Have You Had A Doula?

So, I'm about seven weeks away from my due date. Writing that just now made me nervous, because that is pretty soon! :) As I've mentioned before, I am trying to go for a VBAC this time around. Part of me is accepting of having to have a C-section again if I have to, but I really want to experience a vaginal birth.

With that said, I'm considering hiring a doula. I've read that doula's can make such a positive difference with giving birth. I wanted to know if anyone out there has had a doula, and is it something that you would highly recommend? Or did you think you could have done just as well on your own?

The Midwife review

I mentioned the other week that I loved reading a wonderful novel called, The Midwife by Gay Couter. I give the book five out of five stars. I normally do not etch out time out of my schedule to consistently read a book, but I did with this one.

It is the story of Hannah, a young midwife in training, and eventually certified midwife, who blossoms as a young woman amidst a tumultous time in Russia for Jews during the 1900's. After moving to America with her family to seek a better life, she quickly establishes herself as a competent and trusted midwife, who assists births at women's homes.

I was so enthralled with the descriptions of the various births that Hannah attended. The writing of this novel is superb, keeping readers fascinated with the process of birth, and the blessings of having a competent midwife to assist in childbirth. I loved reading about a young woman who was passionate about birth, and one of the most skilled and respected midwives in her area. It was an inspiring and informative read, and I would encourage any woman to read the book. There are some parts of it that I didn't agree with or support the heroine's choices, but overall, I think this is a great book, that most will find worthy of five stars.

The Midwife

Happy New Year everyone!!

I have enjoyed a wonderful holiday season. I told my husband that having young children brings the excitement back into Christmas. Christmas from around the teen years and beyond isn't quite as exciting as Christmas when you are little. It seemed magical as a child, because I believed in Santa Claus, and there was so much anticipation to see what was under the Christmas tree.

The older I got the more the magic faded away. I still enjoyed Christmas very much, but there was no magical element there. But, having children brings that magic back for some reason. I guess because you get to witness their excitement.

Something I have also enjoyed for the past week or so has been reading an excellent book! Prior to getting marrried and having children, I was a voracious novel reader. After having children I cut back a lot on my reading. A lot. Mainly because when I get into a book I like to keep reading, and it was frustrating to read and have to stop continuously.

Another reason was because I just had not found a lot of good books that were worth trying to continue reading. But, I recently read one of the best books that I've read in a long time.

As I'm approaching my sixth month of pregnancy, of course I have been reading anything related to pregnancy. Mainly nonfiction works. But, I found a great fiction novel, called The Midwife by Gay Courter. I found it at my local library and I was hooked from the first few pages. I loved this book! Childbirth is fascinating to me anyways, more so right now of course, because I'll be giving birth in a few months. The writing was excellent, and although it was a very long book, I savored each moment of reading it. I just finished reading it, and I have to give a full review of it in a few days at least. I'm also going to get the sequel tomorrow and begin reading it.

I can't wait!

Back Home

I'm finally done with my teacher certification program!! This is my first week back home full time with my children, and it's been great. My husband had been home during the day with them, but he started school fulltime, which the military pays for, last week.

The children are excited about the baby in my tummy. At least once a week my son asks me if the baby is going to come out now. He's anxious to meet his new sibling.

I'm five months along, and I'm deciding on whether to switch to a more VBAC friendly doctor. The one I chose, I thought was VBAC friendly, but she said that she only supports vaginal births after one c-section, and I have had two.

I'm nervous about trying for a VBAC, and I'm nervous about possibly having another C-section. I try not to think about it too much, and stay positive. I have been reading a lot of great posts through ICAN, specifically I Can of Atlanta's message board. It has been inspiring to read so many VBAC success stories.

30

Today is my 30th birthday. (Sigh. . . ) No, really, I'm happy to begin a new decade of life, and I am thankful for all that God has blessed me with. Even unexpected surprises.

A while ago I blogged about yearning for a baby, but in my head I knew that it was not a wise time to have another child. I guess God had other plans, because I'm expecting number 3. I honestly can't believe it, and writing it here makes it seem more real.

I've read biblical womanhood type blogs for quite some time now, and have read about how women should joyfully anticipate the birth of any children God chooses to bless them with, and allowing God to plan your family and so forth. I think there is some merit to that.

But, can I admit that I am both happy and anxious/nervous about having another child?

I feel mostly confident that I can handle it in stride, but a part of me is nervous that parenting three children will be very overwhelming. The other part of me can't wait to hold, snuggle, and nurse this new little person.

Anyways, I'm thankful for all of my children on my special birthday and my entire family for their support and love.

My goal this year is to really work hard to accomplish my dreams of being a published author, to become a better cook because I'm really bored with my repertoire of meals, and to remember to enjoy each and every day to the fullest with my loved ones, and not waste energy on trivial matters.

Have a wonderful day!

Each Day is Important

It's a rainy Labor Day here, and I'm savoring this relaxed time at home with my family. Sometimes I forget how important my job is as mother to my children, and my responsibility to train and mold them. Sometimes I get in a rut, and feel like I'm going through the motions. But, today I just thought about how powerful my role as mother is.

I am so blessed to be their mommy. My daughter just turned 3 a few days ago, so for three weeks I will have two three year olds! My son will turn 4 at the end of September. It's funny that they are the same age for exactly three weeks every year.

I was reading a few weeks ago about Marian Robinson, Michelle Obama's mother, who was a full-time homemaker until Michelle was in high school. She taught both of her children to read before they entered school. They were allowed to watch 30 min. of TV while they were young children, and spent much of their day reading and playing board games.

Reading that inspired me, because Marian Robinson and her husband laid a strong foundation for their children, who both ended up very successful. I love hearing stories of women who were homemakers and proud of their role, and the fruits of their labors.

It gives me more motivation to be the best wife and mother that I can be. Even when daily life seems mundane, it really is not, because each day, every routine, everything I teach, is helping to shape and mold my children, and it is important.

Back to TV

My family and I recently moved to a new place at the beginning of the month. We got TV and internet connection this past Saturday. We went three weeks with no TV. For my husband and I it was a lot to digest. But, we got used to it.

I've said before in this blog that I am a reality tv fan. I love watching The Real Housewives shows, Teen Mom, Cupcake Wars, Top Chef, and a few other shows. Mainly Bravo shows. I thought that I would be completely bored without tv to watch during my downtime when the children were sleep.

Interestingly enough, I rarely missed tv. It almost feels weird to watch the shows that I once could not miss. I feel out of the loop. I guess it's a good thing. I still enjoy watching TV, but I realize that it's not the absolute best way for me to unwind and relax.

I've always been a bookworm, since elementary school, and I had the chance to rekindle my love for reading. I've been reading more books as well as spending more time organizing our home in my down time.

Although it's been awhile since I bought a book, because I usually check them out from the library, I was so sad when I found out my local Borders was closing. Like, actually sad. I really enjoy browsing through bookstores. But, I guess a lot of people are choosing to check books out versus purchase them, or buy them off of Amazon.