The Poop Sheet

Niki and I took our first birthing class last night and it was very interesting to say the least. We learned quite a bit for our first class, and it was exactly the information we were looking to understand - we were ready to learn more about the actual birthing process and get out of all the birthing theory. The major thing that stuck in my head was the teacher constantly repeating, "Labor is one day and one night. You will be pulling an all nighter!" But we also learned quickly from some of the other couples that every birth story is vastly different. Some people had very quick labors...just a matter of hours...while one lady had a 30 hour labor! And her doctor wouldn't let her eat! Yikes! None of you should worry though, our midwives encourage eating and will be working very hard to make sure Niki stays hydrated and keeps a good amount of "fuel" in her body.

Meeting the couples was very fun and I think there was an immediate connection with them because we are all about to share a similar experience. One couple told the group they were hoping that the husband wouldn't be deployed before the baby is born, but they are pretty sure he will be. I had tears in my eyes so quickly. I can't imagine having come this far with Niki without being able to not be there for her during the labor or see my child take her first breath. That would be so hard. Say a quick prayer for them!

The funniest thing that happened in the class was when we were handed The Poop Sheet. This is a sheet full of colored photos of baby poop. It gives very useful information about what we need to be looking for in the first few days after birth - color, consistency, amount, etc. I thought looking at this sheet full of poop was like looking in a crystal ball...I see a lot of it in our future! Maybe I will hang The Poop Sheet on the fridge if Niki will let me!

We had our latest appointment today, and everything looks good. Niki is creating a great home for our daughter. The one thing I didn't like too much about this appointment was that I had to get MY blood drawn. I am not supposed to get stuck with needles! I guess it is a small price to pay. They are going to test my blood type to check its compatibility with Niki's. Supposedly there could be minor problems if our blood is not compatible ...nothing to worry about. Of course, the appointment ended with us hearing the heartbeat which is such a great sound...what a miracle.

New Adventures

Hello! Niki and I are about to have one of the greatest adventures of our lives - we are having a baby in October! Since we want all of you to take the adventure with us, we have decided to start this blog. Starting a blog is an adventure in and of itself since neither of us feel very confident with computers or technology. But our sister-in-law has inspired us to stay connected! She has a blog that we view at least once a week. She lives very far away and recently had a baby herself, so we are truly thankful to be able to keep up with her family through her insights, stories and musings on her blog. We figured our friends and family might appreciate it as well...so we are stealing her idea. So, add this page to your favorites and we will update it as often as possible to make sure you are included in this great adventure!

Is that a Basketball Under There?

About four months ago, I remember Patrick and I taking pictures of my belly, totally amazed. "Look at that bump! It's CRAZY!" Ahhh, yes, I fondly recall that moment as a distant, faded memory...much like my feet (although I have faith they are there). Now I have seen my body grow to proportions I never believed possible. I consciously work to walk without a waddle. And most importantly, I am fully aware that I have two and a half months left of the largest growing phase yet. So this isn't all, folks! It's going to get even better...and bigger! But for now, let's take a trip down memory lane and reminisce about the journey so far...