Are you kidding me? My Nursery page has deleted half of the pictures and updates I had on there :(. Unfortunately, I haven't got those pictures on this computer, so I can't even put them back up. I guess it will just have the final pictures whenever I get around to finishing the nursery.
This is incredibly frustrating and disappointing.
Oh well. No point in crying over spilled milk. I will just hope we have the nursery finished soon so that I can put up some more pictures.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Week 3/4: Crochet Teddy Bear
Well, here it is. A few days late, but I would have finished it on time if I had started at the beginning of the week. It still needs eyes, a nose, and a tail, but I haven't got the black yarn to finish it. In the mean time, here is a picture. :)
As for the light box which was supposed to be this week's project, I don't think I will be able to get the materials for that. It will have to be a project for later on. I will find another project to do for this week and update the list. Also, my knit, hooded baby blanket is almost finished! The blanket is finished, the hood is attached, now I just need to add the border.
A little side note about my experiences making these things... I definitely need to work on my sewing/seaming skills. The seams are all a little bit sloppy. They aren't pretty, but they're functional and they will do. It is something I need to work on for future projects, though.
I promise I will get a better picture when it is finished. It looks like the legs are really short, but it's just the way I took the picture and had it sitting. They are the same length as the arms.
It's not perfect by any means, but I'm very pleased with it. I can't wait to give it to my little boy.
(Oh and he kind of looks like an evil teddy because of the shadows. He actually looks very sweet in normal light)
As for the light box which was supposed to be this week's project, I don't think I will be able to get the materials for that. It will have to be a project for later on. I will find another project to do for this week and update the list. Also, my knit, hooded baby blanket is almost finished! The blanket is finished, the hood is attached, now I just need to add the border.
A little side note about my experiences making these things... I definitely need to work on my sewing/seaming skills. The seams are all a little bit sloppy. They aren't pretty, but they're functional and they will do. It is something I need to work on for future projects, though.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
New, New Fears: Sooner than Later?
I guess I am getting to that anxious stage of the pregnancy when I will be worrying about anything and everything. I have a million and one things on my mind right now: worries, fears, and anxieties mostly. What needs to get done before the little guy decides to make his arrival? How are we going to get everything done that needs to be done before he does? Am I going to be able to handle labour and delivery? The usual ponderings about what will he look like and what kind of personality will he have? Will he be a difficult baby or an easy one? Will both us take to breastfeeding? Have I done everything I could to give him the best start in life? Etc. Etc. Etc. Don't even get me started on all of the worries and fears about after he is born and he is home from the hospital.
For most of my pregnancy I have been relatively calm and collected about all of this. I didn't really have any major concerns and I was more excited than anything. One event triggered all of this sudden thought and worry. The birth this past Friday - ten weeks early - of a baby who shared the same due date as my own son. It was shocking and surreal to learn of what had happened. Even more shocking and surreal to see the pictures and realize that my little boy would be about that exact size if he was born today, that right now, inside of me, this is what he looks like (or close to it). It was eye opening, a wake up call and a bit of a reality check that a). anything can happen, and b). that every day we are closer and closer to meeting my baby. It was a reminder that really, ten weeks (or nine weeks, five days) isn't that long of a time at all, even though it may seem that way sometimes.
I started asking myself if I would be prepared if baby decided to make his debut now or even a few weeks down the road. My answer was a flat out no! In fact, I am completely unprepared. Sure we have the basics and everything he needs to be comfortable. We have loads of clothes (and still more than I can handle on their way), we have all of the important things such as the crib, change table, diapers, toiletries, etc. I plan to breastfeed, so even though we don't have bottles or anything yet, I would be okay as long as we both take to it. Technically, we are ready. However, there is a big difference between "technically" being ready and truly, emotionally, and mentally being ready. I'm not the latter. I am actually kind of freaking out.
First, I am suddenly scared out of my wits of labour and delivery. I haven't given it much thought over the past seven months. It's something that I just kind of shrugged at and accepted as something that was going to happen no matter what, so why worry. Now, however, I am quite terrified. I don't have a very high tolerance for pain and yet my plan is to have a natural birth. I'm wondering if I will be able to hande the pain, because I really, sincerely, deeply do not want to give in to pain relief unless it is absolutely necessary. I've started worrying about complications. Will the baby fit? He is breech right now, what if he is still breech when it is time to deliver? What if there is an emergency and I need a c-section? And of all of the little things that the books tell you to consider: who you want to be in the room with you, where you want to labour, the environment you want to be in, alternatives to medications, and etc. It is all so overwhelming and it is all running through my head.
And if he decides it is time to come earlier than expected, would I be prepared and know what to do? Not really. I haven't even thought about getting a hospital bag ready. I don't really know what to do or how to recognize labour. I kind of just assume I will know. I don't know who to contact when it does happen. I haven't pre-registered at the hospital. I'm completely disorganized.
You always expect there to be plenty of time to get ready and to prepare. However, as was proven this weekend, there isn't always as much time as you expected.
All of this thought about the birth has now triggered all of the thoughts and worries about after he comes home, which, by the way, I feel even less ready for than the birth. I've started really truly thinking about how I want to raise him and what is a realistically possible way for me to raise him. I've started worrying about all of the influences he will have and how to either protect him from or subject him to them. I've banged my head against the wall trying to figure out how to let people know how I want to raise him without offending someone or being ridiculed or judged. I could go in to this so much more deeply, but I don't want to make this a huge long post or rant or vent. Simply put, I am having problems a). figuring out how I want to raise him, b). how to take those ideas and actually put them in to action, and c). how to handle the ridicule I feel like I might get for some of my choices (from my husband, family, and other friends and loved ones).
I feel like I should have had all of this figured out and discussed before I even decided to have children. I now feel incredibly behind. Basically, I am freaking out about everything. I just hope this doesn't last the whole two months that we have left to go. I will drive both myself and everyone around me crazy.
For most of my pregnancy I have been relatively calm and collected about all of this. I didn't really have any major concerns and I was more excited than anything. One event triggered all of this sudden thought and worry. The birth this past Friday - ten weeks early - of a baby who shared the same due date as my own son. It was shocking and surreal to learn of what had happened. Even more shocking and surreal to see the pictures and realize that my little boy would be about that exact size if he was born today, that right now, inside of me, this is what he looks like (or close to it). It was eye opening, a wake up call and a bit of a reality check that a). anything can happen, and b). that every day we are closer and closer to meeting my baby. It was a reminder that really, ten weeks (or nine weeks, five days) isn't that long of a time at all, even though it may seem that way sometimes.
I started asking myself if I would be prepared if baby decided to make his debut now or even a few weeks down the road. My answer was a flat out no! In fact, I am completely unprepared. Sure we have the basics and everything he needs to be comfortable. We have loads of clothes (and still more than I can handle on their way), we have all of the important things such as the crib, change table, diapers, toiletries, etc. I plan to breastfeed, so even though we don't have bottles or anything yet, I would be okay as long as we both take to it. Technically, we are ready. However, there is a big difference between "technically" being ready and truly, emotionally, and mentally being ready. I'm not the latter. I am actually kind of freaking out.
First, I am suddenly scared out of my wits of labour and delivery. I haven't given it much thought over the past seven months. It's something that I just kind of shrugged at and accepted as something that was going to happen no matter what, so why worry. Now, however, I am quite terrified. I don't have a very high tolerance for pain and yet my plan is to have a natural birth. I'm wondering if I will be able to hande the pain, because I really, sincerely, deeply do not want to give in to pain relief unless it is absolutely necessary. I've started worrying about complications. Will the baby fit? He is breech right now, what if he is still breech when it is time to deliver? What if there is an emergency and I need a c-section? And of all of the little things that the books tell you to consider: who you want to be in the room with you, where you want to labour, the environment you want to be in, alternatives to medications, and etc. It is all so overwhelming and it is all running through my head.
And if he decides it is time to come earlier than expected, would I be prepared and know what to do? Not really. I haven't even thought about getting a hospital bag ready. I don't really know what to do or how to recognize labour. I kind of just assume I will know. I don't know who to contact when it does happen. I haven't pre-registered at the hospital. I'm completely disorganized.
You always expect there to be plenty of time to get ready and to prepare. However, as was proven this weekend, there isn't always as much time as you expected.
All of this thought about the birth has now triggered all of the thoughts and worries about after he comes home, which, by the way, I feel even less ready for than the birth. I've started really truly thinking about how I want to raise him and what is a realistically possible way for me to raise him. I've started worrying about all of the influences he will have and how to either protect him from or subject him to them. I've banged my head against the wall trying to figure out how to let people know how I want to raise him without offending someone or being ridiculed or judged. I could go in to this so much more deeply, but I don't want to make this a huge long post or rant or vent. Simply put, I am having problems a). figuring out how I want to raise him, b). how to take those ideas and actually put them in to action, and c). how to handle the ridicule I feel like I might get for some of my choices (from my husband, family, and other friends and loved ones).
I feel like I should have had all of this figured out and discussed before I even decided to have children. I now feel incredibly behind. Basically, I am freaking out about everything. I just hope this doesn't last the whole two months that we have left to go. I will drive both myself and everyone around me crazy.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
New Fears: Later than Sooner?
My new fear: Baby Boy will decide to take his sweet time coming in to the world. And I'm not referring to the length of labour.
Last night I had several dreams about this. In every single one the little guy just would not come. All of these other women were going in to labour and having their babies. I just kept waiting and waiting for something to happen, but nothing. He just would not budge no matter what I tried. Stubborn even in my dreams.
So, now I am freaked out that baby will decide to come late. I know that for most first pregnancies it isn't uncommon to deliver after your due date. I'm okay with a day or two late. I'm worried about it being like a week later and still no sign of his arrival! As it is I have ten weeks to go and I am feeling incredibly impatient. I wish May would just hurry up and get here so I can meet him! I can't imagine how I will feel if my due date comes and goes and he is still not here. I think I might go officially crazy.
Having said that, I am incredibly grateful that he is still in there and doing well. Recently I have learned of two other moms due in May who have experienced complications and are struggling to keep their little ones warm and cozy for as long as possible, and one who has already delivered her little girl. Every day that their babies stay inside them is a miracle and it makes me truly relieved and thankful that my son is content where he is and everything seems healthy with both of us.
Speaking of baby, as far as I know he is still breech and loving using my ribs to practice his punches. I feel bigger than ever and I hope that the little guy does not keep growing as quickly as he did last month. I do not want to deliver a ten pound baby!
Last night I had several dreams about this. In every single one the little guy just would not come. All of these other women were going in to labour and having their babies. I just kept waiting and waiting for something to happen, but nothing. He just would not budge no matter what I tried. Stubborn even in my dreams.
So, now I am freaked out that baby will decide to come late. I know that for most first pregnancies it isn't uncommon to deliver after your due date. I'm okay with a day or two late. I'm worried about it being like a week later and still no sign of his arrival! As it is I have ten weeks to go and I am feeling incredibly impatient. I wish May would just hurry up and get here so I can meet him! I can't imagine how I will feel if my due date comes and goes and he is still not here. I think I might go officially crazy.
Having said that, I am incredibly grateful that he is still in there and doing well. Recently I have learned of two other moms due in May who have experienced complications and are struggling to keep their little ones warm and cozy for as long as possible, and one who has already delivered her little girl. Every day that their babies stay inside them is a miracle and it makes me truly relieved and thankful that my son is content where he is and everything seems healthy with both of us.
Speaking of baby, as far as I know he is still breech and loving using my ribs to practice his punches. I feel bigger than ever and I hope that the little guy does not keep growing as quickly as he did last month. I do not want to deliver a ten pound baby!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
So Bad, but Sooooo Good!
The title says it all. This was my bedtime snack tonight...
Don't worry, I didn't eat them all.
Chocolate chip cookies, ice cream, and chick flicks. What better way to spend an evening alone?
Get 'er Done
I just want to share that I have had a very productive day today. I started my morning determined to get stuff done today because I was incredibly lazy yesterday and didn't do a single thing. Today, the very first thing I did was I made a list of everything I wanted to get done. I am proud to say that I have accomplished all but one of the things on my list.
This is my list:
Tomorrow I will probably do my big clean for the week. Vacuuming, dusting, mopping, etc. Baby has me in a nesting mood.
In the meantime, I am going to relax while the laundry finishes up. Maybe I will work on my teddy bear now. I haven't even started yet. Although I did make a really adorable crochet newborn baseball cap yesterday and have been working hard on my knit hooded blanket (only 3 more inches to go, then the hood and the border). I would share pictures of the baseball cap but it is a gift for someone, so I can't share any pictures yet, but I will as soon as I can.
By the way, baby says hi. He's kicking away right now. :)
This is my list:
- wash, dry, and put away dishes (I have to be specific because if I'm not I will only wash the dishes and then they end up sitting out all night)
- wash the baby clothes
- put away the baby clothes (the only thing I haven't done so far because the clothes are still in the process of being washed)
- tidy/organize
- wipe down counters and surfaces (I took this one a bit far and ended up pulling out the stove and giving it a good scrub and cleaning all underneath it)
- put away the two loads of laundry from the other day (another bad habit of mine is doing the laundry and then just leaving it in the baskets)
- complete at least one scrapbook page (I did one for the first ultrasound photo of my baby boy. I will admit it isn't "complete" as I want to add buttons for embellishments, but I don't have a hot glue gun)
Tomorrow I will probably do my big clean for the week. Vacuuming, dusting, mopping, etc. Baby has me in a nesting mood.
In the meantime, I am going to relax while the laundry finishes up. Maybe I will work on my teddy bear now. I haven't even started yet. Although I did make a really adorable crochet newborn baseball cap yesterday and have been working hard on my knit hooded blanket (only 3 more inches to go, then the hood and the border). I would share pictures of the baseball cap but it is a gift for someone, so I can't share any pictures yet, but I will as soon as I can.
By the way, baby says hi. He's kicking away right now. :)
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Change of Plans
I am sad to say that there will be no 52 Weeks of Pinterest this week. I just now realized that I did not buy the supplies I need to make my project (Photography Light Box) or the ingredients for the recipe (Country Club Chicken). I have no way of getting the supplies now as Erik is in Timmons for the week and I don't drive. This is very disappointing. I was looking forward to both of these.
However, all is not lost. I do have all of the supplies I need to make the project I had planned for next week, the bear for my baby boy. I bought the yarn last week and I already have the crochet hooks I need, so I am all set. It might actually be a good idea to start this project a little bit earlier. I have a feeling that, like my knit blanket (which has taken me about three weeks to do and I still have about 6 inches left, plus the hood and border), it will be a longer project. I am incredibly excited to make this bear as it is obviously a very special project and I am hoping it will be my son's first stuffed animal that we bring to the hospital with us for him. I am more than happy to start a week earlier.
I will simply move the Photography Light Box to next week along with the Country Club Chicken. Hopefully by March 3 I will have both the light box and the bear to share with you guys. Who knows, I might work super fast and finish the bear this week... doubt it, but maybe. Haha. :)
However, all is not lost. I do have all of the supplies I need to make the project I had planned for next week, the bear for my baby boy. I bought the yarn last week and I already have the crochet hooks I need, so I am all set. It might actually be a good idea to start this project a little bit earlier. I have a feeling that, like my knit blanket (which has taken me about three weeks to do and I still have about 6 inches left, plus the hood and border), it will be a longer project. I am incredibly excited to make this bear as it is obviously a very special project and I am hoping it will be my son's first stuffed animal that we bring to the hospital with us for him. I am more than happy to start a week earlier.
I will simply move the Photography Light Box to next week along with the Country Club Chicken. Hopefully by March 3 I will have both the light box and the bear to share with you guys. Who knows, I might work super fast and finish the bear this week... doubt it, but maybe. Haha. :)
Monday, February 20, 2012
Update On The Last Week
Well, it's been a couple of days. I accidently stepped on my little Acer notebook earlier in the week, cracked the screen. We decided it would be easier and cheaper just to put some protection on Erik's computer (we never used it for the internet before, so it had no anti-virus protection on it) and to transfer all of my files and pictures to an external hard drive. So, that was being taken care of at Staples for the last few days. I did a quick post on the Chocolate-filled Raspberries when I got the computer back, but I am just now finding the time to update on the rest of my life.
This is how my week has gone:
Mum was up for a couple of days! Yay! Things are always really busy when Mum is around. Sometimes it's nice, because I never really do anything when she isn't here. I don't drive, so I can't get out. I like being able to get out of the house and actually get things done and be productive. However, sometimes it is just exhausting and kind of hectic. After a couple of days both Mum and I are beat, I think.
The main reason for Mum coming up to Petawawa this time was to take me to my prenatal check-up on Thursday morning, as I wasn't sure Erik would be available to take me. The appointment went pretty well, although a bit more eventful than most of my appointments have been. I had gained almost four pounds since my last appointment a month ago. Under normal circumstances that would be exactly where I want to be. However, most of that weight was gained over the week leading up to my appointment. For the first three weeks I had gained maybe a pound at the most, then the week before I put on a lot of water weight due to not so great choices in food (at least I am assuming it was water weight due to the fact that it was gained quickly and lost just as quickly). So, my guess is that my weight gain was more accurately around two pounds.
Anyway, continuing with the appointment. I got the results from my blood work back. I am not diabetic! Yay! Great news! Thyroid levels are stable! More great news! I'm border-line anemic... Not so great news. My iron levels were still in normal range, but on the low end. Dr. Yacoub isn't too concerned as long as I am taking my prenatals every day, which I am.
Then came the questions portion of our appointment. I went in to the appointment with two things that I wanted to talk about. One, was my slow weight gain. Over this entire pregnancy so far I have gained maybe ten pounds. Maybe. According to most charts I should have gained about 20 pounds by this point. Twice as much as I actually have. My belly is growing every week (in fact, at this appointment I was measuring two weeks ahead at 31 weeks), so baby is growing really well. I didn't get to talk to him about this, but it wasn't my main concern, so that wasn't a big deal. The second thing that I had wanted to talk about and what we did end up talking about for most of the appointment was some pelvic pain that I have been having for the last month or so. I wasn't too concerned about this as I had done some research and decided that I probably had pelvic girdle pain, something that is fairly common in pregnancy. I did want to get Dr. Yacoub's opinion, though, and also talk to him about what I should do about dance (that will come later). Well, as soon as I mentioned it, he became very serious. He is usually so relaxed and good-natured that it kind of caught me off guard and immediately had me panicking. He wanted to rule out pre-term contractions, so he examined my stomach and once he was satisfied it was not contractions and just muscle pain he was very easy-going again. However, he did say that it was time to stop dancing (more on that later).
So, after that the appointment carried on normally. He measured my belly (as I said above, I was measured at 31 weeks at my 29 week appointment), listened to the baby's heartbeat (about 145-150 bpm) then got out his little ultrasound machine and checked the baby. Well, baby is breech. I was so excited because at my appointment at 25 weeks baby had already flipped to a head down position and we were pretty sure he would stay there. Nope. We were wrong. This baby is very active and decided it would be fun to psych mommy out and flip again. Already such a trouble maker. I know I shouldn't be too concerned as he has plenty of time to flip around again, but when I saw that he was breech my heart kind of dropped and I won't lie, I started panicking and worrying that I am going to have to have a c-section or something (the absolute last way I want to deliver this baby). But, he does have a lot of time left and I'm trying not to worry until I absolutely have to.
Now, a little more about this pelvic pain and dance. As I said, the pelvic pain has been plaguing me for the past month or so and has gradually been getting worse. Usually it is the worst when I have been lying down for a while and then move to turn over or to get up or when I have been active. It can range from a dull kind of discomfort to extreme pain that will make me double over or put me in tears. However, once I am in a comfortable position again it quickly goes away. Dancing these past few weeks has become incredibly difficult and painful. I thought that I might be able to get away with just scaling back and letting my assistants take over most of the active work. That was a bust. First, when you are working with young children it is near impossible to let one person do all the work. You need at least three people to keep them all in line. Also, you can't just walk through the steps, because they mimic what you do. If you walk through the steps, they walk through the steps. If you do them full out, they will do them full out. It is also a problem when you are in the middle of choreography and trying to teach the kids what to do. You can't do that from a stationary position. Even when I could stand and let one of my assitants take over while I supervised, standing on that hard ground for so long was killing my back. I had hoped that I would be able to continue dancing until mid-April. That is not going to happen. I tried my best to make it work, but after Dr. Yacoub told me no more dancing, I don't really have a choice anymore. So, after February (I have one week left) I will be passing off my classes and will no longer be dancing.
I am incredibly sad about it. I was so dead set on continuing until two weeks before I was due. I figured I would have to slow down a little towards the end, but I didn't expect to have to stop all together just yet. I was in pretty good shape and my body was used to dancing often. I thought that I would be able to last. But, things happen that we don't expect and I have to think about me and the baby first.
I do feel like I have let people down. I am feeling kind of unreliable and guilty. I said I would keep going until the end and I feel like I am going back on my word. Some things you just can't control, though. I have to keep telling myself that.
Anyway, the rest of the week was filled with running around, getting things done and shopping. We did a lot of shopping this week. I got lots of yarn for my knitting and crochet projects! I am incredibly excited to start the bear I am making for my little boy. (That is next weeks project). Oh, and buttons! I love buttons and I got a whole bunch! I also got some more baby clothes from Value Village. I swear this kid already has way more clothes than he really needs. He will probably never wear them all. Erik and I finally bought the mattress and change table pad, too. Now that we have all of the big things, I can finally start concentrating on actually decorating the nursery.
On top of what we bought, Mum brought me all kinds of goodies from Trenton. She brought me the cloth diapers we got, which I am super excited about! They are so cute and I just love the colours! Also, a baby play mat and a fuzzy stroller cover/blanket thing. She also brought me a food chopper (will make things a lot easier and quicker). I get spoiled.
Oh, and I just wanted to say that even though my hubby was in the field for Valentine's Day, he came home with flowers and chocolate. :) <3 Good man! Love you, Erik!
This is how my week has gone:
Mum was up for a couple of days! Yay! Things are always really busy when Mum is around. Sometimes it's nice, because I never really do anything when she isn't here. I don't drive, so I can't get out. I like being able to get out of the house and actually get things done and be productive. However, sometimes it is just exhausting and kind of hectic. After a couple of days both Mum and I are beat, I think.
The main reason for Mum coming up to Petawawa this time was to take me to my prenatal check-up on Thursday morning, as I wasn't sure Erik would be available to take me. The appointment went pretty well, although a bit more eventful than most of my appointments have been. I had gained almost four pounds since my last appointment a month ago. Under normal circumstances that would be exactly where I want to be. However, most of that weight was gained over the week leading up to my appointment. For the first three weeks I had gained maybe a pound at the most, then the week before I put on a lot of water weight due to not so great choices in food (at least I am assuming it was water weight due to the fact that it was gained quickly and lost just as quickly). So, my guess is that my weight gain was more accurately around two pounds.
Anyway, continuing with the appointment. I got the results from my blood work back. I am not diabetic! Yay! Great news! Thyroid levels are stable! More great news! I'm border-line anemic... Not so great news. My iron levels were still in normal range, but on the low end. Dr. Yacoub isn't too concerned as long as I am taking my prenatals every day, which I am.
Then came the questions portion of our appointment. I went in to the appointment with two things that I wanted to talk about. One, was my slow weight gain. Over this entire pregnancy so far I have gained maybe ten pounds. Maybe. According to most charts I should have gained about 20 pounds by this point. Twice as much as I actually have. My belly is growing every week (in fact, at this appointment I was measuring two weeks ahead at 31 weeks), so baby is growing really well. I didn't get to talk to him about this, but it wasn't my main concern, so that wasn't a big deal. The second thing that I had wanted to talk about and what we did end up talking about for most of the appointment was some pelvic pain that I have been having for the last month or so. I wasn't too concerned about this as I had done some research and decided that I probably had pelvic girdle pain, something that is fairly common in pregnancy. I did want to get Dr. Yacoub's opinion, though, and also talk to him about what I should do about dance (that will come later). Well, as soon as I mentioned it, he became very serious. He is usually so relaxed and good-natured that it kind of caught me off guard and immediately had me panicking. He wanted to rule out pre-term contractions, so he examined my stomach and once he was satisfied it was not contractions and just muscle pain he was very easy-going again. However, he did say that it was time to stop dancing (more on that later).
So, after that the appointment carried on normally. He measured my belly (as I said above, I was measured at 31 weeks at my 29 week appointment), listened to the baby's heartbeat (about 145-150 bpm) then got out his little ultrasound machine and checked the baby. Well, baby is breech. I was so excited because at my appointment at 25 weeks baby had already flipped to a head down position and we were pretty sure he would stay there. Nope. We were wrong. This baby is very active and decided it would be fun to psych mommy out and flip again. Already such a trouble maker. I know I shouldn't be too concerned as he has plenty of time to flip around again, but when I saw that he was breech my heart kind of dropped and I won't lie, I started panicking and worrying that I am going to have to have a c-section or something (the absolute last way I want to deliver this baby). But, he does have a lot of time left and I'm trying not to worry until I absolutely have to.
Now, a little more about this pelvic pain and dance. As I said, the pelvic pain has been plaguing me for the past month or so and has gradually been getting worse. Usually it is the worst when I have been lying down for a while and then move to turn over or to get up or when I have been active. It can range from a dull kind of discomfort to extreme pain that will make me double over or put me in tears. However, once I am in a comfortable position again it quickly goes away. Dancing these past few weeks has become incredibly difficult and painful. I thought that I might be able to get away with just scaling back and letting my assistants take over most of the active work. That was a bust. First, when you are working with young children it is near impossible to let one person do all the work. You need at least three people to keep them all in line. Also, you can't just walk through the steps, because they mimic what you do. If you walk through the steps, they walk through the steps. If you do them full out, they will do them full out. It is also a problem when you are in the middle of choreography and trying to teach the kids what to do. You can't do that from a stationary position. Even when I could stand and let one of my assitants take over while I supervised, standing on that hard ground for so long was killing my back. I had hoped that I would be able to continue dancing until mid-April. That is not going to happen. I tried my best to make it work, but after Dr. Yacoub told me no more dancing, I don't really have a choice anymore. So, after February (I have one week left) I will be passing off my classes and will no longer be dancing.
I am incredibly sad about it. I was so dead set on continuing until two weeks before I was due. I figured I would have to slow down a little towards the end, but I didn't expect to have to stop all together just yet. I was in pretty good shape and my body was used to dancing often. I thought that I would be able to last. But, things happen that we don't expect and I have to think about me and the baby first.
I do feel like I have let people down. I am feeling kind of unreliable and guilty. I said I would keep going until the end and I feel like I am going back on my word. Some things you just can't control, though. I have to keep telling myself that.
Anyway, the rest of the week was filled with running around, getting things done and shopping. We did a lot of shopping this week. I got lots of yarn for my knitting and crochet projects! I am incredibly excited to start the bear I am making for my little boy. (That is next weeks project). Oh, and buttons! I love buttons and I got a whole bunch! I also got some more baby clothes from Value Village. I swear this kid already has way more clothes than he really needs. He will probably never wear them all. Erik and I finally bought the mattress and change table pad, too. Now that we have all of the big things, I can finally start concentrating on actually decorating the nursery.
My cloth diapers. So excited for these!
Baby's play mat, not set up yet, but you get the idea
A few of the outfits we bought. I also got a couple pairs of jeans.
Buttons!
On top of what we bought, Mum brought me all kinds of goodies from Trenton. She brought me the cloth diapers we got, which I am super excited about! They are so cute and I just love the colours! Also, a baby play mat and a fuzzy stroller cover/blanket thing. She also brought me a food chopper (will make things a lot easier and quicker). I get spoiled.
Oh, and I just wanted to say that even though my hubby was in the field for Valentine's Day, he came home with flowers and chocolate. :) <3 Good man! Love you, Erik!
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Chocolate-Filled Raspberries
These were super easy. All you have to do is melt some milk chocolate, pour the melted chocolate in a bag, cut a small hole in one corner, and then fill each raspberry with chocolate in the centre. Easy-peasy.
However, I will say that this was incredibly messy. I used a cake decorating bag for the chocolate and the hole was way too big. Chocolate went everywhere. Also, chocolate kept spilling out the open top of the bag. So, my advice, use a ziploc bag or something that you can close, and snip a very small opening out of the corner.
Anyway, very yummy. :)
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Week 2: "I Love You Because..." Frame
This project was so easy! It took me, literally, five minutes to do. All you need is a frame (this one is from Ikea, probably about $5.00), some pretty and romantic scrapbook paper, and either a black pen (probably a felt tip would be best, or a calligraphy pen) or a stamp and black ink. I had to use a stamp and ink because I do not have a good black pen. It doesn't say "I love you because..." like it is supposed to, but the result was still beautiful and it gets the same point across.
Step 1: Measure and cut out your scrapbook paper to fit the frame. It doesn't have to be perfect because any uneven edges will be hidden by the frame edge.
Step 2: Take your pen and write your phrase, quote, or whatever you like on the scrapbook paper. Or, use your stamp like I did. :) Allow it to dry if you do not have the quick dry ink.
Step 3: Take off the back of the frame, remove the contents and replace with your scrapbook paper. Secure the back of the frame in place, and tada! So simple!
There you have it, your own "I Love You Because..." frame (or whatever you choose to make it). The glass frame will act the same way as a white board, so you can use a dry erase pen to write your messages right on the frame. Now, if only I had a dry erase pen... :(
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy Valentine's Day, Baby!!!
My husband is in the field for Valentine's Day. It's kind of a bummer, even though I have never been very big on the holiday. For some reason I was kind of looking forward to spending our first Valentine's Day as husband and wife together. I had even thought about making a special dinner for us and, of course, I was hoping he would be around to help me eat all of these strawberry cupcakes.
Oh well, that is the military life for you.
It doesn't mean we can't have our own day together later on in the week when he gets home. Maybe we will actually get to go out for dinner (we haven't been out to eat in forever!). I still plan to make my chocolate-filled raspberries as a special treat when he gets home, too.
So, in the meantime... THIS is how I spend my Valentine's Day alone. Working on my photography skills. I'm still learning, so these are not perfect or professional quality by any means. They were, however, a lot of fun and they helped pass the time when I was feeling a bit lonely. They were spur of the moment so my hair is kind of a mess (I was lazy and didn't shower this morning... shhh, don't tell anyone) and I'm not wearing very nice clothes. Despite all of that, I am incredibly proud of them. I am starting to kind of get a grasp on my camera functions and what they do. I also played around with editting, which made some huge differences.
I think they turned out pretty well for my first attempt at fiddling around with the functions and editting, and also considering that I was taking the photos myself. I had to experiment a lot with angles and different things to help prop up the camera to the proper height. I'm kind of teaching myself as I go and picking up some tips here and there on the internet.
My goal is to be able to take most of the baby's photos when he gets here. I am getting professional Newborn photos done about a week after he is born. Nothing I can do right now can compare to the gorgeous photos this photographer takes. But I at least want to be able to take half decent ones that I can look back at and be proud of.
And who knows? Maybe one day, if I keep practising and learning some new techniques and what not, I will be able to make it more than a simple hobby. I'm not talking about starting a business (not just yet, anyway), but I would like to be able to take beautiful pictures for my friends and family. My brother-in-law is getting married this winter and I would love to be able to take some quality photos to record their special day.
In the meantime, practise, practise, practise makes perfect. You will probably be seeing plenty more of my trials and errors here in the future. Lots of hubby and puppy pictures, and baby when he gets here!
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Strawberry Cupcakes
Ingredients
Strawberry Cake
- 1 cup Butter
- 2 & 1/2 cups Sugar
- 2 Egg Yolks
- 5 Egg Whites
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon Red Food Coloring
- 1 & 1/4 cups Pureed Strawberries
- 3 cups Cake Flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- pinch Salt
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1 - 8oz Cream Cheese, room temp
- 1/2 cup Butter, room temp
- 1/3 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon Red Food Coloring
- 1 lb. Powdered Sugar
Cream Cheese Frosting
Instructions
Strawberry Cake Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium bowl (**** Their idea of a medium bowl and my idea must be different because I used a medium bowl and had to transfer to a large bowl half way through), beat butter with sugar for 3 minutes.
Add egg yolks one at a time, then the vanilla, food coloring and strawberries, beat for another 3 minutes.
Sift dry ingredients and add to butter/egg mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
Mix just till combined.
In another bowl and clean beaters, beat egg whites till stiff and add in an increment of 3 to cake batter, being sure to fold in thoroughly but gently.
Bake for 18 or so minutes for cupcakes and 20-25 minutes for 9 inch round cake pans.
Frosting Directions
In a medium bowl, add cream cheese and butter, whip till light and creamy, about 3 minutes.
Add liquids and blend.
Slowly add powdered sugar while mixing, (to keep the sugar from decorating your counters and appliances, not including you.)
At this point you may need to add more powdered sugar. You are trying to achieve a medium stiff consistency. Whip for several minutes.
Makes three dozen cupcakes.
Okay, I would first like to say that I did not make the cream cheese icing today :(. I opened up my cream cheese and discovered it was moldy. Gross. So, no icing. I will hopefully make it tomorrow.
Second, this made way more than 3 dozen cupcakes for me! So, with the leftovers I made a cake! :)
This recipe kind of intimidated me. I'm not a very experienced baker, so I was kind of afraid making something from scratch and not out of a box. Although I did guess and wing it for some parts, the recipe was pretty easy to follow and for a first timer at making cupcakes from scratch I think it was good. My cupcakes obviously did not turn out perfect (mine were a bit more purple in colour, instead of pink), but they taste like strawberry cupcakes and that was the goal. Haha. I'm quite satisfied with the results (although they would be way better with the icing!).
I think I will be a bit more comfortable taking on some more from scratch baking recipes after this. I am excited to try some more cake recipes! Maybe something yummy and chocolatey next...
P.S. I've already eaten four of them... I should probably stop.
P.P.S I will probably most some picture of the iced products tomorrow if I get the cream cheese icing made.
The link to the original: http://apronofgrace.com/2011/rose-bouquet-strawberry-birthday-cake/
Monday, February 13, 2012
Seeing Stars
If you have been following the last couple of days, you will know that I have decided to participate in the Day Zero Project's 101 Things in 1001 Days. One of my goals is to complete the 5000 Question Survey (http://5000questionsur.livejournal.com/). I was tackling Part Two this morning and one of the questions inspired this post.
173. What star sign are you and what is your sign like?
Not a very significant question. I didn't think too much of it as I started to answer. I'm not big on astrological signs or horoscopes.= I had to do some research just to answer this question. What I found actually surprised me.
I am a Virgo, born September 8. This is one of the definitions of Virgo that I found:
Traditional
173. What star sign are you and what is your sign like?
Not a very significant question. I didn't think too much of it as I started to answer. I'm not big on astrological signs or horoscopes.= I had to do some research just to answer this question. What I found actually surprised me.
I am a Virgo, born September 8. This is one of the definitions of Virgo that I found:
Traditional
Virgo Traits
Modest and shy
Meticulous and reliable
Practical and diligent
Intelligent and analytical
On the dark side....
Fussy and a worrier
Overcritical and harsh
Perfectionist and conservative
LIKES
Health foods - I don't eat nearly as many as I should. But I am very interested in healthy living and how foods affect our bodies and lives, which foods are healthiest and my goal is always to eat healthier.
Lists - I love lists. I can't explain it. When I was a kid I used to make lists and lists of everything and anything. I still do sometimes.
Hygiene - I hate feeling dirty (but then I think most people do and I don't obsess about hygiene in an unhealthy way, like it suggests)
Order - Another one that I don't always implement, but I always feel really overwhelmed when there isn't some kind of order or organization, especially in my home.
Wholesomeness
DISLIKES
Hazards to health - Definitely a big one.
Anything sordid - some people find gross stuff funny or amusing. Not me.
Sloppy workers - It annoys me so much when people don't do things properly or the way you are supposed to. I hate it when a sloppy job is done on something.
Squalor - to be honest, I'm not even sure what this word means.
Being uncertain - I hate not knowing. I always need to have some kind of awareness or else I get very anxious. I need to be prepared.
There was more, of course, a whole long write up. But I decided this was all I needed to make my point.
What is my point? Well, my point is that this is freakishly accurate for me. I never thought before that horoscopes and star signs were very accurate, and I know still that not all Virgos are like this and there were some things there that were not very accurate to me at all, but I found it amazing how much of it really did apply to me. I can definitely be considered a modest, shy person. I'm not sure about meticulous and reliable (I hope I can be reliable most of the time). I tend to be quite practical, and I am intelligent and often analytical. I am definitely a worrier (hence the anxiety disorder). I will admit I tend to be overcritical of myself and of others. I am a perfectionist and I think I do tend to be more conservative. As for the likes and dislikes, pretty much all of them are bang on!
There were a few other points there that caught my interest.
- Virgos are susceptible to colds and coughs and the like. I have always caught colds so easily and usually once a year it goes in to my lungs and can become pneumonia or bronchitis if I don't watch it carefully.
- Virgos tend to shy away from committing to friendships and relationships, which I have always done.
- The article also suggests that we are better as followers instead of leaders. I agree with this for the most part as I have always felt much more comfortbale in the role of follower rather than leader.
- We apparently use language correctly. One of my biggest pet peeves has always been bad grammar or mispelled words. It also suggested an editor as an ideal career choice, which is a career I considered getting in to.
- Careful with money. Yep.
- Interest in history. Check. Especially family history.
Now, I have never believed in Astrology and I can't say that I have changed that belief. Personality cannot be decided by star sign. I know people who are like this as well and they are not virgos, and I am sure there are virgos out there who are not like this at all. But for me, it was incredibly accurate and it kind of blew my mind a little bit so I thought I would share it with all of you.
Check out your own star sign and see just how accurate it is or isn't for you! :)
Sunday, February 12, 2012
(Lack of) Weight Gain Woes
Okay, so I am a little concerned about my weight gain. Well, to be specific, my lack thereof. Over my entire pregnancy I have gained about seven or eight pounds. That itself is on the low end. According to some charts I am behind by about eight pounds and I am back in the beginning of the second trimester as far as weight gain is concerned. This month (since my last doctor's appointment) I haven't gained any weight at all. Okay, that is a lie - I gained two pounds this past week, but I know that is all water weight and not real weight or baby weight because I gained it pretty much overnight.
My concern is that my baby might not be getting everything he needs to grow and be healthy or that if he is he is robbing it from me. Right now he is right on track for growth, perfect weight and length. Not too big. Not too small. Just right. My belly is huge and gets bigger every week, which is a good indication that he is growing fine. His kicks are strong and movement is plentiful. There doesn't seem to be any indication that baby wouldn't be fine. I'm probably just being an over-concerned first-time-mother.
I have a doctor's appointment on Thursday and I will talk to him about it then, if he doesn't mention it himself. Worse comes to worse, he tells me I'm not gaining enough and tells me to drink something like Ensure to make sure both I and the baby are getting all of the nutrients we need.
All I can do until then is eat healthy and maybe add a snack or two to get some more calories.
My concern is that my baby might not be getting everything he needs to grow and be healthy or that if he is he is robbing it from me. Right now he is right on track for growth, perfect weight and length. Not too big. Not too small. Just right. My belly is huge and gets bigger every week, which is a good indication that he is growing fine. His kicks are strong and movement is plentiful. There doesn't seem to be any indication that baby wouldn't be fine. I'm probably just being an over-concerned first-time-mother.
I have a doctor's appointment on Thursday and I will talk to him about it then, if he doesn't mention it himself. Worse comes to worse, he tells me I'm not gaining enough and tells me to drink something like Ensure to make sure both I and the baby are getting all of the nutrients we need.
All I can do until then is eat healthy and maybe add a snack or two to get some more calories.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Broccoli, Chicken, and Cheese Casserole
3 chicken breasts, cooked & shredded
2 cans of cream of chicken soup
1 cup of mayo
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup colby & monterrey jack cheese
1 bag frozen broccoli,thawed and chopped
salt & pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 375.
Cook chicken & shred. Meanwhile, chop the broccoli.
Mix all the ingredients together in a lightly greased 2 qt. casserole dish.
Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly.
... and Voila! Broccoli, Chicken, and Cheese Casserole!
My adjustments: 1/2 cup mayo because I'm not a big fan, no colby because the store didn't have any so I just used a full cup of monterrey jack, and I used about two cups of fresh broccoli instead of frozen broccoli. The original recipe also suggested to serve this over rice. We didn't have rice, but I think it would definitely have been a nice touch!
Oh, and I will admit, I forgot to grease the casserole dish... Oops! Oh well, turned out fine! :)
Oh, and I will admit, I forgot to grease the casserole dish... Oops! Oh well, turned out fine! :)
*Hubby's verdict = definitely make again :)*
Oh, and this is the cake we are devouring in celebration of paying off all of our debt! Yay! and Yum!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Week 1: Name Letters
Well, let's just say that it was a lot harder than I expected it to be. Don't get me wrong, this craft has a lot of potential to be super easy and quick. However, the letters I used were ridged instead of the smooth, so I had to cut the letters to match the size of the ridge and not the whole letter. (I know I'm not explaining it very well, you will get what I mean when you see the pictures). Anyway, that proved incredibly difficult to do and took up the bulk of time spent on the project. For something that should have been quick and easy, it took me two and a half hours to complete. Next time I will definitely use the smooth-surfaced letters.
Also, I'm not sure that I like how the colours I used work together. One of them just seems off. I am seriously considering buying another set of the letters that I did in that colour and doing them in a different colour. I think I have a colour already that will work a lot better. We'll see. It might just be one of those things I have to look at for a while and let it grow on me.
Anyway, here they are. I can't show the whole name as we are not announcing it until the little guy is born, but I will show a few of the letters. I will put up the rest of the pictures after he is born, maybe.
Also, I'm not sure that I like how the colours I used work together. One of them just seems off. I am seriously considering buying another set of the letters that I did in that colour and doing them in a different colour. I think I have a colour already that will work a lot better. We'll see. It might just be one of those things I have to look at for a while and let it grow on me.
Anyway, here they are. I can't show the whole name as we are not announcing it until the little guy is born, but I will show a few of the letters. I will put up the rest of the pictures after he is born, maybe.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
52 Weeks - February List
Okay, so I've done up a rough list of my projects and recipes for 52 Weeks of Pinterest. I still haven't got it all figured out, but since we are already in to February, I am posting the February list and will post the master list sometime later this week. I've discovered that it is super hard to plan around a baby, but I am trying.
So, here it is:
February 5-11
So, here it is:
February 5-11
- I have two projects. The hooded knit baby blanket I am currently working on and wood name letters for the baby's room.
- My recipe is Broccoli, Chicken, and Cheese Casserole.
- Valentine's Week
- I have two recipes this week, one (Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing) I am going to make on Valentine's Day and the other (Chocolate-Stuffed Raspberries) I am going to make when Erik gets home from the field.
- This week's project is the "I Love You Because..." frame
- A photography box so I can photograph all of my projects and recipes from here on out.
- Country Club Chicken
- Crochet Teddy Bear (I am hoping this will be our little guy's first stuffed animal that we are going to give him when he comes home from the hospital)
- Cheesy Tomato
52 Weeks of Pinterest!
It is official. I am addicted to Pinterest. Any of you who follow me will know that I pin at least a score of things a day. I start and I can't stop! I tried one day to not pin a single thing and failed. I didn't make it very long at all. I was pinning before I even realized what I was doing. As of this moment I am four short from having 800 pins (believe me, I will probably far surpass 800 by the end of today) and I have only been on Pinterest for about two or three weeks.
For those of you who do not know what Pinterest is, here are a few definitions - which I think are incredibly true and very accurate:
I always smile and shake my head at this last one because it is so true. And this got me thinking, how many of my pins am I really ever going to do? I would like to say I would do most of them (eventually) but the honest truth is that I would probably do very few of them, if any of them. It's great fun to pin them and think "Oh yeah! I could totally do that!" but actually doing them is a whole other story. For example, I have a ton of sewing patterns and tutorials on my DIY and Craft Ideas board. Funny thing is, I don't have the first clue how to sew! I will probably never do any of them. There are so many reasons I would not do a lot of them: lack of skill, availability of materials, low confidence, and the main reason... I am too busy pinning more stuff to do the stuff I already have pinned!!!
So, I am making a resolution. 52 weeks of Pinterest. Funny enough, I got this idea from Pinterest. The original idea is 365 days of Pinterest, but I don't have the money or motivation for that and also, some projects take more than one day to complete. I think I will take it slow and start with one project a week for now. I have several categories that I am working from: DIY and Craft Ideas, Food, Baby, Stuff for the Home, and Crochet/Knitting. I've already made a list of the ones I think I could attempt. It is definitely longer than 52. I am thinking of grouping a few of the smaller projects together.
In fact, I have so many food and DIY ones that I think I could probably do one of each per week. A recipe to try and a project or craft to make. I think I could manage that.
Now comes the hard part of deciding what to do each week for the next year... This should be fun. I will post a list once I have one. And every week I will update with what I made! I'll do a little write up with pictures for each thing and I'll be sure to include all of the recipes.
This will definitely be a good idea for passing the time until baby boy comes, although I wonder how I will be able to keep this up once he does get here....
For those of you who do not know what Pinterest is, here are a few definitions - which I think are incredibly true and very accurate:
So, I am making a resolution. 52 weeks of Pinterest. Funny enough, I got this idea from Pinterest. The original idea is 365 days of Pinterest, but I don't have the money or motivation for that and also, some projects take more than one day to complete. I think I will take it slow and start with one project a week for now. I have several categories that I am working from: DIY and Craft Ideas, Food, Baby, Stuff for the Home, and Crochet/Knitting. I've already made a list of the ones I think I could attempt. It is definitely longer than 52. I am thinking of grouping a few of the smaller projects together.
In fact, I have so many food and DIY ones that I think I could probably do one of each per week. A recipe to try and a project or craft to make. I think I could manage that.
Now comes the hard part of deciding what to do each week for the next year... This should be fun. I will post a list once I have one. And every week I will update with what I made! I'll do a little write up with pictures for each thing and I'll be sure to include all of the recipes.
This will definitely be a good idea for passing the time until baby boy comes, although I wonder how I will be able to keep this up once he does get here....
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Save the Date
We have FINALLY decided on a date and place for my baby shower! It took forever, but I'm so glad it is finally decided upon.
I am not having your typical baby shower. In fact, I am not really having a "baby shower" at all. For a number of reasons, we have decided to do a Meet the Baby or Baby Que after the little guy is born. Number one, there were family members and friends who live out of town who really wanted to be involved but couldn't make it up before the baby was born. Two, I really like the idea of everyone getting to meet the baby and having one day set for it instead of having guests coming and going for a week after he is born.
I will admit that I went back and forth a lot on whether a Meet the Baby instead of a shower was a good idea and something I wanted to do. I hate making decisions and this one was not an easy one. There were pros and cons for both. I think for a while I was leaning toward a baby shower before he is born just to give me something to look forward to between now and the delivery. I've been so bored lately and I really needed something to get excited about that wasn't still three months away. However, family won out and we finally agreed a get together after he was born made more sense.
Once that was decided we had one hell of a time agreeing on a date for it. The little guy is due on May 4th, so originally I thought the weekend after that on Sunday, the 13th of May. Two problems with that. One: May 13 is Mother's Day and I figured people would want to spend time with their families instead of coming to a baby shower. Two: it is only a week after my due date and if I were to deliver late it could be a problem. Our only other option was May 20. After that we would be getting in to dance rehearsals and the recital and we can't have that. May 20 is also safe because I don't think they will let me go two weeks over my due date.
So, Sunday, May 20, 2012 is our Meet the Baby/ Shower date.
We considered a few ideas for locations, but decided on just having it at our house. It will be a lot more comfortable for me and the baby and if the baby gets too stimulated or I need to go somewhere quiet for a while to nurse or just take a moment for myself and the baby I can go in to the back room or the nursery for a while. And if it is nice (which it should be getting nice at that time in May) we could do a little barbeque or something and we have the option of sitting outside and using the deck. It really just made the most sense.
We have the date (May 20, 2012). We have the location (our house). Now, we finally get to start planning! The best part. :)
I am not having your typical baby shower. In fact, I am not really having a "baby shower" at all. For a number of reasons, we have decided to do a Meet the Baby or Baby Que after the little guy is born. Number one, there were family members and friends who live out of town who really wanted to be involved but couldn't make it up before the baby was born. Two, I really like the idea of everyone getting to meet the baby and having one day set for it instead of having guests coming and going for a week after he is born.
I will admit that I went back and forth a lot on whether a Meet the Baby instead of a shower was a good idea and something I wanted to do. I hate making decisions and this one was not an easy one. There were pros and cons for both. I think for a while I was leaning toward a baby shower before he is born just to give me something to look forward to between now and the delivery. I've been so bored lately and I really needed something to get excited about that wasn't still three months away. However, family won out and we finally agreed a get together after he was born made more sense.
Once that was decided we had one hell of a time agreeing on a date for it. The little guy is due on May 4th, so originally I thought the weekend after that on Sunday, the 13th of May. Two problems with that. One: May 13 is Mother's Day and I figured people would want to spend time with their families instead of coming to a baby shower. Two: it is only a week after my due date and if I were to deliver late it could be a problem. Our only other option was May 20. After that we would be getting in to dance rehearsals and the recital and we can't have that. May 20 is also safe because I don't think they will let me go two weeks over my due date.
So, Sunday, May 20, 2012 is our Meet the Baby/ Shower date.
We considered a few ideas for locations, but decided on just having it at our house. It will be a lot more comfortable for me and the baby and if the baby gets too stimulated or I need to go somewhere quiet for a while to nurse or just take a moment for myself and the baby I can go in to the back room or the nursery for a while. And if it is nice (which it should be getting nice at that time in May) we could do a little barbeque or something and we have the option of sitting outside and using the deck. It really just made the most sense.
We have the date (May 20, 2012). We have the location (our house). Now, we finally get to start planning! The best part. :)
Take Nothing For Granted
I just found out that a woman who was due a week behind me just gave birth to her baby girl at 26 weeks, 1 day. Both mom and baby seem to be doing well according to her post. In fact, the doctor's were pretty shocked at just how well little girl is doing. However, they have been warned that this could just be a sort of "honeymoon" period and more complications may arise in a day or two. The new mother seems to be a very strong woman and is taking the whole experience very well and optimistically, which is an incredibly admirable attitude. I'm sure that if our situations were reversed, I would be a mess right now.
It is shocking to hear about something like this and a little bit surreal because it makes it more of a real possibility for myself. I am realizing that she is only a week different from me and that it could very well have been me going in to pre-term labour and having my baby three months too early. It could still be me. I have three months left which leaves plenty of time for something to happen.
You know, you can never fully relax in pregnancy. You think you can. You hit certain points and think everything is okay from then on only to find out about something else and another hump you have to get over. First it is the 12 week mark when your highest risk of miscarriage passes, then the half-way point at 20 weeks, and then you hit the 24 week mark when baby is considered viable and doctors will do everything in their power to keep him alive. At every one of those marks you think, "phew, I'm safe. Smooth sailing from here. I've got nothing to worry about." But you really aren't out of the safe zone until you reach full-term at 38 weeks. There are milestones that you pass that give you and your baby that much more of a chance, but it is only a temporary relief and then you are holding your breath again until the next milestone. Even so, things happen at the last minute, or complications arrive at delivery. And if you really think about it, anything can happen at any time over the entire span of your child's life. You can never fully take that breath of relief ever again....
Wow, I'm starting to scare myself. It really puts in to perspective that you can't take anything for granted when it comes to those you love and you have to appreciate every moment with them because it can change at any time. I know that every little kick and jab to the ribs right now is seeming infinitely more precious. I hope to be feeling those kicks on the inside for at least 11 more weeks. After that it is all bonus and little man can make his appearance at any time.
I am feeling incredibly blessed that I have had such an easy and healthy pregnancy so far and that my baby has been doing so well, too. However, I won't take for granted that it will remain that way because anything can happen. Even though everything looks good now, this can quickly change. Despite being fairly easy going and relaxed, I'm not going to slack off or take any chances. I'm going to keep taking good care of myself and my baby so that if anything ever did go wrong we would both have the best possible chances of pulling through.
Hope for the best and prepare for the worst, and always keep an good attitude. And even if something doesn't go according to plan (like little one being born 14 weeks early), it doesn't always mean the end of the world. As I reported in the first paragraph, baby girl seems to be doing incredibly well and although you can never know for sure, her chances at a healthy life are looking very good.
And just to reassure everyone in case anyone is worrying after all that, my baby is very much alive, healthy, and very active in there. In fact, somtimes I wonder if this little guy ever sleeps. I have a feeling that there will never be a dull moment in my life once he is here (and especially once he figures out how to get around!).
It is shocking to hear about something like this and a little bit surreal because it makes it more of a real possibility for myself. I am realizing that she is only a week different from me and that it could very well have been me going in to pre-term labour and having my baby three months too early. It could still be me. I have three months left which leaves plenty of time for something to happen.
You know, you can never fully relax in pregnancy. You think you can. You hit certain points and think everything is okay from then on only to find out about something else and another hump you have to get over. First it is the 12 week mark when your highest risk of miscarriage passes, then the half-way point at 20 weeks, and then you hit the 24 week mark when baby is considered viable and doctors will do everything in their power to keep him alive. At every one of those marks you think, "phew, I'm safe. Smooth sailing from here. I've got nothing to worry about." But you really aren't out of the safe zone until you reach full-term at 38 weeks. There are milestones that you pass that give you and your baby that much more of a chance, but it is only a temporary relief and then you are holding your breath again until the next milestone. Even so, things happen at the last minute, or complications arrive at delivery. And if you really think about it, anything can happen at any time over the entire span of your child's life. You can never fully take that breath of relief ever again....
Wow, I'm starting to scare myself. It really puts in to perspective that you can't take anything for granted when it comes to those you love and you have to appreciate every moment with them because it can change at any time. I know that every little kick and jab to the ribs right now is seeming infinitely more precious. I hope to be feeling those kicks on the inside for at least 11 more weeks. After that it is all bonus and little man can make his appearance at any time.
I am feeling incredibly blessed that I have had such an easy and healthy pregnancy so far and that my baby has been doing so well, too. However, I won't take for granted that it will remain that way because anything can happen. Even though everything looks good now, this can quickly change. Despite being fairly easy going and relaxed, I'm not going to slack off or take any chances. I'm going to keep taking good care of myself and my baby so that if anything ever did go wrong we would both have the best possible chances of pulling through.
Hope for the best and prepare for the worst, and always keep an good attitude. And even if something doesn't go according to plan (like little one being born 14 weeks early), it doesn't always mean the end of the world. As I reported in the first paragraph, baby girl seems to be doing incredibly well and although you can never know for sure, her chances at a healthy life are looking very good.
And just to reassure everyone in case anyone is worrying after all that, my baby is very much alive, healthy, and very active in there. In fact, somtimes I wonder if this little guy ever sleeps. I have a feeling that there will never be a dull moment in my life once he is here (and especially once he figures out how to get around!).
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Third Trimester!
Welcome to the Third Trimester, Baby! 27 weeks, 1 day. I am officially in the third trimester now. One part of me is like "Woohoo! Finally! Took long enough, but I am almost done!" and then there is the other part of me, "Wait, that means there is still a whole third left to go. I've only done two thirds so far? It feels like sooooo much more. This is taking forever!"
I have been told to just relax and enjoy the final trimester and concentrate on preparing for baby because once baby is here life will be hectic and crazy and time will just fly by. Honestly, I hope this last trimester goes by super fast. I really just want to meet my little boy already! I mean, I want him to be healthy and cook for as long as he needs, but I just hope that however long he needs seems to go by fast. And he can't take longer than 13 more weeks. That's my cut-off and then he is getting the boot whether he likes it or not!
(P.S. I don't think baby boy liked that last comment. He just started kicking me pretty hard up under my ribs.)
Of course, the third trimester comes with all sorts of aches and pains and discomfort. I've already been experiencing the back aches and general discomfort for weeks now. I can only anticipate that it will get worse between now and the end. I really hope it doesn't, though. I'm already starting to waddle and as much as I hate to admit it, dance is becoming increasingly difficult and tiring. I would really hate to have to stop dancing before I had intended to. My goal is mid-April (assuming nothing goes wrong and baby doesn't come earlier than expected). Keep your fingers crossed for me that I make it that long. I guess it would be a good idea to have a back-up plan, just in case, though...
Anyway, I am very excited to have made it as far as I have and even though it seems so far away, the day I get to meet my little one is now closer than ever. I guess I can live with the aches for a little while longer until that day comes.
I have been told to just relax and enjoy the final trimester and concentrate on preparing for baby because once baby is here life will be hectic and crazy and time will just fly by. Honestly, I hope this last trimester goes by super fast. I really just want to meet my little boy already! I mean, I want him to be healthy and cook for as long as he needs, but I just hope that however long he needs seems to go by fast. And he can't take longer than 13 more weeks. That's my cut-off and then he is getting the boot whether he likes it or not!
(P.S. I don't think baby boy liked that last comment. He just started kicking me pretty hard up under my ribs.)
Of course, the third trimester comes with all sorts of aches and pains and discomfort. I've already been experiencing the back aches and general discomfort for weeks now. I can only anticipate that it will get worse between now and the end. I really hope it doesn't, though. I'm already starting to waddle and as much as I hate to admit it, dance is becoming increasingly difficult and tiring. I would really hate to have to stop dancing before I had intended to. My goal is mid-April (assuming nothing goes wrong and baby doesn't come earlier than expected). Keep your fingers crossed for me that I make it that long. I guess it would be a good idea to have a back-up plan, just in case, though...
Anyway, I am very excited to have made it as far as I have and even though it seems so far away, the day I get to meet my little one is now closer than ever. I guess I can live with the aches for a little while longer until that day comes.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Ok, I know I have already posted today, but I really just have to vent.
So, I was on Facebook this morning (I'm always on Facebook...) and I was browsing through my groups. On one local group page I came across a post with a link to an article about Canada's new car seat laws. As I am about to become a new parent, this article was aimed at me and I figured I better read it and educate myself. I wouldn't want to unknowingly do something that would endanger my new baby.
This was the link to the article: http://hqcomoxvalley.com/news/local/news/Local/12/01/9/Car-seat-confusion.
My first thought was, "Isn't Comox in British Columbia?" But I read anyway, because it said Canada's Car Seat Laws, so I figured even though the article was from a B.C. paper, it would still apply to me. Well, the article stated that car seats bought before July 2011 could not be sold or passed on after they had been used by one owner. It then went on to list all of the new regulations and restrictions and criteria. Of course, I was still stuck on the July 2011 thing. Erik's aunt gave us a near brand new stroller and car seat travel system, only a year old. We were so grateful for it because we knew how much travel systems could cost. Now, I find out we won't be able to use it because it was purchased before July 2011? Me being me, I panicked.
I decided I had better do some research. The article seemed legitimate enough, but I wanted to be absolutely positive. I hadn't heard anything about these new car seat laws anywhere else and I wanted to be sure I had all the facts straight. I went to the Government of Ontario website and read what they had to say. Well, it seemed they had nothing to say. Everything was the same as I had previously thought. And the only thing I found that had anything to do with my current problem was this: "not expired or beyond the seat's useful life date." Other than that there was nothing stated about selling or buying or using a used car seat and definitely nothing about car seats older than July 2011. I went to another government site that had an article on the new car seat laws. To me it seemed like they really did not even apply to the public, but more to the manufacturers and their new criteria. Again, nothing was said about July 2011. I searched several other sites and found nothing about this date. I found nothing that should concern me.
Maybe B.C. has some different laws, but for Ontario I could find nothing that supported what the article from Comox had to say. Relieved, I posted my findings on the same Facebook group page as I had found this other article. Of course, innocent me, I didn't even consider the kind of flack I might get for contradicting someone else.
I began second guessing and doubting myself and my sources. Stupid, I know, as they were government sites and articles. I reread the articles and tried to reassure myself that my sources were legitimate and if anyone tried to dispute me or make nasty comments, I had references to fall back on. So far, no one has really disputed or made any nasty remarks. There was one from the person who had originally posted the article that had caused all of the concern and I wasn't quite sure if she was agreeing with me or arguing with me. It was all very confusing. But she reposted the link to her article and urged everyone to read it (in capital letters). This confused me even more on her stance.
I really didn't want my post to become an argument or a place for things to get nasty. My only intention was to inform other mothers like me who might have panicked after reading the first article of what I had found. I only wanted to help. For some reason people can't always accept that. They need to make an argument about it. I'm not saying anyone has made an argument out of this, although it seems to be dancing around the edges. I'm just saying that is not what I want it to become and I'm worried that it is a controversial enough topic that it will become that if given the chance.
That is why I have decided to step back. I'm not going to make any further comments. I'm just going to see where this goes and reassure myself that my sources are safe, knowledgeable ones.
That is all.
*UPDATE* turns out my sources weren't as valid as I thought. You would think a government site would keep information such as this up to date, but no. The article was updated last August... How are we supposed to keep up with this stuff if it isn't updated to the most current laws and regulations? How are we supposed to know? Especially as new parents who might not know where else to look... I'm not happy. :(
So, I was on Facebook this morning (I'm always on Facebook...) and I was browsing through my groups. On one local group page I came across a post with a link to an article about Canada's new car seat laws. As I am about to become a new parent, this article was aimed at me and I figured I better read it and educate myself. I wouldn't want to unknowingly do something that would endanger my new baby.
This was the link to the article: http://hqcomoxvalley.com/news/local/news/Local/12/01/9/Car-seat-confusion.
My first thought was, "Isn't Comox in British Columbia?" But I read anyway, because it said Canada's Car Seat Laws, so I figured even though the article was from a B.C. paper, it would still apply to me. Well, the article stated that car seats bought before July 2011 could not be sold or passed on after they had been used by one owner. It then went on to list all of the new regulations and restrictions and criteria. Of course, I was still stuck on the July 2011 thing. Erik's aunt gave us a near brand new stroller and car seat travel system, only a year old. We were so grateful for it because we knew how much travel systems could cost. Now, I find out we won't be able to use it because it was purchased before July 2011? Me being me, I panicked.
I decided I had better do some research. The article seemed legitimate enough, but I wanted to be absolutely positive. I hadn't heard anything about these new car seat laws anywhere else and I wanted to be sure I had all the facts straight. I went to the Government of Ontario website and read what they had to say. Well, it seemed they had nothing to say. Everything was the same as I had previously thought. And the only thing I found that had anything to do with my current problem was this: "not expired or beyond the seat's useful life date." Other than that there was nothing stated about selling or buying or using a used car seat and definitely nothing about car seats older than July 2011. I went to another government site that had an article on the new car seat laws. To me it seemed like they really did not even apply to the public, but more to the manufacturers and their new criteria. Again, nothing was said about July 2011. I searched several other sites and found nothing about this date. I found nothing that should concern me.
Maybe B.C. has some different laws, but for Ontario I could find nothing that supported what the article from Comox had to say. Relieved, I posted my findings on the same Facebook group page as I had found this other article. Of course, innocent me, I didn't even consider the kind of flack I might get for contradicting someone else.
I began second guessing and doubting myself and my sources. Stupid, I know, as they were government sites and articles. I reread the articles and tried to reassure myself that my sources were legitimate and if anyone tried to dispute me or make nasty comments, I had references to fall back on. So far, no one has really disputed or made any nasty remarks. There was one from the person who had originally posted the article that had caused all of the concern and I wasn't quite sure if she was agreeing with me or arguing with me. It was all very confusing. But she reposted the link to her article and urged everyone to read it (in capital letters). This confused me even more on her stance.
I really didn't want my post to become an argument or a place for things to get nasty. My only intention was to inform other mothers like me who might have panicked after reading the first article of what I had found. I only wanted to help. For some reason people can't always accept that. They need to make an argument about it. I'm not saying anyone has made an argument out of this, although it seems to be dancing around the edges. I'm just saying that is not what I want it to become and I'm worried that it is a controversial enough topic that it will become that if given the chance.
That is why I have decided to step back. I'm not going to make any further comments. I'm just going to see where this goes and reassure myself that my sources are safe, knowledgeable ones.
That is all.
*UPDATE* turns out my sources weren't as valid as I thought. You would think a government site would keep information such as this up to date, but no. The article was updated last August... How are we supposed to keep up with this stuff if it isn't updated to the most current laws and regulations? How are we supposed to know? Especially as new parents who might not know where else to look... I'm not happy. :(
Hello 1:30 A.M.
Oh hello, 1:30 in the morning. I just love that I am getting to know you so well... NOT!
I shouldn't complain. I really shouldn't. I have had an amazing, easy pregnancy so far. No major complications or annoying symptoms. No morning sickness. No weird cravings. No swelling, or insane weight gain. Not even any stretch marks (knock on wood...). I feel like I really have no right to complain, but I'm going to anyway.
I can't sleep! I haven't slept a good, proper sleep for more than three days in a row since beginning my second trimester. In my first trimester, I slept ALL the time. I guess now my body is making up for all that sleep time with awake time. I usually spend between the hours of 12:30 and 4:00 in the morning wide awake. Not to mention bored out of my mind, as there is usually not too much going on between midnight and six in the morning.
Should I not be sleeping more now? I mean, my body is working twice as hard as normal. Making a baby is no easy feat. You would think that it would take every opportunity of sleep it could grab. But no, instead I get an average of just six hours a night. This number being approximately three hours less than what I got before pregnancy.
I get the whole "you're body is preparing for the sleepless nights ahead" thing. I really get that. I was completely prepared to deal with the sleepless nights after baby arrives. But before the baby? This I was not prepared for. At least there is a reason for waking up in the middle of the night after the baby arrives. Baby's got to eat. Or Baby needs to be changed. At least there will be something to do to keep me occupied while I am up. But when you are waking up in the middle of the night for hours on end with no apparent reason and nothing to do to pass that time... it's just really annoying.
Honestly, after this, waking up for feedings and changings a million times a night with seem like a dream. (That is my opinion now... we'll see how it changes once the little guy actually gets here).
Anyway, since I am up, I will say Happy Groundhog Day, everybody. Enjoy your sleep.
I shouldn't complain. I really shouldn't. I have had an amazing, easy pregnancy so far. No major complications or annoying symptoms. No morning sickness. No weird cravings. No swelling, or insane weight gain. Not even any stretch marks (knock on wood...). I feel like I really have no right to complain, but I'm going to anyway.
I can't sleep! I haven't slept a good, proper sleep for more than three days in a row since beginning my second trimester. In my first trimester, I slept ALL the time. I guess now my body is making up for all that sleep time with awake time. I usually spend between the hours of 12:30 and 4:00 in the morning wide awake. Not to mention bored out of my mind, as there is usually not too much going on between midnight and six in the morning.
Should I not be sleeping more now? I mean, my body is working twice as hard as normal. Making a baby is no easy feat. You would think that it would take every opportunity of sleep it could grab. But no, instead I get an average of just six hours a night. This number being approximately three hours less than what I got before pregnancy.
I get the whole "you're body is preparing for the sleepless nights ahead" thing. I really get that. I was completely prepared to deal with the sleepless nights after baby arrives. But before the baby? This I was not prepared for. At least there is a reason for waking up in the middle of the night after the baby arrives. Baby's got to eat. Or Baby needs to be changed. At least there will be something to do to keep me occupied while I am up. But when you are waking up in the middle of the night for hours on end with no apparent reason and nothing to do to pass that time... it's just really annoying.
Honestly, after this, waking up for feedings and changings a million times a night with seem like a dream. (That is my opinion now... we'll see how it changes once the little guy actually gets here).
Anyway, since I am up, I will say Happy Groundhog Day, everybody. Enjoy your sleep.
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