Baby #2?...

Growing up with 3 younger siblings always made me want a number of kids close together in age, my mom and dad had 4 under the age of 6 at one point. This may sound crazy to a few people, but a dream for us; kind of a ‘get it done quick and close’ type attitude. Now that our little girl is 9 months old, my husband and I have started the “conversation” of trying for number 2. With the joy of planning to expand our family come a few fears for me as well. Right now it is easy to spend time with and entertain one child, but what will happen when the next one or 2 or 3 comes along? Will we play favourites? Will we love them equally? Will they get along? Will their grandparents have big enough hearts for more than one? Sometimes I sit down and cry as I stress myself out with these thoughts, but the answer is simple: yes they will be loved equally by all and yes they may fight at time, but in the long run they will always be there for each other and in our minds there is nothing better than a big family.

Other news on our front is that my youngest brother and his wife are expecting their first as well, a boy the heir apparent at this point in time. Again I’m thrilled for them, but also scared of how this will affect my own little girl’s position in the family. Needless fears and anxieties I know, but real ones none the less. After a wonderful conversation with my mom, I was assured that our little girl will always be loved and how exciting is it that she’ll be the first to ride in the sled, build a snowman, tease the puppy, drive the quad, race down the ski hill and shoot a gun with her dad (my husband added this one).

Coming to mental peace with myself over these crazy thoughts and concerns, I am more than thrilled to add to our family and keep all the little siblings and cousins close together in age.

In ten years when there are 12, yes that is what we all promised 12, grandkids running around at Christmas ask me if I have any regrets and despite pure exhaustion I will tell you NO.

Baby Joy!

Although my babe is only four months old, I seemed to forget how little and fragile brand new babes are. Today we visited our close friend’s with brand new little girl and how precious. What a miracle child birth is and how special every little baby is. I feel so blessed to have my girl and for her to have a new bestie!

Looking at that tiny little miracle and holding her little body in my hands I quickly remembered all the new and challenging experiences of when I first held our babe in our hands for the first time. It seems so long ago, how quickly things change. Like when we didn’t even know how to unlock our car seat from the base at the hospital bringing her home. Or when it took both parents to change a poopy diaper and in the lengthy process almost getting pooped on! Or breast feeding, hah…

As a nurse one would think I would have a one up, but I think all new moms can say most education goes out the window and intuition plays a huge role. I also feel so blessed to have had such a wonderful man by my side and a helping/willing mother with us for support those first few days of uncertainty and new territory.  Having a support team is wonderful and it is so exciting to share a wonderful addition with family and friends. Enjoy every moment.

New Year, New Me!

As the New Year has arrived, I have been contemplating a bit on where I am in life and where I want to be. I am not big on making new year's resolutions because I honestly never keep them- I don't really like to go to the gym or diet. I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight. I don't really have any big vices that I can try to give up….So my "Non New Year's Resolution" is to improve myself. I want to be a better person. I want to strive to be a better parent- take more time for my kids, teach them more and enjoy the little things in life with them more. I want to be a better wife- take more time for my husband, get back to enjoying the things we used to enjoy before kids/work/life happened. I want to be better at taking care of myself- take time for me, focus on things that make me feel better and develop my passion for scrapbooking and photography more.

What about you? How does the New Year look for you? Have you made any resolutions? If so how are you sticking to them?

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all our readers!
We hope this New Year brings you all the health, happiness and abundance you deserve!

We know that January is the month of resolutions and big changes for many, and we here at Expecting Success, are no exception! Our blog will be moving to a new home and soon, our programs will be launched; connecting you with your very own RN Consultant!

Thank you to each and every one of you who have shared your comments here or on our Facebook page. We look forward to making 2013 the year of Expecting Success!

To your success!
Amy Deagle
CEO

Birthing Orgasm Fact or Fiction?

As I was preparing myself for the birth of our child I started reading a book called Ina Mays Guide to Child birth. Great book by the way, encouraging and enlightening. Anywho…  as I was reading through this great piece of knowledge I learned about “birthing orgasms.” I had not heard of this before but the theory is that ``there's an integral relationship between the processes of birth, sexual arousal and orgasm—they share the same equipment and pathways (electro-chemical, neurobiological, energetic and more).`` http://www.orgasmicbirth.com/node/307 As I was curious about this I began reading and researching more about this crazy thought that child birth can be bliss rather than the previously conceived notion of unbearable pain.

So I developed a game plan for my own birthing experience and prepared my partner for the part of child birth where I could be in euphoria and sexual arousal… Well unfortunately for me this time around I did not experience the pleasure of a birthing orgasm. My man, so clever, thought as my contractions were intensifying that he could help relieve some pain and I hear “So do you want to make out?” Secretly I laughed in my head but at that time nothing was coming out of my mouth except primal noises to cope. I don’t remember the pain now but I sure remember no orgasm. Good luck to you.

“Commandments for Parents, written from a child’s point of view”

The following is a direct quote from this little book called God’s little devotional book for moms.  The six little points are so true and with life’s business we tend to forget the most important things in our lives!  I hope you enjoy and give your little ones a BIG hug!

“Written from a child’s point of view!

1.      My hands are small; please don’t expect perfection whenever I make a bed, draw a picture, or throw a ball.  My legs are short; slow down so I can keep up with you.

2.      My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; let me explore it safely; don’t restrict me unnecessarily.

3.      Housework will always be there; I’m little only for a short time.  Take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world; and do so willingly.

4.      My feelings are tender, don’t nag me all day long (you would not want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness).  Treat me as you would like to be treated.

5.      I am a special gift from God; treasure me as God intended you to do- holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by, and disciplining me in a loving manner.

6.      I need your encouragement (but not your empty praise) to grow.  Go easy on the criticism; remember, you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.”

SIDS SCARE

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death in infants aged 0-6months. It can happen to any infant no matter good health or bad.

Early this morning was like every other morning; my babe woke around 4:15am to feed. I fed her and she feel back asleep easily, so I put her back in her bassinet in our room at the foot of our bed. As I had drifted back to sleep I found myself abruptly waking up, thinking I was rolling over with my babe still in my arms (a recurring night scare). I had become panicked. Getting a bit more wits about me I realize that’s not the scare… my babe was coughing, choking, and gasping for air. Thank the Good Lord above for my fiancé and his quick reaction, he already had her in his arms, comforting her, and ensuring she was getting back into a normal breathing rhythm. There was a huge sigh of relief, but we both were shaken up. As for my babe, she fell back asleep like there was no problem to begin with.  We put her in our bed beside me (co-sleeping is a risk factor in SIDS) and I watched her breathe. There was no more sleeping for me, every breathe she took I was holding mine.  Such a precious gift that can so easily be taken away.

 I thank God every day for my little one and blessings she has brought to our family. No one ever wants to think that their child could die but it is important to learn ways to lessen the chance of that ever happening. I am going to do everything I possibly can to keep her safe. Everyone should know some tips to reduce the risk factors in SIDS:

©       Breastfeeding

©       Safe sleeping environment- no loose sheets/blankets/etc., firm/flat mattress

©       No co-sleeping (other than increased risk of SIDS, studies also has shown that co-sleeping increases stress hormones in mothers that co-sleep)

©       Babe should be in parents room for the first 6 months in bassinet/crib

©       Pacifiers are said to reduce risk, once babe is sleeping don’t force pacifier back in

©       Make sure babe is warm but not too hot

©       A smoke-free home

God Bless,

                Heather