Hiatus
Friday, March 19, 2010 at 8:56AM | by Katy There's nothing like a three month hiatus to get me back in the mood to write again. It's been an eventful several months as you might have guessed. Let's see if I can quickly (that is difficult for me) fill you in on the highlights:
At the end of December, we went home to visit our friends and family for several weeks. While we were there, I ate enough Roly Poly, Chick-fil-A, and Moe's to satisfy an army of sumo wrestlers for a year. We also had the joy of experiencing two baby showers given by our most precious friends! One week after returning from the States, Brian and I packed up and said goodbye to Grange Barn in Walsham le Willows and hello to Barn 2 in Northwold. Not nearly as glamorous sounding, but I assure you the space we now have and the distance to base is worth the trouble (Stay tuned for a home tour of Barn 2!). We also said goodbye to our old SAAB 9-5 which decided to die forever on the side of the road at least several hours from home. We then purchased a "new," silver Honda Accord which I then proceeded to run into a gas pump last week. So, now it's silver with yellow "trim."
Now you're mostly up to speed with our lives. There's something else going on...I can't quite remember what it was...OH, YES! We're having a baby next month.
We went yesterday for our first (and probably our only) labor and delivery rehearsal. It was given by my favorite midwife - she's the one who insists that I look really cute pregnant. Wonder why I keep requesting her at all my appointments. Her name is Major Norcross, and she's incredibly knowledgeable. I tend to not trust women who have only had one kid or no kids and want to give me advice on labor. Don't talk to me unless you've had AT LEAST two - preferably four or more. Well, she's had four, and she knows her stuff.
She went through what we should bring with us to the hospital, when we should actually go to the hospital (not when contractions first start), and how things will go once we're there. She filled us in on all the gory details, many of which were completely new to Brian and me. I had no idea I might throw up during labor. Neither did Brian. He's now reconsidering his role in this whole thing. She even had some of the husbands get on the bed and demonstrate different laboring positions. It was pretty hilarious. I was just hoping the whole time that the poor guy hadn't had Taco Bell or something for dinner. That's where my mind is going these days.
Major Norcross showed us a video of several women and how they handled the labor and birthing process. If it's possible to be completely inspired, freaked out and grossed out at the same time, then that's what I was. I think Brian was just 100% freaked out. These women weren't actors. Their pain was intense, and their expressions were real. The blood and gore was real. The relief on their faces once they held their little ones was real. I was in awe of their strength, and I wanted to harness it for myself.
So, I made a decision. I'm not going to ask for the epidural in the parking lot like I originally planned. I'm going to give it a try. I like the thought of not having a numb backside for hours after having JJ (Julian James). I love the thought of being able to say I accomplished something I never thought I could do. I'm not pressuring myself or restricting myself to anything. Lord only knows what will happen that day. But I'm going to give it a try. God willing, I'll be able to say I did it. But no matter what happens, I'll still have the precious reward at the end of it all.
With only 5 weeks (give or take) to go, it's starting to all sink in. We have a crib, a car seat, and all the other baby accouterments. Sometimes I just sit in his room and look at that crib and wonder what he'll look like and how he'll sound. I wonder how our lives will change just knowing he's dependent on us for everything. I wonder why we didn't have kids when we were younger and stupider and didn't realize what an enormous responsibility this is to raise another human being.
These are just some of my sentimental, pregnant ramblings. Hopefully, I'll be able to share more as we approach "D" (Delivery) Day and after our little mini-me arrives.
Reader Comments (3)
I am so proud of you! I feel the exact same way about labor (and I still have 5 months to go!). Everyone says I am crazy for trying to go natural. I say, God made our bodies for this reason. He wouldn't give us this responsibility if we couldn't handle it!
Ahhh, the description of what is to come. Welcome to my world.... You'll do fine either way. By the way, there are no trophies for those who go natural so it's okay to change your mind. (up to a certain point, then you are committed.)
My sister went natural with both of her boys. Her babies were both the most alert newborns ever! She said it was definitely worth it! Good Luck Katy! (and Brian) :)