Wednesday, December 28, 2011

The Family Truckster





It may not come in baby shit green or have wood paneling like the Griswolds drive in National Lampoon's Vacation, but the Teisings officially have a "family truckster" of their own-- a 2007 Honda Odyssey Touring!  Yes, folks....we are living the mini-van dream and it's parked right outside our house!


My husband will tell you that the pride I exude in talking about our minivan is a complete 180 from a year ago.  Since 2005, I've been driving a silver Saab 9-2X.  It's a sensible car-- a great grocery getter with AWD and a manual transmission.  Although the interior space resembles a clown car, Silvia, as I like to call her, is fun to drive and hasn't ever given me any problems.  (As a side note, I've named all my cars...my first, a navy blue 1986 Chevy Blazer was Bessy...then there was Ruby, my red 1999 Plymouth Breeze...and then my beloved Silvia...) 


However, once we became pregnant, I began to think about upgrading so that Rich could drive my car.  My sweet husband drives a white 1995 Toyota Corolla given to him by his Nana.  Despite the deteriorating paint job, he claims people are "jealous" of this vehicle with it's ability to get good gas mileage.  (Ha!)  Nicknames for the Corolla include Pimpstrolla (retired since meeting me in 2008), Rockinrolla and Slowrolla.   While Rich loves this car, there is no way in hell I will allow our son to ride in it.  After years of wear and the eau de metal smell that emanates from the interior due to years of building his steel fabrication business from the ground up, it became clear that we needed another car suitable for our growing family.  After lots of research, I decided on a Subaru Outback.  Hands down.  No bones about it.  An AWD, reliable vehicle with high safety ratings....and one that doesn't immediately scream soccer mom.  Yes, it would be me and every lesbian I've ever met driving the sporty Subaru.


Rich has been in love with minivans for years.  Our sister and brother-in-law drive a Chrystler minivan and take pride in the practicality of it.  Rich even made them a generator for brewing coffee in this thing for camping trips and he always bragged he could get several kegs of beer into one.  His dream minivan of choice?  A Chevy Astro.  No joke.  I have no idea why this particular brand of minivan is/was so appealing to him.  Nonetheless, Rich is the only man I've ever known outside of a colleague that coveted one pre-wife and kids.  And this is something I've always found endearing, despite my strong resistance.


So, he's been trying to sell me on the minivan for about four years now.  I didn't buy it until I was about six months pregnant.  I witnessed a dear friend push a button on her fab to open the sliding doors of her 2006 Honda Odyssey Touring, thus efficiently and effortlessly buckling her 14 month-old in for the drive home.  The ease of these automatic sliding doors really got me thinking and the vision of stooping down to wrestle a heavy baby carrier into a car, even if it was my longed for Subaru, suddenly no longer held any appeal.  Just like that.


So now, wouldn't you know it?  I enthusiastically drive a minivan.   I am a convert.  I look like a Mom in it because I am about to become one.  The leather interior is easy to clean, the sliding doors are pimp and we can fit seven comfortably!  It even has a DVD-- perfect for long road trips.  Now, unlike the Slowrolla, this is a vehicle that could definitely cause some jealousy.

Monday, December 12, 2011

ThunderCats Goooooooooo!!!!

I love the movie Juno-- remember the scene when her water breaks and she shouts down to her parents, "ThunderCats Gooooo!!!!"?  (For those of you that are scratching your heads, this is a reference to an animated 80's TV cartoon...).  Well, that's how I felt today and I wanted to shout it from the rooftops.


Rich and I had our final ultrasound to check the position of the placenta.  As I've shared with you all in an earlier post, my placenta was in a marginal previa position (a little too close for comfort to my cervix) and if it stayed there the remaining weeks of the pregnancy, then this natural birth plan would be null and void and I would be an automatic candidate for a C-section.  The fantastic and relieving news is that the placenta has moved out of the way (lateral left to be precise) and we are all systems go for our natural birth plan...YEEHAW!  The other important update is that our son is continuing to develop beautifully-- he's head down, currently weighing in at 5 lbs., 14 oz.  They say babies grow a half a pound a week the last four weeks of pregnancy.  No matter what, our son will be fully developed and in great shape to come into the world!


More to come on our final preparations for birth!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Losing Kontrol

I am a control freak.   In fact, my husband lovingly likes to call me Kara the Kontrol Freak (replacing the K for the C in "control" somehow makes this funny).  And you know what?  I'm okay with it because it's true.  I realize I like things a certain way and can be bossy....okay, very bossy and a little bit (okay, a lot!) of a micromanager these days.  In Pre-K, my teachers used to call me "Mother Kara."  That's when I was four years-old people!  Thankfully, these bossy, controlling and micromanaging tendencies can be managed, otherwise, I would have no friends and animals would scurry away at the sight of me.

One of the things my son is teaching me, even in utero, is that I really don't have it all under control.  Quite frankly, I thought I was having a girl early in my pregnancy, and then BAM!  We found out week 20 that we've been blessed with a son.  Thinking about how to deal with penises, morning erections and the strong probability that I will be cleaning up pee around the toilet floor for many years to come completely caught me off guard.  Of course, I am now over the moon excited about the prospect of developing the age-old mother-son bond, but this was definitely lesson #1 that I am NOT in control.

I am a planner.  Naturally, babies teach you that you can plan all you want, but ultimately you're operating on their watch.  Only 5% of all babies arrive on their due date (ours is January 14).  This little guy is keeping us on our toes.  Lesson #2 that I am NOT in control.

I am persnickety about modern home interiors.  What does this mean for a soon-to-be-new-Mom?  I hate to say it, but discomfort.  Almost all modern furniture, while beautifully showcasing clean lines and minimalism, lacks in the cozy and practical department.  Case in point: If you read the post about my nursery design, you will see that I ordered a Herman Miller Eames Rocking Chair and was pretty stoked about it.  Classic design, durable, aesthetically pleasing to the eye....but, have you ever sat in one of these puppies?  It's made for an oompa loompa.  No joke.  Yes, an oompa loompa would be very happy sitting in this chair, rocking the night away.  I am 5'8" and my knees were up to my ears sitting in this thing.  I just couldn't stomach the vision of my son in my arms, enduring hours of discomfort while attempting to justify this purchase, all in the name of good design.  Hell, if it doesn't meet your needs, then it's not good design.  Sigh.  We had to return it and I've now opted for a modern, yet comfortable, glider/ottoman combo from Mitchell + Gold.  Still aesthetically pleasing, but this purchase demonstrates that I'm embracing the shift to a Mom mindset.  It's a slipcover that can be washed in the likely event that it becomes soaked in spit up, pee, poo, snot, throw up or a combo of the five.  Lesson #3 that I am NOT in control.

And there are all these things that have yet to happen (like the actual birthing and labor process!) that will show me that I am NOT in control and my perfectionist tendencies aren't welcome...that in fact, they can be a real hindrance. So many times we parents feel that we have to impart all this wisdom to our kids, that the pressure is on us to set the example and get it right, but they're here to teach us about ourselves and learn those important karmic lessons.  Letting go, accepting imperfection and finding joy in the everyday is already something my son is attempting to teach me.  Although I can be a dunce of a student and slow to catch on at times, I am immensely grateful for this little Buddha.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Died and Gone to Preggers Heaven

If you're following this blog at all (or you live with me, work with me, or frequent the Marriott Starbucks near Nashville International Airport), then you know I cannot get enough hot chocolate in my preggers state.  I'm not talking about any of this Swiss Miss watered down, mini dehydrated marshmallows in a packet crap either (although it will do in a pitch).  I'm talking about the real deal-- creamy milk (the fattier the better), real chocolate, real whipped cream and a chocolate syrup drizzle to top it off.


The BEST cup of hot chocolate I've had by far was given to me by a good friend (who is pregnant with her third child and can empathize with my addiction) in a tightly contained Mason jar for enjoyment at home on a cold, rainy Nashville night.  One sip and I was in preggers heaven.  Thank you Steph Becker!!!


When I begged her for the recipe, she gladly sent it my way.  Since I'm a giver, I want to share it with you.  But wait, there's more!  Have you ever had a homemade marshmallow?  Up until two years ago, I didn't know there was such a thing.  Honestly.  I thought they only came prepackaged in either miniature or giant sizes, complete with pictures of camp fires or huge smiling marshmallow men.  Then, I saw a recipe on food network.com a la Alton Brown and thought, "I can do this!"  I did and they were delicious.  Making homemade marshmallows are now a holiday staple, something I do every year, gifting them lovingly to friends and family to go with their....wait for it....hot chocolate!


Hot Chocolate
from The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina Garten

2 1/2 c whole milk
2 c half and half
4 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
4 oz milk chocolate, chopped
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp instant espresso of coffee powder

Heat the milk and half and half in a saucepan on medium heat to just below the simmering point, whisking occasionally.  Remove the pan from the heat and add both chocolates, whisking until melted.  When the chocolates are melted, add the sugar, vanilla extract and espresso and whisk.  Reheat gently and serve immediately.





Homemade Marshmallows
Recipe courtesy of Alton Brown, 2007
Yield: Approximately 9 dozen marshmallows


3 packages unflavored gelatin
1 cup ice cold water, divided
12 ounces granulated sugar, approximately 1 1/2 cups
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
Nonstick spray


Place the gelatin into the bowl of a stand mixer along with 1/2 cup of the water. Have the whisk attachment standing by.


In a small saucepan combine the remaining 1/2 cup water, granulated sugar, corn syrup and salt. Place over medium high heat, cover and allow to cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Uncover, clip a candy thermometer onto the side of the pan and continue to cook until the mixture reaches 240 degrees F, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Once the mixture reaches this temperature, immediately remove from the heat.


Turn the mixer on low speed and, while running, slowly pour the sugar syrup down the side of the bowl into the gelatin mixture. Once you have added all of the syrup, increase the speed to high. Continue to whip until the mixture becomes very thick and is lukewarm, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Add the vanilla during the last minute of whipping. While the mixture is whipping prepare the pans as follows.


For regular marshmallows:
Combine the confectioners' sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Lightly spray a 13 by 9-inch metal baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Add the sugar and cornstarch mixture and move around to completely coat the bottom and sides of the pan. Return the remaining mixture to the bowl for later use.


When ready, pour the mixture into the prepared pan, using a lightly oiled spatula for spreading evenly into the pan. Dust the top with enough of the remaining sugar and cornstarch mixture to lightly cover. Reserve the rest for later. Allow the marshmallows to sit uncovered for at least 4 hours and up to overnight.


Turn the marshmallows out onto a cutting board and cut into 1-inch squares using a pizza wheel dusted with the confectioners' sugar mixture. Once cut, lightly dust all sides of each marshmallow with the remaining mixture, using additional if necessary. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.


For miniature marshmallows:
Combine the confectioners' sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Line 4 half sheet pans with parchment paper, spray the paper with nonstick cooking spray and dust with the confectioners' sugar mixture.


Scoop the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a 1/2-inch round piping tip. Pipe the mixture onto the prepared sheet pans lengthwise, leaving about 1-inch between each strip. Sprinkle the tops with enough of the remaining cornstarch and sugar mixture to lightly cover. Let the strips set for 4 hours or up to overnight.


Cut into 1/2 inch pieces using a pizza wheel or scissors dusted with the confectioners' sugar mixture. Once cut, lightly dust all sides of each marshmallow with the remaining sugar mixture and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Starstruck

Some people get starstruck when encountering what I would consider a conventional celebrity like a Hollywood starlet, a national news anchor or a New York Times bestselling author.  In a previous life, I was married to a man that was an autograph collector and dogged celebrity hound.  Memorable examples entail him interrupting Clint Black's dinner for an autograph at the restaurant formerly known as La Paz here in Nashville (which everyone knows is a big no no...we Nashvillians leave our celebrities alone!), bragging about his encounter with Ashley Judd, chatting up Harmony Korine in line at the Green Hills Movie Theater (obscure filmmaker known for Kids and Gummo), and literally running after Ethan Hawke for an autograph outside of the Chelsea Hotel in New York City.  My second (and last!) marriage has refreshingly paired me with a sweet, sweet, endearing man that gets starstruck when meeting local "celebrities," like Beth Curley, President/CEO of Nashville Public Television, or seeing Bart Durham, ambulance chaser extraordinaire, at McCabe Pub.


I've never been one to get googley-eyed when seeing Nicole Kidman at Whole Foods or meeting the friend of a friend that used to work with Sheryl Crowe's manager, but yesterday, I was starstruck.  Absolutely and completely. 


Rich and I went to The Farm Midwifery Clinic for a prenatal visit and whom was there stopping by before hopping on a plane to Sweden but Ina May Gaskin herself.  Of course, The Farm is her home and the midwives are her family, so why wouldn't she be there?  In reading all her books (I just ordered Birth Matters: A Midwife's Manifesta (2011) and Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding (2009) and they should arrive today-- yay!), I have come to admire this woman so much.  If someone were to ask me one of those silly get-to-know you questions, "If you could have dinner with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why?," some might say Oprah, JFK, Gandhi, or Jesus, but for me, it's Ina May.  She has made a significant contribution to the lives of women and the health of families all over the world.  In Sweden, she is being honored with an "Alternative Nobel Prize" awarded by the Right Livelihood Awards Foundation...how cool is that?!  (To answer another nonsensical get-to-know you question for inquiring minds, "If you were an animal, what would you be and why?"  A dolphin.  Hands down. They're graceful, playful and uber smart!  Random, I know, but I'm a sharer.)


I anticipate seeing Ina May again on a subsequent visit and next time, I'll have my wits about me.


”A society that places a low value on its mothers and the process of birth will suffer an array of negative repercussions for doing so. Good beginnings make a positive difference in the world, so it is worth our while to provide the best possible care for mothers and babies throughout this extraordinarily influential part of life.”
-Ina May Gaskin

Friday, November 18, 2011

Pregnancy License

Being pregnant is awesome.  Really.  There are so many things that I find myself doing that I would have NEVER (okay...let's be honest...hardly ever...) done in my non-pregnant state.  The beauty of all this is all you have to say is "I'm pregnant" or show your growing belly and all is forgiven.  It's a universal get out of jail free card!  For example:
  • Burping.  I come from a long line of burpers, but this is just ridiculous.  They come out of me unexpectedly (many times in public places) and honestly, I giggle and love the fact that there's a really good reason for it.  I think Rich has started to block out the disgusting noises coming out of my upper half that are brought on by spicy foods, lack of air and heartburn...speaking of...
  • Heartburn.  WTF?  I have NEVER experienced such discomfort in my chest and esophagus in my life!  They say that heartburn is a tell tale sign that you'll have a hairy child (um, have you seen my husband's chest wig?! This is pretty much a given...), but sleeping upright with tons of pillows has gotten out of control.  Oh, and forget antacids--they don't really help all that much. (Although I do prefer the natural kind made by Nature's Sunshine, Papaya Mint.)
  • Farting.  Yes, I said it.  Many women claim that they don't fart, but you do in pregnancy and you will clear a room.  Unfortunately, Rich cannot block this out.  Bless him.
  • Wardrobe choices.  Boots, leggings and a form fitting top?  Hell yes.  Would I have ever worn this pre-pregnancy?  Hell no.  There's a freedom that comes in dressing yourself each day because you just don't care anymore!  Comfort rules.
  • Desserts.  Anyone that knows me well knows that I NEVER (okay, hardly ever) touched a dessert or sweet item pre-pregnancy.  I was more of a salty/savory girl.  Not now.  Holy crap.  If you have a piece of chocolate cake within 30 yards of me, I will tackle you for it.  No joke.  I've eaten candy bars for the first time in years...100 Grand, Snickers, Twix, you name it...I keep chocolate in the house at all times and am coming to grips with the fact that I may have a hot cocoa addition...(with whipped cream please!)
  • Smells.  I'm addicted to aromatherapy.  Scent of choice?  Pure essential lavender oil.  I spray some on the bed linens before we go to bed each night (making sure I also spray a large dose above our dog, Milo...it relaxes him too!).  Again, this was NOT a ritual pre-pregnancy.
  • Other smells.  Not so great smells.  My sensitive sniffer catches everything and my gag reflex is in full effect.  I actually throw up when catching wiffs of smells that used to never (okay, hardly ever) bother me.  Perhaps this is why I've only gained 12 pounds this entire pregnancy...Despite this little hiccup, they say our little one is growing and developing just fine, but Rich and I can't help but worry about the strong possibility of me having vile,  involuntary reactions to changing diapers.  Will we need to have a receptacle on the changing table lovingly labeled as "Mommy's Puke Bucket"?
  • Cat litter.  Pregnant women can't go near it as we may contract toxoplasmosis.  Not good for me or baby.  The responsibility (and subsequent gagging) has fallen solely on my husband.  (I love you, Rich!)
  • Nesting.  I've always been a big doer, but OMG...my pregnancy hormones have me (and thus Rich!) as productive as a meth addict scrubbing a bathroom floor with a Q-tip.  Have you seen our backyard?  It used to look like a scene from Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and now it's an outdoor paradise.  Painting all done in baby's room?  Check.  Stanley Steemer out to sterilize and steam our hardwoods?  Check.  Potting plants and putting out decorative gourds and pumpkins?  Check.  (Totally unnecessary, but if feels so important to do!) Honestly, even though I feel like a crazy person sometimes, I loooove how much shit we're getting done!
  • Boobs.  Having an abundance of them for the first time in my life really doesn't suck.  (Right honey?! ;))
  • No filter.  As you can easily see by reading this post, I no longer have a filter.  It is gone.  I say whatever I think when I'm thinking it, no matter the environment or context.  Work, home, in public places, you name it.  I consider myself an honest person, but there are some things that just don't need to be said.  I apologize to anyone I've offended or taken off guard, but I'm pregnant.  Haven't you noticed?!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Babymoon


With the anticipated arrival of our little one less than ten weeks away (wow!!!), Rich and I spent three full days and four nights at our beloved Watercolor Inn next to Seaside, FL on Walton County Road 30 A. This is where we got married last year and we both recall that week as one of the happiest of our lives.  We had a lot to celebrate-- a one year anniversary, Rich's upcoming 34th birthday and of course, our expanding family.

We spent time dining and noshing at some our favorite spots:
  • Bud & Alley's Rooftop Bar in Seaside, overlooking the Gulf...Rich LOVES the smoked tuna dip!
  • Fish Out of Water Restaurant at the Watercolor Inn...Chef Wayne and his team are amazing!  They only use local produce, sustainable seafood, organic and grassfed meats, cheeses, etc.
  • Bistro Bijoux in The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin Resort- French cuisine inspired.  Emeril is a fan.
  • Modica Market in Seaside- the best mimosas ever (Judgement Free Zone please-- Rich and I split one!)
  • Smiling Fish Cafe-- ask for Mama T!
  • Unfortunately, one of our favorite haunts, The Red Bar in Grayton Beach, was closed for renovations, so we'll have to hit them up next time we're in town.
We got massages at Serenity by the Sea Day Spa in Destin.  Pregnancy massage for me, Swedish massage for Rich.  This is a place we could have spent a whole day, savoring sauna, hot tub, and steam room, but with me being preggers, that stuff was off limits.  (Although this was a lovely experience, my massage could not compare to the ones I receive from the amazing Jolynn Lewis here in Nashville.)

We visited with some of our favorite people on 30A:
  • Cheryl Walton- our Watercolor wedding coordinator extraordinaire and dear friend
  • Grove Fischer and Jessica Porter- our wedding florists and friends (Grove, Jessica and Cheryl all gave birth to baby girls in 2010, so we appreciated every bit of infant advice they could give us!)
  • The owners of The Studio Gallery, Sarah and Bill.  We love their gallery and have decided to buy a piece of art each year we visit. 
We took a bike ride to the West Lake Lawn on Watercolor property where we exchanged vows, enjoyed the 70 degree weather by strolling through the shops in Seaside, took walks on the beach and to my own surprise, we watched movies.  Three of them.  The King's Speech (I know it won Best Picture and all, but I had no idea is was literally about the King's speech impediment!), Bridesmaids (Melissa McCarthy who plays Megan absolutely steals the show!), and Inception (what do you think really happened at the end???).  We hardly ever watch movies, either at home or at the theater, so relaxing in the comfort of our room was quite enjoyable. 

Next time we travel to this area of Florida that we consider a little paradise on Earth, we will be a family of three, living the minivan dream (we'll be the proud owners of a 2007 Honda Odyssey Touring next week!), loaded down with baby stuff galore, carrying tons of shit to and from the beach and we absolutely can't wait!

I absolutely adore my husband and thank him for carving out this precious time for just the two of us before our son arrives!





Wednesday, November 16, 2011

More Business of Being Born!

There are is so much intellectual and spiritual nurishment that is inspiring major life decisions right now, but the two things I have found most influencial are 1) anything written by world-renowned midwife Ina May Gaskin and 2) the documentary The Business of Being Born

Guess what?!  There's a sequel to the documentary that's just come out called More Business of Being Born and the first part features Ina May Gaskin in the Eden that is The Farm in Summertown, TN!  Two of my favorite things all rolled into one-- Yippee!  A lovely soon-to-be Mom in my Bradley birthing class let us know that you can watch streaming video of the new documentary for a nominal fee, so I am all over this this week!  (Thanks Kate!)  I can't wait to see what's in store! 

Check it out for yourself: http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/watch-now/

Saturday, November 5, 2011

C-sections: eye-opening (and disturbing) statistics

One reason I feel so strongly about pursuing a natural childbirth is I want to put myself in the best possible situation to avoid a medically unnecessary C-section.   While C-sections have become common place (1 out of 2 of my friends have had C-sections in recent births), it is major surgery and should not be entered into lightly.  Of course, there are very valid medical reasons to have a C-section performed.  I'm not talking about these instances.  What I'm referring to in this post are those C-sections where women feel pressured into it by a doctor for no valid medical reason. 


Did you know that C-section rates are at an all-time high in the United States?  According to the CDC, C-section rates have risen from 5.5% in 1970 to 32.3% in 2008.  The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends no higher than a 10-15% rate for all nations.   In the state of Tennessee, according to statistics derived from the Joint Annual Report of Hospitals filed with the Tennessee Department of Health for 2008, of 80,791 births that year, 30,040 of those were C-sections, thus generating a C-section rate of 34.6%.  The hospital with the lowest rate was about 20% and there was one with an outrageous rate of 85%!  I haven't gotten my hands on the most current statistics, but by way of an educated guess, there's no reason to believe that these percentages have gone down in the last couple of years.  


While not all obstetricians are characterized by convenience driven and defensive medical practices (i.e. doing whatever it takes not to get sued and rushing a laboring woman into a medically unnecessary procedure so that they can make it to dinner on time), this culture of medical care is clearly on the rise.  I'm blogging about it with the hope that we'll not only start to educate ourselves about what's going on, but decide to take action to do something about it.


In light of these staggering C-section rates in the US, The Farm Midwifery Center's C-section rate is less than 2%...yes, that's right.  I said less than 2%!  This is a statistic generated over the course of thousands of births and 40+ years of practice.   This statistic is one of the reasons The Farm Midwives are so well known around the world among cultures that understand the value of midwives and women-centered care--- their stats are literally some of the best in the world.


But, don't just take my word for it.  Do your own research on this silent epidemic in  maternal care that is affecting our friends, wives, sisters and daughters.  I found this site to be incredibly informative and comprehensive with statistics and studies from reputable organizations to back up their findings: The Unnecesarean.

Meeting our midwife

Well into my sixth month, I called The Farm to check on availability for a January birth and it turned out that all the birthing houses were pretty much booked up.  Nonetheless, the midwives seemed really committed to seeing what they could do for us (thank you for the putting in a good word for us Kari Jenkins!).  About a week later, I got a call from Joanne Santana, one of the first settlers on The Farm and one of the original midwives that worked with Ina May Gaskin to establish The Farm Midwifery Center.  It turns out that Joanne lives now outside The Farm in Hampshire, TN (about 15 minutes away from Summertown and a bit closer to Nashville) and has a birthing house right next to her own abode that was available in January.  Hearing this news, we jumped at the chance to schedule our first pre-natal appointment with her.  We had the privilege of meeting with her yesterday afternoon (after accidentally making a wrong turn, thus getting a tour of the quaint town of Mount Pleasant).


With all the reading I've done about The Farm and The Farm Midwives, apart of me was expecting this tingling, magical experience upon meeting our midwife, but I quickly discovered that Joanne and the other midwives are regular women just like you and me, but they possess extraordinary passion, knowledge, and commitment to giving women and their families choices about childbirth.


Joanne's home was very cozy with a wood burning fire place in the living room and it was there that we discussed her background, how she came to midwifery, and about our pregnancy.  We also got to ask our questions.  The biggest question people ask is "What if you had to have medical intervention?  Where would you go?  Who would take you there?"  The Farm Midwives are very well-known at a county hospital that is less than 25 minutes away, so if for some reason, we had to transfer, Joanne would call ahead to let them know we're on our way and take us there.  One thing I know to be true through all my research and in talking to other mothers that chose to give birth with The Farm Midwives is that they are vigilant in ensuring things are as they should be for a natural childbirth.  Because they are so proactive, they will not be caught off-guard and a choice to transfer for the safety of mother and baby will be made sooner rather than later, if necessary.  The care we will receive is world-renowned (literally!).


After doing an intake (looking over the medical records I brought and asking us a ton of necessary questions), she did the basics in terms of checking my vitals, measuring my belly (29 cm-- right on target for my 29th week!), and listening to our baby's heartbeat.  Rich got to listen too and I just love the look of complete wonder he gets on his face when our little guy really makes his presence known.  We made a follow-up appointment for the end of November and during that appointment, we'll go to the clinic on The Farm in Summertown to check my hematocrit, which is an indicator of iron levels in the blood.


My OB/GYN (whom is a dear friend that I adore) was completely supportive of our choice to go with The Farm Midwives.  The only thing that showed up in my 20th week ultrasound that we need to be cautious of is marginal placenta previa.  Complete placenta previa is when the placenta is completely covering the cervix and this is nothing to play around with.  Women with complete placenta previa must have a C-section to ensure the best outcome for themselves and their babies.  With a marginal placenta previa like mine, typically, the placenta moves up to where it needs to be on its own, but we all agreed that another ultrasound somewhere between my 32nd and 36th week is a good idea to ensure that the placenta has indeed moved up and we're all systems go for a natural childbirth.


We wrapped up our appointment with Joanne by gingerly and respectfully checking out the birthing house next door.  A couple had just given birth there the day before and when we walked in, the beaming husband was holding his tightly swaddled little boy, proudly asking us if we wanted to take a peek.  Later when I talked with Rich about our experience over dinner, he said that seeing the joy on this new father's face solidified our choice in his mind to go this route.  The atmosphere in the house was that of total calm....in how many hospital settings can you say the same?


I want to recognize my husband for lending his complete support in my decision and desire for a natural childbirth, guided by the expertise of a midwife.  When most people automatically assume that you're going to have a baby in a hospital (because that's what's viewed as "normal" these days), it can really put a partner or husband on guard in defending or having to explain a different choice.  Regardless of what resistance we may get, this decision is one of many that we will make together that others may not necessarily understand or agree with and that's okay.  They have their own choices to make or they've already made their own choices.   When it comes to how we want our son to enter this world, this is ours.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Inspirational brain food

For any woman interested in learning what her birth options are and empowering herself to make her own choices, the following books and one documentary are a must!  All can be purchased on Amazon.com.
  • Guide to Childbirth: Ina May Gaskin
  • Spiritual Midwifery: Ina May Gaskin
  • The Business of Being Born: Documentary film on DVD from Executive Producer Ricki Lake and filmmaker/Director Abby Epstein
Please let me know if there are others you've found empowering and enlightening!  I'm always looking for more ways to feed my brain and soul.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Nursery inspiration

No matter if we were having a boy or a girl, I wanted the nursery to be pretty gender neutral.  If we're blessed to have two little ones pretty close together, then we may want to put them in the same room, so in thinking about designing the nursery, I wanted it to be as versatile as possible. 

While there are "themed" nurseries that I love (two of my closest friends did an owl theme and they were awesome!), there are some that I'm just not partial to (mostly anything themed with Disney characters).  So, when people ask me, "What's your nursery theme?", I tell them that I don't have one.  I just wanted to create a space that was modern with pops of color like dark blues and lime greens offset with neutrals, tying in things that were meaningful to us as a family, like childhood books and family photos.  I got a lot of inspiration from Ohdeedoh throughout this process.

Paint
To start, I've chosen a light wall color.  I've decided to go with "white duck" by Sherwin Williams.  Harmony, no VOC, of course.

Fabric Choices
After basking in the glow of radiant fabric choices in numerous stores, I decided on a curtain fabric with a small geometric pattern.  My good friends recommended an awesome seamstress that is creating these beauties in no time flat.

I was having a really hard time picking fabrics for a custom bumper, crib skirt, crib sheets and changing pad cover (I couldn't find anything I really loved in the usual places-- Target, Land of Nod, Pottery Barn Kids, etc.), only to discover Hush Baby Co. on Etsy.  This woman is so talented and I was able to pick fabrics I loved in a combination that I felt would go great together.

Rug
We actually have a pretty big room to work with, so I wanted a great rug with a pop of color.  I fell in love with this roundabout rug from CB2 and can just imagine our little guy racing his little toy cars around and around the circles when he's older.


Furniture
We're really fortunate in that Rich's step-mother kept his childhood dresser to pass down when he had a child.  It's this awesome art deco piece that was made in 1952 with the most modern looking hardware.  We love it and we plan on using it as a changing table.  She also kept a sweet little child's secretary desk  and chair that was his in safekeeping, so we'll have that for our little one as well (when he's ready to color or play accountant).

While there are a lot of crib choices out there, I decided to go with something highly rated in the book that has become my steadfast companion in navigating through the sometimes ludicrous world of baby products, Baby Bargains-- the Graco Sarah Convertible Crib in Cinnamon.  Simple, hardwood construction, affordable...right up my alley.

I fell in love with the Herman Miller Eames Rocking Chair-- it's such a classic design-- and was able to find one in Lime Green at a discount.  Hurray!  We also have a modern convertible sofa by Chiasso that we're going to keep in the room for those nights we just need to get vertical.

Decor
It just isn't a nursery without a mobile, and I found the most amazing mobiles on Etsy (of course).  Ultimately, I decided to get one made by Baby Jives.  This woman is uber-creative and talented!  I cannot wait to see the finished product!

I asked family if they could help us pull together old family photos-- you know, the ones of grandparents and great grandparents in their younger years, all black and white and glamorous looking, plus baby pics of parents and siblings to add to the mix.  I plan on grouping them on one wall in the nursery.

I am a huge reader and love so many of my books from childhood, so we're going to feature some on floating shelves (Where the Wild Things Are, Goodnight Moon, In the Night Kitchen) and have a healthy number in a bookshelf (I'm trying to find one that looks like a kids library rack) and in canvas cubes.

My sweet husband and parents are kind enough to help get all of this together and I can't wait to post pictures of the finished product!  Should be a few weeks from now, so stay tuned...

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

12 week ultrasound

A curve in our birthing path

My husband, Rich, and I found out we were pregnant in May of this year.  We were thrilled with the news and by way of default, we started out on the traditional path of pre-natal care.  I scheduled my first pre-natal visit, followed by monthly visits and two ultrasounds.  At week 12, we saw our baby moving around (what an acrobat!), caught clear glimpses of his/her heartbeat, brain, tiny spine and we were in absolute awe.  Rich got teary-eyed, but I was just floored with facination.  Then in our 20th week, we found out that we're having a boy and were blessed with the news that he's growing healthy and strong.

Many of our closest friends have recently become first-time parents, so we're fortunate to be able to learn so much from them, but as I've gotten deeper into this pregnancy, I felt a void in connecting with women that truly desired and opted for a natural childbirth.  Intitally, I never considered this for myself because my friends went the epidural or scheduled induction route, all with positive outcomes.  However, I began experiencing an increasingly strong desire to be present during this birth and forgo the drugs.  When I shared this with my friends, many (if not most) exclaimed that I was crazy, that I really ought to have a back-up plan and one in particular, knowing my typically wimpish tolerance of pain (I get light-headed when getting blood drawn!) made a sarcastic remark about my ability to truly handle the painful endurance of labor.  All of this did a number on my confidence, making me feel more isolated from the "norm" of my friend's experiences.

Then one night, Rich and I were visiting with friends that had thier son seven weeks prior.  They had gone through extensive Bradley Method childbirth classes and gave birth naturally with the Vanderbilt Nurse-Midwives.  Hearing her talk about thier preparation and committment to a natural birth was so inspiring-- finally! Someone that understood where I was coming from and didn't think I was a looney toon.  She loaned me a copy of Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth and in the two weeks it has been in my possession, it has changed my life. 

The women-centered model of care makes so much sense to me and although I know not everyone will agree with our choice, we are now on a path of pursuing a home birth at The Farm in Summertown, TN, working with The Farm Midwives.  In over 30 years of birthing thousands of babies, they have a less than 2% c-section rate and the birthing atmosphere is one of calm, encouragement, patience and competence.  Our first pre-natal appointment is next week and we can't wait!

Now in my 28th week, Rich and I have begun Bradley Method birthing classes with Jeannie Casey and we will continue to work with our doula, Jolynn Lewis (she's fabulous!), in preparing ourselves for this intentional birthing journey.  I am writing this blog to keep those of you that are interested and supportive up to date on our experience.