10 years ago today I answered the phone. It was Tuesday morning and Mom's friend, Mandie, was calling. She sounded frantic and said that the World Trade Center had been attacked by terrorists. My 14-year-old self had no idea what the World Trade Center was and just said, "Huh?". She told me to just turn on the news and tell Mom and then hung up. I walked over, turned on the TV...and the world changed in an instant.
It's hard to remember how things used to be before that fateful day. You could walk on a plane, barely having to go through a metal detector. You didn't think twice about someone wearing a hijab...if you even knew what that was. Islam was one of the world's fastest growing religions, but many Americans didn't know much about it. And who had ever heard of Rudy Guliani? (In South Carolina anyway?) Everything was flipped in an instant. Suddenly families became closer, or they were torn apart. Churches were packed. Lives were forever changed. Then, an instant later it seemed, we were at war.
And here we are, 10 years later, fighting that same battle. As a Navy spouse I don't pretend that I've faced the kind of fears that my Army and Marine counterparts have. May God bless the men and women on the front lines, as well as those left behind. Both are doing battle. May God bless the leaders of our country with wisdom in these uncertain times. I am not nearly as thankful as I should be for the freedom and peace we experience every day. May God bless those we battle in Afghanistan and Iraq. I pray for their hearts to be changed to the glory and praise of God Himself. And, most of all today, may God bless those who lost loved ones in the towers, the Pentagon, or in Pennsylvania. Our prayers are with you.
God Bless America.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The Midwife Post
I know I've been promising it for a while and here it is! The answer to the question everyone asks:
"Leigh Anne, why oh why did you choose to see a midwife instead of a real doctor??"
First of all, let me answer a more basic question, "What exactly is a midwife?" I think many people picture midwives either as Hebrew women refusing to throw babies into the Nile or untrained/minimally trained women who deliver babies primarily in the home. While the both images are correct historically, neither are true of midwives today. In the interest of specificity (booyah, big words!) I should clarify that I'm seeing a Nurse-Midwife, which is the nationally board-certified variety of midwife. Some facts about Nurse-Midwives:
*Certified nurse-midwives are registered nurses who have completed graduate-level training in midwifery and who have passed a national certification exam.
*Nurse-midwifery practice is legal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
*Nurse-midwives can prescribe medication in 50 states and the District of Columbia.
*Nurse-midwives practice in homes, birth centers, clinics, and hospitals.
(http://www.mymidwife.org/Midwifery-101)
Question? Comments? Concerns? Ok then...moving on.
Why did I choose to see a midwife instead of an OB/GYN?
1. I am comfortable with the care that a midwife provides. I am a nurse and some of my professors were midwives so I've seen how rigorous their training is and know their philosophy of care. I've also been to a nurse practitioner for "normal" care and a nurse midwife is nothing but a NP for pregnant ladies. So, I had no qualms about trusting a midwife to take care of me.
2. Midwives practice under the auspices of OB/GYNs. So if I need more involved care, it's readily available.
3. Pregnancy is not an unhealthy state of being. Doctors of all varieties (family medicine, cardiology, surgeons, ob/gyn, etc.) are trained in dealing with sick people. They're taught how to spot problems and fix them. NPs and CNMs (Certified Nurse Midwives) are taught to spot problems and refer to a doctor when needed. That's why these nurses are so popular for "well-care". As nurses, we are trained to care for people, not illnesses. When you're ill, you need someone to fix your problem! If you aren't ill, well...ya just need someone watching your back. I'm pregnant, not sick. My CNM will screen me for gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and all of those pregnancy-related issues that can crop up. If I develop any problems, they'll either treat me or refer me to one of their ob doctors.
4. CNMs have a record of fewer interventions in labor and delivery. Yes, folks, I'm one of those "crazy ladies" who wants to do this with as few interventions (induction, epidural, etc.) as possible.* Midwives are generally speaking more accepting and prepared for this approach than an OB doctor. OB/GYNs are trained surgeons. They do c-sections almost daily. I don't want someone who is so used to having patients with epidurals and sedation that they don't know what to do with me. I want someone to deliver me who is willing to let me move around with only intermittent monitoring, isn't afraid of a little moaning and groaning, and who will support my desires by not offering me medicine. (UNLESS, of course, it's needed. I'm totally aware of the fact that many many many things can hinder a plan like this and if, say, the baby is breach, I'm fully prepared for the possibility of a c-section. I just...would like to avoid those types of things if I can.) Midwives are trained with a focus on normal labor and delivery. They can manage most interventions (i.e. epidural) but are more likely than an OB to try natural pain management techniques first.
So, to sum up: "Midwives approach birth, puberty, and menopause as normal life events rather than potential medical emergencies. These are times when women need special education or support, but nobody needs to cure or fix them. Midwives believe that if women are given the correct information, they can make safe and satisfying choices. Midwives are trained to recognize complications early and refer you for appropriate care. In a midwife you’ll find the best of health care and human support in one savvy professional." (http://www.mymidwife.org/Midwifery-101)
*A note on natural childbirth: Again, my reasons for going this route revolve around #3 above. Pregnancy is not a "sick" state. It's a totally normal phase in a woman's life and my body was designed to carry and deliver a baby. Women have been giving birth forever! Labor is not a "problem" that needs to be "fixed" with medicine. Also, part of the labor and delivery process is a series of hormones that are released. Right after birth is the biggest endorphin (happy hormone) rush that you'll ever get. This helps you bond w/ baby. Pain meds and such interrupt that natural cycle so you don't get that hormone rush. I want to feel the rush, man!
Ok, I think those are the biggest reasons for my choice. I welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions! I know this can be a touchy topic and the last thing I want is to offend anyone. Thoughts, folks?
"Leigh Anne, why oh why did you choose to see a midwife instead of a real doctor??"
First of all, let me answer a more basic question, "What exactly is a midwife?" I think many people picture midwives either as Hebrew women refusing to throw babies into the Nile or untrained/minimally trained women who deliver babies primarily in the home. While the both images are correct historically, neither are true of midwives today. In the interest of specificity (booyah, big words!) I should clarify that I'm seeing a Nurse-Midwife, which is the nationally board-certified variety of midwife. Some facts about Nurse-Midwives:
*Certified nurse-midwives are registered nurses who have completed graduate-level training in midwifery and who have passed a national certification exam.
*Nurse-midwifery practice is legal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
*Nurse-midwives can prescribe medication in 50 states and the District of Columbia.
*Nurse-midwives practice in homes, birth centers, clinics, and hospitals.
(http://www.mymidwife.org/Midwifery-101)
Question? Comments? Concerns? Ok then...moving on.
Why did I choose to see a midwife instead of an OB/GYN?
1. I am comfortable with the care that a midwife provides. I am a nurse and some of my professors were midwives so I've seen how rigorous their training is and know their philosophy of care. I've also been to a nurse practitioner for "normal" care and a nurse midwife is nothing but a NP for pregnant ladies. So, I had no qualms about trusting a midwife to take care of me.
2. Midwives practice under the auspices of OB/GYNs. So if I need more involved care, it's readily available.
3. Pregnancy is not an unhealthy state of being. Doctors of all varieties (family medicine, cardiology, surgeons, ob/gyn, etc.) are trained in dealing with sick people. They're taught how to spot problems and fix them. NPs and CNMs (Certified Nurse Midwives) are taught to spot problems and refer to a doctor when needed. That's why these nurses are so popular for "well-care". As nurses, we are trained to care for people, not illnesses. When you're ill, you need someone to fix your problem! If you aren't ill, well...ya just need someone watching your back. I'm pregnant, not sick. My CNM will screen me for gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and all of those pregnancy-related issues that can crop up. If I develop any problems, they'll either treat me or refer me to one of their ob doctors.
4. CNMs have a record of fewer interventions in labor and delivery. Yes, folks, I'm one of those "crazy ladies" who wants to do this with as few interventions (induction, epidural, etc.) as possible.* Midwives are generally speaking more accepting and prepared for this approach than an OB doctor. OB/GYNs are trained surgeons. They do c-sections almost daily. I don't want someone who is so used to having patients with epidurals and sedation that they don't know what to do with me. I want someone to deliver me who is willing to let me move around with only intermittent monitoring, isn't afraid of a little moaning and groaning, and who will support my desires by not offering me medicine. (UNLESS, of course, it's needed. I'm totally aware of the fact that many many many things can hinder a plan like this and if, say, the baby is breach, I'm fully prepared for the possibility of a c-section. I just...would like to avoid those types of things if I can.) Midwives are trained with a focus on normal labor and delivery. They can manage most interventions (i.e. epidural) but are more likely than an OB to try natural pain management techniques first.
So, to sum up: "Midwives approach birth, puberty, and menopause as normal life events rather than potential medical emergencies. These are times when women need special education or support, but nobody needs to cure or fix them. Midwives believe that if women are given the correct information, they can make safe and satisfying choices. Midwives are trained to recognize complications early and refer you for appropriate care. In a midwife you’ll find the best of health care and human support in one savvy professional." (http://www.mymidwife.org/Midwifery-101)
*A note on natural childbirth: Again, my reasons for going this route revolve around #3 above. Pregnancy is not a "sick" state. It's a totally normal phase in a woman's life and my body was designed to carry and deliver a baby. Women have been giving birth forever! Labor is not a "problem" that needs to be "fixed" with medicine. Also, part of the labor and delivery process is a series of hormones that are released. Right after birth is the biggest endorphin (happy hormone) rush that you'll ever get. This helps you bond w/ baby. Pain meds and such interrupt that natural cycle so you don't get that hormone rush. I want to feel the rush, man!
Ok, I think those are the biggest reasons for my choice. I welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions! I know this can be a touchy topic and the last thing I want is to offend anyone. Thoughts, folks?
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Random Thoughts
Little thoughts...each too small to become their own post...
- The thought occurred to me the other day. Right now is the safest this baby will be its whole life. Right now it doesn't eat anything, go anywhere, do anything that I'm not a part of. Once he or she is born I'll have to think about watching her on the changing table or making sure the side rail on the crib is up when I put him to bed. And then comes mobility! Having to watch what is going in the mouth, where those little feet are taking this little one. Oh yes, it's very comforting to know that, for this brief space of time at least, I am the one determining what's getting to my baby.
- I have no idea how the dogs are going to react this this little one. Wow...that's gonna be a doozie.
- I'm still not really showing, which I'm glad about actually. I'm not having to buy new clothes yet, I'm not uncomfortable, and I'm telling myself that this may mean that the baby will be on the smaller side at birth. If I'm completely off base on the last one, please don't tell me. =) But, not "popping out" yet does have its down sides. For instance, when I go to the store and don't want to lift something heavy (bag of mulch, huge bag of dog food, etc.) no one is offering to help me and I feel like a heel asking for help. Because I look perfectly capable! You can't see the light-headedness and nausea that well up when I bend over and stand up too quickly. I don't look like someone who shouldn't be lifting heavy stuff...I just look lazy. And maybe a little chubby. Blech.
- Along those "not showing yet" lines...it's also super-awkward to be one of the younger and smaller people in a yoga class and having to modify every. single. move. because I can't breathe or I'm dizzy or something. And I can't lay on my back for long periods of time so that extended period of "meditation" (read: napping) at the end of the class? Yeah, I was totally curled up on my side.
- We still have no idea where we'll be when this baby is actually born. Oh, Navy.
- I'm surprised at how relaxed I am about this whole, you know, MAJOR LIFE CHANGE. But, as much as I feel like I should be freaking out, I'm really not. (This doesn't surprise those friends/family of mine who were present for the bridesmaid dress catastrophe at my wedding, but still...) God is in control and as many uncertainties as we are facing we know that He is still sovereign. I mean, I know that I have a lot to do but I'm not rushing out to paint a room or buy a lot of stuff. See previous point.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
10 Weeks!
8/14/11
Nausea/Cravings
Little to none. I've thrown up I think...4 times? But I'm not really nauseous. It's the weirdest thing y'all. I won't feel nauseous in the least and then I'll just cough, or brush my teeth, or try to take my vitamins. And then all of a sudden I'm running to the toilet hurling my guts out. And...brushing my teeth again, carefully this time. Really I can't complain. 95% of the time I feel absolutely fine. And for someone who has to be at work before 6am that's saying something!
Mah Girlish Figure
Still...here. I haven't gained any weight (actually gained 1 pound one day then lost 2 the next. Go figure.) but a friend of mine told me she saw my profile the other day and thought my stomach was starting to look like "a pregnant belly". Like I said, no weight gain, my stomach is just...morphing. Also, I can still fit into my jeans. Win!
On another note, the, ahem, "girls"...wowzers. They didn't take long to get on board with this whole pregnancy thing.
Pain/Cramping
I now know what sciatica feels like. Oy. It doesn't really hurt, just kinda annoying. Makes me wanna walk like a duck. Super attractive, I know. What can I say? =)
Skin
Face looks great, let's not talk about the skin on my back. Let's just...not talk about it.
Overall State of Mind
I'm starting to get really excited actually. The nervousness and uncertainty are subsiding as I've been seeking God and learning how much of a blessing and joy this is. I'm just savoring this time in our lives and all of the planning and stuff. We're really excited for our first midwife appointment in a few days and then we can (drumroll please...) TELL EVERYONE!! Woohoo!!
10 Week Self-Portrait:
Nausea/Cravings
Little to none. I've thrown up I think...4 times? But I'm not really nauseous. It's the weirdest thing y'all. I won't feel nauseous in the least and then I'll just cough, or brush my teeth, or try to take my vitamins. And then all of a sudden I'm running to the toilet hurling my guts out. And...brushing my teeth again, carefully this time. Really I can't complain. 95% of the time I feel absolutely fine. And for someone who has to be at work before 6am that's saying something!
Mah Girlish Figure
Still...here. I haven't gained any weight (actually gained 1 pound one day then lost 2 the next. Go figure.) but a friend of mine told me she saw my profile the other day and thought my stomach was starting to look like "a pregnant belly". Like I said, no weight gain, my stomach is just...morphing. Also, I can still fit into my jeans. Win!
On another note, the, ahem, "girls"...wowzers. They didn't take long to get on board with this whole pregnancy thing.
I now know what sciatica feels like. Oy. It doesn't really hurt, just kinda annoying. Makes me wanna walk like a duck. Super attractive, I know. What can I say? =)
Skin
Face looks great, let's not talk about the skin on my back. Let's just...not talk about it.
I'm starting to get really excited actually. The nervousness and uncertainty are subsiding as I've been seeking God and learning how much of a blessing and joy this is. I'm just savoring this time in our lives and all of the planning and stuff. We're really excited for our first midwife appointment in a few days and then we can (drumroll please...) TELL EVERYONE!! Woohoo!!
10 Week Self-Portrait:
Anndd...I promise to start using a real camera for these pictures. I didn't realize how blurry they were! Yikes!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Telling the family!
7/20/11
Last weekend, Wilson and I went home to tell the family!! We got everyone together at a restaurant, ostensibly to celebrate Wilson's upcoming birthday. Once everyone arrived we handed out gifts to everyone, all wrapped the same.
And then we told everyone to open them. One, Two, Three, Go!
Inside each gift was a pair of booties. Oh man, you should've heard the commotion! Wilson's mom and sister cried and hooted and hollered. His sis hugged his neck so hard I though he was going to pass out! My mom and dad, not quite as given to public displays of emotion, just looked at us a smiled. I think they were more in shock than anything else! Everyone was duly surprised and we had a really great time!
Last weekend, Wilson and I went home to tell the family!! We got everyone together at a restaurant, ostensibly to celebrate Wilson's upcoming birthday. Once everyone arrived we handed out gifts to everyone, all wrapped the same.
And then we told everyone to open them. One, Two, Three, Go!
Inside each gift was a pair of booties. Oh man, you should've heard the commotion! Wilson's mom and sister cried and hooted and hollered. His sis hugged his neck so hard I though he was going to pass out! My mom and dad, not quite as given to public displays of emotion, just looked at us a smiled. I think they were more in shock than anything else! Everyone was duly surprised and we had a really great time!
How do you feel?
The hubs is asking me this on a daily basis these days. The weird thing is....I feel fine! I'm 6 weeks today (!) and, knock on wood, have been doing great. However, I'm gonna take a cue from a friend of mine who just had a beautiful baby girl and keep a running list, just for organization's sake.
Nausea/Cravings
None, nada, zip. Ok, except when I stay up too late. Then I get a tad bit queasy; easily rectified by going to bed already, you idiot!
No real cravings, just an aversion to anything fried. Seriously, anything. Yay for helping me stay healthy! Plus I've decided that Wendy's sour cream and chive baked potatoes are The Best Thing Ever. True story.
I can, also, smell everything within a three block radius. I prefer to think of this as my pregnancy super-power. Sitting on the sofa, "Um, honey, I think the dog pooped in the back bedroom. Also, the neighbor's gardenias are in bloom."
Mah Girlish Figure
Y'all, my poor tummy. I have been kinda bloated lately and yikes! It shows. Like, whoa. Trying to hide it so people don't just think I'm fat since we haven't told anyone yet!
*Side note: We tell the family this weekend!! I can't even believe it. Part of me thinks it's too soon, what with the high risk of dreaded miscarriage and all that. But seriously Wilson is about to burst! We've just gotta let them know. Plus my primary care doc confirmed so it's not like we're just going off a pee stick here or anything....
Pain/Cramping
No pain or soreness from the "girls". Cramping? Eh, it's there, but nothing to write home about. And no blood, that's the main thing.
Skin
Yikes! I look 16 again, and not in a good way.
Overall State of Mind
Actually I'm kinda ambiguous. I know it sounds terrible but this all happened so fast that most days I think, "Seriously? I'm gonna have a what? A BABY??" I think part of that is because I'm not having crazy weird symptoms and haven't been to the midwife yet (yeah...more on the midwife thing later. Promise.). I keep telling myself, "That weird stuff will come. Enjoy this." And I am! Really! I just still kinda...don't know what to think. But also super excited! See?...ambiguous.
And...this week my baby's heart starts beating. Wow y'all. Wow.
Nausea/Cravings
None, nada, zip. Ok, except when I stay up too late. Then I get a tad bit queasy; easily rectified by going to bed already, you idiot!
No real cravings, just an aversion to anything fried. Seriously, anything. Yay for helping me stay healthy! Plus I've decided that Wendy's sour cream and chive baked potatoes are The Best Thing Ever. True story.
I can, also, smell everything within a three block radius. I prefer to think of this as my pregnancy super-power. Sitting on the sofa, "Um, honey, I think the dog pooped in the back bedroom. Also, the neighbor's gardenias are in bloom."
Mah Girlish Figure
Y'all, my poor tummy. I have been kinda bloated lately and yikes! It shows. Like, whoa. Trying to hide it so people don't just think I'm fat since we haven't told anyone yet!
*Side note: We tell the family this weekend!! I can't even believe it. Part of me thinks it's too soon, what with the high risk of dreaded miscarriage and all that. But seriously Wilson is about to burst! We've just gotta let them know. Plus my primary care doc confirmed so it's not like we're just going off a pee stick here or anything....
No pain or soreness from the "girls". Cramping? Eh, it's there, but nothing to write home about. And no blood, that's the main thing.
Skin
Yikes! I look 16 again, and not in a good way.
Actually I'm kinda ambiguous. I know it sounds terrible but this all happened so fast that most days I think, "Seriously? I'm gonna have a what? A BABY??" I think part of that is because I'm not having crazy weird symptoms and haven't been to the midwife yet (yeah...more on the midwife thing later. Promise.). I keep telling myself, "That weird stuff will come. Enjoy this." And I am! Really! I just still kinda...don't know what to think. But also super excited! See?...ambiguous.
And...this week my baby's heart starts beating. Wow y'all. Wow.
Please ignore the blurriness of these photos, and the awkward angle. My husband is way taller than me!
Better profile perspective.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
BIG NEWS!!
Ok, so I know that I'm terrible at this "blogging" thing. I just never feel like I have anything interesting to say! HOWEVER....
I'm writing this on July 9, 2011, but I won't be posting it for a little while because it's just not time yet. But Wilson and I found out a few days ago that.......
I'm Pregnant!
Can y'all believe it? Seriously, Crazy Sauce! To date I'm 5 weeks along, due somewhere around March 8. (I haven't been to the midwife yet [more on that later] so no "actual" due date yet. Due Date! What?!)
We were seriously so surprised y'all. Like, Whoa. Basically, without getting too specific...let's just say at the first possible opportunity, whamo! Knocked up!
For those of you who know our life/Navy situation, you may be wondering, Why now? I mean, Wilson still has almost 2 years left of sea duty before he's back on shore so this seems like terrible timing. Actually, I couldn't agree more. But Wilson and I had prayed about it for a while and felt like all of our reasons for waiting were silly in the sight of God's sovereignty. I mean, if He wants us to have a baby, who do we thing we are to try and nay-say HIM?? On a more practical note, though, Wilson just got a big ol' raise (Thank you, taxpayers and standardized payroll systems!) that pretty much accounts for what I bring home (minus what we'd be saving in gas, expenses, etc. by me staying home) so we're financially able to cover this, regardless of what I decide to do with the work situation. (And I reserve the right to make that decision when I actually HAVE A BABY IN MY ARMS thankyouverymuch.)
As for "will he be gone? home? have to leave for 6 months when the baby's 3 weeks old?", one thing I've learned is to never count on anything. There's always a huge degree of uncertainty in the military and there's no telling where he'll be at any given moment. But we felt very strongly that the Lord was telling us it was time to let the little control we had go. Apparently, He felt like it was time for us to have a baby. We certainly wouldn't have planned this for right now, but He's a whole lot smarter than we are.
In any case, though, we're THRILLED! I'm feeling pretty spunky. A little tired but no nausea, headaches, none of those early signs of pregnancy. It almost makes me feel like it's not real, you know? I keep telling myself, "It'll come. Enjoy this b/c you won't always feel awesome." Operation Chill Out in full effect!
We can't wait for this new stage and for our lives to be completely changed by this little one!
PS: As I noted above, I wrote this post a while ago. Don't worry; I've kept writing! I have baby bump pics and the whole nine yards. But I can't post 8 or so blog posts in one day. Patience people!!
I'm writing this on July 9, 2011, but I won't be posting it for a little while because it's just not time yet. But Wilson and I found out a few days ago that.......
I'm Pregnant!
Can y'all believe it? Seriously, Crazy Sauce! To date I'm 5 weeks along, due somewhere around March 8. (I haven't been to the midwife yet [more on that later] so no "actual" due date yet. Due Date! What?!)
We were seriously so surprised y'all. Like, Whoa. Basically, without getting too specific...let's just say at the first possible opportunity, whamo! Knocked up!
For those of you who know our life/Navy situation, you may be wondering, Why now? I mean, Wilson still has almost 2 years left of sea duty before he's back on shore so this seems like terrible timing. Actually, I couldn't agree more. But Wilson and I had prayed about it for a while and felt like all of our reasons for waiting were silly in the sight of God's sovereignty. I mean, if He wants us to have a baby, who do we thing we are to try and nay-say HIM?? On a more practical note, though, Wilson just got a big ol' raise (Thank you, taxpayers and standardized payroll systems!) that pretty much accounts for what I bring home (minus what we'd be saving in gas, expenses, etc. by me staying home) so we're financially able to cover this, regardless of what I decide to do with the work situation. (And I reserve the right to make that decision when I actually HAVE A BABY IN MY ARMS thankyouverymuch.)
As for "will he be gone? home? have to leave for 6 months when the baby's 3 weeks old?", one thing I've learned is to never count on anything. There's always a huge degree of uncertainty in the military and there's no telling where he'll be at any given moment. But we felt very strongly that the Lord was telling us it was time to let the little control we had go. Apparently, He felt like it was time for us to have a baby. We certainly wouldn't have planned this for right now, but He's a whole lot smarter than we are.
In any case, though, we're THRILLED! I'm feeling pretty spunky. A little tired but no nausea, headaches, none of those early signs of pregnancy. It almost makes me feel like it's not real, you know? I keep telling myself, "It'll come. Enjoy this b/c you won't always feel awesome." Operation Chill Out in full effect!
We can't wait for this new stage and for our lives to be completely changed by this little one!
PS: As I noted above, I wrote this post a while ago. Don't worry; I've kept writing! I have baby bump pics and the whole nine yards. But I can't post 8 or so blog posts in one day. Patience people!!
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