July 28, 2010
There will be a baby blog here. As soon as I write one. It will be brief, as we’re already 26 weeks in, but here it will be. Seems wrong to start a new one before I even wrote a birth story to finish the old one. Stupid perfectionist tendencies. Maybe I’ll go back and do that. Big maybe.
To sum up the pregnancy so far: EASY. EeeeeeASY. Like superfluously EASY. Aside from the kicking and squirming and the big, round tummy, I wouldn’t know anything was happening.
Current Favorite
Just-Picked Homegrown Tomatoes
* * *
August 3, 2010
Jonah (the almost-seven-year-old) is obsessed with my belly and the tiny brother or sister inside. If I sit still for any length of time, he’s on me like glue. He wants to talk to the tummy, growl at the tummy, sing to the tummy, bounce the tummy, poke the tummy, hug the tummy, and generally make the baby’s quiet pod into a carnival fun house until I force him to leave. He says he’s keeping the baby from getting bored. It’s an act of love, I know, but sometimes I’d like him to remember that there’s a mama connected to the uterus.
He’ll be a handy guy to have around after the baby is born. Jonah’s show was always Ella’s favorite when she first made her appearance. I imagine this one will like it too, if for no other reason than familiarity.
Current Favorite:
Blue Bell Light Vanilla Ice Cream with Locally Grown Pecans
* * *
August 13, 2010
Belly Shot: 28 Weeks
Current Favorite:
Coca-Cola (which is weird because I’m totally a Pepsi girl)
***
August 18, 2010
I was looking through my drafts from last February, and found this unpublished snippet:
The song that played as I read the result of the pregnancy test: “Big Empty” by Stone Temple Pilots. But I wasn’t.
And my belly is now officially big. I know this because I suddenly have to be careful not to bump into counters or knock over children, and this morning I whacked it with the refrigerator door. Poor baby.
So far this little one seems like a quiet one. He/she gets active at fairly regular intervals, but never really goes crazy and jumps around like Ella did. It reminds me a lot of Naiah. Just gentle kicking and stretching now and then. Nothing spastic or rhythmic. Hopefully that means another quiet baby for later too. I like those. But the spastic ones are exciting too. 
Current Favorite:
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich with Milk
***
August 24, 2010
I have a prenatal appointment with the midwives in Austin! It’s on Tuesday! They’ll show me around a really pretty birthing center and sit down with me to talk insurance and schedule the rest of my appointments.
True Mom Confession: This is my first prenatal appointment of this entire pregnancy. It will be 31 weeks.
It wasn’t impossible for me to see someone before now. BUT we didn’t have insurance until June 1st, at which time we thought we would be in Austin at any moment. AND I wasn’t interested in any of the (mostly male) test-happy OB’s in Lufkin. AND the prospects here in MS are even more medicalized and therefore even less enticing. To put it succinctly, I’m a spoiled brat.
However, maybe because of the lack of testing and false alarms and countdowns and measurements, this has been far and away the most worry-free, happy, quiet pregnancy I’ve ever had. I have loved keeping every increment of change and progress within the little circle of our family. It was the first time I felt like this was our own private family event and no one else’s, and that felt very right somehow. So I don’t regret it. But since I don’t plan to give birth unassisted, it’s about time I meet the ladies who will be with me at the end, and if they need to put me through some tests and ultrasounds to reassure themselves that it’s safe to take me as a client, that’s perfectly fine. They have jacuzzi tubs.
Current Favorite:
MILK, MILK, MIIIIIILK!!!
***
September 10th, 2010
Well, one ultrasound down and all we know of Baby Six is that it’s on schedule, healthy, and human. The tech did her level best to make those little legs move out of the way, to no avail. Unless we get a more revealing look before the birth, this will be our first surprise on the boy/girl question. I don’t mind. But I feel a little sorry for Jonah if he has to wait all that time only to find out he didn’t get a brother. Poor guy. Thankfully, boys seem to abound in Texas. So at least he’ll have guy friends.
I’m at that tricky stage of the pregnancy where I need to eat more to keep up my blood sugar levels and energy, while the baby is crowding my stomach and making it hard to eat much at a sitting. Snacking isn’t normally part of my day, so I forget frequently and end up crashing from low blood sugar sometimes. Then I feel dumb. Plus I’m weakened and spacey for the rest of the day after that.
Aside from the usual food problems though, things are still easy-breezy. I’m starting to feel big and my feet swell now and then, but overall I’m ridiculously comfortable for being 32 weeks pregnant and only a month and a half from full term. Still the OB (yes, OB and not midwife, which is a whole other story that I’m a little sad over, but that’s for another time) wants to run every test in existence, of course. Just for the heck of it. Of course. And of course, upon hearing my forlorn sigh, she gave the classic OB line, “You’re free to refuse any of these tests, BUT. . . “, which in itself is reason #326 to love your midwife and ditch the OB whenever possible. So I’ll be poked a lot next Wednesday. Probably for no purpose but to spend money uselessly. It won’t kill me. But it does kind of put a downer on an otherwise painless pregnancy.
Current Favorite
Starbucks Java Chip Ice Cream
***
September 19, 2010
I am sad. My hopes of having a peaceful, unmolested birth are fading to nil rather quickly. The end of my second OB visit went something like this–
OB: So did you have any questions for me about the birth?
Me: Yeah, actually I was wondering if the hospital had any policies or time limits on using the shower or the tub during labor. That really helped me to relax and deal with the pain last time, but the hospital had a rule that you couldn’t be in the water more than twelve hours after your water breaks.
OB: Oh! Do you want a water birth?
Me: OH! Do you do that?!
OB: Well, probably not, but I’m new here. Was there any other weird stuff you wanted? Well, I shouldn’t say weird, but you know. . . unusual?
Me: Um. . . I guess I’m not sure what’s unusual here.
OB: You should take the hospital tour and ask the nurses. I don’t know anything about this hospital yet.
Me: Okay. . .
OB: Did you have any more questions for me?
Me: No, I guess not.
Fast forward to this evening at the Labor and Delivery tour–
Nurse: So this is one of our labor rooms. . . Each room has a full shower and bath attached. And these are the monitors you’ll be using once you’re admitted. They strap around your belly like this, one for heart rate and one for contractions, and we can watch your stats continuously from the nurses’ station and the OB on-call room. . . Any questions?
Me: So, you do continuous fetal monitoring?
Nurse: Yes, we do.
Me: Is that case-by-case or is that hospital policy for everybody?
Nurse: That’s the rule for everyone here.
Me: So no one uses the water for pain management during labor?
Nurse: No, not at all during labor, because we don’t have water-proof monitors, but we do have one mobile monitor that might be available if you really want to get out of bed.
Me: Okay. (trying really hard not to burst into tears at the thought of being strapped to a bed for twelve hours)
And later, once the other mommies-to-be had left–
Me: Um, I’m from out of state, so I don’t know anything about delivering here yet, and I was just wondering if that continuous monitoring policy was only here at this hospital or if it was everywhere.
Nurse: That’s everywhere in Austin. The only place that might not do that is the birthing center, with the midwives.
Me: Yeah. We weren’t able to go with the midwives this time because we came so late in the pregnancy. It makes me really nervous to think about being strapped in bed the whole time I’m in labor.
Nurse: Yeah, I know. It’s the OB’s. I’m from California, and I always had midwives and walked around and did whatever I felt like during labor.
Me: Yeah, seriously! It makes so much more sense to let women move and distract themselves instead of making them sit still and focus on the pain and use more drugs.
Nurse: I know. [sigh] Well, we’ll get you through it one way or another.
Me: Okay. Thanks. (walk out feeling super-dejected)
Oh, and on the subject of ridiculous tests–
OB: Hey, I noticed we don’t have a glucose test on file for you yet. We need to get that scheduled so we have it on file.
Me: Well, I tend to have minor blood sugar issues anyway, and the glucose solution always makes me throw up or pass out, which means I’d need somebody to come with me to drive me home, plus someone to stay home with the kids. So last time we just did a diabetic blood draw after a regular meal instead.
OB: Wow, that sounds tough. I wish we didn’t have to put you through all that. But let’s get it scheduled as soon as possible so we’ll have it on file.
In the end she forgot to schedule it. And I remembered to forget to schedule it, which is my strategy of choice for the time being. In the words of Bartleby the Scrivener, “I prefer not to.”
In any case, I am blessed with a baby who kicks and squirms and rolls, and who is slightly smaller than average, if you judge by fundal height, and who is most certainly a boy or a girl. I am also blessed with a body that tolerates pregnancy marvelously well and with a husband who enjoys the journey with me each step of the way and with children who are 100% in favor of adding to the team. And somehow the birth itself will be a blessing as well. SOMEhow. But it looks like that might require a good epidural. Or a boycott. I do have a shower down the hall.
Current Favorite
Bean, Rice and Cheese Burrito with Sour Cream
***
September 24, 2010
Belly Shot: 34 Weeks
And 40 days to go!
***
September 24, 2010
I would like to note that I am not an overtly emotional person. I’d rather think rationally than trust my feelings. Most of the time I have no idea what my feelings are saying anyway. But by some brutal happenstance (I suspect a hormone surge now that we’re in the last legs of the pregnancy), I am now emotional to the 267th degree. And boy howdy, can I cry like anything! I mean, senseless, unaccountable hours of crying. I feel sorry for my people, who have to wonder what the heck is wrong with me.
I can’t recall this happening with any of the other pregnancies, except maybe with Jonah, but that was usually flare-ups of anger more than anything. So maybe it’s a sign, and maybe not. In the meantime, try not to take it personally if I cry at you.
Current Favorite
Meat! All kinds. (Build those baby muscles!)
***
September 27, 2010
Oh, big baby. I know you’re not that big yet, but compared to my inner organs and tiny nerves, you are quite large. So take it easy on the stretching and pummeling, K? Mama would like that. One more month is all, I swear.
Current Favorite
Steamed Rice
***
October 6, 2010
Okay, so I’m starting to feel nine months pregnant now. The baby has dropped, but isn’t totally engaged yet. That one vertebrae in my lower back that always acts up is acting up in earnest. And my belly muscles are no longer sufficient to hold me up for long, so I can’t be on my feet too much, or they get angry at me. Contractions are more frequent and annoying. And the heartburn, insomnia, and nighttime discomfort have arrived.
In a way it’s a relief to feel all these things. It’s making me realize that yes, I am actually pregnant, and will actually have an actual baby. And soon! I’m excited now for this to wrap up happily and have a new person in my arms, where he or she isn’t just speculation anymore.
And I forgot to mention it, but we do have names. It seems so useless to have them when we don’t know who’s in there. But a boy would be Judah James, after the biblical character/nation and Jason’s father James Gary. And a girl would be Marietta Pearl, after my favorite great-grandmother Etta and her sister Mary Elizabeth, and Jason’s mother Pearl. Judah James sounds like an old, Western outlaw name to me. I like it. And Marietta Pearl sounds very Southern belle-ish for some reason. Marietta used to be a fairly popular name in the early 1900′s, but it’s become dusty since then. At least she won’t have lots of other Marietta’s to contend with. She and Naiah can be weird together.
Current Favorite Craving
Starbucks Pumpkin Scone with Earl Grey and Milk
***
October 6, 2010
Belly Shot: 36 Weeks
And starting to look a little off-balance!
***
October 26, 2010
Well, it looks like things are moving right along. After three weeks of contractions with no changes, yesterday’s check-up was more promising. The contractions are lower and more bothersome now, and they’re actually accomplishing something, apparently. The OB is betting I won’t make it to the due date, which is one week from today.
I’m hoping for something to happen right before or at the start of the weekend, so Jason can have extra time off with us.
I feel more ready now. It’s only been a week and a couple of days since Pearl passed away, but it seems like we’ve rounded some kind of corner in our lives and are moving into a new season. Also, two ladies from church brought me a baby shower in a basket this morning. It happened to contain the exact necessities that we needed to be ready for Judah to come home with us in comfort and style. Anna, Sarah, and Naiah just about died from the cuteness. God is very good to us.
Current Favorite
Banana Pudding with Nilla Wafers
***
Congrats! That’s so exciting, #6! And yay for EASY- what a huge blessing!
: O
You are SO beautiful!
You’re so pretty. . .and I love Coke. The Real Thing, baby.
Wow. Your husband is a lucky guy. You just seem more and more beautiful every single time. Really, Becky, you look amazing. Evidently you wear Mississippi well. I am so excited for you to all be together again soon.
You need another snuggler. . .
Get thee to the midwifery clinic. Stat. After Jonah’s party. . .which I hope was today–altogether–under one roof.
You look great!!! And… I’m a spoiled brat too… so with you on the avoiding male docs for female stuff and all the tests… etc… etc…
Sorry for the poking and pricking. . .sorry you can’t have the midwife like you wanted. . .and I DID refuse some of the testing during my pregnancies. . .not many. . .but some.
You look absolutely beautiful.
Wish we were closer. Funny how OB treat “older” moms. They act like your near your death bed and need every test known to man- just in case. I am super stoked this is going to be a great surprise!!! How fun. Love you.
AMANDA!!! you just said “OLDER”? Killin me! It’s not like she is anywhere close to 40! Sigh… I am a whole 17 months ‘older’ … so if she is “older” I am WAY older. (This post has been written before coffee in the morning… take it with a grain of… something…)
It’s okay, Jenn– at church an older man told Jason and me that we should go to the downstairs class because the upstairs class was mostly “young married couples.” I’ve been obsessing over the lines under my eyes ever since.
Hey. . .talk to some of those McDonald’s MOPS chicks and see who their ob/gyn was. I did have the fetal monitor, but it was internal for both babies. . .they could never get a good read with the external one AND it drove me crazy.
And you CAN refuse the glucose monitoring test. . .and I still think you need a different ob/gyn. Egads.
Sorry to be so opinionated. . .I am of the ilk who did (almost) all the tests and was even grateful for the machine that went *bing* as Victoria would very likely have died had we not had her where we had her BUT every single woman has the right to give birth in the manner in which they feel most comfortable. . .and if that’s a shower for you, then they should be able to accomodate. I am sorry that it is turning into frustration. . .so what is up with the time limit at the midwife center?
And maybe this one will get here SUPER fast. . .no time for anything but being born.
Well, Jason has a couple of weeks to read up… Hahahaha! That is such a bummer, Becky, I am so sorry. Baby may have a mind of his/her own and decide to come at home anyway. =) And, I know it’s not your way of things, but even certain hospital policies can be denied. At CMH, they always take the baby to the nursery, but if I would have signed away my life and every paper that said I was stupid and doing everything wrong and horribly against all “smart policy”, they would have allowed me to keep the baby. =)
You’re so compliant, though. Good patient. =)
Yeah. I don’t mind railing and crusading before the time comes, but when I’m actually in labor I’m not quite in the mood to argue with anybody, unfortunately. At least they don’t take the baby here. I was pleased with that. They even do the bathing in-room.
Roxanne– The deal last time was an issue with the hospital attached to the birth center, which had a limit of twelve hours after the water breaks on shower/tub use. The midwives themselves used to go up to 24-36 hours as long as there was no sign of infection. But common sense like that doesn’t seem to work with hospital administrators.
I feel better about all of it now though. When it comes down to it I’ll probably just go along with everything peacefully and get the epidural and get through it all as quickly as possible. It’s a disappointment, but it ends the same way. I just hope this newbie doctor doesn’t freak out and do something weird.
I will pray for an “seasoned” labor and delivery nurse who will whack the newbie doctor upside the head if he tries anything weird.
Hey. You know WHAT? I can COME AND SEE YOU once this baby is born. And bring things to put into a crockpot to make you a meal!!!!!!
I just realized that.
Okay. I am REALLY SO STINKIN’ EXCITED. Even if I just come, stay a few hours and leave, I can leave you with the scent of roast IN YOUR HOUSE, and the scent of newborn baby ON ME!!!!!!!!!
Oh my gosh would you really?!! I would be so stoked to have you and the newbie baby in the same house together, however long you can make it. That’s a very happy thing to look forward to.
Yes. . .I really WILL. Absolutely. . .and bring the kiddos too.
I want to come!
BTW, we have midwives and waterbirths and you can walk around as much as you please here in Northwest Arkansas.
I’ll come have the baby up there then. Your hubby won’t mind a bit, will he?
And yes, you should totally totally come and hang out with me and baby six whenever you get a free Saturday!!
I told Tony last night that I was going to come see you and cook for you when the baby came. . .and leave good stuff in your house. . .and HE thought I meant that I was making a surprise visit and leaving things for you to find when you got home. . .
Men.
I explained it all. . .and am looking forward to getting there. You may cry at or on me at will.
Yeah, I don’t know if that would be scary or fun, to come home and find foreign food in your kitchen all cooked and left out.
Well, you’re in luck, because I promise to accompany any food–either cooked or uncooked when we arrive–to you house. ‘Cause if I leave, I don’t get to hold the baby. . .or see the kids. . .or you. And that would leave YOU freaked out and me quite sad.
Plus I’d feel kinda jipped if you came all the way here and didn’t even hang out with us!
Hugs to you. Pats to baby.
SERIOUSLY–only 29 days to go??? No. Stinkin’. Way. It took Ella FOREVER to get here. . .this one has been on the fast track for sure.
Surprisingly, I feel the same way! On the one hand, it’s that last stretch that starts to feel uncomfortable and interminable, and on the other hand it’s “Holy cow! Four WEEKS???” It probably helps that this house is so not ready for baby, or more accurately for baby company. That makes the time seem short for sure.
I LOVE the names!!!
Yay!! They’re weird , so I got nervous all of the sudden writing them down here!
Those are GREAT names. . .and even though you FEEL 9 months pregnant, you most certainly do not LOOK 9 months pregnant. Are you sure you haven’t LOST weight with this baby? Seriously.
Okay. . .keep Judah or Marietta in there a LEETLE longer, then I’ll come see both of you. What is the “exact” due-ish date again?
Nov 2nd, so Halloween if it’s like Jonah and Naiah, and Nov 7th if it’s like Ella, and more likely something completely different.
So beginning-ish of November. When will your mom be there?
She can’t come this time. They’re going to be settling into the new parsonage right around then, plus they just started at a new church and can’t take off yet. We’re hoping to visit them around Christmas. Pearl should be home in the next day or two though on hospice, so she’ll be here for her first new-baby times with us.
Well, then. It sounds like I need to get there ASAP. So. . .let me know when Judah Marietta decides to show up. . .like when you go to the hospital. . .
Bummer. Totally wanted to name our boy Judah. And I even like the middle name James. But, I am hoping for you a Judah James because Jonah needs a boy, and we are a little boy heavy anyway. =)
Becky dear!
Just reading up on your life–congratulations, a little late
If you show up late in the labor (**accidentally**) you can lay down and get monitored just in time to push 
Works like a charm.
Love you, and baby Judah
Alicia
Oh, friend. I am so excited and ready to meet this baby boy. Keep me posted. . .