People starting to hide for the surprise:
Me walking in:
Trying not to go into labor from being so scared:
Some of the food and Michelle trying not to choke from laughing so hard:
Opening gifts:
There ya go, memory captured!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
More Baby Shower #2.
A coworker just emailed me these from the shower last week, thought I'd share:
People starting to hide for the surprise:
Me walking in:
Trying not to go into labor from being so scared:
Some of the food and Michelle trying not to choke from laughing so hard:
Opening gifts:
There ya go, memory captured!
People starting to hide for the surprise:
Me walking in:
Trying not to go into labor from being so scared:
Some of the food and Michelle trying not to choke from laughing so hard:
Opening gifts:
There ya go, memory captured!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Baby Shower #2
Thursday I went to work as usual; excited that it was my last day before my normal 3 day weekend! Everybody was pretty busy and I was left to my own devices most of the day. Around lunch time my supervisor asked me if I'd go get the conference room ready for a meeting. I went in to turn on the light and noticed someone lurking in the corner.
Then EVERYONE jumped out and yelled "SURPRISE!" I can't believe that 30ish people snuck into a room basically right behind my desk with gifts, decorations, and food and I didn't even notice. What can I say, by Thursday I am pretty much checked out.
Some of the employee's spouses came, and Jerad was there too. Sneaky sneaky:)
(a few of us getting ready to open gifts)
For food it was a mexican buffet. YUMMO!
For dessert there were 2 cakes, chocolate with a whipped cream and strawberry filling, and an ice cream cake:
I felt so loved. My coworkers and their families put so much thought into the gifts. There were little cowboy boots, wrangler diaper covers, cloth diapers, so many adorable things. Everyone at my work is so excited. Since Jerad and I haven't been able to pick a name, my coworkers have been writing suggestions on slips of paper and hanging them over my desk:
There have also been a few times when I've come in to find balloons waiting for me:
And Thursday I got sent home (early too boot!) with fresh flowers:
I had so much fun and it was really nice that Jerad was there too. As the baby room fills up more and more its sinking in... there's going to be another little person arriving soon!
Then EVERYONE jumped out and yelled "SURPRISE!" I can't believe that 30ish people snuck into a room basically right behind my desk with gifts, decorations, and food and I didn't even notice. What can I say, by Thursday I am pretty much checked out.
Some of the employee's spouses came, and Jerad was there too. Sneaky sneaky:)
(a few of us getting ready to open gifts)For food it was a mexican buffet. YUMMO!
For dessert there were 2 cakes, chocolate with a whipped cream and strawberry filling, and an ice cream cake:
I felt so loved. My coworkers and their families put so much thought into the gifts. There were little cowboy boots, wrangler diaper covers, cloth diapers, so many adorable things. Everyone at my work is so excited. Since Jerad and I haven't been able to pick a name, my coworkers have been writing suggestions on slips of paper and hanging them over my desk:
There have also been a few times when I've come in to find balloons waiting for me:
And Thursday I got sent home (early too boot!) with fresh flowers:
I had so much fun and it was really nice that Jerad was there too. As the baby room fills up more and more its sinking in... there's going to be another little person arriving soon!
Crossing off a bit more
(things in BOLD are finished)
- Bassinet
- Make bassinet bedding
- Carseats (a friend bought us one and is giving it to us on Easter, and Melinda and Larry got us another!)
- Crib bedding
- Crib
- Crib Mattress
- Changing table
- Changing pad and covers
- Baby tub
- Storage baskets for baby stuff
- Cloth diapers
- Disposable diapers (a few packages for the first weeks)
- Diaper bag
- Nursing bras/tanks
- Nursing pillow and cover
- Nipple cream, breast pads
- Medela in Style breast pump
- Bottles
- Burp cloths, swaddlers, receiving blankets
- Onesies and sleep suits in 0-3m, and 3-6m sizes
- Babylegs!
- Hats, socks, bibs
- Rocker/glider
- Moby wrap or sling for me
- Ergo for Jerad
- Stroller
- High chair (we decided to take this off our registry. It will be awhile till we need it, why waste the space in the meantime?)
- Play pen (I came home from work one day last week to find the one we wanted on our doorstep. Thanks Maggie!)
Things to do before baby boy H gets here:
(things in BOLD are finished)- Rearrange bedroom to accommodate bassinet
- Find pediatrician
- Hire doula
- Figure out what I am doing for maternity leave
- Figure out how much time/when Jerad will take off
- Nail down childcare situation (we're pretty close on this one)
- Complete Hypnobabies courses
- Practice relaxation techniques
- Prenatal Yoga classes
- Order birth kit/supplies
- Get some second hand towels/sheets for the birth
- Figure out where to set up birth tub
- Order birth tub
- Choose baby name (we're like 95% on this one. And no, we're not sharing)
- Stock freezer with meals
- Wash baby clothes, diapers, linens
- Make list of names/numbers of ppl to call after the baby is born
- Build nursery paneling
- Paint nursery furniture
- Put together nursery furniture
- Eye exam (Jerad)
- Dental exams/teeth cleanings (I made appointments today!)
- Chiropractor visits (I made appointments today!)
- Rearrange closet to fit baby's stuff
- Make ipod labor/delivery playlist (any suggestions?)
- Make lullaby playlist (any suggestions?)
- Maternity photoshoot
- Rearrange new living room furniture
- Paint living room
- Buy new wall hangings
- Repaint kitchen
- Buy bigger kitchen table (we currently have a 2 person bistro table. I feel like a "family" needs seating for at least 4:)
- Repaint hallway
- Touch up paint in master bedroom, guest room, hall bath, back bath, mud room, laundry room
- Paint nursery
- Redecorate hall bath, buy new toilet seat, and remove shower doors
- Clean back yard and plant garden
- Fix trim board between laundry room and our bedroom floor
- Add trim around new hot water heater handles
- Get new mattress/box spring
- Clean out shed
- Organize basement and have a yard sale (our basement is maybe about 1/3 of the way organized, our yard sale stuff is mostly gathered, and our block is having a yardsale in 2 weeks)
- Stain back deck
- Write thank-you's (1/2 way done. There are 62 so its taking me awhile)
- Plan weekend romantic getaway for one last hurrah before baby comes:)
- organize closets (entryway, hall, linen, bathroom cupboard, our room, guest room, babyroom)
- call Insurance company and change my last name
- bathe all three dogs
- start baby scrapbook
35 Weeks
(35 weeks)We're getting close! We had a busy weekend and I paid for it. Saturday we got up at 6:30 and finished whipping the house into shape. That afternoon my besties threw me and Kari an ADORABLE baby shower (separate post on that to follow). Saturday evening Jerad and I went and saw Alice in Wonderland in 3D with Tina and Alex.
Sunday we spent all morning and afternoon working outside. I planted flowers and veggies in all of the planters and pots, and Jerad cleaned up and pressure washed the house, porch, eves, siding, deck, driveway and sidewalks. Then he did our dog kennels, patio furniture, and cushions for good measure. I really tried not to overdo it... I had Jerad do all of the heavy lifting and bring me the bags of soil. I took breaks and drank lots of water. Sunday evening we had our maternity pics done. I can't wait to see them!!! We went to San Miguel and took photos in front of some of the old buildings and factories. When we got back we walked downtown and had a romantic dinner. Annnnnd then the contractions began.
9 in an hour. Jerad wanted to call the midwife since we're supposed to report in if I have more than 5 in an hour. I told him to relax because there was no way the baby was coming yet. First of all, he doesn't have a name yet. Secondly, I haven't washed all of his clothes and blankets. And third, there is still waaaay too much left undone on my to-do before baby list! I drank a bunch of water and laid down and the second hour only had 5 contractions. My uterus is going to be very toned by the time it needs to push this babe out.
Today I woke up and my back, arms, legs, EVERYTHING was soooo sore I decided not to go to work. I think it was a combo of so much squatting, lifting, walking, twisting, and just doing so much in one weekend. It just sucks because I *am* trying to tone it down and still I get all achy/contractiony. I told Jerad that I feel like me and my body aren't on the same team anymore. Its rebelling against me! I feel "fine" but then pay later. I'll keep trying to take it easy, but I am not going to sit on my butt for the next 2-8 weeks. Today I did wash all the baby clothes and blankets and the rest of the diapers, then make us dental and chiropractor appointments. I guess last night just gave me the little push I needed to realize that this little guy is going to be here in a few weeks and we need to finish getting ready.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
It's a Hoot
Last night we set up the Pack n' Play that a neighbor bought us. Its called "Little Hoot." Love the name. We wanted to make sure all the pieces were there so we could throw away the box.
Um.... it might be the cutest playpen I've ever seen! Usually I don't like the way baby "stuff" looks, but seriously.
These are the fabrics (they are brighter than pictured):
And this is the playpen:
It completely matches our living room, kitchen, and our room without lighting up and screaming "BABY." Plus it will give the baby some protection from being trampled by our fetch obsessed dogs at the park. Win-win.
Um.... it might be the cutest playpen I've ever seen! Usually I don't like the way baby "stuff" looks, but seriously.
These are the fabrics (they are brighter than pictured):
And this is the playpen:
It completely matches our living room, kitchen, and our room without lighting up and screaming "BABY." Plus it will give the baby some protection from being trampled by our fetch obsessed dogs at the park. Win-win.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Baby Room
We stayed up late last night finishing the baby room. Besides gifts to put away from the shower this weekend, here's the finished product:
Artwork all ordered from Etsy:
The pictures all look a little dark because they were taken at 11pm. Otherwise, its pretty bright and cheery!
Now all we need is a baby to fill it up:)
Artwork all ordered from Etsy:
The pictures all look a little dark because they were taken at 11pm. Otherwise, its pretty bright and cheery!Now all we need is a baby to fill it up:)
Monday, March 22, 2010
Weekend Wonderland
My husband is a manly man in many ways. He frequently comes home covered in drywall dust, axle grease, pipe glue, welding spatter and other similar substances. Sidenote: learn to have work clothes, and non work clothes Jerad! Gah!!! I frequently am grumbling about power tools being left about and him using our good kitchen sponges to clean the lawnmower. BUT, if there is anything I want done, he can do it. Move walls, fix my car, fix a slow draining sink, you get the jist. Usually when I show him something I want to buy his response is "I could make that."
Then he has this other side. The one that knits. And sews. And has to have his own bodywash because he likes only vanilla coconut scent. He likes his baths with bubbles, loves to bake, and can clean a bathroom with the best of them. Instead of calling this side "girly," I like to say "well rounded."
Well, me and my well rounded guy took a little mini road trip yesterday. We slept in a little, then headed to Touch of Paso for a huge breakfast around 8am. After that we got in the car and went north to Palo Alto to go to:
kiiiind of the best place on earth! Honestly, most of the stuff isn't my style, and feels "cheap" but its always an experience never the less. For the baby room we got:
The dresser is the same brown/black as the little book shelf. We also picked up a new cheese grader, cutting board, and whisk. It took FOREVER. Mostly because Jerad does stuff like compares how big the groove for catching juices is on the different cutting boards and wants to get the one that is easiest on the knives. I'm more like "dude... its just a piece of wood." but, I have a husband who is happy to littereally spend an entire day doing nothing but shopping with me, so I can live with the pickyness.
We finally left and decided to stop here on our way back:
We had planned on going there for Valentine's but didn't make it so now was the chance to make it up. One bloomin onion and 2 steak dinners later (eh, if you're gonna cheat go big), we were stuffed. There is a Babies R Us in the same plaza and we decided to check it out since there are none close to us. Basically, having a baby has opened all sorts of new stores to us. Like the children's section at Ikea! Then again I am both cheap AND picky so its not thaaaaat exciting:) We wandered around a little bit and left with a giraffe skin looking changing table cover.
Jerad has become obsessed with giraffes for the baby. He wanted a whole giraffe room which was voted down, we compromised that a few "accents" would be okay. The other things he really wanted in a baby room were orange, dark blue, vintage ford or plane stuff. None of that really screams large jungle creature to me. Anyways, the changing pad cover is cute and I did manage to dissuade him from the fluffy giraffe mobile, switch plate, drawer pulls, airplane/tow truck/boat bedding, and lamp.
We drove home from Salinas and set everything up. It already looks like a completely different baby room! As soon as we hang the wall shelf and curtains tonight, I'll post pictures. The only thing left to do is have the art we bought framed and hung, then put away the gifts from the upcoming showers.
I have no transition for this, but I almost forgot about our Friday dinner.
Backstory:
We went to have dinner with a guy and his family that Jerad met at work. The guy is an outside contractor, so they aren't coworkers or anything. When they met they somehow started talking about homebirths, organic food, homeopathy and decided to be bff's. The guy and his wife live in Paso and have 7 kids, 5 of which were born unassisted at home.
I baked a ginormous apple pie and we headed over there. They live a little way's out of town on a big lot with a bunch of goats and chickens. We got to feed the baby 3 weeks old goats bottles, milk the big goats, and meet the fam. Their kids were soooo well behaved. Seriously. 7 kids, ranging from 3 weeks old to 8 and they were a dream. We had a great dinner. So, that was the good part.
Before dinner he asked if we minded if he prayed. We said of course not. He prayed then afterwards asked if we were believers. Annnnnd it all got weird from there. He asked where we went to church and we told him nowhere at the moment. When he pressed why and found out that it was because we were disillusioned with the way churches opperate now (to say the least) and don't feel like that's how it should be, lo and behold him and his wife were having all the same issues. Instead of it being one more thing that we have in common, it turned into a three hour discussion (and by discussion I mean him talking:) about all these different issues, getting out his Bible to read certain passages, and giving us a Bible to follow along in. We ended the evening with a 30 minute prayer. At 10:30pm.
It was just... awkward to say the least. Not because we prayed or read the Bible... just the whole thing. Both of our families are questioning and think that there is a better way, but in totally different ways. I think he is the type that wants an answer for EVERYTHING, and gets frustrated that that's not really possible. Jerad and I are more in the mindset of "united on the few, divided on the many." There are key elements that I think are integral to the Christian faith, but so many smaller issues and differing opinions that I honestly do.not.think.matter. If there was a 100% right way to do things, someone would have hopefully figured it out by now right? I don't want this to get all heavy so I'm not going to get into it, but it was just kiiiinda awkward to have a study sesh with basically strangers when all I planned for is dinner:)
We had tons of fun though, they seem like a super nice family and I got to hold baybee goats!!! Maybe next time we can solve the countries debt problem and come up with a solution for the off shore oil drilling debate? Jk.
Then he has this other side. The one that knits. And sews. And has to have his own bodywash because he likes only vanilla coconut scent. He likes his baths with bubbles, loves to bake, and can clean a bathroom with the best of them. Instead of calling this side "girly," I like to say "well rounded."
Well, me and my well rounded guy took a little mini road trip yesterday. We slept in a little, then headed to Touch of Paso for a huge breakfast around 8am. After that we got in the car and went north to Palo Alto to go to:
kiiiind of the best place on earth! Honestly, most of the stuff isn't my style, and feels "cheap" but its always an experience never the less. For the baby room we got:
The dresser is the same brown/black as the little book shelf. We also picked up a new cheese grader, cutting board, and whisk. It took FOREVER. Mostly because Jerad does stuff like compares how big the groove for catching juices is on the different cutting boards and wants to get the one that is easiest on the knives. I'm more like "dude... its just a piece of wood." but, I have a husband who is happy to littereally spend an entire day doing nothing but shopping with me, so I can live with the pickyness.We finally left and decided to stop here on our way back:
We had planned on going there for Valentine's but didn't make it so now was the chance to make it up. One bloomin onion and 2 steak dinners later (eh, if you're gonna cheat go big), we were stuffed. There is a Babies R Us in the same plaza and we decided to check it out since there are none close to us. Basically, having a baby has opened all sorts of new stores to us. Like the children's section at Ikea! Then again I am both cheap AND picky so its not thaaaaat exciting:) We wandered around a little bit and left with a giraffe skin looking changing table cover.
Jerad has become obsessed with giraffes for the baby. He wanted a whole giraffe room which was voted down, we compromised that a few "accents" would be okay. The other things he really wanted in a baby room were orange, dark blue, vintage ford or plane stuff. None of that really screams large jungle creature to me. Anyways, the changing pad cover is cute and I did manage to dissuade him from the fluffy giraffe mobile, switch plate, drawer pulls, airplane/tow truck/boat bedding, and lamp.
We drove home from Salinas and set everything up. It already looks like a completely different baby room! As soon as we hang the wall shelf and curtains tonight, I'll post pictures. The only thing left to do is have the art we bought framed and hung, then put away the gifts from the upcoming showers.
I have no transition for this, but I almost forgot about our Friday dinner.
Backstory:
We went to have dinner with a guy and his family that Jerad met at work. The guy is an outside contractor, so they aren't coworkers or anything. When they met they somehow started talking about homebirths, organic food, homeopathy and decided to be bff's. The guy and his wife live in Paso and have 7 kids, 5 of which were born unassisted at home.
I baked a ginormous apple pie and we headed over there. They live a little way's out of town on a big lot with a bunch of goats and chickens. We got to feed the baby 3 weeks old goats bottles, milk the big goats, and meet the fam. Their kids were soooo well behaved. Seriously. 7 kids, ranging from 3 weeks old to 8 and they were a dream. We had a great dinner. So, that was the good part.
Before dinner he asked if we minded if he prayed. We said of course not. He prayed then afterwards asked if we were believers. Annnnnd it all got weird from there. He asked where we went to church and we told him nowhere at the moment. When he pressed why and found out that it was because we were disillusioned with the way churches opperate now (to say the least) and don't feel like that's how it should be, lo and behold him and his wife were having all the same issues. Instead of it being one more thing that we have in common, it turned into a three hour discussion (and by discussion I mean him talking:) about all these different issues, getting out his Bible to read certain passages, and giving us a Bible to follow along in. We ended the evening with a 30 minute prayer. At 10:30pm.
It was just... awkward to say the least. Not because we prayed or read the Bible... just the whole thing. Both of our families are questioning and think that there is a better way, but in totally different ways. I think he is the type that wants an answer for EVERYTHING, and gets frustrated that that's not really possible. Jerad and I are more in the mindset of "united on the few, divided on the many." There are key elements that I think are integral to the Christian faith, but so many smaller issues and differing opinions that I honestly do.not.think.matter. If there was a 100% right way to do things, someone would have hopefully figured it out by now right? I don't want this to get all heavy so I'm not going to get into it, but it was just kiiiinda awkward to have a study sesh with basically strangers when all I planned for is dinner:)
We had tons of fun though, they seem like a super nice family and I got to hold baybee goats!!! Maybe next time we can solve the countries debt problem and come up with a solution for the off shore oil drilling debate? Jk.
Crossing things off:
Remember "the list?"
Its getting smaller!
If we don't have an Ergo and Moby Wrap/Sleepy Wrap before the babe gets here, we'll go out and buy those for sure since we plan on babywearing.
Its getting smaller!
Things to buy before baby boy H gets here:
(things in BOLD are finished)- Bassinet
- Make bassinet bedding
- Carseats (a friend bought us one and is giving it to us on Easter. One more to go!)
- Crib bedding
- Crib
- Crib Mattress
- Changing table
- Changing pad and covers
- Baby tub
- Storage baskets for baby stuff
- Cloth diapers
- Disposable diapers (a few packages for the first weeks)
- Diaper bag
- Nursing bras/tanks
- Nursing pillow and cover
- Nipple cream, breast pads
- Medela in Style breast pump
- Bottles
- Burp cloths, swaddlers, receiving blankets
- Onesies and sleep suits in 0-3m, and 3-6m sizes
- Babylegs!
- Hats, socks, bibs
- Rocker/glider
- Moby wrap or sling for me
- Ergo for Jerad
- Stroller
- High chair (we decided to take this off our registry. It will be awhile till we need it, why waste the space in the meantime?)
- Play pen (I came home from work one day last week to find the one we wanted on our doorstep. Thanks Maggie!)
If we don't have an Ergo and Moby Wrap/Sleepy Wrap before the babe gets here, we'll go out and buy those for sure since we plan on babywearing.
Things to do before baby boy H gets here:
(things in BOLD are finished)- Rearrange bedroom to accommodate bassinet
- Find pediatrician
- Hire doula
- Figure out what I am doing for maternity leave
- Figure out how much time/when Jerad will take off
- Nail down childcare situation
- Complete Hypnobabies courses
- Practice relaxation techniques
- Prenatal Yoga classes
- Order birth kit
- Get some second hand towels/sheets for the birth
- Figure out where to set up birth tub
- Order birth tub
- Choose baby name (we're like 95% on this one. And no, we're not sharing)
- Stock freezer with meals
- Wash baby clothes, diapers, linens (I'm holding off on this so I still have something to do:)
- Make list of names/numbers of ppl to call after the baby is born
- Build nursery paneling
- Paint nursery furniture
- Put together nursery furniture
- Eye exam (Jerad)
- Dental exams/teeth cleanings
- Chiropractor visit (both)
- Rearrange closet to fit baby's stuff
- Make ipod labor/delivery playlist (any suggestions?)
- Make lullaby playlist (any suggestions?)
- Maternity photoshoot (scheduled for Sunday!)
- Rearrange new living room furniture
- Paint living room
- Buy new wall hangings
- Repaint kitchen
- Buy bigger kitchen table (we currently have a 2 person bistro table. I feel like a "family" needs seating for at least 4:)
- Repaint hallway
- Touch up paint in master bedroom, guest room, hall bath, back bath, mud room, laundry room
- Paint nursery
- Redecorate hall bath, buy new toilet seat, and remove shower doors
- Clean back yard and plant garden
- Fix trim board between laundry room and our bedroom floor
- Add trim around new hot water heater handles
- Get new mattress/box spring
- Clean out shed
- Organize basement and have a yard sale (I got together most of the stuff for the yard sale, baby steps!)
- Stain back deck
- Write thank-you's
- Plan weekend romantic getaway for one last hurrah before baby comes:)
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Its beginning to look a lot like...
BABY!
Here is where we're at:
There are still a ton of odds and ends and gifts to put away (plus 2 more baby showers!), but most of the big pieces are in. The only other piece of furniture is a dresser that Jerad is painting as I type this. It was my mom's as a kid, then mine, and now will be baby Hutch's. Tomorrow we are taking a road trip to Ikea and might pick up some sort shelf for books and toys.
Mmk, how cute is this little guy?
Weirdest impulse purchase I have ever made. I don't usually like this kind of thing. But seriously, he is adorable. I was at Mollywogs in Templeton buying some wool diaper covers and he was sitting forgotten tucked under the rack by the register. I just had to take him home!
So, that's where we're at. Most of the artwork I ordered has come in, it just needs to be framed. Tomorrow at Ikea we'll look for a rug and curtains, then just a few more finishing touches and we'll be finished!
I'm happy with how its turning out. Its just what we wanted, not too "baby," but still bright and cheerful.
Here is where we're at:
There are still a ton of odds and ends and gifts to put away (plus 2 more baby showers!), but most of the big pieces are in. The only other piece of furniture is a dresser that Jerad is painting as I type this. It was my mom's as a kid, then mine, and now will be baby Hutch's. Tomorrow we are taking a road trip to Ikea and might pick up some sort shelf for books and toys.
Mmk, how cute is this little guy?
Weirdest impulse purchase I have ever made. I don't usually like this kind of thing. But seriously, he is adorable. I was at Mollywogs in Templeton buying some wool diaper covers and he was sitting forgotten tucked under the rack by the register. I just had to take him home!So, that's where we're at. Most of the artwork I ordered has come in, it just needs to be framed. Tomorrow at Ikea we'll look for a rug and curtains, then just a few more finishing touches and we'll be finished!
I'm happy with how its turning out. Its just what we wanted, not too "baby," but still bright and cheerful.
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