All is growing and moving at a rapid rate. Bean is now the size of 4 navel oranges.
It's been a busy time for purchasing for Bean. There is so much out there, but we are pretty decisive and as long as things most importantly practical and well designed, J + I have similar tastes.
We have bought the crib, no hesitation really. We opted for the Ouef Sparrow in grey which comes with a conversion kit for when wee infant grows into a toddler. Bean I hope you like it. Also ticked of the list is the stroller, which comes with a handy bassinet from Uppababy The bassinet is great, it fits not only to the stroller but also a stand so we can use that initially for Bean so that he (we still don't know that) can sleep next to us. The bassinet comes with a detachable screen which will deter the kitties from wanting to nestle in with the baby. It's already set up in the room and the cats aren't interested in it at all. And lastly for this week we bought the Mico car seat from Maxi Cosy which will attach to the Uppababy which is super handy. It's super light weight but all importantly safe. If we decide to birth in the hospital you have to have a American Safety standard car seat to take the baby home in.
My restaurant reviews are kind of non existent nowadays, we are eating out but not so much in the evening. So before I forget I have to give a little mention to Le Garage. At the weekend we ventured out to this wonderful restaurant in Sausalito with our Brazilian friends for Brunch. It reminded me very much of open concept restaurants in Amsterdam. Le Garage is set in 'yes you guessed it' an old garage. A French Bistro vibe on the water. I'll be back there again soon, great setting, great food and company.
I guess another development is that we are also considering a home birth. Yep late in the game with 2 months to go, but I'm feeling more and more that I want a natural birthing experience and not sure that will happen in hospital. We are just exploring. We hope to meet the midwife at the weekend. The only downside I can see is that insurance won't cover home birth, which is mind boggling when you think of how much it costs to give birth in the hospital, yet the insurance co is happy to pay for that. It really is eye opening as Ricki Lake researched......in the USA being born is a business.
Oh and bean is definitely head down. Our doula popped by at the weekend to chat about our wishes and surprised us by offering to feel the baby, measure the fundal height and listen to the heart beat. It was nice to be at home lying on the couch whilst she checked me and bean out. Bean is head down, with his legs happily kicking me in between the rib cage. Very softly though. That's when I think, maybe it's a girl ;-P
Highlight of the week so far was a shoot with Chester the Cheeto puppet. He wanted to feel my belly!
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| Chester and Bean |
The weeks are going by really fast. I'm in my 3rd trimester with 12 weeks to go and the reality that I am carrying a baby inside of me (that will be soon outside of me) and that we live on the other side of the globe is making me a little anxious. I have to be honest it's overwhelming. I'm trying to not look so far down the line, but as we have few friends here and no family I have been wondering what life would be like once the wee one is here, it's quite daunting but one can't feel sorry for yourself, just good to get out and meet people.
I've joined a meetup of new mums that are expecting in Fall which is great. Just nice to have the support of expectant mums who are going through the same thing. I never thought I would be one of those pregnant women who would surround herself with other pregnant women, but it is the support I need here without so many close friends and family. We meet twice a month and a few of us have formed a break out group so to speak so we can touch base more often.
Thinking past the birth, I went to a class on Saturday at Carmel Blue about how to calm a crying baby. We learnt the teachings of Dr Harvey Karp. Pretty handy. There are 5 S's. I've promptly ordered the DVD for Jab to watch. Take note.
1. Swaddling- pretty explanatory
2. Sucking- dummy or breast
3. Stomach/ Side- laying the baby on it's side or stomach in your arms
4. White noise (shhhing). My friend Mia vouched that the hairdryer or the vacuum cleaner put her wee one to sleep
5. Swing
I've also signed up for daycare. Although we aren't sure a. will I go back to work b. will we go with a nanny or c. need daycare. Essentially I've registered for daycare close by as the waiting list can be long, one centre in my neighbourhood has a waiting list of 18 months! I've registered for Bright Horizons so at least we have that as an option in case we need to put the wee one in Day Care when I have to go back to work after 4 months. They offer a Montessori approach which I've always been interested in although day care at 4 months....... I'm really not sure right now. Seems so young so I'm also exploring a nanny. I'm meeting a lady who organises finding the right nanny in a couple of weeks. Let's see, it's good to explore all options.
Bean is growing. My next appointment isn't with the doc till next week so not sure whether he/ she's growth is on track, but I feel like he/she is definitely growing and lots more movement in the past few weeks. I'm now at 140llbs/ 63kg. Which is 26lbs/ 12kg heavier than pre-pregnancy. Oh and minor detail, but fun, my belly button which was a deep set inny is now half way to being an outie.
I think from next week I'll start to update you on all the beautiful products out there. So much to chose from. I've compiled a pretty comprehensive list of essentials that we can start to purchase once Jab is back from holidays. Exciting.
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| 27 weeks |
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| 27 weeks, oh yeah! |
I am growing fast.
This week I've been doing a little research on alternative approaches to where I would like to give birth. In the US it is uncommon to have a midwife and after watching Ricki Lake's 'Business of being born' I started to think how I wanted to give birth to my child.
When I immediately found out I was pregnant I reached out to my Ob/ Gyn so had thought that I would stick with her, but am thinking maybe not. My Ob/Gyn works with the California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) only.
Ob/ Gyn are are certified in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and my Ob/Gyn 'Dr Cullan' is wonderful, but Ob/Gyn's are not midwives and are not advocates for home births. They are practiced surgeons and are great to have on hand if there are complications in the pregnancy and if you want a Caesarean (C-Section), but I have been feeling that I want a supportive birth, similar to having a midwife to support you during pregnancy and during the birth. So have been looking around.
I promptly started reaching out to find alternatives to the typical ob/ gyn practice and looking into midwives/ doula's. Through a friend (who has a 4 month baby) I was given the contact of a Doula- Annemarie Russo http://www.wetrustbirth.com/Why_a_Doula.html. Jab and I met her at our home. We spoke about what I am initially wanting as my 'birth plan' . (US term as everyone loves to plan a birth) and suggested possible birthing centers, rather than hospitals to give birth in.
Doula in Greek means a woman who serves. Although when it comes to labour support the doula is a specially trained birth companion (not friend or loved one) who provides labour support and post partum (after the birth).
I've already subscribed to an open house at St Luke's which is affliated with a larger hospital. St Luke's philosophy focuses on the wellness of the mother during childbirth and postpartum.
As for the invasive testing. I've decided not to do the Amnio. I feel confident in the results from the blood tests. I have my 19th week scan next week where we can find out whether it is a boy or a girl. Or will we?
Lots to think about.
