Tip Tuesday: Keep That Baby IN!

I'm so thankful today. I've hit the 20 week mark of pregnancy. And as I posted to my Facebook account, I'm halfway there. With the scares we had early on (being on restrictions and considered high risk) I'm so thankful.

Yes, pregnancy IS 40 weeks. Don't let anyone tell you different. Now, if you've had a medical reason, like my co-author and her gestational diabetes, that's different.

I had a chat with my mother in law's neighbor the other day. She, too, is expecting. But it's her first. And she said to me, "You're so lucky! You'll be scheduled. I'm such a planner, I'm hoping my doctor will schedule me too, a few weeks early since it'll be hot."

And if you know me, you know it took everything in me not to punch her in the nose.

Babies are not on YOUR schedule, you're on theirs. And the sooner you figure that out, the better. I found out the hard way, with my first. We were due November 15th. That day came and went. People were even asking why I wasn't at the hospital having him. Ummm...because he's not ready?

Liam finally arrived, ELEVEN days late, and only after some coaxing. AFTER his due date came and went, we tried the driving over the train tracks trick (and got yelled at by my Doc), spicy foods...nothing worked. He just wasn't ready to come. When he finally did, my mother (a nurse) was upset because she could tell he was WAY overdue. And you could tell. They had to add amniotic fluid and his skin was dry and wrinkled. He had almost no vernix left.

It breaks my heart to see babies born at 28, 30, 32 weeks and have to spend time in the NICU. It even breaks my heart to see babies born at 36 weeks when they get sick shortly after they're born...because they just weren't ready.

I don't care if you're uncomfortable, suck it up. I don't care if it's hot. Women have been hot for thousands of years (without air conditioning, mind you) and managed. You can too. My youngest was born in July. It was hot. I was miserable. And I had back labor at home for a full day before going in...because he just wasn't ready. This baby is due in August. It will be hot. But I won't be going in early just because I'M miserable. Because guess what, it's not about ME. It's about the health of my baby.

Suck it up. Put your big girl panties on. Be a mother and think about what is best for your kids, not what works for you.

I've always had my Docs wait until I go into labor. And I do. They don't run the show, I don't run the show. It's my baby's birthday. And HE will decide when HE'S ready to come.

Shuffle Saturday: Sixth Birthday (Green Bay) Surprise

My big boy turns six today. How is that even possible?? It feels like yesterday I was in the hospital having trouble with his delivery. And he's already six years old???

Later today we'll be having a birthday party for him. He's requested a Green Bay Packers Birthday party. I found this great idea on Pinterest and had to try it. We pulled it off. As one of his gifts, we got him a (SUPER SOFT) Green Bay Packers blanket and put it on his bed after he went to sleep. We filled 20 Green and Yellow balloons and took them into his room--hoping that he wouldn't wake up in the middle of the night and turn on his fan. We also got him a really cool Green Bay Packers cup and set it at his spot on the dining room table.

When he woke up this morning, he came into my room and said, "Mommy! I already saw my blanket and balloons. THAT WAS AWESOME!" Daddy has to work this morning so he was somewhat sad that he was going to miss Liam's reaction.

Liam then ventured out to the living room/dining room and said, "Oh COOL! A Green Bay cup!! This is like a Birthday-Egg Hunt!"

He still has a few more gifts to open from us and guests are scheduled to arrive around 2. Daddy doesn't get off of work until 1. I hope I can get a shower/make all of the dips/decorate/maintain my sanity before the guests show up.

But so far, it's been a success. Happy Birthday, Liam. I can't believe you're already six.

Tip Tuesday: Memorable Birthdays

This week my co-author's son, Judah, celebrated his second birthday. I had already purchased a gift for him a few months ago from a score during a woot off (psst, there is one going on right now at Woot!)

But I needed to get him a card. What kind of a card do you get a two year old? Should I get him a generic "Hey, you're two" or something more special. His mother enjoys scrapbooking so I thought to make the card something special.

I came across tiny prints and thought I would try them out for the upcoming birthdays, anniversaries and Father's Day.

I was very pleased with the quality of the cards and Judah's mommy just loved it. While they're little, they don't know the difference between a off the shelf card or a sentimental card. But they will when they get older. And Grandma's just love reading these cards!