A Bit of Randomness

Well, it's almost a new year and my blog is sorely lacking in updates. It kind of went to the wayside (along with house cleaning) after Robert came home. It seems like I have more time to do things when he's gone (or working) than when he's home all the time!

I am finally back into meal planning -- and hoping/praying that we can finally stick to our budget this year so we can save more money. Saving has (sadly) been a lower priority lately with all our eating out, buying Robert some new clothes, and purchasing our lovely piano (more about that below)!

It's amazing how much money you can save when you go into the grocery store with a plan and a list instead of just thinking of "meals" (if you can call them that) as you go. Our first planned meal was last night - homemade ham and bean soup (using dry beans). Very delicious. Robert loved it. I made homemade corn muffins to go along with it, which was a nice compliment.

I made some sandwich bread yesterday as well - but I think I took it out of the oven too soon, so I'll have to try again next time. I want to start making all of our bread again. I bought some wheat gluten, hoping that will help the bread become less "crumb-y" ... hoping anyway. I might try a small amount of bread flour if that doesn't work, because my italian bread recipe turns out so nicely.

I would also like to start making all of our desserts from scratch. I made some wonderful butter toffee, caramels, and candy bar treats with the help of my mom when my parents were visiting earlier this month. We still have some toffee left over but everything else has been eaten. The candy was so rich and so delicious. I can't wait to make the caramels again to try to improve on them. (They were a bit hard, probably from boiling too long.)

And I've even started making cinnamon rolls from scratch. I've made two batches now (the second was much better), but they are delightful! And they are made with baking powder, so they're fast and easy. The link is on my recipe page.

And last but not least, my new piano! Well, I should say our piano. Robert and I have been eyeing pianos since before Benedict was born (maybe for almost a year now). We considered one, but they were a little out of our price range. I was set on buying a full sized keyboard if we were going to spend the money. There's no use buying one (in my opinion) if I can't even play all my favorite songs on it! So we finally broke down and bought one as our Christmas present to each other this year. It came with an attached stand, pedals, weighted keys, and a bench. I'm so thrilled with the purchase!

Well, if you're still with me, I'm going to try to update once every week or two from now on so that I have a little motivation to stay on track, but also to share with you what I've been up to in the kitchen as well as any new updates with Benedict.

Actual First Amendment Right

To those who believe that the First Ammendment, giving a separation of Church and State, means "the Church" (or any religion) should keep its "hands" out of government:

Actual First Amendment Right:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;"

This right refers to the government "keeping its hands" out of religion, NOT to religion keeping its hands out of government! Therefore, court houses/court rooms should be allowed to post the Ten Commandments, children should be allowed to pray and read/learn about the Bible in public schools, "In God We Trust" should be allowed to be written on American money, the word "God" should be allowed in the swearing in for court ("so help you God") and in the Pledge of Allegiance ("one nation under God"), and people should be able to enact moral laws according to a moral code which some would infer as religious.

My "new" Cloth Diapers

So, I made a big deal a while ago about how I "hated" my old cloth diapers. I even asked for opinions ... and was told to go to disposables -- HA! Never. Anyway, that being said, I thought I would mention that I found the best cloth diapers ever -- FuzziBunz!! (Isn't it a cute name?)

1. It only takes one cycle to dry these (as opposed to 3 with the bumGenius and Kissaluvs).
2. They come with two inserts so I don't have to buy any extra if I need more absorbency. I do have to stuff them ("insert" the inserts), but that's why they dry so fast, so I don't complain about that part.
3. They go on with snaps instead of velcro - so now I don't have to worry about velco tabs staying closed in the washer/dryer and they also don't have the stiff velcro piece across his stomach which I felt was hurting his stomach when he was sitting and would be even more of a pain when he started leaning over like he does now.
4. They are "one-size" which I was totally against because I thought all the snaps to change the size looked tacky ... but my favorite part (the number one reason I love these so much) is that you change the elastic to make these looser/tighter (instead of snaps on the front).

See ... there's buttonholes in the elastic and to make it shorter/tighter around the legs you would pull the elastic through and "button" at a higher number. Which means that I can make the legs loose -- something he greatly needed with his little "chunk" thighs! (There's also elastic around the back that you can change.)
5. They are softer than the bumGenius and other cloth diapers that I tried (Kissaluvs, Thirsties).
6. I have only had one or two leaks with these diapers since I bought them in September.
7. Just to add another reason - I love these colors. They are so bright and vibrant compared to the other brands I've seen out there.

So, with all these reasons to love them, I wasn't opposed to the fact that they are one of the most expensive cloth diapers out there! (There are a couple brands that I saw were more, but not by much.)

GO FuzziBunz!!!!!

Update

Wow! It's been a long time since I've posted on here! I wonder if you've all given up looking (hoping) to find something new ... I would have by now!

Between the news of Robert, having him home, spending time with him, taking care of the endless household duties, and taking care of my beautiful son -- I haven't even thought of a new post in quite some time (as you can obviously tell).


We have so many unknowns at the moment, and a small (flexible) plan. We're not sure how everything will play out or when it will happen. As many of you know, I need a plan, so this waiting game is killing me!

But I'm trying to get the house in order for the inevitable move coming up. I'm trying to get rid of anything and everything that I don't like or don't want. I don't want to move anything that won't have a place in our new home, a home that we will hopefully be staying in for a while.

During the transition, and this crazy time in my life right now, it's easier for me to put mini-updates on Facebook then to try to write a long post on here. I hope you all understand.

Addition

I added a Favorite Links page to the top of my site today. If you're looking for anything from cheap books to information on NFP - I've got some great links there. These are my favorite websites that I use often.

Interesting Find

While reading my nursing book, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (the new version) I came across some interesting information. The charts by the CDC for babies that are used by most doctors are based on formula-fed and breastfed babies. (They were recently updated and used to be based solely on formula-fed babies.) The WHO (World Health Organization) has charts based on exclusively breastfed babies. This difference is important because breastfed babies grow more quickly than most formula-fed babies at first and then taper their growth off as they get closer to one year so their 50%ile at one year is approximately 21 pounds and the CDCs chart 50%ile is 20 lbs.

I printed off the WHO charts from the internet, converted his measurements (the WHO charts use kg and cm) and filled in his numbers. This is what I found!

According to the CDC charts: (what the doctor uses)
For weight he was 25%ile at birth, 75%ile at 1 mo, and 95%ile at 2 mo.
For height he was 50%ile at birth 75%ile at 1 mo, and 75%ile at 2 mo.

According to the WHO charts: (for exclusively breastfed babies)
For weight he's approximately 50%ile at birth, 67%ile at 1 mo, and 67%ile at 2 mo.
For height he's approximately 40%ile at birth 50%ile at 1 mo, and 65%ile at 2 mo.

Notice the extreme difference in percentiles for his current weight! Almost 30 percentage points! I'm going to continue charting on the WHO charts and make sure that if there's an issue, the doctor understands it's because he has "bad" charts! Also notice that whereas with the CDC charts he "looked" like he was increasing weight at an other than ordinary pace (25-75-95), with the WHO charts he's stayed a lot closer to "average" (50-67-67) and actually didn't change percentiles at all from month one to month two!

Here's another interesting thing I just discovered. I went on the CDC's website to get a link for the charts the doctors uses (which I had downloaded a couple months before Benedict was born). They have new charts on the CDC's website that are made by the WHO but they are different from the exclusively breastfed charts from the WHO. According to these new charts, Benedict would be in the 92%ile for weight and 85%ile for length at 2 months. Just a little different, but different nonetheless.

Numbers, numbers, numbers! Are you confused yet?!

Learning

The sweetest quote from a four-year-old breastfeeding child found in The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding "Mama, when you nurse me, it's as if you take the love out of you and put it into me."

Now for the info (paraphrased from the book):

Human babies are born at an earlier stage of development than many other mammals. Why? Because our brains are so large and a woman's pelvis so small (in comparison) that to wait any longer, the baby wouldn't be able to fit through. How much longer would it be? A chimpanzee or gorilla baby is born with a brain half its adult size. Human babies don't reach that "mark" until about nine months old!

Babies are meant to stay with their "mommies". It's the way God and nature intended and for some reason out society has tried to counter this with bouncy seats, swings, cribs, bassinets, car seats, etc. I tried to go against the flow for a while as well and it back-fired (if you'll remember this post). Now we're both so much happier because we're together! There are times when he's laying/sitting by himself and I think "I need you" because I can't stand to be away from him. Why fight with nature?

Baby Check up: Two Months

Recap of  1 mo #s:
Length: 22 in
Weight: 10lb 15.2oz

Today (10 weeks 2 days):
Length: 24 in
Weight: 14lb 1.9oz

He's in the 95 %ile for weight and the 75%ile for length and head circumference! He went from the 25 %ile at birth, to the 75 %ile at one month and now he's in the 95 %ile at 2 months! What's next?!

The doctor is happy that he's growing so well. And everything else sounds and looks great. He's had some issues with eye discharge and the doctor said that it's normal. He goes back in 2 months (at age 4 months).

He had to get some shots today though. I ended up getting everything but the Hep B - b/c there's absolutely no reason for a baby to get this shot. It's an STD and can also be transmitted through contact with infected blood. They just give it to children so they'll be immune as adults. But most shots don't even last that long without a booster so what is the point? Anyway, he got four shots in all plus the liquid for Rotovirus. And he's been reallly fussy all day. It has not been a fun day - for mom or baby!

Struggles and Joys

Well, it's almost that time again. It's been posted on the ship's Facebook page so apparently it's safe to post anywhere -- the ship is leaving September 7th. We will be on our own for 6+ months. I know I will be struggling through this time. It was so nice to have Robert home, even to just have someone to talk to and see what I go through. He helped out a lot around the house too. I'm just so thankful to have such wonderful parents who are planning to visit a couple times while he's gone.

As for the joy? Well, you're looking at it!

My beautiful son is becoming more contented with each passing day. He's now okay with sitting by himself for a few minutes at a time - which makes it a whole lot easier to do things like sweep the garage, pull stuff out of the oven, and cut up food!

Baby Check up: One Month

Bene went to the doctor today!! (Finally ... it took us forever to get him signed up with our insurance so he missed his 2-week appointment.)

Recap of birth #s:
Length: 19.5 in
Weight: 7lb 4oz

Today (5 weeks 2 days):
Length: 22 in
Weight: 10lb 15.8oz

He's in the 75 %ile for length, weight, and head circumference! And he's a solely-breastfed baby!!! My "little man" is growing!! He was so happy during the appointment - wide awake and smiling at everyone!

No shots this time, but he did have to get his second PKU test. I asked the doctor why they have to get it twice and she said because the first test results aren't even valid. They don't mean anything unless the test is taken when they're at least 72 hours old! So then why do they even test them in the hospital?! Good grief!

He will start getting shots next time, at 2 months. I will have to look over the suggested schedule and see which ones I'm going to get for him. I know there are a few that I'm declining for him. (More on that later.)

**On other note -- Everything is getting better. God is giving me more patience everyday, it seems. I bought a new carrier that is more comfortable for me and I just keep Benedict in that unless he's eating or getting his diaper changed. And today - he was able to lay on the bed for a few minutes after his diaper change and entertain himself without fussing!!!! : ) And he slept on the bed this morning by himself for about 20 minutes after I got up! It's been a good day!

Being a Parent

I heard a quote once (from Roland on Army Wives) that this is "the hardest job you'll ever love". I'm definitely seeing that to be true these days. Benedict eats almost every hour during the day. He only takes one "true" nap during the day. A 2-3 hour nap in the afternoon. Other than that, he'll sleep for maybe 20-30 minutes once in the morning.

He is very "high needs" right now. A term I learned from Dr. Sears. Robert says "isn't every baby high needs? It's just some are more vocal about it?" - I believe that to be true, and let me say, Benedict is very vocal about it! He must be held constantly, even when he's sleeping. If he falls asleep and I put him down he will wake up within about two minutes and start crying. If I put him down somewhere when he's awake, he starts fussing immediately. If I wait too long to pick him back up, he is very hard to console.

He LOVES going for walks in the stroller at night. We've been doing that every night. But as soon as we get through the door (or today, even on the porch) he starts crying because he knows the walk is over!

And sometimes, even when I'm holding him, he still fusses. It's not an all-out scream, like when I put him down, it's just a fuss to say - "okay, next! I need to be walked around now!" Or the "I am hungry" fuss.

I am so glad that I got the pacifier. It is a life-saver right now. I think if I were to follow the "comfort your baby at your breast" rule of ecological breastfeeding, I'd be nursing constantly (literally!). I nurse enough just with him being hungry every hour.

And let me say - he goes through a lot of diapers because of this! I've been using disposables the past couple days because I was having constant problems with leaks with my cloth diapers. There was one night where I had to change his clothes every time I changed his diaper (like 3-4 times) because he seemed to soak the clothes more than the diaper! I tried to strip them yesterday and I let them air-dry, but they're still damp so I'm leaving them to dry for another night. Even with disposables, I still have to change his diaper every 2 hours - at that point it is bulging from being soaked so much. And last night (after only about four hours), even the disposable leaked.

The past two days have been really hard on me. My parents left yesterday morning so I've been completely on my own. Which is really difficult with Benedict's personality. I'm struggling with my patience - something people have always commented on in the past because I'm such a patient person. This is definitely new. And maybe with time it will get easier being a "single" parent, but for now - I just have to take it day-by-day (and sometimes even minute-by-minute).

With all that being said, I wouldn't change anything. He is my life and he does bring me joy when I get to see his occasional smiles. Mommy loves you, Bene! : )

B's Birth Story

If you recall my last post (yes, I'm sorry it's been so long...), I had to be induced if his fluid level didn't go up (from 6.5). Well, when went in for our appointment Monday morning, June 28th, his fluid level had dropped to 4 cm. So it was pretty necessary that I be induced.

They started the Pitocin around 1 pm (I'm guessing here b/c I didn't look at the clock). Then they stopped it around 2:30 because the nurse thought he was having problems handling the contractions. She thought his heartrate was dropping off after the contraction which means the placenta isn't doing it's job. -- The midwife thought everything looked fine though so they started it up again.

It took me until 8:45 that night to progress from 1.5 cm to 3 cm. But after that I got into the tub because I was struggling with the contractions. That helped to relax me so much that Robert went out and asked the nurse why my contractions had stopped! (They hadn't. I was just able to handle them better with the water.) Right before I got out of the tub, I felt like I couldn't handle it anymore. I needed a break and was ready to "concede" to the epidural. -- Looking back I can't believe I doubted that I was in transition at the time. I just figured there was no way I could have progressed that quickly.

I finally felt like getting out at about 10:20 p.m. The student midwife wanted to check me to see how much I'd progressed. She was so shocked to feel his head she had the midwife check me as well. A little after 10:30 I started pushing and our little baby boy made it into the world at 11:06 p.m. on Monday June 28.

He weighed 7 pounds 4 ounces and was 19.5 inches long. He is such a blessing to us and we are so happy to have him in our lives!

Prenatal Exam: Ultrasound

I went in for an ultrasound this morning.

His estimated weight is 7 lbs 14 oz (+- 18 oz) so he could be 6 lbs 12 oz to 9 lbs even. I'm hoping he's more toward the lower end!!

They checked the amniotic fluid level and it was "mildly low" (6.5 cm -- normal is 8+, under 5 is too low). So now I am on "moderate bedrest" and must drink LOTS of fluids and go in for EFM (electronic fetal monitoring) tomorrow. And if the fluid level doesn't go up by next Monday, I will be induced.

I didn't get a picture because he was pretty squished in there. I couldn't really make out anything other than the heart beating!

Hopefully, the bedrest and fluids will work OR he will come before Monday. Pray for us and a healthy baby!

Prenatal Exam: 40 weeks

Had another appointment today. Today's the due date, so maybe this will be the last one. We'll see......

Weight gain: I lost 1.2 lbs
Fundal height: 36.5 cm (higher than last time, but the midwife still thought it was small ... more below)
Heartbeat: I'm not sure. Robert got to check it, but the student nurse was holding it and she didn't tell me what it was.
Position: Hopefully hiding back inside!

The midwife ordered an ultrasound because he feels small to her and I measured small. Rebecca and Sky were never bothered by my measurements so I think she's just being cautious. I go in on Wednesday to check the amniotic fluid level and to see how big they think he is. I'm not worried - I figure, this is probably what happens when you're not seeing the same person all the time. Maybe he'll even decide to come before Wednesday. Who knows! : )

Prenatal Exam: 39 weeks

Another appointment today ... I'm actually getting tired of going in there!

Weight gain: Thankfully, only 1.4 lbs
Fundal height: 35 cm - I was worried because it's going down, but she said it's because he's dropping more into my pelvis and the amniotic fluid naturally decreases as you get closer to your due date
Heartbeat: right at 140 bpm
Position: head down - I don't think he could move into any other position right now!

I had an exam today and I'm starting to dilate (only 1 1/2 cm though) but she said that's normal for 39 weeks. She thinks he will probably be born right around the due date (next Monday). -- I'm hoping it's before my appointment, but we'll see! I'm anxious, excited, and getting (a little) impatient! : )

The Room is Ready

We finally got the crib today. Robert helped me put it together. I'm so excited that everything is in place. I just hope he comes soon!!!

Here's the view from the door:

Left side of the room:

Right side (The bag and box are stuff that needs to be donated and sent to my niece. The mirror is placed in such a way {not planned} that when you stand in the hallway, you can see the crucifix from above the bed in our room in his room!):

I love the crib. I was frustrated with it at first, but now I have come to appreciate it (with Robert's help). I can't wait to see him in it! "Bene, if you can read this, we're ready for you!"

Prenatal Exam: 38 weeks

Had my 38 week appointment today. And I learned that my favorite midwife had her baby on Saturday ... so hopefully Bene will come soon!!! : )

She palpated to feel his weight this time (I asked her to) and she thinks he's about right at 7 lbs. I was getting "worried" (not too much though) that he was huge b/c whenever I feel him, he feels so big!

Weight gain: Finally, only 1.2 lbs! I'm slowing back down again ... I was getting a little worried that I'd gain a lot of weight this month!!!!
Fundal height: about 36.5 cm. She said the measurements taper off near the end and you don't really get any bigger.
Heartbeat: 160 - A lot higher than normal, but still "in the normal range". She took it right after she felt to see how big he was, so I think that upset him.
Position: Head down - and she said it feels like he's dropping down into my pelvis! Yea!! He's getting ready!

After my next visit (Monday) I should know how dilated I am ... but I'm still going back and forth on whether I want to know because I don't want to get excited/discouraged since it doesn't tell you when you're going into labor. Especially since I really want him to be here!!

2010 Goals Update for May

It's been five months since I made my goals. And I feel I'm doing pretty well in some areas (like parenting) but completely horrible in others (like everything else...) I guess it shows where my priorities have been this year! I deleted the goals that I have accomplished and posted about in previous "goal" posts. Here's my progress:

Parenting:
** I've been done with the reading list for a while but my midwife suggested a couple books at my last appointment, so I'm going to be reading the one I just bought yesterday - Ina May's Guide to Childbirth.
** Stick with my current "goals" for labor and delivery (My midwife looked over my birth plan (more in the appt. post) and Robert and I have been discussing what his "job" will be in the delivery room, so I feel pretty prepared and ready right now.)
** Remember to take vitamins EVERY day (I think I've missed a few since Robert's been home.)
** Stick with the budget when it comes to buying (I thought we were done with this goal ... but apparently not. We've spent like $400 since last month. But most of that was the crib I just purchased.)
** Attend Le Leche League meetings every month (I went to the May meeting. I will probably go this month and then skip next month since Robert should be at home then.)

Homemaking:
** Get back into menu planning and cooking our meals - instead of eating out (We spent a few hundred dollars on eating out in the two weeks after Robert got home ... even though I had meals planned. - This is the only reason to look forward to deployment -- we can't spend so much money then!)
** Follow my daily chore list (Well, I haven't been doing well with accomplishing something every day, but the house does stay clean, so I guess that's all the counts.)
** When the "nesting" comes - make sure I take criticism and suggestion from Robert well!!! (I'm doing pretty well with this. I think Robert understands that I have to have things a certain way, b/c he didn't fuss with me at all when I was putting in the car seat or putting together the toy storage shelf or deciding how the room should be arranged.)

Spiritual:
** Try to focus my mind more toward God in my daily activities instead of just on Sunday (I've really been struggling with this. I don't know how to do it, exactly .... so I'm kind of at a roadblock for now.)
** Set a prayer time - even if it's just once per week (Definitely haven't been doing this either. But I have read a few pages in my pregnancy prayer book. So I hope that counts. )
** Start reading the Bible - again... (I have not worked on this at all. I did a little bit with Bible study, but now that it's over, the Bible seems to have found its way back on the bookshelf!)

Personal:
** Finish scrapbook pages (I still haven't bought the scrapbook paper. I have a feeling this isn't going to get done before the baby comes ... which means it may never get done!)
** STICK TO THE BUDGET (Well, we don't spend over our monthly income. We're just not saving as much as I'd like. So I guess we're actually doing okay with this goal.)

Prenatal Exam: 37 weeks

It hasn't been very long since my last appointment. But I'm SO ready to see him. The midwife (and my mom ... in the same day) said that I should start talking to Bene and telling him that I'm ready for him to come out! : ) Maybe I'll try that and see how it works! So now for the appointment rundown...

Weight gain: Another 3 lbs! In a WEEK! So obviously I kept on the weight from last week, and added some more to it. I think it's from all the eating out ....
Fundal height: 36 cm (still the same ... but it's only been 5 days since my last appointment)
Heartbeat: 140s -- Back up a little from last week but still looking good.
Position: Still head down. He's being very good for his mommy! But he hasn't dropped yet. I discussed that with this midwife (a different one from my last appointment) and she said that it's not the outside measurement that counts, it's the inside "hole". She got out a pelvis model and a baby to show me exactly what it looks like.

This was my last appointment with this particular midwife. She's pregnant (about a week or two ahead of me) so she's not going to be working for very much longer. We talked for so long though! She read through my birth plan - and she only made about three notes - and didn't discount anything I had on there!! I was "excited" about that because I was worried that my "plan" was too stringent or that some things weren't possible, but she said it looked good after making the little changes (one thing was just re-wording). She also recommended two books to read. I couldn't remember one of the titles when I went to the book store, so I only bought one, but I'm already about 30 pages into it.

I'm so disappointed she's leaving because she's been my favorite midwife so far and I really feel comfortable with her. But, there was no guarantee she would deliver the baby anyway, even if she was still working, so I have to be flexible!

Prenatal Exam: 36 weeks

Everything is still going great. I actually gained some weight this time!

So now for the appointment rundown...

Weight gain: 3 lbs! Of course, I've been weighing myself everyday (yes, I know...) and I actually have been fluctuating back and forth between gaining 0 and 3 pounds, so I might not keep that on.
Fundal height: 36 cm
Heartbeat: 130 (She said the heartbeat normally slows down when it gets closer to delivery.)
Position: Definitely head down. And he hasn't dropped completely yet (or there's a lot of room in my pelvis) b/c she said that his head is still able to move around.

Now I will start going every week. I have all my appointments scheduled (including one at 41 weeks - just in case). The midwife said if I went into labor today, they wouldn't try to stop it because I'm so far along. So now it's just a waiting game to see when he's ready to come out and greet us! I can't wait ... but I am a little scared now ... and unsure whether I'm actually ready! (Not that I can go back!)

Baby Shower

Here's the photos from from the baby shower last night. This first one is all the handmade items. We LOVE the Raggedy Andy doll! He's so cute! And I might steal him for myself instead of giving him to Benedict. : )

The second photo is pretty much everything else. There were a few small items - like socks and bibs that are not in the picture, but almost everything else we got from people was clothes! It's just crazy to think about! He has so many clothes now.

We also got a car seat that's forward facing from 20 lbs to 100 lbs. Basically it's all we'll ever need as soon as he can sit forward facing in the car! We were so grateful to have received that.

Today we went to Babies 'r' Us and Target and bought almost everything else we needed/wanted. (And we spent less than $30 doing it!) I got some really cute things - like the bath robe and little "swimmer froggy". All that we need now is the crib and high chair. And we still have gift cards left over to use for those things!

I would just like to say a big "thank you" to anyone who has given us anything. We have so much great stuff now. And we'll be able to use it all for years (and children, God-willing) to come! : )

Little Kitties

I've been feeding the stray cats around my house since December of last year. This spring I noticed that one of them was pregnant. I finally got to "meet" her kittens (through the window) this morning! One looks like the mom and the other looks like the dad (Snowflake). Aren't they adorable! They were having so much fun playing with the leaves blowing. Then the white one started playing with the mother's tail.

Just thought I would share my cute find of the day!

UPDATE: There's two of each "coloring". The other ones came out when I went back downstairs to watch them after writing this post!

34 Weeks

Here's the picture, as promised! I just took it Sunday (so technically I was 33 weeks and 6 days!). The red carnation is from Church. They were giving them out to mothers to wear for Mother's Day. I almost didn't feel right putting it on. Sometimes it's hard for me to view myself as a mom since I'm still keeping my baby safe and warm myself!

When I look at this picture I think, "Wow... am I pushing my stomach out or am I really that big?" -- Yes, I'm really that big now! I can't believe it. When I look in the mirror it doesn't seem as big as when I look at a photo. My little belly button is still hanging on down at the bottom. It's being pushed out lop-sided. (Meaning, it's only poking out on the top side.) If only I had the "guts" to show that!

I can't wait for the baby shower coming up on the 26th. Our Bible Study group at Church is throwing me and Robert a shower on our pot luck night. Since I already have everything I "need", I registered for some really cute things just for fun (and a couple practical items too). I knew about the baby shower before completing my shopping (with my parents when they visited), but there was no way my "Type-A" self could hold out that long. Remember, you're reading about the girl that bought the carseat when she was only 2 months pregnant!

Prenatal Exam: 34 weeks

Wow, only six weeks left! Can you believe it? Me neither. Well, really he can come anytime between 3 and 8 weeks from now ... kinda depressing for me to think about that one! I'm a planner - I want to know when, where, and how so I can make my list, pack, and be ready!!! lol

So now for the appointment rundown...
Weight gain: almost nothing - less than 1 lb, but she said not to worry b/c I'm still doing great!
Fundal height: 34 cm
Heartbeat: 140s (and low in my belly - which is a good sign ... see "position")
Position: most likely head-down, but I may have to have an ultrasound if she's not sure by next visit.

She thinks the "hard spot" that I've been feeling is most likely his foot. : ) All this time, I thought it was the head!

And next up, I'm finally going to post a picture of myself! How about that?!

2010 Goals Update for March & April

It's been four months since I made my goals. I forgot to write an update for March so this is things accomplished in two months. I deleted the goals that I accomplished in February. Here's my progress:

Parenting:
** Done with the reading list! There's still two books on my shelf to read - one about discipline and one about potty training, but I might read those later this month or when Robert's gone.
** Stick with my current "goals" for labor and delivery (still on target for drug-free, intervention-free)
** Take baby classes (didn't learn a whole lot, because I read so much, but I'm glad Robert got a lot out of them -- even if I did have to "drag" him!)
** Remember to take vitamins EVERY day (still doing well)
** Stick with the budget when it comes to buying (we stayed on budget and we're finished buying everything ... until after he comes!)
** Attend Le Leche League meetings every month (went to the March and April meetings)

Homemaking:
** Get back into menu planning and cooking our meals - instead of eating out (We eat out a lot when Robert's here, but I'm going to stick to my guns on this in May and June because we need to get on track with the budget!)
** Follow my daily chore list (I kind of fell off the wagon a bit with this, but I've been making daily goals for a week and doing really well with that!)
** When the "nesting" comes - make sure I take criticism and suggestion from Robert well!!! (I think I was a little "hard to handle" when we were putting up the shelf, but I'm trying!)

Spiritual:
** Try to focus my mind more toward God in my daily activities instead of just on Sunday (Since Lent is over, I've certainly faultered with this goal. I'm going to have to try to get back with this.)
** Set a prayer time - even if it's just once per week (see above!)
** Start reading the Bible - again... (been doing a little bit with Bible study, but not as much as the last session)

Personal:
** Finish scrapbook pages (was going to work on it this past week, but realized I didn't have any scrapbook paper so I will have to postpone this until I can buy some)
** Finish Robert's uniforms - so we can donate them (FINISHED & donated!!!)
** STICK TO THE BUDGET (When Robert's gone, we do fine. When he's here ...... We're still working on this!)

Prenatal Exam: 32 weeks

One more appointment down -- (about) six to go.

Not too much to report this time. Everything is normal. She had trouble feeling for the head again (it was even a different midwife this time). I guess he just wants to be a surprise.

I measured at 31 cm and his heartbeat was in the low 150s. And I asked about the contractions again (for like the third appointment in a row!) and they're normal - for me, since I'm not having any other signs of labor.

I'm still gaining weight very well! Hopefully, that will taper off a little bit before the baby comes. But the midwives tell me I'm right on track. I've gained about 23 pounds total so far.

I asked about my results for the glucose test -- completely normal and well below the "max" numbers! So, no diabetes issues!!

My next appointment is in the second week of May - so be ready for another update then!

Diaper Order

I can't wait for Benedict to be here - one of the things I can't wait to "try out" is the cloth diapers! I love the BumGenius - sized diapers and have heard nothing but good things about them on all the reviews and blogs that I've read. I just got done washing everything. So here's my stack of all the diapers I just washed! Yes, there's a lot - actually 48 to be exact ... and these two sizes will only last for about the first 4-6 months. (Hopefully, he doesn't grow too quickly!!) I'm waiting to buy the next sizes until he's older and closer to using them so that I know how many to purchase.

I've been saying that I'm ready for him all this time, but really I haven't been completely ready until today, because I had to wash the diapers before we used them. I was waiting for my next order from this website so that I didn't have to pay for shipping on the laundry detergent. Cloth diapers require a special kind of detergent but you don't have to use a whole lot, so it lasts a while.

And wow! The hassle of getting them dry! I'm so glad they're not made of cotton; I heard those were even worse. I think it would've been much easier for me to get the "classic" cloth diapers - using traditional prefolds. But I still like that they're "identical" to disposables in the way you use them. It'll just take more time during washings.

The Room

We've finally got it pretty much finished. Here's the shelf with all my old Winnie the Pooh items. - The only new (or even relatively new) thing on this shelf is the big classic Pooh on the left. My mom bought me that when she first went shopping for the baby. Everything else is pretty old (7-10+ years). Robert did a great job putting it up too - even though he had to put up with me.

I couldn't find any decent Pooh pictures to hang on the wall, so instead I decided to make these. Robert really likes them and I do too. I made a similar project a few years ago with my Paris stuff. So this was really fun. I just made a collage of scrapbook stickers and a couple pictures I cut out of an old Pooh calendar.

We don't have a crib yet. I may buy one when he's older, but for now, he's just going to sleep in the bassinet. I bought the diapers and diapering "accessories" on Friday. They should ship today so I'm expecting them by next Monday. With that, I'll be able to wash the diapers and have everything ready for the baby when he comes.

Here's the other side of the room. And to think, every one of those books but three or four I had before I even knew I was pregnant! : ) I've been preparing for a while! (And yes, we still have Angel's stuff in here too. I don't think she'd appreciate having to give up one of her favorite rooms and I'm not going to listen to her meowing at the door all the time if I closed it!)

The only things I have left to buy are a couple of nursing items which I going to wait to purchase until the baby's here. I'm so happy to have everything bought and together now. It's such a relief, especially since I get so stressed about planning (when it's not done on time).

Prenatal Exam: 30 Weeks

It feels like my appointments are just starting to stack up on top of each other. I had another appointment today and I scheduled three more for the next six weeks!

Everything is looking good. I measured at 29 cm and the heartbeat was in the 140s. She couldn't tell whether he was head down or butt down.

I forgot to ask about my glucose test results but I never received a call from them, so everything must have been okay.

I can't believe it's getting so close! I bought the shelf today so as soon as Robert and I get it up, I will post a picture of the room!

Finishing up

My parents were here over the weekend and we got all shopping for Bene finished!!!! By the end of the weekend, I was so worn out! We did a lot of shopping.

I still have to buy some bigger size cloth diapers and other diapering "accessories", some nursing clothes, and the shelf and frames for the baby's room, but other than that -- I'm DONE!! : ) It feels so wonderful to be done! Of course, you're never truly done when buying for a baby because things will come up like the crib, high chair, toys, clothes, etc. But if he came today, I would be ready for him.

When we get the shelf and frames, I will post a picture of the room.

I had exactly 10 weeks to go yesterday - and time just seems to be getting slower. I have another midwife appointment this week. So look for that post on Friday.

Prenatal Exam: 28 Weeks

I had my 28 week prenatal exam last Wednesday. I will now start going every two weeks until week 36, then, every week!

Everything is progressing normally. I measured at 27cm and the heartbeat was a little slower - in the 140s. She also felt for the position of his body. At the time, he was head down and she could even feel his hands. I was able to feel the head, but I couldn't find the hands. Robert couldn't even feel the head, but I think he just didn't realize what he was feeling.

I had to get a glucose screening test to check for gestational diabetes. That was tramatic to say the least - not the first one, but because they didn't tell me what to do, Robert and I decided to go walk around and I had a drink of his coffee and a couple bites of sandwich that he got at the cafeteria in the hospital while we were waiting. So when they got the test results back, my level was 137 when it should be under 130. (Needless to say, I was supposed to be sitting in the waiting area and not eating or drinking anything, even water.)

So I had to go back on Friday. Luckily, Robert was with me because I had to sit in the waiting room for three hours and have my blood drawn FOUR TIMES! Did I mention this was also a fasting test? So I went without food or drink for over twelve hours?! It's so irritating. Hopefully, I will get the results back soon, because I have a feeling it will say I'm normal and we just screwed up the first test. Otherwise, I have to go in for nutrition counseling.

Clowny Gets a New Suit

I finally got around to making Clowny a new outfit. I wish I would've taken a before picture as he was getting awfully raggedy at 25 years old! He no longer has "feet" anymore. I had to sew them up because of the huge holes and both of his "hands" have been mended as well. I also had to fix his left eye a while back because the thread was wearing out on it. So he now has two different colored blue eyes! His right eye and his nose are getting a little worn, but they're still hanging in there!

His outfit (which was actually his second - that my mom made for him) lasted quite a while because he used to just sit on a shelf or in a box. But the past year or so, he's been sleeping with us every night - so he's gotten pretty worn out! His old outfit already had four patched areas and at least as many new holes as well as new buttons that were just sewn on a few months ago.

Here's a picture of his old outfit, but it's hard to tell from the picture just how worn out it really was!

I originally was giving him a new outfit so that I could pass him down to Benedict when he was born, but now I'm not so sure I'm ready to give him up yet!! He's been my "best bud" ever since I can remember so I think I'll keep him -- maybe he'll be passed on in my will!

Pregnancy Update

This picture was actually taken 2 weeks ago. I don't have anything more recent yet.

So exciting -- I entered my third (and final!) trimester last Monday!! Exactly three months to go as of yesterday. I've completed week 27 and am feeling great!

It's actually exciting to me for people to tell that I'm expecting and ask me about it (without me mentioning anything). Although, I have gotten multiple comments on how I'm not very big, but I'm not worried! : ) I know everything is going well.

I've been so busy and "out and about" since Robert's been home, that I must be putting Benedict to sleep a lot because he's not as active as he used to be! He moves around quite a bit in the early morning though (about the time Robert gets up for work) and sometimes when I'm laying down to go to bed at night.

One thing that I wish I would've known before I got pregnant is: you are so emotional! The weekend that Robert came home, I cried four or five times in one day over the smallest little things (so small that when I was trying to remember what they were, I hadn't a clue!).

Prenatal Exam - 25 Weeks

Another midwife appointment! Sometimes I feel like I'm always there ... and it's just going to get more frequent. I actually scheduled two appointments this time! (-- one in three weeks and another in five weeks)

Everything is going superb. Even though I gained a little "extra" weight this past month, I'm still on target (on the low side) of "normal" weight gain. I hate that there's such a schedule in the books for "proper" gain. It throws me off and makes me feel like I'm doing something wrong, but then when I go to the midwife, she tells me that everything is going well! -- Two thumbs down for bad books!

I'm also measuring right on date. I was 25.5 centimeters (for fundal hieght). It's measured from bottom to top of your uterus and you measure approximately 1 centimeter for every week. - I was 25 1/2 weeks at my appointment!

The heartbeat is also great. He kicked the doppler when we were listening though! He must not like it very much. : )

I can't wait until my next appointment. Most likely, Robert will be able to go with me. I have to get my glucose screening test done though.

Good Books I've Read Lately

These are some of the books that were on my "pregnancy reading list" from my yearly goals I've been posting about. Obviously the first one has nothing to do with pregnancy and I just started reading it this weekend, but I'm over half-way done with it and it's a must-read!

Theology of the Body for Beginners 2nd Edition
I have not finished this book yet, but just let me say one thing about it so far - "wow"! I love this book. If John Paul II's book seems intimidating to you, read this one. It's short and very well written. I'm sure it leaves a lot out (because of it's brevity) but you still get tons of wonderful information on sex, marriage, and the human body in general!

The Baby Book
There is so much information in this book. It's over 700 pages - and yes, I read it cover to cover! If you want a book that covers almost every topic, this one is the one to get. It's readable, has a great index, and lots of pictures. Another thing that makes this book so great is the fact that it has chapters on most of the other "Sears" books such as attachment parenting, breastfeeding, nighttime parenting, family nutrition, the fussy baby, and more. So you're getting multiple books in one.

Pushed: The Painful Truth
Okay, so I admit, reading this book got me a little stressed out about giving birth. But it's well researched and has some good (true) stories in it if you're looking for something "different".

The Official Lamaze Guide
I fell in love with this book while reading it. I love the Lamaze philosophy and the fact that they've changed over the years to something more than just "breathing" that you see in all the movies and TV shows.

Husband-Coached Childbirth
This was a wonderful book about natural childbirth. It is the "Bradley Method" if you're familiar with that, but the book is more than just "what to do when you're in labor". I loved this book and found it even more inspiring than the Lamaze book.

Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood
I really enjoyed reading this one. I've read all three of Sheila Kippley's breastfeeding books now and they are all equally wonderful, but I especially enjoyed the religious aspect of this book and how it pertains to breastfeeding.

The Vaccine Book
This will help you put vaccines into perspective. It's written by Dr. Robert Sears (Dr. William Sears' son) and is NOT a book about how scary vaccines are and why you shouldn't let your child get them. It has legitimate information about the make-up of each vaccine, why you should get it and reasons why some people don't. Everything in the book is very well researched and I definitely learned a lot reading it. It also helped me decide which vaccines to get for our children and which ones are unnecessary.

2010 Goals Update for February

It has now been two months since I made my goals. I deleted the goals that I accomplishd last month. Here's my progress:

Parenting:
** Finish/read all baby books on my list (I had 9 books to read, and I read 5 in February. I crossed the other 4 off my list because I decided I didn't want to read those anymore, but I do have some other parenting books that I would still like to read I will post about that later)
** Stick with my current "goals" for labor and delivery (still on target for drug-free, intervention-free; I asked quite a few questions at my last visit and feel confident that I can have the L&D that I want)
** Inform myself as much as possible about drug-free labors (I've read two books solely about L&D and 3-4 others that had labor information in them)
** Take baby classes (the baby feeding class is in March and baby care class is in April)
** Remember to take vitamins EVERY day (still doing well)
** Stick with the budget when it comes to buying (staying on budget with baby stuff)

** Continue attending Le Leche League meetings every month (went to the meeting in February, will go again in March)

Homemaking:
** Get back into menu planning and cooking our meals - instead of eating out (need to stop eating out so much...)
** Follow my daily chore list (been doing well, getting chores done throughout the week)
** When the "nesting" comes - make sure I take criticism and suggestion from Robert well!!! (haven't noticed anything yet...)

Spiritual:
** Try to focus my mind more toward God in my daily activities instead of just on Sunday (doing well with my Lenten praying)
** Set a prayer time - even if it's just once per week (praying almost daily throughout the week with my Lenten "challenge")
** Start reading the Bible - again... (been reading the Passion in the Gospels for Bible study)

Personal: (really need to start working on these goals...)
** Finish scrapbook pages (not started yet)
** Finish Robert's uniforms - so we can donate them (not started yet)
** STICK TO THE BUDGET (if we stop eating out, it wouldn't be a problem!)

Lent: A Time to Refocus

So, it's been a week since my last post and still I don't have anything interesting to report. Robert was gone and now he's back so I don't have as much time at the computer, especially since he'll be leaving again soon.

I'm trying to get back into my reading. I've been slow-going this month - only finished one book so far. But I'm still reading my Bible study which includes the Bible and commentary book. Plus I've been keeping up with my pregnancy books and for Lent, I decided to actually start and finish The Purpose Driven Life and journal. This will be the third time I've started the book and I've never gotten past day 6, so hopefully this time I will complete it. I will be reading my Prayerfully Expecting book daily also as a part of my Lenten prayer.

All this is to say, I'm try to re-focus my life a little this Lenten season and part of that will be to lessen my time spent on the computer (in all aspects), so I won't have as much time to post. I will try to put something up once a week and possibly more often if I come up with a great post idea or something happens. But other than that, this blog might start to look a little bleak. Thank you for understanding.

Prenatal Exam - 21 weeks

Had another midwife appointment today!

Everything is going well. I'm gaining just enough, keeping my blood pressure low and measuring right on date. Benedict's heart is healthy too - 148 bpm! (He's beating that old wives' tale every time!) I didn't get all of my questions about labor and delivery answered, but most were and my mind is at ease now. Basically, what it comes down to is - they are midwives and the hospital policies are not interfering with that, so I will be able to labor exactly how I want to!

I'll be back there again in four weeks. Then I'll start going more frequently after that. -- This pregnancy still seems to be going too slow for me, though!

I finally bought some maternity pants recently. One pair of khaki pants (which had a higher waist) were getting tight and my other khakis and jeans were starting to hurt my stomach when I sat down - so I really didn't have a choice, unless I wanted to be uncomfortable. You have no idea how hard it is to find maternity clothes that you can try on before buying, though!! I had to go to five different stores before I found khaki pants to try on! Wal-mart doesn't even keep maternity clothes in their store anymore and Target's in-store department is very small. Why do business owner's think buying maternity clothes should only be done online?

More Baby Items

I got my play yard today. This is hopefully where the baby will be sleeping (in the bassinet) for as long as possible, next to our bed. It only accepts up to 15 lbs though, so I hope he doesn't grow out of it too fast!

One thing I've noticed, that I really cannot stand, is the amount and placement of warning labels all over everything with baby stuff now-a-days. It's so tacky and annoying. You can see the one on the changing table, there's one on the side of the bassinet, there's one directly on the cloth part of the car seat, plus multiple on the plastic part of the carseat. Why can't people just "be smart" and use common sense anymore? We have to have all these warning labels, unremoveable, and in plain site!! (Just an obvious pet peeve of mine.)

I also posted a picture of our diaper bag. I LOVE it!!!! (Thank you, mom!) It's so cute and will work great for everything, so it will last me a long time. Plus it's big enough to use for more than just short outings.

Since we've been debt free, it's also so wonderful to know that everything we have is paid for. And everything we're buying is not with borrowed money. I can't imagine ever using a credit card again, because I love this feeling so much!

Views, Beliefs, Differences

Sometimes I struggle in this "world". The views that I have are so much different and so contradictory to everyone and everything else in our society. I've discussed this with Robert on occasion but sometimes I just feel the need to share, to get it out, because I hate feeling like I have to "make excuses" for what I do or who I am.

There are so many times I wish I was alive in an earlier century rather than this modern era, a time when staying home to care for the house (even without children) was the norm, when people lived off the land instead of trashing it, and you didn't have to have a job or school or something else outside of the home to feel fulfilled (or rather for others to think you felt fulfilled).

Many times when people ask if I have a job and I tell them no, I feel like I have to make some excuse to add to my response because they expect that I should be working or going to school and will look down on me for staying home while my husband brings in the only paycheck. Instead, from now on, I'm going to try to stand firm and confident in my decision - I stay at home. And I love it. I don't need any outside obligations to make me feel fulfilled. I feel great where I am. I always have, even before I was pregnant.

When I was discussing this with Robert today, I realized that this is probably the reason I could never decide on a major or finish school. It wasn't my focus or my life's destiny. I love math. I love medicine. I love children (I was thinking of teaching at one point). But I didn't want to have something so important to focus on. My family (with or without children) is what's important to me, not an outside job.

Working at home - as in keeping the home - is job enough for me. Even now and especially when we have a bigger family (God-willing), I can't imagine trying to divide my time between a job (or school) and my husband and children along with keeping the house clean and food on the table.

It's not like I will only have a few years with my kids and then be back to a homemaker (instead of a mother and teacher) during the day. I want to homeschool. I know some people say they will get a job when their kids are in school, but that's not for me either. I will always be with my children and I that is important for them.

I may discuss more on this topic later, but I think that's enough for now. You can also check out this post that I wrote last summer for more of my views. But that post has a "stronger" view of this topic.

I'm Showing!!

I guess it just kind of happened. One day I wasn't showing and the next day it just "popped out"! I realized I'd been calculating my weeks wrong. I was thinking my new week started on Sunday but it actually starts on Tuesday and I'm almost a full week ahead of what I thought I was! So, I began my 21st week yesterday. Yea!!!

This is me - 20 full weeks -- HALF WAY!!!

2010 Goals Update for January

It's been one month since I made my goals and here's my progress:

Parenting:
** Finish/read all baby books on my list (I added four to the list and finished 7 along with continuing my weekly/monthly chapter in my pregnancy books, so I'm down to 11 yet to read (9 without the pregnancy books that won't be finished until I'm due))
** Stick with my current "goals" for labor and delivery (still on target for drug-free, intervention-free; going to ask LOTS of questions regarding this at my prenatal exam this month)
** Inform myself as much as possible about drug-free labors (finished reading my Lamaze book last week and put a hold on two others at the library)
** Sign up/take all free baby classes offered (they no longer offer the free baby care classes so I signed up and took the budgeting class, which is free, and signed up for the feeding and newborn care classes at the hospital - not free but fairly inexpensive)
** Remember to take vitamins EVERY day (been pretty good with this)
** Stick with the budget when it comes to buying (buying a couple things this month, I'm going to hold off though because my Bible Study group asked if they could throw me a baby shower!)

** Continue attending Le Leche League meetings every month (this is a new goal, I went to the first meeting Jan 14th)

Homemaking:
** Get back into menu planning and cooking our meals - instead of eating out (started, and going okay - still needs some work)
** "Deep clean" the whole house while Robert's gone (finished all within the first week)
** Get back into following my daily chore list (been doing well, not necessarily following the daily tasks, but getting them done throughout the week and that is what's important)
** Go through all magazines -tear out articles I want & recycle the rest (finished the first week)
** When the "nesting" comes - make sure I take criticism and suggestion from Robert well!!! (haven't noticed anything yet...)

Spiritual:
** Try to focus my mind more toward God in my daily activities instead of just on Sunday
** Set a prayer time - even if it's just once per week (I've been reading a prayer book I bought, Prayerfully Expecting: A Nine Month Novena, about once a week)
** Start reading the Bible - again... (this is probably going to be pushed back until I finish all/most of my baby books, but started Bible study so that will include some reading of the Bible)

Personal:
** Finish scrapbook pages (not started yet)
** Finish Robert's uniforms - so we can donate them (not started yet)
** STICK TO THE BUDGET (not so good for January, but most of it was because of the vet bills for Snowflake and that needed to be done)

Our Little Boy

In case anyone's interested (yes, I know you ALL are!!), we've decided on a name for our little boy.


It took us a while to come to an agreement because I can be pretty stubborn sometimes. I had my heart set on a few names and it took some work to actually move away from them since Robert wasn't as thrilled about them. I really wanted saint or pope names or names from the Bible. I have this thing about wanting a name with strong meaning instead of just "something I liked the sound of". For those of you who don't know, Benedict and Alexander are/were both popes.

I'm getting so anxious to meet him, now! I can't believe I still have five full months to go!

Prenatal Exam - Ultrasound

We had our ultrasound today. It's a boy!!! The heartbeat was right at 150 bpm again. Everything looked great (to me). I could tell all the little parts before she even pointed them out. He didn't want to show us his face, but we finally got a glimpse of it (as you can see below)! He was moving his arms around while we were watching. So sweet!



We went out and bought a couple outfits afterward. I've been waiting to do that for a while now since you can't get anything "gender neutral" besides sleepers. The light blue with the helicopter I bought as a 'coming home from the hospital' outfit and the other one is spaceships - just thought it was cute.

Meeting, Class & Gifts

I went to my first La Leche League meeting on Thursday. It was very informative and I enjoyed getting out of the house and meeting new people. They have meetings every month on diffferent topics, so I will most likely be attending regularly.

Today, I went to a free Budgeting for Baby class. I don't feel like I learned anything new because the woman never talked about children "affecting" your budget except to say that they would probably add $50 per month to the clothing budget. Other than that, everything was just "fill out this budget sheet and see if you have a surplus/deficit". Anyway, it was nice, even if not informative. And I got some lovely free gifts too!!!