Baby update :)

I had so many things to say.....so many insightful things....but I ALWAYS forget!

Sigh

::::::::::: Baby Charlie :::::::::::

I have many friends in the Chicagoland area, many of whom have been popping out babies in assembly line fashion! Its been amazing to see the transition between one kid and two, and actually pretty empowering. Seeing all these women do it makes me feel less overwhelmed, and I know I can take it on....although, at the same time, its rather scary because *gulp* the next most pregnant person than I just had her kiddo on Sunday!

Welcome officially Baby Charlie (Charlize)!

I've actually avoided holding other newborns...mostly because I was kind of nervous. Nervous to actually HAVE one again! But, since I had a check up today right next door, and I wanted to sneak a peek at the hospital too, I thought I would drop by and say hello. Holding her was so very nice - so warm and snuggly. Yeah, I'm holding out hope that I'll be able to enjoy the newborn stage this time....keeping my fingers crossed!

::::::::::: Two weeks away :::::::::::

Or just over, anyway. October 2, 10:30AM. So far, so good. I had a 37 week check up today - everything is looking smashing! Even had a growth ultrasound to see how baby is growing. The estimate was 7 lbs 5 oz as of today. (However, the margin of error is 15%, which basically swings it a pound in either direction). So, if we take that estimate and figure an average 1/2 lb gain of baby per week, then we're looking at topping Liam's birth weight of 8 lbs 7 oz (or being pretty darn close). We'll see how close they are. Not that it matters much with this being a c-section and all. They also looked at a bunch of other stuff...amniotic fluid level looks great, blood flow looks great, heart looks great...etc. My Blood Pressure is steady and low....everything looks great!

I'm actually feeling well, too. Not sure if its a home stretch burst of energy or what, but I'll take it.

::::::::::: Adjusting to baby :::::::::::

Thankfully Liam has been exposed to a LOT of babies over the course of the past six months, due to my very fertile friends. This is good, but we also wanted to prepare him (or at least attempt to) by doing things at home. So we borrowed a baby doll from Larkin (Pat's niece) and have had it laying around the house since we've moved. We practice being gentle to it, and change its diaper, and give kissies and hugs at night. We've also set up the baby swings & bouncy seats and practice taking baby in and out.

He's a smart kiddo though - he knows the difference between a real baby and a toy, but I figured its good exposure if nothing else than to have all the baby crap all over the house. I have no idea if any of this is going to help the transition, but I figure it can't hurt.

The only negative (so far) thing happened today. I busted out all my wraps and slings, wrapped myself up and stuck the doll inside. I told Liam he couldn't climb all over me because I was snuggling the baby.....and he looked up at me with his big ol' sad eyes and said "All done snuggle baby?" and tried to take the baby out. I think I may have to come up with a different word than Snuggle when I'm holding the baby, because he definitely knows what snuggles are, and I don't want him to get too jealous when I'm snuggling the baby all day long. At least I'm assuming I'll be all wrapped up all the time. That's how it was with Liam....

::::::::::: Liam Time Outs :::::::::::

Little man had about a zillion time outs at playgroup today. He was putting sand in his hair over and over at the park, and dumping out all the goldfish crackers in the bowl. Not mind blowing stuff mind you, but things he knows better not to do. Yeah yeah, I know he's only two (almost!) but still....I think I have a pretty good idea of what instructions he's capable of following, and he just was adamant about not following them today. The saddest was when he was sitting on the bench begging me "all done time outs, mommy, all done". He was so cute.....

Liam and I are famous!

A while ago you may remember that Liam and I were models in a photo shoot in exchange for a beautiful Gypsy Mama wraps.....Loved it so much I bought another one :)

Well, they're in the process of renovating the site, and our model photos are up!!!

Come check us out!
Isjoha Baby Bali Stretch

Fortuna Baby Bali Stretch

It kind of makes me a bit reminiscent. He looks so itty bitty there! I think it was around March? So he was about 6 months old....we don't use our wraps too much anymore. I would always turn to them if I was going to be carrying him for a long period of time, which doesn't happen much these days since Liam is all crazy runnin' about! And man, is that kid HEAVY! He much prefers hanging out in the stroller, or I have an Ergo that I use for quick trips on and off the bus. I think the last time I wrapped was 4th of July weekend? We were on a boat, so a stroller just wasn't going to cut it.

Aaahhh, but the wraps....so beautiful and snuggly! I have the Fortuna (and a Bali Baby Breeze Lalita) and they are such nice wraps. I've used it for Serene (Adrians daughter) a couple of times recently and its so nice to have a warm baby strapped to your chest :)

Stash Sale :)

Here's what I have advertised over at TheBabyWearer :)

I really tried to find the RS/MT love, but alas, I am a wrap girl, and am loving the two that I’m keeping for my stash. Feel free to make me an offer on prices, I’m still pretty new to the sale/trade gig so I don’t have a great feel for good pricing, but I tried my best to price the items fairly :) Also, try my on for trades….I’m really right now just into wraps – looking for a fun, colorful shorter GSW, (4.6 or shorter)……maybe an extra long strap MT, masculine or gender neutral colors…..or maybe perhaps an Ergo :) Try me out :)

TaylorMade Wine Duponi Silk Ring Sling – Size M. Purchased from a sweet mama in January, tried it on for about 5 minutes, and that’s it. Beautiful color, really soft and broken in – no snags or damage that I can find. Original seller mentioned that the bottom rail had frayed and was fixed, but I can’t find it LOL - $40

Enchanted Snuggle MT – Detroit Lions – Extra Long Straps 92 inches)! Purchased from same sweet mama, super soft and cuddly, padded top straps, very supportive, but the size just doesn’t work for us. Great MT for any daddy, lions fan, or if you don’t like the Lion’s you can just use it for a “I don’t care if this one gets too dirty because its hella durable” spare MT - $35

BBO Calaveras/Zebra – 2^nd owner, purchased in January. LOVE this pattern, fun and funky – always get lots of compliments on it, and used it quite frequently. Washed a couple of times. I just really need extra long straps to make it work perfectly, so I don’t reach for it as much as I should! Its hard to see, but the Alexander Henry Calaveras fabric has gold shimmer throughout – it really is gorgeous - $70

EllaRoo Kristen Size M – Just over 4.6 meters (without the fringe) – I’m the original owner. This was my first wrap after graduating from a Moby LOL :) Loved her – wore her constantly, just really don’t need so many choices, and I reach for others first. She’s freshly washed, but definitely broken in and nice and soft. No damage/snags to note, other than the EllaRoo tag is hanging by one side - $55

Last but not least, fabulous colorgrown Didymos Lars Size 8 – it was sold to me as a size 7 – but actually measures 5.7 meters. Purchased from original owner locally in Chicago – great condition! I wore it only once for a walk around the town, and it’s really just too long for me! The color is more beige-y than sage-y (if that makes any sense, LOL!) Comes with original brochure and DVD - $150

I will happily accept all types of Paypal! Prices include Priority shipping with insurance to anywhere in the US, but definitely willing to ship international if you cover the extra postage. We have a smoke free home, and two fabulous furry kitties - I do my best to keep the carriers completely clean, but don’t be surprised if you find a stray hair or two :) Please note that I do measure my wraps and look them over, but I’m not the most anal retentive person in the world so if I’m off by a centimeter or two or if I miss a very small flaw, please accept my sincerest apologies! Cheers!

Chicago River Photos...

Here's a few from today! It was also Liam's first subway / El ride :) See the whole set at FLICKR

Quick shout out :)

Liam and I volunteered to be models for Gypsy Mama Wraps (for a local photographer), and we had the photo shoot Saturday, along with lots of other Mama's and kiddos. It was pretty fun! Got to meet some new people, and of course, getting out of the house is always cool. Oh yeah, did I mention we got a free wrap too?? :)

Please go to the photographer's blog for some sneak peaks: Stephenie Dame Photography Blog. There is a photo of Liam that just makes me melt......

Babywearing USA

I really do love wearing Liam, and I know he's not going to be itty bitty forever, so I'm enjoying it now!

I've decided to branch out of my pouches and Moby wrap to include a wrap with a little more support. I found a FANTASTIC deal on Craigslist on this beautiful wrap by Ella Roo. Its just sooooo pretty!!! And, its called Kristen (who is a super awesome Chick and just happens to be my Sister In law!) Seriously - SO PRETTY!

The only bad part is woven wraps are sooooo different that the stretchies like my Moby. So its definitely a learning curve, and I don't quite love it yet. But, I'll give it a week or two, and we'll see where she takes us. I know that I can't use the Moby forever, because they don't give very much support for large kids, and since I have a Chunkasaurus Rex, I knew I'd be needing a woven soon if I was going to continue wrapping. We wore it on Saturday when we went to Shedd, and it was relatively comfy. Just needs some practice and breaking in.

I also decided to branch out to another type of carrier called a Mei Tai. I've tried a couple on, and they are pretty quick and versatile - and very comfy too! I have been lusting over this fabric called Loteria for a while, and just in general love all the Mexican Folk Art fabric - its just so cool, funky, and, well - MEXICAN! Here's a few of the samples - these are all made by Alexander Henry as part of his Folklorico Collection:

Frida, Senoritas

Loteria, Calaveras

I've been keeping my eye out on eBay and the "For Sale or Trade" boards out there, hoping something would come along in my price range, because I really can't afford to go shelling out $100 + for these carriers. I lost out on an eBay auction (by $1 - because I'm a crappy eBay-er)But I found something else a few days ago!!! I kept thinking and thinking about it - and last night I even dreamed about it. So I decided it had to be mine. Its a BBO :) OR in non-baby wearer speak, a Ball Baby Overall Mei Tai, which I'm so excited about because the design makes it feel a little more like a wrap instead of a back pack. Again, I'm STOKED because it is soooo stinkin' pretty! And FUNKY! can you see the glitter in the skulls?!?!

They are the Mexican Sugar Skulls - or Calaveras. I have a few on my bookshelf that made the trip back with me. Its not Loteria, but its the next best thing for sure - and for a great price!!!! YAY! It should be in the mail and on its way tomorrow!

And, tomorrow Liam and I have a Mommy/Baby play group with some other babywearers. I'm hoping there are some wrappin' type peeps there, who can hopefully give me some tips! I've been watching You Tube like crazy trying to learn new carries, but nothing beats a seasoned pro!

Pics from the Baby Faire

The owner of Karma Baby Slings took a couple pics of us while at the booth (that's her in the Green tank - Stacey!) - Liam looks so cute snuggled up in there!!! Of course, he doesn't fit quite as well after I was a big ol' dumb arse and shrunk mine :( but he still loves being in it!! I'm hoping they stretch out a bit.....we'll have to wait and see!