I am 37 weeks pregnant, and feeling it. Very uncomfortable, lots of aches and pains and ready to get this baby out. However...we're in the middle of a freak snow storm here in the Seattle area. We have about 6" so far and they're predicting 6"-12" tomorrow. Which means I don't want to go into labor since they don't plow here (not really worth it to invest in plows and equipment when it snows maybe once a year.) We had to put chains on our tires just to get out of our neighborhood and to the store today. So if I do go into labor, I have to take an ambulance to the hospital. Which, as exciting as that sounds, I don't want to do that.
Apparently on Friday we are supposed to have temps back in the 40's and rain through the day and weekend. So we will hopefully be able to get out then if anything happens. But I missed my weekly massage appointment this Monday due to the snow. And I missed my OB appointment today for the same reason. And I really needed my massage since I'm so uncomfortable right now.
Sitting around the house is beginning to drive me crazy too. There's only so much reading, watching tv and online time you can have before it starts to drive you batty. And I know once the baby arrives, I'll be doing a little of that in the hospital, as well as when we get home, since the baby will most likely sleep a lot. But I'm definitely getting my fill if it now and I'm going crazy with all of the inside time.
Hoping the snow goes away soon, and hopefully I don't go into labor until this weekend...
January 17, 2012
January 7, 2012
36 weeks
So I went in for a routine appointment yesterday and had an NST. The baby was super active but they couldn't see a good baseline heartrate on her because she was so active. So my doctor admitted me to Labor and Delivery and said I should be monitored overnight to make sure she wasn't having decels in her heartrate.
So I got upstairs and admitted, and had the same nurse who actually helped me with my induction and c-section and second surgery with Santi. Made me feel very comfortable. They put me on the monitor and the baby immediately looked great. After a few hours, my doctor came in and said he just worried too much and they were sending me home since she looked great. Apparently she was having a party and didn't invite anyone to it. :)
So I came home, and have a follow up appointment on Tuesday. The doctor checked my cervix and it was closed but soft. So she's getting ready to come but not yet. I'm resting this weekend and not really leaving the bed. My parents arrive to help watch Santi on the 15th, so after that I will be over 37 weeks and can go into labor without feeling stress about who will watch Santi. Glad the doctor erred on the side of caution but I'm also glad I got to go home and didn't have a baby now (the doctor said it wasn't too early but if she had been born now that she'd have to be in the NICU for 4-6 days. Since we went through NICU with Santi we want to avoid that this time.)
So now we wait!
So I got upstairs and admitted, and had the same nurse who actually helped me with my induction and c-section and second surgery with Santi. Made me feel very comfortable. They put me on the monitor and the baby immediately looked great. After a few hours, my doctor came in and said he just worried too much and they were sending me home since she looked great. Apparently she was having a party and didn't invite anyone to it. :)
So I came home, and have a follow up appointment on Tuesday. The doctor checked my cervix and it was closed but soft. So she's getting ready to come but not yet. I'm resting this weekend and not really leaving the bed. My parents arrive to help watch Santi on the 15th, so after that I will be over 37 weeks and can go into labor without feeling stress about who will watch Santi. Glad the doctor erred on the side of caution but I'm also glad I got to go home and didn't have a baby now (the doctor said it wasn't too early but if she had been born now that she'd have to be in the NICU for 4-6 days. Since we went through NICU with Santi we want to avoid that this time.)
So now we wait!
December 4, 2011
31 weeks pregnant!
So I've missed quite a few weeks of journaling this pregnancy! We've been busy getting ready for this baby's arrival though! Crib is here, shelving has been bought, dresser has been purchased and we're ready to paint her room. That being said, the crib isn't assembled, the dresser hasn't arrived, and the shelves are still in a box, and the paint is still in the can and not on the walls.
But we're getting there!
How Far Along: 31 weeks (63 more days to go!)
What "They" Say About Our Baby's Development: This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. She weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.
Mama: Have you noticed the muscles in your uterus tightening now and then? Many women feel these random contractions — called Braxton Hicks contractions — in the second half of pregnancy. Often lasting about 30 seconds, they're irregular, and at this point, they should be infrequent and painless. Frequent contractions, on the other hand — even those that don't hurt — may be a sign of preterm labor. Call your practitioner immediately if you have more than four contractions in an hour or any other signs of preterm labor.
Weekly Food Comparison: 4 Naval Oranges
The Bad: Heartburn! Just like this same time with Santi...I pop a heartburn med at least once a day...
The Weird: Nothing much.
Currently Craving/Avoiding:
Avoiding: Veggies...I just have no desire to eat them but I make myself do it sometimes!
Craving: Sugar...anything sugary!
Doctor Updates: Next appointment on December 16th.
Total weight gain/loss: 12 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Yes, all bottoms. I can still wear some non-maternity tops.
Stretch marks? 0 so far.
Sleep: I wake up at least once a night to go to the bathroom. Sometimes I'll wake up at about 3am and can't get back to sleep.
Movement: She mostly moves after I eat something or am sitting down to rest which is a lot more lately!
Labor Signs: None
Belly Button in or out? Popped out! It was so messed up after having Santi that I would have been surprised if it didn't pop out!
What I miss: Being able to put socks on alone...I wear flats without shoes most of the time or am barefoot in the house because putting on socks is really hard.
What I am looking forward to: Getting the room done!
But we're getting there!
How Far Along: 31 weeks (63 more days to go!)
What "They" Say About Our Baby's Development: This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. She weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.
Mama: Have you noticed the muscles in your uterus tightening now and then? Many women feel these random contractions — called Braxton Hicks contractions — in the second half of pregnancy. Often lasting about 30 seconds, they're irregular, and at this point, they should be infrequent and painless. Frequent contractions, on the other hand — even those that don't hurt — may be a sign of preterm labor. Call your practitioner immediately if you have more than four contractions in an hour or any other signs of preterm labor.
Weekly Food Comparison: 4 Naval Oranges
The Good: She is a very active little girl. I think she's still laying transverse (as of the last ultrasound two weeks ago she was) because most of her kicks and movements are felt in my side rather than in the center of my stomach.
The Bad: Heartburn! Just like this same time with Santi...I pop a heartburn med at least once a day...
The Weird: Nothing much.
Currently Craving/Avoiding:
Avoiding: Veggies...I just have no desire to eat them but I make myself do it sometimes!
Craving: Sugar...anything sugary!
Doctor Updates: Next appointment on December 16th.
Total weight gain/loss: 12 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Yes, all bottoms. I can still wear some non-maternity tops.
Stretch marks? 0 so far.
Sleep: I wake up at least once a night to go to the bathroom. Sometimes I'll wake up at about 3am and can't get back to sleep.
Movement: She mostly moves after I eat something or am sitting down to rest which is a lot more lately!
Labor Signs: None
Belly Button in or out? Popped out! It was so messed up after having Santi that I would have been surprised if it didn't pop out!
What I miss: Being able to put socks on alone...I wear flats without shoes most of the time or am barefoot in the house because putting on socks is really hard.
What I am looking forward to: Getting the room done!
November 1, 2011
Thankful...
So I'm going to participate in the thankful challenge and manage to mention at least one thing I'm thankful for every day. Today I choose my kid(s). Seems appropriate to start there. I'm thankful that when we went to the OB's office today we heard a nice, strong, healthy heartbeat from baby girl. And that even though Santi was EXHAUSTING today, being the little toddler boy that he is, as I was chasing him around the waiting room, or entertaining him with books and snacks, or feeding him his lunch, he makes me smile on a daily, if not hourly basis.
And then I was on Pinterest, which brings me to another thankful - I'm thankful for a good cry. Chalk it up to hormones, but sometimes a good cry just makes everything better, even if you don't think you have anything to cry about. It's refreshing to "wash" away pent up feelings and aggressions. And the source of my crying? This quote in this pin:
"You are the poem I dreamed of writing, the masterpiece I longed to paint. You are the shining star I reached for in my ever hopeful quest for life fulfilled. You are my child. Now with all things I am blessed."
I've been feeling a loss of sense of self recently. I'm not 100% into the mommy scene, and don't want to be out of the working world. I'm home with my child (and soon to be children) because #1 we can afford it, and #2 with two kids it's going to save us some money. I do enjoy it but I know I won't like it forever. I can't be one of those constant stay at home moms. I feel flack sometimes from the SAHM's I know as to why I don't want to be home forever, and I feel flack sometimes from my working mom friends as to me being home is the reason I have an organized house, get a lot of projects tackled, etc. When in all actuality, that's my personality. If I were working full time and spending time with Santi and Tito, I'd still get those things done because having an organized home is important to me. I'm somewhat OCD so I think that has something to do with it too. :)
I need to get back to work, but lately I've been thinking a lot about how I won't be doing that for at least the next year since the plan is to be home with the baby until she's a year old because daycare is so stinkin' expensive for kids under one. It's been a bit discouraging because I miss so many aspects about it. But I know why I do it. Because I will cherish the memories with my kids at this age. They will never remember it, I realize, except when they see photos. But I'll look back and I know I'll be happy that I did it.
So, I might have some dreams that I've had to put on hold, some wishes I might have to put aside. But ultimately, for me, it's worth it, even after really hard days where I'm so tired I can barely stay awake past 8pm to spend time with Tito. Because I got to play chase with Santi, or tickle the grumpiness out of him. Or when the baby arrives, I got to rock her to sleep. And truthfully I have so much life left to live, that I'm glad I get to spend time with my baby now. Jobs will come and go but I'll never get these few moments back with my kiddos.
And then I was on Pinterest, which brings me to another thankful - I'm thankful for a good cry. Chalk it up to hormones, but sometimes a good cry just makes everything better, even if you don't think you have anything to cry about. It's refreshing to "wash" away pent up feelings and aggressions. And the source of my crying? This quote in this pin:
"You are the poem I dreamed of writing, the masterpiece I longed to paint. You are the shining star I reached for in my ever hopeful quest for life fulfilled. You are my child. Now with all things I am blessed."
I've been feeling a loss of sense of self recently. I'm not 100% into the mommy scene, and don't want to be out of the working world. I'm home with my child (and soon to be children) because #1 we can afford it, and #2 with two kids it's going to save us some money. I do enjoy it but I know I won't like it forever. I can't be one of those constant stay at home moms. I feel flack sometimes from the SAHM's I know as to why I don't want to be home forever, and I feel flack sometimes from my working mom friends as to me being home is the reason I have an organized house, get a lot of projects tackled, etc. When in all actuality, that's my personality. If I were working full time and spending time with Santi and Tito, I'd still get those things done because having an organized home is important to me. I'm somewhat OCD so I think that has something to do with it too. :)
I need to get back to work, but lately I've been thinking a lot about how I won't be doing that for at least the next year since the plan is to be home with the baby until she's a year old because daycare is so stinkin' expensive for kids under one. It's been a bit discouraging because I miss so many aspects about it. But I know why I do it. Because I will cherish the memories with my kids at this age. They will never remember it, I realize, except when they see photos. But I'll look back and I know I'll be happy that I did it.
So, I might have some dreams that I've had to put on hold, some wishes I might have to put aside. But ultimately, for me, it's worth it, even after really hard days where I'm so tired I can barely stay awake past 8pm to spend time with Tito. Because I got to play chase with Santi, or tickle the grumpiness out of him. Or when the baby arrives, I got to rock her to sleep. And truthfully I have so much life left to live, that I'm glad I get to spend time with my baby now. Jobs will come and go but I'll never get these few moments back with my kiddos.
October 14, 2011
24 weeks pregnant
How Far Along: 24 weeks (112 more days to go!)
What "They" Say About Our Baby's Development: Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts her at just over a pound. Since she's almost a foot long, she cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but her 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.
Weekly Food Comparison: An ear of corn
The Bad: Braxton Hicks contractions - yesterday I was actually cramping a little bit after an active few days and I was told to put my feet up, drink water, and stop lifting heavy things (over 20lbs.) which, unfortunately means Santi (can I just take a moment to say that my BABY boy is now 30 lbs!) I can lift him in and out of his crib, highchair etc if I need to (when I'm home alone with him) but I can't carry him around. So he's doing a lot more walking down the stairs, etc. and he actually likes it!
The Weird: Nothing odd this week
Currently Craving/Avoiding:
Avoiding: Not much
Craving: Sugar, sugar and more sugar!
Doctor Updates: I have an appointment on Tuesday. We'll be talking about c-section dates, and we'll be talking about my gestational diabetes test which I should have soon. Ugh, I'm not looking forward to drinking that super sweet drink, although since I'm craving sweets this time maybe it'll be more bearable?
The Weekly Belly Bump: Here's the 24 week belly!
I feel like I'm carrying so differently than I did with Santi. I'm just gaining weight (I've gained 5lbs so far this pregnancy!) in my belly. Maternity pants, aside from one pair are all falling off of me. My maternity shirts I'm wearing are majorly size XS and S. While this is nice, it's making it hard to get dressed since I have so few options.
I'm also feeling a bit of nesting. I went through my closet this morning and pulled out things that I hadn't worn in forever and knew I wouldn't wear even after the baby is here and I'm back in normal clothes again. We're shopping this weekend for paint for the baby's room (pink!), and furniture next month. I've managed to get some clothes for her and am starting to put things away. Just a few more months and this little girl will be joining us and turning our world upside down!
What "They" Say About Our Baby's Development: Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts her at just over a pound. Since she's almost a foot long, she cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but her 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.
Weekly Food Comparison: An ear of corn
The Good: Very strong kicks from our little girl. She's in there having a dance party - usually she starts right when I lay down to go to bed. Let's hope that she doesn't continue this when she's on the outside and is sleeping at night and dancing during the day!
The Bad: Braxton Hicks contractions - yesterday I was actually cramping a little bit after an active few days and I was told to put my feet up, drink water, and stop lifting heavy things (over 20lbs.) which, unfortunately means Santi (can I just take a moment to say that my BABY boy is now 30 lbs!) I can lift him in and out of his crib, highchair etc if I need to (when I'm home alone with him) but I can't carry him around. So he's doing a lot more walking down the stairs, etc. and he actually likes it!
The Weird: Nothing odd this week
Currently Craving/Avoiding:
Avoiding: Not much
Craving: Sugar, sugar and more sugar!
Doctor Updates: I have an appointment on Tuesday. We'll be talking about c-section dates, and we'll be talking about my gestational diabetes test which I should have soon. Ugh, I'm not looking forward to drinking that super sweet drink, although since I'm craving sweets this time maybe it'll be more bearable?
The Weekly Belly Bump: Here's the 24 week belly!
I feel like I'm carrying so differently than I did with Santi. I'm just gaining weight (I've gained 5lbs so far this pregnancy!) in my belly. Maternity pants, aside from one pair are all falling off of me. My maternity shirts I'm wearing are majorly size XS and S. While this is nice, it's making it hard to get dressed since I have so few options.
I'm also feeling a bit of nesting. I went through my closet this morning and pulled out things that I hadn't worn in forever and knew I wouldn't wear even after the baby is here and I'm back in normal clothes again. We're shopping this weekend for paint for the baby's room (pink!), and furniture next month. I've managed to get some clothes for her and am starting to put things away. Just a few more months and this little girl will be joining us and turning our world upside down!
September 20, 2011
And...
So today we went in for our gender ultrasound. I'm just about 20 weeks along, so I knew we'd be able to get a good look as long as the baby cooperated. For a bit I wasn't sure as the baby was moving quite a bit. But after awhile, the baby settled down, and the ultrasound tech was able to get the measurements she needed and then swooped underneath and was able to see that we are having....A GIRL!
I looked right at Tito and said "I told you!" I've felt it was a girl since the beginning of this pregnancy. Just so many things were so different than my pregnancy with Santi. Craving sweets now while when I was pregnant with Santi I couldn't stand the sight of them, being so sick the first trimester, how I'm carrying, that I'm not even in maternity clothes yet (with Santi I was in them at 11 weeks!) etc., etc., etc.
So now we're both excited, and looking at all things pink! Here's a couple of photos from today:
That baby profile looks so much like Santi! So cute! At one point she was in there sucking her thumb which was something we never saw Santi do (and consequently Santi never used a pacifier outside of the hospital NICU.) The bottom one is her right foot - she was stamping on my uterus, which she does quite frequently!
So she'll be here in February, and we're glad to add a girl to our little family, but also to our extended families. In my family, on my mom's side, out of 11 cousins, there are only four girls. And when I was growing up, I was the only girl until I was 10, and then the next girl didn't come until I was 20, and then my cousin had a girl. But all the rest are boys. And on my dad's side, there are only myself and one other girl, with the other 6 cousins who are boys. And with Tito, he's one of three boys, has one cousin on his dad's side who is a girl and one cousin on his mom's side who is a girl. So the families are in need of some pink!
I looked right at Tito and said "I told you!" I've felt it was a girl since the beginning of this pregnancy. Just so many things were so different than my pregnancy with Santi. Craving sweets now while when I was pregnant with Santi I couldn't stand the sight of them, being so sick the first trimester, how I'm carrying, that I'm not even in maternity clothes yet (with Santi I was in them at 11 weeks!) etc., etc., etc.
So now we're both excited, and looking at all things pink! Here's a couple of photos from today:
That baby profile looks so much like Santi! So cute! At one point she was in there sucking her thumb which was something we never saw Santi do (and consequently Santi never used a pacifier outside of the hospital NICU.) The bottom one is her right foot - she was stamping on my uterus, which she does quite frequently!
So she'll be here in February, and we're glad to add a girl to our little family, but also to our extended families. In my family, on my mom's side, out of 11 cousins, there are only four girls. And when I was growing up, I was the only girl until I was 10, and then the next girl didn't come until I was 20, and then my cousin had a girl. But all the rest are boys. And on my dad's side, there are only myself and one other girl, with the other 6 cousins who are boys. And with Tito, he's one of three boys, has one cousin on his dad's side who is a girl and one cousin on his mom's side who is a girl. So the families are in need of some pink!
September 16, 2011
To Cloth Diaper or not to Cloth Diaper?
So baby #2 will be joining us in just about 4 months. I'm going back and forth on cloth diapering. We didn't do cloth with Santi because basically we were first time parents and it was intimidating. Disposable just seemed so much easier. It was what was "popular" and seemed to be what I knew. When I thought of cloth diapering, I thought of messy (especially with those little newborn messy poops), I thought of old school diaper pins and diaper covers. I thought it would be hard.
And then I saw some of the "new" cloth diapers. The pre-folds, the all in ones. The snaps which adjust to growing babies. It seemed easier. But by the time I discovered them, I'd also discovered the price. And despite the overall savings, selling diapers at $15 each to my husband when I just had stopped working, wasn't possible. For some reason, he convinced me that disposable diapers would be easier and somehow cost less in the long run. I think he was mostly afraid of the mess and having to wash them in the washer. What he didn't realize was that I was the one who was going to be doing that laundry since I'm home all day with the kids.
And then I discovered this link, to Hugga Buns on Maine Cloth Diaper. I actually own one Hugga Buns diaper and used it on Santi once when he was napping and it was a colossal fail as he peed through the whole thing. But I loved the idea of the diaper and they were cheaper than the FuzziBuns and other diapers I'd seen out there at about $10 a pop. Well on this site, they are currently listed for $5.50 each! So I'm toying with the idea of getting some. Someone told me that you should really have about 20 diapers to start with and then add more over time. It's a little investment (if I got them at the sale price it'd be about $110 but that's a lot better than the $300 I'd be spending on FuzziBuns or the other $15 each diapers.) But I'm still wavering.
So I made a list of pros and cons for cloth vs. disposable:
Cloth Cons:
1. Cost - Initial cost up front, but over time they pay for themselves.
2. Mess - Having to clean up something that I can't just throw away is a little icky, especially the early, breastfed baby poops
3. Skin reaction? - I've read some blogs and articles where some kids have interactions with the fabrics and it gives them rashes and other issues so they have to go to disposables anyway.
4. Will they really work? If not, am I stuck with a bunch of diapers I can't use and have to resell somewhere?
5. More laundry?
Cloth Pros:
1. Good for the environment - not having diapers in a landfill is a nice feeling
2. Cost less in the long run - enough said
3. Cute - yes, I'm a sucker for the colors!
4. Ease of use with the new diapers - just as easy as disposable, aside from having an extra "part" (the insert) to wash
5. No need for a Diaper Genie (i.e. stinky poopy diapers) in the room, although we'll need to get a diaper pail. But nothing stinks up Santi's room more than his Diaper Genie, even after bleaching it it still smells after awhile.
6. Being fiscally and environmentally responsible
Disposable Cons:
1. Diapers in a landfill = not good
2. Cost - we pay about $17 a pack for regular diapers and $20 a pack for overnights right now about once a month. When the baby is little it's almost twice a month because they use so many more
3. Smelly diapers in the Diaper Genie
Disposable Pros:
1. Ease of use and you can get them anywhere - we travel a lot, so we'd probably still use disposables for the travel portion of our trips, and then switch to cloth if we have access to clean them (like if we're staying with family and can do laundry while visiting.)
2. Ease of disposal - toss them into a little bag and then into the trash...no need to carry a stinky, poopy diaper with you in the diaper bag when you're out and about.
So I think we're going to bite the bullet and buy some and see how it goes. Once we find out what we're having for a baby (next Tuesday!) it will make it easier to buy the diapers since some of the colors are truly more "girly" than others, and I don't want to put a little boy in a lavender diaper! I think, just like anything with parenthood, once we get used to it, we will be wondering why we hadn't used them with Santi all along. We'll be sticking with disposable for Santi though as my hope is to have him potty trained by the time he's 2. (More on this later, but this photo should illustrate what we've just started here in our household):
So what about you? Do you cloth diaper or not? What are your reasons for going one way or another? Have you switched with one child to the next?
And then I saw some of the "new" cloth diapers. The pre-folds, the all in ones. The snaps which adjust to growing babies. It seemed easier. But by the time I discovered them, I'd also discovered the price. And despite the overall savings, selling diapers at $15 each to my husband when I just had stopped working, wasn't possible. For some reason, he convinced me that disposable diapers would be easier and somehow cost less in the long run. I think he was mostly afraid of the mess and having to wash them in the washer. What he didn't realize was that I was the one who was going to be doing that laundry since I'm home all day with the kids.
And then I discovered this link, to Hugga Buns on Maine Cloth Diaper. I actually own one Hugga Buns diaper and used it on Santi once when he was napping and it was a colossal fail as he peed through the whole thing. But I loved the idea of the diaper and they were cheaper than the FuzziBuns and other diapers I'd seen out there at about $10 a pop. Well on this site, they are currently listed for $5.50 each! So I'm toying with the idea of getting some. Someone told me that you should really have about 20 diapers to start with and then add more over time. It's a little investment (if I got them at the sale price it'd be about $110 but that's a lot better than the $300 I'd be spending on FuzziBuns or the other $15 each diapers.) But I'm still wavering.
So I made a list of pros and cons for cloth vs. disposable:
Cloth Cons:
1. Cost - Initial cost up front, but over time they pay for themselves.
2. Mess - Having to clean up something that I can't just throw away is a little icky, especially the early, breastfed baby poops
3. Skin reaction? - I've read some blogs and articles where some kids have interactions with the fabrics and it gives them rashes and other issues so they have to go to disposables anyway.
4. Will they really work? If not, am I stuck with a bunch of diapers I can't use and have to resell somewhere?
5. More laundry?
Cloth Pros:
1. Good for the environment - not having diapers in a landfill is a nice feeling
2. Cost less in the long run - enough said
3. Cute - yes, I'm a sucker for the colors!
4. Ease of use with the new diapers - just as easy as disposable, aside from having an extra "part" (the insert) to wash
5. No need for a Diaper Genie (i.e. stinky poopy diapers) in the room, although we'll need to get a diaper pail. But nothing stinks up Santi's room more than his Diaper Genie, even after bleaching it it still smells after awhile.
6. Being fiscally and environmentally responsible
Disposable Cons:
1. Diapers in a landfill = not good
2. Cost - we pay about $17 a pack for regular diapers and $20 a pack for overnights right now about once a month. When the baby is little it's almost twice a month because they use so many more
3. Smelly diapers in the Diaper Genie
Disposable Pros:
1. Ease of use and you can get them anywhere - we travel a lot, so we'd probably still use disposables for the travel portion of our trips, and then switch to cloth if we have access to clean them (like if we're staying with family and can do laundry while visiting.)
2. Ease of disposal - toss them into a little bag and then into the trash...no need to carry a stinky, poopy diaper with you in the diaper bag when you're out and about.
So I think we're going to bite the bullet and buy some and see how it goes. Once we find out what we're having for a baby (next Tuesday!) it will make it easier to buy the diapers since some of the colors are truly more "girly" than others, and I don't want to put a little boy in a lavender diaper! I think, just like anything with parenthood, once we get used to it, we will be wondering why we hadn't used them with Santi all along. We'll be sticking with disposable for Santi though as my hope is to have him potty trained by the time he's 2. (More on this later, but this photo should illustrate what we've just started here in our household):
So what about you? Do you cloth diaper or not? What are your reasons for going one way or another? Have you switched with one child to the next?
19 week update
I can't believe I'm at 19 weeks! Halfway through this pregnancy (I am 99% sure I won't go to term since I was 3 weeks early with Santi, and we'll schedule a c-section with this one as well.)
How Far Along: 19 weeks (147 more days to go!)
What "They" Say About Our Baby's Development: Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Its brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that it may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to it, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you. Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom. Its arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of its body now. Its kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on its scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on its skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.
Weekly Food Comparison: An heirloom tomato...
The Weird: Nothing too strange.
Currently Craving/Avoiding:
Avoiding: Not much!
Craving: Sugar, sugar and more sugar!
Doctor Updates: I have an appointment on Tuesday to find out if a little girl or a little boy will be joining our family. I'm thinking it's a girl still and Tito has been wavering back and forth but is now back to boy. I'm hoping I'm right, although I'm obviously happy with a boy as well. But having one of each would be nice too!
The Weekly Belly Bump: Here's the 19 week belly!
How Far Along: 19 weeks (147 more days to go!)
What "They" Say About Our Baby's Development: Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Its brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that it may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to it, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you. Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom. Its arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of its body now. Its kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on its scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on its skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.
Weekly Food Comparison: An heirloom tomato...
The Good: The baby is kicking a lot, and I can feel it from the inside and the outside.
The Bad: Getting winded easily.The Weird: Nothing too strange.
Currently Craving/Avoiding:
Avoiding: Not much!
Craving: Sugar, sugar and more sugar!
Doctor Updates: I have an appointment on Tuesday to find out if a little girl or a little boy will be joining our family. I'm thinking it's a girl still and Tito has been wavering back and forth but is now back to boy. I'm hoping I'm right, although I'm obviously happy with a boy as well. But having one of each would be nice too!
The Weekly Belly Bump: Here's the 19 week belly!
This is me last week in NC - hence the sunshine, bathing suit and smile on my face!
September 15, 2011
Welcome to our house!
So we're moved in and basically done. There are few things that are needed, and oh, the baby's room doesn't have anything other than random baby swings, rocker, and jumperoo, and some boxes in the closet. We won't be buying furniture until we know what we're having.
But come on in - here's the tour!
As you enter, to your right is the half bathroom. We didn't paint it this color, but for now we're keeping it. There's crown molding on the ceiling which is nice. I'd like to do a frame around the mirror, and we need to replace the seal on the toilet because they tried to take it with them and broke the seal. Der. Eventually, we'll also get rid of the linoleum, and replace it with tile.
The dining area. The entryway is to the right. The closet is a coat closet and we'll eventually get curtains. :) We'll also eventually get a new table and chairs...we're thinking rectangle with seating for at least 6 with maybe a leaf for extending to 8.
Living area - yes, curtains will be put in soon!
The kitchen - I love it. We'll eventually replace the linoleum with tile and hardwoods in the living area. And we'll also get a dishwasher that matches the stove and fridge. But for right now, two out of three isn't bad, right? :) And we need new barstools since those ones are too tall for the island.
Other side of the kitchen looking towards the pantry.
Pantry with our mini family command center.
Heading upstairs with our photo collage.
Top of the stairs is our office area.
Other side of the loft is the play area. We're going to get a little table and chairs to put up here eventually.
Looking back into the loft from the baby's room. On the left is our laundry closet.
The baby's room right now - needs paint, and furniture obviously.
Baby's room looking into the closet - just some random boxes in here right now.
Kid's bathroom. Yes, we need a shower curtain rod. And note the potty insert - we've started potty training as of yesterday! :)
Santi's room
Our room - needs curtains, needs some art.
Looking into the bathroom
Master Bathroom
Master closet - Tito's end
Master closet - my area
The other end of the closet which I'll be getting a built in desk for.
Back in our room - need some art over the bed and some curtains, cause in the right hand window, hello! That's the neighbors! :)
So aside from the front yard, back yard and garage (which still need some shelving and a little organization), that's our house! We'll hopefully be doing some landscaping in the back yard and putting in a garden in the spring. And we'll be pulling out a dead plant (what I think was a rhododendron bush but has been cut down and there's just a stump) in the front and hopefully putting in something nice there in the spring too. And we're working on getting the grass from being more brown to being more green. And of course we'll get some patio furniture...right now all we have are two lawn chairs.
Thanks for stopping by!
But come on in - here's the tour!
As you enter, to your right is the half bathroom. We didn't paint it this color, but for now we're keeping it. There's crown molding on the ceiling which is nice. I'd like to do a frame around the mirror, and we need to replace the seal on the toilet because they tried to take it with them and broke the seal. Der. Eventually, we'll also get rid of the linoleum, and replace it with tile.
The dining area. The entryway is to the right. The closet is a coat closet and we'll eventually get curtains. :) We'll also eventually get a new table and chairs...we're thinking rectangle with seating for at least 6 with maybe a leaf for extending to 8.
Living area - yes, curtains will be put in soon!
The kitchen - I love it. We'll eventually replace the linoleum with tile and hardwoods in the living area. And we'll also get a dishwasher that matches the stove and fridge. But for right now, two out of three isn't bad, right? :) And we need new barstools since those ones are too tall for the island.
Other side of the kitchen looking towards the pantry.
Pantry with our mini family command center.
Heading upstairs with our photo collage.
Top of the stairs is our office area.
Other side of the loft is the play area. We're going to get a little table and chairs to put up here eventually.
Looking back into the loft from the baby's room. On the left is our laundry closet.
The baby's room right now - needs paint, and furniture obviously.
Baby's room looking into the closet - just some random boxes in here right now.
Kid's bathroom. Yes, we need a shower curtain rod. And note the potty insert - we've started potty training as of yesterday! :)
Santi's room
Our room - needs curtains, needs some art.
Looking into the bathroom
Master Bathroom
Master closet - Tito's end
Master closet - my area
The other end of the closet which I'll be getting a built in desk for.
Back in our room - need some art over the bed and some curtains, cause in the right hand window, hello! That's the neighbors! :)
So aside from the front yard, back yard and garage (which still need some shelving and a little organization), that's our house! We'll hopefully be doing some landscaping in the back yard and putting in a garden in the spring. And we'll be pulling out a dead plant (what I think was a rhododendron bush but has been cut down and there's just a stump) in the front and hopefully putting in something nice there in the spring too. And we're working on getting the grass from being more brown to being more green. And of course we'll get some patio furniture...right now all we have are two lawn chairs.
Thanks for stopping by!
August 30, 2011
Starting Over
So they say that your second child doesn't get as much attention as your first. While I was determined to not have this happen, it already is. Maybe because I've been so nauseous and sick for the first trimester? Maybe because I'm busy when I'm not sick moving and chasing a very active 17 month old around? Maybe because I'm lazy? Maybe all of the above?
But I'm determined from this point on to be better with updates on this baby, updates on the house, and updates on our lives.
We have officially moved out of our apartment to our house. All of the boxes are unpacked and the only things left to do are little things. Like hang some photos and shelves. And the baby's room. But we've decided to not deal with the baby's room until we know what we're having - no sense in buying furniture and painting until we know what we're having. And we have another month until we find out - the date for the gender ultrasound is September 20th!
This pregnancy is SO different from Santi's. From the things I'm eating, to how I'm carrying. I'm 18 weeks now and still in regular clothes. I have three pairs of size 6 shorts I'm wearing and can still button and are comfortable. And one pair of capri pants that are a size 5/6 that I wear, and two pairs of jeans. I can button those jeans but they're more comfortable unbuttoned so I zip them up and button them with an elastic band. And all of my tops are non-maternity tops. I'm SWIMMING in maternity clothes. I have one XS maternity top and it's SO big on me. And all of the rest of the stuff is way too big. While the pants are comfy, they are too big and when I've put them on I spend 99% of my day hiking them up. So I've avoided buying any maternity clothes to this point.
With Santi, I was in maternity clothes at 11 weeks. And I gained weight in the first trimester (about 5lbs) and it went to my legs/hips and my arms. With this pregnancy, I've lost 11lbs, and now that I'm in the 2nd trimester, I'm STILL maintaining that weight. I told my OB I was concerned and asked if I should be drinking weight gain shakes and he said no. He said his only concern was me gaining too much weight (which for my frame I'm only supposed to gain 30lbs at the most.)
So he told me to indulge, and I'm taking his advice and enjoying some milkshakes, and ice cream, more than I normally would. But I'm still exercising. If I'm not going to Stroller Strides, I'm going for walks with Santi (we did 4.5 miles the other day.) But we have a new neighborhood to explore, so we go walking a lot. And I've also been doing a lot of yard work. So I think this is all contributing. And I am hoping that I gain weight but that the slow gain helps me lose it after this baby arrives.
And my goal is to run a half marathon next June after this baby arrives. Tito asked me "why?" which, to tell you the truth, I would have asked myself a year ago. But the truth is, I want to do it so I can say I did it. It's a personal goal I've had in my head since joining Stroller Strides after Santi was born and the Running Club and training for two 10k's. And while training for the 10k, I said to myself - "If I can run 6.2 miles, why can't I run 13?" So that's my goal. And I'm hoping I can do it. Timeline will be tight as I won't be able to start training for it until the end of February or early March depending on when the baby arrives. So that's three months to train, but I'm hoping my body will remember running by that point and not be too upset with me.
As of now, here are where things stand with Baby D #2:
How Far Along: 18 weeks (154 more days to go!)
What "They" Say About Our Baby's Development: Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long and it weighs almost 7 ounces. It's busy flexing its arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. Its blood vessels are visible through its thin skin, and its ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from its head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around its nerves, a process that will continue for a year after it's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.
Weekly Food Comparison: A bell pepper
The Weird: Random hiccups
Currently Craving/Avoiding:
Avoiding: Not much...
Craving: Sugary foods, carbs
Doctor Updates: Nothing this week. One month until our BIG ultrasound!
The Weekly Belly Bump: I need a different photo but this is the latest I've taken - this was at 16 weeks, although I'm not really looking any bigger at 18 weeks now!
But I'm determined from this point on to be better with updates on this baby, updates on the house, and updates on our lives.
We have officially moved out of our apartment to our house. All of the boxes are unpacked and the only things left to do are little things. Like hang some photos and shelves. And the baby's room. But we've decided to not deal with the baby's room until we know what we're having - no sense in buying furniture and painting until we know what we're having. And we have another month until we find out - the date for the gender ultrasound is September 20th!
This pregnancy is SO different from Santi's. From the things I'm eating, to how I'm carrying. I'm 18 weeks now and still in regular clothes. I have three pairs of size 6 shorts I'm wearing and can still button and are comfortable. And one pair of capri pants that are a size 5/6 that I wear, and two pairs of jeans. I can button those jeans but they're more comfortable unbuttoned so I zip them up and button them with an elastic band. And all of my tops are non-maternity tops. I'm SWIMMING in maternity clothes. I have one XS maternity top and it's SO big on me. And all of the rest of the stuff is way too big. While the pants are comfy, they are too big and when I've put them on I spend 99% of my day hiking them up. So I've avoided buying any maternity clothes to this point.
With Santi, I was in maternity clothes at 11 weeks. And I gained weight in the first trimester (about 5lbs) and it went to my legs/hips and my arms. With this pregnancy, I've lost 11lbs, and now that I'm in the 2nd trimester, I'm STILL maintaining that weight. I told my OB I was concerned and asked if I should be drinking weight gain shakes and he said no. He said his only concern was me gaining too much weight (which for my frame I'm only supposed to gain 30lbs at the most.)
So he told me to indulge, and I'm taking his advice and enjoying some milkshakes, and ice cream, more than I normally would. But I'm still exercising. If I'm not going to Stroller Strides, I'm going for walks with Santi (we did 4.5 miles the other day.) But we have a new neighborhood to explore, so we go walking a lot. And I've also been doing a lot of yard work. So I think this is all contributing. And I am hoping that I gain weight but that the slow gain helps me lose it after this baby arrives.
And my goal is to run a half marathon next June after this baby arrives. Tito asked me "why?" which, to tell you the truth, I would have asked myself a year ago. But the truth is, I want to do it so I can say I did it. It's a personal goal I've had in my head since joining Stroller Strides after Santi was born and the Running Club and training for two 10k's. And while training for the 10k, I said to myself - "If I can run 6.2 miles, why can't I run 13?" So that's my goal. And I'm hoping I can do it. Timeline will be tight as I won't be able to start training for it until the end of February or early March depending on when the baby arrives. So that's three months to train, but I'm hoping my body will remember running by that point and not be too upset with me.
As of now, here are where things stand with Baby D #2:
How Far Along: 18 weeks (154 more days to go!)
What "They" Say About Our Baby's Development: Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long and it weighs almost 7 ounces. It's busy flexing its arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. Its blood vessels are visible through its thin skin, and its ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from its head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around its nerves, a process that will continue for a year after it's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.
Weekly Food Comparison: A bell pepper
The Good: Feeling the baby move occasionally. I still am not used to this feeling. Maybe because I know that there is a little person inside and I'm kind of anxious to get to the point of meeting that person? I'll let them stay in there and cook a little longer though!
The Bad: HeadachesThe Weird: Random hiccups
Currently Craving/Avoiding:
Avoiding: Not much...
Craving: Sugary foods, carbs
Doctor Updates: Nothing this week. One month until our BIG ultrasound!
The Weekly Belly Bump: I need a different photo but this is the latest I've taken - this was at 16 weeks, although I'm not really looking any bigger at 18 weeks now!
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