Happy Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day!

HAPPY BUBBLE WRAP APPRECIATION DAY!!

I've been saving this piece of bubble wrap for a couple of weeks now, just waiting for this holiday to come so Lily could enjoy popping it.

She popped it with her fingers.



She jumped on it.

She laid down on it.



And, she stomped on it.

Most important of all, she had fun.

Another OB Appointment in the Books

Weight: +39.5
Dialation: 1.5cm

"Feel this, your fundus is right here." Thanks, HP for pointing that out. As if I didn't know the top of my uterus is at the bottom of my ribs. When my son stretches out, he pushes up against my ribs, still.

I'm getting a little bitter when it comes to these OB appointments...

Got the Group B Strep test done.

I'm not dialated enough for HP to strip my membranes. However, he is optimistic that if I don't go into labor on my own this week/weekend, we'll be able to do that next week, and hopefully help the process along.

So, it gave me a chance to get the swing all cleaned and put together. I was able to get my Annie & Isabel hospital gown washed and packed.

Now, just to get the sweater and blanket that Mom made for Navy, and we'll be all set to make that historic trip to the Family Birthing Center!

Fancy a Guess?

It seems that everyone else that's due around the time that I am is putting these little polls up, so why not?!

My due date is February 23rd.

Date:
Time:
Weight:
Length:

Let's see who gets the closest!

National Puzzle Day

HAPPY NATIONAL PUZZLE DAY!!!

Lily loves to do puzzles, so this was an easy holiday for us to celebrate. She received a My Little Pony puzzle for Christmas (pictured above) and we haven't really taken the time to do it together.

We did it the first time together. I put several pieces together and let her fill in the blanks. The second time, I just helped her get it started and coached her the rest of the way.



I try to always let her do "the last piece" so she gets the sense of being the one that completed the project, even if we did it together.

Looks like we don't have any special holidays written down for tomorrow, but she asked it we could fix one of the Nick Jr. crafts that we made this past summer. So, tomorrow will probably just be a fun day with light cleaning and lots of playing!

Sources: Brownielocks, Teacher Planet, Life 123, Reach Every Child

Wii Sports Hula Hooping ... While 8-Months Pregnant

"Thank you, Navy, for giving me the fishy highchair."

I'm one of the most frugal people I know. I buy clothes for next year on clearance. I clip coupons like crazy. Yet, sometimes, it's not about what'll save money, but what's in the best interest of a little kid's feelings.

I know that it's silly to buy a second high chair when I have a 4-year-old that should be able to sit in a regular chair or booster seat. In fact, I have a booster seat for her. I went back and forth on this. One moment, I'd be all set to pay whatever for a Fisher-Price Healthy Care high chair. They range in price from $80-$120, depended on the pattern and the store. The next, I was going to make Lily give hers up, by force if necessary.

I've talked to her several times about transitioning to her booster seat. Each time, she seems to like the idea, but when it comes to actually putting the high chair away and getting the booster seat out, she backs out.

Then, I think that I've asked her to give up a lot. She transitioned to a big girl bed because I needed the crib mattress from her toddler bed. Her seat in the van was switched because I can reach the baby better when he's on that side of the car. She's lost some time with her Mommy because I'm tired and too pregnant to do the things with her that I used to.

So, to me, buying a second high chair seemed like a small price to pay. I've asked her (and it some cases, inadvertently forced her) to give up a lot. Though some parts have been upsetting to her, I think she's handled them with ease.

While Lily napped, I took the opportunity to get the new high chair put together. We will be using it right away. Even though he won't be eating, Navy will be sitting at the table with us, as he is part of our family.

When she woke up and saw his high chair at the table, the first thing she said was, "Thank you, Navy, for giving me the fishy high chair." Priceless, which makes the price of the high chair totally worth it.

Birth Plan

I know that not a lot of Moms and Moms-to-be that I've talked do have or are doing a birth plan. I had one with my daughter, and even though I didn't follow it much, it was still nice knowing that I had a plan. The one thing I did learn from the birth plan that I made with my daughter and this one, is that I need to be more flexible.

I used Birth Plan | Pregnancy Today as a template and added my own phrasing. Some of what I've added is based on my labor and delivery experience with my daughter. Some things are based on research I've done since finding out that this baby is a little boy.

When it's all typed out with the title page, it comes to about 4 pages. With Lily, the doctor faxed a copy to the hospital the day before my induction. With Nicholas, I have an appointment with the hospital's birth planner to handle the tour, pre-registration, and to add a copy of the birth plan to my file.

---

My Wishes Regarding the Birth of Nicholas David-Alger

Mother
Sara

Physician
Dr. Perez

Delivery
PVN

Due Date
23 February 2011

Support Staff
Lisa, RN (sister)
Chandra (friend)
Bev(friend)

Please refer to the baby as Nicholas whenever possible.

---

LABOR

I would like to be free to walk around during labor. I also wish to be able to move around and change positions throughout.

I would like to have fluids by mouth.
Preferences:

regular Sprite or Sierra Mist (no diet)

red or orange Jell-o (no sugar-free)

chicken or beef broth

hot tea with sugar

grape, cranberry, or apple juice

I would like to bring my own music and movies to listen to and watch. If possible, I would also like to have access to the Internet.

I would like the IV to be done soon after I am admitted.

I would like to wear my glasses at all times.

MONITORING

I do not want an internal monitor unless Nicholas shows signs of distress and it becomes necessary.

LABOR AUGMENTATION / INDUCTION

I do not wish to have the amniotic membrane ruptured unless signs of fetal distress require internal monitoring.

If labor is not progressing, I would like to walk or use the birthing ball first. If those are unsuccessful, I would like Pitocin administered before the amniotic membrane is ruptured.

ANESTHESIA / PAIN MEDICATION

I will ask for pain medication.

If I feel that I need them, I would prefer an injection of narcotic pain relief. If I feel that was insufficient, I will ask for a standard epidural.

CESARIAN

Unless absolutely necessary, I would like to avoid a cesarian.

In the case that a c-section becomes necessary, I want Lisa Smith present at all times. I would like to be awake for the procedure, if possible, and to have the standard medication.

So that I can view the birth, I would like the screen lowered just before the delivery of the baby.

If he is not in distress and does not require medical attention, I would like to see Nicholas face-to-face as soon as I can.

EPISIOTOMY

I would prefer an episiotomy rather than a tear.
I would like a local anesthetic to repair the episiotomy or tear.

DELIVERY

I would like a mirror available so I can see the baby's head when it crowns. I would also like to be able to touch the baby's head when it crowns.

Assuming the baby isn't in distress, I would like to wait until I feel the urge to push before beginning the pushing phase. However, if I lose focus, I would like to be coached in this to prevent any stress on the baby.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER DELIVERY

I would like Lisa to cut the cord.

If Nicholas requires medical attention and must be taken from the delivery room, I would like Lisa to accompany him.

I do not want a routine injection of Pitocin after the delivery to aid in expelling the placenta. I would like to see the placenta after it is delivered.

POSTPARTUM

I would like the baby to "room in" and be with me at all times.

I would like a shower, even just a quick one, as soon as possible!

BREASTFEEDING

I plan to breastfeed Nicholas and would like to begin nursing shortly after birth. I do not want bottles given to the baby. I would also like to meet with a lactation consultant.

Nicholas may have a pacifier.

CIRCUMCISION

I do not want my son to be circumcised.

PHOTO / VIDEO

I plan on taking still photographs and videos during labor and the birth.

OTHER

I do not want David to be present during labor or the delivery. If he does come to the hospital during these, I wish that he be escorted to a waiting room or asked to leave. I do not want or need the stress and drama that would accompany his presence.

I would like my support staff present for labor and delivery. I would like to keep visitors during labor to a minimum. I would like visitors to check-in with the nurses' before coming into my room during labor.

My daughter, Liliana Madeline (almost 4), will be visiting her new brother and I at the hospital.

I would prefer that no students, interns, residents or non-essential personnel be present during my labor or the birth.

"When I have this baby, I'm aiming for your head!"

My weight: +33 lbs
Baby's heart: 131-132 bpm
Belly measurement: 34.5

My acid reflux/heartburn has been a beast, but with stocking up on oranges (which oddly seem to help) and Tums, I think I can make it these last 5w1d like a champ.

Doc made it a point to show me that I gained since my last appointment. He seems happy about this. I am not happy about this. I have to take off this weight. When I told him Wii thinks I'm overweight, he laughed. Keep laughing and wear a helmet buddy. When I have this baby, I'm aiming for your head!

My Dad asked how the appointment went. I said it wasn't anything special. He asked again when Navy was due. Told him the end of February. "You are gonna make it that far." Everyone thinks this little guy is massive.

I started thinking about how much longer, assuming I even make it to the due date. Even though I found out early, I didn't tell Dave until 4w1d. I didn't tell my parents until 5-ish weeks. The general population didn't know until around 9 weeks.

One month from today, I will be working my last day until my little boy gets here.

It's so weird to finally be in that home stretch where my little boy could be here soon. I cannot wait to hold Nicholas David-Alger in my arms for the first time and to see him. I'm so ready to meet my son face-to-face!

Next time I go back, I get the Group B Strep test.

Sleepology

Knowing that someone is watching you while you sleep is kinda trippy. Not just having the glow of the monitor that keeps track of her breathing, but the red lights that are part of the night-vision camera. Definitely interesting when you're trying to sleep.

I'm going to address this before I get a ton of questions/comments about it. Yes, Lily does still take a pacifier (we call it her binky) at almost 4-years-old. We have tried repeatedly to break her of this habit. With the issues that lead us up to the point we're at now (the sleep study), it seemed kind of pointless. The pacifier helped with some of her sleeplessness and self-soothing issues. Hopefully, after we get the results, we'll have a better understanding of why she doesn't sleep well and be able to break her of the pacifier soon.



Last night was Lily's sleep study. It's been a long 6 months working up to this point, but so worth it. Getting all hooked up takes about 30-45 minutes, and Jodie (Lily's tech) let Lily pick out the colors of the various leads. She also helped smooth the electrode stickers that were on her legs and chest.

It took a bit to get her settled down, but with some cuddling, she eventually fell asleep. I'm guessing it probably took 45-60 minutes, which isn't too terrible. Most nights, it's 15-30. Once I finally got to sleep (I'm guessing close to 11), Lily moved and Jodie had to come readjust the nose monitor. Lily freaked out and tossed for over an hour.

Got her untangled, cuddled and back to sleep. At some point, I just fell asleep. Passed out is probably more accurate. So tired. Lily finally got some decent sleep and woke up relatively well. She's used to waking up on her own and hour later than we did.



Six o'clock comes pretty darn early. I was completely exhausted and sore. Every time she woke up crying, I woke up and tried to soothe her and keep her from pulling the nose monitors off.

After waking up, Lily got all of her wires off, which she was more than happy about. Especially the ones on her face and her nose monitor. She was fine after that and even colored in her new coloring book while I filled out her sleep study wake-up questionaire.

I'm anxious to find out the results. With having about 9-10 hours of data from all of the monitors, plus the same amount of time of video to review, it takes a couple of weeks. If they monitors indicate something, they match it up with what they saw on video. I'm so hopeful that they got some great data that will lead to a solution for Lily's sleepless nights.



To reward ourselves after the sleep study, we went to IHOP. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that they have a full-picture children's menu (but they don't have that online...of course), much like Bob Evans.

Happy Rubber Ducky Day!

This holiday is based off of "Sesame Street." Ernie has a rubber ducky. The duck's birthday is January 13th. Rubber Ducky Song.



To celebrate, we just splashed around in the sink (with red water) with Police Duck. Lily had fun pushing him around and tipping him over.

Tomorrow is Organize Your Home Day!

B ... Beans, Bulldozers, and Bumble Bees ... Oh My!

After reading about using beans as "play things" on MckMama's "When the Weather Outside if Frightful" post, I thought about how I could apply that to a learning game for Lily.

Not just a preschool tactile/sensor activity, but also a bit of a phonics lessons. Lily knows her letters. Now, we are working on the sound that each letter makes and starting to recognize objects that start with the sound/letter.



After getting a Bin and putting some Beans in it, I found a foam letter B from a puzzle we have. We went to get a Bulldozer.

Then, we went on a "B Hunt" through our house looking for small objects that started with the letter B

We found a Ball, a Bumble Bee, and a Butterfly.

After getting all of our objects collected, we put them all in the Bin, and Lily pushed the items around with the Bulldozer or hid them in the Beans.

Thinking of some other ways to incorporate the idea of tactile activities with phonics, while keeping the activity within the confines of a small space like the bin that we used. I am teeming with ideas. Just need to brain storm some more. So excited!

Happy Cut Your Energy Costs Day!

Who isn't looking for ways to save money?

One of the ways that we celebrated the day was by opening the blinds on the windows to let the lovely sunlight in. We were able to keep the lights off for most of the day.

When we first moved into our house, I replaced most of the lightbulbs with CFLs. Yes, they are more expensive, but I've only had to replace one that broke in a freak accident in the last year.



The United States Department of Energy has lots of tools and tips for cutting your energy costs, too.

We've Made Progress!

Today was Lily's last appointment with Dr. Mike before the sleep study. We've fought so hard to get to this point. Needless to say, I'm giddy.

Lily now weighs 33.5 pounds, which is great considering she had been losing weight. (At one point a couple of months ago, she'd lost a pound, a lot when you barely weight 30 pounds to begin with.) She's a little under weight, but that's to be expected with her being on the petite side.

Her behavior has been consistant. As far as temper tantrums were concerned, they were age appropriate. Not the over-the-top ones that we've experienced in the past.

Her appetite is better. I brought home the Bob Evans kids menu and have been copying some of the meals out of that. Lily has also been helping in meal prep (mixing, stirring, pouring), so she takes pride in the meals that we eat. Dr. Mike said that was great parenting. I was very flattered.



Our only problem is the sleeping. She still doesn't sleep through the night. She gets up at least once, but up to 3 times during the night.

Since the sleep study is in less than a week and we've seemed to find balance as of right now, we're not making any changes until after the results of the sleep study come back.

We go back after all of that to see what our new action plan will be. So excited about the progress!

Happy Positively Penguins Day!

We celebrated this exciting holiday by playing The Penguins of Madagascar: Pop-Up Penguin Game that Lily got for Christmas from her Uncle Tig & Aunt Jodie.



It's a lot like a kiddie version of Trouble. Lily is learning to follow the rules of games and to take turns. This game is good for that, but it's difficult for her to grasp the concept of having multiple game pieces to keep track of.

Happy Three Kings Day!

Happy Three Kings Day!

No, it's not related to the restaurant in Hoagland, Indiana. Though, that was initially the reason that spurred me to buy the DVD for Lily.

Three Kings Day is a holiday celebrated in various parts of the world in conjuction with Epiphany. We first learned about this holiday from "Dora the Explorer: Dora Celebrates Three Kings Day!" The DVD showed some Latin American traditions related to Three Kings Day, such as the Three Kings cake (which I thought was a lot like the Kings cake of Mardi Gras) and the wise men bringing gifts and candy for the children.

We didn't do much to celebrate. We already had a busy day, so we just got a pizza and watched the DVD at home. We talked about the wise men because Lily knows them from school and her nativity set. Maybe next year, we'll have a Three Kings cake.

Happy Bean Day!

HAPPY BEAN DAY!!

To celebrate Bean Day, we celebrated by having a simple ham and bean soup for dinner.

One of the reasons that we stopped celebrating all of these silly and whimsical holidays is that I really put too much effort into them. I was overdoing it and overwhelming myself in the process. So, we're gonna be pretty simple with them and see how that goes.

For a list of "holidays" in January, visit Brownielocks.

Tomorrow: Three Kings Day!

32 Week OB Check-Up

Another appointment down means we're getting that much closer to having our newest family member here!

Weight: +31 pounds

Vitals were all good. Tests were all good.

Navy is measuring right where he should be. His heart rate, once he finally held still long enough to get a lock, was good.

I've been having contractions daily, but since they aren't consistent, they doesn't want to put me on Brethine unless absolutely necessary. I'm to take Tylenol for pain and Braxton Hicks. If they last a minute, I'm supposed to call the doctor. If they get to where they are 10 minutes apart, I'm supposed to go to the hospital.

They checked, and re-checked, for a bladder infection. Sometimes if just feels like I have one, but I have no other symptoms. I'm supposed to go back if it doesn't go away.

We are getting excited to meet little Nicholas!! It seems like forever, but not much longer now!

My New Years' Resolution...NO Resolutions!

Each year, I make New Years' resolutions that I think are practical and something I really want to do or improve on.

For several years, it was to send out birthday and anniversary cards. I bought an organizer and cards, filled the date lines with everyone's birthdays and anniversaries, and addressed the envelopes. All I had to do was sign, seal, and stamp.

After about February or March, I'd forget a card. Then, a whole week would go by and I wouldn't have sent out any cards. After a couple of weeks, I'd just give up and vow to do better...NEXT year.

This year, I've decided that I'm not going to set myself up for failure. I'm not making any resolutions for the New Year. There are plenty of changes coming in my life that I have little control over.

This year, I'm just going to go with the flow and enjoy my life. Can't be disappointed with that!