So I've been waiting and waiting for my cloth diaper exchange to take place in the mail. I had insured the box I sent the wrong-colored ones back in, but it had NOT shown up according to the cotton babies website. Grrr. So I took Gretchen's advice and bought some disposable diapers for peace of mind. That worked for a little bit, but then Christmas came and went and this week came and still no sign of the box arriving at their warehouse in St. Louis. And then I found myself completely unworried yesterday. I thought to myself "no big deal, it's insured, I'm sure everything will be fine". These are unexpected words bouncing around my mind, which is usually racing and fearing the worst about things like this. But THEN!
That same evening I was chillin' with M and the doorbell rang. It was the glorious UPS man with a package full of correct-colored diapers. Hallelujah! But the diaper website still says they're waiting for my package to arrive there. ? Was this the work of some good samaritan at Cotton Babies that took pity on my plight? I have called them a few times the past weeks just to see if it was there, but not logged into the computer: no luck. (I have also called the post office: worthless bunch of hooligans losing my stuff. If they screwed over my nice friends at CB then I will collect that insurance money and give it back.)
Either way, I happily prepared the final touches on my nest. I washed and folded my diapers and looked satisfactorily around at E's room. I feel like things are falling into place and I'm maybe, possibly, even moderately ready for all the changes about to take place. I have been meditating a bit for clarity and well-being. I have a hard time visualizing what to expect in big life changes beforehand. This is a problem because I am so visual in the first place. In order to feel prepared and not-crazy I have to see things coming, even if it's vague. I finally can see baby E coming and being here. Does that sound crazy? I think most women can see and accept their babies in utero more readily than I can. For me it takes more work. My point is that my meditative times have paid off a little in this regard. I want to enjoy E when he comes, not stress out about every little thing (I already did that with M, and I regret not just holding him and being there.) I think E will come out when he's ready. And when I'm truly ready. That feels just about right.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
TMI
For everyone who is wondering, I'm still pregnant. I met with my OB yesterday after a fairly funny-in-retrospect freak out. Let me backtrack a little: Both Saturday and Sunday nights were spent on the couch with a breast pump on the lowest setting to try and induce myself into labor. Both times I was able to get my contractions going for over an hour at 3-5 minutes apart. But both times I stopped pumping the contractions died down and eventually went away.
So Monday morning I called the nurse in tears saying that E had measured big over a week and a half ago, and now he was probably huge, and I wouldn't be able to push him out, and I would have to have a c-section, and nothing was happening without a breast pump, and I was panicking, and I needed to be induced NOW. She was really nice and said not to worry. E's measurements are plus or minus up to 2 pounds, and he probably wouldn't be much bigger than M was. Then she put me on hold and got me an appointment for a few hours later on my (very nice and understanding) Dr.'s lunch hour. So I met with Dr. Mayer and she calmed me down. She said she wasn't worried and that I would be able to get him out. She also teased me about having a meltdown and gave me a hug. Apparently I just needed validation and love, because after that I felt much better about everything.
Well, not for the next part: while I was there Dr. Mayer stripped my membranes. There are such lovely phrases used at the end of pregnancy, no? It was not fun, but worth it, because today things are moving along. I've had a few more painful contractions on my own, and I lost more of my mucous plug. If any more than that happens, I'll update the old k-land here.
(I also went to the chiropractor today and my back feels wonderful for once! So I think I'm ready. Now it's off to nap :))
So Monday morning I called the nurse in tears saying that E had measured big over a week and a half ago, and now he was probably huge, and I wouldn't be able to push him out, and I would have to have a c-section, and nothing was happening without a breast pump, and I was panicking, and I needed to be induced NOW. She was really nice and said not to worry. E's measurements are plus or minus up to 2 pounds, and he probably wouldn't be much bigger than M was. Then she put me on hold and got me an appointment for a few hours later on my (very nice and understanding) Dr.'s lunch hour. So I met with Dr. Mayer and she calmed me down. She said she wasn't worried and that I would be able to get him out. She also teased me about having a meltdown and gave me a hug. Apparently I just needed validation and love, because after that I felt much better about everything.
Well, not for the next part: while I was there Dr. Mayer stripped my membranes. There are such lovely phrases used at the end of pregnancy, no? It was not fun, but worth it, because today things are moving along. I've had a few more painful contractions on my own, and I lost more of my mucous plug. If any more than that happens, I'll update the old k-land here.
(I also went to the chiropractor today and my back feels wonderful for once! So I think I'm ready. Now it's off to nap :))
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Two Fakeouts So Far
Last Thursday I thought I was going to have to eat my words about not having E for a while. I was having...symptoms, we'll just put it that way. But then, nothing. Fakeout number one. So then Sunday night comes along and I have a bunch of Braxton-Hicks contractions (is that how you spell it?). I started timing them when they started to hurt a little. For 2 hours they were pretty much 3-7 minutes apart. And then they stopped. Fakeout number two.
Since Sunday, I've had sporadic contractions but not enough to time them or anything. Also, I went to the OB this morning and there was pretty much nothing new to report. I'm still at a 2, but she says I'm very soft so it could be any day. Her words were that it now just depends on when my body decides to go into labor. She also said on her way out the door that she was on call Christmas day and maybe she would see me. Does that mean anything?! I don't know.
Hopefully my body decides to go into labor no earlier than Christmas morning around 11am. That way I can at least see little M's face when he sees that Santa brought him "lots of trains and special crayons" just like he has stated so many times :). Not to mention the little bike with training wheels that R purchased last night at Toys r Us three days before Christmas (not recommended).
I'm just torn because E is already pretty big. I think he's going to come out at 8 1/2 pounds, maybe more. Just 2 more days little guy!
Since Sunday, I've had sporadic contractions but not enough to time them or anything. Also, I went to the OB this morning and there was pretty much nothing new to report. I'm still at a 2, but she says I'm very soft so it could be any day. Her words were that it now just depends on when my body decides to go into labor. She also said on her way out the door that she was on call Christmas day and maybe she would see me. Does that mean anything?! I don't know.
Hopefully my body decides to go into labor no earlier than Christmas morning around 11am. That way I can at least see little M's face when he sees that Santa brought him "lots of trains and special crayons" just like he has stated so many times :). Not to mention the little bike with training wheels that R purchased last night at Toys r Us three days before Christmas (not recommended).
I'm just torn because E is already pretty big. I think he's going to come out at 8 1/2 pounds, maybe more. Just 2 more days little guy!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Final Ultrasound (for my belly, not E's kidneys)
Today was my last ultrasound while gestating. E will get another ultrasound on his kidneys in the hospital once he's born, but that's another story. The long and short of today's visit was: we can't see anything new. Wow, exciting!
Alright I am exaggerating a little bit. Some of the information was interesting. For example, according to E's measurements he would have an estimated date of arrival 1 week early. This is because I'm 38 weeks and his measurements added up to 39 weeks. When am I due again? Oh yeah, New Year's Day. And when is a week before that? Oh yeah, CHRISTMAS FREAKING DAY! No!! So help me if the one time these measurements are accurate are with me. In my defense the doctor today and my OB both said "who knows?" even with all the guesswork. So it could be tomorrow or it could be in 2 weeks. We shall see.
Also, according to all his measurements he weighs (drum roll please) 8 pounds 2 ounces. This weight is in the 85th percentile, and I think his head circumference is also on the bigger side. However, lest you laugh at me and my plight, Dr. Solomon did say that the fact that his head is SO low in my pelvis right now means I probably won't have much trouble. She said most people think of whether or not their skin can stretch over a large baby, when that isn't really the problem. It is really whether or not your pelvic bones are wide enough. Hence, the fact that his head is pretty much hanging out in my pelvic bowl comfortably today, means he'll probably come out just fine. Hooray! No C-sections please!
P.S. I HATE the post office. I mailed back some cloth diapers that were the wrong color to exchange them for other colors. But their stupid slow service is driving my nesting self crazy. Do you know how much better I would feel if I just knew they had received the package and were sending my news ones? Huh?! The answer is: a LOT.
Alright I am exaggerating a little bit. Some of the information was interesting. For example, according to E's measurements he would have an estimated date of arrival 1 week early. This is because I'm 38 weeks and his measurements added up to 39 weeks. When am I due again? Oh yeah, New Year's Day. And when is a week before that? Oh yeah, CHRISTMAS FREAKING DAY! No!! So help me if the one time these measurements are accurate are with me. In my defense the doctor today and my OB both said "who knows?" even with all the guesswork. So it could be tomorrow or it could be in 2 weeks. We shall see.
Also, according to all his measurements he weighs (drum roll please) 8 pounds 2 ounces. This weight is in the 85th percentile, and I think his head circumference is also on the bigger side. However, lest you laugh at me and my plight, Dr. Solomon did say that the fact that his head is SO low in my pelvis right now means I probably won't have much trouble. She said most people think of whether or not their skin can stretch over a large baby, when that isn't really the problem. It is really whether or not your pelvic bones are wide enough. Hence, the fact that his head is pretty much hanging out in my pelvic bowl comfortably today, means he'll probably come out just fine. Hooray! No C-sections please!
P.S. I HATE the post office. I mailed back some cloth diapers that were the wrong color to exchange them for other colors. But their stupid slow service is driving my nesting self crazy. Do you know how much better I would feel if I just knew they had received the package and were sending my news ones? Huh?! The answer is: a LOT.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Yet another prego update
I went to the ob/gyn this morning and.....only a "barely 2cm dilated, and about 50% effaced" was pronounced. I am still very okay with this as I want to get through Christmas pregnant. Then my doctor said: "I think you'll see Christmas pregnant". Woohoo! No hospital Christmases please.
Plus there's the whole intuition thing. I just don't think it's happening for about 2 weeks. I think I will either be a couple of days early or right on the date of January 1st. We shall see. I'm taking bets. You win, hmm, something. My respect? Bragging rights? Cookies in about 6 months when I finally remember to make them AND have time to do so? Take your pick.
Plus there's the whole intuition thing. I just don't think it's happening for about 2 weeks. I think I will either be a couple of days early or right on the date of January 1st. We shall see. I'm taking bets. You win, hmm, something. My respect? Bragging rights? Cookies in about 6 months when I finally remember to make them AND have time to do so? Take your pick.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Of Course
Of course I would be without a R when what happened last night happened. (R is in Utah for ONE night, just one.) So there we were, me and Camille, talking. It's about 10:30 at night, and there's a storm brewing outside, and Miles's toys are scattered about in the backyard, and we hear something banging. It doesn't sound like toys, or wind, it sounds like a person. A person banging on the glass door right next to where we are talking.
So we both jump up and I do something I've never had occasion to do before: call 911. Camille saw me through my first time and it wasn't so bad. I was mostly surprised by how long I was on hold. On hold for 911! Seriously? I was waiting for about a minute to a minute and half. What if we needed an ambulance? Yikes. Regardless, I spoke to the nice man, gave him my address and name and an officer showed up within 10 minutes to check it out. It turns out that it was nothing other than wind, or perhaps the stupid bush outside the master bedroom door. I personally think it really was a person, but perhaps a neighbor out in their backyard or something?
I was scolded for a few things like not locking our gate, and not having motion sensors for the lights in the back. He also said to get better locks on the sliding glass doors. Seeing as we have freaking 3 sets of doors (I'm not a big fan, particularly for the safety reason), I will take his advice to heart.
After all this I proceeded to not calm down enough to fall asleep for another 4 hours. Around 2:30am or so I finally went to bed. With a light on. I'm such a baby! And yet I'm having a baby. I wonder if my children would question my abilities if they could read and comprehend what I write here on my blog sometimes...
So we both jump up and I do something I've never had occasion to do before: call 911. Camille saw me through my first time and it wasn't so bad. I was mostly surprised by how long I was on hold. On hold for 911! Seriously? I was waiting for about a minute to a minute and half. What if we needed an ambulance? Yikes. Regardless, I spoke to the nice man, gave him my address and name and an officer showed up within 10 minutes to check it out. It turns out that it was nothing other than wind, or perhaps the stupid bush outside the master bedroom door. I personally think it really was a person, but perhaps a neighbor out in their backyard or something?
I was scolded for a few things like not locking our gate, and not having motion sensors for the lights in the back. He also said to get better locks on the sliding glass doors. Seeing as we have freaking 3 sets of doors (I'm not a big fan, particularly for the safety reason), I will take his advice to heart.
After all this I proceeded to not calm down enough to fall asleep for another 4 hours. Around 2:30am or so I finally went to bed. With a light on. I'm such a baby! And yet I'm having a baby. I wonder if my children would question my abilities if they could read and comprehend what I write here on my blog sometimes...
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Bum Genius: Aptly Named
Well, I am now committed. I have purchased Bum Genius cloth diapers. And a trash can and mild detergent. I'm excited! Is that weird? Probably.
I used the Cotton Babies website and they have been great. I would highly recommend them, both for the customer service, and also the price. I don't think I found a better deal for buying in bulk. Plus they have pretty much everything on one website, including information, Q&A, recommendations, pictures. I like that.
The diapers are so cute! The tiny ones are SO tiny! I only got 12 of those out of worry for a good fit when E is brand new. Then I bought 24 of the one-size fits all type for when E grows a little bit. I got a few in yellow, green and blue. I am quite impressed with how cool these diapers are. They have snaps that allow them to fit a baby all the way up to 35 pounds. They are considered "pocket diapers" which means that you insert a little washcloth-type piece of material into the pocket. Then you can line the diaper with a flushable soft tissue liner to keep poop off the material. Then you throw the liner (with the mess) into the toilet and toss your diaper into the trash can with a lid. (This bit of information is what simplified it enough for me to take the plunge.)
Every 2 days you launder the diapers by one cold wash and one warm wash in the washer. You have to use a very mild detergent. I found a great website with a very comprehensive list. (I found this detergent at Whole Foods and on amazon.com, and it has 5/5 stars according to a few sources, so that's what I'm using.) Then you can either dry them in the dryer or on a rack. I'm going for the rack-drying method what with the sun all up in my business all the time in AZ. Now it'll be working FOR me instead of AGAINST me. Ha, joke's on you sun!
I also got this little wet bag for when I go out and about with E. I'll mostly use it for diaper bag outings. I'm debating whether or not to get this sprayer because I'm not sure I need it or not. Even after all these purchases, the total comes to the same amount we would spend on disposable diapers in about 6-8 months. Clearly a bargain. And green too! I really DO feel satisfied knowing that I'm doing my part not adding plastic mounds to the garbage dumps.
I used the Cotton Babies website and they have been great. I would highly recommend them, both for the customer service, and also the price. I don't think I found a better deal for buying in bulk. Plus they have pretty much everything on one website, including information, Q&A, recommendations, pictures. I like that.
The diapers are so cute! The tiny ones are SO tiny! I only got 12 of those out of worry for a good fit when E is brand new. Then I bought 24 of the one-size fits all type for when E grows a little bit. I got a few in yellow, green and blue. I am quite impressed with how cool these diapers are. They have snaps that allow them to fit a baby all the way up to 35 pounds. They are considered "pocket diapers" which means that you insert a little washcloth-type piece of material into the pocket. Then you can line the diaper with a flushable soft tissue liner to keep poop off the material. Then you throw the liner (with the mess) into the toilet and toss your diaper into the trash can with a lid. (This bit of information is what simplified it enough for me to take the plunge.)
Every 2 days you launder the diapers by one cold wash and one warm wash in the washer. You have to use a very mild detergent. I found a great website with a very comprehensive list. (I found this detergent at Whole Foods and on amazon.com, and it has 5/5 stars according to a few sources, so that's what I'm using.) Then you can either dry them in the dryer or on a rack. I'm going for the rack-drying method what with the sun all up in my business all the time in AZ. Now it'll be working FOR me instead of AGAINST me. Ha, joke's on you sun!
I also got this little wet bag for when I go out and about with E. I'll mostly use it for diaper bag outings. I'm debating whether or not to get this sprayer because I'm not sure I need it or not. Even after all these purchases, the total comes to the same amount we would spend on disposable diapers in about 6-8 months. Clearly a bargain. And green too! I really DO feel satisfied knowing that I'm doing my part not adding plastic mounds to the garbage dumps.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
And I'm still a 1
No change here! I AM actually excited about this. Do you know how many things I still need to do before this baby comes? Let me list them, just for my own benefit: meet La Leche League folks, buy detergent for my cloth diapers, remedy the cloth diaper exchange situation (wrong colors, also lots of crying and swearing from a certain overwhelmed, nesting prego...), buy several things like Pack 'n' Play sheets and Aveeno lotion, move dressers around and organize clothing in both boys' rooms, clean the house in general, hang up the last remaining pictures, call about breast pump rentals, mail Christmas things to a sister, a nephew, and a grandma, etc. There's probably more, but once this list is diminished I will feel much better about going into labor. Phew.
Plus R is going out of town briefly this weekend, and now I do not have to worry about going into labor for the next few days. Also, December is a fun month. In the next 2 weeks I have 2 Christmas parties to attend and one book club meeting where there will be a cookie exchange. I don't want to miss all the fun. Especially when after little E makes his debut I will be holed up for a few months just trying to survive. Yikes! Such is the price we pay for dear little people. I am looking forward very much to meeting this little man :)
P.S. I love IKEA! I found train tracks for M there today for MUCH less than what Amazon had it available for. I also found a few odds and ends for E's room which was very satisfying. I continue to build the nest...
Plus R is going out of town briefly this weekend, and now I do not have to worry about going into labor for the next few days. Also, December is a fun month. In the next 2 weeks I have 2 Christmas parties to attend and one book club meeting where there will be a cookie exchange. I don't want to miss all the fun. Especially when after little E makes his debut I will be holed up for a few months just trying to survive. Yikes! Such is the price we pay for dear little people. I am looking forward very much to meeting this little man :)
P.S. I love IKEA! I found train tracks for M there today for MUCH less than what Amazon had it available for. I also found a few odds and ends for E's room which was very satisfying. I continue to build the nest...
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
9 to go
So I'm one centimeter dilated as of yesterday. Only 9 cm to go! However, don't get too excited. My doc still says we're looking at the first of January. Sigh. No, it's a good thing. I want E nice and plump when he comes out. That way I can be special with the breast pump as I have NO idea what I'm doing. Thank goodness for nurses and lactation specialists.
I also want to clean the entire house and organize pretty much everything. I spontaneously decided to bleach the whole bathroom today. This is very uncharacteristic of how I've been feeling this pregnancy up until now. Nesting is very real my friends, and it's a good thing or I would be too sleepy to do anything productive. I thank the evolution that brought me this obsession.
I got the pack 'n' play today, and the cloth diapers are coming next week. Once I get all the clothes into the dresser and closet I think I will feel a little more ready. I might even have time to decorate a little. I never had a chance with M because we were renting crappy apartments and it didn't seem worth it. But I love the new house and the blue walls in the boy's rooms. No white, hooray!
I also want to clean the entire house and organize pretty much everything. I spontaneously decided to bleach the whole bathroom today. This is very uncharacteristic of how I've been feeling this pregnancy up until now. Nesting is very real my friends, and it's a good thing or I would be too sleepy to do anything productive. I thank the evolution that brought me this obsession.
I got the pack 'n' play today, and the cloth diapers are coming next week. Once I get all the clothes into the dresser and closet I think I will feel a little more ready. I might even have time to decorate a little. I never had a chance with M because we were renting crappy apartments and it didn't seem worth it. But I love the new house and the blue walls in the boy's rooms. No white, hooray!
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