Confession is good for the soul ...

...or so they say.


So I'm going to make a confession.


I'm terrified.  I'm absolutely terrified of having 2 children under the age of 2.  I'm afraid of not being able to give Audrey the attention she needs while still meeting the needs of a newborn.  I'm afraid of not being able to fully recover from a c-section with a toddler at home.  I'm afraid that I won't be able to do laundry to have clean diapers for either child.


I'm afraid of the sleep that I won't be getting.  And how this change will affect the existing relationships.


I think that I have more apprehension regarding this baby than I did when pregnant with Audrey.  I was ready to have a baby when I was pregnant with Audrey and I knew that I'd be able to handle the challenges that a newborn provides.  But I feel like I'm going into something that I have no business being near by having 2 kids so young.  YIKES!!!!!!


I know that these are all perfectly normal things to be concerned about.  And that many women have done this before.  I know that things will ultimately be OK and I have to just find my groove.

Another Baby Blog

Are you tired of hearing about the new baby??


Well ... too bad!  ;)


This baby is a mere 2 months from entering this world.  Less than, actually, since she'll be a scheduled c-section.  Josh and I keep discussing how we're going to transport a newborn and a 19 month old all over the place, especially since I will be recovering from a c-section and can't do a whole lot of lifting.  As much as I don't want to admit it, it's become apparent that we are in need of a double stroller.


An ideal stroller would be the Britax B-Ready stroller.  And Natural Mommie is giving one away.  It looks phenomenal.  So ... I'm entering...as many times as possible.  Because, well, I want one.


You want one too?  Go check out her giveaway and enter as much as you can.  I know I will.


Giveaway is open until Nov 12.


B-Ready Stroller Giveaway


If you scroll all the way down to the bottom on my blog, you'll notice that I added a button about the giveaway too.  

Registry

Despite having most everything we need for a new baby, Josh and I decided to create a short registry anyway.  We would like a couple things doubled up on and then there are some smaller things we didn't get for Audrey and would like for this baby.


So ... we did make a registry at Babies R Us. 
You can search for us, also.
Or just use the registry number: 45673080


Because we are using cloth diapers and I feel like our stash isn't quite big enough for diapering 2 babies full time, I created a registry with an online CD store.  You can purchase the individual items or just a gift certificate, if you are a little nervous about cloth diapers or just unsure what to get.  Due to the nature of her store, the registry is a little misleading in that the photos don't necessarily match the description.  And I could only register for what was currently in stock.  If a color that I chose is out of stock, feel free to substitute with a color or pattern that you think I'd like.


The stores is Sweet Bottoms Baby Boutique and our registry is here.


If I were to be so bold as to make a request, honestly, the things I feel like we need the most are cloth diapers and cloth diaper supplies.


And, please, do NOT feel obligated to buy us anything.  We really do have everything we need; these are truly just wish list items if you are feeling generous.

Expecting a newborn...

I suppose it's no secret that I'm expecting a baby.  In case you hadn't heard ... I'm expecting a baby.  Baby girl is due in December and will be delivered by a scheduled c-section (unless of course the hospital comes to their senses and let me try for a natural birth).


It's also not a secret that we use cloth diapers.  I've become a HUGE proponent of cloth diapers.  I refuse to buy disposables.  I will take any obstacle with the cloth and figure out how to overcome it.  That's how important it is to me to use the cloth.  (BTW --- we've been using cloth diapers exclusively since end of May.)


Trying to decide the most economical and feasible way to use cloth diapers on our new baby, I found someone willing to let me borrow her XS diapers.  I was ecstatic!!!  To add to the stash, because I know that I'll be a little busy and will want as big of a stash as possible, I've also started making my own diapers.


I was very excited to read the following blog post on using cloth diapers on a newborn.

Things I have learned about cloth diapering a newborn. When my son, HB, was five months old, I had to put away all his newborn diapers. As I did this, I kept thinking about all the trials and errors that I’ve had with cloth diapering. Here are some of the things that I’ve learned:

1. Gussets are awesome! Because breastfed stool is so runny, it can easily squish out of a diaper.
2. Your Birdseye prefolds aren’t really prepped until there’s very little lint in your dryer.
3. You don’t have to fold diapers but you might want to so that you can put them on the baby correctly in the middle of a long sleepless night. You avoid lots of accidents and get more sleep that way.
4. Prefolds must be all inside the diaper. Any part of it sticking out leads to leakage. And make sure that all-in-ones or pockets haven’t folded over in the back. This can also cause leaks.
5. Get a supply of inserts or doublers, which are really the same thing. I had heard you needed them at night for older babies, but never realized that because newborn stool is so watery it can seep through the prefold into the cover.

 Please read the whole blog post over at The Cloth Diaper Whisperer.  Great tips, even for non-newborns!

ughh......

So the doctor handed me a bunch of tests to go get done without telling me anything about what they were and why I was getting them done.

If it weren't for the fact that I'd been through this just 18 months ago, I wouldn't have a clue what was being thrown at me.

I know that these are the genetic screening tests. I know that there are no genetic disorders in either family. Audrey's all came back with flying colors. I'm still young. DH is still young (well ... on the verge of old, at 36). I don't think the chances of having a baby with genetic disorders has increased all that much in the last 18 months.

Furthermore, all I would do with that information is worry for 7 months that something is wrong with my child.

So I'm thinking about declining the tests. It would mean I wouldn't be getting an u/s this trimester, which is fine. But, and this is the sad part, I'm actually nervous about telling my doctor that I'm declining the tests. She was so harsh with me the day that I saw her, I can't fathom what she would say if I told her I didn't want these tests done.

I'll get the blood tests that confirm I'm healthy and we don't have to take any drugs or supplements for the baby, but I just don't want to spend the state's money, or my insurance company's money to have a test done to tell me the low probability of my child having a genetic disorder. There is no way on God's green earth that I would terminate this or any other pregnancy. So why get information that would just make me worry?????

I'm really just thinking out loud here. 

Baby Yoga

I've come to the conclusion that the practice of yoga positions is naturally in all humans when we are born, and we just grow out of it. Babies are very adept at practicing yoga and they must know it's benefits.

My child can teach me a thing or two about yoga.

Sept 7, 2008

One year ago today I felt different. Things just didn't feel right for me. So I went to the store and bought a $7 test and came home and received news that changed my life.

Little Miss Aud Ball Froggie Princess made her presence known to her family. We are so happy and blessed to have her with us. It's only been 3 1/2 months, but I already know this is the best thing I've ever done. I love watching her grow and develop and learn new things and reach new milestones in her development.

The Diaper Discussion

So Audrey is 6 weeks old today!! (YAY for being 6-weeks postpartum and can now start exercising and other such things.)

In the last 6 weeks we've gone through about 6 or 7 packages of diapers. We bought them periodically when I was pregnant to stock up. We've tried the following brands. Huggies, Pampers, Luvs, and Mom to Mom (Safeway's brand).

Huggies: Decent price, good size, fit her well, flexible so she can still move her legs, haven't yet leaked, LOTS and LOTS of coupons. I'm having to guess when she is wet.

Pampers: Same cost as Huggies, fit her well, feels more like fabric and less like plastic - which I would think would make them more comfortable, have this interesting weave thing to hold the solid waste in, very flexible to allow leg movement, no leakage, not as many coupons as Huggies. I'm having to guess when she is wet.

Luvs: Didn't like them the first time. They are very plastic-y and feel like she's wearing a trash bag. And they leaked right away. But they were too big for her. So we waited a few more weeks. Tried them again and now they fit and don't leak anymore. But they still feel like a trash bag. VERY easy to tell when she is wet and it feels like she's wearing a sponge. Don't remember the price.

Mom to Mom: The slogan for this brand is, "Made for moms by moms." I'm not thrilled with them though. They are more than the national brands. They are very stiff and don't allow a whole lot of movement for her legs (which will be more important when she's mobile). I can't peek in to see if she's wet or dirty because they are so stiff. I think, however, they are more natural with no bleaches or such, which is better for baby and diaper rash.

Verdict: I think we like Huggies and Pampers best, but because we have so many coupons for Huggies, we will be getting them for awhile.

Thankful Thursday

I'm very thankful that my pregnancy has been normal, routine and healthy.

As I approach the finish line, I thank God for all His protection during this and pray that He continue to watch over me and deliver Audrey Grace in His perfect timing.

As an aside ... I learned that Audrey Grace is a species of Dahlia.

Additionally, Audrey means ' noble strength.'. I really like that meaning, especially combined with the middle name Grace.

Some photos for posterity

38 weeks 0 days - notice the stretch marks????

All my belly pics

Some posed photos a friend took of Josh and myself

What's, uh, happenin'? - 4/17/09

New/Noteworthy:
Our landlord bought us new floors; and we got them installed this week. They are AWESOME!

We painted the bathroom a few weeks ago too. That was fun. I really like the new color.

Interesting Activity:
Preparing for and living in a house getting new flooring is interesting.

Also since my last big post we went to Josh's mom's for Easter weekend, where we saw his sister from CT (in addition to everyone else). They surprised me with a baby shower. That was fun. We also went to the beach for a picnic lunch, and I went with Becky to get a tattoo.

And we all (me, Josh, Kymberly) have been sick this week. Coughing, stuffy, achey, fever .... YAY!!!!

Biggest Accomplishment:
Put the house back together with the new floors

Where We Went:
Fort Bragg
Lamaze
Becky took us to Costco. That was a lot of fun. We haven't had a trip there in awhile.

What I Learned:
Practiced pushing at Lamaze last week
Learned positions for laboring and relaxation

Weekend Plans:
pack my bag for the hospital
relax
enjoy the new floors and the nice weather

Fun Photos:
I've taken so many photos I just don't know where to start.

I'll give you this photo, and then link you to flickr for all the fun photos I've posted.


You can't really see them here, but I've started to get stretch marks. :(

I've also developed rashes on my legs. It's very weird; and they ITCH!!!!!

Thankful Thursday

Our neighbor lady knocked on our door one day and said, "I'm just going to give this away, but thought I'd ask you first if you wanted it." She showed us this high chair. Yep ... we'll take it!!

I am thankful for all the handmedowns and freebies that people are offering and we are starting to accumulate many great things because of everyone's generosity. YAY!

 

Cribs and Other Happenings

New/Noteworthy: We got a crib for the baby!

Kymberly got 250 points out of a possible 240 on her science poster that we did a couple weeks ago. The teacher said, "WONDERFUL!"

Andrew went to youth group last night for the first time. He had a good time. We were really early (thought it started at 7; it starts at 7:30) so we sat and chatted with the woman who hosts and helps lead. That was nice.

Interesting Activity: We rearranged our room and put the crib together in the corner.

Biggest Accomplishment: We found a crib, brand new, 20% off, and paid cash!

Where I went: All over town looking for a crib

What I learned: Burlington has some really good deals on baby stuff.

My chemistry student that I tutor failed her final. :( But the class average was a D+, so it was a really hard test. I think her mom is making too big a deal out of it. At any rate, I started thinking about how she can better prepare so she's not so flustered when it comes to taking tests. She understands the material when we do the homework together. Something happens when she sits down in class though.

Plans for the Weekend: I want to sew on Saturday, and Sunday watch the Super Bowl. Josh's birthday is Tuesday, so we're having our fun food and stuff for the superbowl. And I'll make him a yummy cake. The kids are with us this weekend, they won't be with us on Tuesday, so we'll do his present and cake and stuff on Sunday.

Fun Photo(s): The crib and nursery area!

Putting the headboard cover in.

I'm trying to assemble the mobile ... those are teh directions in the crib.

The whole nursery area. Remember: the crib set was only $20!!!

Contemplations on Current Happenings 1/23/09

New/Noteworthy: ummm ..... not a whole lot. We had a longish chat with a woman from church on Sunday. That was nice. She's the host for the Thursday night HS home group; so that was good for Andrew to meet her. We're starting to make connections and such in the church. It feels good.

Oh yeah .... And a new pillow arrived from Gordon Foods. Well, not really Gordon foods, but that's who shipped it. Thank you Michelle. It's soooooo cool. It's sitting on the couch right now waiting for some company.

Interesting Activity: foolishly went shopping with Becky on Saturday and got a KILLER deal on a crib/bedding set for the baby. Got an 11-piece set for $20; plus 10 different outfits for less than $50.

Biggest Accomplishment: On Sunday after church we spent about 3 hours doing yardwork since it was so warm. We got all the weeds picked, the rose bushes trimmed back, the grass mowed.... It looks so much better; dormant and brown, but better.

Plans for the weekend: Josh and I are going to drive all over creation looking for a good deal on THE crib. We have enough saved up we think we can afford a new crib and not have to buy used. We'll also rearrange our bedroom to make room for the new crib. This will require trading dressers with Andrew ... he doesn't know this yet. Church on Sunday, then just hanging out. I'm working on a quilt for an online hand-made baby shower gift exchange thing. I want to get everythign cut out this weekend and maybe start piecing it together.

Where I went: went to church, went shopping with Becky .... that's about it.

Fun Photo:
Belly pic took this morning. 23 weeks and 2 days.

Belly Pic

Here I am, 20 weeks and 4 days. I'm wearing maternity pants almost exclusively because they are so much more comfortable. I can still fit into a couple pairs of pants that were super big on me before, but they are uncomfortable after a few hours.

baby happenings

New/Noteworthy: My baby's a girl

Interesting Activity: Had my level II ultrasound on Tuesday afternoon.  We sat around for 45 minutes waiting for our appointment.  It was supposed to start at 3:45, we didn't get in until nearly 4:30.  However, the ultrasound itself was very efficient.  The technician was very polite and nice, although didn't talk much to us. Very little personality.  We saw the head, the heart, the foot, the hand (she waved at us), the face (she was drinking and sticking her tongue out at us), and then the gender.  Baby Audrey was spread wide open for us so we could tell what wasn't there.  YAY!!!!

Having my ultrasound and learning that my baby is a girl was incredibly overwhelming.  Moreso than I expected it to be.  It was like learning I was pregnant again for the first time.  I just couldn't believe what I was seeing and what I was hearing.  I was flooded with emotions that I didn't expect.  

And for a moment in time, Josh and I were the only 2 people (besides the tech and dr.) who knew that our baby was a girl.   We didn't have that moment when we found out I was pregnant.  In fact, Josh's sister knew before he did.  So it was special for us to just have that knowledge and hold on to it for a bit.

What I learned: It's a girl

Biggest Accomplishment: Suprised the heck out of the kids yesterday morning when they opened a baby girl outfit as their last Christmas present.  Kymberly jumped and screamed when it dawned on her that opening a baby girl outfit meant she was getting a baby sister.  It was awesome.  When I have the chance, I'll upload the video.  It was so funny.

Weekend Plans: Josh's mom is coming and we'll be hanging with her; our neice is visiting for the week, being dropped off tomorrow.

Fun Photo:

This is the best picture I could scan in from the four of the ultrasound.  I wish it were better, but the original isn't that great quality.  But you can see the spine, the heart, the nose and mouth.

Here's a link to the four shots we got

17 weeks

 



There was a request for another belly picture. This was last night. Right around 17 weeks.

Just in case you're the odd man out who hasn't yet seen this...

That's my baby there. Yep. I'm pregnant. That was taken at 6 weeks. It's 3.2 mm. And too small to accurately determine a due date. Preliminary due date is May 17th, but subject to change. And like all babies, she will be born when she is ready, so I'm trying not to pay attention to due date hype.

I find it interesting that people keep asking me if I'm throwing up yet. And it's not just that they're asking, but that they're making up cute words for it. Sickies? Barfies? Like taking a gross topic and turning it into a cute name is supposed to make it any cuter??? Nope. Sorry. Still not cute.

And the answer is no. Not barfies, sickies, pukies, etc. Tummy a little weird this week, but I've kept all my food down. And with how much I just despise throwing up (haven't been actually sick and vomiting since middle school), I really hope my pregnancy is vomit-free.

I remember one time that I was sick and stayed home. Roberta (my older, wiser sister) went to school and told her friends that her baby sister was sick. They asked what was wrong and she said, "She puked and puked and puked all night long." But she also came home at lunchtime to check on me and make sure I was doing OK.

So there you have it.