33 Weeks - September 9, 2014 - Baby Size of Pineapple

Aren't these Halloween Themed outfits from Gymboree totally adorable?

I love it when time goes fast when you need it to. I will be on official and much needed maternity leave in 5 weeks, yay! The to do lists are piling on and my urge to do something different is really kicking in.

How far along? 33 weeks

Baby's Position: Bum down

Baby Heart Rate: 145

Tummy circumference: 108 cm

Blood Pressure: 108/68

Total weight: 73kg (initial 61kg)

Maternity clothes? Yes, all bottoms and tops. I am so lucky that this September is still warm and I can still wear my maxi dresses and skirts.

Stretch marks? Yep, all over tummy.

Sleep: Very good, given toddler David finally adjusted to his new bed and room and now sleeps well.

Best moment this week:
Not so great moment: When I went to my doctor and he confirmed that baby is positioned bum down. I am doing all kinds of exercises to try and move him, including hands and knees, standing on my head, and lifted hips. 

Miss Anything? A glass of wine

Movement: Yes, every day, and in evenings when I lie down.

Food cravings: Salty chips

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not much really.

Gender: It's a Boy!

Belly Button in or out? A little out.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Both, although I do feel a little more energized now than a month before.

Looking forward to: Our baby boy flip head down! (and some newborn shopping)

Check out my previous posts on this pregnancy here.

To Do Before Baby's Arrival



VIA

As I approach the arrival of Baby #3, lists of things to get done start circulating more rapidly in my head. First of all, we need to book a trip to Paris, France... Just kidding. That will have to wait for another couple of years.

Now to the real list.

Some of our to do's include:

Shared Kids room:
- move Dana and David into the same room
- hang drapes - most likely THESE from IKEA
- hang wall light fixtures - maybe these, again IKEA
- hang shelving and wall hooks

Kids Bathroom:
- install wall hooks for towels

Baby:
- think about names!
- new double stroller
- new infant car seat and install the base
- another monitor?
- humidifier
- green chemical-free diapers - newborn and size 1

General:
- cook and freeze a few meals in advance, I am hoping for 10
- pack hospital bag
- schedule home duct cleaning

A Day in the Sun, Beach, Pool: What to Pack for Baby, Toddler or Kids

With summer sunny days finally here in Canada, we strive to get outdoors with every warm and blissful opportunity of mother nature. Lately, it seems that I pack or re-pack almost every other day - be it a day at the beach or outing to the pool.

I decided to create a reference list of essentials to pack for travelling with babies, toddlers, or kids. This list is designed for only up to a full day of being outside, obviously you need to bring more items for overnight/weekend trips.

Getting There - In the Car/Bus (assume travel time under 2 hrs):

- fun music - we love our SiriusXM
- water and mess-free quick snacks for all - cut apples, grapes, raisins, cheese, cereal, fish crackers
- light blankets - in case A/C is too cold in the back
- VERY few toys (I have made a mistake of taking small toys and then trying to get them from the floor because of inevitable drops, and child screaming)
- two books for each child, hopefully something they have not seen for a while so that they get more reading en route
- colouring activity may work - I have black leather interior (very durable), otherwise stay away

Sun/Beach/Bug Time

- sun hats
- sun glasses
- camping chairs
- beach blanket, I like this one Tuffo Water-Resistant Outdoor Blanket with Carrying Case, Stripe
- beach umbrella - only if you know that there will be no shade
- UVA/UVB sunscreen
- bug repellant; try Off! Active Aerosol Insect Repellant-9 Oz.

Meal Time

- baby food, plate, spoon, bib
- napkins/tissues; wipes
- hand sanitizer
- wheeled cooler tote and ice pack (wheeled so that your older kids can help)
- cutlery, small plates, cups
- sharp knife (if you are bringing watermelon)
- bottled water
- picnic food (sandwiches/wraps, veggies)
- snacks, fruit
- 2 plastic bags (for garbage)

Water and Sand Fun

- swimsuits
- beach towels
- non-potty trained - swim diapers (1 for every 2 hours)
- baby - infant float device (with cover); toddler - swim float;
child (non-swimmer) - Swim Steps Learn to Swim or life jacket
- water shoes; crocs
- goggles
- water toys - ball, noodles, kickboard, inflatables
- sand toys - I keep them to minimum - 2 small buckets, 2 shovels, small watering can
- games - volleyball, frisbee, or badminton
- large ziploc or other plastic bags for wet swimsuits and towels

Nap Time

- favourite blanket/toy
- stroller (I also use it for transporting all the stuff from car) or small tent
- soother or bottle

Bathroom Time

- diapers or pull-ups - baby - 2 for every hour; toddler - 5-6 per day
- wipes, change pad, small diaper cream


Just in Case
- at least 1 change of clothes for all
- small first aid kit

How to Pack it All?

- beautiful ideas here
- utility tote
- reusable shopping bags or bins


And always pack the night before (when kids are asleep) to keep your sanity on the morning of the departure.

My daughter acting as a lifeguard

David

That Scary Eczema

It breaks my heart to see any kinds of skin rashes. Especially on my baby boy. Especially on his face (left cheek). And especially if it is not going away for 6 months.

We have seen the doctor. The diagnosis was Eczema. The worst part is that no one knows why it flares up and how to effectively cure it. It could be allergens, food reactions, detergents, dry air, and so on. Most of advice on-line or elsewhere is that it clears up by 3 years old in 90% of children. Well, I am not waiting for 3 years! It is itching, and surely bothers my little angel to the point of bleeding scratches.

The doc prescribed Hydrocortizone cream - lowest dosage 0.5%. While it did help after 1 week of application, the rash reappeared within days. No thanks, I will not be using more of steroid hormones on my baby.

Other treatments we have tried so far:
- Aveeno oatmeal bath
- oatmeal moisturizer
- vitamin E oil
- natural moisturizers

Nothing seemed to really help for months. Filled with frustration to the point "enough is enough", I went to Natural Food Pantry store. The associate recommended Calendula cream and a more expensive Eczema cream by AOR ($40 for 50g). I went with the Eczema cream. Let me tell you, within 2 days we see a very good improvement. I am keeping my fingers crossed and looking forward to the scary eczema's going away party in a week.

What were your experiences? Did anything else help or did you just wait?

My Weight Update Baby is 3 Months

Ok, so my weight started going down. When my baby boy turned exactly 3 months I stepped on my scale. There was a feeling of fear and anxiety at the same time. I was happy to see 142 lbs (64kg), this is a decrease of 3lbs from last month! Those super foods must have worked.

And this is the pic of my tummy. Not prettiest, it still has stretch marks and dark line. But I am felling really great overall.

I felt this was my small personal success even though I still cannot fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes.

How do you measure your personal success?

How One Mama Decided To Lose It

This is a true image of Fab Mama. I would like you to join me in my journey to a healthy road to my pre-pregnancy weight. I will post updates, pictures, and tips on what is working or not working for me. I hope this will be your learning source (perhaps) and my personal motivation booster. Some stats to begin with: pre-pregnancy weight - 55kg (121lbs); weight at 41 weeks - 78.5kg (173lbs); weight at 4 weeks postpartum - 66kg (146lbs). What I have done so far: breastfeeding; no gym; walks with stroller every other day; running around house doing laundry; no sugar/sweets (or very limited); no gluten grains; lots of water - about 2L or more; lots of raw vegetables/fruit (excluding bananas and grapes). Disclaimer: pls consult your Dr before trying any of my exercise/diet changes.