!) after work yesterday! Andy was in on the secret and told me we were going out for our anniversary. He's usually not very good at keeping surprises under wraps but this time I had no idea!
I LOVE SURPRISES!
It was so thoughtful, and fun--a great way to spend a Monday night!
I would like to thank the following people:
I LOVE SURPRISES!
It was so thoughtful, and fun--a great way to spend a Monday night!
I would like to thank the following people:
May 4, 2009
H1N1
Well, the Pig Flu (as non-PC as that name is) has finally hit Virginia: three confirmed cases as of today. Maryland has 12 "probable" cases awaiting confirmation, and while there has been talk of a case or two in the District, they too have yet to be confirmed.
As a pregnant woman, I am technically categorized as "high risk". A public health colleague of mine sent me the guidelines for treating pregnant women with H1N1, and I would really love to avoid catching the virus. Of course. Coupling the densely populated area with the heavy use of mass transit, I'm sure it will only be a matter of time before the DC metro area is teeming with new cases of H1N1. Andy is insisting that I wear a face mask during my commute. I have politely declined.
Sunday, as we checked out at the grocery store, Andy passed me a dollar to play the Lotto. When I went to the case to choose my game I shouted over: "Oh! I pick the Pig Flu one!" I was both giggling and feeling slightly offended at the same time. Way to capitalize on a pandemic, Virginia.
Blame it on not having my glasses, but I swear it said "WIN PIGS FLU". In the end, we won neither pig flu nor any other prize.
As a pregnant woman, I am technically categorized as "high risk". A public health colleague of mine sent me the guidelines for treating pregnant women with H1N1, and I would really love to avoid catching the virus. Of course. Coupling the densely populated area with the heavy use of mass transit, I'm sure it will only be a matter of time before the DC metro area is teeming with new cases of H1N1. Andy is insisting that I wear a face mask during my commute. I have politely declined.
Sunday, as we checked out at the grocery store, Andy passed me a dollar to play the Lotto. When I went to the case to choose my game I shouted over: "Oh! I pick the Pig Flu one!" I was both giggling and feeling slightly offended at the same time. Way to capitalize on a pandemic, Virginia.
Blame it on not having my glasses, but I swear it said "WIN PIGS FLU". In the end, we won neither pig flu nor any other prize.
May 3, 2009
36 weeks
Susan, our midwife, came to the house this morning for my 36 week appointment.
Good news: I'm 80% effaced and 2 centimeters dilated!!
While dilation is not a good predictor of imminent labor, it's cool to confirm that the cramping and other symptoms I've been experiencing are effectively doing some of the work in advance of B-day. Susan seemed very optimistic and pleased with my progress--especially for 36 weeks. She said that she was able to feel the bulge of the amniotic sac, and his little head, which is just crazy!
The baby's heart rate was in the 130s and he's still favoring my right side. I had some labs drawn, and she checked out the supplies that we've put together (per the list we were given). We talked some about vaccinations, and newborn screenings.
From now on we'll meet with Susan once a week until Baby Sears makes his debut!
Good news: I'm 80% effaced and 2 centimeters dilated!!
While dilation is not a good predictor of imminent labor, it's cool to confirm that the cramping and other symptoms I've been experiencing are effectively doing some of the work in advance of B-day. Susan seemed very optimistic and pleased with my progress--especially for 36 weeks. She said that she was able to feel the bulge of the amniotic sac, and his little head, which is just crazy!
The baby's heart rate was in the 130s and he's still favoring my right side. I had some labs drawn, and she checked out the supplies that we've put together (per the list we were given). We talked some about vaccinations, and newborn screenings.
From now on we'll meet with Susan once a week until Baby Sears makes his debut!
May 2, 2009
Dude, where's my diaper bag?
I am now the proud owner of a Diaper Dude man-bag. Connoisseur of fine things and former roommate Ronak finally stopped by last night to deliver my belated couple's shower present. It is great. Lots of pockets, clips, and the like for all of my gear and baby's stuff too! Nothing like style and function. So the next time we meet don't confuse me with Brad Pitt, we just carry the same diaper bag.
May 1, 2009
Drum roll please...
After today, I have only 10 days left in the office. I can't adequately express how much I'm looking forward to being home!
Not only will I not have to get dressed (which has become quite frustrating both for lack of an appropriate seasonal wardrobe, and because I can no longer bend at the waist in order to dress myself), but even better, I won't have to commute! Yippee!! This will add three glorious hours to my day!
Oh yeah, it's officially May, and Baby Sears is due this month!!!
Not only will I not have to get dressed (which has become quite frustrating both for lack of an appropriate seasonal wardrobe, and because I can no longer bend at the waist in order to dress myself), but even better, I won't have to commute! Yippee!! This will add three glorious hours to my day!
Oh yeah, it's officially May, and Baby Sears is due this month!!!
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