Smidgey's First Flight and Golden Linings

Jeb gave Baby Smidge the cup that he used
when he was a baby, engraved with his name in
sterling silver and lined with gold.

On the weekend of September 18-21, Jim and I were lucky enough to sneak in one last pre-baby trip to Abingdon, Virginia. Not only did we get to climb the beautiful cliffs of Hidden Valley, but we had four days with friends who poured love over this baby the whole time. Jeb has been a very special person in our lives ever since he yelled at Jim, told him to get a job and buy a stick clip, a memory he doesn't seem to have :-). In addition to having spectacular company, we had lovely weather and even better climbing. While my abs have officially quit being a part of my rock climbing experience, I still top roped climbs from 5.7-5.9. My chiropractor here in Ithaca recommended that be my last rock climbing trip until after baby, but we'll see how I feel. Seeing my toes is becoming a bit of an issue :-).




As an unexpected bonus, Andria is temporarily living in Abingdon and we got to spend time with her. We now have lots of favored reading from her and Kire. It is such special time to get to be together with our wonderful Virginia friends who are family.  Though we are settling into New York more and more every day, there is something about those Virginia mountains that wrap around every where you look and always make me feel at home.

Doula's and Carseats

28 Weeks...7 months!!!

We had our 28 week/glucose appointment yesterday morning. Smidgerton has moved into a head down position, which is creating some very interesting pressure for the mama. Still lots of movement, I am just feeling it in different ways than I was before. Smidgey's heartbeat is going strong in the 130's and my belly is finally measuring 28 centimeters, which is the same as the number of weeks that I am pregnant. Last week was a particularly sleepy one and I knew that tiny baby was growing, growing, growing. Jim would say I was a bit grumpy, as he is a very brave man, but I like to think of it as extra tired. I have gained about 3 pounds since my last appointment 2 weeks ago. Let the rapid growth begin!

Jim and I decided we like the idea of having a doula at the birth and we had the opportunity to meet with Kate Dimfl yesterday evening. Not only was she absolutely personable and delightful, she is full of knowledge and experience. The idea, for us specifically, is that she would be the expert and the two of us would be partners and teammates. This relieves any unreasonable expectations I may conjure up in my hormonal head that Jim should be the expert and meet all of my needs during labor and delivery. We still plan to give birth at Cayuga Medical Center, but with a doula, hopefully Kate, at our side. Now, how can we get insurance to cover the cost?

Grandma and Grandpa Bisha came for a quick visit last night. (Jim is now the proud owner of his dad's motorcycle.) As a bonus, they brought down the stroller and carseat that they bought for their first grandbaby, which is a completely generous and lovely gift that we are grateful for. Things just keep getting more and more real. I have to say, seeing your husband's left brain navigate a stroller and carseat is pretty darn sweet. Some days I think I fall even more in love with that man. I was shocked he didn't just ignore the box or pretend like we really don't need them. To my surprise, he got it all set-up, analyzed the packaging it came in and pushed it around the house. Then he shoved it in a corner and it appears the ignoring has begun. 

Little Notes to Remember

26 weeks along and into the third and final trimester!

Smidgster and I had a check-up yesterday. Little thing is apparently a show-off, which is a good reminder that this baby is definitely a product of Jim Bisha. As soon as the midwife put the heart monitor on my belly, Smidge started kicking and punching like crazy making the monitor bob up and down! Though this is no indication of anything whatsoever, it was fun for the mama.

As a side note, the visit went well again. This was my first visit without Jim which was absolutely fine. Baby's heart is beating between 135-140 and growth looks normal, though I am measuring at about a week behind schedule (which is fine). I learned that Tinactin is a level C pregnancy drug and that it shouldn't be used. So much to learn! I was also reminded that my favorite sound in the world is the wooshing of that teeny, tiny strong little heartbeat. What a joy.

Smidgey the Adventurer

Navigating pregnancy, a changing body, activities that I love and activities that Jim and I love together has been quite the maneuver. First, there are very few references for said activities. Jim and I have read every rock climbing while pregnant blog we could find, which is great for learning from the experience of others, but not so great from a medical perspective. Turns out most of the doctors/midwives I am exposed to do not have an experience in this area, so their advice and personal suggestions feels a bit haphazard.

What we decided in the end, at least for climbing, is that I/we would use that knowledge gained and feelings and go from there. We traveled to Rumney, NH over July 4th weekend. At that time (about 15 weeks pregnant) I was able to climb in the low 5.10 range and really enjoy myself. Of course, there was no belly in the way yet and I was on a "I don't feel like vomiting" high. As we packed to go a Labor Day trip back up to Rumney, Jim came clean and told me he felt concerned. He knew that my expectations would be similar to the last time we were there and that, at almost 26 weeks pregnant and a few days from the third trimester, that these expectations would lead to unnecessary disappointment and frustration.

This was a hard pill to swallow, even more difficult than the huge prenatal pill I take religiously, but I was grateful that Jim felt comfortable communicating clearly and respectfully with me. I agreed to change to my expectations and felt that hiking into the rock with my pack on (minus water, which Jim agreed to carry), setting up a hammock and climbing one route a day at 5.8 or below would still make a wonderful weekend with my husband and friends.

Jim wasn't wrong ;-). Though I climbed more than a route a day, I couldn't even begin to touch the routes that were overhanging 5.9 and above. Tried I did, but decided to come back down to the ground, and reality, after ten minutes of hanging from the rope in a very uncomfortable harness. Regardless, we did have a great weekend. I never had to set-up the hammock. I continue to be a trustworthy belayer (though a belayer with limits) and a rock climber. Rock climbing, adventuring and being outside is where Jim and I find our zen, if you will. Without that time, at least in some capacity, and without his patience and grace in supporting my changing needs, things could get pretty resentful around our house. I am grateful for another lovely weekend at the crag, for friends who humor me and feel my belly when I say so and for a husband who is supportive no matter what limitations, even if temporary, I put on our experience.

Over the past few months I have learned that backing off and being in the moment makes life much more enjoyable. I think I am always learning about this, but pregnancy has amplified the process. Temporary body changes that end in a baby is a very different situation for an active person than so many others that people are experiencing every day.

On a different, back to the cooing and sweet stuff, when we got home from Rumney, the below item was waiting on the porch from two of our most darling friends, Erin and Yamin. While I will not admit how long it took Daddy Bear to get it all set-up as he refused directions or help from his lovely wife, it makes me smile every time I go in the guest room.

Pop goes Camp Seneca Lake!

25 Weeks and Counting!

Little Smidgey is mid-growth spurt. Well, this is my professional assessment on any account. Yesterday I was still able to wear most of my own tops. Today I am only able to wear (publicly anyway) maternity tops. Seems like I have just popped out over night! The good news is my milk makers have seemed to leveled out, at least for now.

This past weekend (August 22-24) was Smidgey's first Starr Family Camp (and only mommy's second). Camp Seneca Lake is a fairly primitive, large camp with great lake front access. Jim took us out for our first hobiecat sailboat ride as a family of three! We were lucky enough to have Jim's family join on us on the boat. This baby is going to think Jim is the coolest dad on the planet. I am convinced there is nothing he cannot do.

The following week Danielle threw the "pregnant ladies" a Baby Brunch at work. I woke up looking forward to it, but feeling unsure and a little nervous. I never prefer to be sitting in the front of the room opening gifts. To my pleasant surprise, I had an absolutely wonderful time! Turns out I really love baby showers and tiny items with little ears! It was such a neat time to share stories with everyone around the office and I am greatly appreciative of the experience! We received some lovely gifts, as well, including a baby toothbrush, baby nail clippers (who knew there was a difference...I think Jim has already used them on himself), and wonderful handmade, wool puppet and lots of tiny items, including one with ears, my favorite :-). This has been such a wonderful experience so far. We are constantly surrounded by caring, loving, thoughtful people and that means so much to us both.