tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215409425875683592024-03-05T10:26:55.603-08:00How 'Bout Now?yes. now and forever.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321540942587568359.post-18240321803547643372011-03-17T12:13:00.000-07:002011-03-17T12:13:55.084-07:00ABCs...I stole this from the Lovely KB over at <a href="http://theclambroll.wordpress.com/">The C(K)Lamb Roll</a>. :) Thanks KB!<br />
<br />
Just a little St. Patty's Day fun that has absolutely nothing to do with St. Patty's Day. <br />
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<br />
<strong>Age:</strong> 33. Sometimes I forget and have to think about it. Isn't that sad? <br />
<strong>Bed Size:</strong> King. Love it. <br />
<strong>Chore you dislike:</strong> Vacuuming and ironing. Luckily my husband enjoys both of these. <br />
<strong>Dogs:</strong> Boomer was my childhood dog. He was the best. Lola is my mom's dog and she's pretty cool too. <br />
<strong>Essential part of your day:</strong> Snuggling with Brody<br />
<strong>Favorite color:</strong> prob pink. or maybe navy. <br />
<strong>Gold or silver:</strong> Silver, for sure. <br />
<strong>Height:</strong> 5’3″<br />
<strong>Instruments you play(ed):</strong> I played the violin in elementary school. Failed. Hated it. <br />
<strong>Job title:</strong> Academic Advisor/Orientation Coordinator<br />
<strong>Kids:</strong> 1, Brody, 4 months old. <br />
<strong>Live:</strong> San Jose, CA<br />
<strong>Mom’s name:</strong> Sue Ellen<br />
<strong>Nicknames:</strong> I really haven't had many. Not much you can do with Sara. LB calls me ST or swout (back in the day). Kerry calls me Shibbs or Shibby. Dee and Cari call me Sar. Joe and I call each other Marty. <br />
<strong>Overnight hospital stays:</strong> The first time I ever had to stay in the hospital was when I had Brody. My send was 6 weeks later for my gallbladder. 2 hospital stay in my entire life, all withing 6 weeks. Oh and they were two different hospitals.<br />
<strong>Pet peeves:</strong> chronic complainers/negative nellys (good one, KB), people who drive really slow even though everyone else is going much faster, people who make it seem as though their work lives are so stressful, though you never actually see them doing anything. <br />
<strong>Quote from a movie:</strong> “You said three casinos?"- Ocean's 11. Best.Movie.Ever. <br />
<strong>Righty or Lefty:</strong> righty<br />
<strong>Siblings:</strong> One older brother, Jason. <br />
<strong>Time you wake up:</strong> During the week, I usually get up at 6. On days that Joe takes Brody to daycare or is at home with him, it's 6:45. The latest I'll usually sleep on the weekends, is 8 or 8:30 and that's if Joe has already gotten up with Brody. <br />
<strong>Underwear:</strong> In the words of my good friend Erin "everyone loves a full panty". <br />
<strong>Vegetables you don’t like:</strong> zucchini<br />
<strong>X-rays:</strong> once, when I thought I broke my finger. And dental xrays of course. <br />
<strong>Yummy food you make:</strong> mini meatloaves. mmmm. <br />
<strong>Zoo. Favorite zoo animal:</strong> hmmm, probably the monkeys or penguins.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321540942587568359.post-50351578205965267912011-03-14T16:17:00.000-07:002011-03-14T16:17:52.698-07:00Going Back To Work...I went back to work shortly after Brody turned 3 months old. The adjustment was a lot easier than I thought it would be, but that's because I think I expected the worst. I wasnt excited about going back to work and leaving my little man, so I didn't think about it a lot. I had child care in place, but other than that I didn't really focus on maternity leave coming to an end. <br />
<br />
I really couldnt be happier with how thigs have worked out. Our child care set up is great. He's with Joe on Mondays (we call them Daddy Mondays), my mother in law on Tuesdays and with Miss Pat (in-home day care) on Wednesdays through Fridays. It's a really nice balance actually. He gets to be at our house on Mondays and Tuesdays, which is great for me because I get to just leave the house and go straight to work. It's also nice for him to be in his own environment. He's a baby that likes to sleep in, so that's a bonus for him too. I have left many mornings where he hasn't woken up yet. It's sad that I don't get to love all over him, but I love peeking in over the crib at him sleeping peacefully. <br />
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I love Miss Pat. She came highly recommended by my Mom's neighbor, who's little girl (E is 2 1/2) has been going to Miss pat since she was a few months old. They have the cutest relationship. I was worried that I was going to intrude on this and forever scar E for taking away her Pat, but it seems to be going well. I think E is coming around to liking Brody. Yesterday, she kissed Brody on the head and said "bye sweetheart" as we were leaving. <br />
<br />
Pat is wonderful. You can just tell that she loves Brody already. She has so much experience with kids and always has the most helpful tips to share with us. She can make Brody smile just by looking at him. I love that he loves her. I hope we can continue taking Brody to Miss Pat for a long time. <br />
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Of course Brody loves being with his Daddy and his Nana too. Those are great times that they both get to have with Brody. I love coming home at the end of the day to hear how much fun they've each had with him and just how cute and wonderful he was all day. <br />
<br />
There have definitely been some adjustments with going back to work. I get up almost an hour earlier in the morning, but I arrive to work at least a half an hour later than I used to. It's not just get up, get ready and go anymore. It's actually kind of nice to have so much interaction with Brody, Joe, and/or Peg and Pat in the mornings, but they can be hectic. Time flies with a baby. The evenings are the same way. When I pick B up from Miss Pat's, we don't get home until 6pm at the earliest. He often gets tired and hungry shortly thereafter, so we quickly try to eat and clean up before giving him a bath and a bottle. I love evening with my husband and baby, but I wish I had more time to play with Brody and relax with Joe. I'm still trying to figure out the best schedule for all of us to make the most of our evenings together. It actually looks like the time change may help us a little bit with keeping him awake an hour longer. Hopefully it stays that way! <br />
I treasure my weekends more than ever. Saturdays are family day. Joe doesn't work, so it's our one day a week to spend together, just the three of us. I love doing nothing, or doing everything. We usually don't make any plans and just let the day unfold. Sunday's are equally as fun, since I get Brody all to myself. I usually make a lunch date with a friend or spend the afternoon with my mom. Weekends are just like maternity leave except more friends/family aren't working! Hooray! <br />
<br />
Overall, I feel very lucky to have the set up that I do for our family. As much as I didn't want to return to work, it's something I had to do for our family. I am thankful that I enjoy my job and the people that I work with. I'm also beyond happy with our child care situation. A happy mama equals a happy baby and vice versa. I can honestly say that although it's been an adjustment, everyone is very happy.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321540942587568359.post-77134603739629933782011-03-10T14:44:00.000-08:002011-03-10T14:44:26.662-08:004 months<div style="text-align: center;">I've finally caught up! Brody is four months old, as of last Sunday. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73kChBlKpJWVyygsVU_W9lYwf5hSXOiwENvoi6hkEPFlegtdSdxz1fjMb2DdfsZp9rA8xz4AOKTIJpPWr2oTndxbNBPECFNE_UieGqmGke6kkDRmjAT7pcFW4peDikA6k8diOqkiS6KgF/s1600/brody+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73kChBlKpJWVyygsVU_W9lYwf5hSXOiwENvoi6hkEPFlegtdSdxz1fjMb2DdfsZp9rA8xz4AOKTIJpPWr2oTndxbNBPECFNE_UieGqmGke6kkDRmjAT7pcFW4peDikA6k8diOqkiS6KgF/s320/brody+4.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Brody loves to chew on his hands. </div><br />
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<strong>How big is Brody?</strong> We had B's 4 month well visit on Monday and he weighed 16 lbs, 2 oz. and measured 24.75 inches. He's in the 75th percentile for weight, 50th for height and 80th for head size. He's my little chunky monkey. <br />
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Almost all of his clothes are now 3-6 months with the exception of some 6-12 month stuff from Old Navy. He's quickly growing out of the 3-6 though. At the end of last summer, Joe and I bought a handful of sale stuff that he could wear this summer. However, we estimated that he'd be in 6-9 month when the weather got warm. He's quickly Approaching that size, so it better get a lot warm real fast, or he better stop growing so quickly. I prefer the former. <br />
He's officially in size 2 pampers diapers. We made the switch a week or so ago, and I actually think it was a little overdue. <br />
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<strong>Teeth?</strong> Still no teeth. The doctor checked and said it he will probably start teething at around 7 months. <br />
<strong><br />
What's he eating?</strong> B is now eating/drinking 5 oz, every 3 hours. We upped his ounces to 5 and even tried 6, but that was too much for him to have consistently. We give him 6 oz at bedtime, but during the day, he was spitting it up. We're also incorporate some juice to help keep that little soy baby regular. The soy can be constipating, so the juice will offset that. He's not a huge fan of the juice, but we can usually get him to take a sip or two a few times a day. I've tried both prune and pear juice. We talked to the doctor about solid, so we'll try out some rice cereal this weekend. <br />
<strong><br />
Sleep?</strong> He's still pretty inconsistent with his sleep. Sometimes he'll go down right away and other times he wakes up every half an hour for the first few hours. He seems to be having nightmares (is that possible?) where he's crying in his sleep and then wakes himself up, pretty upset. The other nights, he's a champ. Falls asleep and will wake up only once to eat. Those nights are obviously the best. <br />
<strong><br />
Personality:</strong> I'm sure every parent thinks their child has the best personality. Bordy is just so much fun and super easy going. Even if he's crying in his crib, as soon as he sees you, he starts to smile. he'll smile at strangers and even himself in the mirror now. He laughed for the first time at the little girl at day care. She was dancing and jumping around and he thought it was funny. He started to giggle more throughout the month, and will now laugh when we blow raspberries on his belly. He's super interested in anything that's around him. He looks all over when we're in a new place, checking out his surroundings. He's very curious. <br />
<strong><br />
New Developments/Adventures:</strong> Brody loves his hands! They are constantly in his mouth. If you take one hand out of his mouth, the other goes right in. He is very curious about textures too. His bedroom walls have a roughness to them and he loves to rub his hands over the wall when I change him. Also, when we lay him in his crib, he immediately reaches out to rub the bumper with his fingers. Not texture there, but he loves to touch it. He's been more interested in toys and loves having something in each hand. I've attached toys to his car seat and he often has a hold of one in each hand. Brody has a lovey that's a monkey and he loves him. We named him Marvin. It's actually amazing to see how much calmer he gets when we give him Marvin. He always holds him close to his face. If we let him, he'd sleep with Marvin over his face. Obviously, because of this, he does not sleep with Marvin. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiv_uIMmj8YPUqoQ2Cn4gKE-MOkt907suVo3mI4r6jJaOe3ZEVtrcKfV4nfFJjytd-zeVa-b4QYD_ajvDJA4BilZdvX9Aj7AmsAAnSmpAu_j1w_tgDyNy4CGk8SvwgbXAd6V6xkEyxbKz/s1600/marvin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiv_uIMmj8YPUqoQ2Cn4gKE-MOkt907suVo3mI4r6jJaOe3ZEVtrcKfV4nfFJjytd-zeVa-b4QYD_ajvDJA4BilZdvX9Aj7AmsAAnSmpAu_j1w_tgDyNy4CGk8SvwgbXAd6V6xkEyxbKz/s320/marvin.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
Brody has started rubbing his eyes when he's tired. I think it's the cutest thing. Usually it means he's beyond tired, but it's still nice to have a sign as to what he needs. <br />
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Brody started daycare, when I returned to work this last month. I plan to do a post all about returning to work. I'll just say that everything with our child care is working out great and I'm a very happy momma. <br />
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Brody is a chatterbox. He has lots and lots to talk about. He will just sit there and babble. He often wakes up and just starts talking to himself and he's always talking to himself in the car. It's the cutest thing. I have to hold myself back from taking videos of him doing this. I just think it's so entertaining. Most recently, he's learned to make high pitch squealing noises. He sounds like a dolphin. It's still cute.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy92wvp09GVXfUPRAIWXdTeOZClY-kQJgQVMGxFuEdVx-PcRghYHTqxMCnG0sSEZiF03B4iZc6v_dbBWVe1Jw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
A rather new development, just within the last week or so, is that Brody gets distracted very easily when he's having a bottle. If Joe walks by and says something or even sits out of sight and talks, Brody immediately stops eating and looks around for him. He likes to be part of the conversation as well. He prefers to sit near us when we're having dinner, and doesn't like if we both walk into the other room without him. <br />
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The doctor said that the most changes occur between the 2nd and 4th month and I completely agree. Brody has not only grown a lot, but he's learned so many new things. It seems like there's something new everyday. He's such a fun little boy. I cant wait to see what he has for us next month!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321540942587568359.post-28645450257328635832011-03-09T15:18:00.000-08:002011-03-09T15:18:13.294-08:00Pot sticker SoupI'm posting a recipe! This is huge for me. I never cook anything exciting, and rarely have any recipes worth sharing. I give full credit to my mother in law for this soup. I feel in love the first time I had it and now it's a staple in our household. It's super easy and super delish. You should give it a try.<br />
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<em>Ingredients:</em><br />
Frozen Chicken and Vegetable Pot stickers (as many as you want to eat!)<br />
1 T minced garlic (or less is you don't like garlic)<br />
Swansons Chicken Broth- size depends on how many you're feeding (32oz or 48oz)<br />
Baby Carrots (amount of veggies it to your liking. all chopped to bite size)<br />
Broccoli florets<br />
Snap peas<br />
mushrooms<br />
green/red peppers<br />
spinach leaves<br />
Green onion, chopped<br />
Sesame Oil<br />
Mongolian Fire Oil- if you like it spicy. Joe uses it, I do not. <br />
<em>Directions:</em> <br />
Saute minced garlic in med/large pot. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add pot stickers and carrots and cook for 8 minutes. After 4 minutes, add the rest of the veggies, except for the spinach leaves and green onion. After the 8 minutes, add in the spinach leaves green onion and sesame oil to taste. Stir and serve. Add fire oil, if desired. <br />
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It's so easy, fast and scrumptious. I much prefer cooking recipes where I can see what the finish product looks like, but I dont have a picture. You'll just have to trust me that this soup is totally worth it.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321540942587568359.post-38059150985101080682011-02-28T15:38:00.000-08:002011-02-28T15:38:14.176-08:00My Favorite (Baby) ThingsI have so many funny baby stories/adventures to share, but before I get caught up on the last few months, I thought I'd share some of my favorite baby items, thus far. <br />
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When I first registered, I put EVERYTHING on it. I gathered lists from a number of my friends with recommendations of "must have baby items". I then decided that I needed all of it. First lesson was realizing that there were only so many people that were going to be buying us gifts, so I should really only put the items on my registry that either: 1. I couldn't/didn't want to buy myself 2. fun things other would rather buy for us or 3. expensive items that multiple people could go in on together. People who are having multiple showers or a very large shower and/or a large family may want to put more items on their registry so there's more to choose from. I ended up taking things off of my registry, fearing that we wouldn't get the things that we really needed. In the end, we got almost everything we needed or ended up purchasing them with gift cards that people had given us. It all, obviously, worked out. <br />
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Everyone has different circumstances, so each mom will have different reasons for their must haves. Some people have bigger/smaller houses and live in different weather climates. I think it's still fun to gather lists from friends to see that kinds of things they recommend. <br />
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Here's are may must haves based on the last 4 months....<br />
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Car seat:<br />
We went with <a href="http://www.albeebaby.com/chicco-keyfit-30-infant-car-seat-romantic.html"><strong>Chicco Key Fit 30</strong></a> - did you know it's pronounced "key-ko"? I didn't! We really like it. A few people I know used the same brand and really liked it. It also had really high safely ratings. We got it from <a href="http://albeebaby.com/">AlbeeBaby.com</a>. I highly recommend this website. The car seat was much cheaper here than it was at Babies R Us (BRU) and had free shipping. <br />
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Pack 'N Play: <br />
I knew I wanted a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Graco-Newborn-Napper-Pack-Play/dp/tags-on-product/B003EGIGSA"><strong>pack n play</strong></a>, not only for travelling, but also because I figured that this is where he would sleep for the first few weeks/months. We picked the style that had a "newborn napper". I thought it seemed like a cozy place to sleep. He did end up sleeping here before moving to his crib, however, it seemed to be quite an adjustment going from the cozy cocoon feel to flat on his back in the big 'ol crib. He's since adjusted, but he wasn't thrilled at first. I still highly recommend the pack n play.<br />
Stroller:<br />
I love love love our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Trend-Single-Snap-Stroller/dp/B000BMKEVC/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1298929455&sr=1-2"><strong>Snap 'N Go</strong></a> stroller. It's absolutely the best invention ever. It's makes taking the baby anywhere a breeze. For those who don't know, the infant car seat fits right into the frame of the stroller. It's super lightweight and easy to push. One of my top three baby items, for sure! I also have the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Maclaren-Techno-XT-Stroller-Black/dp/B002YE7M8S/ref=sr_1_5?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1298934441&sr=1-5"><strong>Maclaren Techno XT</strong></a>. I got it on a discounted website for almost 50% off. It's kind of big, so we'll be using it more once he's able to sit up on his own. It'll be great for outings and travelling. <br />
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Swing:<br />
We went big on the swing and chose the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Cradle-Swing-Little/dp/B0018Z6910/ref=sr_1_4?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1298929632&sr=1-4"><strong>Fisher-Price lamb cradle swing</strong></a>. I'd been told by numerous people to get a swing that goes both back and forth and side to side, which really proved to be a good thing. At first Brody only wanted to go front to back and now he prefers side to side. We use this to get a nice fat nap out of Brody during the day. Bad habit, I know, I know. It's a sleep machine for sure! It also has different reclining positions and a lap bar with toys. <br />
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Bouncy Seat:<br />
I never thought we'd get as much use out of a bouncy seat as we do. We went with the <a href="http://www.target.com/Fisher-Price-Bouncer-How-Brown/dp/B003P96OIK/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&keywords=bouncer&fromGsearch=true&sr=1-5&qid=1298929971&rh=&searchRank=target104545&id=Fisher%20Price%20Bouncer%20How%20Brown&node=1038590&searchSize=30&searchPage=1&searchNodeID=1038590&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&frombrowse=0"><strong>Fisher Price Bouncer</strong></a>. We have two - one at my mom's and one at our house. Brody actually spent a lot of time sleeping in his bouncy chair when he was a newborn, so this thing was a lifesaver. Now, he loves to play with the toys while Joe and I have dinner or while I'm getting ready in the morning. It's an affordable baby item that I highly recommend. <br />
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Bottles, binkies, etc:<br />
We first started out using <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Playtex-Drop-Ins-Premium-Nurser-Newborn/dp/B001QC3CKG/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1298932682&sr=1-2"><strong>Playtex Drop In Bottles</strong></a> and used them for about 2.5 months before switching to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Philips-AVENT-Free-Bottles-Ounce/dp/B004AE3GH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1298932774&sr=1-4"><strong>Avent bottles</strong></a>. I liked the Playtex bottles, and had used them before when I was a nanny, but I got tired of dealing with the liners. I originally wanted them based on the fact that the liners were disposable and it cut down on the time it took to wash bottles. But, really I don't mind washing bottles. I do them once a day and it takes all of like 5 minutes. Plus, you still had to wash the playtex bottles. The avent bottles are wider and shorter. For some reason I really preferred this over the taller, skinny bottles. Call me crazy. I've also been using the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_2036576796"></span><strong>Avent pacifiers</strong></a>. We were using the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/NUK-Classic-Silicone-Fashion-Pacifier/dp/B000ROKDC4/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1298934243&sr=1-1"><strong>NUK brand</strong></a>, but then I tried the Avent ones and he seemed to not spit them out as much. <br />
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Play mat<br />
Brody loves his <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Luv-Deluxe-Musical-Mobile/dp/B003G2YUTQ/ref=sr_1_32?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1298933662&sr=1-32"><strong>Mobile Gym play mat</strong></a><strong>.</strong> My mom got it for him right before Christmas. Even at 6 weeks, he was totally into the lights and toys. Now he grabs on to the toys and "talks" to the animals. It's another top 3 must have for us. <br />
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Baby Carriers:<br />
We have both the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/BABYBJ%C3%96RN-Baby-Carrier-Original-Black/dp/B0009JOSNM/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1298934883&sr=1-1"><strong>Bjorn</strong></a> and the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ergo-Carrier-Black-Camel-Lining/dp/B0010PW3A4/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1298934911&sr=1-1"><strong>Ergo Carrier</strong></a> (borrowed). People swear on the ergo carrier over the Bjorn, but I think they kind of have different functions. I like the Bjorn better for littler babies, where the ergo works better for bigger/older babies. I also think that Joe would much prefer to use the Bjorn over the ergo. I have used each of them one time, but hope to get much more use out of both of them. <br />
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Other items that I love...<br />
<a href="http://www.childrensplace.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category_10001_10001_-1_133137_newborns_24101%7C132925%7C133137_newborn%7Cboys%7Cstretchies"><strong>Children's Place PJ's- Stretchies</strong></a>- we put these under his sleeping bag<br />
<a href="http://www.diapers.com/product/productdetail.aspx?productid=27465"><strong>Carter's Sleeping Bag</strong></a>- I tried everything...swaddling lasted all of a months. The woombie never took and the sleep sack made his arms cold. The carters fleece sleeping bags are my favorite! <br />
<a href="http://www.carters.com/carters/White-Cotton-Short-Sleeve-Multi-pack-Bodysuits/VM_111-271,default,pd.html?cgid=carters-baby-boy-bodysuits"><strong>Carter's Onesies (long and short sleeved)</strong></a> Kohls has the best deals on Carters' stuff<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Trumpette-Peewee-Argyle-0-12-Months/dp/B000VDF718/ref=sr_1_5?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1298933399&sr=1-5"><strong>Trumpette socks</strong></a>- we only have one pair so far, but they stay on so well, and they're SUPER cute! <br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pampers-Swaddlers-Diapers-Size-Count/dp/B00347AGGE/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1298933500&sr=1-1"><strong>Pampers Swaddlers Diapers</strong></a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pampers-Sensitive-Baby-Wipes-Count/dp/B001IPUW0Y/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1298933535&sr=1-2"><strong>Pampers Sensitive Wipes</strong></a>- B got one diaper rash early one when we tried to switch from these wipes. It went away as soon as we went back.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/carters-Carters-Puppy-Hooded-Towel/dp/B002IN6GG4/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1298934321&sr=1-8"><strong>Carter's Hooded Towels</strong></a> Are you noticing a theme? I loves Carters! These towels are much thicker than most hooded baby towels. I think they'll last longer and be perfect for the pool/beach as well. <br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/transaction/34481896"><strong>Onesie Stickers</strong></a>- I think these stickers are the cutest idea for recording your baby's growth through pictures. I get so excited to take B's picture every month. <br />
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I'm sure I'm missing something. There are so many great baby things out there. It's so funny to think about what you think must have and then don't end up using....and then the things you didn't think you'd want/need are your favorite items. <br />
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Another thing that I highly recommend is joining Amazon Mom. You can become a member and even do the subscribe and save membership where you have diapers, wipes or anything else delivered regularly for up to 35% off (15 off for joining amazon mom and 15% off for doing the subscribe and save). It's so easy and convenient. Diapers and wipes right to my door? Yes, please! <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/mom/signup/welcome"><strong>Amazon Mom Info</strong></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/subscribe-and-save/details/index.html"><strong>Subscribe and Save Info</strong></a><br />
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What's that? You want to see a picture of Brody? Ok, here he is from the other day. He's sporting his airplane overalls from his Auntie Nancy :) <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVv8fgbbgBOXfR-yvEfGHiQhwxtMUAZgdrWNJLJeah5Jq92QP7t8XIyVC0yZx7SQPJVlqB9IoA4cwqPcgJKtLT_RPxQbMgN7MjWEG_gpzMItnzXvy4hDReVNW31Gxe0N3oaywNepHltQ5L/s1600/Brody+15+weeks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVv8fgbbgBOXfR-yvEfGHiQhwxtMUAZgdrWNJLJeah5Jq92QP7t8XIyVC0yZx7SQPJVlqB9IoA4cwqPcgJKtLT_RPxQbMgN7MjWEG_gpzMItnzXvy4hDReVNW31Gxe0N3oaywNepHltQ5L/s320/Brody+15+weeks.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321540942587568359.post-31747398205489205262011-02-28T13:27:00.000-08:002011-02-28T13:27:40.605-08:003 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKj_8REJ23nyFoaZNMKTPOrrJLS7sMe_7XTBemhqXi3JXt6lPFg6qsfcLYjnDADixzmXNi0CA-QeJkiO4OC0jP-0f8JwGvhlWBd6aQ5X8ClO1AztCxPU5m9gNwe4-_81jvrxexOBFSQRT/s1600/3+months.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKj_8REJ23nyFoaZNMKTPOrrJLS7sMe_7XTBemhqXi3JXt6lPFg6qsfcLYjnDADixzmXNi0CA-QeJkiO4OC0jP-0f8JwGvhlWBd6aQ5X8ClO1AztCxPU5m9gNwe4-_81jvrxexOBFSQRT/s320/3+months.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Brody is 3 months old! </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">(technically almost 4 months at this point, but I'm catching up. Pretend I wrote this 2+ weeks ago, describing the month leading up to turning 3 months)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I think I'm going to start using a more standard format for these updates to keep things (and myself) more organized! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>How big is Brody?</strong> It's all a guess now, since he hasn't been to the doctor since his 2 month check up. He'll go back again in a few weeks for his 4 months check up and shots. I'm so anxious to see how much he weighs. My guess is that he weighs somewhere around 13-14 lbs. That's a lot right?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">He's wearing some 0-3 months and some 3-6 month clothes, now. He's in 3-6 months in Gap/Old Navy, although we have to roll the sleeves. He seems to have a longer torso and shorter arms and legs. Wow, that kind of made him sounds like a funny looking baby. He's not, I promise. Carters weight "limit" for 0-3 is 12.5 and although we think he's more than that, he can wear some of the onesies. Definitely not the pants! He's got a belly!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">He's still in size 1, pampers swaddlers, although they're getting a little snug. I see size 2s in our not too distant future. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Teeth?</strong> Nope, no teeth. He's chewing on his hands a ton and drooling everywhere, so we're prepared for one to make an appearance, but nothing yet. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>What's he eating?</strong> Brody is still on soy formula and eating 4 oz every 3 hours. He lets you know when he's hungry, that's for sure. Sometimes he can only manage to go 2.5 hours before he's ready for another meal. As suggested by the dr, we tried the milk based formula, to see if he could tolerate it. She said just one bottle would let us know. Well, he took one bottle and we didn't notice any difference, so we proceeded to feed him the milk based formula for the following two feedings as well. We weren't really sure how we'd know if he was ok with it, since our only sign before was that little bit of mucus/blood in his poop, and that only appeared maybe twice in 2 months. Later that evening, Brody had a melt down for an hour or so. We contributed it to the formula, and promptly took him off. I'm not really sure if it had anything to do with the formula, considering he'd had evening melt downs before, but we've been back on the soy ever since. The doctor said we could try again in a few months. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Sleep? </strong>Brody's sleeping patterns are definitely inconsistent, but he's gone some longer stretches this month. He went 7 hours between feedings one night, and 6 hours the next. He's gone back and forth between nights of longer stretches, and night with 3 hours stretches. Oh, he's also officially in his crib. Did I mention this? It's wonderful. Of course he's still having his daytime naps in the swing. I'll tackle that issue later. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Personality</strong> He's becoming so much more interactive. We have these little conversations that consist of "cooing" back and forth. He looks right into my eyes and chats away. It's fun activity that we usually do together after his bath. He's also becoming more predicable. We know what kinds of things are going to set him off, and what will calm him down. He's a creature of habit I think, and likes a schedule (like his momma). When he's getting tired in the evening he gets a little bit cranky. A bath will always calm him down. He loves his bath. But every night when I go to dry him off and put on his jammies, he smiles and coos, until I get to put his second arm into his PJs. Without fail. Every night. He's a funny guy. He cries and fusses until his arm is in, he's zipped, and I scoop him up. Then he's calm again. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>New Developments/Adventures:</strong> Brody has his first haircut this month. You might think to yourself, "hmm, that's kind of early, isnt it?". We didn't have any issues cutting his hair. It was growing in all funky and we thought, why not. Joe was cutting his hair, so we figured, lets just buzz Brody's as well. Basically we just evened it out. we perched him in his Bumbo chair on the bathroom counter and Joe went to work. Brody couldn't have been less phased. He was a total champ, obviously having no idea what what going on. He's such a good boy! <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Brody celebrated his first Super Bowl (and 3 month birthday) by cheering on the Steelers. They were not successful in securing their 7th ring, but we had fun rooting for them anyway. I take full responsibility in their loss, considering that I bought Brody a new onesie (second picture below) to wear for the big game, when he should have just worn his old one (first picture below) for continued good luck. Oh well...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<div align="left"></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321540942587568359.post-48186651492262750512011-02-17T13:55:00.000-08:002011-02-17T13:56:44.883-08:00Holiday GallstonesLet me just preface this by saying that prior to having a baby, I had never been in the hospital for anything. I'd never had and surgery other than having my wisdom teeth taken out. I've never broken a bone or even had stitches. So being in the hospital for the second time in two weeks was a crazy ordeal! <br />
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Here's the story...<br />
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Just before Christmas, when Brody was only 6 weeks old (to the day) I wound up in the hospital with gallstones. I had no idea that this is a common occurrence after pregnancy. I had never heard of it happening to anyone else and didn't come across it in any of my pregnancy/baby books.<br />
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I was fine the entire day leading up to when I went into the hospital. We visited with friends in the afternoon and then went to a graduation party that evening. We got home at about 8pm and settled in on the couch to relax. I wasn't feeling well, so I went to lay down in bed. After about an hour I decided to take a bath because my back hurt. Things just got worse from there. I had an awful pain in my stomach, right in the middle between my ribs. It was a sharp but burning pain, so I thought it may have been heart burn. Joe ran and got me pepto and maalox, but neither helped. At just after midnight I decided something was wrong and we needed to go to the emergency room. We decided that we'd go to the closest hospital to us, which is not the same one where Brody was born. Joe looked up the info online and said it was a 15 minute wait in the emergency room. I figured I could handle that wait- fearing that it would have been much worse and I would have been doubled over in pain among a whole bunch of weirdos. <br />
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Joe dropped me at the emergency room entrance and went to park with Brody. When I walked in, it was completely deserted. Not only was the waiting room empty, but there was no one at the front desk. I used the little phone as per the instructions on the wall and a nurse came right back to let me in. I answered some standard questions including when my last period was....eplying with "uhhhh, maybe January? I just had a baby 6 weeks ago". Joe walked in with Brody at that point and I was escorted back to a room. I had no idea what was going to happen next, how long I'd be there or what kind of tests I'd have to go through. I was talking to Joe about whether he should just leave me there, when a nurse stated that I'd at least be there for 3 hours while tests were being run. We decided that it would be best if Joe took Brody home, so they could both get some sleep. He did all my insurance paper work for me while I was hoked up to an IV and given some pain medication. They also took some blood from me. I then said goodbye to my boys and waited for someone to come in and talk to me. <br />
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A doctor arrived rather quickly and asked me a few questions before telling me that I'd be getting an ultrasound done of my abdomen. I was wheeled down the hallway for the longest ultrasound ever. The pain medication was working so I wasn't really feeling any discomfort. After the ultrasound, I was wheeled back to my room- which had a sliding glass door, like for a patio- to wait. Remember how I mentioned in the birth story, that it's not so easy going to the bathroom with an IV attached to you? Well, it's even harder when the nurse puts it in your right hand! <br />
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<em>Am I making this story way longer than it needs to be??? I think I'll just get to the important stuff. :)</em><br />
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Ok, so anyway- I think I fell asleep after I got back to my room, and woke up at about 6am when the Doctor came in to talk to me. As soon as he sat down he said "well, it's definitely a gallstone, so you'll have to have your gallbladder removed." He told me that I did have an option of being sent home with pain medication, although I'd eventually have an attack again, and have to come back to have my gallbladder removed, or I could be admitted that same day and have it taken out right away. I opted for the latter, thinking that I just wanted to get it over with and get back to my family. I also didn't want to have another attack and do this whole process over again. I was told that the surgeon would come in to visit me soon and that I'd be moved up to the surgical floor by 1pm. I texted Joe right away to let him know and then called my mom to tell her. After that, I did what every normal person would do- I posted it on facebook. Almost immediately I had a handful of people responding, saying that they or someone they knew had the same thing happen after giving birth. So crazy that I had no idea! <br />
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I was sent up to the surgical floor at around noon that day and hung out there for a bit. Joe had come back and was hanging out with me before I went down for surgery about and hour later. Funny story- As we were waiting in the hallway to go into surgery, we were talking to the anesthesiologist. He was actually the man I was picturing for my epidural! Where was he 6 weeks ago? Oh right, wrong hospital. Anyway, he was standing at the foot of my bed when all of a sudden he asks me to stick out my tongue. I do, and he gets this crazy look on his face and says "why is your tongue black?" I totally thought he was joking, and looked to Joe. He had the same look! I realized that it was because I had eaten so many of the chewable pepto tablets the night before for that "heartburn" I thought I had. I'd read online that it will turn your tongue black. The doctor immediately seemed relived but we all had a laugh over it. Joe even took a picture with his phone so I could see it. I looked like a <a href="https://my.qoop.com/store/Alex-Reznik-2db652d314184b4b986a8815405b8bfb2c9bee59/giraffe-tongue-qpps_717746427114974.LG.jpg"><strong>giraffe.</strong></a><br />
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A few minutes later, I was wheeled back to the operating room. I don't know why they didn't knock me out first, those rooms are scary looking! The anesthesia took effect quickly, and before I knew it, I was partially conscious and in a recovery room. That part is a little fuzzy, though I do remember asking the nurses if they did some lipo suction for me while they were in there. I remember joking about that beforehand, but I cant believe I actually asked them that!!!<br />
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Later I woke up in my room, where both Joe and my mom were waiting. That was kind of fuzzy too. I remember feeling very drunk-like and then falling asleep again. When I woke up later, I was much more alert. I was uncomfortable, but I had this lovely little button I could push for more pain medication. It couldn't be pushed more than every 20 minutes and I used it sparingly unless I wanted to fall asleep. I felt guilty being away from Joe and Brody, but I was getting some much needed sleep. <br />
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My hospital roommate was discharched that evening, so I had the room to myself overnight. The next day was a little uncomfortable, but still not awful. My mom, Joe's mom, Joe and my friend Kristin came to visit and hang out. I slept a lot during the day too, which was nice. The plan was for me to be discharged that night. While I was anxious to get home to Brody, I selfishly admit that I sort of wanted to stay an extra night. I was still in some pain and knew that I wouldn't be able to care for Brody the way I'd want to. I was scared to go home and not be able to hold him the way he wanted and be kind of helpless about things. I did end up going home that night, and everything worked out. Joe's mom said she'd stay with us, so we could both get some sleep and she'd care for Brody. My mom came the next day to help me while Joe was at work, and so Peggy could go home and rest. It was definitely tough being uncomfortable and not being able to do what I needed to do for Brody. But I was thankful to have the help of our family. <br />
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I healed a lot quicker than I thought I would. I felt a huge improvement each day when I woke up. By the end of the week, which was Christmas, I was feeling great. My incisions were a little sore, but I was feeling pretty much back to normal. <br />
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I didn't have any restrictions after the surgery in terms of diet, which amazed me. Apparently it's an organ that has a function, but at the same time, the body operates just fine without it. I haven't noticed any differences in my digestions, etc since the surgery. So amazing to me. <br />
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This was all such a crazy experience! I am so thankful to have such wonderful family and friends around to help us. I'm also very lucky to have such an amazing husband who really became a total hero for me. I love my little family. :) <br />
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No relevant picture for this post, but here is a picture of Body and his daddy. They definitely became even better buddies while I was in the hospital. It's one of my favorite pictures. <a href="http://www.carirenn.com/"><strong>Cari</strong></a> took this one too. <br />
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<div align="center"></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321540942587568359.post-71790568064700949212011-02-16T15:10:00.000-08:002011-02-16T15:10:01.297-08:00Two Months Old - Santa, shopping and gallstones...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioibE-Siiaer-Y3QO6icO1p4lSGxBvRN6RiKxMjslzwIIxPEWvfFMGpV1OH76vUO-EjVYJZ2Sav0GEtNKIms1QSBF1nq3Qlz7K5_Jno4oxvpVvjo7S0hxPyidX_azYgL_V3spzhog15p8Q/s1600/DSC00148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioibE-Siiaer-Y3QO6icO1p4lSGxBvRN6RiKxMjslzwIIxPEWvfFMGpV1OH76vUO-EjVYJZ2Sav0GEtNKIms1QSBF1nq3Qlz7K5_Jno4oxvpVvjo7S0hxPyidX_azYgL_V3spzhog15p8Q/s320/DSC00148.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Brody is two months old! </strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>At his two month appointment, Brody weighed 11 lbs, 8ozs. He also got his first shots, which were not fun. He did ok. I also did ok. His band aids fell off, however and there was blood all over his blanket and my hand. Freaked me out, but everything was fine. He got new snoopy band aids and we moved on. He passed out on the way home, and by midnight, he seemed to not even have any tenderness in his legs. He started wearing wearing his 0-3 clothing at about 6 weeks with the exception of a few newborn outfits. He's in size 1 pampers swaddlers diapers. This boy has big feet, though. He fits into all 0-3 size baby shoes and is quickly outgrowing his socks. <br />
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Lots of fun things happened in the last month. The Holiday season was in full swing, so we decided to take Brody to the mall to meet Santa. We went on a Monday afternoon, so it was very quiet and no line at all. Santa was very friendly and great with Brody. Even though Brody was sleeping, we got some great pictures. Santa recommended that they take a picture where he's also sleeping and it came out so great. We got lots of compliments. I had already ordered our Christmas cards, but if I hadn't, this picture would have been used for sure!<br />
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Brody also got to attend his first Christmas Party for his Daddy's work. He slept most of the time, but also got some love from a few work friends. He also visited my work a few times and got lots of attention from both my co workers and the students. <br />
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December was a pretty nice month, weather wise, so we were able to get out and about. We did some Christmas shopping, lunched with friends and had outings with Daddy. It was so nice to have time during the holidays. We went on a lot neighborhood walks. For the most part Brody falls asleep right away when we got on a walk- just like he does in the car, but at least he seems to enjoy getting out. <br />
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When Brody was 6 weeks old, I had emergency gallbladder surgery. He spent one night with just his Daddy and the next two days and nights with his Nana (Joe's mom) and Nan (my mom) helping out. I missed him terribly, but everything worked out. It was a crazy time and one that will be detailed in my next post, so stay tuned. <br />
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I healed rather quickly from my surgery, so Christmas was not disrupted at all. We kept most of the same traditions that we've done for the last few years and added some new ones. Brody enjoyed his first Christmas Eve breakfast with my family and family friends and enjoyed Christmas Eve dinner at Frankie Johnny and Luigi's with my family again that evening. We decided now that we're our own little family, we want to start celebrating Christmas morning at our house. We used to go to my mom's for brunch, but now she comes to us. Brody got a fun play mat, that he actually seems to enjoy as well as a bumbo seat. He has lots of fun things to try out. We spent Christmas Day at Joe's Aunt and Uncles house with the rest of his family. It's a great group to hang out with, so we all had a lot of fun. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMj39oPe6rGIIugBGckJRwHBRuNzLqwrVzuzhLHJoUSVDn6LsL-DogzWotz5bSDOxy0Y_REtmdwZTVPMKCMrx9InVAGFCXydUdJS4HFrap2q46LGlos5XH03DF5uaUQVL24LiNVU2gTuws/s1600/DSC00107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMj39oPe6rGIIugBGckJRwHBRuNzLqwrVzuzhLHJoUSVDn6LsL-DogzWotz5bSDOxy0Y_REtmdwZTVPMKCMrx9InVAGFCXydUdJS4HFrap2q46LGlos5XH03DF5uaUQVL24LiNVU2gTuws/s320/DSC00107.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSYQFJ1bl9S2G8H2MEyHAYwlXGJ1hqmwFTtqijaIpvuHtUfo5H7jQiMQQeRROjfWtXsjhLOzHDZGqV7-LCJgl6PcUbuJvtr_h7-EX-6U9R804r30PuqrTfAehkuTDNf3BaTpVM2K5B3ka/s1600/DSC00125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSYQFJ1bl9S2G8H2MEyHAYwlXGJ1hqmwFTtqijaIpvuHtUfo5H7jQiMQQeRROjfWtXsjhLOzHDZGqV7-LCJgl6PcUbuJvtr_h7-EX-6U9R804r30PuqrTfAehkuTDNf3BaTpVM2K5B3ka/s320/DSC00125.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>The Monday after Christmas, we went to the doctor and ended up putting Brody on soy formula. I guess his little tummy was having problems digesting the milk proteins. My brother had a milk allergy as a child and so did Joe, so I guess we passed it on. He's been great on the new formula. Prior to switching, he was having a few meltdowns at night and he no longer has those. I'm guessing the regular formula was just upsetting his belly. Now he seems much happier and appears to even be gaining more weight! Hooray for chunky babies. <br />
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Cari and Steve arrived just a few days after Christmas to visit with us for the week. Brody had such a great time with them loving all over him. I think he definitely reinforced their baby fever! We headed up north to the family cabin to celebrate New Year's Eve and Cari's birthday. Lots of fun was had by all. It was a very low key weekend with lots of snacks, wii and card playing and SNOW! The snow was a major surprise to us. We were up late playing the wii when Joe looked outside and noticed what he thought was snow. He called over the east coast experts who confirmed that it was in fact snow! We figured it would be gone by morning, but there was even more when we woke up. It was so beautiful. Cari and Steve may not have thought so considering that they'd just left a blizzard, but Joe and I were in heaven. It has snowed at the cabin before, but not since 2001. I thought it was a great way to start off 2011!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RGLd2SjN_SfLX0fR_GhVclgl3DtAXPb3EaugnU58UmAv388xtF_ANPYMOb0hdIIM6RDW_fsUW39WplgM1ho7Ph6KPPQUub7bxW-zFsdPQ8sQ8eUVysC-tlP0YXLpABKScUxEaeC-PWNp/s1600/snow+bear+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RGLd2SjN_SfLX0fR_GhVclgl3DtAXPb3EaugnU58UmAv388xtF_ANPYMOb0hdIIM6RDW_fsUW39WplgM1ho7Ph6KPPQUub7bxW-zFsdPQ8sQ8eUVysC-tlP0YXLpABKScUxEaeC-PWNp/s320/snow+bear+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Brody is no longer sleeping in the hallway! Hooray! When Cari and Steve came to visit, we had them stay in Brody's room, so we moved Brody to the pack 'n play in the family room. It had both a changer and a "newborn napper" so it was multi functioning. He took to the napper really well, and has been sleeping great.<br />
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Cari did a little photo shoot the day before she had to head back home. The pictures came out amazing! She's really talented and just keeps getting better and better. Thank you so much, Cari for such stunning photos of our little monkey. Here are a few pictures from his 2 month photo shoot. Check them out and then check out more of Cari's work <a href="http://96.30.18.91/~carirenn/"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong><br />
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December was a great month. Our holidays were wonderful and we loved visiting with our out of town guests! Only a few more weeks of maternity leave left. :(Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321540942587568359.post-65029422757941184162011-02-15T10:02:00.000-08:002011-02-15T10:02:53.902-08:00One Month!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbZwJiB9-w_tg-Hw4xk4oh37tyS-IqVoDVTYnggn2bT1QUi7O9iB1PNa6-zI0_OSQAQrrdxRHkrKMgv7RmUklyYGx27oXuqMwNWgeoQuFmIiEGOcagSGtnv2HyGkdhsTuHwepU4bqerH6/s1600/1+month.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbZwJiB9-w_tg-Hw4xk4oh37tyS-IqVoDVTYnggn2bT1QUi7O9iB1PNa6-zI0_OSQAQrrdxRHkrKMgv7RmUklyYGx27oXuqMwNWgeoQuFmIiEGOcagSGtnv2HyGkdhsTuHwepU4bqerH6/s320/1+month.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Brody is one month old! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Technically he's now 3 months old, but I'm starting at the beginning. I'll catch up- eventually)</div><br />
So much has happened in the last 4 weeks! We brought Brody home from the hospital with a little bit of jaundice. We were told to put him in the sun as much as we could to try to get rid of the bilirubin. He actually enjoyed sunbathing.<br />
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He went to the doctor twice in the first two weeks. Both times were to check on his jaundice. His levels were low the first day, but the pediatrician still recommended he come in two days later to be checked again. We continued to lay him in the sun and by the end of the week, the jaundice was gone.<br />
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Brody definitely lost weight in the first few days. He was born at 6lbs, 7ozs and weighed in at just over 5 1/2 lbs during his first week. The doctor wasn't concerned, so we tried not to be as well. Needless to say, he's a pipsqueek that will be in newborn clothes for a while. Even some of the newborn stuff is too small for him. He's also in the newborn size pampers diapers and probably will be for a while. <br />
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I nursed Brody for ten days, before realizing that it wasn't working for us. We went to formula, and Brody took to it like a champ. We're using Enfamil Newborn formula and feed him 3ozs every 3 hours. Our little monkey (that's what I call him) is also a fan of the pacifier. We're calling them binkies or binks. He took to the Nuk brand moreso than the soothie one that the hospital gave us. They look so big on his little face! <br />
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Brody had lots of firsts this month. First bath, first time eating out in a restaurant. First walk. First trip to the mall, target, and babies r us. Brody loves to shop with mom. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgxa4JCTsS5TEdOrk42vLchSHRxvjRM2RUzpiUlBCxIM4Uet2CGvinKtVZdjUdDJNGEVNFt99Q49wKbhiq2w7q7fw0Ft_4J2h3csQpbnUjimKnDD5i6hvReuvpS2NQVvcYZCK9zVtKaph/s1600/first+bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgxa4JCTsS5TEdOrk42vLchSHRxvjRM2RUzpiUlBCxIM4Uet2CGvinKtVZdjUdDJNGEVNFt99Q49wKbhiq2w7q7fw0Ft_4J2h3csQpbnUjimKnDD5i6hvReuvpS2NQVvcYZCK9zVtKaph/s320/first+bath.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MqlEsIEF_LviFB4SwZiEShigoS7i0zu1nJz_9k6IXaC2_I_lQM3nB-VZ5_4O0iRUQHM9AhfJXDHSKIFi8eZUrn013Ix8d3rY-2UijlQyD6wClm7wq4ETn4QlWnz5NVEG8Ah37Zm8HyS7/s1600/carseat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MqlEsIEF_LviFB4SwZiEShigoS7i0zu1nJz_9k6IXaC2_I_lQM3nB-VZ5_4O0iRUQHM9AhfJXDHSKIFi8eZUrn013Ix8d3rY-2UijlQyD6wClm7wq4ETn4QlWnz5NVEG8Ah37Zm8HyS7/s320/carseat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Brody was only 2 1/2 weeks old for his first Thanksgiving, but he got to meet his Grandpa Larry and Grandma Judy. They flew in from Illinois to meet our little man and spend the holiday with us. My dad very much enjoyed getting to spend time with his new grandson. He also got to spend some time with his cousins and Aunts and Uncles for Thanksgiving. His cousins definitely think he's a cool little guy. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-7QbVTIPlth01s-o9qFlLmhztj9x5TxFA-5yoANh-rd3aLjRleHHrMMvSYXSNpq4q8p3k8yamuscJV1jkg1XvQMAl5Dg74xMhCP7rQ0CECHYIzM5Q1_7x-K7bmGmBJ4eAose7lm06dwc/s1600/me+and+dad.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-7QbVTIPlth01s-o9qFlLmhztj9x5TxFA-5yoANh-rd3aLjRleHHrMMvSYXSNpq4q8p3k8yamuscJV1jkg1XvQMAl5Dg74xMhCP7rQ0CECHYIzM5Q1_7x-K7bmGmBJ4eAose7lm06dwc/s320/me+and+dad.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjV3cXhstcoNkavWd2LAQP3sfHMqRf8b809LyM7GMERRaACAjJPxoyX6BymCMv-cLo6Ci-fPoZ2esJQ8aU_FOSkPsi9dBXbNcUwfIoe-5qLoNV2gDxcxPLrN30AaDFU3POUx6et0sO_8kp/s1600/turkey.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjV3cXhstcoNkavWd2LAQP3sfHMqRf8b809LyM7GMERRaACAjJPxoyX6BymCMv-cLo6Ci-fPoZ2esJQ8aU_FOSkPsi9dBXbNcUwfIoe-5qLoNV2gDxcxPLrN30AaDFU3POUx6et0sO_8kp/s320/turkey.bmp" width="234" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-nm1GyIPlLdjijHU4fZ1gLULRsJq3tnCUnYMuPW_GhXipKS2CtHBuAkoSUQqZzwnJPZ0alk4DvI7tUK_ACxXuJu2J5VO9x7Df97gFbgkn5a5PoFc5uYmijw9xFoEAj-nC_pdfyU3VpMb/s1600/family.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-nm1GyIPlLdjijHU4fZ1gLULRsJq3tnCUnYMuPW_GhXipKS2CtHBuAkoSUQqZzwnJPZ0alk4DvI7tUK_ACxXuJu2J5VO9x7Df97gFbgkn5a5PoFc5uYmijw9xFoEAj-nC_pdfyU3VpMb/s320/family.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>Brody is a pretty good sleeper, but it's definitely more sporadic at night. He definitely knows when it's been 3 hours and he is ready to eat! He's a noisy little guy when he's sleeping, so although he started out in the 'newborn napper' in his pack 'n play he has recently moved to the bouncy chair which is strategically placed right outside our door. It's close enough that we can hear him when he wakes up, but not so close that we wake up to all his "peeps and squeeks" as we call them. He sounds like a little monkey. It's cute, but we like our sleep too. So, yes...our son sleeps in the hallway. You'd think that we'd just move him into his own room, but that's to far away. Maybe next month. :) <br />
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We're having the best time with our little guy and are looking forward to lots of fun to come in the next few months. We've Got Christmas coming up, as well as a visit from our east coast friends, Cari and Steve.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321540942587568359.post-82751194470221885182011-02-14T15:47:00.000-08:002011-02-14T15:47:27.191-08:00Two Became Three. Brody's Birth Story- Part TwoSo we were on our way! We hadn't even gotten to the first stoplight when I realized that I was having contractions. They weren't awful- but they were definitely contractions. After timing a few of them we realized they were exactly 5 minutes apart and stayed that way for the entire car ride, getting only slightly stronger. I called my sister in law on the way and informed her that we were heading to the hospital. Joe also called his parents. I had already called my mom and texted many many friends! We were about halfway there when I realized that there was something I just had to do....so I promptly turned on Party In The USA, and proceeded to rock out and made Joe join me. You see, I figured if I listened to that song every day on my way to work while I was pregnant, maybe Brody would literally be born to love that song! I'm not sure if it worked, but we still had fun "bobbing our heads like yeah"... :)<br />
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It was after hours when we arrived to the hospital, so we had to use the night entrance. Basically this just meant that we went to the back of the building and called on the little phone to let someone know I was in labor. We were buzzed in, so we headed to the front desk. As I was filling out paperwork, I heard Joe ask the nurse behind the counter if she went to our high school. She did! She was one year ahead of us, and after she shared her maiden name, I completely remembered her. This was coincidence #1. There will be more. The same nurse took us to the Labor and Delivery room, to get me settled and changed. My contractions were getting stronger at this point so my belly started to feel a little uneasy. This subsided within a half an hour or so, but getting up and going to the bathroom is not so much fun when you're attached to an IV. <br />
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The nurse we knew ended her shift shortly after we got there, and a new nurse came in to greet us. I had a total of 3 nurses throughout the delivery and this 2nd one was not my favorite. She had a lot of personal stories to share- long ones. And she didn't seem to quite have the bedside manner that the other 2 had. However, she was very helpful during my epidural-which we'll get to in a minute....<br />
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Anyway, I'd only bee there for an hour or so when my in laws showed up. It was fun to have company. They live nearby, so it was easy for them to pop over. I also got a call from my friend Kerry who was just up the street at a function for her son's school. She also joined us, which was awesome. She delivered both of her kids at the same hospital and was super excited to be there with us. We all chatted for a while before I decided to get the epidural. I knew before coming to the hospital that I was going to get one. I had planned on it even before I got pregnant. My thinking was that I wouldn't get a cavity filled without Novocain, so why wouldn't I get an epidural. :) Everyone pictures what their anesthesiologist will look like, right? Well, I did. He was going to be an older man- maybe in his 60's- with white hair, glasses and a nice big smile. I guess the hospital didn't get my mental memo, because they sent in some hot-shot looking 30-something woman who was all business. Needless to say we did not become friends after my experience. I wasn't really nervous about the process at all. I had heard that it was super fast and basically just felt like a pinch. This was not the case for me. It was AWFUL. I felt the pinch, which wasn't bad. I also felt that damn woman digging around in my back for what seemed like an eternity. I think she tried 3 times to find "the spot". She also made reference- rather flippantly- that either the tattoo on my back wasn't straight or I had a mild case of scoliosis. Two thoughts here:<em> 1. are you using my tattoo as a guide, because that's weird. 2. Really, you're trying to tell me now that I may have scoliosis? Awesome.</em> Needless to say, I was <strike>crying </strike>bawling. It wasn't the best experience, but it did end up working and I started to feel my contractions less and less. <br />
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We were told that I still had a ways to go. I don't even remember how dilated I was. Since my water had broken, they didn't check me very often because they didn't want to create and infection by continuously going in there. Since it was after midnight, we decided to try to get some rest. Joe's parents and Kerry left so Joe and I tried to settle in. Joe had gone into work at 6am that morning, so he was exhausted. He passed out rather quickly, but I was too excited to sleep. I spent most of the night texting whoever was awake. My sister in law was up and excited so we were texting back and forth. Her son was born 3 months before Brody and apparently in the same exact delivery room! (Coincidence #2) I think I may have gotten an hour or so of sleep, but at 4am, I realized that my bff in Maryland was surely awake with her kids, so we texted back and forth for an hour or so. I think I probably got another hour of sleep after that, and then my mom arrived. She was there for a while before heading out to get some coffee for herself and Joe and returned just before I began pushing. <br />
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Our 3rd nurse arrived at 7am and she was wonderful! She came in with this big smile on her face and said, "hi, I'm Judy!". Just her smile and her warm personality made me instantly happy that she would most likely be with us for the delivery. She was amazing. It was just she, Joe and my mom in the room for the delivery which to me was perfect. Judy was super helpful and got Joe and my mom involved. She was the best coach and cheerleader. She praised me for a push well done and kindly let me know when I could do better. Before the pushing began we chatted a bit about where I worked and what I went to school for. She was telling me that she went to San Jose State for her nursing degree and mentioned that she did her undergrad in Pennsylvania. I told her that I also went to school in Pennsylvania, and before we knew it, we discovered that we both had the same alma mater! (Coincidence #3) Definitely a small world on that one, considering that almost everyone I tell where I went to school responds with "huh?". <br />
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I hadn't read a lot of birth stories and the ones I did read seemed to deliver their babies rather quickly. This was not the case for me. I began pushing at 8:45. Judy told me that because this was my first baby, I could push for up to 2.5 hours. That seemed like an eternity to me! I had a clock directly in front of me, so I just watched the hours go by. After about 45 minutes of pushing I was pretty sure my epidural had worn off. My legs didn't feel as heavy and the contractions were getting more and more painful. I was pushing and pushing, but his <strike>little</strike> humongous head was not descending. The doctor came in a few times to check. And although he was not overly concerned about myself or the baby's health/safety, he told me that I needed to keep working on getting that baby down because he wasn't where he should be by then. The pain continued to get worse and I felt like I had zero strength left. I remember telling Joe that I couldn't do it, that I didn't think I could keep going. I think that was about an hour and a half in. Things are kind of a blur after that. Somewhere between an hour and a half and three and a half hours in, I found the strength. I remember Judy telling me how close I was and then running to get the doctor to see if he could help me a long. He came in shortly thereafter and said, if I could just get the baby down a little farther he'd use the vacuum to get him out. I must have gone into full force because I was giving it my all. I pushed and pushed and pushed. I pushed for longer than I was supposed to, and didn't really rest in between each push. Before I knew it, our gorgeous baby boy had arrived. He was perfect. We were so anxious to find out how big he was because everyone estimated that he'd be big. When he measured 6lbs 7ozs, we were beyond surprised! His head was definitely larger than average, but it was perfect. He was perfect. He was immediately bundled and then placed on my chest. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHXWkKPPg6qUG2_t5yOGPu0FyMBIs0-0Lnr1i1w6-KymV1jvW2o3gH80ivq4cOOQqHjYZ41WWysHeN0N1MD63PJMmG8MPI-eL7HftlrXoPjFywp8y3D_rN7xHTuWKaBBMsWmTeQwc0Sp-/s1600/first+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHXWkKPPg6qUG2_t5yOGPu0FyMBIs0-0Lnr1i1w6-KymV1jvW2o3gH80ivq4cOOQqHjYZ41WWysHeN0N1MD63PJMmG8MPI-eL7HftlrXoPjFywp8y3D_rN7xHTuWKaBBMsWmTeQwc0Sp-/s320/first+picture.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em>The first picture of him still makes me laugh. It's the cutest things ever, but he doesn't look anything like he does now. I guess four hours down the birth canal can do that to you.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupkXEsOtUzCoX157aCxM72wVUcUkaz-1H1q3p9VP9uodguBt6ZsqFP98IMv4yM5TKBfga8HltoOGlC5dkXCGHX7xZG08jgSUucN03ohCmQiyDVun6BRbB7aJPWq61wZ5ecZziNVQU9YRw/s1600/just+born+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupkXEsOtUzCoX157aCxM72wVUcUkaz-1H1q3p9VP9uodguBt6ZsqFP98IMv4yM5TKBfga8HltoOGlC5dkXCGHX7xZG08jgSUucN03ohCmQiyDVun6BRbB7aJPWq61wZ5ecZziNVQU9YRw/s320/just+born+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2tpYC9M9gaD15mZ8SSbmWVNap7c9_70a0W4y7AYh9jA71GDsU6vQAfUPFVRuffvRbWq6NQ8urkSO-AC-jMNS6GtpQyiCDatE3d5ZNbbexfgiqPFTp3QJIh9Eruwsw4v93RKSp7TJ3EJU/s1600/mommy+and+brody.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2tpYC9M9gaD15mZ8SSbmWVNap7c9_70a0W4y7AYh9jA71GDsU6vQAfUPFVRuffvRbWq6NQ8urkSO-AC-jMNS6GtpQyiCDatE3d5ZNbbexfgiqPFTp3QJIh9Eruwsw4v93RKSp7TJ3EJU/s320/mommy+and+brody.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321540942587568359.post-34175480032615491132011-02-12T09:34:00.000-08:002011-02-12T09:34:04.557-08:00Two Became Three. Brody's Birth Story- Part OneI had planned on taking thirteen weeks of maternity leave. One whole week to myself, and then the next twelve to be with the baby after he arrived. Instead, I got all thirteen weeks with my little guy...<br />
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My last day of work was Friday, November 5th. I had been counting down the days because I was tired. It was still pretty warm and I'd been going to a lot of meetings on campus that last week. Needless to say, I was ready to do some relaxing. I couldn't wait to finally be on leave. My boss told me I could take a half day to go home and relax. So after lunch with a co worker, I headed home. Joe went in to work at 6am that day, so he was home at 2pm. We sat around on the couch together for a bit before deciding to go to Chipotle for dinner. Before we left for dinner, I made a quick potty trip- ***TMI ALERT***- only to discover that I'd lost my mucus plug. Not just some of it, not just a tinge of blood- THE WHOLE DARN THING. There really wasnt any confusion. I knew what it was, and was kind of excited. However, I'd read that it really wasn't much to get excited about, as it could take weeks to go into labor after it's appearence. I of course called to tell my mom, who apparently called my brother who called my dad. My mom also spoke with a friend who is a nurse and she said that it is definitely a sign that "things are starting". My sister in law also said that she want into labor within a few hours of losing hers. I still wasnt buying it. <br />
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Anyway, Chipotle was quite delicicious and apparently the last thing I'd eat for the next 20 hours. After Chipotle I wanted to stop by Target and see about getting a new camera, since ours was pretty junky and we'd need a better one to take pictures of the little man. We picked the one we wanted and then headed back home. <br />
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When we got home, Joe went out to the garage to work on a putter that he was cleaning up for a member at the club. I was super excited to plop on the couch and watch Private Practice- it was the episode after Charlotte got attacked and I couldn't wait to find out what happened. So there I was, all of 15 minutes in, when I realized I had to pee. As soon as I stood up, however, my water broke. Right there. Just a small gush. Then some more. I ran to the bathroom, where it was completely evident to me that, "holy crap, my water just brok". I ran to the garage (still leaking amniotic fluid- it's never ending, apparently) to tell Joe. He responded with "seriously?" before jumping up and coming inside. <br />
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I called the hospital who informed me that the on call doctor woul call me back- she did within ten minutes and said to get things together and get to the hospital by 10pm. This was at about 8pm, so we had some time to kill. Joe took a shower and I made sure I had everything packed. I was so giddy! I couldnt feel any contractions, so other than the constant leaking, everything was bliss! I ran around packing up all the last minute items we had on our list....computer, ipod, new camera( good timing, huh?), snacks for me and Joe, cell phone chargers, etc. Then I jumped in the shower- redid my hair and make up- yep, I did it- and then put a cute little headband on and of course took a picture to document the still blissfull state I was in. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7lnKupD6uzUVylu-vCKU3RwnbMQ0G_1A4aLe0RLsPhwENPSa-U0V0D4NT_8OSKtHVsZZVIlRczaNxlDVOrG9Q6-O70s7gtZb2PF1LQ9BhBlHLGc_08NeW12qKxBfJ39KKkAeigtwtb7d/s1600/DSC00002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7lnKupD6uzUVylu-vCKU3RwnbMQ0G_1A4aLe0RLsPhwENPSa-U0V0D4NT_8OSKtHVsZZVIlRczaNxlDVOrG9Q6-O70s7gtZb2PF1LQ9BhBlHLGc_08NeW12qKxBfJ39KKkAeigtwtb7d/s320/DSC00002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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Then we threw everything in the car, and headed out the door...<br />
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To Be Continued!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321540942587568359.post-52920064638182554482011-02-10T15:30:00.000-08:002011-02-10T15:30:48.139-08:00Getting back on the horse...Is that what people say? I've only been on a horse once and it wasn't fun. hmmm<br />
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Anyway, I'm making a new year's resolution to start blogging again. Not that I blogged a lot, but now I have the best reason to blog. Who doesn't want to read about my super cute baby? Well, I realize not everyone does, but more than anything I want to document Brody's life. People kept telling me to write things down because I'd forget them. Guess what? I didn't write things down and now I forget. <br />
<br />
Well, I haven't forgotten everything, but there are things that in the moment seemed so important, unbearable, crazy, etc but once those moments are over you totally forget about them. I also forget certain stages, but I figure that he's only 3 months old, so I can probably go back and <strike>make stuff up </strike>write about what I do remember. <br />
<br />
So anyway, get ready to go back in time a whole three months. I hope to start with the birth story and move on from there. <br />
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And because blogs are always more fun with a picture, here you go....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhMhLVPaxMEvF3LIh82F43LxUd_RLwS1gFROGo2CI5W7NQHuPvD6jzUwqMoZks_sYSv2V-1laQPKTM47GfiS760p4P601GMG6Dqyr2T3Ghc8mK_yi5QTC9xYPnYWDO_SDyoaYcoI_9-oN/s1600/monkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhMhLVPaxMEvF3LIh82F43LxUd_RLwS1gFROGo2CI5W7NQHuPvD6jzUwqMoZks_sYSv2V-1laQPKTM47GfiS760p4P601GMG6Dqyr2T3Ghc8mK_yi5QTC9xYPnYWDO_SDyoaYcoI_9-oN/s320/monkey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">This one of my favorite pictures of Brody. He's probably about 2-3 weeks old here. Funny guy. </span></em></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="left">Stay tuned.....</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321540942587568359.post-18030918148417238352010-11-05T10:24:00.000-07:002010-11-05T10:24:42.127-07:00Love this post...I found this a few months ago, and knew that I'd want to post it for myself when the time came. I just have to laugh out loud when I read these. I obviously have my own frustrations. Gotta love the humor in it. :)<br />
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<em>What Not To Say To A Woman In Her Last Few Days of Pregnancy:</em><br />
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<em>1. When I call you, don't answer the phone "Are you in labor"</em><br />
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<em>2. When you call me and I answer don't say "So I guess you haven't had the baby yet"</em><br />
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<em>3. If I don't answer, don't freak out. Don't keep calling!!! And don't start calling everyone else to find out why I didn't answer. Maybe I was in the shower. Maybe I went for a walk. Or maybe I just don't want to talk. </em><br />
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<em>4. Don't tell me what day to have the baby because it is "better" for you. 2 reasons why:</em><br />
<em> A. I have been carrying this baby for 10 months and really don't care what is more convenient for you.</em><br />
<em> B. If I really had any control over when the baby came do you think I would still be pregnant????</em><br />
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<em>5. Don't tell me "It will all be worth it." Well, duh! I am not a terrible person, nor will I be a terrible mom because I want my pregnancy to end sooner rather then later. I know it will be worth it, but I still have a right to vent if I want. </em><br />
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<em>6. If you don't want to hear a woman who is 39.5 weeks pregnant vent, then don't ask her how she is feeling or read her blog. She feels like crap. </em><br />
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<em>7. If you have been pregnant before, don't act like what she is going through is totally normal and it is no big deal....mother nature makes you forget how terrible the end is so you will have more babies. In the moment it is bad and painful and you have just forgotten that. </em><br />
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<em>8. If you are the Publix cashier, don't say to me "you still haven't had that baby yet". Yes I told you very proudly last week that I hoped this would be my last shopping trip without the baby....but clearly I am still fat and haven't had the baby. I ran out of food so I had to come back, ok? (Ok- so this one is directed at one individual)</em><br />
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<em>9. Please STOP asking when the baby will be here. I do not have a crystal ball. I don't know!!!</em><br />
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<em>10. I will let everyone know by phone call, text, email, facebook, and blog once the baby is here. It is not like I am going to forget to mention it!!</em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
source: <a href="http://babybignon.blogspot.com/2010/03/what-not-to-say-to-woman-in-her-last.html">http://babybignon.blogspot.com/2010/03/what-not-to-say-to-woman-in-her-last.html</a><br />
<em><br />
</em>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321540942587568359.post-11233954483714287192010-11-03T10:08:00.000-07:002010-11-03T10:08:12.831-07:00Am I Just Being Sensitive?It's pretty easy for me to get wrapped up in my emotions these days, and I do have some fears about bringing home a newborn baby. However, I wonder why it is that with all the excitement that comes with the impeding arrival of my son, everyone and their mother decides that it would be helpful or funny or maybe it's just a right of passage (for them) to make not so helpful comments about how hard/negative everything is going to be. <br />
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"You better get your sleep now"<br />
"I hope you and Joe are spending as much time as possible together now."<br />
"Enjoy the peace and quiet, you wont get it back for a long time."<br />
"Just wait....you'll see how hard it is"<br />
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No, I have never had a baby, so I don't know what it's like in those first few days, weeks and months, but I have figured out that there will be a lot less sleep than normal. I know things will be hard and there will be a lot of adjustments. But, I chose to have this baby. Both Joe and I did and we know that we will have our share of challenges as our lives change with caring for child. <br />
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I value more than ever the positive comments that people share with me. I love that it's not just us that are excited about Brody's arrival and the joy that will come with it. I've heard that I will fall in love all over, both with the baby and my husband, as I watch him be a father. I love when people tell me how sweet their babies were when they first came home, and how much they really cherished that time. I've also had moms tell me, that honestly it's not that hard. Be positive, sleep when you can, ask for help and just enjoy the experience. All things I want to be hearing at this point! <br />
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I am so excited for this next chapter in my life and can't wait to share it with my husband and family. I hope to remember these feelings that I'm having right now and when I have a friend who is expecting their baby to arrive, I will share all the positive things that I can with them. <br />
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**Sorry for the vent, but I had to get it out.**<br />
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Stay tuned for a post that I'm stealing from another blogger about "What not to say to a woman in her last few days of pregnancy" as they kind of relate.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321540942587568359.post-76673364363650893762010-11-02T10:23:00.000-07:002010-11-02T10:23:52.243-07:0038 Weeks<strong>Here is my 39 week update:</strong><br />
<br />
Brody is at least 6.8 lbs and 19. 5 inches. He's as long as a leek. However, at the doctor yesterday there was a conversation that went something like this:<br />
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<em>Dr: How much did you weigh when you were born? </em><br />
<em>Me: 6lbs, 9ozs. </em><br />
<em>Dr: Oh yeah, this baby is definitely going to be bigger than that. </em><br />
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<strong>Milestone:</strong> So, even though the baby "dropped" last week, he was measuring at 38 centimeters this week. That's on track, however, we know he descended. It makes my doctor think that he's a pretty big boy. She said that she would plan to do an ultrasound next week to see how big he really is. If he's close to 8lbs, we'll talk about inducing so I don't have to birth a 9 pounder. Whew. <br />
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<strong>Feeling:</strong> I think I'm ready to not be pregnant anymore. I'm tired and uncomfortable. I know it could be much worse, so I'm trying to stay positive. I'm still at work until Friday, and I'm doing just fine with it. I mean, who wouldn't rather be at home on their couch? I cant really blame the pregnancy for that. <br />
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<strong>Movement:</strong> He's still pretty busy despite not having much room. I feel him a lot when I'm in the car and in the evenings. <br />
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<strong>Wishing for:</strong> Brody to arrive! :) Wishful thinking that he'll just show up on his own this week or weekend. Oh, I'm also wishing for more positive comments and thoughts from people. More on that in a bit...<br />
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<strong>Looking Forward To:</strong> Having some time to relax this weekend and next week- that's if he doesn't arrive before then. At the same time, I'm very anxious to meet this little boy!<br />
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<strong>Thankful for:</strong> Everyone who keeps checking in and has happy and positive thoughts to share. I cant get enough of the excitement that other moms have shared with me about whats it's like to have a brand new baby. <br />
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<strong>Reading:</strong> I haven't started reading either, but I bought the Nursing Mothers Companion and What to Expect the First Year. <br />
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<strong>Favorite clothes right now:</strong> None really. I bought a new dress for our anniversary and it felt good to wear something that I haven't worn once a week for the last few months. It's back to dresses for the next few days, as it's supposed to be in the upper 70s/low 80s. <br />
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<strong>Current Project:</strong> I think everything is actually done and ready to go! Joe even packed his bag last night and we have a list on the fridge of what we need to grab as we head out the door to the hospital. <br />
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<strong>Stretch marks:</strong> none. I thought I spied some the other day, but I had just been scratching my belly, so it was the lines from that. :) <br />
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<strong>38 week picture:</strong> I actually have a picture! Can you believe it? I had Joe take it on Saturday before we went out to dinner. I posted it on facebook, so you're probably already seen it, but at least I have one! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Fd3Mu1p6UuuoGZPpvcpiySuebJYj9JhBFSF8vLdUj3ZmRwTObAFcws55lW3FYGMJ5nIXzqDDxBdHT1Wn7vsjbtPN3YvXkpPWoMT3bANXcgeTxQ6obLAv1vK_uNvut1CNS_K3xjz6Dxnz/s1600/38+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Fd3Mu1p6UuuoGZPpvcpiySuebJYj9JhBFSF8vLdUj3ZmRwTObAFcws55lW3FYGMJ5nIXzqDDxBdHT1Wn7vsjbtPN3YvXkpPWoMT3bANXcgeTxQ6obLAv1vK_uNvut1CNS_K3xjz6Dxnz/s320/38+weeks.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321540942587568359.post-83726896534371566912010-10-30T21:23:00.000-07:002010-10-30T21:23:25.433-07:00Happy Anniversary To Us!<div style="text-align: center;">One year ago, I married my best friend. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It was the best day of my life and more than I could have ever imagined. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I cant wait to celebrate the nex 50 anniversaries with you.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Soon we will be parents and officially a family. </div><div style="text-align: center;">There is no one in the world I would rather share this journey with. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I love you, Marty. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321540942587568359.post-33816160365452588652010-10-29T08:48:00.000-07:002010-10-29T08:48:43.661-07:00Movin' My Hips Like Yeah.....<div style="text-align: center;">For all of my beautiful bridesmaids who let me listen to "Party In The USA" over and over and over while getting ready for the wedding...</div><br />
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Thank you. I love you all 6 of you. I couldnt imagine getting married without you by my side. :) </div><br />
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<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321540942587568359.post-8745242276131316552010-10-27T09:17:00.000-07:002010-10-27T09:17:52.185-07:0037 Weeks<strong>Here's my week 37 update...</strong><br />
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Brody is at least 6 1/3 lbs (if not more- big boy, remember?) and 19 inches. He's as long as a stalk of swiss chard. Again, with the weird foods...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZVTlRQKVcU8krF0276KQTTkMiMkas5J9PXouHEbB_8OUVHynjVP2tIkC7sgbf1ws6LLMwWpZEWOejA6BTcdpxola49a-CwObHfhfzZwdfh9bkYaQOGDxpJB9I25wpUeatE2pHa2jp7RU/s1600/37-swiss-chard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZVTlRQKVcU8krF0276KQTTkMiMkas5J9PXouHEbB_8OUVHynjVP2tIkC7sgbf1ws6LLMwWpZEWOejA6BTcdpxola49a-CwObHfhfzZwdfh9bkYaQOGDxpJB9I25wpUeatE2pHa2jp7RU/s200/37-swiss-chard.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><strong>Milestone:</strong> Brody has officially dropped. I had no idea what this meant. People kept asking me if he dropped and i had no idea. They said I'd be able to finally eat more, but I've never really had a problem with that. I've always felt like he's been kinda low, since he's not right under my boobs, but I still didn't know what "dropping" meant. Well, thank goodness for doctors. Apparently, he's literally dropped down farther into my pelvis. Each week, his measurements would correspond to the number of weeks that I am pregnant. But on Monday, instead of measuring 37 centimeters, he measured 35. So apparently he dropped down two centimeters. So what does this mean? Nothing really. All of my books say it means he'll arrive in the next few weeks. Really no surprise there. <br />
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<strong>Feeling:</strong> Basically the same as I've been feeling in the last few weeks. I wouldn't say that anything is all that different at this point. <br />
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<strong>Movement:</strong> Still lots of kicks from his little feet. I now know what all those moms are talking about when they said "just wait til he jabs you in the ribs". I've been getting a ton of jabs. He's definitely out of room in there and if I even think about hunching over, he gives me a swift kick to let me know that's not comfy for him. <br />
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<strong>Wishing for:</strong> This is pretty petty, but I'm really hoping that all my shoes fit me after I give birth. As of right now, they're all a lot tighter than I'd like them to be. It would be lovely if I didn't experience the whole foot growing thing, since I really like all my shoes....well most of them. <br />
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<strong>Looking Forward To:</strong> My work shower today and my 1st Anniversary this Saturday! Joe and I are going to a little restaurant in Capitola. I'm hoping to do some pumpkin carving during the day before he head over to the beach. After dinner, we'll watch out wedding video and eat cupcakes from the bakery that made our wedding cupcakes. Low key for sure, but I'm very excited.<br />
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<strong>Thankful for:</strong> The fact that I'm still feeling pretty ok. I was worried that I'd be miserable at work for the last few weeks. Everyone told me to take off at least 2 or more weeks before the due date, but i just couldn't. I'm so glad I can still get through the day just fine. Hopefully it continues through next week. <br />
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<strong>Reading:</strong> I'm not really reading anything at this point. I have 2 books in my "cart" at amazon. The Nursing Mothers Companion and What to Expect The First Year. Anything else I need to have for his arrival in terms or reading materials?<br />
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<strong>Favorite clothes right now:</strong> Nothing new, really. I do love that I'm able to wear layers and not sweat to death. I ordered a few things from Old Navy last week that I'm hoping will be a little pick me up in the fashion dept for the last few weeks. <br />
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<strong>Current Project:</strong> I made a mobile and a pillow for Brody's room this weekend. Oh the wonders of felt. I should have take a picture of them to post, but I forgot. Maybe I'll update later. Anyway, I just need to hang the mobile and the room will be all set. :) <br />
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<strong>Stretch marks:</strong> still none! Is it possible that they'll stay away? That would be amazing....<br />
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No preggo picture, but here's a little wedding picture, in honor of my anniversary. At this time last year, I was in wedding heaven, surrounded by everyone that I love. It was the best day of my life. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimn9XeydFowrRKL718e7-uHor_IB8ifnc1V7-xHPnImSHcPhU4ycNC2lC_CRo0KAVmcdaiQff43DjoSaSwXmEMvicqDvH1Y9V0SgAVaYDUVnXoi-p8xAyqO8c489n5ByZY-YF_mrgrAbKE/s1600/me+and+joe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimn9XeydFowrRKL718e7-uHor_IB8ifnc1V7-xHPnImSHcPhU4ycNC2lC_CRo0KAVmcdaiQff43DjoSaSwXmEMvicqDvH1Y9V0SgAVaYDUVnXoi-p8xAyqO8c489n5ByZY-YF_mrgrAbKE/s320/me+and+joe.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321540942587568359.post-49462273433651393122010-10-20T15:47:00.000-07:002010-10-20T15:47:37.796-07:0036 Weeks<strong>Here's my week 36 update</strong><br />
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Brody is almost 6 lbs and 18.5 inches. He's about as big as a crenshaw melon....whatever that is. Oh, here's a picture:<br />
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<strong>Milestone:</strong> Well, Brody is officially measuring one week ahead. My doctor said he will definitely not be a 6 lb baby, considering that she believes he's at least that now. I'm not surprised...but hopefully it means he wants to arrive early! You know, so I don't have to deliver a 9 pounder! :) 3.5 weeks until his due date! <br />
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Last week, I was screened for <a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_group-b-streptococcus-screening_1647.bc"><em>Group B Strep</em></a> and I found out yesterday that I am a carrier. Apparently it's a bacteria/infection that you can pass on to the baby during birth. You can read more about it through the link, but basically my doctor made it seem like it's not a big deal and the baby will be fine as long as I receive antibiotics when I go into labor. <br />
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<strong>Feeling:</strong> Ups and downs, but basically I'm still feeling really good. Some times I fee like I can skip around like a 4 year old and then other times, I feel like I'm falling apart. Please say this is normal. I'm still getting up about every 2 hours in the middle of the night to pee, but I'm a champ at going back to sleep. Oh- this is random.... my gag reflexes are ridiculous. I gag like crazy every time I brush my teeth. I cant help it. Is that also normal? <br />
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<strong>Movement:</strong> He's head down, so I feel lots of kicks at the top of my belly along with some punches along my left side. They feel a lot different than they did a month or so ago. They don't really hurt, but there is definitely more force behind them, compared to before. Every once in a while, he gets a good jab in there that throws me off for a minute. He's had more hiccups lately. They're so cool. :) <br />
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<strong>Wishing for:</strong> The weather gods have answered my wishes! It's been in the lowish 70's the last few days, with some cooler temps to come! But don't worry, I still have the mini fan on in my office. <br />
My only wish for now is that Brody doesn't arrive before next Wednesday. It's my shower at work and I'm excited to hang out with everyone. :) He can arrive after that, though I still have a number of work commitments up until November 5th. <br />
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<strong>Looking Forward To:</strong> This weekend!- Joe has Saturday off and I'm hoping to purchase some pumpkins and do some carving. Then on Sunday, LB is coming over for some chili, a pedicure and just some good old fashion hangin'.<br />
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<strong>Thankful for:</strong> The cooler weather of course! I'm also really lucky to have great coworkers who are super supportive about the fact that I'm leaving them for three months. Everyone has been really flexible and accommodating. <br />
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<strong>Reading:</strong> It's not really reading- I've been obsessed with my new ipod touch. The games, the apps...it's all so fantastic. I cant wait to try out all the mommy/baby apps. <br />
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<strong>Favorite clothes right now:</strong> I've got the three pairs of maternity pants on rotation like it's my job. I'm also throwing in my leggings whenever I can. I love leggings. I need more dresses/tunics to wear with them. Super comf! <br />
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<strong>Current Project:</strong> I don't actually have any! Isn't that awesome? Joe still needs to pack his bag and we need to hang the quilt in the nursery, but that's really all. I have so much crossed off my list already. Feels gooooood. <br />
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<strong>Current Food Cravings:</strong> Cheese is still my bff, as is meat. Nothing new there. <br />
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<strong>Stretch marks:</strong> still none! <br />
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<strong>35 week photo:</strong> I wanted to take a picture of me in my phillies shirt the other night. I was so eager to find it, and completely excited to post a preggo picture of me wearing it. However, it does NOT fit. I got it on and Joe and I started laughing so hard, we couldn't stop. I even made him try it on (it's a boy's-like a child's large) and I'm not sure who looked more ridiculous in it. FAIL to that. Instead, you can look at the nursery photos, k? <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwY6VSq_n5rIINHCBBc6iKaSfB8Yz7vQHu-Uv2aNxqTquaPi8n0FiM4XibegBQAD74c90Ihq_n7NLrFYi4KivV8xe9aYerereraDsHxf8hOzJeqquYUV1vJzDacwWqnUrVVoF4sIL4e47/s1600/nursery+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwY6VSq_n5rIINHCBBc6iKaSfB8Yz7vQHu-Uv2aNxqTquaPi8n0FiM4XibegBQAD74c90Ihq_n7NLrFYi4KivV8xe9aYerereraDsHxf8hOzJeqquYUV1vJzDacwWqnUrVVoF4sIL4e47/s320/nursery+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vEpYkneD5dBTmxhMLsxTXuvMVeYlFdYD7FBT0xLnJotISj_RUSElu_6qmjq6UTR5Pa4txOTMInDMoMt6LhPL_ldisrFIIKNHg319O9ygucIJsjy37YxMZ4ISog2IroAGeSCP0Wppjoy8/s1600/nursery+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vEpYkneD5dBTmxhMLsxTXuvMVeYlFdYD7FBT0xLnJotISj_RUSElu_6qmjq6UTR5Pa4txOTMInDMoMt6LhPL_ldisrFIIKNHg319O9ygucIJsjy37YxMZ4ISog2IroAGeSCP0Wppjoy8/s320/nursery+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321540942587568359.post-1821722457321211352010-10-12T14:45:00.000-07:002010-10-12T14:45:41.198-07:00Week 35 Update<strong>Here's my week 35 update</strong><br />
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Brody is 18 inches long and 5 1/4 pounds. He's about as big/heavy as a honeydew melon. He should adding more weight in the coming weeks, but his length will stay around 18 inches. <br />
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<strong>Milestone:</strong> I'm officially going to the doctor every week now. I had the <a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_group-b-streptococcus-screening_1647.bc">GBS screening</a> done at the appointment and I also got my flu shot. It was ssomething I was avoiding, but decided to do anyway. I got a sweet snoopy band-aid though, so it was totally worth it. And aalthough I'd like the little guy to stay inside me and cook for a little while longer, he'd be healthy if he were to arrive now. <br />
<strong>Feeling:</strong> Really good, actually. It's hot again. Damn this Indian Summer. So, other than sweating more that the normal person and constantly wanting the AC on, I'm doing pretty good. Energy level is still the same, though I was on a super mission this weekend when we were working on the nursery. <br />
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<strong>Movement:</strong> He had the hiccups twice this weekend. One of the times was while we were in our baby class, so Joe got to feel them for the first time. It's a cool thing. The other thing I've been feeling- and I'll put it in this section because, technically it's his movements fault- is a shooting pain in my nether regions. The doctor said it's the baby moving in a way that hits a nerve, much like hitting your funny bone. When he moves and hits the nerve, I get this shooting pain. It's not awful, just catches me off guard- literally like hitting your funny bone....though I'm not feeling it in my elbow. :)<br />
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<strong>Wishing for:</strong> You know what I'm going to say....cooler weather. Still waiting for Fall...<br />
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<strong>Looking Forward To:</strong> My Anniversary, Halloween and maternity leave! It's all so close! <br />
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<strong>Thankful for:</strong> I'm still feeling very blessed that I've had a relatively easy pregnancy. I'm so lucky to have mom friends to turn to for questions and support. I love hearing other people's experiences. So many of my mom friends have been more than generous with letting us borrow their baby items, saving us tons of money. It's so great knowing what items worked and didn't work for them. I'm also very excited for friends who are just beginning the pregnancy journey. I can't wait to share my experiences with them and have our babies grow up together. :) I feel very lucky to have a husband who gets just as excited as I do about little tiny baby clothes and setting up the nursery. It's been really fun preparing for Brody, so I know it's going to be even more fun when he gets here. <br />
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<strong>Reading:</strong> Still reading Tori Spelling's book...Yeah, I'm slow. <br />
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<strong>Favorite clothes right now:</strong> Are you kidding me? None. I'm STILL wearing summer dresses....the same ones I've been wearing since May. I'd welcome snow at this point. <br />
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<strong>Current Project:</strong> I need to pack my hospital bag (is it too early?), put the car seat base in Joe's car and gather a few more items off of our "to get" list before Brody gets here. I also need to go to Pottery Barn to purchase the crib quilt and maybe get a side table for next to the crib. <br />
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<strong>Current Food Cravings:</strong> Still loving cheese and meat. Sometimes I like meat and cheese together. Ohhhh, a cheese steak would be amazing right now. Hmmm, I'll have to plan that for later. <br />
<strong>Stretch marks:</strong> no "stretchies" yet. That's what Joe calls them. He also calls leggings stretchies. He's so cute. <br />
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<strong>35 week photo:</strong> I had every intention on taking a picture this weekend, and didn't. How about some more maternity photos? Hopefully I'll be posting nursery pics soon, so that will make up for (yet again) not having a weekly update picture. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJicHJzH32aSxkM_ClepJFfZGVmHzk2zxHQsc73FcJ6x2tCFQ37goobmLdIsdtvoKkO1cfvzqXiX5NXJ5-Y-G8fWAgNIe-AnFtq6MZ1GAmrzhDacxj8qfEU9mAkQEHccR-kHLmYhJs6rs/s1600/me-maternity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJicHJzH32aSxkM_ClepJFfZGVmHzk2zxHQsc73FcJ6x2tCFQ37goobmLdIsdtvoKkO1cfvzqXiX5NXJ5-Y-G8fWAgNIe-AnFtq6MZ1GAmrzhDacxj8qfEU9mAkQEHccR-kHLmYhJs6rs/s320/me-maternity.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321540942587568359.post-88129790703546759472010-10-05T14:33:00.000-07:002010-10-05T14:33:54.858-07:00Week 34- Wait, where did 33 go?So, I failed at posting an update last week. I was off work on Monday and then swamped during the week, so it just never happened. Sorry. Rather than go back and do week 33, I'm just going to do a combo this week, mentioning thing from week 33 and 34. <br />
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<strong>Here's my week 34 update</strong><br />
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Brody is almost 18 inches long and 4 3/4 pounds. He's about as big/heavy as a cantaloupe. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RfHBHJQTPeAfP-qb0rnk-YjnOg4bG-ZAhIje_-gwsJTLMGURxfSzGxhw8ShoRygRBC61Mh2CwOcBIXQGGXjKcS9qVxlMjcT8KOUh549lPgLrdUX4Ak3p9J3lMo-If9gxYCG9HzRJmh8v/s1600/34-cantaloupe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RfHBHJQTPeAfP-qb0rnk-YjnOg4bG-ZAhIje_-gwsJTLMGURxfSzGxhw8ShoRygRBC61Mh2CwOcBIXQGGXjKcS9qVxlMjcT8KOUh549lPgLrdUX4Ak3p9J3lMo-If9gxYCG9HzRJmh8v/s200/34-cantaloupe.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<strong>Milestone: </strong>I cant believe we've hit the point where I can say that I only have 6 weeks left. Well, that's if this little guy decides to show up on time! <br />
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<strong>Feeling:</strong> Good but tired. I'm pretty worn out in the evenings, with random bursts of energy. I've been sneaking in little catnaps at work during my lunch break. They actually help a lot. Otherwise, I'm usually pretty wiped when I get home from work. Other than being tired, I'm starting to feel more and more braxton hicks contractions. I didn't know what they were until recently. I though it was just him pushing out against me, but apparently it's the uterus contracting. It doesn't hurt, but it is a bit uncomfortable. <br />
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<strong>Movement:</strong> He's still moving a good bit, but I can definitely tell that it's getting tight in there for him. His movements aren't as "jabby" (is that a word?) as they used to be, but more like I can feel him slowly sliding from one position into another. <br />
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<strong>Wishing for:</strong> An October baby. Is that wrong to say? I would love a little Halloween baby. :) <br />
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<strong>Looking Forward To:</strong> This weekend, when we finally get to put the nursery together! Yay! Joe is painting the room on Friday and then we'll start assembling everything... the crib, bookshelf, etc. We're also going to pick up the dresser on Saturday. I am so excited to finally decorate his room! I will definitely post pictures when it's finally complete!<br />
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<strong>Thankful for:</strong> (this is a new one I just added this week!) I am so thankful for lots of things with this pregnancy, such as no stretchmarks, no heartburn and the impending fall weather, but more than anything I am so grateful for my wonderful friends and family. My mother in law hosted a shower for me a few weeks ago and it was amazing. It was held at Joe's country club, per his request. My sister in law Meghan made the most delicious and cutest cupcakes with fondant sailboats. Leslie jumped right in and helped with all of the details of the shower, down to personalized thank you notes that matched the theme. It was more than I ever could have wished for. So many of the ladies that are so important to me attended and were more than generous with their gifts for Brody. He is one lucky boy and I am one lucky mama. Thank you to everyone! <br />
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<strong>Reading:</strong> Tori Spelling's Uncharted TerriTORI. I know, it's not baby related, but I love love love her books. Leslie got me a copy and it's even signed by Tori, herself! Leslie's good friend from Vegas is Tori's personal assistant, so when they were in town for a book signing, Leslie got one for me. Isn't she awesome? I'm only a few chapters in, but it's pretty good, so far. <br />
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<strong>Favorite clothes right now:</strong> Still rocking the same old stuff. It's been a little cooler, so I'm not sweating as much when I wear my fall clothes. Bonus. I haven't gotten anything new recently, but I'm kind of itching for a few new things to put in the rotation. <br />
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<strong>Current Project:</strong> Nursery and shopping for those last minute items. We got some gift cards at the shower, so off we went to purchase some of the items we'll need after his arrival. I'm crossing off my to do items left and right and it feels wonderful! <br />
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<strong>Current Food Cravings:</strong> Cheese. I love cheese. I have been enjoying string cheese pretty regularly and even melting kraft singles on everything that I can find. Mmmm, cheese. <br />
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<strong>Stretch marks:</strong> Still none<br />
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<strong>34 week photo:</strong> I don't have pics that are specific to week 34...but here are two from my little photo shoot with Cari. More to come...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9rK653nlwSwQNhazsnvjC0SZjG1a7vPnlkY1mSg2FEppl233HDf6PVyZH7tbnb9rAxE6ZchW8KiKnNJRef1x-UyzYqtyWHzc4uQ7efBZdlx4DJftoTxBvTtqLShfCCnMnQ8hm3jtEHvr/s1600/belly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9rK653nlwSwQNhazsnvjC0SZjG1a7vPnlkY1mSg2FEppl233HDf6PVyZH7tbnb9rAxE6ZchW8KiKnNJRef1x-UyzYqtyWHzc4uQ7efBZdlx4DJftoTxBvTtqLShfCCnMnQ8hm3jtEHvr/s320/belly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9n_KgIsFvb-IBC5U-HGxiyL6iGZh-aut086mD1GVqUzbSdO5RbndS6MFq4-307lIbwb9Rrq4nNi9Imq2-fAS-KXZrAtEpL1paJBWDS-5Vxup7Hb_oLTfOKQ8iZ0vBF1KQUUUGo1C695N1/s1600/outside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9n_KgIsFvb-IBC5U-HGxiyL6iGZh-aut086mD1GVqUzbSdO5RbndS6MFq4-307lIbwb9Rrq4nNi9Imq2-fAS-KXZrAtEpL1paJBWDS-5Vxup7Hb_oLTfOKQ8iZ0vBF1KQUUUGo1C695N1/s320/outside.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321540942587568359.post-91229721883528443992010-09-22T09:07:00.000-07:002010-09-22T09:07:20.117-07:0032 Weeks<strong>Here's my week 32 update</strong><br />
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Brody is 16.7 inches long and 3.75 pounds. He's about as big/heavy as a large jicama. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4m7eIQXsML61i_031_BjHAfi3dFT5ObsYOo117VG84hOC7uPHM70YgV674r5iKMvw6x88BuENEk-7DQ72Fjx-EOvNtTBgCs-yugh28QmNrTU8HBG5jDoQ6EyrtDsrno0ddBPu4-zbvAAl/s1600/jicima.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4m7eIQXsML61i_031_BjHAfi3dFT5ObsYOo117VG84hOC7uPHM70YgV674r5iKMvw6x88BuENEk-7DQ72Fjx-EOvNtTBgCs-yugh28QmNrTU8HBG5jDoQ6EyrtDsrno0ddBPu4-zbvAAl/s200/jicima.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<strong>Milestone</strong>: 8 weeks to go! I sent in my hospital admittance paperwork yesterday! <br />
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<strong>Feeling:</strong> Still doing well. Lots of hot flashes, especially in the afternoon. I'm still waiting for those low temps to stick around for more than two days at a time. I've been more tired in the evenings lately with less energy to do anything productive. I'm hoping it's just a phase, and that I will get more energy in the next few weeks. <br />
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<strong>Movement:</strong> He's still moving a lot, but I feel like it peaked last week. It's slowed down a little bit. I think things are getting tight in there for the little guy. His movements are sometimes uncomfortable, especially when it feel like he's pushing out on me, rather than just a quick kick. I still love feeling him moving around in there, though. <br />
<strong>Wishing for:</strong> more energy in the evenings and even in the afternoons. Hopefully it's coming soon! <br />
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<strong>Looking Forward To:</strong> Leslie getting her tomorrow and my Baby Shower on Saturday! I'm excited to spend some one on one time with Leslie before the baby gets here, doing our usual, lounging, chatting and snacking. Saturday will be fun, since the shower is at Joe's golf club and I'll get to see friends that I haven't seen in a while and others that I enjoy seeing regularly! I'm also eagerly awaiting my maternity photos that Cari took last weekend. I cant wait to see them. And share them, here. <br />
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<strong>Reading:</strong> I just got "Baby Laughs" by Jenny McCarthy from my sister-in-law, but I'm holding off on reading it until I ready "Belly Laughs" first. <br />
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<strong>Favorite clothes right now:</strong> It's been nice to wear some of my more fall maternity clothes since the days have been cooler lately. <br />
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<strong>Current Project:</strong> Washing baby clothes, towels and blankets. We have picked out a few outfits that we'll take to the hospital for Brody to come home in. I also printed off a list of things that Joe and I should pack. We'll hold off on that for a few more weeks. We're still hoping to start working on the nursery next week or the following. <br />
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<strong>Current Food Cravings:</strong> No major cravings lately, but I did realize that I never liked black olives until I got pregnant. I have been enjoying them whenever I can. <br />
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<strong>Stretch marks:</strong> Still none<br />
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<strong>31 week photo:</strong> As soon as I get my preview pics from Cari, I will be sure to post them!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321540942587568359.post-77086582613669584042010-09-16T14:26:00.000-07:002010-09-16T14:26:34.850-07:00Happy Birthday, Grace!Happy 5th Birthday, to my niece, Grace! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFjcVDEc1BrIVb_PK7h2Y27poAkm97zpG2E63LeS3O2247qf6xPEEEiqSc7BNb7F34ff9bxegP-tswdSBcMnhyphenhyphencBD5mIDWUXRykxISnVl4oXQXloDesmkcA6t-xSW4hIj1yYi6PzN-3Bw/s1600/grace+school.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFjcVDEc1BrIVb_PK7h2Y27poAkm97zpG2E63LeS3O2247qf6xPEEEiqSc7BNb7F34ff9bxegP-tswdSBcMnhyphenhyphencBD5mIDWUXRykxISnVl4oXQXloDesmkcA6t-xSW4hIj1yYi6PzN-3Bw/s320/grace+school.bmp" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Here she is on her first day of Kindergarten, a few weeks ago.</em> </div><br />
Luckily, shopping for Grace this year was much easier than last year's <a href="http://howboutnowsara.blogspot.com/2009/09/barbie-for-grace.html">Barbie Hunt</a>. <br />
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This year, Grace is all about the <a href="http://www.americangirl.com/index.php">American Girl Dolls</a>. When she went to visit my dad (Grandpa Larry) in Chicago, they went to the 3 story American Girl store. My mom had given her the money to buy her first doll.<br />
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I bought her an outfit for her doll to add to the collection. I cant help but love the American Girl dolls, too. I had just gotten to the age where I was too old for dolls, when they came out. Now, I can just live through Grace and play with hers. <br />
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Cari and I will be attending Grace's birthday party on Sunday. Hooray for little girl's birthday parties! I'm actually very excited about it. :)Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321540942587568359.post-89118109863086616182010-09-14T10:30:00.000-07:002010-09-14T10:30:40.193-07:00Quality Television<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I <3 Bachelor Pad</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WTfO_hkyiQEbx7xPoE0UCkIQAJ4WS4t9k2Htqqqal-qwn8-QWyP-T46ZeEXWl3KPk-fkLlE-qW1mgwBWThzqX0x4rWTb0qDT-XGT3ggUNnvWf90dHqf2dirkG77fvxN9IxdJpiI_vBvk/s1600/bach+pad.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WTfO_hkyiQEbx7xPoE0UCkIQAJ4WS4t9k2Htqqqal-qwn8-QWyP-T46ZeEXWl3KPk-fkLlE-qW1mgwBWThzqX0x4rWTb0qDT-XGT3ggUNnvWf90dHqf2dirkG77fvxN9IxdJpiI_vBvk/s320/bach+pad.bmp" /></a></div><br />
Did you watch? It was fantastic. I loved every week of it. It totally exceeded my expectations- which were extremely low. It was fun, entertaining and obviously kept me going back every week for more. I enjoyed getting to know the characters on another level compared to when they were on The Bachelor or Bachelorette. I actually found this show to be way more entertaining than either of those shows. I would kind of equate it to a somewhat more grown up version of the Real World/Road Rules Challenge shows. It was way less trashy than I thought it was going to be. Even Joe was a fan by the end- though I'm sure he'd totally deny it. <br />
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I wonder if they'll do another season?Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321540942587568359.post-80611809848742414732010-09-13T14:30:00.000-07:002010-09-13T14:30:09.153-07:0031 Weeks<strong>Here's my week 31 update</strong><br />
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Brody is 16 inches long and 3.3 pounds. He's about as heavy as four navel oranges. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEESZirh-Q1nM_BS3ODPV_6dsSP9MmSf49CwDn1yGygJdGB-jI52ytjOcBIcG2HfsOpnSeEDjiYcneixN5_HnzO4jSVz29ZfWplWUgUB3qkzAw_mXGYZyBbc9qk3Basob3XsIOSMzr59A/s1600/31-oranges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEESZirh-Q1nM_BS3ODPV_6dsSP9MmSf49CwDn1yGygJdGB-jI52ytjOcBIcG2HfsOpnSeEDjiYcneixN5_HnzO4jSVz29ZfWplWUgUB3qkzAw_mXGYZyBbc9qk3Basob3XsIOSMzr59A/s200/31-oranges.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<strong>Milestone:</strong> I am officially going to the doctor every 2 weeks now. Just got my hospital packet this morning. <br />
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<strong>Feeling:</strong> I'm doing pretty good, actually. Not as much swelling and not as tired in the evenings. I think the cooler weather helps with that. I'm now tyring to keep up with my mom who had a hip replacement about a month ago. She's all over the place! <br />
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<strong>Movement:</strong> Lots! And lots of quick movements all at once. I can still feel his feet kicking and pushing at the top of my belly, but I can also feel him shifting around in there quite a bit. If I move from side to side at night, it seems like he does too. I can also now tell based on "hard spots" where he is in my belly. My new favorite thing it to balance the remote on my stomach and watch it wiggle all over as he's moving around. It's fun to watch. <br />
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<strong>Wishing for:</strong> more nights where I only have to get up once to pee. I'm always iimpressed when I can make it through more than a 3 hour stretch of sleeping. <br />
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<strong>Looking Forward To:</strong> Cari's visit this weekend! I cant wait for another fun filled girls weekend with my grad school partner in crime. Lots of good conversation and great food are definitely in store for this weekend. I'm also very excited for all the new episodes of my favorite shows this month! Hooray for fall tv!<br />
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<strong>Reading:</strong> Still reading the blogs that I love and any other new mom/pregnancy things I can get my hands on. I'm thinking about purchasing a breast feeding book that a friend recommended. <br />
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<strong>Favorite clothes right now:</strong> I'd say my favorite clothes right now are the ones I get to put on when I get home each day. A tank top with a built in bra and pj pants. Heaven. <br />
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<strong>Current Project:</strong> Still making plans for the nursery. I bought curtains, a curtain rod and hooks for the nursery this weekend, as well as purchase some felt for a still to be determined craft. I was going to attempt to make my own mobile, but I got cold feet. I may end up making a little pillow for the rocker. <br />
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<strong>Current Food Cravings:</strong> Nothing major. I've very much enjoyed meat this entire pregnancy. Mostly hamburgers. I can always go for a hamburger. <br />
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<strong>Stretch marks:</strong> None yet...<br />
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<strong>31 week photo:</strong> No picture again. I'm so bad at this. I'm pretty sure there will be plenty to share next week, as my personal photographer will be here in just a few days!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255706427944386950noreply@blogger.com1