My favorite purchase over the last 8 months (ie- perfect pregnancy gift!)

I bought this necklace when I was 11 weeks pregnant.  I found it at a small store in Petoskey and just couldn't resist.  I am so glad I bought it as I wear it at least 5 days a week and have throughout my entire pregnancy.  As SYT says, it's my "baby neckneck".  I  get compliments on it all the time.  It's funny because I haven't worn pearls in ages and the only other necklace I'll wear right now is my gold locket when my outfit demands gold accessories. 

I found the same necklace (or at least very similar) on Etsy right here.  At this price, it's a perfect present for a new mom to be!  Mine has tarnished just a bit over the past 8 months (I got mine for around $20, so that's not too surprising), but I actually like the way it looks with the little bit of tarnishing on it.  It makes it look antiquey and goes well with the typescript.

I love my necklace and hope that you, or a friend of yours, will too!!

Baby blankets

When I was pregnant, I won a giveaway on Project Nursery for a Little Giraffe blanket.  I was able to pick any color and since we didn't know what we were having, I got it in white.

I have loved this blanket for the last two years.  It has held up through thousands of washings (that's what happens when you get white!!), is soooo soft and cuddly, and I love that the satin side stays cool even in the summer heat.  If you are looking for a baby gift for a shower, I would always recommend this blanket.  It's just fabulous.

However, with the new baby, I have decided to go in another direction.  I don't have any rationale for it except that I would prefer that Spencer's blankie and the baby's blankie look and feel different so that Spencer doesn't get confused between the two.  I've looked at a few options and I've decided to go with this blanket from PBK.  Our nephew received this as a gift and it's soooo soft, it's a great size (bigger than my Little Giraffe one), and I love that it still has the satin trim.

I'm going to do it in blue (I don't want another white blanket to get confused with Spencer's and am not really sold on the green) with a white monogram. I may call to see if I could get the name done in navy instead but am unsure if that is even an option.  I'm excited that he'll have his own fabulous blanket- I hope he likes it as much as Spencer likes his.

Does anyone else have a favorite baby blanket they want to share?  I'd love to know if I'm missing out on something that I need to consider instead in the next few weeks!!

NESTING!!

I am in a new place in my life, ladies.  It is called nesting and it has hit me HARD!  I do not remember this at all with pregnancy #1.  I remember people talking about it and I'm sure I thought I was by decorating the nursery, but it was nothing like this. 

Thursday I stayed home from work with a sick SYT, and I decided it was very important to scrub all the grout and caulk in our shower with a tiny scrub brush, windex the inside and outside of the glass shower, clean all of the shampoo/conditioner/facewash bottles, plus clean the rest of our master bath within an inch of its life.  Seriously, I even sanitized our toothbrushes.  Spence did get a kick out of "helping" in the shower, and it occupied most of the morning which was great.  Our shower looks absolutely fantastic 4 days later and I'm still impressed by how much cleaner the caulk looks.

This weekend I took down all the blinds upstairs and washed them all in the tub.  That is a disgusting job!  I've never seen so much dirt and dust.  It took forever too!!  Uggg.......  I also realized that a few of our blinds really do need to be replaced in a few rooms.  The strings are just really worn and don't go up or down evenly.  I also cleaned all the window casings and started on the baseboards.  Let me tell you, it's a good thing that we don't have bad allergies in this house.  Dust was definitely building up on top of our window casings (yes, I'm admitting I'm not a great housekeeper right now.  Just keeping it real!). 

While I was doing this, B was taking down all the towel bars in our upstairs bath, filling in the holes, and hanging all new ones.  The old towel bars were brass and wood and practically falling out of the walls thanks to an improper use of wall anchors.  We hung all new brushed nickel bars to match the sink fixtures.  This goes along with the taking down of the hideous brass and mirrored shower doors that we did two weekends ago.  I just bought the fabric to make the shower curtain, and as soon as we pick a name for this chap I have in my tummy, I will be ordering monogrammed towels for the boys as well.  Yea for an updated bathroom!!  (I do still want to paint it, but we're unsure yet if that will happen before or after the baby comes).

We still have a pretty good sized list of things to do before May, but I'm SO glad we were able to check quite a bit off the list this weekend.  It really is nice having snowy winter weekends to accomplish household chores.  If this were June, I'd get nothing done!! 

Any housekeeping stuff you checked off this week???

26 weeks!!

Well, I'm 26 weeks now!  I just looked at old pics from 22.5 weeks and 30 weeks when pregnant with Spencer, and I would say that I am about in the middle of both of those pics.  So, apparently, even though I feel much larger this time around (and have gained ugggg amts of weight), I'm actually looking (in pics anyway) completely appropriate for my pregnancy body.  I did try on a pair of my normal jeans the other day and can pretty much still get them on (without being buttoned obviously).  They're a little tight, but at least I know I'm not too crazy big!  I'll take it!! 

As for the general pregnancy stuff, I'm definitely enjoying the overall second trimester.  I do have my occasional days when I'm exhausted by 8 p.m., but for the most part, I have normal energy and am not any more tired than I would be working full time and chasing after a toddler in my "off" hours.  Otherwise, I have no other symptoms: no heartburn, no nausea, not peeing too often (Thank the Good Lord I still don't have to wake up in the middle of the night and I am sleeping SO well), no significant cravings, etc.  It can be hard to breathe at times, especially when the little chap stretches out fully, but a little readjusting and we're good to go.  Second tri is always the best!!

Thank you all so much for your name suggestions.  We're working on it still, but you all have given us new names to talk about!!

Resolutions? More like goals......

I've never really been one for resolutions.  To me, why does it have to be January 1st to change anything?  That being said, B and I do have some goals for the months and year ahead, so I'll post them here to have a record and see how we do!

1.  B is onto another 1,000 mile year.  He did this in 2010 too (and was done running his 1000 miles by mid-December).  It's essentially 2.73 miles/day.  Since we now have a treadmill in the basement (and have quit the gym due to lack of time to get there), it should be pretty easy for him to meet this goal.  He always has to have a goal in front of him to keep him running, and he's not in the marathon mindset this year, so 1,000 miles it is.

2.  My goal is to just get out of bed at 5 at least 3 mornings a week to either work on the treadmill or do a workout video.  I don't like getting up that early, but I also know that staying in shape while I was pregnant with Spencer really helped me to get back into shape once he was born and helped keep me sane.  I've been feeling a bit out of control with this pregnancy, and I'm hoping this will help.

3.  We are creating a list of home items that need to be done by the end of 2012 and are breaking them down by month.  These include: getting a painter into the house to get the basement and family room redone, new light fixtures in the breezeway and laundry room, finishing Spencer's big boy room, and getting quotes on hardwood floors in the family room.  There are quite a few smaller items as well.  We have been saving quite a bit this past year in order to get this stuff done, and I'm excited to now spend that money!!

4.  Our other big goal is to sit down and figure out where our finances will be in May when the baby is here.  Would I be able to talk to my boss about staying home a day or two a week?  How much more are we going to contribute to the college account?  What will daycare costs be?  Will our hospitals costs be the same for this baby as they were for Spencer?  Are we going to change our personal expenditures in order to save more?  Etc, etc, etc.  One of the things I feel SO blessed about is that B and I are pretty dang compatible when it comes to finances, so these conversations are never a chore.  Plus, he adores excel and tracking stuff like this, so I just get to talk and he does all the math :)

5.  Have a health baby.  Enough said.

6.  Find a name for above baby. 

7.  Find a double stroller.  This is the one I am dreading the most.  Ugggg....

I can't wait to read about all of your goals for 2012!!  Hopefully accomplishing all of them will be satisfying for all of us!!

My amazing Christmas gift!!

On December 20th (last Tuesday) we were blessed with the best Christmas gift we could possibly get as expecting parents.  We went to our 20.5 week appointment, met with the OB, and had our ultrasound.  I am a paranoid freak when it comes to the *big* ultrasound as I know all the bad things that can happen.  Luckily, I am so, so, so happy to say that our little "Cletus the Fetus" (B's current nn for the baby.  Yes, I am being serious, and yes, it's awful) is as healthy and active as can be!!!  This baby is much more active than Spencer was, and it definitely proved it during the ultrasound by doing all kinds of gymnastics for us while we were watching!

Let me be the first to introduce to you our sweet new bundle of (a little over halfway there)love!!  Adorable, isn't it???  And let me also be the first to tell you that, in May, Spencer will be welcoming a baby...........

BROTHER!!!

Yep, it's another little boy for the T family.  While a small part of me is sad that bows, dresses, and 80% of children's clothing stores will not be a part of my life, I am thrilled that Spence will have playmate, a hockey partner, and a best friend for life.  B is thrilled that I just cut our costs by 90% (because Lord knows I would not be able to resist much in the world of girl's clothes!!).  But, in all seriousness, we are just beyond excited that this baby is healthy and growing as expected.  We realize how amazing a miracle this is and feel incredibly blessed.  Now we just have to be patient for 20 more weeks until we can meet him!

Oh, and let the naming begin!!!

My thoughts on the 2010 baby name list

The Social Security List of the top baby names of 2010 came out today.  The top 25 are listed below with the top 100 in the link above. 

1 Jacob & Isabella

2 Ethan & Sophia

3 Michael & Emma

4 Jayden & Olivia

5 William & Ava

6 Alexander & Emily

7 Noah & Abigail

8 Daniel & Madison

9 Aiden & Chloe

10 Anthony & Mia

11 Joshua & Addison

12 Mason & Elizabeth

13 Christopher & Ella

14 Andrew & Natalie

15 David & Samantha

16 Matthew & Alexis

17 Logan & Lily

18 Elijah & Grace

19 James & Hailey

20 Joseph & Alyssa

21 Gabriel & Lillian

22 Benjamin & Hannah

23 Ryan & Avery

24 Samuel & Leah

25 Jackson & Nevaeh

A few of my thoughts: 
Lucy, Charlotte, Quinn, and Evelyn will be moving up in 2011 and 2012.  They're all in the top 75 now and from the talking amongst friends of mine, the names I see in Spencer's daycare, and other sites I visit (like thebump.com), they're all becoming really popular. 

Did you notice that the top 5 girls names all have an "a" at the end?  So do #10 and #13.  They're all very pretty, very feminine names and I can see why they all trend in the same direction. 

A lot of the "older" names are really showing up more and more- Amelia, Evelyn, Audrey, Claire, etc.  I adore all these names- they're so pretty and classic.

I'm surprised Grace isn't higher, but perhaps it was a few years ago?  I know a TON of Graces.  I feel the same way about Jack.  Shocked that it's not higher.  But maybe because a lot of Jacks are Jacksons or Johns with the nn Jack. 

The names B and I like for boys aren't in the top 25 and this shocks me.  They're nice, normal names but apparently that's not "in" anymore.  Only one of the three is in the top 100!  Spencer is #227.  We're so not cool!  I suppose this will be a good thing once he's in kindergarten.

Mary didn't make the top 100????  Again, shocking!

My top 5 names in the top 100 are:
For Boys: Ryan, John, Benjamin, Carson (maybe??  I'm struggling to come up with 5 on the boy's side because I am already so set on my boy's names) and Robert (love Robbie!)
For Girls: Julia, Natalie, Elizabeth, Claire, Molly, and Evelyn (yes, that's 6.  I also like Amelia, Audrey, Caroline and Paige.)  Emily is my very favorite name of all time, but it's been in the top 10 for the past 25 or so years, so I've buried it deep in my heart as a name I'll never get to use. 

My least favorite are:
For Boys: Jayden, Aiden/Ayden/Brayden/Caiden, etc, etc; Jaxon (just spell things appropriately peeps!!);
For Girls: Nevaeh (Heaven spelled backwards- blech), Kaylee, Khloe (again with the spelling), Destiny, Trinity, Faith, Serenity (all kind of go along with the Heaven theme- not my thing)

So, are "your" names in the top 10?  The top 25?  Does looking at this list change your idea of the perfect name for your child?  Are you happy or sad that your child's name is higher or lower on the list?  What are your top 5 in boys and girls names?  Fill me in, ladies!  I adore baby names!! 

 

What a strong boy!!

Tummy Time!

Now that SYT's cord has fallen off, we are supposed to do tummy time for 5-10 minutes a few times a day. I've heard that a lot of babies hate their tummies (now that they have become so accustomed to sleeping on their backs), but he is doing a great job on his. Today he actually lifted his head off the ground while he was on his tummy!!!! I was sooooo excited for him. Ahhhhhh.............the minor things in life that make it all worth while :)

Lifting up his head

Working sooo hard that he went cross-eyed!!

By the way, his hair seems to get lighter every day.  It's quite odd.  It's also funny to hear everyone comment on how much hair he has.  I just think- "yup, and so does my husband!!"  I suppose that's proof that he's actually ours, since he truly doesn't look like either of us at this point!!

A birth story..............

On Friday, May 14th I went to the midwife's office for another apt, non-stress test, and fluid level ultrasound. I was dilated to about a 2 (no change from earlier in the week), Spencer (or Pud as he was still known then) still hadn't dropped, and all the testing was fine. Since I was going to be a week overdue on Sat, the midwife wanted to induce over the weekend. She said the risk of fetal concern was significantly larger between week 41-42 and often not worth the risk of waiting. Well, neither of us were going to argue that logic and so we scheduled the induction for Sat night at 8 p.m., thinking we would meet our little one on Sunday, May 16th.


Well.................so much for planning :)


Friday night B and I went out for dinner as our 2nd "last date night" before the baby (we also did this the weekend before). We headed out for Italian food and settled in on the screened in porch for a great dinner. As we were deciding on dessert, all of a sudden I felt a gush. Like, a huge, just wet my pants, gush. I said to B, I think my water just broke. He looked at me like I was crazy!! We grabbed the waitress, told her we were ready for the check, and then I asked very quietly if she could bring a few towels from the kitchen as my water had just broken. She went to grab them, the manager came (and comped our check!!), and they hustled us out of the restaurant as quickly as they could. They were really sweet about it, but I'm sure they were thinking "Let's get this crazy pregnant woman out of here so that she doesn't deliver in our restaurant!!" On our way home to grab our things, we called the midwife who said to get home, take a shower, and start couting contractions. Then I was to call her again at 10 to let her know what was going on.



From 8-midnight, I wasn't really progressing. Occasional contractions, but nothing consistent and was still leaking lots of fluid. So, we were told to head to the hospital as they would be inducing me that night. We checked in, I got an IV, we were hooked up to monitors, yadda yadda, and we were allowed to sleep for a few hours. I got a total of 1 hour of sleep in 36 hours, so that 1 hour became more and more precious to me as time went on. They started the pit at about 5 a.m. and I did start having more regular contractions. We walked in the hallways, used the birthing ball, and got in the tub (awesome) until the midwife got there at about 9 a.m. When she did an internal exam, I had the most excrutiating pain ever. WAY worse than contractions. Since Spencer hadn't dropped (ever), my cervix was pulled up extremely high and she had a really hard time finding it and couldn't feel his head at all. I seriously lost it and was hysterically crying on the table. It was awful (and embarrassing). That's when they decided to start the epidural. I hadn't wanted one, but in light of the fact that they would be checking my cervix every 30 min - 1 hour and they wanted to jack up the Pitocin from 5 to 20 over the next few hours, I agreed. The anesthesia was a blessing as the next internal was barely registered by me.

They turned up the Pitocin at that time and after the anesthesia kicked in, both baby Spence and I started having some troubles. My blood pressure dropped to 80s/40s (quite low and stayed this low even after 5 liters of fluid - it shouldn't have) and his heart rate dropped to the 80s (babies should be between 120-130 in utero). Also, even with the Pitocin going and the increased contractions, he wasn't dropping at all and was angled slightly towards my hip bones rather than towards the birth canal. It was at that time that my midwife called in the OB as a consult for a potential c-section. He came in (lovely, lovely man) and explained what was going on, why everyone was concerned, and what my options were. They all basically said that I could labor for approx 4 more hours and see if he would come out naturally and then perhaps have an emergency c-section if necessary, or I could have the c-section right then. Well this extremely hormonal, tired, and scared lady just lost it and started in with one of those crying jags where you feel like a five year old who didn't get the treat he wanted at the store. I felt terrible losing it like that and knew I should get myself under control, but I just couldn't! So I cried it out, talked to both B and my mom, and then made the decision that getting a c-section was the most logical and safe choice for all involved. I would've kept going if it were just me (I really, really wanted a normal delivery), but with the baby's heart rate so low and the risk that that presented, I knew I would never be able to live with myself if something happened to him b/c of what I wanted vs what was safe at that time.

Very quickly after I made the decision, I was rolled into the small OR on the labor floor and the surgery commenced. All in all it went quite quickly and smoothly. B stayed up at my head the whole time- he was NOT interested in seeing my insides (ugggg….glad he didn’t). He did look over the drape once the baby was out to announce to me that it was a boy! I just cried and cried at that point. The nurses took Spencer right away to do all of their assessments (unlike in a natural birth where the mommy gets to hold the baby before anyone else) which was hard. I really just wanted to see him and make sure he was healthy. But they were able to assess him, do his Apgars (8 and 9!!), and make sure he had no heart rate problems outside the womb. B was able to trim the cord at that time too. I was a little surprised to hear that he was 9 lbs 2 oz as that was much bigger than he seemed when he was inside. I can’t believe that he actually fit in me now that I’m holding him- that’s a lot of baby!

I was very disappointed in the fact that I had to have a c-section for numerous reasons. All of which I still feel regret for; although in my heart of hearts, I know it was the right decision. In the grand scheme of things, it’s okay now b/c he is here and healthy. Funny though that the number one reason I chose to go with a midwife group was the significantly lessened chance of a c-section!

Overall, I am healing up pretty well. Yesterday was my first day without having to nap and I survived. I’m weaning myself from my pain medications, and the incision site looks pretty good. I have on a “regular” outfit today (a skirt a size larger than I normally wear, but hey, at least it’s not maternity!), though I am not sure I could get into jeans or real pants any time soon. It’s soooooo weird to now have a flabby belly where just 10 days ago a rock hard (albeit huge) belly stood. I know, I know……………all the weight will come off over time. I’m not even worried about the weight at this point to be honest. It’s just an observation about how our bodies work. B is mightily impressed by, shall I say, the upper portion of my body now that my milk is in. Holy Toledo, Batman, it’s definitely different!

Updates on Spence and new pictures to come soon. Being a mommy takes a lot of time, especially now that my mom is not here cleaning, doing laundry, cooking, gardening, etc. She was the most amazing source of help I could have ever hoped for. I would highly recommend a week long stay post-partum by a parent if you get along with them. We could not have done it without her!!

Trying really, really hard to keep up on everyone’s lives out there. Commenting is tough, but know I am thinking about you all!

No news isn't always good news..........just the same news over and over again.

Just wanted to let the faithful followers know that we had an apt yesterday and both Puddin and I are healthy and doing well.  They did some testing and all were pretty perfect.  Amy, my favorite midwife, doesn't have a problem with me working full-time until I go into labor, so I'm still at work this week.  I felt a little tired at the end of the day today, but no different than I did last week!!

We have another apt on Friday to do another Non-stress test and fluid check.  They will induce no later than next Tuesday (10 days overdue); however, they will induce whenever we want if we would like to do it earlier than Tuesday.  Right now we're still hoping that it'll happen naturally sometime this week.  If it doesn't, we'll discuss our options again on Friday.  My darn lazy uterus better get it's butt in gear soon though or it's going to get a serious awakening by big time drugs that I've heard are not fun. 

It's so weird- I never thought I'd be in this position, late, uncertain, still not having contractions, and potentially getting to pick a due date for Pud.  I'm praying every day for something- but the Big Man above knows more than I do, so we'll be patient and wait (and wait and wait). 

Come out, come out, come out Pud!!!

Popular baby names (cause seriously, I have nothing else to blog about anymore!)

One of the besties sent me this list.  Our names aren't on there- either of them!  I was actually slightly surprised that our boy's name is that uncommon to be honest.  There are a few names on both lists that are really, really cute that we never even considered.  Too late now though :)

Just thought some of you would get a kick out of this.  Mrs. Preppy- Baby A is on here.  So is Evelyn- still one of my faves.  Enjoy!  Happy Monday!

Oh, BTW, here's another list for you Preppy baby names  (just thought I'd throw this one in.......hint, hint!)

Today's midwife apt

Well, it wasn't anything like I was hoping.  They checked me for the first time today (this office waits until 39 weeks unless you've been contracting), and I was not dilated at all, and Pud's head is still not engaged.  Plus I'm still having no "real" contractions.  Soooooo.....good news is that B's race won't be interrupted by the birth of the baby (only yucky b/c it's going to be 44 degrees and raining- boo!).  Bad news is that there is little chance of us having a baby this weekend :( 

We have another apt on Monday with a non-stress test, an ultrasound to check for fluid levels, and a full apt.  We have to start talking about induction at that point, apparently.  She asked me if I wanted to talk about it today, but I just couldn't.  I would like to see how Monday goes before I make any decisions about that. 

Also, the midwife said today that she does NOT want me going back to work.   At all.  As of today at 5 p.m.  Ummmmmmm......yea, that didn't fly so well.  I do not want to spend my days at home waiting for Pud.  I want to spend them WITH Pud.  We're going to discuss this again during the apt on Monday- maybe I'll go in for half days or have a lightened load or something.  I just don't want to take up my very limited precious maternity leave without a baby, you know?  And especially since I'm not on bedrest or having any problems- seriously, ladies, I'm as healthy as a horse (love these genes!)!  She seems to think that if I rest, relax, stay calm (all three slightly hard for this go go go lady) then my body will know that I am ready and tell the baby to come.  I'm just slightly stressed about this, but, as I told B today (who is completely agreeing with the midwife, btw), we'll see what happens Monday, open up all the options and go from there.  I did promise I would really, really rest this weekend, and I plan to stick to that.

I've been so blessed with such a good pregnancy that it's hard to know that a possible induction and/or c-section could be in my future.  Not really in my original plan, huh?  But, God knew I was terrified of a pre-term baby and he's just answering a big prayer, I suppose.  I'll get through this, I just know I will.  Probably with a breakdown or two this weekend, but hopefully with a super healthy, chunky, happy baby in the end (even if that is not by natural methods). 

And, really, isn't that all one can hope for??? 

Mother for Mother's Day???

I am so hoping that I will be a mother by Mother's Day.  I am really ready to hold such a tiny piece of love and such a big piece of B and I in my arms, to nurse it for its nourishment, and to instill hopes, dreams, and goals into it.  I just don't know how much longer I can wait- it's getting harder and harder by the minute. 

All the work is done, our bags our packed, and our minds are focused on tools to use during labor to help us get through it as strongly as possible.  Now I just need my body to get to it!!! 

I've had a few contractions today (like, very few) and I've definitely "dropped".  However there's been no loss of mucous plug, bloody show, or any other "telltale" signs of impending labor.  We do have our midwife apt tomorrow at 11:45, so I'll have more news about Pud's status after that.  Plus we will find out at that time what happens after you are officially "overdue". 

B is signed up for a 25K (15.5 miles) Saturday morning here in GR.  So, part of me says, "Stay in there Pud until Daddy runs his race."  It's a pretty big deal and his running has just been amazing this year (unemployment makes for LOTS of running time).  The other part of me is just saying "Get out and let me breathe again and love on you!!"  Plus, being born on Mother's Day would be cool, PLUS May 10 is my brother, cousin and good friend's birthday, so all that would be fun.  However, being born at the end of next week would not be fun OR cool b/c this lady does not really want to go to work next week.  Honest to God, my feet are just tired. 

Please, please, please Pud, come out and meet your mommy and daddy.  We are dying to know you!!

Quick update

11 days to go until May 8th............................................Yowzers!

I've received a few comments over the last few days and wanted to let you all know that Pud is still inside, kicking up a storm.  At the last midwife visit, he/she wasn't "engaged" at all, and I haven't felt it drop (no bowling ball between these legs, ladies!).  Went to the gym last night to see if I could inducde any contractions (big negative) as I will occasionally have them with exercise.  4.5 mile walk with B and Junie tonight scheduled.  I figure that if nothing else, I'll be in good shape when it comes time to push!!

More than likely this baby will be late as many first timers are, but B is betting it comes on the due date at 9:02 p.m.  Specific much???

Oh, and don't worry.  We're taking the computer to the hospital and B knows that after sending out the emails to our immediate family and friends, he is to update the blog prior even to Facebook.  It's the rule :)
Hopefully that will come with a picture attached, and it will definitely come with a name and a sex!!!  Woo Hoo!  I cannot wait to find out if our little bowl of Puddin' is a boy or a girl.  That's the ONLY reason I want it to come early, seriously, I'm DYING to know!!!

37 weeks (and wondering how I'll do 3 more!)

Holy Goodness!  This belly is gigungous.  All I have to say is that this better be a big baby because I can't imagine what else is hiding in there.  Yowzers!  I'm definitely starting to do the pregnancy waddle by the end of the day, and my feet and hips hurt by the time bedtime rolls around.  I just know that this is completely worth it in the end (and am so thankful that my feet aren't swelling- all my shoes still fit!)

The darling chalkboard is hanging in our kitchen.  We bought it at an antique store a few weeks ago and it looks perfect in it's spot.  The opposite, equal wall has a 24" clock on it, so they really balance each other out. 

I do want to thank all of you for your comments on my last post.  I tried to get back to as many of you as possible (I wrote back to those that come with email addresses in their responses), but I just wanted to let you ALL know that I really, really appreciated your kindness, support, and uplifting words.  It really helps knowing that I have a wonderful support system of bloggers.  I just wish I could thank you all in real life with a plate of cookies or a basket of sweet breads. 

Have a wonderful week, darlings!

Thoughts on not finding out the sex prior to birth

I told B early on in pregnancy that I didn't want to find out the sex of the baby prior to delivery.  He was definitely shocked by that statement and wasn't convinced right away that it was the best decision.  However, another couple we're really good friends with also opted not to find out, and after a long discussion with them, we all were on board with having a surprise (btw- they just had a baby boy about a month ago, Levi John).

Now that we are 36 weeks into pregnancy, I thought I'd share my thoughts on being one of the few pregnant women who chooses not to know if Pud is going to wear  dresses and bows or tennies and overalls. 

According to a few things I've read, it's anywhere between 3-10% of Americans who choose not to find out the sex of their child prior to delivery.  We personally know 11 people who are pregnant between Jan- July and, actualy, 3 of those couples didn't find out (including us).  Our percentage is, I guess, a little higher than average, but prior to these 11 babies, I know VERY few friends of mine who didn't find out.  Like one.

There are definite pluses and minuses to not finding out. 

I'll do the pluses first:

* We received all our practicall stuff at our shower.  Since there is very little gender neutral clothing out in the world, most people gave us things we needed rather than just lots and lots and lots of cute clothing.  It's nice to know that we have tons of diapers, all our bottles and accessories, as well as all of the basics that Pud could ever need.  I've been to so many baby showers where the mom to be received nothing but clothes and blankets- most of those clothes being 0-3 and 3-6 month outfits that the child will grow out of so quickly.  Many of my friends have put away clothes with tags still on them because they never had a chance to wear them.  It's nice to know we didn't have to spend much on basic items and instead can spend money on the right amount of cute outfits and sleepers that I know will actually get worn.

*We still have the ability to dream about our child and all the possibilities that can come.  We're not currently stuck in a gender specific role, so during the Olympics we dreamed of hockey, skiing, and ariels and now we are thinking about swimming, soccer, and tennis.  We haven't only thought about dance vs baseball or barbies vs GI Joe.  I know that some of those gender specific things will come with time, however it's nice for now to have everything on the table.

*We were going to paint the nursery blue and white regardless of sex as we both adore the color blue, so that did not hinder us in any way.  I love that our nursery can be used for each child and then the child can move to their "big girl" or "big boy" room once the next baby is on it's way.  To me, it just makes more sense this way, though I know that many wouldn't necessarily agree.

*Costs during pregnancy become much lower.  There are very few gender neutral outfits/blankets/boppys/towels/etc out there.  The world of babies is incredibly gender specific.  Since this is the case, not finding out has definitely curbed my ability to shop for Pud and therefore saved us a ton of $$.  Now, once we know what Pud is, I'll be able to (slightly more rationally) buy things we need rather than things that are cute, just simply because they are cute.  So many first time parents slip into the "cute" shopping habit, and again, end up with a lot that the baby will never wear due to the quick growth of babies.  I know I would be one of those parents, and not knowing has put restraint on me and allowed me to practice self control (also the 30 day return policy that almost all stores have has really kept everything in check!)

*I love that when we announce the birth of Puddin' everything about it will be a shock.  The sex, the name, everything!! In so many cases now you know the sex and the name of the baby long before the baby is here and the parents are constantly calling the baby by it's given name.  I like that we just have a Puddin'.  Maybe that's just a little bit of superstition coming out.

The minuses:

*I don't have a closet full of cute clothes, and when I find something truly darling that is on sale, I can't buy it for fear it will be for the wrong sex

*I think it is slightly harder to "know" your baby when you don't know what you are dreaming and praying for.  While I am already in love with Puddin' and would be devastated if anything happened, I think it would be different, perhaps an even more intense feeling, if I knew I was having a boy or a girl

*Trying to pick names for two babies is significantly harder than just narrowing it down for one baby.

*Gender neutral DOES NOT EXIST!!

*At 36 weeks, I just really, really, really want to know!!  I'm dying to meet this baby and truly realize what it will be like to be a parent!

So the question remains, what would we do if we could do it all over?

I think I would still not have found out.  At least for this one, I am still loving the idea of a surprise.  B has said that we are definitely finding out with the next baby.  It's totally killing him!!  And I'm on board with that decision.  I know we still won't share our names until the birth as I really hate when people criticize the name of your future child to your face, but we'll at least be on Team Pink or Team Blue!

What are your thoughts out there?  Did you find out with your first?  Would you find out with your second?  Are you way too impatient to wait all 40 weeks?  I'd love to know!

Pud's first outfit!!!!!!!!!!

Comes from our favorite designer........that's right, Pud is coming home in Lilly!  I was so lucky to run across this daring outfit soon after we found out we were pregnant, and because it is the most gender neutral color (white!), I was able to snatch it up.  It's a four piece set and came in this daring hat box. 

Oh, Junie, you have no idea what is going to happen to you!!!  Luckily, you are so cute that you'll still get lots of attention from mommy and daddy!

The set laid out together.  Hat, cardigan, pants and blanket.  They're all a lightweight sweater material.

Can you see the palm tree?

The tree intarsia on the back of the sweater.

Isn't this just darling?  My plans were that I would buy a blue onesie and a pink onesie and bring both to the hospital to wear underneath the outfit.  However, something better has come along...............I'll do another post on that soon!

What a wonderful weekend!!

Sorry I have been MIA lately.  I definitely feel that I am struggling to keep up with blogging right now as there is SO much to do before puddin' arrives.  Plus, our internet connection at home has been crap (darn it, AT&T) lately.  However, it's working right now and I have a TON of pictures to share from one of the best weekends ever.

On Friday night 4 of my closest friends (and one darling, darling baby) arrived to spend the night in preparation of my baby shower on Sat.  We had a wonderful night hanging out, holding the baby, and catching up on life.  These are all of the "up north" girls, and I am always amazed that we can spend so much of our lives in separate places and still fall back into such wonderful friendships so easily. 

Saturday morning we were able to all get ready before all the guests arrived at 11:30.  We had fabulous brunch foods including mini crustless quiches (must get this recipe), 3 different kinds of muffins, fruit salad, and desserts galore.  There was lemonade, OJ, champagne, and fancy water.  I have to say it was all completely delish. 

With the 3 hostesses (and 3 of my 4 bridesmaids)

Preggers!  I'm 34 weeks this day and S is 24 weeks.  We were married 3 weeks apart and are having babies 10 weeks apart (plus we've been besties for 29 years!!)  (Oh yes, my belly is huge!!  I am measuring about two weeks ahead and it just keeps growing!  Yikes!  Not sure what I'll look like at the end!  It is also really, really high)

Sissy posing (just wait until you see what she made me for the shower- y'all are going to DIE!)

Baby Lucy!  She's 6 weeks old and just darling.  B changed his first dirty diaper over the weekend while she was here.  He also cudded with her for 2 hours on the couch- true love for sure.  He's so ready to be a daddy!  (Can I mention that Lucy's sibs are Eloise and Penn???  K&S have done a great job with their kids names!!)

An absolutely fabulous quilt made by one of my mom's best friends.  It's got a darling chick pattern on the back- I just love it!  Pud will love tummy time on this!

The shower was so wonderful.  I got to catch up with a lot of friends and Pud got some wonderful gifts.  We are definitely getting "set" for all that is to come.  The only thing we don't have a lot of is clothes which is fine b/c I want to know what sex Pud is before buying tons.  I definitely prefer pink or blue over yellow and green, so we'll just wait until the arrival to shop!  We do have a week's worth of gender neutral outfits until mom, B, or I can get out to get a few things.  Plus we have white onsies and blankets if Pud decides to spit up/poop on everything in the first day or two!

Saturday night my mom, aunt, cousin, and S all spent the night.  We had a low key dinner at home and just chatted until we were all exhausted.  B went to the local hockey game with his brother and sis-in-law who were in town for the shower and E&J.  They had a great time too.  Sunday morning my family all left after a good walk and we spent the afternoon with Blair's family watching basketball.  After a great dinner on the grill, E&J left.  N&K spent the night as they didn't leave until Monday morning, so we got to spend some more time catching up with them.  It was really nice. 

A wonderful weekend with family and friends.  I really couldn't have asked for anything better.  I was amazed by the generosity of people and the love I have for all those that were able to come.  It really was so special for me. 

No way, no how, this is NOT happening.

Warning:  This is NOT a light and fluffy post

So, we started our childbirth classes last week.  They meet for four weeks, two and a half hours each and you go over all the things you would think you need to know about- stages of dilation, stages of labor, pain meds, all the new baby stuff, monitoring, breathing, positions, care of the mom after, etc, etc.  I've been a pretty non-plussed pregnant woman for the most part.  Not much of this really phases me.  The first time I had contractions (just Braxton Hicks!!), B thought I should call the midwife on call just to make sure I was okay, and I totally blew it off.  I waited until the next day during clinic hours b/c I didn't want to disturb her at home (I take call and I know how it can be).  Even though I had a few long ones and more than 6 in an hour (both of which are stuff you are supposed to call for), I knew I was feeling fine and not in labor, so I didn't call. 

I always knew I wanted to have a midwife, and I wanted to have a relatively natural delivery.  I am definitely not one who is going to walk into the ER knowing that within an hour I'll want an epidural.  I've always been relatively open to having the baby drug free, and also aware that you never know what will happen, so you kind of have to take everything that comes at you.  Really all I think about is that I want to deliver a healthy baby and will do whatever it takes to make that happen. 

So, tonight we go to class and we're watching the second birthing video.  Last week's- no biggie.  I've seen the actual labor and birthing process twice (in nursing school), so I have a good idea of what happens.  This week - HOLY CRAP.  The video scared the living daylights out of me.  I don't know if it's because it's so imminent and getting very, very real, or if it's because the one they showed tonight was more in "real" time (ie- it showed her starting her labor at 4 p.m. and working all the way through her actual delivery at about 2 in the a.m (and 10 hours isn't far from average)).  Plus, she did this completely naturally, so you could see the pain in her face, in her body, in her hands.  It was truly a wonderful video in that it was incredibly realistic, honest, and showed all the true aspects of labor and delivery.  I wish I could do a better job of describing it to make you all realize how scary this was.  I am FREAKED OUT.  I have no idea how I am going to go through this process and make it out on the other end alive.  I wish I could say that I realize that I am being overly dramatic, however, I left the class crying because I am now so scared about the delivery.  I love this baby and want this baby, but I don't want it to come out of me.  No way. 

Have any of you delivered without an epidural?  Can you PLEASE leave me a message so I can shoot you an email?  Most of my friends have had c-sections or used an epidural, and while I'm not necessarily against them, I wasn't originally thinking that way, and if there is anyone else out there who went natural, I would love to know.  Also, any words of encouragement (or telling me that I am completely crazy and need help!!) would be appreciated.  I know that women have been doing this for thousands of years and do this all over the world without assistance from drugs, doctors, etc but that is rational thought, and right now this brain of mine is not being rational.  It's just too terrified. 

(Can I add that my mom is in Guatamala right now on a mission trip for two weeks, so I can't talk to her about this?????  Why this of all weeks?  Sometimes you just need to talk to your mom, you know?)

Prenancy updates

1.  We're 32 1/2 weeks along.  7 1/2 weeks to go! 

2.  I'm measuring two weeks ahead and have been for awhile.  It doesn't mean much apparently.  Per the midwife, it doesn't mean I'll deliver early and it doesn't mean I'll have a big baby.  They don't worry at all unless I start measuring 4 weeks ahead. 

3.  We've done two childbirth classes and a breastfeeding class (more on that in another post)

4.  My shower is at the end of the month.  I cannot wait to see my friends and family!  They're all coming here, and I'm super excited to show them the nursery and the house since most of them haven't been here yet.

4.  I got a darling black and white dress for said shower.  I really like it and will probably wear it the next week to church for Easter as well. 

5.  I wish we had another ultrasound- I'd love to see what Pud looks like now.  I do have to say that if we had another one, I'd have a really, really hard time not finding out the sex.  I'm DYING to know now. 

6.  We bought two packs of diapers over the weekend.  Yikes!  First foray into that world.  Does anyone have opinions on brands that they want to share?

7.  What were your favorite sleepers/jammies for the first 3 months?  I'm starting to get to the point where I need to think about what Puddin is going to wear, and I know that in the first 3 months Pud won't be in much more than sleepers.  (Though it is going to get a frickin awesome 4th of July outfit!!!!  I cannot wait to pick that out!!!)

8.  I'm starting to have backaches towards the end of the day now.  It must be the weight bowing me forwards.  I'm trying to have good posture (or at least think about my posture quite often!).  I'm also waking up a lot in the middle of the night to change positions from side to side to side again.  I usually don't have to get up to go to the bathroom until 5:30 or so, so that's a bonus!!

9.  Today Pud was moving around like crazy.  LOVE it.  Though sometimes I have to push on it a little bit to get it out of my ribs (and B seriously thinks I'm going to smoosh it), I could literally lay around and just focus on my belly and feel it.  It definitely absorbs you and sucks you in.  It makes you love it!!!  I cannot wait to cuddle with it when I also don't have to hold onto my own belly at the same time :)