Pregnancy Reads

There are tons of great books out there to check-out once you learn you are expecting.  I had a lot to learn and it was comforting to gain as much knowledge as I could.  These are some of my favorites.

What to Expect When You Are Expecting

The classic book did not disappoint.  Both Jason and I read it as we went along week by week to keep us on track and educated about what my body was going through.  The labor and delivery section is very detailed too and seems to provide a ton of helpful tips...although I won't really know how helpful they are until I get there!  

Baby Bargains

This book is a must-read before you register or buy anything for baby!  I can't tell you how much it helped me navigate the world of strollers, car seats and bouncers...oh my! 

Mommy IQ

I love the reality show Pregnant in Heels and I love Rosie Pope so I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  Like What to Expect, it gives you monthly updates on what is going on with your body and how you should be prepping for baby.  I also liked Rosie's personal stories, packing list and registry must-have lists. 

Your Pregnancy Week by Week

You could probably skip this book if you are also reading What to Expect, but I thought this book provided more details each week.  It was fun to read each week with Jason.  This book also puts "Dad Tips" in the margins each week which was good to keep Jason involved and included a weekly exercise to prep for labor.

The Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy

Hilarious book that is half educational, half humor.  It makes you feel better about your situation and rest easy knowing that whatever crazy thing your body is going through, that it will pass and you are not the only one who has been there. 

Belly Laughs

I read this book by Jenny McCarthy before I even got pregnant.  It is a short and easy read that is HILARIOUS!  An honest depiction of what pregnancy and childbirth is like.  Must read!



Bed Rest Update - Day 10

I'm still on bed rest and a low sodium diet. I'm going pretty stir crazy and hit a low last night, but today I'm feeling so much better.   

Friday I was so, so disappointed that we weren't checked into the hospital to have Jack. To tell you I was ready is an understatement.

Saturday our house got deep-cleaned (hooray) so I spent the day at my mom's house relaxing on the couch while Jason went to work to get a head start on projects in anticipation of being off a days once Jack arrives. Saturday night I was just full on depressed because I was tired of laying around, tired of watching TV, tired of reading, tired of sleeping. I know I will look back on this in a few weeks and long for days of laying around, but Saturday night it just got to me!  I was bummed to miss Sara's Lingerie Shower and Girls Night Out that was going on while I was stuck at home.  I was also crazy craving a pizza last night, but obviously couldn't have one due to my diet restrictions...funny how every commercial seemed to be one for pizza!

Today (Sunday) I'm feeling better about things.  Jason is getting lots done around the house, I'm not feeling so stir crazy (probably because my body is feeling so sluggish and heavy) and I'm getting out of bed a bit to do some chores. 

I'm also so excited because we have a full-size refrigerator/freezer being delivered today to put in our garage!  Our current refrigerator in our house is great, but not huge and we are packed to the max.  Since it's only going to get worse with our growing family we figured a second one would be great for storage purposes.  Yay! 

Hope you are enjoying your weekend!

37 Weeks

How far along: 37 weeks
Size of Baby P: 19.33 inches, 6.30 pounds (according to Pregnancy App)
Fruit/vegetable comparison:  Watermelon (for weeks 37-40)
Gender: Boy
Showing: Yes
Maternity clothes: Yes
Unglamorous body changes:  Nothing new.  Just huge!  Swelling has gone down since being on bed rest.  It was nice to meet my ankles again. 
Sleep:  Okay. 
Movement:  Hard movements, but a little less than it has been.

Food cravings: Veggies! Bell peppers, tomatoes and asparagus. Also eggs. Veggie omelet...yes please!
Anything making you queasy or sick: No

Wedding rings on or off:  Back on this week...bed rest is working! 

Mood:   Cranky and irritable...sorry Jason!  I think it's just the stress that we are getting so close and trying to get everything done and organized before that happens. 
Best moment this week:  Getting taken care of by Jason and my mommy!  I've also received so many nice texts, calls and emails of encouragement from friends and family.  It is nice to feel so loved and supported. 

Strange experiences:  Going in to the doctor's office today thinking we would be giving birth!  I thought the next time I came back home I would have Baby Jack with me.  No such luck yet, but such a strange feeling. 

Milestones:  Baby's lungs are fully developed which means he would be able to breathe on his own if born now.

Looking forward to:   My next checkup on Monday.  Reading a whole book this weekend.

Thoughts:   Earlier this week, around 37 weeks, 4 days I had a doctor's appointment and we learned that my blood pressure was escalated and my face looked super swollen.  My doctor was concerned so continued my bed rest and low sodium diet.  He told me to come back Friday, but to be prepared to check in to the hospital and be induced that day. 

 

I spent yesterday getting prepared for having a baby...packing bags, mani/pedi, getting house ready, etc.  Jason and I went to the doctor this morning with our car packed...I had a full face of makeup and a good blowout.  Unfortunately Fortunately, my blood pressure improved, my weight was down and my swelling was better so no baby just yet.  To say I'm a little disappointed is an understatement, but I understand that this is best for both me and baby.  He needs to cook just a little longer!  Hopefully he will be here sometime next week. 

 

Until then, back to bed rest and low sodium diet...boo! 

We Like Laying in the Grass

March 2009, Engagement Photos

 

March 2013, Maternity Photos

 

Bed Rest Update - Day 6

Today I had a doctor's appointment to show my doctor how much I improved since Friday.  I thought I was doing better...my weight is down, my swelling is better, but...

My blood pressure was higher than he would like and he thought my face looked too swollen.  Because of worries that this might develop into preeclampsia, I have to see him again in 2 days and possibly will be checking into the hospital to have Jack sometime this weekend!!!

Normally this kind of news would put me into a frantic state, running around doing last minute errands and going into house-prep overdrive, but I can't because I'm still on BED REST!!!

Luckily my mom has been so, so helpful by running around doing errands for me and cooking meals...thank God for her.  Without her, I would have probably given myself a heart attack by now. 

Looks like there might be a chance that our May baby will end up being an April baby...maybe Jack heard how crazy May is for us and wanted a birthday month dedicated to him only!  Smart kid. 

Push Presents

By the way, sorry all of my posts as of late have been about pregnancy and baby stuff.  It's all my mind can wrap around right now.  I'll try to branch out more soon!

Is everyone familiar with the concept of a push present?  I wasn't until a few years ago. 

Wikipedia defines a push present as:

"A push present (also known as a push gift, baby mama gift or baby bauble) is a present a partner gives to the mother to mark the occasion of her giving birth to their child. In practice the present may be given before or after the birth, or even in the delivery room. The giving of push presents has supposedly grown in the United States in recent years.  The name push gift although indicative of a vaginal delivery does not exclude those women who have given birth through a C-section."

I'm on the fence with this one.  Isn't your gift a.) your BABY and b.) the fact that the baby is out of you!  However, it is sweet to receive a little gift to mark the milestone.  It is a nice gesture that your partner wants to show appreciation for sacrificing your body for nine months plus getting through labor!

I told Jason not to get me anything (expect for food I might be craving after delivery), especially since my 30th birthday will be just a few days/week after having Jack and Mother's Day is right around the corner too.  Our wedding anniversary is also in May so there is going to be PLENTY of celebrating going on! 

I have a sneaking suspicion he might have something up his sleeve, but I'm sure it will be more sentimental than extravagant.  I mean we have been showered with gifts for the past few months already, plus having a baby is the greatest gift of all.

I'm not judging those who do participate in this tradition.  I would probably feel different if May wasn't packed with so many other celebrations. 

If you do choose/already did partake in receiving a push present, what would you want/what was it? 

It seems most people go the jewelry route...diamonds, earrings, necklace, bracelet.  Something special to wear to mark the milestone.  Tiffany & Co. and David Yurmin seem to be popular (albeit expensive) ways to go.  I've had friends receive all sorts of things...a new camera, a gun (only in Texas), an anniversary band, and lots of jewelry with the baby's birthstone or initials incorporated into it. 

And of course after talking to Jason about it, he thought for awhile and said..."if you end up needing a c-section, does the husband get to take the gift back?"  Typical guy!  I guess it just turns from a "push present" to a "surgery present."

Maternity Photo Session

About a month ago (around 32 weeks) Jason and I had a maternity photo session with Studio Ainsley.  Maca, the photographer came highly recommended by friends and did not disappoint!  We fell in love with her and her entire team at our initial consultation and were so impressed during the session.  We now have some beautiful shots to document this milestone and Jason was super impressed at how quick the session took...less than an hour! 

 

We look forward to working with them again once Jack arrives! 

 

Bed Rest Update - Day 3

I'm on day 3 of bed rest, with yesterday being the first official full day of it.  I'm following the doctor's orders of a low sodium diet, drinking lots of water and getting out of bed minimally (not totally following this one 100%, but doing the best I can). 

So far my swelling has gone WAY down.  I have skinny ankles again and can wear my rings.  I'm also down 2 pounds in 2 days!  Who knew laying in bed all day could contribute to weight loss!  I'm even sleeping better at night since my body isn't aching as bad.

I'm mostly bored and feeling guilty that I should be doing more.  Everyone says now is the time to get stuff done before the chaos baby arrives...

Cleaning
Baby Proofing
Cleaning out things in the house
Organizing
Making lots of freezer meals
Washing all of the baby stuff
Running last minute errands and stocking up on essentials for the house
Wrap up pending projects at work

I so badly want to do all of these things, but that would go against what the doc said. 

I know bed rest sounds great...time to relax, watch movies, read, but when you have a baby coming in less than 2 weeks, it's agonizing! 

On a positive note, I've been able to do a lot of blogging, write thank you notes, read and watch cheesy movies...so far I've watched Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 2 and The Lucky One with Zac Efron. 

Jason has been great.  He has made me meals, gone grocery shopping to stock me up with lots of fruits and veggies, and bought fresh flowers for almost every room in the house!  He has also been a trooper and watched a chick flick with me and finished some baby prep that I had planned to do. 

 Being served food in bed is a perk!

My Aunt Vicki also paid me a visit yesterday bringing me a yummy, no-sodium meal, books, magazines, DVD's and a few other presents...hello earrings, a candle, satin pillowcase and an outfit for Jack.  She spoils me and as we always say, "Aunt Vicki gives the best gifts!" 

I know I'm making it hard for you to feel sorry for me!  Who you should feel sorry for is my mother who will be tasked with getting last minutes things done for me when she gets back from vacation in  a few days!

36 Weeks

How far along: 36 weeks
Size of Baby P: 18.66 inches, 5.78 pounds (according to Pregnancy App)
Fruit/vegetable comparison: Honeydew (for weeks 33-36)
Gender: Boy
Showing: Yes
Maternity clothes: Yes
Unglamorous body changes:  Major swelling started this week!  It worried me so much that I called my doc and had to get my blood pressure checked, but all was okay.  I'm talking Fred Flintstone feet, fat toes and I can't even wear my rings or watch anymore! 
Sleep:  Still not great.  It's just so hard to find a comfortable position.  Then as soon as I do, I have to get up to pee and start the whole process over again!
Movement:  So much! 

Food cravings:  Veggies!  Bell peppers, tomatoes and asparagus.  Also eggs.  Veggie omelet...yes please!
Anything making you queasy or sick: No

Wedding rings on or off:  Officially OFF!  Way to puffy and swollen.   

Mood:   Pretty good, expect I am getting so sick of people looking at me and saying negative things like "oh my gosh, you are about to pop," or "you look like you are done."  One comment isn't that big of a deal, but when you hear it all day, everyday it gets really annoying.  I like when people are positive, asking when the big day is or being encouraging. 
Best moment this week:  All of the sudden Tucker has become super protective over me, especially my belly.  He won't leave my side, which is unusual...he is normally glued to Jason.  Whenever Jason walks over to me to kiss or hug me, Tucker leaps at him and jumps on my belly shielding it with his tiny little body...it's so cute! 

Strange experiences: Shopping for a lingerie shower gift for a friend at nine months pregnant!  I received a couple of strange looks while shopping for sexy lingerie and edible massage lotions, all while waddling around the store with cankles!

Milestones:    Baby is likely sleeping about 90% of the time now and is running out of room to move around too much anymore. 

Looking forward to:   At this point, I'm looking forward to giving birth.  It's time to meet my baby!

Thoughts:   What a week.  It's hard to focus on my little pregnancy after the events that occurred this week.  I'm so sad for all of the victims in Boston and in West, Texas.  It can be a scary, scary world sometimes.  I'm already protective over my son and I want to shield him from anything bad like this happening to him.  I know I can't which scares me to death. 

On another note, I was put on bed rest which is crazy hard for me!  I'm only about 12 hours in and so over it.  At least I have a feisty Chihuahua laying next to me to keep me company!  He is the best nap buddy ever.  Expect lots of blog posts in the next 2 weeks before Jack arrives!

Last Day...

Today is...

The last day of my Stella & Dot Online Trunk Show so be sure to jump over to the site and shop!  Once you click on the link here, click on the green letters that read "shop online for this event."  They just put new pieces online including this beauty.  And of course you know, I'm obsessed with their new bag collection featured here. 



Stella & Dot Juniper Statement Necklace

The last day of going into the office for awhile since my doctor just put me on BED REST!  Ugggghhhh!  I was so not expecting this when I went to my weekly check-up.  I don't know how I will survive since I'm such a busy body.  I just have to keep telling myself it's for the safety of my baby.  Hard to ignore that.  I also learned that we will likely induce a week early if Jack isn't already here by then...that's in like 2 weeks people!!!

The last day of eating salt for awhile (well yesterday was) as my doctor also just put me on a strict no sodium diet!

Hope your day is full of better news.  Enjoy your weekend!

Hospital Stay in Style

You know I'm a researcher.  This week I've been making myself pack my hospital bag for when Jack arrives.  For whatever reason I'm making this way harder than it needs to be.  I'm stressing myself out trying to pack the perfect "coming home" outfit for both me and Jack, when in all likelihood, no one will even see us but Jason and close family.  I'm stressing over which nursing gowns, robes, slippers, etc I should bring.  I'm trying to find a balance between packing light yet still having all the creature comforts I might want.  I know I'm being silly, especially since our house is 5 minutes from the hospital in case, heaven forbid, I forgot something so important like the perfect pair of grippy socks to walk the halls in. 

In doing my research I came across the trend of packing your own cute hospital gown so that in all of the pictures you might take of giving birth, you look cute...as if a gown can really help!

There is a market for everything, right?  In case you would like to invest in your own hospital attire, here are a couple of options for you!

Gownies (by Baby Be Mine) seem to be the "delivery-gown" leader.  You can purchase them direct from their site or find them on other sites like Amazon and The Monogram Chick...why wouldn't you want to take your own personal hospital gown a step further and monogram it!  There are lots of different colors and patterns to choose from.  The gown alone will cost you around $30.  With a monogram, around $40. 

You also have the option of purchasing your gown with a matching pillowcase with the "Labor Kit" to make those sweaty delivery pictures even cuter!  Pillowcase is about $13.00. 

Word to the wise: if you want to purchase the pillowcase and gown combo, you will get a better deal when ordering through Amazon as a set.

You can even purchase your own "Labor Socks" that are simply white socks with skid pads on the bottom that say "Ready, Set, Push."  ($10)

Gownies have been featured in an episode of The Office and the movie, What to Expect When You're Expecting. 

Elizabeth Banks in What to Expect

Cameron Diaz in What to Expect

And if you didn't get quite enough matchy-matchy sets with your gown and pillowcase combo, they also sell a matching nursing gown ($40) and baby gown with cap ($30). 

So what do we think ladies?  Good idea or waste of money? 

Jack's "Richey Family" Baby Shower

Our fourth and final baby shower was last Saturday (how lucky are we) and it was so much fun!  This was a couples shower hosted by my step-father's family, many of which I also work with.  It was awesome to have Jason involved in the shower fun.  The hostesses, Lynne, Lisa and Lindsey thought of every little detail and used a moustache theme...how perfect, especially for Jason!

And no, Jason and I did not intend to match...it just kinda happened!  I will let the gorgeous pictures do the rest of the talking.