People keep asking me if I'm ready for Alex to show up. Well, if he came home today, he'd have everything he needs.
It's like asking "Are you excited?" I really want to answer 'no'.
It's just my nature to be calm about some stuff- sure, Eric and I are excited, but we're not staring it my belly in anticipation (by the way, he is not 'engaged', meaning he has not finish assuming the position, so it's obviously not tomorrow. An I start the checking for dialation next week, oh yaaaayy...)
But fiunally, finally, I am dragging my grandmother around baby 'looking'. I'm honestly not asking for anyone to buy stuff, but I want to do the baby 'shopping' thing, like what us three amigos were doing for a while. Mom has been too busy, and I never pulled it off with grandma, so now I'm doing it with grandma. Babies R Us, Kissui, and whatever else we decide to do. I'll have to money to get a monitor, Eric picked out one, we'll see if they have it or if I have to get another one. We're getting a video one- Eric is insistant he can look to see what the baby is doing while out in the garage, lol. But it will be useful when he's older, can see if hes trying to climb out of the crib or something.
This is what happens when you read Daisy a baby book with a nice fuzzy spot on it...
Video- Belly movement (this is a couple of weeks old, lol. It's either feet or him shaking his butt:)
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
trying to get stuff done
since I still have to clean, gets some food prepared for when Alex gets home and pack a bag for the hospital...
I'm kind of hoping I can get stuff done by Sunday. Right now I'm behind, wanted stuff done by 36 weeks, but had no energy and procrastinated.
Right now I'm listening to my labor list- it's Colbie Callet and Jack Johnson. I need to find more, since I ony have one CD of them each. I have a couple of Mandy Moore's which are mellower, but just don't seem to sound right.
I'm going to call Grandma and ask to borrow Hawaiian music CD's or a couple of days so I can put them on my ipod- I think that will work too. I just one play list that will work for a while, I'm not restricting the music played at all.
Hospital bag has a pair of pants (I grabbed a pair of black xl ones from target, since who knows how big my belly will be afterwards) and I will be putting in my nursing bra or a tank if I buy one, and a t shirt. Pretty much what I will wear home, maybe another pair of pants if I start wearing stuff in the hospital. I want that option, whether or not I wear the gown while I'm there. Outfit for Alex, it's adorable. Travel toiletries stolen from a hotel, hairbrush with a hair tie attached. I also have random paperwork that I thought may be important to have in the hospital, and our little point and shoot is freshly battery'd and in there as well.
At the end of the week my ipod player and ipod will go in there, as well as my tiger, if I can find it (been hearing about having something to focus on, it's either that or Alex's outfit, screw the Hawaii picture or something, won't be going there anytime soon). The nursing pillow will also go in car.
I'm so excited to think that by Thanksgiving I could go shopping- I'm already considering a striped sweater I saw at Target (there's a striped multicolored one selling there eight now- yeah, like it;'s ever cold enough, but I think it's beautiful) and shiny zebra-striped ballet flats.
I already did a little- poor Eric watched me pick out tights. No idea if they will fit post baby, but someone had to buy the cool leopard print ones I saw at Kmart.
One thing I will be considering in the ext week or so is looking for some on-sale button up shirts- I only have work ones, and I need a couple of options to wear while nursing. I'm also considering ordering a couple of nursing tops from Old Navy.
Old Navy is also holding a sweater sale- I'm considering trying to kidnap my mom to go out to Victoria Gardens (I think she has to work, boo) and swinging by the sweater sale and picking up one of the cardi-coats.
but I bet by then there will be no more, lol.
I'm kind of hoping I can get stuff done by Sunday. Right now I'm behind, wanted stuff done by 36 weeks, but had no energy and procrastinated.
Right now I'm listening to my labor list- it's Colbie Callet and Jack Johnson. I need to find more, since I ony have one CD of them each. I have a couple of Mandy Moore's which are mellower, but just don't seem to sound right.
I'm going to call Grandma and ask to borrow Hawaiian music CD's or a couple of days so I can put them on my ipod- I think that will work too. I just one play list that will work for a while, I'm not restricting the music played at all.
Hospital bag has a pair of pants (I grabbed a pair of black xl ones from target, since who knows how big my belly will be afterwards) and I will be putting in my nursing bra or a tank if I buy one, and a t shirt. Pretty much what I will wear home, maybe another pair of pants if I start wearing stuff in the hospital. I want that option, whether or not I wear the gown while I'm there. Outfit for Alex, it's adorable. Travel toiletries stolen from a hotel, hairbrush with a hair tie attached. I also have random paperwork that I thought may be important to have in the hospital, and our little point and shoot is freshly battery'd and in there as well.
At the end of the week my ipod player and ipod will go in there, as well as my tiger, if I can find it (been hearing about having something to focus on, it's either that or Alex's outfit, screw the Hawaii picture or something, won't be going there anytime soon). The nursing pillow will also go in car.
I'm so excited to think that by Thanksgiving I could go shopping- I'm already considering a striped sweater I saw at Target (there's a striped multicolored one selling there eight now- yeah, like it;'s ever cold enough, but I think it's beautiful) and shiny zebra-striped ballet flats.
I already did a little- poor Eric watched me pick out tights. No idea if they will fit post baby, but someone had to buy the cool leopard print ones I saw at Kmart.
One thing I will be considering in the ext week or so is looking for some on-sale button up shirts- I only have work ones, and I need a couple of options to wear while nursing. I'm also considering ordering a couple of nursing tops from Old Navy.
Old Navy is also holding a sweater sale- I'm considering trying to kidnap my mom to go out to Victoria Gardens (I think she has to work, boo) and swinging by the sweater sale and picking up one of the cardi-coats.
but I bet by then there will be no more, lol.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
the only problem with pregnancy message boards
is reading what can go wrong. I visit the bump.com message boards almost daily, and in the last two weeks there has been two babies that strangled on their umbilical cords and today a lady in the Inland Empire died after delivering her baby.
However, it really doesn't freak me out to read those. Why? I figure nothing will happen to me. It drives me nuts when Eric's mom dwells on the NICU (where a friend's granddaughter is for a while) because I feel certain my baby will not end up there.
I also am not worried about anything like emergency c-section, etc.
I am freaked out about the pain, since I really don't understand what childbirth feels like, but I really am not worried at all about complications.
One of the reasons why I visit the boards and read other people's problems is that way I can see what happens.
If not, my mind would go crazy worrying about how much Alex moves, if I'm doing this right, etc.
Because my pregnancy is different than everyone else's- they are all different. As will my birth experience and how Alex acts after he is born... he could be quiet and mellow, he could be a pain in the butt! And the only way to learn how to deal with him is get to know him and what he wants, not just follow what other people say.
However, it really doesn't freak me out to read those. Why? I figure nothing will happen to me. It drives me nuts when Eric's mom dwells on the NICU (where a friend's granddaughter is for a while) because I feel certain my baby will not end up there.
I also am not worried about anything like emergency c-section, etc.
I am freaked out about the pain, since I really don't understand what childbirth feels like, but I really am not worried at all about complications.
One of the reasons why I visit the boards and read other people's problems is that way I can see what happens.
If not, my mind would go crazy worrying about how much Alex moves, if I'm doing this right, etc.
Because my pregnancy is different than everyone else's- they are all different. As will my birth experience and how Alex acts after he is born... he could be quiet and mellow, he could be a pain in the butt! And the only way to learn how to deal with him is get to know him and what he wants, not just follow what other people say.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
on advice and telling people how to raise their kids
One of the things that can be hardest to catch about me, because I try to not show it much, is how badly I can take unsolicited advice. I have been thankful that in this pregnancy that I haven't gotten a lot- I was trying to be prepared for it from random strangers and everything.
I have talked to my mom some about her with Patrick and I, but not a lot to Eric's mom- we talked formula once, but that was when they told you Karo syrup, condensed milk, and water would do it ;)
I found a small Fisher price ad-filled magazine at my OB's office that was for grandparents- I took two and gave one to my mom, and to Erics mom. I am not sure if Eric's mom has read hers. I told both they looked like a couple of interesting articles and a bunch of ads for cute stuff that could be a waste of money (seriously, some of the toys... a tv-interactive rocking horse? Really?)
But I knew that I wanted both of them to read an article that talked about how baby-raising is different now than what the 'rules' were when I was born.
Mom felt kind of bad after the article- she had not raised us according to many of the topics- I was a back baby, and we were not reared 'on a schedule'. I figured that was fine, because she tried to raise us listening to what we wanted, which is what Eric and I will be trying to do -feed on demand (I will have no real sleep for a couple of weeks, as feedings will take up 8 hours of the day alone, just naps) and trying to figure out what Alex wants when he cries.
Eric's mom, who had asked how I was planning on feeding (very quietly in a crowded restaurant, teehee) has been throwing advice on putting cereal in the bottle the first weeks because it helps baby feel full longer. Well, the class instructor talked about why that is- babies cannot digest it that early in life, and so it keeps them from being able to take in nourishing foods that they need.
I plan on breastfeeding exclusively for as long as I can- I don't even have plans to buy a pump yet, although when I'm established in a feeding routine I know I will want one. I have faith that my body will make what he needs, and when he and I have it figured out, I will be cluster feeding (feeding him often in a shorter period) so I can get a little bit longer sleep. This will be interesting- no one in my family breast fed, and Eric's mom didn't either.
I'm waiting for the advice to come flying out when Alex comes, and I will try to be as patient as I can, but if I am as sleep deprived and cranky as I think I may be, hopefully I won't be too rude to someone if they keep throwing advice at me when I don't need it.
Eric and I have never done this before, and since there have not been many babies in our families in a while (the last one in mine was my brother!) I did some book reading and have been trying to learn all I can, from our pediatrician, the class instructor, etc. I know people think that I feel unknowledged about babies, because I've rarely even held one, but between the childbirth class and a couple of the books I read, I feel a lot better.
I think everyone feels unknowledged about their first baby.
My problem is, I talked about my uncertainty, and now I'm sure people will want to swoop in to teach me everything, when I've spent the last few months trying to prepare myself as much as possible- learning about breastfeeding, vaccinations, reading posts on message boards and reading up on topics as they came up there.
I feel a lot more secure. Overwhelmed? Yes. But more secure that I won't kill the baby.
I have talked to my mom some about her with Patrick and I, but not a lot to Eric's mom- we talked formula once, but that was when they told you Karo syrup, condensed milk, and water would do it ;)
I found a small Fisher price ad-filled magazine at my OB's office that was for grandparents- I took two and gave one to my mom, and to Erics mom. I am not sure if Eric's mom has read hers. I told both they looked like a couple of interesting articles and a bunch of ads for cute stuff that could be a waste of money (seriously, some of the toys... a tv-interactive rocking horse? Really?)
But I knew that I wanted both of them to read an article that talked about how baby-raising is different now than what the 'rules' were when I was born.
Mom felt kind of bad after the article- she had not raised us according to many of the topics- I was a back baby, and we were not reared 'on a schedule'. I figured that was fine, because she tried to raise us listening to what we wanted, which is what Eric and I will be trying to do -feed on demand (I will have no real sleep for a couple of weeks, as feedings will take up 8 hours of the day alone, just naps) and trying to figure out what Alex wants when he cries.
Eric's mom, who had asked how I was planning on feeding (very quietly in a crowded restaurant, teehee) has been throwing advice on putting cereal in the bottle the first weeks because it helps baby feel full longer. Well, the class instructor talked about why that is- babies cannot digest it that early in life, and so it keeps them from being able to take in nourishing foods that they need.
I plan on breastfeeding exclusively for as long as I can- I don't even have plans to buy a pump yet, although when I'm established in a feeding routine I know I will want one. I have faith that my body will make what he needs, and when he and I have it figured out, I will be cluster feeding (feeding him often in a shorter period) so I can get a little bit longer sleep. This will be interesting- no one in my family breast fed, and Eric's mom didn't either.
I'm waiting for the advice to come flying out when Alex comes, and I will try to be as patient as I can, but if I am as sleep deprived and cranky as I think I may be, hopefully I won't be too rude to someone if they keep throwing advice at me when I don't need it.
Eric and I have never done this before, and since there have not been many babies in our families in a while (the last one in mine was my brother!) I did some book reading and have been trying to learn all I can, from our pediatrician, the class instructor, etc. I know people think that I feel unknowledged about babies, because I've rarely even held one, but between the childbirth class and a couple of the books I read, I feel a lot better.
I think everyone feels unknowledged about their first baby.
My problem is, I talked about my uncertainty, and now I'm sure people will want to swoop in to teach me everything, when I've spent the last few months trying to prepare myself as much as possible- learning about breastfeeding, vaccinations, reading posts on message boards and reading up on topics as they came up there.
I feel a lot more secure. Overwhelmed? Yes. But more secure that I won't kill the baby.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
doctor's appointment
So this was the first of my once a week appointments- I'm taking Eric with me next week, and then I will have 2 where they check dilation.
I am a little scared of having a full moon baby- my birthday is 2 days after that. I don't think my doc is though:) I asked a couple questions childbirth class had brought up, and he is going to call the instructor about one that I asked, because he said you should ALWAYS be monitored, and she said we needed to ask our doctors for their preference.
I also had started a birth plan- nope, he just wants the checklist done. Well, I'll make a checklist, and add on a couple things on the bottom- my laid back doctor was very stern and business today, I got frustrated.
Not that anything on my birth plan is super important, the biggest ones is the fact that I want to breastfeed, so no pacifiers or bottles given by the nursery, and that I am definitely considering an epidural :)
The epidural- the childbirth instructor mentioned there is a 'light' one, so you have more feeling, but not as much pain. I am considering that option, at least for part of it- epidurals can., I guess, slow labor down, and since I react to meds stronger than some people, I don't want to overdose too quickly- I can always get it upped.
Little less stressed about the whole labor thing- part of it is knowing Eric will be there for me, yet I know he's nervous too. I was scared to be the only scared one- it's not like I have a choice, kind of have to go through with it:)
Did some online shopping today- although I will be waiting until tomorrow to actually buy stuff- looking for nursing gear. I want to get something that is appropriate for the hospital as an option, or right after- like pyjamas that button up the front. So tomorrow, after I get a little money, I plan on hitting up Target and checking out to see if they have a maternity shirt or pj set that will work. Also, some black yoga pants, because I own- none.
I am a little scared of having a full moon baby- my birthday is 2 days after that. I don't think my doc is though:) I asked a couple questions childbirth class had brought up, and he is going to call the instructor about one that I asked, because he said you should ALWAYS be monitored, and she said we needed to ask our doctors for their preference.
I also had started a birth plan- nope, he just wants the checklist done. Well, I'll make a checklist, and add on a couple things on the bottom- my laid back doctor was very stern and business today, I got frustrated.
Not that anything on my birth plan is super important, the biggest ones is the fact that I want to breastfeed, so no pacifiers or bottles given by the nursery, and that I am definitely considering an epidural :)
The epidural- the childbirth instructor mentioned there is a 'light' one, so you have more feeling, but not as much pain. I am considering that option, at least for part of it- epidurals can., I guess, slow labor down, and since I react to meds stronger than some people, I don't want to overdose too quickly- I can always get it upped.
Little less stressed about the whole labor thing- part of it is knowing Eric will be there for me, yet I know he's nervous too. I was scared to be the only scared one- it's not like I have a choice, kind of have to go through with it:)
Did some online shopping today- although I will be waiting until tomorrow to actually buy stuff- looking for nursing gear. I want to get something that is appropriate for the hospital as an option, or right after- like pyjamas that button up the front. So tomorrow, after I get a little money, I plan on hitting up Target and checking out to see if they have a maternity shirt or pj set that will work. Also, some black yoga pants, because I own- none.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Wow, I can get tired easily
Yesterday was a full, but slow day- yoga (where I wimped out on our 'keep up' exercise so I wouldn't get tired later) and then go home, clean up, lunch with Sharon and Denise (tea house, yummy and interesting) then cupcakes from Dough'lectibles (I cheated) and we sat in the mall (where there is no more Hot Dog on a Stick)
The mall was barely air conditioned, at least half empty (we're talking stores, not people- there weren't any) and yet the escalator was running. Random.
So I got overtired and hot, and didn't realize it for a while- so I spent last night not feeling good and chugging water. And this morning drinking water and juice and being grumpy- my back also hurt last night. It has been, though- I think I'm just at that point in my pregnancy, I know he has scooted down some- it's hard to lean forward. In fact, sometimes impossible:) At least I can breathe deep- which I have to do more often.
I'm always scared to complain, because I've had it really easy this pregnancy- I can still pull off an 8-hour night, it's just pretty rare now that I don't get up and have to pee or can't get comfortable.
The mall was barely air conditioned, at least half empty (we're talking stores, not people- there weren't any) and yet the escalator was running. Random.
So I got overtired and hot, and didn't realize it for a while- so I spent last night not feeling good and chugging water. And this morning drinking water and juice and being grumpy- my back also hurt last night. It has been, though- I think I'm just at that point in my pregnancy, I know he has scooted down some- it's hard to lean forward. In fact, sometimes impossible:) At least I can breathe deep- which I have to do more often.
I'm always scared to complain, because I've had it really easy this pregnancy- I can still pull off an 8-hour night, it's just pretty rare now that I don't get up and have to pee or can't get comfortable.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Some videos
So my video editing program still hates me, so I havent made a conclusive video as of yet. here are two vids to tide people over. (sorry Cari, love the 'interview' lol.)
Monday, September 14, 2009
my childborth class grew last week
We now have a pair of annoying kids in it. I'm assuming they're, like, early 20's, but the commentary, and the attitude, and the way she waddles (she is not far enough along to waddle that much, leaning back- she's going to jack up her back that way)
Isn't is sad I'm a little bitter? But the rest of the class is taking it seriously, and they're dumb q's and comments all over.
Last week we got half of the hospital tour, too many babies being born downstairs.
We also learned about breathing techniques and pain relieving techniques for mom to do with dad... my favorite is when I'm sitting up, and Eric pushes right under my knees.. a couple of them I wasn't sure what they were supposed to do, but that one works! Hand massages are also supposed to be good... I'll be all over those in a minute.
Too bad I could never talk him into foot rubs...
And of course, we got handed a grip of paperwork. Egad. A lot of it was OK's to give out information to doctor, etc. Nothing bad, just a lot of signatures.
The hospital tour part we got was a recovery room. Eric gets a nice padded bench to sleep on, if he wishes (we're recommended to bring pillows and stuff, cause the hospital bed has one little one.
Dinner hours are flexible but still atrocious, so she recommended have family bring in food after delivery so we can eat when we want, pack snacks, and feel free to order pizza (Domino's is not the only delivery that goes there.)
I will have snacks in the bag for Eric anyway, and a box of popsicles for me! I get to have popsicles and ice chips during labor... I'm grateful for the popsicles.
Isn't is sad I'm a little bitter? But the rest of the class is taking it seriously, and they're dumb q's and comments all over.
Last week we got half of the hospital tour, too many babies being born downstairs.
We also learned about breathing techniques and pain relieving techniques for mom to do with dad... my favorite is when I'm sitting up, and Eric pushes right under my knees.. a couple of them I wasn't sure what they were supposed to do, but that one works! Hand massages are also supposed to be good... I'll be all over those in a minute.
Too bad I could never talk him into foot rubs...
And of course, we got handed a grip of paperwork. Egad. A lot of it was OK's to give out information to doctor, etc. Nothing bad, just a lot of signatures.
The hospital tour part we got was a recovery room. Eric gets a nice padded bench to sleep on, if he wishes (we're recommended to bring pillows and stuff, cause the hospital bed has one little one.
Dinner hours are flexible but still atrocious, so she recommended have family bring in food after delivery so we can eat when we want, pack snacks, and feel free to order pizza (Domino's is not the only delivery that goes there.)
I will have snacks in the bag for Eric anyway, and a box of popsicles for me! I get to have popsicles and ice chips during labor... I'm grateful for the popsicles.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Not a lot of progress
in anything. Baby's room even isn't inished being organized, even though everything got washed, like, Monday and Tuesday.
Can't put up a video from the shower, Movie Maker hates me and won't let me trim off the front of a clip. So I may end up with some long pieces of video Youtube'd randomly:)
I have ben so tired the last few days- thought it was a growth spurt, but it just doesn't stop. I have stuff I need to get done that got derailed for a couple of weeks, now that I can get back into it I'm on the couch after lunch for half the afternoon.
Eric's mom made our mobile! I'll put pics up when stuff is more put away, all it is right now is a pile of blankets everywhere and gift bags still hanging around.
*goes back to relaxing on the couch* Bleah.
Can't put up a video from the shower, Movie Maker hates me and won't let me trim off the front of a clip. So I may end up with some long pieces of video Youtube'd randomly:)
I have ben so tired the last few days- thought it was a growth spurt, but it just doesn't stop. I have stuff I need to get done that got derailed for a couple of weeks, now that I can get back into it I'm on the couch after lunch for half the afternoon.
Eric's mom made our mobile! I'll put pics up when stuff is more put away, all it is right now is a pile of blankets everywhere and gift bags still hanging around.
*goes back to relaxing on the couch* Bleah.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
baby showerness
It was a lot of fun! Presents took a long time to do, but it was a blessing to get so many gifts for Alex!
We did the measure around the belly thing, but it was both mine and Eric's bellies together- that was funny :)
We got a lot of styling clothes that will be good in the spring and summer, and a few for now, so I do get to do a little baby shopping:)
We went yesterday and today to Target and Babies R Us, and got the stuff we needed to finish the necessities- a diaper pail, a diaper stuff organizer, mattress pad.... and a going-home outfit with bear stuff on it! So cute!
We did the measure around the belly thing, but it was both mine and Eric's bellies together- that was funny :)
We got a lot of styling clothes that will be good in the spring and summer, and a few for now, so I do get to do a little baby shopping:)
We went yesterday and today to Target and Babies R Us, and got the stuff we needed to finish the necessities- a diaper pail, a diaper stuff organizer, mattress pad.... and a going-home outfit with bear stuff on it! So cute!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
childbirth class
So Eric and I had our first class last night...
We talked about how pregancy affects the body, what changes, etc.
We split into groups of boys and girls and made a list of pregnancy 'discomforts'. That was pretty funny... the boys had a list very comparable for the girls', but also included entries like ' avoiding cleaning house' 'lazy' and 'waddling' (Eric offered up one of those, we'll let you guess which:)
The nurse leading the class wasn't the happiest about the' avoiding cleaning' and 'lazy', because, well, pergnant women get tired easy, and shouldn't be breathing in a lot of cleaning products (OK, Eric didn't offer either of those). I figure it's the guy not being able to express exactly what they meant- one guy supposeably wasn't comtributing much because he didn'ty want to get in trouble with his girl:)
It was fun comparing some notes with other moms, but, again, I have a confirmed easy pregnancy... the teacher was impressed I can get 8 hours of sleep (it's a can, not always do... there is a difference:)
We watched a couple of videos. One was the labor process for the baby, graphic animation style. The other was the stages of labor. I think Eric is even more scared or has even more respect for me delivering a baby... but frankly, I am now alittle scared after seeing more than once exactly what all stretches how much, and how long all of the different stages of labor can take (there's the part you can do at home, then the more active stuff you do in the hospital- then delivering the baby, then delivering the placenta.
But yes a little anxious now. It's not fun.
We talked about how pregancy affects the body, what changes, etc.
We split into groups of boys and girls and made a list of pregnancy 'discomforts'. That was pretty funny... the boys had a list very comparable for the girls', but also included entries like ' avoiding cleaning house' 'lazy' and 'waddling' (Eric offered up one of those, we'll let you guess which:)
The nurse leading the class wasn't the happiest about the' avoiding cleaning' and 'lazy', because, well, pergnant women get tired easy, and shouldn't be breathing in a lot of cleaning products (OK, Eric didn't offer either of those). I figure it's the guy not being able to express exactly what they meant- one guy supposeably wasn't comtributing much because he didn'ty want to get in trouble with his girl:)
It was fun comparing some notes with other moms, but, again, I have a confirmed easy pregnancy... the teacher was impressed I can get 8 hours of sleep (it's a can, not always do... there is a difference:)
We watched a couple of videos. One was the labor process for the baby, graphic animation style. The other was the stages of labor. I think Eric is even more scared or has even more respect for me delivering a baby... but frankly, I am now alittle scared after seeing more than once exactly what all stretches how much, and how long all of the different stages of labor can take (there's the part you can do at home, then the more active stuff you do in the hospital- then delivering the baby, then delivering the placenta.
But yes a little anxious now. It's not fun.
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