Happiest Baby on the Block

Greg and I attended our first baby preparation type class yesterday. We weren't really sure what to expect, but it ended up being a lot of fun.

The class was called Happiest Baby on the Block. It basically covers the methods that Dr. Harvey Karp follows. We have no method or preference to follow, but are open to learning about different methods and then taking small things from each one.

Dr. Karp believes that babies, especially in their first few months of life, can experience "fourth trimester" issues. Babies can have a difficult time getting used to the huge amount of stimuli present in life outside of Mom's body. Their reaction to all of this is to cry and cry.

The Happiest Baby On The Block method formulated by Dr. Harvey Karp, addresses these issues by helping you learn how to effectively recreate the environment of the womb, outside of Mom's body. Once you have learned the steps, you will be able to alleviate some, if not all, of your baby's colic symptoms.

Now, they aren't saying that every baby has colic, but they are saying here are 5 methods and if your child fusses, try them... they should work.

There were only 4 couples total in the class which was nice. We all got to ask questions and no one made the class any longer than it had to be. I think Greg and I left there with a feeling of confidence that we will be able to handle being new parents!

Farewell Dr. P

As most ladies know (and some guys are probably told) the good ole' "Lady Doctor" can't just be anyone you find. Like a normal family physician... the patient needs to feel comfortable with the Dr. and trust them.

Moving from St. Clair County to Macomb County back 7 years ago, I knew I couldn't realistically drive to St. Clair for those appointments anymore. I began my search and picked a Dr. near me that was in my network. I saw her for a few years and was discussing some things I didn't like about her with coworkers one day. What I thought was normal ended up not really being appropriate for a Dr. like that to be saying.

My co workers referred me to their Dr. When I called to see if she was accepting new patients, she wasn't. The nurse on the phone told me they had just started a new Dr. in the practice and he was very nice... blah blah blah. I can come and just meet him. Him? Him? I've never seen a male for that before...

So I went and met him. I learned very early on that I made a good choice in switching doctors. He informed me that much of the treatments that the other woman had me going through were not necessary. I learned the hard way and now that I was married, Dr. P was guiding me through a pregnancy!

At my last visit in June while only 4.5 months pregnant, Dr. P informed me that he may not be staying in the state of Michigan any longer. He wasn't sure yet, but wanted his patients to know. Shortly after I got a letter confirming he was leaving. I was sad because I trusted him and he was really about letting women have the kind of birth they wanted.

I asked around and everyone had a doctor they liked. For me the easiest thing to do was to stay with the practice and go with another doctor there. I chose Dr. G. Let's just say I don't have much luck with the OB doctor choosing!

I went in for my first appointment with her at the beginning of June. She never introduced herself to me and as soon as she walked in her cellphone rang and she took the call. It was her daughter and she had me wait for 15 minutes while she took the call. It didn't seem like an emergency and she didn't excuse it as being one. She was very short with me and because of the phone call, she didn't have time for questions. The second time I went I asked her opinion of epidurals. Basically I was told I was getting one. All women get them. I don't know if I want one or not, but I do know that I want a choice. If I don't want one, I don't want to be forced to have one!

I left my second appointment with her somewhat frightened of the kind of birth I might have. I called the health insurance and they were completely nice about the situation. They instructed me on all of my options and pretty much told me to not go anywhere that I am not comfortable. So I called around and found a mid-wife who practices with a group of O.B. doctors in Macomb County near us. She was accepting new patients so I went and met her. I am so glad I did!

She is a very up beat person who makes Greg and I feel like she is just as excited about our birth as we are. She is there to advocate for the birth plan that we want and will guide us through every step of the way. I have seen her about 5 or 6 times now and feel so comfortable with her. It is very reassuring. Even Greg has met her and likes her enthusiasm. She answers all of our questions honestly and doesn't treat us like we are asking anything dumb. We are new to this and she understands.

When I tell people we are using a midwife, usually the first question is... Are you having a home birth? Heck no! I am to chicken for that! I chose to use a midwife because I want the least amount of medical intervention as possible. There is no reason to have drugs and be hooked up to machines for the duration of my labor if possible. If medical intervention needs to happen and the midwife agrees, then well, I need to care most about our child's health and my health. I wouldn't deny it - if it is needed.

We are still giving birth in the hospital where all the equipment is. Nurses will be there just like any other birth in a hospital. The mid wife will be there instead of an actual O.B. doctor, unless a procedure is needed. If something is needed one of the doctors from the mid wife's group will step in and do their best to support the least amount of medical intervention as possible.

Measurement Time

Greg and I got another chance to see the baby! At 20 weeks, most women get an ultra sound to have measurements taken of the baby and various parts to make sure development is progressing as it should.

We went to a larger hospital for this ultra sound since there needed to be a stronger machine to perform the job.

It was great to get to see the baby again. It was so active! Of course, the child had to mess with the ultra sound technician and not let her get the appropriate shots of it's heart. I will have to go back at a later date for that.

The above photo is the baby's profile. As of right now we are not finding out the baby's gender! So far everything is going just fine with the pregnancy!

It is also our one year wedding anniversary! I cannot believe that a year has passed since our celebration of marriage to each other! We have definitely been brought closer by our experiences over the next year and I think that our new baby will bring us even closer to one another!

The Second Trimester Begins

I can officially say I have made it this far! I am in my second trimester of pregnancy!

Apparently that means no more morning sickness, daily nausia or sleepless nights. Oh wait. I didn't have any of those symptoms to begin with!

After speaking with a number of friends and women who have had children before, I feel kind of guilty not feeling crappy. I mean, I have my days or my nights where I am just.... blah. But it is nothing that ever interferes with my day and for that I am so grateful!

I will continue to hope that the remaining months of pregnancy are as event free as these first few have been!

First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage...

Greg and I have been married for a little over 8 months now, but we have been together over 4 years. Through all this time we spoken about how we want a family. We both agree on more than one.

I was an only child for 14 years. There was nothing wrong with that, but when my parents couldn't play with me and the 2 neighbor children were busy that left me to my own imagination. I remember having a good one, but how much fun would a pal be that was there all the time? Greg would like more than two children. I'm more about seeing how the first one goes and deciding from there. Who knows if we will even get to be blessed with children right?

We decided in January that we were both ready to give it a try. I mean, mentally we are ready, financially, we think it will be OK and who knows how long it might take, I've had friends try for years with no luck and finally it happens!

Prior to this positive one I took a few negatives over the last few weeks. I haven't been feeling "the same" and was convinced I was pregnant. Finally this one came back positive so I took another before bed last night and it was also positive. So, as far as my urine is concerned I am building a baby as I type!

I am sure there is plenty more to do to confirm this, but wow. We are going to be parents.

Look out...