Mama on a mission

Lately, I have had this INCREDIBLE urge to buy things for the baby. Unfortunately, I'm pretty limited on what I can buy because:
1. We don't know what we're having
2. We have no idea when the baby will be home from the NICU (or how big he/she will be)

Well, I ordered some things I really like today. I fell in love with some neutral sleep gowns, blankets, and burp cloths. (Who knew burp cloths could be so cute?!)

The things I'm MOST excited about are:

Sophie the Giraffe- I've seen this teether/toy everywhere, and think it's simply adorable. And it's all natural!


Best Bottom Diapers- There are TONS of reasons why I decided to try out this cloth diaper brand. They're an all-in-two, consisting of a double layer waterproof shell and sized snap-in inserts. The wipeable shells can be reused for several diaper changes, and since this isn't a pocket diaper, there's no stuffing- simply snap in a new insert, and voila! This diaper gets INCREDIBLY small, and I am confident that it would actually fit a newborn, unlike many other one-size diapers. It's not bulky and the double gussets are supposed to do a fantastic job containing even the biggest messes. In addition, they're made in the USA and each diaper is individually inspected before being sold. I've read nothing but rave reviews about these diapers.

What's in a name?

I'm having the hardest time deciding on baby names.
Naming a child is such a big responsibility. A name is forever!
And of course, it seems like almost every name that I like either has an annoying association (Maisey the Mouse, Elsie the Cow, Marley the Dog, Noah's Ark, etc) OR an absolutely ridiculous meaning. I once considered the name Avery, which I think is really pretty, but I nearly died when I read the meaning: Elf Ruler. Really?!
Please note: My name is Jessica, which was the number ONE name the year I was born. I absolutely hated having four other Jessica's in my kindergarden class, so I've ALWAYS said I wouldn't pick a popular name for my child. I'm in LOVE with the name Noah, but it's dangerously close to being the #1 name for 2010. GULP! I don't even know why I still have it on my list, to be honest.
So, here's my name list. NONE of these middle names are set in stone- so if you have other suggestions (particularly for Oliver and Reid), please share!

My personal favorites right now are Maisey and Oliver. I'm really starting to like Reid, too.

I am going to freeze to death this winter.

Or at least, I was.
I've been living in athletic shorts, maternity shorts, and maternity tank tops all summer long. Now that's fine and dandy, except that I live in Northern Michigan- before we know it, we will be buried under four feet of snow, and we won't be able to see the ground again until April or May.
The weather here is just bizarre. The last two days it was in the 90s and sunny- and today it's cloudy, rainy, and cold. So as I stared out the window at the decidedly ominous sky, shivering, I came to the following (startling!) realization: "If I don't buy some new clothes, I am going to freeze to death this winter."
I normally don't like shopping for clothes online, because I like to try things on. But I forced myself to do it. After some wondering about what sizes to buy, and why so many pregnant women dress like my grandmother, success!!
I made some purchases I am happy with- mostly because they are really no different than what I would normally wear all winter long- leggings, tunics, and long sweaters, mostly. Except they just so happened to be maternity.
Honestly, I felt a little guilty. I would much rather be buying things for the baby than for me. {I did a little of that, too} But... I suppose I can't just run around naked all winter long, now can I?
Most of my purchases were at Motherhood and Old Navy Maternity
Where do/did you find most of your maternity clothes??


#83! You guys rock my world. :)

22 weeks!

"At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. If you could see inside your womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair (lanugo) that covers his body and the deep wrinkles on his skin, which he'll sport until he adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Inside his belly, his pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily."

How far along? 22 weeks
Baby’s Size: A spaghetti squash- and almost a pound!!
Total Weight Gain: I honestly have no idea, I haven't weighed myself lately.
Maternity Clothes: Yep! And sundresses. I've been DYING in this 90-degree heat lately!
Gender: Team pink, perhaps?
Movement: This little one is a moving machine! The kicks are getting much stronger now, too.
Sleep: Horrible. Simply horrible. I've been SO HOT and haven't been able to stay in one position for more than a couple minutes at a time. In fact, the only way I've been comfy is on my back- and I can't sleep that way! Darn.
Symptoms: My ankles have been swollen and sore all week.
Best Moments this week: My husband sent me flowers and a teddy bear (for Peanut) earlier this week. :) Such a thoughtful man.
Food Aversions: Who are we kidding? I'll eat almost anything these days.
Food Cravings: EVERYTHING.
What I miss: Not having to try on everything in my closet before finding something suitable for church. My wardrobe is now so limited- and I really need to buy some nice maternity shirts or dresses or SOMETHING. I've been living in athletic shorts and tank tops lately, and, well, that just doesn't cut it for church.
What I am Looking forward to: I have another ultrasound next week! I can't wait to see Peanut again.
Milestones: Ummm... I bought a dresser for the nursery? :)

I'm dreaming of...

I'm dreaming of... fluffy butts!
My husband and I agreed to use cloth diapers before we even started actively trying to get pregnant. Once I showed him several different kinds and explained all the pros and cons, he quickly agreed. I was pleasantly surprised, because I had expected a little more of a fight.
Well, I was a little worried whether or not we'd be able to cloth diaper right away, since I'm staying with family until Aaron comes home. And today, my dad and stepmom gave me the go ahead to use cloth diapers! Woo hoo!
The bright, fun new Fuzzibunz colors have been swirling in my head lately....

We're #98 now... you guys rock!

Friday: Your three words

It's Friday again. Already?!
My week summed up in three words: "Playing in Nature"- I went camping this week. Sunshine, wildflowers, nature, cool water, sand, and plenty of trees- what's not to love?
Random photos of the week:




Yes, I'm well aware of the fact that I look young enough to be on sixteen and pregnant. I swear I haven't aged in the past six years. It's a little frustrating sometimes, but... I won't mind looking 25 when I'm 35!

Love.

"Before you were conceived I wanted you. Before you were born I loved you. Before you were here an hour I would die for you. This is the miracle of life."

Dear Peanut,
You've got to be strong, little one. You know why?
Because I love you. Love can move mountains.
Don't ever let anyone tell you anything different.
Love,
Mommy

bye, bye bumpers

Before I really did any research, I fell in love with a bedding set (which of course, included crib bumpers), registered for it, and called it good. But as I kept hearing more and more people question the safety of crib bumpers, I decided to do a little research. Here's what I found:

- Several organizations reccomend against using crib bumpers, including: the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Health Canada, the National Center for Health and Safety in Child Care, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the First Candle/National SIDS Alliance

Crib bumpers are not reccomended for several reasons, the main ones being:
- Crib bumpers inhibit the circulation of fresh air around the crib, which is a contributing factor to SIDS
- Bumpers that come loose (and the bumper ties) represent an entaglement and strangulation hazard
- A soft, pillow-like bumper can cause suffocation
- Crib bumpers can be used by older babies to help them climb out of the crib (and injure themselves)

Many people choose to use crib bumpers because they believe the crib padding prevents injury. Although they may prevent very MINOR injuries, the risks of using crib bumpers far outweigh the benefits. In fact, studies have concluded that it is nearly impossible for a child to seriously injure themselves on the crib bars.

I know what you're thinking. But everyone uses them! And bedding sets are so cute! I pretty much agree with you- but I just don't think it's worth the risk. Or the waste of money (quality bedding sets are usually between $175-$400!). So I found a better alternative: several companies sell fitted crib sheets, matching blankets and other accessories in adorable patterns and colors.
I especially love Dwell Studio.
Here are my favorites:

Owl Sky- This is the pattern I'll be going with. It fits perfectly with our whole green and brown, nature theme. If we end up having a girl, I'll accessorize with more "girly" items.

Sparrow Lilac- this one is gorgeous too {for a girl}, but the first ones match with our theme better, and I'm starting to think this baby is going to stick to his/her guns and refuse to show us the goods, anyway.

SOURCES:
Crib Bumper Study
Baby Bedding and Crib Bumper Safety
Healthy Children: Safe Crib Practices

Click? :) We're #102 now!

21 weeks!

"Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for hydration and nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies are most interested in tastes they've already experienced through amniotic fluid. Meaning, think about what you want your future child to eat as you prepare your own lunch."

How far along? 21 weeks
Baby’s Size: A banana. This is the first week that baby is measured from head to foot, not head to rump. He/she is now 10.5" long and over half a pound!
Total Weight Gain: 15 pounds.
Maternity Clothes: Absolutely. Although my favorite shorts lately have been some cotton athletic shorts, which are surprisingly NON-maternity.
Gender: Still thinking this little one is a girl. And hoping!
Movement: My favorite part of the day is right before going to bed, because I lay on my back with my eyes closed and a hand on my stomach, just enjoying all the moving Peanut does now.
Sleep: I've been getting up about 2-3 times a night now to go to the bathroom. But hey, that's better than the 4-5 times I was getting up in the first trimester!
Symptoms: Okay, I'm just going to say it. I have diarrhea. BAD. We're talking, one minute I'm fine, the next I'm sprinting to the closest bathroom. Yuck! :(
Best Moments this week: After weeks of searching, I finally found a gastroschisis support group online- both a blog and a facebook page/group. It's great to have support from moms who have already been through it.
Food Aversions: Not much these days. Just the same old, same old.
Food Cravings: CAKE!! My mom made me a lemon cake with vanilla frosting yesterday. I was in HEAVEN!! Thank goodness for mothers! :)
What I miss: My husband. I'm starting to be able to feel Peanut kick from the outside, and I know how badly he wanted to be here for that. Being so far away from him during this pregnancy is really hard. I'm tough; I'll survive- but it's no cake walk.
What I am Looking forward to: Finally being able to let my brothers feel the baby kicking. They've been waiting and waiting- and I think they'll be able to feel it in just a week or two.
Milestones: Nothing too extraordinary. Just another week loving my little Peanut :)

Ladies & Gentleman, we are now #106! SO CLOSE to the top 100! Please vote again today! :)

Movin' on up!

As you may have noticed, we have a new look! Jocelyn did a wonderful job, again! Next time I'm in the mood for a change, I'll definitely send her another request.
I decided to change the blog's name from "Hello Sunshine" to "Here Comes the Sun," but I'm keeping the same blogger account. The new name represents our positive attitude towards the gastroschisis and the long road ahead. There's also a new gastroschisis page up there to check out.
The song that inspired the name change- {because who doesn't need an excuse to listen to the Beatles?}


Thanks to all of our readers, we're getting pretty darn close to being in the top 100 on Top Baby Blogs. I think we can do it!! So please, click the banner below and vote for us again! :) {you can vote once per computer per day}