Viva la revolution

Months ago, I posted a message on Twitter asking for cool father's day ideas for my husband. Jen suggested I get Brian a handmade mug with Ben's handprint on it from Mug Revolution. I've heard of Mug Revolution before mainly from all the COWPU people talking it up how great it was and how it was one of the best SEO websites out there. I contacted Owen the week Ben was born (remember, it was a surprise he was born three weeks early) and I never made it over to get the kit to make the hand print. I went back to work and I completely forgot about it.

Fast forward to this week. I log onto Twitter and see Mug Revolution has a Twitter handle. So, I make Owen from MR my fellow tweet and then add to my to do this "get Brian's mug made." Then out of the blue, Owen sends me a message. He sees that his new tweet contact is a blogger so he offers to make me a handprint mug.

Today, we went and met Owen to stamp Ben's hand. He's a pretty cool guy! He makes these mugs full time -- lucky for him, it's what he loves to do. So after a little tour of his studio and get to know you chit chat, we get down to the business of getting a clay stamp of Ben's hand.

1. you get the clay soft by working it with your hands.


2. you make it the shape of a pancake and set it on cardboard.


3. you sandwich the clay between two pieces of carboard to smooth it out.

4. guide the hand onto the play and press (this is a two person job and the clay is non-toxic)

and here is his print....


Owen makes these for people all over the country and even for animals. You can buy kits and do it yourself and send it to Owen and get a mug with your child's handprint on it!!!

If I would have thought of it, I would have made one with Zach's paw print before he died. Owen gave us an extra kit to try on Charlie the dog.

When the mug comes, I'll be posting it for the world to see. Stay tuned!

Big boy beds

I know, it's too soon to be thinking this but I LOVE this from Pottery Barn Kids .. the bed and bedding:



Brian thinks he can make the platform instead of spending $900. What do you think? Cute or yuck?

It just takes a little PVC pipe ...

DSC05357
Originally uploaded by Shanlee

... to make your kid a new toy. We can't 'take the credit for this. Some parent that goes to our daycare made something similar and well, it's Ben's favorite thing to look at while there. As Brian calls it "hours of fun!" Well, maybe not hours. My comment was that it might be over the top.

Anyways, Ben loves it.

Ben's new bad habit is sleeping in the swing. He won't take naps in the crib and usually at night he won't go in the crib until he's been in the swing for an hour or two. I'm sure this phase will pass but at least he's sleeping. People keep asking if he's sleeping through the night and no, not yet. He doesn't go more than 4 or 5 hours but today he slept in past 8 a.m. in bed with us.

Last night I put away his 0-3 clothes and put out the 3-6 months stuff. Some of the 3-6 is still big but most of the 0-3 was too small. And for anyone out there wanting to buy Ben clothes -- don't. He has enough clothes to last him until he's 2. Our friend Starla and Georell handed down boxes of really cute stuff.

Bath time!

Bath time!
Originally uploaded by Shanlee

Benjamin graduated to the bath tub because he was too big for the netting. Now he gets to "swim" in the deep end of the tub. I have never given Benjamin a bath because Brian loves bathtime so my duty is to dry him off, give him a massage and get on his jammies (lately this has been a onsie and swaddle). I saw a GroBag today and I think Benjamin would really like one though we'd need a 2.5 tog and 0.5 tog. HINT HINT Grandparents. The cool thing is that the temperature gauge tells you what to dress your baby in depending on the temperature.

Benjamin survived his first week of day care though Brian scared me a bit yesterday. He came home and said Benjamin only drank 3 oz of milk because he doesn't like the temperature. I went into panic mode but Benjamin wasn't hungry. I asked Brian "Are you sure because he isn't hungry." He was sure. So all night I obsessed about this and when I dropped him off this morning, Grandma C (that is what I'll call her though she isn't his grandma) clarified -- he is eating 3 oz per bottle. Whew! Someone tell Brian to wipe out his ears!

Ben has been going to bed all week at 8 p.m. but he wakes up at 9 p.m. and then he's usually out until 1 or 2 a.m. which is good. He will then fall back asleep until 4 or 5 a.m. and then won't sleep in the crib so I listen to him whimper on the monitor and then go grab him and bring him in bed where he instantly fall asleep. How does he know the difference? Oh yea, because he's smart!

The joys of second hand

Yes, I'm going to admit -- I'm a cheapskate. I hardly had to buy anything for Ben because my friends and family wiped out my registry and gave me gift cards. I'm so thankful for this but now Ben is growing out of his 0-3 month clothes and I started flipping out that an outfit (pants, onsie and shirt) at Fred Meyer cost $24!!! Then my husband reminded me that we had a used baby/kid store called Stone Soup and so I went and checked it out on Friday and I'm glad I did! I can get good quality, used whole outfits for Ben for $6 and I stocked up. I even found him a snowsuit for when we snowshoethis winter using our new Kelty Kid Carrier.

I also started a Stone Soup bin of things I'm going to exchange for store credit.

So I guess I better stop stressing because I found the perfect solution to my cheapskateness!

Yesterday we introduced Ben to Cascade Lakes Highway and Elk Lake. We usually spend a lot of time up there in July and August but since he's little, we are taking baby steps into introducing him to the Central Oregon Lifestyle. Our first baby step was just taking him for a ride and a quick hike around Elk Lake. Brian even had him dressed up in his tie dye onsie (for Jerry Garcia week - not my idea) and camping hat. Ben slept most of the time though and on the way home, cried in the car seat. I think his ears were popping because the second he started sucking on a pacifier he stopped and fell asleep.



Brian wants to head to the coast in the next two weeks. I'm a little nervous about going esp the car ride with a baby who doesn't like the car seat. We'll see if it happens. I'd rather wait a few months.

Rock n roll all night ..

Party everyday!
Originally uploaded by Shanlee

... party everyday. Well, he didn't rock n roll last night -- more like for once he got a good night sleep! Let's hope this trend continues though I'm still unsure of when he wants to go to bed. Some days it's 6:30 or 7:30 or 8:30. Last night, it was 8:30.

Every Tuesday, Ben and I go to Mom's Morning at Birthing and Beyond. It's the one activity I'll leave the house for even if I'm sleep deprived or Ben is sleeping. It's a group of new moms lead by Bend's baby guru-- Anne Carlson. Anne always has the answers it seems which is why I never want to miss and will totally miss the group when I go back to work in a few weeks. I often start my sentences to my husband "So Anne was saying today that ..." Along with Anne, there are ladies and babes in arms asking the same things you've been thinking about. Today she made me feel alot better about his lopsided head. I can't seem to get him to sleep on the other side. She said her usual "well, that's normal" and "you have nothing to worry about." If you're pregnant right now and are a new mom in Central Oregon -- please make sure you don't miss Mom's Mornings!

More Baby Legs

Fashion show: Flame Baby Legs
Originally uploaded by Shanlee

Benjamin's flame, skull and argyle Baby Legs came today. He was really pleased to not have cold legs before bedtime. Brian thinks the argyle ones look a little too Catholic School Girl.

He's a MANIAC! MANIAC! For sure!

Sporting the Baby Legs!
Originally uploaded by Shanlee

Fashion show time!!! For those cold Bend evenings, I picked up some Baby Legs. Sadly, these were the only boy looking ones they had in stock but I think I'm going to do some online shopping and get him some with skulls on them because Daddy doesn't like his kid wearing "leg warmers."

Preeclampsia? Doubt it

I've felt great all weekend. I am now thinking that it was a total fluke my blood pressure was high at my doctors appt on Friday --just as my doctor suspected it was probably because I rushed over to my appointment. Swelling has been fine if I put my feet up and not stand on them too much. Baby has been squirming around and though it was 97 degrees yesterday, my house stayed pretty cool. The thing that is killing me is my allergies which I didn't developed until I moved to Bend. This year seems to be the worst!

I did some me shopping today -- I bought a nursing tank from Angel Kisses per a suggestion from Alissa. They didn't have black in my size but I went onto their website and they have other colors so I might order two more if I really like them in other colors. I also bought gaucho pants from Target because I love them and they are way more comfortable than the capri jeans and kahkis I have and will get me through the summer as I don't do shorts.

I did go to Carters and pick up sleeping gowns so we're set for 6 months for the "little dude" as that's his new nickname. Someone bought him an outfit that reminded us of the "Big Lebowski" so now we refer to baby as "little dude" or the other new one is Brian sings "Benjammin'" like the Bob Marley song "Jammin'" all the time.

I went to the Buffalo Ranch Farmer's Market with my friend Diana today. Brian was out there playing as their entertainment. The second Brian started playing, the baby started kicking like mad -- he knows the sound of daddy's guitar. I told Brian he better learn some lullabies but until then, we'll settle on Radiohead Lullabies. Too bad there isn't a Wilco lullaby cd out there.

I am ready for this baby to come. 26 days to come.

Random thoughts for week 19

I can't believe I'm having a boy. I'm not sad about it but I'm still in a state of shock about having a boy. Now I pay extra attention to baby boys and boy clothes and even bought our little man a few outfits (6-9 months) and we officially bought his "coming home" outfit yesterday.

Everyone is asking us about names. Months ago when I was convinced our boy was a girl, I told my husband he could pick the name. He has picked Benjamin or Ben but not Jamin as someone joked. So far, Lil Berger has been replaced with Benjamin. It's sticking but I also really like Andrew or Drew for short but the husband isn't convinced. We will keep the middle name secret.

After having lunch with Alyssa and Owen the other day, I've decided my baby's "thing" will be hats!!! Since I've found out it's a boy, I've bought three cute hats.

I'm having a lot of anxiety which I'm told is normal. I am mostly freaking out about bringing the baby home and not knowing what to do with it. I think I need someone here with me the first few days and without my mom to turn to, I'm quite anxious about it. My friend who is moving has offered to come stay the first week which has calmed my fears a little. I usually don't miss my mom as much but I'm missing her more.

I love my deep water fitness class!

My birthday is two weeks from today. I feel the need to "live it up." That used to mean martinis but now means staying up past 10 p.m. I want expensive things like a Wii, a new ipod and a Coach purse.

I will need to post the story about the ultrasound but the gist is that my baby is laying breech, face down for now and his little legs are punching my bladder. Once my bladder fills up, it crowds him and he starts kicking my bladder or that's at least what the ultrasound showed. I may have to go back for another one since they couldn't get the front of the heart which is fine by me!

I am in shock that Friday will mean I'm halfway through! Yay!

Getting ready for the little guy/gal

I've been talking with my husband for weeks about a list of things to do before the baby is born. He finally asked me last night to acutally type up and print the darn thing so he can get cracking. I about feel off my chair. So here is the list for the whole internet to see -- nesting officially has begun....

Clean office
- organize closet
- organize desk
- organize wall hangings
- get hide a bed

Paint bedroom
Paint hallway/kitchen/living room
Paint Lil Berger's room

Organize bedroom closets

Organize laundry room

Organize garage
Paint garage

Get the baby room ready
- buy crib/dresser/changing table
- buy closet organizer
- buy glider
- register for gifts

Clean carpets

In other news, I bought new bras last night. I could not stand it anymore. The girls were spilling out. The bra extenders have been working great -- too bad they don't make cup extenders. I was completely shocked at what I had to move up to. I also bought a cute dress and maternity top too because you gotta be fashionable still when you're knocked up.

Two weeks until we know the sex of our baby! I almost can't wait.

I found my crib/dresser/changing table

I haven't ordered it yet but in my Baby Bargains book gave it a good rating. I found it at Wal-Mart and checked it out. I can order online, get my ebates.com rebate and free shipping to the store and it's white! It will go well with the new bedding I purchased last week.

YAY!

Crib bedding ordered - CHECK

My first real baby purchase ....


Now just have to find the white crib/dresser/changing table.

The search for the list with simple things

I've made it my mission this week to make a list of what to register for at Target/Babies R Us. After searching and searching online, I found this list on Babyfit.com. My goal was to find a list that was simple and didn't have all the frivolous items that would be a waste of money because that's the last thing I need is for people to get me items that I don't need. I'm been searching craigslist like a mad women for dressers, changing tables, gliders too. I also have my IKEA list. I'm not going to buy an IKEA crib either probably just a few closet organizers. I'm a sucker for hand me downs too as friends keep saying "check out my spare bedroom -- I'll gladly hand over my breast pump, swing, etc. I'm a lucky girl. Having a baby doesn't have to break the bank.

My friend Heather is due a week before me and she found out she's having a boy. Though she lives in Nebraska, I'm happy we're pregnant together (though this is her 3rd child) and it's nice to check in and see how she is doing.

Tomorrow is 16 weeks. I can hardly believe it! I have to go in and get some blood drawn for some screening tests at my OB's office. Fun times! I hate getting blood drawn. Ick!

I'm noticing that around 5 p.m., I'm getting tired each night. I have to resist taking naps because if I do, I wake up 10 times (no joke) a night). Last night I only woke up once. To keep myself awake, I put Christmas stuff away. Maybe tonight I'll organize my husband's office (I destroyed it in a hormonal rampage in which I will discuss another time).

Been looking into digital scrapbooking sites too. I made a scrapbook of our wedding FINALLY using Shutterfly.com's online book making helper. I can't wait to see the finished product when it arrives next week. They have a variety of baby books. I just can't wait to get started on it!

Gaining weight

I've been buried in my Baby Bargains book the past few nights. Last night was a chapter on baby clothes and suggests I tell people NOT to give my baby newborn clothes because they are a waste of money. OK, how does one ask their family and friends not to send clothes? Yea, I can't do that.

The book is worrying me with making sure I have the firmest mattress on God's green earth so my baby doesn't suffocate. I would have never thought of that. Now I know why people say "DON'T READ THE BOOKS." I tossed and turned all night thinking about it. What if my baby is too hot because it will be summer (we don't have A/C)? OMG, We need a ceiling fan in the baby room! See what I mean?

Anyway, back to the subject at hand .. it's officially trimester two and today was my OB appointment where I learn that I'm not gaining enough weight. I haven't been hungry at all. I have no desire to eat food. I'm not craving anything. I try to eat my cereal and it tastes gross. I try to choke down green veggies -- yuck. Doc says to keep taking the vitamins because my diet is poor. On the plus side, I can start taking pre-natal exercise classes and I will start in January with water classes! Yay! And, I heard the heartbeat -- 155 beats per min. More proof there is a baby in my belly.

My husband didn't come to the appoint. Some were shocked by this. Does my husband need to go every time? He's pretty bored at them and he's a busy man. I figure he'll go to the appoints with pomp and circumstance -- like the ultrasound I'm scheduling for three weeks from tomorrow. WOO HOO. But really, does he need to go?

Off to the store to find things to eat to fatten me up. Wish me luck!

Thank god for friends

In the past year, I've had a lot of friends have babies that live in Bend. I've seen their many styles and have said on occasion, "I want to be like that mom" or "I don't want to be like that mom." I can say that all I want but I know I will be the mom I'm supposed to be.

My friend Alissa gave me some good advice today -- stop freaking out. She's right! I shouldn't be worried about baby gear right now! Although I got some fabulous advice about my registry, I don't like stuff and clutter so I'm going to keep it simple -- get what I need along the way and start checking out craigslist.

And if I want a $150 Jeep Stoller, damn it, I'm going to register for it. Because mark my worss, Charlie (my dog), the baby and I will be walking up Pilot Butte during maternity leave and we need that stroller.

Bring on the second trimester!

Registering part 2

I revised my Amazon.com registry and took some things off. I will look at Target for those items because I really don't want to register for a car seat without looking at it and such. I have a list started just for Target.

I was really worried about registering for big ticket items (to me that's items over $50) but a few of my friends said they are going in on the bigger items because they know their won't be much support from some family (long story, I won't get into on my blog) and not to worry about it. I also forgot that two friends have gear for me so I'm going to go check it out and cross those off my list. Anyone have a jogging stroller? That's one of the items I would LOVE to have.

I want to thank everyone for the advice on this list. At first it was overwhelming but after I made a few notes, I was grateful for the advice.

And now onto week 13 baby bump ...

I registered

Since the majority of people who will buy for me live out of town, I went with Amazon.com for my registry for a couple of reasons ... 1. you can buy online. The only person who will have a problem is my grandma and I have a feeling she's making a baby blanket. 2. They make a thank you gift list for you. 3. They had lists to help me with what I actually need.

You can check it out here online at Amazon.com.

I was worried I was registering for things that were too expensive (like that breast pump that everyone tells me I need to have which is $230) but this is my baby we're talking about. I didn't register for a crib or changing table/dresser. I think those are items we'll buy at IKEA.

If you have suggestions on items I should register for, pop me a comment. I need the help.