I Guess I'm Due

Random Mom Must Haves

noreply@blogger.com (I Guess I'm Due) — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 17:21:00 +0000

Just wanted to share a couple items I never knew I needed until I became a mom! They make life easier which is why I wanted to share them with all of you...

Viva Paper Towels - They are a bit more expensive than the others, but feel like cloth. Instead of using wipes, I use these to clean Rynnie off after ever meal. They are soft on her skin and she doesn't fight them like the other paper towels!

Garnier Eye Roller - Who knew 7am would now become "sleeping in" to me. I love this eye roller because it is anti-aging, but also has tint to it. You roll it on fast, it decreases dark circles, and you have no need to apply extra concealer. A must have - especially in the early months :)

The Mommy Hook - In one of my first trips out to the grocery store, a fellow mom spotted me with my stroller trying to throw stuff in the bottom of it and fumbling with bags. She let me in on a little secret called "The Mommy Hook." It clips on the stroller and you hang all your shopping bags from it so you can be hands free!

Dreft Stain Remover - My daughter takes the cake for being Queen of the Blowouts in the early months. Buy stock in this stuff. I lived in a shitastic world of dirty diapers and clothes for a long time. This helped remove any hint of stain!

Neutrogena Moisture Stick - It's pretty sad, but my armpit hair is now a good tell tale sign of when I showered last. Now that your getting ready time is non-existent, this lipstick is the perfect mix of lip balm and color. It's not sticky and quick to throw on. The shade I love is "Sweet Watermelon"

Lobster High Chair - This thing is a God send! We bring it with us to every happy hour and restaurant we go to. It attaches to the end of the table so you don't have to worry about random sized high chairs. We've definitely gotten our money's worth out of this one!

Nursing Wardrobe Essentials

noreply@blogger.com (I Guess I'm Due) — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 04:00:00 +0000

So I knew I needed to expand my wardrobe for when I was pregnant, but I assumed I would be able to just wear my old (fat) clothes when it was all over. Not so fast my friend! I forgot that I would then be nursing and my wardrobe would have to now revolve around that!

Here are my favorite brands and items for your wardrobe when nursing:

1. Seamless Nursing Bras - By far the comfiest bras out there. Perfect to pull aside and nurse with!

2. Underwire Nursing Bra - This bra was nice for when I had a dressier outfit on but still needed to nurse the baby if I was out. It also works if you are back at work and pumping.

3. Deep V T-Shirts - These are so clutch and I still wear them every day. Have one in every color! I actually had a hard time finding shirts with a deep enough V that were easy to pull to the side and nurse. These ones from J. Crew are my fav!

4. Nursing Gowns - I talked about these in my Aftermath of Pregnancy video, but these are the comfiest things to sleep in and are perfect for lounging even if company comes over during the day. The nursing pads just slip in the top, so you don't have to wear a bra to bed - Praise Jesus. In the winter months, just throw a robe on over it!

5. Nursing Tanks - I tried a couple styles, but these tanks from H&M were the cheapest and ended up fitting the best! They are perfect to wear under any regular shirt. That way you can lift up your shirt and nurse but your stomach is still covered. I didn't get this memo until I sported a regular bra and let it all hang out at Mommy and Me while everyone else had these tanks with tops on over them. Now you know!

6. Pumping Tanks - My friend Jill recommended this Hands Free Pumping Tank instead of those popular white band ones. These are comfortable and keep the pumps securely in place!

2017

noreply@blogger.com (I Guess I'm Due) — Thu, 05 Jan 2017 21:27:00 +0000

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year and share Rynnie's 6 month snapshots with you guys! As you'll see, taking these pictures is getting much more difficult...

2016 was all about baby. I took a six month maternity leave and let myself worry about nothing but her. But now it's 2017 and time to get back into the swing of things. Motherhood has definitely brought a whole new meaning to the term 'multi-tasking,' but alas the time has come.

During my last trimester, I craved sweets and unfortunately that craving hasn't gone away. I could eat an entire watermelon in one sitting (which was slightly impressive, yet alarming) and a half dozen donuts. I sure wish I had the same excuse now!

I know it can be a slippery slope, so this week, I started setting my alarm an hour before she wakes up for some 'me' time with breakfast, meditation, and a quick workout. It's not about the weight for me, its about what makes me feel good, hence making me a better wife and mother.

If you've wanted to hit the snooze button and grab a bag of Reese's at night like me, let's power through and start the year off right.

My next post is a video about "The Aftermath" of pregnancy and everything you'll need to know about it. I touched on it in my last article for the Huffington Post, but will get deeper into it - oh goodie for you, I know ;)

Wishing you the happiest 2017 yet!

White Sands Collective Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (I Guess I'm Due) — Mon, 14 Nov 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Hi to all of our lovely I Guess I'm Due followers - We have a great giveaway for you guys just in time for Thanksgiving! Comment below for your chance to win a collection of beautifully designed goodies from White Sands Collective!

Here is what the lucky winner receives:

- 4 Paper Placemats in your choice of White Sands Collective's exclusive Thanksgiving designs

- 4 Letterpressed table cards in your choice of pumpkin or olive branch designs

- 4 Letterpressed "Thankful & Grateful" notecards with envelopes

Comment below for your chance to win. Winner will be announced Thursday. Best of luck!
xo

. . .

Congrats to our random winner, entry #14, DJohnson!

Thank you to all that entered the giveaway. To find more amazing custom letterpressed items from White Sands Collective, visit their website at www.whitesandsco.com or follow them on Instagram and Facebook @whitesandscollective .

*This giveaway is now closed *

Happy Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (I Guess I'm Due) — Mon, 31 Oct 2016 04:00:00 +0000

Happy Halloween from Rynnie the Pooh & Tigger too!

xoxo

We Survived!

noreply@blogger.com (I Guess I'm Due) — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 01:06:00 +0000

Don't worry - I haven't forgotten about you guys! We've kept this little gal alive for officially three months now, and yes, she is just as surprised as we are. It's gone by fast, yet slow at the same time when I think of all that has happened, but I've been trying to stay as present as possible throughout this whole motherhood thing! Here are some snapshots from Rynnie's latest photo shoot:

I will be kicking off my blogging/writing sabbatical with my first piece for Huffington Post Parents next week as well as starting to share my adventures in parenting so far on here. There are some good ones, so stay tuned!

Hello World!

noreply@blogger.com (I Guess I'm Due) — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 07:00:00 +0000

Happy Fourth - We get to celebrate with a little firecracker this year! Check out my personal site for all the details! Have a great holiday...

Final Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (I Guess I'm Due) — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 04:00:00 +0000

Check out my take on motherhood on my personal site today. Home stretch folks!

Beyond the Diaper Bag

noreply@blogger.com (E.Kurecki) — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 04:00:00 +0000

You've lugged around your diaper bag for what seems like eternity. And luckily, because of I Guess I'm Due's awesome tips, your diaper bag always had just the perfect items! The day has finally come...you have finally graduated from the diaper bag stage (cue happy dance!!) You know you'll throw your phone and wallet in your purse. But the question is, what will you REALLY need to carry in your Mommy Purse?! Enjoy I Guess I'm Due's tips that will help you make sure your purse is stocked for all those mommy moments...

1. Children's Tylenol- You never know when little ones will spike a fever. The Meltaway Tylenols are my fave because there's no measuring involved!!

2. Tide To Go- Spills happen which means stains happen...need I say more?!

3. Ibuprofen

4. Band-Aids- Boo boo's are inevitable!

5. Portable phone charger- for those times when the kids run your phone battery down to nothing!

6. Card game- Any card game comes in handy for those moments the kids need to play together quietly. Any deck will do, but my fave is Spot it Jr. !

7. Wipes- For runny noses, spills, and sticky messes

8. Deodorant- For the mornings I leave the house in a rush and forget!!

9. Neo to Go- perfect for on the go cuts.

10. Anti-bac

11. Notepad- for your little artist or budding author.

12. Snack- probably meant for the kids, but I've been known to sneak a snack every now and then too!

13. Pens- carry a plethora. They'll sure to be lost or broken.

Before Baby Comes

noreply@blogger.com (I Guess I'm Due) — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 04:00:00 +0000

Besides making sure you have all the items the baby needs, packing your diaper & hospital bags, and installing the carseat, there are also things you should do for yourself before baby comes! Here are the things I wanted to tackle before my due date...

1. Sleep!

I feel like my body is already preparing me for this kiddo! Between the bathroom breaks, insomnia, and restless legs, I'm up at least four to five times a night already. I can definitely feel my energy level decreasing again in these final weeks. So anytime I have a spare moment to lay down, I do it. And I don't feel bad about it. I know sleep will be hard to come by in just a few weeks, so I'm snagging all I can at any moment these days!

2. Get a Haircut & Eyebrow Wax

I neglect my hair as it is. I only get it cut twice a year at most, but if I don't get it done now, Lord only knows how long it will be until I get a good cut! My eyebrows also look like Yosemite right now, so those should probably be taken care of too!

3. Get the House Deep Cleaned

Many women prefer diamonds as a Push Gift. My Push Gift? A clean house. These past months I've stayed away from cleaning our bathrooms because I wanted to avoid all those chemicals. So when bathroom duty now becomes a Kyle task, hiring a cleaning crew to come in and handle the bathrooms, floors, and kitchen these next few months all of a sudden is a great idea. Isn't it funny how that works out? ;)

4. Dinner Dates with Friends

I'm trying to cram in everyone I can, while I can. I want to make an effort to see people, because I know going out to dinner whenever I want and galavanting around town as I please will soon become a thing of the past!

5. Stock up on Loungewear & Feminine Goodies

Although I wish the minute I left the hospital, my old body would magically appear as I walked out those doors, I know that it is not the case and I will be looking at least five months prego for a while. I want to make sure I have some comfy lounge wear like large boxers/shorts and robes to wear around that will keep me cool those beginning weeks since it will be mid-summer.

Also, I plan on stocking up on giant maxi pads and/or Depends for the first couple of weeks. Thankfully, my friends have been brutally honest with me. You bleed heavily for the first few weeks after birth (even if you have a C-section). Looks like it's back to the awkward junior high period days for me! My doula also recommended freezing the pads with witch hazel on them so they serve as a nice cold compress those first weeks. Lastly, my friends told me to ransack the hospital before I leave, making sure to take the adult undergarments for mom (so cute!) and anything else they supply!

6. Arrange All Finances

This may be last, but I believe it is truly the most important. As morbid as it seems, things like life insurance and wills need to be taken care of. Between our bank accounts, house, and rental properties, I think having everything organized and arranged for your kids in case anything should happen to you is the most responsible and loving thing you can do for them.

A friend who had to deal with loss and the mess of dealing with probate courts recommended filing out these "Must Have Documents" by Suze Orman. It will take care of will, revocable trust, financial power of attorney, and durable power of attorney for Healthcare.

We also plan on opening up a savings account for our child, which we will likely invest in some stock for them once the market takes a tumble again. (Let's be honest, it's inevitable. It's almost election time). My parents did this for me, and I'm so thankful they did!

529 Plans are also an option, but just know that these funds have to be used toward education in order to be non-taxable. Kyle and I have agreed that our kids will likely want to be traveling mimes or musicians on the street corner, so we plan on converting our IRA's into Roth IRA's (which can be used non-taxed toward education) so our funds can be saved but not necessarily spent on education, in case that is not the route they want to choose. We both worked our asses off to get full rides to college, and I want to instill that work ethic in my kids too. I don't want them assuming that mom and dad will just pay for them to spend four years playing flip cup and drinking underage at all the bars on our dimes. (I know how college works. And I also know it was the best four years of my life!)

Lastly, do not forget to add the baby to your health insurance plan and as a beneficiary to your 401k. I know these tasks aren't the most fun, but they are necessary, and you will be happy once you've got them done!

Nursery

noreply@blogger.com (I Guess I'm Due) — Tue, 31 May 2016 04:00:00 +0000

After months in the works, the baby nursery is finally finished!

Not going to lie, it was a bit of a challenge trying to decorate without knowing the gender, but I wanted to stick with colors and textures that were the vibe of our house already. Plus, I'm not a pink or purple, diamond studded, "princess" type. In fact, I'm sure I was told on numerous occasions growing up, "You ain't no damn princess." So if I do have a girl, let's just hope she's more of a blue/green kind of gal like me.

The space we had to work with wasn't huge, so Kyle had the idea of adding a Murphy Bed Wall Unit so that our queen bed could still be useful in that room. I not only like the look of it and its storage, but that it is functional as well. Point for Team Husband!

Crib: Jenny Lind Convertible Crib Crib Sheets: Quick Zip Crib Skirt: Carousel Designs Rug: Living Spaces Glider: Pottery Barn Outlet Pillows: West Elm Murphy Bed Wall Unit: Costco Woven Baskets: The Container Store Oars & Adventure Wall Art: HomeGoods Lamb Rocker: Pottery Barn Leaf Wall Art: West Elm Poof: The Land of Nod

If anyone has questions about any of the products, be sure to comment below or shoot me a message!

Updated Ultimate Baby Registry Guide

noreply@blogger.com (I Guess I'm Due) — Tue, 17 May 2016 04:00:00 +0000

When I decided to take on the task of tackling the Baby Registry back in the spring, the first thing I did was take a look at our I Guess I'm Due Ultimate Registry Guide. That was my jumping off point. I then surveyed all of my other mom friends and they were kind enough to send their excel sheets and recommend brands and products.

I decided to register with MyRegistry.com because the site allowed me to combine multiple registries into one. So my registries at Amazon, Target, & Pottery Barn Kids (Which I would not recommend. Things were constantly on back order or out of stock. Very frustrating.) were combined into one.

A registry can be a daunting task. (All that work, and then no one seems to follow it anyways!) It is important to put everything you want on there, because if it is not gifted, you can use the completion discounts from the sites to purchase any of the items you need in the end!

Everyone has different tastes and every baby is different, but I wanted to update our guide and provide you with pictures & brands of EVERY ITEM on my list in order of importance in hopes of making your life easier!

**This has been updated since I've had the baby. I'm now a year out - so the products on here are the ones that worked for me! It also includes what we went out to buy after baby was born.**

ESSENTIALS

Crib: Of course those fancy cribs can be mighty appealing, but I opted for a simple, traditional look at a very affordable price and went with the Jenny Lind Convertible Crib.

Crib Mattress: These too can be expensive, but I figured there was going to be sheets and pads on top, so why spend an outrageous amount? I went with the DaVinci Hypoallergenic Mattress because they also made my crib, so I knew it would fit.

Glider/Rocker: I was shocked at how expensive these dang things were! Even simple ones were $300 bucks. Luckily, we found our Sparrow Glider at the Pottery Barn Kids Outlet, so it was close to 70% off. Always check outlets or Craiglist before you pay the full amount for these things!

Travel System: We opted to go with the Stokke Brand for Carseat & Stroller, but I've also heard great things about Britax, and UppaBaby Travel Systems as well! In hindsight, I should have just gotten one that converts to a double stroller, now that we are thinking of expanding. If you want more than one, think about this before you buy a stroller! Be sure to also get a stroller organizer - it's perfect for holding your water and phone while out shopping or on walks! Also 'The Mommy Hook' is perfect for holding all of your groceries!

Crib Sheets & Mattress Pads: QuickZip Sheets all the way! I bought the drop-in sheet with base, two heavenly soft covers, and two QuickZip Mattress Pads.

Monitor: My husband was trying to be tech savvy and use an app (which will work during the day, but uh, your phone turns off at night). So we went with this Video Monitor by Motorola for nighttime. It's pretty basic and there are new ones out there. We will most likely get a new one in the future that is wireless. Now that she is mobile, it's proving to be an issue. Once again, things you don't think of with a newborn!

SOOTHING ITEMS

Rock n' Play: Out of every mom I talked to, the Fisher Price Auto Rock n' Play was a must have! Most of their kids preferred napping and sleeping in this over anything else!

Bouncer: There are tons out there and I'm sure all do the trick. I wanted something very portable. This Baby Bjorn Bouncer came highly recommended because it uses the child's movements to get it into motion and converts into a seat for toddlers. We also got another bouncer from one of Kyle's co-workers. It is by Bright Starts and she likes this one the best because the toys hang down in front of her! For bouncers, I'd go with the simple Bright Starts one!

Swing: We went with the Fisher Price Cradle Swing and thank God we did. This is her favorite device and allows me to get things done around the house while she's in it!

White Noise Machine: I was reading reviews and a lot of baby sound machines burn out quickly because of so much use. A friend recommended this Sound Therapy System because it has lasted over four years!

Swaddles: There are so many to choose from! A new mom just recommended the latest swaddle to come out called the NuRoo which grows with your child. I use that for naps during the day. I also went with the Aden & Anais Swaddle Blankets, I don't really use them to swaddle but they are great to have on hand to cover her up. They are light and great for the summer! For the nighttime, lots of people swear by the Miracle Blanket, in the end Rynnie just preferred being double swaddled in her hospital blankets. Be sure to ransack that hospital - take everything! We also purchased the Baby Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit at three months old to transition her from the swaddle - it helped a ton!

Sleep Sacks: I used the Halo Sleep Sack in size small as a transition out of the Merlin's sleep suit. I then went with the Aden and Anais Sleeping Bags in medium and large, but ended up not using them. Once she started rolling and sleeping on her stomach around 6 months, I just let her sleep in her PJ's.

Carriers: We went with the ErgoBaby 360 Cool Air Carrier (Because anyone who has played volleyball with Kyle knows he's a sweater. And it's pretty gross.) As for myself, I went with the soft wrap from Solly Baby Wrap and the Beco Ring Sling. I attempted the Solly at week 3 and was too overwhelmed by all the fabric. Kyle and I then went to a Baby Wearing class at the park and figured out what the hell we were doing with these things. It really helped. I now love the Solly Wrap for my long morning walks with the dog. She falls asleep in it every time! And I keep the ring sling in my diaper bag. It is very easy and convenient when you are on the go! Carriers for women are tough, it may take a bit to find the one you like - so don't take the tags off at the beginning!

Diaper Bag: After purchasing and returning about 6 different ones (no joke), I was using a simple Target tote bag but needed something that zipped for when we went through aiport security, so I finally settled on the Skip Hop Grand Central. And now at 11 months, I bought a diaper bag back pack to transition to for travel. I think I'm going to stick with it. Doesn't fit as much, but is definitely more compact and easier to manage now that baby is mobile!

BREAST FEEDING

Bottles, Storage, & Warmer Kit: I just came across this Breastfeeding Gift Set by Kiinde and am pretty psyched about it. The storage bags hook directly to your pump and their bottle goes directly over the bag. No transferring needed! The warmer also warms both bottles & storage bags. (Obviously you need a breast pump, but this should be covered by your insurance so you won't need to register for it!) Rynn ended up not liking these bottles, so they system wasn't totally utilized to its fullest potential. But if the baby likes it, then it's a win win. Unfortunately, it's always trial and error!

You may also want to get some pump accessories like a hands-free pumping bra and simple bag for all of your pump supplies! I am not the biggest fan of pumping, so at my Mommy and Me class they suggested buying a simple hand pump for when you are on the go or traveling. That is the only thing I use now! It is more comfortable and I enjoy it much better - just a tip if the electric pump is hurting you!

DO NOT REGISTER FOR BOTTLES. Only buy a couple single bottles until you see what the baby likes. We've gone through about five kinds so far! All babies are different and prefer different kinds. You won't know until they are here! The cheap-o simple Gerber First Essentials Bottles with the old school latex nipple is what did it for us!

Nursing Pads: Lansinoh disposable pads or the Target brand. Buy tons of these! Plan on at least a box or two a month!

Bottle Sterilizer & Sterilizing Bags: This item is definitely debatable, some moms say a sterilizer is necessary and others say you can just boil water. Well, our dishwasher sucks so I hand wash everything anyways, and I can barely wait for water to boil for pasta! This Baby Brezza Sterilizer drys the bottles as well which is a plus. Medela Sterilizing Bags are also nice to have on hand in case you need to clean anything in a hurry! I used the big sterilizer alot when she was a newborn and I was more anal about germs, now that she's almost one I never really use it!

Unscented Bottle Soap: Apparently any sort of fragrance can be absorbed by the bottles when you clean them and can turn off the baby to that bottle, so a friend recommended using Babyganics Unscented Dish & Bottle Soap when washing & rinsing off. I purchased this white Boon drying rack for things to dry on and this Boon bottle brush as well.

Nursing Cover: I went with a simple gray colored cover that snaps up the side.

Burp Cloths: Extra large Cloth Diapers do the trick!

Nursing Pillow: A couple to choose from, but my doula recommended the My Brest Friend Pillow.

Gas Drops: Go with Mylicon. We've tried others but this is by far our favorite. The dropper is much better than the other brands. She likes these best. We give them to her BEFORE her feedings and they really help with gas. Buy stock in these! You'll need them! Pick up some Infant Tylenol too - you'll need that for after vaccinations. If you are still having trouble with gas, you may want to try baby probiotics. Our doctor recommended we do so at 6-8 weeks and it really helped!

Nipple Cream: Medela Lanolin Cream is all-natural and is safe for baby and mom! The hospital gave us lots of samples. You will go through lots of it in the beginning weeks. Use after every feeding!

DIAPERING

Changing Pad: I went with the Summer Infant Contour Changing Pad.

Changing Pad Covers: Make sure to get at least two of these! We opted for the Burt's Bees brand. Also, we bought two packs of Munchkin Waterproof Changing Pad Liners as another protective layer against blowouts!

Diaper Pail: Make sure you get one that you can open with your foot, no one wants to be sticking their hands in that mess! We went with the Dekor Plus Hands Free Pail.

Pail Refills: Can't forget the diaper pail bag refills!

Wipes: A friend recommended using WaterWipes from Target for the first three months because her son got bad diaper rash from regular ones. I plan on using Pampers or Costco wipes in the months after that.

Travel Changing Clutch: A portable extra changing pad and organizer for your diaper bag or car.

Diapers: Have heard great things about Pampers and horrible things about Huggies. (Sorry - just sayin'!) We only needed one box of newborn diapers at the beginning. After, we started using Amazon's Subscribe & Save and get a box of Pampers Sensitive Swaddlers delivered each month.

Cleanser & Rash Cream: Mustela Physiobebe Cleanser comes highly recommended for keeping the bottom clean after diaper changes, as well as some Boudreaux Butt Paste for the inevitable rash! And don't forget one of those little butt spatulas to apply the paste!

BATH TIME

Infant Tub: I got a little techie with this one and went with the 4Moms Infant Tub which displays the temperature and gives you a green light when you are good to go!

Shampoo & Body Wash: Mustela 2 in 1 Shampoo & Body Wash has no harsh chemicals and is safe to use early on.

Mat: Something to kneel on for bath time as the baby gets older.

Hooded Towels: I'm such a sucker for these. I think the animal ones are too cute! Get a couple, but we went with a duck & bear.

Safety Kit: This kit by Safety First contains everything you need for grooming and healthcare for your newborn! We also ended up buying a Nose Frida - it sounds gross, but works the best especially with Little Remedies Saline Spray!

Wash Cloths: Don't forget some nice soft wash cloths for those sponge baths in the early weeks.

PLAY TIME

Boppy Pillows: A friend gave us her Newborn Lounger, and Rynn loved it her first months and the regular Boppy Pillow is for sitting and tummy time the later months.

Play Mat: This Rainforest Melodies Mat by Fisher Price. She loves it during playtime.

Exersaucer: You won't need this for a couple months, but apparently an Excersaucer/Jumperoo keeps them busy once they are on the move! We ended up swapping out the exersaucer for this Fisher Price jumperoo and it has been the BEST INVESTMENT. She's lived in from 4 months to 6 months and is by far her favorite thing to play in. Definitely a must!

Sit-Me-Up Chair: I've heard mixed reviews about the Bumbo, so here is an alternative - the Fisher Price Sit-Me-Up Chair. It's roomier and has a tray and toys.

ACCESSORIES

Carseat Canopy: This Copper Pearl Canopy is great for shading your little one on walks, especially on windy days, and also doubles as a nursing cover! We also ended up buying the Brica Carseat Cover because an article freaked me out about overheating my child in the carseat. It has a solar cover to protect from the sun, but it mesh on the sides so there is still air flow. It's been super hot here lately and this is the best thing I could find for summer babies! The JJ Cole seems to also be a good choice for a winter cover.

WubbaNubs: Apparently, I should buy stock in these because I was told to buy a ton of WubbaNubs to have on hand! Kids love them!

Cart Cover: The Comfort & Harmony Neoprene Cart Cover is easy to clean and also doubles as a changing pad.

Car Mirror: A mirror for the backseat so you can see the rear-facing baby!

Nuk Newborn Pacifiers: We ended up having to go out and buy these because Rynnie was a total sucker and needed one at 2 weeks to soothe her. The Wubbanubs seemed too big so we went with these Nuks and she loved them.

Sleep Sheep: Great for some cute white noise on the go!

Teether: A Sophie the Giraffe for dreaded teething time.

Wipes Warmer: I wanted a dispenser for the changing table, but then my mother-in-law also bought us a wipes warmer when she came to visit. It really helped and stopped the crying during changes, so we use that instead!

AFTER NEWBORN
These items are last on the list because you won't need them until baby is at least a couple months old. They are lowest priority in terms of registry.

High Chair: 4Moms just came out with a new Magnetic High Chair. I know it isn't going to stop food from being hurled at me, but it can't hurt! I've also heard good things about the Joovy High Chair. This simple Ikea High Chair has also been recommended by some friends because its super easy to clean! I bought the Ikea one for when we travel to Ohio, and will most likely just buy this one if we have another!

Plates & Bowls: This is the magnetic Starter Set by 4Moms to go with their high chair.

Food Storage: Some little storage containers if you decide to make your own baby food!

Portable High Chair: Not a necessity either, but this portable high chair came recommended if you want them to sit at the kitchen island or take out to a restaurant! WE USE THIS ALL THE TIME. A GREAT INVESTMENT!

Portable Playard: We are going to be traveling to see family a lot, so a portable crib was important. The Lotus Travel Crib folds into a back pack, which will definitely help us out on trips!

No-Touch Thermometer: Once we can stop taking its rectal temperature, this no-touch thermometer will probably be greatly appreciated on their end!

Additional Convertible Carseat: We have the infant car seat with the travel system, but the baby will eventually grow out of it. People have recommended either the Maxi Cosi Convertible Carseat or the Graco 4ever All in One Carseat for the other car so it can be used until its full grown.

Sippy Cups: These won't be needed until months later, but the Munchkin 360 Trainer Cups have gotten rave reviews. But when you introduc the sippy at 6 months, Rynn had not a clue what to do with these! The Nuk Sippy Cup is what worked best. She takes her milk in this and uses a ThinkBaby Sippy for water!

Food Mats: I saw these EZPZ mats on Shark Tank. They are great for on the go or for at home. The mini mats are best for rolling up in your diaper bag when you're on the run.

Bibs: Besides the cloth bibs or bandana bibs (the Zoozik or Honest brands are my favs. Honest are small and work best for when your child starts drooling at 2-3 months, plus they are magnetic!) your kid may sport during the day, these OXO waterproof roll up bibs are great for feeding time! I also ended up buying these Green Sprouts bibs when she started teething at 5 months. These are the ones we use each day. The bandana bibs have become ones we wear with cute oufits. The Green Sprouts bibs soak up much more drool. And at 9 months she decided she liked to rip them off so I had to buy these JJ Cole ones with Snaps. If I were you I'd just go with the snaps ones from the get-go. You'll need them in the end!

Playmat: For those of you who have wood floors, we purchased these Skip Hop floor tiles for our living room for her to play on around 3 months. I love it because they still look chic and go with the design of our house!

Carseat Neck Pillow: I also recommend getting one of these Benbat Neck Pillows for your infant in the carseat. Rynn had Torticollis and this helps keep her next straight rather than having to use rolled up blankets to prop her little head up!

Nursing Night Gowns: Last but certainly not least, all you moms of summer babies will love these. I have been living in these nightgowns from Target! I have 7 already because I wear them day and night. They are so comfy to sleep in and I feel like I can wear them out and about as well!

I know, it's a ton. Sorry if I got you overwhelmed. But I wanted to put all of my research and registry items out there to save you time. I wish I would have had some sort of guide with pictures and brands when I first started. Hope this helps!

Happy Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (I Guess I'm Due) — Sun, 08 May 2016 04:00:00 +0000

Unfortunately at 8 months along, this gift is an impossibility. Wishing our own moms and all of our I Guess I'm Due mamas out there a fabulous day! Have a good one ladies!

Gender Guessing Game

noreply@blogger.com (I Guess I'm Due) — Mon, 02 May 2016 04:00:00 +0000

Many people have asked why we aren't finding out the sex of the baby. My answer - Why not? I guess I just grew up with my mom telling me it was more fun that way, so I just always assumed that is what I would do. It's actually probably for the best, because I haven't been able to buy any clothes. I can't just randomly spend on cute items I see. Our kid currently owns five white onesies. Please do not judge its fashion sense in the early weeks of its life. It will be living in all it has - diapers, swaddles, and white onesies!

Kyle is convinced it's a girl, and I really am 50/50. I could care less as long as its healthy. I believe that whatever comes out is what we are supposed to have! It is kind of fun to guess though. A little boy at Benihana told me I was having a girl, and an old man at Home Depot approached me while looking at appliances and told me I was having a boy. (I never need appliances, but one of my favorite past times is looking at the latest and greatest fridges whenever I go there. It's sad what gives me kicks these days.)

I love a good psychic, superstition, and old wives tales, so here is what they are saying about the kiddo:

Chinese Gender Predictor:
I typed in my age at conception (30) and month of conception (October).
Verdict: Girl

Psychic Readings:
At two different readings, both psychics said I would have a boy first. One also told me that Joan Rivers was in great health and the show would go on for years. She passed 2 months later, so uh yeah...
Verdict: Boy

Ring on a String:
Kyle hung my wedding ring over my belly. If it swung in a straight line it was a boy, a circular motion it was a girl. It was a circle.
Verdict: Girl

Heartbeat:
Above 140 beats per min, it's a girl. Below, it's a boy. At our 30 week ultrasound it was 141.
Verdict: Girl

Cravings:
If you are craving salty, spicy things it's a boy. If you crave sweets its a girl. The entire first trimester I couldn't even stomach fruit it was too sweet. The baby may come out Mexican, I ate it so much of it at the beginning.
Verdict: Boy

Sickness:
Some say that if you are sick and nauseous during the First Trimester, it could be due to the extra hormones produced by a girl. People - I was sick as a dog. No brainer on this one.
Verdict: Girl

Well, the signs look to be pointing to girl as well. One thing is for certain, if she gets my gusto and Kyle's ghetto booty, Dad is going to be in for one long road ahead!

Pregnancy Wardrobe Essentials For Under $250

noreply@blogger.com (I Guess I'm Due) — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 04:00:00 +0000

So here it is - everything I bought for my pregnancy wardrobe, and yes you are reading that right, it was under $250! Whatever you do mamas, please don't go out and spend an arm and a leg on a whole new wardrobe the minute you find out you are pregnant!

All you need are these basics and the rest you have in your closet already. I promise! Loose blouses and your old 'fat clothes' work for those awkward FUPA moments in your second trimester, and your 'skinny clothes' paired with a blazer/oversized sweater and maxi dresses are perfect for the third trimester. Even for events like weddings, I wore my old dresses that had empire waists and didn't scream "Matronly!" (Plus, I looked at it as the less maternity clothes I bought, the less tempted I would be to stay in them after the baby!)

Also, I did all of this shopping online (which I highly recommend) because jeans shopping is bad enough, but jeans shopping while feeling like a bloated weeble wobble hopped up on hormones is a recipe for disaster. Here are all the brands I opted for!

1. BeBands. ($18.99) These will be your first go-to item. I bought two Ingrid & Isabel BeBands from Target in nude and white. They allow you to still wear your normal jeans/pants but you can unbutton and unzip them. I started wearing these around week 12/13 at the beginning of the second trimester at Christmas. Sugar cookies may also have been a culprit. These allowed me to save money and stay in my normal clothes until the third trimester.

2. Nursing Bras. ($24.99 - $29.99) As I entered the second trimester, my sports bras became way too tight to wear, but instead of going out and buying bigger bras, I opted just to get nursing bras because I knew I needed them in the future. I bought a size Large. While a bit big right now, I heard these bad boys will get out of control when the milk comes in, so be sure to go a size up from your regular size. I bought grey and white Le Leche Nursing Sports Bras from Target, three gray, nude, and white Seamless Nursing Bras & one nude Underwire Nursing Bras from Destination Maternity. (Be sure to buy your bras when they have their 'Buy 3, Get 1 Free Sale'!)

3. Yoga Pants. ($29.00 - $34.99) I really thought I could make my old ones stretch through the entire pregnancy, but when I finally popped starting in the third trimester at 7 months, the band was cutting me right at the belly button and was super uncomfortable. I bought two black pairs of Ingrid & Isabel Yoga Capris from Target and one pair of gray Yoga Capris from Old Navy. Best investment ever - I live in them almost every day!

4. Basic Tees. ($14.99 - $22.99) I figured you couldn't go wrong with some solid crew & v-necks. I bought gray, white, and red Crew Necks from Gap, and navy and light blue V-Necks from Old Navy. Also, be sure to wait to purchase these until the stores have their annual 40% off sales - they will be even cheaper!

5. Jeans. ($69.50) Alright, so this is where things could go awry. Luckily I ordered both of these pairs from A Pea In The Pod online and both magically fit! I had thought about investing in $150-200 in some designer JBrands or Citizens of Humanity jeans, but I couldn't bring myself to do it, especially not for something I would only wear 9 months. I had tried one pair on at Old Navy, but they felt 'too maternity-like' and I had read reviews that Gap's became too baggy, so I decided to try these LED jeans. They were in the middle of the road price-wise and fit and look just like my normal jeans. I bought a pair of the LED Skinny Ankle Jeans and the LED Deconstructed Boyfriend Jeans. They run true to size, so order what you wore before you got pregnant. I really like these and highly recommend you give them a try!

6. Tanks. ($16.95 - $26.00) Lastly, I bought a white and gray tank to wear under sweaters and blazers from Gap, and two more workout tanks from JC Penney. The workout tanks aren't maternity, but are long enough to cover the bump. I had a gray one pre-pregnancy and really liked the fit of it even as I grew bigger. Plus, there is a sale right now where you buy one and get the other one for a penny!

...

If you have any questions about these products or need any more advice, feel free to comment or shoot me a message. And I hope this gives you a beacon of hope when nothing in your closet seems to fit right anymore. Just buy these basics and you'll be all set!

Motherly Advice

noreply@blogger.com (I Guess I'm Due) — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 04:00:00 +0000

So here are some tips and tricks my fellow mom friends have bestowed on me these past couple of months as well as things I've randomly discovered. It has been so nice to lean on people for advice and support during this time, rather than just trying to just find it all out on Google!

1. Instead of buying fancy burp cloths, just use cloth diapers. They are thick and do the trick! (Thanks Jen!)

2. Before you go and buy a breast pump, be sure to check with your insurance company to see if it is covered first. Blue Shield actually covered everything and the process was surprisingly simple. I called them, they gave me a list of providers to purchase it from, I ordered the Medela Pump from Yummy Mummy, put in all my insurance info, and received it in the mail about two months later! (Thanks Jill!)

3. Quick-Zip Sheets. I randomly came across these while researching a while back and love how much easier they make your life! The top simply unzips off so you can wash it, that way you don't have to take off the mattress and remove the entire sheet. I went with two Quick-Zip Crib Mattress Pads, a Drop-in Base with cover, as well as two white Heavenly Soft Extra Zip Sheets.

4. Instead of registering for specific bottles, you may want to go buy single ones and see which your baby prefers first. All babies are different and may like different styles. So while my friend recommends Dr. Brown's Glass Bottles, our baby might not be a fan! See which one they like first and then purchase more. (Thanks Jade!)

5. Alright so this tip doesn't come from a mom, but my baby daddy! Instead of purchasing one of those expensive $300 baby monitors, you can use an old device instead. We all have old iPhones and iPads laying around. Set one in the nursery and install the LiveStream App. It is free and allows you to stream video. That way you can stream it and watch the baby on your phone, computer, or even TV! (Thanks Kyle!)

6. These are best toys to buy that your little one will actually like. My friends say its the best ten dollars you will ever spend! Their picks are Baby Einstein's Take Along Tunes, the Oball Infant Rattle, and the WubbaNub Infant Pacifiers. (Thanks Marissa, Alison, & Veronica!)

7. Badger Baby Balm. It is natural, organic, and safe to use on the baby, and one of the customers at her store swore by using it on the nipples to prevent dryness and cracking during breastfeeding. Already ordered mine! (Thanks Marissa!)

8. My mama was kind enough to buy us our carseat and stroller and when I was purchasing them, I came across this great site called Albee Baby. It was by far the best deal because they offer NO TAX and FREE SHIPPING. This is huge for all of your big ticket items! We went with the Stokke Scoot v2 Stroller and the Stokke Pipa Nuna Car Seat. They also have a rewards program, so I used my rewards toward the Baby Bjorn Bouncer my friend swore by. (Thanks Amy!)

...

I wanted to pass along their knowledge and learn from you as well. Any of you have some motherly advice for me? What are some other good mama hacks out there?

Meditation & Motherhood

noreply@blogger.com (I Guess I'm Due) — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 04:00:00 +0000

Today I wanted to blog about the importance of Mind/Body Connectedness during pregnancy, and boy is it a struggle.

Your hormones are raging, your emotions and thoughts are racing, and you are now growing what feels like the alien from Predator inside your body causing the most random physical changes and symptoms.

For me, meditation has been my saving grace during this pregnancy which has not been easy on me by any means.

At the beginning of 2015, my health coach Emily urged me to start meditating daily and said that it would be life changing. And she was right. It has been said that prayer is talking to God and meditation is listening to God. That's the best way I can explain it. Sitting in stillness and silencing all of the doubt, fear, frustration, and anxiety each day is what helps you truly live in the here and now and be happy with the present moment.

Last year was a very stressful year on my family and I, and honestly I don't know how I would have gotten through it without daily mediation. My body craved it. My mind craved it. Especially when life felt so out of control. I was in a great routine with it until... I got pregnant.

I was so sick and miserable the first trimester that any sort of routine I had went out the window. Although my body physically started feeling better in the second trimester, I could tell my mind was falling back into its old habits - dwelling on past hurts, worrying about the future, and trying to control things beyond my control. It's tough, because pregnancy does require you to plan ahead (registries, nannies, life insurance policies, 529 plans, yada yada yada... the list goes on and on!) All of this planning was making it very hard on me to stay in the present.

So when I was dealing with Restless Leg Syndrome and weeks of no sleep in March, I had been told Magnesium supplements would help, but I also knew I needed to get into a nightly meditation practice again that would help with my sleep.

To kickstart things I began Oprah & Deepak Chopra's 21 Day Meditation Class and felt a complete difference in myself by Day 3. Despite these changes in my body, my mind was starting to feel much calmer, connected, and 'in flow' again.

I cannot stress how important meditation has been in my life these past two years and I know it needs to remain a priority even with a newborn. Whether you are a mom or not, everyone could use a little stillness in our chaotic days! Just try it for a week, and let me know if you notice a difference.

Here's how I started: I would listen to this Reiki Zen Song on YouTube and set my timer on my phone for 5 minutes. At first your thoughts are racing but as time goes on they start to silence and you are able to just sit and be present in the moment. Keep increasing the time as weeks go along. I reached my goal of 20 minutes and do that daily.

In this world of social media (which I would gladly bow out of and probably will at some point, if it wasn't for being able to share my blog and writings with all of you!) it is so important to realize that all of these posts are just filtered, photoshopped, snapshots of what people what you to see of their life. It's not real life. Comparison I believe is the number one killer of happiness. Meditation has taught me that happiness isn't found in things. It's a choice and that choice lies within me.

Sorry for the babble and emo post, but this kid has put me through the ringer already and I always love to share with you all the things that actually work in my life. Now, try it out for a week, and let me know if it works for you too!

Journaling During Pregnancy

noreply@blogger.com (I Guess I'm Due) — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 04:00:00 +0000

Unfortunately, I am not one of those pregnant women who could say, "It was a breeze. I loved being pregnant!" If there is a symptom, I've probably experienced it. The latest - Restless Leg Syndrome. I was hoping that I would be able to recoup after Awards Season, but then the damn RLS set in and I spent the month of March wanting to chop my legs off with weeks without sleep. Not the type of 'relaxation' I had in mind.

Thanks to Magnesium supplements, meditation, and warm baths during the night, I've been able to snag some more hours of sleep. Guess my body is just preparing me for life after birth!

Now while there are lots of days during this process I would like to forget, there are are tons I want to remember - the baby's first kick, Kyle feeling it move for the first time, & putting together the nursery, which is why I've been journaling about this process since the day I found out.

The Happiness Project Journal allows you to write down what you are grateful for and take note of all of the little things that happen daily in your life.

I've bought The Happiness Project for Mothers for lots of my other mom friends. It's a one sentence journal that allows you to track your journey over five years.

For me it's nice because I keep it on my nightstand and jot down a couple lines about what happened that day. While I would love to journal more, I know keeping up with writing paragraphs a night isn't realistic for me. I also love that I will be able to look back and see what was happening on a certain day that spans over five years time.

I know my life is about to change drastically in 3 months time. Good and bad, I'm doing my best so I can look back and have memories recorded of it all!

Hiring a Doula

noreply@blogger.com (I Guess I'm Due) — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 04:00:00 +0000

The first thing I did immediately after finding out I was pregnant was hire a doula. I knew I didn't have family out here in L.A. and I really wanted to create a good support system for myself and Kyle. After rave reviews, Kyle and I met with Katie Hamilton of Mama Nuture who is a certified doula, childbirth educator, and lactation consultant. We immediately knew she was going to be the right person to help us through this new, yet overwhelming ride we were about to embark on!

Now you may be asking yourself, what is a doula? Are they necessary? Do I really need one? Everyone is different. But Katie has so kindly answered some questions for our I Guess I'm Due readers to find out if hiring one is right for you!

1. Many of my friends have no clue what a 'doula' is when I say the word. The only reason I do is because I was told to watch The Business of Being Born. So first things first, what exactly is a doula?

Katie: Women have been supporting women in pregnancy and birth long before modern hospital births. Today, this integral role of a compassionate, trained, professional by the mother's side is becoming increasingly popular. Birth doulas attend home, birth center, or hospital births and stay by the laboring couple's side during the most intense parts of labor and birth. Postpartum doulas support families in pregnancy and postpartum periods as they transition into their new roles. A doula provides physical, emotional, and informational support, in varying degrees, tailored to the individual family's needs. Many doulas are childbirth educators, some have additional skills that they bring to their craft such as lactation support, placenta encapsulation and birth photography. Simply put, doulas help protect their client's birth vision.

2. Now is a doula covered by insurance or how does the pricing work?

Katie: A doula's fees vary depending on their level of experience. Some of a doula's fee covers the time spent in labor, correspondence throughout pregnancy, and the commitment to always being on call during the "due" month. There are insurance companies that have now began to cover doulas. For the past 20 years, studies have cited that doula care can reduce the need for c-sections by up to 80%. A doula can provide women a shorter labor with fewer complications, reduced need for pitocin, less use of forceps, less use of epidural anesthesia and fewer cesarean births. Doulas benefit maternal and infant health and overall insurance costs. As this research becomes more widely accepted, we are likely to see an increase in insurance coverage.

3. I've been strangely calm about this whole thing with no anxiety, which I think is in part to our visits where you make me feel educated and not alone. Would you say this investment is more like an investment in peace of mind?

Katie: Yes! Peace of mind is a huge benefit of the doula investment. Being educated and gathering the right team is invaluable in helping the laboring woman let go and surrender. It's vital that she and her partner feel safe and supported. Research shows that fear leads to longer labors. Mental stress is associated with a heightened physiological state. High levels of stress hormones may also weaken uterine contractility, thereby prolonging labor.

4. So of course you provide services to the mother, but how does this help dad out too?

Katie: Partners love doulas. A common myth is that the doula could take over the role of the partner. Especially in the hospital setting, the laboring woman often desires advocacy, emotional support, physical support, and sometimes even a bouncer at the door! Much of what a doula does is normalize birth through all it's various stages. This can be incredibly comforting for the partner. The support persons feel like they can participate at their own pace and in their own way. They know what to expect ahead of time, they have tools, and they can take a quick nap without feeling guilty. They can be present without taking on all the responsibility for labor support. Birth is a transformative experience for the partner as well as the mother, and the doula helps protect that experience. I've received some of my most grateful yelp reviews from Dads and partners.

5. When it comes to "labor day", can you paint a picture of what that will look like for us and when you services are complete?

I attend home births, birth center births, and hospital births. While I have supported cesareans, inductions, preterm labor, most of my clients having hospital births have the opportunity to stay home as long as they like. In our prenatal meetings, I give my clients tools for early labor. The media depicts labor coming on painfully, and hard and fast. While this is a possibility, most first time mothers have a long early labor, and lots of warm up labor that can go on for days or even weeks.

A big part of my role is teaching that labor is a process. If you can time your contractions yourself, you don't need to be timing them. Instead, sleep, nap, eat, walk, play, get intimate! It might be early labor, and it might not. Take each surge one at time. Trust the process...you are not sick, you are having a baby. I come to the house when needed, which is most often a 3am phone call. Sometimes the family needs a pep talk, some massage or a game plan and then I come earlier in labor. Most of the time I arrive in active labor. I have a Mary Poppins sort of "bag of tricks". Sometimes I use them all, other times I'm just holding space as the mother labors silently or her partner sways with her. There are plenty of signposts in labor that help us understand that labor is progressing. Many of my clients arrive at the hospital between 6 and 10cm dilated. Of course L.A traffic plays a role...so sometimes we leave early. Environment is so key to to maintaining peace. I like to make the transition from home to hospital as seamless as possible. What's been working at home we bring with us.

Labor can change from minute to minute. What is supportive to a woman one minute isn't the next minute and so there is lots of intuition involved as we navigate the labor dance together. Along with the birth plan, I bring a birth ball, massage techniques, position suggestions, aromatherapy, and plenty of evidence-based information to the table. Having a doula is like having a "secret menu" in the hospital. After the birth, I stay until the family is settled for the night or day ahead. In the days postpartum I am available to answer any breastfeeding questions or concerns and I follow up with a postpartum visit. I have clients that still reach out in the months and even years after their birth. This year is in fact my year of repeat clients, and I'm loving it!

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Thanks for sharing Katie! Be sure to show her some love on Facebook as well!

The Big 7

noreply@blogger.com (E.Kurecki) — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 04:54:00 +0000

Last night I couldn't help myself...I became that sappy mama! I pulled out the old pictures, grabbed a handful of tissues, and re-lived the last seven years with my little man. Can my sweet, squishy, love-able, little muscle man really be turning seven?! I know the phrase "time flies by" is such a cliche, but really, how have seven years happened so fast? So today as I celebrate Jakson turning seven I'm left with these amazing memories and the excitement knowing this amazing journey still isn't over...Happy 7th Birthday Jakson!

Fiesta Time

noreply@blogger.com (I Guess I'm Due) — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 04:00:00 +0000

When your Tex-Mex Papi turns 70, theres nothing left to do but to throw a party fit for even the littlest of cowboys! My sisters and I combined forces and created a fiesta filled with all sorts of fun...yee-haw!

The Set-Up

The tables were set in my backyard, under the shade of the trees. Instead of plates our cowboys used tin bowls and sipped their drinks from a fun mason jar {or a margarita glass for our older cowboys}. Mason jars filled with bright colored flowers lined the checkered tables. We added some pizazz with black and white picture place mats going down the center of the tables.

Our spread included:

Drinks:

Tex-Mex Margarita, Jarritos, Tea, Corona's

Appetizers:

Shelled peanuts, 7 Layer dip, Cowboy Cavillar, Chips and Salsa

Main Dishes:

Cabrito {goat}, grilled chicken, Tex-Mex beans, Mexican Rice, tortillas

Dessert:

Ice Cream, Carmel-Sea Salted Peanut Brittle, and German Chocolate Cake

The Flare

The Fun

A party wouldn't be complete with games. With pin the mustache on Papi, a piñata, cruzin in our mini pick-up truck, a photo booth, and pony rides, the fun lasted all night!

The Photo Booth

No description needed...just a lot cuteness going on here.

The Pony Experience:

A true cowboy party wouldn't be complete without horses, right?!

Wrangling Up All The Cowboys

Planning this party for such a special person was so much fun. Seeing my dad enjoy the games, the food, and the atmosphere was well worth it. But I think what meant the most, was wrangling up the whole family. Being together to celebrate our Papi, the amazing man he was and the amazing man he is today was unforgettable. Feliz Cumpleanos Papi, te quieremos mucho!

Registry Overload

noreply@blogger.com (I Guess I'm Due) — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 04:00:00 +0000

As I approached the halfway point in my pregnancy, I started work on the daunting task of the baby registry. I basically surveyed all of my mom friends and bugged them until they just told me exactly what to register for. I had been doing everything online, until one night when I decided to drag Kyle to Buy Buy Baby.

For those of you who have never been, it's Bed Bath & Beyond's baby store, so the same floor to ceiling crap everywhere effect. My minimalist self should have known better...

The workers must have known by the look on my face that I was completely overwhelmed. Their greetings seemed more like ones of concern, "Uh, is everything okay? Need help?" Yes! I am stuck an episode of baby hoarders and I need to get out!

Just like weddings, this was really my first experience with the baby industry. Yes it is a complete industry and you have to sift through all of the random gadgets to figure out what really is a necessary.

But don't worry, as we checked out, Kyle bought me a bag of Flipz. (Those white chocolate pretzels I haven't had since like fourth grade.) And just a like a little kid, it made the entire trip worth it...

I'll Have Seconds...

noreply@blogger.com (I Guess I'm Due) — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Here is our next Question & Answer session between your editor Ester and I because thankfully I have made it to the second trimester!

Enjoy another one of our candid conversations between a mom-of-three and a struggling mom-to-be!

R: Okay, so you were totally right. When my second trimester started at 14 weeks, my nauseousness and fatigue started wearing off. By the time I returned back from Ohio and week 15 started, I felt like a completely different person, more like myself again. Are you psychic?

E: Yes. (okay, okay, maybe not, but I convince my kids I am all the time.)

R: Now that my palette has returned back to normal and I'm not eating like a fourth grader, I'm loving getting back into my routine of green smoothies and salads. Any other foods I should try out this semester now that I can stomach them again?

E: Shrimp, lots of shrimp! They say it's brain food for the baby!

R: Uh, should I have been taking child classes already? When do I start that kind of thing?

E: Now is a great time to start. I'd check your delivering hospital and with your Doula for classes that they offer. I'd recommend an infant First Aid/CPR class, breastfeeding class, and a 'taking care of baby class' to start off.

R: Oh yeah! And those things called nurseries and baby registries, when in the hell should that fun begin?

E: I wouldn't wait to much longer. Registeries can be overwhelming so I'd suggest by making notes of specific things your mommy friends love. Then, plan to start your registery once you have a list started of some must haves.

R: I know you recommended the book Baby Wise. Are there any other books or DVD's I should check out?

E: 'Happiest Baby on the Block' DVD is great resource too.

R: Now lastly, be straight up with me. I know this euphoria has to end at some point. What can I expect from the third trimester?

E: The third trimester is the 'Oompa Loompa Season.' Sleep will become even more uncomfortable, walking will become a waddle, bathroom breaks will increase ten fold, sitting for more than ten minutes will not be an option, and foot and back rubs will be mandatory.

Workout

noreply@blogger.com (I Guess I'm Due) — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 05:00:00 +0000

In reading up on the things I should do during pregnancy, everyone and their mother stressed the importance of working out. My doctor also said it was important to stay active because of my past problems with circulation. (That damn blood clot will always come back to haunt me.)

Luckily, I was already in a pretty good routine pre-pregnancy. I am a total Tracy Anderson devotee. For those of you who don't know her, she is responsible for creating the bodies of people you may have heard of - ahem, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Hudson, Gwyneth Paltrow, and many, many more.

I had been doing her Metamorphasis DVD's religiously five days a week since March of 2015 and continued with her Continuity program. When I found out I was pregnant, I immediately switched to her Pregnancy Project.

Even though the first three months of my pregnancy were tremendously tough, doing Tracy's Pregnancy Project actually made me feel better. It helped with the nauseousness and I actually looked forward to doing it four to five times a week.

What I love about this DVD set is that there are nine different DVD's for your nine months of pregnancy. Also, Tracy was pregnant as well so I felt totally comfortable that the exercises I was doing each day were safe for me and the baby.

You wouldn't see me caught dead hoisting huge weights above my head normally, let alone while I was pregnant. (Let's be honest, that requires waaayyyyy too much of my energy, and during my zombie-like state it was definitely not in the cards.) So, I just stuck to walking the dog twenty minutes along with doing Tracy which ranged from 35-55 minutes a day.

Lord knows my diet went down the tubes the first three months, but sticking with this workout gave me a peace of mind that I was doing all I could to be healthy for me and the baby.

Everyone has different preferences and routines, but I just wanted to share with you all what I've been able to keep up with and enjoy during my pregnancy. Although, I'm sure you will all werk it out any way you choose to!

Mother Knows Best

noreply@blogger.com (I Guess I'm Due) — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 05:00:00 +0000

She has a way with words this one. I only had to wear a full leg cast from birth until 3 years old and then had to walk with shoes with a bar between them, but I think I turned out just fine! Although, I guess the verdict is still out on that one...