Alessia's Birth Story

I promised a birth story so I thought I better deliver.  The past two weeks have been crazy with my parents here and taking care of a newborn so I'm posting this a little later than I had intended.  Besides family and a few friends, not many people know all of the details of Alessia's arrival.  Throughout my entire pregnancy, Alessia proved she was going to do things her way and my labor and delivery were no exception. 

On the morning of March 4, Kevin and I went to the doctor for one last appointment to see if Alessia had turned.  I knew she hadn't and didn't need an ultrasound to confirm it.  But the doctor did it anyway and it just confirmed what I had told him.  Since I was almost 39 weeks and running out of room, he decided to have me schedule a csection.  Kevin and I decided we would go with March 5, the next day.

For the most part, we were all ready.  The only thing I wanted to do was to make Kevin some meals before I went to the hospital because I knew he would be busy between work and visiting us.  After going to the store, we had a big lunch (before I started my fast) and took a nap (because who knew when the next nap we would get would be).  Kevin left for work and I got to cooking.  In the midst of doing all of this, I was also sending out Facebook messages and emails to some family and friends informing them of the scheduled csection.  I had just sent out one, when I had to go to the restroom.  What started out as a regular pee, ended with my water breaking.  It wasn't a slow leak or a little bit either.  It was like some took a gallon of water and poured it into the toilet.  I couldn't help but laugh at the fact that my water just broke 12 hours before my scheduled csection.

Since Kevin was at work, I had to call him to come home, but he wasn't answering.  I called the other two coaches too, but still no one picked up.  Looking at his schedule, I knew all three of them were on the ice so I called the assistant coach's wife.  Guess what?  She wasn't answering either.  Finally, I called the youth coach, praying he would pick up, and he did.  At first he didn't know what I was saying (damn language barrier), but then it hit him and he went into panic mode.  He wanted to take me to the hospital right away, but I told him just to go get Kevin.  From Kevin's account, he made a very dramatic entrance by shouting over the boards that Kevin had to get home right now (ice skates on and everything) because I was in labor.  Kevin called though and I told him to take his time. 

Kevin made it home about 45 minutes after my water broke.  I was having mild contractions at that point and was leaking water like a faucet. In case you didn't know, when your water breaks, it just keeps on coming.  I had finished packing already and had taken the last bit of food out of the oven.  Kevin ate since we knew we were in for a long night and we headed to the hospital. 

We arrived at the hospital at 9:00pm and were greeting by an amazing midwife, Sara.  She immediately got me on a monitor so they could see how far apart my contractions were and she contacted my doctor.  At that point, she wasn't sure whether they would let me labor through the night or take me into surgery right away.  My doctor didn't want to wait and was there within 15 minutes.  Once he arrived, we all got ready.  I put on my hospital gown, Kevin got his scrubs, and Dr. Guiliani got prepped to rip me open and get this baby.

Holy water weight!  Look at that fat face!

The stethoscope was just a prop.  I have no idea where he got it. 

Once we made it to the OR, I met my anesthesiologist and nurse...both very nice and both spoke decent English.  Kevin had to wait outside while they got me prepped.  Everything went smoothly until the epidural.  They stuck that needle in my back and I'm pretty sure I jumped about 15 feet in the air.  Then it caused my blood pressure to drop, which made me vomit.  And it isn't easy to vomit with no feeling in most of your body, while your arms are strapped down, and you are laying on your back.  Thank goodness for a quick nurse with a bed pan.  Because my blood pressure stayed low, Kevin was not allowed in the room for the delivery.

Everything went really fast after the epidural.  There was a little pressure, which I was told was the nurses pushing the baby down and then the midwife said "you have a girl."  Before I got to see her, they took her out to Kevin.  He brought her in to me and got me my glasses so I could actually see her.  I think we were both in shock that she was a girl.  

Immediately, they put her on my chest and we started "bonding."  After I was stitched up, all three of us went to the recovery room where we started nursing.  We stayed there for about 2 hours and then were moved to what would be our home for the duration of our stay.  The nurses got me fixed up, which means I got the BIG pad and the ugly underwear.  Kevin went with Alessia to get weighed and measured.  When he brought her back I was shocked to see that she still had blood and vernix on her.  Apparently, it is good for the skin so they do not wipe it off.  The skin will absorb it.  Who knew?

That first night all three of us slept together.  Kevin's bed was pushed up against mine and we were told to keep her on one of our chests throughout the night.  And we did as told.  I'm pretty sure there wasn't a lot of sleeping though.

The next morning, I felt like I had been hit by a truck.  My abdomen hurt so bad and despite the fact that I hate taking medicine, I was begging for them to give me more after the first round did nothing.  A midwife came in and told me I had to get up and move and I thought someone was playing a sick joke on me...she wasn't joking though.  Luckily, she also told me she was going to remove my catheter and that made a HUGE difference because those things suck. Kevin was amazing and took diaper duty all day.  He made sure I was comfortable and took care of Alessia as much as he could.

One hurting mommy...

one proud poppy...

and one sweet baby. 

Overall, everything was great.  Alessia's entrance into the world was quick and definitely unexpected.  I have a feeling this little girl is going to keep us on our toes in the years to come and Kevin and I can't wait.  

Introducing Alessia Jane

Alessia Jane was born on March 4, 2013 at 10:19pm.  She weighed 6 lbs 14 oz and was 18.75 inches long.  The story of her arrival will be posted in the coming days.  For now, you can just stare at her sweet face. 

One of Alessia's first pictures.

How Rude!

Throughout my pregnancy, people have said some annoying and sometimes inappropriate things to me.  Most of the time, I brush them off.  There are a few phrases that I cannot stand though.  I know that I am easily annoyed while pregnant, but I'm not sure if I can blame my hormones for wanting to punch people in the face when they say these things.  But please make a note to never say these to me in my next pregnancy.

1. "You have to do what is best for the baby."  I know I talked about this in a previous post, but I've heard this at least a hundred times this pregnancy and I hate it.  It usually was in regards to Baby Reiter's breech position and what we were going to do about it.  People didn't understand why we would consider anything other than a csection because "I should do what is best for the baby."  Don't assume that you know what is best for our baby just because that is the way it is done in the US....thank you very much.

But regardless of what the doctors, Internet, books, or others say, why would you even use this phrase.  Do you think I'm going to carry a baby for 9 months and then make a decision that I don't think is best for the baby? 

2. "I really hope you have a boy" or "I really hope you have a girl."  Just so you know, we don't give a shit what you want us to have.  We didn't ask you and believe us, we wouldn't ask you.  The whole phrase is rude.   The fact that this is our first child and we are having the gender be a surprise makes the phrase ten times worse.

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3. "I know the baby is a girl" or "I know the baby is a boy."  Umm...I'm pretty sure you don't know what I am carrying.  I don't care how I am carrying, what symptoms I have, or what the Chinese Pregnancy Calendar says, whatever you say is a guess.  We don't care when people say what they think I'm having.  Having people guess is half the fun in not finding out the gender.  When they change the word from "think" to "know" is when I have a problem. 

Looking back, maybe I should have done this post a long time ago.  But now people have it for future reference for not only me, but other pregnant women they come across.

There Will Be One More Picture!

As I sit here chugging a 2 liter bottle of water, I can (almost) confidently say that there will be a 38 week pregnancy picture. When the bell chimes midnight, which is in about 6 hours, I will be two weeks away from my due date. At that time, I will also be four days away from finding out whether or not they are going to make me have a scheduled c-section. And all signs were pointing to "yes" at my last appointment. 

Overall, I am feeling great. The past few days even Kevin has commented on how much energy I have. I haven't napped, I've been out and about walking, and besides the unavoidable aches and pains, my body is hanging in there. I'm hoping this is the calm before the storm and I go into labor here in the next couple days. That might be wishful thinking, but stranger things have happened.

Like most women do near the end of their pregnancy through their entire pregnancy, I'm thinking of things I can't wait to do, foods I can't wait to eat, and drinks I want to chug once I'm no longer pregnant. Do I want a glass of Italian red wine or a nice German beer first? What kind of lunchmeat am I going to order at the deli...and eat cold? How many over easy eggs can I request they put on my pizza (don't knock it until you try it)? 

Seriously...it is so good! 

The one thing I am looking most forward to is sleeping on my belly. I know with a c-section, this one is going to take time, but I can't wait. I am so sick of sleeping on my side and I've never been much of a back sleeper so I could care less about being able to do that again.

For now, I'll continue to dream, but I know these things are within reach. 

Full Term!

Now that the time has come for my pregnancy to be over, I'm starting to feel like it just began.  I remember when I first found out and how surreal it all felt.  Now, I know there will be a baby in this house in less than three weeks.  I couldn't wait for people to start noticing my belly and now there is no way to avoid it (and my massive belly button).

We met with the doctor this past week for my 37 week appointment and the baby is still breech.  While it took time, I came to terms with the fact that the baby will be delivered c-section.  NOTE: Please don't tell me that people do it all the time...I know that.  And if you tell me it is for the best, I will be inclined to quit talking to you.  That is one phrase that I never want to hear again after this pregnancy.  Imagine prepping for a new job for 9 months...you read all the manuals, watch the videos, and train your body.  Then you get in there the first day and they tell you that you won't be doing the job you prepared for.  Yes, you still get the same outcome (a new job and a salary), but you can't help but be disappointed.  That is how I feel.  Regardless, Kevin and I will be having a baby, but it just isn't the way that we pictured it.

There is a small chance that the baby can turn, but I am running out of room.  Also, factor in that I have a bicornuate uterus and the chances go down.  The baby has started to drop so instead of the head engaging (like in most cases), the feet are resting in my pelvis.  The great news is that the head is no longer right up against my ribcage, which is such a relief.  My heartburn has greatly decreased and I can breathe so much easier.

Unfortunately, I am still gaining weight.  And now it is water weight.  My ankles are cankles, my fingers and toes are little sausages, and I have even noticed my face is puffier.  I'm following everything they say to do to avoid edema, but it isn't working.  Just another glamorous symptom of pregnancy.

Everything in the apartment is ready.  We have the diapers stocked (we should be good for 3-4 weeks) and we have wipes (or cotton squares since we aren't using wipes).  The clothes are washed and the crib (pack and play) is set up.  I did some serious cleaning the other day and Kevin did all the laundry.  We'll still have to do some things here and there, but if the baby comes tomorrow, we are prepared.

We both got our hair cut and I managed to shave my legs this week (let me tell you, it isn't easy).  Kevin does need to paint my toenails because that is one task that I cannot do without pulling something and he is a good sport to help me out.  We've almost decided on names.  We have it narrowed down to two for a girl and two for a boy.  I think it might come down to deciding once the baby is born.

Since Operation Turn Baby Reiter was a bust, I have now moved on to Operation Get Baby Reiter Out.  I'm hoping to go into labor naturally and avoid a scheduled c-section.  I'm bouncing around on my birthing ball, eating fresh pineapple, taking my vitamins, and drinking my teas to help move things along.  Fingers crossed Baby Reiter makes an appearance before my next appointment on March 4.

Here are the last three weeks of my pregnancy pictures.  These could be the last ones.

Just got back from my hair appointment so Baby Reiter isn't embarrassed of his/her Mommy. 

Next year, Daddy will have two Valentines.

FULL TERM!  We are so close! 

Packed And Almost Ready to Go

I'm not sure why I've been putting this obviously important task off, but today, I finally packed our hospital bag.  I made a list of things I would need or wanted over a month ago and we've had everything for the bag for well over a week.  

I've read everywhere that people always over-pack their hospital bags and I'm sure I did too.  For me, I might need more than the average person though.  At our hospital, they suggest first-time mothers stay at the hospital for five nights with a vaginal birth and seven nights with a c-section.  In the States, you pop out a baby and leave the next day.  I do have the option to leave whenever I feel up to it so when I feel good, I am out of there.  

After much research on the internet and talking to friends, I decided on the following things for the bag...

• passport, insurance book, insurance card, passport
• robe, slippers
• yoga pants, t-shirt, nursing tanks, nursing bras, socks, ugly underwear, breast pads
• going home outfit for Mom
• outfit for Baby Reiter (for pictures)
• going home outfit for Baby Reiter (hat, mittens, socks, coat)
• mittens and hats for Baby Reiter
• baby blanket
• book
• Flip and camera
• Boppy Pillow
• snacks
• feminine products (pads, wipes)
• toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, hair brush, hair ties)
• makeup 
• contact solution, contacts, glasses, eye drops
• cell phone

Almost everything is packed.  For things I need up until our trip to the hospital, I have a list made.  Those last-minute things can just be thrown in the bag before we walk out the door. 

Of course, I packed everything in one of Kevin's hockey bags.

I recently wrote that maybe I'm not one of those women who love being pregnant, but when I really think about it, I do.  Yes, it was a hard transition for me.  Gaining weight, not being able to keep up with my normal routine, and having no control over what was going on with my body was/is hard for me.  But carrying this baby the last nine months and feeling it move has been the most amazing experience. 

I think, subconsciously, I avoided packing the bag because it signifies the end of this chapter of our lives...the First Pregnancy chapter.  At this time last year, we were only just discussing the idea of starting a family.  And now, we are a month away from bringing home our first child.  

It's the Final Countdown!

We are officially 40 days away from my due date.  Kevin and I have been putting some stuff off the last few months and weeks, but now it's time to get serious because Baby Reiter could makes his/her appearance any day now.  

Priority number one right now is getting a bed and carseat for Baby Reiter.   We are borrowing these two things so we just need to pick them up and get them set up.  Last week, I washed all the bottles and sterilized the nipples and pacifiers.  The baby now has his/her own space in the cabinets...right next to the wine glasses. 

The hospital bag is in the process of being packed.  We still need to pick up a few things and make a list of last-minute items that will need to be put in the bag, but it is coming along.  We have a big trip to Innsbruck planned for Tuesday so we are really hoping to get everything we need so we can mark the hospital bag off of our list of things to do. 

Since I don't want Baby Reiter looking back at pictures from when he/she was first born and think I looked like a train wreck, I scheduled a hair appointment for this week.  My girl from last year moved so this will be an experience, but apparently the lady speaks English so I have that going for me.  Kevin is also going to get his hair cut in the next week or two.  We have to get it done soon because they always cut it way too short so we'll need a few weeks to let it grow out.  

Baby Reiter is also still without a name.  We decide and then we change our mind.  We are torn between our original two names, which are totally American, or naming the baby something Italian or German since we are over here.  Luckily, one of Kevin's hockey players got us a book of 100,000 names so we have plenty of choices.  

Of course, our list seems endless right now, but we'll get it done.  There's nothing like scratching out something on a list once you've accomplished it.  One thing we have been great at is making sure to take our weekly pictures.  Here are the last four weeks.  

Baby Reiter loves to move, but is scared of the BIG flip. 

The doctor says our baby has great muscles like his Daddy.  And Mommy has the early morning bloat going on.  

I can't get enough peanut butter, which isn't a good thing since it is hard to come by here. 

My ankles are starting to look a lot like cantaloupes too. 

Operation Turn Baby Reiter

I decided in this third trimester that I may not be one of those women who love being pregnant.  This probably has to do with the fact that my first and second trimesters were a breeze and now I'm starting to suffer.  The heartburn, difficulty breathing, and constantly being uncomfortable are breaking me down.  I'm always hungry...I don't mind the eating, it's the gaining weight that I have a problem with.  And on top of all of this, I am stressing out because Baby Reiter will not turn.  He/she has been breech my entire pregnancy and I'm worried this will never change. 

At my 24 week appointment, the doctor discovered my uterus was mildly heart shaped.  I got put on a magnesium supplement in order to relax it.  At my 28 week appointment, a different doctor (you don't always see the same one) informed me that the baby was breech and this was the time for him/her to turn.  I started doing some exercises at home to hopefully turn the baby, but nothing worked.

Well, at my 32 week appointment (2 weeks ago), I had a sonogram and sure enough, the baby is still breech.  The head is under my right ribcage, one arm is punching me in the left side, and the feet are kicking at the bottom of my belly.  We asked the doctor if she thought the baby would turn and before she even answered, we could tell by the look on her face that the news wasn't going to be what we wanted.  While many babies do turn after 32 weeks, she isn't optimistic about Baby Reiter turning because of the shape of my uterus and my small stature.  We asked what we could do, but she said there is nothing.

My entire pregnancy, I have prepped myself for a natural labor and delivery.  I've read books and watched videos.  I knew I didn't want the drugs and ultimately decided on having a water birth.  In my mind, I knew the pain was going to be excruciating, but this is the experience that I decided I wanted.  A breech baby definitely changes that plan. 

I'm willing to try anything at this point (unless it requires the use of drugs) to turn the baby so I can go forward with my plan.  I've Googled for weeks now and have been busy with many of the exercises already.  I'm putting cold on the baby's head and heat on the feet.  I'm laying at an incline.  And now I'm into the serious exercises where you combine everything...heat, cold, incline.  A few days ago I read that peppermint oil can be used to turn a breech baby so now I'm searching for it.  Apparently, they don't like it so they try to turn away from it.  I'm going to slather it all over that baby's head and hope for the best.

Operation Turn Baby Reiter is in full effect, as of today.  I'll keep you all posted and maybe even treat you to a few pics of the inversion or breech baby tilt.  

Short Fuse

I have no problem admitting that I am a person that is easily annoyed.  My mood for the day usually determines how much I can tolerate before I feel like my head is going to explode.

My irritability has gotten about ten times worse now that I'm pregnant.  I feel like the littlest things set me off.  Kevin biting his nails or typing too loud are my triggers at home.  I usually have to give him the look and he knows right away what I am looking at him for.  The music being too loud in the gym drives me crazy and the people who smoke inside the rink (which you are not supposed to do) make me want to punch them.

Kevin is a saint for putting up with me lately.  I have been less than pleasant, especially in recent weeks with my due date fast approaching.  Honestly, I can barely stand my attitude.  The fact that he takes it is stride is impressive.  I don't think anyone else would want to be around me right now especially as much as he is.  Maybe he feels a little like this...

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Installment 3 of the Pregnancy Pictures

The countdown is now on...less than 10 weeks until Baby Reiter makes his/her debut.  I guess that is unless, he/she decides to stay in there a little longer (which I really hope doesn't happen).  My mom actually thinks Baby Reiter will be a February baby so we will see.  Of course, everyone is busy making their predictions on whether or not Baby Reiter is a boy or girl.  Let me just tell you...I've been carrying this child for 30 weeks now and I have no idea.

Go ahead and make your prediction.  You have a 50% chance of being right...or wrong!

Leggings,shirt, and a cardigan...my daily outfit.

I got swollen ankles for Christmas...thanks Santa!

We usually take the pictures after Kevin's games so that means I just got done devouring a HUGE pizza. 

Baby Reiter likes to wake me up at night with a left hook to the liver and a kick to the privates. 

A Beautiful Sight

This year marked our fourth year spent overseas at Christmas.  While it is hard to be away from our families at the holidays, we know that we have to take advantage of the opportunity to spend Christmas in Europe.  This year, we were lucky enough to have friends, Marina and her mom, Vija, come and visit and all four of us headed to Munich for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

The weather was gorgeous and it turns out, it actually set a record for the warmest Christmas Eve EVER!  We left the morning of Christmas Eve and spent the day strolling around Munich checking out the Christmas Markets.  That night we had dinner at Hofbräuhaus and I got to partake on the drinking festivities with a non-alcoholic beer.  We decided earlier in the day that we would try to get to mass that night and we made it in time to the Frauenkirche, but there were no seats.  After about an hour of standing, my ankles (which were swollen and felt like they were going to blow up) couldn't take it any longer so we all headed back to the hotel. 

Christmas morning we woke up to another bright, sunny day.  We had breakfast at a nice, little cafe down the street from our hotel and then headed to Dachau.  Most everything was closed (obviously) so we didn't have a lot of options, but our friends had never been so it was a perfect opportunity to go.  We spent a few hours there before heading back to Vipiteno (we did make a quick pit stop in Innsbruck for pictures), where the weather was 30 degrees colder than it had been in Munich.  So, in a sense, we really did have a white Christmas!

Glühwein and Punch break for Marina and me.

To set the record straight, Marina and Vija were really drinking wine...they just borrowed our beers for the picture. 

Bagel sandwiches for Christmas breakfast.

Yesterday, Marina and Vija flew home.  Kevin had to work so I took advantage of my day alone by napping and catching up on my DVR.  It also gave me a chance to elevate my legs and I woke up this morning to a beautiful sight...my normal ankles. 

Pregnancy Update!

For starters, I am finally legal.  Kevin and I went and got my visa all sorted out last week and we triple-checked that the date was correct this time.  Today, I am 26 weeks, 4 days pregnant.  I'm definitely starting to get bigger and my normal daily tasks are starting to get harder and harder every day.  Who knew putting my shoes on could be such hard work?  And why do I breathe like I just finished a marathon when all I did was get dressed?  I'm not sure how much I've gained since my last appointment, but I am nervous to go to the doctor's next Monday.  I'm sure I've put on quite a bit considering all I want to do is eat...constantly.  And as much as I don't want to admit it, I think maternity clothes are in my near future.  At least it will give me some new outfits to wear. 

I've been keeping busy reading up on all things pregnancy and labor.  A friend suggested I read the book Ina May's Guide to Childbirth so that is what I am currently reading.  It's a little far out there, but a must read for anyone considering having a natural labor.  I still haven't been able to talk Kevin into watching any birthing videos though.  Maybe sometime in the near future...like before my water breaks. 

Here are my pictures Week 21-26.  Watch me grow! 

I've definitely been slacking when it comes to working out. 

My belly makes a good arm rest.

I never had heartburn before the pregnancy and I'm seriously hoping I never get it again.  

My belly button popped this week.  It's not completely an outie, but it is definitely out.  

I felt Baby Reiter's hiccups this week. 

This might be my last picture in regular jeans.  It should be noted that they are unbuttoned though. 

Our Parental Pledge

Kevin had two days off Tuesday and Wednesday so we headed up to Germany to check out the Christmas Markets.  We were in the car for about 8 hours in that 36 hour period.  For us, this is definitely not a big deal, but add in the fact that we have no radio and it can get a little boring (even despite the fact that I'm a BIG talker).  Kevin and I talked a lot about the pregnancy and parenting and I came up with the idea of making a list of things we want to do and do not want to do as parents.  I think it will be interesting to see how many of the things we actually stick to. 

1.  There will be no family bed.  Kevin doesn't even like to share his space in the bed with me.
2.  We will not fight our kids on what they want to wear for the day (unless it is harmful).  If someone wants to dress up like Superman or a princess for the day, then so be it. 
3.  Treats are good for kids, but not the ones that contain food coloring.  I don't have a problem with cookies, ice cream, and cake unless they are covered in Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 6, etc.  This is one thing I definitely feel strongly about and Kevin backs me 100%.  For someone who once lived off Starburst, Jolly Ranchers, and Twizzlers, I know giving up dye wasn't easy for Kevin (but we have found alternatives).
4.  All pacifiers will be destroyed when our children are 1 years old.  We're hoping our kids don't want them...fingers crossed.
5.  Our kids will learn a foreign language at a young age.  If foreign language isn't offered at their schools, then we'll hire a tutor. 
6.  Our kids will not have the biggest and best things.  A 5 year old doesn't need an iPad and a 10 year old doesn't need the newest gaming console.
7.  The kids will be in sports.  We don't care which ones, but the kids need to be active.   
8.  We are not going to vaccinate.  I started researching vaccinations last year when we started discussing having children.  Since then, I've come across a plethora of valuable information and have shared it all with Kevin.  We've discussed the pros and cons of vaccinating and have decided we do not want to do it.  We know this will be a battle with pediatricians and schools, but we are willing to fight.

Pregnancy Pictures

I knew from Day 1 of finding out we were pregnant I wanted to document my growing belly somehow.  Since Pinterest is everyone's best friend, I went there for inspiration.  There was the option of holding up a piece of fruit corresponding to the size of the baby, I could put a sticker on my shirt that indicated how many weeks I was, or I could wear the same shirt in every picture.  My favorite idea was the the "Chalkboard" idea that everyone had pinned.

There was a problem though...how the hell was I going to get a chalkboard over to Italy with me?  I needed to get creative and finally hit the jackpot at Hobby Lobby.  They had large black construction paper, which chalk would show up on AND it would travel well.  PERFECT!  Here are my pictures Week 12 through Week 20.

Yes, the sign is a little crooked .

I definitely needed to wear a tighter shirt.

Maybe a little bump???

Baby Reiter went to his/her first concert this night.

Baby and belly are growing!

I would say Week 17 is when I popped. 

On our way to see Daddy!

My first preggers picture in Italy. 

This baby is moving now!

Shit Show at the Krankenhaus

When we were told that an appointment had been set up for us at the hospital, the only directions we were given were to bring my passport, Kevin's hospital booklet, and my records from the US. The team owner instructed us to go to the hospital and then follow the signs to gynocolgy where we would meet with a Dr. Kofler, who would know what to do with us.

Like good foreigners, we listened. We got there, followed the signs, and then waited in the waiting room, assuming someone would call my name. But then we started hearing them yell out numbers and it occurred to us that everyone had tickets in their hands except for us. Where the hell were they getting these tickets? Then a new lady came in and just walked into one of the rooms. Well, I wasn't too keen on that idea.  Who's to say what I might walk into...a vagina, perhaps, since we are in gynocolgy.

Obviously, we don't speak the language so we couldn't ask anyone and we couldn't read the signs on the door so instead we chose to creep outside of the door like idiots...Kevin first and then I joined him in the creeping. Another new girl came in and asked Kevin a question, which we, of course, had no answer to besides our favorite one word answer...."English." And wouldn't you know it, she did know English and just wanted to know if there was anyone in there, which we answered "I don't know" to. So, she gave it a knock and then was instructed to come in.

Once she left, Kevin and I decided to follow suit. I knocked, the lady said something, and we walked in. Before she even started talking, I asked, "sprechen English (speak English)" and she just shook her head. This was going to be good. We talked English with some German throw in; she spoke German with some English thrown in. But after a few minutes, Kevin just pointed to my name on the list and that solved everything. We finally got our number after waiting in the waiting room for 20 minutes and trying to talk to this lady for 5.  

We went back to the waiting room where we waiting for "ein und achtzing" to be called. And then we heard "eighty-one." Dammit lady...my German sucks, but I do know my numbers and I was really looking forward to showing you my skills.  Whatever! So, we got into the office and there were three ladies just staring at us. They informed us that "they didn't speak very good English," which was a lie since they could put that sentence together perfectly. One lady introduced herself as Dr. Kofler, which I assumed meant she knew why we were there. Oh no, she didn't have a clue who we were or why we were there. I explained our situation...I'm pregnant, my husband works here, the baby will be born here, I need an OB/GYN, and here are my records. 

I think that cleared things up because then one of the nurses started my paperwork, while the other told me to get on the scale. Typically, I like to take off my shoes and any extra clothing, but there was no time for that so I hopped on the scale and almost shit my pants when I saw the number. I've decided to subract 2 lbs (maybe 3 lbs) from my weight since I had on boots, a sweater, and a scarf, which I would have usually shed before hitting the scale. Then Dr. Kofler left the room and came back with a man who asked me some questions, filled out my "Mutterpass," and informed me that I needed a sonogram (because I had left all of mine in the States).

My Mutterpass is where all my records about the baby go. 

The songram room was a packed house...two doctors, two nurses, Kevin, and me. They left the door wide open and I could hear people passing by. I wouldn't be surprised if someone caught a glimpse of my vagina considering the one nurse practically pulled my pants all the way down for the sonogram.  Whoa lady, that is not how this things operate in the States!

Anyways, we were excited to get a songoram because Kevin hadn't seen the baby since all of my appointments were done in the States while he was already here in Italy. The doctor showed us the important parts...arms, legs, heart, head, but not the baby's privates. And he did the measurements. He rattled off some stuff in German to the other doctor and then we were done.

We made our way back to the desk where they told us everything looked great and we made our next appointment. I was also instructed that I need to get more blood work, which I couldn't do that day because the lab closes at noon everyday (seriously, people don't work here in Italy). But before we were finished and the male doctor left, Kevin asked for his name since he had never introduced himself.  Dr. Schatzer is my new OB/GYN.  He speaks great English and is super nice, but Kevin says he looks like he brushes his hair with a pork chop (it really is that bad)...but overall we are pleased. 

All-in-all, we got what we came to get accomplished done and we even got a little more. Now I just need to go get my blood work this week (luckily, I know the blood lady). I'm also making a mental note to get a number next time and wear less clothing. 

Rumour Has It!

Or I guess it's not a rumour if it's actually true.  Kevin and I are expecting...which most people know.  But in case you didn't, I'm telling you here.

Even when it's half-way planned (and I say half-way because we didn't expect it to happen so quickly), it's still a shock.  Since Kevin was in Pittsburgh at the time, I had to take the test by myself and nothing wakes you up at 7 in the morning quite like seeing two pink lines on a pee stick.  Doing the logical thing, I called Kevin to share the news and turns out he couldn't talk since he was out fishing with his brother.  I think his exact words were "I can't talk about this right now.  I'm fishing with Kenny.  Go back to bed and we'll talk about it later."  OK...no problem.  I'll just process all this by myself. 

After much processing and talking, we started coming up with a plan.  Kevin had already signed in Italy for the year so we had to wrap our head around the fact that our baby would be welcomed to the world by a German speaking Italian midwife.  And I had to wrap my head about the fact that I would most likely be having a natural labor and that if the baby is a boy, there will be no circumcision.

Still, with everything being well out of the norm for most people going through pregnancy, we are so excited.  Of course, we are nervous at the same time, but that is perfectly normal.  We have brought over all the baby essential we'll need that can't be purchased here and then my parents will bring over the rest when they come over in March.  I've had amazing support from fellow hockey wives who have given birth overseas and honestly think I might have had a nervous breakdown if it weren't for them.

Our parents have been wonderful.  My mom and dad will be first time grandparents and I'm pretty sure the news of Kevin and I expecting has made their year.  Since Kevin had to leave for Italy in early August, my mom had to act as my "replacement husband."  She did the shopping with me, went to my doctor's appointment, and dined on pickle dip and Snicker Ice Cream bars with me late at night.  Poor mom even put on my pregnancy weight. 

I was lucky enough to be able to make it to Pittsburgh before I left for Italy to spend some time with Kevin's parents too.  They were kind enough to get us our stroller and car seat so that when we get home with the baby, the car seat will be ready and waiting at the airport.  And Kevin's parents will also be housing the three of us for a short while as soon as we head back to the States.

Tomorrow is my first doctor's appointment at the Krankenhaus (hospital) so that should be interesting.  Stay tuned to see how it all goes.