My Favorite Things

One of the most wonderful people I have ever known is my Great Aunt Rose Marie Mackey. I have so many special childhood memories with her, and she'll always have a big piece of my heart. Today, I got a sweet baby gift from her in the mail - 3 onesies, 2 of which are for baby's first Christmas. They're so cute! I'm already imagining bringing him home from the hospital in one, and taking his picture under our tree. But the best part of the gift was a book that she sent called "My Favorite Things," which we read over and over together when I was little. I even hear her voice as I read it back to myself today. It brought tears to my eyes when I opened it, and it now has a special place on the nursery bookshelf. I can't wait to read it to our little boy, and tell him how his Great Great Aunt Rose used to read it to his mommy!

Our Maternity Center Tour

Today we visited the maternity center at Presbyterian Hospital where we'll deliver.  It was a really great experience!  We got a basic run-through of what will happen when we arrive on our "labor day," including a tour of the birthing center, postpartum rooms, nurses station, and waiting areas.  I must say that the facility was really beautiful...the rooms were very spacious, bright, and clean.  I was happy to see that all the rooms were private with restrooms complete with showers...the birthing rooms even have jacuzzi tubs!  The hospital really tries to provide amenities that a hotel would have, such as hair dryers, TVs, music systems, linens, etc.  I will, of course, be bringing my own pillows :)  The hallways were quiet and orderly, and it seems that every attempt is made to accommodate moms, babies, and visitors.  They even have 24 hour rooming in for babies - no nursery stays unless the baby needs medical intervention.  All of the equipment was very high-tech and modern as well.  I was pleasantly surprised that the tour really confirmed my expectations about the big day, and left feeling even more at ease.  Now I just need to restrain the urge to pack my hospital bag!

A Busy Week!

This was a very exciting week at the Rothwell house! Our nursery crib and dresser were delivered on Tuesday, and we absolutely love it! It all fits nicely in the room, and Marshall worked on staining the wood on the hutch a dark espresso color to match. Grandma Kimmie has also been busy sewing the bumper, crib skirt, changing pad cover, and pillow using the cute fabric we picked out. We had a few surprise registry deliveries from Nani Lynne too...baby's high chair and changing pad! Another huge project was the installation of our hardwood floors in the kitchen and office. The crew showed up around 7:30 this morning, and were done by 2:45...they did awesome work and it looks fabulous! It's really all coming together, and we're just thrilled. We'll wait to reveal the nursery until everything is finished and hung, but here's a before and after peek at our new floors :)

Home Sweet Deathtrap

So I get these daily newsletter emails from Parents Magazine, and I always do my best to sort through the articles that I find interesting and relevant.  Today's newsletter focused on baby-proofing your home.  After perusing about 5 different links on the subject, I came to the conclusion that our house is clearly a death trap.  I know our little guy won't be on the move for quite a bit, but like most things involving kids, I'm sure it'll creep up on us before we know it...if he's like most of the boys I know, he'll be into all kinds of stuff in a matter of mere seconds.  So while I appreciate all of the "helpful" advice and tips, I'm now also a little freaked.  Now I know we'll need to have things like corner guards for furniture, and gates at the top and bottom of the stairs...but did you know that those little outlet covers can actually be a choking hazard?!  And here I thought we were already ahead of the game with the few that we have around the house now (left behind by the previous paranoid homeowner and mother).  Apparently, they sell a kind that screws into the wall and has a sliding mechanism to cover the outlet when not in use.  Who knew?!  And the list goes on and on about blind cords, stove knobs, cleaning products, bath seats, baby bedding, dishwashers, balloons, and even purses - all potential hazards!  But then again...as I've heard my elders say time and again, "...well, we all survived, now didn't we?"  So I think I'll try and take it with a grain of salt, and just plan to keep a close eye on our little man.  Maybe these articles are meant for the parents who are watching soap operas and eating bon-bons while their toddler is playing in the toilet.  I'm sure Marshall was an exception here :)

Another Good Check-Up!

I'm feeling incredibly blessed and happy today :)  We went to our next doctor's appointment this afternoon, and had another great check-up!  The baby is measuring at 29 weeks, so we're right on track.  We even got to feel where his head and bottom are!  He's currently facing down, so hopefully he'll stay in that position until he's ready to be born.  It was exciting to know how he's positioned so we can try to imagine which of those crazy movements are kicks and which are punches!  His heartbeat was also very strong...probably even a little elevated after all the poking and prodding we were doing.  I'm still feeling great, although it is getting harder and harder to bend over.  Marshall is helping me put on my shoes on a regular basis now.  I've read that the baby is actively using all of his senses now, and there is some major brain development taking place this week.  I've also read that he's about the size of a basketball!  I don't feel like he could be that big, especially because people continue to seem shocked to hear that I'm already 7 months (per the lady at the checkout line at Publix a few days ago: "You're 7 months pregnant?!  I looked like you when I was at 3 months!").  I've gained about 14 pounds total now, but my doctor reassures me that I'm right on track.  I'm so lucky that this pregnancy has been so easy so far...I just hope it's a sign of how my labor will be! 

Even post-meltdown, Marshall told me I was beautiful and snapped a great baby-bump photo. I did get compliments on this dress all day...thanks to Tori for sending it to me! So I guess that's a pretty decent silver lining :)

Preggo-brain Pitfalls

Have you ever read the children's book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day?  In the story, Alexander is a kid who wakes up on the wrong side of the bed, and it's all downhill from there...he gets gum stuck in his hair, trips on his skateboard, has a cavity at the dentist, and lima beans for dinner.  I feel ya, Alex.  This was my kinda day today.  The kind where everything seems to go wrong, and before you know it, the most insignificant things have piled up on you and brought you to tears.  OK, they brought me to tears.  Poor Marshall has been tiptoeing around me all night, trying to be as sweet and helpful as possible...and I love him so much for it.  We both know that this whole pregnancy thing is filled with a roller coaster of emotions, due to all of my raging hormones.  But the preggo-brain - I didn't expect that.  I think it's what's lead to the vast majority of my pitfalls today.  Nothing major, just not my typical OCD self!  I did, however, manage to make beef stroganoff for dinner, and baked an upside-down caramel apple cake for Mary's birthday tomorrow, as she and Dad are coming for a visit this weekend.  I think I'll be OK now...unlike Alexander, who believes the answer is to move to Australia.  But I'm pretty happy right here at home.