Registry Info

What We Want/Need for Baby

It seems like it's pretty early to be working on my baby registry... but then again, I know what I have, which leaves what I don't have; simple as that ;) In fact, We have a bunch of stuff already, I had to actually tell myself to stop buying so that there would be some stuff left over for the baby shower! Plus, the big 'push' here is the fact that I realized we are headed back to the states soon to see friends & family, and surely everyone will be asking what to get us, or planning on shopping. 

To keep things simple, I registered with amazon.com only. (disclaimer: if you want to buy something elsewhere feel free... again, I just went with amazon to keep it simple!) I know in the past when looking at friend's registries I often wondered, "okay, she has all this stuff on her registry, but what does she really want?" Plus when looking at countless lists of baby stuff and tips on registries when trying to narrow it down, I came across a mom who advised not to register for every little thing. She went on to include that she, like most moms are tempted to/feel obligated to keep the registry stocked with lots of small/cheap stuff. She said that this ended up being a waist because she ended up with 50 bottles/teething rings/etc. solely because she made the mistake of putting that many on her registry! That being said I have both expensive and inexpensive things on my registry- so don't worry; if it's there then I researched it, thought about it, and want it :) Also, as a side note, if it isn't on the registry, I probably already have it. 

A few other side notes: firstly, It's very awkward to ask for things, especially to do so with such specifics. I hope I'm coming off as helpful and not demanding.  I registered for mostly gender neutral stuff. If we find out the sex and you want to go wacko on pink or blue that's cool with me (I did register for lots of gender specific diapers; both girl and boy). I just want to keep all of the big stuff gender neutral so that it can be re-used. Also, my nursery theme is sesame street, but don't feel like you HAVE to get all sesame street stuff ... in fact, that would probably be a little crazy! But, it's great if it's an item specifically for the nursery. Below I have listed everything you can find on my registry, plus a few extras. I put descriptions and/or reasons for choosing the item as well. I know everything is very specific, but I did this on purpose. Everything that made the cut for the list did so due to consumer ratings/advice from other mothers. Lastly, THANK YOU to everyone who plans on buying anything (big or small, expensive or inexpensive) for Baby LaClair!

• wet bag- necessary since we will be cloth diapering for on-the-go dirties 
• diaper bag- the one I picked is cute, but I wouldn't be opposed to something different
• Changing Pads- these are awesome! keeps the mess contained (also waterproof unlike a blanket)
• cloth diapers- I really hope we get quite a few of these
• cloth diaper friendly creams- I registered for one, because you can't use just anything on cloth diapers, or it will damage/affect absorbency 
• lights/sounds projector- just babysat a 4 month old, and let me tell you- this is a must for me now! Relaxing/calming for baby
• bottles- Picked these because we will try to breastfeed and they are designed to resemble that, which will be good when dad wants to feed
• baby swing- the one I chose is gender neutral/has excellent reviews
• rock n play sleeper- I've had many new moms recommend this instead of a bassinet- supposedly it's all the rave and safer for sleeping when they are newborn
• glider- I will want this once we graduate to the crib for bottle feedings. I don't have to have the one I registered for, my only preference is the wood is white
• boppy pillow- mommies love boppys and have for years. Great a number of things, especially feeding
• ergo baby carrier- specifically the sport version. This bad boy is durable and breathable. Will be great for using on the train in Tokyo!
• baby first aid kit- everyone needs one of these, I suppose 
• baby monitor, preferably digital- we don't HAVE to have a didgital monitor one, but it would be nice to see what all the fuss is about instead of running into the nursery with every little noise. 
• infant body support for car seat- provides comfort/support so that baby isn't sloshing around in the car seat when he or she is ann infant 
• carseat cover/canopy- sun, bug, weather, and stranger proofing the baby
• crib sheets- variety of solid colors would be cool
• zip-up sleepers for night time- I only put one of these on my registry because I'm sure you can find them in the stores more gender- specific, but I do want quite a few of these as moms recommend them for diaper changing over night. 
• humidifier/vaporizer- helps baby breathe in the winter 
• Sesame Street books- I have a cute white bookshelf, so these would be great for the nursery

I will also note that I would love baby toys/teething rings, but I didn't put them on the registry because i'm not that picky about those items. Also, I would like to add that i'm a sucker for hooded towels and baby socks, so buy away! :) Lastly, below I included the link to a sesame street mobile I found on ebay. I seriously searched and searched and the only one they have on amazon is in spanish, plus I like the ebay one more. 

Happy Shopping!

http://www.amazon.com/registry/baby/1IHOJTBUG07LQ/ref=reg_hu-br_goto-registry?_encoding=UTF8&sort=date-added

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271213417099?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649

Military Mommy-to-be

Our certainly uncertain life 

Although becoming a 'military wife' didn't come without its sacrifices, I must admit that it's overall not a bad gig. It is times like these however, that I don't look forward to. While Matt is off on an island in the sun, I'm stuck in rainy Tokyo with an empty house to go home to after work. (I suppose i should admit he doesn't always get sent amazing places ;) Don't get me wrong, it's not all 'doom and gloom' but I can't help but think of our future as a family. After all, we aren't your average suburban family living in small town America. 

Military life brings plenty of uncertainty. The things that are certain include moves, deployments/TDYs, seeing friends come and go and everything in between. With all this chaos it's important to be thankful that as a couple we are blessed to have each other. We are stable, happy, resourceful and positive. 

That being said, I have to admit that we both seem to find the best in every scenario. For example, the strength that distance can bring, or the amazing chance to see the world with what seems like the roll of the dice. A quote I have always loved and seem to relate to is, "I am not what happened to me, I am what I chose to become" 

- C.G. Jung.

I am confident that we will always try to see the good in every situation we come upon as a family; no matter how much or little choice we may have in the matter. That being said, I think the one fear I truly have is the potential that Matt could miss out. And if/when Matt misses out we all miss out as a family. I guess there's no way around the fear of "what if" and that's frustrating. "What if he misses the birth of his children? The first steps, Christmas or birthdays?" All of these scenarios are very real and tend to tug at my heart strings. It's important to realize that in the wake of these 'what ifs' comes brighter days. As a military family our kids will grow up to experience so many amazing things we might not have otherwise exposed them to. They will see, learn, and do so much, and the hard stuff will make inevitably them stronger. Most importantly, they will be provided for. 

I will also admit that I'm already making it a priority to strategize ways to minimize having our family see them grow up in pictures. This can be controlled only up to a certain point, but my next tropical vacation may have to take a backseat to stateside trips home so grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles etc. can spend a few precious moments soaking up baby time. Of course, I say this now... wait till' I need that vacation! 

The main thing I need to try to remember is that while much of the future may not be in my control, my attitude is still a choice. It's important to try not to get hung up on the what, when, and where of it all; it's enough to drive you crazy! After all, even if you do have choices, ask yourself, "Do things typically turn out how you thought they would anyway?" And really, how often do we even know what it is that we want? I suppose I will sum up my thoughts with a quote that I first heard as a child: 

 

“Alice came to a fork in the road. 'Which road do I take?' she asked.

'Where do you want to go?' responded the Cheshire Cat.

'I don't know,' Alice answered.

'Then,' said the Cat, 'it doesn't matter.” 

― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Exercising For Two

Finishing the first trimester strong! -...Well, sorta ;)

I know this blog entry will be a bit like a research paper, so bear with me...

From the day I got the positive pregnancy test, I knew it was time to start getting my but into gear. At that time, I was guilty of being what I call a 'binge exerciser', meaning I would do really good putting my time in at the gym for a week or two, then slack off for a week or two. Although I wouldn't consider myself out of shape, I knew it was a 'now or never' to establish a routine before the doctors told me not to.

For those of you who don't know, the recommended amount of weight gain during pregnancy is 25-35lbs. According to americanpregnancy.org here's a breakdown of that weight gain:

• Baby: 7-8 pounds
• Placenta: 1-2 pounds
• Amniotic fluid: 2 pounds
• Uterus: 2 pounds
• Maternal breast tissue: 2 pounds
• Maternal blood : 4 pounds
• Fluids in maternal tissue: 4 pounds
• Maternal fat and nutrient stores: 7 pounds

Respectively,

• 1-4.5 pounds during the first trimester
• Approximately 1-2 pounds per week in the second trimester
• Approximately 1-2 pounds per week in the third trimester

Let's just say I've decided to put forth my best efforts to stay within those ranges. I think the key for me will be keeping up my exercise routine. For twelve weeks now, I've been going swimming twice a week and to the gym twice a week. I've worked up to the following workout:

Swim:  

1,000 meter distance (no time limit). Broken down to: 

3 laps freestyle, 1 lap kick, 3 laps freestyle, 1 lap kick, 1 lap freestyle, 1 lap breast stroke

Gym:

45 mins cardio Broken down to:

25 mins eliptical with goal of 2 miles on intervals 6/10, 10 mins bike with goal of 2 miles at a resistance of 8, and 10 mins speed walk (3.1) treadmill at an incline of 10% for 1/2 mile. 

I did notice myself start to become a bit 'sluggish' around week 10. I found it pretty hard to complete my goals the last couple of weeks. As I work out it's important for me to make my goals, but i'm also mindful of my temperature, breathing, and heart rate. 

Let's take a look at what some outside sources say on the matter. The following complications are related to gaining too much weight during pregnancy and can potentially be avoided with moderate exercise: 

• Gestational diabetes
• Backaches
• Leg pain
• Increased fatigue
• Varicose veins
• Increased risk of cesarean delivery
• High blood pressure

Additionally, exercise has been known to provide benefits to ease labor and delivery as well as helping the mother get her pre-pregnancy body back post baby- Bonus!

Research has also shown benefits for the babies of moderately exercising mothers:

• Infants are less cranky and less likely to have colic.
• Infants have less body fat at birth. Some early research suggests that the benefits of lower body fat may translate into a reduction in the incidence of heart disease and diabetes in adulthood.
• Children have greater neurodevelopment scores in oral language and motor areas when tested at age five
• Exercise during pregnancy may improve the function of infants' hearts. 

Soooo, as you can see there are plenty of benefits for both mommy and baby that keep me motivated to exercise. I feel like now that i've established a routine it's safe for me to modify my workouts so that I can get some more variety and stave off boredom with the matter. Wish me luck; I don't see this endeavor getting much easier! 

http://www.fittodeliver.com/fit-mommy-the-benefits-of-exercise-during-pregnancy.html

http://www.livescience.com/13628-exercise-pregnancy-baby-heart-benefits-cardiovascular-disease.html

http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/effectsofexerciseonpreg.html

The first ultrasound and delivering the good news!

Smiling from ear to ear

Walking home from work tonight it was easy to slough off my general exhaustion from the excitement of the last 48 hours. I had a smile plastered on my face from ear to ear recalling the ultrasound, the smiles, and the tears to follow. 

Rewind:

The Ultrasound
5:00am on the dot and the little bean was using my bladder as a trampoline. Who needs an alarm when you have that, a cat playing hockey with her favorite toy in the hall, a snoring husband, and the excitement of one of the biggest moments of your life about to happen that day? So, after about an hour of struggling to try and get in that last couple of hours of shut-eye, I gave up and headed downstairs to kill time with some good ole' fb and pinterest. 

We cruised down to the hospital at 9:00am for our fist parenting class, or I should say, "what to expect" during your pregnancy class for mommies & daddies- to-be. The most eventful part unfortunately involved another mommy-to-be. She got up to use the restroom, took about five steps and passed out. It wasn't clear why it happened but none-the-less, the staff got her down to the urgent care clinic and class resumed. Other than that, most of the information was quite redundant; yet useful for the purpose of killing time until the ultrasound. 

After some lunch the hour was finally approaching. The big moment when we would look at that screen and see our baby for the very first time. The doctor was running a bit late and the anticipation was unbearable. Finally after a gamut of questioning and poking and prodding, it was finally time to bring back daddy and see the magic unfold. 

Matt and the Doc looked onto the screen as the the transducer probe glided across the gel on my tummy. Words cannot describe the happiness, relief, and wonder that occurs as baby's image dances across the screen for the first time. Baby was jumping and kicking and flailing about as if to his or her favorite party jam. The heartbeat was so strong and clear. We were on cloud nine. It seemed like it only lasted a couple of minutes, i'm sure we could have watched for hours. 

Later that day I replayed the video and pictures Matt had taken from his phone over and over and over. It was so exciting to see what was unfolding within me. I imagined the reactions of family and friends to follow and thought about how long we waited to spill the news. Finally. Finally. Finally it was time to change more lives! 

Telling the news: 
I would have to admit that it wasn't necessarily easy to coordinate spreading the news to all of our friends and family without raising suspicion. It was absolutely incredible to see the smiles and tears from all of the "to-be"s. We were sharing one of the biggest moments of our lives with those who would become grandparents, aunts&uncles and equally regarded family members of the baby. It's not every day that you get to change lives forever. 

With that being said, we can't thank our friends and families enough for all of the support and love with our choice to start a family. We are looking forward to sharing countless smiles and tears with the milestones to come. 


Reactions: 
Disclaimer: 
Due to 'technical difficulties' we were unable to capture all of the reactions... dang it!


Alicia & Kelsie: "It's too early for this" 

Anna's Parents "First skype session; first grand-baby"

Matt's Mom "Is there an echo in here?"

Matt's Dad & Diana " We dress like this all the time  ^@#$  WHAT *&#%  "