Mike and I are in the process of trying to figure out the best child care option for our little love, Delainey Grace. We have considered several options like standard day care, in home day care and even a nanny. In the end, its all expensive - but we need to figure out what makes the most sense for Delainey, and our family.
So we spent the morning thinking and researching important questions we need to ask any child care provider.
We have a few options - We have reserved a space in the Covenant School ( a Rio Rancho Day Care facility) which is a very nice place so that should my first choice of a "nanny" not pan out - we at least have a back up.
I have the names of three people that friends have recommended that have past experience as in home child care providers or a nanny. I have spoken to two out of the three of them, and they seem very nice. I have to email them the long list of questions we have put together so that each potential candidate can take some time and answer these questions to give us a better look at their experience and mind set.
In all of this - I can totally see why some people make the choice to not work and stay home with their child(ren) as it is both expensive and taxing. You are looking for someone to care for your child....the most important thing in your life. Crazy! I mean I struggle to trust people with my dogs - and now I am trying to find someone I trust enough to watch our precious little gift...
However, at this point in time...Mike and I both need/want to work - so that is just not an option.
It's also times like this that I wish we lived closer to family...I know at least one grandparent (Nina) that would happily watch Miss Delainey every day and love every second of it. While I would not want to put that kind of burden on either of our parents - I know it is something they would enjoy and celebrate...and something we would totally be grateful for!
Oh well - as is life - we have to play the hands we are dealt...so back to the research!
3.06.2011
3.05.2011
so that is what they are there for...
During our weekly trip to Wal-Mart, Mike and I enjoyed spending time together while gathering the essentials to get us through another week.
When we were done, we headed to the check out line and started to put all of the items in our cart up on the belt (I am not sure what they are really called)
About this time, I felt this overwhelming sense of tiredness. I looked at my husband and said the words I feel I am going to have to say often in the coming months...Babe, I am tired, I have to go sit down. So I waddle over to the bench just to the left of the check out lane, and take a seat. I have never been glad there are benches in Wal-Mart. Up until that point in time, I had really only seen people over the age of 75 utilizing these benches, but let me tell you - I put that bad boy to excellent use!
I am not tired like I was during my first trimester - but I get tired very easily and have to stop often to take a rest. And I get out of breath so much quicker than I used to - its like, I promise I am not out of shape, just pregnant!
Oh the joys!
When we were done, we headed to the check out line and started to put all of the items in our cart up on the belt (I am not sure what they are really called)
About this time, I felt this overwhelming sense of tiredness. I looked at my husband and said the words I feel I am going to have to say often in the coming months...Babe, I am tired, I have to go sit down. So I waddle over to the bench just to the left of the check out lane, and take a seat. I have never been glad there are benches in Wal-Mart. Up until that point in time, I had really only seen people over the age of 75 utilizing these benches, but let me tell you - I put that bad boy to excellent use!
I am not tired like I was during my first trimester - but I get tired very easily and have to stop often to take a rest. And I get out of breath so much quicker than I used to - its like, I promise I am not out of shape, just pregnant!
Oh the joys!
3.04.2011
I will have a nice tall cold...
So tonight is one of the first times in a very long time, I have really wanted or missed being able to indulge in a few adult beverages.
Back in the day, PDC*, after a long day and an even longer week in which people are truly testing me at every turn, my resolve would have been to come home, crack open an ice cold bottle of beer or wine and enjoy the calmness or relaxation that usually comes with that first sip...call it actual science (I know alcohol is a depressant) or all in my head but I know for me, that was something I looked forward to.
Tonight however, when I got home, after a crappy day and a stressful conversation with my husband (I won't go into details) I found that my mind was drifting to the days when I could close out a crappy day like today with a few adult beverages; I even texted Mike to let him know that I would kill for a big glass of wine right now. But alas - I stand firm on my decision to not drink this entire pregnancy - I know there have been countless studies and anecdotal evidence that it is ok to have a few sips or even a glass of wine when you are pregnant - but in my mind, I could not live with myself if something happened to Delainey and it was in any way at all related to the fact that I couldn't make it 10 months without a drink. So we can cross that option off the list...what's next?
Ultimately, I need to find a way to curb my annoyance levels and calm down - after all, stress is not good for me or Delainey.
My mind went into overdrive to figure out ways that I could cope...
So I poured myself a nice tall glass of orange Gatorade, plugged in my laptop and got to work penning this particular blog post. And look at that - I have all but let go of the stress and frustration that was building up inside me a short 20 minutes ago.
I hope you have been able to reap as much stress relief from reading this as I have gained in writing it. And if not - just remember it's Friday which means that for most of us, work and the "real world" are two days away from reality.
and if neither of these options seem to do the trick...you could just crack open an ice cold beer or bottle of wine, toast to me and drink away the stress for both of us!
* PDC - Pre-Delainey Conception or prior to October 2011 when Mike and I found out we were pregnant
Back in the day, PDC*, after a long day and an even longer week in which people are truly testing me at every turn, my resolve would have been to come home, crack open an ice cold bottle of beer or wine and enjoy the calmness or relaxation that usually comes with that first sip...call it actual science (I know alcohol is a depressant) or all in my head but I know for me, that was something I looked forward to.
Tonight however, when I got home, after a crappy day and a stressful conversation with my husband (I won't go into details) I found that my mind was drifting to the days when I could close out a crappy day like today with a few adult beverages; I even texted Mike to let him know that I would kill for a big glass of wine right now. But alas - I stand firm on my decision to not drink this entire pregnancy - I know there have been countless studies and anecdotal evidence that it is ok to have a few sips or even a glass of wine when you are pregnant - but in my mind, I could not live with myself if something happened to Delainey and it was in any way at all related to the fact that I couldn't make it 10 months without a drink. So we can cross that option off the list...what's next?
Ultimately, I need to find a way to curb my annoyance levels and calm down - after all, stress is not good for me or Delainey.
My mind went into overdrive to figure out ways that I could cope...
- working out - yes I should have done that today, but I am just now starting to feel better after this cold rocked me for the last week, so I opted to not workout this week to ensure I moved back into the healthy range of the spectrum and not exhaust myself - which we all know I am capable of - at the gym on top of working a full day. Back at it tomorrow though!
- pet my dogs - they help don't get me wrong - but then I look around and see the CLUMPS of dog hair all over my floor, pants, shirt and furniture and find that this is also a source of my stress...sort of a double edged sword.
- clean - yes, this helps me to de-stress - thank you rissy (because before Freshman year of college - these words would never have been uttered from my lips let alone committed to "paper" - but I am finding that it is getting harder and harder to do some things like vacuum - even with a pimp Dyson ball vacuum - I could feel the pushing and pulling of the vacuum and at times the strain on my midsection - so I finished up the rug, Delainey's room and the hall way and called it "done."
- Writing - yes this is very therapeutic. This blog may be one of the things that helps me maintain my sanity and composure during these "trying" times.
So I poured myself a nice tall glass of orange Gatorade, plugged in my laptop and got to work penning this particular blog post. And look at that - I have all but let go of the stress and frustration that was building up inside me a short 20 minutes ago.
I hope you have been able to reap as much stress relief from reading this as I have gained in writing it. And if not - just remember it's Friday which means that for most of us, work and the "real world" are two days away from reality.
and if neither of these options seem to do the trick...you could just crack open an ice cold beer or bottle of wine, toast to me and drink away the stress for both of us!
* PDC - Pre-Delainey Conception or prior to October 2011 when Mike and I found out we were pregnant
Evening Walks
For the first time in a very long time (probably since before I got knocked up) Mike and I were able to take the dogs for a nice long walk after work yesterday.
Maybe it was the beautiful weather - thank you ABQ for 70+ degrees and sun! Or maybe it was the fact that it is finally starting to stay light longer ( I don't leave the house when its dark and get home when it's dark) or maybe it was because I had meetings on the west side of town which meant I got home a lot quicker yesterday - but whatever the reason...it was wonderful!
It felt so good to walk and get my body moving - and know that in the process we were also getting the dogs the exercise they need. I love watching them on walks - they both have such individual personalities and truly march to the beat of their own drum...
Pudgy looks so funny in her harness - it sort of squeezes her pudge on the sides. And she waddles because her legs are so short. But she has to be in front of London - no matter what it takes. And it is inevitable - she always poops just far enough away from the house so that I can't run it back to the trash, but still so early on in walk that I have to carry it for the next 30-40 minutes.
And London is just happy as a clam (not sure how happy a clam is but he sure loves it) He just walks next to Mike as proud as can be - but also has to stop and pee on EVERYTHING - bush, wall, bush, mail box, bush, wall, rocks, plant, - you would think he would run out after a while - but he is very good as conserving and only using what he needs at every stop. He will not poop away from his backyard though - which I find amusing.
So the two of them trot along, Pudgy just ahead of London on the walk, but near the end, she starts to get tired and stops really caring if she is in the lead - Look, she has little legs and it takes a lot of effort to move them.
What a truly wonderful evening walk - it made me think and very much look forward to these walks come July and August - only we will have one more in tow...however, I am pretty sure that it will be firmly established who the pack leader is of that group.
Cheers to a wonderful Friday guys!
Maybe it was the beautiful weather - thank you ABQ for 70+ degrees and sun! Or maybe it was the fact that it is finally starting to stay light longer ( I don't leave the house when its dark and get home when it's dark) or maybe it was because I had meetings on the west side of town which meant I got home a lot quicker yesterday - but whatever the reason...it was wonderful!
It felt so good to walk and get my body moving - and know that in the process we were also getting the dogs the exercise they need. I love watching them on walks - they both have such individual personalities and truly march to the beat of their own drum...
Pudgy looks so funny in her harness - it sort of squeezes her pudge on the sides. And she waddles because her legs are so short. But she has to be in front of London - no matter what it takes. And it is inevitable - she always poops just far enough away from the house so that I can't run it back to the trash, but still so early on in walk that I have to carry it for the next 30-40 minutes.
And London is just happy as a clam (not sure how happy a clam is but he sure loves it) He just walks next to Mike as proud as can be - but also has to stop and pee on EVERYTHING - bush, wall, bush, mail box, bush, wall, rocks, plant, - you would think he would run out after a while - but he is very good as conserving and only using what he needs at every stop. He will not poop away from his backyard though - which I find amusing.
So the two of them trot along, Pudgy just ahead of London on the walk, but near the end, she starts to get tired and stops really caring if she is in the lead - Look, she has little legs and it takes a lot of effort to move them.
What a truly wonderful evening walk - it made me think and very much look forward to these walks come July and August - only we will have one more in tow...however, I am pretty sure that it will be firmly established who the pack leader is of that group.
Cheers to a wonderful Friday guys!
3.03.2011
Delainey's First Package
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| stock photo of the Fisher Price Zen Collection Bassinet |
This past Friday (sorry I am just now getting around to posting this - this cold kicked my butt) Miss Delainey received her first package in the mail from her Grandpa and his family!
They sent the beautiful bassinet that she will call her bed for the first few weeks/months of her life.
We are so touched that you guys sent such a wonderful and generous gift! I know Delainey will put it to very good use!
A very big thank you to my dad, Christine, Patrick and Christopher for their kind words and generous surprise!
Love you guys!
22 weeks (and one day)
So yesterday, Delainey and I hit the 22 week mark in her development which means that she can start "defying the averages" and grow at her own pace now.
Everything I have read indicates that around this time, babies tend to start doing their own thing in terms of development - which is kind of cool and scary at the same time.
Delaney is (on average) about the size of a Papaya, is any where from 10.5 - 11.8" in length and weighs between 12.7 and 20 oz...for those of us that can't say math was our favorite subject...that means that our little diva could weigh as much as 1.25 lbs right now. She is sleeping 12-14 hours a day (In case there was any doubt that she was Mike's daughter) and can actually hear and sense my mood changes - so I am doing my best to be as even as possible - although Mike may have a different opinion on that.
My belly keeps growing and let me tell you - it itches! My belly button looks about ready to pop out - and it is getting harder to get comfortable when I am laying in bed. My legs feel the constant need to move - and no matter which way I position myself, I can't seem to stay comfortable. Really - 4 more months of this!
Both Mike and I are starting to get back to normal - whatever that means - and attempting to play catch up from being sick and out of work or totally useless after work for the last few days.
It has been absolutely beautiful in ABQ these past two days...it was over 70 yesterday and should reach about the same temperature today. The weather is one thing I can't complain about in this city! I am so excited for sprint and summer - I am tired of having to layer, wear sweaters, coats and long pants and am SO READY to be able to wear sun dresses and sandals for the last few months of this pregnancy.
Still no kicks from Miss Delainey - but from conversations that I have had with my friend Renee - who had the same "issue" with the placenta - she started feeling Embry kick around week 23/24 - so hopefully next week I will be able to feel something - I am not sure I have wanted to feel something more in my life...just to know she is in there and busy and active!
Happy Thursday Guys! Hope today is special.
Everything I have read indicates that around this time, babies tend to start doing their own thing in terms of development - which is kind of cool and scary at the same time.
Delaney is (on average) about the size of a Papaya, is any where from 10.5 - 11.8" in length and weighs between 12.7 and 20 oz...for those of us that can't say math was our favorite subject...that means that our little diva could weigh as much as 1.25 lbs right now. She is sleeping 12-14 hours a day (In case there was any doubt that she was Mike's daughter) and can actually hear and sense my mood changes - so I am doing my best to be as even as possible - although Mike may have a different opinion on that.
My belly keeps growing and let me tell you - it itches! My belly button looks about ready to pop out - and it is getting harder to get comfortable when I am laying in bed. My legs feel the constant need to move - and no matter which way I position myself, I can't seem to stay comfortable. Really - 4 more months of this!
Both Mike and I are starting to get back to normal - whatever that means - and attempting to play catch up from being sick and out of work or totally useless after work for the last few days.
It has been absolutely beautiful in ABQ these past two days...it was over 70 yesterday and should reach about the same temperature today. The weather is one thing I can't complain about in this city! I am so excited for sprint and summer - I am tired of having to layer, wear sweaters, coats and long pants and am SO READY to be able to wear sun dresses and sandals for the last few months of this pregnancy.
Still no kicks from Miss Delainey - but from conversations that I have had with my friend Renee - who had the same "issue" with the placenta - she started feeling Embry kick around week 23/24 - so hopefully next week I will be able to feel something - I am not sure I have wanted to feel something more in my life...just to know she is in there and busy and active!
Happy Thursday Guys! Hope today is special.
3.01.2011
Did You Know...
So in complete desperation, I called OB Triage this morning to see if there was anything that I could take to help calm the symptoms of this cold that seems to be hanging on for dear life. I asked if they thought I needed to go to Urgent Care or if they didn't recommend that. I also asked if there was anything I could do.
So here is my DID YOU KNOW information for today.
1. They do not recommend pregnant women going to urgent care facilities. When I asked why, my OB nurse for various reasons like inexperience with pregnancy, need to get people in and out without always paying attention to detail, and exposure to all of the other sick people. They recommended that I either come into OB Triage or I attempt to make a same day appointment with my midwife.
2. You can take more than extra strength Tylenol. While you can't take much more - and there are a lot of people on the fence about just what else it is that you can take, at least there is hope. The OB nurse said that I could take Robitussin and a decongestant - the nurse said Acetaminophen. But when Mike went to the Walgreen's pharmacy to ask what they would recommend, the pharmacist said that she didn't recommend taking anything but Robitussin and Tylenol. Well at least I can take something other than just Tylenol to help ease my symptoms.
3. The netty pot is the best thing you can use for any sinus issues. While it feels gross and weird - it really does help when you can't do anything else to really help your symptoms.
So I have taken my first dose of Wal-Tussin (gotta love generic) and I am snuggled on the couch trying to get better.
I will let you know how it plays out.
So here is my DID YOU KNOW information for today.
1. They do not recommend pregnant women going to urgent care facilities. When I asked why, my OB nurse for various reasons like inexperience with pregnancy, need to get people in and out without always paying attention to detail, and exposure to all of the other sick people. They recommended that I either come into OB Triage or I attempt to make a same day appointment with my midwife.
2. You can take more than extra strength Tylenol. While you can't take much more - and there are a lot of people on the fence about just what else it is that you can take, at least there is hope. The OB nurse said that I could take Robitussin and a decongestant - the nurse said Acetaminophen. But when Mike went to the Walgreen's pharmacy to ask what they would recommend, the pharmacist said that she didn't recommend taking anything but Robitussin and Tylenol. Well at least I can take something other than just Tylenol to help ease my symptoms.
3. The netty pot is the best thing you can use for any sinus issues. While it feels gross and weird - it really does help when you can't do anything else to really help your symptoms.
So I have taken my first dose of Wal-Tussin (gotta love generic) and I am snuggled on the couch trying to get better.
I will let you know how it plays out.
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