Birth Choices

I honestly love being pregnant. I love bringing babies into this world and watching them grow, teaching them the best that I can. I've always wanted as many kids as I could have.. but now, I'm wondering if this might be our last. It makes me terribly sad to say that, and I hope that years down the road we can still have at least one more, but as the birth gets closer, I get more and more worried.

My options for birth are a repeat C-section or a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). While I believe the c-section with Aeson was meant to be (there was a knot in the cord that could have tightened while trying to move him into a head down position, which would have cut off his oxygen supply), I really wish I'd never had to have one so I didn't have to worry about these two options.

C-sections are risky, just like any other surgery. There's risk of cutting other organs, cutting the baby, infection, blood loss, higher rates of baby having breathing problems, etc. I would never choose to have any surgery if I could at all help it. My c-section with Aeson left me sore for a long, long time afterwards, and I even still get sore from time to time. I also hate that the baby is taken immediately away from you, and you don't get to see them for an hour. I don't believe that's the way it should be or a good beginning. Not to mention, I'm going to be going to school when I have the baby and really can't afford to take weeks off. There's a longer hospital stay, and you're not allowed to drive for 2 weeks after. C-sections also get more risky the more you have.

So, I thought that VBAC was my choice. As I've gone through the pregnancy, though, it seems as though stories continue to pop up about people choosing to have a c-section and having a 'window' in their uterus that the baby can be seen through- something that may mean it would have ruptured during a VBAC, and they were lucky they chose a repeat c-section. I have, however, also read and been told that women who do successfully have a VBAC may also have that window and it never ruptures. With a VBAC, there really aren't any big risks (like the extensive list with a c-section) but the ONE big risk is your uterus rupturing. This is estimated to be less than 1 in 100 (versus each of the risks of a c-section being 1-2 in 100); however, the effects can be horrible. It can lead to a hysterectomy, baby's death (or long-term consequences b/c baby is cut off from oxygen and everything until they can get mom to surgery and get baby out), or even maternal death. I made the mistake of reading VBAC stories that had gone wrong the other day, and they were so, so sad and so, so scary. So while there's less of a chance of something happening, if something DID happen, it could obviously be much worse.

So how in the world do you make a decision between those two things? I keep trying not to worry about it. Our determining factor was going to be the sonogram that we'll be getting around 34 weeks. Baby's been breech or transverse so far, so if she stays that way, we'll have to go with c-section. If she goes head down, we'd be able to try for a VBAC. My chiropractor is planning on starting to do the Webster technique around 28 weeks, which basically makes sure everything's in place so baby can move head down if she wants to. So anyway, I guess I'm just hoping that the sonogram will be the deciding factor for us and whichever way that is will be the right way.

Who knew pregnancy and childbirth could be so scary! :(

Christmas tree, classes, baby girl things

We put up our Christmas tree this past weekend! Can you believe it?! It's the earliest we've ever put it up! Eric had the weekend off work, though, which is an unusual occurrence, so we figured we better take advantage of it. It's a little strange, because it's been almost 70 degrees here! Very nice for mid-November! The kids have loved having it up. Westen turns the lights on every evening and off every morning. Aeson enjoys taking the ornaments off the tree AND taking our stockings down! Westen REALLY wanted to have colored lights and a star on top (we usually have white lights and a ribbon on top), so we let him pick those out. We had fun putting it up, but I admit it did feel pretty weird with it not even being Thanksgiving yet!

We're wrapping up the end of the semester! We've lost about half the class in A&P - most dropped after the last test. I think there are 13 of us left.. and I believe only 8 are getting a C or above. I'm THANKFULLY getting a 96% right now. It has been a LOT of work, but it IS really interesting. I've learned all sorts of things about the body. The body really is amazing! Chemistry has not been near as bad as I thought it would be. Our teacher is so sweet and kind, and she really makes things much easier than they would be in any other class, I'm sure! My other two classes have been online, which is nice not to have to go to class, but they have added a LOT of extra work. Nutrition was actually really interesting, but there's no way I can remember all that stuff! Lifespan was really a waste of time b/c I'd already taken the class 6 years ago but had to retake it b/c it had been over 5 years.. grr! I have been so lucky that I've felt really well during this semester. I've only missed one chemistry class (on Halloween- to take the kids trick-or-treating) & had to leave one A&P class a little early. Both teachers let me make up everything without missing any points. I do homework constantly, but I just hope it will be worth it in the end! There's a general test (TEAS) you have to take as part of your application for nursing school, and I really need to get that done. It's hard to find the time for anything extra!

We went to a holiday bazaar this past weekend, and I bought more girly things. I certainly hope baby's a girl, or I'm going to be out a lot of money! :) I bought a pair of adorable pink baby legs and some really nice burp cloths a lady makes. We have the bassinet already next to the bed, and it is FILLED with baby things. We REALLY need to get a dresser. I also go very lucky and a friend (who's a photographer) was selling all her headbands, flowers, and hats, and I got a great deal on all of those! I'm super thankful for the 'for sale in' sites on facebook, because I've so far gotten ALL the clothes from there & they're super cheap & you can't even tell they've been used! I'm anxious to start on the bedroom.. hopefully during Christmas break.

Aeson had his sonogram and bloodwork last week, and he did SO great. He took a toy with him and played with that while they did the sono. He got a little whiny at the end but I think he was just sick of lying there. They only had to stick him once for the bloodwork, and he didn't even do anything until after they took the needle out and he said "owww." I hate that he has to go through this, but he's such a strong boy. While we were there, I realized that when he's due for it all again, I'm not sure I'll be taking him because that's when baby will be due! The three months between always go by SO fast, so it was quite a shock realizing that! Oh, and excellent news was that his AFP level was back down to normal - SUCH a relief! Sono came back normal too!

Changing Bedrooms

Did I never update about my last sonogram?! I was just looking back, and I don't think I did! All looked well with it, which is a relief, and baby still appears to be a girl! The sonogram tech said you would definitely see it if it was a boy, but she said she thinks saving receipts is always a good idea. I just feel like you can't know for sure when they say it's a girl. With a boy, if it's there, it's there! But when they say girl, maybe they just aren't getting a good angle or who knows. I've known people who have been told wrong, so it makes me nervous! I have been buying girl stuff since then. We've got quite the collection of clothes already. I was going to sell our boy clothes for the extra money, but now I'm not sure if I should or not!

We switched bedrooms in preparation for baby last week. We'd gotten all of Westen's things out of his room and Eric worked hard on it, scraping wallpaper, sanding, and finally painting it. While all this was going on, we had all three beds in our bedroom! The kids loved it, and I have to admit I liked having them close too! After the room was ready, we moved all of our things in there and put both the boys beds and toys in our (old) room. We both really like how it turned out. It definitely has a much better feel! Now Aeson's old room is ready to prepare for baby girl!

Aeson's really done very well with the change too. The first night, I think he only got up once. The nights after, he was up several times. Then the night before last, he slept ALL night in his bed... but then last night came in several times before I was too tired and let him sleep with us. I never get any sleep when I let him, though, so I'm going to have to just get up, no matter how tired I am! Good news is even when he has gotten up, there have been no tears, and he goes back to bed easily. I'm sure he'll get used to it soon. He's actually doing far better than I thought he would.

We don't have long left in school! A week and a half until Thanksgiving Break & then only 3 weeks after that. I've really surprised myself with how well I've been able to do going full-time. I hadn't done that since having babies, so I was unsure! A&P has been the hardest but also the most interesting class. We just had our second test, and unfortunately over half the class is failing the class. Apparently that's normal with A&P! Luckily, I'm getting an A. I've worked very hard for that A, though! We have a couple big projects coming up in other classes, so I'm definitely looking forward to the breaks. I'll be glad to be done with the stress for a little while!

My birthday!

Yesterday was my 28th birthday! My camera batteries were dead, so I didn't get any pictures, but we did get some of it on video camera!

We were planning to have a get together at our house, but hardly anyone was able to make it, and we were all feeling pretty crummy the couple days before, so we decided to cancel it. I was pretty bummed, but it still ended up being okay.

Eric had the day off of work. We spent the morning doing things around the house.. nothing special!.. and finishing our grocery shopping (poor Acey had fallen asleep in the cart the day before when I'd started, so I just stopped & headed home to get him to bed!). I got a very nice card from my grandma and some birthday money, so I took us out to eat for lunch. We actually got a nap that afternoon, and Westen sat in bed brushing my hair the entire time! I loved it! Both boys kept telling me "happy birthday" all day. They're so sweet. :)

My sister, brother-in-law, and nephew came over for dinner. I just made some simple appetizer stuff, so I didn't have to actually cook anything! We played board games and hung out for the evening. The kids enjoyed singing me happy birthday, and we had brownies & ice cream for dessert.

One of my friends stopped by with a gift, which was soap, lotion, lip gloss, a candle, and some hand soap.. The hand soap is something like caramel expresso pumpkin or something like that - It is so me! My sister got me a new water bottle, measuring cups and spoons, and a cook book with freezer recipes! I can't wait to look through it and pick out things to freeze for after baby! She got some other things too, but my brain isn't remembering them right now! They were all such thoughtful gifts. I got a gift card for the coffee shop I love from my dad's wife, and I got more birthday money from my in-law's and my mom. I rarely spend money on myself.. I hesitate to buy even little things like makeup and nail polish.. so I'm planning on buying some of those things for myself with the money- and a couple of other things I need!

Fall Activities

We've done lots of fun stuff this fall.. We decorated the yard for Halloween, went to the pumpkin patch, painted my baby belly as a pumpkin, painted little pumpkins, carved big ones, made pumpkin cookies & decorated them, and of course went trick-or-treating. Westen's class also made a trip to the pumpkin farm that Grandma Martha was able to go on with him, and I was able to walk in his school Halloween parade with him and help with the party afterward! Most of my pics on are facebook, but here's a few extra!

Aeson's is on the left, Westen's on the right

Halloween jammies :)

Can you guess who carved each one?

After Halloween, Westen brought home a turkey to disguise as part of our family. We cut, glued, and decorated it together. We decided on Batman, since we have LOTS of those toys. It was a fun activity!

Just some fall updates..

A few kid updates:

Westen is learning so much in school. He's constantly pointing out letters, saying words and what letter they start with, or asking questions about letters. I'm glad he's getting into it and getting excited about it, because that's something I was never able to get him to do!

I love the sentences Aeson comes up with. He's been asking a lot "What's that sound like?" whenever he hears a noise. He also always asks "How was class?" when I get home. :) And I LOVE how he says "I lub (love) you." His cuddles are the best. He wants to see 'baby' (my belly) a lot, and the other day, he said "I lub baby." It was so cute and just out of the blue! Westen has loved feeling the baby move. I love that he really understands what's going on this time and is able to experience all of that with us!

I think baby number 3 had the hiccups yesterday for the first time.. Or I felt them for the first time anyway. I'm 21 weeks, which means I'm officially past the halfway point and it's only downhill from here! I can hardly believe it. It seems like there's still so much to buy and so much to do. Our sonogram at our doctor's office is the 27th, and I literally can't wait! We bought a bassinet the other day that is super cute. I also couldn't help but buy some headbands while on Scenic Drive.. I'm waiting to buy anything girl until (and if) it's confirmed, but these were super cute and I figured if I don't end up having a girl, someone will & I can give them to them!

Speaking of, my sister and her husband found out last week they're having another boy! She's really excited, because she'd really wanted another boy. Her son will be just over two years old when she has the new baby, so they'll be close in age. I think she's lucky, because she won't have to buy anything either! I didn't realize how much you have to buy when it's not your first baby and you have a different sex!

Speaking of THAT, Aeson broke his changing table this week! Grr.. Combining that with the fact that I don't think you're even supposed to use the kind of crib we have anymore, I think we're going to have to buy all new furniture for the baby's room. Not something I had planned on!

Every time we get stressed financially, though, it reminds me why I'm going to school. School is going better, I think. I'm getting A's in all of my classes except one (which is 2% away from an A - and I just did extra credit worth 50 points!), but there's still a lot of the semester left. A&P is the hardest class ever.. There is just SO much information. Instead of being a 2 semester class, I think it should be a 4 semester class! I registered for the second semester with a different teacher, and I found out I can take the chemistry class I need ONLINE next semester! I'm already worried about leaving the baby for the one class, but at least it is only one. I also talked to SRC about their nursing program and the advisor made it seem there like I would have no problem getting in as well. We'll see!

We had family pictures taken last weekend, and they turned out so good! We hadn't had family pictures taken since before I even found out I was pregnant with Aeson! Thank you all for your compliments by the way!

We carved pumpkins a couple of nights ago. Westen drew his face and carved it almost completely on his own! Aeson chose a cat for me to do. :) I'll post pictures soon!

Bottled Water

For extra credit, we were able to go to my school to watch the documentary Tapped. It was extremely interesting to me and completely changed what I'm doing! It's basically about the bottled water industry. I learned the following:

-The water bottling companies are able to come into towns, take the water, and give nothing in return. They are allowed to do this FOR FREE.

-Even when 35 states were having drought conditions, the companies still continued to take the water.

-The bottles with PET or PETE on them are made from crude oil.

-They interviewed people living around the largest bottle making factory, and everyone living around there was very sick. They also had an 84% higher rate of birth defects in that county versus those surrounding.

-Tap water is highly regulated. It is tested many times a day to make sure it's safe for human consumption. There are NO regulations like this with bottled water. The companies don't have to test, and they don't have to show anyone any testing results if they do test. They're basically unregulated. Most bottled water is made and purchased within state lines, so all of those escape FDA regulation. There is ONE person, for whom ONE of her jobs is regulating bottled water that crosses state lines. Again, though, there is no testing of the water that's mandatory or anything.

-They took bottled water directly off the shelf and tested some immediately and some after sitting in a car for a week. It was horrible everything they found in the water. They've found arsenic, bacteria, plastic leeching, a chemical used in paint thinner, cancer causing chemicals, and chemicals that are neurotoxins and have been shown to have adverse reproductive outcomes. The larger (hard plastic) bottles usually contain BPA, which has also been linked to obesity, cancer, ADHD, diabetes, low sperm count, and many diseases.

-Regarding recycling of the bottles, less than 50% of people have access to curbside recycling. The bottles are taking over trash and there is SO much plastic in the ocean.

-They also discussed (which I've always agreed with) how absurd it is to take something that should be a basic right and market it. There is also concern about having enough drinkable water in the future.

There was so much more, so I definitely recommend watching the documentary, but these were the things I found most important. I felt horribly guilty sitting there, pregnant, with a bottle of water in front of me! They did discuss pregnancy briefly and giving your children bottled water too, without even thinking of what could be in the water or the bottle. Before this, I'd always thought bottled water was cleaner or safer.. I suppose they spend a lot of money to market that! (They did have representatives from the biggest bottlers on there.. who were really speechless several times!) Now that I know all this, I couldn't help but share with others. I can no longer consciously put a bottle of water to my lips, nor will I give it to my kids if I can at all help it. We have water bottles we can use, and even though I've been drinking tap water since then, I still plan on buying a filter for that as well.