Handy Burp'em

During the Fall Y'all Bloggy Giveaway Carnival last month I won a specialized burp cloth called a Handy Burp'em. The creator let me choose a fabric (I chose Sea Friends) and she graciously sent me my prize.

As grateful as I am to have won something useful (especially as we prepare for Teresa's arrival in February), I am still not quite sure what to make of this unique burp cloth. You're supposed to slip your hand through the top loop and press it up under baby's chin while you burp her. The bottom opens up with a little pocket ready to catch anything that might dribble down. End result: ultimate spit-up protection.

Sounds good, but I'm wondering - is sitting the baby up an optimal position for burping? I guess I always imagine them leaning up against my shoulder. But this cloth should work well for that, too.

What do you think?

Experimenting with foil

In preparation for Thanksgiving, I decided to roast my sweet potatoes this morning (9 lbs!). Remembering that the potatoes tend to drip while roasting and not wanting to put them on cookie sheets (I thought those might prevent even roasting), I decided to try using foil to line the bottom of the oven.

Success: beautifully roasted potatoes that slipped right out of their peels and mashed easily (I portioned them into plastic bags and froze them)

Lesson learned: if you're going to use foil to line your oven, be sure to put it UNDER the bottom heating element. ;)



Oops! Thankfully, the foil came right up and I was able to vacuum up all the little flecks left on heating element.

This experience reminds me of the turkey lessons I learned a few months ago. Yes, we're roasting our bird in a bag next week!

Fasten your seatbelt...

Last night David and I were playing/practicing with the car seat (a wonderful gift from friends). David has encouraged me to start carrying it around a little so I get used to balancing its weight (it's a heavy one). He had fun figuring out the buckle and tightening the straps - he assures me he will be far more gentle with a real baby (poor bear!).

Since we've decided to go with a Graco SafeSeat/stroller frame combination for Teresa's first few months, we've seen more of them around and have watched caregivers easily move the seat from stroller to base and fold up the stroller one-handed. While the seat is heavy, the stroller is light (much lighter than those "travel system" strollers that are so popular). Although I hope to "wear" our little one in a sling as much as possible when we're out, the stroller will be very useful. We're grateful that an acquaintance of my sister's had one she didn't want any more, which will be passed on to us when we visit Beth in December. :)

Turkey cupcakes

My mother-in-law just dropped off these cuties, made by a local bakery. Yum!

Bradley childbirth classes are a go

On Thursday David and I attended the first Bradley Method class in a series of 12 offered in the home of a local instructor. We agreed to give it a try and discuss whether to continue after the class.

Although the instructor anticipated five couples, we were one of only three that attended that first night. Turns out we know one of the other couples - they're due right around the same time as us - so I felt a little more comfortable in the new environment. With friendliness and earnestness, the instructor led us in introducing ourselves and discussing our decision to prepare ourselves for natural (unmedicated) childbirth by means of a healthy, informed pregnancy. She gave us an overview of good nutrition and exercise and led us in relaxation techniques, stretching, and massage.

I must admit that my predominant feeling that evening was humiliation. I had to admit (out loud!) that, though I understand the tremendous benefits of regular exercise and stretching, I have not been doing a good job of either. My lack of flexibility (even with helpful pregnancy hormones) and my inability to squat properly proved my lack of discipline in this area.

As we drove home, David and I discussed our reasons for and against continuing with the course. I admitted how challenging it would be to share my failings with the group - but I also saw potential for the accountability I need to get on track. David agreed: as much as he would like me to respond to his prompting, I'm probably more likely to listen to someone else.

I'm seeing the fruit of the instruction already - I'm definitely more motivated now to do my yoga, to take little walks, and to fit those stretches into my daily activities. And David has responded to my request that he give muscle rubs with a little more focus and effort.

As I type, I'm sitting on my ball leaning forward to promote optimum baby positioning and hip openness. Earlier today I was able to put my feet on top of a chair (one at a time, of course) to buckle my sandals without stiffness. Good stuff!

Photo credit: Annie in Beziers

Feel like giving up?

Is life getting you down? Share in the hope of this special man:



You can read more about Nick Vujicic and his ministry at Life Without Limbs.

Thanks for passing this along, Maureen.

Belly shot: 6 months

Here I am at 24 weeks, undeniably pregnant. :)

Actually, yesterday a store clerk was so bold as to ask me when I'm due. When I cheerfully replied, "February!" he congratulated me and shared that he has 5 children. Now, I've read a lot about parents of many children receiving less-than-pleasant comments from others, but my first real experience of it came when this clerk's coworker looked up from his computer and said, "Did you say 5? You need to get a TV."

"We have 3 TVs," the clerk quickly replied.

"Well, you need to watch one."

Wow.

I wish I could have come up with something clever and overwhelmingly affirming of the blessing of children, but I am grateful to the Holy Spirit that I at least took the opportunity to show my support by saying, "5? That's wonderful - we hope to have many, too."

The top I'm wearing in this picture was expertly sew by my mom. She really does fine work!