Doula Interview

Renee and I interviewed a few doulas and decided upon Karina Bolger. She was incredibly knowledgable and very supportive. We both think that she will be an invaluable asset for us during birth.

Renee's Surprise

On January 26, a few of us threw Renee a surprise baby shower.

This story really starts in November 2001, just after Thanksgiving. This is when I first started planning a surprise baby shower for Renee. I enlisted the help of my sister Jody and a few co-worker/friends of Renee's: Raquel, Siham, and Angie. Renee's sister, Sandra, is also a prime player....

I wish I could have done a better job documenting the planning of the shower, but, since I know that Renee reads this web site, there is no way I would have been able to keep this a secret if I wrote about it here.... so the best you can expect is the best my memory can provide....

Essentially, the surprise party went down like this: Sandra came in from New Jersey Friday evening. Jody will picked her up and keep Sandra at her place until Saturday....

Saturday morning, Renee and I went over to our friend Robin's house to help out with the triplets. While we were gone, Jody, Raquel, Siham, and Angie sneaked into our house and begin the preparations. Just after we left Robin's house, Robin called my sister at my house to let her know that we were going to be arriving shortly....

We arrived at the house and *Surprise!* Renee had no idea. She started to hug everyone that was there and was so happy and appreciative. Then, we sat her down and told her that, before we started eating or opening presents, we had to present her with one big present. Renee said later she was expecting a high chair or some other difficult to wrap item. She was quite surprised when Sandra walked out....

Also, since Sandra is was only here from Friday night to Monday afternoon, and Renee didn't know anything about that, I had to ask Renee's boss for a day off for Renee. I've never done anything like that before, and he said he never received a request from anyone other than an employee. But he said it was cool, so Renee was be able to spend Monday with her sister :)

Happy Birthday!

Liam Matthew O'Boyle was born January 22 at 11:49 a.m. to Renee's cousin Matthew and his wife Cheryl, weighing in at 7lbs. 11 oz. and at 19" in length, with a 14 1/4" cranium.

Baby Preparations

We have interviewed a couple of pediatricians and I think we'll end up going with Dr. Broberg. His office location is much more convenient, his staff is much more professional, and he seemed every bit as impressive as Dr. Barrera.

Renee started attending a monthly La Leche League group to meet with other breastfeeding moms and their children.

Bradley Class update

We delved into the Bradley Method; our classes have been very helpful and informative up to this point, but now it is time to start taking some of the lessons and applying it to real life (basically, learn how to reduce stress). The classes teach us some exercises to be both physically and mentally prepared (as much as one can be). So far, we have been rather lax in our preparation, but time is running out (as it usually does) and it is time to do our exercises faithfully.

Although we are not necessarily averse to using drugs if there is a need, the class has bolstered our confidence on being able to do this without drugs.... The classes are held once a week on Tuesdays and will run through the first week of March.