How Social Media Influenced My Birth Views and How I Changed Them Back

I was literally on the floor bawling when my husband got home from the gym. He may have thought I was crying from the contractions I had been having for the past 22 hours, but I wasn't. I was crying because they stopped, and because I was worried about being induced.

"What are you most worried about?" He asked me. "That it may lead to a c-section?"

I shook my head. "I was just looking forward to waking up in the middle of the night and the excitement of the surprise of it all," I admitted.

He sat silent for a few seconds before comforting me some more. He told me what he'd remember more than the hustle and bustle of getting to the hospital and getting her out, would be seeing her for the first time. And watching me watching her, and falling in love with our little creation.

After gaining some composure we went to the nursery where he said a sweet prayer for me. A prayer which key points I'll remember forever. A prayer that truly calmed my soul, and has made me feel better about--and more excited to meet our daughter than ever before.

Over the past year I've been inundated in a world so many people don't know exists. People know about social media--sure--but not many understand the cliques, the strong opinions and even radical groups that are out there.

I'm a curious woman, and being the journalist I am, I really enjoy learning about different sides of a story. I would say "both sides" but there are more than two sides to almost every story.

When it comes to birth, I grew up only really knowing about one side--The side most all of my friends have experienced--The side I've been comfortable with all my life. That's hospital births, usually with pain medication, sometimes involving inductions or other medical procedures.

Positioning myself as a huge spectacle online has put me in the spotlight and made me fresh meat to any and every mom who has an opinion about anything. Most commonly, or at least most noticeably, I get comments from the "crunchy" type. The moms who feel natural is best, sometimes despite popular beliefs and what anyone else says.

At first I thought some of these people had a few loose screws, but as I've gotten to know them, I've learned more about where they're coming from, and started to learn a different side of things I may have never been open to learning had it not been for their influence online.

Now the difficult part in befriending said-crunchies, sharing with them my pregnancy experiences, listening to their experiences, sympathizing with them, and learning from them, is that I grew to feel an immense amount of pressure. As if they'd taken me under their wing and were watching me like a hawk to see if I'd make the wrong move.

I began to worry about choosing to get an epidural, not because of rare and possible side effects, but because if I did go into the "cascade of interventions" I'd disappoint (or probably prove right) my acquaintances. I was more nervous about disappointing my audience with my birth story, than doing what I really wanted to do, and the added stress was obvious at home.

My husband insists I don't blog my birth story; that I experience it for me, and not worry about sharing the ifs whens and hows to the world.

"Just say we had a baby, The End," he tried to persuade me. "That's all that matters."

"Yes, but women like to talk about and read these things," I pushed back. "It's like our version of war stories we like to share."

"But who needs to know how many doses of pitocin you get, or why you got an epidural? That's just opening the door to let people judge you and make you feel bad."

Basically he's saying I'd be asking for it. True. To an extent. I don't think anyone asks to be critically judged, but putting yourself out there like I have does assume that position. The difference is now I have the confidence to stand behind my decisions no matter what someone else says.

Before starting my blog I never focused on what kind of birth I wanted... Other than the end result to have a baby. I knew c-sections happened, and I never thought they were a big deal. I knew if I needed one, so be it. After developing my blog and its audience, the thought of having a c-section felt like it would equal a failed birth.

Why? Why? WHY?

I don't feel that way deep down. I don't. I know some people do, and that's their challenge they'll have to overcome--Or not, if they don't want to. I had let other people's opinions on what's right and wrong in a situation brainwash me into believing that if it didn't go a certain way, I was cheated. But I shouldn't have let their negative feelings about a birth outcome change my views of what's important to me.

There's a difference between being uneducated--Naive, and differing in opinions with someone. Everyone can find a different study to go along with their viewpoint.

Something I think a lot of people need to suck up and realize is just because someone's opinion differs from yours doesn't mean they haven't done their research, or that they are wrong. It just means after looking at the evidence, you both came to different conclusions. Nothing is wrong with that. Can we please shout that message to the world of moms, the world of women?--Just because we disagree doesn't mean I'm wrong.

A friend of mine who was induced before her due date tells me everything went perfectly well for her, her baby's fine, and "I was having a big baby, nothing is wrong with inducing early."--While the next person tells me I should wait it out as long as possible, "43 weeks or more can be totally fine, the baby won't stay in there forever."

I smile at both of them, knowing I disagree equally. I've read that it's best inductions aren't done before 40 weeks because calculations could be off and you can be risking having your child prematurely. I also have read that staying pregnant longer than 42 weeks can increase the chances of infection, injury during a vaginal birth, and double your chances for needing a cesarean section.

I'm done being everyone's baby doll. I know most have good intentions but it's become information overload.

I enjoy hearing other people's experiences, and learning from them, but the truth is everyone has different experiences, and there's no cookie-cutter solution for everyone. And it all goes a little too far when people start telling you the way your deciding things are wrong, just because it may not have worked for them.

My sweet husband reminds me that he and I are in this together, for our baby. And no one else's opinion on the means of which she gets here matters.

I'M her mother. I know what's best for her and I'm not going to let the next person--be it doctor, blog writer or twitter follower--tell me they know better.

As of now we are considering inducing labor July 3rd. No longer do I feel anxious or disappointed about the possibility, I'm excited about our decision. It may not be what's right for you, but I'm at peace with the choice. I may not have the "OMG this is it!" moment in the middle of the night, but I will get to get dressed up before we go in, and plan around her new due date. I'm finding the positive sides in what some may consider a negative position.

Most of all, I'm so happy to know that I'll finally be meeting my daughter in less than a week. I feel divinely guided in the decisions we're making for our family and whatever happens will be what's meant to happen for us.

Giving My Husband a Break from Cleaning: Maid Service Giveaway

I've always dreamed about how nice it would be if we had a maid. Granted, at times it seems as though my husband fits the description really well (I'm lucky I know) sometimes I'd like to give him a break.

I wanted a deep cleaning of our townhome before Lil' J is born, so we could sit back and relax, knowing all the little nooks and crannys were cleaned and taken care of. I was worried my urge to nest may never kick in... It's just not me, so I thought it would be a good idea to get some help.

BidMyCleaning.com contacted me a while ago about doing a review. And boy have I been excited to give it! I had never hired a cleaners before... Heck, I was a custodian for a little bit in college, so having someone else (besides my husband) clean for me was surely a treat!
If you've ever tried to hire a maid before you'd know it can be a pain. You have to call around and get quotes from people as many companies don't put their prices on the web. Personally, I'd just like to know up front how much I'm paying and not have to call a million different people and give them my information over and over again to find out that it's way out of my price range in the end.

BidMyCleaning makes it SUPER easy to check everyone's prices at one time, and choose the best cleaning lady (or dude or group of people) for you.

I just went on the site, browsed around and decided which type of cleaning I wanted. I decided to go with the most thorough and get the "one time annual cleaning" which gets everything from between the sofas, inside the fridge, cleaning all the windows, you name it.
Then, I plugged in all of my information and opted to use "eco-friendly" cleaners. I figure with a baby coming it doesn't hurt to try to use less-toxic materials in our home.
On the next page BidMyCleaning.com broke it down and showed me different maid services in my area. It compared their prices, services, and ratings. All things that would take me hours to individually find out by looking up, researching and calling each one.
I chose the one which I liked best based on reviews and price... The Picky Maid. I set up the date and time I wanted them to come over all on the same site, there was no switching around to different websites to get this all set up.I completed my transaction, which was a piece of cake, and BidMyCleaning set up the service for us. Sweet! One stop shopping! I got confirmation emails and calls and sure enough they showed up when I was 38 weeks pregnant, ready to make my day!

And they did a great job! The maid service didn't charge me until the job was done, and they guarantee their services 100%, which that satisfaction guarantee made me feel a lot better about choosing them.

I went out that day to get my hair and nails done so I was pleasantly surprised when I came home and everything looked amazing. I just wish I could hire a maid every month (and maybe that I had had them come over closer to my due date)! Everything smelled so good, like lemons, and I wasn't inhaling bleach-smell like I probably would had my husband cleaned the shower.

If you are in the market for a cleaners, you can actually search on their site for routine cleanings too, there are different, lower prices for that, and on other cleanings depending on how deep of a cleaning you want. It's easy to just hit the back button and change things around to get the quote you're looking for.

BidMyCleaning.com is free, so that's also a plus!

Be sure to check out the site! Also you can follow @bidmycleaning on twitter and Like BidMyCleaning on Facebook. They also have a BidMyCleaning blog.

In fact, BidMyCleaning is letting me give away a $100 certificate to their site to use for a cleaning service! My deep cleaning (I chose the most expensive service) was just $150 so we got A LOT for the money!

In order to enter just check out their site and use their search feature to let me know a maid service that's in your area! You can just tell me in the comments. That's all!

You can get an extra entry if you are a blog follower of mine, and/or if you follow BidMyCleaning on Twitter or Facebook AND let them know you heard about them from my blog!

I'll use Random.org to choose a winner July 17th (extended) at 11:59pm
(wow, I'll have a baby then!) Good luck!

*Thanks to BidMyCleaning for letting me try out the service at a discounted rate, and for sponsoring the giveaway. As always, opinions expressed are mine alone.

40+ Weeks Pregnant

Lil' J,

Well well well little one. Still baking are we? I hope you're having fun in there but I also hope you realize you're playing in a studio apartment when you have a whole mansion that's yours out here. Don't worry, mommy will till be here to cuddle with you when you come out. I'm not going anywhere!

I will say I'm SO grateful we made it to 40 weeks. SO many babies are born early and for a little bit I really worried you would be one of them! But nope, we made it! We made it full term and... Well, and then some I guess. According to my calculations on when you were conceived you're a little older than we had guessed. But just a day older, so no big deal! Today you're 40 weeks and 4 days. Believe it or not the last four days actually went by quicker than I expected.

I did get a little sad this week when you weren't born on one of several days which I thought would be your birthday. I cried a lot and felt silly for crying. Especially since I know it's just a guesstament. I just really thought that by now we'd be here together and you'd be keeping me up at night. The positive side is your daddy and I have had more time to spend alone together before we become a family of 3 (actually 4 including Snoop).

I've gone through a lot of mood swings since I hit the 40 week mark... The day I thought you would be born. But I'm SO grateful for your daddy who's helped me through them all. He's really the best, you are going to love him so much!

(photo of my big 40+ week belly coming soon!)

I've been analyzing almost every symptom wondering if it means your coming... Diarrhea (gross I know but I hear it's a symptom) loosing my mucus plug, nausea, your slowing movements, every leak, cramp, and contraction I'm wondering if "THIS IS IT."

Last night I had a lot of contractions. I was actually having consistent contractions for about 22 hours. For a couple of hours they were just a few minutes apart lasting over a minute long. But I knew it wasn't time to go yet because they weren't very strong.

When I woke up this morning I still was having some contractions but they were more spaced out, and eventually they fizzled down to nothing. I was sad because I thought we were about to finally meet you. Your dad packed his bag and I went to bed hoping my water would break or something but nope. Not yet.

I've been thinking and praying about this a lot but I've decided Saturday is a good deadline to give you. We're going to talk it over with our doctor tomorrow but I'm pretty sure that's the day we'll schedule to be induced if you're not here yet. I'm a little sad that I may not get to experience the whole timing contractions and rushing to the hospital, but your daddy keeps reminding me that we'll be so happy once you're here, and not to get too caught up in the process. Because really, it's in Heavenly Father's and your little hands! Ours too, but we've just got to enjoy the ride, no matter how it takes us to you.
It's so exciting now to think that I'll be meeting you regardless in less than a week!! Just 5 days! You'll be over 41 weeks then, but for now, you're probably about 7 1/2 pounds and 20in long, though we're predicting you're a little bigger.

Tomorrow we'll check the fluid levels around you and make sure you're still doing ok in there so I can go another week. I'm so happy now, knowing it's not much longer until you're here!

Get here safely little one!

Love,

Mommy

*****

Learn more about being 40 weeks pregnant from Pregnancy Corner.

PS: Please click this link to cast a vote for me! It only takes a second and it'll make my still-very-pregnant self super happy!

Due What? Spawnie's Eviction Notice

The paper chains are gone. My countdowns hit zero, and there's no crying baby or poopy diapers in our house. They're coming, so I really can't be upset about it. But I still am a little, and I'm mad at myself for being so selfish.

Someone suggested I write a letter to my baby every day after my due date until she comes because they'll be fun for her to look back and read. Normally I write a letter to her every week as I progress in my pregnancy but I decided to give myself an extra day before writing my 40 week letter to save myself from saying something I didn't really mean.

Yesterday was not a good day. I did wake up feeling great. I had lots of energy and I was going to work despite my OB's request that I stop. My blood pressure was higher at my last appointment and my cankles were still huge. She asked when I was planning to stop working, and when I told her after Lil' J was born she said no way.

I figured working could help me keep my mind off things and maybe even help the process along. It was a bad idea.

If you were following me on Twitter yesterday you may have been confused by my mood swings.
The beginning part of the day was ok because there was the possibility of labor striking at any minute. This WAS my due date after all. I got surprised comments about working on my due date from people I interviewed--oh what a trooper I was. As the afternoon went on and I had only noticed a handful of contractions I began to realize I'd have to actually finish work that day. It was something deep down, I didn't see happening--Or I hoped it wouldn't.

The day was long and drawn out after some bad directions and believe it or not a tire blow out. It didn't scare me into labor. Though I wish it had.

We were stranded far away, and I still had one more interview to do. I thought for sure they'd scratch the story. But lucky me, someone else was able to come pick me up, and help me get the last interview, so I could stay late and complete the story two hours after the five o'clock show. Oh the joys of 24 hour news.

It was during these final few hours that I began to loose it. The burning anger from the realization my baby wasn't coming was worse than any of the contractions I was feeling. I wanted to scream at every person who poked their head in wondering if I had "popped yet" and I realized the reasons for my doctor's suggestion not to work anymore went further than my cankles. I think she was thinking about my mental health too.
The straw the broke my back was when the company handling my maternity leave called to confirm that I was no longer working and starting maternity leave. Starting leave now means the 12 weeks clock starts ticking, so if she finally decides to come two weeks from now, that's two less weeks we'll get together... Her fault.

It's my fault really, all of my anger and tears at least. I felt like I'm so ahead of the game but I made the #1 mistake in pregnancy--I invested too much in my due date. Two of my best friends had their first babies early last year so I thought I'd be early too.

I got everything done. EVERYTHING. Nursery set up, bags packed, my nails done, hair done, house cleaning, dog grooming and vaccinations. Now my hair could use another press, my nails are chipped, and I can't keep up with the clutter collecting around my house.

My husband had to pre-request his vacation time for the baby, so he took off starting the 23rd and he goes back the 8th. Unfortunately there wasn't any other way to arrange his time off. So at my last OB appointment when the nurse asked me my opinions on inductions I hesitated a little when I told her I wanted to wait as long as I could so it could happen naturally.

I know my doctor's office doesn't induce you earlier than 41 weeks unless it's medically necessary, so unless we find something wrong with my fluid levels, or my placenta, we're going another week. When my OB came in and checked me, and saw I was about the same as the week before, I wondered what options we had for inducing--In case she didn't arrive by 41 weeks.

July 3rd is the soonest. I'll be 41 weeks + 2 days. But the date wasn't appealing to me because I'd hate for her to have to share a holiday on her birthday. Then she rattled off other dates... The 6th, 8th and 9th. My husband wasn't with me so she asked us to talk it over, and said we could talk about it at our next appointment.

Originally I was thinking the 9th, it would give Lil' J as much time as she needed and I'd be 42 FREAKING weeks. Now, to that I say HAIL NAH, and the 3rd is looking more appealing. At least then my husband would get SOME time with the two of us before going back to work, and I wouldn't have to use a good portion of my maternity leave sitting around, waiting for her, then have to go back to work earlier, meaning less time for getting to know each other. Less time to get use to breastfeeding, less time for everything!

I don't know why it feels like "due date or induction" all of a sudden, but it does. I feel like she's not going to come out unless she has help. I didn't, none of my siblings did. Maybe it's just in my genes. I know inductions SUCK for some people (they worked fine for my mom), and I don't want one for the sake of a "natural birth." But fun thoughts about labor and delivery began to diminish this week. I didn't get pregnant to be pregnant, or so I could have a cool birth story. I got pregnant because I want a child, and because I want to be a mother.

I'm not getting some elective induction at 38 weeks so I can fly to Bermuda next week. I know when I conceived, and I know she's had a lot of time to cook. I'm not "off" on my dates, and 41 weeks + 2 days is more than enough time for her to get her act together. I'm handing her her eviction notice and she has until the 3rd to pack her little booty up and come out.

(Source)

I may still do some walking and raspberry leaf tea drinking to help her along but really, if she's just going to come when she wants then I'm not going to waste too much energy. Her new birth date to me is July 3rd.
I have calmed down a lot. I blame all of my crying on the hormones. But I'm not going to whine or get upset, or cry anymore. Pretty soon I'm going to miss the kicks in my belly, waking up next to my husband when the sun comes up. Doing whatever we want during the day, as has jokingly puts it "enjoying our lives before they're over." Our lives as we now know it at least.

So, I'm resetting the clock. There's one more week of freedom, one more week of quiet. One more week of honeymooning, spoiling our fur baby, and sleeping in.

Lil' J can enjoy her time all scrunched and cramped in my uterus, but in a week, she's coming out.

No Baby

Still no baby. I've been through every emotion today and I'm too tired to put it all down right now. Will update in the morning.

Annoying Things You Hear at the End of Pregnancy

I just have to take a few moments to vent about a few sayings I keep hearing.

When you're trying to conceive the #1 comment you'll hear from people is "just relax and it'll happen." You know people mean well but it's annoying anyway. It's like no matter how many times you say you are relaxing people assume you're just not relaxing enough. I saw a slogan from a TTC veteran I love: "We relaxed, it didn't work."

Just because you vocalize your frustrations with your situation, or perhaps just thinking about it, doesn't mean you don't believe in the concept of relaxing or "letting it happen."

When I bribe or threaten my baby to come out it doesn't mean I don't believe she won't come out when she's ready... I know she will, but that doesn't mean I won't try to make her ready, or that perhaps she is ready. She has a brain, working lungs, a great heart, cute face, adorable nose... I'm sure she doesn't MIND being fashionably late for the sake of putting on a few extra pounds and lots of locks. This is my daughter we're talking about.

Another thing... This whole theory that everyone just HAS to tell me like it's hush-hush I haven't heard before. A guy at work told me today in the elevator. A dozen people told me on twitter. A few others private-messaged me the tip. It's whispered to me like it's in a book of labor inducing secrets that only the privileged get to hear. What's the big hoopla?: Sex to induce labor.

First of all, a horny man must have decided to publicize this idea because how else is he going to be getting action this late in the game other than from a woman so desperate to get the baby out?

Yea yea, prostaglandins, oxitocin, blah blah blah... Can I get some of that in pill form?

Well, I fell for it anyway, and I won't get into it cause lawd knows my grandma probably reads this blog, but let's just day we've seen more action in the last 9 days than in the entire 9 months. ... It didn't work. I'm sure the man who made this up would just tell me to "have more sex." The woman who swears it worked for her would tell me "well your baby has to be ready," and to that I say if that's the case eating a bowl of ice cream when she's finally "ready" will make her come out, why go through all that work?

Finally... People keep telling me to enjoy my sleep. I understand this advice, especially coming from a tired new mom who can't remember what it's like to get eight full hours of sleep. I know I won't be getting much sleep soon, but that doesn't mean I'm going to sleep 15 hours a night instead of my usual 9. This ain't At&T--I can't roll over my extra hours of sleep for when I have the baby, as much as I'd love to, it's not possible.

I compare it to eating at a buffet. You eat as much as you can, and are so full you just can't stand the thought of making one last plate. Even if that means skipping that chocolate cake you were eyeballing earlier. You leave satisfied, and happy about your decision to skip the dessert.

Well, the next day you skip breakfast and are starving by lunch, all you can think about is that piece of cake you passed on, and are wishing you had eaten it-- when in fact, eating it the night before may have caused you to barf.

So I PROMISE you, I am enjoying my sleep, don't you worry. But I did want this baby who will keep me up many a nights, but you know what, I hear it's worth it.

I'm SO ready to meet her. Now if only she were ready...

***

Winner of the Maternitique $50 gift certificate: #2 The Leonard Family. Congrats! I'll email you and you'll have 48 hours to respond!

In Case You're Wondering...

You can find the answer to your question at:
http://haveyouhadthatbabyyet.com

I saw a comment on my last post with a reader thinking/wondering/hoping if I was in labor. I've actually just been hanging out with my grandparents who make a surprise visit to see us! I haven't thought twenty times twice about labor today thank-you-very-much.

I'm feeling some contractions pressure waves (hypnosis people) though so perhaps better luck tomorrow?

I'm too pooped to keep writing but I'll also be posting at Project Pregnancy today.

Thanks KarmaPearl for the link and laughs! :)

TRAPPED!

I feel like a prisoner strapped to a ticking time bomb. I don't know when it will go off but if I leave a certain radius it's sure to set off a trigger and explode--and we'll be screwed.

I've already organized the nursery.
Gotten Snoop's shots, nails trimmed, and fresh bath.
Had the house cleaned (and kept up with it).
Pampered myself with a spa manicure/pedicure.
Got my hair done.
Found a pediatrician.
Packed our hospital bags.

And now I have a sudden urge to do totally irresponsible things that maybe I shouldn't do in my stage of pregnancy:

Walk my dog at 11pm--In the hood.
Pre-purchasing midnight showing of Eclipse tickets, which premiers 5 days past my due date.
Go on a 6 hour trip alone (1.5 hours driving each way and a 3 hour church session in between).
And go on a potentially bumpy boat ride.

I never thought I'd be one of those people itching to have the baby out at the end of a pregnancy. I never understood the difference between a couple of weeks, it's not that much time. And really--This pregnancy has been super easy, and I'm still sleeping well. Yes, sleeping. Which I know I'll be missing soon.

Oh, and I know so many moms are thinking to themselves "enjoy your rest!" I promise I am, I sleep over 8 hours a night only with brief sleepwalking trips to pee. I'm resting A LOT... It's deciding what to do when I'm NOT resting that's driving me nuts.

I've been ready for this baby since I decided to throw out the birth control, I'm just ready to meet her already.

Part of the problem is work. Every day I show up at work at least one person says "You're still pregnant?" No... Actually I just LOOK like I'm still pregnant. I had my baby last week but decided to come back to work. Maybe it SEEMS like I've been pregnant forever, and trust me, I'm ready to be done as much as you're ready to hear I've birthed my baby, but the fact is I haven't even passed my due date.

I have done all of the major things and all that's left are little frou frou things that I can't even get myself to do. If I'm going to be waiting around and want to "relax" and "get my mind off it" then I'd at least like to not feel contained. My OB never told me to stay within a certain time/distance limit of the hospital, however I have a feeling it's a good idea.

I'm doing a story this week with kids on ski boats and if I'm going to report on it I might as well be on the boat! I don't want to stand on the shores burning up just watching! I'm sure it's not DANGEROUS. Though I won't want to be stranded at sea... I'll make sure I can get to shore quickly if need be. There will be ambulance--Convenient in case I need to deliver right there. I'll double check with my OB just to be sure but as long as riding on a boat can't cause brain or shock damage to my unborn child I'll go for it.

One of my readers recently told me she basically set another due date, two weeks after the date her doctor gave her so if the baby arrived before then she'd be happy, and not expecting it before then. Brilliant idea that I wish I had thought of before. But no... I've had June 25th circled, starred, and paper chained to celebrate this special day which she'd arrive on--Or hopefully before. Stupid, stupid me!

I conversed with Dr. Google about due dates with first time moms. According to many sites first time moms average 8 days PAST their due date! How could this be? All of my first time mom friends have gone early! I suppose if 5 out of 10 go late, and 5 friends I know have gone early then I'm bound to be one of the 5 who goes late. No... I can't be one of the less than 5% who has her baby ON her due date because I already know two people like that.

I did also read on one of the sites that women of color tend to go earlier. Who the heck knows why, or if that's even true. That article was written in the 90s.

I can't sit around. It gets SO OLD. And blogging can only entertain me so much. And then when I'm home with my new baby I'll REALLY be at home a lot--Busy with her of course, but talk about cabin fever!

I was talking with a friend at work last week who said she brought her little girl to this thing called "baby day" at a theater in town the last time she was on maternity leave. It's Tuesdays during the day, and the lights are kept up a little so you can feed them and stuff. Plus there's lots of other babies around so no one feels bad for having a crying baby nearby.

I'm not sure if I'll feel up to going out and sitting in a theater with an infant but I'm trying to think of easy outings so I won't go crazy at home. Walks with Snoop... And possibly movies will be the extent of my outings most likely. Granted we are taking trips to see family during my leave too, I guess that'll be enough excitement for a new mom... Which I'm ready to be!

I don't mind waiting for her to make her arrival but I'd at least like to walk on the wild side a little while I wait. Someone stop me from doing something crazy. First, late night strolls in the hood, next stop: Six flags.

Update: I wrote this last night when I was ready to pull my hair out. Youtube has since helped ease my boredom and I've had an epiphany for something more constructive and less destructive I can do while I wait for Lil' J's arrival.--That's to learn this dance before my due date. Wish me luck!

Any other ideas to take my mind off of possibly flying past my due date?

Want to learn the dance with me? I'm using this guy to teach me ;)

And Happy Father's Day to all the dads and Future Daddy's out there!

Antsy at 39 Weeks Pregnant

Dear Lil' J,

Today is the day I dreamed you would be born. I'm not sure why the date stuck out in my mind but about a month ago I dreamed you'd be born June 19th... Juneteenth actually. There's lots of parades and festivals going on today to celebrate the occasion of the ending of slavery which was officially marked June 19th 1865. Next year I hope to dress you up and bring you to the parade, I think you'll like it!

I'm so excited to do things with you. I know I'm probably going to be really tired a lot, and there will be days when we won't leave the house for one second, but I hope to take you out on walks with Snoop, and get some fresh air together from time to time. I don't want to force it or anything but I think the sooner we attempt to do things together the less scared I'll be as time goes on.

It's really hard for me not to wonder when you're coming. I'm trying to think of ways to take my mind off of constantly wondering... I'm thinking of exciting things to look forward to BESIDES you coming. Of coruse there's nothing as exciting so this is VERY hard.
I want to go to the temple one more time before you come. But it's an hour and a half away, and your dad is working so I'll have to go alone, or find a friend who can go with me. At least that would be smart... If I end up going into labor sometime that day it probably won't be best to be driving by myself. But I REALLY want to go. But I have a feeling if I DO go alone, you'll decide it's time to show up. If I don't, well of course you'll stay put.

I'd also like to see Toy Story 3. I would bring you once your out but I figure you can still hear it in my womb and we'll both probably enjoy it more this way. Don't worry, I'll buy it when it comes out on DVD so you can see it. Now I just have to convince your daddy to come with me!

The carpet cleaners are coming Wednesday, I guess that's a little something to look forward to.
Snoop's groomed and ready to meet you. I don't know what else to do! Oooh, maybe I'll make another piece of artwork for your room to hang over your door frame. I was going to use vinyl but maybe I'll just draw and paint something myself. I really want to make you a sign that says "Princess: Daughter of a Heavenly King." That'll take time, and be fun! We'll see. I also still need to find you a cute baby memory book. I looked at some at Babies are Us for like and hour yesterday but none of them seemed right to me. I don't know what I'm looking for.

I bought you a cute bathing suit yesterday. You don't have one yet but since we live around so much water, and may do a little splashing around this summer I decided to get you one. I think I may also get us a kiddie pool to go in the backyard. I can just picture it now. You me, and Snoop cooling off in the little plastic pool.
Earlier this week when we went to the doctor we found out I was 20% effaced and 1.5cm dilated. So we've made a little more progress. I have my last scheduled appointment next Tuesday, but we'll most likely have to set up another one in case you decide to come much longer after your projected due date.
You're pretty much done cooking now. Just adding extra fat and stuff. You're still moving a TON (I think you're trying to escape) and squishing my bladder. Thanks.

Well Lil' J. I hope you're having fun in there. I hope you'll like it more out here and decide to show your pretty face sometime between now and Friday.

Love,

Mommy

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20 Reasons to Stay Pregnant FOREVER!!

Before I got pregnant I decided to make a list of reasons why I DIDN'T want to get pregnant. Reverse Psychology if you will. I got the idea from my Circle + Bloom meditation lessons (one of the lessons encourages you to use this technique). At the end of that month... BAM, knocked up!

So in an effort to get Lil' J to stay in as looooong as possible (psst... Just kidding, I'm using reverse psychology now) I'm going to use the same technique.

Reasons why she should stay put:

20. I love not having to buy tampons or pads.
19. You get closer parking at Babies R Us (though this one at Central Market confuses me (with-child or with A child?) ... So I don't park there).18. I haven't pre-washed ANY of her clothes... (call me a bad mom) But the longer she waits the closer I get to just giving in and doing it to pass the time.
17. Right now it's easy to feed, bathe, sooth, and rock her to sleep. It will be much more difficult once she's out of my uterus.
16. I currently get foot rubs courtesy of my husband every night. I'm not sure if I'll still get them once the baby's here.
15. I like having an excuse to eat whatever I want when I want and just chalk it up to being "because I'm pregnant" and "craving it." Today's craving... Gumbo!14. I've always (well, since I've had this blog) been known as "Future Mama" and I'm not sure what to call myself after she's born.
13. In order for her to get out, she's going to have to emerge from my vajayjay.
12. I like seeing my belly shape into crazy contortions.
11. I'll miss thinking of her as "Spawnie."
10. I really kinda enjoy being all big and swollen. It sorta makes me feel unique.9. I still haven't decided what to wear on the way home from the hospital, this could take awhile to choose.
8. I'd like to make Snoop a new collar and leash set to welcome his new little sister home with. Maybe something pink and blue. ... Real men (and boy dogs) wear pink (yes I made this it's my hidden talent).7. People always comment on my round belly and "glow" (which is actually just sweat cause I'm so freaking hot) and it's kinda fun, I think I'll miss that when I'm no longer pregnant.
6. I haven't finished making Lil' J her 4th of July tutu dress yet. I still have to make her a bow for it, and sew on some white stars, as well as make a matching hair bow.5. I still need to find some baby book of some sort to capture her newborn feet and hand prints. I haven't found anything I'm in love with yet.
4. The 23rd is a ski camp day for foster kids, I'll get to ride on a nice, fast, bouncy boat with them... It's a small sacrifice for a great story.
3. I'm enjoying my sleep. Really. I'm getting about 8-9 hours of sleep a night easy. Especially thanks to my awesome pregnancy pillow. Snoop likes it too.2. My cankles are WAY too much fun to photograph, I don't want to stop.1. Eclipse comes out June 30th... Need I say more?

I Have Commitment Problems

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Apparently I have problems finishing what I've started... I can say that about many little projects I've started for Lil' J. I made three (cute) burp cloths, and have three to go. Tons of tulle, and tons of tutus to go. Snoop has lots and lots of dog collars I never finished for him. But hey, it could be worse. And at least I've decorated that nursery better than any other room in any other house we've EVER lived in. That's pretty much done.

I was looking through my drafts today in blogger and realize there are 6 posts I've been sitting on forever! So much time has pasted from some of them I'm not sure I'll ever publish them. Maybe, maybe not. But here's a little glimpse in case they never survive to see the "publish" button:

1. Consignment shopping 411: "If there's one thing I've learned in my life it's how to spot a good deal. I'm a woman who likes nice things, but I usually refuse to pay full price for it. I'm not going to say I'm perfect, I've had my fair share of splurges, but I learned very quickly to NEVER buy things full price from Express after buying an $80 dress that I bought in a different color for $15 a month later..."

I went to a lot of consignment sales and had a great post going about the stuff I scored and tips for going to these things. It's practically done, just needs pictures.

2. (No Tile Yet): "Last week I wrote a post on my other blog about push presents. As usual it got some comments from people who think the idea is stupid, unnecessary, worldly... Basically the people who are jealous they didn't get one. ...Kidding!!..."

It's obviously about push presents. And presents for daddy too cause I'm gonna make him work! I only have a few paragraphs started, it would be easy to finish if I was motivated enough.

3. "My Crotch Hurts...": "Last year I spent some time asking people "the things they don't tell you about pregnancy" before deciding to commit to taking the leap myself. Seeing that most people I know how more than one child I assumed all of the good outweighed the bad. But I didn't expect there to be so many things that people forgot to tell me...."

That's basically all I have of that one. I haven't been keeping up with my list so I'm not sure I can remember all of the things people forgot to tell me. One thing I remember cause I'm feeling it now is the crotch pain. I need to finish this before Lil' J is born, and momnesia sets in.

4. "Bladder Battles": "I really don't have many complaints about pregnancy. I've really enjoyed it so far. The nausea during the first trimester was annoying but when it would go away I'd worry, so I almost welcomed it.

Now... as my uterus grows more and more (right now it's about the size of a cantaloupe) the one thing that bugs me is my constant need to pee.

This is coming from a woman who use to pride herself in the length of time she could "hold it in"... So much so that once on my "introduction" form at church, in the slot where you're asked to list your talents I wrote down "holding my pee" right under "hoola hooping..."

That's all I have of that one pretty much, I can't remember where I was going with this... By the way I can't hoola hoop anymore either... Have you tried this pregnant? Must get a video for you this week... It's impossible... and this is from an award-winning hoola-hooper... NO JOKE!

5. Craigslist Psycho: "A few weeks ago we bought a new high definition TV. I get free cable and free HDTV and my husband couldn't stand not having a high definition TV to watch it on. So after months and month of begging and saving we invested in his new favorite toy. But standing it it's way was our old TV... Flat screen, HUGE tube in the back. Weighing over 200 pounds for sure. My husband was so eager to get rid of it, he asked me to put it up on Craigslist in the "free" section. I did. Bad idea..."

This one is done too, I'm not sure what I'm waiting for. Pictures maybe?

The last post was a call I keep getting from these awards to write random things about myself. I don't remember which award this is for and I SUCK at passing them on (so sorry) but I'll try to get better.

Here's things no one knows about me...

1. I don't like using the big utensils... You know how they come with big forks, little forks, big spoons and little spoons (I think it's salad fork vs meal fork etc.)? I don't like using the big ones. I'll always grab the small ones first, and let my husband use the big ones. I don't know why.

2. I can't walk around with a pair of scissors without having a split second vision of my tripping and stabbing myself in the neck... I know it's morbid, and I'm normally not morbid but it's just a weird thought I have when I walk around with scissors... Or knives

3. I'm TERRIFIED of mold. I feel like it's alive (ok I guess it is) and looking at me... Following me. If something looks like mold, even though it's not mold I have to inspect it for awhile and then cut it off and burn it with hot water. If it's not mold on bread I can't go near it, I have someone else clean it.

4. I can't do the dishes without rubber gloves. ... Which is probably why my husband has done the dishes for the past five and a half years (I have unloaded the dishwasher a few times).

5. Well, you already know I'm award-winning hoola-hooper now, so I guess I don't have to disclose that. I will say though that I can't lie... I'm a terrible liar, even if it's a silly joke, I can't do it without my face giving away the lie.

6. Almost as scary as mold are public restrooms... Can't stand them.

7. I hate swimming... Or I should say getting my hair wet. I most likely won't get in a pool this summer, but I have about 15 bikinis/ bathing suits.

8. I am a career woman but secretly wish I could be a good homemaker... I know some people do both but I've tried and failed. It makes me sad.

9. I can say the Bosnian Alphabet.

10. My cankles really hurt... Really bad, but I have an obsession with photographing them. My husband thinks it's gross and always tells me to stop but I can't! I'm pretty sure I have over 50 pictures of them. One of these days I may make my first scrapbook... A cankle scrapbook.

Anything surprise you?

If you want a more serious post from me today, check out my Project Pregnancy Blog on Parenting. I posted about my excitement for breastfeeding (maybe a little weird).

Also, Just for Me and You, and Kolcraft is doing a fundraiser for K.I.D.S... Check it out!

I Should Have Listened to My Mom

It was almost my 11th birthday, and I just knew I was getting a new bike. I told my friends exactly what it was going to look like, how big it was going to be, and how excited I was to ride it around the neighborhood. When my birthday came and went and I didn't get that bike, I was not only heartbroken, but embarrassed. What made matters worse is when my friend got the exact bike I wanted for her birthday.

I was 11 when my mom taught me a lesson I'll never forget... Don't brag about something until you have it. At least that's how I interpreted it, though she didn't tell me in that exact way.

Last year a woman working on a new website for women (I'm not going to mention any names) approached me and asked if I'd blog for her, tweet for her, and promote her site, and in turn be their "Future Mama" which they'd pamper with gifts like baby monitors, strollers, nursery decor, and more.

I was emailed pictures of the three choices for baby monitors and asked to tweet about it and promote it on my site to get people to vote for which one I should get. Really, I didn't care, they were all fancy and great, and I was grateful to be getting one.

A couple of months after that it was the same thing, but with strollers... But not just any old stroller, a BOB stroller. Kind of like a Lexus of strollers. A stroller my husband and I wouldn't be able to get unless we scrounged and saved, donated blood plasma, then sold one of our cars... Ok not really, they're not THAT expensive, but they're really nice, and I was so excited and grateful to be getting one. So, I once again blogged, and tweeted, posted on Facebook and everything else to get people to vote for which of three BOB Strollers I should "win." It's what she asked me to do in turn for getting it. And really... Who wouldn't do some promotion in turn for a $400 stroller? Over the course of the voting I got a mix of responses from "Man, I wish I could have one" to "Ooh, I'm getting one of those." The latter comment immediately reminded me of my mom's words of wisdom, and I had a gut feeling things weren't going to end as I hoped.

Like with the monitors, the contest ended and I got nothing. I've communicated with the woman behind the site, and while my monitors should be coming this week, BOB apparently fell through... Or maybe never was, who knows!

So... After months of guest blogging, tweeting, video chats and promoting I'm back to square one, yes, a little ticked, but mostly disappointed.

I cried this morning when I got an email response saying I wasn't getting the stroller, and my husband (just wanting to stop the tears I'm sure) told me not to worry, we'd get a stroller... He said we'd get a BOB but that's before he knew how much they cost.

Now don't get me wrong. We are UNBELIEVABLY blessed to seriously only have this ONE thing missing from our baby checklist... As a matter of fact, I have enough baby wraps and carriers to where we quite possibly don't even really NEED a stroller. But it's poor Snoop I worry about... I promised him I'd take him for jogs once Lil' J was born but that will just be hard without a stroller. Just look at his face!So... I'm browsing Craigslist now looking for baby strollers but I have no idea what kind to start with. I initially was obviously thinking "jogging" and I was going to buy an adapter for our Graco baby infant car seat so it could snap in when she's small. I like the idea of being able to go running with a stroller, and one that can also even stand trails and such since there's a lot of that around where we live.

I found this one on craigslist for $225. Much cheaper than the $400 retail.I've heard pluses and minuses about the... I forget what they're called, but the big strollers that the car sear just pops in, and they fold up... I think I heard they're heavy or something, I dunno.

So what kind of stroller would you recommend? Would you get one of Craigslist or is that considered "unsafe"? How much did you pay for yours?

I'm a stroller novice but I've relearned a life lesson from my mom, and a new lesson about social media... Don't promote something until you have it.

Lookin' Fly On My Delivery Day in My Hot Mama Gowns

I have a confession... A big one. See, before I was pregnant I made fun of pregnant people... Well, not really, but I made fun of some of the things they do... Like bringing their own gowns to the hospital.

Yep, I saw it on a blog once and had to laugh and write a post about it. I thought it was the funniest/ lamest thing I had ever seen. Now here I am... Not even two years later bringing not one, but TWO gowns to the hospital. Yea, I'm feeling a little sheepish (and hypocritical) seeing what I wrote before.

My oh my, how time can change things, I'm a testament of that! I also said I'd have a Beemer before a Baby or a Lexus before a Little one and Lawd knows that didn't happen either! I'm sure this eating my words thing will become a regular commodity as I journey through motherhood.

To my defense, the gowns I got are WAY cuter than the others (also more than $50... But hey, I'm making more money than I was then), and they also double as great nursing gowns and totally beat the regular old gowns they give you at the hospital. And I, my friends, am ANYTHING but regular.

Some people care about having an unmedicated birth... I care about feeling good. And looking good, will help me feel good. I'm just being me and doin' me (as said in my birthing theme song "Over", by Drake) and doin' me is looking fly... Or at least trying to.

This will be the biggest, most exciting day of my life, next to my wedding day, and I was sure to look good for that day, so I want to look and feel nice for this day too.
So, what better way to look fly than to wear a Hot Mama Gown? I first heard about them when they donated one of their beautiful gowns during my March of Dimes fundraiser raffle! I knew once I got pregnant I'd be getting one. Luckily, they love me and my blog so they offered to send me one to review. My problem... I'm too indecisive and couldn't choose just one, PLUS they came out with new swaddle blankets that made my decision even more difficult. So what I do? I bought a second gown and a matching blanket. It was a pregnancy present to myself, and the only "maternity" wear I've bought my ENTIRE pregnancy (I never went and bought those maternity jeans... Or anything else for that matter).

The nice thing though is wearing my gowns won't have to stop once I give birth to Lil' J. It's perfect for nursing, and a nice nightgown to wear around the house.
I know some are probably saying "Umm girrrrl... You don't even KNOW how messy and gross it gets during labor" You're right... I don't. But I DO know that these gowns are made with a fancy organic cotton that can be easily ridden of stains.

So, what I think of them? Well, I think they're great, they're comfortable, they button down the back, so they're easily accessible for hospital staff, but your booty isn't showing when you're walking around (I'm oober shy when it comes to nakedness). They're not cheaply made to be worn one time, which I love, because I'd love to just wear them around the house when Lil' J and I are at home during my leave. There's so much thought and detail in every snap and closure, it's not just thrown together. It's made to last. They also have amazing access for breastfeeding which will come in handy especially at the hospital, but at home too!

They look nice enough to where I can answer the door in them, and not look like a crazy old lady in my PJs but not so fancy to where I won't want Spawnie's poop on them. Well, not that anyone wants poop on them... I mean it's not super delicate, and washes well.

FYI, the pictures of me in these gowns were initially taken by my husband, but just as much as he hates being in pictures, he hates taking them too, and the ones we took together didn't look as good with the flash, so I did my own self-portrait shoot in the nursery.
So, want to know my plan for wearing them? I bought the pink Grace gown to wear during labor. I wanted to buy pink to remind me of Cora's Story (a must read, beautiful baby who reminds me to get Lil' J her first Congenital Heart Disease test). I bought Lil' J a matching swaddle blanket that hopefully we can put her in shortly after she's born for pictures.THEN, after I'm all cleaned up, I'll change into my Antoinette gown, which I think looks GREAT for pictures. My hair and makeup will be touched up, and we'll be ready to go.
On a side note... Other fly-making things in my (pre)hospital bag are: Fake eyelashes, hair rollers, and makeup (just the natural-looking kind). Hate all you want... I'm doin' me!

Be sure to check out HotMamaGowns.com or follow @HotMamaGowns on Twitter to stay up to date on the latest deals and styles!

38 Weeks Pregnant and Getting Closer!

Dear Lil' J,

I must say this week has been one full of MAJOR mood swings for me. One day I'm so ready for you to come out and ready to take over my new "mommy role" then the next moment I'm totally freaking out wondering what I was thinking.

Don't you worry little girl, I've read these feelings are normal, and I'm going to be just fine when we meet, it's just scary thinking that the way I've experienced and seen life, my entire life will be completely different in a matter of weeks.You are getting so close to coming out too, I can tell. I have just been feeling different lately, it's hard to explain, it just feels like things are revving up for your big day. Also... This is a little icky (TMI ALERT!), but the mucus plug that blocks you from the outside world, so to speak, came out today! Yep, I was very surprised to see it. It wasn't what I expected... I pictured one big solid wad of mucus shaped like a cork plug that would go in an over-sized bottle of sparkling cider, but it was nothing like that. It was more like a lot of snot coming out.

(Note to self... Don't show you this letter until you're old enough to appreciate these labor-signs and emotional roller coasters.)

Anyway, I caught you on camera last week, FINALLY rolling around in there. You always stop when I get the camera out so I bought an app for my iPhone so I now have video capabilities! You weren't as rowdy as you can get but I got a little movement here. Don't mind the background noise, I was watching Forensic Files. Look towards my belly button and you can see your elbow or shoulder or something moving around.

This week you're about 6.8 lbs... I'm thinking you may be a little bigger, though I can't picture you being super big just cause it's hard imagining a full-sized baby in there!

Your eye color is either brown, or maybe grayish. I kind of hope they are gray-looking cause then they can change to one of many colors, and I think you would look so cute with your daddy's eyes. That's the first thing I noticed about him!

I'm predicting you'll decide to come out sometime next week, but I'm still hoping you stick around and come on the 23rd... The day your daddy and I met. Although it would also be pretty cool if you arrived on Father's Day. What a nice present for your dad that would be! I wouldn't even have to get him anything else! As long as you come in June (I like that month better than July) we'll be good. But I don't think that'll be a problem.
I wake up every morning wondering if I'm having contractions or if my water broke... Nope and nope. I'm sure I'll know when it's for real, but it's exciting wondering when it'll happen.

I got so much work done at work this week, I finished the 12 extra stories I was trying to get ahead on for maternity leave and now I feel like I'm more relaxed and ready.

Our bags are packed, your daddy and I will put your car seat in hopefully Monday, the same day the cleaners come over and the same day Snoop is getting cleaned up at the groomers. I'm also going to get a nice relaxing manicure and pedicure that day. I already got my hair done this week! So needless to say, I'm on my way to getting fully pampered for the big day!

Don't worry, I'm bringing cute stuff for you to wear too, hats and blankets and bows! I can't wait to dress you up.

Your daddy and I were talking tonight about how we feel about bringing you home. Neither of us are worried about you crying a lot or loosing sleep. I think we just expect it, and are excited for the challenge. Plus, we know it'll all be worth it.

I'm eager to meet you but not in too much of a rush. Something about knowing you'll be here in a few weeks regardless makes me content. We're almost there baby girl! I can't wait to see your beautiful face.

Love,


Mommy

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PS: Winner of the ExpectNet.com pool (it's free) gets a $25 gift card to Target! It's just for fun, but I'm loving seeing the guesses! Make sure you include your blog url and/or twitter/email in the "how she knows you" section so I can contact you!

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For more information about being 38 weeks pregnant be sure to check out Pregnancy Corner. Sponsored

Winner of the Baby Time Bag: Commenter #105 Stephanie from A Life Worth Living.
Winner of the Lillebaby Everywear Carrier #38 Stephanie from Houghton Happenings.
Winner of the artwork from Artistic Sensations #55 Emily from Baby Dickey.

Please email babymakingmachine(at)gmail.com with your information and I'll get you in touch with the sponsor. I'll email you sometime this weekend and you'll have 48 hours to respond!

Sad you didn't win a BabyTime bag? The gift code "FUTUREMAMA10"at checkout ill work until the end of the YEAR!

Giving My Daughter a Head Start I Missed

I organized more of the nursery yesterday, and fumbled around with a CD player that's attached to the crib. I got it as a gift at my baby shower. I'm excited to share the gift of music with my baby girl. I pretty much immediately began searching for good lullabys to buy and save to CD to play for her at night.

Eager to start a new tradition, I bought some church primary songs off iTunes. Primary songs are children's songs kids sing at my church during the third hour... Yes, third hour of church. After Sacrament meeting and Sunday School.

My family joined the LDS church and became active when I was about 11-years-old. I've always felt "behind" compared to everyone else my age. I didn't know the songs the kids would all sing in primary, and since you graduate at 12, I didn't have much time to learn them.

I've always been a very outgoing girl. My whole life, I've never been regarded as a "shy" one. But the one place you're likely to find me out of my element is church.

When I was younger I'd always avoid eye contact with the teacher who would surely call on me to say the prayer if I looked him in the eye. I was always too afraid to answer a question about the Bible... Afraid I'd give the wrong answer and people would laugh at me. No one ever laughed at anyone, but I feared I'd be the first.

The question could be as simple as: "Who built the giant ark to hold all of the animals before the flood?" Of course I knew it was Noah, but I was to scared to answer wrong anyway... Thinking maybe there was a second guy I somehow missed reading about.

I guess religion is one of those subjects that's so serious, and important, I felt bad that I didn't know all of the answers.

As I've gotten older, much of my spirituality has grown from life's experiences, prayer, and just going to church. I still haven't overcome my anxiety with public prayers, or answering a class question, but I've gotten better. One thing I know will help me is just learning the stories better.

I've read and heard scripture stories over and over but it's so easy for me to mix people and places up. I've learn to forgive myself for this too, and just realize the only way to get better is to keep reading.

I don't want my daughter to have the same worries I do. I want her to feel confidant in knowing her scripture stories, and sing her primary songs loud and proud. I hope she'll be eager to say a prayer before our family, or in front of her Sunday school class, and be unapologetic about it.

It's never too late to build upon your spirituality, and learn more about the Gospel. I feel like having a child kind of gives me a chance to re-learn everything myself, but have a study buddy in the process.

From primary songs, to scripture stories, it'll give me a chance to learn about the gospel starting at a level I never had a chance to experience. It's an opportunity I'm so blessed to have.

If you know of any good children's Bible or Book of Mormon books? I'm not even sure how many of my readers are Christian or LDS, but this would really help me narrow down my search! The more stories in them, the better!

Books, Toys and Snoop, Oh My!

Oh how I look forward to reading to my little girl. I already will grab a book from her little bookshelves, plop myself down and read her a story. I just think it'll be so much cooler once she's here so I can see her reaction.

At first I guess it'll just be blinks, blank stares, quite possibly tears and toots, but that won't keep me from reading a story to her every day and night!
On my baby shower invites, guests were asked to bring a book instead of a card to sign their name in. This quickly multiplied the size of Lil' J's library. From hand puppet books, to touch and feel books, to bigger, children's books, we've got a good stash going now! That and my addiction to Half Priced Books doesn't hurt. I get Dr. Seuss books for a fraction of the normal cost.
There are a few books we don't have yet that I'd like to get fairly soon. For one, I want a children's version of The Good Book... The scriptures I mean. I need some recommendations for that! There's SO many to choose from, and I want to pick a good one.

I'm also trying to get some of the "classics" like Goodnight Moon, Guess How Much I Love You, Cat in The Hat, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and others I have yet to hear about (which if you know of any good ones please let me know!)
I have a couple of books coming from Incredibundles.com. It's an online store that sells children's gifts in the bundle, so you save money versus buying everything in the bundle separate. They have lots of book bundles, but I saw a toy bundle I had to get. A few friends kept recommending the Sophie giraffe to me... It's a chew toy... Excuse me, teething toy, for babies. SO many people told me their kid/nephew/cousin loved it so I've decided to give it a try.
I'm a little worried that Snoop will get that crazy look in his eyes after the first squeak (yes, she squeaks, I told you it's like a chew toy) and just wait for the opportune time to eat it up. I can just picture it now... Us coming home to find Sophie torn to shreds, Snoop with a satisfied look in his eyes. I guess training a dog to know the difference between his toys and the baby's toys is a battle I'll soon learn to fight.
"I didn't do it" his face will say... And I'll have to remind him that there are Lil' J's toys...And his toys... ... Lil' J and Snoop dog, I just realized our family is beginning to sound like a rap group.

**Update!**

We just got Sophie and our toy bundle and here's Snoop's first reaction:

(yes, I know I'm bad for taunting my dog with a baby toy)

Anyway, adding to Lil' J's toybox, Incredibundles.com is sending her the Learn and Grow Premium Bundle. I'm excited to see how she likes all of the toys, and I can't wait to add the Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes and the touch and feel book to her collection.I'm also thrilled cause I get to share the gift of reading with you! 25 of you! Want a free book, or TWO? I know a lot of you like to show off your kiddos so this shouldn't be hard.

The first 25 Babymakinmachine.com Readers who enter the IncrediBundles.com Happy Baby Contest will receive a free children’s book!
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Enter the Happy Baby Contest (www.happybabycontest.com) for a chance to win A Year of Diapers and A Year of Triple Paste.
Step 2: Send an email to happybaby@incredibundles.com with “babymakinmachine” in the subject line. IncrediBundles.com will respond with instructions on how to redeem your free book.

BONUS - GET A SECOND BOOK FREE!

“Like” IncrediBundles.com on Facebook to get a second book for free!
If Lil' J starts laughing before August 31st (the entry deadline) we may enter ourselves! If you don't have a baby, and can't borrow one to make a video, there's still a discount code you can use!

Special Discount for all of my readers! Use the coupon code MACH15 good for 15% off any product on the site! Coupon expires 7/15/10.

Want to learn more about IncrediBundles.com?
IncrediBundles.com, the home of extraordinary baby gifts, features a fresh modern twist on the baby gift basket. You won’t find wicker, cellophane or paper shred at this stylish retailer. In their place, the company designed adorably chic reusable storage containers and filled them with the very best award-winning toys, books and products for babies – selected by experts and approved by parents. Whether you are a gift-giver or an expecting mom or dad creating a Registry, be sure to check out their Year of Diapers Subscriptions. An IncrediBundles.com 3, 6, 9 or 12-Month Diaper Subscription is the foolproof gift that is always appreciated.

*Opinions expressed are my own. Thanks Incredibundles.com for letting me experience being a customer and order a bundle set for free.*