35 weeks, new rug kits, and more!

Another month just slipped right by, while I was... working, chasing a toddler, prepping for fall crafts, growing a baby, sleeping. Who knows. I can't believe it went as fast as it did. And now I am over 35 weeks pregnant, which means the new baby will be here before we all know it.

Normally this time of year, I transition from my busy summer job at the park to a quieter time with Pip at home, with some part time work and crafty business mixed in. This year with the new baby on the way I am still transitioning to spending more time at home, but I won't be working through the winter. I am however, going to try to spend some time on crafts. I have been working on some new rug-hooking kits as I have a few teaching/demonstration opportunities coming up.

This is my newest coaster kit: pumpkin spice, and I am working on hooking a couple other example coasters for previously developed kits. I have re-vamped the look of my kits to have better instructions, and a more visually appealing display page. I am hoping that will bring good sales at this year's Espanola Fibre Arts Festival.

I have a few more fall updates to share, but I will save them for another post or two :) Hopefully I can get back into a more regular posting schedule!

Margot

Dear Pip: Where does the time go?

Dear Pip,

At almost 32 weeks I can't believe how fast things are going! We recently had a visit to the doctor and everything was looking good. You are still in a head down position with a good heart rate, and my bump measured at about 30cm, again right about on par for my expected size. My blood pressure is still good, and the only thing I learned was that my iron is rather low. This explains the extreme tiredness I was experiencing! The doctor suggested some iron supplements and they have helped me re-gain some energy.

We also had an extra ultrasound, hoping to get a good look at your sweet little face. But because of your position, it was still difficult. The technician said it seemed as though you were playing peek-a-boo. And we managed to get a couple quick looks at your face:

Daddy and I have started to take birth education classes at Glow Maternity. Our instructor, Desiree, is a sweetheart, and we are learning lots of things about this whole process. It is just amazing how many options there are throughout pregnancy, labour and delivery.

We still have to book a tour of the hospital, but we have a little time. And we are slowly working on getting everything ready. You have no idea all the commotion going on out here, while you wait in the safe surroundings of my belly. I think you can hear me talking to you, because you are wiggling around pretty good right now. It's so cute to watch my belly ripple while you stretch out your little legs and move your feet. :)

Only 8 weeks to go now, I can hardly believe it!

Love Always,
Mama

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

My internet isn't working at home right now, when it is I will be sure to add in a couple photos! :)

Medication and the bump

Before you jump out of your chair and begin to type furiously, commenting on all the negative effects on my baby, just read along for a bit.

I am not claiming that I am ok with using any medication on the shelf, but I think that there is currently some kind of negative connotation associated with using any and all medications during pregnancy. I understand that there are serious complications associated with the use of some medications during pregnancy, but after speaking with a friend (who is a pediatrician) I have found that there are some that are quite safe to use. She informed me of a site called Motherisk where many common medications are listed along with any risks or effects of use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. As it turns out, Sick Kids, has done studies as well as collected information on studies done by other groups on the effects of certain medications and their use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Through my conversation with my friend, and my research on this site, I learned that it is safe to continue using my inhaler and to take acetaminophen in the case of any intense pain or headache. My inhaler is important because I have allergies to furry friends and over the counter allergy medications are not a good idea to use during pregnancy (partly because they have so many different medications nowadays, and you are taking something for a symptom you don't have), so being able to use my inhaler is a great way to be able to breath when I am visiting family or friends with pets who make my breathing difficult. As for acetaminophen I haven't taken any yet, but it is nice to know that if anything arises I could take one in order to help alleviate the pain.

And then there is the whole issue of pain relief during labour. Nowadays we are stuck on this idea of a "natural" birth. There are classes offered on how to hypnotize yourself to reduce the pain so you don't have to give in and take medication; because using medication can be seen as a weakness. I feel that it should be the decision of the mother - the person going through the birthing process, and that any need for medical intervention should not be viewed as a sign of weakness or a less natural birth. I'm not going to delve any farther into this topic, there was a great post by another blogger I wanted to share, but I just can't seem to find it again. I haven't got my birthing plan completely figured out, but I am preparing myself to be accepting of whatever happens. If I need medication I will take it, and if other measures are necessary to keep myself and the baby safe and happy then I will try them willingly. I have always been open to new ideas and suggestions, and I'm not going to change that now.

Anyways, sorry about the rant. I wanted to share my thoughts, and I have. I hope I haven't upset anyone. Mostly I wanted to share the Motherisk website; for anyone who is curious about certain medications it is a fantastic resource!

It is my grandmother's 92nd birthday today, and I'm heading to Orillia after work to visit with her and some other family and have supper. I'm really looking forward to it! She is a pretty special person in my life, and I can't wait to take little Pip there to meet her in May!

I hope you are all having a lovely Thursday. Chat soon.
xox

Maternity Style

I promised I wasn't going to purchase any maternity clothes, mostly because they are expensive for the amount of time you wear them. And then I was perusing the Shabby Apple website, and noticed that they have a maternity line... of course they do.

I just love this simple cotton wrap dress, and they have a sale going on right now. I might have to break my promise to myself, and get just one thing. But I'm going to think about it for a while first.

Have you found any must-haves online recently? Share below!
xox