I've been scouring the web for cute, unique and *free* baby knit patterns because I want to make some clothes for the little one, and don't really want a whole book. Today I found these two totally adorable and simple patterns ... they are so cute I can hardly wait to get started! If it wasn't -400,000 degrees and snowing outside I would have headed straight over to my fave yarn store.
Blossom dress (I'll get to embroider on this one too)
Kimono sweater
Tonight I came home and found a Cabbage Patch Doll strapped snugly into our car seat. Daddy-to-be is practicing!
Friday, January 26, 2007
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
the mommy network
One of the things I'm learning is how great friends who are moms can be. My own little "mommy network" has been so generous and forthcoming already with tips, advice, clothing, gear, and books (I was asking around for recommendations.) I'm pretty emotional lately so when I think about it I get all mushy. I feel kind of guilty reaping the rewards of their experiences when I have none of my own to share yet. I hope to return the favour for other friends!
When I went for lunch today a group of girlfriends were at a nearby table, taking turns holding a very happy baby girl who looked to be about 5 or 6 months old. She was looking adorable with her blond hair and big smile, sporting a little pink shirt and embroidered corduroys -- and I was the crazy pregnant lady across the room who could not stop staring! Thinking about how that will be me with our friends soon, I could have cried right there. Did I mention I'm emotional lately? Don't even get me started on how sucky I am with Ian these days.
When I went for lunch today a group of girlfriends were at a nearby table, taking turns holding a very happy baby girl who looked to be about 5 or 6 months old. She was looking adorable with her blond hair and big smile, sporting a little pink shirt and embroidered corduroys -- and I was the crazy pregnant lady across the room who could not stop staring! Thinking about how that will be me with our friends soon, I could have cried right there. Did I mention I'm emotional lately? Don't even get me started on how sucky I am with Ian these days.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
bellies and bubble baths
First of all, I have to say that pre-natal massage is just about the best thing ever, especially in the winter on a cold day. My therapist set up the table with a heating pad (non-electric), soft blankets and relaxing music... and the preggo pillow. It's two special pads attached by velcro straps, and after getting onto the table in a most un-graceful way, your belly drops in the space between so that there's no pressure. Massage is fantastic for all the aches and pains of pregnancy, and for me that includes my hips which are still painfully sore at night. They felt bruised as she massaged them!
Anyway, after I got home I wanted to ease my muscles even more by soaking in a bath. I haven't taken a bath in a couple of months, so here's a recap of bathing at 31 weeks pregnant...
1. Poured warm (not too warm!) water. Usually I like it almost hot tub hot, so this was not my usual pre-preganancy temperature.
2. Carefully eased self into tub. Not as hard as I thought. So far so good.
3. Listened to gush of water get sucked into the overflow drain thingy, because I'm huge. Pretty funny, gives a new meaning to 'displacement'.
4. Realized that my belly didn't fit below the water level, even though we have a large soaker tub. Shimmied down some more into the tub, belly still not fitting underwater.
5. Laughed realizing that 'the girls' also do not fit under the water and were like two large buoys.
6. It was pretty cold in the bathroom, thus belly and boobs were cold. Tried splashing warm water over them, wondering if baby likes the water washing over her.
7. Struggled upright to use soap on bath puff. Decided against further soaking, due to #4 and #5.
8. Pondered how to get out on my own. Carefully got up and noticed how little water was actually in the tub. Heh.
May be my last bath until AFTER baby arrives... and then I'll dream for the time to have a bath!
Anyway, after I got home I wanted to ease my muscles even more by soaking in a bath. I haven't taken a bath in a couple of months, so here's a recap of bathing at 31 weeks pregnant...
1. Poured warm (not too warm!) water. Usually I like it almost hot tub hot, so this was not my usual pre-preganancy temperature.
2. Carefully eased self into tub. Not as hard as I thought. So far so good.
3. Listened to gush of water get sucked into the overflow drain thingy, because I'm huge. Pretty funny, gives a new meaning to 'displacement'.
4. Realized that my belly didn't fit below the water level, even though we have a large soaker tub. Shimmied down some more into the tub, belly still not fitting underwater.
5. Laughed realizing that 'the girls' also do not fit under the water and were like two large buoys.
6. It was pretty cold in the bathroom, thus belly and boobs were cold. Tried splashing warm water over them, wondering if baby likes the water washing over her.
7. Struggled upright to use soap on bath puff. Decided against further soaking, due to #4 and #5.
8. Pondered how to get out on my own. Carefully got up and noticed how little water was actually in the tub. Heh.
May be my last bath until AFTER baby arrives... and then I'll dream for the time to have a bath!
Monday, January 22, 2007
31 weeks
This weekend we finished our pre-natal classes at the hospital, and feel much more prepared for what's to come than we did before. The morning this weekend focused on C-sections and the possible situations that could require intervention during the birth. That part was a bit scary but it's good that we know about even the rare situations. Until now I haven't been concerned about labour, and now that the time is closer I can' t help but rethink the whole 'pushing the baby out of me' part... but it's too late now! This weekend we also did practice feeding, swaddling, bathing and diapering, and 90% of us had Cabbage Patch Kids as our models. Lots of great information to absorb, also making it a very tiring day!
We also worked on getting the baby's room more ready, and I sorted through all the clothes (from other people) and books (some from my childhood) we have so far. I held up some of the newborn onesies -- they are so small, I can't believe she will fit inside them... and that we have to get them on her!!
This morning I got my first hard knee or elbow jab up near my rib cage. It was so strange, and although I had the duvet over me I'm sure my belly stuck way out -- we could feel how hard it was in that spot!
I'll post some belly pics soon (our last pictures are from Xmas), and some room pictures when we have it ready.
We also worked on getting the baby's room more ready, and I sorted through all the clothes (from other people) and books (some from my childhood) we have so far. I held up some of the newborn onesies -- they are so small, I can't believe she will fit inside them... and that we have to get them on her!!
This morning I got my first hard knee or elbow jab up near my rib cage. It was so strange, and although I had the duvet over me I'm sure my belly stuck way out -- we could feel how hard it was in that spot!
I'll post some belly pics soon (our last pictures are from Xmas), and some room pictures when we have it ready.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
body movin'
One of the things I love the most about being pregnant is feeling her little (but strengthening!) body moving about in 'hotel belly'. It's so reassuring, and makes me feel so connected to her. Although I am getting more tired and everything seems awkward, this is one thing I will miss once she is born. It's amazing what they respond to -- certain foods, songs, voices, and Ian loves how she'll get going under wherever he puts his hand on my belly (unfortunately she doesn't move on demand for anyone else!) The movements are changing now too, sometimes it's like a roller coaster sensation and it's so visible!
Last week I had my first scare though, she did very bizarre move like a fast-paced pulsing/twitching. Although I still felt her moving for the rest of the day, it was a bit quieter than her usual gymnastics (or at least it seemed that way in my anxiety). As soon as I said I had a "very weird feeling" to my obstetrician, he said "Did it feel like a seizure?" For obvious reasons I had been avoiding this word, but that's exactly what it felt like. He said that he hears it quite often, and it's nothing to be concerned about. Apparently it is something called the Moro or Morrow Reflex, and relates to our evolution from apes. Because the baby's neurological system is not yet fully developed, this kind of involuntary action can occur like a startle reflex. While pregnant, mom doesn't need to actually 'startle' the baby to have it happen, although newborns sometimes do it while sleeping if startled (like if you knock lightly against the crib). I was SO relieved to hear this, and wanted to share it because it wasn't in any of my pregnancy books.
Anyhow, all is well and she's been her active little self and practicing her 'floor routine' ever since!
Last week I had my first scare though, she did very bizarre move like a fast-paced pulsing/twitching. Although I still felt her moving for the rest of the day, it was a bit quieter than her usual gymnastics (or at least it seemed that way in my anxiety). As soon as I said I had a "very weird feeling" to my obstetrician, he said "Did it feel like a seizure?" For obvious reasons I had been avoiding this word, but that's exactly what it felt like. He said that he hears it quite often, and it's nothing to be concerned about. Apparently it is something called the Moro or Morrow Reflex, and relates to our evolution from apes. Because the baby's neurological system is not yet fully developed, this kind of involuntary action can occur like a startle reflex. While pregnant, mom doesn't need to actually 'startle' the baby to have it happen, although newborns sometimes do it while sleeping if startled (like if you knock lightly against the crib). I was SO relieved to hear this, and wanted to share it because it wasn't in any of my pregnancy books.
Anyhow, all is well and she's been her active little self and practicing her 'floor routine' ever since!
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