Oh, Baby!

Ahh...what a great day today was! First I drove the one-and-a-half hours north to Denver to visit this great midwifery birth center, apparently the only freestanding midwifery center in Colorado. (I find that a little hard to believe, but whatev.) It was still an awesome place, and I had a great time at the tour and orientation that my cousin, her husband, and her darling 10-month-old little girl attended with me. My cousin J started off at the birth center last January, when G was born, but because her daughter still hadn't descended sufficiently after x number of hours of pushing, she and her husband crossed the street to the hospital (how convenient), and ended up having a c-section because G was sunny side up. No fault of the birth center, and they don't deal with anything even remotely resembling a birth emergency, so it was off to the hospital they went, where G made her grand entrance.

I was so impressed by this birth center...I wish I could seriously consider having my birth there. But this birth center couldn't be more out of network if they tried, and in all honesty there is no way I could afford it sans insurance coverage. Nor would I want to, when giving birth in my network's hospital is so much less expensive. As great as the birth center is, I just couldn't justify it. The other sticking point is the fact that they only do natural births, no meds allowed, and I kind of have been thinking about an epidural. So there's that, too. But I got so much out of today's orientation anyway! It has three beautiful birthing rooms, and all the tools and accoutrements an expectant mom could possibly want, including birthing tubs, special chairs, even a hammock-like sling for hanging from. Apparently gravity is a laboring mother's best friend, if you get my drift. These rooms were so peaceful and homey, too. I was really glad to find out what's possible, even if I won't be able to take advantage of it. I can, however, choose to take the classes, including childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care. A bit more expensive than the ones down here in my city, but worth considering nonetheless.

After the tour and orientation I headed back down south to my city, but stopped off at this awesome outlet mall on the way back. I hadn't been there in years, and I was excited to check out some of the baby stores there! Wow, did I hit the jackpot! I went to Carter's and The Children's Place, and found some truly amazing deals. Sweet little tops and bottoms for $3 apiece, outfits for less than $6, you name it. I didn't go overboard, but I did find some beautiful clothes for the six to nine months after she's born. But I must admit, it's very strange to be buying clothes for someone whom I haven't even met yet!!!

Once I got back, I stopped by Michael's and Hobby Lobby to look for a few decor items I had in mind for her room (and the rest of the house, of course), which I was happy to find. So tomorrow's plan is to finish painting her room and to hang a few of the things I found. I am also going to put a small Christmas tree in there, with some lovely baby girl-oriented ornaments and such. I love the tradition of giving her one new ornament each year to commemorate some aspect of that particular year.

Oh, and I have decided on one strict rule that has emerged from one of my biggest pet peeves (well, I guess it's several rules rolled into one, really):

• NOTHING with the words "princess" or "diva" is allowed to enter her room or be permitted to grace her little body!!! I absolutely detest this "entitled" garbage!!! It's one thing if she ends up liking and asking for the whole princess thing, but I'll cross that bridge when I get there. I loathe these attitude shirts with these obnoxious sayings on them!!!

• NO words on the butt of her pants, sweatpants, etc. I'm sorry, but clothing should not intentionally be trying to draw anyone's attention to someone's butt with words, sayings, etc. Just my opinion.
  

• Last one, I promise: nothing that smacks of "attitude", such as "whatever" or the like. No texting lingo. No Happy Bunny stuff, either. Gee, can you tell I teach middle school kids??! Yeah, I know. Such a wet blanket I am.
  

So now I'm back home, relaxing and putting away my purchases. The crib is supposed to be delivered anytime after Wednesday, so I need to have all the painting etc. done by then. I'm excited to put it all together!

PS--Twenty seven weeks today! Woo hoo!