Saturday, May 28, 2011

LIKE NEW: One man's junk is another man's treasure!

Went to a few garage sales last weekend in our neighborhood...here are a few of the items I scored!

Baby Delight Snuggle Nest (like new--barely used): $10.00!!  The lady said she purchased it for around $60.00.  I love how it compacts into itself for easy storage or for travel.
This co-sleeper item will be good for the first few months or so when the baby is in the room with us. Now if only we had a King sized bed! Once I get rid of this belly, we should be able to make room! ha ha ;)

http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Delight-Snuggle-Green-White/dp/B004LKS0GQ/ref=zg_bsnr_baby-products_12



CatBirdBaby "mei tai carrier": $10.00 like new!  These are listed online as $89.00 and up!

This isn't the exact one, but it gives you an idea of what it is...



Check 'em out! http://catbirdbaby.com/

I also got some "like new" Janie and Jack baby clothes from one of my neighbors.  She also had some PB little pj sets 0-3:  Lots of it was only $1.00
Check out the cute stuff at Janie and Jack:
http://www.janieandjack.com/index.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374303320101&bmUID=1306597973722

Summer Infant Snuzzler (for carseat): $3.00!
http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Snuzzler-Support-Chocolate/dp/B00368CJ0W/ref=sr_1_24?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1306598554&sr=1-24

Monday, May 23, 2011

Summer Vacation!!

This summer, my mom's entire side of the family is doing our annual family reunion out on the Washington coast. We usually rotate between Michigan (Up North) and Montana (where my Uncle/Aunt/cousins live) every year.  Now that Aaron and I live in Washington, we decided to join the rotation! We will be renting a cabin on the coast for the first week of August (courtesy of my mom, aunt and uncle--thank you!).  Yup, that's right...the week before I am due.  Let's just say this vacation/reunion was planned WAY before Baby XX was.  We'll see how I'm feeling at that time and if I'm able to make it or not.  Maybe the timing will be just right and the family will be around for the birth and get to meet little Rydecki!  My mom and sister plan on staying out here for 2 weeks, so they will be here for the birth (unless I'm really overdue).  Grandma and Grampa Rydecki plan on coming out sometime late summer/early fall to see the new lil one (TBD).  Josh/Kandace plan on making another trip out here in the fall to hang out with us and the baby.  Uncle Noel will be here Labor day weekend to meet his nephew (oh, and take daddy Aaron to the DMB show at The Gorge--boys weekend!!).
We are hoping that we can make a trip home around the holidays with the baby so that we can see all of our other friends and family.

Here it is!
Cabin on the coast:
http://www.vrbo.com/307376

New dinner guest soon

We will have a new dinner guest soon! :)  The baby won't be able to use this until she can support her head and when she starts sampling solids, but I wanted to see how it would work.  It is so easy to use and even easier to pack up and store (I did NOT want a high chair taking up space in our small dining area so this is the perfect alternative). It will be great for restaurants/travel too!
Once the baby gets older, we can get a booster seat for the table bench or to use up at the bar (on a barstool). 
Big cousin Addison is going to break it in this summer when they come out to visit (along with the baby's crib, stroller, etc. ha ha!).

Gift from Aunt Dawn Olsen:
http://www.amazon.com/Inglesina-2010-Fast-Table-Chair/dp/B002SNAK48/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1306197378&sr=8-2-spell




CAN'T WAIT TO HAVE FAMILY DINNERS! :)

A special gift from my sister!

A gift from Jodi...
My sister thought that I needed a cute diaper bag for BABY XX's diaper supplies...she loves her Amy Kathryn diaper bag so she decided to treat me to one.  Thanks, Jodi!

These cute, eco-friendly AND animal-friendly diaper bags are actually designed to look more like an everyday purse (but with special storage for baby supplies).  I'm not usually into designer purses/bags, but I think this will be a perfect diaper bag/purse for me to use! 

http://www.momfinds.com/2010/a-trendy-diaper-bag-for-new-moms/

http://amykathryn.com/default.aspx

This is a pic of the one she got me:

BABY XX's ROOM...A WORK IN PROGRESS...


Aaron finished painting the room this weekend!  He painted while I was babysitting a friend's 3 kids.



The Glider/Rocker my dad/Renee bought us (it is the only thing in the room so far!)

I have been BUSY, BUSY, BUSY washing, drying, folding, and hanging all of the clothes we've received as gifts/hand-me-downs/or purchased ourselves.  It is a work in progress, but here is the start of Baby XX's closet.  Can't wait to get the dresser this week so I can organize everything a bit more.  Oh, and we are adding another shelf along the other side (left) or back wall in order to hang the remainder of clothes that are sitting in piles (to the the right).  This girl has more than me!!!!

Momma Bird is in NESTING MODE!!

After I got back from the shower, I immediately went into nesting mode.  I washed all of the baby's new clothes (Jodi gave me TONS of hand-me-downs, I got LOTS of cute clothes from friends/family at shower, and I also went to the outlet in Michigan City with my mom/sister before heading to the airport to come home--danger, danger!).  Oh, not to mention I got even more clothes (barely worn and all name brand stuff) from our neighbor's garage sale this past weekend.
 I have been going non-stop.  The more I accumulate, the more I feel rushed to get things ready for baby.  I told my mom the other day that I can't seem to stop pacing back and forth from room to room.  There is so much to do to get organized and ready for this baby!!  It is sooooo exciting I can't even sit still for 2 seconds. :)

 We got so many nice things at our shower and have also been making some purchases along the way.  We've received a package a day on our front porch since the baby shower (both gifts and our own purchases)! So fun!
 Aaron finally finished painting the room "Country Green".  We weren't so sure about it at first (it sort of reminds us of mint chocolate chip green), but it is a nice calming green and will match the bedding set we ordered (that is on back order but should be here June 7th).  We got the crib a week or so ago, but it had a damaged part, so a new one will be here this Thursday!  The matching dresser should be here by Thursday as well.  The mattress came last week.  Poor Aaron has put something together almost every day too.  He is a trooper!  I can tell that he is in nesting mode too.  He just started putting in shelves and a storage system in the garage.  He also had the grand idea to buy a new fancy shmancy camera from Best Buy (we've been eyeing for a long time) so that we can take good photos and shoot HD videos of the baby.  He will be the BEST dad. :)

Recent big purchases/gifts:
1. Crib set http://www.target.com/Cottage-Crib-Toddler-Rails-White/dp/B002RNOCQ6/ref=sc_qi_detailbutton
Here is the crib set we decided on.  We have the crib and the dresser so far.  Grandma Barbie bought the crib for us and we used giftcards and money from friends/family to get the dresser. We still need to order the changing table and bookshelf.

2. Glider/Rocker:
My dad and Renee purchased this for us on the day of our ultrasound.  My daddy told me to pick out whatever rocker I wanted because he wanted his baby grandaughter to have the best rocker!  So sweet (and I know, I'm spoiled).  Of course, he wanted me to go to an actual furniture store to check out the BEST quality ones...but they are expensive!!! I was sensible and picked out a functional and reasonably priced one. :) I had to tell him over and over again that this was a good one and it would be perfect.   He just wanted to make sure I was happy. :) Dads...Sheesh!  I love it...I rock in it all the time already.

http://www.amazon.com/Stork-Craft-Glider-Ottoman-White/dp/B0031QPN52/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1306165408&sr=8-5





3.  Mattress http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Organic-Cotton-Orthopedic-Mattress/dp/B003BIFNYQ
L A Baby Organic Cotton 2 in One Orthopedic Crib Mattress, White
We were able to purchase this with a $100.00 giftcard from my mom's friends.

 4.  Stroller http://www.rei.com/product/798579/bob-revolution-se-stroller
15% off at REI.  Will be able to pick up at REI on Friday or Saturday...can't wait to take baby for a spin! :)


5. Carseat (Jodi's recommendation) http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3155366
We were able to purchase this with giftcards from friends/family.
6.  Camera: NIKON D5000


7.  Bedding (on back order..boo :( ...can't wait to get it in the mail so we can make the nursery complete!):




8.  Skip Hop Activity Gym (from Cousin Trisha) LOVE IT!

9. Pink and white polka dot Boppy pillow and cover (from friend Janelle):

10.  Tub (from friend Lori--highly recommended by both her and my sister!):


11.  Cube shelving in white with pink canvas totes for closet organization(from Target--bought using giftcards from friends/family):





MORE TO COME...






May showers bring...August babies?!?!

Well, I know that April showers bring May flowers.  Turns out May showers bring August babies. ;) hee hee
I know, I'm a dork.

Just got back from an AWESOME trip back home to Michigan to celebrate Baby XX's arrival with a BABY SHOWER.  We had the party at my mother in laws home (which was the perfect setting!) and had a great turn-out (about 40 people!).  My sister did an awesome job hosting and my mom & Mary made some fantastic food.  Kandace got a special cake from a place in Kalamazoo where they had their wedding cake made--it was so YUMMY!...her and my brother they even put special Dave Matthews lyrics on it as a surprise and it was decorated to match the theme of the party (even though this place normally doesn't do special decorating).  My sister in law Megan bought a really cute banner from etsy that said "It's a Girl!" and matched the theme(see pics below).  It was a perfect party.  I enjoyed seeing everyone and having everyone pat the little one growing inside my belly.  Aaron and I got some really nice things for the baby.  I feel so blessed.


Grandma Dolly (soon to be "great" grandma to our child)



Mother in law, Mary

My Fairy Godmother, Pam


Lyrics from "So Much To Say"

Sister in law, Kandace




Measuring my big ol' belly for a game


Dancing while measuring...

Brenda, good friend of the family


Me, my momma, and Jodi (sister)

Jodi and I with Renee (step mom), holding her belly for the photo (hey--I got sick of holding my own! ha ha):)

 

My momma

Grandma Barbie

My mom and Fairy Godmother Pam (I know.  I look constipated! ha ha)

To Each His Own...DIAPER.

DEFINITION
to each his own:
One has a right to one's personal preferences, as in "I'd never pick that color, but to each his own."  Versions of this maxim appeared in the late 1500s but the modern wording was first recorded in 1713.

Thank goodness for the freedom to choose what we feel is best for our families, right?  As with all decisions one makes (in regards to parenting and life in general), it all comes down to personal preference and belief.  Luckily, my family and friends all support our decision to use cloth diapers and many have even thought about making the switch.  I have always considered myself a bit of a "rebel".  I do not do things simply because others are doing it.  I do not believe things simply because someone says it is true.  Daily, I make observations of the world around me, do the research, and then make educated choices based on what is best for ME (and my family).
Am I doing it because it is trendy?  no.  Am I doing it to impress others or fit in? no.
Aaron and I have chosen to use cloth diapers for three reasons:
1. Financial (it saves money!!  I have a friend who has only spent approximately $50-100 on a cloth diapering system for 2 kids).
2. The environment (plastic. landfill.  need I say more?  well, I will...
Last year alone, 18-23 billion diapers went into landfills across America. That works out to be approximately 38,000 every minute and adds up to about 3.5 million tons of waste!  Not to mention it takes 500 years for each one to biodegrade.  We don't want to have any part in that!).
3.  For baby (Plastic or Paper?  Uh, neither. There are no harsh chemicals in cloth and cloth is softer on baby's skin than plastic.  Stay-dry liners keep baby's skin dry and breathable covers keep baby cool.)
 
There are lots of great options out there but we have chosen to start with these 2 brands based on friend recommendations;
 
http://www.gdiapers.com/  (I already have a stash of 12 or more of these covers in medium and large sizes, TONS of liners and biodegradeable inserts to try---thanks to my mom who purchased them "like new" from a coworker).

http://www.thirstiesbaby.com/  (my friend highly recommends these...I have one small so far thanks to a friend who purchased one off of my registry.  I'm already eyeing some new/used ones on ebay to start my stock).
The great thing is that you can reuse on future children and SELL when done.

If you are skeptical, check out these sites and read more about why cloth diapering is making a come-back!  Regardless of what type of diaper you use, it is interesting to learn about what types of innovative products are out there nowadays.  We've come a long way since cotton and pins (ouch!).  Remember, we all have the right to choose what is best for our families.  We do not (or should not) however, have the freedom to judge what others are doing.  We must respect one another's personal choices. Whatever it is you choose, be passionate about it and stick to it.  At the end of the day, we are all just doing the best we can do and making choices that we feel are the best for our little ones and our family.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

My Girl

From the moment I found out I was pregnant, I knew that a hospital birth was not for me.  I HATE hospitals.  I hate blood, guts and the sight of needles.  Maybe it is because I sort of grew up in hospitals being that my mom is a nurse (oh yeah, and my aunt is a nurse, my uncle is a doctor and now both my brother and sister are nurses as well).  I like to think of it as the "My Girl" disease.  Remember how Vada grew up in a home that was also her father's funeral home business so she was a hypochondriac and was very freaked out by death?  yeah, well, I grew up in "the medical field", frequenting the local hospital and hearing stories about the people my mother would care for.  So, I too have become somewhat of a hypochondriac or "worry wart".
p.s. it doesn't help that you can now google just about ANYTHING these days--hee hee
of course, I do this AFTER consulting with all the nurses and doctors in the family. :)

So, our baby girl will be delivered at a local birth center.  The atmosphere is amazing!  And, I just love my two midwifes...it has been so great getting to know them on a personal level.  It is comforting to know that they will be there supporting me on the biggest day of my life. 
Going to try the all natural route...no epidural or pain meds for me!  There is a lovely birthing tub that I plan on taking advantage of though.  With some candles and music it'll be like a spa day! ha ha TOTALLY kidding. 
I am excited about this though.  No fear or worry!  I know that it will be the most challenging thing I'll ever do, but I can't wait to feel empowered and know that my body is doing what it was designed to do.  Women were meant to give birth and babies were made to be born!!!  I do know that medical intervention is sometimes needed and that some women choose to have epidurals/pain meds...and that's okay.  That is their personal choice and freedom to do so.  And, this is mine.  I'm owning it.  I believe in it.
Let's do this!!!! 

Check it out:
http://eastsidebirthcenter.com/

Protein Dilemma: To eat fried chicken or not? ;)

My students are appalled that I don't eat fried chicken so I thought that was a suitable title. ;)

"Are you going to start eating meat again now that you're pregnant?"  Yup.  Someone had the nerve to actually ask that question.  REALLY?!?!?!  Yes, you do have to make sure that you are getting enough protein, especially while pregnant, but do people STILL believe that you can only get protein from meat sources?  I will admit that it does take some research and careful planning to ensure that you are getting enough to meet both your needs and the babies' needs.
Plant or grain sources of protein take longer to add up as they don't have as much protein as oh let's say, a bucket of fried chicken, but I have found that if you are eating a well balanced diet you meet the requirements naturally and very rarely need to supplement.

Let me illustrate with a typical daily menu of mine;

BREAKFAST
Main course:
Better Oats oatmeal (best oatmeal ever! http://www.betteroats.com/) = 4 grams protein
add some walnuts/pecans = 3ish grams of protein
add banana=1 gram of protein
cinnamon raisin whole grain english muffin or bagel= 5ish grams of protein
glass of orange juice or 100% fruit juice=1 gram of protein  (my favorite juice is Santa Cruz Organic: http://scojuice.com/)

**other favorite main course breakfast go-to's of mine:
Van's waffles http://www.vansfoods.com/The_Goods/#/Waffles or Nature's Path Organic waffles or cereal(http://www.naturespath.com/products/waffles?tid=9&brand=All&nutri=All) = 2-8 grams of protein

Paired with Morning Star sausage patties=10 grams for one patty!
add fruit or nuts too!

Glass of  chocolate soy milk (Pearl soy milk is the best as it has MORE protein and is organic...8 grams of protein for one glass!)

GRAND TOTAL: 14-25 grams of protein (might I add no cholesterol or heavy fats either :) )

LUNCH
Our favorite bread-Dave's Killer Bread (it really is KILLER and so good for you! http://www.daveskillerbread.com/) = 6 grams, 12 grams for 2 slices!

Tofurkey deli slices (http://www.tofurky.com/tofurkyproducts/deli_slices.html)=13 grams (for 5 slices which is a good amount for sandwich)

add a slice of cheese= 7 grams
add spring mix, tomato, condiments of choice

I usually have an apple, orange, or strawberries and a bag of carrots (these have minimal amounts of protein--like 1ish grams--but I often have hummus or peanut butter with them to add some protein)

GRAND TOTAL: 34-40 grams of protein

mid-day snack: fruit/nut/protein bar = 9 + grams of protein
Luna bar (http://www.lunabar.com/products/bars/)
Mrs. Mays (http://www.mrsmays.com/)
Pro bars (http://theprobar.com/products/)
KIND bars--some of these seriously taste like candy bars! (http://www.kindsnacks.com/kind-store/buy-kind-bars)

DINNER
lots of dinner options but I'll throw out a few of our staples

Pasta (whole grain spaghetti or lasagna, cheese rainbow tortellini's) = 10ish grams of protein
Brown rice/quinoa (aaron makes an awesome kale and quinoa soup)=6-10ish grams of protein
add veggies and sauce to any of these and VOILA...
you can add beans for protein too!

veggie burgers/veggie dogs
My personal favorite for chicken patties or chicken "tenders" for cooking/baking (http://www.quorn.us/Home/)= =10+ grams of protein

GRAND TOTAL: 20-40 grams of protein

As you can see, vegetarians can get PLENTY of healthy protein from whole grains, dairy and/or plant sources.
So it turns out I do not need to head to the nearest KFC in order to meet my daily requirements of protein!
My students will be so disappointed. ;)

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Baby XX: Bump progression

It is amazing how your body stretches and changes so much during pregnancy!
16 weeks

20 weeks

22/23 weeks (Hawaii Babymoon pics)









From Honeymoon to Babymoon (I was curious, so I went back and pulled up a "before" photo--I would've never posted this before but I feel entitled to now since I don't look like this anymore and may never look like this again! ha ha)

2008 Kauai Honeymoon trip