Thursday, December 29, 2011

Pregnancy Compare

Since I am getting down to the last few days of this pregnancy (12 days left, eeeeek!), I thought it would be interesting to list out the similarities and differences I have had with each pregnancy.  The list of differences is going to be much bigger that's for sure.

Differences

* Heartburn - with Jack, my heartburn was unbearable the last month of my pregnancy.  I couldn't eat anything without having to either get up in the middle of the night for Tums or to throw up stomach acid.  I have had minor heartburn this time but nothing that isn't curable with some chewable antacid. 

* Swelling - with Jack, my hands and feet got so swollen that I could no longer wear normal shoes.  My little sister and I went to Target with a month left of my pregnancy just so I could buy "fat" shoes.  While I did have to take my wedding rings off, my swelling is to a minimum and I am still able to wear normal every day shoes.  My ankles get a little fat in the evenings but that's about it.

* Morning sickness - had it all the way through the pregnancy with Jack to the point I took medication.  This time?  Minor morning sickness in the first trimester.  Not even bad enough to warrant medicine or any methods to help it.

* Stretch marks - I had none with Jack.  Until after I delivered and then I got some tiny grey/white ones under my stomach.  This time?  I have a few near my belly button but they aren't hideous.  They are just light red/pink.  I blame my scratching of the buddah bellah.

* Nesting - I did absolutely NO nesting or cleaning with Jack when it was time for him to come.  This time, I feel like I have to get everything done RIGHT NOW.  That could be because of the holidays and being so incredibly busy, but regardless, this house is clean, all the baby laundry is washed, everything is organized.  I feel accomplished.  Cal could come tonight and I would feel okay with the state of our preparedness.

* Hip pain - oh God, it was bad.  So bad with Jack that I would wake up in the middle of the night crying in pain.  I would constantly have to sleep on the couch because it provided more cushy support than even my pregnancy pillow could.  This time?  It's minor and I only get it if I don't roll over enough. 

* Carpal tunnel - because my swelling was so bad with Jack, I got carpal tunnel that didn't resolve itself for a few weeks after he was born.  This time?  None.  No sign of it.

Similarities

* Movement - these boys are ACTIVE!  I have videos of Jack in utero trying to do a breakout routine as I got closer to my due date.  I should record a video of Cal because it would be exactly the same.  It's so strong sometimes that it takes my breath away. 

* Cravings - with Jack, I craved fast food in my first trimester and orange juice in my last.  This time, while my cravings aren't incredibly strong, I did crave fast food (especially burgers) in my first trimester and juice in my last.  The juice doesn't have to be orange.  It can be apple, grape, orange or whatever is on hand.

* Pressure - while I don't remember it specifically with Jack, I know I had uterus pressure close to delivery.  I have it this time too.  Yowza!  It feels like this little guy is going to come jumping out of me at any time.  I am trying to close my legs when I sneeze just in case.  Ha!

* Fatigue - with Jack, I was so amazingly tired in the first trimester.  I didn't notice that this time with Cal but I am incredibly tired in the evenings.  I blame the active toddler I am chasing around.  I know I should get as much sleep as I can now because I won't be sleeping for the next two years anyways. 

It's amazing how good I have felt this time around.  I remember thinking with Jack that I was so miserable and hated being pregnant and that's because I was miserable.  This time, I really have enjoyed being pregnant.  It's been such a breeze that I worry I am going to have a really hard baby!  I keep hoping that Cal will be just as different as my pregnancy has been.  It would be awfully nice to have a baby that can breastfeed, doesn't have reflux or terrible sleeping issues, gagging issues or chronic ear infections. 

I can't wait to meet him and see just how different he is from Jack and to see what is similar about them.

12 more days!

Holiday Catch Up

Christmas came and went but we were so busy that I didn't have a chance to post much.

* I was off work starting the 22nd but am back today.  The days off allowed Jason and I to shop, wrap, assemble and get caught up for the upcoming day of festivities.

* I am still pregnant and getting to the point where I am pretty miserable.  I was feeling great up until this point but now bending down causes me to lose my breath.  I have so much to do and just don't have the energy to do it.  My belly is rock hard most of the day.  I feel like I have to pee but yet when I go, it is just a trickle.  I have less than two weeks left.  I CAN DO IT.

* Jack got spoiled rotten for Christmas.  We tried not to go overboard but of course, that didn't go so well.  Between two "big" Santa gifts (a kitchen and a tricycle) and gifts from several family members, our house looked like Toys R Us puked in it.  Thankfully we were able to offload some gifts to my in-laws.  They have more room than we do and new toys over there are cool.

* We spent Christmas Eve over at Jason's Mamo's house.  Jack had a good time running and playing and spending time with his Mamo and Papo (Mamo's significant other). 

* We woke up at 6:30 on Christmas morning and Jack had fun playing with his new kitchen and scooting around on his bike.  Jason took his time getting up but we were over at his parents around 9:45.

* The afternoon was spent over at my Aunt and Uncle's.  The whole West coast family was there which was nice.  It was a packed house.  We exchange "stockings" with the adults and manage to haul in a bunch of fun loot.  The kiddos get actual presents.  Jack was so overwhelmed with gifts by the end of the day that he didn't want to open the rest of his gifts.  So I helped him.

Here are a few pictures from our festivities. 

Mommy and Jack over at Mamo and Cliff's.

Jack "helping" Cliff open a present.

Jack seeing his kitchen on Christmas morning.

Opening presents over at Nana and Papa's.
Jason and his enormous stocking over at my aunt and uncle's.

Jack opening yet more presents over at my aunt and uncle's.  He got these trucks from my cousin and they were a favorite!

On another note, I am still getting used to my new camera (thanks Jason!) so it took me a while to figure out how to upload all these puppies.

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!  Now my next endeavor is to have a baby.  OMG.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Food!

Lately, I have been doing a lot of cooking and not because of the holidays.  As a matter of fact, I have done very little holiday baking/cooking.  We are trying to keep our eating out budget to a minimum so this requires me to cook more often.  Also, with Jason home during the week, dinner is a must in our house.  Before he was home I would just eat a PB&J or have a bowl of cereal for dinner.  Jack would get a healthy dinner, no worries.

Here is what I have cooked lately:

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

Beef Enchiladas (no link.  I doctored a recipe I got from Betty Crocker and made it my own)

Spicy Chex Mix (the ONLY holiday baking I have done) - I double the recipe and add two tablespoons of Tabasco and about two teaspoons of cayenne.  Be warned, it's HOT.

Chicken and Black Bean Burritos (very similar to the linked recipe but in place of the salsa, I used Rotel and then also added a packet of ranch seasoning and some additional spices.  I shredded the chicken and we had it in burritos with a little cheese and salsa)

Spaghetti and Italian Sausages (no link.  If you can't figure out how to cook sausages and heat up sauce, you might be in trouble!)

Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans is what we are having tonight for dinner.

Tomorrow night will probably be leftovers since we still have some of the Chicken Burritos left as well as spaghetti and I know we won't eat a whole meatloaf tonight.

It's hard to plan so many meals during the week.  I am trying to keep them simple and inexpensive.  Simple so I can easily whip up something after I log off work, inexpensive for obvious reasons.

Here is my short list of meals that I want to have in my repertoire:

* Meatloaf and mashed potatoes
* Spaghetti with meatballs/sausages/meat sauce
* Baked chicken with sides
* Pork chops with sides
* Macaroni and cheese (homemade)
* Soup and sandwiches.  Taco Soup is a huge hit in this house
* Red beans and rice
* Casseroles of many varieties:  Tuna, hashbrown, chicken and rice bake etc.
* Breakfast for dinner
* Chicken pot pie (homemade)
* Slow cooker meals!
* Chili and cornbread
* American Chop Suey.  HUGE favorite in this house.

If you can think of any other good and cheap recipes to add to this list, let me know!  I would like to keep a good rotation in the works so we don't get bored. 

I give my sister props because she cooks dinner every night for her hubby, toddler and herself after chasing around an active toddler.  She better respond to this post because I bet she has really good ideas!

Monday, December 19, 2011

Day One

Today is the first day that Jason is a stay-at-home dad.  The transition has been slightly rough for him.  First off, he didn't try adjusting his schedule yet.  He got a whopping 2 hours of sleep last night since he wasn't able to come to bed any earlier than 4am. 

I think he's going to do just fine.  I know it's still early but I can hear them from my "office".  They have been reading books, hanging out on the couch, eating and just being boys.  Poor Jason.  He's so tired that I have jumped in to help him a few times today.  I showed him what an acceptable lunch consists of for Jack.  I told him approximately what time Jack should go down for his morning nap.  I did the dishes for him this morning during a work break while he took a shower.

Nap time was rough.  He put Jack down awake which isn't something I do.  Karen, his daycare provider does this with no problem.  However, Jack needs to learn a new way of doing things so Jason got him drowsy and put him down in the crib awake.  He cried for a few minutes but then went down for a 90 minute nap.  Jason took this opportunity to nap himself.

Bedtime has been pushed back an hour.  This is so Jack doesn't get up at 5am.  Jason would like him to sleep until a more reasonable time, like 6:30 so an 8pm bedtime will now become the norm in our house. 

This means dinner will be pushed back too.  Sense a theme here?  Instead of a 5pm dinner, we will aim for 6pm.  No longer will we be old fuddy duddies and eat so darn early. 

I will be cooking dinner most nights which is not something I am used to.  I am used to giving Jack a meal and then eating a bowl of cereal or something later.  However, with Jason at home, we will need to eat right?  I have made a list of quick, easy and economical meals to add to my repertoire.  Tonight's dinner is going to be spaghetti with Italian sausages.  Quick, easy, and cheap!

This new schedule and arrangement is going to take a lot of adjustment and getting used to for all of us.  I will try not to whine or be overdramatic as the changes occur.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Fluffy Mail

Jason and I received a generous gift from his Mamo for Cal last week and I knew exactly what I wanted to spend the money on:  DIAPERS! 

I haven't purchased many cloth diapers yet because I was scared to actually pull the trigger on cloth diapers.  I wasn't sure which styles would work for Cal.  The cost of buying such a big quantity at one time.

But after a lot of research last week, I decided to purchase the following:

6 Charlie Bananas one-size with 12 inserts (the package I bought came with 6 small and 6 medium/large)
2 Flip diapers and 6 inserts
6 Sun Baby diapers and 6 inserts
24 pre-folds

Add this to the existing Flip and Thirsties cover I had purchased many months ago, that will give us 16 covers and 49 inserts/pre-folds.

I also purchased a wet bag for the house and two smaller wet bags for Nana's house and the diaper bag.  I also purchased a sprayer (I already have a Spray Pal on hand from when the pre-order was going on).

All these items cost us under $350 total.  That is for everything!  I think that is a great investment.  I just hope that with the variety of diapers that I purchased that some of them work for Cal.  If not, I heard it's pretty easy to sell them.

Today, my first order came!  The Charlie Banana pack came in the mail and I can't tell you how ridiculously excited I was to open the box and feel the diapers.  I haven't used them yet (obviously), but from what I can tell, they are so incredibly soft and well made.  And can I tell you how CUTE they are?  Jason is scoffing at the hot pink diaper but it came in a "value" pack so I didn't have the option to trade out the pink diaper.

Who knew diapers could be so cute and exciting! 

I still have some research to do on how exactly to fold these puppies.  I am hoping there is a tutorial or something on each company's website.  I already have done the research on what detergent to use as well as cloth diaper safe cream.

Now for the picture.  Here is our cloth diaper stash so far.  Nothing is washed yet.  I am still expecting a ton more mail in the coming days.

Cute right?

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Weekend Intended Quiche

I had this recipe bookmarked to make on Sunday with leftover ham.  However, after having photos taken and dealing with a cranky toddler, we ordered pizza instead.

I am not one to waste food so in a hasty decision today I decided to whip up this quiche for my lunch. 

It was very easy to put together.  I cheated and used pre-made pie crust but to make up for that, I shredded my own cheese.  Since I hadn't frozen before baking, I put in the oven at the recommended temperature and baked for approximately 35 minutes. 

The result?  A beautiful golden quiche that tasted amazing.  If I were to make it again, I would probably add a little bit of onion for some flavor.


I might have had two pieces.

34 Weeks

Today marks the start of my 34th week.  That means in 5 short weeks (or less), Cal will be here!  It seems time has flown by. 

I will start this post with a maternity picture.  My friend Jenn over at PDXMomma took them for me and from what I have seen so far, they turned out great!  I can't wait to see all the pictures.



I am carrying more torpedo style this time around.  With Jack I was pretty flat and low.  With Cal, I am carrying all in my belly and it's RIGHT OUT front.  I look like I swallowed a watermelon. 

What has been going on with me:

* I don't want to sound trite, but I feel pretty good.  Of course, things could change and I could start feeling awful tomorrow.  My only complaints are a very hard and heavy belly by the end of the night and some minor sleeping issues. 

* With Jack I had horrible hip pain.  It was so bad that no pregnancy pillow, no amount of position changes and couch sleeping could help.  I would wake up in so much pain in the middle of the night that I would cry.  This time?  It's minor.  I think it's because now my body knows what it's doing.

* I don't have heartburn.  With Jack, I would have to ask myself with every morsel of food "Will this give me heartburn?".  This time?  It's minor.  I have had it maybe twice and it was only when I ate super late.  Last night I had two pieces of pizza and root beer pretty close to bedtime and I didn't have heartburn.

* This little guy seems to like wedging himself up under my ribs.  His little butt is always on my left side.  What feels the most odd is when he shifts positions and his little head or his arms bonk my cervix.  Yowza!  Talk about a suprise! 

* I had an itching issue last week that required me to run into the OB's office for some labwork.  My arms, legs and belly were so itchy that I actually scratched some raw spots into my skin.  I had this last time with Jack too and they ran a liver and kidney panel to make sure everything was okay.  I will call today and make sure the results are normal. 

* I am about to finally purchase our big cloth diaper order.  I plan on ordering two more Flip diapers along with inserts, 6 Charlie Banana diapers with inserts and 6 Sun Baby diapers with inserts.  Add this to the two covers that we already have (pathetic, I know) and that will be about 14 covers.  We can add some as time goes on but I am hoping this is enough of a stash to start out with.  I will still need to buy some wet bags and a sprayer, but that should be about it! 

* I need to pack my hospital bag but I don't have all the things that I need for the hospital.  I am waiting for Christmas so I can use the gift cards and money that I get to buy nursing tanks, bras and a robe for the hospital.  Let's just hope Cal doesn't decide he wants to come early!

* I am worried about how I am going to take care of a toddler and a newborn.  The only saving grace is that Jason won't be going back to work so I will have tons of help.  I don't think either of us know just how much work this is going to be and I am scared.  We are both going to try and be more relaxed this time around.  I will not freak out if breastfeeding doesn't work out.  I will not freak out if Cal doesn't sleep well (Jesus I really hope he sleeps well).  I will not freak out to take a shower in case he cries.  Seriously, can I just be more relaxed this time?  I was such a basket case with Jack and I think that is why I don't remember a lot of his newborn stage.

That is it for updates from me.  And to add to this baby preparation panic, can you believe that Christmas is 19 days away?  I am not prepared!  Time needs to slow down for sure.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Jack's Christmas

This post is all about Christmas and how spoiled rotten my son is.  I swear, we were paring down the Christmas gifts this year after last year's toy explosion but Jason obviously didn't get the memo.

Long before we started purchasing gifts I knew I wanted to get Jack a play kitchen.  He loves the one at daycare and he loves opening and closing doors.  I had my eye on a couple but mainly wanted wood and small-ish since we have a lack of space.

This is what I ended up buying:

I am hoping it will be a big hit.

After I had ordered the kitchen, Jason announced to me that he had purchased Jack a tricycle.  How cute that he thought of a gift on his own and bought one?!?

This is what he ordered:


Also on Jack's Christmas list are:

* 24 month sized clothes
* Pet net for his massive collection of stuffed animals (purchased)
* Slippers (purchased)
* Play food sets
* Elmo Rockin' Shapes and Colors

Since Jack already has two big gifts we are going to try and tame what else we buy for him.  He will get a stocking but I think with a couple of other minor purchases (like some new books), that will be all we buy.

HOWEVER, he still has gifts at Nana and Papa's to open.  And gifts from his aunts.  And gifts from my Dad.  Among other gifts.  Seriously, this child is going to be spoiled.  I don't know how much more this tiny house can take in the way of toy explosion.

I need to constantly remind myself what Christmas is all about.  It's not about material gifts or spending money or baking.  It's about Christ, family and giving back to others.  So when I go shopping I will have to reign myself in from buying any more crap!