Eco-Friendly and Frugal Mommy Blog

My Pregnancy Journal | Weeks 30-34

2013-06-18T17:01:00.002-07:00

Yes. I am putting four weeks in here. Between finals, moving to MN, starting my new job, and just trying to get my brain wrapped around the fact that I am DUE NEXT MONTH I just haven't posted a lot and sort of didn't keep up with this. So... enjoy an entire month of ups and downs and a few fun tid-bits from this time!

Weeks 30-34

Big Ups:

30 Weeks

#1: I did well (enough) on all of my finals! Pulled off four As and one B this semester, which is great since I was taking two pretty tough science classes and I am not much of a science-y person! I am very proud of myself for doing that. Next I'll get to experience how well I do when I have a newborn to take care of, too!

#2: I met, and really like, my new doctor. She's not my midwife, but she seems like she'll be a great person to have around in case anything happens during my birth that I'll need help with. I chose a clinic/hospital that really promotes natural birth, so I was very pleased that when I started listing off my birth "wants" (being in water, walking, mother-led pushing, etc.) that she nodded and basically said all of that was the "standard" there. I feel confident that I picked the right place to have my baby.

#3: I still feel fantastic. By the end of a long work day my pelvis might hurt a bit, but no real back aches or big pains anywhere else. I still sleep fine, waking up usually only once to go to the bathroom, although on a rare night I can still sleep through to morning without needing it. I think that means that Pete is still too high to really be bothering my bladder! But all in all besides maybe walking a little slower and not being able to bend over as easily, life is continuing as it did before I got pregnant.

Big Downs:

#1: PREGNANCY RAGE! OK, I don't get this very often but maybe once or twice a week I will just feel so angry toward someone or something that it amazes me that pregnant women don't kill more people. This cannot be exclusive to me! One example- we were in church and there was a family sitting a few rows behind us. They had three kids ranging in age from probably 2-6. The two year old kept randomly shouting out stuff really loudly and the older two would talk quite loudly to each other every now and then. And neither parent did a thing to quiet them down, nor did they take them to the nursery. Between the shouting 2 year old and the old kids talking it was almost a constantly flow of noise coming from back there. In my mind I'm just wondering how they could ignore that and not try to teach their children the proper way to behave in church. The older children were definitely old enough to understand this, and even the two years old could be hushed or taken into the nursery so as to not be a distraction. I literally had to leave church and go sit somewhere else for a bit because my rage was building up and I really didn't want to be the crazy pregnant lady going off on these two parents in the middle of Communion! Anywhere else and I probably would have said something!

34 Weeks

#2: C is driving me crazy with his "concerns" about my pregnancy. Except they are concerns that don't really make any sense. For instance, during our move we stopped at Dairy Queen to get some dinner and we decided to share a chicken strip basket. Upon opening it I pulled out my favorite part- the buttered Texas toast (yum!). I took one bite and was savoring the trip back to my childhood, and when I went to take the second bite the toast was grabbed from my hand. C proceeds to tell me that I need to eat the chicken, not the white bread, and then ate my slice of toast. Remember the whole rage thing? Yeah, if he weren't driving the car I was currently a passenger in he would have been clobbered doing that. Then he did it a few days later while I was enjoying a delicious wild race and bacon omlette because he heard that rice had a lot of arsenic in it. Fine, but to literally remove food from me and then eat it yourself is RUDE, husband! And not a way to make your crazy hormonal pregnant wife happy. Just an FYI for all you dad-to-bes out there. In moderation most thing are just fine and won't harm anything!

#3: I have entered the nesting phase, but since we are in a temporary living situation with no nursery or anything really for me to clean I am stuck cleaning the same 3 foot x 5 foot area over and over and over. It's frustrating. It's also causing a little OCD with some of my work projects because I feel this need to make everything perfect. Which is nice because I think it might be earning me some bonus points at work, but sucks because my nesting phase is being wasted, I feel! But, I guess I can't complain about that too much. We'll be home soon!

GentleBirth Hypnosis Home Study | Class 2

2013-06-18T15:50:00.002-07:00

I want to start this review by sayings a huge "THANK YOU!" to Tracy, the mastermind behind the GentleBirth Hypnosis Home Study Course. This course has done a lot to alleviate any fears that I may have had about labor and delivery and has replaced them with a shocking confidence. I dare say I am even looking forward to labor!

So with that out of the way, I'd like to now tell you a bit about Class 2. To keep this from getting too long, as my reviews of these programs have been, I'm going to try to just keep it short and sweet. We'll see how that goes...

GentleBirth Class 2 is all about bonding with your baby and getting to know your body. The first part of the book briefly describes how mother's can bond with their babies and what babies experience while in the womb. It's not too intensive or suggestive, I felt it gave just enough information to be informative without being preachy.

The second part of this section explains how your body is designed and works to give birth. Starting with your Pelvic Floor and continuing on with the Perineum. Ah, all the wonders of being pregnant... body parts you didn't even know you had suddenly become the most important things in your life. Do you Kegels, ladies! You won't regret it!

I found the Perineal Massage section to be very information, but I must admit I have not yet done it. For one, I cannot comfortably do it myself anymore at 35 weeks, so if this is something you are interested in I highly recommend getting to Class 2 before you get to the "where's my vagina?" phase of pregnancy. While C was fully willing to help me, and the course even cleverly suggests this can be incorporated into love making, we just haven't gotten around to it. I would love to someday... but not sure if I will. It just seems a little... strange. Especially since I share a bathroom with other people...

The final part of this class deals with how you can help get your baby into the ideal position for birth. I love that SpinningBabies.com is mentioned as I have found that to be an extremely helpful resource! Luckily for me, Pete has been in optimal position for weeks and doesn't seem to want to move, but this part was very helpful in giving me ideas on how to get him/her to stay in that position in case they do decide to make some shifts.

Of course, this class adds a new hypnosis CD into the mix. This new set of hypnosis series called "Pregnancy Confidence" and "Baby Bonding" take a visual approach to the idea of birth. From standing on a beach to floating on a cloud it lets your mind take you to a place of extreme relaxation. This was the sort of hypnosis CD that I never thought I'd be able to take seriously, but surprisingly this has been my favorite thus far. I love this CD and listen to it 2-3 time a week as recommend and look forward to it. I'm still mixing in the first CD ("Affirmations" and "Birth Rehearsal and Imagery") and together these two are giving me that wonderful feeling of confidence.

Now, if you like what you're hearing, I'm going to go ahead and HIGHLY recommend you purchase this home study course. It's a great buy and a wonderful way to prepare for birth if you can't get to an in person class (or even if you can). Also check out the GentleBirth Facebook page for more information!

Waiting for Baby Reviews | Boba Review and Giveaway

2013-06-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Before I was even pregnant I was chatting with a friend about a parenting decision known as "baby wearing". She was raving about it to me, saying it helped with bonding as well as making life easier on her since she was still able to do things around the house while still comforting her baby. This conversation actually came up because of my own concern and uncertainty when it comes to caring for my baby with such limited use of my right arm. How can I be a good mother if I can't even carry my baby around for longer than a few minutes? Baby wearing, definitely, seemed like the right answer. My research into this brought me to a great company called Boba Baby Carriers.

Boba is a one-stop shop for your baby wearing needs. They have wrap-style baby carriers, an ergonomic-style baby carrier that's great for babies and toddlers, and an ultra lightweight baby carrier, perfect for traveling and Moms on to go! Pretty much everything you will need to wear your baby from birth to 2-3 years old.

Boba 3G Baby Carrier in SoHo

I had the opportunity to check out the Boba Carrier 3G in Soho for the purpose of this review. My first impression of the carrier is that it was very well constructed. Since getting into the idea of baby wearing a couple of years ago I have done a fair amount of research into what makes a good carrier and what to avoid and the biggest thing I hear is to always check the stitching and how well attached the straps are for a baby carrier. You would think that some of these big brand name carriers would usually do a good job at this, but you would be very surprised to hear that many of them tend to go for quick, cheap options and not quality options. Worry not! Boba is a carrier that uses quality thread and securely attach their straps to the rest of the carrier. Although I obviously haven't been able to use the carrier with an actual baby yet (two more months!) it is a carrier that I wouldn't hesitate to use once my baby is born.

Another big appeal I found with this carrier is the fact that you can use it from newborn to toddler without purchasing any additional parts or inserts. Boba's biggest competitor can't boast that fact! I really like that no special insert of item is needed in order to use the carrier from day 1. Boba also includes convenient foot straps with their Boba Carrier 3G which is great for the comfort of an older toddler. Along with the hood for some sun protection, the carrier will come with everything you need from newborn to toddler straight out of the box!

Boba Baby Wrap in Stardust

Finally, as a frugal mama, I love the price. Yes, you may look at the $125 price tag of the Boba 3G Carrier in Soho and think "that's not frugal!", but it truly is! Compared to Boba's largest competitors the 3G Carrier is $20-50 cheaper on average and since you don't have to purchase any additional parts for the carrier it lowers it's cost even more (unless you want accessories like teething pads). And when it comes to the safety of a baby being worn by Mom you really need to go for a quality, safe, comfortable carrier. Boba is all three of those things. Other carriers can cause problems with your baby's hips and put strain on your back, neither of which you will want to experience if you plan to baby wear in the long run.

So do yourself a favor- do the research and take a look at Boba Baby Carriers. You will see they compete with, and even beat, their competitors!

BUY IT!

Head on over the Boba Baby Carrier website and check out their line of carriers. The Boba 3G ($120-125 for the traditional carriers and $160 for the organic carriers) can be used from newborn through toddler hood and a great carrier if you only want to have one. The Boba Baby Wrap ($38 for solid wraps, $45 for print wraps, and $60 for organic wraps) is great if you are wanting a more intimate carrier for use with a younger baby or are on a budget and can't quite afford The Boba 3G. The BobaAir ($65) is a great option if you are a frequent traveller, on the go, or just on a budget and want a great, simple, ergonomic carrier.

WIN IT!

Enter for your chance to win a Boba Baby Carrier, a Boba Wrap or a Boba Air! All products can be seen at www.bobafamily.com. With Boba products it is easier than ever to enjoy Freedom Together as a family and Boba wants YOU to get a chance to use their products. To enter to win, “Like” them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/boba) and follow them on Twitter (www.twitter.com/boba).

This giveaway is not exclusive to Eco-Friendly and Frugal and I am not selecting or contacting the winner. The giveaway will run from June 1st-June 15th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Gro Project for Garden Inspirations

2013-05-29T23:00:00.001-07:00

This post brought to you by Miracle-Gro. All opinions are 100% mine.

Usually at this point of the year I've already started planning my garden. Unfortunately, thanks to the unseasonably cold weather (yup, we had snow in May here!) I've been holding off for fear of frost. Even now there are still days of frost, but it turns out this has been a blessing in disguise because it gave me the opportunity to discover The Gro Project from Miracle-Gro.

The Gro Project is a fun Facebook app that allows guides gardeners of all experience levels to some fun gardening projects that are beautiful, modern, and affordable! What really caught my eye was the G.Y.O.B. (Grow Your Own Bar) garden project where you can grow the garnishments to spruce up any drink in just four easy steps and it CAN be done right now, even if you live in an area like I do where there's still frost at night!

First, gather your materials! For this project you will need...

-Wine or Liquor Crates (talk to your local liquor store and see if you can upcycle theirs!)
-Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
-Basil, Rosemary, and/or Mint seeds (why not do all three?)
-Wine Corks and Skewers (for fun bar-themed plant labels (totally Pinterest worthy!)

Then follow the four easy steps listed on The Gro Project app on Facebook (on the right side of the app scroll down to the G.Y.O.B. project). In a matter of a few short months you will have the garnishments you need to spruce up your summer cocktails for your next party. It's fun, easy, and doesn't require outdoor planting.

Not into growing your own bar garnishments? Check out the Miracle-Gro Pinterest page and follow for more fun garden projects. Comment and repin your favorite ideas and then get started on your own modern and unique garden that will be beautiful and healthy, just in time for summer!

The Long Journey from California to Minnesota

2013-05-29T21:08:00.003-07:00

I'll be very honest... sometimes I hear pregnant women asking if it's OK to travel an hour or two from home during pregnancy and I just have to laugh. During this pregnancy I have been on eight airplanes, at least half a dozen 3-4 hour driving trip, and, most recently, a 37-hour road trip at 32 weeks pregnant. While if you are high risk it may not be advisable to do this much traveling, for a normal pregnancy my midwife says "go for it!". So with that in mind, C and I loaded up our car and set out from California to where we will be having our baby- Minnesota!

The drive was largely uneventful and no different from the half a dozen other times we've done this drive with one small exception: we skipped the fast food joints we usually hit up and instead opted for small-town cafe and truck stop diners. Which, I must say, I much prefer and I think we'll start doing that instead. It made for some great "hidden gem" finds along the way! Heck, me being pregnant didn't even add that many bathroom stops to the trip since we always drink a ton of water and juice on road trips and usually have to make frequent potty stops.

So for anyone wondering whether you should travel while pregnant... well, unless there's some medical reason not to I say go for it! I've been pretty comfortable this pregnancy thus far so being in a car didn't phase me at all. Obviously if you're uncomfortable just sitting at home you may want to rethink a long road trip, but short trips should be fine, I'd think. And of course if you are still comfortable in general, at least in my experience, traveling even a long distance shouldn't be an issue.

Soooo.... we are here in Minnesota! It's CRAZY to me to think we've made it to this point. It means I'm already 8 months. That just blows my mind!

Blissborn Birth Hypnosis Home Study | Class Two : Practical Skills for Mom and Dad

2013-05-24T21:05:00.002-07:00

Due to a very busy schedule the past couple of weeks I have been unable to keep up with my home study posts. I apologize for that and hope to get a lot more up in the next couple of weeks. Today I am going to be talking about Class Two of the Blissborn Home Study Program. Click here to see a description of Class One.

Class Two is titled "Practical Skills for Mom and Dad", so as you can imagine it teaches us some basic, practical, and easy skills that both Mom and Dad can utilize during the birth process. Please note that "Dad" is easily exchanged for whomever you have your birthing partner! Because this class really focuses on the birth partner I highly recommend that they be present. In fact, if they aren't present, half of this class session will be pretty much useless for you. If you do not yet have a birth partner, perhaps now would be the time to ask a friend or close family member if they'd be willing to be there for you and assist you.

Alright now, getting back to the class! It's broken up into a couple of parts, starting with an explanation on how our brains work using the "primitive brain" (nicely illustrated using a lizard), the "emotional, relational brain" (which, to me, looks like a golden retriever feeding a litter of guinea pigs), and the Neocortex or "new brain". We learn that the best way to have a successful birth (you know, without freaking out), is to "relax" the Neocortex. When it is at rest the primitive brain takes over and we act more upon our natural born instincts.

Seems simple enough, right? It makes a lot of sense to me, at least, that our brains play a big role in the outcomes we experience in almost everything in life. So by relying on our natural instincts with some like birth and ignoring the fears and doubts that our Neocortex can bring to the table, our outcomes can improve. So how does one do this? Hypnosis, of course, is an obvious answer. But the class gives other ideas and suggestions for helping Mom relax and allow nature to take it's course. Some of these suggestions include keeping questions asked of the Mom to "yes" or "no" answers and not relying too heavily on clocks and monitors. When we can shut out these things, we can relax.

The next part of the class deals directly with the birth partner. The Partner is informed that their role in the birth is important. They act as the protector and supporter, amongst other things. The class guides the Partner through their role and how it is exactly that they can be present and attentive to the Mom. The class has you create a "Partner Trigger", a body part that the Partner will touch and a phrase they will say that will help take her into deeper relaxation. This is the hardest part of the class for me, it turns out.

See, I'm not a gushy person. So the suggestions of "I love you" and "You're wonderful" just left me giggling. It would break my hypnosis more than anything! It wasn't until my darling husband turned to me and said "Can I please say 'Are we having fun yet?' for this part?". For anyone who doesn't know, this is a reference to the TV show Party Down. It was perfect. I giggled the first time, but after that it was just a phrase that I connected to, one we use constantly when we are in stressful or upsetting conditions to sort of relieve our stress and relax a bit. It's silly, but for us it worked. So if you can't find a phrase that works for you on the list do try and play around with your own! You will find the one that works.

The next part of this class has been my favorite of all of my home study courses thus far. It lets the Partner literally take a hands-on role in the birth. A special hypnosis session is included (separate from the main Hypnosis Session 2 CD) that has you literally leaning on them for support and the partner reading from a hypnosis script. I have never felt so relaxed, supported, and CONFIDENT before. I love my husband and after this class I feel like he's really grasped that he is important and will be actively involved in the labor and delivery of our child, not just a helpless bystander.

The final part of this class involved things like giving Partner and Mom ways to help prepare for the birth now. Things like creating a music play list, hiring a doula, Partner preparation for delivery, and the benefits of hiring a midwife. Useful information that will help both Mom and Partner be more engaged and prepared for their big day!

Of course, as always, there is a hypnosis CD that goes along with this course. I listened to it every night for about a week and then would listen to Hypnosis CD 1 every other day and mixing this in until I could move onto the third class since I wasn't able to move on right away due to my schedule.

GentleBirth Hypnosis Home Study | Class 1

2013-05-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

GentleBirth is a great home study program for women wanting a calm and gentle birth. Each of GentleBirth's classes are designed to be focused on over the course of a week and then you move onto the next class. However, the first class really introduces you to the base of what GentleBirth is and CD 1 is one that you will listen to throughout the rest of your pregnancy.

When I started GentleBirth I actually started with the CD only. Tracy, the wonderful mastermind behind GentleBirth, was kind enough to send me the MP3 before I received the whole kit in the mail so I could get started and not have to wait too long. Listening to the CD really, really helped me. I didn't notice it was happening at first, but over the course of just a couple of days I found my outlook on my entire pregnancy and the upcoming birth changing dramatically. Perhaps you noticed it, too, if you read my pregnancy journal. I feel confident and have faith in my body and my ability to birth a child. This is precisely what the hypnosis session is meant to do.

I started my listening to the CD at night before bed and found myself sleeping better than ever as well. In fact, I can tell in the morning whether I've listened to the CD or not just by how I feel. When I wake up feeling well rested and ready to go, I know that I listened to the CD. When I wake up feeling tired and sore, I know I haven't. It's an amazing thing, the mind.

After receiving the full kit I was finally able to read the first class in the workbook. I found the information in it to be repetitive, as in the same ideas are written in numerous places, but that is the point of the whole thing. The book makes a point to explain that by repeating positive affirmations and positive words of encouragement over and over it will eventually "reprogram" or "replace" negative attitudes toward birth that are ingrained in us from Hollywood and society. So the fact that this is mentioned over and over is done on purpose, it's part of that reprogramming. It did become a little mundane toward the end, but the chapter isn't too long and I was left fascinated by some of the wonderful studies that it mentions.

In fact, it was the mentioning of numerous studies on the brain and psychology that really kept me interested. It made me want to look these up and get more information because they truly show how powerful our brains are, and how our perception of the world around us and our opinions on things like birth can truly affect our experiences.

Most importantly, I appreciated the easy-to-understand comparisons of birth to things we do every day without thinking about it. In different places birth is compared to your heart beating or your stomach digesting food- your body has the ability to do it, and can do it even without you thinking about it. We don't need to force our stomachs to digest, just like we don't need to force our bodies to deliver babies. Our bodies come fully prepared with the knowledge of how to make this happen on its own.

The final part of the first lesson of the GentleBirth Hypnosis Home Study Program is the breathing techniques CD. This CD guides you through a series of relaxing and helpful breathing excercises that put you in the right mindset for dealing with birth so that you may have a calm and gentle birth yourself. I will admit, despite listening to this CD at various times during the day I never fail to fall asleep by the third breathing excersice. The breathing techniques have a way to sooth me and put me right out before I hit the "Scan Breathing" excercise. So what I've started doing is listening to ONE breathing technique at a time and then going to do something else. Each is about 10 minutes long and I've only done the first four so far, but it's going well using this method!

So whether you connect with the program through the numerous studies that relate to it or by the comparisons that just make sense, this is a great program for any woman wanting a natural birth. But don't worry, it also doesn't leave out those that aren't going to be able to or even don't want to. It is explained how the GentleBirth program can be used for those wanting epidurals as well as those who are having c-sections. So even if you are on the fence about having a completely med-free/intervention-free birth, this is still a program that you can use and utilize during the birth of your choice (or the birth you are going to have regardless).

I will have a more in depth review of the GentleBirth Home Study Course included in the guide that I am creating, which will be live on the blog in a few months time. This is just a brief description of what you can expect in the first class session should you choose GentleBirth as your home study method. All in all I am very pleased with the course so far, and look forward to future weeks.

My Pregnancy Journal | Weeks 26-29

2013-05-13T18:49:00.002-07:00

Weeks 26-29

So here I am, third and final trimester!! Time has really flown.

Big Ups:

#1: I passed my "modified GD test"! My midwifes don't do the traditional test but rather a fasting blood draw and then a post-breakfast blood draw. I not only don't have GD, but I actually have the opposite issue (hypoglycemia) where I process sugars too quickly. This I've known my whole life and my diet reflects this knowledge. So my results aren't a big surprise, but I'm still happy thatI don't have to worry about adjusting my diet that much.

28 Weeks

#2: I had a baby shower! It was a bit of a downer because half the people who RSVPd never showed, but those who did seemed to have a really good time and I got some great gifts. My California friends and family are awesome and I was definitely spoiled.

#3: I finally got to see the hospitals that I have to choose from to deliver at! Since we are returning to MN for the birth for all of the various reasons I wanted to see what my options were for delivery. St. Mary's was an obvious one, but there was also a smaller community hospital that I have the option to deliver at. Obviously if I need emergency surgery right after the birth I will be at St. Mary's, but if not I really, really like the smaller hospital and as of right now plan to deliver there. The biggest selling point were the jacuzzi tubs in each birthing suit. OMG they look amazing!!! I wanted to crawl into one during the tour but decided to have a bit more self control. :)

Big Downs:

#1: In weeks 28/29 I caught the flu and then a sinus infection from my awesome, lovely husband. OMG! Being sick while pregnant just sucks. I tried fighting it off but upon realizing that I was about to go on a plane with a sinus infection I decided it was time to go to the doctor. I am soooo happy I did! Two days into antibiotics I boarded the plane and was feeling better, but still had a miserable experience. It was just uncomfortable with the pressure in my head (and the screaming child throwing themselves against the seat in front of me). I can't imagine having taken that flight without the relief the anti-biotics were able to get me. And now, as I am about to board my flight to fly back, I am feeling 100% and looking forward to a nice 3-hour nap!

Week 28 - Last Forensics Tournament of my Pregnancy

#2: I am anemic. While my GD blood draws revealed I don't have GD, they did reveal that I have low iron levels. I did find out they aren't *that* low (my numbers were 10.6, and they consider anything under 11 to be low, so I was just below that). I am an iron pill and feeling good. I am NOT getting constipated from the iron pill, thank goodness, although it does turn my poop black which is still something I can't get used to!

#3: Braxton Hicks have started! Just yesterday (at 29 weeks) I started feeling what I'm pretty sure are Braxton Hicks. I've felt them once or twice this pregnancy but didn't know what they were and only 1-2 a week. Then last night I had 5 within a couple of hours. They don't hurt and oddly I kind of like them! Although they did have me concerned since they were relatively close together (every 7-8 minutes) and would last a minute each. I found that switching my position made them stop so every time I felt on coming on I'd just shift or roll over and I would be fine. So, no biggie! Just interesting.

Knocked on my Pregnant Bum!

2013-05-08T22:13:00.001-07:00

Sunday was my shower. You would think I would have woken up beyond thrilled and excited, but instead of I woke up feeling... sore and really tired. I brushed it off as a pregnant side effect to attending a Forensics tournament the day before, but when my husband woke up coughing and with chills I knew I was just a day behind the horrid flu/cold thing he had caught. Oh joy.

We made it through the shower just fine, but by the time I got home it was like the virus or bacteria or whatever took hold and three days later it still has a hold on me. I haven't been able to leave the house, eat full meals, sit upright without getting dizzy, etc. It SUUUUCKS!

My hubby decided that in an action of solidarity he would only take meds that I could take. Which as all pregnant women know is highly restricted. By Monday night was demanding that he take any and all meds he could get his skinny little hands on and ENJOY them. For me. I wanted him to feel better because then I could whine and complain and get sympathy. It worked... sort of. He did get quite sick of my "can you go get me ___________" requests that I would make every few minutes, but he did it. He's a good husband.

Finally this morning I decided enough was enough, I was going to the doctor. The diagnosis? A SINUS INFECTION! Uuuuugh!!!! The doctor was pretty sure it started off as the flu and just sort of became this after a few days and gave me some lovely meds to help me cope. Just in time, too. Guess who gets to be on a plane, in her third trimester of pregnancy, with a sinus infection tomorrow? Yup. This girl.

Shoot me now.

Quick Update

2013-04-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

Over the next few days I am going to be super busy with work, school, and a few extra things we have going on (like my first baby shower, a friend's wedding, and finals) so I apologize if there is a lack of updates here over the next couple of weeks! After that things will calm down A LOT and I will be back to regular posting until the baby arrives!

I am still working on the Child Birth Home Study Guide so be sure to check back to see updates on that as I will continue to update that during my busy time, too. I will also try to get another review/giveaway in!

Thank you for understanding!

Don't Miss Out | Firmoo Free Offer

2013-04-24T18:39:00.000-07:00

Hello guys! I am now so excited to share this amazing news that Firmoo is giving out FREE glasses with you! You all already know that I love Firmoo and have been rocking my Firmoo sunglasses for a while now. My latest pair of sunglasses, which I love, are probably the single most comfortable pair of sunglasses I have ever owned. And I've owned A LOT! Well, now it's time for you to get in on the Firmoo love and get your own free pair!

Rocking my latest pair of Firmoo sunglasses

Are you bored with your overused & old style glasses? Now is the time for you to replace those tired, outdated glasses that you may have had for so long and trade them in for glasses that are up-to-date, fashionable and perfect for you! It's also a given fact that we should have our eyes checked and glasses prescription updated once a year to reduce the risk of our eyesight deteriorating from using old prescription eyeglasses! Actually I know all these, but I don't have the budget to replace the one that I have now. I was so depressed unless I accidentally found that Firmoo is giving out free pair. They are offering FREE glasses (Frames + Lenses + Shipping = $0!) as well as discount coupons, so that any one of you can take an advantage of them! Don't miss out Firmoo free offer!

Furthermore, if you are a first time customer at Firmoo, you can also get your first pair for free . Only pay a minimum $6.95 shipping fee.

But for those who missed the free pair, you still don't have to be discouraged because they have another limited time offer which will save you 20% off on frames + total shipping fee.

Isn't that awesome?! Take your time and enjoy your good luck at http://www.firmoo.com/z/crazy-giveaway.html

NBC Share and Tell | Great Way To Go Green and a Giveaway!

2013-04-24T18:17:00.002-07:00

Now, I'm not really that big of a fan of Earth Day. Stick with me while I explain this! I think it's GREAT that there is a week dedicated to education about our environment and conservation, but what I don't like is the idea that Earth Day is just a day (OK, let's admit it... it's a week). The Earth should be considered all year round! Heck, that's why I write this blog. It kind of keeps me in check. What I will say, however, is that I love how I learn about so many great products and opportunities during the week of Earth Day that helps me go even greener each year around this time of the year. One of these awesome things that I have discovered this year is NBC's Share and Tell.

First things first: How green are you? Let's find out! Click on the "Eco Quiz" and see what is has to say about you. It's only 7 questions and doesn't take too long. I want to hear what your results are! And in the spirit of sharing, here's what I got:

SENSATIONAL SHARER: High five, you're a Sensational Sharer! You're the first to organize a carpool or community dinner, because you know that sharing is caring, and fun, too! Do what you're best at: get sharing with fellow Sensational Sharers over at NBCU Share and Tell.

Sensational sharer or really big mooch? Honestly, the jury is still out on that one. But, I do carpool with two classmates, have dinners with my friends pot-luck style a lot, and DIY the gifts I give to people so I can share with them the (few) talents that I have. I guess that accounts for something, right? The quiz is a bit silly, but it's fun, so join in and let's have fun together.

Done with that? Check out the great article "7 Ways to Share Your Stuff" to get some great stuff-sharing ideas.

Then, be sure to read the stories posted by others about the great items they got through Share and Tell, and then move on to the meaty part! Click on "Join the Party" to head on over to the Green is Universal Facebook Page and give it a like. Then check out all the cool facts and info about the Share and Tell program and how it can help you get the things you need and get rid of the things you don't.

Then you can head over to the Green is Universal's yerdle page and take a look at how it all works. Share the Green is Universal yerdle page with your friends on Facebook and Twitter to get them to join in the party (for my SF peeps) or host your own Share and Tell party for your family and friends. Then post what you have and wait to see what they have, then get swappin'! You can do parties online AND in person (bring some food, bring some wine... how fun does that sound?).

Goodness knows I've been asking my mommy-friends a lot lately if they have any baby stuff they are wanting to part ways with (and getting lots of awesome stuff in return!) and now I can share in the love by offering them up some things that are just collecting dust in my house. Share and Tell is a great way to make all of that happen.

That's about it! Time to get sharing everyone. And in the spirit of sharing I want to share with you, my lovely readers, a chance to WIN IT! Enter now for your chance to win a Green is Universal Canvas Tote Bag filled with some great eco-friendly goodies. Entering is easy, just use the Rafflecopter widget below! Be sure to read the directions carefully, it's a bit different than my usual giveaway set-up!

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My Pregnancy Journal | Week 25

2013-04-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Week 25

Big Ups:

#1: I officially gained only 3.4 pounds in four weeks (the time between my last two midwife appointments). I am very proud of this since I had been averaging 2.3 pounds per week previously, and that was a bit too much. With the weight gain finally under control I actually felt brave enough to take my first bare-belly pic. I think it helped a lot because I feel like I look a lot healthier in the picture than I feel like I do in person. So it really did help to take that!


Pardon the sun flare.. 25 Weeks

#2: Still feeling good overall! Energy is still there, I'm not too sore in the evenings (but I'm getting there), and my mood is still great. In fact, I think with the help of my childbirth home study courses I will remain that way. They have a great way of lifting up the spirits!

#3: Kind of a long the weight gain line, I no longer have that feeling of everlasting hunger that I used to have. I can eat three meals a day now without feeling hungry in between. I still have two snacks a day between meals, but only because I know I need the calories and that it helps with my energy. Luckily, thanks to not having any food aversions I can pretty much eat anything I want so healthy snacks have been a high priority! Which, in turn, help me to feel better about myself!

Big Downs:

#1: I actually have some this week! The leg cramps. I've had them a bit off and on the whole pregnancy but they are mostly kept at bay with yoga, but lately they've returned. It's really annoying and has been affecting how well I sleep at night. I can still fall asleep just fine, but now I am waking up once to go to the bathroom and once or twice with a leg cramp. And those cramps are what usually wakes me up in the morning, which is really annoying. C started giving me calf massages with Arnica at night, which has helped a bunch, but not as much as I would like.

#2: Return of the shoulder pain! I haven't had much since getting pregnant, which is such a nice thing because I can't take my pain meds anymore. Even my topical stuff is not approved. But I popped my shoulder out flailing my arms to grasp a leg cramp and that started the pattern of a sore shoulder pretty much the whole week. The Arnica is helping, as are the nightly shoulder massages I get after the calf massage, but, again, a stronger pain med would be helpful! Luckily, it's not a constant pain and goes away, usually, after a couple of hours.

And that's all! Finally some downs but only two this week. Stay tuned for Week 26, AKA the week of high temps and one sweaty little pregnant girl!

iPad Users | The Snugg Review

2013-04-22T19:06:00.004-07:00

Do you own an iPad? Since I am a busy, on-the-go student and small business owner I have found my iPad to be on of the most valuable investments I've made in recent years. It goes with me everywhere, lets me do school work on the go, collect credit card payments from clients in the middle of a park, and allows me to update my blog here, even when on vacation! So when it comes to my iPad I want to protect it, but also want it to be functional. Having a great case is a great way to achieve both of those things. Which is why I love The Snugg and Snugg iPad 2 Cases.

Previous to getting The Snugg case I was using one that I got for pretty cheap off eBay and... well, let's just say you get what you pay for. That case didn't have a way to hold the iPad 2 in place from the top which actually caused it to fall out of the case a couple of times. Luckily, each time it was onto a softer surface, but it made me realize that I really needed a bitter case. Snugg iPad 2 Case was exactly what I was looking for. It Velcros the iPad into place so it's held and protected on all four sides. It also has two levels with the stand that are pretty much perfect for everything. It goes way more upright than my old case which makes watching TV in bed easier and propping it up to have next to me while I'm working. Then it has a lower stand that's the perfect height if you are standing up over it, like it you are in the kitchen making dinner or something and need to follow a recipe.

All in all, I am very pleased with The Snugg iPad 2 Leather Case Cover and Flip Stand and it has easily replaced my old case, no looking back! If I could change one thing it would be to have another stand level option that's in between the two, but that's something I can live without.

The Snugg also offers cases for the iPad Mini, iPad, iPad 3, iPad 4, and numerous tablet cases including the Kindle, Nook, and Samsung Galaxy (among others). They also have lots of great iPhone and Galaxy smartphone cases to help protect your cell phone. If the quality is anything like the iPad 2 case I have, these are wonderful products that should hold up and protect over time, even with lots of use. Goodness knows I am not very kind to my iPad 2 at times!!

So head on over to The Snugg today and check out their selections. The iPad 2 case that I have a love sells for $34.99 and is worth every penny!

Blissborn Birth Hypnosis Home Study | Class 1 : Discoverying Self Hypnosis

2013-04-18T08:26:00.001-07:00

I have been blessed with the opportunity to learn from some of the world's greatest programs available to expectant mother's who wish to learn about child birth and birth techniques from the comfort of their own home. One of these programs is Blissborn, a program that I've been having a lot of fun getting familiar with over the past couple of days and would now like to share my initial experience with the program's first class session.

Blissborn is a birth hypnosis home study program, where each class session contains a class CD, hypnosis CD, reading material (out of a workbook), and homework for both the mother and the partner. Class 1 is just what you would imagine it would be- the introduction to the idea of birth hypnosis. The class explains what hypnosis isn't and what hypnosis is. It breaks some of the Hollywood-inspired misconceptions of hypnosis and explains how it can help with labor, delivery, and even pregnancy. The class CD also described something that I think many of us need to be more aware of: The Fear-Tension-Pain cycle. Basically, the idea that our fear of birth leads to tension, which leads to pain, which leads to fear, and so on in a hard-to-break cycle. The #1 thing I hear from friends who are also about to by FTMs is that they are afraid of what labor and delivery will bring. I'll admit, I had this fear earlier as well. What helped me a lot was attending births and seeing what they are truly like (not Hollywood AT ALL) as well as taking this class.

The Hypnosis part of this class has been another adventure for me. It is advised that you do not fall asleep during the hypnosis session in order to learn what they call the "Let Go Trigger" to help put your body in and out of self-hypnosis on cue. It's the not falling asleep part that has been my issue so far. We did the class part on Saturday and then I worked the night shift the next two nights in a row, which do not make me feel either relaxed or awake enough to focus and stay awake. Today I was finally able to give it a go and at 5PM made myself comfortable but attempted to stay alert. I failed. My eyes suddenly flew open about 30 minutes later, at the end of the CD I woke up feeling very well rested and relaxed, but having only heard a part of the hypnosis session! My subconscious mind was listening, but not the rest of it. I will try again tomorrow. And then probably the day after. And probably the day after... I don't have many night shifts this week! FOLLOW-UP: After writing this at around 10:30 PM I decided to give it a shot one more time, even though we were nearing my bedtime. I made it through the entire half hour session without falling asleep and now feel like I have a better grasp on the "Let Go" trigger. Yay!

Moving on the reading portion of the class, the first session is filled with valuable statistics and information about the state of birth in America today. Some are pretty well known (86% of birthing mother's use some form of pain relief, such as an epidural, and 32% of pregnancies in the US end in a c-section), but others surprised me quite a bit (such as 83 of episiotomies are given without the mother's consent!). But it's not all scare tactics, don't worry. The class also informs you that natural birth is perfectly safe in 90-95% of pregnancies and women who do the Blissborn method will have a greater success rate than the national average for having a med-free, intervention-free birth. Not too shabby! The benefits of natural birth are spelled out next, leaving me feeling even more confident that not only is my body capable of this, but wanting a natural birth does not make me a crazy person.

Finally, the homework requires daily practice (love the printable reminder sign to hang in the bathroom!), and reading from the suggested materials list. The workbook suggests only about 30-45 minutes a day, which even in my busy schedule is easy enough to find.

I will say I am happy I started at 25 weeks. Even though it's only a 5 week course, because of my busy schedule and the fact that I always want to at least do the CD sessions and the workbook readings with my husband, who has an equally busy schedule, I'm learning that each class may take us more like a week and a half. So don't be worried about starting too early. You can always just do a ton of practicing and really hone your skills if you find you stay perfectly on track. Hypnosis, it seems, takes practice and dedication, so rock it early and rock it often!

I will have a more in depth review of the Blissborn Home Study course included in the guide that I am creating, which will be live on the blog in a few months time. This is just a brief description of what you can expect in the first class session should you choose Blissborn as your home study method. All in all I am very pleased with the course so far, and look forward to future weeks. Especially class 4 (and you'll see why then). You'll also see that I may or may not be sarcastic in that comment. I haven't decided yet!

Earth Day Review and Giveaway | Earth Friendly Products

2013-04-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

In my Preparing for Earth Day post I mentioned that one great way to you can go a little more green this year starting on Earth Day is to green up the cleaners in your house and to donate any still-good chemical cleaners to a worthy cause, like a woman's shelter or animal shelter. And then I mentioned I was going to have a great Earth Friendly Products review and giveaway coming up. Remember that? Yeah, this is it!

Earth Friendly Products is an entire line of eco-friendly friendly cleaners and household products that will keep your home sparkling and shining from top to bottom without the use of harmful toxins, petrochemicals, bleach, ammonia, phosphates or other harmful ingredients. Sounds great, right? But how well do they work?

Last week I went on a cleaning binge. I've heard that when a pregnant woman goes all cleaning crazy it's considered "nesting", but in my case I just I was just bored and getting sick of how messy my house was getting. Haha! So I cleaned, organized, did a ton of laundry, freshened, and wiped away the layer of dust that had formed over everything throughout the winter. This mean cleaning the ceiling fans to prepare them for their overload of work that was about to happen. Along the way my Earth Friendly Products cleaners came with me and helped out. They did a fantastic job!

I was sent the fabulous Safeguard Your Home Kit (the same kit I'm giving away at the end of this review, by the way!) that contains a window cleaner, multi-purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, dishwasher gel, and dish soap. Now, I will admit that we still haven't gotten the dishwasher fixed so I haven't been able to try out the dishwasher gel, but everything else got its workout during my cleaning binge.

The Parsley Plus All Surface Cleaner, of course, got the most use. I used it for everything from spot cleaning the hardwood floor to cleaning off those ceiling fans. It worked like a champ! Left everything looking clean as a whistle and not spelling like crazy toxic chemicals. It also cleaned the hard water stains out of our shower which is amazing, because maybe now my mother-in-law will stop breaking into our bathroom and cleaning it with Bleach. I know she does it out of love, but I cannot handle bleach. Yeck! But Earth Friendly Products worked just as well without me feeling like I'm going to pass out when I enter my bathroom.

The vinegar-based Window Cleaner tore right through the muddy paw prints left on our sliding glass door from the dogs and cleaned the mirrors of our newly remodeled bathroom (oh, I need to post pictures of that, don't I?). Maybe now my weekly bump photos won't be accompanied by spots on my armour mirror! Finding a really good, toxic free glass cleaner is a great thing around this house since we have a ton of windows that often need a good cleaning (although whether or not they get a good cleaning is another story...).

Then there is my personal favorite product of all- the EcoBreeze Fabric Freshener. Now, I have lots of need for a good fabric freshener, but resist buying chemical-filled products for this purpose. You always see those commercials where someone sprays the fabric spray onto a couch and then someone else goes and buries their nose into the fabric, right? Yeah... enjoy inhaling those chemicals! But with the Eco Breeze Fabric Freshener you CAN bury your face into your couch (should you so choose) without the fear of chemical inhalation. Sweet! And it smells great, too.

Finally, the Ecos Laundry Detergent. That poor laundry detergent and that poor washing machine! We got a brand new Eco HE washer and dryer (thanks to my awesome father in law) and it has definitely shown its use so far. I think we've done over a dozen washes of all of the fabrics around our house since we got it. Everything from drapes to blankets and pillow covers from the living room to every bed to our clothes. Both help up great! Our clothes feel clean coming out of the dryer and smell great, too! No strange artificial smells with Earth Friendly Products! They leave clothes cleans with a subtle floral essential oil smell that I love.

Of course, the Dishmate dish soap has gotten its use, too, but I have somehow managed to not have to do dishes in the past week. Thanks to my mother-in-law. :) The dishes that are clean in our cabinet actually look clean, though, so I'm going to assume it works well.

All in all I am very impressed with Earth Friendly Products and happy to have them in my home!

BUY IT!

Go Here to do a search for a local Earth Friendly Products retailer near you. In my town its carried at all of the local Raleys as well as Costco and the health foods market.

WIN IT!

Just in time for Earth Day, enjoy a fabulous giveaway of the Safeguard Your Home kit from Earth Friendly products! This kit includes all of the cleaners mentioned above that I used during my Spring Cleaning Binge. This includes the Wave Machine Dishwash, Window Cleaner, EcoBreeze Fabric Freshener, Dishmate Pear, Ecos Laundry Detergent 50 oz, Parsley Plus All Purpose Cleaner. ARV: $31.95

To enter just use the Rafflecopter widget below. Don't forget the daily entries! This giveaway will run from April 17th-May 1st in honor of Earth Day. Enter early, enter often!

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Go Green! For Earth Day

2013-04-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

Earth Day is coming up next week on April 22nd, so I thought it would be fun to create a "3 Ways to Go Green By Earth Day" post! These are three ways that I personally plan to go green (or greener) this week in preparation for Earth Day. Things that are easy enough to do in a short period of time that pretty much anyone can them. Ready? Let's get started!

#1: Ditch the Chemicals

I am usually a big fan of using eco-friendly cleaners, but lately I've just been using whatever it is we have lying around the house. Note: I don't buy most of this. Other people do and I just use it. It's what happens when a ton (and by that I mean 4) people live in the same house. Cleaners pile up. The problem is, I'm the only one who really sees the benefits of having natural, eco-friendly cleaners that aren't laced with horrible chemicals lying around my house. Actually, my sister in law (who actually lives next door) does as well, but she doesn't live in my house so..., yeah. Anyway, my goal by next week is to reduce or eliminate those chemicals by replacing them with better quality, natural cleaners. In fact, I have a great review and GIVEAWAY for a company called Earth Friendly Products posting today, and they have really helped me in reaching this goal.
But... what about the cleaners already in my home? Well, there are many great things you can do with half-filled bottles of cleaners in your house. Many places, like animal shelters and women's shelters, need all the supplies they can get and will accept opened bottles. Donating to these places is a great way to help them out. Of course, it would be AWESOME if you'd include a few new bottles of natural cleaners along with your others, but I do know that in places like animal shelters bleach-based cleaners are considered a necessity so it's OK to put those to good use there. Unfortunately, I know someone here would flip their lid if I tried to give away all of the cleaners, so my plan is to just hide them until they are forgotten about and then donate them. (Oh shoot, hopefully no one reads this post!).

#2: Donate Some Time or Participate

While it doesn't scream "GREEN!" necessarily, donating time and efforts to a good cause is a great way to give back on Earth Day. This week there is a consignment sale coming to town, which is a great way to get some affordable goodies for a baby or a child (hey, giving me a previously-loved gift for my shower is A-OK with me!). I have decided to volunteer a few hours of my day to helping set up for this sale. It's easy to do, takes just a few hours of time, and I get to shop a pre-sale as a result. Which is a double win for me!
I was also hoping to do a walk/run for my local women's resource center this weekend, but unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), I have to work on Saturday and will no longer be able to do the walk/run. But, at least in my area, this is walk/run season and there's one almost every weekend, so even though time is a little crunched I am sure you can find one that you can participate in this weekend or next weekend that will contribute to a cause that you believe in. It's great for the cause and good for your health.

#3: Shop at a Farmer's Market or Shop Local

Now, I am well aware that this may not be possible where you live. But where I live the Farmers Markets are in full swing since the beginning of the month! It is a great way to help out local farmers by getting fresh produce and other products. I personally love shopping my local farmer's markets, but since they are at times when I'm usually busy with something else I find I really have to remind and motivate myself to go. So, in honor of Earth Day, I am vowing to go either this week or next for sure, and get my family some great, locally-grown product and products.
If Farmer's Markets aren't an option, look to see if there's a local craft or goods store near you. We have a great baby-themed one here in town where the entire front room is dedicated to products made by local artisans, sewers, knitters, and larger businesses like Chico Bags and Klean Kanteen (both of which are made here locally!). Usually you can find something in your town or in a nearby town that will help you contribute the local economy and check out some great home-grown products.
Finally, should THAT not be an option, check out Etsy! You know I love Etsy and it has a great feature that lets you sort by location. You may be very surprised to find a talented artisan located right in your hometown with a neat shop on Etsy. I know I've been surprised to place an order only to find out that the seller lives just a few miles from me!

There, I told you I would keep it easy! There is nothing too difficult on this list. And if you don't think you can pull it off by April 22nd, that's OK, too! As long as you decide you want to dedicate a week or weekend to doing these things sometime in the future, that's what counts.

So thanks for stopping by and don't forget to check out that Earth Friendly Product review and GIVEAWAY that will be posting today!

Firmoo Crazy Giveaway Day 2!

2013-04-16T08:40:00.001-07:00

Did you WIN with Firmoo yesterday? Check out this list and see if your name is on it for your FREE set of glasses.

Not a winner? Don't worry, there is another giveaway today. Just head on over to the Firmoo Facebook page and enter on this post for your second chance to win one of 50 pairs of glasses being given away today! Don't forget to share the post for additional entries.

Finally, I have the opportunity to reward my readers with FREE eyewear! Woooot! Isn't that sweet and definitely very frugal? Want your own pair? Head on over to Firmoo now, take a look at their amazing wide selection of stylish eyewear, select your own, and enter one of the following codes in at check-out:

US Readers: GIVEAWAYUS
International Readers: GIVEAWAYWORLD

Then sit back and wait for your free eyewear to appear in your mailbox, ready to wear! It's that easy.

My Birth Plan, A Work In Progress

2013-04-15T12:27:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share this today because I've had just a little too much fun writing. As of right now my plan is to deliver at a small hospital where I may be one of the only 2-3 women giving birth at a time. But I also may have to deliver at a hospital where I will be one of who-knows-how-many women. I've written this birth plan more for the larger hospital, although a few tweaks will make it good for the larger on.

Things to note: I've read a lot of articles and blog posts from nurses and parents complaining about birth plans. Calling them unreasonable and ridiculous. Because of this I decided to for-go the usual birth plan list and aim for something a little more entertaining. Make it so that the nurses and doctors WANT to read it, get a little giggle, and hopefully remember a few key points. At the very least, I'm hoping they say it's the most memorable birth plan they've been given in a while. Many of these things on here are personal (such as Baptizing my baby in case of emergency) other things are a little more traditional (like not want an epidural unless asked for). For most, I attempt to stay flexible, stating my desires and that they be followed as long as the baby and I are healthy and happy.

Yes, it's a bit tongue in cheek. Don't worry, I take this seriously. I'm just trying to find a way to make my birth plan memorable and, hopefully, have it be followed, while also giving the nurses something other than a dry, found-online birth plan, which they probably get a dozen times a day. Suggestions welcome!

Hello Nurses, Doctors, and Other Staff,

I first want to start by saying that I know sometimes Birth Plans can be a little... unreasonable. I know you have tough jobs to do and a lot of experience with what's probably about to happen to me, and I have none. However, I am confident in myself and what my body may be capable of. I am well aware that you know more than I do about birth and I do appreciate your opinions and suggestions. Please understand, though, that this is my vagina we are dealing with here. I rather like my vagina so I've thought about a few things to make it happier and healthier in the end. Wait, did I say vagina? I meant baby.

Secondly, I do want to say that I am, in fact, crazy. If the first paragraph didn't already clue you in onto that... Work with me on it. It's a lifetime struggle that I long ago decided to stop struggling with and just embrace. I'm also hard headed, stubborn, sarcastic, and weird. You'll either despise me or fall in love with me. It rarely goes anywhere in the middle. Should I have time before coming here I planned to bring cupcake in hopes that you might like me a little more. Come grab one.

Third, what I have listed below is my birth plan. The thing I hope I can stick by and will use every fiber of my hard headed being to do so. I hope my plan doesn't make your jobs anymore difficult than they need to be. If they do, I apologize. Thank you for reading and working with me! I traveled from California in order to have my baby around my family and loved ones and to be at this hospital. It means a lot to me to be here!

Normal Labor and Deliver:

As much as possible I'd love for this to be an intervention-free, med-free, hands-off affair. If it could be an episode of Scrubs where everyone is unreasonably attractive for working so hard and such long hours and I have the baby in under 30 minutes with only pushing once or twice without even an IV hooked up, that would be awesome. But I get that it's not realistic. Although, if you'd like for it to be like that musical episode of Scrubs my Dad would probably be more than happy to arrange a song and dance number. He's a tenor. But, should that not be possible...
While laboring I would like to have my husband as well as my parents, sister-in-law, and doula present for as much of the labor and delivery as they are comfortable with. My doula, especially, should be with me at all times. They can be present in the room during exams.
If it's possible to not have an IV I'd really like that. If an IV is required I'd prefer a heplock.
I would like to be monitored intermittently to allow for movement as long as everything is looking good.
For as long as humanly possible I'd like to remain out of a bed if I choose to. This means walking around, being on a ball, in the shower/tub, or in a chair.
Please don't ask me if I'm in pain. I probably am. My “pain signs” are:
1. Scrunching my face up and squeezing my eyes shut.
2. Getting really cranky at my husband.
3. Saying “Ow, ow, ow, I'm in pain!”
4. Staring blankly at a wall and not saying anything. In fact, if I stop speaking, I'm in pain. I talk a lot.
But even if you think I'm in pain, don't ask me if I'm in pain. It just makes me realize I'm in pain. I don't want to realize I'm in pain. It's a mind thing.
Please do not ask me if I would like any pain medications, including an epidural. I am aware that they are available to me and will ask if I want one. I am also aware at what point it will be too late to get and that such a point exists. I still do not want to be asked. Thank you!
I would prefer minimal vaginal exams, within reason, during my labor.
If you need to give me a medication for any reason I'd like to know what it is and why I am being given it.
Unless I have asked for an epidural and can no longer feel the pushing urges I would prefer to let my body tell me when to push and for how long.
As long as the baby and I are healthy, I would prefer to have no time limits on pushing.
I would like to have the freedom to choose a birthing position, and knowing how I tolerate pain this will likely not be on the back. But who knows!
Unless it is a medical emergency I would like to not have an episiotomy and would rather tear naturally.
I would prefer that either myself, my husband, or my mother catch the baby if possible.
I would like my husband to be the first to see the sex of the baby and to be the one to announce it.
I would like my husband to be the first to see the sex of the baby and to be the one to announce it. (On here twice for a reason. It's kind of important to me in a lame, silly way.)
I would like to have the baby placed directly on my chest for immediate skin-to-skin contact.
Please allow the cord to stay connected until it has stopped pulsing, unless there is a medical emergency that requires it to be cut immediately.
Please allow the placenta to be delivered spontaneously without the use of Pitocin unless medically necessary.
Unless there is an emergency to prevent this, I would prefer that my baby and I not be separated for at least an hour and after breast feeding has been initiated. I will let you know when I'm ready to be separated.
Please do not administer eye drops to my baby.
Unless medically necessary I would like the Vitamin K injection to be done after the bonding period.
Due to a family history of interactions please do not administer any vaccinations to my baby. These will be done under the close watch of our pediatrician at a later time.
Please do not bathe my baby. We may opt to not bathe at all or be the ones to bathe him/her.
Should my baby be a boy, please do not circumcise.
My baby is to be exclusively breast fed. Please do not offer formula, pacifier, or a bottle. I would like to speak with a lactation consultant/nurse if there are problems with breast feeding, if available.
I would prefer to be released as soon as the baby and I are checked and deemed safe to leave the hospital unless I'm just so freakin' exhausted at the end of all of this that I just need to sleep and don't want to bother going home or to a hotel.
Guests can come and go all they want. When I fall asleep very little wakes me up.

Should There Be an Emergency:

In the event of an emergency I understand that I may need a c-section in order for my baby to be healthy. I would, however, like to exhaust all possible solutions first, even if they go against the rest of my birth plan. Seriously, I fear c-sections. I fear operating rooms in general. They're just so... blue.
Look at it this way: If you give me a c-section, you're stuck with me for several more days. Think about it. Let it sink in. OK, now are you SURE I need a c-section? If it's still necessary...
My husband is to be with me during the delivery and then remain with our baby during my recovery.
I would like to have contact with my baby, as much as possible, as soon as possible after the birth.
If it is possible for my mother or sister-in-law to be with me during recovery I would like that.
I will probably makes a lot of weird, random, sarcastic comments if you allow my to stay awake through this. I do apologize for this. It's what I do when I'm nervous or scared. And when I'm excited. And happy. And sleeping.
If my baby needs to be transported to another hospital/facility and it is a life or death situation you have my permission to do this transfer immediately and as quickly as possible using any means available.
If possible I would like to stay with my baby or be transported behind him/her.
I would like the opportunity to pump breast milk for my baby if immediate breastfeeding is not an option, or to use donated breast milk until I can do that, if available.
We are Catholic. Please call a Priest. Should it be a life or death situation I would like my baby to be Baptized immediately.

Gee now, wasn't that fun? Thank you again for all of your hard work and for putting up with me. I really do appreciate it!

Glasses Wearer? Check This Out!

2013-04-15T10:22:00.001-07:00

Firmoo, a glasses company I've reviewed on here before, is offering a "Crazy Giveaway" for their fans today and tomorrow! Between today and tomorrow they will be giving away 100 pairs of glasses. That means full prescription glasses that you have a chance to win.

To enter just head to This Post on their Facebook Page and leave a comment. 50 winners will randomly be drawn today in just 9 hours (7PM PST). Simply leave a comment and you're entered. It's as easy as that. They will be doing it all again tomorrow so be sure to "Like" their Facebook Page so that you don't miss that entry opportunity.

Firmoo has hundreds of pairs of glass in many styles as well as sunglasses, both in prescription and non-prescription. It's a great, affordable way to get some eyewear to help you see a little better and look a little better.

Then stay tuned... I have another Firmoo review coming up soon.

Our Travel System Selection

2013-04-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

Like all things that have to do with our baby, I put a lot of thought, consideration, and research into the products we purchase. In addition to wanting to know it's safe for the baby, I have to make sure it's safe for me to use with my physical limitations as a handicap-momma-to-be. There was nowhere that I didn't put more research forth than into selection our car seat and stroller and am so, so happy that I was able to find a system that works for us.

We ultimately selected the Graco FastAction™ Fold Classic Connect™ Travel System. I was leaning toward a Chicco Travel System when my research toward strollers that are lightweight and easy to fold with one arm (very important when you only have one fully usable arm) I came across a suggestion for the FastAction Fold stroller. I watched a few videos on the Graco Website and really felt like this could be the right product for us. I was also turned on by the fact that the car seat is a few pounds lighter than the Chicco car seat we had been looking at.

When my parents were visiting we went to Target to see the stroller and car seat in person. Thankfully they had the Travel System out on display and I was able to have it taken down so I could wheel it around, fold it up, lift it, and set it back up again. All of which I was able to do without a problem! My 6'3 tall dad (who is roughly the same height as C) also took his turn to see if it was comfortable for someone who was a little taller and he liked it as well. So, we were all sold! And, much to my excitement, my mom offered to buy it as our shower gift!

We purchased the FastAction Fold Travel System in Richmond from Amazon (the design pictured above) since they had the design we decided we could live with at a great price. Seriously, whoever is in charge of designing baby stuff at Graco needs to stop doing so many drugs! Some of them were just ridiculous, we felt lucky to find one affordable one that we liked! But, we did, and we are very happy to have found such a great system that is easy enough for me to use. And it was only $151.99 (which, btw, it still is!). It comes with the Snugride Classic Connect car seat which is good for babies up to 22 pounds. We opted not to get the Snugride 30 since I've heard most babies will outgrow the infant car seat in length before they outgrow it in weight and getting larger than that isn't worth it. Plus we are getting a convertible car seat for just $25 for completing a car seat safety class through the county anyway, so we don't really need an infant car seat for that long.

I had the Travel System shipped directly to my parent's house in Minnesota so that it will be there and ready for when we arrive. I've been told they already have it all put together and set up and a ready to go... now we just have to wait 100+ more days for the baby to arrive!

My Pregnancy Journal | Weeks 23 and 24

2013-04-10T15:38:00.000-07:00

Weeks 23 and 24

Big Ups:

Week 23

#1: After my last doctor's appointment, when I learned that I had already gained 25 pounds this pregnancy, I decided to really become more proactive about my health and my weight. My midwife encouraged the slow down of weight loss, so with her approval I started walking more. I actually started walking a lot, mostly thanks to my parents visiting and us doing all of the touristy things around town during this time. I think one day I walked 3-4 miles! It felt great. And thanks to that, during these two weeks I didn't gain a pound! I did gain half a pound, but that was normal! I've also started doing yoga, which has helped curb the leg cramps at night and also has helped to make me feel great. I'll be posting a review on the yoga video I purchased soon.

#2: We've hit viability! As an infant bereavement photographer I know the importance of this day, even though I know it doesn't set anything in stone. It still felt great to hit that 24 week mark and know that s/he's growing big and strong and staying put!

Week 24, Viability Day

#3: On viability day I got to take my parents to my (hopefully) last ultrasound! We had to check on the location of the placenta since it was pretty low-lying at my last ultrasound and they wanted to check up on it. Now, I'm not a huge fan of ultrasounds at all, but I was happy I got to share that experience with my parents. Even though my mom had two kids of her own and this is grandchild #2 she had never seen a prenatal ultrasound before and it was quite the experience for her. She broke out in tears through most of it! Also to my surprise, the ultrasound was a 3D one! I had no clue about that when we went in but when the tech was looking at the brain she noticed that s/he was facing us directly on. She hit a button and suddenly- BOOM! There was the baby in 3D. Pretty freakin' cute, too! Usually I hate u/s pictures and think 3D images are... well, creepy. But I guess it's true that when it's your baby it's different. All in all, it was a great experience and fun to share with my parents.

#4: Now, I swore to myself I would keep this to just 3, but these two weeks have been big ones for the baby, C, and myself. In addition to really turning around the "bads" in my pregnancy I also was able to get a ton of baby stuff taken care of! Thanks to the visit from my extremely generous parents, mostly my consignment-shop-loving mom, we got almost everything we need to be ready for the baby to arrive! We bought, either new or on consignment, a stroller and car seat (review to come), breast pump, books, toys, a Petunia Picklebottom diaper bag, tons of clothes, some more cloth diapers, shopping cart cover, my Breast Friend nursing pillow, and much much more! We seriously got HOOKED UP! I don't even have room for everything in the nursery! I decided to send to my parent's house all of our NB and 0-3 month clothing and things we will need for the baby's first month since we will be there for that part of our child-rearing adventure. It helped clear out the nursery so we could get it all set up and looking nice, which was great.

The mostly completed nursery. We just the wall decorations.

Big Downs:

#1: I have none! Really, this has been a fantastic two weeks of my pregnancy. My energy is still up, I am still sleeping well, I am walking a lot, I have tapered off my weight gain, and I am feeling the baby daily and really bonding with him/her. I am going to enjoy this time and embrace it because I know it may not last long.

Waiting For Baby Reviews | Baby Buds Review and Giveaway

2013-04-08T09:53:00.001-07:00

I will admit something- I have become a little less eco-friendly in recent years. Since moving away from San Diego my green store options have been limited and with my busy schedule I stopped making all of my own cleaners and whatnot and started buying stuff at the (GASP!) dollar store. However, since finding out I was pregnant it has been my goal to once again rid my home of toxic chemicals and make it a safe and happy place for my baby to come home to. So when I was contacted by BabyBuds™ and saw what an amazing product selection they had, I jumped on the opportunity to tell you all about them and share this wonderful company with you.

BabyBuds™ are infant products made from naturally sustainable, eco-friendly fabrics, including certified organic cottons and natural silks. Each toy is filled with virgin biodegradable corn fiber and contains low-impact dyes. BabyBuds™ ships their products using minimal packages to have the least amount of impact on the Earth as possible. These things alone were enough to make me interested in this fabulous company, but there are two other big things that I also love about them.

One, BabyBuds™ toys are ADORABLE. I cannot stress enough how absolutely cute these toys are! I have fallen in love with my baby's Frump the Elephant plushie. She is soft and beyond adorable, and just so happen to perfect perch on top of my computer screen, which is pretty much where she's been since she arrived last week. I love that the website gives her this story line:

Fump is an elephant who knows the importance of loyalty and friendship. When she finds a friend she is a dependable companion and offers any support or advice to help a friend’s life go a little more easily. She knows that making good friends is the best thing to do, and is trying to find children who need a friend to be there for them.

I smile when I look at her and think of that and it perks my day up a little each time!

All of BabyBuds™ animals have names and stories that go with them, including Hoot the Owl, Zeke the Zebra, and Mango the Monkey. I love that you can either theme your BabyBuds™ collection, or mix and match to increase the cuteness factor. BabyBuds™ products include large plush toys, small plush toys, rattles, blankies, teethers, and spiral crib toys (among others) of each individual character, but also combines all of them together in the musical mobile, which would make a great accessory to any crib!

There is still one other thing that I love about BabyBuds™, and that is that these great products are available in brick and mortar stores, including select Target stores across the US. The closest one to me is in Sacramento, which is 90 miles away, but a city we go to frequently to visit friends and pick people up from the airport (or get dropped off) so we have plenty of excuse to drive down that way in order to swing by the Target and check out their line of BabyBuds™ toys. I'm hoping that in the upcoming year they become so popular at these locations that Target, and other retailers, start carrying them in more stores! I know these adorable plushies and toys will quickly become a favorite for my baby as they have for me!

They are beautiful, eco-friendly, and (hopefully) available at a Target near you!

BUY IT!

Head on over to the BabyBuds™ and use their Store Locator tool to see if there is a BabyBuds™ Target retailer near you! These beautiful products would make an amazing shower gift!

WIN IT!

One lucky Eco-Friendly and Frugal reader is going to win a pair of BabyBuds™ products shipped directly to your door! Just use the Rafflecopter Widget below to enter! This giveaway will end April 22nd, 2013 at 11:59PM EST. I am unsure what the ARV of this prize is.

By publishing this post, I received free products as part of a promotional program with MomSelect. All opinions are my own.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New, Big Project

2013-04-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted to write a quick post about the latest project I have been working on for my blog. I will continue to make posts here and there, but right now I am really focused on this project and am so excited to share it with you all when it is done. For any mom-to-bes out there looking for a natural birth, this is especially for you!

Because of where we live and our town's limited resources I could not find a natural birth class to take that fit in my schedule. The ONE class offered here in town was at a time that I have school. Bah! Luckily, I found that there are a ton of great home-study resources out there. However, I found myself getting really overwhelmed with the options and not sure where to start to select the program that is right for me. I also found that there were no sites dedicated to just comparing the programs and what they offer. I created a chart and laid it out in front of me to get a feel for everything side by side. And that's when I had my great idea to create a Childbirth Home Study Program Guide. I contacted nine home study programs and have been gathering information and detailed descriptions of each. In addition to my comparison chart I'm hoping to make this a very all-inclusive review of the various programs out there and what they all have to offer.

This is a project that will likely take me a while, so stick with me! It'll be worth it in the end. I'm also hoping to offer some great promotions and discounts so you can save a little green while getting access to the information you need to have a great natural childbirth experience of your own!

So... stay tuned! I will start some individual reviews of the programs I am trying out as I try them out and some teasers of what's to come in the guide. I can't wait for you all to see it. Really, this may just become the pride of my blog!

My First Listia Auction!

2013-04-03T18:12:00.000-07:00

Since getting pregnant I've gotten back into sewing. I dove into my old box of fabric and started stitching away like a mad woman and have almost gone through my entire fabric stash making my Dirty Dipe Butt Wipes and UnPaper Towels again. It's been a lot of fun and I'm toying with the idea of re-opening my Etsy shop. Until then, I thought I'd share the cloth wipe love with someone else using Listia and posting my very first auction! I've also really fallen in love with this site and want more credits to bid with. :)

Win These Wipes FOR FREE! (Free Shipping, Too!)

You can read my full Listia review and enter the giveaway, then head on over to my auction for 8 "seconds" quality Dirty Dipe Butt Wipes (AKA Cloth Wipes). I made it a 5 day auction, so head over soon and get bidding if you are interested in some free wipes. I'll admit, I think they're kind of ugly which is why I'm auctioning them off. They were a custom order for someone and these 8 are the left over fabric I had from that order. But hey, maybe your taste is different than mine and goodness knows I have horrible taste! :)