I am 10 weeks away from my due date. At times, I am very ready to not be preggo but others times, not sure I am ready for 2 babies!!! Well, a newborn and an almost 16 month old. However, it's not like there's any going back, so I better be ready.
I work part- time from home and that adds to it. How long to take off? How will I be able to manage it? One good thing is that I'm due a few weeks before Thanksgiving. My husband can be home more at the beginning, with the holidays. And, my mom's work slows down a bit too, so hopefully she can come over some too. And, my work slows down for the holidays (I guess, really, who's doesn't??).
Anyway, I know that God gives us what we can handle. When I first found out I was preggo this time, I was shocked, SO excited and slightly panicked. I have contstantly reminded myself that I can handle it. As long as I focus on God, I can do it! Sure, there will be moments of despair, crying, exhaustion, but it's all worth it!
Now, if I can just get that nesting part going so I can get some things organized....
~Jennifer
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Friday, August 24, 2012
Paci
To take away or not take away? That is the question.
I have gone back and forth and just can't decide. Back in March, I decided I would take it away. She mainly used it when sleeping but sometimes I brought it along on outings or to friends' houses, incase she decided to become very vocal. I did really well for 2 days then got sick. The last thing I wanted to hear was her crying for loooong periods of time, so I caved and decided it wasn't the time. However, I did decide that she would only get it while in her crib. Also, she had started to throw it out of her crib and I really did not want to get in the habit of going in her room every time she threw it out. That was the red flag for me to initially start taking it away.
Fast forward to today, August. Last night she threw it out of her crib. She cried for a few minutes and then laid down. Eventually (about 45 minutes later) she fell asleep!!! And, she really did just lay in her bed until then. I started thinking, is this the time?? Well, she woke up at 6 this morning (normally up around 6:45) and was just standing, staring at her paci. I totally caved and went and gave it to her. She wasn't even crying or anything.
When you really look at it, it's such a silly dilemna. And, the only thing really holding me back is that in 2 months, she will have moved to a new room, have a new sibling and her only "lovie" is this paci. It's the only thing that she really has used. I don't want to introduce a blanket at this point because it will be one more thing to get rid of. Sure, she would probably be totally fine if we took it away now. But, I just don't think I'm ready (yes, I'm being selfish). My patience is short these days and the thought of the crying for a few days ( I know, it's only a few days) really doesn't sound fun...but, does it ever? Plus, I think alcohol would help me in this situation....so, I will wait.
Last thought- the main reason people/drs say to get rid of them is because of braces. Well, let's face it: what kids don't need braces these days???
~Jennifer
I have gone back and forth and just can't decide. Back in March, I decided I would take it away. She mainly used it when sleeping but sometimes I brought it along on outings or to friends' houses, incase she decided to become very vocal. I did really well for 2 days then got sick. The last thing I wanted to hear was her crying for loooong periods of time, so I caved and decided it wasn't the time. However, I did decide that she would only get it while in her crib. Also, she had started to throw it out of her crib and I really did not want to get in the habit of going in her room every time she threw it out. That was the red flag for me to initially start taking it away.
Fast forward to today, August. Last night she threw it out of her crib. She cried for a few minutes and then laid down. Eventually (about 45 minutes later) she fell asleep!!! And, she really did just lay in her bed until then. I started thinking, is this the time?? Well, she woke up at 6 this morning (normally up around 6:45) and was just standing, staring at her paci. I totally caved and went and gave it to her. She wasn't even crying or anything.
When you really look at it, it's such a silly dilemna. And, the only thing really holding me back is that in 2 months, she will have moved to a new room, have a new sibling and her only "lovie" is this paci. It's the only thing that she really has used. I don't want to introduce a blanket at this point because it will be one more thing to get rid of. Sure, she would probably be totally fine if we took it away now. But, I just don't think I'm ready (yes, I'm being selfish). My patience is short these days and the thought of the crying for a few days ( I know, it's only a few days) really doesn't sound fun...but, does it ever? Plus, I think alcohol would help me in this situation....so, I will wait.
Last thought- the main reason people/drs say to get rid of them is because of braces. Well, let's face it: what kids don't need braces these days???
~Jennifer
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Write it down!!!
I am a HUGE advocate for writing things down. To do lists, songs, little pieces of information, and baby schedules. Mary is 13 months old and I still write down her schedule. Not every day, like I did the first 6 or so months. But when things seem to change or get disrupted, I start writing. I always think I will remember what she does throughout the day and it NEVER works.
Lately, she has been all over the place with her naps. We used to have a very consistent nap schedule; one morning and one afternoon. The past few weeks, she has only been taking one or the other. Sunday night, I was reading the very faithful blog that I read (daily) www.babywisemom.com and realized that part of it could be me. I haven't been sleeping that great lately, so I haven't been setting my alarm. She was waking up anywhere from 6:45- 7:40. Or as in waking up, when I would get her up. Seems like it wouldn't be a big deal but I do believe that wake up time should stay within a 15 minute variance. I started Monday morning with my alarm clock set and ready. And, my handy notepad that I have all of my notes in. I also started more a detailed schedule (which will be another post).
As I have been writing this week, I must say, it seems to be getting back on track or our "new" track (every time she gets a schedule down, a few weeks/months later, it changes). Writing down what and when she does things has helped. Monday she only took one nap. Yesterday she took 2. We shall see what today brings us. Some people may think it's silly or crazy that I write these things down but it works for us. I can look over the days and see a common thread or where things can be altered.
I highly encourage others to at least try it for a while and see what happens; it can't hurt!
~Jennifer
Lately, she has been all over the place with her naps. We used to have a very consistent nap schedule; one morning and one afternoon. The past few weeks, she has only been taking one or the other. Sunday night, I was reading the very faithful blog that I read (daily) www.babywisemom.com and realized that part of it could be me. I haven't been sleeping that great lately, so I haven't been setting my alarm. She was waking up anywhere from 6:45- 7:40. Or as in waking up, when I would get her up. Seems like it wouldn't be a big deal but I do believe that wake up time should stay within a 15 minute variance. I started Monday morning with my alarm clock set and ready. And, my handy notepad that I have all of my notes in. I also started more a detailed schedule (which will be another post).
As I have been writing this week, I must say, it seems to be getting back on track or our "new" track (every time she gets a schedule down, a few weeks/months later, it changes). Writing down what and when she does things has helped. Monday she only took one nap. Yesterday she took 2. We shall see what today brings us. Some people may think it's silly or crazy that I write these things down but it works for us. I can look over the days and see a common thread or where things can be altered.
I highly encourage others to at least try it for a while and see what happens; it can't hurt!
~Jennifer
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Back Pain
I have a bad back when I'm not pregnant. So, when pregnant, it can get pretty uncomfortable. I HATE to complain (except to my husband) and know that it's just part of it. I am always telling myself that it's part of it and you can't expect to be comfortable during pregnancy. I don't know- maybe you can and I just don't know about it? If so, please share!
Anyway, I read recently that with every good thing comes sacrifice. And that definitely is the case with a baby. The sacrifice you experience just makes holding and meeting that baby so much more special.
As for my back, I am trying to walk 4-5 times a week. Research shows that walking can help (I'm not sold on it, but I'm not giving up). I also stretch my back on a foam roller. I have tight IT bands (a whole other issue) and the roller seems to help some. I have this belly band thing that I am wearing as well. I have tried to wear it all day to see if helps...so far, ok. We also have a electronic massager, which helps a bit too. And the occasional Tylenol comes in handy. Other than that, I'm kind of out of luck.
I remember my back hurting a lot with Mary but this time it seems to be a bit more. I'm thinking that the constant 20 pound person that I'm toting around doesn't help the issue. Today, I have been trying to not bend over so much ( I had NO idea how many times a day I bent over; it's quite shocking. It's kind of like you have no idea what muscles you use to sit down to go to the bathroom until you have done a really hard bootcamp and are sore from that. Random? Yes.)
With that said, I'm off to roll out my back.
~Jennifer
Anyway, I read recently that with every good thing comes sacrifice. And that definitely is the case with a baby. The sacrifice you experience just makes holding and meeting that baby so much more special.
As for my back, I am trying to walk 4-5 times a week. Research shows that walking can help (I'm not sold on it, but I'm not giving up). I also stretch my back on a foam roller. I have tight IT bands (a whole other issue) and the roller seems to help some. I have this belly band thing that I am wearing as well. I have tried to wear it all day to see if helps...so far, ok. We also have a electronic massager, which helps a bit too. And the occasional Tylenol comes in handy. Other than that, I'm kind of out of luck.
I remember my back hurting a lot with Mary but this time it seems to be a bit more. I'm thinking that the constant 20 pound person that I'm toting around doesn't help the issue. Today, I have been trying to not bend over so much ( I had NO idea how many times a day I bent over; it's quite shocking. It's kind of like you have no idea what muscles you use to sit down to go to the bathroom until you have done a really hard bootcamp and are sore from that. Random? Yes.)
With that said, I'm off to roll out my back.
~Jennifer
Monday, August 13, 2012
3AM
I have been up since 3AM. My mind would not shut off. I kept thinking of all the things we need to do before baby 2 gets here. We did a little construction on our house and will be moving Mary to a new room. The baby will then take her old room. It feels weird saying "baby" because I still think of Mary as a baby.
Side note- today is her 13 month birthday! And, she's still not walking...I'm sure it's any day...even though I've been thinking that for months.
I haven't quite hit the organizing stage yet, but I do feel it coming. I think once her new room is complete then I will really hit the ground running, or slowly walking. Speaking of walking, I went on my walk this morning. I figured since I was up, I minus well use my time wisely. It was nice to get out and walk but I may need to cut the distance a bit while it's still hot.
There are lots of things to consider when adding another baby, so close in age to your other. Do you use a crib for the older? Or a toddler bed? A changing table or just a dresser? We are trying to keep costs to a minimum, so many of our answers are simple. A sweet friend is going to let us borrow a crib. We will keep Mary in her same crib and then the baby will use the friend's. Once it's time to return it, the baby can use Mary's and then she will be put in her twin bed, which we already have. We will just need to get a mattress for the baby's bed. I'm thinking more towards the dresser. That way, we can have it for a longer time. We also will be buying a second camera. We/I am kind of obsessed with the video monitor ( I have it on right now). We can buy a camera and then just use the one monitor. Our house isn't big and before we had Mary we thought we would be fine without any type of monitor because we would hear her. The first night we got home, we both looked at each other and said "we need the video". The next day, we had our first family outing to Babies R Us and Target (which I don't really suggest doing, in July, in Texas, 3 days after having a baby- it was a bit much for me!).
It's funny how different round 2 is. We still haven't quite decided on a name, drs appointments are faster "been there, done that", things that seemed important last time seem obsolete this time, and we are just so busy with Mary that the time really does fly by! When I had Mary I had to have nice, new nursing pjs for the hospital. This time, a t-shirt and sweats seem like they will do the job JUST fine!
We are super excited for 2. We don't find out the sex and that always leaves so much excitement to the whole experience.
Hopefully I will be able to take a cat nap today....or I will have to just fight through it (which is another thing I have learned since having a baby...you just do it. When I used to have a "cold", I felt so sick and needed rest. Not so much anymore). Part of being preggo and beyond.
~Jennifer
Side note- today is her 13 month birthday! And, she's still not walking...I'm sure it's any day...even though I've been thinking that for months.
I haven't quite hit the organizing stage yet, but I do feel it coming. I think once her new room is complete then I will really hit the ground running, or slowly walking. Speaking of walking, I went on my walk this morning. I figured since I was up, I minus well use my time wisely. It was nice to get out and walk but I may need to cut the distance a bit while it's still hot.
There are lots of things to consider when adding another baby, so close in age to your other. Do you use a crib for the older? Or a toddler bed? A changing table or just a dresser? We are trying to keep costs to a minimum, so many of our answers are simple. A sweet friend is going to let us borrow a crib. We will keep Mary in her same crib and then the baby will use the friend's. Once it's time to return it, the baby can use Mary's and then she will be put in her twin bed, which we already have. We will just need to get a mattress for the baby's bed. I'm thinking more towards the dresser. That way, we can have it for a longer time. We also will be buying a second camera. We/I am kind of obsessed with the video monitor ( I have it on right now). We can buy a camera and then just use the one monitor. Our house isn't big and before we had Mary we thought we would be fine without any type of monitor because we would hear her. The first night we got home, we both looked at each other and said "we need the video". The next day, we had our first family outing to Babies R Us and Target (which I don't really suggest doing, in July, in Texas, 3 days after having a baby- it was a bit much for me!).
It's funny how different round 2 is. We still haven't quite decided on a name, drs appointments are faster "been there, done that", things that seemed important last time seem obsolete this time, and we are just so busy with Mary that the time really does fly by! When I had Mary I had to have nice, new nursing pjs for the hospital. This time, a t-shirt and sweats seem like they will do the job JUST fine!
We are super excited for 2. We don't find out the sex and that always leaves so much excitement to the whole experience.
Hopefully I will be able to take a cat nap today....or I will have to just fight through it (which is another thing I have learned since having a baby...you just do it. When I used to have a "cold", I felt so sick and needed rest. Not so much anymore). Part of being preggo and beyond.
~Jennifer
Friday, August 10, 2012
Welcome!
Well, here I am. 6 months pregnant with our second child. Our first child is almost 13 months old and a true joy. When I was pregnant with her, I always thought of blogging. But, didn't get around to it. This time around, I thought about it more and have finally taken action (in my third trimester, but hey, better late than never)!
I am starting this blog to share all that goes along with pregnancy and beyond!
There is so much that goes into pregnancy and beyond. However, it is amazing how quickly you forget those things. In just the 13 months since Mary was born, I have forgotten SO much. I'm starting to refresh myself (on the good and bad) and getting ready for round 2! We shall see how it goes....in about 13 weeks.
I hope you join along on this fun, memorable journey!
~Jennifer
I am starting this blog to share all that goes along with pregnancy and beyond!
There is so much that goes into pregnancy and beyond. However, it is amazing how quickly you forget those things. In just the 13 months since Mary was born, I have forgotten SO much. I'm starting to refresh myself (on the good and bad) and getting ready for round 2! We shall see how it goes....in about 13 weeks.
I hope you join along on this fun, memorable journey!
~Jennifer
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