15 Week Pic

Here I am at 15 weeks. It's very cruel to take a close-up belly shot the Sunday after Thanksgiving, by the way! ;)

Our Baby Furniture!

We ordered our baby furniture! They are all made from solid pine harvested from sustainably managed forests in New Zealand, and are finished only with certified non-toxic finishes and paints.

We decided to go with the oak finish on all of the furniture (the crib, 2 level dresser, and changing table are all shown in oak).

For our crib bedding, we are getting a plain white organic/chemical-free cotton crib set. Not only do we like neutral colors (including for our Pack 'n Play, stroller, and car seats), but it will be good to re-use if we decide to have another baby whose gender might be different!We got a conversion kit, so the crib can turn into a bed like below:

Flutter?

Robert and I went out to dinner and I think that I felt a little flutter from the baby! So exciting!

Nursery Woes

(The Nursery- "Before" Photo)

We decided to convert the upstairs office area to a nursery. I moved my office downstairs into the guest bedroom, and it actually works out pretty well. I thought that it would be too congested, but there is plenty of room for everything. Actually, working with a smaller space forces me to be more organized and keep only the things that I need on a consistent basis (not my greatest strength!).

Now we need to clear out all of the excess junk upstairs to make room for the baby's furniture. We are going to box everything up tomorrow to put in storage, to give to Goodwill, to recycle, or to trash. I am tempted to just say, "throw it ALL away!"

This is where the crib will go (against the wall where the cat box and cat house are)...

Wish us luck!

Sugar Rush

This morning I went in to get some blood tests and to have a 1 hour glucose test, which tests for gestational diabetes. I have read that it is standard to give the 1 hour glucose test around week 28, but my doctor likes to give them early.

So they made me drink orange sugar water- 5o grams of sugar to be exact. I felt like a hummingbird! I had arrived fasting, so there was nothing protecting my stomach or body from this intense sugar rush. I felt kind of dizzy, nauseated, and wired- all the same feelings that I get from too much sugar. I really don't eat much sugar, so it hit me like the Tasmanian devil (which, they said, is normal). After 1 hour, they took my blood and told me that if the results were abnormal, I'd have to come in for a 3 hour glucose test. Oy vey.

The good thing was that the sugar rush only lasted about 40 minutes. I felt fine when I left!

Registries

Robert and I made the trek over to Babies R Us, which is a ZOO! We're so glad to have most of the registering out of the way. When you haven't had a baby before, there are so many items that you just wouldn't think of being helpful or needed. But a couple of our friends have been REALLY helpful in steering us in the right direction! One friend suggested to register on amazon.com since they have such a large selection at competitive prices, and that was a great tip.

Many items are available online only, which is kind of nice anyways because dealing with wrapping and searching for things in a huge store is a pain.

It's nice for Robert and I to have a list of all the things we want, so that when it comes time for us to buy them, we can do it quite easily and quickly!

So here they are:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/baby/1HQ8T9ZRYHJJR

http://www.babiesrus.com/ControllerServlet?registryNumber=57496749&target=search

Pardon Our Garden!

Robert and I have started a vegetable garden. We are growing onions, beets, potatoes, garlic, and carrots. Inside the house, Rob has planted tons of different veggies and herbs in small containers that he will transplant when they get bigger (some are ready). We've got mesclun greens, romaine lettuce, red and yellow onions, lemon balm, basil, chamomile, thyme, and some others.

Rob has also begun a new hobby of finding volunteer trees (trees not planted, but that are growing from droppings of birds or seeds of trees that have fallen). He looks around the property and the Irvine property (shhhhh) for palm fronds and avocado trees- and even found a trumpet plant.

It's actually amazing how many palm volunteers are around, most of which will die if not properly cared for. At first, I scoffed at the idea, thinking that it was a waste of time. But then I realized how much fun it is to "save" a tree, nurture it, watch it grow, and then be able to either plant a nice, healthy tree that will survive, or give one away as a much-loved and cared for gift!

Rob and I are really excited to teach our little one to garden. It really helps kids understand patience, as well as the cycle of life and the metaphor of having to take time with a relationship and nurture it and watch it slowly grow.

Hooray for Dax!

It's been a pretty difficult process trying to find eco-friendly furniture online (and almost impossible to find in person). When I do find something I like, the company invariably does not have matching baby furniture. Then I found (cue "Hallelujah") "Dax Stores" at http://www.daxstores.com/. They claim to be the "world's largest eco-friendly department store," and I tend to believe them! It is also nice to find eco-friendly furniture (and bedding) that is stylish and not so plain.

12 Week Pic

Robert took a picture of my belly when I was 12 weeks. I think that my belly will probably be getting much bigger very soon!

I just hope that people won't begin to touch my belly without asking- that sort of makes me uncomfortable!

Genetics Test, Pics and GENDER!

(click on the images to make them larger)

Robert and I went in for our First Trimester genetics test today. They did an ultrasound, and the baby looks absolutely 1000% healthy! We counted 5 fingers on each hand and 5 toes on each foot. They took some blood from me to screen for other genetic disorders, but they said that if the ultrasound looked good then most likely the blood results will be fine. Although I am 12 weeks 4 days since my LMP, the baby is measuring at 13 weeks 5 days! The technician even commented on the baby's "strong chin" (must be the Benford chin!).

Although still pretty early, the technician said that she was certain on the baby's gender! Actually, she pretty much blurted it out, so if we wanted it to be a surprise, we would have been quite mad!

My lips are sealed for now...

When Does it End?

I am confused as to when the First Trimester ends! Some websites say it is at 12 weeks (end of 11), and some say 13 weeks (end of 12). So according to some doctors, I am now in my Second Trimester!

I think we still want to wait a week or two to spread the news, though. It's sort of the calm before the storm! ;)

Fat Pants for Thanksgiving!

I went to Target and was drawn to the maternity section to catch a glimpse of my future. I spotted a pair of maternity jeans- jeans that fit normally and snugly except at the waist where there is a 2" band of elastic cloth instead of a button. Seeing as to how all of my jeans are getting tight and uncomfortable at the waist, I decided to try them on.

Much to my surprise, they were the most comfortable pair of jeans I have ever tried on! I felt like an impostor wearing them, though. I do not have a big, beautiful pregnant belly yet, so am I cheating by trying them on? Inside that small dressing room I engaged in a mini battle within myself: Do I buy the pants even though I am not big with belly and just admit that I am FAT? or Do I not buy the pants and suffer through keeping my jeans unbuttoned? Ok, so I wasn't really being fair to myself.

But here's the thing- I'm not fat (yet!). I have only gained 2 pounds in 12 weeks of pregnancy, which is a very respectable number. However, if you asked me how much weight I think I've gained, I'd say 10-15. Seriously. That's what it feels like to me. I asked my doctor about it, and apparently it's just water weight and bloating (read: gas).

So I bit the bullet and bought the jeans. I figure that they will come in very handy during Thanksgiving. In fact, I highly recommend them to all women, pregnant or non-pregnant! Plus, I will be getting bigger soon, and what's the harm in feeling comfortable as well as cute? Just don't expect me to show off the waist!

Playing with Plants

Robert was talking about the nursery the other night, and said that he wanted to put tons of plants in it so it is like a greenhouse. A little overboard? Maybe. But he does have a point.

Did you know that some plants can remove formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air in your home?

It is recommended that there is one 6 inch plant per 100 square feet of interior. I like the snake plant, because it's practically indestructible! Among spider plants, snake plants, Philodendron, rubber plants, and Golden Pothos, the following plants are very effective air purifiers:NASA research has consistently shown that living, green and flowering plants can remove several toxic chemicals from the air in building interiors.

(http://www.zone10.com/tech/NASA/Fyh.htm)

Here's a nice little article about which plants do what: http://houseplants.suite101.com/article.cfm/houseplants_and_clean_air

I like the fact that in cleaning your house, you are also beautifying it. Two-in-one!

Green Nursery

Robert and I are very passionate about "green living," which means "attempt to carry out your life in an eco-friendly, environmentally responsible manner, an attempt to minimize the size of your ecological footprint. Green living concerns itself with a range of topics and practices including conservation of resources, recycling, sustainability, green construction, alternative energy, organic food choices, and other environmental topics." (http://www.greenerlivingguide.com/)

Of course, in planning our nursery, we've been doing a lot of research on sustainable materials, as well as toxic and non-toxic materials. I am absolutely shocked at the amount of toxic materials that go into making most commercial baby mattresses, furniture, and bedding!

Consider this article from Consumer Reports:

Did you know… that standard bedding and furnishings are made from harmful chemicals like Formaldehyde? The effects of this chemical can be so toxic when dispersed in large amounts that some children, adults, and pets cannot tolerate even the smallest amounts of it when in the same room! So what exactly are your options once you realize there may be toxic gasses circulating throughout your home? Switch to organic furniture! Especially when it comes to purchasing furniture for your baby, organic is perhaps the best and safest way to go. As one organic-promoting company, A Natural Home, explains, adults and children who have used certain organic beds and furniture, “have had the following experiences: they feel better and enjoy being home much more, the furniture feels different and ‘pure,’ their headaches have been reduced or stopped completely, allergy symptoms have reduced or disappeared completely, breathing is better and easier, they have better sleep. Many have had the best sleep in their lives for the first time, [and] children have better behavior.”

As “going green” has become more common over the last several years, expertise in the realm of organic products has also increased, thus helping educate people about what organic furniture really is and what its benefits entail. According to Susanna Salk, the special projects editor of House & Garden Magazine, organic products are “are grown, raised or dyed without the use of synthetic chemicals, heavy metals or GMOs (genetically modified organisms, also called ‘genetically engineered’). They are free of toxins and irritants and are biodegradable.” Organic furniture is also “made with stuffing, upholstery fiber and wood certified as chemical-free,” which makes it “better for your skin” and “better to breathe in.”So if you find yourself in the market for baby bedding or baby furniture, protect your baby’s respiratory and dermatological health by taking the organic route. You can also purchase organic baby bedding and furniture items through Arm’s Reach, the reputable California-based company providing you and your baby with products that are “hand-crafted using certified organic cotton, premium Eco-Wool, 100% natural rubber, and untreated Baltic birch.” Each of their products is also “created from carefully selected high-quality raw materials and assembled with love in the USA.”
Sources:
A Natural Home. Why Organic Furniture? Retrieved July 28, 2008, from http://www.anaturalhome.com/why-organic-furniture.php
Arm’s Reach. Nature Perfect and Organics. Retrieved July 28, 2008 from http://www.armsreach.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=cPath=3_9

CBS
Broadcasting Services. (May 30. 2006). Latest in Organic Products:
Furniture. Retrieved July 28, 2008 from http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/05/30/earlyshow/main1664460.shtml.com/stories/2006/05/30/earlyshow/main1664460.shtml

Unfortunately, "organic" furniture tends to be more expensive. However, when you consider that you can buy a conversion kit for the crib to turn it into a toddler's bed, it looks more and more like a wise long-term investment. I just wish that the kid furniture industry would offer some affordable non-toxic and natural furniture for those who simply do not have the funds to make such an investment. Let's face it, if price were not an issue, I am sure that a lot more parents would choose natural furnishings! It actually makes me quite mad that the baby industry is monopolized by huge companies that don't always provide the best and safest items for their customers!

The furniture that we are looking at is made by Pacific Rim (http://www.pacificrimwoodworking.com/). We are also going to buy a mattress made of organic cotton and non-toxic materials, which is not terrible too hard to find and not all that more expensive than the others.

Although it is A LOT more work looking for "green" furniture (as most larger baby stores do not carry it), we feel good about providing our little one with a safe, natural environment to live in- not to mention we are lucky enough to have some funds to invest!

10 Week Hummingbird

(You can click on the pictures to make them larger. )

Robert and I went in for an ultrasound to see our 10 week-old hummingbird. Robert called the baby a hummingbird because the ultrasound measured the heart rate at 154 bpm, and the Doppler at 172 bpm!

We were able to see the hands, feet, head, and limbs- so cool. We even counted 5 toes on the feet! We even saw the spine and the right and left hemispheres of the brain! WOW!

Baby was moving up a storm, and the ultrasound tech even got a small movement on video (although s/he was definitely moving more than the video captured), see below.

It is absolutely amazing to think that there is a human being inside of me when I can't feel anything and am not showing yet! I've had a pretty good pregnancy so far. Not too much morning sickness. Actually, when I do get nauseous, it feels more like I am VERY hungry (and usually am!). I am also very tired. Other than that, I feel pretty normal.

We are excited to tell everyone about our new family member, but on the other hand, we are quite enjoying having this wonderful secret to ourselves for a short time!