Baby Updates!

Right now we are about 7 months along, and I am feeling it more every day.  The kid is sitting up in my diaphragm, so breathing becomes an issue after five steps, but at least I don't have to go to the bathroom every 20 minutes.  Tums are still my best friend, and we're becoming closer every day.  I am having some major heartburn, mostly because of where the kid is located right now.  I do feel her moving on a fairly regular basis, but am getting sucker-punched when laying in bed at night.  It hurts!  I'm not sure why she's more gentle during the day, but decides to pummel me when I'm drifting off.  We'll have words about that at some point in the future.  But for now, I just put up with it, because it's not like I have a lot of options.  

At our last doctor's appointment (a couple weeks ago), we were told that we were 30 weeks along, instead of the 28-ish we assumed we were.  That puts our due-date during 4th of July week.  So, I am assuming that the kid will be born sometime in July, either at the beginning, middle, or end of the month.  At some point, I just need to pin the doctor down, and have a due-by date.  If the kid doesn't come by this time, I'm going in and they are taking her out.  I don't care how it's done, it just needs to happen.  If I have a particular date to focus on, I think I might be able to deal with this so much better.

We have been to several baby classes at Kaiser, and have picked up some interesting information.  I've learned how to swaddle, to keep the belly button stump dry and uncovered by a diaper until it falls off (who knew?!), and that Johnson & Johnson "No More Tears" Shampoo, does indeed, produce tears on occasion.  And apparently, even in summer, the kid needs to be kept warm.  Heat outside and in the house does not mean a hot baby.  They still freeze, no matter what.  But at least it is not "sick season," so I can take her out and about a lot earlier than if it were winter.  But I am considering putting a bottle of hand sanitizer on the front porch for people to use before they come in for the first little bit.    

We've finished painting the room and putting the major furniture in place (crib, dresser/changing table, etc), and have found some fun outfits on clearance.  Lots of colors, ruffles, and cuteness.  Kevin is having fun clothes shopping for the kid, which I find kind of funny.  He doesn't like shopping in general, but has been the one to suggest looking at the kids clothes when we're out and about.  It's been fun.  

We have a list of names we're still accumulating (albeit at a slower pace now) and discarding (more quickly), and a list of middle names that we are considering.  Hopefully we'll have something figured out soon-ish.  Like, down to two or three options by the time we go to the hospital.  

Otherwise, we're getting closer to D-day and just marking the days.  There is not a whole lot keeping us busy on the baby front, since most of the major labor is completed.  It's just filling in the little gaps and getting the room organized and situated.  

I'm back in the field!

Yesterday I met with the the Planning Manager and a couple urban planners for the City of Livermore about coming on board as their newest volunteer intern.  We discussed my past experience, my skills, what I was looking for and to do, and all that other stuff.  They seemed impressed with what I could offer and so my paperwork has been turned in so they can start the background check.  Once that's cleared, I get a little workspace set up at City Hall and go to work!  I'm excited.  I wish it were something I could get paid for, but it is enough that I'll be able to keep up my skills and keep my resume fresh and current.  I told them about the baby, and that they had me until the middle of July, but after a period of time, I would like to come back on a more part-time basis.  They seemed cool with that and there are some projects that they would like to have done that are more research-based and easier to do from home.  I have a friend who is in the same boat as I (but a different field altogether), and we've already planned to baby swap when we are at our respective adult activities.

I'm (sort of) a planner again!  I get to work with the public and look at plans, review code and zoning ordinances, and tell people what they can do with their buildings.  I've missed it, terribly.  And even though I'm a cheap date at this point, the whole goal is to keep the skills up and reintroduce myself to the world when the economy picks back up.  And lets be real, if I can impress the City of Livermore enough, maybe they'll be able to create a position for me.  This all makes me super happy right now.  

All about baby

Last night we went to a newborn care class as part of learning to be parents. I was glad to find I was not the only clueless one in the group. Each couple was assigned a doll (which was a little scary looking) and we spent some time learning the proper holding, bathing, and swaddling techniques. I'll be honest, I didn't pay much attention to supporting the neck because, well, it was a doll and the neck was supported by plastic. I'm a little concerned that the dolls were not boneless and slumpy (it's the technical term I made up--just go with it) like an actual newborn is going to be. I feel like I was tricked with some doll stability that just doesn't exist in the real thing.

Even though we're having a girl, I was fairly fascinated by the segment on circumcision. I didn't know there were so many options in terms of how the procedure was performed. Also, the fact that it doesn't seem to make a difference in the guy's health whether or not he has his foreskin was pretty interesting. Circumcision just makes it easier to clean and take care of the area. And is more popular on the east coast than the west coast. Who knew? There's your fun fact for the day. You're welcome.

I feel slightly more confident that I won't irreparably damage the kid after she's born but I'm still a little wary. And no, I don't want to practice on your newborn/infant/toddler. If I'm going to screw up, it should be on my own kid and not someone else's. Maybe I can find a hypno-therapist in the next couple of months who can give me mental confidence, which translates to physical handling of the kid once she's arrived.

Our practice baby.

Look Mom, I swaddled successfully!

Kevin showed off his swaddling technique.

Crafty fun

I'm continuing in my quest to be more comfortable with the sewing machine. Thanks to the magic of Pintrest, I found some tutorials that talked about making burp cloths more attractive. Since everyone has told me I can't have too many burp cloths, I decided to have some fun. And rumor has it that flannel will help keep the burp cloth from falling off your shoulder. As I am committed to having as little baby puke on me as possible, I decided to give it a try.

I found a great sale on flannel at Joanne's, some really cheap old-school cloth diapers, and went to town. I didn't stress about making things perfect, since it will be covered in throw-up and other things, but pretty things make me smile. And the kid will barf with a little style.

Trippin'

I've decided that we might need to form a list of day trips, and I'll be honest, most of them are centered around restaurants that I've heard rave reviews about.  Some friends have told me about, and some I just read about here.  A few of these places in the article I've passed a billion times in my travels up and down Hwy 101, to and from Eureka.  This means we're going to have to stop on one of our trips north.  So, my current plan is this: Figure out the food places we want to visit, and then do a little research on the area for things to see and do.  And if you want to join us on any of our adventures, just let me know.  I'm always up for a party!

LBD

I think every woman needs a little black dress (LBD) and some sexy heels. Since I'm having a little girl, I decided she needed her own LBD (we can hold off on the heels for a while). I found the perfect onesie a few weeks ago, and made a skirt to transform it to a "chic" outfit for her. Now I just need to find some cute shoes and accessories to complete the look.

And yes, I am aware that I'm being slightly ridiculous. But I'm having some fun with this, so just go with it.

Baby Room

We started to prep the baby room a while ago.  You might remember this post from our starting point.  But I am pleased to announce that we made great strides and got the painting finished, the furniture assembled, and the room organized.  We now have an official guest room/baby room.  There are some finishing touches that still need doing, but for the most part, we're ready to go.  And if you come visit after the baby is born, don't worry.  We plan on moving the kid out when the space is occupied as a guest room.

 The prep work. Sheer hell, in and of itself.

 It's gray!

 Ready for pink trim.

 The antique dresser we found to use as a changing table.

The crib assembled and the butterfly decor.

Birthday Fun!

My FIL turns 60 this month, so last week we had a birthday extravaganza for him.  Kevin BBQ'd tri-tip and chicken, there was a dessert table full of goodies, and lots of friends and family showed up to celebrate.  My favorite thing that I pulled off was "Chuck through the ages" and "Chuck Facts."  I had photos of my FIL from birth to current, and random facts about about his life strung around the pavilion.  It was my favorite thing we pulled off.  Since he is a jazz enthusiast, Kevin put together a playlist of all Chuck's favorite jazz tunes.  But it was a beautiful day, full of good times.  And afterwards, Kevin and I came home and collapsed in the living room for the rest of the day.  And the next day.  

 The food table set up.

 Tables ready for guests.

Kevin manning the grill.

I wish I could be this relaxed

Lessons in painting

We are currently prepping the kid's room, which started with painting the walls.  We have learned a few things on this little journey of preparation, such as what brand of paint NOT to use, which brand works better, and that not all gallons have the same shade of the color you choose.  There are probably six layers of paint on each wall, because we've had to go over stuff so many times due to a variety of things.  And there are still spots that are flawed, but we've hit the point of not caring anymore.  It's annoying on a variety of levels.  We haven't even started the trim or the butterfly decoration yet.  It's turned into a painstaking process.  More painstaking than any painting project I've ever undertaken; and I've done a TON of painting throughout of my life (thanks, Mom and Dad!).  And so we are working on it a little at a time throughout the week, and will hopefully have it done sometime soon.  I hope this kid appreciates the effort we've put into this room.  If she ever wants to paint over it, I'm probably going to lose it.  

Lasagna Night

I have been craving lasagna for a little while, and Kevin offered to make some.  He is the Italian cooking pro in our household.  In this instance, Kevin decided he needed to smoke his own mozzarella to deepen the flavor and make the lasagna more traditionally Italian.  It worked and was divine.  I could have eaten an entire container of smoked mozzarella.  And I think Robb was well on his way to doing so, if we didn't have to put it in the lasagna.  We had invited a few friends over, and had some fun eating and hanging out.  It was a delicious meal and some good times.  I love our "dinner parties."

Sew Fun!

I have a maternity maxi skirt that I found at Target a few weeks ago, and it has become my favorite article of clothing; very comfortable and easy to wear.  In the last week, some of my staple bottom pieces have started to not fit quite like they used to.  I hate the thought of paying tons of money for maternity clothing I might never wear again, and decided I needed some more comfy skirts.  Especially since I'm going through the last stages of pregnancy in the heat of the summer (we're due at the end of July--what was I thinking?!?!?!?!).  

My friend, Amy, is an incredible seamstress and can make pretty much anything with some cloth, thread, and a sewing machine.  I saw a little tutorial on a blogpost on how to make your own maxi skirts and knew that was my golden ticket.  After sending a desperate plea via email to Amy, we coordinated a date for me to go up to her place in Vacaville and have a little sewing fun.  I wound up coming home with four skirts that are incredibly comfortable and super easy and quick to make.  We sewed from about 1:30 to 4 pm and I type this wearing one of our creations.  I might have to make some more.  It is the perfect article of clothing.  Love, love, love.

Limitations

I like to think that I don't have too many physical limitations.  I go through life with the mindset that I can move this heavy piece of furniture, lift all those boxes, etc., etc., without any (or with very limited help) from others.  I'm a fairly independent girl.  Despite my usual mindset, these last few months have been annoying as pregnancy progresses and I am somewhat limited in my normal capabilities.  I can no longer walk long distances because muscles start to pull and stiffen up (super painful).  I get short of breath very easily with the most mundane of activities.  Shopping has lost some joy because I can't walk around the stores without having to take frequent breaks.  And I'm not a fan of the answer, "the only solution is to have the baby."  To my mind, my regular activities should not be impeded because of pregnancy.  I hate having limitations just handed to me, and to not even know they were coming, because everyone is different.  I have lost control of my mind and my body.  And that does not make me a very happy person.    

Family Mementos

A very long time ago, my great-great-aunt Marnie made a christening gown for my grandfather.  He wore it for his christening, my mom and all her siblings wore it when they were baptized as babies, and my brothers and I all wore it for our blessings.  Now that I'm expecting a kid, she gets to wear it for her blessing.  I'm kind of excited for that little bit of nostalgia.  I'm hoping it fits because it just isn't the type of thing you could alter.  We'll just have to see how it goes.  But it's a little bit of history that I am excited to pass on to my kid.

I realize that we are a long time away from the kid even being born, much less close to the blessing, but I'm a planner, and this is the type of thing we do.  We plan ahead.