The calm

Baby McBoy is Here!

Ryan David

Born Thursday, May 3

10:27am

9lbs, 21" long

I had a planned C-section- a repeat section from when I had Anna.  It was definitely a bizarre, unpleasant experience, one that I might tell you about in another post (or maybe I'll save it for the book, yes?).  But he's beautiful.  Just amazing and wonderful and mine mine mine (and of course Dave's Dave's Dave's) and I could just carry him around in my pocket all day long (and yes, I understand the irony of my having complained about being hugely pregnant just last week) but I love him to pieces.

Tomorrow I'm being discharged from the hospital.  I had the option to leave today, but I took the almost unanimous advice from other moms who had C-sections with young children waiting at home- Nearly all of them said "DO NOT RUSH TO GET HOME.  TAKE THE EXTRA DAY" and I write that in caps lock because that's how they told me- in ALL CAPS.  In my naivety, I thought I'd end up going home when the option was presented to me.  But then Dave brought Anna to visit every morning while I was here and I saw what I'd be dealing with once at home, and I quickly jumped at the opportunity to get one more peaceful night of sleep.  Of course, I have mommy guilt in regard to Anna.  She misses me terribly, as I miss her.  But in the grand scheme of things, one more day will make no difference.  I am looking forward to a summer of getting to know my new little man and spending some serious quality time with Anna.  And she's already such a great big sister.  She adores her "baby brudder" and insists on holding him first thing every day when she visits.

These past few days in the hospital have been much different than when I had Anna.  I'm wiser of course and therefore know how to work the system.  The ultimate fact of the matter is that every day and every night will be as good or as bad for you as your nurse is.  The difference between a good day and a bad day during your hospital visit is the nurse who says "looks like you're ready for your pain meds!" versus the one who makes you ask for them.  There's nothing like being made to feel like a narcotic seeker two days after having your stomach cut open 3 layers deep.  The first time around, I was afraid to ask, but this time I'm hitting that call button on the hour.

I really am going to miss my hospital stay once I'm discharged.  I have a bed that moves up and down, a tv that I don't have to fight with anyone about channel selection, my own temperature controls.  Not to mention the fact that I don't have to make my own meals--- the food is nothing spectacular, but hey- all I have to do is circle what I want on the menu card and it's delivered in a timely fashion!  During the night, I send the little man down to the nursery with instructions to bring him back to me for demand feedings- they take care of the midnight restlessness and poopy diapers...  all I have to do is sit here and generate milk- voila!  I'll miss the ice maker in the nutrition room that makes perfect little cubes of ice, and the styrofoam cups with lids and straws and I'll miss the fridge stocked with juice- will I have cranberry today or apple?  Or will I get saucy and mix them together- Cranapple!

Sure, I have about 15 staples in my abdomen and I'm floating on the edge of pain in a constant cycle of percocet and motrin cloudiness.  But let's face it- tomorrow, shit gets real.  I'm mom tomorrow- keeper of the house, tamer of the children (plural! eek!).  I mean, of course, I got this- I totally got this.  Last time around, I kept thinking I wouldn't be up to the challenge- I was having mini panic attacks every other day before I had Anna.  But then I totally surprised myself when I learned that when we are presented with a new direction in life, we just evolve in a way we didn't even know we could, in a way that we never really understand until it's happening and it's just---- life as we now know it.  So I know that with this next life as I don't completely now know it, I will evolve again.  And I'll totally step up- sometimes to my own mental or emotional or physical detriment... not because I'm a martyr, but simply because that's how women operate, because it will be for a larger goal and I'll be better for having made whatever sacrifices I don't even know yet because the reward will be that much greater.

I'm just sayin.... this vacation before shit gets real is pretty damn nice.

Mom Hearts Must-Haves for Pregnancy Survival!

Today I am 36 weeks pregnant.


Say What?


That's right--- Thirty-Six Weeks.


According to Babycenter.com, he's almost 6 pounds- "like a crenshaw melon!"  I had to actually look that up as I had no clue what a melon of the "crenshaw" variety was.  You can't pick a less obscure melon, BabyCenter?  I would have taken "like a big ass melon".


There are things I have learned I cannot live without during pregnancy.  Since this will be my final go around (I beg to the gods please do not smite me with a third pregnancy), I find the need to share these products with you.  As usual, I'm not being paid by any of these companies to share their products.  Although I have been inspired by MamaKat's Writer's Workshop to share one of my favorite things.  Only, as you can see, I'm breaking the rules and sharing several of them.  Chicks who are 36 weeks pregnant can break whatever rules they want.


Except the whole no drinking rule.  Sigh...


Gummy PreNatal Vitamins
I don't do well with taking pills, especially the oversized horse pills they call PreNatal Vitamins.  I knew this from when I was pregnant with Red, but back then (2 and a half whole years ago), the only alternative was Flinstone vitamins.  They were fine enough and got the job done, but I had to take double the dosage (you know... cause they're for children) so I went through them quickly.  This time, I suffered all through the first trimester with the horse pills again, but when I hit the glory of the second trimester and I threw up- yes, vomited- one day after taking my PreNatal, I wiped off my chin and hopped in the car in search of Fred, Wilma and their chalky little friends.  Lo and behold, there on the shelf sat my salvation--- GUMMY PRENATALS!

These little suckers have gotten me through with flying colors!  I may even continue to take them after the baby comes to keep up my stamina for breastfeeding.  Unless there's a gummy vitamin for that, too...


Dove Body Cream Oil
I don't care what you read about the magic cures for stretch marks--- if you got 'em, nothing short of a laser is going to get rid of them.  Any product or website or "knowledgeable mom" who tells you otherwise is bullshitting you.  Some women are lucky to not have them at all, but for the rest of the female population, they are a fact of pregnancy.  Save yourself some trouble and pass on the expensive creams and lotions that say they're going to get rid of your stretch marks because what you need during this difficult time is RELIEF from the dryness and itchiness of what is actually happening to cause them--- your skin is stretching. That's why they call them stretch marks.  And this stuff right here?  Dove Body Cream Oil--- is. the. bomb.

At about $6 a bottle, it gets the job done- gloriously.  I use it on my hands, feet, belly, elbows, when I'm pregnant and when I'm not.  This is one of those products I want to tell everyone and their mother about so that it gains marketing momentum and never disappears from Dove's product line.  So try it.  You'll thank me.


Black Stretchy Pants & Sweatpants
I'm not sure why bitches be frontin' and spend their entire pregnancy searching for "The Perfect Pair of Maternity Jeans."  


Honey, those don't exist.


Just get yourself a couple of nice, new pairs of maternity sweatpants in black and dark grey (and maybe white if you roll like that).  Then pick up 2 or 3 pairs of black cottony stretchy maternity pants for nicer events.  If it's summer, roll with the black cotton maternity shorts.


Boom.  You're done. 


Because it really doesn't matter what you're wearing--- nobody thinks twice if you're not sporting something from Gap's spring maternity line.  Like an oversized elf, you genuinely please everyone wherever you go!  People will tell you that you are glowing when we all know that's not a glow- it's sweat.  They will tell you that you're "all baby!" and you'll be too tired to call their bullshit card.  It doesn't matter.  You get a free pass so long as you're growing a human being.  Just make sure your snazzy new sweatpants are clean (or at least void of visible stains), slap on some mascara, and concentrate on remembering your wallet when you leave the house.


Bra Extenders
Much like the maternity jeans, you will be hard pressed to find a pregnant woman who is bragging about the sheer comfort of her fantastic maternity bras.  You can pay alot of money to find something fairly decent, only to outgrow it in a matter of weeks.  Save yourself the trouble and pick up some bra extenders.

These are not the ones I used because like a jackass I paid a higher price for the ones they sell at the maternity store in the mall.  This 3-pack of brah!extenders are a great price at just under $8.  It's the exact same thing- literally and extra piece of bra fabric with hooks.  Get a pack with 2-hooks and 3-hooks.  Worth the money, ladies!


The Godawful Pregnancy Pillow
I have a Love/Hate relationship with my pregnancy pillow.  I have the Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow, which in my opinion is the best one out there.  And god do I hate it's guts.

It has a crazy shape, and it really is exactly what you need to get a peaceful night's sleep, a decent night's sleep, a 40-60 minute rest until your next mid night pee break or until one of your arms goes numb beneath the crushing weight of your head or body.


Love this picture on their website.  Cause that's exactly how I rest comfortably at night these days. 

 First of all, you will not find my big pregnant sweaty self in head to toe silk jammies because that just looks HOT.  Winter, spring, summer or fall- with or without air conditioning- my nighttime attire consists of a tank top and maybe- maybe- pants or shorts.  And I have a fan constantly blowing on me.  Ask my husband- that fan drove him nuts during the winter months.


But there is simply no way around, ladies.  You can avoid this monstrosity for a while, but since you can't lay on your back or stomach, at some point your baby will start to drag down your belly when you lie on your side- an unnerving feeling indeed.  And you simply need to have that support between your legs so you don't end up with some crazy sciatic nerve issue.  This pillow will be your answer, and it will cackle at you like a witch from a Disney movie.  "Come here, my pretty" it will mock as you approach the bed.  "Climb in!  Mwahahahahahaha!!!!"  And that's what you'll do- you will climb into it and it will envelope you not like a soft kiss, as pictured above, but as a massive boa constrictor.  You will feel as if you are drowning in it's very fibers.  And moments after you find a somewhat comfortable spot, you will need to pee.


I intend to burn this thing when I'm done with it.


So that's my list of must-haves for pregnancy survival.  If you have other suggestions, please share the love below!  I'd love to learn about what I missed out on now that I only have 3 weeks left!

Tumbling at The Little Treehouse

Anna has always been a runner with lots of energy.  Recently I realized that I needed to direct all that energy into some positive play, and that's when I called The Little Treehouse in Chestnut Hill.  I reviewed The Treehouse a few weeks ago here on the  blog, and I really love their open play area and cafe.  It was only natural that I check out their classes, so I enrolled Anna in a tumbling class.

I'm really glad I did!  Anna has taken classes at other kid zones before, but this class at The Little Treehouse was the first time I felt she was learning some solid skills.  Each week, the teacher concentrated on a particular physical skill- forward rolls, balance, backward rolls, etc.  She gave helpful pointers for us parents to take with us for practice and play outside of the classroom- for example, Anna had a habit of forward rolling in a way that could hurt her neck, so now I know to tell her to look at her belly every time she wants to roll forward.  The teacher was also able to easily talk to each of the kids and she had a clear understanding of each student's strengths and weaknesses.  Over the course of the class session, Anna went from having a little fear of heights to developing the confidence to walk across the higher balance beam.  In fact, to encourage Anna to pull herself up high on the crossbar, the teacher did a fun game of peek-a-boo with her.  It redirected Anna's fear into fun!

I love the pricing schedule for The Treehouse as well- instead of committing to an 8 or 12 week class, they offer a flat monthly membership fee of $80, which includes one class per week, unlimited free play in the treehouse play area, plus a ton of other great benefits.  Check out their Pricing and Membership page for more details.

Some things you should know before you go:

• They don't allow outside food or drink, except baby food and bottles.
• Open gym is awesome, but it gets a little crowded 10-11:30ish.  However, there's plenty to do in the play space, and my 2 year old did not feel overwhelmed.
• They have a lot to park in, and if that fills up, you can usually find a spot for free on the side roads off Germantown Ave.
• They have FREE Wifi!  Bring your laptop if you have work to do- it's a great place for moms and dads to get stuff done while the kids play!

I highly recommend The Little Treehouse for classes and for playdates!  

Bubble Time Fun at The Little Treehouse!

*Disclosure:  I received a month-long membership and class for this post, but these opinions are my own.  This mom really does love The Little Treehouse!

Swimming

Wow.  It has been a wild couple of weeks.  My mom has been through a heart replacement surgery and two procedures to clear her carotid arteries.  Last Thursday she was finally discharged from the hospital, but with strict instructions that she couldn't let her systolic blood pressure rise above 120.  Her bedroom at home is on the second floor, which presents a problem, so she came here to my house to stay until she was cleared because I live in a rancher with no steps.

To say it was chaotic here is putting in mildly.  I have a big family with alot of helpful hands wanting to contribute, which can be awesome at times and feel like too many cooks in the kitchen at other times.  But we made it through until Tuesday when she was cleared to go back home and safely navigate steps.  She still has a long journey ahead of her through physical and occupational therapy, but we're all very hopeful that she can get back to near normal. 

I find myself often thinking back to when my MomMom was sick so many years ago.  I was pretty young, but I remember my mom running back and forth on hospital visits and shopping trips for her mother.  She would make sure we always had dinner before heading out for her late nights of sitting bedside for MomMom.  Sometimes she had to cart a couple of us kids with her, but she did it all tirelessly.  

Now here I am- now I'm the adult.  The respective generations have eased into their next phases of life.  My generation is learning to give back to our parents for their years of wiping our tiny hineys, calming our fevers, and generally keeping us from electrocuting ourselves.  We always knew this day would come, resisting the thought like some rancid tasting medicine we can't bear to swallow.  But like taking on a new job or having a baby, we just have to jump in with both feet and pray that we can swim and not sink.  

And swim we will.

Drapery Flowers

As we get ready for the new baby, there are alot of changes in store for Anna, including a new room.  Baby McBoy will go into the nursery so we don't have to move the crib, and Anna is moving into our old office.  We repainted and put new carpet in our office at the same time we did the nursery for Anna, so I can't justify spending alot of money on any big changes in there.  We also took out the vertical blinds at the time and put in new drapes.  They're pretty simple- a sort of canvas color and they hang on pretty but basic white rods.

I am having alot of fun decorating Anna's new room (there will be pictures to come, I promise!), and I'm fighting every urge to spend money on fun new drapes.  But I had to do something to jazz them up, so I decided to add some fun drapery flowers.

Here's what you need:

• Flower bouquets (dollar store!)
• Glue gun
• Small clips with a flat top (I used silver hair clips)
• Large gems or beads for embellishment (optional)

The first thing you want to do is pop the flowers off of the stems.  Next, glue a clip to the underside of each flower.

You can keep the flowers as they are, or add gems or some other sort of embellishments to the centers of your flowers for some sparkle.  I had some large wood buttons laying around, so I painted them with a shiny green craft paint and glued them to the centers.

Finally, simply clip them onto your curtains!

These pretty flowers were all these drapes needed to add some fun and frill to Anna's new room!  The best part?  This project cost me only about $5!

Ribbon Wands

Here's another fun craft for kids--- and yet another use for toilet paper tubes!!  My daughter absolutely LOVES these ribbon wands!

Simply punch several holes toward the top of one end of the tube, tie as many ribbons as you like, and decorate the tube however you please!

I made personalized ribbon wands for all my nieces and nephews for Christmas- these make great gifts!  Pus, it was a fun way for me to clear out bits of ribbon I had laying around in a box.

I love to break these out on a rainy day to keep Anna busy for a bit.  I put on the radio and show her how to wave the wands slowly for slow-paced songs and quickly for more upbeat numbers.  I took this picture while she was listening to the salsa music channel on tv.  As you can see, it was difficult to get a good shot of the ribbons in action because she was moving too fast.

They're super easy and fun to make, too.  Anna is too young to do this craft, but older kids would really enjoy this activity.  Plus, they can be themed for holidays and special events!

Tic Tac Toe Travel Box

Here's a fun craft that can be done by kids of all ages- Tic Tac Toe Travel Boxes!

All you need is a square jewelry box, 10 small circle pieces, a piece of ribbon and a crafty imagination to decorate.

First, paint or draw an "X" on five of your small circles and an "O" on the other five.  I found these small wood buttons at a craft store and painted them white first.  These are your playing pieces.

Next, flip the bottom half of your jewelry box over and glue a strip of ribbon across the underside of the box.  Leave about 7 inches of ribbon on either side hanging off of the box.

Next, decorate the insides of the lid and box bottom as you please.  I simply glued down a square of scrapbook paper, but you can get as creative as you like!

The inside of the lid will be your playing board, so you will need to make 2 lines down and 2 lines across for your tic tac toe board.  I glued down ribbon, but you can simply draw or paint your lines.

Now you're ready to play!  And when you want to travel with your game, just put all the pieces inside the box and tie it up to go!

This craft can be as simple or as detailed as you want to get with it.  Kids as young as 3 can play tic tac toe.  It's a great project to make before a long car ride or family vacation.  It is also a fun craft activity at a party- and can be the party favor, too!  And this would make a super cute party favor for any game themed wedding, shower or event!