From the Mouths of Moms: Registry

So if there are any pregnant people out there like me, you may be completely in the dark when it comes to registering for your first baby.  Walking into a baby store for me was like entering a Trekkie fair...so foreign and prone to cause anxiety attacks.

But I had some new moms (none pictured above) that were kind enough to email me over lists of their favorite baby items.  Their lists helped me so much, I decided to include them on my blog in hopes of helping any other registry strugglers with their quest.  "Live long and prosper" as the Trekkies would say...

The Urban Chic Mom:  this mom has fabulous taste within her home and baby picks, she is updated on the latest styles and always looks amazing around town.

1) Diaper Bag- A backpack.  I know it sounds dorky.  But it helps so much when you have two arms/hands free.  Getting baby out of the car etc.  My favorite is Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack.  They are expensive, but worth every penny.  They also have a changing pad that folds out from the front which is awesome.  I would get one with the slick waterproof fabric (not the silk)  http://www.petunia.com/  They have these at lots of places around town.  Pottery Barn Kids, Ladybugs and Lizards, and Room to Dream, etc.

2)  Adan + Anais swaddle blankets.  They are made of muslin or bamboo.  So soft.  And they are breathable if it gets up around baby's face.

3)  Don't get a bumper.  I took mine out within two weeks.  Waste of money.  Experts are advising against them bc of SIDS.

4)  Fisher Price Swing. It is MAGIC MAGIC MAGIC.  I've had friends try other swings with no luck.  Everyone I know with this swing swears by it.  I would get the one with that you can plug in.  There's only one and you can only get it online.  http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4360510

5)  I think girls are different.  But my son loved his exersaucer and his play gym.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3420756

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/farm-play-gym/?pkey=bbaby-toys

6)  Bumbo - must for feeding and a place to put baby down

7)  Bouncy chair -  you don't realize but you will have no where to put baby down until they can sit up.  bouncy chair is a must

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10755528

8)  Monitor-  I would read some reviews.  I think you can get one for your iphone now.  We have a Summer one.

9)  Baby bath tub-makes it a lot easier to keep baby from slipping in the sink or tub.

10)  Breast pump -  I have a medela that works well, although they are expensive.  

11) Bottles tend to be up to baby.  Some babies are very particular about which nipples they will eat from.  Especially if they breastfeed.

12)  Boppy -  good place to sit up baby and good for feeding

13)  Chicco has the highest safety record for car seats.

14)  I have an Uppa Baby Vista stroller.  Expensive, but I love it.  It's big.

15)  Wipie Warmer -  I didn't get one with with my first baby, but I think it would help with diaper changes.

16)  Thermometer - I've heard the exergen thermometer is the best.  I'm getting one for my second son.

17)  High Chair -  You don't need this right away, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE our high chair.  It's by Boon.  There are no cracks or crevices for food to get caught.  Easy to wipe down, and you can put the trays in the dishwasher.   It's expensive but worth it.  

18)  Sophie the Giraffe -  lots of babies love sophie for teething.

19)  Lots of books!  We love books!

The Green Mom:  This mom has been researching some eco friendly items for her little one.  Organic, non-toxic and environmentally stable registries can definitely be beneficial for baby and Mother Earth.

1.  For a crib (and really anything else thats gonna be close to baby) I heard that there are numerouse toxins emitted by most furniture and bedding.  There is a website that we got for our son's crib called fawnandforest.com.  They have a good selection of eco-friendly cribs and they tell you exactly what makes them eco-friendly too.  A lot of them are also tax free and free shipping.  And, what's even better is they give you a free gift card for your purchase.  Check them out!

 

2.  You'll want a humidifier or a cool mist humidifier.  I had mine within the kids' reach and thought that the steam ones work better.

 

3.  I love rocking the babies also!!  But rockers can emit toxins, so it 's a good thing to research.

 

4.  I agree, had bumpers before and am not getting one this time.

 

5.  We bought a restaurant style highchair with our second child and I loved it.  Easy to clean, cheap, and saves space.  You can get them at Target for around $50.

 

6.  If you're doing cloth diapers, I've read that coconut oil is a really good diaper rash salve for cloth, but suppose it'd work for disposables too.

 

7.  Get some lansinoh and the soothies for breastfeeding. 

 

8.  The Fisher Price cradle swing - my second child loved it.

 

9.  I think the Jenny Lynn or Lind line of furniture is also pretty eco-friendly as far as the finishes go.  And it is totally back from the 80's, love it!!

 

10.  I didn't bottle feed either of my kiddos at all, so that will be new territory to me this time!!  I'll keep you posted.

 

11.  A baby bath, my friend got me this really cool super simple easy to clean little tub thing made in France.  She has four kids and swears by it.  It's called the Daphne adjustable bath seat.

 

12.  Stroller/carseat, the Snugride 35 is awesome!  I wouldn't get a travel system.  The strollers are so bulky and hard to move around.  We got the one that is just a frame that the carseat can hook on to and another stroller for when he gets older.

 

13.  The mommy  hook!!  It's a giant hook that you put on your stroller to hold all your bags or purse. (Often when shopping somehow bags end up in the stroller and baby in your arms.)

 

14.  We decided to get the baby bullet and try making our own baby food.  It comes with everything to get going and a little cookbook.

The Practical Practice Mom:  This mom is on-the-go with her full time job as a mom & part-time job in the medical field.  Her laid-back approach has helped her narrow down some no-frill items that she has found useful for her baby.

• Bumbo
• Boppy (we actually had two, one that was like a disk shape and one was a "U" shape. Everyone I know loves the U shape for nursing, I just didn't end up using it, but my son slept in the disk shaped one alot.)
• Sophie the Giraffe
• A Play Mat (square mat with toys and mirror dangling over the top, babies love this!)
• Adan & Anais swaddle blankets (by far the cutest, I didn't hardly use any others)
• Swing (although my son didn't use it, every other baby on the planet loves them)
• Baby bathtub (I had one that was foam for in the sink and used when he was really little and then a plastic one for the next few months)
• Thermometer (but if you have one of those forehead measuring ones already, I'd use that)
• Breast Pump
• Bottles typically come with the breast pump, I'd try those first. 
• Monitor...we were fine with the sound only one. Quite honestly, you can hear throughout our house anyway. Some like video, which are a little more expensive.
• Diaper Bags - Maybe figure out how many and what size of bags you'll be carrying (big purse, little clutch, just a wallet?) and see what would be most efficient for consolidating. A cute bag that would double as diaper bag and you could throw in your purse essentials easily, would be nice. or if you have a small purse you can just throw into the diaper bag. It's nice to have one bag that is good for travel, that can hold enough stuff for the weekend if you go to your parents, but you may not want to carry that every day. I ended up with a weekend bag and a diaperbag/purse. 

Some Things not Mentioned yet:

• You'll also want nursing bras and Lanolin, but you may not want to register for that :)
• Teething rings; these small net things you fill with fruit and baby can suck on them; lightweight rattles/toys for when baby is little (most are heavy plastic and they can't lift them)
• Some sort of large outdoor blanket for laying in the grass with baby (big enough you can both fit on it)
• Some sort of sidecar, bassinet, if baby is going to sleep in your room initially. Bassinets on wheels are nice so you could move it around to wherever you are during the daytime.
• Baby bedding - I wanted one after my baby got older just for cuteness...safety is mainly an issue when baby is newborn and can't move the head. My son didn't even sleep in his crib the first few months so it didn't matter. You'll also want several bed sheets. 
• Pack-n-play: I'd get the Graco with as few frills as possible. All you use this for is travel, no need for lights and hanging toys etc. Ours is a chico and it is heavier, more expensive, and has unneccessary frills (My husband bought it obviously.)
• A tabletop changer and cover, this can go on top of any piece of furniture, doesn't have to be a "changing table", per say.
• As far as strollers, if I could re-do this: I would either get a basic frame for the first 5 months, this is just a lightweight frame that the carrier pops into and then once baby can sit up, I'd decide to either get a umbrella stroller (cheap & easy, but not for working out), or I would buy one like I have now for my second baby...Britax from the beginning that works for both carrier and sitting up baby.  You can either register for one, or find on criagslist, which is what I did. The main thing is you want lightweight, easy to open/close. I'd sacrifice storage etc for less to carry around. I would not get the whole "Chico System". Bulky and not the easiest to move around. I had one passed down to me and I never liked it.
• Extra base for carseat, so that you have one for you and one for the husband.

Things I would avoid:

• Any unneccessary thing that is just a specialized version of stuff you already have (like a special brush just for cleaning bottles or a special thermometer for baby, if you already have dish brushes and thermometers it is just more junk to store somewhere.) 
• Random things like thermometers for measuring bathwater....your hand works fine :)
• Too much older baby stuff bc you'll kind of find out what you like/don't like as you jump into the parenting role and so it may end up being stuff you just store and then don't use. (Baby food makers are good, but you also may want to just use your blender.)
• I'd also wait on the high chair. You may want just a seat that attaches to a chair.

 

 

 

 

20 Weeks: Half Way There...

We finally reached the half-way mark in the pregnancy, and I'm happy to say the last few weeks have been a bit better than the first 18!  I've started to feel better, have been managing stress levels as best I can with the big move, and haven't had any problems or complications health-wise.  Moving houses was a lot of work, Dustin and I agreed it was the most "stuff" we've ever moved!  But looking back, we were in the former house for about 5-years and things definitely can accumulate.  I am just happy that we are getting settled into our new Belle Isle home, it feels like where we are supposed to be.  Between the windows, sunlight, space and a few new (to us) amenities, we are so thrilled to be able to welcome our baby into the world here.  And did we mention...we're having a GIRL?...

Easley Lu Faye Maynord (or Lelu) will be entering the world around June 28th, Lu meaning "famous warrior / light" Faye meaning "faith" in French, "fairy" in English.  She is getting much bigger, and her sensory development is in process--which means she should be able to hear right around this time.  I've been singing to her in the mornings, and Dustin and I have been talking to her more and more now.  I am starting to feel some little kicks a bit more frequently, and the reality is setting in that there's a living creature in my belly.

We are just now getting a few items in Lelu's nursery and looking ahead at baby shower dates.  Thank goodness for her two older cousins, Olivia and Ella--we will have close cousins to play with and many cute outfits and "girl stuff" passed down to us, yay!

                                          Olivia

                                          Ella

I had a friend ask me over the weekend if I was nervous or scared to bring a child into the world and honestly--I have had a great sense of peace about this new little life.  I know part of being a parent is worry and fear for your child, but all of the work I've been doing will hopefully help minimize some of those emotions so Lelu can enter into an calm, healthy environment.

I think at this very new point, the advice I would give a couple that are thinking about having a baby--work out any of your own issues first as a person.  No one is ever perfect, but if there are things you aren't happy with in yourself, take time to resolve them and find the resources to heal.  I feel like the self-work both Dustin and I have done over the past several years will be one of the best gifts we can give our daughter, and I hope to continue that work as individuals and a family.  I believe life can offer continual growth opportunities, and if I am brave enough to take them, I can set an example for my child to embrace those opportunities also.

As long as my first trimester felt, the holidays and last few weeks have gone by fast.  I have a feeling with Spring approaching, time may not slow down.  I am grateful once again to all of my friends and family who are continuously supporting me through the pregnancy and move.  Surrounding yourself with the love of others can truly remind you of the goodness of life.

Cherish each day as you go through life   

Enjoy the fun and forget the strife

See the beauty and remember it long

Keep in your heart a pretty song

Smell the roses and ignore the thorns

Enjoy your friends and forgive their wrongs

Savor the goodness that each day brings

And this life you see will bring wonderful things

-Dave Tanguay

Ten Plus Seven.

We have been through a roller coaster of emotions over the last few weeks, and I think when you're internally trying to sort out your own thoughts...sometimes it's hard to express them externally.

I will begin with this:  at seventeen weeks, we are so happy to have a healthy baby whose growth is on track.  It was an amazing feeling to see "BayMay" at our first ultrasound, we will go for a follow-up ultrasound in a couple more weeks and find out the sex, hooray!  However, right before my second trimester, we were faced with some mild complications that has put me on-and-off bed rest.  My pregnancy is a little different than I would say most "normal" ones, but I feel fortunate not to be facing some major problems or issues.  It's just been a matter of getting off my feet, resting much more, and slowing down my pace.  That has been easier said than done and undoubtedly life-changing.

The basic tasks like going grocery shopping, picking up the house, or running errands have been wiped off my plate over the last several weeks.  All of my energy has gone towards work and "sitting on my egg."  Although simplification is good, I haven't been able to keep the house going like usual, so Dustin has had to pick up much more in addition to his full-time job.  He has been an amazing teammate, I am so fortunate to have him as my husband.  Our closest friends and family have been lifesavers when it comes to helping us along...oh, did I mention we're in the process of moving?

After finding a house in Belle Isle, we thought that moving in my second trimester would be fine:  you supposedly feel the best, I anticipated having extra time, and we could get settled before the baby arrived.  WRONG.  After the last few weeks of complications, nothing has gone as planned...and I chuckle a bit thinking about the irony.  But as I mentioned, we have had friends and family gradually help us pack and move things over to the new house and what lucky stars we have!  When the going gets tough--THEY have all been the tough that gets going.  Even drop-byes while I've been on bed rest has made the biggest different over the past several weeks.  God I'm blessed.

Teaching yoga has been an amazing job, especially during this time.  Between my seven weekly classes and additional private clients, I have found a sense of purpose, adventure, and satisfaction in my work.  I come home in a blissful state and look forward to reading, practicing and absorbing more as I continue to build my teaching and training.  My yoga mentors and teachers, Holly Bray and Shawna Sershon, have been so wonderful in helping me propel forward--I am very thankful for both of them.  I will say, BayMay is going through quite a growth spurt over this past week, and I feel like I'm beginning to "pop" out.  I've starting telling my classes that we're expecting so they won't think their yoga instructor is just piling on the pounds due to extra donuts...although, those probably don't help either. (-;

So in a nutshell, the Maynord's lives are changing--all THREE of us!  Dustin and I talked over dinner about the difference of just taking on the tasks vs. taking on the challenge of growing as a person.  You can always choose the option of moving through your day in a trance-like state, bearing and grinning with what you have to do--going mindlessly through the motions.  Or, you can take on the complex process of really growing as a human being--going through the growing pains, but also learning and truly transforming.  I have taken on this challenge, and my goal is to bring this baby into a calmer, wiser, and more grounded environment than perhaps I would have provided years ago.  Addressing the emotional in addition to the physical may not be the easier route, but in the grande scheme of life...I'd have to say it's worth it.

In the last few weeks these are the things that have been reiterated to me:  life isn't about stuff, it's about people.  We can't always control what our bodies might do, the things around us, or what happens to us--relinquish that control.  Take some time to breathe, create space, let go, and accept where you are in life.  Our society moves at a rapid, destructive pace and when we really stop and look around...why is it SO important that we move SO fast?  It my be hard to sit with ourselves in stillness and quiet, but if we are able to, we can truly reduce stress, anxiety, worry and negativity.  Get out of your mind and into your body.  Stop thinking so much and allow yourself to feel.   Connect with yourself and you open the door to connecting with vast goodness in the world.

May peace find you tonight.

Like a breeze through your window,

sit by your light.

Let it warm by your fire and laugh with delight.

Like a heavenly choir, 

may peace find you tonight.

-Reckless Kelly

Nine, Ten...a Mama Hen.

I've gotten a bit behind on my blog the last few weeks, even though I haven't felt like there have been major changes, I know they are happening.  The baby has completed the most critical portion of development.  Tiny nails are forming on fingers and toes and fuzz hair is beginning to grow on his/her skin.  The baby is kicking up a storm!  Although...I can't feel it just yet, he/she is the size of a kumquat.  No one really prepares you for all of the changes you go through within the first few months--so much happens before anyone can even tell you're pregnant.  They say a baby changes your life, and I believe it starts when that baby is conceived.

As I have written, the physical changes come one after another, and it can be strange when you've never worried about heartburn, sciatica, or a woozy stomach before.  To be quite honest--I salute all of the pregnant women with full-time jobs, I don't know how they do it.  I hear stories about women throwing up in their office trash cans throughout the day, my heart goes out to them.  I know there are some drugs out on the market now that can help with the sickness, and although I haven't had to take them, I most likely would if I had to report to work every morning at 8 a.m.  Fortunately as a yoga instructor just venturing into my teaching, I've been very blessed to be able to take the mornings slow and rest whenever I need.  

But most importantly, I tribute the single moms and those who don't have family or close friends to support them.  I don't know if I could have made it this far without my husband and people around me, the changes can be overwhelming and support has made it so much better.  For those out there with a partner, their lives shift too.  And if they don't--I can tell it would be very easy to grow in different directions.  Dustin and I are very social people, and through the physical changes, it definitely prohibits me from being as socially active.  My husband has been wonderful enough to follow suit, we've stayed in a bit more and had to get more creative with our time together.  I wouldn't say we're lame--I was dancing to the Hosty Duo just a few weeks ago, but you definitely have to prioritize your energy!

So just within the last few weeks, I started to feel much better and joined the holiday hustle and bustle...only about 1/3 of what I would usually do.  Turns out it was too strenuous for my body and I need to be resting more!  I was a bit bummed having to cut down on some holiday festivities, but after some sulking, I made a list of all of the things I want to do with my time:  write more, read more, meditate more, make more music, connect more, be more present in life.  So approaching week eleven, I am like a mother hen sitting on her nest, and I am using it as an opportunity to grow.

Since I have been forced to slow down, ironically in the midst of the busiest time of year, I have been able to gain this insight: Tara Brach, one of my favorite speakers, talks about how we as a society tend to move forward so quickly--anticipating and rushing into our next task or moment.  It has become hard for us as individuals to "just be".  The Chinese symbol for speed means "heart-killing", and we have to admit, the pace of our society can definitely start chipping away at our hearts and bodies.  Tara goes onto explain that we tend to rush through life either because we're afraid something bad might happen if we stop, or something is missing.  Either way, it's okay to have full lives, but there are other ways to manage them.  It is possible to stop, breathe, absorb and be present in our moments because when we are--our actions and choices come from a much more genuine and calm place.  Ghandi took one day a week for prayer and meditation, and we can only imagine how busy that man was.  If one of the most influential men in history could manage time to slow down, can't we?

It's not easy to sit with ourselves and emotions, but if we can soften ourselves to whatever we may be feeling--offer compassion to those places of frustration, doubt, uncomfort--we are able to create space for healing, insight, and peace.  I practice this with my yoga students regularly, but in a physical capacity.  I always ask them if there are any places in their bodies that are tight, or have been aching/hurting. After identifying those spots, we work on breathing into those areas, soften them, and focus on healing energy.    I have to say, everyone always comes away from our meditation with a better sense of awareness and often feeling better on several different levels.

Pregnant or not, I'm sure we could all slow down a bit during the holidays.  There are so many opportunities to enjoy people, moments, music, giving, time together, glowing lights and perhaps traditions.  All I know, it I hope to offer the gift of presence to my little person who will be so important to me.  I want to take in our moments together, the ups and downs, with a fully attentive heart.  I once heard this:  we don't have the time to rush.  Life is short, and I can only imagine the moments start to fly with a child.  Absorb your moments with your loved ones, because I believe at the end of our lives, they are the ones that matter.

Eight: The Growth Process

So only hours after I grumbled through my blog entry, I gained some new perspective.  Lord knows I needed it...I wasn't feeling very cheery last week in my sweat pants, bloated belly, and ratty hair.  There are low points to being pregnant, but objectively, they seem to be "shallow"lows--balanced out by a sense of goodness and knowledge of something bigger.  I may be nauseated and tired, but it's pretty cool to know that there's a little person in my belly, and my body's just going through some adjustments.  And I have to admit--venting via blogging sure does feel better!

I gained new perspective that Monday during a visit with my co-worker, she was expressing that she was entering a major life change.  She had finally made the break from a five-year boyfriend, embraced her new city, and was making an attempt to focus on her career and self-care.  As she was telling me about her shift, she was enthusiastic but also admitted, "change is really hard".

I reflected on those words a bit...it was only hours before that I had written about the changes I was going through, and how they weren't easy.  As I listened to my friend and co-worker, I realized we were in completely different places in life, but weren't so different at all.  We were both going through some major changes in life, and quite frankly--both circumstances were a bit scary and hard.  It can be difficult entering new territory mentally, emotionally or even physically, and I decided that with these kind of changes can come growing pains.  It's the beauty of evolving into a new place, but can sometimes feel uncomfortable.

It is only when we open ourselves up to change and new beginnings, we are able to receive abundance and blessings.  It does require taking a leap of faith--believing that what comes next will be more enriching than the place before.  But once we can accept the change as organic and progressive, creating space for the process and growing pains, we are able to move into that new place much more fluidly.  It feels less scary, easier, and even peaceful.

So this insight has carried me into the new week, and the art of acceptance and presence are two concepts I'm trying to embrace.  I also found that in my case, admitting that my hormones are running wild goes a long way--and being able to laugh at the "crazy moments" that arise because of those hormones!  The pregnancy process if filled with emotions and new territories, and I'm finding new insightful tools for the journey.

This week our baby is the size of a large raspberry, and is starting to move in the womb.  It's beginning to look more like a human--losing the tail as the lips, eyelids, nose and legs are taking shape.  Mama's definitely looking for Thanksgiving this week, my food cravings have been strong and nothing sounds better than some homemade comfort food!

With the holidays approaching, last year's memory of our Christmas Eve service surfaced.  I held my baby niece while singing Silent Night with the congregation--that song brought a whole new meaning with a sleeping, peaceful baby on my shoulder.  Next year, we will be holding our 6-month old baby on Christmas Eve...what an amazing thought.

Silent Night

Holy Night

All is calm

All is bright

Round yon virgin

Mother and child

Holy infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

Sleep in heavenly peace

Seven: Presence

We've just passed week seven, and it seems like I will never get into the double digits.  These weeks have gone by pretty slow, I think because we are so anxious to reach our second trimester.  However, the first night we found out we were pregnant, I tossed and turned with all sorts of dreams--and what I came away with the next morning was, "stay present in the process."  It's so easy to get overwhelmed with "the next step" or the future, and I feel it's important to stay present with the step I'm in.

So as I keep going back to that idea of staying present, it has been one that I have been attuned with through my yoga practice for years.  However, now I'm having to apply it at a whole new level.  Before I would come back to my breath and my body whenever I needed to get centered, but it's much harder now when I've had a steady level of nausea, my boobs hurt more than ever, and I'm starting to feel those extra carbs set in around my belly.  When you don't necessarily feel "in your own skin", it's difficult to come back to your body.  But then I have to remember that presence is about observing whatever you feel, not judging, and staying with whatever feelings you might have.

So here's the very honest stage passing week seven: I've reached that double-ended sword feeling--I'm EXTREMELY blessed to be pregnant...but I'm not sure it's that much fun.  I know some women enjoy pregnancy, and that's amazing.  But for someone who has worked really hard to feel comfortable in her body, it's hard to go through all of the changes and feel like all of my work has been negated.  I know it's for a much greater cause, but part of the process is giving up portions of yourself to host your baby, and it's not always easy.  Especially so early--I don't get any of the benefits of hearing the heart beat, kicks, movement, or those incredible signs of life.  The baby is going through a ton of changes, but he/she so so small, it's my body adjusting and preparing for the growth that I feel the most.

On that note, the baby's eyelids, upper lip, nose are forming--he/she is also sprouting webbed fingers and toes.  It's heart has four chambers and the heart is beating 150 beats per minute, that's double our resting heart rate.  The rapid development of such a small little person is amazing to me, and I think that's what I look forward to reading about the most.  It keeps me "present" in remembering that despite all of the nausea, fatigue, and aches--there is a little life inside forging ahead to form a full human being.  It's such a crazy concept that there will be a person entering our lives this summer, and they will be the most important person to us...that's a pretty incredible thought.

I will say my wonderful diet has gone out the window on this stage--I can only eat what WON'T make me sick.  I've had to miss my own yoga training because of nausea, but I'm hoping after five more weeks, I can go back to being more selective on food and attending my regular sessions.  I have been cardio-focused lately (when able) and have started my "Warrior Birthing Training" to prepare for July.  I figure if pushing a baby out is hard work, I better get in shape for it, ha ha!

Dustin had a dream last night that we were having a girl, and from the get-go, I've had the same intuition.  We'll see if our ability to predict was right by January...so long to wait, but I know the holidays will go by fast.

You are my sunshine

My only sunshine

You make me happy

When skies are grey

You never know dear

How much I love you

Please don't take 

my sunshine away

Six: Tadpole

We have just passed week six, and the gender of our baby is just now being determined.  He or she looks like a tadpole with a tail and budding arms, and is 1/8 inches long.  This past week has been the, "Holy moly, we're actually having a baby!" week...although we were planning, I'm not sure anyone can fully prepare to be a parent.  I can only imagine we have quite a journey ahead of us!  I will be the first one to admit I'm not sure how to be a parent--or even how to be pregnant, but I'm so thankful for people around us who are amazing mentors and guiding lights to us.  I have found that no matter what you face in life, it's important to surround yourself with trusting, sound, solid individuals and support.

We have already started to do our research for our "birthing process", I have found that everyone's birth is very personal, and I value the ability to be able to choose how and where we have our baby.  We are continuously gaining some helpful books and resources, but two of our favorite documentaries so far have been "The Business of Being Born" and "Pregnant in America".  They are both insightful films and definitely give good food-for-thought on how babies come into the world.

My brain is over-saturated with information on pre-natal diet, yoga, birthing options, optimal pregnancy health.  Although I rarely read books of fiction, I thought the other day how I should probably pick one up to give myself an alternative focus.  I have been a little queasy, some days more than others, but any sickness has been manageable.

Although I've started this blog, the "cat isn't out of the bag" completely.  Since we're only at 6 weeks, we have only told our family and immediate network, but are waiting a few weeks longer to share the news with many of our beloved friends.  Although we are confident our little one is growing strong, the first trimester is always a volatile time in regards to fetal development, and we want to make sure he or she is safe and sound.

May I know the right thing with all of me
and do it no matter what the pain. 

A hard road lies before me, shining ones, 

a road filled with great difficulties, 

a road filled with great joys. 

Guide me along it. 

Be at my side