Counting Down to Baby Cinco

We are 39 days out from Baby Cinco's due date (that's what we are calling the baby, for lack of a better cutesy in utero baby name, since this will be our fifth baby).  When we were expecting Chaucer, I had the idea of making a paper chain to help the kids visualize the number of days left and as a fun way to mark the days until the newest addition to our family.  The five days remaining on Chaucer's chain have been lovingly pasted into his baby book.

I thought it would be fun to do again.  I printed the dates (only for the last 40 days, and the chain is still ridiculously long) and my girls colored each link.  Every day one of the children can tear off a date and we can watch the chain dwindle as we inch (second by second it seems at this point) closer to meeting our baby.

In addition to making the chain, I've organized my home birth supplies into baskets.  Have I mentioned I'm having a home birth?  Chaucer was born at home and so will Baby Cinco.  It's the right decision for our family and that's all I'm going to say about it for today.  My midwife may (and probably will and that's okay) rearrange my stash, but for now, here's my collection of stuff for my birth.  Well...almost all of it.  My birth tub isn't in the picture.  [Note to me:  Inflate that thing to make sure it still holds air before going into labor!]

Pregnancy Checklist - Printable, Downloadable, and FREE!

I thought I would post a sample page of the Pregnancy Checklist I made just so you can see what you will be downloading.  This is the Week 34 page:

So... that's a sampling of what you get if you download the 8.5 x 11 version.  The 5.5 x 8.5 is similar...just smaller.  Remember, it's mine - you can print and use it, but don't copy it, link it without credit, or pawn it off as your own.  Thanks!

Pregnancy Checklist - Printable, Downloadabe, and FREE!

A few months prior to my current pregnancy (I'm 33 weeks now), I was pregnant for a few weeks but miscarried.  As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I started researching checklists.  I LOVE a good list!  Unfortunately, I couldn't find one that I really wanted.  I didn't want something to tell me, medically or developmentally, what was going on in my pregnancy - I have plenty of books that do that.  I just wanted something that would help me keep track of taking vitamins, weighing myself, taking weekly photos.  Nothing fit the bill.  So, me being me, I made one.  Sadly, I didn't get to use it during that pregnancy, but I have been using it during my current pregnancy.

I've decided to make my checklist public so I'm putting my Pregnancy Checklist here - for FREE!!! - for any expectant mom to download and print.  There are two options available:

• the 8 X 11 version
• the  5.5 X 8 version (prints 2 pages on 8X11 which can then be cut in two)

Again, this is my work and, while I don't mind you printing and using it, I do seriously mind if you pawn it off as your own.  Please don't abuse the privilege!  Thanks.

EVICTION NOTICE

This was posted on one of my pregnancy message boards I frequent. It's cute, funny - and hitting close to home at this point! :)



Dear Baby Boy/Girl:

I love you dearly, but it's time to go. I no longer want to be your mobile home. I understand that the lease agreement covered 40 weeks, but there have been some issues that have not been resolved.

First, there has been structural damage done to the exterior siding of your home, and I'm sure there will be some inside as well once you vacate and we are able to inspect the property.

Second, since you moved in, there have been constant plumbing problems, to include frequent leaks and sewage back ups.

The neighbors tell me that your midnight parties keep them up, and sometimes they notice strange sounds and foul odors around your home. I also understand that you have been kicking and hitting some of the furniture that was provided to you at no extra cost.

There is a hearing scheduled with the judge on Tuesday to determine when the enforcement of this eviction will occur. I strongly urge you to vacate the property voluntarily BEFORE the official eviction date, otherwise the authorities WILL come in and remove you by force.

Thank you for understanding!

Love,

Mommy

iPhone, Baby

Well, I'm 37 weeks today... that means FULL TERM!!! Woo-hoo!

With the thought in mind that I might go into labor sometime in the near future, I decided to check out iPhone apps I might be able to use now, during labor, and once the baby comes.

Counting Baby Kicks
Not that this has really been an issue for me (since this baby is the most active one I've experienced during pregnancy), I did find a baby kick counter app. The Pregnancy Kick Counter by Ethan Productions is a FREE app and very easy to use. Essentially, once loaded to your phone, you touch the screen (on the touch button provided) and for one hour, timer provided, you count the number of kicks. Each time you feel a kick, you touch the screen and a number appears in the silhouette pregnant belly of the pink woman on your phone's screen. If you reach 11 kicks in an hour, a message stating "Your baby has reached the amount of movements required within an hour."

What to Expect
Another FREE app, What to Expect (based on the widely known pregnancy book by the same name) provides countdown, gestational age, and baby size (compared to various fruits - my baby is the size of a watermelon this week) based on your estimated due date. By clicking on the Week by Week option, you can get information about your body and your baby for the week of your pregnancy. The Photo Booth option allows for storage of your pregnant body progression in pictures.

Contraction Timers
I downloaded three contraction timing apps. The first two, Labor and Contraction Timer by Michael Kale and Stage 1 by Arboretum Software, are both FREE. Both help time the duration of and period between labor contractions and both are easy to use. However, for $0.99 I purchased Contraction Master. Not only can you easily start the timer (by simply pressing the "Start" on your screen) and stop the timer (again, a simple touch of your phone screen), but the program will tell you the duration and the frequency of your contractions. The program also keeps a History of your contractions which you can then email from your phone. I'm DEFINITELY looking forward to utilizing this app (sooner rather than later, I hope).

Breastfeeding
Breastfeed is another FREE app I put on my phone. This app provides breastfeeding information including Early Breastfeeding Management from birth to 48 hours and 48 hours to 2 weeks. There is also a menu for Breastfeeding Information including Medications and Frequently Asked Questions (topics include pumping, latch difficulty, supplements, weight loss, and more). Many of the topics provide internet links instead of information within the program, but it's a handy iPhone reference tool, nonetheless.

My FAVORITE App
Total Baby by Andesigns is the best app I've found for baby management - and I haven't even had the chance to use all of the fabulous features... yet. Total Baby will keep up with information for up to 6 (I believe) children. I've already added info for Casey, Will, and Tricky - as much information as I could remember/find. For each child entered, you will get their age (including years, months, and days) and time until their next birthday. You can also enter milestones - milestones you select and once selected, along with the date the milestone occurred, it will give you a list and how old the child was when the milestone was reached. Doctor visits, growth, vaccines, and allergy information can also be input for each child. And from the main screen of the program, you can easily scroll through to select a child. Oh! Adding a picture of each child is also a feature!

The features I haven't yet explored are the Diapers, Feedings, Baths, and Sleeping timers. In the first few weeks, I am very meticulous to track diapers and feedings. I want to make sure my baby is eating often enough and is creating enough output to let me know that the feedings are going well. [One minor drawback to breastfeeding is that you don't know exactly how many ounces baby is getting each feeding, but tracking wet and dirty diapers helps to know if baby is getting enough to eat.]

The Diapers feature allows you to track wet and "BM" diapers. For wet diapers, it will record the date and time; you can also input a description and note whether the diaper leaked. For dirty or (as the program calls them) BM diapers, not only can you note the same information as wet diapers, but you can also tell what kind of dirty was made - whether it be firm, meconium, seedy, soft, etc. and you can also choose a color (gross, but sometimes necessary). The main screen of the Diapers feature will hold a history of diapers changed.

The Feedings feature allows you to time the length of the feeding, detail whether you used the left or right breast, choose the type of hold used (clutch, cradle, cross, lying down, or saddle holds), and type notes for the particular feeding. From the main screen of the Feedings feature, a history will be kept of the feedings.

Sleeping and Bathing can also be tracked in similar fashion.

For $4.99, I purchased Total Baby - A LOT cheaper than the Itzbeen timer I've been eyeing (retail $20-$25) and Total Baby provides so many more features, with information I can store for much longer!


I hope this list and review has been helpful! And, one day, I hope to review Sympto, a FREE iPhone app to track sympto-thermal or Natural Family Planning methods of birth control.

A Most Exclusive School

I was just commenting on another blog about a home school being exclusive. Really, just think about it... there are private schools out there that are in such demand that the second the parents get a positive pregnancy test result, they're signing up on the waiting list!

Well, I guess Gratia Plena Academia is pretty exclusive, too - as are most home schools. Although, mine isn't as exclusive as it was a few years ago. As of right now, I have 3 students and one on the waiting list!

[Guess I'd better go ahead and make a onesie sporting our homeschool's logo.]

Nesting in Overdrive!

I've almost accomplished everything on my pre-baby TO DO LIST. One of those things was wrapping Christmas presents (I actually have a pile of birthday presents I'll wrap tonight, with any luck). Although, we won't put our tree up for a while, the presents are done.

I also had my husband keep the kids occupied over the weekend while I cleared out several bags full of old, broken, not used toys.

I've cleaned out closets, vacuumed every nook and cranny in the house, dusted things I haven't dusted in a while (like ceiling fan blades). I've rearranged the china cabinet, the cleaning supplies cabinet, and the under sink cabinets.

I spent two hours over the weekend cleaning up in the basement.

I still need to go through the pantry and the medicine cabinet and throw out the expired goods.

Why? Baby won't need food, china, or the basement for a while... I'm cleaning up my nest for the newest hatchling. We're getting close!

Weekly Report for Our Week Ending 11/23/09

Wow! I've really neglecting my blog lately... it's been 3 weeks since I last posted! Between work, homeschooling, cleaning at home (read: MAJOR NESTING going on), parties, and other activities, blogging hasn't been a priority. (I'm sorry little blog.) At least I'm here right now!

We have been schooling as much as possible, given the upcoming holidays and the time we'll take off from school once the baby is here. Casey is FLYING through Saxon Math 2 - it seems as though the lessons are dotted with a lot of review, so some days we double up on lessons. Today, we'll be baking a pound cake - part math, part home economics, and part stocking up on food to freeze so we can eat (and I don't have to cook) once the baby comes.

For science, the kids are learning about dinosaurs. I thought it would be a nice, short unit to cover - and we'll get to go on a field trip or two to Fernbank! I love Fernbank! Today, we discussed meat-eating versus plant-eating dinosaurs. Even Tricky can spot a plant eater in a crowd of ravenous carnivorous dinos!

Will's reading is coming along nicely. Instead of going straight through 100 Easy Lessons, I've also tried to interject some Bob Books. He doesn't get as frustrated with this process as Casey did, thank goodness! However, Will doesn't enjoy writing or coloring or drawing. On occasion he'll draw a picture - recently, he drew one of my with the baby in my tummy. I cried - his artistic expression, at least as far as drawing pictures goes, is so rare, it usually brings tears; this picture was especially sweet.

So, that's a bit about school... On other fronts...

The baby has been trying to push its way out - via my left side. OUCH! Everything is coming along - including my stockpiling of home birth supplies. Tomorrow marks 5 weeks until my due date. Just think.... we'll be a family of 6 in a month!

I can hardly believe that Thanksgiving will be this Thursday! I decided to keep it easy this year and order our food from Honey Baked Ham. Did you know they have sides and desserts - things other than just turkeys and hams? I'm so excited! And given what I'll spend at HBH, I probably would have spent the same amount of money on food and ingredients for cooking at home PLUS a lot more time and energy (and this girl is getting tired early and often these days)!

I hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Oh! And don't forget Black Friday - one of my favorite days of the year! [And, yes, I'll be out there with the rest of the deal-seekers before dawn on Friday!!!]

Our (Homemade) Countdown...

When homeschooling, anything can present itself as an opportunity for teaching... including the expected arrival of a baby.

The children have learned quite a bit - about fetal development, the birth process, baby care, etc. They are also eagerly awaiting the birth of their sibling (although they won't be at home when it happens). I've been getting a number of questions as to exactly when the baby will make his or her grand appearance. So, to help fan the fires of anticipation, the children and I made a paper chain to count down the days until the due date... complete with holidays and birthdays of our family included.


Just before bed each night, we'll rip off the day's date until the baby comes or (oh, please, no) we run out!

Two months from today...

Our newest family member is due. I've always gone early with the other kids, so I'm hoping for an early arrival this time as well. So, just think... in (possibly) less than 2 months, I'll have a family of 6! (Does that mean we will be automatically charged an 18% gratuity on the rare occasions we go out to eat? Hmmm.)

We're all VERY excited! Especially Tricky! She's constantly talking about "her baby," asking if she can kiss the baby (via my tummy), wanting to know if she can put the pants on the baby once baby is here. She loves to tell people that the baby will be named Princess Leia if a girl and Luke Skywalker of a boy (yes, my almost 3 year old is a HUGE Star Wars fan).

Dates and plans are falling into place... for the children's birthday parties, for holiday celebrations, and even baby showers. This woman who has NEVER had a baby shower will have 2 this time - and I'm so excited!

I've even compiled, ordered, and received most of my home birth supplies. My midwife has a kit which I purchased from In His Hands. I purchased my birthing tub from Your Water Birth (I've linked directly to the tub I purchased). [Note to self: Richard and I need to inflate the tub within the next couple of days to make sure it isn't defective!]

"What other supplies might I need?" you may ask. Cookie sheet, heating pad, flashlight, crock pot, olive oil, birthing ball, tennis balls, pool noodle, 2 sets of sheets, zip lock bags, chapstick, snacks, paper towels, Gatorade, etc. Quite an interesting assortment of things, in my opinion.

So...two more months and, fortunately, my planning and organizing skills are starting to kick into auto-pilot. Good thing since I've forgotten more than my fair share of things in the past few weeks.

Baby Names...

So, can you guess what names we're considering for our baby? (If you know, you'd better not post! And I know who knows!)

Hint: They are saints!

The boy name (both first and middle) Saint who lived 12th century England. Here's another hint:


Edited to add one more hint on the boy name: Think...Canterbury Tales!

The girl name (first name) is from a Saint who lived in 5th and 6th century France.
Edited to add one more hint: Her prayers spared Paris an attack by Attila and the Huns.
Here's another hint:

The Light at the End of the Tunnel?

We've made it to the last trimester - the slow, sleepless trimester filled with so many things to accomplish! I'm getting there.

Before baby arrives, I've got to:
* Host 3 kids' birthday parties - yes, all of my children were born in November or December
* Launder the gender-neutral baby clothes, blankets, car seat covers - along with a few select items which are gender-specific
* Finish ordering and gathering my birth supplies - I've placed one order, but I need my birthing tub and must add some household items such as olive oil, crock pot, and cookie sheet (I'm I baking or birthing?)
* Tag clothes for an upcoming consignment sale - a task I loathe, but will be happy I did if I have a good payout!

And the BIG task - getting the house spotless for baby! The need to clean has been coming and going (depending on how tired and/or motivated I am), but I know the burst of energy to thrust me into major cleaning mode is on its way.

I've also decided that I might actually try to (do what those fabulous expectant super-moms do and) cook and freeze several meals for my family before baby's arrival. It's a thought, a dream, a goal... I hope it will become a reality.

Yes, things to do and only 12 (or so) weeks to go!

Seeing Baby #4

We drove a little over an hour away from our home to catch a glimpse of our newest family member! Richard, the kids and I met my parents at the 3D ultrasound facility.

After filling out some paperwork, then having my belly squirted with gel, we caught our first glimpses of our little one. Baby had its hand (and later, its feet) close to its face most of the time, but we were able to get some good shots. We're a bit disappointed with the video - it's not as clear as the pictures - but the pictures are great!

Best of all, we told the tech we didn't want to know the gender and... the tech didn't let us down. Baby's secret is still SAFE!

I can't stop staring at the pictures!!! What a thrilling experience!

Awakenings...

It's 3:45 a.m. and I'm awake. I'm happy I'm awake, in a sense. If I weren't blessed with this pregnancy, in all likelihood, I would be asleep; so, please don't take this post as a complaint, but merely a chronicle of an experience I want to share.

I'm not sleeping because...
...of the pain in my side,
...the frequent during-the-night restroom treks,
...the cramp in my leg,
...the three-point turn around I go through to shift from one side to the other when I'm uncomfortable,
...the baby shifting around - I suppose baby gets uncomfortable, too,
...I can't get the pillows "just right"

But I also think of the good things about being awake...
...blogging and Facebook when few I know are also online (actually, it's kind of lonely)
...knowing that in a few months I'll be awake during the night feeding my little one and this is just the warm up,
...hearing the voice of my little boy talking in his sleep (sweet),
...peeking in on my children and giving them little kisses and watching them wiggle around when I do so,
...balancing my checkbook - wait - maybe not so good!

Half-way!

We're half the way there! 20 weeks today. I so enjoy my pregnancies, but I have noticed that the eventual tiredness that sets in gets earlier with each subsequent baby.

According to my midwife, all seems well so far. The little one is lying sideways (which is fine at this point), the heartbeat is good (148 bpm for all of you old-wives-tale enthusiasts), and I'm well. Staying hydrated is particularly important during pregnancy and has been a bit troublesome for me, so each morning, I'm setting 4 bottles of water aside and trying to consume each by certain points during my day.

The children are excited - especially Tricky. She pokes my belly button and proudly proclaims to anyone who will listen that "Mommy has a baby in zere." And my sweet little boy is pining for a brother. A few nights ago, he was upset because he's the only one who sleeps in his room.

There are things to be done for baby before baby's arrival - but not too much. There are no clothes to buy, no cribs to set up, no registries to begin, and nothing to be borrowed. However, there are names to be found, birth kits and birthing tubs to purchase, and a ton of things to launder. We've got time, though, right? 18-20 more weeks if all goes well. Of course, in those 18-20 weeks I've got to get the kids halfway through their school year, find Halloween costumes, plan birthday parties, and buy Christmas presents. Hmmm.... 18-20 weeks doesn't sound so far away after all!

A Letter to My Wardrobe

Dear Beloved Clothes:

I put you away last night. It will be a while before I see your beautiful colors and fabrics again. You will have a long, lonely summer, fall, and winter (and maybe spring) down in the basement, but I'll pull you out as soon as I possibly can - believe me.

That said, I must tell you my fear. Please don't worry, but there is a chance I may not be able to wear some of you again. It's happened before (three times before), so I feel it's only fair to warn you. I'm sure many of you will come back, but some of you may not. Either your waist line (and mine) just won't give as much as before or you may become a victim of the Fashion Police. Either way, if you don't make it back to the closet, know that you were once loved and I'll try to find you a good home.

Until then, I'll be basking in the comfort of below-the-belly waist bands, somewhat tent-like blouses, and flowing dresses.

Hopefully, I'll see you next year, regular clothes!

Love,
~Angela.

Well, kid, we made it this far!

Second trimester, baby! We've come this far... just 28 (or maybe one or two less if you're kind to your little mommy) more weeks to go. I've already started feeling you twist, shake and spin. You must be having a blast in there!

Your brother and sisters are very excited about meeting you - wanting to know if you're a boy or a girl - but I keep reminding them that you're our Christmas present and we're not having a peek! I don't want to ruin this surprise.