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Misty

My insides are burning!

OUCH!!!  I left work 2 hours early today due to some nasty heartburn.  This is the second time I've had to cut a work day short from this ugly pregnancy side effect.  I think the worst part is that it's from the same type of food as the last time!  I had a salad for lunch with some Italian dressing, and it was a salad + Italian dressing (different kind, though) last time that did me under.  Fool me twice, shame on me.  Not again.  The pain starts off small and irritating, but then quickly grows into a full on burning sensation that doesn't quit, along with moments of nausea and shortness of breath.  I took one Tums at work, moaned and groaned on the drive home, had a bit of burps and gas and I'm feeling a little better now.  Whew!

I did a little research on possible at-home remedies for heartburn and came up with pretty much the same info all around.  Many people relied on Tums to get them through their pain, and some preferred Mylanta or Pepcid.  Of course, it's best to check with your doctor before taking these.  Also, many people recommended drinking a glass of cold milk (which I'm about to do right now), but most say that the relief is short and temporary.  One person suggested a scoop of cold ice cream.  Oh, and try not to lie down for a while so that the acids don't rise up towards your belly and throat which will worsen the pain.

Here are a few of the links I looked through on the matter...

"What's OK To Take For Heartburn During Pregnancy?"

http://www.babycenter.com/400_whats-ok-to-take-for-heartburn-during-pregnancy_2005505_844.bc

 "Does Milk Help in Pregnancy Heartburn?"

http://www.heartburncureblog.com/pregnancy-heartburn/does-milk-help-in-pregnancy-heartburn

 "Heartburn During Pregnancy"

http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com/preg_heartburn_during_pregnancy.htm

"5 Foods That Cause Heartburn During Pregnancy"

http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/stages/3rd-trimester-health/heartburn-causing-foods/?page=1

If you have any tips of your own or experiences you'd like to share and help us newbies out, please leave a comment for all to see.  Thanks!

Maternity + Baby Book

Click on over to HANNA MAC photography and check out what this creative mom put together for her baby.  She recorded each week of pregnancy with photos and her thoughts on the crazy experience.  This is a great keepsake that any child would love to have and look back on through their years.

 Here are few example pages from the maternity book...

Photo via HANNA MAC

Photo via HANNA MAC

  

Photo via HANNA MAC

Photo via HANNA MAC

Photo via HANNA MAC

 You've gotta check out the rest of this adorable book, here!!!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Now if her maternity book wasn't enough cuteness for you to handle, check out her daughter's baby book here.

 Here are a few example pages...

Photo via HANNA MAC

Photo via HANNA MAC

A Great Maternity Series

While looking at this maternity photo series, I actually caught myself thinking "Dangit, can't I start my pregnancy over again so that I can do something creative like this?"  What, crazy lady!?  Start from the beginning?!  Uh-uh, no way...I'm 2/3 of the way there and ain't going back for nothin'!  Although I do wish I would have started documenting my pregnancy from the beginning, like this mom and dad did over at their blog called Pacing the Panic Room.

How awesome does this gal look (weeks 37-40)?

Photo via Pacing the Panic Room

Photo via Pacing the Panic Room

Photo via Pacing the Panic Room

Photo via Pacing the Panic Room

 Interested in seeing her maternity series beginning with week 17?  Click here

Chalkboards and Photography

I was browsing through some fun and clever ideas for using photography to capture each month of my (unborn) child's life, once she arrives.  I stumbled upon the blog of The Letter B Photography, a husband and wife photography two-some.  Check out this photo series of their kids' first year, one month at a time.

Photo via The Letter B Photography

I love the addition of the chalkboard wall in the background.  I've gotta have a chalkboard in Mia's room...not a wall (I would if I could), but a nice big board will do.

I dug a little deeper into these photographer's blog and found some pretty amazing maternity shots....

 

All photos via

The Letter B Photography

And a few kids photos...

Photo via The Letter B Photography

Photo via The Letter B Photography

 You can check out their website here.

Go and "like" their Facebook here.

The do maternity sessions, birth sessions, weddings, portrait sessions, family sessions, kid and baby sessions and engagement/couples sessions (and more).  I'm not familiar with pricing for photo sessions, so I couldn't tell you if they're a good deal.  I do know that they're too pricey for me and my family right now.  If I could, I'd use them for pretty much every session they offer.

Paper Lanterns Decor

I have 2 white, round paper lanterns in my room, each with a light inside.  I've always loved their look, whether in the home or when decorating a patio area, an outdoor space for a wedding or just a party.  I found this picture here at Apartment Therapy.

I'll definitely be adding this look to Mia's nursery, I just haven't decided on the colors I want.  The best part is, the price for these is so cheap!  Head on over to Asian Ideas and check out their paper lanterns here for different sizes and colors and for some unbeatable prices.

I Love Lamp...

I came across an old wooden lamp that I used to have in my bedroom years ago.  I'm not crazy about its look now, but instead of tossing it, I know I can give it another go with a new coat of paint and a different shade.  I found this great redo at Apartment Therapy.

           

 Check out the details here.

28 Weeks Pregnant {Chinese Cabbage}

My little Chinese Cabbage and I have made it through 28 weeks are now entering our 3rd trimester!

(Average measurements: 14.8 inches, 2.25 pounds )

• Dominic and I rummaged through my garage and sorted out all the house stuff that I took to San Diego with me when I lived there.  We're still hoping to be moving out soon.
• The stress over finding a house has continued to be hot and heavy this week.  Halfway through the week, we heard from the owners of the house we really want to rent, but nothing is certain yet.  We know the current tenants are moving out in February sometime and we just have to arrange a time to meet with one of the owners and view the house.  All of our eggs are currently in this one basket.
• Dominic began making his very first quilt this week, and finished it within just a few days.  I showed him how to do it, but he did all the work himself.  I'm very impressed with this man.  What's even cooler than this?  The quilt is for his daughter.  What a special gift, one that I know she'll love for life :)
• We had a hospital tour scheduled this week, but it was rescheduled for next week.
• The word has continued to spread at work among my students.  "Miss Misty, is there really a baby in your belly?"  One 6year old girl said, "When you have the baby, it's really gonna hurt."  Ya, thanks.  More of their parents have been catching wind of the news, too, and I've been getting more "Congratulations!" and "Wow, your 6 months along already?  You look great!  I was giant at this stage in my pregnancy."  I don't really know what I'm supposed to look like at this point, so I guess it's a relief to hear that I don't actually look like a whale.
• I'm trying out a new and hip walk...it's called "The Waddle"
• I'm hitting up the bathroom significantly more now.  This makes wearing leggings everyday way more appealing to quicken the potty process.
• I feel more stretched.  My belly is tighter and harder, so I'm nervously awaiting stretch marks any day now.
• I put music to my belly for the first time.  Song chosen: Papa Was a Rolling Stone, by The Temptations.  I think Mia could use a bit of soul.  I love this song right now.

Photo via www.babycenter.com

Baby Center's information for week 28 says, "By this week, your baby can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.  You're in the home stretch! The third and final trimester starts this week. If you're like most women, you'll gain about 11 pounds this trimester. 

At this point, you'll likely visit your doctor every two weeks. Then, at 36 weeks, you'll switch to weekly visits. Depending on your risk factors, your practitioner may recommend repeating blood tests for HIV and syphilis now, as well as doing cultures for chlamydia and gonorrhea, to be certain of your status before delivery.  Around this time, some women feel an unpleasant "creepy-crawly" sensation in their lower legs and an irresistible urge to move them while trying to relax or sleep. If this sensation is at least temporarily relieved when you move, you may have what's known as restless legs syndrome (RLS). No one knows for sure what causes RLS, but it's relatively common among expectant mothers. Try stretching or massaging your legs, and cut down on caffeine, which can make the symptoms worse. Ask your caregiver if you should try iron supplements, which can sometimes relieve RLS."