Pregnancy: 32 weeks

 

What I love: This is a combination of "love" and "annoying". Kit has found this one spot under my ribs where he likes to stick his foot, then he'll pull it out, resulting in a popping sensation. He does this OVER AND OVER AGAIN, which is adorable because, hey, he found a way to amuse himself! But that area gets sore after a little bit. And since he's getting bigger, he's having to relearn where that spot is, so I've had a couple strong kicks to the ribcage before he finds the spot again. Those kicks HURT, man. I actually said "... ow...?!" out loud the first time it happened. LOL

What I hate: My bigger belly, if only because I’m super self-conscious about it. My weight, but I’m trying to get over that. And the fact that reaching my shoes is getting harder, even if my belly is “tiny”! [Same]

What I miss: My body, lol. [Same] (I feel like this is the only thing I'm missing, but damn, I could go for a beer or glass of wine, too. A good buzz would be AWESOME.)

What I’m looking forward to the most: April!! Okay, okay… I have two months left to go. I’m looking forward to our St. Patrick’s Day diaper shindig. [Same] And for Matt to get baby snuggles with his new second cousin!! <3

Worries: Cesarean delivery. I’m still freaking out a bit about that. [Same]

Symptoms: A bigger belly, pregnancy rhinitis, soooooo tiiiiiiired, RLP. The third-trimester exhaustion is kicking in, I think. Yikes… [Same]

Mood: Good! Feeling a little anxious as my EDD gets closer, but I’m doing all right. [Same]

Sleep: I'm having a hard time falling asleep this week, but that's only because Matt's traveling. That always happens. I'm waking up 1-2 times a night to pee, which is new, and I'm finding it harder to get comfortable at night. When I DO sleep, though, I'm a friggin' rock.

Movement: Lots of it! Mostly rolls and nudges rather than hard kicks, it’s coming down to, but he still moves a LOT. [Same]

The belly (and the button!): Bigger belly, much more shallow belly button. STILL not flat, even if it is much more shallow than before. It’s starting to pucker. LOL [Same] (Yup... STILL not out!)

Wedding rings on or off: On!

Weight gain: I’m up 21-22lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight. Every bit closer to 150 is making me panic.

Milestones: I'm now 8 weeks away from my due date, and 4 weeks away from when they won't stop labor if it happens. Talk about a reality check!

How your baby's growing:

By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

How your life's changing:

To accommodate you and your baby's growing needs, your blood volume has increased 40 to 50 percent since you got pregnant. With your uterus pushing up near your diaphragm and crowding your stomach, the consequences may be shortness of breath and heartburn. To help relieve your discomfort, try sleeping propped up with pillows and eating smaller meals more often.

You may have lower-back pain as your pregnancy advances. If you do, let your caregiver know right away, particularly if you haven't had back pain before, since it can be a sign of preterm labor.

Assuming it's not preterm labor that's ailing you, you can probably blame your growing uterus and hormonal changes for your aching back. Your expanding uterus shifts your center of gravity and stretches out and weakens your abdominal muscles, changing your posture and putting a strain on your back. Hormonal changes in pregnancy loosen your joints and the ligaments that attach your pelvic bones to your spine. This can make you feel less stable and cause pain when you walk, stand, sit for long periods, roll over in bed, get out of a low chair or the tub, bend, or lift things.

Get support from your partner "Sleeping is getting difficult. The only way I can get any rest is to lie with my back to my husband as he cradles my body. The support from him and a pillow between my legs is the best help." —Anonymous

Decision Guide: Who should be in the labor room with you?

Childbirth is an intensely personal experience, as is your decision whether to have additional family members, friends, or labor coaches in the birthing room with you. Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare your guest list:

• There's no one right decision. In a recent BabyCenter poll, 44 percent of expectant moms said they preferred to have no one but their partner and medical staff in the room when they gave birth, while 37 percent said they brought an additional relative along and 16 percent requested to have a friend present. Only 3 percent of respondents asked for a doula or labor coach in the birthing room.


• Some husbands or partners may be confused about their role in the birth or reluctant to participate if others are present. If you bring outside relatives or coaches in, make sure your partner is on board with the plan.


• You may be under pressure from mothers or mothers-in-law who are eager to be present for the birth of their grandchild — regardless of your wishes to keep the experience private. If you want to be alone with your partner, don't be afraid to enlist hospital staff for support in carrying out your wishes and keeping relatives out of the delivery room.


• Labor and delivery nurses come and go according to their shifts, so if you'd like to be attended continuously by one person, a private labor coach or doula is a good option. In fact, some research shows that women attended by labor assistants have shorter labors, fewer labor complications, and healthier newborns. You should also give serious thought to having a doula present if you're set on having a drug-free birth.

This Week's Activity:

Start lining up helpers. Your friends and family will want to pitch in after your baby's born, but many new moms are too overwhelmed to direct household help. How to prepare now:

• If anyone offers to help during the newborn weeks, write down their name and number.


• Select one friend to set up a schedule so that all the friends who wish to help are given a date on which they can bring you a meal.


• Create a master grocery list so you can hand it off to a friend.


• Create a childcare or ride schedule for older children.


• Line up a friend or neighbor to take out your garbage, walk your dog or feed your pets.

A 32-week pregnancy reflection post.

We're getting to crunch time now!! It just struck me today that I'm now 8 weeks away from my due date and, even more surreal, 4 weeks away from when labor won't be stopped if it starts. Four weeks! Ridiculous!

It struck me even harder this week, more than any other, as Matt's cousin Jess gave birth to their beautiful baby boy on Tuesday, 26 February. I went to visit the happy (if exhausted!) parents and their son Henry yesterday, and was overwhelmed almost to the point of numbness with the precious little baby in my arms.

Jess gave birth on her due date, a miraculous feat already! They just came home from the hospital yesterday, and I was happy to have a chance to visit all three of them. But it put things into perspective, too: As I held him, I had a very distinct flash forward to two months from now, when I'll be holding another little baby in my arms...

My own son.

I still remember the day I found out we were pregnant. It's like it was yesterday. I cried the night before, completely ignoring the fact that the Olympics were going on and instead succumbing to hormones as a shower washed the tears streaming down my face. I didn't know why I was crying, I just knew I was frustrated and overwhelmed and ready to get the next cycle going so I could forget about yet another failed one.

Then the next morning came about, 10DPO, and I tested on a whim. Matt was traveling later that day and, in hindsight, I really should have waited at least until he left to test, but I figured it'd at least be too early to show anything. So I pulled out an internet cheapie, did what I had to do, and started up a shower.

Of course, I had to check the test before I hopped in the shower.

And of course, a positive! A very, very stark one at that.

I remember staring at the test, not believing it to be true. The excuses were flying through my head: It's too early, we didn't really "try" this cycle, it's too dark to be real (yes, this was really a thought). And I remembered the shower was still running.

After turning off the faucet, I went to our bedside with the test, unable to really say or do anything but look at Matt with a stupid grin on my face. Matt, still feeling sleep drunk, roused and took a moment before saying, "... you're kidding."

I showed him the test, we cried, and I called in sick to work so we could take the day to celebrate. (Awesome attorney-boss, if you're reading this... I'm sorry. ;)) We spent the day in a pregnancy-induced haze, talking once in a while but mostly being caught in our own reverie.

There have been a lot of ups and downs since then, like when I bled at 7 weeks and we panicked the entire way to the hospital to get an emergency ultrasound. But there has also been the support of family and friends, feeling Kit move for the first time, finding out his sex, being pressed for his name (sorry, y'all... still not getting it!), having a baby shower with so many generous people, and just the anticipation of what's to come!

I'm seriously so excited for all this. While the timeframe I have left is daunting in its immediacy -- realistically speaking, anywhere from four to 10 weeks -- being able to hold Henry and realizing how far I've come already in this journey makes me feel more prepared than ever for Kit's impending arrival.

I just hope he's ready for us... ;)

Cloth Diapering 101: Caring for cloth

YAY!! Good news!!

I had a post planned for today, a continuation of my cloth diapering series, but I'm scheduling it for tomorrow because, let's face it... there are more exciting things happening!

Matt and I learned of our pregnancy not long after Matt's cousin Jess and her husband Chris found out they were pregnant, and since our due dates were two months from each other (hers 26 February, mine originally 26 April),  we had a great time comparing symptoms, watching each other grow, and generally sharing the pregnancy experience. It's been especially fun as we're both expecting boys!

Well... her journey is coming to an end! Matt and I caught word this morning that Jess is in labor and in the hospital!! She and Chris are SO excited with how things are going (well, just Chris, publicly speaking, but I imagine Jess is, too), and I can't wait to hear final word of their son's birth!!

Please join me in sending good, happy thoughts to the couple as they go through this labor journey and then through parenthood! <3

Partly for focus if you need it, partly because they're SO damn cute. :D

[/superfluous use of exclamation points!!!]

Pregnancy: 31w

Stats from my last midwife appointment (Tuesday):

• Weight: 146 (+20)


• BP: 110/65


• Fetal HR: 140s (and he cooperated! FINALLY)


• Fundal height: 30.5, right on target


• Anemia: Nope!


• Syphilis (lol): Nope!


• Gestational diabetes: Nope! :D


• PPD risk: 12 (high of 10) -- moderate risk


• Next appointment: 13 March

And the weeks continue to tick by!

Two things: First, I noted on Facebook that a coworker keeps "joking" that I'm "gaining weight". She did it again yesterday ("Seriously, we need to do something about this weight gain!"), and then she apologized -- kind of -- and launched into this story about how she gained 60-70lbs with each of her children. So now I've confirmed that it's not just her (though it IS still wildly inappropriate), it's that she's a bit jealous.

Which... whatever. I can't control either my weight gain or hers, or anyone else's.

Second, another coworker here asked if I was due in April (as she's heard) or June (what she thought), and I said, "April, thank heavens!" ;) She said she had to ask because I looked so small and she didn't believe I was due so early, lol.

This is all funny, as I feel HUGE but small at the same time. Looks like everyone else thinks that, too. LOL

Anyway...

What I love: How Kit's movements are such DRAMATIC rolls recently. He's much less kicky, much more slow stabby, it's kind of funny.

What I hate: My bigger belly, if only because I’m super self-conscious about it. [Same] My weight, but I'm trying to get over that. And the fact that reaching my shoes is getting harder, even if my belly is "tiny"!

What I miss: My body, lol. [Same]

What I’m looking forward to the most: April!! Okay, okay... I have two months left to go. I'm looking forward to our St. Patrick's Day diaper shindig. :)

Worries: Cesarean delivery. I’m still freaking out a bit about that. [Same]

Symptoms: A bigger belly, pregnancy rhinitis, soooooo tiiiiiiired, RLP. [Same] The third-trimester exhaustion is kicking in, I think. Yikes...

Mood: Good! Feeling a little anxious as my EDD gets closer, but I’m doing all right. :) [Same]

Sleep: On and off. I snore, apparently, which wakes both me and Matt up and frustrates us both. I've been falling asleep earlier, too, but find myself still tired in the morning. Blech.

Movement: Lots of it! Mostly rolls and nudges rather than hard kicks, it’s coming down to, but he still moves a LOT. [Same]

The belly (and the button!): Bigger belly, much more shallow belly button. STILL not flat, even if it is much more shallow than before. It's starting to pucker. LOL

Wedding rings on or off: On!

Weight gain: I’m up 20lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight! Every bit closer to 150 is making me panic.

Milestones: Um... IDK! Still here! XD

How your baby's growing:

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

How your life's changing:

Have you noticed the muscles in your uterus tightening now and then? Many women feel these random contractions — called Braxton Hicks contractions — in the second half of pregnancy. Often lasting about 30 seconds, they're irregular, and at this point, they should be infrequent and painless. Frequent contractions, on the other hand — even those that don't hurt — may be a sign of preterm labor. Call your practitioner immediately if you have more than four contractions in an hour or any other signs of preterm labor: an increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge (if it becomes watery, mucus-like, or bloody — even if it's pink or just tinged with blood); abdominal pain or menstrual-like cramping; an increase in pressure in the pelvic area; or low back pain, especially if you didn't have it before.

You may have noticed some leaking of colostrum, or "premilk," from your breasts lately. If so, try tucking some nursing pads into your bra to protect your clothes. (And if not, it's certainly nothing to worry about; your breasts are making colostrum all the same, even if you don't see any.) If your current bra is too snug, you might also want to pick up a nursing bra. Choose a nursing bra at least one cup size bigger than you need now. When your milk comes in you'll be grateful for that extra room!

If you're having a boy, you and your partner will want to take some time to think about whether or not to have your baby circumcised. Find out the pros and cons from your doctor, and what the procedure involves.

Choosing a focal point "I'm 31 weeks along, and at my childbirth classes they've been telling us to concentrate on a focal point during labor. Anything from a picture to a crack in the wall or ceiling can work, so long as it helps Mom relax and distracts her from the pain." — Anonymous

This Week's Activity:

You don't need to pack your bag yet, but start making a list of items to bring to the hospital. Besides a change of clothes and a toothbrush, some items to include:

• A photograph or object to focus on during labor


• Snacks to keep your energy up and gum or mints for bad breath


• Cozy socks and slippers


• Your favorite pillow


• Some light reading material


• A nursing nightie and nursing bra


• A going-home outfit for your baby


• A camera or camcorder, fresh batteries, and film, if necessary

Cloth Diapering 101: Types of cloth diapers

Yesterday we talked a bit about the advantages of cloth diapers. Even if you use them part-time, the upsides for both your baby and your wallet are often incredibly beneficial.

Narrowing down what type to use, though, can be overwhelming! There are so many types, and within each type is a brand that some moms love and/or hate. And don't even get me started on abbreviations -- it's seriously its own language after a while.

But I'm here to make it easy! Here are the most common types of cloth diapers and their abbreviations. Tomorrow, I'll share some tips on how to care for your cloth diapers, then later, I'll share lists of retailers who carry them (including some brick-and-mortar stores for y'all in Maryland and Virginia).

Sizes and Closures

First, the sizes!

Even for each type of diaper, there are size variations! Some are one-size (that typically fit from 6-8lbs through 35-45lbs, depending) while some are sized (newborn, Size 1, Size 2) according to height and/or weight.

Which one you go with depends on personal preference. If you go sized (NB, 1, 2), you run the risk of "outgrowing" a certain size earlier or later than expected, but you often get the advantage of slimmer diapers that likely fit your child more snugly. One-size allows you to adjust based on the height and weight of your child, but may be bulkier, especially when they're smaller, as that extra material has to go somewhere!

Personally, our stash will include a 15-pack of AIO newborn diapers with hook-and-loop closures, then 24 or so OS pockets with snaps and bamboo soakers for heavy night wetting.

... y'all have no idea what I'm talking about, do you? ;) Allow me to explain...

Types of Cloth Diapers
(click each type to learn)

All-In-Ones (AIOs)

These diapers have a waterproof cover and an absorbent liner all in one piece, making it one of the easiest options out there. They often fasten with a hook/loop (basically a fancy term for Velcro) or snaps. These are one of the best kinds for daycares or babysitters as they tend to be the most similar to disposables.

There are two types of AIOs: Those with sewn-in soakers ("true" AIOs), and those with removable ones ("QD" - Quick Dry). If you have the chance, check out bumGenius' newborn and one-size AIOs to see the difference. True AIOs do take longer to dry and some report the diapers having a bit of a smell left over (makes sense, as everything is sewn in and I'm sure the wash doesn't take care of ALL of it), but they have the easiest learning curve; QDs are faster drying, but may be a bit bulkier than trues. Still, this is all personal preference.



Either way, laundering is a breeze. Just stick the whole thing in the washing machine. Yup... the whole thing! I'll have another section on caring for your cloth diapers later, but the very basics for AIOs is to rinse (if needed, for non-exclusively breastfed [EBF] babies), chuck it in (for EBF babies), and wash! Super easy. Stripping can remove a lot of the smell -- more on that when we discuss cloth diaper care.

All-In-Twos (AI2s)/Hybrids

I thought these were really complicated before I finally got to experiment with one. They're not as popular as AIOs or pockets (next up!), but they ARE cheaper and arguably just as easy. These, with the interchangeable names (AI2s, Hybrids), consist of a waterproof outer barrier with a removable inner soaker, the part that absorbs the yuckies. That makes these diapers much more efficient to clean than AIOs and make for a versatile diaper.

No separate covers are required and the drying times are shorter, and there are disposable options for traveling (see GroVia for an example). New soakers or doublers can be purchased if they need to be replaced; you'd have to replace a whole diaper for AIOs and pockets! There are even disposable soakers or doublers available.

The only hard part to these is keeping soakers or doublers with the rest of the diaper, especially if they're not snap-ins. But otherwise, they're very easy!

Pockets

The main components of pocket diapers are a waterproof outer barrier, an inner moisture-wicking fabric that keeps baby's skin feeling dry, and a third component that gets stuffed in the middle, the absorbent pocket insert. These inserts can be made of microfiber, bamboo, hemp, and cotton, among other materials. They were invented specifically to target the elimination and treatment of diaper rash by wicking away the moisture to a removable pocket, leaving baby's bottom free to breathe.

The great thing about pockets is that the amount of absorbency can be custom-fitted, especially handy for heavy wetters. Layering a cotton or microfiber insert and bamboo or hemp insert, for example, with the cotton or microfiber closer to baby's skin, allows the first material to draw moisture away quickly and for the second to absorb even more. Both bamboo and hemp retain more moisture but take longer to absorb, hence the layering for maximum effect.

These are also great for babysitters and daycares, as they're of the "take it off, store it away, slap another on" mindset as AIOs. Just be sure to make it as easy as possible: Pre-stuff them before getting them into the hands of others!

Inserts do need to be removed from most brands of pocket diapers before laundering, but once removed, they can all be thrown in the wash together. Buildup can also occur in the inner layer of the diaper, but I imagine that flipping the diaper inside-out occasionally and allowing the inside to be laundered more thoroughly, along with the tips in my later care-for post, should help.

Fitteds

Imagine you have an AIO diaper, but instead of being sewn together, the cloth and the waterproof material were two different pieces. This is the essential workings of a fitted diaper. The diaper itself is typically cloth, with elastic gatherings around the legs and Velcro or snaps to keep the diaper together. Over that is typically a diaper cover, the waterproof barrier between the diaper and any other surface (including your hands or lap!). More about those below, as they can be used for this and the next two types of diapers.

They are often much cheaper than the alternatives because of the way in which they're constructed, and many moms even find they're able to make these diapers themselves! The covers are cheap, too, and if there are no blowouts or other yuckies, they can often be reused.

Fitteds can be chucked into the washer just like other kinds can, but they do require more drying time as they tend to be pretty thick -- something has to catch everything! -- and require thorough washing and rinsing to prevent buildup. The covers can be wiped down with a wet cloth.

Contours

These fall in between fitteds and prefolds -- no elastic in the leg or waist areas, but no folding. Contours are hourglass-shaped, allowing for a snug fit around baby's bottom and legs. Since there are no snaps or Velcro, they need to be held together with a snappi (discussed later) or diaper pins, and there's no waterproof barrier, so they'll need a diaper cover.

Soakers or inserts that are made to fit contours can be laid, sewn, or snapped in for extra absorbency, and some are QD (see AIOs above) to allow for faster drying.

Prefolds

The cheapest and arguably most versatile type of diaper is a prefold, a major improvement over the flats that were once most commonly available. These require the biggest learning curve of all cloth diapers, but once they're mastered, they can be a very effective way to diaper your baby! They also most closely resemble the "old-school" diapers of your parents' or your parents' parents' generation.

These diapers are a square piece of material that have a center strip of extra absorbency. You may see indicators such as "4-8-4" or "2-6-2", which refers to the layers in each "section" -- for instance, four layers of absorbent material on the outside, eight layers in the middle for maximum absorbency. They come in different sizes, too: Preemie for babies 4-10lbs, Infant for newborn through 15lbs, and Premium for babies 15-30lbs. Just like fitteds, they need diaper covers to form that waterproof barrier. Instead of closing with snaps or Velco, they need snappis or diaper pins.If you own pocket or other diapers, you can also use prefolds as stuffers! I know a few parents who will have a hemp AND prefold insert in their pocket diapers for nighttime, preventing them from ever having leaks. As the material is safe for baby's skin, too (unlike microfiber), they can be laid into AIOs as well for extra absorbency.Surprisingly, there are several types of prefolds:

• DSQ: Diaper Service Quality. They are more absorbent than those you'd find at a discount store or through Gerber. They're often of high quality and are a bit more expensive as a result.

• CPF: Chinese Prefolds. Don't let the name fool you! They're actually the most popular out there, and there's good reason why. Made with heavy-duty stitching and twill, these diapers wash up very well and withstand the test of time.

• IPF: Indian Prefolds. These are softer than CPFs as they are made from gauze instead of twill, but they don't last as long as a result. They ARE more absorbent compared to CPFs.

Diaper Covers

These will go over your fitteds, contours, and prefolds. While not required (and several parents tend to let children go without for a more breathable diaper), they do offer some level of security when it comes to leaks. Far from the plastic pants from your parents' and parents' parents' days, these are made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane (PU) rather than latex rubber, though in some admittedly rare cases, latex is still used. If you plan to use latex rubber, please be sure your baby does not have an allergy to the material!

So here's something cool: If you're looking for a breathable cover that works great for winter, check out wool soakers. They're made entirely of wool and have high lanolin content, making them pretty waterproof and a good alternative to your regular diaper cover. They can hold up to 40% of its weight in moisture, and you can use them for fitteds, contours, and prefolds. These can be "longies" or "shorties"... bet you can guess what each of those means. :)

Snappis and Diaper Pins

Diaper pins are pretty self-explanatory: They're pins! Some pins have safety locks, which I'd recommend if you go the pinning route.

A relatively new invention is the Snappi, a three-legged plastic device that fastens cloth diapers by grabbing the fabric with tiny teeth. Think those metal fasteners for Ace bandages -- same concept. Two legs fasten the diaper horizontally, while the third keeps the fabric from drooping in the front. They can be applied easily and with no risk of poking a baby, but they DO wear out faster than pins, so they need to be replaced every so often.

Cloth Diapering 101: Why use cloth?

If you happened to catch my post on how to convince a daycare to cloth diaper, you might have caught some words that practically sound foreign: Fitteds? AI2s? Pockets?! I thought those were for jeans!!

The great thing is, modern cloth diapers bear little resemblance to their old counterparts, what with their pins and their plastic or rubber pants. Nope -- these are easier, more convenient, and cuter than ever! And if you use them exclusively, you can save up to thousands.

I was a bit skeptical when I first started hearing about cloth diapers, I'll fully admit it. Being the tree-hugging liberal hippie that I am, though, I decided to hear my friends out and see what the advantages really were. Ends up, there were quite a few... and cost is only the beginning.

Cloth is cost-effective

... but since we're on the topic, let's talk greenbacks. ;) Considering all your options, you really CAN keep cloth diapering on the cheap if you refuse to overthink it. The average diaper "stash" is up to 24 diapers so the parent only has to launder once every two to three days, and depending on the type of diaper you use (options listed below), you can spend from as little as $4 to $25 per diaper. Even at the high end of my example, a stash is $600, and that's for an entire STASH, especially if you and your baby can make do with one-size cloth (again, options below).

To keep it on the very cheap, inexpensive prefolds and covers, a few snappis, and a diaper pail or wetbag are really all you need to get started. By sticking to these basics, you really won't end up spending all that much.



Comparatively, the average cost per disposable diaper nationwide is about $0.28 per diaper. Figure your child doesn't potty-train until he's 3.5, and he requires a change every two hours for fifteen hours of the day (the rest of the time is spent sleeping). That's about eight diapers a day. We're not counting their time as a newborn, where the number can creep up to 12 per day, but that period is blissfully short!

Using these figures, equaling 10,220 diapers over 3.5 years, you can expect to spend at least $2861.60. Almost three grand!

These figures are all obviously dependent on your situation, but they do fall within averages.

There ARE downsides to cloth diapering, of course, like having to make most of your cloth investment up front and having to spend a bit more in either water/electricity if laundering your own or a diaper service if you're not. In my personal opinion, though, between the low cost for cloth diapering in general and the fact that you can use them for a second or third or fourth child, then sell your stash on eBay, diaper swaps, or elsewhere when you're through with them (and provided they're in good shape), cloth really IS a cost-saver!

Check out this cost calculator to see how much you can save.

Cloth is good for the environment

Short and sweet: Disposables mean huge amounts of garbage every year, gigantic landfills, millions of trees destroyed, and a huge waste of non-renewable resources. Also consider the chemicals used in disposables and the fact that, while you're supposed to scrape or otherwise remove poo from disposables before... disposing of them, most parents don't, you're filling landfills with other pretty nasty stuff.

Cloth is good for baby!

Those same chemicals that are going into landfills? Are going to be up against your baby's skin! To absorb the amount of pee babies make, disposables often contain sodium polyacrylate, a super-absorbent chemical that's great for keeping baby dry (but sometimes can make baby too dry, as it wicks away their natural moisture as well) but terrible for your little ones. And to make those diapers pearly white, dioxin, a known possible carcinogen, is used to bleach the cotton. I wouldn't want all that against my babe's skin.

The components of your typical disposable diaper can be found here.

Cloth diapers are just that: Cloth on the inside, a moisture barrier on the outside, and sometimes an absorbent insert, the most popular of which are microfiber or bamboo. No chemicals, no carcinogens, nothing!

Tomorrow, we'll cover different types of cloth diapers. I'll also share brands associated with each type, and where you can buy your own (both online and in store)!

Pregnancy: 30w

Oh man. It's kind of crazy to be at this point...! 3/4 of the way done, by all estimates. :)

 

What I love: Just about everything! I feel pretty good (though moving about is getting more difficult), I feel Kit almost all the time, and we just had our baby shower over the weekend in Florida, which was GREAT. (Some pictures of our beach excursion here. I'll have baby shower pictures once my mom sends me the others. :)) We have so many gifts from such supportive people, it was amazing. The turnout was about 40 people!! We received lots of clothes, toys, bottles, and a diaper cake from my cousin (with 'sposies, but they're newborn size, which is what I was planning anyway to avoid the cloth from getting all mucked up with meconium, haha). YAY!!

We're planning a baby shower-type thing up in this area for family and friends, which should be fun! It'll be on St. Patrick's Day, and you KNOW we're going to have beer. I might have a few sips... or half a bottle... ;)

What I hate: My bigger belly, if only because I’m super self-conscious about it. [Same] It's also getting really stretchy! And man, my weight... sheesh.

Oh, and this may be a "hate". I had to take this depression profile thing at my last appointment, and my score was a 12 (the highest they like to see is 10). I told them that I do have GAD and OCD, both of which are noted on my chart and that they mentioned, but I've still been encouraged to check out a counselor prior to giving birth in case I end up having PPD. (Better before than after, as they know what my baseline is beforehand.)

So that was pretty interesting. It's actually something Matt and I discussed a few times before and during this pregnancy, so he knows to keep an eye out. I'm not proud of this by any means, but I do know it's a distinct possibility considering my history, so better to be prepared. :)

What I miss: My body, lol. [Same]

What I’m looking forward to the most: Right now, Matt coming home. He's in Boston and will be traveling a few more times before April. Ah well!

Worries: Cesarean delivery. I’m still freaking out a bit about that. [Same]

Symptoms: A bigger belly, pregnancy rhinitis, and soooooo tiiiiiiired. [Same] And RLP! For real this time. I had a really bad stint of it over the weekend, which I'll explain later (probably over at TCC), and it's been there ever since.

Mood: Good! Feeling a little anxious as my EDD gets closer, but I'm doing all right. :)

Sleep: Good, for the most part. Kit really likes to snuggle or whatever he’s doing when I lay on my left side, which wakes me up sometimes. He’s a silly baby. :) [Same] I got a body pillow, too, which is UH.MA.ZING.

Movement: Lots of it! Mostly rolls and nudges rather than hard kicks, it’s coming down to, but he still moves a LOT. [Same]

The belly (and the button!): Bigger belly, much more shallow belly button. I give it to 30w before it’s at least flat! [Same] (UPDATE: It's 30w and I still have a little innie, but not much more to go!

Wedding rings on or off: On!

Weight gain: I’m up 19lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight! A pound less than two weeks ago, but still hovering around that area. Getting to this point has been VERY triggering.

Milestones: 3/4 of the way there!!

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

How your life's changing:

You may be feeling a little tired these days, especially if you're having trouble sleeping. You might also feel clumsier than normal, which is perfectly understandable. Not only are you heavier, but the concentration of weight in your pregnant belly causes a shift in your center of gravity. Plus, thanks to hormonal changes, your ligaments are more lax, so your joints are looser, which may also contribute to your balance being a bit off.

Also, this relaxation of your ligaments can actually cause your feet to spread permanently, so you may have to invest in some new shoes in a bigger size. Remember those mood swings you had earlier in pregnancy? The combination of uncomfortable symptoms and hormonal changes can result in a return of those emotional ups and downs. It's normal to worry about what your labor will be like or whether you'll be a good parent. But if you can't shake the blues or feel increasingly irritable or agitated, talk to your doctor or midwife. You may be among the 1 in 10 expectant women who battle depression during pregnancy. Also let your caregiver know if you're frequently nervous or anxious.

Surprising Facts: Common labor fears

Are you nervous about giving birth? You're not alone! Here are some common fears and how to cope with them.

• I won't be able to handle the pain.


• One in five expectant moms says this is her top third-trimester fear, according to a BabyCenter poll. Some women know ahead of time that they will want pain-relieving medication during labor and, in fact, most women do end up opting to have an epidural. Others are committed to giving birth without drugs. They accept potential for pain and discomfort and learn techniques to help them manage it. With the right preparation and support, some women find natural childbirth deeply satisfying and empowering.


• I'll need an episiotomy or I'll tear.
  
  An episiotomy is a surgical cut in the muscular area between your vagina and anus (the perineum) which is performed right before delivery to enlarge your vaginal opening. Some women tear spontaneously in this area during delivery — even with an episiotomy — and the tears can range from almost undetectable to severe, requiring a significant number of stitches to repair. Once nearly standard, episiotomies are on the decline and experts now agree that the procedure shouldn't be done routinely. Talk to your practitioner about how often and under what conditions she performs episiotomies and how she might help you avoid one, or tearing. There's some evidence that you'll be less likely to need stitches if you start massaging your perineum about five weeks before your due date.


• I'll have a bowel movement during labor.
  
  In a recent BabyCenter poll, 70 percent of women said they were afraid they'd poop while giving birth, 39 percent said they actually did, and of those, only 22 percent were embarrassed by it. Though it's hard to believe now, if you do have a bowel movement while you're pushing, no one will blink an eye. Your caregivers will clean it up possibly even before you know what's happened.


• I'll be steamrolled into unnecessary medical interventions.
  
  The best way to deal with this fear is to have a frank conversation with your practitioner. If you trust and respect your doctor or midwife, you can rest assured that she'll be doing her best for you and your baby on the day of delivery. If she's aware of your wishes and preferences (consider writing a birth plan), she can do her best to adhere to them. Another way to ease this fear is to hire a doula — a professional labor assistant — to attend your birth. She can be your advocate at the hospital.


• I'll have to have a c-section.
  
  Since one in five women giving birth for the first time ends up having a c-section to deliver her baby, this fear is understandable. If you have your heart set on a vaginal birth, ending up with a c-section can be disappointing. Some moms say they feel cheated out of a vaginal birth, especially if they took childbirth classes and fantasized about the "ideal birth," or if they feel that their c-section wasn't really necessary. Others say they feel as if they're somehow less of a woman because they needed a c-section. If you have these feelings, it may take some time to reconcile the reality of your birth experience with what you'd imagined during your pregnancy. It might help to know that many women find their babies' births, whether vaginal or c-section, very different from what they expected.


• I won't make it to the hospital on time.
  
  Emergency home deliveries are extremely unusual, especially with first babies. But if you can't shake this fear, check out our emergency home birth instructions so you'll have an idea of what it involves.

This Week's Activity:

Assemble any baby gear This is the perfect job for your partner or a friend who wants to help. Cribs, bassinets, and strollers are notoriously tricky to put together, especially when you're sleep deprived, so get started now. Swings, mobiles, and monitors can all require batteries, so make sure you have enough on hand. Tip: Consider getting rechargeable batteries and a battery charger.

Steve Martin has a child at 67... and society goes apeshit.

[caption id="attachment_1630" align="aligncenter" width="436"] It's like looking into the distant future. :D[/caption]

I heard on the radio this morning that Steve Martin, 67, and his wife Anne Stringfield, 41, recently had a baby! Their lives are incredibly private -- while the baby was born in December, this is the first time most are hearing about it, now in mid-February.

However, it didn't take long for the naysayers to come out of the woodwork, already clamoring about to say, "He's selfish!" "He'll be dead before s/he's 20!" "Why didn't they get started on this sooner?!" And to them I say, among other things:

Mind your own goddamn business.

It's funny how fast those comments came about. Amidst all the congratulations and happiness surrounding the birth, there sure were a lot of people who were quick to say that what they did was terrible. Even one of the hosts of the radio station I listen to was saying that she thought it was selfish and that "younger parents are better for children" than older parents.

[caption id="attachment_1631" align="aligncenter" width="550"] EVERYBODY SHUT UP!![/caption]

As I told that radio station via text: I don't know why people are calling it selfish. There's no guarantee that ANY of us will be here for our children, by way of disease or accident or fate or whatever. If having a child brings him joy, and if he makes his time with his child more about quality than quantity... I'd consider him a better parent than most.

It's a statement that made me tear up as I was writing it, as I feel Kit kick in these early hours and hiccup like he just downed an entire loaf of French bread (that's what does it for Mommy, at least). Despite the fact that I'll be 28 when he's born and will statistically have more time with him than Steve Martin will with his baby (and let's face it, "more time" is statistically the only plus side to having kids younger), I'll still be away from him 8+ hours of the day while I go to work. I DID worry about for a bit.

But after reading this story and thinking about it that way... it put everything into perspective. No matter how much time I spend with my son, it'll mean nothing if it isn't quality time. Putting myself in Martin's shoes and realizing that time is so precious and so fleeting really put all that into perspective.

And honestly, we don't know when our time is going to be. What if it's much sooner than we anticipated, and we're leaving young(er) children behind? I'd want to leave my child(ren) with memories of the times we spent together, no matter how short, and how they were made to feel special every moment I was with them, than the alternative.

So to all those aforementioned naysayers, consider that fact and live life like Steve Martin: Every day to the absolute fullest and with purpose, for you and your children. :)

The Sunny Life

Matt and I recently visited Florida for an extended weekend, complete with baby shower and spending quality time with our families. I'm still waiting for all the pictures from the shower, so while y'all wait for those (on pins and needles, I'm sure!), here are photos from the beach!! These are from Pompano, not far from where I was born and raised. Good lord, how I miss the ocean.

Quite the contrast from the 30-degree overcast weather here in Maryland. ;) And as far as beaches go, Ocean City doesn't even compare!













[caption id="attachment_1609" align="aligncenter" width="410"] This guy was just chillin'.[/caption]













[caption id="attachment_1616" align="aligncenter" width="410"] PREGGER ON THE BEACH[/caption]





[caption id="attachment_1619" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Portuguese Man-O-War![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1620" align="aligncenter" width="410"] Kit getting a good view of the ocean. LOL[/caption]