too much information

The internet is good and evil all at the same time. I love being able to find information that calms my fears, but most often, I find information that tells me something is very, terribly wrong. As a first time mother, it's much easier to believe the latter.
Case in point. Lately the baby has been twitching - the only way to explain is that it feels like a muscle spasm or seizure. Hadn't thought much of it before today but decided to "google" it. I found everything from it's normal development all the way to it is truly a seizure and my baby will have seizures when it is delivered. Great. With a doctor's appointment coming up tomorrow, I'm deciding to believe that all is well and it is normal.
Another struggle I've been having is the desire to have a natural childbirth experience (as long as Squirt is healthy and allows it). Problem is that our insurance company would not foot the bill (though it would likely be a much smaller bill). We are stuck with an OB in a hospital. With this being the case, I started to do more research on how to make this experience as ideal as possible. The final answer for us is to hire a doula. Check this out for information about a doula: http://www.dona.org/
My favorite information I read is this:

Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula's presence at birth tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications:
-reduces negative feelings about one's childbirth experience
-reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans
-reduces the mother's request for pain medication and/or epidurals

We have meetings set up with two different women from the area who are doula's. I will let you know what we find out!

progress

Wool longies - check, bigger soaker - check, blanket - check (the two little legs at the top of the pic will be a stuffed elephant!)

Starting to grow a little... (okay, forgive the no makeup... but I like the belly!)

Getting ready to paint Squirt's room... (to which I better get back or Joel will think I abandoned him!)

Grandpa turns 80?!

Eating, eating and more eating

The birthday kids trying to decide who's older (Grandpa, you're the winner!)

Checking out wonderful old pictures

And where else would kids want to be but in the indoor pool! The house was really amazing. As a matter of fact, the whole day was pretty splendid. Aunt Linda was in town (which is always a treat)... Sara and Bill brought the kids... Uncle Dan and Cari brought their two little friends... and Grandpa was the the center of attention. What a gift to celebrate so many healthy and happy years!

We also got an unexpected treat. Turns out that the house we were at was a virtual gallery for my Grandma's work. Some of which many of us had not seen before. You could feel that she was being honored and virtually present. The sting of missing her never quite goes away. My little growing family has never had the blessing of knowing her. I can't wait to tell stories and show pictures!

march = big plans

As I near the end of my second trimester, we've started to think about all the "things" we need to get done and how best to use our time. So in the next several weeks we'll be painting Squirt's room, ordering a dresser, Joel wants to finish up the crib, I'd like to finish the blanket, and get the room a little more set up. Then the showers start and before we know it, our little baby will be in our arms!
Until then, Squirt has taken up residence on my right side (at least today). I've started to feel some jabs up closer to my ribs, while at the same time getting kicked down lower. Still feeling great and energetic. I have been trying to stay somewhat active while I can.
I'd also like to start making freezer meals at some point before the baby gets here. If anyone has any good ones, please send my way!
I will try to update this weekend about the wonderful party for Grandpa and a few other baby things.
26 weeks Friday!

24 week doctor's appointment

Heartbeat - 140. Squirt kicked the doppler :)
Glucose test at the next appointment - boo. Let's hope that goes well.
Everything else looks great - measuring right on target!

Chicago this weekend to celebrate my Grandpa's 80th birthday!! Still looking great!

belly dancing

Lunch is a great time for Squirt and I. Usually I'm relaxed (not working) and enjoying a lovely meal, finished off with some sort of sweet.
Then I wait.
Within a few minutes, Squirt is up and moving. Fun to feel from both the inside and now the outside. But today was different. The kicks are becoming progressively stronger - and today, strong enough to see!! Wow- weird and awesome all at the same time. Couldn't see anything distinct, just my belly moving.
Now if Squirt could please put on a good show this weekend for my family, that would be great!