The Fabulous Nurseries!

I love to dream. Especially about expensive baby decor. Ok... Not really. Actually after this incident, I'm pretty sure we'll be getting all of the furniture for first baby's room off of Craigslist.

I don't mind though. I'd rather make things myself... I think.

But Danielle invited me to not only participate, but HOST her Fabulous Friday over on her blog: Now That's Just Fabulous.

The topic... None other than "Fabulous Nurseries." So I decided to play a game. I pretended like I was given a gajillion dollars to plan a nursery of my dreams. The one above is just one example (of like 10 on my guest post).

Believe it or not I didn't go over the top with my choices. I guess I'm kind of a Plain Jane kind of girl. ..Ok not really that either. I don't know how to describe my taste. But if you're been dying to know know my visions of baby decor head on over. Let me know what you think of my choices, and play along too! Pretend you got a gajillion dollars and share your favorite finds! Let me know the link so I can come see! Plus, I need more ideas (so what if it could be more than a year away!)

The Vintage Body Spa Giveaway

One of the perks of riding with The Blogrollers to Blogher this year was some of the great sponsors they had! When they said we'd get to try natural body spa products from Vintage Body Spa I was pretty excited. One, because hello... What woman doesn't like pampering herself and smelling nice? And Two... I'm all about trying the "natural" things nowadays! I haven't gone all crazy with it yet, but I am trying still trying it.

I checked out her site and was excited to see a few things. One, I LOVE body scrubs. I don't use them often, but every now and then when I'm feelin' a hot bath, I love to bust out some scrub and exfoliate my skin. I got that in the chocolate scent (thinking my husband would like me smelling like chocolate) But after smelling one of the other women's containers of Lemon Lavender, or something citrus like that I was totally jealous!

Ok, the other thing I got I'm so excited to tell you about! I recently had a friend ask if there was some kind of product you could use before pregnancy, or during that could prevent stretch marks before they start. Well, I've heard of coco butter and things like that but then I read this description about my Shea butter lotion and was SOLD: "Rich in vitamins and nutrients, this lotion can be used to minimize the appearance of stretch marks and used pre-pregnancy to help aid in skin elasticity."

So I've been trying it, and I'll keep using it, hoping it'll keep my belly from getting the stretch marks my booty has (yes, it had a growth spurt post-birth control... But I'm not complaining about that!).

But guess what?! I've got the hook up for you! One lucky winner will receive a gift bag from Vintage Body Spa. Here's what you'll win:

Butter Beans (moisturizing bath fizzies)

Suga Lips Lip Balm

Wherever Body Cream (rich body lotion)

Whipped Shea Butter

A few extra goodies from The BlogRollers

All you have to do is leave me a comment! If you follow me or subscribe leave two comments!

Easy, right? I will give you extra entries if you friend Vintage Body Spa on Facebook and/or follow her on Twitter. Don't forget to come back here and let me know you did it. For even more entries visit the rest of my road trip buddies, Christie at My Life ... A Work in Progress, Denene at My Brown Baby and Lorraine at Ask Wifey and comment on their posts, too. The winner will be announced on Christie's Blog Talk Radio show, The ChatterBox Show on FRIDAY AUGUST 7th at 10:00 AM EST. Good luck and be sure to tune in!

The Wish List: My Push Present Request

I know I told you about Push Presents before... Some of my friends have heard of it and others had no clue what I was talking about. See...that's the fun thing about researching all of this stuff beforehand... I am trying to milk this pregnancy/motherhood thing for all that it's worth!

Of course, the baby is the ultimate present from the whole process, and that's what I REALLY want, but hey--It doesn't hurt to get an extra little somethin' somethin' on the side too right?

In my previous post I pictured some nice princess-cut diamond earrings I could just picture dazzling from my lobes. But after much thought and consideration I looked at the bigger picture... Literally. This is what I want:It's a Digital Canon Rebel XS, an SLR camera. And I want one soooo bad! I know a few friends who have them and I've seen the BEAUTIFUL pictures they take! I can already imagine the art I could make taking pictures of Snoop, and our future kids. I could use it to document photos all throughout my pregnancy!!

But yea, that's the problem... I want it NOW. Not once the baby is born... Kind of like a rain check... An "IOU a baby" if you will.

They retail for about $600 but I've seen them on Amazon for $450. I've also seen them on Craigslist for $400 but hubby's not having that... He would rather me buy it new with a warranty and whatnot. So now here I am brainstorming ways I can "save" extra money to get one. Let's see... There's blood plasma, I could always sell more of my dog collars, and maybe I can sell ad space on this blog or something... I dunno. I also still want to have a mini gettaway the first of September and I have a feeling I'm going to have to choose between the two! ... Or that all of this spending will make him think "Let's wait a few more months," which... Um, isn't worth it to me. Sooooo... What would you do? Decisions, decisions! Ok... Now I know I'm really sounding childish.

But I can't be alone right? Is there something you really really want NOW?! Do you have a nice camera like this? Are they worth it? Tips on where to buy one?

The Big Goal

I feel like I have so much to say and I haven't said it for fear of changing my mind, not sure if it was going to pull through, and other reasons, but I've decided to just LET IT ALL OUT today!

First off, I want to add a disclaimer to those who know me in real life (99% of you can probably skip down two paragraphs). "What happens on Baby Makin' Machine, STAYS on Baby Makin' Machine." And I'm not just talking about copyright issues or plagiarism. No, as far as I know I haven not fallen victim to this. I'm talking about what I'm saying here. Yes, I know it's a public blog and anyone who wants to read can read it, but I'd like to keep it at that.

Got a question? Ask me in the comments section, or in an email, I'd be more than happy to write a post answering it. I write about these things because it is easier to write about than talk about.

I wanted to get all of that out of the way before I said this. After six months of having this blog, going back and forth on when to try to have a baby. Debating whether or not I'm willing to sacrifice sleep. Getting off of hormonal birth control:...

I'VE SET A DATE!

See that switch at the top? Well my mental picture of my baby makin' machine switch looks a little like that and I've set a date to switch it on. I wasn't planning on blogging about it because I always thought when I turned my baby makin' machine "on" I'd want to keep it secret so everyone is surprised when they find out I'm with-spawn. Well, after much contemplation I've decided I will write about it, because it not only is a part of my journey but a HUGE part. And I think so many women are going through the same thing and hopefully what I go through, and what I learn can be helpful to them--AND women who have been through what I'm going through can share their tips--Yay!!

As for the date--Well, I said it first yesterday on Conceive Online. Oh yea, did I mention I'm the magazine's newest blogger? Check it out. If I'm not open enough here... You'll get all of the dirty details there. And join the "My Conceive" community and show your support for me there! The website was EXACTLY in my ballpark. I've never seen a more helpful site/magazine for where I am right now. It's ALL inclusive helpful information on before AND during TTC. The blog's name (which hubby helped me choose) is "Ready or Not."

But like I've said... The date... August or September. That's when I'm planning turning my baby makin' machine "on". I have been known to change my mind before--In fact, I didn't even blog about my last two goals... May and June. I sorta chickened out. Plus, there are a few things I'm trying to get done first.--For one, I'm going to the dentist again to get my cavities filled. I'm doing that in a few weeks. But this time, hubby and I are both working for this goal and feeling good about it. So I'm hopeful and planning on pulling through this time. I'll have been off hormonal birth control and taking prenatals or five months, and I've already for hubby hooked up with vitamins... Someone told me Zinc is somethin' a guy's gotta have so I went out and bought him some vitamins the next day. I'm hoping once I kick the machine into action it works, and that it isn't broken, but I'm taking steps to help with that too.

If you read this post last week, you'll know I've been a little nervous about being able to produce a baby. I mean... I haven't gotten pregnant on birth control and it seems like so many of my friends HAVE! I've also talked about my fear of turning into a Sex Natzi. Now that I know the rules to making a baby, and what helps, I plan to follow them to the best of my abilities to make a baby FAST.

In consequence to that, I know that can cause added stress and can cancel some of my progress. SO... I've decided to do something that will help lower stress, help with fertility AND cross something off my Baby Bucket List all at the same time... I'm going to try FERTILITY YOGA!

Cool, no? I have tried meditation once before, but never anything like this. I've been in touch with the wonderful women of Pulling Down the Moon, and (hopefully next month) I'll be starting a fertility yoga class here in Austin, and learn exercises I can do to help stimulate fertility, while lower my stress-level in the process.

I started reading Fully Fertile. Their book. It's a 12-week process to achieve optimum fertility. I'm suppose to read the entire book before starting the process, and I'm hoping to just be completing the process the same time I switch my machine "on."

I just finished reading the first section about breathing and yoga positions. I am DYING to get to it! I also read some good tips about good exercise and what's "too much." And another good cleansing tip I learned that I am SO starting ASAP is to drink a thermos-full of warm water and lemon daily. I don't normally like water with lemon but I think it'll be a fun experiment knowing it could help a little with getting ready for baby makin'! I'm also hoping to learn a lot more about good nutrition, healthy living, and things like that while reading this book.--I'll keep you updated on it!

I know a lot of people would see something like this and think that it's for people dealing with infertility.. And I thought that at first too, but then I realized that something like this is perfect for someone who is trying to get ready to have a baby. I know for some people it's just easy to do the freaky-deek and get pregnant, but for other's it takes work. I also know a lot of women who are going through "baby fever" and aren't sure what to do with themselves while they wait to finish school, or for their husbands to come around, or to accomplish a certain goal... I think stuff like this is great to do while you're passing the time.

I've said before that I don't think I'll have the "in-between" stage of "not trying, not preventing." In my eyes I either want to have a child, or I don't. And when I'm not preventing anymore I'm going to be trying to get pregnant.

I don't want to set myself up for disappointment, but I'm going to do some experiments the next few months. I'm going to try to do everything I can so I can get it right the first time. Worth a try right? We'll see! I will try my best NOT to be disappointed though if it doesn't happen right away--I can't control EVERYTHING. So I'm going to try not to stress in my planning, but have FUN in my planning. Make sense?

I'm going to be blogging about fertility yoga, and a lot more things I'm trying, reading, and experimenting with. I'm surprised by seeing the results of my poll, and seeing that so many future mama's like myself are reading my blog! It's nice to know I'm not in this boat alone... And I have lots of great stuff for future mamas and other women looking to make additional babies. I'm so excited for this commitment I'm making and the turn this blog is taking.

Hopefully this will not only continue my detailed diary, but also be helpful for others. So stay tuned for updates! And let the countdown begin!

Any advice?

***

To my real-life friends: If you read my blog--Thank you! But if you're a member of my family or a co-worker, I'd appreciate if my writings stayed with you and didn't become family/newsroom gossip. I only say this because I think sometimes things can get misconstrued, and all of a sudden, just because I want a baby one day, or have a dream about my child the next, I'm all of a sudden the "kid obsessed" person, or being asked if we're "trying to make a baby" in places I'd probably prefer not to talk about it. Sure, I'm an open person, and I'd be more than happy to talk with you about it in private.--I like to keep this blog (and my blog Twitter account) as my ONLY "public" forum. Thanks!

The Crying Baby

It's such a simple sound that appears to strike up a different emotions in each woman in the chapel.

An anxious look crosses the face of a new mother--She rushes to hush her baby, afraid to disturb others, or over-frustrate her child.

There's the tenured mom, who keeps smiling as she listens to the speaker--As if she hears no other sound. Has she learned to tune it out?

Just an isle in front of me there's the expectant mother, pregnant with her first child. She smiles in awe at the piercing sound--The look on her face says she's listening to a beautiful song.

There's the married woman, not yet pregnant and not yet trying who forces a smile on her face, perhaps covering up slight annoyance as she watches the anxious mother leave the room with her wailing baby. She sits, watches and smiles--Probably thinking 'I'm so glad that's not me,' or wondering how soon she'll be on that end of the spectrum, and how she'll be different.

Then there's me, somewhat indifferent, studying the room of women and their response to the crying baby. I feel like I connect with each of the women on different levels. Compassion. Respect. Envy. Understanding.

One day I'll have experienced every vantage point. Witnessed the beauty from every angle. But for today, I'm enjoying the view from my window.

No matter you're style: crunchy, chewy, soggy, cloth/disposable, boob/bottle, Current Mommy/Future Mommy, you are an amazing woman and have great worth!

Happy Mother's Day!

The Babymoon

We've all heard of a honeymoon, but what about a babymoon? Nowadays, people do it while they're pregnant, before the baby is born as a "last hurrah" before parenthood The couple will go out when the mom-to-be is in her second trimester or so, and get couple massages, eat good food, and just have a romantic getaway (according to my Google results). OR (as my well educated already mother blog friends have informed me) The time after the baby is born and there's bonding. Family is there everyone's all lovey dovey and giving the new parents time to sleep, etc. I'll eventually probably do those things too--But I'm gonna invent my own type of "babymoon" for now-- A "baby-makin'moon" (and it's self explanatory).

I'm down for anything that gives me an excuse to go on a trip! Oh yea, I'm down with that. What better excuse to go on a vacation and get it on? But Now my question is "where to?"

Originally I had it all planned out... I wanted to start baby makin' on my 5th anniversary on a cruise to the Caribbean. Well, I don't really like to do the same thing more than once, and not that I'm complaining but we just went on a Caribbean cruise so I'm looking for something different, and our 5th anniversary is in December and we may celebrate this a little earlier than that. If I went on a Disney Cruise I think I'd be ok with that, but I doubt I'll be able to convince my man to do that before we have a little one.

Right now I'm thinking either bed and breakfast in the mountains, a cabin in the mountains, a Jamaican cruise for Jamacin'a-baby as my friend @Kimba told me, or some other beachy place. I'm thinking the less activities and people the better. No kids (as not to scare us out of it), so that's making me think not a cruise, but it's not completely out of the picture. And possibly someplace cold so we'll want to stay inside *wink wink nudge nudge*

I know there's probably a good chance the deed won't be said and done after the BabyMakin'Moon but it would be a fun way to start the baby makin' machine, no? And what a great way to celebrate the start of a new stage of life. It'll be memorable, that's for sure. Did you do one? What did you/ would you have done? Suggestions?

I'm actually so set on this now that I don't even want to try make a baby for real until I'm on this stinkin' babymakinmoon! Don't you love these excuses for fun things? First it was Push Presents and now Babymakinmoons, what's next?!

The Physicals

I set up appointments to get physicals more than a month ago. I'm not a huge fan of doctor's offices and I consider myself very lucky to have a nurse for a mother-in-law. I usually call her with all of my medical questions, and to make sure I'm not dying.

As a part of this list of things to do 6 months to a year before baby makin' I decided to go ahead and at least do this.

We arrived to our appointments right on time... Not 20-minutes early like the receptionist asked. I liked the way the office building looked. It was small, quaint. Unlike the huge and commercialized offices I had visited previously.

After completing our paperwork the nurse quickly called me back. I motioned for my husband to follow me back but he shook his head. "You can come," I urged just above a whisper. But he wouldn't.

After doing a series of basic blood pressure and pulse tests she instructed me to change into the clinic scrubs. When she left the room I heard her call my husband in and apologize that she didn't ask us to come in together 'yea, that's what I tried to tell him' I thought.

So there we were. Our doctor, and Indian man, was probably the nicest doctor we've ever had. In fact, normally we don't like to go to the people in white coats, but he changed our perception. But what threw me for a loop was when the doctor asked: "So are you two thinking about starting a family?" and after glancing at my husband, I let him reply, he said: "Yea, probably in the next 1 to 2 years." I gave him the 'what?!--No, wait, we'll talk later' look, and as soon as the doctor left the room we did.

"A year to two years?" I asked.
"I didn't mean to say that," he said defensively. "I meant I wanted to have a kid in hand in like a year or two."
"Well no one thinks in those terms," I shot back.

While I went to get blood work done hubs completed his physical, and when I walked in I overheard them completing a conversation about what's safe before or during pregnancy. 'Now we're talking,' I thought.

We decided to take our Tetanus/ Pertussis shots then as to not have to worry about it later when it's baby makin' time. The doctor gave me good advice... Prenatals, calcium pills, constant exercise, yoga and meditation (?), OB referrals... The whole nine yards. I felt a lot better after going through that process-- Actually talking to a professional and getting my questions out in the open.

I got a phone call the other day about our blood test results. My husband's came in a day before mine and I worried something was wrong--What if I was.. you know. Do they test for that?

The woman on the other end of the line with my results paused before she read my results. Blood sugar--Good. Iron levels--Good. Cholesterol level--Good, and she paused before she read my last result... I was at 106 for my "bad cholesterol" level, the doctor likes me to stay around 100. Diet and exercise better and get checked again in 6-12 months if I'm not pregnant.

I let out a sigh of relief, not because I needed an excuse to lay off the french fries, but because she didn't tell me the news I've been dreading--I've been suspicious about. I have a feeling this is only the beginning of my paranoia.

The Hurt Feelings

No, you don't have to through me a pity party, or give me cheese with my wine, or even play the worlds smallest violin, I'm just asking you let me vent for a minute and possibly give me an "Amen" if you feel me.

I know what it's like to hear people talk about wanting babies and it can be EXTREMELY annoying. I know how it feels... I've been there. Now, I fear I'm becoming that person I hate. I'm really trying not to. I hardly even talk about it around my friends, especially not the ones without kids... Or friends who aren't even married. Oh no, many of them just don't understand. I really try to keep all of my thought and urges contained at home, and here on this blog (where people can read as they please).

Well occasionally, my feelings for wanting a baby will slip. Usually this is ok around my closest friends. They won't bash me, cut me down, or try to convince me I'm crazy. No, especially not my married friends (the few on the list still without children), because a lot of them know what I'm talking about. But occasionally it'll slip around the wrong person and I get my feelings hurt.

Now even on my worst day, back in the day, when I thought my young married friends craving babies were weird--Really weird, I never said they shouldn't do it. I'd maybe try to convince them why it would be cooler to wait with me... Travel, have fun, be young and spontaneous! But I'd never sincerely tell someone not to do it, or explain to them why I though they weren't ready--That's none of my business, and just like I wouldn't want someone telling me I'm "evil" or "threaten me" for waiting, I tried to show people the same respect.

Well, sometimes when it slips with me I'll get a snide response like "well could you afford it?"--Maybe not, but even if I couldn't I don't really need someone else reminding me, I mean don't you think I'd know that people person?

I can't help but feel like I'm turning into that annoying woman... But see, I think it's weirder outside of Utah. In Utah everyone talks about babies, you get use to it and it eventually becomes less annoying. Here... If you mention you want a kid more than once a month you're all of a sudden the person with an obsession. Ok, ok... So I have a baby blog and no baby. So what?

That's it! No more baby talk... Not outside of here that is. I'm tired of people making their own assumptions of why I am not fit to be a mom. If you want to try to convince me of why it's cooler to stay on the cool list that's fine, or if you want to tell me why I should just go ahead and get knocked up... Be my guest, but it stings a little when you tell me I shouldn't because you don't think I'm ready.

The Party is in THIS Hizzouse

Hello! Those of you visiting my blog for the first time, thanks to 5 Minutes for Mom's Ultimate Blog party ... My name is Jenn, aka Future Mama in this thing I like to call "bloggy land." I started this blog at the end of November last year. Although the title my blog "Baby Makin(g) Machine" may immediately make you think of the Octo-Mom, I'm not even close... I actually don't have ANY kids yet (well, not human ones, I have a 15-month old sharpei mix that's giving me good practice with poop and the likes). So I like to think of myself as a "Baby Making Machine" that hasn't been switched ON yet.

I'm a married woman. I've been married 4.25 years (Boo ya!) and I'm in my early-mid 20s playing with the idea of becoming a mother. Just when I think I'm ready I get cold feet and think of a few more things to tack on to my "baby bucket list."

Lately I'm thinking I am REALLY maybe almost possibly ready to take the parenting plunge for real this time. So I'm trying to get myself physically, mentally, and emotionally committed to the cause (oh and my husband too).

I know many of you visiting are either mothers or future mothers who may have asked yourselves some of the questions I'm asking right now: What should I do now that I may not get to do later? How should I choose a doctor? What medical things should I take care of before I try to get pregnant? What career adjustments should I expect to plan or make to help with the transition into motherhood? Is SAHM a job for me? WAHM? Or should I be a Suga Mama? Will I breastfeed... Wait, what it hurts?!!? WTF is Letdown? Should I have a home birth? Get the epidural? Or try to go for an orgasmic labor? Could Crunchy become my middle name?

You've seen mom blogs, and pregnancy blogs, but this is something a little different... Focusing on that stuff, but before that all happens... A Pre-Pregnancy blog, if you may. I'm forming opinions and ideas of what I hope and THINK I'll do when I get pregnant, or when I become a mother, but it'll be fun to see what I actually end up doing.

Some call my thinking premature, but I call it smart. I know you can never be really READY to change your life forever and become a mother, but I want to get as close as possible. I'm hoping women like you can share your secrets (really, tell me everything, even the nasty stuff they don't tell you beforehand), help me think of other questions, and find the answers as you follow me on my journey toward motherhood.

Oh but watch out... I ask difficult questions and post crazy findings, I don't hold back, I'm only just beginning and I'm loving every second of it!

So look around! A good place to start would be my by visiting my "popular post" section, oh and answer my poll to the right! You can also find me on Twitter: @babymakinmachin

I also have been getting a few giveaway sponsors lately. I have two contests going on right now here and here, and I'm probably going to post my third, and biggest one so far (valued around $100) sometime next week. So stay awhile, or if you're busy visiting other blogs in this awesome blog block party (I know I am), be sure to come again!

This post was brought to you because it was inspired by:


I'm trying to win some prizes like:
1. #58 – Kitchen Aid Artisan Stand Mixer, from Moms Who Think
2. #INTL 19 — $130 Sponsor spot on Tip Junkie, from Tip Junkie
3. #37 — Omron HJ-112 Digital Premium Pedometer, from Fat Loss Chronicles
I also would LOVE any of the rest of them, especially #s: USC 24, 27 (got a friend who needs this!), 15, 2, 50, 8, 19 (love Target), 21, 22, 26, USC47, USC48, and USC49 or basically anything babyish or jewelryish! Haha, it's hard to choose!

The Vitamins

A lot of you have been saying vitamins are a good idea to find beforehand. I have a friend who told me she took a prenatal pill every day at the same time she took her birth control. I thought that was one of the strangest things I had ever heard. Why in the world would she DO that? Wouldn't one cancel out the other? Well now that I've been thinking more seriously about turning the BMM on, I thought I'd look up a good time to start taking those things.

Naturally, I thought it's a good idea to do it at the same time I get rid of the birth control, but I came across an article that said it's actually a good idea to start taking some things 2-3 months before you start doing the deed for real. So now I'm looking into what kinds of pills/supplement stuff I may want to get when it comes to being that close in time.

It looks like folic acid, and iron are two things that are a big deal to have. It would be nice to find an all-in-one multivitamin that I could take and not really have to worry about what I'm getting and not getting. I know too many multivitamins can be too much so I'd like to just take one. Hopefully this will be another good habit I can form before it's baby makin' time. Right now I have a hard time taking the calcium pills I need (I don't drink milk)!

I went out the other day just to see what was out there and I found these, 100 tablets for $4. You only have to take 1 a day. It has calcium, folic acid, iron, all that good stuff and more. Hubby was shopping with me and I was a little reluctant to put them in the basket. I tried to be discreet but he caught on.

"Are you trying to hide that or something?" he asked.
"No... But the name on the bottle might freak you out a little."

I guess that was his cue to check it out. I waited for the freak out... It didn't come. He only asked if it would cancel out my birth control... "No"... Eer, I hope not. Just in case I don't think I'll take them for a while.

I'm hoping I can find a different multivitamin that's like pre-prenatal, but I'm not sure they make those.

I'm a little paranoid about the side-effects. I hear some people get insomnia, have a hard time getting them down, get nauseas... I don't need people thinking I'm pregnant yet.

Do you ladies have any recommendations for specific supplements you like? Any particular brand or kind you may want one day? I read it's good for hair, nails, and just all around health.

The Things They Don't Tell You...

I like surprises, but only if they're good. If they're bad, I don't like surprises. Lately I've been getting the dish from one of my friends about all of the things they DON'T tell you about pregnancy (or the time soon-there-after).

First off... You're actually pregnant for 10 months? Waaah? 9 months, ok maybe, but 10 months? Forget it.

When you're water breaks, it doesn't come out all in one gush. Apparently it keeps going and going. I'll have to remember to buy a bag of Depends. (And as you can see from my Dream post I've been having nightmares about this one).

Apparently there's a "plug" that comes out about a week before your water breaks. I'm not sure I'm ready to Google that fact yet, I hear it's pretty gross.

You don't just sit in bed the whole time you're in labor. You walk, apparently sometimes even crawl around.

Every time you hear a baby crying... Even on TV, your boobs will leak (or spray).

Breast feeding hurts.

Thrush? Something about it transferring to boobs?... Don't wanna know.

Your feet grow! My feet are already a size 11 so I hope that's not true!

Afterpains... I guess it's pain after pregnancy, and can hurt worse than labor?!!?

The Epidural gives you the shakes.

What else don't I know? Don't worry, I can handle it! If anything, maybe it'll cure me of my baby fever!

The Time of the Month

I'm a hypochondriac. I self-diagnose myself with all kinds of diseases. From brain tumors and femoral torsion to dyslexia and narcolepsy... I also am pretty sure I have a heart disease because my limbs are too long and a doctor told me that once. I think I'm bi-polar and could have some kind neurodegenerative disease that causes amnesia. That's just the short list. Basically any new disease I hear about is the reason I am the way I am. I've had to tone my doctor's visits down a bit since I've been married and had to pay my own co-pay but I still make an occasional visit to make sure I don't have cancer.

This month I've been having the most intense cravings. It's just one of my monthly signs that tells me I'm pregnant. I'm not just "hungry for something"... I would do anything to have a strawberry frostingless Poptart!... Or some California rolls--Then a few hours later an apple! Usually my hunger cravings aren't so bad, it's usually the sleepiness and the boob soreness that makes me think I'm pregnant. Yea, that's right...I have monthly pregnancy scares.

You'd think I'd learn my lesson but no... I don't know how many times I've bought a pregnancy test a day too early. What's up with that?

The Things I'll Miss Pt.2

Need I say more?

The Perfect Age to Have a Baby

Ok ok, obviously the time is different for everyone and from what I've hear you're never really "ready," but for the sake of my blog, humor me a little while I compare and contrast.

As of now I'm thinking I'll be in my 20s when I have my first child, but that has fluctuated over my four years of marriage. I have no intentions of being in my 40s but early 30s could be a possibility. Here are some interesting tidbits I learned from a very long article.

20s

-"Physically, the 20s are the ideal time for pregnancy," doctors say. Because your body is primed to handle the demands of carrying a baby.
-You're less likely to have pregnancy complications or babies with Down Syndrome.
-You can also grow up with your child (I'm personally not a fan of that idea, I can't imagine having a teenager before I'm 40... SCARY!!!
-Mentally: A lot of my (non-LDS) friends won't have kids yet, and I may have to put my career/advanced education on hold for awhile.
-Also, still relatively new in a marriage, we'd have to make sure we plan more time for each other.

Stories:

Carla (was 21)-The down side: Being a young mom means that it's hard not to be selfish about my time. I used to sleep in, read, or watch TV whenever I wanted and go out with friends any night I pleased. All these freedoms go away when you're a parent.

The good side: Bouncing back after pregnancies is easier when you're younger. I've gotten down to my starting weight after each one. Two weeks after I had Aliza I was in a bridesmaid dress.

I'm happy that my kids have young grandparents -- they're all in their 50s -- and seven great-grandparents. I'm always calling my mom and mother-in-law for advice

Samantha (was 25)- My career had been important to me -- I was just starting out and was very ambitious. But during my maternity leave, I realized that motherhood was what life was about for me right now.

My friends hadn't had kids yet. Some of my closest mom friends are women in their 30s and 40s whom I met in the neighborhood or at playgroups. They were eager to take me under their wing and share their wisdom.

There are times when Chris and I hear about all the wild things our single friends are doing and we're envious. But then something magical happens at home with our boys and we're reminded that we have such a full life to be thankful for.

30s

-At higher risk of developing certain complications. But the majority of healthy women still have uneventful pregnancies at this age. At age 35 there's 1/200 chance of having a child with Down Syndrome.
-More likely to have a C-section
-Mentally: I've had time for myself and my marriage, and I've accomplished some professional goals. This could give peace of mind if wanting to take a break to spend time with spawn.
-It'll be easier to find a support group of pregnant friends and get advice.

Stories:

Carol (was 30)- Good side: Financial stability -- we own our own apartment now, and we've got some money saved for Emily's education. It also meant that Emily doesn't have to compete with my career. I put so much time and energy into my job in my 20s that I felt like I was able to step back a little once I had her. I found a new position within the company that allows me to work at home sometimes, so I can spend more time with her.

Because we waited to have kids, our parents are all retired or about to retire, which means I get a lot of help! My parents-in-law watch Emily every day while I'm at work.

(apparently she had no down sides)

Erica (was 36)- I'm glad that I had time to be spontaneous, go out with friends, and travel before having kids -- it's a lot harder to get out of the house and do things when you have a baby. And I feel like I'm a better person for having had the experiences I did before having Lena. I just hope that she'll feel the same way and that she'll keep me young.

40s

-Having a baby in your 40s is common these days, and the majority of older mothers have totally normal pregnancies. Still, the risk of complications rises after age 40.
-This is crazy: If you're physically fit, eat well, and don't have preexisting health conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, your overall risk of other pregnancy complications isn't markedly higher than that of a woman in her 20s or 30s.
-The self-confidence and perspective you've picked up in your life may make you more patient in dealing with a demanding newborn.

Story:

Andrea (was 44)-Down sides: My friends' children are now in college, so I'm completely out of sync! They went through all the sleepless nights and playdates and pediatrician appointments years ago -- and I'm just starting. I honestly don't feel my age at all, but I realize that as I get older it's going to become more challenging.

I thought being older would mean that I'd be more prepared for motherhood. I was centered, had traveled extensively, had eaten in all the best restaurants, and had bought all the clothes I wanted. But honestly, the experience of the two of them brings me to my knees. I wouldn't have been more prepared at 144.

As of now I'm saying the perfect age is..... (Drumroll please)...... 30!! Not in 30s but 30. That'll give me another 7 years to get where I want to be in my career, hopefully have a Master's Degree, and I'll have been married for *gasp* 12 years!! -Do I think that'll happen? No, but as of today,that's my story and I'm sticking to it. (Ask me again tomorrow).

I'd love to hear your stories!! I'd love to see personal examples from people in 20s 30s and 40s! (Or opinions of why you'd prefer one over another).

-Also, if you'd like to read more about pregnancy in each age group here's a few more articles.

The Facts on Contraceptives

I was out with some friends the other night and we got on the topic of birth control.

First off, by our conversation I came to the conclusion that a lot of guys just expect the women to do what they have to do to make sure they don't get pregnant. Excuse me... But unless you want a bunch of baby mama's I suggest you do your part to keep that from happening.

I also came to the conclusion that there's a lot of misconceptions about what birth control does what. That inspired me to post this blog... To hopefully educate.

I've done a lot of research myself and tried a lot of different methods. Obviously, they've all worked for me, but I've preferred some over others. I'll put my personal rating beside each method. Obviously, you're entitled to your own opinion.

Condoms
87–98% effective
Protects against nastiness but some people are allergic, and it can be uncomfortable. Bet you didn't know it's effectiveness could be that low either! The female kind is only 75-95% effective.

Contraceptive implants
99% effective
The good news is it can last up to 3-5 years, bad news is the side-effects can be bad. It cane cause some scarring when it's put in, and sometimes it can be hard to get taken out.

Depo-Provera injection "the shot"
99.7% effective
It's nice because you only need it once every 3 months, and you don't have a period. But the bad news it is can cause you to eat a lot more and since it's SO much hormones at once, it can cause ya to act a little crazy (crazier than just the pill in my opinion).

Ortho Evra aka "The Patch"
About 99% effective
Nice because you only have to think about it once a month. But I'm not sure about the stickiness bein' on me all the time. And according to this site, depending on your health, this can raise your risk of blood clots.

NuvaRing aka "the ring"
About 99% effective
Still fairly new, but it's nice that you only need to worry about it once a month, and it's real effective. I haven't tried this one but I like the sound of it.

Birth control pills
95–99% effective
Cheaper, and reduces cramps but sometimes harder to remember. I know it's pretty effective but I seem to meet a lot of people who get pregnant when they were on the pill, it was hard for me to remember to take, and it made me a little moody.

Mirena IUS (IUD)
Over 99% effective
It's nice cause you can have it up to 5 years, it reduces cramps, and it doesn't have the hormonal effects some birth control pills do. You can take it out whenever you want. Bad news is sometimes it can slip out. If you don't check it occasionally you may not notice.

ParaGard (Copper T IUD)
Over 99% effective
Can last up to ten years, but can increase cramps and aunt flow.

Fertility Awareness Methods: (Basal Body Temperature (BBT), Sympto-thermal, Billings Ovulation, "Rhythm.")
88–98% effective
I personally won't use this method until I know I'm closer to WANTING to get pregnant. 88% effective isn't effective enough for me, it takes a lot of work and with my luck I'd mess it up. On the other hand, there's no side effects whatsoever so that's a plus.

Withdrawl aka "Pull out method" -
Typical use: 73% effective Perfect use: 96% effective
Of every 100 women whose partners use withdrawal, 27 will become pregnant (with typical use) and 4 will become pregnant with perfect use. In my opinion this is a bad idea, so I give it a negative gold star.