Hospital Bag List

I feel like we're experts now at the whole hospital stay thing! Now that I know more, I've revised my hospital bag list for the labor/deliver/postpartum stay. Check it out (keep in mind some items are for Daniel's entertainment!):

• The paperwork: birth plan, ID, insurance card
• Make-Up & Toiletry Bag 
• Boppy Pillow (for nursing and for general pillow use)
• Pillow with Pretty Pillowcase (this will be behind my head in lots of photos, why not make a pretty backdrop?)
• Daniel's Phone, full of Harry Connick Jr. music

• Camera with Charger
• My Phone Charger
• Pink Fuzzy Footies (thanks Amy!)
• Lace Maternity/Nursing Robe -- My mom bought this for me while we were in New Orleans, just for this occasion! I had it at the hospital during our current stay, but decided to wait to wear it for the BIG OCCASION! (Mine's like the one here, but blue and brown):

• Nightgowns, Nursing Tops, and Lounge Pants (-- I really prefer to wear my own clothes, even though I know that soe of them may get ruined. It'll help me feel at ease!)
• Nursing Pads, Cream, and Bra
• Kindle & Laptop
• Going Home Outfit (for me)
• Going Home Outfit (for baby)
• Baby Book (to record Jenaleigh's cute little footprints -- thanks Aunt Ann for the baby book!)

• Carseat (preferably in the car, right?)
• Diaper Bag
• Receiving Blankets
• Clothes & Toiletries for Daniel

Additions to the List Due to This 3 Week Hospital Experience:

• Ear Plugs & Eye Mask (I'm not sure if I'll be using them when trying to sleep, since I hope to "room-in"; but, maybe Daniel will use them to get a better night's sleep!)
• Rain Machine (on our alarm clock --- very helpful when trying to block out distracting sounds)
• Aloe & Soft Linen Body, Room, & Linen Spritz (The Body Shop) -- This has been wonderufl to have during this hospital stay. It makes the room smell like home.)

• Change for the Vending Machines
• 2 Bath Towels (The hospital towels are SO scratchy)
• TOILET PAPER (Seriosly. Hospital. TP. Is. Bad.)
• Hair Dryer (I was shocked to learn that Norton's Antepartum Unit didn't have a single hair dryer. Daniel had to go buy me one!)
• Plastic bag for really dirty clothes, another plastic bag for tiny bit dirty clothes

Have I missed anything?

Gifts, Ina May, and Unexpected Tidbits

The lady who brings in the mail commented on how popular I am! I don't think that's what it is at all; rather, I think I've been blessed with friends and family who are extremely caring and giving! 

Speaking of... my good friend Robin just sent me a care package -- a kit to make felt cookies for Jenaleigh! The end product will be this:

I'll have to post a picture of one of mine when I finish to see if I can do it as beautifully as Robin! Read more about how to make these super cute cookies here: http://gotthegreenegenes.blogspot.com/2011/04/felt-cookies-tutorial-to-help-pass-time.html

I also received a beautiful "basket of sunshine" full of daisies topped off with a Willow Tree Angel from Lisa and Theresa (two fabulous ladies I was privileged to get to know while growing up):

Here's the Sunshine Willow that came with the flowers: 

Add to that the flowers I received last week from my aunt & uncle, the abundance of cards, and the 3 care baskets/boxes --- my room is overflowing with love! Thank you all!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On the pregnancy front today... I reread Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth and my wishes and hopes for a natural childbirth experience were reaffirmed. I was starting to completely give up on them due to this whole hospital experience, but I've been renewed! I believe in my body's ability, and I believe that if the circumstances cooperate, I can do it without medication or other invasive medical procedures. However, I am going to revise my birth plan a little to reflect some considerations due to my Arixtra injections, but I'm still hoping to go 99.99% "natural". But, rest assured, I know plans sometime change (see Suzanne's birth story here).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8 Unexpected Pregnancy Tidbits

(I didn't know about until I became pregnant...)

1. Super Crazy Sense of Smell. For example, the flowers that my mom brought last week... everyone else had stopped detecting their aroma after 30 minutes or so. For me? I was still smelling them for a couple of hours!

2. People Like to Scare You. I don't know how many labor horror stories I've heard. Or how breastfeeding is just impossible. Or how I'll never have another full nights' sleep until I'm 70 years old. You get the picture! There is a very fine line between helpful advice and just wanting to scare the pregnant lady, and I'm thinking some people get their thrill from making us panic! ;-)

3. Cry Baby Cry. The silliest things make me cry. For example, Daniel told me a story about how he went to Disney the summer before he entered fifth grade. That fall when he returned to school he was sharing with the other kids what he did over summer break -- Disney! The other kids started making fun of him, because he was too old to go to Disney World! HOW SAD! Okay, maybe it's not that sad, but it made be bawl like a baby!!

4. New Vocabulary Words. (http://babyhowellblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-8-hospital-bedrest.html)

5. Baby kicks can hurt! I love feeling my baby move. Hands down the BEST feeling in the world. However, sometimes it not only startles me but hurts me! That being said, don’t stop a-kickin’, baby!

6. Weird Shaped Belly. Not all women get the cute round basketball belly. I always envisioned my stomach would be enourmous, poking far far out. Well, that’s not really happening with me. Sure, my profile pic on Facebook looks cute, but it was partially the shirt and partially the angle the picture was taken. I do have a much bigger belly than pre-pregnancy, but I didn’t know that it wouldn’t look like all those posterchilds for pregnancy!

7. Breathing & Eating Take Effort. Towards the end, all of your organs are being squished up by the uterus  and it becomes difficult to breath or even eat much.

8. Bashful? Who Me? I'm pretty sure I never would have freely talked about discharge, cervixes, or uteri (is that the plural of uterus?) before pregnancy. Now, I don't even flinch!

Did you learn anything about pregnancy while pregnant that you never knew before? 

34 Weeks | Day 15 of Hospital 'Bedrest'

Today marks the completion of two full weeks in the hospital - meaning I've only got 7 to go! But, more importantly... I'm 34 weeks today! Woohooo! This is such good news, because babies born between 34-37 usually have no lasting health problems because of pre-term labor and have only a short (if any) stay in the hospital after birth. No, no, I don't think Jenaleigh will be greeting the world anytime before 37 weeks, but it's still great to know she's would be greatly developed and mostly okay if she did arrive this soon!

Ultrasound Day
The first ultrasound I had here at the hospital was technically on a Thursday, meaning 13 days ago. However, I've been pestering Debbie (the U/S tech) enough about doing another measurement check on Jenaleigh that I think she bent the rules and went ahead and did another one today even though they're supposed to wait 14 days between measurements!


So, at first, the student (ultrasound tech in training) did all the measurements. I could tell by looking on the screen that they were on the looooooooooow side (for example, her skull put her in the 1.4 percentile with an EDD of 6/11!). Then Debbie did the measurements. With Debbie's measurements AVERAGED in with the student's, baby's growth was pretty good, and her estimated weight was 4 lbs 11 oz. (a 6 oz gain in 2 weeks).


I left the U/S room feeling a little bummed, because I knew that a 4 oz gain in 6 weeks was not a stellar growth. But, it was growth. I sat down in my room for about .23 milliseconds and Debbie (remember, she's the experienced U/S tech) came in there and told me the following:


"I wanted you to know that I just now took out the student's measurements and looked at only mine (not the average of our combined measurements). So, looking at only the measurements I took, your baby's estimated weight is.....


5 POUNDS 9 OUNCES


Seriously? Wow! At 34 weeks gestational age, it looks like our baby is little chubby cutie!


So, in honor of being 34 weeks, I thought I would do a LONG list today (34 items long, to be exact) of random facts about me. So, here goes!


34 Random Facts About this 34 Week Pregnant Lady:

1. Something I look forward to all year long: POLISHING THE PULPIT. If you've never been, you have no idea what you're missing. The spiritual nourishment and fellowship there is, I'm convinced, as close to heaven as we can get on this earth. Consider adding it to your family's budget and calendar this year.
2. Favorite Food:  Too many to name; right now I'm craving a sausage calzone with feta cheese
3. Favorite Candy: Milk Chocolate.
4. Favorite Movie: Fiddler on the Roof
5. Favorite Singer: Harry Connick Jr. To say he's my 'favorite' is an understatement. He IS a musical genius!
6. Favorite Season: Spring. I always get so giddy when the weather starts getting warm!
7. Favorite Day of the week: The Lord's Day, Sunday!
8. Favorite Store: H&M and IKEA. Too bad both are located very far away from us!
9. Favorite Team: THE VOLS (mainly football, but I was into basketball during the Pearl era... I may not be a follower now that he's gone).  I've been going to games for forever, due to a Mom who is equally as loyal to her team.
10. Favorite thing to do on a rainy morning: Drink hot chocolate and just be still.
11. Favorite childhood memory: I have many. But, my favorite is of one particular hot day in the summer when I had gone to stay with my Grandparents. My grandfather made me an ice cream float and then told me we were going "Rabbit Hunting", ie. mowing the grass. I hopped on his lap and was on the look out for bunnies as we rode around (mowing) the large field on their property. (And yes, I know it's not safe to have children on your lap while you're mowing). After we had successfully gone on our rabbit hunt (ie. mowed the entire yard), we went to the shed and pulled out some popsicles waiting just for me in the freezer.
12. I've been to England, Scotland, Costa Rica, Mexico, Kenya, and Africa.
13. I'm an only child.
14. I don't want Jenaleigh to be an only child! (It got lonely being one myself, although my parents did a great job of being my playmates.)
15. I lost 60 pounds in 8th grade. 
16. I gained the "Freshman" 15 my first year in college.
17. I gained 45 pounds after we got married. (I blame Daniel's yummy cooking.)
18. I lost 40 pounds two years ago.
19. I gained 20 pounds back over last summer's vacation and during various traveling gigs.
20. I've gained about 20 pounds thus far during pregnancy. (Did you keep track of all that math??)
21. I struggle with my weight! (In case you couldn't tell from the previous items on this list!)
22. When I'm wide awake, but trying to go to sleep, I'll make up a crazy story (usually about food coming to life) and tell it to Daniel (it definitely puts him to sleep and makes me drowsy to listen to myself).
23. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication with a Concentration in Corporate Communication and a double minor in General Business and Public Relations.
24. I have completed 33 hours towards a Master of Arts in Communication Studies. Yes, that means all of my coursework is finished, with only a thesis waiting to be finished. Someday, maybe.
25. I can play the piano and clarinet well. Other instruments that I am "passable" at include the alto saxophone and xylophone.
26. Truthfully, I think my high school was more difficult (academically speaking) than Austin Peay State University was.... That being said, Westview is a GREAT school with wonderful AP classes.
27. We've toyed with the idea of homeschooling. I won't go into that here and now. But, it may happen.
28. I discouraged Daniel from starting a wedding photography business. I told him that it would never make it. (http://howellphotostudio.com). Now, I'm the main owner/operator/editor/photographer!
29. I got married when I was 18 (1 month shy of 19).
30. For a very long time, I didn't like children.
31. The kids at Sweetwater church of Christ helped me get over my dislike of kiddos! Through teaching them and watching their little minds grow with knowledge of the Lord, I came to understand how much of a blessing children are! Love you -- Sara, Ashton, Krista, Landon, and even Drew! :-)
32. I love being a preacher's wife! It's so much fun to get to know people on a different level and walk with them intimately during their struggles and triumphs.
33. I'm an Aveda girl (if you don't know what I'm talking about click here), through and through (and I miss Scott, Eric, and Christine at Avail). However, due to finances with a new baby, I'm thinking this is one area where I'll need to sacrifice!
34. I've been bitten by a snake. (In a controlled setting...)

Sticking Myself | Day 13 of Hospital 'Bedrest'

8:13 AM

It's 8:13 in the morning and I know in another 47 minutes a nurse will come in here with my Arixtra injection and ask me if I want to try sticking myself. *shivers* I'm trying to psyche myself up to do it! I think I can. I think I can. I think I can. 

I'm not sure if I can! I'll have to when we get home and for 6 weeks after baby gets here, so I've got to bite the bullet sometime. It's not an issue of it hurting, because it really doesn't hurt that bad. Rather, it's me having the control. The control which I normally enjoy having in every other aspect of my life is not something I looking forward to having when sticking a large pointy object into my flesh.

8:45 AM
Julie came in early with the shot today. She knows I'm not looking forward to giving it to myself, so she didn't even ask if I wanted to try. So, I bravely stopped her before she gave it to me, and told her that I wanted to do it.

Then I started to internally panic.

The first step, rubbing the alcohol pad to cleanse the spot I chose, was easy. The second step, sticking the needle in me, took courage. Julie, acting as my cheerleader, said to do it quickly and get it over with. So...

I DID IT!

Yes, I successfully gave myself my first injection of Arixtra. And, you know what? It didn't hurt one single bit. Seriously!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Things Left to Do or Buy

Normally my type A personality would be freaked out by the fact that everything’s not prepared. But, we’ve got the pack ‘n play set up with the bassinet insert ready for her (place to sleep … check!), most of her newborn clothes washed (clothes to wear … check!), and are stockpiled with diapers (something to cover her bottom… check!) Everything else is just a bonus right now!

1.    Finish the nursery

• Assemble the dresser
• Organize EVERYTHING!
• Assemble the swing
• Wash the bedding / Put bedding in crib
• Accessorize the room (I've got all the stuff -- just have to place it)
• Hang the valence over the crib

2.    Buy a baby monitor: We're really pumped about getting an Angelcare monitoring system. So, when Daniel heads to Knoxville at the end of the month, I think I’ll have him pick up the one we registered for at Babies R Us! (Side Note: I know people have mixed feelings about Angelcare, but I think it’s going to give this overanxious mama peace of mind!)

3.    Buy bedding for the pack ‘n play bassinet: I know she could probably sleep in there without a fitted sheet under her if worse came to worse (there’s a mattress insert and a waterproof mattress pad), but I think we’ve gotta get this before she gets here!

The design/pattern of the pack 'n play:

4.  Install the car seat. Wow. I almost forgot about that one! We opted for a Graco travel system:

Well, that’s not too crazy of a list, is it? I think we can get it done. (Oh, and when I say, "we", I mean "DANIEL!")

Chasing Away Negativity + Things I Love About Being Pregnant | Day 11 of Hospital 'Bedrest'

I hope you all don’t mind me being honest and frank. I see this blog as an avenue of sharing my daily thoughts, feelings, and even struggles (and then triumphs over struggles through Him)…

Sometimes, in moments of weakness, I find myself getting disheartened. On March 23rd, I was just a regular 32 week pregnant lady! All I wanted to do was enjoy the last 8 weeks of pregnancy like any other expecting mommy. You know – putting finishing touches on the nursery, enjoying cute maternity summer clothes, picking up last minute baby items, and most importantly  -- having lots of date nights with Daniel, taking advantage of the last days as a family of two.  Then it all changed as I was 'sentenced' to a 3 week hospital stay!

I have to fight those "poor me" thoughts. The second they come into my head they have to be squashed or I will immediately spiral into a cycle of self pity. After all, who am I to complain? I have a loving husband, a healthy baby inside of me (where she should be!), a great prognosis for an uncomplicated rest of the pregnancy, a loving church family, supportive relatives, and most importantly a God who is in control!

See. There. By just listing how abundantly blessed I am, I can’t even remember why I started feeling sorry for myself in the first place! It’s all about perspective and attitude. ‘What you focus on expands.’ (April O Magazine, p.77). Today I choose to focus on my blessings and the Creator who gave them to me. Will you join me in doing so on this Lord’s Day?

-----------------------------------------------------------

I just finished watching Bible study and worship services of the Hardin congregation (thanks Daniel for skyping them to me!). While it’s not the same as being there, it helped me feel a part of the congregation that I’ve so dearly missed! The blessings of opening His Word, studying from it, focusing on the ultimate sacrifice, hearing and singing songs of praise, and going before God’s throne in prayer lifted my spirits and wiped away any hint of negativity I was feeling earlier this morning when I wrote the words above.

In fact, I almost erased that first paragraph to leave behind no record of the ‘Debbie Downer’ I was being. However, I decided to leave them to share with you my struggles - yes, I am a real person. Perhaps you struggle sometimes similarly. If you do, let me make one last plea for you to give thanks for the blessings in your life, focusing on them and on the God who gave them to you!

Join me in thanksgiving! “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” [2 Corinthians 9:15]

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Did you think that I had forgotten a list for today? Umm... Okay, I'll admit it. I almost did forget.


My Favorite Things About Being Pregnant:

1. Hearing baby's heartbeat. The first time D and I heard her heartbeat was at an U/S we had after I was spotting. We were afraid that we would never have the chance to hear her heartbeat; but there it was at a little over 5 weeks! Now I get to hear it every day, two times a day in the hospital!

2. Not having to "suck in". You know what I mean! We ladies never want our stomach pouching out. But, it's a good thing during pregnancy!

3. The kicks and movements. Yes, even the ones that hurt. At 14-15 weeks I started feeling what I described as "butterfly" movements in me. About a month and half later D and I were with my parents in New Orleans. I was eating a muffaletta and starting feeling these weird things go on in my lower abdomen. I was scared! After they kept happening daily, I realized they were Jenaleigh's first BIG movements! How fun!

4. Elastic maternity pants. I remember teasing a friend, Robin, when she finally had to start wearing maternity pants when she was pregnant with her first. But, I didn't know what I was missing! How am I ever going to go back to pants that zip?!

5. Baby showers. I've been blessed with 2 wonderful showers. Thank you Sweetwater and Hardin congregations! I love baby showers!

6. Having my husband put his hand on my stomach and feel our daughter move. Those are some of the sweetest moments to me. Ever.

7. The 'Snoogle' Pregnancy Pillow. LOVE. IT! After Jenaleigh gets here, I have a feeling I'll have to fight Daniel for it. It can be used so many different ways, too. I even use it now during the day in my hospital bed!

8. Pregnancy Brain. Forget to put the clothes in the dryer? Serve spoiled milk? Placed the remote in the 'fridge instead of the basket next to the couch? Just blame it on pregnancy brain!

9. Hiccups! (Hers, not mine...)

10. Knowing that soon, she'll be here and Daniel and I will embark on the best adventure of our lives!

Picture Day & Foods I Miss | Day 9 of Hospital 'Bedrest'

Ultrasound day today! Everything looked great with baby and she was wiggling the whole time. However, she did keep her legs crossed. The tech even remembers us as the couple with the modest baby! That's GREAT news to any mom's ears.

No news with Dr. P., though. He comes in every day, but since nothing exciting is going on with me, we usually end up talking about something besides baby after the perfunctory questions are answered. For example, last night Daniel and Dr. P. bonded over the love of coffee -- strong and black. 

Yesterday I hinted that I might post some pics today. So here they are! ... Take a look at my little corner of home away from home, complete with cards from the kiddos at Hardin, flowers, notes from a few special people, U/ S pics and mementos from home.

I’ve already almost filled the monitor cabinet up, so I’ve started another littler corner of love! And, as I write this, the mail just came with several more cards I'll get to add!

I told Daniel that we really should document us, together, in the hospital. After all, it’s one of our many ‘adventures’. So, here’s a pic of us, even though you can hardly tell we’re in the hospital.

 And this is me (I guess this can be my 33 Week pic), last night! Daniel brought a package full of clothes I had ordered from Old Navy (before the whole hospital thing happened) and so I was trying them on! Cute tunic, isn’t it?!

… on to today’s list …

Top 7 Foods & Drinks I Miss!

*Note, while I may miss these, I would gladly give them up all over again plus a hundred more of my favorite foods for the safety and well being of my baby!

1. Blue Cheese. Blue cheese dressing and crumbled blue cheese over steak. Yum. Blue cheese is a soft cheese and soft cheese made with unpasteurized milk can contain the bacterial listeria, and should be avoided when you’re pregnant.

2. Lots of fish and seafood. Yes, I can have some seafood no more than two times a week. But some weeks I crave seafood every single day. Crab cakes, crab legs, shrimp pasta, salmon patties, seafood gumbo, etc... But, too much mercury has been shown to be damaging to baby, and we DON’T want that!

3. Feta Cheese. Oh how I love feta on pizza. Feta’s a soft cheese, like blue cheese, so it’s a no go.

4. Cold Deli Meats. Yes, I can have deli meats as long as the living daylights are zapped out of them. But, I’d love to just go into Subway and get a 6” turkey sandwich that’s not heated and toasted. Cold, with mayo only, please! Deli meats have been known to be contaminated with listeria, (like unpasteurized soft cheeses) which can cause miscarriage.

5. Chai Tea Lattes. I discovered this drink at Starbucks last winter and was in love. But alas, I gave up caffeine completely during pregnancy. Although most studies show that caffeine intake in moderation is OK, there are others that show that caffeine intake may be related to miscarriages. This mama’s not taking any chances, if she can help it!

6. Route 44 Diet Dr. Pepper (from Sonic). There’s just something about drinking a Diet Dr. Pepper over the chipped ice they serve at Sonic. Again, can’t do it because of the caffeine.

7. Sushi. Oh sushi. How I miss sushi date nights with Daniel. Raw sushi may contain bacteria or even parasites that can make you sick during pregnancy.

What about you? Were there any foods or drinks you craved while pregnant that you just couldn’t have? I’d love to hear from you! Leave your comments below!

Burritos, Sleep, and Vocabulary | Day 8 of Hospital 'Bedrest'

Yay! Theresa’s my nurse again and we’ve already passed several minutes together chatting. I even got to see pictures of her adorable “little man” (16 month old baby). He’s too cute!

I’m counting down the hours until Daniel gets back from Hardin. When he gets here I’m going to decorate the room (maybe I’ll even post some pics of it!), put on some fresh clothes, and spend some time catching up with him --- oh and I’m going to see if he’ll bring me a burrito from Taco Bell. I’ve SO been craving one for the past few days!

Little girl has been active today! Maybe that means she’ll settle down some when it’s bed time. She has this horrible habit of going bonkers right when I’m ready to slumber. I hope that pattern doesn’t continue after she’s born! Speaking of…

One of the things I’m most nervous about is how I’m going to handle the lack of sleep and middle of the night feedings/changings. I know I CAN do it, but can I do it without being a grouch to everyone around me? Just another thing to add to my prayer list – to keep a cheerful disposition with strength to handle my lack of sleep and changing schedule.

Two more pieces of business before today’s list…
1) Please pray for the Mitchell family of Martin, TN. Ashley Mitchell was one of my best friends in high school and was even a bridesmaid in our wedding. Her Grandmother came to live with her family in 2004 after the passing of Ashley’s Grandfather. I just learned yesterday that her Grandmother passed away. Please pray for this family in their time of sorrow. They are such a loving and caring gang who are members of the Martin congregation.
2) Did you check out ‘The Christian Practice’ yesterday? If not, be sure to head over there to read my account of the helicopter ride and its effects on me: http://thechristianpractice.com/2011/03/30/womens-wednesdaycome-take-a-ride-with-me/

TODAY’S LIST
Are you a 'Know-It-All Mama' or a 'Clueless Chica'?

(I’m going to try to have some sort of list featured on the blog daily. Because, if you know me, you know I LOOOOVE lists!)

One of the fun parts of pregnancy has been learning a ton of new words, some medical some about baby gear. If you’re a mommy, I’m sure you know what these terms mean, but take a look anyway!

Give yourself 1 pt. for each word you know. (Not just a word that you’ve heard, but that you actually know the meaning of!)

1. Meconium
2. Apgar Score
3. Colostrum
4. Effacement
5. Dilation
6. Crowning
7. Engaged/Engagment --- no this is not what happens when he puts a ring on it!
8. Episiotomy
9. Oxytocin
10. VBAC
11. BabyBjorn
12. Bumbo
13. Boppy
14. Diaper Genie
15. Layette

How many did you get? If you aren’t sure if you really know what a word means or not – go Google it now before you count up your score!

1-4 pts. Clueless Chica. You probably haven’t ‘Been There, Done That’ yet if you scored that low!
5-8 pts. Gettin’ There Gal. Pregnancy may have been many moons ago for you or maybe you’re not quite to the parenthood stage in your life yet, but you’ve studies up on some key terms.
9-12 pts. Well-Informed Lady. You’ve got a great working knowledge of pregnancy and baby gear!
13-15 pts. Know-It-All Mama! You’re probably pregnant right now, recently been pregnant, or are just really well informed about all things mommy!