I had my 3rd trimester sonogram (probably my last) this morning.
I pull into the parking lot, get out, and tell the attendant that I'm only going to be about an hour. So they don't bury my car in another field or high up on those car lifts.
"Are you sure only an hour? It looks like you may be here for a few days cause you're about to pop." He said looking at my belly. And then he adds "I'm just kidding, mama."
Hey mister, I know I'm huge but 1) leave the jokes to the professionals and 2) don't quit your day job to be the opening act for Chris Rock.
Sonogram was routine. Zoom into that part, freeze frame, measure.
"The baby has curly hair." Sonogrammer said.
"Huh?"
She froze it on Critter's head and pointed out its hair. It was sticking up like a mohawk.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Muffin Feet
Lately, I've been wearing my most comfy 'ballet' flats. I've been alternating between a black leather pair and a black suede pair.
The other day, I come home, look down at my feet and the flesh was oozing out of the sides and top of my shoes. They've risen like muffins in a cupcake tray.
Later that night, I was laying on the sofa and looking at my feet and thought; why are Barney Rubble's feet on my legs?!?!?
The other day, I come home, look down at my feet and the flesh was oozing out of the sides and top of my shoes. They've risen like muffins in a cupcake tray.
Later that night, I was laying on the sofa and looking at my feet and thought; why are Barney Rubble's feet on my legs?!?!?
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Nurserice
Where am I going to put this Critter?
We live in a 2-bedroom, 980 sq. ft. apartment. It seems we don't have any space for another piece of paper, let alone another human being. We use our 2nd bedroom as our home office and every wall/corner is taken up by either a desk, file cabinet or bookcase.
If only we can figure out a way to hang the crib from the ceiling over the desk and when critter needs to take a nap/sleep, we press a button and it comes down. Critter gets in, press the button and viola! Crib goes up.
Hey don't judge. Look up in your own homes; there's lots of wasted air space.
I'm eying the file cabinet drawer. Measuring it. Mmmmmm, seems like the perfect size for a 20 inch baby.
Only one thing to do: Make room. We got rid of lots of things. Do we really need a Spain Travel Guidebook from2004? Garbage. We were able to eliminate one bookcase and rearranged the room so the office stuff is on one side.
Critter is getting half a room! That's plenty of space for a crib, dresser, changing table, play center, toy storage bins, etc. No?
Actually, Critter will only have a crib, a table and the closet in the room. When I talk into my belly to Critter, I repeat the famous words of the great modern architect Mies van der Rohe, "Less is More"
We decided to creatively partition* the room and critter is gonna have to learn to sleep while listening to us pound on the computer keyboard as we work.
We're not doing a 'theme' half-a-nursery. I see a baby room where everything is matchy matchy and every surface is covered in a princess or a steam engine motif and I want to barf! Critter's 'half room' aka 'Nurserice' is going to be a cute mix of eclecticism (translation - stuff we already have or will get at a bargain price).
We painted one wall a baby friendly yellow and the rest of the 'decor' we'll add to once critter arrives to let us know which sexist pink or blue color to accent with.
One thing I WILL NOT DO is a wallpaper border and critter will have to live the rest of its life knowing that its Mommy thinks wallpaper borders are tacky.
* creatively means: we haven't figure out how yet. I did see a curveable curtain rod in last year's Ikea catalog, but it's not in this year's :-(
We live in a 2-bedroom, 980 sq. ft. apartment. It seems we don't have any space for another piece of paper, let alone another human being. We use our 2nd bedroom as our home office and every wall/corner is taken up by either a desk, file cabinet or bookcase.
I can put critter in our room with us, but Mommy and Daddy need privacy to hopefully give critter a critterly sibling.
If only we can figure out a way to hang the crib from the ceiling over the desk and when critter needs to take a nap/sleep, we press a button and it comes down. Critter gets in, press the button and viola! Crib goes up.
Hey don't judge. Look up in your own homes; there's lots of wasted air space.
I'm eying the file cabinet drawer. Measuring it. Mmmmmm, seems like the perfect size for a 20 inch baby.
Only one thing to do: Make room. We got rid of lots of things. Do we really need a Spain Travel Guidebook from2004? Garbage. We were able to eliminate one bookcase and rearranged the room so the office stuff is on one side.
Critter is getting half a room! That's plenty of space for a crib, dresser, changing table, play center, toy storage bins, etc. No?
Actually, Critter will only have a crib, a table and the closet in the room. When I talk into my belly to Critter, I repeat the famous words of the great modern architect Mies van der Rohe, "Less is More"
We decided to creatively partition* the room and critter is gonna have to learn to sleep while listening to us pound on the computer keyboard as we work.We're not doing a 'theme' half-a-nursery. I see a baby room where everything is matchy matchy and every surface is covered in a princess or a steam engine motif and I want to barf! Critter's 'half room' aka 'Nurserice' is going to be a cute mix of eclecticism (translation - stuff we already have or will get at a bargain price).
We painted one wall a baby friendly yellow and the rest of the 'decor' we'll add to once critter arrives to let us know which sexist pink or blue color to accent with.
One thing I WILL NOT DO is a wallpaper border and critter will have to live the rest of its life knowing that its Mommy thinks wallpaper borders are tacky.
* creatively means: we haven't figure out how yet. I did see a curveable curtain rod in last year's Ikea catalog, but it's not in this year's :-(
Monday, April 26, 2010
Spice Girl
You can just call me Mamma Spice.
Through out, I've been craving spicy food! Bring on the chili powder, crushed red pepper, Tabasco sauce and chili paste. My husband's is Pakistani and there's no denying they cook spicy but he can't tolerate the really spicy food as much as I can now. I don't want burn your tongue spice but enough to give everything a kick....and I don't mean from Critter.
mmmmmm, I want Tater Tots dipped in Tabasco Sauce.
Through out, I've been craving spicy food! Bring on the chili powder, crushed red pepper, Tabasco sauce and chili paste. My husband's is Pakistani and there's no denying they cook spicy but he can't tolerate the really spicy food as much as I can now. I don't want burn your tongue spice but enough to give everything a kick....and I don't mean from Critter.
mmmmmm, I want Tater Tots dipped in Tabasco Sauce.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Rapper Name
Everyone should have a rapper name.
Critter spends a good part of the day rapping on my 'walls'.
The Little Critter is now affectionately 'TLC'
Critter spends a good part of the day rapping on my 'walls'.
The Little Critter is now affectionately 'TLC'
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Show and Tell
Hubby will be speaking to someone on the phone and I'll hear: "She's fine. Getting big." And then he'll laugh hysterically, while throwing a jab about my 'unique' appearance.
"You should come by the office so people can see what you look like." He suggested multiple times.
Hubby will be outside the car speaking with his friend, while I sit inside. He taps on the window and I roll it down.
"Come out of the car, *friends name* wants to see what you look like." He says giggling.
It's like he's never seen a pregnant woman before! His 7 siblings have 24 kids amongst them, 23 pregnancies (1 set of twins). I know this is all new to him personally and he's never seen ME looking like this, but I feel like he's using me for 'Show and Tell.' I'm the little oddity he pulls out and shows off.
Maybe we go on tour and he can sell tickets. I picture him in front of a curtain with a bullhorn yelling:
"Behold, my pregnant wife! "
The curtain parts, I'm standing there.
People Gasp.
"You should come by the office so people can see what you look like." He suggested multiple times.
Hubby will be outside the car speaking with his friend, while I sit inside. He taps on the window and I roll it down.
"Come out of the car, *friends name* wants to see what you look like." He says giggling.
It's like he's never seen a pregnant woman before! His 7 siblings have 24 kids amongst them, 23 pregnancies (1 set of twins). I know this is all new to him personally and he's never seen ME looking like this, but I feel like he's using me for 'Show and Tell.' I'm the little oddity he pulls out and shows off.
Maybe we go on tour and he can sell tickets. I picture him in front of a curtain with a bullhorn yelling:
"Behold, my pregnant wife! "
The curtain parts, I'm standing there.
People Gasp.
I Met the Queen of Preggo Jabbers
Yesterday, I was sitting in the Doctor's waiting room with two other big bellied broads. I start a conversation with one.
"When are you due? I asked, cause she looked H U G E!
"Next week.
"You must be anxious."
"Yes, You'll get there also. When are you due." She politely questioned.
"Two months. And I'm getting anxious now. I can imagine how you feel." I said and that was the last time I uttered more than 3 words cause she kept talking and talking and talking. AND wouldn't let me get a word in.
I learned:
It's her second child, first is an 8 year old boy, this one is also a boy, she's from Brazil, she just moved to the nabe and then got pregnant and didn't know she was pregnant cause she wasn't feeling any symptoms until the 5th month when she went to the Doctor complaining of stomach. pain. Her 1st delivery was a C-section. This one is also a scheduled C-section. The school her son goes to gives lots of homework and he doesn't have time to do it all....and on and on and on.
15 minutes of listening to her, I was so happy when they called my name.
I thought only 1st time Moms-to-be JABBERED away about their pregnancy. She would not shut up! I wanted to tell her all about my pregnancy :-(
Hey, it's my first!
"When are you due? I asked, cause she looked H U G E!
"Next week.
"You must be anxious."
"Yes, You'll get there also. When are you due." She politely questioned.
"Two months. And I'm getting anxious now. I can imagine how you feel." I said and that was the last time I uttered more than 3 words cause she kept talking and talking and talking. AND wouldn't let me get a word in.
I learned:
It's her second child, first is an 8 year old boy, this one is also a boy, she's from Brazil, she just moved to the nabe and then got pregnant and didn't know she was pregnant cause she wasn't feeling any symptoms until the 5th month when she went to the Doctor complaining of stomach. pain. Her 1st delivery was a C-section. This one is also a scheduled C-section. The school her son goes to gives lots of homework and he doesn't have time to do it all....and on and on and on.
15 minutes of listening to her, I was so happy when they called my name.
I thought only 1st time Moms-to-be JABBERED away about their pregnancy. She would not shut up! I wanted to tell her all about my pregnancy :-(
Hey, it's my first!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Jabber Mouth
I was at a party once and sitting next to a few women. One being my sister-n-law and the others complete strangers to both of us. The conversation quickly turned to their children, then childbirth.
"My son will only eat chicken, he won't touch beef."
"I tried that formula and it wasn't...."
"I was in labor for 21 hours."
"The doctor had to cut..."
"I bled for...."
It amazed me that total strangers can discuss these things in detail.
Well, not having kids and utterly disgusted by the graphic details I quickly got up and moved to another group of women, older women. Hopefully they'd forgotten their childbirth experiences and won't recant the details to each other. Oh good, they're talking about their arthritis.
I never wanted to be the type of woman that only discussed her children with others. I think there are other topics in life. No?
Well, I've joined the mommy clutch! Since I've been pregnant, all I've been talking about with others is about being pregnant.
Someone asks how I'm doing and I hold them hostage and tell them every detail of my health.
People ask a question that only requires a yes or no answer, but I go on and on with details.
I can't stop jabbering about every movement the critter makes.
I want people to hear about my experiences whether they care or not.
If you see me wobbling down the street, don't stop me unless you have an hour to spare. Don't even make eye contact! Cause I will stop YOU and tell you about my pregnancy....whether I know you or not.
"My son will only eat chicken, he won't touch beef."
"I tried that formula and it wasn't...."
"I was in labor for 21 hours."
"The doctor had to cut..."
"I bled for...."
It amazed me that total strangers can discuss these things in detail.
Well, not having kids and utterly disgusted by the graphic details I quickly got up and moved to another group of women, older women. Hopefully they'd forgotten their childbirth experiences and won't recant the details to each other. Oh good, they're talking about their arthritis.
I never wanted to be the type of woman that only discussed her children with others. I think there are other topics in life. No?
Well, I've joined the mommy clutch! Since I've been pregnant, all I've been talking about with others is about being pregnant.
Someone asks how I'm doing and I hold them hostage and tell them every detail of my health.
People ask a question that only requires a yes or no answer, but I go on and on with details.
I can't stop jabbering about every movement the critter makes.
I want people to hear about my experiences whether they care or not.
If you see me wobbling down the street, don't stop me unless you have an hour to spare. Don't even make eye contact! Cause I will stop YOU and tell you about my pregnancy....whether I know you or not.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Baby Gear Warehouse
"I'm so excited for you. I want to get you something. Let them know what you want."
YEAH! I like presents.
So what's a woman 30 pounds heavier, always sweating, hungry and running to the bathroom every hour to do. Drag her 'non-shopping', 'dreads going into stores' husband to a Baby Gear Warehouse to NOT buy items, but to PICK them out.
On our way to 'Baby Gear Overload Store', I told Hubby: "You have to be patient during this process."
You fill out forms, they arm you with a scanner, shove a 'checklist' of 'must-have items' into your hand (One hundred and fifty three items on the list!), turn you around, sound the gun and off you go.
Hubby and I agreed we don' t want / need everything. I don't need a Footmuff - whatever that is, and a nursing stool - huh???. We just want the basic necessities. I HATE CLUTTER! We went up and down aisles, consulting the 'must-have list', selecting, scanning, arguing and arguing.
Since we don't know the sex of the critter, it was difficult picking out items. Most everything and I mean everything is gender specific based on color / pattern. WHY IS EVERYTHING PINK OR BLUE?!?!?!? There were very limited items in neutral colors. I got pissed, upset at society, hated the manufacturers and every sweat shop in China for making these things.
While the store was big, they didn't have the stroller we (really hubby) picked out. Huh?!?!? We previously 'test drove' it at a competitor. Well color me unhappy.
Section by section, we went through the store. Looking and selecting. I had no idea you can get a Tub Spout Cover, and guess what...I didn't register for one!
Crib Mobiles, they only had two to select from! What??? I want something bright and engaging, but not tacky and blares obnoxious music.
I didn't scan anything.
Bedding - YIKES! A fitted crib sheet, a ruffly thingie, a crib bumper and a baby size comforter for how much??? And why oh why are they sooooo ugly or should I say fugly! Again 90% of them were pink or blue!! So many had jungle themes. What is up with all the animal prints! And I'm not talking about cute little animals but huge HUGE prints. My goodness, the monkey's head is bigger than mine on the comforter. From a child's perspective that has to be scary. Heck, every time I turned around and saw that monkey looking at me, I jumped!
I was so sick of 'the monkey' that I wanted to go to the zoo and hunt it down.
Yep, you guessed it, we didn't register for a bedding set.
"Is this the only bathtub they have?" I yelled at Hubby. "They only have one to choose from! What kind of a democracy is this?"
"Why are you yelling at me, just scan it." He said aggravated. We had been in the store for three hours at that point and were both irked.
"It's your fault that you knocked me up and this tub is ugly. It doesn't even come with any toys, not even a little rubber ducky. Every kid needs a rubber ducky!" I cried as I reluctantly scanned it. "Where are the rubber duckies? I need to register for one!"
"I'll buy the stupid rubber duck later. Are we done?" Hubby insisted
Five hours of drudging through pink, blue and occasionally unisex crappy items that we "settled" for; 6 bathroom runs later, hunger pangs from lack of food except the crackers I found buried in my purse, I wanted to be done.
I flung the scanner at the smiling woman behind the counter
"We're done." I barked.
"Did you find everything, you were looking for?" Smiling employee said perkily.
"Nope, and there's a monkey loose in bedding. We're tired and will come back and finish registering." I lied. Knowing damn well, I'm going to sit my enlarged butt in front of the computer to look/add things to this list.
As we drove to find a place to eat. I banged my hand to my head "Oooooh, we forgot to get [Sister-n-Law's Name] a gift (She just had a baby). "I'm not going back. You go! I can't look at another baby related item again!" I said.
At that very moment, we passed another Baby Craptastic Store, A competitor of the one we just left. Hubby pulled in and we dragged ourselves out of the car.
"Let's get them a Gift Card." I suggested, after realizing that there's so much out there and everyone's tastes may be different. "Let them go pick out what they really want. Maybe, they'll want something with a Monkey."
"You want to look around for stuff for critter?" Hubby suggested. "Let's see if they have the stroller we want."
Huh?!?!?! Is that my husband suggesting that? Where's my real husband? Did I leave him in the Jungle of bedding back there?
A quick glance through the store, we realized we liked their selection better. They had the stroller we want and many others that the competitor didn't. They had a lot nicer bedding than the last store.
"Why didn't we think to look here before registering!?!"
Hubby suggested we come back to this store and register and eliminate the other registry. AGAIN I ask: Where is my real husband?!?!? And who is this kind man?
A few weeks later, we went to the 'Other Store' and registered. We spent two hours, we knew exactly what we wanted, having done it already. And this time I brought snacks to munch on while weeding through the jungle of animal prints to a bedding set we both like.
Oh and guess what, it does have animals on it!
YEAH! I like presents.
So what's a woman 30 pounds heavier, always sweating, hungry and running to the bathroom every hour to do. Drag her 'non-shopping', 'dreads going into stores' husband to a Baby Gear Warehouse to NOT buy items, but to PICK them out.
On our way to 'Baby Gear Overload Store', I told Hubby: "You have to be patient during this process."
You fill out forms, they arm you with a scanner, shove a 'checklist' of 'must-have items' into your hand (One hundred and fifty three items on the list!), turn you around, sound the gun and off you go.
Hubby and I agreed we don' t want / need everything. I don't need a Footmuff - whatever that is, and a nursing stool - huh???. We just want the basic necessities. I HATE CLUTTER! We went up and down aisles, consulting the 'must-have list', selecting, scanning, arguing and arguing.
Since we don't know the sex of the critter, it was difficult picking out items. Most everything and I mean everything is gender specific based on color / pattern. WHY IS EVERYTHING PINK OR BLUE?!?!?!? There were very limited items in neutral colors. I got pissed, upset at society, hated the manufacturers and every sweat shop in China for making these things.
While the store was big, they didn't have the stroller we (really hubby) picked out. Huh?!?!? We previously 'test drove' it at a competitor. Well color me unhappy.
Section by section, we went through the store. Looking and selecting. I had no idea you can get a Tub Spout Cover, and guess what...I didn't register for one!
Crib Mobiles, they only had two to select from! What??? I want something bright and engaging, but not tacky and blares obnoxious music.
I didn't scan anything.
Bedding - YIKES! A fitted crib sheet, a ruffly thingie, a crib bumper and a baby size comforter for how much??? And why oh why are they sooooo ugly or should I say fugly! Again 90% of them were pink or blue!! So many had jungle themes. What is up with all the animal prints! And I'm not talking about cute little animals but huge HUGE prints. My goodness, the monkey's head is bigger than mine on the comforter. From a child's perspective that has to be scary. Heck, every time I turned around and saw that monkey looking at me, I jumped!
I was so sick of 'the monkey' that I wanted to go to the zoo and hunt it down.
Yep, you guessed it, we didn't register for a bedding set.
"Is this the only bathtub they have?" I yelled at Hubby. "They only have one to choose from! What kind of a democracy is this?"
"Why are you yelling at me, just scan it." He said aggravated. We had been in the store for three hours at that point and were both irked.
"It's your fault that you knocked me up and this tub is ugly. It doesn't even come with any toys, not even a little rubber ducky. Every kid needs a rubber ducky!" I cried as I reluctantly scanned it. "Where are the rubber duckies? I need to register for one!"
"I'll buy the stupid rubber duck later. Are we done?" Hubby insisted
Five hours of drudging through pink, blue and occasionally unisex crappy items that we "settled" for; 6 bathroom runs later, hunger pangs from lack of food except the crackers I found buried in my purse, I wanted to be done.I flung the scanner at the smiling woman behind the counter
"We're done." I barked.
"Did you find everything, you were looking for?" Smiling employee said perkily.
"Nope, and there's a monkey loose in bedding. We're tired and will come back and finish registering." I lied. Knowing damn well, I'm going to sit my enlarged butt in front of the computer to look/add things to this list.
As we drove to find a place to eat. I banged my hand to my head "Oooooh, we forgot to get [Sister-n-Law's Name] a gift (She just had a baby). "I'm not going back. You go! I can't look at another baby related item again!" I said.
At that very moment, we passed another Baby Craptastic Store, A competitor of the one we just left. Hubby pulled in and we dragged ourselves out of the car.
"Let's get them a Gift Card." I suggested, after realizing that there's so much out there and everyone's tastes may be different. "Let them go pick out what they really want. Maybe, they'll want something with a Monkey."
"You want to look around for stuff for critter?" Hubby suggested. "Let's see if they have the stroller we want."
Huh?!?!?! Is that my husband suggesting that? Where's my real husband? Did I leave him in the Jungle of bedding back there?
A quick glance through the store, we realized we liked their selection better. They had the stroller we want and many others that the competitor didn't. They had a lot nicer bedding than the last store.
"Why didn't we think to look here before registering!?!"
Hubby suggested we come back to this store and register and eliminate the other registry. AGAIN I ask: Where is my real husband?!?!? And who is this kind man?
A few weeks later, we went to the 'Other Store' and registered. We spent two hours, we knew exactly what we wanted, having done it already. And this time I brought snacks to munch on while weeding through the jungle of animal prints to a bedding set we both like.
Oh and guess what, it does have animals on it!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Things We're Considering
I was going to write about the horror of registering today. But I don't have time.
Here are some visuals of items you might see on our registry.
If only this crib came with a motor.
It's missing a color!
Now, this is riding in style!
Here are some visuals of items you might see on our registry.
If only this crib came with a motor.
It's missing a color!
Now, this is riding in style!Thursday, April 15, 2010
While 'Strolling' Through the Park One Day
Before Hubby and I went to register I did some research on a few items. Let's face it, I am clueless when it comes to Baby Stuff. Sure I know they have strollers and car seats. But who knew there would be so many different ones out there.
How do you pick one out? What kind? What brand? What are the different features?
Before I got pregnant, you get the kind of stroller that you plop the kid in and push....end of story.
Hubby didn't even want a stroller.
"I'm just gonna strap the kid to my back and go." He declared.
"Um, kids grow and get heavy."
"Well, by then, it'll be walking."
He saw no need for a stroller. We're big walkers and I know that we/I would use it extensively.
I stared searching on-line for strollers. HOLY MOLY! There are a lot.
- Lightweight
- Standard
- Jogging
- Travel Systems
I ruled out the lightweight (umbrella) strollers as they're not used for infants. Babies need to be in a flat position for back support. In a few years, I'll get one.
Jogging Strollers with tire wheels, hand-grip brakes, all terrain suspension system (something I wish our car had) was ruled out, well because neither one of us jogs. We live in NYC, if I need a suspension system to maneuver on the sidewalks, I'm not walking on the right streets.
Travel Systems (stroller that comes with a car seat that attaches to it) are very popular and standard strollers are my two options. And even in those two categories, there are lots to choose from.
I'm not into 'keeping up appearances', so the look was secondary to me. In my eyes all strollers (like cars) look the same. I looked at safety features first. Which strollers got the best ratings for safety? Stability is key for a stroller. I don't want to be taking the child out and it giving way and falling. No child of mine is gonna topple over on my watch! I also learned that a five point harness system (how the kid gets strapped in) is the best.
Here's the things to look for:
Safety/Stability
Harness System
Handles - are they adjustable? if not are they at the right height for you
Wheel placement - When walking do your feet hit the wheels
Foldability - Is it easy to fold and unfold?
Storability - Is it gonna take up most of the trunk space in a car?
Weight - Can you lift it without getting hernia?
Convenience Features - Basket (is it easy to get to?), snack trays, cup holders, sun shades, etc.
Strollers come in different price ranges from 'never thought I'd spend that $ on something and it's not a few pairs of shoes' to 'HOLT SH*T!! Why are there 4-digits before the decimal on that price tag???'
Obviously, I eliminated the 'I need a bank loan strollers'
I made a list of strollers with the best ratings, pros/cons and in our price range and Hubby and I went to 'test drive' them.
The travel system stroller that gets the best safety ratings - Graco Quattro tour - was quickly ruled out. That stroller is built like a tank! Unless I transformed into Wonder Woman, there was not way I can lift it....to put into the car trunk.
Call me a wimp, I don't care. In the past, I hurt my back lifting things....so get off my back!
Anyway, hubby hated the travel systems. He quickly gravitated toward the 'cooler' looking strollers.
Sheesh, I'm looking at safety, harness, etc. and he's looking at color and style!
He really liked one stroller in particular. I didn't have it on my 'list' cause it's a three-wheeled rolling (jogging) machine. AND I DON'T, nor do I intend to JOG!
He loved the foldability of it. I'll admit, no other stroller folds like it.
"But, I don't know anything about this stroller. I didn't study it's safety rating or read reviews." I said.
"But look how it folds! It's so cool." Hubby said as he folded and unfolded it 10x.
"Okay, don't break it. Let's go look at the Peg-Perego P3."
In that class it gets top ratings/reviews. It's certainly not the cheapest stroller out there and not the most expensive either. At $330 it's the most I'm willing to spend on a stroller.
"How do you fold this thing?" Hubby exclaimed as he tried to squeeze the handle bars, press on the wheels, bend the base. He tried everything to fold it but unscrew and dismantle it.
I found an employee to show us how it folds. It's a button on each handle bar, you squeeze them and press the stroller in. Hubby did it a few times. Weak me, couldn't press and squeeze at the same time :-(
"You can't fold it. I don't like it!" He belted. "That's it! We're getting the other one!"
"But, but, but....Can I at least read up on it. I want to make sure it's safe. I want to read what other people have to say about it."
The reviews are in:
It's a well liked stroller. Safety is excellent. It gets high marks in all categories except one: The seat doesn't come to a full upright position or lay fully flat. So you can't put a newborn in there unless they're in a car seat (which easily attaches to the stroller).
We went back and looked at it again and the P3. Besides the folding issue, I really like the P3 because the seat seems sturdier and lays flat as opposed to the stroller we're getting/putting on the registry.
Yes, Hubby is getting the stroller he wants.
http://www.babyjogger.com/city_mini_sngl_dtl.aspx
I noticed, Halle Berry and Salma Hayek have the same stroller. I'm joining the celebrity trend.
Oh and on our way out of the store, we stopped in the Bugaboo corner. There's a reason, why they're called Bugaboo. When you see the price tags your eyes Bugout and you go Boo.
Before entering that section, you go thru a credit check and leave a piece of ID at the front. Hubby wanted to know what makes those strollers $1,000. I kicked the wheels, tried to bent the handle bars, I pushed it over to see if it would bounce back on its own.
Hubby tried to fold it, and tried again and again. What the heck, how do you fold this thing?? I think he broke something trying to fold it, but never figured out how.
We concluded, when you want to fold/unfold a Bugaboo, you call the 'helpline' and someone comes and folds it for you. That's what you're paying for right?
How do you pick one out? What kind? What brand? What are the different features?
Before I got pregnant, you get the kind of stroller that you plop the kid in and push....end of story.
Hubby didn't even want a stroller.
"I'm just gonna strap the kid to my back and go." He declared.
"Um, kids grow and get heavy."
"Well, by then, it'll be walking."
He saw no need for a stroller. We're big walkers and I know that we/I would use it extensively.
I stared searching on-line for strollers. HOLY MOLY! There are a lot.
- Lightweight
- Standard
- Jogging
- Travel Systems
I ruled out the lightweight (umbrella) strollers as they're not used for infants. Babies need to be in a flat position for back support. In a few years, I'll get one.
Jogging Strollers with tire wheels, hand-grip brakes, all terrain suspension system (something I wish our car had) was ruled out, well because neither one of us jogs. We live in NYC, if I need a suspension system to maneuver on the sidewalks, I'm not walking on the right streets.
Travel Systems (stroller that comes with a car seat that attaches to it) are very popular and standard strollers are my two options. And even in those two categories, there are lots to choose from.
I'm not into 'keeping up appearances', so the look was secondary to me. In my eyes all strollers (like cars) look the same. I looked at safety features first. Which strollers got the best ratings for safety? Stability is key for a stroller. I don't want to be taking the child out and it giving way and falling. No child of mine is gonna topple over on my watch! I also learned that a five point harness system (how the kid gets strapped in) is the best.
Here's the things to look for:
Safety/Stability
Harness System
Handles - are they adjustable? if not are they at the right height for you
Wheel placement - When walking do your feet hit the wheels
Foldability - Is it easy to fold and unfold?
Storability - Is it gonna take up most of the trunk space in a car?
Weight - Can you lift it without getting hernia?
Convenience Features - Basket (is it easy to get to?), snack trays, cup holders, sun shades, etc.
Strollers come in different price ranges from 'never thought I'd spend that $ on something and it's not a few pairs of shoes' to 'HOLT SH*T!! Why are there 4-digits before the decimal on that price tag???'
Obviously, I eliminated the 'I need a bank loan strollers'
I made a list of strollers with the best ratings, pros/cons and in our price range and Hubby and I went to 'test drive' them.
The travel system stroller that gets the best safety ratings - Graco Quattro tour - was quickly ruled out. That stroller is built like a tank! Unless I transformed into Wonder Woman, there was not way I can lift it....to put into the car trunk.
Call me a wimp, I don't care. In the past, I hurt my back lifting things....so get off my back!
Anyway, hubby hated the travel systems. He quickly gravitated toward the 'cooler' looking strollers.
Sheesh, I'm looking at safety, harness, etc. and he's looking at color and style!
He really liked one stroller in particular. I didn't have it on my 'list' cause it's a three-wheeled rolling (jogging) machine. AND I DON'T, nor do I intend to JOG!
He loved the foldability of it. I'll admit, no other stroller folds like it.
"But, I don't know anything about this stroller. I didn't study it's safety rating or read reviews." I said.
"But look how it folds! It's so cool." Hubby said as he folded and unfolded it 10x.
"Okay, don't break it. Let's go look at the Peg-Perego P3."
In that class it gets top ratings/reviews. It's certainly not the cheapest stroller out there and not the most expensive either. At $330 it's the most I'm willing to spend on a stroller.
"How do you fold this thing?" Hubby exclaimed as he tried to squeeze the handle bars, press on the wheels, bend the base. He tried everything to fold it but unscrew and dismantle it.
I found an employee to show us how it folds. It's a button on each handle bar, you squeeze them and press the stroller in. Hubby did it a few times. Weak me, couldn't press and squeeze at the same time :-(
"You can't fold it. I don't like it!" He belted. "That's it! We're getting the other one!"
"But, but, but....Can I at least read up on it. I want to make sure it's safe. I want to read what other people have to say about it."
The reviews are in:
It's a well liked stroller. Safety is excellent. It gets high marks in all categories except one: The seat doesn't come to a full upright position or lay fully flat. So you can't put a newborn in there unless they're in a car seat (which easily attaches to the stroller).
We went back and looked at it again and the P3. Besides the folding issue, I really like the P3 because the seat seems sturdier and lays flat as opposed to the stroller we're getting/putting on the registry.
Yes, Hubby is getting the stroller he wants.
http://www.babyjogger.com/city_mini_sngl_dtl.aspx
I noticed, Halle Berry and Salma Hayek have the same stroller. I'm joining the celebrity trend.
Oh and on our way out of the store, we stopped in the Bugaboo corner. There's a reason, why they're called Bugaboo. When you see the price tags your eyes Bugout and you go Boo.
Before entering that section, you go thru a credit check and leave a piece of ID at the front. Hubby wanted to know what makes those strollers $1,000. I kicked the wheels, tried to bent the handle bars, I pushed it over to see if it would bounce back on its own.
Hubby tried to fold it, and tried again and again. What the heck, how do you fold this thing?? I think he broke something trying to fold it, but never figured out how.
We concluded, when you want to fold/unfold a Bugaboo, you call the 'helpline' and someone comes and folds it for you. That's what you're paying for right?
Friday, April 9, 2010
Pink or Blue
Knowing the sex of the baby would help in shopping, that's for sure. Everything for babies is either pink or blue. There isn't much in unisex clothing, bedding, blankets, etc. It's annoying!!!
AND I don't care for either color (pink and blue). I hate seeing girls in head to toe pink. They look like a ball of cotton candy with arms and legs. And the baby blue color reminds me of hospitals and nursing homes....ugh!
Registering was not fun!
Read more about our registering nightmare tomorrow.
AND I don't care for either color (pink and blue). I hate seeing girls in head to toe pink. They look like a ball of cotton candy with arms and legs. And the baby blue color reminds me of hospitals and nursing homes....ugh!
Registering was not fun!
Read more about our registering nightmare tomorrow.
It Doesn't Matter if You're a Boy or a Girl
Everyone is asking......"What are you having?
"Do you know if it's a boy or a Girl?"
We decided not to find out. There are only a few nice surprises in life, let this be one of them.
And truthfully, it really doesn't matter to me either way what it is.
But people don't believe that we really don't know. They think we know and aren't telling. Do a lot of people opt to find out the sex beforehand? It just doesn't seem fun to me. Plus, I like people trying to guess based on my belly position/shape, cravings, etc.
Wives with tales say:
If you can tell woman is pregnant from the back, it's a girl.
If you can't tell a woman is pregnant from the back, it's a boy.
If the belly is more round, it's a girl.
If the belly is more pointy, it's a boy.
If the woman is craving tangy, spicy food, it's a boy.
If the woman is craving sweet food, it's a girl.
If the father is gaining weight also, it's a boy.
If you're glowing during pregnancy, it's a boy.
If you're not looking so great, it's a girl.
And so on and so on.
People are saying they can't tell I'm pregnant from the back. I'm craving spicy/tangy food AND sweet stuff. Some day's I'm glowing and some I look haggard. Hubby did gain some weight in the beginning of my pregnancy but recently lost it. CONFUSION!
I did this on-line quiz to see if the myths will tell me what my baby will be.
http://www.childbirth.org/articles/boyorgirl.html
Result: 50% chance it's a girl and surprise...50% change it's a boy.
DUH! I could have told them that.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
I Only Have Thighs for You
Where exactly is this fetus growing? Just when I got used to my belly growing I looked down and around my belly to my thighs and OMG they've doubled in size!
"You need the extra weight in your legs to support the belly." Hubby rationally said.
"Um, I wasn't toppling over with the legs I had before! AND my butt! It's a big bubble" I snapped.
AND this week, I noticed my feet are getting wider. Is it swelling? Why do I have love handles on my toes? How do I stop this so I don't look like the Stay Puft Marshmellow Man.
During an average pregnancy a woman should gain between 25-35 pounds. So far I've gained.....
30 POUNDS!!!
And I still have 2-1/2 months to go.
Sure, I've been eating. I'm not eating for two, but for an army. Most of the time I try to eat healthy but I can't help wanting ice cream and more ice cream and more ice cream.
What kid doesn't like ice cream and well, I've got a kid inside.
This morning at the Doctor's office, I saw another pregnant woman. She had the belly on AND she thin legs :-(
I felt like Fudgey the Whale next to her. Speaking of; when is the ice cream break.
"You need the extra weight in your legs to support the belly." Hubby rationally said.
"Um, I wasn't toppling over with the legs I had before! AND my butt! It's a big bubble" I snapped.
AND this week, I noticed my feet are getting wider. Is it swelling? Why do I have love handles on my toes? How do I stop this so I don't look like the Stay Puft Marshmellow Man.
During an average pregnancy a woman should gain between 25-35 pounds. So far I've gained.....
30 POUNDS!!!
And I still have 2-1/2 months to go.
Sure, I've been eating. I'm not eating for two, but for an army. Most of the time I try to eat healthy but I can't help wanting ice cream and more ice cream and more ice cream.
What kid doesn't like ice cream and well, I've got a kid inside.
This morning at the Doctor's office, I saw another pregnant woman. She had the belly on AND she thin legs :-(
I felt like Fudgey the Whale next to her. Speaking of; when is the ice cream break.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
The Look of Motherhood
You're clothes are a bit snug. You look a little pudgy. And then at about 5 months you POP! And there's no stopping it now. You can't suck in your stomach or tuck it into a pair 
of jeans. No clothes will hide that belly
"You look so cute"
I do appreciate people saying that as opposed to "You look awful". But really, I think I look haggard. Is this the look of Motherhood? Tired, Beaten and Plump?!?!?
So many women say they feel beautiful when they're pregnant. I want to slap them!
If I see Heidi Klum pregnant one more time and looking fabulous, I'm going trip her as she's walking down the runway.
* photo was taken recently at 6-1/2 months of this preggofest.
of jeans. No clothes will hide that belly"You look so cute"
I do appreciate people saying that as opposed to "You look awful". But really, I think I look haggard. Is this the look of Motherhood? Tired, Beaten and Plump?!?!?
So many women say they feel beautiful when they're pregnant. I want to slap them!
If I see Heidi Klum pregnant one more time and looking fabulous, I'm going trip her as she's walking down the runway.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Kick Me with Your Best Shot
My stomach is growling, but I'm not hungry.
OMG, is it gas?
Oh wait! That's not my stomach.
It's a weird feeling the very first time you feel it moving inside. It's not so distinct that you can tell it's a kick or a punch, but more a rumbling feeling. It happens quickly and it's an instant pulse. Like you're stomach hiccuped.
The first couple of months you really don't feel anything cause there's so much room in there that it's basically floating around. In my fourth month, I started to feel the 'thumps'. At the end of my fifth month, the baby opened a Bella Karolyi Gym and is training for the 2026 Summer Olympics.
The high kick is it's specialty. It now spends hours practicing kicking. It'll 'run' from one end of my belly to the other and give me good swift kicks. Hubby has taken to playing with it. He'll tap my belly or push it in a little, and the critter will kick back. They have some kind of morse code going.
Settle down in there, don't hurt yourself.
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