Pregnancy

What to pack in your hospital bag

December 16, 2013

So I approached my hospital bag how I approach packing in general…

wait until the last minute and if I forget something it’s no big deal since I can improvise, wear something again, or buy it nearby (unless on a cruise).

Thankfully, this approach worked pretty well and I used most everything I packed and didn’t need to have Price run out for much.

I had a scheduled C-section so I had to consider some things prior to heading off to the hospital, such as what clothes would be most comfortable to wear related to the incision and how long I would be staying. As you are in the hospital longer for a C-section than for a vaginal birth, so you might want some additional things as you are away from home longer. So here is my ultimate list of what to bring to the hospital bag.

What to pack in your hospital bag

Clothes

Loose yoga/pajama pants- you’ll want pants that are comfy and breathable. In terms of a C-section, you’ll want pants that will sit at your waist, not at your hips (where your incision is), and I suggest pants with a drawstring so there is some adjust-ability
Shirts (tanks, t-shirts, long sleeve, button downs)- bring some soft maternity tops with you
A sweater/sweatshirt that buttons up or zips up
An outfit to go home in!
Underwear- You’ll want underwear that is very loose, like 2 sizes bigger! And if you are having a C-section you’ll want a high-waisted underwear. BUT if you don’t bring underwear you won’t be S.O.L since the hospital will have underwear you can use (which I actually really liked because it was meshy, soft, and disposable.)
Nursing Bra- at the very least bring a sports bra that is VERY LOOSE since you don’t want to wear a bra with underwire.
Socks
Slippers
Flip Flops- I didn’t bring them, nor do I think I was missing out, but you might like them instead of slippers or to use in the shower
Robe- I suggest having one with pockets

Toiletries

Tooth brush, toothpaste, floss
Hair brush and hair elastics
Blow Dryer
Shampoo and conditioner
Dry Shampoo- for when you want to fluff your hair a bit before you get around to taking a shower. I suggest one that is unscented/minimally scented. If worse comes to worse baby powder can help rid your hair of extra oils.
Body wash/soap
Body lotion- use something that is unscented as you don’t want anything to intense right around your newborn. (Our baby was in the NICU and this was a specific note posted around the NICU)
Chapstick
Face wash
Face wipes- for a quick refresher when you don’t feel like washing your face
Face lotion
Make Up
Glasses/contacts and contact solution- if you use them

Electronics

Camera with charger and extra SD card(s)
Phone with charger
Video camera with charger
Laptop with charger

Nursing

A hands-free pumping bra- this is great to have if you think you will pump so you don’t have to hold the connectors the whole time you are pumping
Lanolin- the hospital will have this but I don’t think you can go wrong having it yourself
Nipple cream/butter
Nursing pads- not so much because you’ll be leaking (hardly!), but just to help protect your new nursing bra from getting stained from nipple cream

Extras

Your pillow
A big huge water bottle- makes staying hydrated easier than sipping on cup after cup of water.
Baby book
Journal/notebook- great for taking notes since there is so much going on that you’ll easily forget who you spoke with and about what as soon as they leave the room. ha!
Extra shopping bags- you’ll leave with plenty of goodies from the hospital (bulbs, bottles, lotion, diapers, etc) so it’s best to bring some extra bags to easily carry it all home

For the baby

A going home outfit- (in both newborn and 0-3, depends on the size of your baby)
Receiving/swaddling blankets
Car seat

____________________

We knew that Autumn would be in the NICU and not being going home when I was so that impacted some of the things I packed, like I didn’t pack a going home outfit. Similarly, you can adjust what you pack based upon the time of year you have your baby or what you see around the hospital during your tour.

The one thing that I suggest you don’t bring is a breast pump. Sure, you see pumps at Target but you don’t need one before you go to the hospital since they have them there. As well, you should discuss with your doctor about getting a prescription for a pump so that your insurance covers it.

The biggest thing is that you can’t go wrong if you over pack or even forget something. The hospital where I had Autumn even had a vending machine of nursing/pumping supplies. So don’t sweat it and just enjoy your new baby!!!

35 Weeks- Bump Update

October 27, 2013

I’ll do a weekly bump update so I can look back and see how things progress and what was happening at various points along the way.

28 days to go!

Last Sunday, we went out on a picnic with Kemper to enjoy the nice fall day on The Esplanade (my very belated September date day). We ended up walking 3.5 miles that day. I was so tired at the end of it. Well, so was Kemper since we napped together once we got home. In general, I’ve been forgetting how tired I get from being on my feet, even just being around the house at times can get me so tired. But this was so much so Kemper and I cuddled up and slept for a few hours. Bliss.

I also forget about not picking up heavy things. So I got yelled at this weekend when I picked up the 4moms Breeze playard and moved it so that it was in the zone of stuff to make its way upstairs. I moved it all of 12′ and got yelled at. At least Price is looking out for me 🙂

So for the most part maternity pants are stupid. Well, the ones from Old Navy are since the ‘stretchy’ boot cut jeans I got from them were not stretchy so they were basically impossible to get on without anything like belt loops to grab. So I have 2 pairs of pants to return to Old Navy and I’m thinking of swinging to Target to find something there quickly.

I’m thinking I need to rig something up for Halloween ASAP, even just to wear to hand out candy to trick or treaters.

I appreitate all the sweet emails and messages I received from my post about The Bean and its health issues related to its omphalocele. We have a lot to juggle in the first month while The Bean is in the NICU but we know we can get through it. It’s jsut though thinking about now, esp the part when they warn us we probably won’t get to hold The Bean

35 Week Bump Update

Current Due Date: 12/1/13- BUT I’m scheduled for my C-section on 11/25! Thanksgiving in the hospital!

Weight Gain: per 10/22 ultrasound, The Bean is estimated at 4lbs 14 oz and per 10/25 dr appointment I’ve gained 10 lbs total.

Stretch Marks: none 🙂

Belly Button: getting shallower

Clothing: I’m over wearing nomral pants with belly bands for the most part because of how the open zipper is irritating, more than the fit. Ordered more maternity clothes and hoping to make a Target run where I can grab another pair of maternity pants

Cravings/Aversions: sweets and thinking about chinese food all the time but then I know it will just make me thirsty, which means drink more water = more trips to the bathroom!!!

Sleep: so tired so I’ve been trying to get to bed earlier and earlier, or at least fall asleep on the sofa while we watch the World Series games.

Mood: getting anxious with 1 month to go

Movement: the baby shifts around a lot but I’m not feeling kicks since the baby is Frank Breech.

Milestones: we have picked out both the boy and girl name options. So now we jsut need to wait the month before we know which one we’ll be using!

What I miss: sleeping on my stomach, wine, not constantly drinking water = lots of bathroom trips, etc

What I am looking forward to: Price finishing painting the room this week! He got 2 walls done and will get the other 2 done this week. Then we are assembling the crib and decorating!!

Comparable Fruit/Veggie Size: Coconut (Average size: 17.2 – 18.5 inches head to toe, 4.2 – 5.8 lbs) via The Bump

34 Weeks- Bump Update

October 20, 2013

I’ll do a weekly bump update so I can look back and see how things progress and what was happening at various points along the way.

35 days to go!!

I feel like I’m burning up some days. I am an oven!! I would prefer to wear tank tops and flip flops but that’s a little weird, plus Price is threatening to throw out my flip flops because he can’t handle me wearing them anymore. So we were out shopping on Saturday and I got 2 pairs of shoes to wear into the fall.

I am so determined to get The Bean to flip and get out of the Frank Breech position that I’ve been trying some DIY things to get things going. Like I have been laying back and propping up my butt and legs to elevate things to get the baby to try to right itself, which would actually be upside down. Plus then I read about putting something cold on the top of my stomach so that baby would move away from it. I feel quite insane doing all of this but I don’t want The Bean’s legs all weird after delivery. They said it won’t be an issue but it still bugs me.

We set up the bouncy chair that my sister gave us at the shower so Kemper would get used to having it around. Plus, so he’d get used to hearing ‘no’ 5,000x when he tries to chew stuffed animals that hang from the bar above the seat. He was really determined early on to get them but he’s getting over it now.

I finally took out my belly button ring. I bet I could keep it in longer but I figure i’ll just take it out now before it does get uncomfortable. Now I only hope that my belly button never gets weird since it still looks the same, only slightly shallower.

I have THREE doctors appointments this upcoming week. Ugh.

34 Week Bump Update

Current Due Date: 12/1/13- BUT I’m scheduled for my C-section on 11/25! Thanksgiving in the hospital!

Weight Gain: guessing around 8 1/2 – 9 1/2 lbs total

Stretch Marks: none 🙂

Belly Button: getting shallower, and I finally took out my belly button ring

Clothing: still a big mix of stuff… maternity pants and regular pants with a belly band paired with maternity and regular tops BUT I finally just ordered a few more maternity things from Old Navy which should arrive mid week

Cravings/Aversions: totally in love with Jelly Belly jelly beans, but other than that I am still pretty indecisive when it comes to picking out what to eat

Sleep: getting really tired again so I’ve been going to be really early again.

Mood: pretty even but I was extra sensitive on Monday and was pretty much drained and ready to cry all day for no real reason

Movement: the baby shifts around a lot but I’m not feeling kicks since the baby is Frank Breech. I keep telling The Bean to move but it’s just not listening.

Milestones: picked up The Breeze playard from work. We will use the bassinet part and set it up next to the bed for The Bean to sleep in before it’s in the crib in it’s room

What I miss: being able to sneeze without the fear of one day peeing. lovely.

What I am looking forward to: Pricer is going to start painting The Bean’s room this week

Comparable Fruit/Veggie Size: Butternut Squash (Average size: 17.2 – 18.5 inches head to toe, 4.2 – 5.8 lbs) via The Bump

33 Weeks- Bump Update

October 13, 2013

I’ll do a weekly bump update so I can look back and see how things progress and what was happening at various points along the way.

43 days to go!

I was really worried going to the DR on Friday because I was expecting them to give me grief for gaining a lot of weight since my last appointment. It might have been the 6 hot apple cider donuts that I ate weekend. Or the 2 dinners in which I had steak. And maybe it was the breakfast that included a bowl of cereal and then a half of a cheesy bagel with veggie cream cheese. But I stepped on the scale and it said I had lost a pound since the last appointment, which meant I’ve gained 8 lbs total. Well, being pregnant is the best diet ever then. ha!

My baby shower was held for me yesterday, which is why my mom surprised me by showing up on Friday night. Well, Price knew but I didn’t so it was a nice surprise when I got home. Anyway, my baby shower was amazing and beautiful. I was really anxious about it because I don’t like being the center of attention and you kinda are when you are the focus of the party. Opening presents in front of everyone is the stuff of nightmares for me (Christmas is a horror for me). But thankfully Price was there to help out with the presents and speed things along. Aside from the opening presents part, it was so lovely and fun.

Any tips on getting a baby to flip? Hoping The Bean flips soon since it’s still all tangled up with its hands and feet right up in front of its face. Plus then maybe I’ll finally get to feel some real kicking since I don’t feel any movement related to that now since it’s all balled up. We’ll see how things go in the next few weeks. Fingers crossed.

33 Week Bump Update

Current Due Date: 12/1/13- BUT I’m scheduled for my C-section on 11/25! Thanksgiving in the hospital!

Weight Gain: 8lbs total, according to my DR’s visit on Friday (10/11)

Stretch Marks: none 🙂

Belly Button: getting shallower, but the ring is still in. I feel just stubborn about taking it out. It’s dumb.

Clothing: still a big mix of stuff… maternity pants and regular pants with a belly band paired with maternity and regular tops.

Cravings/Aversions: nothing this past week, but still pretty indecisive when it comes to picking out what to eat

Sleep: getting really tired again. napped yesterday and today

Mood: pretty even but I was extra sensitive on Monday and was pretty much drained and ready to cry all day for no real reasons

Movement: the baby shifts around a lot but I’m not feeling kicks since the baby is Frank Breech. I keep telling The Bean to move but it’s just not listening.

Milestones: had my baby shower yesterday!

What I miss: not having to track how much water I’ve been drinking. I’m getting really tired of water

What I am looking forward to: getting to work on The Bean’s room. Gotta set up the crib!

Comparable Fruit/Veggie Size: Durian (Average size: 17.2 – 18.5 inches head to toe, 4.2 – 5.8 lbs) via The Bump

32 Weeks- Bump Update

October 6, 2013

I’ll do a weekly bump update so I can look back and see how things progress and what was happening at various points along the way.

People we are now under the 50 day countdown. less than 50 days!!

It’s crazy to think that we are only 7 weeks away from meeting our baby but it’s true. Also, crazy to think of all the stuff we have to do before then. The baby’s room needs the most work but we’re not really worried about it since we know the baby will sleep in our room for a while anyway.

I didn’t realize how tired I was from the week of crunch time leading up to the fashion show (esp. considering I didn’t feel like I pushed myself, unlike last year’s 3am late nights) and ultimately that ah-mazing night, until Friday midday hit and boom I was done-zo. Both Price and I napped on Friday since we left work early and I pretty much was zonked out on the sofa all day, until I stumbled into bed.

While my sugar test results were great, my iron was on the low side. So my midwife said to up my steak intake and get an iron vitamin. Done and done. Having a steak salad for dinner tonight!!!!

Speaking of dinner, my sister got us a week (3 nights actually) from Blue Apron meals. I picked it to arrive yesterday so this week we’re gonna have Steak Salad with Chicory, Curried Chickpeas, Walnuts & Apples, Braised Chicken Thighs with Caramelized Peppers & Onion over Creamy Polenta, and White Fish “En Papillote” with Freekeh. They send you EVERYTHING you need. Seriously, everything. They sent us the parchment paper we need for the fish dinner. It’s such a cool concept. My sister got it for us to make having a healthy dinner easier for us to juggle now. (Can’t survive on mac and cheese and cereal only) Price and I are looking forward to continuing it and having it arrive every few weeks so we get to try some new and healthy dishes. noms.

32 Week Bump Update

Current Due Date: 12/1/13- BUT I’m scheduled for my C-section on 11/25! Thanksgiving in the hospital!

Weight Gain: I dunno. I didn’t care to get on the scale this week as I apparently had the strategy to “Eat Everything in Sight” for Friday’s breakfast. Let’s recap breakfast, shall we… 1/4 of a blueberry scone, slice of a gluten free apple breakfast cake, 1/2 a sausage biscuit from Burger King, and half a cheesy bagel with veggie cream cheese. However, I didn’t eat much Thursday before the binge nor afterwards on Friday. Whatever.

Stretch Marks: none 🙂

Belly Button: starting to get shallower, but the ring is still in. I feel just stubborn about taking it out. It’s dumb.

Clothing: still a big mix of stuff… maternity pants and regular pants with a belly band paired with maternity and regular tops.

Cravings/Aversions: We had the pizza I was craving from Prince’s Pizzeria yesterday. It’s just so damn good. However, the thought of eggs, esp scrambled ones, has me gaggy.

Sleep: sooo tired. I can’t wait to nap later on today.

Mood: good, but certain things has me ready to start the waterworks and not stop.

Movement: I feel the big gestures/shifts but there isn’t too much movement as we were updated that the wee one is still Frank Breech so there isn’t too much kung-fu going on in there, The Bean is just hanging out folded up in half.

Milestones: had a tour of the hospital on Wednesday

What I miss: wine. damn I wanted wine so badly at the fashion show after party. Actually, I wanted to rip the whiskey on the rocks out of my friend Adam’s hand but I managed not to. Less than 50 days…

What I am looking forward to: my baby shower is this upcoming Saturday

Comparable Fruit/Veggie Size: Squash (Average size: 15.2 – 16.7 inches head to toe, 2.5 – 3.8 lbs) via The Bump

31 Weeks- Bump Update

September 30, 2013

I’ll do a weekly bump update so I can look back and see how things progress and what was happening at various points along the way.

I’ve been sick this week. It totally stinks. It’s just a cold but I’m used to knocking out a cold in a few days by just drugging myself with DayQuil and NyQuil. So this is a big change for me. I mean, not taking 3x of a dose and knocking yourself out is a big change for me. But at least I’m sounding and feeling better so I’ll just ride this out with normal doses of medicine.

I worked on the IIDA fashion show for the past 2 years so I was not going to let the growing belly hold me back this year. For the past few months our team has worked hard on developing our theme and ultimately constructing the 4 costumes in the show. I’ve been working on making wigs for the show, which has been a lot of fun and work. Anyway, it’s CRUNCH TIME since the show is on Thursday. I can’t wait!!

Once the fashion show crunch is over Price and I will dive into the work involved for getting the nursery ready. So the goal is to get to work this weekend moving things around to get the rabbits settled in their new home in our basement den and then hopefully painting the room once it has been super cleaned out. Fingers crossed!

31 Week Bump Update

Current Due Date: 12/1/13- BUT I’m scheduled for my C-section on 11/25! Thanksgiving in the hospital!

Weight Gain: 8- 8.5 ish lbs & the baby was estimated at 3lbs 1oz on tuesday (9/24) so not so bad there 🙂

Stretch Marks: none 🙂

Belly Button: still no change! But removal of my belly button ring seems like it’s fast approaching

Clothing: still a big mix of stuff… maternity pants and regular pants with a belly band with maternity and regular tops.

Cravings/Aversions: nothing that I’m dying to have but I keep thinking about pepperoni pizza from Prince’s Pizzeria in Saugus. The pepperoni gets soooo crispy. noms.

Sleep: stopped taking unisom again since I felt like I didn’t need it but I’d like to stop waking up in the middle of the night to pee. (Doubt that will stop tho!!)

Mood: feeling pretty good but then I get really stress out about the unknown

Movement: not feeling the jabs, kicks as much as I did before but The Bean has been Frank Breech for the past few weeks so I think that could be why. I think being folding in half might have something to do with it.

Milestones: picked out the first name if it’s a boy. still have to select the middle name from the options we have. Still narrowing down options if it’s a girl. We’re down to 3 first names, and again more combos for the middle names.

What I miss: sleeping on my stomach and not sleeping with a body pillow so I stay on my left side.

What I am looking forward to: going on a walk to the beach this week with the dog. He is allowed there again starting October 1st so we’ll change up our walks and go there.

Comparable Fruit/Veggie Size: Pineapple (Average size: 15.2 – 16.7 inches head to toe, 2.5 – 3.8 lbs) via The Bump

30 Weeks- Bump Update

September 22, 2013

I’ll do a weekly bump update so I can look back and see how things progress and what was happening at various points along the way.

hello sunburned legs and bump

We’re in the Florida Key’s right now on our last vacation before the baby comes. It’s been amazing down here. The weather is incredible and we’ve been having an awesome time cruising around in the convertible and relaxing by the pool since Thursday.

AND of course I got sick- typical clogged ears, sore throat, and stuffy/faucet nose. Shoulda seen me trying to pick out over the counter med’s that are okay to take while pregnant. Solid 15 minutes in the isle with handfuls of meds reading the ingredients list and double checking with the approved list on my phone. Made me miss just grabbing NyQuil, popping it open, and taking a huge swig before passing out. But now it’s all about being careful which ones won’t ‘effect blood flow to the placenta.’ Guess that’s important…

In lighter/funnier news, we were walking around Key West yesterday and near the end of the day I was whining how I had a cramp that I occasionally get on my right side. Stopping and waiting for it to pass typically helps but I was so hot and just wanted to get back to the car so I just kept going while holding my side. So I was joking to Price how I looked like Joey on Friends when he had the hernia.

Hey Timmy, I’ve got a surprise for you…

30 Week Bump Update

Current Due Date: 12/1/13- BUT I’m scheduled for my C-section on 11/25! Thanksgiving in the hospital!

Weight Gain: 7ish pounds? I’ll find out on Tuesday at my next appointment, you know, after I’ve stuffed my face with Key Lime Pie while on vacation

Stretch Marks: none 🙂

Belly Button: still glad there has been no change, but the countdown on taking my belly button ring seems like it’s fast approaching

Clothing: mix of maternity pants and regular pants with a belly band with maternity and regular tops still. so a total mix of stuff.

Cravings/Aversions: I feel like I have more aversions now than ever before. While at dinner on Friday night I was reading the menu for a great sounding salad loaded up with coconut shrimp but it had raspberry vinaigrette and I wanted to gag reading it.

Sleep: having some trouble falling asleep so I’m taking Unisom again

Mood: feeling cry-y over things more and more.

Movement: all over the place. When laying in bed we get a kick out of my belly shifting from side to side.

Milestones: currently on our ‘babymoon’

What I miss: boozy drinks. Sitting by the pool with virgin drinks is fine and all but man I miss the rum/vodka/tequila. And can we talk about how the virgin drinks here are $9 and reg drinks are $10. WTF!!!

What I am looking forward to: getting home tomorrow and seeing Kemper and the bunnies. As well as apple picking, maybe next weekend… hint hint.

Comparable Fruit/Veggie Size: Cucumber (Average size: 15.2 – 16.7 inches head to toe, 2.5 – 3.8 lbs) via The Bump

29 Weeks- Bump Update

September 15, 2013

I’ll do a weekly bump update so I can look back and see how things progress and what was happening at various points along the way.

So what’s been going on this past week?

I had my glucose test on Tuesday morning. It really wasn’t bad- just like flat orange soda. Plus I had imagined it was like a big Poland Springs bottle but it was only about 4 ounces, which is next to nothing. Then it was just an hour of waiting and a blood draw. Pretty basic. The worst part of it all was getting the gauze and tape off my arm that night. So now I just wait on the results, which I hope say I can still eat a cookie when I want!

And then on Wednesday morning I had another Dr’s appointment for an ultrasound. I walked in and had a different tech and *boom* I was miserable. I love my typical ultrasound tech Liz and not having her just ruined the whole experience. It takes me a lot to warm up to people, and I’m now really comfortable with her since I see her ever 2 weeks. Plus unannounced change does not sit well with me. This woman was really nice but it was just not the fit for me. Also I got some of the crappiest sonogram pics ever. Whatever, I’ll get some great ones soon when I see Liz next.

So, I’ve come to find out I’m scheduled for my C-section on Monday 11/25 (more on that later). So weird to know exactly when we’ll have the baby, unless, of course, The Bean decides to show up sooner. So, I’ll be in at Brigham and Women’s for Thanksgiving. Eh, no big. The biggie for me is that my OBGYN can’t actually make it then so I need to meet a colleague of her’s who will actually do it. Like I said, I don’t deal well with change, esp when it comes to people, but I’ll have Price with me when we meet and on the big day so he’ll keep me grounded, i.e. not let me freak/bitch out.

On Saturday, we finally got to Union Square Donuts in Somerville. I had talked about them months ago but we finally got there and holy hell… these are some incredible donuts. Long ago I wrote off Dunkin’ and places like this really enforce why I don’t waste my $ and calories on crappy donuts. They have large light, airy donuts in flavors like Maple Bacon and Chocolate Chipotle. We shared a Maple Bacon, Brown Butter Hazelnut Crunch, and a Sea Salt Bourbon Caramel for a late lunch. Perfection. I warned Price that if I am ever craving a donut he better get in the car to go there ASAP. 🙂

Also, on Saturday we sorta stalked a woman in Target to talk to her about the Baby Jogger City Select stroller she was using. It had been wrestling for our pick with the Uppa Baby Vista. Well, luck would have it, this super nice lady had BOTH. She got the Vista with her 1st child and then got the City Select when she had her 2nd because she felt limited with the Vista. So hearing her feedback related to both and her suggestion to get the City Select has sealed the deal for us.

29 Week Bump Update

Current Due Date: 12/1/13- BUT I’m scheduled for my C-section on 11/25! It will be a Thanksgiving in the hospital!

Weight Gain: just under 7 lbs total. And The Bean was estimated at 2lb 10 oz on Wednesday.

Stretch Marks: none 🙂

Belly Button: still glad there has been no change

Clothing: regular pants when I use the belly bands and still in some regular tops but adding in more of the new maternity clothes I got with my mom last weekend

Cravings/Aversions: I walked by Chipotle on Tuesday and felt so gaggy. I think I will be skipping Chipotle now.

Sleep: having some trouble falling asleep so I’m taking Unisom again

Mood: fine, unless it relates to change

Movement: Found out The Bean is currently Frank Breech (butt down with feet up by the face). Poor little thing is folded up in half!! So I think that is why some movement has been limited recently and most on my left side.

Milestones: we picked our stroller!

What I miss: sleeping on my stomach.

What I am looking forward to: We are heading off to The Keys for our ‘babymoon’ on Thursday morning. (Kemper is staying with our dog walker, who he loves, but I’m sure I’ll still be a wreck leaving him)

Comparable Fruit/Veggie Size: Acorn Squash (Average size: 15.2 – 16.7 inches head to toe, 2.5 – 3.8 lbs) via The Bump

28 Weeks- Bump Update

September 8, 2013

I’ll do a weekly bump update so I can look back and see how things progress and what was happening at various points along the way.

Ummm, we have reached the Third Trimester people. Holy Crap!!!!

So far things have been going smoothly- never been sick, haven’t gained much weight, sleeping pretty well still (sometimes with the help with unisom), no crazy cravings, and I don’t think I’ve been an insufferable bitch with mood swings. (Feel free to ask Price about that.) The only big complaint I have is that my right hip hurts, but it has hurt on and off over the past few years and I think it really has to do with wearing flip flops all summer. Can’t expect to not have an issues when I have shitty arches and wear shows with no support. Also, my nose has decided to bleed anytime I blow my nose this weekend. Not really a big deal but annoying since I’m mainly afraid of having blood on my face and not knowing it. Lovely.

Football has started again and I’m really excited to lounge around when we watch the games. Lazy Sundays are just the best. The Giants are playing tonight, hence my super awesome shirt above.

We’re picking up the crib tomorrow night. The room needs a lot of room before we assemble it but I’m still really excited about it.

And then I get my sugar test on Tuesday. I’m not exited about that.

28 Week Bump Update

Current Due Date: 12/1/13- BUT I’ll get the date of my scheduled C-section at this week’s appointment, which will occur the week of Thanksgiving at 39 weeks **UPDATE: scheduled for 11/25!**

Weight Gain: 8lbs I think… my scale and the dr’s scale are way off so I’m waiting for my appointment on Tuesday morning for their reading ***UPDATE: at my Tuesday appointment it showed I was up +6 total***

Stretch Marks: none 🙂

Belly Button: still glad there has been no change

Clothing: regular pants when I use the belly bands and still in some regular tops but adding in more of the new maternity clothes I got with my mom last weekend

Cravings/Aversions: Still no aversions but A.D.ID.A.S= All Day I Dream About Sugar! Peaches, Twizzlers, gummy bears, and piles of cookies.

Sleep: having some trouble sleeping so i’m taking Unisom again

Mood: had a lovely cry fest Friday night before Price left to go back home for the weekend with the pup. It stresses me out when Price drives so far (5.5+ hrs) in the dark and I hate sleeping alone so I mucked up his shirt with sob tears. Then basically passed out on the sofa from a long week and wrecked nerves.

Movement: lots more is noticeable now. The Bean seems to like settling in on my left side

Milestones: now into the 3rd trimester!!

What I miss: wine! bought a bottle of white wine to use while making dinner on Friday night and it took all my strength not to guzzle the whole thing directly from the bottle

What I am looking forward to: only 11 more days until we are on our ‘babymoon’

Comparable Fruit/Veggie Size: Eggplant (Average size: 13.6 – 14.8 inches head to toe, 1.5 – 2.5 lbs) via The Bump

26 Weeks- Bump Update

August 25, 2013

I’ll do a weekly bump update so I can look back and see how things progress and what was happening at various points along the way.

Can we discuss for a minute how fast my nails are growing? It’s kinda crazy. I normally pick the BRIGHTEST most obnoxious pink/red/coral but I picked a light pink this last time and man I’m glad I did. I figured it would help hiding the growth as the shellac grows out. Well, that sorta worked but I still can’t get over how much growth there has been since my last manicure.

Been doing more reading on C-sections. I like to be prepared but at the same time ignorance is bliss.

Price found a great Jet Blue Getaway deal so we booked our ‘babymoon’. Seems fitting since we haven’t had a honeymoon first but something would have to actually have to happen before you go on that… Anyway, we figured that daycare, diapers, etc will tap us out later on so we might as well do this now before we think too much of it. So, we are going to The Keys in 3-ish weeks for a long weekend. So excited to wander around the Keys (in a convertable!) and soak up some sun before my no flying cut off.

26 Week Bump Update

Current Due Date: 12/1/13- BUT my to be scheduled C-section will occur my 39th week so right before Thanksgiving 🙂

Weight Gain: (8.26 update) 6.8 lbs total per DR’s appointment, US measurements show The Bean is on target and weighs 2lbs!

Stretch Marks: nope, I’m all about belly/stretch mark lotions now

Belly Button: same, no change

Clothing: still in regular pants if I’m using the belly bands, but I definitely need to go shopping soon

Cravings/Aversions: Sugar!! Natural from fruit or highly processed from things like gummy cola bottles and cookies. Can’t get Grill Shrimp on Sugar Cane Bun with extra fish sauce from Pho Hoa 2 in Chinatown out of my head. Hoping to get there this upcoming week.

Sleep: playing catch up, trying not to drink water too late so I sleep through the night

Mood: sometimes I feel that random things really grate on my nerves but I’m trying not to let it effect me since they will be really dumb, mundane things

Movement: Feeling more and more each day 🙂

Milestones: we booked our ‘babymoon’!!!

What I miss: actually craving food. I am pretty indifferent to making a real decision on food, which is why I sometimes grab junky stuff at times- like last Wednesday’s late fro-yo lunch.

What I am looking forward to: my mom will be here for Labor Day weekend!

Comparable Fruit/Veggie Size: Head of Lettuce (Average size: 13.6 – 14.8 inches head to toe, 1.5 – 2.5 lbs) via The Bump

25 Weeks- Bump Update

August 18, 2013

I’ll do a weekly bump update so I can look back and see how things progress and what was happening at various points along the way.

Let’s dive into the 24th week recap, shall we…

So last week I mentioned that we have begun looking at daycare options for The Bean. I was whining about the $2,300 a month daycare in Boston but then we toured a super cool smarty pants daycare and it’s just over $3K a month for full-time care. Yep… Well, what am I to expect when they have an art teacher?!? Not just teachers that have the kids finger paint but a staffed art teacher that puts paint in ziplock bags so infants can play with it. While it was a beautiful, clean (they wear booties) space I think I’d like to afford some sort of life and I can just put some paint in ziplock bags myself for some weekend playtime. Plus, I’m thinking more and more how I am just going to put the baby under my desk at work and hope it doesn’t cry. For realz.

We have been discussing options for names more and more. I don’t think we are anywhere near ready to settle down on a name but it is fun to lay in bed at night and right down first and middle name combos. And no, I am not sharing at all.

Price ordered me a super cute diaper bag (and earrings!) from Kate Spade during a flash sale. There was some drama about the delivery- long story short UPS is dumb and wasted a lot of my time while I dealt with ‘a mistake’… like them not calling me (my # was on the box!!) for some address clarification but magically rerouting the package to an address I had not lived in for 8 years… 8 years!!!!!! In the end I got the package by spending my lunch hour going back to my old place, ringing all the apartments multiple times until someone buzzed me in and then running out of there with box in hand. Ultimately, all was right with the world but UPS is on my shit list and I think I might have frightened my coworkers as I spoke with/yelled at 2 different UPS customer service agents. Don’t mess with a pregnant lady and her diaper bag!!!!!

I can’t stop eating peaches. I’ve said it before and I’m sure I’ll say it again but I want as many peaches as I can stuff into my face. Basically, I could live off Honey Bunches of Oats with Pecan Bunches and peaches and I would be perfectly happy.

Speaking of food, Shake Shack is doing away with their crinkle cut fries to serve fresh-cut fries. I am not happy about this. Sure, sure they are improving things so they aren’t using frozen fries and are using fresh potatoes that they cut in the restaurants but I don’t think this is a change I can accept right now. It’s just that the crinkle cut fries are the perfect vehicle for the cheese sauce. Like how you use different kinds of pasta for different sauces. I spent a good deal of time (I’m sure he would think it was quite excessive) bitching to Price about this on Thursday. So we are going there today and I am getting cheese fries and I am not sharing a single one.

25 Week Bump Update

Current Due Date: 12/1/13- BUT my to be scheduled C-section will occur my 39th week so right before Thanksgiving 🙂

Weight Gain: I made brownies. I am not getting on any scale this week

Stretch Marks: nope

Belly Button: same, no change

Clothing: still in regular pants but using the belly bands I bought more often. I don’t really like it, just seems weird to me to leave my pants unbuttoned but if I can hold off on buying maternity pants for a bit longer I’ll deal.

Cravings/Aversions: Fruit and Sweets are at the top of my list. I can’t get enough peaches. But I discovered Chili Limon Popchips Tortilla Chips and I’m in L-O-V-E.

Sleep: is it nap time yet?

Mood: same old perky me

Movement: Easiest to feel movement when I am laying on my side

Milestones: 14 more weeks to go!!!

What I miss: wine- what else is new?

What I am looking forward to:

Comparable Fruit/Veggie Size: Cauliflower (Average size: 13.6 – 14.8 inches head to toe, 1.5 – 2.5 lbs) via The Bump

24 Weeks- Bump Update

August 11, 2013

I’ll do a weekly bump update so I can look back and see how things progress and what was happening at various points along the way.

I am so excited to reach the 6th month mark. It’s really past 1/2 way now. Not just in weeks, but in months to- only 4 more to go!

And now I can say that I went camping 6 months pregnant. We went up to a camp ground yesterday and did an overnight. It was so much fun and I’m really glad we did it. I’m so tired from it now but we did a lot. Actually we are all tired, the dog is wiped out. ha!

On Friday my Dr’s appointment showed that I was 6lbs up from my pre-pregnancy weight. Which kinda made me freak out since I told her how I weighed myself multiple times on Sunday morning & that was 4 lbs less. No, she didn’t think I gained 4lbs in 5 days but this time (like my other DR’s appointments) I was wearing clothes and had eaten 1-2 meals before going to the DR. Basically nothing to worry since my last few appointments show I’m right on track. Whew!

In related fear inducing news, I’ve started to call up day cares to learn about their programs and get some fee info. Well, holy hell, I knew day care would be $$$ but I called one by my office and had a good laugh afterwards. The lovely woman on the phone told me their part time (3 day) infant program cost $1893 and the full time (5 day) would be $2365 a month. Yep, either case way more than our mortgage. Fun. So now we’re really looking into our options out of the city as I called a new day care in town which had a full time infant program for $1040. Still hurts but hurts A LOT less than the other one. OUCH!

I was at a meeting on Friday and I started to notice the client stare at me. I think we was trying to figure out if I was just getting fatter over the last few weeks or if I am pregnant since I try to wear loose dresses or flowy tops to meetings and it’s not like I wear a sign. I wanted to say ‘yep, I am’ but I figured I wouldn’t interrupt the meeting. Wondering how long it will take him to figure it out. ha!

24 Week Bump Update

Current Due Date: 12/1/13- BUT my to be scheduled C-section will occur my 39th week so right before Thanksgiving 🙂

Weight Gain: +/-6 lbs (see above)

Stretch Marks: nope

Belly Button: same, no change

Clothing: still in regular pants but I just got a white and black belly band to have on hand for future use

Cravings/Aversions: I got really hungry late one night and I had Price bring me up goldfish crackers, which I ate in bed. That seems like the worst thing I’ve done since for the most part I stick with fruit, like soooo much watermelon and peaches. Typically I have 2 peaches a day. Love them!

Sleep: never enough. woke up multiple times on Thursday night- I was not pleased.

Mood: same old perky me

Movement: more and more big movements, only really noticing kicks when I am laying on my side or leaning forward

Milestones: 15 more weeks to go!!!

What I miss: wine. I’d love a monster glass of wine. As well, it was so weird not to have beer while camping.

What I am looking forward to: we’re getting a tour of a day care center on Wednesday afternoon.

Comparable Fruit/Veggie Size: Canteloupe (Average size: 10.5 – 11.8 inches head to toe, 12.7 – 20.8 ounces) via The Bump