Natural Heartburn Remedies

I've had awful heartburn in my third trimester this pregnancy. It seems to be pretty non-discriminatory, flaring up virtually every time I eat, but it's especially bad when I eat fried foods or anything tomato-based.

I try to avoid taking medications while pregnant (over-the-counter or otherwise), so although Tums are considered safe in pregnancy, I wanted to try some natural remedies first. My heartburn can be really bad, but these home remedies almost always do the trick...

Dairy

Dairy is probably the most effective natural treatment I've found. A glass of milk almost always works, but I've found a cup of Greek yogurt cools and soothes most quickly. Plus, a nice protein boost!

Apple Cider Vinegar

A friend recommended drinking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water. Not as fast as the dairy, but this worked for me as well (although I had to chug it due to the icky taste). I recently tried mixing the apple cider vinegar in a half water, half apple juice concoction, and that was a bit easier to swallow.

Almonds

I read online that almonds can help prevent and alleviate heart burn. I was at work a few days ago and my heartburn was horrendous. I didn't have any dairy or apple cider vinegar around, but there were plain almonds (not roasted or salted) in the vending machine. They helped in a pinch, but again, dairy is still my preferred method.

Bump Watch 2.0

31 Weeks with BG

Hello, I'm a giant person (compare this week to 30 weeks pregnant with Will).

At my OB check yesterday, I learned that I've already gained 35 pounds this pregnancy, which is pretty awful considering I have 2+ months to go (the recommended weight gain is 25-35 pounds total). 

Everyone says I carry it well (another tall girl perk), but I'm really sad about the extra weight. I know it's because of winter and bronchitis and eating an entire row of Oreo's in one sitting not exercising as much, but it just feels like a lot (I only gained 33 pounds during my entire pregnancy with Will).

I'm trying not to be too hard on myself. I was told to stop exercising until my bronchitis improved, which took 6 weeks. And though I probably could have made some better food choices here and there, I'm pretty healthy eater overall. But I'm starting to have some anxiety about my fitness level and how it will affect my ability to labor naturally again. Not to mention slimming down after birth.

The upside? It will be spring and summer during BG's newborn stage, which means lots of walks and outside time. I'm ready for the warm weather to return. To be outdoors and active again. Winter is really bringing me down this year.

For Ben

I know these last few weeks haven't been easy on you. At nine months pregnant, I'm a hormonal mess. I cry at the drop of the hat, grumble constantly about how uncomfortable I am, and lose my temper in a fraction of a second. I get so frustrated with you sometimes. You don't say the right things, you need to be nicer, blah, blah, blah. The truth is you're not doing anything wrong. I'm frustrated with everyone. But as my partner, you bear the brunt of my mood swings. I'm sorry for that.

I don't feel like myself anymore. And as hard as that is for me, it must be equally as hard for you. Who is this person? What did she do with my wife? After my meltdown last night, I expected you and Stella to be half way to Canada by the time I got home. Thanks for hanging in there with me.

I want you to know you're a wonderful partner. You make me laugh. You tell me I'm beautiful. You make me dinner when I'm exausted from working all day. You move at a snail's pace so I can join you and Stella on an evening walk. You remind me to put my feet up and drink plenty of water. You offer to drive to Pick 'N Save at 9:30 at night to get me rice pudding with raisins. You rub my back when I'm falling asleep. You kiss me like you mean it. And you love me unconditionally. Even this swollen, irritable, gigantic version of me. And that says a lot.

We're in the home stretch now. I love you so much.

Overheard

"Next time, let's not be nine months pregnant during the hottest month of the year."

As if that's not the understatement of the century.

Fun Fact

More babies are born in August than any other month. September is not far behind.

What's in the water in November and December? The holidays must put us in a family-friendly mood.

In case you were wondering about my cervix...

Nothing is happening yet. Nada. Not even a little dilation. I'm locked up like Fort Knox.

Baby is most definately head down though, which I assumed given the constant pressure on my bladder.

I also reached my personal pregnancy hell... the big 2-0-0. That's right, I now top 200 pounds. I am a mere 3 pounds from weighing more than my husband (at which point I will have to kill myself).

I feel like I'm going to be huge FOREVER.

Bump Watch

I've gone from round to out. I feel so huge lately.

Nine months pregnant is hard. A lovely combination of large, tired and irritable. As I was telling a friend today, I've pretty much reached my limit by 8:00 or 9:00 every night. I can't stand to be in my own skin after that.

I am officially done with work on August 12. Though I still maintain 08/09/10 would be the coolest birthday ever, it will be really nice to have a few weeks before the due date to clean and rest before baby arrives.

Everyone at work keeps asking whether or not I'll miss working full-time. Truthfully, I won't. I'll miss the little luxuries that two incomes provide, but I'm really excited to stay at home with baby and start graduate school. I feel very fortunate that Ben and I are in a position to live on his income alone. Not every family has that choice.

Our remaining bump watch posts are limited... only one or two remain. Any guesses on the baby's arrival?

A Tale of Two Cookies

I bought two cookies at a local bakery/cafe, intending to bring one home to Ben. I ate my cookie (double chocolate brownie) in the parking lot. And then I ate Ben's cookie (peanut butter oatmeal M&M) in the 10 minutes it took me to get back to work.

Sorry, honey... I tried. Isn't it the thought that counts?

The ninth month

Today begins my ninth month of pregnancy... only a few more weeks until we meet our baby. This moment used to feel so far away. Now I find myself begging him to stay in there until mama's ready.

All in all, it's been a really easy pregnancy. No morning sickness, no heartburn, not even many cravings. I still sleep well, and I'm generally relaxed. Ben may argue that my hormones have been a touch... frustrating. It's amazing how quickly something can send me over the edge these days. But he's learned what I need to chill out and move on... a few deep breaths, a big hug and an "I love you" is usually all it takes.

Despite the general ease of the past few months, I am starting to get more uncomfortable. I can't sit up or lay down without grunting. And sometimes the baby sits so low in my tummy that I feel like he might fall right out of me. I still manage to walk 1-2 miles every evening, but I walk sooooo slooooowly now. That's probably the biggest indicator of how large I feel. Pre-pregnancy, I was a notoriously fast walker.

I've gained about 26 pounds, which was more than I was hoping for, but within the recommended range for pregnant women (25-35 pounds). I'll probably clear 30 before the baby's born, but that's OK, especially given my recent love affair with ice cream.

We have all the necessary baby gear (and then some). Clothes, diapers and bedding have been washed. The hospital bag has been packed. And Stella will be taken care of while we're gone. We're about as ready as we're gonna be. So now, we wait.

Nursery... check!

I'm happy to report that I met my self-imposed nursery deadline of 36 weeks. We have virtually everything we need to care for a baby. Except experience. Or a clue.

Here are a few pictures... I especially love the polka dot rug and white vinyl decals on the walls.

Crib and super cute polka dot rug

Rocking chair and changing table

The new doc

We met the new doctor last night. Our first meeting was awesome. He has a slight accent and says "okee-dokee" a lot. I heart him.

One of the first things he said to us was "you don't have a medical condition, you're having a baby." Swoon. He believes strongly that labor is a natural process, and supports our goal of a natural birth. Right on, doc. You may be the coolest OB ever.

In talking to us about our birth wishes, he asked if we had a birth plan in writing. Why yes, we do. We gave him a copy assuming he'd tuck it in our file, but he actually read it. The entire thing. In front of us. He even offered throughtful commentary. I was really impressed.

He will be out of town for the first two weeks in August. So if we go into labor then, we'll have to work with one of his associates. But if he's in town, he will be there to deliver our baby. Doesn't matter if he's on call or not. That's just how he likes to handle his patients. Sweet.

Best trip to the grocery store... EVER

Not only did I get to use the new/expectant mother parking (first time!), but it was also their "brownie tasting event." Score.

Balancing act

Being pregnant with your first child is kind of like jumping into the unknown. You know things are going to be different, but you're not exactly sure how. You try and prepare yourself, but despite your best efforts, parenthood is a club reserved for those actually living it.

What Ben and I know for sure is that our lives will never be the same. Part of what scares me the most is juggling so many important priorities at once. How do we make time for our baby, our marriage and ourselves?

Obviously, it's all baby all the time when you bring your newborn home. That's an adjustment that you can only work on one day at a time. But I appreciated these suggestions from a Bay area blogger on how to be a happier parent in the long-run.

Bump Watch

My bad... this bump photo is about a week overdue. But here we are at 33 weeks.

You may be interested to know that I can't see my feet anymore. As Ben said this morning, "nothing about pregnancy is glamorous."

Too true.

My mother, the organizing machine

My mom was in town for a few days this week, so I took Tuesday and Wednesday off to spend some time with her. We got a ton accomplished around the house... organizing the basement, taking a car-full of crap to St. Vinny's, re-arranging the nursery furniture, washing a million baby clothes, and assembling the new deck furniture. Whew! Nothing like a mom to kick household organization projects into high gear.

We also found a few hours for leisure time, with lunch at Caramel Crisp and shopping trips to Target and the Mom and Pop Place. Her visits always go so fast... I was sad to see her go this morning. Thanks a million, Mom!

Goodbye, financial independence

It's crazy to think about, but I only have three pay checks remaining. Only six more weeks of work (and six more weeks of financial independence).

Ben and I have lived blissfully budget-free for the past 4 years. We didn't have a joint-account until a few months ago (which I really liked, by the way). We both happily paid our share of the bills, and spent/saved the remainder as we saw fit.

Now, in just two months, we'll have one account and a strict budget. We'll give up a lot of comforts from our DINK (Dual Income No Kids) days. Like cable, gym memberships and going out to eat. I don't regret or question our decision. It's just going to be a big change (on top of the already monumental change of bringing a new baby home).

So while I probably should save as much of my remaining pay checks as possible, part of me wants to spend while I can! Among my pie-in-the-sky dream purchases... a 13" Mac Book Pro. Perfect for the new mother and graduate student, don't you think? Sadly, one Mac Book = one pay check. Given that math, Ben said it's a hell no.

Baby Shower #2

Another super-fab baby shower last weekend! Complete with darling diaper cake made lovingly by Aunt Mandy. A million thanks to all our family and friends for a wonderful party.

On Sunday I sorted and seperated and organized, making the baby's room slightly more manageable. You wouldn't believe all the packaging that comes with tiny clothes and other baby stuff.

Just the right size

Add this to the list of inappropriate things that men have said to me in my life...

Weird Man: Damn, you look good with that belly.
Me: Um, ok.
Weird Man: Seriously girl, I would totally tap that.
Me: As you can see, it's already been tapped. But thanks.

Honestly, I wasn't sure whether to feel creeped out, or moderately excited that someone (other than Ben) still finds me attractive.

In no particular order

A few random thoughts and recent occurances...

1. I haven't worn pants with a zipper since April. Just sayin'.
2. About half way through my iced coffee this morning, I got really jittery and the baby started moving like crazy. Yep, Starbuck's definately missed the "decaf" part of my order. I haven't had caffeine since November... now I remember what I'm missing.
3. Though Ben believes weeding is an excellent (and utilitarian) way to practice birth exercises, I can't say that squatting in my front yard for an hour or two sounds very appealing.
4. While the rest of Wisconsin welcomes the official start of summer, I am cursing the hot weather and the stupidly swollen ankles that come along with it.
5. The baby has been getting hiccups lately. Super cute and incredibly distracting.

Godparents

I'm not sold on the role of godparents. We plan to have a baptism, but if it's up to me, it will be just Ben and I standing at the front of the church.

Though my godfather (who is also my great-uncle) is still involved and interested in my life, most godparents are completely absent. Last weekend, Ben saw his godmother for the first time in 20 years. He wouldn't even have known who she was if his mom wouldn't have been with us.

Traditionally, godparents were chosen to lead a child in their journey with Christ. I can't say I'm eager to pick someone out for that, especially since I'm not sure where I stand when it comes to religion. I like to consider myself spiritual. I believe in heaven and higher power, but I'm not really sure what it all means or how it all fits together.

In the more modern sense, godparents are close friends or family members that you assign to hold a special place in your child's life. I'm all for this. There are several people that I hope have a strong relationship with our child and our family. But shouldn't those relationships grow organically over time? It seems a bit premature to assign someone to a permanent position in your childs life when they are 4 weeks old.