(Gosh, it's been a month already! I've been so busy with the little man that I haven't had much time to sit down and write anything and now that I actually have a minute I honestly can't remember all that I wanted to say. I'll try my best to give a quick update before he wakes up again...)
New stats:
Landon is now 5 1/2 weeks old and growing fast! He weighed in earlier this week at 9 lb, 11oz and 21.5 inches long. At birth he was announced at 7 lb and 20 oz but when he was re-weighed and measured at 3 days old he was down to 6 lb 6 oz (including his cast at the time) and they more accurately measured him at 18.75 inches. He was in premie clothes just a couple weeks ago and today i have him in an outfit that is labeled 3 months!
Leg update:
Landon's leg is doing great! He has an ultrasound on his hip July 1st and a follow up with his specialist that same day. He's been allowed to have the brace off for a few hours each day which really helped his knee get stronger to the point that all the swelling is gone and you can't tell any difference between the two now.
We are hoping for some good news after the ultrasound that he will be done with the brace altogether. Originally the specialist told us to expect 3 months before his hip was ready to be done with the brace, but he's getting checked at 6 weeks. I really think that he's ready to be out of it full-time but we'll see.
Behavior/General:
Landon is a sweet baby and cute as can be! but he has had a few bumps along the way.... His jaundice has completely cleared now. His bout with constipation at 3to4 weeks is all better now. He has given us a hard time with his sleep habits but about a week ago started giving us at least a 3-4 hour break in the late evening. Over the past few days he has been doing even better with a 4-5 hour sleep, followed by a 2-3 hour stretch immediately after which means the nights are getting much easier. I hope he keeps it up.
He WAS having a really hard time napping during the day until today. I started him on a new scheduling regime/routine this moring and so far he has been doing great and napping well all day. Yesterday and the few days before that was horrible. He barely slept at all during the day and was constantly feeding with only 15 minute breaks inbetween and was very cranky.
I'm hoping he still sleeps well tonight and continues to do better during the days with this new schedule! Then he will be the perfect baby!
Visitors:
My mom, sister, and niece were here visit a few weeks ago now. Jason's dad will be here in July, and his mom will be here in August (possibly Jason's brother and his fiance too). We're looking forward to seeing everyone that can make it!
In October, Landon and I are planning a visit to Georgia to see some family there. My mom, sister, brother and their familes will also be meeting me there. Jason might be able to join us depending on work at that time. Can't wait!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
You know you're a new mommy when...
You know you're a new mommy when your google search bar says "orange poop."
You know you're a new mommy when you check to see if your baby is breathing when he/she sleeps for more than an hour.
You know you're a new mommy when three hours of consecutive sleep feels like enough.
You know you're a new mommy when you have foreign substances on your shirt and you don't know or care if it's poop, spit up, breast milk, or the applesauce you spilled on yourself while squeezing a meal for yourself in.
You know you're a new mommy when you celebrate being able to wear pants with a zipper and button.
You know you're a new mommy when taking a shower is a highlight in your day. (or you know you're a new mommy when you can't remember the last time you took a shower. or you know you're a new mommy when you aren't sure if that smell is coming from you or the dog because it's been awhile since you had a few minutes to even think about taking a shower).
You know you're a new mommy when you check to see if your baby is breathing when he/she sleeps for more than an hour.
You know you're a new mommy when three hours of consecutive sleep feels like enough.
You know you're a new mommy when you have foreign substances on your shirt and you don't know or care if it's poop, spit up, breast milk, or the applesauce you spilled on yourself while squeezing a meal for yourself in.
You know you're a new mommy when you celebrate being able to wear pants with a zipper and button.
You know you're a new mommy when taking a shower is a highlight in your day. (or you know you're a new mommy when you can't remember the last time you took a shower. or you know you're a new mommy when you aren't sure if that smell is coming from you or the dog because it's been awhile since you had a few minutes to even think about taking a shower).
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
doctors offices, labs, specialists, oh my.
I find myself wondering is it just because he's mine, or is he an exceptionally good looking baby? :)
Landon's first week has been filled with many doctor's visits. He had his first pediatrician visit on Friday where he checked out well other than the jaundice (which we already were aware of from the hospital). Our pediatrician did order that we have his bilirubin levels checked though, just to make sure they weren't dangerously high. After another stop at the lab and having to wait for the weekend to be over, they came back borderline (12.3) but pediatrician wasn't concerned and did a follow up exam this morning to see if he was gaining weight and how he looked. She thought maybe he looked more yellow, but I think he looks the same, if not better today. And he did start gaining weight back- 5 oz since Friday. Friday he was down from 7lbs at birth to 6lbs 6 oz and today back to 6lbs 11oz. We have our 2nd screen blood work ordered for tomorrow so we are back to the lab for that and getting his bilirubin levels checked again at the same time just to make sure they haven't gone up.
Also, today we had the follow-up with his orthopedic specialist. She removed his cast and was happy with his knee already. She told us today that her original plan was to probably have to recast him for 2-3 weeks but she was so happy with the results of just one week that she went ahead and got him out of the cast completely and put him into his brace for the hip dysplasia. She says it normally takes 3 months for the brace to do it's job but we are determined that our little guy will prove her wrong. He has been already....and his hip is feeling better than it was on day one just from having the weight of the cast holding it in position this past week. We have a follow up in 10 days to readjust the position of the brace and will continue to see the specialist regularly to adjust and reaccess his progress.
Landon's first week has been filled with many doctor's visits. He had his first pediatrician visit on Friday where he checked out well other than the jaundice (which we already were aware of from the hospital). Our pediatrician did order that we have his bilirubin levels checked though, just to make sure they weren't dangerously high. After another stop at the lab and having to wait for the weekend to be over, they came back borderline (12.3) but pediatrician wasn't concerned and did a follow up exam this morning to see if he was gaining weight and how he looked. She thought maybe he looked more yellow, but I think he looks the same, if not better today. And he did start gaining weight back- 5 oz since Friday. Friday he was down from 7lbs at birth to 6lbs 6 oz and today back to 6lbs 11oz. We have our 2nd screen blood work ordered for tomorrow so we are back to the lab for that and getting his bilirubin levels checked again at the same time just to make sure they haven't gone up.
Also, today we had the follow-up with his orthopedic specialist. She removed his cast and was happy with his knee already. She told us today that her original plan was to probably have to recast him for 2-3 weeks but she was so happy with the results of just one week that she went ahead and got him out of the cast completely and put him into his brace for the hip dysplasia. She says it normally takes 3 months for the brace to do it's job but we are determined that our little guy will prove her wrong. He has been already....and his hip is feeling better than it was on day one just from having the weight of the cast holding it in position this past week. We have a follow up in 10 days to readjust the position of the brace and will continue to see the specialist regularly to adjust and reaccess his progress.The brace is called a Pavlik Harness and looks pretty intrusive but isn't too bad really. My mom says "it looks so big on him!" but the truth is, everything looks big on him. He's teeny tiny!
He is able to move around pretty normally and seems pretty comfy actually. It just holds his legs out to the side in what I call a "froggy" position (and what the specialist calls, "man style"). He has to keep it on at all times so we won't be doing much as far as changing his outfits. He'll have a onesie underneath and we'll try to find him some sleep sack outfits that fit over everything. Landon has been wearing nothing but the brace and a diaper since we left the office today and it doesn't seem to phase him at all. His umbilical cord came off today so we ARE going to slip him out of it tonight to give him his inaugural first dunk in the tub. Hoping that this time next month he'll be showing so much progress that we're talking about taking it off sooner.
He is able to move around pretty normally and seems pretty comfy actually. It just holds his legs out to the side in what I call a "froggy" position (and what the specialist calls, "man style"). He has to keep it on at all times so we won't be doing much as far as changing his outfits. He'll have a onesie underneath and we'll try to find him some sleep sack outfits that fit over everything. Landon has been wearing nothing but the brace and a diaper since we left the office today and it doesn't seem to phase him at all. His umbilical cord came off today so we ARE going to slip him out of it tonight to give him his inaugural first dunk in the tub. Hoping that this time next month he'll be showing so much progress that we're talking about taking it off sooner.
It's been trying at times with just the cast, and the brace is going to test our patience at diaper changing time as well, but we'll deal with it all as much as we need to if it means he'll be 100% in the future.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Perfectly Perfect Tailor Made "Suit"
Landon is here! After starting contractions at 3am yesterday morning that continued until my doctors appointment at 9am, where we found out I was dilated 2cm and 80% effaces, my doctor decided to strip my membranes (meaning, thin out the little "cork" that was keeping my water from breaking, and thus helping my labor progress a little easier/quicker). Well, it helped my labor get more painful and some other nasty stuff but when I went back to the hospital around 1pm, I was only 2 cm still. I was put on the monitors and just when I thought the nurses were going to tell me to go home and tough out the pain I had been enduring since 3am, Landon decided to look '"sleepy" (inactive) enough that they admitted me and broke my water! woo hoo!.... well, I was still only at 3 cm and 90% effaced at that point, but my contractions definitely got more painful once the water was broke. So much so that it wasn't long before I was sending Jason to find the nurse and get the epidural. People talk about how painful getting an epidural can be and quite honestly, I was so numb from the pain of the contractions that I didn't even feel them putting something straight into my spine. I still wasn't progressing past 3cm and of course the epidural probably wasn't helping, so doc decided to start pitocin at 8:15pm. I warned them that I thought I'd go pretty fast once the pitocin was started... they might have doubted me but by 9 I was up to 5cm and by 10:15 when the on call doctor came in to introduce himself and check me, I was fully dilated and ready to push. With numb legs and no pain, it took a few contractions, handful of hard pushes, and about 30 minutes later, at 10:51pm 05/18/10, Landon James Gouin arrived.
Also, just wanted to fill everyone in on Landon's hip/knee issue. When he was born his umbilical cord was wrapped around his left leg pinning it up and to the side of his body, his cord was also pretty short so he didn't have a whole lot of wiggle room with it either. It caused his knee to be hyperextended and also for his hip to be a little displaced. After talking to the orthopedic specialist today, neither issue (knee or hip) look like they will cause Landon any permanent issue. He did have a cast put on today to help the knee. In a week he will have that removed and then will be using what's called a Pavlik brace for a couple months to fix his hip. Doc said he is like a really really good suit with a little wrinkle. So we're just going to iron out the little wrinkle. Everything looks like it's there and it's not a malformation- it's most likely just from the position he was in for so long. Jason and I spent most of our first night as parents learning what it's like to worry about your child but were relieved once we spoke with the specialist today. Only downside to the brace is that he might not be able to wear some of the cute clothes everyone sent him (at first anyway) but small price to pay to have the most perfect "really really good suit" baby in the world (in my opinion of course). We are so blessed and completely in love!
Can't wait for everyone to meet our bundle in person!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
All Systems Go
I read an article recently entitled "You know You're In The 9th Month When..." It had some pretty good points listed and got me thinking about some of my own too. Here's a compilation of the two...
-You know you're in the 9th month when you are feeling extra irritable. You are annoyed and frustrated by every little thing that normally wouldn't bother you. Check! For me, this was first realized when all of a sudden I couldn't even stand the 5y/o kid I nanny for sitting close to me, hugging me, or even speaking some days. (lucky for the kid, I may have been irritable but I have good self control).
-You know you're in the 9th month when you drop something on the floor and take 2 minutes contemplating whether or not you really need to pick that up.
-You know you're in the 9th month when you find yourself staring in the mirror, talking to yourself, really really trying to believe those stretch marks are going to fade away.
-You know you're in the 9th month when you get to the top of the stairs and you have a feeling of accomplishment- so much so that a vision of reaching the summit at Mt. Everest plays through your head (...you're so out of breath you feel like you are at 29,000ft...).
-You know you're in the 9th month when you find yourself laying on the baby's room floor face down in crazy yoga positions at 4 am trying to relieve the pevlic pain that's been keeping you up all night.
(Another little known pregnancy reality: when bebe settles down into your pelvis preparing for the grand entrance, the pain felt in your pelvic joints may make you wonder if this is some type of cruel karma pay-back punishment for yanking Barbie's legs out of the sockets as a child.)
-You know you're in the 9th month when you continue sitting next to an annoying overly friendly talker at Starbucks for an entire 20 minutes because it takes you that long to find the will power to pull yourself (+bump) up and move.
We are definitely in the 9th month! Landon is due sometime the first week of June... however, there's been some developments going on that have me and Jason believing he's going to be one, if not two, weeks early. This feeling was confirmed (un-influenced) yesterday at my doc visit. I say uninfluenced because I have purposely not been telling my doctor anything about my feeling of an early deliver because I didn't want to influence her opinion. After my exam tuesday, we found out I'm 1cm dialated and about 50% effaced.
Now I'm feeling increasing pelvic pain (as mentioned above) from Landon's head being engaged in the pelvis (he's "locked and loaded") and adding that extra pressure to my already 'lax joints.
With all the hormones- prostaglandins, and relaxin- my body is releasing to loosen everything up and prep me for labor, you'd think I'd be feeling like I just had a great day at the spa. NoT so much! It actually means that my body feels like it's being yanked apart at the joints and if I was at the spa I don't think I'd order a colon cleanse. Thanks! But nonetheless, it's all part of the process and prep work and all textbook pre-labor stuff.
Here's how things have been progressing: I have had Braxton Hicks contractions ("practice contractions") since I was 20-something weeks along. At 33/34 weeks I had an increase in discharge that sent me to Labor and Delivery to get checked out for possible pre-term labor ended up being given a shot for contractions I didn't even realize I was having regularly at 10 minutes apart. I was not dialated but was almost 50% effaced at that time. At 35 weeks I started noticing cramping and then started loosing bits of the mucous plug over a few day period of time (I won't get into details, but if you don't know what a mucous plug is, it's basically mother natures version of a cork). I also started having an increase in nasal sinus mucous and other secretions throughout my body (brought on my the hormonal changes prepping for labor). An increase in Braxton Hicks contractions and the spontaneous cramps continued into 36weeks as Jason and I began talking about our feelings that he's coming out a little earlier than planned (we thought a week early at that point). Then as I mentioned above at 36 1/2 weeks we are dialated 1cm and a little over 50% effaced now and our doctor also has a feeling he's coming early too. Feelings ARE just feelings though...
In the past few days there has been a definite increase in activity. I'm nesting like crazy, feeling cramping more and more, having bouts of semi-painful contractions (10-20 minutes apart over a few hour period of time each evening), and having lots of pelvic and back pressure.
Today is my last day at work so I'm going to try to take it easy and see if I can get a little more comfortable/ get this pelvic pain under control with some rest and hydration ... but based on everything above, there's a very very real possiblity that this is all pre-labor and we'll be heading to the hospital soon!!
-You know you're in the 9th month when you are feeling extra irritable. You are annoyed and frustrated by every little thing that normally wouldn't bother you. Check! For me, this was first realized when all of a sudden I couldn't even stand the 5y/o kid I nanny for sitting close to me, hugging me, or even speaking some days. (lucky for the kid, I may have been irritable but I have good self control).
-You know you're in the 9th month when you drop something on the floor and take 2 minutes contemplating whether or not you really need to pick that up.
-You know you're in the 9th month when you find yourself staring in the mirror, talking to yourself, really really trying to believe those stretch marks are going to fade away.
-You know you're in the 9th month when you get to the top of the stairs and you have a feeling of accomplishment- so much so that a vision of reaching the summit at Mt. Everest plays through your head (...you're so out of breath you feel like you are at 29,000ft...).
-You know you're in the 9th month when you find yourself laying on the baby's room floor face down in crazy yoga positions at 4 am trying to relieve the pevlic pain that's been keeping you up all night.
(Another little known pregnancy reality: when bebe settles down into your pelvis preparing for the grand entrance, the pain felt in your pelvic joints may make you wonder if this is some type of cruel karma pay-back punishment for yanking Barbie's legs out of the sockets as a child.)
-You know you're in the 9th month when you continue sitting next to an annoying overly friendly talker at Starbucks for an entire 20 minutes because it takes you that long to find the will power to pull yourself (+bump) up and move.
We are definitely in the 9th month! Landon is due sometime the first week of June... however, there's been some developments going on that have me and Jason believing he's going to be one, if not two, weeks early. This feeling was confirmed (un-influenced) yesterday at my doc visit. I say uninfluenced because I have purposely not been telling my doctor anything about my feeling of an early deliver because I didn't want to influence her opinion. After my exam tuesday, we found out I'm 1cm dialated and about 50% effaced.
(for those of you a little out of the loop on the preggo lingo- dialation is the opening and effacement is the thinning of the cervix in preparation for labor. If you don't know what the cervix is, well you should have been paying better attention in health class. ;) Important part is that for Landon to make his way out, I have to get to 10cm dialated and 100% effaced.)So my doc confirmed that I am starting to dialate and efface and that Landon IS in position (meaning he's head down). Then out of the blue she says "I think you're going to go early.. first time mom, dialating already... he's coming out sooner than we think." She even threw in a quick "See you next week, ...or tonight!" joke as she walked out of the room. We thought maybe we WERE going to actually end up there as Tuesday progressed and the exam had provoked lots of cramping and regular contractions that were getting stronger by the evening through the night. BUT then they slowed and stopped.
Now I'm feeling increasing pelvic pain (as mentioned above) from Landon's head being engaged in the pelvis (he's "locked and loaded") and adding that extra pressure to my already 'lax joints.
So here's a section I'm going to give a TMI warning on (even though I think this is all just part of the process and if you can't handle the reality of how we all were created and entered this world then that's on you.) but considered yourself warned just in case.
With all the hormones- prostaglandins, and relaxin- my body is releasing to loosen everything up and prep me for labor, you'd think I'd be feeling like I just had a great day at the spa. NoT so much! It actually means that my body feels like it's being yanked apart at the joints and if I was at the spa I don't think I'd order a colon cleanse. Thanks! But nonetheless, it's all part of the process and prep work and all textbook pre-labor stuff.
Here's how things have been progressing: I have had Braxton Hicks contractions ("practice contractions") since I was 20-something weeks along. At 33/34 weeks I had an increase in discharge that sent me to Labor and Delivery to get checked out for possible pre-term labor ended up being given a shot for contractions I didn't even realize I was having regularly at 10 minutes apart. I was not dialated but was almost 50% effaced at that time. At 35 weeks I started noticing cramping and then started loosing bits of the mucous plug over a few day period of time (I won't get into details, but if you don't know what a mucous plug is, it's basically mother natures version of a cork). I also started having an increase in nasal sinus mucous and other secretions throughout my body (brought on my the hormonal changes prepping for labor). An increase in Braxton Hicks contractions and the spontaneous cramps continued into 36weeks as Jason and I began talking about our feelings that he's coming out a little earlier than planned (we thought a week early at that point). Then as I mentioned above at 36 1/2 weeks we are dialated 1cm and a little over 50% effaced now and our doctor also has a feeling he's coming early too. Feelings ARE just feelings though...
In the past few days there has been a definite increase in activity. I'm nesting like crazy, feeling cramping more and more, having bouts of semi-painful contractions (10-20 minutes apart over a few hour period of time each evening), and having lots of pelvic and back pressure.
Today is my last day at work so I'm going to try to take it easy and see if I can get a little more comfortable/ get this pelvic pain under control with some rest and hydration ... but based on everything above, there's a very very real possiblity that this is all pre-labor and we'll be heading to the hospital soon!!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Final Stretch Update
Well, we are almost there! In fact, Landon could be born any time now and be considered full term.
Everything is done (for the most part)- his room is ready, he has clean clothes waiting to be worn, diapers are ready to be dirtied. In the past few weeks/months I've also organized the closets, bathroom cabinets, kitchen cabinets, repainted the living room, scrubbed the crevices of the kitchen.... the car issues are solved, the gas tank is always ready... the bottles are sanitized, ALL the new clothes, blankets, towels, and bedding are washed and hung in the closet, the car seat is installed, the crib and changing table are assembled and accessorized, the bouncer seat is put together (after only a minor meltdown),... the coming home outfit is packed, copies of the birth plan are printed, and the hospital bag is almost full...
bottom line, we're about as ready as we can be. (oh wait, batteries! Other than still needing to buy some batteries...we're ready!)
As Reily layed sleeping peacfully between Jason and I in bed last night, I realized he really has NO clue what's about to happen in his life. Poor puppy... but I think he'll be alright. I hope. (I mean... I MAY have had a dream last night where he was a total wreck over it... He'll be ok. Right?)
Anyway, we can't wait for Landon's arrival!! Jason and I find ourselves more and more guessing what day he's going to actually come and thinking about what he's going to be like when he's really here! Gawd, I can't wait!!
Everything is done (for the most part)- his room is ready, he has clean clothes waiting to be worn, diapers are ready to be dirtied. In the past few weeks/months I've also organized the closets, bathroom cabinets, kitchen cabinets, repainted the living room, scrubbed the crevices of the kitchen.... the car issues are solved, the gas tank is always ready... the bottles are sanitized, ALL the new clothes, blankets, towels, and bedding are washed and hung in the closet, the car seat is installed, the crib and changing table are assembled and accessorized, the bouncer seat is put together (after only a minor meltdown),... the coming home outfit is packed, copies of the birth plan are printed, and the hospital bag is almost full...
bottom line, we're about as ready as we can be. (oh wait, batteries! Other than still needing to buy some batteries...we're ready!)
As Reily layed sleeping peacfully between Jason and I in bed last night, I realized he really has NO clue what's about to happen in his life. Poor puppy... but I think he'll be alright. I hope. (I mean... I MAY have had a dream last night where he was a total wreck over it... He'll be ok. Right?)
Anyway, we can't wait for Landon's arrival!! Jason and I find ourselves more and more guessing what day he's going to actually come and thinking about what he's going to be like when he's really here! Gawd, I can't wait!!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Realities
The realities of pregnancy have had me thinking, saying and hearing some pretty interesting things over the months so I thought I'd share a few... Some are from conversations with other moms about their memories of their first pregnancies.. so probably some of these only other preggos and mommies will know what I'm talking about...and some others are things heard and overheard from doctors and nurses that would have most normal people going "WHAT?"
"Honey, does my ass look smaller or is my stomach just that much bigger now?"
"...if it's coming out light greenish and snot like it's normal... "
"I really need to ::belch::... burp"
"::sneeze:: ...oops!"
Some other realities of pegnancy...
You have to pee uncontrollably, nonstop, every day and night except when the doctor asks for a sample. Then, nada.
You don't know how it happens, but one minute you will be walking along just fine and the next, you will be laying on the ground. Somewhere in between, you put your foot somewhere you couldn't see and your loose ligaments gave out, your new center of balance took and over and now you are down.
Stretch marks happen. Get over it.
Prepare for "Whoa..."- Then people tell you just how big you are (like you didn't already know).
Pickles and ice cream is a sham.
"Honey, does my ass look smaller or is my stomach just that much bigger now?"
"...if it's coming out light greenish and snot like it's normal... "
"I really need to ::belch::... burp"
"::sneeze:: ...oops!"
"whoa! it comes out from more than one place?"
"Did you smell it??"
"Doesn't counting sheep help?" - "It takes 7 pillows just to get comfortable, and that comfort usually only lasts about 10 minutes... if I'm not out by then, I have to adjust and start all over. So no, sheep aren't really cutting it."
"When does it end?!"
Some other realities of pegnancy...
You have to pee uncontrollably, nonstop, every day and night except when the doctor asks for a sample. Then, nada.
You don't know how it happens, but one minute you will be walking along just fine and the next, you will be laying on the ground. Somewhere in between, you put your foot somewhere you couldn't see and your loose ligaments gave out, your new center of balance took and over and now you are down.
Stretch marks happen. Get over it.
Prepare for "Whoa..."- Then people tell you just how big you are (like you didn't already know).
Pickles and ice cream is a sham.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Toys Toys Toys
Just like with baby clothes, I've found lots of great toy companies over the past few months. We're all familar with fisher price and most mom's these days know brands like lamaze and infantino but there's a lot of others out there too. Here are a few of my fave lesser known ones...
These quirky toys were inspired by emotional intelligence to nurture cognitive growth and encourage self expression, confidence and imaginitve play. Lots of fun high contrast colors and patterns from rattles to playmats to cuddly stuffed animals (http://www.kushies.com/Catalogue-new/kushies_kritters/kushies_kritters.html). One of my personal faves from this company is the magnetic stacking "Stackrobats" (pictured) that are not only visually stimulating but also help promote fine motor development/dexterity.
BRIO Wooden Toys (http://brio.knex.com/):
I've always loved classic wooden toys. I guess at first glance they may seem boring to some but I'm never surprised when a small child ends up playing with the simplest of things over the brightest flashing multi-sounds toys. Brio has taken the basics of wooden toys and updated them. Focusing mostly on train sets but also creating some great pull toys, I love these.
Wonderworld (http://www.wonderworldtoy.com/):
Another great classic wooden toys company except these toys are made from ecofriendly rubber-wood. They have some great classic stacking trains and hand toys but I found this uber cute crocodile rocker that has become one of my faves from this company.
Yookidoo (http://yookidoo.com/):Stimulating educational toys for babies and toddlers that nurture mental, emotional and physical development. This push n go snail comes with two different "shells" that can be removed and played with indivudally as their own toy. One shell is a stacker toy and the other is a bead rattler. Who doesn't like 3 toys in 1?
Dandelion (http://www.dandelionforbaby.com/):
Innovative toys made of organic, natural and recycled materials. These are also adorable! The company offers not only developmental toys, rattles and plush but tableware, a few clothing items, and totes too.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Online Shopping and The Bag
Insomnia can be strangely productive. Late last night I found myself revamping our baby registry (more for myself to be able to keep track of the things I like and eventually want to get at this point than anything). I also found myself finding some new favorites for baby items and awesome deals on Amazon.com.
I've mastered the online search there by putting in a general search terms for things I'm interested in (i.e. diaper bag), then narrowing my results down by sorting those that have free shipping, then narrowing those down by price, discount or user review ratings until I have a managable set of items to browse through.
I had been putting off buying many things for the nursery/Landon until after our last baby shower (which was an entire week ago now!). SO I finally gave in and went on a little splurge! I spent a little time at Babies R Us (mostly window shopping and picking up items that had been majorly marked down and were on clearnance- diaper pail, bottles, washclothes, dreft stain remover, the "mostly boring but oh so convenient" stuff).
I hope I love the bag just as much when it gets here as I did when I stumbled across it in my random search methods. No offense to those of you who like the plastic rectangles with a nylon strap that we get charged $50+ dollars for, but I'd rather have something a little more innovative and stylish if I'm going to spend money on it and tote it around more than my favorite purse for the next 2 years.
So after looking at hundreds of bags (not even exagerating) I found The Kemby Sidekick. Not only does it look better than your average boxy diaper bag but it doubles as an infant carrier. Yep, that top flap of the bag just lifts up over your shoulder and helps hold your little one on your hip (best for 4 months+). The bag features an extra compartment on the bottom with hidden zipper for diapers/wipes, and also includes a changing pad, travel wipes case, and removable insolated snack/bottle bag.
The big bonus from my 2 am insomniac find, I got it for 60% off and saved $100!
I'm not sure Jason is going to love the color as he was just making comments about my similarly colored purse but I'm calling "my turn to pick" on this one :)
Maybe we'll have to get a diaper dude bag just for him...
I've mastered the online search there by putting in a general search terms for things I'm interested in (i.e. diaper bag), then narrowing my results down by sorting those that have free shipping, then narrowing those down by price, discount or user review ratings until I have a managable set of items to browse through.
I had been putting off buying many things for the nursery/Landon until after our last baby shower (which was an entire week ago now!). SO I finally gave in and went on a little splurge! I spent a little time at Babies R Us (mostly window shopping and picking up items that had been majorly marked down and were on clearnance- diaper pail, bottles, washclothes, dreft stain remover, the "mostly boring but oh so convenient" stuff). But I really hit the jackpot online when I got home. I was able to find the changing table that matches our crib (that JUST was added to amazon this week- free shipping and 35% off), crib mattress, changing pad and then I found my diaper bag.
I hope I love the bag just as much when it gets here as I did when I stumbled across it in my random search methods. No offense to those of you who like the plastic rectangles with a nylon strap that we get charged $50+ dollars for, but I'd rather have something a little more innovative and stylish if I'm going to spend money on it and tote it around more than my favorite purse for the next 2 years.
So after looking at hundreds of bags (not even exagerating) I found The Kemby Sidekick. Not only does it look better than your average boxy diaper bag but it doubles as an infant carrier. Yep, that top flap of the bag just lifts up over your shoulder and helps hold your little one on your hip (best for 4 months+). The bag features an extra compartment on the bottom with hidden zipper for diapers/wipes, and also includes a changing pad, travel wipes case, and removable insolated snack/bottle bag.
The big bonus from my 2 am insomniac find, I got it for 60% off and saved $100!
I'm not sure Jason is going to love the color as he was just making comments about my similarly colored purse but I'm calling "my turn to pick" on this one :)
Maybe we'll have to get a diaper dude bag just for him...
Monday, April 12, 2010
32 Weeks- already?!
Jason and I have been overwhelmed with all of the generosity from our friends and family over the past few weeks. We feel so lucky and grateful to have such amazing and giving people in our lives. Landon is so blessed before he is born!!
We're at 32 weeks and 3 days as of today...Which means we have less than 8 weeks to go to our due date!!
I think I' have reached a point of boredom somewhat with talking about being pregnant. But I thought I would try to answer the common questions I am hearing these days.
How are you feeling? great for the most part! I don't want to jinx it but I have been feeling pretty fantastic throughout this pregnancy. I am having some anemia that has me feeling fatigued more than normal and is also contributing to shortess of breath but nothing too horrible. My emotions are definitely feeling better these days too (of course, I am typing this ona "good" day. Ask me this question again on an emotional day and I may have a compelely different answer).
I'm also having some mild back pain and occasionally some hip pain but, again, nothing major and nothing worth complaining about most of the time.
Is he kicking a lot? He is! He's a little mover and I'm pretty used to his schedule. He likes to get really active right when I am getting ready for bed. His kicks are so strong that he wakes me up sometimes but I've only had a few painful moments so far. His favorite game is digging into my bladder- over and over and over.
Do you need anything for the nursery still? Yes, there are a few things we still need but we have been so blessed to receive many many presents and are well on our way to having everything we want for Landon. His wardrobe is huge! and I think we may have enough to not wash anything for over a month. (maybe not quite. but close!)
Are you ready? not to sound cliche but as ready as we'll ever be! We are both extremely excited and so happy to meet Landon when he gets here but I'm not in too much of a rush yet. I want June 4th to come quickly, but I don't want Landon to come before that week I guess is really what I should say. I'll admit the idea of it all happening soon makes me a little teary eyed with happiness.
He'll be here before we know it!
We're at 32 weeks and 3 days as of today...Which means we have less than 8 weeks to go to our due date!!
I think I' have reached a point of boredom somewhat with talking about being pregnant. But I thought I would try to answer the common questions I am hearing these days.
How are you feeling? great for the most part! I don't want to jinx it but I have been feeling pretty fantastic throughout this pregnancy. I am having some anemia that has me feeling fatigued more than normal and is also contributing to shortess of breath but nothing too horrible. My emotions are definitely feeling better these days too (of course, I am typing this ona "good" day. Ask me this question again on an emotional day and I may have a compelely different answer).
I'm also having some mild back pain and occasionally some hip pain but, again, nothing major and nothing worth complaining about most of the time.
Is he kicking a lot? He is! He's a little mover and I'm pretty used to his schedule. He likes to get really active right when I am getting ready for bed. His kicks are so strong that he wakes me up sometimes but I've only had a few painful moments so far. His favorite game is digging into my bladder- over and over and over.
Do you need anything for the nursery still? Yes, there are a few things we still need but we have been so blessed to receive many many presents and are well on our way to having everything we want for Landon. His wardrobe is huge! and I think we may have enough to not wash anything for over a month. (maybe not quite. but close!)
Are you ready? not to sound cliche but as ready as we'll ever be! We are both extremely excited and so happy to meet Landon when he gets here but I'm not in too much of a rush yet. I want June 4th to come quickly, but I don't want Landon to come before that week I guess is really what I should say. I'll admit the idea of it all happening soon makes me a little teary eyed with happiness.
He'll be here before we know it!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Due Dates
It's hard to believe how quickly the past 7 months have gone by. We are almost to 32 weeks-which for those of you not so hot with math, or a little unfamiliar with human gestation, means that we only have 8 weeks to go until our due date! And since due dates are only a guestimate and most babies are born between 38 and 42 weeks, Landon COULD be here as soon as 6 weeks!
A little more info on Landon's due date- Based on conception and ovulation dates, I have his due date as June 4th. My doctor's guess and official in the record is June 1st. His 20 week ultrasound dated him for June 6th (with an accuracy rate of +/- 4 days).
My mom is flying in late on the 2nd or early on the 3rd so regardless of statistics, dates, guesses and no matter how excited I am (and ready for a margarita), he's not allowed to show up before June 4th.
My neice decided to make her debut almost 2 weeks early, and a week before Grandma Hayes could get there. So I keep telling Landon the pressure is on for him to just hang on and stay nice and comfy until my guess at his due date so his grandma can be there to be a part of his birth. I'm also telling him that he's not allowed to get too comfy because his momma IS impatient (and IS ready for a margarita) and IS SOOO excited to see him!
Is it crazy for me to actually expect him to be here between late on June 3rd and June 7th- no earlier. no later. ;)
No matter what day he chooses for his birthday it's going to be SOON and Jason and I are beyond excited (beyond excited- we're scared, anxious, nervous and all that other normal stuff too).
A little more info on Landon's due date- Based on conception and ovulation dates, I have his due date as June 4th. My doctor's guess and official in the record is June 1st. His 20 week ultrasound dated him for June 6th (with an accuracy rate of +/- 4 days).
My mom is flying in late on the 2nd or early on the 3rd so regardless of statistics, dates, guesses and no matter how excited I am (and ready for a margarita), he's not allowed to show up before June 4th.
My neice decided to make her debut almost 2 weeks early, and a week before Grandma Hayes could get there. So I keep telling Landon the pressure is on for him to just hang on and stay nice and comfy until my guess at his due date so his grandma can be there to be a part of his birth. I'm also telling him that he's not allowed to get too comfy because his momma IS impatient (and IS ready for a margarita) and IS SOOO excited to see him!
Is it crazy for me to actually expect him to be here between late on June 3rd and June 7th- no earlier. no later. ;)
No matter what day he chooses for his birthday it's going to be SOON and Jason and I are beyond excited (beyond excited- we're scared, anxious, nervous and all that other normal stuff too).
Friday, March 12, 2010
Showers Showers Showers
Going from not thinking I was going to have a baby shower at all to having 3 (including the surprise shower in a box from last night), I feel incredibly fortunate. Jason and I are blessed to have such great family and friends and will do our best to make sure Landon knows how lucky he is to have all of you as well!
Also with 2 more showers coming up in the next few weeks, we have been recieving a lot of questions about what we still need and want for our little guy. We do have an online registry at Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/registry/baby/RWFLEMC9CPW with some of our items registered and searchable at Target stores as well.
In order to help those who feel "stuck" about a gift for us I decided to create a gift idea list with items from the registry. As always, please don't feel obligated to buy us anything. We'll be happy if you just show up to the shower/party with yourself to spend some time with us, but I created this list mostly to help out those who keep saying "I'm really bad at this whole gift thing but really want to give Landon something, so just tell me what you want or need." So, to those people, here you go...
The "Wants" List:
These are items that you might not realize we would really like to have and why we want them... their also the things that if no one buys for us, we might not get for ourselves.
Boon Odd Duck ($5-7) This odd little rubber ducky name "bob" is uber cute and for some reason I can't stop picturing Landon during bathtime with it.
Boon Snack Ball and Modware ($5-7) Boon also makes these great mod snack balls, utensils, and a plate that I like. I know Landon won't be using these for a couple months, but they'd be a great gift nonetheless! The link here will take you just to the snackball but the utensils and plate can also be found on the registry.
Baby Legs ($8-14/set) I am in love with these. The designs I added to the registry are currently out of stock online but if anyone sees the giraffe or blue argyle prints anywhere, I would LOVE to have them. Solid blue or stripes would be great too
Zutano ($5-25) This link will take you to one particular onesie from this company that I like but they have lots that we would be more than happy to get. I really like the Lion prints but there are also some great elephants and owl options too!
Cloud B Twilight Turtle Light ($20-30) This half plush/half night light projects constellations onto the wall! While it comes in a sea turtle and a ladybug version, I still prefer the original green/tan turtle one. It was one of the first things I put on the registry and I am still in love with it
Trend Lab Hood Towel Set ($20-30) There's something about a hooded bath towel that I think is super cute! I really like the retro block design on this one but also saw an argyle print and a blue and brown polka dot that I liked for other options.
Aden and Anais Swaddle Blankets ($30) This is one of those lines that I can't even begin to explain how much or why I like it. I just do! My sister sent me the burpy bib that I had registered for and it was silly how happy it made me. The swaddle blankets are something that I would love to have and would use all the time! I'm also eyeing the Zooaroo Sleep Bag from them ($20).
Dr. Sears Baby Sling ($60) I've used this particular sling in the past in my nanny gigs and really liked it! Since I may be taking Landon back to work with me at 2 1/2 months, I think it would be great to have this handy to help keep my hands free
Built NY Diaper Bag ($70) Love this brand! Love this bag! The neoprene material is machine washable and durable and stylish all at the same time. This isn't your typical boxy diaper bag nor does it look like a purse. It's something that Jason probably wouldn't mind toting around either. This is the sort of item would make me happy every time I get to use it! They also have a great "cushy tushy changing pad" for diaper changes on the go ($20)
The "Needs" List:
These are items that might seem boring but we actually need and of course will definitely appreciate receiving even if they don't get the "ooooh how cute" response.
White Onesies- ($10) I don't have these registered becaue amazon keeps saying they are out of stock and changing their vendor but we are going to need some just basic white onesies (gerber makes most of them). I think 0-3 months would be best in short sleeves and 3-9 months would be best in long sleeve
Primo Infant Bath Seat ($10) Great design! Bath seat that fits in the sink or the tub and is incredibly affordable. Looks cooler than your average baby bath/seat too
Crib Sheets ($5-$35) This link will take you to the flannel crib sheets on the registry but really we'd be happy with any crib sheets (flannel or not). We only need about 2 more and would prefer solid yellow, green, or blue or a fun retro inspired (beaded stripes, funky dots, geometric patterns).
Bottles ($5-20) We're going to need some bottles of course. While I like the brand on the registry, they don't have to be from First Years as long as they are BPA free and some are 5oz size.
Changing Pad ($20-25) We have the cover for this already but still need the actual changing pad. It doesn't have to be the same brand as the one on our registry. Any regular changing pad will do
Munchkin Diaper Disposal ($25-40) So I actually have lots of experience with diaper disposal systems and would really like to try this specific brand.
Infant Car Seat ($90-110) I've also been researching car seats pretty heavily and think this one from Safety 1st is going to be our best option as far as afordability, style, safety, and customer reviews. Hopefully I'm not wrong. It's one of the more pricey items so I don't actually expect to receive this as a gift but everyone keeps telling me, "Just put it on there, you never know who will buy it for you"
Can't wait to see some of you over the next couple of weeks!!
Also with 2 more showers coming up in the next few weeks, we have been recieving a lot of questions about what we still need and want for our little guy. We do have an online registry at Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/registry/baby/RWFLEMC9CPW with some of our items registered and searchable at Target stores as well.
In order to help those who feel "stuck" about a gift for us I decided to create a gift idea list with items from the registry. As always, please don't feel obligated to buy us anything. We'll be happy if you just show up to the shower/party with yourself to spend some time with us, but I created this list mostly to help out those who keep saying "I'm really bad at this whole gift thing but really want to give Landon something, so just tell me what you want or need." So, to those people, here you go...
The "Wants" List:
These are items that you might not realize we would really like to have and why we want them... their also the things that if no one buys for us, we might not get for ourselves.
Boon Odd Duck ($5-7) This odd little rubber ducky name "bob" is uber cute and for some reason I can't stop picturing Landon during bathtime with it.
Boon Snack Ball and Modware ($5-7) Boon also makes these great mod snack balls, utensils, and a plate that I like. I know Landon won't be using these for a couple months, but they'd be a great gift nonetheless! The link here will take you just to the snackball but the utensils and plate can also be found on the registry.
Baby Legs ($8-14/set) I am in love with these. The designs I added to the registry are currently out of stock online but if anyone sees the giraffe or blue argyle prints anywhere, I would LOVE to have them. Solid blue or stripes would be great too
Zutano ($5-25) This link will take you to one particular onesie from this company that I like but they have lots that we would be more than happy to get. I really like the Lion prints but there are also some great elephants and owl options too!
Cloud B Twilight Turtle Light ($20-30) This half plush/half night light projects constellations onto the wall! While it comes in a sea turtle and a ladybug version, I still prefer the original green/tan turtle one. It was one of the first things I put on the registry and I am still in love with it
Trend Lab Hood Towel Set ($20-30) There's something about a hooded bath towel that I think is super cute! I really like the retro block design on this one but also saw an argyle print and a blue and brown polka dot that I liked for other options.
Aden and Anais Swaddle Blankets ($30) This is one of those lines that I can't even begin to explain how much or why I like it. I just do! My sister sent me the burpy bib that I had registered for and it was silly how happy it made me. The swaddle blankets are something that I would love to have and would use all the time! I'm also eyeing the Zooaroo Sleep Bag from them ($20).
Dr. Sears Baby Sling ($60) I've used this particular sling in the past in my nanny gigs and really liked it! Since I may be taking Landon back to work with me at 2 1/2 months, I think it would be great to have this handy to help keep my hands free
Built NY Diaper Bag ($70) Love this brand! Love this bag! The neoprene material is machine washable and durable and stylish all at the same time. This isn't your typical boxy diaper bag nor does it look like a purse. It's something that Jason probably wouldn't mind toting around either. This is the sort of item would make me happy every time I get to use it! They also have a great "cushy tushy changing pad" for diaper changes on the go ($20)
The "Needs" List:
These are items that might seem boring but we actually need and of course will definitely appreciate receiving even if they don't get the "ooooh how cute" response.
White Onesies- ($10) I don't have these registered becaue amazon keeps saying they are out of stock and changing their vendor but we are going to need some just basic white onesies (gerber makes most of them). I think 0-3 months would be best in short sleeves and 3-9 months would be best in long sleeve
Primo Infant Bath Seat ($10) Great design! Bath seat that fits in the sink or the tub and is incredibly affordable. Looks cooler than your average baby bath/seat too
Crib Sheets ($5-$35) This link will take you to the flannel crib sheets on the registry but really we'd be happy with any crib sheets (flannel or not). We only need about 2 more and would prefer solid yellow, green, or blue or a fun retro inspired (beaded stripes, funky dots, geometric patterns).
Bottles ($5-20) We're going to need some bottles of course. While I like the brand on the registry, they don't have to be from First Years as long as they are BPA free and some are 5oz size.
Changing Pad ($20-25) We have the cover for this already but still need the actual changing pad. It doesn't have to be the same brand as the one on our registry. Any regular changing pad will do
Munchkin Diaper Disposal ($25-40) So I actually have lots of experience with diaper disposal systems and would really like to try this specific brand.
Infant Car Seat ($90-110) I've also been researching car seats pretty heavily and think this one from Safety 1st is going to be our best option as far as afordability, style, safety, and customer reviews. Hopefully I'm not wrong. It's one of the more pricey items so I don't actually expect to receive this as a gift but everyone keeps telling me, "Just put it on there, you never know who will buy it for you"
Can't wait to see some of you over the next couple of weeks!!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The big white box?
I arrived home from work today to find a big white box sitting in the middle of my living room. The outside read "open this end up" with big arrows all the way around...
I probably would have been really confused if I didn't recognize the handwriting as that of my sister! Then I was just wondering what the heck she was possibly sending me in this box and WHY was she sending me anything right now at all? I'm not due for 12 more weeks... I don't have any shower for 2 more weeks...
After finding Jason and asking him what was going on, he grabbed the camera and let me open it.
After a little confusion on what I was actually looking at and eventually finding the card with an explanation, I discovered that what I had recieved was not just a package from my sister, but was an entire "baby shower in a box!" Mindy had gotten together with my family and friends from back east and gathered up letters, pictures and presents to surprise me!
It was an awesome surprise and I'm still exstatic about it all 5 hours later!! Thank you to everyone that took time to participate in this. It means SO much to me and is something that I will not forget. Maybe it's just hyper-preggo senses but every package I opened had a smell from everyone house. It was a weird trigger of memories and as corny as it sounds, made me think of hugging each of you.
So after pulling everything out of the box I was left with a massive pile of presents to open.
I probably would have been really confused if I didn't recognize the handwriting as that of my sister! Then I was just wondering what the heck she was possibly sending me in this box and WHY was she sending me anything right now at all? I'm not due for 12 more weeks... I don't have any shower for 2 more weeks...
After finding Jason and asking him what was going on, he grabbed the camera and let me open it.
After a little confusion on what I was actually looking at and eventually finding the card with an explanation, I discovered that what I had recieved was not just a package from my sister, but was an entire "baby shower in a box!" Mindy had gotten together with my family and friends from back east and gathered up letters, pictures and presents to surprise me!It was an awesome surprise and I'm still exstatic about it all 5 hours later!! Thank you to everyone that took time to participate in this. It means SO much to me and is something that I will not forget. Maybe it's just hyper-preggo senses but every package I opened had a smell from everyone house. It was a weird trigger of memories and as corny as it sounds, made me think of hugging each of you.
So after pulling everything out of the box I was left with a massive pile of presents to open.
Among lots of other goodies...
Landon got cute clothes!
great books!
and shoes (booties)!
And as promised, Mindy did send us a PeePee cover (I'm SOOO excited about this):
Monday, March 1, 2010
Nursery Pics
The nursery is coming together bit by bit. We still need to get a dresser/changing table but I'm thinking we will check out the garage sales as the weather gets warmer and hopefully find a cool 3-drawer dresser to refurbish for this. Otherwise, it's just odds and ends: crib mattress, sheets, bumper...
I also made a lamp shade recently with some material that Landon's Grandma Gouin bought for us from Ikea. She is also working on an adorable quilt with coordinating material for his room.I've decided not to get any nursery sets but instead am piecing together what I like as I find it. The main colors have turned out to be greens and blues and I'm adding yellows and oranges and even some purple here and there. Since we aren't going to be painting that room I decided to bring more color and pattern in with the fabrics. It's hard to see in the pictures but so far for the crib we have a green beaded stripe sheet, a blue dust ruffle with a geometric white x pattern, and a halequin green and blue blanket. I'm hoping to add a white bumper with tufted circles (that I saw from Carters) and a few more fun sheets in green, blue, or yellow. The changing pad cover we already recieved as a gift is sage green with tufted circles (will coordinate with the bumper). We also have a day bed in the room that has green bedding and I'm planning on placing the quilt on the end of that. The curtains are white balloon curtains with yellow sheers on either side.
Friday, February 26, 2010
26 Weeks!
Third Trimester is approaching fast and my tummy is sure reminding me of how far we are getting! I'm also getting excited about the baby shower my amazing friend, Kami, is throwing for me in a few weeks (3/21)!! Can't wait to see everyone and eat some delish cupcakes :)
my camera was some kind of "magic" tonight when it somehow made me look half the size I really am. Angles... it's all about the angles ;)
but this one does not lie:
neither does the concern on my face... what month are we in?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Closet Project
As we're getting ready to enter the third trimester, my clothes are getting tighter and smaller by the week. Recently I got an idea that I wish someone would have told me about sooner (or told me about at all) so I'm going to share and hope it makes it to other pregnant, fragile, feeling like a mini-whale preggo ladies.
It's simple- Go through your closet and remove or hide any clothes that don't fit anymore. Just box them up or put them at the back.
I was having a hard time putting together outfits and finding something to wear out the door in the morning and I realized It's only going to make me feel like crap every time I try to put something on only to find out it doesn't look good and doesn't even begin to fit over my tummy anymore.
So I took about an hour and put together a pile of clothes I know fit, a pile that maybe would work, and a pile that I knew already didn't. After trying on the pile of maybes and sorting those into "keepers" and "NOs" as well, I took all the nos and put them at the back of the closet and on shelves I can't reach. Then I put all the keepers in prime spots.
Now I open the closet and know what my options are before I start trying to squeeze anything on. No more getting worn out emotionally (and physically) just from putting together a decent outfit.
Voila! Simple thing but it's made my days so much better!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Less than 16 weeks to go...and btw, we have a NAME!
We have the registry complete, already have a few clothes and blankets (thanks everyone for the gifts we already received!), the nursery is coming together ... the birth-plan (check), finally used to sleeping on side (check), finally used to getting up to pee at least twice a night (check), accepting the ever growing bump (che.... almost check)....
point being, things are going well :) and we hope they continue to go well.
other news: Jason finally caught a few kicks! For the past few weeks he's been trying to feel them without any luck but Friday night our little man gave him a few swift ones as soon as he put his hand on my tummy. (good moment)
And we also decided on a name. Actually, we decided on the name a few weeks ago but have been waiting to see how we'd feel about after a few days before announcing it. So for those of you I didn't leak it to, and apparently Jason has been leaking information as well (we'd make horrible CIA agents) the name is....drumroll please.... Landon James Gouin.
hope ya like cause we do. if you don't, then name your kid something else ;)
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Better than Hulu?
So our little one has been pretty active lately, kicking and rolling and squirming around (in the evenings mostly). Figures he is most active at night as both Jason and I are more night owls than early birds. 
My stomach continues to grow and expand and look more like a basketball everyday and true to the old wives tales about boys, I'm carrying fairly low. And because he enjoys staying cuddled in nice and low in my pelvis, I'm having some regular hip pain already. Luckily it isn't a constant and I am able to do some stretches to relieve the pain for now... we'll see what happens as he gets heavier and the weeks go by.
My stomach continues to grow and expand and look more like a basketball everyday and true to the old wives tales about boys, I'm carrying fairly low. And because he enjoys staying cuddled in nice and low in my pelvis, I'm having some regular hip pain already. Luckily it isn't a constant and I am able to do some stretches to relieve the pain for now... we'll see what happens as he gets heavier and the weeks go by.
Along with the growing tummy, I've been wondering if I was going to be blessed with stretch marks... luckily I'm not looking like a red Zebra... yet. While I was watching and feeling for kicks earlier tonight, I noticed a line on my lower abdomen and just as panic started to set in that I had spotted my first "scar of motherhood," I realized it was just an indentation from my pants ... Maybe- as I can still somewhat see it. Either way, I'm going to just tell myself its from the pants and rub some extra lotions on it, maybe crazily, before I go to sleep tonight. (I'm just not ready for that part of all of this yet...)
It has been fun feeling him move at pretty regular times and tonight was the time that I was actually looking at my tummy while he was kicking. Fun to SEE the movements now and not just feel them.
(for those of you who have never seen the picture here, there's lots of conversations about whether it's possible to have a picture like this... and highly speculated that it was photoshopped to be used as an anti-abortion campaign. Either way, reminds me of the crazy dreams I mentioned in my last post)
(for those of you who have never seen the picture here, there's lots of conversations about whether it's possible to have a picture like this... and highly speculated that it was photoshopped to be used as an anti-abortion campaign. Either way, reminds me of the crazy dreams I mentioned in my last post)
Monday, January 25, 2010
movements and dreams
I've been having some pretty vivid and off the wall dreams all throughout the pregnancy.
I had one just before we found out it's a boy that was about delivering a baby in a pool of water and it just slipped out.. almost shot out in one quick push and was perfectly clean and dry. It was crazy because of how detailed the dream was.
Then about a week ago I had this insanely detailed and long dream that hit on almost every single insecurity or fear that I have floating around in my subconscious. I woke up at 6:30 that morning terrified, still dark outside, and reached for the light but it had been turned off at the switch at the wall and wouldn't come on. The dream had upset me so much I had to call my mom and tell her about it and wouldn't get out of bed until the sun came up and it wasn't dark anymore (i know... who's the baby here).
Also, I've felt our baby boy moving around for a few weeks now but lately I've been wondering when the movements are going to get strong enough to feel from the outside and wondering when Jason will be able to feel them too. A few nights ago he did try but even though I could feel the kicking and tumble on the inside, Jason couldn't feel a thing on the outside yet. The next day when I was home alone I had just placed my hand on my stomach and he gave me a quick and hard punch/kick that I'm positive Jason would have been able to feel too. I just haven't been able to get him to do it again since then. So I guess all of this thought is what lead up to my dream from last night. This one wasn't scary but was pretty wierd I guess..definitely very detailed again.
In the dream I was in a room with my mom and we were looking at my tummy and talking about it all and then we saw his little foot roll across my stomach. About this time the surface and elasticity of my stomach started to resemble a latex balloon and his entire foot was protruding. I even remarked that he had all of his toes. I reached down and touched his foot and then he turned and pushed his face out instead. It was so bizarre because it was like a person pushing their face through a piece of rubber and I could see all of his facial features. He had my nose and Jason's lips. My mom and I were overwhelmed with excitement and just couldn't get enough of it. We kept calling to Jason in the other room and telling him to hurry, that he was missing it and he kept saying perfectly calm "It's okay. We're going to see plenty of it. We've got plenty of time." (Will he be that way during labor too? perfectly calm?)
(18 more weeks to go... wonder what else my brain will come up with while I try to get my winks in.)
I had one just before we found out it's a boy that was about delivering a baby in a pool of water and it just slipped out.. almost shot out in one quick push and was perfectly clean and dry. It was crazy because of how detailed the dream was.
Then about a week ago I had this insanely detailed and long dream that hit on almost every single insecurity or fear that I have floating around in my subconscious. I woke up at 6:30 that morning terrified, still dark outside, and reached for the light but it had been turned off at the switch at the wall and wouldn't come on. The dream had upset me so much I had to call my mom and tell her about it and wouldn't get out of bed until the sun came up and it wasn't dark anymore (i know... who's the baby here).
Also, I've felt our baby boy moving around for a few weeks now but lately I've been wondering when the movements are going to get strong enough to feel from the outside and wondering when Jason will be able to feel them too. A few nights ago he did try but even though I could feel the kicking and tumble on the inside, Jason couldn't feel a thing on the outside yet. The next day when I was home alone I had just placed my hand on my stomach and he gave me a quick and hard punch/kick that I'm positive Jason would have been able to feel too. I just haven't been able to get him to do it again since then. So I guess all of this thought is what lead up to my dream from last night. This one wasn't scary but was pretty wierd I guess..definitely very detailed again.
In the dream I was in a room with my mom and we were looking at my tummy and talking about it all and then we saw his little foot roll across my stomach. About this time the surface and elasticity of my stomach started to resemble a latex balloon and his entire foot was protruding. I even remarked that he had all of his toes. I reached down and touched his foot and then he turned and pushed his face out instead. It was so bizarre because it was like a person pushing their face through a piece of rubber and I could see all of his facial features. He had my nose and Jason's lips. My mom and I were overwhelmed with excitement and just couldn't get enough of it. We kept calling to Jason in the other room and telling him to hurry, that he was missing it and he kept saying perfectly calm "It's okay. We're going to see plenty of it. We've got plenty of time." (Will he be that way during labor too? perfectly calm?)
(18 more weeks to go... wonder what else my brain will come up with while I try to get my winks in.)
21 1/2 weeks
Somewhere I found the inspiration to put on some makeup and do my hair and take some decent bump pics. It may have been that Jason is out of town this week and I wanted him to remember how cute his pregnant girlfirend is that's waiting for him at home and missing him like crazy after just a few days.... maybe it was that. ;)
It seems like as soon as our little man heard the news he was actually a little man, he wanted to start eating like his daddy. My appetite has finally picked up and we'll find out at my next appointment how many lbs I was able to put on this month. We're more than halfway there!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
not so gender neutral
When my sister found out she is going to have a nephew one of the first things she said is how excited she is that she will have a reason to buy a "pee pee cover."
A "pee pee cover" ??? I barely had heard about the only ALL boy product out there yet but was able to guess what she was talking about. In my childcare days I have been thrown up on (more than once)and changed some nasty diapers with wriggly babies that resulted in scrubbing up to my elbows over and over again trying to get any remnants and smell off... but I don't think I ever had the experience of a baby boy peeing on me. Maybe if I had, I would have thought about a product like the "Whiz Kidd" sooner.
For those of you still scratching your head and wondering what a "pee pee cover" and a "whiz kidd" is, it's got to be one of the most unnessecary but entertaining baby products out there. It actually reminds me of those disposable cone water cups that you have attached to the side of a water cooler and it's used to cover up little mans parts so that he doesn't shoot a urine stream at his parents during diaper changing time.
The most popular version of this product is fittingly called the "Pee-pee Teepee." The Pee-pee Teepee comes in a variety of patterns and they even have a catchy poem for their product:
To top off the fun factor of this product, they even created a game! You control the angle of the Teepee and the pee power and try to launch it at mom for points.
A "pee pee cover" ??? I barely had heard about the only ALL boy product out there yet but was able to guess what she was talking about. In my childcare days I have been thrown up on (more than once)and changed some nasty diapers with wriggly babies that resulted in scrubbing up to my elbows over and over again trying to get any remnants and smell off... but I don't think I ever had the experience of a baby boy peeing on me. Maybe if I had, I would have thought about a product like the "Whiz Kidd" sooner.
For those of you still scratching your head and wondering what a "pee pee cover" and a "whiz kidd" is, it's got to be one of the most unnessecary but entertaining baby products out there. It actually reminds me of those disposable cone water cups that you have attached to the side of a water cooler and it's used to cover up little mans parts so that he doesn't shoot a urine stream at his parents during diaper changing time.
The most popular version of this product is fittingly called the "Pee-pee Teepee." The Pee-pee Teepee comes in a variety of patterns and they even have a catchy poem for their product:
Changing a baby girl is not all glitz and glory;
Changing a baby boy is another horror story!
You hold his feet with one hand and the diaper with the other;
The whole time praying 'please don't pee on your mother!'
To top off the fun factor of this product, they even created a game! You control the angle of the Teepee and the pee power and try to launch it at mom for points.
"The Peepee Teepee Launcher" http://babystrology.com/baby-games/peepeeteepee/
Monday, January 11, 2010
It's a ... !
We have been excited about today's appointment for weeks now and today we finally got to have our ultrasound! There was some concern about whether Jason would be able to get away from work to make the appointment in time but I was relieved to find he actually beat me to the doctors office today! We both were pretty smiley and might have even been, dare I say, "glowing."
We were both excited to find out the sex of the baby but also anxious to find out more about the low lying placenta/possible placenta previa that sent me to the ER last week. So first things first, our ultrasound tech, Tracey, checked the location of the Placenta and found it was attached just to the side of the cervix but that there was enough space that there shouldn't be any concern over the location by delivery time. GREAT news!
At first, Baby was laying on it's stomach using the placenta as a pillow (same position as the ER ultrasound last week) and we were able to get the head measurements, and check the spine, legs, arms, and then we were able to get a view for a quick few seconds to determine that it's a BOY!
The "Proud Papa Grin" covered Jason's face almost instantly. :)
After some prodding we were able to get him to turn over and get a few shots of his profile and face and heart and stomach and all that other jazz. He didn't really want to show us his man bits again but we were able to eventually get him to hold still long enough for Tracey to snap a shot for the records.
The 4d face photos are pretty cute and creepy all at the same time. He didn't want to show his face for a while and even once we were able to get him to turn over he kept his hands up over his mouth most of the time. Tracey finally was able to get a clearer shot and by this point he decided he would smile (very mischievously at that).
(You can pretty clearly see his face and left arm here. The blob to the left [his right] is the placenta that he is loving to sleep on)
We were both excited to find out the sex of the baby but also anxious to find out more about the low lying placenta/possible placenta previa that sent me to the ER last week. So first things first, our ultrasound tech, Tracey, checked the location of the Placenta and found it was attached just to the side of the cervix but that there was enough space that there shouldn't be any concern over the location by delivery time. GREAT news!
At first, Baby was laying on it's stomach using the placenta as a pillow (same position as the ER ultrasound last week) and we were able to get the head measurements, and check the spine, legs, arms, and then we were able to get a view for a quick few seconds to determine that it's a BOY!
The "Proud Papa Grin" covered Jason's face almost instantly. :) After some prodding we were able to get him to turn over and get a few shots of his profile and face and heart and stomach and all that other jazz. He didn't really want to show us his man bits again but we were able to eventually get him to hold still long enough for Tracey to snap a shot for the records.
The 4d face photos are pretty cute and creepy all at the same time. He didn't want to show his face for a while and even once we were able to get him to turn over he kept his hands up over his mouth most of the time. Tracey finally was able to get a clearer shot and by this point he decided he would smile (very mischievously at that).
(You can pretty clearly see his face and left arm here. The blob to the left [his right] is the placenta that he is loving to sleep on)
Thursday, January 7, 2010
a little scare
Late last night Jason and I went to the ER after I started having some light bleeding. I wasn't having any other symptoms (i.e. cramping, faintness, etc.) but it was late at night and so I made the call that it was better safe than sorry.
After a somewhat nerve wracking wait in triage I was able to give a urine sample and they started an IV to draw blood. I also had a visit from a rather strange guy named Jerry who needed to have me sign my life away and say I'd pay for it all if my insurance doesn't. He reminded me of Mr. Shooter in the movie, Secret Window.
The ER doctor came in finally and decided not to do a pelvic exam but did do an ultrasound to make sure the baby was ok. Baby's heart rate was good (around 145-150 BPM) and everything seemed to be ok on the ultrasound except he noticed the placenta was very low. He believed that either my cervix was irritated just from normal pregnancy changes or that it was more sensitive to bleed because of a possible placenta previa. He sent me home with orders to stay on bed rest today until I went to see my primary doctor.
Placenta previa is where the placenta has implanted in the uterine wall where it is covering the cervical opening/canal and causes the cervix to be prone to bleeding. There are some serious complications that can occur with this such as hemorrhaging and miscarriage but on the other end of the spectrum, it can also resolve itself with a little bit of time as the uterus enlarges and stretches, pulling the placenta away from the cervix and then there's no other complications from it.
Jason and I went in to follow up with my regular OB/GYN, Dr. Lasley, this afternoon. She carefully did a pelvic exam to find no active bleeding but did say that my cervix did look pretty friable (meaning easily irritated which can cause bleeding). Since we already have our ultrasound scheduled for Monday, and her office was swamped, she sent me home and put me on strict pelvic rest from now until she says differently. She said it may be placenta previa but that it wouldn't make any difference to see that on the ultrasound today than it would to see it on the ultrasound on Monday. So even though Jason and I were secretly hoping we'd at least get an early gender determination out of the deal, we were sent home. I did feel MUCH better (mentally and emotionally) after seeing Dr. Lasley (the reason why I like her so much as my Doc is because she has a way of giving me all the facts without scaring me. She eases my worries and makes me as positive as possible about the outcome of almost every scenario).
So now I'm home, resting, trying to catch up on sleep, and hoping for the best. We will still have our ultrasound and follow up on Monday mid-morning.
The good news about last night is that we DID get to at least see our first ultrasound and did actually get to see our little baby in there alive and well. Jason was having trouble making out more than the head but I was definitely looking to see if there was any hint of gender. The only angles I could make out where there would have been a sign, baby was cross legged and then with it's back to us... it did kick at us before curling up it's legs and arms and laying on it's stomach. (it was 1:00am at this point so who can blame it for being a grumpy sleeper)
After a somewhat nerve wracking wait in triage I was able to give a urine sample and they started an IV to draw blood. I also had a visit from a rather strange guy named Jerry who needed to have me sign my life away and say I'd pay for it all if my insurance doesn't. He reminded me of Mr. Shooter in the movie, Secret Window.
The ER doctor came in finally and decided not to do a pelvic exam but did do an ultrasound to make sure the baby was ok. Baby's heart rate was good (around 145-150 BPM) and everything seemed to be ok on the ultrasound except he noticed the placenta was very low. He believed that either my cervix was irritated just from normal pregnancy changes or that it was more sensitive to bleed because of a possible placenta previa. He sent me home with orders to stay on bed rest today until I went to see my primary doctor.
Placenta previa is where the placenta has implanted in the uterine wall where it is covering the cervical opening/canal and causes the cervix to be prone to bleeding. There are some serious complications that can occur with this such as hemorrhaging and miscarriage but on the other end of the spectrum, it can also resolve itself with a little bit of time as the uterus enlarges and stretches, pulling the placenta away from the cervix and then there's no other complications from it.
Jason and I went in to follow up with my regular OB/GYN, Dr. Lasley, this afternoon. She carefully did a pelvic exam to find no active bleeding but did say that my cervix did look pretty friable (meaning easily irritated which can cause bleeding). Since we already have our ultrasound scheduled for Monday, and her office was swamped, she sent me home and put me on strict pelvic rest from now until she says differently. She said it may be placenta previa but that it wouldn't make any difference to see that on the ultrasound today than it would to see it on the ultrasound on Monday. So even though Jason and I were secretly hoping we'd at least get an early gender determination out of the deal, we were sent home. I did feel MUCH better (mentally and emotionally) after seeing Dr. Lasley (the reason why I like her so much as my Doc is because she has a way of giving me all the facts without scaring me. She eases my worries and makes me as positive as possible about the outcome of almost every scenario).
So now I'm home, resting, trying to catch up on sleep, and hoping for the best. We will still have our ultrasound and follow up on Monday mid-morning.
The good news about last night is that we DID get to at least see our first ultrasound and did actually get to see our little baby in there alive and well. Jason was having trouble making out more than the head but I was definitely looking to see if there was any hint of gender. The only angles I could make out where there would have been a sign, baby was cross legged and then with it's back to us... it did kick at us before curling up it's legs and arms and laying on it's stomach. (it was 1:00am at this point so who can blame it for being a grumpy sleeper)
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The Crib
My mom gave us the crib we've been wanting as a Christmas present this year. It finally arrived yesterday and so being the patient person that I am, I waited an entire hour before I started to put it together!
I took some pictures tonight so my mom could see it all put together. We still need to get the mattress and bedding but are waiting until we find out what gender the little one is before we pick all that fun stuff out!
Sure doesn't look like this is the case...
As I mentioned in one of my recent posts, my doc is hoping to see me gain a couple pounds by my appointment on Monday. So I decided to weigh myself today for the first time in about 4 weeks. Supposedly I haven't gained any weight in the last 
month.... In fact, I still have supposedly lost a total of 5 lbs since my first doctors visit. (I'm guessing part of the problem is in the accuracy of the Wii Fit that I used to weigh myself on but still a little worrying.)
Am I supposed to be eating more junk food or something? So no more whole grain cereal for breakfast and chicken breasts and apples for lunch? Is it time to switch to the krispy cremes and taco bell?
My body sure doesn't look like it's lost any weight from anywhere so what kind of magic trick is this?
Well, I DID just finish eating a chicken sandwich on multigrain bread with a sliced apple on the side and cranberry juice... guess I better go give in to the strawberry shortcake roll just to balance it all out.
month.... In fact, I still have supposedly lost a total of 5 lbs since my first doctors visit. (I'm guessing part of the problem is in the accuracy of the Wii Fit that I used to weigh myself on but still a little worrying.) Am I supposed to be eating more junk food or something? So no more whole grain cereal for breakfast and chicken breasts and apples for lunch? Is it time to switch to the krispy cremes and taco bell?
My body sure doesn't look like it's lost any weight from anywhere so what kind of magic trick is this?
Well, I DID just finish eating a chicken sandwich on multigrain bread with a sliced apple on the side and cranberry juice... guess I better go give in to the strawberry shortcake roll just to balance it all out.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
boy or girl? boy or girl?... and why we didn't register a baby walker
I've been trying to wait to write more until we go to our ultrasound appointment next week and find out if our little one is a boy or girl! We are both really excited to finally know what we will be adding to our family in a few more months. Hard to believe I'm a little over 18 weeks in already!
As far as symptoms go, I've still been feeling pretty good overall. Finally have my appetite back and am finding it easier to eat more often. I had been losing a little weight up until now (even though it didn't look like it) so we'll have to see what the scale says at this next appointment.
Jason and I also took a little online quiz today called "Are you ready for baby?" It was just general knowledge questions about what colors newborns see best, and safety questions about the spacing of crib slats. We had a question about baby toys that invovled an exersaucer and said that you should never put your baby in a baby walker. I had to smile when Jason said "what the hell is an exersaucer?" and when he googled a picture of a baby walker, he said "well who's stupid enough to put their kid in that?" :) (love him.)
Why Walkers Are Dangerous: http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Baby-Walkers-Are-Dangerous&id=1111590
As far as symptoms go, I've still been feeling pretty good overall. Finally have my appetite back and am finding it easier to eat more often. I had been losing a little weight up until now (even though it didn't look like it) so we'll have to see what the scale says at this next appointment.
Jason and I also took a little online quiz today called "Are you ready for baby?" It was just general knowledge questions about what colors newborns see best, and safety questions about the spacing of crib slats. We had a question about baby toys that invovled an exersaucer and said that you should never put your baby in a baby walker. I had to smile when Jason said "what the hell is an exersaucer?" and when he googled a picture of a baby walker, he said "well who's stupid enough to put their kid in that?" :) (love him.)
Why Walkers Are Dangerous: http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Baby-Walkers-Are-Dangerous&id=1111590
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