Baby Day

Nieva was born August 20th, 2010. 9lb 12oz... 21.25" long

40 Week Picture

Yes thats right... 40 weeks came and still no baby. At my 40 week checkup my midwife agreed tobreak my water the following Friday. The next day Jordon got to wear the "Empathy belly" in centering. I was super glad he got to wear that. Will also include a few pics of that

39 Week Pic

38 week Pic

38 Week Appt

(Aug. 2) 2 cm dilated, almost completely thinned. Baby's head just needs to drop a touch more. She said could be tomorrow or could be several weeks. At this point its anyone's guess :0 )

(Aug. 3) In centering we discussed diapers, diaper services, the 5 S's (shhhing, swaddling, swinging, shaking, and side-lying), and practiced swaddling babies. I'm still hooing we get to have the guys do the empathy belly (for sheer entertainment purposes haha).


Jordon read "The Birth Partner" by Penny Simkin to prepare and said it was really informative. Between him reading that and going to our classes and having a doula.... I feel like my anxiety levels have dropped 10 fold. Cari Jo (our doula) and I met today for coffee to discuss hypno-birthing and our birth plan further. She was really informative on some issues I hadn't thought of and didn't know about. I like that she can be our advocate and go to person if we are scared as to whether something that arises is normal or necessary etc...

-A <3

Finished Nursery!!!

Dear Ava

Daddy and I worked really hard to get your nursery finished this past Sunday. It was hard work, and we were both exhausted afterwards, but we sure hope you love your new room. I made all the letters and curtains. Your great-grandma Boer made the bed set years ago. The books and nick-knacks are all gifts from friends/family or nostalgic items to us. It will be any day that you will be here now :0 ) Can't wait to meet you! I think you will love your new world. <3

-Love,
Mommy

37 week pic

Doula

Hired a Doula Today. Makes me feel A LOT more relaxed about impending labor. A doula is someone that comes to your home to help coach you through labor, help you decide when it is the right time to go in, practice relaxation techniques/coaching that can help assist you through a natural birth and calm you during contractions, help you find positions and methods that work well during labor in the hospital and coach you/help husband coach you through delivery. She said she also knows how to deliver a baby if I'd have a fast labor and can't make it to hospital....also a little reassuring haha. Definitely helped my anxiety level already!


-A <3

Crib Canopy made and hung Today

38 weeks today....



Thanks to Steve (my bro-in-law) for the bracket to hang this, and of course to Jordon for helping me hang it.


-A <3


Dear Ava,

Mommy and Daddy had a rough night last night because contractions started at 10:30 to be 5 minutes apart and we werent sure if it was labor. We decided to try sleep at 2am even though they hadn't gotten better. I woke up to them still at 5 and then at 8 started having back pain with them and decided to go in. Terri, one of our midwives, sent us back home and said to come back in if they got too painful to handle so .... we thought we were going to get to meet you today, but so far you are still nestled in my belly. It won't be long though I presume. :0 )

Love you!
-Mommy <3