Friday, December 10, 2010

DiApErS: Cloth vs. Disposables

When I got pregnant with little bird, I started thinking about diapering options. A majority of people don't realize they have a choice. Usually people just register for disposables and call it a day. I, on the other hand, had a lot of time on my hands and researched all sorts of things while pregnant from home births, baby food making, baby wearing techniques to cloth diapers.

After talking to a few people about cloth diapers, I decided that was something I was going to TRY. I registered for chlorine-free disposable diapers and a few cloth diapers. I even noted on my registry that I was going to cloth diaper. THEN the questions and comments started pouring in from everywhere.

Why are you cloth diapering?
What is a cloth diaper and how does it work?
Are you using a diapering service? No. Are you crazy? Do you realize you have to clean them?
Blah, Blah, Blah...

I sounded like a broken record. Why, did I have to defend MY decision to TRY cloth diapering? At first, I got defensive but then I educated others on their lack of knowledge of the topic. I'm by no means an expert on cloth diapering but these were a few of my reasons:
  • It's better for the environment ("it can take several hundred years for the decomposition of disposables to take place, with some of the plastic material never decomposing.")
  • It's better for my hubby's wallet (since it's cheaper in the long run because you are reusing them instead of buying more and more diaposables)
  • Babies who wear cloth tend to get diaper rash less often.
  • They look cooler (they come in all different colors and prints).
When little bird was born, she wore her disposables for the first week or so, then I started her on newborn cloth prefolds with cute covers. She looked so cute! But truth be told, I didn't really like the prefolds because she seemed to pee right through them. I was still new to using them so maybe I didn't pre-wash them enough.

Either way, I started shopping around for All In Ones (AIO). But at 5 weeks old, little bird was put in a pavlik harness for her hips and it seemed that she wouldn't be able to use cloth diapers because they would be hard to get through her leg straps. So, we decided to use disposables till she got the harness off a few weeks ago. Everyone assumed I gave up on cloth diapers but that was hardly the case. I couldn't wait to TRY them again. 

Yesterday, was the first time I put little bird in her first AIO cloth diaper. I was hesitant, as with anything new to try...but I just jumped right in. I have always liked a challenge and diapering is no different. Why are so many people scared to TRY it? It wasn't bad at all. She pooped in it, I took it off, cleaned her and put another cloth diaper on. Then I put her in her crib and took the cloth diaper to the sink and washed off what I could and threw it in her wet bag to clean later. It was easy and today I washed them. 

At the end of the day, I think I'm going to use both and figure out what works for our family along the way. 

  Doesn't she look cute?

Do you cloth diaper? If so, which brand do you like the most?

P.S. If you have any cloth diapers that you would like to donate, please do...always looking for some to try on my little bird.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

TiS tHe SeAsOn to GiVe: Cookies for Haiti

It's the holiday season and everyone knows that means it's really the season to GIVE. So, my dear friend, Val, is giving her time to bake home-made chocolate chip cookies to raise funds for a cause she believes in called I Run For His Glory


I Run For His Glory is a running team put together by Alan and Jackie. Alan and Jackie are full-time missionaries living in the Dominican Republic.  Alan is a part of the Sports Ministry Team that teaches kids how to be a part of a team & trains adult men to be Christian leaders in their communities. Jackie is the Director of the Short-term teams overseeing nearly 50 teams a year that come to the Dominican Republic and Haiti to serve. 


Val is selling her cookies via her blog: Homemade Jack.


Picture of Val's cookies she baked last winter and I won't be missing out this season!


Cookies for Haiti cost $20 per order (One batch is at least 50 cookies) and 50% of every order is going to I Run For His Glory - which all ends up in Haiti for the work Alan and Jackie Perez are doing there. Please place an order to aid in their efforts...doesn't it sound good to help others while sitting on your couch eating some home-made cookies???


It did to me...I just placed my order!! Can't wait to get my yummy cookies!


If you do not want to order cookies, but would like to make a donation you can do that on the running team blog... safely through Paypal. 

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Tis the Season for HoLiDaY cArDs!

The Holidays are approaching much to quickly and one of my favorite parts of the holidays are all the cards I get from family and friends. This year I can't wait to send my own since little bird is here to share in the holiday cheer. 


One of my favorite places to get cards is Shutterfly.com and  the best part is they have great prices and quality. They also have great service and amazing products such as their unique birthday cards and personalized calendars. It is so nice to customize the calendar with photos that the recipient will love like below: 




 
Have you picked out your holiday cards yet? What will your cards look like? If not, I suggest you head over to Shutterfly today to make your selection ! Good luck as there are lots to choose from. In fact, I posted a few of my favorites below...




Sisterly Love


Simple and Sweet


Family Focus



Right now... Shutterfly is are doing a wonderful promotion for bloggers... 50 free cardsClick (here) to learn more about the 50 free cards for bloggers. At more than $1 per card that is such a phenomenal deal. In fact, I am headed to Shutterfly now to start on my holiday card!


Update (12/14): Below is the holiday card I created! 



Family Wall Blue Christmas Card
Create modern Christmas cards at Shutterfly.
View the entire collection of cards.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

BiG nEwS for little bird...

Today was little bird's follow-up ultrasound appointment for her hips. She's been wearing the pavilk harness for two months (for her hip dysplasia) and today we were going to find out if she gets to finally take it off.

The ultrasound went well and the doctor informed me that her hips have developed has we had hoped. So, she was able to be harness-free! I was super excited for her and didn't even hesitate. I stripped that harness right off of her and just watched her kick away. She seemed so happy with her newly free legs. Her legs are still in the same position that the harness had them in but she will position them normally in due time.

She will have to be seen in three months for an x-ray to make sure everything is developing as they should but for now I will enjoy this day! This was great news, just in time for the holidays.

I couldn't wait to get home and put her in all her different outfits. This whole time she has been wearing sleep sacks for outfits, that's not acceptable. When I got home, I ran straight up to her nursery and opened the drawer that is filled with all her 3+ month clothing. YAY!!! I was a kid in a candy store. What outfit do I pick?? How about that one (a onsie with strawberries on it) or that one (a pajama with footies!). Oh!! This is soooo exciting! In all honesty, I ended up trying both on her and decided to go with the jammies for the comfort factor since she was due for her nap. 


She's purrrfect! (kitty-themed jammies)

On my way home, I had called hubby and told him the wonderful news, he was ecstatic. Wen he got home from work, he picked up his little bird from her swing...they both smiled at each other as she kicked her legs FREELY in the air.

Little bird has gotten her wings back!!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

RaNdOm WeDnEsDaY

Random Thoughts of the Day

Why are Avelina's naps so unpredictable? Sometimes, she naps for 10 min. and other times she can go for 2 hours. I still have loads of thank you cards to complete, birth announcements to send , and would love to get holiday cards out but never have the time. 

My mommy-milk supply is is also something that varies. It feels like I'm at war with my own boobies and their winning. When I want them to produce more, they produce less. When I want them to produce less (cause they feel like they are going to explode), they produce more. Never a win-win situation.

I take a moment to look at my living room for a second while writing this post and notice that my home is being taken over by little birds things! We have teethers, baby rings, rattles, and baby bottles (when I pump milk) on the coffee table and her baby swing, pack n play, and play mat/activity gym all in the living room. The couch has her bib and a baby rag for random purposes. Her carseat and diaper bag is next to the door for any moment I NEED to get out of the house. Just shake my head in amazement!

I LoVe waking up to my daughter every morning (we co-sleep). She is absolutely beautiful. When she smiles in her sleep it melts my heart. Sometimes I catch her peeking through her eyes to make sure I am there (or at least that is what I tell myself). 

I'm really excited about the "BOB Stroller Strides Fitness Stroller" hubby just got me!! I've been wanting a jogging stroller and hubby surprised me with it the other day. I can't wait to take it for a test walk with Avelina. I really want to get back into running again and I think this will help.



Hubby and I were sick this week, boo! Luckily, little bird didn't get sick, I think mommy's milk has been keeping her safe. For some reason when I'm are sick, I always make Jell-o, but only one flavor: ORANGE. That is my favorite flavor and only one I ever buy. Hubby likes exotic ones like melon fusion, etc. but those never get picked up when I'm shopping (he's probably sick of that flavor, who cares!)

Do you have random thoughts like mine??

Friday, November 12, 2010

ClOsEt FrUsTrAtIoN

I wanna kill my closet!

Hubby and I are having our first date night since baby bird was born. I've been looking forward to a date night for what feels like forever. Just me and hubby time. Time for us to update each other on what has happened in our new everyday lives that we don't get to tell each other due to factors that prevent us from really communicating (i.e. diaper changes, bathes, etc.). Pre-baby, I think I took that time for granted.

Thus, date night was something I was excited about. I enjoyed thinking about the new restaurants we could try or movies we could go watch. I wanted time for ourselves. I wanted to be romanced. I wanted to laugh at the random things he says. I wanted to time for us to pause co-parenting and focus on "us". Wish granted.

We decided that we are going to try a new sushi place that many of our friends have raved about. We love sushi so much!! All day I thought about our date night and couldn't wait. My mother came to babysit little bird so we didn't have to worry about her all night. We have no curfew which feels great, not that we plan all going on an all night binge drinking rampage (although, I would like to, lol).

Dinner time was approaching, so I needed to get ready. Going to dinner in my pajamas was out of the question right? Well, after my shower I stood in front of my closet and realized I have nothing to wear that fits. Ugh!

I have lost some of my baby weight but not all of it, which bothers me. I know it will take time but I can't help to feel frustrated right now. I want to feel sexy and I don't. As I rummage through my closet, I feel more and more hopeless. I tried on a dress, no that won't work...my legs are not what they use to look like. Jeans it is... since everyone looks good in jeans, right? Now to decide on a shirt, wait, what about under garments? A nursing bra is sexy, right? hahaha, just kidding. Let's go with a black bra that always looks great. Now I'm looking in the closet again, hoping it will magically provide me with an outfit that will conceal the changes to my body motherhood as done to me that I'm not so proud of...wish not granted.

Okay, time to give myself a pep-talk. "You will look better in due time. Don't worry. Your husband loves you and will be blinded by your beautiful smile and brown eyes to even notice the rest. Enjoy your dinner, oh, but don't forget to put on a shirt before you head out. Try the black shirt over there and don't forget your heels."


(Deep breath) I am dressed and after doing my hair I am ready for dinner (and a drink). Of course, I had to blog about this before heading out. Now it's time to kiss little bird good night and out the door we go for our date night :)


Mothers out there, what have you done to overcome closet frustration or better yet your body image after child-birth?

Monday, November 1, 2010

TwO mOnThS

Little bird is 2 months old!


How cute is Miss Personality?

Thursday, October 28, 2010

TwO mOnTh WeLL ViSiT

Little bird had her two month "well" visit today. She was not a happy camper after this particular visit at the pediatrician's office. First, she was sleeping when we got there, so she wasn't happy when I had to strip her from her comfy clothes to get weighed and measured.

Head circumference= 16 inches (89th percentile)
Weight= 11.14 lbs. (63rd percentile)
Length= N/A (couldn't get an accurate measurement since she is in her pavlik harness)

The doctor spent a lot of time talking to me about how things were going and the vaccination schedule (which I was trying to express my concern and my decision to delay); however, my undressed daughter started getting fussy and began to cry and cry. Nothing seemed to soothe her and now she needed to get her vaccines. She ended up getting three shots. The first one went in her right thigh and she cried for two seconds. "Wow, she did great!" I thought. Well, we weren't finished. The next two went in her left thigh, back to back. Oh boy, she was super upset after the whole ordeal.

The "Well" visit didn't go as I would have liked it. I only wanted little bird to receive two shots but she ended up getting three. The doctor wanted to give her five, so I guess we compromised but at the end of the day I felt defeated because it's my child and my choice and the doctor should respect or at least follow the schedule I feel comfortable with. Am I wrong for thinking this way?

Little bird is sleeping right now but she is miserable when she is awake. I think the areas on her upper thighs where she got her shots is sore. It doesn't help that her harness cause her thighs to rub on her little tummy every time she moves her legs so she is reminded of the pain. poor little bird :(

P.S. Little bird has a big head like her father!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

HiP DySpLaSiA

My little bird was diagnosed at birth with bilateral hip dysplasia. I was told that doctors usually don't notice hip dysplasia in newborns and that I should make an appointment with an orthopedist as soon as possible. Thus, I made an appointment for her to be seen (by an orthopedist) at CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) for a month later (since that was the soonest I could get in). Meanwhile, my pediatrician checked her a day after discharge from the hospital and said she was fine. A week later his wife, the nurse practitioner, checked little bird's hips and confirmed she was "normal". Four weeks later, they noticed a hip click, my heart sank. The next day I had my orthopedic appointment, the hip specialist also reported that she felt fine but he would order an ultrasound to confirm it.


I arrived to CHOP thinking all would be fine since three people reported her hips were "normal". All was not fine, the ultrasound confirmed she did, in fact, have hip dysplasia (a mild form). I was soooo mad at everyone who said she was fine. That same day she was fitted for a pavik harness. It broke my heart to see her in this contraption. She cried and cried and so did I. Watching her try to move her legs made me cry even more. It was a sad day. 

After 48 hours, she seemed to adjust to it but it took more time for me to adjust to seeing her like that and to learn how to bath, nurse, etc. with this new thing attached. She has to wear it 24/7 and its really hard to deal with at first. I'm adjusting fine, now, that a month of her wearing it is approaching. She was told she has to wear it for at least three months; hopefully, that is all the treatment she needs. She has been wearing sleep sacks for the last month, I can't wait till her hips are "normal" and I can put her in cute outfits and make bath time fun again. Washcloth baths are not her favorite :( I know that things could be worse and I also know that this treatment is for the best; however, as a parent you just want your child to never feel any kind of pain or discomfort. 


Have you heard of hip dysplasia or know anyone who has gone through this?

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

PiNk TuTu

A couple weeks ago little bird had a little photo session with my dear friend Ashley to debut her hot pink tutu. It was loads of fun and super cute to see my little one so girly.


Isn't she adorable?

To see more of her in this cute tutu, visit Ashley's photography page here

Monday, October 25, 2010

Phillies Pride!

Avelina attended her first Phillies game this past Saturday. It was game 6 of the post season and we had seats in the Hall of Fame Club. 


Her gammy (my mother-in-law) made her a Phils blanket out of rally towels, its so cute.

Avelina's BiRtH sToRy

(Sorry for the long wait for this posting)


My due date was Saturday, August 28, 2010. On Sunday morning, August 29th, at 1am my water broke. Unfortunately, I thought I had peed myself from a weak bladder (which you tend to develop late in your pregnancy since the baby is really low) so I did not take the leakage seriously and returned to bed after clean up. I woke up Sunday morning around 9am and informed my hubby while he started to make breakfast about my "accident". He asked if I had called the Birth Center and as I was telling him I had no other labor signs so I must have peed myself I started to feel some cramping. The "cramping" felt very faint, just a slight discomfort; thus, I wasn't really concerned about it at first. Until that very moment, I had never experienced any of the symptoms that you learn about to inform you that your body is about to go into labor (i.e. cramping, burst of energy, loss of mucus plug, water breaking, etc.). I told my hubby, my mother, and my hubby's father (mom and my F.I.L. were visiting for the weekend) that I was going to lay down for a while so I can time the "cramping" as per hubby's request. To my surprise, the "cramping" was consistent and were 4 minutes apart; thus, I was having contractions, right? Hubby insisted I call the Birth Center and inform them about what had happened early this morning and my current symptoms, just to be on the safe side. After talking to a midwife it was decided that I grab my hospital bag and head down to the Center to determine if my bag of waters had in fact been broken.

I was convinced that this was a false alarm but gathered my things anyway. Hubby and I made our way to the center. Once at the center, the midwife instructed me to test my urine for proteins as I always do on every visit. This urine sample was different from all the rest...when I looked at my sample I noticed a little surprise in the cup...I lost my mucus plug!!! I was soooo nervous about this discovery but needed confirmation so I told my hubby about it; although, I was embarrassed to show him. But if I was in early labor he was going to see much worst soon enough. We informed the midwife of our discovery and she said that it was normal and she would now check to see if my water had broke. I allowed her to check and run her tests and she confirmed that my water had in fact been broken and insisted that she run a "stress test" to determine if I was experiencing contractions and to monitor my daughter's heartbeat. Her findings revealed that baby's heartbeat was strong and I was definitely having contractions even though I was in no pain. She decided to admit me...

Hubby and I called our parents to inform them that we were going to have a baby soon. We walked down to the birthing suites and picked our birthing room and got settled in. Throughout the afternoon our parents visited, we had lunch, and I spent most of the time bouncing on the birthing ball (aka medicine/exercise ball) to pass the time. The contractions started to get closer and the pain seemed to increase but as long as hubby applied pressure to my lower back, I could bounce through it. I kept drinking water and Gatorade to keep hydrated so multiple bathroom breaks were a must. Unfortunately, every time I had to go to the bathroom I was on my own during a contraction, no bouncing or pressure on my back. You really have to be your own motivator when your on your own. I had to keep telling myself, "I can get through it, it will end soon". I was equally anxious about pushing, I had this feeling that I had to go "number 2" but read many times that would be the feeling right before delivery so I was scared that I would deliver if I pushed. Feeling like you have to go "number 2" every time you go to the bathroom is not fun. It started to get harder to wipe yourself clean as well since your body is tensing and you really can't bend or reach around your body as before.

The midwife would come in at random times to check in on things and my vitals. The first time she checked for dilation she informed me that I was about 4 centimeters dilated, our baby was 100% effaced and I would be delivering that night. Well, the first two things were right but the last thing she said we would soon find out was wrong. The nursing assistant recommended I get into the tub at this point to help with the pain and to get my body to relax for further dilation. WOW! I would recommend this for everyone able. The tub was filled with warm water and the jets were a perfect distraction, it was sooo relaxing.

Since it's been over a month, the rest of the details of the "Birth Day" events are not as specific:
At some point the midwife came back and checked dilation. I had only progressed a half of a centimeter more. since I wasn't progressing fast enough on my own because I was too tense, she recommended two options. First, I could be transfered to the hospital right then and get an epidural and pitocin or Second, I can get a dose of Stadol (narcotic) to relax my body in hopes to get my body to dilate further. I really wanted to have a natural, as possible, child birth so I opted for the Stadol. After a couple minutes, I felt nothing and took a nap with some funny visuals.  When the narcotic wore off and the midwife checked dilation I had ONLY progressed another half of a centimeter, it was four hours later, so it was not the news I wanted to hear. Overall, labor was already passed the 24 hour mark.

At this time, another midwife was assigned for a change of shift. The new midwife Denise was amazing! She held my hand during each contraction and helped me breath through them as it started to get harder for me to do so without support. Hubby was still a trooper and continued to provide the lower back pressure I desperately needed. I will admit that I was exhausted and would find myself crying through some of these contractions, I started to feel defeated. The new midwife checked for dilation and informed me that the left side of my cervix was not softening, it was a "hard piece"  preventing me to dilate further. She tried pushing it out of the way and had no success. She had me go for a walk and we tried the tub again; however, hours later no change.

At 3pm the next day (August 30th), the midwife made the executive decision to transfer me to the hospital for an epi and pitocin since I was in labor for longer than anticipated and further dilation was not happening on its own. Luckily, baby was not in distress. I tried my best to avoid this hospital transfer but I knew at this point it was for the best. We got my things together and drove over to the hospital (one block away). I was admitted and waited for the anesthesiologist to arrive to give me the epidural. In the meantime, I was hooked up to the monitors and got to enjoy some ice chips since my eating and drinking privileges were now revoked, boo!

The anesthesiologist arrived and gave me my epidural. It wasn't bad at all. People make it out to be so scary but it felt like a little pinch. I didn't see the needle but hubby did and he says it was loooong. Now that the epi was administered and the pit was on a drip, I was able to relax and take a nap. Hubby napped as well, we both needed it. At around 6pm, the midwife returned to check for dilation but mainly to see if my cervix was softening. It was not, so she increased the pit and we waited two more hours. At around 8pm, she checked again and bought another physician to get a second decision before telling me that I may have to get a C-section because it's approaching 48 hours of labor and my cervix is still hard on the left side. I was soooo upset and couldn't believe that this was going to happen to me especially since I was trying so hard to have a vaginal delivery for so long.

The midwife understood my birth plan and suggested we try again to push the hard part of my cervix out of the way. She informed me that if it didn't work I would have to have an emergency c-section. I understood. She told me to push with all my might and I did just that. Let me tell you it is very hard to determine if you are actually pushing since you are numb from the epidural but I tried anyway. After three tries, the midwife had success and we were ready to delivery my baby girl :)

I placed one leg on hubby's hip and the other on the nurse assistant's hip and with each contraction I pulled my thighs close to my upper body, took a deep breath, held it and pushed really hard. In between each contraction push, hubby fed me ice chips, I was THIRSTY. The midwife made sure to spread oil down on my lady parts to avoid tearing. After about six pushes, our baby's head was exiting and hubby was shocked at the amount of hair she had. The midwife had us feel our baby's head, it was slimy, lol. After a couple more pushes our baby entered our world and her cries brought us so much joy. The midwife placed her directly on my chest and our baby looked up at me as she peed and pooped on me, lol. None the less, she was the most precious thing I have ever seen. As soon as the umbilical cord stopped pulsating, hubby cut the cord. She stayed with me for sometime to bond before being taken away for a weight, etc.The oil the midwife used worked because I only had to get three stitches for a small tear.

Hubby and I made it through the journey of child birth together and Avelina was the end result! 

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Avelina's Stats

Avelina's Stats 


Birth:
                  Weight: 7 lbs. 3 oz.
                  Height: 19.5 inches

Discharge from Hospital (3 days old):
                  Weight: 6 lbs. 9 oz.

1st Doctor's Visit (4 days old):
                  Weight: 6 lbs. 14 oz.

2 Week Old Check-up:
                 Weight: 8 lbs. 1 oz.
                  Height: 20.5 inches

Month Old Check-up:
                Weight: 9 lbs. 5 oz.
                 Height: 21.5 inches

seems like Momma's nursing is helping baby bird grow

Friday, September 24, 2010

BaBy BiRd Is HeRe!

Sorry for not posting in a while but as you might have suspected my little miss has arrived :)

Avelina Synnove
7lbs. 3oz.
19.5 inches
Born at 9:11pm on August 30th

Her name was a combined effort by my hubby and I. I came up with her first name which was my father's grandmother's name (he was raised by her so it means a lot to him) and hubby came up with her middle name which is Norwegian for "Gift of the Sun". Hubby is really into astronomy so of course he would find a way to connect his latest interest with our daughter, lol. 

And now for her blog debut, I present you my amazing daughter:


She already has daddy wrapped around her finger!

Friday, August 27, 2010

FiVe (ThInGs) On FrIdAy


5 things I did yesterday:

~Wrote thank you cards for my (2nd) baby shower gifts
~Washed some more baby clothes 
~Met a friend for gelato (I got nutella flavored, yum!)
~Cooked dinner for the hubby
~Watched the Jersey Shore (I can't help it, its funny to watch)

5 random thoughts:

~When will my baby decide to come out??? (I really am curious since I'll be 40 weeks tomorrow)
~"The ring of fire" is a scary thought (child birth term)
~my house needs to be cleaned (but I'm not going to volunteer)
~Would love to be on the beach right now with a cocktail in hand (wishful thinking)
~Is summer really coming to an end; I completely missed it.

5 things I can't live without right now:

~my cell phone
~laptop
~FOOD
~a bathroom nearby
~oh, my hubby


What "5 things" are on your mind today?


Tuesday, August 24, 2010

CaReEr EnVy

As September approaches, I can't help myself but feel a little career envy.

I've been in school for a long time and all I ever wanted was to use my education (that my mother was able to bless me with the opportunity of achieving) and feel a sense of purpose. Part of that goal was to land a career/job as a school psychologist once I graduated. Since graduating, I have been working for a district as a school psychologist but on a contracted/case by case basis. As such, I don't have a steady schedule nor an office to work in but I have the flexibility of working when I want, which can be dangerous, lol. Regardless, I'm thankful that I have been able to keep my skills in my field fresh and that I had some kind of employment and still do even though I'm taking some time off to be a MOM.

Last spring, I was offered a full-time position in a district that was an hour and half away. I turned it down because I didn't want to commute that far as a new parent. This year, districts around my home town are hiring and although I keep interviewing while pregnant I am aware that I will not be offered these positions and I know in my heart I don't want them right now either, as I would like to focus all my energy on my daughter's development.

However, I can't help feeling like I'm missing out on a career. I know I'm young and I will have my whole life to work but seeing my fellow graduates obtain jobs and going on interviews makes me a little jealous. I want to be able to tell people I'm a Full-Time school psychologist for "..." district and feel a sense of normal (cause people who work full-time are normal, right?) but this year, I get to say I'm a Stay-At-Home Mom and remain a contracted School Psychologist for "..." district. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I can be both and I'm excited to be a MOM which is a career in itself but I long for the opportunity to be a contributer (financially) in my growing family and a advocate in education.

At the end of the day, I know my day will come to work in my field and I may want to quit on my first day, so for now I will try to enjoy the time off.

For you moms out there, did you have some form of career envy when you were pregnant?

Friday, August 20, 2010

LeTtEr To BaBy



Dear little love bird,

In less than 8 days or so we should be meeting you. It sounds so far away, but also really close at the same time. If you choose to come a little earlier, we wouldn't mind one bit.

We cannot wait to meet you...We think about it every.single.day.

We can't wait to see what you look like, or who you look like.

Will you have dark hair? Light hair?...No hair at all? (which would be weird since your dad and I clearly have lots of hair)

I think about the day you come into this world all the time (the joy and the pain of course but mostly the way you will change me forever <3). I'm not 'scared' of delivering you...I'm excited. It's like opening the best gift ever...one I've been waiting for all my life.

I can't wait to hear your cry that first time proclaiming to the world that you've arrived. My heart leaps at the very thought.

I can't wait to hold your squishy little body in my arms (slime and all, lol), and know that you're all mine and daddy's too! 

Little bird, I can't wait to cuddle with you and kiss your little cheeks and ooh and ahh over every silly face you make in your sleep (please be a great sleeper so mommy can sleep, too).


I truly can't wait to be your mommy.



You are the FIRST little baby that will make me a mother. A "Mama". I'll try my best, and do everything I can to be the best mom I can be.

I cannot wait to watch your Daddy melt into a pile of love-mush when he holds you for the first time. It makes me super happy just thinking about it. He's going to the best dad, and I hope you always see that and feel his love and protection.



Hope you feel loved because you truly are!


Until I get to meet you in the flesh, little lady....I am cherishing every kick in the ribs and ninja move you make :)

Thursday, August 19, 2010

ThAnKfUl ThUrSdAy


so thankful for the gorgeous weather we have been having lately, being able to turn off the central air and open our doors and windows makes me sooo happy. I love hearing nature sounds while relaxing with a light breeze.

thankful that my 38-week prenatal appointment yesterday went just perfectly fine...baby bird's heart-rate in the 130's and my blood pressure is good.  No signs of early labor, seems she loves being in momma's belly.

so thankful and in love with my husband who's been sooo supportive throughout this pregnancy. He set up our infant swing the other night and I absolutely love it!

feeling thankful that I can sleep better these last few weeks, since I moved to the couch which believe it or not is way comfy for my back and belly rather than my constant tossing/turning in our bed.

so thankful that we didn't lose our cats the other night. Hubby accidentally left the back door open and our cats got out, which was a big problem since their indoor cats. Luckily, one of them showed up on our front steps and the other was hiding under our deck in the backyard, case-closed, both are safely inside :)

I'm thankful for the 'ready' feeling....I mean, I don't feel worried, anxious, or nervous--I just feel ready. I'm not yet at the point where I"want.her.out.NOW" either. We have things in order (or at least I think so although there is always something I could be doing like washing more clothes, writing my thank you cards, etc.)...and she's welcome anytime.

Also...I'm overwhelmed and full of so much thanks for all people have done for us, given to us, showered us with love and gifts for our daughter. It's amazing the love you feel when you're about to have a baby--we've been so blessed with things, and it makes bringing her into this world so much more feasible.

Thank you, all of you...for all your sweet words, gifts, thoughts and prayers...!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Win a Nursing Top!

Bumblewee nursing wear is giving away a free nursing top every day for 30 days! 

* Win A Free Nursing Top every day for 30 days!
* Enter and receive a 50% off coupon to BumbleWee Nursing Wear's sweepstakes items.

If you enter, tell them I referred you! (Michele Weller)

Every day is a new contest so come back daily for more chances to win.


Click here to ENTER :)

Friday, August 13, 2010

NuRsErY: Sneak Peak


Well hello there friends! As you know I have been hard at work creating the puuurfect little room for my sweet baby bird that will be joining our family in the next couple of weeks. I still have so much to do but I thought I would share a little peek at her nursery. It's still not complete so I am waiting till it's done to do a nursery tour but thought you might enjoy a glimpse into her future world. Enjoy...


This is my little bird's crib. It's a Bonavita crib which I really wanted and was a gift from my MIL. I wanted a traditional white crib for my little bird's nursery, isn't it pretty?
This is a view of inside her crib. Her bedding is from Pottery Barn Kids and so is everything else pictured here (from teddy to stroller blanket). Did you notice the name on the stroller blanket?? That's my little bird's name!! That stroller blanket is super soft, I just love it!

So, here are some little details from her room:

   
A little Piggy bank and frame with her initial (picture to come).


A look into her changing table/dresser, filled with receiving blankets, baby hats/socks, and wash cloths. 

Linen basket filled with newborn pre-folds (aka cloth diapers from greenmountain.com).


Hope you enjoyed a sneak peak of my little bird's room. She will be here in less than 2 weeks and her nursery decor may not be finished but I'm okay with that. Can't wait for her arrival :)

Thursday, August 12, 2010

PrOgReSsIoN nOtEs: 37 weeks

How far along? 37 weeks; FULL TERM!!
Total weight gain: 31 big whopping pounds...amazing isn't it.
Maternity clothes?: Of course. I'm loving my maternity pants and will miss them after baby is here. They are so comfortable and its so easy to pull them up and down when needed without messing with zappers and buttons. I love wearing flowy dresses and hope to still wear them after baby (since I wasn't a big dress wearer, pre-baby). 
Sleep: Still only waking up about once a night to pee. However, I'm just up more finding myself awake at random moments dealing with different aches and pains (like leg cramps, sore thigh muscle from lying on one side for too long, etc.).

Cravings:
 Nope, not really. Haven't been a big craver of things during this pregnancy. Love all the same things!

Best moment this week: Nesting. Getting baby's crib all ready and hanging a little pink robe up in the nursery mad it feel sooooo real :) She's almost here!!


Movement: Um, yes. I think baby is squished, lol. I feel my belly is so tight and won't grow anymore. Thus, I do feel her a little more, especially in my ribs. I don't think she likes mommy driving because she loves to torture my ribs, etc. while driving. Either way, I really do love feeling all her movements since I know she is doing well.

Gender: "She", "she", "she"--of course, a girl.

Labor Signs: Some. Braxton Hicks and some cramping started yesterday :/

Belly Button in or out? In and staying in.

What I miss: Going out like crazy during the summer (to the beach, dancing, drinking, etc.) and looking in the mirror without looking like a blimp. 

Weekly Wisdom: You may feel unorganized or not ready for baby but once she arrives you are a mother and everything will fall into place.

Milestones: Full term. She can literally come at any time! Everything is developed fully. She is welcomed to make her debut.

Favorite Moments: The day I told hubby I'm pregnant, the first heartbeat, the first kick/movement, joining a MOMS club, etc. I've had a great pregnancy, thus far. Thank you baby!

  

Saturday, August 7, 2010

BaBy ShOwEr!!

This post is long over due (sorry, I don't have pictures of my guests or decor but I didn't have my camera). 

Last month, I had my very first baby shower (I'm having another one in August for those who live in NJ). It was a lovely Sunday afternoon and my family and friends (PA related) were all coming into town to celebrate my journey into motherhood. I've been anticipating this day for weeks because nothing really brings to light your having a baby then in your face baby stuff. 

So, many people came which made me feel my daughter is already loved. Some of my family drove all the way up from Virgina and others drove from Connecticut. WOW, what a drive! But I was so happy to see them. The festivities started a little late but everything went really well. We played a trivia game, baby shower bingo, and I got to open all the nicely wrapped gifts for my daughter (of course, my mother was there to help me when I needed some assistance, lol). 

  
At the end of the shower, dessert was served. My MIL and Aunt-in-law decorated my baby shower cake to go with my nursery theme (which is a calming, naturist, birdie theme--I don't like over stimulated themes). Didn't it come out great? The cake was yummy, too! It had a butter-cream frosting with a cheesecake mousse filling, yum!


Overall, it was a great shower with family and friends. My daughter and I are so blessed to have such supportive people in our lives :) Look at all the great things she received:



Here is a picture of me with those who helped organize the shower:

Traci, Sara, glowing mom-to-be Me, future grandmom Pat, and Nancy