journey of life

It feels so tacky posting this, but I’m just going ahead and doing it.  It’s the easiest way to get the information out there for all to see.

To make things simple, we registered at two places, Target and Abby’s Lane.  Target is really close to us, which makes exchanges/returns easier, since Wal-Mart is farther down the road. Abby’s Lane is an online boutique that offers specific items not easily found in mainstream department stores.  For personal reasons, we chose not to register at any baby superstore (i.e. Babies”R”Us).

The majority of the items listed on the registries are somewhat brand specific, chosen after reading reviews and such.  However, if you can find the item used and in good shape that’s great. Also, colors don’t matter, so if you can find a discontinued color on sale for cheaper, go for it. If you have any questions about a product, just email or call me.

Yes, our registry is sparse. Reasons why:

a. My friend, Gwen, is giving me a pile of baby loot.  Bless her soul.  
b. We have gathered several items through freecycle.  Gotta love freecycle.
c. We are planning on using cloth diapers and breastfeeding.
d. We don’t know the sex of the baby, which makes it hard to register because there aren’t many gender neutral items out there.
e. We highly encourage people to buy used items through ebay/yard sales/thrift stores and the like.

There are several items not included on the registries.

Clothes: We actually prefer to have used clothes. It’s ridiculous to pay for new onesies/sleepers/undershirts/you name it when you can perfectly fine ones used. We won’t be offended in the least to find used baby clothes (washed and in presentable condition, of course!) wrapped up.

Books: Again, used is preferred.

Toiletries: Baby soaps, lotions and the like. Controversy has been swarming over the past year about baby toiletries. Phthalates are found in most products, so we are considering using products that are phthalate-free.  The most mainstream line of products that has phthalate-free baby stuff is Burt’s Bees. We are hopeful that our little one doesn’t have sensitive skin or allergies, but unfortunately, the odds are against that being the case. If for some reason, we need to choose something less harsh, California Baby is a highly recommended line of products.

As time goes on, I am sure we will add more items, but this at least gives people something to work with.

Last night we watched “The Miracle of Life“, an Emmy award winning NOVA documentary from 1983. Both my husband and I had seen the video before, however, not through the eyes of expecting parents. I have to say I believe we were both a little disappointed. The majority of the film focused on how everything comes together before conception, with very little footage of the fetal growth and delivery. However, at the time, the documentary showed never before seen footage and it was a good starting point.

I have seen on that there is an updated version titled, “The Greatest Miracle” on the NOVA website and can be viewed through several online segments.

Contrary to popular belief, not all women suffer from the grave morning sickness. Some of us just had to be different, damn it. So, if you are one of those women who think you are freaky because you aren’t barfing breakfast on the freeway, we’ve instantly bonded.

My symptoms are abnormal. Well, aside from the fact that my breasts have been sore as all get out, I now have narcolepsy, my nose is a dripping faucet, and an increased urge to pee, they are. First of all, I don’t have regular morning sickness. Instead, my morning routine goes something like this: I open my eyes, look at the clock and assess how I am feeling. Most mornings I wake up fine, but then all of a sudden my stomach begins to gurgle and just like that, I have the pregnancy flu, complete with chills, nausea and diarrhea. Not knowing what is going to happen next, I jump up and try my best to get to the bathroom. Once there, I use the bathroom and am completely fine. But for that short period of time, I seriously think I have the flu. That’s my morning sickness. The pregnancy flu. Occasionally it hits me later in the day, often after eating a meal, but for the most part, occurs in the morning.

On several occasions, smells have bothered me, beginning mainly in my sixth week of pregnancy. I couldn’t begin to even think about preparing food. Whenever a wave of nausea comes over me, I usually grab a Coca-cola and a Preggie Pop Drop (thanks to my girlfriend, Christy!) to get me through. My diet up until now has been rather dull, however I have been able to eat good nutritious dinners most nights and of course I am taking my prenatal vitamins.

Favorite foods, or rather survival foods:
Honey Nut Cheerios
Cinnamon Toast Crunch
cheddar cheese and Saltines
Coca-cola
pita bread and hummus
pears
bagels with cream cheese and orange juice
pizza
peanut butter and jelly

I found this list on BabyCenter of recommended birthing book reading materials. Some of these books are mainstream, while others are a little out there. If you have others to recommend, let me know.

The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth, Henci Goer

Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way, Susan McCutcheon

The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth, Sheila Kitzinger

The Birth Book: Everything You Need to Know to Have a Safe and Satisfying Birth, William Sears, MD and Martha Sears, RN

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, Ina May Gaskin

Birth Your Way, Sheila Kitzinger

Active Birth, Janet Balaskas

Mind Over Labor, Carl Jones

Birth Reborn, Michel Odent

Birthing from Within, Pam England

Heart and Hands, Elizabeth Davis

Baby Catcher, Peggy Vincent

Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth, Marshall H. Klaus, M.D

Rebounding From Childbirth: Toward Emotional Recovery, Lynn Madsen

The Power of Pleasurable Childbirth, Laurie Morgan

C-SECTION/VBAC READING

Natural Childbirth After Cesarean: A Practical Guide, Karis Crawford and Johanne C. Walters

Silent Knife, Nancy Wainer Cohen

The VBAC Companion, Diane Korte

HISTORICAL READING

Birth as an American Rite of Passage, Robbie Davis-Floyd

Immaculate Deception II, Suzanne Arms

This film trailer for “The Business of Being Born” prompted me to get researching on birthing.

Ovulation Tests : If you are trying to conceive and are looking for some guidance as to when you are ovulating, I would suggest picking up some ovulation tests. I purchased my tests from Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com (ordered through Amazon), where the tests were much cheaper than those found at your local drugstore. Although we got pregnant without the use of ovulation tests, they can be a useful tool, especially if your periods are irregular. For three months prior to getting pregnant, I would see a surge indicating ovulation was happening. Why I failed to see a surge when we actually conceived is beyond me.

Pregnancy Tests : Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com also sells pregnancy tests for under $1/each, but if you are in a pinch, run to your local Dollar Tree. Their pregnancy tests are just as accurate as most other tests you will find at your drugstore. With the cheaper tests you will need to take a cup with you to the loo, but in all honestly, peeing in a cup is your easiest option.

Need some help analyzing your results : Check out Pee On A Stick for pictures, advice and comprehensive test information.