Dixon Baby Newsletter Vol. 5 (12/15/2003)

New baby name options!

Bev contributes to the name list:
 Chandler
 Kyle
 Kris
 Cris
 Elijah
 Benjamin
 Hunter
 Kara
 Kari
 Dianna
 Joaquim
 Blake
 Alexander(Alex)
 Alexandra (Alex)
 Caroline
 Bethany
 Malachi
 Katie-Jo
 Rae-Ann
 Randi
 Roni (from Veronica)
 Charlie (from Charlene or Charlotte)

Ms. Jeane suggests:
 Katie
 Zachary

We've been asked if we plan to pick
the day that Wee Dixon will be born.
The answer is nope.  :)  We hope to
raise an independent child who can 
make their own decisions.  So, we're
going to start by letting it pick the
day it is born.  Plus, everyone 
assures us that we should thoroughly
spoil the baby.  So, we'll start out
by letting it have its way in this, 
too!

Also, we are planning to have a 
natural, drug-free birth.  I've been 
reading all I can about birthing 
options and pain mediation.  So far,
we want to just stick with "grin and
bear it" method.  That is easy to say, 
now, of course.  I haven't had my first
contraction!  I've already started to 
try to "teach my mind" that the pain
WILL be over..there is a stopping point.
So, if I can just get through it, all
will be fine.

I've read that some women's bodies actually
slow the labor process due to a reaction
to pain.  If I'm convinced that this
is happening with me, I may consider
an epidural if it isn't too late in the labor.
I really want to stay away from all the
medications that they may try to give you
to "just take the edge off."  Some women
don't even remember the birth after 
taking these.  Even if it is an 
extremely painful experience, I do want
to remember it.

Of course, all these ideas are based on
an ideal birth.  If there are problems,
we are flexible to accomodate whatever
is best for the baby.  Afterall, that is
our motivation for passing on the pain 
medications in the first place!

Oh, something that is bothering me.  I
want to be nice to Joseph on Wee One's
special day.  You know how you always 
see in movies laboring mothers are 
swearing at their husbands or blaming
them for various ills of society?  I don't
want to do that.  But, a few folks tell
me it does really happen that way.  :)
I fully expect to be whiney and grumpy
that day.  Let's face it.  Pain and 
anxiety don't put you in the best of 
moods.  But, for the record, in my 
current pain-free state, I think Joseph
is absolutely awesome.  And, I am 
apologizing now for any future rudeness
he may experience.  ;)

We've been thinking about traditions 
lately.  Joseph and I don't have alot of
traditions already.  But, we would like
to have some to do with wee one.  We're
sure some will emerge over time, but we
would like to hear about some that you 
all enjoy.  We may want to adopt some
for our family.

A tradition we are thinking about starting
at Christmas is "decorating" an outdoor
Christmas tree for the birds.  We plan to
string popcorn and make suet ball oranaments
for the tree.  We think this will be fun
for us and the wee one.  Making the 
decoration is fun, plus so is watching the birds,
squirrels, and (inevitably) chickens enjoy
their tree.  

We also plan to continue our July 4th
Extravaganza..to be held on the 3rd this 
upcoming year.  Getting friends and family together
is always a great tradition.  Although, we
will have a 2 month old this year to care
for as well as prepare for a party.  We'll
keep it simple with everyone bringing a 
covered dish and helping out.  Joseph says
he'll still do the grilling, though!  Yummy!
:)

Hope everyone is doing well.  Enjoy the upcoming
holidays!

Kay