Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Getting Ready for Baby
Well, what can I say, it's 6 am and we just got back inside from a fire alarm experience. That's right, people! I walked down 12 flights of stairs in my present condition. Anyway, I was already waking up every hour or so for various reasons - I messed up my schedule by taking a humungous nap yesterday afternoon, I was hot, I was uncomfortable - that's what happens when you're 9 months pregnant in the summer time... anyway, I decided to use this opportunity to update you on our further preparations for Baby Grover's arrival.
Monday we met with our doula, Tuesday was Childbirth class, Wednesday we stocked up on everything imaginable at Costco, Thursday was our doctor appointment, and yesterday we attended an Infant & Child CPR class. I thought it was very useful - especially the parts about responding to a choking infant. We installed the car seat and Lane, being the super handy daddy that he is, hung up some stuff on the walls.
Here are some pics so you can check it out. I think we might get some little stick-on decorations for the walls so Baby has interesting stuff to look at when she's getting her diaper changed. Goodness knows, we'll be spending a lot of time there!
Friday, June 27, 2008
How Sweet!
I just love surprises in the mail. Today I got an especially sweet one from our friend Sarah Crawford in Modesto. Sarah had the sweetest baby boy in February, so the whole birthing experience is still very fresh in her mind.
Imagine my surprise to receive a box full of wrapped items from her in the mail today! It was a hospital care package. She gave me all sorts of things I'd need at the hospital, and each one had a little note explaining why I'd need it. Too clever and too cute.
I immediately updated my hospital bags and now feel even more prepared for this adventure. Not only was this super duper sweet, it's also very impressive (and comforting) that the mama of a 4 month old infant has time to prepare something so thoughtful!
Thank you oodles and bunches, Sarah!!!
XOXO
Imagine my surprise to receive a box full of wrapped items from her in the mail today! It was a hospital care package. She gave me all sorts of things I'd need at the hospital, and each one had a little note explaining why I'd need it. Too clever and too cute.
I immediately updated my hospital bags and now feel even more prepared for this adventure. Not only was this super duper sweet, it's also very impressive (and comforting) that the mama of a 4 month old infant has time to prepare something so thoughtful!
Thank you oodles and bunches, Sarah!!!
XOXO
Delivery Concerns
Everything seems to be going great with the pregnancy. I still don't feel yet like I need to get this baby out of me, but ran into a few little concerns yesterday at my doctor appointment.
My doctor talked about scheduling an induction date, just in case. She said the hospital likes to schedule them two weeks in advance, and I could wait as long as a week past my due date, and it's okay if we don't need the appointment after all, but we should still make plans for it. Here I was, calm as could be about going for the whole natural childbirth thing, and the next thing I know, I'm picturing myself hooked up to pitocin and constant fetal monitoring - exactly what I'm hoping to avoid. Not only that, I'd have to pick a date that is right after my due date because I really, really, really want the baby to be born by the time my mom gets here (July 21st).
Second concern is that as I was making my doctor appointment for the week after next, I found my doctor wasn't available for any of the days I needed. So I asked the appointment scheduling lady what was going on. She went and asked the doctor who confirmed that she'll be on vacation from July 7 to July 11th. Uh, thanks for letting me know, lady. I understand that people go on vacation - it's summer after all. But finding out directly from the doctor would have been nice. Especially since Lane and I were discussing her on call schedule with her just that very afternoon so we'd have an idea of who we'd be working with depending on what day we went to the hospital. It's not like she doesn't know when I'm due. That really annoyed me.
Instead of worrying about which doctor will be there, I just need to focus on what I can do to make it the best experience I can. I'm really hoping to encourage this little girl to arrive early rather than late. Wish us luck!!
My doctor talked about scheduling an induction date, just in case. She said the hospital likes to schedule them two weeks in advance, and I could wait as long as a week past my due date, and it's okay if we don't need the appointment after all, but we should still make plans for it. Here I was, calm as could be about going for the whole natural childbirth thing, and the next thing I know, I'm picturing myself hooked up to pitocin and constant fetal monitoring - exactly what I'm hoping to avoid. Not only that, I'd have to pick a date that is right after my due date because I really, really, really want the baby to be born by the time my mom gets here (July 21st).
Second concern is that as I was making my doctor appointment for the week after next, I found my doctor wasn't available for any of the days I needed. So I asked the appointment scheduling lady what was going on. She went and asked the doctor who confirmed that she'll be on vacation from July 7 to July 11th. Uh, thanks for letting me know, lady. I understand that people go on vacation - it's summer after all. But finding out directly from the doctor would have been nice. Especially since Lane and I were discussing her on call schedule with her just that very afternoon so we'd have an idea of who we'd be working with depending on what day we went to the hospital. It's not like she doesn't know when I'm due. That really annoyed me.
Instead of worrying about which doctor will be there, I just need to focus on what I can do to make it the best experience I can. I'm really hoping to encourage this little girl to arrive early rather than late. Wish us luck!!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Weekend with David
We are so glad David called us at the last minute on Thursday night to ask if he could visit for the weekend. We always have a blast together.
Friday night was a blast, and all we did was go to dinner. We stopped in at Cafe Pizzaiolo across the street (even though David was itching for Kabob Palace). They were a little crowded and as we debated whether or not to check out another place, the sweet waitress convinced us to stay by offering to bring us some bruscetta to hold us over while we waited for a table to open up.
She was so much fun. I actually think she had a crush on David. We laughed all night long, ate delicious pizza, the boys had some beers, and my favorite part was when the waitress told me to come taste gelato with her. She gave me spoonful after spoonful of each flavor - it was delightful. She even gave us our bruscetta for free and a couple of beers for free. Nice Lady.
We finished off the evening by watching a Quentin Tarantino flick that Lane and I hadn't seen before - Death Proof. David brought it and said if Lane didn't like the movie, that was it, he didn't know him. Well we enjoyed it. It was very Tarantino.
Saturday David said he had to check out these properties for work, but not to worry he had already found his metro routes. When I checked them out and saw he had to get off at the Anacostia stop (the extreme ghetto), and then walk and take a bus to get somewhere else, I suggested he and Lane take the car. When Lane saw where they were going he came out of the bedroom with NUNCHUCKS in his pocket - you know, just in case. He is too funny. I asked them to blog about their experience since I wasn't there and all, but they didn't.
Lane and I went to a not so useful baby basics class (way too basic), and finished off the evening at Torin's pool party that ended up with naked guys swimming in the pool. Too funny. Of course, after we got home at 12:30, David and Lane made the requisite late night run to Kabob Palace and ate and talked until nearly 4 am.
They took another trip to a different part of the ghetto on Sunday to check out more properties, and came back with dinner all figured out. They bbq'd steaks and made some bleu cheese butter to top them with, grilled squash, I roasted some potato fries, we had garlic bread, and peaches and ice cream for dessert. It was such a treat not to have to decide what to make for dinner, or to even have to cook it. But most of all, to eat David's delicious bbq goodness and share that meal with him.
Next time we see him, we'll have a little baby also!!
Friday night was a blast, and all we did was go to dinner. We stopped in at Cafe Pizzaiolo across the street (even though David was itching for Kabob Palace). They were a little crowded and as we debated whether or not to check out another place, the sweet waitress convinced us to stay by offering to bring us some bruscetta to hold us over while we waited for a table to open up.
She was so much fun. I actually think she had a crush on David. We laughed all night long, ate delicious pizza, the boys had some beers, and my favorite part was when the waitress told me to come taste gelato with her. She gave me spoonful after spoonful of each flavor - it was delightful. She even gave us our bruscetta for free and a couple of beers for free. Nice Lady.
We finished off the evening by watching a Quentin Tarantino flick that Lane and I hadn't seen before - Death Proof. David brought it and said if Lane didn't like the movie, that was it, he didn't know him. Well we enjoyed it. It was very Tarantino.
Saturday David said he had to check out these properties for work, but not to worry he had already found his metro routes. When I checked them out and saw he had to get off at the Anacostia stop (the extreme ghetto), and then walk and take a bus to get somewhere else, I suggested he and Lane take the car. When Lane saw where they were going he came out of the bedroom with NUNCHUCKS in his pocket - you know, just in case. He is too funny. I asked them to blog about their experience since I wasn't there and all, but they didn't.
Lane and I went to a not so useful baby basics class (way too basic), and finished off the evening at Torin's pool party that ended up with naked guys swimming in the pool. Too funny. Of course, after we got home at 12:30, David and Lane made the requisite late night run to Kabob Palace and ate and talked until nearly 4 am.
They took another trip to a different part of the ghetto on Sunday to check out more properties, and came back with dinner all figured out. They bbq'd steaks and made some bleu cheese butter to top them with, grilled squash, I roasted some potato fries, we had garlic bread, and peaches and ice cream for dessert. It was such a treat not to have to decide what to make for dinner, or to even have to cook it. But most of all, to eat David's delicious bbq goodness and share that meal with him.
Next time we see him, we'll have a little baby also!!
A glimpse into my world
When Katie and I met up last week for sushi and pedicures, she caught a glimpse into my world. Before she even met me at our patio table, she found me answering a stranger's questions. "Yes, I'm due soon - July 15th; No, it's just one; Yes, I'm sure, it's just one." Katie arrives, sees me answering all these questions, I stand up and she gives me a long hug, we greet each other, sit back down at our table, and this lady who had waited so patiently, continued to ask me questions. "We're having a girl, and no we haven't decided on a name yet". Katie was witness to multiple nearly identical exchanges that happened throughout the evening. This is what my life is like these days.
My favorite is when people tell me I'm having a boy, and the look of utter disbelief they have when I break the news that it's a girl. This has happened about 3 or 4 times in the last week.
Just last night as I waddled through the aisles at Costco, a lady told us we were having a boy. When we said it's a girl, her head tilted in disbelief, she had a questioning look on her face, and asked, "really?" like, are you sure? She almost looked like she felt sorry for us for so foolishly believing this. Because, after all, the scientific way of determining the sex of your baby is by looking at the belly. We told her that's what the doctor said and we'd had ultrasounds, and then Lane said the baby would have a lot of problems if he was a boy. I thought he meant because we have a lot of girly stuff. But no, when the lady asked why, his response was, "because he doesn't have a penis".
We all, including the nice lady, had a good laugh at that one.
My favorite is when people tell me I'm having a boy, and the look of utter disbelief they have when I break the news that it's a girl. This has happened about 3 or 4 times in the last week.
Just last night as I waddled through the aisles at Costco, a lady told us we were having a boy. When we said it's a girl, her head tilted in disbelief, she had a questioning look on her face, and asked, "really?" like, are you sure? She almost looked like she felt sorry for us for so foolishly believing this. Because, after all, the scientific way of determining the sex of your baby is by looking at the belly. We told her that's what the doctor said and we'd had ultrasounds, and then Lane said the baby would have a lot of problems if he was a boy. I thought he meant because we have a lot of girly stuff. But no, when the lady asked why, his response was, "because he doesn't have a penis".
We all, including the nice lady, had a good laugh at that one.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Week 37
It's Week 37 - that's when the baby is officially considered "full term".
Today I noticed that it's easier for me to breathe and walk. Maybe I'm just crazy, but it seemed like my belly button was lower too. I tried comparing my belly to previous weeks pictures to see if it was lower, but I can't see any difference except that it's still growing.
Everyone in my child birth class is saying we might not be there next week. I think it's a combination of the baby possibly dropping and my stories of wanting to get rid of tons of stuff over the weekend. We did just that - Lane and David made a monster good will donation run and we put away ALL the baby stuff. We also hung a cute shelf up above the baby dresser. And I started cleaning out my desk at work, making notes for whoever will be replacing me while I'm out.
Our doula came over last night and gave us some good things to read. We discussed things I should talk to our doctor about and she also gave us lots of tips that we can start using to prepare for getting the baby in the right position and to help encourage labor as we get closer.
Baby Grover still has her head down. And there are still a ton of things I feel like we need to do. But I'm still very calm and collected about delivery and I'm starting to get more excited - it's just around the corner.
Friday, June 20, 2008
World Refugee Day
Check out these short and moving videos in honor of World Refugee Day:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3h-Yrf1GmI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPOta8Re3mY
There are lots of really interesting books and movies about refugees. They are all incredibly eye opening, very heartwarming and extremely interesting. Take some time to rent the films or read a book.
Movies:
God Grew Tired of Us - After raising themselves in the desert along with thousands of other parentless "lost boys," Sudanese refugees John, Daniel and Panther have found their way to America, where they experience electricity, running water and supermarkets for the first time. Capturing their wonder at things Westerners take for granted, this documentary, an award winner at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival, paints an intimate portrait of strangers in a strange land.
War Dance - Set in civil war-ravaged Northern Uganda, this Best Documentary nominee for the 2008 Oscars follows the lives of three youngsters who attend school in a refugee camp and find hope through a rich tradition of song and dance. Coming from a world in which children are abducted from their families and forced to fight in the rebel army, these kids give it their all when they travel to the capital city to take part in the prestigious Kampala Music Festival.
Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars - This stunning documentary captures the triumphant story of six musicians who escaped the horrific violence of Sierra Leone's civil war, landed in a West African refugee camp and formed a band that would go on to travel the world. An unbelievable testament to the human spirit, the refugees' journey exemplifies the power of music. Directed by Zach Niles and Banker White, this film was honored by the American Film Institute in 2005.
Lost Boys of Sudan - This award-winning documentary follows two Sudanese refugees throughout their intense journey from their native Africa to the United States. As orphans living in the middle of a brutal civil war, Peter and Santino dealt with dangers like lion attacks and gunfire from militia. But even more daunting are the challenges they face in suburbia after they're chosen to start a new life in America.
Books and reviews from Amazon: These are just some that I have read, there are tons more out there.
Of Beetles & Angels: A Boy's Remarkable Journey from Refugee Camp to Harvard (Mawi Asgedom) - When he was four years old, Asgedom's family left their war-ravaged home in Ethiopia. They spent three years in a Sudanese refugee camp before coming to the U.S. in 1983, where they were settled by World Relief in a wealthy white suburb near Chicago. He later earned a full scholarship to Harvard, where in 1999 he delivered the commencement address. His simple lyrical narrative, both wry and tender, stays true to the child's viewpoint as he grows up, taunted at school, but pretty bad and rough himself. His coming-of-age story is both darkened and enriched by the stories he hears about his parents' lives back home and by the pieces he remembers. At the center of the book is his father, a fierce family disciplinarian, once an all-powerful medical assistant at home, now reduced to a "beetle," unemployed, half-blind, raging at his dependency. Only at the very end, when Asgedom spells out the metaphor of the title, does the message overwhelm the story. What stays with you is the quiet, honest drama of a family's heartrending journey.
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier (Ishmael Beah) - From Publishers WeeklyStarred Review. This absorbing account by a young man who, as a boy of 12, gets swept up in Sierra Leone's civil war goes beyond even the best journalistic efforts in revealing the life and mind of a child abducted into the horrors of warfare. Beah's harrowing journey transforms him overnight from a child enthralled by American hip-hop music and dance to an internal refugee bereft of family, wandering from village to village in a country grown deeply divided by the indiscriminate atrocities of unruly, sociopathic rebel and army forces. Beah then finds himself in the army—in a drug-filled life of casual mass slaughter that lasts until he is 15, when he's brought to a rehabilitation center sponsored by UNICEF and partnering NGOs. The process marks out Beah as a gifted spokesman for the center's work after his "repatriation" to civilian life in the capital, where he lives with his family and a distant uncle. When the war finally engulfs the capital, it sends 17-year-old Beah fleeing again, this time to the U.S., where he now lives. (Beah graduated from Oberlin College in 2004.) Told in clear, accessible language by a young writer with a gifted literary voice, this memoir seems destined to become a classic firsthand account of war and the ongoing plight of child soldiers in conflicts worldwide.
God Grew Tired of Us: A Memoir (John Bul Dau) - Just 13 in 1987 when he was driven from his village and separated from his family in the raging civil war in southern Sudan, John Bul Dau spent years in refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya, until in 2001 he came to the U.S. as one of 4,000 Lost Boys of Sudan. His memoir is the subject of a new, award-winning documentary film. Like Deng's They Poured Fire on Us from the Sky (2005), this is a stark, first-person account of trauma and survival. Dau tells it quietly, in fast, simple prose true to the young teen's viewpoint. He's funny about the culture shock in America and honest about his years in the camp, even the fact that, trauma notwithstanding, he liked being tabbed as a leader. Although appreciative of this country and the chance for work and college, he never denies his connections to Africa. Unforgettable photos document his reunion--after 19 years--with family he did not know were alive.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3h-Yrf1GmI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPOta8Re3mY
There are lots of really interesting books and movies about refugees. They are all incredibly eye opening, very heartwarming and extremely interesting. Take some time to rent the films or read a book.
Movies:
God Grew Tired of Us - After raising themselves in the desert along with thousands of other parentless "lost boys," Sudanese refugees John, Daniel and Panther have found their way to America, where they experience electricity, running water and supermarkets for the first time. Capturing their wonder at things Westerners take for granted, this documentary, an award winner at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival, paints an intimate portrait of strangers in a strange land.
War Dance - Set in civil war-ravaged Northern Uganda, this Best Documentary nominee for the 2008 Oscars follows the lives of three youngsters who attend school in a refugee camp and find hope through a rich tradition of song and dance. Coming from a world in which children are abducted from their families and forced to fight in the rebel army, these kids give it their all when they travel to the capital city to take part in the prestigious Kampala Music Festival.
Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars - This stunning documentary captures the triumphant story of six musicians who escaped the horrific violence of Sierra Leone's civil war, landed in a West African refugee camp and formed a band that would go on to travel the world. An unbelievable testament to the human spirit, the refugees' journey exemplifies the power of music. Directed by Zach Niles and Banker White, this film was honored by the American Film Institute in 2005.
Lost Boys of Sudan - This award-winning documentary follows two Sudanese refugees throughout their intense journey from their native Africa to the United States. As orphans living in the middle of a brutal civil war, Peter and Santino dealt with dangers like lion attacks and gunfire from militia. But even more daunting are the challenges they face in suburbia after they're chosen to start a new life in America.
Books and reviews from Amazon: These are just some that I have read, there are tons more out there.
Of Beetles & Angels: A Boy's Remarkable Journey from Refugee Camp to Harvard (Mawi Asgedom) - When he was four years old, Asgedom's family left their war-ravaged home in Ethiopia. They spent three years in a Sudanese refugee camp before coming to the U.S. in 1983, where they were settled by World Relief in a wealthy white suburb near Chicago. He later earned a full scholarship to Harvard, where in 1999 he delivered the commencement address. His simple lyrical narrative, both wry and tender, stays true to the child's viewpoint as he grows up, taunted at school, but pretty bad and rough himself. His coming-of-age story is both darkened and enriched by the stories he hears about his parents' lives back home and by the pieces he remembers. At the center of the book is his father, a fierce family disciplinarian, once an all-powerful medical assistant at home, now reduced to a "beetle," unemployed, half-blind, raging at his dependency. Only at the very end, when Asgedom spells out the metaphor of the title, does the message overwhelm the story. What stays with you is the quiet, honest drama of a family's heartrending journey.
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier (Ishmael Beah) - From Publishers WeeklyStarred Review. This absorbing account by a young man who, as a boy of 12, gets swept up in Sierra Leone's civil war goes beyond even the best journalistic efforts in revealing the life and mind of a child abducted into the horrors of warfare. Beah's harrowing journey transforms him overnight from a child enthralled by American hip-hop music and dance to an internal refugee bereft of family, wandering from village to village in a country grown deeply divided by the indiscriminate atrocities of unruly, sociopathic rebel and army forces. Beah then finds himself in the army—in a drug-filled life of casual mass slaughter that lasts until he is 15, when he's brought to a rehabilitation center sponsored by UNICEF and partnering NGOs. The process marks out Beah as a gifted spokesman for the center's work after his "repatriation" to civilian life in the capital, where he lives with his family and a distant uncle. When the war finally engulfs the capital, it sends 17-year-old Beah fleeing again, this time to the U.S., where he now lives. (Beah graduated from Oberlin College in 2004.) Told in clear, accessible language by a young writer with a gifted literary voice, this memoir seems destined to become a classic firsthand account of war and the ongoing plight of child soldiers in conflicts worldwide.
God Grew Tired of Us: A Memoir (John Bul Dau) - Just 13 in 1987 when he was driven from his village and separated from his family in the raging civil war in southern Sudan, John Bul Dau spent years in refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya, until in 2001 he came to the U.S. as one of 4,000 Lost Boys of Sudan. His memoir is the subject of a new, award-winning documentary film. Like Deng's They Poured Fire on Us from the Sky (2005), this is a stark, first-person account of trauma and survival. Dau tells it quietly, in fast, simple prose true to the young teen's viewpoint. He's funny about the culture shock in America and honest about his years in the camp, even the fact that, trauma notwithstanding, he liked being tabbed as a leader. Although appreciative of this country and the chance for work and college, he never denies his connections to Africa. Unforgettable photos document his reunion--after 19 years--with family he did not know were alive.
Time is Flying By
Another week has gone by and I haven't even posted about the last one yet. Lane and I spent time by the pool last weekend. We cooked lots of delicious foods over the weekend including chicken tacos, mixed berry and banana pancakes, and whole wheat pasta with spicy italian sausage, spinach, and sun dried tomatoes.
Our Saturday afternoon was spent at Babies R Us buying all sorts of fabulous things to prepare for Baby Grover's arrival. We cleaned, did laundry, went grocery shopping, and were super productive . Perhaps that's why I was exhausted all day Sunday. In between my naps we had some pool time and grilled hamburgers, made sweet potato fries and had steamed artichokes up on the roof of our building while the sun set. It was very relaxing.
Last summer my dear friend Katie and I would meet up every week to catch up, eat sushi, and drink wine. We've started up again this summer (minus the wine for now). It's so great to have girl time. We even spiced it up a little bit by going to get a pedicure after sushi. fabulous.
Last night David called and asked if he could come visit this weekend (today). He really needs to escape NYC for a little while and we're excited to see him.
Our Saturday afternoon was spent at Babies R Us buying all sorts of fabulous things to prepare for Baby Grover's arrival. We cleaned, did laundry, went grocery shopping, and were super productive . Perhaps that's why I was exhausted all day Sunday. In between my naps we had some pool time and grilled hamburgers, made sweet potato fries and had steamed artichokes up on the roof of our building while the sun set. It was very relaxing.
Last summer my dear friend Katie and I would meet up every week to catch up, eat sushi, and drink wine. We've started up again this summer (minus the wine for now). It's so great to have girl time. We even spiced it up a little bit by going to get a pedicure after sushi. fabulous.
Last night David called and asked if he could come visit this weekend (today). He really needs to escape NYC for a little while and we're excited to see him.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
How my pregnant mind works
The other night I had a dream that I was walking and just got so tired I had to sit down in the middle of the sidewalk. When I got back up people were in a big hurry behind me and I just turned around and yelled at them, "give me some space and be patient! Can't you see I'm 8 months pregnant?!?!?"
I was so excited about our successful pediatrician visit and also about scoring a(nother) steal of a deal from Craig's List. We bought a hardly used Tiny Love Gymini Play Mat (regularly $60) for $15. I felt like we were making so much progress, we came home and I cleaned up a little, and wasn't tired at all.
When 3 am rolled around, I was wide awake as can be, worrying about "urgent" things such as making sure we put sheets on our fold out bed for when my mom comes, and putting a hairbrush in my hospital bag and what we should stock up on at Costco before the baby comes so we don't have to worry after she's born.
This is much different than my Sunday which was spent taking three, yes THREE naps, falling asleep during a movie that night and then sleeping through the entire night.
and tonight I'm exhausted.
I was so excited about our successful pediatrician visit and also about scoring a(nother) steal of a deal from Craig's List. We bought a hardly used Tiny Love Gymini Play Mat (regularly $60) for $15. I felt like we were making so much progress, we came home and I cleaned up a little, and wasn't tired at all.
When 3 am rolled around, I was wide awake as can be, worrying about "urgent" things such as making sure we put sheets on our fold out bed for when my mom comes, and putting a hairbrush in my hospital bag and what we should stock up on at Costco before the baby comes so we don't have to worry after she's born.
This is much different than my Sunday which was spent taking three, yes THREE naps, falling asleep during a movie that night and then sleeping through the entire night.
and tonight I'm exhausted.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Pediatrician? Check!
Phew, one more thing (and a big one) off the list of things to do - especially since the hospital won't let us leave without having selected a pediatrician. Lane and I met with Dr. Welman today and were very pleased. Her office is just 2 miles away from us. We met with her and a nurse; they both were very friendly and gave us lots of good information.
Before meeting with Dr. Welman, I did what any sane person would do, I googled her. Here's what I found: http://www.americaspromise.org/APAGallery.aspx?id=6916 Click on her picture to watch the video and you'll see why I knew I'd like her before we'd even met.
She went to UC San Francisco, provided care to migrant workers in Salinas, CA for a while, and just has a huge heart and desire to help everyone have the right foundation and health care. Much different than the doctor who wanted to charge me $90 just to talk to them about whether or not I wanted to go to their practice.
Relief. Now if only we can cross some of these other items off our list.
Before meeting with Dr. Welman, I did what any sane person would do, I googled her. Here's what I found: http://www.americaspromise.org/APAGallery.aspx?id=6916 Click on her picture to watch the video and you'll see why I knew I'd like her before we'd even met.
She went to UC San Francisco, provided care to migrant workers in Salinas, CA for a while, and just has a huge heart and desire to help everyone have the right foundation and health care. Much different than the doctor who wanted to charge me $90 just to talk to them about whether or not I wanted to go to their practice.
Relief. Now if only we can cross some of these other items off our list.
Week 36
On the one hand, I feel like I have a month left to go, which is comforting because there are still many things to be done before this baby is born - finish up our room, install the car seat, find the pediatrician, take a load of stuff to goodwill so baby items fit in our closets, cook and freeze food so we can eat after baby arrives, clean, clean some more, etc.
On the other hand, it could really be much less time. Our child birth class instructor had her baby when she was 36 weeks and 4 days pregnant! It's so hard to believe that we could have our baby any time now. So yesterday I did the only thing that seemed reasonable and necessary given this impending deadline - I got a pedicure. Heavenly.
Over the weekend I (mostly) packed our bag for the hospital. There are a few more things I need to get together, but don't worry, I have a list inside the bag of the last remaining things we need. We also made a huge trip to Babies R Us and bought loads of things that we'll need and thanks to our generous family and co-workers, we paid for it all with gift cards!!
Baby Grover was "head down" at my last doctor appointment. I start going every week from now on. It's so amazing to think that she already has hair on her head, her finger and toe nails are all done, and that she probably has little dimples on her arms and legs. We're excited to meet her.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Staying Cool
It was pretty warm over the weekend, though nothing like last. We stayed cool by going to the pool at our apartment on Friday and Sunday. It's so relaxing to just hang out and read by the pool. The water is super comfortable. I'm usually a giant sissy about getting in water, but I just step right in. And, my big belly feels so much smaller and weightless, although the second I step out of the water, it feels like I'm carrying a giant bowling ball.
Since I never posted a pic of my bathing suit wearing shennanigans in the Outer Banks, here's one before we went out to the pool yesterday. When I sit down, I can't see my bikini bottom at all. I guess I just have to trust that it's there.
Since I never posted a pic of my bathing suit wearing shennanigans in the Outer Banks, here's one before we went out to the pool yesterday. When I sit down, I can't see my bikini bottom at all. I guess I just have to trust that it's there.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Baby Preparations Update
Thursday night the weirdest thing happened. I woke up around 3 am and realized I was starving! Maybe it was because we had an early dinner the night before, but this has never happened before. I layed in bed for a while thinking, "I can't eat in the middle of the night, that's too crazy!" But I was wide awake, and after much deliberation, got myself out of bed, ate some string cheese, and happily drifted back to sleep. That was a first.
The other day I started looking into some daycare centers in Crystal City. One of them emailed me letting me know their wait list for infants is... (you're going to love this)... ELEVEN MONTHS! Fabulous! I'm going to check out some other places also, but I thought this was kind of ridiculous. I'm really surprised at myself. I'm usually totally OCD Planner Girl and this whole pregnancy/baby thing has kept me really laid back. I'm much more easy-breezy and not really worried about things coming together (SOOOO unlike me). Even now, I figure there are other places, and anyway, it can't hurt to get on a waiting list. I bet people have to give up spots because they aren't ready when their turn becomes available. Plus, there are some family home day cares I can look into as well.
Our infant carseat arrived in the mail yesterday. I really like it. We found out already though that there's a voluntary recall on the base. There are two ways you can attach it in the car - with this LATCH system that doesn't use the seatbelt, or with the seatbelt. They've found a potential problem with the LATCH system, and the carseat is perfectly fine to use with the seatbelt. But we've already arranged to be sent a new base. Here's the link if anyone wants or needs more info: http://www.chiccocarseatrecall.com/
This weekend I will be doing Take 2 for Hospital Bag packing. I've made a list of what we need to bring. Now I just need to do some laundry and get it done. I've already packed our new diaper bag with a few items for the baby including a cutie outfit to wear home and some of Auntie Theresa's burp cloths just cos.
My friend Jessica's niece was born at Sibley on Wednesday. She was in Michigan at the time, and couldn't get in touch with them. When she texted me asking for visiting hours at Sibley, I cleverly decided I'd give her the number for Labor & Delivery so she could be transferred to her sister's room. I suddenly realized I had no idea what that phone number was and spent a while looking it up on the hospital website, thankful that we weren't in the midst of labor while we were finding out this information. Now, the number is safely stored in my cell phone. phew. I also stored the number for my short term disability claim at work. Seriously, when you're thinking about the people you're going to call after the baby's born, MetLife insurance just doesn't come to mind.
We may venture to Babies R Us this weekend to use our gift cards and stock up on more baby supplies. I also have high hopes of us donating a load of stuff to the goodwill to make more closet space for said baby supplies.
Lots to do, and not much time left!
The other day I started looking into some daycare centers in Crystal City. One of them emailed me letting me know their wait list for infants is... (you're going to love this)... ELEVEN MONTHS! Fabulous! I'm going to check out some other places also, but I thought this was kind of ridiculous. I'm really surprised at myself. I'm usually totally OCD Planner Girl and this whole pregnancy/baby thing has kept me really laid back. I'm much more easy-breezy and not really worried about things coming together (SOOOO unlike me). Even now, I figure there are other places, and anyway, it can't hurt to get on a waiting list. I bet people have to give up spots because they aren't ready when their turn becomes available. Plus, there are some family home day cares I can look into as well.
Our infant carseat arrived in the mail yesterday. I really like it. We found out already though that there's a voluntary recall on the base. There are two ways you can attach it in the car - with this LATCH system that doesn't use the seatbelt, or with the seatbelt. They've found a potential problem with the LATCH system, and the carseat is perfectly fine to use with the seatbelt. But we've already arranged to be sent a new base. Here's the link if anyone wants or needs more info: http://www.chiccocarseatrecall.com/
This weekend I will be doing Take 2 for Hospital Bag packing. I've made a list of what we need to bring. Now I just need to do some laundry and get it done. I've already packed our new diaper bag with a few items for the baby including a cutie outfit to wear home and some of Auntie Theresa's burp cloths just cos.
My friend Jessica's niece was born at Sibley on Wednesday. She was in Michigan at the time, and couldn't get in touch with them. When she texted me asking for visiting hours at Sibley, I cleverly decided I'd give her the number for Labor & Delivery so she could be transferred to her sister's room. I suddenly realized I had no idea what that phone number was and spent a while looking it up on the hospital website, thankful that we weren't in the midst of labor while we were finding out this information. Now, the number is safely stored in my cell phone. phew. I also stored the number for my short term disability claim at work. Seriously, when you're thinking about the people you're going to call after the baby's born, MetLife insurance just doesn't come to mind.
We may venture to Babies R Us this weekend to use our gift cards and stock up on more baby supplies. I also have high hopes of us donating a load of stuff to the goodwill to make more closet space for said baby supplies.
Lots to do, and not much time left!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Week 35
35 Weeks pregnant, only 35 days to go, and I still need to get that hospital bag packed. Baby Grover's physical development is practically complete, but she's still putting on the finishing touches. She continues to put on weight, which will help her regulate her body temperature after she's born.
The temps here have been a little out of control. I've been managing well by staying indoors as much as possible and drinking insane amounts of water.
My work had a very sweet baby shower for us three pregnant ladies yesterday. 
I'm due on the 15th, Phebean's due on the 17th, and Kristin is due on the 18th!!
Monday, June 9, 2008
What a Whirlwind Week!
This week flew by like nobody's business! On Monday night we went grocery shopping, and tried to rest up following our long Outer Banks weekend. Tuesday night was busy as usual with dinner and childbirth class. I had a lovely evening Wednesday catching up with Katie. We left to go home right as the huge thunder and lightning storm started and just barely missed the monstrous storm and being poured upon. Thursday we had a chance to catch our breath, and Friday night the boys hung out while Jess and Alex and I finally saw Sex & the City. I LOVED it! I laughed tons and also did my fair share of crying. At first I thought it was my pregnancy hormones, but I wasn't the only one wiping away tears.
Saturday, we mostly avoided the blazing heat. We ventured outside only briefly for a craigslist purchase. I bought a Medela nursing stool for all of $5 (regularly $25). I spent the rest of the afternoon opening baby box after baby box, assembling things, figuring out how to work them, and trying to find spots for them in our house. Now we only have TWO boxes out in our living room, when we used to have about about 10. I meant to pack my hospital bag, but that would have required doing laundry, and I just wasn't feeling it. That night, our neighbor Dan stopped by and told us there was some amazing lightning in the horizon. We grabbed some drinks and the salad Lane made for dinner and went up to our building's rooftop to enjoy the mild evening weather (70s), cool breeze, dinner and conversation and the sky light up all around us. It was very relaxing. We stayed until the rain started and then retreated back to our apartments. Lane and I watched a movie.
Yesterday was soooo hot. We went to a co-worker's barbeque and I'm so glad we did! There were tons of people from work, and it was really fun to just chill outside of work with them. One thing I really missed from CA were the out of control barbeques my brother David and his fabulous roommate Peter would throw. There was always so much delicious food, you didn't know what to do. Tracy offered some stiff east coast competition. We had bbq'd chicken, bleu cheese burgers, various pasta salads, green salad, fresh fruit, grilled asparagus, veggie kabobs, grilled corn on the cob, and so many various tasty appetizers. Add to that the lovely assortment of drinks (that I did not partake of) vodka lemonade, bloody maries, sangria, and all the wine and beer you could imagine, it was quite a feast.
Being that the heat this weekend was 100 plus, I felt this was the test for how my extremely pregnant body could handle the summer weather. I sat outside (in the shade) for quite a while. There was a nice breeze and I had my personal mister (thanks, Lane) and tons of water. It actually wasn't that bad. I can do it! Although, I must say, it helped that I brought another shirt to change into. We didn't get a chance to check out the pool over the weekend - hopefully we'll do that soon.
The low temp for tonight is 77 degrees, but it's supposed to still be in the 90s by 7 pm. Summer has officially arrived.
Saturday, we mostly avoided the blazing heat. We ventured outside only briefly for a craigslist purchase. I bought a Medela nursing stool for all of $5 (regularly $25). I spent the rest of the afternoon opening baby box after baby box, assembling things, figuring out how to work them, and trying to find spots for them in our house. Now we only have TWO boxes out in our living room, when we used to have about about 10. I meant to pack my hospital bag, but that would have required doing laundry, and I just wasn't feeling it. That night, our neighbor Dan stopped by and told us there was some amazing lightning in the horizon. We grabbed some drinks and the salad Lane made for dinner and went up to our building's rooftop to enjoy the mild evening weather (70s), cool breeze, dinner and conversation and the sky light up all around us. It was very relaxing. We stayed until the rain started and then retreated back to our apartments. Lane and I watched a movie.
Yesterday was soooo hot. We went to a co-worker's barbeque and I'm so glad we did! There were tons of people from work, and it was really fun to just chill outside of work with them. One thing I really missed from CA were the out of control barbeques my brother David and his fabulous roommate Peter would throw. There was always so much delicious food, you didn't know what to do. Tracy offered some stiff east coast competition. We had bbq'd chicken, bleu cheese burgers, various pasta salads, green salad, fresh fruit, grilled asparagus, veggie kabobs, grilled corn on the cob, and so many various tasty appetizers. Add to that the lovely assortment of drinks (that I did not partake of) vodka lemonade, bloody maries, sangria, and all the wine and beer you could imagine, it was quite a feast.
Being that the heat this weekend was 100 plus, I felt this was the test for how my extremely pregnant body could handle the summer weather. I sat outside (in the shade) for quite a while. There was a nice breeze and I had my personal mister (thanks, Lane) and tons of water. It actually wasn't that bad. I can do it! Although, I must say, it helped that I brought another shirt to change into. We didn't get a chance to check out the pool over the weekend - hopefully we'll do that soon.
The low temp for tonight is 77 degrees, but it's supposed to still be in the 90s by 7 pm. Summer has officially arrived.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Wish Me Luck
Well, it appears the summer is upon us. Temps this weekend are expected to be in the 90s with a heat index of about 110. I have a feeling I will be putting our swimming pool to good use.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Week 34
If this little girl were born today she'd be a-okay. But I'm really hoping she'll stick around in there for at least several more weeks. By now her fingernails have reached the ends of her fingertips. And within the next week, my total blood volume will increase in anticipation of birth. This increased blood volume will add two to four pounds of weight!!
Lately, my hips have been hurting at night time and (this is really hot) I'm a sweating machine. You know it's bad when Lane is putting on sweaters, trying to turn off the air conditioning in the house, or rolling up the windows in the car because he's freezing, while I'm complaining of it being hot and stuffy.
I hope to pack my bag for the hospital this weekend and finish putting away all the new baby stuff we've recently acquired.
Lately, my hips have been hurting at night time and (this is really hot) I'm a sweating machine. You know it's bad when Lane is putting on sweaters, trying to turn off the air conditioning in the house, or rolling up the windows in the car because he's freezing, while I'm complaining of it being hot and stuffy.
I hope to pack my bag for the hospital this weekend and finish putting away all the new baby stuff we've recently acquired.
Lopsided Belly
Here's a pic from last week or so. This is what my stomach looks like most of the time. Baby Grover really prefers to chill out on the right side.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Los Outer Banks
The beach across the street
The pier from our deck to the water
My husband, the wind surfer
us.
Boys drinking it upWe just returned yesterday afternoon from almost 5 days of lovely rest and relaxation in North Carolina's Outer Banks. I had my reservations at first about taking extra time off from work and shuffling around to reschedule some baby classes I had already signed us up for that weekend, but I am so glad we went. Lane and I both needed that time away from work and the busy DC life.
We stayed at a rad house right on the ocean. It was a 3 level house with decks on each side of the three levels, a huge kitchen, a pool table, swimming pool, jacuzzi, walkway out to the ocean, and an elevator (that I never used). We spent our days by the beach and by the deck napping, reading, chit-chatting, sunning, enjoying the gorgeous weather and eating delicious food. It was a great group of people. I mean really, you know it's going to be good when the guys are sending out emails for special requests and dietary concerns ahead of time and when one of the guys brings his own ice cream maker!! We ate delicious food every night. Some of the guys fished, and Lane tried a little wind surfing. One afternoon there was a kite surfing competition right by our little pier, so we watched the pros do their fancy tricks in the lovely sunshine. I would definitely go back.
It was especially fun because when my parents lived in Norfolk, VA before I was even born, they would always come to the Outer Banks to vacation with friends and here I was, doing the same thing in their old stomping grounds.
The only bad things are one: that I, the self-proclaimed sunscreen police, somehow managed to get a sunburn on just one part of my body - hello bright red chest (on just one side)! And two: while I got sassy and wore a bikini, I have no pictures to document it.
Today I feel like a new person - rested and alert. Thank goodness because I have to go grocery shopping and finish unpacking tonight.
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