Taking a Break

Well, after all this waiting, I have finally decided that I can't "do it all" right now. I have been so busy and/or tired lately that I barely even have time to get online to check my email, let alone spend hours reading, researching, and writing posts.

I have a feeling it will only get worse from here, because I'm already in the second trimester and my fatigue is not letting up. Nursing while pregnant apparently takes a lot out of you.

When I finally get to sit down for long periods of time (whenever that may be), I will once again resume my blog series. I was so anxious and excited to write it and now I'm just too tired to get it done. I have plenty of ideas in my head and hopefully some day soon they will make it down on "paper".

For now though, I need to announce a break. I hope to be back soon.

Thank you for visiting.

God bless,
A Bird on Her Nest

Open to Life: What is Wrong with IVF? (II)

If you are new to this series, I recommend starting at the beginning: Open to Life Series: What is Openness to Life?


Because of the multiple problems with in vitro fertilization, I divided the topic into three separate posts. This one discusses the health risks for women and also the potential human error and mix-ups involved in the process. I also want to preface this post with my remarks from the last post:

In Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan, the Bishops remind us that when using technology to “create” human beings, the “[c]hildren begin to be seen less as gifts received in a personal communion of mutual self-giving, and increasingly as a lifestyle choice, a commodity to which all consumers are entitled.”

In vitro fertilization (IVF) in particular is a gravely immoral, dehumanizing, and even a medically risky procedure. “This procedure [IVF] is so far from a loving act of the spouses that it can even be used to conceive a child if neither of them is alive, for the body of neither one is involved in the act of generating this life once sperm and egg are obtained and stored” (Life-Giving Love in an Age of Technology). The medical problems range from the extremely high death rate of embryos to the increased risk of birth defects to human error resulting in the doctor implanting someone else’s child in the woman’s uterus.

Health Risks to Women
The main risk to women’s health through the process of IVF is the use of “superovulatory” drugs to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs at one time for the procedure. “These drugs have been associated with an increased risk of some cancers, and may lead to a condition known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), whose effects can include reproductive problems, kidney failure and even death” (In Vitro Fertilization: The Human Cost).


Photo from California IVF: Davis Fertility Center

   With multiple pregnancies (a huge risk with IVF), “mothers are more likely to suffer from complications such as high blood pressure, hemorrhages and preeclampsia” (In Vitro Fertilization: The Human Cost). There are also the risks for cesarean deliveries, which are mandatory with multiple pregnancies.

Human Error/“Mix-ups”
There are so many risks related to human error, but some include the wrong sperm being inseminated into the woman, the wrong sperm used to fertilize the egg(s), the wrong embryos being implanted, and embryos (or eggs and sperm) being lost or accidentally discarded.

“[T]he University of California has paid out more than $24 million for 137 separate incidents in which eggs or embryos were either unaccounted for or given to other women without consent.” (“UCI settles a dozen fertility suits,” The Los Angeles Times, September 11, 2009)

“IVF mix-ups are a regular occurrence at fertility clinics across the UK, an expert has said. Dr. Sammy Lee, a scientific consultant at the Portland Hospital in London, said the case of a white woman giving birth to black twins which hit the headlines earlier this month is probably not an isolated incident…. He said: ‘Every day, someone somewhere in the UK is inadvertently messing up… I am aware of the wrong embryos being transferred to the wrong patients at several [National Health Service] units during the past 10 years. I have also confidentially been told about a number of cases where the wrong sperm were used to inseminate eggs.’” (“IVF mix-ups ‘occur regularly’,” BBC News: Health, July 24, 2002.)

“In the case of mixed-up embryos that caused a white Staten Island woman who underwent in vitro fertilization to give birth to two sons of different races, a state inquiry has concluded that the embryologist knew another couple’s embryos had been implanted but failed to tell anyone at the time or to act to correct his error.” (J. Yardley, “Investigators Say Embryologist Knew He Erred in Egg Mix-Up,” The New York Times, April 17, 1999, p. A13.)

“This is a notoriously unregulated area that some of my colleagues have called the Wild West of medicine,” said [Mark] Rothstein, a lawyer and director of the University of Louisville Institute of Bioethics, Health and Law. “I think it [mix-ups] happens and in many cases we don’t know about it.” (J. Christoffersen, “Experts Troubled by Fertility Mix-Up Case,” Associated Press, July 15, 2004.)


Up Next on Monday: ARTs Related to IVF

For full texts of the documents used, see my Open to Life Series: Introduction

Open to Life: What is Wrong with IVF? (I)

If you are new to this series, I recommend starting at the beginning: Open to Life Series: What is Openness to Life?


In Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan, the Bishops remind us that when using technology to “create” human beings, the “[c]hildren begin to be seen less as gifts received in a personal communion of mutual self-giving, and increasingly as a lifestyle choice, a commodity to which all consumers are entitled.”

In vitro fertilization (IVF) in particular is a gravely immoral, dehumanizing, and even a medically risky procedure. “This procedure [IVF] is so far from a loving act of the spouses that it can even be used to conceive a child if neither of them is alive, for the body of neither one is involved in the act of generating this life once sperm and egg are obtained and stored” (Life-Giving Love in an Age of Technology). The medical problems range from the extremely high death rate of embryos to the increased risk of birth defects to human error resulting in the doctor implanting someone else’s child in the woman’s uterus.

Death Rate
The death rate for lab-created embryos is very high. “Researchers at the Yale School of Medicine reported in 2005 that 85% of embryos transferred to a womb in IVF are never born alive.” [Emphasis mine] This does not even account for the embryos not implanted – which include those that are lost, thrown away, die during freezing or thawing, or are killed for research. “The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, reporting annually on IVF clinics across Europe that provide preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) to screen out genetically impaired embryos, concludes that in 2004, out of 24,371 embryos fertilized, only 749 (3%) survived to produce a fetal heartbeat.” – Note that is a 97% death rate and this does not even encompass the whole pregnancy through a live-birth! Compare these numbers to the estimated 50-75% of all natural pregnancies that end in miscarriage. (This number includes those who miscarry within the first two weeks of implantation and do not miss a period.) (Quotes from Life-Giving Love in an Age of Technology)

Another form of death for embryos that are implanted is through selective reduction (the medical term for the abortion that takes place when too many children grow in their mother’s uterus). Sometimes it is the embryos or fetuses that are not developing as well that get aborted, but other times all look healthy and just the “conveniently positioned” children are chosen to die. This is done to give a better chance of live-birth for the remaining children or because the couple/mother only want one or two children.




Photo from California IVF: Davis Fertility Center

 

Birth defects
Birth defects are also a concern for both intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and IVF. In In Vitro Fertilization: The Human Cost states, “A 2005 study following children conceived at multiple IVF centers up to age 5 found: ‘A higher proportion of ICSI and IVF children required surgery (24% ICSI, 22% IVF, 14% natural conceptions) particularly genitourinary surgery other than circumcision.’ After adjusting for age and country, risks of major malformation were 2.8 times higher for ICSI children and 1.8 times higher for IVF children. Even in the neonatal period, minor malformations had been more common in IVF and ICSI children (15%) than in naturally conceived children (8%).”

Also, in November [2008] the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a paper reporting that "babies conceived with IVF or with a technique in which sperm are injected directly into eggs [ICSI], have a slightly increased risk of several birth defects, including a hole between the two chambers of the heart, a cleft lip or palate, an improperly developed esophagus and a malformed rectum” (In Vitro Fertilization: The Human Cost).


Up Next on Friday: What is Wrong with IVF? (II)

For full texts of the documents used, see my Open to Life Series: Introduction

Open to Life: Why Use Natural Family Planning?

If you are new to this series, I recommend starting at the beginning: Open to Life Series What is Openness to Life?


Most people, when they hear “natural family planning”, think of the old-time, rarely reliable rhythm method. It is important to realize that present-day natural family planning methods differ considerably from the Calendar Rhythm that was taught early in the last century.

Breastfeeding as it is commonly done in the United States has little or no effect on the return of fertility. Even mothers exclusively breastfeeding, but not following any of the other six standards, can have menstruation (and fertility) return within six weeks postpartum. With ecological breastfeeding, the chance of pregnancy is almost zero during the first three months, less than 2% between 3 and 6 months, and about 6% after 6 months (assuming menstruation has not returned). The average return of menstruation is 14 to 15 months postpartum, with 72% of mothers experiencing their first period between 9 and 20 months. (NFP: The Complete Approach, 2) When menstruation returns early, there is a tendency to be infertile for the first few cycles, while those whose menstruation returns late are likely to ovulate before their first postpartum cycle.

Many health agencies, both national and international advise that all babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months because of the many health and psychological benefits to both mother and baby. Ecological breastfeeding offers the best opportunity for maintaining good milk supply for the duration of the breastfeeding period. According to NFP: The Complete Approach (6),

Ecological breastfeeding requires close mother-baby contact. This is good for both mother and baby. This best helps babies to thrive. We like to think of it as God’s own plan for baby-care and baby spacing, but it generally precludes working outside the home or being excessively busy with a home-based business. The proper care of babies takes time. The combination of mothering and homemaking is a full-time job. [Sound familiar?]

One of the many advantages of ecological breastfeeding from a purely moral standpoint is, although you need certain conditions to justify additional spacing of babies with systematic NFP, you do not need any sort of “spacing” reasons to breastfeed. When ecologically breastfeeding, you are doing what is best for your baby, and this just happens to postpone the return of fertility as well. Extended infertility is a normal, God-given side effect of following God’s plan for baby care, and it is respectable and appropriate to hope for this along with all the other advantages of breastfeeding.

What about the systematic methods of NFP? When couples follow the guidelines for chaste abstinence during the fertile period using the symptom-thermal method, they have a 99.6% chance of not conceiving based on a German study published in February 2007 (NFP: The Complete Approach, 2). Using systematic NFP to conceive also has benefits. “About 80% of couples with normal fertility conceive within six cycles, frequently one to three cycles. Couples with marginal fertility will usually conceive within six to 12 cycles” (3). This is because accurate charting helps the couple determine the most fertile time of the cycle. Charts can also be useful for getting help with infertility, as most doctors will ask for them.

Some women take the pill for “medical reasons”. However, the pill only masks the symptoms; it does not treat the illness. Many people can go years with a serious reproductive health issue (such as endometriosis), and when they want to conceive, only then will they realize they have a fertility issue. Nevertheless, charting can help explain certain physical symptoms and emotions, as well as help determine abnormalities in a woman’s health. Some women may even identify underlying health problems and find healing with the knowledge gained through charting.


Up Next: God is Love

For full texts of the documents used, see my Open to Life Series: Introduction

Open to Life: What is Natural Family Planning?

If you are new to this series, I recommend starting at the beginning: Open to Life Series What is Openness to Life?

Natural family planning (NFP) is a way of using God’s plan and, consequently, respecting Church teaching to achieve or avoid/postpone pregnancy by using the physical methods that God has built into human nature. There are two different types of natural family planning: systematic NFP and ecological breastfeeding.

The first type, ecological breastfeeding, is the form of nursing in which the mother fulfills her baby’s needs for frequent suckling and her full-time presence and the child’s frequent suckling postpones the return of the mother’s fertility (Natural Family Planning: The Complete Approach, 1). Ecological breastfeeding is explained by the seven standards listed below.

Sheila Kippley created the phrase “ecological breastfeeding” to differentiate this natural and traditional form of baby care from “cultural breastfeeding” (the use of bottles, pacifiers, and baby-sitters, which contribute to mother-baby separation and less frequent suckling).

To remain infertile during breastfeeding, you must follow all seven of these standards for ecological breastfeeding. In less developed countries, these practices are customary and therefore babies are frequently spaced two to three years apart without contraception or periodic abstinence.

1. Exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of life (no other liquids and solids). After six months, slowly begin to introduce other liquids and solids.
2. Pacify your baby at your breasts.
3. Do not use bottles and pacifiers.
4. Sleep with your baby for night feedings.
5. Sleep with your baby for a daily-nap feeding.
6. Nurse frequently day and night, and avoid schedules.
7. Avoid any practice that restricts nursing or separates you from your baby. (Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing, 4)

According to NFP: The Complete Approach, “The great strength of ecological breastfeeding is that it is truly God’s Own Plan for naturally spacing babies, and it does not require systematic fertility awareness and periodic abstinence. Another great strength is that it encourages extended breastfeeding that carries many benefits for both mother and baby.” It also requires mothers to take full responsibility for the care of their babies instead of designating such responsibilities to others (something I have discussed previously). Its only weakness is the fact it is countercultural in the West and as a result will be difficult without support from the husband, family, and/or friends.

Systematic natural family planning is the method that uses a woman’s natural physical signs to identify the fertile and infertile times of the menstrual cycle. Using this method allows you to “know the most-fertile days in the overall fertile time for achieving pregnancy. All true NFP systems use chaste abstinence during the fertile time as the method for avoiding pregnancy. The use of systematic NFP involves both the knowledge of fertility and putting that knowledge into practice” (NFP: The Complete Approach, 2).


Up Next: Why Use Natural Family Planning?

For full texts of the documents used, see my Open to Life Series: Introduction

B's Birth Story

If you recall my last post (yes, I'm sorry it's been so long...), I had to be induced if his fluid level didn't go up (from 6.5). Well, when went in for our appointment Monday morning, June 28th, his fluid level had dropped to 4 cm. So it was pretty necessary that I be induced.

They started the Pitocin around 1 pm (I'm guessing here b/c I didn't look at the clock). Then they stopped it around 2:30 because the nurse thought he was having problems handling the contractions. She thought his heartrate was dropping off after the contraction which means the placenta isn't doing it's job. -- The midwife thought everything looked fine though so they started it up again.

It took me until 8:45 that night to progress from 1.5 cm to 3 cm. But after that I got into the tub because I was struggling with the contractions. That helped to relax me so much that Robert went out and asked the nurse why my contractions had stopped! (They hadn't. I was just able to handle them better with the water.) Right before I got out of the tub, I felt like I couldn't handle it anymore. I needed a break and was ready to "concede" to the epidural. -- Looking back I can't believe I doubted that I was in transition at the time. I just figured there was no way I could have progressed that quickly.

I finally felt like getting out at about 10:20 p.m. The student midwife wanted to check me to see how much I'd progressed. She was so shocked to feel his head she had the midwife check me as well. A little after 10:30 I started pushing and our little baby boy made it into the world at 11:06 p.m. on Monday June 28.

He weighed 7 pounds 4 ounces and was 19.5 inches long. He is such a blessing to us and we are so happy to have him in our lives!

Prenatal Exam: Ultrasound

I went in for an ultrasound this morning.

His estimated weight is 7 lbs 14 oz (+- 18 oz) so he could be 6 lbs 12 oz to 9 lbs even. I'm hoping he's more toward the lower end!!

They checked the amniotic fluid level and it was "mildly low" (6.5 cm -- normal is 8+, under 5 is too low). So now I am on "moderate bedrest" and must drink LOTS of fluids and go in for EFM (electronic fetal monitoring) tomorrow. And if the fluid level doesn't go up by next Monday, I will be induced.

I didn't get a picture because he was pretty squished in there. I couldn't really make out anything other than the heart beating!

Hopefully, the bedrest and fluids will work OR he will come before Monday. Pray for us and a healthy baby!

Prenatal Exam: 40 weeks

Had another appointment today. Today's the due date, so maybe this will be the last one. We'll see......

Weight gain: I lost 1.2 lbs
Fundal height: 36.5 cm (higher than last time, but the midwife still thought it was small ... more below)
Heartbeat: I'm not sure. Robert got to check it, but the student nurse was holding it and she didn't tell me what it was.
Position: Hopefully hiding back inside!

The midwife ordered an ultrasound because he feels small to her and I measured small. Rebecca and Sky were never bothered by my measurements so I think she's just being cautious. I go in on Wednesday to check the amniotic fluid level and to see how big they think he is. I'm not worried - I figure, this is probably what happens when you're not seeing the same person all the time. Maybe he'll even decide to come before Wednesday. Who knows! : )

Prenatal Exam: 39 weeks

Another appointment today ... I'm actually getting tired of going in there!

Weight gain: Thankfully, only 1.4 lbs
Fundal height: 35 cm - I was worried because it's going down, but she said it's because he's dropping more into my pelvis and the amniotic fluid naturally decreases as you get closer to your due date
Heartbeat: right at 140 bpm
Position: head down - I don't think he could move into any other position right now!

I had an exam today and I'm starting to dilate (only 1 1/2 cm though) but she said that's normal for 39 weeks. She thinks he will probably be born right around the due date (next Monday). -- I'm hoping it's before my appointment, but we'll see! I'm anxious, excited, and getting (a little) impatient! : )

The Room is Ready

We finally got the crib today. Robert helped me put it together. I'm so excited that everything is in place. I just hope he comes soon!!!

Here's the view from the door:

Left side of the room:

Right side (The bag and box are stuff that needs to be donated and sent to my niece. The mirror is placed in such a way {not planned} that when you stand in the hallway, you can see the crucifix from above the bed in our room in his room!):

I love the crib. I was frustrated with it at first, but now I have come to appreciate it (with Robert's help). I can't wait to see him in it! "Bene, if you can read this, we're ready for you!"

Prenatal Exam: 38 weeks

Had my 38 week appointment today. And I learned that my favorite midwife had her baby on Saturday ... so hopefully Bene will come soon!!! : )

She palpated to feel his weight this time (I asked her to) and she thinks he's about right at 7 lbs. I was getting "worried" (not too much though) that he was huge b/c whenever I feel him, he feels so big!

Weight gain: Finally, only 1.2 lbs! I'm slowing back down again ... I was getting a little worried that I'd gain a lot of weight this month!!!!
Fundal height: about 36.5 cm. She said the measurements taper off near the end and you don't really get any bigger.
Heartbeat: 160 - A lot higher than normal, but still "in the normal range". She took it right after she felt to see how big he was, so I think that upset him.
Position: Head down - and she said it feels like he's dropping down into my pelvis! Yea!! He's getting ready!

After my next visit (Monday) I should know how dilated I am ... but I'm still going back and forth on whether I want to know because I don't want to get excited/discouraged since it doesn't tell you when you're going into labor. Especially since I really want him to be here!!

Prenatal Exam: 37 weeks

It hasn't been very long since my last appointment. But I'm SO ready to see him. The midwife (and my mom ... in the same day) said that I should start talking to Bene and telling him that I'm ready for him to come out! : ) Maybe I'll try that and see how it works! So now for the appointment rundown...

Weight gain: Another 3 lbs! In a WEEK! So obviously I kept on the weight from last week, and added some more to it. I think it's from all the eating out ....
Fundal height: 36 cm (still the same ... but it's only been 5 days since my last appointment)
Heartbeat: 140s -- Back up a little from last week but still looking good.
Position: Still head down. He's being very good for his mommy! But he hasn't dropped yet. I discussed that with this midwife (a different one from my last appointment) and she said that it's not the outside measurement that counts, it's the inside "hole". She got out a pelvis model and a baby to show me exactly what it looks like.

This was my last appointment with this particular midwife. She's pregnant (about a week or two ahead of me) so she's not going to be working for very much longer. We talked for so long though! She read through my birth plan - and she only made about three notes - and didn't discount anything I had on there!! I was "excited" about that because I was worried that my "plan" was too stringent or that some things weren't possible, but she said it looked good after making the little changes (one thing was just re-wording). She also recommended two books to read. I couldn't remember one of the titles when I went to the book store, so I only bought one, but I'm already about 30 pages into it.

I'm so disappointed she's leaving because she's been my favorite midwife so far and I really feel comfortable with her. But, there was no guarantee she would deliver the baby anyway, even if she was still working, so I have to be flexible!

Prenatal Exam: 36 weeks

Everything is still going great. I actually gained some weight this time!

So now for the appointment rundown...

Weight gain: 3 lbs! Of course, I've been weighing myself everyday (yes, I know...) and I actually have been fluctuating back and forth between gaining 0 and 3 pounds, so I might not keep that on.
Fundal height: 36 cm
Heartbeat: 130 (She said the heartbeat normally slows down when it gets closer to delivery.)
Position: Definitely head down. And he hasn't dropped completely yet (or there's a lot of room in my pelvis) b/c she said that his head is still able to move around.

Now I will start going every week. I have all my appointments scheduled (including one at 41 weeks - just in case). The midwife said if I went into labor today, they wouldn't try to stop it because I'm so far along. So now it's just a waiting game to see when he's ready to come out and greet us! I can't wait ... but I am a little scared now ... and unsure whether I'm actually ready! (Not that I can go back!)

Baby Shower

Here's the photos from from the baby shower last night. This first one is all the handmade items. We LOVE the Raggedy Andy doll! He's so cute! And I might steal him for myself instead of giving him to Benedict. : )

The second photo is pretty much everything else. There were a few small items - like socks and bibs that are not in the picture, but almost everything else we got from people was clothes! It's just crazy to think about! He has so many clothes now.

We also got a car seat that's forward facing from 20 lbs to 100 lbs. Basically it's all we'll ever need as soon as he can sit forward facing in the car! We were so grateful to have received that.

Today we went to Babies 'r' Us and Target and bought almost everything else we needed/wanted. (And we spent less than $30 doing it!) I got some really cute things - like the bath robe and little "swimmer froggy". All that we need now is the crib and high chair. And we still have gift cards left over to use for those things!

I would just like to say a big "thank you" to anyone who has given us anything. We have so much great stuff now. And we'll be able to use it all for years (and children, God-willing) to come! : )

34 Weeks

Here's the picture, as promised! I just took it Sunday (so technically I was 33 weeks and 6 days!). The red carnation is from Church. They were giving them out to mothers to wear for Mother's Day. I almost didn't feel right putting it on. Sometimes it's hard for me to view myself as a mom since I'm still keeping my baby safe and warm myself!

When I look at this picture I think, "Wow... am I pushing my stomach out or am I really that big?" -- Yes, I'm really that big now! I can't believe it. When I look in the mirror it doesn't seem as big as when I look at a photo. My little belly button is still hanging on down at the bottom. It's being pushed out lop-sided. (Meaning, it's only poking out on the top side.) If only I had the "guts" to show that!

I can't wait for the baby shower coming up on the 26th. Our Bible Study group at Church is throwing me and Robert a shower on our pot luck night. Since I already have everything I "need", I registered for some really cute things just for fun (and a couple practical items too). I knew about the baby shower before completing my shopping (with my parents when they visited), but there was no way my "Type-A" self could hold out that long. Remember, you're reading about the girl that bought the carseat when she was only 2 months pregnant!

Prenatal Exam: 34 weeks

Wow, only six weeks left! Can you believe it? Me neither. Well, really he can come anytime between 3 and 8 weeks from now ... kinda depressing for me to think about that one! I'm a planner - I want to know when, where, and how so I can make my list, pack, and be ready!!! lol

So now for the appointment rundown...
Weight gain: almost nothing - less than 1 lb, but she said not to worry b/c I'm still doing great!
Fundal height: 34 cm
Heartbeat: 140s (and low in my belly - which is a good sign ... see "position")
Position: most likely head-down, but I may have to have an ultrasound if she's not sure by next visit.

She thinks the "hard spot" that I've been feeling is most likely his foot. : ) All this time, I thought it was the head!

And next up, I'm finally going to post a picture of myself! How about that?!

Prenatal Exam: 32 weeks

One more appointment down -- (about) six to go.

Not too much to report this time. Everything is normal. She had trouble feeling for the head again (it was even a different midwife this time). I guess he just wants to be a surprise.

I measured at 31 cm and his heartbeat was in the low 150s. And I asked about the contractions again (for like the third appointment in a row!) and they're normal - for me, since I'm not having any other signs of labor.

I'm still gaining weight very well! Hopefully, that will taper off a little bit before the baby comes. But the midwives tell me I'm right on track. I've gained about 23 pounds total so far.

I asked about my results for the glucose test -- completely normal and well below the "max" numbers! So, no diabetes issues!!

My next appointment is in the second week of May - so be ready for another update then!

Diaper Order

I can't wait for Benedict to be here - one of the things I can't wait to "try out" is the cloth diapers! I love the BumGenius - sized diapers and have heard nothing but good things about them on all the reviews and blogs that I've read. I just got done washing everything. So here's my stack of all the diapers I just washed! Yes, there's a lot - actually 48 to be exact ... and these two sizes will only last for about the first 4-6 months. (Hopefully, he doesn't grow too quickly!!) I'm waiting to buy the next sizes until he's older and closer to using them so that I know how many to purchase.

I've been saying that I'm ready for him all this time, but really I haven't been completely ready until today, because I had to wash the diapers before we used them. I was waiting for my next order from this website so that I didn't have to pay for shipping on the laundry detergent. Cloth diapers require a special kind of detergent but you don't have to use a whole lot, so it lasts a while.

And wow! The hassle of getting them dry! I'm so glad they're not made of cotton; I heard those were even worse. I think it would've been much easier for me to get the "classic" cloth diapers - using traditional prefolds. But I still like that they're "identical" to disposables in the way you use them. It'll just take more time during washings.

The Room

We've finally got it pretty much finished. Here's the shelf with all my old Winnie the Pooh items. - The only new (or even relatively new) thing on this shelf is the big classic Pooh on the left. My mom bought me that when she first went shopping for the baby. Everything else is pretty old (7-10+ years). Robert did a great job putting it up too - even though he had to put up with me.

I couldn't find any decent Pooh pictures to hang on the wall, so instead I decided to make these. Robert really likes them and I do too. I made a similar project a few years ago with my Paris stuff. So this was really fun. I just made a collage of scrapbook stickers and a couple pictures I cut out of an old Pooh calendar.

We don't have a crib yet. I may buy one when he's older, but for now, he's just going to sleep in the bassinet. I bought the diapers and diapering "accessories" on Friday. They should ship today so I'm expecting them by next Monday. With that, I'll be able to wash the diapers and have everything ready for the baby when he comes.

Here's the other side of the room. And to think, every one of those books but three or four I had before I even knew I was pregnant! : ) I've been preparing for a while! (And yes, we still have Angel's stuff in here too. I don't think she'd appreciate having to give up one of her favorite rooms and I'm not going to listen to her meowing at the door all the time if I closed it!)

The only things I have left to buy are a couple of nursing items which I going to wait to purchase until the baby's here. I'm so happy to have everything bought and together now. It's such a relief, especially since I get so stressed about planning (when it's not done on time).

Prenatal Exam: 30 Weeks

It feels like my appointments are just starting to stack up on top of each other. I had another appointment today and I scheduled three more for the next six weeks!

Everything is looking good. I measured at 29 cm and the heartbeat was in the 140s. She couldn't tell whether he was head down or butt down.

I forgot to ask about my glucose test results but I never received a call from them, so everything must have been okay.

I can't believe it's getting so close! I bought the shelf today so as soon as Robert and I get it up, I will post a picture of the room!