Baby Class # 2 -- The Videos

Tuesday night we attended Baby Class #2...the dreaded video night. The instructor said previously they showed videos from the 70's, but they got so many complaints about them (too short shorts on the guys, bad hair styles, etc.) , they have since updated their video selection. Lucky us!! (Side note: why is it that videos from the 70's are still being used?? Hello - its been over 30 years!! We've progressed so much with technology since then, why can't birthing videos progress, too?)

Okay, they weren't as bad as I thought they would be, but they did cause me some anxiety. Don't get me wrong, I think birth is a wonderful thing - the miracle of life! But, when the clock is ticking down for you, and you haven't been through it before, and it looks like the most painful thing on earth, it is definitely a cause for concern. Thankfully, Jason was introduced to watching an actual birth the night before when we had dinner with Millie and Nate. They showed us a video of their son Ian's birth. I think it lessened the shock for him (thanks, Millie!!) --- plus, it was nice to see the birth of our close friends son, especially since we were in the delivery room for hours up until 30 min. before the birth. So, we never were able to see the "main event" (don't get me started on that story...). I feel like I have closure!! LOL.

Next week, the hospital tour...

Item of the Week -- Teething Bling

I came across this baby item and thought it was cool --- Teething Bling!



Here is the description:

Teething Bling® was inspired by babies who like to tug on our jewelry.
Made from the same material as many teething toys, Teething Bling® looks great on Moms, Grandmas, Aunts and Caregivers but is safe for curious babies to handle and chew.
Brand new patterned Teething Bling Pendants - sophisticated natural stone look, same soft and flexible feel. Smart Mom Jewelry is non-toxic, phthalate, BPA and PVC free and all pendants come with a breakaway clasp. CE marking approved.

Safety-reminder: these pendants are intended for adults to wear. Please do not place the pendants ON your child.

I thought it was a good idea because anyone who has held a baby wearing a necklace has experienced the necklace-tug, bite, and/or drool fun. The baby can actually chomp on this with no worries! But, is it gross to think there is going to be baby drool all over your necklace afterwards (before you can get anywhere to wash it)? Thoughts on this item??

You Asked For It...Belly Shots!

Okay...you've been asking for it and here you go...belly shots!







Probably waaaaaaay too much info. But, I didn't want to disappoint! Jason and I were coming out of Trader Joe's the other day and this woman asked when I was due. I said "October". She says "Oh my god! You are HUGE!". Thanks. That makes me feel fantastic. I still have over 2 months to go!! Okay, she was homeless and maybe on something, but I didn't appreciate it...

On another note, I thought you might like to see a few pics of our new place we call home:

Front of the house:



Back of the house:


Yard


Garage

No Gestational Diabetes - Who hoo!

So, a few weeks ago I had my 1 hour glucose screening test for gestational diabetes (gd). In between our trips to AZ and NY, my doctor called to tell me that I did not pass the test and I would have to complete the lengthier 3 hour glucost test (a level below 130 is considered normal, mine was 156). The 3hr test includes a strict 3-day diet (strict = boring) and fasting for 12 hrs before the test. *sigh*

So, I started the diet the last day we were in NY and took the test on Monday. Good news -- my doctor called me today to say that I passed the 3 hr test --- YAY!!!! I don't have gd!!! One less thing to worry about...I really wasn't looking forward to having to give birth to a 10 lb. baby (a side effect of gd is macrosomia - or, an overly large baby). Whew.

We're at BabiesR'Us and We've Got a Gun...

... a registry scanning gun, that is!

Yesterday, at an early morning hour, we ventured to BabiesR'Us to start the registry process. It was actually less painful than I thought. Being the Virgo that I am, I have already researched most items (thanks to the book Baby Bargains lent to me by Marite --- thanks, Marite!!) and came armed with my list of necessary baby items for each category. Jason was in charge of the "gun" and had fun zapping all of the items. There was a bit of confusion found in the thermometer section...do we choose the ear thermometer (is it accurate?), the pacifier thermometer (cool idea, but does it really work?), or the booty thermometer (yikes. reminds me too much of my days with Dr. Natt as a veterinary assistant...). There are definitely areas where your head can start spinning. We decided just to focus on the non-clothing baby items today and return to do the clothing at a later point. I don't know how people do it all in one day ---- baby.information.overload!!!

Baby Class

We went to the first of 6 childbirth preparation classes last night at Good Sam. We got there about 5 min. late and, unfortunately, we were relegated to take the 2 remaining seats at the front of the class. This class is primarily for first-time parents and is meant to teach you the ropes of what to expect during pregnancy and childbirth. Jason inquired "Do I get a manual at the end?". LOL. One thing we found really surprising was that we were one of the youngest couples there. Most were (by my guess) in their late 30's. I guess its really not that surprising when you think about it... most people who live in the SF Bay Area between 20 - early 30 are going to school, starting careers, and want to wait on kids, so I don't know why I was so shocked.

We started out doing one of those wonderful "get-to-know-you" activities where you say your name, due date, if you are having a boy/girl, have you picked out a name, what do you like and dislike about being preggers. Of course, my gripe (which you all know by now) is that I can not sleep on my back and the thing I like is feeling the baby do his somersaults. There was one woman who said there was nothing she liked about being pregnant. I find that very sad...

Then, we got into groups and went over what is stressing us out (guys) and what we find difficult with the pregnancy (girls). We then talked about signs of pre-term labor and when to call your doctor. At the end of class, we did some relaxation/breathing exercises (which I think was secretly Jason's favorite part of the class). I'm wondering if they will make the guys wear the fake pregnancy belly that weighs 30 lbs so they can see how it is? LOL. I'm looking forward to touring the hospital (class 3) but not the childbirth videos (class 2)...I'm sure you're on the edge of your seat with anticipation...I'll let you know how it goes!

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Vacation

We are back! We had a great time on our vacation --- visited mom, dad, and grandma in Phoenix, AZ for a week and extended family in upstate NY for a week. Talk about 2 extremes -- AZ was HOT! The day we arrived, it was 115 degrees. Yikes! A/C is a must. We spent time in the pool everyday, which was nice and refreshing. We also began our parenting skills by nursing a baby finch back from near death. A grackle (or, as I like to call them, the devil birds because they are evil, mean, bully birds) attacked a baby finch as it was learning how to fly. Jason fought off the devil bird, which unfortunately seemed to have injured one of the baby finch's eyes. We nursed the baby bird back to health over the next 1 1/2 days and eventually, he made it back to his bird family. We hope the little guy is doing well! Here is a pick of Jason feeding Finchy (its a little blurry since I didn't use a flash):



Although it was super-desert-i'mgoingtodieifispend10minutesoutside-hot, we had a great time visiting dad, mom, and grandma. Guys -- we miss you and stay cool out there!!

We came back for a day, did laundry, and threw our things back into the suitcase for NY. We stayed at Aunt Cindy's and Uncle Tom's cabin on Keuka Lake, in the Finger Lakes area. Other family members would stop by as they had time over the week (grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins). It was really nice to see everyone and to spend time at the lake. Jason had a great time fishing and water skiing. We also spent a day in the towns of Elmira and Corning, checking out the sights, eating the best meatball sub in the world, touring Cousin Scott's Theater, -- it was great!! Here are some picks of Jason enjoying the lake:





Thanks for the great time, guys!! We can't wait to see you, again (hopefully, over the next year or two with Peggy/Dana + family).

Baby Stull did very well through out the travels. He either really loved or hated the take off and landing in the plane -- there was lots of movement! He (and my belly) are getting bigger every day... I'll try to get some belly pics up soon. In the meantime, hope everyone is having a great summer!!