Checkup Hello everyone! Happy Friday! We begin week 32 today! Just wanted to update you all on our checkup and first birthing class that we had yesterday.
Everything is still looking perfect.
Weight: Steady. No gain. Blood Pressure: Good, 100/72 Urine Test: Good. No protein. Uterus: Good growth. 32 cm (perfect for 32 wks) Baby Heartbeat: Very healthy and strong (he also was kicking while the midwife listened to his heartbeat on the monitor!)
We'll to a TB exposure test on my arm on Mon. the 21st. It is a routine screening required by the state of CA for pregnant women.
The next checkup is on Wed. the 23rd at 11:30pm.
The child birth class last night was really quite good. Pretty basic. The teacher talked about her own birth experience and how it is good to have a plan going in, but that one also has to be flexible because one doesn't always have control over everything that happens. She talked about the importance of hydration, focus, relaxation, partner support (counter-pressure techniques: hip squeeze and tail bone, and the knee press for back pain) and good breathing. We went over some basic breathing techniques. Joe and I were talking on the drive home about how our grad school acting training has already taught us so much about good breathing and posture which seems like it'll come in handy for the labor process as well. The teacher gave us things to practice before the next class and said that its like we're in training for a marathon...the more we do in preparation, the better we'll be going into the actual event. Sounds reasonable. So we have to continue our walking, practice the breathing and counter-pressure techniqes, and find out when our midwife wants us to go to the hospital for labor (how far along we have to be...the teacher said to wait as long as possible at home because it is much more comfortable).
So, we're getting there. The last weeks! Yay!
More later.
2008-07-08 (31 weeks)
Amazing Families and Friends! Can I just say 'thank you' for all the love and support from both Joe's and my family. They have been, and continue to be, amazing. Everyone seems very excited about the baby on the way and they want to help and participate in the journey.
Also, our friends have been fantastic and supportive here in LA as well. The latest example is John and Vivian wanting to throw us a Baby Shower at the beginning of August. They are truly generous and kind people. Vivian has some great ideas for the shower! It sounds like it will be a lot of fun to get together and celebrate this baby with our friends (and I think Mama will be coming out to LA right at that time, so she might be here for that too!)
The little one continues to move and grow and hiccup a lot! We have our next checkup on Thursday the 10th (day after tomorrow). Also, our first birthing class will be that same evening. The classes will be once a week for six weeks. I can't believe that our son might be here in as little as 7wks! Of course, it could be later, one never knows. I do not want to be induced or anything. I think the little guy will be ready when he's ready. We're going to try to go as natural as possible.
Other news: our car failed the smog test so we have to get some work done on it before we can get our tags...regular inspection...possible diagnostic to find out what's making the emissions too high...hopefully it won't be too involved.
Today is the day we find out if the AFTRA (one of the acting unions) members votes down a really bad contract proposal from the studios and producers. It is a crucial result that will affect the whole entertainment industry and especially actors for a long time to come. We need AFTRA to join with the other acting union, SAG, in negotiations with the studios and producers to come up with a FAIR contract that will help actors survive in the industry! Joe has been super active and invested in the recent union activities. He's always informed and participating in working to make the outcome better.
Ummm, I think that's it for now. I'll update everyone after our checkup and class on Thursday. Take care and enjoy the summer, peeps!
Love, Anya
2008-06-28 (29 weeks)
One thing at a time (or two)! We got a couple more things on Craigslist yesterday: an oak dresser and a baby bjorn. Both were really good finds. Good quality and very inexpensive. The people selling them were very nice and encouraging. It was lucky that the dresser fit into our little car so we could transport it w/out renting a truck. Joe had to take the drawers out and carry it on his own 'cause I can't carry anything that heavy at this point. I feel pretty helpless just watching him do all the work! But he's fantastic and the dresser looks good and fits in a corner of our bedroom. The baby bjorn is almost new and is in very good shape. It makes me happy to look at it. Last night, after picking it up, Joe tried it on and I said it looked good. He liked it and I said he was going to like holding the baby in it. Joe said, "I wish I could hold him right now!" He was so sweet.
Oh, I don't think I mentioned that Joe also got the two window air-conditioners set up and working beautifully just in time for the hot summer weather. He's like the Energizer Battery...he keeps going and going...he's amazing and dedicated. Things are really coming together in prep for this baby!
The little one keeps moving so much. He really likes it when Joe talks to him. Joe has such a great, calming voice.
We're in week 30! Its amazing to think we're this far along. More posts later!
Happy Weekend! Anya
2008-06-26 (29 weeks)
Couple new belly pics! Check out the growing little guy. Two new belly pics up on the photo album.
