Newborn Photo Preview

Charlie is probably going to hate having his picture taken when he's older. Either that or I have a future model on my hands :)

I haven't had a ton of time to edit, but he actually took a nap today, so here's a sneak peek at some of my favorites so far:

More to come!

First Christmas

Yesterday was Charlies first Christmas - he also hit 2 weeks old. It's hard to believe it's been 2 weeks already!

I think for a first Christmas, Charlie made out pretty well! 

He slept through pretty much everything at both Christmas events we went to, but he still managed to bring home lots of new goodies. He got a play mat, oodles of toys, a custom made "quillow" with a tow truck on it, clothes, a Twilight Turtle night light, a Build-A-Bear and clothes. He even got a few "My First Christmas" Ornaments!

Our first Family Christmas photo :) :

I think I took this picture on Christmas Eve, it's too cute. He looks like he's giving himself a little hug...

I hope everyone had a great Christmas!!

Pacified

Let me just start off by saying that I feel a little used.

I had this idea in my mind that pacifiers were these big, bad, horrible things. I didn't really want to give one to my child.

Well guess what? I caved.

And you know what? I think it was a great decision.

I've been exclusively breastfeeding Charlie, so one of my main concerns was the so-called "nipple confusion". Now I'm starting to question weather or not that really happens, or if it just occasionally happens?

Well, all in the same day, Charlie was breastfed, took a bottle from Daddy for the first time AND got a pacifier. And you know what? Everything is perfectly fine! He takes all three without any issues *knock on wood*

I had a feeling from the time we were in the hospital that he was "using me", so to speak. He would go on these marathon nursing sessions that would stretch into hours. Seems as though he was using me as a human pacifier. Let me tell you, during those early days, that's extremely frustrating.

Now, since the pacifier intro, the time of his nursing sessions has been much shorter - and for that I am VERY grateful!

I know it will probably be a habit we need to break him of somewhere down the line, but I think a pacifier will be easier to take away than a thumb. Time will tell!

Being A Parent

Being a parent is, so far, is an entirely different experience from anything I expected. Not that I really knew what to expect anyway. You go into this with a general idea, but then your child arrives, and everything you expected goes out the window.

Babies don't come with an instruction manual (although we did get a "Parenting Handbook" from the Doctors office.. haha), it's definitely a learn as you go thing.

Today is my first time home alone for a full day with Charlie. While he's napping, I find myself looking in his direction every 2 seconds to make sure he's still breathing, just to make sure he's still there. The pull I feel towards this tiny human being is overwhelming. He definitely holds a big portion of my heart already, and I think it will only continue to grow.

I actually had to Google "Things to do with a newborn when they're awake" - seriously, I did. Why? Because I really wasn't sure! I don't want to deprive him of the stimulation to thrive and I don't want him to be bored with me. As it turns out, all the things suggested were things I'm already doing - talking, singing, reading, tummy time.. etc.. So I guess I'm doing something right so far. The only thing I haven't done is take him for walks, but only because it's December in Wisconsin - not the best newborn outdoor conditions!

Never did I imagine that spending all my waking time with my baby would feel so rewarding, but it really does. He's only been here for 1 week and 2 days, but he's definitely made an impact on me and nothing will ever be the same again. It amazes me how much one tiny little human can change everything. 

This first week has had it's ups and downs, but the ups far outweigh everything else. The ups make everything else worth it.

I'm very grateful that I'm getting to experience being a Mom. I'm grateful for my loving and supportive husband. I'm grateful for my family. I'm grateful for my beautiful son. 

*****

I know I mentioned in my previous post that I would be sharing Charlie's birth story, and I will. I'm just working on making a "blog-friendly" version of it. Sometime this week I'll post that for you.

Meet Charlie!

Charles James made his super fast entry into the world on December 11th, 2011 at 1:38pm.

He was 6lbs 12oz 20inches long - a cute little peanut :)

My water broke at 11:10am, we made it to the hospital at 12:20pm and he was born at 1:38pm after 28 minutes of pushing - good thing we didn't need to drive any further!!

I will post my whole birth story later on. Motherhood has been a huge emotional adjustment for me but things are getting better everyday.

So many ideas

So little time!

I really wish I would have ventured into the world of Pinterest earlier.

There are just SO MANY IDEAS. It's almost overwhelming. I've always been a fairly crafty person, and with the amount of spare time I had before, these things gave me something to do. So go figure I would find this website when I'm pregnant and my free time is about to become non-exsitant. Oh well.

I just wanted to share a few great projects that I want to try sometime in the next 18 years or so ;)

Since Christmas is coming up, I'll start with the holiday ideas!

Snowmen Ornaments (Simply Cute Creations)

Are these not adorable? And not to mention super easy.

Supplies: clear glass ornaments, fake snow, sharpie paint markers, baby socks (for the hats) and ribbon to make the hanger

***** 

Play Felt Tree & Ornaments (Johnny in a Dress)

I'm hoping to make this for next year, since baby will be big enough to play with it by then!

Supplies: Various colors of felt (about 1 yard for the tree) and hot glue if you want any of the pieces to be permanent.

It's that easy! Felt sticks to felt, so that's all you really need!

***** 

Whimsical Wire Trees

Inexpensive and easy!

Supplies: Any thick wire, copper or just the plain steel stuff, foam cones

***** 

Jingle Shadow Box (Blue Eyed Blessings)

Completely customizable, you could probably do different themes for different seasons.

Supplies: Shadow box frame (any size - 8x8 is used in the tutorial), jingle bells, scrapbook paper and ribbon

The words could be done many different ways. The tutorial uses vinyl, but this could be done with stamps, stencils or could even be handwritten.

***** 

And now for a few non-holiday ideas...

Frosted Vases (Mark Montano Blog)

Supplies: Jars in different sizes, Yarn, Masking tape, White Krylon spray paint, Fabric cut on the bias 1 1/2" wide by 10" per jar, Tea lights

These call for white spray paint, but I'm sure they could easily be done in other colors as well. Easy to match to any decor. You can even buy different size glass vases for $1 each at Dollar Tree!

***** 

Puzzle Pillows

There is no real tutorial that I could find, but seriously, how fun would this be?

A pattern would be beyond easy to DIY for this. Once I finally get around to making it, I'll be sure to share! I think this would be a lot of fun for a little kid to play with, not to mention me :)

***** 

Scrap Fabric Hoodie

Again, there's no tutorial. If you have sewing knowledge, you should be able to make this!

Super cute and completely custom! All you need is a plain, cheap hoodie, scrap fabric and some sewing skills. I really want to make one of these, so when I do, I'll post a step-by-step for sure. No guarantee on when that will happen, but hopefully sooner rather than later.

*****

Styrofoam Wall Art (styrofoamcrafts.com)

Cute, inexpensive, easy and easily customized!

Supplies: Styrofoam sheets, scrapbook paper or fabric, ruler, paintbrush, craft glue, picture hangers

I really want to make something like this for our house, but I have no idea where I'd put it! Maybe I'll make a cute kid one for the nursery or something. I need more empty walls!

*****

I think I'll stop here for now. I could probably do four full posts just on owl themed things alone.. haha. I love owls, they're just so stinkin' cute! I'll stop and save those ideas for another day.

Once I get around to finally making some of these things, I will be sure to share!

Be sure to share your finished products and tips if you decide to make any of these, I want to see how others do with these. I hope you guys like the ideas as much as I do.

Happy crafting!

Pic Prep

I can't wait to take newborn photos of our little guy!

I may have developed a bit of a baby hat obsession... there's just so many cute things out there. I hope these fit him!

All three of these are from the wonderfully crafty people on Etsy.

From left to right:

Striped Pom Hat in dark blue/baby blue from BabiesBugsandBees

Basic Beanie in soft green from BabiesBugsandBees

Owl Hat in brown/blue/green from Jojo's Bootique

I love all three of them and so far am very pleased with the quality. I spent a little more on the owl hat than I would've liked, but it's so darn cute that I think it's worth it!

I have a talented friend, Kelly, who has recently taken up crocheting. I asked her if she would be interested in making me a couple of diaper covers. Here is what she came up with:

Not bad for a beginner, huh? They turned out GREAT!! She doesn't have an Etsy shop yet, but I'm sure she will soon. And when she does, I'll be sure to let you all know!

I have a ton of photo ideas that I'm itching to try out, so hopefully he's a cooperative baby.. *fingers crossed* I'm planning to do his newborn photo shoot by the time he's 7 days old, so as soon as those photos are ready and birth announcements have been mailed, I'll be sure to share my favorite photos here. Stay tuned!

39 Weeks!

How far along: 39 Weeks 2 Days

Total weight gain: +21lbs

How big is baby?: About 6lbs right now, estimated.

Maternity clothes?: Yep. Although some shirts are too short. Depends on how baby is positioned.

Stretch marks?: Yep. They make me sad. Comes with the territory though I guess.

Symptoms?: Persistent back ache, sciatic nerve pain.

Sleep?: What's sleep? I think I slept 10 hours over the course of 3 days last weekend. Fun times.

Best moment this week?: Making progress! Final project for class was turned in.

Worst moment this week?: Well, I fell on my ass last Wednesday. That sucked. I ended up calling my OB and we went in to be monitored just in case. Everything turned out fine, but it was still scary.

Movement?: He's still active, but slowing down some because he's running out of space.

Food cravings?: Nothing really sounds good right now.

Labor signs?: I'm at 3cm and almost 100% effaced. I'm pretty much through early labor already, so let's get this show on the road!

Belly button in or out?: Flat.

What I miss: Sleep. Beer. Did I mention sleep?

What I'm nervous about: That I'll never sleep again. Ever. I'm bound to have a nervous breakdown if this lack of sleep continues.

What I am looking forward to: Meeting our son!! I'm ready for him any day now!

Milestone: 39 weeks is a pretty big milestone! I can't believe that this is almost over, time really went by fast.

Quilted Ornaments

Some of you may remember me making these last year.

Don't remember? If you're the crafty type, be sure to check out the tutorial here.

I loved the way they turned out last time, so when I had the opportunity to make more for someone again, I jumped at the chance.

One of these years I'll finally make some for my own tree :)

Here are 2 that I made this year:

I've been considering making these to sell, along with other things, on Etsy. Do any of you have any experience with running your own Etsy shop? Tips? Any other suggestions for selling my handmade goodies?

****

I also wanted to share an ornament that I found on Etsy. I fell in love with the unique vintage look, and luckily the person I bought it for loved it as well!

38 Weeks!

 

How far along: 38 Weeks 2 Days

Total weight gain: +19lbs - somehow, by some miracle, I didn't gain a single pound. Even with eating enough to feed a small army on Thanksgiving!

How big is baby?: About 6lbs right now, estimated.

Maternity clothes?: Yep.

Stretch marks?: Yep. They're creeping in a little more each day.

Symptoms?: Everything hurts and I'm tired.

Sleep?: Horrible. Rolling over is really a chore now!

Best moment this week?: I made a mad dash and got my final project for class DONE!

Worst moment this week?: I'm just so tired and uncomfortable all the time that it makes everything suck.

Movement?: Tons. Over the last 2 days his movements have changed a bit and I'm feeling him where I haven't felt him before. I'm not sure if that's good or not.

Food cravings?: Cheese and crackers, frosted mini wheats

Labor signs?: I'm at 3/4cm and 95% effaced. Since yesterday I've been having contractions, but they haven't gotten closer than 15 minutes and they aren't very painful, just uncomfortable.

Belly button in or out?: Flat.

What I miss: Sleep.

What I'm nervous about: That I won't be able to handle parenthood.

What I am looking forward to: This baby getting here!! I'm getting ansty!

Milestone: Real contractions, making progress.

Today is my day off and I was too lazy to straighten my hair, so this is what you get!

The Wait.

It's excruciating.

I'll be honest when I say I'm sort of a control freak. So to not know when this baby will make an appearance is seriously agonizing. I'm a planner by nature, so not knowing is putting a kink in my plans. Now, I knew what I was signing up for when I got pregnant, but there are some parts of my personality that I can just not control!

As of today, I have 13 days until my due date of December 12th. I'm honestly hoping that I don't make it that long, but the likelihood of that happening, since I'm a first time mom, is very good. I may even go beyond that, even with the progress I've made already.

While I'm hoping he arrives soon, a little part of me hopes that he waits until December 12th and beyond.

Why?

Because like anyone else (I'm sure) that's about to become a parent for the first time:

I'm scared. I'm anxious. I'm beyond nervous.

I've read the books, taken the classes, done my new parental research duties... yet I still feel completely unprepared. I mean, you can do all the reading in the world, but the real life experience is never like the books. "Every baby is different" they say. I'm sure that's true. Every situation is unique.

At this point I'm trying to look at it as a "learn as you go" experience. As easy as it is to type that out and say it in my mind, actually executing that plan I'm sure will be entirely different.

My husband and I are bringing a little human into this world. Someone that we are fully responsible for. Someone that we need to raise to become a good person and a successful adult. No pressure, right?

People have told me that no one really knows what they're doing when they have their first child. Everyone does things differently and everyone makes mistakes. I hope that's true, but I also hope that we make the right decisions to help our child be the best person that he can be.

I'm nervous. I'm anxious. I'm ready for the challenge, even though I can't plan out every detail that I want to.

Book Review: Kate Vaiden

"Kate Vaiden" by Reynolds Price

SUMMARY from GoodReads

One of the most feisty, spellbinding and engaging heroines in modern fiction captures the essence of her own life in this contemporary American odyssey born of red-clay land and small-town people. We meet Kate at a crucial moment in middle age when she begins to yearn to see the son she abandoned when she was seventeen. But if she decides to seek him, will he understand her? Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award, Kate Vaiden is a penetrating psychological portrait of an ordinary woman in extraordinary circumstances, a story as joyous, tragic, comic and compelling as life itself.

MY RATING:

MY THOUGHTS:

I can't lie and say I loved this book, because I really didn't.

It had a really slow start and I didn't get into it until about halfway through. While it's well written, the style of writing just wasn't up my alley. Not getting into the book until the halfway point doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy the first half. Young Kate, in my eyes, was much more entertaining than middle aged Kate.

While I wouldn't personally recommend this book, I could see it being read in a book club or something. It would be a good discussion book. When reading it on your own I think there are a lot of points that could easily be missed.

Book Review: "If You Could See Me Now"

"If You Could See Me Now" by Cecelia Ahern

SUMMARY from GoodReads

Readers and critics alike adore Cecelia Ahern for her lighthearted yet insightful stories about modern women and their often unusual situations. In If You Could See Me Now, she takes that theme a step further, offering us a heroine who is entirely believable, and the new man in her life who is, well, slightly less so.

Elizabeth Egan’s life runs on order: Both her home and her emotions are arranged just so, with little room for spontaneity. It’s how she counteracts the chaos of her family -- an alcoholic mother who left when she was young, an emotionally distant father, and a free-spirited sister, who seems to be following in their mother’s footsteps, leaving her own six-yearold son, Luke, in Elizabeth’s care. When Ivan, Luke’s mysterious new grown-up friend, enters the picture, Elizabeth doesn’t know quite what to make of him. With his penchant for adventure and colorful take on things large and small, Ivan opens Elizabeth’s eyes to a whole new way of living. But is it for real? Is Ivan for real?

If You Could See Me Now is a love story with heart -- and just a touch of magic.

MY RATING

MY THOUGHTS

I have to admit, when I first started to read this book, I was a little weirded out by the idea of a little kid having an adult imaginary friend. It just seemed odd to me. As I continued to read, Ivans character grew on me and I began to see what purpose he was actually there to serve.

What initially was odd to me, ended up to be rather endearing and I actually came to enjoy the story. The book was a little slow moving at first, but picks up about half way through. Overall, I would recommend it.

****

Sidenote: I've been SUCH a slacker lately when it comes to posting about anything other than baby stuff. I have been reading, but I haven't felt like sitting down to write up reviews. My plan is to get a few more reviews up this week, as well as some recipes, a couple craft projects and some photos as well.

37 Weeks!

How far along: 37 Weeks 2 Days

Total weight gain: +19lbs

How big is baby?: The size of a small watermelon... yep, you read that right. I can't believe it either.

Maternity clothes?: Yep. I love pajamas!

Stretch marks?: Yep. I'm just trying to pretend they're not there!

Symptoms?: Back ache, hip ache.

Sleep?: Some nights it's fine, but others it's awful. I'm usually wide awake by 5am even on my days off.

Best moment this week?: My Christmas shopping is DONE!! My 3rd website went live yesterday. Breaking Dawn last Friday was awesome.

Worst moment this week?: Just being uncomfortable in general is no fun.

Movement?: Lots! Yesterday I think he was trying to bust his way out of my right side with his little feet.

Food cravings?: Sweets. I think baby has his Dads sweet tooth.

Labor signs?: Still at 3cm, but now 90 to 95% effaced. My OB wants to help "jumpstart" things on Monday!

Belly button in or out?: Flat.

What I miss: Sleep.

What I'm nervous about: Everything! I feel like I have so much to do, but not enough time to get it done.

What I am looking forward to: Turkey day tomorrow --- mmmm green bean casserole!

Milestone: Full Term! Baby N could make his big debut any day now.

Packed Up...

... and ready to go!

I have our bags for the hospital pretty much packed and ready to go. If I'll actually use all this stuff, who knows, but it'll be there. I compiled a list based off of lists from friends that have recently had babies. I feel like there's a ton of stuff!

There are a few things yet to be packed, like toothbrushes and my slippers, but those are easy enough to toss in before we go - granted things don't get too hectic!

So here's my mile long list:

Photo ID

Insurance Card

Robe

Zip Up Sweatshirt (2)

Nursing Tanks (2)

Comfy Pants (2)

Socks (3)

Slippers

Sports Bras (2)

Shirts that open on top (2)

Underwear (3)

Nursing Pads/Cream

Pads

Toiletries:

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Hair Ties

Brush/Comb

Chap Stick

Shampoo

Conditioner

Deodorant

Lotion

Facewash

Makeup Bag (even though I probably won't use it!)

Q-Tips

Hair Dryer (hospital doesn't have them)

Baby Book (for footprints and to write in if there's time)

List of people to call/text

Camera Bag (which adds a THIRD bag to the pile!)

Extra camera battery and charger

For Jamie:

Change of clothes

PJ’s

Toiletries

Money for food

Snacks

Phone & Charger

Laptop

For Baby:

Going home outfit (1 NB & 1 0-3month)

Hat/Mittens

Carseat

Carseat cover

Blanket

Diapers/Wipes

Burp Cloth

I know it's a lot of stuff and I probably won't use it all, but I'd rather be prepared I guess!

So all that stuff is ready to go - now all we need is, you know, for me to go into labor :o)

Mom and mom-to-be readers: is there anything I'm missing or shouldn't even bother with?

36 Weeks!

How far along: 36 Weeks 2 Days

Total weight gain: +17lbs

How big is baby?: OB estimated that he's about 5lbs right now. If I make it to 40 weeks she said that he'll likely be about 7 to 7 1/2lbs!

Maternity clothes?: Yep, but I can still wear some regular clothes.

Stretch marks?: Yep.

Symptoms?: Sore hips and exhaustion.

Sleep?: Horrible. I toss and turn a lot - which is difficult when you have a belly to toss around!

Best moment this week?: The progress at my OB appointment and finally getting some good info at the breastfeeding class.

Worst moment this week?: Nothing really.

Movement?: All kinds of it! He's been getting hiccups a lot lately, it's cute :o)

Food cravings?: I'll eat pretty much anything at this point. I'm just plain hungry all the time!

Labor signs?: Without getting too detailed, I'm 3cm and 70-75% effaced! I know that can mean something or nothing at this point, but it's still pretty exciting stuff! I think I experienced some real contractions yesterday, but nothing timeable.

Belly button in or out?: Flat.

What I miss: I could go for a beer!

What I'm nervous about: Finishing up work and school projects before baby comes.

What I am looking forward to: Breaking Dawn on Friday!!! WOOOO!!!

Milestone: Weekly appointments have started and I'm making progress!

For comparision purposes... it's amazing what changes in such little time...

35 Weeks!!

How far along: 35 Weeks 2 Days

Total weight gain: +14ish

How big is baby?: Baby is the size of a cantaloupe - about 17" long and 4 1/2 lbs.
 
Maternity clothes?: Yep, but I can still wear some regular clothes. Although, I must admit that I prefer pajamas and yoga pants these days!

Stretch marks?: Yeah.

Symptoms?: My hips are KILLING me. The past 2 days have been a little more bearable, but I'm still uncomfortable.

Sleep?: What's that? Sleep? I get enough to be functional, thank God for the nesting energy that has been kicking in.

Best moment this week?: The dining and living room are finally put back together after being a mess since May! All the big projects around the house are DONE.

Worst moment this week?: The S word being muttered on the news. S-N-O-W = bad.

Movement?: Lots and lots. He must be almost out of space though, because it's turning more into pushes and stretches than kicks.

Food cravings?: I can't get enough cheese and crackers this lately. I polished off 3 sleeves of Ritz crackers in about 4 days.

Labor signs?: Some braxton hicks.

Belly button in or out?: In, but usually flat. Sometimes it pops out depending where baby is.

What I miss: Sleep, walking normal.

What I'm nervous about: Finishing my class work before baby arrives.

What I am looking forward to: I'm actually looking forward to the breastfeeding class I'm taking on Saturday. I'm hoping that it will be helpful and I'll get good information.

Milestone: 35/35 was on Monday and only a little more than a month left! Baby has dropped. Weekly appointments start on Monday.

35/35

Today marks week 35 of my pregnancy, with 35 days left until my due date!

It's scary (and exciting) to think that November could possibly be the last full month where it's just my husband and I. Or if he comes early, October would have been. Yikes!!

He has already dropped down, but I've read that's not always a tell-tale sign that labor is on the horizon, sometimes it just happens earlier, meaning you're just more uncomfortable for a longer period of time. Fun!

I start weekly appointments on November 14th (at 36 weeks), and I'll know then if we're making any progress towards meeting our little guy.

He'll be here before we know it. I can only hope we're ready!

Lit Up

So my birthday was about 2ish weeks ago. The big 2-6.. woohoo.

Anyways, birthdays are nice because they generally bring new and exciting things!

My husband was sweet enough to set me up with some new camera goodies, and I'm pretty pumped about them. He got me an external flash and a wireless remote. I've played around with both of them a bit, and let me tell you - they're both great!!

So what did I get?

The Canon Speedlite 430ex ii

I've been using a Lightscoop for a quite a while now, and those still work great, but this beast will really help when it comes to taking all those baby pictures in the near future!!

Where the Lightscoop is stationary, this flash pivots and allows you more flexibility when bouncing your flash. Much more versatile!

I haven't had a ton of time to play around with it yet, but what I've seen so far makes me love it.

I also received an

Opteka Wireless Remote

For the price, it's totally worth it!! You can't go wrong with this thing at less than $10. I've used it a couple times so far and it really comes in handy when working with a tri-pod. For all you photogs out there, if you don't have a remote, I suggest checking this one out! I have a feeling this will also come in handy when posing baby for his photo shoots!

That's it for now! Thanks to my husband for feeding my habit of photography and technology :)