Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Baby nurse—check!

Up until a year ago I had never heard the term "baby nurse". Or if I had, I just figured it was a woman who worked as a nurse specializing in baby care.

After going through all of my IF treatments and having a few friends have babies in NYC, I became familiar with the more common meaning for a baby nurse—basically someone who comes into your home and stays with you to help take care of your newborn (she probably isn't a certified RN, but might have some certifications and/or formal training).

Even though I knew what a baby nurse was, it's not something I had ever given any thought to. Why would I? All of my friends with kids had done it themselves or with the help of a family member. That's how I was raised and I didn't know any different.

About 3 months into my pregnancy Hubby brought up the topic and told me he thought it would be a good idea to have someone help us at first. I was immediately against it because I felt if I can't take care of this newborn on my own then I'm going to be a failure as a mother (I know, slightly irrational, but I'll blame that on the first trimester hormones).

The more we talked the better the idea sounded, though. I've never cared for a newborn, Hubby barely knows what to do with a 6-month old let alone a slippery, squirmy newborn, and we don't have any family close by to guide us. OK, so I was sold—we would get a baby nurse for the first couple of weeks and then we would be on our own.

I started my research a couple weeks ago, after I finished up the freelance project. I received some recommendations from friends, friends of friends and people in my expectant moms group.

I began the phone calls on Monday morning, and after four phone interviews I found someone I was interested in. On paper (based on the recommendation from her reference) she was everything we were looking for:
• experienced
• recommends putting baby on an eat/sleep schedule from the beginning
• knowledgeable and supportive of breastfeeding
• willing to teach me what she's doing and why she's doing it as opposed to just taking care of the baby
• adaptable to our home and lifestyle
• flexible if we want to extend her stay beyond 2 weeks
• on the lower end of the price range for a NYC baby nurse
• requires a deposit and contract to reserve her time (surprisingly, some of the women weren't interested in this which made me nervous that once the Woowoo comes the baby nurse would have committed to someone else)

Her reference had nothing but great things to say about her so I was sold. I spoke with Y (the baby nurse) yesterday afternoon. She emailed some info and her contract and we agreed to an in-person interview last night. It all happened so quickly my head was spinning and pounding. I literally got a headache from the craziness of how it all went down in the matter of hours.

She came to our apartment at 8pm, but unfortunately Hubby got stuck at a work event and was unable to meet her. Thankfully, I immediately felt comfortable and at ease with her. She was so easy to be around, yet I could tell she was a very strong woman who would help me learn how to care for my new little guy. We chatted for over an hour and half and at the end I signed on the dotted line and gave her a deposit to reserve her for at least two weeks in September.

I'm beyond excited to have found her and relieved to have this taken care of, especially knowing the Woowoo, Hubby and I will be good hands!

Monday, June 27, 2011

Holy hormones

Friday after work I finally went to Des.tina.tion Mater.nity and bought some new bras - thanks for all the advice ladies!! I actually bought nursing bras because my cup size has stayed the same over the last 4-5 months. Even if it does go up (which I still think it will), the bras I bought are designed for growth so I think I'll be OK. I also got a couple bra extenders to try and make my existing old faves last a little longer. Finally, I can breathe again or at least as much as the Woowoo will let me!

Hubby met me for a few other errands and then we went home where I proceeded to have a full hormonal meltdown. It was so stupid that it's laughable now, but at the time I was in tears on the bed curled around my preggo pillow. Essentially it came down to the doorman in our building being an inconsiderate idiot and never telling me that my Fed-Ex package from Monday wasn't picked up. I had zero tolerance for his excuses and let him know it. On top of that, Hubby was tired and hungry from a bad a day at work and wasn't exactly helping me, instead impatiently holding the elevator while I berated the doorman. So basically, I went up to our apartment, stormed into the bedroom and cried because the doorman didn't give my package to the Fed-Ex man. See...totally laughable now. It's the first time I've had a completely irrational, hormonal meltdown and Hubby had no clue what to do with me, which made me cry even more.

I eventually pulled myself together and laughed with Hubby about how ridiculous I was being but I couldn't help it. Even though I knew I was being totally nuts, I couldn't stop myself or the tears. I guess I should be thankful this is the first major meltdown I've had, but geez, did it have to be over the doorman and Fed-Ex?!?!?!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Again?

Ugh, I need new bras...again. I bought three new ones pretty early in the pregnancy because the girls were getting too big from all the IF meds. I only went up one cup size, but not a band size (went from a 34B to a 34C). Those three bras have been my life support (literally and figuratively) for the past 6 months or so, but I can't deny that my ribs and torso are expanding now and I need to upsize again.

I had to do a mini strip tease at work about an hour after I got in because I simply could not breathe. Breathing has been a challenge lately anyway because the Woowoo is invading my lung space, but couple that with a too tight bra (even on the loosest hooks) and I was near hyperventilation state. So, off came the bra and I can (kind of) breathe again. Thankfully I have on a maxi dress that doesn't necessarily require a bra, but I would have considered going bra-less even in a t-shirt just to get some relief!

I wanted to hold out on buying new bras until I got closer to the due date and then just buy some nursing bras, but I think my girls have other ideas. I know I really should get measured, but I'm being lazy and would rather order my old standby bras online in a larger size.

Thoughts? Do you think I should try to stick it out until August and buy nursing bras? Get measured and buy one or two properly sized bras to get me through the next 11 weeks? Or order my old standbys online in a bigger size?

Monday, June 20, 2011

Baby shower weekend recap

WARNING: As much as I'll try to keep this short, it could get a little wordy. But I'll reward with you pictures at the end if you can make through the whole thing.

I was scheduled on a Thursday evening flight to Ohio. We had storms moving through NY that night and they caused major havoc with all the flights. I had a 3+ hour delay so I used the time to get some work done. Without my mom around anymore, I always stay with my in-laws. By the time they picked me up and we got home it was 2:30am...I was exhausted!

It was great to sleep in Friday morning, but not for too long because I had to finish up the freelance project. At 3pm my MIL and I dropped 6 months worth of work off at Fed-Ex (woohoo!). We then did some shopping and stopped by the shower venue to figure out table arrangements. I picked up Hubby at the airport Friday night (poor guy was stuck working in NY all day while I was shopping with his mom), and we called it a day.

Saturday started with wonderful pedicures with my MIL and two sisters-in-law. I treated as a thank you for all the hard work they put into the baby shower. We had lunch, ran a few more errands and then took naps (one of my sis-in-laws is also pregnant in her first trimester so she's tired all the time). Hubby and I met some of his friends from high school for dinner. When we got back home two of my aunts had arrived (both coming from out of town and staying at the in-laws overnight). I stayed up talking with them for a little while which was great since I don't get to see them often.

Sunday morning was a whirlwind of activity as we all tried to get ready and out of the house in time for the 11am shower. It was an amazing shower! I got to see friends I hadn't seen in a couple of years, some family I only get to see once a year and even a few random guys from college (the shower was at a golf course on a Sunday morning...I was bound to run into someone from college). Hubby stopped by just before it was time to open gifts so he got to help too, which I thought was really cute of him (I definitely scored myself a good man with that one!).

The Woowoo received so many wonderful gifts, both from the registry and some off the registry that were handmade. I still can't get over how generous everyone was. I said a few thank you's at the end and got chocked up (something I rarely do). I wasn't sure I wanted to have a shower at all because I knew it wouldn't be the same without my mom. In hindsight, I'm really happy I did. I made sure and let everyone know their generosity and love are the things that made the shower so worth it. Everyone in the room had known my mom so they understood just how appreciative I was. All in all, it was an amazing day!

Enjoying some family time the night before the shower.


Opening gifts at the shower. Some people had the gifts shipped to us and included an image of what they got us.


These are most of the gifts that were shipped to us (not including the ones we actually received AT the shower)!


Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Quick doc appt update

I had my 27 week growth scan, doc appointment and glucose test this morning. All is well with the Woowoo...he is a big boy measuring in the 85th percentile at 2lbs 13oz. Thankfully his head measurements are right back on track. I still think the last time his numbers were so low was because of bad measuring by the tech (whatever the reason, I'm glad we're back to normal now). Anyway, he's flipped himself to head down. He was breech for so long I wasn't sure he would flip. I realize it's likely he'll still flip around for another month or so, but I'm hoping he learns to like this position:)

I won't know the results of the glucose test until tomorrow morning, but fingers crossed I passed. I hadn't eaten anything since last night so I could drink the nasty orange sugar this morning. It took it's toll. I passed out after the growth scan while the tech was having the doctor review the results. Thankfully Hubby was with me and got a nurse and the doc. They rolled me to my left side and put a cold compress on my forehead. I immediately started feeling better. 10 minutes later I was ready to leave and have my blood drawn. I ate immediately after while waiting to see the doc for my appointment. I was still a little shaky but my blood pressure was normal and the Woowoo was doing gymnastics in my belly so I knew all was good. Scary nonetheless since I've never passed out before.

So basically all is good with the baby and with me and I should just keep doing what I'm doing for another 4 weeks until my next growth scan and doc appt.

On another topic, I had a fabulous time visiting family and at my baby shower this weekend. I'll post all about it in the next few days with some new pics. I will say I have one spoiled (and very loved) little boy!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

A celebration weekend

I am very much looking forward to the weekend which, for me, starts at 5pm today. I'm taking tomorrow and Monday off work to travel home to Ohio for one last family visit and my baby shower on Sunday. I know the Woowoo is going to be spoiled rotten. He is a lucky boy to have such wonderful family and friends that he hasn't even met yet!

My other reason for a weekend of celebration is the (almost) completion of my gigantic freelance project. I haven't gone into any detail on this blog - and I won't for fear of boring you - but the project has been going on since early January. It's a 400+ catalog and I've logged well over 200 hours. It's been a mad dash to the finish the last few days, with a couple of sleepless nights, but I'm hoping to send it to the printer tomorrow. WOOHOO!!!! We are almost two weeks past our deadline, but I'm happy that it should be done before the shower. I'll be able to fully relax and enjoy the weekend without work hanging over my head.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Friday, June 3, 2011

A little R & R and new bump pics

Last week, Hubby and I headed out of town for our baby moon. The plan was for lots of rest and relaxation, but in a typical fashion for us it turned into lots of randomness and some relaxation.

We've never been the type of couple to take a long vacation and stay in one place. Some of our typical vacations include spending a few days in Bangkok, Thailand spending a few days on the beach in Koi Samui, Thailand then finishing with time in Hong Kong. On another trip we spent a few days in Queensland, New Zealand moved on to Auckland, New Zealand then finished on the beaches in Fiji. Needless to say, when we vacation we like to mix it up. This baby moon was no exception.

We started in Copenhagen, Denmark (my best friend and her husband live there and have a 4 month old baby) then flew to Miami, Florida and finished on the beaches of Sanibel Island, Florida. I was originally hoping we could go back to St. John in the USVI where we got married, but Hubby wanted easier access to medical care in case something happened to the Woowoo or me while we were gone.

After a couple crazy busy weeks leading up to Friday afternoon we were finally packed and ready to go. Unfortunately we waited too long to get a car service and nothing was available. On a Friday afternoon. In the rain. When we each had a suitcase, computer bag and carry-on. We tried to grab a cab with no luck, so our only option was the subway. Me, 6 months preggo and Hubby with most of the luggage. I almost had a full on melt down when no one (I repeat no one) would help me down the subway stairs with my bags. I sometimes wonder what the hell is wrong with people? Do I need to start wearing a sign that says "I'm pregnant, can you please offer to help me?" But I digress...

We eventually made it to the airport, on the plane and arrived safely in Copenhagen. I was really worried about the long flight and my tendency to airplane swelling so I bought compression socks. Yes, the kind your 80-year old grandmother wears. I didn't care, I wanted to keep the cankles to a minimum. The socks, drinking gallons of water and having to get up and pee every hour definitely helped keep the swelling down. We were greeted at the airport by my friend, her husband (who was born and raised in Denmark) and their baby. It was so great to see all of them. This is the fourth time we've visited them in Denmark so we decided to keep things simple and low-key. Having a 6-month preggo and a 4-month old didn't really bode well for lots of touristy activities. We enjoyed lots of good company and good food with them and got to spend some quality time with their little peanut - it was good practice for what's ahead for us.

While the weather was gorgeous in Copenhagen, I was ready for some beach time, so on Tuesday morning Hubby and I headed back to the airport and flew down to Miami, FL. We had no plans other than to sit by the pool or on the beach and relax. Again I had some swelling from the plane ride, but a wonderful pedicure on Wednesday morning cured that:)

We left Miami Thursday morning and drove the 3 hours across the state to the gulf side and arrived at the cutest little resort on Sanibel Island. It was quiet and intimate yet had all the amenities we wanted (pool, beach, chairs, breakfast!!). We immediately threw on the bathing suits and went pool side. It was H-O-T but the pool was great. I could detail each of the remaining days for you, but they all blurred together because they pretty much consisted of breakfast, beach (lots of reading, some ocean time, some napping), lunch, pool, nap, dinner, bed. It was fantastic:)

Unfortunately we had to return to reality and got back home on Sunday afternoon. We had Monday off for Memorial Day, so it was a good day to get caught up on unpacking, laundry, groceries, etc. And then back to work on Tuesday.

The vacation already feels like it was months ago, but I'm so glad were able to take the time together to get away before everything changes (for the better!). Other than a minor reappearance by the fibroid pain while in Miami, it was a fantastic vacation.

My baby shower is in Ohio next weekend and then we're done traveling until the little man makes his appearance. I can't believe how quickly time is flying by!

I've posted a few baby moon/bump pics...enjoy.