The Baby Shower!

We had the baby shower this past weekend! It was soo amazing. We had a great time with friends and family, we had great music, games, food, and gifts galore! We definitely were blessed so much and we're so happy. :) Here are some pictures of the shower:







Now I'm focusing on sorting everything out and getting ready for delivery day! I must say, I'm still nervous about labor and delivery! I keep telling myself that I should start packing the hospital bag... but for some odd reason I keep putting it off. Don't get me wrong, I'm super excited to finally meet our little guy, hold him, and kiss him. I'm just trying to wrap my mind around the major changes that will occur on that day. From the changes to my body, to the changes to our life in general as now being a family of 3. There are definitely some major changes that are about to occur! I just have to keep up with my positive visualizations, and have faith in my hubby, my doula, and most importantly the Lord to get me through. Pray for me guys!

First Bradley Method Class

This past Sunday we attended our first Bradley Method Birth Class. It was great! It was more of an introduction to what we'll be learning over the next six weeks, but it was very encouraging to be around other couples who are just as passionate about having a natural unmedicated birth.

We just went over how the plan of action is to labor as much as possible at home so that by the time we go to the hospital, I'll already be at least 6 cm dilated and ready for the finish line. When in labor, it's best to be moving in order to reduce pain, but also to help progress the labor process. That means walking, leaning on a birth ball, squatting, etc. I'll be able to do all of that at home comfortably. Many hospitals just strap you into bed as soon as you get there, which stalls dilation and effacement. Then when it takes forever for the birth process to happen, they start the C-section talk!! Ugh!

But anyway, our instructor is a hoot! She's so funny and interesting. She has three children, all birthed naturally, and all were born within like 3-4 hours! Nuts! That is unheard of! Most of the time you're looking at 12-18 hours or more... especially as a first time mom. It was crazy, the instructor pulled out a baby doll and a model pelvis and showed all of us how our little ones will be making their way out. Ouch! We'll also be watching videos of actual births, an episiotemy, and other informative things that we need to see.

All in all, it was a great first class and we're looking forward to learning a lot. It also made my hubby feel more at ease because the instructor said that by the end of the course, the husbands will be well informed and feel comfortable advocating for us at the hospital. So that made my hubby feel wonderful since he has been worried that he wouldn't know what to agree to or decline for me if I'm not able to make the decisions due to excessive pain. It also helps that we'll have our doula there to be a support.

I'm super excited! I'll update again next week after the next class! Also, just FYI, about.com gives a free online childbirth class. It's just basic information. It discusses:

•How to tell if you are in labor.
•What to pack for labor.
•Relaxation and breathing for labor.
•Common medications for labor including the epidural.
•Labor interventions like fetal monitoring.
•Cesarean Birth
•Postpartum
•Breastfeeding and more!

Click: Online Childbirth Class

His head is down already! (32 weeks)

Happy New Year! The above pic is of the baby's direct face shot. Only half of the face is illuminated though.


I'm so glad it's 2010! Of course because our little one is coming soon. But also because 2009 wasn't the easiest year due to stress with finances, early pregnancy issues, etc. So now I'm looking forward to starting fresh! And praise God, I'm already 32 weeks pregnant (8 months), and for the most part feeling great!

I had another ultrasound a couple of days ago and the baby is doing wonderful. He's 4 lbs 1 oz. The ultrasound tech said that he's already head down and in a great position for birth. He was so adorable! He was sticking out his tongue and sucking on his fingers. lol

I'll be going to my OB every two weeks in January, then every week in February. I wonder if I'll make it to my due date (Feb. 26). I wouldn't mind a Valentine's baby though hehe.

I'm also looking forward to our baby shower that's at the end of the month. It's going to be so fun! I can't believe that the baby is coming next month. Pregnancy really goes so fast. Now it's getting down to the wire and we're trying tp prepare as much as we can. We went on the maternity ward tour last week and it kinda freaked me out to be honest. They showed us the delivery room, the bed, the stirrups and all that jazz... It made everything feel so real! I'm sure everything will go great. I have my husband who is a great support, also my doula, and we'll be able to play soft music, and use aromatherapy in the delivery room which will be helpful.

And this Sunday is our first Bradley Method birthing class. I can't wait! I really need to learn all of those relaxation techniques... pronto! :)