Nesting Part II: Letting the Creative Juices Flow

Well, this post is for my Mom. You see, for Christmas this year, she and my Dad got me my first sewing machine. I didn't burst into tears over it (as I did the new lens I got as a combined gift from Jacob, his parents, and my grandmother), but I wanted to show her I am excited about learning how to use it to create things: I LOVE creating things! This week passed quickly because I became pretty much addicted to creating new things! It's the whole nesting thing, I'm sure :)

So...I started by going to pick out some pretty vintage-y fabric. I had no idea what I would actually make with them - but I'm a sucker for some eye-candy, so it was fun to choose them!

My first project was to embellish some onesies. I had read about doing this on Jordan Ferney's blog "Oh Happy Day" quite some time ago...and decided to give it a whirl. I had some newborn sized little pants in yellow and green that were Sawyer's...but all of a sudden they didn't look "neutral" to me...so I decided to make something that would coordinate with the pants and make them a little more feminine. I love how the bird turned out. It might be hard to tell that the second one is a baby elephant. At least I made a cute headband to go with it, if no one can tell what it is!

I also got the itch to make some tutu's...so I made the lavender one below (plus headband) for a dear friend who is also expecting a baby girl a few weeks after me. And, of course, I made one for Aspen - although I'm still working on a headband to match her pink tutu.

Okay, I have to give myself a pat on the back for this one. I have never made an article of clothing before (besides Sawyer's Superman Cape for Halloween), and I found this cute dress pattern on the blog "Made by Rae". It's made for teeny tiny babies, so it should fit Aspen right away! I'm really proud of how it turned out, it being my first try and all. I embellished it a bit with some details...and yet another matching headband. This baby is going to be much more stylin' than I ever am!

I also got carried away "browsing" the shoppes on Etsy one day during Sawyer's nap. First, I was inspired by my friend, who made some amazing headbands recently for her upcoming baby girl, and then as I looked at all the boutiques on Etsy, I was like "WOW, I've got to try this for myself." Mostly, because I can't afford to buy one of theirs for $15-$30! I think Lou and Lou (on etsy) inspired me the most. I got a bunch of felt to try...but I ended up doing fabric and I really like how it turned out. I also did a simple adult-sized headband that could easily go along with hair thrown into a ponytail (most moms I know!) The one below is for a friend of mine...I will be making more!

I had my little model try the headband on, for size. He had been watching what I was doing and was pretty excited to try it on. I can't think of a way to make a boy-ish headband - maybe add some trucks or trains? Either way, he is a cute little model (and I hope his dad forgives me for turning him girly for a few minutes!)

Next project: The Nursing bag. My friend, who happens to also be our pediatrician (I was nanny to her 3 kiddos for a time)gave me this idea. Since Sawyer is still so little, she advised a bag like this with a few novel toys that I can bring out only when nursing the new baby. The thought is that it will be something special to look forward to and the hope is that Sawyer won't feel as pushed to the sidelines as I spend a great deal of time nursing the first little while. I thought it sounded like a good enough idea so, why not give it a try? I stocked the bag with just a few little things - most found at the $1 bins at Target. I thought the baby with a bottle might be fun in case he wanted to "feed" a baby alongside me. And I did splurge a little on the playmobil car and driver - I just couldn't resist! Sawyer has been really into owls lately, hence the owl on front of the bag. (I told Jacob is was a sneaky reference to "hooters" since, really, that is what nursing is all about, right? :)

Last, but not least, the ABC Blocks. I put bells in 3 of the blocks, for added fun. Sawyer already tested them out - he pitched them across the room. I figure, at least if he likes throwing them around - if he throws them at the baby, they are super soft. But, they are for the baby, mostly. Just a fun little experiment. I did so many experiments this week, and had a blast doing them! I really need to quit, though, because I need to get more rest. I really do!

Okay. Do you agree that Sawyer is going to be an awesome big brother, or what? He pointed at my belly today and said "Aspen, Aspen!" with a big smile. Maybe he knows something I don't...like when she's going to make her grand appearance? Any day now...or week...whenever...we'll sure be glad when she's here!

Now, I am off to order take-out. We're starting to celebrate my birthday tonight (don't want to break the Sabbath by going out to eat!) Originally, we were going to go out, but I haven't been feeling well today, so I'm opting to stay in and order out (from the Chinese Dumpling place up the street that everyone tells us they LOVE). Jacob is going to make me lettuce wraps and an ice-cream cake tomorrow, and we'll sing and do a few presents then. Happy 33rd birthday to me (& my twin sister, Tia!) We're getting SO old! (and I'm feeling old right now in my very preggo bod - but give me a few weeks and I'll be feelin' young again!)

Another Baby Update...

37 Weeks

I guess I've been too busy to update about any progress or news from our 37 week appointment. In a post coming very soon you will see why I've been busy (let's just call it: more nesting: operation craftiness). So...latest is 2cm/50%/-2 station. I am still at about 23lbs for my weight gain - this week I actually lost about 1/4 of a lb. Hmmm...how does that happen when the only exercise I do is yoga and I do things like drink whole milk? Probably because she's squishing my stomach so much I can't hold much in there. All I really feel like eating is milk, smoothies, and fruit. This babe is completely taking over my belly and squishing every organ I have. She is getting so big that my belly is moving up and over my ribcage now. Luckily, she doesn't kick me there very often. She more likes to do big stretches (yoga girl?) and stick her little back and bum straight out so that my belly looks almost egg-shaped as she does this (a bit ouch for me!) I am starting to think she is going to be HUGE. Okay, not compared to some - but compared to her brother. Sawyer was 5lb 12 oz. and I have a feeling she's going to be at least 6 and a half., perhaps even more! I feel like I am ALL BELLY! We will soon find out! The doctor still thinks she may come a bit early - but it's really hard to tell. I am excited at the prospect of her coming a little in advance (and my twin sister is hoping she makes her grand appearance on Sunday - our 33rd birthday) BUT I also don't want to get my mind set that she's coming early because, in all reality, and as every woman knows who has waited past her due date - the baby comes when she is ready. It doesn't matter how ready or un-ready her parents are :) So, we'll gladly wait to meet her, because any way it goes, it is going to be soon! In the meantime, we have had some pretty awesome early-Springish weather here in Seattle. Almost 60 degrees and some sunshine. It has truly lifted my spirits! I have also accepted that I am just going to feel "this way" until the baby comes...so I made sure to drag myself and my boy outside as much as I could this week. We went to the Zoo, the park, had a playdate this morning with Sawyer's friend/mommy chat with my friend (isn't it the best when you love the mom as much as your child's friend? and she's having a girl, too, so we'll have even another thing in common to chat about!), and tomorrow we are planning on playing at the park as well. People ask if I'm tired. Well, I'm more uncomfortable than tired (even though I slept only about 5 hours last night). I am likely found working on projects til about midnight or 1am...Jacob says I should really get more rest since any day I am going to have to push that baby out into this world! I think he's right. I should!

PS - thanks to all of you who commented about being GBS+. I think I may have mislead people when I said that my doc only mentioned artificial induction as an option if I was worried about not getting the antibiotics in time. Truth is, my bigger concern is having an IV! But I WILL NOT be induced unless it becomes a medical necessity - which is very unlikely in my situation. Also, my doctor knows I desire an unmedicated/natural birth, and is aware of the "cascade of interventions". She is an amazing doctor, and I feel so lucky to have her. If I didn't have her, I'd probably go the mid-wife route, but she is so exceptional, I will stick with her as long as we're in this city! It is a blessing to be able to put your trust in someone in the medical profession, and know that they are working for you. Not everyone is so lucky.

The Belly

As promised, here is my belly at just about as big as it will get. Well, maybe it will get a tiny bit bigger - but there's not a whole lot of time left. This is at almost 37 weeks. I was being a little too serious in front of the camera (who wouldn't be...when you're baring your big belly? I'm much more at ease behind the camera)! Jacob got me to smile by having me say - instead of "cheese" - "Aspen will be beautiful". Well, I think she will be beautiful, to us at least (and if she follows suit with her brother everyone,everywhere we go will comment on how cute she is!)

Isn't it amazing how it can grow so big, in such a (relatively) short amount of time.(With any luck, it will shrink back just as quickly!)

I will be honest in saying that pregnancy is NOT as glamorous and wonderful as I always dreamed...but there are certainly some amazing moments. My very favorite part is just feeling our little baby dancing around in there. She is SUPER active! She always pushes her little foot out in one particular spot (kinda like how Sawyer used to jab me in the ribs in a particular spot!) and I love that I can touch her little foot through my flesh and interact with her. It's fun when we talk to her, or sing to her, and feel her move around: she's listening! We keep telling her to come as soon as she's ready, and then she can meet her awesome brother, who will be so excited to see her (we hope ;)

Well...there you have it! My big, round, belly! Thanks goes to Jacob for documenting my belly as it grew these past several months!



PS-I also thought I should be accountable with a little update on my goals. I have completed half of them, set a couple on the "back burner" for now, and continue to work on the rest. They have kept me busy (among all the other things on my "to do" lists!) But they have been excellent goals. If you didn't see my post about these goals - check them out at the end of this post I did about 7 weeks ago:
10 Things in 10 Weeks Goals.

Here come the baby updates!

36 weeks

*note* For those of you who don't want "too much" information - quit reading now!

This morning I had my 36 week check up. We had a little 2-minute ultrasound to make sure of the baby's position - which is head down just like she should be. I have gained 23lbs. which puts me right about on track with where I was with Sawyer. I still feel like she'll be bigger than Sawyer - probably not much, or maybe I just don't remember quite how I felt towards the end last time - but my guess is she'll be closer to 6lbs.

1.5 cm dilated and 50% effaced. The doc doesn't think I'll make it to 40 weeks. She doesn't think baby will come this week - but she said make sure our bags are packed. I plan on doing that by this weekend. Jacob was like "don't tell her that and get her hopes up...because what if she's not early!?!" Oh well. The infant car seat is all installed and I even got one of those little "bundle me" things for our winter weather baby (okay, so Seattle winters aren't that cold - but still!) It still seems kinda surreal that in the next 2-4 weeks we will have a new baby! As much as we've prepared, and obviously she's grown because my belly is now super round, it still just doesn't seem quite real! I remember feeling similarly before Sawyer was born - but had a lot more time on my hands to reflect and ponder things than I do now. I am so excited to see what she'll be like! And equally excited to see how Sawyer will react to her arrival in our family :)

Okay - so this pregnancy I tested positive for the Group B Strep. Which means, I am going to have to have antibiotics administered through an IV during labor. Ideally, two 20 minute rounds 4 hours apart. Since my labor went quite quickly with Sawyer (I was in "active labor" about 5 hours and at the hospital less than 6 before he came) I am concerned they won't have time to give me both rounds. Doc says perhaps this time I shouldn't stay at home and bake a birthday cake before I go to the hospital :) She also said not to worry, and that a speedy labor and delivery actually decrease the risks. I just HATE IVs! I didn't have to have one with Sawyer at all! Doc says they can administer the antibiotics right when I get to the hospital and then give me a heparin lock so I can still move around and go in the jacuzzi tub etc. Okay...I'll be brave! Doc also said if I do make it to 39 weeks I have the option of being induced so that they can make sure to have time to administer the antibiotics. She also knows I want an all natural birth, so if you get induced the chances go way down of that happening - the whole "cascade" of intervention stuff. BUT. I am generally not in favor of artificial induction, unless medically necessary, so for now I'm not even considering that (although I know a lot of women who would jump at the chance!) Anyone else ever had the Group B Strep that wants to enlighten me to how things went for them?

One last thing: What will she look like? I think Sawyer is a pretty good combo of me and Jacob, he certainly has my eyes and Jacob's hair. I guess here's the part where predictions are welcome! When will she come? (Actual "due date" is Feb. 10th) How much will she weigh? What will she look like?

My guesses: She'll come at the end of January - maybe even on my birthday (the 24th). She'll be about 6lbs give or take a few ounces. She'll have lighter hair than Sawyer - which will eventually turn blond and she'll get her Daddy's blue eyes. How's that? Anyone else have a guess?

ps - this weekend I'll see if I can get Jacob to take some belly shots. we've sorta slacked off on that lately. If he can't take them...I'll do what I did with Sawyer at the end - a self portrait. (It's just kinda tricky when you don't even have a remote for your camera...and have an 18 month old running under foot!) Hopefully, there'll be at least one post with a photo before our little lady arrives!

Nesting

We have been busy getting ready for our new baby girl. I have to admit, I've had many thoughts lately of encouraging myself to blog less during this coming year. Lately, I just haven't felt like doing much of anything, but I've also contemplated the value of my time and the activities I choose to spend my valuable time on...anyway...that's enough on that, for now. We rang in the New Year just the three of us, with a traditional Southern dinner of Black-Eyed Peas and Greens. We toasted with some sparkly apple cider (Sawyer really liked the clanging of cups and shouting "cheers!") I felt like going to bed at Sawyer's bedtime (8:30) but decided to stay up and watch a movie with Jacob. We knew it was 2010 when our neighbors set off a bunch of fireworks. Hooray for a New Year! A new beginning...and lots of new adventures - I love it! Our first new adventure, of course, it going to be the quickly-coming arrival of our baby girl. We are all very excited to meet her! Sometimes it still seems surreal that within 2-5ish weeks, we will be a family of four! Here's what we've been up to in preparation...

We got her bassinet all set up in our room. Our tiny room, I might add. It's a small room to begin with, and now there's barely room to walk around the bed. But we don't mind :)

I've washed all the blankets and bedding, and a few new (so so soft) swaddling blankets. Sawyer was a summer baby and was indifferent about being swaddled, since the weather was so warm. But I have a feeling our winter baby is going to love it. I also washed and organized all of the newborn clothes. As I pulled out some of the newborn-sized onesies Sawyer wore only 18 months ago...I couldn't help but have some sweet flashbacks thinking of him when he was so tiny and new. I wonder if Aspen will resemble her brother at birth? Or if she'll be completely different. I wonder if she'll be bigger than him? Or smaller? I've gained 21 lbs so far, which is about where I was at with Sawyer at this time in pregnancy (hoping to hit the recommended 25! I made it to 26!) although I feel bigger. I feel like she juts out all in front whereas Sawyer was jammed into my rib cage. I suppose we'll soon find out the answer to all of these questions!

Oh yes. The girly clothes. I think I'm good for the first 6 months. I always had fun shopping for Sawyer's clothes - they make some pretty darn cute boy clothes now-a-days...but my-oh-my, how much fun to shop for girl clothes! I just love all of the little details! (Don't worry, she has many plain old white onesies with little leggings...I am practical as well as excited about the cute outfits!)

The nursery. It's pretty much done, just a few little finishing touches to do - but if she came tomorrow I'd be happy with where we're at. Of course, Sawyer and Aspen are going to be sharing their room, so I had to choose "neutral" colors. All of the furniture is white, so I went with pale shades, for the most part, of green and yellow for bedding and storage/organization. Pink will just have to wait (although I did go with some pink in her bassinet). I searched forever for the perfect coordinating baskets, and have to thank The Land of Nod for many of my favorite finds.

Oooh. The teeny, tiny, newborn-sized diapers. I stocked up on a few packages. Sawyer was so small, we had to roll over the tops of the smallest diapers we could find. And while we will do cloth eventually - we found that cloth doesn't work so well until the baby is at least 8lbs. Her little bum will eventually be covered with little "g's"...

So, this week we are nailing down our game plan for where Sawyer will go when we head off to the hospital (times like these it would be heavenly to have family closer by!) We washed and vacuumed out the car, and will install the infant carseat this weekend. And so on, and so on...getting ready!

I have to be honest and say that sometimes seeing people's lives on a blog can make it seem perhaps a little more glorious or glamerous than it actually is. What I mean by this is...I've actually been feeling HORRIBLE the past couple of weeks (let's be real...the whole pregnancy!) I struggle just to get a few things done each day. My doctor has asked me to "take it easy" and stay off my feet as much as I can for another week (she has a sneaky suspicion the baby may come a little early - and I'm crossing my fingers she will be anything but late). If I seem obsessive in my preparation for baby #2, it's because that's pretty much all I can do right now. Poor Sawyer, he really needs a play date! Maybe after my appointment next week my doc will say "run wild and free!" although I may still not feel like it. At least if I drag myself and Sawyer to the Zoo...it won't be too big of a deal if I go into labor!

Here's to getting ready for Aspen, celebrating our anniversary, and my 33rd birthday in the next few weeks! Wish us luck!