What the heck did I get myself into?!

After 3 days of vomiting every single thing I ate (which wasn't much), I'm finally back to normal. Well, third trimester pregnancy normal. I experienced really horrible contractions every time I threw up and I have to admit that I was thinking, "WHAT THE HECK DID I GET MYSELF INTO?!". I wasn't questioning our home birth or even a natural birth but just labor/delivery in general haha!

I called one of my amazing midwives on Sunday (bet you can't reach an OB on a Sunday morning) after experiencing several awful contractions and she listened to my symptoms, reassured me that everything was normal at that point, gave me suggestions on things that I might be able to keep down (BRAT - bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), directed me to stay as hydrated as possible and was just so incredibly nurturing. She also reassured me that my contractions from vomiting probably went from 0-10 on the pain scale but typical labor contractions will build and my body will produce endorphins to help combat the pain. Let's hope my body has some pretty strong endorphins ready to go for labor!

As painful as those contractions were (and I promise I'm not a wuss), I'm actually glad that I experienced them because it not only gave me confidence (I can do anything for a day, maybe 2) but it also gave me perspective on how I might handle the real deal. Mr. Baby Fever was also so completely supportive - rubbing my back, leaving me alone when I asked him to and just getting me whatever I needed (food, drink, etc).

I had an appointment with my midwives yesterday and everything is looking great. Our baby is head down (I think he's been that way for at least a few weeks now) and I'm as healthy as can be (weight, blood pressure, etc). They did the Group B Strep test, which I didn't even feel...let's hope it comes back negative! I look forward to these appointments and so does Mr. Baby Fever. We've gotten to know our midwives on a personal level and have developed trust in them. I must say that I'm excited for our home birth, knowing exactly who will be in the room with us and that they are all people that I WANT in the room with us, which should make for a less stressful labor.

35 weeks & 5 days pregnant

Week 34: Honeydew

"Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month."

How far along? 34wks & 6 days!

Maternity clothes? Love, love, love my Liz Lang maternity tank top. Oh and I also live in my swim suit, who knew that I would actually enjoy putting on a swimsuit at 34 weeks pregnant!

Stretch marks? It's official, I have a stretch mark. It is not too terrible and I'm putting lotion/oil on it like crazy.

Sleep? I get up at least 4 times at night to pee, then it takes me another hour to get back to sleep, and then this little guy kicks me awake...good times! We're planning on transitioning our 2 furkitties out of our bedroom at nights starting tomorrow...makes me a little sad but I don't want them blaming the baby.

Best moment this week? We had a blast taking maternity pics on Saturday!

Movement? This baby enjoys kicking my ribs - they seriously feel bruised...or broken. I've been having to ice them and I find it funny when I can feel him scurrying away from the cold. Move down baby.

Food cravings? GIVE ME FRUIT - strawberries, cherries, watermelon, YUM! Still this. Oh and I despise all of those 99 cent frosty comercials.

Gender? It's a Boy!!

Labor signs? Braxton Hicks are continuing...

What I miss? SLEEP and not being kicked in the ribs.

What I'm looking forward to? Finally meeting this little guy who is breaking my ribs!

Weekly Wisdom: I highly recommend seeing a chiropractor who specializes in the webster technique...I <3>

Milestones: Braxton Hicks continue. Our nursery is finished. We took maternity pics.

Emotions: Looking forward to not being so bipolar!

34 weeks & 6 days pregnant

Born Safely. Born Simply. Born At Home.

I just purchased this adorable shirt from Etsy seller Earth Bound Baby. I thought it would be perfect to put on my little guy right after the birth!


32 weeks & 2 days pregnant

Week 33: Honeydew

"Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month."

How far along? 33wks & 6 days!

Maternity clothes? Living in my Liz Lang tank top - so comfy! I just bought a second one of these and I'm highly considering a third.

Stretch marks? It's official, I have a stretch mark. It is not too terrible and I'm putting lotion/oil on it like crazy.

Sleep? Oh how I miss my sleep! I seriously think that I will get better rest once this little guy is out of me!

Best moment this week? FINISHING OUR NURSERY!!! Besides a few DIY projects, it's is DONE!

Movement? This baby enjoys kicking my ribs - they seriously feel bruised. I've been having to ice them and I find it funny when I can feel him scurrying away from the cold. Move down baby.

Food cravings? GIVE ME FRUIT - strawberries, cherries, watermelon, YUM!

Gender? It's a Boy!!

Labor signs? Braxton Hicks are continuing...

What I miss? SLEEP!

What I'm looking forward to? Finally meeting this little guy who is breaking my ribs!

Weekly Wisdom: I know that it is hot, I don't need to be reminded of this just because I'm pregnant.

Milestones: Braxton Hicks continue. Our nursery is finished!

Emotions: I've never been so emotional in my life!

33 weeks & 6 days pregnant

Home Birth Liar

Mr. Baby Fever and I aren't telling very many people about our home birth for a lot of reason - mainly because most people aren't educated when it comes to home births and we don't want to spend a lot of effort educating at this point. I also don't want to feel like I have to defend my choice. There will be time for all of that after our baby is here. Right now all of my energy needs to selfishly be focused on myself and this baby - staying healthy, preparing for labor, etc.

A few days ago, I was shopping with a friend who recently had an induced and medicated hospital birth and she was asking me questions about the hospital that I would deliver at. I felt like a total liar for not being more upfront about my planned home birth but I just know that she wouldn't understand without me taking the effort to make her understand. Maybe I'm not giving her enough credit but when she found out I was planning for a natural birth she was very discouraging. I can only imagine what she would say about a home birth. I just feel like she doesn't have to explain her hospital birth choice to me so why should I have to explain my home birth choice to her!

Well, 44ish more days to go and I'll come clean ;-)

33 weeks & 5 days pregnant

Week 32: Still A Squash

"Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments."

How far along? 32wks & 6 days!

Maternity clothes? Living in my Liz Lang tank top - so comfy!

Stretch marks? OMG, what is that?! It better not be the beginning of a stretch mark?! Baby, I thought we had an agreement that you wouldn't do this to me?!

Sleep? What's that? This little guy kicks me awake every 3 hours, unless if I'm already up from the pressure he's putting on my bladder. This 3rd trimester thing isn't fun.

Best moment this week? Finding out that a friend of Mr. Baby Fever had a home birth! It feels like we're part of some secret club. Oh and Mr. Baby Fever's co-workers just let us know that they are planning a shower for us!

Movement? He's on a 3 hour schedule right now (9pm, midnight, 3am, 6am) - wouldn't that be nice if he stayed that way once he's out! It sure beats waking up every hour!

Food cravings? Everything I can't have. My most recent and random craving was cheetos - I was begging Mr. Baby Fever to go get them for me but he was a good influence. I just need to keep thinking that there is no way I would feed my baby those foods once he's out so why do it to him now. I am however getting a frosty this weekend to help support the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, that craving is totally justified and I haven't had much ice cream this pregnancy!

Gender? It's a Boy!!

Labor signs? Braxton Hicks are starting...

What I miss? Mainly being able to sleep through the night.

What I'm looking forward to? Finishing up our never ending nursery!!!!!! Oh and we have a midwife appt on Monday, I always look forward to those.

Weekly Wisdom: We're all done with our Bradley classes and my weekly wisdom is to interview several instructors before signing up for a class in order to make sure that their personality/birthing philosophy aligns with your own! We picked the instructor closest to us (we didn't have very many options) but I would have been willing to drive for a better instructor.

Milestones: Braxton Hicks continue.

Emotions: I'm the type who NEVER cries and lately it seems like anything can make me cry. I don't even remember what Mr. Baby Fever said to me the other day (it wasn't bad at all I'm sure) but I started crying like it was the end of the world. He felt horrible and didn't even know what he said or did. Makes me laugh now lol, poor guy. I'm very lucky to have the husband I do because I certainly wouldn't want to put up with me right now and he has been beyond supportive!

32 weeks & 6 days pregnant

31 Weeks: Still A Squash

"Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments."

How far along? 31wks & 6 days!

Maternity clothes? Full time maternity clothes but I can still fit into a few non-maternity (stretchy) things. When I'm at home I live in the most comfy tank top ever (it is Liz Lang from Target) and shorts.

Stretch marks? No stretch marks and I'm applying Earth Mama Angel Baby Lotion in the morning and Weleda Pregnancy Body Oil at night.

Sleep? I miss sleep. I seriously think that I'll actually get more sleep once the baby is here.

Best moment this week? Getting more things crossed off our to do list!!

Movement? I still can't get over watching my stomach move - so strange and awesome!

Food cravings? I want a big giant iced coffee!!

Gender? It's a Boy!!

Labor signs? Braxton Hicks are starting...

What I miss? Sleep, cold sandwiches, caffeine, being able to bend over, not feeling tired...

What I'm looking forward to? Finishing up our never ending nursery!!!!!! (Still this)

Weekly Wisdom: A stranger recently asked me when I was due and when I replied early August she said, "Are you sure because you don't even look 5 months pregnant? You should ask your doctor." Are you kidding me? YES I'M SURE! My weekly wisdom: The ONLY acceptable thing to say to a pregnant woman is "you look great"!

Milestones: Experiencing Braxton Hicks.

Emotions: I cried while watching Dear John...I never cry during movies.

31 weeks & 6 days pregnant