Today on my birthday some folks began to reminisce about what it was like when I was born. As I heard some stories it made me think about how different life is now for a delivering mother than it was then. Some things are better, but in some ways I think its worse.
First of all, did you know that when I was born, people were allowed to smoke in hospitals? Actually they were allowed to smoke in the delivery room. It almost seems comical to me because that is not something I could ever fathom! They also used to give you and your spouse champagne once you delivered. None of that happening anymore. On the bright side though, the used to give you and your spouse a steak dinner to go along with your champagne. Do you know what I got once I delivered for the first 4 hours? A candy bar that Brad had smuggled in from the outside world. And I can promise you that I DID NOT seeing anything remotely resembling a steak. I think the closest I got was the McDonald's Brad smuggled in.
One thing I am loving though is the ability to determine a baby's sex. My parents did not know what I was going to be until I came out. That is one thing that I don't want to do! I can barely wait until 18 weeks! I need to know these things if I'm going to have the first 5 birthday themes planned out by 20 weeks! =)
One step that technology has made that I don't like is the 3 and 4-D images you can get. To me, one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen was the first glimpse I saw of my newborn child. I wouldn't have wanted that moment ruined by having seen him a few weeks before. I guess that's just me.
I guess even though I don't get steak and champagne, I'd much rather deliver in my private room with ESPN than deliver 29 years ago sharing a smoke filledroom with another mother.
Oh yeah, Braden has decided he no longer wants a baby sister. He instead wants a baby puppy. I have tried to explain to him that I'm not going to be much help with that, but he is very adamant. Which has left Brad and I contemplating getting him a puppy for Christmas. And yes, I know we're insane!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The Secret's Out!
Well, the list of folks sharing our new joy for our new addition is growing by the day. Saturday we had my birthday party and Brad let me tell our friends who came along. We're still waiting to broadcast to the world, but it's so exciting to be able to celebrate with family and close friends. I think the plan is to wait and tell most everyone else until after our first doctor visit.
I realized something this weekend when at a friend's baby shower that made me jump for joy. I'm not new at this anymore. I know that every pregnancy is different, but there are things that will be the same, too. There were 4 first time moms-to-be at this shower and they were all huddled up seeking advice from each other and wondering what such and such would be like. I sat back, smiled, and thought to myself – "Amateurs!" Not to say that the first pregnancy wasn't wonderful and magical and wonderful – it was – but it was also scary and unknown.
This time around I know that I have a super sense of smell and that Herbal Essence will probably make me want to throw up. I know the difference between the first kick and gas. I know that not following every single rule in every single baby book ever written will most likely not cause irreparable damage to our unborn child. I know to be cautious, but not to a fault.
I would like to say that I miss the awe of the first pregnancy, but the truth is, I don't. Brad and I are both over the moon excited about this baby, too, but I'm also excited to know what to expect. It doesn't mean I don't wake up early already thinking about what all we have to get done before the baby comes, but at least this time we know… and Knowing is Half the Battle.
By the way – Braden still wants a baby sister. Brad is busy trying to convince him that he wants twin baby brothers, but for now, Braden's on my side. Truthfully I think once it comes out, Braden won't want either, so we've got a little less than 8 months to get him ready.
I realized something this weekend when at a friend's baby shower that made me jump for joy. I'm not new at this anymore. I know that every pregnancy is different, but there are things that will be the same, too. There were 4 first time moms-to-be at this shower and they were all huddled up seeking advice from each other and wondering what such and such would be like. I sat back, smiled, and thought to myself – "Amateurs!" Not to say that the first pregnancy wasn't wonderful and magical and wonderful – it was – but it was also scary and unknown.
This time around I know that I have a super sense of smell and that Herbal Essence will probably make me want to throw up. I know the difference between the first kick and gas. I know that not following every single rule in every single baby book ever written will most likely not cause irreparable damage to our unborn child. I know to be cautious, but not to a fault.
I would like to say that I miss the awe of the first pregnancy, but the truth is, I don't. Brad and I are both over the moon excited about this baby, too, but I'm also excited to know what to expect. It doesn't mean I don't wake up early already thinking about what all we have to get done before the baby comes, but at least this time we know… and Knowing is Half the Battle.
By the way – Braden still wants a baby sister. Brad is busy trying to convince him that he wants twin baby brothers, but for now, Braden's on my side. Truthfully I think once it comes out, Braden won't want either, so we've got a little less than 8 months to get him ready.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Surprise!
I peed on another stick today. I don't know how many men out there appreciate how many times us women have to pee on sticks or in cups during an average pregnancy. It starts before you even get pregnant. The ovulation kit we used to tell us when to conceive made me pee in a cup every morning for 2 weeks. The worst part is that it has to be the first pee of the morning. That one's got the best stuff. Seriously! I've just been awakened by a crying 22 month old little boy and you want me to get myself together enough to pee in a cup? Oh yeah, did I mention it's usually in the dark, too?
Moving along. So after you theoretically conceive, you have to pee on a stick to make sure you're pregnant. I've now done this a couple of times (Brad doesn't believe me when I tell him that it's almost impossible to get a false positive). The problem with the stick is that you have to pee on only part of the stick (which is tricky in and of itself since I can't see what's going on down there), then replace the cap, the set it on a hard, flat surface for the better part of 5 minutes (although our + sign came right away). So… basically I think these guys are in cahoots with the bathroom floor cleaning guys because the stick is for sure not clean when you put it down on the floor!
Then comes the cup again. Every time you go to the doctor you have to pee in a cup. I once thought it was so they could make sure you were still preggo (they laughed at me when I asked), but apparently it's to check sugars or something in your blood.
Anyway, I suppose that peeing in or on various things is a small price to pay for getting a baby in the end, but I'm pretty sure this method was invented by the same guy that invented panty hose.
In case you're wondering why a blog this time around, there is a good explanation (and no I'm not crazy for adding anything else to my already full plate). Brad and I are making a list of 10 things we want to do or accomplish this year. If all goes well this year, we'll do it every year. Kind of a way to push ourselves beyond our normal limits. Well, for me, publishing something was on my list. I enjoy writing, but don't do it nearly enough anymore, so it went on the list. I plan on writing about all of the ups and downs, the trials and triumphs of our second pregnancy with little Braden along for the ride this time, who by the way says he wants a little sister!
We are officially 3 weeks and 6 days along today. The little one is due on or around October 1, 2010. We'll know more about the due date after our first doctor visit which is February 23rd. We're looking so forward to sharing our pregnancy and the life of our new little one with you. Hope you enjoy the ride! I know we will!
Moving along. So after you theoretically conceive, you have to pee on a stick to make sure you're pregnant. I've now done this a couple of times (Brad doesn't believe me when I tell him that it's almost impossible to get a false positive). The problem with the stick is that you have to pee on only part of the stick (which is tricky in and of itself since I can't see what's going on down there), then replace the cap, the set it on a hard, flat surface for the better part of 5 minutes (although our + sign came right away). So… basically I think these guys are in cahoots with the bathroom floor cleaning guys because the stick is for sure not clean when you put it down on the floor!
Then comes the cup again. Every time you go to the doctor you have to pee in a cup. I once thought it was so they could make sure you were still preggo (they laughed at me when I asked), but apparently it's to check sugars or something in your blood.
Anyway, I suppose that peeing in or on various things is a small price to pay for getting a baby in the end, but I'm pretty sure this method was invented by the same guy that invented panty hose.
In case you're wondering why a blog this time around, there is a good explanation (and no I'm not crazy for adding anything else to my already full plate). Brad and I are making a list of 10 things we want to do or accomplish this year. If all goes well this year, we'll do it every year. Kind of a way to push ourselves beyond our normal limits. Well, for me, publishing something was on my list. I enjoy writing, but don't do it nearly enough anymore, so it went on the list. I plan on writing about all of the ups and downs, the trials and triumphs of our second pregnancy with little Braden along for the ride this time, who by the way says he wants a little sister!
We are officially 3 weeks and 6 days along today. The little one is due on or around October 1, 2010. We'll know more about the due date after our first doctor visit which is February 23rd. We're looking so forward to sharing our pregnancy and the life of our new little one with you. Hope you enjoy the ride! I know we will!
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