An update

we've started Garrett on solids. Just rice cereal and whole grain cereal twice a day. Not so much for nutritional value, but to help teach him how to eat.
He decided that he wanted to feed himself.


he dreams of being a singer


he roots for his team


he tries on hats


and he even sleeps in with daddy while he's on vacation from work



December 29th 2008 we found out I was pregnant. What a year it has been.

4 months later

here we are, 16 weeks later.
It's been so busy, but amazingly rewarding.
I'm breastfeeding and cloth diapering. I've really become quite the granola mommy.

We enjoyed our Halloween



We made silly faces


Garrett is such a happy baby. We are so lucky to have him.

last year around this time I was being implanted and we were hoping that a baby would stick around.

It's been an amazing year, and with Garrett it will only become more amazing.

Garrett Henry Rodda was born at 10:50pm on August 28th 2009. 7lbs 7oz, 18 inches long.
I labored for a total of 36 hours, with the last 10 being hard labor. At the last minute I gave in and took an epidural, it was a good thing I did because 30 minutes later I was rushed in for an emergency C-section. The baby was in distress and it turns out he had managed to wrap the umbilical cord very tightly around his neck.
Garrett is currently in the NICU (but should be down today). Labor was so rough on him that he couldn't regulate his blood sugar. He's doing much better now. I'm sore and tired but have been moving around much better today.

It was a scary ordeal (especially since we almost lost him), but we're all doing well.

75% effaced and .5 cm dilated

soon...very soon now

Baby update

the baby has moved and is now head down. That is a big relief for us.
He's very active and you can see him moving if you're near me when he starts to kick.
I'm pretty much ready to go into labor now.

Although one good night of sleep would be nice.

I need to be better about posting.
Tomorrow I'm 33 weeks. The baby is doing well except for him being in breach position. We're trying to convince him to turn. But luckily my doctor did say he's willing to perform a natural breach birth.
It's amazing that we are coming down to the home stretch. I'm already getting things together for my hospital bag. Plus we're scrambling to get the rest of the items on our registry. Luckily only a handful of them are needed before we have the baby. And the rest can wait until after we have the baby (I guess older generations are still superstitious that the baby won't survive).

Ben is still looking for work. It's been very rough on him. However he had a nice pick me up yesterday when he felt the baby moving on 3 separate occasions. I think that really helps him be more connected to his son. I know he'll be an amazing father. He already set the bassinet up in our bedroom.

29 weeks

I'm 29 weeks today.
We're really starting to make sure we have as much together as we can. I'm making a hospital packing list, we've gone through 3 of our 4 birthing classes.
I'm amazed at how time is passing by.
The baby is doing amazingly well and is so responsive to my body. Soon enough we'll get to meet him.

baby gave me straight hair...not even joking
the front waves up a bit. But the back is straight...and the back of my head is spikey. New cut looks cute though.

cheating on blogger

yes, I've been on Facebook. It's been much more interactive with people the blogger is.

However, both baby and I are doing well. I'm very lucky to be having a smooth pregnancy. The doctor says everything looks perfect.
I'm also excited because tomorrow I turn 30. We'll be spending the day with my brother in law, his boyfriend, and our niece (on Ben's side)

Ben also has a phone interview on Monday. It's for a job in the area so it would really be optimal. I know Ben kicks ass at interviews so I am confident that he will do well.

Etsy refuses to remove a replica of a Nazi flag...
it was brought up in the forums, and people tried to claim it's a Buddhist symbol...
no, not this flag.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20464197

I removing myself from etsy...
I really want nothing to do with them anymore. This was just the last straw.
I will still be on Artfire.

24 weeks today...wow, entering my 3rd trimester.
Ben is still looking for work. It's been hard on him.
We applied and got a hardship for our mortgage so that eases up the bills a bit. Plus we're declaring bankruptcy. It doesn't have the stigma that it used to. It's just the right thing to do right now.

Despite spending so much time together Ben and I are NOT at each others throats and while he's ready to be working again I enjoy his company.

I've been knitting so much baby stuff. I really need to get more pictures up.

the knitting never stops

Foster the Socktopus is now finished. He needs a face, but I stink at embroidery so I'll have my mom help me make a face.

I started a cardigan for the baby. It only has one seam and that's for the hood. Hopefully that will come out well.
My projects are up on Ravelry, and I love it to keep track of my yarn, my project, my needles and even my knitting books and magazines.

I'm glad I'm getting lots of stuff knit. the baby will have plenty if special things when he gets here.

Longies and Cravings

I just finished the longies. I'm taking a break before starting the socktopus.
I'm happy with the longies and will most likely make more pairs.

Lately I've been having more intesnse cravings.
Yesterday I made Ben go out twice. Once for vegetable crackers and easy cheese and once for Dunkin Donuts hot chocolate.

Today he ran out to get a new door so we can replace our front door.
I called him up telling him to bring home sourdough bread.

Longies

starting my first attempt at Longies for my baby carrot.
I'm hoping the pattern works out and I can make more pairs.
So far I've knit: 4 hats, 1 pair of legwarmers, 1 pair of socks.

We also are expecting lots of boxes of hand me downs from family and friends.

baby legwarmers

Baby legwarmers are finished. Now on to make a matching hat.
I also have some left over yarn from a hat I made Ben...I think I'll make the baby a hat that will match his.
After the hats I'm not sure what I'll knit next.

too cute

besides it was about time for a picture of sorts.
Yesterday we saw my friend Ali, and her 2.5 year old daughter Rory.
Ben was amazingly good with her, and I always love seeing him with children.
The face however was because we told him to stand still so we could take pictures and he was getting chilly standing still.

first and foremost...
some people do not get the point to go away. "Wah wah, I'm 25 and I haven't had a baby yet...I hate that"
please leave from my life and complain when you have something important to complain about. If the only thing you can criticize is that I should have a baby because I'm asking people for stuff...
we could afford all the baby stuff on our own. But Ben was laid off...so the money that we had saved may have to go towards the mortgage. *shrugs* all you ever whine about is how old you feel at 25...well...you'll probably end up with a pregnant teenage child if you teach them that attitide.

otherwise this weekend was great. Got to see the in laws and some old friends.
And although our tenant moved out he left us a nice gift card which we can put to use.
we also have much more baby clothing then we thought (at least for 0-3) and are pretty set on that. we have a bunch of things for 3-6 months.
Lots of family members are knitting us afghans.
Ben has a job lead in South Carolina. We really hope this pans out. Moving would be hell with 4 pets and a pregnant lady, but it's a good job. And even with a contract position he may get permanently hired. We keep hoping he hears about this one.

We're spending Easter at home with the pets. I need to do laundry. But otherwise it's just a day of knitting baby things for me.

Blah

I haven't felt like talking too much lately. There is nothing like having to beg your friends for their hand me downs. Or beg crafty people you know to make stuff for your baby.

Since Nortel is Bankrupt, Ben didn't get any severance. And because he made "too much" Monday and Tuesday he didn't qualify for unemployment this week. He needs to call Monday...but we know that money isn't going to be much. And we get screwed on low cost health insurance because he made "too much" so far this year.

We've been doing our best to stretch our budget and look for ways to save. I've taken lots of things to the consignment shop, given Ben several of my Tiffany jewelry peices to sell on Ebay. Plus we're putting stuff up on craiglist and only buying clearance item baby things. I'm also trying to knit a bunch of things for the baby to help save money.

It's scary and I find myself depressed most days because I'm worried. I'm also finding I'm really annoyed with people who say "things will be fine"
No, they aren't fine, and unless you can guarantee to me that it will be ok that line is just annoying. Millions of Americans are not ok. Ben and I will do everything and anything to protect our child. We know we'll most likely have to sell the condo. We may also have to move...another thing I really didn't want to do, least of all while I'm pregnant.

I see so many people complaining about little things in their life. Sometimes I wish they could see what there really is to complain about.

:(

Ben just got laid off...effective tomorrow. At least that way he has insurance coverage through April...because there is no longer a severance package.

Busy weekend

we spent part of the weekend finally buying baby clothing. Mostly on clearance racks and at outlet stores. We picked up a bunch of cute things.
Our upstairs neighbors also gave us a bunch more things. I can't express how lucky we are to have them.
Here is the list of all the items they have given us so far:
Bassinett/Cosleeper
Laura Ashley Swing
Floor Mobile
Foot stool
Baby Bath
Bouncy Chair
Medela Swing breast pump

It's pretty cool to be able to take a bunch of items off the registry. They'll also be giving us clothing.

This Friday I'm halfway through my pregnancy...where has the time gone?

It's a boy!!!

countdown

I made this widget at MyFlashFetish.com.

Diapers and such

HA...
the One Size diapers I want...well we found a store that sells them...turns out that the waist can get as small as the xsmall size, and the legs even tighter then that. So Ben and I are happy that we really won't be needing other diapers. We did buy one to play with. Even better, the diapers each come with 2 inserts, so we don't need to buy as many prefolds.

So all those people telling me I need multiple sizes can suck it. Being able to see the diaper first made me a lot less stressed.

We went to the family/baby expo today. $8 a person...and we picked up lots of free stuff...
The best...a double sided Boppy cover. That was worth the admission alone. It's got blue and green stripes on one side, and fish on the other.

We got a bunch of other small things and entered some raffles for stuff. Lots of coupons too.

4 down, 5 to go

today I am officially in my 4th month. I hit 16 weeks.
I'd be excited except I haven't slept in 3 days.

Baby Stuff

bought some custom wetbags yesterday.
I'm also waiting for my custom nursing cover to come in.

Upstairs neighbors are giving us a bunch of baby stuff.
And the 27th is the big ultrasound. I'm still counting down to that day. We can't wait.

Ravelry

Anyone else on the site?
did I ask this already and forget?

I just updated and put up projects, and my stash and what needles I have. There are some nifty tools.
I could use more friends there.

I swear I haven't told anyone to STFU!

What is with everyone feeling that they have to tell me exactly what I'll need.
I don't mind suggestions. And luckily I've had lots of friends who suggest things. Who say "I had this and it was great so you may want to look into it". That way of talking to me has always been better.
Ben and I do lots of research about what we want to buy.
We did lots of cost analysis when it came to the cloth diapers.
We made a choice. It's what we want for our baby.

I guess I need to get used to people trying to give me their advice.

ravelry

anyone else on Raverly?
I'm teawithfrodo
could use some other friends.

the wide world of knitting

I needed to take a break from making little squares. (20 down 35 more to go)
I wanted to make something small for the baby. I let Ben choose and he said he wanted a toy. So I went through patterns and showed him the ones that I had the supplies for. He picked out a nifty stegosaurus. So I'm making it in teal with brown spine spikes.

The needles are fairly small, so it may take longer then I'm planning. But it's a break from those squares and I need it.

I'm seeing the dichotomy between friends right now.
I just had someone tell me that it's too early to be thinking about all these things for my baby.
I'm pregnant...I instantly start thinking about things for the baby.

And fuck, I'm not saying people need to buy me shit.
I'm saying that I'm overwhelmed by this. And that I hope that things will start coming in so I can feel a little less stressed.

I am in no way saying "people buy me stuff, wah wah"
so telling me when people will start buying me stuff doesn't make me feel better.
I'm pregnant and stressed. I know not everyone on my friends list can understand that.
I know a few of you barely respect that.
But seriously...don't make me feel shitty for thinking about these things now.
I honestly think that it makes me a better parent because I want to provide for my child.

I'm not expecting anything from anyone.
I can't throw a baby shower. The economy is bad. I was just stating what would help take the pressure off of me.
I'd like to get stuff off the registry. I'd like to bring in some extra money.

But I guess it's too early to think about what I need for my baby.
Fuck...
just...seriously.
If you can't be supportive please kindly take a flying fuck off a short peer.

Hey guys,
check out this post:
http://www.triagefromhome.com/2009/03/new-auction-pretty-knitted-hat/
I'm auctioning off one of my hats to help a friend raise money for her Avon 3 day Walk.
she has lots of other auctions if you go to: http://www.triagefromhome.com/category/breast-cancer/

custom knitting?

anyone need any commissions done?
I'd really like to pick up a little extra work.

Belly picture

stop harassing me...
here is is.
13 weeks 4 days...
yeah...I know, I really popped.

cloth diapering

Since Ben and I are going to cloth diaper I've been looking into brands for the last few months.
I always come back to FuzziBunz...
except recently they changed their products a bit. I was about to get upset (I had already bookmarked the diapers I wanted) then I came across these:
http://www.fuzzibunzworld.com/onesifubu.html

Once size diapers...for birth to potty training. 24 diapers will be about $450. But that's a one time fee. We'd need a few other things, like the diaper totes for the dirty diapers. And the toilet sprayer. But last time I looked the prices were about $600 for the diapers.

We've got another month until we find out the sex.
And I have no idea when I should give out the registry.
Our Babies R Us registry
Just in case anyone wants to look through.
We're staying pretty bare bones. we plan to pick out our own clothing, and maybe only add a bouncy swing or something.

Genetic Testing results

got the genetic testing results back today...

we are the lowest risk for all 3 things they check...
1 in 10,000 is the lowest risk they will give anyone. And that is what we have for Down's Syndrome, Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 13

This is a load off our minds. It also means I won't need amnio.

baby update

I had genetic testing for the baby today.
Which really just consisted of blood work and an ultrasound. They needed to get the baby in a specific position to measure certain parts. It looks 45 minutes. The baby was moving a lot. I was poked quite a bit to get the baby to move into other positions.
Heartbeat was 170, and the baby measures 5.12 cm (which is up from 3.89 cm at the last ultrasound)

Baby is growing at the proper rate and is really healthy. It also looks like the baby is getting Ben's massive schnoz...which he was a bit upset about.
Here's hoping our little lemur grows into it.


I put some expired etsy items up on Artfire. We'll see how that works.

Happy Healthy Baby

This was the only shot we got. The baby wouldn't stop kicking. Yeah...it really is riverdancing on my bladder.

blah

so...the new item is on Artfire.
people are looking...

I could really use a sale or commission right now.
I'm so sick and drained most days that I can't really do much. I'd love to be making some sales. I know that would make me feel better.
Even getting some custom work would help.

Otherwise I'm just feeling rather useless. I can't really do all the things I used to do and it's frustrating.
I know this baby is what I wanted. I just wish I could be putting more money away.

Artfire

my first item is up on Artfire.
there is a link on the left hand side.

just putting the finishing touches on the papoose.
I'm glad it is finished.

Now I can mop/vacuum the condo.

CPSIA

http://shineyourhineysoap.blogspot.com/2009/01/cpsia_28.html#links

I suggest everyone read this post by a friend.
If you think that the CPSIA won't have anything to do with you...or isn't just getting stupid...

All childrens books will be banned from the library.


from the Forbes article listed in her post:
"The first thing to note is that we're not just talking about toys here. With few exceptions, the law covers all products intended primarily for children under 12. That includes clothing, fabric and textile goods of all kinds: hats, shoes, diapers, hair bands, sports pennants, Scouting patches, local school-logo gear and so on.

And paper goods: books, flash cards, board games, baseball cards, kits for home schoolers, party supplies and the like. And sporting equipment, outdoor gear, bikes, backpacks and telescopes. And furnishings for kids' rooms. And videogame cartridges and audio books. And specialized assistive and therapeutic gear used by disabled and autistic kids."

...

speechless...

help do something to stop this

this just cracked me up

note to self

lemur no longer likes waffles and will make me empty stomach contents if I eat them.
Today I am officially 8 weeks, and Ben and I have been joking that the lemur can now river dance on my bladder.

I ordered some new knitting needles and when those come in I am knitting some new necklaces to put in my artfire shop
teawithfrodo.artfire.com
so please keep your eyes peeled for that. I have been ignoring my knitting lately (at least what I'm selling) and we could really use the extra money to put away for the baby.
We're also selling a bunch of stuff on craigslist. we want to get money in the savings account so it can gain some interest.

it is supposed to be about 40 this weekend, which is a nice change. Maybe Ben and I will go do something to get my butt out of the house.

fun with morning sickness

Today the lemur decided that being nauseous wasn't enough. I had to vomit.
Not only that...but I had to do it so hard that I hurt my jaw and gave myself a raging headache. I can deal with the vomiting...but not if I get a headache every time.

This Friday I'll be 8 weeks along and the baby will officially be a fetus. It's amazing to think I have a little life form growing inside of me. Then again this kid knocks the energy right out of me.

We're putting together our registry so when we hit the second trimester we have things together. Boy do babies need a lot. I wish I could get some more commissions to save up a little more money. I'm doing my best to knit stuff for the baby. And once I find out the sex it will be a bit easier to choose colors.

gator socks

the eyes just came in
they look too cute

we heard the heartbeat

explain to me

why the first thing people ask me is what the sex of the baby is...
this when I've already said I'm only 6 weeks in to my pregnancy.

Still...WTF is everyone else's obsession with the sex of my baby?

or the "don't be anxious it's bad for the baby!"

oh god...7.5 more months of this...

busy busy

I finished the alpaca gator socks. I'm just waiting for the sew on eyes to come on the mail to complete them.
I'm starting on the cupcake hat now.

Today was just rough with all the morning sickness...but the worst part was about 3 hours ago when I fell down the stairs.
I'm ok, I landed on my knees and wrists. I'm very bruised, but protected my abdomen.
I'm going to be sore and bruised for several days...right now I wish I could take a Xanax because I'm still so upset.
I started crying right away, I know the baby is strong now, but it was still a very scary thing.

knitted things

I finished the baby booties for my SIL who is due in March. I'm working on the matching scratch mitts and should be done either today or tomorrow depending on how much napping I do today.

Forgive the bad hair I just got up and need to shower.

I'm glad that I have plenty of knitting to keep me occupied. Our first ultrasound is on Tuesday.

Hahaha

some loser got pissed about something I posted over at etsy bitch and sent me this:

Jane Sayers

You sure are fat ugly bitchy looking thing! Yucky!

Hormone levels are really good. Next week I have my ultrasound. If all goes well then Ben and I need to find an OB/GYN.

And they did make it official that my due date is September 4th

Since Ben is a monkey and I'm a kitty...we decided this baby is a lemur.

I also declare that the first trimester is the cat trimester. You eat, sleep, act bratty, and hork up hairballs.

According to some due date calculators I am due September 4th

I signed up for artfire

http://teawithfrodo.artfire.com
it's going to be a little while before I move stuff over there...but etsy is being horrible.

morning sickness...not just for the mornings

The constantly wanting the puke is what is going to get me. I'd rather just puke and get it over with. But I'll smell something and be sick to my stomach.

Still, it's part of pregnancy and I'm more then happy to have to deal with it.


As for knitting, I'm almost finished with mom's shawl. The I can work on the convertible mittens she paid me to do.
After that I want to make stuff for my SIL. Just some simple baby stuff that will only take a few days.
I need to redo some of my etsy pics as well as make some new items.
Sales now and extra money to put into the baby account would be great.