closing the open letter

We met our midwife yesterday and what can I say... she rocks. I mean not just a little either. This woman patiently and warmly answered every ridiculous question that we had.

It was great. I cannot think of anyone more awesome to help me give birth than this woman.

For the first time since I got my BFP I feel relaxed and confident in this whole process.

Oh and we got to hear the heartbeat... so loud and so fast!

I owe that to you Judy Lazarus and the lovely people at the Midwifery & Women's Health Center (Group Health) in Seattle.

an open letter to maternity care providers

Dear OB and Midwife,
I am very tired. And cranky. I keep trying to make my first big prenatal appointment with you but apparently I picked the most popular providers in the Seattle Metro area so this proved to be very difficult. OB - even when I nailed you down to a date, you called me the day before to tell me that you made a mistake and it would be another week. Since I have to take time off of work to make these appointments (remember, you don't have weekend hours!), this is a real hassle for me.

I know... I know. You have all delivered lots of babies. It's old hat to you. But this is my first. And I'm in my 10th week and I still don't have any of my questions answered. I still don't know anything about this pregnancy except what you told me on the 10 min visit that I had last week where I forced you to see me. And thank goodness that I did, if not for that I'd know nothing.

And Midwife - I know it's not your fault but when I called your office today to ask a question your staff confused the hell out of me. Please understand that this is my very first pregnancy and I do not know what the hell I am doing. Your guidance is imperative. But if only I could actually meet with you perhaps I could get some.

I know that I am rambling. But I guess all I'm asking is that you all be a little more patient... a little more understanding. I am excited and terrified. I just want some reassurance that I am doing everything right at this very critical time in my pregnancy.

sincerely,
reese mcg

ok i changed my mind

So because I know nothing about strollers I was obsessed with the Stokke Xplory just because it looked cool. I'm not embarassed to admit it either. But after a little actual research (imagine that) I found that there were more highly rated strollers out there that were cool too. Cue the Bugaboo Cameleon:


For anyone that remembers what it feels like to covet a sweet handbag or a sexy new pair of shoes, this is it. And to fuel my ridiculous fire I keep reading rave review after rave review.

But again... the price. At nearly $1000 for a the complete system, this is hardly a bargain.
Maybe they'll have one on ebay???

name game

I wonder how my parents came up with my name? I've asked but I have yet to get a straight answer. I guess it doesn't matter... it is what it is. But it is funny when you consider that in our country, names are often chosen very casually... often with no other motivation than the fact that the name 'sounds nice'. Seems so informal for something that will likely stick with the individual for the rest of the lives.

I am torn between choosing names that have some familial, historical or philosophical significance and just picking one that sounds cute with our last name. Don't judge me!

Here's the list of just first names that we (I) like (in no particular order):
Boys:
alastair
aidan
sebastian
milo

Girls:
maya
zara
micah
nikka
devyn
meena

heartbeats

Recently when I was at the OB the nurse decided to try and check for the heartbeat of the baby. Since that was only at the beginning of my 9th week she was skeptical that we would hear anything but she tried anyway.

Alas, there was not a peep but the sound of my own heart beating. Not to worry though, as this is common for a pregnancy so early on. Anyway when the nurse left the exam room she also left the fetal doppler device in the room with me. It's a small device ... small enough to fit in a purse. But I ain't no thief! Anyway my curiosity was piqued and I couldn't help thinking how cool it would be to have a doppler device at home so I could listen any time I wanted to.

Imagine my surprise to find that these devices are available for home use:
http://www.storkradio.com/index.phphttp://www.storkradio.com/index.php


Stork radio has them available for rental or purchase. You have to get your OB's approval to get one but that shouldn't be too hard.
I still haven't decided if I'll actually get one but it's pretty cool that I have the option!

baby mcg wants....

Ok so I'm only 10 weeks along but it's never too early to research right? Well a whole new world of shopping has just opened up to me and I fully intend to explore it.

I have been thinking about strollers. This is a pretty important accessory. I am particularly enamored by the Stokke Xplory. As far as I'm concerned it's stroller perfection. I love how the carrier is way up high. No bending over to reach down and tend to your baby. I love the simple design and cool colors. The only thing I do not love is the price tag. However if I start saving now maybe I can actually afford one!



For more info about the Stokke Xplory go here:
http://www.stokkeusa.com/xplory.htm

You say baby, I say parasite

Here's a pic of the little bugger at 8 weeks. I think he/she looks like a small turd or peanut but I love him/her just the same