I have really been thinking about and learning a LOT in the past few weeks. Like I mentioned in an earlier post, I have been really enjoying and benefiting a lot from Every Child Succeeds, and am really thankful to be a part of that program. We have also been taking some parenting classes through PregnancyCare of Cincinnati. Those have been both informative and helpful as well. Topics in that class included labor and delivery, breastfeeding, SIDS, post partum depression, shaken baby syndrome, infant massage, and car seat safety. Dan and I have been going through those classes together, which has also been a great bonding experience for the two of us in preparation for the little one.
We also took a childbirth education class through Good Sam. That was really informative and helped ease my nerves about something that was going to happen to me that I knew VERY little about. I find that so interesting. It seems like since our society doesnt really live in community anymore, a lot of things that would have been normal and part of life for our ancestors has to be taught and learned because we have little to no exposure to it. I find that to be true with most baby topics--breastfeeding and labor/delivery especially. At least for me its true.
I'm getting so excited to meet our little Geoffrey! I had an ultrasound on October 17 which confirmed I no longer had placenta previa and am able to have a vaginal birth. I was so thrilled with that news! If I have to have an emergency c-section thats one thing, but I'm happy it doesnt have to be scheduled. Anyway, at the ultrasound, it showed he was developing right on track and had some hair floating around. (Which I only noticed because the tech told me what it was). He was also kinda interacting with the machine on my stonach. The tech would move it around on my belly and again, after the tech pointed it out, we could see his little hands pushing up on the wall of my uterus, almost like he was saying, "Get off!" It was really cute to see that. :) Its really fun to imagine who hes going to resemble or what his personality will be like.
I had all my baby showers and was completely overwhelmed with appreciation and thankfulness I can hardly describe it. Everyone was so generous and I did not get anything I didnt need...or didnt want. Everything is useful! One of the biggest surprises was getting our travel system--an infant car seat/stroller combo! A bunch of friends all chipped in, and I was not expecting that at all. What a blessing. It matches our diaper bag too!
In the coming weeks, I hope to read some more and get more information about natural childbirth, completing a birth plan, and gearing up for the huge life changes we are about to endure. I'm excited for this next chapter and am really thankful for all the family and friends who have supported us through it all so far. We are blessed, and God is good.
Until next time...peace be with you.
