It is common knowledge that the wedding industry has control of whims and wants of brides to be and their families around the world. I did not know, prior to getting pregnant, that the baby industry is in fact as intense if not worse than the wedding industry! And they have a much more serious value proposition: Buy this OR be a bad parent.
Seriously, it has taken me months of virtual nesting, shopping, reading, talking to friends, etc to even begin to get an idea of what is really needed for a newborn. Everyone has a different impression of what works best for them - and there are SO MANY OPTIONS. Every time Morgan and I came to Raleigh to look for houses or for him to work over the summer I would search for the actual store where I could find some answers! Touch, hold, examine and consider. Online shopping has its merits, but it is just not the same.
I went to Baby's R Us. That was disastrous. I was terrified and totally overwhelmed by how much plastic CRAP you "must have" for your baby. (Note all of the plastic crap can be color or patterned coordinated!) The item that struck me the most was the series of plug in or battery powered vibrating chairs or "bouncers." I was told that if you do not have a vibrating chair, your baby will never sleep. You just must have it. WHAT? I walked out of the store totally convinced that if an item was in Baby's R Us, the baby didn't really need it because it all seemed so gross. This was obviously not true, they have some great items at Baby's R Us that are essential and will benefit your child, and a good online selection - but I just can't ever have a reason to go back into that store. Or on their website. I'm afraid.
I went to several local shops in Raleigh, Huntsville and Madison, searching for some clarity on the situation and was continuously turned off by the rude staff, the prices and the stuff ... just stuff ... where is the utility? The necessity? I want Thriller to have everything he/she needs and could even want - but I needed someplace to start that made sense.
Family, friends, articles, online resources and most recently our Bradley class started to tie things together. Morgan and I decided to go with a quality over quantity approach. Research clearly indicates that having an organic sleeping environment is better for the baby, so that gave us a place to start. Similarly we know that avoiding BPA and or PVC is beneficial for the baby - so we have tried to find feeding and other options that are free of these toxins. There are a LOT of online resources that meet our criteria and I feel that we have become educated baby consumers.
There is an online store that is local to Raleigh, called growgreenbaby.com. Finding this resource was nice because it met our criteria for organics and non-toxic AND is locally based. However, I have still been searching for a local shop - a storefront - where I could talk to a person. Where just maybe I could touch something in my hands to see if it felt right - or if the color was actually what it looked like online.
And alas, yesterday I finally found my spot.
GreenPea Nursery (greenpeanursery.com)
Where have you been all my pregnancy?
I had a staff person listen to me, give me options, show me a selection, let me touch things, talk to me about my needs and how to make solutions in the most cost effective manner. I love this store! NOT ONLY does it have an awesome, educated "green" selection of baby products, tons of information about making the healthiest environment for your child, but they actually also offer SERVICE (something that we know is rare). They are online and in person and I love them.
They do not offer everything I need - and I will still rely on our online resources for a great deal - but I feel so confident in what they do have! And in their answers! It is local, tangible, real, and genuine.
Finally, someplace that makes some sense to this consumer. I guess we all have different wants needs and having so many options has totally changed our retail economy. But I was really beginning to feel like the odd mama to be out here - no place to feel good about getting ready for the baby. I just felt guilty for wanting "stuff" and like the entire industry was trying to trick me. I had no confidence in making the right decisions. But no more!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Thriller's 29 1/2 Week Ultrasound
Today I went to Duke's specialty OB/GYN consultant office to have a "Level Two" ultrasound. Okay, doesn't that just sound scary?
After 20 weeks you generally do not have another ultrasound. However, Triangle OB/GYN (new doctors and midwives) wanted to follow up on a calcium deposit noted on the baby's heart at 20 weeks. Our doctor in Virginia assured us it would not be an issue and did not see the need for the "Level Two" but my new doctor just wanted to be sure.
I was very nervous going in and was alone. There might be something wrong. Probably not, but there might be ... this mantra was going through my head for the past week.
Luckily the baby looks totally normal. YAY!
The calcium deposit in the heart has dissipated (just like Dr. George said it would).
Thriller is a whopping 2 pounds and 14 oz. Man do we have a way to go! In the next 73 days Thriller will more than double in size (which I think means I will too).
Currently the baby is still turned in the right direction ... fingers crossed that he/she will stay that way.
And, the specialist doctor who came in to meet with me after the ultrasound not only has wonderful things to say about the doctors at Triangle OB/GYN, but the midwives (who he knew by name) too. It made me feel so good to know that they ALL have such positive reputations in the community.
After 20 weeks you generally do not have another ultrasound. However, Triangle OB/GYN (new doctors and midwives) wanted to follow up on a calcium deposit noted on the baby's heart at 20 weeks. Our doctor in Virginia assured us it would not be an issue and did not see the need for the "Level Two" but my new doctor just wanted to be sure.
I was very nervous going in and was alone. There might be something wrong. Probably not, but there might be ... this mantra was going through my head for the past week.
Luckily the baby looks totally normal. YAY!
The calcium deposit in the heart has dissipated (just like Dr. George said it would).
Thriller is a whopping 2 pounds and 14 oz. Man do we have a way to go! In the next 73 days Thriller will more than double in size (which I think means I will too).
Currently the baby is still turned in the right direction ... fingers crossed that he/she will stay that way.
And, the specialist doctor who came in to meet with me after the ultrasound not only has wonderful things to say about the doctors at Triangle OB/GYN, but the midwives (who he knew by name) too. It made me feel so good to know that they ALL have such positive reputations in the community.
Bradley Classes 1 & 2
The past two Mondays Morgan and I have headed out to our Bradley classes with notebooks, workbooks, pillows and such in arms ... I love our teacher, and literally everyone at my doctors office says she is the best Bradley teacher in the area. The class is an interesting mix of people and I hope that Morgan and I do find some community there.
The first class was very basic, and we learned exercises, etc. It was good to walk through it all in that setting with Morgan as generally it has just been me reading and telling him about what I should be doing. The main focus at the end of the class was to begin our relaxation exercises so we will be able to use the technique when I am in labor. On Sunday Morgan proved, without a doubt, that he will be able to be calm and master any personal stress to help me relax. We were watching the Redskins play the Falcons for what was a pretty terrible football game and I was sitting on the floor in the "tailor position" (yet another politically correct way of saying "Indian style") and he sat behind me and started going through the relaxation exercise and rubbing my back. He made me so calm and meditative that I didn't even know what was going on in the game. When I opened my eyes I realized that we missed another touchdown and there was a fight on the field, all of which would make Morgan crazy generally, but he overcame it to focus on me. Granted, the birth of our child will be more important than the Redskins, but I think the timing made the exercise very effective for both of us.
Last night a massage therapist came to the class and taught our husbands how to massage us during pregnancy and during labor. It was awesome! I've asked for a prenatal massage from her for Christmas ... we will see how that request goes with all of the other expenses we have right now :) And then there was MORE INFORMATION ON BREAST FEEDING. Can't seem to get away from that one. I want to breast feed for as long as possible. God willing, Thriller will never have formula. But I really don't like watching other people do it. I know, I'm supposed to be all open minded and liberal and I am - I just think that a boob and latch close up ... again ... isn't really necessary in my life. I know it'll be different once I meet Thriller and we bond and grow together through the process - but for now, can we please keep the nipple close ups at a minimum? Apparently not. Okay, time to master my fears.
The first class was very basic, and we learned exercises, etc. It was good to walk through it all in that setting with Morgan as generally it has just been me reading and telling him about what I should be doing. The main focus at the end of the class was to begin our relaxation exercises so we will be able to use the technique when I am in labor. On Sunday Morgan proved, without a doubt, that he will be able to be calm and master any personal stress to help me relax. We were watching the Redskins play the Falcons for what was a pretty terrible football game and I was sitting on the floor in the "tailor position" (yet another politically correct way of saying "Indian style") and he sat behind me and started going through the relaxation exercise and rubbing my back. He made me so calm and meditative that I didn't even know what was going on in the game. When I opened my eyes I realized that we missed another touchdown and there was a fight on the field, all of which would make Morgan crazy generally, but he overcame it to focus on me. Granted, the birth of our child will be more important than the Redskins, but I think the timing made the exercise very effective for both of us.
Last night a massage therapist came to the class and taught our husbands how to massage us during pregnancy and during labor. It was awesome! I've asked for a prenatal massage from her for Christmas ... we will see how that request goes with all of the other expenses we have right now :) And then there was MORE INFORMATION ON BREAST FEEDING. Can't seem to get away from that one. I want to breast feed for as long as possible. God willing, Thriller will never have formula. But I really don't like watching other people do it. I know, I'm supposed to be all open minded and liberal and I am - I just think that a boob and latch close up ... again ... isn't really necessary in my life. I know it'll be different once I meet Thriller and we bond and grow together through the process - but for now, can we please keep the nipple close ups at a minimum? Apparently not. Okay, time to master my fears.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Bradley Class - 12 (but my first)
On Monday I went to my first Bradley Method class. For those of you who are not familiar, the Bradley Method is a form of husband (or partner) coached childbirth that encourages natural, drug free delivery. The classes are a serious time commitment as it is a 12 week series.
Because we just landed, I took the 12th class (on breastfeeding) first so I wouldn't miss it due to delivery date. Morgan was in California for work so I had to go by myself. Considering the fact that I have totally been focused on more simple matters, like where we are going to live, I must admit that breastfeeding has not really been on my mind - other than the fact that I intend to breastfeed. And while I know we want to do it for at least 6 months, maybe longer, I have not even considered the logistics associated with it.
Man, are there some logistics! AH! %*#^!
I have a feeling that you probably don't want the details - and I am not sure I want to relive them yet (maybe a little closer to delivery). I did learn that I will need a pillow - or a good chiropractor. I'm opting for the pillow.
I am really looking forward to meeting the rest of my class and having a bit of community to prepare for birthing. The teacher was also very warm, informative and experienced. Several of the couples I met this week are using the same Doctor/Midwife practice and hospital Morgan and I are considering. They all have rave reviews - I hope I will be so impressed next week when I check them out myself.
And to Morgan's credit, while he missed the class on breastfeeding, he is flying back to Raleigh in between two weeks of travel for one night simply to start the Bradley Classes with me. He is the best.
Because we just landed, I took the 12th class (on breastfeeding) first so I wouldn't miss it due to delivery date. Morgan was in California for work so I had to go by myself. Considering the fact that I have totally been focused on more simple matters, like where we are going to live, I must admit that breastfeeding has not really been on my mind - other than the fact that I intend to breastfeed. And while I know we want to do it for at least 6 months, maybe longer, I have not even considered the logistics associated with it.
Man, are there some logistics! AH! %*#^!
I have a feeling that you probably don't want the details - and I am not sure I want to relive them yet (maybe a little closer to delivery). I did learn that I will need a pillow - or a good chiropractor. I'm opting for the pillow.
I am really looking forward to meeting the rest of my class and having a bit of community to prepare for birthing. The teacher was also very warm, informative and experienced. Several of the couples I met this week are using the same Doctor/Midwife practice and hospital Morgan and I are considering. They all have rave reviews - I hope I will be so impressed next week when I check them out myself.
And to Morgan's credit, while he missed the class on breastfeeding, he is flying back to Raleigh in between two weeks of travel for one night simply to start the Bradley Classes with me. He is the best.
WE HAVE A HOME!
Not even sure where to begin... since I last blogged we closed on our first house, moved in (a little) with the help of Joe Morgan (he will be getting the best Uncle of the Year award) and I have started unpacking. My mom is coming up this weekend to help, which is WONDERFUL.
Love the house, although a little overwhelmed with actually having enough space to be organized! After 6 years of cluttered - barely getting by - San Francisco apartment living, being able to spread out is amazing! We are seriously in need of furniture, which I am sure will come and fill in our spaces soon enough.
I will post pictures of the house once I get it a little more organized :)
Love the house, although a little overwhelmed with actually having enough space to be organized! After 6 years of cluttered - barely getting by - San Francisco apartment living, being able to spread out is amazing! We are seriously in need of furniture, which I am sure will come and fill in our spaces soon enough.
I will post pictures of the house once I get it a little more organized :)
Monday, October 19, 2009
Tappan - 26 Weeks
October 19, 2006Morgan took this picture this afternoon while we enjoyed the sunset on the bay side of the Eastern Shore from the country club.
I look pretty damn pregnant.
Thriller enjoyed his/her first golfing adventure and the crisp fall air.
Mom & House Update
Every day seems to come with a new experience this fall!
My body is changing very rapidly. I have been having a lot of trouble sleeping, but finally had a great nap yesterday in the afternoon with the rain pouring down outside. Those three hours left me with more energy than the past week of "kind of sleeping" through the night. I also got up at 5:30 rather than tossing and turning, and was totally engrossed reading Pat Conroy's South of Broad. I can't bring myself to spring for a body pillow - so I spend every night moving 4 or 5 pillows around trying to make something work. If after we get back to our own bed I still can't settle in well, I might invest in the body pillow - maybe.
Thriller moves around a good bit, but continues to save large movements and kicks for music. Specifically, over the weekend Mike Gordon's baseline caused a large series of kicks and Thriller also started moving rapidly when his/her Granddaddy Ray put on some Opera.
I am also STARVING all of the time now. It really just kicked in. Last week Morgan made me a PB&J (which I usually hate-especially with GRAPE JELLY) and I have been waking up dreaming of them ever since. I can't seem to get the proportions right and only like them when Morgan makes them for me. I have a feeling this might last as a craving. Also eating tons of dill pickles (which is not really abnormal for me to crave, now I am just giving in) and trying to balance all the other major food groups. Eating out of the garden here has been awesome! There is nothing like homegrown organic veggies to make meal.
I have made it through the pregnancy without any falls (knock on wood) - and for those of you that know me you'll appreciate what an accomplishment this is! However, I have noticed that in the past 2 or 3 days I have become exceedingly clumsy. Last night I almost fell over for no reason at all, I was just standing up! It is probably a VERY good thing that Morgan and I will soon be in a one story home rather than living on the third floor. Hopefully some yoga will help me find my center of gravity later today.
On the logistical font, Morgan and I started final repair negotiations on our ALMOST new home in Raleigh today. We are in the throws of wanting to keep our October 22 close date so we can get started moving in, but also wanting to go through the negotiations properly.
Assuming all goes to plan, we will pack up on Tuesday (oh man, that is TOMORROW!) night, leave early Wednesday for a doctor's appointment at 8:00 am in Virginia Beach, drive to Raleigh and close on Thursday morning.
Over the weekend Ann & Ray came to Wachapreague to pass down their Prius, which is awesome! We are so blessed! We need to counteract the carbon footprint of the Great Southern Road Trip in a serious way and as a practical matter will absolutely need another car in Raleigh. Plus the old Infinity is on its way out. Still ticking, but we are not sure for how long...
Thriller will soon be riding Raleigh around in eco-friendly style!
Additionally, we started to get furniture for the ALMOST house. Ann and I went to the Blue Crow Antique Mall (which should you ever been on the Eastern Shore is a MUST SEE) and found two beautiful tables, one dining and one for the living room, at an amazing value. The dining table will compliment the wild cherry cabinets my mom had made for me from Norton Creek cherry when I was a child perfectly. Now we just have to find some chairs! I have a feeling we'll be using camping chairs for a little while.
I do have a sense of our lives starting to come together very rapidly. As a result I went through the chronology of travels and adventures we have had over the summer last night (you'll see the photo posts I'm sure) and maybe for the first time appreciated the chaos and adventure. We will not be able to be so free in a very short time.
My body is changing very rapidly. I have been having a lot of trouble sleeping, but finally had a great nap yesterday in the afternoon with the rain pouring down outside. Those three hours left me with more energy than the past week of "kind of sleeping" through the night. I also got up at 5:30 rather than tossing and turning, and was totally engrossed reading Pat Conroy's South of Broad. I can't bring myself to spring for a body pillow - so I spend every night moving 4 or 5 pillows around trying to make something work. If after we get back to our own bed I still can't settle in well, I might invest in the body pillow - maybe.
Thriller moves around a good bit, but continues to save large movements and kicks for music. Specifically, over the weekend Mike Gordon's baseline caused a large series of kicks and Thriller also started moving rapidly when his/her Granddaddy Ray put on some Opera.
I am also STARVING all of the time now. It really just kicked in. Last week Morgan made me a PB&J (which I usually hate-especially with GRAPE JELLY) and I have been waking up dreaming of them ever since. I can't seem to get the proportions right and only like them when Morgan makes them for me. I have a feeling this might last as a craving. Also eating tons of dill pickles (which is not really abnormal for me to crave, now I am just giving in) and trying to balance all the other major food groups. Eating out of the garden here has been awesome! There is nothing like homegrown organic veggies to make meal.
I have made it through the pregnancy without any falls (knock on wood) - and for those of you that know me you'll appreciate what an accomplishment this is! However, I have noticed that in the past 2 or 3 days I have become exceedingly clumsy. Last night I almost fell over for no reason at all, I was just standing up! It is probably a VERY good thing that Morgan and I will soon be in a one story home rather than living on the third floor. Hopefully some yoga will help me find my center of gravity later today.
On the logistical font, Morgan and I started final repair negotiations on our ALMOST new home in Raleigh today. We are in the throws of wanting to keep our October 22 close date so we can get started moving in, but also wanting to go through the negotiations properly.
Assuming all goes to plan, we will pack up on Tuesday (oh man, that is TOMORROW!) night, leave early Wednesday for a doctor's appointment at 8:00 am in Virginia Beach, drive to Raleigh and close on Thursday morning.
Over the weekend Ann & Ray came to Wachapreague to pass down their Prius, which is awesome! We are so blessed! We need to counteract the carbon footprint of the Great Southern Road Trip in a serious way and as a practical matter will absolutely need another car in Raleigh. Plus the old Infinity is on its way out. Still ticking, but we are not sure for how long...
Thriller will soon be riding Raleigh around in eco-friendly style!
Additionally, we started to get furniture for the ALMOST house. Ann and I went to the Blue Crow Antique Mall (which should you ever been on the Eastern Shore is a MUST SEE) and found two beautiful tables, one dining and one for the living room, at an amazing value. The dining table will compliment the wild cherry cabinets my mom had made for me from Norton Creek cherry when I was a child perfectly. Now we just have to find some chairs! I have a feeling we'll be using camping chairs for a little while.
I do have a sense of our lives starting to come together very rapidly. As a result I went through the chronology of travels and adventures we have had over the summer last night (you'll see the photo posts I'm sure) and maybe for the first time appreciated the chaos and adventure. We will not be able to be so free in a very short time.
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