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| I had a little fun with Jane's alphabet blocks. :) |
Both names are two of Sam's favorite names. Even though the name was mostly Sam's choice, I love it too. Atlas means "to endure" or "to support" and Gabriel means "God is my strength" or "Hero of God". One of the reasons I love it is because to me, it means when he has to endure the weight of this fallen world he'll know he can have the strength to endure it with God. When Sam first mentioned the name Atlas I said I needed to think about it, but it wasn't because I didn't like the name, I just had to get used to thinking of it as a name. As time went on, for some reason, no other name seemed right for our boy other than Atlas. His kicks have been so strong, I felt that he needed a strong name. Atlas Gabriel is just perfect. The more I say it the more I love it.
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| 26 weeks! |
Having a name makes it seem all the more real that I'm having a little boy in just 2 months! It's still feeling like he's coming so fast. Jane is keeping me busy and distracted, so that when I think about Atlas coming I think, "Wait, what do you mean there's only 9 weeks until his due date?? When did that happen?" I'm starting to feel the need to nest! I finally made a decision and bought Jane's new car seat so that Atlas can have Jane's old car seat.
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| Bah! I'm going to have 2 kids! Jane loves her new car seat. |
With the addition of the new car seat, we're basically ready for Atlas to be here. I don't need anything else! Second babies are awesome! :D There are a few more things I "want" to have before he comes, but if I don't end up getting around to it until after he comes it's no big deal. (I guess I need to buy some newborn diapers, but I'll grab those from the store sometime soon.)
Now that I have all the items I need, my focus has turned towards getting my "birth plan" together. I don't really believe in a detailed or specific birth plan because I think it can be distracting or disappointing while in labor, but I do think it's wise to have an idea of how you would like things to go. Part of my birth plan is having a great support team. First off, I have my midwife that I'm very comfortable and confident in. Then there's my mom who will be my main birth support. She was wonderful while I was in labor with Jane and I have no doubt she will be just as stellar this time. If anything, I think she will be more relaxed since we've done it once before. :) My mother-in-law finishes off my team as my "whatever else is needed" helper and photographer.
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| 30 Weeks! |
It's important to me not to have anyone in the house who is just "waiting" on me. It stresses me out to know if someone is just waiting around for the baby to come. I'm also going way old school and having a women only birth. No men allowed! ;) Sam is taking care of Jane this time around. When Sam and I were talking about him being around for this birth he said he's done it once and he doesn't need to do it again. I have no problem with that. He will be taking care of Jane while I'm in labor and he and Jane will come back to the house once Atlas is born. I know a lot of women would require their husbands to be present for the birth, but I'm pretty positive it will put my mind at ease to know that Jane is being taken care of by Sam and also that he isn't being stressed out by my labor. Last time it was hard for me to see Sam so worried about me. So I think it's for the best.
My very basic birth plan is to do whatever will naturally reduce my labor pains and help me endure the contractions in order to have Atlas at home without any pain medication. I hope to labor in the water at some point because I felt the best in my labor with Jane when I was in the water. I bought a $30 kiddie pool on Amazon to use as my birth pool. I tried it out with Jane this past summer to make sure it will work as a birth pool and I think it will be great! I'll probably try out my shower as a pain reliever as well. I would like to have Pride and Prejudice or some other Jane Austen movie playing on my TV throughout labor and I'll probably try to have some peace and calming essential oil diffusing as well.
One thing I know for sure is that I have no idea how this labor is going to go so I'm just going to roll with it and try any suggestion that my midwife has to help my labor progress and help with the pain. I'll be leaning on God for strength and endurance just like last time and trying to pray through it.
I hope you will join with me in prayer for a smooth and uncomplicated labor and above all, a healthy and safe birth for both Atlas and me.
Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication,
with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Psalm 28:6-7
Blessed be the Lord
Because He has heard the voice of my supplications!
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,
And with my song I will praise Him.
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