Well, the paintings for the nursery are complete! I feel kinda strange now that I have nothing left to do, but the turned out so well, that now I can just sit back and enjoy :)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Preggo Update - Week 31
Conner:
Size - Conner is about 16 inches long and weighs apx. 3.5 pounds!
Activity – Conner has been really active mostly at night and after I eat. I can feel him all the time now, not just when I am sitting or lying down. His kicks are a lot stronger and he is all over the place, from my hips to my ribs – sometimes both places at once!
Labor signs – Not too much pain or discomfort this week. I am having an easier time moving around as I am getting more used to my size and random aches and pains. Not too many contractions, but I have been taking it pretty easy.
Conner is getting SO BIG! I can feel his body parts through my belly – I can tell the difference between his back and butt and feet and legs. He has been head down for this entire time, so I haven’t felt his head yet, but if he stays in that position forever, that would be fine with me. He can now turn his head back and forth and from side to side. His little arms and legs are becoming more and more chubby with baby fat and his little lungs are very close to being fully developed.
Me:
Size – I am getting SO BIG! I haven’t gained a ton of weight these last few weeks, but I sure feel like I have. My belly is a lot bigger, now measuring at 31.5 cm from pelvic bone to just below my rib cage. My boobs are taking over my life and I think my feet are even a little bigger… my wedding ring doesn’t fit anymore – but that’s OK. I can just wear it around my neck like Carrie from SATC I think my face looks completely different, but I received a compliment the other day from the lady who gave me my massage and she told me I look like the girl from “The Notebook” so that made me happy.
What I am wearing – Thank god for sisters! Kate gave me a pair of maternity pants that actually fit me and stay where they are supposed to, and they are comfy too. I have been sticking to cute clothes still as I know that I won’t fit into them much longer. It is warming up here a bit too, so I haven’t had to sport my wool coat as much which helps with the not feeling like a semi truck thing…
Strange stuff - Nothing much to report this week except that I feel awesome and am still loving every minute of my pregnancy – so maybe at this point that could be considered weird since most of the women I talk to look at me like I must be miserable. I’m not. I am happy and still laughing at myself.
Food cravings – water, grapefruit (even bought grapefruit scented lotion!), sub sandwiches, cookies, and chocolate cake
Status of belly button - outie
What I miss – energy, my cheekbones, normal bras, jeans that button, high heels, and my friends
In General:
Best movement this week - lots of nighttime somersaults
Most looking forward to – Conner’s baby shower is next week and I am so excited to see all my family and friends that are coming to Eau Claire to share it with me. I have a few cool ideas that I would like to incorporate, and I am really looking forward to spending time with all the women in my life that I love. I just hope I don’t hear a ton of stories on horrible births and nasty pregnancies!
Words to live by – ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS make sure that no matter where you go that there is a bathroom within walking distance of where you plan on spending time and ALWAYS use the bathroom before you leave the house – even if you think you don’t have to go. There is nothing worse than this time of year with all the potholes and icky roads and having to pee so bad you think you might cry. Trust me on this one…
Milestones – Oh man… Conner will be here in 9 weeks! I am so excited and scared and nervous and happy and trying to stay calm. People keep telling me “he could come now any time” or “you’ve dropped!” or “do you think you’re ready?”or my favorite “you’re huge!” – how exactly does one respond to these comments? With a polite smile and gritted teeth and a small prayer that he will come when he is ready and that’s all. I love though how when people see me they have so many questions! The checkout lady at Walgreens yesterday was all about telling me about her first child and how they found out it was a boy and her hospital experience… I was just buying mascara and I sure learned a lot. I love it though, people – “When are you due? Do you know the sex? What about the name?” It has been fun now that I am clearly pregnant and not just fat – I kind of like the attention.
Another week down and nine more to go… I cannot believe how fast this is all going. He will be here before I know it and I have no idea what that means! I know I will adapt though… I can feel it that I will. I am already so in love with Conner that I cannot even imagine how I will feel once I can hold him in my arms and sing the little songs that I have been making up for him. I have come very close to finishing the paintings for his room (I promise I will post pics soon) and the shower is already next weekend. We are so close to him coming home that I can actually picture myself feeding him or rocking him and I get all happy and glowy and calm.
Peace,
Pinner
Size - Conner is about 16 inches long and weighs apx. 3.5 pounds!
Activity – Conner has been really active mostly at night and after I eat. I can feel him all the time now, not just when I am sitting or lying down. His kicks are a lot stronger and he is all over the place, from my hips to my ribs – sometimes both places at once!
Labor signs – Not too much pain or discomfort this week. I am having an easier time moving around as I am getting more used to my size and random aches and pains. Not too many contractions, but I have been taking it pretty easy.
Conner is getting SO BIG! I can feel his body parts through my belly – I can tell the difference between his back and butt and feet and legs. He has been head down for this entire time, so I haven’t felt his head yet, but if he stays in that position forever, that would be fine with me. He can now turn his head back and forth and from side to side. His little arms and legs are becoming more and more chubby with baby fat and his little lungs are very close to being fully developed.
Me:
Size – I am getting SO BIG! I haven’t gained a ton of weight these last few weeks, but I sure feel like I have. My belly is a lot bigger, now measuring at 31.5 cm from pelvic bone to just below my rib cage. My boobs are taking over my life and I think my feet are even a little bigger… my wedding ring doesn’t fit anymore – but that’s OK. I can just wear it around my neck like Carrie from SATC I think my face looks completely different, but I received a compliment the other day from the lady who gave me my massage and she told me I look like the girl from “The Notebook” so that made me happy.
What I am wearing – Thank god for sisters! Kate gave me a pair of maternity pants that actually fit me and stay where they are supposed to, and they are comfy too. I have been sticking to cute clothes still as I know that I won’t fit into them much longer. It is warming up here a bit too, so I haven’t had to sport my wool coat as much which helps with the not feeling like a semi truck thing…
Strange stuff - Nothing much to report this week except that I feel awesome and am still loving every minute of my pregnancy – so maybe at this point that could be considered weird since most of the women I talk to look at me like I must be miserable. I’m not. I am happy and still laughing at myself.
Food cravings – water, grapefruit (even bought grapefruit scented lotion!), sub sandwiches, cookies, and chocolate cake
Status of belly button - outie
What I miss – energy, my cheekbones, normal bras, jeans that button, high heels, and my friends
In General:
Best movement this week - lots of nighttime somersaults
Most looking forward to – Conner’s baby shower is next week and I am so excited to see all my family and friends that are coming to Eau Claire to share it with me. I have a few cool ideas that I would like to incorporate, and I am really looking forward to spending time with all the women in my life that I love. I just hope I don’t hear a ton of stories on horrible births and nasty pregnancies!
Words to live by – ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS make sure that no matter where you go that there is a bathroom within walking distance of where you plan on spending time and ALWAYS use the bathroom before you leave the house – even if you think you don’t have to go. There is nothing worse than this time of year with all the potholes and icky roads and having to pee so bad you think you might cry. Trust me on this one…
Milestones – Oh man… Conner will be here in 9 weeks! I am so excited and scared and nervous and happy and trying to stay calm. People keep telling me “he could come now any time” or “you’ve dropped!” or “do you think you’re ready?”or my favorite “you’re huge!” – how exactly does one respond to these comments? With a polite smile and gritted teeth and a small prayer that he will come when he is ready and that’s all. I love though how when people see me they have so many questions! The checkout lady at Walgreens yesterday was all about telling me about her first child and how they found out it was a boy and her hospital experience… I was just buying mascara and I sure learned a lot. I love it though, people – “When are you due? Do you know the sex? What about the name?” It has been fun now that I am clearly pregnant and not just fat – I kind of like the attention.
Another week down and nine more to go… I cannot believe how fast this is all going. He will be here before I know it and I have no idea what that means! I know I will adapt though… I can feel it that I will. I am already so in love with Conner that I cannot even imagine how I will feel once I can hold him in my arms and sing the little songs that I have been making up for him. I have come very close to finishing the paintings for his room (I promise I will post pics soon) and the shower is already next weekend. We are so close to him coming home that I can actually picture myself feeding him or rocking him and I get all happy and glowy and calm.
Peace,
Pinner
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Preggo Update - Week 30!!!
Conner:
Size - Conner is about 16 inches long and weighs apx. 3 pounds!
Activity - Oh Conner... I love you. He is moving around a lot. I love just sitting in the bath watching him move around and playing "guess the body part" with his movements. I can feel that he is definitely head down which is good for both of us. I am starting to feel his toes tickle right below my ribcage and his hands and arms down by my pubic bone. It is nuts when he moves all his extremities at once - I feel movement all through my abdomen, it is awesome.
Labor signs - LOTS of contractions this week. It was a stressful week so that I thought may have had something to do with it. That and I am getting a lot bigger and things are becoming new to me again (just when I was getting used to the third trimester!) Nothing serious and most of them are either in the morning or when I wake up from sleep as Conner is most active while I am sleeping and I sometimes wake up to some pain in my belly from all his activity.
Conner is getting chubbier and cuter as we speak! He gained about 1/2 a pound this week and will continue at that rate, maybe a little less, until he is born. His eyes are continuing to develop as well as that brilliant brain. I have started my DHA supplements along with my prenatal regimen to support optimal brain and eye development from now through breastfeeding. I found a great website that ships straight to my house and for about half the cost of the drug store. Conner's sense of taste is now fully developed and now more than ever, what I eat so does he.
Me:
Size - I officially feel huge. It really depends on what mirror I look into though. Does anyone else have that? My bathroom mirror makes me look massive while the full length one inside my closet door makes me look at least proportionate. I have gained 28 pounds total so far this pregnancy and am well aware that I will be gaining more before I lose any. I have my sis to look up to though, she looks freaking fabulous and had Greyson nine months ago... there is hope for us all!
What I am wearing - Well, I broke down and went shopping. Damn Old Navy and their amazing sales. I received their flier via e-mail that said "HUGE Maternity SALE". Granted, I was a little put off that they used the words "huge" and "maternity" in the same tagline - jerks - but I got over it once I clicked. I went into the store with my sis and was able to get things that will fit me throughout the rest of my pregnancy. This made me happy. I also went through my closet and separated all the things that I can wear from all the things that I cannot. It was always so tough looking at all my clothes that barely cover my gigantic (fill in the blank). I am feeling good in my new clothes though... as long as I try not to look at myself from the side :)
Strange stuff - Well - the hand pain has come back. I am thinking maybe it has something to do with all the painting. I told Dave though that it was from folding laundry. We'll see how that one goes… I have morning sickness again, but it is very mild. I have to remember not to eat like a cavewoman who only sees food once a week and eat smaller meals more often. I feel like I have to pee all the time, but I don't and my face looks really "full" to me - like my nose grew or something. I miss my cheekbones! Anyway, I am sleeping better and my skin has cleared up - even looks better than it did before I was pregnant.
Food cravings - Soda, water, grapefruit, random chocolate items, and pasta.
Status of belly button - yup, it's an outie.
What I miss - sitting with my legs closed comfortably, sleeping on my back, wine, skinny thighs, painted toenails, talking about things other than being pregnant, spring, moving around without grunting, a clean house.
In General:
Best movement this week - toes poking my ribcage! I have been waiting for that...
Most looking forward to - Spring! I feel like February is like the "hump day" of months. You know January is going to be cold - that is a given - February is the middle month that gets you to March and March is hope. Hope that spring is around the corner and we can begin to look forward to warmth again! This spring will be amazing because Conner will be here and we can pick lilacs and walk through the cherry blossoms and do all that wonderful springtime stuff together.
Words to live by - Make yourself feel beautiful!!! This was important to me because I was starting to get kind of bummed about my appearance and realized that instead of sulking I should do something! I started prenatal yoga that I have to say is awesome, went to get a nice new haircut, had my eyebrows waxed, bought some new clothes, and scheduled myself for a massage. I figure that after Conner is born I won't have a lot of time for myself so I should take advantage now.
Milestones - We are in the single digits now! After Saturday we will have 9 weeks until Conner is here... To me that is completely crazy and it has so not sunk in yet, but I am excited. I finished my first birthing book without feeling petrified and have made some pretty concrete decisions on how I want Conner to come into this world.
Well, I feel pretty awesome in general. I have still maintained the ability to laugh at myself and stay really positive. I am trying to not complain about anything and embrace all that this pregnancy has to offer. I know that there are things that I am insecure about lurking in dark corners and I will deal with them as I come to them. Mostly I am feeling a little self conscious about my weight gain, but I just look in my skinny mirror and put on my size S tops that I bought to give me a little boost ;) Dave has been awesome and supportive and pretty much an all around perfect husband for me during all of this. He even averts his eyes or starts talking to me when a hot skinny girl comes up on the TV... I love him for that. My alphabet paintings are almost half way completed, I manage to read, work, take a nice long bath, yoga, and eat dinner with Dave every night - So I am staying busy. Life is good, weather is turning around, baby is healthy - couldn't ask for anything more...
Peace,
Pinner
Size - Conner is about 16 inches long and weighs apx. 3 pounds!
Activity - Oh Conner... I love you. He is moving around a lot. I love just sitting in the bath watching him move around and playing "guess the body part" with his movements. I can feel that he is definitely head down which is good for both of us. I am starting to feel his toes tickle right below my ribcage and his hands and arms down by my pubic bone. It is nuts when he moves all his extremities at once - I feel movement all through my abdomen, it is awesome.
Labor signs - LOTS of contractions this week. It was a stressful week so that I thought may have had something to do with it. That and I am getting a lot bigger and things are becoming new to me again (just when I was getting used to the third trimester!) Nothing serious and most of them are either in the morning or when I wake up from sleep as Conner is most active while I am sleeping and I sometimes wake up to some pain in my belly from all his activity.
Conner is getting chubbier and cuter as we speak! He gained about 1/2 a pound this week and will continue at that rate, maybe a little less, until he is born. His eyes are continuing to develop as well as that brilliant brain. I have started my DHA supplements along with my prenatal regimen to support optimal brain and eye development from now through breastfeeding. I found a great website that ships straight to my house and for about half the cost of the drug store. Conner's sense of taste is now fully developed and now more than ever, what I eat so does he.
Me:
Size - I officially feel huge. It really depends on what mirror I look into though. Does anyone else have that? My bathroom mirror makes me look massive while the full length one inside my closet door makes me look at least proportionate. I have gained 28 pounds total so far this pregnancy and am well aware that I will be gaining more before I lose any. I have my sis to look up to though, she looks freaking fabulous and had Greyson nine months ago... there is hope for us all!
What I am wearing - Well, I broke down and went shopping. Damn Old Navy and their amazing sales. I received their flier via e-mail that said "HUGE Maternity SALE". Granted, I was a little put off that they used the words "huge" and "maternity" in the same tagline - jerks - but I got over it once I clicked. I went into the store with my sis and was able to get things that will fit me throughout the rest of my pregnancy. This made me happy. I also went through my closet and separated all the things that I can wear from all the things that I cannot. It was always so tough looking at all my clothes that barely cover my gigantic (fill in the blank). I am feeling good in my new clothes though... as long as I try not to look at myself from the side :)
Strange stuff - Well - the hand pain has come back. I am thinking maybe it has something to do with all the painting. I told Dave though that it was from folding laundry. We'll see how that one goes… I have morning sickness again, but it is very mild. I have to remember not to eat like a cavewoman who only sees food once a week and eat smaller meals more often. I feel like I have to pee all the time, but I don't and my face looks really "full" to me - like my nose grew or something. I miss my cheekbones! Anyway, I am sleeping better and my skin has cleared up - even looks better than it did before I was pregnant.
Food cravings - Soda, water, grapefruit, random chocolate items, and pasta.
Status of belly button - yup, it's an outie.
What I miss - sitting with my legs closed comfortably, sleeping on my back, wine, skinny thighs, painted toenails, talking about things other than being pregnant, spring, moving around without grunting, a clean house.
In General:
Best movement this week - toes poking my ribcage! I have been waiting for that...
Most looking forward to - Spring! I feel like February is like the "hump day" of months. You know January is going to be cold - that is a given - February is the middle month that gets you to March and March is hope. Hope that spring is around the corner and we can begin to look forward to warmth again! This spring will be amazing because Conner will be here and we can pick lilacs and walk through the cherry blossoms and do all that wonderful springtime stuff together.
Words to live by - Make yourself feel beautiful!!! This was important to me because I was starting to get kind of bummed about my appearance and realized that instead of sulking I should do something! I started prenatal yoga that I have to say is awesome, went to get a nice new haircut, had my eyebrows waxed, bought some new clothes, and scheduled myself for a massage. I figure that after Conner is born I won't have a lot of time for myself so I should take advantage now.
Milestones - We are in the single digits now! After Saturday we will have 9 weeks until Conner is here... To me that is completely crazy and it has so not sunk in yet, but I am excited. I finished my first birthing book without feeling petrified and have made some pretty concrete decisions on how I want Conner to come into this world.
Well, I feel pretty awesome in general. I have still maintained the ability to laugh at myself and stay really positive. I am trying to not complain about anything and embrace all that this pregnancy has to offer. I know that there are things that I am insecure about lurking in dark corners and I will deal with them as I come to them. Mostly I am feeling a little self conscious about my weight gain, but I just look in my skinny mirror and put on my size S tops that I bought to give me a little boost ;) Dave has been awesome and supportive and pretty much an all around perfect husband for me during all of this. He even averts his eyes or starts talking to me when a hot skinny girl comes up on the TV... I love him for that. My alphabet paintings are almost half way completed, I manage to read, work, take a nice long bath, yoga, and eat dinner with Dave every night - So I am staying busy. Life is good, weather is turning around, baby is healthy - couldn't ask for anything more...
Peace,
Pinner
"G", "H", "I". and "J"!
So here are my next additions to Conner's nursury paintings! I am having way too much fun making these and they are coming together really nicely. I love how these four turned out... I especially love "G" - giraffes are my favorite animal and he was so fun to paint. Onto the next four for next week!
Peace,
Pin
Monday, February 1, 2010
Lucky Duck
The one thing I have learned to appreciate more so than anything else in my marriage is watching as my husband grows. Not in a childlike physical sense but more emotional and mature. We met when we were both 21. I fell hard for him. I loved everything about him - his smile, his humor, his smell, and the way he walked... I even remember sitting next to him in the car watching him drive and being so attracted to him. We were young and sexy and had worries that today seem so trivial and minute. We were both working unimportant jobs, jobs that allowed some slack. I had my own apartment and so we had our own little haven of privacy. It was the beginning of summer when we met and he was this guy who came out of nowhere and knocked me on my ass. I was not looking for him nor was he looking for me, but when it happened it was intense. I remember telling my mom about a month after we met that he was the man I was going to marry. I was shocked to hear myself say this because I had never thought about marriage before, ever. He was the one. He is the one.
We have had quite a ride. It has been normal by most standards. We have fought, made up, fought about the same things, and made up again. We have worked hard and we have slacked, broken promises and said things we wish we could take back... but we have also built. We have built this monument of "us" that could not ever be torn down and created history together that no one could ever erase. One of the most honest and cherished memories I have is my husband saying to me, "Baby, you sure piss me off sometimes and you make me mad as hell but I love you more than anything in this world and I would not be the same without you". It was so simple and so honest that I was at a total loss of words. That is the epitome of us. We have this uncanny ability to bug the crap out of each other but in the end we are so in love.
My husband has always been the practical one. He is the one that makes sense and I am the one sprinkling fairy dust on top of his practicality and making it pretty. He has adapted and accepted that this is the way it will be and I have adopted some of his common sense. He is a dreamer, one of my favorite qualities about him. He is always looking for ways to make things better, less squeaky - more polished. He takes on things that challenge him and finishes in his own time with this amazing understanding of something new. I have caught myself many times in the past few months in awe of him. I say the past few months on purpose because I have this heightened sense of reality now that we are starting a family and I am so much more appreciative of him and the things that he does. He can fix a car without getting mad, he can put on pair of hockey skates and after 10 years feel at home on the ice but still fall on his butt and laugh, he can look at our snow covered backyard and talk about exactly what he wants to plant in the spring, he can stay home with me on a Saturday night and talk about our plans for our son's nursery while I take a bath and fall asleep early. He can inspire me and he can make me want to be better. He has anchored me, makes me feel safe, and given me this life that I could never have imagined could be this good. All of these things that he can do haven't all come easily to him but he has mastered them and has evolved into this wonderful, strong, honest, happy, kind, and generous man.
I am going to tell him that I only wrote this to see if he reads my blog and he will laugh because he gets my sense of humor and he gets me... I am a lucky duck. I can only hope we are all this lucky...
Peace,
Pinner
We have had quite a ride. It has been normal by most standards. We have fought, made up, fought about the same things, and made up again. We have worked hard and we have slacked, broken promises and said things we wish we could take back... but we have also built. We have built this monument of "us" that could not ever be torn down and created history together that no one could ever erase. One of the most honest and cherished memories I have is my husband saying to me, "Baby, you sure piss me off sometimes and you make me mad as hell but I love you more than anything in this world and I would not be the same without you". It was so simple and so honest that I was at a total loss of words. That is the epitome of us. We have this uncanny ability to bug the crap out of each other but in the end we are so in love.
My husband has always been the practical one. He is the one that makes sense and I am the one sprinkling fairy dust on top of his practicality and making it pretty. He has adapted and accepted that this is the way it will be and I have adopted some of his common sense. He is a dreamer, one of my favorite qualities about him. He is always looking for ways to make things better, less squeaky - more polished. He takes on things that challenge him and finishes in his own time with this amazing understanding of something new. I have caught myself many times in the past few months in awe of him. I say the past few months on purpose because I have this heightened sense of reality now that we are starting a family and I am so much more appreciative of him and the things that he does. He can fix a car without getting mad, he can put on pair of hockey skates and after 10 years feel at home on the ice but still fall on his butt and laugh, he can look at our snow covered backyard and talk about exactly what he wants to plant in the spring, he can stay home with me on a Saturday night and talk about our plans for our son's nursery while I take a bath and fall asleep early. He can inspire me and he can make me want to be better. He has anchored me, makes me feel safe, and given me this life that I could never have imagined could be this good. All of these things that he can do haven't all come easily to him but he has mastered them and has evolved into this wonderful, strong, honest, happy, kind, and generous man.
I am going to tell him that I only wrote this to see if he reads my blog and he will laugh because he gets my sense of humor and he gets me... I am a lucky duck. I can only hope we are all this lucky...
Peace,
Pinner
Sunday, January 31, 2010
"C", "D", "E", and "F"!
Peace,
Pinner
Preggo Update - Week 29
Conner:
Size - Conner is about 15.5 inches long and weighs apx. 2 pounds 9 ounces!
Activity - I am totally feeling every movement now. It is so constant and I can't help but think how strange it will be after he gets here and I won't feel him anymore. He is my tiny dancer and gymnast and kick boxer all in one. He is most active at night and late afternoon. He still does somersaults when I eat grapefruit and gets the hiccups quite often for short periods of time.
Labor signs - A few more contractions this week. I have been more active myself because I am starting to panic a little about the third trimester exhaustion and trying to get things done around the house. They are a little more intense and I can feel them coming. Never are they more than one or two an hour, so I have nothing to worry about.
Conner's brain is continuing to develop rapidly. My midwife says that he is head down, so he has completed that journey. His lungs are now close to fully developed, his bones are making his red blood cells all by themselves, and he can regulate his own body temperature. Conner is still growing every day and continues to build fat under his skin.
Me:
Size - I am feeling good about my size. I have not gained any weight in the last two weeks, but I am sure that is about to change quickly.
What I am wearing -Same as last week. Trying to rock the accessories and cute bags and try to be more confident about my style. I have a lot of clothes that I cannot wear but all my jewelry and scarves can be flaunted! I need new shoes as the ones I have been wearing religiously for the last 2+ years are wearing thin... but I am not looking forward to shoe shopping at all.
Strange stuff - Crazy dreams are really getting to me. Because I wake up so often I am in REM sleep more and tend to remember my dreams. I have had a few doozies -I will spare you - but nothing awful. I have tons of back pain now and can barely bend over towards the end of the night, but sleep seems to cure me. The swelling in my hands is a lot better (Thank you grapefruit!!!) and I can still wear my rings. Oh, and everyone smiles at me! I like it but I am not used to it.
Food cravings - Pepsi, fruit, cookies, and sub sandwiches.
Status of belly button - almost an outie!
What I miss - skinny days, only having one chin, being able to bend over, jeans that button, wine, summer, my less puffy self, and sleeping a full night without waking up.
In General:
Best movement this week - a dance party in my belly at 2am last night
Most looking forward to - SUMMER! I am craving it. I cannot wait to take Conner everywhere and enjoy all the things I love the most with him. Grill outs, our backyard, the farmers market, music on the park, long sunset walks through the neighborhood, gardening, all that stuff that makes us feel complete will be so much better with our son.
Words to live by - Don't complain. Just don't do it. Everything that is going on with me physically, emotionally, and mentally is good... It does not need to be scary or painful, or sad. Everything can be funny and exciting and wonderful. Staying positive is the most important thing to remember through this journey.
Milestones - Hitting that 8th month that I thought would never come - that I thought only happened to other people and not me. It is here and it is wonderful. I am so loving this!
Dave and I talk all the time about how things will be... what our plans are, what we want to work on, how we want to spend our time. We have become this huge heart that together and only together beats. We have the same passions and concerns and fears. We have the same dreams. He said to me the other night that he wants to have "German nights" once a week where we speak only German and explore the culture. Things like that we both talk about and it creates this excitement and love between us and for our child. This is what it is about, I have learned. It is not about the fancy stroller or the trendy onsies or the deluxe crib - it is about being a family that loves each other and creates a feeling that no other place in the world could. It is about feeling confident and loved and secure and safe. It is about falling asleep at night knowing that the people that share your home with you are a piece of your life that would cause you to die inside if you were without...
Peace,
Pinner
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Preggo Update - Week 28
Conner:
Size - Conner is about 15 inches long and weighs apx. 2.2 pounds!
Activity - I am feeling much more powerful movements. These last few days I can really tell how he is positioned. Lots of hiccups!
Labor signs - I very rarely feel the Braxton Hicks anymore. I get one maybe once a day if that. I haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary at all.
Conner's brain is developing rapidly. The peaks and valleys found in a newborn-adult's brain are starting to form this week and more hair will start to grow on his little head. At this point Conner is putting on weight and allowing his brain to develop as much as possible before birth. He is also making his way down for proper birth positioning.
Me:
Size - Well, I am really starting to feel the weight gain. I bought a pair of super cute black maternity pants right before Christmas and they are a little snug. I can still fit into most things and I am not worried. I know it is temporary and the little bit of weight gain is not making me feel awful. I know it is good for Conner and healthy for me.
What I am wearing -Trying to work the accessories this week... Most of my clothes are plain and non pattered - best friend to a lady trying to appear less than she is ;) I have a great collection of scarves, earrings, rings, and bags that compliment all my plain jane tees and jeans. I have even been painting my nails!
Strange stuff - hmmmmmmm... well, the strangest thing this week has been little kicks to what feels like a kidney. It sometimes takes my breath away. I am laughing at myself a lot because there is so much that I used to be able to do that I have to actually think about now. The biggest one is getting in and out of the bath. It is hilarious. I will spare you the details, but I always have the "Humpty Dumpty" nursery rhyme stuck in my head when I am in there. I am very calm lately. I cry a lot for many reasons, some lame, but it feels good to get the emotion out.
Food cravings - Cookies, fresh veggies, fruit, and water - lots and lots of water
Status of belly button - almost an outie!
What I miss - high heels, moving around in bed without grunting like an old man, wine, and spring
In General:
Best movement this week - a few kicks to my side area, hiccups, and lots of rolls
Most looking forward to - Getting the nursery completed and gardening with my son
Words to live by - Do not, I repeat - DO NOT go to the grocery store 7 months pregnant and hungry. You will come home with chips, 2 types of cookies, random cheeses and veggies, donuts, and completely forget the milk.
Milestones - Talking to Dave about our birth plan and making decisions together
I am starting to really feel everything. It is like my senses are all on overdrive and everything smells and tastes and feels amazing. I feel energetic, beautiful, happy, blessed, and thankful. I am not scared, and that to me is the most important thing. If I can keep that up, I feel that things will go smoothly and I will be confidant and calm. I am staying away from the negative. The only thing that bothers me are people telling me what my experience is going to be before I have experienced it. This happens mostly with older people and people that have had children before and had bad experiences. I just wish that they would keep those things to themselves and allow me my own chance to create my own story. Good rule of thumb to live by - only share if you have been asked... a scared pregnant woman is not a pretty sight...
Peace,
- Pinner
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
To Doula or Not to Doula... This is My Question
I have been doing a lot of research the past two weeks as my son's birthday quickly approaches. He is due in three months this Friday and I want to know everything there is to know about the birthing process. I have bought some great books, have joined groups on Facebook and Twitter geared towards soon to be moms, and I have been doing a ton of internet research. It can be a bit baffling out there with all the contradictory and biased information but there seems to be a few strong points that shine through all the junk. Of those points the ones that I am most interested in are a natural drug free water birth and hiring a doula. Because of my insurance and decisions that were made before I had truly educated myself, I am having Conner in a hospital and from what I understand I have quite a bit of freedom to choose how I want to birth my son.
I am so new to all of this and I am just beginning to make decisions, I feel I need to make sure that I am on the right track with asking for what I want. From what I have read a doula is an extension of me during my son's birth. She will make sure that my needs are communicated to the medical staff, that I am getting the treatment I need, that I understand the process, and that Conner is born in the most natural way possible I have also learned that having a doula present created a much healthier and safer environment because the chance of induction, C-section, tearing, use of narcotics and epidurals, and use of forceps and vacuums goes way down. I was surprised though to see that there was only one practicing doula in my entire area. I live in a pretty decent sized city in Wisconsin and expected to see quite a few pop up in my searches. Regardless, it seems that she would be an awesome addition to "Team Conner".
I guess what I am stuck on is whether or not I can do it by myself. I have read many stories of successful hospital water births with doulas as well as without. I am torn because again I want to make sure that if I do hire her it is the best possible decision. I am a little scared of the entire process and I am one of those people that can only ease the stress with information and research. So I am asking any of you - what were your birth experiences and did you hire a doula? What were your thoughts on the process? What would you have done differently? I would love to hear what you have to say...
Peace,
-Pin
I am so new to all of this and I am just beginning to make decisions, I feel I need to make sure that I am on the right track with asking for what I want. From what I have read a doula is an extension of me during my son's birth. She will make sure that my needs are communicated to the medical staff, that I am getting the treatment I need, that I understand the process, and that Conner is born in the most natural way possible I have also learned that having a doula present created a much healthier and safer environment because the chance of induction, C-section, tearing, use of narcotics and epidurals, and use of forceps and vacuums goes way down. I was surprised though to see that there was only one practicing doula in my entire area. I live in a pretty decent sized city in Wisconsin and expected to see quite a few pop up in my searches. Regardless, it seems that she would be an awesome addition to "Team Conner".
I guess what I am stuck on is whether or not I can do it by myself. I have read many stories of successful hospital water births with doulas as well as without. I am torn because again I want to make sure that if I do hire her it is the best possible decision. I am a little scared of the entire process and I am one of those people that can only ease the stress with information and research. So I am asking any of you - what were your birth experiences and did you hire a doula? What were your thoughts on the process? What would you have done differently? I would love to hear what you have to say...
Peace,
-Pin
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Preggo Update - Week 27
Conner:
Size - about 14.5 inches long and about 2 pounds
Activity - Conner is moving a lot more this week. I can feel him more often than not during the day and I felt some pretty powerful movements yesterday. I am pretty sure that he did a somersault in there.
Labor signs - I am really not feeling any contractions at all. The only thing I noticed this week was a strange sharp pain in my lower abdomen. I am thinking that is ligament or growing pains. I have been a little less active this week due to not feeling well, so maybe that explains the lack of Braxton Hicks.
Conner's sleep cycles are much more apparent to me now. I can count on when he will be awake and moving and when he will be out like a light. He is now actively opening and closing his eyes, his retinas are maturing, he is sucking his thumb, and his brain is becoming much more active. I am also feeling his hiccups! I have been waiting for that ;)
Me:
Size - Thank god for Old Navy and their huge sale this weekend... oh and for curl enhancing spray. I have been getting a little uncomfortable, but with a few new roomier tops and being able to completely neglect my flat iron I am embracing my natural look - I think I am rockin it :) I haven't gained any weight this week and I am right on track for average weight gain for my pregnancy.
What I am wearing - Maternity pants? Check... warm socks? Check... wedding ring on chain hanging around neck? (Fingers are SO swollen) Check... Some cute accessories to accent boring maternity tops? Check... good to go!
Strange stuff - I am still waking up a lot during the night but I am having a much easier time falling asleep. I have had the flu again for the third time during my pregnancy this week but am feeling better. I asked about that and apparently it is normal as my immune system is on overdrive due to the baby and I am more susceptible to viruses. I am trying to take it easy and drink lots of fluids. I was given a prescription for Tamaflu and was really thrown off by the price - 95.00 for 10 pills... and that was with insurance. I opted to not take it as I have successfully battled the flu twice already and the drug was a level C which means it penetrates the placenta - no thanks. Other than that, I really have no complaints at all... I am really still loving being pregnant.
Food cravings - fruit, cookies, french silk pie, grapefruit juice, and steak.
Status of belly button - almost an outie!
What I miss - bending over, sleeping on my back, my less puffy self, and energy
In General:
Best movement this week - Some serious somersaults and hiccups!
Most looking forward to - Dressing Conner in the outfits daddy got for him.
Words to live by - Always call your health care provider if there are any worries. I am so glad I did and that I didn't sit and worry. Even though I was terrified, all my fears were squashed by an awesome medical staff and a really really really great, calm, encouraging husband.
Milestones - First time ever in the hospital this week :( not really a good one, but it is something I'll never forget.
Man this is flying by. I finished the baby shower invites today and will be mailing those out Tuesday. I am starting to see my Midwives bi-weekly now and am well into my third trimester. I remember thinking last August when I first found out I was pregnant how far away January seemed, and now the month is half gone. I am starting to feel the pressure of getting everything ready but when I take a step back I realize that we are really pretty prepared (as prepared as new parents could ever be at this point) and we can relax and just wait. I am starting to do my research on birthing options and am educating myself so my confidence is high when the day comes. I am loving this stage of my pregnancy... I am happy and super emotional and excited and so in love with Conner and Dave has been more than amazing (even as I write this I am tearing up... oh jeez, oh jeez) I could not feel better if I tried. I love my life...
Peace,
- Pinner
Size - about 14.5 inches long and about 2 pounds
Activity - Conner is moving a lot more this week. I can feel him more often than not during the day and I felt some pretty powerful movements yesterday. I am pretty sure that he did a somersault in there.
Labor signs - I am really not feeling any contractions at all. The only thing I noticed this week was a strange sharp pain in my lower abdomen. I am thinking that is ligament or growing pains. I have been a little less active this week due to not feeling well, so maybe that explains the lack of Braxton Hicks.
Conner's sleep cycles are much more apparent to me now. I can count on when he will be awake and moving and when he will be out like a light. He is now actively opening and closing his eyes, his retinas are maturing, he is sucking his thumb, and his brain is becoming much more active. I am also feeling his hiccups! I have been waiting for that ;)
Me:
Size - Thank god for Old Navy and their huge sale this weekend... oh and for curl enhancing spray. I have been getting a little uncomfortable, but with a few new roomier tops and being able to completely neglect my flat iron I am embracing my natural look - I think I am rockin it :) I haven't gained any weight this week and I am right on track for average weight gain for my pregnancy.
What I am wearing - Maternity pants? Check... warm socks? Check... wedding ring on chain hanging around neck? (Fingers are SO swollen) Check... Some cute accessories to accent boring maternity tops? Check... good to go!
Strange stuff - I am still waking up a lot during the night but I am having a much easier time falling asleep. I have had the flu again for the third time during my pregnancy this week but am feeling better. I asked about that and apparently it is normal as my immune system is on overdrive due to the baby and I am more susceptible to viruses. I am trying to take it easy and drink lots of fluids. I was given a prescription for Tamaflu and was really thrown off by the price - 95.00 for 10 pills... and that was with insurance. I opted to not take it as I have successfully battled the flu twice already and the drug was a level C which means it penetrates the placenta - no thanks. Other than that, I really have no complaints at all... I am really still loving being pregnant.
Food cravings - fruit, cookies, french silk pie, grapefruit juice, and steak.
Status of belly button - almost an outie!
What I miss - bending over, sleeping on my back, my less puffy self, and energy
In General:
Best movement this week - Some serious somersaults and hiccups!
Most looking forward to - Dressing Conner in the outfits daddy got for him.
Words to live by - Always call your health care provider if there are any worries. I am so glad I did and that I didn't sit and worry. Even though I was terrified, all my fears were squashed by an awesome medical staff and a really really really great, calm, encouraging husband.
Milestones - First time ever in the hospital this week :( not really a good one, but it is something I'll never forget.
Man this is flying by. I finished the baby shower invites today and will be mailing those out Tuesday. I am starting to see my Midwives bi-weekly now and am well into my third trimester. I remember thinking last August when I first found out I was pregnant how far away January seemed, and now the month is half gone. I am starting to feel the pressure of getting everything ready but when I take a step back I realize that we are really pretty prepared (as prepared as new parents could ever be at this point) and we can relax and just wait. I am starting to do my research on birthing options and am educating myself so my confidence is high when the day comes. I am loving this stage of my pregnancy... I am happy and super emotional and excited and so in love with Conner and Dave has been more than amazing (even as I write this I am tearing up... oh jeez, oh jeez) I could not feel better if I tried. I love my life...
Peace,
- Pinner
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
B is for Bear
Peace and goodnight...
- Pin
Sunday, January 10, 2010
A is for Alligator!
YAY! I finally finished my first painting for Conner's room! Only 25 more to go... this one took me about three hours but I love how it turned out. I just used a 12x12 stretched canvas, acrylic paint, some cute pics found online for inspiration, and wooden letters.
I painted all 26 canvases alternating colors (orange, brown, beige, yellow, red, blue, etc...). Then free handing the pics of animals for each canvas. I found the wooden letters at Michaels for about $1.29 each and painted those as well. I thought the floating letter would add a little texture and depth to the paintings.
Hopefully these will be completed before he gets here... 3 hours x 25 paintings = 75 hours of painting! Here's to determination!
It was really fun painting this one... Conner has been really active tonight and I was home alone listening to the "Kate Nash" station on LastFM.com. I was singing along and all smiley and happy the whole time. Dave was off watching the Packer game with his buddies and so it was just me, the dogs and Conner. I was having these fantasies the whole time of my son asking about all the paintings and learning the alphabet a ridiculously young age because he had been exposed to it since birth... then I fantasized that he asked me as a father-to-be himself if he could have them for his unborn child's nursery. It was kind of cool to just sit and be creative and let my mind go wherever it pleased. It was really important to me as an artist to incorporate something that I had made into his nursery and have that something be educational and inspiring. I hope I hit the jackpot with this idea!
So, what are some things that you have done for your kids? Please share your ideas and pics and experiences, I would love to hear what you have all come up with...
Peace!
-Pin
Preggo Update - Week 26
One more week down!!!
Conner:
Size - about 14 inches long and about 2 pounds
Activity - Our little squirt is super active and kicks about once every 10 seconds. He is getting higher and is starting to turn from breech to a transverse position.
Labor signs - Most contractions are happening at night and are less often. They are getting a little stronger, but mostly feel like a pressure or tightening below my belly button.
This week Conner is very active. His eyes are beginning to open and close and he is beginning to make breathing movements. He is sucking his thumb which calms him and strengthens his jaw and mouth muscles. He is responding to me too. When I gently push on my belly, he will kick back. He also responds to my voice and loves the shower. I am starting to notice more of a routine with him. He is quiet in the mornings and evenings and is most active in the afternoons and late nights. He also LOVES music. I sing to him and he moves around in there like crazy. He is my tiny dancer...
Me:
Size - I feel better now than I have in a few weeks. My hair is thicker and my belly is bigger but still in it's cute stage. I feel beautiful and look pretty pregnant. I even received my first "stranger compliment" today.
What I am wearing - Still sporting my sexy maternity pants, but have begun to feel more confortable in my maternity tops that are beginning to fit better now. Instead of hanging on me, they are complimenting my growing belly.
Strange stuff - I am awake about every 2-3 hours in the night. I have had to make huge efforts to fall and stay asleep. Because I am up so often in the night, I am very tired through the day. Excercise and hot baths have been helping. I think I am also going to try earplugs...
Food cravings - grapefruit, potato chips, and lunchmeat - oh and sorbet
Status of belly button - on it's way to becoming an outie
What I miss - still missing sleeping on my tummy and I had an intense craving for grapefruit vodka and tonic (with a dash of lime) mmmmmmmmm...
In General:
Best movement this week - felt his butt stick out by my belly button and felt him roll over completely.
Most looking forward to - getting his nursury finished and spring
Words to live by - Allowing my husband to help me. He is so willing and I have been stubborn, but when I did it put me in a better mood and he did an awesome job. (We cleaned the house together...)
Milestones - Watching my belly move when he moves.
Well, we are one more week closer to meeting our son. This week was huge because we were able to see him move and really feel him. We also made our plans for lamaze and my family and I began to plan the shower. Things are really begining to feel real and exciting. This year is going to be so amazing...
-Pin
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The Roots are Just as Important as the Flower
I remember being a little kid and my grandmother from my mother's side stayed with us for quite awhile. She would wake up early and sit in the rocking chair that my father made her and watch us get ready for school. When we would get home there was almost always a warm batch of fresh german rye bread made from scratch by a recipe that she had memorized. She was fluent in "old German" and we would sit and talk back and forth as we were learning the language in school. My grandmother made her own noodles, made magnificent quilts, and made almost everything she wore by her own hand. I look back on that now and admire that she was able to do all of those things. I want to someday be able to teach my children the importance of these things and where they come from.
My husband made a short list for the new year too. The number one thing on his list is learning a new language. He has a dream that he, Conner, and I will someday become fluent in German and travel to Germany able to communicate with the locals and appriciate the culture. I am three quarters German and Dave is about a quarter German. I am a third generation American and would love to learn where my family came from. We would love for our son to grow up learning two languages and to go on in life understanding his roots and the culture from which he was raised. Being in the United States I think we tend to let go a bit of our traditions and fall into the melting pot. I have always thought it was sad that our different cultures blend and with each generation the line becomes more and more blurred between who our families were and who they are now. We want to change that in our family by bringing back some of the traditions that our great grandparents celebrated and a huge part of that, we believe, is the language.
So with that I want to ask my readers if you have integrated a second language into your families and if so, how did it work for you. Do you follow any traditions from your ethnicity and culture that differ from the mainstream American? Do you think that your children understand and value the things that you are teaching them? Please share with me your thoughts and practices.
Peace,
Pin
My husband made a short list for the new year too. The number one thing on his list is learning a new language. He has a dream that he, Conner, and I will someday become fluent in German and travel to Germany able to communicate with the locals and appriciate the culture. I am three quarters German and Dave is about a quarter German. I am a third generation American and would love to learn where my family came from. We would love for our son to grow up learning two languages and to go on in life understanding his roots and the culture from which he was raised. Being in the United States I think we tend to let go a bit of our traditions and fall into the melting pot. I have always thought it was sad that our different cultures blend and with each generation the line becomes more and more blurred between who our families were and who they are now. We want to change that in our family by bringing back some of the traditions that our great grandparents celebrated and a huge part of that, we believe, is the language.
So with that I want to ask my readers if you have integrated a second language into your families and if so, how did it work for you. Do you follow any traditions from your ethnicity and culture that differ from the mainstream American? Do you think that your children understand and value the things that you are teaching them? Please share with me your thoughts and practices.
Peace,
Pin
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