The Waiting Game

Well, he's still not here! We are actually very surprised. I assumed he'd be, at least, a little early. But...NO. Officially, little Augustine is one day past his due date...and counting.

I realize this is not actually a real reason to complain...but I'm going to do it, anyway.

I'm off to eat some spicy Salsa to try and get things going - and, YES, I have tried the other stuff : ). Well, I haven't tried Caster Oil...and I only went on ONE walk...

You can keep your fingers crossed for me. If anyone needs me, I'll just be home surfing boring facebook statuses, stepping over Cheerios (instead of cleaning them up) and answering calls with the phrase, "No. I haven't had the baby, yet."

36 Weeks...and Counting

31 Weeks!

I'm liking this sideways pose...no inner-thigh action ; )

When I go to the grocery store and look at expiration dates on the food I'm about to buy (yup...I'm the crazy lady in Costco disassembling all of the top crates of organic spinach leaves to get to the bottom, just to get a later expiration of about 2 days), and it says something like June 1 or June 5 . I think...Oh, that's plenty of time. Then, I realize...wait, that's next week.

Then...I get excited! Being 31Weeks along doesn't seem very far to me...but only having a couple of months left seems like it will happen soon...especially with how busy I've been and how fast these months have seemed to go.

Time (or our perception of the time we have) is a relative kind of thing...and right now, I'm feeling busy with childbirth classes, bible studies, fun church planting stuff, and just trying to get my life and home in order so that I'll survive a little better when the little guy comes. When I do have time without other things in my brain (doesn't happen often), I find myself a little freaked out thinking about how things could wind up going.

Our little Augustine (Yup...I think we've landed on the name!) could be like our little Gwendolyn. PLEASE GOD, NO!

The nursing could go terrible...he could be really hungry...I could be extremely depressed and unable to eat or sleep...Gwendolyn could decide to break out anything she might be hiding of her personality (scary).

I think it's the nursing that is the most unsettling. But, that's why I have good friends...and that keeps me very hopeful. Half the battle is the encouragement and the help to be able to see further down the line than in the difficult moment.

Here are the things that are so fun to think about and get me really excited:

• Holding my BABY BOY (and the birth being OVER)

• The beautiful bassinet I am borrowing from Mandy Newman

• Giving Gwendolyn the Barney Doll and baby stroller we got her for when Augustine steals the spotlight
• Hanging out in the house with my husband, with no external commitments!
• Other people cooking dinner
• Seeing how Gwen reacts to her little brother
• Another chance at a newborn (could be redeeming...or NOT)

Please pray for me...that I would enjoy my little daughter (my little fighter), that I would be diligent to get things done quickly and without too much unnecessary fuss, for my marriage (that it would be defined by Grace and Love...not chaos and misunderstanding), and that Augustine would continue to grow strong and healthy and that he WOULD follow his sister and come out really quickly!

Have I mentioned that my worst fear is having a normal birth, like everyone else. Yeah, I don't want that : ).

Also, please pray for my selfish and impatient ways. I have been reminded so much, lately, how much of a selfish parent I really am. I don't say this for sympathy or to be re-assured of my wonderfulness...I am really very selfish. I don't like Gwendolyn's crying and screaming. I want to do things on my own time. I want to play on the computer and paint walls and organize things. I want to put myself first. I don't want to be self-sacrificial. I want to be selfish and I get angry and annoyed when I have to give myself to my little Gwendolyn and care for her emotional and physical needs.

I'm sorry, but that's just how it is...so, yeah, I need prayer! But, I have no doubt I will continue to grow in this area and begin to feel more blessed in parental sacrifice. But, I'm not like my mom. It was natural for her...for me, it is an absolute "area of growth."

And, it's about to become even more of an issue, with the arrival of our Augustine...but, BRING IT ON...especially since there's no getting around it : ).

Babysteals.com

Just wanted to pass this along...

I found this website (babysteals.com) and it looks like a good one to subscribe to.

One thing that caught my attention was the post about the (glamour mom nursing tanks) that they found on sale a little while ago (there is almost no inventory available, now, though).

These tanks are truly awesome and I remember spending a lot on one with Gwendolyn and only being able to buy ONE because of the cost. I'm sure plenty of women can wear the regular ones that are around $20 (half the price)...but I tried lots of those (walmart, target, etc) and they are definitely not made for those of us with big boobs that need lots of support : ).

You can get the GlamourMom tops with long length and they are very supportive, with thick material.

These can also be found on the Mom4life website (a real favorite of mine). At Mom4life, shipping is always free (no minimum) and I have found their prices to always be at, or below, the comps. Also, their customer service is impeccable! I have exchanged and returned countless things due to size, etc...they are always great to work with.

21 Weeks for Our Little Guy

I TOTALLY believe, and tell all my friends, that you can be disciplined and healthy during your pregnancy...that you can DEFINITELY exercise and eat well...and that you don't have to become some bagel-eating bum just because you are pregnant.

In my defense, I never said that this is what I AM doing...only that it's what Can be done.

Unfortunately, it appears that the fact that chicken sounds (and tastes) discussing and I want waffles and syrup for breakfast every morning seems to be enough reason for me to just go for it :(.

ANYWAY! Here's myself and my baby boy!


Things with the pregnancy are going very well and I thank the Lord for such an uneventful experience...I have been very blessed! I'm getting more excited every day about meeting our Guy.

I, sometimes, feel a little worried about depression and breastfeeding issues (after he joins us). But, these thoughts always seem to be quickly followed by the understanding that whatever comes, we'll totally get through it...and, honestly, how much worse than Gwendolyn can it get?!

So, I am incredibly hopeful. I actually spend more time wondering if I will survive the crying, screaming and constant whining of my toddler...without permanently losing my mind!

Oh, and here's my butt...

And, here is my precious little Angel...

BOY or GIRL??

I know these things are hard to see...but what we have here...is a PENIS!!!!!!!!!!!

WOO HOO!!! I can not even express how excited we are! I can't stop smiling. And, even better...our little boy is developing beautifully! Everything checked out awesome!



He was moving around and sucking his thumb...we didn't get a great profile shot, but from what I saw, I wouldn't be surprised if he, also, looked like those other people in my little family...

17 Weeks (Baby Time)

Our little Up-and-Comer is almost 17 weeks now. The three of us went out on a lovely Date for Valentines Day. It was sooooooooo nice to be with my husband, and the food was delicious! It's not all the time that I actually enjoy my food, these days, so it was great! The day reminded me that we really need to get out on our own more...our second child can come because he's very well behaved (so far).

It has been interesting and different being pregnant for the second time. I like that all my attention isn't focused on the pregnancy...although I really enjoyed that once-in-a-lifetime season with Gwen. I like that I have some experience in childbirth and get to enjoy thinking a little more critically, this time. It's fun to have at least a little bit more of a clue when it comes to being a mom...although I know things are definitely about to change. And, honestly, it's a little relieving realizing that I can be hopeful in thinking that I will suffer less from un-met expectation and fear of failure when this little one does arrive.

Thanks to the Lord, and His gift of our little Gwendolyn, I actually have pretty low expectations on how well I will be able to "pull it all together"!

The things about this pregnancy that are more of a bummer are a lot less energy and still some yucky days. I think I probably haven't been taking very good care of myself...but not for any reason other than the fact that I keep forgetting to. I guess life is just a little more full of other things, and in a good way. But, I need to take my vitamins and get a little exercise...that's for sure!

Oh, and I have been craving Olive Garden BIG TIME! All I can think about is the salad with that ridiculous sugary dressing!

Wanna Hear something REALLY COOL...

Okay, so after I wrote my last POST, I left the house and went to Walmart (yes, I AM a Walmart shopper). When I got home I had received an email confirming an order for one beautiful new MOBY WRAP, on its way to my house!!!!

My wonderful friend and (lucky me) sister-in-law, Jenná, wanted to buy it for me. So, she did!

I am totally shocked and completely ecstatic! And, I have realized a few VERY important things...

1. Jenná is VERY interested in the "favorite Aunt" position.
2. Rather than trying to find things USED, a much better way to get stuff is to have people BUY THEM FOR YOU!!!

So, any following posts will start like this..."Who wants to buy me (fill in the blank)..."

Moby Baby Wrap

Here's the fun part about getting ready for a new baby...the STUFF!

Now, I'll be the first to admit...you don't need a ton of STUFF...and most of us moms have way more than we should have actually purchased (either because we didn't know any better, or because we just couldn't help ourselves). And, actually, with this second baby...I have never been more motivated to spend as little money as necessary, while still getting some of the things I think will make life more enjoyable and convenient.

Anyway, I LOVE my New Native Baby Sling for the little baby. It's so easy to put on put baby in. I even still use it if I'm running in and out of a place and don't want to feel the whole weight of a giant Gwendolyn.
I LOVE my ERGO for the bigger baby and for daddy-use and any time we need to be active. It's awesome. I miss using it now that I'm pregnant and more aware (with strong reprimanding from my trusted Chiropractor) that I really do need to let the stroller bear the burden of a 25lb squirmer.
I am so blessed to have so many wonderful things...and, I'm now very interested in locating a used MOBY WRAP. This is one of those things that has a really great rep for being very lightweight and easy to move around with, with an infant...like to do dishes or play with a 2 year old! I would like to spend $15 or $20. Does anyone know of anyone who is finished with theirs or who never really used theirs and wants to recover some of their investment? I haven't found one on my Craigslist, yet.

A New Baby

Well, I'm a little over 12 weeks pregnant and I got an email from my Beautiful, blond sister-in-law asking me if I was going to be sending out pregnancy updates.

I had wanted to (because I'm a sucker for documentation) but I've been using all my energy to "survive" right now. But, I figured, why the heck not...the more trying times should always be written down so that you can look back and be thankful that you are no longer in the midst of them!

So, Laura, this is for you...and for ME...and for anyone else who cares...

I had always wondered why moms who were expecting a child other than their first, frequently seemed to have their other children in their pregnancy updates or pictures...or why there were all those pics of big bellies and little kids kissing them.

Well, now I know...

Although I know I will love all my children the same and am very excited about meeting this next one, the simple fact remains, the baby I carry in my belly can not yet compare to the one I carry in my arms. She is my one and only and, although time without the Gwendolyn is always welcome : ), there will never be a picture taken without her that I will consider "complete".

As for how my pregnancy is going...It's hard. I'm sick of being sick. Right now I would give anything to be getting all fat...instead of eating b/c I'm scared that not eating will make me sicker. I'm disappointed because I was definitely better by this time with my first.

But, I was in Walgreens the other day and I looked around me and saw so many people who appeared to have so much less than I do. I was saddened by the very long pharmacy line, filled with many people who probably suffer from difficult ailments each and every day. It's good to be healthy and it's good to be reminded that my health is a gift from God, as all things are, and it is not to be considered a privilege or a right...but a blessing.

With that being said..."LORD, please make me better, NOW!"

FREE Nursing Covers...Very Cool!

My Friends, Jenn and Cara told me about this great promotion.


Check out Udder Covers (I know; ridiculous name).

Pick out your nursing cover and use "Christmas" as your discount code when you checkout.

You pay about 8.95 for shipping.

There are different colors to choose from. Enjoy!

Ta DA! (Bibs...again)

I found a GREAT BIB!! I just love taking her bib off and not having the food be all over her clothes. It's really long and really is waterproof and sturdy. I just wipe it off (and only on occasion ;)

It's $10 (totally annoying price...but totally worth it). When my husband gets excited about a purchase I made...I know it's a good one! He would prefer we just all just sit in an empty house with large T.V.s...we could keep the baby naked, therefore not having to worry about stained clothes!

I got this one at Babies R Us (Bumpkins Junior Bib). They always have those "15% off one item coupons!

Bibs...FYI

Is anyone else amused by that fact that this is my 3rd blog about BIBS???

Anyone reading this should know that when I began my blog I decided that I would write about WHATEVER I wanted and that I would not succumb to the pressure of keeping it updated and would resist the need to feel weird if I didn't blog about an event (or 10) and that, even if I wanted to write about something but didn't get around to it, I wouldn't feel bad about it.

So, here I am...talking about bibs...

The new bib I planned to try at IKEA was a total bust...It's BIG...too Big. Maybe for when she is a few years older! Just thought I would share!

My darling Sister-in-Law, Jenná, was kind enough to look at me like I was crazy, when she saw the bib , and point out that there was a 4 yr. old pictured with the bib! But, she also wheeled my cart through IKEA...so I let it slide.

Anybody Want a Bib...Or Something Else From IKEA?

I'm having bib issues.

I had mentioned the Kiddopotamus Bib in an earlier post. I really loved this bib, but then Gwendolyn started eating more on her own and this bib is no longer a match for her! It's fine to get her naked and let her eat...but then I have to wipe off her whole body instead of just her hands and face. My "little controller" HATES being wiped off!

I thought this post from Passionate Homemaking, about IKEA’s Barnslig Rand Bibs sounded cool and I'm going to try the bibs. I had planned to be at IKEA within a week or two, anyway, so if anyone in Tucson wants me to pick something up for them, (provided it's not too large ;0) I'm game! Let me know!

Yes, I DO Know the Muffin Man...for Goodness Sake!

Yeah, so the Muffin Man is just fine... as are all those black birds that were baked in some pie. But Gwendolyn and I need a little JESUS around here!!! I think my 8 month old is a little bored with Derek Webb and Rich Mullins!

I'm looking for some fun, baby and kid Jesus music, and I know there are a ton of you out there who probably have some great suggestions! Just help point me in the right direction, if you will!

Also, if anyone knows of a kids album of Hymns...that would be awesome!

My Baby Is Annoying Me

I don't FEEL like being a mom right now. I FEEL like getting in the car and going to the grocery store by myself and leaving her to wine, alone. I'm pretty upset that she had a terrible nap at the very time I needed her to have a good nap so that we could have a good day doing what we need to do. We have no milk, meat, eggs, tomatoes and laundry detergent (amongst other things) and I need to go to the store. I just want to cry thinking about her little, obstinate body all contorted and arched as I try and put her in her car seat. SO annoying. I should have left her in that crib to cry all by herself. She needed more sleep. I'm always regretful at the decision to go get her. ALWAYS! Seriously, I'm not sure if I feel any love for her right now. I'm going to feed her and put her back to bed. I am going to shut her door and let her cry until she falls asleep. I wish I had purchased ear plugs.

No Turning Back

Well, here you have it...It's all over. There is no way out for us. All 24 diapers are pre-washing at the very moment I am writing this blog...leaving me with no return ability. AHHHHHHHHHH! From now on, the Bickertons are Cloth Diaper-ers. Until death or potty training do us part! Good Grief!

The process of choosing and purchasing aforementioned cloth diapers and all the accessories has certainly been a long one. That's just because I obsessed over it like I do everything else. And, there are a lot of options and a lot of reasons for doing one thing or the other. Then, there are a lot of things you need to know about the products you do eventually settle on.

• Now, it doesn't have to be that difficult, of course. I've read a lot of comments and blogs from different people who have an array of different kinds of cloth diapers in their "stash" and are always trying new things. These same people are also trying different laundry detergents, accessories, diaper colors and washing methods until they find the one they like best.





• These are the same people who have been a wealth of information for me as I've gone about my diaper inquisition. But, I really didn't want to do it that way. It would totally stress me out. I just wanted to decide on something and call it a day.





• So, I thought I would jot down what I decided and, why, for those of you who have expressed interest or curiosity. For those of you who think I am totally crazy...well, you are absolutely right. But, I'm having a grand old time at it!




• Diaper Brand: OKAY...the BumGenius brand has a pretty good wrap (no leaking, convenient, ease of use, one size option, good fit, etc.) and a friend had already told me about them. I got one to test out and decided I agreed with the masses (although plenty of people love other brands, too).




• Diaper Style: There were three options that I was looking at: the one size pocket diaper , the all-in-one and the one-size organic. I had wanted organic, but there is some question as to whether or not they do well with leaking and the natural cotton keeps baby's skin pretty wet, while the synthetic keeps the wetness away from the skin. Also, I wouldn't be able to add any extra stuffing and I really think that Gwendolyn is a HEAVY peeing one.




• With the all-in-ones, it's really like you are using a disposable. It's just one piece and there is nothing you need to stuff into the diaper, though you do have an option to put extra padding in for night-time if you want. But, with the all-in-ones, you have to buy different sizes. Although the all-in-one would have been my first choice, I felt like i would have had to buy these diapers four different times. It wasn't worth it to me. Once I got further into this process I decided I was all IN. I want these diapers to last and I didn't want to spend any more money on them, until absolutely necessary.




• Ultimately, I wanted a diaper that worked VERY well and saved me tons of money. I guess, for me and Bic, these priorities just trumped the other desires like organic fibers and all-in-one ease. So, the one size pocket diaper won out.

• Cloth Diaper Accessories: I had recently stopped using Kirkland Baby Wipes because, apparently, they are among the most toxic. Also, Gwendolyn's diaper rash really got better after I stopped using them. I figured...while I've totally gone off the deep end...on the diaper end, why don't I keep going! I am going to use cloth wipes. I just put them in my empty baby wipe box and pour water over them. There are tons of cool wipe solution recipes out there...but, with these diapers, you are not supposed to use anything oily b/c it messes with the absorbency. Some people still use a drop or two of tea tree oil or something...but I think I'm going to keep waiting to get a non-oily, non-soapy recipe. I've been using water on her butt for a month now...and we are doing just fine. I figure if the cloth wipe thing gets to be a real problem...i can always go back to water and paper towels.




• I also am using the diaper sprayer. I need to hook it up tonight. some people scrape the poop into the toilet (when it's solid). I liked the idea of spraying it off, and many swear by this little gadget.




• Last, but certainly not least, is the detergent. It actually really does matter what you use. Detergents with any additives or brighteners can totally mess your absorbency up and you'll wind up having to do a lot of crap to get them back to where they work. I chose Allen's Naturally detergent because it's supposed to be one of the best for use with cloth diapers...and like I said, I'm not in the mood for trial and error.

You'll see, below, that I've hung suspension rods (shower curtain rods) under the shelf in my laundry room. There are two (one behind the other). I've decided that my diapers, apart from the padding that goes in them, will be hung to dry. In Arizona, it's about a 5 hour (or less) process. It will extend the life of these diapers and that makes me happy.

• So, I started out trying to find something with a little less chemicals than the disposable diapers and now, even with choosing the synthetic cloth, I am totally pumped up about the life change. I'm excited to not buy anymore diaper products. I am excited to have comfy, cozy diapers that work awesome. I even really like the idea that I will have less garbage. Who knew?


• What's even cooler is the fact that my husband is totally into it too. I think he gets excited for all the same reasons. Without his interest and support, I'm sure this would be a no-go. Okay, I think I've gone on about as long as I possibly can...for now!
  

She Was Bothering Me...

So I put her outside.

All is well!

...Perhaps I should put a padlock on the back gate.

Gwendolyn's 6 Month Photo Shoot

Enjoy the fun photos of our beautiful little silly one...

Peas, Please!

Today was Gwendolyn's first taste of real food! I don't know if she actually swallowed any of the pureed peas her Daddy fed her...but it was fun, non-the-less.

And, nearly as important as this step in her baby-hood is MY culinary accomplishment. I am VERY proud of my peas! It's fun to make the food and I am excited to do more. I love the way it looks and it's cool that I know exactly what is going into the food. I have no idea how it tastes, because I HATE peas...but look how pretty!!!

It's a VERY easy process, but you wouldn't know it if you were in my kitchen this morning. I actually burned a whole pot...apparently I don't know how to use a simple steaming basket. I broke the Magic Bullet...but now I get to go shopping at Costco for another food processor!

I have a couple of mom friends, Mandy and Sarah, who each make their own baby food and have sworn by it's simplicity and their enjoyment of the process. They both love the Cooking for Baby cookbook from Williams-Sonoma...and now I know why. It's so pretty and nice and helpful...and fun! It's not necessarily an organic cookbook...but the purpose is to encourage wholesome, less processed cooking for baby.