Pregnancy to 6 Week Old Must Haves

Time has flown by and there are so many things that I have loved and enjoyed along the way.  As always, I want there to be a book or a list of things to have and/or use so I am creating my own list to pass my experience forward, especially for a dear friend of mine who is 6 weeks pregnant with her first!  Keep in mind that my baby is only 6 weeks old and I live in Eugene, OR.  The lists below are only recommendations of what has worked for me and I added as many links as possible.

Websites

• Baby Center - great weekly emails on the baby and mother development during pregnancy and after.
• The Bump - great weekly emails on the baby and mother during and after pregnancy.  Also has a great name lister builder to keep ideas and an awesome check list for during pregnancy.
• EverydayFamily - great weekly emails with great sales/coupons
• Amazon - especially helpful if you are a Prime member and for a baby registry.  I did my registry on this site for the convenience of family all over the US and the easy of one location.  Amazon Mom is awesome!
• diapers.com - lots of baby items with quick delivery.  I often compare prices between this site and Amazon for the best deal.
• Zulily - discounted baby, mom, home, etc supplies.  I bought my crib/mattress set and many other items for the baby from this site at great deals!  They also have a nice rotation of maternity/nursing clothes!
• Shutterfly - great site for photo sharing (create your own site), photo printing, photo storage, and lots of photo gifts.
• Blog to document your experience - it goes quickly so document all the good, bad, and in between...with pictures!  I did weekly belly pics and the the same weekly recaps.  Blogger and WordPress offer user friendly platforms with lots of options.  I used Blogger because it is tied to my Google account.

Products

• Chicco Car Seat and extra base - easy to install, easy to get in and out of the car, easy to get baby in and out, and very safe!  The extra base is a must for a multi-car family!
• Carseat  Canopy - attaches to the car seat handle and protects the baby from the rain, too much sun, and other crazy weather.  It also creates a dark tent if the baby is sleeping while out and about.  Also, I love how this helps to keep the baby warm on really chilly days.  There is regularly a coupon code to get these for free, just pay shipping so Google it to find a current code.
• Baby Jogger City Mini - easy to fold up, super compact, great steering, and awesome!  Get a stroller that you love!
• Baby Carrier - great for keeping baby close while have both arms!  My carrier is designed for 7 pounds and up and no need for an infant insert.  The baby can be on the front facing both ways or on the back.  The carrier is great while running errands, do things around the house, on walks, etc.  Get one that is easy to adjust for both parents!
• Petunia Pickle Bottom City Carryall - I no longer carry a purse, just the diaper bag with my wristlet clutch.  I strongly recommend that you touch, open, and physically inspect diaper bags to find the one you love!  PPB offers great designs and beautiful fabrics.  I choose the City Carryall because I can use it messenger style and over the shoulder.  It stands on its own but does not have a flap to open like most bags.  My cousin highly recommends the Boxy Backpack, too.
• JJ Cole Diaper Clutch/Pouch - a must for quick outings!  This holds diapers, wipes, and hand sanitizer.  A chancing pad is included.
• Diaper Genie - We have a two story home with the bedrooms upstairs.  The Diaper Genie is great and easy to use at night in the baby's room.  We go through more diapers downstairs during the day so those go straight in trash which is emptied more regularly (multiple times throughout a week) than the diaper genie (once a week).
• Pack N Play with napper/changer - a must for travelers!  We use it downstairs as a changing station and napper at this point.  We are downstairs the majority of the time.  The baby's room has everything needed when we are upstairs.  Also, this would be great as a bassinet to save money.
• good nursing bras and sleeper bra - Good nursing bras offer the must needed support during the last few months of pregnancy and are essential for nursing.  The sleeper is comfy and needed for the nursing pads to prevent waking in puddles of milk.  I have not had problems lactating and sometimes feel like a Dairy Queen so the pads are a must!  I got mine from a Motherhood store.  Another tip, sign up for Motherhood's reward program for extra savings and coupons!
• Medela Pump - I use the Pump In Style which is a dual electric pump.  It is easy to use, easy to clean, quiet, and comfortable.  I also have a manual Medela pump for when I am on the go.
• LilyPadz - I use cotton disposable pads most of the time but as my milk production has started to regulate, these silicon pads suction on for a great fit and no leakage.  I love these!
• Lanolin - best thing ever! A friend told me to use it immediately when the baby was born and I am so glad I took her advice!  I used it at least every night for the first three weeks and as needed now.  My nipples got sore and tender but never cracked or bled! Use it!
• Medela Tender Care Hydrogel Pads - these were a lifesaver in the first two weeks of beast feeding.  These pads and lanolin helped my pore nipples adjust to being a new nursing mom.  These are incredible soothing and cooling!
• nursing cover - great option while nursing in public modestly.  I can't control when my little guy is hungry so I love how this cover helps me feed him while staying covered!  I have actually needed to use this while at church and felt comfortable knowing that I was not flashing the Priest and other parishioners!  There is regularly a coupon code to get these for free, just pay shipping so Google it to find a current code.
• Boppy - get a great nursing pillow!  I love the Boppy pillow for nursing and suggest multiple covers so that you can replace one while another cover is getting washed.  The Boppy also is great for the baby's development by using it for cradling, tummy time, and playtime.
• Bassinet - I swore I did not need a bassinet and would not let the baby sleep in our bed; however, my friend gave us her bassinet and it has been a life saver!  The bassinet is right next to my side of the bed so I can easily get the the little guy to feed in the middle of the night.  If you are trying to save money, you can also use a Pack N Play.
• Glider and ottoman - I don't mind the billion crunches while swaying, rocking, or bouncing my baby but the glider ottoman duo is a lifesaver in the middle of the night when I am super sleepy.  My little guy likes to sleep on my chest while I am in the sitting position so I have slept in the glider with my feet up to sooth him through tough nights.
• bookcase/storage cubes - great storage options as a bookshelf and drawers!
• dimmer switch - put one in the baby's room, trust me!  I adjust the brightness to half right before going to bed so that when I change diapers during the night I don't blind myself or startle the baby which prevents a crying fit!  Here are directions.
• Wall vinyl to decorate nursery - a quick, easy way to decorate the baby's room without painting.  Also, these are easy to remove.
• Lots of blankets - all sizes, all types!  We go through at least 2-3 blankets a week because they get peed on or dirtied in other ways.  I use a heavier blanket when going out than in the house.  I also have blankets that are  lighter so we are ready for spring/summer.  These are great for keeping warm, nursing on the go, floor mats, and so much more.
• Clothe diapers, burp clothes, and receiving blankets - you cannot have too many of any of these!  I use clothe diapers for burp clothes and cleaning a messy eater while nursing.  Burp clothes are great for on the go.  These burp bids are my favorite because they are bigger than most burp clothes.  Receiving blankets are great while nursing (staying modest and keeping clean while nursing) and swaddling!
• Baby bathtub with newborn insert - super helpful for a squirmy newborn.  The tub can be used on a counter.  The insert helps support the newborn which is super helpful!  Another tip, you can never have too many baby wash clothes!
• Nail clippers where baby sleeps - keep multiple in the common places the baby sleeps!  I have one set by the couch and one in the baby's room.  It is so much easier to trim nails while the baby is sleeping; otherwise, it is almost impossible to trim nails, without cuts, while there are flailing hands that jerk away!
• Camera - be comfortable with your camera and use it to document your pregnancy and the new family addition!  Any camera will do as long as you use it.  I primarily used my iPhone.  Make sure that you upload/share your pictures.  Also, get in front of the camera so that you are included in pictures, too!

Other Resources

• Your Doctor - I firmly believe that you should LOVE your doctor.  An open, honest, two way communication relationship with trust is essential!  Never be afraid, ashamed, embarrassed, scared, or silly asking any question!  Find a new doctor by asking friends, family, your other health care providers, etc for referrals.  Same goes for the baby's doctor.
• Your Pregnancy Week By Week (book) - great book on the mom's progress through pregnancy and the baby's development.  There are also great exercises throughout the pregnancy.
• Happiest Baby On The Block (DVD) - great tips on helping calm a crying baby!
• Morning Sickness remedy - ASK YOUR DOCTOR FIRST!  Mine told me to take half a Unison tablet and B6 at night to easy morning sickness.  I still threw up but usually only in the mornings instead of all day and it took the edge off of nausea.  This combo helped me tremendously.
• Pregnancy Yoga - Build your strength and flexibility while working on controlled and steady breathing.  I was able to go into deeper pushing positions with more ease because I did yoga throughout my pregnancy.  There are great DVDs if you cannot make a class. I used this DVD.
• App to track feeding, sleep, diapers - Small Nest is what i have been using on my iPhone.
• Insurance prenatal program - check to see what prenatal program is offered.  My work changed insurance companies during my pregnancy.  The first company only offered an online prenatal program  with similar articles/resources to the websites above.  My current insurance is awesome by offering pregnancy and parenting books, online resources, monthly emails, nurse phone calls to check in, free prenatal vitamins for 9 months, reimbursement for hospital classes, and reimbursement for a breast pump.  Look into what your insurance offers and use the program!
• hospital tours - There are two hospitals in the Eugene/Springfield area.  We toured both to make an informed decision on where to deliver the baby.  I also asked friends which hospital they used, why they choose that hospital, and their experience.  I also asked my doctor and her nurses.  Pre-registering also smoothed the admission process.
• Hospital classes - After we chose the delivery hospital, we took a birth class.  Do it!  I found it very helpful as it described the pregnancy and birth process, what labor is like, labor coping methods, labor process for vaginal and c-sect births, pain management options, possible complications and how they are handled, tools used during birth, and so much more.  I also took a lactation class that was very helpful!  I am a firm believer that it is import to be informed and taking the courses answered my questions and put me at ease!
• Local baby/children's store - I find talking to a salesperson can give extra insight that product reviews cannot.  A good local store can explain why they carry the products that they do or more importantly why they choose not to carry others.  My local store, Fletchers, was very helpful when I was researching strollers and car seats.  Plus, I always like supporting my local community!

A New Adventure

On Wednesday, December 19, at 8pm I checked into McKenzie Willamette Hospital for an induction.  My Dad (Bill), Shawna (step-mother), Madison (little sister), and Billy (brother) drove up from Medford to see me in the hospital on Wednesday night.  Billy was an awesome help with our dogs and stayed at the house.  During the night, I was given a medication that ripened my cervix so that at 7am the pitocin drip could start.  My Mom (Charlene) arrived from Talent in the morning.  My water was broken around 8am.  Contractions ensued.  I had an pain medication given through my IV to sustain me until the epidural could be inserted around 10am.  The epidural was inserted at 10:30am and I am so glad I had it!  By 11am I was dilated to a 4 but there were some problems.  My blood pressure kept dropping which made the baby's heart rate plummet.  I was immediately placed on my side and his heart rate recovered very quickly.  For the next 5 hours, there was a debate as to what was causing my blood pressure to tank and what the effects were to the baby.  With each blood pressure plummet, a slew of medical people rushed in and kicked my family out which led to them being very stressed out and ease dropping by the closed door.  The fam was kicked out 4 times.  Due to my excellent care and calming doctor, I am thankful that I never got too worried. I LOVE my nurse (nurse Hydee) and my doctor!  Hydee continued to monitor and stabilize my blood pressure.  Dr. Reilly was certain my blood pressure was the cause and that the baby was not in any distress, especially based on how quickly his heart rate recovered.  Around 3pm, the anesthesiologist came back and added a medication to stabilize my blood pressure.  The pitocin was turned back on and contractions started up again by 4pm.  Around 4:45pm-ish, I was feeling the pressure from the contractions and uncomfortable so I asked my family for privacy.  By 5:30pm I was fully dilated and ready for pushing.   All of a sudden, my hospital gown seemed clingy and choking so I pulled it off.  Dan was an amazing coach and helped count to eight for each push and encouraged me to push in threes.  He was very calm and very assuring.  There was only one point in the end when Dan got a bit too loud and into the pushing mantra.  I meant to put my hand on his mouth to quiet him because I was in mid-push and getting tired.  I accidentally slightly choked him which now gives us a funny story...oops!  I tried lots of pushing positions and found several that worked well.  I had Dan, Hydee, and Dr. Reilly in the room with me.  The atmosphere was just what I had hoped for; calm. quiet, intimate, and full love love.  We were serious when needed but also joked around a lot.  Dan surprised himself by watching the delivery.  I found it very helpful to watch the delivery progress in a mirror.  I sure did not except to watch but was amazed to watch the progress.  After a long time of hard pushing in sets of three, sometimes four or five, our baby came into the world.  Bebe Claric was born at 7:09pm, weighing 8 pounds and 7 ounces, and was 20.75 inches long.  He was perfect and placed skin to skin with me.  Dan cut the umbilical cord.  We had some family bonding time and I breastfed for the first time before family came in to meet the little guy.  I am not sure where it came from but I started calling the little guy Bubba (Bubba Boo) and it stuck.  Dan's parents came up from Roseburg to meet the baby.  Our visitor left by 11pm-ish.  I took a shower,  which felt like pure Heaven, and watched Dan give the baby his first bath with the nurse before falling asleep.  The baby allowed me to sleep for 5 full hours that night and I was extremely thankful!

First bath

On Friday, I was shocked at how sore my body was, especially my hips when attempting to walk.  We had many visitors while we were at the hospital including family members on Dan's side and good friends to both of us.  Our family is definitely loved!  We continued to toss around names for Bubba from Thursday until Saturday morning.  We narrowed the chooses down to Vincent James and Jacob Daniel.  I finished the paperwork for the birth certificate and SSN card on Saturday morning.  We named our baby boy Vincent James Claric.  By Saturday, I was feeling overstimulated and like a zoo animal.  I was tired of being in the hospital and on display which meant that it was a good time to venture out of the hospital and into the real world!  The hospital took Vincent's picture, family helped pack up the car, I learned how to do self care while my body continued to recover, Dan and I put the baby in the car seat, the car seat in the car, and drove home. We left the hospital on Saturday, December 22 by 4pm.  Driving home with our new born son felt wonderful, scary,and bizarre!  Sunday was fairly calm.  Keith (step-father) and Lilly (grandmama) came up from Talent on Monday.  Vinny had his first doctor appointment on Monday.  He weighed 8 pounds even.  We had a lovely Christmas Eve dinner with both sides of my family.  The family went back to hotels around 9pm so we were able to get to bed early.  Everyone was back over at 8am on Christmas morning.  We opened presents and had a lovely breakfast.  There were lots of hugs and loves before everyone got on the road by noon.  I quickly bolted to a nearby catholic church to attend Christmas mass.  The only mass that late was at a parish I have never been to and in Spanish.  Even though I am sure God would understand, I did not want to miss Christmas mass.  I am so thankful that Dan took Vinny and encouraged me to go.  The rest of Tuesday was calm...eerily calm.

The rest of week had a steep learning curve.  Dan was back to work on Wednesday so Vinny and I started to figure out our new life.  I struggled to learn how to care for a newborn while taking care of my recovering body on a lack of sleep.  The hardest lesson was figuring out how to eat.  I realized the hard way that eating for the first time at 2pm was not acceptable for my well-being or Vinny.  I had to allow myself to eat, even if Vinny cried.  By the end of the week I was feeling stir crazy in the house.  I did not want to venture out into the world without help.  Dan and I had a good weekend.

 
The next week, we had visitors again and I had a list of to-dos!  My good friend Leslie came up from Medford with her mom to do a photo shoot of Vinny for us.  I wanted to capture his newness and she did a great job!  Check out her blog for more details and pictures!  Shawna and Madison came up on Monday and stayed through Friday.  Shawna helped me get out into the world, taught me how to use the car seat on a shopping cart, use the stroller, and more.  I greatly appreciated the help and a chance to rest my arms.  Bubba had his second doctor appointment on Wednesday.  He weighed 8 pounds 5 ounces.  Bubba was circumcised and he was a champ!  The procedure was fascinating and Dr. Lash did a great job.  Thankfully, Bubba healed very quickly and the after care only involved putting vaseline on his diapers for a week.  On Thursday, we went over to our friends' new home to watch the Ducks play in the Fiesta Bowl.  Vinny wore his Duck outfit and cheered on the team to victory.  It was great to have Shawna and Madison help us!  After a particularly tough night, I ventured to church for the first time with Vinny.  He was awesome and slept  the entire time.

The next two week went very well.  Vinny and I started to figure out a loose routine.  I got dressed every morning, including doing my make up, so that I felt human.  I was better able to eat.  I accepted that there are times that the little guy is going to cry and that's okay.  We continued to venture out of the house on errands and lunch dates.  We had lunch with Adele on both Wednesdays and had Dan lunch on the first Friday.  Vinny had his third doctor appointment on January 16.  He weighed 9 pounds 6 ounces and grew an inch!  My little man is getting big!

I said many times throughout my pregnancy that pregnancy is hard work and not for the weak or faint of heart; however, none of that mattered when I held my perfect baby boy for the first time.  He looked at me with such sweet big eyes that were unable to focus.  I was amazed that he knew and trusted me from the very beginning.  His beautiful big eyes would wander and search while unable to focus or see more than a few inches.  He perfectly bundled into my chest and completed me in a way I did not know I needed.  His soft, delicate skin was perfect to snuggle with, touch, and smell even before his first bath.  His perfect little hands and feet were purple and wonderful.  I am perfectly in love with my little man and sometimes overwhelmed to tears.  God is good!

PS Pictures are on my Shutterfly site.

Final Week!

This week has brought so many different emotions!  I had my regular OB appointment on Thursday.  My doctor did the first exam to see my progression.  I was 1 cm dilated, 75% effaced, and she could feel his head.  He was in place!  I had been having pretty regular contractions, at least one an hour, for the past week.  We were talking about my due date, Dec. 26, and how she would be out most of that week.  She then mentioned inducing and we discussed the pros and cons.  She said that I was a prime candidate based on my progress and she thought the control would be helpful for me so we scheduled it!  Holy Cow!  She said that there was still a good chance that he would come on his own but if not, I would check into the hospital on Dec. 19 at 8pm and he should be born sometime Thursday afternoon!  Holy Cow!  So has been the final week!  On Friday, my work threw a lovely baby shower for me and Tadpole.  It was nice and low key and wonderful.  Then, I went to the Christmas play that my church put on.  My good friend Adele was one of the narrators.  It was a beautiful production!  I met up with Adele and her parents for breakfast on Saturday morning.  Thankfully they accept me as family and let me crash regularly!  The rest of Saturday involved a lot of rest.  After church on Sunday, I went into baby room final prep!  I got the gifts organized and put away and the last few items put up.  I made sure that the changing area had diapers, wipes, etc.  I was nesting in full force because it was the last weekend before Bebe!  I went to a lovely Mary Kay Holiday Party on Monday.  The gift exchange stealing game is always a blast!  I got my teeth cleaned on Tuesday.  One more thing to check off the list.  Dolce got the stitches out of her tail and the vet said she was doing really well from her partial tail amputation.  Dan and I spent the rest of Tuesday night cleaning and prepping for Bebe.  The side room/den now has the Pack N Play (which has the changer/napper and diaper supplies) and is ready!  Everything felt really real as I got ready for bed.  I realized that this was the last night I could take a long shower without worrying about a baby.  It was the last night I would get a decent night's sleep.  It was the last night at home before Tadpole joins us in person!  Everything became so real!  Today has flown by as I have made last minute final arrangements at work.  I am headed home after this post to get ready to check into the hospital tonight...oh my!   

Spoiled girl dogs!  This is what I left as I headed off to church!

The last belly shot!

Week 39

Baby Size: a watermelon!  He weighs over 7 pounds and is about 20 inches long!

Baby Development: According to BabyCenter.com:

Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth...The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.

How I feel about being pregnant: excited and terrified!  He is coming this week!

Symptoms:  heartburn in the middle of the night, fat feet, not wanting to eat, lots of contractions, big lips, and dehydrated. 

Cravings:  WATER!  I have been so thirsty this week!

What I am most excited about:  Getting to meet this little guy and not having to share share my body!  I have loved all the movement but this momma is one tired girl and ready...I think!

Something sweet your daddy did for me:  We had a great talk last night.  He calmed my fears and reminded me that I can and will make it through labor, I will be a good mom, and how excited he is for our family.  He also got to feel lots of baby movements!

Funny moment:   Baby kicks and movements that the dogs saw and were very concerned about.  Rose kept tilting her head from side to side with perked up ears trying to figure out who my stomach could move on its own!  Dolce kept smelling my belly to figure it out.

Special moment:  1) Finishing the baby's room and knowing it is ready for him.  Also, knowing our house is ready for him.  2) Adele and I went to brunch after church on Sunday.  We had a lovely time and I so appreciated the girl time.


 

Thoughts for My Baby Boy

My Dear Little Love,

I can hardly believe that I will soon meet you.  These 10 months have flown by!  As I await your birthday, I keep thinking of the things I want for you and who I want to help you become.  I know you will be your own unique individual but I hope I can help guide, encourage, show, and mold you towards being a good man.

First, I want you to always remember that you are uniquely created by God with purpose and love.  Never forget that!  You are your own person and I am so excited to see who you become.  Whenever you are in doubt, seek God and ask for help.  One of my biggest desires for you is that you grow strong in your faith and fall deeply and passionately in love with God.  He made you after all.  Your father and I are just happy to be along for the ride and know the trust God placed in us and the deep responsibility of being your parents.

Secondly, I want you to always remember how loved your are.  I am constantly amazed, even now, how much I love you and I have not met you yet.  There are so many people, family and friends, who already love you.  You have a whole group just waiting to meet you so that they can love on you.  I am constantly amazed by the outpouring of love for you and our family.  As your mother, I will always love you for who you are, unconditionally.  There is nothing that you can do or say to break that bond of love.  Please don't tempt or test that statement but remember it always.

Lastly, my wish for you is to be a good man.  A man who is strong and caring.  A man who is giving and compassionate.  A man who defends those in need and loves deeply.  A man of honor and integrity.  A man like your father and many other men in our family.  Strength comes in many forms.  Sometimes the strongest, most courageous thing you can do is to love and help someone in need.  Be strong in your beliefs and in who you are.  Be a caring man.  A man who is not afraid to show any emotion.  Feel your feelings but know how to process through.  You cannot help what you feel but you can control your actions and reactions.  Life will knock you down and it is okay to cry, to be mad, to be upset; however, when it is time, pick yourself up and start again.  I will always be here to support you.  Ask for help when you need it.  Be giving and compassionate.  Giving back is not optional in our family, it is a great obligation.  You can give of your time, talents, and resources.  You will always gain more by giving back and helping those in need.  Serving others is a great responsibility with unmeasurable joys and gifts.  Be a compassionate man.  A man who helps those in need and looks past first appearances.  Be quick to forgive.  Trust me, it is a lot harder to hold the anger and will only hurt you in the long run.  Be quick to apologize.  A simple "I'm sorry" goes a long way to mend a relationship and heal wounds.  Like giving is an obligation, defending and helping those in need is also an obligation.  A strong man defends the weak and helps the needy.  Correct the problems you see in your community, state, country, and world.  You can and will be the difference!  A true man loves and loves deeply.  In our family, we end every conversation with "I love you" even if you are extremely mad.  I want you to know love and to give it freely.  You cannot be strong, caring, giving, or compassionate without love.  Love people for who they are and not who you want them to be.  Love deeply!  Be a man of  your word.  Live your life with honor and integrity.  Be proud of your family history and continue the legacy.  Learn from the great men in our family.  Learn from others' failures so that you do not have to repeat them and learn from the successes.  I know your father will be a great example to you.  My wish for you is to be a good man, a man like your father.

My unborn son, there are so many things I want to share with you; experiences, traditions, celebrations, books, laughter, and lessons.  I hope to be the mother you need and I look forward to meeting  you and loving you.

I love you,
Your Mother

Two Weeks Left

Week 38 went by quick!  I had a lovely Eugene baby shower which reminded me, yet again, how loved our family is and how loved this little guy is already!  I can't wait to meet him!  I had a quick appointment on Thursday but nothing new to report.  She said that mom and baby are progressing nicely.  I celebrated my 30th birthday on Friday...wahoo!  Dan was a funeral all day on Saturday so the dogs and I relaxed and worked on the baby's room.  The Cascade Manor Resident and Employee Holiday Party was on Sunday.  The Directors work so that as many employees as possible can enjoy the festivities.  Adele and I worked the drink table which was hopping the entire party!  After being on my feet for 5 hours at the party (prep, party, clean up), I got home and decorated the Christmas tree.  Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday were back to normal.

Our pretty Christmas tree

Week 38...WOW!

Week 38

Baby Size:  as long as a leek or the size of a pumpkin!  He weighs 6.8 pounds is is over 19.5 inches long!

Baby Development: According to BabyCenter.com:

Your baby has really plumped up...She has a firm grasp...Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.  Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)

How I feel about being pregnant: tired...it's hard work being pregnant!

Symptoms:  big/plump lips, heartburn in the middle of the night, leg cramps, and being tired!  My energy is definitely dropping again!

Cravings:  Chocolate but that's not unusual for me, especially this time of year!  I also have really been wanting juice.

What I am most excited about:  The baby's room is closer to being ready for him.  I just need to sort and put away the new gifts.

Something sweet your daddy did for me:  He brought home a tree for Christmas!

Funny moment: I am not sure how it happened but my right ankle rolled under me and I went down on my left tushy side while taking presents to the car on Thursday night.  It just amazes me how clumsy I am on a good day and then throw in pregnancy!  I was not hurt at all and the baby was unaffected. 

Special moment:  The baby shower that Adele organized and Georgeanne hosted was wonderful.  I so appreciate that Dan's family came and good friends were there to support our growing family!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

The Claric Home is beginning to look a lot like Christmas.  I love this time of year!  The holidays bring so much joy to my soul, time with family, and being thankful.  This year, I felt in the Thanksgiving spirit most of the month of November but my Christmas spirit did not kick in until this past weekend.  Usually, I am bursting at the seams to start playing Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving.  I have just been in a bit of a mental fog and trying to wrap my brain around this little guy coming and all the new aches and pains and tiredness that come with the near end of pregnancy.  However, I got the decorations out and put on Christmas movies as I got the house ready for Christmas and that switched on my merry Christmas attitude!  I am just so thankful and excited for this time of year and can't wait to see Bebe Claric celebrate it with us next year!  I am still hoping he comes before Christmas but it is really up to him and when he is ready.

My little trees.  The silver one is the 12 Days of Christmas and the purple tree is for Advent.

 The last week has been hectic and full of the unexpected.  Wednesday was fairly calm.  Thursday brought sad news,  a dear friend of ours lost one of his closest friends.  They had grown up together and were more like brothers.  I had to fight every urge on Friday to go over and give him a huge hug.  It breaks my heart to see him hurt.  Friday went quickly and I am not sure how Saturday started December!  Once I got home on Friday, my ribcage was causing so much pain I could barely move.  That pain continued all day Saturday...so not fun!  I noticed on Friday and through the weekend that Bebe Claric's movements were a little further down and more pressure was in my lower abdomen.  My breathing has also been a little easier so I am pretty positive he has dropped!  Dan went up to Washington to be with our friend as he mourned over the weekend.  I stayed home and set up Christmas decorations and watch Christmas movies!  I love when the house is decorated with this joyous season.  I just need to finish my two little trees, one for Advent and one for the twelve days of Christmas, and get the actual tree decorated.  Monday brought love and joy from my Soroptimist group who held a Baby Shower for us during our annual club Holiday Party.  I am constantly amazed at how loved our growing family is and how excited everyone is for this little guy!  On Tuesday, Dolce went to the vet and had part of her tail amputate because we could not get the Happy Tail wound to heal.  She looks a bit funny with half her tail but she is recovering well.  Now we just need to make sure that she does not lick the sutures! 

Week 37

Baby Size: a stalk of Swiss chard or a winter melon!  He weighs 6.33 pounds and is over 19 inches long!

Baby Development: According to BabyCenter.com:

Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb...Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

How I feel about being pregnant: Panicked and excited!  The reality has hit that this kid could come anytime now.  He is showing signs of getting closer to delivery and there are still things that MUST be done, like installing the car seat and packing a hospital bag and arranging for dog care while at the hospital!  

Symptoms:  New pressure that is lower were it almost feels like this kid is going to fall out!  Plus his movements are lower in my belly.  I can breath better so that's nice!  My ribcage has been painfully tender on the left side.  I wonder if the pain is only from the previously broken ribs or if muscle is now involved. 

Cravings:  Fruit!  I want berries and/or citrus over the weekend in the worst way!  I am also craving squash (winter squashes and zucchinis) and spinach salads.  I really have been wanting fresh and healthy food.

What I am most excited about:  Tadpole is considered full term now!  Also, I am pretty sure he has dropped and that's super exciting because it means we are that much closer to the main event!

Something sweet your daddy did for me:  He was going to stay with me during the weekend to make sure that I was taken care of.  I insisted he go to Washington to support our grieving friend.  Dan was very hesitant and concerned to leave me alone for the weekend with the dogs and the responsibility of the house.  Our friend needed him more than I did so I am glad Dan could be there for him!

Funny moment:  My assistant said, "The battle of the wills has already started" as I continued to push his feet back into my belly!  He was really active this afternoon and kept kicking me and hard!  I would get a sudden kick and then he would keep his little leg extended.  There was the sharp pain from the initial movement and then painful pressure from that little foot sticking out of my belly so I would push back.  The little guy would just do it again in a slightly different spot or continue to push back!  The battle of wills was a very appropriate comment!

Special moment:  The Baby Shower that my Soroptimist sisters threw for my little family!  Everyone was so thoughtful!  Our little family is truly blessed!

Week 36

As typical, the last week flew by in a whirlwind.  I ventured to Medford after work on Wednesday.  I enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving at my Mom's with family friends, my grandmother, my brother, and my cousin.  I loved getting to catch up with wonderful people!  I enjoyed a second lovely Thanksgiving at my Dad's with my brother, little sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, and mass chaos.  Thanksgiving was a busy day and my stomach was stuffed, even more than usual!  My good friend Leslie stopped by with her little guy.  He prepped me for motherhood by puking on me.  It certainly wasn't the first time I have been puked on and definitely will not be the last!  I went back up to Eugene on Friday to be with Dan.  He spent Thanksgiving at his Aunt and Uncle's in Eugene.  On Saturday, Dan's parents came to our home for a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration.  Dan roasted a duck and it was marvelous!  We had the Civil War on the radio because we did not get the televised station.  The Ducks pulled off a win so that was exciting.  Sunday was filled with relaxing and errands and getting to be with each other.  Monday was filled with work, a doctor appointment, and a Mary Kay meeting.  My dr. apt. went very well.  I learned the super tight belly was actually a contraction, go figure!  I have had that feeling for a while were my belly just feels hard when touched and some pressure but no pain.  I do get painful contractions but not ofter.  At this point, the contractions are not at regular so my body is just practicing for the event to come.  Tuesday was the day from Hell!  I did not realize it was a full moon but that explained so much!  I was running late to work and passed an intersection with last gas station for a few miles when my gas light turned on.  I got gas.  Walked into work late.  Sat my stuff down when Dolce started to pace and whine.  I thought she just needed to calm down and went to soothe her when she started to squat.  I put the leash back on and grabbed the plastic bag for a quick dart outside.  She made it to three feet in front of the entrance doors, next to the Front Desk, when she had spastastic diaheria....  Not exactly a good impression!  Thankfully, Facility Services cleaned up the mess quickly and thoroughly but I am still incredibly embarrassed.  No more Dolce at work!  She continued to have a bad butt 4 more times that day, all outside!  She also puked in my office which is how I learned she had eaten the gauze from her tail which created the lovely situation...  The joy of dogs...  The rest of the day was terrible with work chaos and I just wanted to crawl under my desk and cry.  Thankfully I made it home to a wonderful and loving husband.  Wednesday was significantly better.

Week 36

Baby Size: a crenshaw melon or honeydew melon!  He weighs almost 6 pounds and is 18.5 inches long!

Baby Development: According to BabyCenter.com:

Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day...She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.  At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term...Most likely she's in a head-down position.
How I feel about being pregnant: Excited!  Only four more weeks left, unless he listens to me and comes two weeks early.  The week of Dec. 10 would really fit my schedule better!  Somehow I doubt he cares...

Symptoms:  Pressure and achiness in my girl parts so I think he is dropping.  My ribs are still pretty sore.  The line down my belly is getting darker.  My stretch marks continue to grow.  I have to pee every 90 minutes now.  My breasts are tender and getting larger. 

Cravings:  Nothing really.  I was able to enjoy wonderful pies over Thanksgiving and yummy cranberry sauce! 

What I am most excited about:  The last month has begun!  

Something sweet your daddy did for me:  He was super supportive and caring on Tuesday.  He took care of dinner and the dogs!

Funny moment: Showing off my weird belly button bump!  My belly button is still a very shallow dent but now the top has a little bump sticking out!  I think if I did not have the surgery scar from my gallbladder that my turkey timer would have popped when the bump showed up!

Special moment:  The outpouring of love for our little guy and our growing family.  It was a joy to be around family and friends who are family!  Dan, Bebe Claric, and I are very loved and it's neat to see the joy and excitement that people have for Tadpole.  We are blessed and loved!