When I make something for myself, from scratch, it’s a lovely thing to me. It’s something crafted and created, something that took a bit more effort, and that I know well enough to describe the process. So it goes with nearly everything hand done for me: a craft, like crocheting (which I’ve been meaning to do some of lately, for our little guy), or the few handmade gifts I made for loved ones this Christmas (a coupon book for the hubby, filled with items he loved!, & a memory jar each for my parents–filled with thoughts about them, memories I remember, and things I’m thankful they did for me over the course of my life), I get a thrill from making it myself. Some of the best gifts, such as a bunch of photos that my MIL gave me–of Troy when he was a kid and a few of him as a baby–are those that take much more thought than cash.
So… I have ventured out into the unknown territory, into the land of legitimate accusations of “Earth Mama.” And I’m pretty proud of it now. I enjoy making things personally, mixing them up, and then using them. And what a marvel–(I made toothpaste, deodorant, and laundry detergent from natural crap-free ingredients!) when you start discovering that things you buy at the store do not have to mysteriously be made in some far off place, you can actually make them yourself! It gives me the giggles. The only downfall of this process is that it’s not a given that these items will work for you, or that you will get the right mixture on the first try of creating the recipe: my bout with “natural” shampoo only lasted two days, and I couldn’t stand it. They say that your hair will adjust eventually–but I felt like a greaser! Maybe another time when nobody has to see me in public for a very long time. Haha.
During this time of my life, I’ve been trying to focus on the true important aspects of who I am and who I want to be as a momma–what I need to do in order to make our house a home I’d like to raise my child in, and what I need to be educated about. We pray for our little one, his development and his soul, on a regular basis, and this type of preparation has been so important. It’s also been REALLY fabulous to not have to work right now (thank the LORD for His provision) and to have a month and a half off from school. I can research so many things about pregnancy and childbirth, rest, visit with friends I haven’t seen in ages during this special time, do tons of things around our home, and generally begin to reshape my life mindset towards a “family” instead of a fun 20something married couple (not that we won’t STILL be that–but things will admittedly be different). Here at 23.5 weeks (this coming Sunday marks the 24th week! Woo!) things are feeling pretty good still–I’m trying to stick with a regimen for working out so that my muscles, especially back and legs, are geared up and ready for the rigors of labor. I am preparing for an all natural birthing experience, utilizing a waterbirthing tub! I am completely thrilled. I’m so thankful I had a great lady help me understand more about the natural birthing processes–and that she helped me make an informed decision about what was best for me. One of the biggest pluses, in my eyes, for waterbirthing is that it is a pain relief method while going through natural birth, but it also mimics the natural state of my womb. Little man will not come into the world screaming and freezing in a sterile setting–he will be in a calm bath of water, and then placed directly on my chest. I hope his eyes are wide open and that he takes the world in. Oh I cannot wait. And I don’t have long!
My bod is definitely changing. I can tell my butt is bigger (oh well) and it is certainly more difficult to sleep and a few other unpleasantries. I was talking to my hubs about these things, and he said sadly, he was pretty sure my midwife would tell me it’s all part of the territory. The man speaks the truth. So for me, those unpleasant symptoms have mostly been lower/mid back pain and some weird muscle pains/spasms in my ribs these days (thankful for muscle rub stuff, a massage chair, and a hubby who will massage me!), but if you consider the miracle it is that my body can even DO what it’s doing, I’d say things are still going pretty swell.
Speaking of swell, I’ve so far got no swelling in my hands and feet.. and I really hope that will keep up. Small steps! I’m just wanting this to be a healthy, natural, peaceful birth. No interventions and no unwanted medications. I had been wondering about cravings, because I hadn’t had any “I COULD EAT THE WORLD AND I WOULD NOT BE SATISFIED!” cravings yet in my pregnancy, but I got a few this week. Cheesecake. Mmm. I haven’t totally gone overboard ever, but I have eaten my fair share. Trying to have self control and enjoy food while making sure to be balanced too!
There’s my bump update, for you dear reader, and I hope that you’re well! Spring is nearly here (well, it’s closer than it has been) and the days are getting longer. Rejoice!
All my love,
-M
