Attention Moms! (all-things-baby)

Let me start by saying... Ahhhhhhh!

Okay I feel a little better now, but I must admit, wouldn't it just be easier if we could all go back to our grandparents' time and have a baby? I am pretty sure they would be perplexed by brands such as Bjorn and Medela. But we can't go back, so why not embrace the great things that have come from time and ingenuity.

Where oh where do I start? Okay, I am a woman, so naturally I am drawn first and foremost to... everything! Not knowing the gender yet (which we absolutely must know as soon as humanly possible!) does stall the process, which is necessary, but it doesn't prevent looking. And if there is anything a woman is good at it is shopping, regardless of when you plan to buy. I think this makes Chris a little nervous. Shopping this early could only mean a lot of buying over the next 6 months. No worries honey, I don't plan on buying anything without you. With that being said... I would love ANY advice surrounding these areas, such an amateur I know...

1. Strollers. I personally am leaning towards a jogger-esc stroller. Mainly because I know I will want a jogger either way and this way I can get more bang for my buck. If I had to choose today I would buy the Baby Jogger City Elite. Love it. Folds with one motion. Car seat adaptable, great for a toddler, and light weight. Check out a video of the stroller here.

2. Cribs. Surely there is a lot more to think about here than just looks. Solid wood and all that, but what else do I need to think about? I am only 5'3", so will that be a factor to consider? Do I need a drop side? Should I get a conversion type crib for the child to grow into or will I be able to use the same crib for our next child?

3. Bedding. Is it weird I have a phobia of cartoon-like characters in my child's room? Here I am leaning towards solids, stripes, and patterns with a touch of color, but let's give the kid a chance to tell me what he/she likes before I fill their room with stuff? I don't know.. still sitting on this one. How many of you moms or soon-to-be use crib bumpers?

4. Birthing classes?!?!? No idea here either. Do I really have to? When do I need to start looking into this?

5. Childcare. Okay, ideally the best childcare is me. I know this, but there are other great options out there. I am struggling between having someone come into our home, versus taking our child to someones home, versus a full on daycare. I know this might be a heated topic (aren't all baby things), so let's just say this one will be a personal choice, but not an easy one.

6. Nursery seating. I for one am all about buying a comfy chair our child will want to lounge in and read a good book with mommy and daddy as they grow, but I also want it to serve its purpose while we have an infant (preferably something that rocks and swivels). I think the only solution here is to go sit in a bunch of them. Any store recommendations?

Oh the list could go on and on... but these major big items will most likely determine where I register for those smaller items, so I am trying to start here. And for those of you who read this but don't comment (you know who you are) please send me an email with your advice, I truly will appreciate it!

Feeling much better now. :)

I'm Alive!

Well, I have a pulse.

This is me just checking in to make sure everyone knows I have not fallen off the face of the earth- at least not completely. Life has been a little less getting out and a lot more vegging out lately. I've never been one to hold back on the details, but I think it will suffice to say this past week has probably been one of my most "feeling pregnant" moments to-date. Some say hormones peak during week 11 or 12 of your pregnancy, and based on how I felt that could most definitely be an accurate statement. Combined that with some of my busiest days at work and of course the tempting beautiful weather outside to make things that much better, I have slept on average 11 hours each day over the last week. When in doubt, go to bed? Seems to have worked for me so far.

So what is new besides all that? Baby bump is still in hiding for the most part. If you know me really well you may think I have eaten a little too many brownies (mmm that sounds good), but if you haven't seen me in a few years you may not think much at all (I am still putting off taking that infamous baby bump picture). I have, however, acquired my pubescent acne that I never had in my teenage years. Seriously I look like a 14 year old girl. A little frustrating and at times embarrassing, yes. I promise I still wash my face people. And well, even though this week marks the end of the first trimester, I am still a nervous mother hen about how our little one is developing. Did I mention I would buy my own ultrasound machine if a) it was even remotely affordable and b) my husband would let me (I think he knows better than I do that it would do more harm than good). I did, however, decide to start a new habit to make things a little more joyful and less worrisome. I have been playing music to my tummy with our Ipad (yes I am weird, you've always known that about me) and it feels much stranger than it sounds, but imagining a little person getting to enjoy a good tune just brings a smile to my face. That is until Chris brought up that I probably had it on way too loud since sound is magnified inside of me. Thanks babe! Back to worrying that I have blown out my child's eardrums. Ugh. But I can't blame him for worrying just a little, given my nonstop mama mind these days. I have been soo incredibly busy at work lately (which can be a huge advantage while pregnant) that I have had very little time to think about being pregnant. In fact, I even get caught off guard when people approach me at work to ask me how I am feeling. How horrible to admit I had a short term memory lapse and forgot for a few minutes that I was even pregnant? But the ride home makes up for that and by the time my hubby walks in the door from work he is bombarded with everything baby. Poor guy. It can't be a soothing feeling for a man, a husband, and a soon-to-be father to walk in the door from a long day at work to have your wife spitting out every possible "need to avoid", "know how" or "must have" about babies. Please say a prayer for his sanity. I love him and want him to meet our child :).

Stay tuned for my all-things-baby post. My brain is on overload with the never ending baby bottles, boppys, bugaboos, and bedding! How will I ever choose?