Mindful Mama

Ani Difranco Interview with Mindful Mama Magazine from Mindful Mama Magazine on Vimeo.

Ani Difranco is one of my most favorite artist. Her music, thoughts, experiences, words and just plain awesomeness inspire me as a human as a woman and most recently as a soon to be mother. (If you have never heard her music and interested, let me know and I will send some your way asap) I found this clip awhile ago and wish to share it. This has made me think about what it means to me to be a mindful mama and I have some thoughts in process. I would love to hear what other mamas think about what it means to be a mindful mama...and I promise when I have come to something concrete I will share as well.

31 Week Ramblings...

I am now in my 31^st week of pregnancy. Everyday I learn something new about myself, Mike or Avolyn. She continues to move around more and more, which is something that I have become very fond of. She seems to move the most at night when I am trying to settle down and sleep. My back is starting to ache and my ankles are starting to look very hot. I am just waiting for the call to be a model for shoes or toenail polish…I will keep you updated on this.

We have started our birthing classes and they are going well. Some is just common sense information, but I have learned a lot and even more important the classes have encouraged Mike and me to communicate more about our expectations and wishes during labor. We have discussed the different stages of labor, making a birthing plan, birthing at Bloomington Hospital, labor pains, exercise and nutrition and breathing techniques.

Mike has gotten the crib built and Avolyns’ room is coming together slowly. Our long list of things to do before Avolyn is here has been getting crossed off and that is one of my favorite things to do.
I had a doctor’s appointment yesterday which went well. I have been a little concerned about her size because I am not feeling her at all up in my ribs. I was reassured that at least I am growing when the doctor measured me and I had grown 5 cm. I do have a uterine fibroid, which I have been told makes measuring sometimes inaccurate. So that means we will be able to see our little Avolyn Rose next Monday and make sure through the ultrasound the fibroid is not getting out of control. My blood pressure was a little high and the doctor did bring it up. It has slowly been rising, so it is something I have to pay more attention to. I didn’t tell her that just a few hours before I had Chinese food. Guess I won’t be doing that anymore before my appointment. I had one of my friends at work check my blood pressure today and it was much better.

We have been busy with many weddings and fun weekends since the last post. We have had one Baby Shower and another one this weekend. We are so honored to have great friends and family that support us. Until next time…