Monday, August 31, 2009

Preparations for Baby: Part 1

Today I'm 28 weeks pregnant, which means that I'm officially in my 3rd Trimester. I honestly can't believe how fast time is passing! It seems just like yesterday that we told our friends and family our shocking news.

I had the beloved glucose tolerance test this morning...and passed! I really didn't think I would fail, and I was praying that I wouldn't because I would not know life without my carbs and sweets....I already have to endure 6-9 months postpartum without chocolate or dairy.

Anyway, with only 12 weeks left, I've started preparing bit by bit.
1. Nursing cover: during the last couple of years, nursing covers have become popular among nursing moms. But for whatever reason, I've never purchased one. In thinking about things that I would enjoy having with this baby that I've not had with either Josiah or Laney, I decided that I wanted a nursing cover. However, I did NOT want to pay $35 for one. Sooo, I decided to search online for free tutorials and sew my own. I found two tutorials, but ended up using this one. There are a few things I would change upon sewing another one, but in the end, I was happy with how it turned out (despite its imperfections, which will probably continue to drive me nuts--but I do have the satisfaction of being able to say "I made it myself").
2. Travel changing pad: in my search to find nursing cover tutorials, I ended up spending a few extra minutes perusing around Esty (very dangerous) and found that I could buy a travel changing pad to match my nursing cover. What a great idea! So that led me to search for changing pad patterns, and this is what I found. But again, I was unwilling to spend $31 for something I could easily sew myself for much less. Here are pics of my end product:
Again, I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. Although, next time I would use only 1 layer of quilt batting between the fabric layers (the 2 layers I used does make it extra cushy, but it definitely adds bulk) and try to find a softer fabric for the back side.

3. Diaper clutch: this is the last piece of the set, and I'm just waiting on my mom to send me the pattern so that I can put it together. A friend made me one of these 'envelopes' when Josiah was born and thought it was one of the best gifts (thank you, Lori)! However, when I started carrying around diapers for TWO kiddos, the original clutch was too small....so my mom copied the pattern, making it bigger to accompany more diapers and wipes. And of course, I will be using the same fabric (bubbles-outside, orange-inside).
FYI--The cost to buy all of the fabric, quilt batting, ribbon, thread, boning and D-rings was a grand total of $35, the price of just one Hooter Hider.
4. Freezer meals: I've also started the process of stocking my big freezer. A couple of times a week, I'll make a double batch of dinner and freeze one. So far, I've got a Wild Rice and Chicken Casserole, Noodle and Spinach Casserole, meatloaf, and some 3 Bean Turkey Chili already done.
This week will be:
some banana bread (I've got tons of frozen bananas that I need to use up to clear out my in-house freezer).
And once I get my hands on a couple of OAMC cookbooks, I'm going to spend a day just cooking my little heart out. If you have any great recipes that work well for the freezer, please pass them along! If there is one thing that has me a little anxious about caring for a newborn, a 19-month old, and a 3YO, it's finding enough time and energy to cook. I just don't want to have to do much more than thaw and bake.

Next on the list....moving Laney to her new car seat (and finally turning her forward-facing), crochet another baby blanket, organize drawers, and transition Laney to the toddler bed. Wish me luck...and energy.
Photobucket

20 comments:

Shelley said...

Wow! I'm impressed with all of your preparations. I hope your energy continues right up until you give birth!

bevy said...

Is it really called a Hooter Hider?

I admire your preparation skills. Most people would call that nesting, which tended to really annoy me when I was pregnant. I would prepare for any major event that was about to happen, so this is why it annoys me that people assume we are "nesting." It's only good sense. Sheesh.

Elizabeth said...

I'm so glad you posted pictures! I love the fabric you picked, and you did such a beautiful job on the sewing. You must teach me!

I have a bunch of recipes for good freezer meals, so I'll work on sending you some. Maybe I'll also include a few pizza coupons with your baby gift, since that's my solution for times like this:) By the way, are you registering anywhere?

Trisha said...

Love the circles!! Great choice. So impressed that you made that stuff!

I wish I was there to help you out!

John Michael said...

You are one busy momma!!!

Congrats on passing the glucose test!

Love your fabric choice too! You could totally make those and sell em!

John Michael said...

oops! It's Allison - not sure why I'm signed in as JM! LOL Sorry!

Dion said...

Orange is my favorite color! You are talented.

Sara said...

Wow - reading that just made me more tired!! My mom made me a cover (I spent $35 the first time around and then my mom figured it out and made me a spare.) Love it all!

Anonymous said...

i wasnt sure what the nursing cover was for until i read the comments and so i have figured it out. good for you and your sewing talent.

Mama to little lions said...

you go girl!!!

I am tired just reading about it.

I have a "chicken pot pie" recipee that's super easy and freezes well I'll email you it if you're interested :-)

Sab Mad said...

Very impressive!!

I can't believe that you are already in your third trimester! The time is most certainly flying by my friend...

Cindi said...

I'm in awe...my 3rd time around kicked my butt, lol.

sending lots of energy your way..

Heather said...

oh I am SOOO impressed!!! I wish I knew how to sew... one day!

Heather said...

oh and for some freezer meal ideas something I did that was SUPER helpful was to make a bunch of scones,muffins, baked oatmeal, pancakes etc to have quick and easy breakfast foods ready to go.
:)

Christie O. said...

ok FIRST! WOW!!! Looks like you can open up your own ETSY SITE because those are gorgeous! Wow!!! I have a nursing cover that almost looks like that one by the way (yes, i did pay $35 for it, haha!) and i LOVED every minute of having it. even helps when I needed to pump in the car. while my husband drove. yup.
anyhoo. i can't believe how time is really flying!!! the meals brought me back to that time, i had forgotten all about my packed freezer!

SeekerofGrace said...

Wow, you are so talented and either extremely energetic, NESTING ;) ;), or both! ha ha... I really wish I'd had a nursing cover, especially since we only weaned at 16 months. Talk about nursing a toddler! Fortunately, it was mostly nighttime nursing by then... I'll have to try the tutorial! Thanks!

louann said...

You only have 12 weeks left? My, time does fly!

We're the same, I never got a nursing cover when I had my first 2 babies and then I got one when I had my third- even if I feel Im never going to have a 4th baby.

Colin & Lori said...

Such CUTE fabric and way to go!! Thanks for giving me the credit on the diaper clutch. I am still using one I made in Blacksburg. So glad you liked it so much to sew your own. They are great to have! I also have a hooter hider and I love, love, love it! It didn't work well after Cole was about 7-8 months. He hated it over his head. Another GREAT thing I just discovered with Cole and which will be even better because of the heat in TX is Aden + Anais blankets. They are a loose weave muslin swaddling blanket and they are big. I've looked all over just for the fabric but haven't found them. They no sell them at Target, love that store, and they are only $30 for 4. They are sooooo, sooooo great to have! They work great after your baby hates the hooter hider over their head for nursing. Sorry to go on and on but I wanted to pass it along. Let me know if you can't find them. You can get them online but they are less expensive at Target.

Laura Abavare said...

Is changing the name of your blog on your list? ;)

Jamie said...


If you don't want to sew a nursing cover, click this link to purchase an awesome one at:
BabyTimeNursingCover.com