My Birth Plan

Gleason Family Birth Plan 

Dear Borgess Midwives, Physicians and staff,

About Us:
My name is Rita Marie Gleason , I am pregnant with our third child. Our family, who includes my husband Kyle Gleason and our sons Colton (age 5) and Alex (age 2) are very excited about this birth, especially since if follows the sorrow of a miscarriage last year. This birth also marks the joy of welcoming our first daughter to our family.

Goals and Concerns: 
We believe Birth is a normal natural life event. We want to work with the staff at Borgess to achieve the best outcome for the health and benefit of our child. We are flexible, however my greatest concern and fear is to have any ²routine² interventions that will lead down the path of a totally unnecessary and medically driven birth experience. In the past I have delivered two very healthy babies naturally without pain medication. Both of these births were natural vaginal deliveries. My oldest child was born weighing 9lbs 3 oz. and our second child was born weighing 7lbs 12 oz.

Plan for a Normal Birth

First Stage of Labor:

• During early labor I would love for my family and children to be as involved as they wish, however, once I progress to active labor I would prefer to only have the my husband Kyle who is my primary support person and my Mother Connie Grigsby present for the duration of my labor and delivery.
• During labor I would like the option to change positions, stand and/or walk around, If available I would like access to aids such as a birth ball, and tub.
• Please, please, I would really like to keep the number of vaginal exams to a minimum, perhaps at my request or only if needed for a clinical decision.  
• Monitoring: I realize there may be standard protocol regarding fetal monitoring, I would prefer intermittent monitoring with a dopler or intermittent external fetal monitoring
• I would like the option to eat and drink. If eating is not permitted, I would at least like to have access to water, ice chips, or juice.
• If possible I would like to AVOID any IV fluids. I will allow two attempts at a Saline/heparin lock (for emergency purposes.)

Second Stage of Labor:

• I would really like to have the freedom to choose positions for labor and pushing, however, I am open to suggestions from my caregiver and staff. I prefer gravity-enhancing positions.
• During expulsion, I would like the opportunity to allow my body to spontaneously bear down and push the baby out. (this method as worked for me in the past.)
• I may or may not wish to be covered during delivery. Please ask me before draping anything around or over my body. 
• During pushing and if available I would like access to a choice of birthing stool, squatting bar, floor or bed.
• I do not want an episiotomy. 
• I would like my caregiver to take measures to maintain an intact perineum, such as use of a warm compress or other measures that may be helpful.

Third Stage of Labor and first hours after birth:

• I would like my baby placed on my chest immediately for skin to skin contact and bonding. I would like her to remain there for observation and Apgar scoring. 
• I would like to wait until the cord stops pulsating before clamping or cutting.
• I would like the opportunity to cut the cord.
• --continued on other side
• I would like to AVOID routine medication to contract the uterus unless absolutely necessary. (I have not had issues with bleeding in the past and did not receive any medication following my second child’s delivery.) I would prefer to use breast feeding and/or fundal massage instead.  
• I would like no visitors until I give consent and then if possible I would like my children to be present first.
• I plan to breastfeed. And therefore would like to avoid any formula or other supplementation be given to my baby
• I would like my baby to room in with me.
• I am o.k. with my baby receiving a vitamin K injection and antibiotic ointment on the eyes if needed. I DO NOT wish to have my child receive any other vaccinations on her day of birth unless medically necessary.

Unexpected Labor Events:   
My only request regarding unexpected labor events is that my husband Kyle Gleason and I be informed of all risk/benefits and be party to any decisions being made for the health and benefit of our child.

Thank you for taking a moment to consider our plan for a normal vaginal delivery.
Sincerely,


Rita Gleason and family.

Pregnancy Update

Well, I've made it to 38 weeks and well... let just say I'm ready. Except, I'm not really ready. We have so much I would like to see accomplished before baby girl arrives. *sigh* But, all in good time.
Some of those things you would think include preparing a nursery, or even just a house to live in. But, really  I have come to terms (mostly) that this is not my reality. And it's o.k.
So, what do I still want to see accomplished? Well, there is the mountain of laundry that needs tackling, and a bag packed for the hospital etc... the normal stuff.
I did finally write and turn in my birth plan to our midwife. So, that feels pretty good. Surprisingly this is the first one I have ever really written. It was kind of fun.  With Colton I did one of those sample-check-the box birth plans (it was like 7 pages long) my Doctor promptly dismissed it. With Alex, my midwife and I just talked things over, and we kind of went from there.
This time its all on paper, signed by my midwife and sent to Labor and Delivery so it will be right in my file for the staff. I'm curious what sort of impact (if any) it will have on my birthing experience. I did try to keep it short and include only the most important preferences.
Now if only I can get that bag packed :o)

Home Sweet.....Camper?

Well, we have been back in Michigan for about two weeks now. And I must say it feels pretty good. Familiar faces and places are always comforting. We are currently snuggled in a 28ft camper loaned to us by Kyle's Uncle Dale and Aunt Sandy, and are parked in my Father and Mother In-law's back yard. This arrangement is really is working out quite well. The camper has air-conditioning, running water, and a functional bathroom. We are doing this all in the name of saving money until Kyle's new job starts (and it looks like it will around the end of the month.) Of course this means that in the mean time, I had better get used to the idea of having a baby while living here.

I do think it will be a bit of a challenge in the early days of new baby, but I keep reminding myself it is doable. After all these are pretty cushy accommodations compared to what Mary had when Jesus was born. I do have a bed, running water and a bathroom for goodness sake. I also got another reminder that really it is quite fitting I have at least one child while living in a travel trailer, because, after all the first months of my life were spent in a similar fashion. Yep, for those of you who don't know my parents worked in the oil fields back in the day and lived in a converted school bus. And thusly that is where I also lived off and on for about the first six month's of my life. So, yes, if my mother could do it, I surely should be able to as well. I really should stress however that we do very little "living" in these close quarters. We use it mostly for sleeping. One of the benefits of being in my in-laws back yard is that their house is a mere 30 feet from ours and open to us all day. Mostly, we just sleep here and eat breakfast, than as fast as they can the boys beat feet to Manna and Papa's.

This brings me to another benefit of staying here, we have lots of help and support. For the first time in 2 1/2 monthes, I have been able to sit and relax. The boys can play outside without worry of some posinous snake, or spider lurking about. Also, thanks to my Mother-in-laws baby sitting business, the boys have actual children to play with. (I don't remember if I mentioned that down in Georgia we had zero success making friends.) Anyway, the boys have been having a tremendous time getting re-aquainted with their cousins and friends Monday - Wednesday. This of course gives me even more free time, though it does feel a bit bitter-sweet.
Soon enough life will change again and we will be able move into our own place and space. But for today I am grateful to be home.

Last Days

We are now safely deposited back in Michigan. The trip was neither too fun, nor was it horrible. We are now making some new adjustments, however, before we dive into what our future may hold and what our present looks like I wanted to share a few pictures from our last days in Georgia.

Kyle's last time moving cows

Goodbye Ladies

Some last minute work on the truck needed to be done.

Goodbye dear friends Wayne & Therese
 

Let the trailer loading begin (and yes everything fit in a 3 horse slant w/walk-in tack. Thanks to Heather. 

Dear friends Fud and Heather who had mercy on us and drove down to Georgia to help us move. We shall forever be grateful
.

Goodbye Georgia. It's been fun. Mostly.

That's Life

Everyone knows sometimes things just don't go the way you plan it...ever. But, that's life.
The question I keep facing is, why? I've talked about this before. And yet here I sit again wondering, WHY?
Why did we come here? Why has this move been so hard? Why are we already leaving? Why can't we just settle into something and be content? The list goes on, but you get the idea.

Asking "why" seems to be a common theme in my life. I by nature am an analyzer, and by that I mean I truly want to understand where I've been, where I am, so I can wisely go where God wants me to go. I still don't know if I can totally grasp the enormity of this continuous life lesson. But, I decided (more for me than anything) I want to take a moment and jot down what I have learned thus far... This time.

#1 Why? Because we choose the path we take. This probably a given understanding for most people, but it is a relativity new concept I am coming to grips with. The fact of the matter is whether you follow Christ or not, we all have been given free will. And part of that free will (be it a blessing or a curse) is that we always have a choice. Now bear with me (and feel free to correct me) but, as I walk out my faith, and my life I have come to a rather startling realization. When I come to a fork in the road of life, sometimes the left fork is the right path, and then again the path to the right is o.k. too. **Now, please note I am talking about strictly literal life choices. Not choices that affect  my spiritual path. For me, that path is found only in Christ and laid out clearly and carefully in scripture.**

What I mean is, look at our situation. We faced a choice before coming down here. Do we take a regular job in Michigan that will provide for our needs? Or, do we try Ranching again and take a job that will provide for our needs?  Of course there was a bit more to it than than that, a whole host of pro's and con's was made and prayed over. We relied heavily on Gods guidance in the matter, but ultimately it was still our decision, one which I believe God blessed. But, I don't know if I think anymore that he would of not blessed us if we had chosen to stay in Michigan. Because, we did have options there too.
So, what I'm getting at (and this is where my theology gets iffy) What if God, who loves us so much, and we have the privilege of being his children, really isn't all that concerned about where we live or what we choose to do for a career, so long as we are still walking and growing in faith and love and light?

I mean, if you consider your relationship with your children, I know at least in my case that I don't care what my kids want to be when they grow up. Colton can be a paleontologist, bull rider, farmer, cowboy, janitor/super hero (yes that is his real list at the moment.) No, my greatest concern and hope is that he love God and that his life shines the light of Jesus' love wherever he goes.

So, in the grand scheme of things, and in answer to the many "why's", yes, I believe our decision to move to Georgia was within Gods will and was blessed by him. But, I also believe our choice to move back to Michigan (and so soon) is also within Gods will and blessing not because God really wants us to be gypsies, but because he loves us and wants to work in our lives and can do that no matter where we choose to live.

Which brings me to #2: No matter what choice we make or circumstance we face in life God can use it.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.


Even if it is our choice (by virtue of free will) God can and will use it, be it to teach us more about his nature or spiritual plan for our life or perhaps to touch the life of another.

There was more, but I forget at the moment, So, I'll just chew on this for a while.
Thanks for listening, and if anyone has any insights I would love to discuss them.
God bless and good night.

Changes

Well, its official. We are moving again, and yes I know what your thinking, Already?
As it turns out this place just isn't working for us. There are a plethora of reasons, though none in need of real discussion here.
What I can say, is we do not regret coming down here. We have learned a lot. Mostly personally. God is working on us more and more each day.
So, where to next? You guessed it, back to good old Michigan. For what? Well, Kyle has a job on the table  up there, the catch is they will not be ready for him right away, but we need to move before baby comes.
So, things that we could use some prayer on...
Safe travels,
A house (we sold ours)
Possibly temporary work until the job Kyle is after is ready.
We'll keep you posted, thanks in advance for your prayers and we'll see a lot of you soon :o)

Farmers Market Season

I really have been meaning to write this week. I really have. But, now that I am in the 34th week of my pregnancy, I find I'm ....well, exhausted.
Most days, I feel my greatest accomplishment is a load of laundry and a walk. I've actually had to give up our long morning walks to Gold Mine Mountain (3miles round trip) and even our walks to the ranch (1 3/4 miles round trip) in favor of a much shorter and less hilly hike to the gate at the cemetery pasture (about 1 mile round trip.) The longer walks get too hot too quickly and I am pretty much reduced to a puddle the rest of the day. Not to mention I tend to get and insane amount of (far too frequent) braxton hicks contractions.
Though, even the trek to the cemetery pasture has been taken away for a week or two as the guys have been weed spraying out there. So, I guess we shall be getting some of my long neglected house work done instead. I suppose you can't play all the time.

Among other things we have just been following our normal routine. One of our more fun days is Friday, also known as town day/farmers market day. Forsyth has a darling farmers market. I have come to adore the vendors there. Its slightly different from our local Farmers market in Allegan. One of those differences being the cheerful sellers calling out what they have. Example: One might call out as you walk past; "Peaches, peaches, three dolla a basket, get your cucumbers two dolla a basket, fresh okra. Ma'am you look like you need some green tomaters?" and all of it in a beautiful southern drawl. I know its not the same in print, so feel free to use your imagination.

One of our favorites is the watermelon man. He has a beautiful assortment of watermelon with sweet fleshes ranging in pale yellow and honey sweet to deep reds with a juicy sugar flavor.  He always welcome my boys, "Hey cowboys, you look like you need some water melon." And offers up a sample out of his cooler. Of course we never turn him down. After all it is 90+ degrees out. Our final stop is at the snow cone tent, where the boys each get a snow cone for the ride home.

Yesterday at the market we happened on a new fruit. Now call me crazy but I have never seen a real live fig let alone tasted one. But there they were, small delicate green/purple fruit, looking more like an onion to me than a fruit. Therese was very excited as these are some of her favorites. We bought a quart of the ripest ones and sure enough they they are amazing, scented of flowers and sweet delicate flavor almost like honey. Colton loved them, and even Kyle said he would eat them again, Alex is on the fence about them but, I think he'll come around in time.

Other than that things have been pretty quiet. We didn't really do anything for the 4th of July. With burn and fireworks bans in effect, not much was going on anyway. We did get a surprise thunder storm and the lightning display was fantastic.
 I sure hope everyone is able to get some relief from the heat, or cold (depending on where you are.) If there is one thing I have come to realize its that in July the weather is never ideal.