Back Pain

So recently I've been having a lot of back pain during sleep and when waking up.  Talking to my doctor about how I sleep she informed me that sleeping on my back (which I am a total back sleeper) isn't good to do since it can cause the baby to rest on my aorta causing decreased blood flow to the baby and to me but if I wake up on my back it's not a big deal just to do it as little as possible.  On the left side is ideal but that can be painful to do all the time also.  It actually hurts my shoulder and back to stay on the left side all night long.  I've tried.  She said to help with back pain to get a preggo pillow that goes behind me or to put a pillow at my back.  I haven't found a preggo pillow that I love yet so I tried putting a pillow behind me.  That didn't work out so I put 2 and then 3 and then 4.  It worked ok but not great.

      Then last night as Michael and I were watching Burn Notice before bed I had my back against him and it felt amazing.  I got to him try out me sleeping back to back with him all night with him basically supporting me all night.  It was amazing... for me.  Not so much for him.  He didn't get much sleep since I"m a furnace and he couldn't really move freely but I woke up with no back pain and fresh as a Daisy!!!

      He says he'll keep doing it for me but I don't foresee that happening on his work nights unless he just gets used to it.  I imagine he'll be making me get a preggo pillow pretty soon.  lol

      It's also getting hard for me to lift myself too.  Hard to just scoot over.  Michael says I'm like an overstuffed chicken.  lol

Some interesting info about December Birthdays

December Birthstone Zodiac Sign
The twelve Zodiac signs are an astrological version of birthstones in addition to the twelve calendar months. The December birthstone of the Turquoise is considered to be the birthstone for Sagittarius (The sign of the Archer) and relate to those born between November 23 - December 21. The Zodiac sign of Sagittarius also responds to Topaz, Beryl, Blue Topaz, Blue Zircon, Ruby, Lapis Lazuli and Citrine.


        I find this very very interesting for a few reasons.  Anyone who has known me for any length of time knows that I used to wear turquoise jewelry all the time in many forms, fashions, sizes, and shapes.  My bridesmaids even wore turquoise and pearl jewelry that I made on our wedding day.  Although, I have recently realized that if I ever have any special jewelry made with her birthstone it will likely be Blue Zircon because that's what the jewelry industry has decided is the December birthstone.  Looks very similar to the birthstone that Michael and I share which is Aquamarine.  My what a blue colored family we are.

Sagittarius
November 22 - December 21

Sagittarius, the ninth sign of the zodiac, is the home of the wanderers of the zodiac. It's not a mindless ramble for these folks, either. Sagittarians are truth-seekers, and the best way for them to do this is to hit the road, talk to others and get some answers. Knowledge is key to these folks, since it fuels their broad-minded approach to life. The Sagittarian-born are keenly interested in philosophy and religion, and they find that these disciplines aid their internal quest. At the end of the day, what Sagittarius wants most is to know the meaning of life, and to accomplish this while feeling free and easy.

It's the Archer that represents Sagittarians, although in this case it's a Centaur (half man, half beast) that is flinging the arrows. Centaurs were the intellectuals of ancient Roman mythology, and Sagittarians are quick to consider themselves their modern-day counterparts. Those born under this sign are clear thinkers, and choose to look at the big picture most of the time. They also like it when others agree with their well-thought-out point of view. The alternative to this, for better or for worse, is a Sag who can become argumentative and blunt. That's not to say that these folks are intransigent -- Archers will listen to what others have to say, in keeping with the Mutable Quality assigned to them. Indeed, Sagittarians are enthusiastic consumers of information (and enthusiastic in general), the better to get the answers they need. It's also a good idea to give Sags lots of room to explore their world. Once these folks start to feel hemmed in, they'll become impatient and difficult.

Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter. In ancient Roman times, Jupiter was the King of the Gods, and most Sagittarians would say that the royal pedigree has been passed on to them. The Sag-born are generous and just -- much like a noble leader. These folks are also expansive in their thoughts, as well as in their approach. Sags are forever reaching for knowledge, understanding and answers. They are outspoken in their beliefs, at times to the point of exaggeration. This may be due to their unflinching optimism. Sags are also a lucky bunch, thanks to Jupiter's golden glow. They're quick to take a gamble on things, feeling both lucky and smart. While the process of exploration is what fuels Sagittarians (and translating that to others as a teacher and philosopher), they need to be aware of their tendency to procrastinate. Those born under this sign can be quite self-indulgent since things come so easily to them (thanks to their charming and sociable natures). Smart Archers, however, will catch themselves in time, the better to continue their good work.

The Element associated with Sagittarius is Fire. Just as a fire can move quickly and uncontrollably, so can Sagittarius as they flit from one thing to the next, never looking back. For the Sag-born, it's all about action and adventure (and, hopefully, conclusions). These folks love their physicality and are often athletic, and certainly full of stamina. Life for these folks is played full-on, which is why it's chock-full of experiences. Archers are outgoing, enthusiastic and tend to overstep their bounds as a result, falling prey to the likes of foot-in-mouth disease. They can talk so fast (and so much) that they don't process the full weight of what they're saying, leading to the occasional hurt feeling. Often, however, their words serve to inspire others and to get things going. Yes, Sagittarians are straight-ahead folks who are curious, spiritual and true believers. The fact that they attract others with ease should be no surprise, since they have a great sense of fun and enjoy a good time. They don't lack for confidence, either, not a whit! High-spirited Sags love to socialize -- with an ever-changing crew.

The athleticism of Sags lends itself to challenging sports, and they definitely know they're up to the task. That's why you're likely to find them in an around-the-world solo boat race or climbing up the highest peaks (where they should be mindful of their legs and hips). No stretch is too big for a Sag, if only because these folks know they're ready (and lucky to boot). Mental gamessuch as chess or debate also fuel the Sag's mood. Moody colors they'll wear, since they favor rich maroon and navy hues. When it comes to love games, the Archer is playful, flirtatious and always on top.

The great strength of the Sagittarius-born is their philosophical, wide-open and curious nature. These folks seek both knowledge and truth, and they are eager to share their explorations with others. Their optimistic and generous spirit makes them a pleasure to have around.

        Could this be any more of a cross between Michael's personality and mine?  

The Whimsical Nursery is starting to look and feel like a nursery

      We were busy busy busy this past week and weekend.  Michael and I (well mostly Michael) moved the guest bed out of Baby Pearl's room giving us room to put together the dresser and move furniture around.  On Sunday our friend Stephanie came over and helped me put together and place the crib and rug.  We're very very happy with how all of our furniture looks together and feel that they're all items that she will be able to enjoy and utilize for years to come.  We still have to take the pictures off the walls... even though they're nice and we love them they just aren't right for a baby's room.  So we'll be moving them to another spot in the house and when we go to Nashville in September we'll also be taking many of the stuffed animals on the shelves to make room for Baby Pearl's special things.  We will be keeping a few of the stufties... such as Michael's mouse Cheesy, Cody's dog Samuel, the build a bear Michael made for me a few years back, Paddington Bear which was Michael's Nanna's and maybe one or two others.

I MAY have to get a stepstool to use to put the baby to bed at night once
we move her into her own room.  The crib is just a bit higher than I anticipated.
We still need to get a mattress for it which we may do this weekend or next weekend.
I'll also be taking the majority of these stufties down and the picture down.  We have a
very "Mirror Mirror on the Wall" type of mirror to go above the dresser and the bassinet
will of course be moved into our room once the baby is born.  

I love this bookshelf because it's so low that once she
is crawling and walking she will be able to get her toys
and books down herself.  I did move this from the area with the
vent so now we don't have to buy legs for it.  YAY!  I still need to
find something to hand above this.  That picture is going to be
moved somewhere else in the house.

Looking in from the doorway.  In the corner is the Snug a bunny bouncer,
baby einstein exersaucer, and a travel swing.  On top of the dresser is a very odd
nursing pillow that I got but don't like, and the bobby newborn lounger.  Definitely
going to have to get the regular boppy.

This is the only shelf in the cubes that is set up all cute with a few books,
the duckie her Grandpa Twork picked out for her and a duckie teether
from Auntie Steph.  The rest of the cubes are holding things yet to be utilized... like
curtains and such.  

              Pretty soon we should be getting some headband supplies in the mail for me to start making Baby Pearl some cute accessories of all kinds... which means I'm going to have to come up with some sort of headband/hairbow display to store them all on.  Hopefully, we will get the curtains up very soon to add a pop of color and a bit more whimsy to the room :)

Nursery Under Construction

Today Little Miss Pearl's Daddy and I spent a good portion of the day doing some big things in her room.   We moved to guest bed out and built her dresser.   Her Daddy got her changing table finished a couple of days ago,  which is much bigger than I ever dreamed it might be bit still I am very happy with all of her beautiful whimsical furniture.   The dresser is a bit smaller than I expected but should still work for her through grade school.   All that's left is putting the crib together, hanging the curtains, hanging the mirror and placing everything else... Oh and buying a crib mattress. .. Can't forget that!  Going to get most of the mess cleaned up tomorrow and perhaps figure out what I want in each of the drawers.  There's a vent under the cube shelves so I need to get some legs to attach to it so that it's lifted up off the floor because for some reason I'm being pretty stubborn about wanting it under the window.  Who'd of thought finding decent 4 inch legs would be so difficult.  So far I've checked Lowes, Home Depot, and Ikea.  Haven't really found what I want yet. Good thing there's still some more time!!!  :)  

Super long changing table... but it'll be able to be used for other things as time goes by

Ikea Expedit cubes and mess

Super cute dresser that's a bit shorter than I expected but will still work nicely in the room for years to come 

21 Week Belly sticking out first thing in the morning 

Nursery To Do List

          Another blog post for me for when I'm out and about.  These are things that I need to pick up and get done to finish the nursery.  I'm trying really hard not to buy anything else until after the showers but that is proving to be extremely hard!


Pick up Purple halloween lights when halloween stuff is out.  need 4-6 boxes

Get a chair and ottoman for the nursery and for the living room

Pick up a P to paint for newborn picture prop

Drawer Organizers

Closet dividers

Long underbed storage container

Tutu supplies
ruffle bloomers
headband supplies

Bumpin along at 21 weeks

We are bumpin along at 21 weeks and Little Miss PJ is growing strong.  I feel her moving inside of me almost all of the time and most of them are pretty big movements.  We're having so much fun getting her fairy tale forest nursery ready.  Today I tackled Ikea and got her curtains, rug, shelving, and a few other things that I'm pretty excited about.  Although, in my excitement looking at and picking out mirrors I came across a frame (that looked exactly like the mirror I was looking at) that was $10 cheaper and white instead of black.  I got excited and bought it and when I got home realized it was a frame and not a mirror :(.  So I suppose I'll be going back to Ikea soon to return it and get a mirror.  I had thought about getting mirror spray paint and painting it but am scared that it won't turn out and then I will have spent the extra $10 so I'm going to go back and get the mirror that I originally wanted.

21 weeks along

Cravings

Anything with peaches or mangos : Overnight Peach Oatmeal, mango jello, smoothies, anything at all

Iced Coffee (still)

Subway (I've eaten Subway almost every day this week)- BLT with lettuce, spinach, cucumbers, lots of pickles, banana peppers, tomatoes, lots of light mayo, oregano, and salt and pepper :)

Salads with Ranch and Italian Dressing... and lots of tomatoes

Baby Inventory So Far...

          This is mostly for my benefit.  It's so that when I am out shopping I can refer back to this post to see what I need, what I don't need, what I have too much of etc...  When I have enough of something or have an item that I only need one of I will cross it out so that I don't double buy.  This way I can update a list that is in one spot that I don't have to remember every time I leave the house and I can remember what I already have.  If anyone notices anything not on the list that they feel is a necessity please feel free to let me know!  :)

Baby Clothes - 

NB-
      Short sleeved colored Onesies - 24
      Love sleeved colored onesies - 6
      Short sleeved white onesies - 5
      Long sleeved white onesies -2
      Footed Jammies - 3 colored, 1 white
      Gown - 2
      Halo Sleep Sack - 1
      Pants - 2
      Shirt - 1
      Light Sweater - 4
      Matching pants/shirt -2
      side snap shirt - 1
      Romper w/ skirt - 2
      Romper - 1
      Dress - 1

0-3 months-
       Short sleeved colored onesies - 13
       Long sleeved colored onesies - 1
       Short sleeved white onesies - 1
       Long sleeved white onesies - 1
       Footed Jammies - 9
       Gown - 8
       PJ pants - 1
       Pants - 3
     
3 months -
       Onesies - 16
       Footed Jammies 3
       Pants - 1

3-6 months-
       Onesies - 5
       Dresses - 1

6 months-
       Onesies - 2
       Long sleeved onesies - 1
       Pants - 1

6-9 months -
       Onesies- 1
       Dresses - 2

0-9 months -
       Gown

1 size zippered sleep sack

Swaddlers - 3
Swaddle Pods - 2
Halo Sleep Sacks with swaddler - 3

Hats/Socks/Bibs/Mittens
soft baby booties - 2
socks - 0-3 m - 14
hats - 8
bibs - 7
mittens - 7

Bathtime
towels - 1
hooded towels - 1
washcloths - 13
shampoo - 2
head to toe wash - 1
lotion - 1
tub - 1

Diapering
NB diapers - 30 Pampers Sensitive Swaddlers, 36 Pamper's Swaddlers, 36 Huggies little snugglers
Sz 1 diapers - 2 boxes of 234 Pamper's Swaddlers
Sz 2 diapers - 1 box of 204 Pamper's Swaddlers
Sz 3 diapers - 0
Wipes - 1 pkg Huggies Natural Care 184 ct
Diaper Rash Cream - 1
Baby Powder - 2
Diaper Pail - 0
Diaper Pail bag refills - 0
Diaper Pail air fresheners - 0

Feeding
Tommee Tippee Bottles - 2
Tommee Tippee Nipples - 0
*Tommee Tippee Bottle Warmer - 1
Tommee Tippee Bottle Sterilizer - 0
Tommee Tippee Double Breast Pump - 0
Breast Milk storage containers - 0
Boppy Newborn Lounger - 1
Boppy - 0
Boppy covers - 1
Bumbo chair with tray - 1
Nipple brushes - 2
Bottle brushes - 0
Infant Formula - 3 sample cans and 4 sample bottles of similac
burp rag - 3
Grass air drier - 1

Pacifiers
Soothies -2
Pacifiers - 0

Playtime - 
Bouncer - 1 Sungabunny
Swing - Travel Swing
Exersaucer -1 Baby Neptune
Tummy Time mat/play mat - 0
Chew toys - 0

Sleep necessities and accessories
Crib - 1
Crib Mattress - 0
Crib sheets - 0
Crib skirt - 0
Angelcare baby monitor - 1
Motorola Video monitor - 0
Cradle - 1
Cradle sheet - 1
receiving blankets - 11
soft fuzzy blankets - 2
small waterproof pads - 3


DVDs
Baby Einstein -
       Baby Mozart
       Baby Van Gogh
       Baby Beethoven
       World Animals
       World Animal Adventure
       Lullaby Time
       Baby's First Sounds
Elmo's World-
       Singing, Drawing, & More
       Dancing, Music, & Books