40 days and (we're definitely) counting!

I can't believe we have just about 6 weeks (40 days) left!! We will get to meet our baby boy soon! Last week my coworkers gave me a shower and it definitely got me in the mood to get some more baby items. (I have quite the collection of adorable and thoughtful blankets). It's seemed so far away for so long, and now we can actually start counting down!

I am feeling pretty good, overall. While I haven't been sleeping very well, I am trying to take naps to catch up on what I missed. I continue to follow the Brewer diet the best I can, although I feel like I'm not as hungry lately. I've read that as my belly grows, it makes my stomach feel fuller, so I'm trying to do the 5-6 smaller meals/snacks, instead of the typical 3-meal-a-day. Although I have been doing small snacks all along, I'm becoming more deliberate in eating less at the main meals and saving what I would have ate then for healthy snacks. (I'm definitely not talking about junk food snacks).

In the realm of exercise, I am going to the gym three times a week still. I walk about a mile and a half, and do the following strength exercises: 3 sets of 15 squats, 3 sets of 20 lunges, 3 sets of 10 on the abductor/abductor machine, 3 sets of 10 on the leg extension machine, and 3 sets of 10 on the leg curl machine. I also try to do leg raises, pelvic rocks, donkey kicks off of the hands-and-knees position, and some back exercises in the hands-and-knees position almost every day. For arms a few times a week, I do curls and shoulder presses with 8 pound weights. Writing all that out seems like a lot, but really I have to go slower than normal and take it easy. (I so wish I could still run!! I really miss running and can't wait to get back into it.) Perhaps it's good genes or due to the exercise, but I haven't had any varicose veins or swelling in my legs, thank goodness. At my last appointment, I had gained about 28 pounds. Maybe a little more than I wanted, but I'm definitely still within the right range.

Emotionally, I might be feeling a bit moodier. You would have to ask my husband about that one (and hopefully he'll give you a smart answer, haha). I think the birth  process itself might contribute to my mood, but then I remind myself of all of the preparations we have done, in knowing the process, nutrition, and exercise, and I know God will get me through it. Sure it's won't be easy, but anything good never is, right? Plus, women have been giving birth for thousands of years, so I'm just the next to join the ranks. I know my husband will be by my side, supporting and encouraging me throughout. I can do it. And it will all be worth it for our little bundle of joy!!

Our Birth Plan for a Natural Delivery

Well, I assume that everyone will have opinions about this post, but let me remind you that I'm not commenting on YOUR plan to tell you what is right or wrong for you. This birth plan is what my husband and myself, after researching, reading a dozen pregnancy and delivery books, attending Bradley classes, watching birth videos, and talking with other moms, have written as our birth plan. It's highly personal, and I hope the readers of this blog will respect that. We know things don't always go according to plan, and that we have to be flexible. Still, this is our ideal. We are glad that we have a birthing center near that is in line with our plan, Family Beginnings at Miami Valley Hospital.

I really debated even posting it, but if it's at least a little help to a mom out there, then I'm glad that I posted. I should note that we also included (but did not post here) the names of our midwife, pediatrician, and places for them to sign. So here it is:

We are glad that you are part of this exciting birth of our baby boy. We are first-time parents and have prepared ourselves through exercise, nutrition, books, and Bradley Method classes. We hope that these preparations will help us have a smooth labor and birth. 

We desire to have a birth that is natural and free from interventions. We do not want to be induced, have artificial rupture of the membranes, or be offered pain relief such as an epidural, Pitocin to speed labor, or a routine IV or catheter. We do not want any residents or nurses in-training observing the labor and birth.

During First Stage Labor

·         Minimal vaginal exams- one when first admitted, one when the mother feels ready to push 

·         Intermittent fetal monitoring

·         Privacy for the mother and father as much as possible

·         NO Heparian lock IV

·         Freedom to walk and move into positions of comfort, including use of the tub

·         Freedom to eat and drink

·         Low lights, aromatherapy, and music of our choice

·         The mother would like to wear her own clothes

·         All guests need to be OK’ed by the coach (father)

·         Positive language used by all support persons in regards to the mother’s progress

During Second Stage Labor

·         Freedom to move to positions of comfort- tub, squatting, hands-and-knees, and so on while pushing

·         No episiotomy- the mother would rather tear; use perineal massage to avoid

·         Mirror available to see progress if desired

·         Father to catch baby and cut cord when it stops pulsing

After the Birth of Our Baby Boy

·         Immediate skin-to-skin contact with baby for holding and nursing; privacy of the family at this time is desired

·         Delay bath, testing, weighing, etc. until baby has had skin-to-skin time with mother and father

·         First bath given by mother and father

·         We decline eye drops and the Hepatitis B vaccine for our baby at birth

·         We accept the hearing test, the vitamin K shot, and PKU test

·         We would like our baby circumcised

Complications

-Please allow us time to privately discuss our options before any additional procedures

-If fetal distress requires a C-section, father is to stay with mother continually; baby is to be given to mother as soon as possible for nursing and skin-to-skin time

-If baby must be taken to NICU, please do not feed sugar water or introduce a bottle or pacifier; mother will pump or nurse to feed the baby as soon as possible

How to Make a Cardboard Castle

While it took a little time and craftiness, the castle was worth it. My niece loved it and I know she will get a lot of play out of it. So here's a few pictures of the cardboard castle and how it all came together. I hope you get a chance to make your own cardboard castle!

Estimated project time: 8-10 hours

1. Get cardboard. I chose one large box (recliner) as the central castle that connected to two smaller boxes (toilets) as wings. Then I had a flat, long piece to connect them all and provide support.
2. Trace and cut outlines of the top of the castle and windows with a box cutter- be careful!
3. Spray paint desired colors.
4. Add duck tape details to make the castle look like it has brick and mortar. Seal all cardboard edges with duck tape.
5. Finish with banners, foam stars, scrap fabric for curtains, etc. Ta-da! Your very own castle!!

Baby Name Dilemma

With a birth-day coming soon for our little boy, I thought I would make a survey of some baby names we have considered. It's so hard to pick a name! Justin and I want something that is uncommon, but not weird. The common thing comes, perhaps, from teaching so many students. Say any name in the top 100 and I've probably had a student with that name, and with that name comes its associated memories. So it's tough to pick one. It's not that it's bad to have a top 100 name, it just that I don't want to say my baby's name and have three other kids in nursery turn their head. (Justin and I both have pretty common names, although spelling mine presents a problem many times).

Speaking of spelling, it needs to be easy to spell. And pronounce. Did I mention not in the top 100?

It's difficult.

We browsed several books. Here's some of them:
Beyond Jennifer and Jason, Madison and Montana by Linda Rosenkrantz & Pamela Satran
Hello My Name is Pabst by Miek Bruno and Kerry Sparks
Off-the-Grid Baby Names: 1,000s of Names Never in the Top 1,000 by Linda Rosenkrantz & Pamela Satran

We also availed ourselves to decade of SSA info at: http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/

After all that, I made the survey. It has names we really are considering, and some that we totally aren't. I had to have those in their for quality control, right? And to keep it mysterious. But do complete the survey, whether you are friend, family, or stranger. I've already had several responses but want many more. It's so fun to read everyone's input!

Here's the link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/T6397RQ

Super Healthy Blueberry-Kale Smoothie

This smoothie may take some getting used to, especially if you are used to all-fruit smoothies. But it's definitely worth it. When I first tried adding kale, the color got to me, so I figured out that I could add blueberries to make it a purple-ish color instead of greeny-brown. Plus, the blueberries help with the taste too, along with the banana. With my Brewer pregnancy diet, I started adding Greek yogurt and flaxseed too. So here's the recipe- give it a try!

Blueberry-Kale Smoothie
1 small banana
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1 cup Greek yogurt
7 baby carrots
1 large handful of kale (maybe a cup pressed down?)
1 tablespoon flaxseed
 
Place ingredients in blender and liquefy. Add more blueberries or ice to desired texture. Enjoy the energy!

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown (I am not an expert).....
Total: 430 calories, 5.5 grams fat, 9 grams fiber, 31.5 grams protein, 10% potassium, 10% magnesium, 100+% vitamin A, 100+% vitamin C,  25% calcium, omega-3's and lignans

For serving size mentioned above....
banana- 100 calories, .4 grams of fat, 10% daily potassium, 3 grams fiber, 1 gram protein
blueberries- 45 calories, .25 grams of fat, 10% daily vitamin C, 2 grams fiber, .5 gram protein
Greek yogurt- 140 calories, 0 grams of fat, 25% daily calcium, 0 grams fiber, 24 gram protein
carrots- 40 calories, 0 grams of fat, 100% daily vitamin A, 2 grams fiber, >1 gram protein
kale- 50 calories, .6 grams of fat, 100+% daily vitamin A and C, 0 grams fiber, 3 gram protein
flaxseed- 55calories, 4.3grams of fat, 10% daily magnesium, 3 grams fiber, 2 gram protein, omega-3 & lignans

The 7th month of pregnancy...

It's hard to believe that I have less than 70 days until I get to meet my baby boy. He sure is kicking a lot! Overall I am feeling pretty good... the only real complaint that I have is sleeping through the night. I just feel like I toss and turn frequently and it's hard to get comfortable, even with pillows. But if that's the worst symptom, I'll take it. I know everyone says that it's preparing me for waking up with the baby, but I say, at least the baby will be here already... something to hold and comfort when I wake up. It just seems different to me...  guess time will tell.

I'm still working out three times a week. This includes walking on the track, body weight exercises like lunges and squats, some leg machines, and arm exercises with weights. I always feel better after I work out, I think because it helps me feel like I can still have a normal routine.

We are still talking about names, it's definitely hard to pick one! Don't ask about it, because we won't tell even though we have some narrowed down. There are just too many opinions. :)

Sometimes I like to delude myself that if someone just saw me from the front or back, they couldn't tell I was pregnant. Look, I know my belly changing is natural, but it's still a little hard for me to get used to. It's looking quite round now... I made Justin take pictures today to remember this stage... 30 weeks and counting.

Easy Bacon Carbonara

I was getting low on meat options, but had bacon in the fridge... and I remembered how Cheesecake Factory has a delicious carbonara dish that I frequently get... so I thought I would go for it. After researching chicken carbonara recipes, I adapted to what I had in my fridge. It turned out to be tasty!




Bacon Carbonara

6 oz. whole wheat thin spaghetti noodles
6 slices bacon, chopped into small pieces
2 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp parsley
4 oz cream cheese
1 egg
3/4 c. milk
3/4 c. grated parmesan cheese
1 c. cooked peas

1. Start water boiling for noodles. Add noodles and cook until done.

2. Meanwhile, sauté bacon pieces, garlic, basil, and parsley in a skillet till bacon is crispy. Set aside.

3. In separate mixing bowl, whisk cream cheese, egg, milk, and parmesan cheese until well combined.

4. Place cheese mixture in the same skillet that you cooked the bacon in, and stir over low heat until mixture is well blended. It will begin to thicken as you stir. When mixture is creamy, add warm peas and bacon mixture. Stir together to blend flavors.

5. Combine warm noodles and sauce in serving bowl and serve with a garnish of fresh parsley or parmesan, if desired. Yum!

 

On Becoming Babywise PREVIEW

I'll call this a preview because I'm not actually done with On Becoming Babywise by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam, but it's so good I want to write about it now.

My sister recommended Babywise to me when I became pregnant, but she had talked about it before. You see, her kids are virtually always in good moods and smiling, and I can see the love she has for them so clearly. Yet, she has them on a schedule. This schedule allows her to have a routine for them (and her). It allows her to still have time for her husband too. And while I can clearly see that her kids love her, they aren't afraid to be without her either.

The difference between Babywise and other philosophies is that Babywise doesn't make the child the center of the home. Instead, it maintains the parents as the central and most important part. Kids need to see this. I loved this statement: "If something happens to mom and dad, every child intuitively knows that his or her whole world will collapse." I can say this of my own upbringing, as I'm sure others can too- when things with mom and dad's relationship was off, everyone felt it. (I'm not talking about a specific occurrence, just the general idea)

Some people might not like this idea, but Babywise authors call it "we-ism." Instead of the child growing from infancy with a me-first attitude of on-demand feedings, the child realizes they are part of a greater family unit. When more siblings coming along, the transition is easier because it wasn't all about them to start with. Sure makes sense to me.

Of course, the authors are not advocating that you don't care for your child when it has needs. Of course you need to do this. But you can help the baby establish it's eating, sleeping, and waking patterns. My sister's kids were sleeping through the night after a couple of months. As a mom who will have to go back to work in the fall, I NEED that. In fact, it's the only way I will be able to survive.

So, on to chapter four now. I hope this preview was thought-provoking, and I will write more when I finish, and more after I have my baby in a few months to see how applying the philosophy works out.

Here's a pic with hubby. Just about two months left!

Crockpot Sausage Meatball Soup

Along the theme of more protein, like I blogged about earlier, and since it's still chilly on this March 1, I decided to try to be creative with the sausage that I had waiting to be used in the fridge. I also had beans in the pantry, so I decided to combine both for a hearty soup. I thought it turned out great, and my hubby when back for a second bowl. Here's the recipe:

Crockpot Sausage Meatball Soup

Sausage Meatballs
1 lb sausage
1 egg
10 finely crushed crackers
2 T milk

Mix above ingredients well. Form into 1-inch balls (use a cookie scoop for a shortcut). Brown all sides of meatball in a skillet.

Soup
3 cans of your favorite beans (I used cannellini, great northern, and black)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp pepper
1 cup water

Combine all ingredients in crockpot and mix well. Add browned meatballs and cook on high 4-5 hours. (You can easily make this soup serve more people by adding extra beans and seasonings.)Garnish with parsley if desired and serve with cornbread. Enjoy!