Third Trimester

The third trimester (much like the first trimester) has been /will be a bit emotional for me.
I very clearly remember the final weeks of my pregnancy with Dean. I was weepy; I worried about how my relationship with Drew might change. I thought more about what I was taking away from him (me!) and less about what he'd really be gaining (how was I to know they'd be best friends?). It helps to have already been through this before, but it doesn't make me less anxious. While I think it's completely "normal" to carry both excitement and fear with me, I wish I could let go a bit. I need to trust that somehow I will manage three kids by myself (a VERY scary thought); they will all get what they need from us as parents; I will love them ALL with all my heart.

The beginning of this pregnancy seemed to have passed so slowly...yet right now I imagine this third trimester will FLY. I just want to be pregnant. Not a mom of three just yet. Happily pregnant with a little girl in my belly. Life is good right now. REALLY good. I want to treasure each of these "easy" days ahead because things are about to get a whole lot more complicated!

BIRTHDAYs

We have a pretty big BIRTH day coming up...I'm reminded by the fetal movements I feel each day. And we recently celebrated a few other important birthdays :) Isn't celebrating grand?!?

June 23rd - Dean turned TWO!

August 11th - Drew turned FOUR!




September 14th - Mommy turned thirty-five!

Good Times

We had a fantastic summer. In fact, we were having so much fun that I didn't have time for blogging! So, here's a recap of the last two months: Days spent on Bonnet Beach, playing with friends at Breezy Acres, a visit to the Children's Museum, a fantastic day at the Dinosaur Place, many visits to the zoo, swimming at Diego's pool, hikes on cooler days, playing at various playgrounds, outside summer concerts... LOTS of good times!

Two great pieces of work!

As a mother, facilitator of pregnancy & new moms groups, and now a DONA trained post partum doula, my world is full of discussions, literature, and information related to pregnancy and parenting. What amazes me is how much there is to know; and after having birthed two sons, I am still learning about childbirth and parenting. It's facinating. My two recent book discoveries have left me wondering why I didn't hear of these books earlier? Ina May's Guide to Childbirth will certainly be my first recommended read for pregnant women as I move forward in my work. And for new parents (and parents-to-be) The Vital Touch by Sharon Heller will be my second choice of literature. I greatly appreciate the anthropological approach each book offers - reflecting upon centuries of experiences as well as comparing the experiences of the US women with others around the world. But more than anything I am happy to find a return to what is natural, what makes sense for human beings, what feels right. I confess to being excited for this third child to be born - to give birth to her in a completely natural way. Mind-body connection. No fear. Trust in women and faith in my own strength. We were made for this. And I didn't have to be sold on the benefits of baby-wearing, I love my moby wrap! I understand the pitfalls of "containers" as well as the practicality of them. Balance. Trust my judgement. Hold and nurture this last baby as much as I can. I can't wait!