Fully pregnant and sporting maternity tops ... but still in regular jeans. I take pride in that for some reason.
Shopping for an Eco-Friendly Crib December 21, 2008
Now that we’re coming up on week 23 of pregnancy, are settled in our new Seattle home and this growing bump has been confirmed to be a boy, we are ready to start building a green nursery of our own.
First stop: Crib
It’s estimated that a newborn baby will spend about 16 hours a day sleeping, presumably the vast majority of that in his crib. This makes it exceptionally important to me that we create the healthiest crib environment we can.
A number of factors play into our crib decision:
- Eco-friendliness
- Cost
- Modern styling
What does eco-friendly mean when it comes to cribs? For me, it’s FSC-certified hardwood, no plywood or veneers laced with chemicals, non-toxic glues and low VOC finishes.
I’m discovering, in our challenge to be green and budget-friendly, that the Rolling Stones are right: You can’t always get what I wa-ant. But I can get pretty damn close.
We decided to go with the budget-friendly Mercer Crib by DaVinci. It’s made with sustainably-harvested solid New Zealand pine, no veneers and has a non-toxic finish. It’s a 3-in-1 style that will allow the crib to change into a toddler bed and daybed without a bunch of extra accessories. Not too bad for $400. And Marc’s folks generously offered to buy it for us, which is so incredibly generous and exciting, I know our baby is going to have sweet dreams resting in here.
Next on the shopping list: Crib Mattresses
Holiday Clearance Sale on Organic Baby Clothes & Eco-Friendly Toys December 18, 2008
There’s still time to get your green holiday gifts under the tree … and with extra special savings at HappyGreenBaby.com. HappyGreenBaby just marked down tons of great green Christmas gifts including organic cotton toys from Under The Nile, fair trade toys from Playful World, organic cotton baby pajamas, recycled fleece jackets and outerwear. They even marked down gifts for parents like Fleurville eco-friendly diaper bags and baby food making kits.
Plus, they will ship most orders within 24 hours and because they ship via USPS Priority Mail you’ll get your package in 2-4 days on regular ground. Last minute shoppers rejoice!
Easy Peasy? December 17, 2008
I hate to speak too soon, but this whole organic pregnancy thing is going pretty smoothly. I feel great. I have plenty of energy and have been eating really healthfully (except for that run in with the holiday cookie jar last week). I definitely “look” pregnant now with my growing belly, but thanks to my workout DVDs I don’t feel like I’m spreading too far anywhere else (if you get my drift).
I think I’m in my “celebrity” phase right now. You know, like the only time you actually saw Angelina Jolie or Kate Hudson when they were pregnant was around the 5 or 6 month mark when they are glowing and cute, wearing funky sundresses. I think they must stay home when they get puffy and swollen in months 8 and 9 … they have to get fat at some point, right? At least that’s what I’m going to tell myself. This can’t last forever … can it?
Good Fitness Blog December 9, 2008
Check out Baby Bump Fitness: http://jfitpregnancy.blogspot.com/
It’s a great little blog with fitness tips, nutrition ideas and other fabulous tidbits.
Never Wake a Sleeping Pregnant Woman December 6, 2008
I told Marc about this notion that women 20 weeks + shouldn’t sleep or lay on their backs, because the baby presses down on some nerves and such which makes it hard to breathe and cuts off flow to the placenta (or something like that). Now, sleeping on my back is one of the best ways for me to fall asleep, but I’m trying not to do it much these days.
Occassionally, though, I will wind up on my back in the middle of the night … and something in Marc’s paternal instinct apparently keys him in because he’s gotten into the oh-so-helpful habit of waking me up to say, “you shouldn’t be sleeping on your back. roll over.” To which I respond, “ug” and heave myself over, laying awake for several minutes (if I’m lucky) or several hours (if I happen to start thinking about my to do list for the next day).
My midwife says that I’ll wake myself up if I’m sleeping on my back too long, because it will become difficult to breathe, and I won’t do any major damage. But I still think it’s nice that Marc is watching out for us.
It’s a Boy! December 5, 2008
Our organic baby boy!
We had our 20-week ultrasound on Wednesday and got to spend over an hour peeking in on the secret world of our growing little baby. The tech said she could tell he is going to be a good baby because he was fully cooperating for all her shots. I’m sure she says that to all her patients. We got a clear picture of his “bits” too and were really excited that we were able to find out the sex this week. Now I can start shopping!
The little guy is weighing in a exactly a pound. Amazing, considering I’ve gained 16 already. Half way to my goal weight! Fortunately it’s holiday cookie season to help me along.
Wicked Pregnancy Workout December 2, 2008
When we first found out I was pregnant, I immediately ordered two prenatal workout DVDs: Prenatal Yoga with Shiva Rea and The Perfect Pregnancy Workout with Karyne Steben.
I’ve done the yoga one a few times. It’s actually pretty good if you can get past the horrible one-piece unitards all the women wear and the way Shiva says “exhale.” In fact, it’s a really good 70 minute workout that I was feeling pretty happy about getting in once a week. That is, until I broke our the PPW DVD on Saturday.
The Perfect Pregnancy Workout is a “sculpting” video featuring a world-class acrobat formerly with Cirque du Soleil. So you know she isn’t going to mess around. You can add weights to some of the arm excercises, but I didn’t and am still incredibly sore today. She does a lot of great lunges and squats and the shoulder workout will have you crying out! I’m actually really excited to do it again … it feels great to be a little sore in all the right spots (arms, shoulders, butt and thighs) without worrying about doing anything negative with the bump. I highly reccommend checking it out!
Finding a New Midwife December 1, 2008
And, we’re back! After a two week hiatus to get our little family and business relocated to the Emerald City, we are settled and ready to start blogging again.
Marc and I decided to uproot at 18 weeks pregnant much to the dismay of many of our family and friends. But compared to the story that my dad and mom, 8-months pregnant with me, moved to Frisco, Colorado in a Ford Pinto with an 11-year old and a 3-year old, without a job or place to live figured out beforehand, I figured we’re in pretty good shape.
First on our New Town agenda was to find a midwife to delivery this baby of ours and get the 20 week ultrasound on the calendar. Last week we met with the amazingly wonderful Cathleen at Swedish Midwivery, which is conveniently located just 10 minutes from our house and their practice is actually in Swedish Hospital – Ballard, where we’ll be delivering. With the new midwife group, we have to option to do our monthly appointments in a group format – which brings all the April due date couples together once a month for classes, check-up, etc. It’s really a unique idea that we’re excited about – plus it makes for a great opportunity to meet other people in the same place as us.
Wednesday we get our ultrasound and will hopefully find out the sex of the baby. It’s a big week.
