August 31st, 2010

Today marks the ends of my "official countdown." 10 whole weeks and 70 full days of marking X's and updating numbers......

It's pretty odd when you are walking down the street and someone asks you when you are due and your response is "today!" Okay little dude....you can come anytime now!

Quote of the Day

"The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it."

                -Arnold H. Glasgow

Nursery Tour

We've had the little man's "nursery" (a.k.a. one large corner of our room) ready for quite some time now. I am very, very happy with how wonderful it all looks. Now, all we need is our little love bundle to occupy this space.

Feeling so loved...

Like I said before, when it comes to babies, people are so kind and generous. The packages haven't stopped rolling in. Not only the kind gifts, but all the messages, calls and emails. I really feel so truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. I can't wait to share this little bug with all of you!

Check out the beautiful gifts sent to me from an old group of teammates at Nielsen:

And.....how adorable are these dino shoes? Thank you, Auntie Diana. With all the dino gear we have stored up, he is bound to be a RAWR supporter.

Lindsey...otherwise known as...Suzy Homemaker

When my very sweet and generous neighbor gave me her rocking chair a few weeks back, I decided it needed some sprucing up. I have to brag a little bit because I think it looks FABULOUS! I repainted the chair white to match our furniture and made cool green cushion covers. Scroll down to see the original chair in my post titled, "When it comes to babies".......

looks pretty damn good if I do say so myself!

Holy Crap!

I'm not going to get too far ahead of myself....but holy crap, I am 3 centimeters dilated and 75% effaced! Meaning....this little baby boy and my body are doing their jobs and getting ready! I am still 13 days away from my new due date and I very well may not have this baby for 13 days or more..........but, I AM 3 CENTIMETERS DILATED! 

We went for a doctors appointment yesterday where I thought for sure they were going to start checking my cervix. Much to my surprise the nurse told me they do not routinely do that anymore...I was instantly sad and she noticed. She asked if we would like to have one anyways and of course I said yes (I know that sounds strange). So, the doctors comes in and explains that first time mama's usually go over their due date and yada yada yada....He was setting me up so I wouldn't be disappointment when he said, nope, things are still normal down here. But that is not what he said at all. I think he was even a little surprised by the early progress!

So, with 1,001 thoughts in my head and 2,001 things I want to get done.....I'm trying to do like everyone tells me and rest and relax. Not really, I'm running around like a crazy person trying to get my hospital bags packed, the doggies overnight bag packed, the floors swept, etc. etc. We may be having a baby today or in 2 weeks.......Either way, our little person will be here SOON! 

The Birth Plan.

During the first few months after we found out were going to have a BABY (our very own little person!!!) the excitement feeling stuck around and never left but a new feeling snuck around the corner…the feeling of fear for the labor and delivery portion.


I spent the entire first half of pregnancy putting off those feelings and just kept thinking, “I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.” Well, 7 months rolled around and the reality of labor began settling in. It was never a question in my mind, I always just thought, Oh, I’ll get the epidural and never look back. I didn’t even give natural childbirth a second of consideration.


I’m not exactly sure what inclined me to start researching childbirth, the process, all the interventions that can take place, etc., but one morning I woke up determined to be become more educated.


It all started with my research on doulas. I’m not even sure if I knew what a doula was at that point, but I quickly came to the conclusion, I HAVE to have one of these doula things. I set out in my 32 weeks of pregnancy to find the right doula for Dave and I. I wanted to find someone that respected MY birth plan and wasn’t pushy about her own beliefs, ideas on childbirth, etc. And, to my surprise, I found exactly that. Dave and I hired a doula in our 33^rd week of pregnancy and from the start she brought reassurance and confidence that we were going to have a magical birth.


After meeting Sarah (our doula), I delved into research trying to create my own birth plan. I needed to consider things like, do we want our baby continuously monitored throughout my labor and delivery, do we want the ability to try as many positions for comfort, do we want IV lines hooked up throughout my entire delivery, and the dooming question of all, do I want drugs readily available?


There was a lot to think about, but before I made my decisions, I thought it best to understand what they all meant. I’m not going to lie, I’ve probably gone a bit overboard with all research, ordering books, etc. But in the end, I have made some very important, educated decisions that I feel confident in.


It became quickly apparent to me that I hadn’t even given myself a shot; a chance at delivering this baby au’ natural. I wasn’t even allowing my body or my mind a fair shot. Hence, my new goal for the delivery of our son.


I started to read journal entries, books, and blogs all about woman who have experienced a natural birth. No longer was it about the agonizing and scary process, but it was about a beautiful and empowering event. It was these stories that gave me the confidence to even think for a nano second, “hey, maybe I can give this a shot.”


Any method with which a woman chooses to deliver takes courage, focus, and is a huge physical experience. I don’t want to feel pain anymore than the next girl, but as I began to fully understand how my body would deliver a baby and the history of maternity care in our country, I developed my own set of ideas and beliefs in the process.


Even with all of the preparations I am doing, there is a possibility that we will still require medical intervention. I’m not against getting an epidural if I have done everything within my power to go natural but am not physically able to do it. In the end, the single most important thing is the safe and healthy delivery of our son. I will take whatever outcome with a happy heart because I know I have done everything possible to set myself up for success - if it doesn’t go as planned - so be it. I’ll have no regrets.


But I am setting out to rock this birth. In fact, I’m going to kick ass. I’m actually excited for it now instead of fearful and scared. And, while I do still have some fear and anxiety, I feel more educated and confident than I did only a month ago. When the day comes, I’ll be ready!


PS: I know some of you think I’ve completely lost it, but wait to tell me that until after our son is born  ; - ) Please! 

10 things I am looking forward to...

I have had the most amazing pregnancy anyone could ask for. Really, I have not had not a single complaint and have truly enjoyed the past 37 weeks. However.....these last couple of days I have started to feel a bit uncomfortable. This has jogged my memory of all the things I really am looking forward to.. (some of these have to wait until post breast feeding days, but I know they will exist somewhere in the future)...

1. Sleeping on my tummy

2. Eating cold cut turkey sandwiches

3. High heels

4. Over indulging on red vino

5. Sushi

6. Shaving my legs comfortably 

7. Mojitos

8. Running

9. 2 cups of coffee in a single morning

10. Jeans without an elastic waistline

Papa Bear

Last Friday felt quite a bit like Christmas at the Monroe/Hosfield household! I am lucky enough to have a man in my life that does really special things for me and for the little one. He is the best, ever!

For the babe.....a specially designed piggy back and reggae CD for our rosta child:

And for mom....the cutest little clutch purse / diaper bag by Petunia Pickle Bottom for times when I don't want to lug a big diaper bag.

And last by certainly not least....this beautiful necklace that holds the birth stone for our little man. We'll Dave assumes this will be the birth stone. If not, the jeweler said he can bring it back for the correct stone! I get to wear this very special gift around my neck everyday to remind myself of how lucky I am!!!!

I heart Dave.....

The Pee-Pee Teepee

Likely a waste of my hard earned $10, but I had to buy these hilarious pee-pee teepee's; for the sprinkling wee-wee! You always see little boys in the movies peeing on their mommsies and daddsies...plus what a clever name! I told you I'm a sucker....

When it comes to babies...

When it comes to babies, people are so kind and generous. All in the matter of a week, I've had two wonderful surprises from people I really don't even know. The first came last week while on a walk with Portland. A neighbor woman whom I've only met once or twice flagged me down because she had a bag of clothes, shoes and a book that she had been collecting and wanted to pass along from her little boys.

Then, two days later, another neighbor whom I hardly know flagged me down to ask if I had bought a rocking chair yet.....Ironically, we hadn't! She asked if I would like the rocking chair that she has saved from her two children.

I'm going to work on painting this chair over the weekend to match our furniture. Then, I will post pictures of a nursery tour!

It just amazes me how kind and considerate people are who barely know us....let alone all the amazing things people have done for us that do know us! It's unbelievable and I feel OH SO VERY BLESSED! We (all 3 of us) are pretty dang fortunate to have so many wonderful people around us. I can't wait to share the little dude with all of you!

Mental Preparation

In the last few weeks, I've been trying to find quiet moments where I can concentrate on the big task that lies ahead (the labor part of all of this)! I've started to go for long walks along the beach on Saturday and Sunday morning when there aren't many people out. In doing so, I've found the focal point in which I will use (or attempt to use) to get through some of the contractions.

Here is my new happy place (Portland's new love nest too).

No longer must I say...

I am due on August 31st, because now all I simply need to say is I'm due on the 31st (of this month!!!!!!!!!) Wow, it's gone by so quickly. 29 days to go!

Here is a baby bump photo opp from 35 weeks:

And for anyone interested in seeing what's going on behind the scenes:

Can't wait to meet you.

Because we made you, my darlin

With the love in each of our hearts

We were a family, my darlin

Right from the start

-Wilco

My name is Lindsey and I have a problem...

Today I'm using my blog as a confessional...I'm confessing to my obsession with baby clothes. I have been so overwhelmed by the amount of cute baby that's out there. Check out my latest purchase:

Who doesn't love a little man in a tie! I know some may think it's ridiculous to buy too many onsies, outfits, etc. for the first 6 months. But...I'm a first time mama and I've decided it's okay to be over the top when it's your first time : )

So, yes....My name is Lindsey and I have a problem.

Baby Prep

With only 5 1/2 weeks left to go, Dave and I are busy with all the hospital's recommended baby classes (Yes, I signed up for all of them, just ask Dave : )))! We've done everything from watch a real time birth (wow) to diaper our dinosaur! I have to say, our pseudo child was the cutest kid in class....by a long shot!

Sunbathing the babe

Dave, Portland and I spent the afternoon at Coronado's Dog Beach with some friends and their pooches. I can still see my toes, but it's a stretch.

The unlucky baby-moon

For Dave's first Father's Day, I booked a surprise trip to this little town called Julian, California. It was going to be our "baby-moon" a.k.a. our last trip away (alone) for about the next 15 years when we won't have to find a babysitter. I found the perfect pet-friendly cabin located in the middle of the mountains with beautiful scenic views and lots of hiking trails. It sounded like the most perfect vacation. Dave and I were counting down the days.

Well, the day finally arrived. We packed up the car with lots of yummy food, hiking shoes, board games, DVD's, and of course Portland and Lucy. We arrived at the cabin and it was exactly what I had envisioned. Portland was out roaming on the acre of fenced in yard while Dave and I were checking out the weekend pad. Just before dust, we decided to start preparing dinner. While I'm cutting up loads of veggies for our stew, Dave was off trying to figure out the cabin's stereo system. Suddenly the entire cabin shook and we were left with no electricity in our unfamiliar and dark cabin. We were both certain that since we were out in the middle of no where in a cabin that seemed to be a 100 years old, turning on the stereo was just too much for the cabin too handle. We turned the breaker on and then off several times before calling the owners who did not answer. Dave decided to take a quick walk around the perimeter of the property before it got too dark (I don't know why I didn't think of that) only to find the main electrical pole conveniently located on the edge of the cabin's property had come crashing over into our yard. Not only was the pole lying across our yard, but electrical wires were sprawled across the very dry, brown grass. It was evident that we were S.O.L. and likely needed to call someone immediately and get the heck out of there. By this time, it was completely dark and were packing all of our unpacked belongings with flash lights. Earlier in the day we were lucky enough to make 1 successful trip into the town of Julian and were able to purchase 1 famous, carmel-apple pie. Our baby-moon accounted for 1 apple and 3 mosquito bites!

While we were both quite grumpy and had frowns on our face the entire drive home at 10pm, we managed to make the most of our weekend. We enjoyed a hike on a trail we'd never visited and a prime-rib / lobster tail dinner next to the ocean on Saturday.

My Life in the Zoo

A couple weeks back, Dave and I decided to head to USA, BABY: San Diego's stroller store extravaganza! I'd literally spent hours researching different stroller, reading reviews, etc. etc. etc. While most people would think I'm nuts, I wanted a multi-function stroller so we didn't end up 3 or 4 strollers all serving a different purpose. Anywhooo......after test driving each of the strollers, I finally had my mind made up. I'd found the perfect stroller and Dave agreed it was a great pick!

Instead of asking the sales clerk to go to the back and bring us out our new, beautiful stroller, Dave picks up this gi-normous stuff tiger and heads to the cash register. I really, truly, seriously believed he was just pulling my leg. I thought for sure he would walk up to the cash register and start laughing and turn around just to make my blood boil. Oh no, he was serious. Yes, folks....we did not come home with a stroller in our back seat. Instead, a life size, plush tiger!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you don't believe me, take a look at the length of this creature:

While I was trying to keep a straight face and tell Dave he had lost is damn mind, I was laughing hysterically (note to Dave...not funny enough to get a 2nd creature)! The only thing occupying the stroller space at this time is this giant tiger, I'm happy to report I have picked my stroller and we will be going to purchase it in the next couple weeks. Not only is it ADORABLE, it is super functional for both everyday use as well as hiking and light jogging. I love it. Oh, and they are manufactured in San Diego....Doesn't get any better than that!

Note to Dave: Seriously!!!! No more!!!

Single Digits

I'm happy to announce we have hit the single digits in our official countdown! 33 weeks and counting. I'm starting to feel extremely excited about this little man's arrival; I can't believe it's only 7 weeks away. For those of you that think my belly may still be small.....look again : )

Dave (new dad) Quote of the Day

"I really can't wait until our little guy is both an input and output device"

My Eco Friendly Family

When Dave asked if we could use to cloth diapers a few months back, I envisioned our little babe running around pant-less with a white cloth and giant blue pins around his bum. I thought it would be a huge mess (literally :))

After months of research, I've not only found semi-easy and convenient eco-friendly diapers, but they are super cute on top of it all!

Check them out...

Basically we will use cloth inserts when we are home and have extra spare time, while using the 100% biodegradable, flushable inserts when we are on the go. It sounds pretty easy to me.....While most moms think I'm nuts and aren't too confident this will last, Dave and I are going to give it our best shot. Especially after reading that...

Americans put 50 million diapers into landfills everyday....that's 20 billion diapers a year!

p.s. The diapers we choose are called gdiapers. Pass the link onto anyone you know who may be interested. Believe me, I've done my homework! www.gdiapers.com

p.s.s Check back in about 5 months to see our progress.....

Pre-Nesting Stage

After all our travel and adventure, we are finally ready to stay home and getting ready for this little guys arrival. I've been waiting for the day we could start organizing and assembling all our wonderful baby goodies (a tribute to my wonderful baby showers soon to come...holy cats, look at all these gifts)!

Here is the current state of our spare bedroom...

And the current state of our bedroom.....

Stay tuned for a house ready for our little man's arrival.....It may take us a few weeks ; )

Josee Brooklynn Downing - The Little Angel (a.k.a. My New Niece)

Josee Brooklynn Downing made her big entrance on Friday, June 11th at 2:19pm. She couldn't wait to meet her mommy and daddy so she decided to come a little early. All 4 lbs and 17 1/4 inches of her are pure angel! Both Josee and mommy are doing amazing!!!!

Long story short, I was scheduled to arrive on Thursday night (June 10th) into the Milwaukee airport. Due to my luck with airlines, I got rerouted on Friday to the Madison airport which is about 15 minutes from the University of Madison Hospital. I made Josee's delivery by 30 minutes (literally)! I guess Auntie Lindsey was meant to be there : ) At least that's the story I will share with Josee!

Our baby bug in 4D

Here is a sneak peak at what our little baby bug's profile may end up looking up in just a couple months when he makes his big appearance. 4D technology is pretty amazing......