Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Hospital Bag Packed!

Time to pack the bags! My due date is less than a month away and movers come in a week so our bags for the hospital(and hotel living) are getting packed and ready to go. With Nate, I packed everything at 38 weeks. I would wait with Morgan, too, but with us PCS-ing it has to be done a little bit sooner.

Since Morgan is a girl, I had a very difficult time deciding what to pack. Girl clothes are so flipping cute! I wanted to bring every headband and every outfit she has already! I tried to limit myself, but I know I probably packed way too much.

This bag is packed with the assumption I will have a vaginal delivery and stay in the hospital for 2-3 days.

Cute stuff first. Our going home outfit. I went to a Baby Expo and got a tank top for me with a newborn headband for her. I will wear the tank top and leggings. She will wear a onesie, pants, and the headband. Isn't it so cute!?

Mommy's stuff:
1. Clothes
* Hospital gown. My mom got this gown for me as a gift. Otherwise I would just wear what the hospital has.
* 2 nursing bras
* 2 tank tops(nursing friendly)
* 1 nursing shirt
* 1 long sleeve nursing friendly top. I get cold fast so I packed a long sleeve just in case I was cold.
* 2 pairs of soft socks. Again, because I get cold and the floors are dirty in the hospital.
* Flip flops. I will wear them to the hospital.
2. Toiletries
*shampoo/conditioner
*body wash
*toothbrush/toothpaste
*hairbrush
*chapstick
*make-up/makeup remover
*deodorant
*hair ties
*nursing pads
3. Pillow.
*The hospital will obviously have pillows, but I want mine. 
4. Camera, phone, and chargers
5. Insurance cards 
6. Cash
* Just in case the cafeteria is closed and you need to eat from the vending machines.

Things I need, but hospital will provide: Every hospital provides different items so be sure to ask if yours provides the extra items you need/want.
1. Mesh panties. Take them all. I don't want to get my own underwear gross and bloody and they are actually really comfortable. 
2. Peri bottle. 
3. Tucks
4. Pads. Again, take them all. You will be bleeding heavily. They feel like you are wearing a diaper, but oh well. Get thinner ones once you leave the hospital. 

Postpartum Care: These are things I am not packing in my hospital bag, but will have ready to go when I get released.
1. Pads. Thinner ones, but still overnight/heavy flow.
2. Tucks
3. Nipple cream
5. Nursing pads

Morgan's Stuff:


1. 3 sleepers
2. 4 outfits + going home outfit
3. 3 mittens
4. 2 pairs of socks
5. 2 swaddle blankets
6. 1 swaddle me
7. 1 burp cloth
8. 2 pacifiers. Not sure if I will use them.
9. Boppy
10. Cloth diapers. Just bringing a few for the last day to see the fit and start getting into the routine. 
11. Wet bag.
12. 1 woven wrap and 1 ring sling. Not necessary, but I want to be able to try them with a newborn and if I am walking around, she can have skin-to-skin. 
13. Car seat

Both Morgan and my stuff fit in one duffel bag, minus the Boppy, my pillow, and car seat. 

That's it! I can't believe I can fit it all in one duffel bag! I still need to pack Nate an overnight bag in case he has to go with a friend. Also, some people pack a change of clothes, pajamas, and toiletries for daddy-to-be, but Jason is going to fend for himself. 

Hope I remembered everything! Any other suggestions are welcome!




Monday, May 25, 2015

Bump Brief #28

Bump Brief #28: 36 weeks


How far along? 36 weeks, baby is the size of 8lbs of cherries. Because I've literally eaten that many cherries in one week. 

Total weight gain/loss: 166 today. Up 1lb from last week which is really surprising since I feel like I eat every 20 minutes. 
Stretch marks? No
Sleep:  Not happening.
Best moment this week: My friends threw me a baby shower!!! This was planned last minute because a shower really wasn't necessary. We are moving so soon, Morgan already has a ton of stuff I have to pack in a suitcase, and everyone is so busy with life! But...they did it anyway! My friend, Martha, put together a tea party. It was adorable! It was small and intimate and perfect. And the food was delish! Thank you, Martha, for hosting the shower and thank you to my friends that came to celebrate!
The menu:
*4 different types of sandwiches: 1. nutella and granny smith apples 2. smoked salmon and cheese 3. turkey and pesto 4. hummus and cucumber
* Vanilla Scones
*Strawberry shortcake stacks
*Puff pastries filled with lemon curd and topped with raspberries
*Fruit platter
*2 different types of cupcakes
*Assortment of hot teas and pink lemonade














Preggo Problems: Still peeing at least once an hour. I'm pretty sure I could keep Angel Soft in business with just me alone using the toilet paper. 
Movement: 
Food cravings: Cherries and orange juice.
Interesting facts about baby (according to pregnancy app): 
1. Skin is getting smooth and soft and gums are rigid. 
2. Liver and kidneys are in working order.
3. 28 days until EDD!! That's less than a month. Granted she could go late, but still...
Gender: Girl!! And her name is.....


Labor Signs: More and more Braxton hicks. All day long and all night. My stomach is constantly tight. My best friend here in Hawaii is letting my use her birthing ball so I've been on it a lot. I found an awesome blog explaining the birth ball. Hopefully it works "its magic". 
Belly Button in or out? Out.
Wedding rings on or off? Off. Had them on for a few days and the rash came back.. I put on a fake ring because it is super weird not to have a ring on. I have my fake wedding ring on and wear 2 rings on my right hand. The cheap, fake rings don't irritate my skin at all. Yay!
Mood: Tired from lack of sleep. Trying to keep myself busy. Trying to enjoy the last few weeks of one child. Trying to enjoy my baby bump that will be leaving soon. Trying to get the house in order for movers to come. Trying to do a lot of stuff. Trying is the key word. My motivation to get stuff done is lacking. Probably because I don't want to leave Hawaii. 

This week I had the opportunity to model for A&B Burns Photography! This married couple work together and they wanted a beach photo shoot to add more to their portfolio. They do amazing work and I was happy to help them out. Here are some of my favorites from the shoot. If you are in Oahu, I would highly recommend them! The only bad part was there was sand in places sand should not be. ;)
















Monday, May 18, 2015

Bump Brief #27

Bump Brief #27: 35 weeks



Nate and I were in our little pool by 9am today so I took a few pictures in my bathing suit. Then got back in pajamas. 






How far along? 35 weeks, baby is the size of a...baby humpback whale. See above pictures.

Total weight gain/loss: 165 today. Up 18lbs from pre-pregnancy weight and 3lbs alone this week. I feel every single pound. 
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Nate has been a task for sleeping this week so pretty much everyone has been tired. Nate's sleep has been so bad that I went to the library and checked out 2 books on sleeping and started reading articles. Once he is asleep, Morgan keeps me up a lot of the night. I wore Jason's fit bit one night to track my sleep and within 7 hours, I woke up 13 times. Last night I actually slept decent for the first time in awhile. Nate slept through the night! 
Best moment this week: A lot of fun days this week! Sea Life Park and a Baby Expo to name two. We have limited time here in Hawaii so I'm trying to stay active and enjoy it here while we still can. 
Preggo Problems: My stomach is huge! It gets in the way of everything now! I have gained 3lbs this week so maybe I have also gained in inches!? Seriously. I have whacked Nate in the head multiple times, almost burn myself on the stove while cooking, run into door knobs, and become the Hunchback of Notre Dame while doing the dishes. 
Movement: Yes. she still feels really high, but I can tell she is getting lower. I won't go into detail how I know she is low. Think about it. I get kicked in the ribs pretty frequently still. She might be a soccer player. 
Food cravings: Cherries. I didn't know this was a craving until 3 days ago when we went to Costco. Cherries were an amazing price so we grabbed a 2lb box. They are gone already and if we would've gotten 2 boxes, that second box would be gone too. I was carless today or else I probably would have driven there and bought more. 
Interesting facts about baby (according to pregnancy app): 
1. Hearing is fully developed and may respond to high-pitched noises.
2.She is taking all of my calcium to help harden her bones. 
3.35 days until EDD! 
Gender: Girl!! And her name is.....


Labor Signs: No and yes. I guess now that I can actually feel the braxton hicks and I have them so frequently, it is a sign. Not really of labor, but that my body is prepping for what is about to go down. Literally. 
Belly Button in or out? Out. It is very rare she is in a position where it goes back in now. It's pretty creepy looking. 
Wedding rings on or off? On. We'll see how long it lasts. They still aren't re-dipped, but I missed them.
Mood: Tired! And excited. And overwhelmed. My list of things to do is growing. I know we will get it all done, but I feel like I'm avoiding doing some tasks because I don't even know where to begin or what is priority. Sleep. Sleep is priority right now. The unknown of when Morgan will be born is nerve-wracking, too. Not really any bad things going on, just a lot of changes mixed with emotions. 

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Mom Confessions

I have a confession. Ok, 10 confessions.

Sometimes...I am a bad parent. I do things I know I shouldn't do as a parent. But...I do them anyway. Because it's easy or convenient or I don't want to hear screaming or I want to get something done. The bad part is it is completely on purpose to avoid situations or, to be honest, to be selfish. Is it bad that I do these things consciously or do I get some sort of leniency towards my actions? I don't do these ALL the time. But I do do them more than I care to admit. 


My mom confessions:

1. I let my son watch a TV show in the morning so I can drink my coffee HOT and/or wake up more because the sun isn't even awake yet.

2. I let me son watch a TV show while I cook dinner so I can...cook dinner.

3. I give my son fruit snacks so he will get in his car seat without a fight.

4. During his nap (if he takes a nap) I will eat candy or some type of junk food so I can eat it in peace and not have to share.

5. I give my son a snack or even buy a snack in the store so he will sit in the cart and behave.

6. I go on playdates so I can have an adult conversation. This doesn't usually happen they way I envision it, but it's still nice to get out and try.

7. I will drive around the block just a few more times than I need to in hopes he will fall asleep in the car.

8. I get distracted by Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. This is not necessarily on purpose, but I will get on my phone to check a few things and end up staying on for 30+ minutes. Essentially, ignoring Nate. 

9. I let my son eat an "easy" lunch. Because I don't want to cook 3 meals a day. Want a Lunchable? Sure? Pretzels with hummus? Go for it. 

10. Whenever we leave somewhere, I tell my son we are leaving because "insert place here" is closing for nap time. I literally did this today at Sea Life park. "We have to leave because the dolphins need there nap and it is closing for them to sleep in a quiet place". He bought it. But he didn't nap. Damn it. 

I know I am not alone in this. 

What are some of your mom confessions?/ Obviously I have no room to judge so share away!

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

From the Aloha State to the Sunflower State

It's almost time to PCS...again! As our move approaches, I am starting to think of all the changes that comes with moving from state to state. Yes, the states combined make up the United States, but each individual state has a culture of their own. This move will be a very drastic change. From Hawaii to Kansas. Can't get much different than that.

We have only been in Hawaii for a year and a half, but the culture grows on you, you embrace it, and you pick up on "local" slang and mannerisms. When I think about it, it is actually quite strange. You literally change and morph into another person(to a certain extent, of course). It happened in Georgia, too. Caught myself saying "y'all". I would've NEVER thought I would pick up on that word(?).

So here are a couple things that will change from moving to Hawaii to Kansas...

1. Military related pay. We get COLA(cost of living adjustment) in Hawaii. Basically we get paid more for living here. Kansas we will not. Cost of living is way lower in Kansas and Hawaii is considered overseas. Boo to less money.

2. Shoes. In Hawaii, we wear flip flops everyday and when you enter someone's home you take them off and leave them either outside or at the front door. It is seriously going to take great effort to remember to leave my shoes on in Kansas.

3. Addressing adults. Everyone in Hawaii is called "auntie" or "uncle". Nate says, "Hi, Auntie!" to practically every stranger. When we move, we will switch to calling everyone else "Sir" and "Ma'am". Nate is going to be very confused.

4. Weather. One of the aspects I dread the most! From sunny 70-80 everyday to snow. Snow. Blah. So not looking forward to that. Nate, on the other hand, will be excited to build a snowman!

5. Traffic. Extreme to non-extreme. What!? A positive!? Oh dang, Kansas...look out, there is something good about you!

6. Visitors. A lot to a little. Everyone wanted to visit us in Hawaii. Kansas. We shall see...

7. Shipping. Another positive for Kansas! Shipping things to Hawaii sucks! It takes forever and some things won't even ship here! The costs will be lower in Kansas and it will be quicker!

8. More weather related stuff.
a. AC------>Heater
b. Towels-------->Jackets
c. High surf advisory------->Tornadoes

9. Food. Less rice moving from Hawaii to Kansas. There is freaking rice with EVERYTHING in HI. I'm assuming more BBQ sauce is in my future in KS.

10. Music. Reggae to Country. Eh...I could go either way with this change. I like them both. Jason on the other hand might be using his IPOD A. Lot. He hates country. I love it and hopefully will be getting to go to a couple concerts!

Those are just a few changes we get to experience with our next PCS. I am super sad to leave Hawaii. But, life must go on and the Army must move us. We will survive, we will adjust, and hopefully embrace the next new state we get the privilege of living in. Because honestly, who gets to say they have lived in so many states as us!? From North Carolina, to Virginia, to Georgia, to Iowa, to Hawaii, and now to Kansas.

In less than 2 months we will be on a flight with a 2 1/2 year old and a newborn. Wish us luck and hope we move with grace and a sense of humor! Mahalo Hawaii for being such a great duty station and Howdy, Kansas...nope. Can't do it. Howdy will not be in the vocabulary.




Monday, May 11, 2015

Bump Brief #26

Bump Brief #26: 34 weeks



Manoa Falls hike. I didn't carry Nate much. He went up all by himself and most of the way down.

I'm officially the size of a table.

How far along? 34 weeks, baby is the size of a...cantaloupe, pineapple, butternut squash, giraffe...take your pick. I'm leaning more towards giraffe.

Total weight gain/loss: 162 today. Up 15lbs from pre-pregnancy weight. 
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: I've decided to take a different approach to this lack of sleep. Yes, I don't sleep as well as I did when I was not pregnant. But I am sleeping more than I will be with a newborn! I wake up to kicks, hiccups, heartburn, and having to pee, but I can usually go back to sleep fairly easy. I average 5-7 hours a night. This is way more than what will be happening in a 6 weeks. Trying to be positive and realize I am getting more sleep and should appreciate it before the screaming and around the clock nursing begins. 
Best moment this week: Getting results back from my MRI! It is NOT cancer! When a doctor throws around the words "ovarian cancer" it is a game changer. Worry is an understatement. Anyway, great news and such a relief. I am ok, Morgan is growing, and I can try for a vaginal delivery. Crossing fingers for not much back labor!
Preggo Problems: I'm starting to call my night preggo problems the "nighttime preggo problem trifecta"...when I have to pee, Morgan is getting the crap out of my ribs and/or has hiccups, and I have heartburn simultaneously. 3 out of 3 at the same time. Not cool. 
Movement: Yes. Rib kicks, elbows, knees, butt. I pretty much feel every body part of hers trying to shove out of my stomach. She is running out of room!
Food cravings: BBQ chips...still. 

Interesting facts about baby (according to pregnancy app): 
1. She has REM sleep cycles.
2. Lungs continue to mature and fat layers are growing to help regulate temperature. 
3.42 days until EDD! 
Gender: Girl!! And her name is.....


Labor Signs: Nope. 
Belly Button in or out? Depends on her position, mostly out though.
Wedding rings on or off? Off...still. My finger feels naked.
Mood: Good! Obviously the MRI results contribute to that. I am also feeling like I have so much to do! Not really baby related, but moving related. I know it will be fine, but I feel like my to-do list is piling on.