Blooming Belly

Today we meet with the pediatrician to discuss what we want- or rather don't want- to happen after baby is born. Even though we've chosen to have a hospital birth, I still want to keep it as close to a homebirth-like experience, even after she arrives. It does seem quite early to meet while I'm only 5 months along, but knowing we are in agreement about the procedure of it all will help me with my birth plan and when I am envisioning just what it will all be like. When I think about her birth and the moments after, I have such sweet thoughts.

I am 24 weeks and 1 day along. My lilacs and baby are blooming! And apparently so is my belly button...

She Takes Pictures Of Herself At Grocery Stores

I'm not vain or anything. But you can see here.

Like You Don't Already Know Everything

Jen, the EcoChic Urban Organizer is asking me to share more random things.

1. I like this photo I took the other day. Typical me without makeup and typical Gray not sitting still.

2. I'm back to being a vegetarian this week. Not vegan. I like cheese sometimes. You can see why here.

3. You know how we said we weren't telling our baby's name? Well, we decided to share it with family and friends since we know that we know that we know that it's her name. So if you fall into that category you might be hearing it before the rest of the world (when she's born.)

4. This pregnancy is different than my other three. So maybe it's a girl thing. I'm itchy all over all the time. I cry all the time. And I have gotten a couple or seven (who's counting?) stretch marks on my belly- I've never had this before. Ah!

5. Fried Okra is exploiting Hugh and talking about sandwiches today (lunch actually) and besides a good veggie with lots of peppers, my other favorite is a grilled peanut butter and strawberry jelly sandwich. Mmmmmmmmm.

6. Even though this is my fourth pregnancy and even though I've said before how the hiccups in utero were annoying, I absolutely treasure every kick and movement and push this baby makes. This pregnancy has been like the first time all over again for me.

And now I tag six that must do this and tag six, too:
A Mother's Musings
The Lil' Mommy That Could
Pinks & Blues Girls
DesignHer Momma
Growing A Life
Crazy Bloggin' Canuck

Captured

Someday, when I have heaps of regret for not taking enough pictures or videos of my children, I hope that I will remember how I'm feeling today.

I'm willing the big brown eyes, toothy smiles, and the little bird voices to be tattooed on my soul, in my being forever. I breathe these moments like air, treasuring them so much that I don't even want to share them with anyone else. These are my moments.

I've learned that my heart doesn't discriminate the memories. It is shaped by the amazing moments in life just as much as the sorrowful. It plays tricks on me, turning the good times bittersweet when I realize they can't last just one minute longer. And the hurtful times bring joy when the weeping finally ends.

Just yesterday I had to look up Noah's story to see how long he has been seizure-free. There was a time that I was consumed with the hours, days, weeks from his last seizure. I never could have imagined years later I'd be sitting here trying to figure out how long it's been. I haven't forgotten one moment of that hardship and I don't need pictures to take me back there. I am a different person because of it, but I am not still stuck there. I could never allow that to define me. I've taken pieces of it and unlike trinkets or souvenirs, I've not set it on a shelf to reflect on once in a while. To wallow in self pity. It's no longer something I feel I can use as my crutch. Because I walk better without it.

What we went through, what we continue to go through, is very much real. Is very much life. And I've allowed it to nurture the person I've become, or really, am becoming.

The edge I stand on is never the same day to day. Where yesterday I felt like I was about to fall, and what was below seemed scary and unknown, today I see the excitement for the jump. For what lies unexpectedly ahead. With or without pictures.

The Sling Stash

It's time to share your stash or favorite carriers! An awesome benefit to having several different kinds of slings is that I've really found what works best for me and it's also nice to loan them out to friends...

Pictured below is what I currently have on hand here at home:

top: one of the first Nest slings ever, my first sling- a ring sling from KimzKreations, Peanut Shell pouch, Sprout Pouch.

middle: Gypsy Mama Bali Baby Stretch Wrap, Sleepy Wrap, MetroMamma Wrap, Baby Bisou carrier

front: Podonbutai & Free Hand Baby mei tai.

One sling I must have for baby is a mesh water ring sling. I have given both of mine away and must get one for the new baby! I used it almost daily in the shower when Gray was a baby!

If you are to own only one sling, I always say you need a ring sling. It's such a great carrier for newborn to toddler. Perfect for quick trips and nursing. I'm really excited to try out my wraps for the new baby. I've always thought they were more for the smaller baby stages, and it will be fun to become a pro at wrapping. Pouches- you either love them or hate them! I started out not a huge fan of the pouch but when I found the right fit- it makes all the difference! Mine are both not adjustable, but if you can swing it, I've been a fan of Rockin' Baby's adjustable pouch! Another carrier that quickly became my favorite is my mei tai. I love traditional carriers. My Free Hand is a traditional mei tai and the Baby Bisou has the appearance of a traditional carrier but has buckles- great for anyone that might not like all the straps and tying. I still use my mei tai and it probably gets as much use as the ring sling with my babies. I have found it to be the perfect way to have them nurse and nap when we're pretty much anywhere! It is also my favorite for a good back carry. The Podonbutai is a three-in-one carrier that my friend Jenn created at All Natural Mommies (she's since sold her store) but this carrier is innovative and comfy! I prefer to use it like a podaegi, but you can also wear it as a mei tai or onbuhimo.

So, what don't I have? I still wouldn't mind to try a silk sling maybe from Oopa or one of the expensive but glorious P-slings. And it might be neat to have another podaegi.

Where to get them? The Internet is a wonderful place to shop for carriers! But some local boutiques sell slings and it's great if you can try them out before you buy. Or check out a Mom's group or La Leche League near you and hopefully you'll find some attachment-minded parents to share their sling collection with you. If you are tight on cash but really want to get a new carrier, I got my Free Hand Baby mei tai through a Mama Swap online- and you should also check out the For Sale Or Trade forum on TheBabywearer.com for any and every type of baby carrier!

Now show me yours! I'd love to see your sling stash or favorite carriers. If you post about this, please link your post only (not your main blog page) in the Linky below. And be sure to link back here so others can share as well!

Also check out the Babywearing Bloggers Blogroll if you haven't already!

Lounging Poolside

Who needs a fancy pool when we've got the nice tiny plastic kind? Later I'm filling this puppy up with some foot soaky salts. That's what I'm talking about. Living the high life. Purple toenails and all.

beach belly

Baby Belly 23 weeks

My Cankles Are Barking

So it seems there's just been too many goings on for me lately. I'm kinda exhausted and after my neighbor exclaimed that my ankles looked really swollen yesterday and I was all- no, they're just fat cankles- I thought well maybe I should sit down for a bit and take a rest. But that's not so easy for a mom of three with one on the way. And even though I had totally planned on clearing off my plate a bit it seems I've only added more to it.

Yesterday I was on the go every moment it seems or I was trying to get things done around the house or I was trying to referee my three kids and whoever else's kids were in my garage or I was making a mad rush to the grocery store for celery (must. have. celery. I'm even eating it right now at seven in the morning.)

No wonder when I finally run off by myself to another commitment in the evening, I lock my keys in my car at the gas station. Kick me while I'm down- I dropped $4.19 a gallon and find out, oh yeah, you can't leave, too.

So, I call hubby to come unlock me and laugh at the mess I am, only to see that another blogger who happens to be in town also happens to be there at the gas station to witness the mess that I am. So of course we took a picture. Yay for blogger gas station meetups!


And so my cankles are glaring at me, reminding me. I need to just sit down already.

Adventures In Babywearing While Pregnant

Yes, she's still doing it.

While it's rare for me to wear Gray anymore, I still find the occasional occasion that merits it necessary. Out shopping downtown the other day, even an itty bitty stroller wouldn't work in & out of the small shops I had to go to. And I wasn't even going to consider just letting Gray walk and hold his hand. Too many things to touch and see and, uh, he'd have to let me hold his hand. So I dug through my pile of slings and carriers for my mei tai (figured I better do a back carry) and we were on our way. I'd say that within 35 seconds of getting him on my back, he was asleep. The magic of babywearing. I can't explain it, but it is mine and Gray's "thing" and I love it.

And while I was digging through my carriers I thought I better get around to writing about all my slings, so how about this Tuesday, if you'd like to play along, we'll post pictures of all our slings or our favorite ones and I'll have a linky up so you can link here, too. I get lots of emails about which carrier is best for a baby, a big baby, a toddler, and so forth. I have my favorites, but I'd love to hear your suggestions as well. So take some babywearing pics and spread the love! In the photo above I am 5 months pregnant even though at that angle it doesn't really look like much belly is there. But trust me. It's there.

To Vlog Or Not To Vlog

At the Mommy Monologues session the other day (which, by the way I do plan on writing about in more detail soon), video blogging was brought up. If that is where the future of blogging ends up going, will I go there, too? That's tough for me, because most of my blogging is done pre-shower, pre-makeup, and uh, I'm not very presentable. And does anyone like how they sound on video? Is she plugging her nose on purpose? No, that's just the way she talks! Ew. And then no one would watch me again. Or maybe it would be this huge phenomenon like a train wreck and who wants that? Oh, maybe you do.

So, I'm thinking about experimenting with it a little more here & there. So for a little taste of the real life at my house, you can watch this little clip I uploaded to newbaby.com of what just-before-bedtime looks (and sounds) like at my house. Then maybe you'll understand why I look and sound the way I do when you finally see me in action someday.

The Pink And The Purple, It Is Invading

Today the hugest package arrived on my doorstep and inside was pink, pink, and more pink clothes for my little baby! All sent by the generosity of a blogger and Twitterer that I don't even know. But she's awesome and that I think you should know. Thank you, My Chicken And Cheese!


So, for those of you that know me and are wondering just how I'm handling the pink and the purple and the bows and such... I think I'll be ok. I'm still not so sure about bows- much to my Mother's dismay I had them remove the large bow from the back of my wedding gown- but I can deal with the pink. And when it's my little girl inside that pink, I know I'm going to love it even more. But bows, um, let me think on that.


Follow me on Twitter here.

Rent-A-Belly?

I'm excited as all get out (I don't know what all get out is but I'm still that much excited) to attend BlogHer this year in San Francisco. I'm hoping for a completely sponsored trip meaning I don't have to pay a thing for my flight, hotel, and conference fees. So far I have about a third of it covered. Yesterday I joked with Jory & Sue from BlogHer that I could rent my belly. Paint it with a logo? Wear a shirt advertising across my huge expanse? Rub-on tattoo?

Target would be fitting, but do they- the place most of us call our second home or Calgon-esque escape- really need to market themselves to a bunch of women bloggers? Here's photographic examples of the belly. By July it will be two months larger than it is now. So we've got a lot of space to work with here. Ideas, anyone?

I'm Mommy Monologued Out

Oh gosh. Today I think I talked more than I have in the past few weeks combined. Ask me about blogging and I'll talk your ear off. Ask me about how to market to a Mom and oh yeah I'll tell you what I think. And I also love to hear what other bloggers have to say about that, too.

So, it was a good morning to be sitting on a panel of respected Mom Bloggers such as Arianne of To Think Is To Create, Ashlee of Mama's Nest & Mama Speaks, Jaymi of The Flip Flop Mamma, Amy of Mums The Wurd & Ladybug and Her Blogging Mama, Julie of Mothergoosemouse and Parent Bloggers Network, Jory of BlogHer and Pause, Emily of The Motherhood, and Kim of Traveling Mom. All in huge thanks to Maria Bailey.

I promise to share more about what we discussed. I'm just so wiped from all the matte latte and shopping (new shoes) and handkerchief ravioli and chocolate and talking and walking and getting my heel caught in the sidewalk not just once (huge grate) but twice (sidewalk crack.) Both times required assistance pulling out said heel. This was a big factor in the new shoe purchase. Yeah. Mmm hmm. That's my excuse.

They're Probably Really Tiny Christian Louboutins

Last night was a fabulous meal at Marche with Maria, Sara, Amy, Emily, & some other non-blogging new friends Holly, Lauren, & Bridget. This morning I am off to the big blogger Mommy Monologues panel bright and early. Thanks to my awesome friendforever Jen, I had a great place to stay. I'll be taking her to lunch today! I love the city life!

Here's a bit of the text messaging going on between hubby & I while I've been away:

he: Noah just asked if the baby was naked in your belly or if she had clothes on.

me: Ha! I'm sure she's at least wearing really cute shoes, if she's MY daughter!

The Kid In Me

Every night before bed the boys want to hear stories about when I was a little girl. It fascinates them that once I was little like them, and that little version of me is much more interesting than the big me. Carter specifically appreciates these tales the most and will even ask other adults if they have children, and if they tell them stories of when they were a little girl or boy.

I have the happiest memories of playing at McDonald's playgrounds (they used to be outdoors!) and walking to school through the woods by our house. Composing stories on my musty typewriter in my bedroom. Decorating my Barbie Dreamhouse and dancing to Wham! and Neil Diamond in front of my Mom's big dresser mirror.

I am still filled up every day with more happiness, this time of my own children's memories, often wondering just what they'll cherish as good times and someday whisper to their sons or daughters as they tuck them into bed.

There may be a silver hair or two, laugh lines and tired eyes on the outside, but there will always be a kid in me.


5 Minutes For Mom wants you to share about the Kid In You. Enter the photo contest here.

grand

I've been tagged by Ali Blogger to list ten weird or random facts or habits about myself. I've done quite a few of these before, so I'm just going to list random things that pertain to my life in the past week.

1. This is my one thousandth post. 1000.

2. We have a name for our baby girl, but we won't share it until we introduce her to the world. I'll tell you that it won't be Gretchen Noelle or Megan Helene. Those were previous girl names we had chosen when pregnant with Noah & Gray. When pregnant with Carter we didn't have a girl name at all.

3. I like to change my hair. A lot. Long or short, red, brown, blonde. Yesterday I was at the salon for several hours trying to put a purple streak in my now darker hair. It wouldn't take. So I ended up with something kinda blondish pinkish caramel. We plan on trying again. I'd like the streak to be the color of my toenails.

4. Thanks to Twitter I got a tweet last night from Amy that My Chicken And Cheese was giving away girl stuff. Now I have girl stuff coming my way!

5. Inquiring minds want to know that the dress is made by Halabaloo.

6. I'm really really starting to look forward to BlogHer. I'll be big and pregnant, but I'll be there!

7. I dreamed the other night that I gave birth in a river while standing on a rock. She nursed immediately. She also had lots of hair in pigtails and a mouth full of teeth. It was kinda freaky.

8. I've been doing a prenatal workout and have found that yoga is a really subtle way to get your butt kicked. It's trickery, I tell you!

9. One of my posts from the Chicago Moms Blog was syndicated last week and was in the Miami Herald, The News & Observer, Bellevillle News Democrat, Centre Daily Times, Charlotte Observer, and The Island Packet.

10. Yesterday I spent several minutes searching for my favorite earrings. I knew hubby had seen me take them off the night before, so I called him to find out if he knew where they went. He was out to breakfast with the boys, getting ready to go hiking in the woods. They heard him talking about the earrings and each pulled one from their pockets. They thought they could use them for fishing in the river...

I tag:
Miche
Dirkey
not just any jen
Seeryus Mama
pinkmommy

Paint The Day Purple

As Moms sometimes we must ask ourselves not if our sassy shoes, new Gap long & lean maternity jeans, and purple toenails look good. The real question is- can they take on a sick toddler? And that answer today, my friends, is yes. Yes they can.

Notes From The Underbelly

This Is Not My Soliloquy

When I first started blogging, I didn't realize that there was really anyone else out there like me, and I never would have thought they'd read what I had to say. I was talking to myself and that was quite alright. Suddenly what I was doing had a title- Mommy Blogger- and I found out my little corner of the Internet was actually in a really really big neighborhood. A community actually. One that continues to grow and water itself and grow some more. And I love being a part of it. I love that I'm not talking to myself anymore (at least online...)

So I'm a Mommy Blogger and I write about Mommy stuff and life stuff and how much I love my kids and never want them to leave my side and then the next day how I can't wait to get away from them. All the blogs I read, the people that leave comments here, and my readers- you are all my entourage. I take you with me wherever I go. What a resource to have in any time of need. I can reach out and have an answer in an instant- right at my finger tips. Who needs Google anymore when you've got a Mommy Blogger on your side? We know people. We know lots of people. We're a strong army of knowledge and wit and emotion and power.

We don't have to hang out in real life to care about each other, cry on virtual shoulders, and lift each other up or make each other laugh. From the truly heartfelt and thoughtful gifts like dresses to the congratulatory flowers delivered to my doorstep yesterday from my blogging friend MJ. I feel the love. And it rocks. You rock.

So next week I get to have another little get away. A night out in the big windy city and an opportunity to share my voice as a Mommy Blogger. Maria Bailey from BSM, one of my favorite people, is bringing some companies and bloggers together to help set the record straight at something she's calling Mommy Monologues. How do we want our voice to be heard? How do we want to be approached about product reviews and as a brand?

And do you want to be approached at all? We're a target market. Maybe one of the biggest. Because when someone in my online entourage says something, I listen. And that has more power than any magazine or commercial you're going to fast forward during The Offic