mom

Way Overdue Pregnancy Update

Pregnancy

I last wrote about trying to conceive baby #3 back in April, it’s now the end of January 2023 (oops) so it’s time for a pregnancy update…

As a recap, I started ovulation testing after I had my IUD removed. I also wanted to try the Shettles Method to try and conceive a girl which meant not doing the deed 2-3 days prior to ovulation. So here’s how it’s going…

April: Had IUD removed and mother nature visited twice. My body was regulating itself from the hormone changes.
May: Wanted to find out when I actually ovulate so avoided getting pregnant this month. Learned I ovulate on CD16 (cycle day 16).
June: Really tried this month. I ovulated a day later than last month, CD17. With the Shettles Method, 3 days prior was apparently too far out for those little girl swimmers so wasn’t able to conceive.
July: Ovulated on CD16 but didn’t work out this month either.
August: At this point I am extremely disappointed/sad that I haven’t been able to conceive yet. I feel that I’d rather have a healthy baby regardless of gender than trying to continue the Shettles Method and not be able to conceive at all.

Should out to all the people who experience infertility and difficulties getting pregnancy. I know it can take a long time and my impatience after only 3 months of trying cannot compare to what you all have/or experiencing.

August Continued: I got my first very very very faint line on CD8! The relief that went through me was something I didn’t expect. I was just so happy to see that second line I didn’t care whether the Shettles Method worked or not.

It is currently the end of January 2023 and I’ve failed at bringing you along my pregnancy journey. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happened:

1st Trimester: I.WAS.MISERABLE. I had the worst morning sickness. My doctor told me that my morning sickness is more on the mild side compared to what other women experience but coming from two pregnancy where I experienced zero morning sickness, I was miserable. Shoutout to all the women who had it worst then me, I’m not sure how you did it. I did the SneakPeak Gender Test at home and it came back boy at 8 weeks pregnant. SneakPeak was accurate with my second child so I wanted to try it again this pregnancy. Results, boy.

2nd Trimester: FEELING GREAT! Pregnancy is such a weird thing. One moment you’re miserable the next you’re feeling wonderful. I’m definitely experiencing more pregnancy symptoms compared to my other two pregnancies but it hasn’t been anything too crazy.
At 14 weeks we did a 3D ultrasound. We did this mostly to see if the SneakPeak test was accurate but we also did this with my two boys. It’s a fun appointment that I enjoyed with the boys so I wanted to do it again. And the results came back GIRL! Imagine my confusion!

Now for the 20 week anatomy scan. This is the real appointment that will confirm the gender so I was so nervous. The tech confirmed baby is a… GIRL! I was hopefully because this pregnancy has been completely different than my first two pregnancies but I didn’t want to assume. I mean, I am older and this is the third time I’m putting my body through this experience. But I am so happy my third (and final) baby is a girl! Maybe the Shettles Method does work…

And that’s the latest on my pregnancy journey. Now it’s time to continue to organize all the baby stuff!

Next post: Baby Products for Baby #3

Koala Kloud Inflatable Footrest | Review

ALL THINGS TRAVEL, Product Reviews

When I was planning our cross country move which required air travel I wanted something to make my children more comfortable. I came across the Koala Kloud Inflatable Footrest and decided to give it a try.

I bought two (one for each kid) but I ended up only using one. Each cost approximately

Continue reading →

Top 20 Mom & Baby Products

ALL THINGS BABY, Product Reviews

With baby #2 arriving soon I am in complete nesting mode. I’ve organized all the baby stuff and rearranged furniture twice already, all of which are “reorganized” in their original location.

While unpacking and organizing I wanted to share my personal favorite go to products that make parenting (in my opinion) a little easier.

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Baby Products for Baby #2 | Same Gender

ALL THINGS BABY, Parenting

I’m currently 34 weeks pregnant with my second baby. We’re having another boy so I don’t need much since I have mostly everything from my first child.

For this post I’m leaving out diapers since those are kind of a given.

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Flight Attendant & Pregnancy | Update

ALL THINGS TRAVEL, Pregnancy

It’s been over a one month since my first post about being pregnant and working as a Flight Attendant so I thought it would be a good time to give an update on what’s been going on.

I am now 30 weeks pregnant and am now on state disability due to the coronavirus, COVID-19 outbreak. My doctor no longer finds it safe for me to be flying with the unknown of the effects on pregnant women on their unborn child(ren).

With that being said, I’m grateful to be home but with “shelter-in-place” I’m starting to go stir crazy in our one bedroom apartment. I didn’t realize how often I go outside with my little one. I have can’t leave the house because it’s not worth the risk but at the same time I’m desperate for some fresh air. But I’m thankful for mine and my family’s health and I hope this crazy pandemic ends soon for everyone.

The aviation industry is particularly struggling with this COVID-19 virus. Most airlines are operating at the bare minimum and some are even furloughing their flight attendants due to closing bases because they can’t afford to keep their employees. I selfishly feel safe at the current moment only because I’m on state disability but what’s going to happen when I return from my leave? Everything is so uncertain at this time. All we can do is stick together and do what we can to keep our jobs as essential workers.

To all my aviation workers, stay safe, stay healthy, stay positive. I’m thinking of you!

Aviation and pregnancy updates coming soon.

Do-It-Yourself | Personalized Newborn Pants

ALL THINGS BABY, DIY Baby Projects

Here’s another diy project created using my Silhouette Cameo 3 but this time I used newborn pants instead of a onsie. Not sure how I feel about them but once my little one is in them I’m sure they’ll be adorable.

I chose my favorite cursive font and used the simple text, “Baby Caleb” and “Caleb”.

In the design studio for Silhouette, I then sized them according to the size of the pants (in this case newborn size). “Baby Caleb” was approximately 2 inches wide and 5.5 inches long. “Caleb” was 2 inches wide and 4 inches long (I’ll have to double check the exact sizing. These are approximations).

Once you have the sizing you like, flip your design so it’s mirrored or backwards and then you’re finished creating the design.

For the cut settings I used “Heat Transfer: Smooth” and changed it to number 3 instead of the original setting because my blade is dull. Normally I would keep it on the preset setting.

Then send your design to cut and watch the magic happen!

Weed your design, place your design on your clothing of choice and iron. I am still using a regular iron which I feel doesn’t give the smoothest application and takes a bit longer to actually adhere to the clothing. I want to invest in the Cricut Easy Press 2 but haven’t gotten around to making the purchase.

If anyone has a review on the Cricut Easy press please let me know!

Happy crafting!

Also, please don’t mind the stained navy pant, these are hand me downs from my first son. I’ve never used vinyl on infant pants so these were also kind of a trial run that seemed very successful.

Update | Do-It-Yourself | Baby Girl Onesie

ALL THINGS BABY, DIY Baby Projects

Remember that baby girl onesie “Bows and Big Brows” that I made for my niece? If not, check out my post here for a step-by-step guide on how to create this onesie yourself with a cutting machine.

Well my niece arrived about a month ago and look who finally fits into it! Isn’t she precious?!

This is the first onesie I’ve made with a baby actually wearing it. It definitely looks more adorable when there’s an adorable baby wearing it!

Do-It-Yourself | “New to the Crew” Baby Onesie

ALL THINGS BABY, DIY Baby Projects

Here’s another diy for your shelter-in-place entertainment.

Again, using my Silhouette Cameo 3, I designed this using my favorite script font and some random “free design” accents that I downloaded for commercial use on the Silhouette Store. I placed them randomly to frame my design.

I sent my design to my cutting machine on “Heat Transfer: Smooth and changed it to setting 3 instead of 2 because my blade is getting dull.

Weed and place on a onesie and iron on! I still use a regular iron which is why I feel like my application isn’t the smoothest. I want to invest in the Cricut Easy Press 2 but that’ll have to wait. For now an iron will do.

I love that this can be personalized with baby’s last name to make it more personable.

Enjoy!

P.S. I swear that isn’t a Nike check. It was part of the free design on the Silhouette design store.

If you love this design but not up to making it yourself, you can head over to B&C Company and purchase a onesie for the little one in your life.

Flight Attendant & Pregnancy

ALL THINGS TRAVEL, Pregnancy

Being a flight attendant and being pregnant are both challenging but when you’re both at the same time you can imagine how one can impact the other.

For this post I’m going to share my experience as a pregnant flight attendant but please note that my experience could and most likely is completely different from someone else’s experience.

I am currently 23 weeks pregnant and for the most part I’m feeling ok. Back pain is starting to occur and I’ve had some slight cramping from what my doctor says is from my round ligaments not getting proper time to rest due to the nature of my job and caring for a 22 month old. Everything is safe and healthy, just uncomfortable and annoying especially when I’m working.

When it comes to performing the essential job functions I would say certain FA work positions are more challenging than the others. For me, it’s easiest if I’m one of the aisle FA’s meaning I’m the one in the aisle helping during boarding instead of being in the front or back of the plane setting up the galley’s. Galley positions are more physically demanding with lifting and bending more often so it’s more of a challenge for me. My belly still isn’t huge so I’m not exactly in the way when I’m in the aisle assisting with boarding yet.

I won’t lie when I say I’m exhausted by the end of he day even if I’m only doing 1-2 legs. Something about the higher altitude and just being on my feet for long periods of time makes me tired (or maybe I’m just out of shape).

I’ve spoken to my doctor about going out early for California State disability but since I’m healthy and no medical issues there isn’t a reason for me to be put on disability. At first I was upset because flying is tough on the body even if you aren’t pregnant so I was frustrated and felt like she didn’t understand the demands of my job, but after a day to stew, I’m actually very grateful that my baby and me are healthy. I feel fine as of now to continue working but it’s okay to fly (according to my doctor) up until 36 weeks. I honestly don’t think I’ll make it that far but we’ll see.

Now for those who have had miscarriages in the past or other medical challenges that put you in a high risk pregnancy I would definitely express your concerns to your doctor about going on disability/leave early, especially in the first trimester. I personally don’t have any experience but I’ve read and met enough women who said that flying increases the risk of miscarriage in the first trimester. So please do what you feel is best for yourself and your unborn child. Only you know what feels best, follow your intuitions.

I’ll be back with updates and let you all know how this whole experience is going.

Fly safe everyone!