Back from my whirlwind business trip in New York. A five day trip was extended to seven days, through the weekend, as my flight was originally scheduled to take off on Friday night (during the height of the Nemo blizzardpocalypse), and yeah…that wasn’t happening. I’ll preface what I’m about to say about coming home with this: I went to school in Boston, I think the city of Manhattan is magical (for a couple of weeks at a time), and I genuinely appreciate so many of the sights and sounds and landscapes that the east coast has to offer. But HOLY SHIT I’m glad to be back in LA. I think a lot of it had to do with feeling like since I’ve started this new job, every weekend I can spend with Hubs before Bagel arrives is precious. I’m not home much during the week, and I was really looking forward to spending Saturday and Sunday with him. Instead, I walked to a Broadway show in a blizzard on Friday night (saw Cinderella–meh), and walked the city and saw a photography exhibit on Saturday. All in all, Bagel got some great exercise, but as the bitter cold wind whipped my face, all I could think about was that this wasn’t my city…I needed to be home. The thing I love about NY that you don’t get in LA is the walkability. There is an intense freedom in being able to step out your door and head somewhere on your own two feet…I just also like being able to jump in my car and crank the heat every once in a while.
So, with that being said, I’m going to attempt to be a better blogger now that I’m back and hopefully not traveling anymore. Surprisingly, traveling while pregnant wasn’t too annoying physically. My energy levels were way up, and my work colleagues all ooh’d and ahh’d over my belly which felt a bit strange at first, but then I got into it. What I think annoyed me most about the travel and intense schedule is that I feel like I’ve just lost an entire week of this pregnancy to a conference, and I don’t want to miss anything more. It all feels like it is flying by right now. I’m a little over 17 weeks…it just feels…fast.
As one who has a horrible tendency to procrastinate, I have realized that I am doing that with everything about this pregnancy. I need to start looking into things we’ll need to buy for the baby, but much like the way I felt I was being raped and pillaged by the cost of my wedding, I feel that most “must have’s” for babies are really non essentials that trap you into buying things you don’t really need because who wants to scar their kid for life for not giving them baby wipe warmers.
Does anyone have a list of their top baby items? A favorite breast pump (why is it I feel vaguely icky when typing those words?), a baby monitor that is awesome, a stroller, some sort of magic lullaby machine…I dunno…I’m just struggling as to where to even find reviews on baby products that are legit and impartial. Also, where does one shop for these items? Is there an online baby mega store I can get things at? Where does one find a crib if I don’t want to shop at Baby’s R Us? Would you ever buy a crib online without seeing it in person first? What about a glider? Where do I find one of those?
We are re-doing the closet in the (gulp) baby’s room, and I am going to spend this weekend clearing it out an making space to think about decorating it. The overwhelming feelings I feel about decorating a baby’s room have left me a bit paralyzed, but I need to make a move. I need to start pushing this ball up the hill. Why is decorating so anxiety provoking for me? Maybe because I suck at it, yet I have this vision that somehow my baby’s room will look fabulous and interesting and adorable…yet I have no clue where to start. Crafty people, any advice on how to begin the process of decorating if I have not one single craft bone in my body?
And finally…
A belly shot!!!!
Harharhar.
Have I been bad about taking belly shots? Yes. I blame it on the fact that I hate HATE photos of myself, but I really do want to start commemorating this pregnancy a bit better. So I will post my 12 week, and then an 18 week shot this weekend, and then make every effort to take a photo every 2 weeks or so.
Bagel’s 20 week scan is coming up soon, too, and I will make sure to post pics of his/her cute little toesies when we get those in.
Cease And Decyst 
Welcome home! I feel the same way about NYC and am terrified that the Professor’s interview up there (which is tomorrow – you guys just missed each other!) will result in a job and somehow I’m going to have to get four cats, a baby and a house full of crap into an NY apartment!
So I read Baby Bargains cover to cover and found it insanely helpful at weeding out the frivolous things (wipes warmers – gah! No one warms wipes for my grownup constipation butt and I’m just fine thankyouverymuch) It also reviews brands and gives you top rated options – both the ridiculously expensive and then some more affordable choices. I used all my new knowledge to make a tidy list on Amazon of what we need. I now scout e-bay and Craigslist every day to see what I can find used. Ok, I’m done sounding like an advertisement now 🙂
Also, I cannot believe you are 17 weeks already! Oh my gosh, we need a belly picture! I have a hard time taking mine, too, but realize this is something I’ll want to remember. I already regret not taking pictures during the first Trimester, even though that was all toast and bloat! 🙂
Baby stuff: I have found white noise to be very helpful. I bought an mp3 file at simplynoise.com of the brown noise and play it all night long. It seems to help my daughter sleep (said with a vocal uptick), but who knows, really?
I got my crib from Ikea and a dresser from there that I stuck a changing pad on. Works pretty well. I did not get a bassinet, but the stroller I got (used) has a bassinet attachment and she’s been sleeping in there, in the crib. The crib is so big at first that I think it helps her feel more secure. Again, who knows?
Looking forward to seeing your belly pics! Can’t believe you’re 17 weeks already!
I agree about NYC — I love it for a weekend, but I don’t know how people there don’t get burnt out. I have a major crush on Cali, but that being said, I also don’t think I could ever live in L.A… those highways upon endless highways and lack of any density just seem so responsible for whatever apocalypse is going to hit us. Oh, but the weather! Sigh…
Also, that is the funniest bump pic I’ve ever seen. Major props. 🙂
Top baby items! I have a baby city jogger select which I heart, a good baby carrier is essential, I have an ergo but next time I want to get a moby wrap or something more suitable when they are wee babies. I didnt have a monitor or a lullaby machine but I purchased the white noise ap and the magic sleep ap and they were great. Anything you can borrow or get second hand I highly recommend. I have a Medela mini but if you plan on pumping a lot then get a really good hospital grade one. I also recommend a good blanket / wrap that is easy to use or I used a love to dream swaddle because Molly hated her arms out. If you need things you can buy after.
Crib: ikea, plain simple inexpensive low to ground so easier to get baby out when you lower the mattress.
Breast pump: don’t buy one at first, meet with lactation consultant when baby is 3 days old, if you need to start pumping early to build supply you will need to rent hospital grade pump. If you just end up using one occasionally get a used Medea double pump and buy brand new tubes and stuff off Amazon.
Swaddle sacks/blankets: get a variety of styles or brands. Everyone has their own preference.
Good luck! It gets easier, the whole planning for a real baby thing.
I love our Angel Care Monitors for the twins. We got our cribs from baby dream furniture and we love them, the ocean v1, is beautiful! We got a dresser from ikea and a borrowed rocker and changing table. For decoration we went with wall decals from the Little Lion Man collection and the room looks awesome plus we didn’t have to paint, but it looks very put together. Good luck!