Computer Down

I'm slacking on updating because my home computer has finally bit the dust. It is from my college days, so it has served me well over that last 9 years. Thanks to student loan refund checks I'll be paying it off for the next 50 years as well. Hopefully all my music and pictures can be recovered and saved by my computer dr. brother. So today I'll do a quick update from work. I've had much to blog about.

Ryan and I are taking Hypnobirthing classes to prepare for our natural childbirth experience. It's a 5 class series, of which we've attended 3 so far. They take place at the mental fitness center in Rochester and there are 3 other couples taking the class with us. Coincidently one of the other couples in from Dryden. They graduated a year or so after me, and I never really knew them, but small world just the same. The instructor is a very nice woman who used hypnobirthing for her own 2 births and was so amazed by the experience that she decided to become a certified instructor. So far I am VERY happy with choosing to go with this birthing technique. I was a bit hesitant at first as to whether it would really be beneficial. But all the research and personal stories that I could find were really positive. Since starting the classes and reading the book the philopsophies and relaxation strategies make complete sense to me. It is very scientifically grounded and not just some hocus pocus trend of the time. It is self hypnosis that will bring you into a complete state of relaxation and focus which will lead to a more calm and relaxed birth for both mom and baby. Now, it is not the type of hypnosis that you see in performances and shows. :) I will not be clucking like a chicken and Ryan will not be waving a pocket watch in front of my face telling me I'm getting very sleepy. I'm learning strategies to put my self into a state of complete calm where I can focus my thoughts on positive birthing, breathing, releasing my fears and anxiety, and relaxing my birthing muscles which will all lead to a more comfortable birth. I have practice CD's that I've been using every night and I already feel more confident and relaxed. I'm excited about the birth and I really believe it will be a great experience for me. I highly recommed the Book Hypnobirthing by Marie Mongan to EVERY pregnant woman. Even if you are not going to do hypnobirthing, I think it is an awesome book! It is not biased, it just gives practical and useful information about the birth experience for both the woman's mind and body as well as for the baby.

So anyhow, enough about that for now. I need to update later about some crafts and cookies that I've been doing. Hopefully by next week we will have a new computer. I'm convinced that we need a laptop this time. I don't want to be computing in the basement furnace room with a newborn. I'm thinking laptop, couch, TV........... :) We are heading up to Traverse City this week for the Winter Games. I'm excited for a mini vacation with great friends.