still here
Thanks, everyone, for your helpful thoughts and opinions about the various childbirth classes. Mama Jae and I decided to go with Bradley, and our classes start next month. So we’ll see how that goes. The e-mails I’ve exchanged with the instructor leave me less than confident—she can barely type, it seems, much less punctuate—but I guess grammar and teaching about childbirth don’t really correlate, so it should be okay. (Right? Eek.)
Things have been, as suspected, crazy around here. I feel like I am being pulled in three major directions: Pregnant, Putting Up New Shows, and Putting the House on the Market. The result is that I’m not doing any of the three as well as I would like. I’m not eating great or resting as much as I would like, because work is crazy and weekends are spent taking multiple trips to Lowe’s and trying to find time between snowstorms (hello, wtf, it has not snowed in four years and then THIS?!?) to do things like spread mulch. I am not doing so well at work because I’m tired and slow and restricted in what I can and can’t do (no more scrambling up and down ladders to light a show for me!). Similarly, there are so many things I can’t do at home because it requires chemicals or lifting, or I’m at work when it’s warm enough out to do the shit I can and need to do outside. It is very frustrating.
Most frustrating of all, I think, is that I feel like I don’t have time to just enjoy where I am in this pregnancy. I’m going to be 20 weeks on Sunday, and it feels like it is going so super fast. I am not sure what, exactly, I would be doing to enjoy the pregnancy—sit and stare out the window? admire my growing belly in the mirror? read more books? do more research?—probably all of these and more, actually, now that I am making a list about it. Oy. I guess the silver lining is that at least all of this craziness is happening while I have enough energy to manage it all.
Luckily, one of the shows is ahead of schedule, and it’s the more difficult of the two, so I’m over the biggest hump at work. Now, if I could just go home for an hour during the day and get this stupid yard work done, I’d be golden!
The other thing that’s happening is that I think I might be feeling the bao’s movement, but I can’t tell. It seems like I’ve ALWAYS just eaten something, so it is hard for me to figure out whether I’m digesting or feeling a little six-inch long (six inches?!? when did that happen?) baby twirling around. Tomorrow, Mama Jae and I go in for our second doctor’s appointment. We will have an ultrasound—SO EXCITED!—and the “official” word on the bao’s sex, which we think we’re ready to share with the world at large. I’ll also do an early glucose tolerance test. Hopefully the massive quantities of cake and bread pudding I have consumed in the last four days will not be a problem.
My sisters and mom are throwing us a baby shower in my hometown the weekend of March 20, which is so awesome. The invitations have been selected and the menu is in the works. My uncle, who lives in Seattle, and Mama Jae’s brother and his partner, who live in San Fran, are flying in to attend. I’m really looking forward to it, and it’s coming up so soon, which makes me realize that we need to register somewhere. I have really loved reading the posts of those of you who have made “top ten essentials” lists recently, and it would be great to hear more of your recommendations. Hopefully I will find some time soon to do some research of my own, but in the meantime, what things should definitely go on the registry, in your opinion?
I bet Bradley classes will be great for you. Hopefully the teacher speaks better than she types…
I forget, are you guys wanting to do cloth diapers? (believe me, I truly don't care either way, so please don't interpret any judgment in that question) If so, figure out a way to register for them. We got the bulk of our set of prefolds and covers as a gift, but should have registered for some more convenient all-in-one diapers to soup up our basics.
Oh my. Your life does sound incredibly stressful at this point. You seem to be hanging in like a trooper.
I agree that the lady who teaches the Bradley method is not instilling confidence at this point. A small spelling or grammar error here or there is one thing. An utter lack of written verbal ability does not make bookwormy-types (this is a compliment from me) feel at ease.
I am so excited to see your next u/s and to find out the gender.
I can't wait to hear how the ultraound goes and find out it the tech who guessed at 14 weeks was correct! I wish you the best in getting thought this busy point in your lives so you can relax and enjoy the pregnancy.
congrats on feeling movement – thats so exciting!! its normal to feel it right after you eat, they wake up for the meal!
cant wait to hear about today's appointment & find out the sex!!
lets see…registry items: a stroller/carseat/carrier combo; a bassinet (we love our arm's reach); the moby wrap is awesome; lots of recieving blankets, burp cloths, towels, wash cloths; a bouncy seat (so you can strap the tyke in while you shower); swaddleMe wraps; breastmilk storage bags (those things are expensive!!); a good walking stroller; baby nightgowns (the no-snaps/zipper function is necessary at 3am changes!). id wait on bottles, seems each baby likes different nipples, so see what works before investing in a whole set.
You know you're opening a can of worms by asking, right?
Register for the big ticket items since there are likely to be family that will want to buy them. Big essentials would be crib, mattress, glider/nursing chair (if wanted), changing table/ dresser, changing pad, swing, bouncer, car seat and stroller or travel system, pack n play, diaper bag, high chair (if wanted), and a breast pump (if wanted). Skip registering for clothes, you'll get them anyway. Littler things for people that don't want to spend big bucks can be sheets, recieveing blankets, curtains, burp cloths, diapering accessories, bath tub and bathing accessories, play mat.
I highly advise asking around your work and Mama Jae's work and among friends to see if people have items they wish to pass along. In the world of baby items things are very often useful for a limited amount of time and have a lot of life in them after that.
Hope the classes exceed your expectations and eargely looking forward to hearing about your appt!