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.