JP Lizzy Bag

I like these ... what do you think? 

Kinda sorta looks like a Kate Spade - but the price tag doesnt.

Seriously? no way ... this is insane.

Found this list online of stuff baby "needs" ....

DRUGSTORE STUFF:

Dreft or detergent that is “free” (laundry detergent that is hypoallergenic for babies - have to wash all sheets + clothes with it)
Cotton Balls or rolls of sterilized cotton
Q-Tips
Cotton Ball & Q-tip holder
Alcohol
Balmax (travel tube and tub for home)
Triple paste (at drugstore for serious diaper rash)
Diapers (Pampers Swaddlers)
Nail scissors and file
Nasal Aspirator (hospital gives you one and some drs. don’t recommend them)
Brush & Comb
Aveeno Baby Bath & Baby shampoo (really gentle)
Aveeno Baby Lotion or Vedababy creams
(Vedababy.com - pure/no preservatives)
Eucerin or aquaphor
Thermometer (ear / rectal)
Infant Tylenol
Wipes (Pampers Sensitive or Natural) best ones are LANSINOH– they don’t have a lot of the chemicals that some babies are really sensitive to, and they are nice and thick.
Diaper Squares for changing table (disposable blue things)
Nursing Pads & Bras (Maternity Store)
Lanolin (for Breasts)
Medela Breast Pump (electric or manual)
Formula (ask pediatrician what kind - Enfamil
Lipil with Iron) - Formula really should be an emergency-only item; here’s why: http://www.kellymom.com/newman/risks_of_formula_08-02.html.
The formula market is HUGE, but the risks are surprising. 40% higher rate of childhood cancers in formula-fed babies, etc.
Add to drugstore list: lots of maxi pads. (??)

STUFF:

Bottles 4oz and 8oz (Avent or Playtex & some people like Dr. Brown’s - difficult to clean - supposedly helps with gas - ALSO - new brand called Born Free - no plastic preservatives) _ Adiri bottle is good for breastfed babies

Nipples
Pacifiers
Bottle & Nipple Brush
Bottle Sterilizer (or you can just boil in a big pot to sterilize) - Medela makes microwave steam sterilizer bags–LOVE these
Bottle Bag - Bag with ice-pack (you will receive this at the hospital)
Bottle drying rack
Nipple Basket - for dishwasher
Portable Wipes Holder
Sunscreen (not until 6 months)

FURNITURE & EQUIPMENT:

Bassinette (plus fitted sheets, mattress pads, rubber pads, waterproof pad)
Rocking Chair or Glider (and foot stool/ottoman)
Changing Table, Pad, Pad Covers - a contoured changing pad and cover are great because you can use them on any surface
Mirror - Changing Table
Black & White Toys (developmental toys)
Crib
For Crib:
crib mattress, crib bib, rubber pad, mattress cover
Mobile for over the crib
Bedding - sheets, bumpers, blanket, crib skirt
Wedgie - keeps baby on its back in the crib (so it doesn’t roll)
Baby Monitor (Safety First Video monitor is awesome)
Infant Bath & sponge pad in bath for support
Breast feeding pillow/Boppi (suggested, but not necessary)

LAYETTE:

Bibs, Burp Cloths, thick towels with head, receiving blanket, miracle blanket, insert, washcloths, a few short undershirts (before umbilical cord falls off), hats, onsies (lots of them), pajamas, stretchies, socks (Hanna Andersson first socks are best).

GEAR:

Stroller(s)
1st one - Graco Car seat with Kolcraft Universal Snap and Go - can use up until 6 months and great for city - easy to get in & out of cars and cabs. The only concern is that keeping a baby in a carseat for extended stretches is not a good idea– bad for their developing spines. I’d use a different stroller when possible rather than always defaulting to this

2nd - Maclaren Techno - easy to fold and back goes all the way down for napping - Bugaboo is cool looking (design wise) but VERY difficult in the city if you don’t walk everywhere - hard to fold and takes up a lot of room in your apartment

For Stroller (netting, rain cover, mesh bag, cup holder, SPF sun cover, bundle me)

The challenge with the maclaren is that they are angled in such a way that they are very uncomfortable if your baby has any sort of acid reflux– will give them very painful tummy aches if they are in it more than a few minutes– we had to get rid of ours and trade it for a P3. The stokke has gotten good reviews from
urban moms, as has the inglesina line.

Infant car seat (GRACO) & head rest with Kolcraft Universal snap-n-go
Electric Swing (Fisher Price take along swing folds up)
Baby Bouncer (Fisher Price super soft one or the Kick and Play)
Activity play mat / gym (for 3 months & up)

Sling - Bjorn suspends a baby by the crotch– not good for crotch or spine. There are similar carriers that support the baby under the tush rather than by the crotch that are safer. Ergo, Beco are the best. Ergo is also great and is dad-preferred.)
Fisher Price Aquarium for inside crib - plays music and lights up
Graco Porta crib (pack-n-play) & mattress & mattress & mattress cover
Diaper Bag (Skip Hop - straps on stroller/tons of colors and not so Diaper bag-ish) -
Diaper Genie & refill
Blankets
Purell or handiwipes for diaper bag

Note To Self - BUY THIS DVD!

Falling Behind ...

So apparently Im supposed to be looking for a pediatrician and thinking ahead about things like vaccines ... but to tell you the truth Ive been procrastinating.

After some research, this is what im thinking about for the vaccination schedule  - but of course I have to find a Pedi to talk it over with;

Hep B
Delay until preschool.

Hib
4 mo, 6 mo, 8 mo, 17 mo

IPV
4 mo, 6 mo, 8 mo, 17 mo (booster at 4 years)

DtaP
5 mo, 7 mo, 9 mo, 15 or 18 mo (booster at 4 years)

Pneumococcal (PREVNAR)one dose at age 2

Varicela (Varivax)
Age four.

MMR
Mumps – 15 mo
Rubella – 27 mo
Measles – 39 mo
Booster – age 5

And this is why;

What are the benefits of my alternative schedule compared to the standard one?

• By only giving two vaccines at a time (instead of as many as 6), I decrease the chance of chemical overload from grouping so many vaccines chemicals all together at once. This allows a baby's body to better detoxify the chemicals one or two at a time.
• I give only 1 aluminum-containing vaccine at a time (instead of the recommended 4). Overloading on this metal can be particularly toxic to the brain.
• I give only one live-virus vaccine component at a time to allow the body's immune system to better handle the live viruses in these vaccines.
• Giving fewer shots at a time may decrease the side effects.
• Giving fewer shots at a time also makes it easier to figure out which vaccine a child is reacting to if a severe reaction occurs.

gotta have em

Now that Im in my 3rd trimester I finally starting to realize we have a baby on the way ... a baby that will need to be clothed. and I cant wait to start buying soft stuff for her to wear! I love these little outfits ... ok - lets say it together; awwwwwww. 

Hee Hee Who

So Childbirthing class on Saturday went really well - I was prepared to review different Breathing techniques (repeat after me; "hee, hee - whooo") and pain coping techniques but was surprised to also learn great tips on dealing with the 'siblings' reaction to the new baby. We learned that usually any acting out happens around the 3 month mark - so we'll be watching for this and working to make the transition easier for Kalina. The teacher mentioned that spending one-on-one time with Kalina with OUT the baby will be key to an easier transition. 

We also learned that my first labor is a good predictor of subsequent labors and that in general the 2nd labor is half(?!) the time. I don't think thats even possible - my first labor was 4.5 hours - theres NO way this baby could possibly make it out in 2 hours. Or is there?! Needless to say - we've  devised Plan A - F for when it 'happens' and quite frankly I'll be praying that it happens in the middle of the night. 

Things I Love About D

I love his crows feet - ive loved them since i met him. 

I love his soft feet and rough hands. 

I love the way he hugs me - often and genuinely.

I love his hair - LOVE it.

I love his smile more than I love ice cold lemonade on a hot day.

I love when he smells me & pretends its the best smell hes ever smelled.

I love how he'll stand up for me no matter what.

I love the smell of his deodorant.

I love how happy he is in the morning.

I love his take charge attitude.

I love how handy he is - and all the hard work he does.

I love how creative he is - and love his sense of style.

I love how dedicated he is to our family.

I love how kind his heart is.

I love when he gets excited about something.

I love when he acts silly.

I love how much he loves me.

Im ready for Back to School Shopping ;)

I was looking for a baby shower dress this morning and got a little off track.

I'm already ready to have a waist again .... and theres lots of cute stuff Id get if I did have a waist right now.  

If I do get a waist back these are a few of the things I want;

    

Im Excited! but David - not so much.

I registered for a Childbirth Refresher Class.

Its a one day class that 'reviews' labor and birth, breathing, relaxation skills, the partners role, and anesthesia options. :D

Im excited to relearn some labor pain coping skills - I remember how bad it hurt but I dont remember what helped me get through it. 

David thinks its not necessary but hes a good guy and has agreed to join me anyway. ;) At least Im a nice wife - I know hes not looking forward to it so I found one that is only ONE day - not a 6-week session! Arent I sweet?? 

I let you know how it goes ...

On the Brink of the 3rd Trimester

So this Saturday Im officially in my THIRD TRIMESTER! Aghhhh! that means shes coming sooooon!!

Heres some info about where im at in the pregnancy ...

You are now in the third trimester, and last, of your pregnancy! Your baby's crown-to-rump length is about 9.6 inches and your baby's total length is approximately 15.3 inches! Your baby now weighs about 2 pounds 3 ounces and is going to grow rapidly during this last trimester!

Heres a preview of Baby Brooklyn ...

:)

If your baby were born now, it would have an 85% chance of surviving. Even though your baby is still not fully developed, she would be well within the limits of premature viability. You still have approximately 13 weeks left of your pregnancy, and during this time your baby must continue to grow and develop. If your baby was born at this time, she would have several complications that would require special attention. Because babies do not have adequate amounts of fat at this time, your baby would have to be kept inside of an incubator for warmth. Because the air sacs in your baby's lungs do not yet have surfactant, she would require an artificial respirator. Your baby's brain, liver and immune system still need to develop more also.

Heres a 26 almost 27 week Belly Pic -

Nursery Update

got the crib ... got the drapes ...

still need mattress, glider, and BABY ;)

Helping Kalina with her 'Ride'

My Boy & His Toys

*sigh*

My Boy LOVES his toys and this is by far one of the ugliest.

But D is convinced that it will be, as he likes to put it, one BAD ASS RIDE - haha.

Im just trying to keep the faith ;) and of course not worry about where exactly the baby seat will go.

Heres the Rat Rod it will look like for a while ...

and eventually THIS is what he wants it to look like when its completely finished;

(ooops - i need to scan in the pic :P )

Passed with Flying Blood Sugar levels!

phew - one more prenatal test out of the way for me. I took my Glucose Test on monday and I passed! No Gestational Diabetes for me. 

This pregnancy has been going so well - I pray it continues this way. Tonight we're going on a tour of Eden Medical Center. Hopefully that goes well too!

i love him ...

Easy Peasy

26 week appt 

I met with my Dr again today for a quick & easy appt.

My Blood Pressure was great,

Heard the babys strong, fast heartbeat,

Belly measured on track, Weight gain was good,

and that was it.

Oh & I find out tomorrow if i passed my Glucose test ...

(PS - only 14 more weeks til her due date!!!)

My Little Inventor!

Kalina spent the past week at Camp Invention - she spent her days brainstorming and experimenting with a group of 20 other young 'inventors'.

They each brought in an old broken appliance and took it apart. While taking it apart they brainstormed ideas for an invention that they would like to make to solve an everyday problem. Together they swapped parts and shared pieces to add to their own invention. Kalina decided she wanted to make a handheld fan to carry around with her in this warm weather we had been having. She pieced together a fully functioning invention that was very 'cool' ;) Heres a pic of her on her last day after receiving her award.

Growing Pains

The achy-ness and cramping - along with my clothing getting more and more snug -  has led me to believe that I am in fact growing. 

Just when I begin to get comfortable with the stage im at,  I grow some more. Figures.

My calves are massive and I think my muffin top has turned into an entire loaf. And all this mass is making me clumsier than ever. Yesterday I closed my hand in the door for no good reason and today I slammed my ankle into the bed post... as if I wasn't clumsy enough pre-pregnancy.

4th of July Camping Trip

Although I couldnt handle more than one nite on an air mattress - we had a blast. The place we went to was cute and great for kids. Heres a couple pics from the weekend.

24 Weeks!

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts her at over a pound. Since she's almost a foot long, she cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and she'll soon start to plump up. Her brain is also growing quickly now, and her taste buds are continuing to develop. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help her air sacs inflate once she hits the outside world. Her skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.