One Of Those Days

Today is one of the first days where I feel like I'm wrinkling my nose at everything.
My stomach feels sour.
My left foot is so swollen, I've kicked my sandal off and I'm walking around the office barefoot. (I hope no one minds.)
I'm tired.
Pretty sure this wrap dress is now considered "inappropriate" for the office, since my monstrous breasts keep trying to escape.
I had a massive leg cramp in my left calf last night, that still feels super tight.
I've hit the mark of 24 hours of heart burn.
Sitting up straight is no longer an option.
I'm hungry all the time, but nothing sounds appetizing or tastes really good.
Round ligament stretching is in full force.

I used to wonder how pregnant woman could complain about being pregnant. Having waited so long to get to this point, I couldn't understand how any woman could not be anything but over joyed with excitement.

I get it now.

Don't get my wrong, I still feel blessed and so happy each and every day that our little girl is growing and thriving. I love feeling her little movements, stretches, and kicks. Even if they tend to hurt now and then. They are all reminders that she's still in there. And yes, I've had a very easy pregnancy, so I have no right to complain. But I could do without the heartburn...

I guess it's just one of those days.

But instead of sitting here, feeling bad, I'm going to remember those moments 2 years ago when all I did was yearn to be at this point. I'm going to keep reminding myself that there's only (about) 7 weeks left of keeping my little one safe inside of me. That this is going to end so much faster than I realize.

Cherish.
Each.
Moment.
That's today's goal.

33 Weeks

Baby Size: 
Durian (whatever that is)
19" long  
5 lbs

Gender: 
Girl!

Knickname: 
Monkey, she does not stop moving 

Baby Changes: 

• She may grow a full inch this week
• Her eyes are open when she's awake
• She's coordinating breathing, sucking and swallowing
• Her bones are hardening
• More brain development too
• She's head down currently, hopefully she stays that way

Weight Gain: 
+4 lbs in 2 weeks. Sigh. Total gain of 28 lbs so far

Cravings: 

• Fruit
• Ice cream
• Chocolate

Aversions: 
Still nothing, feeling very lucky.

Showing:  
Waddling + leaning back = one very pregnant lady

Body Changes: 
Not too much different here this week. Our little lady is rolling around a lot, and seems to be on the move quite a bit. I've had a few nights of just restless sleeping. Also noticed she starts to move around a lot when I roll from one side to the next, while sleeping. My feet aren't nearly as swollen as they were. My ankles on the other hand are still pretty swollen. My legs and especially knees are retaining fluid as well. I'm still trying to focus on eating well, but ice cream keeps creeping into my daily diet. I have found my chocolate cravings are quenched with Larabar's Chocolate Chip Brownie bars. Still having shortness of breath. No stretch marks (yet) and belly button has yet to pop. (I'm guessing it probably won't, I've had laproscopic surgery through it several times, and it seems to not want to go out. However it is very flat. Anyone else experience this?)

Worst Moment this Week: 
Hubby going away for 5 days. Not fun having him gone, but glad he had a great time and got home safely. (Also I got a ton done with him away.)

Best Moment this Week: 
Picking hubby up at the airport. Sounds silly, but this was the longest span we've been apart in years. So nice to have him home again!

Looking Forward To: 
Finishing up the nursery. Glider is primed, and ready to be painted!

Completed this week: 

• Primed the glider
• Primed our counter stools in the kitchen
• Primed the sofa table in the living room
• Picked up some newborn pjs and 0-3 month pjs
• Bought an adorable swim/sun blocking hat for baby girl
• Cleaned the toy chest, put in nursery
• Things to complete: 
• order glider cushions
• sign up for infant CPR class
• prime & paint the changing table (for downstairs bath)
• prime & paint the dresser 
• paint glider
• start gathering items for our hospital bag
• hang her mobile

Firsts: 

• Time alone (for 5 days)
• Stopped worrying about the number on the scale
• Extreme discomfort sitting up straight. Not sure what she was doing in there, but she was pushing in every direction.
• Comment "You must be due any day now!" (Um, no. 7 weeks to go)

A Few of My Favorite (Pregnancy) Things

I know, I'm seriously slacking on getting the natural induction post up. I promise to have it up next week. (I've sort of been in this calm, pregnancy fog this week, and super tired. And I need to find the time to actually gather all the accurate info.)

Anyways, I thought it might be nice to share some things that I've found super helpful during his pregnancy. As time progresses, I've come to appreciate some of these more than others. Here goes....

1. Maternity Spanx

My thighs rub, like seriously rub. And this added weight has engorged them even further. And seeing as dresses and skirts are most comfortable right now, these suckers have been a dream come true. Not only do they help to support your growing belly, they smooth out all those unwanted lines under sheer fabric. And of course they keep that thigh abrasion down.

2. Boppy Pregnancy Pillow

I bought this way back when I was about 14 weeks pregnant. Walked buy it in Target in their baby section, and snatched it right up. I've had issues with my sciatic nerve on my right side, for a couple years now. This pillow not only wraps under your head, but rests down between your knees. Thus keeping your hips and back aligned properly. And now that I'm 32 weeks pregnant, it's still a life saver. I name him Juan. As in I-Juan-To-Sleep.

3. Starbucks To Go Iced Cup

Sounds silly, but this thing has helped me to chug down my morning smoothies, even when my taste buds weren't thrilled. The straw really helps to force things down when you don't want it permeating your entire mouth. I know, you can get a cheaper cup else where. Do as you like, but I strongly recommend getting at least 2.

4. Mustela Stretch Marks Double Action

I have stretch marks from my pubescent years when everything decided to grow all at once, in the span of about 2 months. My hips got them the worst. So needless to say I was really worried that my belly would soon be covered in them. I started using the Mustela lotion daily, around 14 weeks (I think). I'm on my third tube now, and I must say, I don't think I'll go without it, ever! Not only has it kept any belly stretch marks from appearing, but it seems to have helped those hip ones disappear as well. Huge fan, totally worth the money!

5. Birkenstock Arizona Sandal

I know, not the most fashionable of shoe choices. However, they are super comfortable and have adjustable straps. Seeing as my feet swell at different rates depending on the day, or what foot it is (my left is always far larger than the right) they have seriously helped to get me through. I found them on sale at Famous Footwear in the Stone leather, more gray than brown. Seem to pair pretty nicely with most things. And the comfort is incomparable. Ladies, if your feet and ankles are swelling, grab a pair, you'll thank me.

Happy Memorial Day everyone! Hopefully this rain clears out early than they are saying.

32 Weeks - Start of Month 8!

Baby Size: 
Squash
18.5" long  
4.5 lbs

Gender: 
Girl!

Knickname: 
Jumping Bean, she is always on the move

Baby Changes: 

• She should be getting in her birthing position soon, head down
• Her space is definitely a lot tighter in there
• She has been majorly active at night, to the point she's waking up my husband
• She rolls around a lot during the day too

Weight Gain: 
No clue, but definitely making better strides to eat more nutritiously

Cravings: 

• Fruit
• Vegetables/Salad
• Ice cream

Aversions: 
Amazed that there's still none, although I have days when nothing sounds appetizing or appealing.

Showing:  
There's some major waddling happening.

Body Changes: 
Starting to notice that I need to stretch, like crazy. I'm super tight all over, and things are becoming more difficult to accomplish. Little lady is all up in my lungs now and I get breathless just walking up stairs. My ankles seem to always be puffy,  and I'm seriously missing my ankle bones.  Noticed some mild stretching/not really cramping "cramps", prep for birthing? Still having mucus daily. Hormones seem to be ramping up, and my patience is diminishing. My ass and thighs are definitely bigger, the shorts I bought 3 weeks ago, don't fit. Awesome.

Worst Moment this Week: 
Our Hypnobirthing class has ended. As much as I love having my Sunday nights back, I was really enjoying the class. Now to be sure I'm doing my home prep for labor and delivery.

Best Moment this Week: 
A friend of my MIL bought our little girl the most adorable shoes! She now has sparkly Sperry's! And my MIL bought a cute pair of crocheted sandals that match the bathing suit my SIL bought. So darn adorable! 

Looking Forward To: 
The long weekend! This whole working 5 days a week is just not cutting it anymore. 

Completed this week: 

• Finished the family tree artwork
• Washed all the cloth diapers we purchased
• Almost done the growth chart, just a clear coat left
• All of her bedding is in, and on the crib
• Picked up another car seat base
• Secured babysitting for when I come back to work
• Picked up Hubby's old toy chest
• Picked up the changing table for the downstairs
• Packed our diaper bag (I'm sure there's a few things we're missing)
• Borrowed carry on luggage for hospital bag
• Finished our Hypnobirthing Class
• Found relaxation music for birthing
• Things to complete: 
• order glider cushions
• sign up for infant CPR class
• clean Hubby's old toy chest from his parents
• paint the changing table (for downstairs bath)
• paint dresser & glider
• start gathering items for our hospital bag
• hang her mobile

Firsts: 

• Pregnancy sun burn. Not fun.
• Hubby freaked out because apparently baby girl was jumping all around at about 12:45 am, what he explained as vibrating, and possibly attempting to stand up. (We are definitely going to have our hands full)
• Excruciating pain on my sciatic nerve after baby girl apparently kicked it

On My Mind

Third trimester exhaustion is definitely kicking in. I can barely keep my eyes open at my desk.

Ugh, work. Will it ever end?

I have about a dozen projects I need to complete at home.

The growth chart needs to be sprayed a clear coat.

I need to pick up a frame for the family tree. I need to finalize the heart on the family tree....

A nap would be really nice right now.

We still need to purchase some more cloth diapers and covers.

I haven't practiced any of the hynpobirthing techniques, I should probably get on that.

I did find birthing music though. That's an accomplishment.

Must keep eyes open....

How the hell do people go through pregnancy with a toddler at home?!

I'm so tired now, I can't imagine doing this with another child.

Although this is about nap time, so I could be home, curled up on the sofa right now.

Our place is a mess.

I need to get things organized.

Shit, I need to stop at the bank on the way home.

Then get hubby ready for his trip.

Love the man, but he can't pack for shit.

And he needs a hair cut.

I really wish I didn't have to work anymore.

I desperately need to get a workout in. My ass is enormous right now.

I wonder how hard it will be to get this weight off after birth.

I really hope our little lady sleeps well.

She seems to be sleeping right now.

God, I miss Bikram yoga.

I miss my ankle bones.

How the hell are we already 8 months along?!

These last couple weeks have been flying by.

I wonder if they'll slow down now.

Why am I complaining? This pregnancy has been really easy.

I can't wait to see her little chubby face.

Hold her little hand.

Smell that amazing baby smell.

And, she's awake.

31 Weeks

Baby Size: 
Pineapple
18" long  
4 lbs

Gender: 
Girl!

Knickname: 
Trying to use her full name more

Baby Changes: 

• Her 5 senses are fully developed
• Her brain and nerves are going through major development this week
• Her irises now react to light
• She's definitely moving around more during the day and night now

Weight Gain: 
+7lbs in 3 weeks, but I didn't gain anything the 2 weeks prior to that. I seem to go through spurts of no weight change, and then a big gain. Total gain thus far is +24lbs. Feeling massive, and planning on getting some yoga in a couple times a week now.

Cravings: 

• Fruit
• Vegetables
• Ice cream

Aversions: 
Amazed that there's still none.

Showing:  
Still waddling away.

Body Changes: 
Feeling the weight gain, that's for sure. Baby girl is all up in my lungs now, so I get breathless more often. My lower back gets strained very easily, cleaning was a project and I did a lot of stretching afterwards. I'm getting tired earlier, and falling asleep earlier too. I've noticed a few Braxton Hicks contractions. Nothing painful, just the tightness of them, but they quickly release. Working on my pelvic floor muscles, that's for sure. She's moving around a lot now, and because she's gotten bigger and her space is more limited, it's very visible. Jowls. Major thigh rubbing. Swollen feet and ankles. Rolling over in my sleep wakes me up. 

Worst Moment this Week: 
Seeing the number on the scale. Yikes. Glad my doctor wasn't alarmed, but I sure was.

Best Moment this Week: 
Learned about many natural ways to induce labor, which I'll be sharing with you all soon. Saw some other pregnant friends this weekend too, so nice to sit and chat with them and catch up on how their pregnancies are going. Loved hearing everyone's opinions on birth as well. 

Looking Forward To: 
Maternity leave. Getting myself to work every day has become a huge struggle.

Completed this week: 

• Finally cleaned our home, definitely needed it
• All her clothes are washed and put away
• Made a list of things we still need to purchase for her
• Reorganized her closet by size
• Chose a pediatrician, yay, and signed up for their open house
• Started getting the diaper bag put together
• Scheduled a tour of Emerson's birthing center
• Ordered some cloth diapers (won on Ebay!)
• Things to complete: 
• order glider cushions
• sign up for infant CPR class
• pick up Hubby's old toy chest from his parents
• pick up the changing table (for downstairs bath)
• paint dresser, glider and changing table
• finish growth chart
• finish family tree art work 
• start gathering items for our hospital bag

Firsts: 

• Chat with our doctor about induction, and how long they wait for baby to naturally arrive. (39 weeks will start that convo unfortunately)
• Chat with our doctor about Hypnobirthing, all went well
• Minor panic attack about all the things we still need to finish

Happy Kankle Friday!

So much for acupuncture helping this week. This is currently what I'm working with.

I figured you could all use a good laugh!

Happy Weekend....now get me the fuck out of work!

Child Care vs. Staying Home

We've been talking child care vs. staying home over here. Having both come from completely different backgrounds, we've had some serious debates on the subject and thankfully have been able to come to some agreement. However, things are still seriously up in the air on the actual outcome, and what will truly happen once baby girl arrives. Let me give you a little background first......

My mom stayed home with my sisters and I until I was about 12 years old. Hubby's mom worked full time while he was being cared for lovingly at an in home day care. After much discussion, both hubby and I agree that an ideal situation would be for me to work part time, mostly from home. One the days that I would need to be in the office, we hope to have a family member or a trusted in home day care, watch after our little one.

But this post isn't really about our choices. Instead, I want to talk about how ridiculous child care costs are, along with health insurance. I thankfully have great health insurance coverage at my current job. Although it's a high deductible ($2k per family member, max of $4k) my company pays $2500 of the full family deductible, only leaving us with $1500 for the year, which will be applied at baby girl's birth. Sigh. The biweekly premium is currently $300 as well. Hubby's insurance, isn't so great. So our plan is to maintain my insurance coverage.

On top of the increased premium costs and deductible costs, we're also looking at paying for child care. Which for those of you who have done your research, can cost about the same as a mortgage each year. Unless of course you are lucky enough to have a family member or friend in the area that has offered to watch your little one for free. That of course changes everything. But let's be realistic, and assume that most couples require both incomes, and have to pay for health insurance and child care.

To paint you a clear picture of things, I did out some generic numbers based on a working momma making $50k per year with a family income putting them in the 25% tax bracket, just to show you the breakdown of costs. Assume the monthly health insurance premium is $650. And assume childcare is $10hr. (low balling, I know)

Full Time Breakdown

Annual Salary: $50,000

Monthly Salary: $4166

Health Ins: $650

Taxable Income: $3516

Taxes at 25%: $879

Take Home Pay: $2637

Child Care: $1733 (40 hrs)

Actual Take Home: $904

Part Time Breakdown

Annual Salary: $25,000

Monthly Salary: $2083

Health Ins: $650

Taxable Income: $1433

Taxes at 25%: $358

Take Home Pay: $1075

Child Care: $866 (20 hrs)

Actual Take Home: $209!!!!!

Someone, please tell me these numbers are wrong! Because when I did them out, I thought to myself "How the hell does one go back to work part time to only bring home $209 a month!" I realize $904 does jump up, and for most people that could make a big difference in there monthly bills. I understand some women prefer to work, and I am in no way making any judgments on them. We all need to preserve our sanity. And some families really rely on that great health insurance coverage, so that makes sense as well. But based on our own finances, and what my current salary is, it does not make any sense for me to work full time.

Which then brings us to the topic of staying home. Granted with our current situation, (hubby working full time & part time consulting) my salary is not necessary to pay our bills, have our usual spending money, and save. (It has however allowed us to save a decent amount for a house, and maternity leave, which is pretty much unpaid.) But I love my husband, and hate that he works a full day, then comes home to dinner, then immediately starts working again. Along with having work to do on most weekends. It's not something that I want him to continue, especially when our little one arrives. So what does that leave? Not a whole lot of choices.

So how do you ladies, that are stay at home moms, do it? 

I truly love any and all input you have. Feel free to email me or private message me as well. Because based on numbers like above, I don't see myself enticed to go back to work. So making it possible to stay home, needs a little finessing still.

30 Weeks (8-12 left!)

Baby Size: 
Cucumber
17" long  
3 lbs

Gender: 
Girl!

Knickname: 
Trying to use her full name more

Baby Changes: 

• Her skin is smoothing out
• Her brain is getting wrinklier to make way for all essential brain tissue
• She's strong enough to grasp a finger now
• She can open and close her eyes 
• She's been sitting on my bladder the last couple of days

Weight Gain: 
no clue

Cravings: 

• Fruit
• Vegetables
• Deserts

Aversions: 
Still none.

Showing:  
I waddle. Enough said.

Body Changes: 
I've noticed my patience is starting to wear, especially at work. I find myself giving stupid comments to stupid questions. (My apologies if you've felt the brunt of this.) My excitement levels have really increased now that we've had our shower.  Heartburn is in full force with certain foods. Fried clams are definitely a no go anymore. Our weekends have been so busy, that come Monday mornings, I'm beyond exhausted, and can barely function. I'm peeing more often now, and our little lady likes to hang out on my bladder which doesn't help. My appetite has been down the last couple of days, not sure why. I've been trying to walk during my lunch breaks as well, get things moving and keep me a little more active. I've also started having what I refer to as Pap Pain.

Worst Moment this Week: 
Waking up at 4:30am Sat night with heartburn and having trouble falling back to sleep. Needing tums at 4am is not fun.

Best Moment this Week: 
Our baby shower! Such a great day and feeling so blessed and loved by all our friends and family!

Looking Forward To: 
Getting all of her cute new clothes washed and hung up. Also dressing the crib with all her linens. (pictures soon, I promise)

Completed this week: 

• Washed all burp cloths, wash cloths, and bedding
• Hubby assembled everything from the baby shower, that needed assembling
• I organized and sorted all of our gifts
• We got everything put away in one day
• Made a list of the remaining items we'll need to pick up (very short list thanks to everyone's generosity!)
• Reorganized her closet
• Things to complete: 
• tour the birthing center at Emerson
• order glider cushions
• choose a pediatrician
• sign up for infant CPR class
• pick up Hubby's old toy chest from his parents
• pick up the changing table (for downstairs bath)
• paint dresser, glider and changing table
• finish growth chart
• finish family tree art work 
• start gathering items for our hospital bag

Firsts: 

• Baby shower, loved every moment!
• Sharp pain when baby girl moved
• Public cry, at the shower, thanking everyone
• Being hypnotized using our Hypnobirthing class technique
• Feeling confident in our decision to use Hypnobirthing

Pap Pain (Couldn't think of a better name)

The other day I decided to count up all the expectant couples we know. There's officially over 30 couples we know who are expecting this year. Pretty sure we're closing in on 40. Keep in mind this was from April to Nov, never mind all the new mommas I know that have already given birth prior to April. I couldn't believe how many there were.

And seeing as so many of you are expecting right now, I thought I'd share a lovely thing I'd like to call Pap Pain. Yes, Pap Pain. Last night I had my first ever shooting pain "down there". It was quick, happened once when I was stretching to reach a glass our of our cabinets, but quickly passed. I of course hollered out in pain, and stopped my husband dead in his tracks. Any sign of pain has him reeling and questioning everything. But back to the pain.....

So this morning when I woke up, I started going about my day, assuming last nights pain was rare. Yeah right. Welcome to the Wonderful World of Pap Pain: Apparently a consistent feeling I shall look forward to until birth. This shooting pain, which really begins with a ton of pressure down there near your lady parts, consistently happens from now until labor. Now don't get me wrong, I've had a really easy pregnancy and have considered myself really blessed. Until now. This shit is painful.

To be honest, I had no idea what to compare it to, until I posted the question on a Momma's site I joined. And a lovely momma compared it to getting a PAP smear. Only instead of stir ups and getting swiped once a year, this happens oh every 20 mins or so. Mine seem to be increased when sitting up straight for too long. Our little lady starts to get rowdy, and puts pressure (mostly on my bladder), which then triggers the shooting pain. Another momma said it felt like having sex with a knife. Thankfully mine aren't that bad (yet).

So there you have it ladies. Shooting pain that feels like you're getting your annual Pap, during the last trimester is perfectly normal. Best of luck to you! Consider yourself warned. Because I had no clue that this existed.

29 Weeks (about 9-13 to go)

Baby Size: 
Acorn Squash
16.5" long  
2.75 lbs

Gender: 
Girl!

Knickname: 
Trying to use her full name more

Baby Changes: 

• She's getting a little cramped in there, since she's growing so fast
• She's growing white fat deposits under her skin, and her energy is surging because of it
• She's had hiccups a few times
• I can definitely feel her up over my ribs now

Weight Gain: 
no clue

Cravings: 

• Fruit
• Vegetables
• Vanilla soft serve with fruit and chocolate

Aversions: 
Still none.

Showing:  
I'm hard to miss these days

Body Changes: 
I've definitely noticed an increase in mucus. Little girl is also starting to move around a lot more. She's growing stronger each day and I can definitely feel little feet kicking me up near my ribs. It seemed like for awhile, she was laying horizontally, but she's definitely shifted to vertical. My ankles and feet have started to swell again over the last couple of days. Thankfully I have acupuncture again on Thursday. My lower back has also been pretty tight and sore. (Chiro on Friday.) I've felt some quick, but fairly intense pressure in my low abdomen, Braxton Hicks? Slight panic is setting in now that we're nearing the end. Trying to stay ahead with completing little things each week. 

Worst Moment this Week: 
Glucose test. (Thankfully I passed though!)

Best Moment this Week: 
Completing several items on our to do list!

Looking Forward To: 
Greek Easter on Sunday. Haven't seen my husband's extended family in awhile.

Completed this week: 

• Washed all her clothes in her hamper
• Purchased some baby hangers, and hung up all her clothes
• Purchased curtain rod for nursery
• Hung curtains on new curtain rod
• Purchased shelving for garage 
• Completely reorganized garage
• First coat of paint on the growth chart
• Things to complete: 
• tour the birthing center at Emerson
• order glider cushions
• choose a pediatrician
• sign up for infant CPR class
• pick up Hubby's old toy chest from his parents
• pick up the changing table (for downstairs bath)
• paint dresser, glider and changing table
• finish growth chart
• finish family tree art work (here's a sneak peek)

Firsts: 

• Feeling little feet kicking up near my ribs
• Watched my entire belly shift when she moved
• Cried while talking to our little girl

Weekend To Do Update #1

This weekend we tackled a few things on our To Do List. So happy with how things are coming together! What do you think?!

3. Hang the curtain rod and curtains......DONE!

6. Purchase and assemble garage shelving.....DONE!

7. Purchase bike hooks to hang our bikes in the garage