We were beyond blessed to have an amazing birth experience at the Austin Area Birthing Center. A lot of people wonder why we chose to go the birthing center route so I'll explain a little bit about what we wanted in prenatal care and the birth.
The most important thing to me was that I was receiving prenatal care somewhere that I felt comfortable. I had heard a little bit about the birthing center, so when we found out we were expecting we scheduled a tour. The whole atmosphere was very homey and comfortable, and the ladies who work at the front desk were amazingly friendly (I have a big thing about friendly receptionists).
I also liked the idea of having a natural birth, which I felt would be impossible for me if I had any other option. I know myself well enough that when the going got tough in the pain department, I would definitely give in to an epidural if given the option. Delivering at the birthing center took care of that problem, because they can't give any medication, much less an epidural. Not that I think anything is wrong with getting an epidural, I just really wanted to trust that God created my body in a perfect way to nurture and deliver our baby into this world.
As we continued our prenatal care, both Andy and I became increasingly impressed with the care we were receiving. Each midwife that we met with made us feel so comfortable and they were all so knowledgeable about natural ways to have a healthy pregnancy. Even the way they treated the baby was special. It seemed like they felt privileged to be able to feel him and listen to his heartbeat.
The more I learned about natural birth, the more I knew it was the right decision for me and for our baby.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Friday, May 18, 2012
Good Eats
My new found love for Google Reader (I know that I am extremely late on this bandwagon) and Pinterest have encouraged me to get in the kitchen a little bit more often. I'm also really working on cutting carbs and sugars down to a minimum (the midwife says that excess sugar and carbs are what grows big babies in the third trimester and the thought of a natural birth of a large baby has me motivated to watch what I eat).
A while back I found Mark Bitman's Food Matters cookbook at Half Price Books for less than $10 and I have been trying some recipes from there. I really like his food philosophy- eat whole foods and enjoy in moderation, and keep in mind how what you eat impacts the world around you. He's pretty "granola," but in a more sensible way that some. My favorite recipe that I have made from there is "Beans and Greens." It was a great way to hide some veggies into my meal, since pregnancy has made me revert to my childhood hatred of vegetables.
Here is the recipe:
1. Saute an onion and some garlic in olive oil for 5-7 minutes. Add some chili powder (a teaspoon or so) and some cumin and some red pepper flakes if you want. Cook a little longer.
2. Add about a pound of kale to the pan and cook until the kale wilts.
3. Add a can of black beans (drained, liquid reserved) and cook to heat beans.
4. Use a potato masher to mash up the beans. Add some of the bean liquid if it seems dry.
5. Put the bean/kale mixture into a tortilla, roll up and serve. The make great leftovers for lunches, and I hear they freeze well, too.
No picture of the final product because I was too busy eating it. That's the difference between me and people who write real food blogs. They take beautiful pictures of their food before they eat it. I just eat it.
Final ratings:
• Me: GREAT because it was super easy, made good leftovers and tasted great!
• Husband: GOOD because I ate vegetables and the taste was tolerable. Complaints: no meat, whole wheat tortillas are "like the desert in my mouth."
A while back I found Mark Bitman's Food Matters cookbook at Half Price Books for less than $10 and I have been trying some recipes from there. I really like his food philosophy- eat whole foods and enjoy in moderation, and keep in mind how what you eat impacts the world around you. He's pretty "granola," but in a more sensible way that some. My favorite recipe that I have made from there is "Beans and Greens." It was a great way to hide some veggies into my meal, since pregnancy has made me revert to my childhood hatred of vegetables.
Here is the recipe:
1. Saute an onion and some garlic in olive oil for 5-7 minutes. Add some chili powder (a teaspoon or so) and some cumin and some red pepper flakes if you want. Cook a little longer.
2. Add about a pound of kale to the pan and cook until the kale wilts.
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| Mmm. Kale. And amateur iPhone phootgraphy. |
3. Add a can of black beans (drained, liquid reserved) and cook to heat beans.
4. Use a potato masher to mash up the beans. Add some of the bean liquid if it seems dry.
 |
| Mashing beans. One pan dinner- sign me up! |
No picture of the final product because I was too busy eating it. That's the difference between me and people who write real food blogs. They take beautiful pictures of their food before they eat it. I just eat it.
Final ratings:
• Me: GREAT because it was super easy, made good leftovers and tasted great!
• Husband: GOOD because I ate vegetables and the taste was tolerable. Complaints: no meat, whole wheat tortillas are "like the desert in my mouth."
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Green and gray for Baby P?
A nursery mood board that we really love. Maybe our final nursery decision? We shall see.
I think I really can say "we" for this one. I can convince Andy that we need anything if it's green or coordinates with green. Too bad it's not yellow, because yellow is much more in style right now. But I think I can make green work in the nursery...especially with Etsy close by.
We registered at Target and Babies 'R' Us this weekend. People who design nurseries like the one above definitely do not shop at Babies 'R' Us or Target. After registering at Babies R Us, I was looking through one of the free magazines they gave us and I came across an advertisement for a sleek looking black and silver pack and play. It said: "Bunnies and pastel pinks may be cute and all, but every woman has her breaking point." My sentiments exactly. Not that there's anything wrong with pastels- I've seen really sweet nursery designs with pastels, it's just what I'm looking for.
Anyway, I realized quickly that they decorative type items I'm looking for will not be purchased in bulk at Babies 'R' Us or Target. Here are a few things I really have my eye on from Etsy (per request of my mom):
Custom bedding might be a bit of a stretch on our budget...but I love it. I really just need the skirt, sheet and changing pad cover. I did find a no-sew crib skirt tutorial, so maybe I'll attempt the skirt myself! How hard can it be? I'm guessing harder than it looks since most people charge around $100 for custom crib sheets....Maybe I'll be feeling adventurous one weekend and attempt it.
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| [source] |
I think I really can say "we" for this one. I can convince Andy that we need anything if it's green or coordinates with green. Too bad it's not yellow, because yellow is much more in style right now. But I think I can make green work in the nursery...especially with Etsy close by.
We registered at Target and Babies 'R' Us this weekend. People who design nurseries like the one above definitely do not shop at Babies 'R' Us or Target. After registering at Babies R Us, I was looking through one of the free magazines they gave us and I came across an advertisement for a sleek looking black and silver pack and play. It said: "Bunnies and pastel pinks may be cute and all, but every woman has her breaking point." My sentiments exactly. Not that there's anything wrong with pastels- I've seen really sweet nursery designs with pastels, it's just what I'm looking for.
Anyway, I realized quickly that they decorative type items I'm looking for will not be purchased in bulk at Babies 'R' Us or Target. Here are a few things I really have my eye on from Etsy (per request of my mom):
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| Ottoman |
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| Bunting |
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| Custom bedding |
Saturday, March 24, 2012
It's a....
BOY!
It's so weird to actually know. For so long we've just been saying "it" or "him or her." Now he has so much more of an identity. I feel like I'm adjusting all over again to having a baby. First I had to adjust to the fact that a little person was going to join our family and now I have to adjust to the fact that a little BOY person will be joining our family.
As for names, I promise we will name our child before we leave the birthing center. But probably not before we meet him. I just don't see my indecisive self and my think-everything-through-one-million-times husband coming to a decision anytime soon. For now, he is Baby Boy.
I can also narrow down my nursery ideas, even though I don't really like all girly or all boyish nurseries. Basically, I want a bright and colorful nursery that will grow with him. And items that can be used outside of a nursery (read: I don't want everything in the nursery to have a lion or a sports item or a train...).
I like this design board/color scheme a lot:
The sad news about this design board is that my favorite part, and probably the only thing I can actually afford is the scalloped flags (no. 11 at the top) is an Etsy find that sold out. Let me know if you find anything similar!
Last but not least, 21 weeks and finally looking more pregnant. As Andy put it, "You look pregnant now!"
It's so weird to actually know. For so long we've just been saying "it" or "him or her." Now he has so much more of an identity. I feel like I'm adjusting all over again to having a baby. First I had to adjust to the fact that a little person was going to join our family and now I have to adjust to the fact that a little BOY person will be joining our family.
As for names, I promise we will name our child before we leave the birthing center. But probably not before we meet him. I just don't see my indecisive self and my think-everything-through-one-million-times husband coming to a decision anytime soon. For now, he is Baby Boy.
I can also narrow down my nursery ideas, even though I don't really like all girly or all boyish nurseries. Basically, I want a bright and colorful nursery that will grow with him. And items that can be used outside of a nursery (read: I don't want everything in the nursery to have a lion or a sports item or a train...).
I like this design board/color scheme a lot:
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| Source |
Last but not least, 21 weeks and finally looking more pregnant. As Andy put it, "You look pregnant now!"
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Productive
Today we:
1. Rearranged our bedroom. Andy didn't want our head by the window anymore, since our window overlooks the parking lot and we can never sleep with the windows open because it is way too loud. I mean come on people, is it really necessary to take that speed bump at 30 MPH in the middle of the night?
2. Filed our taxes. Go me.
3. Mentally spent our tax return at IKEA on furniture for Baby's room. Not that the baby has a room yet. But he or she will, eventually. And when that time comes, there will need to be furniture! Here's what we are loving so far:
I'm kind of obsessed with the new gray-brown color at Ikea. I was originally thinking we would go with white furniture, but since we won't be able to paint the walls I think this color will stand out without being obnoxious. Plus, I want to do bright colored accessories for the rest of the nursery like...
....this for a girl...
....or this for a boy...
We are pretty set on the crib and dresser (right design and the price is right!). We are still thinking about the chair. It's not really super cheap, but it was cozy and small. We are into small things right now since our apartment feels incredibly packed full. I don't anticipate that wherever we move will have that big of a room for the baby either.
Today was my first day of spring break without a nap, which means it's nearly my bedtime! I sure am going to miss spring break when it leaves.
1. Rearranged our bedroom. Andy didn't want our head by the window anymore, since our window overlooks the parking lot and we can never sleep with the windows open because it is way too loud. I mean come on people, is it really necessary to take that speed bump at 30 MPH in the middle of the night?
2. Filed our taxes. Go me.
3. Mentally spent our tax return at IKEA on furniture for Baby's room. Not that the baby has a room yet. But he or she will, eventually. And when that time comes, there will need to be furniture! Here's what we are loving so far:
I'm kind of obsessed with the new gray-brown color at Ikea. I was originally thinking we would go with white furniture, but since we won't be able to paint the walls I think this color will stand out without being obnoxious. Plus, I want to do bright colored accessories for the rest of the nursery like...
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| from Anthropology and only $24 |
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| From Urban Outfitters ($39-$74, depending on size) |
We are pretty set on the crib and dresser (right design and the price is right!). We are still thinking about the chair. It's not really super cheap, but it was cozy and small. We are into small things right now since our apartment feels incredibly packed full. I don't anticipate that wherever we move will have that big of a room for the baby either.
Today was my first day of spring break without a nap, which means it's nearly my bedtime! I sure am going to miss spring break when it leaves.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Spring!
Spring is springing around Austin. We have already had several days in the 80's. I love it! Although the past couple of days have been gross and rainy. I'm trying hard not to complain about the rain, because I know how much central Texas needs rain. Plus, staying inside to clean house and do homework is much easier when it's rainy outside. (We did 6 loads of laundry yesterday, and we're still going. I guess we were a little bit behind...oops!)
Here are a couple of pictures from the other weekend when we decided to boycott homework and enjoy the spring weather. Austin is much prettier these days, since it's been raining.
And a quick baby update...
I'm feeling good pretty good. I started feeling baby move around 17 weeks, but wasn't quite sure if that what it was. Now, I'm sure that's what it is and he or she is pretty active! Last Monday we had a check up and we could hardly hear the heartbeat because baby was moving so much. ADHD already...great! Andy is anxious to feel the baby move, but it's hard to catch it. We have our 20 week ultrasound next week and we are really excited to see baby again...looking more human than alien this time. We do plan to find out if we are having a boy or a girl, if baby will cooperate. Any guesses?
Here's a picture that I am posting begrudgingly. I am not a fan of taking picture of my belly. I love looking at other people's pictures of their growing bumps but I just feel awkward! It doesn't help that I still just feel fat, not so much pregnant. All that to say, don't expect too many pictures!
Here are a couple of pictures from the other weekend when we decided to boycott homework and enjoy the spring weather. Austin is much prettier these days, since it's been raining.
And a quick baby update...
I'm feeling good pretty good. I started feeling baby move around 17 weeks, but wasn't quite sure if that what it was. Now, I'm sure that's what it is and he or she is pretty active! Last Monday we had a check up and we could hardly hear the heartbeat because baby was moving so much. ADHD already...great! Andy is anxious to feel the baby move, but it's hard to catch it. We have our 20 week ultrasound next week and we are really excited to see baby again...looking more human than alien this time. We do plan to find out if we are having a boy or a girl, if baby will cooperate. Any guesses?
Here's a picture that I am posting begrudgingly. I am not a fan of taking picture of my belly. I love looking at other people's pictures of their growing bumps but I just feel awkward! It doesn't help that I still just feel fat, not so much pregnant. All that to say, don't expect too many pictures!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
And we're back
This is what has happened since last time I blogged:
August: I got hired to teach 5th grade. Six days before school started. I worked a lot with the 5th grade team last year and I felt beyond blessed to be chosen to join them this year. Although, 6 days is not a lot of time to get a classroom set up and wrap your brain around teaching 5th grade.
September: I started getting to know 22 ten year olds who have so far this year have made me laugh much more than they've made me cry. (I don't think I've actually cried yet...just felt like it).
I also visited my sister, brother in law and one week old niece. Being an aunt is the best! We shared lots of cuddles and a major diaper blow out, too.
October: I can't really think of anything big that happened this month...Halloween with 5th graders was not that fun...neither was the day after Halloween, but we survived.
November: Annie came to visit! We had so much fun showing her around Austin- the weather was beautiful and we ate A LOT of really good food. I really love that girl! I have no pictures of our adventures because she never sent them to me (HINT HINT, if you're reading this, Annie).
We headed to Houston for Thanksgiving with Chris, Connie and the girls. By the end of Thanksgiving Day we were starting to feel very suspicious that this:
might be the case. This was right before church and we decided to keep the secret to ourselves for a little while, but we were afraid that we would not be able to act normal. We pulled it off though.
December: My sister, brother-in-law and niece came to Austin. We had so much fun!
I gave this to my sister for Christmas. She was excited. Brian was confused.
We drove to Alabama right after Brian, Alaura and Adalee left. I was really nervous about being in the car for that long, but it all turned out okay. We gave a picture frame similar to the one above to Andy's parents the night we got there. Alaura brought my parents and other sister theirs and our secret was officially out of the bag to our families and close friends.
January: This accessory was added to the front seat of the car after a bad experience with driving to work and scrambled eggs. Turned out to be much worse for Andy than it was for me. Hence, his insistence on my new traveling companion:
We went to the Austin Area Birthing Center for our first appointment. We heard an amazingly fast heartbeat and saw our little one moving around on the ultrasound screen. It was so exciting, and very surreal. We took these home as our souvenier:
I am 14 weeks right now, feeling much better, and the cat is officially out of the bag- we are having a baby! August 3rd is the due date. I'm really looking forward to looking pregnant instead of like I've eaten too much junk food and of course, to feeling the baby move in the next few weeks (hopefully...it can be anywhere from 14-22 weeks before that first kick is felt for sure).
I have officially wasted a large portion of my morning collecting pictures from various sources and putting this blog together. Saturday mornings are supposed to be set aside for doing homework. Oops. The good news is that next week is three days of professional development in my district. Three days without kids. Don't get me wrong, I do love them. But I find they are much cuter when I haven't seen them for a while. :)
Hopefully I will be a little better about blogging, now that there are more exciting things to blog about. :)
August: I got hired to teach 5th grade. Six days before school started. I worked a lot with the 5th grade team last year and I felt beyond blessed to be chosen to join them this year. Although, 6 days is not a lot of time to get a classroom set up and wrap your brain around teaching 5th grade.
September: I started getting to know 22 ten year olds who have so far this year have made me laugh much more than they've made me cry. (I don't think I've actually cried yet...just felt like it).
I also visited my sister, brother in law and one week old niece. Being an aunt is the best! We shared lots of cuddles and a major diaper blow out, too.
October: I can't really think of anything big that happened this month...Halloween with 5th graders was not that fun...neither was the day after Halloween, but we survived.
November: Annie came to visit! We had so much fun showing her around Austin- the weather was beautiful and we ate A LOT of really good food. I really love that girl! I have no pictures of our adventures because she never sent them to me (HINT HINT, if you're reading this, Annie).
We headed to Houston for Thanksgiving with Chris, Connie and the girls. By the end of Thanksgiving Day we were starting to feel very suspicious that this:
December: My sister, brother-in-law and niece came to Austin. We had so much fun!
I gave this to my sister for Christmas. She was excited. Brian was confused.
We drove to Alabama right after Brian, Alaura and Adalee left. I was really nervous about being in the car for that long, but it all turned out okay. We gave a picture frame similar to the one above to Andy's parents the night we got there. Alaura brought my parents and other sister theirs and our secret was officially out of the bag to our families and close friends.
January: This accessory was added to the front seat of the car after a bad experience with driving to work and scrambled eggs. Turned out to be much worse for Andy than it was for me. Hence, his insistence on my new traveling companion:
We went to the Austin Area Birthing Center for our first appointment. We heard an amazingly fast heartbeat and saw our little one moving around on the ultrasound screen. It was so exciting, and very surreal. We took these home as our souvenier:
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| Top right is the head, bottom left the rump. Baby measured a little over one inch- 10 weeks exactly. |
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| Close up of baby's face, with the hand on the left, next to the mouth. I know, it's hard to see/understand. I still think it's cute. |
I am 14 weeks right now, feeling much better, and the cat is officially out of the bag- we are having a baby! August 3rd is the due date. I'm really looking forward to looking pregnant instead of like I've eaten too much junk food and of course, to feeling the baby move in the next few weeks (hopefully...it can be anywhere from 14-22 weeks before that first kick is felt for sure).
I have officially wasted a large portion of my morning collecting pictures from various sources and putting this blog together. Saturday mornings are supposed to be set aside for doing homework. Oops. The good news is that next week is three days of professional development in my district. Three days without kids. Don't get me wrong, I do love them. But I find they are much cuter when I haven't seen them for a while. :)
Hopefully I will be a little better about blogging, now that there are more exciting things to blog about. :)
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