Zachary Quinn Brewster is here!

He was born April 25 at 6:11 a.m, 7 lbs, 15 oz. Everything went really smooth, my midwife was the BEST.

I got acupressure done on Saturday to help jumpstart labor, not really thinking it would do anything. Well, the contractions started Sunday morning and by around 2am Monday, if I had any military secrets, I would have been ready to talk (stole that joke from the Golden Girls).

Got to the hospital at 4 a.m, was 7 cm dilated, had Zach at 6 a.m. The last couple of days, Gabe has not napped at all but I can tell he is tired. Too much excitement I think, but it is impacting his attitude at the end of the day (like lack of sleep would for us all, right?). Today, we finally got him settled and he went to sleep around 2:50 and is still sleep now at 4:24. Other than that, he loves his little brother and likes to rub his head.

Acupressure, Easter Egg Hunt

Today, I am 39 weeks. So I went to get acupressure done this afternoon to hopefully jumpstart labor. I went to Pilcher Bodyworks, a young lady (her name is Paula) who did a great therapeutic pregnancy massage for me a few weeks back. There are pressure points in your ankles and feet that stimulate the uterus and pituitary gland that can induce labor, if you body is ready. If not (unless a woman has a history of pre-term labor, then this is not a good thing to do), then it won't happen.

So, I got it done and it was kind of relaxing. The pressure points were really tender, and the pathways were easy to open, so Paula doesn't think I will go past my due date at all and it could happen within the next few days. She has had three birth this past week that she predicted pretty well, so we shall see.

My midwife said they don't really start talking induction until the 41st week and that is just a suggestion. They also do tests to make sure the placenta is still working well. However, by the 42nd week, the baby has to get out of there.

We took Gabe to an Easter Egg Hunt at a church nearby and he had fun. Here are a few photos.








That bunny didn't look right, but Gabe was
cool, lol. Although, I've seen more
menacing bunnies.

37 weeks tomorrow

I'm in the home stretch now! Gabe was born at a little over 38 weeks, so I am bit nervous to think I could possibly go into labor in a week and a half. I am hoping that the baby is born a bit closer to the due date (April 30), but of course, we can't control these things.

I had my last prenatal on April 1 and my midwife was comfortable enough to let me go another two weeks before my next appointment, with the caveat that I call if anything comes up. After that, its weekly visits. Did I say I totally love my midwife? She is so laid back, yet very conscientious. This weekend, I have to get my hospital bag packed. We also have some painting to get done to two rooms that we'd like done hopefully on the 16th and getting the playroom finally set up (we have everything except a new rug we are expecting today in fact).

Then we'd like to start planning a small birthday party for Gabe in late May. I keep thinking I am crazy for wanting to do this when I might be a few weeks out from giving birth. But he has a few friends now to invite and it would be nice for him to have some fun in the midst of all the attention the new baby will get. So it's still on. My mom will be here, too, that will help. I just want to have things planned and set to go, since we really only have a few weeks to get invites out so we can know who can come. I'm trying not to stress about it.

Anyway, I'm not doing much. I feel bad for Gabe, since the weather is getting better (little by little). My mind would love for us to go out and soak up the sunshine (on days when we it's not wet and rainy) but my body is like, "um, we're preparing to give birth, so you need to chill." LOL. I am trying to pay more attention to my body, keeping track of movements and any contractions (haven't had any that I can feel so far). The baby is still very active, so I think we have a little ways to go (I hear they slow down movement before birth). I guess. LOL.

Hope everyone is having a good week!