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Friday, April 27, 2012

Anthony's Kindergarten Tour

Wednesday at 4:30 we had a gathering/tour of the Primary School Anthony will be going to this September when he starts Kindergarten. It was a nice gathering, but other than taking a tour of the place and playing some games, we didn't get any actual information on Kindergarten.  Apparently we will be getting a packet full of all the info we will need to know come August time. Anthony and Molly had a great time. Anthony was excited to walk around the school with his other friends and Molly just tagged right along, it was super cute. We have his actual Kindergarten registration next Tuesday at 11. So on Tuesday he will be officially enrolled in Kindergarten and good to go!



I almost throw up each time I say that word. Kindergarten. UGH. I can't even begin to express my stress level when I think of Molly starting Preschool, Anthony starting Kindergarten, weird school times that I don't agree with (Anth will be in school ALL day. BOO!!), driving back and forth, the bus stop being 3 miles from my house, Anthony crying whenever I mention the bus, having a new little one to drag with me through all of this, not having any of the info I want NOW (I'm a planner, so this irks me), etc. etc. 

*sigh*

I try not to think about it all right now lest I have a panic attack. It was hard enough sending Anthony off to Preschool. Probably harder on me than on him. My anxiety over this new upcoming adventure has my blood pressure skyrocketing each time I even hear the word Kindergarten. LOL I'll have my hands full come fall time that's for sure.

Lets just agree to not discuss this again until the time gets closer.  K? Thanks.

With love,
Mama Hauck

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

36 weeks

Your Baby in Week 36 of Pregnancy

Your baby's skull isn't the only soft structure in his little body. Most of your baby's bones and cartilage are quite soft as well (they'll harden over the first few years of life) — allowing for an easier journey as your baby squeezes through the birth canal at delivery. At 36 weeks, the skull bones are also not fused together yet so that the head can easily (well, relatively easily) maneuver through the birth canal.   

So your little bruiser (who you've now learned won't be bruising you all that much with those soft bones) is now about six pounds in weight and measures slightly more than 20 inches in length. Growth will experience a slowdown now, both so your baby will be able to fit the narrow passageway to the outside and also so he or she can store up all the energy needed for delivery.

By now, many of your baby's systems are pretty mature, at least in baby terms —  and just about ready for life on the outside. Blood circulation, for instance, has been perfected and your baby's immune system has matured enough to protect him or her from infections outside the womb. Other systems, however, still need a few finishing touches. Once such notable example: digestion — which actually won't be fully mature until sometime after birth. Why's that? Inside his or her little gestational cocoon, your baby has relied on the umbilical cord for nutrition, meaning that the digestive system — though developed — hasn't been operational. So your baby will take the first year or two to bring that system up to speed.


My belly info:

Week: 36
Starting weight: 98
Weight now: 122
Fundal height (measurement, in centimeters, of uterus....usually round abouts equivalent to your gestation week): 32 (at my 35 week appointment)


Things of note:

First off, *sigh* I wish I could tell you that I'm all sunshine and rainbows and I'm happily enjoying the last weeks of my pregnancy, but that would be a big fat lie. I'm beginning to wonder if it's possible for Timothy to break my ribs? Surely that's what he is trying to do. I swear he's going to pop my ribs out of place with his feet. And I believe he has dropped even further into my pelvis because that all enjoyable pelvis and hip breaking pain has come back. Not to mention cramps and pain and Braxton Hicks from hell that tells me my body is doing it's job right and preparing for labor in the next couple weeks (but man oh man does it feel like he'll come any day!). I feel sorry for my family because I'm grumpy. lol But at least I'm not sick! ;)

I'm measuring small. Last Thursday at the birth class (I was 35 1/2 weeks then) my midwife and I had an appointment before the class. She told me I was measuring at 32 weeks. She didn't seem too worried....I mean, I am small and Anthony and Molly were only 6 and 7 pounds at birth respectfully, but it's in my nature to worry a tad. I also haven't been gaining much weight. I'm still on the weight gain rebound after the train wreck of sicknesses I was on. Hopefully my lack of weight gain isn't affecting Timothy. I suppose I wont worry about it unless my midwife gives me a good reason to. In the mean time I will eat anything I want, whenever I want. No PB&J or brownie is safe!

Anyhow, the birth class was good. There were about 5 other couples there along with my Midwife and her partner Midwife. We talked about the signs of labor, when to call the Midwife, the stages of labor, pain relief techniques, birthing in the birth tub, what happens after the birth, what the Midwife's roll would be, breastfeeding, etc. etc. I was able to get a few questions answered, but held off on others and will just have them answered at my appointment this week. I should be getting the birth tub delivered when she comes this week since I'll be 37 weeks on Sunday!


And now for the photo! 


With love,
Mama Hauck

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Help Has Arrived!

My mom got here Tuesday evening. I couldn't be more thankful! She took Anthony to school Wednesday morning while I relaxed at home. ;) Then we all went and did a HUGE grocery shopping trip. I was able to get the rest of the items needed for my home birth (still have to order the birth kit online though), get regular groceries, and get all the groceries needed for the freezer meals we'll be working on over the next two weeks. Needless to say it was a looong day! 

Today we've replaced both shower curtain liners (cause they get gross after awhile), the one tub has been scrubbed and deep cleaned, and we've started work on washing all of Timothy's bedding, clothing, and the towels and sheets for the home birth. 

Tonight Sam and I are attending a birthing class put on by my midwife at her fellow midwife's office an hour and 45 minutes from here. I'm excited for the class, but not that it's from 6-9 at night and such a drive. We wont get home till almost 11 if we stay for the whole class. *sigh* At least because my mom is here to watch the kids, Sam is able to go with me. Otherwise I'd be going by myself and that's no fun. 

It feels good to be checking the remaining things off my "to-do" list. Not much left to do and then I will be officially ready for my home birth! One and a half more weeks to go and then I'll be 37 weeks and in the clear to have my home birth should I go into labor early! 

With love,
Mama Hauck

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Home Birth Supplies List and Setup Info

For those that might be interested, I wanted to do a post about what is needed for my home birth. I'll also be posting this on the tab page under "Home Birth Plan and Supplies." 

At 35 weeks now, I've gathered most of what is needed. In the next week/week and a half I will be gathering the rest. The most important thing I've got to purchase is the birth kit. This has many of the medical supplies needed (that I'm responsible for) for the actual birth and after care. Other items I've got left to purchase are: a jug of bleach, 5 lbs sea salt, a set of old sheets (I only have one good set....no old ratty set....so I'll actually be purchasing a cheap queen set that I wont mind just throwing away if need be), and a fish net. All in all I'm doing pretty good in the preparation department. 

What my Midwife will bring: 
(Taken off of my Midwife's site: Highland Midwife Birth Services)



• 150 gallon birth tub (delivered at 37 weeks)
• Adapter for attaching hose to a sink
• Clamps to hold towels in place on the sides of the birth tub


What I am responsible for:
(Taken off of my Midwife's site: Highland Midwife Birth Services)

**First and foremost, the birth kit! I'll be purchasing this really soon: Birth Kit. **

General supplies: 

* Plastic mattress cover: this can be a waterproof mattress cover, old shower curtain, or other large sheet of plastic. You may need to duct tape the edges of the plastic so it doesn’t slide around
* 2 sets of old sheets or ones that you don’t mind getting bloody
* Several large bath-size towels and smaller hand towels that you don’t mind getting bloody
* Several (at least 4) cotton receiving blankets....if they are new, please wash them first
* 1 pillowcase (to keep our heating pad clean)
* 2 large plastic garbage sacks (no holes) for laundry and garbage, smaller ones for pillows
* 2 large cookie sheets (to hold our instruments)
* Hydrogen Peroxide to take blood out of sheets
* 1 large heating pad (to heat baby blankets and keep newborn warm—we do have one of these but prefer to use yours if you have one)
* Portable electric heater (to heat the room quickly when birth is approaching) or an easily adjustable thermostat.....warm babies are happy babies!


Preparing the bed:

Lay the plastic sheeting down first being sure to let the edge hang down over your mattress and box springs. You may have to duct tape the edges in place. Then lay a towel or mattress cover where mom will be. Then put on a set of clean sheets. The towel or mattress cover helps keep mom from slipping all over and from feeling so sticky and sweaty. Some people like to layer 2-3 layers of plastic and new sheets so that one layer can easily be removed when dirty. However, this uses a lot of plastic and it is pretty easy to take off dirty sheets and put on clean ones over one layer of plastic. Have lots of pillows. Cover them with drawstring garbage bags and then the pillowcase; they often get a bit dirty during birth.


Birth tub supplies: 

* 1 new, clean garden hose
* 1 jug of bleach
* 5 pounds of sea salt
* Plastic sheet for under the birth tub, to keep any water dripping from mom’s body from getting on the floor
* Lots of towels plus a bathmat if desired
* 2 big pots to heat additional water and/or connection to hot water tank
* Floating thermometer (like in a hot tub - optional)
* Net for scooping out solid materials (like the green nets used in fish tanks, or a wire screen kitchen strainer)


Preparing the tub in the weeks before labor:

Decide where you want the tub and check the nearest sink for a detachable aerator, the type of connector our adaptor fits. Thoroughly clean and scrub the tub as you would a cooking pot, using only non-scratchy materials. Rinse completely and let drain well. Prepare a 20% bleach solution (1 cup bleach to 4 cups water); pour it down the sides of the tub, slosh it around the bottom and let sit 20 minutes. At the same time, pour a 20% solution down your garden hose (this can go into the tub) and let the end that will go in the tub during labor soak in the bottom of the tub for the 20 minutes. If using the towel clamps and a birth ball, those should also be thrown in the tub and rolled around so that the bleach comes in contact with all surfaces. Then rinse tub and dry thoroughly. Rinse hose and then seal the ends to each other. Everything is now ready for use. Turn the tub upside down on a plastic sheet (indoors), and store the hose, ball, and adapter underneath it until needed.

Preparing the tub for labor:

Lay out the plastic sheeting under the tub. Fill the tub 3/4 to 4/5 full with water at 99-100 degrees F. You probably need to turn up your water heater to its highest setting to ensure enough water for your entire labor. Place a bathmat or towel on the floor where mom will get in and out so that she doesn’t slip. The tub is most useful during the active parts of labor, rather than at the very beginning, so you probably won’t fill it at the first signs of contractions. Covering the top of the tub with plastic sheeting and a quilt can help insulate the tub between dips. The two large pots can be used to boil water to bring the temperature up or if the hot water tank is inadequate.

Laboring in the tub:

Ideally, the tub is used when it will provide the most pain relief and comfort without slowing down labor. The pain relieving qualities must be balanced with the dehydrating and warming effects of the water. The water must be between 99-101 degrees so the baby does not get cold after birth. We may want you to alternate your tub time with periods of walking or resting on land. Also, if your water breaks early in labor, we may ask for you to wait to get into the tub until labor is well established. We add sea salt to the water to provide mild antibacterial action.

Clean-up: 

Use a hose to siphon the water into your yard or bathtub drain. Rinse the sides of tub with clean water as you drain for ease in cleaning. Remove any solid material that will not go up the hose with a scoop and finish siphoning. When empty, take the tub outside and scrub and disinfect as you did to prepare the tub, then turn it upside down so it stays clean until it comes back to us. We recommend that you also disinfect the birth ball and the hose you used to drain the tub.


My natural pain management supplies:

* Root beer candle for my aromatherapy
* Ice pack and washcloth for cooling
* Heating pad to help with muscle tension
* Computer with "Keep Me Mellow" play list to be played during labor and delivery

 
Food and drink:
(For me as well as midwifes and birth attendants)

* Me: Some foods I think I may want during labor....fruit and yogurt to make smoothies, popsicles, melon, cheese and crackers, Gatorade
* Midwifes and birth attendants: Coffee, snacks for during labor
* After birth: A filling meal for after the birth. I've chosen homemade mac and cheese as my meal and I am ohhh so excited for it! 


Postpartum supplies:
(The birth kit I will be purchasing has many things needed for postpartum care like a peri bottle, some pads, and those mesh shorts that hospitals usually give you.)

* Pads: the kind you like for heavy periods
* Ice pack: can be made from crushed ice in a plastic glove, small bag of frozen peas, or gel packs.
* Food for first three days prepared and ready to cook
* Help around the house (house cleaning, animal care, food prep, child care, etc.) for 7-10 days post birth


Extras for labor and after care:
(Things I will/have already purchased simply because I want them)

* Ink pad for taking Timothy's foot and hand prints
* Chapstick
* Postpartum wrap (I was going to purchase the Belly Bandit, but think I will be going with The Cinch instead. Click HERE if you want to check it out.


And lets not forget the CAMERA!!!!!!!! :)


Since I will be home, everything Timothy will need is already close at hand, so no need to pack a "hospital bag" like I did with Anthony and Molly. Receiving blankets, warm blankets, clothing, diapers, wipes, etc. will be just in the other room. The birth kit includes other needed things for him: newborn cap, umbilical cord clamp, measuring tape, bulb syringe, etc.



With love,
Mama Hauck

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Easter (A Week Late)

Late is better than never, right? 

The Friday before Easter we colored our eggs. Anthony was sooo excited. He'd been asking every day that week and was stoked when I finally said yes, lol.


Saturday night Sammy and I hid about 30 plastic eggs filled with candy and quarters in the living room after the kids went to bed. Sam put one just inside each of the kids' doors so they would see if first thing when they woke up. That night I was so sickly I slept on the couch. Come Easter morning Anthony comes out of his room with a shit eating grin on his face holding an egg, lol. Soon after Molly's door creaks open and she's standing there with an egg exclaiming, "Look, Mama! I found an egg!!" Before I could get the camera the kids were zooming around the living room finding the rest of the eggs and proudly showing them off to Sam and I. So no photos of the egg hunt, but it was super fun watching them search all excitedly. :) 

After the egg hunt I needed time to shake the sleep from my eyes and try to feel alive. We did breakfast and I expelled a million tons of mucus from my face, though it didn't help me feel any better. We then let the kiddos do their Easter Baskets! Hooray! Sammy took the photos and I refused to be in any due to feeling like death, sorry! lol.


After baskets we just relaxed the rest of the day. I was too ill to do anything, so I lounged on the couch and watched tv, lol. I couldn't even taste our Easter ham I was so yucky. :( The kids had a good time playing and spending time with Papa and we all enjoyed watching our new movie, Hop. So all in all it was a good day! 

I'm feeling significantly better now a days. Thank goodness. The antibiotics I got on Monday have worked wonders. Just some random headaches on and off this week (which sucks) and I am EXHAUSTED. I think being sick for 2 1/2 weeks, combined with being so close to the finish line pregnancy wise has me down and out energy wise. I feel as if I could sleep for a year. Ahhh if only the kids would stop waking me up at 6:30-7 AM or at the very least let me take a nap during the day! Sammy is off on a weekend fishing trip with some buddies on the Oregon coast, so it's just the kiddos and I hanging out this weekend. They've been good for their tired Mama, but I'm missing Papa's weekend helping hand. 

Luckily my mother gets here Tuesday evening and will be staying for Timothy's birth and leave sometime the first week of June. SWEET! It'll be super nice to have her here helping me out with the kids, taking Anthony to school, allowing me nap time, etc. :) 

With love,
Mama Hauck

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Did You Know?

That a sinus infection feels like death?? I'm quite positive.

I promise this will be the last post where I bitch about being sick (mostly because I'm finally starting to feel better). :)

It's been 2 weeks, 2 WEEKS!!, of misery. Food poisoning, contractions, a never ending head cold, and last but certainly not least a sinus infection.....from hell!!!

Curse my luck!

I'd never had one before so little did I know I would literally feel like someone socked me in the face. I woke up in the middle of the night Friday wondering if Sam punched me in the face and yanked out my teeth in his sleep. Come Saturday morning I was the picture of death....though you couldn't tell in my maternity photos, could you!? THANK GOODNESS! ;) I was hell bent on getting those photos done, dying or not.

I eventually called my midwife and she came over with a Netti Pot and an herbal tincture to bring me some relief. Saturday, Sunday and Monday were torture. The stuff wasn't working and I was in soooooooooooo much pain. I was incredibly bummed because I couldn't enjoy Easter. My body refused to move from the couch, I just layed there moaning in all my misery. And I couldn't taste our Easter ham. That should be a crime. The kids had a good Easter though (photos coming soon!) so that's all that matters

Monday afternoon Sam got off work early and took me to the doctor while our neighbor watched the kids. I was hesitant to get an antibiotic because those can sometimes mess with my body, but I was beginning to think there was no way I could lick this without one. I got my prescription and whatdayaknow, I'm feeling better today! No more sinus pain, it just feels like I have a regular cold now. I can live with that. And I feel ravenously hungry, which is a good thing as I've "lost" weight. Before getting sick I was 121 and gaining a pound a week. So I should be 123 right now. However, I'm at 120 and feel like I'm starving. Bring on the cake!! Don't worry about Baby though. He's just dandy and growing.

I'm hoping my sickness woes are behind me now and I'm on the upswing. I take back all the times I complained about pregnancy symptoms!! I would much rather be dealing with just pregnancy discomfort and not all this hoopla on top! I'm more than ready to finally feel good again and be able to enjoy the rest of my pregnancy. I'm 34 weeks! EEEP!

With love,
Mama Hauck

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

MATERNITY PHOTOS!!

Finally! It's a huge relief to finally get these done. I feel as if I'd been brainstorming, "pinning" ideas on Pinterest, and selecting the outfits and props for ages! I took these last Friday and Saturday at the tail end of 33 weeks. You can do anything with a tripod and timer. Sam helped with the ones taken outside.

Enjoy!






















With love,
Mama Hauck