Hubby has been so awesome. Everyone at work tells me that I look so happy and unstressed and I give him all the credit. I joke that he allows me to be grumpy and whiny at home (and sometimes a complete mess) so that I can put my best foot forward at work. Kidding. But he's been very sweet and supportive and I really appreciate him!
RE: Pregnancy
-- So I can't say that I'm one of those women who ENJOY being pregnant but I don't detest it (well, at least not everyday). Just kidding. My body definitely has not felt "normal" or like it's in homeostasis. However, the joy of knowing that I have a precious being growing inside me makes it worth all the challenges. I love feeling him kick around, doing somersaults, poking around, having hiccups. I love dreaming (day and night) about what he's going to be like. So how many of you actually liked being pregnant? (honestly)
-- I've only worked out intermittently and it's showing but who cares. I just don't feel like it and besides I'm working hard at work. When I get home, I just want to be a bum. Hehe! BTW, since I'm talking about body I'll just mention that I have no stretchmarks (yet). I have gained the right amount of weight based on my initial pregnancy weight. This is great for baby but of course I'm already thinking about my post pregnancy workout plans.
-- I haven't had too many food cravings per se. Here were some of my food likes and dislikes. Dislikes: For a while there I couldn't stand eating meat but this has been better. I'm normally a sweet tooth but until recently I had no desire to eat anything sweet. OK, so the list is very short. LOL. Likes: sour, spicy and salty things. I was introduced to wasabi and soy covered almonds and I love those things. I'm loving potstickers (especially from Noodles and Company) with the sesame ginger sauce. Yum! I had a 5 day period where I wanted nothing but black beans and rice. I had a few weeks period where I wanted nothing but 3 soft tacos from Chipotle (very unusual for me because I'm not a big fan of Mexican or Tex-Mex food). I was craving corned beef and cabbage for a while but I had to get over it because I could not find corned beef anywhere.
-- Nursery is pretty much done. The colors are brown, beige, tan, ivory with green accents. I think it's cute but also practical. I think we have pretty much everything we need. Everything is set up. Some of which I did because I'm impatient. We bought the stroller (well travel system) a few weeks ago and I was so excited to set it up that I cut it out of the box and set it up myself. Hubby thinks I'm nuts. LOL. What can I say. I'm a woman on a mission.
RE: Delivery
-- I only want hubby in the room + our doula. I am in the process of creating our Birth Plan. I guarantee it wont be anything elaborate--just some ideas of how I would like things to go (if possible). I definitely want to deliver vaginally. When I asked my ob gyn about how I can reduce my chances of getting a c-section, she said to use the midwives service offered at the hospital. LOL. I'm still using the ob gyn because it's my first pregnancy and I just want to.
-- I'm definitely getting an epidural. I'm deathly afraid of pain. I hate pain. I'm a punk when it comes to pain. I know that the epidural may not completely remove the pain but I'm ok with it dampening it.
-- BTW, I've been thinking about how to do my hair for the delivery and post delivery time. I know I wont have time to spend hours washing, conditioning and styling (twisitng) my hair after the baby gets here. Do you guys have any ideas about natural hair styles? Right now it takes me a few hours to twist my hair and I wear it like that for a week (max 2 weeks). I also wear it untwisted for about 1 week. I've thought about flat ironing it but I figure I'll sweat it out during labor and I'm also apprehensive because I haven't applied heat to my hair in close to 2 years.
-- BTW, I've been thinking about how to do my hair for the delivery and post delivery time. I know I wont have time to spend hours washing, conditioning and styling (twisitng) my hair after the baby gets here. Do you guys have any ideas about natural hair styles? Right now it takes me a few hours to twist my hair and I wear it like that for a week (max 2 weeks). I also wear it untwisted for about 1 week. I've thought about flat ironing it but I figure I'll sweat it out during labor and I'm also apprehensive because I haven't applied heat to my hair in close to 2 years.
RE: After Baby K comes
-- Can't wait to meet him! Hubby will take off a week with me (right after he's born). I'll be off for about 12 weeks. We'll have tons of family help (from both sides). After I go back to work, we'll have family help until Baby K is about 6 months old. This means that we thankfully don't have to worry about childcare until then. Still not sure what type of childcare we will do after.
-- I'm hearing about all the post delivery stories and I'm a little nervous. Pain (did I mention I hate pain). No sleep. Don't expect much from baby. Fatigue. Helplessness. No sleep. Tied to glider. At least I know what to expect (kinda) so I'll be more prepared. Right?
-- Of course, how I could forget. BREASTFEEDING. My goal is to breastfeed for at least 6 months but we'll see. For now, I plan to only breastfeed for at least 1 month. Then after that I may introduce the bottle with breast milk. This may change after a few days of sleep deprivation and being tied to the glider. I don't plan to formula feed at all and haven't bought any formula. If I eventually have to I'd be disappointed but it wont be the end of the world for me. I have a lactation class that I'll be attending soon and I'll try to utilize a lactation consultant also. My goal is to not introduce the pacifier until after 1 month but once again if I have to before then I wont make a big deal out of it. These are plans that I have but I realize that the baby will have his own plans too :). When did you introduce the bottle? When did you introduce the pacifier?
-- WORKOUT: I already have my workout schedule/plan. I figure the best way to get something done is to plan for it. I'll let you all know how this goes.
Look at me, 2 post in 1 week. That's a record. LOL. Thx for stopping by :)
Please feel to leave your pregnancy ideas/suggestions/comments.
Mrs. K
Glad to hear that everything is going well. Honestly, I think the first trimester is THE WORST thing ever! I tend to forget I’m pregnant in the 2nd trimester and just tolerant the third trimester (it’s hard being so big and bulky!). If it weren’t for the sickness in the 1st trimester and the aches and pains in the 3rd (plus the weight gain), I could be one of those women who say they love being pregnant.
ReplyDeleteI did an ob gyn for the first two babies and now am trying out having midwives. So far so good. I switched hospitals too. Hoping it’s a more laid back experience this time around. I’m with you on the epidurals man! Those things are a life saver! One thing I learned is to allow yourself to feel a little bit. Meaning, when you are punching that button to feed more pain killers into your epidural, don’t completely nix the pain. That way when it is time to push, you can actually work with your body’s urges and your pushing time will be shorter and less exhausting.
Yeah, recovery after the baby is not really all that great. The nice thing is, you should be completely healed within 2 months and if you get post-partum depression, don’t try to tough it out. Go to your doctor and get help!
As for breastfeeding, use that lactation specialist. Even if it’s just to tell you that you’re doing everything right. They are awesome! Oh, and breastfeeding is painful at first. Use TONS of lanolin! TONSSSSSSSSSS. And always use a finger to help un-latch the baby. I introduced the pacifier on day one, but I really hate being tied to a breast pump (in addition to a baby), so I never really used bottles until I weaned them.
Can’t wait to see the post introducing us to the newest love of your life! Good luck with labor! Glad you’ll have a doula there. My mom has always been mine.
YAY!!! A boy!!! Congrats for the thousandth time. What a great and comprehensive post. We are on the same page with a lot of things! I cannot wait to hear your actual birth story and see your precious baby boy.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back!! I love the baby bump pictures. So cute! The best advice I can give on the whole birthing, breastfeeding, new baby plan is to be FLEXIBLE! Every single thing I said I absolutely didn't want to happen happened with Eli, but in the end he was healthy and happy and all was well. I ended up with a unplanned c-section, a waiting room full of people, and not being able to breastfeed him for the first 12 hours! But, looking back now it really didn't matter that much b/c he arrived safely. He ended up being a formula baby due to the late start on breastfeeding and I ended up liking it much better than being so stressed and confined. If the breastfeeding doesn't work out just be sure to wean him off slowly so you don't develop mastitis...it is VERY painful! I know y'all will do great! New babies are definitely stressful but I promise it gets much much easier. Just hang in there and y'all will figure it all out! Look, as much as Clint and I didn't like the baby stage we are about to do it all again so it can't be that bad! :) Be looking for a package in the mail from us. We are sending you a "baby survival kit" with all the things we couldn't have lived without when Eli was little! Good luck with everything and don't forget to post some pictures of your new little man once things calm down!
ReplyDeleteHey lady! Great to see you and baby K! You look great. I was one of those lucky women that actually enjoyed being pregnant, although I have absolutely ZERO desire to ever do it again. TEAM BLUE!!! Our son turned 3 last week and I almost can't remember our lives before he arrived.
ReplyDeleteHave you though about getting your hair braided? If you get it done soon, depending on the style you pick, it could definitely last for at least 6-8 weeks.
Good luck with breastfeeding. I was never able to produce enough, so we start supplementing in the hospital. I did push as hard and long as I could (13 weeks) and then he went to the bottle. We used the paci from the beginning. **shrugs** It's not a big deal to me, but I know some parents don't like them.
Great to hear that you'll have some help for quite a few weeks. By the end, I suspect you might be craving to have your little family of 3 be left alone.
All the best to you guys!
Nice update. I'm so happy for you and look forward to more details. I'm glad you returned to give us the latest. :)
ReplyDeleteMy little mama is almost 2 months and will NOT take a pacifier. I breastfeed and I'm thinking that's the reason. My breastfed son didn't hold a pacifier in his mouth either. She has drank breastmilk from a bottle a couple of times with no problem so I don't think switching back and forth is an issue at all.
Congrats on your boy! They're tons of fun. Its nice to be able to rough house! I didn't like nor dislike being pregnant, but I did enjoy it, until the very end. My pelvis [bones] were so sore and full of pain. Big baby+small person=sore pelvis. My goal was to breastfeed for 4 mos, but I lasted 1 month. I was disappointed in myself for my first boy (I have a newly turned 1 and 2 yo), but realized that my fatigue took over my body. I pumped. My boys used pacifiers and bottles. They weaned from the pacifier at 11 mos. Can't wait for more updates.
ReplyDeleteOh and recovery isn't bad at all. Rest like the doc says and after 6 wks...ease back into it.
Hey Mrs K! Great detailed post. Congrats on your boy!
ReplyDeleteI am one of those women who has enjoyed pregnancy although today is my EDD and I would like her to come now, although I'm not seeing any signs! I enjoyed the second trimester the most, as I felt my best, the bump wasn't to heavy and big and I could get about okay.
Your food cravings are similar to mine, as I went completely off sweet things, which for someone with a sweet tooth was very bizzare. I love all things spicy and salt too.
Hair wise I decided to get my hair done last week in kinky twists. I had to sit there for over 4 hours but I figured if I do it now, then I don't have to worry about my hair for the next 2 months or so. For labour, I'm planning to wear a headband to keep the hair out of my face and may even where a headscarf as well.
Don't worry too much about things, and like another commenter said - flexibility is key!
Wishing you all the best for the remainder of your pregnancy!
Ladies, thank you all for your very thoughtful comments. They were so helpful. I will keep you all updated and thanks for reading also :)
ReplyDeleteGosh thank you for the honesty...about being ready to have your body back...I would feel the same way I think:-) but I can't believe you are so close and congrats on the boy!! So fun!!
ReplyDeleteAwww a boy! How exciting. I'm sure you must be so excited to meet him. It's so great you'll be home with him for 3 months wow! I'm also looking forward to hearing about your birth experience and your work out plan. Josh and I are in the early stages of planning for a wee little one.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the upcoming birth of your baby boy! That's so exciting! Can't wait to hear your birth story! I'm just behind you. :)
ReplyDeleteYou know I am totally with you on not enjoying all the physical aspects of pregnancy :) but on a happier note I can't wait till your lil one is here and we can have play dates. Only a few more weeks!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on news of a BOY! That's wonderful and I hope the pregnancy continues to go smoothly! :)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear what you name him.
Good luck on all your planning. As you've probably learned planning and baby don't always go hand in hand but it's always good to have a base plan, right? ahah
I am very happy you'll be breast feeding and planning on a vaginal delivery. For me, I was not able to breastfeed 100% because of my slow milk supply so I've always had to supplement with formula but the primary has always been breast milk! That's the BEST for the baby.
:)
Didn't realize you were back, and I'd missed some posts! (Who am I kidding -- I blog sporadically myself at best :-)
ReplyDeleteSo exciting that you're having a BOY! Congratulations! I would be exactly like you if pregnant -- wanting to get everything in the house and ready to go ASAP (I'm weird because some days I think I might not even want to have a shower because I'm going to be so excited to get everything myself -- ridiculous, I know!)
It's a boy! Congrats! I bet you look adorable.
ReplyDeleteNatural hairstyle for delivery: corn rows or flat twists or just get braids put it.
So happy to hear that you will be offering baby breast milk! Babies need breast milk or formula for the first year so plan on pumping for that long then they can switch to dairy (or in my daughter's case coconut milk). invest in a good pump.