Hey everybody,
So I just got back from WIC and I have to say I love government programs. I love the fact that there are resources for mothers. I have a boyfriend with a great job that he works hard at but, after taxes, you divide his paycheck in half because of child support. It makes is difficult to provide for me and my baby too. I love that there are food stamps and WIC that will help us with food. I love there are places like public health that will bring me diapers and help with prenatal vitamins. I love that there is medicaid to help with insurance. I think my baby wouldn't even have a shot if it wasn't for these programs. I like that they're convenient and easy to get into. I don't think anyone should be embarrassed to take advantage of these programs, do what's best for your baby. The next time I see them is when I give birth and I love little reminders like that to know it's right around the corner. I take nothing for granted when it comes to time anymore, because I'm in my "where the hell is this kid" stage and just ready for his to come out. Now that I have to go to the doctor every 2 weeks, WIC after the baby is born, my baby shower next month and all the other little reminders, it's helping me realize how soon it is and also making me more and more anxious to see my little boy.
I was watching The Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo (my newest obsession), and this morning was the episode when she had baby Skyler. I watched and had every emotion from jealousy (where's my baby already) to pure anxiousness (I can't wait to choose his outfit either)! My baby is my world and he isn't even in this world yet. I can't wait until he's here. Are you anxious to see your baby yet? What brings it out of you? Talk to you soon!
~Brianna J~
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Paperwork and (Dis)Appointments
Hey All,
So I've had to fill out and file more paperwork in these past 8 months than I have in probably all my years of high school combined. I've been to more appointments in these past 8 months than I have probably my whole senior year (granted I probably went 12 times). Being pregnant is all about organization and "better safe than sorry", yet a VERY important fetal echo-cardiogram for my son, has been lost. I've had numerous conversations with my doctors office in reference to the place where I had the echo done because that place had no record of my visit. This is a little disconcerning because it's pediatrics cardiology unit in a major hospital, they deal with children's lives and they lost my ultrasound. But I believe on my end, I've been doing pretty well keeping all my paperwork together. I have a folder for his ultrasound pictures until we have a baby book, a space for coupons and % off papers for when I shop, an area for all my baby magazines with info I want to keep and of course a space where all paid bills go for reference. We're setting up a nursery. We're painting and spackling and organizing and putting together and decorating and I can keep all of my things in their designated areas with the other designated papers of their kinds. So to me this is pretty disappointing. I'll keep you posted!!
~Brianna J~
So I've had to fill out and file more paperwork in these past 8 months than I have in probably all my years of high school combined. I've been to more appointments in these past 8 months than I have probably my whole senior year (granted I probably went 12 times). Being pregnant is all about organization and "better safe than sorry", yet a VERY important fetal echo-cardiogram for my son, has been lost. I've had numerous conversations with my doctors office in reference to the place where I had the echo done because that place had no record of my visit. This is a little disconcerning because it's pediatrics cardiology unit in a major hospital, they deal with children's lives and they lost my ultrasound. But I believe on my end, I've been doing pretty well keeping all my paperwork together. I have a folder for his ultrasound pictures until we have a baby book, a space for coupons and % off papers for when I shop, an area for all my baby magazines with info I want to keep and of course a space where all paid bills go for reference. We're setting up a nursery. We're painting and spackling and organizing and putting together and decorating and I can keep all of my things in their designated areas with the other designated papers of their kinds. So to me this is pretty disappointing. I'll keep you posted!!
~Brianna J~
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Shopping
Hey Everybody,
After every shopping trip, my pocket/hubby's wallet is significantly lighter. We went shopping at the mall after my boyfriend got out of work yesterday and bought so many new things. This includes a new coat, something we've been looking for as we are not big on snowsuits. We found a cute one and are starting to look for the baby's going home outfit. A baby is expensive not because they have to be, but because we make them. After all, how the hell did pilgrims survive without the new bouncer or baby Jordans that will match his daddy's. I read article upon article about how to buy what is necessary only for the baby. Then I sat down and made my registry. There are currently over a 100 items in one and over 50 in the other. Baby items are cute and the clothes will of course make them look adorable and the bouncer will be perfect when you need to make dinner. You read the reviews and know that the swing will be amazing for a fussy baby and wonder how in the world anyone will go without that. I like to think of myself as old school, my great-grandfather used to say I'm an old soul. Every once in a while I stop myself and think about whether I need a certain item and what people used to do without said item and what I can do to survive without it too. It's hard though! When you see an activity gym that matches perfectly, or a toy they can't even touch for 6 months but you just think it's so precious, you're not going to stop yourself. At this stage of pregnancy for me where not finding a ride to the mall (I don't drive while pregnant) that day could turn into my Armageddon, my man isn't exactly quick to deny me baby items either.
It's also so hard to find the perfect item for your baby by price and rating and reviews, that when you find something perfect for your family, you snatch it up before it's gone. Especially as a new mother, with a working boyfriend and an empty home, it's hard not to get carried away by reviews and ratings when you're just "window shopping" online. There is no one around all day to ask about whether an item is necessary or safe or age appropriate. So when you get online and see something cute, you click on it to "just see what it is" and there is a 4 star rating and reviews by mothers who "don't know how they got along without it" and suddenly you deem it necessary. In a world where people depend on barney and bassinets to raise their child, how do you know when you've stopped being a mother, and started being a shop-a-holic?
So here's the story: as a new mom I'm never going to know what my baby needs or will want or love or hate or never want to leave behind, I can only guess. It will be easier the second time around but for now, I know I'll over do it, I know I'll buy to much and spend to much and I know I'm going to end up with at least a few things he'll never even touch or like. That's a risk I think we're all willing to take because we want more for them then we had, even if we had A LOT!! Babies will be spoiled, but read up, you can't "spoil" a baby, it's just not possible. I say follow you're heart but glance at the price tag and think practically whether you'll be getting the most for your money. You're bound to make a mistake or 2 along the way, buy something he doesn't need or forget to get that new thing that's out that will make your life so much easier. Trial and error is big and all we can do is our best. Until next time.
~Brianna J~
After every shopping trip, my pocket/hubby's wallet is significantly lighter. We went shopping at the mall after my boyfriend got out of work yesterday and bought so many new things. This includes a new coat, something we've been looking for as we are not big on snowsuits. We found a cute one and are starting to look for the baby's going home outfit. A baby is expensive not because they have to be, but because we make them. After all, how the hell did pilgrims survive without the new bouncer or baby Jordans that will match his daddy's. I read article upon article about how to buy what is necessary only for the baby. Then I sat down and made my registry. There are currently over a 100 items in one and over 50 in the other. Baby items are cute and the clothes will of course make them look adorable and the bouncer will be perfect when you need to make dinner. You read the reviews and know that the swing will be amazing for a fussy baby and wonder how in the world anyone will go without that. I like to think of myself as old school, my great-grandfather used to say I'm an old soul. Every once in a while I stop myself and think about whether I need a certain item and what people used to do without said item and what I can do to survive without it too. It's hard though! When you see an activity gym that matches perfectly, or a toy they can't even touch for 6 months but you just think it's so precious, you're not going to stop yourself. At this stage of pregnancy for me where not finding a ride to the mall (I don't drive while pregnant) that day could turn into my Armageddon, my man isn't exactly quick to deny me baby items either.
It's also so hard to find the perfect item for your baby by price and rating and reviews, that when you find something perfect for your family, you snatch it up before it's gone. Especially as a new mother, with a working boyfriend and an empty home, it's hard not to get carried away by reviews and ratings when you're just "window shopping" online. There is no one around all day to ask about whether an item is necessary or safe or age appropriate. So when you get online and see something cute, you click on it to "just see what it is" and there is a 4 star rating and reviews by mothers who "don't know how they got along without it" and suddenly you deem it necessary. In a world where people depend on barney and bassinets to raise their child, how do you know when you've stopped being a mother, and started being a shop-a-holic?
So here's the story: as a new mom I'm never going to know what my baby needs or will want or love or hate or never want to leave behind, I can only guess. It will be easier the second time around but for now, I know I'll over do it, I know I'll buy to much and spend to much and I know I'm going to end up with at least a few things he'll never even touch or like. That's a risk I think we're all willing to take because we want more for them then we had, even if we had A LOT!! Babies will be spoiled, but read up, you can't "spoil" a baby, it's just not possible. I say follow you're heart but glance at the price tag and think practically whether you'll be getting the most for your money. You're bound to make a mistake or 2 along the way, buy something he doesn't need or forget to get that new thing that's out that will make your life so much easier. Trial and error is big and all we can do is our best. Until next time.
~Brianna J~
Monday, October 17, 2011
31 Weeks Today
Hi Everyone,
Today marks 31 weeks pregnant (or 1 week away from 8 months), which brings a lot of new symptoms and things to add to the to do list. We have 1 bedroom...not a 1 bedroom...1 bedroom. We're getting together a nursery that we could also live in and have it look okay when we have company, all the while my boyfriend is working, so this makes it a lot harder. In 5 days we've taken down WALLPAPER?!?!?!?!?!? (<<worst invention ever) that was painted over, spackled the wall and painted the trim. We're now going to start priming today and painting. It seemed so much easier when we layed out the to do list, then when we actually executed this master plan. Everyday this list seems to get bigger and bigger and I can't help but feel like the theory of a baby seems so much easier than the actual executed plan. Our baby was not planned but was definitely a welcomed surprise, while we weren't in the best financial situation, we did the deed and a baby was the result.
But nursery preparations are a small price to pay for the good things. Transitioning into a mother means grinning and bearing even the aches and pains because you know their worth it in the end, so, it almost seems like I love going through these things because I know my body's reacting to my little bundle of joy. My baby boy is getting a lot bigger and stronger, which means he often leans on the make mommy have to pee button. My body is not used to the extra belly weight, so swelling of the feet and ankles and achy back are becoming part of the territory. The worrisome part of the brain that activates as soon as the pee stick dries is more prominent then ever, everything from painting to not thinking I'm big enough (I'M HUMONGOUS) requires a call to the doctor or my boyfriend or a jog downstairs to my mother. A million questions is a game I've started playing daily. Pregnancy brain and hormonal rage are 2 other key issues. In 2 days I've cried or raged out over the following: soap in the dogs bowl that had to be cleaned, moving my laundry from the washer to the drier, back pains from lying on my back (I'm the one who put myself in that position), a short blanket, wallpaper and many others that my pregnancy brain will not allow me to remember at this moment.
The bottom line is this, this is going to be a wild and crazy ride but it's something I've never been more ready for in my entire life. I already love my baby boy more than anything I've ever loved in my life and he's not even born yet, I've already wanted to change my life for the better over something that exists only in the world that extends the length of my belly. A baby is a big change in life, especially mine, but a change that I welcome with open arms and wouldn't try to get out of for the world!
~Brianna J~
Today marks 31 weeks pregnant (or 1 week away from 8 months), which brings a lot of new symptoms and things to add to the to do list. We have 1 bedroom...not a 1 bedroom...1 bedroom. We're getting together a nursery that we could also live in and have it look okay when we have company, all the while my boyfriend is working, so this makes it a lot harder. In 5 days we've taken down WALLPAPER?!?!?!?!?!? (<<worst invention ever) that was painted over, spackled the wall and painted the trim. We're now going to start priming today and painting. It seemed so much easier when we layed out the to do list, then when we actually executed this master plan. Everyday this list seems to get bigger and bigger and I can't help but feel like the theory of a baby seems so much easier than the actual executed plan. Our baby was not planned but was definitely a welcomed surprise, while we weren't in the best financial situation, we did the deed and a baby was the result.
But nursery preparations are a small price to pay for the good things. Transitioning into a mother means grinning and bearing even the aches and pains because you know their worth it in the end, so, it almost seems like I love going through these things because I know my body's reacting to my little bundle of joy. My baby boy is getting a lot bigger and stronger, which means he often leans on the make mommy have to pee button. My body is not used to the extra belly weight, so swelling of the feet and ankles and achy back are becoming part of the territory. The worrisome part of the brain that activates as soon as the pee stick dries is more prominent then ever, everything from painting to not thinking I'm big enough (I'M HUMONGOUS) requires a call to the doctor or my boyfriend or a jog downstairs to my mother. A million questions is a game I've started playing daily. Pregnancy brain and hormonal rage are 2 other key issues. In 2 days I've cried or raged out over the following: soap in the dogs bowl that had to be cleaned, moving my laundry from the washer to the drier, back pains from lying on my back (I'm the one who put myself in that position), a short blanket, wallpaper and many others that my pregnancy brain will not allow me to remember at this moment.
The bottom line is this, this is going to be a wild and crazy ride but it's something I've never been more ready for in my entire life. I already love my baby boy more than anything I've ever loved in my life and he's not even born yet, I've already wanted to change my life for the better over something that exists only in the world that extends the length of my belly. A baby is a big change in life, especially mine, but a change that I welcome with open arms and wouldn't try to get out of for the world!
~Brianna J~
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Where I'm at...My Intro
Hey Everyone,
My name is Brianna and I'm due on December 19th. It's my first baby, but not my boyfriend's, which is a gift at times and a curse. We also live with my mother and grandparents which means lots of advice, whether we want it or not. It seems like now is the hard part but I know it's not, no matter how much there is to do. You never realize how much goes into a baby until you become pregnant. There are clothes, toys and diapers to buy, a room to paint and redecorate, a birthing plan to create, a hospital to tour at (we just did ours yesterday) and preregister at and a parenting style to develop. Not to mention the shelves and shelves of baby books that every single store sells. I always wanted a baby young and wanted to be the relaxed chill kind of mom. Now I have a new found respect for my mother and discipline. It's hard to even try to develop a parenting style with 2 people, especially when one of them has one, let alone prepare to execute it. This blog is going to be a place for me as a new mother to distinguish my style, give my own product reviews and hear yours, talk about my annoyances and troubles, establish my victories and slink here with my tail between my legs to talk about my losses (I'm not big on losing or admitting my wrong) and so on. A baby isn't an easy task, after all it is a human being. Bare with me, as I hope my baby will, and enjoy the ride.
~Brianna J~
My name is Brianna and I'm due on December 19th. It's my first baby, but not my boyfriend's, which is a gift at times and a curse. We also live with my mother and grandparents which means lots of advice, whether we want it or not. It seems like now is the hard part but I know it's not, no matter how much there is to do. You never realize how much goes into a baby until you become pregnant. There are clothes, toys and diapers to buy, a room to paint and redecorate, a birthing plan to create, a hospital to tour at (we just did ours yesterday) and preregister at and a parenting style to develop. Not to mention the shelves and shelves of baby books that every single store sells. I always wanted a baby young and wanted to be the relaxed chill kind of mom. Now I have a new found respect for my mother and discipline. It's hard to even try to develop a parenting style with 2 people, especially when one of them has one, let alone prepare to execute it. This blog is going to be a place for me as a new mother to distinguish my style, give my own product reviews and hear yours, talk about my annoyances and troubles, establish my victories and slink here with my tail between my legs to talk about my losses (I'm not big on losing or admitting my wrong) and so on. A baby isn't an easy task, after all it is a human being. Bare with me, as I hope my baby will, and enjoy the ride.
~Brianna J~
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