My Best Men and a Memory Log

My best men, John and Comet.  There could be another in my life, but we won't know until April.
Update 5.7.13:  Baby Hammar is a Boy!

I want to keep a list of activities/events/memories I do not want to forgot during this pregnancy.  This post is definetly for my own personal enjoyment/memory log, but feel free to read anyway :)

- John told me my baby belly is cute. 

- When we were at Motherhood Maternity last weekend John saw peepee teepees and had no idea what they were. We had a good laugh after I explained it. 

- This week (mid 15th) I finally stopped feeling exhausted. 

- Maternity clothes are really comfy, but can be crazy expensive so shop wisely.

- Remember that weight gain is a positive. 

- Cheese and romaine lettuce have been delicious. 

- The neighbors Allie and Rick are expecting three days before us. 

- Our friends Keri and Jeremy are expecting in June. 

- I've tried talking to the babe, but I feel silly. I won't quit trying.
- Coffee dates with Laura.  I'm going to miss her when she goes off to college.

- Being rubbed and loved on by Marley and Kendra.

- Lunch dates with Kate and Keri.

- Crazy dreams.  I've had one where John was no where to be found when I went into labor.  I had one where we decided to go on a dating show.  

- At week 15, day 4 I finally had some energy back!  I walked four miles that day.  My body was very upset, but I had the energy.

- Remember that pregnancy could be all about deprivation, but it's really about being safe and healthy.
- I love our family's excitment about the babe.
- I started sleeping with a pillow between my legs at 16 weeks.  I also feel like I am visibly pregnant now.
- Remembering to enjoy the time we have with Comet sans babe.  He's going to need some extra tlc once the babe arrives.
- I actually don't mind people touching my belly.  It might get old, but I especially find it endearing when it's a friend or family member.  I haven't had a stranger do it yet though.

Update 5.7.13:
-  Hearing, "You're showing, it's so cute."
-  Popped during week 18.
-  March 30: TSA agent asked if I was having a baby :)
-  March 30:  Babe's first movements.  Having a dance party in there during church.
-  When we found out we were having a boy, John talked about bringing him to Gopher games on the way home.  He's so excited.
-  April 28:  Daddy feels you for the first time.
-  You and I love reading books about dogs, especially Harry the Dirty Dog.
-  Your momma loves prenatal yoga.
-  Feeling so blessed and loved as friends and family ask if they can host baby showers for us.
-  May 5: We started painting the walls in your nursery.

Update 6.18.13:
-  May 7:  We had a howling party with Comet and the baby loved it.
-  May 11:  My mom, John's mom, Hannah and Cate felt him move.
-  May 15:  Marley raps Eminem for the babe.
-  May 29:  John thanked me for carrying our baby.
-  May 25 and June 1: Our first two baby showers.  SO much fun!  The babe got so many great and thoughtful gifts.  I loved seeing all the people who were able to attend as well.
-   May 30:  First Braxton-Hicks contraction.
-  Week of June 10:  We basically finished the nursery.
-  June 16:  Celebrating Father's Day
-  June 21:  The start of midwife appointments every two weeks instead of every month.

This will be a post that I continually add onto :)

For baby bump and baby related photos, click here!

Baby Freebies/Coupons, Part One

Sidenote to my pregnancy posts:  As I post I plan to be completely honest about my feelings and thoughts as we ride this rollercoaster into parenthood.  I plan to use this blog as a way for me to process this journey.  Thanks for taking the time to read.

There are a lot of freebies and coupons for baby products out there. If there is something specific I'm looking for I always make sure to search for a coupon first. I have also scoured other blogs to find places to sign-up for freebies/coupons. Although sweepstakes aren't a sure way (or actually a pretty close to 0% chance way) of stocking up for baby they aren't a bad idea to check out every once and a while. Here are the companies I signed up with for freebies and coupons.  Often times when there was an opportunity for me to register with a company after I was finished they linked me to other offers.  Most of them also included an email list, but I didn't care and just unsubscribe if I wasn't interested in getting information from them all the time.  I will post more if I come across them.

Keep in mind that starting a registry at Babies R Us, Target and BuyBuy Baby gets you a gift bag.  Refer to my post about registering for more information.

1. Enfamil Family Beginnings:  https://www.enfamil.com/app/iwp/ConsumerRegisterLoadConsentInfo.do?referralID=174&cm_mmc=Digitas-SEM-_-Google-EFB-_-Brand-_-enfamil%20family%20beginnings

They advertise that I will receive free samples of products, up to $250 in free gifts and up to $60 in savings.  (And the monthly email.)  I haven't received anything from them yet, but they ask for a due date and since we have months to go I thought that might be the reason.  I'll update if I receive anything.

2. Similac Strong Moms: https://similac.com/registration?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=similac%20strong%20moms&utm_content=similac%20-%20strongmoms&utm_campaign=customer%20retention&cid=ppc_an_sim_ggl_bkws_2783

They promise a $20 credit towards baby announcements to Shutterfly during pregnancy.  I should've done a little more research before signing up for this one because I already got my email with coupon code for that and it expires at the end of April.  If anyone needs it let me know and I'd be happy to forward it.  After our babe is born they promise up to $329 in membership rewards (not sure what that means) and samples and coupons delivered straight to my door.  This is one I'll have to wait until after the babe is born to see if it was worth it.  I might consider signing my husband up when it gets closer to our delivery so we can get another credit for baby announcements. 

Update 7.17.13:  I got free formula in the mail from Similac Strong Moms!  I plan to breastfeed, but if that doesn't work out or if we eventually have to supplement with formula these full size samples will be great!  Another perk of signing up for this program :)

3.  Everyday Family:  http://www.everydayfamily.com/register/

They are a good website to register on to find other special offers and deals.  They must have a lot of collaboration from other companies.  It is also a great source of information.  There are numerous ways to chat with other moms and moms-to-be here.  

4. Gerber Start Healthy, Stay Healthy:

I signed up for this one through the Everyday Family website. It says they offer up to $114 in free coupons and offers. Gerber also offers an opportunity to get a backpack full of goodies if I was going to deliver at a participating hospital. We are not, so we'll have to miss out on that one. To check your hospital visit: http://www.gerber.com/allstages/special_offers/backpack.aspx

5. Playtex: http://www.playtexbaby.com/SignUp.aspx

This only says it's for tips and exclusive savings.  I haven't received anything yet.

6. Johnson & Johnson: I don't have a lot of information from this one because I found it on another blog and I can't seem to find it now that I'm writing this post. The only reason I think it's worth mentioning is that their “New Mommies” program was discontinued, but they still sent me five valuable coupons with either no expiration date or they expire no earlier than next year.

Extra FYI: As I googled baby freebies I had to double check a few to make sure if they had expired or if a company was no longer offering that program. Sometimes the blog posts I found were from 4-5 years ago, so I've been checking the date of each post I read so I don't get excited about a freebie that may no longer exist. Also make sure to double-check if the program is offered in your area. I found dead ends at a few because they were only offered in Canada or the UK.  Some mommy bloggers talked about just emailing/calling companies and they would send products.  I'm not good at phone calls, so I only called Johnson & Johnson.  Many sources also said to mention if your family is expecting mutiples because they will often send more coupons/products.  Happy searching!

Here are a few blogs that continually post freebies:

http://fabulesslyfrugal.com/tag/baby-freebies

http://thefreebieblogger.com/2879/baby-freebies/

Guest Post: Becoming an Auntie

I asked my youngest sister to write this Guest Post for me this morning because she has a snow day and got the day off.  Her district had the day off yesterday too because it was the end of the trimester.  Lucky girl! She is wonderful and I adore her.  Ten years separates us so she provided me with a lot of my infant experience early on.  She turned sixteen a few months ago and got her driver's license.  It seems like she grew up so fast and I have trouble still calling her my little sister even though she's not so little anymore.  She is a diving in the fall, a gymnast in the winter and runs track in the spring.  She has a lot of athletic talent.  We know she'll be a great auntie and the baby will be so blessed to have her in his/her life.  Thanks for the sweet post Cate!  Love you! 

Cate the day she found out :)

"Auntie Cate"..I can't wait to hear those words come out of the sweet little baby's mouth. How exciting to get to hear those words! When I found out I was "head-over-heals" excited! I have been waiting 5 years to get the news of getting to be an auntie, now I just have to wait patiently for 5 more months, but at least I know the precious babe is coming. I love hearing about the progressions in Em's pregnancy. I was the youngest so I never got to see my mom go through this. So getting to see my sister experience this is so cool to me. I just wish I lived closer to her, so I could feel her belly :) I know Emily will be a GREAT mom.

To the future Little Hammar--I can't wait till you are here. I am sure there will be some arguing of who gets to hold you. So get ready for the Latt craziness:)

P.S. You are going to have awesome parents!!:)

Love, Caitie

fifteen weeks.

Sidenote to my pregnancy posts:  As I post I plan to be completely honest about my feelings and thoughts as we ride this rollercoaster into parenthood.  I plan to use this blog as a way for me to process this journey.  Thanks for taking the time to read.

How Far Along: 15 weeks, 2 days.

Size of baby: Apple.

Sleep: Sleep is still going pretty well.  I'm still able to sleep on my stomach, especially if I put one foot out to prop myself up a little.  I've had a little trouble when I move suddenly though.  I get a sharp pain on the right side of my uterus which apparently is called round ligament pain.  It only lasts a few seconds, but it is awful.  I've been able to get back to sleep quickly afterwards so it's not too big of an issue.  

Total Weight Gain:  My estimate would be about 6 pounds.  I didn't have to work today because of the snow, so I'll weigh myself tomorrow.  Although I struggled for a while with gaining weight, but now I'm feeling okay.  The babe needs nutrients, so I gotta provide. 

Symptoms: The worst is being tired, so I'm not complaining.  My nausea has pretty much subsided.  When I get hungry though my stomach is SO hungry.  That's quickly remedied with a snack :)  I've also started having the round ligament pain, which is awful, but short lived. 

Movement: Nothing, but I've heard other women feel it this early.  I'm patiently waiting.  I am honestly so excited about this part of pregnancy!  I can't wait for John to be able to feel it either.  

Maternity Clothes: Yup.  I bought a few items from Old Navy and I've been rotating them in with my regular clothes.  I have been using my Belly Band, which is great because I don't have to button or zip my regular pants.  It's very comfortable while I'm standing, but slightly uncomfortable when sitting for a long period of time. 

Go-to eats:  I want salads SO bad this week.  I homemade the salad dressing from Olive Garden, which is so good.  I'm not currently having any food aversions.  

Best moment/s of the week:  Your daddy and I got to spend the whole weekend together.  We celebrated a positive change for him at work on Friday night at our favorite place for burgers in St. Paul.  Saturday we got a few more plates for the house because we only had three left and yesterday we got a La Z Boy and a rug.  You won't have to lay on the wood floor now!  I'm feeling like a happy momma because more details are falling into place for your arrival. 

Hardest moment/s of the week:  There wasn't anything hard about this week.  It's been a great one!

Gender: I was thinking you were a girl last week, but now I'm unsure again.  Your daddy still thinks your a boy.  He regularly calls you a 'he'.  No one else has voiced their opinions either.  The beginning of April can't come soon enough.

What I wish people knew:  Some details about our pregnancy are things we cherish together.  They are what we enjoy thinking about and talking about.  It seems like people believe all of the details about our pregnancy are fair game to ask questions about.

What I’m looking forward to:  I got a snow day today :)  We get to see Hannah and Ethan this weekend.  I also get to hang out with Harper on Saturday. 

Milestones:  You are 4 inches long and weigh almost 2 ounces.  You can sense light even though your eyes aren't open yet.  

To check out my growing baby bump click here :)

Our Dating Ultrasound

Sidenote to my pregnancy posts:  As I post I plan to be completely honest about my feelings and thoughts as we ride this rollercoaster into parenthood.  I plan to use this blog as a way for me to process this journey.  Thanks for taking the time to read.

Our first appointment with our midwife was on a Wednesday. I thought I was 8.5 weeks along, according to my last period. It is also what every algorithm said on the internet.  She did all her tests and felt my uterus and thought I was only 7.5 weeks. Since my periods are generally inconsistent she recommended that we go in for a dating ultrasound. I'm not sure how frequent this procedure is recommended, but when John told his coworkers about it none of them remembered doing it with their wives. We wanted to know how far along we were too if the general dating method could be invalid for us so we scheduled one for two days later. We couldn't get into our regular clinic so I had to drive to Chanhassen. It was lucky we got in because we were going on vacation on Saturday and apparently the earlier this ultrasound is performed the better they are at predicting an accurate due date.

Since it was early on in my pregnancy I had to drink 20oz of water 45 minutes before the procedure. I found this slightly hilarious that they ask pregnant women to do this. In my first trimester I had to pee all the time. My uterus has moved up now, so it's not as bad, but seriously. Every bump I had to drive over on the way there was pretty difficult and then when I had to wait in the waiting room I didn't know if I was going to make it. I also hadn't been able to find a lot of information about dating ultrasounds, so I was unsure of what to expect when I got there.

I had a very friendly and knowledgeable ultrasound tech. She put me at ease. They started with an exterior ultrasound.  There wasn't much for me to see because my uterus is tilted backwards. (The midwife said they can be tilted forward or backward and it's just like being left or right handed.) She did show me the heartbeat though, which was so neat. I asked her why drinking so much water before was necessary. She told me that because the uterus is generally tucked behind the bladder it's much easier to see through it when it's full. Pregnancy fact for the day, check. After the exterior ultrasound was finished she told me I could pee, which I couldn't really do because I had held that much water for so long.

I then had to undress from the waist down for an internal ultrasound. (This was where I was missing a lot of information...) I followed instructions and the tech came back into the room. The instrument used is an internal transducer wand, looks like a magician wand. She asked me if it was okay if she inserted it. Of course I just reacted and said it was fine, but afterward giggled about what the alternative options could have been.  Maybe some pregnant moms are very involved in the process and they do it themselves. I don't know.  It was awkward, just a little uncomfortable. It's basically a camera that the tech moves around to get all the photos she needs. Although it was uncomfortable I hardly noticed because I could see our baby. It looked like a gummi bear, but later when I was explaining it's movements (aka ninja chops) to John he decided it would be the Dragon Warrior. A helpful sidenote is that John got Kung Fu Panda for Christmas. It's probably on his fave five list right now. It was amazing to see that our 9 week old was moving around. Its little arms were flailing and its heart was beating strongly. I really wish John could've made it to that appointment, but we still have our twenty week ultrasound so he'll come to that one.

In the end the tech had me measuring at 9 weeks and 2 days, but according to my period I was 8 weeks and 6 days. She said usually the midwife/doctor doesn't change the due date when it's only a few days difference. Our little Dragon Warrior should be gracing us with its presence somewhere around August 24, 2013.  

For a photo jump to the previous post or click here.

The Dragon Warrior's First Portrait

Here's the first photo we got of our little babe.  The midwife sent me in for a "dating" ultrasound the day before I thought I was nine weeks.  Look for a first ultrasound post in the next few days :)

Pregnancy and Registering

Sidenote to my pregnancy posts:  As I post I plan to be completely honest about my feelings and thoughts as we ride this rollercoaster into parenthood.  I plan to use this blog as a way for me to process this journey.  Thanks for taking the time to read.

After an extensive amount of reading online it sounded like couples don't start registering until after 12 weeks. We waited until the day after :) It was definitely me jumping the gun. It was snowing a lot outside, but that didn't squelch my need to get out of the house. I asked John if we could just go and look at Babies R Us. He was up for it, so we went. While I was looking for a brochure a lady asked if we wanted to start our registry. We said sure and I filled out a piece of paper (not time consuming at all), they gave us a scanner and registry guide and sent us off.  The registry "guide" was an 8x11.5 sheet of paper with very small print.  They claimed we needed LOTS of stuff for our new tiny human.  Even having the little bit of experience with what I want because of being a nanny for two infants Babies R Us was overwhelming! John kept telling me to calm down, but I honestly couldn't take it all in. I was trying to decide on what bottles to register for but it seemed like there was a bazillion choices. There were also a bazillion choices for strollers, carseats, jumpers, bouncers, pack-n-plays, nail clippers, bibs, breast pumps and diapers. Holy buckets! Babies R Us also seemed expensive. I'd searched around online for products I knew I'd want to register for so I had a general idea of prices. It was hard for me to register for a product when it was so much money. We left after registering for only 12 baby products, none of which I was sure about. We did get a great gift bag with coupons and samples after turning in our scanner though!

Fast forward a week and we were at Target to start our registry. I saw online that Target also offered a “gift bag” for new parents who open a one, so of course I was excited about that. I love free samples and coupons! We had to fill out some information on the registry computers and the guest service lady supplied us with a scanner gun.  John thought Target would be a waste of time because their baby section is so small. We honestly had so much fun doing this registry. Neither of us felt overwhelmed, just excited. Instead of being crabby with one another because we couldn't make a choice we were both taking turns with the scanner. Next to their big purchases (Pack-n-plays, Strollers and Carseats) they had “packages” that showed what matched with that product. It allowed us to easily find the stroller, carseat and diaper bag that matched our pack-n-play.  They also had a matching swing, but I already registered for the one both my nanny families have.  Not that matching products were necessary, but I enjoy having a gender neutral “theme” for the big items so we can use them for all our babies, boy or girl. Hopefully we'll be able to pass them onto someone else who needs them after we're done too. We ended up with almost fifty items after our scanner ran out of juice. We returned it and went home happy after purchasing a belly band :)

After returning home I told John I was going to check out Amazon.com's Baby Registry. I looked around for a mere 10 minutes and decided we could get everything we needed from Amazon or Target. I went to Babies R Us online and transferred everything to whichever registry had the product we wanted. There was a swing that both nanny families have that was $180 at Babies R Us, but only $100 on Amazon. One hundred dollars even seems like a lot to ask of people when one nanny baby loved it and one didn't really use it. Babies are complicated sometimes. The prices seemed like a big enough difference for me to switch over to Target and Amazon. Both places were worth going to the store just to get the “gift bag” with valuable information, coupons and freebies. Here's what each bag included from the stores we visited: They both came is nice reusable bags.

Babies R Us:

Packet of Valuable information about what to register for, info about baby and having a healthy pregnancy.

Coupons for various baby products

One American Baby and One Baby Talk magazines

Full A+D Ointment: This is what my mom used for us, so it should be good for our babies

Two Huggies newborn diapers

2 Lansinoh Nursing Pads

Target: 

Packet of Valuable information about what to register for, info about baby and having a healthy pregnancy.

Coupons for various baby products

$20 gift card for Shutterfly that doesn't expire until next year, so I might use it for baby announcements

Tommee Tippee 5oz bottle

Two Huggies newborn diapers

Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags

2 Lansinoh Nursing Pads

A small Aquaphor sample 

*This blogger got the same samples I got and she posted a photo http://www.frugalityisfree.com/2013/02/target-baby-registry-gift-bag.html.  She has a great 2013 Baby Guide for more information!

If I had to give a newly pregnant friend advice about registering I'd just tell them to relax and enjoy the experience.  All these places have the opportunity to change/delete/add products via sign in on the internet.  The registry process doesn't have to be only one day either.  I've been adding/changing/deleting products since we started.  I'm hoping John and I have some time this weekend to go through what I've added, sometimes he's picky.  Please feel free to email me if you have any questions about registering!  Thanks for reading.  

If you want to see some fun photos from our registry adventures at http://thehammarfamily.shutterfly.com/pictures/4451