Running long and hard is an ideal antidepressant, since it's hard to run and feel sorry for yourself at the same time. Also, there are those hours of clearheadedness that follow a long run.
Monte Davis, runner
I'm going to guess that Monte is a man and that he has never been pregnant. I can assure him that it is very easy to run and feel sorry for yourself at the same time. ha ha ha.
I do have to say that I love the hours of clearheadedness that follow a run. My runs are definitely not categorized as "long" these days but one of the reasons I have kept up with running is the way you feel when you are done and thus why I am trying my hardest to keep up with it while preggo. No other exercise compares with it.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
What I Know Now: Week 22
I started these "What I Know Now" posts at 18 weeks planning to do them every 4 weeks until Baby S arrives. I totally stole this idea from Oh Brooke's blog. I cannot believe that 4 weeks have passed already. So here is what I know now at 22 weeks.
1. Cravings can come, go, change, come and go again. My newest obsession is salad, or any fresh vegetables for that matter. I have been having this salad for about two weeks now at lunch: mixed greens (from a co-worker at my husband's office who grows/sells her own), cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes and sunflower seeds. Once in while I'll throw some chickpeas on there. Mmm..chickpeas. And mini carrots?! WATCH OUT. I'm hoping all of these vegetables translate into Baby S being a good eater ;) Oh but it would only be fair to also mention that my craving for sugar has appeared. I downed 3/4 of a box of Trix in the past 24 hours. And I wonder why I'm on the high end of weight gain!
2. I also think it is interesting how people's opinions on what is good advice or what a good book is varies. For example, Baby 411 (which I haven't read) was both recommended to read and to stay away from. Funny. I was talking with my friend JP who had a baby 5 weeks ago and she had the same thing to say about Breastfeeding with Confidence, which a friend gave her with rave reviews. She said she threw the book out at 3 AM one day. "Do NOT read this book" she said. (Her actual story about this was way more entertaining.) I do like (and often solicit) advice but it is funny how varied and different it all is.
3. This sort of follows along with #2. Although I enjoy reading pregnancy books, I take everything with a grain of salt. I learned this way earlier than 22 weeks when I wasn't exactly having all of the symptoms at the time points suggested in the books. I find it WAY more helpful actually talking with people who have had babies, especially recently. I think I learned more in a 30 minute conversation with JP than in reading 5 books. Again, everyone is different and just because one person had an experience doesn't mean that I will, but I still like to hear personal stories. This led me to craft this whole book idea during one night's insomnia episode. Maybe I WON'T go back to work and try to sell my book idea instead, ha ha ha.
4. It helps to have your mom on speeddial. I have talked to my mom way more than I did in the past (and it already was a lot) since being pregnant. See previous post. In some ways, this has also freaked me out because once you become a mother, you are forever a mother - no matter if your kid is 2 or 29.
5. Baby S will now kick you! The movements is becoming increasingly stronger and more frequent. And sometimes, they even annoy me depending on the location and intensity of them. My husband has felt the baby move a lot, and JN felt it when we were over there for dinner. A few nights ago my sister was staying at our house and I asked her if she wanted to feel - 2 seconds later, her niece/nephew gave her a good kick. "WOAH". It is still really weird to think of something living inside of me. Sometimes if I think too much about it, I start to feel a little lightheaded. The Belly Book journal that I have been filling out asked when I first felt the baby move, when I first felt the baby hiccup and when I first felt the baby kick. I wasn't aware that hiccups were suppossed to feel different so I don't really know when that first started. There are these distinct movements that feel like the baby is doing a somersault or flip in my belly - maybe that's a hiccup?
6. I don't know how single mothers go through this. I am very spoiled and I like it that way :) My friend CD and I were just talking about this as well - she in terms of having a one year old. I am so thankful for my husband, our families and friends who have been such an amazing support thus far. Pre-pregnancy, I was pretty spoiled by my husband but having a baby inside me really upped the ante. My friend CH told me early on that pregnancy is the only time it's all about you because once the baby comes, everyone's attention turns to the baby. I have found this to be very true - everyone sort of treats you nicely and is always asking you how you are doing when you are pregnant. This is definitely one thing I enjoy about pregnancy.
7. Even though I have a little belly, I still cannot fathom having a big one. I went to a baby shower last weekend. JR is 8 mos pregnant and measuring large. I just kept looking at her thinking, "I can't imagine being THAT pregnant" even though I know it's coming! Little by little, more of my pre-pregnancy clothes are NOT fitting.
8. Every day I look at my body with fascination/horror. My preggo friend HC recently emailed that it is weird to watch your body go through so many transformations. And even though I sometimes whine about pregnancy being SOO long, these changes happen so quickly. I think my feet are starting to swell already. Oh jesus.
9. Women who have given birth always say that once you are in labor, you have no more shame about anything about your body - you just want the baby out. I think this might already start with pregnancy. I talk about things that I wouldn't normally talk to certain people about. For example, yesterday I was talking to my boss (a female with 2 kids) about cervixes and boobs. Definitely not a conversation I would have had with her pre-pregnancy. Consider yourself warned...
10. Running is becoming more laborious (pun intended). I don't know that I will make it to 40 weeks. My pregnancy 5K is tomorrow. I have a feeling it is going to be a train wreck.
11. You sweat like a mother when you are pregnant (pun intended, again). I imagine with the coming summer months this is only going to get worse. My mother and a woman from the upholstery store were telling me stories about laying naked or nearly naked under a fan when they were pregnant to try to cool down. Oh boy.
12. I have been trying to practice good posture, but it is really hard not to walk with your belly sticking out.
13. JUST ASK THE DOCTOR. I don't know why but I feel like if I ask a question or call the doctor's office it is dumb. It's that independent streak in me, I guess. But if I would have called the doctor's office about allergy medication WHILE I was actually having the allergies, I would have felt relief much sooner. By the time I actually asked about it and found out Claritin was ok, I wasn't really suffering from allergies anymore. Same with the round ligament pain. Instead of freaking out for 3 hours, I could have called and calmed down way sooner. Lesson learned...I think.
1. Cravings can come, go, change, come and go again. My newest obsession is salad, or any fresh vegetables for that matter. I have been having this salad for about two weeks now at lunch: mixed greens (from a co-worker at my husband's office who grows/sells her own), cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes and sunflower seeds. Once in while I'll throw some chickpeas on there. Mmm..chickpeas. And mini carrots?! WATCH OUT. I'm hoping all of these vegetables translate into Baby S being a good eater ;) Oh but it would only be fair to also mention that my craving for sugar has appeared. I downed 3/4 of a box of Trix in the past 24 hours. And I wonder why I'm on the high end of weight gain!
2. I also think it is interesting how people's opinions on what is good advice or what a good book is varies. For example, Baby 411 (which I haven't read) was both recommended to read and to stay away from. Funny. I was talking with my friend JP who had a baby 5 weeks ago and she had the same thing to say about Breastfeeding with Confidence, which a friend gave her with rave reviews. She said she threw the book out at 3 AM one day. "Do NOT read this book" she said. (Her actual story about this was way more entertaining.) I do like (and often solicit) advice but it is funny how varied and different it all is.
3. This sort of follows along with #2. Although I enjoy reading pregnancy books, I take everything with a grain of salt. I learned this way earlier than 22 weeks when I wasn't exactly having all of the symptoms at the time points suggested in the books. I find it WAY more helpful actually talking with people who have had babies, especially recently. I think I learned more in a 30 minute conversation with JP than in reading 5 books. Again, everyone is different and just because one person had an experience doesn't mean that I will, but I still like to hear personal stories. This led me to craft this whole book idea during one night's insomnia episode. Maybe I WON'T go back to work and try to sell my book idea instead, ha ha ha.
4. It helps to have your mom on speeddial. I have talked to my mom way more than I did in the past (and it already was a lot) since being pregnant. See previous post. In some ways, this has also freaked me out because once you become a mother, you are forever a mother - no matter if your kid is 2 or 29.
5. Baby S will now kick you! The movements is becoming increasingly stronger and more frequent. And sometimes, they even annoy me depending on the location and intensity of them. My husband has felt the baby move a lot, and JN felt it when we were over there for dinner. A few nights ago my sister was staying at our house and I asked her if she wanted to feel - 2 seconds later, her niece/nephew gave her a good kick. "WOAH". It is still really weird to think of something living inside of me. Sometimes if I think too much about it, I start to feel a little lightheaded. The Belly Book journal that I have been filling out asked when I first felt the baby move, when I first felt the baby hiccup and when I first felt the baby kick. I wasn't aware that hiccups were suppossed to feel different so I don't really know when that first started. There are these distinct movements that feel like the baby is doing a somersault or flip in my belly - maybe that's a hiccup?
6. I don't know how single mothers go through this. I am very spoiled and I like it that way :) My friend CD and I were just talking about this as well - she in terms of having a one year old. I am so thankful for my husband, our families and friends who have been such an amazing support thus far. Pre-pregnancy, I was pretty spoiled by my husband but having a baby inside me really upped the ante. My friend CH told me early on that pregnancy is the only time it's all about you because once the baby comes, everyone's attention turns to the baby. I have found this to be very true - everyone sort of treats you nicely and is always asking you how you are doing when you are pregnant. This is definitely one thing I enjoy about pregnancy.
7. Even though I have a little belly, I still cannot fathom having a big one. I went to a baby shower last weekend. JR is 8 mos pregnant and measuring large. I just kept looking at her thinking, "I can't imagine being THAT pregnant" even though I know it's coming! Little by little, more of my pre-pregnancy clothes are NOT fitting.
8. Every day I look at my body with fascination/horror. My preggo friend HC recently emailed that it is weird to watch your body go through so many transformations. And even though I sometimes whine about pregnancy being SOO long, these changes happen so quickly. I think my feet are starting to swell already. Oh jesus.
9. Women who have given birth always say that once you are in labor, you have no more shame about anything about your body - you just want the baby out. I think this might already start with pregnancy. I talk about things that I wouldn't normally talk to certain people about. For example, yesterday I was talking to my boss (a female with 2 kids) about cervixes and boobs. Definitely not a conversation I would have had with her pre-pregnancy. Consider yourself warned...
10. Running is becoming more laborious (pun intended). I don't know that I will make it to 40 weeks. My pregnancy 5K is tomorrow. I have a feeling it is going to be a train wreck.
11. You sweat like a mother when you are pregnant (pun intended, again). I imagine with the coming summer months this is only going to get worse. My mother and a woman from the upholstery store were telling me stories about laying naked or nearly naked under a fan when they were pregnant to try to cool down. Oh boy.
12. I have been trying to practice good posture, but it is really hard not to walk with your belly sticking out.
13. JUST ASK THE DOCTOR. I don't know why but I feel like if I ask a question or call the doctor's office it is dumb. It's that independent streak in me, I guess. But if I would have called the doctor's office about allergy medication WHILE I was actually having the allergies, I would have felt relief much sooner. By the time I actually asked about it and found out Claritin was ok, I wasn't really suffering from allergies anymore. Same with the round ligament pain. Instead of freaking out for 3 hours, I could have called and calmed down way sooner. Lesson learned...I think.
"MOMMY"
Last night was my first night of calling my mom while crying. I was having really bad abdominal pain and wasn't sure what was going on or if I should call the doctor or what. She of course told me to call the doctor. Because it was after hours, I got the doctor on call (not my doctor). She asked me a ton of questions beginning with, "Are you having any bleeding or spotting?" to which I replied, "No". PHEW. I also didn't really think I was having contractions. Not that I have ever had contractions before, but from my reading from 3 books before calling, it didn't really describe what I was feeling which was intense pain on my left side only.
The doctor said I was likely having round ligament pain. She looked up my 20 week ultrasound report where they looked at my cervix and said that it looked great. She said that she herself had it really bad with her second child, so much so that she broke out into a cold sweat. I don't know if she made that story up but it did make me feel better. She told me that if I had any bleeding or spotting to come in right away, and if I was still feeling pain tomorrow (this morning) to call my regular doctor, to whom she was sending an email.
This morning I feel fine, just as she predicted. But wow! Total freak out. I sort of dismissed round ligament pain as being like some cramps but this rendered me useless on the couch laying in a specific position all night and even made me a little nauseous. Let's hope that's a one time thing!
The doctor said I was likely having round ligament pain. She looked up my 20 week ultrasound report where they looked at my cervix and said that it looked great. She said that she herself had it really bad with her second child, so much so that she broke out into a cold sweat. I don't know if she made that story up but it did make me feel better. She told me that if I had any bleeding or spotting to come in right away, and if I was still feeling pain tomorrow (this morning) to call my regular doctor, to whom she was sending an email.
This morning I feel fine, just as she predicted. But wow! Total freak out. I sort of dismissed round ligament pain as being like some cramps but this rendered me useless on the couch laying in a specific position all night and even made me a little nauseous. Let's hope that's a one time thing!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Addendum to my earlier post
I just got off the phone with my father in law. He said he heard about my weight gain (through my husband) and said, "woah! she doesn't look THAT fat?"
Gee thanks. I realize he probably thought this was a nice thing to say - as in you don't look like you've gained 18 pounds but still.
Reason #465 this blog has limited readership.
Gee thanks. I realize he probably thought this was a nice thing to say - as in you don't look like you've gained 18 pounds but still.
Reason #465 this blog has limited readership.
Doctor, Doctor, Gimme the News...
Yesterday I had another doctor appointment. My husband decided to accompany me to this appointment, even though there was nothing special about it. It promised to be another round of peeing in the cup, getting weighed and asking questions. Still, it was fun to have the company.
So, I peed in the cup, and stepped on the scale. Up 6 pounds from 3 weeks and 3 days ago bringing my total weight gain to 18 pounds!! Holy Schnikey. 158 lbs. I think this is definitely more than I have ever weighed in my life. I am back over the high end of what I should weight right now, according to all of the weight gain calculators. I prefer to think along the lines of my nurse that calls me who said that I can think about the weight as I am suppossed to be gaining 1/2-1 lb a week - which means that "normal" weight gain could be 10.5 to 21 lbs for me at this stage of the game. I guess I prefer to hear that and hear that the baby is healthy but it still is hard to be above the weight gain curve.
Blood pressure is still well below normal.
The doctor asked if the baby has been moving around, which I confirmed. Then it was heartbeat time. He found it quickly and then had to re-find it because the baby moved. It was then time for the most "technologically advanced" measurement - the paper tape measure. Beginning with the second half of your pregnancy they literally measure your uterus (as felt from the outside) to track baby's growth. My doctor said it actually is fairly reliable. Things are looking good there.
I actually had a few questions this time relating to medications. My itchy watery eyes have been driving me batty - apparently I am fine to take Claritin. I have tried to hold off with medications but am starting to take Claritin today - I can't take it anymore. I also confirmed that the amount of vitamin B6 I was taking is ok. It is. Then I asked about pizza face. He said that I actually can try something over the counter (which I have been avoiding) and see how it goes. So I think i will try something a couple times a week.
So that's that - everything still fine and basically normal. Well as normal as you can get if you're my kid ;) Next doctor visit is the dreaded glucose test. I am happy because the nurse gave me the option to take the potion home and drink it before coming in - that way i don't have to sit in the waiting room for an hour.
So, I peed in the cup, and stepped on the scale. Up 6 pounds from 3 weeks and 3 days ago bringing my total weight gain to 18 pounds!! Holy Schnikey. 158 lbs. I think this is definitely more than I have ever weighed in my life. I am back over the high end of what I should weight right now, according to all of the weight gain calculators. I prefer to think along the lines of my nurse that calls me who said that I can think about the weight as I am suppossed to be gaining 1/2-1 lb a week - which means that "normal" weight gain could be 10.5 to 21 lbs for me at this stage of the game. I guess I prefer to hear that and hear that the baby is healthy but it still is hard to be above the weight gain curve.
Blood pressure is still well below normal.
The doctor asked if the baby has been moving around, which I confirmed. Then it was heartbeat time. He found it quickly and then had to re-find it because the baby moved. It was then time for the most "technologically advanced" measurement - the paper tape measure. Beginning with the second half of your pregnancy they literally measure your uterus (as felt from the outside) to track baby's growth. My doctor said it actually is fairly reliable. Things are looking good there.
I actually had a few questions this time relating to medications. My itchy watery eyes have been driving me batty - apparently I am fine to take Claritin. I have tried to hold off with medications but am starting to take Claritin today - I can't take it anymore. I also confirmed that the amount of vitamin B6 I was taking is ok. It is. Then I asked about pizza face. He said that I actually can try something over the counter (which I have been avoiding) and see how it goes. So I think i will try something a couple times a week.
So that's that - everything still fine and basically normal. Well as normal as you can get if you're my kid ;) Next doctor visit is the dreaded glucose test. I am happy because the nurse gave me the option to take the potion home and drink it before coming in - that way i don't have to sit in the waiting room for an hour.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Workin' On Our Night Moves
Not those Night Moves ;). A co-worker sent me this link to the following illustrations done by a NY Times writer suffering from Insomnia. I thought they, and the resulting comments, were funny.
#2 is my favorite - the route from "HATE HER SLEEP" to toss, turn, toss, turn, and then Pad Into the Kitchen is a familiar one. Or how about "read the same magazine article for 3 hours"??
I am excited to say that I ALMOST had an entire week of good sleep - 6 days in a row and then last night blew it. Oh well!! I'll take 1 bad day a week instead of 4!!! On another relieving note, I talked with a woman who works for the same employer as I do - she used to be on our floor and then moved offices. I saw her at a training. She has had 3 children and had terrible insomnia with her 3rd. Even though the doctor and books constantly say that insomnia is common with preggos, I hadn't actually spoke with anyone with it - most people I talk to think it is "weird" so it was nice to talk with her.
#2 is my favorite - the route from "HATE HER SLEEP" to toss, turn, toss, turn, and then Pad Into the Kitchen is a familiar one. Or how about "read the same magazine article for 3 hours"??
I am excited to say that I ALMOST had an entire week of good sleep - 6 days in a row and then last night blew it. Oh well!! I'll take 1 bad day a week instead of 4!!! On another relieving note, I talked with a woman who works for the same employer as I do - she used to be on our floor and then moved offices. I saw her at a training. She has had 3 children and had terrible insomnia with her 3rd. Even though the doctor and books constantly say that insomnia is common with preggos, I hadn't actually spoke with anyone with it - most people I talk to think it is "weird" so it was nice to talk with her.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Maternity Clothes Shopping at 21 weeks
I alluded to more maternity clothes shopping that was done last weekend. I am still half in/half out of maternity world. Today for instance I have on my uniqlo leggings and a brown tunic/dress thing - both pre-pregnancy outfits. Yesterday I wore a maternity shirt and a non-maternity skirt. Most of my pre-pregnancy dresses I am still able to wear and some of my skirts and shirts. Absolutely non of my pants or jeans still fit. A co-worker loaned me a pair of maternity pants, and I bought 2 pairs and 3 pairs total seems to be footing the bill. These are the non-jean pants, of course.
My "normal" jeans stopped fitting me at 18 weeks. I rocked a belly band with them for a while and then I found a pair of non-maternity Gap trouser cut jeans 2 sizes larger than my normal size at Goodwill around that time that I have been wearing for the past 3 weeks. These jeans are amazing, comfortable and able to be easily buttoned. I am going to estimate I have another few weeks in them - not bad for $3.99! I hadn't yet worn my Heidi Klum skinny maternity jeans and I also found a pair of jeans at The Gap Maternity store a while back. However, the maternity jeans sitting in their shopping bags on my bedroom floor were staring me down. I re-tried on the Heidi Klum skinny jeans. UGH. The jeans that were so comfortable when I tried them on and bought them are horrible now that I actually have a belly. Thank God I kept the receipt and didn't cut the tags off. (Reason #1 to actually wait until you have a belly for some stuff!) Those were headed back to the store.
Then I tried the Gap jeans on. I am not usually a fan of Gap jeans, speaking from a non-maternity world. My problem with them is that most styles (obviously not the trouser style) are huge in the waist and skin tight on my thighs and butt. The same thing happened with their maternity jeans. I bought these jeans because they had a "normal" top with this hidden elastic that you would pull and loop over a button - therefore the waist could grow with you. Unfortunately, to get the jeans over my thighs, I had to pull the elastic as tight as it could go and therefore it looked like my jeans had a drawstring bunching them around my waist (read: actually around the waist that is left underneath my belly). YIKES! "Sexy Boot Cut" these were not. So those were going back too. Both of these jeans that I bought were designed to fit under the belly - some people told me these were the most comfortable type of jeans. For some women, this is probably true, but I kept feeling like both of these jeans were on the verge of showing major AC (A** crack) and that they were always on the verge of falling down. Could it be?! Did I actually WANT the elastic pouch jeans?!
God love him - my husband joined me on my trip back to the mall to make the returns and try to find new jeans. I was back to square one. I found a pair at the Motherhood in Macy's that I think will work. I'm not entirely sold on them, so they are sitting in their shopping bag on my bedroom floor. I also found a pair at KOHL'S of all places. $17 for jeans (this after the sale price and one of the zillion coupons that Kohls is always mailing me). I will take them. I actually wore them already out to dinner last Saturday night. They are pretty standard, but will work well for summer. And yes - both of these new pairs of jeans have the elasto-pouch. :)
Now on to tops...
I found the BEST maternity top ever at Pea in the Pod at Macy's. It was on clearance, unfortunately, so they only had one color left. Why do I love this top? Because it is not low cut and/or V-neck. I started complaining to the sales woman that all the maternity tops are so low cut, requiring you to wear a camisole or other tank top underneath. Who wants low cut shirts when your boobs are the size of cantalopes?! Annoying. The other day when wearing a maternity dress that was V-neck, I looked down and realized that I looked like I worked in some freak pregnancy strip club rather than an office. Thank goodness I had a safety pin in my desk! Anyhoo, this shirt is full coverage, flattering and made of the softest knit ever. LOVE IT!
Favorite Stores?
I am starting to get more comfortable with the maternity offerings around my area - both with brand new clothing and used clothing at Goodwill or consignment stores. I haven't had too much luck with used clothing. Goodwill offerings are GOD AWFUL and most consignment stores have a plethora available in XL but not much on the other side of the spectrum. I haven't been to the maternity world of stores in Brookfield yet - Destination Maternity, Motherhood and A Pea in the Pod are all under one roof there. Mostly because these lines of clothes are carried at Macy's and you can return them at Macy's - you can't return them if you buy them from the stores. However, my friend HC discovered that materna-world offers free yoga classes so we might try to hit those up. I will say that Pea in the Pod clothes are actually cute. Unfortunately they are DAMN expensive, even on clearance, so I don't find myself buying those.
It is also annoying to me that so many maternity clothes are found online only. For example, Ann Taylor Loft has some nice stuff, particularly for work wear. It is a little pricey but you have to order it online to even try it on. I have found that sizing is even MORE all over the map in maternity. Depending on the store, I can be an XS, S, M or L. I'm sort of curious to see how many of the maternity shirts that I currently own will work throughout the rest of pregnancy. Some of them definitely already seem short, particularly the two I have from Gap. Thus, I haven't bought any more shirts from there.
So that's the clothes situation 21 weeks in. I sort of have a collection of my pre-pregnancy clothes and some maternity clothes worked into the rotation. I haven't felt too limited into rotating the same 5 outfits over and over yet. Depending on what I wear, I may or may not look pregnant.
My "normal" jeans stopped fitting me at 18 weeks. I rocked a belly band with them for a while and then I found a pair of non-maternity Gap trouser cut jeans 2 sizes larger than my normal size at Goodwill around that time that I have been wearing for the past 3 weeks. These jeans are amazing, comfortable and able to be easily buttoned. I am going to estimate I have another few weeks in them - not bad for $3.99! I hadn't yet worn my Heidi Klum skinny maternity jeans and I also found a pair of jeans at The Gap Maternity store a while back. However, the maternity jeans sitting in their shopping bags on my bedroom floor were staring me down. I re-tried on the Heidi Klum skinny jeans. UGH. The jeans that were so comfortable when I tried them on and bought them are horrible now that I actually have a belly. Thank God I kept the receipt and didn't cut the tags off. (Reason #1 to actually wait until you have a belly for some stuff!) Those were headed back to the store.
Then I tried the Gap jeans on. I am not usually a fan of Gap jeans, speaking from a non-maternity world. My problem with them is that most styles (obviously not the trouser style) are huge in the waist and skin tight on my thighs and butt. The same thing happened with their maternity jeans. I bought these jeans because they had a "normal" top with this hidden elastic that you would pull and loop over a button - therefore the waist could grow with you. Unfortunately, to get the jeans over my thighs, I had to pull the elastic as tight as it could go and therefore it looked like my jeans had a drawstring bunching them around my waist (read: actually around the waist that is left underneath my belly). YIKES! "Sexy Boot Cut" these were not. So those were going back too. Both of these jeans that I bought were designed to fit under the belly - some people told me these were the most comfortable type of jeans. For some women, this is probably true, but I kept feeling like both of these jeans were on the verge of showing major AC (A** crack) and that they were always on the verge of falling down. Could it be?! Did I actually WANT the elastic pouch jeans?!
God love him - my husband joined me on my trip back to the mall to make the returns and try to find new jeans. I was back to square one. I found a pair at the Motherhood in Macy's that I think will work. I'm not entirely sold on them, so they are sitting in their shopping bag on my bedroom floor. I also found a pair at KOHL'S of all places. $17 for jeans (this after the sale price and one of the zillion coupons that Kohls is always mailing me). I will take them. I actually wore them already out to dinner last Saturday night. They are pretty standard, but will work well for summer. And yes - both of these new pairs of jeans have the elasto-pouch. :)
Now on to tops...
I found the BEST maternity top ever at Pea in the Pod at Macy's. It was on clearance, unfortunately, so they only had one color left. Why do I love this top? Because it is not low cut and/or V-neck. I started complaining to the sales woman that all the maternity tops are so low cut, requiring you to wear a camisole or other tank top underneath. Who wants low cut shirts when your boobs are the size of cantalopes?! Annoying. The other day when wearing a maternity dress that was V-neck, I looked down and realized that I looked like I worked in some freak pregnancy strip club rather than an office. Thank goodness I had a safety pin in my desk! Anyhoo, this shirt is full coverage, flattering and made of the softest knit ever. LOVE IT!
Favorite Stores?
I am starting to get more comfortable with the maternity offerings around my area - both with brand new clothing and used clothing at Goodwill or consignment stores. I haven't had too much luck with used clothing. Goodwill offerings are GOD AWFUL and most consignment stores have a plethora available in XL but not much on the other side of the spectrum. I haven't been to the maternity world of stores in Brookfield yet - Destination Maternity, Motherhood and A Pea in the Pod are all under one roof there. Mostly because these lines of clothes are carried at Macy's and you can return them at Macy's - you can't return them if you buy them from the stores. However, my friend HC discovered that materna-world offers free yoga classes so we might try to hit those up. I will say that Pea in the Pod clothes are actually cute. Unfortunately they are DAMN expensive, even on clearance, so I don't find myself buying those.
It is also annoying to me that so many maternity clothes are found online only. For example, Ann Taylor Loft has some nice stuff, particularly for work wear. It is a little pricey but you have to order it online to even try it on. I have found that sizing is even MORE all over the map in maternity. Depending on the store, I can be an XS, S, M or L. I'm sort of curious to see how many of the maternity shirts that I currently own will work throughout the rest of pregnancy. Some of them definitely already seem short, particularly the two I have from Gap. Thus, I haven't bought any more shirts from there.
So that's the clothes situation 21 weeks in. I sort of have a collection of my pre-pregnancy clothes and some maternity clothes worked into the rotation. I haven't felt too limited into rotating the same 5 outfits over and over yet. Depending on what I wear, I may or may not look pregnant.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Baby's First 5K
I have been wanting to sign up for a 5K this spring. Mostly because I think my race bib would be a fun addition to the baby book. :) Tracking a friend running Boston today got me inspired so I signed up for a 5K on Saturday May 1. The run also supports a foster care organization, through whom one of my colleagues has been working on fostering to adopt. I think it's appropriate that Baby S & I support other people caring for babies/kiddos :)
This will no doubt be my slowest 5k in history. But at least I signed up to get a size bigger shirt so I'll have something to cover the belly when I run!
This will no doubt be my slowest 5k in history. But at least I signed up to get a size bigger shirt so I'll have something to cover the belly when I run!
Am I? Could I be? Really?
At the risk of jinxing it, I think I might finally be on my pregnancy honeymoon. (Ok, just knocked on all sorts of wood, threw some rice over my shoulder and said a silent prayer.)
Reasons? Oh, I'll give you reasons.
Sleep
The last 3 out of 4 days have been stellar. I don't even think that I woke up to go to the bathroom last night. And the one of the 4 nights wasn't even that bad - i still got 9 hours of sleep even with the one hour interruption. I haven't had the long 3+ hours of being awake for a couple weeks. Is it the honeymoon? Is it the Vitamin B6? Is it the body pillow? I don't know and I don't care.
Running
Running has progressively gotten easier these past few weeks. I don't know if it is because I am mentally used to running a bit slower or if my body just got used to things, but at this rate, I might be running the whole 40 weeks. JN asked me last night if I have gotten one of those back support things yet and I have to say that I don't have any back pain, leg pain or any pain whatsoever when I run. Perhaps this is coming in the future but for now, running just feels really good. (Go Boston Marathoners today!!) In the last week or so, I have also felt a return of energy!
Body Image
I'm not going to sit here and say that suddenly I am loving my pregnant body and all is ok, but I am liking it more now that I have an actual belly. It seems easier to accept clothes not fitting, looking weird in swimsuits when all the weight is focused on my belly and I don't just feel fat. I am also happy that it seems so far I am all belly - and that now that my belly is bigger, my boobs don't seem as ridiculous. Again, this is me saying this on a monday morning. I wasn't so full of self esteem during a saturday night maternity clothes shopping trip, but I'll save that for another time. Today is positive energy only!
Mood
Perhaps because of all of the above, but I feel more like myself lately. I am definitely in a better mood.
WOOHOO!
Reasons? Oh, I'll give you reasons.
Sleep
The last 3 out of 4 days have been stellar. I don't even think that I woke up to go to the bathroom last night. And the one of the 4 nights wasn't even that bad - i still got 9 hours of sleep even with the one hour interruption. I haven't had the long 3+ hours of being awake for a couple weeks. Is it the honeymoon? Is it the Vitamin B6? Is it the body pillow? I don't know and I don't care.
Running
Running has progressively gotten easier these past few weeks. I don't know if it is because I am mentally used to running a bit slower or if my body just got used to things, but at this rate, I might be running the whole 40 weeks. JN asked me last night if I have gotten one of those back support things yet and I have to say that I don't have any back pain, leg pain or any pain whatsoever when I run. Perhaps this is coming in the future but for now, running just feels really good. (Go Boston Marathoners today!!) In the last week or so, I have also felt a return of energy!
Body Image
I'm not going to sit here and say that suddenly I am loving my pregnant body and all is ok, but I am liking it more now that I have an actual belly. It seems easier to accept clothes not fitting, looking weird in swimsuits when all the weight is focused on my belly and I don't just feel fat. I am also happy that it seems so far I am all belly - and that now that my belly is bigger, my boobs don't seem as ridiculous. Again, this is me saying this on a monday morning. I wasn't so full of self esteem during a saturday night maternity clothes shopping trip, but I'll save that for another time. Today is positive energy only!
Mood
Perhaps because of all of the above, but I feel more like myself lately. I am definitely in a better mood.
WOOHOO!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Everybody Was Kung Fu Fighting!
This morning my husband felt the baby for the first time! I have been pushing on my stomach every time I have felt movement hoping to feel it and for a couple days I have been able to feel some of the stronger kicks with my hand but everytime I would get my husband over, the movement would stop.
We were lounging in bed this morning chatting and all of a sudden i just told him to feel my stomach and he felt a good four or five kicks!! It was so fun!! We have quite the kicker in there!
We were lounging in bed this morning chatting and all of a sudden i just told him to feel my stomach and he felt a good four or five kicks!! It was so fun!! We have quite the kicker in there!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Little Window
None of my running shirts cover my belly anymore so the baby has a little window to peek out of during our runs. My husband and I went for a run last night and he was laughing at how, despite my best attempts, my shirt would just not stay completely over the belly. It might be time for an upgrade, although the breeze did feel good on my belly.
Photo Source
Thursday, April 15, 2010
The letter of the day is "B"
B is for Body Pillow
A few nights ago, my husband was talking to one of our friends in ATL whose wife is also preggers and due in August. Our friend mentioned to my husband that his wife got a body pillow and is sleeping much better. Well, my husband was ready to go out and get the body pillow stat after that. Last night we went to USA baby and picked it up. Of course, always one to look for a deal, I signed up for the USA Baby emails and got a $25 gift card off a $50+ purchase just for signing up! Hello body pillow at half price. My body pillow also came with a free 12 week subscription to US Weekly. Shamefully, I was also excited about that.
So...how was it? Well, I didn't sleep any better last night, but it sure was comfy. My husband said it didn't even bother him that there was essentially another person sleeping with us, ha ha ha.
Vitamin B6, Friends named B and Class B Meds
While I was consulting the list of medications my doctor's office gave me for allergies, I also noticed that insomnia was listed on there and that they recommended Vitamin B6. So we picked some of that up last night as well. Again, I didn't notice any differences in my sleeping, but perhaps it takes a larger sample size than an n of 1. Incidentally my husband's pregnancy book mentioned that vitamin B6 may also help acne. My friend, B, a nurse practitioner also looked up some Class B medications that I am going to talk with my doctor next week about. Again, I am always really hesitant to take anything so I am curious as to what he will say.
B is for Baby!
We had our 20 week ultrasound this morning! It was quite long - almost an hour. A good chunk of that time was moving the ultrasound wand, tapping my belly and making me change positions to see if the baby would open his/her hand. Finally, 15-20 minutes later, he/she did and then once that happened it was a total show off - always opening and closing his/her hand. I was REALLY nervous that we would accidentally find out the sex and we didn't. I was anticipating having to look away from the monitor at some point but I think there was so much movement that the tech must have only glimpsed it. Neither my husband nor I have any more of a clue as to the gender than we did before.
The excellent news is that all is looking beautiful and healthy! He/She is almost a pound - 14 oz! Crazy. I loved being able to see and feel the movement at the same time. For our 12 week ultrasound, the baby totally posed - and just stayed in one position for the most part. Movement was minimal. That was not the case this morning - the baby was dancing up a storm. WE again got a slew of pictures on CD to take with us but here is one shot of the profile for you:
A few nights ago, my husband was talking to one of our friends in ATL whose wife is also preggers and due in August. Our friend mentioned to my husband that his wife got a body pillow and is sleeping much better. Well, my husband was ready to go out and get the body pillow stat after that. Last night we went to USA baby and picked it up. Of course, always one to look for a deal, I signed up for the USA Baby emails and got a $25 gift card off a $50+ purchase just for signing up! Hello body pillow at half price. My body pillow also came with a free 12 week subscription to US Weekly. Shamefully, I was also excited about that.
So...how was it? Well, I didn't sleep any better last night, but it sure was comfy. My husband said it didn't even bother him that there was essentially another person sleeping with us, ha ha ha.
Vitamin B6, Friends named B and Class B Meds
While I was consulting the list of medications my doctor's office gave me for allergies, I also noticed that insomnia was listed on there and that they recommended Vitamin B6. So we picked some of that up last night as well. Again, I didn't notice any differences in my sleeping, but perhaps it takes a larger sample size than an n of 1. Incidentally my husband's pregnancy book mentioned that vitamin B6 may also help acne. My friend, B, a nurse practitioner also looked up some Class B medications that I am going to talk with my doctor next week about. Again, I am always really hesitant to take anything so I am curious as to what he will say.
B is for Baby!
We had our 20 week ultrasound this morning! It was quite long - almost an hour. A good chunk of that time was moving the ultrasound wand, tapping my belly and making me change positions to see if the baby would open his/her hand. Finally, 15-20 minutes later, he/she did and then once that happened it was a total show off - always opening and closing his/her hand. I was REALLY nervous that we would accidentally find out the sex and we didn't. I was anticipating having to look away from the monitor at some point but I think there was so much movement that the tech must have only glimpsed it. Neither my husband nor I have any more of a clue as to the gender than we did before.
The excellent news is that all is looking beautiful and healthy! He/She is almost a pound - 14 oz! Crazy. I loved being able to see and feel the movement at the same time. For our 12 week ultrasound, the baby totally posed - and just stayed in one position for the most part. Movement was minimal. That was not the case this morning - the baby was dancing up a storm. WE again got a slew of pictures on CD to take with us but here is one shot of the profile for you:
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Awkward Pregnancy Convo? Check!
Prior to yesterday, I had not yet had one of those conversations with people where they ask me if I'm pregnant. Perhaps several people think it but just don't ask because of course that is on the list of things to never ask a woman. I think this is more because I spread the word fast and furious that I was pregnant early on so most people that I come into contact with on a daily basis have been in the know.
Yesterday I was meeting with a student I mentored last summer. Yesterday I also was wearing a clingy sweater dress that showed off my stomach. Upon seeing me she says, "Hi! How are you?". I responded fine and proceeded to ask how she has been. After some talk of wakeboarding, she again asked, in a clearly awkward way, "So...is there anything else new??". I knew she was wondering WTF was up with my stomach but didn't want to ask the dreaded question. I started laughing and responded, "Well, yes, I am pregnant." She also started laughing and she said that she didn't want to ask but that she had a feeling since last summer since I told her I was taking a break from marathons. Apparently the light went off in her head that I might be pregnant soon. Then there was the bump.
It was funny.
Yesterday I also had another call from my insurance company nurse. Our insurance company has a free pre-natal program which involves a book, a packet of info that you already get from your doctor and regular calls from a nurse who checks in to see if you have questions. I like this service because it is always fun to have people ask about your pregnancy and not feel guilty for rambling on about it. I usually learn some fun fact from her too. Yesterday she told me that once I get to about 28 weeks, I probably will feel the baby kick every hour. CRAZY! I feel like I will get nothing done then because where there are heavy periods of movement (like right now) I can't concentrate on anything! I think feeling the baby move saves pregnancy for me. That little bugger must know when I am having a particularly rought time because s/he always seems to move a lot during then. And then I'm all, "Ahh...I love pregnancy".
Yesterday I was meeting with a student I mentored last summer. Yesterday I also was wearing a clingy sweater dress that showed off my stomach. Upon seeing me she says, "Hi! How are you?". I responded fine and proceeded to ask how she has been. After some talk of wakeboarding, she again asked, in a clearly awkward way, "So...is there anything else new??". I knew she was wondering WTF was up with my stomach but didn't want to ask the dreaded question. I started laughing and responded, "Well, yes, I am pregnant." She also started laughing and she said that she didn't want to ask but that she had a feeling since last summer since I told her I was taking a break from marathons. Apparently the light went off in her head that I might be pregnant soon. Then there was the bump.
It was funny.
Yesterday I also had another call from my insurance company nurse. Our insurance company has a free pre-natal program which involves a book, a packet of info that you already get from your doctor and regular calls from a nurse who checks in to see if you have questions. I like this service because it is always fun to have people ask about your pregnancy and not feel guilty for rambling on about it. I usually learn some fun fact from her too. Yesterday she told me that once I get to about 28 weeks, I probably will feel the baby kick every hour. CRAZY! I feel like I will get nothing done then because where there are heavy periods of movement (like right now) I can't concentrate on anything! I think feeling the baby move saves pregnancy for me. That little bugger must know when I am having a particularly rought time because s/he always seems to move a lot during then. And then I'm all, "Ahh...I love pregnancy".
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The big 2-0
Today is 20 weeks! Those of you that are my facebook friend and read my public blog must be getting sick of hearing this but I really can't explain how relieved I feel. Like I crossed a huge hurdle - and I was never a hurdler. (No coordination).
To celebrate and I wore a clingy (non-maternity) sweater dress that shows off the bump. Apparently, as much as I or my husband thinks it is obvious that I am pregnant, I think I am still in the "If you know me, I look pregnant" club. That is, it must not always be obvious to everyone else. Last night I went with HB to an 1154 Lill Purse Party. Upon seeing me at her house HB commented, "oh you have a little bump!". Yes! I do! fun! Then we got to the party and HB mentioned that I was going to have a baby and everyone else responded, "Oh, really? You can't even tell." Sigh. I do not normally have this big pouch of a stomach hanging out! And I even was wearing a maternity dress yesterday. My aunt was actually surprised at how much of a belly I had - WOW! she commented when she saw me Sunday. She also commented that seems really low. WEll, that's what you get when you are a)tall and b) have a long torso. I can tell that my uterus is right at my belly button - so I guess it looks low but I never thought that. You know what they say - I think that low babies mean boys, ha ha ha. My bump.net newsletter told me that the baby is the size of a cantaloupe (what is with all the cantaloupe references lately?!) and it really does look like I have a cantaloupe under my dress, ha!
So halfway through - I still don't feel as if I have entered any honeymoon phase. I average about 1 good day a week - 2 if I'm lucky. There is the insomnia and I still am dealing with a ton of acne on my face, chest and back. Gross. I didn't really have a ton of acne growing up but had a total flare up the summer of 2006 (and a breakdown about it at A&EH's wedding after one too many vodka tonics!). Since then it has been relatively in check until the plus sign. I had hoped it would go away sometime during trimester 2 but to no avail. No pregnancy glow for me - pregnancy pizza face. I haven't been using any over the counter products designed for acne, but am planning on talking with my doctor at my next visit to see if there is something i can do. From what I have read, toughing it out seems to be my option. Why is this the only option for so many pregnancy-related things?!
Ah - allergy season has hit. I have been faithful to my neti pot but did take some Sudafed on Sunday because I just couldn't bear it any more. (Sudafed was on my approved list of allergy meds to take). I really really try to not take any OTC drugs though - even Tylenol - if I can help it so lots of runny nose action around here.
Despite the insomnia, acne and allergies, I am having a good day - HALFWAY!!!!
To celebrate and I wore a clingy (non-maternity) sweater dress that shows off the bump. Apparently, as much as I or my husband thinks it is obvious that I am pregnant, I think I am still in the "If you know me, I look pregnant" club. That is, it must not always be obvious to everyone else. Last night I went with HB to an 1154 Lill Purse Party. Upon seeing me at her house HB commented, "oh you have a little bump!". Yes! I do! fun! Then we got to the party and HB mentioned that I was going to have a baby and everyone else responded, "Oh, really? You can't even tell." Sigh. I do not normally have this big pouch of a stomach hanging out! And I even was wearing a maternity dress yesterday. My aunt was actually surprised at how much of a belly I had - WOW! she commented when she saw me Sunday. She also commented that seems really low. WEll, that's what you get when you are a)tall and b) have a long torso. I can tell that my uterus is right at my belly button - so I guess it looks low but I never thought that. You know what they say - I think that low babies mean boys, ha ha ha. My bump.net newsletter told me that the baby is the size of a cantaloupe (what is with all the cantaloupe references lately?!) and it really does look like I have a cantaloupe under my dress, ha!
So halfway through - I still don't feel as if I have entered any honeymoon phase. I average about 1 good day a week - 2 if I'm lucky. There is the insomnia and I still am dealing with a ton of acne on my face, chest and back. Gross. I didn't really have a ton of acne growing up but had a total flare up the summer of 2006 (and a breakdown about it at A&EH's wedding after one too many vodka tonics!). Since then it has been relatively in check until the plus sign. I had hoped it would go away sometime during trimester 2 but to no avail. No pregnancy glow for me - pregnancy pizza face. I haven't been using any over the counter products designed for acne, but am planning on talking with my doctor at my next visit to see if there is something i can do. From what I have read, toughing it out seems to be my option. Why is this the only option for so many pregnancy-related things?!
Ah - allergy season has hit. I have been faithful to my neti pot but did take some Sudafed on Sunday because I just couldn't bear it any more. (Sudafed was on my approved list of allergy meds to take). I really really try to not take any OTC drugs though - even Tylenol - if I can help it so lots of runny nose action around here.
Despite the insomnia, acne and allergies, I am having a good day - HALFWAY!!!!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Baby Saturday
After several months of not wanting to read about anything "baby", over the weekend, I had a revived interest. I think it was sparked by continuing the registry process. We visited Half Price Kids Stuff in Bayview over the weekend. This is a great store. I went hoping to find some cute used maternity clothes but did not find anything. However, once we actually have the baby, this will be a great resource. We also went to USA Baby, which was recommended to us first by HB who said they have every stroller under the sun and then by the C's who claimed it was more tranquil than Babies R Us. USA Baby was also rated one of the top 21 baby stores in the country by Baby Bargains.
Well, since we were at USA Baby, we might as well register, right?! ha ha ha. The main reason we registered here is that they have the cheapest price on the Pump in Style - therefore I took it off the Target registry and put it on there. Moms to be in the MKE area take note - get your breastpump at USA baby! The Pump In Style retails for $279.99. At USA Baby it is $237.99 all the time! They also have some variety (although not huge) in cloth diapers available in store. I was a little disappointed that there stock of Maclaren strollers was dismal. However, they really do have almost every type of stroller imaginable. Of course we got a bag of literature for registering and some samples of Mustela baby products. Overall, this is a very nice store - has a lot of beautiful furniture and a good selection of products. The store is not nearly as overwhelming as Babies R Us. We only stuck with cloth diapers and the breast pump for this registry. This may be kinda dumb to have this registry, but maybe not. I'm not really sure.
After USA Baby, I begged my husband to go to goo goo gaa gaa. We really have no use for this store yet because it mostly harbors cute cute CUTE clothes. But it is fun to look!
Since we were disappointed with the strollers at USA Baby, my husband suggested that we might as well head to Babies R Us (cue scary music). We went in and headed toward the registry table. "Did you pre-register?" we were asked. What?! Um, no. So we had to fill out a form. While we were filling out the form, there was a couple sitting next to us debating the brake systems on strollers. They also had their Babies R Us registry book out with EVERY SINGLE ITEM CHECKED. We got the scanner, the book containing the registry checklist and the instructions to register for a ton of stuff because, "the average person buys 4-5 things from a registry". This was going against my "we are not registering for a ton of stuff" mantra. Already I had a headache.
Babies R Us did have a bunch of Maclaren strollers. I think I first wanted one of these strollers while pushing my friend, AH's son M, in one on our way to the ATL Consignment sale last year. Then, when we visited the Harley museum with the Bs, A had a Maclaren Quest Sport which I loved. The Maclaren Quest Sport (MQS) is the stroller I wanted to register for (also they come highly recommended from Baby Bargains). Well it turns out that the MQS must be going through a product changeover because those were on clearance (which are you strongly discouraged from registering for clearance items) or only the really ugly colors left. So we went with the Triumph in the green. Nate mentioned that the standard baby gift that his office usually buys people is the stroller so we kind of already know that we will get this.
The car seat was another item we registered for. We decided to go with the Chicco Key Fit 30. Why? Several pediatricians that I work with told me to buy that one. Since I work in injury prevention (e.g. motor vehicle crashes), I figure they know what they are talking about. Thus, I didn't even research other options. My boss also recommended this carseat from a parent perspective. I didn't want one of those travel systems where they include the big bulky stroller so I took the advice of HB and registered for a snap n go which you can hook the infant carrier onto and it is much less cumbersome.
We did register for some smaller things (e.g. "fluff") at Babies R US just to have something on the registry. However, if you looked at the Babies R Us Registry "Must Have" Checklist, we maybe crossed 15 of the 150 items off on there. It is shocking to me what they all suggest to buy - I think there were FIVE strollers on the list. FIVE. I was also disappointed that Babies R Us has ZERO in terms of cloth diapers. They have 50 trillion different types of bottles and loads of everything else you could possibly think of but no cloth diapers. Annoying. (I have yet to check out their online only selection which may have more than the store.) We still stayed away from registering for clothes and toys. I'm not sure infants need much in the way of toys and I'm still anticipating that we will get a ton of clothes, because it seems that everyone always says you get a ton of clothes. We did venture into blanket and sleep sack territory though. I LOVE sleep sacks - they are just so cute!
The "gift" for registering at Babies R Us was a photo album and an Avent Born Free 4 oz bottle. Of the two other stores we went with, they also are the only store that does a 10% off coupon for completing your registry. So we might be adding a bunch of stuff right before the baby is born (when they lock your registry) to take advantage of that!
I think we are done registering. I'm sure we will tweak them a bit but no more walking around stores with a scanner. I also will probably have to cross check the three to make sure we didn't double register for something!
Well, since we were at USA Baby, we might as well register, right?! ha ha ha. The main reason we registered here is that they have the cheapest price on the Pump in Style - therefore I took it off the Target registry and put it on there. Moms to be in the MKE area take note - get your breastpump at USA baby! The Pump In Style retails for $279.99. At USA Baby it is $237.99 all the time! They also have some variety (although not huge) in cloth diapers available in store. I was a little disappointed that there stock of Maclaren strollers was dismal. However, they really do have almost every type of stroller imaginable. Of course we got a bag of literature for registering and some samples of Mustela baby products. Overall, this is a very nice store - has a lot of beautiful furniture and a good selection of products. The store is not nearly as overwhelming as Babies R Us. We only stuck with cloth diapers and the breast pump for this registry. This may be kinda dumb to have this registry, but maybe not. I'm not really sure.
After USA Baby, I begged my husband to go to goo goo gaa gaa. We really have no use for this store yet because it mostly harbors cute cute CUTE clothes. But it is fun to look!
Since we were disappointed with the strollers at USA Baby, my husband suggested that we might as well head to Babies R Us (cue scary music). We went in and headed toward the registry table. "Did you pre-register?" we were asked. What?! Um, no. So we had to fill out a form. While we were filling out the form, there was a couple sitting next to us debating the brake systems on strollers. They also had their Babies R Us registry book out with EVERY SINGLE ITEM CHECKED. We got the scanner, the book containing the registry checklist and the instructions to register for a ton of stuff because, "the average person buys 4-5 things from a registry". This was going against my "we are not registering for a ton of stuff" mantra. Already I had a headache.
Babies R Us did have a bunch of Maclaren strollers. I think I first wanted one of these strollers while pushing my friend, AH's son M, in one on our way to the ATL Consignment sale last year. Then, when we visited the Harley museum with the Bs, A had a Maclaren Quest Sport which I loved. The Maclaren Quest Sport (MQS) is the stroller I wanted to register for (also they come highly recommended from Baby Bargains). Well it turns out that the MQS must be going through a product changeover because those were on clearance (which are you strongly discouraged from registering for clearance items) or only the really ugly colors left. So we went with the Triumph in the green. Nate mentioned that the standard baby gift that his office usually buys people is the stroller so we kind of already know that we will get this.
The car seat was another item we registered for. We decided to go with the Chicco Key Fit 30. Why? Several pediatricians that I work with told me to buy that one. Since I work in injury prevention (e.g. motor vehicle crashes), I figure they know what they are talking about. Thus, I didn't even research other options. My boss also recommended this carseat from a parent perspective. I didn't want one of those travel systems where they include the big bulky stroller so I took the advice of HB and registered for a snap n go which you can hook the infant carrier onto and it is much less cumbersome.
We did register for some smaller things (e.g. "fluff") at Babies R US just to have something on the registry. However, if you looked at the Babies R Us Registry "Must Have" Checklist, we maybe crossed 15 of the 150 items off on there. It is shocking to me what they all suggest to buy - I think there were FIVE strollers on the list. FIVE. I was also disappointed that Babies R Us has ZERO in terms of cloth diapers. They have 50 trillion different types of bottles and loads of everything else you could possibly think of but no cloth diapers. Annoying. (I have yet to check out their online only selection which may have more than the store.) We still stayed away from registering for clothes and toys. I'm not sure infants need much in the way of toys and I'm still anticipating that we will get a ton of clothes, because it seems that everyone always says you get a ton of clothes. We did venture into blanket and sleep sack territory though. I LOVE sleep sacks - they are just so cute!
The "gift" for registering at Babies R Us was a photo album and an Avent Born Free 4 oz bottle. Of the two other stores we went with, they also are the only store that does a 10% off coupon for completing your registry. So we might be adding a bunch of stuff right before the baby is born (when they lock your registry) to take advantage of that!
I think we are done registering. I'm sure we will tweak them a bit but no more walking around stores with a scanner. I also will probably have to cross check the three to make sure we didn't double register for something!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Pick a sex, any sex!
Girl? Boy?
Our 20 week ultrasound is scheduled for Thursday! I CANNOT WAIT! As you all know, we aren't finding out the sex before birth. I didn't realize this, but when you make the decision to NOT find out, you open up a whole new can of worms - the guessing game. Or, maybe I should say in some cases, THE HOPING game. As in "I really hope it's a boy". Thus far, this hasn't bothered me - I think it's sort of fun. And really, the decision has already been made so its not like anyone's wish or guess is going to change things at this point!
Of people who have expressed their opinions, I think "boy" is winning out. One of my brother-in-laws, my (male) cousin-in-law, my dad and my sister all want it to be a boy. I think my niece is the only one who has expressed (no, demanded) that it be a girl. Those are the "hopes" people. As far as guesses, I think my father-in-law would probably join my niece while my MIL thinks it's a boy. My mom hasn't made any predictions yet.
What about me? Do I have any mama-radar? No. For many weeks, basically the first trimester and part of the second, I was thinking girl. But lately, I have been thinking boy. I think part of this is because 2 of the 4 couples we are pregnant with (due in August/Sept) have already found out they are having girls. One is also not finding out and one will find out in a few weeks - and that mom is having strong girl vibes. In all those girls, there HAS to be a boy, right? On the flip side, of the babies that have been born already in 2010 to our friends, there have been 5 boys and 1 girl. In that lot, maybe we're the girl! ha ha ha.
All along, my husband has thought boy.
What about what we WANT? OF course we want a healthy baby. With the first baby, I don't really feel any pressure of wanting one sex or the other. If I could pick the sexes of my children, I would want at least one of each sex - who comes first, I don't really care. But, really, why spend time worrying about this? You can't pick!
What about those crazy old wives tales?
According to the Chinese Gender test, it is a girl.
This Parents Quiz could not make a determination! (For real!)
The childbirth.org test indicates a 64% chance of girl and 35% chance of boy (is that extra 1% for any error?!)
Our 20 week ultrasound is scheduled for Thursday! I CANNOT WAIT! As you all know, we aren't finding out the sex before birth. I didn't realize this, but when you make the decision to NOT find out, you open up a whole new can of worms - the guessing game. Or, maybe I should say in some cases, THE HOPING game. As in "I really hope it's a boy". Thus far, this hasn't bothered me - I think it's sort of fun. And really, the decision has already been made so its not like anyone's wish or guess is going to change things at this point!
Of people who have expressed their opinions, I think "boy" is winning out. One of my brother-in-laws, my (male) cousin-in-law, my dad and my sister all want it to be a boy. I think my niece is the only one who has expressed (no, demanded) that it be a girl. Those are the "hopes" people. As far as guesses, I think my father-in-law would probably join my niece while my MIL thinks it's a boy. My mom hasn't made any predictions yet.
What about me? Do I have any mama-radar? No. For many weeks, basically the first trimester and part of the second, I was thinking girl. But lately, I have been thinking boy. I think part of this is because 2 of the 4 couples we are pregnant with (due in August/Sept) have already found out they are having girls. One is also not finding out and one will find out in a few weeks - and that mom is having strong girl vibes. In all those girls, there HAS to be a boy, right? On the flip side, of the babies that have been born already in 2010 to our friends, there have been 5 boys and 1 girl. In that lot, maybe we're the girl! ha ha ha.
All along, my husband has thought boy.
What about what we WANT? OF course we want a healthy baby. With the first baby, I don't really feel any pressure of wanting one sex or the other. If I could pick the sexes of my children, I would want at least one of each sex - who comes first, I don't really care. But, really, why spend time worrying about this? You can't pick!
What about those crazy old wives tales?
According to the Chinese Gender test, it is a girl.
This Parents Quiz could not make a determination! (For real!)
The childbirth.org test indicates a 64% chance of girl and 35% chance of boy (is that extra 1% for any error?!)
Friday, April 9, 2010
The Swimsuit Marathon
You finished a marathon and you believe, 'If I can do this, I can do anything.'
Grete Waitz and Gloria Averbuch, Run Your First Marathon
I subscribe to the Runner's World Quote of the Day (Appropriately named 101 Kicks in the Butt). This was one of the quotes this week.
I have finished five marathons and must confess that I have had the above thought. But now i wonder if "anything" includes childbirth. Perhaps this will be my labor mantra. :) I can see this quote changing to "You gave birth to a child and you believe, 'If I can do this, I can do anything'."
So what's new in preggo land? My bellybutton is starting to look really strange. Even my husband noticed it. WEIRD.
I also may have found a swim suit. As I mentioned before, I had the silly notion that I could continue wearing some of my regular bikinis while pregnant. This was spurred on when A cup of Jo posted pics of Anna rocking the string bikini with baby bump a while ago. I never really had issues with swim suits. J.Crew suits were always a standby for me and I loved finding a $2 bikini top on clearance at Target to mix things up. Well Summer 2010 will not be the Summer of the String Bikini. Thus, I ordered different combinations of sizes of this suit from Land's End, found for me by my awesome sister.
Note: I ordered the bottoms shown and the bikini bottoms and actually chose to go with the above bottoms. Due to my longer torso, I don't think they look as high/mom-ish on me though. The bikini style ones were just on the verge of showing major AC (A** Crack).
I first tried Target, which was recommended to me after a status whine/update on Facebook. These suits were not cute and were more the tankini/side ruched classic maternity suit. I tried on XL size regular suits and maybe I could have sewn two of them together for the top but I don't think so. The maternity suits were all cutting off circulation in my chest and big enough to house 8 babies in the stomach. Amy & Nate Plus 8 this is not.
I also went to the Lands End Inlet store by my house to see if I could avoid ordering online. They did not have much in the way of supportive bikinis but they did have a few non-maternity tankinis. Now, my husband in general has been very supportive. But when I came out of the dressing room with that tankini, the look on his face said it all. I turned back into the dressing room to get the suit off. In order for the tankini type suits to fit my chest area, they are ENORMOUS in the stomach area. I realize I have to leave room to grow, but NOT THAT much! While many women try to hide the bump or wear baggier clothes, I never was a fan of the baggy clothes look, even pre-pregnancy. My favorite outfits so far are more clingy and show off the bump. I felt like the tankini didn't make me look pregnant - it made me look plain ol' fat.
So I ordered the bikini. It works, it's comfortable, but it's a far cry from what I'm used to seeing myself look like in a bikini. My husband seems to be genunine when he says he likes it but maybe he was too scarred by the tankini to be honest. I may have to get a female opinion on this one.
Any other people who were pregnant during the summer? What did you do for a swimsuit? 6 weeks and 5 days until vacation!!
Grete Waitz and Gloria Averbuch, Run Your First Marathon
I subscribe to the Runner's World Quote of the Day (Appropriately named 101 Kicks in the Butt). This was one of the quotes this week.
I have finished five marathons and must confess that I have had the above thought. But now i wonder if "anything" includes childbirth. Perhaps this will be my labor mantra. :) I can see this quote changing to "You gave birth to a child and you believe, 'If I can do this, I can do anything'."
So what's new in preggo land? My bellybutton is starting to look really strange. Even my husband noticed it. WEIRD.
I also may have found a swim suit. As I mentioned before, I had the silly notion that I could continue wearing some of my regular bikinis while pregnant. This was spurred on when A cup of Jo posted pics of Anna rocking the string bikini with baby bump a while ago. I never really had issues with swim suits. J.Crew suits were always a standby for me and I loved finding a $2 bikini top on clearance at Target to mix things up. Well Summer 2010 will not be the Summer of the String Bikini. Thus, I ordered different combinations of sizes of this suit from Land's End, found for me by my awesome sister.
Note: I ordered the bottoms shown and the bikini bottoms and actually chose to go with the above bottoms. Due to my longer torso, I don't think they look as high/mom-ish on me though. The bikini style ones were just on the verge of showing major AC (A** Crack).
I first tried Target, which was recommended to me after a status whine/update on Facebook. These suits were not cute and were more the tankini/side ruched classic maternity suit. I tried on XL size regular suits and maybe I could have sewn two of them together for the top but I don't think so. The maternity suits were all cutting off circulation in my chest and big enough to house 8 babies in the stomach. Amy & Nate Plus 8 this is not.
I also went to the Lands End Inlet store by my house to see if I could avoid ordering online. They did not have much in the way of supportive bikinis but they did have a few non-maternity tankinis. Now, my husband in general has been very supportive. But when I came out of the dressing room with that tankini, the look on his face said it all. I turned back into the dressing room to get the suit off. In order for the tankini type suits to fit my chest area, they are ENORMOUS in the stomach area. I realize I have to leave room to grow, but NOT THAT much! While many women try to hide the bump or wear baggier clothes, I never was a fan of the baggy clothes look, even pre-pregnancy. My favorite outfits so far are more clingy and show off the bump. I felt like the tankini didn't make me look pregnant - it made me look plain ol' fat.
So I ordered the bikini. It works, it's comfortable, but it's a far cry from what I'm used to seeing myself look like in a bikini. My husband seems to be genunine when he says he likes it but maybe he was too scarred by the tankini to be honest. I may have to get a female opinion on this one.
Any other people who were pregnant during the summer? What did you do for a swimsuit? 6 weeks and 5 days until vacation!!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Sitting on the Breastfeeding Fence
Given my earlier post on Research Topic #2, I thought i would also post this commentary on breastfeeding: Sitting on the Breastfeeding Fence. I thought it was an excellent read, even though parts of it made my boobs hurt. Maybe I'm just a sucker for a picture of a cute chubby baby, though too! Thank you With Two Cats for sharing!
And we're off..Research Topic #2: Breast Pumps
Ah the breast pump. Insane torture device or necessary feeding mechanism? I must admit that the breast pump freaks me out a little bit. My research started with Baby Bargains, which highly recommended the Medela brand. After looking at the options, I was considering the Pump In Style Advanced or the Freestyle. After a couple of chats with friends, the pump in style advanced won out because it was cheaper, quieter, and overall I had more friends who had experience with it (and raving about it) than the freestyle. Apparently people love this pump. While asking about pumps, I learned some new terminology-the suction cups are called "horns"(lending further proof to my torture device theory) and also learned what "accessories" people use and don't use - most don't use all of the accessories. It was also helpful to learn about the storage systems people use/prefer as well has the entire pumping system that people have created for themselves. I'm sure we'll create our own system but it's nice to have a frame of reference.
All of this information came in handy when we ventured to Target last night to register. We were going to wait a little while, but we received a catalog from Target in the mail (how DO they get your name when you're expecting?!?) with a coupon which gives you a $20 gift card just for registering! The catch was we had to do it before the coupon expired early next week. I have to admit I think we both were really excited to do this. We chose Target because it is easily accessible, affordable and both of our families are frequent shoppers. I know there are online sites that sort of consolidate everything for you, which I think are great, however, I like to see things before I buy them and I know that our families tend to be the same way.
After signing up on the computer kiosk, Target gives you a tote bag of coupons and samples (BLK YOU WILL LOVE IT!!) and the scanner gun. Then you are off! I was armed with a list of things to look at. The baby section at Target is pretty small. This is both a blessing and a curse - Babies R Us may give me a panic attack, but I think it is probably where we will go next for items like the car seat and stroller, of which Target does not have that great of selection in store.
Then we got to the breastfeeding aisle. The pump in style advance was there like a shining beacon. "HOLY HELL" was my husband's reply. Apparently one of us was not researching breast pumps and the price was a little shocking to him. I told him I didn't care if 20 people went in and bought the thing for me - I would rather have that that 20 different cute outfits. Call me practical. Thanks to CD, who gave me a lesson on breastmilk bags and bottles, we went with the Lasinoh breast milk bags and the Dr. Brown's bottles, which you can attach directly to the breast pump. FANCY, ha ha ha. Dr. Brown's were also recommended in, you guessed it, Baby Bargains.
All in all it was a fun experience, although short. I added some more things, like bum genius cloth diapers, online since those ARE available at Target, but no in stores. We decided to not register for any clothes beyond basic onesies or any toys. My experience at baby showers is that people like picking out clothes on their own and that is primarily what you get from a lot of people so I kind of want to be surprised about that aspect.
Now I'm sure it will be like when we were getting married and i was checking the registry, adding and editing almost daily!
All of this information came in handy when we ventured to Target last night to register. We were going to wait a little while, but we received a catalog from Target in the mail (how DO they get your name when you're expecting?!?) with a coupon which gives you a $20 gift card just for registering! The catch was we had to do it before the coupon expired early next week. I have to admit I think we both were really excited to do this. We chose Target because it is easily accessible, affordable and both of our families are frequent shoppers. I know there are online sites that sort of consolidate everything for you, which I think are great, however, I like to see things before I buy them and I know that our families tend to be the same way.
After signing up on the computer kiosk, Target gives you a tote bag of coupons and samples (BLK YOU WILL LOVE IT!!) and the scanner gun. Then you are off! I was armed with a list of things to look at. The baby section at Target is pretty small. This is both a blessing and a curse - Babies R Us may give me a panic attack, but I think it is probably where we will go next for items like the car seat and stroller, of which Target does not have that great of selection in store.
Then we got to the breastfeeding aisle. The pump in style advance was there like a shining beacon. "HOLY HELL" was my husband's reply. Apparently one of us was not researching breast pumps and the price was a little shocking to him. I told him I didn't care if 20 people went in and bought the thing for me - I would rather have that that 20 different cute outfits. Call me practical. Thanks to CD, who gave me a lesson on breastmilk bags and bottles, we went with the Lasinoh breast milk bags and the Dr. Brown's bottles, which you can attach directly to the breast pump. FANCY, ha ha ha. Dr. Brown's were also recommended in, you guessed it, Baby Bargains.
All in all it was a fun experience, although short. I added some more things, like bum genius cloth diapers, online since those ARE available at Target, but no in stores. We decided to not register for any clothes beyond basic onesies or any toys. My experience at baby showers is that people like picking out clothes on their own and that is primarily what you get from a lot of people so I kind of want to be surprised about that aspect.
Now I'm sure it will be like when we were getting married and i was checking the registry, adding and editing almost daily!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
NEGATORY!
I received my AFP test results back via email today. AFP levels were normal and thus negative. Another hurdle crossed. I am VERY excited for Next Thursday...not because it is tax day, but because we have our second (and last) ultrasound! I'm curious to see how much bigger the baby is and see what is causing all the movement in my belly!
I'm not sure when "pregnancy brain" is technically suppossed to kick in, but here is a funny example of it from my personal experience. The other night while i was tossing and turning to get back to sleep after a wake-up bathroom break, I started to play the alphabet game. The one where you say "A, apple, B, boy" etc. I was going to do the animal version. This is my alphabet game:
A alligator
B bear
C camel
D dog
E elephant
F fox
E elk
After that, I gave up. I'm no longer smart enough to remember the alphabet!
I'm not sure when "pregnancy brain" is technically suppossed to kick in, but here is a funny example of it from my personal experience. The other night while i was tossing and turning to get back to sleep after a wake-up bathroom break, I started to play the alphabet game. The one where you say "A, apple, B, boy" etc. I was going to do the animal version. This is my alphabet game:
A alligator
B bear
C camel
D dog
E elephant
F fox
E elk
After that, I gave up. I'm no longer smart enough to remember the alphabet!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Research Topic #1: Cloth Diapers (and some comments on Used Baby Gear)
We are planning to start the baby registry process soon. I had thought we were just gung ho but reading some online stuff said that the recommended time to register is around 14 weeks so you have time to build your registry, etc. Woah! 14 weeks seemed really early to me, but I have to admit that I am excited to start registering. Coinciding with this, I have started "researching" some topics about baby care which I will post about in the coming weeks. The first topics - Cloth Diapers and Used Baby Gear.
I was telling some people that we have become the receptacle for used baby goods lately. I am all for this - especially since a lot of baby gear tends to go unused or is in really good condition because the baby wore it once. People have also commented that it is nice to have stuff at the grandparents house that can stay there. I am not sure if either set of our grandparents will be for this, but it's an idea. Now, I realize that there also is some BAD used baby gear - so far we seem to have avoided a lot of this. We have gotten some clothing donations from various people. A couple of weeks ago Nate came home with one of those vibrating seats. He set it up in the living room and there it sat for a few days. It was like we were pretending the baby was hanging out with us.
A few weeks ago, I received a facebook message from one of my husband's colleagues asking if I wanted an exersaucer. I replied, "What is an exersaucer?". That night, the hubs came stumbling through the door with the exersaucer. "You wanted to know what an exersaucer is - this is an exersaucer". OH! Ok. A couple of hours later, our doorbell rang. Our neighbor, who has a 6 month old, was there holding a bag full of Huggies diapers. "My daughter grew out of this size diapers so I figured you guys could use them at some point." NICE! So the baby room has a growing pile of stuff (which also contributes to it looking like the baby could come any day!). It is nice that we won't have to register for some things because of this.
I will take donations of disposable diapers (or free samples of them!) but I really want to try the whole cloth diaper thing. I have several friends that have gone this route and my mom also cloth diapered my two siblings and me. In fact, last weekend when we were home for Easter, my mom actually got out a box of cloth diapers that she said she can't bear to part with. It was sort of funny to see that she had saved some of our Curity cloth diapers. I have started harrassing, er asking, my friends with babies several "research" questions. I have found them to be very helpful in a variety of topics. The Baby Bargains book also recommended the book, Diaper Changes, which our local library had so I checked it out. (Side Note - The librarian totally made fun of the book. "They have a whole book on changing diapers now? What do you need that for?".) There are also websites on cloth diapering. Although I find the websites and books helpful, I find it more helpful to talk to people I know about things for some reason so it is nice that we have so many friends with babies and nice to know that many of them have used cloth diapers.
I think we are going to start with the prefold route. This is the route my mom used for us because they didn't have the fancy kind back then, and I can remember changing my sister's diapers. The one nice thing is that they have greatly improved the covers for the diapers since we were little. One suggestion that I think the Baby Bargains book had was to look at Craigslist for cloth diapers since many people buy all the supplies and end up not using them. Thus, I was OBSESSED with looking at craigslist lately, watching them for cloth diaper posts. I am amazed at how many people post that they bought all these cloth diapers, tried them once (literally ONE TIME) and decided to not use it - lucky for me! So far I have purchased 3 newborn size Bummis Wraps. They were brand new. $10 for the 3. Since these are $10 each, I think I got a good deal. A couple of weeks ago, I found a post about a bunch of prefolds that the lady bought and then only used ONE diaper ONE time. This ended up being near my husband's office so i called him to see if he could check them out. The man got a quick education on flat weave vs. prefold cloth diapers over the phone. ha ha ha He ended up bringing a HUGE box of not only diapers but more bummis wrap covers, and brand new sets of diaper pins still in the original packaging. SCORE! I am kind of grossed out/particular about used diapers so I was glad to find these "new" finds for a super cheap price. This way, we can try the cloth diaper thing without making too much of an investment right away. I would like to register for some of the "fancy" cloth diapers (e.g. Bum Genius) to try too. I know I have used those in the past for kids I have babysat and they are almost easier to use than disposable diapers!
I was telling some people that we have become the receptacle for used baby goods lately. I am all for this - especially since a lot of baby gear tends to go unused or is in really good condition because the baby wore it once. People have also commented that it is nice to have stuff at the grandparents house that can stay there. I am not sure if either set of our grandparents will be for this, but it's an idea. Now, I realize that there also is some BAD used baby gear - so far we seem to have avoided a lot of this. We have gotten some clothing donations from various people. A couple of weeks ago Nate came home with one of those vibrating seats. He set it up in the living room and there it sat for a few days. It was like we were pretending the baby was hanging out with us.
A few weeks ago, I received a facebook message from one of my husband's colleagues asking if I wanted an exersaucer. I replied, "What is an exersaucer?". That night, the hubs came stumbling through the door with the exersaucer. "You wanted to know what an exersaucer is - this is an exersaucer". OH! Ok. A couple of hours later, our doorbell rang. Our neighbor, who has a 6 month old, was there holding a bag full of Huggies diapers. "My daughter grew out of this size diapers so I figured you guys could use them at some point." NICE! So the baby room has a growing pile of stuff (which also contributes to it looking like the baby could come any day!). It is nice that we won't have to register for some things because of this.
I will take donations of disposable diapers (or free samples of them!) but I really want to try the whole cloth diaper thing. I have several friends that have gone this route and my mom also cloth diapered my two siblings and me. In fact, last weekend when we were home for Easter, my mom actually got out a box of cloth diapers that she said she can't bear to part with. It was sort of funny to see that she had saved some of our Curity cloth diapers. I have started harrassing, er asking, my friends with babies several "research" questions. I have found them to be very helpful in a variety of topics. The Baby Bargains book also recommended the book, Diaper Changes, which our local library had so I checked it out. (Side Note - The librarian totally made fun of the book. "They have a whole book on changing diapers now? What do you need that for?".) There are also websites on cloth diapering. Although I find the websites and books helpful, I find it more helpful to talk to people I know about things for some reason so it is nice that we have so many friends with babies and nice to know that many of them have used cloth diapers.
I think we are going to start with the prefold route. This is the route my mom used for us because they didn't have the fancy kind back then, and I can remember changing my sister's diapers. The one nice thing is that they have greatly improved the covers for the diapers since we were little. One suggestion that I think the Baby Bargains book had was to look at Craigslist for cloth diapers since many people buy all the supplies and end up not using them. Thus, I was OBSESSED with looking at craigslist lately, watching them for cloth diaper posts. I am amazed at how many people post that they bought all these cloth diapers, tried them once (literally ONE TIME) and decided to not use it - lucky for me! So far I have purchased 3 newborn size Bummis Wraps. They were brand new. $10 for the 3. Since these are $10 each, I think I got a good deal. A couple of weeks ago, I found a post about a bunch of prefolds that the lady bought and then only used ONE diaper ONE time. This ended up being near my husband's office so i called him to see if he could check them out. The man got a quick education on flat weave vs. prefold cloth diapers over the phone. ha ha ha He ended up bringing a HUGE box of not only diapers but more bummis wrap covers, and brand new sets of diaper pins still in the original packaging. SCORE! I am kind of grossed out/particular about used diapers so I was glad to find these "new" finds for a super cheap price. This way, we can try the cloth diaper thing without making too much of an investment right away. I would like to register for some of the "fancy" cloth diapers (e.g. Bum Genius) to try too. I know I have used those in the past for kids I have babysat and they are almost easier to use than disposable diapers!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Dancin' in the Dark
I know I already posted today but today is the first day that I have felt Baby S's movements during the day time (vs. the night) and the first time I have felt movement when I am not lying down! I am glad he/she is having a gay old time in there while I am at work. It is making it really hard to concentrate! This could be because:
a) I just polished off a good half to 3/4 of a chocolate bunny
b) I just went for a 1.75 mile walk to enjoy our almost 70-degree day or
c) Because I slept for a total of 8 continuous hours last night.
Who knows?! I love the movement. I am very anxious to be able to feel it from the outside so that my husband can also experience it.
Title of this post refers to a Bruce song. It may not be dark for me when Baby S is dancing but I guess he/she is Dancin' in the Dark for 21 more weeks (or 18-20 if he or she wants to oblige me with arriving early!)!
a) I just polished off a good half to 3/4 of a chocolate bunny
b) I just went for a 1.75 mile walk to enjoy our almost 70-degree day or
c) Because I slept for a total of 8 continuous hours last night.
Who knows?! I love the movement. I am very anxious to be able to feel it from the outside so that my husband can also experience it.
Title of this post refers to a Bruce song. It may not be dark for me when Baby S is dancing but I guess he/she is Dancin' in the Dark for 21 more weeks (or 18-20 if he or she wants to oblige me with arriving early!)!
Explaining Babies to an Almost-4 year old
This weekend we saw my niece, T. She will be 4 in less than 3 weeks! My brother told me that she has been asking about our baby recently because one of his friends just had a baby on Friday and it was a boy. T was NOT happy that the baby turned out to be a boy. So she told my brother that my husband and I were having a girl baby named Olivia. After quizzing her this weekend, she informed us that if the baby is a boy, then she wouldn't hold it or play with it. ha ha ha.
T also asked me when I was going to have the baby. "In August - a long time from now." Knowing she probably didn't really know how far away that was, I said, "The baby has to grow in my tummy" (we let her push on my belly). "You used to be in your mom's belly too for a while and we all had to wait for you to come out." I should have just stopped at "the baby has to grow in my tummy" line because then T replied, "Yeah and in August, I'm going to go back into my mom's tummy".
WHAT?! Where did that come from?! Oh boy. I don't know that Aunt A gets to have the baby talk with T anymore!
T also asked me when I was going to have the baby. "In August - a long time from now." Knowing she probably didn't really know how far away that was, I said, "The baby has to grow in my tummy" (we let her push on my belly). "You used to be in your mom's belly too for a while and we all had to wait for you to come out." I should have just stopped at "the baby has to grow in my tummy" line because then T replied, "Yeah and in August, I'm going to go back into my mom's tummy".
WHAT?! Where did that come from?! Oh boy. I don't know that Aunt A gets to have the baby talk with T anymore!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Boobs as Big as a 21-year old's Head
Yesterday, my sister accompanied me to Target. She was trying on skinny jeans and cute bikinis and I was trying on maternity jeans and a maternity swimsuit. We are going on vacation in 7 weeks and I will need a suit.
Why don't you just wear one of your bikinis, you might ask. I know that was my plan.
Well, I think my sister responded to that question when she saw my boobs in their full (i.e. naked) glory in the dressing room. "A--, you're boobs are as big as my head!". Thus, my current swimsuits, which were pushing the line of decency on our cruise at SIX WEEKS, are not going to work when I am on vacation at TWENTY FIVE WEEKS.
Now how does she get away with saying this? Well, if you were in that dressing room trying to help me get out of a maternity swimsuit top and laughing with me, you could say that to me too. I was hyperventilating I was laughing so hard. I found out my uterus is now as big as a cantaloupe. Each of my boobs is too. I don't think they (meaning my breasts) got the memo that they are suppossed to get bigger and fill with milk AFTER giving birth. I have frequently thought that while trying to breastfeed, my boob might smother my child.
Luckily, my sister was acting as my personal assistant last night and emailed me some options that come in bra sizes that she found online. Because lord knows, these cantalopes are going to need all the support they can get!
Why don't you just wear one of your bikinis, you might ask. I know that was my plan.
Well, I think my sister responded to that question when she saw my boobs in their full (i.e. naked) glory in the dressing room. "A--, you're boobs are as big as my head!". Thus, my current swimsuits, which were pushing the line of decency on our cruise at SIX WEEKS, are not going to work when I am on vacation at TWENTY FIVE WEEKS.
Now how does she get away with saying this? Well, if you were in that dressing room trying to help me get out of a maternity swimsuit top and laughing with me, you could say that to me too. I was hyperventilating I was laughing so hard. I found out my uterus is now as big as a cantaloupe. Each of my boobs is too. I don't think they (meaning my breasts) got the memo that they are suppossed to get bigger and fill with milk AFTER giving birth. I have frequently thought that while trying to breastfeed, my boob might smother my child.
Luckily, my sister was acting as my personal assistant last night and emailed me some options that come in bra sizes that she found online. Because lord knows, these cantalopes are going to need all the support they can get!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Wait, I'm due in August? I must have thought it was April because...
...the baby room is one step closer to being done.
While perusing blogs, I came across this color palette. It is pretty close to our baby room palette except for the dark teal color in the middle, which is not a part of it.
Speaking of color palettes, last night, I came home to find a package from fabric.com. My curtain material had arrived!!!! It was like there was a huge mountain dew in that box - I all of a sudden had more energy than I have had since January. My brother-in-law is on spring break so he came over to play Wii Mario with my husband. He sort of (ok, he did) make fun of us for basically having the baby room done. [It is a little ridiculous because I got really excited after th rug and washed a crib sheet and crib skirt and put them on the crib. Literally, th baby could come any day. Good thing I am finally starting to look pregnant!] I opened the box and got started on the curtains ASAP. That baby is coming...the curtains HAVE to get done, ha ha ha.
First off, I must say that like all of her other fabrics, the Amy Butler home decor weight fabrics are luxe. They are the perfect curtain material. Everyone, even my poking fun BIL, liked the pattern/color of them as well. I definitely would purchase this fabric again.
I decided to make short curtains for the room. There are 8 rooms in our house, not counting bathrooms or the basement. Five of them have almost the exact type of curtain - long floor to ceiling type. It was time to break out of the rut. Beyond aesthetics, the heat vent for the baby room is directly under a window and long curtains would block it. Also, when the baby gets to the motion stage, I don't exactly want him/her pulling on the curtains or trying to climb them.
I also wanted to give curtain rings a try after reading this post at Young House Love. If you want a no-sew variety of curtain, I highly suggest their method. Their baby room curtains are stellar. We bought four packs of nickel curtain rings at Lowe's over the weekend since the curtain rods are also nickel. These were the easiest curtains to make ever. I basically cut two panels, double hemmed all four sides and clipped the rings on and slid them on the rod. I think this took me an hour tops for one window. I still have one window to go.
I love the end result! The tangerine orange looks great next to the blue/grey wall and gives the room a nice burst of color. Pictures...you'll just have to wait!
While perusing blogs, I came across this color palette. It is pretty close to our baby room palette except for the dark teal color in the middle, which is not a part of it.
Speaking of color palettes, last night, I came home to find a package from fabric.com. My curtain material had arrived!!!! It was like there was a huge mountain dew in that box - I all of a sudden had more energy than I have had since January. My brother-in-law is on spring break so he came over to play Wii Mario with my husband. He sort of (ok, he did) make fun of us for basically having the baby room done. [It is a little ridiculous because I got really excited after th rug and washed a crib sheet and crib skirt and put them on the crib. Literally, th baby could come any day. Good thing I am finally starting to look pregnant!] I opened the box and got started on the curtains ASAP. That baby is coming...the curtains HAVE to get done, ha ha ha.
First off, I must say that like all of her other fabrics, the Amy Butler home decor weight fabrics are luxe. They are the perfect curtain material. Everyone, even my poking fun BIL, liked the pattern/color of them as well. I definitely would purchase this fabric again.
I decided to make short curtains for the room. There are 8 rooms in our house, not counting bathrooms or the basement. Five of them have almost the exact type of curtain - long floor to ceiling type. It was time to break out of the rut. Beyond aesthetics, the heat vent for the baby room is directly under a window and long curtains would block it. Also, when the baby gets to the motion stage, I don't exactly want him/her pulling on the curtains or trying to climb them.
I also wanted to give curtain rings a try after reading this post at Young House Love. If you want a no-sew variety of curtain, I highly suggest their method. Their baby room curtains are stellar. We bought four packs of nickel curtain rings at Lowe's over the weekend since the curtain rods are also nickel. These were the easiest curtains to make ever. I basically cut two panels, double hemmed all four sides and clipped the rings on and slid them on the rod. I think this took me an hour tops for one window. I still have one window to go.
I love the end result! The tangerine orange looks great next to the blue/grey wall and gives the room a nice burst of color. Pictures...you'll just have to wait!
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