Crib and Dresser Arrive

Oh my goodness they are finally here!!! As I mentioned in a few posts ago, I am a little behind on posts and although I have been posting I haven't caught up to the current events. GAH! Anyways, we had been waiting and waiting and WAITING on our crib and dresser to arrive and even though we ordered and knew we had to wait, it was just like waiting on Christmas or a birthday or...the arrival of your first kid. HAHA! Ok, I guess waiting on the crib and dresser isn't quite as suspenseful as waiting on your first child but everything was on hold until these two items came in so we were more than ready when they arrived about 2 weeks ago.

Mark was so anxious he wanted to call the people at the store everyday and ask them about our furniture. I had to remind him that they wouldn't just be holding it and not call us and that we would know as soon as it came in.

We were in Burlington looking at strollers when my phone rang. It was a number I didn't recognize so I handed the phone over to Mark. He handles all my "solicitor, bill collector, or blood collector" phone calls like a champ. The blood collectors are the worst! We pay all our bills on time unless there's a mix up but dang...you donate blood one time and get harrassed for the rest of your life. I only have so much blood to give out and right now it's all going to baby Eli!

Mark answered and immediately I knew it was Baby Bloomers. He had this look of major excitement on his face and started walking towards the exit telling the people on the phone thank you and that we'd be there in just a few minutes.

Mark was also in the middle of a "vacation" and had off for the next few days so he was thrilled it came in before he went back to work. We were both so excited and couldn't stop talking about about what to do next in the nursery as we headed to the store to pick up our furniture.

 We got it in the bed of the truck and were advised that it would travel best if sitting up like this...

Proud and excited daddy!

 We followed instructions but there was just one tiny problem...we rushed up to Baby Bloomers and realized we only had one strap...and it was not the yellow one you see above. It was a much tinier red one that just barely held the dresser and crib together.

Even Giedo knew something wasn't right and that we should rethink our situation before we go driving down the road...oh yeah...and over the biggest bridge in Charleston on one of the windiest days we have had in a long time BUT since when do we listen to the dog. Of course we could have also listened to me when I said "Are you sure that won't blow over and fall out of the truck?" but naahh. We went on our merry way.

Bridge to left

Our merry way was merry up until we hit the highest point of the bridge. About 200 feet from the ocean mind you and during rush hour traffic. All of the sudden Mark starts freaking out yelling "It's falling, it's falling! The d*** thing is falling out of the truck!!!" I looked back and sure enough the wind had caught the dresser and it was indeed about to fall out of the truck. My main concern was that it would fall out of the truck and seriously hurt someone. I'm pretty sure Mark's main concern was that we were about to lose Eli's brand new furniture. I think Mark started hyperventilating a little bit and maybe pooed his pants (just kidding on that) and I decided to just sit there and say nothing until we were safely at the bottom of the bridge.

We did arrive safely at the bottom of the bridge and our dresser was hanging in by a drawer knob. We pulled over into the first place we could and Mark re-rigged everything for the rest of the ride home which involved no heights or fast pace driving.

For the rest of the ride home I couldn't help but laugh. I don't know why I just found the whole thing amusing and just crazy that we seriously almost lost the furniture we had waited months for. 

 Here we are at our house, safe and sound. Except that the pieces were quite heavy and as of now we only have one heavy lifter in the family.

 That really didn't slow us down too much though. The set was packaged great and Mark was determined to get it indoors and to Eli's room as quickly as possible.

"I promise little red dreser, I'll never let go!"

 Safely in my arms and in Eli's room. Nothing can hurt you now my "little red dresser that could".  After it's crazy adventure we inspected and there was not a single dent or scratch.

 Together at last and the dresser was safe however, we still had to assemble the crib which could have been dangerous but in fact it was quite easy and together we had it done in probably less than 30 minutes.

 Oh yes, "together" we had it done quite quickly and simply. My very important job for all this was to set the tripod up in just the right spot, and click the remote shutter release just when it looked like I was working the hardest. I then had to run back to the camera, check the photo for blurriness, unnessesary fat rolls, very unflattering angles or lighting and then retake as nessessary. I know what you're thinking...I work too hard... and you're right.



 Haha, yes I am a hard worker. The crib wouldn't have made it up without me. Or Giedo...he helped about as much as I did.

PS. I am actually helping in this one.

Once we got our crib and dresser in, we had to move it about 4x's because some of our original ideas of where to put them didn't work with the size of the furniture. The crib and dresser are amazing in quality and filled up the room a little more than we had first thought. Everything is in the proper place now but it took a few moves.

Getting our crib and dresser was an experience and looking back I can really say I just kind of enjoy when things like that happen because it adds an interesting story to an exciting time in our lives.

Danielle

Baby Shower Cake

Hi there! This is the black dress I was telling you about with the lace on the sleeves. It is so pretty but if you read my Baby Shower Dress post you know how I feel about me being pregnant and in a dress...#whalestatus, so this is what you get. A perfect boob shot (unintentional), a good hair day, some make up and maybe just maybe you can see some of the dress. Haha.

Anyways, to the point of this post which is the cake that we had for my shower...

Oh yes, my cake was so special that it deserves a special post all on its own. We have a friend who is fabulous at making amazing cakes and we asked her to do my shower cake. She agreed but had a lot of stuff going on at the time and to make matters even more hectic we bumped up the pick up date on her. It didn't matter though because she did wonderful.

She works in a bakery right near my store so it was most convenient for me to pick it up even though my mom ordered it. I couldn't complain though and was actually happy to have some "alone" time with my cake and give it is very own deserving photo shoot.

Cat in Hat baby shower cake!

Dr. Seuss baby shower cake!

<3 Eli Davis Motley

Look at the hat! How awesome is that!?!

I love the colors too! They matched his nursery perfect which no one really knew but me.

 So did it taste as good as it looked. Um...absolutely! And on a side note, I would eat and entire bowl of those little yellow balls. I don't think others quite understood my obsession with them but I called dibs on them and probably ate them all but like 3. So delish!

Here is a link to some more of Kristen's awesome cakes! Though she works for Publix bakery she also does the on the side and either way you can be sure it will be perfecto! 

Hope you enjoyed!
Danielle

Baby Shower Dress

I think everyone has a pretty good idea of what to wear to their shower. Obviously when you are going to be the center of attention you put a little extra time and effort into your attire. I was googling ideas on the internet and had pretty much decided on a dress. I was all about dresses before getting pregnant but now that I am pregnant I don't wear them that often. I bought two dresses a black one with lace down the arms and on the back and the pink one that I decided was best for my shower.

After seeing several pictures of me in dresses now that I am later in my pregnancy I have come to a conclusion and that is to avoid dresses all together. I just feel like the dresses are like tents and do nothing for my figure or...lack their of. I did like my pink dress though and got lots of compliments on it. I am not sure now if people were just being nice or perhaps when you see me in person I look better than the pictures show.

Either way, the dress worked out fine for the shower. I heard from a few girls to avoid dresses because you can see up them and what not. In a couple of photos from the shower itself I could see where that might happen. Onto the dress, I bought it at Motherhood Maternity. I don't believe it was on sale but  I had a coupon.

Baby shower dress! Hot pink.

In this picture I hardly look pregnant and more just fat.

It was in early November but I live in Charleston and it was basically spring like weather the day of the shower so I wore exactly this. A pink dress, a long necklace, and sandals. My next shower is the 2nd weekend in December but since I've decided dresses are out of the picture it shouldn't be too hard to dress for.

Thanks!
Danielle

Bradley Series Lesson 4

Lesson 4 really gets down to business. It defines what the coaches role in all this really is. Sometimes it seems like the coach has even more to worry about than the mother herself with all the things they are supposed to keep track with. Occasionally I have someone say "Wow, you're just so lucky to have someone as involved as Mark is" and while I admit I am very blessed this was a decisions we both made and we both have to work together on this. On top of that, why wouldn't he be involved? This is our child and I certainly wouldn't be having one without him so he very well should be involved in my opinion.

This lesson went over some basics that the father could read and understand. It debunked 8 myths and those myths are:

• Childbirth pain is unbearable & pointless
• Childbirth drugs always work
• Childbirth drugs are safe for the mother
• Childbirth drugs are safe for baby
• Drugs are given when mother needs them most
• Pain is better if delayed
• Childbirth drug administration is painless
• It hurts very bad with drugs so be warned of how bad it would be without drugs

These got elaborated on and I believe it really helped Mark to understand some of the importance of a natural birth. On a side and more personal note, we are not choosing the Bradley Method or natural birth strictly because of health reasons. In fact that probably isn't the main reason because I believe even with medical intervention plenty of babies are born "healthy enough" and "happy enough" but some of the health reasons are a plus.

After explaining in clear cut male language why natural is better the lesson continues on why it is important to have the coach and things they can say throughout the process to help keep the mother motivated and encouraged. I'll give you a few examples.

First Stage Labor:
"Each contraction brings us closer to 'Eli'."
"The stronger the contraction, the more you are dialating"
"You're doing awesome!"
"You look amazing!"

Second Stage Labor:
"Completely relax between contractions and recoup your energy."
"I love you and our baby!"
"'Eli' is almost here."

Do I see my hubby saying all those things....eh...maybe not, but I will choose some of the quotes I really think would help me in a time of extreme pain and despair and try to brush him up on them as we get closer to time. We will also have our handy workbook with us. I would also like to point out that I am not niave and relize that all this could go flying out the window and am certain at some point I won't want to hear his voice at all.

The goal for the coach or Mark will be to be enthusiastic, committed, strong, understanding, and be a relaxation expert. My goal will be to focus on relaxing through contractions and accepting Marks help. These aren't just things we pulled out of our behinds but things we actually been working towards, researching, and experimenting with for months now.

Danielle

The Lunch Box

This morning I woke up with plenty of time to make lunch or even go to the grocery store and get whatever I wanted but...Mark was just lying there in bed when my alarm went off and he was so warm cuddly that I choose to stay in bed getting some last minute snuggle in before I started my day. This turned into me almost falling back asleep and not caring that it was about 30 minutes before our store opens and I hadn't even gotten out of my pajamas. Well, I jumped out of bed, threw on some clothes and almost ran out the door but I decided it would be better to be 5 more minutes late than leave without food so I quickly tossed some items in a bag.

Because I was running late I also didn't get breakfast and had to throw in some extra stuff to help hold me over. Fortunately Mark had made some porkchops and brown rice for his lunches for the week and he kindly offered me a porkchop plus rice. I was late, had a lack of food, and am trying to eat healthier so what went in my bag....


THE LUNCH BOX:

4 Bottles of Water
1 Tangerine (50 kcal)
1 Kiwi (46 kcal)
2 Tbs of Peanut Butter (190 kcal)
1 Slice of Cheese (80 kcal)
1 Serving of Almonds (150 kcal)
1 Serving of Tortilla Chips (140 kcal)
3 Prunes (75 kcal)
1 Small Porkchop (220 kcal)
1/2 Cup of Brown rice (95 kcal)
1/2 Cup Raw Carrots (26 kcal)

I am not sure if I will get to it all because it's a lot of small things but that totals my calories before dinner & evening snacks at 1046, it also gets me at 49 grams of protien and has me eating a steady amount throughout the day. For the most part, my choices are on the healthier side. I will need to add some veggies in tonight and try not to eat the ice cream my husband insist on buying but I can still have a small treat if I want.

I am always curious what other people eat during their day so I thought I'd share my "menu". Mark always laughs at my "snack" bag for work because I always throw a bunch of small stuff in there. Their is nothing worse than getting hungry and having nothing so better safe than sorry.

Danielle

Rant....because I'm pregnant.

PREGGO RANT ALERT:

I guess I get up in the morning and get dressed because I'm pregnant, I do the dishes because I'm pregnant, I eat dinner because I am pregnant, every single thing I do, regardless of if it's something I do on a regular basis or not, is now because I am pregnant.

I probably find that annoying because I am pregnant and while that may be the truth, the fact that I ate a dessert tonight was because I wanted a dessert. I rarely eat dessert pregnant or when I'm not but sometimes I do and today I did. Not because I was pregnant but because I wanted an effing dessert. I also worked on organizing my store and someone said "Oh it's because I am nesting" or because I own the store and on a fairly regular basis I organize it. Been doing it for 6 years.

It was 65 degrees and I wasn't freezing my tail off and that was supposedly because I was pregnant. I can't even write a simply darn facebook status without someone commenting on the fact that I'm pregnant. Status "I've had a busy day...whew!" Comment: "Oh because you are pregnant." Really?!?! How does that work? Because I am pregnant my day was hectic regardless of the fact that it was busy with 100% non baby related things. Status "The store is so slow, I'm ready to go home" Comments: "Days drag by when your pregnant"....so the fact that I am pregnant means I have less customers.

Come on people....I'm pregnant, I get it. I constantly see my belly, feel my baby and am surely aware that I am pregnant. I am also aware that pregnancy has side effects (again, I live pregnant every day these days) but my whole lovely life does not revolve around my pregnancy and I am ready for the day when I can make a facebook status and NOT have a pregnancy comment or clean my house without it being blamed on nesting, or let's see...put on shoes without it being because I am pregnant.

Sheesh....People are crazy.

Danielle 

Bradley Series Lesson 3

The 3rd lesson in the Bradley workbook was on the pregnancy. It taught us a little bit about gestation and things that are harmful during pregnancy. We also went over the "built in protection" that the baby has including things like amniotic fluid, vernix, the pelvis and uterus and other things and how they work to keep the baby safe until birth. This reassured me that our little bundle is not made of glass but even if he was, he is packaged safely. I closed the car door the other day hitting my belly in the process forgetting it was there. I may have had some concern if I didn't know how well he was protected but the fact that I do made me laugh at him wondering what the heck just happened.

We also discussed aches and pains during the pregnancy, why they happen, and what you can do to help relieve some of them. The aches and pains were plentiful:

• heartburn
• gas
• bleeding gums
• varicose veins
• leg cramps
• hemorrhoids
• fatigue
• constipation
• backache
• weight gain
• sore breast
• sleeping problems
• yeast infections
• water retention
• pain in groin
• moodiness
• headaches
• braxton hicks contractions
• morning sickness

I haven't had too many of these too severe but for those interested in the Bradley class or learning more I will go over recomendation for a few of the things I have had some issues with so you can get an idea of how Bradley suggests handling discomforts.

• Leg Cramps:
• Pelvic rock to improve circulation, squat, tailor sit, elevate legs when sleeping
• Be sure salt intake is adequate
• Eat calcium rich foods
• Exercise regularly
• Massage
• Sleeping Problems:
• Exercise enough
• Cut out caffeine
• Sleep with supporting pillows
• Have coach make a more serene environment (hello nightly massage)
• Warm beverages
• Pain in Groin:
• Pelvic rocks
• Lean forward until pain stops
• Avoid jerky movements

And just an FYI I had no idea what this "groin pain" was about. On my "What to Expect" app I read about girls asking why they felt like someone kicked them down there and I just didn't get what they meant or how it could feel that way but 'holy groin pain batman' that is just ridiculous. I'm not sure what causes it but I'll be asking at my next appointment. The three I choose to elaborate on were just a few of the things that apply to me but I have also been having most the other side effects of pregnancy minus morning sickness, headaches, hemorrhoids (thank goodness), or varicose veins...oh yeah...or moodiness because I am a perfect angel.

After going over some general information about the pregnancy they focused on what the coach, or Mark in my case, could do to help alleviate some discomforts and offer support. Mark learned a lot in this lesson because like I said, or maybe I didn't, he was pretty sure babies still got delivered by the stork. Haha, I kid, I kid.

Danielle

PS. I'll post this at the bottom of all my bradley post. Although I go over some of what was in our workbook this is definately not a substitute for the class. I would recommend buying or renting Bradley Method books and taking the class to get the most about learning this birth method. I also in my Bradley Series posts use information and/or quotes pulled straight from our workbook.

How I Knew I Was Pregnant

Just FYI this may be TMI if you are uncomfortable talking about certain "times of the month" or feminine products.   

This post is a little late in the game but I read and article on how or when women realized they were pregnant and I wanted to share my short story. For the most part I have typically avoided talking about the early days of my pregnancy. As I wrote in my very first post it took me a bit to get used to the idea and I was much less excited about it but I have accepted that I just needed time. I am now thrilled and very excited as you can tell. We are so ready to meet our baby boy.

To be honest I think I could almost pin point the day Eli was conceived.  Strangely enough there was just one time I had this weird feeling and thought "Hm..what it that was it." Obviously I do not know if that was truly "it" or not but the timing does make since. Aside from that I waited and waited for Aunt Flo to arrive. I had been tracking my time of the months on an app, yes, there's an app for that, and wasn't even a day late when something unusual happened.

I noticed some light spotting and was very relieved, I always take a smill sigh of relief when Aunty makes her appearance. In went a tampon (see...tmi) and I went about my day. A few hours later out came the tampon and along with it was nothing. And along with that was a mini heart attack. I just had a very strange feeling about all of this and had been feeling a bit off in the past week or so. I didn't feel bad, sick, or anything that noticeable but it was just like I knew something was different. I tried to hope that my brief spotting that didn't last was just nothing and that the real thing (Aunt Flo) would be arriving shortly.

I couldn't take it any longer. My app said I had 1 day left before my time of the month hit and I had been a day or two late or early several times before and never thought any thing of it. Despite that I just really felt like something was off and I needed to know. What I thought I needed to know was that I wasn't pregnant so I could just relax and let that stress go.

I took my impatient behind to CVS and bought a pregnancy test, 3 actually, for the first time in my entire life. I rushed home....prayed to God, peed and wouldn't you know. I could hardly get the stick out from under me when that second line started showing up. It said to wait 3 minutes so I left and thought maybe just maybe the second line would disappear by the time I went back and checked on it. Well ladies, let me just tell you the second line will never, ever disappear. It just doesn't work that way.

Quickly I researched getting a false positive pregnancy test. It wasn't looking good. I took a 2nd test and BAM two seconds later two pink lines. Son of a.........I decided to call 2 of my closest friends and they really didn't know what to say. I didn't know what to say. I look back now and I realize I was basically sharing with them that I was pregnant but without admitting it because I couldn't even accept it myself just yet.

Mark closed that night and I spent some time crying and coming up with a plan on how to tell him. I knew he would be excited and I wanted that moment to be special for him regardless of my reluctance at the time. I also desperately wanted him to know so that I could talk to him. As I said he is my BFF and only he would really understand how I was feeling. Despite my needing to talk, I held my news from him until the next day and later that evening when we had some time. I will share my story of how I told him later but that is how and when I found out I was pregnant.

It was a very emotional, exciting, scary moment for me but has blossomed into a wonderful thing! I know each story is different and I am jealous of those filled with excitement and joy immediately but I like my story too. It is real and gave me time to grow.

Danielle

Accessorize

We had added to our Amazon wish list all of these fun Cat in the Hat accessories. The day of our 20 week ultrasound when we found out our baby was indeed a boy we ordered them. Every single item that we could find with Cat in the Hat got ordered about 2.5 seconds after we got home. We had all these fun things but couldn't do anything with them until we got our furniture which just came in not too long ago! I tell ya, it's was just like Christmas when we finally got the call that our crib and dresser were in. It was also the kick off of our second Eli inspired shopping spree so we now have more stuff ordered from Amazon and I can't wait for it to get here so we can complete the nursery. Don't worry, we've been saving.

We wanted to keep our accessories simple since the room is bright blue and our furniture was red. It is also near impossible to find Cat in the Hat items in actual retail stores. Although I wouldn't want your mainstream themes, I might have rethought Cat in the Hat if I knew it was going to so ridiculously hard to find items of that nature. It was/is too late now though because it's all I have thought about for months and there is no going back.

Here are some of our accessories. Most are computer screen shots and you probably won't see the actual product in the nursery until the end but, you get the idea.

Lamp shade, we are still searching for the perfect base.

Fitted sheet.

Cloth bins.

Cat in the hat clock!

They arrived I just kept looking through them over and over. We didn't even have the roommates out yet.

I love our items and they are simple to match with. I am still looking for a blanket or two that I want for his room and I've seen some awesome ones on ETSY but they just aren't quite simple enough. I did get an amazing one from Baby Bloomers that is light yellow and almost like sweatshirt material but it's not. It is so cuddly and soft. It goes beautiful with the accessories and the furniture. I think we are going to pass on the bumpers but if we decide to get them they will probably be light yellow. Bed skirt...light yellow...rocker... white with light yellow cushion. It's one of the 3 colors we chose. Hope you've enjoyed looking at our first little purchases. We have been busy bee's working on Eli's room now that his furniture is in. If you have any Seuss suggestions feel free to throw them out there. 

Danielle

3rd Trimester

I am into my 3rd trimester and I feel like I am torn between emotions. I look at my "new" body and think about how long it's been since I had a drink with friends...I look at our baby boys nursery and ultra sounds...I think about my husband and I's relationship and how it has flourished throughout the pregnancy. I also think about the fact that as soon as Eli is here, he is here forever and we will then be parents for the rest of our lives. When I look at all that I feel like I have made it so far and it hasn't bad at all. I do feel somewhat accomplished in how things have progressed and how my attitude towards all these crazy changes has been mostly positive. I see other people due in January talking about how we are finally in the homestretch and almost done and it is crazy to me because I remember just being 5 dinky little weeks pregnant and thinking the end will never be here.

On that note, I am now just over 29 weeks and feel like the end will never be here. When I think about the stuff in the above paragraph I feel like I've made it so far but when I think 10ish weeks...I think that is just less than 3 months. I could almost complete a full p90x program in the time I have left to meet our baby boy. This is also the busiest time of the year. In fact, I do not have a free weekend until after Christmas and at that point I will have just 4 more weeks. I know that time will continue to go by fast but at times I just start to feel a little discouraged.

This pregnancy has been fairly easy so far and perhaps I feel like this last trimester is going to bring on a bunch of the things that I have been dreading that haven't happened yet. Stretch marks, swelling...mostly I fear it in my face, more random size comments from strangers, becoming an emotional wreck, being exhausted, and having aches and pains that I haven't even imagined. I am nervous about all of these things because like I said, so far so good. I have been so blessed with an easy pregnancy but I just know the harder times are coming.

Along with these things coming I also know our baby boy is coming and for that I am excited. We still have plenty to do in the nursery, my 2nd shower (I'll post about my first soon), hospital classes, and actually having our son. I am so excited about the labor and delivery because that will be the final challenge and then we will be holding our son. I know that time will fly by between now and his birthday I just need to continue with the happy positive thoughts and know that it will all be over very soon and our lives will never be the same so I should enjoy the time I have left pre-Eli.

Danielle

Losing My Mind

This is my brain...



Source

and this is my brain on pregnancy....

Source

I am seriously losing it. I don't think my dear husband even realized how much I am even losing. Let's start with a small example.

Husband: Let me go get your keys for you.

Me: I just got them.

Husband: Are you sure? I thought I saw you take them out of your purse.

Me: Yes, I am positive. I took them out and then realized I needed them so I picked them up and put them back in. (which I clearly remembered doing)

Husband: (being so sweet and no argumentitive) Oh ok.

Me: (in the car rumaging through my purse) Um....(more rumaging) I know I put my keys in here....(rumage)...sigh...I must have left them inside.

Husband: I'll go get them for you. (comes back...with keys in hand)

This is just a tiny example of the kinds of things I do on a trice-daily basis. How I will manage to keep our business afloat through this pregnancy is beyond me. Ordering things, paying bills, paying people, budgeting, cleaning, putting up Christmas signage, updating websites, marketing....I am fully relying on my iPad calendar and lists to help keep me progressing. However, after today I realize my list even needs to include things like don't close the store an hour early, don't forget to blink or breathe, pee once an hour, turn the car off when you park, take the top off a the bottle before drinking...you know, things a normal person just does because it's normal.

The other day it was Sunday and I was working. As soon as four o'clock hit I started cleaning up the store, bringing the stuff in from outside, turned off the lights, locked the door and was just about to do our closing duties on the computer when it hit me. We close at 5:00pm and have been for a year now. I have worked plenty of Sundays but again, you saw my brain and then my brain on pregnancy. I flipped the lights back on and finished up the day but sheesh...give me a break!

Haha,

Danielle

Bradley Series Lesson 2

Continuing on with what I got out of my Bradley classes we will move to lesson two which was all about nutrition. Even before this class I could say that I believe nutrition is the single most important thing you can do for your health along with physical movement. It makes since to me that it would be the same during pregnancy but just like in any other time of life, that can be easier said than done.

Our Bradley class nor any of the Bradley books I have read focus on calorie counting. Mostly that what you put in your body is nutritional and beneficial for you and the baby. They also stress the importance of a high protein diet during pregnancy and a well balanced diet. The "elements of a well-balanced diet" are defined in my Bradley work book as this:

• Milk Products, 4 servings
• Eggs, 2 a day
• Protein, 2 servings
• Greens. 2 servings
• Whole Grains, 4 servings
• Citrus, 1-2 servings
• Fats & Oils, 3 servings
• Yellow & Orange Colored Fruits or Veggies, 5 servings a week
• Salt. Too little decreases blood circulation, leads to leg cramps, and fatigue. Obviously you can over do it with the salt if you eat a bunch of fast food. Just salt your food to taste and you'll be fine.
• Water, is very important & accounts for 75% of baby's weight. Drink to thirst. I have told you all in a previous post my water goals which are three 16oz bottles a day on top of the water I have with my meals and any other I drink when thirsty. 

 In this class we also went over nutritional needs for our baby. This stressed the importance of breastfeeding and explained the nutritional needs that are met through breast feeding. On that note, I need to sign up for a breast feeding class. I haven't been around many people that breast fed their children and I know very little about it besides the fact that it is healthiest for your child.

Again, we also had homework to recap our lesson learned. I can not stress enough that my posts on my Bradley class is just to familiarize you all a little more with what the Bradley method is and what classes were like for me. They are also for me to recap things that I have learned and reevaluate things that are most important.

Thanks!
Danielle

"Babymoon!"

Our "babymoon" wasn't as extravagant as our honey moon but it was an amazing time non the less. Eli has bonded us in an incredible way already and our trip just had a different feeling to it than vacations we have taken in the past. We rented a cabin in Gatlinburg, TN for for 4 days and our plan was just to kind of relax.

Neither of us realized how much there was to do in Gatlinburg so though we had plans of just relaxing we did much more than that. Relaxing time was high on the priority list though. Here is a few photos of our cabin.

Note the tub and heart shaped swans. Haha, oh yea!!!!!

The whole entire thing was wood. It was beautiful.

There was a pool table and some other games upstairs.

On top of the hot tub featured in our bedroom, there was also a hot tub on the deck but the view on the deck was not that impressive and we were kind of in the middle of the woods. I've seen a few to many horror movies to be in a hot tub in the middle of the woods so yea...we just stuck bathing indoors.

The view from our patio.

Our cabin was in an awesome location though right between Gatinburg and Pigeon Forge. We actually liked Pigeon Forge because you could drive and park where you wanted and parking was free. In Gatlinburg you paid for parking then walked the street. It was also super touristy which Mark enjoys and I like to but just not as much as him. We went to the Hollywood Wax Museum in Pigeon Forge and got some fun photos.

We also went shopping at a huge country store that was two stories and very long. Mark practiced what not to do when baby Eli is born.

The day we walked around Gatlinburg we ate at an incredible pizza place. Probably the best pizza I've ever had and then visited one of the crappiest museums I have ever been to. Gatlinburg was fun to walk around and we were going to do a couple of games of mini golf but were enjoying walking and talking so we skipped out on that.

Back at Pigeon Forge we went to the Wonder Works museum. We had gone to one in FL and enjoyed it. Mark loves that place.

We did the high rope course which is about 15-50ft above the ground depending on where you were in the course. You are just harnessed in and hanging by a rope while attempting to tight walk along different materials. It's pretty scary and way more scary than it looks on the ground. My friend Cassie and I did something similar at Stone Mountain, GA but Mark was interested in trying it out. We only got around the first level. 

When we left our vacation we drove through a part of the Great Smokey Mountain National Park and it was crowded. It was beautiful but I think the Blue Ridge Parkway is just as pretty of a drive and way less people. 

I could have cried when this vacation was over. Just knowing that our lives are about to change in such a major way and moments like this vacation won't ever come so simply again is eye opening. I know we will share even more amazing moments when Eli comes but I love my husband very much and our time on this trip was invaluable and more special than probably anyone could have imagined.

It was a great opportunity to open up to each other about our feelings with everything, relax, and really just spend time loving one another. We have a couple of other small trips planned before Eli comes and are also soaking in our new found alone time at the house now that it's just the two of us. We want to take advantage of every little bit of time we have before our lives our changed forever!

Danielle