39 Weeks! (Last Post Before Baby!)

This is a little late but...

I'm 39 weeks pregnant!!!

I wanted to let you all know that tomorrow night I'm being induced so our little guy or gal will be here Wednesday or Thursday. I'll update on here as much as I can while I'm in the hospital because I want to keep track of everything for my own memories :)

How I'm feeling:
I'm anxious about labor but SO excited to meet this baby! I can't imagine how much my life will be changed in the next couple days! :)

About the baby:
The baby is full term and "locked and loaded". His/her head is all the way down (-3 station) and I can feel the little bottom moving around up top.

Doctor Appointments:
We had our final appointment last week. The next time we see our doctor will be at delivery! *faint*

Food:
Current favorite foods:  BLTs

Current food aversions: still can't even bear to think about avocados or eggs

The nursery:
All finished!!

Baby gear:
I think we have everything we need but I guess we're about to find out! Haha!

Thank you for all the advice and support you've given me in the last 9 months! It's been quite the ride!!! 

Happy Tuesday! Wish me luck for tomorrow! :)

What's In My Hospital Bag???

It's tricky to know what to pack for the hospital to have your first baby! I have only been in the hospital once in my life (for a broken and dislocated hip after a waterskiing accident) and it wasn't planned. In fact, they cut my (most beloved) swimsuit off me in the ER and Joe had to go to Walmart and buy me some sweat pants so I would have clothes to wear when I got released. R.I.P awesome swimsuit...

So here's what we came up with for the hospital.

Our bag is sitting in the corner of our bedroom ready to go at any moment!!

Big Stuff

Diaper Bag
Breast Pump

Pillow from home
Boppy
Blanket (handmade)

Baby Things

Diapers and wipes (I've heard conflicting things - do I need to bring my own??)
Baby Book
Polaroid Camera and film (I'm going to attempt to get cool Polaroid pictures of visitors)

White newborn kimono shirts (snaps down the front so I don't have to pull over baby's head)

Going home outfit for boy (brand is F.A.O. from Babies 'R Us)

Going home outfit for a girl (brand is Koala Baby from Babies 'R Us)

socks and hair bows (not pictured)

Daddy Things

Casual/Sleep outfits: t-shirts and gym shorts

Nice outfit for going home

Swim Trunks so he can get in the bath with me during labor

Flip flops (not pictured)

Mommy Things

1 gown and robe set

1 extra robe

2 pairs of sweatpants and tank tops

1 nursing tank top

2 nursing bras

1 yoga bra (for bath during labor)

House shoes with grippers on bottom

Undies and socks (not pictured)

Going home dress

Flip Flops

Shower Things

2 of our own big fuzzy towels

Shower Bag with deodorant, toothpaste, chapstick, contact solution, etc.

 Makeup Bag (may not get used - haha!)

Electronic/Entertainment Things

iPad

Video Camera

Camera and case (not pictured)

Phones and phone chargers

Mama experts - what am I missing??? :)

What's In My Diaper Bag???

I've spent a lot of time researching what to pack in our hospital bag and diaper bag for when we have this baby. I've asked a lot of my mom friends for advice and looked at checklists in books and online. I'm a chronic "over-packer" but I promised Joe I would try not to go nuts. But the thought of not having everything I need in several options makes me feel a little sweaty and faint. In fact, the following is a real life picture of our luggage for our honeymoon. Which wasn't quite two weeks long.

Yes, that's seven pieces of luggage. And the bell hop in the background? He's totally laughing at how ridiculous that is.

So here's the diaper bag portion of what I have packed. I'll try to do my hospital bag too. Which all fit into one suitcase so there's a major victory!

(top to bottom)
Munchkin Arm & Hammer Pacifier Wipes
Burp Cloth (handmade from etsy)
Aden & Anais Swaddle Blanket
Receiving Blanket

Sophie the Giraffe toy/teether

Newborn diapers

Wipes case with wipes

(left to right)

Triple Paste Ointment

Aquaphor Ointment

Disposable Changing Pads

Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Bags (for dirty diapers)

So there you have it! Now... what am I missing???

The diaper bag itself is from Cake by Petunia Picklebottom, it's called the Society Satchel. You can find it here. I LOVE it and I'm totally going to use it as a purse later on.

38 weeks!!!

I'm 38 weeks pregnant!

How I'm feeling:
I've been having contractions for the past month! I'm hoping they start to get more regular! I have a hard time rolling over in bed and getting clothes out of the dryer. Otherwise, I still have lots of energy and feel great!

About the baby:
The baby is officially the size of a watermelon! I feel him/her moving around less (out of room??) these days but the movements I do feel certainly take my breath away! He/she is definitely head down and ready to go according to my doctor.

Doctor Appointments:
We're still seeing the doctor every week (usually on Thursdays). Everything is on track and I've started to make *some* progress towards delivery.

Food:
Current favorite foods:  BLTs (I feel like I want one for every meal)
Current food aversions: still can't even bear to think about avocados or eggs

The nursery:
All finished!!

Baby gear:
I think we have everything we need! I feel like we're at Babies 'R Us every other day and they definitely recognize us when we come in! Haha!

Happy Monday!

33 weeks!!!

I'm 33 weeks pregnant!! *cue panic attacks!*

How I'm feeling:
Except for the fact that I can't move or roll over in bed, or get out of the bathtub or shave my legs very well I feel excellent! Haha! I've definitely started to waddle!

About the baby:
The baby is still kicking up a storm! I feel it mostly when I'm lying on my side and right now it's laying really high and along my right side. I can't wait to find out exactly what position he/she is in (at my 36 week doctor appointment). Since we've officially decided on a boy name and a girl name we are starting to refer to the baby by these names, interchangeably.

Doctor Appointments:
We have an appointment every 1-2 weeks. Joe has still not skipped one appointment which amazing with his work hours! We had an appointment yesterday and the biggest news is.... our due date has officially been changed! 7/2/11 (the day before our 5 year wedding anniversary) :)

Food:
Current favorite foods:  cold glass of milk, corn on the cob (obsessed)
Current food aversions: still can't even bear to think about avocados or eggs. I divert my eyes when I see them at the grocery store.

The nursery:
I'm starting to get some things done for curtains, lamp, etc!!

Baby gear:
We still haven't bought much more because our shower is in a couple weeks.

Have I grown??

Happy Wednesday!!!

25 Weeks!!!

I'm already 25 weeks pregnant! 

How I'm feeling:
I'm still feeling really good! Last week I had my first Braxton Hicks contraction where my stomach tightened up (thankfully it didn't hurt like a normal contraction probably will!)

About the baby:
The baby is over a foot long and starting to open it's eyes. He/she kicks like crazy if I eat something really hot or really cold or if I lay on my side! Joe and I have FINALLY decided on baby names but we're keeping them a secret until the birth :)

Doctor Appointments:
We had an appointment last week and I found out I passed my glucose test! Yay! I had a smoothie to celebrate! Ha! I also had to get the Rhogam shot in my hiney. Now we start going to the doctor every two weeks.

Food:
Current favorite foods: I'm still obsessed with fruit and I love the Cherry Limeade Chiller at Sonic. I split a small one with Joe three days in a row this weekend!!

Current food aversions: still can't even bear to think about avocados or eggs. I divert my eyes when I see them at the grocery store.

My body:
I have officially gained 17 pounds.

The nursery:
After our JCPenney fiasco (PLEASE don't order furniture from them :( )We ordered *new* nursery furniture this weekend and because time is getting limited I'm glad to say it's being delivered on Thursday!! Yay!

Baby gear:
We finally started our baby registry last week. Our parents were bugging us to get it started and I must admit, I was putting it off because it's really overwhelming. I always feel weird about registries anyway - I hate asking for gifts and opening presents in front of people!!!

Joe and I also ordered new living room furniture last weekend so I'm excited to show you what it looks like!! And I have a LIST of projects we're working on that I really want to share too!

Happy Monday!!!

24 Weeks!!!

How I'm feeling:
I feel great!! I tend to get out of breath easier and bending over is getting harder but I have lots of energy and feel really good!!

About the baby:
The baby is the size of an eggplant and kicks all the time! So far he/she hasn't been in my ribs, most of the kicks are still around my belly button or lower (maybe one of the few benefits of being tall - lots of room to move!).

Doctor Appointments:
We have our next appointment this week and I'll also be doing the DREADED glucose testing this week. Please tell me it's not as bad as I hear..!

Food:
Current favorite foods: FRUIT. Most of the time you can find Joe in the kitchen doing this...

Current food aversions: still can't even bear to think about avocados or eggs. I still divert my eyes when I see them at the grocery store. Ha!


My body:
My bump is getting bigger and rounder by the minute it seems!

The nursery:
I haven't mentioned it on my blog but we've had major problems with our furniture. JCPenney (who I used to be a big fan of) really disappointed us. We ordered over $2000 worth of furniture in January and we still have only 1/2 of what we ordered and the rest has been broken by the trucking company or discontinued. They also charged us for and almost sent a second crib without us authorizing it and we've had SO many problems with their customer service. They've set up appointments for us to be home to have furniture delivered and they've not shown up. They've "lost" our order. So, we are returning what we have and getting something else. Stay tuned. This whole thing has been such a mess and I have never been the type of person to smear the name of a company but I can honestly say I've been so disappointed by our experience with JCPenney that I won't shop there anymore :(

The nursery is totally painted! Next on the list is installing the new ceiling fan!

Baby gear:
On a happier note.. we ordered and LOVE our new stroller to match our carseat! I had so much fun watching Joe figure out all the little features. He is great with gadget type things. I'm scared I'll be the mom who lets their baby roll down the hill in the stoller. 

I got this cute moses basket at a consignment sale!

Happy Monday!!

First Trimester Survival Kit

Doesn't it always seem like people get pregnant in waves? I have a lot of friends who are currently pregnant or who are about to embark on trying to get pregnant so I thought I would make a list of all the things I would have used if I had a survival kit for the first trimester. (I'll do my second trimester later - I'm almoooost done with mine!) And I'll be way more prepared for pregnancy #2 now. In 15 years.

1. Unscented Soaps and Lotions

Pregnancy causes a heightened sense of smell and most things with scents will probably bother you.  (Joe got kicked out of bed for eating a graham cracker once - the smell was SO strong).

2. Reusable Water Bottle

 I think it's pretty typical for newly pregnant women to be deliriously thirsty (at least I was and I usually hate water). I got some reusable water bottles to refill throughout the day. For me, I liked having the straw too.

3. What to Expect When You're Expecting Phone App

This is probably one of my favorite things and I look at it several times every day! The main screen keeps track of exactly how far along you are (23 weeks and 3 days, for example) and also gives you an approximate size of the baby. It's SO fun to tell people your baby is the size of a walnut, apple or large ear of corn (what my baby is currently!) Honestly, I bought the What to Expect When You're Expecting book, but I have used this app much more and it gives you tidbits directly from the book every single day.

4. Subscription of Parents and Parenting Magazine

Order them NOW and you'll start getting magazines in the mail in your second trimester. And believe it or not, you will get WAY more excited than when your Lucky used to arrive. Or at least I did :)

5. Snoogle

I hated it when I first used it, then I tried using it again during the end of my first trimester and loved it. Since it's best for blood flow to the baby that you sleep on your left side, this gives you something to hold and keeps you propped up. And I love having a pillow between my legs for back support.

6. BeBand

When the bloat/bump start to form and you can wear your pants, you just can't quite button them this is a lifesaver! I didn't gain any weight during the first trimester but I still couldn't button my pants (???) and wore these almost every day. Actually, I still use mine now to wear some of my "normal" jeans at 23 weeks.

So there you have it - everything to make the first trimester easier (it's the worst in my humble opinion)! I'm sure I'm missing some things too!

Is there anything else you couldn't live without during your first trimester???

21 Weeks!!!

Today I'm 21 weeks pregnant!!! 

How I'm feeling:
I've been feeling pretty great and my energy is starting to come back! I think I'm in nesting mode because I've been obsessing over cleaning the house and working on nursery details lately :)

About the baby:
The baby is about the size of a large banana! On Tuesday the sonogram tech said the approximate weight was 15oz.

Doctor Appointments:
We had our big sonogram and doctor appointment on Tuesday! Our tech checked the brain, spine, heart and other organs to make sure our little one was developing properly. She also said she knew the sex of the baby if we wanted to find out (it was so hard to say "no"!!!)

Food:
Current favorite foods: green grapes, lemonade, Arby's (what a combination!!?)
Current food aversions: still can't even bear to think about avocados or eggs but I did eat Mexican food for the first time since November recently.

My body:
I'm wondering if strangers can tell I'm pregnant (?) because I think I'm starting to show a little more. I also have been feeling little movements in the past week - which is my FAVORITE thing ever!!

The nursery:
Most of the furniture we ordered has come, we've started painting and we've ordered the bedding (from etsy.com). Big progress!!

Baby gear:
We still need to research strollers, car seats and all the important gear before we go register.


Happy Friday!!

18 weeks!!!

Today I'm 18 weeks pregnant!!

How I'm feeling:
I'm feeling good!! I'm not having any of the bad symptoms I had in the first trimester except being a little tired (but maybe that's because I stay up way too late??)

About the baby:
The baby is the size of a mango!

I just went to Google search mangos and got totally sidetracked. And hungry...! But look at this:

And then I was trying to figure out why when you Google "mango" there are so many pictures of Penelope Cruz that come up (?) and I figured out she endorses a store called Mango. Which seems to have super cute dresses!

ANYWAY.

Doctor Appointments:
Our next appointment is on February 22nd for the big sonogram. We're still not planning to find out the gender but it's getting SO hard to wait!!

Food:
Current favorite foods: Girl Scout cookies, oh, and Girl Scout cookies, and sometimes Girl Scout cookies too
Current food aversions: still can't even bear to think about avocados or eggs, or really any breakfast foods.

My body:
I can definitely tell I have a hard little bump below my belly button. When I lie down it's *really* noticeable!

The nursery:
We're still in limbo with the paint color and my friends Jacki and Jill have both sent me ideas on bedding. I've got to start making some decisions!!

Baby gear:
My mom surprised us and offered to buy us a glider and I'm SO excited for it to come! I know I'll like it because I pretty much refused to get out of it at the furniture store. And then I got hungry for some Girl Scout cookies and was able to leave... ;-) It will look like this but not this color:

And I had to show this to you because Joe was cracking me up when we were trying to get our 18 week picture. I hate my double chin (and let's be real honest: don't I look like I'm about to pee my pants?? Ha!) but I love that I married someone with a good sense of humor. awww!! :)

Happy Friday y'all!!!!

16 weeks!!!

Last Friday I was 16 weeks pregnant! Here's my weekly update! I'm so excited because this week we finally ordered the furniture.

How I'm feeling:
I feel like this week was a big turning point. I finally started feeling better and I've been using my anti-nausea medicine less frequently! PTL (praise the Lord!)!!! I still haven't felt the baby move yet, so hopefully that happens soon!

About the baby:
The baby is the size of a turnip (I don't eat turnips so I have a hard time imagining this one!) and going through a major growth spurt right around now!

Doctor Appointments:
We had an appointment last week and I gained ONE POUND! I were so excited because I had been losing weight the entire first trimester! I'm sure that will change soon! Haha!

Food:
Current favorite foods: I'm really into rice, frozen yogurt and grapes
Current food aversions: avocados and eggs have made me want to gag since about week 5. I honestly don't know if I'll ever eat an egg after this pregnancy.

My body:
Still bloated (flabby) but I think I can tell the roll of flab is starting to form into more of a "bump".

The nursery:
We have lots of paint swatches on the wall but no decisions have been made. Gender neutral is harder than I thought it would be!

Baby gear:
Here's the furniture we ordered. It's almost all on backorder until March but that's okay given the state of emergency that is currently the nursery!

Happy Monday!!