Monthly Archives: January 2016

Babies GALORE

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To say that I’m surrounded by babies would be an understatement. If we’re just talking “Facebook Friends” I could literally say that I know someone who births a baby every single day. Maybe not really, but it’s close.

I am 100% surrounded by people with babies under 6 months old or who are pregnant. And, it’s amazing! I absolutely love it.

Just this week… yes, it’s only Tuesday, two of my good friends just had babies. One yesterday morning and one this morning. Can you believe it?

Even better, both of these girls delivered vaginally! GO MOMMA POWER!

And actually, another girl from my high school just had a successful VBAC. I think it was yesterday? I emailed her and asked her to chat when things settle down and already heard back.

Besides all those babies, three of my other besties have babes 6 months or under (and another friend with a babe who’s 8 months). Then I have two friends due next month and my Seattle bestie and another friend who was pregnant with me last time due within weeks of my due date.

That makes it seem like I have tons of friends.

I don’t.

I have literally just accounted for all of my friends. SO. MANY. BABIES.

I absolutely love it. Seeing all of these tiny babies is getting me pretty excited for our little bundle. Such happy times.

Happy Charlie

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Today was a great day for Charlie. Unfortunately, she still has a nasty cough and her nose is a faucet, but the little one woke up on the right side of the bed this morning. Maybe because she actually slept last night (funny how that works, huh?).

This chipper little bunny had us all smiling today and allowed us to share some sweet moments with her. Here are just a handful of the many laughs, smiles, and warm fuzzies from our day…

This is even sillier because as a little one, I was notorious for walking arounf with 2+ pacis in my mouth and even more in my hands and pockets.

  
  

Baby and blankie come together to make Charlie one happy little lady.

  

Charlotte is OBSESSED with carrying baby in a swaddle. i have a feeling, she is going to be very demanding of time with her little brother. hopefully by that time she learns that throwing babies is not allowed.

    

Being goofy with Daddy 💛

    
    
   

A Great Deal!

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I know, I know… More shopping? But seriously, this one I just couldn’t resist. 

Yesterday as I was stalking… Err… Casually reading one of my favorite Buy, Sell, Trade pages on Facebook, I came across a great deal! Someone had posted that Michael’s had a wooden art easel on clearance (hello 80% off!!) for only $13.99! 

Crazy, right?? Originally, this sucker was $80 and if you’ve ever priced wooden art easels out, you know, they’re expensive.

So anyway… Enough of my spending justification.

Today, I dragged my very tired butt out into the literally freezing weather and got the best deal ever! 

I picked up the easel (it has a chalkboard, whiteboard and a holder for a paper roll, in addition to two storage baskets), a paper roll (duh), Crayola Washable Non-Toxic Paint (inspired by my friend Jenny), and paint brushes… All for $30! 

  
 
Awesome deal, huh? I love after Xmas sales!

A Couple Presents for Bumpkins

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Aside from making some nursery purchases yesterday (we are switching over the nursery from Charlotte’s zen little princess space to bumpkins’ rustic lodge), I’ve made a couple other budget purchases.

Since finding out baby bump is a boy, I just couldn’t resist. Thankfully, I am SO fortunate (yet again) to have excessive hand-me-downs coming my way from my sister (and nephew), so we really don’t need much. But, who can resist a good (and adorable) deal?

Here’s the loot…

One 6-12 month romper by Baby Boden purchased on a Facebook Buy, Sell, Trade Group (my new obsession) for only $3!

  
So cute, right? Thanks to my Milly for doing the dirty work and picking this one up for me!

And #2, some brand I can’t remember, but literally the softest and coziest jammy (that I wish came in my size but is instead 6-9 months) for only $4 from Marshalls.

  
I love good deals and can’t wait to meet the little mister who’s going to bring these cute little outfits to life! 

21 Weeks, 1 Day

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How far along: 21 Weeks, 1 Day

Total weight gain: My total is anywhere between 11-13 depending on the scale. Right on track! As a side, baby is over 10″ now! Such a big little guy!

Maternity clothes: All day, every day.

Stretch marks: Nada… yet.

Sleep: I’ve been sleeping better lately! Only waking up once a night or not at all! Still pretty tired, but not too bad!

Best moment of this week: I’m really feeling the little guy dance around these days! My placenta is in the front, so it look a little longer, but now he’s a moving machine. It’s interesting because I mostly feel him super low. Like, essentially where my c-section scar is. It’s pretty crazy. 

Miss anything: There is something about this weather that makes me crave red wine or a dirty martini… But I’m surviving 🙂 I also miss being able to buy normal clothes.

Movement: Yes, yes! He’s a wiggle worm in the afternoons and at night. I love it!

Food cravings: We’ve been back to cooking three healthy meals a day, which feels great!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Feeling good!

Have you started to show yet: Yes!

Gender: he’s a sweet pumpkin of a boy!

Labor signs: No, no.

Belly button in or out: holding onto my inny.

Wedding rings on or off: On! But in not going to lie, they’re tight when I first wake up.

Happy or moody most of the time: Well, at the beginning of the week, I was still in quite the funk. Thankfully a good friend helped me pull my head out of it and I’m feeling a lot better. I definitely get crabby faster than normal, but hoping that will pass.

Looking forward to: I’m making progress on both Charlotte’s room and new baby’s. I ordered some stuff that should be arriving soon, so I’m looking forward to getting the rooms set up. BUT, more importantly, my little partner in crime is coming to town! My sweet Cali cousin will be here THURSDAY to play house with us and this time, my uncle is coming, too!! I can’t wait 🙂 

The Toddler Food Battle

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 While Charlotte was sick over the past two plus weeks, we became VERY lenient at mealtimes. And by that, I mean that Charlotte pretty much survived on Cherrios, oranges and cheese sticks.

One thing we’ve said from the beginning was that we were going to be strict when it came to food. No making seperate meals, no giving unhealthy options because it’s easier, etc. Well, let’s just say, that’s not the standard we were operating under these past couple of weeks.

SO, since Sunday, we’ve really been trying to get back to a good place with Charlotte. We started making her veggie shakes again, we started trying to feed her more than just her favorites, etc.

Well, last night we had turkey meatballs and spaghetti squash for dinner. First of all, it was delicious. Here’s the recipe if you’re interested. Second, INSTANTLY C was not having it. She just kept saying (and crying) no and signing that she wanted to eat.

Despite the difficulty that is watching your child cry and say she’s hungry, we stayed strong. We told her that if she wants to eat, this is what’s for dinner. This game literally went on for nearly 30-45 minutes (or so it felt) until finally Mark said, “Ok, I’m going to count to three and if you don’t want it, that’s fine. But I’m going to take you out of your chair.”

1… 2… 3…

Of course, she didn’t budge.

Mark grabbed her out of her chair and once in his arms, she pointed to the bowl of spaghetti squash and meatballs. Mark looked at me like, “should I let her have this??” I nodded.

And just like that, Charlotte ate the ENTIRE bowl and asked for more.

Unfortunately, we had already eaten the rest of it… so we started giving her other stuff. In total, Charlotte ate:

  • One turkey meatball and 1/3 cup of spaghetti squash with sauce
  • One piece of toast with cinnamon
  • 1 large bowl of cottage cheese (apx 3/4 cup)
  • Apx 1/2 cup of yogurt
  • 5-10 strawberries
  • 1-2 apple slices
  • 1.75 cheese sticks
  • Veggie shake (beets, etc)

Despite the fact that during the whole (VERY LONG) experience, one jar of salsa was spilled on the ground, my favorite little dip bowl was broken (and more red sauce was flung around the kitchen), and Charlotte technically only started eating after we said dinner was done, I’m going to call that one a win for the parents!

First Day Back to School

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  Today was Charlotte’s first day back at school post-Winter Break. Her school was closed for two full weeks.

I was a little nervous about her going back… not that she wouldn’t love it once she was there, but that she would cry when I dropped her off, etc.

Well, our little love proved me wrong.

She was SO excited to go back this morning. During the break, we had been reading the book her teachers made for her that has a picture of each student on a page with a little comment, ie: “Charlotte loves playing…” 

    
   
When we got into her classroom this morning, I put Charlotte down and her teacher said, “Let’s go check out the activity table!” (Each morning they have a different activity set up for the kids… painting, a game, etc.). Charlotte literally just turned to the table and started walking towards it. I had to say, “Excuse me little Miss… what about a kiss for momma?”

She turned back, gave me my smooch and walked away.

Well then! haha But really, it makes me so happy! How special for her to have so many loving people and places in her life…

She has mommy and daddy, she has Nana who watches her 2 mornings and one full day a week, she has Grandma & Grandpa who she saw daily for the first 13+ months of her life and now sees in the afternoons, she has Grampie & Grammy Amy who she plays with weekly and now, she has school with friends and teachers who absolultely adore her and teach her such wonderful things.

She’s a very lucky little munchie.

Here’s an adorable card they made for C’s school bestie (aka Cujo – Mark’s nickname for her, as she’s bitten Charlotte twice), Chloe, who has been out sick this week.

Chloe Card 1

2015 Chanukah MJP Party

Can you see little Charlie hugging her bestie, Chloe?

20 Week Check Up

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 Today marks Week 20, Day 4 of my pregnancy! Wahoo! Over halfway through. To date, my OB Checks have been pretty quick and harmless.

Here are my stats from today:

Weight: Up 9 lbs (total) – as an FYI, I started at the exact weight I had measured in at with Charlotte and have gained less. Last time, I had gained 10 lbs at 19 weeks. This mom bod just aint the same as it used to be.

BP: 100 something/54 ? Ugh I don’t know. I wasn’t paying attention.

Pulse: 88 bpm

Fetal Heart Rate: PERFECT! I forgot to ask the actual rate, but it sounded great and little boo decided to play. He pushed and pushed and pushed that little doppler until finally he gave up and switched positions. Apparently he was not in the mood to be bothered.

I also decided to ask a few questions this time… and to preface, I should mention that I had a c-section the first time after 20 some hours of labor (Here’s our labor story and our delivery story). The c-section didn’t go perfectly because our little Charlie got stuck.

Needless to say, while I will be allowed to try for a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section), there are some stipulations. Today I asked about those stipulations:

Question 1: How long will I be able to stay pregnant before having to schedule a c-section?

Answer 1: My doctor will not induce me, as she does not deem it safe for my VBAC attempt. However, she will let me go just a couple of days past my due date in hopes that I go into labor naturally.

Question 2: IF I have to have a planned c-section, can baby be put on me immediately for skin-to-skin?

Answer 2: I’ve worked with the nurses to come up with a plan that works for our moms and babies and the nurses. I will hand the baby immediately to the nurses who will check them VERY briefly (less than one minute) and put them on mom’s chest. All testing (APGAR), baths, etc will happen later.

Question 3: If I have to have a c-section, will you still do the prolonged cord cutting?

Answer 3: I will typically wait a minute, but don’t feel comfortable waiting any longer, as the mom is still open and bleeding from the edges.

What Not to Say…

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Yesterday at the nail salon, which my mother, sister and I frequent:

Nail Tech: Your face get a little fat (as she uses her fingers to show roundness in the face)

Me: Uhhhhhh…

Mom: NO! That’s not true…

Nail Tech: Yes! You gain the pounds, no?

Me: Uhhh… I mean… uhh.. I’ve gained weight…

Nail Tech (while smiling and nodding): Yes, see!?

Me: That’s uhh… I’m pregnant. So, yeah.

Somehow, the conversation wouldn’t go away and my sweet mother added in, “It’s interesting to see how your diet is different this time around.”

Me: (More silence and furious texting to my husband)

<End Scene>

WHAT. THE. F…

I literally went home and proceeded to cry to my husband.

So, for those of you who have never been pregnant or it’s been too long to remember the emotions, let me share a few things with you:

  1. Just because it’s inevitable (and healthy and wonderful, blah blah) that you’ll gain weight, does NOT mean it’s open for analyzation. Keep your opinions to yourself. I don’t want to know which part of my body you think got bigger or how YOU feel about what I’m eating. In fact, you can keep all of your opinions regarding me and/or my pregnancy to yourself.
  2. Despite the happiness that pregnancy brings, it also brings a heavy load of body insecurity. It is literally a time where you no longer recognize your own body. It’s also a time where your body just totally does its own thing. At moments, that’s a lot to handle, so simply be kind.
  3. I REALLY don’t want to hear about how little weight you gained when pregnant. 100% uninterested.
  4. When in doubt, ask yourself, “if she wasn’t pregnant, would I say that?” Or better yet, “what would it feel like if someone said that to me?”

Today I told a colleague my nail tech story and she responded by saying, “shut up! I constantly think about how annoying it is that you can barely notice that you’re pregnant except for your little bump.”

That, my friends, is how you speak to a pregnant woman.