{Bump Update}: Iphone Photos and Homebirths

     I wanted to share a little photo progression of our little Sea Biscuit through my Iphone instagram pics (if you're on instagram, it's probably the best way to keep up with me and the family). Basically, I have been in total awe of how quickly this pregnancy has flown by. With no real pregnancy-related complaints, this baby has been "quietly" growing through each and every day here at home with my two boys. It's crazy to me that by the end of this week, the baby's organs will be fully developed and by the following week, he will be considered full-term. Both Coral and Sky were early (Coral just over 2 weeks and Sky was 9 days), and as for Coral we had NOTHING ready. NOTHING. Hadn't tested out the birth tub, no baby clothes had been washed, birth kit stuff was not prepared (the midwife's assistant actually had to knock on the neighbors doors for a few things) and we were actually meeting the pediatrician that morning while I was in labor and I had no idea. With all that in mind, I have finally realized that I need to kick it into gear and get things ready for the baby.

    {The first image is from 13 weeks and the last image is from last week at 33 weeks}

      So...next week will be my 35 week appointment where both my midwife and the assistant (another midwife) will be coming for the home visit. This visit ensures that they know how to get to our place, orient them with the space I’ll be birthing in, make sure we have everything we will need (ie-test out that tub and water hose!) and for us, it will be really wonderful for the boys to have the midwife in our home.
     We have been talking and having many conversations to get the boys ready for the baby and the birthing day. My oldest, Coral was only 19 months old when his little brother Sky was born at home, and he actually napped all through the pushing and birth. Coral will now be 4 and Sky will be 2.5 years old, so their understanding and concern for mommy is a whole lot different than before. I am confident everything will work out perfectly fine, but I still wonder if anyone out there has any tips and tricks... anyone?

     This is the homebirth book we've been reading with the boys and Coral seems to be cool with it and Sky still seems a little skeptical. It's funny, because Sky always laughs when he seems the baby nursing and coming from mister mama's milk boy, I think he's still internalizing that he no longer nurses and the baby soon will be. He weaned when he was 2 years and 3 months old and I was 22 weeks pregnant (I know, I know, I still need to share my experience on this) so he's had some time to move forward. But I kind of worry there might be some sort of struggle when he sees the baby nursing. Again, any tips on this would be appreciated :)

     Well, that's all the scattered thoughts I have on my mind tonight and I'll let you know how the home visit goes this week.

With lots of Love,
Maryam