26 Weeks

I have seen so much advertising for Cord Blood banking at the baby show, doctor’s offices, baby websites, etc... Jess and I took a long hard look at it and realized it’s simply not affordable for us.  It’s really quite costly to bank your cord blood.  It can range anywhere from $900 to $1500 for the first year, and at least $100/per year for storage for 18 years.  So what we decided is that we’re going to donate the my/her cord blood to the Victoria Angel Registry of Hope.  There's no cost to donate and we'll be helping another child out there.  We’re hoping that we’ll have good karma if we ever need the favour in return *knock on wood*.

I ended up going to the 3D ultrasound last night.  It was truly an amazing experience.  You get more time to look at the fun stuff instead of being rushed out.  I apologize the picture below is a bit scary looking.  It was hard to get a good picture, the placenta was mostly in her face and she had her hands up the whole time.  She looks more like Homer Simpson to me.  ;o)

  

Anyway I highly recommend this if you can afford it.  I just found out today that I do get 3D ultrasound coverage through my work health insurance plan.  Hooray!  I went to 3D Baby Bonus Ultrasound.  The sonographer, Lynn, was just amazing.  She makes the experience a really good one.

Work is still underway upstairs.  A huge thank you to John Burt and Jason Estevan for helping Jesse lay the hardwood flooring.  We now have one room finished so we can move everything into that room and start working on the nursery.  The nursery still needs the hardwood flooring and paint, the rest is all small stuff that will be fun for me to do (i.e. curtains, decor, etc...).  I think my pregnancy feels like it’s going by fast because we have so much to do still.  It’s a race against time!

Em

xo  

25 Weeks

I've had my first OB/GYN appointment last Tuesday and it went really really well.  I feel so comfortable with my OB and I’m happy I chose her.  Her name is Valentina Cvetic and her office is in Milton.  She said I have to go every two weeks to see her.   I was surprised at the frequency, but I think it’s great because as I get closer to the due date I think I’ll have more questions.  So far, everything is normal!  She was listening to Baby Wardette’s heart with a Doppler, and the little monster kept kicking at the Doppler.  What a nut.

Today I went to the Baby Show happening at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre with my mom.  I’m so glad I went because I came home with a bunch of free stuff and information.  I was really looking to see what information I can get on Cord Blood Banking and RESP’s.  There was definitely a lot of information on those two topics.  But there was also a surprising amount of info on organic baby food.  I wanted to make my own baby food for her, but I think I gave up on that idea as it’s a lot of work!  I’ll be too busy with a crying baby to make food.  So I’m happy to know that I’ll be able to buy her food with no preservatives without a problem. 

I also found two really great products while I was there:

The Angel Arm by The Baby Henry Co. – this is an ergonomic sling that goes over the shoulder cap and attaches to the car seat, it’s to avoid back aches from holding a car seat.

Keep-it-Kleen Pacifier by Raz Baby – this is a pacifier that when dropped a lid closes over the nipple to protect it from getting dirty.

So tired, need to sleep now. :)

Em

xo

6 months!

I have finally reached the 6 month mark.  It’s really weird that in 3+ months our lives will be changed forever.  But Jesse and I can’t wait to have a little one to raise and enjoy life with.  She’s already taken over the house with all the stuff I’ve been collecting for her.  She’s definitely made her mark already in this family.

At this point I can feel Baby Wardette kicking away all the time now.  She must be getting really big!  Jesse has finally felt her kick.  It was something that I wanted him to feel so badly.  It happened while I was sleeping and he came to bed late.  He put his hand on belly and then she kicked!  Too bad I wasn’t awake for it, but he’s now had his private bonding moment with her. 

Since I know it’s a little girl, I can start looking at items for the nursery.  I have been able to a few items that I’m super excited about.

The first item that was purchased was this beautiful chandelier for her room.  My mom was so generous to make this a gift from her and Kevin.  I almost cried at how much I loved it and how much I was thankful that she did this for us. 

She also bought these cute little mirror butterflies to reflect the light from the chandelier. 

The second purchase made was the fabric for her crib quilt. 

I think I’m going to start making the quilt soon.  I bought this sewing book by Amy Butler called: Amy Butler's Little Stitches for Little Ones.  This is where I got the quilt pattern from.  I won’t make bumpers due to the whole SIDS thing.  But I will make a crib skirt for sure.

I love this fabric because it’s mature, pretty, and has lots of colours to choose from now to paint her room with.  I’m still going to buy some other fun fabrics for pillows, crib skirt, etc... 

This Tuesday I have my first OB/GYN appointment with Dr. Cvetic in Milton.  I've heard great things about her!  I can’t wait to discuss more details about the pregnancy with her.

Em
xo