Thanksgiving eve: Moving up and out

Well, nesting has started for sure! I've wanted to move the changing table out of Adara's room so we can use it in our room for our newborn (Adara isn't potty trained yet, but she's easy to change without a table). I finally cleaned up and organized her room and took out a set of plastic drawers and the changing table. Her room looks so much bigger!

We have a really big master bedroom, so finding a place to put the changing table was no problem. I also am using some of Adara's drawers for baby boy stuff. Adara doesn't need it right now, and I don't have to buy new drawers. I'm sure our infant won't care that his boy clothes are in pink drawers.

I also adjusted Adara's carseat. Thanks to my infant CPR and carseat safety class, I now know that a forward facing carseat needs straps at or above the toddler's shoulders. Doing so meant taking out the booster's insert-another reminder of how fast Adara is growing! ps-I adjusted the headrest back after taking this photo. Adara's quote: "I'm SO safe!" She will be now that I know her carseat is fit for her.


I'm so thankful I was able to get some baby-related tasks accomplished! I can now focus on other things-like making sure I'm prepared for Thanksgiving tomorrow!

Countdown to thanksgiving:day 25-in case of emergency

I packed a "just in case" bag for the hospital today! I wasn't planning on it; I was looking for something to wear on Thanksgiving and instead found clothes that I know I'll need at the hospital. I'm thankful to have it somewhat ready!

Here's what I put in my bag:

-Warm button up pajama top and pants

-another pair of loose pajama pants

-a few shirts that are soft and stretchy so I can nurse in them

-a pair of leggings in case I get tired of pajama pants

-three pairs of socks

-three sleep/stretchy nursing bras and undies

-one zip up hoodie

For the baby:

-two sleepers

-a onesie and socks

-birth plan

For Alex:

-one complete outfit. If he needs more he can go home since we live really close to the hospital 

I'm sure I'll think of other things along the way, but the hospital provides a lot so if I needed to go at anytime, I think I'll be fine with what I've packed. 

Feel free to leave suggestions. I'll be prepping over the next six weeks!

Countdown to Thanksgiving: day 22-infant CPR class

Today I went to a free infant CPR class at Maury Regional. I WISH I had gone when I was pregnant with Adara! I'm not sure why I didn't. Not only did they give us an infant model on which to practice and bring home, but we also received some really good car seat safety information. I'm so thankful that the hospital offers this class! I feel much more prepared in case of an emergency. 

Countdown to Thanksgiving: day 19-Unexpected nourishment

Two things today that I'm especially thankful for, but didn't expect:

Garden of Life Raw Prenatal Vitamins: Even thought I've not been super careful about how I eat, my nightly leg cramps have been virtually non-existent! I'm generally feeling better, and I really think these vitamins are a contributing factor. I'm also thankful that they are available on Amazon for half the price of Whole Foods! Thanks to everyone who recommended them to me! 

I am glad I made the trip to Whole Foods for the vitamins, because that's where I discovered this delicious milk:

We've been buying whole milk for Adara (she loves it and it was an easy way to wean her), and we put it in our coffee. I'm sure it's this good because it's local, fresh, and is super-creamy. I used to consider myself very lactose-intolerant, but this milk doesn't make me feel sick! A friend of mine then told me it's available at the Puckett's Downtown, so now it's convenient for me to buy! We were buying Horizon Organic milk at Kroger, but it isn't as tasty. Now if I feel hungry in between meals and don't feel like fixing anything, a small glass of Hatcher's Whole Milk will do the trick.

Countdown to Thanksgiving: Day 15-Focus on the Family radio

Today I'm thankful for an online radio with encouraging, informative, Bible-based talks to listen to while I'm working. I do some work at home stuff, and today's work is super boring. I'm fine with doing boring work, but it's nice to have something to listen to while I'm getting stuff done.
Click here to listen to today's podcast. It's called " Practical Advice for Expectant Parents." I imagine it will have good advice, even though we've gone through this baby thing once already.

Countdown to thanksgiving: day 11-healthy baby boy

Basically I waited a long time, got an ultrasound, waited for my next appointment to start so the doctor could look at the ultrasound, and found out everything is great. Alex kept Adara at home until he had to go to work, and then Adara kept me company in the back room. I talked to the doctor for all of five minutes for her to tell me the baby is definitely not small- even measuring a little ahead(this doesn't change my due date, it just means I have a healthy sized baby). I am very thankful everything looks great. My next appointments aren't as regular because of holiday schedules, and I'm actually relieved. I'd be ok if I didn't see another doctor until I'm at the hospital giving birth...

Countdown to Thanksgiving: day 10-sleep

It's fitting that I fell asleep last night and forgot to post about being thankful for sleep. Alex is strongly encouraging me to make sleep a priority in an attempt to abate these reoccurring Braxton Hicks. I've also been careful to avoid foods that seem to bring on leg cramps (maybe because when I don't eat those foods, I eat foods with more nutrients), to improve sleep quality.

I went to bed early Sunday night AND took a nap Monday afternoon while Adara napped. I think I'm going to make afternoon naps a habit while I can! I had no bh yesterday, and my sleep has significantly improved the past couple nights. I'm so thankful for the extra zzzzz's, and I'm hoping I can stock up on  sleep for when our new baby gets here!

Countdown to Thanksgiving: Day 9-Church

A couple things come to mind when I think about how thankful I am for church. One, that Adara is already learning wonderful songs during the first part of the service. She loves to sing along, even when there is only music and no one else is singing. Today at nap time she asked to sing "Amazing Grace" because we sang it at church today.

I'm also thankful that the people in our church are willing and eager to support even their new members (namely, us). They are throwing us a baby shower next week, and I feel so blessed that they have taken the time to put this together for us.

Countdown to Thanksgiving: day 5-baby bonding

We've been talking to Adara a lot  about having a little brother. Today she pulled up my shirt and started talking to him! It was super cute, and I'm so thankful for her excitement to meet him.