Today I tried to lay down on the couch with Eliot and take an afternoon nap since I am totally exhausted. But then I felt nauseous, so I had to sit up. Now I just feel blah... must be that time in the pregnancy when I don't want to be preggo anymore!
I have been feeling a big push to get everything ready to go... bags packed, nursery ready, pack n play set up in our room. Eliot asked me if I thought it was because I will go into labor soon, and I told him no, I think it will be awhile. But I do think I was doing all this with my last bursts of energy, and maybe my body knew I would be like this and so it pushed me to get things done before the fatigue set in!
In other news, it is 31 cent cone night at Baskin Robbins. So I might wake Eliot up from his nap and head over there... my nausea is like 1st trimester nausea where eating sometimes makes it better (go figure). Ice cream is healthy for the baby because it has calcium, right? ;-)
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Shopping cart cover!
My latest sewing project was to make a shopping cart cover using a 99 cent pattern I found at Joann's and some leftover fleece I had from my fleece diaper soaker project. It was a lot more involved that I had anticipated, mostly because the directions were so unclear that I had to go back and repeat steps I had already done (and rip out a LOT of seams). But, after a weekend of sewing, I finally got the thing together! These things can cost up to $60 online and my total cost of the project (for materials) was about $22.
Here is the cover (laid over some chairs since I don't own a shopping cart):
From the front
From the top
From the back
Reversed, from the front
Reversed, from the top
Bag folded up into itself for carry and storage
The cover can also be used in restaurants to cover dirty high chairs. :-)
My project for today is packing my hospital bag(s). I got this adorable nursing pj set from Mom and Diane to pack in it, which includes a little matching outfit for the baby!
It says "Baby Love" on it. :-)
One last note... I miss being able to fold myself in half like this:
Here is the cover (laid over some chairs since I don't own a shopping cart):
From the front
From the top
From the back
Reversed, from the front
Reversed, from the top
Bag folded up into itself for carry and storage
The cover can also be used in restaurants to cover dirty high chairs. :-)
My project for today is packing my hospital bag(s). I got this adorable nursing pj set from Mom and Diane to pack in it, which includes a little matching outfit for the baby!
It says "Baby Love" on it. :-)
One last note... I miss being able to fold myself in half like this:
Saturday, April 24, 2010
33 weeks! Little pineapple!!
I am 33 weeks today! And I am really starting to feel it, let me tell you. I'm starting to feel a bit more urgency towards getting my bags packed, and my dreams are almost all about labor and delivery (last night I had boy triplets, and one of them didn't make it :-(). I am also pretty uncomfortable almost all the time, and poor Eliot's be living in a house with a thermostat set at 66 degrees or so because that's as hot as I can take it! We will probably have to put in the air conditioners for the 70-degree days ahead.
I made a couple maternity tank tops out of old XL shirts dad gave us... one says "You wanna piece of me?" right across the baby bump (hehe!). I made them ruched on the sides so I can wear them post-pregnancy for awhile (though they will be nice and loose, perfect for breastfeeding!
Anyway, here is what's happening this week with our little one:
This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.
I made a couple maternity tank tops out of old XL shirts dad gave us... one says "You wanna piece of me?" right across the baby bump (hehe!). I made them ruched on the sides so I can wear them post-pregnancy for awhile (though they will be nice and loose, perfect for breastfeeding!
Anyway, here is what's happening this week with our little one:
This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.
Friday, April 23, 2010
We have a pediatrician!
Today we met with our potential pediatrician for a consultation. I brought in a list of questions to ask (like what her hours are, her philosophy about breastfeeding, sleeping, immunizations, etc) and I agreed with her 100% with every answer! She was very friendly and took the time to answer all our questions... she even complimented me on my organization and the good questions I asked (which I can't really take credit for, we got most of them at our birth class!). :-)
We also found out that this particular doctor is the head of pediatrics at the hospital we are delivering at! But she says she is available for appointments at least 4 days a week, and she has a patient sharing agreement with another doctor in the office for the times she isn't available. They also have evening hours (6-9pm) and weekend hours on both Saturday and Sunday, so if our little one gets sick at an odd hour, we can still take him in.
She also said that they have a male doctor in the office who does GREAT work for circumcisions, usually at the 2 week appointment. We are happy about that as well, since it answered our question about when and where they do the circ (and they do it with anesthetic too, thank goodness).
Overall, we are very happy with her as a doctor for our kiddo! I am glad the search is over and we have someone (nearby) who is experienced and loves kids to take care of our baby.
We also found out that this particular doctor is the head of pediatrics at the hospital we are delivering at! But she says she is available for appointments at least 4 days a week, and she has a patient sharing agreement with another doctor in the office for the times she isn't available. They also have evening hours (6-9pm) and weekend hours on both Saturday and Sunday, so if our little one gets sick at an odd hour, we can still take him in.
She also said that they have a male doctor in the office who does GREAT work for circumcisions, usually at the 2 week appointment. We are happy about that as well, since it answered our question about when and where they do the circ (and they do it with anesthetic too, thank goodness).
Overall, we are very happy with her as a doctor for our kiddo! I am glad the search is over and we have someone (nearby) who is experienced and loves kids to take care of our baby.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
A day to get things done
The mantra around our house for the last 6 or so months for Eliot has been "after my exam." The lawn will get mowed "after my exam." The baby books will be read "after my exam." We'll learn how to install the car seat "after my exam." You get the picture.
But guess what? It is now "after his exam." He's all done with his PhD comp exams, two days of 8-hour exams are completely done and will never need to be taken again (worse case scenario he'd have to do one portion over again, but I bet he passed the whole thing). So now everything that has been put on hold around the house is happening, finally! Yay!
Yesterday I cleaned out our fish bowl since it looked like a science experiment with all the algae growing in it. While doing so, I accidentally dropped some aquarium gravel down the sink... no, wait, not the sink, the GARBAGE DISPOSAL. I don't know about your garbage disposal, but ours doesn't like to grind up rocks. So it jammed. And I just about cried.
But luckily this wasn't our first experience clogging the GD, I had put a couple pounds of potato peels down it last year not knowing that the disposal can't handle it, and it clogged then too, but for different reasons. We tried all our usual tricks, turning it with an alen wrench from below, hitting the reset button, etc, but the rocks kept jamming the blades. We knew it was time for drastic action.
After turning off the water and the electricity (to be safe), Eliot and I figured out how to take it apart. Then Eliot, the trooper, picked every stinkin' little rock out of the unit by hand (and by hand I mean needle nose pliers). We even figured out how to hook it all back up, and guess what? IT WORKS AGAIN!! Hallelujah! My husband is a handy man after all! He did most of the work because I really can't bend and lift much at all these days. I'm so proud of him. :-)
We also spent an hour or so learning how to safely install the carseat in the car. We put it in the middle of the back, which still allows people to sit on either side (not entirely comfortably, but at least they still have some leg room!). We also learned hw to install it on the side seats in the back, but we both agree we like the middle position for for security. The only thing is I need to alter the mirror I got to see the baby so that it velcros at the right angle for our little car (they must make these things for giant SUVs!
I thin the most interesting thing was learning all the "child safety features" of my car that I never knew I had. Like latch anchors for the car seat. And child safety locks for the back doors. And you know why seat belts in the back seat do that annoying locking thing if you pull them out too far? Yeah, that's to secure a child safety seat so that it locks in place. Who woulda thunk it? :-)
Now I am resting my back while Eliot is working hard in the yard, mowing the lawn, trimming the edges, and spraying for weeds. I feel so blessed to have my husband's help around the house, especially with my being so limited these days.
Speaking of limited, I had such bad back pain last night it kept me up till 3am. I think I may do more yoga and bust out the heating pad to try to combat it... just carrying so much weight on my front is killing my lower back. Oh well... not too much longer to go and I can hand the kid to Eliot (or Grandma or Grandpa or Aunt Lindy or Uncle Nathan, etc) to carry for awhile and give my back a break! :-)
Time to go eat something... the baby is doing somersaults and asking for some food!
But guess what? It is now "after his exam." He's all done with his PhD comp exams, two days of 8-hour exams are completely done and will never need to be taken again (worse case scenario he'd have to do one portion over again, but I bet he passed the whole thing). So now everything that has been put on hold around the house is happening, finally! Yay!
Yesterday I cleaned out our fish bowl since it looked like a science experiment with all the algae growing in it. While doing so, I accidentally dropped some aquarium gravel down the sink... no, wait, not the sink, the GARBAGE DISPOSAL. I don't know about your garbage disposal, but ours doesn't like to grind up rocks. So it jammed. And I just about cried.
But luckily this wasn't our first experience clogging the GD, I had put a couple pounds of potato peels down it last year not knowing that the disposal can't handle it, and it clogged then too, but for different reasons. We tried all our usual tricks, turning it with an alen wrench from below, hitting the reset button, etc, but the rocks kept jamming the blades. We knew it was time for drastic action.
After turning off the water and the electricity (to be safe), Eliot and I figured out how to take it apart. Then Eliot, the trooper, picked every stinkin' little rock out of the unit by hand (and by hand I mean needle nose pliers). We even figured out how to hook it all back up, and guess what? IT WORKS AGAIN!! Hallelujah! My husband is a handy man after all! He did most of the work because I really can't bend and lift much at all these days. I'm so proud of him. :-)
We also spent an hour or so learning how to safely install the carseat in the car. We put it in the middle of the back, which still allows people to sit on either side (not entirely comfortably, but at least they still have some leg room!). We also learned hw to install it on the side seats in the back, but we both agree we like the middle position for for security. The only thing is I need to alter the mirror I got to see the baby so that it velcros at the right angle for our little car (they must make these things for giant SUVs!
I thin the most interesting thing was learning all the "child safety features" of my car that I never knew I had. Like latch anchors for the car seat. And child safety locks for the back doors. And you know why seat belts in the back seat do that annoying locking thing if you pull them out too far? Yeah, that's to secure a child safety seat so that it locks in place. Who woulda thunk it? :-)
Now I am resting my back while Eliot is working hard in the yard, mowing the lawn, trimming the edges, and spraying for weeds. I feel so blessed to have my husband's help around the house, especially with my being so limited these days.
Speaking of limited, I had such bad back pain last night it kept me up till 3am. I think I may do more yoga and bust out the heating pad to try to combat it... just carrying so much weight on my front is killing my lower back. Oh well... not too much longer to go and I can hand the kid to Eliot (or Grandma or Grandpa or Aunt Lindy or Uncle Nathan, etc) to carry for awhile and give my back a break! :-)
Time to go eat something... the baby is doing somersaults and asking for some food!
Monday, April 19, 2010
32 week bump pic!
Here is the progression of the bump so far!
4 weeks
8 weeks
12 weeks
16 weeks
20 weeks
20 weeks
24 weeks
26 weeks
28 weeks
32 weeks!!
32 weeks!
4 weeks
8 weeks
12 weeks
16 weeks
20 weeks
20 weeks
24 weeks
26 weeks
28 weeks
32 weeks!!
32 weeks!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Diaper bag magic
Well, Eliot and I bought a fancy diaper bag with all the bells and whistles (that is still lightweight, though) to use as our main diaper bag. It has an insulated pocket for a bottle or food, an antimicrobacterial mat (and coating, for that matter) for changing, LOTS of pockets, a pacifier holder, and a mommy/daddy pocket (no, that's not where we put extra mommies and daddies, it is where I can put my wallet and chapstick and whatnot. :-)) The bag is also a "messenger" style bag which means I can hang it diagonally across me and so it is more comfortable to carry. I LOVE this bag.
But you know what? It's boring. It's brown, a neutral color that Eliot won't mind carrying around and won't be embarrassed to be seen with. And since I am going to be a full-time stay-at-home mom, I decided I would like a cute diaper bag to have on hand for myself. So I made one. Here is the result:
Inside the bag
The front flap is only crooked because of the way I set the bag down. I am thinking about putting a decorative button on the front, but other than that, it is all done! I think it will make a great bag for hauling extra clothes, blankets, etc when we travel. :-)
But you know what? It's boring. It's brown, a neutral color that Eliot won't mind carrying around and won't be embarrassed to be seen with. And since I am going to be a full-time stay-at-home mom, I decided I would like a cute diaper bag to have on hand for myself. So I made one. Here is the result:
Inside the bag
The front flap is only crooked because of the way I set the bag down. I am thinking about putting a decorative button on the front, but other than that, it is all done! I think it will make a great bag for hauling extra clothes, blankets, etc when we travel. :-)
Saturday, April 17, 2010
32 weeks!! Little Jicama!!
I am 32 weeks today! I am feeling pretty good, I just get tired easily so I am taking it easy this weekend. Here is what is happening with our little one this week:
By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, he'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. He now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). His skin is becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth.
By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, he'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. He now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). His skin is becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Doctor's appointment today!
I had a doctor's appointment today and everything looks great. The baby is measuring well and has a heart rate of 138 bpm. I am having a lot of back pain if I do a lot of activity in a day, and the doctor said that is normal... Yoga seems to help it, so I might do more of that. I also only gained 3 lbs in 2 weeks, MUCH better than the 7lbs I gained last time!
This kiddo likes to stretch himself out in my tummy, jamming what I think is a foot into the side of my stomach to the point it is uncomfortable for me. You can actually feel the hard little lump from his foot on the outside of my stomach. He also does a lot of twisting around which you can actually SEE from the outside (crazy, I know!). The doctor said she is pretty sure he is in the head-down position and I am inclined to agree knowing where all my kicks are these days.
In other news, Eliot's big comp exams for his PhD are next Monday and Tuesday. It includes 8 hours each day of written exams and covers pretty much all of music history, so if you can all be praying for him that would be great. I think he is a bit stressed out about it (I don't blame him). I'm sure he'll do well, though, he always does.
The great thing is that as soon as he is done with these exams he is ABD (All But Dissertation, or All But Done as I like to say), which means he is eligible to apply for work for the next school year (2011-2012). SO, prayers are needed for that as well. We would like to live at least in the pacific NW if not in this or the Portland area. But we know that God's plan is bigger than ours and we'll go where He needs us to be. :-) I admit, though, I am impatient and want to know where we are going to live next!
I also have been enjoying time out in the garden a bit as the weather is so nice these days. I trimmed up the roses and fertilized the rose and peony bed today, which was enough work in itself for Ms. Preggo here. Dad, Jodi, and Eliot will be helping me plant our garden on May 8th, and I can't wait! Yay for fresh fruits and veggies we can puree and freeze for baby food for the winter! :-)
Here are some pics of the garden and yard for your enjoyment:
Sugar snap peas I planted around President's day... yes, I know the bugs have gotten to them a bit, but heck, I'm pregnant and it IS an organic garden after all!
Strawberries about to give us berries!
The raspberry and strawberry bed, soon to be netted so the birds don't get my berries!
Chives in the herb garden
Baby fuchsias and geraniums that we got at the sale!
The last of the daffodils
Front flower bed around tree
One of our front porch planters... just wait till it blooms!
And last but not least... the cutest lamp in the WORLD from Auntie Diane for the nursery!
This kiddo likes to stretch himself out in my tummy, jamming what I think is a foot into the side of my stomach to the point it is uncomfortable for me. You can actually feel the hard little lump from his foot on the outside of my stomach. He also does a lot of twisting around which you can actually SEE from the outside (crazy, I know!). The doctor said she is pretty sure he is in the head-down position and I am inclined to agree knowing where all my kicks are these days.
In other news, Eliot's big comp exams for his PhD are next Monday and Tuesday. It includes 8 hours each day of written exams and covers pretty much all of music history, so if you can all be praying for him that would be great. I think he is a bit stressed out about it (I don't blame him). I'm sure he'll do well, though, he always does.
The great thing is that as soon as he is done with these exams he is ABD (All But Dissertation, or All But Done as I like to say), which means he is eligible to apply for work for the next school year (2011-2012). SO, prayers are needed for that as well. We would like to live at least in the pacific NW if not in this or the Portland area. But we know that God's plan is bigger than ours and we'll go where He needs us to be. :-) I admit, though, I am impatient and want to know where we are going to live next!
I also have been enjoying time out in the garden a bit as the weather is so nice these days. I trimmed up the roses and fertilized the rose and peony bed today, which was enough work in itself for Ms. Preggo here. Dad, Jodi, and Eliot will be helping me plant our garden on May 8th, and I can't wait! Yay for fresh fruits and veggies we can puree and freeze for baby food for the winter! :-)
Here are some pics of the garden and yard for your enjoyment:
Sugar snap peas I planted around President's day... yes, I know the bugs have gotten to them a bit, but heck, I'm pregnant and it IS an organic garden after all!
Strawberries about to give us berries!
The raspberry and strawberry bed, soon to be netted so the birds don't get my berries!
Chives in the herb garden
Baby fuchsias and geraniums that we got at the sale!
The last of the daffodils
Front flower bed around tree
One of our front porch planters... just wait till it blooms!
And last but not least... the cutest lamp in the WORLD from Auntie Diane for the nursery!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Analyzing the stash
While discussing cloth diapering with another cloth diapering mamma the other day, I made a list of all the stuff I have so far for our little one, and I think the stash is just about complete! So I thought I'd share it here... don't worry if it doesn't sound like English, it took me awhile to learn all the diapering lingo myself. :-)
2 newborn bummis super brite covers
2 Thirsties Duo covers (size 1)
4 Newborn fleece soakers
1 x-sm AIO BG 3.0
1 small AIO BG 3.0
1 small size bummis super whisper wrap
4 Small fleece soakers
8 preemie unbleached indian cotton prefolds
23 infant unbleached indian cotton prefolds
20 large unbleached indian cotton prefolds
3 Snappis
4 medium fleece soakers
2 OS Blueberry covers
2 OS Flip covers
1 Flip liner
1 package Flip disposable inserts
20 OS Bum Genius 3.0
3 BG stay-dry doublers
LOTS of Cloth wipes! (Thanks mom!)
100 flushable diaper liners
2 Planet wise wet bags for diaper pail
1 large planet wise wet bag for diaper bag
California baby diaper rash cream
Rockin’ Green Grape Soda scented diaper pail freshener
I am pretty happy with what I've got, and they will even sell at a good price used if I change my mind about any specific diaper and want a different kind (hoping that won't be the case...). Thanks to everyone who has supported us in gathering our cloth diaper stash! I am so excited!!
One of Eliot's students came for a lesson today and he mentioned we were cloth diapering and got the typical response "Oh, you'll probably give up on that in a few weeks." When he showed her our diaper stash and what the modern diapers looked like, she changed mind and said if they had had diapers like that back when her kids were small she would have used them! :-) We explained that you don't have to use a diaper service and in fact many of the diapers are just as easy to use as a disposable diaper... except you empty the diaper pail into the washing machine instead of tossing it in the trash!
I think the thing I am happiest about (besides saving a ton of money) is that we can use them for multiple children if/when we have more. So it isn't like these diapers are only good for this kiddo and then they have to be thrown out... instead they can be used again and again for years!
I also recently heard about a study that was done on baby boys and how disposable diapers may cause infertility in males later in life due to the plastic in disposable diapers trapping heat and causing the "male parts" natural cooling system to fail. Here is a link to the study on that in case anyone is interested: Disposable diapers and infertility. I think more research needs to be done before it concludes without a shadow of a doubt that yes, indeed, disposables cause infertility... but it is food for thought.
For anyone wondering why I am so crazy about cloth diapers... well, it is considered "counter-cultural" in our generation, though it is getting more accepted since the whole green movement started. Many people we've talked to about it sometimes react like we are crazy for doing it, that it is somehow more unsanitary or dirty than disposables (not true, btw), or that it is so much more work that we will give up right away. Cloth diapering vs. disposables is one of those "hot button" topics among parents that people feel pretty passionate about one way or the other. Like breastfeeding vs. bottle feeding, vaccinating vs not vaccinating, etc.
The other reason I am so crazy about cloth? Cloth diapering is terribly addicting. Seriously. With all the cute prints, colors and variety available, they become part of the baby's wardrobe. Who knew that something so functional could be so fun?? :-)
2 newborn bummis super brite covers
2 Thirsties Duo covers (size 1)
4 Newborn fleece soakers
1 x-sm AIO BG 3.0
1 small AIO BG 3.0
1 small size bummis super whisper wrap
4 Small fleece soakers
8 preemie unbleached indian cotton prefolds
23 infant unbleached indian cotton prefolds
20 large unbleached indian cotton prefolds
3 Snappis
4 medium fleece soakers
2 OS Blueberry covers
2 OS Flip covers
1 Flip liner
1 package Flip disposable inserts
20 OS Bum Genius 3.0
3 BG stay-dry doublers
LOTS of Cloth wipes! (Thanks mom!)
100 flushable diaper liners
2 Planet wise wet bags for diaper pail
1 large planet wise wet bag for diaper bag
California baby diaper rash cream
Rockin’ Green Grape Soda scented diaper pail freshener
I am pretty happy with what I've got, and they will even sell at a good price used if I change my mind about any specific diaper and want a different kind (hoping that won't be the case...). Thanks to everyone who has supported us in gathering our cloth diaper stash! I am so excited!!
One of Eliot's students came for a lesson today and he mentioned we were cloth diapering and got the typical response "Oh, you'll probably give up on that in a few weeks." When he showed her our diaper stash and what the modern diapers looked like, she changed mind and said if they had had diapers like that back when her kids were small she would have used them! :-) We explained that you don't have to use a diaper service and in fact many of the diapers are just as easy to use as a disposable diaper... except you empty the diaper pail into the washing machine instead of tossing it in the trash!
I think the thing I am happiest about (besides saving a ton of money) is that we can use them for multiple children if/when we have more. So it isn't like these diapers are only good for this kiddo and then they have to be thrown out... instead they can be used again and again for years!
I also recently heard about a study that was done on baby boys and how disposable diapers may cause infertility in males later in life due to the plastic in disposable diapers trapping heat and causing the "male parts" natural cooling system to fail. Here is a link to the study on that in case anyone is interested: Disposable diapers and infertility. I think more research needs to be done before it concludes without a shadow of a doubt that yes, indeed, disposables cause infertility... but it is food for thought.
For anyone wondering why I am so crazy about cloth diapers... well, it is considered "counter-cultural" in our generation, though it is getting more accepted since the whole green movement started. Many people we've talked to about it sometimes react like we are crazy for doing it, that it is somehow more unsanitary or dirty than disposables (not true, btw), or that it is so much more work that we will give up right away. Cloth diapering vs. disposables is one of those "hot button" topics among parents that people feel pretty passionate about one way or the other. Like breastfeeding vs. bottle feeding, vaccinating vs not vaccinating, etc.
The other reason I am so crazy about cloth? Cloth diapering is terribly addicting. Seriously. With all the cute prints, colors and variety available, they become part of the baby's wardrobe. Who knew that something so functional could be so fun?? :-)
Saturday, April 10, 2010
31 weeks! Little naval oranges!!
I am 31 weeks today! Goodness, time flies! I spent the entire morning with Eliot battling the crowds and waiting in line (for 3 hours) at the Fred Meyer Fuchsia sale. We got 22 fuchsias, 13 geraniums, and three packets of seeds for $23. :-) AND they planted them for us in (free) premium potting soil in planters we brought with us (4 hanging pots and 4 ground pots). So, overall, a pretty good deal.
We had no idea it was going to be a 3 hour line... I found myself a folding chair so I didn't have to stand the whole time, and Eliot went home and got some coffee and extra pots while I was waiting in line (and still had lots of time to spare). When we got there at 9:15am (15 min after the start of the event) there was already a line 30 people long and the fuchsias were going fast. We jumped right in and got our pick... by 10am there were NO fuchsias left to be found, only some generic geraniums! It was a circus, but it was fun. And now we have all our pots taken care of for the whole summer!
I also planted some lettuce seeds in the garden and some cilantro in my herb pots... my oregano is doing really well outside, as is the sage and rosemary. Who says you can't garden in the 3rd trimester? I feel like if I can do it now, I should be able to harvest the plunder in a few months with a baby wrapped up next to my chest, no problem!
Speaking of baby, here is what is going on with our little one this week:
This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.
They aren't kidding when they say he's moving a lot... he's always twisting, turning, punching, kicking, or stretching, sometimes making it really uncomfortable for me! Oh well, I can't blame him, he's running out of room.
Now that I've conquered the fuchsia sale, it's time for a much-deserved snack and maybe a nap. :-)
We had no idea it was going to be a 3 hour line... I found myself a folding chair so I didn't have to stand the whole time, and Eliot went home and got some coffee and extra pots while I was waiting in line (and still had lots of time to spare). When we got there at 9:15am (15 min after the start of the event) there was already a line 30 people long and the fuchsias were going fast. We jumped right in and got our pick... by 10am there were NO fuchsias left to be found, only some generic geraniums! It was a circus, but it was fun. And now we have all our pots taken care of for the whole summer!
I also planted some lettuce seeds in the garden and some cilantro in my herb pots... my oregano is doing really well outside, as is the sage and rosemary. Who says you can't garden in the 3rd trimester? I feel like if I can do it now, I should be able to harvest the plunder in a few months with a baby wrapped up next to my chest, no problem!
Speaking of baby, here is what is going on with our little one this week:
This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.
They aren't kidding when they say he's moving a lot... he's always twisting, turning, punching, kicking, or stretching, sometimes making it really uncomfortable for me! Oh well, I can't blame him, he's running out of room.
Now that I've conquered the fuchsia sale, it's time for a much-deserved snack and maybe a nap. :-)
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Hiccups
The baby has started to hiccup this past week... usually every night around midnight I feel rhythmic "kicks" that last about 20 minutes or so. It is pretty fun to feel... I think he is in a head down position because the hiccups are lower down in my tummy. And I can feel a foot jammed into my stomach below my ribs as we speak, which also suggests a head-down position!
I am feeling pretty good in general except when I overdo it and get terrible backaches at the end of the day from bending over too much. Today I ran some errands and walked for a LONG time, which is both good and bad. Bad because it was exhausting and often makes me dizzy to be on my feet so long, good because I got some exercise (which is needed!).
I bought nursing clothes today at Motherhood Maternity (with Mom's baby shower gift). I got one comfortable nursing bra that I can wear out (with other clothes on, of course) to add to the other two that are more stay-at-home bras. I also got two camis that I can layer under other shirts and a set of pjs for me to wear now and through the summer (the top is a nursing tank top and the shorts are comfy cotton). I also bought a pair of jean capris because as soon as the weather cleared up and became sunny and warm today I realized I wasn't going to get away with only one pair of shorter pants being preggo and hot all the time!
I also got a few items for the home and a Your Baby: Week by Week book. I think that will be nice to have for the first year. Oh, and I got some things to go in the diaper bag (which I am waiting on, it should be delivered tomorrow) like a spray bottle for my cloth wipes. :-)
When I got home from shopping I found a forest critters lamp from Auntie Diane! I set it up in the nursery on top of the chiffarobe, and it is adorable. I will try to get a pic up of it soon, but quite frankly I'm too tired to do it now.
So, things are coming together. I am planning our veggie garden and possibly a flower garden too along the back porch. Dad, Eliot, and Jodi are going to come over in May and help plant it (possibly Mother's day weekend, how appropriate!).
Eliot and I are also going to the annual Fuchsia sale at Fred Meyer on Saturday to have them plant fuchsias and geraniums for us (with their dirt) in our existing pots. We can't wait! I LOVE this sale and go every year... but last year we went too late and all the early risers had picked over the fuchsias, so this year we are going BRIGHT and early at 9am to beat the crowds!
Oh, and I have been waking up earlier and starting a more normal sleep pattern... asleep by 1:30am, awake at 10:30am. It may not seem better to some of you, but it is certainly better than asleep by 5am awake at 2pm!
So that is what's going on these days... I'm thinking I should look into packing a hospital bag one of these days, but I still have a few weeks to go so I'm not rushing it. :-) Eliot has his exams in 2 weeks or so as well, which has filled our house with lots of classical music during his study sessions (I'm not complaining).
I think I may go steam some fresh asparagus for a snack... mmmm.... Night all!
I am feeling pretty good in general except when I overdo it and get terrible backaches at the end of the day from bending over too much. Today I ran some errands and walked for a LONG time, which is both good and bad. Bad because it was exhausting and often makes me dizzy to be on my feet so long, good because I got some exercise (which is needed!).
I bought nursing clothes today at Motherhood Maternity (with Mom's baby shower gift). I got one comfortable nursing bra that I can wear out (with other clothes on, of course) to add to the other two that are more stay-at-home bras. I also got two camis that I can layer under other shirts and a set of pjs for me to wear now and through the summer (the top is a nursing tank top and the shorts are comfy cotton). I also bought a pair of jean capris because as soon as the weather cleared up and became sunny and warm today I realized I wasn't going to get away with only one pair of shorter pants being preggo and hot all the time!
I also got a few items for the home and a Your Baby: Week by Week book. I think that will be nice to have for the first year. Oh, and I got some things to go in the diaper bag (which I am waiting on, it should be delivered tomorrow) like a spray bottle for my cloth wipes. :-)
When I got home from shopping I found a forest critters lamp from Auntie Diane! I set it up in the nursery on top of the chiffarobe, and it is adorable. I will try to get a pic up of it soon, but quite frankly I'm too tired to do it now.
So, things are coming together. I am planning our veggie garden and possibly a flower garden too along the back porch. Dad, Eliot, and Jodi are going to come over in May and help plant it (possibly Mother's day weekend, how appropriate!).
Eliot and I are also going to the annual Fuchsia sale at Fred Meyer on Saturday to have them plant fuchsias and geraniums for us (with their dirt) in our existing pots. We can't wait! I LOVE this sale and go every year... but last year we went too late and all the early risers had picked over the fuchsias, so this year we are going BRIGHT and early at 9am to beat the crowds!
Oh, and I have been waking up earlier and starting a more normal sleep pattern... asleep by 1:30am, awake at 10:30am. It may not seem better to some of you, but it is certainly better than asleep by 5am awake at 2pm!
So that is what's going on these days... I'm thinking I should look into packing a hospital bag one of these days, but I still have a few weeks to go so I'm not rushing it. :-) Eliot has his exams in 2 weeks or so as well, which has filled our house with lots of classical music during his study sessions (I'm not complaining).
I think I may go steam some fresh asparagus for a snack... mmmm.... Night all!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Ukranian Eggs! Happy Easter!!
Happy Easter everyone! He is RISEN!!!
We are celebrated Easter this year by making Ukrainian eggs with Jodi, going to church this morning, and heading back over to Jodi's for Easter dinner tonight. Oh, and I am making hamburgers for lunch because I am craving them, and I figure a homemade hamburger on a whole-wheat bun is better than McDonalds!
We made the Ukrainian eggs by dripping hot wax on the shells before dipping them in dye... then we'd wax over another part to do another color (and so on and so on). Mine turned out ok for a first attempt (using a traditional design):
ELiot decided to design his own with a musical theme, so it has organ pipes, clefs, and neumes:
Jodi did a traditional design as well:
Here are all three eggs together!
We are celebrated Easter this year by making Ukrainian eggs with Jodi, going to church this morning, and heading back over to Jodi's for Easter dinner tonight. Oh, and I am making hamburgers for lunch because I am craving them, and I figure a homemade hamburger on a whole-wheat bun is better than McDonalds!
We made the Ukrainian eggs by dripping hot wax on the shells before dipping them in dye... then we'd wax over another part to do another color (and so on and so on). Mine turned out ok for a first attempt (using a traditional design):
ELiot decided to design his own with a musical theme, so it has organ pipes, clefs, and neumes:
Jodi did a traditional design as well:
Here are all three eggs together!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
30 weeks! Little cabbage!!
I am 30 weeks today!! This is both exciting and frightening for me... we're in the 30s, people. I could, and very likely will, give birth in the 30s. *insert panicked face here*
However, I do have to say that last night at 5:30am when I had hoisted myself up for the 5th time to go to the bathroom, I started to think to myself "How much longer do I have to do this?" And when I realized I had at least two months to go, I practically cried myself to sleep.
You see, I agree that being pregnant is a miracle. I love our little boy and I love feeling him kick around and do somersaults in my tummy... in fact, I think I will miss having him in there with me and will probably feel a little lonely when he is on the outside and can be taken away (hopefully not too far away!). BUT, being pregnant is also a pain in the bum. Seriously. I think this cartoon says it all:
I actually had a dream last night where everything was going wrong and I just really wanted a drink (not characteristic of me, but I was also single and not pregnant in the dream, so there you go). But I can't drink, even if I wanted to. And I can't have caffeine, not that I did before. And I am really sick of having to heat up my lunchmeat, having to wear the same 4 shirts in rotation, and not having the energy to do everything I want to do ...you see a trend here? I've realized that my life is no longer my own, which I suppose is just preparing me for parenthood. And that's ok... but I just wish I could see my feet when I look down, or not struggle like an upended turtle when trying to get off the couch. Is that so much to ask?
I also would like to turn the temperature down in all the stores about 10 degrees... especially the baby stores. I mean, really, they know preggos shop there, couldn't they at least try to make it more inviting? And if I could only walk around for more than 20 minutes without getting short or breath, dizzy, or a heart that pounds like it wants me to hear it, that would be great. (I did talk to my doc about that, by the way, and she says all my labs came back great, I passed my glucose, my iron levels are good, and my blood pressure is good, so it is just probably pregnancy fatigue from carrying so much weight!).
Speaking of weight, how come I can eat like a normal person and gain 7lbs in 2 weeks? I mean that is REALLY ridiculous. If I gained that much weight in such a short period of time, I should have at least been pigging out on McDonalds and cookie dough ice cream. But no... fruits and veggies for me (with the occasional treat), and still the weight found me!
SO, for all these reasons, I will be happy to not be pregnant anymore. But not yet. Please, Lord, let my little one bake in the oven a little longer... till he is healthy and ready to come out, preferably in at least 8 weeks. :-) As miserable as being pregnant is becoming, it would be worse to see our little one come into the world before he is ready and fully developed.
Speaking of development, here is what is going on with him this week:
Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and he weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds him, but that volume will decrease as he gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. His eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after he's born, he'll keep his eyes closed for a good part of the day. When he does open them, he'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means he can only make out objects a few inches from his face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)
Wow, that cabbage looks huge compared to that quarter.
One last note... be sure to vote for when you think this baby is coming! The poll is on the right side of the blog. :-)
However, I do have to say that last night at 5:30am when I had hoisted myself up for the 5th time to go to the bathroom, I started to think to myself "How much longer do I have to do this?" And when I realized I had at least two months to go, I practically cried myself to sleep.
You see, I agree that being pregnant is a miracle. I love our little boy and I love feeling him kick around and do somersaults in my tummy... in fact, I think I will miss having him in there with me and will probably feel a little lonely when he is on the outside and can be taken away (hopefully not too far away!). BUT, being pregnant is also a pain in the bum. Seriously. I think this cartoon says it all:
I actually had a dream last night where everything was going wrong and I just really wanted a drink (not characteristic of me, but I was also single and not pregnant in the dream, so there you go). But I can't drink, even if I wanted to. And I can't have caffeine, not that I did before. And I am really sick of having to heat up my lunchmeat, having to wear the same 4 shirts in rotation, and not having the energy to do everything I want to do ...you see a trend here? I've realized that my life is no longer my own, which I suppose is just preparing me for parenthood. And that's ok... but I just wish I could see my feet when I look down, or not struggle like an upended turtle when trying to get off the couch. Is that so much to ask?
I also would like to turn the temperature down in all the stores about 10 degrees... especially the baby stores. I mean, really, they know preggos shop there, couldn't they at least try to make it more inviting? And if I could only walk around for more than 20 minutes without getting short or breath, dizzy, or a heart that pounds like it wants me to hear it, that would be great. (I did talk to my doc about that, by the way, and she says all my labs came back great, I passed my glucose, my iron levels are good, and my blood pressure is good, so it is just probably pregnancy fatigue from carrying so much weight!).
Speaking of weight, how come I can eat like a normal person and gain 7lbs in 2 weeks? I mean that is REALLY ridiculous. If I gained that much weight in such a short period of time, I should have at least been pigging out on McDonalds and cookie dough ice cream. But no... fruits and veggies for me (with the occasional treat), and still the weight found me!
SO, for all these reasons, I will be happy to not be pregnant anymore. But not yet. Please, Lord, let my little one bake in the oven a little longer... till he is healthy and ready to come out, preferably in at least 8 weeks. :-) As miserable as being pregnant is becoming, it would be worse to see our little one come into the world before he is ready and fully developed.
Speaking of development, here is what is going on with him this week:
Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and he weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds him, but that volume will decrease as he gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. His eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after he's born, he'll keep his eyes closed for a good part of the day. When he does open them, he'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means he can only make out objects a few inches from his face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)
Wow, that cabbage looks huge compared to that quarter.
One last note... be sure to vote for when you think this baby is coming! The poll is on the right side of the blog. :-)
Friday, April 2, 2010
How many kings....
While the wind is blowing outside like the trees are trying to relocate, I thought I'd share one of my new favorite songs here since I have been singing it to our little one quite often these days. I thought it was appropriate for Good Friday as well...
"How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
Only one did that for me.
All for me
All for you..."
~ Down Here
"How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
Only one did that for me.
All for me
All for you..."
~ Down Here
Thursday, April 1, 2010
The hunt for a pediatrician...
The last time I was my OB doc (2 weeks ago), she asked if I had found a pediatrician yet. This is something I should have done LAST month but have been putting it off... and putting it off... basically because I was at a total loss about where to start. Well, I finally got some recommendations and now have a consultation appt! We'll be meeting with our potential pediatrician on April 23rd and I have a list of questions I can ask her.
From reading her short bio on the peace health website, it seems she shares some of our parenting philosophies like breastfeeding and attachment parenting (the latter is where you "wear" your baby and pick them up and cuddle them rather than using a cry-it-out method). I am excited to meet her and see if she will be a good fit for our family, at least for the next year we are here.
I am just really relieved that if my doctor asks about our pediatrician tomorrow at our appointment I can say, "We have a consultation appt set up for the 23rd!" :-)
In other preggo news, I am feeling pretty dizzy these days when I stand up and walk around. I am hoping this is all normal, but I will ask my doc about it tomorrow as it is interfering with me getting anything done these days.
We are also finished with our birth class, which went really well and I feel like I learned a lot of helpful info to get me through labor.
I am going to go enjoy the sunshine while we have it... tomorrow it is supposed to pour and have high winds up to 50mph!
For now, I'll leave you with this preview shot from my maternity shoot with Lindy... she did an amazing job and I can't wait to see the rest of the pics!
From reading her short bio on the peace health website, it seems she shares some of our parenting philosophies like breastfeeding and attachment parenting (the latter is where you "wear" your baby and pick them up and cuddle them rather than using a cry-it-out method). I am excited to meet her and see if she will be a good fit for our family, at least for the next year we are here.
I am just really relieved that if my doctor asks about our pediatrician tomorrow at our appointment I can say, "We have a consultation appt set up for the 23rd!" :-)
In other preggo news, I am feeling pretty dizzy these days when I stand up and walk around. I am hoping this is all normal, but I will ask my doc about it tomorrow as it is interfering with me getting anything done these days.
We are also finished with our birth class, which went really well and I feel like I learned a lot of helpful info to get me through labor.
I am going to go enjoy the sunshine while we have it... tomorrow it is supposed to pour and have high winds up to 50mph!
For now, I'll leave you with this preview shot from my maternity shoot with Lindy... she did an amazing job and I can't wait to see the rest of the pics!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)