Registering!

After your wedding, the next (and probably only) thing you get to register for is your first baby!
So I had planned on hitting up the stores with the scanner gun in hand, but my plan was derailed...

A colleague and about to be first time parent recommended this book:

(You can buy it on Amazon HERE)



The colleague said that everyone at the store trying to register had this book in one hand and the scanner in the other, trying to find the things that the book recommended.

I told Mike that his job was to read this book and tell me what we should get! He is the money man in the house (as in, he likes to SAVE money). So the very first thing he says is "The book says you shouldn't register in the store, doing it online is much better". OK, so this is his first job as a new dad and he actually DID it, so I can't just ignore his advice. I decide I will try out registering online.

I didn't want too many registries, but I LOVE Amazon so I had to register there; and I knew that I need a "brick and mortar" store as well, so I went with the standard... I got on Babies R Us (BRU) website and started searching for the items that BABY Bargains recommended. Well, half aren't offered at BRU, they only carry specific brands. So I went back and forth between Amazon and BRU websites searching for the Bargains/best value/highest rated items.

So they try to help you with a "Registry Checklist". OK, this thing is beyond overwhelming. At least when you registered for your wedding you were familiar with plates, blankets, glasses- baby stuff is all new. Yes, I have revised my registries about 20 times. I add things then debate if we really need them, and take them off.

And its confusing because all your mom friends and family are giving you advice, but since everyone's baby is different, sometimes the advise conflicts, and having no experience as a mom- I was left even more confused sometimes.

Here are just a few examples for you:

• Rocker/Glider: "I never used one" vs. "You HAVE to have one"
• Bottles: "Dr Browns are a pain to clean, you'll have them" vs. "I would never use anything besides Dr Browns"
• Breast Pump: "You have to register for a breast pump" vs. "You should wait to get a breast pump until the nurses in the hospital can help you select one, plus they are now covered by insurance"
• Co Sleeper: "I don't think my baby would ever sleep in that" vs. "They are excellent!" 

24 Weeks

Baby Girl is the size of an Ear of Corn

OK, so I am now 60% of the way there. This is a BIG DEAL! The baby is now 8.5 inches (that is still crown to rump, curled up measurement): she would be over 12 inches if her legs were stretched out. She weighs approximately 1.5 pounds.

Baby Girl Nursery Inspiration (UPDATE)

So we've moved on from the previous inspiration... this is the real deal-

LAVENDER / SWEET / MODERN / PALE PINK / MIRROR ACCENTS / SKY BLUE

23 Weeks

Baby is the size of a Papaya

I know I look pregnant now because people keep giving up their seats for me on the Metro... I'm finding that my shoes are slowly getting smaller (or is that my feet getting bigger?). It doesn't help that it's been 95+ temps here all week. But I've still managed to go for a 20-30 minute walk every day. Here I am about to head out for my walk today!

A Few of My Favorite Things!

A Few of My Favorite Things! 

Here are a few things that have made life happier, easier and more pleasant during pregnancy:

Trader Joe's MINI Brie Bites
100% pasteurized and 100% delicious

Frozen Broccoli
So easy to throw in the microwave anytime and get your veggies!

Craisins & Raisins
Just leave them in your purse and they are an easy snack anytime you are stuck somewhere without food (or without food that you are able to eat)

Blue Diamond dark chocolate Almonds

I keep a little Rubbermaid container of these in my purse AT ALL TIMES. They have gotten me through numberous too-long meetings and road trips. 

VitaFusion FiberWell Gummies
Get your much needed pregnancy fiber using these delicious bites.

Christian Dior Nail Glow
I am a clear-only nailpolish person and my nails have been growing like crazy lately, this keeps them looking beautiful when I can't help but keep them longer than usual.

Pea In the Pod Bra Extenders
These are the best thing in the world. Enough Said.

Naturalizer & Zappos
Thanks to these two companies I have not had to go to a shoe store and can try on comfortable shoes in the comfort of my own home, with free shipping and returns. I love these guys.

Memory Foam Mattress
We purchased a memory foam mattress from Macy*s right after I got pregnant and I love this thing so much. It makes side sleeping feel great and the only times I wake up is because my bladder is full not because I'm uncomfortable. Sleep is key! The people at Macy*s are very patient and great to work with. (Side Note: If they ask if you want "low profile", measure your current mattress first! We said no at first and ended up with a super tall bed that we had to jump up into- they happily exchanged the box spring for a compact box spring).

Walking!
I have to wear men's shoes because my feet are wide, but I don't care. Walking has kept me sane and even when I am sure I don't want to do it, I end up feeling better. I love walking as long as it's not too hot!

Being Near the Water
I get cold very easily, but also get hot even more easily. I am part reptile. It has been wonderful to be able to enjoy swimming and dips in the water throughout my pregnancy. This has been a great summer!

That's the list for now- I am sure that later in pregnancy I will have new favorite things- I'll keep you all posted!

22 Weeks

Baby Girl is the Size of a Spaghetti Squash

She is typically awake and moving around every night between 11:00-11:30pm. It's so hard to fall asleep until after she does! I can now feel and SEE her moving from the outside. Mike got to feel it for the first time on Saturday night. The kicks or punches are still pretty gentle, I will keep you all updated on how they change!

21 Weeks

Baby Girl is the size of a Banana

I am over the hump and the countdown just gets shorter from here.