just for now.

Here is baby’s bed. Right now it’s set up to store everything we don’t need RIGHT away (first 24 hours)– which will be in my bedroom.
I have this mini co-sleeper set up as a bassinet right now in the kids room to save space in mine. I LOVE all the storage that is built in. You can’t see but there are also 2 pockets on either end.
Here are some pictures. The first top view shows a teddy bear with a womb sound machine in his belly and a Snodel (I think that’s how you spell it). I’m super excited about this little lovey–I got it in the package at a consignment sale before I even knew we have a man baby. The idea is that you wear it in your shirt or keep it next to you in bed for a while so that the wool stuffing absorbs “mommy smell” and comforts baby in the car or whenever you’re not there. I love it! At least, the idea of it. And I think it’s super cute, too, though Levi thinks it looks like a voodoo doll. :/

A few other items pictured:
-boppy.
-lots of stretchy swaddling blankets.
-socks/hats.
-a little “nest” you can put in your bed for the baby to have their own space. I’m planning to use it for a portable bed downstairs or as a diaper changing pad.
-bug mobile. The kids LOVE it and I have to keep them from pulling on it all the time. Its my first baby mobile…I definitely have more gear this time. So fun.
-some newborn-specific cloth diapers.
-breast pump & pads.
-baby powder and oil.
-newborn disposable diapers and wipes.
-0-3 month baby boy clothes.
-moby wrap baby carrier.

So thirty seven weeks marks the point where one is considered “full term” enough to safely go into labor.

Especially when you’re planning a home birth.
So I’m very happy and proud to be at this point.

Here are some technical updates:
-I’m 80% effaced and 1 or 2cm dilated (that’s actually from last weeks check up).
-Baby boy is head down, low, and moving a lot.
-I’ve gained between 25-30 lbs so far.
-No swollen limbs, cheeks, or toes. Sometimes a few days before labor I think my cheeks or my toes get a bit chubby.
-All essentials are ready for birth. Stacks of blankets, onesies, lots of disposable absorbant paper products and old sheets, towels, washcloths…as well as all the more medical items in the birth kit (cord clamp, aspirator, etc.).

I still want to pick up a few more things like towels, it seems we never have enough of those and I don’t feel like staying on top of the laundry enough until Dday just to be sure they’re on hand and ready.
We’re also supposed to have a small electric heat blanket to keep the baby’s cloths/blankets warm on right before birth, but I don’t know if that will happen.
I’m debating whether or not to buy a metal frame to raise our king size bed on for two reasons:
We could move the bed around the room more (aka over the floor vent) and we barely have any room right now without that option.
Also, we would gain TONS of storage space by being able to put stuff underneath it.
Still, they’re like $100 bucks and that’s just one more expense right now…
Also, we’re buying an air purifier for our bedroom which I’m excited about and know will be nice for new little tiny baby lungs.

So….at this point I’m definitely in the full-blown nesting phase and LOVING it. There is never a dull moment. ..always thinking about what I want to work on next. Making lists. Etc.

And lastly, I’ve been enjoying taking at least one, if not two naps a day.

Oh no actually very last of all, I’ll probably dye my hair back medium red again like you can see on the top layer of my hair in this picture after our babe comes. That’ll be fun.

They’re just the best kids/babies ever.

Zoe told me today that she’s still a baby. I think I needed to hear that…because she and the new baby boy will be closer in age than I had thought would be best…so I have been slowly realizing that I will just be having two babies for a while. And of course that’s okay! I just don’t want to force Zo to act older than she is. Lots of people have two or more babies at once– whether twins or just close in age. You know?

I just hadn’t thought of it like that before…

Isaiah rode his first ferris wheel a couple night’s ago at the Fredburg Agricultural Fair. Levi said he didn’t freak out at all and was just going, “WOW! We’re up in the SKY!”

Tonight he got out of bed (which we make a big deal out of because he will do it 50 times if you don’t set boundaries) and told me, “This is really important, mommy.”

“What?”

“I’m scared.”

So we talked about that for a while, and while I know that 99% of the time this is a stalling tactic, I didn’t want to completely discredit him. I told him that God has angels and one of their super-powers is that they’re invisible, so even if he can’t see them they’re there, and they have big swords. And also I’m downstairs and I won’t let any bad guys in.

“You can pray and talk to God about His angels. Maybe he’ll let you see some.”

Woops.

Two minutes later his little head pops around the banister. “Mommy! This is important….um, God didn’t hear me!” he said tearfully.

Well, I knew that the tears and drama were in large part due to the fact that we’d been out since 9am that morning, running on things like donuts and IKEA food and very little nap time, but you just don’t belittle a comment like that.

So we had a big long talk. It was actually pretty fun for me to try and explain God and praying and bad guys and heaven and everything in between in appropriate 3 year old vocabulary. Do you know how simply they must see the world? I don’t want to cloud his healthy childishness with lots of religious jargon, so it really brings things down to the bare necessities. In a very good way.

Basically, I have two of the smartest, sweetest, most sensitive children I know about, and I’m super proud to be their mommy.

Goodnight.

This is an outfit I’ve never worn before, and none of it is “maternity” which gives me a little hipster thrill, I guess. I love maternity clothes but I never find anything that looks like this, hence the improvising.
Fridays are our “landmark” days and yesterday was the 35 week hurdle. Passed it!
Baby brother is probably full length (20″) and around 6lbs.
We’re sooooooo excited!!

First of all, I have to apologize to my husband publicly for buying the ‘hipstamatic’ app for my iPhone today.

I know I am contributing to the downfall of true photography. I know it, and yet, here I am posting pictures I took today using it. Maybe I’ll grow out of it.

Okay, so, the bedroom. Whenever we move, I like to focus on setting up bedrooms first. Of course the kitchen is pretty essential, but really, you need an escape from the chaos…especially when you’re unpacking. And bedrooms tend to be smaller spaces and easier to arrange quickly. And then, you have your special place.

Here are some pictures of our bedroom. Not perfect, but most of the time, peaceful.

The essentials pictured here, left-to-right, top then bottom:

1. A good big bed, centralized by headboard or decor…

2. A fan! No actually this is supposed to be about the window, but my curtains are still forthcoming. Still, I love our neutral blinds.

3. A glider-rocker. A place to sit other than the bed. Essential. (Craig’s list win, still waiting on the cushion recover I’ve promised it from the beginning).

4. Living plants. Green, growing, in need of care. I do love me some well-made fake flowers/plants too.

5. Last– an arrangement of beauty to look at while you’re in bed. When you’re waking up or going to sleep. Preferably a set up you can change up occasionally. (Note: HIDE THE LAUNDRY. Nothing more discouraging then waking up to ‘chores left unfinished’ staring you in the face)

For me, if I make this room a priority, it works. It’s peaceful, and it makes me happy. When the rest of the house is dirty or disorganized, being able to rest in a little space of beauty helps salvage my sanity. And so I endeavor not to hide things there, and not to make it the main scene of laundry sorting, even if that means putting the basket of waiting clothes outside the door or in the closet.

What are your bedroom rules? What do you think of mine?

Some adorableNESS from yesterday and today.
Pictures 1-4: Kiddos at local farm with the most ahhhmazing yogurt. We’ve already eaten 1.5 quarts in a day and a half.
Picture 5: bathtime. Which Zoe has been requesting 3x a day by making a splashing motion with her hands.
Picture 6: My husband sent me flowers today out of the blue!! Sooooo happy. I love these colors right now.
Picture 7: Zoe with her dollies in their stroller. She absolutely LOVES posing for pictures now and looking at herself in them.
Picture 8: The ever-expanding stomach. I’m measuring around 34/35 weeks. It’s so fun right now getting ready and nesting/cleaning all the time.

I am in love with these materials, designs, and practical uses…okay, check it out.

Both are from creek bed threads.

It’s a cardboard house made for kids to play in and color/paint on.

From joes toy box.

I’m not gonna lie, I want a fanny pack. And this one even has a more chic name. The “hip pouch purse” can be carried a variety of ways, including on your belt (two loops on back to thread through). Woohoo!

From lmcreation.

I very much aspire to make one. One day.

From love/nostalgic/whimsy.

As I’m sure many of you are aware of due to my making a BIG DEAL out of it– I was left all alone for a weekend when my husband took our toddlers to Grandma & Grandpas for a visit.

I thought it would make me feel extra productive if I listed everything I got done and enjoyed during my extended alone time.

Here’s what I can remember:

Farmers Market — flowers (herbal bouquet) in picture above, and a house plant (Black Swedish Ivy– only need indirect light and light watering. So far so good!)

Coffee with friend who just had her third baby.

Scrubbed bathroom walls/ceiling. Cleaned bathroom.

Organized mine and Levi’s clothes/put away winter/fall things.

Organized our closet (!!!) so we can find everything.

Made a donate-to-Goodwill bag.

Made a bag of maternity clothes for my sister…things I was wearing and were taking up space I don’t have!

Moved nearly all the living room furniture and sprinkled deodorizer on the carpet…vacuumed.

Cleaned the kitchen/fridge. (Threw out old leftovers!)

Organized the kids room just a little.

Changed out old lightbulbs for energy efficient ones. Cleaned out the light fixtures (bugs. ew.)

Napped at random times.

Went to bed super late one night…thinking “I can sleep in!” That was optimistic. I still woke up like I normally would.

…and more!

So it was amazing. And refreshing. And productive.

Another huge bonus: I very realized how much I love and adore being a mother to my babies. And I realized that it’s because of them I am a much more mature, motivated, fulfilled and joyful person. It’s so incredible to me how one little life can totally and transform you and make you willing– even deeply desiring– to change in ways you never even knew you wanted or needed to. Mama love is one of the best gifts ever.

Last night I went through the box titled “Next Baby.”

An assortment of tiny clothes, boys and girls, and a lot of memories…a lot of “What?! He was this small? How did she fit into this??”

Anyway, I came across a few things that I am SO excited about– neither of the kids have worn them because I bought a bit of boy clothes when I was prego with Zoe and of course, she never wore them.

This one says “wingman” and I think it’s perfect.

From a thrifty perspective, I’m super proud of these little Robeez I picked up for $3 back in Charlotte when we didn’t know if Zo-zo was boy or girl. I was pretty sad she never got to wear them.

Now I’m just thankful I hung onto them!

Woohoo baby, you’re coming soon! We are dying to hold you and kiss your sweet, chunky cheeks. You are so very loved.

If you look here you can see my 1st trimester “Goody Bag”.

This here is the 3rd trimester’s “Picky Picks” and I completely skipped the 2nd trimester…sorry. Title is based on the fact that, at this point, either something works or it doesn’t. There’s no beating around the bush about it, and your firm stance on the issue may appear to be a little picky.

Anyway, I posted a little preview with the “Pregnancy Wedge Pillow” from Boppy, so I’ll just keep going from there.

1. Also in the sleep department (which I know can get tougher in the last tri) is my new favorite thing– an eye mask. You know, the ones you see people wearing on airplanes or the silky ones girls wear in movies and you wonder, “Who does that, really?”

I highly recommend. They’re cheap and at the very least worth a shot. I know for me it’s the morning light that often triggers a premature wake-up call, so the little mask really helps fake my body out. This, along with the wedge pillow supporting your heavy belly (relieving that back strain), can make a serious difference. At least I can testify that I do not have trouble sleeping, and tomorrow is my 33 week mark. (Eye masks available at places like Target and I’d guess– pharmacies).

2. For day time support, I recommend you pick up a nursing stool now. Don’t wait until you’re 2 or 3 weeks postpartum and up to the BIG TRIP OUT. Also, I’m sure you’ll find yourself putting it to good use pre-birth to ease back strain while you’re sitting big and pregnant. (Found at BabiesRUs.com and Amazon.com) I have this one:

But since it would be awesome to have for upstairs AND down, I may purchase this one, too:

The adjustability feature is very inviting. If anyone reading this has one or the other, I’d appreciate your feedback!

3. Something soft for the belly.

It can get itchy and most definitely feels tight some days, so having plenty of lotion or oil around is essential. I like oils, but they are kind of messy and take a while to soak in.

I’ve never bought the expensive “mom-centered” belly lotions, but they always do look so cute in their eye-catching packaging.

Again, reviews anyone? Did YOU find the magic cream– the kind that kept you stretch-mark free or faded them well?

I usually use plain unrefined, organic coconut oil. I’ve also made a little blend I keep in those travel-sized plastic bottles you can get in the pharmacy section at Target– it’s extra-virgin organic olive oil with a few drops of peppermint oil and a few drops of grapefruit seed extract. I use this on my face mostly but sometimes on my body as well. I feel like it soaks in a little faster than the coconut oil. I’m really starting to fall in love with essential oils because they’re pretty inexpensive (since you only use a few drops at a time) and sooO potent. A little really goes a super long way. And if you want to use something really wonderful and natural like olive oil but don’t really want to SMELL like it, the essential oils can fix that. I love the peppermint oil because you can feel a little tingle sometimes while applying.

4. Comfy clothes that still flatter.

I’ve been living in tunics and dresses recently. A lot of tunics are easy to “create” at this phase when you take a short non-maternity dress and wear it over maternity shorts or (non-maternity/maternity) leggings.

This is probably one of THE most flattering pregnancy profiles and so. very. comfortable. at the same time. You can even wear shorts with a funky waist line (like the worn our maternity elastic or a-little-too-big non-maternity pair) and never fear exposure.

See how perfect the waist line is on this one? And with a big belly bump the hem will come up far enough to be considered a tunic top, with still a lot of great coverage that is HARD to find in a maternity top (other than buying a size that doesn’t fit you well in the shoulders/bust area).

I also love the maxi dress for this reason.

It’s so easy to find one that will fit and flatter you by maybe going up one size in women’s instead of paying 30% more for one dubbed “maternity” just 3 racks over.

(I found all of these styles on Target.com)

5. “Invest” in a real heirloom piece of jewelry like this loooong necklace from Forever21 for $5.80:

There is something about long necklaces that I feel elongates the torso and makes you look taller.

Anyway, I wear my $7 model ALL the time, and love it. Pick one in gold/brass/silver that you think will go with everything.

6. Last of all, Pregnancy Tea! And I don’t mean the kind you buy in little packets from the store. You’re supposed to drink about a quart a day– if you bought it all in the little packets I’m pretty sure you’d give up due to expense.

The recipe usually involves Red Raspberry Leaf, Oatstraw, Nettle, and Alfalfa leaf. Check with your midwife or doula.

I drank this a lot with Isaiah’s pregnancy…can’t really remember if I did much with Zoe’s…and just got to drinking it regularly this round. I love it. I seriously think I feel an energy difference and mostly just feel great that something so simple can have such huge benefits for me and the baby.

Okay, the end for now. Leave comments & especially leave comments if you have a 3rd trimester essential I didn’t mention.