12 days until my due date. If I go as long as I did with Nolan (5 days overdue) I have 17 days left. My midwife told me yesterday that I'm next on her list of due dates. Wow, I'm next. Crap. Although I'm constantly on the watch for impending labor, the other half of my brain is still in denial that this could happen at any moment. Perhaps that's best.
I'm 38 weeks now, so the baby is perfectly formed and just putting on weight... great. No 9 pound babies please. Although... Nolan came out with an arm by his ear and an umbillical cord around his Galaday-sized head, so I think my body could probably handle an elephant. It's only fair, these slavic bones should be good for something besides big foreheads and giant grandma butts.
They say I'll go into labor when the baby's body is ready, so she must have some more cooking to do. And this time we're doing everything we can to avoid or minimize potential reflux issues, so I certainly don't want to force her out before she's ready. I'm using natural remedies now so I can skip antibiotics during labor because they wipe out all the baby's gut bacteria and can cause digestive issues. I've assembled an arsenal of women to call on if nursing should be as difficult as it was with Nolan. And we skipped buying a swing, bouncy seat or bassinet in lieu of the hammock bed that worked so well for Nolan's reflux and sleep issues. We'll have it set up in the living room before she comes home.
The last couple days Braxton-Hicks contractions have picked up a bit, in frequency and intensity, but it seems like nothing more than a dress rehearsal. I certainly don't feel like I'm 38 weeks pregnant; my body is holding up surprisingly well. Aside from the grossyly swollen hands I get in the morning, I feel remarkably normal. Sometimes I actually forget I'm pregnant, until I try to get up from the couch or make it through the grocery store without a trip to the public restroom.
Nama comes today! For Thanksgiving and baby prep. One more indicator that this is about to happen. I can't believe it...
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Do I look pregnant?
Look at that belly. It's quite a horizontal achievement if you ask me. My belly's so big it makes my butt look small. Now that's a powerful optical illusion.
17 days to go
17 days to go until my due date. 5 more days of work.
Lucia's dropped and my belly is hanging low - it's no longer straight out in front like a basketball. The crib is made, the car seats are installed, and I've begun packing our bags for the birth center. My mom comes next week for a Thanksgiving visit, and hopefully to witness the birth.
It's amazing to me that this is almost over. We are about to have a baby in our house. A BABY! Oh my. I am about to go through natural childbirth (again) with the care providers and setting I've imagined ever since Nolan's exhausting birth. I'm about to try breast feeding again, and co-sleeping, and the constant baby-wearing of attachment parenting. I am about to go back to the 24-hour schedule of parenting a newborn. Dear god save me.
I am about to be on 12 weeks of maternity leave. Will it be enough? What will it be like going back to work with a 3 month old? Will she sleep? Will she eat? Will she have reflux. Will she have Nolan's beautiful dark skin, eyes and hair? I can't believe all these questions will be answered soon. I am terrified. And jubilant. I'm a weepy, 9-months-pregnant maniac. Looking into the void... see you on the other side.
Lucia's dropped and my belly is hanging low - it's no longer straight out in front like a basketball. The crib is made, the car seats are installed, and I've begun packing our bags for the birth center. My mom comes next week for a Thanksgiving visit, and hopefully to witness the birth.
It's amazing to me that this is almost over. We are about to have a baby in our house. A BABY! Oh my. I am about to go through natural childbirth (again) with the care providers and setting I've imagined ever since Nolan's exhausting birth. I'm about to try breast feeding again, and co-sleeping, and the constant baby-wearing of attachment parenting. I am about to go back to the 24-hour schedule of parenting a newborn. Dear god save me.
I am about to be on 12 weeks of maternity leave. Will it be enough? What will it be like going back to work with a 3 month old? Will she sleep? Will she eat? Will she have reflux. Will she have Nolan's beautiful dark skin, eyes and hair? I can't believe all these questions will be answered soon. I am terrified. And jubilant. I'm a weepy, 9-months-pregnant maniac. Looking into the void... see you on the other side.
Monday, November 3, 2008
My Halloween weekend
And what did I do this weekend? How could I forget to mention...
I'm in full nesting mode (read: cranky and manic). Instead of laying down like I was supposed to on Saturday, I ran around the house like a crazy person trying to get things ready for the baby. I took all the tags off her newborn clothes, bedding and diapers and started washing them (there's going to be 5 loads or something insane). I also made a huge pancake breakfast, went grocery shopping and made homemade pizza. From scratch. All of this activity was interspersed with regular moments of yelling at my family for one thing or another. I'm not sure how many times I said something like "I'm 35 weeks pregnant!!" - meaning, you must help me right now with whatever I desire!! - but there were quite a few.
God bless the people who have to live with me right now.
I'm in full nesting mode (read: cranky and manic). Instead of laying down like I was supposed to on Saturday, I ran around the house like a crazy person trying to get things ready for the baby. I took all the tags off her newborn clothes, bedding and diapers and started washing them (there's going to be 5 loads or something insane). I also made a huge pancake breakfast, went grocery shopping and made homemade pizza. From scratch. All of this activity was interspersed with regular moments of yelling at my family for one thing or another. I'm not sure how many times I said something like "I'm 35 weeks pregnant!!" - meaning, you must help me right now with whatever I desire!! - but there were quite a few.
God bless the people who have to live with me right now.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Our Halloween weekend
On Friday I accompanied Nolan on his class trip to the pumpkin patch. Er, well actually it was a nursery selling pumpkins. But whatever, the kids had fun. I however starting having contractions so I came home promptly and Nolan spent the rest of the afternoon with his dad at work. All's well, but I can tell I'm in the last month and things are going to be wacky from here on out.
Steve had to go to a work Halloween party, so I took Nolan trick or treating with some friends from next door who just had a baby. I was exhausted and crampy, and the mama next door is recovering from a c-section, so we slowly waddled our way around the neighborhood. The kids had a blast, and we were all happy to fall into bed after an hour or so. I love trick or treating, it's so fun wandering around in the dark with the neighbors.
A year ago Nolan asked if he could be Darth Vader for Halloween. I told him no, he had to wait until he was 5. And of course he remembered, so I had to make good on my promise. I'd rather he went as a fuzzy bunny rabbit or something, but he's a genuine destruction-loving boy (which I'll admit is still totally alien to me). We bought him the mask and light saber, and made him a shirt and cape. He looked awesome but the mask was too big, so he looked more like a bobble-head Darth Vader, it was hilarious.
This weekend Nolan spent a lot of time playing Guitar Hero with his dad. He's finally mastering the two-handed game - it's pretty tricky. I love the look on his face in these pictures.
Steve had to go to a work Halloween party, so I took Nolan trick or treating with some friends from next door who just had a baby. I was exhausted and crampy, and the mama next door is recovering from a c-section, so we slowly waddled our way around the neighborhood. The kids had a blast, and we were all happy to fall into bed after an hour or so. I love trick or treating, it's so fun wandering around in the dark with the neighbors.
A year ago Nolan asked if he could be Darth Vader for Halloween. I told him no, he had to wait until he was 5. And of course he remembered, so I had to make good on my promise. I'd rather he went as a fuzzy bunny rabbit or something, but he's a genuine destruction-loving boy (which I'll admit is still totally alien to me). We bought him the mask and light saber, and made him a shirt and cape. He looked awesome but the mask was too big, so he looked more like a bobble-head Darth Vader, it was hilarious.
This weekend Nolan spent a lot of time playing Guitar Hero with his dad. He's finally mastering the two-handed game - it's pretty tricky. I love the look on his face in these pictures.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
FDA warning: Tainted Halloween candy
I've heard about this 3 times now, so you probably have too. But... better safe than sorry. See the link for pictures and more information about the tainted candy.
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1768/tellafriend.jsp?tell_a_friend_KEY=3534
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1768/tellafriend.jsp?tell_a_friend_KEY=3534
The end is nigh
I am 35 weeks pregnant. And I can feel my body breaking down ... I've been waiting for these end of pregnancy symptoms because they were so pronounced with Nolan's pregnancy. So having them show up now is uncomfortable, but also reassuring that I am in fact close to the end. This pregnancy has been challenging at times, but relatively comfortable considering. I don't even have the "I'm ready for this to be over" feeling, but I can tell my body is.
35 weeks. That's crazy. Last night my doula said "at 37 weeks the baby could come at any time". Crap! I'd better get the car seats in the cars, and the crib set up, and her clothes washed... Next weekend I'll start tackling these things.
I'm far more nervous about leaving work - am I ready, is the department ready, are those numbskulls ready? But oh well, my maternity leave starts on Thanksgiving and that's that.
This is the fun and exciting time. I've prepared my body and mind for the birth. I've studied hypnobabies and it's been wonderful. I've made cute baby things and her dresser is stocked.
Counting down... cross your fingers for a Thanksgiving baby.
35 weeks. That's crazy. Last night my doula said "at 37 weeks the baby could come at any time". Crap! I'd better get the car seats in the cars, and the crib set up, and her clothes washed... Next weekend I'll start tackling these things.
I'm far more nervous about leaving work - am I ready, is the department ready, are those numbskulls ready? But oh well, my maternity leave starts on Thanksgiving and that's that.
This is the fun and exciting time. I've prepared my body and mind for the birth. I've studied hypnobabies and it's been wonderful. I've made cute baby things and her dresser is stocked.
Counting down... cross your fingers for a Thanksgiving baby.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
An Update
I thought I should update this blog since I'm not quite as crabby as I was when I wrote the last post. Well, I'm still crabby but now it's because I am big and pregnant, and not because I'm all riled up about sexism and motherhood.
Some news...
Mr. Steve got a very exciting job promotion this month! He broke through the glass ceiling of behavior health management, after 10+ years in the industry. He's so thrilled. Plus now we get to see him every night for dinner! Hurray! In the 8 years we've been married he's never worked a normal 9-5 schedule. We are very excited.
Nolan is adjusting to Kindergarten a little slower than I anticipated. But he's making friends and seems much more settled that just a week ago. I'm so glad we've had so much time to help him get acclimated to the new schedule, new setting, new chaos before this little one comes.
Love you all,
N
Some news...
Mr. Steve got a very exciting job promotion this month! He broke through the glass ceiling of behavior health management, after 10+ years in the industry. He's so thrilled. Plus now we get to see him every night for dinner! Hurray! In the 8 years we've been married he's never worked a normal 9-5 schedule. We are very excited.
Nolan is adjusting to Kindergarten a little slower than I anticipated. But he's making friends and seems much more settled that just a week ago. I'm so glad we've had so much time to help him get acclimated to the new schedule, new setting, new chaos before this little one comes.
Love you all,
N
Monday, September 15, 2008
[unfinished essay]
Here is an essay I started a week or so ago. I haven't finished it yet; I hope to add an ending, add some statistical data and eventually submit it to some magazines. But I wanted to share it now in case that takes me a long time.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When my son Nolan was born I took a break from a high-stress job and went back to school to earn a master’s degree in business administration. During my time in graduate school I began studying in earnest about work/life balance. I took business ethics classes that focused on this topic, partially because it jived with my personal philosophies but also because I secretly hoped they would provide a how-to manual on finding a mother-friendly work environment after college.
Women face a painful conundrum in the U.S. We are simultaneously told that it is our responsibility to be the primary caregivers for our children, but we are not supported as employees in fulfilling this role. In fact we are punished for being mothers that work, for arranging our schedule to pick our children up from school or for taking maternity leave after the birth of a child.
Faced with this conundrum it seems the only comfortable answer is to either stay at home with our children, or, if we want to work, not have any children at all. And yet from a young age American daughters are increasingly being told that they can be anything, do anything, go to college and have a career. It’s not until that daughter starts her career that she learns about these rules.
The real story for America’s daughters is this: You can excel in school, get a degree and choose any career you wish. The sky is the limit. But the day you have a child – the day you admit to being a mother – gasp! – is the day you will understand sexism fully. Your world will change; suddenly your coworkers may resent you and your boss may not trust you any more. So reach for the stars daughter, but know that they may be taken from you.
There is no dirtier word in working America than “mother”. So you’d better keep it under your hat if you want to keep your job, keep the respect you’ve earned, and keep your pay. Play is safe and don’t tell anyone about the beautiful children you love passionately every second of the day. Don’t talk about them or this double life you lead, lest anyone question your commitment to you job.
When Sarah Palin was added to the Republican Presidential ticket as John McCain’s running mate, the question in the media quickly shifted from “Is she experienced enough?” to “Doesn’t she have five children? Can she do it all?.” This is an incredibly sexist point to raise, and yet that didn’t seem to occur to the countless reporters and commentators posing the question and bringing it to America’s lips. No one asked if Barak Obama should be running for President with two small daughters to raise, but because Palin is a mother – gasp! – her trustworthiness as a working woman is in question. And while it was taboo to talk about Hillary’s qualifications in the same breath as her being a woman – because that is clearly sexist – it has become acceptable to talk about Palin’s qualifications in reference to her being a mother.
Framing Palin’s qualifications for the job of Vice President in this way sets the feminist movement back 30 years. It’s an ironic turn of events in an election year when two women were in the running for the oval office; when we had such high hopes that both sexism and racism were taking a kick in the pants.
I believe that working women contribute something uniquely rich and irreplaceable to the American work force. I believe that driving working mothers out of the American work force with discriminatory corporate policies and cultures, lack of leave, lack of support and inequitable pay practices will not only hurt these women, but hurt American productivity and innovation as a whole.
I am inspired by stories of working mothers who have not faced this discrimination, and companies who have made policies to support them. But sadly these stories and these companies are the exception not the rule. The vast majority of working mothers in America do not have paid maternity leave, flexible scheduling or other policies that explicitly support parenting. And without explicit support, working mothers will continue to face serious social and economic consequences.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When my son Nolan was born I took a break from a high-stress job and went back to school to earn a master’s degree in business administration. During my time in graduate school I began studying in earnest about work/life balance. I took business ethics classes that focused on this topic, partially because it jived with my personal philosophies but also because I secretly hoped they would provide a how-to manual on finding a mother-friendly work environment after college.
Women face a painful conundrum in the U.S. We are simultaneously told that it is our responsibility to be the primary caregivers for our children, but we are not supported as employees in fulfilling this role. In fact we are punished for being mothers that work, for arranging our schedule to pick our children up from school or for taking maternity leave after the birth of a child.
Faced with this conundrum it seems the only comfortable answer is to either stay at home with our children, or, if we want to work, not have any children at all. And yet from a young age American daughters are increasingly being told that they can be anything, do anything, go to college and have a career. It’s not until that daughter starts her career that she learns about these rules.
The real story for America’s daughters is this: You can excel in school, get a degree and choose any career you wish. The sky is the limit. But the day you have a child – the day you admit to being a mother – gasp! – is the day you will understand sexism fully. Your world will change; suddenly your coworkers may resent you and your boss may not trust you any more. So reach for the stars daughter, but know that they may be taken from you.
There is no dirtier word in working America than “mother”. So you’d better keep it under your hat if you want to keep your job, keep the respect you’ve earned, and keep your pay. Play is safe and don’t tell anyone about the beautiful children you love passionately every second of the day. Don’t talk about them or this double life you lead, lest anyone question your commitment to you job.
When Sarah Palin was added to the Republican Presidential ticket as John McCain’s running mate, the question in the media quickly shifted from “Is she experienced enough?” to “Doesn’t she have five children? Can she do it all?.” This is an incredibly sexist point to raise, and yet that didn’t seem to occur to the countless reporters and commentators posing the question and bringing it to America’s lips. No one asked if Barak Obama should be running for President with two small daughters to raise, but because Palin is a mother – gasp! – her trustworthiness as a working woman is in question. And while it was taboo to talk about Hillary’s qualifications in the same breath as her being a woman – because that is clearly sexist – it has become acceptable to talk about Palin’s qualifications in reference to her being a mother.
Framing Palin’s qualifications for the job of Vice President in this way sets the feminist movement back 30 years. It’s an ironic turn of events in an election year when two women were in the running for the oval office; when we had such high hopes that both sexism and racism were taking a kick in the pants.
I believe that working women contribute something uniquely rich and irreplaceable to the American work force. I believe that driving working mothers out of the American work force with discriminatory corporate policies and cultures, lack of leave, lack of support and inequitable pay practices will not only hurt these women, but hurt American productivity and innovation as a whole.
I am inspired by stories of working mothers who have not faced this discrimination, and companies who have made policies to support them. But sadly these stories and these companies are the exception not the rule. The vast majority of working mothers in America do not have paid maternity leave, flexible scheduling or other policies that explicitly support parenting. And without explicit support, working mothers will continue to face serious social and economic consequences.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Little guy goes to school
Nolan started Kindergarten today. I thought it would be no big deal, since he's been in preschool since he was 3. But the big school and big kids made it seem like a big deal indeed. He was wiped out when we brought him home.
Before School:
After School:
Before School:
After School:
Monday, September 1, 2008
Nolan earns a merit badge
This weekend our little trio went on a camping trip to Umpqua State Park on the Oregon coast. This trip was a combination celebration of our wedding anniversary and a final vacation with just the three of us. Plus, it was Nolan's first camping trip.
Nolan has been so excited to go, and it didn't disappoint. He loved sharing a one-room cabin with Steve and me, he loved eating outside around the campfire, and oh the smores. The smores, smores, smores, smores. But he said his favorite part was running from the waves with his dad at the beach (see the video).
On Saturday we drove along the coast to see different towns we hadn't visited before. Our favorite was Bandon, Oregon. The sun, saltwater taffy and fresh seafood were just what we were looking for. Plus, Nolan got to take a ride on the Orbitron (see second video).
We were all exhausted when we pulled in our driveway in beautiful Bend on Sunday. Hopefully Nolan is catching up on some zzz's right now because tomorrow is a big day: our 8th anniversary and Nolan's first day of kindergarten!
Nolan has been so excited to go, and it didn't disappoint. He loved sharing a one-room cabin with Steve and me, he loved eating outside around the campfire, and oh the smores. The smores, smores, smores, smores. But he said his favorite part was running from the waves with his dad at the beach (see the video).
On Saturday we drove along the coast to see different towns we hadn't visited before. Our favorite was Bandon, Oregon. The sun, saltwater taffy and fresh seafood were just what we were looking for. Plus, Nolan got to take a ride on the Orbitron (see second video).
We were all exhausted when we pulled in our driveway in beautiful Bend on Sunday. Hopefully Nolan is catching up on some zzz's right now because tomorrow is a big day: our 8th anniversary and Nolan's first day of kindergarten!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
I hope this old train breaks down
I listened to one of my favorite songs this morning, Breakdown by Jack Johnson. I haven't listened to this song in quite a while and it made me realize how long I've been living out of balance. 2 years ago when I was in graduate school I listened to this song a lot; I felt like it was the perfect metaphor for my life philosophy. That is, living life in balance.
During that time we were contemplating a move to super-laid back Lopez Island in the San Juan Islands. I was rolling through ideas of how I could work from home and practice yoga outside on my property everyday. I was also riding horses a lot, and spent a lot of time outside. Jack's line "The wisdom's in the trees not the glass windows" was my mantra. And it wasn't just that I wanted to live life like that, in balance, but I DID. I made myself, it was my priority. And it felt great.
This lifestyle has slipped away from me in recent years. I'm sure it started with going back to work full time, but since moving to Bend it has really gotten away from me. And hearing this song this morning made me miss those times with a sudden, and unexpected jolt of grief. I'm sure it sounds odd that moving to Bend (outdoor rec mecca) would cause me to lose my connection with the outdoors and sense of balance, but it has. Maybe because when we moved here we were super motivated to make friends, get active, sign Nolan up for 100 activities, and in that I lost myself.
In the last year I've started a magazine (working 70 hours a week), took Nolan to preschool, swimming lessons, tae kwon do, and summer camp, made some mom friends, started and stopped a regular blog, learned to ski, got a dog... oh the list is long and exhausting. And on top of all that we decided to have another baby - and I've enjoyed this pregnancy immensely. But doing so has added another long list: midwife, chiropractor, prenatal yoga, new eating habits, studying hypno birthing...
So no wonder I feel out of balance. Instead of "the wisdom's in the trees" being my mantra, instead I've been living with the line "I got no time that I got to get to where I don't need to be."
That's gross, and sad. Like today for example: Start work at 7:30, get Nolan ready for camp, work, take Nolan to camp, work, pick Nolan up early, pick Uncle Chris up from the airport, work. And find time to do prenatal yoga, eat well, drink a million gallons of water, practice hypno birthing, and see my husband at some point.
Wow, this train needs to break down. But discovering what that means exactly will be the hard part. I hope it's not just that I miss the moist tree-covered west side of the state. I hope I can find some wisdom in the high desert... it does have some trees.
"I hope this old train breaks down
Then I could take a walk around
See what there is to see
Time is just a melody
...
I need this old train to break down.
Oh, please just let me please break down.
...
And I got no time that I got to get
To where I don't need to be.
So I need this old train to break down...
But you can't stop nothing if you got no control...
The wisdom's in the trees not the glass windows. "
...
During that time we were contemplating a move to super-laid back Lopez Island in the San Juan Islands. I was rolling through ideas of how I could work from home and practice yoga outside on my property everyday. I was also riding horses a lot, and spent a lot of time outside. Jack's line "The wisdom's in the trees not the glass windows" was my mantra. And it wasn't just that I wanted to live life like that, in balance, but I DID. I made myself, it was my priority. And it felt great.
This lifestyle has slipped away from me in recent years. I'm sure it started with going back to work full time, but since moving to Bend it has really gotten away from me. And hearing this song this morning made me miss those times with a sudden, and unexpected jolt of grief. I'm sure it sounds odd that moving to Bend (outdoor rec mecca) would cause me to lose my connection with the outdoors and sense of balance, but it has. Maybe because when we moved here we were super motivated to make friends, get active, sign Nolan up for 100 activities, and in that I lost myself.
In the last year I've started a magazine (working 70 hours a week), took Nolan to preschool, swimming lessons, tae kwon do, and summer camp, made some mom friends, started and stopped a regular blog, learned to ski, got a dog... oh the list is long and exhausting. And on top of all that we decided to have another baby - and I've enjoyed this pregnancy immensely. But doing so has added another long list: midwife, chiropractor, prenatal yoga, new eating habits, studying hypno birthing...
So no wonder I feel out of balance. Instead of "the wisdom's in the trees" being my mantra, instead I've been living with the line "I got no time that I got to get to where I don't need to be."
That's gross, and sad. Like today for example: Start work at 7:30, get Nolan ready for camp, work, take Nolan to camp, work, pick Nolan up early, pick Uncle Chris up from the airport, work. And find time to do prenatal yoga, eat well, drink a million gallons of water, practice hypno birthing, and see my husband at some point.
Wow, this train needs to break down. But discovering what that means exactly will be the hard part. I hope it's not just that I miss the moist tree-covered west side of the state. I hope I can find some wisdom in the high desert... it does have some trees.
"I hope this old train breaks down
Then I could take a walk around
See what there is to see
Time is just a melody
...
I need this old train to break down.
Oh, please just let me please break down.
...
And I got no time that I got to get
To where I don't need to be.
So I need this old train to break down...
But you can't stop nothing if you got no control...
The wisdom's in the trees not the glass windows. "
...
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The baby is named!!
We picked a first name! But it's going to be top secret until she's born!
For now we're calling her LuLu Lemon.
...To be continued...
For now we're calling her LuLu Lemon.
...To be continued...
Making cloth diapers
I've entered the world of cloth diapering... well at least in theory. I plan to use cloth diapers with this little one.
I've been too intimidated to sew my own fancy-dancy pocket diapers - with waterproof/breathable covers and fleece lining - but I did make several fleece and wool soakers last week. Soakers are simply diaper covers made from water repellent fabrics such as fleece and wool. We'll use these over a traditional cloth diaper to keep everything dry.
I had a blast sewing these. They were super easy and fast to make, and super cute. I can't wait to see her tushie in these.
In case you're interested I found the free pattern here.
I've been too intimidated to sew my own fancy-dancy pocket diapers - with waterproof/breathable covers and fleece lining - but I did make several fleece and wool soakers last week. Soakers are simply diaper covers made from water repellent fabrics such as fleece and wool. We'll use these over a traditional cloth diaper to keep everything dry.
I had a blast sewing these. They were super easy and fast to make, and super cute. I can't wait to see her tushie in these.
In case you're interested I found the free pattern here.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Breathe. Relax. Do nothing extra.
This last weekend, my baby mania felt like this:
I could tell that I was getting crazy baby brain, because I remember it from being pregnant with Nolan. "Must buy car seat!! Must buy baby clothes!! Must refinish baby dresser. TODAY!!" None of which has to be done now, or anytime soon. So I made a rule to put off all baby purchases until September or later. I felt much better after that. I wrote a list of all the things I absolutely NEED to buy/find/gather before the baby comes, and I was delighted to see how short the list was.
Now I'm focusing on getting Nolan started in kindergarten (yay!) and enjoying being pregnant again. I also started the Hypnobabies pregnancy/birthing course; I know that my baby mania is a counter-productive way of dealing with baby anxiety, so this should be a better use of my time. Basically it's about learning new techniques for relaxation and spending time every day focusing on positive baby thoughts. Much more peaceful.
Now I'm focusing on getting Nolan started in kindergarten (yay!) and enjoying being pregnant again. I also started the Hypnobabies pregnancy/birthing course; I know that my baby mania is a counter-productive way of dealing with baby anxiety, so this should be a better use of my time. Basically it's about learning new techniques for relaxation and spending time every day focusing on positive baby thoughts. Much more peaceful.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Help us name this baby!
Steve and I aren't seeing eye to eye on baby names, and now that we know it's a girl, perhaps you can help us.
Please send us your baby name ideas! We tend to like creative, unusual names. But nothing that's so unusual it will keep dear Earthchild from getting a job a Goldman Sachs in the future.
I'd love to hear some international name ideas from you world travelers out there (hello Chris!).
Please send us your baby name ideas! We tend to like creative, unusual names. But nothing that's so unusual it will keep dear Earthchild from getting a job a Goldman Sachs in the future.
I'd love to hear some international name ideas from you world travelers out there (hello Chris!).
Monday, July 21, 2008
It's a girl!
It's a girl!! And I cannot believe it.
We had a 20 week ultrasound today, and Nolan came with us to see what kind of sibling he was getting. He kept saying "Good heavens!" which is how we felt too. It's funny, doing this the second time isn't any less amazing.
The baby is perfect. She weights almost a pound, and her due date is right on target for December 4th. I went out and immediately bought some frilly pink baby girl clothes! It felt so good.
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