Welcome to the World, Baby Cheese!

Baby Cheese entered the world on 9/18/08 at 2:07am. She is a Tiny Cheese, weighing in at 6lbs 1oz. Her disposition is as sweet as can be, I believe that she looks like her Beaming Proud Papa (and I'm not alone!)

My birth experience was a very spiritual and beautiful reflection of who I am. Many things about it were not what I expected, but I never gave up and had a natural, unmedicated birth. I do have some healing and recovery time ahead of me, but I couldn't be any more pleased with the outcome.

My midwife and RN were nothing short of incredible and helped provide strength to my core. I feel like I can accomplish anything after going through labor. I never was afraid, even prior to the birth. I knew my body body wouldn't give me something I couldn't handle. I even felt the rush of oxytocin - incredible stuff!

More to come later as it hurts to sit right now!

xoxox

My Birth Story

Wow, another year added to my existence, It's my Birthday!

This might be a more memorable birthday, because I'm eagerly anticipating my daughters birthday more than I am my own. It's pretty cool seeing yourself transform to being someone more selfless & putting someone elses needs first.

I also have a whole new outlook on birthdays, and I want to talk about the day that I came into the world and how it has influenced many of my decisions today. From what I know, my Mother went to the hospital the moment she first realized that she was in labor with me (around lunch time, I think). At the hospital she did not progress as fast as they wanted her to and her Dr was ready to go home and have dinner and told her she needed a c-section. I was born via c-section at around 6:20pm.
I was healthy, around 8lbs 5oz and didn't have any complications so my parents were happy campers.

My brothers are twins, so let's just say my Mom had some difficult birth experiences. She never complained to me about them, but when I asked her for details it became apparant to me that she had some regrets about the Dr she had chosen for my birth.

My Mom and Dad didn't know about Dr Bradley . They did what they were told to do,there was no medical emergency as Mom was truly progressing fine, just not fast enough for her Dr. Its sad, I wish I had a better story to tell, I wish I knew what my birth story would have been like sans c-section so I could have a better idea of what my daughters birth will be like. But the good thing is that I believe this has made me who I am today. I did lots of investigation before I chose my providers, we are on the same page. While the last thing they want for me is a c-section or episiotomy, they are wise in that if a true emergency does present itself these things can and will be considered, but only if there is a serious risk.

So my birth story has made me who I am today. It has inspired me to question authority, think for myself and perhaps most important, love and appreciate my Mother for going through such a difficult time bringing me into the world! That is the biggest blessing of all, being born. Even if my daughter does not get the birth that I desire for her, I'll be thankful for the miracle that is her life.

Week 37

I'm looking out the window and it looks like it's getting a bit windy. I'm ready for the rain, but not the wind so much.

Each day Mr Cheese and I grow closer to meeting our little miracle, we sure are excited!
I have this feeling that she will look a lot like Mr Cheese!

I feel really prepared at this point. Lots of classes, books, discussion has all taken place. I have the most wonderful and supportive providers EVER! I would have never envisioned such wonderful ladies taking care of me. To me, they are not just providers, but friends. How many people leave each visit feeling better, empowered and uplifted? How many people leave each visit with a warm hug of womanly friendship? That's what I get to experience. I never feel rushed, or like a burden. I feel valued, I'm not a number, not a statistic, but a human being with feelings. I also adore my Bradley teacher, she's informative, spunky and very knowledgeable. I've been lucky to meet other pregnant women with due dates close to mine, their personalities can light up a room! Something to be said for surrounding oneself with positive people.

I'm still attending pre-natal yoga. Still pretty flexible too. I would recommend pre-natal yoga to anyone - it's very relaxing and it's great for stretching out the back, hips and glutes. I wish I could practice yoga in a class setting each day.


I'm still on bedrest - I have many things that I want to do around the house, but can't right now. It's incredible how quickly the weeds grow in the flower beds. It feels strange to not be able to just go out and pull them, but that wouldn't be good for my blood pressure now would it. Since I'm a Type B personality please rest assured that I'm pretty good about "taking it easy." But I've never been in such a predicament before, so it's very strange.

Baby Cheese had a songogram earlier this week. She was sticking out her tongue! It was so cute. She is looking great! Any day now, we hope (like most couples do) that she makes her debut sooner as opposed to later.

I'm still concerned about Pugcheesy though, he is going to make co-sleeping in the bed difficult or, not possible at all. After 4 years of being a Type A, Alpha Male Pug Pack Leader, I don't think it would be right to expect him to sleep in a bed, on the floor. I would like to call in Cesar Milan, he would understand PugCheesy better than I can. I know a lot of it is my fault. I have done some pretty silly things just for a laugh. I have an odd sense of humor, and pushing him in the stroller and buying him fancy things make me laugh, and bring joy to my existence. Now I'll have a real baby to do these things with and Pugcheesy will probably have the moxie to get miffed at me.

Doyle is going to be more important than ever, as he is Pugcheesys babysitter and my "buffer".

I am a true dork!

36 Weeks

Well, here I am, 36 weeks along! I'm quite tired these days and I'm keeping myself in a relaxed state throughout the day. Anything that could cause my blood pressure to go up, I refrain from doing. It's getting easier not to do some of the stuff I want to (like vacuum) because I'm simply tired.

I think I'm pretty much ready to go as far as having all the *stuff* that baby will need. There are about 3 things I still need to get, but they can wait.

I miss the way I used to shop, go out, fit into my old pants and shirts. But I know this will be all worth it. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed, questioning if I can really handle raising another person. Deep down, I know I can, but it sure is going to be quite a task!

It's been a sad week in many ways too. I found out that my Grandmother has breast cancer and one of my cousins needs a serious surgery. A lot of things are up in the air for a lot of people right now. I'm saying a lot of prayers. Please keep my family members in your thoughts and prayers.