Thursday, June 21, 2012

Happy Third Trimester

Well, time just seems to slip away too fast. I'm not ready to be in my third trimester! But we now have 13 short weeks until our girl arrives. Technically, she's already around, since she spends her day tumbling around in my tummy (so I always knows she's there). I am starting to notice when she cuddles up on one side of my tummy. I'll poke around a bit, and sure enough, I always find a hard spot, which I'm sure it a bum, or head, or back, or something.

Me at 26 Weeks


Jed and I are trying to make all of the big decisions on what to purchase and what to skip (advice welcomed). We will be buying a crib, changing table, and dresser combo (from Walmart, good deal), a breast pump (for when I have to go back to work... wah wah-- I'm thinking Madela In Style), and lots of other things, I'm sure. I can't decide if I want to invest in a swing or not (like the big ones that you can rotate and swing front to back or side to side). I am also completely stumped on which stroller to get. I think I've decided I don't want a travel system, since my sister is giving me her car seat. I would really like a 3-wheel jogger stroller, but I just don't know the age range for those (I'd like something that can be used with a newborn and then grown into as she gets older). Decisions, decisions.

Two things I have decided lately are 1) we are cloth diapering. I ordered my diapers, and I can't wait to get them. We got all different colors and patterns, and most importantly-- ANIMAL PRINTS. I can't wait to see our girl crawling around with a little cow bum sticking up.
Cow Print Cloth Diaper

2) I am going to pump when I go back to work (assuming everything goes well with breastfeeding). At first I was hesitant because it's a little awkward to disappear at work, while everyone knows I'm hiding in some corner harvesting my milk. But when it comes to my baby's health and saving money, I just can't imagine not doing it. Right now, no one in my building pumps, so I'm going to have to talk to HR about designating a place to do it. I'm nervous about that.

I am so excited for maternity leave. I know it will be hard, but I honestly haven't gone more than a couple of weeks without working since I was 16! and I will get 8-10 whole weeks to hang out with my girl and get to know her better. It will also be nice because I'll see Jed much more often.

I just love him. He is so excited and always has great ideas and contributions for our baby plans.  He is also very kind and supportive when I come up with things I want to do but aren't necessary (like my quilt. Hello. I could buy something similar for half the price). He trusts me and feels that if it's important to me, it's worth doing.
The beginning phase of my quilt.


Well that's all the updating for now! Hopefully, I can squeeze in a few more posts before our girl comes!


13 comments:

Giggling Gardners said...

Okay, here are my baby gear thoughts. Keep in mind I totally believe in "cheaper is better" so some people may disagree with me. As for the stroller, our car seat was given to us and we bought the matching stroller on KSL...we LOVE it and use it all the time. The car seat does snap in but we only used that a few times before we just started putting her right in the stroller. I think jogging strollers can't be used until your baby is a year old or something like that so you'll want a newborn one first. As for the swing, I would TOTALLY recommend it. I didn't know if I wanted one, but then our friends let us borrow theirs and I would have died without it. It was nice to be able to put my baby somewhere to free up my hands so I could shower or do house work. That time is valuable! If you are considering a diaper genie, I would suggest forgetting about it. The bags are expensive and not practical for me. We just bought a flip top garbage can and we put grocery bags in it. You step on the foot pedal to open it so it mostly keeps the stink inside the garbage can. As for the changing table...I really wanted a designated area to change the baby, not on the bed or carpet or couch or wherever I was like some of my friends do. Your baby will pee and get poop on whatever changing area you have and I didn't want that to be my bed or couch or carpet. However, if you buy a changing table you will only use it for a few months and then the baby will outgrow it. So...we bought a dresser on KSL and bought a changing pad at kid2kid for cheap. I bleached it and then we set the changing pad on top of the dresser. Lilly fit on it until she was 1 (recently) and I just barely moved the changing pad to the floor in her room. I still have the dresser to use and the top is now decorated cute with pics and such and I still have a designated area to change her stinky bum...you gotta contain the poo! Plus, when she does get poop on the changing pad, I can just get a wipe and clean it off and good as new! If you want a pic of the dresser so it makes more sense, I'd be happy to send you one. I would also recommend a bath thing you can set your baby on to free up a hand. I have one if you want to borrow it. It saved my life. I also tried homemade baby wipes and thought I was pretty spiffy. However, when I did the math, the homemade ones cost more and I didn't like them as much. They got mildew smelly too fast and weren't as strong as the store bought ones. ...this was a really long comment. Sorry. Feel free to ask if you have any more questions and I'll write you another novel. :)

Ashley Hernandez said...

First off, i'm so excited for you!!

Here us the advice you requested..
On breastfeeding: I wish I would have had more luck. I breastfed mason for two weeks and pumped for a week after. I got an infection, and it was so hard to do! If your provider has a breastfeeding class or something I would highly suggest going. I wish I would have went to the one they offered on base, but I was on strict bedrest and never allowed to do anything. Ha. Also, some hospitals will let you rent a pump for fairly cheap. I had a friend that bought a really nice one then had problems feeding her baby and resorted to bottle feeding. age said if she were to do it again she would have waited a couple months to make sure breastfeeding was right for her, then invest in a pump of her own.

On a carseat/travel system...I LOVED my travel system I bought for allen. The car seat actually latched into the stroller, so when he was newborn, I could still stroll him around. Plus, I loved the basket on the bottom that held my diaper bag, etc.

On cloth diapers...I have a friend that does them and loves it! Her sister also did it with all her kids. She bought disposable diapers for the few weeks because the cloth ones didn't fit that well at first. Also, it was just easier as she got adjusted to having a new baby. If you want, I can ask what cleaners and stuff she used. She also made a really cool attachment for her toilet to spray off mess in the toilet first. It was actually kinda neat.

On a swing...my grandparents bought me the coolest 3 in 1 swing. It was an infant carrier, swing, and toddler rocker/chair. Allen and mason loved it! And they still were using it up until we moved, and I didn't have room to bring it back. :(

I hope this helped! Good luck! I can't wait to see pictures of her cute little face!

Ashley Hernandez said...

First off, i'm so excited for you!!

Here us the advice you requested..
On breastfeeding: I wish I would have had more luck. I breastfed mason for two weeks and pumped for a week after. I got an infection, and it was so hard to do! If your provider has a breastfeeding class or something I would highly suggest going. I wish I would have went to the one they offered on base, but I was on strict bedrest and never allowed to do anything. Ha. Also, some hospitals will let you rent a pump for fairly cheap. I had a friend that bought a really nice one then had problems feeding her baby and resorted to bottle feeding. age said if she were to do it again she would have waited a couple months to make sure breastfeeding was right for her, then invest in a pump of her own.

On a carseat/travel system...I LOVED my travel system I bought for allen. The car seat actually latched into the stroller, so when he was newborn, I could still stroll him around. Plus, I loved the basket on the bottom that held my diaper bag, etc.

On cloth diapers...I have a friend that does them and loves it! Her sister also did it with all her kids. She bought disposable diapers for the few weeks because the cloth ones didn't fit that well at first. Also, it was just easier as she got adjusted to having a new baby. If you want, I can ask what cleaners and stuff she used. She also made a really cool attachment for her toilet to spray off mess in the toilet first. It was actually kinda neat.

On a swing...my grandparents bought me the coolest 3 in 1 swing. It was an infant carrier, swing, and toddler rocker/chair. Allen and mason loved it! And they still were using it up until we moved, and I didn't have room to bring it back. :(

I hope this helped! Good luck! I can't wait to see pictures of her cute little face!

Unknown said...

Ok, if you get a swing, get a mommaroo. My sister has one and they are amazing and the same price as a regular swing. The difference is that the mommaroo doesn't just go back and forth, it has a ton of different settings like a car ride or wave etc. If you get a stroller, just look on ksl or at berlington coat factory or Walmart. I think we got our 3 wheeler at shopko and we love it.

Unknown said...

Read about everything you can find on breastfeeding. I knew absolutely nothing about it and it ended up not working for me. I became engorgedvand my milk didn't come in which made Dez lose a lot if weight; more than he was suppose to. Also, if you guys are low income there is a program called WIC, women, infants, and children, they offer free help like food,lactation help, free formula if breastfeeding doesn't work, and if breastfeeding goes well free pumps! So I would save your money at first. See if all goes well, then purchase the pump if you don't qualify for WIC.

also, remember that companies can't put things on the market if they are dangerous to babies. It's more about how people like a product. So you don't have to get the most expensive or #1 on the market. Others might disagree with that but that's how I feel. Just because chico is number 1 in car seats doesn't mean graco is bad because it's number 2.

And the swing is a must!

Also, take as much free stuff as possible! Babies only use things for a short time.

Unknown said...

Read about everything you can find on breastfeeding. I knew absolutely nothing about it and it ended up not working for me. I became engorgedvand my milk didn't come in which made Dez lose a lot if weight; more than he was suppose to. Also, if you guys are low income there is a program called WIC, women, infants, and children, they offer free help like food,lactation help, free formula if breastfeeding doesn't work, and if breastfeeding goes well free pumps! So I would save your money at first. See if all goes well, then purchase the pump if you don't qualify for WIC.

also, remember that companies can't put things on the market if they are dangerous to babies. It's more about how people like a product. So you don't have to get the most expensive or #1 on the market. Others might disagree with that but that's how I feel. Just because chico is number 1 in car seats doesn't mean graco is bad because it's number 2.

And the swing is a must!

Also, take as much free stuff as possible! Babies only use things for a short time.

Le Pamplemousse Rouge said...

13 weeks left! yay :) I have 8 weeks left. I bought my crib from amazon, but it's from Walmart also. I decided against the matching changing table because I want to buy furniture that's a little more versatile. I found an ikea hack that converts a bookshelf into a dresser and I'm thinking about just buying a crib pad to put on top. My mom says the best thing you can buy is a swing- total soother when you can't calm baby down. She says it was a miracle swing for my sisters and I. Now with my nephew, I've seen swings work wonders. I haven't found the right stroller yet, so if you find a good one, let me know!

Lynette Hudson said...

I'd suggest reading The Breastfeeding Book by Martha and William Sears. It goes into detail about how the baby should latch on when eating (if the latch isn't right breastfeeding won't work).

I'd also suggest the book BabyWise. It's supposed to help you and the baby get on a schedule so the baby is sleeping all night by the time they are 3 months old. (It's worked for both my kiddos: a 2 and a half year old and 4 month old)

A swing is a must although I don't necessarily think brand matters -- just get one you like and make sure if there's music it doesn't annoy you.

As for a pump, I think renting from the hospital would be a good idea. I can nurse my baby just fine but I can't get anything out when I pump so since it's such a big investment it would be good to try it before you buy it. (especially since once it's been used no stores will take them back -- hospital pumps are designed differently so they can be used with multiple people)

A play pen/pack n play is a good idea, you can use it instead of a crib/bassinet for the first few months.

For infant bath tub you will want to find one that can be used with a newborn (so some kind of a mesh sling thing that can support baby). I have one of the storage saver infant tubs from walmart and I HATE it because I can't let go of my baby at all -- the mesh ones cradle the baby so they won't roll/fall into the water so you can use both hands to wash them.

That's all I can think of right this second.

Karen Ruth said...

This is so exciting! And it's awesome that you have made some of these decisions ahead of time - it makes it much easier when you are sleep-deprived, hormonal, and have a newborn.

Cloth diapers - once baby girl starts solid foods (around 6 months), definitely invest in a toilet sprayer. It makes cleaning out poopy diapers so much easier! If a baby just has breastmilk, you won't have to rinse the diapers out before putting them straight in your wetbag, so it saves a big step.

Nursing - You can do it! Our body's are made to do it and it is the best thing for your body and your baby's. That being said, it can present challenges that can be overcome! I had every single struggle in the book when it comes to breastfeeding, but we stuck with it and I am so glad we did (and I would love to answer any questions you have or provide support, etc. It helps to have women around you that have been through it...I'd check out your local La Leche League for support groups - those women are awesome!). If you're going back to work full-time, you definitely want to invest in a double, electric pump. I have the Medela InStyle and it is awesome. You don't want to go cheap with a breast pump - you need something that works really well, quickly, and won't hurt you. And they are approved medical expenses, so if your health insurance has a flexible spending account, you can use that money to get it!

Stroller - Smart idea not to get the travel system. We bought one and used the stroller twice. We bought a jogging stroller that we love. Depending on the brand, you could use it from very early on. We just bought a double Bob revolution (they're more pricy, but they are ridiculously better than any other brands!) and we can use it with an infant attachment and our carseat from day one and without the attachment for walking at eight weeks, jogging at eight months. They're worth the investment if you live an active life. They are bulky (along with all strollers, except umbrella ones). We love using a baby carrier, like a Moby wrap or an Ergo, instead of a stroller when the baby is little.

I would suggest borrowing what you can and what you think you might like. Once the baby gets here, you'll be able to see what you really like or use and won't you don't. Plus, Craigslist and KSL have awesome stuff all the time for cheap.

Good luck!

shirley elizabeth said...

We were very lucky and had EVERYTHING handed down to us. The things that were essential:

baby swing. No way around it. Plan a big battery budget. My kid didn't take to a bassinet and would only sleep in the swing or a little nest of blankets. This next baby we plan to get one of these from target to use (along with a swing):
http://www.target.com/p/fisher-price-snugabunny-newborn-rock-n-play-soother/-/A-13868677

bumbo. the kid just sits there while you do dishes! It's also a good place to feed when they move onto solids.

crib. you need it eventually.

snap-in stroller. This might be different for me b/c I live in AZ and can actually take my baby out when it's young. I have a stroller that is really just a frame that you snap the carseat into. It doesn't match, but it doesn't need to, and they're way cheaper. (though you can get ones that match)

rocking chair. If not a rocking chair, then somewhere YOU are comfortable enough to fall asleep holding/feeding your baby (it happens). I would have definitely preferred a la-z-boy to my rocker, but the rocker came free.

Not so necessary:

changing table. It's nice to have a place to change the kid in the middle of the night, but other than that it's an unnecessary expense and takes up a lot of space.

anything else. If you've got money for it, then awesome. But otherwise, save it for the lovely delivery bills you'll be getting.


Also, wait till after baby comes to buy pump. And try out someone else's first so you know what works for you. I borrowed a friend's Madela for my nursing time and I discovered that while I nursed great I couldn't pump at all. You just don't know right at this point what you'll do (though your mom's experience could be a good judge if you have that to go off of).

Another also: lansinoh cream. I was advised to start using it a couple weeks before delivery (use breast pads so you don't ruin your clothes) and I had no pain or problems with nursing.

Adrienne said...

I know I sent you a message a while ago, but I just figured I'd chime in again.
I agree with not getting a stroller system. You can use a sling if you decide to go on walks or something, and the car seat in the cart or something works just fine. It will be winter before she grows out of a sling and then come spring she'll be plenty big to get any stroller you want.
The Medela pump in style advanced is the way to go. It works like a champ. I bought one probably in the first week because I wanted to give my sore nips a break once in a while. You'll just have to see. The lansinoh gel pads are nice because it prevents rubbing and irritation, but aren't for every day because they're expensive. You'll just need the pump, storage bags- the Target brand I found are the best, Wyatt liked the Dr. Brown bottles, I do recommend getting a bottle warmer since you'll be pumping. We have the Munchkin one and that's pretty good. A lot of the extra storage and organization stuff they sell isn't worth it. Just make sure to write the date on the bag.
Earth Mama Angel Baby sells good products. Online.
I do recommend getting a swing, but don't get one with batteries. We have the cuddle bunny swing.
You're a smart girl with common sense, trust your instincts. You'll know what's best. I'm so excited for you guys!!!

Andrea Olsen said...

I know a lot of people have left super long comments on here. I'll try not to be as long.

1. We started off with a jogging stroller for Mags. I hated it. During the cold weather when she was asleep in her car seat it was sooo much easier just to take it out of the car and click it into the stroller...for pretty much EVERYWHERE we went that didn't have a shopping cart. Mall, out to eat, church, ect. I felt weird about it at church at first, but we just sat in the back near an exit. So much easier than hauling a car seat around. We still have that stroller and use it on a regular basis especially when we go on family trips where we'll be sight-seeing a lot. Or to the zoo. Anywho, point is, sometimes you get a lot more use out of a travel system than you think you will.

I agree with whoever it was that said RENT a breast pump first. With Maggie I had a hard time with breast feeding. Jasper went a little better, but we fed him formula during the day and nursed at night/when I was home.

I know a lot of people say if you're going to breast feed NOT to have any formula around the house, for us it was a life saver. There was one night about 2-3 weeks after Maggie was born that she just kept eating and eating. Like 5 hours straight in the middle of the night. I was SO exhausted. So I made Bo go buy a can of formula so he could feed her and I could sleep some. SAVED my life. Although, I only had a manual pump so when I did pump it took FOREVER to get anything. Had I had some "storage" I probably would've been able to have Bo feed her breast milk.

Swing. Another life saver. Sometimes you can find really nice looking ones at places that sell 2nd hand stuff. We had one of the ones that switched angles and would recline & sit up (my dad bought it for our baby gift). We've used it for both kids, and my sis-n-law did too. Planning on sewing a new cover and using it for the next. So if you plan on having more...the big ticket items can come in handy in the future. The swing saved us with Mags, she would ONLY fall asleep in the swing for a whole MONTH when she was 3-4 months old. Also a great place to just be able to SIT the baby down while you get some stuff done while they're awake. Sometimes I sat either one of the kiddos down to get some cleaning done and the next thing I knew they were passed out asleep.

Andrea Olsen said...

Some things I got, but didn't use:

Bumbo Chair. Both kids hated sitting in it. Try it out before you buy it if you have a friend who has one. Or keep the receipt.

High Chair: When Mags was old enough to start eating baby food, she could sit up, so we bought a booster seat thing for the table with a lap tray. Attach it to a chair, takes up WAY less room.

Bottle warmer: Definitely never used it. Always used a bowl of hot water to warm things up.

Baby Monitor: our house is sooooo small we didn't need one. I could hear my kiddo FUSS in the other room my mommy "ears" were soo in-tune with their crying.

Things we LOVED:

One of those weird shaped pillows for breast feeding. Great for even propping up the babes.

MULTIPLE SETS OF SHEETS (life saver!)

Multiple types of Binkys (if you plan on using one....both of our kiddos were very PARTICULAR on which binkey they used...helped Maggie soothe her need for "sucking" as a newborn. She was basically using me as a binkey instead of eating. Sounds weird, but she just was wanting to suck on something).

Multiple Diaper "stations": Sometimes it's just easier to change them in the room you're in. (I was lazy as a new mom...sorry hehe).

A mobile: The sound put Mags to sleep. Jasper would look at it when he woke up while I made his bottle. So much better than having a screaming kiddo.

Night light: So much easier to sneak into their room when you don't have to turn on a light to see where you're going. Makes it easy to sneak in and watch them sleep too.

Either way, either choice you make, will be right for YOU. What works for others isn't necessarily what will work for you. Every mom, dad, and baby is different.

You'll be a great mom!!

(Looks like mine turned into a novel too....SORRY!)