Mom and Baby Favorites :: 1 Month

Posts like this were so helpful while I was pregnant, so I thought I'd throw together

  a list of my favorite things from the first months. Enjoy!

1. Nursing pads. 
2. Water bottle.  So. Thirsty.
3. Nursing tank.  I have 3 of these and could easily use 2 more. 
4. Energy Bites. I made a ton of these before I was pregnant and put them in the freezer.  They are GREAT for a quick bite when I'm starving-- which is always.
5. Diaper bag.  Cute, good size and has so many great features: changing pad, clutch, bottle holder, wet bag, stroller straps, crossbody strap and easy-clean fabric.  I also appreciate the soft fabric as I can stuff it into any space!
6. (not pictured) Nursing cover. DIY (tutorial here)  This was really easy.  I literally sewed ONE line.  

1. Pottery Barn Hayden Stroller Blanket (no longer available).  This is the perfect size and weight; we use it ALL. THE. TIME.
2. Board Books.  On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman is a great one.
3. Pampers Swaddlers Diapers.  I recommend buying only a few.  We ended up having exactly enough newborn sized diapers-- they didn't last long!
4. Life Factory Bottle. We haven't had too many bottles yet, but I'm so happy with these.  I should also have listed my pump-- it's the insurance-provided Medela Double Pump (similar to Pump-in-Style).
5. Fisher Price Rock 'n Play.  This is great because it is so light we can easily move it from room to room-- even with a sleeping baby in it! I move it from my bedroom to bathroom every morning.
6. Footed Sleepers. This from Gap feels so comfy!
7. Summer Infant Bath.
8. Swaddle blanket. This by Jennifer Ann is my favorite.  I bought it because it is adorable (and it was his first something with his name!), but it has turned out to be my favorite swaddle because its so light and stretchy! 
9. Changing pad (boppy).  Babies are dirty, and I love not having to wash my one and only changing pad cover all the time.  These are so convenient.
10. (not pictured) Burp cloths.  I made about 12 burp cloths over the summer and thought I was going overboard.  I could use 12 more!  They are all over-- house, car, diaper bag, etc.

Meeting Lucas Neal.

December 10th came and went. As did December 11th, 12th and 13th.  December 14th, 2013 is now the most special day of my entire life.  Everyone says it, but it is so true: I have never loved anything as much as I love my son!  We met Lucas Neal at 9:50am on Saturday, December 14th.  He weighed in at a whopping 9 pounds 2 ounces and was 21 inches long.  We are completely smitten with this new addition to our family.

For those of you interested in his birth story, (birds chirping, yes?)  keep reading (and maybe grab some coffee).  The rest of you, just look at the pictures :)

During the last week of my pregnancy, I was reading any birth story I came across thinking to myself, will mine be like that?  What if ____ happens? How will I know if it's really time?  So for the other anxious pregnant ladies out there, here is one more to make you go crazy.  You're welcome.

40 weeks 2 days

I feel very lucky to have had a healthy, full term pregnancy.  Each week brought with it new feelings of excitement and worry, along with many new aches, pains, kicks and jabs. It goes without saying that the last week was particularly exciting as I knew it could be any moment that we would get to meet our son.  It was also extremely scary as I had NO IDEA what labor would be like.

If you know me, you know I'm a bit of a hypochondriac.  I'd prefer to refer to it as "in tune with my body". :) If I feel a tinge of pain, I'm convinced it's going to be bad.  I sneeze- I have the flu.  A student comes to my desk asking for a pass to the nurse- I write it, and then douse myself in hand sanitizer.  (if they say its their stomach-- forget the pass, RUN!)  That being said, I had many nights and mornings with an ache in my back, or an "off" feeling where I thought "this is it!", only to feel perfectly normal during the day.

Each day I would arrive at school, it seemed like every which way I looked someone was looking at my huge belly saying, "You're STILL here?!".  I left school each day with specific sub plans laid out, hoping to not be back the next morning.  On Friday morning, I woke up at 2am, which I had done MANY nights.  I got up, had a snack, but could not get back to sleep.  My back was so achy.  I finally fell back asleep for about an hour before I went ahead and got ready for school.  Before I left, I told J to keep his phone close.  I wasn't sure I was going to stay the whole day- just feeling "off".

It was freezing rain outside, and Friday the 13th.  It was bound to be a weird day! I walked into school at 6:55am to about 5 students waiting for help.  I was giving a test that day. Luckily, I don't have students until 3rd hour. I knew before school even started that I would be headed home.  I could barely walk normally! Every time I tried to walk "fast", I had to stop for a break.  I wasn't in pain... just uncomfortable.  I quickly did some last minute errands around the school (well "quickly" being relative) before heading to the office to have them call my sub. I was so glad I was able to see her in person and talk her through the plans before I left. All the staff were SO nice as I left.  It was a strange feeling leaving, knowing I wouldn't be back for 3 months! I miss the students and staff already.

J met me at home and I camped out on the couch all day. Contractions were there, but were not painful.  Probably about 15-20 minutes apart. I got ready for my doctor's appointment at 4:00, fully prepared to be admitted to the hospital right then! I was having contractions, and was starting to feel them! She checked me, 1 cm dilated (bummer!). We scheduled an induction for December 18th.

As we headed home, all I could think was, "How am I going to function like this for the next FOUR days?!". By 5:00, the contractions were painful.  By 7:00, they were 8-9 minutes apart.  I lost track of time, but before 8:00 I was begging J to take me to the hospital! My parents came to the house and got our dog. We waited (myself, impatiently!) until about 10pm before heading to the hospital.  I was SO glad I had the car packed.  There was no way I would have been able to function well enough to pack it at that point!

It was not a fun ride, but we made it.  We were checked into triage where they monitored me for an hour and a half before admitting me to labor and delivery.  Time was going SO. SLOWLY. When the nurse walked out and said she'd be back in an hour, I couldn't believe it.  She just strapped me up to monitors and left me in there screaming through contractions every 3-4 minutes! Labor hurts :)  After another, even more painful hour and a half in the new room, I opted for the epidural.  At that point I was 5cm dilated.  After the epidural (about 30 minutes), I was at 9cm.  That was about 2:30am.  The pain was almost immediately gone, and I could THINK! and BREATHE! even SLEEP! It was glorious.  I slept on and off for the next 3 hours as I was not progressing past 9cm.  At one point during that time, there was a brief scare with Lucas's heart rate.  It dropped rapidly and the nurse and doctor rushed in asking me to turn from side to side. His heart rate increased and the doctor told me then that I was about 2 minutes from an emergency C-section! Scary.  They inserted a more precise monitor on Lucas at that time. About 6am I was given Pitocin to speed things along.  At 7:30 I was 10cm, and now had a new doctor and new nurse (LOVED her!).

Around 9:30, the nurse called the doctor to the room for delivery.  Her phone conversation sounded like this: "We're ready for you!... Okay...What should I do?... How long?... What are the options?..." Yeah, I'm a little worried at that point.Turns out the doctor had been called to a C-section.  I was to wait for the on-call mid-wife to arrive in about 15 minutes.  Little drama never hurts? She showed up and moments later I met my son.

Healthy and strong, beautiful. He is perfect and so loved! I'm one lucky mama.

My husband was absolutely incredible throughout this entire experience. He was more patient, loving, comforting, confident and compassionate that I've ever known anyone could be.  He counseled me through each contraction, held my hand, fed me ice, and didn't flinch when I would scream.  His love for me and our family was BEAMING this day.  I know 100% I married the right guy, and 100% that he is the BEST father for our son.  I am beyond proud. How did I get so lucky?

We were blessed to have many visitors throughout our 2-night stay at the hospital.  Family and friends have given my family so much love, and I am forever grateful for that.  

Congrats if you're still reading! :) We have been home about 3 weeks now and are settling into our new life as a family of 3.  Thank you to all of you for your love and support throughout my pregnancy, and as I've ventured into motherhood!
-m

40 weeks.

Written December 10th
how far along: 40 weeks.

size of baby: a pumpkin.

maternity clothes: yes... YES.

symptoms: I'm starting to have contractions here and there. Nothing consistent, and nothing too painful. 

exercise: it's about 0 degrees outside this week-- no outdoor activity whatsoever!

cravings/aversions: This is probably not related to pregnancy, but all holiday food sounds good. Peppermint flavored kisses, creme-de-mints, cookies, homeade bread....

movement: He's definitely out off room, but still squirmy.

Sleep: Nope! But it hasn't really bothered me. I figure I'd better get used to this anyway!

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: BIRTH!

worries: Still worried about my water breaking while teaching, although I think my students might be even more worried than I am.

milestones:  Due date today! Full term baby- woot woot! If he doesn't come naturally, I'll be induced next Wednesday. 

best moment this week:  This week was generally uneventful. I visited the doctor on Friday afternoon and the routinely took my blood pressure. It wasn't abnormally high, but high for me. I was admitted to triage in the hospital right then for about 3 hours and was sent home after a few lower readings. That was a bit of excitement! We took it easy the rest of the weekend. We even joined the modern world and now have Netflix!

39 weeks

Please excuse the hair and the back-to-work-after-a-break exhaustion look :)

Written December 3rd
how far along: 39 weeks.

size of baby: a watermelon.

maternity clothes: yes... And mostly leggings and boots because, well, they fit.

symptoms: Mostly more of the same with a bigger belly!

exercise: decorating the Christmas tree and cleaning my house about did me in. It's sad.

cravings/aversions: Nothing really, although I'm looking forward to a Jimmy john's sandwich soon after this babe is born.

movement: Yes, although I feel like he's been slowing down a little in the past few days.

Sleep: Eh. Having 5 days off work was wonderful last week! Even though I don't sleep longer than 3 hours, I'm still managing to get plenty on sleep.

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: Pretty much everything about meeting our son! Outside of pregnancy, I'm looking forward to dinner with friends this week and general nesting and Xmas prep.

worries: Hm... I'm trying my hardest to not be an anxious freak in this last week and to just enjoy the days and take it one day at a time. I can't say that I'm doing so well, but I am trying!

milestones:  We made it to December 4th (J's last final!) and to my cross-over day with my substitute.

best moment this week:  I loved everything about this holiday week. I had two fabulous Thankgiving gatherings with family, we did all of our Christmas shopping (which might be my favorite chore) ;), picked, chopped down and decorated our Christmas tree and found time for a date night to see Catching Fire. This is and always has been my favorite time of the year!b

37 weeks

Written November 21st.
how far along: 37 weeks.

size of baby: a watermelon?!

maternity clothes: yes.

symptoms: feeling overwhelmed with my "to do" list, when in reality nothing has to be done. I'm in definite get things situated, nesting mode, but also feeling completely unprepared. Physically, the baby feels lower and is causing some discomfort walking, especially later in the day.  My feet are ridiculous looking- it's horrific. My hands are cramped, still. But overall, I'm still feeling great!

exercise: not so much. Does walking target count?

cravings/aversions: I still drink a glass of milk and graham crackers if I'm up in the night. I used to HATE milk. 

movement: Lots! And he's running out of room!

sleep: I've been getting up 2-3 times each night, but can generally get back to sleep pretty quickly. I've had some Braxton hicks this week as well.

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: Announcing his name! I can't wait to tell the world :) I had a dream that I accidentally named him one of my students' names... a female student.  Also looking forward to a few days off work, visiting family and some good eating next week.

worries: Slightly concerned he will be early, but I have absolutely no control over that :) 

milestones:  37 weeks = full term!

best moment this week:  Again, I'm behind on this post. I didn't even take a "real" picture.  So much going on! I'm busy at school just keeping up, but also trying to prep for my time away. I officially have a long-term sub lined up which is a huge relief. We celebrated my moms birthday last weekend, which is always fun. I've been to anorher birth class (our last one is tonight). Lots of good things!

On a sadder note, one of my best friends lost her dad this week. My heart is heavy thinking of her and her family.  Another good friend has a 5-year-old daughter who is fighting her battle with leukemia. Please help me pray for these ladies and their families. Squeeze your loved ones tight.

35 weeks.

Written November 5th.
how far along: 35 weeks.

size of baby: a coconut.

maternity clothes: yes.

symptoms:  Does being excited count? It really is starting to feel close, and I'm just so pumped to meet this guy. Feeling sentimental and blessed to be carrying this baby. Of course there are also some symptoms I'm ready to get rid of- swollen feet, swollen hands (finally lost one of three rings last week), hands are still asleep, and back is still bothering me. Oh, and my belly button has officially "popped".

exercise: Some walks, but more sits. :)

cravings/aversions: I've had this carving for a while, but haven't shared.  I could drink soda water forever, preferably with lime. I blame you, AB.

movement: Lots!

sleep: I've been getting up 2-3 times each night, but can generally get back to sleep pretty quickly.

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: We begin our childbirth classes this Thursday- woot! Also, thanksgiving. Because, food and Black Friday and time off work. Oh, and is it too soon to look forward to having my body back? I'm not talking fit and fab, but just the ability to put on socks without feeling like a freak.

worries: Still worried about labor and delivery, but I don't think that will ever go away. 

milestones:  Officially considered nine months pregnant this week. Craziness. Although, I'm starting to feel like I've been pregnant forever.

best moment this week:  I'm a post behind, so technically this was LAST week, but my Aunt threw me an amazing shower for my extended family. It was awesome to get to see so many people I don't get a chance to see that often, and they were so generously spoiling our little man! Great food, great people, great times. 

33 weeks.

Written October 22nd.
how far along: 33 weeks.

size of baby: a durian fruit? 

maternity clothes: yes.

symptoms:  This is the weirdest... My hands have been falling asleep, which apparently is very common and is related to pregnancy induced carpel tunnel syndrome. Also, I guess the back pain is here to stay. 

exercise: Some walks, but more sits. :)

cravings/aversions: I'm running out of room and get full fast!

movement: New this week- I can feel the difference between body and limbs! He feels absolutely gigantic now.

sleep: more please!

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: My Aunt is throwing me a shower for me this weekend and I'll get to spend some time with family I haven't seen in far too long. I can't wait.

worries: After breast feeding class last week, I'm both more and less worried about that adventure. The class was awesome, and I learned a ton, but I still feel nervous and anxious about my role in, oh you know, keeping a kid alive!

milestones:  We are almost positive we have infant care for when I return to school up until summer break. HUGE relief! 

best moment this week:  Breast feeding class, finding infant care, a maternity photo shoot, and a date night! Good week, I'd say.

32 weeks.

Written October 15th.
how far along: 32 weeks.

size of baby: a squash.

maternity clothes: yep, and now that it's a little colder out I can add some sweaters to the mix.

symptoms:  more back aches- womp womp....

exercise: Ummmmmm,

cravings/aversions: I've been snacking on fall baked goods from a little baking party I attended over the weekend. Yummmmm

movement: Yep!

sleep: more please!

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: I'm attending a breast feeding class this week so I'm hoping to learn lots!

worries: What if my water breaks while I'm teaching? Or it's a snow storm and I'm in labor? Or if my husband doesn't answer his phone when it all goes down? Ah!

milestones:  less than 2 months left!

best moment this week:  I had a great time doing some baking with friends last Sunday. Overall, just a normal, busy week :)

31 weeks.

Written October 7th. Officially worst photo yet, but it's better than no photo, yes? I need to be home in daylight sometime!
how far along: 31 weeks.

size of baby: pineapple- now that's sounding more accurate.

maternity clothes: yes. I'm getting anxious yo shop in the regular clothes sections again. There are so many cute things out for fall! It's probably a good thing I'm forced to resist :)

symptoms:  nothing new! I had my 30 week appointment on Friday and I'm measuring right on track. 

exercise: More of the same- walk walk walk. J is thinking of signing up for a half marathon in 2 weeks so I'm getting excited for him. It will be fun to be on the sidelines, and I think I know a couple other friends running that I could cheer on as well.

cravings/aversions: I about kicked my husband out of the house when he was eating salad with ranch for a Friday night snack. Absolutely repulsed me! 

movement: Yep!

sleep: I could stay in bed for 12 hours each night and I think that might be enough. It's not without 3-4 bathroom breaks, but sleep is so good.

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: Meeting this little man! There is so much talk about him actually being here, I want to see and hold him so badly. He had better stay snug for another 9 weeks, though.

worries: I've started thing about how labor and delivery could all go down. Everyone has a shorty, and it's just so unknown.

milestones:  Baby shower was last weekend!

best moment this week: Definitely the absolutely incredible baby shower hosted by Ashley, her mom, and Katelynn. They went above and beyond to make the party the most special day I could have wished for. I know Ashley took pictures, so I'll be sure to get some do those up here soon. The decorations were all vintage maps in coordinating colors to my nursery. The food was delicious- I could've spent the whole time munching on a curried cheese all made bt Ashley's mom. There was sparkling cider sangria, macaroons, mini apple pies, and the list goes on. We played a couple games on specially printed game cards (did I mention Ashley is a graphic designer?). The best part, though? All of my friends who showed up to give me and my little babe lots of love. I'm so incredibly blessed to have The. Best. Friends. I feel totally spoiled and especially cared for. My girlfriend (also Ashley) totally suprised me when she walked through the door- she lives 6 hours away, and has school Monday! Thank you to everyone for all of the love. It was felt full force, and I give you much love back!

30 weeks.

Written September 30th.
how far along: 30 weeks.

size of baby: cucumber.

maternity clothes: yes.

symptoms:  This week brought with it some new symptoms.  My back has been starting to hurt if I sit or stand for too long in the same position.  I also had some braxton hicks contractions on Friday night. It wasn't anything really hurt, but more just uncomfortable and startling considering I have never had contractions before!

exercise: A few walks, but mostly rested this week after an eventful weekend full of walking last weekend!

cravings/aversions: I haven't been too hungry lately, but apple cider and pumpkin pancakes are perfect this time of year!

movement: Yep!

sleep: Oh I have been super sleepy.  I'm starting to take an iron supplement because my iron count had been low, so I'm hoping that it might make a difference in my energy level too.

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: My baby shower!!  I'm so totally pumped and feeling extremely special and spoiled to have my bestie, Ashley, hosting a shower for me this coming weekend.  I CAN. NOT. WAIT.!!!!

worries: Signed up for childbirth and breastfeeding classes last week-- check! Now onto insurance and childcare... Also, a little worried that he could come early.  

milestones:  Into the "30's"!

best moment this week: I spent most of this week waking up excited about going back to bed.  Ha.  Friday and Saturday were delightful, however.  I got to catch up with some old work friends, which never fails to be a great time.  Saturday J and I went to his best friend's family concert where we sat outside sipping cider and listening to some good music.  Good times, for sure.

29 weeks.

Written September 23rd
how far along: 29 weeks.

size of baby: acorn squash

maternity clothes: yes.

symptoms: I'm holding up well! A little swollen and sore after lots of walking this weekend, but that is to be expected.

exercise: Walking for miles and miles around DC this weekend. I think I walked enough for at least the whole week :)

cravings/aversions: same old stuff I always eat- including chocolate and cheese!

movement: When he moves around these days I can't believe how long he is! I will feel him poking around at the top of my belly and around the way bottom at the same time. He's getting so big!

sleep: more please!

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: Fall! We have some fun fall stuff planned this weekend- friends, fire puts, concerts... I just love thus time of year.

worries: still sorting out daycare, hospital forms, birthing classes, insurance... The list goes on!

milestones: I passed the second glucose screening! Woot woot!

best moment this week: I had the BEST time on a trip to DC with some college friend last weekend. Someone at work asked me my favorite thing I saw... My friends! Yes, we saw the White House, theWashington  Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, Library of Congress, WWII Memorial, Holocost Museum and more, they were all incredible. I even got to see my newlywed friend, Kelsey, and give her a big congrats hug. Love her. My favorite part? Sitting in our pjs talking at night, walking and talking thought out the city, catching up and laughing our heads off.  They we're so great to put up with me and my swollen feet and big belly. They tried so hard to get me spill the beams on the baby's name- without success! (It was stressful!) I love those ladies and am so lucky to have friends that I can lean on like them. The best are the friends who you don't have to see all the time that you know you can pick up right where you left off. Can't wait for our next trip!

28 weeks.

Written September 16th

how far along: 28 weeks.

size of baby: eggplant.

maternity clothes: yes.

symptoms: The belly-- it's growing, as it should, but whoa.  It's starting to get difficult to pick things up off the ground, tie my shoes, get off the couch, etc.  Not pretty.

exercise: Finally fall-ish weather around here!!!!!!!! I'm so excited, and so is Sadie.  We've been walking our tails off and it feels oh so good.

cravings/aversions: I had pretty much forgotten about lunch meat, but a turkey sandwich will be a lovely treat here in a few short months. My midnight snack of choice had been a graham cracker with peanut butter and a glass of cold milk.

movement: Big time.  I was almost asleep, laying on my side when the kid literally shook the bed.  I woke up J so he could feel him.  It was as if we could grab his foot (I assume it was a foot) he was kicking so hard!

sleep: broken, but still good.

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: A girl's trip is on the books!

worries: failed my glucose test... So I'm retesting on Thursday. Crossing my fingers that I pass this time.

milestones: Another week down, 12 to go!

best moment this week: I'm going to take this chance to talk about the WORST moment this week.  We had planned a trip to Colorado to see my good friend, Kelsey, get married.  She had been planning the most gorgeous wedding and I could not WAIT to celebrate with her and her new husband.  Unfortunately, with all of the flooding in Colorado last week, we were unable to make it.  I haven't heard how the wedding went, but I know she was a gorgeous bride and that she had a beautiful wedding no matter what the conditions.  I so wish I could have been there to celebrate. Congratulations Kelsey and Joe! We were there and spirit and cannot wait to hear all about it.  Hope you are having a wonderful honeymoon week and have safe travels home.