Hello everyone. I hope January 2007 is treating you well.

Yesterday Daniel and I met Michelle, the midwife our insurance has approved and we toured the birth center. We really like her. She has heaps experience with VBAC's and she and her staff are breastfeeding advocates. They actually make it a requirement for their moms and prepare them for it throughout their pregnancies. So we seem to be on the same page. On our way home from the birth center Daniel and I talked and we have decided to go with Michelle and have the baby at home. Since there is no difference between a home birth and a birth center birth it only makes sense to have her come to us instead of us going to her. I think I'm going to do a water birth too. I've always wanted one of those. The Dr. who backs her practice sounds like he has the same views on labor and delivery as she does, so we feel comfortable in that respect as well. Now all we have to do is wait and pray that The Lord blesses our 'little surprise'.

I'll post some pictures tomorrow.

Take Care and God Bless.

Love,
Dawn

I had my ultrasound last week and we are having... drum roll please... another GIRL! Of course it's not 100%, but very likely.

It's also looking like I'll be having a home birth, because our insurance is refusing us coverage at The Birth Place birthing center. The midwife who delivered Sarah works there, she is awesome and I really want her to deliver this baby too. We are however pre-approved at a different birth center for a home birth. We are trying to get approval with a request from my pcp (primary care physician) and if that doesn't work we will appeal. But whatever happens at least we know we are pre-approved at another birth center. We just pray that first God's will be done and second that His will happens to be a healthy delivery at The Birth Place. I just can't wait to start seeing a midwife again and stop seeing my ob/gyn (who I only started seeing because of my hyperemesis and because our old insurance wouldn't cover me at The Birth Place either). I can't stand the man. First, he's a man and second, he's a physician. I do not agree with the approach a Dr. has towards birth. Anyone who has had an OB and then a midwife knows the difference. It's the difference between someone who actually cares and someone who doesn't really. Anyway, this has all caused a lot of grief and many tears for me. Luckily I have a case manager through our insurance because I was so sick and under special care and she is really working the system to get me coverage. So since she came into the picture I have been able to take a break from the worry and put it in God's hands.

Other then this nothing else is new with us. Sarah seems to be going through a thing right now. She is being very bossy and disobedient so we have been disciplining her lately more then we ever had to. I'm hoping it will pass soon. Michael still loves school and has been riding his new bike a lot.

Daniel has started by up with school and I have also resumed my studies. We hope everyone is doing well in this new year.

Take Care and God Bless,

Dawn

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!


We are all doing great. I am feeling wonderful and the kids are still reeling from Christmas and New Years, which Sarah described as "a great party!" They had so much fun this season that they keep asking what's next. Dad, don't be surprised if the kids keep talking about your birthday next month. That's the only thing that's next.

I am finally done with the medication pump and I was discharged from services Monday! Hallelujah! My belly is getting bigger everyday and they baby's movement have finally turned into the enjoyable little kicks and pokes instead of the annoying and painful rolling. I am 17 weeks today and I get an ultrasound tomorrow and hopefully the baby will cooperate and I'll find out if it's a boy or girl. I'll catch a glimpse of myself as I pass a mirror and am still in disbelief that I'm pregnant. I'm just having a hard time wrapping my mind around it and the whole 3 kids thing. I have a hard enough time with 2 how will I do 3?

The New Year is bringing big changes for us. Most importantly we are going to start doing our Daily Bible readings with the children. In order for that to happen I resolve to get dinner on the table by 5:30 every night instead of 6:30. That way we have time for reading and bath time and bed doesn't interfere. Also, I resolve to do Daily Devotions with the kids in the mornings. I might just do it with Michael since today Sarah really didn't seem ready. And it's something that he and I can do together.

I pray the new year bring each and every one of you health and happiness.

Love,
Dawn