Randomness

– My baby turns two years old tomorrow. I’m kind of blown away by this. I can’t believe I will be posting the first quarterly letter of his second year wishing him the happiest of birthdays, because it’s hard to believe that just two years ago today I went into labor with him. Be prepared for some sap tomorrow.

– Last year we did the big first birthday party, but this year will be low-key with just a family dinner with the in-laws, cake and presents. We will probably do a second cake when the baby comes and my family is in town too. Owen is getting his first bike and helmet — both red (his choice!) — which will, I’m sure, provide hours of entertainment for him, and heart palpitations for his mother.

– In preparation, I’ve pinned about half a dozen cake recipes, so I just have to decide which one to make today. Yum!

– I’m 37 weeks pregnant now, officially full term and ready for this kid to come out. I’m not uncomfortable, I’m just impatient. I really want to meet him! The only two days I’d like to avoid is tomorrow (it would be nice for the kids to have their own birthdays, even if they are close together), and the fourth of July. Being a holiday baby myself (New Years Eve), I know how annoying sharing your birthday with the entire country can be when you’re a kid. Other than that, he can come. I have a feeling he’s not going to make an appearance until at LEAST the 39th week, but I’m willing him out all the same.

I’ve had three real contractions the past few days that were uncomfortable and familiar enough for me pause and think, “now???”, but obviously, they didn’t mean anything. Saturday I was in the mood to clean…and clean, and clean, and clean. Somewhere around 9:30 p.m. while steam mopping my kitchen and planning on tackling the bathrooms next, it hit me that this was exactly what happened the night I went into labor with Owen. I had two schools of thought: one…baby time!, followed by two…wishful thinking slash nesting to the extreme. Guess it was number two.

Not out, still in.

My appointment on Friday confirmed dilation has started — like, barely — but all that means is hey, guess what? You’re going to have a baby at some point. Duh. I know, I know. Babies come when they want to come. I was just hoping that him being my second would mean he’d come out a little sooner, that’s all.

– I think the solution to any sleep issues Owen encounters is to write about them on the internet, because after I do that they tend to resolve themselves a bit. After realizing that the sound of shutting the door was what was upsetting him and causing him to climb out of bed, I started leaving the door open a bit until about 20 minutes after he falls asleep. Success! No more opening the door. He just sleeps.

The main issue is that with the freedom to get out of bed comes the new routine of him waking so freaking early (see last post), and no. That needs to stop. I ordered a special toddler alarm clock that looks like a little alien and rather than making noise, lights up when it’s time to start your day. We’re on day two of using it and while it hasn’t been an overnight success, I can already see progress and he’s definitely excited about using it. I will do a full review of it in a week or so in case any of you are also bleary-eyed and so NOT bushy-tailed while your toddler drives trucks over your face at 5 a.m. and are looking for a solution.

– Owen is trying to climb into the baby swing so I should probably go stop that. Behold my (very near) future.

Pack my bag

Sorry for the lack of posting this week. Between still not having our laptop and a bout of excruciating sciatic pain that literally had me crawling on my hands and knees sobbing, I haven’t really made it to the computer. Today is day four of butt/leg pain, but between ice, heat, yoga and a massage I’m finally able to walk (sloooowly) around. So that’s a plus.

Little boy is 37 weeks cooked –considered full term — and is most definitely head down in my pelvis, most likely causing the pain by pressing on a nerve. As far as I’m concerned, he can come out any time now. I pick Wednesday (collective laugh from mommy readers) because it’s supposed to be a nice sunny day and um, I’m ready for him to come out. So yeah, Wednesday. Works for me. (He’s clearly not coming out Wednesday.)

The house is almost 100% baby ready and part of that is a half-packed hospital bag. I *think* I have all that I could need, but I don’t want to forget anything so I’m reaching out to you guys. What should I pack in the hospital bag?

So far I have…

– An easy-to-nurse-in nightgown and some comfy, stretchy clothes for after birth

– Outfits for little boy, plus diapers and wipes

– “After” essentials, like pads and throw-away undies and socks. (Yeah, it was fun shopping for THOSE. I texted my sister from the feminine product aisle in a panic because it’s been a long time since I bought pads and whoa, the options!) (For the record, because we’re honest over here at TLM…I bought the Always super long with wings. I have no idea if that was a good choice.)

– To be included are toiletries and snacks, plus the camera and phone charger, but those will be at the last minute, plus some clothes for Michael.

What am I missing? I don’t want to over pack, but I don’t want to forget something that I really wish I had.

I was also told to steal practically everything you can get your hands on at the hospital, especially the big mesh underwear. Guys, BIG MESH UNDERWEAR. You know there’s going to be a totally honest post after the birth, don’t you? Apparently the big mesh undies are fabulous for packing with ice to sooth the lady bits. Ah, the glory of life.

So I enlist you, dear readers. Pack my hospital bag for me.

No, really. Like, want to come over and help? I’m still pretty gimpy.