Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Saturday, May 18, 2013
5 Things To Do After Your BFP
Someone very close to me just announced they had a bun in the over and I couldn't be more excited! It got me thinking back to when I was in my first trimester. I truly valued all of the tips, articles and personal experiences I got. Out of everything I learned and did, these are probably the 5 most important things and what will be on the top of my list next time.
Obviously the first step is calling your OB to set up for your appointment. While on the phone, ask them about prenatal vitamins if you are not already taking them.
There are so many books out there it is easy to get a little overwhelmed. I ended up getting about 12 the last time I counted. While they were all great, these were the ones I found most helpful and kept for future pregnancies.
I can't express how grateful I am for a specific group of women I have come to know since getting my BFP. I originally found them through The Bump but we migrated to Facebook for a little more privacy. We went through our entire pregnancies depending on one another for comfort, answers to our questions and support. It's easy for people to get tired of you talking about your pregnancy and so what better situation is there then to get together with a bunch of other pregnant women?!?! We do talk about things other than our pregnancies and kids though. I've also gotten to meet quite a few of them in person which is a blast. You can read a little more about finding an online group here at one of my Tipful Thursday posts during my pregnancy.
I think it is also important to find a local moms group. I started one for our area on Meet Up. We first met at Panera about 7 months ago. Since then we have started weekly play dates where we discuss sign language, behavior, do crafts, visit parks and zoos. We have also started a baby share system where we can help one another out by watching LO during the day to run errands or at night for a date with the hubs. We are leaving LO with someone we trust and we don't have to worry about breaking the bank for a date night.
I knew it was important to continue getting exercise throughout my pregnancy but I didn't realize how important it was until after my pregnancy. These were the two workout DVDs I purchased and I wish I had utilized them more. Here are a few articles that really explain all of the benefits of SAFE exercise during pregnancy.
Physical Activity - March Of Dimes
Seven Great Benefits of Pregnancy Exercise - Baby Center
33 Reasons To Exercise Now - Fit Pregnancy
Top 10 Benefits of Pregnancy Exercise - What To Expect
It is VERY important to talk with your OB about the appropriate type and amount of exercise.
This may be the most important piece of advice I share. I did not get my first prenatal massage until I was at 18 weeks and let me tell you, I had never felt anything so amazing. I know they can be pricey but your body endures so much change and strain during those 9 months, you have to take care of it inside and out. I found that Massage Envy was a great place to go. I signed up for a membership and for $60 a month I got an hour of quiet, peaceful bliss. At least try it once, you can thank me later ;)
These certainly aren't the only things you should do after you find out you are pregnant but these were the things that I think were the most important looking back! What did you do after you got your BFP?
Obviously the first step is calling your OB to set up for your appointment. While on the phone, ask them about prenatal vitamins if you are not already taking them.
There are so many books out there it is easy to get a little overwhelmed. I ended up getting about 12 the last time I counted. While they were all great, these were the ones I found most helpful and kept for future pregnancies.
Baby Bargains is an excellent resource for all of your purchasing needs. They are not sponsored by any company so they are free to provide honest opinions. This is great to read before creating your registry.
The Mommy MD Guide to Pregnancy And Birth breaks down each week of your pregnancy and gives a mixture of facts and personal experiences by medical professionals during their own pregnancies. This was my favorite part of each week!
The Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy provides hysterical yet completly accurate stories of life during pregnancy. It covers the good, bad and ugly. I read most of this while commuting into the city for work. I know other passengers probably thought I was nuts as I constantly burst out into laughter.
The Baby Book This is great to have on hand for questions before and after baby and covers everything baby.
Consignment sales are absolutely amazing places to pick up maternity cloths, toys, baby accessories, clothing, children's books and nursery decor. There are consignment stores, consignment organizations that rent out space and host sales during the year and even consignment stores online! You can find new, like new and items in great condition. I would say that 95% of Parker's toys and clothes are from consignment sales.
My favorite find so far was a Ju-Ju-Be PackaBe Backpack in Cinnamon Champagne, which retails for $140, in like new condition for $30. Although these are some pretty awesome finds as well...
- Pottery Barn drawing desk for $5
- Ball pit for $10
- Go Pod that retails for $50, for $40
- 3 Munchkin dishwasher baskets that retail for $6/each for $1/total
- London Fog snow suit that retails for $50 brand new (with tags) for $16
- Kelty K.I.D.S Transit Carrier 2.5 in fantastic condition for $23
I am working on a post about consignment sale shopping that will include some tips, strategies and what you should be on the look out for.
My favorite find so far was a Ju-Ju-Be PackaBe Backpack in Cinnamon Champagne, which retails for $140, in like new condition for $30. Although these are some pretty awesome finds as well...
- Pottery Barn drawing desk for $5
- Ball pit for $10
- Go Pod that retails for $50, for $40
- 3 Munchkin dishwasher baskets that retail for $6/each for $1/total
- London Fog snow suit that retails for $50 brand new (with tags) for $16
- Kelty K.I.D.S Transit Carrier 2.5 in fantastic condition for $23
I am working on a post about consignment sale shopping that will include some tips, strategies and what you should be on the look out for.
I think it is also important to find a local moms group. I started one for our area on Meet Up. We first met at Panera about 7 months ago. Since then we have started weekly play dates where we discuss sign language, behavior, do crafts, visit parks and zoos. We have also started a baby share system where we can help one another out by watching LO during the day to run errands or at night for a date with the hubs. We are leaving LO with someone we trust and we don't have to worry about breaking the bank for a date night.
I knew it was important to continue getting exercise throughout my pregnancy but I didn't realize how important it was until after my pregnancy. These were the two workout DVDs I purchased and I wish I had utilized them more. Here are a few articles that really explain all of the benefits of SAFE exercise during pregnancy.
Physical Activity - March Of Dimes
Seven Great Benefits of Pregnancy Exercise - Baby Center
33 Reasons To Exercise Now - Fit Pregnancy
Top 10 Benefits of Pregnancy Exercise - What To Expect
It is VERY important to talk with your OB about the appropriate type and amount of exercise.
Click here to see all my bump pictures
This may be the most important piece of advice I share. I did not get my first prenatal massage until I was at 18 weeks and let me tell you, I had never felt anything so amazing. I know they can be pricey but your body endures so much change and strain during those 9 months, you have to take care of it inside and out. I found that Massage Envy was a great place to go. I signed up for a membership and for $60 a month I got an hour of quiet, peaceful bliss. At least try it once, you can thank me later ;)
These certainly aren't the only things you should do after you find out you are pregnant but these were the things that I think were the most important looking back! What did you do after you got your BFP?
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Dear Parker
Dear Parker,
Motherhood started for me before I even knew you were Parker, before I felt you flutter in my stomach, before I saw your adorable face on the monitor. I became a mother the moment I read that big fat positive sign on a test.
I love your daddy very much but it wasn't until our eyes met on June 22nd at 5:33 pm that I understand what, love at first site meant. I was so overcome with joy the moment I first heard you cry and they told me you were a boy. That was the day I became a mother and we became a family.
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Even though we had just laid eyes on one another, it felt as though I had known you for years. We fit perfectly together and it felt so natural to snuggle with you. We wasted no time getting to know one another not by sounds but faces.
You are such an amazing little boy and you have brought so much joy, laughter and happiness into my life. Thank you for loving me for who I am. Forgiving me when I make a mistake and not expecting perfection. For making me laugh and smile. For helping me realize to never take life too seriously and live every day one nap at a time. For melting my heart and making me smile. Thank you for giving me the greatest gift I have ever known, motherhood.
+v2+copy.jpg)
Motherhood started for me before I even knew you were Parker, before I felt you flutter in my stomach, before I saw your adorable face on the monitor. I became a mother the moment I read that big fat positive sign on a test.
I love your daddy very much but it wasn't until our eyes met on June 22nd at 5:33 pm that I understand what, love at first site meant. I was so overcome with joy the moment I first heard you cry and they told me you were a boy. That was the day I became a mother and we became a family.
+copy.jpg)
Even though we had just laid eyes on one another, it felt as though I had known you for years. We fit perfectly together and it felt so natural to snuggle with you. We wasted no time getting to know one another not by sounds but faces.
You are such an amazing little boy and you have brought so much joy, laughter and happiness into my life. Thank you for loving me for who I am. Forgiving me when I make a mistake and not expecting perfection. For making me laugh and smile. For helping me realize to never take life too seriously and live every day one nap at a time. For melting my heart and making me smile. Thank you for giving me the greatest gift I have ever known, motherhood.
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