35 Week Updates

Our little one has been doing quite the party rounds this week! One of my dearest friends is having her wedding celebration this weekend, and we have definitely been whooping it up. Thursday night it was a Michael Jackson sing-a-long welcome dinner at our local Alamo Drafthouse Theater, where BC even wore an Afro wig (I so wish I'd gotten pictures of that!) Our little lady was going crazy in my belly almost the entire time- I think she's got some serious mojo going on in there.

Last night was the wedding reception. I wasn't sure if I'd be up for dancing, but I couldn't resist the music and the joyous energy of the evening- so I got my dance on for a good hour or so! In my wedge heels, no less. I had to pause a few times for muscle pulls here and there, but overall I had a blast. It is probably the most exercise I've gotten in weeks! My body was definitely a little mad when I got home last night, and I passed out hard for a good nights' sleep (though I still woke up at 6am. Dammit!)

I totally stole this picture off Facebook- taken by Cory Ryan at last night's reception. I have been SO bad about taking pictures lately! I am the lumbering lady getting down in the bottom right hand corner. Good gracious- I sure hope I didn't embarrass myself last night! I love how my friend Mike- just to the left of me- appears to be giving me the stink eye.

There were so many friends at the gathering that I haven't seen in a long time- it felt like a reunion of sorts. The most popular questions of the evening went like this:

*How are you feeling?
*How much longer?
*Do you have a name?
*Are you ready?

BC and I also observed that almost everyone had advice for us, whether they were parents or not. And the advice and sweet sentimentality got more and more entertaining as the night went on and the cocktails flowed! Overall it was an amazing reception- absolutely perfect weather, and we felt so surrounded by love & community.

Another stolen FB picture. How gorgeous is this couple? I hope they get working on some friends for Baby Lambert soon.

On to my 35 week updates!

How far along? 35 weeks today. I learned the term "35/35" on my November Mamas board- 35 weeks pregnant, 35 days to go. Though technically with our scheduled c-section I am 35/31. One of the resounding 'themes' last night was that of people telling me stories about babies coming two weeks early.... cue me to putting together a lengthy "honey-do" list for BC and I this weekend, as I want to get our baby prep seriously under way!

How big is baby? The size of a large cantaloupe, apparently. She has almost maxed out in height, but will continue to gain weight in these final weeks. The apps estimate babies of this age to be around 5- 5.5 pounds on average. We have another growth scan on October 31st, and it will be interesting to see where our little one falls. I feel her moving ALL the time now, likely b/c there isn't a lot of room left to buffer the movements. She's a busy girl in there!

Weight gain? The scale read 131.4 this morning- so up about 2 pounds from last week, for a total weight gain of 23.4 lbs. Happy for this little one to be packing on all she can (well, I HOPE it is the little one packing on the pounds, and not just additional padding on my rear. Which is entirely possible).

35 week belly

Cravings/Aversions? I'm able to stomach red meat again this week- not craving a lot of it, but not repulsed by it. Also headed out for ice cream a few times- chocolate with hot fudge on top. Yum!

Sleep? Falling asleep fine and waking about 3-4 times to use the bathroom in the night. I still cannot for the life of me get back to sleep after the final wake, which is usually in the window of 5:30-6:30am. I force myself to stay laying in bed, hoping for another round of sleep to take, but alas, I usually resolve myself to getting up by 6:30.

Symptoms? Overall I am still doing really well. I'm a bit sleepy due to the early wakefulness, and my hips & lower back are getting tight and sore daily. I am definitely moving slower these days, but it's nothing I can't handle.

Most looking forward to? Finishing up preparations for the baby. These include assembling equipment, hanging things in her nursery, washing the rest of the clothes/blankets, and prepping the cloth diaper stash. I'm also looking forward to our doctor's appointment this Thursday, when BC will finally meet the Nurture OBGYN team.

And WOW...just realized when I looked at the date that one month from today we are having a baby! Eek!

In Which We Choose Our Baby's Birthday

Remember that growth ultrasound I had last week?

First of all- BC and I somehow 'misheard' the stats. We were sure the ultrasound doc had said our little lady was measuring in the 8th percentile.

On Monday my regular doc- Dr. Campaigne from Nurture OBGYN- called me to discuss the ultrasound. She told us that the overall measurements were in the 17th percentile! Still a little lady, but not quite AS small. Her head was actually in the 40th percentile (curse of the BC head!), and everything together came out at 17%. These measurements were all based on the November 24th due date- which is calculated by my LMP (last menstrual period- they 'assume' you ovulate 14 days after the LMP). However, based on our known conception date my due date would be November 29th (as I know exactly when I ovulated- it is usually cycle day 20 or 21), meaning her percents would be even higher for babies at her age.

All great news!

Then it was time to talk about Franny (my fibroid).

At the ultrasound, the u/s doc had indicated Franny had NOT moved out of the way of the birth canal at all, and that he thought it was highly likely we'd need a c-section. He did say he's seen "miracles happen,' but he wasn't very hopeful.

Which brings us back to my talk with Dr. Campaigne. A little background here about Nurture OBGYN: this is a small boutique practice with one holistic OB and one midwife who are VERY much into natural childbirth and seeing pregnancy as a normal healthy event. They boast & celebrate a low 10% c-section rate, and also have very low stats with other interventions like pitocin.

So when I spoke with Dr. Campaigne earlier this week and she told me that based on what the ultrasound doc's notes recommended and what she saw in the report that she thought a planned c-section was the path we needed to go, I didn't question it. Of any doctor who would come to this conclusion, I fully trusted her that this was the only option given our situation.

Was I disappointed? Of course. But I am also someone that doesn't look back- when a decision needs to be made and I commit to something it is full speed ahead. My questions to her went like this:

Knowing that our due date is November 24th, when would you schedule me for a c-section?
-We like to do them in the 39th week, so probably around November 19th or 20th

What are your thoughts on letting me go into labor naturally- THEN doing the c-section?
-Honestly, we feel like that puts a lot of undue stress on yours and the baby's body, so don't recommend it

I know you take pride in your surgery skills- what will the incision be like?
-I don't want to brag, but yes! Aesthetics are VERY important to me and I do take great pride in making sure it is as small of an incision as possible that heals well

So then I was left that afternoon ruminating on all of this and waiting to share the news with BC. When I told him, I could tell he was a bit disappointed, but mostly he had a few questions of his own. He had been under the impression from the ultrasound doc that they would continue to monitor my fibroid before making a final call, and wanted to know why the call was being made now? (Granted somehow we must have misheard a lot of things at that ultrasound appointment, including our little ones' measurements!). I promised BC I would ask that question of Dr. Campaigne when I met with her next week, but that I did trust her judgement very much- so felt like this was the way it was going to be.

Part of my 'coping' with this big news was to come up with a list of PROS for a planned c-section, to include:

1. My lady parts would be completely preserved- no tearing, no bladder problems, no healing needed.

2. We could better plan ahead with our work schedules & family visits (unless of course the little one throws everyone for a loop and comes early!)

3. We don't have to attend any more birth classes (I already cancelled our "Yoga for Birth" workshop and we likely won't attend any more hypno-birthing classes).

4. This child will definitely be a Scorpio now, just like me (God help BC!) Not sure if that is a definite "pro," but I like it. : )

5. I won't have to feel any pains of labor.

6. Our baby will have a 'gentler' entrance into the world- no squishing & squeezing through the birth canal, so no funny head shapes or bruising.

The CONS?

1. The magic of going into labor and wondering when our little one's birthday will be has been taken away. I have been wrestling with bouts of grief surrounding this, feeling like part of my womanhood has been somehow stripped away. I will not experience labor, I will not experience giving birth the way it was meant to be done... my body won't automatically be releasing the right laboring or birth hormones.

2. Having a major surgery and dealing with the recovery. I will now be much more compromised physically following her birth, and have to be on pain meds as the incisions heal.

3. My body may take longer to 'kick in' the right hormones to help out with breastfeeding, given the surgery & meds I will be on.

4. No birth classes. It was a 'pro' in lightening up our schedule, but I was really looking forward to sharing in those with BC.

5. As much as it is a 'pro' that the baby will have a gentler entrance into the world, it will be gentle and a bit shocking, in that we won't be able to have a dimly lit, quiet, tranquil space for her to enter. She will emerge into bright overhead lights and doctors with masks on.

6. No immediate skin to skin contact with our little one. I asked if there was ANY way this could still happen- and b/c the surgery room is kept freezing cold, it is most important to bundle baby right away to keep her warm. She will be given to me to see/hold for a short time before going to the nursery- and I will want BC to accompany her there so she has someone familiar with her while they put me back together. My doctor says we should all be reunited pretty quickly- within an hour- so hopefully that time will go by quickly.

7. Being responsible for choosing her birthday! This was one of the main sticking points I hoped I wouldn't have to face. And if you know anything about me by reading this blog, it will come as NO surprise that a couple of the first calls I made after getting the news of the c-section were to my psychic friend Cristy and to my friend Dianne who does astrological charts. I figured if the doctor was aiming for November 19th or 20th, then the 15th and 16th (of the week before) would probably be fair game too (weekend dates are unfortunately out- I like the look of November 18th, but given it is a Sunday it would be a no-go).

I have had the 15th in my head for awhile with this little one, as has my mom. BC said he liked the way the 20th looked. When Dianne ran the astrology around all those dates, she highly recommended focusing on the 18th-20th (morning of the 20th only). Cristy seems to think this little one will come sooner and choose for herself, possibly starting her journey with the November 13th new moon.

So basically we will be choosing an "on or before" date for our little one. One thing for sure? She'll definitely be here by Thanksgiving! Holy sheet. I meet again with the Nurture ladies on Monday, and hope to talk further about dates then.

I've also spoken a few times with our fabulous doula- wondering if we would still need her services. Ultimately we've decided to do a 'revised' doula package where she has one prenatal appointment with us to help prepare us on what to expect with a planned c-section, and then I will still have her there supporting me on the actual day with all the before, during, & after events of surgery. She can be there in the operating room with me when BC goes to the nursery with the baby, and can also help me get started with breastfeeding. And she writes a personal birth story, which I love! What ultimately convinced me was reading another 'planned c-section' birth story on her blog. I won't be passing up her offering me foot & head massages throughout our birth day!

There are still a lot of emotions to deal with surrounding this recent turn of events. This definitely isn't the way I'd hoped things would go down, but it is our new reality. I am feeling waves of sorrow every time my hips ache or the Braxton Hicks come on... my body is preparing to birth naturally, and I feel like in a way I am cheating it. Ultimately, I just have to trust in my caregivers and know that the end result will be a healthy baby girl.

In closing, I bring you an adorable photo of my niece Magnolia who came in from Seattle for our baby shower. She is 3.5 months old- and has a super unique and cute way of self soothing herself to sleep. Apparently there is even an ultrasound picture of her in utero doing this! Too cute.

Sweet Maggie, I just may have used this move when I got the c-section news.
We all need a little soothing sometimes.

27 Week Updates

I have officially entered the 3rd trimester of pregnancy! Crazy. It is still very hard for me to fathom there is a tiny human being inside me that will soon be my daughter.

How far along? 27 weeks today

How big is baby? The apps say she is the size of a rutabaga (??) - around 14-14.5 inches long & about 2 lbs.  Her hearing is fully developed, and she can respond to sounds with her movements. Her brain stem is becoming more refined, and now that her nostrils are no longer plugged she is practicing inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid. Her eyelids also open this week, and eyebrows & eyelashes are forming.

Weight gain? I was down 2 lbs from last week when I weighed myself yesterday, but I think the 3 dinners I had last night helped add some back, as I am only down 1 pound as of this morning. So total weight gain is 12.5 lbs.

The 27 week belly

Sleep? Still good- I continue to alternate between my back (with a little blanket underneath one side to prop me so I am not totally flat) and my left side.

Cravings/Aversions? This week I have been craving much lighter meals. I've been wanting and eating a lot of fruit and fish. NOT craving cheese which is a new one for me- nor does anything heavy like red meat sound remotely good.

Symptoms? A couple new pregnancy related things have happened this week:

*Indigestion: earlier in the week meals were sitting really heavy in my stomach & resulting in the oh so fun burping up syndrome. This got better in the last half of the week, and yesterday into today I am feeling quite ravenous, likely meaning the little one is about to enter another growth spurt.

*Braxton Hicks contractions: looking back these started in New Mexico- but I just thought it was our baby moving to positions where I could feel her outline clearly on my stomach. Yesterday was a doozy with near constant tightening of my stomach, continuing into the night. Even though my nurse said they were normal, I still had crazy dreams where Dr. Vaughn from my fertility clinic was telling me I should definitely check into the hospital to get monitored. I have heard that increasing fluids & taking it easy helps a lot with BH, so today I am making it my personal mission to down a ton of water. It is working so far! I also plan to spend the day lounging & relaxing on the couch, catching up on the gazillion baby books I am currently reading (to include The Diaper Free Baby, Beyond the Sling, The Baby Sleep Book, and Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding).

*The top of my belly button now officially sticks out! It is like a little hood overlooking the rest of my belly button. My linea nigra is also making itself known- still a very faint line, but definitely visible.

The current state of my belly. You can also see my laparoscopic surgery scar underneath my belly button more clearly now that everything is stretching out.

While we are on the topic of my belly, it is interesting how many people feel the need to comment on its size. I do love & appreciate acknowledgment of the pregnancy, but I have had SO many people in the last week, upon asking me how far along I am, say "you are so SMALL!" Including my cousin this morning- who I haven't seen in about a month... she said I look exactly the same size as the last time we were together. What am I supposed to say to that? I feel inclined to respond that the baby is growing right on schedule, as is my belly/weight... and thanks? Maybe people are just noticing I haven't entered the pregnant fat-face phase. Something I actually would be just fine with not happening.

Most looking forward to? The remodel of our studio apartment is about halfway done, and I am super excited to see the final results & have that space available to rent out. I am also looking forward to my visit to Nurture OBGYN next week for a check up- though this visit includes my glucose "challenge test," which I am not excited for. They have you drink a nasty sugar drink prior to the appointment, drawing blood to test your ability to metabolize the sugars (and see if you have gestational diabetes). I am super nervous for the test, and pray I do NOT fail & have to return for the 3 hour version.

Off to the couch with a full glass of water I go! Happy Saturday to you all. 

A Love Letter

Sorry BC- this one isn't for you. ; )

I'd just like to express how incredibly thankful I am for the team we are putting together toward the birth of our little girl. At my previous OB GYN office- when I had a question about something, I'd call into the main receptionist, then be transferred to the nurse's voicemail. I was lucky if I heard anything back within 3 hours, and I was pretty sure that nurse didn't really know who I was.

Fast forward to today. I had a couple occasions to call into my new OB GYN office- Nurture OBGYN- b/c I am a bona fide freak first time pregnant lady.

The first call was to inquire about the fact that my weight has gone down 2 pounds this week. It is true that I've been a bit more 'regular' since returning from our trip (I found prune juice at our local Central Market! The joy!) while also craving smaller, lighter meals- but I still thought it was a little strange to be losing weight. Immediately upon calling in, the receptionist who picked up put my mind at total ease, and said if I wanted more reassurance she'd transfer me to the nurse.

Yes, please.

And the nurse was right THERE on the line when the transfer happened! Amazing. And how sad is it that customer service and care like that feels so unusual, when really that should be the norm? The nurse was also extremely reassuring that these fluctuations were normal. If weight loss continued for weeks on end then we'd definitely want to check on the growth of the baby, but given the other circumstances this week it sounded like a normal fluctuation.

I've also noticed this past week that occasionally my stomach will get really really tight and hard to each side of my belly button, where I can literally feel rock hard outlines of the baby (or what I assume is the baby). I thought it was just our little one moving and adjusting, but today the repeated tightness was so constant I began thinking perhaps I've started to experience Braxton Hicks contractions. So again I called the doctor's office. This time I got the general voicemail and left a message. Within 15 minutes I had a call back from an amazing nurse reassuring me that these did indeed sound like Braxton Hicks, and were TOTALLY NORMAL. The cause for concern would be if they became very painful and hard to breathe or talk through. Neither is the case for me- these are just a full on tightening, a bit uncomfortable, with ever so slight period like cramps mingled in. These apparently are much more common in one's 3rd trimester- and lo and behold- I enter my 3rd trimester tomorrow (holy S***!).

On another note? We hired a doula!! We had our last 2 interviews this week. The first of the two was with a woman who came highly recommended (one of 4 finalists in Austin's Birth Awards)- and was known & loved by the ladies at Nurture OBGYN (who are also nominated in the Birth Awards!). She has 17 years of experience. She was extremely knowledgeable & funny. Very personable. AND she writes a personal birth story for each client of hers, detailing everything about the birth journey & experience. The icing on top? BC was not attracted to her.

Our next interview the following evening was with an equally recommended doula- but we definitely didn't feel the same connection, which I was somewhat grateful for.... making our final choice crystal clear.

I did learn something about BC through this interview process. When we were speaking with THE doula (our doula!) we were talking about the different classes that would be wise to take in preparation for birth. I mentioned I'd heard taking a breastfeeding class would be helpful, but that this was probably something BC wouldn't need to attend? As our doula quickly replied how important it was for BC to also be there to learn & help, BC turned to me in all earnestness and said "I WANT to be there and learn!" Cue me in total shock. I don't know why, but I had just assumed he wouldn't be interested in that kind of stuff, particularly breastfeeding tutorials. When I told him as much, his stone cold response was "I LIKE boobs!"

Nice BC. I think our doula appreciated this tidbit as well.

Overall I am just feeling so blessed to be assembling such an awesome group of providers to help BC and I on this journey. Just 3 months to go.... bring on the 3rd trimester!

24 Weeks- Viability, Baby!

Today is a big milestone in our pregnancy journey. At 24 weeks, a fetus reaches what is called "viability," meaning that there is a good chance she could survive if for some reason she came early. We're fully planning on this little lady cooking until November, but it is still reassuring to get to this point! It is right up there - milestone wise - with hearing the heartbeat for the first time, the 12 week marker of the end of the first trimester, & the 20 week Anatomy Scan.

This week I was also hit with the very poignant realization that we are pretty much in the 3 month countdown to baby! Even though our little one is due toward the end of November, she really could come anytime that month, so I figure we have about 3 months to finish getting ready. Here are some of my check-list items to accomplish before November:

*Find a doctor/hospital 
-Check! LOVE our new Nurture OBGYN clinic, and am very happy with the choice to birth at St. Davids' North Hospital.

*Sign up for birth classes
-Check! We'll be in a 5 week Hypnobirthing class from September 30th-November 4th. I also may sign up for cloth diapering & breastfeeding classes.

*Interview doulas 
-We have our first interview tonight, and I hope to interview a total of 3-4 doulas.

*Finish the nursery
-BC and I had a funny discussion about this the other night. He told me a colleague of his had asked if our nursery was ready- and he'd replied "yes." He asked if I agreed- to which I quickly retorted- "um, we don't have a crib mattress, or bedding, or a changing pad, or diaper supplies, or a monitor, or our glider,....." etc. Yes, we have the crib & dresser in the room- but there is still a LONG way to go! My goal is to have everything set by mid-October- and we can obviously see who is going to be in charge of getting that done.

*Take a "Babymoon" vacation
-Check! We leave in one week for New Mexico- I can't wait.

*Secure our finances & budget
-I am working hard to fill up our "Baby Fund"- saving up about 3-4 months worth of my average income to help us transition toward my cutting back on work. We should have that checked off by mid-September. I really hope to be able to stay home full time with our little lady- at LEAST for the first 4-5 months. After that we'll see how I am feeling- and what our family needs are.

We have also started the construction of a studio apartment in the space above our garage, toward the hopes of that bringing in additional income. It will be a cute space with a small kitchen & full bathroom, one that we can rent out on weekends or during Austin festivals. It will also be a great spot for friends & family to stay.

*Take advantage of our couple time here in Austin
-BC and I have been enjoying a self declared "Austin Restaurant Week." It isn't officially restaurant week here in town, but BC and I have taken it upon ourselves to visit 'new to us' restaurants every night. We're having a blast, and discovering some great spots! So far we've visited:

Bangers
El Naranjo
Salty Sow
Zanduga

Our favorite for overall food & experience was Salty Sow, and Bangers and El Naranjo were also excellent (and located in our fav Rainy Street District just a mile from our house). So far Zanduga is the only place we would not return to- so we are 3 for 4 with success! We realize that once baby comes we'll be cutting back on eating out, so now is definitely the time to indulge.

My first official pregnancy shot taken by someone other than myself! 

BC took this last night on day #4 of our Austin Restaurant Week.

I just noticed there is a #4 on the building in the upper right corner- ha!

Here are my 24 week updates:

How far along? 24 weeks today! Viability!

How big is baby? Apparently the size of a cantaloupe this week- give or take about 12 inches and about 1.5 lbs.

Weight gain? It's been another BIG week of growth (hello, restaurant week?)- so as of this morning I am up a total of 11 lbs, which is a 2.5 pound gain from last week!

This week's gain jumped me onto the "ideal weight gain" trajectory

Post yoga 24 week belly shot

Sleep? I am falling asleep really well/soundly, but have been restless and waking a lot in the early morning hours. I am still most comfortable on my back, which I feel increasingly guilty about- as one is not "supposed" to be back sleeping at this point. It's another challenge of trusting my intuition on that one- trusting that my body will tell me if/when that position is no longer a good idea. Our little lady is still kicking away every 2 hours or so, so I know she is healthy & growing!

Symptoms? I am starting to find it harder to bend forward, and to sit properly in a chair for long lengths of time (like at a restaurant, for instance). When I work from home, my legs are almost always propped up on the desk or tucked underneath me, which is much more comfortable.  I've been having to eat a cracker in the early morning hours before getting up due to mild nausea (which usually dissipates after that snack). My skin has also been super clear- an ongoing 'perk' for a few months now.

Most looking forward to? One week until VACATION!

22 Week Updates

I've been a busy girl with work this week! My dear friend Lisa- who is also a Realtor- is leaving for a week's vacation (during which she'll be married!). Her business was officially handed over to me yesterday, so needless to say this upcoming week may be even busier (especially if this morning's activity was any indication). I am grateful we have one another to help out during these transitions in our lives- as we truly trust each other and run our businesses in the same manner. She stepped in 4 years ago when I married BC, and I am more than happy to return the favor.

Baby Girl has been very active this week- lots of little gentle kicks & punches throughout the day. I also had my first experience yesterday of seeing my stomach become lopsided! I was lying on the couch and when I looked down there was a definite bulge to the right of my belly button. She definitely favors my right side- I have NEVER felt any kicks on the left, which is interesting. Perhaps she is trying to stay as far away from Franny as possible....

And how cute is THIS idea? A tree decal with shelves! I am keeping my fingers crossed that BC doesn't boycott it as being too "baby" or "cutesy," b/c I really, really love it and think it would be adorable in our nursery.

How far along? 22 weeks

How big is baby? About 11.5 inches long- this week's fruit size comparison is a Papaya (what is up with all the random, unusual fruits?). The pregnancy websites vary in what they estimate her weight is - anywhere from about 3/4 to 1 full pound of baby. One interesting fact: a baby's hair is pure white at this point in their development- the pigment that will ultimately determine their hair color won't develop for another couple of weeks.

Weight gain? I am now up a total of 7.8 lbs, which is almost a 2 lb gain from last week! This week I had my first random stranger comments about being pregnant. One guy at the gas station called out 'congratulations!' and asked if it was a boy or a girl. Another guy at a convenience store joked that it looked like I needed to go on a diet. Real funny, dude. One of my girlfriends remarked that only a guy would be brave enough to comment at this point in a pregnancy. Women tend to be a bit more careful, in the event that in lieu of pregnancy I just carry extra weight out front, or maybe just gave birth a few months ago. You just never know.

22 week belly

Food cravings/aversions? Baked goods taste like pure heaven to me. I'm not going overboard with them, but oh are they dee-lish. I just devoured an afternoon piece of coffee cake- perhaps there *is* a correlation between this delight in baked goods and the almost 2 lb swing in weight this week?

Sleep? Great! I think the nightly Magnesium is really helping across the board- with migraines, constipation, AND sleep.

Symptoms? Still occasional round ligament pain that needs time to stretch out when I get up from sitting. I've also had a strange mix of feeling a bit congested coupled with really dry nasal passages, leading to some mild bloody noses. I've noticed (sorry for TMI!) my nipples are also starting to darken a bit, which I've heard happens in pregnancy as an evolutionary means to help the baby more easily find its food source. Amazing stuff.

Most looking forward to? Hopefully a relaxing pool day tomorrow! I've been working so hard I am hoping to unwind a bit, and water + sunshine is a sure fire formula for me toward total relaxation.

I am also excited for my first official appointment with my new clinic this Tuesday- Nurture OBGYN. I'll get to have a brief look at Baby Girl again by ultrasound, which is always a treat!

Nurturing Myself

Ever since my Anatomy Scan, when I was less than impressed with my current doctor's bedside manner (I still can't believe she didn't even acknowledge BC!), I've been on the hunt for a new "home" for my pregnancy journey. I've had visions of personal, attentive care... providers who actually remember me and want BC to be involved in this process as well.

I LOVE the midwife/birthing center models, and we did a Meet and Greet at a fabulous downtown birthing center called Birthwise. We loved the group of midwives, loved the facilities, and I especially loved the deep birthing tubs. However, I know myself, and know that I am likely to be MOST relaxed on the big day somewhere where I know medical backup is close at hand.

Our next stop was a tour of St. David's North hospital and a Meet and Greet with a unique group called OB-GYN North that has 3 midwives & 3 OBs working together. You meet with a different practitioner for each pre-natal visit, and every day of the week one of these ladies is on call and her ONLY job is to be present at the hospital with her laboring mamas. They have a very laid back, 'birth is a normal and healthy process' attitude, and also boasted a low c-section rate of 11%. I don't know if it was the lemonade they were serving (I never have lemonade) or her approval of the group itself, but Baby Girl was kicking up a STORM during the event- so much so that BC got to feel her for the first time! I took that as a sign that we were on the right path....

Which brings me to yesterday, my last Meet and Greet at Nurture OBGYN. This is a boutique office in North Austin that has one midwife and one OB working as a team. They were actually previously a part of the OB-GYN North group but branched off on their own to offer even more personalized care to their clients. Their office has cucumber infused water, cookies, apples, & cool art on every wall. They only take on about 12-15 births/month, and schedule a full 30 minutes for every patient appointment. They also boast a very low (10%) c-section rate, and genuinely want to get to know their clients. They even do a postpartum home visit one week after birth! One of these ladies is always at the hospital with the birthing mama- in the past year, there has been only ONE birth where they had to have another doc provide back-up. They also talked about & referred to BC many times during our visit- wondering when they might get to meet him as well!

Needless to say, I've found a new home- and am SO happy to have discovered this small, intimate practice- where I get personalized care with a midwife AND a doctor, and still will labor at a renowned major hospital where drugs resources are close at hand.

I also thought is was pretty fitting that the Nurture groups' symbol- seen here- is amazingly similar to the one and only tattoo I got years back. That is a story unto itself.

In conclusion and for your viewing pleasure, I bring you a few photos from my Great Tattoo Adventure of 2007- where I very vividly remember declaring that I thought the pain of getting a tattoo must be similar to the pain of childbirth. Ha!

 You're going to do what to me?

Hurt like #*%&@%@*%

I found that biting my hands & humming helped the pain.

For some reason "Battle Hymn of the Republic" was my chosen tune, and yes, BC & the tattoo artist were laughing at me the entire time.

Tell me they are almost done...

Voila! My finished sunshine (which is much less bloody these days).

It was only AFTER this was done that BC told me about the term "tramp-stamp." Sweet. I was so proud.

Pain? What pain? Let's do another! 

I think the amnesia following the pain of a tattoo is probably similar to the amnesia after childbirth- allowing one to have subsequent tattoos and children (though for me one tattoo is PLENTY)