Thursday, December 8, 2011

Elaina - 7 Months

My little helpless daughter is helpless no longer; in fact, she is quite bound and determined to do things on her own. She found her mobility several weeks back and has enjoyed crawling all over the house with her toys in tow. However, more than crawling, she likes climbing—her toys, our furniture, other babies! Yes, turns out she’s a little brute. At small group the other night, she crawled right over top little Isaac who posed a road block in her route. Up and over his bum she went.

While sleeping has gotten MUCH better these last three weeks, she now knows how to stand up in her crib and I will find her holding onto the rails, banging her Nuk, demanding a 3 a.m. snack. If I try to put her down, she just stands right back up. And this is how parenting will be I guess-- just when I get a handle on something, a new something will emerge that will require handling.

She’s also started waiving “hi” and “bye.” Just this morning while I had her sitting in her crib playing with some toys as I finished getting ready for work, our little cat jumped into the crib with her. She immediately greeted kitty with a waive. This of course melted my heart. Once she stops grabbing fistfuls of the cat’s hair, I am sure they’ll be good friends. At this point, I am predicting “kitty” to be her first word.

As for the word front, Elaina remains fairly quiet, and I rarely hear her babble. And while I don’t think she is shy AT ALL, I think she is just too busy to focus her attention on speaking. However, it does make me a little sad that some of my friends that had babies at the same time are getting to hear those much coveted, “mama’s” and “dada’s.” That will be truly great!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Elaina - 6 1/2 Months

Well, it’s time we start baby proofing. About a week ago I noticed that Elaina was getting up onto her knees quite regularly. This turned into scooting several days later and has now become a full out army crawl. She’s also discovered that she can pull herself to a standing position and is trying to climb everything around her that offers the necessary leverage to get her onto her feet. She is incredibly proud when things work in her favor, and very sad when she loses her balance and falls. I definitely don’t think she’s crying out of pain, but rather out of disappointment. The girl has some tenacity, I’ll give her that.

Yesterday we brought up a couple of her walking toys including a little musical push cart. She was able to hold on and walk for about 4 ft. at which time she burst into tears. I think the wheels propelled her faster than she was anticipating and she became nervous and didn’t know how to let go. It was very funny to watch, and I know that it will be no time before she is gleefully pushing that little cart all over our home.

In other related news, I am pretty sure that stranger danger has set in, particularly around men. My sister and brother-in-law were gracious enough to take her for several hours this past weekend and Elaina did not want to be left alone with Uncle Travis. Instead she needed to be with her Auntie Ann. Poor, Trav. He’s so nice to her, but the rejection will only be temporary I am sure. The same situation was replicated at my folk’s house this past Monday. She was all about Grandma, but not so about Grandpa. From what I’ve read, this is very normal, even healthy for this stage of development; however, I can’t help but feel bad. In time I am sure she’ll again be batting her eyes at these men in her life.

Overall, everything is going well. For the most part, Elaina is a very jubilant little girl and she expresses her joy with ease—be it her wide smile, her constant swaying, her routine melodic humming, or her kicking legs. However, we’re still severely battling bedtime, and naps have also become a challenge as of late. I long for the day when I can just set her down in her crib and she’ll just drift off to sleep. Presently, nighttime includes long bouts of crying and multiple night waking’s. In other words, we’re a tired bunch. Nonetheless, the happiness outweighs the heartache. And even if this were reversed, it’s still all worth it . . .

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Elaina Five Months

How is it possible that my tiny little baby girl has been in the world for five months? Though she has been sleeping really poorly for about the past month and a half, I must say, this stage of development has been the most fun yet. We’re actually seeing personality vs. universal baby behavior. And what we’re seeing may be giving us a run for our money . . .

If I were to describe Elaina right now, I would say she is very upbeat, high energy, and extremely enthralled in everything/anybody. She is without question a mover & a shaker. So my fears of having a stoic child are completely dashed. In fact, just like her mama, she appears to be highly expressive. With this comes very easy smiling, but also very easy crying. When she’s well rested, it seems she is all about going with the flow. However, when she’s tired, the world has ended and there is no pacifying her (this trait, it seems, she also shares with her mama).

We’re not quite sure how much she weighs presently, but I am guessing she’s pushing 16 lbs. Her new fascinations are feeding herself. Whether it’s holding the bottle or using her spoon, she wants to be in control of these tasks. She’s also now sitting up unattended and rolling all over the house. At her four month appt. the doctor suspected she would be crawling by now, but the fact that she isn’t doesn’t bother me at all. Like I said above, I think this child is going to give us a run for our money, and the longer she is sedentary the better!

So last night Elaina belly laughed for the first time. She giggles from time to time, but last night was the first time I heard her really laugh hard. It was bedtime and I was nursing her before putting her down. All the sudden I heard her working out a big poop and I groaned and said to Scott, “oh no, she just pooped.” After I said this I heard a big giggle. I looked down at her and she was full of smiles. I said, “Elaina, did you just poop?” Again, more giggles. I said, “poop” and there were more chuckles. “Poop!” huge fits of laughter. I said “cat!” to see if the laughing would continue, but nothing. I said “poop!” a couple more times and each time it elicited the same laughter. I guess five months is not too young for bathroom humor to be comical.

Elaina, your name suits you. You are indeed a little sunray. You could melt hearts of stone with your smile. How dearly beloved you are.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Elaina Lately . . .

So my little girl is almost 16 weeks old. The fact that 1/3 of her first year is almost complete is extremely shocking to me. While I feel like I have pretty much figured out her likes and dislikes at this point, I still know very little about her personality. She keeps a tight lip on things. If I were to deduce some personality characteristics from what I’ve seen thus far, I would say:

• She’s a girl who needs her sleep. She’s a good sleeper/napper but if she goes without, she gets VERY fussy!
• She seems fairly laid back; she never fusses when it comes to getting dressed or changing diapers. We’ve also dunked her in VERY cold water and she didn’t mind at all
• So far she seems reserved/shy. While she is somewhat chatty at home, she is rarely chatty with strangers. Though we’ve heard her laugh a couple of times, this is still a really rare occurrence. Hopefully we don’t have a little stoic on our hands! That wouldn’t bode well for her overly exuberant, expressive mama!
• She loves music and stories. I suppose this would be true of any baby, but I am hopeful that this means she shares my love for the written word and maybe possess my musicality? . . . we’ll have to wait and see on this one.
• She likes men! While she smiles with ease, she smiles almost instantly as soon as a guy gives her a little attention. Scott might have a run for his money on this one . . .

We love you Elaina bana booboo! You’re our sweet, sweet girl. Without question, you make our world brighter.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Much Delayed . . .

So, I have been horrible about posting. Sorry to all! I’ve actually written some posts and have had difficulty posting them so you may see things appear in non-sequential order. My sweet little Elaina is now three months old, and my maternity leave has officially ended. It’s hard to believe that she is already a quarter through her first year. Already, she is changing and developing so quickly. I have a box in her closet that I have slowly been filling with clothing she’s outgrown. Boy oh boy, folding all those little items and placing them in storage is certainly a lesson in not spending too much on baby clothes. You blink and they’ve outgrown them!

It’s hard to be back at work. Thankfully, I work for a great company and LOVE all the people I work with. Nonetheless, it’s hard to not be with her especially as it seems she is mastering new, exciting things with every passing day. She has started really cooing up a storm and as of Sunday, she giggled for us. She is starting to take an interest in her toys and it is amazing to watch her little eyes take inventory of what is before her. More times than not, she’ll grab a hold of anything in front of her and shove it right in her mouth (I am hoping this is just normal baby development and NOT a sign that teething is starting!)

Right now, she is sleeping like a charm. She usually goes down between 9-10 p.m, and sleeps until 7:30 or so. However, she is not yet in her crib but rather the snuggly bassinet attachment on the pack n’ play. I am thinking we’re going to be in for it when we make the jump as I’ve tried putting her down for naps in the crib to no avail. I am not going to complain too much, because she really is a great little sleeper!

Monday, April 25, 2011

40 Wks & 2 Days Pregnant

I was hoping that I wouldn’t make it to today’s appointment, but sure enough, baby girl had other plans. Though I’ve made some progress, I am still just 1 centimeter dilated and 70% effaced. However, the doctor said that my cervix is much softer than it was a week ago. In an effort to speed things along, she tried stripping the mucus membranes—a process where they attempt to loosen the water sack from the cervix. Despite reading horrible things about the discomfort involved in this process, I didn’t find it too bad. As always, the doctor commented on how low baby is sitting and that hopefully this should make for a swift delivery.

More concerning are my swollen lower extremities. Despite my desire to “walk” this child out of me, she said it is best if I try to lay low and rest on my left side as much as possible. I have another appointment scheduled for next Monday, where if baby girl is not born, I will be scheduled for induction. I really do not want to be induced as I have heard labor is far worse going this route, so I am hopeful and prayerful that baby girl will make her debut without this extra measure. My doctor thinks I have a 50% shot of making it to next Monday’s appointment, but for the sake of my back, bum, and legs, I really hope that she is wrong.

Friday, April 22, 2011

40 Weeks Pregnant as of Tomorrow

9 more hours and it will be my due date, 4/23/11. I am guessing that several weeks from now when my baby is actually in my arms, this date will be of little consequence, and it will only be her actual birth date that will remain memorable, but as of right now, 4/23 is the day written on my heart for meeting my daughter.

As of right now, I am having absolutely no symptoms. I’ve had several bouts of menstrual-type cramps and maybe some Braxton-hicks (no idea what I am feeling for), but nothing that would seem to constitute that labor is imminent. At any rate, our bags and packed and we are ready to go.

My lovely co-worker (due May 3rd), already had her baby this past Wednesday, 4/20. While everyone was ecstatic, people really commiserated with me as they saw me lumbering through the hallways. I am constantly being questioned, “So, when are you going to have this baby?” Believe me, I wish I knew.

So the plan for the weekend is to do something fun. To enjoy my husband, to sleep in late, go for good walks, eat an Easter feast, and relish these last moments before baby.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

4 Days to Go . . .

And feeling very, very ready. My feet and legs are really something to behold. Scott took pictures to document this stage of pregnancy, but I feel a little too embarrassed to post them now. Perhaps in several months when I am more or less normal I will post them and be able to recall the whole situation with a good laugh.
I had another doctor appointment today and sadly, nothing much happening. I am 1 centimeter dilated and 70% effaced. Had I been a little further along, the doctor would have tried to strip the mucus membranes (FUN!), to try to bring on labor. When I told her that I was not presently experiencing any contractions, she seemed a little disappointed and said, “oh, usually we like to have people experiencing some contractions by this point.” It made me feel like, whoa, I am going to be in this for the long haul. My next appointment is scheduled for next Monday, which will be two days post due date. I am really hoping to be in labor by that point, but I have an ominous suspicion that this little girl will make her entrance come May.
Perhaps though, given the weird weather pattern we’re expecting (4-6 inches of snow tonight), that perhaps this will do something. It’s probably hokey, but people who work in labor and delivery always seem to claim that strange atmospheric pressure sends people into labor. We shall see . . .

Thursday, April 14, 2011

9 Day to Go . . .

So another appointment today. Not too much to report. The doctor did say that I have stage three Edema—meaning I am really swollen! I weighed an amount this morning that I am too embarrassed to report, but the doctor assured me that the weight gain is solely attributed to water retention. At this point, my doctor is looking for any reason to induce me. Though Edema is uncomfortable, it is not medical reason enough to warrant an induction. My blood pressure was a little higher than normal today, but no reason for alarm. Just to be sure that I am not on the verge of preeclampsia, the doctor ran a battery of tests: urine samples, amniotic fluid test, and blood work. If anything shows up (which I am sure nothing will), this will be an automatic ticket to labor and delivery. They said they would let me know the results of my tests by tomorrow. The doctor also checked the baby’s position and I am still not dilated, however, baby is sitting very, very low. The doctor said that when she sees babies sitting this low, it usually means a swift delivery. I guess many women have to labor and push for hours to get baby to point where she is right now. She said in all likeliness, it will be one or two good pushes and baby will be out. I guess that is encouraging news! So, we’ll see what next Saturday holds. Though I am still suspecting that baby will arrive late rather than early, it’s really any time now . . . hard to believe. Prayers are appreciated.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

How Low Can You Go?

I am currently a little over 37 weeks along, and had my first doctor’s examine today to check for progress. I will say, these aren’t exactly “fun” exams. When they check you, they really just go for it. According to the doctor, my cervix has started to thin just slightly and baby is head-down and situated very low. I can tell that baby has dropped recently, so the doctor’s remark came as no surprise. I’ve also been battling bouts of menstrual-type cramps and other “lovely” side effects from the added pressure of baby’s placement. My legs, ankles, and feet are very, very swollen. The doctor said lots of swelling is common in first pregnancies. She wasn’t alarmed, but it’s something they will keep their eye on. She did say that from time-to-time they are forced to induce due to excessive swelling. While the condition hasn’t made me terribly uncomfortable, I am acutely aware that my limbs are no longer my own. Truly, I look down and can’t even believe that these huge, puffy masses are attached to my body. I know the condition is short lived, and I will one day see my ankles again, but I am presently very embarrassed by their appearance. In fact, I have a spa day scheduled for next weekend, including a really nice pedicure, and I almost feel like I don’t want to go. No one should be subjected to the sight of my feet right now! In other news, I had a wonderful weekend. My dear sister and cousin prepared an amazing shower for me on Saturday. Both the Swedes and Greeks were in attendance along with some old friends. All-in-all, the day was perfect. We had wonderful fellowship, great food, and once again, I was bombarded with people’s kindness and generosity. Throughout the course of this pregnancy, I have felt extremely supported and loved. I am aware that not everyone receives the kind of support that I’ve been privy to, and I am so grateful. This little girl is lucky. Not because I think Scott and I are overly capable, but because we are plugged in to an amazing network of people that I know care for us and will in turn care for our daughter. I am honored to come from the kind of family that I do, and I am honored to have friends that I know uphold me during both the challenges and joys of life.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

25 Days . . .

So I am just on the cusp of being considered “full term” at 37 weeks pregnant. According to the babycenter.com, little girl is likely over 6 lbs at this point and around 19 inches long. I still cannot get over the fact that I have a fully constructed human being tucked into my midsection. There’s no doubt, pregnancy is a miraculous process! I follow a local photographer’s blog, Shelley Paulson, and several days ago she posted a photo birth story of her best friend. Granted, this birth story will be much different than mine as she elected to have a home water birth and I will be in the hospital, but nonetheless, it was a beautiful portrayal of a new life coming into the world. I am praying that I do not have 10 lbs, 11oz baby! Check out the link: http://blog.shelleypaulson.com/?p=5331

Monday, March 28, 2011

Work Baby Shower

Last Friday my co-workers put on a lovely baby shower for me. They did a beautiful job setting the table and had a delicious array of foods that were right up my alley. We played several games, and my boss shared some really thoughtful words about the “Top 10 Ways Your Life Will Change with a Baby.” The whole afternoon was just a really joyous occasion and once again, I felt very valued and special. I got several gifts; among them were two things that I desperately wanted: Sofie the Giraffe and the Beaba Babycook baby food maker. I’ve had intentions of making my own baby food, especially after seeing the jarred baby food at my church shower, and this tool will give me an easy and affordable way of going about it. I can’t wait to try it out! Last night Scott and I went to Target and bought all the items for my hospital bag and I’ve started to get things packed. Seeing those bags sitting there is both an ominous and exciting reminder of just how close we are to meeting our daughter. Starting next week, I’ll be going to the doctor every week and they’ll start checking to see if any progress is being made. I asked my doctor how late they let you go, and evidently they do allow patients to go two weeks late; however they start testing the placenta and amniotic fluid after a week to make sure baby is okay. So at the very latest, I should have a daughter by May 7th, one day before Mother’s Day. I am still hoping to have an April daughter, but I have a strong haunch that this will be a May Day baby. On a very trivial note, April’s birthstone is a diamond and May’s birthstone is an Emerald. I’ve always thought Emeralds are the ugliest stone.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Coconut Water Anyone?

I haven’t written about anything unrelated to pregnancy in a long time, so I thought I would share this little tale or should I call it a warning . . .

I love the Naked Juice line. But at around $3.40 a bottle, I only allow myself this indulgence once in a while. Have you heard of their newest flavor, “100% Pure Coconut Water?” Rather than coming in the typical plastic bottle, it’s available in a little cardboard container, much like a juice box. Supposedly coconut water is the new health craze similar to the pomegranate/acai berry fad.

Several months ago while traveling for work I decided to check out what this fad was all about. I generally eat worse when I am on the road, so I hoped to off-set my dietary failures with one fell swoop by consuming this super, antioxidant packed power drink.

Um, what can I say? It was like drinking gray water out of a dirty sock. They should rename it, “Fresh Squeezed Pit Drippings.” Seriously, it was one of the most unsavory things I’ve ever tasted. My co-worker described it as “earthy,” which is just a really graceful way of saying “tinged with mud and worms.”

Just a couple weeks ago, while out for lunch at a soup and sandwich joint by my work, the woman in front of me purchased the much detested coconut water. I overheard her talking with her lunch date about the fact that she had never tried it, but had heard “wonderful” things about its health benefits. While I probably should have barged into their conversation and warned her, I decided that the more enjoyable thing would be to sit somewhere nearby where I would have good audio/visual of her first gulp.

They were carrying on their conversation when she nonchalantly took her first sip. Wait for it . . . wait for it . . . sure enough, her eyes bulge briefly and her hand goes to her throat as she grimaces with disdain. “Oh, this is really bad” she exclaims. She quickly takes a bite of her salad in an effort to override the foul taste. She then hands the bottle to her lunch date for a quick sniff test, and she too agrees, “It even smells bad.”

So, if you haven’t yet experienced “coconut water,” I sincerely suggest saving your money and saving your taste buds from this unfavorable encounter.

Monday, March 21, 2011

One Month

Over the past few days, I have said on numerous occasions, “I am ready to have my body back.” There is just so much lumbering around at this point. I am sick of heaving as I put on my socks and shoes, and just turning over in bed is starting to feel like a belabored task. Couple this with ungodly amounts of heartburn, and I am thankful that this pregnancy has about run its course.

Prior to being pregnant, I would climb the stairs most days at work. We’re on the sixth floor so I would scale 12 flights easily, sometimes even taking them two at a time. Just for the sake of comparison, I tried doing the stairs today and was horrified by the huffy, puffy mess that awaited me. It literally took my 15 minutes to catch my breath. Will my endurance ever return? That said, will my ankles ever return? I caught a glimpse of my bare legs in a reflection several days ago and fear and trembling ran rampant in my veins. Now I know that I don’t have pretty legs to start with, but it’s as if my legs have been completely replaced by none other than my dad’s legs—huge ankles, huge calves, puffy, chubby knees, BLAH.

So there’s my rant. Sorry to post. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Poor Baby

I am sorry baby girl that your mother was born to stand only 5’4. I am sorry that I am short-waisted and therefore, you must be excruciatingly squished. Know that I am not upset with you for head-butting my bladder or for kicking me in my ribs day and day out, because I know you have no other choice. I am just as eager as you for you to make your exit. This way, you can stretch your legs, and I can regain bladder control.

See you in five weeks! Love mama.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

39 Days . . .

I remember being about this far out from my wedding day. I was giddy, breathless in fact. I was sun-kissed, in shape, and very much looked the role of a bride-to-be. My months of meticulous planning were coming together and I could picture “my day” with great detail from the flowers, to the dress, to the music, to the program.

Being 39 days away from my due date, while it yields a similar excitement, feels distinctly different from that of my wedding day. I certainly look the part of a mom-to-be. By that I mean, round, slightly bedraggled, and belabored. Even though I’ve had months to prepare and the room is ready, the shelves are stocked, and the birth plan is written, I still cannot picture this day. There are so many unknowns involved in becoming a parent. What sort of kid will I get? What sort of parent will I be? Unlike my wedding day, I don’t get a rehearsal for this monumental life-changing event.

Even with some anxiety over the latter points, I cannot wait to get this little girl into my arms. While I have been extremely even-keel and void of emotional outbursts throughout the course of this pregnancy, I can now be brought to tears with just the slightest thought of meeting my baby. More over, envisioning Scott in his new role, and picturing my mom and sister holding their new family member turns me to mush on a dime.

So, it won’t be as glamorous as my wedding day, nor will it be predictable, but I do believe I am gearing up for the greatest day of my life. Can’t wait to meet you little one!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Humbled and Honored

I had my very first baby shower last night at Cross of Glory, hosted by my dear friends Kara, Heather, Erin and Missy. It was truly an evening that I will never forget and all the hard work everyone put into making the evening so special for me was extremely evident. From the flowers, to the pink plates, the gorgeous card stock used for the words of advice, the abundant and delicious food, the creative and clever games, to the prayer time that followed, this was by all accounts, a wonderful evening.

When I got home, I had an extremely challenging night sleep. I think I was just so overwhelmed by the experience and excited by everything that transpired that rest seemed to escape me. The one thought that kept coming into my mind were all the moments in my life where I have felt small, unimportant, insignificant, and under-valued. Thoughts like this often creep into my life, and as testimony by last night, they are lies straight from the devil. Let it be said that I felt SO loved, significant, and of great worth last night. Thank you dear friends for my wonderful evening and creating such fanfare for this new little life. You are much loved by me!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Knobbly Bits?

On Sunday, Scott and I attended our comprehensive baby preparation class at Amma Maternity. The class covered such topics as labor & delivery, breast feeding, and infant care. Overall, the class was worth while. Perhaps the most enjoyable part of the class was the instructor, Suzy, from the UK. She had the greatest Bridget Jones accent and was an absolute hoot!

The curriculum was sound, and while I knew most things just from doing basic reading, the class really helped both Scott and I to feel more prepared. At least, we have some idea of what to expect and what the process looks like. We watched several videos (which weren’t horrific at all, I might add), and the whole time I just kept thinking; “only 7 weeks from now, and this will be my reality.” Despite several people telling me that the videos were frightful, I actually enjoyed the birthing video a great deal. I became very choked up at the whole thing and it made me eager to meet my darling girl.

Monday, February 28, 2011

Weekend Happenings

So, we’re nearly done with our nursery. I promise to get pics posted soon. The chandelier is hung, the window cornice board has been constructed and mounted, and Scott built a custom shelf for above the changing station. I admit to being partial, but I am so pleased with the outcome. It is bright and happy and unashamedly girly without being baby, baby, baby, which is what I wanted. My auntie is still in the midst of sewing the crib bedding, and I am waiting on several pieces to arrive from Etsy, but overall, project complete.

Scott and I washed and folded all baby girl’s clothes this weekend and loaded up her drawers and shelves. Tell you what, folding tiny clothes takes way more time than folding adult size clothes. Whereas one hamper full yields 12 adult items, one hamper full of baby clothes yields 50 items. It’s fun to see her drawers full and her room filled with life. Just waitin’ on her at this point.

Scott and I also bought a stroller over the weekend via Craigslist. We ended up getting a used Baby Jogger City Elite. It’s a 2008 version, so it has been used, but we got a decent price on it and it cleaned up well. Now we just need to buy the Chicco car seat attachment so I can get going right away on all my pre-pregnancy walks. Can’t wait to go trailblazing with little girl.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Diaper Deals

I can tell I am easing my way into motherhood when a really good deal on diapers excites me. Yes, I am all jazzed about diapers: stinky poop & pee catchers.

When I found out I was pregnant, my nice friend Heather bought me a subscription to a baby magazine. She mentioned that the magazine often includes really good offers on diapers. She was right. Almost every issue has some type of coupon to be redeemed on Amazon. Sometimes it’s $10 off and other times it’s a percentage discount. On Sunday night I decided to take advantage of some of the coupons and my diapers should be arriving today via 2-day free ship.

I ended up getting an 84-count of newborn Pampers Swaddlers for just $3.15! Whoo-hoo! I also got a 216-count of size one swaddlers for less than $20.00. All in all, I figure I saved around $50.00.

As an aside, I have 59 days to go as of today. In many ways it seems far too long, and in other ways it feels like I just need to blink and she’ll be in my arms. I think a lot will depend on what sort of weather we experience in March. If March lives up to its name of being the snowiest month, I am pretty sure time will drag, however if we follow trend with the snowless March of 2010, I feel like I am well on my way. Hoping the latter is true.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Two Months to Go

Less than nine weeks to go. On Wednesday, I’ll be exactly two months out. I know I keep saying that I can hardly believe it, but I literally, I can hardly believe it!

I saw little Cecily Benson at church yesterday (gorgeous little doll-face), and she is 2 months old tomorrow. I feel like I was just over at the Benson’s place meeting baby Cecily for the first time and now she is as old as the distance I have to go before I meet my own baby girl. Crazy.

Our stabs at nursery are coming along very well. We hung curtains this weekend, finished painting our furniture pieces, and found a rug for the space. We also hung some of the accessories. We still have a chandelier to hang, a window cornice board to construct, more accessorizing, and much organization to figure out, but overall, it looks like a nursery and could easily welcome our babe at any time.

I just purchased a wooden letter from Etsy. What is picture below is just and example, she will make mine from scratch after she reviews my fabric choices. I plan to hang the letter off of ribbon on a vintage glass doorknob. How fun!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Bling for Baby

I am a girl that like sparkles—always have, always will. Not gaudy, drippy, or showy pieces, just subtle “bling” if you will. During this whole “nursery construction phase” the one thing that I have really wanted is a little chandelier for baby girl’s room. As we have short ceilings (7 ½ ft), I didn’t think this would be feasible. Lucky for me, I found a mini chandelier that is just 10 inches tall. It should be delivered next week. We are shooting for completion of nursery by the end of Feb. I will get pics posted at that time.



Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Mother Load

The title of this entry is no exaggeration. I received the mother load of baby girl supplies as of yesterday evening.

To back up, one of the local MN sales reps that work with routinely discovered I was pregnant w/ a baby girl. She immediately contacted me to see if I was interested in any baby stuff. She is now done having kids, with her youngest daughter being almost a year. I told her I would be interested. She said, “bring a truck.”

Yesterday Scott and I went to her home in Excelsior and picked up a whole truck bed full of baby supplies. Let it be said now: The Johnson household will NOT need any onesies. Scott joked that we could “wear and toss” given the amount that she gave us—around 110 to be exact. In addition to tons of onesies, she gave me gobs of little socks, hats, outfits, musical CD’s/DVD’s, books, nursing covers, shoes, toys. She also gave me a very nice cherry wood crib for my parent’s house, a crib set, a really nice jumpy contraction, an interactive activity mat, a bumbo chair w/ try, a nice baby swing, a brand new boppy w/ multiple slipcovers, and all sorts of infant stimulation gadgets. My whole new porch addition is currently overflowing with baby surplus. It is definitely going to take me some time to go through everything, and it will likely take even longer to get it all washed and organized, but can I say thank you Jesus! This was a tremendous gift.

Once Scott installs the new closet organization system, I’ll take a pic of little girl’s brimming wardrobe. I do believe I am pretty near set.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

28 Wks and Growing

As I compose this post, my innards are being pummeled by my sweet little girl. It’s the strangest thing to look down and watch my tummy twitch and shift with her movements. I cannot determine any specific body parts just yet, but at times, she appears to be at a diagonal, with one little foot or hand punching me to the left of my bladder while simultaneously, one little hand or foot punches me below my right rib. It’s not exactly pleasant, but as many moms will echo, I live for these little kicks. There’s so much vitality in them. It’s her way of letting me know she is alive and well, and for that, I am so thankful.

Over the weekend, my parents dropped off the crib and changing table that we’re planning to use. It’s been housed in a garage for the past twenty years, so it was quite dirty. Scott put things together on Sunday afternoon and we scoured it well. We checked everything out, and all meets code. As with the changing table, it’s going to need a fresh coat of paint and some tightening up, but overall, I am very pleased.

We still have a decent amount of work to do in the nursery, but we’re getting close. Trim went up over the weekend, and we’ll work on getting things painted over the course of the next week. For being a teeny, tiny space (11 x 9), I am completely charmed by the room and surprisingly, everything seems to fit just fine. It’s certainly big enough to house a 7 lbs baby (fingers crossed on that latter statement).

I’ve done a little shopping on Etsy as of late. I’ve purchased three little prints for the nursery that I plan on framing in vintage, white, distressed frames. See below:
Once things get arranged in the room, I'll make sure to get some pics posted. My plan is to finish sewing curtains over the weekend. It's an exciting time, race to the finish for sure.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Sunday-School Song: Pregnancy Remix

Today is the first day of my third trimester. It’s weird. I suddenly FEEL uncomfortable. Maybe it’s mental, but I don’t think so. I am suddenly grimacing while putting on my socks, HOT (even in these -40 temps), and feeling crampy and miserable at night. What happened? Scott bit the bullet and agreed to buy me one of those over-stuffed “pregnancy pillows.” It takes up more than half the bed, but it really does make a difference. In lieu of my newfound discomfort, I’ve rewritten the words to an ol’ Sunday school classic:

I’ve got pee like a river
I’ve got aches like an ocean
I’ve got heartburn like a fountain in my soul

For those of you that have blazed the trail before me, I am sure the discomfort of the sixth month is nothing compared to the discomfort of the ninth month. And for that phase, I am reserving my revised version of “Baby Beluga.”

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Purchases for Baby and Other Misc . . .

I pulled out the old calculator today and added up the days until my due date and lo and behold, I am exactly 100 days out. At choir last night, we started rehearsing our Easter selections. As Easter comes late this year, it actually falls one day after my due date (April 24th). It was strange to think that perhaps I will not be able to participate in the festivities because I will be laboring through CHILDBIRTH!! One thing is for sure, there will be no cute, summery Easter dress for me this year! I will literally be wearing the TENT of the covenant this year. Ahh, oh well.

I’ve been making much haste with Craigslist these past few weeks. We were able to buy a virtually new Chicco car seat (same pattern that was on my registry), for half the cost. It still has all its tags and stickers. We also found a pretty cream glider & ottoman combo for the nursery for a fraction of the price, as well as a bouncy seat and video baby monitor. The monitor is a monster, so it is likely just something we’ll keep on our nightstand for bedtime. We’ll use a regular audio monitor around the house. I also purchased a crib mattress from overstock.com, which arrived a couple of days ago. It is very, very firm. I know they say this is necessary for infants, but I sure wouldn’t want to sleep on it. If baby takes after me, she’ll be wanting a feather bed topper before the age of one.

I just wanted to share the little blankie I just bought. It is from Jellycat, a company that is local here to MN, and shares showroom space with us. It’s a little giraffe/blanket combo. I would have loved this as a little girl. Hopefully baby girl will like it too!












Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Third Trimester Here I Come

I am approximately 11 days from entering my third trimester. Where these past 25 weeks have gone, I am not sure? Prior to being pregnant, I remember thinking, “Why can’t humans be more like cats? Nine weeks of pregnancy sounds about right.” Now this thought is incomprehensible to me. I NEED these nine months. I’ve decided you spend the first half of pregnancy trying to get your head around the fact this is real and happening, and the second half of pregnancy workin’ your tail off because you finally get the fact that this is “real and happening.”

Scott and I are in a mad dash to the finish line, with baby girl’s nursery being top priority. We’ve made really great head-way these past few weeks; the new window is installed, the walls have been dry walled, mudded, and sanded, the ceiling has been ridded of popcorn, and the walls have been painted a snowy cream color called Shearling. As of Sunday, Scott began installing the hardwood. He’s about 1/3 of the way finished. Hopefully we can wrap of flooring by week’s end. We’ll then have a light fixture to hardwire and install, trim to paint, and a closet organization system to figure out. And believe me; we need this closet organization system! Baby girl already has quite the budding wardrobe. Between hand-me-downs at work, generous friends and family, and a soon-to-be momma that can’t keep her wallet closed when it comes to cute little girl clothes, this little baby is on her way to being well dressed.

In other related news, Scott’s been able to feel baby girl for about the last week. Whereas I have been feeling fluttering and jabs since about 18 weeks, her movements have just now become magnified enough to be felt topically. Just last night Scott had his head on my belly and received a forceful punch to the ear. This was really fun for both of us, and I like knowing that Scott can feel more a part of the process at this point.