On Sunday I took a 5 hour digital photography class. It was awesome!!! Normally I have a hard time sitting through a 2 hour movie, but I was totally engaged in this class and didn't even yawn once, haha.
A couple months ago I started looking into newborn photographers. I really want to get newborn photos done to capture those early moments. Aren't all those professional photos you see breathtaking and adorable?!
Most photographers recommend having the photos done when the baby is between 3-10 days old. Sounds a little overwhelming to add this to the mix of the early days when we'll be learning about being parents, but at the same time if we don't do them we know we'll regret it.
The price points were pretty high. All of the photographers we researched are very talented and worth every dime however we wondered if there was an alternative. Tim suggested that I take a photography class because we have a really nice camera, and it's a hobby I've been wanting to develop. I figured why not give it a shot; I could definitely benefit from learning some skills that will help me get great photos throughout the little one's life.
Best decision ever! Thanks hubs!! I learned SO much and feel like I truly have an understanding of the important technical elements that go into making a photo great. I'm super excited to practice and look at things in a different, creative way. Not to mention, photography will probably teach me patience as I try to get the perfect shot, and spend hours editing etc.
I already have a wish list of lenses, software, equipment and props I want....uh oh!
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013
SURPRISE Virtual Baby Shower
This weekend I got a HUGE surprise. My friends back home organized a virtual baby shower on Google+ Hangouts.
One of my friends joined from a coffee shop in Colorado [ I'm not familiar with the language ;-) ], another from her Chicago apartment, I joined from my home in Washington and the other ladies gathered at a friend's house in Michigan. That's four time zones represented...wowzers!! I love that even though we are geographically spread all over the place, we remain the best of friends <3
I was totally taken by surprise. They coordinated with Tim to have him hide gifts from me that had been arriving. He even hid the cakepops they sent, without sneaking one!
It was the webchat party of the century. The girls decorated onesies that they'll be shipping our way, we all ate "together" and played games. "Guess how big my belly is" was one of the games....turns out I'm not quite 5 feet around as some suspected ;-) We also played a word scramble game where we had to see how many girl names we could come up with by just using letters from my first, middle and last name. We learned I don't have ANY "A"s in my name....who knew! We had some creative spellings for traditional names, and some sassy new age names like Tre'Erin and Le'Christine. We got lots of laughs.
At the end I opened gifts (ya'll are so generous and I'm overwhelmed by your kindness....cannot thank you all enough!!) I showed the girls some "suggestive" birthing positions in one of the books I have, and took them all on a tour of the nursery via webcam. Ahh the wonders of technology.
My friends are more creative and tech savvy than yours :-p xoxox
One of my friends joined from a coffee shop in Colorado [ I'm not familiar with the language ;-) ], another from her Chicago apartment, I joined from my home in Washington and the other ladies gathered at a friend's house in Michigan. That's four time zones represented...wowzers!! I love that even though we are geographically spread all over the place, we remain the best of friends <3
I was totally taken by surprise. They coordinated with Tim to have him hide gifts from me that had been arriving. He even hid the cakepops they sent, without sneaking one!
It was the webchat party of the century. The girls decorated onesies that they'll be shipping our way, we all ate "together" and played games. "Guess how big my belly is" was one of the games....turns out I'm not quite 5 feet around as some suspected ;-) We also played a word scramble game where we had to see how many girl names we could come up with by just using letters from my first, middle and last name. We learned I don't have ANY "A"s in my name....who knew! We had some creative spellings for traditional names, and some sassy new age names like Tre'Erin and Le'Christine. We got lots of laughs.
At the end I opened gifts (ya'll are so generous and I'm overwhelmed by your kindness....cannot thank you all enough!!) I showed the girls some "suggestive" birthing positions in one of the books I have, and took them all on a tour of the nursery via webcam. Ahh the wonders of technology.
My friends are more creative and tech savvy than yours :-p xoxox
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Prenatal Massage
Thursday after work I enjoyed an awesome prenatal massage thanks to a gift from Shanerz. It was heavenly, especially after a long day at work sitting in front of my computer!!
I would absolutely recommend it. I've been holding onto the giftcard for a few weeks, knowing that I'd be getting more and more uncomfortable as the pregnancy progressed and now seemed like the perfect time to get pampered :)
I chose to have mine after work because that is the point of the day where the body discomfort starts to set in, so I figured that would be the best time to take advantage of all the benefits. At this point, I'm pretty familiar with the little one's schedule so I made sure to choose a time when she isn't typically active and made sure not to eat RIGHT before going, because that tends to make her rambunctious too. I didn't want any kicks and nudges interrupting my massage time!!
There was a special massage table with a giant cut out for me to insert the bump into, which made me giggle. It was super comfortable....if only my bed and couch at home had a similar set up!
It was an hour long period of pure relaxation. My achin' back and swollen body loved every minute. Thank you S!!!
I would absolutely recommend it. I've been holding onto the giftcard for a few weeks, knowing that I'd be getting more and more uncomfortable as the pregnancy progressed and now seemed like the perfect time to get pampered :)
I chose to have mine after work because that is the point of the day where the body discomfort starts to set in, so I figured that would be the best time to take advantage of all the benefits. At this point, I'm pretty familiar with the little one's schedule so I made sure to choose a time when she isn't typically active and made sure not to eat RIGHT before going, because that tends to make her rambunctious too. I didn't want any kicks and nudges interrupting my massage time!!
There was a special massage table with a giant cut out for me to insert the bump into, which made me giggle. It was super comfortable....if only my bed and couch at home had a similar set up!
It was an hour long period of pure relaxation. My achin' back and swollen body loved every minute. Thank you S!!!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Road Trip Ready!
A few weeks ago when we were in Oregon we bought our car seat. We figured since we were already down there we may as well take advantage of the tax-free situation for this larger purchase. We knew we wanted to Graco Snugride 35 because we had done our research on it and have friends that love their Graco Snugrides.
Did I mention we scored an awesome deal? So automatically by getting it in Oregon we saved ourselves from the 9.4% tax rate in WA. And we had a 20% off coupon...holla. AND we had a $36 dollar merchandise credit for Babies R Us. Rock On. When all was said and done we got the car seat for half price, which is nothing to sneeze at!
This past weekend we decided to finally take it out of the box and figure it out. Tim installed it in the car and we played with the harnesses and straps to make sure we knew how to adjust everything. Tim will take it to the Fire Station in the coming weeks to have it inspected so that we can get the official stamp of approval to bring her home in it from the hospital. I wonder how many babies hospitals hold hostage because mom and dad don't have a suitable car seat? Probably not many haha. They sure do like to threaten it though.
I wanted to install our JJ Cole Bundle Me (think warm burrito wrap for baby that attaches to/covers the car seat) that we received as a gift and naturally in pure Erin fashion, I made it 10 times harder than it needed to be. Long story short I pretty much disassembled the entire car seat to try and weave the harnesses through the Bundle Me and then forgot how to put it all back together. There mayyyyy have been some cuss words shouted, and mayyyybe even some tears, and the thought definitely crossed my mind that at some point I might be making a frantic call to 911 asking them to help me unbuckle my child from her carseat because I can't figure it out. Tim ended up figuring it out after we strapped in a stuffed animal to make sure it all worked properly, hahah.
It's silly because I've been around kids my whole life and have never been intimidated by a carseat but now all of a sudden I have this feeling that everything related to this child's life is ultimately my responsibility. Me and Tim are the go-to people in charge of this girl's life. Wowza.
Thankfully I've got our awesome stroller (Baby Jogger City Mini) fully mastered. We had that baby picked out before we even knew about the bean. Small victories.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Tea Party Shower
On Saturday a couple of my wonderful friends threw me a Tea Party Baby Shower. It was beyond perfect, and more than I could have ever hoped for! From collectable teacups and countless types of tea to lace and pearls, delicious finger foods and desserts (and of course pink!) the theme and venue were adorable.
We played fun games (word scramble, guess the baby food, guess the candy bar, guess the belly size and don't say "baby") while eating together and some talented ladies won very cute gift bags that the hostesses put together.
Our little one is very blessed to have so many amazing people in her life. She is very loved (and spoiled!) already. Many of my friends at the shower are mamas so they had great advice and bought us some of those "baby essentials." Baby girl even got her first tea party set from the hostesses.
Oh and she will without a doubt be the best dressed baby on the block, hands down.
Thank you everyone for organizing the perfect shower and for going out of your way to make us feel special and super-loved. Words can't express our gratitude <3
Also, many many thanks to our friends and family back east that have been surprising us with packages in the mail for the baby! Ya'll are too generous and we love you.
We played fun games (word scramble, guess the baby food, guess the candy bar, guess the belly size and don't say "baby") while eating together and some talented ladies won very cute gift bags that the hostesses put together.
Our little one is very blessed to have so many amazing people in her life. She is very loved (and spoiled!) already. Many of my friends at the shower are mamas so they had great advice and bought us some of those "baby essentials." Baby girl even got her first tea party set from the hostesses.
Oh and she will without a doubt be the best dressed baby on the block, hands down.
Thank you everyone for organizing the perfect shower and for going out of your way to make us feel special and super-loved. Words can't express our gratitude <3
Also, many many thanks to our friends and family back east that have been surprising us with packages in the mail for the baby! Ya'll are too generous and we love you.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Happy Valentine's Day and Happy 34 Weeks!
Happy Valentine's Day!!
So happy that I got to spend it with the hubby this year. Valentine's Day and Easter are my favorite holidays. They both make me think of yummy food, friends and family and flowers.
Baby girl is due on Good Friday, so there's a strong possibility she'll be celebrating Easter with us this year.
I'm pretty sure by the next bump picture I'll be completely hunched over.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Update on classes
We finished all of our pre-natal classes! All of the classes we attended were offered through our hospital. We learned a lot of great information and received a ton of helpful paperwork, but it's kind of nice to be able to check those classes off the to-do list.
Sitting through 2 hour classes during dinner time, after a full day at work = not the most fun.
The first class we went to was a Breastfeeding Class. I didn't know a lot about breastfeeding other than what I've read online....and you know ladies love to share their horror/failure stories more than their success stories on the ol' world wide web.
This class really put me at ease and made me feel a lot more comfortable with the idea. I went from being pretty sure I couldn't do it/it wouldn't work out, to thinking "hey, I think I can do this."
Don't get me wrong, playing with a doll and fake boob was weird. And, if I REALLY think about a baby sucking fluid out of me I get grossed out. And, many of the suggestions to get the baby to latch made me giggle...but I'm still going to give it a go.
The next class we had was Infant-Child Safety. This was a fairly short class, but they gave out lots of brochures and papers to take home. We talked about everything from efficient child-proofing, to carseat safety and SIDS. Oh, and we even scored a prize at this class....heck yeah.
Our third class was the Birth Plan/Tour of L&D. Sadly, we didn't actually get a tour of the delivery rooms because there were a crap load of ladies in labor, and they need to keep a certain number of rooms sterile, in case a mama gets rushed in. However, the discussion about birth plans was very beneficial. Tim and I both loved the nurse that held the class and are crossing our fingers that somehow we get her on the big day. I had some crazy fears that this hospital was going to be super strict, and set in their ways and would force me to do things I didn't want to do, and would confine me to the hospital bed for the whole labor. I was worried for real. Fortunately, I found out I was WAY wrong and I have tons of choices. All of the things I *think* I want are feasible. I'm still terrified of that getting-closer-by-the-minute-day of course, but at least I know (assuming me and baby are progressing normally) I can do what I want, yo. Anything to ward off at least one meltdown or panic attack, right?
The last class we took was What to Expect in Labor/Pain Management/Newborn Care. This class discussed a lot about the progression of labor and different options for pain management. We were not a fan of the nurse that held this class. Tim had it right when he said "I feel like she'd be pushy." At the end they showed a birth video. It was at that point in the class that Tim peaced out. It was mostly animated (thank.god) and of course showed calm moms and was narrated by people with soothing voices (think opposite of "A Baby Story") I stayed to watch, but covered my eyes for the delivery portion. Eww. Please....I.don't.need.to.know. I will most definitely NOT be the lady that requests a mirror or wants to look at the head as it's coming out...in fact, I don't even want to see any of the medical tools. K thanks.
So there you have it, we're all educated and stuff now ;-)
Sitting through 2 hour classes during dinner time, after a full day at work = not the most fun.
This class really put me at ease and made me feel a lot more comfortable with the idea. I went from being pretty sure I couldn't do it/it wouldn't work out, to thinking "hey, I think I can do this."
Don't get me wrong, playing with a doll and fake boob was weird. And, if I REALLY think about a baby sucking fluid out of me I get grossed out. And, many of the suggestions to get the baby to latch made me giggle...but I'm still going to give it a go.
The next class we had was Infant-Child Safety. This was a fairly short class, but they gave out lots of brochures and papers to take home. We talked about everything from efficient child-proofing, to carseat safety and SIDS. Oh, and we even scored a prize at this class....heck yeah.
Our third class was the Birth Plan/Tour of L&D. Sadly, we didn't actually get a tour of the delivery rooms because there were a crap load of ladies in labor, and they need to keep a certain number of rooms sterile, in case a mama gets rushed in. However, the discussion about birth plans was very beneficial. Tim and I both loved the nurse that held the class and are crossing our fingers that somehow we get her on the big day. I had some crazy fears that this hospital was going to be super strict, and set in their ways and would force me to do things I didn't want to do, and would confine me to the hospital bed for the whole labor. I was worried for real. Fortunately, I found out I was WAY wrong and I have tons of choices. All of the things I *think* I want are feasible. I'm still terrified of that getting-closer-by-the-minute-day of course, but at least I know (assuming me and baby are progressing normally) I can do what I want, yo. Anything to ward off at least one meltdown or panic attack, right?
The last class we took was What to Expect in Labor/Pain Management/Newborn Care. This class discussed a lot about the progression of labor and different options for pain management. We were not a fan of the nurse that held this class. Tim had it right when he said "I feel like she'd be pushy." At the end they showed a birth video. It was at that point in the class that Tim peaced out. It was mostly animated (thank.god) and of course showed calm moms and was narrated by people with soothing voices (think opposite of "A Baby Story") I stayed to watch, but covered my eyes for the delivery portion. Eww. Please....I.don't.need.to.know. I will most definitely NOT be the lady that requests a mirror or wants to look at the head as it's coming out...in fact, I don't even want to see any of the medical tools. K thanks.
So there you have it, we're all educated and stuff now ;-)
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Dear Unborn Child
Dear Unborn Child,
Please stop trying to escape out of the side of my abdomen. Those cage-like bones you keep bamming into?.....Yeah those are my ribs. Stay back.
I know you're anxious to get out here and meet your awesome family (and we are stoked to meet you), but you need to occupy that space in there for at least the next 4 weeks. When the time comes, kindly exit downward. We'll work on lessons in patience when you get out.
P.S. I think it's pretty tricky that you make me crave ice cream at night, and then go insane and beat me up once the sugar hits your system. You're kind of sassy.
Love,
Your parents
Please stop trying to escape out of the side of my abdomen. Those cage-like bones you keep bamming into?.....Yeah those are my ribs. Stay back.
I know you're anxious to get out here and meet your awesome family (and we are stoked to meet you), but you need to occupy that space in there for at least the next 4 weeks. When the time comes, kindly exit downward. We'll work on lessons in patience when you get out.
P.S. I think it's pretty tricky that you make me crave ice cream at night, and then go insane and beat me up once the sugar hits your system. You're kind of sassy.
Love,
Your parents
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Surprise Getaway!
This past weekend the hubs surprised me by planning a getaway to Mt. Hood!
We stayed at a place called The Resort at the Mountain. We'd been there before and I've been obsessed ever since. Who wouldn't love a huge room with a fireplace and an outdoor hot tub?!? It is such a beautiful area....super peaceful and relaxing.
We went up to the mountain and saw Timberline Lodge (the exterior used in the movie The Shining).
Our hotel was also along a big stretch of the Oregon Trail, which we explored a little bit. I'm pretty sure I would still play Oregon Trail everyday if I could...best.game.ever.
We ate delicious food and just enjoyed spending time together relaxing. On the way back we stopped in Portland to eat some of our favorite foods (Pine State Biscuit and Salt and Straw). We also did a little tax free shopping....just one more reason to love Oregon. Seriously, love everything about that place.
It was the most wonderful weekend. Nice work hubs, and thank you <3
We stayed at a place called The Resort at the Mountain. We'd been there before and I've been obsessed ever since. Who wouldn't love a huge room with a fireplace and an outdoor hot tub?!? It is such a beautiful area....super peaceful and relaxing.
We went up to the mountain and saw Timberline Lodge (the exterior used in the movie The Shining).
Our hotel was also along a big stretch of the Oregon Trail, which we explored a little bit. I'm pretty sure I would still play Oregon Trail everyday if I could...best.game.ever.
We ate delicious food and just enjoyed spending time together relaxing. On the way back we stopped in Portland to eat some of our favorite foods (Pine State Biscuit and Salt and Straw). We also did a little tax free shopping....just one more reason to love Oregon. Seriously, love everything about that place.
It was the most wonderful weekend. Nice work hubs, and thank you <3
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Daddy-to-be Survival Kit
Since we found out about the pregnancy I've been brainstorming ideas for a surprise Daddy-to-be survival kit for Tim. I wanted to put together something that fit him and wasn't too cheesy.
I've been gathering ideas and items for a couple months now, and decided last week that it was the perfect time to give it to him. He's been doing so much for the me and the little one, he deserves a lil spoiling too!
The kit is full of treats, essentials and other fun stuff :)
I got him a book to read to the baby girl called "Daddy Hugs", a mushy-gushy book called "Why a Daughter Needs a Dad" and a funny "preparation" book called "Be Prepared." So far his favorite item in the kit is the "Be Prepared" book.
His favorite coffee k-cups (definitely a must-have), some "boogie wipes" to lessen the gross factor when he goes to wipe her little nose, some ear plugs to block out those midnight crying sessions (as a joke) and a nose plug for those stinky diaper changes (also as a joke).
Lastly, some items for him to enjoy on his own. It's hard to tell in the picture but I had "Daddy's Sippy Cup" etched into that extra large beer mug. He also scored some of his favorite snacks, a few cigars and a gift card to B-Dubs...yummm (my guess is the giftcard will get used before the little one even arrives!)
I know this little girl is going to love her daddy just as much as I love him <3 We are lucky girls.
I've been gathering ideas and items for a couple months now, and decided last week that it was the perfect time to give it to him. He's been doing so much for the me and the little one, he deserves a lil spoiling too!
The kit is full of treats, essentials and other fun stuff :)
I got him a book to read to the baby girl called "Daddy Hugs", a mushy-gushy book called "Why a Daughter Needs a Dad" and a funny "preparation" book called "Be Prepared." So far his favorite item in the kit is the "Be Prepared" book.
His favorite coffee k-cups (definitely a must-have), some "boogie wipes" to lessen the gross factor when he goes to wipe her little nose, some ear plugs to block out those midnight crying sessions (as a joke) and a nose plug for those stinky diaper changes (also as a joke).
Lastly, some items for him to enjoy on his own. It's hard to tell in the picture but I had "Daddy's Sippy Cup" etched into that extra large beer mug. He also scored some of his favorite snacks, a few cigars and a gift card to B-Dubs...yummm (my guess is the giftcard will get used before the little one even arrives!)
I know this little girl is going to love her daddy just as much as I love him <3 We are lucky girls.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Snap, Crackle, Pop
Nope, not a post about Rice Crispies.
These are the sounds my joints are making lately.
For about 5-7 days now I've been having some hand and feet swelling in the evening. I'd compare my digits to lil smokies...mmm. I can still wear my rings, but they are noticeably tighter. I've always had really cold hands and feet (as in my feet are usually purple, gross I know), but these days my hands and feet are like little built in heaters.
The joints in my ankles feel super strange in the evening. I cannot explain the feeling for the life of me. It's not pain, it's not really even discomfort. It just makes me anxious, and makes me want to move them around, and prevents me from falling asleep. Perhaps this is what Restless Leg Syndrome feels like? Good times. However, once I finally fall asleep, I awake the next morning feeling totally normal. Small victories.
As always I remind myself it could absolutely be worse. My joints don't hurt constantly. My back only gets tense occasionally. I can still do everything I did before, I just move a little slower, breath a little heavier, and take a few extra breaks ;-)
We're in the final stretch!! In fact I started packing my hospital bag....yikes. More on that soon.
These are the sounds my joints are making lately.
For about 5-7 days now I've been having some hand and feet swelling in the evening. I'd compare my digits to lil smokies...mmm. I can still wear my rings, but they are noticeably tighter. I've always had really cold hands and feet (as in my feet are usually purple, gross I know), but these days my hands and feet are like little built in heaters.
The joints in my ankles feel super strange in the evening. I cannot explain the feeling for the life of me. It's not pain, it's not really even discomfort. It just makes me anxious, and makes me want to move them around, and prevents me from falling asleep. Perhaps this is what Restless Leg Syndrome feels like? Good times. However, once I finally fall asleep, I awake the next morning feeling totally normal. Small victories.
As always I remind myself it could absolutely be worse. My joints don't hurt constantly. My back only gets tense occasionally. I can still do everything I did before, I just move a little slower, breath a little heavier, and take a few extra breaks ;-)
We're in the final stretch!! In fact I started packing my hospital bag....yikes. More on that soon.
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