Cribs

I've posted a million photos of cribs and I go back and forth on which ones I like daily but I am making a decision and ordering next week. I'm gonna lay them all out here and then stare. I have learned a lot in this process. I started off thinking I would just get the Graco from Target that was $180. It was cute, modern, and TOXIC! Ya learning about all the crazy shit they make these cribs out of just blows my mind. Its still really hard to really tell if the ones I've been looking at are totally safe but most will tell you what they are made of and make a point to say they are safe. The only way to totally avoid the toxic crib is to spend a whole lotta money. If that were the case I would probably get this. My only complaint is there isn't a good dresser that matches it. I found this but I have no idea if they would work together. Plus its crazy expensive!


Oeuf Sparrow Crib


Ouef 4 drawer dresser


The one I keep going back to is the Land of Nod stuff. Its expensive but seems like it will last for a really long time.


White Anderson Crib



White Blake Dresser



Columbia Convertible Crib White Atlantic Furniture


Windsor 6 Drawer 54" Dresser in White



Baby Mod



Baby Mod - Cadence Combo Dresser



Baby Mod - Cadence 4-Drawer Dresser



(The Walmart photos suck so its hard to view, this is what happens when you hire a shitty retoucher)
Once I get furniture and I can think about painting and art which is the fun stuff! I already have a bunch of art on Etsy that I have bookmarked and will post another time.

yoga

So I finally tried out prenatal yoga and I actually liked it. It was a tiny bit of yoga, mostly talking and relaxing. I searched on Yelp and found a few places in the area but I was drawn to Soul at Home (ok maybe cause they offer massages too) Plus its right down the street from me. The first class was complementary which was great cause scraping up $15 is actually hard to do these days when you have no income. I found my little spot in the back corner and just sat around and made small talk with the girl next to me. Its funny watching a bunch of preggers waddle in all together. So turns out the instructor is a midwife and not much older than me. The first part of the class was just introducing ourselves, giving our due date, where we are delivering, and something new that has happened that week. Turns out like 4 or so people in the class are delivering at Beach Cities. That made me soooo happy! So the class goes on and we do some yoga which was really basic stretches and actually felt quite good. The last part of the class we get to cuddle up with blankets and she put on the hypnobabies affirmation cd. I was so excited cause in a few weeks Blake and I will be taking our first hypnobabies courses so it was good to get a little peak at it. At the end of class she gave us a handout about the hidden risks of epidurals. Seriously I have no idea how I got so lucky to have found this class but it was right up my alley. Hope baby liked it!

Forever 21

makes maternity clothes! I've said it before but I'm not a fan of maternity clothes in general but this is great news because the basics look really cute and they are super cheap! And how about those skinny jeans for $13.80. I'm pretty set on clothes but I'm temped to try and track down those leggings and jeans.......

Whoa

As if birthing a baby wasn't enough......

http://pregnant.thebump.com/new-mom-new-dad/post-birth-recovery/articles/the-truth-about-postpartum-recovery-from-vaginal-delivery.aspx?cm_ven=Responsys&cm_cat=Newsletter&cm_pla=Pregnancy&cm_ite=June%2029,%202010&MsdVisit=1

Your due date is coming on quick. You have burp cloths. You have safety Q-tips. You have 12 brands of diaper rash cream and three newborn-sized bathrobes with matching slippers. There's no question you're prepared for baby's arrival... but are you ready for all that other stuff that happens after delivery? (You know, to your vagina. And perineum. And rectum.)

Alright, let's just say it: If you give birth vaginally, you're going to need some serious TLC down there. But have no fear: We checked in with tons of new moms, and a few of our doctor friends including Dr. Susan Bliss, OB/GYN at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC, to bring you an insider's guide to postpartum body care. (You’re welcome.)

THE BASICS

The condition of your no-longer-very-private parts -- your vagina, perineum, and rectum -- after childbirth depends a lot on your particular birth experience. (Duh.) So if you push out an 11-pounder and tear badly, you're going to have a tougher recovery than if baby is smaller and your perineum stays intact. But genetics can play a part too. (Just be prepared for the fact that an investigation into family history may involve your mom discussing her own hoo-ha.)

THE AFTERMATH

Expect lots of bleeding and some general soreness. Wondering how much blood to be prepared for? Dr. Bliss says postpartum bleeding can be compared to a heavy period and may last for a few weeks -- which is why super-absorbent maxi pads (yes, like the kind you wore in junior high) will become your new best friend.

So here's the deal: No matter how long you pushed for, expect some swelling. You can also expect small contractions and occasional gushes of blood, especially when you breastfeed. But don't let this freak you out. "This is a good thing," says Dr. Bliss. It's your uterus shrinking back to its normal size. In addition, you may have some trouble pooping, and you’ll probably spring a few leaks (pee and gas to complement the oozing of milk, sweat, and tears farther north). So be on guard.

If you have any stitches from tearing, expect them to first be sore and then a little itchy. Most stitches reabsorb in about three weeks. Later, you’ll have some scar tissue, but chances are you will probably never notice.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

Steal Things

You'll definitely want to cop some freebies from your postpartum recovery room before checking out of the hospital. "Get as many of the hospital pads as possible," urges Bumpie Princessn6. "They're better than anything you can get in the store." Consider stocking up on the hospital's mesh panties too. (Don't be shy -- ask your nurse for extras.) No, they're not sexy, but when you're bleeding for weeks on end, disposable panties rock. And don't forget your peri bottle (a squirt bottle for rinsing). It will keep you feeling clean and also help any stinging that may happen when your pee hits your stitches.

Pack the Ice

"The nurses at the hospital brought me newborn diapers that they had packed with ice. It helped a lot!" says Bumpie Kat28655. According to Dr. Bliss, ice is awesome for swelling prevention in the first 24 hours. Lay off the ice after that, though. Some women mistakenly attempt to treat their swollen labia with cold packs, but it won't help. "The labia is swollen because of excess fluid," says Dr. Bliss. “Ice packs will not help that swelling." So if your labia are swollen, don't worry: They will deflate within a few days.

Soak Your Bum

"I really strongly believe in sitz baths," says Dr. Bliss. "Take one every time you pee or poop for the first week and several times a day for the next week. Be diligent. Set aside those 15 minutes it takes to sit there with your bottom in water."

Witch Hazel It Up

This herbal remedy can bring sweet relief for painful, itchy stitches, and nerve-wracking hemorrhoids. "I've been rolling up those witch hazel pads and sticking them between my [butt] cheeks," says Bumpie taprehoda. "It gives me hours of relief." You can also line your pad with them for maximum coverage. Try spraying on some Dermoplast spray first, and you'll be comfortably numb for a while.

Do Your Kegels

Strengthening your pelvic floor by doing Kegel exercises is a must, according to Dr. Bliss. "This helps maintain urinary continence and function of your anal sphincter." Sounds pretty important to us!

Poop

"Don't be scared -- just do it," says Dr. Bliss about pooping after giving birth. "Like I tell my four-year-old, if you hold it in, it just gets bigger." And if you need help, get help. "Mommas, take the stool softener that the hospital offers!" urges Bumpie jwoods6056.

Invest in Some Lube

No, your vagina will never be exactly the same after a vaginal delivery. (There. We said it.) Sex is on the horizon, though. Good sex, even. Still, it will take some time for things to feel totally "normal" again after delivering baby. When you’re ready for sex (and you've held off for the recommended six weeks), go for it. Just don't forget the Astroglide! Here's why: You're low on estrogen after delivery (and while you're breastfeeding), causing a thinning of your "vaginal mucosa" (or vaginal membrane), which can lead to dryness. Altogether, this can make sex, well, hurt. That's why investing in some lube will be a lifesaver.

baby boxer

Baby has discovered that my ribs make the most wonderful punching bags. Starting Sunday I noticed she was really really hyper the entire day. She put on a show for Kristin who got to feel the belly. It was total alien stomach. Then the rest of the day it felt like she was standing straight up on my left side. It was actually quite painful and annoying. She eventually moved but has spend the last two days moving like crazy. I hope that is normal? I tried to look it up on the internet but I don't trust all those stupid forms. Some people said girls tend to be more active and its when they aren't active you should be worried. Then there was the one idiot who says this happened to her friend and the next day the baby died. Awesome lady, just what I needed to hear. I don't trust any of it. I figure she is moving and she is happy right? I can tell she is getting bigger since she takes up most of the belly space now. I used to only feel her on one side but now its pretty much across the whole belly. I can still feel body parts just not sure which ones they are yet. I'm generally uncomfortable in the belly area, just a lot harder to breathe these days. Hope the little one is doing ok in there. I kinda want to get another ultrasound just to make sure she isn't some giant baby but I'm super scared of the 4D scans, I have no desire to see my baby like that. I dunno well see.

Just got my letter from my insurance saying they I can go to my midwife (but only for 90 days) I'm hoping she will fudge the dates a bit because I only have between 6/23 and 9/23 to see her (according the insurance). Baby is due the 30th so this is going to be interesting. Hoping they will extend it for another 30 days or my midwife will just have to lie.

mobile-elephants

I'm loving this mobile that I saw on ohdeedoh.

I wish it matched the bedding but damn its cute!

weekend fun

Had a pretty full weekend filled with a baby shower and visits from friends. It was nice to be busy with fun stuff and not moving in crap (although somehow we managed to find time to paint some stools and run errands but it wasn't too bad)
On Saturday my mom and I went to Lisa's Baby Shower. Lisa is due at the end of Aug with baby Lily. She looks amazing and seems super happy. Lisa is married to Andrew who I've known since I was born. Mine and Andrews parents went to high school together and have been friends since. A few years back Andrew and I always joked about having kids around the same time (like our parents did) but that was years ago. So a few months ago I get a phone call from Andrew to tell me that Lisa is 12 or 13 weeks pregnant. I was freaking out cause I had literally just found out I was pregnant too (I want to say I was like 7 or 8 weeks) but at this point we hadn't told a single person so I was dying not to be able to tell them. Just kinda funny how that works out. They are going to be the most wonderful parents ever and I can't wait to take our kids on adventures like our parents did with us.