27 Weeks - What is Hypnobirthing??

27 Weeks

I found this handy chart at Babycenter.com. Even though I know what week we are, I couldn't figure out how to convert that into months or trimesters! Problem solved. We are wrapping up the second trimester this week. We can't believe that she is almost 2 lbs already, but even more unbelievable is that she will gain 4-6 more pounds!! 27 weeks is a big milestone. Baby would now be likely to survive on her own (with LOTS of medical interventions!). I had a minor set back this week with lots of lower back pain and early morning leg cramps...that slowed us down a little early in the week! Hopefully it isn't a sign of what's to come. Now I'm back to feeling great! We have an appointment with our midwives on Tuesday, so we get to check in on baby!

This week we are going to session 3 out of 5 of Hypnobirthing! We are really liking the class so far, and feel like Hypnobirthing is a good match for us. The basic idea is using self-hypnosis to remove the fear and tension from birth in order to let your body do its thing. It feels very familiar to yoga, and is a perfect compliment with some of the things we have been working on in my prenatal yoga class. Jason has been a great birth partner, and is excited about knowing how to help me and the baby "work together" during labor. This video tells about some more of the advantages of Hypnobirthing. Last week we continued to work on relaxation methods, birth breathing, and "prenatal parenting." We are supposed to be working on bonding with the baby. Luckily, I've been reading to my baby every day...and teaching her math and phonics and science...she listens to me talk and sing all day long! We also think she will come out knowing "Bow Down to Washington" and "Tequila!" That's just as good as classical music, right? Jason talks to her a lot, and we both work hard to make sure she is safe and healthy and feels secure in her little world.

She has also been working on bonding with her cousins. Jack (after trying to jump on her), talked to her and sang her a song. We finally spilled the beans to Kenley, and she gave the baby and me a big hug. Also, she's decided the baby should be named either Kenley or Sugar. Add those to the list! We are looking forward to introducing the belly to the BIG Brehm family this weekend at Thanksgiving!

Prep for Baby - 19 weeks

We feel like there are a million little things to do to get ready for baby! We are slowing making our way through our list, and getting a few things checked off.

We've been daydreaming about how to convert our "Guest Nest" into a cozy room for baby. I'm thankful that dad and I did a bunch of preliminary work last summer (no painting or building for me now!) We are a little reluctant to give up our guest space, but excited about making it work for baby!

This week Mom ordered a changing table for us! We've been on the hunt for the perfect thing to match our Loom crib that Rachel won for us in June. We're still in shock over that one. Thanks, Lullaby Organics! Don't they look cute together?? We haven't seen the changer in real life yet, but we're confident that we will love it!

Yesterday I got the scoop on district childcare, and scheduled us for a tour! The district infant center is at the nearest high school, which is only 2 miles from my school. I've heard GREAT things about the program, and can't wait to check it out. At one year, the baby can be on campus with me! Our long-term plan will definitely depend on where Jason ends up next year, but as a district employee I do have the option of getting a variance and having Baby attend any school in our district. I did laugh while I was trying to fill out the application paperwork...no name, no birthday, we don't even know the gender! No medical records, no immunizations....

We are officially signed up for a birth class! At the recommendation of our midwife, we decided to take hypnobirthing at the hospital. It's a comprehensive birth class that she said would offer the most options to couples who are committed to a natural birth. So for 5 weeks we'll spend Tuesday nights practicing breathing and visualization, and learning about what we can expect during labor. Hypnobirthing has been recommended to us by a couple friends, one who said that it has no become a life skill for any situation where she needs to go to her "happy place" (ie traffic!).

Other than that, we've been reading up a storm! Here are a selection of the books I've read over the last year in preparation for baby and my rating of each...with more to come!

Get Ready to Get Pregnant*****

Complete Organic Pregnancy***

And Baby Makes Three***

Birth Day*****

Catching Babies*****

How to Have Your Second Child First***

Big Book of Birth****

One Year to an Organized Life With Baby***

What to Expect When You Are Expecting**

Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy***

Eating for Pregnancy**

The Parent You Want to Be*****

The Everything Get Ready for Baby Book**

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother****

Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn (in progress)

Last weekend we wrapped up the summer with one last camping trip! We tried to escape the rain by heading over the Leavenworth with Dawn and Derek, and only got a little wet! We did get to eat German food while watching the Huskies. Sweet! Camping while pregnant was definitely an adventure. But look how close our site was to the bathroom! Nice!

Leavenworth Thousand Trails - 18 weeks

We can't wait until Wednesday...it's ultrasound day!!!