Bumpdate: 35 Weeks

• Size of baby: About 19+ inches and about 5.5 lbs. About the size of a honeydew melon. 
• Symptoms: Back pain. Sciatica. Contractions everywhere, even in my thighs! You know, the usual!
• Fetal Movement: Watching her move is like watching a large ping pong ball on crack, I don't know how she's in so many places at once!
• Sleep: I'm getting better sleep than the dead, and logs. And dead logs. That are being sawed. Get the point?
• Cravings: Still eating less, cravings are fleeting. Nausea is to blame I think, and the migraines.
• Best Moment this Week: False labor- not the labor it's self but the reminder to appreciate the moment I'm currently in.
• What I Look Forward To: The relief of not having to worry about when she gets here. That is totally a valid concern now! What I am looking forward to though is the baby shower this weekend, finishing up the crib skirt (a tutu) and all the laundry, and above all purchasing the car seat!!!

No picture yet. I will try to update with one tomorrow. I've been having horrible contractions today and have done as much as possible to keep my butt horizontal and hydrated.

Oh that? Just a Little Pre-Term Labor...

While everyone was kicking back brewskis and standing around the grill this weekend, I was having a fun round of very serious looking preterm labor. I hope you noted the sarcasm there, or at least have enough experience with labor to know how very not fun it is. But I digress....

I had gone in to the hospital for some horrible pains (somewhat reminiscent of labor, hence the concern) in my thighs, groin, lower abdomen and back. At that point I was contracting every 3-4 minutes. For a few hours my local hospital tried to stop the labor through various medications. Not only were they unsuccessful, but managed to risk my life after insisting I take another dose of a muscle relaxant as my blood pressure bottomed out. I'd really like to take a moment to vent on my local hospital's level of care, but that's only slightly less interesting then this!

Anyways, they finally decided to transfer me to a bigger hospital about an hour away. That hospital decided it would be in every one's best interest if I wasn't dead (I agreed), and so they let the labor progress, at that point I was contracting every 2-3 minutes, and beginning to dilate. I was given a low dose of pain killers, and decided to sleep for a bit, because from what I remember, birthing babies is no easy thing. I woke a few hours later to find that the contractions had stopped. Ceased. Disappeared. No more. They ran some tests, poked around under the hood, and then just sent me on my merry way.

Basically S decided that she wasn't as ready as she thought, and plans on giving it at least a few more days. Until then, I'm on as much bed rest as is morally allowed for a mother of one little trouble seeking toddler.

Spur-of-the-Moment Photo Shoot

"Trouble?" You say, "Such a cute little angelic face can cause trouble?" Yes. Trouble. She took it upon herself, in my absence to fight the coffee table at Grandpa's house (though to be fair it's been shooting her dirty looks, a real oak instigator, that one). I  think she was looking for a way to get to the hospital, to see her Mama. When it was time for me to go home, she arrived with her grandpa and jumped into my arms, then rested her little head on my shoulder and sighed. I just barely caught sight of the bloody band aid on her forehead, but when I took a better look I was practically off and running (okay high speed waddling) toward the ER again. Luckily, some very sweet L&D nurses talked me down, and helped me clean her up, just in time for me to properly harass my father on why the poor child wasn't wearing pants (she had an accident). I swear, the world falls apart with out me.

On a serious note though, this weekend's event made me truly realize that my little girl won't be the little one much longer. And it kills me to know that. It kills me to know that soon I won't be her absolute everything, and soon we'll have to share each other with someone else.

But then I realize, soon we get to have something else to share with each other. Soon I'll be showing K how a newborn's nose can scrunch into the cutest little ridges, and sharing the joy of those first gazes, giggles and grins. And soon I'll be introducing S to her amazing big sister, the person I breathe for, the first face I have to see for the day to even matter.

Above all, soon all the joy and the bliss and the happiness that is my life will double. Along with it will come twice as much stress, and fear of course, but it's a small shadow in the high noon that is my life right now.

P.S.  Now I have to repack my hospital bag! Really debating packing two... one for false labor, one for real labor, but seeing as my crystal ball is in the shop, I probably won't know the difference and should just keep it down to one. My OCD is disappointed.

The Hospital Bag

I have this giant Andy Warhol tote that I adore. It's been perfect as a emergency gym bag, as a day trip bag, beach bag and even a camping bag. But my favorite use for it thus far has been as my Hospital Bag. I used it when K was born, it held my laptop, my lucky pj pants, a going home outfit for me, a pair of Uggs, two going home outfits for K, and her blanket, my shower kit, my hand held breast pump and a bunch of other random things I never used.

I can't even remember now the other stuff I packed. Except for socks and my robe. I bought special socks for this special occasion that matched a special robe that I bought for the special occasion. I packed the super fluffy robe and special socks. I never once took them out or used them. I remember looking at them post birth, while sweating away 15 lbs, wondering why in the hell I'd want to layer up at a time like this. It was also mid December, in the middle of a cold snap.

Funny how those little things are over looked when talking to soon to be moms. No one mentioned to me that I'd be sweating hard enough after birth that one could assume I was practically going through menopause in the Sahara.  

PSA: Hormonal detox is nothing to just skip over ladies. Do your part, and fully inform the next generation of the entire birthing process. Moms don't let new Moms freak out unnecessarily for to long, no matter how funny it is.

Anyways, now with some experience under my belt here's my list. Now bare in mind I'm you're favorite neurotic mama, so realize how hard it is for me to not plan for every contingency, but keep it to simple necessities.

The "Pretty Me" Stuff: 
It's all contained in this pretty green and purple make up bag, because I'm all about organization remember? Going counter clockwise:

• Arbonne Face Kit: Scrub, toner, wash and face lotion
• Tooth Brush & Tooth Paste
• Hair Stuffs: Comb, Bobby Pins, Head Band, Hair Tie, "Clippy"
• Chapstick: EOS brand, lemon flavored. LOVE this stuff, better than crack- not that I would know.
• Jewelry pouch: So I can easily keep track of my rings and necklace! 
• XL-With-Wings-Overnight-Pads: For the trip home, in case this new hospital has crap not worth hijacking. 
• Shower stuffs: Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, Deodorant, Loofa and Lotion

The "Dress Me" Stuff:
When packing I've been taught to keep with a consistent color code so it's easier to mix and match as needed. This is basically it, minus one more tank top and a pair of maternity jeans.

• Striped "Lucky" PJ Pants 
• Blue Dress: With K I wore a dress over some yoga pants home. I plan on doing the same with maternity jeans, unless it's exceptionally hot or I have a C-Section.
• 4 Tank Tops: 2 with built in bras, and 2 thicker ones to throw on in case of company. Don't want to put an eye out.
• XL Panties: For going home. Nuff said.
• Socks: Because this time, I very well may change my mind. 
• Not pictured: A sweater and shoes! I'll hopefully be wearing some slip ons when I go in, in case they're to tight or ruined (ick amniotic fluid) I'll have a pair of flip flops packed, and if I'm as swollen as I was last time, I always have the option of sending someone to my home for slippers! Basically the same applies for a sweater. 

The "K2" Stuff:  First, I know that is not a real boppy, but it's the same concept, except more comfortable, I love it. Second, no that is not going int the bag, obviously it will not fit. 

•  S's going home outfit(s) One in newborn and one in preemie sizes. K came home swimming in a newborn outfit, we had to go out the next day and buy her some clothes to wear for those first two weeks! Also included are Hats and Booties
• "Boppy"
• Formula some people will tell you to not even let formula into your house if you plan on breast feeding. To each their own. But based on my decision and my experience, I rather have it on hand. With K she lost so much weight the first few days that they simply stuck a bottle in her mouth without asking, if S is going to be bottle fed I rather start her off with the exact bottle and formula I wish to use, rather then having to adjust her to it a few days later.
• Not shown: Blanket, Car Seat, Bottle. Blanket and car seat are to be kept in the car until time to go. Bottle isn't in there because, well, I haven't bought any yet! 

The "Last Minute" Stuff: Basically the stuff I use to consistently to pack away already. There's no picture because I'm using it. Some of it as we speak!

• Laptop & Charger
• Phone Charger 

Along with these things I'll have a towel and a trash bag set out next to my bag just in case my water breaks and I end up having some one random driving me to the hospital. I may put a spare dress with that stuff too, so I can change into something dry before the drive.

Well there you have it folks, my hospital bag. Want to know the best part? It all fits very nicely with plenty of space to spare. Space that is perfect for stealing all those hospital goodies you hear about.

Tell me, what's in your bag? And what do you plan on leaving room for?

Oh and this just in now you can Follow my blog with Bloglovin!

Little Less List-less

About a week and a half ago, I checked in with a neurotic list of lists that I still had yet to make (and then of course accomplish) for S's imminent arrival. I've been working on the lists themselves, and accomplishing them but still feeling incredibly inefficient! So I'm returning to my original list of lists to do a sort of inventory on my accomplishments in the past ten days (ten? Already??):

• Hospital Bag Checklist- List is finished, bag is almost packed. All that's left to do is put everything in the car, and have what needs to be grabbed last minute in an orderly area.
• K's Overnight Bag Checklist- The list has been made, but the packing has yet to be accomplished. This weekend I plan on cleaning the bag, and packing up the appropriate items, then printing the clothing list and keeping it by her bedroom door so I can toss it together last minute if need be. Grandpa will also have a copy of the list along with a copy of the house keys so he can toss it together if push comes to shove. For simplicities sake I need to organize the drawer into outfits so no one has to do much thinking when the time comes. Just grab and go.
• Diaper Bag Checklist- Another one where the list has been made, but the bag has yet to be packed. But seeing as I won't have my dream bag in my hands until the second of June, I can totally blame this lack of advancement on that. 
• Things That Still Need to be Washed Checklist- Another one that I can't really accomplish until after the baby shower. Everything that can be washed though, has by now.
• Important Paperwork Checklist- Basically this was just Emergency Care Authorizations and copies of insurance information for all of K's possible sitters for the next couple of months.
• Bill Pay Checklist- Knowing my luck I'll go into labor on the second, and all my bills are due on the third. Just in case I can't pay them myself, I've written down all the explicit instructions, pins and pass codes to my bill pay information and handed them over to my father. Now as long as I don't go into labor on the 3rd, we should be alright. If I do, I think I'll pay my bills before going to the hospital....
• Important Purchases Before S Comes Checklist- The list is made (and ever changing) and slowly being accomplished.
• Important Things to do Before S Comes Checklist- Another list that is ever changing, but made and being accomplished, the majority of what's left will be accomplished this weekend in fact! 

When I review this, I realize that really I've done basically all I can do for now. Which explains why I'm so obsessed with what I'm currently unable to do, like purchasing a car seat.

Yes, despite all my planning I do not have a car seat. I planned on reusing K's infant carrier, but being the worrier that I am, I went ahead and checked for recalls and yes, it had in fact been recalled. Of course I didn't check until half way through this month when immediately replacing it was financially impossible. I decided I'd use the time between checks to thoroughly research which car seat would be best for us, and I really think I found the perfect one. But I can't justify spending that much on a car seat!

So instead I began plotting how to replace the previous carrier in an affordable fashion and I came down to 2 courses of action. I could wait until Babies R Us had their semi annual trade in event, where I could use the old carrier to get 25% off the new one (and simultaneously get rid of the old one!), I could wait until after my baby shower, and then return all of the excess for store credit to use on the carrier.

Unfortunately both plans contain my Kryptonite: Waiting. When you look over my list of lists (and the lists with in it) you may notice that half of them involve some amount of waiting still. A lot of things are dependent on my baby shower being over, and as my baby shower is only a few days before my newest due date*, that leaves me with very little time to get quite a bit done. So, yeah I'm stressed!

I had been combing Craigslist in the even that I would come across a carrier that I liked better, for a better price. Then it just became about a better price, because the peace of mind of having one now is well worth not getting exactly what I want. And I'm happy to say I found one! I found a great one, for a great price. I've been emailing the owner and at this point the only concern is if it's expired. The brand's website says their carriers expire five years after the date manufactured. The owner was surprised that they do expire, and doesn't remember what year she bought it, both of which aren't particularly positive signs. She said she'll check and let me know.  So again I wait.

Seems like lately I can't catch a break!

Happy Birthday Mama!

Today's my birthday! I'm 20 something! We did nothing special at all to celebrate, and it was perfect.

Bumpdate: 34 Weeks

• Size of baby: About 18.5 inches and about 4.75 lbs. About the size of a pineapple. 
• Symptoms: Back pain, and Sciatica, random throwing up in my mouth. Pain! Pain! Pain! And contractions!!
• Fetal Movement: Well, despite not having enough room, she's been very active. Her new favorite move is burrowing....
• Sleep: It is almost impossible to get to sleep at night, then I just can't get enough. But I've stopped waking up 30+ times a night, now usually once or twice.
• Cravings: I've actually found myself eating less. I really wanted sweet and sour chicken from the new Thai place down the street, but barely ate any of it. I did gorge on some popcorn shrimp from red lobster this week too. Typically something sounds good, but the idea is fleeting.
• Best Moment this Week: I had an ultrasound this week! Because of all the fluid (see below for full update) the picture was a lot clearer, and I was able to watch S suck on her fingers, yawn and rub her face. It was probably as close as I've ever gotten to crying during an ultrasound!
• What I Look Forward To: The relief of not having to worry about when she gets here.  Still applies.

General Baby Update:

Last week at my ultrasound appointment the doctor mentioned that I was measuring small. I wasn't to concerned because the same thing happened with K, and I was feeling so incredibly cramped that there was no doubt S was measuring fine. And this week that was confirmed, S is right on point, and sitting very low, ready to go as soon as the gates open, if you will. The reason I'm feeling so cramped however is an excess of amniotic fluids. I'm right on the cusp of the "uh-oh" zone, and when you reach the uh-oh zone there's a chance of Preterm Labor (PTL). As I have a history of PTL this is a little concerning, but not enough to rush to see the doctor. 

I go in Monday to discuss this and my pain management issues with him. I've been struggling with horrible back pain for most of my pregnancy, the doctor has recommended a support belt and seeing a chiropractor which really helped up until recently.

About two weeks ago I went to the Labor and Delivery department of the local hospital for a non-stress test, as it was noon and S was refusing to move. They woke the little spitfire right up and all was well, but in her jubilation she managed to thoroughly upset my back, as had been happening more and more recently. The nurses were concerned about the stress of me being in so much pain, and how it would effect S, so they sent me immediately to the ER for pain management. There they prescribed me a big needle in my hip full of some heady concoction, and a prescription for an oral version of the stuff. I am not fond of narcotics, but as I've been struggling to get daily tasks done as is, and at the end of my rope emotionally because of it, I figured it should be considered. At my last appointment I discussed the risks with the OB and basically it boiled down to this: I have to do what I have to do to get buy and take care of K too. So I'm taking it as easy as is realistically possible, while also taking very limited doses of a heady narcotic. 

As the back issue isn't directly baby related (it's a previous injury that's being aggravated by S's growth and movement) I had to follow up with a primary care doctor today. She looked over my history, heard out my current symptoms then took a look first at my back then at my belly and declared she'd give me a two week refill because apparently I'm going to go into labor any day now by the looks of things. My OB has consistently been of the opinion that I won't make it much more then 37 weeks. 

With K I went in for an induction at 39 due to high blood pressure. But the only reason I made it to 39 weeks was because I was on bed rest for 30 weeks and I was taking preventative medications. Obviously this time bed rest really isn't an option with K terrorizing the place, and I've very stubbornly refused the medications as it made me absolutely psychotic last time. My blood pressure has been moving up this pregnancy at a pretty consistent pace, and should be reaching the point of concern at 37 weeks, but ironically the narcotic has a side effect of lowering blood pressure. 

Taking all these factors in to account I'd say we have about 2.5 weeks left! Unfortunately I made a promise to myself last night that I would not go into freak out mode until the 1st.... So... if anyone asks I'm not freaking out.

17 Months!

Monthly Survey

Age 
17 Months!

Stats

• Weight: 21 pounds as of 5/8
• Height: 29 inches as of 5/8
• Clothes Size: 18 months-2T 
• Diaper Size: 5
• Hair Color: Brownish Blond 

Milestones

• Teeth: 6 on top (2 of which are molars), 3 on bottom (1 of which is a molar), cutting two canines and 1 more bottom molar as well!
• Vocab: Growing by leaps and bounds. Recently added: Happy, Yummy, Bubbie (her cousin's nickname), Dean (as in Papa Dean), Thank You, Star, Bunny, Duck, Look, I See You, Help.
• Body Language: Tries to cover mouth when eating, expresses frustration.

Loves
Toys: Still loves playing with balls, her stuffed bear chair, and anything she can climb.
Books: "You are my I Love You" is still the favorite.
Songs: Bingo, still.
Other: Running! Taking things out of places and putting them back. Mommy, all the time we need Mommy!! And raw onions? So strange....

Hates 
Being told no, cutting teeth. Being away from Mommy.

Sleep
12 hours a night, 2-4 hours during the day. She still hasn't settled on one or two naps a day.

Things We're Looking Forward to
Mommy's Birthday, Family BBQ Chili Cook-off, and K2 coming!

How I Like Motherhood
Likes: Cuddling with K1, hearing her say new words, and watching her face light up when I actually understand what she's saying.
Dislikes: This whole teething misery, constantly having to pick up K1, and hold or carry her at all times in public so she doesn't have a melt down, the mini heart attacks I have whenever she starts to climb something to tall.

Bumpdate: 33 Weeks

• Size of baby: About 18 inches and about 4.3 lbs. About the size of a pineapple. 
• Symptoms: Back pain, and Sciatica! Breathlessness, and insane thirst.
• Fetal Movement: Still generally limited, She must just not have enough room any more.
• Sleep: Sleeping great, once I actually go to sleep that is! My brain is chattering away with all the things I have to do before S gets here!
• Cravings: Nothing to special this week.
• Best Moment this Week: Spending time with my brother, watching him interact with K.
• What I Look Forward To: The relief of not having to worry about when she gets here.

The Breast Choice?

In the back of my mind I've been tossing an idea around for a few weeks now. Breast feeding vs. Formula feeding. I didn't feel comfortable even acknowledging planned formula feeding as a possibility until Erica from Mi Todo was featured on another blog discussing her personal decision.

Erica is a woman I can respect, perhaps even more fully now, because of her drive. She knows what she wants and strives for it. She honestly works for what she wants. I know so many people these days who if they can't do it, they won't try, and will even most likely belittle whatever the subject is to validate their own feelings. Weak.

When I first saw that Erica was formula feeding I felt like I could relate- with Miss K I was unable to breastfeed, despite numerous Lactation Specialists and consultations and gadgets, anatomically K and I weren't matching up. Later I read that she was formula feeding by choice. My first thoughts of course were of the generic judgemental "Breast is best" variety.

Secretly that was envy. Because today society tells mothers that you're not doing the best by your child if you don't breast feed.  That you don't love your child because you're not providing the best nourishment.

I pumped with K, for 6 months. I suffered from sleep deprivation and hormone induced migraines, I forgot to eat, I didn't leave the house or have any human contact, I coveted breast milk, I resented my child. All because breast was best. And after all that work I was still being looked down on, and still receiving snide remarks because I CHOSE to pump rather then suffer more emotional damage (I had severe post partum depression) by consistently struggling for a latch and being rejected by a newborn. I was looked down on because I wasn't giving my child the physical contact that was so important according to "Their" standards.

So I co-slept and ended up loosing my bed, my haven, for the next year in order to make up for it. I made so many sacrifices because of the "Breast is Best" campaign. Please don't misunderstand I would gladly make all those sacrifices again, and more, a million times over for my precious girl. But the hours I spent away from her in the ER with horrible crippling migraines, the time I spent angry, hiding and resentful of her, the times I cried and hated myself... those times could have been better spent cherishing and loving my little newborn.

Now that Miss S's arrival is nearing I'm starting to wonder if I can do all that anger and hate and resentful sacrifice again, with a toddler on top of it. In my mind it boils down to "Breast is Best" vs. Love. Is breast feeding really worth being an angry resentful parent? I rather give my girls all my love and devotion and formula feed than risk emotional damage to them or myself. I rather not miss out on cherishing what little time we have together in these younger years. Breast may be best, but is it best for our family, and for me? I'm not so sure.

If that makes me a bad parent, so be it.

I plan on attempting to breast feed with S, and if she can't latch then I plan on formula feeding. And that is okay. Either way, I look forward to the peace of mind of knowing my child is fed, rather then worrying if I can feed her "naturally." I look forward to loving her, cherishing her, and sharing her and her joy with her sister. I don't have to live in fear of breast feeding, I don't have to live in dread, because I know no matter what happens, I have the experience and knowledge to parent my girls fully with love. And I sincerely believe that that is what's best.

K's Overnight Bag

K will be away from me for 2 whole nights minimum when S is born. She'll be spending the time at her Grandpa's but, being the Nervous Nelly that I am, I've planned for the possibility that it may be up to 5 nights.

If it does come to that, K may not be able to spend the whole time with her Grandpa (well the man has a job and life of his own!) and may have to go spend time with one of her Grandmas or Aunties. So there are actually 6 copies of the Emergency Care Authorizations, 6 copies of the Basic Care Instructions, and 6 copies of her insurance/medical information. Neurotic? Possibly. Strangely Calming? Certainly.

The Overnight Bag
    To Pack Ahead of Time:

• Bath Stuff Bodywash/shampoo, wash cloth, towel, detangler, spare comb, spare nail clippers, lotion, Q-tips.
  
• Diapers
• Wipes
• Jacket
• Socks
• 4 Shirts, 2 pairs of pants.
• PJs 
• Copies of Emergency Care Authorizations.

     To Add Last Minute:

• Sound Machine
• Tooth Brush and Tooth Paste
• Medications, Tylenol. 
• Basic Care Instructions. 

The 2 under 2 Diaper Bag

If you're not hip with the slang 2 under 2 means two children under the age of two.

Even to the ears of a naive non-parent, this may sound "a little stressful." Understatements like "Overwhelming" or "Complicated" may spring to their minds. To anyone who has parented a single child under the age of two, especially recently, this may sound like a death wish, especially when you consider that I will be a stay at home mom to these two girls.

To those parents who have gone off the deep end before me, I salute you. To those who have a glimmer of understanding, I cherish you. And to those who have no real idea why I'm making such a big deal over this... Want to babysit?

Fact of the matter is going from single self sufficient entity to mommy-hood is a complete mind melt. Suddenly you're responsible for every little need of another life. The idea in it's complexity alone is hard to grasp, once you start looking at the subtleties of the matter it will very well near deter you from reproduction all together.

Anyone who is a parent understands the foresight required for just a simple park trip. let alone a devil-may-care errand running spree, or delightful "afternoon out and about." The light terms may fool you, don't let them. Each requires special packing. First aid kit and weather preparation gear for the park, sanitation and cushioning for the carts at the store, not to mention your coupons and list (pff, like anyone still uses those)! And a vague jaunt? That requires extra diapers, feeding utensils, table mats and snacks, a possible change of clothes, sanitation and first aid gear, cushioning for any high chairs or carts, possibly a safety harness for your little sprinter, and heaven forbid you forget entertainment for the little hellion.

I'll be the first to admit I refuse to leave my house more then once a day with Miss K as it is, and if I do there's been at least a day worth of preparation done. Spur of the moment is more of an hour long ordeal. And to try to do so with two? I've spent months planning on how I will get through a simple hour long excursion with both the girls. What the plan boils down to is diversion tactics and self sufficiency skills for K while S is awake. Self Sufficiency we've been working on, and despite the recent clingy stage, K is really good with it. But because of the same clingy stage, diversion doesn't go over well. K wants Mommy to be completely involved. So that's where a "new and exciting" factor will have to come in. But more on that later, I'll cease my ramblings now and just give you the list.

The Diaper Bag

• A receiving blanket- Great putting over a dirty surface for a diaper change, a bib, a burp rag, a peekaboo tool, a cape....
• Extra Outfits- stored in labeled freezer ziploc bags, seasonally specific.
• Formula for S (if needed) & Brita Filter Bottle
• Snacks- best kept in a separate compartment or bag, for easy tossing to the wolves.
• SkipHop Changing Pad (Diapers, wipes, butt cream)
• Toys- ziploc freezer bag of small entertaining toys, in reality I have 4 of these bags, and will rotate them weekly or as needed to maintain optimal distracting capabilities.
• Dirty Diaper Bags- I was given these, otherwise I'd just use regular grocery bags. They're great for dirty diapers if you're not near an acceptable trash can, and for dirty clothes!
• Hand Sanitizer
• Mini First Aid Kit (thermometer, orajel, tiny notebook to keep track of times meds were given, temps, etc)- also kept in a small make up/pencil bag type of container.
• Binkies!
• Lysol Wipes
• Medical information for ALL OF US, laminated.
• Hair Stuff- comb, hairties, clips, mini detangler spray, kept in separate compartment or bag as well.

& Mommy Stuff Things that will be in a separate compartment in the diaper bag. Ideally I would put all these things in a cute clutch inside the diaper bag, so when I abandoned my children with some bewildered friend, I could grab and go. Realistically I know that the cute clutch would get destroyed so I might as well accept a decent looking XL make up bag instead.

• Keys
• Chapstick
• Wallet
• Sunglasses
• Feminine Products
• Make Up "Spruce" kit- Mascara and pale eyeshadow for more awake looking eyes
• "Mommy's Medicine Cabinet"- tylenol and ibprofen for on the go why did I have children headaches.
• Protein Bar- because I never remember to eat. 

As you can see there's a lot of compartmentalizing in this circus. My reasons are twofold for this, the first obviously being organization, the second is simply that if a zipper takes up .5 more seconds of K's attention I'm for it. Different materials and patterns on the bags are great for entertaining the infant class as well, so tool or toy you be the judge.

I call it a little peace of mind.

List-less

I'm so busy tonight, so overwhelmed. My brother is visiting so we spent the evening with him, then came home and Miss K went to bed and I began to nest. Except I'm on limited bed rest technically so most the nesting was done on the computer. I typed up the emergency care authorization forms and baby sitter instructions for Miss K when I'm in labor with Miss S. Then I checked on the status of our infant carrier, something I have been dreading. And yes, it has expired. So after much research I added a new one to my registry and am now anxiously awaiting BRU's next safety trade in special.

To wrap the whole night up I made a list of the lists I still need to make:

• Hospital Bag Checklist
• K's Overnight Bag Checklist
• Diaper Bag Checklist
• Things That Still Need to be Washed Checklist
• Important Paperwork Checklist
• Bill Pay Checklist
• Important Purchases Before S Comes Checklist
• Important Things to do Before S Comes Checklist

And I'm probably forgetting something. Oh well. I'll link up to those lists once I've finished making them, and posting about them! Until then this Mama of 1.5 needs some sleep!

Bumpdate: 32 Weeks

• Size of baby: About 17 inches and about 4 lbs. About the size of a jicama. 
• Symptoms: Back pain, and Sciatica! Breathlessness, heartburn, peeing more and finding it harder to get up off the floor now. 
• Fetal Movement: Limited today, I think she's growing again, or she's really run out of space. Today I didn't feel her move until almost 2 pm. I went into L&D for a non stress test, and they finally managed to wake her up. When she did wake up she went straight to her MO: painful jabs. I've never related pain to my children moving inside me before, but this kid is killing me! I've also never had such an active baby! I'm scared....
• Sleep: If I could get to bed at a decent enough hour, and K1 would let me sleep in by an extra 30 minutes it would be great.
• Cravings: Spaghetti noodles tossed in olive oil, some parm and some creole seasoning. Sourdough bread. Water. And of course still needing those weekly Dr. Pepper Slurpies and occasional tins of Wintergreen Altoids.
• Best Moment this Week: Mother's day gift shopping. I know it sounds a little vain, possibly tacky, but I'm so happy to have my new 10 dollar throw pillows on the couch. Plus it was nice to be up and about, moving around, and dealing with the clingy K1 (she's going through an attachment phase).
• What I Look Forward To: The baby shower, finally getting my hands on my new diaperbag, and meeting K2 of course!

Oh Baby To Do's: This weekend I started washing K2's clothes in the baby detergent. I also got a few blankets and the ring sling in there as well, After the baby shower I'll do some more laundering and will include the bouncer lining. I also have to clean the car seat, boppy and swing at that time,

I also need to clean and polish the crib, pack a hospital bag, and clean the room up.

In other news... K1 will be 17 months this week, come Friday. Keep an eye out for the update!

What's in a Day?

Since in a few short weeks K2 will be disrupting our routine, I figured I ought to write down what exactly K1 and I do currently to keep content and happy.

7:30 AM: Mommy wakes up, pours K1's sippy cup of milk and sets it by the medicine cabinet, makes a bowl of cereal, sits down and logs on to check her mail, and social networks. Sometimes K1 is already awake at this point, but she continues to play quietly in her room for a bit longer.
8:00 AM: I go to wake up K1, who sweetly waves, hands over her binky and drunkenly rushes out of her room toward the sippy cup waiting on the counter. I administer vitamins and hand over the cup. We sit down for another bowl of cereal, and some play time until
9:00 AM: Shower time! K1 and I head to the bathroom, brush our teeth, and hop in the shower (the current apartment doesn't have a tub). K1 sits on the shower floor splashing until I'm done with my routine, then K1 starts her routine (Splashing while Mommy soaps her up). Play time for a few more minutes, then the water is shut off. K1 splashes some more while I gets dried off and dressed, then K1 gets dried off then whisked off to her room for a lotion massage, hair combing (and detangling), nail clipping, ear cleaning, clean clothes and a fresh diaper. The binky is returned to her and she quietly plays by herself for the next 30 minutes to an hour while I clean up the bathroom.
10:30 AM to 11:00 AM: Then it's nap time! K1 hasn't quite figured out if she wants 1 nap a day right now or 2. This week we have some serious teething going on so it's been 2. If she falls asleep at 10:30 she'll sleep until 11:30 or Noon. But this week she's been falling asleep at 11 and sleeping until 1 or 2, which is fine by this ridiculously pregnant Mommy!
Noon: If K1 is awake at this point we'll usually eat lunch, and do some chores (by that I mean she continues to eat, or make messes while I do chores). Then play until around 1:30-2.
1:30-2:00 PM: Lately this has been the time we start getting ready to head out the door for one appointment or another. Mommy has the doctor, WIC, therapies, and the chiropractor. Kelly has doctors and dentists appointments. If we have no appointments, or grocery shopping to do we'll go for a quick walk usually to the nearby farmers market, or local art gallery. Usually we can only do that once or twice a week with all those appointments, we're typically done and home between 3:30-4.
3:30-4:00 PM: This is the time K1 goes down for her second nap. While she sleeps I relax for a little then get dinner started. By the time she's up we're ready to eat.
5:00-5:30 PM: Some days (Mondays and Thursdays) K1 goes to her grandparent's house for dinner. I typically have her dinner boxed up and ready to go with her. Other days we'll eat together then go for another walk to a friends house for some play time until about 7, 7:30.
7:30-8:30 PM: Is the bedtime range for K1. We brush our teeth then get K1 dressed for bed and tucked in. There's a quick bed time story and prayer, then lights out! Except for the nightlight/sound machine of course. Sometimes K1 doesn't want to crash right away, but she's usually good about staying in her bed and chattering to herself until she falls asleep. If silence has reached the room by 8:00 I usually have to go in and reemphasize the fact that it's bed time. I use the down time to relax, clean up a bit and check the email and social networks again, or sometimes blog!
9:00 PM: By this point I'll have checked the local weather forecast for the next day, and will now sneak in to K1's room to set out her clothes for the next day. Then I'll set out my outfit in the bathroom, and prep our afternoon smoothie and dinner stuffs for the next day. I'll do any last tidying around the house, whatever nesting "needs" to be done, and then get ready for bed after checking on K1 (and the door locks) one last time. I try to be in bed by 10. It's been more like 11 lately between last minute snacks, pee trips and "Oh this can be cleaned up real quick" pantry reorganizing sessions. I mentioned I'm in nesting mode right?

Fridays-Sundays are the exceptions. Fridays the afternoon has a lot more solo play time for K1 as it's usually the day where we don't have any appointments, giving me a chance to do a thorough cleaning. Saturdays we do laundry and spend time with the grandparents. Sundays we have church in the AM so naps are postponed until late afternoon.

Honestly it doesn't feel like we do much, and I'm often feeling like K1 isn't being stimulated or challenged, as if she spends to much time playing alone or napping and I'm just being lazy. But I have to remember the entire reason we started the quite solo play time thing was so she could learn some independence before K2 came. When K2 gets here it'll be a whole different ballpark, and I'm sure I'll be longing for the days where it felt like I spent a little to much time sitting around.

A Brief Introduction

Of our delightful Kast and Krew (with Ks? get it?).

First off there is Miss K:
Miss K the first is commonly known as Miss K, K-Beans, or simply K1.
Current Age: 16 Months and 3 weeks. 
Loves: Balls, Babies, Doggies, Grandpa, when mommy plays monster, splashing in the shower, cuddling, food, standing on the couch.
Hates: Leaving mommy, nap time, being told what to do, loud or startling noises, not being allowed to stand on the couch.
Says: Baby, sissy, banana, please, no, more, mommy, yummy, doggie, grandpa, jackie, hi, bye, hey you, oh, ball, shoes, balloon, hot, cracker, car, boo, moo, woof.
She can identify: People, dogs barking, the heater and microwave noises (hot), places where she saw dogs, fire, babies, lips, eyes, ears, hair, and nose.
Developmentally: Dances, claps, high fives, runs, kicks, throws, hugs (sometimes), kisses, blows kisses, waves hello and bye, understands and is sometimes successful with eating utensils, jumps, flushes the toilet, tries to wipe herself, communicates bodily functions, climbs couches, chairs and low tables, colors, drinks from a straw, pets animals gently, throws away trash, retrieves items (shoes, books, ball, etc) when asked, puts things away when asked, holds hand when asked.

K1 is an awesome little girl, she lights up the room no matter what her attitude is, and makes my heart so very happy.

Secondly there is the other Miss K:
Miss K the second is commonly known as Miss S, Sid, or simply K2.
Current Gestation: 31 weeks.
Loves: Fruit, cuddling mommy's hip bone, getting into slap fights with K1.
Hates: Iron Supplements (she immediately evicts them, and who could blame her).
Says: Very little.
Can Identify: Her sister's voice.
Developmentally: Not a lot going on, gaining some weight, enjoying the space while she still has it.

K2 so far seems to be a little hellion, but then again, so did her big sister at this point. I'm excited to be so close to meeting her, and dreading it at the same time.

Finally there's me! Mommy:
Mommy is commonly known as Sam, Mommy, or simply "Hey you!"
Current Age: None ya business.
Loves: K1, K2, and everything to do with them. Saving money, cooking, and "Getting Green."
Hates: Chores, and whining.
Says: Horrible things like "No!" and "Not yours." and some other highly opinionated, rude things while in the infrequent company of adults.
Can Identify: Poopy diapers, and no-good-doers.
Developmentally: Uh?

And that's the crackpot entertainment team you'll find here. I'm going to try to post frequently enough as a sort of record on how our family grew by one more. Hopefully you'll enjoy the ride!