Guest Post: The Things We Would Blog

A Letter From One New Mother to Another from Teresa of The Things We Would Blog

When Michelle asked me to contribute a post to her blog while she is out with her new baby girl I was enthusiastic but not at all sure what I should write. As a first time mom to a five week old baby I'm hardly qualified to be doling out advice to new mamas! I asked my own mother what she thought I should write and she suggested that I write a letter to Michelle, so here it goes...

Dear Michelle,

Congrats on the arrival of your new baby girl! I'm only a few weeks ahead of you but I guess I can still say welcome to the club. :) These first five weeks have been simultaneously the most exhausting and wondrous of my life. When people called the first three months of baby's life the "4th Trimester" I really had no concept of what that meant. I knew I was being naive to think my maternity leave would be a nice summer vacay but I guess I didn't know how all-consuming newborns really are. I'm currently writing this on my iPhone with one hand during a quiet moment while breast feeding! Here are a few pieces of advice (mostly tried and true from mom's throughout the ages) that have kept me sane over the past few weeks. 

1) Don't go it alone. The number one thing that has kept me going through the long nights of feeding and days of crying has been getting help from others (especially my incredible mom). Don't be afraid to have a friend or family come and just hold the baby so you can have a break. 

2) Listen to everyone's advice and then choose what's best for you. During our five night hospital stay after Myles was born we had the privilege of learning from over 10 nurses. Each one had their own advice about everything from breast feeding to visitors. It could have been overwhelming to have so many opinions but instead I thought of myself as lucky to have so much wisdom to choose from.

3) Make time for yourself. This is the most cliche advice there is but that's because it's SO important. Take a bath, go to the store alone, have a cup if tea in the backyard, get a pedicure with your best friend. 


4) Find camaraderie. I have really enjoyed reading about others experiences online. When I get to the end of my rope it's great to read other people's advice and experiences with breastfeeding, sleeping, crying, etc. Feeding baby is very time consuming but leaves a lot of room for surfing the net on your phone! I've also loved spending time with other new mothers, there's nothing like being with someone who is in the same boat. 

5) It's okay to be honest. If you're over the moon about that little smile that just came across her face, if you're going crazy from sleep deprivation, if you're not sure about how well you're bonding with the baby, if you're love watching her sleep... it's okay to be honest. Patrick has been so great about encouraging me to embrace every moment and be okay with both the highs and lows. It's freeing to be honest. 

That's it from me, I look forward to getting some advice from you soon! Can't wait to see photos and hear stories about your new baby girl. 

xo, Teresa

She's Here!

She's here!  She's here!

And it was all worth the wait, just like everyone had told us it'd be. In the middle of a thunderstorm, we welcomed our sweet Riley June into this world.  She weighed 7 lbs, 13 oz. and measured 21-3/4 inches long, already tall like her mommy and daddy!  She has a full head of dark hair, and long skinny legs, arms, fingers, and toes, which she loves to spread apart, earning our affectionate nickname of "monkey feet." We had the good fortune of a fairly quick and smooth labor and delivery, and are now settling into life at home.   She has made us a family, and the feeling is so euphoric, it's indescribable.  I never knew my heart could feel so full.  We are overwhelmed with pure happiness and love for our little sweet sweet. 

8 Days Later...

Well folks, I'm still pregnant...

The due date came and went...and now we're 8 days past her due date.  

I never knew waiting for something would be so hard.  Let me tell you, waiting for a baby up until your due date feels VERY different than waiting for a baby AFTER your due date.  All of you mamas who've delivered babies later, I give you SO much credit...I never had even the faintest, remotest idea how hard the final days of waiting would feel.

Throughout this experience, I have really, truly enjoyed being pregnant.  I love the feeling that I've created life, I love feeling the baby move, wiggle, kick, and flip.  I love talking to her, and hearing my husband talk to her. And up until this point, I feel like I really haven't complained much (you can even ask my husband, he'll attest that this is true).  I haven't minded giving up my normal clothes, alcohol, sushi, soft cheeses, gaining baby weight; the usual things people gripe about. Just knowing that I'm doing these things to keep her safe, happy, and healthy in there is motivation enough.  It has never felt like a sacrifice or a chore.

But now...I'm tired.  I'm anxious.  I'm puffy and swollen.  I'm restless.  I keep wondering, "when will she be here?!" Our friends and family have been checking in; texting, calling, facebook messaging us, as eager as we are.  And while we appreciate that they're thinking of us, our replies remain the same: "still waiting, keep you posted..." We have a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning, so hopefully we'll have some news of what's to come.

The waiting game continues.  Please come soon baby!  

image/bloom

Due Date

Alright baby...well, we've established you're not coming early.   But there is still hope for an on time delivery if you're in the mood to make your debut today... Yes friends, today is our due date!!!  Not sure if it will simultaneously be our girl's birthday, but there's still a chance if she gets moving pretty soon. :)

Waiting for a baby is a bit of a surreal feeling.  I keep catching myself staring at the calendars on my phone and computer wondering, "I wonder if it'll be today, tomorrow, the 30th, the 2nd..."  Please send us positive thoughts and prayers as we navigate these last few days of pregnancy!

image/pheartache

Week 39

{sunset at Golden Gardens, 39 weeks}

Baby Size: watermelon

Maternity Clothes: pretty much wearing all maternity tops, I am definitely over pants and shorts, wearing a regiment of cotton skirts and tanks on repeat
Food Cravings: nothing in particular
Food Aversions: pho
Symptoms: sore hands/feet,  achy hips at night
Sleep: Sleeping through the night hasn't happened for a few weeks now, I spent most nights flipping from side to side until my hips ache and I retreat to the couch for the remainder of the night
Movement: Feeling rolling and pressure
Belly Button: popped out 
Gender: GIRL!!!
Best Moment of the Week: hitting full-term!
What I'm Looking Forward To: Meeting our baby!
What I Miss: running, regular exercise, continuous sleep
Wedding Rings: on - don't think they're moving!
Currently Reading: kind of given up on baby book reading, ready for the real thing :)

Week 38

Baby Size: watermelon

Maternity Clothes: maxi skirts, dresses, too hot for pants these days 
Food Cravings: most everything sounds good
Food Aversions: pho
Symptoms: swollen hands (that wedding rings isn't budging!), achy hips at night
Sleep: Sleeping has become increasingly interrupted and difficult, but that's really my only complaint
Movement: Feeling limbs and pressure
Belly Button: popped out 
Gender: GIRL!!!
Best Moment of the Week: nesting?  hanging the final artwork in the baby's room, finishing washing all the clothes, diapers, etc.
What I'm Looking Forward To: Meeting our baby!
What I Miss: running, regular exercise
Wedding Rings: on - don't think they're moving!
Currently Reading: kind of given up on baby book reading, now listening to Tell the Wolves I'm Home on audiobook in the car

Week 37

{please excuse the semi-blurry iphone photo}

I guess we missed week 35 and 36, whoops! Getting a little behind on taking weekly photos...

Baby Size: watermelon

Maternity Clothes: maternity tops/shorts, regular skirts, dresses & maxi dresses

Food Cravings: nothing in particular

Food Aversions: pho

Symptoms: sore hands/feet,  achy hips at night from switching sides during sleep

Sleep: Not great, but considering this is my only real complaint, I'm considering myself lucky.  Sleeping upright feels better these days, I usually wake up 2-3 times per night, and have been sleeping on the couch quite a bit because I can sleep upright easier which has been more comfortable

Movement: Pressure, moving limbs, she's getting ready!

Belly Button: popped out 

Gender: GIRL!!!

Best Moment of the Week: romantic dinner date with my husband, and hitting 37 weeks, I'm now officially full-term!

What I'm Looking Forward To: Meeting our baby!

What I Miss: running, regular exercise, and I had a moment this week where I almost caved and devoured an entire wedge of soft French cheese

Wedding Rings: on - don't think they're moving at this point

Currently Reading: On Becoming Babywise

Maternity Photos

Mid-July, my husband and I headed to Golden Gardens Park for a maternity photo shoot with Mike Fiechtner.  It was a beautiful warm summer afternoon, and we navigated the various landscapes of this Seattle staple; trekking through sand, grass, and trees with our own private paparazzi behind us, capturing this special time in our lives.  Here's a few of my favorites...

image c/o mikefiechtnerphotography

It's August

I can hardly believe it's August already.  August 1st usually marks the time when I (and most teachers) feel the bittersweet light of summer fading into the rear-view mirror, as the path towards a new school year unfolds.  This year is surreal for me, recognizing that this inevitable change I usually feel come August is coming, but knowing that I won't be a part of it, and instead there's a whole new kind of nervous anticipation that has nothing to do with school.  August marks the beginning of our baby countdown... Yes, yes, I know we're still a few weeks out, but now that we've arrived in the month of her due date, the reality of holding her, snuggling her, and kissing her is much more tangible.

We had our 36 week doctors appointment this week and Baby Girl is doing good; head down, and wiggling her butt around like nobody's business to remind me she's getting ready.  We are growing more eager by the day with excitement and anticipation to meet her.

26 days to go...

image via cupofjo

Quote of the Week

"A new baby is like the beginning of all things-wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities."

~ Eda J. Le Shan

image via mikefiectnerphotography

Week 34

{sneak peek from our maternity photo shoot}

Baby Size: large cantaloupe (I'm getting more and more confused by this fruit-size guide...I've been following the fruit guide on my "What to Expect" phone app, but I swear a cantaloupe is smaller than a pineapple (week 33)!  Hmm...

Maternity Clothes: maternity tops, shorts, dresses, some regular maxi dresses mixed in

Food Cravings: Haagen Daz salted caramel ice cream bars, banana milkshakes (but pretty sure I would crave these kinds of sweets normally...)

Food Aversions: pho

Symptoms: sore hands/knuckles and bottoms of feet, sore hips after sleeping on my side

Sleep: Sleeping upright feels better these days, I usually wake up about once, sometimes twice a night

Movement: Feeling rolling, moving, poking, I love feeling her move!

Belly Button: popped out 

Gender: GIRL!!!

Best Moment of the Week: our maternity photo shoot

What I'm Looking Forward To: family in town for our upcoming baby shower

What I Miss: high impact sports, sushi, a cold glass of white wine 

Wedding Rings: Took my rings off over the weekend, but jammed them back on for our maternity shoot, now I'm pretty sure they're not coming off until afterward.

Currently Reading: I checked out On Becoming Babywise, but have yet to really crack it open

image via mikefiectner

Birth Announcements

As a teacher, I am blessed with the luxury of summer break, which truly is a pregnant girl 5-weeks out from her due date's dream come true!  Ample time to do...whatever!  My most recent endeavor has been researching and perusing birth announcements for our little babe.  With the plethora of options available, I'm finding myself quite smitten with the selection of birth announcements over at Tiny Prints.  Aren't these adorable?

I am currently torn in picking a favorite...in addition to the all the other darling announcements to choose from on their site! I love all the details; curly fonts, pinks accents, and all!  Now all we need is a baby girl to fill in the guest of honor spot - and send out one of these to our nearest and dearest!  

Sooo excited!!

Which one is your fave?

images/tinyprints

Week 33

Baby Size: pineapple

Maternity Clothes: maternity tops/shorts/jeans, maxi dresses

Food Cravings: Caffeine free coke, dessert and sweet things

Food Aversions: pho, chicken

Symptoms: back pain, and I think (?) I had my first Braxton Hicks contraction this week

Sleep: my back usually hurts by morning, so I'm up and at 'em around 6:00 AM most days. Usually waking up 1-3 times, depending on the night

Movement: Feeling strong movements, elbows and limbs, can see her moving across my belly

Belly Button: popped out 

Gender: GIRL!!!

Best Moment of the Week: cleaning/organizing our baby's room (we added a bookshelf to house all her books and picture frames), started our childbirth class, and attended a friend's baby's 1-year birthday party.

What I'm Looking Forward To: maternity photo shoot this week, and family visiting for our upcoming baby shower

What I Miss: running, spinning class, and other high impact sports. An example of my lack of mobility these days; I got locked out of our house this week, and was tempted to climb through an open window when I realized that might be a tad harder with a big belly.  I called my husband to propose this idea, to which he sped home, obviously he did not agree this was a suitable idea...

Wedding Rings on

Currently Reading: just checked out On Becoming Babywise from the library

What's in a Name?

Let me tell you, it is no easy task to name another person.  Knowing that the name you bestow upon your child will forever be interwoven into their identity for their entire life.  It's a challenge to select a name as a couple, one both you and your partner like equally, meanwhile, taking care to ensure that the chosen name isn't too trendy, too popular, too ordinary, too boring, or too unusual.  All the while knowing that this name will forever be a part of your lives.  It's a big decision, for sure!  My husband and I decided early on that we'd keep our baby's name a secret.  We agreed upon two first names, including our current name, at about 4 months into my pregnancy.  We have since narrowed that down to one name, though we're still torn and debating back and forth about a middle name.

I can't say it's been easy to guard such a large secret.  Our families are very eager to know the name, especially our moms.  My mother in law must've asked us 5 times while we were back in Michigan for a wedding, "Is it a traditional name or a modern name?  How many letter is it?" to which my husband playfully and consistently replied, "Twelve" just to tease.  One of my sisters begged us to disclose just the first letter of her name, "What does it start with? I promise I won't tell!" My friends too have urged me for hints of any kind.  And of course, we've denied all their requests, and kept our lips tightly sealed.  Perhaps I've been scared into secrecy by stories of unsavory and unsolicited comments made to friends of mine who chose to share their potential baby names early on.  It's surprising really, why some people feel it's appropriate to share their personal distaste for a certain name with an expecting couple.  

Why did we decide to keep our baby's name a secret, you ask?  Well, honestly, I've always loved the moment of discovery in finding out that a long-awaited baby has been born; their height, weight, time of birth, and delight in learning his or her name.  Since we already made the decision to learn her gender, and shared that news, we wanted to be able to keep one sweet surprise to ourselves and then once she arrives, be able to enjoy that magical moment of celebrating her birth and sharing her name with our loved ones the minute she's born.  

I can't wait!

P.S. A hilarious clip, Friends' Ross & Rachel picking baby names!

image/homesweethome

Week 32

{32 weeks at Chateau St. Jean, Sonoma, California}

Baby Size: honeydew
Maternity Clothes: maternity tops/shorts, regular dresses & maxi dresses
Food Cravings: sugary sweets (doughnuts - specifically Top Pot apple fritters, sugar cookies, ice cream, Caffeine free coke)
Food Aversions: pho, chicken
Symptoms: back aches, especially first thing in the AM
Sleep: getting a bit more uncomfortable by morning, waking up 1-2 times per night
Movement: Feeling lots of movement, movements are getting more intense, you can see limbs moving around through my stomach!  
Belly Button: popped out 
Gender: GIRL!!!
Best Moment of the Week: Sonoma Bachelorette Weekend with my girlfriends
What I'm Looking Forward To: our upcoming baby shower, finishing the baby's room
What I Miss: running/high impact sports
Wedding Rings: on

Currently Reading: Happiest Baby on the Block

Week 31

Well, you can tell summer vacation has set in, as I'm a week behind in pregnancy postings. Week 30 managed to escape us for a picture, but we remembered to snap a picture toward the tail end of Week 31. 

Baby Size: head of lettuce
Maternity Clothes: maternity tops/shorts, regular dresses & maxi dresses
Food Cravings: fruit, lemonade (the craving is back)
Food Aversions: pho
Symptoms: achy lower back when I wake up in the morning or sit for too long
Sleep: waking up 1-2 times per night
Movement: Feeling and SEEING movement a lot. More rolling and turning, I can feel pressure as she pushes up against the outside of my stomach.  Baby Girl also has had hiccups a few times, I can feel her steady "hiccup" on repeat every few seconds during these times.
Belly Button: popped out
Gender: GIRL!!!
Best Moment of the Week: After a weekend of HOT weather, (hot being 95 degrees, which in Seattle - a city of minimal air conditioning, is pretty warm) I was persuaded into going swimming off my parents' dock.  I think she enjoyed the cool down, I could feel her kicking while I was floating in the water!  Also, hoping to purchase a glider this week to complete the furniture for her room!
What I'm Looking Forward To: Fourth of July girls weekend in Sonoma
What I Miss: running/high impact sports
Wedding Rings on
Currently Reading: Happiest Baby on the Block

Week 29

Baby Size: cabbage
Maternity Clothes: mostly maternity clothes, favoring dresses these days
Food Cravings: Trader Joe's dried mango, I bought 4 bags of these upon my last visit!  Lately, I just feel hungry ALL THE TIME.  I feel less concerned with cravings and am more interested in eating food that is satiating 
Food Aversions: pho
Symptoms: back aches
Sleep: After a few consecutive restless nights, I finally caved and invested in a Snoogle body pillow which has really improved my sleep
Movement: Lots of movement, I can feel her rolling and turning around in there 
Belly Button: out 
Gender: GIRL!!!
Best Moment of the Week: celebrating our first unofficial Father's Day together
What I'm Looking Forward To: being done with report cards and enjoying the last few days of school with my students
What I Miss: running / high-impact exercise
Wedding Rings on or off? on
Currently Reading: Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child and The Nursing Mother's Companion are on my nightstand, have yet to start them...

Week 28

Baby Size: butternut squash, our girl is getting big!
Maternity Clothes: most definitely!  I've been rocking the maternity jeans and capris.  Plus lots of Old Navy maternity shorts, tees, tanks, as well as a few pre-maternity tops, dresses, and maxi dresses
Food Cravings: Burgers (although wishing I could add my usual blue cheese and crispy bacon topping)
Food Aversions: pho, still, just doesn't sound good...
Symptoms: achy tailbone but that varies day to day, more and more tired (I fell asleep sitting up at my computer at home while working on report cards for about 20 minutes, ha!)
Sleep: Getting up once or twice a night
Movement: Lots of movement, feels stronger now, especially when I'm sitting down or resting
Belly Button: just popped out 
Gender: GIRL!!!
Best Moment of the Week: I passed my glucose test, no gestational diabetes, woohoo!  Also, my college girlfriends threw me a literature-themed baby shower this weekend, so fun!  
What I'm Looking Forward To: finishing the nursery, my wonderful, handy husband just finished putting the dresser together, our nursery is shaping up quite nicely!  My after school project today is to begin organizing clothes and supplies!
What I Miss: Being able to tie my shoes easily and put sandals on by myself
Wedding Rings on or off? on, no problems here yet
Currently Reading: Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child and The Nursing Mother's Companion are on hold for me at the library, so they're next up!

Week 27

Baby Size: head of cauliflower

Maternity Clothes: maternity jeans and tops, pre-maternity tops/maxi dresses

Food Cravings: Raisin bran (So random, right?  I had an insatiable craving one night and my wonderful, doting husband drove to the store at 8:30 pm to get me a box, he's the best!)

Food Aversions: pho

New Symptoms: occasional sleeplessness 

Movement: Lots of kicking, flipping, and moving around in there

Belly Button: pretty much popped out 

Gender: GIRL!!!

Best Moment of the Week: dinner & Great Gatsby with my girlfriends, co-hosting my best friend's bridal shower

What I'm Looking Forward To: organizing the nursery

What I Miss: Spinning class (I think I'm a little big for the bike at present)

Currently Reading: just finishing up Bringing Up Bebe, taking a break from baby books and listening to Where'd You Go Bernadette on CD in the car

Week 26

Baby Size: eggplant
Maternity Clothes: maternity jeans and tops, pre-maternity tops/maxi dresses
Food Cravings: cantaloupe, Mexican food while we were in Vancouver (which while known for its amazing cuisine, is NOT a destination known for its Mexican food, nor does it boast many Mexican restaurants)  
Food Aversions: pho (meat is sounding good to eat again!)
New Symptoms: none
Movement: Movement constant throughout the day, really active at night
Belly Button: Halfway popped out
Gender: GIRL!!!
Best Moment of the Week: babymoon in Vancouver, B.C.
What I'm Looking Forward To: Painting the nursery, organizing her room
What I Miss: Soft cheeses, red wine, meguro sushi
Currently Reading: Bringing up Bebe, NurtureShock
Exercise: Feeling lazy, just walking

Feeling good this week.  My husband and I took advantage of the long, Memorial Day weekend and ventured to Vancouver, B.C., a short 2-hour drive North of Seattle.  The weather cooperated, and we were able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city sans rain. We stayed downtown at the Sheraton Wall Centre Downtown.  Our room on the 30th floor with floor to ceiling windows boasted a spectacular view of the ocean and mountains beyond.  I'd highly recommend this hotel, as it was an ideal central location for sightseeing on foot.  

Our first afternoon in town, we shopped Robson street and beyond, wandered through the Yaletown restaurant district and dined at the delicious Flying Pig - highly recommend!  On Sunday, we had brunch at the Twisted Fork on Granville for their famous banana stuffed brioche French toast (a pregnant woman's dream come true!).   Later, recharged by coffee and scones from Blenz, we took a leisurely drive and explored the depths of Stanley Park, the gargantuan expanse of greenery in Northwest Vancouver (also, the largest public park in Canada).  After a nap and a few hours of relaxation, we explored Davie street and capped off our last night at a little neighborhood Thai restaurant.  

In between our walking and eating (seriously, it felt like we - at least I - was constantly eating), we had a great time relaxing, talking about our baby and future plans, and getting lost in a new city.  I wasn't sure a babymoon was a necessity, but having taken a weekend away, I'd recommend it to anyone.  It was nice to have a weekend just us before our we becomes three!