Third Trimester Wrap Up!

Baby is the size of a winter melon!

Baby has officially reached full term but will continue to beef up each day she decides to stay in there! I am only 18 days away from my given due date but have already had several signs of labour starting so we could be meeting her any day now! As we impatiently wait for her arrival it feels so surreal that after all this time she's finally going to be making her appearance so soon!

 

SYMPTOMS: The third trimester has been the hardest by far, which I knew it was coming considering no one gets to sail through pregnancy! So I was fortunate to have two trimesters of easy-going so I had the energy to deal with this one. I was exhausted and didn't have any energy, my new Dr. found I was anemic so once I was put on iron supplements thankfully this changed! I stopped sleeping at night, a combination of it being impossible to get comfortable, overheating and the past two weeks I've been having contractions from about 10 PM-4 AM so I have to wait it out then my body crashes around 4 each morning and luckily I get to sleep in now to catch up on some much needed sleep. As of two weeks ago I have begun to dilate so technically I am in the first stage of labour, just waiting for the 'active labour' part to kick in so I can actually have her! 

CRAVINGS: One day I woke up and was just craving meat. . . being vegetarian for 15 years this was extremely bizarre. Before getting pregnant I'd talked about it with my husband and always said if I craved it or the Dr told me I needed to I would eat meat, because the health of our baby is more important than being vegetarian. The boy was so excited when we found out I was pregnant thinking it was time to share all his favourite meals with me, but I never craved it until now! (I almost made it home free) So after a week of this craving I gave in and ate meat. I don't think I've seen my husband grin as much as I did that day. And not going to lie, it wasn't that bad. It was soon after this we found out I was anemic, so my baby and I indeed did need some extra iron! It's obvious our little girl will be a meat eater like her Daddy but the jury is still out on what this Momma will do after she's here and my hormones balance back out again!

WEIGHT GAIN: I've been fluctuating the last couple of visits, but I've definitely gained a chunk! I think I'm done gaining since she'll be here anytime now, so the looming weight loss challenge is not far off in the distance. But as always as long as she's healthy it'll all have been worth it!

 MATERNITY CLOTHES: I caved and bought one pair of skinny maternity jeans as the weather started to turn a bit chilly. So I've been set between those and my maternity dresses paired with cardigans. Most days I lounge around in my husbands t-shirt and athletic shorts, but I have plenty of pieces that will last me through the last couple of weeks and until I start to shed the baby weight after! 

BABY IS A. . . : A Perfect Little Princess

BABY IS DUE: October 18th marks the end of the 40th week, but with early labour already here, it's hard not to think she'll be here a little sooner! 

BABY NAMES: We for sure have her name, and after much debate decided on a spelling we liked. Since we're horrible at secrets our families both now but we haven't officially announced it yet so stay tuned ;)

DO STRANGERS NOTICE: Yes! Taxi drivers even avoid potholes because they're probably afraid I'm going to pop! All my neighbors always ask if it's time yet every time they see me!

BABY BUYS: Our car seat is installed we have a sleeper by our bed for the first few months and the nursery is fully stocked, just waiting on her!

PREPARING FOR BABY: We've stocked up on easy to make food and I've even frozen some homemade meals so we can focus on the baby rather than meals, we have a supply of household essentials like paper towels, cleaner, soap, toilet paper and dog food so we won't run into any unnecessary errand runs!

A Few More Days to Go!!

Ultimate Hospital Packing List

Baby is Ready. . . Are You?

This is part two of my Ultimate Hospital Packing List, in case you missed it here was my post for baby's bag. Now it's Mommy's turn! Mom's bag is even more important for the big day, the last thing you want when your mid-labour, or evening the first few hours of your newborn is for one of your loved ones to have to run back home to grab something you forgot. Here's a list I've compiled of the curtails you'll need for your stay in the hospital:

Toilettres:

• Hair ties, clips and bobby pins
• Chapstick
• Tissues
• Face Wipes/ Makeup remover
• Hand Wipes
• Toothbrushes
• Nail file
• Razor
• Lotion
• Prenatal Vitamins
• Advil (for Dad)

Clothing:

• Nursing Bra(s)
• Nursing Tank tops (3)
• Yoga Pants
• Socks
• Comfy Pajamas (3)
• Going home outfit- mine is a comfy jersey maxi dress!
• Flip flops
• Underwear

Comfort:

• Snacks (granola bars, suckers, trail mix)
• Water Bottle
• Slippers
• Pillow
• Kindle/ Books/ iPad/ Magazines/Other entertainment

If your like me, a lot of your essentials are things you use everyday and can't be packed until the very last minute, don't stress Mamma's! Here's a "It's Time" Print out I made with a list of the last minute grabs as well as important contact information and address info. Just in case one or both of you are a bit panicked in the moment it will help make sure nothing gets left behind or forgotten!

(Just copy and paste this into a word document, add your personal info, print and you're all set!)

It's Time!

IMPORTANT CONTACT & ADDRESS INFO

Doctor Information:  NAME   (COMPANY)

                                            ADDRESS HERE

                                                OFFICE: (   )     -         CELL: (   )   -       

Pampered Pregnancy/Support Person: NAME   (Coach)

                                                TEL: (    )     -         Ext.  #     

                                                                        

Hospital Information:  MEDICAL CENTER

                                               ADDRESS HERE

                                                TEL: (    )     -      

*Emergency Hospital Location: CLOSER LOCATION IF APPLICABLE

                                                           ADDRESS HERE

                                                            TEL: (    )     -      

DON’T FORGET TO BRING

·      Purse:

        o   Insurance card

o   ID

      o   House Keys

     o   Chapstick

          ·      Hospital Bag

    ·      Baby Bag

             ·      Phone chargers

                ·      Hospital Records

           ·      Make-up Bag

       ·      Toothpaste

       ·      Hair brush

·      Pillow

          ·      Water Bottle

  ·      Slippers

      ·      Flip Flops

·      Snacks

PEOPLE TO LET KNOW THE BABY IS ON HIS/HER WAY

FAMILY

FIRST & LAST NAME:        HOUSE    (    )       -    

                                                CELL (    )      -     

FIRST & LAST NAME:        HOUSE    (    )       -    

                                                CELL (    )      -     

FIRST & LAST NAME:        HOUSE    (    )       -    

                                                CELL (    )      -     

FIRST & LAST NAME:        HOUSE    (    )       -    

                                                CELL (    )      -     

FIRST & LAST NAME:        HOUSE    (    )       -    

                                                CELL (    )      -         

                                               

FRIENDS

FIRST & LAST NAME:        HOUSE    (    )       -    

                                                CELL (    )      -     

FIRST & LAST NAME:        HOUSE    (    )       -    

                                                CELL (    )      -     

FIRST & LAST NAME:        HOUSE    (    )       -    

                                                CELL (    )      -     

PEOPLE TO LET KNOW THE BABY IS HERE

FIRST & LAST NAME:         CELL (    )      -     

FIRST & LAST NAME:         CELL (    )      -     

FIRST & LAST NAME:         CELL (    )      -     

FIRST & LAST NAME:         CELL (    )      -     

Stick it on the fridge or on top of your hospital bag so it's easy to find. 

But most importantly, take a deep breath and Good-luck Mommas! 

Second Trimester Wrap up!

Baby is the size of a large coconut!

Baby has fully developed taste buds and can not only hear the outside world but can cry! The second trimester was a breeze, it's as I near the last trimester that things are getting a little harder! I think I can kiss my solid sleeping good-bye as I round the corner into the home stretch with my very active little one.

SYMPTOMS: I sailed through my second trimester I had my energy back and I felt great! But in the last week of the second trimester fatigue has hit me hard again, a heavy belly, backaches and extreme rib pain. She moves all the time and I already know she's going to be full of energy! Headaches are back and at night it's impossible to get comfortable and my sleep is very interrupted. I'm finding myself more moody than usual and it's hard to tell if it's from all the unpleasant symptoms or just the increase in hormones. 

CRAVINGS: In the beginning of my second trimester I craved chocolate ice cream. Which before being pregnant I was more of a vanilla girl, but it had to be plain chocolate. No mix ins and vanilla wouldn't cut it, had to be chocolate. Near the end I haven't had any cravings at all.

WEIGHT GAIN: At the end of my 2nd trimester I've gained a total of 30 lbs which sounds like a ridiculous amount but to be honest I don't even care. I know everyone is different during pregnancy and my body is doing what it needs to prepare and support my little one. As long as baby and I are healthy I'll worry about the weight gain after she gets here!

 MATERNITY CLOTHES: I bought maternity shorts and love wearing my Target maternity dresses, I also still fit into a handful of flowy pre-pregnancy tops and dresses. So in combination with t-shirts and leggings I have enough to last me until the end so I'm pleased I spent less than $50 on all my maternity purchases and the dresses I can wear after pregnancy too. 

BABY IS A. . . : A beautiful, itty bitty, baby girl 

BABY IS DUE: Still waiting to see my new Dr. so we only have the due date my previous (and not so great) Dr gave us: October 20th. Although, I wound up being held overnight in the ER last week because I was having irregular contractions and they needed to monitor me for preterm labour. I was released after the contractions stopped and just need to take it easy and keep a watch out for preterm labour signs. Fingers crossed this little active girl holds out at least a little longer!!

BABY NAMES: We've had a boy name and a girl name picked out since the beginning (the girl name before we even knew we were pregnant!) but as it's nearing the end I think our minds have changed and we've settled on a new one :) 

DO STRANGERS NOTICE: Yes! Almost everyone now can tell I'm pregnant, I've had some strangers offer help if it looks like I'm struggling with something which is really nice, but still get the occasional server who offers me the wine menu or offers to 'spike' that lemonade I ordered! 

BABY BUYS: Stocking up on diapers and wipes, preparing for her arrival! Still on the search for the perfect car seat and stroller.

PREPARING FOR BABY: The nursery is almost done! All her clothes are organized, toys and blankets have a place, just a few more small items need to be purchased and a couple finishing decorating touches. I love sitting in her room and can't believe we'll have a new little resident in our back room soon!

2/3 of the way done!!

Must Buys Before Baby

The bare minimum list of must haves

Babies are expensive and it's easy to become overwhelmed with the endless lists of pacifiers, baby monitors, sleepers, toys, baby tubs and various other baby gadgets that are now thrown in new mommy-to-be's faces. How are we ever to make it through the day without that must have self-contained bottle sanitization steamer thingy?! How did anyone survive without these things before? Well guess what? They did and so can you. Babies really don't need that much from the get go, it's once they start growing into real little people that they become much more costly. 

Here's a list of the bare-minimum, no frills, must have buys before baby...

1. CAR SEAT: Considering you can't even leave the hospital without one this is number one! What's great is there are now ones that double both as a car seat and click into wheels to become a stroller. Less is best!
2. BABY CRIB: As much as you'll want to hold your little one, they eventually need to be put down. With so many options I suggest one of the 4-in-1 cribs, it's a crib that can later be converted into a toddler bed with a safety rail for rolling, a day bed for when they are a little older then finally a head board when they're ready to graduate to a full size bed! TIP: Invest in two or three sleep sacks or swaddle blankets to keep baby cozy in their crib (both are easy DIY projects!).
   
   Like this Fisher Price one
   
   
3. BABY BOTTLES: whether you've decided to breast feed or use formula you'll need some supplies. You'll need baby bottles and possibly a breast pump. Baby bottles increase with the size of your baby so you only need about 3 of each size to last you.  TIP: Check with your insurance first, depending on your coverage some companies offer you items for free with rebate or at a deep discount!
4. DIAPER STATION: Setting up your "diaper station" is essential, you'll be spending a lot of your time here soon. How do you feel most comfortable changing your baby? On a water proof mat on the floor, a changing pad on top of a dresser? With fabric diapers or disposable ones? Whatever you decide make sure you have plenty of diapers and wipes easily accessible, try nesting baskets, an open tray or in the top drawer.  TIP: buy wipes in bulk because you'll use these for years to come and don't over buy diapers in case baby grows out of them quickly you don't want to be left with loads of extras. Want to get really fancy? Invest in a diaper genie so you don't stink up your trash! Check out Baby Cheapskate for constant deals and sales!
5. ALTERNATE SEATING: Lastly I would invest in one more place you can put your baby down comfortably during the day (You should only use their crib for sleep) like a swing chair that might play music, a baby gym perfect for tummy time too or even a baby lounging pillow (an easy DIY!).
   
   Check out this baby lounger from Amazon. Would be easy to make your own too!

**Another money saving tip for new parents: buy everything in neutral colours so they can be used again if you're planning (or there might be a chance of) a second or third baby!

Having a baby shower? It's a great way to scoop up the last of those things you need for baby and of course some of those not-so-necessary, but oh-so-cute items too! Start your baby registry on Amazon where you can add items from anywhere rather than being limited to just one store or brand!

You also get 10% off items on your list 30 days before baby is due so you can get a great deal on any of those things that weren't already snatched up by guests. (Sign up for Amazon Moms and bump that up to 15% off, Free to sign up if you have Amazon Prime!) And Amazon baby registry is also great because it offers FREE-90 day returns for those things you changed your mind on- and with pregnancy brain and mood swings let's face it, it's likely to happen!

Smart Maternity Buys

Stretch Your Wardrobe Further!

If you're anything like me I didn't really feel like dropping a wad of cash on maternity clothes that would only last me a couple months each and then when the nine month time is up they'd be completely retired...until (and if) you have another baby but who knows by then they might even be out of style! Well there is a sneaky way around this problem. Two in fact, not only can you stretch the time you can wear your clothes you owned pre-pregnancy longer, but follow a few helpful tips to purchase new clothes that will see you through your pregnancy and you can keep sporting long after that baby weight has melted away!

I went through my whole closet and pulled out all my clothes that I knew would last me through out the pregnancy already so I could see exactly what I had to work with and what I needed to add. I had a couple empire waist dresses, a couple skirts, and a handful of baggy shirts I used to wear belted. If you were fortunate like me most my jeans (except a couple recently) still fit, but if not don't fret! You can pick up a Belly Band, I got mine at Target, and they help your normal jeans last longer into pregnancy by covering and holding up jeans that are too tight to button any longer. Leggings are also great with long tunics or dresses that your bump has made considerably shorter than normal! But other than a few key pieces to make your life easier there really isn't any need to buy 'maternity' clothes what so ever!

1. Look for fabric with give- jersey and other fabric blends with spandex are great options because they can grow with you and your belly, but still will be fitted once your back to your pre-baby bod.

I picked this little number up at Nordstrom Rack and love the way it hugs my baby bump!

2. Favor empire waist lines and princess cuts- empire waistlines are a given for pregnant woman everywhere accentuating your new lovely lady lumps and leaving plenty of room for baby; but princess cuts are another great alternative to spice up your wardrobe. 

I grabbed this princess cut dress at Old Navy for $30. It was flattering in the first half of pregnancy and hid my bump and now in the second half it's still comfortable and accommodates my growing tummy.

3. Maxi skirts and dresses are your friend- maxi skirts you can hike up to above your belly and sport all summer long, and nothing makes you feel better than throwing on a maxi dress that hugs or covers your baby bump. They instantly make you feel prettier and they feel just like wearing pajamas which when your pregnant is the ultimate goal!

I also picked this maxi up at Old Navy before our Babymoon and love it! It is so comfortable 

and I know it will be something I will wear long after pregnancy. 

4. Flowy tops- I had a plethora of these in my pre-pregnancy wardrobe that I converted over to my maternity days. They can be belted above the belly in your starting stages and left as is in your last few months. 

This flawy top I owned before pregnancy and would wear it with a cream belt around my waist, it is now perfect as-is for the hot summer days and has plenty more room to expand!

5. Comfy tees- Before my pregnancy I wasn't really one for wearing tees (other than sporting to bed) but when you're dealing with fatigue, cramps and other fun pregnancy woes a comfy tee may be just what you need! Soft fabric and extra long length are great factors to the perfect pregnancy tee.

Here are two of my favourite tees from Target, the comfy fabric makes it a sure casual go to

on my not so great pregnancy days and perfect for around the house.

None of these clothes are maternity clothes and will last me to full term pregnancy and will definitely keep a home in my closet for my wardrobe as a mommy afterwards! Stick to these simple guidelines and take the stress out of maternity shopping and save those extra bucks for diapers in the near future because let's face it- you'll need it!

First Trimester Wrap Up!

Baby is the size of a peach!

Baby has vocal cords, teeth and even little finger prints! The first trimester is notorious for being extremely hard and pretty much the most miserable time of pregnancy, fortunately I had no such experience! I didn't have any morning sickness or even nausea, in fact most of my first trimester I didn't even know I was pregnant! 

Symptoms: Headaches, extreme fatigue, crazy realistic dreams and an occasional bloody nose! Other than that I felt perfectly normal, it was really hard to believe I had a baby growing inside me!

Cravings: Soup- Any kind. Any time.  And sandwiches, I think I mostly just craved the bread which I normally don't eat but since finding out I'm pregnant I'm all about the carbs!

Weight Gain: I gained 11 pounds in the first trimester which was very alarming to me considering that's already half of the suggested weight gain for the whole pregnancy! But truth be told I think most of the weight went straight to my chest I went from an A to a D! Which made all my fitted tops impossible to wear from the get go!!

Maternity Clothes:  None yet, but I did have to buy a new bra. I also bought some cute maternity dresses from Target that I'm excited to get to wear but so far my jeans all fit and flowy, stretchy tops I already own

Baby is a. . . :  Not sure yet, but I am dying to know! The boy and I both thought it was a boy in the beginning (he being the oldest of five boys and his whole extended blood-related family is literally all men- so it just seemed like it was inevitable!) but now we both have strong feelings of a girl- so we shall see! 

Baby is Due. . . : Our given due date is October 20th, but if baby is a bit late they might be born on their Uncle Gage's birthday!

Spreading the News: We told our parents first, then let our close friends know. I had to tell my boss because eventually it would mean I would be leaving to stay home with my own baby. Soon after we announced it to our family and friends that had been invited to our reception which would now be cancelled, because the timing wasn't great and we figured there were many more things we could put the money towards for the baby over food and dancing. Then finally, announced to everyone on Facebook! 

Do Strangers notice: Not yet! Although within the same week I got comments from two servers at different restaurants, the first one said "She sure knows how to eat!" and the second one said, "You need to eat more and fatten up!" They both were funny considering our new news. 

Baby Buys: The only thing we have bought so far is the cutest stuffed giraffe and a turquoise polka dot bow that could used either be for a bow tie or a hair bow! 

Preparing for Baby: We're looking to move when our lease is up at the end of July we will need an extra bedroom now for baby! 

1/3 of the Way Done!