Hello everyone!  I know it’s been weeks upon weeks since I’ve blogged.  The reason is good, however – my pregnancy has been delightfully uneventful.  For the record, I’m now 14 weeks and one day along.  The OB I saw two weeks ago confirmed (as I had suspected) that I was at least a week ahead of what the first ultrasound showed.  My new, adjusted due date is now February 27, 2008 (and yes, 2008 is a leap year). 

My only quasi-complaint is that I have rogue hiccups about 3 times a day - not 3 bouts of hiccups; 3 total hiccups each completely out of the blue.  It’s like my insides are tickling my abdominal wall, or something.    That and sometimes I wake up in the night in the oddest of sleep positions (like sleeping sorta on my side resting on the top of my head instead of the side – which can lead to some *awesome* neckaches). 

 Some exciting things have happened too. 

 Every once in a while (at this point, it’s like once every 3 days), when I’m winding down for bed I have the oddest sensation: it’s like someone very gently poking me with their finger – but from the inside.  It makes me laugh because at the size our baby is, that’s like the hugest karate kick ever made for me to even feel it (an action very enthusiastically acted out by my friend, Latisha from work).

Morning sickness is (as I’m counting it) officially over.  I’m even almost up to eating most of what I would consider a whole meal before I was pregnant (not very much, but more than the fistfull-maximum per sitting that it was the last time I posted).  I’m VERY excited about this.  I’ve never been so excited to gain weight.  So now, as long as I pace myself and don’t rush through my meals, I can keep it down – YAY! 

We bought a car (with the wonderful help of our Church), about two weeks ago.  We had hoped to go vehicle free for a while – then we discovered I was pregnant, and I get really worn out too fast for hauling groceries home on a bike to really be feasible.  So, we’re now the proud owners of a ‘93 Ford Probe GT that was previously owned by a mechanic.  We’re so incredibly grateful for the provisions that came into play for us to acquire what is turning out to be a pretty darn reliable vehicle. 

 I’ve finally, with much anxiety, made my decision in the OB/Midwife debate.  After meeting the midwives who run the Birth Center here in Bellingham, and the OB that was available for my due date, I (along with Matt, of course) decided to go the midwife route.  I know a lot of people think we’re crazy – especially for our first baby.  For one, I’m not thrilled with St. Joseph’s reputation (or rather lack-thereof)  for healthy, non-overly-invasive childbirths.  For two, the OB I saw seemed overly intent on doing everything his way.  Now, in general, for doctors treating something like cancer, this would be a good thing.  I do not have cancer, just simply having a baby – a normal biological process.  If my pregnancy proves to be anything other than a normal, low-risk pregnancy, I will gladly take the care and advice of a Perinatologist.  Until proven, however, I’d like to be treated like a human, not a number like I was in that OB’s office (a friend of mine at work wasn’t thrilled with his care either).  For example, I waited in an exam room, wearing naught but a little paper sheet and my t-shirt for more than half an hour before someone made any attempt to tell us what was going on.  Quite to the contrary, our visit with the Midwife left us feeling empowered, cared for, and genuinely valued as human beings going through the biggest event of our lives.    In short, it felt good.  And considering the stress of having a baby, having a practitioner that makes you feel like “you can do it”, and that you have a partner and coach (besides your spouse) in making it all work out, makes all the difference.  I also like knowing that with the midwife, I can labor and/or deliver in a birthing tub, but also have all the same tests and pre-delivery procedures done that an OB would do, plus immediate transfer to the hospital (a two minute drive by car) if any complication arises.  So finally my decision is made: I’m not going to give birth in the hospital at all.  (For more info, check out http://bellinghambirthcenter.com/)  My next appointment is on Tuesday, September 4th. 

Let’s see… what else?  I think that’s pretty much it.    Love you guys!  (I also really enjoy your comments!)