Three years ago today I gave birth to an amazing little boy EXACTLY on his estimated due date. He’s my heart and I love him to pieces. Jo Jo is the youngest of four children. He was quite a surprise because there is an eight year difference between him and the second to last youngest, and after baby number 3 I said that was it… We’re done, our family is complete! So, I was wrong. I documented this pregnancy from beginning to end. I went to a Birthing Center vs. traditional OBGYN for prenatal care, got 3D/4D ultrasound images and video, took pregnancy portraits, took up knitting and scrap-booking just to name a few things. The only thing I didn’t do was paint my belly or do a belly cast. My sister says the two middle children are going to suffer from middle child syndrome because of ALL the attention my oldest and the youngest get. I disagree! *thinking*
I had a decent pregnancy up until my third trimester when I was put on bed rest because Jo Jo tried several attempts at making his debut quite early! I was going crazy in bed my last trimester. That’s when the knitting and scrap-booking came into play. I must have made every kind of blanket, hat, and scarf you can think of! On Sunday January 13, 2008 at 6:00 a.m. in the morning I felt an overwhelming amount of pressure which then turned into immediate full blown contractions. We made it to the birthing center just in time for my water to break. I must have tried every birthing position you can think of but, I was just restless. I wanted a water birth but, couldn’t get relaxed and comfortable in the water. I tried the birthing ball which lasted the longest. FINALLY at 12:42 p.m. in the afternoon Jo Jo was born and I fell in love immediately! We rested for a while and were released at 5:30 p.m. and got home just in time for Sunday night football! The Mister was very happy! We had a midwife come in for a few days after he was born to do all the necessary tests and checkups that are usually done in the hospital. One of the reasons I chose a birthing center besides the fact that they take a natural approach to everything is that I have a phobia of hospitals and I was able to go home the same day. If the state of NC allowed home births, I would have stayed home.
Jo Jo is amazing! He’s so SMART! I guess being the youngest of four children he would be. He is home schooled at the moment and learning a kindergarten curriculum because he’s so advanced. He picks up on things very easily and will come out of left field and surprise me. I have posted some pictures of my journey with Jo Jo until the present. Oh, check him out being a cool kid, thanks to Yo Gabba Gabba!
3D/4D Ultrasound @ 36 wks
1st Newborn Pic
1st Birthday Keepsake
2nd Birthday Invitation
3rd Birthday Invitation