24 weeks!

Oh, a hiking we will go!

Yesterday, we decided to surprise the kids by spending the day at Mistletoe State Park (one of our fav places!) First, we had a picnic at the park..

 Then, Alan tried to teach the kids how to skip rocks..

 but Chase decided that it was much more fun to throw the really big rocks..

 Ansleigh played in the mud..

 Next, we hit the trails..

climbed BIG rocks..

played in the creek..

Chase helped Ansleigh down steep hills (such a good big brother!)

and tried to throw every stick/log/rock that he could find into the creek :)

Fun, EXHAUSTING day :) We hiked about 3 1/2 miles and my kids did so good! There was a couple of grumbles from Chase on the way back to the car, but Ansleigh didnt make a peep. Instead, she would just stand there and hang her head and would refuse to move one more step. Poor kids:)  But they both asked if they could go back today..umm, no. This mama's hips and stomach were killing me last night :) I wont be doing 3 1/2 miles pregnant again unless I'm trying to go into labor :)

Feeding the ducks..

The kiddos and I were loving this weather today! After they (and Alan) got up from their nap, we decided to go to the neighborhood pond to feed the ducks:) We really need to do that more often, because the kids LOVE it!

Good appointment at the dr. yesterday :) Measuring at exactly 23 weeks, gained +6 pounds total (apparently my scale is a little off-whew!), BP good. She said that it does sound like I'm having braxton hicks (and yes, braxton hicks can be painful) and not to worry unless they become regular (which they are definatley not!). We had the whole natural birth discussion and she is totally on board with my birth plan :) So glad! Next appointment is the dreaded glucose test..not looking forward to that one! 

Fernbanks Museum :)

On Saturday morning, Alan and I decided to load the kids up in the car and head to the Fernbanks museum. The kids had fun :) Chase loved their dinosaur exhibit and Ansleigh loved the kids play area (which was really neat!) I love day trips with the fam. (despite driving through heavy rain, dark skies, and tornado warnings!)

23 weeks

I cant believe that next week I'll be 6 months preggo and in my 3rd trimester! The first trimester seemed to drag on forever, but the second flew by! I'm trying so hard to savor this pregnancy (it may/may not be our last- not sure!) ,but I cant help but to countdown the days until May 23! :)

I've been having braxton hicks since 19 weeks, nothing too painful but really uncomfy. However, last night I woke up REALLY uncomfortable. I was laying on my left side (I already miss being on my back) and a super hard contraction woke me up out of a dead sleep. I had three hard contractions and then they tapered off (thank goodness!). It was seriously so bad that I couldnt move through it (I thought braxton hicks werent supposed to hurt?). I wasnt even able to roll from my left side to my right, it was crazy! I'm due for a check up tomorrow and so I'll bring it up to the doc.

Alan and I had our first interview with a doula last week. (yes, we are planning for this birth to be natural and unmedicated- I have a million and one reasons for this, maybe I'll write a post on it sometime soon) Even though Alan is on board with me having a natural and unmedicated birth (NUCB), he was a little nervous at first about having a doula. I think it was mainly because he really wasnt sure what the role of a doula was in childbirth. Alan wants to be very hands on with this birth (I am SO glad that he does) and he was nervous that his role would be pushed aside if the doula was there.
So we met with this doula (who was highly recommended by a friend) and we LOVED her. She was really knowledgeable, very down to earth, and Alan and I both clicked with her right off the bat. She told us numerous times how important it was for Alan to be my support system and to coach me through it. We (especially Alan) left the interview feeling more confidant and comfortable with having a doula at our birth.  I'm so excited!

Even though I loved this doula, I am going to go ahead and interview a couple more. One of the doulas that we have an interview with is also a midwife. The midwife has 20+ years of experience and has also been recommended by friends.  Ultimatley, we'll both have to pray about it and see which one we are led to.

I know, I know it sounds crazy :) But, having done this a couple of times before (and having the experiences that I've had with both Chase and Ansleigh's birth) and having done TONS of research, talking with people, praying HARD about it, and having endless discussions with Alan, I am very confidant that this is how I want this birth. I am so looking forward to May! :)