BLOG TOUR: The Working Woman's Pregnancy Book

Thursday, May 15, 2008 by Bethany

Just as recently as 8 months ago, I had baby number 2. And yes, just like the first, I worked all the way up to my delivery date. In fact I went into labor WHILE working. Though it was a "work at home" day. Was I crazy? Did I do what I should? Did I over-extend myself? I have personal responses to all of those... sometimes, sure, and I don't think so. But it helps to have a professional opinion to way in on the situation--THE WORKING WOMAN'S PREGNANCY BOOK is just that.

I was especially fond of the parts of the book that talked about working and being pregnant. The looks. The perceptions of being a woman and pregnant in a male-dominated working environment. And the stretching exercises that might have helped my back with this last baby (really, where was this book then?) Really, when you are as huge as a whale and want nothing more than to go home and crawl into a bed (and then inevitably lie awake), you wonder why the hell you work. Sadly, that even continues after the little one is born. The whole grass is greener ideal comes into play--always.

But that's it. The book goes into details for EVERYTHING pregnancy. The embryo sizes, planning for pregnancy, breastfeeding or not, and everything. This is all good for first time moms. I would have loved this before my son was born. This last time around? I could have used the cliff notes of my favorite chapters:

- Pregnancy's Effects on Work, and Work's Effects on Pregnancy (the Efficiency section was gloriously true!)
- You and Your Baby-to-Be (this is where those exercises were illustrated)
- Communication at Work (Changes section... and yes people talk about you when you are pregnant, no matter how family friendly and Maternity Leave. You never feel like you have enough time).
- Getting Bigger, The Last Few Weeks section (I was a whale, I was uncomfortable, I was a bear, I wanted nothing more than to go into labor)

I loved the quotes from real women throughout... sometimes I would have rather read those than the text. But, hey, I've been through the pregnancy thing at work two times now. I just want to know how other's had it.

But it's a great resource. I'd highly recommend it for all those mom's that are starting out. It can be the only book that they buy!

Here's where to get more info:

- Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.-- Author Website
- Publisher Website
- Buy the book from Amazon

Oh and as always, thanks to the gals at MotherTalk for the opportunity to read the book!

Labels: , , , , ,

8:58 AM | | 0 comments

We're a 4 family!

Sunday, September 02, 2007 by Bethany

That's right. The new Mommy Writer addition has officially arrived!
That Peanut was born, Thursday, August 30 at 9:29pm. 7 lbs. 15 oz. and 20 1/2 inches long.
Quick and easy labor (after close to 20 hours--3 hours of extended pushing with the Kiddo, I can say that), we were blessed with a awesomely cute little girl. One who is nursing like a champ, sleeping a little less so, but at day 3, this is all normal (and expected).

As for me? Well, I'm thankful for the easier labor. A shower this afternoon. And an additional hour of sleep that The Peanut blessed me with early this morning while she spent some bonding time with her Daddy.

I'll be posting again soon--just need a week or three to adjust to one less arm/hand and the needs of a newborn. Oh and one of a newborn and a 4 and half year old really excited big brother.

Labels: , ,

3:42 PM | | 0 comments

Husband-like Nesting

Sunday, August 26, 2007 by Bethany

That's right... it is down to the wire for the baby-thing. Though, she's decided to hang around in-utero for another day (I was hoping for this weekend. The timing would have been fantastic). It did allow for some nesting time for The Husband. Me? I lied around in front of the television and with a latest novel read that kept me occupied most of the weekend. Except when I was up to visit the restroom every hour on the hour (ah, the joy of late pregnancy).

So here's what the husband tackled in a whole 2-day weekend:
  • meticulously cleaned 2 vehicles. That includes vacuuming. Detailing the inside. Detailing the outside. Cleaning out the storage/back areas. Finding loose brackets. Taking off rattling heat shields. And anything else that says car. He tackled it.

  • found the newborn car seat. Washed both covers for the newborn car seat and that of the Kiddo's that was so filthy dirty... well, it had never seen the inside of a washer before. Both of course were installed as soon as the car was detailed.

  • mowed the lawn. Normally this wouldn't be in any sort of nesting list. But being outside of Chicago we've had some rain. More than enough is some counties and this was the first day in over 2 weeks he could dedicate to the lawn. And it took over 2 hours to handle it. It was long. Thick. Still a little damp. And required 3 rows (tops) of mowing. And the some bagging operation to take all of the lawn clippings out of the way for some new stuff.

  • Then, of course, was the whole We'll Need a Leaf Blower/Mulcher Soon expedition that soon turned into the Leaf Blower/Mulcher and Snow Blower Soon Expedition. And yes it did. Both purchased (our snow blower died in the 2-house shuffle over this last winter).

  • And I almost forgot, The Walnut Tree Branch that Decided to Almost Crush Our Patio Fiasco. Not because of the thunderstorms that hit the area--that would be too obvious. No, it was because of over-zealous walnut breeding. We had a large shade branch that decided this year was the year to produce more walnuts than it could bear. And broke. And had been hanging dangerously close to our patio for the last 3 weeks. With the thunderstorm epidemic this week--well, it was time to watch the husband teeter on a ladder to chop the thing down.

  • vacuuming the house. Yes, that's what Sunday mornings are for apparently.

  • buying paint for the 800 small decorative projects around the house we just haven't gotten to yet. Yep, black spray paint for the milk jug that is going to sit in our dining room as a plant stand. Gray paint for the industrial shelf that will sit in the garage, and paint for the cord cover that will *hide* all the flat screen television cords in the bedroom. To which he painted and installed promptly at 11:30pm last night.

  • washed and fluffed our master bed pillows. They seem to be getting a little flat, if you know what I mean. And this was our last ditch effort to give them some fluff. It worked. Sorta. At least for this week until we decide to purchase some new ones.

  • Oh and of course, he had to take a look at a few vehicles we are eyeing up for a purchase in the next 3 - 6 months. The rules was, no test driving. To which we followed. As for interest? Yeah. We have a front runner. And in the words of The Husband and Kiddo, "This is perfect for the new baby!" Oh boy. We're in trouble.
So, you tell me-- is this not the male version of baby nesting? Because at first it made me guilty. Isn't that what the pregnant woman's supposed to run through in the final days of pregnancy? I'm not so convinced, as I didn't have that moment of energy in the least with my son. Hell, energy wasn't even a concept with either of these pregnancies that I can remember. But really, I'm not gonna complain. In fact, I am going to go back to the couch, my book, and a big 'ole glass of water to stay cool. I could pop at any moment--and for anyone who's been at this stage of pregnancy, that labor alone warrants a free pass to a good weekend of rest and relaxation.

Labels: , ,

7:01 PM | | 0 comments

I'm Addicted to Cupcakes

Tuesday, August 21, 2007 by Bethany

Hello. My name is Bethany. I am addicted to cupcakes. And sleep. And anything to get this growing child from stretching my already deformed uterus to elastic measures.

There. I feel better (at least for the moment) getting that off my chest. I hope you feel as relieved as I do. I mean a 8.5 month pregnant woman has a hard enough time getting out of bed, writing a blog post shouldn't be that big a deal right (hell, she can do it from bed)? But right now, my head is all baby. And work preparations for my leave. So all writing other miscellaneous writing has been put on hold. At least until I a have a newborn occupying my mind. Then, who knows? It's any one's game.

Can anyone suggest some time-passing games to keep me motivated? Or at least my mind off the stretching, pulling, kicking, and jabbing that is going on down below? I really need help. And well... I'm headed back to the cupcakes. They taste fabulous right now.

Labels: ,

5:24 PM | | 0 comments

So, I admit it

Wednesday, August 15, 2007 by Bethany

I had to go bathroom. I had just purchased food from the in-store snack joint at Target. And guess what? I brought the food, in packaging, into the bathroom.

Did I bring the actual food into the bathroom stall? No.

Did I bring the food near the stall? No. In fact, I placed it on the mirror shelf right to the left of the door.

Did I eat the food, in the stall, or say... while doing my business? Of course not.

But apparently this is some sort of disgusting act. And apparently a 8 (and a half) month pregnant woman who has little control over her bladder needs to reprimanded for her heinously disgusting act. Because you know, you being a size 2 and barely child rearing age have never been pregnant and had the urge to pee. Otherwise you would no better than to comment. OR ask me about the food (in packaging) in the public restroom. It is rarely (if ever) my first choice for dining. However, you, her mother, have decided to create an anti-germ hypo-phob of a daughter. One that can no more empathize with my situation than to blurt out the most obvious of other choices I have ("Can't you just leave the food out there?") Because, you know, us disgusting types, just do what we can. Even if that means bringing food into the restroom. Instead of say, leaving it where? On the floor, outside the restroom door?

Labels: ,

3:29 PM | | 0 comments

Expecting Baby 1 versus Baby 2

Monday, August 06, 2007 by Bethany

We all hear the typical--you are expecting baby 1, four months along, the nursery colors are chosen and painted, crib and bumper sets are in place, wall decorations hung (or at least set along the wall for hanging), baby seat installed, verified, and certified, and names are either chosen or already whittled down to the final three. You're ready. Early.

Now it's Baby 2 time. Want to know what's different? Well, just about everything. Here's just a sampling. At month 8 (week 36):
  • Bassinet was just brought up from the basement. Still needs to be washed and put together.
  • Bassinet bedding is somewhere in a box in said basement and have yet to find it. Looks like a job for next week.
  • Diapers? Who needs 'em. We can buy a bundle on the way home from the hospital.
  • Look in the garage rafters. Yup. That's the newborn car seat. Figure husband can come home from delivery and do a grab 'n install before we're discharged.
  • Swings, bouncy seats, receiving blankets, burp cloths... yeah, they're in that dungeon of a basement too. I'll go on a scavenger hunt sometime soon.
  • Month? Weeks? Days? Who knows. I have to do the count down every time someone asks me how far along I am. Sad? Hardly. I've just had so much going on that it doesn't feel as important as it did the first time around.
  • Lamaze or breastfeeding classes? Ha!
  • Hospital over night bag will likely not even get packed. I'll be throwing a change of clothes, diapers, toothbrush, and tooth paste into a Target plastic bag as we walk out the door to the hospital. It isn't like I won't life in that damn hospital gown until they kick me out with our new little bundle of joy. Let's just hope we don't forget the camera.
  • Anxious? Not really. In fact, insomnia is not a symptom of pregnancy this time. Hell, I think I am over-sleeping in preparation.
Do we have names picked out? Sure a few. Are we excited about this baby? Oh hell yeah! We just aren't caught up in the details. Or really any of the details. I finally pre-registered at the hospital today. And that was after my OB highly recommended it.

I figure this laid back attitude can only be a good thing. I hear moving from a parent of one to a parent of two--well it ain't easy. And, right now, I'll take the calm before the storm of welcoming a new child into the world.

Labels: ,

10:26 PM | | 0 comments

Deep Breaths and Cheap Thoughts

Wednesday, August 01, 2007 by Bethany

Or maybe not so much. There will at least be thoughts. My Weekend, in bullets.

  • Had a fabulous Friday. Honestly. Who can say they went to see Toad the Wet Sprocket at the Lincoln Park Zoo when they are 8 months pregnant? Me, that's who! And if it weren't for my ever-protruding belly and swelling ankles (and citing at least 4 other expecting mothers within eyesight) in the 2 hours we were there, I'd think I was back in college enjoying the limelight of my life. Seriously. It was great fun. Glenn Phillips "opening" for Toad and cool weather from the lake, well, I was in a bit of a delirious haze of "living the dream of my life."

    Until the chic to the right of us decided to screen incessantly about her attendance at 12 concerts in her lifetime and number 1 fan status. And the fact that in Houston when she saw Toad the Wet Sprocket play she could name each song within the first chord. And then proceeded to attempt doing the same here... only now 12 years later. Disturbing the entire crowd around her--and the poor man sitting in a lawn chair right beneath her bellowing voice. I mean, the rest of us were there to enjoy the concert.

    At least until the guy in front of us got all huffy for our singing voices. See, he paid full price for tickets (like we did) to hear Toad (well spent). Only he thought it a better use of his time to stand up and read the latest (and final) Harry Potter installment--obstructing the entire back third of the audiences' view. you know, so he could squint in the small street lamp light and read. DURING a concert. To which... well, I don't know. If you're going to take a novel to a concert, you might want to sit somewhere out of the way, while the rest of us enjoy the show. That's why we bought tickets right?

  • Philosophizing with my son is one my favorite things to do right now. Did you know that a 4 and a half year old can ask questions that floor you? Because, let me tell you, my kid is a genius. Or at least curious. Latest comments for your enjoyment:

    "The baby does NOT eat food through its belly button. That is just silly."

    "If I didn't exist before I was born, why am I here? I didn't ask to exist."

    "Having a baby is hard work. I can't do anything because Mom can't do anything."

    "After I'm done with college, please don't make me leave home. I like home. I want to always stay here."

  • Making breakfast at Noon. The story of my weekends lately. Can you believe my kid can actually get his own Trix cereal from the pantry and pour himself some milk? I must truly be the laziest parent on the planet right now.

  • Spending Sunday in my pajamas and babysitting? Well the pajama part was fabulous. In fact, I think I need to make it a ritual. The babysitting not so much. Though worked enough for me once I got the 18 month old to sleep. The husband took our kiddo and the other to the park for an hour. So I had an hour to myself. Which, again, takes the cake.
Another weekend, another week. And now another day. If only every weekend was so eventful. Or maybe not. This baby I'm carrying is getting a bit heavy.

Labels: , ,

10:42 AM | | 0 comments

Just when I thought we were out of the bed-wetting stage

Wednesday, July 18, 2007 by Bethany

I'm not sulking at the kiddo's latest bed-wetting accident. Really I am not. He's 4 and this is his first accident. In fact, it is kind of momentous. We've been lucky. He's got a bladder of steal and I've only had to do one additional load of laundry (at least when it comes to urinating or bowel movements. Vomiting is another story).

Now, when it comes to my current situation called the 8th month of pregnancy, things aren't going as swimmingly. This new kid? She sits on my bladder. And when I have a sneeze attack, or say, feel like laughing at my son? Well, you guessed it. The bladder and kegel muscles aren't what they used to be. On average it is about 4 pairs of underwear a day. And the pants? Well, as maternity as they get--and I am constantly doing laundry.

I guess all this laundry and bodily fluid mess is preparation for the new little munchkin arriving into this world right? You know, the first few months when all you become is the mother with the spit-up, shit, piss, breast milk, [insert baby fluid of the day here] on her shoulder.

Well know this--I am thoroughly prepared.

Labels: ,

8:42 AM | | 0 comments

The best 3 out of 4

Thursday, May 24, 2007 by Bethany

Here's a funny little fact: headaches, pregnancy, heat, and work--they really don't meld well together. Especially when you have at least 3 out of the 4 going for you. And it's only Thursday.

Labels: ,

7:20 AM | | 0 comments

The hype around Sagging Boobs (oh and pregnancy)

Thursday, May 10, 2007 by Bethany

When you think of pregnancy, protruding bellies, stretch marks, varicose veins, enormous (and uncontrollable) appetites, and swollen ankles are considered the norm. Right? But did anyone tell you about the sagging boobs?

Sure, I've always been a bit well endowed (and believe me when I tell you, I'd much rather been the flat girl in junior high. The thunder thighs and bouncing boob comments got old in a whole five seconds). And when I had the kiddo over four years ago, I remember the enlargement. It made even maternity tops do a little stretching. But sagging? Really not something I remember or expected. Hell, I'm like 5 months along and already there are reaching somewhere in the belly button region (that is if my now protruding uterus were not in the way). What is up with that?

If they are getting ready for producing milk (God knows they remember, it's only been... what? 2 and a half years since they were dying for the kiddo to wean), I'm in a helluva lot of trouble. Not only is that much milk going to cause some painful beginning days for me with a new little one--um, I'm concerned I just might fall forward under the weight!

Labels:

12:03 AM | | 0 comments

What 5 years can give you

Sunday, April 15, 2007 by Bethany

I've learned a few things in the past week or so (which if you take into account my sleeping habits as of late, you'd wonder how the hell I've gotten anything done). All of these learnings are all pregnancy and baby related, so if this isn't what you want to read, well feel free to click away now.

The first of these big learnings (either of which is really earth shattering) is that being about 5 years older than I was when I was pregnant with my son has all but done my body in. I am out of breath constantly and I would like nothing better than to sleep constantly. Now all of this may not be a surprise to all of you, but to me, it feels like the rug has been pulled out from under me. The first time around I was able to bounce back into full swing during the second trimester. I was working full time with little adjustments to my schedule. Was downing bottles of water in full pregnancy mode and well, able to keep up with the husband in a nice trot through the mall. This time around you'd think I was trying to carry an anvil across my middle.

My back aches. I lie in a puddle of sleep each and every morning--when I should be getting up to tend to work or the kiddo that is now a four and a half year old that needs undivided mommy time before the second comes along. What the hell has happened? Five years is nothing right?

As for that second learning, well, it is of even less importance that what you might think. But for me, it's still an eye opener. I'm still in denial. After the crappy fallness called my life, I haven't let myself fully drop into this pregnancy bliss. Sure, I've watched what I've eaten, I've rested, and I even had to pull out the maternity clothes. But my defenses were up and I have kept the hopes for the baby at bay for my protection as well as my sanity. But now we have our 20 week appointment on Tuesday. And for those of you not akin to the pregnancy calendar, that means we have the 20 week ultrasound. Which means, sex talk. No, not the sex, sex can you still have it even with what feels like a football in your abdomen discussion--that would be too fun. Oh and so you know, it sure is possible. It is the sex of the baby talk.

Are we gonna find out the sex? Yep. Are we gonna share? I am sure eventually once the family and close friends hear the news--I might even share it here. BUT, the real point is... this makes it REAL. I mean, real real. As in. Wow. I am having another baby.

This is a good thing. One we--as a family unit--had hoped for. But, um, how can I put this correctly. What the hell were we thinking? The up all night long stuff? The oh-God-can-this-kid-be-done-nursing-yet thoughts. Oh and the whole spontaneity that has become a bit of the norm around here again. It'll be gone in a poof of a second (or hours as my labor is likely to go). I am not so sure I am ready for this again. Not to mention the idea of juggling two kids around.

Again, this *is* something thought about before doing the deed that has one in my condition. Hello? I did it one time around, I am no idiot when it comes to the second time. But we all have a right to second guess ourselves right? Or at least wonder what life will be like in the future. Which is right where I am at right now. Well that, and lying on the couch in something resembling a pile of nodding-off rubbish that would like nothing better than non-responsibility for a few months before another little urchin screams into the world.

Labels: , , ,

9:12 PM | | 0 comments

The bain of pregnancy

Wednesday, April 04, 2007 by Bethany

This time around, I didn't rush into maternity clothes. My morning routine was sucking in, buttoning, repositioning, and well cramming myself into my pants. Even if that meant wearing the largest size in my closet. I really do detest pants while pregnant.

It isn't really the fact that I am gaining weight faster than my son can count to ten. It's the fact that no matter what you do--adding any sort of elastic waist to any sort of pants--well, doesn't flatter a soul.

Sure, in the almost five years since I had to bury myself in maternity wear fashion has improved immensely (there are more than 2 stores in the affordable maternity wear category). And hell, I even like some of the tops that they offer (even the ones that make me look HUGE and I am only about 4 1/2 months along). But I still can't get over the pants. Over the belly. Under the belly, just on the belly. Doesn't matter. I can never get them positioned right to be completely comfortable. And God only knows what it does to my already larger-than-life ass. In all honesty, I probably don't want to know.

Labels:

9:48 AM | | 0 comments