Ultrasound #2

This morning was our second ultrasound, and baby girl was as stubborn as ever. Although she was facing in a way that we could get a clear view of her heart along with other things, as soon as we went to get a look at her face she decided to be shy. She covered her face with both hands and began wiggling quite a bit--total opposite of last time. At one point, I swear she shook her head no at me when I said she needs to cooperate.

Her heart rate was 161 BPM, and she was a'mov'n! However, everything looked good and with some patience, our technician was able to get a 3D picture of her along with a profile; which was unexpected. Also, she weighs in at 1 pound 13 ounces and is a week ahead of schedule in length, so as the doctor said "She's a little big." HAHAHA. But the doctor was very pleased with the rest of the news, it was all positive, yay!

Movements From the Bump

At about 17 weeks I began feeling only what I can describe as bubbles from the bump, it would happen randomly and I would usually feel them in the morning as I laid in bed not wanting to get up. Plus there would be the hard spots I could feel and pressure as she pushed around.

As the weeks progressed, I could gradually feel more to the point of actual jabs.

Over break at about 21 weeks, I was laying on my side and I could feel her feet push out towards my hip, it was pretty cool. I told Rusty who has been wanting to feel her move, and we decided to see if she would encore later that night. We didn't get an encore of the feet, but he did get to feel a swift jab. The doctor did tell me that it could take longer to really feel anything since it is my first time and because the placenta is sitting in front.

However, here at 23 weeks and I have felt at least one kick/jab a day and lots of other movement. I have to admit it brings a smile to my face, even the ones that are uncomfortable, simply being that I know she is moving around and growing. I love being able to feel her, and I do get nervous if there are periods of several hours that I don't feel her (Friday was one of those days and I almost called the doctor when she decided to finally wake up).

Some triggers that seem to get her wiggling are BBQ, Rice Crispie Treats, fresh juice, and when I move from one side to the other at night. 😍

Who Doesn't Like Freebies?

I know I am not telling anyone anything new when I say that preparing for a baby is expensive, even if you just do the basics and forego the "fluff" it has the ability to put a dent in anyone's bank account. Plus, trying to figure out which type/brand works best can be a little much for first time parents, and when asking for opinions you get just as many answers since many have their own personal choice. But, I have discovered that there are many stores and sites that will provide you with a box of samples to help pave the way.

First, the easiest ones I have discovered so far (but have yet to receive the boxes):

• Walmart will send you a free welcome box, all you have to do is follow the link and sign up:
  https://www.walmart.com/cp/baby-registry/1229485?u1=&oid=223073.1&wmlspartner=CY3NkS*Y9qw&sourceid=24064453711959595954
• Sam's Club will do the same (yes I know they hail from the same mother ship) and you don't have to be a member; follow the link to sign up: https://www3.samsclub.com/best-deals/samplesamsclub/
• If you are a resident of California or Washington you can get a free pregnancy journal: https://www.scholarshare.com/buzz/pea-pumpkin.shtml
• When you join Similac you can get formula: https://similac.com/formula-coupons-free-samples
• Did you know Dolly Parton is on a fight against illiteracy? If it is available in your area (it is not in ours--boo!) you can register your child and receive free age-appropriate books from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library: http://www.imaginationlibrary.com/  *go to Register My Child
• Also, something I think is pretty cool, you can get a Newborn Greeting (along with many others) from the White House. Follow the link to get more information: https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-order-free-white-house-greetings-1358017

Diapers are worth their weight in gold, but if you contact many of the major diaper companies to let them know you are trying to switch or decide which diapers you would like to use they would be more than happy to hook you up with samples. Now this won't get you through a long period of time, but something is better than nothing. Also, many of the companies like Huggies have reward systems that can help earn some free stuff too.

Many new parents set up registries, but some are more meaningful than others. If you complete a registry with Amazon.com and check all the boxes (including a small purchase) they will send you a welcome box of goodies as well. This is what I received.

Target will also give you a welcome bag of goodies, simply set up a registry and visit your local Target store. I believe you just talk to customer service about it (I will find out today). ***Update, Target does give a welcome bag (pictures below) and all you have to do is talk to customer service. Super easy. I have heard (but not tried yet) that Babies-R-Us will do the same thing. I am sure there are a lot more out there, so if you know of one let us know! :)