Notes from the week: 12/9
Walking has become progressively more difficult every day. Climbing up the stairs, I clutch on for dear life and use the the stair rail to propel myself upwards. When I reach the top, I usually need to take a little break. If I forget something downstairs, it will usually stay there, or I’ll ask Tom if he’d please bring it up for me. Making two trips isn’t worth it.
Along with walking becoming more of a challenge, I’ve also become more clumsy, which isn’t an ideal combo. Yesterday, Bella was in the backyard refusing to do her business, so I went scrambling towards her on the brick, telling her to hurry the heck up. Brick + cold = slippery, frosty brick.
I almost fell… HARD. I still have no idea how I managed to catch my balance, because my feet went flying out from underneath me.
I can’t decide if the baby loves or absolutely loathes the weekly midwife appointments.
After they check the heartbeat, they’ll feel around to get an idea of her size and position. Today, the midwife got kicked and said “she’s trying to make sure you know her shoe size before she’s born!” as a little foot was protruding from my belly. For the rest of the day after my appointments, she’ll be a kicking and squirming little thing. As amazing as the midwives are, I don’t think she likes being messed with like that. Good news from today’s appointment: negative on the group B strep, and little lady is estimated to weigh a little over 6 lbs right now.
We’d like to get a jogging stroller, but might wait until she’s here and a little bit bigger. You’re not supposed to run/jog with the baby until they’re around 6 months old, but I’d like to have a more rugged, adventure-type stroller for places like Sabino Canyon, farmer’s market and vacays. Our everyday stroller is the Orbit travel system, and from what we can tell so far, we love it.
As far as the jogging strollers go, I’ve been scoping out the BOB strollers and Phil and Ted’s, and will see if there are any end-of-the-year or after-Christmas sales.
Everyone has been so generous with the words of advice and kindness this week. Here are some of the tips that were shared with me:
-Stay home to labor as long as you can before heading to the hospital if you’d like to have a natural childbirth. This way you can be in a comfortable home environment, and won’t set yourself up for unnecessary interventions if the hospital’s clock is ticking. Also, it will reduce the chance of going in too soon before you’ve progressed enough and being sent back home, anyway.
-Maybe have a half-birthday celebration if the baby’s birthday is close to Christmas. This is something we’ve considered doing –maybe 4th of July party?- since so many people are busy or out-of-town over the holidays. We’d also like to start a tradition where we do something fun (like Disneyland) for her birthday instead of focusing on gifts.
(the now-shirt that used to be a tunic)
-Envision myself being relaxed and peaceful during the birth and everything going the way we’d like it to. I’ve used this technique with races before, and while things didn’t always pan out the way I imagined, I felt calm and ready to deal with plan B, instead of scrambled on race day. Hopefully using the same technique will help me feel more confident and relaxed on the big day, too, especially since we have no idea what will end up happening or how she’ll get here. It really is an exciting surprise, and we just want everyone in our little family to be healthy.
As far as the kindness goes, I’ve talked about this before, but nothing will make a pregnant girl’s day like encouragement or compliments. Everything is magnified while you’re pregnant, especially senses and emotions… so the bad hurts even worse than it usually would, and the good is really, really good. It’s definitely important to surround yourself with love and positivity while someone else is depending on you and feels everything that you feel. I’m lucky that I’ve been surrounded by so much love during the pregnancy, from my family, Tom, and from all of you. I’m very thankful <3
A girl from our Bradley class brought her baby in this week, and I melted. She was born two weeks ago and her sweet little face and the way she was sleeping – I can’t believe that we’ll be the next ones in our class to experience that. I was so distracted and elated that it kept me from being traumatized by the birth video we watched. Whenever I watch birth videos, they make me feel so anxious (and a little queasy) up until the end. And then I cry every time, because it’s beyond beautiful and amazing.
One of the guests at work asked me if I can believe I have a tiny human growing in my belly. It’s funny because while you know it’s there, can feel the baby moving, kicking, and like it’s a part of you, it’s hard to picture an actual little person. She said, “Once that baby comes out, and you see those tiny fingernails and that face, you’ll know what a real miracle is. There’s nothing like it in the world.”
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ooh that fall sounds scary, watch out missy :(. cant believe she’s almost here, so looking forward to meeting her!
i was shaken up over it for the rest of the day. it could have been bad
We have a Zooper Boogie jogging stroller… it is great! They are pricey but we got ours used on Craigslist for $80, it was the best buy of all. Good luck! It is such an amazing experience. Nothing compares!
I love the idea of celebrating a half birthday and doing something fun around the holidays! Every time I read one of your family posts, I get so excited for you guys! They are my favorite posts from you these days.
thank you, friend- we’re really excited <3
Okay that last little note about what the lady at work said – um, hello tears.
right? i almost cried at work when she said it
PS I emailed you a breakfast idea from Women’s Health yesterday. It made me think of you (because I know you so well?? haha creeper blog reader) but I’m sure you have a bazillion emails so just FYI – its in there!
Love you!!!!
Awwwww, what a cute post!!!! I can’t believe how close its getting now!! I feel like you just announced you were expecting your gf bun 😉
xxoo
You look adorable in the tunic! 🙂 I was wondering where did you get suggestions for the Orbit? We are still considering what type of stroller to get and reviews and recommendations are everywhere, so it’s a bit confusing. :-/ Personal suggestions are always more insightful, if you don’t mind.
Okay, I absolutely love that your tunic doubles as a super cute maternity sweater!!! Very inventive! 😉 Also love the idea about the half birthday. Our son was suppose to be due around Christmas last year and we were also wondering how to set his birthday apart from all the holiday celebrations but then he showed up 2 months early so his birthday is in October now which is kinda fun. I think the trip idea is brilliant! What a very exciting time for you and perfect kismet that you’re with family during this very special time in your life. So excited for you both! 🙂
This whole post has me crying. I’m 17 weeks so I’ll blame it on the hormones 🙂 I can’t believe your little girl is arriving so soon!!
What a sweet post- the comment from the guest is heart melting and I love it 🙂
You look great and it sounds like you are in a great place. I hope to be this calm 4 months from now!
The hald birthday thing has merit- my birthday is right after Christmas, and it’s challenging to organize a party when everyone is so partied out from the holidays.
My birthday is the day after Christmas…it was definitely a challenge growing up because people were always on vacation and I couldn’t really have a party. I used to celebrate my half birthday and think that is a great idea!! I have loved following your pregnancy…now if only I could convince my husband 😉
It’s the toes that will get you. There is nothing more adorable and amazing than little baby feet!
100% Agree!!!
Wow, incredible. I can’t believe you’re so close to giving birth already! I feel like it was just yesterday that you shared the news that you were pregnant with us.
I can’t help but wonder, are you starting to feel nervous at all?
I mean I know there’s a little human inside of me, but when I really think about it I’m in awe. I was watching some births last night on YouTube and I just turned to my husband, crying, and said “A human being comes out of another human being!”
Any day now!
You are looking radiant Gina! Don’t cut off too much of your glorious Kardashian hair 😉
You are sooooo right about the compliments! Nothing better than kind words 🙂
Have you heard of the chariot stroller? We have the orbit stroller, too but are looking for something that will be great for walks, runs, bike rides, etc. I know TONS of people that have the chariot and absolutely love it!
http://www.chariotcarriers.com/
Hi Gina! My advice on the stroller situation is to wait and see what your lifestyle will be. I almost went out and got a jogging stroller for the “off road capabilities” but I realized I use my carrier(s) (moby in the beginning and bobba/ergo now at 7 months). Even at the mall, I use the carrier.
I just bought the InStep Grand Safari jogging stroller (less than $200 on diapers.com) last month and love it! There are a bunch of running moms in our neighborhood, so I was able to try a few out before making a decision.
I tried a BOB, a Schwinn and the InStep and ultimately make the decision based on the fact that I liked them all, but the InStep was about 1/2 the price of the others! We are going to start trying for baby #2 in the next few months, which means that I’ll potentially need to scrap my everyday & regular strollers for doubles soon anyways! I felt like going cheaper without satisfying function was a win-win 🙂
Errrr, without *sacrificing* function. Gotta love when your typo is actually an antonym for the word you intended 😉
OMG what you say about kindness is SO true! I’m so emotionally sensitive with just about anything since I got pregnant. Anytime anyone says anything mildly offensive (even not intending to offend) I get all defensive and upset and it’s so not like me! people should DEFINITELY take that into account when talking to pregnant women!
and by the way, You look gorgeous and adorable and i’m loving the baby bump!
I’m with you on the half birthday celebration. Since I’m due Christmas Eve, there will definitely be some competition on the birthday celebration! One of my friends bakes half a cake (one layer round cake cut in half and stacked before decorating) for her daughter’s half birthday. So cute!
we did half birthdays too. Mostly because J was repeatedly asking (as only a child can repeatedly ask something!) me ‘am I two, or two-AND-A-HALF?’ Kids are really into the ‘half’. Adults always ask ‘how old are you?’ and it’s a big deal to be ‘two and a half’, not boring old ‘two’. So we did half birthdays, just so from that point she would be ‘(age) and a half’. It stopped when she turned 5, graduated from pre-school, and was officially a ‘big girl’.
that is so cute.. i love that idea 🙂
It’s funny because every time I come on your website…I ALWAYS check the family section first and if I have time, go to the food…thank you so much for sharing this journey with us! 🙂
My sister’s birthday is Dec. 28th, and I definitely feel like to this day we still try to mega overcompensate so her birthday doesn’t get lost in the shuffle of the holidays. For parties my parent’s typically threw something a month or so earlier or later so that her friends would be in town. I am sop excited for you and the Pilot! She is going to be such a beautiful baby <3
My sister’s birthday is a few days before Christmas, and I totally agree about the overcompensating! She never felt like her birthday got lost in the Xmas shuffle. Plus, we always had a lot more family around to celebrate hers, because they were all in town for the holidays anyways.
My daughter is a July baby, and hers is actually a lot harder to coordinate, because everybody goes away in the summer!
My sister’s birthday is Dec. 28th, and I definitely feel like to this day we still try to mega overcompensate so her birthday doesn’t get lost in the shuffle of the holidays. For parties my parent’s typically threw something a month or so earlier or later so that her friends would be in town. I am sop excited for you and the Pilot! She is going to be such a beautiful baby <3
I’m at the same point in my pregancy that you are… this is baby #3 for me, it’s been really fun to see it through they eyes of a first time mom. When my first 2 kiddos were born, I used to place them on my belly and fold them up to try to imagine how they were when they were inside… silly, but it amazes me how they fit in there!
I LOVE the idea of having a half bday party… I’ve been so worried about baby having a bday so close to Christmas!
aww i can’t wait to be able to do that!!!
congrats on #3 🙂
xoxo
I love your pregnancy posts! I always look forward to them. Even more amazing: you have helped me go from being adamantly against having children to looking forward to the day my husband and I start down that journey.
Congratulations on a beautiful pregnancy and I wish you all the best during your delivery.
When my girls were little, half birthdays were for going through the toys and deciding what you wanted to donate to others. I started that tradition because they actually hit 50 BARBIE DOLLS in one dresser drawer!! I had 12 when I was little, and I thought that was a lot. 50 was a little insane, but Barbies are an easy gift to give, and my girls received a lot of them!
thanks a fantastic idea. it would be perfect to do something like that
Might steal the half birthday idea, my baby’s bday was on thanksgiving this year and will be close to it or on it every year! 🙂
I was born on 12/28 and when i got a little older, my parents would get me a ring for my birthday…. they’d go pick something out together, and i’d wait for my birthday to open it… and it was always different and gold. They always got a real gold ring, usually from Bailey Banks and Biddle or Tiffany’s. Sucks being born so close to major holidays, but at least you always get the time off from school!
The phil and teds is great but not for actual running. If you anticipate doing any actual running then BOB is the only way to go!!
My little one turned five months yesterday. It feels like it was just yesterday that I was pregnant, bloated, and scared! That woman at your job is right. It really is like a miracle. Even five months later, I am amazed that I could love my baby so much. It is such a joy! Not always easy, but absolutely worth it. I am SO excited for you. I can’t wait for her to get here! Life changing! It has been wonderful to follow along with you. 🙂 You’re almost there! What a wonderful holiday season for you this year! 🙂
thank you, carrie! happy 5 months to you and your family <3 i can't wait to look back in 5 months, too. it's going to be amazing 🙂
xoxo
i always look forward to your updates, i am getting so excited for you two!! eee! also – since you mentioned disneyland- you HAVE to see this video:
http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/disneyland-surprise/200byndf
it is sooo so cute, the best surprise ever- the girls reaction is amazing. you should totally do that one day!
omg that was the cutest thing i’ve ever seen. she was so happy! and now i’m crying. haha
<3
Check out Chariot Cougars – they make a chassis that can be a jogging stroller, bike trailer or regular stroller. It’s really rugged and the best stroller to run with (I tried a few before landing on this one). Our regular stroller is similar to yours- an Uppa baby Vista- but it’s nice to have another option.
I’m living vicariously through your posts. That feeling leading up to he arrival of a little one is so special. You are going to do great!
“I almost fell… HARD.” — YIKES!! Glad you caught yourself. All those years of dance, Zumba, teaching, etc.paid off and you saved yourself from bitin’ the dust b/c of your balance and coordination.
Stay at home as long as you can, 100% agreed.
Everything is magnified and words of encouragment are the best….agreed.
We got the BOB Ironman and went for a walk with her in it the day after she was born. The carseat (Britax) snapped onto the frame and that’s that. EASY. Highly recommended stroller; I calculate that in the past almost 5 years, at 30+ miles per week, 120 miles a month, 1500 miles a year…we are talking 5000 miles++ on that thing and it looks brand new. The best $400 ever spent. That and a Vitamix. Get it. 🙂
I get the whole labor at home as long as you can thing but to speak from my experience don’t wait too long either! When I went into labor two weeks ago, I waited a little too long not thinking that my labor would go very fast since this was my first baby. I ended up going from 2cm to 8 in a mere 2 hours. I almost missed the window for my epidural which isn’t a big issue if you want a natural birth. I guess I am saying keep track of the contractions so you don’t have a side of the road baby 🙂
i’ve thought about that too!! that’s amazing yours was so fast. i’m so excited for you and your family <3
EDIT: Wouldn’t go very fast not would
Hey lady!
Christmas Eve baby here (hospital brought me to mom in a Christmas stocking 🙂 ). Christmas birthdays aren’t that hard to navigate, really. We tried the half birthday thing for awhile when I was a kid, but eventually gave up because I felt weird celebrating so far from my actual day. We had better luck celebrating a couple weeks on either side for younger birthdays or just dealing with it and having a sledding party with local friends. The thing my parents did (and still do – I’m 33!) that made the biggest impact was keeping my birthday special and separate from Christmas. We didn’t go to holiday parties on the 24th and only went to church for the Christmas Eve service when I asked to go (basically every year), because it was my day and it would be celebrated as such. It was just like my siblings spring ans summer birthdays – full of fun and presents and awesome.
You guys are going to be great parents, and if you have a holiday baby, I’m sure you are going to do an amazing job of making that little peanut feel super special 🙂
-Kristin
that’s good to know, thank you! and happy almost-birthday 🙂
My sister was due on Christmas, but was born a week early on the 18th, and I’ve got to say that she never feels like her birthday & Christmas are combined/that people overlook her bday in favour of Christmas. Maybe it’s because we only have a small family and don’t really do big family gatherings for birthdays anymore, but she always gets to celebrate her birthday before Christmas, with separate gifts and a separate meal out with the immediate family & partners, etc. I always found the idea of a half birthday kind of weird — my birthday is in July, in the middle of winter, and I don’t get the option of having a summertime half-birthday (I’m in Australia)!! But that’s just my $0.02 🙂
That’s such a good idea about a half birthday celebration! And I love the idea about trips to Disney world! I’m sure she would love that!
I have a birthday a few days before christmas and my parents never held any of my bdays in the summer. They just made sure to keep my bday celebration separate from christmas no matter what. my presents were never wrapped with christmas wrap, my cake was never combined with christmas dinner and I never felt cheated or neglected. There is just as much, if not more, going on in the summer than christmas season – so it can be tricky no matter what time of year. With young kids if you have a party in the summer for them when its not their real birthday, they enjoy it while its happening, but 6 months later when its their real birthday and there is no party, they are disappointed and a bit confused. That happened to my neice this year…they threw her a party in the summer and in november on her actual birthday she was bummed she couldn’t have another one.
I love these posts, they are so beautiful and moving! <3 You are such a ray of light and inspiration, thank you for sharing so much on your blog! And seriously, you looks stunning with your bump – totally hot! 🙂 So glad you didn't fall, phew! <3 xyx
you have my crying at every one of these posts!! and no i am not pregnant and never have been thankyouverymuch 😉 im not sure if i have mentioned if before (or on every post bc i always think it-but hey as you said a preggers lady can never get enough compliments) but you look FANSTASTIC. And i am not just saying that. you have a ginormous belly but you are one of the types that if you turned around i bet you cant even tell you are pregnant! that zumba paid off-you will hopefully feel better during labor, will bounce back more quickly after, and hopefully have already instilled healthy habits on your baby. well i am getting all this from what i “hear”. and if it isnt all true, well then you at least looked like one hot pregnant lady 🙂
Gina, there really is NOTHING like it!! You just can’t imagine how much you can completely and unequivocally love something! And you know what’s really neat? You FINALLY understand just how much your parents love you! My heart went into a million pieces when I found out that someone actually loved ME that much! Before that I had no idea…because I couldn’t know until I experienced it for myself. =) Can’t wait to see your sweet, sweet, pink, little girl!
If she’s born on December 26, she’ll have a birthday buddy! 🙂
You’re already such great parents. Your daughter is a lucky little gal!
My oldest daughter’s birthday is Sunday and she will turn 14. It’s hard when their birthdays are so close to the holidays! One thing I have worked every year to do is ensure her birthday is kept “away” from Christmas. I usually don’t put the tree up until after her special day and we don’t decorate until after unless she requests it. We also made sure the family knew of our intentions when she celebrated her first birthday~please don’t combine Christmas and birthday gifts! Even if you get her something small, make her birthday special 🙂
Chariot. The only way to go! Love, love it! Getting the ski attachement this winter. For my birthday which is December 28th (see next paragraph about that). I am not one of those people who assume more $$ is better. Some gear yes, strollers are one of those things. We had a long debate between the Bob and the Chariot. I actually used the bike attachment mor on the Chariot more this summer than the jogging wheel. And the stroller wheels are great! They don’t stick out as far as the jogger wheel for sidewalk/crowd walking. You are an active family, you will probably use the jogger more than your Orbit. Chariot makes infant inserts and head supports. We live in a cold climate and had the bunting and now the fleece blanket. (No I don’t work for Chariot, but I’ve had 4 kids over the past 19 years and have gone through probably 10 strollers 🙂 )
So as far as half birthdays go, for your daughters sake, YES PLEASE!!! I still had nice turn outs at my birthday parties, it was pretty stressful.
You are a supe cute pregnant girlie, too!
Not only staying at home as long as you can, get out as soon as you can. It sounds like you have a good support system at home, so you’ll be fine. On day 3, your hormones are going to crash and I wish I would have been home.
Great suggestions with the half birthday and the birthday vacation. My daughter’s birthday is 26 December and with so many people out of town and/or I felt I could not expect people to come to a party and buy gifts when it is so close to Christmas. We had a few Halloween costume parties in lieu of birthday parties and I always do a half birthday card and cake on 26 June. It’s become a joke among her friends and mine. My son’s birthday is the end of August and I have him convinced vacations are more fun than birthday parties – he’s only 6 so I’m sure it wont last much longer. We go somewhere close we can drive to and make it a 4 day over Labor Day weekend. I spend close to the same amount of money I would having a big party, less stress, and the whole family can enjoy. I’ve also managed to do the Disneyland Half the last two years combining it with his birthday trip. Congratulations on your baby girl – you’ll find some great ways to make her December birthday special. But there will always be the Merry Christmas/Happy Birthday card faux pas you just have to laugh at.
My birthday is right around Christmas and I always loved this time of year growing up, so hopefully your little girl feels the same:) my parents were always good about making it special and always giving me the option if I wanted a more expensive combined gift. I liked having that option, because there was no way they would buy me something just for one or the other.
As far as laboring at home for as long as you can….I agree that works for most situations, but always follow your gut instinct and stay flexible. I always expected light contractions that would progress, but what really happened was I woke up bleeding:( So off to the hospital I went.
About a year ago I found out I was pregnant…so now I have a nearly 5 month old! I tell her all the time “I can’t believe it was you in there!” You spend all those months wondering what she is going to look like and praying everything will be ok. Now its hard to imagine life with out her and I really can’t believe my beautiful little girl was the one in there kicking me and doing flips!
i am a dec 3rd baby and my parents always did my real birthday. i never cared and there is just something special about your real birthday, especially if you are little. if the birthday is super close to christmas you can always do a small celebration on the actual day then schedule the party a week or so later…alwasy fun to extend the celebration!