Ironically, I’m finding that although, as expected, April greeted me with a much lighter schedule and more time to do whatever I want, I don’t do as much. I don’t even know what I do, I just don’t do anything productive. Maybe I’m just still slowing down from last month. Either way, here’s a little bit on the last couple days.
- My job is SO much better in weather like this. I can’t wait until summer is really here! I can wait for August, however. Working out in the heat 8 months pregnant? I see a lot of iced coffees in my future.
- Speaking of iced coffee, I’ve never really done the drug rep thing where you bring offices food for no reason in the afternoon/morning. I should have done it all along, it works like a charm. My offices are like Posh in that way. The presence of food is a huge driver and can completely manipulate their behavior!
- Speaking of Posh, I took her to the dog park for the first time this week. She totally loved it and it totally wore her out. I decided Posh is doomed to be socially awkward and although she things she’s one of the big dogs she is much happier to snuggle up at people’s feet. She cracks me up.
- A HUGE thank you to Paul and Cheryl (faithful friends and brianandlibby.com readers!) for offering to take Posh for the week when we go away. We can’t thank you enough! I’m sure Posh and Tucker will get along famously!
- One word: Limeade. When I lived with the Hergatt family for 4 months, Pastor Duke always had limeade. It was wierd, but I liked it. The other day, when I rediscovered grocery shopping, I saw “Simply Limeade” on sale. It was so awesome, it lasted about 36 hours in our house (Brian had some too)! I went back and got more, but considering that I would be investing in a lot of limeade over the next few months, I opted for the cheaper concentrated stuff with lots of high fructose corn syrup. Still delicious! I’ve decided this will be the summer of limeade for the Howes.
- We’re headed to our 4 month OB appt this morning, and this time we’re seeing a midwife. We’re leaning towards a delivery with a midwife, but still not completely sure either way. Feel free to weigh in if you have any experience either way! And don’t worry, these midwives are in FULL support of drugs, as am I!
Hi Libby! First of all congrats on your coming baby – how exciting! I am Kevin Murrell’s sister – we met at Leah’s parents house and their wedding…
I’ve had two little girls and my biggest recommendation to consider would be if the midwife practices in a hospital setting and if a doctor will be close by. My oldest daughter was full term but turned blue immediately after birth and could not breathe. To make a long story short, the doctor was able to immediately work on her and she ended up okay! 
I would just recommend checking to be sure the midwife is experienced with treating problems with newborns and that they have immediate access to oxygen other equipment in case of emergency. Just good to know for peace of mind… 
Sorry so long! 
I’ve delivered with both a midwife & doctor. I prefered the midwife…they spend more time w/ you at your regular visits.
We have limited experience with midwives, but have found them to take a much greater interest in you, listen better, be more understanding, etc… Also we have friends who did a home birth with only midwives (although the hospital was only 5 minutes away) and positively rave about the experience.
In contrast, the doctor who showed up at Abi’s delivery, barely in time to deliver the placenta, was brusque and apparently useless.
However, Benjamin’s birth was overseen by a doctor and a resident, who were great. So I guess it depends on who you get and what you’re comfortable with!
I only have one wife…
I had a Dula for my first. I HIGHLY recommend going that route! She is there for you and your husband, not the hospital or doctor. She helped us from making huge mistakes, and could guide us. She was like having a REALLY knowledgeable family friend in the room. If it was not for her, Matt probably would have missed the whole thing, cuz the nurses sent him home to get a shower and see the dog. Also, she whispered in my ear, while I was pushing, and helped me to be calm.
Sorry so long….but we were really happy having her there!
Can’t help you with this one!
Congrats on the baby!! When are you due? I hope you have a smooth pregnancy and that you start to feel better now that you are heading into your second trimester. I don’t know if I really can give good advise since I have only given birth in China. But my sister loved the midwife b/c she was much more helpful and allowed her to try things that made her more comfortable that the doctors wouldn’t always allow.
Hey Lib,
We sure miss you guys! I love that we have a new campus, but I hate that we never get to see Brian and Libby. Great to catch up with you on your awesome blog – I am thinking about starting a Northway Studios blog to join this cool blog scene. Let’s get together soon!
Walt & Val
Lori – Thank you for the tip! Our midwives deliver in the same hospital as my Dr, and the on-call Dr is closeby and will step in if the delivery moves beyond “normal” at any time. It’s good to hear from you! Hope all is well with your little ones.
Leah – After one visit, I can already see the difference! Thanks for being the one who put this whole crazy idea in my head, I’m so happy with the results so far.
Jon – That was my fear, that the Dr would just be around to “catch,” not to mention extremely brief visits thus far. I’m not quite brave enough for a home delivery, but I’m glad your friends had a good experience!
Kevin – The question is, is she a lo-wife, a mid-wife, or a hi-wife?
Nicole – I have heard great things about dulas (although I think the name is wierd). I still haven’t figured out the subtle differences between dulas and midwives but they both sound like good options!
Pam – no worries, you made a huge contribution starting my maternity wardrobe this weekend by informing me of (and accompanying me to) the JCP sale this weekend!
Jacquelyn – Hi! Thanks for the feedback! I’m glad things worked out well for your sister.
Walt – We couldn’t agree more. We miss you guys! I did talk to Val and we’re trying to get something on the calendar. We’re free Sunday later afternoon I think. Or Saturday after church (that used to be our standard hangout time!) looks good too. Let’s hang out sooner than later! And DEFINITELY start a blog. They’re horribly addicting, and completely marvelous.