The miracle within!!

As my baby grows more and more, the less room it has to swim around. This past week I have noticed a big change, every little move my baby takes is so noticeable even from the outside. Seeing the movement is the most amazing thing,  but ofcourse it has a down side. My baby gets hyper on apples and I can't seem to stop eating them. One night I ate an apple before bed and was up all night with my baby partying away. It wouldn't stop moving for 3 hours, yes it's amazing to watch I couldn't stop looking at it but it's incredibly annoying as well. Non stop twist and turns, and hitting me and all the wrong place can be kinda painfull and uncomfterble especially while trying to fall asleep. 

My baby just didn't seem to get the memo that it's night time and that means sleep! As I was laying there watching and feeling my belly I decied to record it, if I was amazed by it now I thought it would be a really nice thing to have. 

I hope you don't think I'm crazy for sharing it with you, but it will bring a smile to your face and show you the incredible miricale happening inside of us.

(I'm having trouble uploading the video to my website, you can find the video on our Facebook and Instagram page! Looking forward to your comments.)

Last night my baby was hyper again, and all I wanted was to see it moving around, if only we had acsess to sonograms when ever we wanted. So as I was wishing I made up alittle poem, I did it really fast and didn't think much of it. But I sent it to my sister and a friend and they both really enjoyed it, so I'll share with you the poem. 

I wish my belly was transparent, so I can watch you. 

I wish I can watch, so I can see you grow. 

I wish I can see you grow, so I can watch the miracle. 

I wish I can watch the miracle, so I appreciate my body more.

I wish I can appreciate my body more, so I can treat it better.

I wish I can treat my body better, so you can be safe. 

I wish it's safe for you, so you can be born health. 

I wish you can be born, so I can see you. 

I wish I can see you, so I can make sure your ok. 

I wish I can make sure your ok, so I can be able to love you more.

I wish I can be able to love you more then I do now.

Reading it now I probably would have changed it alittle but I wanted to share it, unedited and exactly what I was feeling in the spare of the moment. 

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Product review, the benefits of a birth ball!

I know I haven't been doing product reviews, it's because I plan to do it more on baby products and I haven't tried any of them out yet. You'll have to wait till the baby comes, but today I thought of a product to share with you. I have mentioned in the post of what to pack in your hospital bag about a birth/gym ball and how it can benefit during labor, but I didn't mention how it can benefit before. 

I guess it's not much of a product review because there's no specific company I'm talking about, it's just about the over all concept of the ball.

I have a birth ball that I have been using for play, and for its actually purpose. My husband and I tend to play catch with this huge ball, that ends up hitting something it not sapose to and then our game ends.  But beside for playing catch and sometimes soccer, I use it for its purpose and I find it has been benefiting me. 

If you buy a ball or have one stores someplace, get it and blow it up. If your going on the ball for the first time maybe put it against a wall or have someone hold it so you don't go flying back forwards and end up with your feet in the air. You may need to give yourself a chance to get use to balancing on it, especially if your future along in your pregnancy. Also wear non-slip socks or shoes so you don't go sliding, or better yet go barefoot.

Sit comfortably with your feet spread apart with your hands on your knees and rock back and forth, side to side, and clockwise. You can even do a little bounces on it, just remember you do have a baby in there so don't give it a huge ride. If your not balancing good on it, hold on to something near by or place a chair in front of you and hold on to the back of it for better support. This a little exercise is to improve your posture, balance and even your stomach muscles. For those with bad back pain try it, it should help you sit up right and take the pressure off for spine. Exercising your stomach muscle is great way to help your body to support the weight of your pregnancy. And who noes maybe it will help you get a little more tuned to help with after birth. Same benefits apply is you lean over your ball from a kneeling position. 

Leaning over the ball does wonders for me, it really helps take the pressure off my back. After a long day of keeping busy and especially friday night after preparing a shabbas, you'll find me on my ball to help ease the pain. I also use it in the kneeling position to try and get the baby to switch its postion. When I feel it non stop kicking on my ribs, I'll be laying there trying to get it to turn a little for some relief. You can also try this postion if you baby's not head down, kneeling and leaning over on your ball can help make your baby move to the right postion (siting also has this benefit). Although it may not stay that way till birth, keep trying it, it's for your own good. 

These two positions can be used during labor as well, also by leaning over your ball while standing (obviously with the ball prompted up on a bed or something) If your having back labor using a ball should help a lot, it will also give anyone great access to you back so they can massage or put pressure on your back for your pain. Squatting is a great postion during labor, because of the awesome thing known as gravity, squatting will help your baby move down, it also creates a wide opening in your pelvis. Squatting can be a great pastion for the pushing phase of labor, because of its benifits

Sitting upright on you ball during labor gives you the freedom of movement, without moving to much. It also eases your pain, encourages dilation and effacing, and it should bring you baby down upon the cervix. So why not use a birth ball, you won't know till you try it if it benefits you or not. If you don't want to invest in one, some hospital even have it in the delivery room. Ask your doctor if your hospital provides a birth ball, or if you hiring a duala ask her, she may also be bring one. 

Here's what to look for in up coming posts!

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The advantage of exercise!

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Nesting!!!

I have been getting these random energy boost, at times of the day where I really should be exhausted. My mind can starts racing how I have to clean and organize everything and anything I can get my hands on, IM NESTING! Nesting during pregnancy is as real as when animals nest, the term nesting refers to an instinct or strong urge to prepare your home for the upcoming baby. Not to relate us with animals, but us pregos/soon to be moms have something in common with them.

Nesting usually acurs in the ninth month of pregnancy, and hits stronger just before delivery. But it can hit you before as well, or you may never even get it. Those of you lucky lady's who really have a strong nesting instinct, my door is always opened, and I can use your urges to clean and reorganize my house. 

This past Thursday was my first really strong nesting instinct, I wasn't feel well at all and I spent the day sleeping. At 4pm I woke up and got out of bed to make supper and start doing afew minor things for shabbas. My dear husband told me to rest and he will take care of the rest, either tonight or tomorrow. But once dinner was done and I cleaned it up, my mind was racing how I have to clean my whole house for shabbas and it has to be done this second. I started cleaning around 9:30, I clean everything, my house was spotless the kitchen, living room, dinning room, the laundry, bedroom, bathroom and I even got down on my hands and knees to clean the bath tub. I finished cleaning around 3:00am, yup you heard right, 3:00am, I was busy all night cleaning away. When I was finished it was the best feeling ever, it felt like such an acomplitionment because before I started it felt like such a need. (or maybe it was because of the fact I slept all day that I was able to do it, but nesting sounds better) 

Some women don't get the nesting instinct in the way they feel they need to clean, but have you ever gotten the feeling of wanted to go and buy everything you need for the baby so your prepared? Or go through your child's old boxes and arange everything you can use for the new one coming? How about making list after list and going through it one to many times, to make sure you'll have everything you'll need to go get when the baby comes? That is nesting, your trying to prepare yourself for the little one coming in your own way. 

I've been having more of the nesting instinct of preparing in the scenes that I feel like I need to have everything from A-Z before the baby comes. But like many other people I don't buy things before birth, so I have come up with ways to still feel organized and prepared without buying anything. One of the great things I use to make my lists of everything I need and want for the baby is all in registries, It's a great source to knowing what you still need and what you have/want to get, and it's all kept in safe place. My obsession of making sure I have everything I need in my hospital bag is another way I have been preparing. Also by researching brands and product is a great way to prepare, with out actually preparing. It keeps me busy and educated, so when the time comes ill know what I want, and why I want it. I will have the staifiaction of knowning I made the right choice of researching before I just went and bought it. 

I did give into one of my really really strong needs, I was so worried about not having a car seat for the baby to leave the hospital with. It kept worrying me how the day is getting close and I still don't have one. I know a lot of people borrow from a friend or family member to leave with, but for some reason I have this feeling that I won't be able to get one from someone. I was just being paranoid and had to many worries about the car seat, so I finally bought one. It actually feels really good knowing I have it and the situation is taken care of. It is a big relief to have it, buying it was a big weight off my shoulders.

Those of you nesting enjoy it, I wish had it more often for cleaning and organizing, I'd do organize afew draws, maybe that counts. 

I wanna write more about registry, but I'll do it in another post sometime. I'm also working on an interview, so lots to look forward to. 

Here's what to look for in up coming posts!

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What not to say to pregnant women! 

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The advantage of exercise!

and much much more!

Happy Motherhood!!

How the night goes by so fast!

Wow it's crazy how somedays I just don't have energy to do anything, and others I clean my whole house and still go out. Today I woke up at 1:45pm, I don't know how I'm able to sleep for so long. I guess my body is so tired from all my sleepless nights, that it finally gave me a break and let me catch up. I usually twist and turn all night tiring to get comfortable, but can never find a good position. 

Heading towards the end of my pregnancy, has come with all it's uncofterblness it has to offer. As my baby gets bigger, the less room it has in there and the more comfortable it is for me. Every little move and flitch hits you like a storm, and when it's really on a move it's the most uncomfortable feeling, and can some times even be painful. My baby of course has great talent, and know exactly where and when to hit me. 

I was driving home from the city last night, and I had just past the gas station. About two minutes later, BAM right in my bladder and wouldn't move. If only it happened two minutes early, then I would have been fine and exited to the rest area. But instead I had to wait patiently to get home, or for it to move off my bladder.

I get into bed, I get comfortable, but then my baby decide to get comfortable to, right in my ribs of course. So now it's time to find a new postion. How about on my left side? Ok so far so good, suddenly I have the biggest itch ever. Now I'm laying there trying not to scratch, but of course I do, so now I'm scratching. Ok now that that's done, time to find a new postion. One leg up one leg down, one arm out one arm up, ok this is comfterble right? Nope now the baby decided it party time, so while it's dancing, I'm twisting and turning to all positions possible so it settles down in a comfterble spot. Ahh finally were both calm, ok now I can fall asleep. Oh wait no! from all that dancing now I need the bathroom. Ouch but I was finally comfterble, but if I don't go now it will just be worst later. 

Ok I'm back in bed now let's find that spot, that was comfterble. So my hand was here, and my foot here, my head was right here, ok perfect. But this is so uncomfortable! Must have not been laying like this, a little adjustment here, a little ajustnment there, ok got it! Suddenly ow leg cramp! leg cramp! Quickly stretch it, move it around, now I have to get comfterble again! 

Wow how was that over two hours! Ok I'm exhausted ill fall asleep now, right? Wrong! Now I'm hot, so I take off my blanket, ah nice and cool, let me take a drink to cool myself down as we'll. 20 min later, ok now it chilly, put blanket back on, prefect! Oh wait, not again! but I just went to the bathroom, how do I have to go again. Look at the clock it's over an hour since the last time I went, and the water bottles half empty, on that's why! 

Ok back in bed again, getting comfortable, getting comfortable...... Finally, finally, finally I'm asleep!!! 

This happens almost every night, without exaggeration! I'm know you believe me, you are going through the same thing! Here's to better nights of sleep in this new year! Good luck!! 

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Head 2 Toe!

Sing with me..... Head shoulders knees and toes, knees and toes... eyes, ears, chin, mouth and nose. 

Why am I singing this? Well it's because pregnancy literally effects all of them, and we'll go through each one and see how. 

Head- Beside for feeling sometimes as if we don't have one, because of the lack of focus we have, and we keep loosing and forgetting things. Head aces are extremely common during pregnancy, it's can be for afew reasons. In your first trimester it can be because of hormone changes and your increase in blood volume. Later in your pregnancy it can be because of your posture, and change in vision. (hence the eyes, but we'll come back to it) You can also have headache because of lack of sleep, low blood sugar, dehydration, caffeine withdraw and stress, from all the changes.

Shoulders, (but let's change it to back) ... Back- We all know what crazy things pregnancy can do to our back. Our postures change, from carrying something heavy all the time, which causes our back to hurt. Not being able to find a comfortable sleeping position, and trying many new ones, can cause back pain too. The baby's position can be a real strain on your back as we'll. 

Knees (we'll change to legs)... Legs- Do they feel like puddy? Or heavy? So many things can happen to our legs during pregnancy. There's varicose veins, and there's there the issue of swelling, and leg cramps. But did you ever hear of the term 'Restless leg syndrome'? Did you ever feel the sudden urge or need to suddenly move your leg, because it feel itchy, creepy, burning, pulling or tight? That feeling of having to move them, and shake it for a few seconds or minutes, to get some relief only to have to do it again in a little while. This feeling can be a real pain (pun intended) when trying to fall asleep, it can keep you up and busy for quite some time. 

Toes- Swollen yet? Can you fit into your shoes still? Some women feet and toes get so swollen during pregnancy, that they can't even fit into there own shoes anymore. 

Eyes- Did you know that your eye sight can change during pregnancy? But don't go and buy tuns of new glasses just yet, your vision will go back to the way it was after birth. Hormon changes, metabolism, fluid retention and blood circulation can all be effecting your eye site during pregnancy.

Ears- Have you been hearing funny sounds in your ears? Any ringing, buzzing, clicking or even a heartbeat sound? This can be something called Tinnitus. I'm not sure why it happeneds, I know it's pregnancy related. So if you have it, talk to your doctor for more information. 

Chin- We all know you gain weight in pregnancy, we can even gain enough to now have a double chin. 

Mouth- Besides for your gums bleeding and other teeth issues, have you noticed that you have bad breath? As if we don't have enough embarrassing things, we now have to also worry about our breath. Bad breath can be from many different things, of course are hormones are one to blame. When we are dehydrated, our mouths get dry and then the bad breaths comes along with that. Morning sickness, and stomach acid, all those thing coming up or trying to come up can be a major factor to your bad breath. Ever got out of bed in middle of night to grab a snack, and didn't brush your teeth after? Yup, your creating plaque build up, by not brushing again, and that will certainly give you bad breath. 

Nose- Do you have a stuffy nose that doesn't seem to be going away any time soon? Or even nosebleeds? Stuffy nose is extremely common during pregnancy, it's because of your high levels of estrogens and progesterone. Your increase in blood flow to all body mucous membrane, is not only making your feet swell, but also your nose, and it is making it nice and stuffy. 

Did I just put a whole new prospective on the song for you? Isn't it crazy how much our body can change all because of one tiny little thing, that seems to make a huge diffrance in our lives. 

Head, shoulders, knees and toes knees and toes... Eyes, ears, chin, mouth and nose!!!!!

Here's what to look for in up coming posts!

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Changes and more changes!

As I'm getting closer and closer towards the end, I'm feeling a whole bunch of different things. I'm feeling a lot of different physical and emotional changes, which is making these last couple of weeks quite exciting. You'll hear a lot of women who are mostly in the ninth say how they feel so uncomfortable, and the baby's has got to come out. There is only so much space that your body can make room for, so your baby is getting a little squashy in there torwds the end, which makes it more uncomfortable for you too. The baby Is big now so you feel it all over, u can feel a kick in your ribs and on your bladder all at once, how fun is that! 

My baby is truly enjoying the game of hitting mommy in the ribs, especially my right side. But I'm not enjoying this game as much, it's actually no fun at all. I've been trying all the tricks to make the baby switch positions, like picking my hands up and breath or going down on all four, but they help for a few minutes and then the baby move right back to my ribs. It's sometimes not even kicks I feel, it's more like my baby wants to stretch and just leaves a foot nicely lodged by my ribs. It's starting to get a little crowded in there, and still has more to grow! 

Did you know that being uncomfortable towards the end, is actually one of the mircals of pregnancy? Allot of women enjoy the bond with there baby so much while it's still In them, that it would be difficult for them to give it up. So by getting uncomfortable, in away is breaking the bond between the mother and the baby, and making the mother want it to come out already, so she can form a new bond. 

My emotional changes I've been going through, are more mixed feelings towards the whole giving brith topic. One minute I'm excited, the next Im scared, and then I'm excited again. But I cant pin point the reason why I'm scared, am I scared of the unknown of labor? Or going through the pain of labor? Or the after part, and am I scared of being a mother? Or maybe I'm even scared of all! But even when I'm feeling scared, I still feel so excited. So I'm my emotions are just a mess when it comes to this topic, I can't he but to feel confused. 

But I know it's normal and I am definitely not the only one going through these emotions, and that is what's always important to remember. You are never the only one going though your emotional craziness, no matter how imbalance you think they are. 

Here's what to look for in up coming posts!

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What to pack in your hospital bag!

The end is coming near, 47 more days till my due date! Like everything else about my pregnancy, I am a fanatic about my hospital bag as we'll. I have some of the stuff I need set aside for a few weeks now, as if it's happening any day. Some of things I'm packing could be completely useless in the time of need for me, but it worked for others so it's on my list. 

I have already packed in my hospital bag a few thing, and the rest I'll add in closer to my due date. For labor and delivery there's things you need and for postpartum. I'll share a list your husband may want, we can't forget about them.

For labor and delivery

I have socks, unless you are one of those who love hospital socks, then bring your own. It's for walking around in the halls before and after birth, and to keep your toes nice and warm. 

I also packed chapstick, apperntly your mouth and lips gets very dry, so add that in. 

I packed a light weight snood (well see how long it last on my head) and a cotton head band, to keep my hair out of my face if the snood doesn't work out, also extra pony holders In case they snap. 

I have heard to take with you a pen and paper, to jot down any questions, thought, or names of doctors or nurses you'll want to thank after. But with cell phones in handy, you can write it down in there. 

Pen and paper can also be used to count your contractions, or you can be use your phone for that too, and I told you there is an app for that. 

Lollipops, socking candy, and ices are aloud to be eaten during labor. You may want to eat them, to help your mouth from getting so dry.

If you want your birth setting to be a relaxed environment, and music will help you. Make sure you bring a CD player. If it's plug in then great, but if it runs on batteries, bring extra. (Some hospitals provide a CD player)

Your favorite lotion or body oil for all the massages you'll be asking for. The smell can actually sooth you as we'll, so choose wisely.

If your really into the whole relaxing mode, buy those fake candles that run on batteries, since you can not light real candles in a hospital. 

Do you have a birthing ball/gym balls, you have been using through out your pregnancy? People swear on how helpful the ball is during labor, so bring that along. (Your labor coach may provide one)

If you don't want to wear those beautiful hospital gown, bring your own nightgown. I'm saying night gown and not pjs, because you will want it to be a one piece and long enough for you to do squats in, without mooning everyone in the room. 

Bring flip flops/water shoes, you may not want to shower bear foot. That's goes for before and after birth. 

If you'll want to shower during labor, you can shower In hospital gown or bring a top you don't mind wearing in the shower.

And most importantly camera/video camera, cell phones and all chargers needed!! (If needed an extra memory card)

For postpartum (after birth and your hospital stay) 

I bought a yummy cozy robe for after birth, to keep warm and comfy. I also plan to use it as my blanket, hospital blankets aren't that cozy and Im sure I can use a good night sleep.

Pjs, you'll want your top to have easy access, if you plan to nurse.

They say to pack two nursing bras, I have one so far I'll go buy another. They say two because you sweat a lot after birth, and your milk can leak.

Also a few pairs of underwear, doesn't/shouldn't be new ones, you'll probably ruin them.

Sweater, leggings, change of cloth, socks anything you'll want to wear and feel unfotable In. 

All toiletries! Toothbrush, tooth past, mouthwash, face wipes, face wash, body wipes, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hair brush, if you have lens don't forget lens solution. Buying all your toiletries in travel size is a great idea. (You'll want to use some of them during labor) 

Pads and nursing pads if want to use ones you like but the hospital will provide them for you.

Entertainment, if starring at your baby isn't enough entertainment.

Food or snacks you want that the hospital doesn't have.

Some people take a towel/robe, because hospital towels can be small, and it can be really cold when coming out of a shower.

If you have a pillow you can sleep without, bring it.

Pack your make up, I know I'll want to look good while feeling bad.

A going home outfit for you and the baby. The baby will need undershirt, stretchy, a blanket, and of course a cute hat. You'll want a bundle me, if your giving birth in the winter.

You will need a car seat, most hospital will not let you leave without an approved car seat. 

For your husband 

If he's they type that's always cold pack a sweater, the room temperature will be according to the way you like and during labor I'm sure you'll be hot. 

You mite not be able to eat during labor, but he sure can, pack snacks or lots of changes for vending machines (your hospital may have a bichur cholem room, where he can take anything he wants)

If your baby is taking its sweat time to come and it's over night, your husband mite want to change into something more comfortable, so be a good wife and pack him a change of cloth.

Some toiletries, so he can freshen up.

Entertainment, labor can be long and boring for him.

I hope I got everything down, that is needed for labor and delivery. My brain hurts from brainstorming, of all the stuff you mite need/want. If you forgot something that is needed for after birth, your husband or someone coming to visit, can always go and get it for you. You don't need all your stuff in one big suitcases you can pack two small ones, one for labor and delivery and one for  postpartum. Your husband can always get your second suit case out of the car whenever needed.

I'll probably look like I'll be moving into the hospital, I'll be coming in with a massive suitcase, a birthing ball, and maybe even a pillow!! 

I hope this is helpful for you! It was quite time consuming to put it together for you. But I did promise I'll have a good one for today! 

Here's what to look for in up coming posts!

Profile!

What not to say to pregnant women! 

How is your health?

Baby registries!  

Babies heart beat!

Interviews!

Product reviews!

The advantage of exercise!

and much much more!

Happy Motherhood!!