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Laura's Journal
Expecting February 2005
Mon Nov 08, 2004
Our Introduction
Hi, Thanks for visiting Christian UC! This is a journal of my UC journey.
I'm Laura, wife to Michael and momma to Kirsten, my 8 yr old homeschooler and Brooke, my second daughter, 2 1/2 yrs.
We are modern day homesteaders. Our family practices(or has in the past) breastfeeding with child-led weaning, bedsharing also known as co-sleeping from infancy until around 4 yrs or child wants to move to own bed, we have one daughter vaccinated and one not, use cloth diapers, and homeschool. We grow our own organic fruits and vegetables(to can or freeze) and buy organic from local farmers, food co-ops and our local natural grocery store.
I love to sew, knit, read books, cross-stitch, teach and I am the one to perform our vehicle maintenance(brakes, oil changes, plugs and minor car repairs). Yes, I am still amazed at the gifts and talents God has given me.
My husband works as a union paramedic/full-time firefighter. Since he works for 24 hours and then has 48 hours off, we get to see him a lot.
We both made the decision that I would stay home to raise and educate our children. There has been no greater joy in my life. We try to live responsibly with the treasures to which we have been entrusted.
May 04- The Beginning
Our method of conception is governed by God and how we choose to live. I have educated myself with fertility awareness. Since we practice co-sleeping and breastfeeding, both of which contribute to natural sub-fertility and increasing fertility as my youngest begins to need me less. I no longer chart my temperatures but do monitor my body(cervical position and mucus) as I see the wonderous way God has made my body.
We don't try per se but allow to happen as life often does.
May 29th, 2004-
Dear Baby,
I was expecting my period yesterday. When it didn't come I tried not to be expecting I was pregnant because I didn't want to get my hopes up if I wasn't pregnant. I was wondering what your dad might think if I told him I suspected that I was pregnant. I want to see if he is watching my cycle like I do. I don't feel much now a passing nausea from the other day made me think I wasn't feeling so hot. This morning however, after my morning bathroom visit I didn't get my period and I checked my cervix. It was hard and tight. A sign of pregnancy. I was estatic. But I didn't have a pregnancy test in the house to take and your dad wasn't home either. So I decided to wait and guess how many times your dad would ask me if I was menstruating before he suspected anything. We had a short time alone talking in the swing about what if.... We went out this afternoon and bought a pregnancy test. I covered the test so I wouldn't peek. It was hard. I peeked anyway. It didn't show much because it hadn't been three minutes. Dad went upstairs soon after and I suspect he peeked as well. But he said he didn't. After pacing the house and the 3 minutes were up we were both at the windowsill to see the results. A POSITIVE. I feel different yet I am not really feeling pregnant yet.
Our nine month journey begins..............................
The Next Day
May 30th, 2004
Dear Baby,
I am tired already. I am a bit surprised that I feel so overwhelmed by this all. I am hoping to turn in early tonight. In fact all I want to do is sleep. Actually, my fantasy is going to sleep for the next few months until I wake up refreshed. I love you already and can't wait to see your face.
Your Momma~
Our Secret
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
Dear Baby,
Today is 4 days after we first found out you are here. I still wake up with a smile because of our special secret...you! We found out that you are due to arrive around February 4th. Maybe before and maybe after. That is also a surprise. I am getting anxious already but since there is so much to do before your arrivial, I am glad I have some time. I am already a bit nauseated sometimes and by the afternoon feel I need a nap.
Your older sister, Kirsten talks all the time about you and how she can't wait to see you and hold you and play with you. She is so much more grown up and fun to discuss the pregnancy related stuff with her. She came up with some possible names already. Don't worry Mom and Dad will make their list too. Kirsten's List Girls...Mary, Leslie, Kristina, Suprena, Toni, and Bonnie. Boys...Tommy, Zach, Bob, Timmy, Tharin and Jake. I am not sure those will exactly make the final cut. Wink. Wink. When Grandpa John was out here and discussing our relatives, he mentioned that your great grandpa's first and middle name was Owen Callaghan. I really like it. I am sure part of it is spelled wrong. There are lots of girls names I like to like Hannah, Emma, Jenna. Those are a few off the top of my head. Plenty of time to come up with something. Dad has been excited too about your presence. He talks to you but you can't hear him yet. He loves you very much.
Love,
Momma~
Cravings Already???
Saturday, June 05, 2004
Dear baby,
I have a craving already. I have been hungry for meat. I think about a nice juicy steak smothered with sauted mushrooms and onions with a nice baked potato lathered in butter and sour cream or pork fried rice, sometimes seafood. I think my prenatal pill is helping with some of the nausea that has been embarking upon me. I don't seem to have it as bad. So today we are having a couple of beef patties with tomato, onion, lettuce, ketchup and mayo. YUM. This pregnancy might get expensive if I crave steak.
Love,
Momma~
The Tide Turns
June 6th, 2004
Dear Baby,
The nausea has descended like the wrath of God. I am also sleeping the major portion of the days. Getting up late, napping and going to bed early are a part of my new lifestyle. I am really happy your dad is here to take over the house and watch your sisters while I sleep this part of pregnancy away.
I can barely stand to smell any food yet my stomach aches with hunger pains. My favorite drink, water makes me even more nauseated. I feel horrible like a long term stomach flu has invaded my life.
Will there be an end to this?
Is there more than one baby in my tummy?
I never experience nausea this bad with your sisters so you must be a boy or twins. Back to bed to dream some more.
Love,
Momma~
Dads Gone
Monday, June 07, 2004
Dear baby,
Your Dad has left for an work conference I miss him. He will be gone for a while. Brooke got up from her nap and asked "Daddy home?" And everytime she heard the neighbors car in the driveway she would run to the window asking for daddy. She is too sweet. I feel brainless today. I burnt pizza for supper and I had the timer on.
I am feeling very secretive about you. I don't want to tell anyone till August or September. I know I will get the standard questions that pregnant women get. How are you feeling? Names picked out? Are you finding out the sex?
I also don't want any visitors for quite a few weeks after you are born? I know how well meaning people descend upon a new mother and their idea of helping is holding the baby. Not quite what I have in mind as my postpartum support.
I also have been dreaming of labor. I have many unresolved birthing issues from my last two deliveries. My instinct is that I will be dreaming about labor and wake up "in labor".
I definitely don't want to have you in a hospital.
Love,
Momma~
A Good Day
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
I took a trip to the maternity clothing store and bought a shirt and a nursing bra. Brooke is nursing still and my nipples just ache. At least that is normal due to the amount of progesterone my body is producing to sustain this baby. At the checkout I opened up a sampler tub of belly balm sideways and half of it spilled right out all over the maternity panty hose. I was so embarrassed. I used a half a roll of paper towels cleaning it up. My hands smell good and soft now though. When we got home I planted in the garden. My garden isn't finished yet. But I am too tired to move the dirt. We filled up the pool and watered everything. Overall we had a good day. I didn't feel that nauseated.
The Dog Days of June??
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
The last few days we have been couped up in the house with the air conditioner on. The humidity feels like the dog days of August. I am having a nauseating day. Its good that means I am still pregnant but my tummy doesn't feel good. I took a restless two hour nap today with Brooke. I have been sleeping badly. My head feels really hot. My stomach feels bigger and bladder feels smaller. Hard to believe since you are the size of my little fingernail. I also have little energy. I was in the bath this morning when Kirsten informed me of an ant colony in our back door hall entry. A few days prior I had removed the recycle bin because of a few ants I then swept the alive ones outside. After my bath and lunch, Kirsten said you really need to see this, the ants are everywhere. I was like "oh Kirsten" and looked out the back door, the floor was a black moving object. I suspect a couple hundred thousand ants were back there. Thank goodness, I had took out the recycle bin earlier. So my job for the day was to suck the ants. All of them in a vacuum cleaner bag, which is taped shut and thrown in the garbage going out tomorrow. Well we had casserole tonight and I managed to burn the bottom of that too. At least it was edible, mostly. I wish I could throw the towel in and order take out the rest of my pregnancy. LOL Whew! Momma's going to bed early. I really miss your dad. He is at a work conference and I just want to cry because I miss him so bad.
Names
Friday, June 11, 2004
The midwestern hot weather is sure starting early this year. The humidity is awful. My morning sickness is worse. I really feel like a bum laying around. Your Dad and I started talking about names for you. Callie or Callighan. We are still musing these over.
I can't get over how horrible I have been feeling. I haven't thrown up but feel like I am plagued by the flu. This has to be test of some sort. What doesn't kill me makes me stronger or something like that.
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