So, I'm staying true to my nature and running a little late!! I've also had a few conversations with some of the women in Rob's family, it turns out that tardiness runs in his family too!! His sister was born a month late and both Rob and their brother ran late as well, and many of his cousins and their children where between 2 and 3 weeks overdue! I certainly don't have providers that would condone 3 and 4 weeks overdue, but I'm holding out for a little more time! As it is, by my last menstrual cycle, I am 2 weeks overdue, but I have long cycles and I KNOW that I didn't conceive on a "normal" schedule, I probably conceived at least a week later maybe more, which is why I can push my providers to give me a little more time. There is progress being made, my cervex is softening and thinning and I am having "flexes" and "surges" periodically, just nothing in a pattern! I does feel like the baby is more in my pelvis than before, but I've been saying that for a month now!
A few weeks ago, my homegirl Tina, threw me a Blessingway. It was wonderful. My good friend Renee, drove all the way from Spokane to surprise me with her presence, K8 made it over from Vashon Island, and there was about 10 women total, which was just perfect! Rob spent most of his time outside with the children, which was just so adorable!! A.N. came to help before the party and when it got a little crowded bowed out of the party, and though I'd have liked it if she'd been able to stay, her help and presence was such a blessing that I can't hold it against her too much. ;) I got my belly casted, thank you ladies that helped. I had to bolster my self esteem for that as I am not a thin person, but hey, if you're gonna get whats important to you, you gotta do what you gotta do! I have to say the part that stands out the most is sitting in a chair in the living room with all my Ladies around me, we're all chatting, some are working on a necklace for me to wear at birth, Tina and K8 are soaking, salt scrubbing, and massaging my feet and Kim is braiding my hair, into which she's sticking blooming herbs from our garden! My glasses where off and I'd often find my eyes closing so the memory has this soft around the edges feel. Being surrounded by women who love me and each other as most of them knew each other was just so wonderful, every woman needs such a moment! Most of them brought a candle and A.N. brought me a Goddess figure to add to the few I already have, I'm just tickled with my birth alter. My other good friend that wasn't able to make it, made sure that I got a candle from her and she's loaned me the birth necklace that her women made her for her 2nd birth. Then I was at Hempfest with Rob and A.N. and found our friend who makes glass jewlery and art, he let us sit for a while (quite a blessing) and then gifted me with a beautiful necklace pendant. I'm going to be neck heavy during this birth!!
I was down at Freight House Square near the Tacoma Dome a couple of weeks ago and there was a new store, ChildTrek, (blog) which carries only eco-friendly, non-toxic toys!! It was the week before their official grand opening and the lovely lady running the place, hurried over to my belly to ask all of the standard questions and question my priorities. I assured her that I was tickled pink to find her store. She told me about her upcoming grand opening and I made plans to return the following week! I thought that her G.O. started on Tuesday, it was actually Wednesday, (runs through 9/14/08) so when I got down there with Rob, Tina and her two girls, and my very pregnant self to find her gate closed, I was a little frustrated in that way only a pregnant woman can get! Lucky me, she was in there and heard my exasperated comments! I do feel bad that she heard them, but it worked! She very generously offered to let us in to shop around. When I offered to return the next day, baby willing, because of the tempting G.O. special offers (cloth bag with $20 purchase), she said not a problem, all that stuff was already here and I was welcome to them! Seeing Tina's older girl (12yrs) excited on behalf of little kids was great, but seeing her younger one (4yrs), play and just enjoy herself with these safe toys was wonderful. Rob was a little adorable himself. He was looking at little rattle style toys for the littlest of babies and found one that said "from the first month" and "saliva proof paint". That 2nd quote was his favorite!! We couldn't choose just one item so we went with the rattle, a little orange dolly with a wooden teething ring, and a monkey puppet-washcloth. Not only did we get the cloth bag ( a really nice one), we got a couple of little "ornament" size toys that are more like examples of what they carry than actual toys and a cool pencil with a similar topper! Tina and the girls got some too (even though they weren't able to make any purchases)! Then to top it off, we were at the Olympia Co-op this last weekend, we saw a family with a little one in a carrier with a toy that we saw at the store, so we mentioned it to the family. They said that they'd researched the toys (Plan Toys) and had to get them on-line, because even in Hippy Haven - Olympia, there wasn't a store that carried them, at least that they could find. The lady behind us in line also joined the conversation and we told them that we'd found a new store in Tacoma, at Freight House Square, that carried these and other safe toys exclusively! They were excited and I truly believe that they will find themselves at ChildTrek sometime in the future! The Power of Word of Mouth!!
Well, I've got to go get ready for another DR appointment, we have a lot of them these days!!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
#15 37 Weeks
First let me say that I found the site that I've been looking for since blog #6, that lists hygiene products and their safety!! It's called Skin Deep.
Super Diddle is oh so very active!! This last weekend Rob and I went to Spokane for a W. Family Reunion. I got to see all but 1 of the "10 Greats", unfortunately, a lot of the cousins (Dad's generation) weren't there. It was so good to see those that I grew up with and it was especially nice to see them while I'm so pregnant. Rob did well with all of the introductions, I tried to tie family stories into the intros like, "This is Aunt Sue, she's a nurse in NY and has a GDaughter with my name." "This is Uncle Carl, he had the 15 hand horse that tried to dislodge me under an apple tree." At one point, one of Aunt MaryLou's grandsons needed a band aid, so I asked Aunt Toni if she new where the first aid kit was, she asked what I needed, I said, "My water broke and I need a band aid." Her eye's opened up wide and said, "You'll need more than a band aid!" Rob seemed to have fun, at one point he wandered away from me and started refereeing the kids football game, he probably knows the names of my generation of cousins better than I do now!
While we were over at Dad's, the two most important things happened, Dad and Justin, both got to feel the baby move. Sarah got to feel it too, unfortunately Carin, Brendan, and Renee got left out of the action! It was very important to me that Dad and Justin get to feel the baby move. I don't know that Dad has ever had the opportunity to feel a baby move inside of the womb and I know that Justin hadn't. Super Diddle did a gentle roll under Dad's hand and gave a combo roll/kick under Justin's! It made me very happy to give them that experience. It may be that it means more to me than to them, I don't know and that's o.k., it's just something that I wanted to share with them.
Aside from the extreme swelling, everything went very well. The flights were uneventful. My friend Renee, picked us up and dropped us off at the airport, she even loaned us her car over the weekend, not that we used it much, but we had it should we have needed it! Brendan is now driving, so he drove us back from the family reunion. It was at dusk and a little nerve wracking as he's a new driver, but knows that Dad is a fearless driver. I think maybe he's picked up on that a little too much, too soon. Rob and I helped with the deer spotting (5 in all), but going over the pass between home and the reunion, with all the curves in the road, I was more than a little nervous about the blind corners. We made it home safe and the next day when we drove in the daylight, to go letterboxing, Brendan handed me the keys. I do want to follow up with Dad on the experience to ensure that he's aware that Dusk Driving, especially with corners, may be a topic that needs to be discussed again! In regards to letterboxing, I have to say, Sarah is very enthusiastic about it, Brendan seems to be also, though I think the hunting of the box is what appeals most to him, Justin seems to like the idea, but is willing to forgo the stamps and just enjoy the hunt and camaraderie. I think the "boys" will also enjoy the planting of letterboxes too!
My house is cleaner every time I turn around, however, every time I or someone else cleans something, a previously cleaned area looks a not as good as it did before the new spot got cleaned! This week, it is very important to me that Rob and I get certain things done. For one, I need his help with a few things that have been waiting for him for a few weeks, also, this Friday is the day that my midwives come for a home visit to get the layout of the house! I'll wait for them to come over to help decide if I should put the birth pool up upstairs or down. I'm thinking the dining room, but can see the basement room being a good spot!
I'm having a lot of what I call "flexes". I don't like the word contractions, the word itself is tight and painful, I was thinking that I liked the word "rush" or "rushes", but I've been thinking of them more as "flexes". They don't hurt, they last only a little while, and the worst part is that they usually happen when I get up to do something or while I'm doing something like laundry or dishes, not exactly when I want to stop and allow it to finish. Rob and I are going to hypno birthing classes, I'm getting something out of it, but I not sure that I'm getting as much out of it as possible, as I haven't listened to the cd's yet and have not incorporated any practice into my daily routine. Either way, I know that it will provide one more tool in my tool belt of birth! As I like to say, this baby will come out!
Well, I've got a few things to do before I go for my pre-natal massage from my wonderful doula!!
Super Diddle is oh so very active!! This last weekend Rob and I went to Spokane for a W. Family Reunion. I got to see all but 1 of the "10 Greats", unfortunately, a lot of the cousins (Dad's generation) weren't there. It was so good to see those that I grew up with and it was especially nice to see them while I'm so pregnant. Rob did well with all of the introductions, I tried to tie family stories into the intros like, "This is Aunt Sue, she's a nurse in NY and has a GDaughter with my name." "This is Uncle Carl, he had the 15 hand horse that tried to dislodge me under an apple tree." At one point, one of Aunt MaryLou's grandsons needed a band aid, so I asked Aunt Toni if she new where the first aid kit was, she asked what I needed, I said, "My water broke and I need a band aid." Her eye's opened up wide and said, "You'll need more than a band aid!" Rob seemed to have fun, at one point he wandered away from me and started refereeing the kids football game, he probably knows the names of my generation of cousins better than I do now!
While we were over at Dad's, the two most important things happened, Dad and Justin, both got to feel the baby move. Sarah got to feel it too, unfortunately Carin, Brendan, and Renee got left out of the action! It was very important to me that Dad and Justin get to feel the baby move. I don't know that Dad has ever had the opportunity to feel a baby move inside of the womb and I know that Justin hadn't. Super Diddle did a gentle roll under Dad's hand and gave a combo roll/kick under Justin's! It made me very happy to give them that experience. It may be that it means more to me than to them, I don't know and that's o.k., it's just something that I wanted to share with them.
Aside from the extreme swelling, everything went very well. The flights were uneventful. My friend Renee, picked us up and dropped us off at the airport, she even loaned us her car over the weekend, not that we used it much, but we had it should we have needed it! Brendan is now driving, so he drove us back from the family reunion. It was at dusk and a little nerve wracking as he's a new driver, but knows that Dad is a fearless driver. I think maybe he's picked up on that a little too much, too soon. Rob and I helped with the deer spotting (5 in all), but going over the pass between home and the reunion, with all the curves in the road, I was more than a little nervous about the blind corners. We made it home safe and the next day when we drove in the daylight, to go letterboxing, Brendan handed me the keys. I do want to follow up with Dad on the experience to ensure that he's aware that Dusk Driving, especially with corners, may be a topic that needs to be discussed again! In regards to letterboxing, I have to say, Sarah is very enthusiastic about it, Brendan seems to be also, though I think the hunting of the box is what appeals most to him, Justin seems to like the idea, but is willing to forgo the stamps and just enjoy the hunt and camaraderie. I think the "boys" will also enjoy the planting of letterboxes too!
My house is cleaner every time I turn around, however, every time I or someone else cleans something, a previously cleaned area looks a not as good as it did before the new spot got cleaned! This week, it is very important to me that Rob and I get certain things done. For one, I need his help with a few things that have been waiting for him for a few weeks, also, this Friday is the day that my midwives come for a home visit to get the layout of the house! I'll wait for them to come over to help decide if I should put the birth pool up upstairs or down. I'm thinking the dining room, but can see the basement room being a good spot!
I'm having a lot of what I call "flexes". I don't like the word contractions, the word itself is tight and painful, I was thinking that I liked the word "rush" or "rushes", but I've been thinking of them more as "flexes". They don't hurt, they last only a little while, and the worst part is that they usually happen when I get up to do something or while I'm doing something like laundry or dishes, not exactly when I want to stop and allow it to finish. Rob and I are going to hypno birthing classes, I'm getting something out of it, but I not sure that I'm getting as much out of it as possible, as I haven't listened to the cd's yet and have not incorporated any practice into my daily routine. Either way, I know that it will provide one more tool in my tool belt of birth! As I like to say, this baby will come out!
Well, I've got a few things to do before I go for my pre-natal massage from my wonderful doula!!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
#14 More Good
Rob and I went camping for our anniversary. I don't think I'd have been able to do it any later in the pregnancy than we did, I thought I'd never move again after the first night on the ground! We had a great time and stayed for 3 nights. We camped at Big Creek Campground near Lake Cushman. I have to say that it is a great campground. Each space is far enough from the next that you can't really see it (at least we think so, we couldn't see our stuff from other sites - we were the only one's within 5 sites of us!) Most of the sites have a little area that is set aside for the tent, one even had little steps down into the area. We picked one with less separation, not because we didn't like the idea, we did, but because it was the weekend after Memorial Day and in this particular site, there was a pile of fire wood, including kindling, and a beautifully laid out bed of moss for under the tent! We met a couple of hippie chicks from Olympia who loaned us their ax, as that was one of about 3 things we couldn't believe we'd forgotten, we went mushroom hunting, hiking through a clear cut, we tried to drive to Staircase - but the road was closed, we hiked the part of the trail in the campground that we could reach, as the two bridges were out, I tried to find the place where I broke my leg (no luck, but next time!), we got frisky in the woods 8), and I took a little sponge bath while sitting on a towel over an exposed root, with water that Rob had brought back from the creek and heated over the fire. He angled a long piece of wood and hung a towel over it to block the little bit of a view that one might have walking by and even scrubbed my back! He does things right once in a while! I have to say that it was one of the most luxurious things I've ever done while camping! We also eat GREAT while we're out camping or even traveling! We had burritos with beans that we'd cooked before leaving (breakfast burritos with eggs in the morning), cabbage, cilantro, hot sauce, cheese, onion, mmmm. We had pasta with freshly harvested oyster mushrooms, I swear they taste and smell just like chicken! Rob had wine, I had an excellent ginger brew! We used tortillas for our lunches as well, with seasoned, baked tofu, lettuce, cilantro, mayo, onion, mmmm. Rob being vegetarian, he doesn't eat marshmallows because they contain gelatin, well Gramma found out that the marshmallow fluff doesn't have gelatin, so we had our own style of s'mores!! We set a grate over the fire, placed chocolate on the graham cracker over the fire, as it melted I put some fluff on another cracker. We made the little sandwich and into the mouth it went!!! Oh so good! I know it didn't have the roasted marshmallow flavor, but Rob wasn't even sure that he'd even had a s'more before, so from that perspective, they were damn good!!
I do want to take this time to encourage everyone who is able, to volunteer with the Washington Trails Association, they do a lot of good work that we benefit from and rarely think about. It is a future goal of mine to volunteer with them, not sure how that will work with starting a family just now, but we'll see!
This last weekend the Aunties came over again, oh my, what progress has been made! I can't believe it! Estelle came over and helped too, she got here early in the morning and scrubbed the walls of the "office"(aka back bedroom), while I worked on the kitchen. She was in and out lickety split! Aunt C. arrived first and started with the carpet cleaning in the "office", a short time later Aunt S. arrived. We got the "office" cleaned, the "den" (front bedroom) tidied, the dining room cleared of clutter and vacuumed. Now, I've started painting, the "office". It's going to hold our dressers and hopefully be a sewing/craft room for me! I'm painting it a lovely shade of light yellow (Kelly-Moore Rise and Shine) with a white trim! I've decide to give the ceiling one more coat, let that dry and then tackle the walls! Then the trim in a semi-gloss! Once the painting is done (by the way, we're using a no- VOC paint with lo-VOC tint!) I'm going to "help" Rob move the dressers into the "office"! Once that is done, we'll start thinking about the "den". In between doing these things, I'm to start organizing some of the living room to make it easier for the aunties to help with it!
Wow, how the baby moves! I'm at 30 weeks now and Super Diddle wiggles and jiggles inside me, much like a giant, growing spider! I love how it feels. Sometimes it takes my breath away, not because it hurts, just because it takes me by surprise! I also have noticed over that last couple of weeks that I can quite clearly feel shifts and stretches. I can almost imagine the little limb and what it's doing inside of me! I've felt Super Diddle's little fingers wiggle when baby's head is down in by pelvis, which means it's not turned quite the right way, but we have time and SD doesn't stay down yet, too much play room still! I do love the mornings and evenings, that's still when baby is most active, I feel like we're getting to know each other during those times. Dr. P, gave us a baby book, it's beautiful. It includes a book with pictures of babies, a blank book for me to fill out about being pregnant, and of course one for when the baby comes, all in one decorative keepsake box. I'm very excited to get them filled out, of course a little apprehensive too, in that filling out the pregnancy book, I'd be leaving some things out or documenting more than I actually want to remember. This hasn't been the easiest time in my life and no, it's not just because I'm pregnant, it's the combination of things only exacerbated by the emotional magnifying glass that is pregnancy. I don't want to lie to my child, but I do think there is a time for truth and it wont be soon.
On the down side, I've recently had the unfortunate luck to be around a number of children not behaving. At least one of those experiences was quite disturbing. I just remind myself that it takes a while to get where those kids are and their parents didn't (at least the ones I know) take the same parenting path that Rob and I are planning to travel. With a little luck and a lot of effort, hopefully the outbursts that I've recently witnessed will be few and far between. There is no guaranty so I'm also wondering what action to take when these outbursts happen? I was just talking with my Aunties about it. I don't remember being hit, but I don't remember hassling my parents to buy me things at the store, or behaving the way I've seen these kids behave, "ask once, that's all", "don't make a scene". They assured me that I was smacked a bit to get me to that point, I just don't remember casual hitting, a handful of spankings, yes, but no slaps on the hand, swats to the but, shakings, or the like. I do remember being sent to the car once, it was a little scary and I came back in and said that I was ready to behave ( I can't see doing that these days, so not an option for me!). In conversation with my MIL and my husband, it's clear that they don't believe in spanking, but then with my beautiful attitude, I feel that my husband may have benefited from a few spankings! I think that there are probably a couple of instances that spanking may be called for, but I don't want to spank in anger or with anything other than my hand, so spankings, if given will be given probably by me, with my hand, after I've had time to calm down, and after a discussion as to why the child is getting one, but hopefully this will be unnecessary and I'll have learned other methods of parenting by then. We are planning on taking a Love and Logic parenting class, I figure that we have a little while to take it, so it's still in the planning phase. So, here I am, where ideology meets reality!
I do want to take this time to encourage everyone who is able, to volunteer with the Washington Trails Association, they do a lot of good work that we benefit from and rarely think about. It is a future goal of mine to volunteer with them, not sure how that will work with starting a family just now, but we'll see!
This last weekend the Aunties came over again, oh my, what progress has been made! I can't believe it! Estelle came over and helped too, she got here early in the morning and scrubbed the walls of the "office"(aka back bedroom), while I worked on the kitchen. She was in and out lickety split! Aunt C. arrived first and started with the carpet cleaning in the "office", a short time later Aunt S. arrived. We got the "office" cleaned, the "den" (front bedroom) tidied, the dining room cleared of clutter and vacuumed. Now, I've started painting, the "office". It's going to hold our dressers and hopefully be a sewing/craft room for me! I'm painting it a lovely shade of light yellow (Kelly-Moore Rise and Shine) with a white trim! I've decide to give the ceiling one more coat, let that dry and then tackle the walls! Then the trim in a semi-gloss! Once the painting is done (by the way, we're using a no- VOC paint with lo-VOC tint!) I'm going to "help" Rob move the dressers into the "office"! Once that is done, we'll start thinking about the "den". In between doing these things, I'm to start organizing some of the living room to make it easier for the aunties to help with it!
Wow, how the baby moves! I'm at 30 weeks now and Super Diddle wiggles and jiggles inside me, much like a giant, growing spider! I love how it feels. Sometimes it takes my breath away, not because it hurts, just because it takes me by surprise! I also have noticed over that last couple of weeks that I can quite clearly feel shifts and stretches. I can almost imagine the little limb and what it's doing inside of me! I've felt Super Diddle's little fingers wiggle when baby's head is down in by pelvis, which means it's not turned quite the right way, but we have time and SD doesn't stay down yet, too much play room still! I do love the mornings and evenings, that's still when baby is most active, I feel like we're getting to know each other during those times. Dr. P, gave us a baby book, it's beautiful. It includes a book with pictures of babies, a blank book for me to fill out about being pregnant, and of course one for when the baby comes, all in one decorative keepsake box. I'm very excited to get them filled out, of course a little apprehensive too, in that filling out the pregnancy book, I'd be leaving some things out or documenting more than I actually want to remember. This hasn't been the easiest time in my life and no, it's not just because I'm pregnant, it's the combination of things only exacerbated by the emotional magnifying glass that is pregnancy. I don't want to lie to my child, but I do think there is a time for truth and it wont be soon.
On the down side, I've recently had the unfortunate luck to be around a number of children not behaving. At least one of those experiences was quite disturbing. I just remind myself that it takes a while to get where those kids are and their parents didn't (at least the ones I know) take the same parenting path that Rob and I are planning to travel. With a little luck and a lot of effort, hopefully the outbursts that I've recently witnessed will be few and far between. There is no guaranty so I'm also wondering what action to take when these outbursts happen? I was just talking with my Aunties about it. I don't remember being hit, but I don't remember hassling my parents to buy me things at the store, or behaving the way I've seen these kids behave, "ask once, that's all", "don't make a scene". They assured me that I was smacked a bit to get me to that point, I just don't remember casual hitting, a handful of spankings, yes, but no slaps on the hand, swats to the but, shakings, or the like. I do remember being sent to the car once, it was a little scary and I came back in and said that I was ready to behave ( I can't see doing that these days, so not an option for me!). In conversation with my MIL and my husband, it's clear that they don't believe in spanking, but then with my beautiful attitude, I feel that my husband may have benefited from a few spankings! I think that there are probably a couple of instances that spanking may be called for, but I don't want to spank in anger or with anything other than my hand, so spankings, if given will be given probably by me, with my hand, after I've had time to calm down, and after a discussion as to why the child is getting one, but hopefully this will be unnecessary and I'll have learned other methods of parenting by then. We are planning on taking a Love and Logic parenting class, I figure that we have a little while to take it, so it's still in the planning phase. So, here I am, where ideology meets reality!
Friday, May 23, 2008
#13 Confirmations and Good Stuff
I talked with Aunt SW, today. She wholeheartedly agreed to stay with us for a few days after the baby is born to help out!! What a relief!!!!!!! I know others will be by to help, but she's the only one that will be able to stay to help. Of course I just thought of my mother-in-law, who, if able, will stay too, but she's got a work schedule and I'll take her when I can get her, like a second shift, this will give her some time to make arrangements with work and such! I think that will cover the postpartum doula need!
I just heard that the high-chair funds have been raised by a group of Rob's co-workers, yeah!! I'm really excited! It's a great chair and has a long future with us as it adjusts to hold an adult up to 250#s, when not being used for a child!
I saw my good friends L. and B., and their 3 beautiful children today!! It's been far too long. Their littlest, 7 month old V. seemed to like me from the get go, even though she shies away from her own Gramma and she'd never met me, so that felt great!!! Then L. gifted me their little used play yard and a tank top! It's been a good day! Also, B. still works with a number of people that I miss and hope to reconnect with. He was telling me who he still has contact with and I got all excited, because when I think of the good friends that I have lost contact with, so many of them are from Borders, where I worked with B. and L. and these others. Sometimes, I'm glad the world is as small as it is!
I spoke with Dr. P about traveling to my family reunion in July, she said that as long as I was healthy and not dilated, that it wouldn't be a problem. She likes to encourage family things and even seemed excited for me! I spoke with her about a water birth and laboring in the birth tub, she was supportive of that too! Love it!!!
Last weekend we had a little impromptu yard sale of my mom's stuff. We made about $75. I plan on putting the money in a savings account for the baby, or if we need it for something for the baby, it'll be considered a gift from Gramma MW. My Aunt S. and my friend A. came over and helped put everything out in the yard and A. was able to stay and help put stuff away, the next day the Salvation Army came and picked up most of the left overs. Pretty much all I have left is the stuff that I didn't want to give the SA and her clothes. Aunt S is coming over again tomorrow to help shift stuff and get things sorted for "future actions"! I meant to ask Aunt SW if she wanted to come over too, maybe I'll call her in the morning! While the upstairs still looks like a disaster, we're making progress down stairs and it's only a matter of time before the upstairs is affected as we do the "mighty shift of stuff"! This blog helps keep the progress obvious!
As hard of a time that I've had emotionally these last few weeks, there are these good things and I just have to remember to focus on these things!
I just heard that the high-chair funds have been raised by a group of Rob's co-workers, yeah!! I'm really excited! It's a great chair and has a long future with us as it adjusts to hold an adult up to 250#s, when not being used for a child!
I saw my good friends L. and B., and their 3 beautiful children today!! It's been far too long. Their littlest, 7 month old V. seemed to like me from the get go, even though she shies away from her own Gramma and she'd never met me, so that felt great!!! Then L. gifted me their little used play yard and a tank top! It's been a good day! Also, B. still works with a number of people that I miss and hope to reconnect with. He was telling me who he still has contact with and I got all excited, because when I think of the good friends that I have lost contact with, so many of them are from Borders, where I worked with B. and L. and these others. Sometimes, I'm glad the world is as small as it is!
I spoke with Dr. P about traveling to my family reunion in July, she said that as long as I was healthy and not dilated, that it wouldn't be a problem. She likes to encourage family things and even seemed excited for me! I spoke with her about a water birth and laboring in the birth tub, she was supportive of that too! Love it!!!
Last weekend we had a little impromptu yard sale of my mom's stuff. We made about $75. I plan on putting the money in a savings account for the baby, or if we need it for something for the baby, it'll be considered a gift from Gramma MW. My Aunt S. and my friend A. came over and helped put everything out in the yard and A. was able to stay and help put stuff away, the next day the Salvation Army came and picked up most of the left overs. Pretty much all I have left is the stuff that I didn't want to give the SA and her clothes. Aunt S is coming over again tomorrow to help shift stuff and get things sorted for "future actions"! I meant to ask Aunt SW if she wanted to come over too, maybe I'll call her in the morning! While the upstairs still looks like a disaster, we're making progress down stairs and it's only a matter of time before the upstairs is affected as we do the "mighty shift of stuff"! This blog helps keep the progress obvious!
As hard of a time that I've had emotionally these last few weeks, there are these good things and I just have to remember to focus on these things!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
#12 Photography and Postpartum Doula
I admit that while I'm not a fan of my body when not covered in clothing, I would like to document the experience of pregnancy through photography. I do have plans to have someone (?) belly cast me, but I'd love a beautiful photograph. Something by a professional who knows how to airbrush blemishes and stretch marks and use lighting to my full advantage!! I go from feeling like a goddess; creating life, powerful, beautiful, sexy, and strong, to feeling like I have no control over my emotions, body, life, or home, feeling fat and awkward, and with no job, I feel like I have to ask permission to buy necessities that Husband doesn't think of (he doesn't want me to feel like I need permission and has recently given me a bit of money to spend as I need to!). I just want to document my beautiful, sexy, pregnant body and eventually forget about all the other crap! (I also want Daddy included in the photo shoot.) I've decided to ask for it as a gift, because we just can't afford it ourselves - it doesn't make the list of "need". I googled "pregnancy photography tacoma" and "maternity photography tacoma". I found some really impressive stuff between Seattle/(article about phgrphr) and Olympia. One in Tacoma, but I'm not sure if she does the touch ups that I'll need, Lakewood, no listing of packages or prices, another near me, more affordable. Of course, if this is gifted then I'll go where I get! (note: there are 6 sites linked here) I would like to ask that if you decide to gift a photo shoot, that: touch ups are available, there is a studio, and maybe that the photographer has experience with plus size models.
The other thing that I want, especially reflecting on the last blog entry is a postpartum doula. My friend Amy has a friend, Debbie, that I re-met recently, who, I believe, knows about the circumstances of my Mom, so might give us a friend/sympathy discount, don't really know, but I think I might follow up soon and update this entry later with more info on that! (long sentence!!) This is also a splurge and we probably wont be spending our own money on this, so it goes strictly on the gift list!
The other thing that I want, especially reflecting on the last blog entry is a postpartum doula. My friend Amy has a friend, Debbie, that I re-met recently, who, I believe, knows about the circumstances of my Mom, so might give us a friend/sympathy discount, don't really know, but I think I might follow up soon and update this entry later with more info on that! (long sentence!!) This is also a splurge and we probably wont be spending our own money on this, so it goes strictly on the gift list!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
#11 Mother's Day and updates
Yesterday was quite full! It started at 10am, I called my friend April, who had agreed to go North with me. I asked her if she could reschedule her 1:15 appointment for earlier, alas, she could not, but did realize that her appointment was for 1:00, all of this to get up to Seattle for a 1:00 DVD signing of one of Rob's favorite new shows on Adult Swim, "Tim and Eric's Awesome Show, Great Job". I called Scarecrow Video (the host of the signing) and they were kind enough to reserve a copy and have it signed if I didn't get there early enough! We did end up getting there in time. Tim was unenthusiastic, Eric was kind and thanked us for coming, their regular guest on the show, David, was flirtatious with April and wrote all over the paper part of the DVD cover, over the other autographs, and included both his home and cell phone numbers!! I would have been mad, but I knew Rob would get a kick out of it all! David did draw a goose on the back side of the DVD cover and told us that he grew up on farms in Wisconsin, to this April said, "I'm from Wisconsin, too!" This led to her being bilked out of a $10 "donation" for 2 CD's that he'd made! April generously passed them onto Rob after listening to 1 1/2 songs! These are Rob's anniversary gifts! After that, we went to Westlake Center to a store called Lush! I got some shoe/toe dust for Rob's work boots, a couple of deodorants, one for now with tea tree and citrus in it and another that's not so strong smelling for when the baby is born. I also got a couple of massage bars, just an excuse to get Rob to rub on me!! (OK, also to help my skin stretch.) From there, we went to the Pikes Place Market. I found Rob, some strong blue cheese, morels, and a cheesecake treat to share! I'm feeling like a very good little wifey!
As far as updates, after the Pike Place Market, we went to get my birth ball! I lovely craigslist find, only $15. I haven't pumped it up yet, so I'm hopeful that the little chit didn't screw me! She seemed nice and friendly, so I have a good feeling about it. I had to drive out to Kirkland to get it, but from Seattle, it was well worth it. I also got a "ball chair" in Kirkland, for only $20! I didn't get to meet the woman who listed it, but I found out from her husband that she's a naturopath!! All in all, it was a very worthwhile day!!
Today, I went with my Gramma, Aunt S., and cousin to our annual "Daughters of All Ages" event at church. Last year when the singing about moms started I took my little cousin for a walk around the church, this year, only one song was really about mothers, so I stayed strong and stayed. I tried to think of it as being sung for my Gramma, but I still couldn't bring myself to sing along. I only cried once and that was during the opening prayer. I did however have a melt down before my Aunt picked me up to go! Afterwards, at Gramma and Grampa's, I felt morose. My Aunt took me home and helped me out for at least an hour, maybe more, in the basement, we really got a lot done! She even took stuff with her to be dropped off at the Goodwill.
With Mother's Day fast approaching, I really resent my Mom right now. I feel like she's supposed to be here for me, she's the one with only adult children and no job, who can be there for me to go shopping with, to clean with, to stay with me after the baby is born. Who is going to help me now? Gramma can't go up and down the stairs to do laundry, stay overnight, or clean the house. My Mom's sisters, Aunts C. and S., have children and jobs and while they live close enough to visit on the weekends, not quite close enough to stay late into the evenings or overnight and leave for home in the morning. On my Dad's side, he's got a wonderful wife, who lives with him in Spokane, a sister, Aunt G., and a sister-in-law, Aunt SW, here in town. Aunt G., I think that, even with only adult children, has far too much going on to stay with me, but will be willing to visit as often as she can. Aunt SW, was friends with my Mom before becoming my aunt and has known me since in utero and saw me the same day I was born, has only grown children and I think less on her plate and is the most likely to be available to help me in the way that my Mom would've. I have to talk to Aunt S. about her availability, I don't doubt her willingness. I do have another friend R., that is hoping to come over from Spokane, when the baby is born. She's hoping she can get 3-5 days, it will depend on her employer. She's got a son, who is about 367 days younger than me. R. may never have any grandchildren by him, so we have adopted each other, she's even picked out the title she wants my child/ren to call her! If she is able to make it, it will certainly be a blessing, I just can't count on it.
In writing this out, it helps me to see that there are folks to help, even if just a little, unfortunately, I still have an ache about my Mom. She's left a mess for me to deal with and she's not here to help me with it or my pregnancy. A whole new hurt in a very painful time, combined with a pregnancy and all the emotions that that brings.
As far as updates, after the Pike Place Market, we went to get my birth ball! I lovely craigslist find, only $15. I haven't pumped it up yet, so I'm hopeful that the little chit didn't screw me! She seemed nice and friendly, so I have a good feeling about it. I had to drive out to Kirkland to get it, but from Seattle, it was well worth it. I also got a "ball chair" in Kirkland, for only $20! I didn't get to meet the woman who listed it, but I found out from her husband that she's a naturopath!! All in all, it was a very worthwhile day!!
Today, I went with my Gramma, Aunt S., and cousin to our annual "Daughters of All Ages" event at church. Last year when the singing about moms started I took my little cousin for a walk around the church, this year, only one song was really about mothers, so I stayed strong and stayed. I tried to think of it as being sung for my Gramma, but I still couldn't bring myself to sing along. I only cried once and that was during the opening prayer. I did however have a melt down before my Aunt picked me up to go! Afterwards, at Gramma and Grampa's, I felt morose. My Aunt took me home and helped me out for at least an hour, maybe more, in the basement, we really got a lot done! She even took stuff with her to be dropped off at the Goodwill.
With Mother's Day fast approaching, I really resent my Mom right now. I feel like she's supposed to be here for me, she's the one with only adult children and no job, who can be there for me to go shopping with, to clean with, to stay with me after the baby is born. Who is going to help me now? Gramma can't go up and down the stairs to do laundry, stay overnight, or clean the house. My Mom's sisters, Aunts C. and S., have children and jobs and while they live close enough to visit on the weekends, not quite close enough to stay late into the evenings or overnight and leave for home in the morning. On my Dad's side, he's got a wonderful wife, who lives with him in Spokane, a sister, Aunt G., and a sister-in-law, Aunt SW, here in town. Aunt G., I think that, even with only adult children, has far too much going on to stay with me, but will be willing to visit as often as she can. Aunt SW, was friends with my Mom before becoming my aunt and has known me since in utero and saw me the same day I was born, has only grown children and I think less on her plate and is the most likely to be available to help me in the way that my Mom would've. I have to talk to Aunt S. about her availability, I don't doubt her willingness. I do have another friend R., that is hoping to come over from Spokane, when the baby is born. She's hoping she can get 3-5 days, it will depend on her employer. She's got a son, who is about 367 days younger than me. R. may never have any grandchildren by him, so we have adopted each other, she's even picked out the title she wants my child/ren to call her! If she is able to make it, it will certainly be a blessing, I just can't count on it.
In writing this out, it helps me to see that there are folks to help, even if just a little, unfortunately, I still have an ache about my Mom. She's left a mess for me to deal with and she's not here to help me with it or my pregnancy. A whole new hurt in a very painful time, combined with a pregnancy and all the emotions that that brings.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
#10 24 weeks - 2/3 done, Super Diddle
I am at 24 weeks, two-thirds of the way there. I feel the baby, Super Diddle, move all the time now. In the morning and the evening is the best time. I like to lay there with my hands on my belly and rub, Super Diddle can feel it and kicks back, I feel like we're communicating. Papa has felt the baby move and has gotten a few swift kicks in the face while talking to Super Diddle. (hehe) SD really likes it when Papa talks and sings against the belly. Papa doesn't feel all the movements, so has no idea the true impact on SD. I think that the anterior placenta blocks some of the external evidence of SD's movements.
I want to update the body pillow request!! I got one off of craigslist.org. I'm so excited, I sleep so much better now and don't wake up crying! My next purchase will be the birth ball, it's getting to the point where body positioning will be important to keep baby in the most beneficial position for birthing. As a doula, I was taught that it's not just that you want the head down, you also want the back and butt of the baby in the front left of the uterus and how I sit and lay can impact how Super Diddle lays. This position (left occiput anterior) insures that the smallest part of the baby's head will be applied to the cervix first and also, completely applied to the cervix. Other positions don't connect with the cervix as well and can slow dilation. When you hear about "back labor", it is inevitably caused by a baby in the occiput posterior position.
Gramma was recently in the hospital, (don't worry, she is recovering nicely and at home again!) and I ran into an number of folks that I knew from working there. They were very excited to see my belly expanding. Of course I got a lot of, "Are you birthing here?" That led to, "We're planning a homebirth!" I'd tell them that I have two midwives, that I live close enough that I could be in surgery within a half an hour if need be, etc, all the things that I need to say to keep folks from telling me that I'm insane! hehe One of Gramma's ICU RNs told us that his wife is pregnant and a labor and delivery nurse, he then went on to tell me, in a way that seemed almost like it was a secret, that he and his wife agree that birth is over medicalized and that they are very serious about going natural. I recommended that they get a doula and stick to their guns, then I pulled out my Mothering Magazine that I had just received in the mail. I said this and their website are two of the best tools in my tool-belt!
I feel great, all of my tests have come back quite boringly and blessedly in the normal (yeah!!). I'll be having a glucose test at my next appointment and I look forward to going camping at the end of May - beginning of June for our anniversary. The next big thing is that I want to go to a family reunion in July, about 3 weeks before my due date. I don't think that my midwife/doctor will be too excited about that, but if there isn't a health reason not too, I'm going to insist. It's just East of Spokane, in Idaho, and if I can get my DR to agree, I'm going. The trip is only 1/2 hr in the air instead of 6 hrs in the car. Rob said that he'd be willing to drive over to meet me and I just looked up airfare, with $15 travel insurance, it's still under $100 for me to fly! The airline that I found with the lowest price, doesn't even require a doctors note for a pregnant woman to fly. One of the other low priced airlines requests a doctors note from an OB when traveling in the 9th month. That's probably the most responsible thing to do, but in my case, I don't see an OB, so that would pose quite a problem for me. I'll just take advantage of the lack of rules of the other airline! At least I don't have to worry about being kicked off of the plane for breast feeding, yet!
I want to update the body pillow request!! I got one off of craigslist.org. I'm so excited, I sleep so much better now and don't wake up crying! My next purchase will be the birth ball, it's getting to the point where body positioning will be important to keep baby in the most beneficial position for birthing. As a doula, I was taught that it's not just that you want the head down, you also want the back and butt of the baby in the front left of the uterus and how I sit and lay can impact how Super Diddle lays. This position (left occiput anterior) insures that the smallest part of the baby's head will be applied to the cervix first and also, completely applied to the cervix. Other positions don't connect with the cervix as well and can slow dilation. When you hear about "back labor", it is inevitably caused by a baby in the occiput posterior position.
Gramma was recently in the hospital, (don't worry, she is recovering nicely and at home again!) and I ran into an number of folks that I knew from working there. They were very excited to see my belly expanding. Of course I got a lot of, "Are you birthing here?" That led to, "We're planning a homebirth!" I'd tell them that I have two midwives, that I live close enough that I could be in surgery within a half an hour if need be, etc, all the things that I need to say to keep folks from telling me that I'm insane! hehe One of Gramma's ICU RNs told us that his wife is pregnant and a labor and delivery nurse, he then went on to tell me, in a way that seemed almost like it was a secret, that he and his wife agree that birth is over medicalized and that they are very serious about going natural. I recommended that they get a doula and stick to their guns, then I pulled out my Mothering Magazine that I had just received in the mail. I said this and their website are two of the best tools in my tool-belt!
I feel great, all of my tests have come back quite boringly and blessedly in the normal (yeah!!). I'll be having a glucose test at my next appointment and I look forward to going camping at the end of May - beginning of June for our anniversary. The next big thing is that I want to go to a family reunion in July, about 3 weeks before my due date. I don't think that my midwife/doctor will be too excited about that, but if there isn't a health reason not too, I'm going to insist. It's just East of Spokane, in Idaho, and if I can get my DR to agree, I'm going. The trip is only 1/2 hr in the air instead of 6 hrs in the car. Rob said that he'd be willing to drive over to meet me and I just looked up airfare, with $15 travel insurance, it's still under $100 for me to fly! The airline that I found with the lowest price, doesn't even require a doctors note for a pregnant woman to fly. One of the other low priced airlines requests a doctors note from an OB when traveling in the 9th month. That's probably the most responsible thing to do, but in my case, I don't see an OB, so that would pose quite a problem for me. I'll just take advantage of the lack of rules of the other airline! At least I don't have to worry about being kicked off of the plane for breast feeding, yet!
Friday, March 14, 2008
#9 Stuff I Can't Help But Ask For
Here is a blog entry with a few things that I admit aren't really needs, but boy-howdy, would they be nice to have!!
Rob and I went out to our fall mushroom hunting grounds this last weekend to see it in the spring. For now it's still mostly under snow! We saw some fungus, but nothing we'd want to eat. We did see a couple of guys going for a hike, each one with their own child and their own child carrier! One was a Kelty Child Carrier and the other was an REI version. I have to say that the Kelty was PIMP! It has a sun/rain hood that in Washington is more of a rain hood! When you start looking at accessories, they have little stirrups so Baby has something to put their feet on (so cute!!) and a bug net to protect from all those pesky little mosquitoes (and deer flies when we travel)!
Talk about carrying a child in a back pack, have you ever noticed those little gaps caused when pants ride up on kids and their little ankles and calves are exposed to the elements? That's where BabyLegs come in! They are so cute and functional! The testimonials on the site, make me want a pair for myself! In fact I don't think they really fit into the title of this blog, as the more I think about it the more I start to consider it a need! (So, I went back to Blog 6 and inserted it near the clothing topic!)
Then of course there's the yoga classes that I'd love to take, I can even take baby with me after it's born! I've taken yoga before for a short time, I ran out of money long before I ran out of interest, but I could tell that I benefited from even that short time that I did it! I think it'd be a great thing to do for exercise to prepare for baby and then after too!
I've been going to the sites of the advertisers in Mothering magazine, boy, oh, boy! I've added a few other things that would make lovely comfort gifts to MyRegistry. Earth Mama Angel Baby is full of lovely comfort things, Natural Nipple Butter sounds sooo goooood! I've actually started a registry at the site so I don't have to list everything I'm interest in on MyRegistry. I've also used the sites in Mothering, on MyRegistry as examples for clothing and toys that I like and approve of!
I've also started a wish list on Amazon.com under my name and/or e-mail, with a few hints to make sure you know it's me! There are a few parenting books, but then there are more books that are about food and consumerism that I think will help me be a better person and a better parent, we'll see!
This will be one blog that I anticipate updating with some frequency!
Rob and I went out to our fall mushroom hunting grounds this last weekend to see it in the spring. For now it's still mostly under snow! We saw some fungus, but nothing we'd want to eat. We did see a couple of guys going for a hike, each one with their own child and their own child carrier! One was a Kelty Child Carrier and the other was an REI version. I have to say that the Kelty was PIMP! It has a sun/rain hood that in Washington is more of a rain hood! When you start looking at accessories, they have little stirrups so Baby has something to put their feet on (so cute!!) and a bug net to protect from all those pesky little mosquitoes (and deer flies when we travel)!
Talk about carrying a child in a back pack, have you ever noticed those little gaps caused when pants ride up on kids and their little ankles and calves are exposed to the elements? That's where BabyLegs come in! They are so cute and functional! The testimonials on the site, make me want a pair for myself! In fact I don't think they really fit into the title of this blog, as the more I think about it the more I start to consider it a need! (So, I went back to Blog 6 and inserted it near the clothing topic!)
Then of course there's the yoga classes that I'd love to take, I can even take baby with me after it's born! I've taken yoga before for a short time, I ran out of money long before I ran out of interest, but I could tell that I benefited from even that short time that I did it! I think it'd be a great thing to do for exercise to prepare for baby and then after too!
I've been going to the sites of the advertisers in Mothering magazine, boy, oh, boy! I've added a few other things that would make lovely comfort gifts to MyRegistry. Earth Mama Angel Baby is full of lovely comfort things, Natural Nipple Butter sounds sooo goooood! I've actually started a registry at the site so I don't have to list everything I'm interest in on MyRegistry. I've also used the sites in Mothering, on MyRegistry as examples for clothing and toys that I like and approve of!
I've also started a wish list on Amazon.com under my name and/or e-mail, with a few hints to make sure you know it's me! There are a few parenting books, but then there are more books that are about food and consumerism that I think will help me be a better person and a better parent, we'll see!
This will be one blog that I anticipate updating with some frequency!
Saturday, March 8, 2008
#8 Blessingway/Baby Shower(s)
The first time I had heard of Blessingways was during my doula class, then a year or so later, a friend of mine had one that I was invited too. Ever since then, I've known that I want one too.
"Blessingways are celebrations of pregnant and adoptive women and their transition into motherhood. These special mother-centered gatherings offer friends and family a fresh approach to honoring, supporting, nurturing,
and encouraging mothers-to-be." - from Blessingway.net
With my mother incarcerated, it has become even more important to me to bring those that love and support me nearer to me. I've been rather estranged from my mother for a while, but she always came through for the big things, like my wedding, and I am realizing that I am missing out with not having her here with me during this time when I've heard that mothers and daughters really bond in a way they had never known. I need to have the women (and men) that care about me around me and supporting me in a way that is undeniable. I do keep in mind that I am now free to find women to fill the role of "mother" and I have many!! (Gramma, Cathy, Karen, Stephanie, Renee, etc)
While all that I am officially requesting from the Blessingway, is the presence of my friends and family and their participation in the "ritual", I do want to mention that as far as gifts go, they're for the mama (that's me, hehe). This is your opportunity to gift something, that if you're a woman, would've wanted for yourself (but with my picky-ness in mind), either in pregnancy ( a leg waxing), or after (postpartum cloth pads), or both (organic lotions/spa basket). My doula does do massage and a few other services that I really benefit from, but it's not covered in the doula package until the birth, so I'd take that as a gift as well. I'll make sure that Tina, tinagayle77@gmail.com (my go-to-girl) has my doula's number and the number of my favorite leg-waxer! If you're wondering where to buy natural/organic stuff, I'd try your local natural foods store (a fruit basket or gift certificate sounds great too!). In Tacoma, that would be Marlene's, on 38th St (mall side of the freeway), next to Taco Bell. The internet is a great source, as long as you're able to view the ingredient list. I really like Lush.com, it's a great company and they actually have a few stores in the U.S. now, even one in Seattle!! Another e-store is Earth Mama Angel Baby, good stuff! (In general products have to be at least 70% organic to call themselves organic and usually clearly state their percentage on the package.) I've already mentioned, in previous blogs, a few things that would easily be considered mama gifts, check out the list in blog 7 for other ideas! I've also been adding things to MyRegistry.com like crazy!!
As far as the ritual part of the Blessingway, I'll work with a close friend or relative to get all of that sorted out and send out the details with the invitations. You can probably expect something like a request for your personal positive birth stories or moments, prayers for the health and future of our baby and new family, a poem that inspired you or that you wrote, a single loose flower, a candle to light at the Blessingway and again at the birth, an offer of help for after the baby is born, such as dishes, laundry, vacuuming, a foot massage, and one of my favorites, meal prep or drop-off! (Remember, Rob's a vegetarian and he should be taken care of too!) Whatever strikes your fancy! I plan on doing a belly cast, probably before people arrive or maybe later in pregnancy, I'll get that all worked out later!
Speaking of later, I had anticipated asking for the baby shower to happen after the baby is born, as we're not going to find out the sex of the baby until it's born or if Rob has his way, until it goes off to college, that way folks will know what colors to buy (not that I'm a fan of a strictly pink or strictly blue wardrobe - hint hint). Well, my Aunt Cathy has different plans (we're related, can you tell? *we do what we want*). She says that we can have one before and one after, that there are things that we'll need before the baby comes and plenty of non-gender items to gift. This is a good time to remind folks that there are more neutrals than just yellow and green, there are soft browns, creams, earth tones, and such. Girls can wear a lovely blue. She's planning the pre-birth party for the last weekend of June, and I know that it will be at our family church. She also said someone else can plan the post-birth party - any takers? I figure that I'll plan the Blessingway for August 2nd. We can wait until later to plan the other, probably for September.
So, all those that would like to attend a party - there will be ample opportunity. Please go to whatever shower you'd like, if there is something specific you'd like to gift the baby, pick which ever party best suits you and the gift. Regardless of whether or not your going gift anything other than your presence, you should come to at least one of them and the Blessingway!
"Blessingways are celebrations of pregnant and adoptive women and their transition into motherhood. These special mother-centered gatherings offer friends and family a fresh approach to honoring, supporting, nurturing,
and encouraging mothers-to-be." - from Blessingway.net
With my mother incarcerated, it has become even more important to me to bring those that love and support me nearer to me. I've been rather estranged from my mother for a while, but she always came through for the big things, like my wedding, and I am realizing that I am missing out with not having her here with me during this time when I've heard that mothers and daughters really bond in a way they had never known. I need to have the women (and men) that care about me around me and supporting me in a way that is undeniable. I do keep in mind that I am now free to find women to fill the role of "mother" and I have many!! (Gramma, Cathy, Karen, Stephanie, Renee, etc)
While all that I am officially requesting from the Blessingway, is the presence of my friends and family and their participation in the "ritual", I do want to mention that as far as gifts go, they're for the mama (that's me, hehe). This is your opportunity to gift something, that if you're a woman, would've wanted for yourself (but with my picky-ness in mind), either in pregnancy ( a leg waxing), or after (postpartum cloth pads), or both (organic lotions/spa basket). My doula does do massage and a few other services that I really benefit from, but it's not covered in the doula package until the birth, so I'd take that as a gift as well. I'll make sure that Tina, tinagayle77@gmail.com (my go-to-girl) has my doula's number and the number of my favorite leg-waxer! If you're wondering where to buy natural/organic stuff, I'd try your local natural foods store (a fruit basket or gift certificate sounds great too!). In Tacoma, that would be Marlene's, on 38th St (mall side of the freeway), next to Taco Bell. The internet is a great source, as long as you're able to view the ingredient list. I really like Lush.com, it's a great company and they actually have a few stores in the U.S. now, even one in Seattle!! Another e-store is Earth Mama Angel Baby, good stuff! (In general products have to be at least 70% organic to call themselves organic and usually clearly state their percentage on the package.) I've already mentioned, in previous blogs, a few things that would easily be considered mama gifts, check out the list in blog 7 for other ideas! I've also been adding things to MyRegistry.com like crazy!!
As far as the ritual part of the Blessingway, I'll work with a close friend or relative to get all of that sorted out and send out the details with the invitations. You can probably expect something like a request for your personal positive birth stories or moments, prayers for the health and future of our baby and new family, a poem that inspired you or that you wrote, a single loose flower, a candle to light at the Blessingway and again at the birth, an offer of help for after the baby is born, such as dishes, laundry, vacuuming, a foot massage, and one of my favorites, meal prep or drop-off! (Remember, Rob's a vegetarian and he should be taken care of too!) Whatever strikes your fancy! I plan on doing a belly cast, probably before people arrive or maybe later in pregnancy, I'll get that all worked out later!
Speaking of later, I had anticipated asking for the baby shower to happen after the baby is born, as we're not going to find out the sex of the baby until it's born or if Rob has his way, until it goes off to college, that way folks will know what colors to buy (not that I'm a fan of a strictly pink or strictly blue wardrobe - hint hint). Well, my Aunt Cathy has different plans (we're related, can you tell? *we do what we want*). She says that we can have one before and one after, that there are things that we'll need before the baby comes and plenty of non-gender items to gift. This is a good time to remind folks that there are more neutrals than just yellow and green, there are soft browns, creams, earth tones, and such. Girls can wear a lovely blue. She's planning the pre-birth party for the last weekend of June, and I know that it will be at our family church. She also said someone else can plan the post-birth party - any takers? I figure that I'll plan the Blessingway for August 2nd. We can wait until later to plan the other, probably for September.
So, all those that would like to attend a party - there will be ample opportunity. Please go to whatever shower you'd like, if there is something specific you'd like to gift the baby, pick which ever party best suits you and the gift. Regardless of whether or not your going gift anything other than your presence, you should come to at least one of them and the Blessingway!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
#7 Comprehensive List
I'm going to make a list of the items that I've listed in previous blogs and which blog you can find the info regarding each one. This way when I think of something to add, I'll add it to this list and it'll be the only one gift givers will have to really recheck! I'll try to list them in the order that I would/will buy them for myself. If I hear that someone is getting or has gotten me something from the list, I'll make a note! ALERT: I've found a website that allows you to create a personalized gift registry that doesn't keep you in one store!! MyRegistry.com Our visitor code is monkey. You can enter either my or Rob's name to find our list. I'm trying to find a piece of clothing or a toy that is more an example of the site than an absolute request for myregistry. Also, if you have a question about something, maybe something that isn't on the list, please feel free to contact one of my bestest friends, Tina at tinagayle77@gmail.com she's willing to be my go-to-girl!!
body pillow/birth ball - blog 4 -BOTH PURCHASED!
cloth menstrual pads - blog 4
doula - blog 4- COVERED, MOSTLY
birth pool - blog 4 - GIFTED
bras - blog 4
cloth diapers - blog 3/5
cloth wipes/washcloths - blog 3/5
family sleeper - blog 1
diaper bin/pail liner - blog 3/5
car seat - blog 4 - PURCHASED
diaper bag - blog 5
breast pads - blog 4
boppy - blog 6
breastfeeding shirts - blog 6
Slings - blog 1/5
play yard - blog 1 - GIFTED
baby hygiene products - blog 6
baby clothes/toys - blog 6/16
breast pump - blog 6
postpartum doula - blog 12/13 KINDA COVERED
couch/bed - blog 4
Health Savings Account - blog 4
subscription to Mothering Magazine - blog 2 - PURCHASED
high chair - someone specific is being asked - CONFIRMED TO BE GIFTED
changing table - blog 6 - GIFTED
baby backpack - blog 9
yoga classes - blog 9
pregnancy photography - blog 12
Blessingway gift ideas - blog 8/myregistry.com (monkey) - OVER
Baby Shower info - blog 8 - OVER
I feel like I'm asking for a lot, but I imagine that we'll end up getting a lot of it ourselves. I am spending a lot of time and thought on this, at least I'm not running through Target or Sears, just zapping things -"'cause they're cute". I also need to remember that I'm asking for a lot of things not to be given and I'm sure that it will all even out in the end!
Recap on things that we DO NOT need:
plastics
*pacifiers
*teethers
*toys
bottles and bottle accessories - I have specific requests and need very few - I'll get them myself.
crib
stroller
diaper genie
baby monitor
disposable diapers
common rash creams
Johnson & Johnson products
I'm so excited about having this baby, I have to remind myself that I enjoy this part too!! The morning sickness is gone, but I'm waiting to feel the baby move!
body pillow/birth ball - blog 4 -BOTH PURCHASED!
cloth menstrual pads - blog 4
doula - blog 4- COVERED, MOSTLY
birth pool - blog 4 - GIFTED
bras - blog 4
cloth diapers - blog 3/5
cloth wipes/washcloths - blog 3/5
family sleeper - blog 1
diaper bin/pail liner - blog 3/5
car seat - blog 4 - PURCHASED
diaper bag - blog 5
breast pads - blog 4
boppy - blog 6
breastfeeding shirts - blog 6
Slings - blog 1/5
play yard - blog 1 - GIFTED
baby hygiene products - blog 6
baby clothes/toys - blog 6/16
breast pump - blog 6
postpartum doula - blog 12/13 KINDA COVERED
couch/bed - blog 4
Health Savings Account - blog 4
subscription to Mothering Magazine - blog 2 - PURCHASED
high chair - someone specific is being asked - CONFIRMED TO BE GIFTED
changing table - blog 6 - GIFTED
baby backpack - blog 9
yoga classes - blog 9
pregnancy photography - blog 12
Blessingway gift ideas - blog 8/myregistry.com (monkey) - OVER
Baby Shower info - blog 8 - OVER
I feel like I'm asking for a lot, but I imagine that we'll end up getting a lot of it ourselves. I am spending a lot of time and thought on this, at least I'm not running through Target or Sears, just zapping things -"'cause they're cute". I also need to remember that I'm asking for a lot of things not to be given and I'm sure that it will all even out in the end!
Recap on things that we DO NOT need:
plastics
*pacifiers
*teethers
*toys
bottles and bottle accessories - I have specific requests and need very few - I'll get them myself.
crib
stroller
diaper genie
baby monitor
disposable diapers
common rash creams
Johnson & Johnson products
I'm so excited about having this baby, I have to remind myself that I enjoy this part too!! The morning sickness is gone, but I'm waiting to feel the baby move!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
#6 Things Needed After Birth...
I feel like I have "scrambled brain" today, but here I go...
I plan to breastfeed for as long as baby and I decide it works for us. I do hope for at least a year, as recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General, 2 years as recommended by the World Health Organization, is optimal, and anything beyond that is pure bonus!! (Read here for info on extended breastfeeding.) Taking these plans into consideration, I anticipate needing some breastfeeding shirts, because as strange as it may sound, I don't care if someone sees my nipple, I just don't want anyone to see my belly as I pull up my shirt!! There are a few sites that cater to nursing attire, try google-ing, nursing shirts, breastfeeding shirts, or attire, etc. There are a few patterns available. One site I've found offers free catalogs and within them, sketches as to how the shirts work. I've shown my Gramma the catalog and she said, "Well, I can't even tell how they're supposed to work!" My point exactly! I pointed out the page with line drawings and ordered her a catalog for herself, as she's got 2 sisters-in-law that sew (Gr. Aunt C and Gr. Aunt P)!! A few years ago, I found a site that had a quick easy pattern for making any t-shirt into a nursing shirt, but, of course, I cannot find it now. All one would have to do is cut an 11'' vertical slit in the shirt between the breasts, (sew the edges down if rough edges bother you) sew off the top and bottom to prohibit further "slitting", (at your local fabric store) get a 12" square of fabric, place it over the slit, sew the top and bottom edges to the shirt and viola, you've got a nursing T! As for my preferences regarding tops, I like to have at least some sleeve, as I do not like my upper arms and do not wear tank tops. I like loose fitting tops, as I am a well rounded woman, so I don't like clingy material either. While my infant is due in the heat of August, and while anything lightweight I can layer things over, I just thought I'd mention that winter is only a stones throw away. I also, want to give a big shout out to my Gramma, who has already gifted me 2 nursing pajama sets! Thank you, Gramma!
Breast pump - I've got a little research to do on this one. I want to check with Consumer Reports, but so far it recommends renting one. Seeing how I want to breast feed for some time, maybe buying one will be more appropriate for us, I'll let you know!
For Baby...
I might be a little incomplete on this list, but I'll do my best. When considering baby clothes, I'd like to recommend that one go to consignment or second hand stores, I'm not picky about a little stain here or there. I'd like organic for new when it can be afforded (easiest to find on the internet), but when dealing with second hand, we're not encouraging the use of pesticides, we're reusing and recycling, and for the most part any of the yuckies that I'm trying to avoid will be so washed out of the stuff that I won't worry about it anymore. I'd like to stay away from images of well known cartoon characters, as I see it as advertising to my child and my child advertising for them without pay! I do love overalls, on boys or girls! Please remember, the baby is being born in the heat of August, but winter is just around the corner! I have listed an example piece of clothing on myregistry.com. I'd also like to mention BabyLegs, they help protect the ankles and calves from the elements when pants ride up!
When it comes to toys, please remember that there won't be a crib, so any of those items that attach to the sides of cribs will be unnecessary. I also want to make the same request as I did with the clothing, that you please try to avoid images of cartoon characters or the like. I admit that I also worry about the chemicals used on stuffed animals and the materials they're made of. Please consider hand made toys of natural material, unstained, natural dyes, etc. I'm not excited by toys that make artificial noise, flash lights, take batteries, etc. or are made in China!!! I have listed on myregistry.com a few toys that are examples and will take you to sites that are good places to start and get an idea of what I'd like my baby to have.
Changing table - this is a rather fancy one, but it has multiple functions and is made of natural and safe materials. Natural (color) is preferred. This request, I admit, is not a need, but if one where so inclined, this is the table I'd like. I like the fact that you face the baby rather than have the baby sideways. If we don't get this CT, I'll just use the piece of furniture that my mother used with me, no biggie!
As far as baby hygiene products, Johnson & Johnson does not interest me. I use organic soaps, moisturizers, and the like, so I want to use the same on the baby. Please visit a site like this one
to get an idea for safer products. There is another I'd like to recommend as soon as I find the link. I do like organic jojoba oil. It takes a long time to go rancid and my favorite brand's motto is, "If you wouldn't put it in your body, don't put it on your body!" Here is a site RE: brands that not to use halogenated fire retardants!
I have a high chair in mind, but someone has offered to make a purchase of something expensive that isn't on our list, so I'm going ask for the high chair instead. If that person is unable or unwilling to get us the chair, I'll be sure to list it in the future!
O.K. - I'd like a boppy too. They've got a new model called the miracle middle, it fits 'more' waist lines! As far as covers go, I'll list a few choices, 2 would be great! I like the organic cover in a soft neutral, the pistachio dots, the pottery barn green chamois, sage boa, vintage toile, and probably my favorite because it has some orange, Rob's fave color: rainforest and stripes.
Like I said, this part of the list seems a little short, but what else does a baby need, clothes, a couple of well made toys (and maybe not even those), mama, and papa.
I plan to breastfeed for as long as baby and I decide it works for us. I do hope for at least a year, as recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General, 2 years as recommended by the World Health Organization, is optimal, and anything beyond that is pure bonus!! (Read here for info on extended breastfeeding.) Taking these plans into consideration, I anticipate needing some breastfeeding shirts, because as strange as it may sound, I don't care if someone sees my nipple, I just don't want anyone to see my belly as I pull up my shirt!! There are a few sites that cater to nursing attire, try google-ing, nursing shirts, breastfeeding shirts, or attire, etc. There are a few patterns available. One site I've found offers free catalogs and within them, sketches as to how the shirts work. I've shown my Gramma the catalog and she said, "Well, I can't even tell how they're supposed to work!" My point exactly! I pointed out the page with line drawings and ordered her a catalog for herself, as she's got 2 sisters-in-law that sew (Gr. Aunt C and Gr. Aunt P)!! A few years ago, I found a site that had a quick easy pattern for making any t-shirt into a nursing shirt, but, of course, I cannot find it now. All one would have to do is cut an 11'' vertical slit in the shirt between the breasts, (sew the edges down if rough edges bother you) sew off the top and bottom to prohibit further "slitting", (at your local fabric store) get a 12" square of fabric, place it over the slit, sew the top and bottom edges to the shirt and viola, you've got a nursing T! As for my preferences regarding tops, I like to have at least some sleeve, as I do not like my upper arms and do not wear tank tops. I like loose fitting tops, as I am a well rounded woman, so I don't like clingy material either. While my infant is due in the heat of August, and while anything lightweight I can layer things over, I just thought I'd mention that winter is only a stones throw away. I also, want to give a big shout out to my Gramma, who has already gifted me 2 nursing pajama sets! Thank you, Gramma!
Breast pump - I've got a little research to do on this one. I want to check with Consumer Reports, but so far it recommends renting one. Seeing how I want to breast feed for some time, maybe buying one will be more appropriate for us, I'll let you know!
For Baby...
I might be a little incomplete on this list, but I'll do my best. When considering baby clothes, I'd like to recommend that one go to consignment or second hand stores, I'm not picky about a little stain here or there. I'd like organic for new when it can be afforded (easiest to find on the internet), but when dealing with second hand, we're not encouraging the use of pesticides, we're reusing and recycling, and for the most part any of the yuckies that I'm trying to avoid will be so washed out of the stuff that I won't worry about it anymore. I'd like to stay away from images of well known cartoon characters, as I see it as advertising to my child and my child advertising for them without pay! I do love overalls, on boys or girls! Please remember, the baby is being born in the heat of August, but winter is just around the corner! I have listed an example piece of clothing on myregistry.com. I'd also like to mention BabyLegs, they help protect the ankles and calves from the elements when pants ride up!
When it comes to toys, please remember that there won't be a crib, so any of those items that attach to the sides of cribs will be unnecessary. I also want to make the same request as I did with the clothing, that you please try to avoid images of cartoon characters or the like. I admit that I also worry about the chemicals used on stuffed animals and the materials they're made of. Please consider hand made toys of natural material, unstained, natural dyes, etc. I'm not excited by toys that make artificial noise, flash lights, take batteries, etc. or are made in China!!! I have listed on myregistry.com a few toys that are examples and will take you to sites that are good places to start and get an idea of what I'd like my baby to have.
Changing table - this is a rather fancy one, but it has multiple functions and is made of natural and safe materials. Natural (color) is preferred. This request, I admit, is not a need, but if one where so inclined, this is the table I'd like. I like the fact that you face the baby rather than have the baby sideways. If we don't get this CT, I'll just use the piece of furniture that my mother used with me, no biggie!
As far as baby hygiene products, Johnson & Johnson does not interest me. I use organic soaps, moisturizers, and the like, so I want to use the same on the baby. Please visit a site like this one
to get an idea for safer products. There is another I'd like to recommend as soon as I find the link. I do like organic jojoba oil. It takes a long time to go rancid and my favorite brand's motto is, "If you wouldn't put it in your body, don't put it on your body!" Here is a site RE: brands that not to use halogenated fire retardants!
I have a high chair in mind, but someone has offered to make a purchase of something expensive that isn't on our list, so I'm going ask for the high chair instead. If that person is unable or unwilling to get us the chair, I'll be sure to list it in the future!
O.K. - I'd like a boppy too. They've got a new model called the miracle middle, it fits 'more' waist lines! As far as covers go, I'll list a few choices, 2 would be great! I like the organic cover in a soft neutral, the pistachio dots, the pottery barn green chamois, sage boa, vintage toile, and probably my favorite because it has some orange, Rob's fave color: rainforest and stripes.
Like I said, this part of the list seems a little short, but what else does a baby need, clothes, a couple of well made toys (and maybe not even those), mama, and papa.
Friday, February 29, 2008
#5 All About Cloth Diapers and Slings!
I just received my new Mothering Magazine in the mail yesterday (March/April 2008), what a blessing!! It has two, count them, two articles on cloth diapers. What great timing, as this is one of the great unknowns for me. I have been around cloth diapered children before, my aunt had 5 kids in quick succession who were all CD'd, so I know about dunking dirties in the toilet, but it has been a while and I didn't do a lot of the diapering. Did I mention that was 20 years ago? There are so many new options. I am so excited that I want a couple of all of them! *dancing in my chair*
It looks like I'd like a few of every type, but I want to make sure to mention all-in-ones (AIO), they're a little easier for daddy's and babysitters who haven't figured out the other CD options! Also, if one was so inclined to do some easy internet searching, there are so many websites that offer patterns for making diapers, it may reduce the cost quite a bit.
One of the best things that I learned is that I wont need as many CD's as I thought. I figured I'd need 100 or something. The author of one of the articles said one could easily get away with 30-35 CD's. The over-worrier in me makes me want to ask for a total of 40 or so, but is nice to know that I can definitely get away with less, especially if I'm willing to do an extra load of diapers.
I found this site that carries hemp diapers in a variety of styles. I am a bit of a hemp activist as it is a much more ec0-friendlier product than cotton. It tend to run a little more expensive, but when you start to calculate the ecological and environmental impact of cotton, hemp becomes a lot less expensive!
Oh, my goodness, I just found the cutest site *act like a teenager at the mall*! It's called Happy Tushies, I think I'm in love. I found them through my favorite cloth pad site, Lunapads.com. It has cloth diapers, diaper bags, wipes, everything, *giddy*. I have to admit that I had only thought about diaper bags, once or twice and never while writing in my blog, well everything happens for a reason. I think I know what I want in a diaper bag (diaper bag in Midnight Flowers with solid blue liner and the lg changing pad and reg. wetbag in rainbow batik). I would love to have a wonderbag with snaptab (in ocean stripe batik pattern subject to change once Daddy looks through the patterns) that Daddy can carry and not feel silly. I want a pail liner, which almost makes a diaper pail unnecessary. Of course, I want almost everything HT offers, but I have to keep in mind that I'm trying to parent with as little as possible, *nodding very seriously*. Oh, the pattern options for cloth wipes, I can't choose, I want all the Asian patterns, but then all the cute batiks they have, oh the agony...(it would be nice to have at least two patterns, one for butts and one for faces or to wipe off Mama's shirt). I'm lost in wish-list land, like a 5yr old with the toy section of the new Sears catalog.
SLINGS! Oh, boy (or girl), I love 'em, but of course, I've not had a baby so haven't used one. I am going to make one for myself and one for Rob, in the pattern seen here. However, to avoid pain from repetitive positioning, I'd like 3-4 other styles for myself and at least 1 more for Rob (if he needs another, we'll buck up and get it ourselves!). I'm going list the type of sling with a link to a specific site, but you may find a better price elsewhere and I encourage that! I found a great site for Mei Tai baby slings and it has become my favorite!! They have so many options, I know that I want a black strap base, but beyond that, I can't narrow the pattern(s) down just now, maybe a gift certificate for this one is a better idea. I do know that I want to "make it zippy", adjustable, and add a snap tab extender! That's an extra $38, on top of the initial cost, if you want to get this for me, I'd be happy to contribute to the extra cost, I'm just so excited by this product! I'd like a Moby Wrap in indigo or a neutral color, chocolate, olive, moss, or sand. Another that I like is the Maya with padded shoulder, in solid ivory. I think that covers it for now as that would land me with 4 slings. Daddy can maybe borrow one of mine if the color suit him, or maybe someone will pick one of these in his own color. He does like oranges, brighter greens, his eyes are a beautiful bright blue that pop when he wears a like color, or you can ask him his preference! I've been told that daddies like carriers like the Baby Bjorn, but I'd just as soon wait until Rob asked for one of those, I'll let you know if he shows an interest!
It looks like I'd like a few of every type, but I want to make sure to mention all-in-ones (AIO), they're a little easier for daddy's and babysitters who haven't figured out the other CD options! Also, if one was so inclined to do some easy internet searching, there are so many websites that offer patterns for making diapers, it may reduce the cost quite a bit.
One of the best things that I learned is that I wont need as many CD's as I thought. I figured I'd need 100 or something. The author of one of the articles said one could easily get away with 30-35 CD's. The over-worrier in me makes me want to ask for a total of 40 or so, but is nice to know that I can definitely get away with less, especially if I'm willing to do an extra load of diapers.
I found this site that carries hemp diapers in a variety of styles. I am a bit of a hemp activist as it is a much more ec0-friendlier product than cotton. It tend to run a little more expensive, but when you start to calculate the ecological and environmental impact of cotton, hemp becomes a lot less expensive!
Oh, my goodness, I just found the cutest site *act like a teenager at the mall*! It's called Happy Tushies, I think I'm in love. I found them through my favorite cloth pad site, Lunapads.com. It has cloth diapers, diaper bags, wipes, everything, *giddy*. I have to admit that I had only thought about diaper bags, once or twice and never while writing in my blog, well everything happens for a reason. I think I know what I want in a diaper bag (diaper bag in Midnight Flowers with solid blue liner and the lg changing pad and reg. wetbag in rainbow batik). I would love to have a wonderbag with snaptab (in ocean stripe batik pattern subject to change once Daddy looks through the patterns) that Daddy can carry and not feel silly. I want a pail liner, which almost makes a diaper pail unnecessary. Of course, I want almost everything HT offers, but I have to keep in mind that I'm trying to parent with as little as possible, *nodding very seriously*. Oh, the pattern options for cloth wipes, I can't choose, I want all the Asian patterns, but then all the cute batiks they have, oh the agony...(it would be nice to have at least two patterns, one for butts and one for faces or to wipe off Mama's shirt). I'm lost in wish-list land, like a 5yr old with the toy section of the new Sears catalog.
SLINGS! Oh, boy (or girl), I love 'em, but of course, I've not had a baby so haven't used one. I am going to make one for myself and one for Rob, in the pattern seen here. However, to avoid pain from repetitive positioning, I'd like 3-4 other styles for myself and at least 1 more for Rob (if he needs another, we'll buck up and get it ourselves!). I'm going list the type of sling with a link to a specific site, but you may find a better price elsewhere and I encourage that! I found a great site for Mei Tai baby slings and it has become my favorite!! They have so many options, I know that I want a black strap base, but beyond that, I can't narrow the pattern(s) down just now, maybe a gift certificate for this one is a better idea. I do know that I want to "make it zippy", adjustable, and add a snap tab extender! That's an extra $38, on top of the initial cost, if you want to get this for me, I'd be happy to contribute to the extra cost, I'm just so excited by this product! I'd like a Moby Wrap in indigo or a neutral color, chocolate, olive, moss, or sand. Another that I like is the Maya with padded shoulder, in solid ivory. I think that covers it for now as that would land me with 4 slings. Daddy can maybe borrow one of mine if the color suit him, or maybe someone will pick one of these in his own color. He does like oranges, brighter greens, his eyes are a beautiful bright blue that pop when he wears a like color, or you can ask him his preference! I've been told that daddies like carriers like the Baby Bjorn, but I'd just as soon wait until Rob asked for one of those, I'll let you know if he shows an interest!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
#4 A Few Things I'd Like Before Baby
There are a few things that we are looking to get before the baby comes, either to make our home a better place for our growing family, for my comfort in pregnancy, or for the birth. Some of the items listed won't seem like gifts associated with babies, but I'm just going to list everything!
We are planning a home birth and would love to have a birth pool available to me to labor and/or birth in!! I want to specifically support Waterbirth International (it looks like they'll make it through they're financial difficulties, should they not before my birth, there is a local contact that rents out birth pools). I'm looking at the Birth Pool in a Box Eco - Regular Size.
Even as a doula, I'm planning on taking a birth class. I'm looking into taking a Bradley Method class, as it is father centered. I want Dear Husband (DH) to be comfortable and confident in this experience.
We have hired a doula, we haven't finalized with payment yet, but the agreement has been made. Her cost is $400 (a steal given her skill level), I'm guessing we'll pay half fairly soon and half after the baby is born, at least that's how it was recommended that we charge in our doula class. As I said in a previous post, she is skilled in many things besides being a doula. I foresee taking advantage of as many of her skills as possible, therefore would like to be able to give her a generous tip!
A birth ball (update: I got the birth ball) and a body pillow (update: I got a body pillow!!) are on my list of must haves. I admit that I won't wait very long to be gifted these items as my body is already telling me all about the changes that are happening within! I guess that I mention them more for posterity, than for myself!
A couple other things that I'll list that we don't really expect as gifts: rather than a crib, we are planning to bed-share, so we need a new and larger mattress (probably a queen, we'll probably start with just the mattress on the floor and build it up to a "set" over the next year or so to spread out the expense and we'll get a little bed when it's needed for our growing child). We'll be getting it at Ikea, as they use less toxic flame retardants (phosphor organic flame retardants) on their furniture. While we're there we also intend to pick up a new couch (probably in Simris Blue and hopefully a spare cover), as we are currently using a futon, not very comfortable for sitting, worse for breastfeeding.
I'm going to mention this on behalf of DH, as one day he was joking, "Can't we ask that instead of stuff they just put money in our Health Savings Account (HSA)?" We have a HSA through Wells Fargo, as offered by DH's employer. We can, as a family, contribute $5,800 a year, we hope to put in $2,000, this year. There is no "use it or loose it" policy, anything we don't use will roll over to be used at any time in the future. I believe that anyone can contribute to the account until we reach our limit, if you're interested, please contact us or our soon to be announced go-to person!
I'm getting to the point where my requests will start overlapping with post-birth. As the women will know, and maybe some men, vaginal secretions increase with pregnancy and then, of course, there is the post birth lochia. I already use cloth menstrual products, but would like a few more, as I only have a basic package. There are quite a few new companies that supply these items. The ones that I have are from Luna Pads for examples of what I'm interested in, see their Deluxe Kit ($130), I see it as a combo of their Starter Kit or 7 Day Mini Pantyliner Kit (both $70 each, for pregnancy) and the Postpartum Kit ($80), mixed patterns o.k. I'm also interested in the Deluxe Lunablanket, in hearts or sky blue. Please remember to check the sale sections of any site! For DIY click here
I'm realizing that there are things that I wont need until after the baby is born, but that they'd be good to have on hand when the baby is born. Therefore, they belong on this list! I hear a bonus to breastfeeding is leaking breasts, so that brings me to breast pads. I'd like to have re-usables, 100% cotton to allow air flow. As some women never experience leaking while others like a friend of mine had leakage issues as early as 7 months into her pregnancy, I am only putting on my wish list 6 -10 pads, whatever one would expect in a starter pack! Homemade sounds great!
A car seat, while I intend to have a homebirth, one never knows what will happen. I originally assumed that I wouldn't be leaving the house with baby for a little while, but just in case, we should have the car seat on hand before the baby is born! I've read a little on Consumer Reports about the seats. An infant seat is recommended, followed by a convertible seat, however, one can use a convertible seat for an infant. While they strongly suggest investing in an infant seat and moving up to a convertible, I am a trying to keep our expenses down and am leaning towards just getting a top of the line convertible. R and I will need to re-subscribe to consumer reports to get the recommendations on convertibles, so check back for our request.
Another item that overlaps with pregnancy and post-pregnancy - bras. I'm hoping to get a few bras that I can wear later in pregnancy and then also for breastfeeding. I've been sized at Judy's Intimate Apparel here in Tacoma, for my wedding and they did a great job, I plan to return there for this new need. They were the first in the area to have bras for breast cancer survivors.
I'll start the next blog entry with items that I foresee needing for me after the birth of the baby and then follow those with items that the baby will need.
We are planning a home birth and would love to have a birth pool available to me to labor and/or birth in!! I want to specifically support Waterbirth International (it looks like they'll make it through they're financial difficulties, should they not before my birth, there is a local contact that rents out birth pools). I'm looking at the Birth Pool in a Box Eco - Regular Size.
Even as a doula, I'm planning on taking a birth class. I'm looking into taking a Bradley Method class, as it is father centered. I want Dear Husband (DH) to be comfortable and confident in this experience.
We have hired a doula, we haven't finalized with payment yet, but the agreement has been made. Her cost is $400 (a steal given her skill level), I'm guessing we'll pay half fairly soon and half after the baby is born, at least that's how it was recommended that we charge in our doula class. As I said in a previous post, she is skilled in many things besides being a doula. I foresee taking advantage of as many of her skills as possible, therefore would like to be able to give her a generous tip!
A birth ball (update: I got the birth ball) and a body pillow (update: I got a body pillow!!) are on my list of must haves. I admit that I won't wait very long to be gifted these items as my body is already telling me all about the changes that are happening within! I guess that I mention them more for posterity, than for myself!
A couple other things that I'll list that we don't really expect as gifts: rather than a crib, we are planning to bed-share, so we need a new and larger mattress (probably a queen, we'll probably start with just the mattress on the floor and build it up to a "set" over the next year or so to spread out the expense and we'll get a little bed when it's needed for our growing child). We'll be getting it at Ikea, as they use less toxic flame retardants (phosphor organic flame retardants) on their furniture. While we're there we also intend to pick up a new couch (probably in Simris Blue and hopefully a spare cover), as we are currently using a futon, not very comfortable for sitting, worse for breastfeeding.
I'm going to mention this on behalf of DH, as one day he was joking, "Can't we ask that instead of stuff they just put money in our Health Savings Account (HSA)?" We have a HSA through Wells Fargo, as offered by DH's employer. We can, as a family, contribute $5,800 a year, we hope to put in $2,000, this year. There is no "use it or loose it" policy, anything we don't use will roll over to be used at any time in the future. I believe that anyone can contribute to the account until we reach our limit, if you're interested, please contact us or our soon to be announced go-to person!
I'm getting to the point where my requests will start overlapping with post-birth. As the women will know, and maybe some men, vaginal secretions increase with pregnancy and then, of course, there is the post birth lochia. I already use cloth menstrual products, but would like a few more, as I only have a basic package. There are quite a few new companies that supply these items. The ones that I have are from Luna Pads for examples of what I'm interested in, see their Deluxe Kit ($130), I see it as a combo of their Starter Kit or 7 Day Mini Pantyliner Kit (both $70 each, for pregnancy) and the Postpartum Kit ($80), mixed patterns o.k. I'm also interested in the Deluxe Lunablanket, in hearts or sky blue. Please remember to check the sale sections of any site! For DIY click here
I'm realizing that there are things that I wont need until after the baby is born, but that they'd be good to have on hand when the baby is born. Therefore, they belong on this list! I hear a bonus to breastfeeding is leaking breasts, so that brings me to breast pads. I'd like to have re-usables, 100% cotton to allow air flow. As some women never experience leaking while others like a friend of mine had leakage issues as early as 7 months into her pregnancy, I am only putting on my wish list 6 -10 pads, whatever one would expect in a starter pack! Homemade sounds great!
A car seat, while I intend to have a homebirth, one never knows what will happen. I originally assumed that I wouldn't be leaving the house with baby for a little while, but just in case, we should have the car seat on hand before the baby is born! I've read a little on Consumer Reports about the seats. An infant seat is recommended, followed by a convertible seat, however, one can use a convertible seat for an infant. While they strongly suggest investing in an infant seat and moving up to a convertible, I am a trying to keep our expenses down and am leaning towards just getting a top of the line convertible. R and I will need to re-subscribe to consumer reports to get the recommendations on convertibles, so check back for our request.
Another item that overlaps with pregnancy and post-pregnancy - bras. I'm hoping to get a few bras that I can wear later in pregnancy and then also for breastfeeding. I've been sized at Judy's Intimate Apparel here in Tacoma, for my wedding and they did a great job, I plan to return there for this new need. They were the first in the area to have bras for breast cancer survivors.
I'll start the next blog entry with items that I foresee needing for me after the birth of the baby and then follow those with items that the baby will need.
Friday, February 22, 2008
#3 Explaining How We'll Ask
I'd really like to encourage you to "shop outside of the box". I almost always buy: used clothes for myself (as does Rob), organic hygiene products, organic food, local when I can, and try to spend our money at companies that we feel are the most responsible socially and environmentally. We encourage you to do the same. Please do not get us gifts at WalMart or K-Mart, if it's something we need to return, we won't find anything else there that we want. Please try to find goods at locally owned stores and avoid the larger conglomerates - I think you know the ones I'm talking about, while I have less against them, I would like to support the little guy and "keep your money local". I am not trying to solicit gifts of cash, but I've already had one friend comment that this is a bit overwhelming. On myregistry.com, through the mail, and in person, are acceptable ways to pass such gift on to us if that would be easier for you. Any funds we have afterwards will be put into a college fund for Baby Love.
Next, let me rattle off a few things that I want you to keep in mind regarding the following: NO PLASTICS, NO BOTTLES, NO DISPOSABLE DIAPERS, NO BABY WIPES, NO RASH CREAMS, NO PACIFIERS (that falls in with plastics), NO CRIB, NO STROLLER, NO K-MART, NO WALMART. I will list items that we want that are alternatives to these items. There a slew of other things that we wont need and don't want, but I'm sure that we'll get to those.
I want to encourage folks to communicate with each other. If you want to contribute to something that you alone cannot afford, please leave a message to others regarding that item, hopefully, someone else will want to contribute to the same item and we'll be able to get a few items that we really need/want that are out of our price range without breaking our friends' banks, UP WITH COMMUNITARIAN-ISM!! You can also contact my go-to-girl, Tina @ tinagayle77@gmail.com. She'll help you out if you any questions.
I want to reiterate that I will try to list what we want, why we want it, and where you can find it, with a preferred color when appropriate. After the request, I might add a few notes.
REAL EXAMPLE: Cloth diapers (Please see blog 5), (hemp and/or organic if within your budget) we're using cloth to reduce our environmental impact and protect the health of our infant, as disposables have been linked to asthma and greater incident of diaper rash. I haven't worked with these in a long time, but I think that a number of Chinese prefolds or their fancier counterpart, the "contour diaper", are in order, along with some outer waterproof diaper covers. I'd like to try some pocket diapers as seen at the linked site (there are many sources feel free to browse) the Chinese prefolds can be used inside of them. I'm open to many of the new styles like the one size cloth diapers, hemp, wool, fleece, etc. We don't really have a preference yet as this is our first baby! Note: Since we're using cloth, we wont need one of those diaper genies, but we will need a diaper bin, color not important, but really happy with all aspects of the example at the linked site. Also, we'll be needing a large number of baby washcloths (please see blog 5) as we don't want to use disposable wipes either. While I'm at it, I may as well admit to hoping for a gift of 2-3 months of diaper service, here's the Tacoma Diaper service. It's totally a luxury, but a figure having a couple of months would allow me a little time to heal and get a little used to this whole parenting thing, before having to do extra loads of laundry to diaper my baby. For DIY cloth diapers, please see http://www.diapersewing.com/quick_dry_aio.htm
So, I hope I remember to do as I said. I am a little sorry that everyone can't just go to some oversized store, print out a list, and be done with it, but alas, I'm picky and my baby is worth it!
Next, let me rattle off a few things that I want you to keep in mind regarding the following: NO PLASTICS, NO BOTTLES, NO DISPOSABLE DIAPERS, NO BABY WIPES, NO RASH CREAMS, NO PACIFIERS (that falls in with plastics), NO CRIB, NO STROLLER, NO K-MART, NO WALMART. I will list items that we want that are alternatives to these items. There a slew of other things that we wont need and don't want, but I'm sure that we'll get to those.
I want to encourage folks to communicate with each other. If you want to contribute to something that you alone cannot afford, please leave a message to others regarding that item, hopefully, someone else will want to contribute to the same item and we'll be able to get a few items that we really need/want that are out of our price range without breaking our friends' banks, UP WITH COMMUNITARIAN-ISM!! You can also contact my go-to-girl, Tina @ tinagayle77@gmail.com. She'll help you out if you any questions.
I want to reiterate that I will try to list what we want, why we want it, and where you can find it, with a preferred color when appropriate. After the request, I might add a few notes.
REAL EXAMPLE: Cloth diapers (Please see blog 5), (hemp and/or organic if within your budget) we're using cloth to reduce our environmental impact and protect the health of our infant, as disposables have been linked to asthma and greater incident of diaper rash. I haven't worked with these in a long time, but I think that a number of Chinese prefolds or their fancier counterpart, the "contour diaper", are in order, along with some outer waterproof diaper covers. I'd like to try some pocket diapers as seen at the linked site (there are many sources feel free to browse) the Chinese prefolds can be used inside of them. I'm open to many of the new styles like the one size cloth diapers, hemp, wool, fleece, etc. We don't really have a preference yet as this is our first baby! Note: Since we're using cloth, we wont need one of those diaper genies, but we will need a diaper bin, color not important, but really happy with all aspects of the example at the linked site. Also, we'll be needing a large number of baby washcloths (please see blog 5) as we don't want to use disposable wipes either. While I'm at it, I may as well admit to hoping for a gift of 2-3 months of diaper service, here's the Tacoma Diaper service. It's totally a luxury, but a figure having a couple of months would allow me a little time to heal and get a little used to this whole parenting thing, before having to do extra loads of laundry to diaper my baby. For DIY cloth diapers, please see http://www.diapersewing.com/quick_dry_aio.htm
So, I hope I remember to do as I said. I am a little sorry that everyone can't just go to some oversized store, print out a list, and be done with it, but alas, I'm picky and my baby is worth it!
#2 Before you tell me how wrong I am...
I think that most of you that will be reading my posts know me at least a little. For those who don't, I am smart enough to have researched the things that are important to me (and found in this blog) and know to look at the source to truly judge whether or not to trust what is being said. I will try to list those sources whenever possible, and if in the comments there are direct questions, try to answer them.
My husband is trusting me to make the majority of our pre-natal, natal, and infancy parenting decisions, so don't berate him if you don't like what we're doing! He'll just tell you to talk to me about it or more likely shrug you off. I do explain the "why"s to him to ensure he's on board and to address any of his concerns, but once I've explained it to him to the point that he's comfortable, he goes back to watching The Simpsons, happy to know that his wife is happy and taking care of things! I think that he figures that until the baby is born, I have to decide what is best for my body and all that is within it!
I am a doula and to become one, I took a DONA certified class and I've attended 7 hospital births and missed one due to an extremely quick labor. I've taken one introductory class in aromatherapy offered by some of the same people who offered the doula class, so we learned a lot about pregnancy, birth, and infancy uses. I've aided a number of friends and family members in their pregnancies as a resource for comfort measures and someone to bounce questions and concerns off of, however, I have never had the opportunity to be a doula to anyone who intends to birth and parent like I intend to. That may in part be due to the fact that I've always had other jobs, so I tend to squeeze my doula-ing in as I can and have never advertised. Through the last 5 years, I've never lost my passion for helping women with pregnancy and birth and have continued to research the topics despite not being able to attend many births.
I LOVE mothering.com and receive the magazine for which the .com is named, Mothering Magazine (my subscription will be running out in Oct 2008, hint, hint). I find it to be the most reliable resource for attachment parenting and science based pregnancy, birth, and parenting information out there. So, I encourage you to search mothering.com for information re: whatever it is that you disagree with me about before you argue with me about my decisions (and by argue, I mean ask in a caring way, "Are you sure you want to sleep with your baby?", "Are you sure you don't want a few bottles?", etc)
Aside from reading the books recommended through the doula community and keeping up with mothering.com/Mothering Magazine, and randomly google-ing relevant topics, I see a naturopath (ND) who is also a midwife (MW) (she'll be attending my birth). We've been having pregnancy/birth chats for years and she's given me many an insight, blessings on her.
My ND/MW (Dr. P) doesn't attend many births these days, so when she does she always invites another, more active midwife (A.O.) who has the liability insurance to make sure all is covered, so I will have two midwives and a wonderful doula with Rob and I at this birth. A few words about our doula (C.C.); I first met her through the monthly doula meetings that I used to attend. We didn't know each other well, but recognized each other when I saw her at Dr. P's office. When my mother was arrested, I had made an appointment with my Dr. P to help with the turmoil I was going through, she had asked if she could invite another person she sometimes works with in similar situations, I agreed. It was C. C. (as being a doula is not her only skill). It was a wonderful visit that helped me a lot. A few months later, my back was hurting and it was near Valentines Day, so my wonderful husband scheduled me a massage at the local massage school. When I walked in for my appointment, there she was, I had been randomly assigned to C.C., who was finishing her schooling there. I continued to see her once a week for 2 months. She gave me her number and offered to teach me grounding and a few other things that would help me get through this hard time around my mother's incarceration and especially the reason behind it. I had not called her almost a year later, but had her card prominently displayed on my white board, as if that was enough by itself, knowing that I could call. When I became pregnant, I thought about the doulas I had known and who I would want at my birth, it felt more like of a worry than a search, then C.C. came to mind. Everything fell into place, I knew she was my first choice. I called her and left a message. She got back to me within a few days. She admitted that she hadn't been doing births lately as she was concentrating on her massage work. She asked if I was interviewing others, I told her, no, I didn't know anyone else that I wanted at my birth and that Dr. P was attending as primary MW. I think the first statement made her feel honored and the second, excited as she had never attended a birth with Dr. P, someone she had been friends with and had worked with on other things. She decided that in August, she would just keep her massage schedule light and say yes to me!! At my next appointment with Dr. P, I told her that C.C. had agreed to be my doula, she turned to A.O. and said, "This is a good thing." She said it in such a way, like a minister, blessing the congregation, in all seriousness, with a depth that can't truly be communicated. A great peace had settled upon me when C.C. had agreed, Dr. P's statement only cemented it. This information isn't really relevant to the title, but I couldn't resist sharing the story as it makes me very happy to think about how well things are coming together!
So, anyway, I just want you to trust that I have researched and soul-searched my decisions. Whether it be how I birth my child, or asking folks not to gift plastics, there is undoubtedly a reason behind it. Please be kind in how you ask why I would make the decisions that I make and I will try to be kind in explaining them. Besides, don't people always say, "Parents know what's best for their children.", even those parents that don't really research their decisions? Somehow they seem to be the ones that get the least amount of questioning and doubt expressed regarding their decisions. *forehead slap* (can anyone tell that I'm tired of defending my decisions and hearing about those of other's that I don't agree with, but try to stay polite while dying a little on the inside? pregnancy: a great time to be pissed off!)
My husband is trusting me to make the majority of our pre-natal, natal, and infancy parenting decisions, so don't berate him if you don't like what we're doing! He'll just tell you to talk to me about it or more likely shrug you off. I do explain the "why"s to him to ensure he's on board and to address any of his concerns, but once I've explained it to him to the point that he's comfortable, he goes back to watching The Simpsons, happy to know that his wife is happy and taking care of things! I think that he figures that until the baby is born, I have to decide what is best for my body and all that is within it!
I am a doula and to become one, I took a DONA certified class and I've attended 7 hospital births and missed one due to an extremely quick labor. I've taken one introductory class in aromatherapy offered by some of the same people who offered the doula class, so we learned a lot about pregnancy, birth, and infancy uses. I've aided a number of friends and family members in their pregnancies as a resource for comfort measures and someone to bounce questions and concerns off of, however, I have never had the opportunity to be a doula to anyone who intends to birth and parent like I intend to. That may in part be due to the fact that I've always had other jobs, so I tend to squeeze my doula-ing in as I can and have never advertised. Through the last 5 years, I've never lost my passion for helping women with pregnancy and birth and have continued to research the topics despite not being able to attend many births.
I LOVE mothering.com and receive the magazine for which the .com is named, Mothering Magazine (my subscription will be running out in Oct 2008, hint, hint). I find it to be the most reliable resource for attachment parenting and science based pregnancy, birth, and parenting information out there. So, I encourage you to search mothering.com for information re: whatever it is that you disagree with me about before you argue with me about my decisions (and by argue, I mean ask in a caring way, "Are you sure you want to sleep with your baby?", "Are you sure you don't want a few bottles?", etc)
Aside from reading the books recommended through the doula community and keeping up with mothering.com/Mothering Magazine, and randomly google-ing relevant topics, I see a naturopath (ND) who is also a midwife (MW) (she'll be attending my birth). We've been having pregnancy/birth chats for years and she's given me many an insight, blessings on her.
My ND/MW (Dr. P) doesn't attend many births these days, so when she does she always invites another, more active midwife (A.O.) who has the liability insurance to make sure all is covered, so I will have two midwives and a wonderful doula with Rob and I at this birth. A few words about our doula (C.C.); I first met her through the monthly doula meetings that I used to attend. We didn't know each other well, but recognized each other when I saw her at Dr. P's office. When my mother was arrested, I had made an appointment with my Dr. P to help with the turmoil I was going through, she had asked if she could invite another person she sometimes works with in similar situations, I agreed. It was C. C. (as being a doula is not her only skill). It was a wonderful visit that helped me a lot. A few months later, my back was hurting and it was near Valentines Day, so my wonderful husband scheduled me a massage at the local massage school. When I walked in for my appointment, there she was, I had been randomly assigned to C.C., who was finishing her schooling there. I continued to see her once a week for 2 months. She gave me her number and offered to teach me grounding and a few other things that would help me get through this hard time around my mother's incarceration and especially the reason behind it. I had not called her almost a year later, but had her card prominently displayed on my white board, as if that was enough by itself, knowing that I could call. When I became pregnant, I thought about the doulas I had known and who I would want at my birth, it felt more like of a worry than a search, then C.C. came to mind. Everything fell into place, I knew she was my first choice. I called her and left a message. She got back to me within a few days. She admitted that she hadn't been doing births lately as she was concentrating on her massage work. She asked if I was interviewing others, I told her, no, I didn't know anyone else that I wanted at my birth and that Dr. P was attending as primary MW. I think the first statement made her feel honored and the second, excited as she had never attended a birth with Dr. P, someone she had been friends with and had worked with on other things. She decided that in August, she would just keep her massage schedule light and say yes to me!! At my next appointment with Dr. P, I told her that C.C. had agreed to be my doula, she turned to A.O. and said, "This is a good thing." She said it in such a way, like a minister, blessing the congregation, in all seriousness, with a depth that can't truly be communicated. A great peace had settled upon me when C.C. had agreed, Dr. P's statement only cemented it. This information isn't really relevant to the title, but I couldn't resist sharing the story as it makes me very happy to think about how well things are coming together!
So, anyway, I just want you to trust that I have researched and soul-searched my decisions. Whether it be how I birth my child, or asking folks not to gift plastics, there is undoubtedly a reason behind it. Please be kind in how you ask why I would make the decisions that I make and I will try to be kind in explaining them. Besides, don't people always say, "Parents know what's best for their children.", even those parents that don't really research their decisions? Somehow they seem to be the ones that get the least amount of questioning and doubt expressed regarding their decisions. *forehead slap* (can anyone tell that I'm tired of defending my decisions and hearing about those of other's that I don't agree with, but try to stay polite while dying a little on the inside? pregnancy: a great time to be pissed off!)
#1 My first blog entry!
I'm willing to admit, I wouldn't call myself a writer, but here I am. I'm motivated to do this so that those I love and more specifically, for those that love me (and my husband and our child), know what I and my husband want as gifts for the impending birth of our first child.
[A little sidebar here, my husband doesn't actually know what we want or why, but he does trust me to know. I like to add him out of respect and love!]
I also want to warn folks that this blog may, at times, become more of a list than a literary quest. It is my goal to let you know what I want, why I want it, and hopefully, where you can find it. I want everyone to keep in mind that if you can find what we've requested elsewhere for cheaper, from a more environmentally friendly source, or gently used, by all means follow that path. Another aspect that can be negotiable is color (I (we) like blues and greens and natural stain, as you can tell from our house interior, but some antique pieces from Rob's family are a dark stain and Rob's favorite color is orange *shrug*), be it in fabric, paint, pattern, or stain, I'll try to list a preference, however, if it's cheaper in another color (it happens on e-bay) - I can hardly argue against saving a few dollars over a color. Gender specific colors are cute, but unnecessary. No matter the gender, baby'll have Seahawks and Mariners garb!! Oh, yeah, we won't be finding the gender out until birth, so the official baby shower will be after baby is born! (At least I thought so until my Aunt announced that she was going to throw one for us in June, she said we can have another after if we want.)
I want to point out that the most important aspect is the "why". Why we do want one thing, why we do not want others. I am continually looking into toxins in the home and the environment, living simply (more a goal, than a reality at this point), and over all, what I want to teach our child(ren).
When considering items for purchase, please take a look at Washington Toxics Coalitions to find products that are listed as the safest options of whatever it is that you are looking to gift. I want everyone to remember that just because it's on our store shelves, doesn't mean that it's safe. Over the last few years, we've seen toys, bibs, food, cribs, and medication removed from our stores and I promise, we'll see more.
There will also be items that we don't want. We intend to bed-share with our child, therefore, we're going to be getting a larger bed, not a crib. I want a Family Sleeper, which is my preferred for on a regular basis, it's made from natural safe materials and even has recycled water bottles as part of the make-up, for those nights that baby doesn't sleep with us, a play yard will work. Also, I intend to "baby-wear", carry the baby in a sling while doing other stuff, whether baby is awake or asleep. See the pictures above. I'm looking forward to having a small play yard, but haven't picked one out yet, I want to look them up on Consumer Reports.
Now,if it isn't listed here as something we want or don't want, it may be because we haven't thought about that particular "thing". Please feel free to ask us or someone we'll list later as another reference (in case you want it to be a surprise!). In looking at our lists, I would hope that some things would be "no brainers", if we sleep with the baby and I'm wearing the baby the majority of time, do we need one of those one way listening devises often found in nurseries? Probably not, but, I would like a selection of cloth slings and a couple for daddy!
Now the big question for me: someone will inevitably gift something that we don't want or need. Do we, after politely expressing gratitude in front of others, give it back to you with an explanation of why we don't want/need it, and ask that you return it (this will allow you to get your money back [as I will only get store credit], save me the trouble of a return, and allow me to inform you of our requests)? Or, do I grin and bare it, hope that I can find a store that will take it back (if there isn't a gift receipt), and then try to find something from the store that we actually want, with the potential of this repeating with every gift giving opportunity? I'm leaning towards gentle honesty with the excuse of pregnancy having shortened my polite stick! Of course, I'll take it as it comes. You'll have to excuse me, I'm already cantankerous.
Well, I feel that I've been my overly honest self already. I hope I still have friends and family who will see the benefit in my requests and even if they don't, respect me enough to follow through on them!
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