Heidi is asleep right now so I thought I would take the opportunity to post something really quick. We have taken several cute videos and I have wanted to post something for a while so I will try to do that. This video is one of the first videos we took in the hospital. The first part is just her sleeping, but then she does what Clint likes to call her "Hallelujah" move. You'll see what I mean. :)
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
5 Weeks
Wow, so it's been over 5 weeks now that Heidi came into our lives. It's hard to believe that our little baby is already a month old! We have been enjoying our time with her and trying to get used to the new routine of things. Well, it's difficult to really update on what all has been going on in the last 5 weeks, but I will post some pictures of Heidi that we had taken at the hospital when she was 3 days old. Isn't she a cutie?! She's even grown and changed since then and hopefully I can update with more pictures soon. Heidi has been smiling at us a lot lately. It is sooo cute. And she has a favorite game that her daddy invented. I hope I can get it on video and post it. She smiles really big when we do that with her.
Monday, January 21, 2008
BABY HAS ARRIVED!!
Hello All,
April and I would like to introduce you to the newest member to our family. Heidi Beth Everhart was born on January 20, 2008 at 12:45 pm German time (6:45am Eastern time in the States). Weighing 3490grams (7 lbs 11 oz) and was 49cm long (19.3 inches). She is a beautiful baby and her and mom are both doing well....sore and tired, but healthy and happy. More info to come later (probably from April :-)
Friday, January 18, 2008
Nothing New
Well, I went to the doctor yesterday and today and there is still nothing new to report. The baby's heartbeat still gets an A+. Today the doctor said that he didn't want to do anything right now because the baby is doing so well and he would like it go as natural as possible without drugs. He said that it is really best for me and the baby which Clint and I both agree with. So, even though I am soooo ready for it to happen, I guess we will just try to be patient and wait for the right time. We have another appointment on Sunday. I've been getting walks in everyday. I'm feeling really tired today. I didn't sleep well last night. I think I will be sleeping in the recliner from now on since my hips hurt too much at night. I did that the other night and got a lot more sleep than I did in bed last night. Anyway, that's about all I got to say about that...
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Week 40+
Well, I am 4 days over my due date and am still here waiting. It's getting quite old if you ask me, but I do have reason to believe that it will be soon. I went to the hospital on Tuesday to get a check-up and will be doing that every two days to find out if the baby is still doing well and if anything needs to be done.
First of all I had noticed that on Sunday/Monday the baby had dropped quite a bit. I could feel so much more lower pressure not to mention the fact that my bladder feels constantly squishes from that pressure making me have to use the bathroom what seems like every 5 minutes. Plus Monday night was the first night that I felt I had finally reached the miserable point. Because the baby is so low and putting so much pressure on my pelvis/hips it was painful to lay on my sides as well so I was constantly turning. Then, I had to get up about 6-7 times to go to the bathroom.
On Tuesday we went to the hospital and I went to the same place I did last time to have the CTG (check the heartbeat and if I'm having a contraction). They asked me my name and when I told them they asked if I had an appointment which I didn't really because my doctor just told me to go in and start doing that every two days. When I told them I was over my due date they understood and let me come right in and get strapped up to a machine. At first the nurse had a hard time finding the heartbeat but then realized it was a lot lower because the baby dropped so that also confirmed that fact.
After doing the CTG I went in to see the doctor and he said the heartbeat was great and even gave it an A+. Then the line below that showed that I had a contraction. He asked if I had felt it and I said no. It was weird. I thought for sure I would notice if I had a contraction. Then I realized that maybe I had felt it but thought it was the baby moving. It wasn't painful though. The doctor said that it was good and that I should come back on Thursday so I made an appointment for 12:00. I will let you know what he says today.
Since my appointment I had made it a point to really pay attention to see if I felt anything and to see if I thought it was the baby or a contraction and I think I have been having some contractions off and on since then. I think I can now tell the difference now that I know what to look for. So that is good news that there is some progress. Keep praying for me!
I'll end this post with a couple of recent pictures.
Clint and me- 39 weeks
Present exchange- we got together recently to exchange presents since the Sullivans were in the States for Christmas
With Clint
Me at 40 weeks
Clint kissing the baby! Also my yucky stretch marks and almost nonexistent belly button!
First of all I had noticed that on Sunday/Monday the baby had dropped quite a bit. I could feel so much more lower pressure not to mention the fact that my bladder feels constantly squishes from that pressure making me have to use the bathroom what seems like every 5 minutes. Plus Monday night was the first night that I felt I had finally reached the miserable point. Because the baby is so low and putting so much pressure on my pelvis/hips it was painful to lay on my sides as well so I was constantly turning. Then, I had to get up about 6-7 times to go to the bathroom.
On Tuesday we went to the hospital and I went to the same place I did last time to have the CTG (check the heartbeat and if I'm having a contraction). They asked me my name and when I told them they asked if I had an appointment which I didn't really because my doctor just told me to go in and start doing that every two days. When I told them I was over my due date they understood and let me come right in and get strapped up to a machine. At first the nurse had a hard time finding the heartbeat but then realized it was a lot lower because the baby dropped so that also confirmed that fact.
After doing the CTG I went in to see the doctor and he said the heartbeat was great and even gave it an A+. Then the line below that showed that I had a contraction. He asked if I had felt it and I said no. It was weird. I thought for sure I would notice if I had a contraction. Then I realized that maybe I had felt it but thought it was the baby moving. It wasn't painful though. The doctor said that it was good and that I should come back on Thursday so I made an appointment for 12:00. I will let you know what he says today.
Since my appointment I had made it a point to really pay attention to see if I felt anything and to see if I thought it was the baby or a contraction and I think I have been having some contractions off and on since then. I think I can now tell the difference now that I know what to look for. So that is good news that there is some progress. Keep praying for me!
I'll end this post with a couple of recent pictures.
Clint and me- 39 weeks
Present exchange- we got together recently to exchange presents since the Sullivans were in the States for Christmas
With Clint
Me at 40 weeks
Clint kissing the baby! Also my yucky stretch marks and almost nonexistent belly button!
Monday, January 14, 2008
New Year's Eve
Before I tell you about New Year's Eve I will give you an update about me and the baby. I think some of you may have been checking the blog to see what is going on and I haven't been really giving you any updates lately.
As you have probably already figured out, I'm still waiting. The baby's due date came and went and the baby is still snuggled comfortably (for him or her, not me) in my tummy. :) I went to the doctor on Friday and everything is looking really good. It is just a matter of time and how long it takes me to dilate and begin having contractions. I will begin going to the hospital every other day on Tuesday (tomorrow) if nothing happens before then. They will check the heartbeat and from there decide what needs to happen: whether they need to get things going or if I should just continue to wait for the baby to make a move. I will try to keep you updated. I'm actually feeling pretty good though. I am just so ready to have the baby and not be pregnant anymore! Please keep us in your prayers!
New Year's Eve was fun. We had a party at the church building and we played games, ate some good food and shot off fireworks at midnight. I will just leave a couple of pictures here for you to see.
Playing games
Linda and me at midnight
Clint and me at midnight
Enjoying fireworks at midnight
As you have probably already figured out, I'm still waiting. The baby's due date came and went and the baby is still snuggled comfortably (for him or her, not me) in my tummy. :) I went to the doctor on Friday and everything is looking really good. It is just a matter of time and how long it takes me to dilate and begin having contractions. I will begin going to the hospital every other day on Tuesday (tomorrow) if nothing happens before then. They will check the heartbeat and from there decide what needs to happen: whether they need to get things going or if I should just continue to wait for the baby to make a move. I will try to keep you updated. I'm actually feeling pretty good though. I am just so ready to have the baby and not be pregnant anymore! Please keep us in your prayers!
New Year's Eve was fun. We had a party at the church building and we played games, ate some good food and shot off fireworks at midnight. I will just leave a couple of pictures here for you to see.
Playing games
Linda and me at midnight
Clint and me at midnight
Enjoying fireworks at midnight
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
2nd Day of Christmas
Clint and me at Wasserschloss Klaffenbach
In Germany, December 26th is also a holiday known as the 2nd Day of Christmas. I have to admit that it's really nice to have another excuse to be lazy and relax for another day. :) We ended up sleeping in and relaxing in the morning and then met up with Karen and her family and our friend Seppel. We took Snickers with us to a castle here in Chemnitz called Wasserschloss Klaffenbach. Last year we went there and just took a walk around the area and through the woods that are nearby. So we decided to do that again this year, and of course Snickers loved and I think everyone else had a good time too.
Dustin with Snickers, Wanda and Karen
I think afterwards we went back to Karen's and had some coffee and hot chocolate and leftover pie... yummy! Then we played Hand and Foot for quite a while. Then we ended up watching a movie. So once again it was a relaxing, fun day.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Christmas Day
Clint and I got up and began preparing our food for Christmas dinner. In between we opened our presents and got ready for the day. A little before 1:00 we headed over to Karen's with our food and started getting the table ready and enjoyed a very delicious meal with Karen, her family and our friend Stefan.
Ready for our yummy meal!
After dinner, we cleaned up and sat at the table and played Phase 10 for quite a long time. I think the game lasted a couple of hours!
Snickers joined in on the Phase 10 for a little bit. :)
After that we called the Sullivans in the States to wish them a Merry Christmas and talk to them a little bit. They were have a nice Christmas in New Mexico. Afterwards we warmed up some leftovers for lunch and sat down to watch a movie. We watched "Santa Claus 3". All-in-all it was a nice relaxing day.
Ready for our yummy meal!
After dinner, we cleaned up and sat at the table and played Phase 10 for quite a long time. I think the game lasted a couple of hours!
Snickers joined in on the Phase 10 for a little bit. :)
After that we called the Sullivans in the States to wish them a Merry Christmas and talk to them a little bit. They were have a nice Christmas in New Mexico. Afterwards we warmed up some leftovers for lunch and sat down to watch a movie. We watched "Santa Claus 3". All-in-all it was a nice relaxing day.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Christmas Eve
Rochsburg Castle
Christmas Eve was a good day. I went with Karen, Wanda and Dustin to a castle nearby called Rochsburg. It wasn't actually open so we just went and walked around it and took pictures, but it looked really neat.
Wanda, Dustin and me at Rochsburg Castle on Christmas Eve
Karen and me at Rochsburg Castle
Apparently, we were only 1 km away from America! :)
Me on Christmas Eve at 37 weeks pregnant
We were invited to go over to the Moehler's for coffee that afternoon and so at 3:00 we went over there to spend a couple of fun hours with Guido, Silke, Luca, Giulia and Timon! We had some yummy cake, hot chocolate, tea and afterwards we sang some German Christmas songs together. Then, Guido read the story of Jesus' birth. Of course, the kids were so excited that it was Christmas Eve that they kept asking over and over if they could open the presents. So, finally they let them each open one gift each and after that they were very quiet and preoccupied with their new toys! We had a great time with them and were so thankful for the invitation to spend some time with them on Christmas Eve!
Timon and me
Giulia loves playing with the camera.
Guido reading a story
Timon and Luca watch Giulia open her present.
We met up with Karen, Wanda and Dustin and left for the annual Erzgebirgsfahrt (drive through the Ore Mountains). There was a layer of snow and the lights looked beautiful. We made a stop at Wolkenstein where we stop every year and got out and walked around the center of town and around the castle.
Pyramid in Wolkenstein
Schwibbogen in Wolkenstein
Wolkenstein Castle
After our drive and singing Christmas carols along the way, we went back to Karen's house and ate our traditional cheese Fondue meal. It sure was tasty! Afterwards we watched "The Christmas Story" (or at least we tried... Clint and I both fell asleep). I believe Snickers slept too. :) Then Karen read "The Night Before Christmas" before we all went to bed!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Acupuncture
I had my first acupuncture at the last birth class and made another appointment for yesterday afternoon. It didn't really hurt at all. I guess I just sometimes felt a little prick when they put the needle in, but other than that you can't tell anything about it. I have no idea if it will help or not, but I guess we will see.
I had an interesting discussion about it with a friend. They had questions/ concerns that acupuncture originated from an Eastern religion called Taoism. I guess up until the point it was brought to my attention I hadn't really thought about it that way. I know that it did originate in Eastern religion, but I guess for me it is just a modern alternative medical procedure to use instead of medicine or other unnatural ways. Germans are really into the natural things so I think that is why it is so popular to do it here. To me it seems like a good idea to use it if it can help in pregnancy and other areas without having to go to drastic measures or use lots of medication... that is just not healthy in my opinion.
I understand my friend's point of view on the fact that we should not be putting "any other gods before us". For me though, acupuncture has nothing to do with any Eastern religious god, but just using a technique that in my opinion came from God's creation. I in no way think that by doing this procedure it means I am worshiping some other god. I also pointed out the fact that most of the nurses and doctors that I know who use the procedure are probably not even religious at all. Although, I even know a doctor in the States who is a Christian and he uses the procedure in his practice.
For me, I feel comfortable using it in a medical way and it doesn't bother my conscience or affect my relationship with God in the least. I still know that God is in control of my life and my health. I continue to pray that He watches over me and the baby and that He takes control of everything. However, I do believe that if it bothers someone's conscience they should probably not take part in it. If you feel it is wrong, then you definitely shouldn't do it. Don't let something like that affect your relationship with God.
Please share your thoughts on this topic. I am interested in what you all have to say about it.
I had an interesting discussion about it with a friend. They had questions/ concerns that acupuncture originated from an Eastern religion called Taoism. I guess up until the point it was brought to my attention I hadn't really thought about it that way. I know that it did originate in Eastern religion, but I guess for me it is just a modern alternative medical procedure to use instead of medicine or other unnatural ways. Germans are really into the natural things so I think that is why it is so popular to do it here. To me it seems like a good idea to use it if it can help in pregnancy and other areas without having to go to drastic measures or use lots of medication... that is just not healthy in my opinion.
I understand my friend's point of view on the fact that we should not be putting "any other gods before us". For me though, acupuncture has nothing to do with any Eastern religious god, but just using a technique that in my opinion came from God's creation. I in no way think that by doing this procedure it means I am worshiping some other god. I also pointed out the fact that most of the nurses and doctors that I know who use the procedure are probably not even religious at all. Although, I even know a doctor in the States who is a Christian and he uses the procedure in his practice.
For me, I feel comfortable using it in a medical way and it doesn't bother my conscience or affect my relationship with God in the least. I still know that God is in control of my life and my health. I continue to pray that He watches over me and the baby and that He takes control of everything. However, I do believe that if it bothers someone's conscience they should probably not take part in it. If you feel it is wrong, then you definitely shouldn't do it. Don't let something like that affect your relationship with God.
Please share your thoughts on this topic. I am interested in what you all have to say about it.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Final Birth Class
Tuesday the 18th was my last birth class. Clint was able to go with me this time! Although I think afterward he said it was all stuff that he has already read about and knew about, he was glad that he could go with me. I guess the most important part of it (to me) was getting to watch a video of several different women giving birth. It was a lot longer than the first video we watched and we got to see the different things/ positions they did to help throughout the process. It was again a little bit scary, but amazing to see the sweet babies at the end and how all the mothers are so happy. I guess we are ready for the baby now!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Schwarzenberg Christmas Market
Arnold Schwarzenberger... ha ha... get it? Instead of Arnold Schwarzenegger. :)
This was a pretty door that we saw in Schwarzenberg. Above it is a typical Ore Mountain Christmas decoration called a Schwibbogen.
Last Sunday Clint and I went with Karen, her mom Wanda, nephew Dustin and niece Carla to the Christmas Market in Schwarzenberg. It was one place Clint and I have never been in the Ore Mountain area. We had a good time enjoying the yummy food they had and doing a little shopping and walking around. Here are a couple of pictures from our time there.
Clint and I in the center of town.
Schwarzenberg Castle
Here is a small glimpse of the Schwarzenberg Christmas Market. This is in the center of town and only a small portion of the market. There were many more booths that went throughout the small streets.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Weihnachtskaffeetrinken
Every year we have a Christmas Coffee/ Party at church. This year the children's class had a special presentation for us. They were so cute. I wanted to post a video but I think it is too big and I haven't quite figured out how to do that kind of stuff. You will just have to imagine how cute they were. :)
Everyone brought cake and sweets to the party and we drank coffee (and Clint and I made egg nog! I also made gingerbread... or attempted to) and had a good time together. We also sang some Christmas carols together. All-in-all it was a really good time with our brothers and sisters in Chemnitz!
Here is a picture of Clint and I at the party.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to yours!
Everyone brought cake and sweets to the party and we drank coffee (and Clint and I made egg nog! I also made gingerbread... or attempted to) and had a good time together. We also sang some Christmas carols together. All-in-all it was a really good time with our brothers and sisters in Chemnitz!
Here is a picture of Clint and I at the party.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to yours!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Week 35 Baby Update
Last Friday was our latest appointment. They did all the regular check-up stuff... checked the heartbeat, to see if there were any contractions happening, weight, hemoglobin, etc. The heartbeat sounded good, there were no contractions or any other signs that the baby was beginning to progress. My hemoglobin was about the same as last time, even .2 lower so that means I am still not getting enough iron. The doctor prescribed a different iron pill and has me taking it twice a day rather than once a day. The doctor didn't even do an ultrasound or check if I was dilated at all. He did a blood test to check for streptococcus. That all came out fine. My next appointment is on the 30th due to the office being closed during the holidays. I will let you know how that goes! At this appointment Clint and I decided to take the mp3 player to record the heartbeat and also had our new camera with us that also has video. I will try to post something here. We wanted to get a video of me with the straps on my stomach and the baby moving around, because it seems like every time I go in to do that, the baby moves a lot, but we didn't really get that on video this time. So I guess the video isn't all that exciting. :)
Friday, December 21, 2007
Goings-on
I will try to update about the things that have been going on in the past week or so.
First of all, I had another question to answer. Feel free to ask more questions, hopefully I will be able to answer them.
Quesiton:
"Do you know how long you'll stay in the hospital after Baby Eby is born? Is it up to you or will insurance only pay for so many days?"
Answer:
I think we will be in the hospital for about 3-4 days. I am not really positive about this but from what I have heard I will have to stay for at least a couple of days. Obviously it depends on how the birth goes and if there are any complications, etc. With the price of the medical system here in Germany the insurance paying for our hospital stay is not an issue. I guess whenever they feel I am ready to go home then they will let me go home! I hope that helps.
On to the goings-on...
On Thursday the 13th Clint and I headed out to Dresden to Grady and Allison's apartment. They gave us a chest of drawers, lots of baby stuff and a coffee table. After packing it all in the van we went to lunch with them. It was good to spend a little bit of time with them before they left. They have since made it to Minnesota and are doing well there. We miss you guys!
Later that afternoon Clint went to help Karen get her Christmas tree and when he got home he told me that I should look in my stocking. I thought that was weird since it's not even Christmas yet but I looked and found two tickets to see Jekyll and Hyde! They were for that night at 7:30. So we both got ready and went to the Christmas Market to eat some food and headed to the opera house! It was a great show and I really enjoyed my present! I was so excited because I had been wanting to see the show for months now since it has been playing in Chemnitz. Thanks sweety!
I will update about more of the week later...
First of all, I had another question to answer. Feel free to ask more questions, hopefully I will be able to answer them.
Quesiton:
"Do you know how long you'll stay in the hospital after Baby Eby is born? Is it up to you or will insurance only pay for so many days?"
Answer:
I think we will be in the hospital for about 3-4 days. I am not really positive about this but from what I have heard I will have to stay for at least a couple of days. Obviously it depends on how the birth goes and if there are any complications, etc. With the price of the medical system here in Germany the insurance paying for our hospital stay is not an issue. I guess whenever they feel I am ready to go home then they will let me go home! I hope that helps.
On to the goings-on...
On Thursday the 13th Clint and I headed out to Dresden to Grady and Allison's apartment. They gave us a chest of drawers, lots of baby stuff and a coffee table. After packing it all in the van we went to lunch with them. It was good to spend a little bit of time with them before they left. They have since made it to Minnesota and are doing well there. We miss you guys!
Later that afternoon Clint went to help Karen get her Christmas tree and when he got home he told me that I should look in my stocking. I thought that was weird since it's not even Christmas yet but I looked and found two tickets to see Jekyll and Hyde! They were for that night at 7:30. So we both got ready and went to the Christmas Market to eat some food and headed to the opera house! It was a great show and I really enjoyed my present! I was so excited because I had been wanting to see the show for months now since it has been playing in Chemnitz. Thanks sweety!
I will update about more of the week later...
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Questions
On my last post there were a couple of questions in the comments that I thought I would clear up for anyone who is interested.
1. Do the babies have to stay in the nursery? No, as far as I understand it is your choice whether you want the baby in your room or to stay in the nursery. I definitely want the baby in the room with me! :) Of course there might be times they have to take the baby to do tests or checkups to make sure everything is ok, but other than that I want the baby in the room with me.
2. Can Clint stay with you in the room? Yes. We should have a private room so it will be nice that he can even probably order a bed or cot to be brought into the room to sleep in. When I was in the hospital in July they told us they could do that but we never did for some reason... he just always slept in the recliner. But I think it would be more comfortable to get a bed.
3. Do you deliver in your room or go to a special delivery room? No, there are separate rooms for delivery and then the recovery room (if that is what they are called). When we took a tour of the hospital they showed us several different rooms where the actual labor and delivery would take place. Then last time was when we saw the room we will get to stay in after the delivery.
1. Do the babies have to stay in the nursery? No, as far as I understand it is your choice whether you want the baby in your room or to stay in the nursery. I definitely want the baby in the room with me! :) Of course there might be times they have to take the baby to do tests or checkups to make sure everything is ok, but other than that I want the baby in the room with me.
2. Can Clint stay with you in the room? Yes. We should have a private room so it will be nice that he can even probably order a bed or cot to be brought into the room to sleep in. When I was in the hospital in July they told us they could do that but we never did for some reason... he just always slept in the recliner. But I think it would be more comfortable to get a bed.
3. Do you deliver in your room or go to a special delivery room? No, there are separate rooms for delivery and then the recovery room (if that is what they are called). When we took a tour of the hospital they showed us several different rooms where the actual labor and delivery would take place. Then last time was when we saw the room we will get to stay in after the delivery.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Birth Preparation Course #4
On Tuesday I had another class. This one went well. We got to do a little tour of the rooms where we will stay after the birth. We looked at a 2 bed room that was empty. It was nice, but I just think it would be so much nicer having a room to yourself... especially when there are crying babies involved. Anyway, we should be able to get a private room because our insurance is private and that is the kind of room I had when I was in the hospital before and they paid for it.
Then after looking at the room we got to go see the nursery where the newborns stay. There was only one baby in there, but he was so sweet. He was so little and cute. Our midwife asked permission from one woman if we could look in her private room and she let us so we went in there and she had her newborn with her. She said the baby had come 4 weeks early.... wow! I can't imagine... that would be me having my baby right now! It's hard to believe that it could happen at any time now.
The second part of the class we discussed breast feeding, baby skin care and things like that. I guess I will be doing the acupuncture on the 18th. Then apparently it is something that you do once a week so I will have to continue to make appointments after that, even though it is the last class. That is the class that Clint can come with me to so he will get to see the acupuncture. It should be interesting.
On Tuesday we also went to a second hand store down the street for babies and children and we bought some clothes. I guess we are pretty much ready for the little angel to come. :) There are still some things I would like to get, but I guess we have the necessities. Well, we still need diapers and some other things but we are slowly getting there!
Then after looking at the room we got to go see the nursery where the newborns stay. There was only one baby in there, but he was so sweet. He was so little and cute. Our midwife asked permission from one woman if we could look in her private room and she let us so we went in there and she had her newborn with her. She said the baby had come 4 weeks early.... wow! I can't imagine... that would be me having my baby right now! It's hard to believe that it could happen at any time now.
The second part of the class we discussed breast feeding, baby skin care and things like that. I guess I will be doing the acupuncture on the 18th. Then apparently it is something that you do once a week so I will have to continue to make appointments after that, even though it is the last class. That is the class that Clint can come with me to so he will get to see the acupuncture. It should be interesting.
On Tuesday we also went to a second hand store down the street for babies and children and we bought some clothes. I guess we are pretty much ready for the little angel to come. :) There are still some things I would like to get, but I guess we have the necessities. Well, we still need diapers and some other things but we are slowly getting there!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Christmas Market
Chemnitz Christmas Market
Well, it is that time of year again. Time for the wonderful smells of roasted almonds, hot chocolate, glühwein, crepes and all the other wonderful foods served at the Christmas Market. The crispness of the cold air combined with the Christmas music that plays throughout the market just gives you the feeling that Christmas is here! Plus, what a wonderful feeling to be walking around and seeing all the people with smiles on their faces. This time of year and the atmosphere the market brings seems to brighten people's faces and spirits. It's a time during the dark cold winter that everyone celebrates together with family and friends and some even remember why this time of year and all times is a happy time... Jesus.
Clint and I went to the market on Saturday and enjoyed just walking around and seeing all the sites and taking in all the smells and of course eating a few tasty treats as well! Our plan is to go again tomorrow evening. It should be fun!
Chemnitz Medieval Christmas Market- doesn't that pig look yummy??? Mmmm. :)
Musicians playing in the Medieval Market
Monday, December 10, 2007
Birth Preparation Course #3
Last Tuesday's class was good again. I don't know that I have anything really exciting to report about it, but I thought I would try to write about it anyway for those of you who are interested.
The first hour was spent listening to the midwife talk about the process during which we will be dilating. She once again got out the fabric pelvis and showed us some examples of the different sizes of dilation. (Don't worry, it was just a piece of wood with different size circles on it to show the progress.) This part was a little difficult for me to follow everything that she was saying for a couple of different reasons. 1. She tends to talk a little fast. 2. I was tired and it was 7:00 p.m. 3. I think she has a bit of a Sächsich accent. (The dialect from this region which can be difficult to understand if you have always tried to learn Hochdeutsch.) But overall I think that I understood most of what she said. This time she actually stayed on topic and I didn't get frustrated with her going off on some random tangent. Although I am glad she is sharing so much information with us, it is really difficult to sit still and listen for an entire hour. The reason for that is because it is so uncomfortable to sit on the floor (on mats) for that long. There are some pillows and most of us end up leaning against the wall with the pillows, but I ended up lying on my side by the end of the first hour because I was so uncomfortable.
Then we got to do some more exercises such as breathing and with those big exercise balls you can sit on. We did different techniques that can be used when we are in labor to relax us and help us breathe steadily and in a relaxed way. We also got to give each other back rubs again which was very nice. We also did some other breathing exercises standing up or leaning against the wall or a partner's back. She also told us how our spouses can help us in these positions.
The last part of the class we watched a birth video. I'm pretty sure I have seen one before in school at some point, but with the event coming up so soon, it sure is scary to watch! Although, I know it will be fine, it kind of makes you think... that is going to come out of me where???!!! But at the end of the video when the mother is holding her baby and is so happy that all the pain looks like it has vanished from her face it made me tear up and get excited about experiencing that moment when Clint is by my side and we are looking at our precious child for the first time. This is going to be an amazing, unforgettable experience! :) Praise God for his amazing miracles and blessings in our lives!
The first hour was spent listening to the midwife talk about the process during which we will be dilating. She once again got out the fabric pelvis and showed us some examples of the different sizes of dilation. (Don't worry, it was just a piece of wood with different size circles on it to show the progress.) This part was a little difficult for me to follow everything that she was saying for a couple of different reasons. 1. She tends to talk a little fast. 2. I was tired and it was 7:00 p.m. 3. I think she has a bit of a Sächsich accent. (The dialect from this region which can be difficult to understand if you have always tried to learn Hochdeutsch.) But overall I think that I understood most of what she said. This time she actually stayed on topic and I didn't get frustrated with her going off on some random tangent. Although I am glad she is sharing so much information with us, it is really difficult to sit still and listen for an entire hour. The reason for that is because it is so uncomfortable to sit on the floor (on mats) for that long. There are some pillows and most of us end up leaning against the wall with the pillows, but I ended up lying on my side by the end of the first hour because I was so uncomfortable.
Then we got to do some more exercises such as breathing and with those big exercise balls you can sit on. We did different techniques that can be used when we are in labor to relax us and help us breathe steadily and in a relaxed way. We also got to give each other back rubs again which was very nice. We also did some other breathing exercises standing up or leaning against the wall or a partner's back. She also told us how our spouses can help us in these positions.
The last part of the class we watched a birth video. I'm pretty sure I have seen one before in school at some point, but with the event coming up so soon, it sure is scary to watch! Although, I know it will be fine, it kind of makes you think... that is going to come out of me where???!!! But at the end of the video when the mother is holding her baby and is so happy that all the pain looks like it has vanished from her face it made me tear up and get excited about experiencing that moment when Clint is by my side and we are looking at our precious child for the first time. This is going to be an amazing, unforgettable experience! :) Praise God for his amazing miracles and blessings in our lives!
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Baby Checkup- Week 33
On Friday we went to the doctor for our checkup. Once again they strapped the heart monitor and thing to detect contractions on to my belly to check the heartbeat. The heartbeat was perfectly normal and there were no signs of contractions. (I also have not noticed any so I wasn't expecting to have any then either). My hemoglobin was low which means that I am not getting enough iron so the doctor prescribed some iron for me to take. Although, don't worry Mom, it wasn't too low, it was just right at the border and he is not concerned about it.
He did another ultrasound and I asked him once again to let us know if he can tell if it's a boy or a girl. He acted like he had no idea that we didn't know already. He said, "Oh, you didn't find out at the specialist?" (which was back in September) He apparently doesn't remember all the other times I have been there asking him to look and to tell us. :) Anyway, I felt like he looked really really thoroughly this time. He was able to find the place of much secrecy, but still could not really tell us if it was a boy or a girl. He said, "Well, it could be a boy, but I can't be sure. Then he pointed out that even in girls at this late in the development, they tend to get swollen up in that area due to hormones so that it doesn't really look like a girl. I had never heard that before, but anyway... we still don't know. But you know what? The baby is going to be here before we know it and we will definitely know then! It might be fun for it to be a surprise when it's born! So just in case you are holding on to the hopes that we will find out before the baby is born... please don't. I mean, we basically gave up that hope a while ago and are ok either way. We are just happy to know that the baby is healthy.
The doctor also said that the head is down and in the right position and I am not dilated at all yet. So, all was good and healthy which is wonderful to hear. We go back to the doctor in 2 weeks on December 14th! The appointments are getting closer and closer together! :)
He did another ultrasound and I asked him once again to let us know if he can tell if it's a boy or a girl. He acted like he had no idea that we didn't know already. He said, "Oh, you didn't find out at the specialist?" (which was back in September) He apparently doesn't remember all the other times I have been there asking him to look and to tell us. :) Anyway, I felt like he looked really really thoroughly this time. He was able to find the place of much secrecy, but still could not really tell us if it was a boy or a girl. He said, "Well, it could be a boy, but I can't be sure. Then he pointed out that even in girls at this late in the development, they tend to get swollen up in that area due to hormones so that it doesn't really look like a girl. I had never heard that before, but anyway... we still don't know. But you know what? The baby is going to be here before we know it and we will definitely know then! It might be fun for it to be a surprise when it's born! So just in case you are holding on to the hopes that we will find out before the baby is born... please don't. I mean, we basically gave up that hope a while ago and are ok either way. We are just happy to know that the baby is healthy.
The doctor also said that the head is down and in the right position and I am not dilated at all yet. So, all was good and healthy which is wonderful to hear. We go back to the doctor in 2 weeks on December 14th! The appointments are getting closer and closer together! :)
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