Small Baby and Getting Ready

For the past 15 weeks or so, the story has remained the same, our baby is undersized. Erin has been having weekly (and now twice a week) appointments for several months that include and ultrasound, NST, and various other tests but luckily our baby seems to be doing just fine even though she is undersized. Erin is going to see a specialist after school today for confirmation that the baby is not in distress and can stay in for awhile longer. I will be sure to post how that goes.

Knowing that the doctors may decided to take the baby at any time, we felt the need to be prepared going into today's appointment. I installed the car seat in Erin's car yesterday and we packed a hospital bag that I put in my truck. I figure that by being ready, we probably won't have the baby today:)

Found a Pediatrician

Erin and I met with a pediatrician at Mercy Clinics in Johnston today and she was great! She gladly answered all of our questions and was very straight with us. The best part is that by going to this clinic, we will have access to the central clinic downtown that is open on weekends in case of an emergency.

On a side note, I put together the stroller on Sunday night and identified how to install the car seat bases. I think the stroller has more options then my boat does...kids get all the good stuff.

Birthing Class and Baby Showers

We have currently completed the 4th week of a 5 week birthing class that we are taking at Mercy Hospital. The things that we have learned in this class are invaluable and have helped me a lot (and I'm sure Erin too) to calm some fears and take some of the mystery out of what labor and the birth with entail. The 1st week of the class was just an intro to what we would be covering during the class. The 2nd week we covered what to expect during early labor and some suggestions on relaxation techniques. The 3rd week we talked about pain management options of labor and the risks associated with each, as well as the transition phase of labor and breathing techniques to keep from pushing too early. Last week, we discussed ways to push and information about c-sections and what to expect if you have one. Next Sunday will be our last class and we will actually go through a mock labor. I cannot express how helpful this class has been for both Erin and I.

Rarely does a day go by without remembering how blessed Erin and I are to have so many wonderful people, both friends and family, in our lives. From coworkers who help me figure out how to add baby to my medical insurance, to parents who come down to help put together the nursery, and family and friends who throw baby showers for us, I am beyond appreciative. We have been lucky enough to have 4 baby showers and I was able to attend 2 of them including 1 last night thrown by Erin's bible study group. What a fantastic group of men and women! My favorite part was listening to all of their stories about their children/grandchildren/nieces and nephews. It goes to show that every child and every situation is very unique and that is one of the best parts about babies and children.