One Year Ago

This is what I wrote in my journal. Oh sweet ponderings!

Welcome Baby!

Today is October 2nd, 2007 and I am now 11 weeks pregnant with our 3rd baby. I had the pleasure of meeting Rebecca today after an hour and a half long scenic drive along the Muskingum River. As the leaves gently fell around me on a picture perfect cloudless day, I breathed in the clean air driving North up Rt. 60. It's definitely not "crisp" here yet, still in the 80's. The leaves are just glazed with a hint of the beginning of some color. Normally this is a downer for me.... the end to a summer, impending darker days and death, but death was contrary to what I was driving to my destination for today. I am carrying life inside me once again and I am so very blessed and lucky to enjoy effortless conceptions, easy healthy pregnancies and births that leave me empowered and with renewed confidence in myself, and my body's abilities. (looking back, I realize that this may come across as sounding braggy, but that was not my intention. I truly realize the magnatude of this blessing and am grateful beyond words.)

Rebecca is our new midwife and I've heard such nice things about her. Having met her today, I know why. Rebecca is a lovely Mennonite woman with an upbeat personality and a gentle presence. She helps lots of local Mennonite & Amish couples and some regulars like us with their babies. When I say she helps them, I mean that she gives prenatal & postpartum care and catches the baby. We don't say "delivered", because a woman delivers her baby, unless the baby is surgically removed, or taken out via forecepts etc. So, I deliver my baby, she "assists" or "catches". Hopefully, she makes it in time!

I have not gained any weight yet, in fact I'm 3 lbs down from my normal pre-pregnancy weight still. My blood pressure was textbook. My urine test showed normal sugar & protein levels and my Ph was 7.5. The finger prick test revealed normal iron counts and last but most importantly, I heard that blessed little 9 week old life inside of me, beating at a strong 157 beats per minute! Hearing that brought tears to my eyes as it always does.

What a great day it was today!