P is for Pregnancy: Pagers Are BACK!

I may have discovered the jackpot.

(maybe a little too late for me, but good for you pregnant peeps)

Have y'all heard of this website?

Here's how it works- 

You're rushing to the hospital because you're in labor. 

You don't have time to call the 50 million friends and family in your phone to give them status updates because your getting checked in, fighting through a contraction, or listening to your husband snore...

SO therefore, you sign up for this little free service that keeps everyone in the loop. 

You (or let's be real, your partner) calls one number, records a personalized message or text 

and PreggoPager sends it instantly to your address book. 

It's practically genius.

(why didn't I think of this?!)

I realize it's a little impersonal, at first. 

But let's be honest, we are all too attached to our technology these days.

Put the phones/ipads/crap aside people and enjoy the moment. 

There will be plenty of time to catch up with everyone in person or over the phone later.  

Y'all better put me in your address book!

XOXO-LC

P is for Pregnancy: It's in the Bag

The hospital bag, that is. 

There are so many checklists out there for what one should pack for Delivery Day.

Now that I've been there, done that;

thought I'd share my must haves 

that got me through those first few days in the hospital.

First things first: Definitely Pre-Register & Tour the hospital. 

Do not procrastinate on this. Just knock it out, no earlier than 1 month before your due date. 

They will give you a tour of the maternity wings, make sure they have all your info on file (that way you're not filling out paperwork during a contraction!), and answer any questions you might have, such as:

1. how your friends and family can visit after baby arrives (do they need to sign in, what elevators will they use, are there quiet hours (aka no visitors allowed), etc)
2. have them go over the hospital security features (identity bracelets, code words, alarms, etc)
3. make sure you know exactly where to go the day-of (this is an important one, you don't want to be wandering around with your water broken!)
4. when will a lactation consultant visit
5. how long will you be in the hospital depending on what type of birth you have (make sure to check this with your insurance company too)

Some Tips:

1. I timed how long it took to get from our house to the hospital several times, especially during rush hours. 
2. Have your bags packed and ready to go by 36 weeks- we kept ours in the house, not in our cars.
3. Make sure you leave a key for someone to get them for you in case you're not at the house and have to go straight to the hospital. 
4. Discuss your plan and have a code word. I would simply text Mr. C, "baby", if I thought I was in labor. That way if we weren't together and he didn't answer his phone, he knew to get his butt in gear and call me ASAP!
5. Talk with someone you trust, either a friend and/or a co-worker, in case you need to have someone  other than your partner drive you to the hospital. 
6. If you work, draft emails to your boss and special clients/partners so you can just hit "send" when you go into labor. (Definitely have your maternity plan in place with your employeer way before you go into labor.

YOUR HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST:

Must-Haves:

• Insurance info and birth plan (if you have one)
• 2 pairs of warm, nonskid socks that can get ruined (and for walking the halls before and after labor)
• A going home outfit- loose pants, shirt, a pair of "granny panties", and comfy shoes
• A warm robe or pajama set
• 1 maternity bra or tank- no underwire- and 2-4 nursing pads. (your milk won't really come in until after you're home so you don't need a lot)
• Lip balm and sugar free gum
• Toiletries and Personal Items- hairbrush, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, face wipes, makeup (mascara and concealer are plenty), shampoo and conditioner, lotion, and contact lens case and solution. 
• A bath towel (the hospital ones are super thin and scratchy)
• Eyeglasses/Sunglasses
• Headband and/or ponytail holder (avoid clips)
• Prenatal vitamins
• Vending machine change and non-perishable snacks- breakfast/protein bars, fruit snacks, 100 calorie cookies/crackers, mini Gatorades/juice
• Cell phone, ipad, and charger (don't bring any books or tablets- you won't want to read, I assure you)
• Camera, charged and ready to go. 
• Extra pillow (with a case that can get ruined, in a pattern different from the hospital white)

*Leave some room for cards, gifts, and paperwork from the hospital*

*Don't take anything you wouldn't mind getting dirty or losing*

For Your Partner:

• Change of clothes, sleep clothes, underwear, toiletries, books/music/phone, and a pillow

For the New Bambino:

• Car Seat
• Diaper Bag- (bare minimum is fine: newborn diapers, wipes, change of clothes, bib/burp cloth)
• Pacifier
• A coming-home outfit (newborn size should be fine)
• 1 swaddle blanket
• If it's cold out- have the appropriate gear (hat, warm blanket, etc)

*The hospital will send you home with a nasal aspirator, a few extra diapers/wipes, 

swaddle blankets, a onsie or two, a hat, a brush, and a little plastic basin or tub*

You Won't Need:

• Timer (for contractions), hair dryer/curling irons/straighteners (seriously?!), jewelry (you can't wear it during labor), hand sanitizer (the hospital has plenty), cards/games, and extra clothes for you or baby.

Hope this helps! 

And remember, keep calm and PUSH! 

The only thing you really need to worry about bringing home is that sweet new baby!

XOXO- LC

P is for Pregnancy: 36 Weeks, 3 Days!

Hello Baby,

So I might be in denial, just a tad...

because today I'm exactly 36 weeks and 3 days pregnant.

AKA a little over 3 short weeks until we get to meet you! 

Yay!!! and eeeeeek!!!

{hello baby! BELLY!}

Week 36(ish) Milestones:

• Belly Button is exactly flush with the rest of my belly. It's hilarious.
• According to my pregnancy tracker, you are the size of a Watermelon (and it feels like it too!) and are approximately 19-22 inches, 6.5 lbs.
• I've had 2 weekly appointments already. As of last week, things are progressing right on track! (Get ready for some TMI, but I'm 50% effaced but not dilated.)
• Lately, I've been having more pain in my lower back and it's getting uncomfortable to sleep at night. It's time for a body pillow and heating pad. 
• An hour long hot bath is a nightly routine. During my break, I may or may not have taken 2 baths a day!...
• I'm pretty sure I'm rocking a little bit of the "pregnancy waddle". Forget about the high heels, unless it is a super special occasion.
• As of this weekend, your room is unofficially officially done! (minus the custom crib, but this one is a wonderful placeholder) *pics to come soon!*
• After the hospital tour recently, we pre-registered. So technically, we are good to go! Finalizing the last of my work maternity leave details still keeps me up at night, but I hope to knock out everything this week.
• If you must know (and yes, people are asking)...so far I've gained about 25 lbs overall.
• Mr. C and I STILL have not decided on a name. And we get asked every day! I will say though that we do have a front runner. No, I'm not telling! 
• My appetite is that of a 16 yr old hormonal high school football player. I literally just looked down and noticed I just ate half a bag of pita chips and tub of hummus. I'm still hungry...
• Hospital Bag is pretty much packed. Boy, was that a reality check. I had to remind myself I wasn't going out of town on vacation...womp womp. 

Let me just say, we are SO excited/anxious/nervous/can't wait to meet you!

...however, I can still wait until Feb. 1st though, just so you know... :)

XOXO- Mom

P is for Pregnancy: 31 Weeks

Hello Baby,

Happy 31 weeks to you today! 

from google images.

So an update from yesterday...

We are still waiting to hear back from the Doctor Lady on your official status, 

but the sonogram yesterday went really well and they said you're growing perfectly! 
(sigh of relief)

You were quite the character though and put on a little show :

from left to right:

#1. Face Side Profile

#2. Face Side Profile- you yawned twice during (which was so cool) 

and here you're sticking out your tongue! (you're definitely our son!)

#3. Face Front View- eyes wide open and you smiled a little!

#4. Right Hand Profile- giving us a "thumbs up"!

And in other news....

It just so happens that today we closed on our NEW LOT!

Not too much longer until I get to squeeze you!

XOXO- Mom

P is for Pregnancy: Nerves

Hello Baby,

Yesterday I had a doctors appointment. 

We will continue to listen to your little heart beat (which was very strong!)

and check up on you every 2 weeks until you are born. 

The doctor worries that you may be a little tiny, so we scheduled a sonogram for today.

I couldn't really sleep last night because my mind was all over the place. 

I guess this is what being a mommy will be like. 

Thinking and worrying about you all the time!

I'll be thinking good thoughts until 2 pm today...

(at least we get to see you another time!)

I pray that you are happy, healthy, and growing in there. 

from google images.

See you soon,

XOXO- Mom

P is for Pregnancy: A Little Light Reading

I've been really sick the last few days...

some sort of nasty stomach bug.

So I've been corrupting Baby C and trying to make myself feel better

by watching non-stop episodes of Revenge on Netflix. 

(I just finished Season 1...OMG!...now what am I going to do with my life?!)

Our sweet Pip has been by my side all day long. 

Loyal little thing.

Anyways, I haven't been a complete vegetable lately...

I've also been reading a lot from my "go-to" baby books:

(two Mommy-to-be points for me!)

In fact, I finished a couple interesting sections last night 

on "The Scoop on Newborn Poop" and "Labor & Delivery"...lovely. 

My mom was right. I should have listened to her when she said: "Do NOT read ahead!"

I like being prepared and everything...but TMI!

Overall, these books have been very informative, (to say the least!)

reassuring, and honest. Would totally recommend to anyone looking to start a family. 

(These are very well known and respected books for a reason!)

Also, I found this amazing site a while back 

and have been reading up on it again lately. 

I basically used this as a compass before I started registering.

It's been a lifesaver too!

XOXO-LC

P is for Pregnancy: Week 28

Hello Baby,

Today you are 28 weeks old!
We are officially in the 3rd Trimester!

From google images.

Week 28 Milestones:

• Belly Button is STILL an technically an innie, although it's actually just more flush with the rest of my bump. 
• According to my pregnancy tracker, you are the size of a Cauliflower and are approximately 16 inches, 2.5 lbs.
• Cravings are different every day. (Tonight I'm thinking Chinese food!)
• Mint Tums are my new best friend. 
• I'm starting to have the occasional Braxton Hicks contractions. They basically feel like short, sharp pains right under my rib cage. Not really as painful as they are uncomfortable. 
• Your room is coming together...Really the only things left are the custom crib and artwork.
• I need more closets/drawers/stuff to organize...nesting has officially set in!
• My clothing options are starting to slim down (no pun intended)
• Sometimes I can see your kicks from the outside of my belly, not just feel them from the inside! 
• So far I've gained about 16 lbs overall.
• Mr. C and I still have not decided on a name. And we get asked every day! 
• I get out of breath faster than usual- room in there is getting tight and I can really feel the pressure on my lungs these days. 
• However, I still have a ton of energy and am feeling great!

P.S.

You got a special treat this week from your Auntie Lisa...

She loves you so and brought you my favorite cake balls from Louisiana! 

T-Minus 12 weeks! 

XOXO-Mom

P is for Pregnancy: 21 Week Sonogram Pics

Today has been a crazy day...pretty much like every day lately it seems.

(I'm sure you all know what that feels like!)

Well to make a crazy day even better, I thought to myself...

"what fun would it be to work on my (overdue) expense reports?!"
So I start cleaning out my receipts from my purse and low and behold...

Hello Baby! I find our sonogram pictures I had stashed to show a friend recently.

It never gets old looking at our little nugget!

Mr. C and I are going on a date night tonight (also long overdue!)
It's important to make time for each other every so often.
We're going to eat left over stuffed shells (recipe soon!) & see a movie, Taken 2.
And I'm going to eat lots of popcorn- so make some room in there Baby C!

XOXO-LC

P is for Pregnancy: Week 23

Hello Baby,

Today you are 23 weeks old, exactly! 

I think you and I deserve a cupcake...or two...or twenty-three.

Week 23 Milestones:

• I now officially have a serious bump! (belly button still an "innie") I find myself rubbing my belly and talking to you all the time. I'm having to get more creative with my wardrobe...(see exhibit A below)
• Like clock work, I'm consistently getting up around 4am to use the facilities. (funny how your body starts preparing you for the lack of sleep!)
• You've been kicking and moving around a lot lately. Also at night. Thank you very much for that.
• The concept and design of your nursery is finally coming together. (Details soon!)
• Pizza Bagel Bites, White Cheddar popcorn, Bananas, and very cold grapes are all stocked in the kitchen.
• Your gender reveal announcements have finally been received and Mr. C has been flexing his muscles more than ever. It's really cute! (Details on the announcement DIY soon!)
• I have more energy and am truly happier than I've ever been!

(exhibit A)

Skinny Jeans: Old Navy Maternity; White Tank: Target; Tunic: Nordstrom (old); Gold Belt: White House/ Black Market (old); Heart and Arrow Necklaces: Stella and Dot in Gold

XOXO-Mom