Musings of a First Time Mom

Believe you can overcome your odds

2013-04-18T14:23:00.005-04:00

Sometimes we get so caught up in our emotions

That we forget to listen to our rational thoughts.

Pessimists calculate the odds

Optimists believe they can overcome them.

Wearing the same shirt doesn’t make a team.

Failure can really be SUCCESS!

2013-04-18T14:23:00.002-04:00

You know you are old when you have lost all your marvels.

Failure is success if we learn from it.

It’s not what we can do that makes the difference

It’s what we will do

Banging temptation

2013-04-18T14:22:00.002-04:00

Live so that your friends can defend you but never have to.

Refusal to hope is nothing more than a decision to die.

Opportunity may knock once

But temptation bangs on your front door forever!

Change your life

2013-04-18T14:21:00.002-04:00

When something negative hits you like a ton of bricks, just smile and move on.

The only thing making a mountain out of a mole hill, is you.

The best way to predict the future is to create it!

You cannot change your life by changing your life.

You can only change your life if you change your thinking.

Insirationals

2013-04-18T14:16:00.003-04:00

You can still make today

The day you change yourself

True victory is not about finishing first

It’s about finishing regardless of how many times you fail

If your ship has not yet come in, build a lighthouse

But, be sure you are not supposed to be at the train station

Reduce, reuse and recycle!

2013-04-18T14:01:00.001-04:00

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This Week: Simple & ResourcefulTurn trash into treasure.

Change plastic bottles, toilet
paper rolls and more into
functional organizers, creative
decor and thoughtful gifts
with ideas courtesy of Charmin^®.
Find 20 projects »

New forum! Please Join!

2013-04-18T13:59:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone, (who stops by but does not subscribe) I have a new forum up and I would like you to join and start discussing your experience being a mommy. Please please please (begging? yes!) lol thanks Gals!

9 Months Pregnant

2012-06-11T14:15:00.003-04:00

Wow what an accomplishment this is. Today I am 37 weeks pregnant with my first child and he is a wonderful little boy, I can just imagine. I am so proud and joyful, blessed and thankful at this very moment!

It seemed like yesterday I took a pregnancy test and it came out positive. (OK well maybe longer than a yesterday moment but it does not seem like 9 months ago).

In my first trimester I experienced alot of vomiting and tiredness and tasty yucky metal taste in my mouth, but that quickly went away. My second trimester came at ease, no pain, no achiness, energy, great skin, it was awesome I actually thought I could stay pregnant forever lol!
But this last trimester, Boy my skin has darkened tremedrously, and it hurts to walk and sleep. I am always sleepy but I cant get a good nights rest, from achiness and insomnia!

I dream about my baby boy ever second I can get and I want to hold and kiss him badly! I don't want to return to work and he is not even here yet. I still have things to do though.

So far I have accomplished:
nursery theme decor (lion king)
crib
dresser
bassinet
swing
walker
pack and play
bath tub
clothes (0-18month)
"everything washed"
diapers galore
wipes
washing stuff
baby bag
breast pump
closet/dresser organized
car seat

things needed:
changing table \
glider and ottoman
another baby bag
pediatric doctor
pre register at hospital
pay hospital balance
homemade baby DVD
maternity pictures
list of family helpers

things are coming along nicely... check out my pregnancy videos on YouTube under "naturalbeautyguru"

How big is a big baby?

2012-06-04T16:11:00.002-04:00

For me I want my baby 7 lbs or less, I was 6 lbs and my hubby was 7 almost 8 but this girl I know was 7 days over her due date and her baby was not 8, not 9 (and 9 is huge) but 11 lbs. 9.6 ounces!!! holy cow!!! no way!!! and she had him vaginally!!!

New Born Checklist

2012-06-04T11:29:00.001-04:00

So what do I need to bring to the hospital for the baby and myself?

So far I have for baby:
6 diapers
4 onesies
1 come home outfit
4 socks
1 pajamas
1 blanket
wipes
2 ready made enfamil bottles
travel size wash kit
pacifiers
rattlers

I know I do not need all this but I was too excited, but the hospital should provide more stuff, and I have not gotten to my bag as of yet!

What will/did you pack?

Whats going on with me at 9 months pregnant

2012-06-04T10:48:00.002-04:00

Hey guys!

I am 9 months pregnant today and I feel great! I am so excited and nervous all at once. I have been on a baby high since this weekend when I went to one of my church memebers baby shower. She is having a girl and the baby shower was so much fun! I also have a baby shower this friday from my co workers at work. My baby is blessed all around!

I am making a documentary of the baby's upcoming arrival but over that past week I broke my laptop and now my pics and videos maybe lost (sad sad moment).

Guess what? My feel are alittle swollen from time to time. I actually thought that since I have been feeling so good, that the swelling would pass me by! But God gets the glory, everything is going just marvelous!!!! Thank you lord!!!

I have been having braxton hicks contractions and they are getting stronger and lasting longer now but still not steady!!! wow it is almost time. 28 days to go!

What are Kegel Exercises?

2012-06-01T16:41:00.002-04:00

If you give birth vaginally, your vagina will probably remain a little larger than it was before. Right after delivery, the vagina will be stretched open and may be swollen and bruised. Over the next few days, any swelling you might have starts to go down, and your vagina begins to regain muscle tone. In the next few weeks, it will gradually get smaller. Doing Kegel exercises regularly helps restore muscle tone.

Start with an empty bladder. Imagine that you're trying to stop yourself from passing gas and trying to stop the flow of urine midstream at the same time. The feeling is one of "squeeze and lift" – a closing and drawing up of the front and back passages.

Make sure that you're squeezing and lifting without pulling in your tummy, squeezing your legs together, tightening your buttocks, or holding your breath. In other words, only your pelvic floor muscles should be working.

Though you may have trouble isolating these muscles at first, it gets easier with practice. It might help to place a hand on your belly while you're doing your Kegels to make sure that it stays relaxed.

If you haven't been doing Kegels, start by holding each contraction for a few seconds before releasing, and relax for a few seconds after each one. As your muscles get stronger, you'll want to work up to holding each Kegel for ten seconds, then relaxing for ten seconds after each one. If you're suffering from urinary incontinence, try to hold a Kegel while you sneeze, cough, or lift something. You may find that it helps keep you from leaking.

How much weight will I lose right after giving birth?

2012-06-01T16:37:00.003-04:00

How much weight will I lose right after giving birth?

You probably won't return to your pre-pregnancy weight for some time, but you will lose weight immediately after delivery.

Subtracting one 7- to 8-pound baby, about a pound or so of placenta, and another few pounds of blood and amniotic fluid leaves most new moms about 12 pounds lighter. Yaay!! good for you! Is that still not enough???

Well the weight keeps coming off. All the extra water your cells retained during pregnancy, along with fluid from the extra blood you had in your pregnant body, will be looking for a way out.

So you'll produce more urine than usual in the days after birth – an astounding 3 quarts a day. You may perspire a lot, too. By the end of the first week, you'll likely lose about 4 to 6 pounds of water weight. (The amount varies depending on how much water you retained during pregnancy.)

Uterus Contractions---How fast will your uterus shrink?

2012-06-01T16:34:00.004-04:00

How long will it take for my uterus to shrink?

By the time you go into labor, your uterus is about 15 times heavier and its capacity is at least 500 times greater than before you conceived.

Within minutes after your baby is born, contractions cause your uterus to shrink, clenching itself like a fist, its crisscrossed fibers tightening just like they did during labor

For the first couple of days after giving birth, you can feel the top of your uterus at or a few finger widths below the level of your belly button. In a week, your uterus weighs a little over a pound –

half of what it weighed just after you gave birth. After two weeks, it's down to a mere 11 ounces and located entirely within your pelvis.

By about four weeks, it should be close to its pre-pregnancy weight of 3.5 ounces or less. This process is called involution of the uterus.

Even after your uterus shrinks back into your pelvis, you may continue to look somewhat pregnant for several weeks or longer. That's because your abdominal muscles get stretched out during pregnancy, and it will take time – and regular exercise – to get your belly back in shape.

Helping your son embrace being a big brother

2012-06-01T16:30:00.001-04:00

Lots of kids aren't happy when they hear there's going to be a new baby in the family.

Point out to your son all the advantages and responsibilities that come along with being the big brother. Remind him that unlike really little kids who can't help at all, kids his age can really be involved in helping Mom and Dad get ready for the new baby, and can do lots of things that babies can't.

Try to get your son to discuss his concerns so you can help him deal with them. See what questions he has. And give him healthy ways to get his feelings out — like drawing a picture or throwing a ball outside.

If you sense that he's worried he might not get as much attention from you once the baby comes, talk to him about his fears. Then offer some suggestions that will make him feel better — such as setting aside some special time every day when he gets you all to himself.

Even 10 minutes of time as the main focus of your attention can make a big difference for your older child.

Encourage Older siblings to talk about their feelings

2012-06-01T16:27:00.002-04:00

Dealing With Feelings

With all of the changes that a new baby can bring, some older kids might struggle as they try to adjust.
Encourage older kids to talk about their feelings about the new baby. If a child cannot articulate those feelings, don't be surprised if he or she tests limits or reverts to speaking in baby talk.

If your child acts up, don't bend the rules, but understand what feelings may be motivating that behavior. It could be a sign that your child needs more one-on-one time with you, but make it clear that although his or her feelings are important, they have to be expressed in appropriate ways

New Baby and Siblings

2012-06-01T16:26:00.002-04:00

Preparing Kids

The arrival of a new baby can bring many changes to a family. Parents spend a lot of energy on preparations, and after the baby arrives, much of the family's attention involves meeting the newborn's basic needs.
All this change can be hard for older siblings to handle. It's common for them to feel jealousy toward the newborn and to react to the upheaval by acting out.
But parents can prepare kids for an addition to the family.

During Pregnancy
There's not one right time or perfect way to tell a child about an impending sibling. When discussing the pregnancy, consider your own comfort level and your child's maturity level.

Preschoolers, for example, may not grasp concepts of time, so it might not mean much if you say that the baby will arrive in a few months. It may be more useful to explain that the baby will arrive in a particular season, such as winter or when it's cold outside.

How much detail should you provide? Let your child's questions be your guide. For example, a 4-year-old child may ask: "Where do babies come from?" Despite how it sounds, the child isn't asking you to explain sex but probably wants to know where, literally, they come from. It may be enough to explain: "The baby comes from the uterus, which is inside the mother's belly."

A child who wants to know more will ask.
If your child shows more interest in the baby, these activities can encourage that:

going through your child's baby pictures
reading books about childbirth (make sure they're developmentally appropriate)
visiting friends who have infants
packing a bag for the hospital
thinking of potential baby names
going to the doctor to hear the baby's heartbeat

Planning for Childbirth

As your due date draws near, make arrangements for older kids for the time when you're in the hospital. Discuss these plans so kids know what to expect when the day arrives.

Consider letting your child visit you in the hospital as soon as possible after the baby is born, ideally when no other visitors are around — this helps reinforce the birth as an intimate family event.

Try to keep routines as regular as possible in the days and weeks around the baby's arrival. If you plan to make any room shifts to accommodate the baby, do it a few weeks before your due date.

If older kids are approaching a major milestone, like potty training or moving from a crib to a bed, try to make those changes well before your due date or put them off until after the baby has been home for a while.

Bringing the New Baby Home

Once the baby is home, you can help your other kids adjust to the changes. Include them as much as possible in the daily activities involving the baby so that they don't feel left out.

Many kids want to help take care of a new baby. Though that "help" may mean that each task takes longer, it can give an older child a chance to interact with the baby in a positive way. Depending on their age, a big brother or sister may want to entertain the baby during a diaper change, help push the carriage, talk to the baby, or help dress, bathe, or burp the baby.

If your child expresses no interest in the baby, don't be alarmed and don't force it. It can take time.
Some occasions, like breastfeeding, excludes older kids. For these times, try to have toys on hand so that you can feed the baby without being interrupted or worrying about an older child feeling left out.
Try to take advantage of opportunities for one-on-one time with older kids. Spend time together while the baby is sleeping and, if possible, set aside time each day for older kids to get one parent's undivided attention. Knowing that there's special time exclusively for them may help reduce any resentment or anger about the new baby.
Also remind relatives and friends that your older child might want to talk about something other than the new baby. If relatives or friends ask how they can help, suggest a fun activity or something special for the older child.

How to Lead a Fascinating Life!

2012-06-01T15:37:00.002-04:00

by Kim Jackson of PeaceLoveandPrettyThings

a quote that is attributed to the Dalai Lama floating around the internet. When asked what most surprised him about humanity, he responded:

‘Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived.’

That is too deep and I thought I would share with all aof you out there... lets make a choice to stop chasing material things and enjoy life right now with the people who mean the most to us!

Suncreen for you and family and it is all affordable!

2012-06-01T15:32:00.000-04:00

Aubrey Organics SPF 30 with Green Tea

EWG Skin Deep Hazard Score: 2

Climb On! Mineral Sunscreen

EWG Skin Deep Hazard Score: 1

Desert Essence Organics Age Reversal Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30

EWG Skin Deep Hazard Score: 1

Jason Natural Cosmetics Pure Natural Sun: Mineral Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30

EWG Skin Deep Hazard Score: 2

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Green Tea Sunscreen, SPF 45

EWG Skin Deep Hazard Score: 2

check them out

Is Labor on it's way??

2012-05-30T16:56:00.002-04:00

Your body actually starts preparing for labor up to a month before you give birth. You may be blissfully unaware of what's going on — or you may begin to notice new symptoms as your due date draws near. Here are some things that may happen in the weeks or days before labor starts:

Your baby "drops."
If this is your first pregnancy, you may feel what's known as "lightening" a few weeks before labor starts. You might sense a heaviness in your pelvis as this happens and notice less pressure just below your ribcage, making it easier to catch your breath.

You note more Braxton Hicks contractions.
More frequent and intense Braxton Hicks contractions can signal pre-labor, during which your cervix ripens (see below) and the stage is set for true labor. Some women experience a crampy, menstrual-like feeling during this time.

Mood Swings out the ying yang!!!

2012-05-30T16:54:00.002-04:00

Why have I been so moody lately?

It's common to have mood swings during pregnancy, because of hormonal changes that affect your levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain) and the broad range of feelings you may have about becoming a parent. Everyone responds differently to these changes. Some moms-to-be experience heightened emotions, both good and bad; others feel more depressed or anxious. Most find that moodiness flares up at around 6 to 10 weeks, eases up in the second trimester, and then reappears as their pregnancy winds to a close.

Pregnancy can be a stressful and overwhelming time. You may be overjoyed at the thought of having a baby one day, and then just as quickly begin wondering what you've gotten yourself into. You may be worried about whether you'll be a good mom, whether the baby will be healthy, and how the cost of adding a child to your household will affect your family's future finances. And you may worry about how your relationship with your partner and your other children will be affected — whether you'll still be able to give them the attention they need.

Video

Inside pregnancy: Weeks 10 to 14

A 3D animated look at a baby in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Even if your baby is very much wanted, at times you may have mixed feelings about the pregnancy and what's ahead. That's not surprising, considering that the expectations we set for parents are so high these days, and the pressure starts even before the baby is born. You may be constantly wondering: Am I reading the right books? Am I buying the right products? Will I know how to stimulate my child's development properly and build his self-esteem?

In the meantime, your body's changing and you may be feeling unattractive in your own or your partner's eyes. You may be worried about putting on too much weight or looking "fat" as your body expands to accommodate pregnancy, while at the same time feeling that you can't exercise as much as you might want to or used to.

Finally, the physical symptoms of pregnancy, such as heartburn, fatigue, and frequent urination, can also be a burden. It's not uncommon to feel like you've lost control over your body and your life during this time. All these concerns may take your emotions on a roller-coaster ride.

this above is provided by babycenter.com http://www.babycenter.com/0_mood-swings-during-pregnancy_253.bc

Pregnancy Foot Massages

2012-05-30T16:50:00.000-04:00

I am blessed to have a husband who loves me and will do whatever I ask (first putting up a small battle) eventually I get what I want...(still working on it, hey he's young lol) But being pregnant you get alot of aches and pains, in your back and legs and pelvic and for me its my feet.

Sore, tired feet, and every night I have the luxury of getting a foot massage!!! ahh!!! they feel so good (wish they lasted longer than the ten minutes I get but hey It is much needed!!!

Only five weeks to go, Have you been to the spa lately or have been treated to a massage?
In fact I think I will take a aroma therapy bath tonight!!! =)

Pregnancy and Hair thickness

2012-05-30T16:45:00.000-04:00

So I havent notice my hair growing or getting longer until recently. In fact not even longer but more so thicker. Its beautiful and lovely and I get compliments that the pregnancy is doing me well but I am afraid that its all going to fall out when I give birth... check out this excerpt from the baby center website

http://www.babycenter.com/0_hair-and-nail-changes-during-pregnancy_1456563.bc

Is it common for your hair to get thicker when you're pregnant?

You may find that your hair feels fuller when you're pregnant. But you're not actually growing more hair (and the strands themselves aren't any thicker) – you're just losing it more slowly than you usually do.
Here's what's going on: Normally, 85 to 95 percent of the hair on your head is growing and the other 5 to 15 percent is in a resting stage. After the resting period, this hair naturally falls out (often while you're brushing or shampooing your hair) and is replaced by new growth. The average woman sheds about 100 hairs a day.
During pregnancy, higher levels of estrogen prolong the growth phase, resulting in less shedding of hair and thicker tresses. Some women also notice that their hair becomes shinier during pregnancy or that it changes in texture (curly hair might become straighter, for example).
Your postpartum locks probably won't be as luxurious. After giving birth, the growth/rest cycle goes back to its previous pattern, so you may notice more hair falling on out.
Not all pregnant women notice dramatic changes in their hair before and after giving birth, though. Among those who do, the changes tend to be more obvious in women with longer hair.

Gas! My new Pregnancy Symptom

2012-05-30T15:52:00.000-04:00

So, I just realized why tums become pregnant women's friend. At first I was taking tums for all the calcium benefits for my baby. To help build his bones strong and to keep my teeth from rotten as he uses some of my calcium. SO I would down two or three a day of 750 mg... no biggy!

Well recently maybe three nights ago I have been miserable! I haven't had heart burn yet and I joke all the time, yet I am so serious that I hope my baby has hair on his head because his mommy has had no heartburn. That's beside the point but I have been in pain, I feel the gas building up in my tummy and just aching me. I roll on once side and the gas is still there and I roll on the other side to try and get relief and nothing... I eat but I become fuller much quicker now and when I know I should stop eating, I carry on like a mad women and continue to eat and I suffer later... the gas is almost un bearable.

So I glance at the tums and guess what? After popping a few the gas is moving on out (either end lol) and I feel better, so much better since I laid my burdens down (ok church moment) but gas is a burden boy I tell ya! I have five more weeks to go and gas is def my new symptom

Ardyss Body Magic

2012-05-30T10:37:00.001-04:00

What do yall think about the body magic? Any moms out there used it after giving birth... the reshapers I mean? Does it really work? Regardless I am going to order me a size 32 (I think that is the right size I need) or I may go get measured and order it to slim down my waist after giving birth!

I have always been a fan of girdles but hearing about the body magic made me stop and do my research. If it does what it claims it can do, I am impressed and can not wait to try it! Costly though, it is about 80-140$ depending if I go on the site or some place like ebay!

But the claims are awesome, not only does it shape you while wearing it, the more you wear it the more it permantly shapes you so you do not need to wear it!

Benefits:

Reshape your body and drop up to 3 sizes!

The Body Magic is an innovative creation that will sensationalize your body by giving you the appearance of a liposuction transformation without the surgery. Innovative in design to help lift your bust and stomach as it flattens and controls your abdomen muscles. This body shaper lifts and reshapes the buttocks and helps thin your thighs and hips while pulling the shoulders back to correct posture.
Our Reshaping Solution When Worn:

Helps to firm and control your abdomen with a flatter appearance
Helps to lift and hold your lower stomach in position
Pulls your shoulders back and corrects your posture
Gives upper and lower back support
Thins the appearance of your hips and thighs
Lifts and holds buttocks up in position
Helps reduce waist 2-3 sizes

What do you think?