Home Birth vs Hospital Birth

When I found out I was pregnant with James I always thought you would have an OB and would birth in a hospital. Well, I was misinformed and had NO IDEA that there were midwives out there who would allow you to birth your baby at home.

Now don't get me wrong - my OB's (yes plural - I saw many) were all great. But they didn't really give you the time of day unless you were high risk. James`delivering doctor was also great. She was very supportive of a natural birth but again - once he was born I was left to the nurses - now they were a different story.

This time around, I ditched the OB and went with a midwifery practice and I must say - things are SO MUCH BETTER! Not only do these women listen to you, but they actually want to be there for you. We have some of the same beliefs about birth and that was one big thing for me.

My whole outlook on birth changed after James. I can say that I have changed as a person with wanting to be more natural -- greener, crunchier if that`s what you want to call it.

So for baby #2 I want a home birth - and I want it BAD!

Chris and I have already agreed that this will be our last child. We decided awhile back that two was perfect for us (but things could change) so since this is going to be my last pregnancy, birth etc, I want to be at home, where I am comfortable and I want to do things my way.

Chris has plans of his own I guess. He is not down for this at all. Every time I even breech the subject I get "No! What if something were to happen? I would never forgive you" Harsh hey?

But I take it with a grain of salt knowing he hasn't done any research on the subject, nor has he asked what I want. Well, he does know what I want - but he let's it go in one ear and out the other... I've explained that it's my birth! While this is our child, I am the one birthing this life and I want to do it the way I want to. But it's been so damn difficult. He just doesn't understand.

While in the hospital with James I felt so out of place. We stayed 3 days..yes 3 DAYS (I have a natural vaginal birth with NO complications!) because I couldn't nurse him right. I was frustrated and I just wanted to be home. This time around I want to be in my own surroundings, free to do as I please and how I please.

I am adamant to birth this baby at home but I need my husbands support as well.

I am hoping to do updates on this subject as my pregnancy progresses. Wish me luck ladies!

Much love
xoxo
 

Omaiki Ö Sleep & Ö Signature diaper Reviews

Ok I am FINALLY getting to my review of the NEW Omaiki Ö Sleep fitted nighttime diaper and their Signature Pocket Diaper. I feel terrible that it has taken me this long, but nonetheless, here it is.

Omaiki was running a giveaway on their FB page one day - it was for their new Ö Sleep diaper. Now if you remember I did a review and a giveaway for their original Ö Sleep diaper and fell in love with them instantly. Well, I still love the Ö Sleep diaper. We never have any issues with it. I make sure I put an extra insert in it for J but it holds up so well.

Any ways - I won the giveaway and was sent a new version of the Ö Sleep. 

Now you're probably wondering what's different - right? Well first off the outer material is an Organic Cotton.  The print is SUPER cute! The Velcro has also changed. BUT now you can get the new Ö Sleep diaper in SNAPS!! Yup, that's right. Omaiki now had a snapped fitted Ö Sleep diaper. So great! 

Now I do have to say that while I love the print, I feel though as it's not as absorbent as the Original Ö Sleep diaper. The other one I have is much more plush - also the Velcro doesn't seem to be 'as strong' as the original. Now I'm guessing this could be because they have used an Organic Cotton, rather than the Bamboo, but either way, after I stick the Velcro on - it stays on. Other than that, the Ö Sleep is just a good as the Original. The inner is the same - it has the extra, sewn in liner. Still washes wonderfully and dries as fast as an AIO fitted diaper can! 

I highly suggest this diaper for overnight use, or if you have a heavy wetter. Again, Omaiki is Canadian which I love. I am very impressed with this diaper and plan to use it with baby number two as well! 

Now on to the Ö Signature diaper!

I was very surprised to find this diaper in my fluffy mail. Omaiki sent this diaper along with the fitted diaper i had one. (Thank you Omaiki!) The Ö Signature diaper is a one sized, pocket diaper that rocks! 

How cute is this print?? I love that Omaiki doesn't use stock prints (Know what I mean??) anyways, I was very excited to get this bad boy on James. The fit is great and it's super easy to snap. It has a three rise snap setting which makes for a smaller fit on a smaller baby (bonus!) the only down side is it doesn't have cross over snaps. I would LOVE that. Again, the Ö Signature diaper comes in Snaps or Velcro.

The inside is made up of 100% polyester, but is very soft. It has a front pocket opening, that is quite large and easy to stuff. Plus if James does a number 2 it's easy to pull the insert out and I don't have to get my hands near any poop! The leg elastics are WELL MADE! It gives lots of room to get a good fit around James' chubby legs, but it doesn't leave red marks. Solids just roll off if this diaper - Chris says that's a big plus! 

The insert I received is HUGE! Really. I can stuff the diaper and then fold the front down to get an extra layer of insert for James. *I measured it! It's 58cm LONG!* We have traveled with this diaper and have made is almost 4 hours and NO LEAKS! 

Front pocket opening

This insert is folded IN HALF! 

I have to say I am also very impressed with the Ö Signature diaper. It's one of our GO TO diapers and James has asked for it "Mum BUE Boy diaper" as he would say. Again, I would recommend this diaper to others looking for a great pocket, CANADIAN made diaper. I'm saving some pennies to purchase some of their Mini O diapers for baby number 2. I will most defiantly be doing a review on those once I have bub!

Thank you to Omaiki for letting me review your great diaper's AGAIN! It's always a pleasure working with you.

Much love

xoxo

 

Please note that ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. I was sent sample products for review purposes only. My opinion may differ from others. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me! 

18 weeks and some

"Are you sure you're only 18 weeks?" - this the statement I get A LOT! Yes, I am only 18 weeks (and 3 days, but who is counting?) I don't even think I am that big - but anyway!

We are creeping up on 20 weeks, which I am so freaking excited about! Hitting that mark will just make me feel better. I don't know why, but I am looking forward to it.

I have finally gained back weight! YIPPEE! I think I am at 159lbs which is a 4 lbs gain. I could eat anything - at any time EXCEPT for peas. I still cannot stand those suckers!

I am still craving ice tea and lemonade as well as Orange Julius. Anything semi frozen or SUPER cold. Mmmm mmm mmm!

I am in the planning stages for our Gender Reveal party on June 9th. We find out June 8th (Which I have said, about a zillion times by now) I will be doing cupcakes, filled with the corresponding gender color (vanilla pudding with dye) and for the food, we will be doing a BBQ. I want to do mini sliders and mini hot dogs and what not. Everything little! Everyone is getting together for this! I can't wait!

I have been experiencing sciatica pain, as well as round ligament pain. There are days where I can barely walk and others that I feel fine. I never experienced this with James, so it's new to me and really scared the crap out of me. I will be talking to my midwife at my next appointment to see what there is I can do.

So other than that - and maybe my clothes not fitting very well any more - I am feeling and doing great! I went out today and bought a couple new cotton dresses. I have a very strong feeling that I will be living in them for the next few months. I actually have to go back to get a couple more. They are HEAVEN!!

18 weeks 3 days. 

Much love
xoxo

I know...Excuses, excuses.

I feel really bad - I do not know how many of these posts I have done apologizing for lack of posts but we were on a mini vacation - again!

I do have a lot to write about. I hit 18 weeks today so there will be a post about that. There will, also be a few reviews as well - Milan Maternity. Omaiki Diapers, Cuppow (which I still haven't posted!)

I also will be starting my Baby Buys posts as well. I am hoping that after 20 weeks and the gender reveal I can start these. I am going to get them written up and will post as I go.

So there, it is short and simple but I am hoping to get at least my reviews done my Sunday!

Again thank you for hanging in there with me. OH one more thing - I do have another Trendy Maternity review coming up... plus there will be a little somethin somethin to go along with it!

Much love
xoxo

17 weeks and a midwife appointment

On Monday - Chris and I went for our midwife appointment. I was so excited that he was going to be able to come with me, as he hasn't been to one yet. Janice was in that day (which I was glad as I really like her) We talked about my lack of weight gain and she wasn't to concerned at the moment as I'm still only 17 weeks and the pounds will show up! We also discussed how my prenatal vitamins are making me feel - SICK! So I now am going on a different kind - here's a funny pregnancy moment; I got a call from Karen the receptionist to let me know that I forgot to take my prescription - here I am going nuts thinking I lost it!

Anyways, we finished talking about how I need more protein and how I could get that through snacks and what not. Then she felt my tummy and showed me where my uterus was. Now THAT was cool. We also got to hear the heartbeat! The look on Chris' face was just awesome. I think it finally sank in that there is another little bub that we created growing in my uterus. We even got to hear some movement - it was a funny sound like a "WOUMP" Janice said that the heartbeat sounded great (160BPM) and that everything is looking good.

I feel good. Although there are some days that I am just exhausted. But I think that comes with having a toddler to chase after all day long. But I don't mind, James and I get to nap together which I love. He snuggles right on up to me.

The cravings are back. Mushroom soup! Ahh I want it all the time. Then it's cheese whiz on toast... I give in every time.

So, I am in my 17th week - only 3 more to go till the half way mark. We have started to make predictions on what this little one will be - a lot of people are saying girl so of course I'm saying boy! But my mother's intuition is saying girl as well. Only a few more weeks till we find out.

17 week belly shot. It's funny cause I don't look this big in person.

So there you have it. Hope you all have a great weekend. We are out of town AGAIN!

Much love
xoxo

Fun on his bike

During our annual Spring clean up, my MIL found a trike on the side of the road for pick up. It was missing a seat but my FIL said that wasn't and issue - he could fix it.

Well, he did fix it for James - he made a brand spankin' new seat. James LOVES his trike. I mean like LOVES LOVES it. When we stay overnight there, the first thing he wants to do in the morning is go outside to ride it down the driveway.

He didn't like his helmet at first but after I said that he wasn't allowed to ride it without it on he fully agreed and puts it on himself.

Here are some photos from Mother's day - we spent most of the day outside as it was a GORGEOUS day out!

P.s. I will be doing another post about my midwife appointment today after!

Much love
xoxo

Wednesday's Words

I don't have a photo for Wordless Wednesday today so I thought I would do something different. I haven't done an update on James' vocabulary in sometime so here it is!

First off I want to say that it seems like his words went from non existent to BAM THERE!

Mom/Mommy
Dad/Daddy
Sammi (His Aunt)
Tana (his Aunt)
Nana
Papa
Ana (Grandma)
Jock (Grandpa)
Baba (G-Grams)
Dido (G-Gpas)
Bob
Matt
Oh No!
Eww
Moon
Starts
Cow
Horsey
Dog
Plane
Open
Up/Down
Teeth
Head/Nose/ear/eye/knee/foot/hand
book
hat
shoes
one/two/three/four
No/Yes
pee/poo
hi/bye
baby
car
go/stop
please/thank you (tu-tu!)
Pizza
Uh oh
apple
pear
banana
milk
red/yellow/green (geen)/ purple/ blue
shirt
socks
cookie
Big
HEP! (Help)
Chip
sorry
water
bath
shower
sit
sip
Bird
what
My Turn!
Okay
diaper
pants

He knows almost all the letter of the Alphabet - k, q, w we are still working on.

He is also starting to put words together in sentences - We will be getting ready to go outside and he will come up and say "Mom - shoes on peas! At first I just looked at him with a HUGE grin on my face! "Ok shoes on!

He also knows most of the Sesame Street friends - Elmo (Momo), Cooka (Cookie Monster) Abby, Burt, Ernie, Big Bird, as well as Choo Choo (Thomas the train and friends lol)

I will continue to update this post - it's very hard to think of all the words off the top of my head!

I am such a proud mommy!


Much love
xoxo

Weeks 15 & 16

Woohoo! 4 months down!

So there isn't a whole lot to report... my belly is getting HUGE! Honestly, I look like I did when I was 6 months along with James. The odd thing is I haven't gained anything really. I weighed myself two days ago and I'm at 157.5 lbs. I lost 1.5 lbs. This does concern me, but I am eating and it's been healthier - so I will talk with my midwife next week when I go and see her.

So week 16: Baby is about the size of an Avocado. (Roughly 5 inches and about 3.5 oz) I haven't had a whole lot of cravings - while away on the weekend I REALLY wanted that crap peach juice that you would find at the fair... but sadly - I was unable to find it. On our way home I was snacking on BBQ Crispers, Bugles and a Pineapple Mango juice - let's just say - it wasn't pretty coming back up! I've been downing water like it's going out of style. I need it super cold and WITH ice! But other than that - nothing much.

We go in 31 days to find out if this one is a little boy or a little girl. Personally I think it's another boy. I will be shocked if it's a girl.

On Monday I see the midwife again - I cannot wait to hear bubs heart beat again. That sound is just - amazing!

I think I will start my baby buys posts and what not after 20 weeks. ie: newborn cloth diapers, carriers etc.

Time is just flying by! I'm just so darn excited!

Baby at 15 weeks

`16 weeks exact - last night's photo was definitely a food baby! 

Much love
xoxo

Weekend Wedding Bliss

This past weekend Chris, James and I travelled to my home town (well... I was born there lol) to celebrate the Marriage of my cousin Kim!


I won't make this a long post cause I have some pictures to share - but I will say it was a beautiful wedding. There were a lot of laughs, there were some tears but most of all there was a lot of love.

Congratulations to my wonderful, beautiful cousin Kim and her new husband Jacob. Love you tons!

Much love
xoxo
 

Wordless Wednesday - Hair Cut!

Before (Not the best picture)

After - So handsome! 

Much love
xoxo

He did it!

AHH! I am so beyond proud of my husband!

On Friday, he wrote his IP exam to become a Red Seal Tradesman. We haven't got his mark back yet but he feels confident to say that he passed!! He is now a Journeyman! ..::UPDATE::.. He got his mark today - 77% - PASS!

This is something he has been working towards for sometime and he is finally done. He still cannot believe that he is done. I'm just so proud of him.

So that's my Tuesday post... I have a bunch of stuff to write about. Our 5 day trip to see my parents, the wedding we will be attending on Saturday and a review on a Milan Maternity dress. Also have a 15 week update post to write tomorrow... but it will be later as we have some running around to do. J is going to get his first professional haircut tomorrow.. he's in desperate need!

Happy Tuesday!

Much love
xoxo