Baby showers and such...

My mom and I are busy planning my sister's baby shower for the beginning of June. Which led me to start thinking about what on earth I was going to wear.  The only dress clothes that I own I wear to Court and it usually consists of black dress pants and a shirt.  I needed to come up with something else.  I started searching websites for ideas.  I got an email from Gap that they had a 25% off coupon code. I looked at the maternity dresses/skirts and found a cute wrap dress. With the coupon and it was already on sale I got it for $22!

I adore the color of it!! And its a heavier weight nylon so it hangs nicely without being too clingy. I also looked for some options for summer since I can't find any capris or shorts.  I found this skirt (also on sale and with the 25% off coupon) and thought it would be nice.

I wore it for Easter Sunday and loved it!! Super comfy and its long enough that I don't worry about my girl bits hanging out while wearing it.  Its a good everyday skirt while still being able to dress it up a bit if I want.

Now if  I could just find some cute sandals or flats to fit these feet I would be set!

The baby's room

Hubby finally finished painting the baby's room.  Initially I did not want to go with a pink color, but then I found this and fell in love.  I'm not a fan of baby pink, I wanted something bold and colorful.  And something other than blue. :)

We still have to hang the hammock which will probably go to the right of the changing table.  You can see it resting on the floor there.  We also plan to buy a dresser and probably get rid of that other tall looking storage thing. It was hubby's from when he was younger but it doesn't really match anything and its kind of awkward and there's nowhere else to put it.  Its really only been good for collecting stuff.  I would also like to get a glider for next to the baby swing.

It's obviously still a work in progress but at least the walls are painted.  I still need to finish prepping diapers (as you can see from the huge pile on the changing table), get clothes washed and organized, and finish decorating the room.  But at least the hard part is over.

Bennett also wanted to be part of this post.  He loves to sit in the infant carrier. The sad thing is, he still fits in it. He is too long for it, but weight wise he is still below the maximum of 30lbs.  He's such a goober!

Baby Carriers

I love baby wearing. It has calmed my babies when nothing else can, allowed me to breastfeed in the middle of Walmart without a soul knowing, keeps my babies warm and close, and allows me to be hands free.  I have had my fair share of baby carriers over the past 4 years, ranging from ring slings, pouch slings, maya wraps, and soft structured carriers like a Beco and Mai Tei.  My favorites are the ring slings and soft structured carriers, specifically the Beco. 

I bought a Beco after I had Bennett and I loved it.  With a hubby deployed, a 2 year old and a 5 month old, it was the ONLY way I got the lawn mowed or did certain tasks, such as grocery shopped.  It allowed me to be hands free while knowing my baby was still secure.  I ended up selling it after Bennett lost interest in being in it and I regret it.  I wish I had kept it for this baby, but at the time, I was still uncertain in my mind if I wanted another baby.  So off it went. 

Did I mention that I regret that decision?! Well I do! So off I went searching for a new Beco for this little one.  I searched Paxbaby.com because they have a whole slew of baby carriers, any kind that you want.   I found a Beco Butterfly II pattern that I really liked and was girly.  Hubby gave me the "A-ok!" and now its coming to live with ME! Yay!! Plus they offer free shipping! Can't beat that! Here is the one that I got:

I adore it and can't wait to try it out! Or put a little baby girl in it! :)

On a side note, I was lazy this weekend and forgot to take my 21 week picture.  I had Hubby do it tonight, so technically I am 21 weeks and 2 days.

And here is a belly shot:

Infant gowns

I've been finding a lot of cute outfits for baby girl.  But I wanted to make sure I got some things that I know are practical day to day wear.  Yet I still wanted something cute.  I came across this on Etsy.  I love the baby gowns for night time and just around the house.  They are comfy and easy for diaper changes. I also think they would be good in the hospital. Here are some options that I found.

I really like the first one and I messaged the seller to inquire if I could get it in long sleeved.  She messaged back and said that it was no problem.  Now if we could just come up with a name to put on it.

Update on doc appts

I had my doc appointment and cervical length check ultrasound yesterday. My doc appointment was first. It went really well.  Baby girl was all over the place and doc found her heartbeat way over on my left side.  This little one is wild in there! She kept kicking my cervix while I was waiting for the doc to come in.  I talked with my doc about my birth plan.  Basically she said as long as the baby looks good, I can do whatever I want and she doesn't care how I push the baby out.  I also broke down to her because this is a very emotional subject for me.  I told her that when I make it to 36/37 weeks and if I deliver, I do not want my baby taken from me.  And I wanted to let her know that if something is wrong, I want to know about it.  Whether it be the heartrate dips, etc. I told her that I don't ever, ever want to feel like how I did with Bennett's birth.  It was very traumatic for me and I still have harsh feelings toward the other doc in her practice that delivered him.  But this is why I love my doc, she said that everything will be fine and she is on board with everything that I would like to have.  Even just having the saline well instead of the IV, laboring in the tub, squatting to push, and letting baby and me have time to bond after birth instead of her being taken to the warmer. 

Then I went for my ultrasound at Maternal Fetal Medicine.  My sis met me at the hospital to join me.  They did the internal ultrasound to check my cervix length.  It was nice and long, 39 mm or 3.9cm. Which is very good.  Then the tech asked if I minded if she take a quick peek at baby.  Of course I wasn't going to object. :) I also told her that she can check again to make sure it was still a girl.  Good news, she is! We also got some good 3D pics.  My sis and I both said that she looks like she has the same nose as Bennett. The tech confirmed that she was breech which explains why I felt her kicking my cervix or down low.  The tech said there is still plenty of time for her to turn head down.  Her heartrate was 158bpm.  The doc looked at the info and said that I don't need to come back for another ultrasound unless something changes.  Good news!!

My sis then took me upstairs to L&D to check out their new birthing tubs and some other new items they have now for natural labors.  Such as aromatherapy and new laboring/pushing positions.  I am so excited about this!!

We then went for lunch downtown at Sushi  on the Rocks.  Yum!! Then shopped for most of the day.  I ended up ripping a second hole in my jeans while attempting to show Lindsay a squatting position for pushing. We went to Gap at Keystone Mall because they have a small maternity section there.  I found a pair of jeans and the sales lady actually returned my ripped pair and gave me the new pair for free!! Love Gaps customer service!! We both also got some t-shirts and tanks for summer.

It was such a fun day and I love getting to spend some girl time with my sister! We hardly get to do it anymore. We didn't even get anything for our baby girls like we had intended.  So much cute stuff to choose from!!

20 weeks

 

 

How Far Along? 20 weeks

Due Date: August 28th

Total weight gain/loss: I think about a 1lb. It varies from day to day. Sometimes zero and sometimes 1-2lbs.

Maternity clothes? yes, both pants and shirts. My regular shirts aren't long enough anymore.

Stretch Marks? only on my sides from my first pregnancy. None on my belly.

Sleep: I've actually been sleeping pretty good at night, thankfully!!

Best moment this week: getting 6 inches cut off my hair! It feels so much better and takes a lot less time to do in the morning.

Movement: Absolutely! She loves to bounce off the walls.  Especially at night when I lay down. I can just barely feel it from the outside.

Food cravings: nothing really. Which is nice.

Food aversions: none right now.

Gender: GIRL!

Labor Signs:I've been having some contractions, but nothing regular or painful.

Belly Button in or out? in

What I miss: walking up the stairs and not being completely winded. And bending over comfortably.

What I am looking forward to: I have a doc appointment and cervical length check/ultrasound on Thursday.

Birth plan

I am going to have a birth plan this time around.  I feel very comfortable talking with my doctor about my wishes, but I think its also helpful to have a paper copy so that the nurses and other hospital staff are aware of your preferences.  Here is the rough draft that I have so far.  I may change or add  some things in the future.

Labor

• I wish to be able to move around and change position at will throughout labor.
• I would like to be able to have fluids by mouth throughout the first stage of labor.
• I will be bringing my own music to play during labor.
• I would like the environment to be kept as quiet as possible.
• I would like the lights in the room to be kept low during my labor.
• Other Labor Preference: I would like to labor in the tub.
• Other Labor Preference: I plan to use the Hypnobirthing method which encourages a darkened room and little external interruptions. For example, no loud noises and little in and out of the room by staff members.

Monitoring

• I do not wish to have continuous fetal monitoring unless it is required by the condition of my baby.
• I do not want an internal monitor unless my baby has shown some sign of distress.

Labor Augmentation/Induction

• If labor is not progressing, I would like to have the amniotic membrane ruptured before other methods are used to augment labor.
• I would prefer to be allowed to try changing position and other natural methods (walking, nipple stimulation) before Pitocin is administered.
• Other Labor Augmentation/Induction Preference: I fully trust my body in knowing how to labor. I would prefer the time to allow my body to naturally labor prior to any medical interventions to speed up labor.

Anesthesia/Pain Medication

• I realize that many pain medications exist. I'll ask for them if I need them.

Cesarean

• Unless absolutely necessary, I would like to avoid a Cesarean.
• If a Cesarean delivery is indicated, I would like to be fully informed and to participate in the decision-making process.
• I would like My husband present at all times if my baby requires a Cesarean delivery.
• So I can view the birth, I would like the screen lowered just before delivery of my baby.
• If my baby is not in distress, my baby should be given to My husband immediately after birth.

Episiotomy

• I would prefer not to have an episiotomy unless absolutely required for my baby's safety.

Delivery

• I would like to be allowed to choose the position in which I give birth, including squatting.
• I would like to try to deliver in a squatting position, using My husband or a squatting bar for support.
• Even if I am fully dilated, and assuming my baby is not in distress, I would like to try to wait until I feel the urge to push before beginning the pushing phase.
• I would appreciate having the room lights turned low for the actual delivery.
• I would appreciate having the room as quiet as possible when my baby is born.
• I would like to have my baby placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.

Immediately After Delivery

• I would like to have My husband cut the cord.
• I would prefer that the umbilical cord stop pulsating before it is cut.
• I plan to keep my baby near me following birth and would appreciate if the evaluation of my baby can be done with my baby on my abdomen, with both of us covered by a warm blanket, unless there is an unusual situation.
• If my baby must be taken from me to receive medical treatment, My husband or some other person I designate will accompany my baby at all times.
• Other Immediately After Delivery Preference: I plan to breastfeed and want the opportunity immediately after birth.

Postpartum

• Unless required for health reasons, I do not wish to be separated from my baby.
• I would like to have my baby "room in" and be with me at all times.

Breastfeeding

• I plan to breastfeed my baby and would like to begin nursing very shortly after birth.
• Unless medically necessary, I do not wish to have any bottles given to my baby (including glucose water or plain water).
• I do not want my baby to be given a pacifier.

Other

• My support person(s) is/are Doula and I would like them to be present during labor and/or delivery.
• Other Other Preference: I do not want the baby to receive the Hep B vaccine at birth. They will receive this at a later date.

If you have any suggestions or additives, please let me know.  I know there are still some things that I want to add.

Outfits

I love all the cute little girl outfits on Etsy. I wanted to get one for baby girl, but it is so hard to choose.  I thought about getting a dress, but then I saw the pant sets with the tops.  I thought I could use the top as a dress when she is little and then use it as a shirt with the pants when she is a bit bigger.  Maybe get a little bit of my money's worth out of it.  Here are some that I think are cute. Any suggestions or help deciding would be appreciated!!

Or anyone have any good Etsy shops they love?

19 weeks

I am 19 weeks today. I can't believe I am almost half way there! I start to get nervous though after the 20 week mark.  That is usually when things start to go haywire.  Usually sometime in the 24-30 week mark I get admitted to the hospital at least once for contractions.  At 24 weeks my doc will start the fetal fibronectin tests (these check to see if my body will likely go into labor in the next 2 weeks). Then at 28 weeks I will get steroid shots.  These are definitely not fun. Its like a really bad bee sting that you have to get twice, 12 hours apart.  Then at the 30 week mark I know I am a real ticking time bomb.  I do not like that feeling.  Although I am optimistic that I will make it to the 36 week mark this time around. I just have to. 

I took my 4th shot yesterday.  I had another reaction to it.  I have reacted to 2 out of the 4 shots and both times it has been in my left hip.  I'm calling the pharmacy on Monday and then the doc office.  Most likely they will switch me pharmacies and I will then have to drive down to Indy every month to get my prescription.

I bought my first baby girl items this week.  I got a few outfits from Kohl's and Children's Place.  Both were having some good sales.  It is very overwhelming shopping for girl clothes compared to boys.  With boys, you have like 4 racks at the maximum to choose from. With girls, you have a lot more and it seems like there are a million different colors of the same outfit.  It's hard to choose.

I got a few other items but couldn't find the pics online for them. I'm also not sure exactly when this little one is coming and I don't know if I should get mostly short sleeved stuff or some long sleeved.  I know it will be warm with air conditioning, but I will not be locked up in this house for 3 months.  I will have boys to get to school and other activities.  So I know we will be outside.  Then again, do I get 0-3 month stuff or newborn. Again, if the baby comes early she will likely be in newborn for quite a while.  I just don't know.