The Wombie

So this new mama-to-be has been introduced to another life-saving baby product, thank you kyla! I for one, had never heard of these cocoon-like swaddle blankets, but after reading about them since receiving one this week as a gift for Baby OB, it sounds as if everyone should have one...or multiples!

like how cute is this??

 

The Woombie allows and encourages baby to softly stretch their extremities as needed- just like in the womb. It comforts, softly confines arms, hugs the tummy (great for colic) and gently cocoons baby's unique curves. It prevents startling issues, face scratching, overheating and also preventing dangerous loose unraveled blankets from covering baby's face.

 

It also has two zippers, one at the top and one at the bottom which allows you to do those quick diaper changes in the middle of the night without taking the baby completly out of the swaddle. GENIUS!

 

I originally had registered for the swaddleme swaddle blankets, and I may still buy one to try, but I have a feeling i'll be ordering a few more of these once baby arrives!!

 

Has anyone else tried these inventions out?

 

Hospital Bag

People say to pack your hospital bag around 34-36 weeks. So now that we are 34 weeks, I guess its time to start rounding a few of these items up to have ready. After hours of debate and research, here’s a checklist and a few suggestions. What am I missing?!?

• Hospital Card, Health Card, Photo ID
•  list of people to call
• Toiletries (Dry shampoo, leave in conditioner, soap, toothbrush & toothpaste, facewash, deo, brush, headbands, elastics, lotion, ear plugs, chapstick, and maxi pads....yuck)
• Magic Bag
• Clothing
• Pajamas (2)
• Yoga Pants (2) and tops (2)
• Long-sleeve t-shirt
• Bathrobe and nightgown/PJ bottoms and top
• Flip flops
• Comfy Socks with grippy bottoms
• Sports bras/nursing bras/underwear size XXXXL
• slippers
• Other Necessities
• Phone charger
• Laptop/iPod/chargers
• Kindle and charger
• Baby Book for print of baby's feet and hands
• Notebook to track visitors/gifts/flowers
• Snacks
• Water bottle/Gatorade
• Boppy and nursing cover
• Nursing pads/lanolin cream
• Car seat installed and car seat cover if its cold
• Some things for Tim to freshen up with if we are there for a LONG time
• Diaper bag:
• hat, swaddle blanket, mittens, socks, pacifier, newborn going home outfit, snowsuit?

 

After looking online at The Wise Baby, I think we have it pretty much covered! Any other recommendations?

 

 

 

33 Weeks

OMG I am getting large.When I lie down, I feel like a beached whale. It's so hard to move, especially from side to side. I am sure Tim must feel like the bed is going to fall apart every time I shift. At work I find it hard to sit up strait as the baby is all up in my ribs. I am going to have to start reclining my seat and putting my feet on my desk hahaha.

You think I would have learned by now to always take my pre-natal vitamins with food. But nope, still learning that lesson. Had to pull over last week on the way to work and get sick, and today I had to break open my morning snack on the way to work and inhale it because I thought I was going to toss the cookies again!

Had a prenatal massage Monday, and was soooo looking forward to it after the last one I had. Nearing the end, I had like the worst heat-flash of life. It was all I could do not to tell the masseuse to stop touching me, all I wanted to do was throw the blankets off me. It was horrible! Not at all the masseuse's fault, she was doing a bang up job, it must have been my raging hormones and all that extra blood supply.

Labour is starting to terrify me. I am sure it won't get any better after tonights pre-natal class. Its all about labour and delivery. Yikes!

Still running, but definitely less frequently. Just trying to listen to my body. If I am tired, I take a nap instead. I've stopped feeling guilty and have just been enjoying it as I figure naps are going to be few and far between in a few weeks time. Tim and I are still walking every few nights when I don't get my run in.

How far along? 33 Weeks, 5 days...44 days left!

Baby Size: The size of a pineapple. Averaging 4.9 pounds and 19-22 inches long! Wowzers!

Total weight gain: 30 pounds 
Maternity clothes? Yes and no...very pleased with how many non-maternity dresses are still fitting. 
Stretch marks? No...but this belly is getting bigger every day. Scary!
Sleep: Sleeping is a battle. I have nights of severe insomnia, followed by a night of sleeping through the night due to my exhaustion. I wish I could sleep consistantly. Some days I am a zombie. When I can't sleep I lie in bed and think of all the things left to do...haha, some nights I get up and eat. Then there really is no chance of getting back to sleep! Oh and I've been finding myself sleeping on my back, which is also not good. Oops!
Best moment this week: Pretty uneventful week to be honest!
Miss Anything? Being able to zip jackets/sweaters up.
Movement: This little baby is a mover and shaker lately, they got off to a slow start but are definitely making up for it now.
Food cravings: Bagels, Lemonade, choc covered almonds, and I eat about 6 corn on the cob a week. Yum!
Anything making you queasy or sick: nope, well other than my vitamin.
Gender: i'd say its about 50/50 lately. Auntie Sarah started a baby pool, but so far very few guesses (www.bebepool.com/sherbert). Guess nobody else knows what to guess either!
Labor Signs: Had my first braxton hicks last night after my run on the treadmill. I thought if I went for a walk, I could walk them off. But after 2 laps around the neighborhood I had to come inside they were so bad. They lasted until well past midnight. Guess that's my bodies way of getting me ready for the real thing.
Symptoms: Just getting bigger and more achy. It's starting to take a toll...and I still have 6 weeks to go. Heartburn hasn't been bad lately, but i've definitely been way more conscious of what i've been eating.
Belly Button in or out? Ummm it's puckering out...but still in..mostly.
Wedding rings on or off? On, still no swelling. I attribute that to staying active.
Mood: Happy, anxious and ready to meet him/her!
Looking forward to: Hopefully having a baby shower in the next few weeks! :)

Baby Registry

So a couple of friends were telling me I should start a baby registry for all the things we have left to buy. I wasn't sure if people did that these days, or if that was a bit presumptious of us. But I guess its better to get the items that you need upfront - much more efficient. Emma had mentioned doing it online on certain websites like Amazon.ca, where you can register for things from all different stores (Toys R Us, Sears, Walmart, etc) and have them all in one place so you can order online and have things delivered. Or if someone choses to buy it locally, you can just tick off on the registry that it was ordered that way instead. Kind of a neat idea.

So I went ahead and created a wishlist for some things on Amazon.ca. It was a great experience. Most items tend to be cheaper than local stores, and they create a great "thank you" list to help you stay organized. I used the website Lucie's List as a guide on what to register for, and also recommendations from friends and other blogs I follow.

I thought I'd share for those of you who are currently contemplating your registry "must-haves" and for all you future mamas-to-be.

Aden & Anais Sleepsacks. They are super lightweight and soft. They're made of a cotton muslin to keep baby from being overheated. They also make washcloths, bibs, towels, crib sheets and more.  Earlier this summer I ordered a 4-pack of the blankets from the recommendation of a friend. They are so soft! We also registered for the Summer Infant's Swaddleme and the HALO SleepSack.

I'm planning to breastfeed, so I opted for the Medela Pump in Style. This is the moderately priced pump...they have a more expensive option but this one is pricy enough and I don't want to spend all that money when I don't even know if I'll be able to pump (fingers crossed I can!!).

 

The Rock N Play i have been hearing great things! What makes it so great is the fact that it serves the purpose of a portable sleeping venue and a seat to hang out in and play!

The Fisher Price Snugabunny swing and the Fisher Price Rock N Play. I love this swing because it is one that actually plugs in so you don't have to constantly change the batteries. It has six speeds, two types of swinging motion, and three cradle positions.

We registered for the Bumbleride Indie Stroller in black from the recommendation of a good friend who was home visiting just a few weeks ago. She was able to close it up and store it in the trunk with one quick flick of a switch. It's super lightweight and she can easily fit it in her trunk. And its compatible with our car seat. It was a toss up between this and the BOB Revolution, but this stroller comes with all the accessories (the BOB you have to buy everything separately) and its lighter and easier to store. So it won us over!

The Graco Playyard! These new models have a removable full-size bassinet and changing table so we can use it in our room when the baby comes home from the hospital and convenient late night diaper changes. I've heard this napper feature is a must! The Napper sits on top of the Pack N' Play and cups the baby on all sides. I'm hoping we can use this instead of  a bassinet or cradle AND the best part, we can use it for years to come AND it's a must-have for travel and for Grandma and Grandpa's. I think everyone has one of these - I don't know a single parent who doesn't own one. By comparison, we would use a bassinet or cradle for 3-4 months (max), and then what? Store it away, sell it... use it as a planter?

We also opted for the Motorolla Digital Video Baby Monitor, because lets face it...I am going to be an over-paranoid mother. I already stay up worrying at night if our cat doesn't come home. I'll likely be poking and standing over our baby just to be sure he/she is breathing. So a video monitor is a must for me!! I've heard good reviews about this one. Any other recommendations?

Of course there are many clothes, binkies, feeding things, sleep sheep, diaper genies, toys and more to add, but these were the highlights in my book :) any other recommendations?

 

 



What We've Been Up To

So lately there have been a lot of assemblies, painting, hanging, etc, taking place.

I think Tim deserves the handy man award now.

 

I even had him "fluffing" tissue poms on Sunday and helping me hang them on the ceiling.

 

Here is the finished product over top of the crib.

 

Where our life savings is now going...hello diaper costs!

 

Moved all the diapers down to the basement for storage so I can work away at organizing the closet this week.

 

Friends also delivered the bassinet we are borrowing from them. Nice to be able to borrow something instead of having to buy one ourselves.

 

We spent our last day at the Cottage on Saturday. It was a beautiful sunny day. While the boys took out the wharf, I sat on the deck and sunned myself and read my book. The perfect ending to a great summer.

Friday night had a fun night with the gals, we enjoyed one last summer meal on Victoria Row. I even made it up til 12:30...impressive I know! haha.

We also had a date night at the PEI Shellfish Festival Saturday, we indulged in some delicious seafood, took in a bunch of great musicians. Nice to have a little date night. Sunday was a lazy day - we're savoring those morning of coffee and breakfast in bed, proceeding by moving our bums to the couch and watching movies until someone has to break the stretch and actually go do something productive. Lucky for me, this week that was Tim!

We had our maternity photos thursday night with Amy Parsons Photography. We couldn't have asked for better weather. We wanted to hit up a sunflower field and the beach, so I had planned a fall-ish outfit for the sunflower patch and a summer outfit for the beach. Well it was 25 and sunny, so i nixed the fall idea. Enter Kyla and her dresses, I borrowed two of them at the last minute for the shoot and wore them both! Jeans, boots and a sweater just wasn't happening with my already over-heating body.

We had alot of fun with Amy, makes a big difference when you know the person doing the pictures. We were super comfortable with her. Here is a sneak peak she posted:

We also booked our newborn pics with Virginia Doyle Photography for early November. She specializes in newborns. I crossed another thing off my to-do list and ordered some cute bloomers, and prop hats off Etsy.

 

Sweet Shop Boutique

Also, one of my besties got engaged Friday night. Pretty exciting! All in all, a pretty darn good weekend!!

Endless To-Do Lists

The Endless To-Do List

With my baby incubation days coming to an end, it's becoming more and more overwhelming to look at the things that we still need to do. Here are a few things that have been overlooked but now keep me awake during the wee hours of the morning:

1. Pack Hospital Bag -post on this to come, still trying to figure out what to pack in there!

 

2. Finish Nursery - still need to order (a) blind for the window, (b)baskets for the change table, (c) change pad for change table, (d) mattress for crib, (e) hang tissue poms, (f) organize closet.

 

3. Wash, dry and fold all baby clothes, blankets, etc.

 

4. Purchase everything we still need - although the nursery is basically together, there are still many things we still need to buy.

 (swing, baby video monitor, playmat, scratch mittens, baby shampoo/lotion, infant care set (finger nail clippers, brush, etc), sleepsacks & swaddle blankets (they recommend you don't use blankets anymore...who knew??), soothers, stroller, breathable crib bumper, sound machine, newborn diapers, breastpump, exercauser, crib bedding, playpen, moby wrap).

Yes, being a first time parent is expensiveeeeee!!

 

4. Items for newborn photoshoot - I plan on buying some boy and girl things from Etsy to be prepared.

 

5. Going home outfits, one blue and one pink!

 

6. Put together diaper bag

 

7. Make some pre-made freezer meals for those first few weeks home with Baby OB.

 

Life is no longer going to be just the two of us.

 Tim and I have been married for two years, and together for 10. And these ten years have been so great. We've gotten to travel a ton, make amazing life-long friends, buy a house, learn how to communicate with one another, support each other through difficult times, celebrate many goals/accomplishments (MBA, CA designation, running 1/2 marathons, new jobs) create an an abundance of inside jokes, spend a ridiculous amount of Saturdays sleeping in, and the list goes on.

Our time together as a family of 2 is winding down. We have 7 weeks to go (or less). It's getting so real that this little one is coming fast. We have 5-6 more weekends before we are officially parents.

6 more date nights... 6 more saturdays to sleep in together..6!!!
 

We are taking every moment in. Trying to spend as much time together as possible, before our lives change forever. Monday night we ordered pizza and napped the evening away in bed, just because we could. Tim worked late Tuesday (which he won't be able to do much longer!!) and then we walked in the dark, just becuase we could. We're going to try to jam as many dinner dates, movie dates, friends dates, as we can because soon...we will have a third wheel :)

For the next little bit we’re going to be the only ones in our friend groups with a baby. We’re going to have to figure out how to be good friends and good to our family at the same time. I know it isn't going to be easy, when we are so used to putting ourselves first. Sometimes I am sure we'll wonder if we are doing it well, trying to balance it all and yet still show up for social functions. Soon it will be a life of naps and schedules, yet still, having children doesn’t mean we’re homebound.

But I hope that everyone will see the other side too; that sometimes it does mean that we willingly skip the fun things to put our baby first. Sometimes it’s okay to push a kid to skip a nap, but sometimes, it’s not. So much of parenting is about gauging where your kids are, where you are, and what should happen based on those factors combined. It's going to be tough...but we can do it.

 

The good news, while obvoiusly we can't just pick up on the spur of a moment and book a trip like we used to, we can still travel...and we WILL! We are already getting baby's first passport application figured out, so that we can still make our annual family trip to Maine over Christmas break (yes we are taking a 5 week old on a 10 hour roadtrip...call us crazy...maybe!!). If we're blessed with a good little sleeper, we're also discussing the possibility of Florida or South Carolina in the winter for a week or two. Supposedly that's the best age to be travelling with young ones, and we're brave enough to give it a shot.

So while obviously things are going to change for us...our schedules may be a little different, our trips a little tamer, i'm optimistic we can find a good balance for our own sanity! after all, that's why granny, grampy and aunty Sarah live so close right??? ;)

32 Weeks: 8 Months Prego and 8 Week to go!

We went in for our 32 week appointment yesterday!

So exciting.

 

His/her little heartbeat was loud and strong. And I am measuring back on schedule at exactly 32 weeks.

We have one more 2 week appointment (@ 35 weeks since Doc is on vacation) and then we go in every week until baby OB decides to come!

I am feeling tired these days. I have frequent bouts of insomnia, some nights I only get 3-4 hours sleep. My back aches if I am up on my feet for too long, and i've been getting more frequent heartburn (annoying). But other than that, I have been so lucky to feel good up until this point!

I can still run! I can't believe I have made it this far! 3.5 miles is the longest run I have gone on in 3 weeks. It seems to get harder each time we hit another week. So we will see how this week goes. Kills me to watch all the people out and about running outside preparing for the PEI Marathon in October....sigh.

We started pre-natal classes last week, it was...interesting to say the least. I found the first class to be kind of geared more towards someone in the early stages of pregnancy (no drinking, no smoking, etc). But there was some useful parts too. Of the 10 couples, everyone except two couples found out what they were having. 7 couples are having girls, one couple having a boy, and 2 couples (one of which is us) are not finding out. This week's class is nutrition....again, at 32 weeks seems a bit late at this point. We may skip it. Next week's class is all about labour and what to expect...i've heard horror stories that you actually watch a live birth. PETRIFIED!

how about that basketball I appear to be carrying under my shirt!

How far along? 32 Weeks, 4 days. Only 50 Days TO GO!!
Baby Size: Baby is the size of a squash! The long ones, not the butternut squash. gaining approx. 0.5 pounds a week and is now around 4.5 pouns and 18-19 inches. I can tell he/she is getting alot bigger by the intensity of the movements and kicks.
Total weight gain: 28 lbs as of yesterday's apt. I've been seeing numbers on the scale i've never dreamed of seeing before. Its nervewracking seeing that each week = 1 more pound. I have to keep reminding myself that my body knows what it’s doing. I'm  exercising and eating healthy so whatever weight I am gaining is healthy.  Whatever the number, its exactly what my baby and body need.
Maternity clothes? Now that the weather is cooling down, I am back to rocking my maternity work pants and my Motherhood Maternity black leggings with a combo of maternity and non-maternity shirts. My rain coat doesn't zip any more and I can't even get the sash tied around my belly. So I walk around with my jacket hanging open..and my big belly hanging out.
Stretch marks? none yet
Sleep: sleep is fair at best lately. Lots of rolling, lots of pee breaks, and bouts of insomnia.
Best moment this week: Doctor's appointment where I got to hear little one and hear that everything is progressing A-ok.
Miss Anything? being able to curl up in a ball on the couch. And being able to carry laundry up and downstairs without getting winded. oh the things we take for granted!
Movement: still lots of movement, lots of rolling and lots of jabs.
Food cravings: Choc covered almonds!
Anything making you queasy or sick: not really.
Gender: My gut still says girl, but I really have no sweet clue!!
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Heartburn/indigestion, major charlie horse in my right calf.
Belly Button in or out? Still in, but it is super stretched.
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY!
Exercise: still running about 2 miles/day about 3-4 times a week. Starting back up with pre-natal pilates this week too.
Looking forward to: maternity pictures this week :) They were supposed to be yesterday, but with the tail end of the hurricane hitting PEI, we postponed until Thursday. Glad I decided to book them before I got too uncomfortable/size of a whale.

Nursery Update

So we made some progress over the weekend on little Baby OB's room. While I don't want to give away too much too early, here's a few sneak peaks. I love the white furniture against the teel green paint. It's exactly how I envisioned it would look. Sweet, warm and whimsical.

 

Remember the bookshelves I had told you Tim built back in July here, well this is the finished product with my favorite books on them for display. I LOVE how the shelves turned out. When we get out mat pics and newborn pics done, I plan on doing a little college wall over top of the change table. We still need to purchase a change table pad and some baskets for diapers, blankets, etc. I can't find different color baskets anywhere (aka anything other than brown wicker or white). Any recommendations? I'd love to find some yellow ones or charcoal gray.

Some of you are probably wondering why we have a change table. Well we bought this dresser from Storkcraft and assembled it, planning to use it as a change table/dresser combo. Well we purchased it without first reading the measurements or the reviews. Turns out, if we had of read the reviews, we would have read from other users that the top of the dresser only measures 29 inches. Standard change pads are made 32 inches (duhhh) and therefore don't fit on the top of the dresser. Oopsie, so much for that idea.

So I scowered Kijiji all summer waiting for a white change table. I didn't want to buy a new one because I didn't even know how much we really would be using it. Finally, a few weeks ago one was posted for $25. A steal! I immediately message and tell the owners we'll take it, without even really looking at the photos. We go to pick it up, and the owner tells us he used it for his 3 children, and lent it to family for 2 other children. So its been very well loved to say the least. It had turned almost a yellowish color and had some dents and markings on it. Tim was a bit skeptical, but because it is atleast ten years old, its got that sturdy old construction and made from REAL wood. Not that crappy flimsy half-wood that most things are built out of these days. So I say, we'll take it, knowing it had some real potential. Tim put two coats of semi-gloss paint on it last week, and tada, it is now in perfect condition!! I couldn't be happier with out little $25 purchase.

And here is the crib. I ordered the sweet elephant prints hanging above the crib off Etsy from the store Traffalgar Square. Bought the frames from Walmart. The bunting banner I borrowed from Tim's sister, she used them for her wedding decor. The white shelf I also got at Walmart. And the "Live, Laugh, Love" wrought-iron words I bought years ago for our first apartment. They've been boxed up for a few years now, so Tim spray painted them white and tada - perfect decoration for Baby OB's room. We had no room to store the carseat, the crib is doing the trick for now!

I also bought this print off of Etsy store Tessyla, which I haven't found a home for quite yet. Also, bought 7 multi-color tissue poms from the Etsy store Pomtree that I have to figure out how to hang above the crib. As you can see, i've been making quite a few purchases off Etsy these days!

And that's the progress thus far! We still need a crib mattress and bedding, which we'll eventually get in gender appropriate colors after baby arrives. But otherwise, the nursery is almost complete.

I have to say...it's been fun to walk by the room and see it come together. I love sitting in the rocker and thinking of the little life that will soon occupy this room. I catch Tim doing the same sometimes. Already so in love with this little baby. 

I'm thinking the next time you see the nursery, it will be finished!! :)

31 Weeks

How far along? 31 Weeks 4 days

Total weight gain: Still looking like 26 pounds...

Baby size: A pineapple, and averaging 3.9 pounds and 19 inches.

Maternity clothes? Still the same! Getting a bit worried I won't have enough stuff to get me through the cool months of Sept/Oct now that summer is over.

Stretch marks? Still clear...fingers are crossed!

Sleep: Have nights of insane insomnia where I can't sleep at all, and other nights where I sleep fantastic (like last night). I find the side that I sleep on will get sore after a while, so I need to shift more often which makes for a really restless nights sleep.

Best moment this week: Starting our pre-natal classes tonight:)

Miss Anything? A good night's sleep!

Movement: I feel like the baby has doubled in size in like a matter of days. There is a lot more pressure on my bladder and in my belly in general, I feel like my stomach is so heavy when I lie down. There can't be much room left in there! Feeling constant rolls, movements and jabs.

Food cravings: soft serve ice cream, and corn on the cob!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really!

Gender: I think girl!

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: lower tummy pains occasionly and back pains after cleaning. Major heartburn if I am not cautious on the size of my meals and what I am injesting.

Belly Button in or out? The top definitely is protruding but it's still an innie.

Wedding rings on or off? on

Mood: I had one melt down last week, which is my first in quite awhile. My granny is very sick too, so that doesn't help the tears.
Exercise: Still running about 2-3 miles a few times a week, and spin 1-2 times a week. Walking when I can. I'm ending spin class next week though, may start pre-natal yoga for the last few weeks of pregnancy.

Looking forward to: Our maternity shoot next week :)

Summer is Over - Happy Belated Labour Day!

So summer is over, and labour day is here. Where did the summer go? I used the holiday Monday to reflect on the summer and all we accomplished. While we may not have made much progress on the home front in terms of attacking projects, we certainly were on the go and stayed plenty busy. Summer always seems to go so fast. At the start of the summer I wasn't sure what kind of summer it would be seeing as I would be 5-7 months prego for it. But we had a great one. We were discussing all the things we did yesterday, and we're we ever busy! Being pregnant certainly didn't hold us back. Here's a little summer recap:

1. Greece - We started the summer off with a little European adventure to Athens, Santorini, Crete and Rhodes in early June.

Cliffs of Fira on Santorini on one of our many hikes!

Beaching it on the isle of Crete. Barely a baby belly visible here at 4 months.

 Overlooking the Acropolis in Athens

Another beautiful day!

The sunset on Santorini

 

2. Ate at some of our FAV seasonal restaurants:

 

PEI Preserve Company for Father's Day

 The Dunes for Tim's Birthday

The Dunes for Mom and Dad's Anniversary

 



Sisterly lunch date at Richard's Seafood!

 

3. Girl's Dates & Celebrating Friends

 

Catching up with friends

Susan & Brad's Housewarming in August

4. Baby went to Turks & Caicos

 

4. 2nd Anniversary Trip to Hopewell Rocks/Fundy

 

Unfortunately for us, we didn't see the sun the entire time we were away!

 

5. Dominated a Few Games of Washer Toss While Camping ;)

 

Well technically we didn't actually camp, since due to insanely bad heartburn and indigestion we came home at 3am. But I consider that a stellar performance for the 31 week prego lady! Anddd we returned the next day to defend our title!

 

 

6. And Spent Lots of Time at our Favorite Place In the World - the Cottage

 

 

 

We also found time in there to celebrate two weddings, two lobster suppers, and lots of ice cream dates! Fall is shaping up to be just as busy. We have dinner two dinners this weekend with friends, and soup fest Sunday afternoon and we have just 8 short weeks (or less) to go to prepare for Baby. Welcome Fall, we are ready for you :)