Planning for Baby
The last time I was pregnant was eight years ago. I gave birth to my eldest in 2004. In the eight years since my last turn at planning for a baby, baby gear has come a long way and I am totally smitten with much of it.There are obvious tried and true products which have been updated for today's mom consumers and there are some new products that have me itching to try them and others totally confounded.Planning for a baby can be daunting. Add in a move across the Atlantic when you're 7.5 months pregnant and it's totally kicked up a notch. To quell some of my anxiety surrounding our up coming move, and the fact that I'll probably have to put this baby in a laundry basket when she's born. I've decided to write a series of posts concerning all the baby gear parents to be are faced with and whether or not you really need it. I plan on doing a "minimalist" list and the, "My House Exploded in Baby Gear Now What? list.Because it's been a while since I've done the whole baby thing, I've consulted my very large community of mom friends who have a bit more timely experience to share some of the newer products out there they swear by, I've not yet tried - but totally plan to.Today I'm going to share with you a few items I've purchased myself as I prepare for baby.Hair bows and ballet slippers. My priorities are in the right place. Who needs bottles when you can have hair bows? Am I right?Rumba Bloomers. So far I've purchased three pair. I think she's going to need some in every single color imaginable.The Tula Ergonomic Carrier - in Skyscape. I purchased this at the three month mark, because I couldn't help myself. This is one of the products I didn't use with my last two, which came highly recommended to me by about 50 mothers, and I figured they all can't be wrong. I purchase the print pictured along with the infant insert, because clouds are whimsical, and even though I didn't yet know I'd be having a girl, I wanted a carrier that was gender neutral.The stroller. I bought this bad boy when I was about two months pregnant. I didn't know what I was having yet, but I got a really good deal, so it's not the cute pink model pictured above but the black melange version of the Stokke Scoot Stroller. I've yet to purchase the Stokke Scoot Stroller Softbag but it's on my "to buy" list so I decided to include it.
Gender Reveal: It's A Girl!
I had a feeling this little one was a girl, turns out I was correct. We had a LONG wait to find out her gender because here in Italy (our military medical insurance) doesn't cover the early gender tests via blood sample. I did have an anxious month as some blood work for genetic abnormalities came back as being at risk for Down Syndrome. Thankfully, her scan showed no soft markers, though in circumstances such ask this, the only way to know for sure she doesn't have Down Syndrome, would be to have an amniocentesis. I decided against having an amnio preformed because regardless of what that test would reveal I wouldn't abort this pregnancy.My husband and boys and I feel so blessed we can't even really wrap our heads around it. Denniss is a little anxious about fathering a girl child. I'm perfectly confident he'll do just fine as he's an amazing father to our boys. Michael and Evan are super excited to have a little sister, and Evan is also excited to become a big brother.For years my friends would remark that we had to try for a girl. As soon as we announced our pregnancy all the well wishes started to pour in and the hope that this one would be a girl. I love my boys, they have been so much fun to mother, but I am excited for all that comes with having a little girl... especially the ruffles and bows.
All the stuff... Oh my gosh...
My oldest son Michael is 12 years old and my youngest, Evan is eight. I can not begin to tell you how much cooler all the baby gear and things seem these days. There aren't any really "big box" baby stores or specialty stores here in Italy where I can touch and see the items, but with the help of my friends I've managed to compile a registry via amazon.com.Amazon has been such a lifesaver for me since moving abroad. One of the perks of creating your own registry with Amazon is that once you're registry is completed you can a discount and if you're a Prime Member it's even larger. I definitely recommend creating a baby registry with amazon. I'm sure in the coming weeks I'll be sharing more of my baby wish-lists and things I've purchased so far.
For our gender reveal photo we used a giant 36 inch balloon. You can find one
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In case you were wondering, I'm wearing mostly H&M Mama and some stuff from their regular line.Shirt is A Pea in the Pod, similar one
. Skirt, similar one
. Cardigan similar
I love the lipstick I wore that day too. It's a new favorite, you'll find it
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We're Expecting! Gamer Pregnancy Announcement
Three weeks ago I shared this photograph on Instagram and Facebook, and earlier this week I thought I should make it "blog official". My husband and I decided our pregnancy announcement should focus on a favorite pastime of our two sons which is playing video games.
For our gamer pregnancy announcement I ordered the shirts off of Amazon and designed the graphic myself. I used iron-on transfers which worked great, but after a few washes they're pretty much done, I honestly wish I had one of those vinyl machines like a Cricut instead... but the shirts served they're purpose and I think the announcement turned out super cute!We've wrapped our brains around the fact that our third baby is on it's way.
My husband and I had talked about trying for a third for years but never really decided. God certainly did for us!
My boys are excited and I am savoring this pregnancy in ways I don't think I did with my last two. This pregnancy has been uniquely different because I've basically had all day "morning sickness" every day for the last 6 weeks or so. Otherwise I feel great and this last week the nausea is tapering off. I'm hoping this is a sign it will eventually dissipate. I appreciate the nausea and dry heaving I really do, because I know it's a sign everything is working. Being of "advanced maternal age" (I'm over 35) I was really concerned this go round so having this "sign" that all is well though exhausting and not ideal has been very comforting.
I'm presently twelve weeks and feeling a bit overwhelmed by how many cool new products are out there from baby carriers, to bottles, and strollers.The making of the nursery will be put on hold because we'll be moving back to the States either before or after this baby comes which has taken a ton of the prepping for baby pressure off.
Though moving from a foreign country (Italy) back to America will be a big enough challenge for me either significantly pregnant or with a newborn. It's going to be fun to share this journey here. I hope you'll join me.
Christmas 2014
12:30 a.m: Family arrived home from lovely evening with friends.12:45 a.m: Evan half-asleep attempts to make it to the bathroom, but gets nowhere. Vomits all over his bedroom floor. His father and mother clean things up. Mother has concerns the dreaded 24-hour bug that has plagued so many friends has struck. But Evan gave her hope when he said, "I feel good." With a worrying heart, the parental units put him back to bed.1:30 a.m: Commence "Operation Santa". Wrapping of gifts and general Christmas things occur in a less than Christmasy spirit.3:00 a.m: The proverbial "Witching Hour". Mother posts a very Christmasy photo to social media of tree with all Santa work complete. Parental units expect to be dreaming of sugar plums within a short period.3:05 a.m: Hopes are dashed when mother hears what can only be described as a coughing-gurgle-gag, coming from the children's place of slumber.Mother dashes in, turns on the light, and discovers a horrible sight! Poor sweet Evan, in his brand new Batman pajamas is covered in puke from brow to belly, as are his bed coverings. It's a view that would make even the most harrowing of Santa's toss his cookies.She called to her husband who was not so quietly snoring on the couch to arise and come see what was the matter!3:10 a.m: Evan is bathed and fresh smelling once more. He's dressed in his pajamas from three-Christmases past and snuggled up between his parental units and a bucket.3:25: a.m. Vomiting child.3:30 am: Child sleeps.3:35 a.m: Parents pretend to sleep.3:45 a.m: Vomiting semi-conscious child.Parents all but conscious lost grip on bucket.Sheets removed from bed.3:48 a.m. Parents actually fall asleep. One still wearing her spectacles.4:20 a.m: Vomiting child.4:30 a.m: Vomiting child.Parents fall asleep.4:45 am: Vomiting child.4:50 am: Child sleeps5:00 am: Parents sleep (sort-of).8:09 am: Elder child awakes. "Merry Christmas!"Mother explained preceding events of the night. Elder child tears up and generally freaks out over baby brother. Mother says, "Go see the presents, then go back to bed."Falls asleep.10:45 a.m: Sleeping, previously puking child awakes, seemingly "normal", asks about, "Santa".11:00 a.m: Family opens gifts.11:45 a.m: Previously puking child is given broth and crackers.Noon: Previously pretending to sleep mother prepares "French toast casserole" from recipe she scored on Pinterest.1:30 p.m: Three family members eat.1:45 p.m: Previously puking child now has other excremental issues.2:00 p.m: Mother & father sipping mimosas. Children are happy.Life is messy, but good.Merry Christmas!
Is Santa Real? I Told The Truth About Santa
It happened.My son asked."Is Santa real?"
At ten years old, I had to look into his sweet big brown eyes and tell him the truth.Except I got all teary eyed, and the words I'd planned to say when this moment finally came floated from my mind on gossamer wings. Then his brother needed a moment, he somehow managed to get himself tangled up in his soccer socks... I told my son as he sat, expectant, we had to "pause our conversation." I rushed upstairs to untangle his brother and my mind. Once he and his socks were sorted-could they possibly be any longer? My mind was still a muddled emotional mess, so I did the only thing I can do in these situations... I wrote.
Dear Michael,When we spoke earlier, you wondered why I started to cry, and it’s because I knew this day would come one day… I knew there would come a time when you’d ask about Santa, and I knew I would have to be absolutely honest with you.I was pretty sure it would happen last Christmas, and somehow it didn’t. When you asked today, it took me off guard because Christmas is still a few months off and I thought I’d have some time to prepare the perfect answer. You see, that’s the thing with being a parent, your kids often surprise you, and sometimes we need a few moments to gather our wits in order to really explain things. I know we talked, but then Evan interrupted us, and I feel I didn’t really get to explain it to you, and since I can always express my thoughts better when I write them down, I thought I should write you and explain…
Deep breath.
Here is the absolute whole truth about Santa Claus...No, Santa isn’t real, like you and me are real, but that’s because Santa doesn’t need to be real because Santa is the symbol for something great. Santa is all that Christmas is made up of, Santa is the spirit of Christmas.Over all the Christmases you’ve had, there have been many Santas in your life. Your father and I have lovingly picked out your presents, wrapped them on Christmas Eve, and filled your stockings. We’ve rang bells outside your window and made loud sounding footsteps outside your door. We’ve munched on cookies, and carrots leaving bits and crumbs on Santa's plate; so that come Christmas morning, when you’d wake, we’d get to see the wonder and excitement in your eyes and our hearts would burst with joy.We weren’t the only keepers of Christmas magic in your life; we had elves helping us too. Your aunts and uncles, grandparents, and other people who love you have all helped create Christmas magic for you. We wanted you to understand the real gift of Christmas. The magic that is Christmas, which is love, and giving from the heart. Simple moments like decorating our Christmas tree or writing Christmas letters to Santa.Michael, Santa doesn’t need to be real. He doesn’t need to be something tangible you can see. I know you're inquisitive mind has probably wondered about some of the logistics with Santa, but your imaginative side, the side that can create these awesome stories will see the importance of this secret. More importantly, I know in your heart you’ll get this. It may be hard to accept, I know it was for me when I learned the truth, but don’t let go of your belief in Santa. Keep him alive in your heart.We, your father and I, and everyone who has ever given you a gift with “From Santa” written on it believes in Santa. We believe in the love and magic Santa is made up of and we want you to continue to believe. We want you to keep Christmas in your heart too. We gave you the gift of Santa, because we knew one day you’d also get the important job of keeping the spirit of Christmas and Santa alive in the hearts of younger kids (and even some bah-hum-bug grown ups) by helping create the magic of Christmas too.Now that you know the truth, it is your job to help us keep that magic alive for your little brother and every other kid out there who isn’t yet old enough to handle this important responsibility. One day, you’ll be doing it for your own kids, and have Elves too, like we did to help keep Christmas magic alive.You are now a keeper of Christmas magic.Though this Christmas will be a little bit different for you, because you’ll be an elf too, helping keep the magic of Christmas alive for your little brother, you'll see it won't be any less magical, so please don't stop believing in the magic of Christmas my darling sweet boy. Keep it alive in your heart, hold the true spirit and meaning of Christmas which above all else is love and giving alive in your heart for all the Christmases to come, and Santa will forever be real.All my love,MommyP.S. You're probably wondering about Peppermint our Elf too...It's been tough coming up with all those mischievous things for him to get into, this Christmas I'm putting you in charge of making Elf mischief!
He was totally cool. He did get teary eyed, he said it was because, I'd never spoken to him that way... As though he "were grown up". We spoke of Jesus and how God gave us the gift of his son on Christmas. We spoke of St. Nicholas, and how the spirit of Santa was born. He's an amazing kid, and though I am a bit sad to see this part of his childhood come to an end, I know there will be more childhood lasts, and many new firsts. What an honor it will be it share them with him.I'm off to cry a little.xo Edit:Follow this link to read my post the year before... On Last Firsts & Believing in Santa
It's Tea Time with My Boys!
As I mentioned in yesterday's post, my boys and I had a "fancy" tea, honestly it wasn't all that fancy, I brewed a pot of tea, and served them in proper tea cups, but they considered it fancy business and I took the opportunity enjoy a cup of tea with my boys.
Earlier in the week I'd mentioned going to Tea when we make it to the UK they thought me crazy...
However...I think they're coming 'round.
Now I really want to throw a tea party.
Half Agony. Half Hope.
This morning I heard my boys whispering intently in their playroom. I waited a while until I went to inquire as to the topic of such debate and found them playing amicably. I inquired as to what they'd been whispering about and was told, by my five year old Evan, "We were working out our differences." I smiled and said, "Oh. Okay." Then went about my business. There are some days when you feel like you're failing as a mother and other times when you feel like you're doing it right. This morning I felt like I was doing it right.
Love & Hopexo