Ripenning...

This is so completely fascinating...

God is pretty darn cool! This will be short and all you veteran moms out there who have gone full term in pregnancy will probably get a kick out of my "virgin version" of this but I just can't help but blog about it...

For the past 3 days now (including today) I have been getting very strong contractions/pre-labor pains/braxton hicks/false labor. LOL I use all those terms cause that's the various ways different folks describe it. Anyways, the reason its so cool is because I can literally watch my entire belly tighten immensely as if I were flexing (like I could do THAT at this point!). It gets so tight in fact that you can see a fairly detailed outline of Reesor.

Its only painful if it happens while I'm standing or walking so I'm making a point these days to stay seated or lying down quite a bit. I know this can go on for weeks but I'm just fascinated by how God set everything up to prepare both my body and the baby for the miracle of birth. Nifty!

Maybe my next post will include a picture of my child (not in-utero) :) Meanwhile, unless you are super easily offended, check out this cute cartoon:

Confesions of a First-Time-Mommy-Over-Achiever

I have recently diagnosed myself with what I'm calling "First-Time-Mommy-Over-Achiever Syndrome". It is exactly what it sounds like: the first-timers who feel the need to go above and beyond what is necessary to prepare for the arrival of the peanut.

I blame this on two things:
First, a veteran mom doing this for the 2nd or more time already has other little feet to chase around and can't dedicate as much time over-thinking every insignificant detail. Plus she knows how to do most of it already and doesn't need to spend hours researching all the how-to's.

Secondly, my deep deep DEEP need to be prepared for every possible and unlikely situation and scenario and the need for each of those unlikely situations and scenarios to end up perfect and well-managed. :) I tell others I'm just trying to be responsible and then I go off in a corner and roll my eyes at myself because I know I'm a planner to the core. haha

So here's what's on the list of over-achieving things I have done to prepare for Reesor:
1. His room is done and has been mostly done for quite some time (I still have a supposed 4 weeks to go). I ordered his crib when I was like 20 wks prego and we had it assembled and ready by 24.

2. All of his clothes have been laundered for weeks now and are organized and ready for use.

3. Part of my workout/yoga routine is "meditating" on all the possible outcomes for my labor and delivery process. This includes but isn't limited to water birth, early labor, late labor, short labor, long labor, un-medicated labor, c-section, early induction and blablablablabla. My need to be emotionally and mentally prepared for each one is high on my list of priorities. Sick, I know.

4. And here's the winner folks: I went to my local fire department and did a one-on-one with an instructor on how to properly install the car seat we bought Reesor (which we also bought like 3 months ago). Now you may laugh at me for doing the consult but I learned a lot! I feel like Reesor is going to be as safe as can be no matter what vehicle he's riding in. As a warning to all my friends and family who's vehicles will one day carry Reesor, you can expect a full "talkin-to" regarding his safety when the time comes.

So there ya have it. This has been Confesions of a First-Time-Mommy-Over-Achiever Syndrome and you can look forward to more reflections on the matter.

My choice, or is it?

In a quick update it seems that I have started to have false labor at night. AKA Braxton Hicks or pre-labor pains. It is quite interesting and uncomfortable but I'm always reminding myself "its not as bad as the real deal so suck it up!" heehee Aaron and I are finishing up the nursery with some last-minute wall decor and we are headed for a little "babymoon" next weekend to a lake house for one last no-baby getaway. After that there will be nothing left to do except attend my weekly Dr. apts and try and relax.

As I finish up this phenomenon called pregnancy I'm fascinated (and disturbed) by some of the things I'm dealing with. Namely, the reactions to our decisions in the medical realm. I've been shopping for a pediatrician and think it sad that there are so many out there who will flat out refuse to see you if you don't vaccinate. I'm not here to argue as to why we are choosing to not vaccinate so please, lets not ruffle the feathers with this blog. But I do think that if we have done our research, our due diligence, and have come to the educated and personal decision of not vaccinating that our wishes should be respected and that we shouldn't be refused medical care. I did find a Doc that will take care of our little guy but not before being told by a different Doc NO! Interesting.


Another interesting and VERY TOUCHY subject amongst doctor's and my peers is the idea of a natural or un-medicated birth. When I was about 15 weeks pregnant I made the decision that I would like to plan for a natural birth. Notice I said PLAN. I'm very aware of the fact that situations arise and circumstances happen where this may be an impossibility. But just as some women plan for an epidural and then can't get one because they progress too quickly, I'm planning on NOT getting one and then going with the flow. Whatever the outcome ends up being for me I find it fascinating to see people's reaction when they find out I'm not planning to have any medical interventions. Even better...ready?....we're planning a water birth! Common responses I have gotten have been "Good luck with that!" or "Famous last words." or "We'll see about that when that first contraction hits!" Now I'm thick skinned and pretty much roll my eyes at the negative comments but I would like to point out that this is MY choice and I certainly don't sit around criticizing people for their decisions. If a person has researched thoroughly and comes to a certain conclusion for them self then who am I to question that?


(trust me, you don't want to see the other Google images out there for water birth) heehee

There are exceptions to all these rules. If I were making plans that would blatantly harm myself or my child then I can see where a Doc might refuse service or why a friend would be critical. But that is not the case. We are simply making decisions that best suit our family. I'm loving that ole saying right about now:

If you don't have anything nice (or encouraging) to say, then don't say anything at all!"

A Total Collapse

Collapse:
1. to fall or cave in; crumble suddenly: The roof collapsed and buried the crowd.
2. to be made so that sections or parts can be folded up, as for convenient storage: This bridge table collapses.
3. to break down; come to nothing; fail: Despite all their efforts the peace talks collapsed.
4. to fall unconscious or as if unconscious or physically depleted, as from a stroke, heart attack, disease, or exhaustion.



I have been reading today the dozens of Facebook posts regarding 9/11/2001. It is interesting to read where people were when they found out. This morning, while waiting for my sleeping handsome to wake up, I watched a Lifetime TV special called "The 102 Minutes that changed America". It is a documentary of the entire event starting from the first plane hitting the tower all the way through to the collapsing of the second tower. The interesting part of this particular show is that it is a compilation of home videos, not the news coverage. I found myself wondering what and where all these "videographers" are today. What are they doing right now? Many of the footage is to the sound of their cries, weeping as they watched New York City's skyline change forever.



Meanwhile, 9/11/2001, 875 miles away from the twin towers, I sat with my family in the basement of our home watching everything unfold while my sick mom was upstairs being kept "in the dark" regarding the entire matter. She was in and out of awareness by that stage and we decided it was best to not alarm her with the tragedy of the attack. And while I was aware of its tragedy and of the loss it had left so many thousands of people, I realized this morning during the documentary that it never really had the chance to hit home with me.

You see, while the towers were collapsing in NY, my world was collapsing around me. Perspective is everything isn't it? For all of 2001 I saw the world through a very small looking glass entitled "cancer". The best way to describe it is to say that in 2001, watching it take place on the news was only slightly more real than watching a Hollywood blockbuster. Today watching it was as if it were happening right now in my own city. It was horrifying, tragic, unsettling and evil. Cruelty at its peak. Pain at its deepest. But had you asked me how I was doing during the majority of 2001, both before and after 9/11, I would use those same words to describe my world: horrifying, tragic, unsettling, evil, cruel and oh so very painful.

Don't get me wrong, I haven't been living the past decade with my head in the sand. I have watched countless 9/11 movies and documentaries. But it was only today, ten years later, that I recognized how I hadn't really experienced it's blow fully. You could probably compare it to childbirth with an epidural. The pressure and discomfort is there, but the drugs kill the extremity of the pain. I was emotionally numb, but cognitively aware.

Well, there is no point to this blog except to say that, as with everything else, where you are in life great affects how you view your present circumstance and the circumstances around you. Soon it will be time for my family to remember 9/29/2001 when our burning building collapsed for the final "boom" of a 13 month attack. I think I shall close with this:

The words of a Spanish worship song (translated)

It has been a long road
I can see I have come from there to here but I can't see how.
You have always been faithful

The road was long and hard
but it was worth every painful step
I see your hand
You have always been faithful

Keeping up with the Jones'

Disclaimer: this entry is meant to be one of reflection and observation. It expresses personal opinions but please note that it was not written so as to be negative or judgmental. My international past has made me keenly aware of cultural trends that I am simply putting into question for my family, not yours! :)

What does the average suburban family in the United States look like? House, two cars, dog or cat (or both), 1-3 kids, home entertainment center, at least one computer, plenty (usually too many) of toys for the kids, matching furniture in every room, careers held by either one or both of the adults with fairly high priorities placed on income and status, and peers who peek into their lives making a mental checklist of what the "Jones'" do or do not have out of this list. I too am a peer so I am including myself here. And there is the unspoken rule of thumb that if you don't have each of these items by "an appropriate time in your life" then you are irresponsible, lazy, immature, or just a little odd.




What does the average suburban family in nearly all other major cities of the world look like? (I said nearly all, NOT ALL) Apartment, MAYBE a car but not usually, 1-3 kids, minimalistic furniture and toys, maybe a computer, probably a television set, and generally a slower pace of life where the goals are not money-oriented or time-oriented, but instead are friends, family, and relationship oriented. Don't get me wrong on that last part, TONS of American families put a high priority on family and relationships which is a wonderful thing!

Recently, I have found myself peeking into the "Jones'" life and wondering where Aaron and I (and Reesor) fit into each of these categories. I have to admit a hint of shame or frustration when I compare myself to the average American Family. If I compare us to the rest of the world, however, we are way ahead with our two cars, tons of baby gear (already) two laptops and big screen TV. So what is the source of this shame when I line our life up with my those of my peers? Pride? Never! ;) Of course its pride! And then there are the questions that my pride causes me to ask myself like "do we appear to be irresponsible? Do we appear to be less mature than those our age who already meet every item on the check list?" I would like to say that I'm so secure that I don't think about these things. But I do.

I LOVE my life. I LOVE not having the responsibility of owning a house and all the expenses that come with it. I have SO much to be thankful for such as my wonderful marriage and husband, strong family ties, healthy growing baby, food on the table every night, and jobs for both of us that meet our needs and, in particular, bring a lot of happiness to Aaron. So why do I compare? Why the shame? Why do I feel embarrassed to say "I am 27 years old, pregnant, married, and I live in somebody's basement apartment"? Or "most of Reesor's baby things such as a swing and basinet are loaners from friends instead of brand new from Babies R Us."

I am discovering that the answer to my insecurities and embarrassment is this one thing: God! God didn't give me the last name "Jones" did He? Nope, we are the Das'! And what works for Mr. and Mrs. Jones is not what is meant to work for us. At least not at this time. I don't believe that as the Body of Christ we are meant to sit and judge others or OURSELVES! We are to take what God has so lovingly given us, be thankful, and run with it! If that means you are 24 years old and already own a house with a lovely nest egg of $35,000 sitting in the bank and two paid for cars in the garage then be blessed and go be a blessing. If that means you live in government housing, take the bus to work, and supplement your grocery cash with food stamps then be blessed and go be a blessing. And, if like me, you are somewhere in between the two...well...BE BLESSED AND GO BE A BLESSING! Its not about who has what, its about what you do with what you have! This is a lesson I am learning daily!

Shark Bites & Diabetes

I was just going to write about this whole Gestational Diabetes business but I feel like you might want an entertaining story as well. Real quick...



Friday night Aaron and I hopped in bed just like any other night and withing a few minutes were both sound asleep. Enter 2:30 AM and the attack of the invisible shark! I moved from a deep sleep to a dreamlike moment where I was audibly moaning and then instantly was flung in to full-fledged "awakeness" where I found myself screaming LOUDLY out of pain. Aaron woke with a jolt and let me tell you that the fact he woke up at all is a total miracle! He was trying to figure out what was wrong with me and why I had jumped out of bed and wouldn't stop screaming. The only words I could get out of my mouth were "leg cramp" in between my yells for mercy! Folks, when they say that pregnancy leg cramps hurt, THEY ARE NOT KIDDING! I could literally feel my left calve (or is it calf?) muscle in an egg-size knot and could not catch my breath from the pain. It felt like a shark had attached himself to my leg and wouldn't let up. My leg was sore the entire weekend from that episode and now every night when I go to bed I beg God to not let it happen and I have Aaron rub IcyHot all over my legs. LOL Hope you got a kick out of that.

Now on to more serious things. I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes. 5% of women get this during pregnancy which is no fault of their own. We have the placenta and its hormones to thank for that. In a nut shell, it is what it sounds like: pregnancy diabetes. So I have had to change my entire diet and quite honestly, its not so bad at all. I lost a pound in 2 weeks without trying. Of course I am NOT trying to lose weight during my pregnancy. But I'm still on track for weight gain so I'm not worried at all.

So what would any good mommy do in order to make sure her child is born without breathing problems, low blood pressure, and obese?...I have become Suzy Home Maker. Here's what I'm eating these days:

Black Bean Soup:


Homemade Muesli:


Baked Kale Chips:


So there ya have it, a few samples. Enjoy the rest of your August my friends!

So THIS is Pre-Term Labor?

Yesterday was an interesting day for our Das family to say the least. Other words you could use to describe it might be scary, different, hectic, and painful. But before I go on, I just want to say HOW AMAZING GOD'S PEACE IS. Through all of the yesterday's events I felt His hand and never once did I feel out of control or panicked. Its a long story so for the sake of your time, I'll try and just get to the highlights.

While working my half day shift in the morning I starting feeling a bit "crampy". At first I chalked it up to round ligament pain that usually hits right around NOW in pregnancy and just kept working. But around 11 I realized that the pain was coming in time-able increments and was getting more intense. At a few minutes before noon I decided it was too intense to ignore, I closed my teller window, told my boss what was happening and got out of there to call my midwife.

After a series of questions from her I was instructed to go to the hospital ASAP. So I got home and Aaron and I did exactly that: made the 45 minute trek down to Atlanta Medical Center. I felt a little silly cause I wasn't in all that much PAIN but I just had a feeling that something wasn't right. But after 15 minutes on the fetal monitor the nurse rushes in and says "you just had 6, one-minute contractions within a 12 minute time period!" SERIOUSLY?! For those of you who don't know, that is how long and frequent contractions are when a woman is in the FINAL stage of labor, moments before delivery! Even with this news I felt a total Peace. I should note that this entire time Reesor's heart rate was right at what it should be and he was kicking those belly monitors all over the place. Never once were they concerned about him and for that I am SO thankful!

So what does any good hospital do with a pre-term labor situation?...they hook you up to everything possible! After two failed attempts at starting an IV and busting both veins (which are now swollen and bruised) they were able to start my hydration IV. (For those who know about this stuff, I never dilated but my cervix has already started thinning out.)

Three hours and two doses of Terbutaline (a drug used to relax the uterus and stop contractions) later my contractions had subsided and I was released. But not before being placed on weekend bed rest and given all kinds of instructions. Tomorrow I have to go visit my midwife first thing and await further instruction. As for today, I'm a writing, tv-watcing, knitting machine who is sending Aaron to get the groceries and clean the house. I guess bed rest isn't all that bad! ;)

On a serious note, Aaron and I would covet your prayers at this time that we will have no more episodes of this sort and that Reesor is carried to full term! As much as I want to kiss his face, I will happily wait until his little body is ready to take on the outside world!

Here's a picture of the event: