Fri, December 30, 2005 - Nafeh and Katrina    Comments: 0

We had our midwifery appointment today along with an ultrasound. The midwife was concerned because i was measuring small and wanted me to just get checked. Everything checked out great and the baby is healthy as far as they can tell from that angle. We are basically a little over two weeks until the due date and it is really hard to believe that this time has come. We are so excited though and are finishing up getting things ready around the house for the babies arrival.

Thu, December 29, 2005 - Katrina    Comments: 0

The baby has been kicking and moving quite a bit lately, but it's more a rolling motion and a few feet under the ribs. I am feeling pretty good...mainly tired because I don't sleep for more than two hours before, the pressure on my bladder causes me to get up. The baby appears to be the proper delivery position. At least, according to our last midwifery appointment the baby was head down. We have our next appointment tomorrow the 30th of December and pretty much every week until the baby is due. Again, the due date is technically January 16th, but could come any time a week or two before or after.
Nafeh and I are both really excited and I definitely get nervous at times, if I think about it too much.
I try to say little prayers every now and then to just get myself more the frame of mind to relax.
This morning, we reviewed our 'Bradley method' workbook (the birthing class methodology that we are attempting to use for this birth)---so we are hoping after that with a little practicing, we will be as ready as possible.
Nafeh's family (well, they are my family too) are coming to visit tomorrow through Monday. We are so excited and feel really blessed that they are all able to make the sacrifice to come visit because we can not travel comfortably to visit them at this point. See you all soon!! We love you!

Thu, December 29, 2005 - Katrina    Comments: 0

I know I haven't really charted my thoughts and happenings about this pregnancy as much as I would have liked too. However, I have been feeling that this has been a really great pregnancy. Overall, I have felt good and not had too many major complications. Of course, one always worries and gets anxious when the due date gets closer, but I don't have the feeling of 'get it out' yet I try to imagine what life will be like with him, once he is here, but it seems so vague at this point...sometimes I try to imagine if Gypsy (our puppy) is our baby how much time of the day does it occupy etc...but somehow I think it doesn't equate at all....hahaha We have great examples in both our parents and hopefully I will have the forsight to use their advice while developing my own thoughts and ideas about parenting. I didn't think I would be as nervous about the delivery, pain etc....as I am feeling lately. I think it's normal, but I get waves of anxiety, especially when I feel the baby move a lot and and then he is quite for a little while. Alas, I'm sure all you mother's out there are laughing at me and saying 'welcome to motherhood' Truly, though I can't wait!!! I love this little baby so much already!! I can't wait for Nafeh to be a father---he will be so great!!

Wed, December 28, 2005 - Katrina    Comments: 0

Today was our 3 year anniversary!! WOW!! So amazing and so wonderful. It is hard to believe that so much and so many blessings have happened over the past three years.
Nafeh, I wanted to tell you that they have been the best three years of my life!! I love you!!
We spent the day relaxed (as much of this winter break has been spent). This is the first break since we have been married that we have not travelled during a break. Although, we love to travel and miss seeing family and friends, it seems that this is the best decision considering I am only about 3 weeks from our due date. We are so lucky that others will be able to come visit us.
We went to lunch at a sushi restaurant (which we both love) for our anniversary. We did some major grocery shopping in preparation for the upcoming months AND bought our FIRST BOX OF BABY DIAPERS--we have received some from other family and friends as gifts, but not bought any of our own...so that was a big milestone!!

I apologize for being so delayed in writing. I have been wanting to write everyday and then the evening comes and I am exhausted...oh well, so is life/especially pregnancy life.

Wed, December 28, 2005 - Katrina    Comments: 0

We had the blessing of having my mother and brother, Geoffrey come visit us for the weekend and stay a few extra days. They helped so much with getting things done that I had on my list, but have not had the energy to really achieve yet. Thanks so much to the both of you!! I/We love you!!!
The baby room is on it's way!!

Fri, December 16, 2005 - Katrina    Comments: 0

Well, I did it!!! I finished my first semester of nursing school. I can't believe it has already come and gone. BUT, I am very very glad that the exams are over. I did fairly well, especially considering the appendectomy/pregnancy etc...so I feel good about these past 4 months. However, I do want to say that I could not have done it at ALL without the amazing support, help, and tutoring from my amazing husband, Nafeh. Also, my great group of nursing school friends who slaved through the times both emotionally and physically--helped me get through it--I could not have done it without all of you!!
Teresa, Bethany, Shai, Ty, Amy, Mindy, Dru, Adam, and my clinical instructor-Amy.---Thanks so much to all of you!!!

Sun, November 27, 2005 - Katrina    Comments: 0

Nafeh and I spent a wonderful week in Huntsville (the longest time since we have been married) and had a great time and Thanksgiving!! We missed the Fananapazir side of the family, but alas...that is the challenge and goal--to get all family members together on such a big 'eating' holiday, one of these years.

We were also blessed to be given another wonderful baby shower. Alicia (my older sister), my mom (Rosana), and aunt (Diana), threw us a great baby shower. It was intimate and wonderful with many family members we had not seen in a while, grandparents made the trek, and old family friends sacrificed their day to come spend it with us. Everyone has been so generous and we can not thank you all enough for helping us be so prepared for the coming of the baby. No we do not have a name picked yet...and although, we will have options, we will not actually 'name him' until after we see him
Brian (Tyson)--my youngest brother--did however, write an inspired rap about his new nephew that hopefully we can put on the website so that everyone can enjoy it.

Tue, November 15, 2005 - Nafeh and Katrina    Comments: 0

We have posted some pictures from our first baby shower (hosted by Pooneh Ghiassi and the Ghiassi family). The picture to the right is of the cake that Talieh Ferdowsi made for the event. It is hard to believe that Katrina has just entered her eighth month! Things continue to go well, and we are looking forward to the Thanksgiving and Winter breaks (the last breaks before welcoming our son into the world).

Wed, November 02, 2005 - Nafeh and Katrina    Comments: 0

Well, since the last blog, we have visited Nafeh's parents in Cumberland, spent time at the Baltimore aquarium, visited with Ghaneh and Melody, had a 29-week checkup, and...adopted a puppy from the Humane society. There are new pictures and videos in the links above.

The puppy's name is Gypsy, and we are hoping that it will be good for the baby to grow up around a family pet. With Gypsy's need to spend time outside, we are certainly getting some early experience waking up in the middle of the night.

Mon, October 03, 2005 - Nafeh    Comments: 0

Katrina and I spent Saturday and Sunday at the bed and breakfast "Butterfly Hollow" just an hour outside of Nashville. It was a lovely weekend, and the hosts, David and Sharon, were wonderful as usual (we had been to Butterfly Hollow in April). You can check the place out at: http://www.butterflyhollow.com. I got to do a little bit of horseback riding on Sunday - Katrina, of course, sat this experience out; although, she really wanted to come along. There are a couple more photos in the "Pictures" section.

Thu, September 29, 2005 - Nafeh    Comments: 0

This evening was our second birthing class. There is a big difference between learning about the process from a medical textbook, and listening to those who have gone through the process firsthand! This evening, we practised some relaxation techniques as well as continuing to discuss nutrition and exercise. We are trying an approach called the Bradley method, which focuses on helping the father be the coach through the birthing process (what have I gotten myself into??!!) Nevertheless, the realization that the birth is just three months round the corner is certainly putting a very lucid spin to the process, and it is enjoyable getting a sense of things to come.

Fri, September 23, 2005 - Katrina    Comments: 0

Well, every day gets better and better. We went to the doctor today and they took my steri-stips off. It was reported, that everything looked great and the heart beat is going strong. Last night, Nafeh and I had our first birthing class. We are using the Bradley Method, which is a deep breathing, relaxation method that focuses on the husband as being the primary coach during the process. We both enjoyed it and look forward to the classes each week. Its hard to believe that we are actually in the stage of life where we are attending birthing classes!

Tue, September 20, 2005 - Nafeh    Comments: 0

Katrina was in surgery over the weekend. Appendicitis! Needless to say it was a harrowing experience...pregnancy makes surgery more complicated. Thankfully, the surgeons at Vanderbilt were able to remove the appendix before it ruptured - and they were able to do it laparoscopically (without making a large open incision). Katrina (and the baby) made it through without complications. Pregnancy does not seem to increase or reduce the chance of developing appendicitis, so it was just a scary coincidence. We're at home now, and she is recovering well.

Mon, September 12, 2005 - Nafeh and Katrina    Comments: 2

We will try to put an entry here every week or so (or when significant events come up).