Mark + Sara Are Having a Baby

The end.

2010-04-04T16:51:00.000-07:00

From this point on, my "we're expecting a baby" blog will be discontinued. I am no longer expecting a baby, but I have one. Back to our regularly scheduled programming at This is the Diary of Sara. See you soon.

My birth story. Warning. Graphic.

2010-04-04T16:49:00.000-07:00

As the months dwindle down to weeks and then down to days, the expectant mother finds herself relentlessly researching the experiences of her peer mothers. Did their water break in public? How long was their labor? Did the doctors use a vacuum? How did that epidural feel going into their spine? These questions consumed my every waking thought in those last few weeks. I want to write down my experience in order to help inform other expectant mothers and to share with my friends and peer mothers because the shared experience is important. I impressed and shocked myself with what I was able to "put up with" and I think every woman must feel that same way, no matter what her birth experience was, once she gives birth to her baby.

So, let us begin.

Last Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, I walked. I walked and walked and walked. I was told that walking could get things moving and I had been having pretty irregular contractions on and off for days. Sometimes they'd be every 5 minutes, but then I wouldn't get another for 40 minutes. I knew that there was no way that's what labor was like so we waited. And ate spicy food. I tried all the little things that they tell you to do, minus the castor oil, eww. That brings us to Friday, March 26. I went to the doctor for a non-stress test where they listened to the baby's heartrate and judged that he was perfectly fine and healthy and would just come out on his own. During my sonogram they estimated that he was 8 lbs 7 oz and doing great. Armed with this information I was a little defeated and felt like taking some chances, so I did what any reasonable overly pregnant lady would do and went to the movies. By myself. I mean, tell me that doesn't sound like the perfect set up for a water breaking story??? Anyway, no water break, but I did enjoy the movie.

Friday night we invited friends over to watch a bad movie, a standard practice for Friday nights, and I was having some contractions. I barely paid attention to the movie, which arguably may be the worst we'll ever watch together as a group, because my contractions were coming pretty regularly and they were more intense than I'd felt before. I got up and paced and braced myself during the tough ones and a little over halfway through the movie I told Mark that I think that we're facing the real thing. We stopped the movie and ran around like crazy to put together our bags and headed out to the hospital. When we got there I filled out some paperwork and they got me into a triage room where they were going to check my progress and see how I was doing. I was only dilated to 2-3 cm but my contractions were regular at 2 to 3 minutes. The doctor asked about my pain level, which wasn't through the roof, but was headed that way. Basically they wanted a reason to put me in a room, they were going to just send me home if I wasn't ready to commit to an epidural right there on the spot.

I got put into delivery room number 9.

Things got under way a couple of hours after we got into the room. The anesthesiologist came by with my epidural, which Mark had to leave the room for, and my pain level decreased significantly. It felt about as weird as I expected and didn't exactly hurt. It felt exactly like what it was, a needle into your spine, followed by the insertion of a tube carrying medication that quickly numbed your lower body. As all the doctors, nurses, and housekeeping ladies kept chanting, "epidurals help with pressure, not with pain". If I had a dollar for every time someone said that to me throughout my hours of labor, I'd have at least $23. The next 12 hours or so were very slow going, I was dilating extremely slowly, my cervix continued to thin slowly, and the baby was making a VERY slow descent. It was all pretty frustrating because the contractions continuted regardless and were getting worse and worse. I had a hard time sleeping but was able to sleep in 15 minute spurts throughout the night and throughout most of Saturday. The doctors kept checking me, I was at a 4, then a 5, then a 6 for approximately 6 hours straight. I stayed at a 7-8 throughout most of Saturday evening and only into Saturday night did some doctors start saying the words 8 and 9. Only one side of my cervix ended up dilating all the way to a 10, the other, well... it was stretched for me by one of the doctors. Yeah, this is the part of the story that gets a little graphic, so, just take notice. I had to get my epidural boosted 5 times throughout my labor because it wasn't strong enough for what I was going through. I cried and tried to keep it to myself but my doctor said that I should speak up if I was in that much pain. At one point I cried terribly hard and wanted to give up. Mark was supportive and amazing and my doctor came in and listened to me talk but actually said to me, "who told you labor was easy?" Boy did she have a point. She was gruff and harsh, but right. I respect her very much. I had terrible waves of unbearable contractions Saturday night and into Sunday early morning.

Around 2:00 am on Sunday morning I told Mark that I felt like I was going to "take a shit on the table" and apparently those are like the magic words in the labor and delivery department, so the pushing got to start. It felt a little bit like the movies where everyone coached me on when to breathe and how long to push. My biggest fear was pushing for like 2 hours, but when all was said and done, I pushed for 4. About 2 hours into pushing I wanted to take a break for a few minutes and at that same time an emergency C-section was happening next door that called all doctors to the OR. I was told in their absence that I was allowed to "passively push" which, let's be honest, means push. At this point Mark was my hero, constantly wiping down my forehead with a wet washcloth and constantly feeding me ice chips and also helping me through my passive pushes. I'm not sure the doctors expected me to make any progress while they were gone but when one came back nearly 30 minutes later she could see his head and said, "oh wow, he's got light hair and is fair skinned like Mom". That kind of report gave me the strength to get through the final stretch, literally stretch. I pushed and once they really saw his head enough all this commotion started happening. The bed I was sitting on was lifted, broken down, new stirrups were lifted into the air, the doctors all put on protective clothing (one had a face mask on!) and there was a LOT of activity. This next part was the real hard pushing and I could tell I was almost done. I could feel everything and it was almost an out of body experience. I pushed his head out and was told to wait while they got the cord in the right position and then the very next push the rest of his body came flying out. Like, flying out.

The doctors were very quiet and all business as that point because the umbilical cord was around his neck and he wasn't coming to very quickly. His little body looked lifeless but a few seconds later he screamed and I heard my son cry for the very first time. I couldn't even believe it. Mark and I stared at each other and were just in awe. The next 45 minutes were dedicated on me delivering the placenta and stitching me up. One word, "wow". No one talks to you about how painful that part of the process can be. If every inch of the placenta isn't removed your uterus will continue to bleed and you could be in need of a blood transfusion in no time so they have to really get all up in there to make sure that it's all removed. It may have been the most painful part of the day for me.

When I look back at all 32 hours of my labor, it's the farthest thing from what I expected my experience to be. I'm so proud that I went in there and kicked ass. I wavered a few times and wanted to give up. Luckily I had a doctor who had no time for backing down or taking the "easy" way out (read: C-section). I'm so glad she wasn't listening during my lowest hour when I said, "I can't do this anymore". Mark pushed me through every minute of it and I couldn't be luckier to have such an awesome husband.

Labor: 32.5 hours
Pushing: 4 hours
Baby: 8 lbs 5.9 oz; 21 in
APGARS: 8/9
Name: William Harper Laughlin
Pure. Love.

William Harper: The Beginning

2010-04-04T06:11:00.001-07:00

Here's a short video that Mark shot only moments after Will was born and cleaned and wrapped up. He's adjusting to life outside the womb and I won't lie, it's pretty darn cute.

William Harper Laughlin: The Beginning from sara* on Vimeo.

Introducing William Harper Laughlin!

2010-04-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

So, yeah, I've not written. It's not you, it's me. Well, honestly, it's someone else. I've met someone named Will who has stolen my heart and my ability to blog regularly. He's an adorable little 5 day old nugget and I can't get enough of him. Please pardon the interruption in my regularly scheduled check ins. I'll be back soon.

xo.

Due dates come and go.

2010-03-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

Just like good men, ha! Just kidding. I seriously never thought I'd be writing about being pregnant after my due date had come and gone, but here I am, it's March 26, 2010 and I am still pregnant. I'm trying to stay busy but unfortunately mother nature decided to bring winter back today so my daily walking of several miles looks impossible. Yesterday, while walking through the city, I had about 2 hours of contractions lasting about a minute that were each about 5 to 7 minutes apart. We thought it was go time in a serious way. Mark left work early and everything. Once I stopped moving around, unfortunately, the contractions died down too. I woke up once an hour all night but overall things have been slow since yesterday evening. I hope this is the big warm up to the big finale. C'mon, kiddo!

T minus one.

2010-03-24T16:24:00.000-07:00

The day before my due date. I was hoping to be holding a child in this picture, but what can you do? Today I walked around Brooklyn Heights and explored the newly opened Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 1. It just opened to the public this week and today was the perfect day for exploring. Take a look at some of my photos here.

39 weeks.

2010-03-20T17:57:00.000-07:00

Here I am, a beached whale of sorts. Looking all sorts of round.

Water "breaking".

2010-03-19T07:47:00.000-07:00

I read this statistic this morning and was sort of shocked. I didn't realize that the number was so low. So often we are told that when your water breaks, you should rush to the hospital. The more I read and learn, the less it seems to be the case. Most hospitals will not want you to wait more than 24 hours after your water breaks due to incraesed risk of infection, but if your labor doesn't start naturally within 24-48 hours and your water is clear, then you may be fine to wait on things to develop naturally. I'm like a sponge for this information but it's not like I won't immediately lose my mind if my water does break. I'll just need to take a deep breath and remember that it's not a race and that if I go in to the hospital before it's really "time" I may end up with pitocen and/or a c-section, two things I'd love to avoid.

When the water breaks before the onset of labor this is called premature rupture of membranes (PROM). PROM occurs in 8-10% of term (37 weeks+) pregnancies.

thirty nine.

2010-03-18T18:41:00.000-07:00

Did I just really write that? Yes, 39 weeks. Wow. Time has passed so much more quickly than I ever thought it would. We all know what I look like at this point so I figured I could pass on posting a picture, but perhaps I will tomorrow. I wanted to write about the feelings that you start to have this close to giving birth (speaking for myself, of course, every expectant mother is different). I made Mark watch a few live births with me last night and I ended up being the one hiding behind my hands and he ended up being the one that sat there and was like, "COOL!" So it didn't go as planned. I can't stop thinking about how badly it will hurt and I know it's the wrong thing to focus on. So, I'm trying to stay positive and think of the MILLIONS and TRILLIONS of women who have given birth before I have and it helps to keep things in perspective. Some women are working out in the fields, squat down and have the kid right there, package it up and strap it to themselves, and go about their business. Luckily no one is expecting me to do that (especially because when I joked that we could have a baby in the office to a co-worker the other day, he scrunched his nose up and said, "disgusting"... mind you, this is a father of two...).

Today was interesting because contractions came on stronger than I've felt ever. I was on my way to the F train, only 1 block from my house and before walking in was hit with a massive one. One that actually stopped me in my tracks. I thought, "well this is new..." and stood there for a minute contemplating what to do next. The idea of getting to work only to turn around and go back home or to the hospital played over and over in my head and I figured it was better to just go back home and monitor things for a while. The pattern never really established itself but it was better that I took it easy today. Now I feel we've had our little "scare" and it could be any moment. I go get monitored again tomorrow and get to hear the little dude's heartbeat and see his cute face on the sonogram. Perhaps they'll give me some more insight... but if they don't, I'll make my same request as last Friday.

If you're not coming on Friday, then please, kid, don't come until Monday. Give Mommy her weekend.

That is all.

Rooftop.

2010-03-17T19:33:00.000-07:00

Here I am yesterday atop the roof. 38 weeks pregnant and 5 days. Can't get too much bigger.

Eek.

2010-03-14T20:15:00.000-07:00

Eleven more days of this. Yowza!

thirty eight.

2010-03-11T16:35:00.000-08:00

Only 14 more days. I can't really believe it. I'd say this belly is being pushed to its very outer limits at this point, wouldn't you?

My boy's nursery. A first look.

2010-03-09T19:12:00.000-08:00

Here's the un-lived in product. We got in our rug and I was able to put up our robot wall decals tonight. Nesting is pretty much complete at this point. All we need is an adorable little nugget to come to live with us. We think he'll like his room. What do you think? The rest of the images are on Flickr.

Deuce in the crib.

2010-03-08T19:38:00.000-08:00

I'm sure someone somewhere will think this was a horrible idea, but for some reason it struck me to put Deuce in the crib tonight. To my surprise, once I took him out, he came right back over to the crib and cried and wanted to get back in. Maybe he can bunk up with this kid when he finally joins our crew. For now, the pictures entertain me.

The Office. The Delivery. The Hilarity.

2010-03-05T08:34:00.000-08:00

Both Part 1 and Part 2 of The Office's Delivery episodes were killer. I laughed the entire time. It all started with being able to relate to Pam when she was scared to admit she was actually in labor. I actually cried during an episode of 16 and Pregnant the other night when the mom was in labor. Cried. I too am scared. The not wanting to leave the hospital and actually be on your own as parents is also totally relateable. However, the breastfeeding someone else's kid thing, that was... well... just scary.

If you didn't see the episodes, please do yourself a favor and get over to NBC or Hulu and watch now.

thirty seven. full term bebe.

2010-03-04T16:18:00.000-08:00

So, we're officially full term. If this little guy was born today (incidentally, my Dad's birthday) then he'd be fully developed and ready to start his life. I'll be honest, I'm not quite ready. Maybe this time next week or the week after. But as of right now I'm perfectly fine with the fact that I've got 21 days (or more, sigh) until my due date. Here's some shots that Mark took of me this evening. Seems like I'm always wearing a variation of the same outfit. You go with what works (read: fits) at this point.

Cute boy quote.

2010-03-03T10:45:00.001-08:00

Not only do I adore this little boy's nursery, but I'm totally smitten with the quote about boys.

Things are changing... everywhere!

2010-03-03T06:34:00.000-08:00

Even at Baby Center, which has been a growing addiction for some weeks now, things are changing. When I logged in last week (when it was still February), we had a little icon on my message board that looked like this one (although it said, "Due in March").

Now we've got this one.

It's kind of messed up because we haven't ALL had our babies yet. Although, I did have a VERY real dream last night that I was holding my kid. Probably because I made his bed yesterday and started his laundry. The main problem with the dream was that he was ENORMOUS and looked like a Gerber baby.

Pregnancy cravings?

2010-03-02T18:07:00.000-08:00

So, as my pregnancy is coming to a close (pretty damn hard to believe), I'm curious to take a survey of what my other past prego buddies have craved during these long 10 months. Me? I can not stop eating beets. I like a beet and goat cheese salad. I like beets by themselves. We roast them, I order them in restaurants, and I go out of my way to eat them often. Other than that I've craved things like fruit and avocados. Nowhere has there been the ice cream, cake, and pickles that I was led to believe would haunt me. Obviously I love donuts, but that has nothing to do with this kid. So please, enlighten me. What could you not get enough of when you were pregnant? Leave a comment in the comments section and I really look forward to reading what you guys have to say.

It's March!

2010-03-01T10:20:00.000-08:00

Can you believe that today starts the month that will introduce me (hopefully) to parenthood? I can't. I literally can't. 24 days from now I am due to give birth to my first child and it feels like yesterday and a million years ago all at the same time, that I took my pregnancy test (at work!) and found out we were going to have a baby. Now that the nursery is nearly complete and I've begun the task of washing clothes and sheets and towels, I feel ready. I'll try to write with updates on how I'm feeling throughout the next 3 weeks.

Last night I nearly threw up twice because this baby is getting so large that there's just no room for my food and the rest of my internal organs. This all happened in the middle of the night. I think it may have been the full moon. I'm slowing down day by day and if given the choice I would take an all-day nap almost every day of the week. Yesterday I slept for a few hours and still got in bed before 11 pm. According to both of my sister-in-laws and my mother-in-law, I'm "all baby" weight-gain wise, but if that were truly the case, I'd be giving birth to a 30 lb baby. While we know he's bigger than he should be for his gestational age, he's not a 2 year old.

Here's me at dinner last night. Mark and I got some Tex-Mex and it was darn good. But you'll notice by the amount of food left on my plate that I'm not able to eat all that much these days. We're trying to go around and hit our favorite restaurants and ones we've been meaning to try in the next few weeks.

Because everyone likes a belly shot.

2010-02-26T20:31:00.000-08:00

Here's another view from up above my round belly. It's getting out of control.

thirty six weeks.

2010-02-25T06:28:00.001-08:00

We went with a front on view this week. It's funny when I wear stretchy fabrics like this, they really accentuate the belly. Also, the belt. My boss couldn't look at me without squirming today because she figured the belt was choking me... but it really wasn't. I still need to look stylish people, sheesh.

29 days.

2010-02-24T09:03:00.001-08:00

Holy cow. We're inside the 30 day mark. Less than 30 days. Did you hear me??? LESS THAN 30 DAYS FROM NOW MARK AND I WILL BE PARENTS!?! Ok, inside voices again. Just thought I'd yell that one out loud because it's so totally insane to ponder.

Cute diaper bag.

2010-02-23T19:18:00.000-08:00

I like.

Aries Mom and Leo Dad.

2010-02-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

Randomly on Baby Center today I clicked about the compatibility of Mark and me and our signs and how it relates to parenting. As always, I think horoscopes are silly, but I just thought this was fun.

Basically, Mom will fly off the handle and randomly start and stop activities with no follow through and Dad will always be supportive and proud of you. Great. Looking forward to this.

Project Nursery Day 2.

2010-02-23T06:40:00.000-08:00

On the second day of ~~Christmas~~... just kidding. That's not the song I'm singing. On the second day of putting together a room for our little bundle, we built a bookcase (good old Billy from Ikea) and pulled out many of the presents we've been collecting from friends and family. I figured I'd share some cutie little details with all of you.

Picture of dear old Mom and Dad
Elephant lamp (from Aunt Annie & Uncle Hunter)
Miffy! I bought this theo ther day. (Even though Miffy's a girl).
Dinosaur vs. Bedtime (From Dad, best book ever)
Zuny Elephant (from Amanda & Josh)
Duck hooded towel (from Jenny)
Baby's first globe (vintage)
Ugly dolls (one from Laura & one from Mom)

thirty five.

2010-02-20T20:26:00.000-08:00

In all my amazingly 35-week'ed glory. It seems I've dropped a bit too.

Project Nursery Day 1.

2010-02-20T20:22:00.000-08:00

Here's the semi-finished product after the first day of Project Build-A-Nursery. We put together the crib and dresser/changing table. Neither was all that easy. I'll say that in terms of quality, I think Target's prices are really good for what you get, but the convenience of buying furniture that is pre-assembled is worth the extra dough... maybe not for baby furniture, but certainly for adult furniture. Speaking of, I think we found a rocker that the kid and grown-ups can agree on. I like the price most of all. Available for pre-order at Urban Outfitters.

Fisher Price Classic Toys.

2010-02-19T12:20:00.000-08:00

Did you guys have this little dude? When Mark and I went shopping this past weekend we ran into a new line of toys that Fisher Price is making called Fisher Price Classics. The Chatter phone is one of the toys in the bunch. We definitely had this guy growing up and many of the others as well.

Check out other toys here:
The Xylophone
Snoop n' Sniff Pup
Music Teaching Clock

To medicate or not to medicate...

2010-02-18T11:41:00.000-08:00

Very interesting article on epidurals on the blog, Stand and Deliver.

A crib, a stroller, and a dresser... oh my!

2010-02-17T08:53:00.000-08:00

I just got notification that the eagles have all landed in Brooklyn. Those eagles being the stroller we exchanged and ordered this past weekend, our baby's crib, and the changing table/dresser for the little dude. That means this weekend will be filled with putting together furniture and sizing up what else needs to be purchased before the real eagle lands*. Obviously, as we get the room set up I'll be sharing pictures with you people. Patience.

*My boss actually has my due date marked on her calendar as "The eagle lands".

Early, on time, or late? Which were you?

2010-02-12T08:37:00.000-08:00

Do me a favor. Enquiring minds want to know, was your baby early, on time, or late? I'm curious to have all the results sitting right here for me to digest.

poll by twiigs.com

thirty four.

2010-02-11T17:56:00.000-08:00

Well, here I am again. Looking larger, eh?

34 weeks: Can't you just drop already?

2010-02-11T07:52:00.000-08:00

Dear Beaner,

You're beginning to really make your mother feel uncomfortable. And yes, I'll further define the word uncomfortable to fit its new meaning because I know I've been using it for a while now. Every time we see a sonogram of you, we think it's truly adorable that you love to have your little legs all stretched out. But seriously, sweetheart, when you do this, you're making your mother feel the constant need to barf. Tuesday night you woke me up twice with vomit in my mouth, which, by the way, I'd like to thank you for. It was quite pleasant.

Maybe you're mad at us for just starting to clear your room out and get it ready for you. Maybe you wanted us to paint the walls, or you wanted to play in the snow yesterday, or you want us to hurry up and buy you a crib so that you have somewhere to sleep that isn't in the bed with Deuce. Maybe all of these things. But I can say that I'd like you to be patient with us, we're busy learning about how to make you the Happiest Baby on the Block and picking out outfits to bring you home from the hospital in.

Something we learned the other day was that you're a pretty big dude. You're measuring a good 2 to 3 weeks ahead of schedule. Now, we're pleased because your father and I always seem to be a few minutes late, so an early arrival would maybe bring an end to that terrible habit. But I worry that if you want to stay in your cozy little house until the bitter end, all the while growing the way you have been, I'll have to further refine my definition of "uncomfortable".

So, cutiepie, do your Mom a little favor and just move down a little lower please. If you could drop and give me a little more room to breathe and not want to vomit after every meal, I'd be eternally grateful. Thanks, you're a doll.

See you soon. (I hope, no funny business mister).

xo,
Mom

"Just wait until the baby comes..." and other fun things to say to future parents.

2010-02-10T15:53:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure why this is striking a chord today, but it is (and it's allowed to, hello? hormones?!). I am tiring of parents telling me any of the following information:

"You should sleep now"
"You can get bigger, I promise"
"Just wait until [insert parenting something here]"

For all the parents I know in my life, please, do me a favor and put yourself in the way-back machine (not all of you go that far back) and remember what it was like to be naive and eagerly anticipating your bundle of joy. And now remember how it feels to have someone say that things are going to be terrible, you'll never sleep again, never eat a meal together again, never go on vacation again, that babysitters are expensive and not trustworthy, that you'll be lucky to get a manicure when the you-know-what comes, etc. I could go on and on but really, what's the point? You all know what I'm talking about. Who is to say that I won't want to be annoying and give this same sort of "advice" to the parents-to-be of the future? I can't. All I know is that I can say right here, on this widely read blog (ha!) that I will do my best NOT to do these things to those who come after me.

Cravings: Beets. And goat cheese.

2010-02-09T11:27:00.000-08:00

I can't stop eating beets and goat cheese. Beet and goat cheese salad on the menu? Yes, I'm ordering it. Even if you are too. What a strange thing to crave during pregnancy you say? Psssshaw, I say. And pass the beets. That's what I also say.

Want.

2010-02-09T08:35:00.000-08:00

I want these so much that I may just have to buy them.

Oui oui!

2010-02-08T09:17:00.000-08:00

How cute would my little monsieur look in this beautiful French clothing? I mean, seriously. Adorable stuff here. Lord knows we can't spend more on baby clothing than on Mom's clothing, but if clothes were free, I'd want my little nugget to dress like this half of the time.

Found: Our perfect rocker.

2010-02-05T09:23:00.000-08:00

UPDATE:
This chair sold on eBay for $995! Wowzer!

Problem is, it's on eBay and you know how that goes. I'm famous for not winning the auctions I want most and winning the ones I'm on the fence about. This gorgeous rocker is a perfect Danish Modern piece of furniture that would actually work with our apartment. The problem with the Eames rocker or even the fake is that it's not very comfortable. On the other side of the spectrum you've got all the nursery gliders that are overstuffed and overpriced and would look better in a Pottery Barn catalog than our place. Who knew that finding the perfect rocking chair would be the most laborious of our hunts?

thirty three.

2010-02-04T18:25:00.000-08:00

Oh my! 33 weeks. That means we're INSIDE 8 months people! Did you hear that? Only 7 weeks to go. This week comes to a disappointing close on the news that 16-24 inches of snow in the mid-Atlantic states is canceling my baby shower. We're probably going to have a post-birth baby shower, also called a "bath" from my friend Jordan's Dad, but also called a "sip n' see" shower where everyone sips champagne and passes around the babe. So, I've had a couple of days to deal with this so I'm not as sad as I was, but I'm still super bummed out.

In other news, I've grown to a size where everyone at work laughs at me nearly every day. Yesterday, my sweater was too red, I was too much like a tomato. Today, I looked like a school girl, gone bad obviously (because I'm with child). I'm really filling out, I've started a mini-waddle, and I want junkfood more often than ever before. I just keep thinking that any bad decisions I make food-wise will actually stick with me for longer that I'd like so it keeps me focused.

So, to my friends and family that I was going to see this weekend... I'm so sad not to see you. You can send me virtual belly rubs through email or give me a call if you want to catch up. I'll be busy nesting for the next few weekends. We have a crib to buy and a baby room to get ready! Stay tuned for pictures of the development!

Check my progress here.

Toys. Inspired. Organized.

2010-02-04T12:34:00.000-08:00

I love this set up for a kid play area. Lord knows that toys can really look cluttered and insane. We're hoping to keep things to a minimum, like this and also to focus on these kinds of toys as well. Thanks to Jordan (one of my fave bloggers, also expecting her 2nd as we speak) for doing the legwork on this stuff so I don't have to worry about being creative or finding my own solutions.

Cute Onesie of the Day.

2010-02-04T11:46:00.001-08:00

I mean, really? Are you going to work fella? Big meeting with the boss? God bless Etsy.

Great, thanks Gisele. Thanks a lot.

2010-02-03T06:29:00.000-08:00

Reading a headline like, "Model Gisele Bundchen didn't need to wear maternity clothes while pregnant", or reading that she gave birth at home, in a tub, seems totally appropriate, does it not? Of course Gisele couldn't be one of those who accidentally gains like 50+ pounds, she gains like less than 20, wears normal skinny jeans all throughout her 10 months, and then sneezes into a tub and her beautiful, perfect child is born straight into the water of her gold plated bathtub. Seriously. This really is what should happen.

thirty two.

2010-01-28T18:09:00.000-08:00

Look at that belly! Woot! Just keeps on a growing. Although, as I mentioned in my previous post, compared to the other pregnant chicks on the hospital tour, I was small. I kept looking at them and then looking down at myself and wondered what was going on. Oh well. Apparently the little guy weighs as much as your standard jicama, which I can't say I've ever picked up at the store. He's also starting to effect my sleep and my heartburn is unbelievable and constant. Oh, and I'm literally peeing every 2 hours. A trick I read about on a mommyblog was to pee and then while on the pot, bend all the way over so as to squeeze every last drop. Too much information? No, I didn't think so either. See you next week!

Adventures in pregnancy - the hospital tour

2010-01-27T06:24:00.000-08:00

Last night Mark and I went to Beth Israel on 16th Street and 1st Avenue to get the grand hospital tour. Unfortunately, so did about 15 other couples. It gave everyone an opportunity to run through how things may go the day of your delivery, and at least how to get in and out of the building, what floor you'd labor on, and what the rooms look like. We found out that Mark can only stay overnight with me if we buy a private room, $300 per night. This is basically the same as I've heard from friends who've delivered elsewhere in the city. We'll think of it like a night out in a hotel... a very small, crowded hotel where people come in and out all night long to force me to feed my child and where I wear an outfit that will be the most attractive of all time. Needless to say, I think we like the idea of the private room that Mark can stay in with me over sharing a room and him having to leave at 9 pm.

We also learned that you have to leave the hospital with a carseat for the child UNLESS you travel in a yellow cab. NYC's Yellow cabs are exempt from the state law. Wasn't sure if anyone else knew that or not. We also learned that I don't look as pregnant as many other women. I felt like the smallest person there. Finally, it was really cool on the labor and delivery floor to walk to the nurses station and see the big screen tv that they monitor each of the women on, from a central location. I think I've watched too many hospital dramas because it was very exciting being there and I kept straining my ears to hear the bloody pained screams of mothers... alas (and thankfully) there were none.

Shower! (Brooklyn-style)

2010-01-26T13:26:00.000-08:00

My first shower for the little homey in my belly was this past weekend. My dear friend, Adrianne was the host (who got a little help from LJ), and it was an utter success! One thing to note, it was very interesting that only 1 person in attendance was an actual mother herself. For a couple of attendees this was their first baby shower. Everyone was required to bring a white onesie and there was arts n' crafts hour where people ironed on crayon drawings onto onesies. I now have roughly 25 onesies, both decorated and un. The winner for most insane onesie was most definitely Laura. She drew me. And she kept holding up her work, so very proud, and saying (in a very deep and disturbing voice), "I'M YOUR MOM!" Photographed below is Laura, again, quite proud, with her work of art.

Pump up the jam.

2010-01-25T09:14:00.000-08:00

So it's been said that playing classical music for your child when they're baking in your tummy oven is beneficial. Something about their brains developing, or at least the chances for snobbery increase, etc. This new product is really taking it to the next level. You can put some soothing sounds directly on to and in to your belly with these new speakers you strap to yourself. Please, don't buy this for me. I'm scared.

thirty one.

2010-01-24T14:09:00.000-08:00

Here's my weekly update. Sure am popping. Here's a newborn t-shirt for perspective.

Babies: The Movie

2010-01-19T13:24:00.000-08:00

Have you seen this movie trailer? Oh my goodness. I wish it was coming out BEFORE little baby Laughlin's arrival, but since it comes out after I'm hoping I'll be able to get more out of it. It looks adorable and I can't wait! I don't think I can watch this trailer without tearing up.

DIY: Make your own baby food.

2010-01-19T08:44:00.000-08:00

Here's a beautifully photographed blog post about making your own baby food. Might even inspire me to do such things. Impending motherhood is changing me so much, it's so funny!

Prenatal Yoga.

2010-01-19T08:39:00.000-08:00

Apart from the fact that when you're in downward facing dog position your heartburn and acid reflux comes at you like a speeding freight train, prenatal yoga can be a wonderful way to continue to feel strong and flexible even as you begin to waddle and stiffen. I've been attending a class every Monday and I think I'm going to continue through the month of February. There's a woman in my class, who as of last night was 38.5 weeks pregnant and heck, if she can do it, so can I. We do these things called intensity exercises where we learn how to breathe through the pain as a way of having us mock a contraction. Our teacher is very quick to say nothing will ever mock a contraction in reality. It's nice to be in a class where it's understandable that you can't see your knees or can't bend over all the way. I recommend it to all my prego counterparts.

Cute boutique. Pricey.

2010-01-17T09:45:00.000-08:00

How adorable is this mobile? How not adorable is the price though, right? Oh well, it's fun to look. I did find this adorable elephant onesie on sale for less than $15, which at this boutique is no small feat it seems. Check it out for yourself.

thirty!?

2010-01-16T19:09:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I can barely believe it. I've crossed the threshold into the 30s and things are getting pretty exciting around here. This may not be the best picture of my belly but without my regular photographer in town I've had to make do. I'm rolling out of bed... literally... a lot more lately. I use my elbow to push myself up and out of the bed. I'm really enjoying prenatal yoga and considering taking it for an additional 4 weeks. I've started to really worry about leaving work undone at my job and finalized my maternity leave with my boss this week. Needless to say, it's all happening. It's all really, really happening. And I'm so excited I could pee (but hopefully I won't).

Books, glorious books!

2010-01-12T11:07:00.000-08:00

If you're like me, and obviously you read this blog so you can at least relate to me somehow, you enjoy outward facing bookshelves. This way we get to display and show off our collection of kiddie books rather than only take a looksee at their spines. This is a really cool and fun idea if you have a great mix of books, or if you want to organize them by color. Look at this simple cheating way of doing it too. You can go buy yourself some relatively inexpensive picture ledges at Ikea and fasten them to your walls and call it a day. Not even a real piece of furniture. Oh, how I love ohdeedoh!

There will be no space on this kid's walls.

2010-01-11T11:50:00.000-08:00

Seriously, this kid's mom keeps falling in love with adorable prints. I'm thinking it's going to have to be a mis-match frame wall (oops, I love those) for this little guy. Most likely above his dresser/changing table. Looks like I'll be adding these two guys to the collection.

Wear your child.

2010-01-11T11:20:00.000-08:00

I can not wait to walk around my neighborhood and apartment with one of these little guys strapped to me. I adore them. I grabbed this photo from Marvelous Kiddo.

twenty nine.

2010-01-11T06:27:00.000-08:00

Here I am at 29 weeks. It's a bit of a different view. It's my view, of myself, from up looking down. It's getting more and more strange to be this pregnant. I'm doing a lot more rolling out of bed, literally. I have to sleep with my leg up on a pillow when laying on my side and sometimes I get so hot that the pillow ends up on top of Mark. Last night the baby was kicking a lot so I grabbed Mark's hand and we felt a knee slide across the inside of my belly. Mark pushed on him and then he pushed back. Things went on this way for a minute or so with the two of them pushing the very thin layer of skin and insides back and forth to each other. It was such a strange and awesome sensation. We're getting so close to knowing what this little guy will be like. He's in the 63rd percentile and at last week's appointment he was 3 lbs 2 oz. Stay tuned!

A possibility of Too Much Information (TMI).

2010-01-07T13:54:00.000-08:00

As things have been grinding along and I'm almost in my 30th week, I'm learning more and more about the delivery process. You saw that I actually posted an amazing home birth story the other day. I know, I'm surprising myself at this point too. That all being said, I've mentioned BabyCenter on here before. They're the clever organization behind my weekly email updates comparing my unborn child to various fruits and vegetables of various sizes and weights. Well they also have really cool things like a checklist for Dads with informaton on how to time contractions, etc. Something I got a little sidetracked on today was the video section. I watched an epidural procedure and then a birth with the aid of an epidural. I then watched two videos about what happens to your baby right after birth and then a couple hours after birth. Enlightening I must say. Watching these videos really is making this experience feel more and more real. There's no stopping it now so might as well clue yourself into the process, at least that's how I'm handling it.

So, if you're curious, go here to watch some videos. Educate yourself. Also, go here to see the helpful checklist for Dads.

By the by, my kid weighs as much as a butternut squash.

This is the onesie I love today.

2010-01-06T12:42:00.000-08:00

Apparently baby clothes are easy to fall in love with, so who can blame me? Today's romancer is brought to us by Threadless. I keep pulling for one of their $5 sales, so if you see one, holler at me!

I made one of those countdown things. Yes, I'm a sucker.

2010-01-04T13:52:00.001-08:00

It's my first baby, can you blame me? Really I just wanted a really easy way to find out how many more "days" I had left until my "due date". It's cheesy, but I don't care.

twenty eight weeks.

2010-01-01T16:35:00.000-08:00

Here I am all fancy before going out for New Year's Eve. Last New Year's Eve out on the town, so we took advantage by going from West Village to East Village, then home to Brooklyn. Then we slept in until 11 am. It was a good one. Happy New Year!

Amazing Christmas Eve birth story.

2009-12-31T08:01:00.000-08:00

As I've been rounding the corner into my third trimester (holy crap! that's today!), I've been spending less time reading about Britney Spears's manager/boyfriend, Jennifer Aniston's woes, and the latest on Jude Law and Sienna Miller's rekindling of the flame (ok, that's new and I know it), and more time on birth stories. I'm fascinated by the lengths people go to in order to make their babies safe and put themselves at ease. I used to be completely a "Type-A-I'm-going-to-schedule-my-birth-C-section-all-the-way" kind of a gal, but lately with the dramatic spike in C-sections that aren't emergencies and inspiring stories of women doing it the hard way (sometimes with drugs it's still hard), it's hard not to get completely swayed the other way. It's almost as if before I was "pregnant" and now I'm "expecting my first child". It's hard to explain, although I'm sure the Moms reading this won't have trouble identifying with my epiphany.

Anyway, the following birth story is no less inspiring than others I've read but what an exciting story they'll have in this family for years and years to come. Take a read.

Flash cards as art.

2009-12-28T10:42:00.000-08:00

How cute would these little guys be strung up on a string with clothes pins? Or all pushed together in a frame with no glass or backing? They are adorably vintage and I love them.

twenty seven weeks.

2009-12-27T18:58:00.000-08:00

Behold!

Weightlifter gives birth prematurely, didn't realize she was carrying child in addition to heavy weights.

2009-12-16T07:27:00.001-08:00

So apparently this can happen.

It's like that damn show, I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant, which I just don't buy. Are people that stupid and/or overweight?

UPDATE: So I had a commenter who was apparently (hey, it's the internet, I can't believe EVERYTHING, right?) on the show I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant and she made me feel bad for my initial post. Let me just give a little background on why I said what I said. Being that I'm pregnant, I can't imagine mistaking any of what I'm going through for anything else. I understand if you had a condition where you weren't sure you'd be able to carry a child, or if you've always had an irregular period, but my kid is constantly kicking inside and I don't know how you wouldn't feel that. Some of the stories on that show seem completely hard to believe and I'm not alone in feeling this way. Anyway, I hope no one else comes out of the woodwork to tell me how insensitive I am.

M-m-m-m-maternity Clothes.

2009-12-16T06:58:00.000-08:00

Ok, that was hard. I've gone and done it. I've made my first, real purchase of maternity clothes. I hate that phrase but at least it's better than Maternity Wear, which really just makes me think super matronly, bows, and frillies, and I hate it. But I made a purchase at the trusty Gap and the items are here. Granted, they're shirts, I've yet to truly move away from my pre-pregnancy pants yet (something I'm entirely grateful for), but they're shirts that I've needed for a while. Getting pregnant now is actually pretty lucky, with all these long shirts that are in style, you can conceivably wear your normal clothes throughout your pregnancy. My problem is, I have better summer clothes than winter clothes -- so here I am, buying shirts and sweaters in size "with child".

Note: I did put on a pair of hand-me-down pants last night with the crazy elastic waist that comes up really high and I won't lie. That sh*t was REALLY comfortable. But I'm not giving in quite yet.

Dream Wish List: Baby Boy Laughlin

2009-12-15T11:06:00.000-08:00

Since 'tis the season for dreaming about new material goods (no, it's not, but it is and it isn't, right?), I figured as I put together a list for myself yesterday on the blog, that I'd come over here and put a list together for the other half of me. Not Mark. The little dude that happens to be occupying my space right now. These are things I'd love to buy the nugget if money were no barrier.

Blik - Alphabet zoo decals - $35
Tyke Rider - Easy rider classic - $189.99
Mini Jake - Dwell fitted transport crib sheet - $36
Trumpette - Howdy the bouncy cow - $34.99
Amazon - The travels of Babar - $10.85
Maclaren - Triumph stroller in red - $190
Target - Elephant humidifier - $34.99
Gap - Canvas deck shoes - $17
Gap - Plaid onesie - $20
Piperlime - Chuck Taylor first star - $20

How to: Peanut Christmas Ornaments

2009-12-15T06:49:00.003-08:00

These couldn't be cuter. Read the "How To" over at OhDeeDoh.

Kids rule.

2009-12-14T10:54:00.000-08:00

Here's one of the reasons. This kid sings, or should I say, attempts to sing and play the ukelele in the following clip and it's just too cute.

twenty five.

2009-12-13T09:02:00.000-08:00

Here I am. All twenty five weeks of me.

Cute.

2009-12-10T14:26:00.001-08:00

This would be pretty cute atop a chest of drawers or changing table.

Look at that face!

2009-12-07T09:48:00.000-08:00

Little dude was swallowing on screen today when we went to get our sonogram. It was pretty bizarre. He also had his little legs crossed like a gentleman.

twenty four.

2009-12-04T08:22:00.000-08:00

Eeek! That's 6 months. This little dude is kicking up a storm today and reminding me that I'm getting bigger and slower. I make an exhausted sound every time I sit down at this point in the pregnancy.

My bougie kid can appreciate Eames too!

2009-12-03T12:46:00.001-08:00

So cute. But so expensive.

Kick.

2009-11-24T07:32:00.000-08:00

This kid is seriously kicking up a storm. The other night it felt like he was practicing break dancing moves. It's awesome to just be sitting here at work and feel like the little dude is inside kicking along to the sounds of the keyboard. I was reading the other night that I'm only a few weeks away from the kid getting hiccups. What an insane feeling that must be. The kicking has become a way of reassuring me that he's okay in there and having a good time. This picture totally freaks me out -- I think it's real.

Elephants!

2009-11-20T07:04:00.000-08:00

I know why elephants are a big trend with kids these days, because they're adorable. I'm loving this elephant walker toy. Simple wooden design and it's a gift that amuses baby and parent, both.

DwellStudio: Amazing Baby Bed Stuff!

2009-11-20T06:49:00.000-08:00

You don't have to be a genius to understand why the DwellStudio transportation themed crib set is like a dream come true to me. I work in transportation for the love of Pete. Problem is, I love ALL the DwellStudio stuff and it's SO EXPENSIVE! The upside is that they've started selling a line of stuff at Target (coincidentally where we've registered), so we can still have cute, yet not all the way full-blown I-can't-believe-you-spent-that-much-on-baby-sheets-you-know-they-pee-and-poo-on-those-right? kind of prices.

They've also got a new pattern, Owls. Yes, I'd also like that. So let's see, between the two at $360 each, carry the seven, that'd be a grand total of $720. Yep, on two crib "sets". Silliness surrounds this baby making endeavor of ours.

twenty two.

2009-11-19T19:47:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe I'm 5 and 1/2 months pregnant, but it's getting pretty hard to ignore at this point. Here I am in all my glory.

Tykeriders!

2009-11-17T10:48:00.001-08:00

Look at how amazing these bikes are for kids. You can put your child on this as early as 2 years old and what's cool about it is that it's a balance bike which teaches kids how to balance and the essentials needed for bike riding without the safety net and sometimes crutch of the training wheel. There's a video of kids riding the bikes on the main page that is irresistibly adorable.

Apart from registering for baby essentials, Mark and I have put together a wish list of sorts, a place to keep our "wants" rather than our needs. This definitely went to the top of the list. This list will be our rainy day list that we'll buy items off of as the kid grows and gets more into stuff.

Just like Dad.

2009-11-14T19:05:00.001-08:00

I couldn't resist buying this little onesie from Baby Gap when it went on sale since it's a little ode to little dude's father and his love of the motorcycles. I can't wait to dress him in it.

Remember Miffy?

2009-11-14T19:01:00.000-08:00

How cute is this little bunny? And to think that the Miffy empire all started because the author used to make up stories about a bunny he and his daughter saw while on vacation. Miffy is pretty adorable. What a cute way to decorate a little girl's room.

Baby Room Inspiration.

2009-11-11T16:03:00.000-08:00

I'm getting that itchy feeling... yep, it's almost moving time. Images like this are getting me excited about creating our little boy's room.

Mom haircut.

2009-11-10T10:44:00.000-08:00

So, my co-worker yesterday told me she liked my new haircut and that it was very "Mommy-to-be". I was devastated. But because I have a really cool husband, he responded like so, "you wanted the Katie Holmes. She's a mom. And she's a hot mom." So I felt better. But seriously? Who says that to someone? Look at these mom haircuts.

"That's not good for the baby..."

2009-11-10T06:34:00.000-08:00

People sure have been saying that to me lately. This is probably because I'm carrying heavy things around the office and taking on more than I probably should be at this point in the pregnancy. Also, I've been working late, like a lot. So, I know, I'll get better. This is probably the last week for a while that I'll have crazy hours. It's pretty weird knowing that you're not at your full capacity (but still full - ha!). My belly is rounding and I'm feeling it on my sides. It's really so weird to see your body change so dramatically, which I'm sure sounds adorably naive for all you current moms who know I'm only in month 5 and will get much bigger very soon. Let me enjoy this time of naïveté.

Holiday baby.

2009-11-10T06:15:00.000-08:00

Look at this adorable picture of Ryan Lovelady Renkes. Amy takes lots of pictures of her little nugget and is enjoying her time at home with him for the time being. What a cutie.

20 weeks.

2009-11-07T08:55:00.000-08:00

Halfway there! Baby is the length of a banana this week! Eeek!

Cute Diaper Bag.

2009-11-06T08:48:00.000-08:00

This little diaper bag is pretty adorable. I love that it's obvious but apparently it doesn't have a changing pad, which is a big drawback. I'm partial to the Skip Hop bags, myself and see one in my future. The same company who makes the cute "boy" bag, also makes Howdy the Bouncing Cow and I want him SO BADLY!!! I will probably get around to buying him myself in just a few weeks. I'm focused on getting to the new apartment where baby has his own room for his own crap first.

Super-G!

2009-11-03T07:01:00.001-08:00

Look at Superman Griffin!

Halloween!

2009-11-03T06:57:00.001-08:00

Look at this cute kid. Jenn and Ryan's little boy was a caddy for Halloween! So frickin' adorable and original. What a little man! His little sis, Leighton, was a witch (but a really cute witch!).

Swing!

2009-11-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

19 weeks.

2009-11-01T14:12:00.001-08:00

Here I am.

18 weeks.

2009-10-29T19:52:00.001-07:00

This is a week late, but I figured I'd share anyway.

It's a...

2009-10-29T06:55:00.001-07:00

...heirloom tomato! A large one at that.

I keep laughing every week because my weekly updates that I get over email compare my baby to a piece of food (usually a fruit or veggie). The baby has been a bean, a plum, last week it was a baked potato (not uncooked, mind you), and this week it's a large heirloom tomato. So funny.

Twins!

2009-10-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

Our friends Andy and Carrie had their little twins - Drew and Celeste and I scooped this picture of them. Babies are doing well and are in ICU and Mom and Dad are just too cute and proud. Both hands on deck for these folks right out of the gates! Congrats to them all!

Ace!

2009-10-27T07:44:00.001-07:00

By now everyone knows this is one of my favorite babies around. Baby Ace is amazing, and amazingly cool, just look at his latest getup.

Speaking of...

2009-10-26T07:55:00.000-07:00

... Threadless.

Some of their most favorite prints have been turned into wall decals for grown up and baby rooms alike. I am totally thinking this alphabet may be appropriate for little bean's room.

Threadless for babies!

2009-10-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

I used to have a slight addiction to t-shirts. I received the Threadless weekly email which would debut new designs and I would, out of habit, add a couple to my basket and most of the times, hit purchase. I've since stopped, mostly because I'm 30 and how many graphic tees should a 30 year old actually own anyway? But, what about the little nugget inside me? Don't you think he'll like Threadless onesies? Yes. He will. Here's some as an example.

Nice Grill!

2009-10-26T06:23:00.000-07:00

Look at this hysterical pacifier with gold fronts! Perhaps I need this?

American Apparel, you're too much.

2009-10-23T08:32:00.000-07:00

I mean, really? These baby clothes kill me.

Eat well... or else.

2009-10-22T08:18:00.000-07:00

Seriously, it's coming to that. Mark is threatening me (in a loving, caring, overprotective Papa Bear kind of way) to eat smart during this pregnancy. A few thoughts come to mind, 1) I'm really not a huge fan of vegetables, 2) it doesn't stop with pregnancy - I will have to continue this "smart eating" throughout my child's life lest I hear, "why does Mommy not have to eat green beans (A: because they smell funny and I hate them)?" "Why is Mommy eating honey nut cheerios for dinner?" Realistically, I eat pretty well, I'm not chowing on fast food, french fries, pizza, and chicken nuggets all the time. What's hard for me is this whole idea of "snacking smart". For example, I WISH I loved yogurt... how easy would that be? A little granola, a little fruit, a little yogurt - Breakfast would be a breeze. You know what else? Carrots. I wish carrots were delicious to me, but instead it's a terrible texture and flavor reminiscent of dirt. Celery? Ew to the Ew. I'd rather not, for reals. Mark and I talking about food is like a father coaching his toddler into eating what daddy wants him to eat. And I'm only at week 18.