Pregnant People Like - Books

Today starts week 34. So, I have somewhere between 6-7 weeks left before Baby Icing makes her debut, and my memory is going. Since I hope to have more than one happy and healthy little baby (God willing), I want to remember all the resources and tips that were useful this time around. When I found out that I was actually pregnant (because I'm paranoid, I couldn't believe it until the blood work came back at 6 weeks), the first thing I did was to buy a couple of good reference books.

I think books are pretty personal, so what I liked might not work for you. That said, I think the Mayo Clinic book is very good and very neutral. It covers pre-conception tips and nutrition, genetic counselling and testing for disorders, as well as what changes your body and your baby go through over the 40 weeks. I thought the discussion of labor/c section and pain relief was really informative and non-biased. It also has handy little decision charts for different questions and concerns as you go through your pregnancy, and when you NEED to contact your doctor.

This is what I'm reading these days, and I've just started it. It's written by a pediatrician who does a really good job of looking at sleep from the perspective of a little baby. I'll review further when I complete it, but it is a nice sympathetic way of examining how babies sleep, and clarifying that they are quite different from grownups!

Vicki Iovine makes me laugh so much. I got this right at the start, and I think it's the perfect combination with the Mayo Clinic book - sage medical advice in the one, and light-hearted humor in the second. At a time when you are feeling deadly serious (and more than a little nervous), it's reassuring to read about people who have been there done that and survived! She is so funny about the ills of pregnancy (including the little indignities that NO ONE told me about). Granted, I think if you are very committed to a natural/home birth experience, or are not a fan of conventional medicine, you probably wouldn't find this very supportive, but it is HILARIOUS. I'll be giving this one to people when they tell me they are pregnant!

I just ordered Dr. Camann's book today, and am eagerly looking forward to it. Since this is my first baby, I want to be educated about all my options. It's written by an anesthesiologist about all sorts of various pain relief methods. My hospital offers a seminar by an anesthesiologist on pain relief choices as well, so I'm taking that too. Hopefully, this will help me understand how the epidural works, so I can be a little less nervous about it!

So, these are the books that I've found helpful so far. I will clearly need to do a post about baby care books too - right now I'm reading the back section of my Mayo Clinic group for baby care. What books have you found helpful?

Things Pregnant People LOVE

Tums Smoothies. Extra strength! Highly recommended! I'm starting to work on reviews of my favorite pregnancy essentials - so when I do this again, I'll remember! Do you have any random little things that work?

Delicious Weekend

This was a wonderful weekend! It really felt like spring here, perfect for my slow "exercise" walks around the neighborhood. I had a lovely brunch at Comme Ca with my dear friend R, and a fabulous pedicure yesterday. Today we completed "Prepared Birth" (Lord help us), and saw Ben Affleck at the drugstore! I cleared out more extra stuff from Baby Icing's room, and now we're enjoying Flight of the Conchords waiting for bolognese sauce to heat up.

Spring weather puts me in the mood for tea and scones. I know most people like scones in the winter, but there's something about sunny, cool spring days that has me thinking of afternoon tea with hot scones, jam and butter. Here is my favorite afternoon tea - delicious!


And, here are my mother's scones. This is the easiest recipe ever, and you can do so many variations. They are tossed together in 15 minutes, baked in 20 - so if you ever visit my mum and give an hour's notice, you will most likely get some of these!

Teatime Scones (I think these were originally published in the Boston Globe)

1 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup plain yogurt and 1/2 cup milk)

1 egg

3 1/2 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/1 cup melted butter (I don't think it will work as well with margarine)

2 TBS sugar (this is optional, but I like it)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees

2. Beat together buttermilk, egg, and sugar. Sift the flour and baking powder, soda and salt together in a bowl.

3. Mix 2/3 of the flour mixture into the buttermilk and stir well. Gradually add melted butter to the mix, then add the rest of the flour.

4. Knead dough ( or just use the dough hook on the Kitchen Aide) by hand for about 5 minutes (I think it's about 2 minutes in the Kitchen Aide). Divide into 3 equal parts (4" to 5" in diameter). Pat these parts into circles, and score the top of each circle with a cross (see picture above).

5. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is lightly browned.

(These are really delicious hot out of the oven, but they also freeze and reheat well). With jam and butter, they are so good - and easy.

Little Happies

Ok. My grumpiness is out of proportion to the reality of the situation - as neither the stroller nor the request for info is a huge problem. So, here are some little things that make me VERY happy!

Peach roses - my all time favorite color rose!
This darling little Beatrix Potter baby book my mother sent me - it's the updated version of the one my mother in law used with my husband 30 years ago! (For some reason, the update now includes a space for mum to record her pregnancy weight gain - will not be happening in my baby's book!)

Pretty photos of cherry blossoms - Etsy is aflutter with them now, and I think I'm going to get one framed for Baby Icing's room - they are so lovely!

Chocolate! I'm still savoring my delicious box of Valentine's chocolates!

My upcoming pedicure this weekend! Badly needed - I can't really reach my toes these days!

Fail

Today was one of those days. I'm getting the negative all out here -

Somehow the stroller place sent me another identical stroller - now I have to send it back!

In its infinite wisdom, the IRS has contacted me with questions about our 2006 taxes. For the love of God - that is a long time ago!

A woman turned to me in the elevator and said "My goodness, you must be due very soon!" She was a complete and utter stranger. I smiled and said "Yes."

Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday!

Status Report - Operation Baby

I built a stroller this weekend. I'm pretty pleased - the Bugaboo turned out to be pretty easy to assemble, and it wheels like a dream. For those of you considering it, if I can put it together, you can too!

Our crib bedding arrived and is adorable! I'm still waiting on my mattress before I assemble it, but I checked with Pottery Barn, and it looks like it should arrive soon!

I've put in my request for short term disability, and need to confirm with the doctor's office on the forms. I also need my doctor's office to refill a prescription for prenatals - why doesn't it last for 40 weeks - that would be the logical time you'd need it - yes?

I'm working on my leave memo at the office explaining all my projects.

And, here's where you come in - I'm starting to think about packing my hospital bags. I won't do it until the last minute (I don't want to jinx Baby Icing arriving sooner rather than later), but I want to start gathering the essentials. My childbirth instructor recommended packing a small bag with things for labor (she really emphasized chapstick, so I'm assuming it is a big deal?), and then a separate bag with things for you, partner/husband and baby for after delivery. So, here are my lists so far; do you have any suggestions?

Labor:

1. My own delivery gown (I'm kind of modest, and really hate hospital gowns. My hospital services a lot of Orthodox women as well, so they recommend this as an option and don't appear to be surprised by this.
2. CHAPSTICK. I'm thinking multiple flavors?
3. Socks (that can be thrown away)
4. Pillow and pillow case (that clearly don't look like hospital issue)
5. Ipod and speakers
6. Snacks for N, and something for me to eat after Baby is born and the doctor approves - I'm thinking something healthy like dried fruit and a granola bar, maybe a pear too?
7. Money for the vending machines (and the Starbucks afterwards).
8 Cell phones and chargers
9. Camera and charger
10. Portable DVD player and movie - assuming the epidural works and we have some down time!
11. After delivery makeup kit - brush, face wipes, concealer, lipgloss, mascara and tinted moisturizer. (I know this sounds a little silly, but I want to look nice in the photos...and if Baby Icing arrives in the wee smalls, I'll need help!)

Hospital Bag
1. Robe
2. Socks
3. Flipflops for shower
4. Tiny shampoo/conditioner/toothbrush/dryer
5. More money for snacks
6. Nursing bra/pillow
7. Maternity outfit to go home in (sounds like if you need a c-section, you want a dress or something else that doesn't put pressure on your incision?)
8. Baby outfit - tiny and cute
9. Baby book - for footprints
10. Pen/pencil/small notebook - I probably won't remember ANYTHING
11. Car seat (although this can stay in the car).
12. Sanitary products? (I think they give you some there too, but I may want some of my own!)

Ok, what am I missing? Is there anything else you like/think was useful? I'm delivering right across from one of the biggest malls in So Cal, so N can always trot over to Sephora for cosmetics or Bloomies for clothing.

Thanks!

Things Pregnant People Like - Warm Weather Edition

This weekend I had a brief taste of being quite pregnant when it is warm out. Honestly, I'm not a huge fan. It was only about 75 here on the west side, but that's warm enough for me - when I am carrying around what looks like a watermelon!

I did manage to get out and go for a walk yesterday - and am pleased to report back on a super high powered sunscreen for us vampires who are paranoid about sun damage. I know that hats are the best protection, but sometimes you don't feel like one, and this Neutrogena sunscreen goes on with a dry touch, and gives great protection. I highly recommend. I'll need to throw some in the car for this summer!
I had brunch with two very dear friends here - Literati at the corner of Wilshire and Bundy. May I suggest the chocolate chip pancakes? They are enormous and delicious. I was healthy and chose the oatmeal - also because I didn't have Tums with me, but when I go back next time...chocolate chip pancakes all the way! They also make a mean breakfast burrito - again, when the heartburn goes away, I can't wait to go back. It's also a short walk from my house - so good eats!

How cute are these dresses for Mum and baby? They are Lilly (natch)! Since I'm very superstitious, my big shower by my friends will be held after she arrives (safely, God willing). I don't know if I'll be in shape to wear something like this, but Baby could certainly pull off the little number, don't you agree? Also, how cute would these be for a mum/grandmum/baby photo shoot on the beach this summer? I'm still looking for a good LA baby photog - suggestions greatly appreciated.

I want to pass along the recipe below. It's for red lentil soup with lemon from the New York Times. It is beyond fantastic and incredibly easy. Please give it a shot- nutritious, easy and delicious!

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/09/dining/091arex.html

In baby news, our prenatal class took a tour of the labor and delivery ward, as well as the postpartum recovery and the nursery. It really eases your mind just knowing where to go...not to mention we got to see some cute little ones in the nursery (they look like little burritos when they are all bundled up!)

Look for a post on potential shower hostess gifts coming soon - I've got to start working on those!