Thursday, June 21, 2007

Day off

Yesterday Jeff took off work and we toured Gwinnett Hospital and puttered around the house. The tour lady was awesome and gave us an honest, clear picture of how the hospital works and what to expect. The main thing we brought away from the tour was "be assertive." You can have the birth experience you want, but you have to keep reminding your caretakers exactly what you want or don't want.

We got our complimentary gallon of paint from the builder and picked a rich rust-red for the dining room. And finished painting the nursery. :)


7 comments:

Maggie said...

Be assertive! That is definately the best way to get what you want. Although in the midst of labor it's hard to communicate that so make sure hubby knows what you want. Write out your birth plan - give a copy to the hospital and keep one for you and hubby.

The paint is gorgeous! That red is such a vibrant color.

rcsnickers said...

Love the paint and bear in the nursery! Wonderful.

I was going to suggest a VERY DETAILED birth plan for you to give your doctor before birth, nurses when you get to the hospital and one on hand ... for the call-in who does not know you. Been through one of those and learned a lot!

Anyway, I will email you a copy of mine. Not perfect just give you an idea.

Letisha

Elizabeth said...

I agree about keeping copies in your ready to go to the hospital bag. And keep ones for the room too. And you definitely have to be assertive. About everything.

I was so amazed at how we were able to really perform all the labor part ourselves and only had nurses and doctors for the last 30 minutes of pushing. I'm sure you'll do great too. Abbie had a dula the first time and she was wonderful. I know your mom would love to be there. We'll pray about it and God will reveal his perfect plan for Benjamin's birth. How I wish your mom could see his first breath: it is so amazing!
Of course, I can imagine helping out with your labor: everything must rhyme, singing Temper Tantrum Tilly, Jeff and I could sumo wrestle again to keep you entertained...or would we drive you crazy??? Maybe for your second baby...
LOVE the nursery and the dining room. Can't get over your moldings and your beautiful furniture choices: you did good little cuz. God is so good!
Love you!
Elizabeth

Nene said...

Your dining room is lovely! I love the rich color and the moldings are gorgeous!! Looks like Benjamin's room is all ready for furniture!!

Emily said...

Thanks everyone for the advice. I've got a birth plan sketched up, and will make plenty of copies! Letisha--I would love to see yours if you get a chance so I can make sure I haven't forgotten anything. I've been telling Jeff everything as I read and decide. He will be great, I know! And I am VERY excited about having a duola. They are having a "duola tea" early next month where I can meet them and decide who I want at the birth. Elizabeth...amazing that you & your team were able to do so much. In my opinion you can't get much better than Abbie's birth experience! Please pray I find the right OB (calling to interview a couple today).

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately, I have no comments on labor or birth. But it looks like you have enough friends and family to give you all the advice you need :-).
LOVE the paint in your dining room. Red is always nice!

Emily said...

Maybe Will could give me some advice since he had that stone...same amount of pain, right?!
Thanks. The red was inspired by the French cafe prints you gave us. :) Next step is to hang something on the walls. I'm thinking the big mirror might go well.