Choosing the right diaper bag is a big deal for most of us new moms! Parents are some of the busiest people on earth! Having to feed, clothe, and take care of their children everywhere you go can be tough without having all the necessities on hand. With every venture out, the last thing you want is to forget something while lugging every other item you don't need! With that comes the right bag! Is it just me or is it harder finding the right diaper bag than picking baby's name?! Maybe I am just super particular about what I want in a diaper bag, but I cannot find anything I like! First of all, I want it to not LOOK like the typical diaper bag. I know... but I want something a little fashionable yet practical without having to spend $300! Something not too big or too small with the right amount of pockets and compartments for everything needed. A good diaper bag will hold far more than diapers. Will some designer out there realize that some of us are not only looking for convenience, but a stylish alternative. Oy this is tough!
One alternative I've come across is a diaper bag insert/organizer. Basically it's just an insert with all the pockets and you can place it inside any bag of your choice. Seems to be that most purses now a days are on the large side, so that may work for me! Decisions decisions!
Creating a Birth Plan
photo from sheknows.com
I've been contemplating the idea of creating a birth plan. My original plan was not to plan at all. But now I'm trying to find out whether I really NEED one or not. Some say, don't waste your time, once you go into labor you forget all that and just go as things come. Others will say the opposite and tell you to come up with one so that things go your way. I am feeling overwhelmed with this because I can't come up with what I really want. I guess writing a birth plan is a great way to at least have some guidelines for what the expectant mother finds very important to her during this time and having a sense of control when she may not feel her strongest.
Part of some expectant mother's concern is how do you create one, where do you even begin? I've seen some great guidelines and samples on various baby websites. If I decide to create one, I suppose I could use one of those. A lot of us first time mom's to be just simply think go in the hospital, have a healthy baby, and that's it. But there are so many more things to consider other than going natural versus having an epidural. There's also whether you have strong feelings about nurses giving your baby formula if you are adamant about breastfeeding or whether they give your baby a pacifier. I have a lot to consider....
Creating a Baby Registry is Hard Work!
It sure is tough getting a baby registry in order! I'm not even having a shower so really I am only doing some of the "necessities" and small items people may like to purchase. We really aren't expecting anything but it's great to have it ready for those who have asked.
We decided not to have a shower even though everyone keeps asking about it simply because we haven't been living here that long and well... we just don't know very many people. We've been buying everything on our own and have been grateful for those who have asked us about a registry. It's nice to know that there are still people thinking of us and we appreciate that so much. I guess it's just a bit overwhelming trying to find items I don't feel so guilty "asking" for. For those who have taken a look at our registry, we really appreciate it and are so grateful for your kind generosity!
We decided not to have a shower even though everyone keeps asking about it simply because we haven't been living here that long and well... we just don't know very many people. We've been buying everything on our own and have been grateful for those who have asked us about a registry. It's nice to know that there are still people thinking of us and we appreciate that so much. I guess it's just a bit overwhelming trying to find items I don't feel so guilty "asking" for. For those who have taken a look at our registry, we really appreciate it and are so grateful for your kind generosity!
Top 12 Pregnancy Fears (and Why You Shouldn't Worry)
Shared from Parents.com
(View full article here)
1. I'll have a miscarriage.
THE FACTS: It's unlikely. Most pregnancies result in healthy babies (less than 20 percent end in miscarriage), says Karyn Morse, MD, an ob-gyn at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. "Remember also that most miscarriages also happen within the first few weeks of pregnancy, when many women typically don't realize they're expecting and wouldn't know if they did miscarry.
2. My morning sickness is terrible! My baby isn't getting enough to eat.
THE FACTS: Pardon the comparison, but babies are very good parasites, says Dr. Morse. "They'll absorb all of the nutrition from the foods you do give them -- so even if you're living on only crackers and juice, you don't need to worry," says Dr. Morse. Dr. Ashton agrees: "Unless you're sick to the point that you become severely dehydrated -- and if you were you'd feel so lousy that you'd call your doctor anyway -- morning sickness isn't going to cause any nutritional imbalance or affect the fetus." Just be sure to take your prenatal vitamins and do the best you can, otherwise. "Eat small, frequent meals," adds Dr. Morse.
3. I'll eat or drink the wrong thing -- and harm my baby.
THE FACTS: Women today feel a lot of pressure to do all the "right things" when they're expecting, says Dr. Morse. Beyond the basics like eating healthy and taking prenatal vitamins, pregnant gals today worry about every little "Is it safe?" question. But agonizing over every decision will drive you crazy -- and there's no need for it.
4. I'm too stressed out -- and it's hurting the baby.
THE FACTS: Between those crazy hormones, the sheer exhaustion, and everything else going on these days, it would be weird if you didn't feel a bit on edge every now and then. But stressing over your stress is useless, says Dr. Morse -- especially because a super-taxing day or week at work is not going to harm your baby. Most research shows that intermittent stress (the kind your body gets used to over time) has minimal impact on an unborn baby.
5. My baby will have a birth defect.
THE FACTS: Like many moms-to-be, you hold your breath during every single prenatal test, hoping the results will prove your baby is healthy and developing on track. And it's overwhelmingly likely that she is. The risk of your baby having any birth defect is only 4 percent -- and that includes serious ones, like Down syndrome, as well as all of the thousands of other identified abnormalities, many of which are small and insignificant, like a problem with a toenail, or a tiny heart defect that goes away soon after birth without causing any health issues.
6. I'll go into labor too early.
THE FACTS: This one might be on your worry radar because the rate of premature births has been steadily increasing (it's just shy of 13 percent). But more than 70 percent of these babies are born between 34 and 36 weeks -- far enough along in the pregnancy that the risk of serious complications or developmental issues, while not nil, is much lower.
7. I'll never lose all this baby weight.
THE FACTS: Every giant-bellied gal on the planet worries about getting her pre-baby body back. And it doesn't help to see celeb after celeb snap back to their skinny selves the instant they're wheeled out of the delivery room. Truth is, research shows that 14 to 20 percent of women do keep on at least some of their pregnancy weight, but there are ways to boost your odds of shedding every last pound.
8. I'll have complications like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.
THE FACTS: The risk of developing dangerously high blood pressure (preeclampsia) is just between 5 and 8 percent. It's more common in women under 18 or over age 35 -- as well as in women who have borderline high blood pressure going into their pregnancy.
9. Sex will never be the same again.
THE FACTS: After baby makes her way out, it's hard to imagine how everything down there will get back to the way it was. But it will! You just need to give your body a little time to heal, and your libido a chance to fire back up again (breastfeeding may dampen your sex drive at first).
10. Labor will be too tough or painful -- I'll never make it through.
THE FACTS: It's easy to get so wrapped up in your pregnancy -- all the week-by-week developments, picking out baby names, decorating the nursery -- that it doesn't dawn on you until those last few weeks that your baby actually needs an exit strategy. So you start worrying about all the different things that can happen: How much will it hurt? How long will it last? First, take a step back and realize that women have been doing this since the dawn of time (so yes, you can handle it too) -- and these days, there's plenty you can do about pain.
11. What if something really gross or embarrassing will happen during delivery?
THE FACTS: You've likely heard all sorts of delivery room stories -- say, about the woman who pooped on the table, or threw up all over her doctor...or cursed her husband for "doing this to me" in front of everyone present. And yes, you will wind up with a team of doctors and nurses staring expectantly at your vagina for a loooong time -- and by your side for every grunt and groan. But you know what? They do this like five times a day and whatever happens, they've seen before
12. I'll need an emergency c-section.
THE FACTS: A third of all babies are born by c-section, but many of these surgeries are known in advance -- not the scary last-minute, rush-into-the-OR kind, says Dr. Morse. A c-section might be planned, for example, if the baby is breech or very large, if there are problems with the placenta, or if the mom has had a previous c-section.
(View full article here)
1. I'll have a miscarriage.
THE FACTS: It's unlikely. Most pregnancies result in healthy babies (less than 20 percent end in miscarriage), says Karyn Morse, MD, an ob-gyn at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. "Remember also that most miscarriages also happen within the first few weeks of pregnancy, when many women typically don't realize they're expecting and wouldn't know if they did miscarry.
2. My morning sickness is terrible! My baby isn't getting enough to eat.
THE FACTS: Pardon the comparison, but babies are very good parasites, says Dr. Morse. "They'll absorb all of the nutrition from the foods you do give them -- so even if you're living on only crackers and juice, you don't need to worry," says Dr. Morse. Dr. Ashton agrees: "Unless you're sick to the point that you become severely dehydrated -- and if you were you'd feel so lousy that you'd call your doctor anyway -- morning sickness isn't going to cause any nutritional imbalance or affect the fetus." Just be sure to take your prenatal vitamins and do the best you can, otherwise. "Eat small, frequent meals," adds Dr. Morse.
3. I'll eat or drink the wrong thing -- and harm my baby.
THE FACTS: Women today feel a lot of pressure to do all the "right things" when they're expecting, says Dr. Morse. Beyond the basics like eating healthy and taking prenatal vitamins, pregnant gals today worry about every little "Is it safe?" question. But agonizing over every decision will drive you crazy -- and there's no need for it.
4. I'm too stressed out -- and it's hurting the baby.
THE FACTS: Between those crazy hormones, the sheer exhaustion, and everything else going on these days, it would be weird if you didn't feel a bit on edge every now and then. But stressing over your stress is useless, says Dr. Morse -- especially because a super-taxing day or week at work is not going to harm your baby. Most research shows that intermittent stress (the kind your body gets used to over time) has minimal impact on an unborn baby.
5. My baby will have a birth defect.
THE FACTS: Like many moms-to-be, you hold your breath during every single prenatal test, hoping the results will prove your baby is healthy and developing on track. And it's overwhelmingly likely that she is. The risk of your baby having any birth defect is only 4 percent -- and that includes serious ones, like Down syndrome, as well as all of the thousands of other identified abnormalities, many of which are small and insignificant, like a problem with a toenail, or a tiny heart defect that goes away soon after birth without causing any health issues.
6. I'll go into labor too early.
THE FACTS: This one might be on your worry radar because the rate of premature births has been steadily increasing (it's just shy of 13 percent). But more than 70 percent of these babies are born between 34 and 36 weeks -- far enough along in the pregnancy that the risk of serious complications or developmental issues, while not nil, is much lower.
7. I'll never lose all this baby weight.
THE FACTS: Every giant-bellied gal on the planet worries about getting her pre-baby body back. And it doesn't help to see celeb after celeb snap back to their skinny selves the instant they're wheeled out of the delivery room. Truth is, research shows that 14 to 20 percent of women do keep on at least some of their pregnancy weight, but there are ways to boost your odds of shedding every last pound.
8. I'll have complications like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.
THE FACTS: The risk of developing dangerously high blood pressure (preeclampsia) is just between 5 and 8 percent. It's more common in women under 18 or over age 35 -- as well as in women who have borderline high blood pressure going into their pregnancy.
9. Sex will never be the same again.
THE FACTS: After baby makes her way out, it's hard to imagine how everything down there will get back to the way it was. But it will! You just need to give your body a little time to heal, and your libido a chance to fire back up again (breastfeeding may dampen your sex drive at first).
10. Labor will be too tough or painful -- I'll never make it through.
THE FACTS: It's easy to get so wrapped up in your pregnancy -- all the week-by-week developments, picking out baby names, decorating the nursery -- that it doesn't dawn on you until those last few weeks that your baby actually needs an exit strategy. So you start worrying about all the different things that can happen: How much will it hurt? How long will it last? First, take a step back and realize that women have been doing this since the dawn of time (so yes, you can handle it too) -- and these days, there's plenty you can do about pain.
11. What if something really gross or embarrassing will happen during delivery?
THE FACTS: You've likely heard all sorts of delivery room stories -- say, about the woman who pooped on the table, or threw up all over her doctor...or cursed her husband for "doing this to me" in front of everyone present. And yes, you will wind up with a team of doctors and nurses staring expectantly at your vagina for a loooong time -- and by your side for every grunt and groan. But you know what? They do this like five times a day and whatever happens, they've seen before
12. I'll need an emergency c-section.
THE FACTS: A third of all babies are born by c-section, but many of these surgeries are known in advance -- not the scary last-minute, rush-into-the-OR kind, says Dr. Morse. A c-section might be planned, for example, if the baby is breech or very large, if there are problems with the placenta, or if the mom has had a previous c-section.
Milestone: 31 weeks!
I am officially now in my 8th month! I hit 31 weeks yesterday and had an appointment today and it is suddenly hitting me that I will have a baby very soon!
Dr. gave me my registration papers for the hospital and everything is all filled out and complete! Now I'm a big mix of emotions, anxious for baby and a little scared! lol. Being in the "30's" has now got me thinking about this entire pregnancy and how it's gone so far and I can't even begin to feel so appreciative of how great it's been for me. I haven't really had any morning sickness, no complications... just a pure sweet peaceful baby who has made my life complete! I've enjoyed every kick and turn that she does with every move she makes. I don't think I could have asked for a better pregnancy. I'm hoping it continues to be this way!
Will it be baby blues or a brown-eye girl? Your baby's iris color begins to appear around the thirty-first week. Most babies are born with dark blueish-brown or bluish-gray eyes, but this shade almost always changes after birth. True eye color won't be apparent for six to nine months -- final formation of eye pigmentation happens in response to exposure to the strong light of the outside world.
In the meantime, the fetus's eyes are being readied for life after birth. Pupils begin to dilate in response to the soft, pinkish-red light that filters into the uterus. Eyes are usually open during alert times and closed during sleep.
Dr. gave me my registration papers for the hospital and everything is all filled out and complete! Now I'm a big mix of emotions, anxious for baby and a little scared! lol. Being in the "30's" has now got me thinking about this entire pregnancy and how it's gone so far and I can't even begin to feel so appreciative of how great it's been for me. I haven't really had any morning sickness, no complications... just a pure sweet peaceful baby who has made my life complete! I've enjoyed every kick and turn that she does with every move she makes. I don't think I could have asked for a better pregnancy. I'm hoping it continues to be this way!
Will it be baby blues or a brown-eye girl? Your baby's iris color begins to appear around the thirty-first week. Most babies are born with dark blueish-brown or bluish-gray eyes, but this shade almost always changes after birth. True eye color won't be apparent for six to nine months -- final formation of eye pigmentation happens in response to exposure to the strong light of the outside world.
In the meantime, the fetus's eyes are being readied for life after birth. Pupils begin to dilate in response to the soft, pinkish-red light that filters into the uterus. Eyes are usually open during alert times and closed during sleep.
Paint Swatches
I haven't started Emery's nursery yet, simply because she will be co-sleeping with us for the first few months and well her room is being used for storage right now, ha! But I definitely have all my ideas set and can't wait to get things done. I realize it will be a bit more tough with a baby to take care of, but we'll make it happen! Lately I have been checking out paint swatches for her room and I think I may have found some contenders.
Awaiting Baby, Patience is a Virtue
I am getting so terribly anxious awaiting for baby's arrival. I have 10 weeks left until my due date and it seems to be getting longer and longer right now. I just want to hold my little girl and have her with me already! I'm seeing less and less pregnant women out there and more and more moms with their babies and I just wish I had that. I don't want her to come now, who would WANT their baby to be premature.
Don't get me wrong, I am completely and fully appreciative of every minute she's in there baking. I'm just hoping time goes by faster so she can be here with us!
Don't get me wrong, I am completely and fully appreciative of every minute she's in there baking. I'm just hoping time goes by faster so she can be here with us!
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