Well folks – this week is 20 weeks – and you know what that means? It means it’s baby Richards’ half birthday! She will (hopefully) be making her way into the world in just 20 more weeks. We’re halfway home!
Being half way done with this pregnancy makes me both really really excited and also a little bit scared that it’s going so fast and before we know it we’ll be juggling a screaming baby and wishing we enjoyed these pre-baby days (and restful nights) a little bit more. So my goal for the next few months is to relax and enjoy being pregnant – which is much easier to do these days since I’m actually feeling remarkably good! I just hope it lasts…
Now that the excitement of feeling those first baby kicks and finding out baby Richards is a girl is wearing off – I’m on to the next thing which is starting a registry and making a list of all the baby things we “need.” According to my mother the only thing you actually NEED is a drawer with a blanket in it for baby to sleep – but you know mom, times have changed and I’m not planning on raising my baby without a wipes warmer, velcro swaddling blanket and self sealing trashcan. (I’m sort of kidding but not really).
The reality is I know that we don’t really NEED tons of stuff – but there’s a lot of “tech” out there that seems to make life WAY easier for new moms – and who am I to think I can do this without all of it?! So in traditional “Hannah” style I have researched the shit out of every single baby item on the planet and crafted an absurdly large list of wants. Here are a couple of the dream buys, followed by some more realistic wish list items. I’m not sure if I just inherited expensive taste – or all baby items are absurdly expensive. But hopefully either Dan or I will win the lottery in the next 5 months.
DREAM Buys
Ok so I know this is absurdly expensive but it has rave reviews for comfort (you spend a LOT of time in a nursing chair) and it’s just SO pretty. Plus – it’s neutral so it could also live outside a nursery. Bottom line – we don’t have 700 bucks for a chair. BUT if we did I would totally fork it over for this beauty. DREAM!
Again – a ridiculously expensive gizmo (I can just see my mother right now laughing hysterically and calling to tell me the baby is going to be sleeping 10 feet from our room) BUT this seems to be the agreed upon winner when it comes to baby monitors and anyone that knows how much I like to worry knows I only want the BEST (most expensive) when it comes to safety. Just kidding. Sort of.
Again – one of the most expensive strollers out there BUT it comes highly recommended by both friends and family, and it is both a jogging and cruising stroller so if you add up the cost of buying two strollers this is cheaper! Seriously though, even though this is on the dream list I think I might buy it no matter what.
(Slightly) More Realistic Wish List
In my opinion, this is a definite must have in order to have some hands free time with baby. Plus, this cute gray color is neutral enough that Dan can wear it too. Can’t wait to go on our first family walk!
This chair is an OCD product researcher’s dream. It gets 5 stars from just about every reviewer – including my coworkers who really use it. It looks kind of like a demented space ship (totally not matching the earthy decor in our house) BUT it gets awesome ratings for ease of cleaning and safety and I’m all about that. I know it’s on the pricey side for a highchair but for something that is clearly head and shoulders above the rest – I want it!
So I know some people are probably against these because they are not traditional like a bassinet – but I’ve heard amazing things from moms who use these in their bedroom for the first few months instead of a bassinet or co-sleeper. And if it’s going to make my baby sleep better, than I consider it a must have. This one is 15 dollars more than the “standard” version but its a LAMB which is so cute so it’s going on the must have list (along with the matching bouncer and swing…) HA!
So now that everyone is reassured of my materialistic nature (and wants to yell at me to get a grip and just put the baby in a drawer with a blanket) – I’ll move on to something less product oriented…. 🙂
Here’s this week’s chart:
How far along? 20 Weeks (Halfway!)
Total weight gain: 5 lbs (holding steady after last week’s 3 lb gain – thank god)
Maternity clothes? oh yes
Stretch marks? thankfully not yet
Sleep: pretty decent besides the tossing and turning, which I’m getting used to
Best moment this week: Feeling like a normal person
Miss Anything? hot dogs
Movement: Still feeling little kicks – I can’t wait until Dan can feel them too!
Food cravings: hot dogs, still
Anything making you queasy or sick: not really – hallelujah!
Gender: It’s a girl!
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: some heartburn and reflux but not as bad as it was last week
Belly Button in or out? in (but belly button ring is out, per doctor’s advice)
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Monday’s doctor appointment and ultrasound 🙂
Oh Baby Richards 