My Hope for a VBAC lives on!

I had my 32 week appointment today....only 58 more days until the big duedate! We are so excited to meet our baby girl! And for the second consecutive appointment, doctor confirmed that baby girl is head down! After Jack was stubborn and never decided to flip on his own even when I went into labor at 38 weeks and 1 day. I am amazed that Jack's little sister is being so cooperative and decided to turn so early (before 30 weeks). Thus, my hope for a VBAC lives on, and I can't help but start to get excited for the possiblity that lies ahead. Yes, I admit that I am a little scared of either option...a VBAC or a repeat c-section. I have definitely done my research and know the risks involved with both. I have read so many books, talked endlessly with my doctor, and followed numerous blogs. I have made my decision (although I know that the decision was already made on the very night Jack was delivered) that I will definately try to avoid another c-section if at all possible. For those of you that know my love for numbers and statistics, I take comfort in the fact that my doctor has given me a 80% chance as long as the baby remains head down. That is pretty good odds, and I am willing to take the risks outlined for the positives involved. So I will keep hoping and praying for healthy baby girl.

With less than 2 months to go, preparations are in full swing. My mom was here last weekend and helped me do a good spring cleaning. I am also trying to go through everything and organize it while I still have some free time. I have been attacking a new task on my list every night...and have had a very productive week! The nursury is all set up with only a few more things to make or buy. My latest great find was a rocking chair on craiglist that we are picking up tomorrow morning. Patrick loves going with me on craigslist treasure hunts! I remind him that I have saved quite a bit of money with all my crazy thriftyness! Blankets and clothes are washed, newborn cloth diaper stash is ready and pump and carseat are ready to go! We have also been trying to prepare big brother Jack for baby girl's arrival as well as come to the realization that we soon will have 2 kids!!!

Epiphany

An epiphany (from the ancient Greek "ἐπιφάνεια", epiphaneia, “manifestation, striking appearance”) is the sudden realization or comprehension of the (larger) essence or meaning of something. The term is used in either a philosophical or literal sense to signify that the claimant has "found the last piece of the puzzle and now sees the whole picture," or has new information or experience, often insignificant by itself, that illuminates a deeper or numinous foundational frame of reference. Wikipedia

I have a very good job! And I am extremely grateful for this! My job also gives me the flexibility I need to support my family! I make sure that I do not take this blessing for granted. But over the last several years I have been in search of my passion...something that I can love doing...something that I can live doing! I have been blind to a single realization...that I am already doing it on a daily basis. I have been doing it for 1 year and 4 months and 27 days. I have been living the dream. I am a Mommy! And I truly love it. I definitely appreciate the precious moments. But it is so easy to get lost in the daily grind and look at simple tasks as responsibilities rather than life's little treasures! I love this new perspective....I am in the light!

Looking for a Companion Care Bathroom...

This is me whenever I am in an airport. Always looking for the Companion Care Bathroom. The new politically correct name for the special needs bathroom...or what I fondly call the little pumping room at the airport.

Yes...usually an 8 foot by 8 foot bath room that has a toilet, sink, changing table and key...the electrical outlet. By now...7 months into my pumping adventures...I am an airport pumping pro. I usually do it prior to getting on my first flight and then on any lay-overs if they are long enough to allow a decent session. I have become a pro...because Jack and I are averaging one round trip a month.

On our latest trip to Marquette (The Michigan Upper Peninsula)...I was fortunate to have 3 sessions. Decent is about the best you can expect for these sessions. The usual pumping session for me lasts anywhere from 20 - 40 minutes...but I am really happy to grab a 10 minute session in an airport.

First, let me tell you why I love the companion care bathrooms. In order to demonstrate this appropriately, I must discuss the alternatives. Alternative 1: Pumping in the 2 foot by 2 foot bathroom stall or Alternative 2: Pumping in public with the hooter hider cover. I have done both of these and definitely prefer the superior companion care bathroom (ccb). Pumping in a stall is not fun at all...it is claustrophobic and can be seriously gross depending on the other activities that are happening in the public restroom at the time:( , and breastfeeding in public is considered weird to so many people...so you can imagine the looks I have gotten when feeding a machine rather than a cute little baby. I think we can all agree that a ccb presents the best option.

And yes...even the ccb does present some negatives...7 out 10 of them are very dirty. And most of the time I have to try to entertain Jack while pumping...and the possibilities for entertainment are limited. The worst part is that about half the time my pumping session will be interrupted by someone banging on the door asking me what's the hold up. So as you imagine, it is not always a relaxing and peaceful pumping setting. But it works and it is definitely better than the alternatives.

So I know that next time I am in an airport...I will again be looking for the companion care bathroom.