You know how if you complain of having an upset stomach or being really tired, everyone thinks you’re pregnant? Let’s be honest, you probably wonder to yourself if that’s the case…

Today I keep wondering if I’m nesting. I have the sudden burst of energy for cleaning my house that I did right before Tate was born – the first and last time that I mopped our laundry room floor.

Symptoms (or lack thereof): I can see my feet because my belly does not loom out in front of them. The feet I see are not ridiculously swollen.

Self-diagnosis: I am not nine months pregnant. 

Then why have I moved my stove away from the wall in order to sweep and scrub underneath? (so sorry that I wasn’t able to capture the “before” of that scene for you- yuck!!!) And while my shower curtains are in the washing machine, I’m deep-cleaning my coffee maker with vinegar.

Perhaps this is normal behavior for some of you, the ones who attend the Type-A Mom Conference and are giving out homemade Christmas gifts. But generally I spend Tate’s naptime in a nap of my own…

I’m going to chalk this up to a bundle of Christmas energy, stifled by Tate’s icky cold. My shopping list looms in front of me but dragging him through the mall doesn’t seem like a good choice for him, me or anyone else that we would infect there. Instead, I’m shopping online with the sweet scent of vinegar wafting through the air…

Photo Courtesy:
rhett maxwell

Cesarean sections (c-sections) have become fairly common, accounting for nearly 30% of all births (NPR). If you’ve had a c-section and are pregnant again, you may be considering your options for this birth.

For a variety of reasons, many women choose c-sections for any subsequent births. For some, a c-section is the only option, medically. Others, such as my friend Sarah, are able to try for a vaginal birth after c-section (VBAC).

We’ll begin Sarah’s story with a clarification of terms that she pointed out to me: Until the baby is actually delivered, the procedure is called a TOLAC (Trial Of Labor After Cesarean) by the medical community. The term VBAC is technically only in reference to a successful vaginal birth. You may see the terms used interchangably online and elsewhere. In this post I’ll use VBAC, as it’s more commonly used, at least in my experience.

1. What are the issues that women and their doctors consider, in determining whether a VBAC is an option?

The primary issue that your doctor or midwife will consider with you is the reason for your c-section. They will discuss the risks associated with a VBAC as well as the statistics on successful VBACs for your specific case. There are different success rates depending on the reason for the c-section and how many c-sections you have had (many places will not attempt a VBAC if you have had more than one c-section).

Each doctor is very different; some are more conservative than others when it comes to VBACs. If you are really hoping to do a VBAC and your doctor says no, seek out a second or third opinion before making a decision. The doctor who delivered my son via c-section recommended that I have another c-section, but everyone else I consulted felt that I was a good candidate. So don’t be discouraged if one doctor says, “No”, because it’s not written in stone. Unfortunately I lived with a year of disappointment before I found this out.

Another great source of information is of course the internet (just don’t trust this alone). It is an OB’s job to make sure you know all the risks associated with a VBAC and they can scare you a bit. But there are risks with any birth and risks with any c-section. The OBs will most likely focus on the risks of the VBAC, so do your own research on other risk factors and then talk over any questions you have with your doctor to make the best decision for you. In all my research I found that a successful VBAC is safer than a c-section, but a c-section following a trial of labor is more risky than just a straight c-section.

2. When did you make the decision to try for a VBAC?

Pretty much immediately upon finding out that I could! I was very determined. Even if I had not been successful, I think I would have regretted not at least trying.

3. What were your main concerns in approaching a VBAC?

My main concerns were the risks. I was worried that I might be putting my desires above the health of my baby. I use a midwife group for my prenatal care so I had to consult with an OB twice during my pregnancy. After both consults I was worried; this was due to the OB needing to make sure I was aware of the risks. After calming down from these appointments I was able to assess the risks more rationally, realizing how low the chances of the risks are (like rupturing your uterus – the chance is less than 1%). It seems really scary when you talk about it, but in reality I would never let that low of a chance deter me from something I really wanted.

4. Were others (friends/family, medical professionals) supportive or discouraging of your decision to try for a VBAC?

Everyone was supportive (except the initial doctor who I never saw again). My midwives were especially supportive, as was my husband. I have since learned that my husband had some concerns, but he wanted to support my decision despite them.

5. Did you do anything to prepare for a VBAC?

Nothing physically. Psychologically, I tried to prepare myself to be okay if I was not successful. But otherwise I approached it just like I did my first labor.

6. How did the recovery from your VBAC compare to that from your c-section?

It was night and day different – and so much easier. I actually had to remind myself to slow down because I felt so good compared to my c-section. With the c-section I was walking bent over for more than a week. This time I was up and walking normally (although a little slowly) that afternoon. Not having to worry about a surgical incision was a dream and not being on heavy pain medication was also wonderful. I felt much more present and aware during the first week after the baby was born.

7. Is there anything else you’d like to share with someone considering a VBAC?

For me, this was a dream come true. After seeing and hearing many birth stories and seeing babies placed right on mom after delivery, my c-section was an incredible disappointment. I wasn’t able to hold my son right away (it was over an hour before I was able to hold him) or even see him for the first 5 minutes. I was so drugged up that I honestly don’t even remember holding him for the first time. My daughter’s birth was so different (in many ways), but I especially felt that I got to experience something I had missed with my son. I remember her being placed on me and holding her immediately. While I obviously love my son and bonded with him despite his traumatic entrance into the world, there was something really sweet about my daughter’s birth that was lacking with my son’s. 

Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your story, and welcome to baby Addison!

Obviously, this is one person’s experience, and seeking peronal medical advice is essential for each individual case. If you are considering a TOLAC/VBAC, here are some online resources:

• The American Academy of Family Physicians policy on TOLAC
• VBAC.com seeks to be a resource for childbearing women and medical professionals.
• BabyCenter discusses topics related to a VBAC, reviewed by their medical advisory board.

My favorite pregnancy euphemism is the Biblical description of Mary, ”great with child”. (Stick with me, this will come full circle so that my title makes sense!) I’m reminded of this because while Christmas is great with [a] child, decorating for Christmas is not-so-great with [a] child. Last year, with a baby crawling around, our Christmas decor was pretty minimal. Think barricaded mini-tree. Tate is now more trustworthy, with another year under his belt and a lucky discovery from a few weeks ago…

While at Target, I let him out of the cart to walk around and of course he was picking up every picture frame within reach. Without really thinking he’d understand, I said “Tate, look with your eyes, don’t touch with your fingers”. He sort of combined the two concepts, walking up to the shelves until he was close enough for his eyes to touch things.

It clicked enough thought that he sees the Christmas decorations at our house, says “eyes!”, and doesn’t pick them up. Fabulous!

When I first saw this upside-down tree at Ohdeedoh, I assumed that it was attached to the ceiling, the brainchild of someone with a curious baby.

Actually it’s sitting on the ground and is probably even more top-heavy and dangerous than a regular tree, but I like the concept!

For the era of young grandchildren, my mom found a small tree that hangs up flat against the wall. 

Do you childproof your Christmas tree or other holiday decorations?

You may have heard of Timothy Botts, the talented calligrapher. His artwork can be seen in prints, books, devotionals and even an illustrated Bible. 

MagnetStreet is pleased to present a new series of Christmas cards that feature this amazing artwork. What a unique way to send holiday greetings to your family and friends this year.

Add your favorite family photo from the past year, and you’re ready to go. No more stressing over your holiday greeting cards!

View the entire line of Timothy Botts Christmas cards online.

What are you eating this Thanksgiving? Are you all about tradition, or always looking for something new to put on the table?

I remember one year as a child when my grandparents took us all to a restaurant for Thanksgiving. It was a lavish buffet which the grownups probably enjoyed immensely. I, however, was mortified that the potatoes had been mashed with the skins on. Not only that, but the cranberries were whole, in some sort of sauce instead of my mom’s smooth, yummy cranberry jello! Oh the horror!

Yes, I’m much more willing to try new things now. But I will admit a strong preference for the old favorites at Thanksgiving – that means cheesy beans and the cranberry jello. Yes, I know that’s very “Minnesota”, but there’s a cranberry cream cheese layer on top…don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it!

If you need a recipe that your family and friends will love, try this one. I can brag about it since it’s from my mother-in-law, not my own creation. 

Granny’s Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients:
3 cups cooked mashed sweet potatoes (canned are fine)
½ cup white sugar
½ cup plus 2 ½ T melted butter, divided
2 eggs, well beaten
1 tsp vanilla
½ tsp salt
1/3 cup milk
½ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup flour
½ cup finely chopped walnuts

Directions:
Combine the mashed potatoes, white sugar, ½ cup of the butter, eggs, vanilla, salt and milk. Mix well and place in a greased 8” square baking pan.

In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 2 ½ T butter, brown sugar, flour and nuts. Distribute evenly over the potato mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Makes 8 servings.

Hope your Thanksgiving is delicious!

Photo Courtesy:
xybermatthew

Thanksgiving is almost here! What are you thankful for this year?

If your list includes a brand-new baby, consider this adorable announcement. I love the rich autumn colors!

Or look at this one with a simple fall theme.

View all of the Thanksgiving birth announcements online. Even if you don’t have a “thanksgiving” baby, keep in mind that the text and colors can be changed on any of our announcements.

Whew – I made it through the whole post without any Thanksgiving cliches – you can also be thankful for that! Last year, I didn’t do so well.

This evening we’re basking in the glow of a successful Mexican-restaurant meal. By successful, I mean that Tate sat in his high chair the entire time and was a very pleasant dinner companion.

Many other restaurant visits have been, well, less than successful. Tonight, I think the food may have been the key distraction. We never know what he’ll be willing to eat at a given meal, if anything. But he loved the chips and salsa and ate an entire cheese quesadilla! Ice water in a fun kiddy cup didn’t hurt either.

For more salsa action, check out the video at the end…

Our other restaurant strategies have included:

Going early: Like 4:30pm-early! When there are fewer people in the restaurant, your food comes out quicker! I’m also less worried about ruining someone else’s date night away from their own kids. 

Taking turns: One parent “enjoys” their meal while the other parent walks around outside with the antsy child. Switch places and repeat.

10-minute meals: No, not a great blog about getting dinner on the table quickly. This is where we inhale our meal because Tate is melting down and we need to get home quickly.

Know when to fold ‘em: We were enjoying an egg roll appetizer, and feeling optimistic about the steamed broccoli we’d ordered for Tate. He was less enthusiastic, and it was soon clear that he would be ruining not only our dinner but soon that of the other patrons as well. Our sit-down Chinese meal became takeout.

I don’t mean to paint a completely negative picture of my son. Sometimes the right snacks or a stack of books will keep him happy. Other times, it’s our fault for attempting a meal out that’s getting close to or even past his bedtime. I guess the bad ones make the good ones, like tonight, all the sweeter!

And speaking of sweet, check out this unabashed double-dipper…family and friends who share appetizers with Tate, consider yourself warned!

Do you bring your kids to restaurants – fancier than McDonald’s, that is?

What are your secrets to success?

My friend Sarah just gave birth to a beautiful baby girl – welcome, Addison! Another friend is organizing meals to be brought for their family. The same generosity was extended to us when I had Tate and it was so wonderful!

If you’re pregnant or wanting to help out a new mom, here are some things to consider:

General tips for bringing meals to others:

1. Ask about any food allergies or disliked foods.

2. Whenever possible, bring the meal in containers that don’t need to be returned.

3. Think out of the box – in addition to the main meal, include some fresh fruit, a breakfast item or a favorite beverage.

4. If you live out of town, or are unable to prepare a meal, send a gift certificate for a restaurant with delivery or takeout.

5. Get a group of the new mom’s friends together and go to Let’s Dish or a similar place for freezer meal preparation. Give her advance notice, though, so there’s enough room in her freezer!

Tips for the expecting/new mom:

1. Probably a lot of people people will ask what they can do to help you. Ask the most organized of these people to coordinate a meal schedule. Then when anyone else offers to bring a meal, direct him/her to this person. All of the following information should be shared with your organizer to simplify your life!

2. Decide when you want meals to start – perhaps a little later if you have family there to help right away.

3. Consider how often you want to receive meals. Daily might be too much, especially if it’s just two of you eating. For instance, Sarah is receiving meals for two days, then one day off to allow some time for leftovers.

4. Be sure to let people know about any food allergies or things you don’t like.

If you’re trying to fill your own freezer in preparation for baby’s arrival, check out these ideas from Erin at $5 Dinners. Her baby is due soon, so most of the items are crossed off her checklist, but there are links to most of the super-affordable recipes. 

Another idea is this cookbook by Lisa Jost – it looks great, does anyone have it already and can give a review? The Doula’s Cookbook for New Moms: Ideas & Recipes for a New Parent, Busy Parent or Doula.

What are some favorite meals you’ve received? What’s your go-to meal to bring to a family with a new baby?

Photo Courtesy:
EraPhernalia Vintage

Unfortunately, today Tate’s Halloween fever was the first kind. It started Thursday night, but I was hopeful for a 24-hour variety. No such luck.

At 3pm, we were supposed to be arriving at Tate’s cousin’s Halloween party. Instead, my little guy was uncharacteristically quiet in my arms while we waited for the ibuprofen to kick in. While I didn’t mind the extra snuggling time, I was really sad to be missing the party. And of course wishing that my baby were well.

He did eventually rebound enough to visit Granny & Papa’s house. And Dad worked some sort of magic to get him into his lion costume – all of my efforts were met with his favorite new word, “no”.

How was your Halloween? Did you go to a party, an indoor event, neighborhood trick-or-treating, or all of the above?

Best wishes in what we all know is scarier than Halloween – adjusting to Daylight Saving Time with a young child!

Definition Courtesy Merriam-Webster

Today most people are putting the finishing touches on their costumes for trick-or-treating or a fun halloween party…

You may, however, know someone who is putting the finishing touches on growing a baby! If so, share this post with them. But go ahead and wait until they’ve brought the new baby home from the hospital…

All of our adorable halloween-themed birth announcements are available online. Here are a few of my favorites:

Or, if your baby isn’t quite due yet, you may need a last-minute costume idea for your pregnant belly – check out this post.

What’s your favorite preggers costume or baby costume?