We're Finally Starting to Get Ready for Baby!

Bruce is finally back from Arizona and should be home for at least this week. Boy has he been working hard! I came home yesterday and saw that Bruce had been a busy bee while I was at work. He finished painting the room on Monday. It looks amazing, of course. I don't really have pictures because it really makes me realize we own nothing for this baby! We have a crib and a changing table that someone gave us so her room looks so bare!  We wouldn't even have that if it weren't for the generosity of a really great family!

Painting lime green over pea green

Bruce on top of the closet taping off the walls - poor guy had to stay up there to paint :(

Couldn't right this photo- the paint is done. The room looks bare because it is!

Bruce put up blinds and started moving our guest room things downstairs, went through Ryan's old clothes, organized all the little things I had been chucking in the big empty room that will eventually be our new bedroom, cleaned out the baby's room so it only had baby items, changed the hideous old light fixtures to the new light fixtures, and much more that I'm sure I missed because I only had enough time to peek.

Now that everything is getting moved around I realize that I have to find rugs for our cavernous open spaces that will be our room and the baby's room, a book shelf, some picture frames since the walls are bare in the baby's room and that's just the tip of the ice berg. We NEED to get a car seat. Kind of a big deal. We NEED to get some diapers ready. I'm pretty sure she's going to use some of those a few times a day. I NEED to find out what else you need to be prepared for a newborn. It's just a tad bit tremendously overwhelming. I was fortunate enough to have a lot of 0-3 month clothes handed down to me from a friend so as long as she doesn't come out an gianormous baby (crossing my fingers), we should be somewhat prepared for her first few months as far as clothing is concerned. She has no socks or anything yet, but we'll eventually get those, right? Sometimes I have tiny freak outs about all this - 7 more weeks to go. I hope she doesn't come early.

I'm not doing much today at work so I plan on hunting down some items that we'll need online but probably won't get until next month because I have 2 full days of birthing classes this weekend that some wonderful aunties are going to with me (Bruce & Ryan have a man weekend full of baseball and tools). As things get put together I will be happy to put up pictures to share.

I'm Pregnant and I Know It

Hilarious video - I had tears in my eyes. I thought "this could be me!"

Most Annoying Things I've Heard Since Being Pregnant

Ok, just a quick caveat - I don't mean to offend family. Family is different. You can touch my belly and ask me personal questions - it's not the same. That's not to say that something someone has said didn't annoy me at some point, but I still love my family so it's still different. What I'm talking about is things I've heard over and over again or told to me by complete strangers. That being said, here's my list of things that have annoyed me so far (I have 2 months to go so I may add some more later!). 

1. Are you excited? 

Ugh. This is annoying and makes me want to say "No, not at all." I've never asked anyone this so I just think most people are just trying to be nice and make conversation, but what answer are they expecting other than "yes"?  I have commented "Oh, you must be excited." because I'm excited for them but it seems like asking a question you already know the answer to, which I don't like. 

2. You're not one of those pregnant women who go out of control eating, are you? 

This is annoying because I don't feel like I have control over what I eat - at least not until recently. I would never have chosen pretzels, top ramen and fried foods to sustain me throughout the first trimester. Never!  I would not choose to be practically vegetarian at a time when I need protein now more than ever. I would not choose to shun my precious cookies in favor of ice cream in any form (not that it tastes bad). I would never crave and crave and crave the fried skin of chicken (still haven't had since Bruce hasn't had any and I won't go out of my way to get it!). I am glad the baby likes salads, eggs and oatmeal. I do not particularly like that she also likes Coke, french fries and cheesy pasta. Ah, all I ever wanted was to be pregnant so I could eat all the cheesecake I wanted. I think just a few bites of cheesecake has passed my lips this whole time. 

3. You're not coming back to work full time, are you?

This is SUPER ANNOYING to me. In the question they are already passing judgement on me, or that's how it seems, when they assume I won't come back full time. I don't want to but I need to for many reasons that should be none of anyone's business but mine and Bruce's. I've actually had some people say "How can you do that?" with a mortified look on their faces. It makes me want to slap the look off. My mom did it and I turned out ok so I think my baby will survive being a 5 minute walk from me while I work. 

4. You can't drink that.

Just because it's a Starbuck's cup doesn't mean I'm drinking coffee. Oh, by the way, you can have a cup of coffee a day. And another thing - you can't tell me what I can and cannot do. 

5. I had the most terrible pregnancy/birth. Let me tell you all about it for the next hour.

Seriously, why would I want to hear about how much you suffered? I don't need hospital horror stories at this point. Save it for another time, please. I only want to hear good things. That being said, I contradict myself and want to hear the remedies for some problems in case I encounter them. However, if you're story is just to scare or complain, please refrain from sharing. 

6. Do you have a name? 

I just get tired of this question over and over again, that's why it's so annoying. Besides, why is it hard for some people to comprehend that I can't commit to a name until she's here? I'm ok with people choosing their names early. I think it's strange to name someone we've never met, but if someone is set with a name then lucky them. Then they don't have to worry about the next time someone will ask this question - which will be about 10 minutes from the last time. 

7. What are you hoping for?

I'm hoping for a healthy pregnancy and baby. I could care less about the gender.  Not that I wasn't in shock when I found out it was a girl but it doesn't make me any more happy or sad about having a baby ~ just more terrified about how to keep her safe and how to ensure she doesn't walk around looking like a skank when she turns 18. 

8. Just you wait. 

I'm and so SICK of hearing this. Why do you have to assume I'm going to be miserable at the end of my pregnancy. Couldn't I be in pain and misery but still be ecstatic because I'm creating a precious life and that she is healthy is the only thing that matters to me? I have been blessed to have had an easy pregnancy so far but that doesn't mean some things didn't make me miserable physically, but I have been nothing but emotionally happy throughout.

9. You better enjoy your sleep now because when the baby comes you'll be so exhausted. 

I feel like I can't be too annoyed at people who don't know I've been struggling with an exhausting sleep disorder for years so I actually do know what it'll feel like. But then I do get annoyed because I feel like people always want to rain on my parade. It's the whole misery loves company thing ~ they felt miserable so they are happy when others have to be miserable too. Twisted. 

10. You will need this.

I'm all for getting advice but presentation is important. If I feel like you are trying to convince me of what you think I will need, I'm annoyed. If you are just telling me what worked for you, I will accept that advice but I may choose not to take it.  And don't judge me when I don't. Everyone is different.

11. Are you ready for this/to be a parent?

Is anyone ever really ready? Do people constantly forget that Bruce is already a father so when they talk to him about this it really drives me insane. Can anyone be prepared to have their lives flipped upside down in ways they could never imagine? I don't think so. Does anyone have a baby and think that everything from that day on has been exactly as they had planned? I don't think so. I'm not 18. I'm in my 30s people. I know a thing or two about how this stuff works. 

12. How are you feeling? 

This question could make me barf because I hear it so often. If I was feeling bad I wouldn't share.

13. You can eat whatever you want, you're pregnant. You don't need to worry about your weight. 

Wrong, I can't eat what I want even if I wanted to. Also, I want to watch what I eat because I want a healthy pregnancy and baby and I do need to worry about my weight because I want a healthy pregnancy and baby.  I don't want to worry about taking the extra weight off later. I don't want to have additional aches and pains just because I felt like I needed to over indulge for 9 months. I don't want the baby to accidentally get sick because I ate something tainted. That does not mean I've been a saint. Hello fried foods, but I do try to get my protein in, make sure I'm eating enough calories and not too many and I generally try to make the better choice (not always successful however). 

14. Unsolicited opinions about birth plans, breast feeding, caring for baby, and day care. 

What I choose to do is my business. If I share and you don't agree, don't try to make me feel like I'm anything less than you because you don't agree. 

Yes - I plan on going natural just because if I don't see the need for meds then why should I take them. Women have been giving birth for eons without meds so I think I can do it too. If in the moment I choose to use them I won't be mad at myself. I gave it my all and then needed help. Epidural's have never been an option for me. Since I've heard about them they went off that list because it freaks me out! I'm not trying to be holier-than-though or brave, I just want to do what people have always done. Let's hope for the best :) 

Yes ~ I do plan to breastfeed and pump. It reduces SIDS, helps me bond with baby, gives her an immunity boost, it's free, it's what my body is meant to do, it's healthy....the list goes on. I don't care about inconvenience. It's not about me. 

Yes ~ I will do daycare. I am lucky to have a daycare so close that so many of my co-workers rave about. I have to work and I don't have parents just sitting around waiting to watch their grandchildren for free so off to daycare she'll go. Again, I survived so I think she will too.  

Caring for baby advice can be helpful and annoying. What worked for your baby may not work for mine. What worked for you may not work for my family. Diversity is important in life. Please accept that. 

15. Your belly is tiny/huge. 

I know the tiny belly is supposed to be a compliment but it doesn't seem that way all the time. Sometimes it seems as if they are questioning if I've been eating enough or if I'm really as far along as I say I am. The huge belly thing is offensive because according to my doctor I'm perfectly perfect so I cannot have a huge belly. Also, I compare my belly to the models in the pregnancy books and I look just like them. In fact, maybe I should have considered posing for the books since I have a model pregnancy. Snarky, I know. I guess I don't care to have people passing judgement on my body when they don't even know me.

This all being said. I regret if I've ever said anything like this to other pregnant women for I was ignorant. I pray that I don't become what is annoying me right now. Britt and Des can put me in my place if I do anything on my list.

I Think I Want to Stay Pregnant Forever

I feel so bad for those people who don't enjoy or feel indifferent about being pregnant. I love it more than I could have ever imagined and I can only hope the same for my sisters. Unfortunately, one complication of this feeling is that I'm not that eager to have our little one actually come out. I hear others saying "Oh, I can't wait to meet our little one and hold her in our arms..." blah, blah, blah. I'm not there (yet?).

I know I have about 2 months to go so I could totally change my mind, but there are so many wonderful things about carrying this little being inside me that I will miss terribly because, as a whole, it can't be re-created.

The best things about being pregnant include:

• Bruce helps me with groceries when he knows I've been to the store!
• Bruce takes out the garbage cans without me asking!
• Bruce will run off or take me with him to satisfy any urge or craving I may have without hesitation!
• I get to be with the baby 24 hours a day! 
• The emotional connection Bruce and I shared when we went to her ultrasounds. 
• The first time I felt the baby move. 
• Someone to do morning stretches with me in bed. 
• I can hug my baby anytime I want. 
• I feel empowered that my body is capable of creating a life.
• Sharing everything I learn and feel with my family who seem to love to hear about it.
• Did I mention I get to be with the baby ALL the time!
• Seeing and hearing the baby's heartbeat. 
• Watching the baby's ultrasound video. 
• Imagining her little personality (I think she'll be like Bruce when it comes to interacting with 'the unknown', but I hope she can be cuddly like me)
• Figuring out where her tastes are coming from ~ Bruce: coke, fried fish, french fries, pasta ~ Me: spicy foods, oranges, oatmeal ~ Her: ice cream, yogurt, salad
• Discovering how different her movement feels as she continues to grow (floppy guppy, tiny ninja kicks, popcorn jabs and kicks, slithery movements and smooth turns ~ what are the next 2 months going to be like?)
• Finding out she likes to stick her bum out my stomach at night!
• Feeling specific body parts
• Knowing I have the most amazing partner (yes, Bruce) to share all this with. (I can't say enough about how much Bruce's support and love and kindness has been throughout the entire pregnancy).

The good things about being pregnant include:

• Everyone is happier around me. 
• Everyone is happy for us. 
• I get complimented constantly (great clothes, cute pregnant lady, you're all belly, cute baby bump)
• I get to talk about the baby all the time because everyone is always asking how it's going.
• People give me allowances for being a bit spacy or slower.
• Sharing experiences with Ryan ~ whether he's eager or not!
• Leggings! 
• I get to eat extra - I'm supposed to gain weight! 
• I actually like the look of my pregnant belly (which I didn't think I would)

The "eh" things about being pregnant (but wouldn't trade for anything):

• Finding clothes that stay comfortable all day. 
• Wearing clothes that don't ride up and show my belly or stick out funny. 
• Pains (charlie horses, lower back pain, hip pain, carpal tunnel)
• Unwanted opinions (what I want may be different from what you would do so don't try to bully me to your side because it's ok to be different!)
• Nausea, exhaustion, extreme hunger (nothing worse than finding you've eaten all the food you planned for the day and having to figure out a way to get more!), difficulty eating more than a snack size portion when you're starving
• Registering ~ just like for our wedding, we just don't enjoy such things. 
• The worst ~ thinking about the $$$. 'Nough said about that. Blech.

So, there are few things that I probably won't miss but those are easily forgotten. There are so many more things I already know I will miss. I feel like I should stop being so selfish - I'm sure Bruce wants to meet her, get to know her and spend as much time with her as he can. I want him to have that too. I'm trying to mentally prepare myself for the day she finally arrives so I can not only have loved being pregnant, but I can look forward to loving all the difficulties (gotta be a realist) and joys that we'll find happens when we bring our little girl home. If not, I guess I'll just stay pregnant until I'm ready :) 

28 Week Video of BB

Here's another video of BB. It was an average kicking night. I really need to be less lazy and video her morning movements. Those are the ones that wake me up because I think Bruce has elbowed me in the stomach. I'm posting this at almost 29 weeks and the amount of movement I can see is already much more than this!



I found that if you let it load entirely and then start at the beginning then it won't be all weird ~ at least it was weird while it was loading on my computer.

Also, don't mind the mess in the background. Since we were moving upstairs soon I don't bother putting much away for the time being :)

Link to Show What a Baby Does to Your Insides!

Museum of Science and Industry | Exhibits | YOU! The Experience | The Exhibit | Your Beginning | Make Room for Baby | Make Room for Baby

Since I am super hungry but feel I have no room for food (unless I'm ok with being incapacitated for at least an hour as some of my food moves through me enough for me to feel comfortable) I had looked into what is happening inside my body right now. I found this cool video to share with you guys.

It's creepy and amazing at the same time.

Mini Movement Movie

After work on Friday, I was so tired I had to lie down to take a nap. Baby girl had other plans. It was time to party. I couldn't sleep with her jumping around so I got the camera and finally got her on film. Replaying it I see that film doesn't translate very well. You can see her movements but I think because of the color or maybe because I don't have a high definition camera, you couldn't see them as well as you could in person. Go figure. Oh well, I'm still posting the short video to show you her first time caught on camera making big enough movements I don't have to sit there and point them out to you.

Oh, and I should mention that sometimes it looks like quick little jabs and other times it's like a rolling hill. I'm sure I have a much keener eye for this than you guys since I was there (that's my stomach you see) but as she gets bigger we all know we'll see her more.