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Thursday, February 28, 2013

Coffee Talk

I'm a little verklempt...
Talk Amongst Yourselves

Does anyone else remember the "Coffee Talk" sketches on Saturday Night Live with Mike Myers?  I loved them!  For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about this was a sketch where Mike Myers played Linda Richman a stereotypical Jewish woman with an exaggerated New York accent who hosted a show called Coffee Talk with her friends.  She was obsessed with Barbara Steisand and thought everything was "like buttah."  It was hilarious.  Do yourself a favor and go YouTube it! 

Anyway, back to 2013, I'm going to try and start a series on the blog called Coffee Talk where we actually discuss current events going on that I feel are worth sharing. 

First one...the topic is working from home, which generally means juggling work while caring for children.  Although this can affect men, it's typically women who take on a telecommuting or flexible work schedule to try and do it all or be superwoman. 

This week in the news, Yahoo CEO, Marissa Mayer banned all Yahoo employees from working from home.  Everyone who was telecommuting must now report to the office or find a new place to work.  Those for this decision argue that you can not be as productive while working from home.  Those against the decision fear that other companies will follow suit and end their own telecommuting program. 

Although women were encouraged when Mayer, age 37, was appointed CEO of Yahoo last year becuase of her gender and age, many feel disappointed in the direction she has taken things.  Mayer, who was pregnant when she took on the CEO role, only took 2 weeks of maternity leave.  Now banning flexible work situations for others, while she has a private nursery setup next door to her own office, women fear she is setting unrealistic expectations for the "real world" working mother. 

I'm very sensitive to this topic not only a feminist, but as a soon to be working mother.  Although I will not be working from home 100% of the time, it's certainly an option for me in certain situations including maternity leave.  On the other hand, I don't think every role and every employee is suited for telecommuting. 

There's your topic...

Discuss!

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Spring is Here!

 

 
Spotted at CVS last night...boxes and boxes of Cadbury Creme Eggs! 
 
Lord help me, Ashley & Darcy...all three of us are pregnant and obsessed with Cadbury Eggs!  I majorly refrained and only bought 2...eggs not cases.  I had just come from yoga and was feeling healthy.  I'm sure that won't be the case by Friday.

Lately

(Wrote this yesterday, but forgot to post)

I'm back to work today after taking a sick day yesterday.  Both Jason and I have come down with terrible colds that we can't shake, even after taking it easy this weekend. 

Friday night we did our usual ordering in and watching Dexter...we are so boring and predictable, but I love it. 

Saturday was our 6 year anniversary of when we met, but rather than spending it at the Rodeo Cook-off where we actually met (last place a pregnant girl wants to be since it's a crazy party, booze fest type atmosphere) we explored old town Rosenberg near where we live, had the best lunch at Railroad Cafe, got ice cream sundaes at Another Time Soda Fountain, took a nap and went to dinner at Diego's Cantina in Sugar Land (can't recommend).  


 

 

If you can't tell, we also bought a new camera on Saturday (after mine was stolen months ago).  This was another check off the maternity to-do list.  Jason was having fun testing it out all weekend! 

Sunday after many household chores we headed to our first prepared childbirth class.  It was 4 hours long at the hospital where we are delivering.  I can't say we learned too much since I am such a researcher, but it was still good to go, especially as a way to get Jason involved.  We had to watch 5 childbirths all of which occurred in the '80s...I get that childbirth doesn't change over the years, but I still think an update would be nice.  I'm really looking forward to our next class where we will learn more infant care, a topic I am so not an expert on. 

We ended the weekend with a special delivery of homemade chicken and dumplings from my mom since we were both pitiful.  It was the best gift ever!  We watched the Oscars in bed with chicken & dumplings.  Maybe it's because I wasn't feeling well, but I wasn't too wowed by the show or the fashions. 

Hopefully I will make a full recovery by Saturday when I have my first baby shower!  Can't wait. 

Hope you have a great week!

Saturday, February 23, 2013

28 Weeks




How far along: 28 weeks
Size of Baby P: 14.80 inches, 2.22 pounds (according to Pregnancy App)
Fruit/vegetable comparison: Papaya (for weeks 25-28)
Gender: Boy
Showing: Yes
Maternity clothes: Yes
Unglamorous body changes: Bigger belly everything and darker linea nigra
Sleep:   Pretty good.  Jason says that I started snoring this week...crazy because I've never snored in my life!

Movement:  A lot of movement that can be seen really well at night time when laying down
Food cravings:  Back to lemon cravings: lemon water, lemon biscotti, lemon cookies
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Wedding rings on or off: On
Mood:   A little moody/emotional
Best moment this week:  I started washing some of Jack's bedding and clothes this week.  I love the smell of Dreft and getting things ready in the nursery.
Strange experiences:    I read a blog post this week of a mommy to be living in Houston that I've been following since her pregnancy was ahead of mine.  She ended up having her baby boy at 35 weeks unexpectedly (everyone is doing great).  It made me panic a little especially since I have so much on the calendar already around this time period.  I'm attending an out of town conference at 33 weeks, attending an out of town shower at 34 weeks and even have more showers in town around 36 weeks.  Another reason to get as much done now as possible!  People keep telling me May is a long time away, but it's really not anymore.
Milestones:   Different levels of light are now recohnizable to baby even inside the womb.  Baby's eyes are partially opened, and those tiny eyelids are able to blink. 
Looking forward to:    My first baby shower next week hosted by my Aunt and Cousin!!!
Thoughts:   I'm sitting here typing this post a little under the weather and with swollen ankles...the first time for that!  I'm worried that I've taken on too much in the last 2 months of my pregnancy.  March starts my whirlwind 10 weeks before baby boy arrives.  I want to enjoy every last moment of it and not be stressed.  Wish me luck! 

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Kate Spade Pippa Bag

I am DYING, like duh-eyeing, over the new Kate Spade Pippa Bag.  Jack is kicking in excitement as well.  Could a bag be more gorgeous or perfect?  I especially love the version in black and camel.  It screams Chelsea.  Is it tacky to baby register at Kate Spade?  Or ask for a purse as a push present?  I kid, but really, I love. 

Buy it (for me) here, $398.00

You can shop the entire Catherine Street Collection here


Also available in a black and white stripe
 

Even the interior is precious

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Hospital Bag Must-Haves

It's a little too early for me to pack my bags for the hospital, but as a planner I've already started thinking about it.  Yesterday, there were not one, but two awesome posts on this topic that I wanted to share with you:

According to Nina:  Hospital Bag Essentials for Mom and Baby

Being Mrs. Gentry:  What To Pack When You're Expecting

I've quickly learned that to prepare for the hospital you are not just packing a bag for you, but one for you, baby, husband and an extra bag for all the supplies & goodies you may get.  All of the lists seem like a lot for such a short stay, but I also understand the importance of having your creature comforts during a stressful and uncomfortable time. 

I'm a natural overpacker so I need to be careful not to load too much.  The nurse during our hospital tour did recommend not to overpack because it ends up being a pain toting all of your things from room to room. 

Please share!  What were you happy you packed, what did you wish you packed and what should have stayed at home?

Saturday, February 16, 2013

27 Weeks




How far along: 27 weeks
Size of Baby P:  14.41 inches, 1.93 pounds (according to Pregnancy App)
Fruit/vegetable comparison: Papaya (for weeks 25-28)
Gender: Boy
Showing: Yes
Maternity clothes: Yes
Unglamorous body changes: Bigger belly and darker linea nigra
Sleep:  Pretty good.  Thank goodness for my Boppy Maternity Pillow.  It really helps when I have lots of back pain. 

Movement: TONS! I love it so much!
Food cravings:  M&M Cookie from Panera, scrambled eggs, strawberry yogurt
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Wedding rings on or off: On
Mood:   Better this week
Best moment this week:  Another good doctor's appointment and meeting with a newborn photographer.
Strange experiences:   On Friday while at a work meeting I felt like Jack was doing a somersault in my belly.  It was definitely a different feeling than a kick! 
Milestones:   Babies born between weeks 27 and 32 have a good chance of survival.  Baby is beginning a very active stage in his cramped quarters.  The amniotic fluid has decreased, which means you'll feel every movement more than before.
Looking forward to:  Getting Jack's nursery finished and organized.  I'm hopefully going to accomplish a lot of that next weekend.  I just ordered window panels and a few wall prints and decorations so it's definitely shaping up. 
Thoughts:   This past week I had another good doctor's visit.  Good in that I passed my glucose test so no more thoughts on that, everything looked normal including blood pressure, baby's heart rate, etc.  I had to get a Rhogam shot since I have Rh negative blood, but that was no big deal.  The only hiccup was my weight...it's a little on the high side for what I should be gaining, although the doc said I'm healthy and it won't affect the baby - it's just more about my inconvenience of having to take it off once Jack is here.  I'm optimistic about that though. 

I continue to think prenatal yoga is the best thing ever.  If you are pregnant, seriously consider finding a class.  I look forward to it and feel amazing afterwards.  We also learn different breathing techniques to use during the different stages of labor each week.

Jason and I start our set of classes next week.  Although it will be two long Sundays of class in a row, I'm pretty excited.  The particular class we are doing is through the hospital we are delivering at and includes prepared childbirth, infant care & breastfeeding.  We also plan to take an infant CPR class at some point. 

I'm curious if anyone took any other type of class before having baby? 

Ruby Love: The Modern Baby Book

Jack's baby book arrived last week and I'm so excited to share it with you!  I originally purchased a Carter's jungle theme baby book, which was precious, however when I saw a post from my sister-in-law, Stephie about her new baby's book, I quickly changed my mind. 




Ruby Love makes a customized "modern" baby book that you can purchase through their Etsy store.  You can pick your cover, add a name on the front, choose your interior book colors and pick the types of pages you want included in your book.  This is a bold statement, but I'm going to name Ruby Love the "Erin Condren" of baby books!

Their customer service is amazing, answering my questions within hours and my book was shipped to me in less than a week! 


 
First page.  I chose the black and baby blue interior, but there are TONS of other options

A sticker page comes with all books standard and includes milestones for the calendar section
 
 
The book is a three ring binder which allows you to remove the pages to write on and add to the book as baby grows.  Besides what comes in each book standard (which is a lot by itself), I ended up purchasing the pregnancy pack add-on, hands and feet page, holiday pack and extra baby shower pages.  They also offer other add-ons like an adoption page, siblings page, NICU page, and additional years after year one. 
 
 
Example of interior pages, the colors can be customized
 
I'm so happy with my Ruby Love book!  Let me know if you have any questions about it.  You can find more product pictures on their website here, although I found their Etsy page easier to actually place the order.  

Friday, February 15, 2013

Love Day

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day yesterday! 

While in school (older than the elementary days) I never loved Valentine's Day.  Too many expectations for the day hoping that special someone would give you the perfect gift.  I never seemed to get the carnation in junior high, the balloons in high school or the romantic date in college.  As a single adult I disliked the holiday for the same reason, even if I had a boyfriend at the time it seemed my expectations were never really met and I focused on not having that special someone and/or perfect gift.  As a married gal the day is fun.  This year with so much going on in our lives I could have cared less if Jason did anything for me.  I would much rather save money for baby. 

So yesterday I was just able to treat it as a fun day.  I wore a pink shirt, bought my staff candy and Valentine's, took my mom out to lunch, splurged on dessert and wore red to yoga.  Jason was even a little surprised when I turned down dinner out with him and instead opted for prenatal yoga and a scrambled egg sandwich at home afterwards.  

Even though it was super low-key, we managed a little celebration and had a great day! 

J decorated my bathroom mirror with hearts...

...and the backdoor

I found a little surprise in my car when I left for work

Starbucks, chocolates, a lovenote and socks for swelling...sounds like the perfect Vday pregnany pack to me!

My gift to Jason...

A "Diaper Dude" men's diaper bag he had his eye on when we registered.  He wouldn't let me add it to the registry for him so I splurged and bought it for him!  A stylish dad he will be.

 
How did you celebrate yesterday?  Any good gifts worth sharing? 

Hope you have a great weekend! 

XOXO,
Chelsea

Sunday, February 10, 2013

26 Weeks...Approaching 3rd Trimester!



How far along:  26 weeks
Size of Baby P: 14.02 inches, 1.68 pounds (according to Pregnancy App)
Fruit/vegetable comparison: Papaya (for weeks 25-28)
Gender: Boy
Showing: Yes
Maternity clothes: Yes
Unglamorous body changes:  Bigger belly and darker linea nigra
Sleep:  Okay

Movement:  TONS!  I love it so much!
Food cravings:  Sherbet and Chipotle Veggie Burrito Bowls (not together)
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Wedding rings on or off: On
Mood:   Hormonal...very up and down
Best moment this week:  Taking a tour of the hospital with Jason.  Just another event that made it much more real.  We are so excited.  Jason was so excited that after our tour he said, "this is going to be fun."  So glad he is so optimistic about our hospital stay...of course he isn't having to give birth.  Men!
Strange experiences:   This isn't strange per se,  but on Saturday we tackled our garage.  Just one more thing off my "maternity to-do list."  We had to clean out, sort, take things to Goodwill, organize, etc.  I'm used to being self-sufficient and pull my own weight.  Lesson learned that I can't do everything while pregnant.  I majorly messed up my back and was on the heating pad the rest of the weekend.  But, we can now fit both cars in the garage and get to everything!
Milestones:  Baby's eyes are completely developed and the brain is able to register stimuli such as sound and light. 
Looking forward to:   My first baby shower in a few weeks!  Invitations hit the mail this week.  Can't wait to celebrate Baby Jack with friends and family. 
Thoughts:   My doctor never called this week about my glucose test results so I'm taking that as a good sign.  Yay!!!  I'll find out for sure this Friday at my next appointment.  I'm so excited to be entering into the third trimester.  Jack loves to kick me and I love feeling him.  I still feel good overall, aches and pains here and there, but nothing I can't handle.  We still have lots to do in preparation of being parents: classes, appointments, showers and more home prep.  Time is going to fly!

Friday, February 8, 2013

What a Week...In Pictures

This felt like an extra crazy week.  Maybe it's the pregnancy hormones or just a crazy week at work, but I'm super exhausted on this Friday night.  Even though it was hectic, the week was filled with so many great things! 

First Bluum Box arrived in the mail (review post coming soon)



Mimi (my mom) went on a shopping spree for Baby Jack...he's spoiled already (and going to be stylin')



I purchased this cute Boppy cover at PB Kids...since it was on sale I bought one for Baby Jack and one for his best friend, Baby Junebug



Tucker felt exhausted too, fast asleep on my his Boppy pregnancy pillow



Baby Jack received his first Valentine (and first piece of mail) from Olive



Jack's Baby Book was delivered!  Reveal post coming next week



Furniture was delivered for our home office.  Checking things off the maternity to-do list feels so good (it's clearly not finished, but off to a great start)



I received this cute picture text from Ashley which totally made my day!  Looks like Tucker...



Last random thing of the week.  While at a meeting for work today, the person my company was meeting with brought out their pet parakeet who told me I had pretty hair (yes the bird told me that) and then jumped across the table straight for me.  After learning he was a biter, I politely asked if the bird could be moved since I was pregnant.  The bird then mimicked my nervous laugh quite well before being taken away.  What a day!

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Smash is Back!

Just a reminder that the new season of Smash premiers tonight on NBC with a 2-hour episode!  Who else is excited?  This will help me cope with missing Parenthood right now.

Sunday, February 3, 2013

25 Weeks






How far along: 25 weeks
Size of Baby P: 13.62 inches, 1.46 pounds (according to Pregnancy App)
Fruit/vegetable comparison:  Papaya (for weeks 25-28)...I've never bought a papaya before!
Gender: Boy
Showing: Yes
Maternity clothes: Yes
Unglamorous body changes:  Nothing too crazy fortunately, although I will say that I am not one of the lucky ones who only gets bigger in the belly.  My hips and butt seem to be growing too with the belly...I'm now hitting the gym every week night and walking a lot on the weekends to cope.
Sleep: Good

Movement: Jack has been a dancing fool this week!  Especially after a meal, drinking ice water and lying down at night.  Biggest kick I've felt so far came Saturday, 2/2 while watching Dexter.
Food cravings:  I had a mad craving for a cupcake this week and yes I indulged, with only one...but I made it good...red velvet from Crave
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Wedding rings on or off: On
Mood:  Up and down 
Best moment this week:  I had a great doctor's appointment on Friday.  For some reason I was really scared about doing the glucose test.  Everyone says the stuff you have to drink is very gross, however it wasn't bad at all, in fact I kind of liked it!  Don't have the results of that yet, but Jack and me are both doing great according to my doctor.  I just love hearing his heart beat. 
Strange experiences:  Being constantly surprised at how mean (or stupid) people can be to pregnant women.  Was told this week that I looked like I am due in March, not May.  I already sensitive to this so I didn't take it well.  I'm also so sick of being treated like I'm this fragile being.  This happens mainly at work where I hate being treated differently (I already get enough of that being a woman in a male dominated industry/company).  I try not to talk about the pregnancy, complain or act differently.  I hope all women can remember this in the workplace as to not give the rest of us a bad wrap. 
Milestones:  Baby's primitive memory is beginning to develop, which means that music and voices will be leaving an impression in your little one's brain.
Looking forward to:   Getting the house more organized for baby!  I feel like now is the time to set everything up as best I can to make room for baby so Jason and I (and my mom) have lots of projects planned between now and May.  I'm trying to get as much done NOW before I am miserable.  On the to-do list:
-  Create a home office so I can still be productive on maternity leave
-  Clean out & organize garage
-  Finish Nursery
-  Clean out kitchen & pantry to make room for baby stuff

Thoughts:   Jason and I are just so excited to meet our baby boy.  I spend countless hours thinking about what he will look like and what his personality will be.  I have an incredibly busy spring coming up (the next 2 weeks are the calm before the storm), but I'm trying to make sure to take enough time to be selfish too and enjoy this special time and to remember what is really important.
 

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