My Frienemy - Relaxin

It's kind of a love/hate relationship when it comes to relaxin.

No, this is not a leisurely activity I partake in on the weekends....relaxin is this lovely little hormone that is created by the ovaries during pregnancy.  The 'love' part is the purpose of this hormone - it literally 'relaxes' the joints in the pelvis to prepare for delivery and making it possible to pass a watermelon (a very cute, watermelon) thru a pretty dang narrow area of the body.  That's all just fine and dandy.  Thank you mother nature for assisting with this task.

However, this 'lovely' little hormone is also what makes me feel like a 90 year old woman when I get out of bed in the morning (and in the middle of the night X 3).  Adam seems to think me working up to get out of bed is hilarious.  I have to roll over to face towards the side of the bed where I plan to dismount.  I have to angle myself just right and then sort of roll myself off the bed and hope my feet get to the floor before the rest of me.  This little exercise is when the 'popping' begins.  Anything below the bellybutton is generally in pain at this point and I have joints popping in my pelvis that I didn't even know it was humanly possible to pop.  Then since I've been laying in bed (hopefully sleeping) for about an hour at least, the pain and popping continues as I make my way to the bathroom - let's just say, it's a good thing the lights are out or Adam would be pulling out the popcorn for this form of entertainment.  The walk generally consists of very small steps, some painful moaning and my hands holding onto my hips for dear life, hoping that one of them does not magically dislocate - 90 years old...seriously.

My back pain that I've been experiencing?  Not only caused by carrying around my lovely son-to-be.  This relaxin madness can also cause back aches as well. 

See what I mean?  Frienemies........

In My Own Opinion - Breastfeeding in Public

This is a topic that I am quite fascinated with - breastfeeding in public.

I had previously asked the question to the readers to provide your opinion (next time I will be sure to offer more options since it seems like these weren't quite the right fit for everyone).  It seems that more than half of the people have voted they are just fine with mothers breastfeeding in public and the rest have voted they are definitely uncomfortable when they see a mother nursing in public.  I'm happy to see that no one selected the "EWWW..." option!

In my opinion - I think breastfeeding in public is absolutely necessary and should not be viewed negatively at all.  I think this is about the most natural and best thing a mother can do for her child and the more I think about it, I am amazed and excited and overwhelmed with even the thought of being able to feed and nourish my baby with my own body!  It's extraordinary and (in Stephanie fashion) magical!

For something to be as natural as it is, I sometimes find it horrifying that we live in a country where so many people have so many negative views regarding breastfeeding in public.  I don't think I've found anyone that is completely against breastfeeding in general - but plenty of people I have talked to feel that mothers should just keep it completely private and only at home.  I also find it horrifying that in this same country we live in, we have to pass laws to protect those breastfeeding women - to prevent them from being charged with something as ridiculous as indecent exposure while feeding their child or from being thrown out of public places.

Let's be clear - I think every woman has a right to be able to feed her babies in whatever manner she chooses, whether it be breastfeeding or bottle feeding.  There are advantages to both it's also understood that breastfeeding is not always an option for all women.  To each his (or her) own....

Let's also be clear - if I'm blessed with the ability to nurse my baby on-the-way, I do not plan to be one of those women that throws inhibition to the wind and is fine with exposing myself to the world - I hope to be able to be somewhat discreet and cover myself during feeding time.  Although, I myself get a bit uncomfortable with the very 'open' method some women feed their babies in public, I can't hardly blame them.  Again, to each his own....  But let's be honest, is a breastfeeding mother really exposing more of herself than most of the advertisements that are splashed around TV or in magazines?

I'm constantly amazed at some of the negative opinions of breastfeeding in public out there.  We now live in a culture that has sexualized the breast so much, that the natural act of a woman feeding her child is such a thing that should only done in private.  We are constantly reminded that we live in this type of culture when we see regular headlines where breastfeeding mothers have been asked to leave public places.  Woman are being asked to leave malls, airplanes, restaurants, stadiums, parks, you name it!  How did we get here?

Here are just a few examples in the last few months:

Mother Harassed for Breastfeeding in OC Store

Mom Breastfeeding at Rockies Game Asked to Stop

Breastfeeding mothers stage nurse-in at Glendale McDonalds

Kentucky woman asked to leave restaurant after breastfeeding infant

Growing Belly - 28 weeks

Belly continues to grow - here are some pics from this week....

28 weeks

28 weeks

28 weeks, 3 days

28 weeks, 3 days

Getting more and more excited for William to come everyday!!!

Just for the record:
No real cravings - I'll go in waves of just being really hungry
Biggest complaint is back pain so far - especially if I don't have a seat with a back
Getting up in middle of night to pee about 2-3 times so far
Bending over and getting up are becoming a little more difficult - or at times, really difficult!  HA!
Belly measurement at doctor showed a large increase from my last appointment (2 weeks ago) so we will be doing another ultrasound at my next appointment to measure baby and fluid - crossing fingers things are just fine and baby is just big.

Meet William!!

Today was the 3D/4D sonogram!

William had been dancing around mommy's belly all morning and decided to be almost completely still the minute we get in the room with the sono technician.  And the little stinker decided to be shy and hide his face from us - I think he wants to just make a grand entrance into this world, with no surprised ahead of time.

No real surprises - it is a boy, confirmed again.  One possible eye brow raise....he's gonna be huge!!  I asked the technician to measure, and he's currently measuring at about 3 lbs, 7 oz - which is almost four weeks larger than what a normal 28 week baby would be.  Am I further along in my pregnancy or is William just going to jump out ready to play football?  He is currently in a frank breech position - both legs and head up and butt facing down.  This isn't too concerning at this point since it's still early.

Regardless of being able to see his face, the images are pretty amazing!  We are just in love with him already!

"Wanna see my face?....oh..just kidding...."

"I"m quite comfy with my shin in my face, thank you very much..."

Grabbing his toes

Being shy and not showing his whole face

Bottom of his foot

Snug as a bug in a rug - legs up to face and arms to face

Wiggling his fingers and giving a "peace" sign

You can see a cheek and eye poking thru and yes, that's his foot on his head!

Seriously...technology is amazing!!

Thankful Thursday - 8.26.10

Time for another thankful Thursday - with so many things to be thankful for:

• My Education - It might not have been something I appreciated at the time, but I'm thankful I had parents that supported me and drilled the importance into my head.  Even when it wasn't my formal education, I have learned that educating myself on just about anything can help me in so many ways - Thanks, Daddy.
• Walks at night - Although it's been a little harder since Adam has had late football practices, I love the time we can spend taking the puppy across the street to the field to let him run around.  Because of the warm weather, going after sunset makes it absolutely perfect.
• Chocolate-covered strawberries - One of my favorite treats!  I had a craving and decided to make these yummies last night to share for when Adam got home!  And they are SO easy!
• Ultrasounds - Yes, mankind managed (and continues to manage) without using this form of technology.  Yes, babies were born everyday without the parents knowing whether to buy blue or pink for the baby's room.  Yes, it's not necessary to see what baby will look like with the amazing 3D sonos these days.  But they are wonderful and amazing and I'm so thankful to have this kind of care within reach!!!! 

What are you thankful for this week??

Hello Third Trimester!

I can't wait, especially after reading my lovely daily pregnancy book - always bringing the thrills!

"Besides the continued growth and development of your baby, the third trimester ultimately serves one purpose:  To make you uncomfortable, so over it, so tired, so achy, so bitchy, so itchy, and so freakishly huge, that you will do anything to get the baby out of you, including pushing it out of a place where a tampon once felt gigantic.  This is Mother Nature's way of inspiring you at the end of your pregnancy, even though we spent the previous eight months thinking, "Okay, how is this going to happen again?"

See how entertaining this book is?!  A must have for prego women and would be a great gift - The Pregnancy Countdown Book

In other news - the store DID have a crib in stock!!  It must have been hiding just for us.  So hopefully this weekend will be filled with fixing up the nursery for William!

Also, next Sunday marks the beginning of our series of childbirth classes.  I'm actually really excited for them!

And finally, tomorrow is 3D/4D ultrasound!!!  I will be sure to post pictures!  Can't wait to see William again!

I Don't Wanna See That!

As I enter my third trimester, I'm getting used to being pregnant - probably just in time to have it all turned upside down as I grow bigger and more uncomfortable than I can imagine.

I'm realizing, as a prego lady myself, there are a few things that a pregnant woman never wants to see and I've made a list just for you and all you prego or eventually prego women out there.....

• Her ass in a 3-way, dressing room mirror under fluorescent lighting - Let's face it, no one needs to see that.....and who actually looks good in that kind of lighting anyway!
• The numbers on the scale......while she's standing on it - Yeah, yeah, I get it, I'm growing a baby, but holy moly, those are some big numbers!
• The contents of her purse, as they spill out over the floor - Bending over isn't what it used to be.  It either doesn't happen at all or it's the most ungraceful (and definitely un-ladylike) thing possible.  I don't care if it's a towel on the floor or the lipstick I just dropped - maybe I'll just come back for it later.  Better yet, train the dog to pick these things up...hmmm.
• A mannequin in the store - showing off the most adorable (non-maternity) outfit ever - I had a dream last night of trying on 'regular' clothes at a 'regular' store.  I guess at this point, it's hard to imagine wearing 'normal' clothes again!  HA!
• The first sign of stretch marks - Understanding these are so normal during pregnancy, no woman ever wants to look down and see her smooth, pretty baby belly start to show the signs of stretch marks that are bound to get bigger and more defined.  I'm hoping to hold out as long as I can..still nothing...yet.
• Her fingers become swollen (ok, ok and just fat) - When the day came when I almost needed to call for assistance to remove my wedding ring, it wasn't fun.  I bought a "fake" ring to make me still feel like a wed, soon-to-be mother.
• The alarm clock as she wakes up at 12:00am and again at 3:00am and again at 5:45am to pee - I am currently a 2 to 3 times-a-night pee-er at this time.  I can only imagine as baby grows that bladder will be further and further crushed to waking up even more....and hearing that this is "nature's way" of preparing me for lack of sleep once baby comes is by no means more comforting as I'm heaving myself out of bed, half asleep, in the middle of the night.  HA!
• Dropping anything - OK, I know this is a repeat, but it's only necessary and I see it as a big problem.  If I drop something (especially in front of people ie. at work), I have a decision to make:  1)  Leave it  2)  Get down on knees to pick it up  3)  Pick it up in a creative, leaning sideways or with legs spread kind of way (but then risk possible splitting of the pants.  Decisions....decisions.....

Did I miss anything, ladies??

My Favorite Time of the Day

My favorite time of the day:  once Adam is home and we can relax as a family - I read my book, Adam watches football and William plays 'stomp' inside mommy's belly....

Mommy Fail (but we ordered a crib!)

So my first mommy fail....

We have been preparing in many different ways for William's arrival - selecting hospital, registering for childbirth classes (and breastfeeding classes), moving the office downstairs to clear out baby's room, researching cloth diapers (and ordering some), registering for baby, asking around to select pediatrician, reading baby books.  The list goes on and on - we are slowly getting ready.

Small detail of baby furniture - ya know, like a crib and dresser.......ooooh, THAT!

We had been looking, but hadn't really settled on anything in particular.  I finally decided to go and order the crib.  Ten to twelve weeks for delivery....William is due in 12 weeks.  Do the math.  The dresser was in stock so we'll be picking that up this week.  Good thing William will be sleeping in our room, in a bassinet, for the first few weeks (or months).  Hehe - oopsies!!

William is coming so soon!!!

Our baby is going to sleep in this crib!!!

This will be the dresser (with changing pad on top) - not with hutch like in this pic

Also, in other exciting anticipation - we are scheduled for a 3D/4D sono on Thursday!!  I can't hardly wait!

Go Bucks!

I am on Ohio State fan....and I intend to raise my son as such....

Buckeyes fan in progress :)

Chad and Brandi Get Married!!

For our wedding number eight of 2010, Brandi and Chad get hitched!  They tied the knot outside in Peoria's Luthy Botanical Gardens - beautiful!

Congrats to the happy couple!!

My Chuckle of the Day

So my always-entertaining daily pregnancy countdown has done it again...made me laugh, for sure.

Day 90
"As your second trimester ends and your third begins, reality sets in.  You look at your stomach; you know about how big your vagina is; and you may be thinking, 'Okay, a baby is going to come out of there.  That is going to hurt.'"

Dear Book,
I've been thinking that for awhile now......
Sincerely,
Stephanie

Trash Talk

I love random, useless facts!  If it's an off-the-wall piece of trivia, I'm all ears.  So with some of my recent posts talking about garbage and recycling and water bottles, I figured I'd surf the web for some interesting (mostly shocking) pieces of useless information.  Here are some of the fun facts that I came across.  Very interesting.....

Water Bottles

• Water bottles currently comprise about two percent of landfill waste
• Some environmentalists believe it can take a plastic bottle up to 1000 years to decompose
• Americans use about 2,500,000 plastic bottles every hour - most of them are thrown away

Compost, people!

• Around 80% of the garbage produced annually in the US is organic and compostable
• Every year, the average American throws out about 1,200 lbs of organic garbage that could be composted

Garbage...and more garbage

• The average American contributes 4.5 lbs a day to landfills
• If all our newspapers were recycled, we could save about 250,000,000 trees each year
• 30% of trash in landfills is paper (another 18% is food scraps and another 16% is plastic)
• Landfills are running out at a rate of one per day - we are consuming more with less room to put the trash
• US population discards 16,000,000,000 diapers (that's billions!!) - in US alone that is 100,000 tons of plastic and 800,000 tons of tree pulp that will still be in the landfills 300 years from now
• The highest point in Hamilton County, Ohio (near Cincinnati) is "Mount Rumpke".  It is actually a mountain of trash at the Rumpke sanitary landfill - 1045 feet about sea level  [I enjoy that piece of information since that's where I'm from!]

And let's be serious, I'm not perfect when it comes to recycling or composting or my own consumption.  I still find these facts quite interesting (and eye-opening) at the same time.  Again...it's all about the baby steps...

All of this information kind of reminds me of the Pixar movie, WALL-E, where humans are forced to live in large space stations because we have created too much trash to make earth liveable....

Growing Baby - 27 Weeks

Yowsers!  14.5 inches!

Thankful Thursday - 8.19.10

• My Mom - God love her, I call her about everyday (most days multiple times) and she almost never hangs up on me. HA! She's always there to offer advice - baby-related, "medical" expertise ('cuz she's a doctor ya know, HA!), wedding planning talk or just to chit chat. She goes out of her way to shop for me and help me out in any way she possibly can. As I've gotten older, I've developed a much greater appreciation for both of my parents and I have a feeling it will continue to grow as I become a parent myself. She'll be there for the first few weeks once William is born to hopefully prevent me from pulling out my hair. Love you, Mom!
• Football Season - It might sound strange, but knowing football season is just around the corner makes me happy! I love this time of the year - when I know fall is coming and soon to be followed by sweatshirt weather and changing leaves and waking up on Saturday mornings to prepare to watch college football while dressing in all Scarlet and Gray attire to represent my Buckeyes! Being the wife of a high school football coach, football season also means being a "football widow." Waiting to see my hubby until the late evenings and losing him on weekends to games and watching film. Even so, when it comes to fall/football season versus Christmas time....it's a tie since both times of the year give me the warm fuzzies inside.
• Pumpkin Harvest Candle - Speaking of fall...nothing gets me more excited for this up and coming time of the year like a good smelling candle. I don't know if I'm yearning for cooler days or looking forward to football starting or knowing once the weather changes that means William is closer to joining our family. Whatever the reason, the new Febreze limited edition Pumpkin Harvest & Fall candle I recently bought just makes me happy!!

Check it Out: Garbage Moguls

I mentioned last week about a company called TerraCycle and how they will buy trash and use it to produce new products to sell.

If you wanna see more - there is a new reality show that will be airing on the National Geographic Channel called Garbage Moguls.  This program will shine some light on the work that TerraCycle is doing with their creative and environmentally conscious business of reusing garbage!

Check it out - Garbage Moguls airs Saturday, August 21st on the National Geographic Channel 8PM (EST)/7PM (CST)

Can I Get a Spotter for My Back Bend?

OK...I'm slightly concerned and scared.....

I know the third trimester leads to lots of uncomfortable side effects during pregnancy.  You are huge, you need to pee ten times in the middle of the night, continued heartburn and constipation, baby kicking like David Beckham on your bladder or ribs or intestines or , back aches and thousands of others I'm sure I'm missing. 

I'm slowly getting ready to coast into the third trimester and I've been feeling good.  Still sleeping fairly well (only peeing about twice in the middle of the night so far), heartburn has definitely slowed, the occasional back ache, what constipation? and besides moving a little slower than normal, I still feel good.  There is one piece of discomfort I'm scared to mention out loud because as my little William grows in the next few months, I'm afraid that it will move past my wildest imagination of uncomfortable.

I have a baby in my ribs....

I basically sit at a desk all day at work and at times it feels like my innocent baby boy is trying to work his way on top of my ribs.  I feel like if I could just push him back down lower, things would be good.  This, however, doesn't work.  I stand up, hoping gravity will work its magic to slide my William down out of my rib cage - no luck.  Then I feel like if I could possibly lean backwards, it might allow more room.  Then, when that doesn't work, I think...well maybe if i completely bend backwards, then THAT would help....

William is only supposed to be about 14.5 inches right now from head to heel.  So using averages, he's still got another 5.5 inches to go.  So if I'm going around, asking for a spotter for my back bend...you'll know why.

And yes....I realize by bringing this up, I open up the opportunity for people to just chuckle to themselves and think "Oh, Stephanie...just you wait."  I know this....that's why I'm concerned and scared....

Just Say No!

Don't get me wrong, I love me some bottled water.  I used to buy package after package of water bottles - why not?  It feels "cleaner" and it's absolutely convenient.  It's not too pricey per package so you don't realize the money you are spending.  Then I met Adam....

It took him about one week of living together to break me of this expensive and wasteful habit of mine.  I guess I knew it wasn't good and was just adding to landfills and creating pollution to manufacture and ship the plastic bottles, but it was easy to be guilt-free when I don't actually see it for myself or feel the consequences.

I found this very interesting video about the negative impacts of bottled water.  It's less than ten minutes - take a looksie!

The Story of Bottled Water

I'll be the first to admit, I'm not perfect.  If I'm traveling and don't have my reusable water bottle, I might buy one at a gas station.  However, we are no longer buying bottled water packages.  Also, if I'm traveling to a different city or country, I'll be sure to ask if the water is safe to drink before pouring myself a glass from the tap, just to be safe!

Still love your filtered water?  Buy a water filter you attach directly to your sink!  Buy a pitcher that filters the water and you can have it ready to go in the fridge!  Or (gasp!!), grab a glass and turn on the tap - you might be surprised at how clean it really is!!   It's the small changes you can try to make each day to make a big impact!!

What about you?  Are you still loving on some bottled waters?

Happy 21st Birthday, Joey!

Joey's Auction is complete and just in time for Joey's 21st birthday!!

Joey's big sister, Jaclyn, has been auctioning donated home-made goodies for the last two weeks to raise money for Joey's high school, Elim Christian School.  Joey has autism and is able to go to school thru his 21st year, so he has one more year to go.  All the money Jaclyn raised will be donated to help Joey's class!

Since Jaclyn can tell you much better than me - here is how it worked:  Joey's Auction

The auction is now closed and Jaclyn has been been able to raise over $700 with donations still rolling in!!

Wanna help?  There is still time to be able to donate to Elim Christian School - you can send payments thru PayPal to jaclyn1423@yahoo.com.

Another way to help support autism is by purchasing a Joey's Hot Dogs Necklace from Jaclyn1423 Etsy shop!  For every necklace sold, Jaclyn is donating $5 to Autism Speaks to support the treatment, research and finding a cure for autism.

Happy Birthday, Joey!!!!

My Cheerleader

The hubby sure does know how to raise my spirits and make me feel wonderful and loved....

These are my 'just 'cuz' flowers and because he thinks I'm doing a great job....

First Cloth Diaper Order!

Who can't wait for a peeing and pooping machine???  This girl!

OK, let me clarify.  William (aka the peeing and pooping machine) is coming in just a few short months and what better way to prepare than to start seeing what is available for the softest and green cloth diapers that are out there. 

As I have reported plenty of times, I'm going in somewhat blind but I started with a basic order of three different cloth diapers.

• Bum Genius 4.0 Pocket Diaper (with snaps)
• Bum Genius Elemental Diaper (made with organic cotton)
• FuzziBunz Pocket Diaper

I am happy to report that my order from Snappy Diapers has finally arrived and I get to see and feel my first CDs ever!

So to help paint a little more of a picture of what one kind of cloth diaper involves, I have included some pics.  (I apologize for the quality - I am too excited and not the best photographer in the first place)

Bum Genius 4.0 Pocket Diaper

Adjustable snaps to adjust rise on diaper - I'm setting this to a newborn size.

Since this is a pocket diaper, I am putting the insert into pocket.  This Bum Genius came with two different sized inserts - one for newborn and another for the 'one-size'.

Then, you'd just put it on like any other disposable diaper.  Instead of an adhesive tab or velcro, this diaper has adjustable snaps to fit baby as he grows!

Bum Genius Elemental Cloth Diaper - with organic cotton

Instead of having to putting an insert into a pocket, this diaper is an All-in-One diaper - the fabric liner is already attached to the diaper.  Same snaps as the 4.0 to adjust rise to fit baby.  This one is currently set on the smallest rise and there is quite a bit of additional fabric on the liner available - not sure how I would handle that...

Put it on just like the 4.0 or any other disposable diaper.  Multiple snaps allow you to adjust the fit as baby grows!

FuzziBunz - One Size Pocket Diaper

Another pocket diaper - place insert into diaper pocket.

Put the diaper on - more snaps to adjust fit on baby.  This one doesn't adjust the same on rise, so not sure how this would work on a smaller newborn.  FuzziBunz came with two inserts and replacement elastic for when the elastic around the legs gets too stretched out!

Since, my 'pooping and peeing machine' doesn't get here for a few more months, I'm in no position to write a review or say what I like or don't like.  This is just to show an example of one of the types and brands that is available.  These seem easy to put on and placing the insert in the pocket shouldn't take but a little extra time after doing a load of laundry to get ready for those diaper changes. 

With my first purchase - I'm pleasantly surprised at how easy they are to put on and how incredibly soft they are!  I only ordered ones with snaps so far, but I can imagine with a squirming baby that the hook and loop fastener type would be much easier, but they just might not hold up as well after many washes.

I will continue to do my online research and look for those around me that have used cloth diapers to further get my collection started for William's arrival!  His bum won't know what soft and eco-friendly goodness hit it!

Terracycle Giveaway - Going Green with Noah

I am always looking for ways to help Adam and I to be more eco-friendly!  We are composting and recycling about anything we can possibly think of around the house.  However, would you have ever thought selling your trash was another option?

There is an amazing company, Terracycle, that pays schools and families to collect non-recyclable waste to be upcycled into fun products!  Check out their website, it's pretty amazing what they are doing!

Going Green with Noah is holding a Terracycle giveaway of FIVE different items to FIVE lucky individuals!!

• A tote bag made from juice pouches
• A pencil case made from juice pouches
• A lunch box from juice pouches
• A drink coaster made from circuit boards
• A picture frame made form circuit board

There are plenty of ways to enter yourself!  Check out the Terracycle Giveaway on Going Green with Noah and enter to win!  Hurry!  Your chance ends tonight!!

Look What I Won!!!!

So Joey's Auction is coming to a close but there was an item I wanted before it was even posted (yeah, I had the inside scoop from the beginning...). 

I waited, patiently, for it to be posted.  I was not about to let anyone beat me out to win it over me!  I was willing to throw-down for this and made it clear to the other ladies bidding that they had met their competition. 

After 10 bids later, I won!!!!  More money for Joey's Auction and I will get a gorgeous set like this!!

This is my other bestie, Alisha, who is a way uber-talented knitter!!  Since knitting can be such a time-consuming hobby, I am so excited to be one of the few people out there that will be able to wear one of her amazing creations!!!

What:  A handknit Start Crossed Slouchy beret in the winner's choice of color and a  Burberry-inspired cowl to match.  I prefer to knot these in Malabrigo Worsted, as it is super soft, warm and absolutely gorgeous.  Malabrigo Worsted is a "hand-dyed incredibly soft 100 percent Merino wool with the subtle variations in color and texture only hand dyed yarns have.  Pure Merion comes from a small family-run company in Uruguay," according to Ravelry.  However, if the winning bidder prefers a different fiber, we can work that out.  I will contact the winner regarding their color choice and purchase brand new skeins to knit from.  (from Joey's Auction)

Although it's been roughly 90 degrees for what feels like forever, it's hard to imagine wearing this knit cowl and beret.....but thinking about these and looking at these pictures, I can already feel fall coming!!!!  Isn't it purdy?!

Thanks, Leesh!!!!!!

It's not too late!  There are several items open for bid until tonight and another couple that close tomorrow night!!!  Take a looksie:  Joey's Auction

That Ain't Right

My normal heels that I wear to work just aren't cutting it anymore.  Besides the fact that my feet have been swelling due to this horrible heat and humidity, a waddling, pregnant woman in heels doesn't exactly draw attention in a 'hey, good lookin' kind of way.  So it was time to do a little shopping.  I just needed a pair of plain, flat, somewhat dressy, black shoes to be able to wear to work.  Simple enough task, right??

Advice to any pregnant woman attempting to buy shoes in August......

1. My initial response, after performing this feat yesterday myself - DON'T
2. If you must shop for shoes in 90 degree weather, I would recommend icing your feet or putting them up for at least an hour before you go so they aren't swollen to the size of pot roasts....As you can imagine, pot roasts are not easy to slide gracefully into a nice pair of shoes.  I found this out the hard way....
3. This is no time to be vain, ladies....we are going for comfort here.  Don't be afraid to try on the ugliest pair of shoes in the store, as long as they are flat and soft.  (and also easy to put on) 
4. Don't be afraid to sit down.  After attempting to balance myself next to the rack, while holding my purse and having a heel on the opposite foot....I'm lucky I made it out of the store alive.
5. Expect to go AT LEAST a half size (or full size) bigger than you would normally wear.  Thanks to pregnancy-land (and this lovely thing called relaxin), your feet grow...and they'll probably never shrink back again.  Might as well start your new shoe collection now.
6. If the store is offering Buy One, Get One Half Off....buy something you don't necessarily 'need' and get something FUN just for you!!!

Look What I Got!!

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I was going to order a custom-made necklace from my bestie, Jaclyn, off Jaclyn1423 on Etsy.  It came in the mail today!!!! 

It is absolutely more beautiful than I had expected and the pictures definitely don't do it justice!  It's dainty and elegant and so much fun!  The neutral colors I requested (gray and clear) make it something I could wear out to a bar (while I drink a sprite or water) or to work or to formal event!  It's perfect!!

Want to buy it for yourself - Gray and Clear Shaggy Necklace

Want something customized?  Just message her on her Etsy site, Jaclyn1423, and she can work her magic in whatever jewelry way you both can come up with!!!

Thankful Thursday 8.12.10

Since I mostly have been writing about random thoughts that I have on any given day or using random pictures, I figured I'd take the time on the same day each week to add a more 'regular' blog post.  Not sure exactly what that could be though.  I could make an entry a week about some of the eco-friendly choices we are making at home, but I'm slightly worried that I'd run out of those by about the fourth week.  I could write about one of my favorite things - food...but then I'd probably just make myself hungry and let's face it, my cooking abilities aren't exactly wonderful.  I could just make a habit of posting a single picture on that day, but I'm pretty sure everyone reading would definitely get tired of seeing MORE pictures of Tressel - this might be more fun once William gets here!!

So I finally came to the decision that Thursday would now be 'Thankful Thursday' and I could make a list of a few things I'm thankful for.  This will give me a chance to reflect on what's important in my life....or just the luxuries and conveniences that I LOVE!  So let Thankful Thursday being....

I'm Thankful For:

• My Husband - I know, go ahead and deactivate your gag reflex, but I am thankful for him!  He's so wonderful to me and he makes me happy and I always laugh with him! He's going to be a fabulous daddy!
• Maternity pants - Seriously....what would a gal do without them?  I'm starting to find out that the reason for that extra material up top isn't necessarily just for extra comfort, is the ease in which you can actually get your pants on.  With my ability to bend over being compromised, having these extra inches of fabric makes it much easier to swing the pants to get my feet in when I put them on.  Hours of entertainment for Adam to watch me get dressed each day....
• Air conditioning - When we've had about 20 days of 90+ degree weather this summer, I'm so thankful to be able to be comfortable at home.
• William's kicks - I've heard people describe how a baby kicking is just a wonderful feeling, but I never could have imagined.  I smile knowing that's my son in there moving around and kicking away.  It gives me a sigh of relief each day knowing that he's doing well and growing and moving the way a baby should.  I love when Adam is around and we can share that time together.   

Lookie what Auntie Melanie found!!

William will be ready for football season (or what's left once he arrives!).

Poop on Michigan onesie?  Check!

Jim Tressel sweater vest onesie?  Check!  (Mommy already has one to match in gray!!)

All he needs is a buckeye necklace and he'll be ready to go!!!

Go Bucks!!!

Our 'Baby'

OK, I understand William is our baby.  But Tressel is our "baby" too!  He has his own wonderful personality and just loves us to bits!  I'm understanding that our attention priorities will change once William gets here, but in the meantime, we are in love with our furry "baby" boy.

Tressel loves to cuddle and shows daddy he misses him after being at work all day.  He looks HUGE!

Growing Baby - 26 Weeks

So yesterday I pulled out the measuring tape to show Adam how big William is supposed to be this week - 14 inches (from head to heel)!  Seriously, pull out one for yourself and see how big that is! 

I can definitely tell he's getting bigger, because when he moves and kicks, I can feel the movement in multiple places.  I love that feeling!!!

Adam's Facebook status cracked me up this morning.....

Survey Results - Cloth Diapers

So...I'm not surprised by the results of the cloth diaper survey.  Not surprised at all....

Since just about everyone around me has been telling me we're crazy - it's no wonder 60% voted that way.  The 40% voted that, indeed, they thought we were crazy.  Another 20% sided with the "ICK" option.  Part of me wants to know who those 3 people are so I don't make a weekend visit and think I'll be doing some dirty diaper laundry at their house!  HA!  But let's face it - at some point with a baby anyway, you'll be washing poopy and urine soaked clothes and bedding anyway from diaper explosions and accidents.  So washing diapers is essentially the same...just on a regular basis.  OK, I don't think I'm going to win any battles with from that side of the argument.

The other 40% actually use cloth diapers or think they are good option, even if they don't use them - without the 'you-are-crazy' factor associated with it.  That's somewhat reassuring.

Speaking as a current non-parent, I guess what it seems like is that no matter what choices you make regarding raising your child, there will be half the people telling you that somehow you are crazy or harming your child or think it's a horrible idea.  So I guess what I'll have to realize is that at the end of the day, what my husband and I decide is best for our family, that's what we will stick to.  Right now, we think that reusable diapers are what will be best for us (even if they involved more work...).

PLEASE NOTE AGAIN:  I want to be able to cloth diaper and right now I'm so excited to be able to do it.  Maybe I'm just clueless and I should be listening to everyone screaming "NO!" at me regarding the decision (even though there are quite a few that haven't tried it themselves).  I still reserve the right to change my mind later...hehe...because in this 'game', I make the rules.  :)

Now THAT'S Love....

For those that know me, I have two very well known fears - storms (like scary, green-sky kind of storms) and spiders.  I'm terrified of spiders!  They are much smaller than me and [most] can't really hurt me, but it doesn't matter.  In college, I would spray the spiders (or the house centipedes ICK!) and I would have to call someone else to clean them up - even the thought of picking up a dead spider freaked me out.

Last night, I was home alone while Adam was working at Riverfront.  I was faced with a ginormous, eight-legged nemesis!  I could call Tressel to see if he was brave enough to face him and conquer this beast.  I stayed brave - smashed it with Adam's shoe (heck no I'm not using my own shoe!). 

I left a note for Adam.....

"My Love, Please go in basement, near computer & clean up smashed spider under your flip flop!  Thanks!  I was at least brave enough to kill it, right?!  Love, Gigi  :)"

"Lovie, HE IS DISPOSED!"

Now, if THAT'S not love, I don't know what is....hehe

Good Morning!

This morning was one of those amazing mornings that you want to remember.

Adam and I weren't rushing to wake up and head off in different directions for meetings or work or a race or other plans like we tend to have, even on weekends.  We just stayed in bed and talked and loved on Tressel. 

William must have felt left out because he was kicking up a storm.  So we laid there, Adam's hand on my belly, while we felt him kick away.  Amazing and hard to believe that's our baby boy in there.....

Now the day is starting - off to share the day....

Growing Baby - 25 weeks

As usual, daddy keeping us up to date....13.5 inches head to heel!!!

And although, I have actually heard of a rutabaga, I totally had to look up one to see what it was....who knew - just a yellow turnip.

Another picture daddy posted on FB last night - Tressel laying on me.  Not sure if he just likes to snuggle or if he knows there's a baby in there....and he's just listening and feeling William move.

Joeys' Auction Goodies - 8/5/10 & 8/6/10

More fun stuff to bid on to support a good cause!!!

Check it out:  Joey's Auction

I'm (mostly) Not Offended

When I first found out I was pregnant, I started reading pregnancy related books.  Each talked about unsolicited advice or words from other people and strangers - and to be prepared for those.  At that time, if I hadn't told you I was pregnant (or dry heaved on you), you would never have known since I wasn't showing at all and I couldn't comprehend receiving these kinds of words regarding my pregnancy.

I'm not usually a sensitive person (be quiet, Adam!)...and I'm not easily offended.  I can pick up on sarcasm and I like to dish it out myself.  If you ask me a question that someone might perceive as too personal, you might just end up blushing from my answer.

However, my body is rapidly going through changes that you might not be able to fathom unless you experience them for yourself.  My belly is practically exploding in every direction, I have to pee much more frequently, I'm starting to waddle instead of walk, my digestion isn't what it used to be, I'm warmer than I usually am (sometimes it's just plain hot flashes), my belly button is just weird, I'm more hungry, I'm already having a hard time painting my toes or tying my shoes or bending over in general and if there is anything in a nearby vicinity that could be kind of considered a sit-able surface, let's face it - my ass will be sitting.  All of these things make me a little more vulnerable than usual.  Still, it would be hard to offend me.  I'd imagine there are plenty of prego women out there that are far more sensitive than myself and some of the things that people have been asking or saying to me.  I'd guess that if you get a sensitive woman on the right day, at the right time, you'd have her running home crying and diving into a bowl of ice cream - it's what we women do.....

Here are just a few examples of what I'm talking about....

When are you due?  I LOVE THIS QUESTION!  I'm proud to show off my belly and this question implies that the person asking understands that I'm actually with child instead of just fat.  But people, make sure the woman is, in fact, pregnant before posing this question.  WARNING:  Offensive Possibility - if your eyes get so big because you think I look like I'm about to pop any moment, but I'm not actually due for another 3.5 months....not so cool.....

How much weight have you gained?  OK...would you walk up to a stranger and ask them how much they weighed, in general?  Didn't think so.  So why is my weight gain, now that I'm pregnant, any more of your business.  I wouldn't think anyone would actually ask this question - but oh yes...it's happened.

Do you have stretch marks?  Got this one this morning from pretty much a stranger.  Umm, yes, my belly is quite large.  No, I do not have stretch marks...yet.  Next time perhaps just pulling up my shirt to ask them to look for me would be more effective at having that person NEVER ask that question again.

Whoa!  Your baby is gonna be big!  or Wow!  Your belly is huge!  I understand you have picked up on the fact that my belly is quite large for how far along I am.  What if I just have a huge gut with a little, tiny baby in there?  My usual response to this one is "Yup...Pretty sure I'll have a twelve pounder in there."

Oh, that's OK - you're eating for two.  If I'm helping myself to seconds or grabbing a snack from the vending machine, I'm probably just hungry and a fat ass.  My 1.5 pound baby probably doesn't have the craving for those cinnamon zingers or Cheez-its that I'm about to consume and I know he doesn't need to eat any extra food.  I just like to eat - same as before pregnancy.

Were you trying?  OK, not a huge fan of this one.  Is our sex life any of your business?  Possible responses to this question:  "F*** NO!  I wish someone would have told us where babies come from!" or "Umm, not, but now we are kinda stuck with it now."  Seriously, we are so happy we are expecting our baby William.  We were ready to welcome a baby anytime.  This is none of your business and much more rude than you might imagine.  What if the kid was an accident?  Don't you feel bad now??!

How soon until you start trying for another?  This might be a question my husband and I talk about to each other, but we still have a way to go baking the current one in the oven...let's focus on this one for now.

Rubbing my belly - This actually hasn't happened too much but I don't think I'd mind.  Again, I'm proud of my belly (even though it's ginormous!) and proud that I have a kicking, adorable (I know he is) baby boy in there!  I'd imagine this is not true for many women though, so I'm not encouraging touching of the belly.  If someone asks that I don't want to touch, I might respond "Only if I can touch yours next!"

Tell horror labor stories - This is not my favorite.  I'm all about being informed with reasonable expectations and concerns that you can share from experience, but PLEASE refrain from telling a pregnant woman the worst imaginable story regarding childbirth or pregnancy that you heard from a friend of a friend of your Aunt Jane that was a true story.  Not cool, man......

With all this said, you still probably don't need to worry about offending me.  With the exception of the pregnancy horror stories, I'm pretty much fine with anything you throw at me.  If you are a friend or a family member and are just curious - I'm willing to talk about everything....I mean EVERYTHING!

What questions have you heard people ask to pregnant women or has someone asked you while you were pregnant?

More Auction Goodies - 8/4/10

Some new auction goodies today!!  [including my homemade cards - hehe]

Beaded Necklace, 6-Handmade Cards, Hand-knit Slippers