My daughter is 3 months old. Where has the time gone?
Actually, when I think about it, I know very well where the time has gone. I can remember weeks, days, moments in Coralynn's short life. She has quite a few milestones already:
getting newborn photos taken
visiting with Santa
smiling
shots at the doctor's office
loving her nightly tubby time
copious amounts of zoey kisses and kitty rubs
blowing out her diaper at the cop shop (we had to hold her up in the locker room shower to clean her off)
discovering her hands and shoving them into her mouth non-stop
two trips to Florida - flying!!! - to see Nai Nai and Ricky
seeing monkeys and tigers and giraffes and other exotics for the first time
putting her toes in the ocean
falling in love with 'blanky bear'
sleeping poolside
staying in a hotel
These are awesome memories for me to keep... and to tell her about in the future. I just thought I'd share...
I've got some great news! Butterball and I are soon going to be blowing up the airwaves to help promote our role on My First Baby.com.
We've landed one radio spot for sure, and it looks like another station is reaching out to us as well! Yay!!!
Although I have to admit, it feels a little weird for me to be referring to 'us.' That's another multi-person pronoun I'll have to get used to (just like when SFD and I became a 'we').
I'll keep you posted on stations and times as we secure our spots - thanks in advance for tuning in and supporting us!!
Also - I got an awesome shout-out from My First Baby.com's host, Jill Cordes, on her blog. You can read it here! Thank you, Jill, for helping a future mummy out!!
As for my pregnancy, here's my current stats:
I'm 30 weeks preggo which puts me at 7 1/2 months. I'm still feeling really good for the most part (yes, I realize how lucky I am), although I've noticed a few odd things cropping up in these later months.
One) I feel uncomfortable after I eat. Like there isn't enough room for the food so it camps out in my esophagus and makes my chest all tight. Ugh.
Two) My fatigue has returned. I'm lucky to still be awake at 9 pm to write this!!
Three) WARNING - Total TMI here: I'm a pooping machine. I understand some women suffer from constipation and the Big H's during their pregnancy. I am the total opposite. If human waste was good for manure, I could be running a friggin' organic farm by now. Seriously. Buy stock in Cottonell.
Four) SFD and I attended a 'labor experience' class earlier this week. While I feel much more prepared for what I'll experience prior to delivery (called the stages of labor), I've decided there is no way this baby is coming out.
Ok, not really (referring to the title) but today is the day of our baby shower!!! Yay - we're so flippin' excited!
We're having a Jack 'n Jill shower so SuperFutureDad gets to share in all the glory he created!! We rented out a couple of room as the Fargo Billiards and Gastropub so boys get one side, girls get the other, but it's all one open space so we can still interact with each other.
Punch, chips and salsa and bean dip, salad, pizza and cupcakes are on the menu - nothing extravagant but enough to keep everyone happy through the Vikings football game that will be on all the big screen tv's!!!
Yeah, this is really more of an excuse to get a big bunch of people together and party! And we can say we did it all for the Butterball!
My family is in town from Florida and SFD's family is all in from MN so we are so happy to have them all. Plus, so many of our friends are sharing this awesome day with us and we are sooooo thankful to them.
Finally, I bought a GORGEOUS dress for the occasion and am super-psyched to wear it!!!
I will post pics and more details once I get everything uploaded later this week so you can see more from Butterball's Baby Shower.
Until then... to catch up on what I've been up to in my 7th month of pregnancy (how did that happen so fast!!) have a look at my latest MyFirstBaby.com vlogs:
I've got to be honest. I've never seen the movie 'The Sound of Music.' I know it's supposed to be a classic and blah blah blah but it's never managed to capture my attention while scrolling through the Tivo lineup.
However, I do LOVE the sound of music. From country (Lady A/Jason Aldean) to pop (Gaga/Kris Allen) to rap (Eminem) to rock (Kings of Leon) to classical (Ravel), I'm never far from tunage. Pandora at work... Ipod while mowing the law... VH1 Top 20 Countdown during Saturday mornings at work... I can't get enough.
The best part of this is that I get to share it all with Butterball now. One of my favorite things to do with her is listen to music in the car and discuss the artist... sing a little bit... talk about the album and year it came out and what was going on.
We've covered a lot so far.
Pearl Jam - Alive
Miley Cyrus - Party in the USA
Lady Antebellum - their whole album
Lee Ann Womack - her bluegrass stuff especially
Eminem - Recovery
Default - second US-released album
Anyway... I could go on and on with the names of artists we've learned about together. Sometimes BB kicks like crazy (darn her, she's a Miley fan!!), other times I think she's already tuning out mommy. Like, "I KNOW, MOM. BUT EMINEM WAS SOOOO 2000'S."
Either way, it's a simple joy of parenthood I'm loving even before BB is born.
Hey y'all... after a weekend break to throw one of the biggest garage sales I've ever been a part of, I'm officially back to work. The sale was, thankfully, a success. We needed to accomplish two goals, a) make room for baby, b) earn enough moula to buy paint for butterball's room. I've already ordered fabric swatches from bedding I like to see if I can get a local store to recreate paint in those colors. Wish us luck!!!
Anyway, I have another article assignment I'm working on and would love your input. As always, please leave me your name and where you're from so I can include your statements in the article (unless you want to use an alias... which is cool... I just need to know you're choosing to go that route for ethics and attribution purposes). Cheers!!!
Question: When sports just aren't in the cards... what do you do if your kid has zero interest in sports??? (ie how to ensure they get exercise and perhaps how to deal with a disappointed parent who was hoping to raise the next Brett Favre) What's your advice???
We find out the sex of our baby/nugget/Butterball today and needless to say, it is ALL WE CAN THINK ABOUT!!!!
The most recent poll of what Butterball is, is more even than the initial tally. Early on, people were thinking 80% girl, 20% boy. But now it's nearly 50-50!!!! So who knows what we'll be having!!!
It's so flippin' exciting!!! Although, I admit I am still trying to wake up after we spent a fabulous night out with friends yesterday. Who knew going to bed after midnight would be a problem - I used to do that all the time!!! Welcome to my new life, I guess!
Well, we even made a video during last night's excursion and posted it on My First Baby!! Hope you'll check it out - and remember to 'like' it if you do.
Once again, thank you so much for being a part of our journey!!! It's so much better to share it with friends!!
I can't believe the moment we've been waiting 5 (long) months for is finally almost here! In less than a week, SuperFutureDad and I will know who we'll be welcoming to our family. It's just the most exciting thing to happen in like, forever!!! Ok, besides our wedding day. And when we got engaged. Well, it's one of the most exciting things that will happen in our lifetimes. I get to be a part of the Mommyhood!
So, I'm conducting a little informal poll - what do you think we're having? A Nugget or a Nuggette??
Cast your votes here!
Meantime, some other exciting things have been developing with baby. About a week ago I was lying in the dark just before bed and all of a sudden, BLURP!, in my belly. Did I feel something, I wondered? So I waited... and waited... then BLURP! That had to be it, right? That had to be our baby!!!!
But then... nothing. For the next couple of days it was like it was all dream. I tried to figure out a way to describe it to SuperFutureDad. I've heard it called 'the flutter,' 'bubbles,' 'swishes,' things like that. Here's what I came up with: You know when you're swimming in water when there is fish present? You'll be floating along, and then out of nowhere, a fish comes and skims your leg? It's like you definitely feel something brush against you, but it's diluted because of the water. To me, that's how Butterball feels. I know - what a weird description, right?? After those first couple of days of dormancy, BB has, for the most part, been jazzercising like crazy.
My favorite moment so far came last night. I was lying on the couch after another long day at work and stuffing my face with kettle corn. I love me some kettle corn!!!! SFD and I were talking about our days when WHAM!, Butterball goes karate on my bladder. I mean straight down karate chop! I kinda laughed and told SFD baby is either angry or as majorly in love with kettle corn as I am. A few seconds later, WHAM! karate chop to the bladder. I just pictured BB taking an elbow straight down - like breaking a board - except it's my bladder! WHAM! WHAM! WHAM!
Needless to say I got up to pee and that was it for BB. He/She stayed quiet the rest of the night.
SuperFutureDad and I are gearing up for our 20 week (5 month) appointment. I can't believe it's gone by so fast! I know it really hasn't when I think back to all that we have done and all that has changed in our lives and all that is different with my body.
This baby has traveled to Las Vegas and Belize, SFD and I have signed up for parenting classes, and in the last two weeks I suddenly have a BELLY!!!!
But at the same time all these changes were going on our daily lives had to continue - and what a blur that's been!!!
As it stands, we're still fairly unprepared nursery- and product-wise for Butterball. Although I have started a couple of registries, the big ticket items still elude me. There is so much changing technology and standards I feel have to be checked out that I can't seem to bring myself to decide on a high chair, car seat, stroller, etc. When push comes to shove, we'll have to decide, but right now I'm holding off pending consultations with friends.
We have picked out a crib, but haven't ordered it.
We have paint picked out if BB is a girl, but if it's a boy, we're at a stalemate.
We're signed up for parenting classes, but haven't agreed on a boy's middle FutureNuggetName.
All in good time, I'm sure, but since time seems to be flying, I feel increasing pressure to get things done - NOW!!!
ARGH!!!
First things first though - what are we having??? I have a feeling once we've figured out if we're having a Nugget or a Nuggette, other things will start to fall into place. I think knowing our baby's sex will motivate us to accomplish more... or, that's what I'm hoping.
So - What do YOU think we're having?? I'm hosting an informal poll and will post the results soon. I totally have a guess... but don't want to bias anyone.
There is new phenomenon spreading across the pop music and tween world. Beiber Fever! It's in 'honor' of Justin Beiber, some 16(?)-year-old Canadian singing sensation. His songs and dance moves are apparently taking the world by storm.
But there is another fever spreading across the F-M area where I live. BABY FEVER!!! Everywhere I go, I am meeting someone who is preggers or hearing about another couple who is knocked up. It's awesome!!! It's so nice to know that there are other ladies like me who are going through the same thing. And for the women who have been through it before and are on their second or third or fourth babies, the advice is invaluable!!!
For me, I'm still figuring it out as I go - and, of course, posting it here on the blogosphere and on My First Baby for all the world to read and see!! My second video is up and running! Thanks to Neaner for making a guest appearance... look for another episode with the two of us soon.
This week, I am officially 19 weeks (almost 5 MONTHS!!!!) preggers. I still don't understand where the time is going. I am feeling great (except for the occasional hormonal headaches which bring me to my knees) and loving the transformation my body is going through. I realize not all women enjoy seeing their body expand, but I was never a thin girl to start with, so seeing my belly grow with Butterball inside it has been a pleasure so far. Ask me again in a couple of months and maybe I'll have changed my tune - but I hope not!
SuperFutureDad and I have a TON to do, though. That's the only part that's really intimidating about this whole process so far. We have nothing picked out. Can't decide on nursery colors. Still don't have the house in order. Need to have a garage sale. The list goes on and on. We make a great team so I'm sure it will all work out, but thinking about all the STUFF that needs to happen before Butterball arrives is stressful!
Anyway, here's what BabyCenter says about Butterball's development in week 19:
Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.
Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.
Well - I've finally done it! I've completed my first video for My First Baby!
It's been a long time coming since I found out AGES ago that SuperFutureDad and I had been picked by Meredith Video Studios to be a part of this fantastic - and fun - project.
If you haven't visited My First Baby before, you're in for a treat. It's an online community where first-time moms and moms-to-be share their experiences on their journey toward the Mommyhood. The best part is, it's all video so you get to see people's cute little nuggets or you get to watch their bellies expand (like mine is!!!).
My introductory video is live so if you have 30 seconds (the videos are only between 30 secs and a minute) please check it out and leave a comment. I'd love to hear from you now that you can actually see what I look like carrying Butterball! Plus, feel free to leave me ideas for videos that you'd like to see in the future!!!!
And don't forget that some of the webisodes will be featured on a nationally-syndicated lifestyle television show called 'Better.' You can also follow 'My First Baby' and 'Better' on Facebook and Twitter.
OH! Before I go, I should also give you an update on where I am in this journey!
I am in my 18th week of pregnancy (4 1/2 months) and feeling great!!! My energy has returned. The headaches and insomnia have, for the most part, subsided. I can definitely tell I am gaining some weight - won't be too long before I need to move fully into maternity wear. I'm getting my exercise from mowing the lawn and walking to the pool and swimming. If I could swim everyday, I would - it's the best!
As for Butterball, here's what BabyCenter has to say:
Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.
For the past three days I have dreamed about chasing tornadoes, watching my dog get into a fight with another dog, sex, and myriad other topics. They are so vivid, I swear they are real. Even the hubs woke up to me one night kicking the blankets off like crazy (I was running!). I'm averaging about 4 - 5 dreams a night since getting pregnant with Butterball. Sometimes they continue even after I've woken up for a potty break. It's freaky!
Turns out though, it's totally normal and lots of preggo women experience vivid dreams. But why? Thanks to BabyCenter.com I found the answer. Here's what they have to say:
Dreams During Pregnancy
Many women report that their dream life shifts into high gear during pregnancy. Interestingly, during the second and third trimesters, you spend less sleep time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the cycle in which most dreams occur. Why, then, all those frequent and vivid dream memories?
It's probably at least in part because you may be interrupting a dream-filled cycle when you wake up to pee, cope with heartburn, leg cramps, restless legs, or a backache, or to shift to a more comfortable position. Waking up during REM sleep makes you more likely to remember your dreams.
It may also be in part that dreams seem so vivid during pregnancy because for most women pregnancy is a time of such heightened emotions — from joy to apprehension and everything in between — but no one really knows for sure.
Here's a look at some common themes and what they may mean, according to Patricia Garfield, a clinical psychologist and author of Women's Bodies, Women's Dreams.
You're caring for baby animals. During the second trimester, many pregnant women dream about cuddly, baby-like animals, such as puppies, chicks, and kittens. Friendly creatures in your dreams are generally thought to signify that you're tuned in to your instincts. Menacing animals, on the other hand, may represent ambivalence about the strange new creature entering your life.
You have a sexy encounter with an old flame. Many mothers-to-be are concerned about their changing figure and its effect on their sex life — while many others feel more sexually charged than ever. Both feelings are often reflected in your dreams. Not only do erotic dreams offer comforting reassurance, but they may mirror the sexiness you feel during your waking hours, too.
Your mate is straying. If you dream that your partner hooks up with an ex-girlfriend or a total stranger, it can signal insecurity about holding his love and attention through a time of great change. Right now, you're dependent on the goodwill and support of those around you, especially your partner. Fearing his loss is a common emotional reaction to being pregnant.
What did you dream about during pregnancy? Were they crazy? I'd like to hear all about it!
I think I've been really lucky. And I DO NOT take it for granted. I'm not just talking about the fact that SuperFutureDad and I are actually going to have a baby. A baby!!! I'm talking about my pregnancy journey so far.
Unlike some of my best friends, I have not had a terrible amount of nausea. I'm very thankful for that because it was really tough to hear and watch them feel so sick for, seriously, 9 months. Ugh.
But I haven't been without some side-effects. Here's a quick breakdown of what Butterball has been up to:
First Two Weeks (I found out within the first week of conception that I was preggers): Energy burst and extreme hunger. Like, every two hours hungry. But only for super healthy stuff. Carrots, cheese, almonds, fruit, granola. Yummy!
Latter Half of First Month and Second Month: Extreme aversion to meat. No chicken, fish, beef. YUCK!! This was really difficult to deal with because I had two trips planned during this time; Las Vegas (with the girls) and Belize (with the hubs). Needless to say, it was super hard to keep nugget a secret during Vegas but we told everyone in Belize because we were there with all my besties from high school! Love you guys!!!
There was also a lot of fatigue during this time. I became the queen of cat naps in my car, on the couch at work and in the living room chair. These areas have never seen so much drool in all their existence!!
Third Month: This is where things get weird. Like I said, I've been very lucky, but two of my side-effects have been painful and annoying to handle. Headaches and insomnia. I get pounding headaches about 3 times a week. They start with a mild but persistent pain on the left side of my forehead but within hours erupt into a crescendo of full-scale, wrinkle-inducing agony encompassing my entire cranium. OUCH! I end up having to lay down in a darkened room and trying to sleep it off, which can take hours. If I don't do this, I end up nauseous with major dry heaves. Nothing ever comes out, but the dry heaving leaves me teary-eyed with snot rippling from my nose. Pleasant, no? I think this is why SuperFutureDad hightails it out of the room when the "hwaph" chorus begins.
The insomnia is a whole other mess. Virtually every night I wake up around 3:30 and am wide-eyed for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. This is not a good thing, especially the days I have to work. The days I don't work, I can handle it by taking a fabulous cat nap. There is really no rhyme or reason to what I think about during these pitch-black hours and most of it I can't remember anyway. Although I do remember crafting a nasty letter in my head to someone (or something) that shall remain nameless. It was good, too!
This all leads me to my desires as I continue with my fourth month of pregnancy:
No more headaches!
No more insomnia!
Back to better eating - I know I need more protein so will vow to find someway to stomach meat products
Find a consistent exercise routine - I'd like to get back into yoga
Create a plan for how to prepare for Butterball over the latter half of pregnancy - nursery, finances, day care, registry
Enjoy this time!!!!! I am anxious to feel nugget move... I think that is the biggest step I want to experience next.
For your reference, here's a handy guide from BabyCenter.com on how Butterball is developing:
This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, his facial muscles are getting a workout as his tiny features form one expression after another. His kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth. He can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb.
In other news: Your baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (His legs still have some lengthening to do.) He's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his body. Your baby's liver starts making bile this week — a sign that it's doing its job right — and his spleen starts helping in the production of red blood cells. Though you can't feel his tiny punches and kicks yet, your little pugilist's hands and feet (which now measure about 1/2 inch long) are more flexible and active.
