The Baby Wait

January 22, 2013January 22, 2013 ~ Crystle ~ 19 Comments

I give up, you guys. I tried not to post about this pregnancy, but I just can’t help myself. I’m sorry. I also cannot guarantee an absence of baby photos when she arrives, either. Consider this fair warning.

I theorize there’s some sort of biological need for mothers to share their maternity experiences as though they were unique occurrences in human history. Add me to the arsenal of such mothers.

Anyway, she’ll be here in just seven weeks, if not sooner. I can’t wait; mainly because I miss sleeping on my belly, running, picking things up off the floor, and the occasional glass of Merlot. I don’t even remember what those activities are like anymore. Will I suffocate if I sleep on my belly? Will I be able to run comfortably while breastfeeding? Is that allowed? Where did my feet go? Do you put ice in wine? Will I even like it anymore? See?…I have so many burning questions!

I guess until she gets here, I’ll just keep pondering life’s deep questions. Like, should I make cupcakes for lunch?

Holiday Hangover

January 4, 2013 ~ Crystle ~ 6 Comments

Anyone else feeling a little drained from the Holiday season? I am.

Our anniversary was December 23rd; we spent it in nearby Gig Harbor at a bed and breakfast on the water. Then we spent Christmas Eve with friends and had a mellow Christmas Day at home. I made a pot roast for Isaac and even gave some to the dogs because I happen to be an overindulging dog owner. It all seemed much more labor intensive at the time than in retrospect.

Now that the Holidays are behind us, we’re watching the days tick by until baby joins us. Margot is due in 9 weeks and I really can’t believe it. If any of you experienced mothers have any birthing or newborn advice, please share. I sure could use it! In the meantime, I’ll be sleeping as much as possible, while I still can.

A Nursery for Margot + Thwarted Birth Plans

December 17, 2012 ~ Crystle ~ 7 Comments

It feels good to know that Baby Margot’s Nursery is set up and ready to go; from the piles of little onesies to the stacks of tiny diapers, she is stocked. I really had no idea how much stuff went into preparing the home for a baby, but now I’m painfully aware. Babies need almost everything adults do, but miniaturized (why did this surprise me?). This baby now has tiny nail clippers, itty-bitty wash rags, and a small bathtub to call her own; pre-pregnancy me had no idea these even existed–and that’s just considering a few hygiene products. Trust me, it’s a brave new world (for us).

What does not feel good, however, is to know my husband won’t be there for her birth like we had originally planned. The Army has other plans for him from February to April of next year, regardless of my March 8th due date.

To say that I spent a few days moping around my own pity party is an understatement, but perspective is always important, especially considering the sacrifices of the many Army Wives before me. Isaac will only be gone for 6 weeks, a span that pales in comparison to the 9 month deployments many other soldiers are on at any given time. I’m actually very lucky that he’s not being sent to Afghanistan (anytime soon), and that he will be back to see his newborn before she’s even aware of his absence.

I’m also fortunate to have family who is willing to make the trip from Oklahoma to Washington to be with me during Margot’s birth. What a relief that is!

Wish us first-time parents luck, we certainly need it. And Happy Holidays!