thehandthatrocksthecradle-blog

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The goods

At the very beginning of my pregnancy my mind immediately turned to the tons of baby items I would have to acquire, and like most first time Moms I had no idea where to start. I obviously knew I would need a crib, but in terms of what I would actually need I had a lot to learn. So off I went on my search to find the answers, and I didn't leave a question unasked, or a Baby blog unread. Nothing or anyone however had any straight answers, as every parenting style is different and unique, but to make it easy on some of my readers I decided to make a post on the items that I found the most essential in my role of Mommy-hood.

1. Boppy Pillow - Even if you aren't planning on breast feeding this pillow is a huge relief when it comes to holding a new born for countless hours, when baby is a little older you can even use the pillow to prop up baby, but most of all it is a life saver when it comes to breast feeding, and there has not been a day I haven't used it! You can also buy lots of unique covers to add some style to your nursery (But I'll save that for another post)

       2. Diaper Pale - There are lots of different brands and styles to purchase, but my favorite is the Munchkin brand. Easy to operate, and uncomplicated in every way, and let me tell you, I have not smelt anything foul in my apartment once! (Maybe just myself from lack of showering due to being a new Mommy)

3. Cradle Swing - Jude has the 'My little Lamb' Cradle' n Swing, and we use it in our daily routine. Some of its rocking speeds can be a little too fast for my liking and the gears seem a little too loud, but other than that I'd suggest putting one on your registry (Although I'd suggest a different brand) because after a ton of sleepless nights/shower-less days this will be a life saver, but I would suggest buying one with a wall adapter as they can be real battery drainers. 

                        4. Snuggle Nest - My good friend Brenna sent me mine as a solution to my fears of having Jude in our bed. Its basically a little bed within your bed, with walls that reinforce it, and as an added bonus it also plays womb sounds, lullabies and it also has a night light! We found that once Jude was home that he & I were much more settled when we slept together 1. Because he spent 10 months in the womb and became used to my heartbeat 2. Because like every new Mom I found myself checking him every few minutes to see if he was breathing, and 3. It makes for easier night feeds (If your breast feeding) and 4. The bonding you will get from it is like no other. I know a lot of people will question this choice, but it is what works best for us, and we will move him into his crib in due time. 

5. Metro-wrap - My Mum bought me mine as a push gift & I don't know what I would do without this little beauty. For now I actually prefer carrying him around in his wrap than his stroller, once again because of the bonding experience, and because he won't be small enough to be carried in this forever. It comes in handy for doing chores around the house also, because it enables you to have both hands, and bambino will be close enough to your heart that your heartbeat will lull him straight to sleep.

6. Sleep sack/Swaddles - When babies are newborn thy cannot control there reflexes, so any little noise can scare them and they will jump and ultimately wake themselves up as a result. Swaddles and sleep sacks bind the baby up so that his reflexes are unable to wake him and remind him of the womb. The easier option are the Sleep sacks as baby is basically zipped up and velcroed in snugly, but with the more traditional swaddles wrapping can take a while to master, and if you have a little Houdini like myself & Mick he will unbind himself in no time. Jude wouldn't stay asleep without one, and if you want sleep I suggest you buy a dozen.

7. Humidifier - Considering the pollution and illnesses that are always in the air, you would be an idiot not to have a humidifier in your room or nursery. Its a win win as it will help both you and your child no matter what age the infant. Ours even doubles up as a nightlight and projects a starry night sky onto our ceiling, and is produced by Vicks.

8. Pacifiers aka Dummies (For my English Readers) - I didn't introduce pacifiers straight away purely because Jude is breast fed, and at first he didn't take to them at all. I wanted to make sure it wouldn't affect his feeding before allowing one to comfort him, and after I was secure I was glad he did. Babies are naturally comforted by suckling and pacifiers can also reduce the chance of SIDS. We use Soothies & Gumdrop Binkies. They have a hole in the middle so you can easily get your baby to latch on, and its also very sweet to see them look like little fish when suckling!

9. Itz Been Monitor - Now this one is a little unheard of, its a product I happened to stumble across accidentally, but it couldn't be any more perfect. When your baby is first born the hospital asks you to monitor every feed & every diaper change to make sure he or she is developing normally, and once you get home its easier to manage feedings and diaper changes if you know how long its been, hence the name itz been. I can easily pick mine up and see how long its been since the last feed, and I can even time each feed with the extra timer button on the display.

10. Glow Seahorse - This little guy is literally Jude's best friend. He calms him down when he's upset, and acts as a punching bag when Jude is playful or frustrated. The sea-horses belly glows a warm yellow, and he plays an array of different lullabies. Jude reaches for him whenever he is in his crib, it is the sweetest thing. now I'm not saying to buy this exact toy or brand, but what I am saying is a soothing toy for your baby is very much needed, and it will make for plenty of sweet memories to look back on.

                  11. Travel System - These systems make it so easy for parents to get around. Rather than having to transfer your little one from car seat to stroller, if you buy the correct system you can just place your car seat straight into the stroller and away you go. Which means you don't have to buy a stroller especially for a newborn, and as soon as your little one is old enough you can leave the car seat in the car and opt for use of just the stroller instead. We use the Britax travel system in CowMooFlage. 

12. Diaper bag & Essentials - This one is obvious & what you carry in your diaper bag is your personal preference, but you obviously need to carry diapers, wipes & Butt Paste. Look out for my future post on what I contain in mine :)

13. Floor Matt - Even if Babies aren't ready to play yet they can be highly entertained by these little delights just for the colors alone, and they become a real treat once they are actually able to play with them too. Jude doesn't play per say yet, but Myself and Mick enjoy coaxing him to play by batting his little fists and moving his little feet on the crinkly paper and swinging objects.

               14. Bouncy Chair - I prefer the chairs that vibrate as well as bounce. I didn't have one on my registry at first just because I thought I would have enough enjoyment with the swing, but once I brought Jude home it was a whole new story. I was so paranoid of leaving him whilst I showered that I couldn't shower until Mick arrived home. So after much lecturing my Mother finally sent me this chair so he could be in the bathroom with me and be entertained whilst I went about my business.

                        15. Blankets - Small, Medium, big. Woollen, cotten or fuzzy, you will need them so start buying!

16. Glider & Ottoman - Believe me whether its breast feeding or rocking your restless baby to sleep, you will cherish this item from the very start & If you buy one that matches your other furniture you can use well after your babies first years!

All these items so far have been my essentials, the items I could not live without. I've obviously needed items such as diapers, wipes, clothing & towels, but I think anyone with common sense would know that, hence why I have left them off of my list. Most of these items I had on my online registry over at www.myregistry.com, and may I suggest to anyone who is considering an online registry myregistry.com comes highly recommended. You can add any item, from any online store you choose, and there's also a handy button for you browser bar to add items at your convienience!

And there you have it folks! My essentials list from 0-6 weeks. I'm sure that from week to week, and month to month, my lists will change, and as they do I will update accordingly! but might I add that most of all my number one essential these past few weeks has been little Jude himself. He is my pride and joy, and I could not live without him. Enjoy your babies, and in return they will cherish you <3

[thehandthatrocksthecradle-blog]

"No baby ever died from crying" - Donna Thewlis

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6 4 6

As you have have all probably noticed I've been quite the bad blogger the past month, but seen as I just had a baby I think I have the perfect excuse. Besides who in their right mind would stare at a computer screen when they could be lovingly gazing at their newborn baby? I don't want to miss one single thing. So therefore I think I was entitled to my little blog vacation don't you think?

  In the past 6 weeks my life has totally changed, and may I add completely for the better! I am the happiest I have ever been with my new role in life. I feel complete and I finally have a real purpose. Having Jude has once again reminded me that having a family is more important than anything else in life & I can't wait to get up to date with all the glorious events of the past few weeks.

  So without further ado, six photos for the first 6 weeks of Jude Ashton Morris's life...

                                                         Week 1

                                                                                Week 2

                                                                                         Week 3

                                                                                       Week 4

                                                              Week 5 - Johnny Cash Face!

                                                                                Week 6

[thehandthatrocksthecradle-blog]

Baby Instruction Manuals

Many people in my life as of late have been announcing the news that they too are expecting their first child, it may be a baby boom, or it may just be Spring fever in full effect, or maybe just the latter. Regardless from personal experience I know that the first thing we did upon finding out the news that I too was expecting our first little bundle of joy was head out to my local book store & stock up on a little light reading.

   Many people ask what books myself & Mick enjoyed the most/found the most useful during the pregnancy. So in short, here is my list of my top reads that I would recommend to my readers across the world.

1. The Ultimate Pregnancy Guide For Expectant Mothers By Alex & Elizabeth Uluch & Dr. Benito Villanueva, MD

I absolutely loved this guide, because unlike most pregnancy books this guide also makes the most amazing keepsake as it gives you run by run plays of how your baby is developing, and gives you daily space to jot down such things as your cravings, weight, and pregnancy related symptoms!

2. Great Expectations, Pregnancy & Childbirth By Sandy Jones & Marcie Jones

This was actually myself & Mick's first purchase on finding out our amazing news, and after much deliberation in the book store between other texts, we decided upon this one. Much like 'The Ultimate Pregnancy Guide' but without the journal. I would say this is more text book inclined, but the weekly photos of the fetus's growth patterns are quite awe inspiring when you realize that what is described is actually happening inside of you!

3. Pregnancy To-Do's - A Book Of Lists For Moms-To-Be

I came across this little wonder quite late in my pregnancy, but being the list lover and organization freak that I am I just had to have it in my possession. Mick went out of his way to buy me this little wonder as a gift, and it enabled me to keep everything from the baby shower gifts, Dr's appts, registry items and many more, noted down within its pages. It also makes such a cute keepsake that your child will be able to look back on when he's older, Just like 'The Ultimate Pregnancy Guide' mentioned above.

4. Dad's Pregnant Too By Harlan Cohen

My list would not be complete without mentioning how amazing this book is. I often found myself reading this little gem more often than the books on my reading list. Intended for expectant fathers, this book puts a unique spin & entertaining grasp on all things pregnancy and baby related for the father to be. A very humorous book for any Papa to be, Mick absolutely loved it, and I often was amazed on how knowledgeable he was on things I often expected him to know nothing about! 

(If your expectant Daddy to be is a little on the 'I hate to read' & 'Baby related books are boring' side, try this little tip - Place it in the bathroom where it can be easily seen and is within reach. Curiosity will get the better of them and they will eventually pick it up, and surprisingly enjoy everything this book has to offer!)

So there you have it! My extensive but enjoyable list of must reads (These don't even include the magazines & baby care books I tore through, I'll leave those for another post!) Get yourself to you local book store or scroll through Amazon, but most of all enjoy your pregnancy, and all the amazing times you will experience!

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"You found a girl, made her a woman, and together we made a son" - Ashley-Jade Thewlis 9th March 2011

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Dear Jude...

            From the moment we first laid eyes on you, felt your skin against ours, and gazed into your innocent unknowing eyes, we loved you more than we have ever loved, and from that very moment we made a promise amongst ourselves that we would go above and beyond to protect you!    Seeing the world through your eyes is the most amazing gift we have ever been given. All your firsts your Papa and I have the privilege of partaking in enables us to once again see the beauty in this big enchanting world that you are yet to discover.   Our hearts melt when we hear your little coo's, and even though the books say that your smiles aren't the real deal as of yet, I believe that they are your secret smiles meant only for us.    As your Mama & Papa our main jobs in life are to be there for every little thing you will ever need from kissing your boo boo's, cheering you on during sports, to helping you with your homework. Anything you need we will provide, but ultimately the only thing you will ever need is love, and you sure have plenty of that! Forever and always our little Jude Ashton Morris. You complete us xox 

[thehandthatrocksthecradle-blog]

The first song our beautiful boy ever heard!

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Here Comes The Sun (Here Comes My Son!)

At 11.14 pm on March 2nd I was doing nothing out of the ordinary, just laying in bed blissful, taking advantage of relaxation time with Mick by my side, but that wouldn't last long. Exactly one minute later at 11.15 pm I felt it! That most anticipated event of the last year... My first contraction! The one myself and Mick had been excitedly waiting to arrive for the past 10 months. It seems that this ordinary night was not going to be so ordinary after all, it was playing out to be the start of something extraordinarily beautiful!

 Not long after, approximately 5 minutes later, and I soon felt another one. Something within myself told me that this wasn't the run of the mill braxton hick, this was the real deal coming into effect! I alertly asked Mick to start timing the length in between each one, as I wanted to make sure that this in fact was not another false alarm. Three or four contractions later I decided to take a shower to completely make sure what I was experiencing was for real, and also because I wanted to shower before labor. Not soon after I stepped foot in our shower the intensity of the pains decided to kick in, and let me tell you they were no laughing matter.

   I couldn't speak, I couldn't move, all I could do was close my eyes and feel the hot water move over me as each and every contraction took over my entire being. The water was definitely not washing away the pain like it did last time, and after Mick's third or fourth time checking on me I slowly announced 'It's Time!'. I couldn't imagine one more minute waiting at home, and wanted to get to the hospital asap before rain or the traffic delayed me from my much needed medication any longer.

   Without delay we grabbed my hospital bag, and got to the car as quickly as we could, and by quickly I mean at a snails pace because by this point all I could manage was to waddle and stop completely rigid in between steps upon feeling contractions. With Mick's help we made it to the car, and eventually to the hospital safely. Luckily traffic was on our side, and neither rain nor pot hole stopped us on our mission.

  Upon arriving at the hospital I was feeling the worst pain I had ever experienced. All I wanted to do was check into the maternity ward, and get to my room. I even told Mick to leave my hospital bag inside the car, as I just wanted to feel some relief, and besides that could be brought to me later. Luckily we had taken the maternity tour a week or two before, so we knew exactly where to go, and knew what to expect upon our arrival, but with us it seems nothing gets started without a nice little dose of drama.

  We gave our info, we signed the required forms, we answered the necessary questions, and then.... nothing! We were left standing in the in a hallway of a frantic maternity with absolutely no clue what was going on. My contractions were getting stronger, and closer together, and slowly and surely my irritability started to rear its ugly head! What was happening? Why were we just standing there? Why weren't we being attended too? 

  As it turns out that particular day Cedars Sinai had been bombarded with an abundance of expectant mothers going into labor non stop, I guess springtime really is baby fever! However feeling as much pain as I was I really was unimpressed. In the hour I had been waiting all I was offered was a office chair and a drink of water. It got to the point where I actually told the office staff to immediately give me something to take the edge off, but of course they couldn't not without me being situated in a room.

       Not soon after they finally found us a room, a suite to be exact, and the best one in the ward. Little Jude at this point was going to arrive into the world in style, he was already being given the VIP treatment, and he wasn't even born yet!!! The suite overlooked the whole of Hollywood, from Griffith Observatory to Sunset Blvd & beyond. Not that I really appreciated the view, all I would appreciate at this point would be an epidural, and I would show even more gratitude if they made it quick.

   My nurse Rachel quickly handed me a gown, and Mick helped dress me in the bathroom. It was at this point that I realized deciding to keep my hospital bag in the car was a stupid idea. My brother had gone to the effort to buy me a pretty birthing gown so I wouldn't have to be stuck with the run of the mill ugly 60's curtain print normally worn for such events. Well it looked as though I was out of luck at this point, because out of my determination to get things moving I would have to wear the ugly gown anyway, even my determination wouldn't help me at this point. So like The Beatles, I just let it be...

       Upon checking me, to the nurses surprise and bewilderment I was already 7 cm dilated. Apparently this is unusual in first time Moms to wait this long before attending the hospital, as even second, and third time moms often come in screaming at 1 cm, and thankfully because of my quick progression I was able to get the much dreaded epidural. Anybody who really knows me, knows my distaste for needles, and I had been dreading this moment more than actually birth itself. The mere thought made me shudder and tingle with dread, and that time was finally approaching, and surprisingly I had no care. 

  The anesthesiologist asked me a different array of questions, and through gritted teeth and annoyance I answered as quickly as possible, and finally my time of relief was so close I could taste it! I sat at the edge of the bed as required, and with Mick at my aid in front of me the anesthesiologist got to work, and as quickly and as painlessly as I never thought it would be it was over. Its safe to say that my pain was so extremely intense that the epidural was nothing in comparison, and I would urge everybody to get it, if not for pain relief if for the rest you will need in order to push. Due to different circumstances I had received zero sleep in the past 24 hours so a break from the urgency of the contractions was much appreciated. 

      After the hype of the previous events had died down we were left to get much needed sleep, but not before the nurses stated they would need to break my bulging sack of waters (Their words not mine). I objected straight away. Breaking my waters would mean advancing my labor before I was ready, and at that moment I was in no physical state to push anytime soon, and thankfully they left me be. By now it was approaching 4 am and after Mick made some quick phone calls, I lay in silence contemplating the approaching birth of my first son whilst Mick attempted to get some sleep.

      What little sleep we did get, myself getting zero, did not last for long, because when the nurse made her next rounds at 6 am she discovered that in the two hours I had been relaxing I had fully dilated and the babies head was in position. I was ready to push!!! My OB was quickly called and she would be there within the hour. It was surreal to think that within an hour or a little longer I would finally be meeting the little one who had been residing safely, and warmly in my belly for the almost the last year. I couldn't help but wonder whether he was aware that his world as well as mine, and Mick's were about to drastically change, and I wasn't given much time to find out.

   By 7.50 my OB had arrived, suited, booted and ready to so spring into action! To my dismay she went ahead and broke my waters with a knitting needle looking contraption, and with relief I didn't feel a thing. Just a warm gush of water that continued to leak with every contraction, not all at once like the movies lead you to believe. 

  By 8 it was time to 'practice' pushing. I noted practice, because practicing wasn't really practicing at all. The pushing was the real deal much to my surprise. After a few attempts at pushing the nurses noted that with every attempt the babies heart rate was dropping, and for last resort emergency purposes the decided to book an operating theatre just incase it was needed. They thought the babies chord may be wrapped around his neck, but I was assured that they would be using only the vacuum, and in the extreme case that the vacuum failed to work a c-section would be needed, and thats all I needed to hear. There was no way a vacuum or a c-section were going to be performed in order to bring my baby into the world. Nobody in my family had needed one to date, and I would not be the first!

  For the next half an hour with all my determination, and might. With my beloved and cousin encouraging me all the way, I pushed with every last inch of energy I could summon within my core. After around 20 minutes, I could feel the exhaustion setting in. There was no way I could continue, even with the air, the breaks and the support. I was way too tired. Did I mention that by this point my epidural had completely worn off? So not only was I feeling the intense pressure of the babies head between my legs, I was also feeling every last bit of pain as nature intended.

  By means of encouragement I suddenly heard a gasp of excitement, and Mick loudly exclaimed "Baby you are so close!! Don't stop now we can I can see his head! You can do this". I was then asked by my OB if I wanted to reach down and feel the head, and through utter terror of the quickly approaching birth I declined, but like most things i did not want such a sentimental moment to pass me by, so quickly but with a purpose I reached down and felt the weird sensation of my babies head and that was all the motivation I needed. I could do this! I am strong, I held him within me the past ten months, it was time to finally meet him, and with that I held onto my thighs for the last time and pushed harder than I have ever pushed before...

       Within seconds the room was awash with the sounds of happiness, I had done it! Jude was here. First his little head which curiously looked around the room at everyone present without any sound escaping his delicate newborn lips, then his body, which just so happened to have the chord wrapped wrapped around it, and as soon as he was untangled, and after Mick had cut the chord he was lovingly placed on my chest, and there he was! My baby! My first born son! Jude Ashton Morris, and it was love at first site.

      For the next 30 minutes myself, Jude, and Mick all sat and looked at each other in bewilderment completely content with our new family. All the pain was absolutely worth it, and I would do it again in a heartbeat (2-3 years!), and to add icing to the cake I didn't have one tear, which again is apparently unusual for first time mothers such as myself. Thats English women for you though, were made of the tough stuff!

       This year has seriously been the most amazing year of my life. I have the love of my life, Mick Richard Morris, and our beautiful boy Jude Ashton Morris. I am so content with my new role as mother, and a family, and I seriously could not ask for more!..... and by the way, Mick's prediction came true! Jude arrived as Mick got down to his last vitamin!

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Presenting Baby Jude!!!

Jude Ashton Morris, born in Los Angeles California on Thursday March 3rd 2011 at 8.44am, weighing in at 7lbs 2 oz being exactly 20 inches long <3

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Baby To Go Please!

Since the Dr told us that I was 3 cm dilated myself & Mick had kind of been on edge knowing that the little one could come at any given time. Any pain, or symptom could possibly be the start of the big event, and as a result made us kind of wary of venturing out into the big city knowing that we could be caught off guard and have to rush to the hospital at any given moment. But by Saturday when baby Jude still had not made an appearance we decided it would be safe to go on a little food adventure with our good friend Sasha. 

   We decided upon our favorite Korean BBQ joint, as going with a newborn baby would be next to impossible, and we at least needed to fulfill our cravings before we were totally out of the night life game. Upon arriving and seeing the line for a table however, we decided against it. It was pouring rain & at over nine months pregnant there was no way I could stand for an hour and a half just to be seated. So at that, plan B came into full affect and it was off to our favorite Chinese on fairfax instead. 

  I'll admit I had started feeling a little weird on the drive to the restaurant, but decided it was mind over matter, and that I was just a little overwhelmed with last few weeks events. By the time we were seated, and had ordered however it was a whole different matter. I found myself consumed with the pain I was feeling, and what would usually be a strong, calm, and well mannered Ashley, turned into a crying, over emotional, irritable Ashley. It became pretty clear that we weren't going to be finishing our meal, and so we asked for the food to be boxed up. I remember a very concerned waitress asking if I was okay, and in response mumbling a very childish 'nooooo' with head in hands. 

  Without delay Sasha rushed to start the car whilst Mick hurriedly paid, and helped me from my seat. Rather than taking us straight to the hospital however, I asked to be taken home. As I wanted to be able to shower, and ride out the start of early labor at home. 

  I have never seen Mick look so worried in my life, and I was sincerely touched by how amazing he was handling everything. After helping me get into the shower, he rushed off to put gas in the car, as running out of gas on the way to the hospital could quite possibly be our worst nightmare, a nightmare we would soon not have to worry about! Because after around 30 minutes of soaking in the shower, my pains started to subside, and I felt good enough to get into bed and somewhat laugh about the previous events! I have to admit I somewhat felt like a drama queen, but when you're in pain, you're in pain, and nothing can be done to ease your mind.

  And there you have it, my dramatic false alarm story. I think everyone who has had a child has at least one if not many to tell. I still can't help but wonder though, that if my actual waters would have broken in the restaurant would I have gotten free Chinese food for life?

[thehandthatrocksthecradle-blog]

A Proper English Gentleman

          Hey Jude, Your Great Grandma Laura knitted you these adorable delights! Quite fitting for the proper little English Gentleman you will become don't you think? Maybe we will make a day of it, and you can have high tea with your Daddy & Me! <3

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"I only have two vitamins left, you know what that means!" - Mick Richard Morris

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Labor & Birth 102

After our previous experience with the birthing class, and the slight anxiety our apartment was giving me at the time you could say that I wasn't too excited to be going to the second part of this series. I feel a little bad saying that, but as I am giving a true account of our experiences during this pregnancy it needs to be said. 

  Unlike last time we were right on time for the class to begin, Mick grabbed a pair of floor mats as we were instructed, and we quickly found our seats. To start the class the instructor thought it would be suitable to make us watch a video on various couples giving birth, and their opinion on the experience they entailed. Now don't get me wrong, I have no problem watching these kinds of things. In fact I'm obsessed with shows such as 'Bringing Home Baby' & 'One Born Every Minute', but why oh why, for the sake of medical research couldn't the director of the hospital film have found more attractive women to film? There's nothing moral boosting about watching a fat faced Molly Ringwald lookalike give birth through her fire crotch! (I mean no offense!) Maybe it's just the fact more attractive women don't really want their vaginas filmed, but it would definitely be more appealing than the sights we beheld. 

  Straight after the movie it was time to dig straight into the exercises. We were divided into three groups, birth ball, chair, & squatting. Whilst demonstrating each exercise our instructor would use various women in the group to help with her demonstrations. I should have known that I would be picked to do this, I always seem to be whatever the occasion, it just seems to be how my life plays out. Also it must of helped that I was the smallest in the class at 5'2, as our instructor couldn't of been above 5 ft. 

  Throughout this segment various techniques are taught involving, massage with a tennis ball (I have no complaints about that whatsoever),various positions that remind me more of how you would get pregnant rather than delivering a baby, and finally breathing exercises. The breathing exercises in my opinion are a crucial part of birth, and have even helped with aches and pains involved in the last trimester. They are basically a concoction of three short outward blows with one long outward blow at the end, all the while your partner is encouraging you by exclaiming breathe, breathe, breathe, blowwwwwww. Sounds simple enough, but within a classroom environment is actually quite humiliating at first. It did not help that our tutor took this very seriously, and was highly disapproving of laughter any kind. Did this stop myself, and Mick from losing it in fits of laughter? Hell to the no, but it did gain us quite a few death stares. Oh well! You can't win them all. 

  In the end I am so happy that we chose to partake in these classes, and ultimately they were a very bonding experience. I could not imagine going through them without Mick by my side, and as a result I believe they definitely made us stronger as a couple, as well as semi preparing us for what's about to come. Again if you are expecting, please look into these classes they will really help ease your mind, and coming from me that could not ring any truer! 

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What's In My Bag? - My Hospital Bag!

1. Zebra Print Rolling Suitcase

2. Soft Socks

3. Travel Size Cosmetics Bundle

4. Makeup

5. Paul Frank PJ's

6. Body Shop Pampering Kit, Lipgloss, Lotions Etc

7. Sour Patch Candy

8. Sony Flip Cam

9. Baby Jude's Going Home Outifit, The Beatles :)

10. Breast/Nipple Wipes, Essential If Breastfeeding

11. Heading Home With Your Newborn Book

12. Sanitary Towels, Nessacity! 

13. Pretty Pushers Birthing Gown, Hospital One's Are Ugly!

14. Paul Frank Slippers

15. Preggo Pops Hard Candy

16. Labor/Birth Cd's

17. Ugly Nursing Bra (I Don't Want To Take My Pretty One To The Hospital)

18. Mickey Mouse Dressing Gown

19. Brush

20. Granny Panties

21. Nintendo DS, Pain Distraction Method?

A few items are not shown such as my camera because I obviously used it to take the photograph, Jude's Baby Journal as it is yet to be delivered, my pillow for obvious reasons, and lastly my going home outfit as I'm yet to decide what I would like to wear.

Any Momma's out there have any more suggestions for what else I may need? Send me a message!

[thehandthatrocksthecradle-blog]

"I am you, and you are me, and he is us" - Mick Richard Morris

[thehandthatrocksthecradle-blog]

Mother Bird

Throughout this pregnancy I have had the constant image in my head of a picture perfect clean space to bring my little one home too. During the first three months of a pregnancy a mothers mind is more focused on avoiding pregnancy related symptoms, and providing the adequate nutrition for their newborn, with the idea that at some point in the future they will have to prepare the home. 

  In the 4-6 month most if not all of the symptoms from the first three months have disappeared, you continue to go to monthly check ups, and probably acquire some stuff for the baby here and there. Your mind is probably starting to wonder how you want to decorate your nursery, and where you are going to register for the all the stuff you have yet to purchase. You allow yourself to procrastinate a little, knowing that there is still plenty of time to get everything done. Besides, you want to rest whilst you still can, & the baby still has around four months to bake.

  Somewhere between the 7th and 8th month however the heat gradually starts to build. You realize there is a lot to be done and that you need to get a move on. A little of the strain is taken away, as you will probably have your much anticipated baby shower around this time frame, and a lot of family and friends will provide you with the essential items needed in your quest to parenthood. You may stop for a brief moment to look at your car filled with ridiculous amounts of gifts & think how much does a person so small really need? The answer.. What don't they need? And it will continue for another 18 years.

  It is within the 34th and 39th week however, that all these urges that you thought were the so called "nesting instinct" will in fact look like a mere walk in the park compared to the marathon of hormones that are about to possess you. 

  I've always been a pretty laid back person, clean but not a germaphobe, tidy but not OCD, with the attitude that it will be gotten too eventually if it is not a life or death matter. Well.. With the way I have been acting these past few weeks you would of thought that someone has had a gun constantly held up against my head.

  Every part of our apartment has had to be rearranged and reorganized. Every surface has had to be bleached and scrubbed to perfection. Unneeded items have gone into storage, and ultimately I have driven both myself and Mick insane. In ways the gun has really been placed against Mick's head as he has had to do the most work. At 9 months pregnant I am physically unable to assemble furniture, pull around large amounts of weight, clean with bleach amongst pretty much everything required to be completely 'ready' for a newborn. I have driven Mick crazy, and he definitely already deserves the man, and father of the year award for putting up with my insane asylum antics.

  Ultimately what I'm trying to survey with this post is that as much as you would like to prepare you probably wont feel prepared, and because of the nesting instinct a Mothers and Fathers work for that matter is never done. Every book I have read spoke about this maternal instinct, and I never fully believed it until it happened. You will become a frantic mess, and even want to clean behind the fridge! My advice is to let anyone willing to help you play their part, let go of the control a little bit, and give the reigns to somebody else. After all the baby probably isn't going to come out critiquing you on how well you cleaned every square inch of those blinds. All they will care about is when their next meal is, a warm place to sleep, and staying dry, but as much as I say this I know the hormones will take effect and you will not have any control (believe me!)

   So... in turn.. I just want to say thank you to Mick, for humoring my crazy demands. I have learnt through this experience that you have the patience of a Saint for dealing with me, even if my 'if you want something done do it yourself' attitude has taken over. I appreciate everything you are doing/have done, and even if I haven't shown you as of late. I truly feel blessed to have you in my life, I love you Mickel and I wouldn't change a thing.

[thehandthatrocksthecradle-blog]

You Say You Want A Revolution...

...The Evolution Of Jude In Pictures