This tree ended up being a lot easier to put up than I thought! I LOVE how it turned out! Such a great price for something that essentially covers the entire wall :) Next up - finding some shelves to hang in the branches.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Registered!
Well, Greg and I registered today! I'm confident that I have some work left to do on it, but I'm feeling good that we have it at least 75% complete at this point.
Preparing for a baby is VERY overwhelming. I have never enjoyed going to Babies R' Us. The total lack of knowledge I have for baby items just stresses me out, and every time I have found myself there shopping for others, I am always turned around and utterly confused.
My friend Maureen put together an awesome checklist for us of what she has found helpful/useful and what has been unnecessary. My recent visit to see my friend Denali also helped me to understand what are some must-have items. And all of my friends who have babies that are a little older have done their best to prepare us - with lending/giving us things they no longer use and sharing what has worked for them.
But still, this is a lot to take in!
On the way home, Greg and I came to the conclusion that we WILL figure this all out. We don't know about any of this stuff because we have never HAD TO! Once little Ben is here, it will be much easier to determine what types of bottles work for him, which pacifiers he likes, what we like to dress him in, etc.
So, here is what we have put together so far. Anyone out there who has thoughts to share about what is on our list - suggestions for what else we need, recommendations on different brands, things we need more of, etc. I would love to hear from you!
Babies R' Us Registry
And since apparently it will not allow me to link directly to our registry, just search for Jessica Ingle in Everett, WA - not to be confused with Jessica Ingles (???) in Silverdale, WA ;)
Preparing for a baby is VERY overwhelming. I have never enjoyed going to Babies R' Us. The total lack of knowledge I have for baby items just stresses me out, and every time I have found myself there shopping for others, I am always turned around and utterly confused.
My friend Maureen put together an awesome checklist for us of what she has found helpful/useful and what has been unnecessary. My recent visit to see my friend Denali also helped me to understand what are some must-have items. And all of my friends who have babies that are a little older have done their best to prepare us - with lending/giving us things they no longer use and sharing what has worked for them.
But still, this is a lot to take in!
On the way home, Greg and I came to the conclusion that we WILL figure this all out. We don't know about any of this stuff because we have never HAD TO! Once little Ben is here, it will be much easier to determine what types of bottles work for him, which pacifiers he likes, what we like to dress him in, etc.
So, here is what we have put together so far. Anyone out there who has thoughts to share about what is on our list - suggestions for what else we need, recommendations on different brands, things we need more of, etc. I would love to hear from you!
Babies R' Us Registry
And since apparently it will not allow me to link directly to our registry, just search for Jessica Ingle in Everett, WA - not to be confused with Jessica Ingles (???) in Silverdale, WA ;)
Friday, May 27, 2011
24 Weeks!
How far along: 24 weeks - I think this means I'm 6 months along!?
Weight gain: 16 pounds!! LOL! I'm a little bit shocked that in 4 short weeks I could put on 9 lbs! Could it have been my big lunch? Or is Ben having a growth spurt? Either way - bring it on, Ben!
How big is baby: A foot long, and over a pound.
Maternity clothes: Nothing new here, other than the fact that some of my non-maternity shirts are becoming too small/short for me to wear at this point.
Stretch marks: Nope...however, as my friend Denali so KINDLY informed me, most stretch marks will not develop until the final weeks of pregnancy. So I think I might be fooling myself that I am in the clear. If one day this part of the weekly survey magically disappears, you will know what's up.
Sleep: Sleep is still good. No complaints here. I'm worried that I'm enjoying my zzz's a little TOO much, because soon those long nights of slumber will be a thing of the past.
Best moment this week: It's been a good week, another busy one. I clearly have a hard time labeling something as the "best". I feel like I have so much to write about! We had a great weekend celebrating my friend Shauna's pregnancy. Her and her husband Brandon have a little boy due to arrive in August :) We also kicked butt at bowling on Sunday. On Monday I was able to finalize Ben's child care situation (which was probably the one thing that had been causing me the most anxiety). Tuesday I went to spend time with Denali, Kyle and their adorable little 4 week old son, Oliver, who makes the cutest breathing noises I've ever heard. Denali, (and Kyle) filled me in on EVERYTHING that I can expect from labor, post labor, lack of sleep, breast feeding...the list goes on and on! I SO enjoyed spending time with the three of them. Next time I am bringing Greg along so he can learn from them too! I also taught 3 yoga classes this week. Phew!
Movement: All. The. Time. I cannot believe that just a month ago I was feeling nothing, and now he seems to be all over the place!
Food Cravings: Still into fruit, and if I could go out for brunch every day, I totally would.
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly button in or out: When I'm full, out. When I'm not, flat. I'm irritated by it in general.
What I miss: Taking vacation days (and vacations, for that matter) at my leisure. I'm in "store them up" mode for the end of the year, so occasional days off mostly non-existent.
What I'm looking forward to: I am looking forward to a THREE DAY WEEKEND! Greg and I have plans to do our baby registry, see a movie, go on a short hike, cook, sleep in, and maybe head out to explore around Seattle - Ochiltree style.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
2012: How Ben will Spend His Days
As I may have mentioned before, the question about what to do with little Ben when it's time for me to return to work has been something that I have struggled with for some time. I have always known that I would be a working mom. For one, I love my job and the people I work with. I have been with my company for over six years now and have done so much growing since I have been here - both personally and professionally. Secondly, our benefits are WAY too good to walk away from, especially with a new addition to the family. And while I am positive that if it were important for me to be a SAHM that Greg would do everything in his power to work around the clock to make that happen for us, it is not how either of us picture our lives. And third, I am the type of person who WILL need adult interaction, (and probably some baby-free moments) on a regular basis. I know it is not the right choice for every mom, but for us - I think Ben and I will both be happier if I continue to work outside the home.
With that being said, the thought of leaving him all week and spending 40 hours away from him during his first year of life is difficult to say the least - and I have not even met or bonded with him yet! (Although, I have to say - his little kicks are becoming a daily reminder that he IS there and that he WILL be part of our lives soon) :)
Since before I got pregnant, I had considered all of the different options that might be available to me. I had wondered how flexible my boss would be with my schedule. The truth is, about 90% of my day is spent working on my computer, in our online database, answering emails, generating reports, putting together contracts, coordinating events, etc. While I was/am very confident that I would be able to accomplish work from home, I wasn't sure if that was a desirable option for my company - and the last thing I want to be is an inconvenience to my coworkers.
After a few discussions with the best boss ever, (and no, I don't think he reads this so I'm not sucking up), he has agreed to allow me to work from home on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This will start on a trial basis - he of course wants to be sure that I am still easily accessible, getting my work done, not checking out to just be mom (and be paid for it), and assuming it all goes well will continue until the end of next year. We both agree that once Ben is walking and talking it will become less and less manageable for me to both watch him AND get work done.
My mom is going to start working 4 days a week (starting in September - YAY!) and will be coming over to watch Ben on Mondays. We are both excited that they will be spending a day each week together. Hopefully some of her awesome grand parenting will make up for the fact that I will be clueless about what to do for awhile...
And on Wednesdays and Fridays, Ben will be spending time at *a daycare center right down the street from my office! (*I'm thinking that posting where might be a little too stalker friendly...) I was absolutely thrilled to learn that there will be 4 infants total, all starting in January, and that they will all be born within weeks of one another! Ben already has a little posse of homies forming.
My friend Steph pointed out that we truly will have the best of ALL worlds in this situation, and I have to agree with her! Ben will have a few days with me, a day being spoiled by his grandma, and a couple days of "social interaction" - learning from an early age that the world is not all about him ;) I mean, of course OUR world will be all about Ben, but I do like the fact that he will be around other kids learning to share, how to interact with peers and other adults, etc.
So that is my very LONG update. I have to say, I am so thrilled with the outcome and how it has all worked out. One more thing to check off the never ending list...
With that being said, the thought of leaving him all week and spending 40 hours away from him during his first year of life is difficult to say the least - and I have not even met or bonded with him yet! (Although, I have to say - his little kicks are becoming a daily reminder that he IS there and that he WILL be part of our lives soon) :)
Since before I got pregnant, I had considered all of the different options that might be available to me. I had wondered how flexible my boss would be with my schedule. The truth is, about 90% of my day is spent working on my computer, in our online database, answering emails, generating reports, putting together contracts, coordinating events, etc. While I was/am very confident that I would be able to accomplish work from home, I wasn't sure if that was a desirable option for my company - and the last thing I want to be is an inconvenience to my coworkers.
After a few discussions with the best boss ever, (and no, I don't think he reads this so I'm not sucking up), he has agreed to allow me to work from home on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This will start on a trial basis - he of course wants to be sure that I am still easily accessible, getting my work done, not checking out to just be mom (and be paid for it), and assuming it all goes well will continue until the end of next year. We both agree that once Ben is walking and talking it will become less and less manageable for me to both watch him AND get work done.
My mom is going to start working 4 days a week (starting in September - YAY!) and will be coming over to watch Ben on Mondays. We are both excited that they will be spending a day each week together. Hopefully some of her awesome grand parenting will make up for the fact that I will be clueless about what to do for awhile...
And on Wednesdays and Fridays, Ben will be spending time at *a daycare center right down the street from my office! (*I'm thinking that posting where might be a little too stalker friendly...) I was absolutely thrilled to learn that there will be 4 infants total, all starting in January, and that they will all be born within weeks of one another! Ben already has a little posse of homies forming.
My friend Steph pointed out that we truly will have the best of ALL worlds in this situation, and I have to agree with her! Ben will have a few days with me, a day being spoiled by his grandma, and a couple days of "social interaction" - learning from an early age that the world is not all about him ;) I mean, of course OUR world will be all about Ben, but I do like the fact that he will be around other kids learning to share, how to interact with peers and other adults, etc.
So that is my very LONG update. I have to say, I am so thrilled with the outcome and how it has all worked out. One more thing to check off the never ending list...
Yoga - June Teaching Schedule!
Lately, I have been feeling pretty great in terms of my energy levels. Since we are getting closer and closer to September, (and since I am becoming more and more pregnant), I figured I would ramp up my teaching schedule while I am still able to do it! For anyone interested in joining me for a yoga class, below is the list of my teaching schedule for the month of June.
June 2 (Thursday) - Hot Hatha Yoga at Hot Yoga of Mill Creek - 6:30 pm (90 minutes)
June 4 (Saturday) - Power/Vinyasa at Bindi Yoga - 10 am (75 minutes)
June 6 (Monday) - Hot Power/Vinyasa at HYMC - 5 pm (60 minutes)
June 11 (Saturday) - Power/Vinyasa at Bindi - 10 am (75 minutes)
June 11 (Saturday) - Hot Hatha Yoga at HYMC - 4:30 pm (90 minutes)
June 13 (Monday) - Hot Power/Vinyasa at HYMC - 5 pm (60 minutes)
June 18 (Saturday) - Power/Vinyasa at Bindi - 10 am (75 minutes)
June 18 (Saturday) - Hot Hatha Yoga at HYMC - 4:30 pm (90 minutes)
June 20 (Monday) - Hot Power/Vinyasa at HYMC - 5 pm (60 minutes)
June 24 (Friday) - Hot Hatha Yoga at HYMC - 6:30 pm (90 minutes)
June 25 (Saturday) - Power/Vinyasa at Bindi - 10 am (75 minutes)
June 27 (Monday) - Hot Power/Vinyasa at HYMC 5 pm (60 minutes)
June 28 (Tuesday) - Hot Hatha Yoga at HYMC - 6:30 pm (90 minutes)
June 29 (Wednesday) - Hot Hatha Yoga at HYMC - 6:30 pm (90 minutes)
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Nursery Update
I wanted to give an update on the nursery as we have made some significant progress in the last month or so! I will save pictures of the room itself for when things are complete, (below are just pictures from the web). I cannot believe that Ben will be here in, (let me refer to my countdown...), 16.5 WEEKS! While I honestly cannot wait to meet/hold him, I do not wish for him to be even a day early. I have way too many things to accomplish in the upcoming weeks.
The weekend after Greg and I found out we are having a boy, we (I) decided it was time to paint the room. I never thought I would have a "blue is for boy" or "pink is for girl" nursery, but we did end up with choosing blue for the color. It just looked SO great with the bedding we had already picked out, and I'm really happy with the final result!
We have ordered and received both the crib and the rocker/glider. Our parents were so generous to offer to pay for both of these items - Greg's parents bought the crib and my parents bought the chair. (Spoiled)!
While I was gone in Orlando, Greg and his friend Steve worked hard to put the crib and the chair together. They also painted the ugly (sorry, Greg) dresser that Greg has had for YEARS to a color that matches the espresso wood of the chair and crib. It looks like a brand new piece of furniture! I just need to pick out some new knobs to add the final touches to it! Thanks, guys!
Finally, I have ordered the tree decal that I wrote about a few months ago, and it is on it's way to me! I'm hoping it arrives before the long weekend so we can get it up on the wall.
My goal was to have all of the "big projects" done before the summer months arrived. When it is nice in Seattle, the last thing either of us will want to do is deal with something like painting, or putting together furniture. Also, at least 1/2 of the weekends between now and B-day are filled with plans already - and I want to save some time for any last minute things that may have slipped my mind.
Left to do in the nursery:
* Frame the artwork I had previously purchased
* Purchase and hang a mobile above the crib
* Move the elliptical machine out of Ben's room and into our room
* Establish some sort of closet organization system and purchase the necessary bins/shelves for that
* Purchase shelves to hang on the wall (see the above picture of the tree)
* Set up a "changing station" on the dresser
* Find and purchase curtains
* Purchase (maybe) a book shelf or a toy chest for the room
* Last minute details to personalize the room
* Anything else? (Help)!
The weekend after Greg and I found out we are having a boy, we (I) decided it was time to paint the room. I never thought I would have a "blue is for boy" or "pink is for girl" nursery, but we did end up with choosing blue for the color. It just looked SO great with the bedding we had already picked out, and I'm really happy with the final result!
We have ordered and received both the crib and the rocker/glider. Our parents were so generous to offer to pay for both of these items - Greg's parents bought the crib and my parents bought the chair. (Spoiled)!
* This crib will convert into a toddler bed and then a double bed when we are ready
While I was gone in Orlando, Greg and his friend Steve worked hard to put the crib and the chair together. They also painted the ugly (sorry, Greg) dresser that Greg has had for YEARS to a color that matches the espresso wood of the chair and crib. It looks like a brand new piece of furniture! I just need to pick out some new knobs to add the final touches to it! Thanks, guys!
Finally, I have ordered the tree decal that I wrote about a few months ago, and it is on it's way to me! I'm hoping it arrives before the long weekend so we can get it up on the wall.
My goal was to have all of the "big projects" done before the summer months arrived. When it is nice in Seattle, the last thing either of us will want to do is deal with something like painting, or putting together furniture. Also, at least 1/2 of the weekends between now and B-day are filled with plans already - and I want to save some time for any last minute things that may have slipped my mind.
Left to do in the nursery:
* Frame the artwork I had previously purchased
* Purchase and hang a mobile above the crib
* Move the elliptical machine out of Ben's room and into our room
* Establish some sort of closet organization system and purchase the necessary bins/shelves for that
* Purchase shelves to hang on the wall (see the above picture of the tree)
* Set up a "changing station" on the dresser
* Find and purchase curtains
* Purchase (maybe) a book shelf or a toy chest for the room
* Last minute details to personalize the room
* Anything else? (Help)!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Hilary's Visit
*Of course I forgot to take a picture of us together, so here is an old one!
This past week, Hilary was in town to visit! Unfortunately (for me), she came during the same week that I was in Orlando, but we were able to spend one awesome evening together to get all caught up on girl talk :)
Hil came over with some delicious snacks, and I don't think we stopped talking for 5 straight hours. It is always SO much fun when we have the chance to hang out, and we have done a great job of staying super close even though she lives in California and I live here. I'm already looking forward to her next visit to Seattle, and I can't wait for the THREE of us to visit her and John in San Diego. Maybe that will be Ben's first vacation??
She also brought this ADORABLE jacket for Ben.
Our kid is going to be SO stylish :) THANKS AUNT HIL!
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