I am getting REALLY excited about cloth diapering... not only will it save us lots and lots of money, it is healthier for the baby (natural fibers and less diaper rash) and OH SO CUTE! They have lots of colors and designs, and it was recommended that in the summer you don't even have to put a bottom or onesie on the baby because the diaper is cute enough to just wear with a t-shirt.
I think what I am going to do is get prefold diapers with snappis and covers for our newborn until they grow into the Bum Genius one size diapers that we can use from then on to potty training (which means we need about 24 diapers to cover us from birth to potty training, plus a couple prefolds and diaper covers! Amazing!!). I will probably have a few disposables around for the first week and if we travel long distance, but overall I am hoping to cloth diaper most of the time to save money.
I found this video on You Tube that explains the basics of prefolds and covers in case anyone is curious:
Once the baby is big enough, they will go into the Bum Genius 3.0 One Size diapers. Here is a tutorial video of these ones:
(I will be buying new ones that already come with inserts)
Anyway, I just wanted to share my excitement with you all. I've done a lot of research on how to wash them, and it really isn't that big of a deal, especially if you get enough that you can wash diapers every other day or every three days (and have a day off!). If anyone would like to donate to our cloth diaper collection feel free. :-)
My mom is also sewing us cloth wipes from old receiving blankets so that we don't have to buy wipes either. I plan on keeping a thermos of warm water in the nursery or a spray bottle nearby (or in the diaper bag) to dampen the wipes before wiping the baby. From what I read, plain filtered water is actually preferred over harsh chemicals put in store-bought wipes.
Of course I know there are people out there who prefer the convenience of disposable diapers and wipes and this is not meant to put you down, every one is entitled to their opinion. I'm just excited about my cute diapers that will work for not only this kiddo but our future ones as well!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
16 week bump tracker
Here is the bump progression so far!
4 weeks, 3 days
8 weeks, 2 days
12 weeks, 2 days
16 weeks, 2 days
16 week bump!!
4 weeks, 3 days
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| From Baby stuff! |
8 weeks, 2 days
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| From Baby stuff! |
12 weeks, 2 days
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| From Baby stuff! |
16 weeks, 2 days
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| From Baby stuff! |
16 week bump!!
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| From Baby stuff! |
Saturday, December 26, 2009
It's official!
I definitely felt the baby kick last night! I was reading in bed around 3am and I felt a feeling like popcorn popping or a bubble bursting multiple times in my lower abdomen... it happened about 5 or 6 times and then it stopped and never happened again. But it was amazing, especially because I've been wondering if the baby is ok in there, and God provided the confirmation I need for peace of mind.
Today I got our changing table mattress and dug out a cover to put over it from a bunch of stuff Lindy and Nathan gave me from the boys. After I get a few baskets from Ross and our cloth diapers, I will be completely done with the changing station!
I would like to get a bulk of the nursery done while I am in my second trimester and can still move around comfortably, and I think we are well on our way to do just that!
Today I got our changing table mattress and dug out a cover to put over it from a bunch of stuff Lindy and Nathan gave me from the boys. After I get a few baskets from Ross and our cloth diapers, I will be completely done with the changing station!
I would like to get a bulk of the nursery done while I am in my second trimester and can still move around comfortably, and I think we are well on our way to do just that!
16 weeks! Hola little avocado!!
Merry (belated) Christmas everyone!! I am officially 16 weeks today... Christmas was a rough day for me health wise... if I get up even an hour earlier than my normal schedule I get very ill and am nauseous for the rest of the day. It's quite awful and I spent Christmas morning losing my Christmas breakfast, which Eliot so lovingly prepared for me.
:-)
My dad came down for Christmas morning and we had a great time hanging out and opening presents before heading out to Jake and Jodi's for a delicious dinner. Dad thankfully took the time to install a dimmer switch in the nursery, and Diane generously gave us this lovely stroller which has a place for our car seat (from Nathan and Lindy) to clip on the top! It is super cute and we had fun putting it together.
Eliot also gave me the carpet cleaner I wanted (yay Eliot!), we are getting a beautiful glider and ottoman set from Eliot's parents, and my mom gave us this Mozart Magic Cube that we are already playing for the baby (he/she can hear already!). We also ordered this crib this week with our Christmas money, to arrive the first week of January. Things are coming together!!
Here is what is happening with Baby Grasso this week:
Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.
And now, for your viewing pleasure, some Christmas pics!
Merry Christmas one and all!
:-)
My dad came down for Christmas morning and we had a great time hanging out and opening presents before heading out to Jake and Jodi's for a delicious dinner. Dad thankfully took the time to install a dimmer switch in the nursery, and Diane generously gave us this lovely stroller which has a place for our car seat (from Nathan and Lindy) to clip on the top! It is super cute and we had fun putting it together.
Eliot also gave me the carpet cleaner I wanted (yay Eliot!), we are getting a beautiful glider and ottoman set from Eliot's parents, and my mom gave us this Mozart Magic Cube that we are already playing for the baby (he/she can hear already!). We also ordered this crib this week with our Christmas money, to arrive the first week of January. Things are coming together!!
Here is what is happening with Baby Grasso this week:
Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.
And now, for your viewing pleasure, some Christmas pics!
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| From Winter 2009/2010 |
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| From Winter 2009/2010 |
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| From Winter 2009/2010 |
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| From Winter 2009/2010 |
Merry Christmas one and all!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Popcorn, anyone?
Every once in awhile, when I'm curled up, I feel the slightest weird feeling in my abdomen, kind of like popcorn popping. I am pretty sure it is our little one since I've never felt anything like it before, and it feels different than the pulling/stretching sensation I've had for weeks. It doesn't happen all the time or even every day, but I am relatively sure our little one is kicking me!
Also, I am thinking about ordering our crib in the next week or so and starting to get the nursery in order while I am in my second trimester and have a lot of energy (and while Eliot is between semesters). We also have our 16 week doctor's appt on the 8th of January, and at that we will probably schedule our big ultrasound for 20 weeks when we get to see our baby and know the gender! Woohoo!
For now we are enjoying relaxing at home for Christmas and I am trying not to be frustrated with having to make a trip to the bathroom every 10-20min (not exaggerating).
Also, I am thinking about ordering our crib in the next week or so and starting to get the nursery in order while I am in my second trimester and have a lot of energy (and while Eliot is between semesters). We also have our 16 week doctor's appt on the 8th of January, and at that we will probably schedule our big ultrasound for 20 weeks when we get to see our baby and know the gender! Woohoo!
For now we are enjoying relaxing at home for Christmas and I am trying not to be frustrated with having to make a trip to the bathroom every 10-20min (not exaggerating).
Saturday, December 19, 2009
15 weeks! Little apple!!
I am 15 weeks today!! I have felt some flutters once in awhile that I think MAY be the baby, but I'm not sure. I can't wait to feel kicks for real! I am also having a lot of round ligament pain and this morning lots of hip pain from sleeping funny last night. Anyway, here is what is going on with our little one this week:
Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.")
Sadly, we probably won't find out the sex till the end of January/beginning of February since that is when we get our BIG ultrasound (20 weeks). I am so anxious to know what we are having so we can start to narrow down names decorate the nursery, etc. I am definitely having the "nesting" vibe and have been cleaning, organizing, and scrubbing every inch of the house (when I am not collapsed on the couch from fatigue). Oh well, the wait continues!
P.S. I included a link to our baby registry on the right of the blog just in case anyone needs it! :-)
Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.")
Sadly, we probably won't find out the sex till the end of January/beginning of February since that is when we get our BIG ultrasound (20 weeks). I am so anxious to know what we are having so we can start to narrow down names decorate the nursery, etc. I am definitely having the "nesting" vibe and have been cleaning, organizing, and scrubbing every inch of the house (when I am not collapsed on the couch from fatigue). Oh well, the wait continues!
P.S. I included a link to our baby registry on the right of the blog just in case anyone needs it! :-)
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Weekly Survey- Week 14
How far along? 14 weeks and 5 days!
Total weight gain/loss: Gained about 2 lbs in the last 2 weeks, right on schedule.
Sleep: INSOMNIA is taking over my life! When I try to go to bed early, I toss and turn, even if I am tired. I think I have been pretty stressed out recently too and that hasn't helped my sleep schedule at all.
Best moment this week: Our Gingerbread house party we had tonight... we had a great time making houses and chatting with our friends!
Symptoms: Headaches, nausea if I don't get enough sleep, irritability, fatigue, mood swings
Symptoms I DON'T have: Nothing has changed in this arena from last week.
Gender: Thinking pink but I keep second-guessing myself!
What I miss: Lazy days around the house... but I think I will get a few this weekend, so it's not that bad.
What I am looking forward to: Really looking like I am showing instead of just looking fat.
Weekly Wisdom: Appreciate your spouse!
Milestones: Officially in my second trimester!!!!
Total weight gain/loss: Gained about 2 lbs in the last 2 weeks, right on schedule.
Sleep: INSOMNIA is taking over my life! When I try to go to bed early, I toss and turn, even if I am tired. I think I have been pretty stressed out recently too and that hasn't helped my sleep schedule at all.
Best moment this week: Our Gingerbread house party we had tonight... we had a great time making houses and chatting with our friends!
Symptoms: Headaches, nausea if I don't get enough sleep, irritability, fatigue, mood swings
Symptoms I DON'T have: Nothing has changed in this arena from last week.
Gender: Thinking pink but I keep second-guessing myself!
What I miss: Lazy days around the house... but I think I will get a few this weekend, so it's not that bad.
What I am looking forward to: Really looking like I am showing instead of just looking fat.
Weekly Wisdom: Appreciate your spouse!
Milestones: Officially in my second trimester!!!!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Thankful
Tonight I am so very thankful for my husband and wonderful marriage. What an amazing blessing God has bestowed on me to grant me such a beautiful life. I couldn't ask for more.
I can't wait to introduce our little one to a life as full of adventure as the last 5 1/2 years have been for us.
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| From Disney Land and Sea 2009!! |
I can't wait to introduce our little one to a life as full of adventure as the last 5 1/2 years have been for us.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
14 weeks! Our little lemon!
I am 14 weeks today, totally and completely 100% for sure in my SECOND TRIMESTER!!! WOOHOO!!
Since today is Eliot's birthday and we have many plans, I will make this short. Here is what is happening with our little bean this week:
This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, his facial muscles are getting a workout as his tiny features form one expression after another. His kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth. He can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb.
In other news: Your baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (His legs still have some lengthening to do.) He's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his body. Your baby's liver starts making bile this week — a sign that it's doing its job right — and his spleen starts helping in the production of red blood cells. Though you can't feel his tiny punches and kicks yet, your little pugilist's hands and feet (which now measure about 1/2 inch long) are more flexible and active.
Since today is Eliot's birthday and we have many plans, I will make this short. Here is what is happening with our little bean this week:
This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, his facial muscles are getting a workout as his tiny features form one expression after another. His kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth. He can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb.
In other news: Your baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (His legs still have some lengthening to do.) He's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his body. Your baby's liver starts making bile this week — a sign that it's doing its job right — and his spleen starts helping in the production of red blood cells. Though you can't feel his tiny punches and kicks yet, your little pugilist's hands and feet (which now measure about 1/2 inch long) are more flexible and active.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Why it is all worth it
I was driving along the other day listening to some music on my iPod when this song came on, one of my favorites by Bebo Norman called "Nothing without You." It is always an emotional song for me, reminding me of my purpose on this earth, but when I reached this verse I just started to cry:
"Take my body and build it up
May it be broken as an offering of love."
That's exactly what is going on right now with me. God is building up my body to be a place of strength and growth for this little one, breaking it in so many ways in the process (morning sickness, joint pain, headaches, fatigue, etc). But it is for love that I am going through this, not only for my child and my husband, but to glorify my Creator in the process by sacrificing myself for His plan for us. Being broken has never felt so amazing, so right. What an incredible realization that this pregnancy isn't for me (since I felt the call for a long time to be a mom), but for love... to love God, Eliot, and, of course, this little one with the full extent of my being.
Ok, Lord, I understand now why I must be broken in the process of creation... so that You would be glorified in this sacrifice, that I will learn to lean on You for what I need instead of myself like I have been doing for so long.
"Take my body and build it up
May it be broken as an offering of love."
That's exactly what is going on right now with me. God is building up my body to be a place of strength and growth for this little one, breaking it in so many ways in the process (morning sickness, joint pain, headaches, fatigue, etc). But it is for love that I am going through this, not only for my child and my husband, but to glorify my Creator in the process by sacrificing myself for His plan for us. Being broken has never felt so amazing, so right. What an incredible realization that this pregnancy isn't for me (since I felt the call for a long time to be a mom), but for love... to love God, Eliot, and, of course, this little one with the full extent of my being.
Ok, Lord, I understand now why I must be broken in the process of creation... so that You would be glorified in this sacrifice, that I will learn to lean on You for what I need instead of myself like I have been doing for so long.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Week 13! Little shrimp!
Since my due date got bumped up to June 12, I now get to change over my weeks on Saturdays instead of Sundays! So here we are, 13 weeks. Many people say that 13 weeks is the beginning of the second trimester, others say it is 14 weeks... I will wait till next week to do my celebrating since today was filled with nausea and fatigue. However, I am now relatively out of the danger zone for miscarriage, and the risk drops to less than 3% after you hear the heartbeat (163 bpm and going strong!). Since our doctor said everything looks absolutely normal and great, I am feeling less scared about losing the baby and more just excited about parenthood.
Here is what is going on this week with our little one:
Fingerprints have formed on your baby's tiny fingertips, her veins and organs are clearly visible through her still-thin skin, and her body is starting to catch up with her head — which makes up just a third of her body size now. If you're having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. Your baby is almost 3 inches long (the size of a medium shrimp) and weighs nearly an ounce.
Here is what is going on this week with our little one:
Fingerprints have formed on your baby's tiny fingertips, her veins and organs are clearly visible through her still-thin skin, and her body is starting to catch up with her head — which makes up just a third of her body size now. If you're having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. Your baby is almost 3 inches long (the size of a medium shrimp) and weighs nearly an ounce.
Weekly Survey- Week 12
How far along? 13 weeks today since my due date got moved yesterday
Total weight gain/loss: Gained 4 lbs since 8 week weigh-in
Sleep: I sleep in the daytime and am awake all night. Go figure.
Best moment this week: Hearing our baby's heartbeat, 163 bpm!
Symptoms: Alternately nauseous and extremely hungry. Have "pregnancy brain" and I can't remember anything! Lots of abdominal soreness, some headaches and dizziness.
Symptoms I DON'T have: I overcame my aversion to pumpkins (NOT squash though yet) this week and was able to harvest a whole bunch of seeds from ours before I tossed the rinds.
Gender: Thinking pink this week! We walked through Macys and looked at all the baby clothes... I was drawn to the pink ones!
What I miss: Time with my husband.
What I am looking forward to: Christmas! It's right around the corner, and BOY am I glad we will be laying around the house this year instead of traveling like last year. I have zero energy for anything these days!
Weekly Wisdom: Always get a full night's rest and eat at least one good meal before attempting to stand and hold music for an extended period of time.
Milestones: End of my first trimester! WOOhoo!!!
Total weight gain/loss: Gained 4 lbs since 8 week weigh-in
Sleep: I sleep in the daytime and am awake all night. Go figure.
Best moment this week: Hearing our baby's heartbeat, 163 bpm!
Symptoms: Alternately nauseous and extremely hungry. Have "pregnancy brain" and I can't remember anything! Lots of abdominal soreness, some headaches and dizziness.
Symptoms I DON'T have: I overcame my aversion to pumpkins (NOT squash though yet) this week and was able to harvest a whole bunch of seeds from ours before I tossed the rinds.
Gender: Thinking pink this week! We walked through Macys and looked at all the baby clothes... I was drawn to the pink ones!
What I miss: Time with my husband.
What I am looking forward to: Christmas! It's right around the corner, and BOY am I glad we will be laying around the house this year instead of traveling like last year. I have zero energy for anything these days!
Weekly Wisdom: Always get a full night's rest and eat at least one good meal before attempting to stand and hold music for an extended period of time.
Milestones: End of my first trimester! WOOhoo!!!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Doctor's appt #2!
We went to our doctor's appt today and got to hear our little one's heartbeat! At first the nurse had a hard time finding the heartbeat because the baby was waaay back towards my spine, but she finally found it. The heart rate was 163, and everything is measuring perfectly normal for the pregnancy!! The doctor also looked at my eating chart (I tracked my food for 3 days) and said everything looks really good. I also asked about my lab tests, which all came back as normal.
We asked about the due date since the baby was measuring small at my last appt, and the doctor said June 12th is the official date! :-)
Eliot and I celebrated with a 2 for $20 meal at Chilis and a walk around the mall looking at cute baby clothes and Christmas-y items. Then Jodi and Jake called about some formal Yule Ball the graduate students are having in the music department, but I (both sadly and gratefully) don't have ANY formal clothes I fit into at this point. Even though I've only gained 4lbs so far, I still have this bump to contend with in the front!
The doctor also said in the next week is when I will probably "pop," that is, start showing more like a pregnancy and less like Santa Claus after too many cookies and nog.
So things are going VERY well, and we couldn't be more excited. I am so happy most of all to be able to put on my PJs and watch Night at the Museum 2 with Eliot with the glow of the Christmas tree to keep all THREE of us warm. :-)
We asked about the due date since the baby was measuring small at my last appt, and the doctor said June 12th is the official date! :-)
Eliot and I celebrated with a 2 for $20 meal at Chilis and a walk around the mall looking at cute baby clothes and Christmas-y items. Then Jodi and Jake called about some formal Yule Ball the graduate students are having in the music department, but I (both sadly and gratefully) don't have ANY formal clothes I fit into at this point. Even though I've only gained 4lbs so far, I still have this bump to contend with in the front!
The doctor also said in the next week is when I will probably "pop," that is, start showing more like a pregnancy and less like Santa Claus after too many cookies and nog.
So things are going VERY well, and we couldn't be more excited. I am so happy most of all to be able to put on my PJs and watch Night at the Museum 2 with Eliot with the glow of the Christmas tree to keep all THREE of us warm. :-)
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
12 week bump pic!
Here is a the progression so far from 4 weeks to 12:
4 weeks
8 weeks
12 weeks!
4 weeks
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| From Baby stuff! |
8 weeks
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| From Baby stuff! |
12 weeks!
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| From Baby stuff! |
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