I love the preparations for the arrival of our newest family member--physical, emotional, spiritual aspects. I want to share just a little about the physical preparation.
Each woman is different from another. I heard so many advice on should eat this, should eat that. All my preparations in no way makes me a pregnancy expert. But here's a couple of stuff I did.
I took many classes on parenting psychology, Developmental Psychology, birthing and breastfeeding classes in the local community center and community college. I even took a class on Infant and Adult CPR and became certified. I researched everything from herbs, to birth procedures, and have read/scanned many books about raising a baby.
The most important focus during the pregnancy is good health. My pregnancy has been very healthy and the other day my doctor congratulated me at reaching the waiting point. I am less than 20 days away from my expected date! I've had no morning sickness. I have no gestational diabetes (despite the copious amount of chocolate consumed), my iron level fluctuates, but mostly has been normal, my skin feels delicious, my fingers tingles and this past week, my legs finally swell up on occasion. I started out in the best physical and cardiovascular shape of my life. And have gained a whopping 50 lbs (which is half of my original body weight). This has been the most challenging aspect of the pregnancy, carrying around half of my original body weight. It was very painful at times but a little yoga and two visits to the physical therapist (who basically gave me prenatal yoga poses) helped. I was a pescatarian prior to my pregnancy and I immediately ate meat (yuck) as soon as I was pregnant, but I believe I needed more protein. My rule of thumb is, drink lots of juice, milk and greens/fruits with every meal. My vitamin intake varies according to how I feel.
The space preparation for the baby is more complicated since we are preparing in several directions, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. Yep, this can be stressful, but I'm certain everything will fall into place as needed. But for now only the North Carolina space is fully prepared.
I cleaned, organized, re-organized every crook and corner. Darkened curtains with pretty children motif sewed into the fabric is still on my to do list, and finishing up this mural is as well. I placed the mural on the wall at the foot of the baby's crib so the baby has a colorful piece to look at, especially painted by his mommy.
I'm taking at least a 20 minute walk each day wrapped up in thick jacket, comfortable shoes, and *ahh!!!* absolutely no make up the entire pregnancy. I'm usually accompanied by these pack of dogs. (That's my mom on the left. She's an RN so I'm happy to be around her during my pregnancy)
Since I can't walk the dogs with a leash anymore, I walk very early in the morning to avoid the neighbors. Today, one neighbor who is a dog lover, walked up to me and gave me some roots of Calla Lillies (my favorite flower). I wrapped them in newspaper, and I can't wait to plant them in the spring.
I have read goodnight books and played music to the baby and I think Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star is the baby's favorite piece. It is a common misconception that Mozart wrote Twinkle Twinkle at the age of four/five. This is the age he was when the original French folk song was written under the name of "Ah ! vous dirai-je, Maman", in 1761. However, Mozart's series of variations on this melody is very pretty.
Finally, as I am waiting, I'm trying to remain as healthy as possible so I can breath properly during the delivery. So many people are sick!! This is the best remedy for a cold, pregnant or not. Ginger smashed, some lemons, some oranges, and honey boiled in a pot. It's a lovely aromatic tea that I'm drinking as I'm writing this blog.
