You have to see this trailer for Gentleman Broncos, the new film by Jared Hess. It looks so dumb, I can't wait to see it. Surveillance does! Brilliant!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Thoughts On Pregnancy: Literature, Documentaries & Childbirth
One of the first things I did when I found out I was pregnant was start reading books about it. If this is supposed to be such a big life and body changing experience, I didn't want to run into too many surprises along the way.
I started with What to Expect When You're Expecting and I had mixed feelings. I didn't hate it but I definitely felt like it was WAY conservative and cautious. It was suddenly so obvious to me why there were always at least a dozen copies available at DI. Apart from the monthly progress chapters which are an okay reference there is a "best-odds" diet that strongly suggests no refined sugar and that husbands should help their pregnant wives not eat treats and to have a firm hand. Yeah right!
Next I read The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy which I thought was hilarious and while the section on maternity fashion is a little (okay a lot) outdated, I enjoyed the brutal and sarcastic hilarity of pregnancy advice from a girlfriend. The sections on labor and delivery were also really helpful and the list of things to bring to the hospital.
My doctor gave me You & Your Pregnancy which just had generic information. I also picked up and browsed through numerous other books from the library but nothing really stood out to me as really valuable knowledge beyond commonsense. I did like the babycenter pregnancy guide and read it whenever Steve and I were in Borders.
I wanted more. To be precise, I wanted more about childbirth. So far pregnancy has been a breeze and while I've had questions, I've just taken them to my doctor who tends to be a lot less conservative and cautious then the average pregnancy book. I guess something to remember is to take all advice on pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting with a grain of salt. Things the books told me to do, like not sleep on your back, my doctor gave me better and more comfortable alternatives stressing the need for me to just listen to what my body was telling me.
So inspired by this post by my friend Miriam I decided to really research childbirth and my options. I am a big believer in education equals empowerment. So I checked out a lot of books on childbirth, medicated and natural. And to say the least, my eyes were opened. I tried to read lots of books from both sides of the story because its pretty easy to be swayed by writer's with an agenda and you-first time pregnant and vulnerable-having no experience except what you've seen in the movies and heard about from friends.
The two books I really liked were:
Easy Labor: every woman's guide to choosing less pain and more joy during childbirth, a pro-medicated book with lots of great info on the options available and the side effects and typical interventions necessary. This was really great especially since there are a lot of medications available that most women don't even think about or know about it (and I speak for myself here)
Easing Labor Pain: the complete guide to a more comfortable and rewarding birth, a pro-natural book. I almost didn't read this one but I am SO glad that I did. Not only does it provide lots of medication free ways for dealing with pain but it makes you feel like you can do a natural birth and survive. And even if you plan on getting an epidural something could happen that could delay or prevent it from happening (like your anesthesiologist getting in a car accident) and you could be left in pain with no means of coping for hours.
I also watched the Business of Being Born, a documentary produced by Ricki Lake. It is incredibly pro-natural but still very interesting especially if you have questions about midwives. Also caution: there are lots of naked pregnant women and crotch shots and some profanity.
And if you're interested in seeing the various types of labor in video format-because you weren't scarred enough from the Miracle of Life in high school health class-babycenter.com has lots of options that are quick and dirty, 2-3 minutes clips.
The more I read, the more I felt empowered by the new knowledge that I was gaining. I went into this whole situation (pregnancy) thinking/knowing that I would be demanding an epidural as soon as labor started. It has been my childbirth dream since middle school. Give me the drugs. I mean I'm the kind of girl who senses a headache coming on and rushes for the ibuprofen. We buy it in bulk from costco. But now, I am not so sure. I love the idea of being able to work with my body to make this miracle happen. I also like the thought of having little or no unnecessary interventions. Granted you have to be flexible and roll with the punches but on something this important, I don't feel comfortable just sitting back and letting decisions be made for me.
In conclusion, because this has become a veritable essay, I have found that education really is empowering. And now that I have all this new knowledge and insight, I feel like I have the tools and the dreaded responsibility to make a thoughtful and informed decision about what will be best for me and my baby and not what has solely been best for others.
I started with What to Expect When You're Expecting and I had mixed feelings. I didn't hate it but I definitely felt like it was WAY conservative and cautious. It was suddenly so obvious to me why there were always at least a dozen copies available at DI. Apart from the monthly progress chapters which are an okay reference there is a "best-odds" diet that strongly suggests no refined sugar and that husbands should help their pregnant wives not eat treats and to have a firm hand. Yeah right!
Next I read The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy which I thought was hilarious and while the section on maternity fashion is a little (okay a lot) outdated, I enjoyed the brutal and sarcastic hilarity of pregnancy advice from a girlfriend. The sections on labor and delivery were also really helpful and the list of things to bring to the hospital.
My doctor gave me You & Your Pregnancy which just had generic information. I also picked up and browsed through numerous other books from the library but nothing really stood out to me as really valuable knowledge beyond commonsense. I did like the babycenter pregnancy guide and read it whenever Steve and I were in Borders.
I wanted more. To be precise, I wanted more about childbirth. So far pregnancy has been a breeze and while I've had questions, I've just taken them to my doctor who tends to be a lot less conservative and cautious then the average pregnancy book. I guess something to remember is to take all advice on pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting with a grain of salt. Things the books told me to do, like not sleep on your back, my doctor gave me better and more comfortable alternatives stressing the need for me to just listen to what my body was telling me.
So inspired by this post by my friend Miriam I decided to really research childbirth and my options. I am a big believer in education equals empowerment. So I checked out a lot of books on childbirth, medicated and natural. And to say the least, my eyes were opened. I tried to read lots of books from both sides of the story because its pretty easy to be swayed by writer's with an agenda and you-first time pregnant and vulnerable-having no experience except what you've seen in the movies and heard about from friends.
The two books I really liked were:
Easy Labor: every woman's guide to choosing less pain and more joy during childbirth, a pro-medicated book with lots of great info on the options available and the side effects and typical interventions necessary. This was really great especially since there are a lot of medications available that most women don't even think about or know about it (and I speak for myself here)
Easing Labor Pain: the complete guide to a more comfortable and rewarding birth, a pro-natural book. I almost didn't read this one but I am SO glad that I did. Not only does it provide lots of medication free ways for dealing with pain but it makes you feel like you can do a natural birth and survive. And even if you plan on getting an epidural something could happen that could delay or prevent it from happening (like your anesthesiologist getting in a car accident) and you could be left in pain with no means of coping for hours.
I also watched the Business of Being Born, a documentary produced by Ricki Lake. It is incredibly pro-natural but still very interesting especially if you have questions about midwives. Also caution: there are lots of naked pregnant women and crotch shots and some profanity.
And if you're interested in seeing the various types of labor in video format-because you weren't scarred enough from the Miracle of Life in high school health class-babycenter.com has lots of options that are quick and dirty, 2-3 minutes clips.
The more I read, the more I felt empowered by the new knowledge that I was gaining. I went into this whole situation (pregnancy) thinking/knowing that I would be demanding an epidural as soon as labor started. It has been my childbirth dream since middle school. Give me the drugs. I mean I'm the kind of girl who senses a headache coming on and rushes for the ibuprofen. We buy it in bulk from costco. But now, I am not so sure. I love the idea of being able to work with my body to make this miracle happen. I also like the thought of having little or no unnecessary interventions. Granted you have to be flexible and roll with the punches but on something this important, I don't feel comfortable just sitting back and letting decisions be made for me.
In conclusion, because this has become a veritable essay, I have found that education really is empowering. And now that I have all this new knowledge and insight, I feel like I have the tools and the dreaded responsibility to make a thoughtful and informed decision about what will be best for me and my baby and not what has solely been best for others.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Rocking and Gliding...
Here are some highlights from our weekend:
-Steve took me to see Julie & Julia and I loved it. I thought it was charming and was not disappointed. So often I look forward to these movies and I then am sad that they weren't better. Steve even seemed to enjoy it, well, he didn't sit there sighing and fidgeting like in a certain other film...
-I finally got to recovering the glider for the nursery. I had scoured the Internet searching for the perfect fabric that could work for both a girl or boy. I narrowed it down and then gave Steve 3 options. Do you know what I love about Steve? He cares enough to have an opinion but not enough to overrule my final say in decorating decisions. So here is the $35 glider (sans unfinished ottoman) I wanted something that wasn't ugly, had clean lines and had a high back so both of us could rest our heads. The only thing I don't love about it is that the arms are a little wide. The fabric is from Anna Marie Horner's drawing room collection
So this...
-Steve took me to see Julie & Julia and I loved it. I thought it was charming and was not disappointed. So often I look forward to these movies and I then am sad that they weren't better. Steve even seemed to enjoy it, well, he didn't sit there sighing and fidgeting like in a certain other film...
-I finally got to recovering the glider for the nursery. I had scoured the Internet searching for the perfect fabric that could work for both a girl or boy. I narrowed it down and then gave Steve 3 options. Do you know what I love about Steve? He cares enough to have an opinion but not enough to overrule my final say in decorating decisions. So here is the $35 glider (sans unfinished ottoman) I wanted something that wasn't ugly, had clean lines and had a high back so both of us could rest our heads. The only thing I don't love about it is that the arms are a little wide. The fabric is from Anna Marie Horner's drawing room collection
So this...
+
=
I really like how it turned out. I added a skirt to the ottoman to kind of hide all the glider mechanism ugliness. So right now it is just chilling in the living room and it is super comfy. Funny thing, it took me longer to find and finally choose a fabric than it did to recover the whole chair!
-I told the YW that it was a boy and they all immediately offered up their names as choices for the baby. My favorite was Annetto.
-Cafe Rio with Lauryn and Whitney
-A Much anticipated trip to Broadbent's in Lehi. If you live in the valley, this is by far the best fabric store around. I have only been 3 times since the hours are from 9-5 (inconvenient to say the least) it is seriously heaven. I spent 1 1/2 hours picking out fabrics for bedding and receiving blankets and such. So this is what I came up with: turquiosey blue, dark brown and orange. The vintagey plaid brings the turquoise to more of a robin's egg which will nicely allow all blues to fit into the room. 
And since we're on the topic of decor, I thought this was funny from a book I was reading this weekend. "Your baby isn't going to know or care if he or she has coordinating furniture..." (On Becoming Babywise) Who said anything about this being all about the baby? I am convinced this part is all for me or am I being narcissistic?
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Phoebe or Phoebo?
Rachel: You mean you have it right there in that folder? Boy or girl? Phoebe or Phoebo?
Doctor: I know its none of my business but please don't name your child Phoebo.
Is it sad that these important life moments are riddled with Friends references?
Yup that's right, its a boy. And yup, we're excited. Today we went in for the ultrasound and right away he flashed us his stuff. Then he was pretty much nonstop kicking and moving around for the rest of the visit. Its funny because I could see all the movement but I couldn't feel a thing. So we have to go back for a complimentary ultrasound to check out his lips and make sure he isn't all cleft palate and such.
Other than the exciting gender news, everything is progressing along perfectly and all necessary developments are taking place.
Anyway for those of you not adept at peering into the uterus, I have labeled each picture with helpful arrows and commentary... Thanks Photoshop!
I'm sorry, I don't know what mother thinks these pictures are cute. I mean I just don't, they are more scary than anything. Steve and I have already talked about being realistic if the baby isn't the cutest thing ever. We've all seen that Seinfeld episode in the Hamptons...
Seriously the last picture could be a shrieking ghost baby!
Am I ready to be a loving mother or what?
Doctor: I know its none of my business but please don't name your child Phoebo.
Is it sad that these important life moments are riddled with Friends references?
Yup that's right, its a boy. And yup, we're excited. Today we went in for the ultrasound and right away he flashed us his stuff. Then he was pretty much nonstop kicking and moving around for the rest of the visit. Its funny because I could see all the movement but I couldn't feel a thing. So we have to go back for a complimentary ultrasound to check out his lips and make sure he isn't all cleft palate and such.
Other than the exciting gender news, everything is progressing along perfectly and all necessary developments are taking place.
Anyway for those of you not adept at peering into the uterus, I have labeled each picture with helpful arrows and commentary... Thanks Photoshop!
I'm sorry, I don't know what mother thinks these pictures are cute. I mean I just don't, they are more scary than anything. Steve and I have already talked about being realistic if the baby isn't the cutest thing ever. We've all seen that Seinfeld episode in the Hamptons...
Seriously the last picture could be a shrieking ghost baby!
Am I ready to be a loving mother or what?
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Me Plus You Quilt
My dear, best friend Whitney is also pregnant and due in 2 months. I wanted to do something special for her and her baby boy. Since she is doing a space themed room, I scoured the internet looking for cute alien fabric, harder than you'd think. I also bought this quilt pattern off of one of my favorite blogger's etsy site. Its called the Me Plus You quilt and I think it is charming and it looked totally doable.
This is what Kelly says about the quilt in the pattern:
"This quilt is meant to be symbolic. The lines aren’t straight the quilting isn’t perfect the plus signs are wonky and that is because life is wonky and not always how we plan it. But together with our loves and friends and family we can make it through anything (the plus signs)."
What a perfect way to describe the new relationship of parent and child. I love it! and will be making the same quilt with different fabric for my baby.
Close up of aliens and blue galaxy fabric.
Back was simple, red outlined with white.
The quilt was easy to assemble and the directions were super clear, this would be a great first time project for anyone. Also the pattern includes instructions for all sizes of quilts (baby-king) and she has the best, clearest binding steps linked on her blog (Baby Quilt link) because binding in the scariest part.
Monday, August 3, 2009
August Rush
So it is August (where did July go?) August is going to be full.
Only 28 days til Steve goes back to school. As happy as I am for him to have a schedule and things to do again, there is a large comfort coming home from work and knowing he is at home, waiting for me, reading in the red chair with the table lamp on and the AC blasting.
Only 25 days until San Francisco and Sarah's wedding and the girlfriend reunion of the century. My heart beats slightly faster just thinking about it especially when I think of trying to find something suitable to wear for my growing belly
Only 5 days until Lauryn comes back into town and I ditch the ward pool party to spend time with her.
Only 3 more days until we find out the sex of the baby and then it is full steam ahead on sewing, quilting and projects galore. Not to mention finally being able to buy clothes and to seriously think about names.
Only 1 day until Whitney and I watch a terrifying documentary about the business of being born.
This month also marks the start of the final year we have in Orem. One more year. Its funny how life in Provo was such a dreadful thing for the first little bit and it gradually grows on you and then one day you realize you know where all the good food and shortcuts are and its home. Sigh.
Only 28 days til Steve goes back to school. As happy as I am for him to have a schedule and things to do again, there is a large comfort coming home from work and knowing he is at home, waiting for me, reading in the red chair with the table lamp on and the AC blasting.
Only 25 days until San Francisco and Sarah's wedding and the girlfriend reunion of the century. My heart beats slightly faster just thinking about it especially when I think of trying to find something suitable to wear for my growing belly
Only 5 days until Lauryn comes back into town and I ditch the ward pool party to spend time with her.
Only 3 more days until we find out the sex of the baby and then it is full steam ahead on sewing, quilting and projects galore. Not to mention finally being able to buy clothes and to seriously think about names.
Only 1 day until Whitney and I watch a terrifying documentary about the business of being born.
This month also marks the start of the final year we have in Orem. One more year. Its funny how life in Provo was such a dreadful thing for the first little bit and it gradually grows on you and then one day you realize you know where all the good food and shortcuts are and its home. Sigh.
Colored ChalkBoard Paint
I know this is everywhere in the blog-o-sphere but I think it is so cool and am trying to mentally squeeze it into the baby's room. 
I love the colors that are available, there are 24, click here to see them. How fun!
I love the colors that are available, there are 24, click here to see them. How fun! Picture from designsponge
Oh and the next few days I will be posting lots of completed projects and pictures so stay tuned.
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