Dearest Husband

Dearest Husband,

As you know our lives are about to change very shortly. Change is fast approaching as the due date draws closer and I wanted to take this time to express to you what a wonderful father I know you will be. Your caring, loving and nurturing personality will continue to shine through as a father to our little boy and I can't wait to see you hold him for the first time. Touching his soft skin and smelling his sweet smells (well until his diaper is full anyways).

You have been extremely supportive the last 37 weeks through this pregnancy, as rough as its been at times for my physically, and I know you will be there in the years to come. You have been my rock at all times. Whether its been making sure I am eating regularly, taking my vitamins and medications, buying garbage cans to decorate each floor of our house during my vomiting episodes, telling me I look beautiful as the stretch marks continue to grow, or cleaning things up around the house...these all just a few of the wonderful things you do for me....you have been there through it all. For this I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

You made me proud as the only father in our prenatal class who had actually read a pregnancy related book, and continued to amaze me as you would answer questions or start a conversation with me about pregnancy/baby related things I had no idea you knew about. Thank you for explaining the different kinds of breast milk to me ;)

The past 7 years I have spent with you have been absolutely breath taking. You continue to put a smile on my face each and everyday, for this I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Waking up next to you is an absolute blessing.
I look forward to each day we have together and all the years ahead of us as we start a new chapter in our life
and build a loving family.

Thank you for wiping my tears away during emotional times of the pregnancy, squeezing my hand when I needed to know I was not doing this alone, for sharing in the smiles and joy of feeling the baby kick and more recently seeing
my stomach move around and be kicked by the little guy growing inside.

Thank you for being so supportive and encouraging as I make this transition to from the workforce to motherhood and sharing your thoughts openly on becoming a parent. Your love for our child already shines through brightly
and I cannot wait to see your face when he finally makes his arrival into our lives.

So from my heart to yours I love you forever and always. I promise to support you as a father, encourage you as we learn together on this special journey and to alway be there no matter what. Thank you for being you.


Love always,
Amanda

Embracing the Belly

Last Sunday we had the wonderful photographer, Daisy Ducharme of Baby & Belly come into our home to take pictures of my ever growing belly. We wanted to do something that would allow us to always remember this wonderful journey (well if you can ever call constant nausea wonderful!) but also important for me to be able to minimize the stretch marks that show up in pictures ;)

Daisy brought all her equipment to our home and made us feel very relaxed throughout. I highly recommend her and can't wait until we do our newborn photo shoot once this baby decides to make his arrival!

Morning Sickness

To all those suffering from morning sickness, or from what I have called permanent day sickness (PDS) please know that you are not alone! This post is to share what I have learned along my journey the past 8 months and most of all for those of you who may be suffering and reading this to know you are not alone!

For me it all started within 4 weeks of finding out I was preganant. I was scheduled to present at a fitness conference in Halifax, a full 8 hour event that featured none other than the newly pregnant me. I started feeling a little queasy in the mornings a few days before I was to travel and thought nothing of it. This is what I had read about and was prepard for. A little uneasiness in the morning and on with my day I would go.

I made it to Halifax late afternoon and by the next morning when it was time for me to shine I had already hugged the toilet a few times too many. I made it through the day with some grace and nobody seemed to suspect anything, or mentioned otherwise. The next morning in my hotel room was followed with some dry heaving and I made my goal of making it to the airport and flying home.

From the first day home forward my PDS began. I thought that for some this was the morning sickness they spoke of and that it would soon pass.

However I learned after a week of not being able to leave my bed or the toilet that this was not the regular morning sickness described in books. The depression started to hit me. Getting out of bed in the morning was a scary thought, even just opening my eyes after being asleep as I knew the vomitting would come next.

I had been so excited for this pregnancy and always dreamed of being the glowing and vibrant pregnant women and was devastated at first that this was not me.

I tried different food combinations, drinks, smoothies, etc. Nothing seemed to help. What went in usually came back out. I read and read books and information on the internet. However most pregnant women do not experience nausea and vomitting to this extreme. I was at my wits ends and realized that I needed help if I wanted to be able to function at all throughout this pregnancy.

Thanks to Ann Douglas and our twitter conversations I picked up the phone and called MotherRisk out of Sick Kids in Toronto.

Here are some things I found helpful throughout my pregnancy and hope they may help you......

*Call motherrisk @ Sick Kids I cannot express this enough. They have tips and tricks that will make you feel better! Not cured but can take the edge off most days. They are also usually better at informing of diclectin doses than Dr. And will tell you other anti nausea meds that are safe and can help keep diclectin down ;)

*get your doctor to prescribe diclectin

*eat very very small meals

*never drink fluids while eating. The combo is guaranteed to bring on vomit!

*Gwen from Nayla Natural Care I cannot thank you enough! I am ever grateful to the introduction to Earth Mama Morning Sickness Tea & Preggie Pops Gwen- your thoughtfullness, caring nature and warm thoughts from experience sincerely helped me get through some very dreary days over the past months. We have yet to meet in person but I cannot wait until the day we do!

*eat whatever you can whenever you can. Dearest Husband looked a little crooked eyed at me somedays with my requests and even asked the doctor if he should be concerned with making sure I ate certain things. The Dr. said give the girl what she wants! There were some very odd requests at times but the concern is getting food in and keeping whatever you can down. Poutine was something that for some reason or another usually would stay in! Breakfast requests, 2 days in a row, was poutine and mozzarella cheese sticks. I don't know why but thats what worked. Othere days it was toast, crackers or anything else with salt!

*jello made with pedialite or sports drinks turned into ice cubes also was a great way to stay dehydrated. Sports drinks on their own were too sweet for me but watered down or made into ice cubes was good. That being said too much of one thing can be bad. I hope to never see a sports drink again ;)

*some medications say not to take during pregnancy but talk to your doctor & Mother Risk. ex: anti-nausea pills say not for pregnant women. Mother Risk has done much research on how much and when you are able to take them. For me they were prescribed to take before my diclectin just to keep that down!

*some vitamins can increase nausea. Talk to your doctor about your options to help you get appropriate nutrition and stay vomit-free for a few more minutes ;)

*be forewarned that the nausea may improve but it may also stay with you through the duration of the pregnancy.

*ask for help and support. Don't be afraid to tell others about your permanent day sickness! There are more of us out there than you usually think. Most importantly you are not alone!

~A

Working Mom To Be- the Myth!

I had the privilage of putting together an article for the Yummy Mummy Club last month for their fantastic online magazine and newsletter.

Read here to see my thoughts on becoming a new mom while running a business that I hope to continue to expand!

Enjoy!

Pregnant or Thinking of Becoming Pregnant? Read this first!!

1. Itchy, oh boy do I get itchy! My skin at times is itchy beyond anything it has ever been before. I have not changed my lotions, soaps, or laundry detergent. All are still completely natural and environmentally friendly but my skin is beyond dry. I apply moisturizer upon moisturizer and have even thought about tying my hands up to not be able to scratch, scratch and scratch!

2. Stretch marks- Beware! These things seem to just pop out of nowhere! One day there are none the next day a ton! We started off the pregnancy rubbing cocoa butter and olive oil on my tummy. It was a way for daddy to begin bonding with the baby and to give mommy one less thing to whine about! Don't waste your time with any lotions, creams or oils. GO STRAIGHT FOR THE VITAMIN E, don't fool around with this, the minute you find out you are pregnant start smearing it on morning, noon and night. If you are one of those "special women" who never get a single mark I don't want to hear from you ;)

3. Insomnia- first 3-4 months I slept, slept non stop all the time. I was never a napper until I became pregnant. Give me an opportunity to close my eyes, and I could fall asleep in no time. It was really the only time I don't feel extremely nauseous or have the chance to vomit so I would sleep for as long as I could. I knew that the moment I would wake up it would be another run to the toilet or garbage can! I then fell into a great routine of "regular" sleeping for a month. Then poof, out the window that went. Holy freakin insomnia! I now am able to stay up hours and hours later than ever before. I finally am able to fall asleep, generally around midnight or 1a.m. and then am woken up at least every 2 hours to go to the bathroom. People tell you to get as much sleep as you can before the baby comes, I wish I could sleep now! I am in a marathon of training for when baby arrives and is up continually wanting to be fed.

4. Nausea- Working with pregnant clients I always saw them glowing. I thought pregnancy would be an absolute joy, a wonderful experience that I could not wait to partake in. You read about nausea, how some have "morning sickness" during the first trimester. Only 1 book (thank you Ann Douglas ) for sharing that it is possible for a few woman to have nausea throughout the pregnancy. I hugged the toilet for weeks upon weeks. I had vivid images of how it would be nice to not be pregnant and then I would feel bad as we had planned this pregnancy and thought I should just suck it up. Let me tell you something, I didn't have "morning sickness" I had "permanent day sickness". The only time I was not vomiting was when I was sleeping. It didn't matter what I ate or when I ate it. I finally broke down and my doctor prescribed diclectin. His suggested 4 doses per day did absolutely nothing. It was no help of course that I would take my first pill of the day and immediately vomit it up. Then try to take another and vomit it up. I was a mess. Emotionally, physically and mentally. Ann Douglas finally tweeted and highly recommended that I contacted Mother Risk out of Sick Kids for information and assistance. It was mentioned in her book, but thought that maybe I could get past this stage of the first trimester and life would be good. I finally broke down and made the call. SAVED MY LIFE! The information they had was absolutely wonderful. Extremely helpful, supportive and caring group of individuals. They increased my daily dosage of diclectin and even informed me I could take gravol in the morning (and up to 4 times per day) to keep my diclectin in. There is no doubt in my mind that I would not of made it to 28 weeks so far with a sane mind (okay, I have my moments ;) without their assistance and information. Thanks to @themotherofall for finally saying CALL THEM!

5. Heartburn & Indigestion - I had heard of people complain of heartburn and indigestion before but had never once experienced it. I had no idea what people were talking about when they would talk about the discomfort it would cause. I just didn't get it. Well, OMG, it sucks! I have tried teas, drinks, various food options and over the counter medications....nothing works! People keep saying that it means our child will be born with a lot of hair. If this is true our baby will need to be taken straight to the barber!

6. Constipation - Being on progesterone pills for the first 12 weeks did not help this pregnancy issue or complaint, but I thought it may improve once I was off the progesterone. Oh no, my doctor took me off the progesterone pills and increased my iron pills. I drink at least 2L of water a day and still have to make sure I have lots of fibre. Dearest husband has seen me many days in an absolute bitch and he knows most of the time now without asking what the problem is. Get out of my way and pray to the bathroom gods that I will go to the bathroom soon!

7. Shaving- I never in the world had any idea that shaving, a regular routine and task, would become such a daunting one. We have reached the point that getting to my calves is daunting. I have started to trust my lovely husband with the razor for my legs (and legs ONLY!) Women who have never been pregnant and are thinking of it....WARNING...there will come a day when you can no longer see your lady parts. This becomes scary as you have no idea what is going on "down there". The only way to see what is happening in certain areas is to look in a mirror. Holding a mirror and shaving is NOT fun! I have been hesitant to continue with waxing with the horror stories I have heard of waxing and the delicate pregnancy skin and possible rashes that don't usually appear!

8.Putting on socks - This has become a daunting task, one that I didn't think I would need help with until a much older age! If I happen to put on two different socks I say screw it, too much work to take them off :)

9.Pedicures - Spend the money and get yourself regular pedicures. Trust me, you will love yourself for it. When your feet have officially disappeared you will want somebody to take the time to trim your toe nails, pretty-up your feet and paint those nails a vibrant colour so when you put your feet up at the end of the day you will have something nice to look at.

10. Sore boobies & Funny Nipples - Take PMS boobies, and times it by a hundred. Boobies become very, very sore. My lovely husband has learned to stop asking why I walk around with either a bra on at all times or am constantly holding them in one position. They hurt whenever they are not supportive. Read: whenever they are not glued to your chest and are able to move even in the slightest manner. Beware of the nipple changes that will appear. At times they become so tough that a tiger could chew on them and I am sure it would not phase me. Well, maybe that's a little extreme, but you get the picture. Other times they are so sensitive that the lightest breeze brings shooting pain to them and your hands are immediately retracted to your chest.

11. Discharge - I read, thanks again to The Mother of All books by Ann Douglas (if you don't have these and are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant run out and BUY THEM NOW!) that vaginal discharge may increase so I thought I was prepared. I called my doctor one day in a panic thinking I may be leaking amniotic fluid! He reassured me that all was well and to just relax. Other times, "down there", will be complete opposite. Oh the joys :)

12.Get massages, get massages, get massages. Need I say more??

13. Register and prep the babies room when you have the energy you never know when this energy may be zapped away from you. Since I hugged the toilet bowl for 4-5 months I took advantage of getting everything finalized around the 6th month mark since I had heard things can start to go downhill and become challenging during the last trimester. Also, always check up to date consumer reports. You can never be too informed! p.s. while you are at it, skip the crib bumper pad section...totally not needed and extremely unsafe!

14. Buy, Buy, Buy....well only if its needed (or so freakin cute you just can't say no!) It's never too early to buy things, especially if its on sale or a really good deal. Save money where and when you can! Take hand me downs (your child will just spit up all over it anyways) where you can and borrow from friends and family. The only exception to this, in my opinion, are cribs and car seats.

15. Don't let anybody touch your belly if you don't want them to. I HATE THIS! I have yet to tell some people that I absolutely hate it when they touch my belly. I feel like saying TOUCH YOUR OWN FREAKIN STOMACH but have yet had the words come out of my mouth. Watch out people, its coming! In the meantime until I actually find the time to verbalize this to you, back off, keep your hands to your self.

16. Hire a doula! Being a first time mom, I have no freakin idea what to expect or what may happen. Neither does my lovely and supportive, yet at times weak stomach when it comes to blood, husband. We marched out there right away and found the doula that was right for us. She has been great support to date and we can't wait to share our experience with her.

17. The first time you feel movement of your baby is absolutely magical. The tiny flutters are constant reminders of the life you are nurturing inside you. Enjoy those flutters as they eventually become hard kicks and punches. Uncomfortable at times but totally worth it :)

18. Enjoy the pregnancy and take time as a couple to spend quality time together. We were to take a European getaway together over Christmas, but I was too nauseous all the time to travel that far. We still got away, to close by Montreal, and spend all the time we can as a couple before our little man arrives and our family grows.

Now its your turn, I look forward to hearing from you as you share your ups and downs, experiences and knowledge. Especially all you veteran moms, what do you wish you would of known before your little one made their arrival? What were your expectations of pregnancy and how did it actually play out for you?

Generation Y, Trying to Do It All

Its official the wedding rings have come off the finger they have eagerly rested on and beautified my hand while doing so. They had progressively been getting tighter and I knew the day was destined to come. I am not attached to the rings themselves, as I know my husband loves me no matter what and we don't need to signify our love with material objects. I love wearing my rings because they are stunning (well to me anyways) and so I don't get 'the look', the oh you poor young girl pregnant with no husband look. Its the generation gap I guess, especially between those similar age of my grandparents. Yes, I am still young, in some eyes too young, I am 26 and dearest husband is 30. In today's society I find that more people are waiting to expand their family than in the years past. However its a decision we made together. Did we want to have kids now, have the energy and stamina to keep up with them, or did we wish to wait another 15 years when we had more life experience and possibly financial stability? Another deciding factor was that when we retire it would be nice if our kids were out of the house, independent and we would be able to enjoy our time together and do the things we enjoy as adults, minus the children.

It's a new generation. It's the "all about me" Generation Y, or some would say. The generation that is setting their goals and going to get them, no matter what it takes. We have decided that we are starting our family now, not waiting, and are going to do it in as eco-friendly as our lives will allow us. I told a family member that we had registered for various slings and baby carriers as I support baby wearing. Her response... "Oh you are going to be one of those cloth diaper parents as well, lol". Actually, yes. Yes, we will be "one of those cloth diapering families". I didn't think it was the right time to also tell her that there was no way in hell we would be putting chemical products, such as Johnson's baby products, on our sweet little guys skin!

So with our little mans arrival getting closer and closer (pregnancy has not been gentle to me!) we are ready for this journey. The journey of a Generation Y mom wanting it all.....and I am set to do it.....or so I think. Its going to be quite a ride and I am so ready! Oh, did I mention that I run a business, or two, and hope to do this while simultaneously nursing an infant?!

Progress is Being Made!

Had another prenatal appointment at the hospital this morning and was ecstatic that I only had to wait 10 minutes. Definitly a first! Our Dr. is absolutely amazing and worth the wait so I went with books in hand with the expectation of getting comfy in the waiting room.

I have only gained 2lbs since our last appointment the first week of January, which was a nice change from the 12lbs I gained from the Dec to Jan. appt! Not sure how I only managed to gain 2lbs with all the Starbucks mocha and breakfast sandwiches :) Little boys heart beat is very strong and he seems very healthy to date. He was hanging out more to the left side of me this morning.

I have been booked in to see the family of OB's at the Montfort hospital as my Dr. currently does not deliver babies, he works mostly with infertility patients and I was lucky enough just to have this amazing doctor with having no difficulties getting pregnant. He was quite thorough and was very warm. Dearest Husband (DH)and I will meet with a new OB mid March and will continue the last few months appts with her. When its time for delivery it will be whoever happens to be on call at that time, thats why we have a wonderful Doula to assist us through the process. Natural birth or C-Section it will be myself, DH and Doula. Our hope is to spend time bonding with the baby for at least a few days, if not a week, before we receive family visits.

Continually putting polysporin on the nice belly burn I have. Forgot how big my belly has grown and leaned over a hot baking tray that was on the counter. I heard the sizzle and then felt the heat, luckily its not too big and seems to just blend in with the stretch marks that are starting to appear. AGH, stretch marks. Must continue to rub the cream and keep praying to the stretch mark gods!

Looking forward to being done work soon and taking some time for me before the baby arrives. Only another 7-8 weeks or so. Moved all of our Little Lotus Yoga info over to wordpress over the last few weeks and really liking the feel of wordpress over blogger. I think I may eventually switch this blog over as well.

Until then, its time for me to eat some lunch as I am starving!