The dog thinks its looking pretty good! Not much more nesting can go on in there, I'm afraid... its definitely the cleanest and tidiest in the house! Here is a link to some photos of it, though since its small, its hard to take good shots of some areas. Still planning on getting a poster and maybe photos on the wall above the crib and maybe another. I am also tempted to make some kind of cool mobile to hang from the ceiling over the crib. Not sure how that is done, however...
25 Apr · Tue 2006
"The Room"
The dog thinks its looking pretty good! Not much more nesting can go on in there, I'm afraid... its definitely the cleanest and tidiest in the house! Here is a link to some photos of it, though since its small, its hard to take good shots of some areas. Still planning on getting a poster and maybe photos on the wall above the crib and maybe another. I am also tempted to make some kind of cool mobile to hang from the ceiling over the crib. Not sure how that is done, however...
The dog thinks its looking pretty good! Not much more nesting can go on in there, I'm afraid... its definitely the cleanest and tidiest in the house! Here is a link to some photos of it, though since its small, its hard to take good shots of some areas. Still planning on getting a poster and maybe photos on the wall above the crib and maybe another. I am also tempted to make some kind of cool mobile to hang from the ceiling over the crib. Not sure how that is done, however...
24 Apr · Mon 2006
Sending good vibes
...to my friend Kim today! She and I (and Vee and Kimmer) were IVF cycle buddies about a year and a half ago. Today she is having the transfer of her embryos to a surrogate, and I hope everything goes wonderfully. You are going to be a great mom, Kim!
...to my friend Kim today! She and I (and Vee and Kimmer) were IVF cycle buddies about a year and a half ago. Today she is having the transfer of her embryos to a surrogate, and I hope everything goes wonderfully. You are going to be a great mom, Kim!
23 Apr · Sun 2006
Diaper Research 101
So crunch that I am (at least in some areas), I have been doing my research in the cloth dipe department. Most of this has to be online, since there are not a whole lot of retail stores marketing the full range of cloth diapering solutions these days (though quite a TON of online stores, it seems)! This website has been really useful, as they have reviews for so many of the different brands that are out there. I saw a statistic somewhere that said only 5% of folks use cloth. I believe it! It can be a big pain in the ass, though these new ones are a lot easier to deal with than those of the past. Mostly, I like the idea of steering clear of the chemicals and gel packs that are in current disposables, and the diaper rash issue, which I hear is way better with cloth. And I like not sending so much off to the landfill, though I know we'll be using more water & electricity to clean them. Things have come a long way from the cloth diapers of the past! I have garnered quite a few good tips from folks online, though really have only seen a few "in action", so to speak. You can still find the traditional "flat" or "prefold" diapers and waterproof nylon covers, though folks now tend to forgo pins in lieu of velcro or snapped covers, and the covers can get pretty fancy and range in all sorts of fabrics from waterproof cotton or polyester stretch, to fleece and wool "soakers". There are also the newer pocket diapers, contoured diapers, fitted diapers and all-in-ones. So much to choose from! So many options and pretty colors! The kinds that have caught my eye (and heard the best reviews of) are the "pocket diapers," that have a washable lined cover with a pocket you stuff with some kind of washable liner (cotton, hemp, terry, microfiber) to make it more absorbent. They tend to be trimmer than other cloth diapers, which is nice for fitting into clothes and such. Generally, you don't have to soak or "swirl" these, either, just shake them into the toilet if there is any solids, remove the liner, and drop them in the pail/bag to launder. Easy! The others that look good to me are the fitted diapers, where the inner part is separate but has elastic and snaps to make it very adjustable. Then you add a wrap to make it more waterproof. The only downside to these (and the pocket dipes) are that most of them come in different sizes, so you do have to buy more than one set as the kid grows. And they can be spendy! So thanks to Ebay and Craigslist, here's our stash so far:
Pocket Diapers (no wrap needed, insert comes out for washing):
6 Fuzzibunz (size small)
3 Happy Heiney's (one newborn and two small)
Fitted Diapers (these need wraps or covers):
6 Kissaluv fitted diapers (one newborn and 5 size ones)
2 Fun Organic fitted diapers (size small)
Wraps/Covers:
1 Prowrap (newborn)
1 Stacinator fleece cover (small)
And one handmade All-In-One (one piece, no wrap or insert to remove) that I think looks more useful as a wrap, since the padding/absorbency really does not seem sufficient as a stand alone.
So...I'm excited to give them a try! Originally we were thinking of going with a service for the first few months, but it seemed silly to shell out for that and have to buy wraps for those anyway, then go out and buy the ones we really wanted later. We definitely do need a few more wraps to go over the fitted diapers we have, and I have my eye on a couple different kinds to try. We don't have enough to go totally cloth from the beginning (especially since some of them may be a wee bit big for the first month or two), but we are intending to do some disposables at the start while we figure out what sizes and types we like best...
So crunch that I am (at least in some areas), I have been doing my research in the cloth dipe department. Most of this has to be online, since there are not a whole lot of retail stores marketing the full range of cloth diapering solutions these days (though quite a TON of online stores, it seems)! This website has been really useful, as they have reviews for so many of the different brands that are out there. I saw a statistic somewhere that said only 5% of folks use cloth. I believe it! It can be a big pain in the ass, though these new ones are a lot easier to deal with than those of the past. Mostly, I like the idea of steering clear of the chemicals and gel packs that are in current disposables, and the diaper rash issue, which I hear is way better with cloth. And I like not sending so much off to the landfill, though I know we'll be using more water & electricity to clean them. Things have come a long way from the cloth diapers of the past! I have garnered quite a few good tips from folks online, though really have only seen a few "in action", so to speak. You can still find the traditional "flat" or "prefold" diapers and waterproof nylon covers, though folks now tend to forgo pins in lieu of velcro or snapped covers, and the covers can get pretty fancy and range in all sorts of fabrics from waterproof cotton or polyester stretch, to fleece and wool "soakers". There are also the newer pocket diapers, contoured diapers, fitted diapers and all-in-ones. So much to choose from! So many options and pretty colors! The kinds that have caught my eye (and heard the best reviews of) are the "pocket diapers," that have a washable lined cover with a pocket you stuff with some kind of washable liner (cotton, hemp, terry, microfiber) to make it more absorbent. They tend to be trimmer than other cloth diapers, which is nice for fitting into clothes and such. Generally, you don't have to soak or "swirl" these, either, just shake them into the toilet if there is any solids, remove the liner, and drop them in the pail/bag to launder. Easy! The others that look good to me are the fitted diapers, where the inner part is separate but has elastic and snaps to make it very adjustable. Then you add a wrap to make it more waterproof. The only downside to these (and the pocket dipes) are that most of them come in different sizes, so you do have to buy more than one set as the kid grows. And they can be spendy! So thanks to Ebay and Craigslist, here's our stash so far:
Pocket Diapers (no wrap needed, insert comes out for washing):
6 Fuzzibunz (size small)
3 Happy Heiney's (one newborn and two small)
Fitted Diapers (these need wraps or covers):
6 Kissaluv fitted diapers (one newborn and 5 size ones)
2 Fun Organic fitted diapers (size small)
Wraps/Covers:
1 Prowrap (newborn)
1 Stacinator fleece cover (small)
And one handmade All-In-One (one piece, no wrap or insert to remove) that I think looks more useful as a wrap, since the padding/absorbency really does not seem sufficient as a stand alone.
So...I'm excited to give them a try! Originally we were thinking of going with a service for the first few months, but it seemed silly to shell out for that and have to buy wraps for those anyway, then go out and buy the ones we really wanted later. We definitely do need a few more wraps to go over the fitted diapers we have, and I have my eye on a couple different kinds to try. We don't have enough to go totally cloth from the beginning (especially since some of them may be a wee bit big for the first month or two), but we are intending to do some disposables at the start while we figure out what sizes and types we like best...
21 Apr · Fri 2006
Still here.....very pregnant!
So...yeah, its been awhile! It is very sad to look at the calender thing on the right and see ONLY ONE POST IN APRIL when its already the 21st. Yipes! It is so easy to get into the non-writing & posting rut, at least for me. Posting inspires posting, and non-posting leads to more of the same lame silence. I do enjoy the blogging when I am keeping up with it, so here I am, still. News on the baby front: Still pregnant! Its hard to fathom, but we are getting very close to the main event. At 37 weeks I am now officially full term, which means we are in Come-On-Baby-Any-Time-Now! mode. You know, as long as you are ready. We, ourselves, are feeling pretty damn ready, though we are very aware it could be another 5 weeks, as well. Really hoping not for that. Lately it seems I am hearing of quite a few folks going earlier rather than later, which is not helpful for my patience factor. We are now on the weekly doctors appointment schedule, and this week (Tues) she offered a cervix check along with the standard pee-in the cup, step on the scale, measure the belly and listen to the heartbeat routine. And while I KNOW you can refuse them and that they are not necessary, etc etc etc......well shucks, I am a sucker for a quick little internal exam! I mean, really, its so simple and painless compared to all the other tests I've had having to do with that area. And even if it doesn't really tell you much....there is info to be had! So we learned that my cervix is soft and "slightly effaced". Hmmmm....progress....? So far, however, we have not packed the famous "hospital bag(s)", perhaps because it feels like it will jinx us into 5 more weeks of waiting. That and the fact that the only clothes I want to pack are ones I am wearing in rotation every three days, so they are either in the laundry or on me right now. In terms of baby stuff, holy cow, I think we are pretty set. "The Room" has really come together and I will post some pics very soon. In the past week I have been slowly (thats how I do everything these days) collecting a few last things I kinda felt we needed, like an array of cloth diapering products (another post in the works for this topic), a diaper bag from REI (its supposed to be a laptop bag and I think the saleslady thought I was a bit crazy when I mentioned my intentions, but it seems great because it has can be carried like a messenger bag, a backpack, or by the top handle) and some breastfeeding supplies. Ah yes, and you ask about my friend, Sciatica. Still hanging around! I've been going to physical therapy, acupuncture, yoga, and none of it really does much (though I think maybe yoga does more than the others, despite the physical therapist telling me to stop--ha!). Some days are better than others, nights are the worst, for sure. Yesterday evening we actually took the dog on a little walk down near the beach, which was nice, and longer than anything I'd done lately (still not very far, but more than a block, which is the high end of normal for me these days). So, thats good, I guess! I am pretty sure that it is all because the baby is low and putting pressure on a nerve, and that it will go away (hopefully immediately!) after birth. We shall see. For now, I hobble. And wait...
And here's a few pics for you all. The first one is from last week, outside in the yard. The second sports my new haircut (not very styled, however, though how much can you do with short hair, anyway?) and highlights the hugeness of the current belly.
So...yeah, its been awhile! It is very sad to look at the calender thing on the right and see ONLY ONE POST IN APRIL when its already the 21st. Yipes! It is so easy to get into the non-writing & posting rut, at least for me. Posting inspires posting, and non-posting leads to more of the same lame silence. I do enjoy the blogging when I am keeping up with it, so here I am, still. News on the baby front: Still pregnant! Its hard to fathom, but we are getting very close to the main event. At 37 weeks I am now officially full term, which means we are in Come-On-Baby-Any-Time-Now! mode. You know, as long as you are ready. We, ourselves, are feeling pretty damn ready, though we are very aware it could be another 5 weeks, as well. Really hoping not for that. Lately it seems I am hearing of quite a few folks going earlier rather than later, which is not helpful for my patience factor. We are now on the weekly doctors appointment schedule, and this week (Tues) she offered a cervix check along with the standard pee-in the cup, step on the scale, measure the belly and listen to the heartbeat routine. And while I KNOW you can refuse them and that they are not necessary, etc etc etc......well shucks, I am a sucker for a quick little internal exam! I mean, really, its so simple and painless compared to all the other tests I've had having to do with that area. And even if it doesn't really tell you much....there is info to be had! So we learned that my cervix is soft and "slightly effaced". Hmmmm....progress....? So far, however, we have not packed the famous "hospital bag(s)", perhaps because it feels like it will jinx us into 5 more weeks of waiting. That and the fact that the only clothes I want to pack are ones I am wearing in rotation every three days, so they are either in the laundry or on me right now. In terms of baby stuff, holy cow, I think we are pretty set. "The Room" has really come together and I will post some pics very soon. In the past week I have been slowly (thats how I do everything these days) collecting a few last things I kinda felt we needed, like an array of cloth diapering products (another post in the works for this topic), a diaper bag from REI (its supposed to be a laptop bag and I think the saleslady thought I was a bit crazy when I mentioned my intentions, but it seems great because it has can be carried like a messenger bag, a backpack, or by the top handle) and some breastfeeding supplies. Ah yes, and you ask about my friend, Sciatica. Still hanging around! I've been going to physical therapy, acupuncture, yoga, and none of it really does much (though I think maybe yoga does more than the others, despite the physical therapist telling me to stop--ha!). Some days are better than others, nights are the worst, for sure. Yesterday evening we actually took the dog on a little walk down near the beach, which was nice, and longer than anything I'd done lately (still not very far, but more than a block, which is the high end of normal for me these days). So, thats good, I guess! I am pretty sure that it is all because the baby is low and putting pressure on a nerve, and that it will go away (hopefully immediately!) after birth. We shall see. For now, I hobble. And wait...
And here's a few pics for you all. The first one is from last week, outside in the yard. The second sports my new haircut (not very styled, however, though how much can you do with short hair, anyway?) and highlights the hugeness of the current belly.
05 Apr · Wed 2006
Pain in the...
Anyone have tips for dealing with sciatica? I am pretty sure that is what I have these days, which is causing extreme hobbling and a fair bit of whining. It started Sunday, when what has been usual but tolerable hip pain became quite a bit more. Not the shooting pain all the way down the leg that I've heard about, but definitely a very sore spot in my butt with sharp pain when I move, and the occasional ache down the leg. My OB said it likely will not go away until delivery, though it could get better. Luckily, the pain goes away for the most part if I sit, but I really cannot walk for more than a block or two, and even getting around the house is a pain! So far Tylenol is working to take the edge off (I am staring longingly at the muscle relaxants Lonnie just got for TMJ, however) as is elevating my feet and using a heating pad. But it stinks to be so immobile! I'm already doing physical therapy 2x a week (really its just insurance-covered massage, but I'll take that!) and acupuncture once a week (hoping she can do something for it at my appointment this afternoon). Add to that a doctors appointment yesterday (all is well, measuring on target at 35 weeks, baby sounding strong and active - ha!) and it feels like all I do is travel across the city to various appointments! More updates soon, perhaps some baby room photos...things are starting to come together on that front...
Anyone have tips for dealing with sciatica? I am pretty sure that is what I have these days, which is causing extreme hobbling and a fair bit of whining. It started Sunday, when what has been usual but tolerable hip pain became quite a bit more. Not the shooting pain all the way down the leg that I've heard about, but definitely a very sore spot in my butt with sharp pain when I move, and the occasional ache down the leg. My OB said it likely will not go away until delivery, though it could get better. Luckily, the pain goes away for the most part if I sit, but I really cannot walk for more than a block or two, and even getting around the house is a pain! So far Tylenol is working to take the edge off (I am staring longingly at the muscle relaxants Lonnie just got for TMJ, however) as is elevating my feet and using a heating pad. But it stinks to be so immobile! I'm already doing physical therapy 2x a week (really its just insurance-covered massage, but I'll take that!) and acupuncture once a week (hoping she can do something for it at my appointment this afternoon). Add to that a doctors appointment yesterday (all is well, measuring on target at 35 weeks, baby sounding strong and active - ha!) and it feels like all I do is travel across the city to various appointments! More updates soon, perhaps some baby room photos...things are starting to come together on that front...
