Getting Ready for Savannah

Jeremy and I have been blessed to have this past week off from work for Spring Break.  It has been a great time that we've been able to just relax and get prepared for our little daughter!  I'm proud of how much we've gotten accomplished this week!  Here are some projects we've done:

- Went shopping in Greenville, SC with our gift card money from the baby showers we've had so far as well as the $125 bonus money that we got from ING direct for opening up a checking account on Black Friday (we opened it with the intention of using the bonus money to buy baby supplies).  We were able to get a high chair, breast pump, bouncy chair, some clothes, burp cloths, nursing bras, new pj's for me to take to the hospital, diaper genie refills, and a few other random things.  We were blessed to only have to spend about $80 of our money for all of that!  So thankful for friends and family who have given us gift cards!

- We have assembled the high chair (and yes, we know it will be several months until she actually starts using it, but I'd rather look at the high chair than the box :)

- We got the carseat from my aunt (who graciously offered to give us the car seat her son just finished using) and installed it in the car.

- We got the cradle from my aunt as well and set it up in our bedroom 

- My mom came over and helped us spring clean and she painted a bookshelf for us and brought over a lot of my old children's books from when I was little.  We got those set up in Savannah's room.

- I packed Savannah's bag for the hospital

- I started packing my bag for the hospital, although I don't have everything ready just yet.  I am excited for my new pj's that I got to wear in the hospital after delivery.  

- I started washing Savannah's clothes and made tags to hang in the closet to separate the clothes by sizes. I used the template that I found here and added in my own text.  We went to Staples and had them printed out and laminated- all in all spent about $2 on them and I think they'll do the trick!  If you'd like to download the labels with the text I inserted, feel free to do so here (the labels are not my own, please see the original link above).  

- I also created a post-pardum recovery kit (sorry no pictures of this one, although I'm sure you don't mind :)  I am thankful for those who have shared what to expect as far as recovery for me after delivery so I have some idea of what is to come.  I took a look at a lot of different suggestions from other blogs and put together a basket containing: overnight super maxi pads, epsom salt, witch hazel, pure aloe vera, Tucks, medicated spray, stool softener, ibuprofen, hemorrhoid cream, spray bottle, and also made some "padsicles" to put in the freezer. 

- We had maternity pictures taken.  See a few of them here. 

- I downloaded some apps onto my phone to help me through labor.  I downloaded several free relaxing/nature sound apps, relaxing video apps, and I'm planning on buying an app called iBirth that has videos of labor positions and tips for relaxation during labor.  Although I plan to take a book with me to the hospital to help refresh my memory on some of the tips, I think having videos to watch may be easier for me to handle while in labor.  The app costs $2.99, and I've never actually bought an app, but I think this one may be worth it.  I'm working on creating some index cards with Bible verses and prayers to help me through labor and keep me focused.  

Still left to do- hang the curtains back up in the nursery.  They fell when my mom was helping us spring clean- just glad they didn't fall when Savannah was here and in the room!  We need to get some mounts to go into the dry wall to help them stay in place.  I also need to make the mobile to hang over the crib and hang up a picture.  Other than that, her room is ready to go!  We still have about 4 weeks until she is suppose to arrive but I'm so glad that we've gotten an early start on getting things ready!

Over the next month I plan on freezer cooking and continue getting the house ready for her to arrive.   I'm happy with how much we've done so far!

Maternity Pictures Part 1

A sweet friend offered to take some maternity pictures for us as a baby gift.  She posted some of the pictures on Facebook yesterday and I love them!  I'm 35 weeks in these pictures :)  

Our Birth Preferences

Jeremy and I have been reading up and talking about what we want out of our birthing experience.  I've finally gotten our thoughts onto paper and thought some of you may be interested in seeing what type of birth we are wanting.  I never thought I would have a natural childbirth but after watching documentaries, reading blogs, and books about natural childbirth I really believe that it is what I want to do.  So here it is...our birth preferences.

.................................................

 I understand that the following is for a best case scenario. I am very aware that things can change suddenly and interventions might be required for the safety of the baby or myself. I only request that barring an emergency situation, I be informed prior to any procedures and be allowed to ask questions regarding the pros and cons. Thank you very much for your willingness to provide this care and I ask for your encouragement as I attempt a natural childbirth!

As long as the baby and I are doing fine, I'd like to:

*Have intermittent rather than continuous fetal monitoring to allow for movement.

*Only have a saline/HEP lock IV inserted and to try to stay hydrated by drinking clear fluids instead of being hooked up to an IV as much as possible to allow for freedom of movement.

*Be allowed to progress free of time limits and have my labor augmented only if necessary.

*I'd like to try the following techniques: birthing ball, squatting bar, walking, changing positions, bath, breathing techniques/distraction, music, hot/cold therapy, & massage in a softly lit and quiet birthing room.

*Please don't offer me pain medication. I'll request it if I need it. If I request it during a contraction, please wait and ask me when the contraction is over if I still want the medication.

*If I decide I want medicinal pain relief, I'd prefer an epidural over narcotics.

When it's time to push, I'd like to:

*Try different positions for pushing and birth. (using squatting bar, side lying, etc.)

 *Do so instinctively when I have the urge. When I am fully dilated, I would like to wait to begin pushing until I feel the urge to push. Coaching would be appreciated during crowning to help reduce the likelihood of perineal tearing.

*Try perineal massage or a compress to help prevent tearing.

After birth, I'd like:

*The baby to be placed on my chest and to try to nurse immediately.

*Not to be given Pitocin to help deliver the placenta unless it's deemed necessary.

*Any shots, tests, and unnecessary procedures to be delayed at least an hour to allow time for skin to skin contact with our baby and nursing if the baby's health and safety allow it.

*I plan to breastfeed exclusively. Please do not offer our baby formula, a bottle, or a pacifier. 

In the case of an unplanned C-Section...

*Please use an epidural or spinal tap if possible so that I can be awake for the birth.

*I would love to be shown/touch our baby as soon as possible, and for my husband to hold our baby as soon as possible.

*To be allowed skin to skin contact with our baby in recovery if at all possible.  If not possible in recovery, skin to skin contact as soon as we can.



I modified a similar birth plan that I found here...
http://community.babycenter.com/post/a25637123/good_sample_birth_plantemplate

31 Weeks

I don't have a regular, chalk board picture for this week, but this one will do.

I've had a rough week dealing with sickness again.  I seriously feel like I've been sick for the majority of this pregnancy!  I just finished up my antibiotics about a week and a half ago from having bronchitis in February, and this week the violent coughing came back even worse than before and I have had shallow breathing.  I also starting having chills and night sweats, so I went back to the Dr. and they believe that I may now have pneumonia, but they can't know for sure without an x-ray, and they can't do that when you are pregnant.  I at least still have bronchitis,  but I was showing diminished breathing in my right lung and some of the other symptoms I was experiencing are signs of pneumonia.  I was given a Z Pac on Friday and put out of work today and tomorrow.  I have an OB appointment tomorrow and we will see how I am feeling then and my OB will need to decide what happens from there if I'm not better.  I am feeling a little better, my coughing is not as bad, but I still can't take very deep breaths.  It is hard to know what is caused by sickness and what is just a normal issue in pregnancy.

Little Savannah has been quite the acrobat this week!  I have enjoyed watching my stomach move all around and feel all her movements.  They have been stronger this week than any other week.  My parents both were able to finally feel her move this past week- they are the only other ones to feel her move besides Jeremy and I.  Savannah must be shy, she'll stop moving when others try and feel her kicks!

I'm happy to say that I have been able to maintain my weight well over the past month since my last OB appointment.  We'll see for sure tomorrow at my appointment, but from our scale at home, I believe that I have gained only a pound, if any, this month.  That puts me at 21 pounds gained so far with 8 weeks left to go.  I think I'll be able to stay right around 30 pounds for the pregnancy, which is only slightly more than the recommended 25.      

Jeremy was a trooper this week!  We went to breastfeeding class and although he was the only dad there, he stuck with me and we both really learned a lot.  He had his wisdom teeth taken out on Friday of this week, so he has been taking it easy this weekend trying to heal up from that.  It was so sweet- when he got out of the surgery and was still all doped up on the anesthesia, he wanted to know how me and the baby were.  I'm blessed to have a supportive husband!

30 Weeks

I'm a little late posting this past week's picture, but better late than never.  Can you tell how miserable I was in that picture :)  This past weekend I had a ton of back pain as well as neck pain (that still is not gone).  I've decided to try and go to a chiropractor during the remainder of my pregnancy to try and ease the pain.  I have my first treatment today so I'm praying it will help!  

30 weeks seems like a huge milestone!  Only 10 more weeks to go, I can't believe it!  My mom helped me finish up Savannah's bedding for her nursery this weekend (I'll post about it soon!), showers are being planned, and overall I'm really starting to wish she was here!  Can't wait to hold her in my arms!  

Swelling has continued to be an issue this week and there are times when my wedding and engagement rings have to go on my pinky finger now.  

So ready for Savannah to be here!

Week 29

I'm officially in the 3rd trimester and I'm so glad that Savannah is getting close to being here!  The past few weeks have been a roller coaster for me.  I was sick for about a week and a half with bronchitis (again) and am just now starting to feel better.  I slept horribly that week (week 28), and slept on the couch for probably 7-8 days straight just trying to sit up enough so that I didn't cough so much.  Thankfully this past week I've started feeling much better and I'm back to sleeping in the bed (with my beloved new body pillow) and have much more energy.

I was disappointed to find that at my last dr's visit I had gained a considerable amount of weight.  Although this week I didn't gain any.  So hopefully it will even out.  So far I've gained 21 pounds.  More than I would have hoped at this point, but I know it has a lot to do with how much we've eaten out recently.  I really don't want to go over 30 pounds of weight gain for my pregnancy, but we'll see how things go.

We went for our 3D ultrasound this week and we loved seeing snippets of Savannah.  She is still breached (she has been for the past three ultrasounds- praying that she moves to the right position soon) and we were unable to get many clear pictures of her, but we are going back in two weeks for a complementary session since she was so uncooperative.  Her little hands and feet were all in her face for the ultrasound!  I have made arrangements for a maternity session soon (a friend from church will be doing them) and I have found a photographer to do newborn photos of Savannah within the first two weeks of her arrival!

Love this sweet side profile- I think she is going to have my nose :)  And that is her big toe propped up on her forehead.  How that is comfortable, I have no idea.

I have been extremely emotional the past couple of weeks.  My patience has been running thin (which is not a good thing with my job in special education) and I'm very sensitive right now.  For example, a couple of days ago Jeremy was trying to get me to drink a cup of milk because my acid reflux was so bad and he thought it would help soothe my throat.  I don't like milk and started to cry because I didn't want to drink it :)  Oh the joys of pregnancy :)

Glad to start 30 weeks...only 10 more to go!

26 Weeks

How Far Along?  I'm 26 weeks and 6 days in this picture

Feeling/Symptoms?  This week I've been feeling so big.  I feel like I can't get around anymore and it isn't any fun.  I'll be honest, the reality of gaining weight and being uncomfortable all of the time is catching up with me.  I LOVE feeling Savannah move and kick, but I can't really say at this point that I'm loving being pregnant. 

Doctor's Appointment:  My last Dr.'s appointment was a big one in my eyes.  I have been researching and reading about birth and labor and wanted to talk to my doctor about all of my options.  After talking with her, I have decided that I want to have as natural of a childbirth as possible.  If you are pregnant or are just curious, I suggest you check out the documentary "The Business of Being Born" (it's on Netfix).  It totally changed my thoughts and feeling son childbirth.  I have always been TERRIBLE at dealing with pain (seriously, I'm the baby when it comes to pain), and just always assumed that I would have an epidural because I couldn't handle labor and delivery   This documentary plus all the additional reading I've done has reminded me that my body was designed to do this very thing, and that I have to prepare myself both physically and mentally for labor.  I'm "training" so to speak right now, and I pray that I am able to have a safe and intervention free natural child birth. 

Food Cravings/Aversions: I have had some weird cravings this week.  I've not craved much of anything in the past month or so, but this week I was really wanting Chicken Fried Rice Chicken Helper (you know, the Hamburger Helper boxes but you use chicken instead), and Pop Tarts.  I brought home Pop Tarts today and Jeremy thought it was Christmas :)  I've never bought Pop Tarts for us before, so this was a real treat for him too :). 

25 Weeks

I have been so bad at posting weekly update pictures. I already regret this and wish I could go back and snap those photos.  I'm going to try my very best to get back on the band wagon though.

This past weeks marked 25 weeks of pregnancy.  So much has changed since I last posted at 16 weeks.  I am blessed to be feeling Savannah move and kick.  What a joy that is to experience.  I started feeling some slight movements around week 18 I believe and it has just gotten more intense since then.  The week of Christmas was the first time I felt her move with my hand on the outside of my belly.  I was laying in bed and I still remember that first sweet kick.  Jeremy felt her move for the first time a week or two later.

I have had such a difficult time sleeping.  I have always slept on my stomach so sleeping on my side has been a big challenge for me.  I can't get comfortable and I always wake up several times a night with my arm or hand being asleep.  I can't figure out what I am suppose to do with the arm that is underneath the side I am lying on.

I get physically tired much more quickly now.  But overall I feel really good!  So far I seem to be on track and I'm really taking the time right now to read and research and learn about the birthing process and preparing myself for that journey.

16 Weeks

16 weeks and I'm starting to really look pregnant :)

I'm loving some hand me down maternity clothes that a friend gave me!

Her Name

This Thanksgiving, we are so thankful for our little girl on the way.  We've chosen to share her name with family and friends today!  

We have chosen the name Savannah Leslie Jenkins.  We love the name Savannah for it's southern charm and because that is the city we visited for our honeymoon.  The middle name, Leslie, is a family name from Jeremy's side.  It is his dad's middle name, was his grandfather's middle name, and was his great-grandfather's first name.  We are glad to be able to pass it to a fourth generation.  

15 weeks and sick

Well, there isn't a baby bump photo for 15 weeks, I've just not felt up to it.  I started feeling sick early this week and finally went to the doctor Saturday morning.  I found out I have strep throat, bronchitis, and an ear infection.  Not good for mommy and baby!

I was put on amoxicillian and told to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids, and assured that the medicine was safe for baby.  Maybe I'm just being a paranoid first time mom, but I don't like taking ANY medications during pregnancy.  But strep throat can be very bad for the baby if left untreated, so meds it is.

That is about the sum of this week- sick and pregnant, not a fun combination!

14 Weeks...It's a...

This has been my favorite week of pregnancy so far- so much excitement.   

We went to Vision of Life in Greenville, SC this past Friday night to have a gender determination ultrasound done.  It was the most amazing experience and we are so glad we decided to pay a little extra to do it!   We were thrilled to find out that baby Jenkins is a GIRL!  

I've postponed the week 14 post (I'm actually 15 weeks now) because we wanted to wait a couple of days to reveal the gender to everyone.  

Our ultrasound lasted about 15 minutes and it was amazing to see our little girl moving around, bending her legs and turning flips.  It really made it real.  I praise Jesus that she is active and seems to be healthy so far, and pray that she continues to grow and develop properly.  I can't wait until I start feeling some of that movement!

We have a DVD of the ultrasound and I've watched it everyday so far since Friday.  I can't get enough of it :).  It's amazing to see how much she has changed and grown since our first ultrasound at 9 weeks. Here are some pictures of our little girl...

We got a little preview of the 3D ultrasound!  We have another appointment scheduled for right around 30 weeks for another 3D ultrasound.

Here's a little recap of how I've been this week:

Feeling/Symptoms?  I have been extremely emotional this week.  I can feel those hormones kicking into overdrive.  I'm glad Jeremy is patient with me- these mood swings can be crazy!  I have only gotten sick once this week, so that is starting to drop off.  I've also been in a get things done kind of mood.  I'm starting to get some energy back and I'm not taking naps every day like I was early on, and I cooked supper more times this week than I have in a while.  

Coming Soon...

Tonight we are revealing the gender of our baby!  I'll be posting it here soon. :)

13 Weeks

How Far Along?  I'm 13 weeks and 6 days

Feeling/Symptoms?  I was not nearly as sick this week as the past two.  I haven't been as sensitive or queasy.  Thankful!  I was feeling pretty tired again this week though.

Doctor's Appointment:  I went for my second doctor's appointment this week and got to hear baby's heartbeat again!  The heartbeat was 140 and I just loved hearing it!!  Next week we are going to a have a 3D ultrasound to find out the gender, can't wait for that!

Food Cravings/Aversions: I am craving juice like no other!  However, my doctor warned me that I have gained too much weight so far, and that I needed to cut out juice.  It is going to be very hard to do!

This week ends the first trimester!  Supposedly, the second is suppose to be smooth sailing compared to the first, so I'm looking forward to that.  I feel like I'm starting to show, and Jeremy and others are starting to comment on it.  We are so excited to find out the gender next week.  We still haven't decided when or how we are going to tell the gender and name, but we'll think of something.  

12 Weeks

How Far Along?  12 weeks

Feeling/Symptoms?  Like last week, I have been getting sick again.  I am grateful that it is not as bad as some people get, but it is still unpleasant.  I feel like I am actually starting to show a little- according to what I wear mostly.  

Food Cravings/Aversions: -  In general, no foods seem appetizing.  When I try and plan our menu for the week, I just can't come up with things that sound good to me.  We've been eating out a bit too much because of this.  I need to get myself back on a more healthy track of eating!  Again, I've been craving lots of juice this week.  Cranberry Grape and Orange juice are my drinks of choice for the past two weeks.

11 Weeks

How Far Along?  Today I'm 11 weeks and about 5 days.

Feeling/Symptoms?  I have been getting sick quite a bit this week- but it has been mostly in the evenings instead of the morning.  Smells are the worst trigger, as well as just the sight or smell of something gross.

Maternity Clothes?  Nothing yet, but I did get some hand me downs of larger sized "regular" pants, it feels nice to have more room. My jeans with the hair tie extender are getting uncomfortable, and I can't find my belly band right now.  Need to find it!

Food Cravings/Aversions: -  I've been craving lots of juice this week.  Cranberry Grape and Orange juice are wonderful!  I've also been lots of crackers.

10 weeks

How Far Along?  Today I'm 10 weeks and about 5 days....again, I'm late on posting :)

Feeling/Symptoms?  I experienced my first morning sickness this week.  I was eating oatmeal for breakfast, and the last bite just didn't settle well with me.  Other than that, I've actually been feeling very good.  I believe the prenatal vitamins from the doctor are kicking in and I've had more energy this week than I have in probably a month and a half.  

Maternity Clothes?  Still nothing but the belly band and some hair ties to expand my pants.

Food Cravings/Aversions: -I can't say that I have been craving anything specific this week.  I've drunk a lot of orange juice, but I dont think it was really a craving.  Food aversions- I am not liking the look or smell of mayonaise right now.  Yuck!  

9 Weeks

How Far Along?  Today I'm 9 weeks and about 5 days....so this post is a little late

Feeling/Symptoms?  So far I have been feeling surprisingly well.  I have not been nauseous at all- so thankful for that!  I have been EXTREMELY tired for the past 3 weeks or so.  After I get home from work, I will usually take around a 30 min to one hour nap, and there have been several nights that I've made it to bed around 8:30pm!  This week specifically I've had a cold/allergies, so that hasn't been fun added with pregnancy.

Maternity Clothes?  Some of my regular pants are starting to get snug.  I have added a hair tie through the button hole to expand them a bit.  Last weekend we went ahead and bought a Bella Band- I've used it once so far, and it felt wonderful. :)  I have not purchased any maternity clothes yet though, and I think it will be a while before they are really needed.

Doctor's Appointment:  We went this week to our first doctor's appointment.  Things look good, they gave us our due date of May 6th, 2013 and I got a few questions that had been on mind answered. Our absolute favorite part was hearing our baby's precious heartbeat.  I'm so amazed at the miracle of life!

How long have you known?  We found out we were pregnant around four weeks.  We told only immediate family at first, and then told a few close friends.  We wanted to at least wait until our first appointment to share the news. 

Food Cravings/Aversions: If you saw Jeremy's announcement post on Facebook, you know that I'm avoiding Mexican at all cost.  The very thought of Mexican food is just really disgusting right now.  As far as cravings, this week all I've wanted is clementine oranges.  I think my body was lacking some vitamin C from the cold/allergies. I've also really taking a liking to carbonated water- Strawberry Kiwi flavor from Wal-Mart.

Announcing....

Jeremy and I are excited to announce that we are expecting our first little bundle of joy in early May!

Today was our first doctor's appointment, and it was such a joy to see our tiny little baby moving around and listen to it's precious heart beat.  What a miracle!  Praising God for His blessing and praying protection for our sweet baby.