Holy crap. It's been *quite* a while since my last entry. I won't even attempt to churn out any "catch-up" entries, mostly because my brain can't even process all the details of everything that's happened these past few months. What I will do is give a quick run-down of all the important stuff I can remember happening since last we blogged:
With the help of both our families, as well as our friends Mikey and Nicole, we completed our big move to Oak Park. **We would not have been able to do this on our own, and will never be able to thank everyone enough for all the support we were shown just by everyone's involvement on that day!** It was particularly frustrating for me, not being able to exert myself to the level I wanted to by lifting and hauling the same amount as everyone else, but by the end of the day my exhaustion level was pretty on par with the rest of the crowd. Now that I think of it, I think I've blocked out a majority of that experience because, oh, did I mention?: I HATE MOVING.
Now that we're here, however, I have a confession: I have a HUGE crush. On my neighborhood.
How did I never experience Oak Park prior to moving here? It's the *perfect* marriage of urban and suburban: 15 min max to the Loop via 290, with the Green and Blue lines (practically) at our doorstep. AMAZING Farmer's Market within walking distance every Saturday; plenty of other lil' shops and eateries to explore the rest of the week. Library (walking distance.) Movie theatre (walking distance.) The Ernest Hemingway museum and Frank Lloyd Wright home/studio at our disposal. I mean, is there anything this neighborhood DOESN'T do? Side note: I'm a step away from booking a reservation at the Sushi house on Lake for after I pop the Beast out. Chef: "More volcano roll and sake for the new mommy?" Me: "Uh, duh."
Speaking of the Beast...
She is definitely living up to her namesake these days, as the little nudges and pokes from inside have swiftly morphed into right jabs and roundhouse kicks. Yesterday at work, I got a punch to the left lung that - literally - knocked the wind out of me. I think she's trying to tell me it's getting crowded in there, and I can't blame her: despite what I know to be inevitable, I can't imagine getting any bigger than I am now.
And yes, to address the gender-specific pronouns: shortly after the move, we had our 21 week ultrasound and were told at that time that it's a girl! I must admit, my initial reaction was "are you sure? can we double-check?" - mostly because I had felt so strongly that the little one must have been a boy: I had dreams early on in the pregnancy of a little boy who looked just like my handsome fiancee, and thought my intuition was giving me some insight. I now believe, however, that the perceived "intuition" I felt was merely another emotion I felt at the possibility of not carrying a boy: fear.
I'm not what one might consider "girly." Most of my friends consist of males rather than females. I consider myself a feminist: not in the manner most people perceive of the man-hating, bra-burning chick; I just do not endorse the expectations of my gender that are blasted from every corner of our mainstream media culture, and believe we - as women - should always strive to break through them, celebrating our own when we do (Three women on the Supreme Court for the first time in history? Hello?) All that aside, I was and am terrified of bringing another set of ovaries into this world. I'm worried of her being subjected to those same culture expectations that are thrust on every other female in our country/the world. I'm worried that I will be too critical of her her choices, whether they be mainstream or otherwise. I'm worried that since I don't fall into the category of "girly" or "uber-female," I won't know how to raise her "the right way."
I know, in the end, it all works out. These are just petty anxieties that have chosen to replace the other petty anxieties that my brain has already quieted. I'm sure when she finally comes, all those concerns will be the last of my worries (I hope, at least.)
Next on the pregnancy horizon: Baby Showers. We're heading back home to KY Labor Day weekend for Shower #1, and shortly after will have Keller-sponsored shower #2. I never imagined baby registries to be so overwhelming, but damn...they are. For those of my peeps that are newly-babied: what are some of the items that you would recommend putting on a registry? It can be an unexpected item you now can't imagine doing without, or an item/product you found after the baby came that you wish you would've discovered earlier. Since there's really an abundance of useless crap marketed toward new mothers, I'm trying to weed out all the bunk and just get to the good stuff that I'll actually need/use ;-)
You want diapers, laundry detergent, diapers, burp cloths, and diapers. Seriously--ask for diapers. You go through a million and a half of them. They aren't very fun to buy, so most non-mommy friends will get you those cute little outfits and tiny shoes. Your mommy friends will (or should) buy you diapers, wipes, and whatever laundry detergent that you choose to wash all of the bodily fluids that your little one will be depositing on your entire world.
ReplyDeleteAlso--Clorox wipes are a god-send. Buy stock.
Also--when are we geting together? Just sayin'.
:) sarah jane
Sarah is right about diapers. Make sure you have a variety of sizes (you can exchange). Assuming your baby is average size, you'll need a lot more size 2 and 3 than nb and 1. That's assuming disposable. If cloth diapering, BumGenius 2.0 are the ones to look at.
ReplyDeleteburp cloths (can use cloth diapers, or cute ones). Stroller for all that walking. Look at the Chicco 30 car seat and stroller combo. The seat goes up to 30lbs, so it should last through the first year and it locks into the stroller. Get a good stroller. We have the Chicco and I love it. HATE the umbrella stroller we have. Breast pump. Get a good one if you are going to be using it more than once in a great while. Medela brand. If you register for bath products, really check online to see what's in them. Johnson's ain't great. We use California Baby. Some sort of swing/bouncer/vibrating/moving thing. Seriously. If you think you'll be traveling much in the next 2 years, a travel bed. That could be a pack n play, or there are some "pop up" type beds. If you have a crib, you'll need crib sheets and mattress pads. Monitor if you think you will want to go outside during naps. Nail clippers (you can use adult ones)
Nice to have-swaddling blankets, nursing pillow, a diaper pail (you still have to empty regularly!) You might like a wrap to carry her, but you can totally make one with some fabric. (Check youtube for Moby wrap) They are completely overpriced.
Think ahead. If you have room to store them-take and toss cups, spoons and plates. Plastic bibs with a pocket on the bottom. Highchair-there are ones that sit on a chair and take up less room and ones that transition through to 150 pounds.
Things you don't really need-little mittens (socks work fine), sound machines, changing table. We got like 6 tubes of diaper rash cream and haven't used any of it yet. You will usually get a list to work from if you register at babies r us or target. I think those lists are completely bloated, so use your judgment.
Don't register for clothes or blankets. You'll probably get a TON because there are so many cute things for girls.
You're an actress so start practicing this line, "Oh, it's so cute! Where did you find it?" That way you know where to return it....
Ask if you have any questions!
Good luck!
Jana
Ok, so after raising 4 children, here is my advise on what is really needed:
ReplyDeletelots of patients, a box of kleneex for the tears(good and bad), a video camera, lots of money,
tylonal, ear plugs, diapers, oh yeah and wine!
Ok, so I know I'm not a mommy yet...but after being a part of my sister in laws showers and so many of my girlfriend I have been trained on proper gift buying. Diapers are truly a must need and the burp rags, oh lord will you go through a lot of burp rags. My one girlfriend got an over abundance of oneies or however you spell it and it turned out to be a god-send for her. Sometimes it was just easier for her little one to just hang out in one of those that trying to put a cute out fit on. Bottles...but those can be a little tricker for other people to buy for you. Eventually you are going to find one that is going to work best for her. I know a few years back when I was an infant room teacher the easy flow bottles were the choice of most moms because of the way it helped filter out the air...I guess it help cause less gas. Teething rings you can put in the freezer... I'm telling you when those little teeth start to pop it will feel good on her little gums.
ReplyDeleteAlso, just to let you know... from what I've heard through the grape vine there is no exact science to raising a child. But the one thing I can tell you is this...You and Sean are going to make mistakes and question yourselves a lot. You will have sleepless night and the miracle moments where all is quiet and she is sleep and you will get to take a little nap for yourself. You will have a life time of beautiful moments that will make your heart skip a beat when you recount them. You and Sean are going to be wonderful parents and you my dear don't need to be a "girly" girl to raise your girl right. She has two very strong, smart and quit witted parents who will love her unconditionally and that is all that matters. Mike and I are always here for you guys... anything you need just call. We love you! I can't wait to give you lots of presents!