My fluff collection so far...

I started ordering cloth diapers about a month ago and I'm growing my stash little by little. I've sworn to myself I wouldn't buy anymore until at least April 15 so I'm trying not to look at websites. Here is what I have so far

Bum Genius 3.0 with a snappi

1 Bummis and 1 Bottombumpers

inside of bottombumpers with prefolds underneath

 I have a few other things not pictured and I'm also waiting on my last order to arrive. I loved getting my fluff mail!! They are so soft (Justin agrees) and so adorable. I'm also keeping a written inventory of my stock that way I know what I need before baby comes and that I have enough to cover me him. From my notes that I've been taking I should aim at having at least 2 dozen prefolds per day if baby ends up using 12+ a day and I can do laundry every other day. At least 6 covers (prefolds need covers), possibly 12 fitted diapers (they also need covers). I could also try to get some newborn All-in-ones, one size, or pockets (all of which do not require covers). My next package will include some of those.
I already have some diapers that grow with baby, but I'm still going to add to those. Like the BumGenius above will probably not fit baby when he's born, so those are when he's a few weeks older.

I have ordered from the following:
babyhopesclothdiapers.com This store is closing
kanga-care.com
CottonBabies.com

First MAJOR purchase!

I just placed the order for Baby's crib!!!

In Cherry

I'm on such a high from this, LOL. I shouldn't be left alone anymore or at least my CC should be taken away. We were going to buy one anyway though right? I can't believe baby has a bed before mom and dad. We're still on our mattresses!
I've been looking endlessly for a crib Justin and I would like. I really wanted one with a solid back. This one has two slits on the headboard as you can see, but they're small. I read somewhere that this will keep noise level down. Not a big deal really, but I like the look of it when it turns into a full size bed.

I looked at cribs at these websites: walmart, Target, BabiesRus, buybuybaby, and Ikea. Walmart has some really cute cribs actually and ikea was by far the cheapest, but I didn't like their small selection. Babyfurniturewarehouse.com has some gorgeous cribs, but I can't find their prices and they look might pricey. Ultimately, I bought our crib from JCPenney. They have a big sale going on now and most cribs can be delivered to the store, free shipping. Promo codes are always around. Today I used a 25% one.

I've been looking at bedding too. Here are some I've tagged as possibilities.

Justin likes the race cars of course. The thing is We're not going to use a bumper or the blanket, at first anyway. So really, I just need to buy a crib skirt and some sheets. So.... I really want something like this

Both are these are from Serena and Lily
They're much too expensive but I'm thinking of making my own skirt. Young House Love makes it seems so easy and cheap. I love their blog! I love the soft baby blues and creams of the bedding from serena and lily. That's what I'm going for for the overall look of the room. We can throw in some race cars too in there :)

Here's a clip of the anatomy scan from last Wednesday. It's the coolest thing to see our little guy moving around so much. I wish I would've asked the nurse to let me see the 4d view a while longer. I never thought that would so clear. Baby Doyle, you have so many people that love you and can't wait to meet you!!

Thank Heaven for little boys!

Curled up

Ta-Da!

My lil man

We went for our anatomy scan yesterday and it felt like our birthdays and Christmas combined. Justin and I were excited all day long and counting down to the minute made me nervous. In my heart I did feel that this was going to be a boy but I didn't want to dwell on any one gender too long so I wouldn't start wanting boy/girl. I saw the goods almost immediately, before the nurse could tell us. He was not shy and the first shot of him was him lounging with his legs crossed at the ankles. Soooo cute!
We were in the room for a good 20 minutes and the nurse let us video with our phone. I'll try to post that later if I can figure out how to edit is since it's pretty long. At one point she switched to 4d view and that was really neat. Baby was moving a lot and waving his arms up and down.

We're basically in a bubble right now. We just keep thinking and talking about him. What's he going to be like? What's he going to look like? I keep thinking what am I going to do with a boy?! LOL...I think daddy has a lot more of the pressure on him since he has to be the role model and raise a little man. I know Justin is going to do the most incredible job and be the best dad a little boy could ever ask for. This pregnancy has been the easiest thing in my life and I had a feeling from the beginning this little guy was going to be just like dad. Very calm and happy :)

We haven't agreed on a name yet. I already picked out my names but he doesn't like them. I would LOVE to name him Jack James Doyle or Jacob James Doyle. James will be the middle name since that's Justin's middle name, but Justin can't stand the name Jack, LOL. Justin is pretty much going to name the baby and he can't think of anything. I guess we won't have a name until baby is probably born.

Obviously we didn't end up doing the gender reveal party, we couldn't wait till the weekend to find out so we spilled the beans to everyone right after. Family is very excited!

I don't think I can stop SMILING. This is surreal and oh so perfect! I can't wait to kiss my little guy!!!

:(

Hubby flew out early this morning for Vegas for work and he won't be back until Monday!! My heart hurts, I miss him so much. He's gone for work and they're actually working and staying in Arizona.

As soon as he left this morning, my heart just sank and I get the blues every now and then when I think that he could be here right now....

Ugh, I need to snap out of it and stay busy until Monday! This will also bring Wednesday's anatomy scan closer.

So without further ado...

Before work in my scrubs

My 17 week 3 day bump. This week I've noticed my belly much more prominently, so I think I "popped." Last night I felt baby kicking. I think I might've felt it last week, but this week it's obvious that's what it is. Whenever I feel it I just laugh, it's such a sweet feeling. It's like baby's saying "Hey mom!" I love it!

My appointment went great this week. Baby's hb was 150bpm and he/she was moving around a lot. I heard a lot of noise from the doppler and my midwife said it was the baby moving. This midwife I met was ok...I have 2 more to meet so hopefully, I meet one I connect with more. I don't know what it was, maybe just that she waited back for me to ask questions and she didn't really say much, lol.

I checked out some new books from the library this week too.

I really like them both but Ina May's is very psychedelic in how it's written. Like going back to the 70s with the language she uses. It has a lot of stories of woman who had their babies natural so it's encouraging in that regard because I think a lot of women believe childbirth is going to be this horrific experience that they're going to dread going through. The stories in this book are calming and they give you a positive outlook  Her book is more than just birth stories though. The breastfeeding one is going to be great. I've only read a few pages, but it's good. So far, it's just talked about the benefits of breastfeeding, which duh everyone knows, so I just pray that I'll be able to do.


I should also mention I'm excessively mildly obsessed with cloth diapers and I finally purchased some this week. I won't get into all that now, because it's so overwhelming. The sites that have helped me the most are:


http://www.theecofriendlyfamily.com/

http://awesomeclothdiapers.blogspot.com/

and the cloth diapering board on the bump.com

All right loves, I'm off to bury my face in a book or more cloth diapering websites ;):):)

And the garden continues to grow...

We're growing a turnip or some say an onion at 17 weeks!

Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.Source

I think I may have felt baby a couple times, but I'm not sure. What I did feel were like little popping sensations sometimes tremors. I can't wait to be positive that I felt baby. I have no clue what baby is doing in there because this baby seems to be very calm and cool. Could this be a sign of his/her personality after birth? If I have a baby more like my husband, then this baby is going to be a piece of cake, LOL.
I'm feeling great although my head cold might be an infection now, because my left cheek and teeth are hurting from the pressure. And when I tell you the mucus I can hold can probably fill a water bottle, I'm not lying. It's disgusting! Thank God for the neti pot. I called in this morning to my obgyn, and I'm getting a zpac, which I will take because unlike the flu I have plenty of experience with sinus infections. Viruses you can't really do anything about, but infections are serious and treatable. This time, it'd be better to take meds then risk the infection getting worse and into the bloodstream. Also, I want to share that Puffs tissue with Vicks are my new best friend.

I bought a couple of dresses online from asos.com last week and I got them in over the weekend.

I tried them on and decided I'm only going to keep the black dress. The other one was too big and fancy. I don't think I'll be dressing up for anything anytime soon :)

Friday night was Justin's first race of the year. He had his brand new trailer too so it was fun to haul his car over to the track together. Unfortunately, he didn't have much help that night so he did EVERYTHING himself. He felt very proud after :) I was freezing my tush off so I hung out inside the truck with the heat until it was his turn to race. He did good and gained some experience. I just ask that next time it's over 40something degrees!

All right, Wednesday is appointment day and I get to meet 1 of the 3 midwives. Best of all I hear our little turnip's HB!!!

Before it's gone!

Butterbraid

I almost ate the thing when I remembered to snap a pic. I'm in heaven tonight :):):)

Getting my protein

Has been a love/hate relationship. I think society has brainwashed me a little into thinking I need tons of it when it's absolutely not true. However, now that I'm pregnant, it's kinda true. I'm trying to get between 60-80 grams a DAY. I kept a food journal for a few days to keep track of my protein, calcium, and iron. I barely made 60 sometimes less. I started eating eggs again which I'd prefer not to but they really help. The other day someone mention Chobani Greek Yogurt which has 14 grams of protein!

I went out and bought one ($1.39...a little pricey) to try. The ingredient list is simple: pasteurized nonfat milk, evaporated cane juice, vanilla extract, and five active cultures.I don't like eating it without some granola though. It's not that great tasting.

It's much better with Kashi and who doesn't love Kashi?  Once I've added the granola, I'm getting 20 grams of protein!

Guess what we are having tonight? I'm so excited because we get one every year.

Justin buys one from a coworker every year around this time. He bought Cinnamon this time and they also make strawberry. Wait till you see it baked and cut. Dessert is going to be goood tonight!

What I'm reading

is of course baby related, but I'm going to blog about it so I can keep this as my notes. I check out books from the library so once they're due I don't normally check them out again.

I just finished reading You Having a Baby The Owner's Manual to a Happy Pregnancy by Drs. Michael F. Roizen and Mehmet C. Oz. That's Dr. Oz for everyone :)

It had so much useful information for me when it comes to things to like what to eat when pregnant, what questions to ask a pediatrician, and information on vaccines.

The biggest thing I noticed they advised was getting DHA from fish or algae. It can strengthen the baby's immune system and brain as well as the mother's. I was already taking some fish oil before I became pregnant (thankfully). I take Barlean's Organic fish oil in mango/peach. It tastes yummy. The Drs. recommend getting 600mg daily.

Now on choosing a pediatrician and q's to ask:

1. What hospital(s) is the doc affiliated with?
2. Is the doc part of a group? If so, will you visit your doc exclusively, or will you see whoever is available (including perhaps a nurse)?
3. Does the doc encourage email communication?
4. How long can you expect to wait for a response when you email/phone with a question?
5. Is the office clean and comfortable, and does it have a separate sick-child waiting area?
6. How does the doc treat ear infections? Some dispense antibiotics liberally; others encourage that you wait and watch. as most ear infections resolve themselves within 3 days.
7. Does the doc have a standard protocol for vaccines? How flexible are they about timing of vaccines and the administration of optional vaccines?
8. Do they have electronic medical records so when baby graduates HS the records are complete?
9. Are the doc's feelings about complementary medicine in sync with yours?
10. Do you offer same-day sick appointments?
11. Do any of the doctors have sub-specialties?
12. What are your hours? Do you offer evening or weekend hours?

and some for myself:
Was the office staff helpful? Were the nurses friendly?

How long did you have to wait to be seen? How long were patients waiting to be seen?
Was the interview rushed? Did the doctor seem open to questions?
First impression of the doctor?
Did the communication feel natural? Was the doctor easy to understand?


The info on the vaccines is too long for me take notes on so I'm going to scan the page for myself, lol. Basically, I'm going to need to find a ped that will allow to me stray from the standard schedule. My choice is to NOT vaccine until 6 months. This gives baby a chance to build his/her immune system on their own.

That's it for now, I'm off to learn about infant car seats and strollers. :-P The new Baby Bargains book comes out at the end of April and I've heard that book is amazing for finding out the goods on all baby stuff.

G'night!

Welcome to 4 months

As of yesterday I'm 4 months pregnant and feeling fantastic! My belly is starting to show, although we're still wearing jackets up here so you couldn't tell if you saw me out :)

Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop. Source

This weekend was amazing! Saturday my friends took me out maternity shopping in downtown and we hit so many maternity consignment/boutiques I lost count. It was the sweetest thing that they did that for me. I'm one very blessed girl. My coworker actually looked up all the places online, called them to check if they had maternity clothes, then she printed out our itinerary. She planned lunch at a Thai restaurant and did all the driving. Even though I didn't buy anything, the time spent with friends was much more important. Thai didn't work out either but let me tell you those two slices of pizza I had were the icing on the perfect day.

The day before that Justin took me to the mall where I bought the best fitting maternity jeans at Motherhood. They may only last me a few more weeks since they're snug but they still slide down just a tad when I wear them. Maybe a bigger bump will keep them up? I bought a couple tops, but didn't realize they were more than I wanted to spend for such simple tops that I'm going to return them and buy this cute dress I saw instead.

Yesterday was a day to stay in our PJs and veg on the couch, which we did. But first we went out for breakfast to a new place and I ate to my heart's content, and I WAS happy! We also checked out a house but it was too small so the search continues. I'm not worried though because it's all in God's timing. Our perfect little home is out there somewhere.

The rest of this month looks just as fabulous. Justin's racing season begins this Friday night then my father in law races Saturday. We have baby appointments, one of which we may find out the sex (!!), and we're still going to try for a gender reveal party at the end of the month. Now we just need March to warm up!

I posted earlier how I've been considering changing practices. Going from a practice of 6-7 docs and 3 midwives to a practice of one doc and one midwife, but so far I'm staying where we're at. I asked my doctor these questions at our last appointment that would help me come to that decision.

1. How long after my water breaks should labor begin?
She answered preferably within 24 hours. After that baby and I are put in danger and I'll need to be induced.
2. How many vaginal exams are done/needed during labor?
My preferred answer: As few as necessary.
3. How long will I need external fetal monitoring (standard is 20 minutes minimum)?
From my Bradley instructor:

It is standard practice to use at least intermittent fetal monitoring with the external fetal monitor (EFM), and if there is anything out of the ordinary they tend to want you to have continuous fetal monitoring. However, research shows that the use of EFM increases risk of c-section without improving the outcomes for mother or baby. If you decide you want to decline EFM, you will want to request from the beginning to be monitored only with the Doptone (or Dopplar) after the initial 20 minute strip. There is plenty to research done on this that I can guide you to if you like. They will tell you they have a telemetry unit which allows you to be mobile. That is great for your initial strip (pretty much all hospitals require an initial 20 minute strip), but if you decide you want only Doptone after that you will need to be firm and have communicated that clearly from the beginning. There is no evidence saying EFM is more effective and is only used for liability reasons.

4. What do you do if I go past 40 weeks? Will you induce?
I already forgot the response to this, but I think it was yes.
5. What do you think about episiotomies?
She answered that she doesn't do them routinely. (Whew!)
6. As long as everything is normal how long will you let me push.
7. What are my delivery position options? (stirrups/no stirrups)
They're there if I want them, but I don't.
8. How do you feel about letting the mother nurse the baby immediately, and as long as there are no problems, wait until the placenta is out before the cord is clamped and cut?
Important question and I forgot her answer here too. But she's all for handing me the baby immediately for nursing as long as everything is ok.
9. How do you feel about purposely breaking the bag of water?
Another one I forgot her answer to, but I believe they won't do it.
Most if not all these questions were gathered from the book Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way.
I'm going to have to ask the midwife these questions again and write the answers as soon as I can so I can remember. My memory isn't the greatest pregnant or not :-P


On to more exciting news...I'm 15 weeks!

Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.")

Source


As of late, I'm dying to know the sex, but we have exactly 22 days until our anatomy scan! Hopefully, I can last that long. But to look at the bright side, I'll probably feel the baby between now and then! Baby is going to start hearing soon too, so we gotta pick up some good books for her (or him :) and crank up the music!