The baby flipped! And she did it all by herself, the little dear. I nearly leaped off the chair with joy when my doctor confirmed her proper position. (I say that, but it's a lie. There is no way I could leap anywhere at the moment. See picture for details.)
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| Getting fabulously large, if I do say so myself. :) I tell ya what, something about that big huge belly makes me feel like a million bucks. |
I did finally get my hospital bag packed, and I had a bit of a meltdown while putting it together. It was impressive enough that Andy was scratching his head and asking (a bit apprehensively), "Um... are you... okay?" See, I was packing all those labor essentials into my bag, and it suddenly occurred to me that I have to give birth to this baby. And then it occurred to me (for about the 1,000th time) that I hate giving birth.
I know.
You are probably one of those lovely ladies who embraces the beautiful and highly spiritual nature of birth, one who waxes poetic about the amazing feat our bodies are capable of. I don't mean to be rude and shush you, but seriously. I've done this three times before. You can't really psyche me up for this. I just really, really hate giving birth. It hurts.
Anyway, I freaked out. But only a little. Okay, Andy would probably say it was more than a little, but you can never trust that guy. Always soooo dramatic, that one. ;)
I'm better now, I promise. :)
You can only freak out so much while packing cute little newborn sleepers into a suitcase, and then you realize how near you are to meeting your sweet baby. And that will quash the emotional hysterics, at least momentarily.
I am very eager to meet this baby.
The Book News:
I bailed on Peony in Love. I made myself read the first 200 pages, but then I couldn't stay with it. The story was not at all believable (it probably wasn't supposed to be, but I still didn't care for it). I started Still Alice, instead. So far it's very good. What else? Ah yes- I picked up Deconstructing Penguins and The Wilder Life, but haven't quite started either. I've also got Better Photo Basics sitting in my living room, waiting for a good perusal.
The kids and I finished reading All of a Kind Family by Sydney Taylor earlier this week. Delight! This was a fabulous, fabulous read aloud. Prim's reading the rest of the series on her own. I think we'll dip into a little Tumtum and Nutmeg next. I'm in the mood to read with wild and silly accents.
499 Posts:
Gasp! Imagine how many loads of laundry I must have neglected to write that many posts. But what is there to do about neglected laundry but properly celebrate? How 'bout you come back here Friday and we'll have a little giveaway for my 500th post? (Here's a hint: if you are learning the art of photography, you will very much like the giveaway. Don't miss it!)
Pssst.... you can still play along with this week's Pinning it Down. There are lots of links this week, and we're having loads of fun. The link widget will stay live through Friday, so be sure to link up if you have something to share.
You look so happy!! I have a little tidbit of birthing advice, not that you asked or anything. ;)
ReplyDeleteFighting or tensing up your body during the contractions is counter-intuitive. Plainy spoken, it just hurts more. Deep breathing and attempting to release your muscles and tension is a huge help. You will be just fine. Good luck friend.
Lovely pictures as always. I'm with you...don't like giving birth either. :) I've done it 8 times and I have two that I look back and say ah, that was easy and nice (and amazingly one was with med the other without). But others with and even others still without meds, not so great. The end IS the best! So the hope is amazing! God be with you my dear!
ReplyDeleteAh big hugs. I got four words for you ep-i-dur-al. I usually schedule mine for about the eighth month. Works like a charm. (I know that is not a popular view point in the circles in which we run, but a girl has to do what works for her.) Yay on 500 posts. I recently passed that mark without fanfare (blush). But I'm not much of a party thrower. BTW, is it bad to say I hope you don't like Deconstructing Penguins? I've been wanting to read it. ;-P
ReplyDeleteOh, Sarah!! First of all, so happy the baby turned for you! Second, while I'm one of those 'birth is beautiful' types and work as a doula, that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt like helk and that you're going to love doing it! I was right there with you this time around and every so often while pregnant would shudder at the thought of having to do it again. It hurts...like a Christ on the cross kind of hurt but you're going to do it and it's going to be so so so worth it while your body brings new life into the world. This past birth was really hard for me mentally but it does end and it is so worth it. (And all those awesome endorphins and hormone changes during natural birth are very very helpful for remembering it as beautiful ;) If you're up for it, read some good birth stories and get yourself some GOOD birth books. It will help. And in the meantime you can pray that you can be one of those lucky women who have a pain-free birth :) You got this, girl. You can do this and we'll pray you through it.
ReplyDeleteMary
I'm so thankful to God that your baby turned! Such a relief.
ReplyDeletePraying for you!
And thank you for the book suggestions. We just finished Mr. Popper and need something new...
Oh my Sarah!!! I'm with you... And I have a fairly high tolerance for pain! But with me I think it's also a bit of the "unknown." Thinking about "Will it hurt?" "How much will it hurt?" And all those other painful ideas! You are on the right track focusing on the after-part, that snuggling, yummy smelling bundle! So glad she turned!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm there too girl! I went yeaterday for my pre-admission appointment. I almost left with an anxiety attack. I went over and talked to the nurse who has been with me for 4 of the last 6 and she said "why are you anxious, you know how to do this?" Um, that is exactly the reason I'm anxious!!
ReplyDeleteYou look fantastic, Sarah! You glow!!!
ReplyDeleteBut I completely understand that you hate giving birth. I totally get it. Me, too. Just keep looking at those sweet, tiny clothes and imagine holding the little one that will be IN them very soon! Praying that you may be filled with calm and peace.
awwwww look at you, super cute mama!! Love the self portrait! xoxo B
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful photo of you! And I love your sweet little baby things. Blessings to you and your family, I wish for you the strength to get through the process. At least it will be worth it at the end!
ReplyDeleteAwesome in every direction:)
ReplyDeleteHoping for a fast and easy delivery this time Sarah, so that NEXT TIME you won't worry so much. :)
My fourth was the one that had me shaking in my boots... somehow after three I just knew too much how much it stinkin' hurt. Blessings, Sarah-- I am and will be praying!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the baby flipping!
ReplyDeleteOMW you are absolutely beautiful and look like you could pobably deliver right now! I'm with you on the actual "giving birth" part, perhaps you come by that genetically, but really, I think it's something you can only come by by experience:) I was of the "knock me out and wake me up when it's over" mindset, although that request was never honored! Can't wait to meet the new little bundle:) I read Still Alice a few years ago, and liked it a lot. Worried me a little bit too though, given my increasing age...
ReplyDeleteYou look positively radiant! Congrats on the baby flipping.
ReplyDeleteAnd psst: even though I LOVE pregnancy (mine and others), and I LOVE supporting women in labor, I really don't like having to go through it myself. But it's never short of amazing that the moment that new life is in your arms, the pain is over and nearly forgotten. And you can weep with joy for that lovely new babe (and for the fact that you made it and it's over!) I've done it 4 times "naturally," but I've already informed my husband that next time, I'm getting an epidural ;) Will continue to pray for your peace of mind with this birth.
Oh Sarah! I'm with you sweetie about the whole pain thing. My first 2 were homebirths and I remember fretting and crying before my third one was born about crowning. My midwife made me feel better about things when she applied some numbing gel to the area. Just keep thinking about your precious baby girl. Your job is to focus on relaxing every muscle in your body through each contraction. Andy and God will be with you and soon after, your 3rd daughter. :-)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your "spinning" baby. :-)
Where do you buy all your headbands?
Sister, I'm so with you on the giving birth thing. I've toyed with the idea of a 4th ever since my 3rd was a few months old, but during my 3rd birthday, I distinctly remember telling myself, "THIS IS THE LAST TIME I WILL EVER HAVE TO DO THIS!"
ReplyDeleteYou look great, make no mistake about it.
Wow! What a great self portrait! You look radiant!
ReplyDeleteI really dreaded my last birth-- infact I remember telling my husband a few hours in " I really do not like this. These things [contractions] are only going to get worse. Crap. " you know what I do? I offer up every contraction for a specific intention. Write them down for a reminder of your intentions. And it does help. Especially through those tough ones (my 5th babe turned right before coming out. Ouch.)
You're gonna rock. Just keep picturing the snuggle time with that new little one! Mmmm!
Glad to hear your little one has flipped around :) And you do look radiant!
ReplyDeleteI have had a little better experience (read learning not to be so scared) with each of my births(6). Reading has really helped with that. Of course reading is not equal to an easy birth, but for me it has provided much useful knowledge that I have then had available. Everyones birthing situations are different and we do what we feel best at the time, that really is the most any of us can do.
For my last two pregnancies, about a month before their births, I've announced to my husband, 'just so you know, I'm planning to sleep through the whole thing, wake me up when it's finished' lol They were beautiful births though.
I will be praying for you and your little one for a beautiful and safe birth.
That's great news, that your little girl flipped on her own. :) You look so cute. My daughter loved All of a Kind Family.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for her to be here, and I'm simply tickled she flipped all on her own. I'm with you in hating birth, and I've only done it once. I love you sis, and can't wait to meet my newest little niece! Plus, post away, life would be dull without it.
ReplyDeleteI hope the birth is easy for you this time - you look adorable.
ReplyDeleteBear,
ReplyDeleteYou look marvelous! What a glow! I can hardly wait for the newest little "cub" to arrive.
PB
What an incredible beautiful baby, an amazingly beautiful momma, and a smile that shines right over the mountains! Congrats my friend! Praying you through the anxiety of the impending arrival and know you'll do just fine. This pregnancy and baby have been a bundle of miracles . . . don't doubt that God will carry you through this next step!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou look AMAZING!!
ReplyDeleteHooray and yippee and Deo Gratias!!! So happy for you that she flipped! You look fabulous! And as for Labor and Delivery - just three words - Be Not Afraid! I was thinking of your story about the St. Andrew novena: when you are tempted to fret about your upcoming rendezvous with pain just remember those words again - Hail and blessed be the hour and moment at which your sweet little girl will be born. It will be a blessed, joyful moment indeed. Praying for a happy, holy, healthy birth! xo
ReplyDeleteComment sucked up into nether regions. Will try again:
ReplyDeleteJust chiming in to let you know that I too dread birthing a child. I love prepping for birth, nesting, and snuggling with my newborn babe afterward, but wish the entire L&D part away. 'Tis the nature of the fallen world in which we live. I'm praying you have a safe delivery!
Ah-ha. The comment box was so small I didn't see that it was asking me to sign in before my comment was posted. Had to enlarge the little pop-up box to see that!
ReplyDeleteWonder if she did flip then as a result of THAT bug?! Either way good news.
ReplyDeleteLavender oil on a hankie great for breathing during the contractions, that and jumping up and down on a birth ball! Well it worked for me!
My last two were born at home, so moving around generally a great help.
Hugs to you San xx
I feel your pain...literally! I am 37 weeks 4 days pregnant with my 4th and it dawned on me a few days ago that I have to do this again too. UGH! I am not looking forward to the pain of labor and delivery or the sleepless nights, or the adjustment phase of having another little person in the house...but I'm trying to remind myself of the beautiful end result! I'll keep you in my prayers...please keep me in yours!
ReplyDeleteI am SOO happy to hear she turned! WOOHOO! And you look gorgeous...that is one of the most beautiful bellies ever. :)
ReplyDeleteI have had three and I dreaded labor too. I hate, hate, hate hospitals and anything medical so in addition to the fact that it sorta kinda (ahem) hurts, I hated all the other stuff too. I only stayed the required 24 hours and I was out!
It is so hard not to stress over it those last few weeks of pregnancy...you just don't know what is in store for you. You DO know however, that we are all praying for you. And you have a fantastic family to support you. Just keep looking at all those sweet baby clothes... :)
~Tamie
I hate labor and I have done it naturally ten times. I have freaked at the prospect every. single. time. But at some point at the end there it becomes more uncomfortable to be pregnant than to birth (ok, almost ; )) and I end up feeling ready. Of course it is always always worth it. I just wish the stork option was available lol.
ReplyDeleteGrace, being what what it is, never comes before it's needed. It is so hard to trust that it will! But it always seems to show up for the big game right when I've needed it. As it will assuredly for you too!
Will keep you in prayer for a safe, peaceful, joyful birthing day. : )
I hate labor too. I've had fantastic pregnancies, but terrible labors. There's never not been an intervention of some sort. And you're right, it hurts. And it's scary, too. There's nothing I can say to make it better, but I WILL pray for you, and you WILL be holding that sweet baby soon--and now you know what you have to look forward to, which I thought was a nice thing to think about with babies 2 and 3.
ReplyDeleteI used to be really good on the positive thinking with labour, after all my labours are generally pretty good on the pain scale. but then I found after a few children my memories became stronger and I started psyching myself out. Conclusion now is I'm alright once I get in there and have something to focus on, meeting that little one. So no longer try to mentally think about it prior to;)
ReplyDeletePraying for you and so excited:):)
You look fanTASTIC!!! I'm a wee bit jealous. And I am right there with you on the birth front. I am all about natural/drug-free deliveries and being ever-present for the birth. But I'm scared out of my mind also!! I am due next week and now I have to just roll with it. No backing out from the pain but I am really not looking forward to it. I'll do a million babies, but pregnancies/deliveries? I'm ready to throw in the towel on that one... I have a doula this time around who will hopefully keep me on target, but it never gets easier!!
ReplyDelete