Advice Request:
We are planning to register next weekend, and the idea is a little daunting!
-What is a good resource for deciding what to register for? There are a lot of "lists" out there, but they all seem WAY too extensive. If anyone made a list or found one that was excellent, please share.
-What is something you didn't register for and wish you had?
How I am feeling: It’s crazy to me that I am
starting my 6th month! I feel
like I was just watching that pink line appear on the stick! There is definitely no hiding my bump at this
point and I definitely do not want to.
The weight gain is still a little bit of a mental battle sometimes, but
I try to remind myself that I am eating well (overall…minus a few treats here
and there of course!), I am working out and I am feeling good, so the weight I
am gaining it to keep baby girl healthy.
But ladies, let’s all admit that gaining weight (even for the miracle of
pregnancy and birth) is hard. Luckily I
have a husband who makes me feel beautiful! He surprised me on Valentine's Day morning with beautiful roses and a card with a gift certificate for 3 massages. We weren't supposed to get each other anything, since we are going on a trip this weekend, but he said he wanted to get me something anyway. What a guy, huh?
Here is what I look like at 24 weeks:
Baby movement:
Sleep does not always come easy for me right now. If I had one complaint about being pregnant,
that would be it. I have been a “stomach
sleeper” for pretty much my entire life, so the adjustment to sleeping on my
side has not been easy. I have been
using a body pillow, but lately I have had really bad backaches in the
morning. The nurse I spoke with
suggested putting a separate pillow under my stomach when I sleep to prop up my
uterus which can put strain on my lower back while I sleep because it is so
much heavier now. So far it’s better,
but when I put the pillow under my belly, baby girl thinks it’s time for a
major dance party! She goes nuts and
kicks harder than ever J
Don’t get me wrong, I love the kicking and feeling her move, but she is
kicking pretty hard and it’s not easy to get to sleep while that is going on.
Shout Outs
Thanks to everyone who advised us on possible
“babymoons” – especially Rachel, Jess and Jen for your comments! We are heading to Asheville on Saturday to
explore Biltmore for the first time as our Valentine’s celebration, and we just
bought a two night stay at a Bed and Breakfast on the coast. We are also thinking of making a quick trip
to Charleston over our track out. So we
are hoping to have a few “mini-moons” instead of one big trip.
Also, big shout out to Chad and Jared S.
for their help with the dresser! We are
so excited to have it home!
Nursery:
Speaking of dresser, the dresser is here!
Big thanks to Aunt Mare for her generosity
on this. The nursery is really starting
to come together! I can’t wait to get
the paint on the walls so we can decorate and really make it special for her!
Favorite Names:
I have started thinking of the baby as Lilly now, and not just baby
girl. I think part of it is because
Darren is already pretty set on it (and I love the name as well), but I also
like silently getting used to it myself to make sure it seems to fit her. I know it’s weird, but I want to make sure
she feels like a Lilly. So I am trying
it out! No promises yet ;o)
Labor and Birth:
We met with our Doula, Helene, today. It was very comforting to speak with her and
know we have a real advocate who will be with us during the birth. I am very passionate about having a natural
childbirth, and having Helene there to guide us through and ensure that our
wishes are being met will be so great.
Darren will be an amazing coach and advocate as well, but since he and I
are obviously new to this, we’re both happy to let an expert join us on this
journey.
What I am reading:
I have started reading through Baby Bargains, although I am
not reading cover to cover, especially since I accidentally bought an older
edition, so now I need to get a new one (oops!). I am also reading a book that Michelle loaned
me that details each week of pregnancy and what to expect. It’s really nice to have that to look forward
to reading each week as my pregnancy progresses.
Glad you got one of those "Pregnancy week-by-week" books. I remember it made me feel MUCH more empowered my first time through!
ReplyDeleteI've mentioned before, but in terms of registering, I STILL use babygizmo.com to choose products. Their "Buying Guide" helped me through both registries: http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Gizmo-Buying-Guide-Pacifiers/dp/1401603548
It's not a list per say, but it's a review of all the things you MAY want on your list (which meant it functions as a list too), and whether they're worth it or not. I pulled it out again when registering the second time. They do incredible reviews on their site of big, important things like strollers and carseats, and that's awesome.
In terms of what to register for, don't forget that she won't be a baby for long, all things considered. Sure, those first 6 infant weeks are going to feel like forever if you're not sleeping, but she'll be a year old before you know it! So if there's something big and expensive that you think you'll use in 6mos or so (like an excersaucer), register for it. Same with any cute non-infant clothes/toys.
Where did you decide to register?
Have fun this weekend! It sounds wonderful!
Thanks for the advice Rachel! I just ordered a copy of the book and I have been browsing the website as well. I think this will really help. I LOVE your idea of thinking ahead as well. It made me also realize that I might need 2 of certain things because we might need to give some things to our daycare provider since we are going with an "in home" instead of a center.
ReplyDeleteI think we are going to register at Babies R' Us and Target. Although I am still toying with the idea of registering on Amazon, since our families live so far away. I hate to have so many registries, but I want to make things convenient.
I really appreciate all your comments and advice so far! Keep it coming :o)