May 25, 2011

Babies 101

I'm 15 weeks today. Insane. This is going by much faster than I anticipated, but at the same time I feel like the fun is just beginning. I actually look forward to doctor appointments. Todd and I have an appointment today and I'm crossing my fingers that we'll hear the heartbeat. We haven't heard it yet and I'm getting antsy!

As someone who once thought I would never have children, I never really educated myself on babies and childbirth. Sure, I had plenty of babysitting experience. I'm the oldest of five, how could I not? And caring for three of the sweetest boys in the world was my first real job when Todd and I moved to Nashville, but they were all over a year old when they were entrusted to me. It's infants that I know nothing about. Being the oldest girl in my family, I have always felt that it's my responsibility to share with my sisters all the ins and outs of pregnancy, but being the oldest also means I really never had a formal "baby" education. It's a good thing I like to learn. I'm soaking in every piece of wisdom I can get. I'm a bit of a control freak, so I like to know what I'm up against!

I've stockpiled books the last couple of weeks. For those of you with babies, I would love to hear your thoughts on my list. I haven't made it through all of them just yet, but I'm getting there slowly. I would also be thrilled to hear your recommendations. This girl can't get enough info!

Books I have purchased or borrowed:




Simple and light hearted, this book was an easy read. It's definitely funny and somewhat informative, but Jenny doesn't go into a lot of depth. She mainly skims the surface of each topic. I loved her humor, but I was left with more questions than answers.




I'll take recommendations from anyone. I came across this book when I saw a picture of Selma Blair holding a copy in US Magazine. Inspiring, huh? It just arrived a few days ago and I haven't been able to put it down. Warning: do not read if you are easily offended. Teresa Strasser does not go out of her way to be modest, so if the F-Bomb bothers you, I would steer clear of this one. While it's definitely rough around the edges, Strasser is brutally honest and transparent. Two things that are important to me when I want real answers. She's also hilarious. I lost count of the times I laughed out loud, and that was before the third chapter.




I skimmed this one at Barnes & Noble and it seemed interesting enough. It hasn't arrived yet, so I can't really give any opinions. Has anyone else read this?




A co-worker loaned this one to me. It's a fun read. A lot of the names are overused, but our pick for a boy's name was listed twice. I guess that makes us pretty cool?




This one is pretty self-explanatory. Great for obtaining all of the info you would get from a medical professional. Not nearly as fun to read, but absolutely informative. 

These next two I haven't read yet. I'm going to wait a little longer so that I don't forget anything! The first was loaned to me from a close friend and new mom who said this book taught her everything she needed to know.  The second I bought because I need a little comic relief with this subject!







I'm constantly on the lookout for more baby reading material. I'll take any and all suggestions! 

Baby bump pictures coming soon!

May 10, 2011

Big News

It's been so long since I've written a post that I almost forgot my blogger login! I've been a bit MIA these past couple of months. To say I was under the weather would be the understatement of the century (or at least it would feel that way to me). I have been temporarily out of commission thanks to someone that today is the size of a medium shrimp. I'm pregnant!



While I'm filled with all kinds of feelings and emotions, we're still in day-to-day mode. My morning sickness has been pretty awful, so survival was my first priority. Thankfully I'm entering my second trimester and was able to get my hands on some really good drugs, so I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Now if someone could just tell me how to handle all of the needle pokes pregnancy requires, I would be smooth sailing!

Todd and I feel very blessed to be on this journey together. If I ever needed a reminder that I married the perfect person for me, each day of this pregnancy has been just that. He has been amazing. Not only has he done all the cooking and cleaning, but he handled my sickness like a champ. Just ask him about the Taco Bell drive-thru experience and you'll know what I'm talking about!

Hoping to be a more regular visitor to this blog. Lots of new and exciting changes to report in the Stepp house!