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!

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.

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!

Week 31
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!

3D Ultrasound

Today we went in for a 3D ultrasound and it was such a crazy experience! Our little girl was SO UNCOOPERATIVE!! She kept hiding her face and stayed in a position where there wasn't enough fluid around her face to get some good detail. We came out with 2 pictures, but they were enough for me. She is the most precious little girl! I am in LOVE with her cheeks! I can't wait to just kiss them and nibble on them lol! They said we can come back and try again so we will go back in a few weeks and hopefully get some better shots! That's her knee by her face btw!

Umm... It's a GIRL!!

It’s a GIRL!

Boy was today a whirlwind of emotions! No pun intended. We had gone in today for our complete anatomy ultrasound only to find out our little BOY had turned into a GIRL! The tech asked us if we wanted to know the gender once she got to that part and we had told her we already knew it was a boy. So she’s going over everything and gets the money shot and corrects us saying it’s a GIRL. We were like… are you SURE?!!!! She said I’ve been doing this for 15 years and laughed! It was as clear as can be, this girl had no problems showing us the goods in there! LOL

Nevertheless we are excited and very happy to have her be a part of our lives. It’s going to take some time to get used to the shock of having a girl now, but I am happy regardless, as long as this baby is healthy!

It's a BOY!

It’s a BOY!

We just got home from our elective ultrasound and are so happy to finally know the gender! I drank lots of orange juice to get baby moving during the ultrasound. Unfortunately I think that may have worked TOO well! He wouldn’t stay still! The tech had a hard time getting the butt shot and they finally got it after a few tries, but we saw it and it’s definitely a BOY!

You’re my beautiful little BOY!
We’re so happy to welcome this baby BOY into our lives.

Dear Baby...

Dear Baby,
How lucky am I to have you? I’ve been blessed and am so lucky in love. Ever since I found out about you on the day of … my life has changed so much. I’ve been inspired to be a much better person and all things that I do, for me, you, and our family. When I first heard your little heartbeat, my own fluttered with joy. After seeing you for the first time on the ultrasound I grew more and more in love and grew the urge to do the best for you. Everything suddenly became so real. Apparently 5 pregnancy test wasn’t real enough! It is now 3 weeks later and in a few hours I will know if you are a boy or a girl! Although both mommy and daddy think you’re a boy, we’ll see! We’re so excited to finally be able to put a name to Baby E in my tummy! All of our daydreaming will be no more and we can continue to call you by your name.

That is of course, if you do cooperate! On the last ultrasound all you wanted to do was sleep with your hands up by your face and have your legs closed! : ) We can’t wait to see you today. You’re our little blessing from god, our reason to live. This is just one of the first milestones of many to come for our family. We have yet to feel you really move in there and there is so much more to learn about you. Thank you for being such a nice baby to mommy. You’ve made this such an easy pregnancy for me to endure. I’m looking forward to watching you grow and move ferociously! Every little thing makes my day worthwhile. Everything that brings me to that wonderful day in November that you will be in my arms and our life will continue together. I can’t wait to look into your eyes and tell you how much I love you.

Today is such an exciting day for us and I can no longer contain my feelings. I am ecstatic to see you in a few hours and put a name to my little one.

I love you so much and can’t wait to meet you out here in the real world!
Love Mommy!