Preparing for Childbirth

If you've been following this blog for a while, you know that I am a major proponent for women understanding their bodies, their health, their healthcare options and advocating for what is best for them and their family. You also probably know that pregnancy and childbirth fascinate me and I quite literally can't learn enough about it. Yes, I have gone through the labor and delivery process before {you can read Kenley's birth story HERE} but I know that every experience and every baby is different, so my passion for learning about the options and the process is just as strong as it was 3.5 years ago. No matter what kind of birth experience you desire, it's important to be educated! A quote from one of the recent books I read really stuck out to me:

"Birthing is so integral with life—so common—that choices surrounding it often get relegated to chance. We tend to go along with what everyone else is doing, assuming that must be for the best. Living in a technological society, we tend to think that the best of everything is the most expensive kind available. This is generally true, whether we are talking about cell phones, cameras, cars, or computers. When it comes to birth, it ain’t necessarily so."  —Ina May Gaskin

This quote is exactly why, I personally, think educating yourself on the process of labor and delivery and the different risks involved with different interventions {or lack thereof} is so very important. Going with the flow is a fantastic quality but when it comes to your health and the health of your baby understanding the process and possibilities and standing up for what is best for you is crucial. You wouldn't buy a house or a car without doing your research so why would you have a baby without doing the same? 

When preparing to give birth, whether it's your first time or your fifth, I have a few things that I would recommend to all my friends {like you guys!} no matter what kind of birth experience they hope to have.

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
I have been wanting to read this book since I was pregnant with Kenley but just never quite got around to it. It's a classic in the realm of natural childbirth so I was curious what all the fuss was about. Overall, I really liked the book. The first section is birth stories, and normally I'd be all over that. I love me a good birth story. BUT, these particular stories seemed more like an ad for The Farm {the community Ina created with a team of midwives for women to give birth at}, so I was a little offput. I ended up skipping over most of that section and getting to the good stuff. Whether you want a natural birth or are sure that you do not, I would recommend this book. It is very biased towards natural birth, but I figured that would obviously be the case. Even though I know I will give birth in a hospital and will likely request an epidural {again} it is still empowering and incredible to read information on how our bodies were made for this and how our emotions affect the process. You can't give yourself a heart transplant without medical intervention but you absolutely CAN {even if you don't want to} give birth without it. For me at least, it really motivated me to trust myself and my body to get my baby here and even though I will have help from doctors and nurses, I don't need {or want} to utilize everything that they have to offer.

Birth Plans for Dummies

I know, I know. It sounds so ridiculous right? But this book was actually really educational and super helpful. Even if you aren't planning on writing a birth plan, this is a good one to check out. It was kind of like reading a childbirth education class. It was a quick read as it was to the point and got right to the information. This really doesn't have any kind of bias towards natural birth or not, it simply delivers the facts and the options that women should be aware of before birth. If you are planning on putting together some kind of birth plan, absolutely read this book. It was a huge help to me {details on my birth plan for Ziggy coming up at some point soon}.

The Business of Being Born

I love this movie. Again, incredibly biased toward natural childbirth, but so so so educational. It's really eye opening and something all women should see before giving birth {in my opinion}. I wrote a longer review on the movie when I was pregnant with Kenley, you can read that HERE if you'd like.

Childbirth Education Classes

These classes seem to be a sort of a right of passage for first time expectant parents and while a lot of people roll their eyes at them I think they are so helpful. Sure, everyone learns differently, but I found the classes we took so extremely helpful and beneficial. It's so important for the daddy-to-be {or whoever your birth partner may be} to understand the process as well so they know what to expect and how to help you. I knew Jason wasn't about to read books on childbirth, so for us this was the perfect way for us to learn together. We decided we didn't need or want to take a class this time around, though, I know a lot of places offer a condensed refresher course for second time parents.

Birth Stories

Every woman's experience is so very different no matter what her plans or intentions are which is why I LOVE reading/hearing birth stories. I think reading the experiences of other women {or asking friends/family to share theirs} is an awesome way to learn about all the different things that can happen throughout the process. I am lucky to have had quite a few amazing women share their birth stories right here on mama and mou and believe me when I say I go back and read them often...especially now! 

So there you have it. My personal opinion on preparing to bring a baby into this world!
If you have any books, movies, blogs, etc that you recommend on the topic PLEASE pass it on...I can't get enough!

Recent Reads

I set a goal this year to read 15 books and have now exceeded it. It's funny to think back to my middle school and high school days when I dreaded having reading assignments because now I LOVE to read! A couple of my most recent reads were pretty good ones so I thought I'd share my thoughts in case any of you are looking for a good book to open up this winter! 

The Girl on a Train. I know pretty much everyone and their mother has read this book already but I just got on board {get it} last month as this was our pick for book club. I'd heard a lot of people say "if you liked Gone Girl, you'll like this one" and I loved Gone Girl. I definitely did not like this book as much as Gone Girl though they definitely had a similar feel. This one took me a bit to get into but once I did, I couldn't put it down. I'd say I'm not as over the moon about this book as so many people are, but I am glad I read it and would definitely recommend it.

  

Wild. This is probably my favorite book that I've read this year. I was engrossed in the story from page one and literally couldn't put this book down - we're talking 4 hour reading sessions without realizing it was suddenly one in the morning. It was a very interesting and inspiring story and definitely had me thinking what kind of profound thing I could do with my life that would lead to Reese Witherspoon playing me in a movie. I also watched the movie {I think the same day I finished the book} and while it was good and Reese was incredible it just didn't hold a candle to the book, like is usually the case. If you haven't read this one yet, do it. 

  

The Best of Me. Nicholas Sparks is my favorite author and I love pretty much every one of his books. While this one wasn't one of my favorites, I definitely enjoyed it and recommended it. I also watched this movie after finishing the book and have to say this might be the ONE instance in which I liked the movie better. There were some side stories in the book I didn't love and the movie cut those out. I know I'm not giving this a shining review, but truly if you are looking for a quick read and like love stories, this is a good one.

The Husbands Secret. This book I actually just finished last night, and really enjoyed it. The story follows three women whose lives are intertwined in an interesting web of secrets. It's funny and keeps your interest, definitely one I recommend! 

Have any you read any good books lately? Looking for my next read! 

My Happiness Project

Last month my book club read The Happiness Project which has me feeling all kinds of inspired. 

The Happiness Project is about an author who realizes that despite having a wonderful life she could be happier in her day-to-day life which leads her to go on a quest that she calls her Happiness Project. She sets different goals and resolutions for each month of one year and has to maintain the previous months resolutions as she adds more each month. It was a super fun read and, as I said, was very inspiring. {read the full synopsis HERE}

Reading this book got me thinking what I could do to make myself happier. Don't get me wrong, I love my life! In fact, this is probably the happiest I've ever been! Well, except for maybe when I was a kid and my greatest stress was which house we should go to for night games. However, despite having a great life, I still find myself feeling stressed out, self conscious, impatient and really I guess...less than happy from time to time.  

So I decided to jot down some of the areas in my life I think I could work on that would help me convert those negative feelings that creep in into more happiness and joy. What I came up with was

time management, patience, stress, health, finances & quality time with my little family. 

It just so happened to work out that there were six things that came to mind and six months left in 2015. So, much like in the book, I've decided to try and focus on one of these each month and build on what I've accomplished month by month. Within each of these categories I jotted down some resolutions that would help me improve in each of these areas.  When I made these lists I found that there was a lot of overlap, which has me excited in knowing if I work on this little-by-little it could really yield big results! 

So here are the things I want to work on each month and how I'm breaking down my happiness project, then each month I will create and share specific goals that will work as baby steps to achieve my resolutions and hopefully improve me in these areas. 

JULY: Health

• Create a workout routine and stick to it
• Meal Plan
• Quit Pop
• Cut back on the booze
• Drink more water
• Limit Starbucks
• Limit Meals Out
• Eat at home

AUGUST: Time Management 

• Wake up early
• Stick to a schedule
• Just say "No!"
• Accomplish a little at a time
• Get a good night sleep

SEPTEMBER: Stress

• Declutter / Clean
• Time Management
• Speak Up
• Just say "No!"
• Plan Ahead
• Yoga
• Get a good night sleep
• Me Time

OCTOBER: Finances

• Dave Ramsey
• Daily Budget Update
• No Spend Month
• Limit Starbucks
• Eat at home
• Work more 

NOVEMBER: Patience

• Time Management 
• Prioritize
• Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
• Learn
• Be Creative 

DECEMBER: Quality Time with my Little Family

• Time Management
• Limit Social Media / Phone
• Make Dates
• Create a Routine
• Family Dinner at the Table 
• Create Traditions

I'm really excited! I think everyone is always on a quest for self improvement and that quest is neverending, but I am looking forward to making some small changes that will enhance my life and the life of my family in a big way. You know what they say "if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." But truly, I am so so so happy - I just want to be a better Kristin! 

Check back tomorrow for my July goals!

Total Money Makeover

Paying off our student loans and credit card debt has been on the agenda for what feels like years, come to think of it, it has been years. We have had good intentions, but life gets in the way. For example, the nearly $1600 in {post-insurance} medical bills we've racked up in ONE month's time thanks to Kenley's foot, a fiasco with Jason's mouth and a teeth pulling for Bailey {which I would like to go on record saying cost more than the two human procedures combined}. It has finally gotten to the point where we realize we can't continue to take one step forward and two steps back forever, we need to just commit and get this done and move on with a wonderfully awesome debt free life.

After hearing so many good things from fellow bloggers {Erin & Bridget, I'm looking at you} about Dave Ramsey and his teachings, I decided to buy one of his books and see what all the fuss was about. I opted for The Total Money Makeover and am so glad I did. 

It was a super quick read but the way in which Dave explained getting out of debt totally spoke to me. In this particular book he equates getting "financially fit" with weight loss. Considering getting myself in shape has been a huge part of my life the past year, I could totally relate to everything he was saying. When it comes down to it, losing weight and getting in shape is all about dedication, commitment and math. Turns out it's same with finances - when you are dedicated and committed to sticking to a budget the math will work out and there will be extra money to put towards savings and debt.

What I loved most, though, is that this plan is all about baby steps. I am trying really hard in my daily life to live by that "Slight Edge" philosophy that small actions compounded over time yield big results and that is really what Dave's financial philosophy is as well. He has a list of "Baby Steps" that when followed, it leads you little by little to financial freedom. 

While the overall picture seems super daunting, breaking it down in to smaller, manageable and completely doable goals it makes it seem not so bad to get our finances in shape. Jason and I have set a money management date night for tomorrow and I'm excited to share what I've learned from Dave's book and work as a team to get a game plan in action!

Have any of you used Dave's plan?

Book Club :: The Woman Who Wasn't There

I feel pretty grown up and pretty darn cool saying that I am in a book club. My high school girlfriends decided that we needed to find an excuse to get together on a regular basis {outside of weddings and baby showers} and figured a book club was the perfect way. Our very first meeting was a raging success filled with wine, pizza and actually talking about books {we weren't entirely confident we would ever actually discuss books at our book club and were prepared to be more of just a club}. For our first read we decided on The Woman Who Wasn't There by Robin Gaby Fisher and Angelo J. Guglielmo, Jr. 

This book is about a 9/11 survivor with an incredible story about her experience in the South Tower and her husband who died in the North Tower. This women uses her incredible story to spearhead a 9/11 survivors network and works tireless to help heal survivors suffering from survivor guilt and get their group noticed and heard amongst all the support geared towards families who lost loved ones and the rescuers. But it turns out, much of this story doesn't match up. 

Synopsis via Amazon.com: "Tania Head’s astonishing account of her experience on September 11, 2001, was a tale of loss and recovery, of courage and sorrow, of horror and inspiration. It transformed her into one of the great victims and heroes of that tragic day. But there was something very wrong with Tania’s story—a terrible secret that would break the hearts and challenge the faith of all those she claimed to champion. 

Told with the unique insider perspective of Angelo J. Guglielmo, Jr., a filmmaker shooting a documentary on the efforts of the Survivors’ Network, and previously one of Tania’s closest friends,The Woman Who Wasn’t There is the story of one of the most audacious and bewildering quests for acclaim in recent memory—one that poses fascinating questions about the essence of morality and the human need for connection at any cost."

Overall, I thought this was a good book. It's always interesting reading about 9/11 and this book was no exception. I did feel like the book was filled was a lot of unnecessary information that really didn't add anything to the story - it felt like the authors were just throwing in some historical information just to beef up the content. I was also a little disappointed in the ending. Going in I knew the gyst of how it would end, but overall I thought it was a bit anti-climatic. But, with that being said, it's a quick and interesting read that will definitely inspire some post-read google time to find out more about this woman who told a pretty incredible lie and maintained it for quite some time. 

Next up for book club, Where'd You Go, Bernadette?

Anyone read either of these books?

Thoughts?

Kenley's Baby Book

I didn't start Kenley's baby book until after she was born - which I regret. BUT, thanks to this here blog I had my entire pregnancy and her whole first year documented. Thank goodness because without it I don't think I'd remember a dang thing.I looked at A LOT of different baby books, none of which really got me excited so I decided to create my own using Shutterfly. Shutterfly offers a ton of different photobook layouts and designs but also allows you to customize it - which is what I did. I am pretty obsessed with how it turned out and Kenley loves it too! 

Here are a few of our favorite pages...

Let me tell you, this book was a labor of love. I put more time than I care to admit putting it together but am so, so happy with it. It's such a special keepsake that I can share with Kenley and I think it will mean even more that I made it special just for her.

be sure to visit my friend:

Prospice {+ a Giveaway!}

A few months ago, I was at work, business as usual when my sister-in-law sends me a message via g-chat basically saying "my mom wrote a book, would you review it on your blog?" My immediate response {in my head} was "WHAAAAAAT?!" I have known Tate {my sister-in-law} and her family for almost 10 years {she and my brother are high school sweethearts} and I was completely shocked that her mom, Karen, had written a book. Not shocked because I didn't think she could do it, but because I never knew it was something she was doing. And, the fact that it was both written and published was really cool! Not to mention I have a not-so-secret-dream of someday writing and publishing a book, so I was also a twinge jealous. 

I get my copy of the book, signed copy thank you very much, and I dive in. I'm not going to lie to you, I was nervous about this. What if the book absolutely sucked? I would hate to give a negative review but there was no way I was going to encourage my beloved blog readers to read a book that was bad. Well you guys, not only was the book good, but I couldn't put it down and absolutely loved it! No lie!

The story pulled me in almost immediately and it didn't take long to really fall in love with the characters. Karen did an incredible job of keeping the story interesting, keeping it moving {don't you hate when stories just drag on?} but she also took the time to thoughtfully build the characters. I truly felt like I knew these people and for that reason felt connected to the story. I couldn't put the book down because I was desperate to know what happened to this family - not just the main character, Dinah, but all of them. To top it off I was sad when it ended. Actually bummed that I couldn't read more about these amazing people I had gotten so attached to.

Me & Karen at the launch of Prospice!

Here's an overview of Prospice via Barnes & Noble:

Struggling to move on with her life after she loses her husband in World War II, Caroline Hunt brings her two daughters back to her childhood home in Salem, Massachusetts. Caroline's chance meeting with her college sweetheart leads to a complex union that weaves two families together, bringing both great joy and heartrending sorrow. At the center of this compelling drama is the simmering, uncontainable attraction felt by step-siblings Dinah and Tru.

A profoundly stirring story of young people on the brink of adulthood and the stark realities of family life-including harrowing grief and the consequences of long-buried secrets-Prospice is rich with psychological detail and unforgettably delineated characters. In elegant prose and pitch-perfect period detail, Karen Kelly draws us deep inside the lives of her characters, offering poignant humor along with page-turning suspense that will captivate readers to the very last, revealing page.

Prospice is Latin for "look ahead," an apt designation for this beautifully wrought debut sure to be embraced by all who love The Memory Keeper's Daughter or the novels of Julia Glass and Ann Patchett. Evocatively portraying several generations of vividly drawn women, it is the story of a family that learns, through sorrow and loss, to find happiness and the strength to look ahead.

This is the first book I have finished since having Kenley and that's a big deal because it's not the first book I started. This has really been the only one to keep my attention and I finished it in just a couple of days. If you are looking for a great book to snuggle up by the fire and read during these chilly fall and winter months, Prospice is it! 

To read a sample of Prospice click right HERE!

Karen has so generously offered to give away a book to one of my wonderful readers!!! Use the form below to enter and I will announce a winner next Friday!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you don't win, go buy it in Hardcover, Paperback or for your Nook HERE.
Kindle users go HERE.

I was given a complimentary book to review but the opinions in this post are my own. 

Five on Friday.

It's Friday! Can I get a WHAT WHAT?
Normally this would mean I am at home with my peanut but today I am sweating my bootay off, running around like a crazy person and helping my dad make sure his big tournament goes off without a hitch....oh, and I may or may not be recovering from the BEYONCE concert last night! HOLLER!

Anyways, since I'm away from the blog world today I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to link -up for 5 on Fridays for the first time and share some random shiz that's on my mind.

 

UNO. 
It drives me bonkers when the only video you can find on YouTube for a new song is the lyrics. COME ON people, I want to see the music video! BUT, Karmin has a KICKASS lyric video that I have become strangely obsessed with. Check it out: 

DOS. 
{totally just looked up how to spell "dos". idiot.}
My sister-in-law's{my brother's wife} mom wrote a book! Like a legit novel. That was published. And is sold at Barnes & Noble. HOW COOL IS THAT?

The book sounds really good and I'm excited to read it!
Full review to come!
But in the meantime you should check it out online...and buy it...and then give it a five star review.
CLICK HERE!
OK? Thanks!


TRES.
Two weeks from today I will be in Chicago...and then will be back again the following weekend! I love Chicago and have been many times but always love finding new things to do or new restaurants to try!

Anyone have any fun recommendations?
We'll obvi be stopping by RPM in hopes of running in to B&G and getting the Kenley & Duke wedding ball rolling.


CUATRO.
I tried, I tried so damn hard to not play Candy Crush. In fact, I made so much fun of Jason and Carolyn for playing and then one day I tried it....and now I can't stop.

Anyone else totally addicted to this damn game?


CINCO. 
The Beeb's baby shower is ONE WEEK AWAY! One frickin' week! I am so damn excited. I have a TON to do this week, but I've made myself a checklist, a shopping list and a schedule so I am ready to dominate and throw the best damn shower in the history of baby showers. Well, second best, because nothing will beat my Bee Shower. 

Have a great weekend everyone!

Baby Talk :: Mama Must Haves

Happy Tuesday mamas....it's time for another edition of BABY TALK!

Here's the rules:
{1} Write a post on ANYTHING baby related...pregnancy, parenting, products, stories, advice, you name it!
{2} Grab this button and put it somewhere, anywhere in your post!

<div class="BUSY-BEE-button" style="width: 250px; margin: 0 auto;"> <a href="http://fawver.blogspot.com"> <img src="http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r529/knfawver/baby-talk-button_zps829f6bd6.jpg" alt="BUSY BEE" width="250" height="250" /> </a> </div>

{3} Publish your post on Tuesday!
{4} Come back and enter your post in the super neat link-up tool found at the bottom of every Baby Talk post.
{5} Check back and read the other blogs who have linked up!

Easy as pie!

-----------

I've been a mom for over a year now {I am counting pregnancy as being a mom--because you totally count as a mom the second you see that plus sign} and I feel like I've done a pretty good job so far, but not without help. It takes a lot to take of a baby but you also need to take care of yourself - the happier mama is, the happier baby is.

I've complied a list of the things I deem "Must Have" for mamas and have broken them down into Pregnancy, Childbirth and New Mamahood categories:

Pregnancy

• Tums - I popped these bad boys from day one. I had crazy heartburn and tons of tummy aches so Tums were always found in my purse, at my desk and on my nightstand. 
• Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy - I love this book so much. It's a hysterical look at the craziness that is pregnancy. It's so sarcastic and funny but still helpful. Out of all the pregnancy books I read {and I read a lot of them}, this one was my favorite! 
• Tumbler - I am horrible at drinking water but I was constantly thirsty while pregnant and found that a cute tumbler helped me to drink more water throughout the day. 
• Pillows - I know mom-to-bes who swear by their body pillows, but I could just never justify the cost. I did find that a butt load of regular pillows did the trick! I'd sleep with one or two under my head, one between my legs and then I hugged one. 
• Cocoa Butter Lotion - Stretch marks are hereditary, so I don't know how much help this lotion actually is for that but I do know that stretch marks or not your belly will ITCH as it stretches and gets bigger and for that reason this stuff is amazing! Plus, I love how it smells! 

Childbirth

• Tuck's Medicated Pads - I've heard of people making "padsicles" but in my opinion ain't nobody got time for that. In the hospital and for probably two weeks after delivery I lined my pad with three medicated pads and it felt like absolutely bliss on my beat up hoo-ha. 
• Lightweight Comfy Robe - Hospital rooms are freezing! But, along with childbirth comes post-delivery night sweats (so fun), so having a comfy lightweight robe is crucial. Plus it's easy to open up for breastfeeding and great to cover up when visitors stop by. And let's be honest..it's been 7 months and I still wear mine pretty much every day. 
• Gatorade - While laboring at home and after getting my epidural I was so dang thirsty. Gatorade was perfect because it tasted yummy, hydrated me and had calories to give me some energy since I couldn't eat. 
• CHAPSTICK - Along with being so dang thirsty comes incredibly chapped lips, like brutally dry. EOS Lip Balm is my all time favorite and it definitely came in handy during labor and delivery and those first few days in the hospital and at home. 
• Movies / TV Season DVDs - I suppose this depends on your labor / delivery / hospital but I was SO glad we brought a season of Friends. We watched a bunch of episodes after I got my epidural and we were waiting for progress and we also watched it in the hospital room between visitors. There were very few TV channels so it was nice to have something we enjoyed to occupy the down time. 

New Mamahood

• Easy Expression Bustier - The precursor to this is that you need an electric breast pump! I cannot imagine using one of the hand express ones---I imagine hand cramps and carpel tunnel and a fast track to formula town. But anyways, this bra is the bomb.com. 
• Sleep Sheep - If your baby is sleeping in your room to start I HIGHLY recommend the sleep sheep {thank you Brynn for ours!} Babies make crazy noises when they sleep and when you're a new mom you will wake up to ALL of them. The sleep sheep makes white noise to help drown out babies noises as well as your noises so you don't wake baby. Plus, look how cute it is! 
• What to Expect the First Year - This is a monstrous book but I love having it on hand to read as a new month in Kenley's life comes up. It's got super helpful information and guidelines.
• A cute diaper bag - let's be honest, this bag becomes your purse the second you leave the house for the first time, so you better like it and love carrying it. Dad probably won't love carrying it no matter what it looks like...so get it for you! 
• Netflix - Whether you are able to "sleep when baby sleeps" or not, Netflix is a must have in my opinion. When I was on maternity leave I pretty much had it on non-stop. The baby sleeps a lot, but when she's awake pretty much all she does is eat, so it was nice to be entertained while nursing. Plus, Jason and I didn't get out much so we watched shows and movies together pretty much every night those first few weeks couple of months. 

Any of you mamas have anything to add?