Dreaming

It is currently 3pm and I'm still struggling with a sadness and fear that I'm pretty sure are based on a dream I had last night. I hear it's pretty normal to have baby related dreams that pack a punch, and last night's was a whopper. Because it was crazy dream world, I don't remember all the details and I won't offer any interpretation because I don't believe much in that. I just feel the need to share what I do remember.

In the dream, I noticed that I was having a bit of bleeding. Nothing major, but definitely something. I had a midwife appointment scheduled anyway, so I decided to ask her about it then. Josh wasn't around, so my mom went with me to the appointment. At some point, I realized that the baby was coming now, three months early. I was totally freaked out. My mom was as anxious as I was. I was scared to death and sad because Josh wasn't there.

There really wasn't any more action than that. It was mostly just feelings and emotions. I woke up feeling totally full of fear and sadness, and they have left a lingering cloud all day. Perhaps it's the hormones that let the dream continue to impact how I'm feeling. Hopefully, sharing it here will get it out of my head!

Her Name - This is NOT a reveal!

As many of you know, Josh and I have decided not to share the baby name with anyone until after she is born. In reality, we aren't 100% sure that we know what her name will be. I have this book of baby names that I've spent quite a bit of time perusing and Josh and I have had several sessions of suggestions, most of which one of us votes down, but recently we have sort of narrowed it down to one name that we both like.

Over the last few weeks we have started calling her this name when it's just the two of us, and I've discovered that when I think of her, I think of her by name. It's really quite special. As her kicks get stronger, her nursery comes together, and I think of her by name, she really is becoming an important part of our life even though she isn't here yet. It just makes me even more excited about her arrival.

Now the tough part is not revealing her name in public! Since we've started using it fairly regularly, it's tough to not use it around other people. We've both almost slipped several times! Some of our more sneaky friends have started trying to trick us into spilling the beans. Let me say for the record...Stop it! :) You'll all find out soon enough!

**Here is a hint...it's none of the names on the cover of this book!**

Diaper Dude!

Luckily a friend of mine gave me two very cute diaper bags. One is a my favorite shade of green and the other is a functional white vinyl. I love them and plan to use them! Both of them, however, are very girly. Because of this, we decided to also register for a diaper bag that would be more universally functional for Josh to carry.

When doing some online research, I came across the Diaper Dude bags. This cool sack has sporty messenger styling (which a friend recommended because you can get into it while it is still over your shoulder in a dirty restroom where there is nowhere to set it) and lots of handy storage compartments.

I gave Josh the choice of colors and patterns. For some reason he turned down the skulls and dragons and went for a basic brown and orange!

An Amazing Surprise

I just got home from Virginia, walked into our future nursery, and burst into tears! While I was away, my amazing husband and friends, moved everything out, painted the walls the exact color I wanted, hung the chandelier, and put together the crib! It looks almost ready for baby! I am in shock! I am so blessed! How awesome! A very special Thank You and I love you goes out to Dan, Laura, Sarah, and Josh (of course)!
This is the light that was in our bedroom, but we decided to re-purpose for the nursery!

The walls are a lovely pale green, my favorite color! I hear there are custom linens on the way thanks to Laura's seamstress prowess!

I'll post better pictures later, when everything is all together, but I was so excited I had to share some now. These are ones I took with my computer camera.

The Monitor

Ok...I have to admit that when I first saw these video monitors out on the market, I thought they were ridiculous. Frequently when babysitting in the past I noticed that I rarely even used a monitor because the baby would usually let you know when they were awake and needed you! When I sent out my survey, however, several people said that the video monitor was essential or that they now wish they had a video monitor for their toddler, and it started to make sense to me.

I feel fairly strongly that I want to have a baby that sleeps well in her own bed with as little intervention from me as possible! This might be a bit difficult for me because, as some of you know, I am a bit of a worrier. I can see how being able to see that she is just fussing because she wants my attention, not because her head is stuck through the bars (insert any other paranoid parent feeling) would be helpful. Or, when she is a toddler and moving to her "big girl bed" how it might be helpful to see that she is reading a book in bed (which I'm sure is what's she'll be doing) rather than climbing up her book shel without having to go into her room.

So, for these reasons, I decided to register for a video monitor. I went with the Summer model because several of my friends recommended it and it is the Baby Bargains best pick. It operates on a higher frequency to limit the risk of interference by cordless phones and give it longer range and you can switch it to audio only mode for night time.

On a side note, I've also decide to register for an itzbeen. Like the video monitor, it seems a bit silly, but after a friends explanations, I could see how it could be very useful. This is a handy little device allows you to simply push a button when you've fed the baby, changed the baby, or when the baby wakes up from sleep and easily monitor how long it's been since this last occurred. As my friend explained, many parents think they'll keep a notebook and write down every feeding and diaper change, but that rarely happens at 2am. Then, when you wake up at 3am and wonder when in the world it was that you last fed, diapered, etc. you have no idea. I'll let you know if we actually use it and how useful it is.

The High Chair

Some wonderful friends have are giving us a full size high chair. It is my favorite style, brand, and color - free! :) We did, however, decide to register for a portable, convertible booster. I have had several people tell me that a booster style is the only high chair that they use. I can see how it will be very handy because it doesn't take up too much space, and is easy to take with you to restaurants and when you travel.

I've been with my sister many times when she has used this style seat with Jesse. She likes that you don't have to use the questionably sanitized restaurant provided seat. My microbiologist husband insists that all of that questionable sanitation is what will make our baby strong, but I wouldn't mind having a seat with a tray for her food and toys.This Fisher Price version received very high ratings on amazon.com, and I liked it's simplistic style and easy portability. It will also serve as a booster as our little girl grows.

Today's Midwife Visit

Holy Cow! Today's visit to the midwife was good, but a bit scary. She did spend more than time with me than last time, which was good. Everything with the baby seems right on track, and her size and heart beat are perfect, which is great!

However, part of the protocol for the 26 week visit is to discuss the signs and symptoms of pre-term labor. That is where the holy cow part comes in. It was a bit crazy to think that some babies are born this early. I hope and pray that isn't the case with our little one, and I have no reason to think it will be, but the discussion just made the whole thing really real!

I don't think I'll have contractions or water breakage any time soon, but I will have them, and it won't be too long. Ideally I still have 14 weeks, but there is definitely a chance it won't be quite that long. I guess I've never thought too much about her coming early, but it's totally possible. I was born two weeks early.

We've got to start getting ready!

Polls

As I continue to narrow down the registry, I need a bit more help. To the right you will notice that I have posted three polls: diapers, mode of transportation, and feeding assistance. Please cast your votes!

The Play Yard

A Play Yard (which I had always thought was called pack 'n play, but I learned that is actually a specific brand) was one of the baby items that everyone has said is "essential" both at home and for travel. As I've been thinking about it, I'm actually having a hard time deciding if I'll want it upstairs in our bedroom or downstairs when she first comes home! Because we aren't totally sure how we'll use it, we decided to get a "full functional model". Plus, Josh really liked the idea of having one that is "fully loaded"! :)

We decided to go with the Graco Pack 'N Play with Newborn napper. Graco is the Baby Bargains pick because they are "the best designed and least recalled". That seems like a good thing. They are also fairly affordable and light weight compared to some of the others. I love that the model we chose has a napper with sun shade and a changing table with diaper storage. It also has a bassinet level for the next step up and then is a normal play yard for when she is older.

As for color and pattern, we decided to go with the same design as our infant car seat. I think it is fairly muted and won't stand out too much if it is in our living room. It is also fairly gender neutral, so we'll be able to use it if we happen to have a boy in the future. I think it will come in very handy no matter where we put it.

The Stroller

Choosing a stroller to put on our registry was on of the toughest decisions because there are so many options. Several of our friends have the Graco or Chicco travel systems and like them, but in the past, I've found them heavy to lug in and out of the car and not super maneuverable. After checking them out, I decided that wasn't the way I wanted to go. So, Josh and I headed to Babies-R-Us (his favorite store) to check out our other options.

When shopping with my friend a few months ago, we discovered the snap 'n go concept. For those of you who are unfamiliar, the snap 'n go is a metal frame that holds the infant carrier. It is very light weight and easy to handle, so we decided to go with that for the infant phase. We tried several of them, which all seemed very similar, so we chose the Graco model to go with her infant car seat. It seemed really easy to fold and unfold, to get the seat into and out of, and secure once the seat is in place, so I think we'll like it.

For our "bigger kid" stroller, we decided we wanted something more "all terrain" that would be easier to maneuver over various surfaces. Several friends mentioned how difficult their standard strollers were over rough gravel and even grass. When doing some research, I discovered that the best "all terrain" strollers have three "real" wheels, with a front one that rotates. There are quite a few expensive models, which were tempting, but Josh really liked the look fo the Jeep Liberty Terrain stroller and the Baby Bargains book calls it an "excellent affordable choice", so we're going to give it a try.

We'll probably also get a cheap umbrella stroller for trips to the mall and such once she is bigger. These are very affordable, light, and easy to take anywhere. They will also support bigger kids.

The Infant Seat

Making a baby registry is hard!

A few weeks ago I posted a survey about baby stuff and was amazed at the responses. Thank you very much to all of you who responded! Someone suggested that I compile all of the responses and post the results here. Sadly, there was no general consensus. That would be too easy. In the end, I have had to take what people suggested, a plethora of internet research, info from the Consumer Reports Best Baby Products and Baby Bargains books (thanks Bob), and my own preferences and instincts and mesh them together.

I'm going to use the next series of posts to explain my choices and why I chose them. Starting with the infant car seat. In the end, it came down to the Graco Snugride and the Chicco KeyFit I've decided to register for the Graco Snugride. This one was recommended by quite a few of my friends. It is the Best rated by Baby Bargains as being "excellent, easy to use and install". It is also more affordable than the Chicco. One of my main reasons for choosing it is the carrying weight. I am not a strong girl and the Snugride only weighs only 7.5 pounds compared to the 11 pound Chicco.

Surprisingly, one of the toughest decisions was what colors to select. At first I really thought I wanted the Mickey Mouse version, but Josh was opposed, and I decided it was a bit dark and masculine. It's fairly tough to resist all of the cute pink and purple, but I know that as soon as I got it we'd have a boy next. Sadly, I couldn't find the car seat I want in the greens that I would like, so, I've settled for a nice pretty light blue and brown which I think is fairly gender neutral.

The Diaper Decision

Maybe I just have too much time on my hands now that school is out for the year, but I am seriously stressing over the diaper decision. Cloth or Disposable? Right now my registry contains both. Part of me really hates how wasteful disposable diapers are. Part of me loves how convenient disposable diapers are. Part of me does not want to have to do laundry every day. Part of me does not want to spend a fortune on something that just gets pooped on and thrown away. Part of me knows that I'll probably have to use disposable when she is in daycare. Part of me feels like I should minimize the environmental impact when I do have her home with me.

Josh is absolutely no help in the matter. His take on the issue is that he has never changed a diaper, so he won't know the difference. Whatever I tell him we are doing, he'll get used to and think that is the way it is. I think part of him likes the environmental benefits of cloth, but part of him doesn't love the idea of shaking off poop. Luckily he's not easily grossed out and will go along with whatever decision we make, which, in some ways is nice, but in others is not at all helpful.

Then, there is the decision of types. There are many different brands of disposable, but I'm less worried about that. If we go cloth, there are many different options. I think I prefer the all in one diaper and cover like those made by bumgenius or fuzzibunz, but they are expensive. Anyone have any experiences, positive or negative, with either? They also come in different sizes. How many do I need of each size?

I welcome any and all advice on this issue as I try to finalize this, the last real decision, on my registry.

We have a crib!

We have a crib! On Sunday afternoon, Josh had a man date to see Iron Man and I went to a friends house to go "baby stuff shopping". Some very generous friends have two little boys who are outgrowing all of their baby things and they were gracious enough to share some of it with Josh and I. Their contributions put us well on our way to being ready for baby Hall! We now have a crib, an exersaucer, a bouncy seat, a bjornish carrier, a very nice pump, and lots of toys. We left with the back of the CRV full of baby things. It is so exciting! I almost feel like we are ready for her!

Ok...I should not get carried away, we don't have a car seat yet, and I hear that is essential. Our nursery is still a guest room, but it is full of baby things too. We need to move out the guest bed, paint, and put the crib together! We are also still in the process of putting together our registry for the rest of those items we'll need. Thanks to all of you who responded to my survey and have given your advice. I've been sorting through it all and think I'm close to being ready to make the registry public.

Check 'em out.

My friend Star finished my photos incredibly quickly! They are great. You can find a sample of them out on facebook, or let me know if you'd like access to the whole group. Please ignore the ones where I'm making funny faces!

Movement!

Over the last few days Baby Hall has been moving around quite a bit. I tend to feel her moving most strongly late at night and first thing in the morning when I'm really relaxed. I've read that the rocking movement of me moving around during the day puts her to sleep, but when I'm still, she is awake! Luckily, it's not keeping me up nights...yet.

A few nights ago Josh and I were lying in bed and she was kicking up a storm. I pulled up my shirt so he could see my belly and we could actually see little shimmies in my belly when she would kick. It was super cool, but it really shocked Josh. He sort of screamed a little and said "it looks like she is going to come busting out"! It was so funny that I started laughing hysterically. Then, because of my laughter, my belly would surge up into almost a pyramid. It was so bizarre and freaked Josh out, which made me laugh more! We dissolved into something of a fit of giggling which must have soothed her, because she then stopped kicking!

This part, the feeling her move, is so much fun!