Thursday, October 30, 2008

30 Weeks, the count down is on!

The last day of October will start the 30th week of pregnancy! As you can see from the pictures our little girl is really showing through! She is getting stronger and I feel her often in my ribs... maybe she is counting! As far as everything else goes I am still trying to understand the way the health system works here. I have been privately (vs going through the public system of seeing someone different for every visit) been seeing an Italian midwife who also worked in London for many years, because of this she has many views that are similar to those in the USA. In any case we are still in Italy and are going to be giving birth here so we must follow the system. Part of this includes choosing a hospital, now once that is done I need to have a visit with the anesthesiologist who will then decide if I can have an epidural or not... now this does not mean that I can even have one when the time comes, just that I have gone through the "paper process". Now lets move on to the hospital part. Now when the time comes and I go into labor and we go to the "chosen" hospital if they happen to be full (the largest one only has 10 labor and delivery rooms) they will send us away to another place! Crazy! The other part of all of this is that I pretty much bring all of my own stuff with me including what I will wear during the ENTIRE hospital stay as well as my own maxi pads and underwear, most places you have to bring your own TP and utensils to eat with and all of the needed clothing ect for the baby. Hopefully where ever we end up to welcome our daughter to the world the medical staff will be competent and kind! Now on a yummier note this last picture is of the Sicilian cheesecake that our friend Marco brought back from Ragusa Monday night! YUM! Wish we could have shared it with you all! I guess it is another reason for you all to visit us in Italy!

13 comments:

Anthony and Christel said...

Oh my goodness Rachael! I hope that all goes well when you actually do give birth. I can't believe that you have to bring all of that stuff with you! Not to get all gross, but get the biggest thickest pads you can possibly find! I'm sure it will all turn out fine, but it sure is different from here! Good luck, you look so cute pregnant!

Brian & Emily said...

Hey woman. how the freak are you? it was so much fun to read about how you and giovanni are doing and all of the fun adventures you have been persuing. congratulations on the baby. we are hoping the good lord upstairs will bless us with a child soon. I even watched a special on michael phelps hoping it would train my swimmers to be stong but no luck yet. well I am so excited to get back in touch. we are saving our pennies to come back for the temple dedication. I started crying I was so excited. the Italians are so ready. well better go. talk to you later. Brian and Emily

Anthony and Christel said...

Yay, our plan worked!!! (Above comment)

bella utahan said...

I am so happy that you found us Brian and Emily!!! now all I need is your email to really keep in touch, or for you to set up a blog! Hope to hear from you soon!

Brian & Emily said...

hey my email is bri_n_em@yahoo.com We are currently trying to start our own blog but it might be a little while. talk to you later.

Kristi said...

Yay, your belly! You know, there is a section in the "What to Expect" book on what to do if you get into a situation and have to deliver the baby by yourself! You might want to read it in case the hospital doesn't let you in!!! I'm sure all will be fine. You need to send me an email with all the latest. Tell Gio I want an email from him as well!

Tiffany said...

Holly cow! You are SO brave! Don't worry, I'm sure it will be just fine, and you'll be holding that little one before you know it! Pregnancy looks good on you! :)

Villarreal's said...

Sweet gal! Looks like she is comin along! Good luck giving birth in Italy, I really hope they treat ya well!

Bill and Joan said...

Congratulations! Your tummy is looking great! Sounds like you are on the right paper trail to get to the hospital for the baby's birth. Best of luck in the months ahead! We're excited for you!!

Bekah said...

Love the tummy pictures! You are so much braver than I am. Do you have to bring your own clothes for the actual delivery as well?

GoddessNMommy said...

My tip would be to take a tube of petroleum jelly for the baby. I didn't have to deal with any of the early diaper changes, but at the hospital where I had Athena they put petroleum jelly on her bottom so that it was easier to wipe off the sticky meconium poops. Tim had the pleasure of those diaper changes, but I believe the trick works.

I hope all goes well!!!

Losinthisdangfat said...

Oh my goodness! What a pain that you will have to bring EVERYTHING for when you're in the hospital! I think everything will turn out fine for you guys though.
I'm excited for you Rachael! Your baby will be here before you know it for you and giovanni to cuddle and snuggle!
Love ya!
Andrea

Richelle said...

You look so great! I can't believe you're in the 'final stretch' already! It's crazy how different the healthcare system is there...although I'm sure everything will go great. Are you coming for a visit after baby comes?