Meighen

Now that we know it’s a girl I didn’t waste any time in registering at Sears. There were a few items we want but they don’t sell so we’ll get those ourselves when the time comes. Our registry number is 200809089621 and under both our names. The shower invites will be going out in the next few weeks and is scheduled for May 24.

We also bought a new digital camera this weekend with Ben’s Shoppers points – $30! Ha! He’s already taken a ton of pictures of Sprocket (practicing for baby).

My next doctor appointment is on Tuesday, I’ll post then and let everyone know how we’re doing.

We went for our 3D ultrasound today and thankfully I didn’t get myself too exctied. As usual, or at least the last 2 regular ultrasounds, the baby wasn’t cooperating. She was facing down and towards my spine with her hands over her face so we weren’t able to see ANY of her face. Knowing the baby is stubborn and difficult we were placing our bets on it being a girl and taking after me. Not just that but practically everyone on Ben’s side of the family has had girls so it was pretty much a done deal before we even conceived. Since we were primarily there to confirm the gender thankfully the technician was able to confim that much.

So now that we know, I can start my planning and get registered at Sears (and maybe one other place). First though, I need to finish school. This Wednesday I had in my group’s final paper and then we present the week after and I’ll be done and graduated!

When out at Walmart last night getting some things for the house I had to wander through the baby department. I found a couple things I picked up for Ben…
He’s been on and on about baby Leaf’s stuff. He bought his friend the baby girl pink onesie and some socks a few weeks back. While I didn’t see Leaf’s clothing, and since we don’t know what we’re having yet, I did find some other things. I picked up the sippy cup and soother clip (clips to the soother and baby’s shirt so it doesn’t fall on the floor when they spit it out..great idea!). He was very happy. Then again he’s been more happy and lovey dovey the last few months. He loves me and can’t wait for this baby. I’m a lucky girl to have a such a devoted man.

There really hasn’t been much to report in the last couple of weeks.
I did the gestational diabetes test the other week and it was not pleasant. I’m hoping the results are good and I’ll find out next Tuesday (1st).

We have our 3D ultrasound this weekend and while I’m excited to see our baby and find out the gender I’ve got to keep in mind it might not be clear either *sigh*. At least with the 3D I don’t need a doctors note and they’ll keep bringing me back till we get good pictures and the gender. Check back on Sunday for an update w/ photos!

The baby’s been moving around like a demon. Some days the kicks are more at the side and other they’re top to bottom. Either way I’m sure both fists and feet are flying as I get poked in different places at the same time.

Ben’s friend is having his baby on Friday. We’re excited for them and wish them luck in the upcoming months and that she’ll have a speedy recovery from her c-section.

Ben and I have decided to try the new cloth diapers that are available. It’s more work but it seems like it’ll be worth it in the long run. No harsh chemicals against the baby’s skin, less diaper rash and we heard they encourage earlier potty training. We’ll see how long we stick it out but I’m hoping it works for us.

Having said that, a former colleague of Ben’s has a 9 month old. They tried a couple cloth diapers and decided it wasn’t for them. They gave us most of a Bummis starter kit (less a couple they used).  The kit comes with disposable liners, 36 (less a few) diapers and 6 outer layers. It seems confusing by I’ve been told you get the hang of it quick. The kits look expensive so we’re very thankful and lucky to have stumbled across a free one.

I was finally able to stop by the Snugabye warehouse sale. I was good and only picked up a few outfits, a couple per size. I just love the litte hats and mitties, too cute. The cloth diaper booklet said that we may need clothes with larger bums to accomdate… we’ll see what happens.

When we were out today at the mall to see a movie with my sister and Ben’s friend, we popped into Sears to check out the baby department. Not bad (Yorkdale location). Lots of stuff I’ve been checking out online and contemplating for the registry. I think we’re sold and will go with them. It’s fun and informational to check out baby stuff.

Mom called yesterday to tell me about a big baby sale at Toys’r'Us this weekend. After comparing my list to what was on sale she decided to run out and grab me a few things. We now have the bouncer I was checking out and also the strap on highchair for when the baby’s a bit older. I think we’re borrowing the regular one from Ben’s Aunt when the time comes. It seems that all our huge needs are looked after, just lots of little things to make life easier. It’s awesome to have a lot of help from our family.

Today we had dinner with Ben’s Uncle Jean and Aunt Chantal. Regardless of what she thought, dinner was wonderful   We had a nice visit and got to check out some baby stuff. They have a 3 year old daughter so we’ll be borrowing a crib, change table, playpen and possibly a couple other things from them. How fantastic, they rock! Part of me loves the idea of hand me downs for the bigger things because we know they’re quality items that held up.

Unfortunately due to the snow storm we weren’t able to get to the Snugabye baby sale www.snugabye.com. They have an outlet store that’s having a huge sale right now. Too bad it wasn’t open Sunday or else we would have been there today. Of course it’s only open business hours so I’m hoping to get there next Saturday before the sale ends… all sorts of baby clothes for $2.99 and up. Not knowing our baby’s gender I’ll only grab a couple of things and hope there’s another sale before he/she comes.

Yesterday was my 5th pre-natal check up. Once again, the last US results were unclear but she thinks everything’s fine. Not overly reassuring but at least she’s not worried about something. In the next couple weeks I have to go for the gestational diabetes test (between 22 & 28 weeks). It doesn’t sound fun, drink some yucky stuff on an empty stomach, sit around an hour, then get blood drawn. I’ll get the results on April 1st at my six month check up.

Since we weren’t able to determine the gender at this visit I’m booked for a 3D ultrasound at the end of March (27 weeks). If they can’t tell the gender I’ll get to go back and try again at no additional cost. We’ll be getting 2 colour photos, 20 minutes of viewing time and a cd of images – which will be posted to Facebook immediately.

I’ve also done some research into the visiting hours at the hospital I’ll be going to. Only two people are allowed in the room at one time (have to check if this is just during labour/delivery or visiting in general). The maternity ward is open for visitors between 3:30 pm and 8:30 pm. These hours do not apply to partners and new grandparents. I’m concerned about sibling visiting hours so we’ll ask at the info session. Part of me is happy with the rules cause it’ll allow for resting. Also, if I don’t get the private room we’ve requested I’d hate to be in a room with someone who’s family is there 24/7.

Today we met Ben’s dad for dim sum (yum!) and he insisted on covering our prenatal courses, which is a huge help. So, since I’ve been researching baby stuff online over the past week I wanted to go check out a store I found in the west end – Macklems. Man were they ever amazing. It was a smaller store but they had all sorts of strollers, car seats and other items out for demo. The staff was amazing and very helpful, service you won’t get at the big box stores. The reason I wanted to go there was because they offered the car seat/carried I wanted. It’s the Graco Safe Seat. Ben’s mom already got us a 3-in-1 car seat that will grow with the child till its 90 lbs (changes from car seat to booster) but for the first 6 months or so I wanted a car seat / carrier. The 3-in-1 will be amazing when the babies 6 months to whenever its time to give up the booster. The Graco one we bought is awesome cause it snaps into a light weight stroller and also into a swing for the house. Both those items till totally do till Christmas when our little ones 6 months (and the Toronto winter begins). That’s when we’ll need a more heavy duty stroller. We’re hoping to get the stroller next month and leave the swing for the registry.

It was amazing to see all the little jumpers, mittens, socks etc. So much stuff to think about getting. My list is pretty long already. I’m hoping between the few things we buy (stuff we’re particular about) and the stuff we inherit/borrow from family, there won’t be much left. Mom doesn’t want us to go crazy before the shower.. and we won’t, it’ll be hard but we wont.