Chad and I did a birth preparation course this weekend. We had different expectations for it than what we got. I thought the course would involve a lot of deep breathing. I was really not looking forward to spending all day Saturday and Sunday in the course. This was the only English class we were able to arrange since everyone takes the summer holidays off. Luckily we made it to the course even though we only have a week and a half until our due date. I am officially the furthest along to take one of these courses from our instructor. We ended up being the star students since we have had to do a lot of reading and researching on our own just in case Eden came early.
Even though we were familiar with most of the information there were some really great benefits that came from attending the course. I am still amazed at how incredibly blessed I am to be so comfortable this close to our baby’s arrival. I really couldn’t relate too well with the other women’s discomfort.
Chad and I had the impression that getting what we need as far as pain relief and such during delivery would be a real battle. But it seems that as long as we keep clear communication open with the midwife it will be a much more pleasant and accommodating experience than we were anticipating. The delivery is personal compared to what I imagined. I think the midwifery experience will spoil us here, and make stateside births in the future harder. For example, they don’t expect the mother to spend all day in a cot just because that would make it more convenient for the doctor.
One of the best things I got out of the experience is that I am way less afraid of the whole labor and delivery process. Maybe I am crazy– but I can do it. It is nice to feel more confident that no matter what happens or doesn’t happen Chad and I will be able to work through the whole experience together and we are getting something pretty amazing and special out of it. I am very excited and now can’t wait to just get to it and have our little baby girl.
I have been making up for lost opportunities for social outings and trying to get my fill before life gets turned upside down. Dani Schwendener and Rachel Mascaro came over Monday night for a bite to eat and then we went out to see a movie. I do not even remember Tuesday happening.
On Wednesday Rachel and I met up with Erin Jackson, Emily Cook, Jenny Tomlinson, Jessica Price and Ashley Shontz at a great Thai restaurant in St. Gallen. Everyone planned to have a nice laid-back baby shower for me. The food was SO good. We all passed around curries and Phad Thai. Yum! We had so much fun talking that we closed the place down and then resumed our visiting in a McDonalds down the road. Emily had made a tasty cake to celebrate. We had such a great time. It was nice to have a smaller more intimate group. It made for a lot of much needed relating with each other. There are such amazing girls here. I can learn so much from them.
The next day Rachel and Emily had planned to get their hair done down by Erin’s. I took a train down to hang out with Erin while all the kids played. I love how enjoyable just being with Erin is. After seeing how great both Emily and Rachel looked after their appointments I am so tempted to do something drastic.
Friday night Chad and I went to the hospital’s parent orientation evening. It was all in German which was tiring. I do not think we got a ton out of it–but we now know where the entrance is which will be important. 🙂 Afterwards we used some gift certificates Chad got at work to go out to dinner. I have probably gone out more in the last week than Chad and I have in the whole time we have lived here! It was nice to have a night together after all of my late nights out playing and Chad’s late nights out working. He sure makes a nice life possible for me.
Saturday’s weather changed our outdoor plans so a bunch of families all headed to the Cook’s for a potluck BBQ. The food is always so good. We had a great time talking, playing games, meeting some new families, celebrating Ashley’s 30th with a fantastic cake made by Jenny, and finishing the night off with a little jam session. I could sing and listen to others sing and play for hours!
The only other news is that I am now only 2 1/2 weeks away from my due date. We could be heading for the hospital any time now. I had an appointment on Thursday. The baby and I are doing great!
My past has been haunting me as the numbers on the scale keep climbing. Memories of getting mooed at in the halls and being referred to as “Fatboy” keep creeping in (kids can be so mean). I have always been a big girl. When my measurements have been at their smallest they are still bigger than many girls at their largest. I have really tried not to “let myself go” just because I am pregnant, but it seems my body has different ideas. Even with staying active and feeling pretty healthy I have managed to gain more weight than desired. I realize I hold myself to a different standard than others. What is OK for the rest of humanity is simply unacceptable for me sometimes. My self image has had to battle a lot these past months and I keep wondering where the magic switch in my head is to simply be content with myself.
Chad is wonderful and still sees a much prettier girl than I am seeing. I have had a hard time just accepting his opinion since it always seems so biased. It was honestly such a relief to hear him confirm that I have put on all the pounds I am seeing and still pay me the compliments and attention he always does.
