Happy New Year (and no baby yet…)
Hi guys, just checking in! No baby yet, we are on Day 3 of BabyWatch since she had the official EDD of January 2nd.
Went to the midwife, body is not really showing signs of being ready; tomorrow I am going for an NST and biophysical workup to ensure the baby is doing well and I am providing a good home for her for now. But I am not too worried. An EDD is an estimated due date, and I can feel my body adjusting and changing every day so I don't think it will be much longer.
Yesterday I ventured out and got a pedicure (OPI, will have to report back with the color but it's a hot pink very similar to the accent color for the nursery) and a brow wax. Amazing how little things like that can totally change your outlook. I feel much more positive! Also on New Year's Eve I took a very long bath, gave my hair a deep conditioning treatment (some sample from Ojion) and a face mask (good old Milk of Magnesia – never tried it before) and that helped a lot too.
My hair seems really happy from being air dried – yesterday I took a bath after washing my hair like normal. Think the steam and having it piled on my head did wonders for I had these silky shiny curls all day long. My hair is getting really long and I think in the New Year I will let it get long and a bit wild/kinky. My hair always is more manageable and curlier when longer and think by summer it could look pretty cool and be around my shoulder blades. As for product, I am still fiercely loyal to Pureology hydrate shampoo and conditioner (the ones in the purple bottles) and Matrix Curl.Life Contouring Milk (very small amount scrunched and let to air dry). I just bought refills yesterday since there was a salon next to the nail salon that carried both brands.
I was getting some weird breakouts but switched from my Body Shop Moisture White face cleansing powder to Avalon Organics Vitamin C Refreshing Cleansing Gel and my skin seems far happier. Usually in the winter I have sensitive and very dry skin but with the pregnancy I have been oilier and I think a bit more… durable. I still only wash at night and just use rosewater witch hazel to cleanse in the morning. For moisture, at night I am using Body Shop's Vitamin E Night Cream, daytime is Keihl's SPF 15 moisturizer, and eyes it is the Avon ANEW Clinical Eye Lift
, which is a gel for the upper eye and a cream for the lower eye. Relatively happy with all of them, though both the day and night moisturizers are just from using what is on hand and trying to clean out the linen closet and medicine cabinet before I purchase anything new. So if any of you have moisturizers that you think are the Holy Grail, I would love to hear about them!
As for the Avon ANEW Clinical Eye Lift… I do like it. I love the gel/cream combo because nothing is left to be greasy, or cause puffiness. A little goes a long way, my eyes never feel irritated, and makeup goes on easily without fading or slipping later in the day. I don't think it has transformed my eye area, but I do notice that when I don't use it for a day or two my eye area is a bit more sensitive, red, and dry (which makes my bagginess and beginning of lines more pronounced). I have a friend who started selling Avon this summer; if she hadn't I wouldn't have tried any of their products because I just have a negative opinion of the brand from childhood. However everything OI have tried thus far has been at least as good as a drug store brand, if not better. The prices are fantastic, and they usually have some deal with free shipping so Avon has become relatively appealing to me in the past few months. 🙂
As for the New Year, I didn't really decide to make a ton of resolutions because I never keep them and then just end up with guilt. However through this pregnancy I have learned a lot about myself and other people and hope to adjust myself a bit in the New Year based on these observations.
I will be a more giving friend. I think I am a pretty good friend, but I am a cautious/shy one. With the pregnancy, my father in law's death, the house remodel, I have seen many people we know just step up to the situation. The day we found out about my husband's dad a couple we are close with showed up at 4pm with two frozen lasagnas, two loaves of garlic bread, a few bags of chips and bottles of soda and some DVDs. They didn't call, they didn't ask what we needed, they just came. They brought what they would appreciate if in the same situation and it was so sweet of a gesture. It was also nice to not have to think about what to make for dinner. the wife just preheated my oven and got to work, the husband immediately started the DVD player trying to get my husband into conversation and laughter.
We had similar experiences from others the past few months that make us so grateful and feel so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing souls. In 2009, I would like to be even more like one of those souls – to stop waiting to find out where I am needed and find the need. To not hesitate, thinking I may do the wrong thing. For when one is in need, it's not as much about what is given as that something is given. And I desire to be a more openly giving person.
I will be more active. A little over a year ago, I was going kigong twice a week and yoga 2-4 times a week. I was trying to live a more simple life, often walking to the market with my rolling cart instead of driving the half mile. My husband and I would go on hikes or rides on our tandem bike on Sundays. I got down to where I could occasionally wear a size 10, I felt great in my body, had good energy and spirit.
Somehow, I lost a lot of that. Yoga dropped to 1-2 times a week and a couple half-hearted sun salutations each morning. The couch somehow became more comfortable and the tandem bike is covered with dust. It didn't help that I had serious RLP from walking starting my second trimester and then was forced on bed rest.
Actually, I see bed rest as a blessing because it showed how desperately my figure needs movement and exercise. Diet is fine, but I have a body that responds more so to exercise – when I move, I feel better, I lose weight faster, I crave different foods and feel more myself and less punished. I am antsy, day dreaming about hikes in the woods, swimming laps at the indoor pool in town, riding the tandem on back roads in the country, even my work commute and the walk in the city. As I have always felt, I don't care about what size I wear or what the scale says. It's about having a body that works well – that can get me around town, can help me enjoy outdoor vacations, that will let me keep up with this daughter that will arrive any day, and keep me strong enough to see her grow up and become an adult.
I know exercise will have to come slow after the baby arrives – but even 10 minute daily walks around the block will be seen as a decadent treat after bed rest. I am okay with taking it slow – no major goals to fit into certain things by certain dates. Just about regaining the strength of me two years ago and continuing down such a path.
I will be more mindful of my health. In the same vein as the previous goal, but more about what I consume. I think I eat far more healthy than most people I know but I know I can do better. I love to cook – I need to do it more often. Eating more seasonally, getting further from the cheeses and pastas and trying new grains and vegetables. When I consume alcohol, to have it be worthy of my time – quality wine that is savored not gulped, etc. To be more mindful of what I put in my mouth and make each sip or bite deserving and worth it.
Well I should take my afternoon nap so I can keep this BP nice and low for tomorrow's NST! 🙂
Did you like what you just read?
Consider tapping here to buy me a coffee in thanks. The best gift you can give a content creator is the gift of sharing. Consider sharing this article on Facebook or Pinterest. Thank you so much for your support!
I usually do not comment but I have been coming by your blog for a while now. I really enjoy your posts. I just wanted to let you know that I hope that you have an easy and safe delivery of that baby girl.
Lisa in Texas = )
Checking in to see if the little one has arrived…
Good luck and best wishes!
Daily updates? please?
*sigh* back out here checking again Allie. My prayers are with you to have a safe and joyful delivery.
Hi Allie,
Just checking in to see how things are coming along! Wishing you a quick and easy delivery! You have the best attitude!
Good Luck!
Bonnie (Mike’s Mom)
I just wanted to say that I hope everything goes well for you and your baby.
Happy New Year!!!
Cecília
Although the last days of a pregnancy uncomfortably drag along, you’ll remember them fondly someday. My babies were born 20+ years ago, were each 2 weeks overdue, and 9 or 10 pounds. I was a whale! But now my heart warms at those memories. God bless, Martha
Hi Allie,
I love your attitude, too. Not only to fashion but also to childbirth. I gave birth to my #1 last February and was stressed out even before the EDD that he will be late. Best of luck with the childbirth, looking back it was one of the best experiences I had. A little pain is not too much a price to pay for holding the most precious thing imaginable in your hands.
As for skincare advice, I’ll second the one reader above. I am a Paula’s Choice devotee as well. I’ve been using her products for almost 10 years now, and never had better skin. Her products are really very well formulated and work great. Not all of them have the most elegant texture, but I do not mind. Her prices went up the last year but they are still reasonable for what you get. Also, she has wonderful customer service and a great return policy. (I really don’t work for her 🙂
And last, regarding working out, did you ever hear about Callanetics. It is strange but it really works. I just finished my 10th hour, and nothing in my small wardrobe fits anymore 🙂 But more importantly my body feels great.
Good luck!
Hi Allie,
I was reading about your resolutions for 2009, particularly the one about being more active. I know when the baby comes you won’t have as much time as you used to have, so if you are looking for a quick workout that you can do in the house(say when your daughter is napping), the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred is a great one. It’s only 27 minutes (this includes the warmup, 18 workout, and cooldown) and it kicks your butt. I’m already noticing changes to my body and my endurance. The thing I like about it is that it is an intense workout that you can do in a short period of time. It might be worth looking into when the baby comes.
Just checking Allie! We are all anxious for you!
Dear Allie,
I have been reading with great interest to see how you are doing. My thoughts are with you as you get into waiting mode! I had two early ones but #3 was quite late, and I remember the frustration! It sounds like you have a great attitude about it all. I loved Ina May’s guide, and was lucky to have the loveliest homebirth with #2. The others somehow insisted in being born in the hospital, even though they were uncomplicated births.
Those are great resolutions. My best weight loss secret was breastfeeding too (as another commenter said)! I was a size 14 when I got pregnant with #1, and by the time he was 14 months, I was down to a size 8, very healthily, eating whatever I wanted! I’ve never been a size 14 since, have not nursed since my last was 2.5, and have stayed a pretty healthy size 10. This is a great time for you to be eating healthy and just thinking about you and the babe, not weight loss. As for activity, it will come as the babe grows and you are busy with your new life.
My skincare routine is using Paula Begoun’s stuff (www.cosmeticcop.com). I’ve been using it for 10+ years, and no one ever believes I am in my early 40’s! They always think I am around 35 or so, so how can I complain? Clear skin, and i feel more comfortable than ever, being able to get away without foundation and coverage, still look professional with a teeny bit of powder and lippy.
Anyway, best wishes to you over the next few weeks. You’ll be in my thoughts,
Mitra
I’m so excited for you as you wait for your little girl. Taking it slow after birth is a good thing. My #1 weight loss trick after pregnancy is breastfeeding. 🙂 Be sure to have your local La Leche League leader’s phone number on hand for after your baby’s birth. It’s good to have if you need it.
As for my face routine…right now I wash with sulfer soap and sometimes use baking soda to exfoliate. Olive oil is a great moisturizer at night. I’m still looking for a good day time one. I’ve heard some people cleanse with honey with great success.
I felt the same way about avon until my mom started selling it, and then I fell in love with it. They do a lot of research and have some great items.
I’m happy to hear you are doing well, I feel like you r my friend, not in a creepy way, lol. But I’m always excited to visit your blogs.
Good luck!
Heres to a happy and healthy 2009 for you and your baby! I can’t wait to hear the great news 🙂
I keep checking to see if you’ve had your baby yet. (I’m excited to see what clothes you put on her!)
Good luck!
I thought I’d come on here today and see that you had your little one! But nothing yet so it seems.
Regarding my HG of moisturizers, I have two. The first is my morning one: Oil of Olay Complete Sensitive Skin with SPF 15. I use the moisturizer form in the summer and the thicker cream in the winter. I love it.
The second is my nighttime one: plain old extra virgin olive oil. The same stuff I use to cook with. I keep a small jar in the bathroom and put a few drops in my palm, rub to warm it up and massage it into my face. It’s anti-inflammatory so it really helps any pimples that crop up and keeps my skin oh so soft. Plus, how much more natural can you get?
Happy New Year! Looking forward to hearing the good news!
Allie, I wish you well for the baby and hope that she is not too much longer!!
I also wish you well with the resolutions, I always get the “guilt” too so I have gone for lifestyle changes this year!
Babies have their own schedules, as you are discovering. They are real little people and you are about to embark on a wonderful journey. And just had to comment on the kindness of others…5 years ago we went through a major, very serious illness with one of our children (doing fine now), and I will NEVER forget how friends, neighbors, and even complete strangers stepped out of the shadows and touched our lives. From that I learned to just do it…send the card, bake the lasagna, make the call. Just reach out and let them know you are thinking of them. It means more than you will ever know, and can help sustain someone in the depths of despair. All the best to you.
— Grace in MA
http://www.tycromedia.com i found a new shopping site its good
I’ve lurked on your blog for a while (I jump over here from Between My Peers) and I just wanted to say hi for once! 🙂 I am also pregnant with a little girl – due in just 7 weeks.
I love your hair/makeup/outfit posts and think you have such a fun style! Good luck with your birth and looking forward to seeing photos of the little dear along with house remodel updates! (and of course, your wardrobe again!!) 🙂
-Natalie in TX
Sad to see that the baby has yet to arrived but as you said, may be it’s just not her time to come into play. She’ll be beautiful when she does!
Even if your New Year’s Resolutions are simple, I think they are lovely. It shows how good of a person you are to have such ideas.
I wish you, your husband, and your soon to be delivered daughter the best of luck in the new year!
I’ve been checking in so I’m glad to see you’re ok. But shoot, I was kinda hoping for a New Year’s Day baby. : )
Keep us posted!
What an exciting journey.
Let your body help the little one get ready – I love your attitude about it. I have three late-comers myself and was glad to let them pick their own date.
You ROCK!
My skin is doing great this winter by forgoing all cleansers – just slather face with olive oil and wipe off with a hot washcloth. At night, if I need to, I just pat on a bit more olive oil.
Day moisturizer is Bobbi Brown tinted face balm. Awesome stuff. Wish it came in a different shaped jar though.
Prior to starting this routine, I had dry patches with regular breakouts. Was using salicylic acid, clean and clear, and pore strips. Haven’t had a breakout in months with this new gentle routine. Blackheads on my nose look better too.
Wishing you a blissful birth! Babies are so awesome!
I’ve been checking in daily on you and the little one! Glad to hear that all is well! Great resolutions, and they mirror most of my own. I just love your blog and love your outlook on life…good luck to you in 2009 w/your new little girl and new house!