Belly shot: 30 weeks

Don't mind the bum look. This was right after we got out of the car- traveling back from DC!

Wow- time flies.

It's been a long time since I have had time to write out a post. So, lets recap!

Christmas was a success! We split our time between DC and VA. Saw some snow...also saw the Eagles loose to the Redskins. No real surprise there, we will be back next year ;). Also headed downtown and saw the White House trees and Senate tree.

While in VA, I got to see my 3 sisters from another mister. It is always so nice to spend time with those ladies.

New Years was a blast. We headed to Charlotte and saw a concert - WideSpread Panic. Had one last fling before the babe arrives. :). We also stopped by Ikea. Insert swoon.

Hypno classes are going really well. Just signed up for a few other baby classes: breastfeeding, baby care and CPR.

All is well on the baby front. Last heart rate was 141- this nugget is not going to give away its identity early.

I think that's it! Time is starting to speed by and we still have a lot to do!

Hypnobirthing

What is Hypnobirthing: A style of childbirth that focuses on relaxation, visualization and mediation. This allows a woman, her body, and her partner the opportunity to have a calm, drama-free and safe birth experience.  Hypnobithing can be thought of as a 'birth management' technique.  Acknowledging each step in the birthing process that the baby must go through to enter the world, respecting that advancement and not rushing through the process.

Hypnobirthing teaches you to trust your whole self, your inner strength, and your primal instincts.

Why J and I chose Hypnobirthing:  Since we got pregnant, we knew that we wanted a natural birth, or as close to one that we could get.  When you decide to go against the 'normal' way of birth (ie an epideral, OBGYN and a hospital bed), you need to be educated and prepared.  So, we began to educate ourselves on the different styles of birth, pain management and outcome - we found a comfort in the idea of Hypnobirthing.  A shared experience for us, as we become a family of 3.

J and I also decided that we wanted to have a Doula.  Some people said "Well, isn't that his job...?" (which was extremely annoying to hear)... but were first timers and want a great birth experience, so a little gentle, encouraging wisdom is needed and welcomed.  We decided that Elizabeth, who teaches Hypnobirthing and is a practicing Doula at Creating Your Calm, was a great fit.

Now we have two Hypno classes under our belt with 3 more classes to go.  We have been given a fair amount of homework; learning the different breathing styles, thinking of birth plans and practicing visualization techniques.  All of which are very exciting and give me many reassuring thoughts :)


xoxo,
kristen

belly shot: 24 weeks

Still not feeling those baby kicks...

I have been dying to feel this little one kicking lately, and it's just not happening. I have felt a thump or flutter here or there- but nothing consistent or obvious!

This week, however, I will be trying a few different ways to get this baby moving. I will keep y'all posted in how that goes ;)

Does anyone have any tricks or tips on this subject??

xoxo,
Kristen

Belly Shot : 21 weeks

xoxo,
Kristen

Baby Lessen!

J and I had our 20 week ultra sound this week!  As many of you know, we don't want to know the sex of the baby...but man, it is getting tough!  J told the UltraSound Tech in the very beginning...no matter what she (being me) says, we DO NOT want to know.  He knows me so well, I definitely had a few moments of weakness during the appointment.  The Tech even offered to write it down and mail it to my best friend, which was a little far - but I appreciated her enthusiasm. 

Baby Lessen is very healthy; all fingers, toes and limbs.

Anyway, the pictures aren't very clear... apparently we have a mover and shaker on our hands :) 

 

Here they are! 

xoxo,

kristen