This week, the most I was looking forward to was the baby shower on Friday and trying to keep ahead of all the doctor’s appointments. Wednesday night we were going to go to the Jewish for the doctor meet & greet, so we would know the whole team.

…and then my water broke…

Wednesday at 4:30pm
It all began.
By 1am
We headed to the hospital.
After being there
for about an hour
The doctor checked me.
6cm and fully thinned out, +1
I had no idea what that meant
But it meant the baby was coming
…and fast!

It was a lot of pain;
A lot of panic;
A lot of feeling like –
I JUST CAN’T DO THIS!!!
Thankfully Rick
and Rivka, our doula
Helped get me focused;
Because when it was time to push
I was completely exhausted
- and FREAKED OUT!
Rivka gives me a homeopathic
to calm me down.
It works almost immediately
I start to focus…

Next thing I knew;
I was pushing again;
pushing;
pushing;
My mind was screaming to stop!
I was tired;
and it hurt -
as the head crowned
“The ring of fire”
as they call it
…and it burns burns burns
The ring of fire…
yes it burns…
My body would just not stop bearing down
All of a sudden,
a release of pressure;
A bit more burn
A release of pressure again;
And then -
Sophie Jade
Was laying on my stomach!

Sophie Jade Briel Deveau
Was born at 4:43am
Weighing 6lbs 7oz
At the Jewish General Hospital
After only 2 hrs 45 min of being there
12 hours labour total
Most at home,
And most of it without pain.

Remember what I said;
This baby
Was going to wait for no one
So being two weeks early
Was no surprise to me.

It was not until after the birth
That I realized
What an amazing job I did
Staff was amazed
Wow – no epidural
I was so perky
Just an hour after
(and ready to GO HOME!)
The other girl
In my temporary room
(it was busy)
Had induction & epidural
She was puking
Had a headache
Still contracting;
Bad –
So much
For modern
medicine!

We came home yesterday afternoon
After our family doctor
Saw us,
and agreed to let us go early.
My doctor
who was not on call that night
Was beaming at me
Said she heard
I had
The perfect birth;
Couldn’t have been any more perfect
She said
So I relaxed a bit
Because with all my screaming
and complaining
In the moment
I saw nothing
Perfect about it!

Last night
First night home
Went perfect
Get this people
No screaming
or crying
Through the night.
She fussed a little
every 2 hours
and I nursed her.
We laid side by side
stomach to stomach
And when she latched on
I simply drifted back to sleep.
So much for
“You won’t get any sleep
when the baby is born”
Heh heh…

She has a full head of black hair
Not jet black
It is very pretty
Like how I used to get my hair
coloured to have “natural” highlights
She spends most of her time
skin to skin
On my chest.
(like right now, sleeping away)
She is now
Officially
Out of diapers
Although
I am not ready
To EC yet
She lays on prefolds
So much easier
To clean
And see
How much she is going.
Have to keep track
To make sure
She is getting
Enough milk.

She is cute
In that
Newborn
Bobble head
Sort of way
hee hee…
I don’t have a good pic of her
Always making faces
But she is very Buddha
Zen-like
When you look into
Her dark eyes
There is a very wise soul
Behind them
Looking back at you
As her name suggests.

Dad is doing great too.
She loves to rock on his lap
And smile up at him
When he talks to her.
Rick is enjoying
Being domestic
And I am getting used to
being dependent for everything.
It is working out quite nicely.
Having a well adjusted baby
With no ill effects of drugs
Really, really helps.

Even though,
Birth is traumatic
It is worth doing it natural.
When you recover this fast
Mom & baby
are happy, healthy.
Next time
Will be a home birth
for sure.
Just being in a hospital
panicked me.
Our doula
Already asked
If she could be there
for our next one.
She said
Of all her births
Mine was
The most fun
She had been to
In awhile
I said
Gee…
Glad
It was fun
For her!
LMAO! :)
Of course
I would
Want her there
again
But that
Won’t be
For awhile. ;)

BIENVENUE
Miss Sophie Jade!
It been quite the experience
To bring you here
I’m sure
There will be many many more
memorable experiences…

…and we can’t wait!

It never ceases to amaze me my powers of organization and creativity. I have been in good spirits all day, but feeling rather tired. Rick & I concluded I wasn’t getting enough protein, so he made me a huge steak tonight from organic beef. That was really nice of him, since he still cannot reintroduce beef into his diet. I must say, it did the trick. I am amazed how sensitive my diet is. I guess when you are trying to support two people in one body…anyway, I feel back to normal this evening. We even went out to buy a microwave tonight.

Ok, so why did we go out and buy a microwave tonight, you ask? Well, after a nap this afternoon, I decided that my current work space just would not do. I had jewelry supplies and jewelry in various states of production over one table, and no room for the soy tea lights I was getting ready to pour. I also thought, wouldn’t it be great if I had a microwave down here so that I could use it for my various projects (read: melting soy wax). So, Rick & I did a little rearranging; I now have lots of work space and our old microwave downstairs. I also moved our old electric kettle and my extra coffee maker down here. We had the perfect cabinet to house it all, it just had to be cleared of all our junk (me, stationery supplies, Rick computer equipment) that needed to either be tossed or put in its proper place. We went and bought a $50 stainless steel microwave to replace the one I took. We don’t cook in it anyway, so the new one not only looks nice, but serves its purpose for heating up magic bags, etc., or for when guests come who insist on using a microwave. ;)

Plus my new convenient set up downstairs, makes it more comfortable for guests (read: keeps them out of my hair…lol!). We also have a mini-fridge down here, so it feels more like a hotel suite now. So, if guests would like to have their privacy (or if we do, for example) they have the convenience of a few more amenities. Seems win win to me.

Anyway, the outcome of my ideas totally enhance our downstairs; opened it up even more and the energy flow in here is even better. I know, I know, I was supposed to be done…but these little tweaks only make our home more comfy and let’s take advantage of the great ideas that seem to be coming out of my brain these days. It only took me a couple of hours, and some of Rick’s muscle power, and is so worth it. The cats are even happy with it. They are such a good judge of flow…I swear they are trained in Feng Shui. ;)

I had the most uncomfortable day yesterday so I didn’t get a chance to post about our day. I made the critical mistake of not eating when I should or enough and paid for it for the rest of the day & night. This was the most uncomfortable day of my pregnancy and hopefully the last (until labour sets in at least).

Rick & I both had appointments with our Naturopathic Doctor yesterday starting at 1:30. With school back in, the traffic here is so unpredictable we have to give ourselves at least an hour to get downtown, because you never know. So…leaving at 12:30 made it problematic to get a proper lunch in on time, esp. since I farted around all morning, then had to shower, etc. I had a very healthy and large snack, but again, probably not enough, esp. for a 9 month pregnant lady.

Then instead of going to get something to eat after our appt., I was so focused on the list of errands to run I neglected to grab something. So by the time we got back to the West Island, my stomach was crampy and tight, and my uterus was this tight ball. It was like a constant contraction all day. I can’t tell you how weird it is, these Braxton-Hicks contractions, when your belly goes absolutely rock hard. It is the weirdest thing to feel/experience. The skin on my belly is already so tight; it just won’t stretch anymore…then when it goes hard from the inside, well, it is alarming the first time it happens!

So, imagine, this whole situation is not comfy for the baby either, so I had two feet shoved up under my ribs, making it very hard to breathe. Being in the car was downright painful, and when I rubbed my ribs, they were tender like someone had given me a swift kick. The baby just kept shoving little feet higher and higher into my rib cage, and I was getting really cranky and exasperated with the discomfort. We stopped for a fruit smoothie which made me feel better, but by the time we got to supper at 5:30 I was so uncomfortable I just could not eat. This discomfort continued all night, and I got some soup down at least. But I was up twice last night uncomfortable and starving. I had no choice than to just get up and fix a bit to eat.

So gals, that is why you should eat and eat often when you are pregnant, even when you think you don’t feel hungry!

The appt. with our ND went well; so well she only charged the both of us for a 45 min. appt, instead of two 45 min appts, half of what we were expecting to pay, which was nice. Things are going well, so there was no need for a long assessment. She also gave both of us some homeopathics. Rick to support his work exhaustion/adrenals. Me, she gave homeopathics for myself and the baby, to take after the birth in order to heal/deal with the trauma. For now, I am on a new phytotherapy (liquid herbal mixture you mix with hot water and drink) as well as back on my minerals that support pregnant women, only at a higher dose. We are supposed to meet with our doula Monday, and our ND says she will put me on her own homepathic regime to prepare me for birth. I guess she already contacted our doula with her preferred regime.

Rick’s elimination diet is still on until Saturday; she wanted him to get used to the homeopathics before reintroducing the foods that were eliminated. We don’t mind, we have gotten so used to eating that way.

After the appt., we headed over to Babies R Us to pick up the last few things on my list that are baby related. I picked up the breast pump, some freezer bags and also a bottle warmer as it was on sale for $24.99. I wasn’t going to get one, but this one has a wide & adjustable mouth so you can warm up different sized bottles in it, including baby food, so thought why not. I’m not going to open it so that I can return it if I don’t use it.

I also picked up a cute little Baby Bjorn potty, perfect for little bums and practicing EC:

These are also affordable, $16.99. There is also a bigger version for bigger kids which we will eventually get, for $39.99.

I got everything on my list with the exception of the baby hair brush; the one they had had awfully hard bristles. I will look around to see if I can find one I like, but really, not an important item.

We also got some snacks for the hospital at Health Tree, and some ginger tea. Our ND recommended I drink ginger tea in the hospital. It warms up your body, and therefore good in labour, since you relax when you are warm. I will have to check with our doula if we will have to bring a kettle with us or not (probably). I am trying to keep the stuff to bring to a minimum but it’s hard in a hospital that provides practically nothing! :)

I still have to get a hot water bottle and an ice pack; can you believe Pharmaprix (Shopper’s Drug Mart) didn’t have hot water bottles?! Um, helloooo…

So that was my uncomfortable, miserable day. Although I can’t complain; I got quite a bit done. Today was a new day, and although I napped most of the day, I started the new homeopathic regime and feel back to my old self again. It should be a fun night; my soy wax arrived along with a few jewelry supplies. :)

Today I also got the following books in the mail. I ordered “The Vital Touch” as it was recommended by one of the gals in my Montréal EC group. What a great bunch of women; it’s nice to have like-minded people to talk to.

The Vital Touch: How Intimate Contact with your Baby Leads to Happier, Healthier Development
By Sharon Heller, PhD

Book description:
Using a lively array of anthropological and sociological sources, this book presents a provocative examination of the reasons why, today more than ever, parents need to make consistent physical connections with their children–and why this should begin during infancy. Complete with inspiring examples from cultures all over the world, the text clearly proves the power of closeness, and shows parents how to share more of it with their children.

Of course, I want to order at least $35 worth to get free shipping with Amazon, so I couldn’t resist getting a few of the children’s books I have on my wish list:

This book isn’t just silly, it also explains why we pass gas, and how a skunk’s stink is not farts…it is not only cute but educational…hee hee…

Baby’s Box of Fun : A Karen Katz Lift-the-Flap Gift Set: Where Is Baby’s Belly Button; Where Is Baby’s Mommy?; Toes, Ears, & Nose (Board book)
I was thoroughly impressed with this box set, esp. since it was only $14.59CAD. Very colourful and appropriate for young babies, and the stories itself although simplistic are very endearing.

Okay, had enough baby stories for the night? I still have “Spider Pig” stuck in my head. *Chuckle* Ah, the Simpsons. :)

I’ve decided to call the next four weeks or so my selfish four weeks. I plan on staying very busy, as I usually do, but for once it is all about the interests I like. Marathon jewelry making sessions, soy candle making (I ordered more soy today, if you never tried soy candles they are my second favourite candle to bees wax, but less expensive. The best thing is they are non-toxic unlike burning traditional paraffin…you could eat the stuff!), cosmetic making (I have all the ingredients here to make my own lip balm & body butter, but the most I have made so far is bubble bath, shower gel, and SLS free shampoo), writing and my usual prenatal yoga & rest. If the chores get done, they get done. Rick is in agreement we have to get used to a slightly dirtier house for when the baby gets here anyway (who has time for housework and who cares anyway!) so it will be good if I don’t stay on my OCD cleaning schedule. :)

I am as happy as a pig in shit, because the creative part of the nesting instinct has kicked in, and I don’t have anything to organize. That means all my energy goes into my talents and interests. In two days I made 15 pieces of jewelry: 15 pieces of pure creativity that I am satisfied with. This has not happened for a long time; always something else getting in the way or having to be done; and I found the creative block of Nova Scotia did not help (I was more concerned about making things cheap and simple for the fussy market there rather than listening to my creative instincts and letting it flow organically). I feel totally free and back baby! I’m starting to amass a few things to sell which is good news for some of you. ;)

And now to have some fun with the absurd…I got my Sears Card statement the other day, claiming that I owe them 41 cents this month…mind you, I paid the bloody thing off in full last month, this is some bullshit insurance they want me to pay…and they want it this month, rather than carrying it over…soooo…I am sending them 41 cents. Like I’m gonna write a cheque for that! Or stand in line just to pay 41 cents at the Sears in Pointe Claire. Yeah right! So let’s see if they take it or if I create some sort of retarded panic amongst their accounting dept. Heh heh…

That’s life, these days…

Someone told me long ago,
theres a calm before the storm,
I know; its been comin’ for some time.
When its over, so they say, it’ll rain a sunny day,
I know; shinin down like water…
-CCR

I find that some of my most productive days are rainy ones: nothing to do but escape to the basement and the creativity that awaits. I made a few new jewelry pieces this afternoon, which is quite satisfying. I am finding that my cup of creative juices is flowing and runneth over here compared to Halifax. I have the best of both worlds; it is so quiet and lush with nature here in the Suroît, with a thriving Cosmopolitan city as added inspiration not far away. I look forward to getting my website off the ground, which is looking more and more possible with every passing day.

I’ve been doing some more internet shopping; jewelry supplies I need and some more baby stuff. It never ceases to amaze me that Rick does not mind me shopping so much and encourages me to do so. I guess he knows how pragmatic I am about the whole thing; I never shop just out of boredom or buy things I/we do not need.

So what I needed is maternity suspenders; they attach to the top of your pants and to the bottom of your bra to help keep your pants up. I find that since my maternity jeans are all elastic they tend to travel south every time I bend over or sit down. They are very comfy but it’s quite annoying to have to keep hauling them up. So, since the company offers free shipping on orders over $100, I decided to also get the Tummy Tub and Adiri Breast bottle I wanted. The Tummy Tub is shaped more naturally so that baby feels as though they are secure (like in mom’s tummy) making bath time more enjoyable and safe (no drowning in the Tummy Tub). The La Leche League recommends the Adiri bottle; it’s shaped/feels more like a breast making bottle-feeding more natural; it cuts down on fussy feeding due to nipple confusion or the intake of too much air, which seems to happen with regular bottles. I plan to breastfeed but this will be good for when I pump and when we go out. Anyway, I will post pictures of both when they come in.

You may have noticed that I am still being very generic in my speech regarding the sex of the baby, and with posting pictures, as the clothes are quite ambiguous. It has never been a secret since the conception what the sex is, and the ultrasound only confirmed what we had already told people. It has been made clear either by words or actions how (un)interested certain people in our lives are about us welcoming a baby in the world, and that is completely fine, but this site is not going to be a way to spy on us without making a concerted effort to have a relationship. So….if you care to know certain details such as the sex you can ask us directly; if you would rather not know the details then you can keep reading here….but my pregnancy is not for gossip or the entertainment of others. The point of this site is to document our lives for our own memories; if other people would like to come along for the ride they are certainly welcome. But don’t expect to read this site on a regular basis and assume you know all that we are about or what we are up to.

It’s difficult for us to be forthcoming and cooperative with those who act uninterested for the most part when talking to us (or lack of) but then use this news as entertainment or bragging rights. This is a person coming into the world who is to be respected with the utmost respect that Rick & I demand for ourselves, albeit perhaps sounding like a bunch of whiny bitches…it is, what it is.

I say what I say: love it, hate it, take it, or leave it. I find it very frustrating at times that I feel that I need to sugar coat what is said on this site just to appease the peanut gallery, even though most of you know I have never sugar coated anything out of my mouth. I consider writing an outlet and an art form. I have been quite bored lately with the lack of style in my writing simply because I have to worry about who’s reading this. Just because I am now a married woman becoming a mother doesn’t mean I have to give up my Bitch-with-a-capital-B.

Anyway, this is therapeutic writing at its best; my point is that those who are dear to us know what our wishes and intentions are; this is merely but a snippet taken from our lives. It should not be taken as a thorough overview as to what is going on with us, but just a glimpse into our humble existence. Having a baby DOES NOT in any way, consume us. We simply would like to bring another human into the world that we will hopefully aspire to live above the status quo.

Now with that, I feel like I’ve taken back my personality, my expression, my integrity. Happy blogging!