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! :)