I’m hanging on to these last 2 peonies for dear life. I found these antique “snake oil” bottles at a consignment shop in San Diego years ago. One actually says “Wizard Oil” on it. This could technically be considered a blog just about peonies now.
Last night was our first childbirth prep class (1 of 3). As far as what to expect for the blog, I’ll be posting up until pretty much labor-Monday through Friday, that is. Ha!
So I hear you go into labor, you go to the hospital, have the baby and then stay there a few days. After that I’ll commit to taking a few solid weeks off from blogging. If I do post in those few weeks, it will be a short update but I want to keep the pressure off. I will most likely keep my Facebook and Instagram pretty consistent during this time though. Please check in with me to see if I’ve survived. Then I’ll be back to a regular schedule which may start out with a few scheduled/announced days a week and then hopefully five days a week again.
Since there are lots of freaky things I’ve heard of and seen post-baby with other people, I’m going to make a list of what I’m looking forward to.
The Top 5 Things I’m Looking Forward To After The Baby Arrives
1. Permament bed fort for days…heck, weeks. Blankets, books, phones, food, toys, weird new baby contraptions all neatly organized on little trays and the bedside dresser (yeah right).
2. Demanding things-food, coconut water, donuts or super high maintenance mode as in take-out sushi and the like.
3. Having a new person to photograph who can’t say “Oh, not now,” to me.
4. Finally using this nipple butter that I’ve been curious about since I’ve known of it. What does it taste like? What does it do? Do I use it in conjunction with my boobie tubes?
5. Laughing at my mistakes.
Can you tell me some other things to look forward to?
Teresa Welge Harris says
So exciting!! I know you will be great! I will say, in those first few days/weeks, take all of the help that is offered. You don’t worry about dishes, laundry, cleaning. Hunker down and spend lots of time skin to skin and nursing. In these last few weeks I would start doing deep squats (crazy I know)! Grab a support and squat, holding it while you are at your lowest point. Prolapse is a bitch and you will want to avoid knowing why! Google ‘stop doing Kegals’ and read the article on breakingmuscle.com. It’s eye opening.
I don’t know what sort of nipple butter you are using, but I got BoobEase as a gift and loved it! Called if my ‘boobie lube’. 🙂 It’s all natural, food based product and completely safe for baby. I used it nursing and pumping. My two cents is to wait on pumping until you’ve established a healthy supply with the skin to skin and nursing on demand.
Last but certainly not least, swaddle!! I can’t say that enough. It was our lifesaver! Clark was sleeping 4-5 hours straight from the hospital and 10 hours at 6 weeks! Heaven. Now after the swaddle he’s been a bear of a sleeper, so I’m still working on that. :-/ But now you will need your sleep and so will baby.
Well, that was long!! I could talk infants all day! 😉 You are going to be great and it will be one of your biggest accomplishments!
Christina Warren says
Teresa, this information is golden. I am taking this all to heart and I will read that article. I have been doing a lot of squats in my home yoga classes! I’m now just starting to learn what they are for! Ah ha! 10 hours! That’s incredible. This is wonderful news! Please keep it coming!
Mary says
The love of another beautiful human being. You are in for the ride of your life, but it is absolutely an amazing ride, that you will never want to get off of. Even on the toughest days, your heart just continues to grow in amazing love, that multiplies beyond multiplies with every single second. There will be frustration, maybe even anger, and questions… but in the end, it all goes back to one thing. Love. No matter what comes with it… you Love. Through the scariness, the happiness, through all of it… Love. Love. Love. Congratulations! I am super happy for you and I cannot wait to read your future posts!!!
Christina Warren says
Thank you so much, Mary! I am really curious and excited about these feelings you are talking about. Of course I have known love but this will be something so new. I feel like I’ve been inducted into a new culture-motherhood. Everyone has had such incredibly inspirational things to say. Everyone has been so supportive. Thank you!!!
frikkenduckie says
New babies are always exciting! Be prepared for your boobs to swell and ache tremendously and leak without warning!
Christina Warren says
Thank you! lol I love a little dose of reality! It’s going to be interesting! I love advice too! Thank you!
the-loudmouth.com says
Haha, I’m so glad I found your blog! You’re hilarious! I’m expecting myself (though not due til September) and I’m looking forward to reading your updates. I also live in SoCal, woohoo!
Christina Warren says
Oh I’m so happy too! Thank you! I’m in Santa Monica and we’re moving to the OC this fall. I am so happy to connect with you! Let’s get our nipple butter stories straight! 🙂
Thien Do says
I’m glad you wrote up this post! And yes! Certainly demand things! I hope the last bit of your pregnancy and your labor/delivery will be smooth sailing! I’ve never heard of the nipple butter stuff…and the boobie tubes…? Goodness.
Christina Warren says
Oh, Thien, the GEAR! I have been introduced to a world of mystery!!! If you decide to go in this direction, you will want to know about things like nipple butter. Oh yes. I hear it saves lives. LOL The boobie tubes make me laugh too!!! Thank you. 🙂
Jessica (Coco & Mingo) says
lol! Oh, you have so much to look forward to! I wouldn’t know, but I’d assume 😉 Please keep us updated so that I may experience all the splendid horrors of my future baby producing. haha! BTW, just sent you a little something, look out for it in the mail via FedEx! P.S. love those bottles!
Christina Warren says
Jessica! Thank you! I hope to come out the other side with some wise info. HA! Maybe just a funny story or two hopefully. I TOTALLY got an email from Fedex and I’m so thrilled! You are such a treat, Jessica. 🙂 Thank you sweet friend. I was hoping you’d like the bottles!
Macy Gutermuth says
Ah how was I not following you on IG already?! I can’t wait to see pictures of this little guy. Make sure you keep the first blanket you hold him in at the hospital, there are tons of things you can do with it to keep for a keepsake <3
Christina Warren says
Oh thank you, Macy! I am trying to think of some sentimental things to do…I better check Pinterest ;). Let me know if you have any ideas! I love the blanket one!
Nicole B. says
Oh man don’t you love all the things that come along with having a baby! I remember trying to use my pump while I was still pregnant just to see how things worked and my husband thought I was the oddest person alive!
Just wait til you read about the Nosefrieda. Verrrrryyyyy interesting to say the least!
Savor these last moments being pregnant, Christina! They’re so great!
Nicole B.
Christina Warren says
LOL, I’ve been looking at that Nose Frida on the shelf every couple of days and it’s hilarious! Can’t wait. 🙂 I totally want to open the pump but it just seems too strange. LOL. I am checking in to make sure I’m savoring every moment! 🙂 Thank you so much, Nicole!
Rowena @ rolala loves says
You must just be counting down to the big day now. There is so much to look forward to especially how much your life will change when your little bundle of joy arrives 🙂
Rowena @ rolala loves
Christina Warren says
I really wonder if he’ll be early or late. Yes, big changes ahead. I am so curious!! Thank you, Rowena!
The Grits says
AhhH!! SO EXCITED!! I can’t wait to see little man 🙂
Christina Warren says
Thank you, sweet Ashley! You are a doll.
BlushandBarbells says
I can’t wait to see photos of your little one once he arrives!
Christina Warren says
Oh thank you, Wendy! I’m wondering if he’s going to look Korean…or if it’s really a girl!? HA!