tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63978540743961649382024-03-13T06:09:44.604-04:00Eat. Scream. Cry.Suzzy Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387717742031235177noreply@blogger.comBlogger249125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6397854074396164938.post-39904885534408713582014-09-16T13:24:00.000-04:002014-09-18T10:56:37.099-04:00The "Mom Guilt"No one tells you, that when you become a mom, you will forever feel guilty doing anything and everything. Including anything for yourself. Like peeing with the door closed. Napping while your kid does. Going to the gym. Having lunch with a friend. Shopping for yourself. Leaving dishes in the sink. Cleaning. Or God forbid, taking a full day to do whatever you want, without your child.<br />
<br />
Doesn't matter what the task is, you're going to feel guilty.<br />
<br />
It's been 14 months since my daughter was born, and I can honestly say that the guilt is still alive and well. But at what point do you give in to the guilt, and do something for yourself? Like weekly? Or monthly? Or quarterly?<br />
<br />
I've spent the last year surrounded by some amazing first time (and second time) moms who have really helped me to find the balance and the courage to embrace the guilt, and be sure I take time for myself. As a mother, there are expectations put on us whether we realize it or not. We're expected to be caring for our child 24/7. Always thinking of them, and putting them first. Making sure their lunch is packed for daycare. Their clothes are clean. There's no snots dripping down their face. Their poop fumes don't take over the room aromas. They're learning. They're talking. It just never ends.<br />
<br />
But at what point and when do you take a day, hour, or any time for yourself?<br />
<br />
How do you balance time for yourself so that you can be a better parent?<br />
<br />
I don't know the answer to these questions. I wish I did. But I do know that it's important to surround yourself with like minded moms. It's important to find yourself a few moms near by that you can call at 7am and ask for advice on sending your kid to daycare that day, runny nose and all. The mom you call when you're kid is still sleeping after 8am and they'll applaud you, instead of scorn you. The mom who shows up with wine in her purse for your weekly bitchfest. The mom who's been through it, and will let you know all will be okay. The mom who always has something baking in the oven, and doesn't make you feel bad for your bag of Goldfish, again.<br />
<br />
We're moms, but we don't need to feel bad for taking a few hours a week to hang out with other moms. We don't need to feel bad about going to the gym when our kid is in bed. We don't need to feel guilty for buying new pants (because mom bodies are totally different than pre-mom bodies). There's always going to be guilt, but don't let it rule your life. Take a night a week to do something YOU want to do. Get a work out in. Buy yourself a new pair of jeans. Go to yoga, clear your head.<br />
<br />
After all, a sane parent is a happy parent. So slap that guilt face and tell it to fuck off. Ain't nobody got time for that shit.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10188722732167017387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6397854074396164938.post-50656825610349676152014-06-25T20:44:00.001-04:002014-06-25T20:44:52.687-04:00A Yearly Recap?"The days are long but the years are fast." I used to laugh at that statement, but now it's been a year. Holy shit, it's been a year! Where did all those long days go?!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hi, it's me. Celia. I'm back. Or hope to be. Life with a little one is crazy. Busy. Long days. Not a lot of sleep. And very little free time. Like right now, isn't really free time. I should be working on a proposal for work. Oh yes, I'm working again. Just part time, and I can honestly say it feels good. But let's rewind a little bit.....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lena turns the big 1 next week. I still hyperventilate just thinking about it. I've seen this little human grow and change and explore so much over the last year, that it's hard to believe that she was just entering the world this time 1 year ago. It's amazing how you can adapt to each stage of their growth, and look back and wonder how you ever got through the last stage. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have to say though, Lena is an ideal baby. She breastfed like a champ from the get go. Unfortunately at 5 months, she developed a really bad cold, and had a hard time latching. We ended up giving her bottles of pumped milk for awhile, and she got used to the immediate flow, but she wanted nothing to do with breastfeeding after that. So I exclusively pumped for 3 weeks. Kudos to all you exclusively pumping mamas! YOU ARE AMAZING! I couldn't do it. I realize now I could have spoken to an LC and probably gotten her back to BF, but I secretly needed the break. It was a welcome change. So at 5 months, we switched to formula. And that shit ain't cheap. Especially when your little one has a dairy and soy intolerance. Yup, she's definitely my kid. She drinks Nutramigen and thankfully all went down well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We stopped cloth diapering. Lena is a heavy wetter. Was then and is now. That girl can leak through almost anything. (Yes, we've even gone up sizes to help combat that. Didn't really help.) The cloth just wasn't cutting it for us. (PS- I'm selling our full stock of cloth diapers if anyone is interested.) We used Seveneth Generation diapers for awhile, but she leaked through those nonstop. So we are now on Huggies and their night time diapers. So far so good. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We eat solid foods now. That girl loves veggies and fruits. We started her with oatmeal cereal and veggies around 4-5 months, and she took to food really well. She now eats 3 meals a day, has 3 bottles and 1 snack. She loves white fish. Amazing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We sleep through the night. This has been happening for awhile. Hence the ideal baby comment. She was sleeping 12 hours a night for awhile, but we've recently reduced to 10 hours. She goes to be about 7-7:30 and wakes around 5-5:30, a time I never thought I'd see or survive. But there is really nothing better than hearing your little human singing away in the morning. And then the smile that creeps on to their face when you open the door. So amazing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We walk. Yup, she's mobile. She started crawling around 7 months, and around 9 months she started walking around with a push walker. 2 weeks ago after her first time at daycare, she saw a kid in her class walk, and that was it. The next day she was up and moving. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We're in daycare 2 days a week. I started back part time to my old job about 4 months ago. I felt like I was ready and could finally handle jugging being a mom, wife and working. My mother in law graciously offered to watch Lena for us while I did 10 hours in the office a week, and another 10 from home when needed. As my work load increased, and Lena started really developing, we made the decision to start her in day care. For us, it was a good choice. I know it doesn't fit everyone, but it does for us. Lena is adjusting well and is really enjoying being around kids her age. She is still doing one day a week with my mother in law. Such a huge help to us! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Being a mom is a hard. There's no question about that. Everyone handles it differently, and things really affect everyone at different times. When Lena was born, I was in a state of bliss. I was euphoric. I didn't have any signs of postpartum, I was the complete opposite. Trust me, I had my days and moments of complete overwhelm. But they were just that: moments. About a month or two ago is when things really started to set in and I had a small bout of it. Once I started working more, and enjoyed it, I had severe guilt. That's a story for another day though.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For now, I will close with: I'm back. Look out. Babies be crazy. And here's my pumpkin.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ugYEDThkyeo/U6ts8BXhWcI/AAAAAAAAMHA/92R0O-c9op4/s1600/IMG_1951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ugYEDThkyeo/U6ts8BXhWcI/AAAAAAAAMHA/92R0O-c9op4/s1600/IMG_1951.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10188722732167017387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6397854074396164938.post-45678495942545015262013-08-09T12:12:00.000-04:002013-08-09T12:12:43.411-04:005 Weeks Postpartum(How has it been over 10 days since I last wrote?! When they say time flies, they are being serious.)<br />
<br />
Let's recap a bit. Everyone always says that the first few weeks home with a newborn are the hardest. I didn't find that to be the case at all. The first few weeks home were the easiest. Celena slept all the time, and was only awake to eat. Yes she was a pooping machine, but we got into a routine of change, eat, sleep, repeat. She ate about every 3 hours for 30 mins or so. She was content, she was quiet, and she loved sleeping!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fDdYNejtlSs/UgURIxz61lI/AAAAAAAAG9A/CWL4H89NXcg/s1600/2013-07-04+19.45.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fDdYNejtlSs/UgURIxz61lI/AAAAAAAAG9A/CWL4H89NXcg/s320/2013-07-04+19.45.57.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
For the first 4.5 weeks, her newborn clothes fit perfectly, and she was still in newborn diapers. She had gained back up to her birth weight by 2 weeks home. Thank goodness. She got a decent amount of diaper rashes (she has my poor sensitive skin, sorry kid!), and we would load her with Desitin, even using sensitive diapers. I will say that I am looking forward to when she fits into our cloth diapers. (I'm hoping to start her on the Green Mountains with covers next week. Just need to pick up a pail liner.)<br />
<br />
Celena never really latched well onto my nipples. Apparently mine are inverted and pretty small. So we've been using a shield since about day 3. I've tried numerous times without, and it doesn't seem to work. I didn't pump much at the beginning either. I was more focused on keeping her freshly fed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MZizOsHSlbM/UgURSrV6M_I/AAAAAAAAG9I/SK9UvYtjJ-s/s1600/2013-07-06+10.46.27-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MZizOsHSlbM/UgURSrV6M_I/AAAAAAAAG9I/SK9UvYtjJ-s/s320/2013-07-06+10.46.27-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
At 4 weeks, I was feeling the serious need to get out and socialize, without my little lady. Thankfully the playgroup I joined was having a Mom's Night Out that Friday night, and my in laws were kind enough to come watch our little girl. Since I didn't have a large supply in the fridge, I had picked up some formula. Earth's Best has a Sensitive with low lactose that we gave a shot. She took it just fine, but after a few days of substituting feedings with it, I noticed she was straining to poop a lot more, to the point she was screaming. I had a feeling it might be the formula, so we stopped for a week, and now she seems to be fine.<br />
<br />
Which leads us to now.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-njrCTcZB24c/UgURf8wHscI/AAAAAAAAG9Q/_RzCWKPjYfw/s1600/2013-07-21+17.36.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-njrCTcZB24c/UgURf8wHscI/AAAAAAAAG9Q/_RzCWKPjYfw/s320/2013-07-21+17.36.13.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I've been attempting to pump in the mornings and build up a supply in the freezer for the nights I want to sneak out for a bit. (Honestly, it's more for when I head back to the gym, and she'll need to eat while I'm gone.) I've noticed that the mornings is the only time my supply is enough, that I can pump and she's not ravenous the rest of the day. If I pump in the afternoon or evenings, she can never seem to get enough. Like last night. I pumped 3oz in the morning, then another 3 at 3:30pm. Well at 5pm the girl was starving, and ate for 45 mins, rested for 30 mins, then ate for another 45 mins. You'd think that would be enough. Nope! She then continued to eat both 3 oz bottles of BM I had pumped that day. Huge fail, and me losing my mind. Thank goodness hubby was home, and gave her the bottles. I needed a break at that point.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-epIywYA_o0A/UgURouL6RfI/AAAAAAAAG9Y/dr4nq745fgo/s1600/2013-07-29+14.30.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-epIywYA_o0A/UgURouL6RfI/AAAAAAAAG9Y/dr4nq745fgo/s320/2013-07-29+14.30.40.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The last 1.5 weeks have been the hardest, to be honest. Once she hit a month old, she ramped up her eating sessions to 40-50 mins at a time. Some days she eats every 2 hours, then others it's every 4 hours. I've been trying to get her more on a schedule, but it doesn't seem to be working. So I am feeding on demand. We have implemented a bedtime though, at 10pm. She usually gets hungry around that time, so I've been bringing her up to her room then. We change her diaper, then nurse, burp, and put her in her crib. Yes, she has been moved to her crib! She's sleeping more soundly and doing about a 5 hour stretch (11pm-4am) then another 3-4 hour stretch. I feel very fortunate that she's only averaging 1 nighttime feeding. We've been using a fleece sleep sack with the swaddle sides, which seems to be working great. She's cozy and falls right to sleep.<br />
<br />
So why has the last couple weeks been the hardest? Cluster feedings and less daytime naps. That about sums it up. The longer nursing sessions don't bother me one bit. But she's been staying awake for about an hour after each feeding, then resting for 1-2 hours after. But before she falls asleep, she fusses for a good 10-20 mins. Not screaming, just fussing. Most of the time she'll pass out after, but there's been days where she just won't give in. There's been days she's eaten every other hour from 9am to 4pm. There's been days she sleeps for a 4 hour stretch. All I can say is that she's growing like a weed, so whatever she needs to do, I go along with.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H2Bvqjz-J_M/UgUSJCwtPbI/AAAAAAAAG9g/pEQ3DlAGR_I/s1600/photo+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H2Bvqjz-J_M/UgUSJCwtPbI/AAAAAAAAG9g/pEQ3DlAGR_I/s320/photo+(6).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
At her last appointment this past Monday, she was up from 6lbs 14oz to 8lbs 14oz! She gained 2lbs in 3 weeks! She also grew a full inch in that time, she's now 22". Her cheeks are more filled out and her thighs have some good lookin' rolls now. She's getting that cute baby pudge, and it's freakin' adorable!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SjsCIMKnvBY/UgUSNTmSHJI/AAAAAAAAG9s/NIjuRhSMsq0/s1600/photo+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SjsCIMKnvBY/UgUSNTmSHJI/AAAAAAAAG9s/NIjuRhSMsq0/s320/photo+(7).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Me on the other hand, I have healed so well, and so fast. I feel great. We've been doing some family walks on the weekends, each week increasing our pace and distance. In the first 2 weeks postpartum, I lost 13lbs total. In the last 3 weeks, I'm down another 12lbs. I'm only 11lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight, 28lbs from my "happy body" weight, and 40lbs from my truly healthy weight. I'm just hoping to get to my happy body weight at some point, then focus on my truly healthy weight. All in due time though. (I keep reminding myself that it took 9 months to put this weight on, well really over 9 months, thanks to IVF meds and some poor diet choices, so it's going to take at the very least 9 months to take it off. I'm giving myself until her 1st birthday to get most of the weight off. I think that's a fair goal.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fDdYNejtlSs/UgURIxz61lI/AAAAAAAAG9E/GNkXCgHL6Z8/s1600/2013-07-04+19.45.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fDdYNejtlSs/UgURIxz61lI/AAAAAAAAG9E/GNkXCgHL6Z8/s200/2013-07-04+19.45.57.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f120KI_mdQA/UgUS4nnDVCI/AAAAAAAAG94/b33_XbMWo7I/s1600/2013-07-21+18.11.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f120KI_mdQA/UgUS4nnDVCI/AAAAAAAAG94/b33_XbMWo7I/s200/2013-07-21+18.11.22.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H2Bvqjz-J_M/UgUSJCwtPbI/AAAAAAAAG9k/fNOPxxiRYKM/s1600/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H2Bvqjz-J_M/UgUSJCwtPbI/AAAAAAAAG9k/fNOPxxiRYKM/s200/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Biggest changes this week:</b></h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wearing 0-3 month clothing</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Size 1 diapers</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Headbands finally fit her noggin</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Socks fit her feet now</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Loves being outside</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Loves motion, especially car rides and strollers</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I swear she's smiled at me, and not because of gas</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Holds her head up for a while</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Started cooing</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now sleeps in her crib at night</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wants to be held more often</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Awake more during the day</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Eating a lot more</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pretty content during bath time</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She's a very noisy eater</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Makes some pretty funny faces now</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XspHkUjeae8/UgUU9d80-qI/AAAAAAAAG-E/t-JIS1UmJus/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XspHkUjeae8/UgUU9d80-qI/AAAAAAAAG-E/t-JIS1UmJus/s320/photo+(8).JPG" width="268" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10188722732167017387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6397854074396164938.post-17325661093258735842013-07-30T15:28:00.001-04:002013-07-30T15:28:18.970-04:00What I've Learned So FarA friend recently emailed me asking for some details on the last month. Mostly what I have learned, how we've been coping, what I'm glad we have, and what I wish we had. So I thought I'd share my answers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<b>Breastfeeding:</b> Going well so far. My milk came in on the 3rd day. For the most part Lena eats every 3 hours during the day. Meaning she starts eating at 8am, and will eat again around 11am. She was feeding 15 mins on each side per feeding. So a total of 30 mins. Plus burping, etc. This week she started eating longer, more like 20-30 mins each side. Night time is different though. She usually does at least 3 hour stretches at night. She has done some 6 hour and 5 hour stretches though. Those are heavenly. </div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<b>Pumping:</b> I haven't pumped too much. I have found that I can only pump in the morning after her morning feeding. Because she does longer stretches at night, I have more milk in the mornings. I'm slowly trying to stock up in the freezer.</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<b>Formula:</b> I never thought I'd supplement, but Lena started cluster feeding some days. When she has a growth spurt, she wants to eat for hours upon end, mostly in the evenings between 6-10pm. On those days, I was super exhausted, and completely drained. So we ended up researching some formulas. We found Earth's Best Sensitive and Vermont Organics to have the best ingredients. Not every day, but on the cluster days, I will give her 4 oz of formula. It's also come in handy when we want to go somewhere and know she'll need to eat again, and I don't want to breastfeed where we are. </div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<h4>
<b>Things I'm so glad we have:</b></h4>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<b>A changing table on both floors.</b> So much easier for daytime and night time changes, especially post surgery.</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<b>Flat bassinet that fits in the bed.</b> We ended up putting it beside the bed on her toy chest because we only have a queen bed. I also keep a small lamp on at night so that I can see her and keep a constant light for night feedings. </div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<b>Fischer Price Rock and Play.</b> Great for when her gas is bad at night. She's slept in that a fair amount as well. The sitting position helps the gas to release.</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<b>SwaddleMe</b> wraps. Helps to keep her crazy hands secure while she sleeps. Without it, her hands wake her up.</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<b>WubbaNub</b> pacifier. Didn't think I'd be using a pacifier, but it's really helped to calm her down when she's ready to sleep. Saved us on night #1 at home. </div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<b>Swing</b>. For the most part, she sleeps in that during the day. I've found it's helped to keep a difference between day and night. We were using the bassinet on the coffee table during the day, but she wasn't sleeping as long at night.</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<h4>
<b>Things I've learned:</b></h4>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
1. Get out of the house as soon as you can with your little one. Even if it's just to walk around Target. It allows you to feel human, and lets your little one adjust to being out and about. Especially sleeping, ensures there's unexpected noises that they learn to sleep through.</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
2. Baby screams for 3 reasons: food, gas or tired. Try each one, if one doesn't work, move on to the next. </div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
3. Rub baby's back to relieve gas, works better than patting.</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
4. Stock your freezer with easy cook or ready made meals. There are definitely nights where I don't want to cook. </div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
5. I shower and get out of the house on M, W, and F. T & Th we stay home, unshowered, relaxing. Let's me recuperate from our previous day. </div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
6. Get yourself a big water bottle or massive cup, and keep it filled with water all day. Drink drink drink. </div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
7. RELAX. The best thing you can do is remain calm. Baby will feed off your energy. If you feel like you're going to break down, let hubby take over. And do the same for him.</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
8. Change baby's diaper before you feed them. This helps to wake them up so they stay awake to eat. Especially at night. Chris usually does the changing, so that I can wake up, and get prepped to feed her. </div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
9. Take at least one nap a day when baby naps. You will appreciate this at night. Trust me, you'll be exhausted. A nap a day is ideal. Two or three is even better if baby is awake a lot at night. </div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<div>
10. Join a mom's group. Especially one with babies a few months older than your own. They'll be filled with knowledge and have great suggestions. It will also help to keep you sane and feeling human. And it's another reason to get out of the house. Our group also does Mom's Night Out once a month. So nice to get out of the house sans baby with friends.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
11. Buy some inexpensive, non restricting sports bras. (I know sounds like an oxymoron.) They work great for sleeping and night time feedings. And much cheaper than nursing bras. I found mine (shhhhh) at Wal-mart. Danskin, 2 for $10. Super soft, super comfy, and super easy to move for feedings. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
12. Half a glass of wine at night, won't hurt anyone. Hardly any alcohol will get into your breast milk, and it will help to calm you down after a long day. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
13. Shower, do your hair, and put on some make up. Nothing wrong with looking fabulous. Look fabulous, feel fabulous. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
14. Remember to eat. No matter what time your meals happen at, just make sure they happen. Eat well, eat healthy. Everything you consume, goes to baby. It will also help them later on once you introduce solids. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
15. And last but not least, take care of yourself. Cry when you need to. Just remember to smile and laugh as well. Get out for a walk. Change your clothes. Wash your face. Do whatever you need to to stay sane.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10188722732167017387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6397854074396164938.post-17744521477742232902013-07-16T10:17:00.002-04:002013-07-16T10:17:16.619-04:00Lena's Birth StoryFriday night, (June 28th) I spent in the tub not feeling so hot. All night. My lower back was cramped up and my stomach was in knots. I assumed it was the not so healthy food I ate the night prior at Red Robin (oops). The whole time, I was waiting for a contraction to start. I did have a couple Braxton Hicks contractions, but nothing that was increasing in pain or longevity. I ended up crawling into bed sometime around 4am, and sleeping for a few hours.<br />
<br />
Saturday morning I woke up still feeling ill. The discomfort was so bad, that we spent the morning at my in laws, soaking in their pool. Thankfully it helped to relieve some of the back pain, but I still felt awful. I ended up calling my chiropractor and snuck in a quick adjustment to hopefully help the knot in my neck and release my back. And although my neck felt a million times better, my back would not stop cramping. I was also worried that I was leaking cervical fluid, so I called our OB. We ended up stopping by the hospital for a quick check. All clear, no fluid. Everything seemed to be fine.<br />
<br />
Sunday morning I felt a lot better. The back cramping was easing up and my stomach was finally able to handle some food and fluids. Chris and I headed back to his parent's house to lounge in the pool for the day. As the day continued, I began to feel better and better. And Monday day was exactly the same. Monday night however, is a whole other story.<br />
<br />
Around 9pm, I started to get the same cramping in my back and complete all over discomfort. My stomach was so upset and I ended up vomiting several times. I had heard that some women's bodies start to clean themselves out before they go into labor. So I waited like last time, for contractions to start. There were none. The entire evening though was spent in the tub or in the bathroom. When it hit 4am and the tub soaking no longer seemed to help, I knew I need to call the doctor. Our 38 week appt was scheduled for that morning at 9am. I made it until 6am, and called the OB. She suggested heading to Labor and Delivery to be examined. I felt like the neurotic first time expectant mom, yet again calling the doc. But she assured me something was up and it might just be a GI bug.<br />
<br />
So at 6am, I went to go wake Chris, who was sound asleep. "Hunny, we need to go to the hospital." His response: "Now? Do I have time to shower?" I gave him probably the dirtiest look and said very calmly "Yes, NOW! And no you can't shower." So off we went to Emerson. I had taken out my hospital bag in hopes to write a post of it's contents for you all. So we grabbed the bag just in case and made our way to the hospital. One of the best things about Emerson, is that they take you in immediately. We walked through the doors and right into a room in Labor and Delivery.<br />
<br />
The nurse began taking my vitals and asked for a urine sample. I barely had any to spare since I couldn't keep anything down all night. A little while later she came back and drew some blood. On her third return, about 45 mins into our stay, she handed me a johnny and said to put it on. At this point we weren't really sure what was going on, but my blood pressure was elevated higher than before. So I assumed they might induce me. So I asked if we should get my hospital bag since I had my own gown I had hoped to wear. Her response was "No, you have to wear a johnny." Being half awake from the lack of sleep, I didn't think too much of it. Just assumed I was told wrong about being able to wear your own gown. She also said my doctor was going to be heading down to talk to us. Again, didn't think too much of it, just assumed they'd start inducing me, or wanted to chat since we would be missing our 38 week appointment.<br />
<br />
Dr. H walked in about 10 mins later and informed us that I had developed preeclampsia, and more so <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HELLP_syndrome">HELLP Syndrome</a>. Which stands for Hemolysis, elevated Liver Enzymes, Low Platelet count. I encourage you to click the link for further explanation. Basically my liver was spitting proteins into my urine, my blood pressure was elevated and my platelets were half of what they should be (usual is 150k). His exact words "Things are going to move quickly. You unfortunately need to go in for a csection. Dr. K is calling the pediatrician, anesthesiologist and booking the OR. You're having a baby today." Thank goodness we didn't know what HELLP Syndrome was at the time or how severe it could potentially become, because I would have lost my shit.<br />
<br />
At that point both Chris and I were a little in shock. I had been so uncomfortable that the thought of having her, and finally feeling well was definitely welcome. At that moment I truly did not care how she was coming out, but that she and I would both be okay. The nurse made Chris order breakfast before going into the OR and gave him a pair of scrubs to put on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eBUdD39eOek/Ud76pSuF39I/AAAAAAAAFwc/rZ7z23db-F0/s1600/IMAG0268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eBUdD39eOek/Ud76pSuF39I/AAAAAAAAFwc/rZ7z23db-F0/s400/IMAG0268.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had to put on a johnny and prepare for surgery. This was taken about 5 mins after being told what was about to happen. Smiling because there's an end in sight!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BDHGcrMGwIw/Ud765TLo2GI/AAAAAAAAFys/8JuGOmL5Y9A/s1600/IMAG0267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BDHGcrMGwIw/Ud765TLo2GI/AAAAAAAAFys/8JuGOmL5Y9A/s400/IMAG0267.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still giantly puffy with water retention</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At about 9:30am, the anesthesiologist came in and thoroughly explained how everything would go. I thankfully had enough platelets still so that I could have a spinal instead of local anesthesia. Between him and Dr. H I felt very confident in how the procedure would pan out. It helped that Chris and I understood the importance of having the csection and why it was needed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Around 10am, I walked into the OR and they began prepping me for surgery. Within 10 mins I was laying down, numb from my chest down, waiting for Chris to join us. Dr. H began cutting a few minutes before he entered, which to be honest, I thought Chris might hit the floor once he saw me. Instead he walked in smiling and said "I'm going to cut the cord!" I looked at him shocked, since the entire pregnancy he said he didn't want to see a thing "down there" nor cut the cord. But he was happy and confident and determined to be part of it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At 10:39am our beautiful little girl entered the world! Her little squeaky cries were immediate. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TXZBlWrPjAs/Ud77hHE9IpI/AAAAAAAAF0Q/EIfQkiZmK80/s1600/IMAG0269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TXZBlWrPjAs/Ud77hHE9IpI/AAAAAAAAF0Q/EIfQkiZmK80/s400/IMAG0269.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H5zZv8Cp1nQ/Ud77hHptT_I/AAAAAAAAF0U/CgKyA-qasRs/s1600/IMAG0274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H5zZv8Cp1nQ/Ud77hHptT_I/AAAAAAAAF0U/CgKyA-qasRs/s400/IMAG0274.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The pediatrician called Chris over to be with her as they checked her out. She was still crying softly until she heard his voice. She started to settle down and focus in on him. It's amazing that for 9 months she's been listening to us, and as soon as she comes out, she knows who Daddy is. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They didn't bath her right away, but instead rubbed the vernex in (the white substance covering her little body) and wrapped her up so Chris could hold her and I could finally see her. And of course I immediately started crying. 4.5 very long years and we finally had our family! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lD0V0HS3sPM/Ud8fbIL_qGI/AAAAAAAAF00/7xF45Hql8o8/s1600/IMAG0280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lD0V0HS3sPM/Ud8fbIL_qGI/AAAAAAAAF00/7xF45Hql8o8/s400/IMAG0280.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kxaIizfLJx4/Ud8fbuBQDTI/AAAAAAAAF1A/PkXKeoU1Ick/s1600/IMAG0283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kxaIizfLJx4/Ud8fbuBQDTI/AAAAAAAAF1A/PkXKeoU1Ick/s400/IMAG0283.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JnwOR0GIB_g/Ud8fbx7BwAI/AAAAAAAAF1I/2LT1ArFfgDc/s1600/IMAG0287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JnwOR0GIB_g/Ud8fbx7BwAI/AAAAAAAAF1I/2LT1ArFfgDc/s400/IMAG0287.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">They did take her down to the nursery for some further monitoring after I got to see her. Chris was able to be with her the entire time. I however was stuck sprawled out on the table being stitched up. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sEx_8Xk7Hc0/Ud8fcMiCC9I/AAAAAAAAF1Q/HpXN-TqKiYs/s1600/IMAG0290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sEx_8Xk7Hc0/Ud8fcMiCC9I/AAAAAAAAF1Q/HpXN-TqKiYs/s400/IMAG0290.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After she was bathed, which Chris got to help with, they brought her back all swaddled up so we could spend our first hour as a family. I began skin to skin time as well. It seemed to keep her calm and peaceful as she spent her first day adjusting to the outside world. I was also able to breastfeed right away, which she immediately took to. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3ZxPnvl8Uw/Ud8fcnEe3KI/AAAAAAAAF1c/7fnpnfCEjjg/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3ZxPnvl8Uw/Ud8fcnEe3KI/AAAAAAAAF1c/7fnpnfCEjjg/s400/IMG_0071.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the next 24 hours I was on a magnesium drip to help keep me from developing any seizures. My blood was drawn every 3 hours and as they continued to monitor my platelet count, they continued to fall. All the way down to 38k. (Had I reached 30k, I would have had general anesthesia.) I was stuck in bed that entire first day. Chris was amazing, helping with all diaper changes, burping after each feeding and even snuck in some skin to skin time. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xat8kPRmtPI/Ud8fcigW3AI/AAAAAAAAF1g/Rce43HtNQAs/s1600/IMG_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xat8kPRmtPI/Ud8fcigW3AI/AAAAAAAAF1g/Rce43HtNQAs/s400/IMG_0073.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Healing was slow and the first 2 days were really difficult. Moving around was slow and cautious. The second day we were finally moved from Labor and Delivery to the Postpartum floor. All the nurses in both departments were beyond amazing. Our night time nurse on the second night was by far my favorite. She was able to get me positioned to sleep more comfortably and gave us so many helpful suggestions with Lena. We ended up requesting her for the rest of the stay! Our daytime nurses were just as fabulous. We were given plenty of privacy and time alone to get to know our little girl. Many of the nurses from Labor and Delivery continued to check in on us even after we were moved. Apparently my HELLP Syndrome had everyone extremely concerned.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We spent a total of 5 days at Emerson. Each day got a little better, and a little less painful. Not to gross anyone out, but I don't think I showered until Thursday. Between the csection and the magnesium drip, I was spent. Never mind trying to care for our latest addition. Hubby however managed to sneak in a shave and removed the beard. Finally.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7AX5F_QkxwQ/UeVVw0zB2EI/AAAAAAAAF2I/bTmXbhF7s3Q/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7AX5F_QkxwQ/UeVVw0zB2EI/AAAAAAAAF2I/bTmXbhF7s3Q/s400/photo+(5).JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
So that's how our little Lena entered the world. She of course was perfectly healthy. Mom, not so much, but I quickly healed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVAcPZSKQm8/UeVVuuVzlQI/AAAAAAAAF2E/wO0BKsIWl6k/s1600/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVAcPZSKQm8/UeVVuuVzlQI/AAAAAAAAF2E/wO0BKsIWl6k/s320/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10188722732167017387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6397854074396164938.post-14314403722466147522013-07-10T14:59:00.001-04:002013-07-10T14:59:09.602-04:00Photo Shoot Offer from Deirdre Rakus Photography!Last month we spent a Sunday evening with Deirdre from <a href="http://www.deirdrerakusphotography.com/">Deirdre Rakus Photography</a>. We really wanted to document the end of our pregnancy, and Deirdre was absolutely amazing to work with. Below are some of our favorite images she captured of Chris and I before we welcomed our daughter.<br />
<br />
We also met with Deirdre this week for Lena's first newborn photo shoot! And with that, she wanted to extend an offer to you, my readers:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
For the month of July, anyone that books a maternity photo shoot or newborn photo shoot with Deirdre, will receive 10% Off her fee! All you have to do is mention Eat Scream Cry when you book. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can contact Deirdre through her website, by clicking <a href="http://www.deirdrerakusphotography.com/contact.html">here</a><span id="goog_428443665"></span><span id="goog_428443666"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JVM9Rh6oCJ0/Ud2s5dRKXEI/AAAAAAAAFlE/UuPFCMJrU_0/s1600/Image-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JVM9Rh6oCJ0/Ud2s5dRKXEI/AAAAAAAAFlE/UuPFCMJrU_0/s400/Image-5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WxQ1dA9vRJo/Ud2s5zwrClI/AAAAAAAAFlM/pmqnyIUhQIg/s1600/Image-8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WxQ1dA9vRJo/Ud2s5zwrClI/AAAAAAAAFlM/pmqnyIUhQIg/s400/Image-8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DGnL8yM7pWc/Ud2tNg0SBHI/AAAAAAAAFlU/-6SYsCY0Tms/s1600/Image-32.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DGnL8yM7pWc/Ud2tNg0SBHI/AAAAAAAAFlU/-6SYsCY0Tms/s400/Image-32.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fsl-VqYhpeo/Ud2tSA_sphI/AAAAAAAAFlc/3MsVBcB7c2Y/s1600/Image-34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fsl-VqYhpeo/Ud2tSA_sphI/AAAAAAAAFlc/3MsVBcB7c2Y/s400/Image-34.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5wZAKsIZczk/Ud2thHT4fnI/AAAAAAAAFlo/LdDSBCtxwHQ/s1600/Image-37.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5wZAKsIZczk/Ud2thHT4fnI/AAAAAAAAFlo/LdDSBCtxwHQ/s400/Image-37.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TXr-4XbmAzg/Ud2tg8qeU8I/AAAAAAAAFlk/BGyaBfbe50I/s1600/Image-39.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TXr-4XbmAzg/Ud2tg8qeU8I/AAAAAAAAFlk/BGyaBfbe50I/s400/Image-39.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4RZqUvmCaVg/Ud2thAPUmoI/AAAAAAAAFlw/K0HSlujK8Wk/s1600/Image-55.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4RZqUvmCaVg/Ud2thAPUmoI/AAAAAAAAFlw/K0HSlujK8Wk/s400/Image-55.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cOBOcGizgr4/Ud2thu3iiyI/AAAAAAAAFl4/vLYcXf4PG6E/s1600/Image-62.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cOBOcGizgr4/Ud2thu3iiyI/AAAAAAAAFl4/vLYcXf4PG6E/s400/Image-62.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zVS9yAOvWb8/Ud2tiV1H_SI/AAAAAAAAFmE/TLSI0bZMZdQ/s1600/Image-66.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zVS9yAOvWb8/Ud2tiV1H_SI/AAAAAAAAFmE/TLSI0bZMZdQ/s400/Image-66.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And here's a sneak peak at the newborn photo shoot!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-im--PslBCMs/Ud2uc1e3yNI/AAAAAAAAFmQ/STg5EM4OF2o/s1600/Image1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-im--PslBCMs/Ud2uc1e3yNI/AAAAAAAAFmQ/STg5EM4OF2o/s400/Image1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cYpCBusaKjU/Ud2uczPIjEI/AAAAAAAAFmU/TCFqwLEys_s/s1600/Image2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cYpCBusaKjU/Ud2uczPIjEI/AAAAAAAAFmU/TCFqwLEys_s/s400/Image2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FJkuelFT2Sg/Ud2uc0iF6cI/AAAAAAAAFmY/-o-e8ascCXg/s1600/Image3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FJkuelFT2Sg/Ud2uc0iF6cI/AAAAAAAAFmY/-o-e8ascCXg/s400/Image3.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a8kHFV7Ovi8/Ud2udPL4CYI/AAAAAAAAFmo/PJ0q0YRCczI/s1600/Image4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a8kHFV7Ovi8/Ud2udPL4CYI/AAAAAAAAFmo/PJ0q0YRCczI/s400/Image4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't forget, mention Eat Scream Cry and get 10% off Deirdre Rakus Photography fee!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10188722732167017387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6397854074396164938.post-58715759632082261272013-07-08T12:33:00.000-04:002013-07-08T12:33:00.026-04:00Introducing........<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iA4J7PRC8so/UdrniCwrfSI/AAAAAAAAFk4/gDU6W5tjz8I/s1600/IMG_0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iA4J7PRC8so/UdrniCwrfSI/AAAAAAAAFk4/gDU6W5tjz8I/s400/IMG_0217.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Celena Marie</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">nickname Lena</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Born July 2, 2013</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At 10:39am</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6lbs 14.5oz</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">21" long</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lena was born exactly 2 weeks early, very unexpectedly and very quickly. I will be sharing her full birth story soon. Things did not go as planned, or should I say "prepped" for. But as many of you know, you can not plan a birth. There were many things that happened that were completely out of our control. But I must say that I was thoroughly impressed with our doctors and their willingness to explain each and every step and the importance of delivering our little one as quickly as they did. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And although I did not get to Hypnobirth, I will say that the techniques learned in that class truly helped to keep me calm and composed in the emergency situation we were faced with. Never mind the days after, and dealing with the pain and discomfort. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To those of you who have already shared your congratulations, Chris and I are so very thankful! Your words of love and support mean so much to us. It has been a very long journey and words can not describe how truly blessed and elated we feel. We finally have our miracle. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For all those hopeful mamas out there, don't give up! No matter how you are able to start your family, I promise it's worth it. I hope in some way our journey has given you the faith and strength you need to continue. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All our love.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10188722732167017387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6397854074396164938.post-44173906221191138112013-06-27T09:32:00.000-04:002013-06-27T09:32:20.382-04:0037 Weeks-Full Term!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gG3unTEH6f8/Ucw7dwhl_5I/AAAAAAAAFkY/CBQjZ6r9Fb0/s1375/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gG3unTEH6f8/Ucw7dwhl_5I/AAAAAAAAFkY/CBQjZ6r9Fb0/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Baby Size: </b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wintermelon</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">20.5" long </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7 lbs</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Gender:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Girl!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knickname:</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Monkey, she does not stop moving </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baby Changes: </b></span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">She's practicing inhaling and exhaling</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">She's also working on gripping and blinking</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">She is building up meconium, her first poop</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">All her crucial organs are considered full term</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">She is still head down and very active</span></li>
</ul>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b>Weight Gain:</b> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">-1 lb this week, total gain of 36lbs</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cravings:</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Popcorn, kettlecorn</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ice cream</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aversions: </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Still aren't experiencing any. However I'll be avoiding tomatoes which are giving me serious heartburn again.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Showing: </b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ha.</span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Body Changes:</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Things are becoming more difficult, that's for sure. My lower back is continuously hurting. I've kept up going to the chiro which has definitely helped. This morning I was able to get out of bed with minimal pain, so that was good. My hips have been getting the stretching sensation more often, and I keep having mild cramping/stretching in my pelvis. Heartburn is definitely triggered by tomatoes, so those are a no go at night. Cervix is still closed, but softening still. Being a planner, this whole not knowing when labor will happen is really starting to get at me. Trying to take one day at a time, and focus on my list of things to get done.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Worst Moment this Week: </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Realizing I have stretch marks low on my belly. Also I apparently have Gestational Hypertension. My blood pressure keeps elevating, so I am now having non stress tests twice a week. Really hoping that it stays at bay.</span></span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best Moment this Week: </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">I have a new nephew!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Looking Forward To: </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hopefully meeting my new nephew this weekend. And you know, maybe go into labor soon....</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Completed this week: </b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Done working</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Picked up paint for the glider</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Almost done Reading Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Natural Childbirth</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Stretching using the birthing ball for back and hips</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Things to complete: </span></li>
<ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">sign up for infant CPR class</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">prime & paint the changing table (for downstairs bath)</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">prime & paint the dresser </span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">paint glider</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">hang up her mobile</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">get a frame for the family tree art</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">order the glider cushions</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
<div>
<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Firsts: </b></div>
<div>
<ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Stretch marks on my lower belly</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Diagnosed with Gestational Hypertension</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Sensation of my hips stretching</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Officially up twice a night to pee</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">More frequent BMs, (which can be a sign of labor coming)</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10188722732167017387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6397854074396164938.post-71167977474392288312013-06-19T11:38:00.004-04:002013-06-19T11:42:53.673-04:0036 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mbJMdUurJds/UcHQZ4tnNwI/AAAAAAAAFjw/MMPrmDofZsI/s1600/36Weeks_Front_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mbJMdUurJds/UcHQZ4tnNwI/AAAAAAAAFjw/MMPrmDofZsI/s400/36Weeks_Front_1.jpg" width="203" /></a></div>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Baby Size: </b><br />
<span style="color: #656565;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Honeydew</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">20" long </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6.5 lbs</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Gender:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Girl!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knickname:</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Monkey, she does not stop moving </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">Baby Changes: </b></span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="color: #656565; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">She has dropped further into my pelvis</span></li>
<li style="color: #656565; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">She's closer to being able to breath on her own</span></li>
<li style="color: #656565; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">Her skin is getting smooth and soft</span></li>
<li style="color: #656565; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">Her liver and kidneys are in working order</span></li>
<li style="color: #656565; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">Cirulatory & Immune Systems are in working order</span></li>
<li style="color: #656565; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">She is definitely head down, confirmed by doctor!</span></li>
</ul>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b>Weight Gain:</b> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">1 lb this week, total gain of 37lbs</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cravings:</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #656565; line-height: 24px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peanut butter sandwiches</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sweet drinks (sticking to raspberry leaf tea with stevia)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aversions: </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">None.</span><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><br /></b><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">Showing: </b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm hard to miss these days.</span><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; line-height: 24px;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">Body Changes:</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">The last couple of days, I've noticed that she's dropped lower into my pelvis. Started getting "lightening" pains and discomfort walking. This was confirmed at Tuesday's appointment, with our first internal exam. Cervix is closed, but thinning and softening. Her head is apparently already way down there, and apparently pressing on my bladder. Amazingly enough, I've been able to sleep through the night without getting up to pee. Even if I do, it's usually only once. I'm definitely more tired each day. My legs and ankles are permanently swollen now along with my arms and face, and nothing seems to get them to go down. Still only wearing my Birkenstocks. Clothing is more limited now that my belly is so big. I've been sticking to dresses and long flowing shirts. One more week until she's full term!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Worst Moment this Week: </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My back has been really sore. Getting up from sitting down is not fun.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best Moment this Week: </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Had 2 women stop me, and comment on how beautiful I look while out and about. One happened to be a doula. Definitely made my day. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Looking Forward To: </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Our friends wedding this coming weekend! Can't wait to see a lot of our college friends! (And some other preggers too.)</span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Completed this week: </b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #656565;">
<ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Packed the hospital bag</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Put both hospital and diaper bag in the car (just in case)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Currently Reading Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Natural Childbirth</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">All her clothes are washed</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Purchased a birthing ball</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Things to complete: </span></li>
<ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">sign up for infant CPR class</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">prime & paint the changing table (for downstairs bath)</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">prime & paint the dresser </span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">paint glider</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">hang up her mobile</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">get a frame for the family tree art</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">order the glider cushions</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div style="line-height: 24px;">
<div style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px;">
<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Firsts: </b></div>
<div>
<ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Lightening pains</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Internal exam, cervix is closed, but thinning and softening</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Baby girl's head is already in position</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Bought a maternity bathing suit</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g8bbPTmhxfo/UcHQevCUpYI/AAAAAAAAFj4/4YSzU6oCEXg/s1600/1Black&WhiteComparison+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g8bbPTmhxfo/UcHQevCUpYI/AAAAAAAAFj4/4YSzU6oCEXg/s1600/1Black&WhiteComparison+copy.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="font-size: 18px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10188722732167017387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6397854074396164938.post-60546906045922039192013-06-17T14:59:00.001-04:002013-06-17T14:59:58.748-04:00Is This Really Happening?Every once in awhile I have this surreal moment where my daughter will kick, or move inside me, and I realize "Holy Shit! There's really a person in there!" Which probably sounds really odd coming from an 9 month pregnant woman. But honestly, pregnancy is one of those things that you can easily go through your day and forget you're carrying around another human being inside of you.<br />
<br />
It's not something you can explain easily, nor will most of you understand what I'm trying to say. (At least I guess you won't understand. Am I wrong? Please tell me I'm wrong.) Yes, I walk with a waddle. Yes, my back is constantly reminding me of all the extra weight. And yes, I feel our little girl on the move all the time. But there's moments when I look down at my belly and am in disbelief that she's really in there. Is this because it took so long for it to happen? Is this because I took so long to allow myself to feel the joy of our little miracle child? Or is this completely normal?<br />
<br />
I'm afraid I'm going to deliver this little being and wake up one day totally forgetting that I have a kid. I've had nightmares for years about this. That I go through my normal day, then all of a sudden remember I have a kid, whom I haven't fed all day. But there she sits, perfectly calm, just staring back at me. As if nothing is wrong. And I have to somehow pretend I didn't forget about her. What if this really happens?<br />
<br />
I can't even keep a plant alive. Which my husband keeps reminding me of. (However I did water both our plants while he was away. It was once, but at least they got some water, right?) How am I going to keep another helpless human being alive?!<br />
<br />
On the opposite end of those thoughts, I keep seeing myself being extremely calm with her. Her screaming her little head off because she's hungry, and me calmly talking to her while I get ready to breast feed. Or her fussing from gas, and me slowly adjusting her to help her work it out.<br />
<br />
Anyone else feel completely torn between stressing about all the things you might do wrong, and then seeing yourself being an almost perfect parent? (Please tell me I'm not alone.)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10188722732167017387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6397854074396164938.post-79627863297075523002013-06-14T08:31:00.004-04:002013-06-14T08:31:58.679-04:00Maternity Photo Shoot Sneak PeekThis past Sunday, we met Deirdre from <a href="http://www.deirdrerakusphotography.com/">Deirdre Rakus Photography</a> in Worcester at Elm Park for our maternity photo shoot. Deirdre and I went to college together, and she is amazingly talented! We were so happy she was able to accommodate us for our maternity photos. (She'll also be doing our newborn photo shoot when our little girl arrives!)<br />
<br />
She made us both so comfortable throughout the shoot. Both Chris and I <i>hate</i> having our pictures taken, but we knew we wanted to have some professional photos done to remember this pregnancy. I am so glad we had them done, and done by Deirdre! She truly was a blessing to work with, always making sure we were positioned correctly, and making us both feel at ease.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MGCjZOpT2XA/UboD_3YvLiI/AAAAAAAAFgw/IOyLwpYrrSk/s1600/Maternity_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MGCjZOpT2XA/UboD_3YvLiI/AAAAAAAAFgw/IOyLwpYrrSk/s400/Maternity_1.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This one is definitely our favorite so far! It was a spur of the moment shot Deirdre thought of as we were walking by this gorgeous weeping willow tree towards the end of the shoot. Although in the moment we felt silly just staring at each other, she definitely captured our pure happiness we feel with our growing family. And yes, I'm that much shorter than hubby.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6nVCN4BTj7g/UboEAMjfvnI/AAAAAAAAFgk/2ACurZu-DOE/s1600/Maternity_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6nVCN4BTj7g/UboEAMjfvnI/AAAAAAAAFgk/2ACurZu-DOE/s400/Maternity_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So glad we have some of just the belly! I was a little nervous having shots of my mid section, but it came out pretty darn cute. The stripes definitely helped "accentuate" things. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qL0k-yMYjec/UboEAGtii8I/AAAAAAAAFgo/Sb4sbd2jrIk/s1600/Maternity_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qL0k-yMYjec/UboEAGtii8I/AAAAAAAAFgo/Sb4sbd2jrIk/s400/Maternity_3.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Love that the park had some little ponds throughout. It made for a great background. (Oh, and thank you Deirdre for putting your logo over my puffy ankle!) We all had on our Sperrys for the shoot.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vJf0P2Ap3Hk/UboEASwf87I/AAAAAAAAFg0/c0sp1aCB7dU/s1600/Maternity_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vJf0P2Ap3Hk/UboEASwf87I/AAAAAAAAFg0/c0sp1aCB7dU/s320/Maternity_4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And our baby girls came along too. How adorable are those mini sparkly Sperrys?! This girl's shoe closet is about to trump mine! Pretty sure she has at least a dozen pairs of shoes already, and she's still in utero! (And no, I haven't bought any shoes for her, they have all been gifts from friends and family.)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MVMvSp2xeI4/UboEAtQG9jI/AAAAAAAAFhE/9OcEYxoHR08/s1600/Maternity_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MVMvSp2xeI4/UboEAtQG9jI/AAAAAAAAFhE/9OcEYxoHR08/s320/Maternity_5.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was one of the first shots of the evening. We were still getting into the groove of things. Can you tell we're both a little nervous? I have that look like "I'm not so sure about this". Thankfully we got more comfortable as time went on.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Thanks again to Deirdre for getting these to us so quickly! </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Can't wait to see the rest in the coming weeks!</b></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10188722732167017387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6397854074396164938.post-5661169616033693292013-06-13T10:45:00.002-04:002013-06-13T10:45:11.222-04:00Things That Are...<h4>
No Longer Comfortable</h4>
1. Putting on shoes. (Bending. Enough said)<br />
2. Shoes of any kind. (Except my Birkenstocks)<br />
3. Sitting at a desk all day. (Holy tailbone pain)<br />
4. Rolling over in my sleep. (I might just pull a back muscle one night)<br />
5. A full bladder. (Try walking to the bathroom with a kids head pressing on it)<br />
6. Being kicked in the bladder. (That was really never comfortable, more so now)<br />
7. Sitting up straight. (Baby girl kicks like crazy)<br />
8. Getting in and out of the car. (Swinging legs is the only way)<br />
9. Pants with the demi elastic band. (It just digs into baby girl's head, which she hates)<br />
10. Clasp front bras. (Damn clasp just digs into my belly)<br />
11. Standing for long periods of time. (I now find myself rocking back and forth.)<br />
12. Sitting for long periods of time. (Fluid builds up in legs and feet)<br />
13. Walking for long periods of time. (Back starts to hurt like hell)<br />
<br />
<h4>
Giving Me Anxiety</h4>
<div>
1. I'm full term in 2 weeks.</div>
<div>
2. The idea that she could be late.</div>
<div>
3. There's a <i>carseat</i> in my <i>minvan</i>.</div>
<div>
4. I'm almost done with work, 5 more days.</div>
<div>
5. I've started prepping for birth with some natural inducers.</div>
<div>
6. Our doctor's appointments are only 1 week apart now.</div>
<div>
7. The next time I see our little girl will be in my arms.</div>
<div>
8. I've started perineal massage.</div>
<div>
9. I haven't practiced my relaxation techniques in a couple weeks.</div>
<div>
10. Knowing she can hear my every word.</div>
<div>
11. Late sleepless nights in our future.</div>
<div>
12. A screaming baby, and not knowing what she needs.</div>
<div>
13. The possibility of losing my mind.</div>
<div>
14. She gets hiccups every time I eat.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Making Me Happy</h4>
<div>
1. Seeing her room 90% complete.</div>
<div>
2. Feeling her move during her awake periods.</div>
<div>
3. Knowing it's only a few more weeks until we meet her.</div>
<div>
4. Wondering what she'll look like.</div>
<div>
5. Watching my husband interact with her.</div>
<div>
6. Feeling her move when she hears him speak.</div>
<div>
7. Ice cream.</div>
<div>
8. Imagining her and I going for walks every day together.</div>
<div>
9. Knowing I can go back to Bikram yoga when she arrives.</div>
<div>
10. Watching my belly move non stop, sometimes for an hour.</div>
<div>
11. How excited our family and friends are to meet her.</div>
<div>
12. I'm going to have parts of the summer and fall off.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10188722732167017387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6397854074396164938.post-2484531783411124472013-06-12T11:17:00.002-04:002013-06-12T11:17:55.322-04:0035 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3useUfLg0U/UbiQuHOhvHI/AAAAAAAADvU/NK0AYdKRgLs/s1600/35Weeks_Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3useUfLg0U/UbiQuHOhvHI/AAAAAAAADvU/NK0AYdKRgLs/s400/35Weeks_Front.jpg" width="166" /></a></div>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Baby Size: </b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Coconut</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">20" long </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6 lbs</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Gender:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Girl!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knickname:</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Monkey, she does not stop moving </span><br /><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baby Changes: </b></span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">She won't get much longer from here on out</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">She's still plumping up though</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">She'll put on about another pound or more before birth</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">She's dropped further down</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">She wakes up around 3-4am every night</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">She is far more active during the day now</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Her hearing is fully developed</span></li>
</ul>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b>Weight Gain:</b> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">8 lbs in 2 weeks, WTF?! Officially up 36 lbs total. (This better be mostly water weight)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cravings:</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ice cream</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sweet drinks (sticking to raspberry leaf tea with stevia)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aversions: </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Nothing notable, but still have days when nothing sounds appealing</span></span><br /><b style="color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></b><b style="color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Showing: </b><span style="color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's uncomfortable to lean forwards.</span><br /><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Body Changes:</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Still peeing every hour, and consistently getting up at least once a night. Legs are so swollen with fluid that sometimes bending my knees are uncomfortable. I'm permanently in my Birkenstocks from here on out, I think. Fingers are slightly swollen still, enough my wedding bands are too tight for comfort. Sitting up straight is not an option, I'm always leaning back to give her a little more room. I feel like she's dropped even further down into my pelvis. Her strong punches and kicks have gotten pretty painful sometimes. I've also been having some minor cramping for the last few days. Counted about 3 times yesterday. </span><br /><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Worst Moment this Week: </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Seeing my weight on the scale, then getting my blood pressure checked. Pretty sure they should do that in reverse order. Blood pressure of course was elevated after that. Doctor sent me to the hospital for an hour of evaluation yesterday, at which time it came back down to normal range. We have a follow up appt next week to be sure it's not elevated again. If it is, no more worky for me.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nRnwQl98AHs/UbiQzMC71AI/AAAAAAAADwI/sLMGs7-50_o/s1600/35Weeks_Hospital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nRnwQl98AHs/UbiQzMC71AI/AAAAAAAADwI/sLMGs7-50_o/s320/35Weeks_Hospital.jpg" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a very flattering photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best Moment this Week: </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Had our maternity photo shoot with Deirdre Rakus Photography on Sunday! So excited to see how they came out!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Looking Forward To: </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Seeing friends on Saturday. Trying to suck up as much time with them before baby girl arrives.</span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Completed this week: </b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-size: 18px;">
<ul style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Packed the diaper bag</span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Started gathering items for hospital bag</span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Started perineal massage</span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Bought the Bob Revolution SE stroller</span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Installed the car seat</span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Been practicing breathing techniques</span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Visited the birthing center (at our monitoring appt)</span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Met with my boss about maternity leave</span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Cleaned our house (not doing that again, planning to hire someone)</span></span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Things to complete: </span></li>
<ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">order glider cushions</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">sign up for infant CPR class</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">prime & paint the changing table (for downstairs bath)</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">prime & paint the dresser </span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">paint glider</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">hang her mobile</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">finish washing the rest of her clothes</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">put diaper bag & hospital bag in car</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div style="line-height: 24px;">
<div style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans';">
<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Firsts: </b></div>
<div>
<ul style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Cramps, happening a few times a day</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Injury from the stroller, took my toe nail off, oops</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Drinking Raspberry Leaf Tea</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Taking Evening Primrose Oil, 500mg daily</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Insomnia is setting in, waking up every 2-3 hours</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TQnmhh72iHw/UbiQ8g0JzeI/AAAAAAAADxw/pZWR79A9WDk/s1600/Black&WhiteComparison+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TQnmhh72iHw/UbiQ8g0JzeI/AAAAAAAADxw/pZWR79A9WDk/s1600/Black&WhiteComparison+copy.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10188722732167017387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6397854074396164938.post-43682829933079697122013-06-10T12:39:00.001-04:002013-06-10T12:39:44.594-04:00Deal of a LifetimeSo Saturday morning hubby and I got up at 9am and slowly got out of bed. Had some breakfast, and started deciding what to do with our completely free day. (Something we haven't had in a while.) I had gotten the flyer for BabiesRUs during the week, and noticed the Bob Revolution SE was on sale in stores for $369.99 vs. the usual $449. But it was only the orange model. However, all the accessories were 20% off as well. So we decided to take a little trip up to Nashua (tax free) to see, yet again for the third time, the stroller we've been wanting to purchase for the last 3 months.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="400" src="http://www.justkidsstore.com/images/product/5335_orange_4700.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<br />
At the store, we must have looked like some lost expectant parents because not one but 2 sales people asked if we needed help. The second, Thom, just happened to walk by when we were exploring the Orange Bob. Well we apparently peeked his interest, and he immediately spouted out "That exact stroller is on clearance. It's discontinued, and I'm looking to get rid of it."<br />
<br />
Well isn't that convenient....<br />
<br />
I pulled out my handy flyer and said the sale price says $369.99. At which time he pulled out his handy scanner, and said "I can let it go for....$299." We were sold at this point, but then I mentioned that we got a coupon for 10% off to finish our registry.<br />
<br />
"Oh, well since BuyBuy Baby is right down the road, I can give you 15% off instead of the 10%." (Are you kidding me?!) Hubby and I were jumping up and down internally, but not saying anything, but "Great, we'll take it."<br />
<br />
He even pumped up the tires to be sure they held air, found the Chicco adapter for the carseat. Oh and did I mention the cup holder was displayed on the floor model, so he included that as well?! And at checkout, they let me use 2 $5 off coupons I had gotten in the mail! Score!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="285" src="http://www.capitalkidz.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/H/B/HB1001.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="275" src="http://www.rei.com/zoom/aa/b9d9eb37-79e5-4d1d-bc13-8fa668288482.jpg/440" width="400" /></div>
<br />
So instead of spending:<br />
<br />
Stroller: $449<br />
Cup Holders: $25<br />
Chicco Adapter: $45<br />
Total: $519<br />
<br />
We spent:<br />
Stroller: $299-15%-$5= <b>$249.15</b><br />
Cup Holder: <b>$0</b><br />
Chicco Adapter: $45-20%-$5=<b>$30.98</b><br />
<b>Total: $280!!!!!</b><br />
<b>WE SAVED $239!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
And to make things even better, we had $240 in gift cards (from our very generous family and friends) from our shower, so we only spent $40! Deal of a Lifetime, I tell you!<br />
<br />
Welcome to the family Bob!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10188722732167017387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6397854074396164938.post-10933892610743102112013-06-06T10:17:00.002-04:002013-06-06T10:25:35.883-04:009 Natural Labor InducersOkay, let's preface by saying I am no expert, and this is our first baby. However, these are all suggestions I've heard from my family (who procreate like rabbits), my doctor and Hypnobirthing. If it worked for them, why can't it work for us, right?!<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Start at 32 Weeks</u></b></h3>
<h4>
1. Perineal Massage</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51NFsqF4-XL._SY445_.jpg" width="238" /></div>
This isn't really an inducer, it's more for birth preparation. I'm seriously afraid of tearing, and I'm sure most of you are as well. Perineal massage should be done daily, and you should use some sort of oil. Olive oil will do or even coconut oil. This should be done for 5 mins nightly. Need a how to? Click <a href="http://www.ivillage.com/perineal-massage-your-how-guide/6-n-145602">here</a>.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
2. Raspberry Leaf Tea</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="http://savingnaturally.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/raspberry-leaf-tea.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<div>
Known to help tone uterine muscles, it also can start contractions. I've heard two different stories, where one woman drank the tea throughout pregnancy, and the other drank it around 38 weeks, and went into labor. Give it a shot, early, and see what happens. If you start getting contractions, hold off until about 38 weeks. Better safe than sorry. Want to purchase? Click <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Raspberry-Leaf-Tea-Bags/dp/B00016AQS4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1369072446&sr=8-2&keywords=raspberry+leaf+tea">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<h4>
3. Evening Primrose Oil</h4>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/68/11/31/63/0068113163311_500X500.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<div>
You can find this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Foods-Evening-Primrose-500mg-Softgels/dp/B00024CS04/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369071774&sr=8-1&keywords=evening+primrose+oil+500mg">here</a>, or at a local health food store. Start taking 500mg orally around 32 weeks. This helps to boost your prostaglandin levels, essential for birthing. Want more info on the benefits? Click <a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1006-EVENING%20PRIMROSE%20OIL.aspx?activeIngredientId=1006&activeIngredientName=EVENING%20PRIMROSE%20OIL">here</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Start at 37 Weeks</u></b></h3>
<h4>
4. Evening Primrose Oil for Perineal Massage</h4>
<div>
Instead of taking orally, now break open the cap and use the content for perineal massage. Work the oil into the lining of your vagina. Get your spouse to help, it's way more fun.</div>
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Start at 38 Weeks</u></b></h3>
<h4>
5. Eggplant Parmasean</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="213" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_BizpeaUzxq8/ScUvOmwySRI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/n09VykXiH6E/s320/eggplant-parm2.jpg" width="320" /></div>
My aunt swears by this! She usually does eggplant pizza though, but as long as you're downing some fried eggplant with sauce and cheese, it should work. It's also suggested in our Hypnobirthing book. Apparently there's a restaurant down in Georgia that women have been going to for years, that guarantees you'll go into labor within 48 hours. I kid you not. Also met another couple at one of our classes that said it worked for their second child.<br />
<br />
<h4>
6. Nipple Stimulation</h4>
<div>
Why not have a little fun trying to induce, right? Sexual acts, especially nipple stimulation have been known to start contractions. The build up of oxytocin, crucial for delivery, makes this act ideal. Don't do it early though, definitely wait until you're 38 weeks. This is also great if your labor slows down. If you're birthing in a hospital, ask for some privacy with your spouse for an hour, and have some fun. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
7. Sex</h4>
Yes, sex. This only works if your man ejaculates directly into your vagina. Semen contains prostoglandins that helps stimulate and soften the cervix. So if you're one of the lucky ones who can still handle some play time, go to it.<br />
<br />
<h4>
8. Long Walk</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="259" src="http://cdn02.cdn.justjared.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/tatum-walk29/channing-tatum-pregnant-jenna-dewan-london-dog-walk-05.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe wear more supportive shoes than Jenna did.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Walking is a fabulous way to get things moving. The more you walk, the more gravity will take a hold. Plus you're probably itching to get this kid moving, so why not waste an hour or two each day walking?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<u>
Start at 40 Weeks</u></h3>
<h4>
9. Castor Oil</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/319vC9U75oL._SY355_.jpg" /></div>
<div>
I know, gross. But it works. I've heard that the best way to down it is to take 1tsp of castor oil and mix it into ice cream, kind of like a milkshake. Sip it over an hour. Supposedly it will begin contractions.<br />
<br />
Again, these are suggestions, and are not guarantees. Best of luck Mamas!<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Any other suggestions you can think of?</h4>
</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10188722732167017387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6397854074396164938.post-49020629798653587742013-06-05T10:25:00.001-04:002013-06-05T10:25:34.240-04:003rd Trimester Food StrugglesMost expectant moms find eating in the first and possible second trimester the most challenging. I on the other hand had no problems eating during my 1st & 2nd. My appetite wasn't bad at all, and I could handle eating all my regular foods, minus fish tacos. That was really the only thing that made me gag.<br />
<br />
So all in all, I've been extremely lucky. And I'm not saying that my luck has run out, but it's definitely changed. I've been craving mainly fruits and vegetables over the last 8.5 months. Which works well for me seeing as I'm vegetarian. I have been wanting a lot of chocolate throughout, but that could also be because I've surrendered to the need, and now probably addicted to sugar again.<br />
<br />
It really wasn't until the 8 month that my appetite has morphed into some bad habits. I've been wanting ice cream pretty much every night. It didn't help that we tried <a href="http://orangeleafyogurt.com/">Orange Leaf</a> recently for the first time, and that's now all I want. At least it's yogurt, right? But still, too much ice cream has made me one puffy mama to be. So much so that this picture from our weekend away has me totally freaked out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N9p6A-YDeM4/UazmRQYBVJI/AAAAAAAABFk/d2yeinClgGo/s1600/Hubs&Me_Hotelbackground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N9p6A-YDeM4/UazmRQYBVJI/AAAAAAAABFk/d2yeinClgGo/s320/Hubs&Me_Hotelbackground.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's one round, jolly looking face. (And my breasts are absolutely enormous.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Back to food.... So what's really changed this month? I'm not quite sure. But I do know that each day has been different. Some days the thought of food makes me a little queesy. My appetite is so small on those days, and when I do eat, nothing tastes exceptionally well. Other days I'm starving, and can't seem to get enough calories or nutrients. And on those days, I could pretty much eat a whole box of these little things</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://www.militaryfoodex.com/catalog/images/bt2crispycheddar.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Not ideal, but at least they are a healthier alternative to Cheez Its. I do stick to my morning smoothie every week day to start the day off right. And my morning snack is usually a piece of fruit, or organic fruit leather. On occasion I'll have a handful of trail mix. Lunch is whatever sounds tempting that day. Last week it was watermelon, hummus & crackers. Most days it's a wrap or sandwich though. Afternoon snack, I try to have an apple since my energy is sucked dry at about 2pm. Apples apparently have the same amount of energy building components as a cup of caffeinated tea. (Or am I just telling myself that to help me wake up?) Dinner, well that depends on the day. I've been trying to cook most nights, but there's been nights I get home and just curl on the sofa. If I do cook, it's always a protein, 1 or 2 veggies and possibly some grains. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My goal for this week is to make some big batches of grains (quinoa and brown rice) and freezing individual servings so that I have them on hand. I also want to start prepping some ready made meals for after baby girl arrives. I'll probably spend the week gathering some recipes and start cooking in a couple of weeks. All vegetarian suggestions are welcome. I am going to try to cut out as much dairy as possible as well. (I know, that means no more cheddar crackers.)</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10188722732167017387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6397854074396164938.post-11786939737730077732013-06-04T10:12:00.002-04:002013-06-04T10:12:16.027-04:0034 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qqaKau4JSVA/Ua31BtlAGNI/AAAAAAAABFw/5SWl-8Yg0XU/s1600/34Weeks_Front2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qqaKau4JSVA/Ua31BtlAGNI/AAAAAAAABFw/5SWl-8Yg0XU/s400/34Weeks_Front2.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Baby Size: </b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Butternut Squash</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">19.5" long </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5.5 lbs</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Gender:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Girl!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knickname:</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Monkey, she does not stop moving </span><br /><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baby Changes: </b></span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">She can recognize simple songs, </span><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">lullabys</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">She's urinating about a pint a day</span></li>
<li style="color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">She may drop lower into the birth canal, prep for birth</span></li>
<li style="color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">She's putting more pressure on my bladder</span></li>
<li style="color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">She's very active during the day</span></li>
<li style="color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">She does not like when I sit up straight, or forward. </span></li>
</ul>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b>Weight Gain:</b> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">No clue, but got a lot of walking in over the weekend, and some swimming</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cravings:</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Fruit</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Chocolate</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Crab rangoon</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aversions: </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Nothing, but I've definitely had days where nothing sounds appetizing, nor tastes good.</span><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Showing: </b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is just kind of a joke now.</span><br /><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Body Changes:</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">I pee every hour, on the hour, sometimes more. I've been drinking a lot of water too, and always feel dehydrated. (Could be the excessive heat this weekend.) Her movements are much more noticeable now as her space is getting more cramped. I can only eat in small increments, so I basically snack all day long. Still rocking the club foot. Still getting winded very easily. Falling asleep between 9-10. I wake up every 4 hours pretty much, but fall right back to sleep. I'm a lot warmer than I used to be, especially when I sleep. My fingers are now swollen enough that I can't get my rings on. My legs are retaining so much water that they are super tight. My face is apparently swollen as well. Yay.</span></span><br /><br /><b style="color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Worst Moment this Week: </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">I have about a dozen bug bites from this weekend. Apparently all the extra blood is attracting the damn mosquitoes. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best Moment this Week: </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Taking a mini baby moon this past weekend. Lots of relaxation and sun. Oh, and water/swimming. So nice to feel weightless in the water, and stretch out my back!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Looking Forward To: </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Our maternity photo shoot with <a href="http://www.deirdrerakusphotography.com/">Deirdre Rakus Photography</a> this weekend! (Hoping the weather cooperates.)</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Completed this week: </b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-size: 18px;">
<ul style="margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Finished writing all of our Thank Yous from the shower</span></span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Things to complete: </span></li>
<ul style="margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">order glider cushions</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">sign up for infant CPR class</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">prime & paint the changing table (for downstairs bath)</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">prime & paint the dresser </span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">paint glider</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">hang her mobile</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">pack hospital bag</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">install the car seat/get inspected</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">finish washing the rest of her clothes</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">practice breathing techniques</span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">practice hypno techniques</span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">start perineal massage</span></span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div style="line-height: 24px;">
<div style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans';">
<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Firsts: </b></div>
<div>
<ul style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Frustrations with being pregnant, mostly the swelling</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Trip to camp (aka- my grandmother's lake house)</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Time wearing a bathing suit pregnant, yikes!</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIurMd4NnDg/Ua31ItHM00I/AAAAAAAABGA/sKjrh598wV8/s1600/Black&WhiteComparison+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIurMd4NnDg/Ua31ItHM00I/AAAAAAAABGA/sKjrh598wV8/s1600/Black&WhiteComparison+copy.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10188722732167017387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6397854074396164938.post-57841205885240451972013-06-03T11:25:00.001-04:002013-06-03T11:35:49.070-04:00Mini BabymoonHubby and I love our weekends away. We try to squeeze them in as much as possible, but they're always done last minute, and usually includes an amazing deal. This weekend was no different. I had happened to Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mountainviewgrand?fref=ts">Mountain View Grand Resort's</a> Facebook page a few months ago, knowing I wanted to stay there at some point. Thursday as I was cruising through my newsfeed, and saw that they posted a 50% Flash sale for the weekend. I immediately called them and booked us a room for Saturday night. Bonus: the room was even more marked down, more like 65% off! Score!<br />
<br />
We leisurely packed and got ready Saturday morning (hubby still seems a little jet lagged from last weekend), popped into Starbucks for breakfast and headed North.<br />
<br />
We arrived at the hotel around 1pm to blue skies and 90 degrees of heat. Thankfully our room was ready, and we checked in early, changed, and headed to the pool. We were starving at this point so we sat inside at their clubhouse first. Mostly because I was feeling the heat and wanted some AC before swimming.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mountainviewgrand.com/"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KsZB-mBMveY/Uayx4fSl5jI/AAAAAAAABEk/W566zdGD12E/s400/Hotel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The food was amazing, and I really wish I had gotten a shot of their Crab Cake sandwich that we both enjoyed. It was a masterpiece. After lunch we lounged by their outdoor pool for a few hours, that thankfully had opened the day before. The sun was blazing and the water was the perfect temp. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img height="239" src="http://www.mountainviewgrand.com/files/1238/ClubHouse_header.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Later we headed back to our room, freshened up and changed for dinner. We sat on the front porch of a bit taking in the scenery. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SUyL5aHni-U/Uayx6dOGPrI/AAAAAAAABE0/PSipFskpspw/s1600/HubbyPorch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SUyL5aHni-U/Uayx6dOGPrI/AAAAAAAABE0/PSipFskpspw/s400/HubbyPorch.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The view is absolutely breathtaking, and the entire hotel sits perched on a hill looking over parts of the Presidential Range. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNnR4I2yOEw/Uayx6tYE0eI/AAAAAAAABEw/EZBszum5cUw/s1600/photo+%252812%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNnR4I2yOEw/Uayx6tYE0eI/AAAAAAAABEw/EZBszum5cUw/s400/photo+%252812%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We opted to eat dinner at their Tavern, and not their main dining room. Less expensive and sits overlooking the mountains. Dinner was excellent, as expected. After, we did another quick wardrobe change, and went for a long walk through their property. They have an active farm on the property, so we visited the animals for bit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img height="239" src="http://www.mountainviewgrand.com/files/1238/Barn_Header.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At this point, I was ready for dessert. So we headed back to the Tavern and each enjoyed a homemade creation. Hubby had the Chocolate Decadence, and I the Maple Creme Brulee!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NtM3znc-D8Q/Uay035PabDI/AAAAAAAABFM/FbQ93B_5TPI/s1600/HubbyDessert2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NtM3znc-D8Q/Uay035PabDI/AAAAAAAABFM/FbQ93B_5TPI/s320/HubbyDessert2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UHV6xmKdpuM/Uay03-N3epI/AAAAAAAABFQ/CkERmzphxCk/s1600/MeDessert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UHV6xmKdpuM/Uay03-N3epI/AAAAAAAABFQ/CkERmzphxCk/s320/MeDessert.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We headed home fairly early Sunday, and stopped in Woodstock, NH at the Woodstock Inn for breakfast. (Maybe even the candy shoppe down town for some sweets.) We enjoyed the rest of the day lake side at my grandmother's camp with my nephews. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All in all, an extremely relaxing weekend that was very much needed. Quality time alone will be hard to come by very soon. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10188722732167017387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6397854074396164938.post-71519276517226256442013-05-30T10:28:00.001-04:002013-05-30T10:28:57.168-04:00One Of Those DaysToday is one of the first days where I feel like I'm wrinkling my nose at everything.<br />
My stomach feels sour.<br />
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.)<br />
I'm tired.<br />
Pretty sure this wrap dress is now considered "inappropriate" for the office, since my monstrous breasts keep trying to escape.<br />
I had a massive leg cramp in my left calf last night, that still feels super tight.<br />
I've hit the mark of 24 hours of heart burn.<br />
Sitting up straight is no longer an option.<br />
I'm hungry all the time, but nothing sounds appetizing or tastes really good.<br />
Round ligament stretching is in full force.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
I get it now.<br />
<br />
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...<br />
<br />
I guess it's just one of those days.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Cherish.<br />
Each.<br />
Moment.<br />
That's today's goal.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MRTvdrp42J8/Uadht7eyaVI/AAAAAAAABEM/7hAE0bx2yow/s1600/32WeeksBelly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MRTvdrp42J8/Uadht7eyaVI/AAAAAAAABEM/7hAE0bx2yow/s320/32WeeksBelly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10188722732167017387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6397854074396164938.post-1804413011152805502013-05-29T11:04:00.001-04:002013-05-29T11:04:24.186-04:0033 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8TBuGH5oVYo/UaYYQFDIMUI/AAAAAAAABD0/19aqeaF7hpA/s1600/33Weeks3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8TBuGH5oVYo/UaYYQFDIMUI/AAAAAAAABD0/19aqeaF7hpA/s400/33Weeks3.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Baby Size: </b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Durian (whatever that is)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">19" long </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5 lbs</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Gender:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Girl!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knickname:</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Monkey, she does not stop moving </span><br /><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baby Changes: </b></span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">She may grow a full inch this week</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Her eyes are open when she's awake</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">She's coordinating breathing, sucking and swallowing</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Her bones are hardening</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">More brain development too</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">She's head down currently, hopefully she stays that way</span></li>
</ul>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b>Weight Gain:</b> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">+4 lbs in 2 weeks. Sigh. Total gain of 28 lbs so far</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cravings:</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Fruit</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ice cream</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Chocolate</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aversions: </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Still nothing, feeling very lucky.</span><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Showing: </b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Waddling + leaning back = one very pregnant lady</span><br /><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Body Changes:</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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?)</span><br /><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Worst Moment this Week: </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">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.)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best Moment this Week: </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">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!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Looking Forward To: </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Finishing up the nursery. Glider is primed, and ready to be painted!</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Completed this week: </b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<ul style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Primed the glider</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Primed our counter stools in the kitchen</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Primed the sofa table in the living room</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Picked up some newborn pjs and 0-3 month pjs</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Bought an adorable swim/sun blocking hat for baby girl</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Cleaned the toy chest, put in nursery</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Things to complete: </span></li>
<ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">order glider cushions</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">sign up for infant CPR class</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">prime & paint the changing table (for downstairs bath)</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">prime & paint the dresser </span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">paint glider</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">start gathering items for our hospital bag</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">hang her mobile</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
<div style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans';">
<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Firsts: </b></div>
<div>
<ul style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Time alone (for 5 days)</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Stopped worrying about the number on the scale</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Extreme discomfort sitting up straight. Not sure what she was doing in there, but she was pushing in every direction.</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Comment "You must be due any day now!" (Um, no. 7 weeks to go)</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-btdWhYeGNvY/UaYYUjAyDyI/AAAAAAAABD8/wWr6vZdb-_c/s1600/Black&WhiteComparison+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-btdWhYeGNvY/UaYYUjAyDyI/AAAAAAAABD8/wWr6vZdb-_c/s1600/Black&WhiteComparison+copy.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10188722732167017387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6397854074396164938.post-11290302101436295672013-05-24T09:08:00.004-04:002013-05-24T12:37:38.296-04:00A Few of My Favorite (Pregnancy) ThingsI 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.)<br />
<br />
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....<br />
<br />
<h4>
1. Maternity Spanx</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.spanx.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4275406&cp=2992553.4317290&parentPage=family"><img height="320" src="http://spnx.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pSPNX1-8078945v750.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
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.<br />
<br />
<h4>
2. Boppy Pregnancy Pillow</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.boppy.com/shop/boppy-total-body-pillow/"><img alt="original" src="http://www.boppy.com/shop/images/1233/Total%20Body%20Pillow%20Arbor%20usage%20lg.jpg?500,378,0,100,100,1132383278" /></a></div>
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.<br />
<br />
<h4>
3. Starbucks To Go Iced Cup</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.starbucksstore.com/drinkware/cold-beverage,default,sc.html"><img height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31iLh6-yC9L.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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.<br />
<br />
<h4>
4. Mustela Stretch Marks Double Action</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mustelausa.com/mustela/content/stretch-marks-double-action"><img alt="Stretch Marks Double Action" src="http://www.mustelausa.com/mustela/sites/default/files/Stretch-Marks-Double-Action_0.jpg" /></a></div>
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!<br />
<br />
<h4>
5. Birkenstock Arizona Sandal</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.birkenstockusa.com/products/women/sandals/arizona/stone-birkibuc/15121"><img alt="Birkenstock Stone Birkibuc Arizona" src="http://www.birkenstockusa.com/images/products/15121.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Happy Memorial Day everyone! Hopefully this rain clears out early than they are saying.</h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10188722732167017387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6397854074396164938.post-35207270288737961992013-05-22T10:29:00.002-04:002013-05-22T10:29:36.129-04:0032 Weeks - Start of Month 8!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D5aHjstvWr4/UZzVVfCeUkI/AAAAAAAABDc/mGxvtirGioc/s1600/32WeeksHeadOn1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D5aHjstvWr4/UZzVVfCeUkI/AAAAAAAABDc/mGxvtirGioc/s400/32WeeksHeadOn1.jpg" width="182" /></a></div>
<br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Baby Size: </b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Squash</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">18.5" long </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4.5 lbs</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Gender:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Girl!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knickname:</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jumping Bean, she is always on the move</span><br /><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baby Changes: </b></span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">She should be getting in her birthing position soon, head down</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Her space is definitely a lot tighter in there</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">She has been majorly active at night, to the point she's waking up my husband</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">She rolls around a lot during the day too</span></li>
</ul>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b>Weight Gain:</b> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">No clue, but definitely making better strides to eat more nutritiously</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cravings:</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Fruit</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Vegetables/Salad</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ice cream</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aversions: </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Amazed that there's still none, although I have days when nothing sounds appetizing or appealing.</span><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Showing: </b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There's some major waddling happening.</span><br /><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Body Changes:</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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.</span><br /><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Worst Moment this Week: </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">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.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best Moment this Week: </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">A friend of my MIL bought our little girl the most adorable shoes! </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 24px;">She now has sparkly Sperry's! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 24px;">And my MIL bought a cute pair of crocheted</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 24px;"> sandals that match the bathing suit my SIL bought. So darn adorable! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Looking Forward To: </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">The long weekend! This whole working 5 days a week is just not cutting it anymore. </span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Completed this week: </b></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<ul style="color: #656565; font-size: 18px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Finished the family tree artwork</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Washed all the cloth diapers we purchased</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Almost done the growth chart, just a clear coat left</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">All of her bedding is in, and on the crib</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Picked up another car seat base</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Secured babysitting for when I come back to work</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Picked up Hubby's old toy chest</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Picked up the changing table for the downstairs</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Packed our diaper bag (I'm sure there's a few things we're missing)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Borrowed carry on luggage for hospital bag</span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Finished our Hypnobirthing Class</span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Found relaxation music for birthing</span></span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Things to complete: </span></li>
<ul style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">order glider cushions</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">sign up for infant CPR class</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">clean Hubby's old toy chest from his parents</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">paint the changing table (for downstairs bath)</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">paint dresser & glider</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">start gathering items for our hospital bag</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">hang her mobile</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
<div style="color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Firsts: </b></div>
<div>
<ul style="margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Pregnancy sun burn. Not fun.</span></li>
<li style="color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">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)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Excruciating pain on my sciatic nerve after baby girl apparently kicked it</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kTiXWDfoIM8/UZzVbYqIpCI/AAAAAAAABDk/diBRqyLPc6Q/s1600/Black&WhiteComparison+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kTiXWDfoIM8/UZzVbYqIpCI/AAAAAAAABDk/diBRqyLPc6Q/s1600/Black&WhiteComparison+copy.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10188722732167017387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6397854074396164938.post-54274862538507935102013-05-21T13:30:00.002-04:002013-05-21T13:30:38.293-04:00On My MindThird trimester exhaustion is definitely kicking in. I can barely keep my eyes open at my desk.<br />
<br />
Ugh, work. Will it ever end?<br />
<br />
I have about a dozen projects I need to complete at home.<br />
<br />
The growth chart needs to be sprayed a clear coat.<br />
<br />
I need to pick up a frame for the family tree. I need to finalize the heart on the family tree....<br />
<br />
A nap would be really nice right now.<br />
<br />
We still need to purchase some more cloth diapers and covers.<br />
<br />
I haven't practiced any of the hynpobirthing techniques, I should probably get on that.<br />
<br />
I did find birthing music though. That's an accomplishment.<br />
<br />
Must keep eyes open....<br />
<br />
How the hell do people go through pregnancy with a toddler at home?!<br />
<br />
I'm so tired now, I can't imagine doing this with another child.<br />
<br />
Although this is about nap time, so I could be home, curled up on the sofa right now.<br />
<br />
Our place is a mess.<br />
<br />
I need to get things organized.<br />
<br />
Shit, I need to stop at the bank on the way home.<br />
<br />
Then get hubby ready for his trip.<br />
<br />
Love the man, but he can't pack for shit.<br />
<br />
And he needs a hair cut.<br />
<br />
I really wish I didn't have to work anymore.<br />
<br />
I desperately need to get a workout in. My ass is enormous right now.<br />
<br />
I wonder how hard it will be to get this weight off after birth.<br />
<br />
I really hope our little lady sleeps well.<br />
<br />
She seems to be sleeping right now.<br />
<br />
God, I miss Bikram yoga.<br />
<br />
I miss my ankle bones.<br />
<br />
How the hell are we already 8 months along?!<br />
<br />
These last couple weeks have been flying by.<br />
<br />
I wonder if they'll slow down now.<br />
<br />
Why am I complaining? This pregnancy has been really easy.<br />
<br />
I can't wait to see her little chubby face.<br />
<br />
Hold her little hand.<br />
<br />
Smell that amazing baby smell.<br />
<br />
And, she's awake.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10188722732167017387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6397854074396164938.post-67564517119160441902013-05-15T08:53:00.003-04:002013-05-15T08:53:45.344-04:0031 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rhs-EjyW7pM/UZOEZ34zg8I/AAAAAAAABDE/aN0fYwd1yvs/s1600/31WeeksFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rhs-EjyW7pM/UZOEZ34zg8I/AAAAAAAABDE/aN0fYwd1yvs/s400/31WeeksFront.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Baby Size: </b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pineapple</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">18" long </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4 lbs</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Gender:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Girl!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knickname:</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Trying to use her full name more</span><br /><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baby Changes: </b></span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Her 5 senses are fully developed</span></li>
<li style="color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Her brain and nerves are going through major development this week</span></li>
<li style="color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Her irises now react to light</span></li>
<li style="color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">She's definitely moving around more during the day and night now</span></li>
</ul>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b>Weight Gain:</b> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">+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.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cravings:</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Fruit</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Vegetables</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ice cream</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aversions: </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Amazed that there's still none.</span><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Showing: </b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Still waddling away.</span><br /><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Body Changes:</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">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. </span><br /><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Worst Moment this Week: </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Seeing the number on the scale. Yikes. Glad my doctor wasn't alarmed, but I sure was.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best Moment this Week: </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">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. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Looking Forward To: </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Maternity leave. Getting myself to work every day has become a huge struggle.</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Completed this week: </b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-size: 18px;">
<ul style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Finally cleaned our home, definitely needed it</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">All her clothes are washed and put away</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Made a list of things we still need to purchase for her</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Reorganized her closet by size</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Chose a pediatrician, yay, and signed up for their open house</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Started getting the diaper bag put together</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Scheduled a tour of Emerson's birthing center</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Ordered some cloth diapers (won on Ebay!)</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Things to complete: </span></li>
<ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">order glider cushions</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">sign up for infant CPR class</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">pick up Hubby's old toy chest from his parents</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">pick up the changing table (for downstairs bath)</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">paint dresser, glider and changing table</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">finish growth chart</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">finish family tree art work </span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">start gathering items for our hospital bag</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
<div style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 24px;">
<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Firsts: </b></div>
<div style="line-height: 24px;">
<ul style="font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Chat with our doctor about induction, and how long they wait for baby to naturally arrive. (39 weeks will start that convo unfortunately)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Chat with our doctor about Hypnobirthing, all went well</span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Minor panic attack about all the things we still need to finish</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rtcrYdrgYZQ/UZOEe4X5dQI/AAAAAAAABDM/2l9WJv43cF0/s1600/Black&WhiteComparison+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rtcrYdrgYZQ/UZOEe4X5dQI/AAAAAAAABDM/2l9WJv43cF0/s1600/Black&WhiteComparison+copy.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10188722732167017387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6397854074396164938.post-37001138997499991902013-05-10T15:03:00.000-04:002013-05-10T15:03:01.366-04:00Happy Kankle Friday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q2j7jjopZTM/UY1EJKQJd5I/AAAAAAAABCw/40A4_ditVMI/s1600/Kankles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q2j7jjopZTM/UY1EJKQJd5I/AAAAAAAABCw/40A4_ditVMI/s400/Kankles.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So much for acupuncture helping this week. This is currently what I'm working with.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I figured you could all use a good laugh!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Weekend....now get me the fuck out of work!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10188722732167017387noreply@blogger.com0