All News Is Good News

Update: I just talked to my midwife and she reassured me that it is all fine. That losing the plug really does not mean much of anything and just to keep acting normally unless i start to have a bloody show or contractions or leaking. So nice to be able to talk to my midwives any time as opposed to doctors who take hours to call you back.
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So this really isnt for anyone elses reading pleasure but more for my record keeping. Sorry if this is disgusting to some but i am sure most mommies will know what i am saying and understand.

I lost my mucus (mucous) plug this morning. I kept feeling something wet in my underwear and thinking WTF so i went to the bathroom and there it was. Underwear snot! I know a great discription and so far past TMI for probably most of you lol.

It was not tinged with blood and was only a little bit. I am assuming that i only lost a little of it and not the whole thing.

I do not know when i lost it with my boys so i have no clue what to really think about it. I am getting lots of support from all my Twitter buddies and appreciate all of your responses to my panic lol.

I just keep talking to Sione and telling him he just has to wait 6 more days then he is free to come out when ever he pleases.

Since i am having no bloddy show, no leaking, and no contractions i will just assume for now that all is ok and we are in this for at least another week.

If you feel like it share your story about losing your mucus plug! Hey people i am bored so give me a break!

Almost There: 36 Week Pictures and Midwife Update

Weight: 218 up 1 lb from 2 weeks ago and 12 lbs from pre-pregnancy weight. She assured me that the 1 lb is probably all baby at this point though.

BP: 110/80 which is a little high for me but still very very normal.

Sione's HR: 140's and very strong.
Measurements: 38 cm/weeks. If i am still measuring this far head (2 weeks essentially) next week we will schedule another U/S to see if we can find the cause (either big baby or excess fluid).

Position: He is definitely head down (way down) and he is also at the moment back to back with me which we want to avoid since that is the cause of back labor. She suggested i spend some time a couple times a day on all fours (which hubby just lights up about; sicko) or bending over.

Progress: She checked me upon my request (due to my history of 37/38 week delivery) and i am 2cm dilated and 50% effaced. She said it is no where near a laboring cervix but that it is a great start for 36 weeks.

As far as how i am feeling well i bet you can guess. I am sooooo uncomfortable! Just ready to meet my little man and find out what he looks like and how big he is.

I finally got my bag partially packed. I have all the stuff i need for him in the bag and still need to get my stuff in there. I am going to pack a separate back with some snacks, toys, and such for the kids and myself.

This weekend i am going to try and find a comfy robe and a night gown for the birth. I decided if i end up in the tub a sports bra will probably be worn so that is already taken care of. Just need to finish it all up and put it in the car for when the time comes.

I had my maternity pics done yesterday and i can not wait to share with you all. I just know they turned our beautiful! She did some great shots of all the boys and me, just Marcus and I, and then me by myself. I can not wait to share.

So that is it for this week. I have my 37 week appointment next Tuesday and i will have another update next Wednesday. Till then just holding Mr. Sione' in!

For more check out Wordless Wednesday, 5MFM, MomSpective, MomDot, Ordinary and Awesome, and Seven Clown Circus.

Natural Birth Advice

So my due date is fastly approaching! I have 31 days (1 month/4 weeks and 3 days)! It is starting to set in to me that in as little as 4 weeks (or less) i could meet my little man!

As most of you know i am preparing for a natural birth at a birthing center. As much as i would like to say i am completely ready i just am not. I have so many unanswered questions.

I do not by any means doubt my body's ability to do this but mind and body often can be 2 separate things. I am trying very hard not to freak myself out over the details and just allow myself to go with the flow and allow my body to do what it knows how to do.

What i need from you all who have given birth naturally (either at home, hospital, or birthing center) is some advice.

What was the most comfortable position for you to labor in? I have heard a lot of people say that on all fours helped take some of the pain off their back but what did you do during the beginning and middle stages of labor? Did you walk a lot or use tools such as the birthing ball? I know it will ultimately be what is most comfortable for me but i think i would fare well knowing what all i can try to help.

What position did you find yourself in when you actually delivered? I have not yet decided if i will do a water birth or not (since it is an option). I am guessing it will depend on how i feel at the time and if i feel comfortable in the water. I know on the back as they do in hospitals is not the best position for baby but i have yet to really figure out what is the easiest way for baby to get out. Well maybe i don't mean easy but i think you get what i am saying.

What were some of the essential items you could not have lived without during labor? The birthing center provides all the comfort of home but does not provide any of the items you would have at home, meaning i have to bring everything i need/want with me. So what do i need because i am pretty clueless. Robe? PJs? Food? Drinks? Cell and a laptop are probably on my list already. What did you have to have or wish that you had, had at the time?

Did you have anything specific that got you through the transition phase of labor? Did you visualize anything specific or listen to a certain CD? I have heard the transition stage is usually when women start to panic since that is when the contractions really start to pick up. I have planned on visualizing something soothing like a bubbling brook or a gently rain but for those of you who have been there how well does this work. I need brutal honesty here!!!

I am not sure if i got all my questions out but if i have more i can always do another post lol. Thank you all for helping and feel free to leave a mile long comment as i need all the advice i can get! And by all means pass this on to anyone you know who can lend some advice!

Pumpkin Festival

Saturday we went to the local Pumpkin Festival. The kids had a blast seeing all the huge pumpkins and crafts. We bought fudge (Amaretto Chocolate Swirl is the best thing ever) and lots of fatty foods. The best thing i found though...the sign above! I want it to hang on my porch.

It was a fun day of family and well fun! The kids were exhausted and so was I by the time we left. The artisans were amazing and there was just so much to see.

For more check out Wordless Wednesday, 5MFM, MomSpective, MomDot, Ordinary and Awesome, and Seven Clown Circus.

Gone Fishin'

Last Saturday we took the boys for a modeling shoot. They do mini-modeling for a local studio. Masterpiece Studio of Charleston offers great discounts to their mini models and in turn we get unforgettable pictures of our kids.

They often send out emails for new sets and if we like the set we call and schedule the appointment. Then they use the pictures for their website and promotions.

The newest set was a Gone Fishin' theme and it was perfect for our boys. I just knew they would have a blast while shooting. So off we went to do a little photographing. Here is one of the pictures they are using for their promotions and web page.

I think it just turned out beautiful! It really shows my boys in their natural boyishness!

This is not one of the pictures we bought as we decided to hold out til we have money to buy a canvas size. They sell beautiful canvas pictures that look like paintings and i think this would be a perfect shot for that.

When we finished the shoot (as always) they gave the kids cookies, and this time they also gave them some goldfish crackers and with out permission they gave them 2 live goldfish. They boys were thrilled with their prizes and had such a blast doing the shoot.

I can not say enough good things about Masterpiece Studio of Charleston. If you are in the Charleston, WV area i would highly suggest you give them a call. They are amazing and truly melt your heart with the beautiful pictures they capture.

i am going back on the 13th to have my maternity pictures done and i could not be more excited! I just know they will capture a perfect portrait of my growing belly and family!

(Disclaimer: They did not ask me to do this post and i did not receive anything for doing it. I am just passing on through word of mouth how great i think this studio is)