Barefoot in the Kitchen: August 2012

Friday, August 31, 2012

A "Birthday"

So this week, my doctor's nurse called to tell me that my Strep B test was negative but my glucose test (the second one mind you) was high. So they wanted me to do a 3 hour one. I was very upset by this. Then, the nurse set the date for the test - September 6. I was due on the 14th!!! I was like they wouldn't even have my results back in time for me to do anything (takes about a week). So when we went to the doctor yesterday, he was all about the test because we asked why I had to do it. He went into this big spill about it. Finally, I was like, that is all well and good but what is that going to do for two days. He said "Oh it won't be 2 days." I asked him if the test was next day and he said no it took a little while. Then he opened my chart. He was like you are due on the 14th. They set this for the 6th. Somebody f ed up....then looked at my chart and said that the girl was new.

The point: WHEN IN DOUBT, ASK! They would have made me do that test if I had not questioned the method to their madness. A doctor is just a doctor. They are human. A nurse is just a nurse. They are human. If they had all the answers, then they would be GOD. The point is if you feel something is wrong or wrong for you, speak up. You will be surprised about how much you actually know about you when it comes to the medical world. Do what is best for you...and ultimately your little one.

That being said, after the check-up and seeing that I was dilated to 3 centimeters, he was like, "Let's cancel your appointment on Thursday, and I will see you that night for induction."

YEAH BUDDY!

So unless he decided that he doesn't like anyone telling him when he is going to do something...our son's birthday will be September 7.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

37 Weeks

How far along? 37 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 19 and ½ lbs- got in a little trouble because I lost weight
Maternity clothes? No.
Stretch marks? No.
Sleep: I guess it is good that I don’t get much. It is preparation for what is to come.
Best moment this week: Shower. Final shopping for him. Installing the carseat.

Have you told family and friends: Yes.
Miss Anything? Are you kidding? I am ready to have a little normalcy back…well as normal as it can get with a newborn.
Movement: Still a stretching feeling.
Food cravings: Breakfast-pancakes especially the blueberry ones from Chocolate Covered Katie with blueberry compote. I could eat that every morning if I didn’t have to get up and go to work. lol
Anything making you queasy or sick: Still sick at night, so changed cracker types and trying to drink a little more water at night.
Have you started to show yet: Yes.
Gender: BOY.
Labor Signs: Lots of Braxton Hicks!
Belly Button in or out? In-I can’t believe it.
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy. So happy.

Weekly Wisdom: Reward yourself. I have made it almost 10 months. I have exercised, researched, and researched some more. I have created, invented, worked…it is time for a reward. I am thinking diamonds-Jeffrey!!!
Looking forward to: Meeting my little man.

36 Weeks

This is where my hubby is trying to make me laugh by saying "funny" things-I don't think it too funny.

How far along? 36 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 21 + lbs.
Maternity clothes? No.
Stretch marks? No.
Sleep: It is icky. I probably get up every 1 or 2 hours. Experiencing pains and cramps-and my legs!!! Oh my legs!!!!
Best moment this week: Getting almost everything finished for the nursery. Only a couple of things left. Getting the bags packed!
Have you told family and friends: Yes.
Miss Anything? Regular things like bending over to shave my legs, or get laundry out without having to look like a sumo wrestler.
Movement: Not so much kicks as more of a stretching feeling.
Food cravings: I want fruit. Strawberries, cantaloupe, blueberries, yummy.
Anything making you queasy or sick: I am not sure but I am feeling sick at night so I have taken to eating a cracker right at bedtime to quell the queasiness.
Have you started to show yet: Yes.
Gender: BOY.
Labor Signs: Lots of Braxton Hicks!
Belly Button in or out? In but on its way out still.
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy. I am over being pregnant though. I am ready to have my little boy here in my arms.
Weekly Wisdom: When I have that cute little baby in my arms, I will know what real love is. In turn, it will make me love Jeff that much more, my family that much more, the world that much more.
Looking forward to: Finishing the nursery and receiving the last few packages for him and some pampering for me. Getting my after baby arsenal ready!

Packing for the Hospital Baby Bags

Baby Bag:

o Infant car seat (will be in car)

JJ Cole Diaper bag which I love!!! and has way more room that it looks like it does and way more compartments to store things-completed

Clothing

o 4 baby outfits- the little brown 2 pc monkey set, the brown one piece that buttons up the side, the green and blue plaid button up, and the monkey button up (newborn size) and a sleeper gown (wasn't sure of the temperature in the hospital or when we leave-August and September can be funny-hot during the day and cooler in the mornings or evenings

o Going home outfit (the white outfit with the monogram)

o Onesies-one that goes with the 2 pc monkey set

o Hats to match the outfits- a monkey and a brown and white stripe

o 3 pairs of socks plus one pair of fuzzy socks-so cute

o Baby mittens - 2 pairs-one monkey and one white and yellow

Blankets

o 3 receiving blankets

o Swaddle blanket

o Big blanket to cover (in the car seat) and one white one

Feeding

o Bibs (3)

o Burp clothes (2) I love the blue and brown one at the end (left)

o Breastfeeding pillow (my brestfriend or my mambo which is not pictured)

o Will have in the car just in case-Breastfeeding pump/bottles

Changing

o Diapers and wipes (not pictured-but you see the wipes case)

o Diaper rash cream and Germ-X

Might need/want

o Binky-the little monkey

Packing for the Hospital-Postpartum Bag

Postpartum Bag

Bag number 2-this will stay in the truck til about our little one has arrived and they move me to a room.

Clothing

o Pajamas for sleeping/lounging-the leopard print top (so comfy and a pair of black spandex-y type pj pants)

o Slippers (which are in the labor bag and will be transferred after labor)

o 1 pair of warm fuzzy socks (the pink and multi color fuzzies)

o Underwear that you don’t mind to toss (these are super soft and cheap clearance from JcPenny

o yoga pants (bought on clearance at Target but would love it if they didn't get ruined because they are super soft and will make good lounge wear for the next couple of weeks)

o Nursing tank and nursing bra (the sleep kind) with a cardigan (the grayish looking thing) to wear over (I packed 3 tanks because they were all super soft but all had different fits. I didn't know which one would work best for nursing)

o Zip up hoodie (my all time favorite hoodie-Victoria Secret Pink-It has UT sparkles on the back of it-little man is arriving just in time for football season in TN)

o Outfit to leave the hospital in (a little black dress-soft, jersey knit from Target)

o 1 nursing bra from Babies R Us

Toiletries

o Hair dryer (not packed-still using)

o Makeup Bag- will be transferred from the labor bag

o Travel size-toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, soap, deodorant, mini tissues, vitamins, tylenol, Mama mio belly oil, germ-X, q-tips, Mama Mio Skin Care lotion and Boob Tube lotion, face wipes, dry shampoo, and Natural laxitives (which I have yet to find)!

o Shower slippers (just a cheap pair of flip flops)

o Sanitary napkins like Always Infinity/Depends the orange things

o Adult diapers (not the cheap kind) the big orange things-this was just a suggestion and we will see if it works

Ease Postpartum Aches and pains

o Belly Bandit/hip slimmer

o Lanolin

o Tucks infused with witch hazel

o Heat and ice packs for breast and abdominal area

o Spouted bottle to clean your lady parts without having to wipe (said I would get one of these at the hospital)

o Breast pads (the little purple bag has two but I have more in an extra box that will stay in the truck unless I run out of something)

o Nipple cream/nursing cream

Might need/want

o Baby book or something to stamp baby’s foot (in labor bag

o snacks

o Pillow and blanket-do not use a white one as the hospital one is white (not pictured)

Packing for the Hospital-Labor Bag

Packing list for the hospital

For me:

2 bags –one for labor and delivery and one for postpartum.

Labor Bag

Clothing

o Nightgown or labor gown (the greenish colored thing) is from Pretty Petal Pushers

o 1 pair of warm fuzzy socks (which you can't see because they are black (lol) and a pair of UT slippers just in case I need to walk around

Paper Work (which I put all in a file, under the breastfeeding book)

o Insurance Information, hospital forms

o phone numbers of people to call after birth

o Identification

o Insurance card

o Birth plan

o Folder with all contact information for both our insurance and my maternity leave

o A go time email to friends and family

Electronics (not shown in picture as we are still using them)

o Camera and video camera-extra batteries/charger and memory cards

o Cell phone and charger

o Ipad/laptop/charger cord

Might need/want

o Notebook and pen (not packed but ready to go)/Baby Book

o Magazines/books (especially about babies or breastfeeding)

o Tennis ball for labor massage

o Makeup bag in my little purple bag

o Chapstick- in the purple bag

o My orange cup with straw for water (not packed because I use it)

Snacks

o Hard sugar free candy

o Trail mix

o Granola bars

o Fruit (this will be a grab and go thing)
o Vitamin water

Monday, August 27, 2012

Being an Informed Consumer for My BABY

In today's world it is important to be an informed consumer of anything that you are thinking of purchasing. Many people spend time searching the internet or paper ads for the best prices, or looking up reviews, or asking friends and family about a certain product, or even signing up for those consumer reports online. These things happen more frequently with those big ticket items-like a fridge, or tv, or furniture. But it should be happening with the little things too. Yesterday my husband and I heard that a few certain baby brands (Johnson and Johnson and Aveeno was included) were causing false positives in terms of marijuana. WHAT?! And people put this stuff on their children without any knowledge of it whatsoever. A study that I read a long time ago that got me into being a concerned person about what is being used on our youths was this article. http://www.wsws.org/articles/2005/dec2005/toxi-d07.shtml.

The study said that "of the more than 400 chemicals tested for, 287 were detected in umbilical cord blood. Of these, 180 cause cancer in humans or animals, 217 are toxic to the brain or nervous system, and 208 cause birth defects or abnormal development in animals".
"Among those substances found to be polluting the blood supply for the newborn babies were eight perfluorochemicals used as stain and oil repellants in fast-food packaging, clothes and textiles, including the Teflon chemical PFQA, a carcinogen; dozens of widely used bromated flame retardants and their toxic byproducts; and many pesticides."
This chart was very helpful.

Chemicals and pollutants found in human umbilical cord blood (Source: EWG study)
Mercury (Hg) Tested for 1, found 1	Pollutant from coal-fired power plants, mercury-containing products, and certain industrial processes. Accumulates in seafood. Hurts brain development and function.
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Tested for 18, found 9	Pollutants from burning gasoline and garbage. Linked to cancer. Accumulate in food chain.
Polybrominated dibenzodioxins and furans (PBDD/F) Tested for 12, found 7	Contaminants in brominated flame retardants. Pollutants and byproducts from plastic production and incineration. Accumulate in food chain. Toxic to developing endocrine (hormone) system.
Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) Tested for 12, found 9	Active ingredients or breakdown products of Teflon, Scotchgard, fabric and carpet protectors, food packaging. Global contaminants. Accumulate in the environment and the food chain, in meat, dairy, fish and eggs. Linked to cancer, birth defects, and more.
Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and furans (PBCD/F) Tested for 17, found 11	Pollutants, by-products of PVC production, industrial bleaching, and incineration. Cause cancer in humans. Persist for decades in the environment. Very toxic to developing endocrine (hormone) system.
Organochlorine pesticides (OCs) Tested for 28, found 21	DDT, chlordane and other pesticides. Largely banned in the U.S. Persist for decades in the environment. Accumulate up the food chain to man. Cause cancer and numerous reproductive effects.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) Tested for 46, found 32	Flame retardant in furniture foam, computers, and televisions. Accumulates in the food chain and human tissues. Adversely affects brain development and the thyroid.
Polychlorinated napthalenes (PCNs) Tested for 70, found 50	Wood preservatives, varnishes, machine-lubricating oils, waste incineration. Formed during chlorination of drinking water. Common PCB contaminant. Contaminate the food chain. Cause liver and kidney damage.
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Tested for 209, found 147	Industrial insulators and lubricants. Banned in the U.S. in 1976. Persist for decades in the environment. Accumulate up the food chain; in meat, dairy and seafood. Cause cancer and nervous system problems.

Bath products?
https://www.honest.com/whats-inside/baby-bath-products

Even now more and more is out about things like the chemicals in the products that adults use that could affect their unborn child and even themselves.

BPA and Phthalates

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20111023/study-bpa-exposure-in-womb-linked-to-kids-behavior-problems
http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/consumer-alert-bpa-free-goods-still-contain-toxic-bisphenol
http://abcnews.go.com/topics/lifestyle/health/phthalates.htm
http://www.naturalnews.com/027514_phthalates_feminization.html
http://www.drsteelsmith.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=103
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/phthalates-in-moms-and-babies

What about those disposable diapers?
http://www.livestrong.com/article/111348-chemicals-disposable-diapers/
https://www.honest.com/whats-inside/diapers

Or check out this website:

http://prebabyblog.com/category/best-for-baby/#

Most perfumes have parabens in them even if they are not listed (FDA allows manufacturers to not disclose the ingredients of the fragrance of their products due to trade law, so the listing that has “fragrance/perfum” as an ingredient can very well contain some of the worst chemicals). Look in your lotions, shampoos, etc...you will see the offending ingredient.

Diaper Rash Cream

Destin has PARABENS!

http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=291

"Parabens are used to prevent the growth of microbes in cosmetic products and can be absorbed through the skin, blood and digestive system (i)".

A&D ointment is better than Destin; however, it still contains many questionable chemicals.

"With the advance in manufacturing (and subsequently the amount of money to be made on mass produced cheap clothing), companies are doing all they can to cut costs and make things cheaper and more efficient. That results in clothing that is full of pesticides, chemicals, flame retardants, ammonia, metals, formaldehyde and artificial dyes. Aside from all these harmful substances leeching into the baby’s system, there’s also a big possibility of them being a big allergen for small babies, especially those born to parents with sensitivities. The skin of a baby is much thinner and less oily than an adult’s, which makes it more porous and their immune system isn’t strong enough yet to handle the toxins, even in small amounts."

"The problem with cotton is that it’s very susceptible to pests and insects, so in order to increase production and profits, companies have to spray the crops with an unreal amount of pesticides and insecticides. According to Organic Consumers Association, “just 2.4% of the world’s arable land is planted with cotton, yet it accounts for 24% of the world’s insecticide market and 11% of sale of global pesticides, making it the most pesticide-intensive crop grown on the planet.” And think about this: five out of top 9 pesticides being used on cotton are known cancer causing chemicals. 1/3 Pound of chemicals are typically used in the production of one cotton T-shirt. And this is the stuff that sits on your baby for days, your baby sleeps on it, breathes it, touches it – quite disconcerting."

Friday, August 24, 2012

Foodie Friday: Southwestern Chicken Wrap

Tortilla-I use the 80 calorie La Tortilla

I take a Laughing Cow cream cheese

and mix it with a little taco seasoning and salsa (I like medium but whatever your preference). Then I spread it on the tortilla.

I cut up cooked chicken (about 3-4 oz) and sprinkle on some taco seasoning.

Then I add in some seasoned black beans-I had these on hand and a hungry husband.

Then I add a little bit of corn and chopped onion.

Then I add in some Fat Free Cheddar Cheese.

I pop it into the microwave for a like 20 seconds at a time. Then I top with shredded lettuce, tomato, and a little more salsa and roll up.

I take a serrated edge knife and cut them in two.

I did heat it for 20 seconds one last time.

I think it would be good adding a little hot sauce, guacamole or avocado, or even a little, and I do mean a little queso-I know, I know, so bad for you.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Dr. Appointment

So we had to go to the doctor today- a few days later than normal but that is okay. Today was a little stressful. I had to endure another flat orange drink to have my blood drawn for another glucose test.

I had to then go to an ultrasound-which is usually great watching my little one moving. But this time she had to press really very hard to see everything she was trying to see, and it hurt like crazy. It also hurts my chest to lay down like that-too much pressure.
Here is what we learned.

Baby is head down-which is so great because he was breech the last time.
Everything looks good.
He has some hair-she pointed it out!
He is definitely a He!
The machine estimated him at 6.5 lbs and I was like what?! But she said she would say he is more like 5.8 lbs because it can be + or - 12 oz and because I am so small she would say most definitely less.

Otherwise we learned that I lost weight (received a slap on the wrist for that one) 1.5 lbs-so essentially I haven't gained anything this month. (But I read that growth slows during this time-I feel like I eat just like I always have, so I am not sure what is going on but I got a poor fetal growth on my chart... :(
I am dilated about 2 centimeters.

I AM SO READY TO MEET OUR LITTLE MAN!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

School Baby Shower

I loved the mix of the burlap, banners, and owls. They have not seen my nursery but just "KNEW" what to do.

Yummy food.

All kinds of sandwiches-pimento, chicken salad

Meatballs-yummy, HAD 3

dips of all kinds

Cheeseballs-one of which was slightly sweet-had to go back for seconds on that one.

Fruit tray

Veggie tray

lots of little sweet treats

Someone said that I didn't even look pregnant in these photos.

Tutorial: Burlap Flowers Ball

The Final Product.

All you need is hot glue, a glue gun, burlap flowers, and a Styrofoam

ball.

Pay attention to placement of the burlap flowers. It looks better if you have a mix of small, medium, and large and also have different colors (at least two).