BG :: Life and Design

Harrison :: 3 Months

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:01:00 +0000

Ok, seriously? You are already 3 months old? I just don't see how that's possible, in more ways than one. It seems these three months have gone by incredibly fast and at the same time it feels like you've been here for a lifetime.

You are such a happy baby. While your mom has been struggling with balance, you have been a light through it all. When people ask how being a parent is I can never seem to find the words. It isn't like anything I could of ever imagined. It's wonderful, it's hard and it's the greatest thing I know I'll ever do. YOU are already mommy and daddy's greatest accomplishment.

This month you've rolled over from belly to back, you had your first real laugh, you smile all the time and I can't get enough of those chubby cheeks. You've developed a more predictable napping schedule, which is oh so helpful. About two weeks shy of the 3 month mark you officially made the transition in to 3-6 month clothing. According to our scale you weighed 16.5 pounds at the 3 month mark.

Mom has become one of "those" parents posting your picture to every social network imaginable on a daily basis. Apologies to future-teenager-Harrison who will probably hate me.

Sleep is so much better than it was in the beginning, you're now going 3-4 hours between eating, which is AMAZING.

We love you so so so much, little man.

Bookin' it up

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Sooo I've slowed way down on reading. Having a baby will do that to you apparently. But I have managed to squeeze in a few good reads the past couple months.

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Date finished: January 28, 2012
Rating: 4 stars
From Goodreads:
When Richard Mayhew stops one day to help a girl he finds bleeding on a London pavement, his life is forever altered, for he finds himself propelled into an alternative reality that exists in a subterranean labyrinth of sewer canals and abandoned subway stations. He has fallen through the cracks of reality and has landed somewhere different, somewhere that is Neverwhere.

My review:
I don't think I fully appreciated this book until I was finished with it. The underground world and stories that the author creates are so different and macabre that the entire time I was reading all I could think was what the eff?! Overall, it's a great story full of grisly imagination. This is a must read especially if you're in to urban fantasy books.

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
Date finished: January 30, 2012
Rating: 4 stars
From Goodreads:
Nine-year-old Oskar Schell has embarked on an urgent, secret mission that will take him through the five boroughs of New York. His goal is to find the lock that matches a mysterious key that belonged to his father, who died in the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11. This seemingly impossible task will bring Oskar into contact with survivors of all sorts on an exhilarating, affecting, often hilarious, and ultimately healing journey.

My review:
Absolutely heart-wrenching book. I adored this story. Anyone who was alive and can remember September 11, 2001 can tell you exactly what they were doing, how they heard the terrible news and the feelings they experienced that day. This book does an incredible job of exploring those feelings through the eyes of a 9 year old who lost his father on that infamous day. My one and only complaint is Oskar is not always a believable character but he definitely makes the story better.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Date finished: February 5, 2012
Rating: 2 stars
From Goodreads:
When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

My review:
It was so freaking predictable! Not to mention this book had some of the same old borrowed story lines I've seen soooo many times before. I don't want to give away any spoilers but this read as a Twilight/Harry Potter/Star Wars knockoff (and not in a good way).

The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak
Date finished: March 31, 2012
Rating: 5 stars
From Goodreads:
Death, a sardonic and articulate character who is afraid of humans, narrates this WWII coming-of-age story about faith, love, hope amidst tragedy.

Zusak has created a work that deserves the attention of sophisticated teen and adult readers. Death himself narrates the World War II-era story of Liesel Meminger from the time she is taken, at age nine, to live in Molching, Germany, with a foster family in a working-class neighborhood of tough kids, acid-tongued mothers, and loving fathers who earn their living by the work of their hands.

My review:
Such a beautiful story. Death, as the narrator, shares the story of a young girl in Nazi Germany. While there are feel-good moments, this story is raw, sad and certainly doesn't have a happy ending--as is the case in times of war. The characters were my favorite part of this book--Liesel, Hans, Rosa, Max, Rudy--all have incredible character development and I grew to love each and every one of them. Highly recommend this book!

Next up on my to-read list: Delirium by Lauren Oliver.

What are you reading?

Harrison :: 2 months

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:54:00 +0000

How is this even possible? You are growing way too fast!

At your two month appointment you weighed in at 14 lbs 1/2 oz. You're 23 1/2 inches. You're incredibly healthy and strong. You got your first round of shots and daddy had to hold you because mommy was on the verge of tears. But just as you have before, you proved how tough you were and only cried for a second.

You spent the majority of this month wanting to be held and cuddled--which means the house is a disaster and mom is always starving. But toward the end of the month you showed more interest in hanging out, chomping on your hands--THANK GOODNESS. :)

Since I've been feeling a whole lot better we've got to venture out of the house a lot more. You are a ham, smiling for all the ladies and letting them ooh and aah over how freaking cute you are. You seem to enjoy being in your stroller as you almost always fall asleep.

Sleep has been a little better. Now you'll go 2.5-3 hours between feedings. Baby steps, right? :)

You have the best little smile. Seriously. We're still waiting on that first giggle though.

We love you so much, but could you stop growing up so fast? K thanks. ;)

Life Update

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:16:00 +0000

Oh, hiiiiii. Miss me? From my perspective life has been go, go, go lately and I have been soooo freaking busy. From our new neighbors' perspective I look like the crazy lady who is always in sweats and a sports bra and never leaves the house. That's life these days but I've slowly getting my mojo back and I'M OH SO READY to be out and about living my normal life again. Well, normal with the addition of a little human tagging along. :)

Since I posted the birth story I've had a few other snags with my recovery including an infection, more antibiotics, the ever-so-awkward visit to a butt doctor and having to get cauterized {yup, down there, ouch}. It has been rough. And after a long talk with my doctor he pretty much said that I suck at healing and Baby Garner #2 {a big fat if at this point} will probably have to be a C-section.
Tyler and I went on our first post-baby date. Dinner and The Hunger Games. It was so much fun. I definitely LOVED the movie but I can't wait to own it and watch it on the comfort of my own couch without my boobs aching the whole time. haha, TMI, sorry. :)
I'm finally getting back in to reading! I realized I was feeling more stressed than normal and I really, truly believe it was because I hadn't been reading. During the end of the year I was reading A TON and to just stop post-baby, my brain was confused. But now I'm back to it (Delirium, really good so far) and it feels so goooood.
Do you realize it's April already?! Maternity leave is going by way too fast...

Balancing work/life/baby is becoming more second nature. I'm finally getting the hang of it!
Currently at BGD I'm offering $10 custom blog headers! Check out the deal here!
I'm still offering $15 custom digital birth announcements as well. :)

Can you believe I made it through a whole post without posting a picture of Harrison?

You didn't think I could really do that, did you? :) xo.

Harrison :: 1 Month

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Happy one month, sweet boy! It's been a quick 4 weeks as we've been getting to know each other. Mom and dad love you more each day as we see that personality start to emerge out of such a little person. Sometimes, you'll randomly yell "oooh" or give a hilarious look then your dad and I will just look at each other and start cracking up. Nothing gets us more than when you crack that gummy smile, it's incredible.

You are so strong. If you didn't prove it during my delivery, it is definitely apparent now. You're already holding your head up and using your legs to scoot across mom and dad when we're holding you. Tummy time isn't your favorite but we just think it's because you think it's too easy. ;)

You love your bath time, sitting up in the boppy, eating {all the time} and staring at yourself in the mirror. Sometimes you'll seem inconsolable but all we'll have to do is stand up and walk around. You love to explore your world and, according to you, the best seat in the house is looking over mom or dad's shoulder as we're standing.

You hate sleeping on your back, being swaddled, and having your diaper changed (you've communicated this by peeing on us a couple of times).

Sleeping hasn't exactly been easy on mommy this month. You like to eat and you are very punctual, every two hours, like clockwork. It's ok though because we know you're a growing boy. We'll work on a sleep schedule later. Right now, I actually enjoy our middle of the night feeding sessions--we're both drowsy but so happy--you getting to eat and me staring into your sweet eyes. I know most of the time I'm cranky to daddy the next morning but I think he understands and he's been dealing with it well. :)

At your two day appointment you lost weight--7 pounds, 15 ounces. At your two week appointment you proved to Dr. Brown just how much you eat and weighed in at 9 pounds, 4 ounces. We were assured then that your baby acne and going cross eyed {which you have since stopped} was completely normal.

You look exactly like your dad, it's amazing. Same head shape, eyes, eye lashes, chin, ears, hair line. You got my cheeks and you are definitely ticklish like me. Your hair is growing in nicely in the back but is still scarce up front. It's sort of hilarious.

We love you, lemonhead. And we can't wait to see how much you change in the coming month. :)

BGD Shop Update :: And a deal!

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 01:38:00 +0000

Let me just begin by saying that getting in to a working groove with a newborn is not easy business. And I totally admire all of you women who make a living from home, you are superwomen. Harrison and I are working out a little schedule--my biggest problem right now being the decision as to whether I should nap while he naps, or work while he naps. :)

Currently, at BGD, I'm offering $15 custom digital birth announcements. So that could be a design that exists in my shop already or a completely custom design to match your individual taste. A digital design will allow you the ease to print anywhere {I recommend the awesome folks at smartpress.com}. There are no restrictions on this deal; we can do two-sided, pictures or no pictures and as many proofs as needed to make it perfect for you. :)

I do offer printing services if you'd rather go that route. Email me {brittanyngarner (at) gmail.com} if you have any questions!

St. Patrick's Day :: Free Printable

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:00:00 +0000

To celebrate the grand reopening of Brittany Garner Design after my maternity leave here is a free St. Patrick's Day printable! Just click on the picture, print on a piece of card stock, frame and enjoy!

Harrison Photo Dump

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:53:00 +0000

If you follow me on Twitter or are friends with me on Facebook, I apologize as you've probably seen these pictures eleventy billion times. :)

These first few weeks at home with Harrison have been amazing. Hard, for sure but amazing just the same. I have been pretty good about reminding myself that these days won't last forever, before I know it he'll be growing up before my eyes; playing his first sport, getting his driver's license, going off to college. I feel like he's changed so much already. Time needs to slow the eff down!

Post-Pregnancy Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Thank you all for your kind comments on Harrison's Birth Story. I know it must of been really traumatic to read and I really hope I didn't freak anyone out too much. I mostly wrote it for Tyler and I but I appreciate all of the kind words. :)

I still can't believe an 8 pound, 7 ounce human came out of me. Every time I look at him it blows my mind all over again.
My belly is really...squishy. I feel like things haven't really settled in there yet. Which is weird. I also can't wait until I can work out again and try to firm it up.
After being afraid to weigh myself, I finally did and I'm only 7 pounds from my starting weight! But I was not happy with my weight when I got pregnant so really I'm 17 pounds from where I want to be.
Healing "down there" is a bitch. I'll feel fine one hour and be sore the next.
One of my most favorite things is watching Tyler with Harrison. It is just the sweetest thing.
My second most favorite thing is watching my parents as first-time grandparents. They couldn't be more in love.
I'm beginning to understand just how hard it is to be a mom. Lots of work, little praise. But I'm dealing with it.
I'm also starting to realize how awesome it is to be a mom. Seriously. I mean, I get to stare at this handsome face every day:

Harrison's Birth Story

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

He’s here. Mr. Harrison Gordon Garner finally made his long awaited appearance. Harrison was born February 9, 2012 at 7:34 p.m. He weighed 8 lbs, 7 oz and measured 21 inches long. His journey in to the world was anything but smooth, however, everyone was amazed that through my entire labor his heart rate never fluctuated. He was a strong little guy from the beginning.

The non-plan.

I approached labor and birth with a completely open mind. I didn’t want to have an elaborate birth plan only to have something go wrong and, knowing me, completely stressing myself out. The one and only thing I didn’t want was induction. Almost everything I had heard about being induced was negative—longer labors, more complications, higher chance of c-section—and I wanted to avoid that at all costs. So when Mr. Harrison was late and my doctor set up an induction date of February 9^th, the stress immediately set in. I immediately started googling “natural labor inducing methods” and trying every one I could find. (None of them work, by the way.) By the time the 8^th rolled around I was pretty much resigned to the fact that I would be going in at 7:30 the next morning to be induced.

And then Nature laughed.

We went to bed around 11:30 that night. At 11:59 p.m. (I distinctly remember looking at the clock) I got up to pee and felt a little trickle out. My first thought was oh shit, I go this whole pregnancy without peeing myself and I have to start now. Then when I sat down on the toilet and everything came pouring out I realized my water had broke. HOLY CRAP. I yelled Tyler’s name. No answer. Tyler. No answer. TYLER. Huh? MY WATER BROKE. OH HOLY SHIT WHAT DO WE DO OH MY GOD OK. I just had to laugh. At this point I had been up since 8 a.m. that morning—so a total of 15 hours—little did I know this would be my longest stretch being awake in my whole life.

The long morning.

We got to the hospital at 1 a.m. They checked to make sure my water broke (side note: it doesn’t stop…like I was leaking all the way through, pretty gross) and then they moved us to our labor room. We met our nurse, Lori, who was absolutely amazing and who I would have as my nurse later in postpartum. The next 4 hours were spent walking the halls as contractions got stronger and stronger. My doctor wasn’t on until 7:30 and the doctor on call wanted to start me on Pitocin to get things rolling at 3 a.m. I was not thrilled about this but was so overwhelmed and, to be frank, freaked out I didn’t say anything. Thankfully, our amazing nurse saw the look on my face and suggested we wait until my doctor was on to get things rolling. So thankful she spoke up for me. This gave my body the time I think it needed to get things going on its own. So the next six hours were spent walking the halls, bending over on Tyler each time I had a contraction and anticipating Harrison’s arrival.

7 a.m.

I remember thinking the morning was going by so quickly. I was in pain, but it was manageable and I was more worried about how intense they would get after Pitocin was started. I got hooked up to the IV—my first ever—and attempted to watch a movie. No go, couldn’t focus. Tyler attempted to get some sleep on the super comfortable (sarcasm) couch-bed. My doctor came in to see me at this point but I couldn’t tell you what we talked about other than I was still only 2 cm dilated. I do remember him looking me in the eye and saying, “You’re going to have a baby today!” At 8 a.m. I was starving and my doctor ok’d a light breakfast—big mistake—later I felt like I was going to throw it up because of the pain of the contractions. However, it was good I ate because I wouldn’t eat again until close to midnight. Contractions continued to get stronger but I got really good at breathing through them. Time was flying by, suddenly it was 10 a.m. and my mom showed up. We talked, I breathed through contractions and by 1 p.m. I was dilated to a 6. By then the pain was so intense and contractions were regular so I asked for an epidural. My plan all along was to go as long as I could without the epidural knowing that ultimately, I would probably get one.

The final stretch—kind of.

The epidural hurt. Really freaking bad. It didn’t help that I got the biggest doofus for an anesthesiologist who was talking about random things while poking and prodding around my spine. It also didn’t help that he offered no warning as to when he was going to poke me and he had a problem finding the right spot. I was bawling, squeezing Tyler’s hand and terrified I was going to be paralyzed because I was moving so much (I really wasn’t, it just felt like it). But when Dr. Doofus finally got the epidural in, it was instant relief. Tyler even said I took a nap—don’t remember it but at least I got some rest. At 5 p.m. I was 9.5 cm dilated and soon after I felt the urge to push. My family left to go to the waiting room fully expecting to hold a newborn baby in about an hour. Unfortunately, this is when things went downhill.

The main event.

The epidural was wearing off a bit so I was able to feel contractions as I started pushing. I got in to a good rhythm and honestly felt like I was doing a good job. They could see his head but every time I pushed it was a two steps forward, one step back kind of thing. Harrison was slowly making his way out. After an hour of pushing the lack of sleep, not eating for 10 hours and just pure exhaustion was getting to me. At this point, my poor nurse, whose aim was to be encouraging, mistakenly said, “You’re about halfway done!” ONLY HALFWAY?! That was the first time I thought I was going to die. Pushing continued and it turns out Harrison was sideways, making his descent that much more difficult. At two and a half hours of pushing the decision was made to use the vacuum on the poor little guy. I was exhausted and my pushing was making little to no progress each time. As I watched the doctors and nurses get ready for his arrival it felt like a dream. There were a few more nurses in the room, Tyler was dutifully putting cool wash cloths on my forehead and it was almost time to meet my son. The vacuum was in place and I felt another contraction come on. My doctor asked if it was ok to make a little incision to help him come out. My mind immediately flashed to all of the reading I did on episiotomies and how awful they were so I blurted out NO. But back tracked when I realized he wouldn’t have suggested it if it wasn’t necessary and said that if he thought it was necessary then yes, absolutely do it. He ended up not doing the episiotomy and I wonder if the outcome of my labor would have been better if he did. I’ll get to that in a second. So the vacuum was in place and I was pushing through a contraction. I felt him crowning at the end of the contraction and there I had to stay, with his head halfway out, until the next contraction. I have never felt such pain in my life. It was also the longest minute and a half of my life. Finally, the next contraction came and I was determined to get him out so I pushed with everything I had and I felt, then saw, his little body come out. He immediately started crying so they put him to my chest. I was bawling, I couldn’t believe I did it. I was looking at my son. Tyler was crying. We were both just in awe that he was here. Harrison stopped crying on my chest and looked in to my eyes and I immediately fell in love.

Oblivious.

If I would have been more observant at the time I would of realized that not everything was fine and dandy. The nurses looked frantic and my doctor looked more serious and focused than I’ve ever seen him. Turns out I lost a lot of blood, like I was inches from a transfusion. On top of that, I had a fourth degree tear, the worst possible tear you can have. To put it mildly, I was a mess. It took a good 30 minutes but my doctor got me stitched up. My family, I was told, was freaking out. My mom was pacing by the door because she had a terrible feeling that something was wrong. Everyone was relieved when they could finally come in and hold the little guy.

Harrison.

The poor guy had a big knot and bruise on his head from the vacuum. We were told it was likely he would develop jaundice because of the bruising but he never did. See? Tough little guy. He couldn't have a bath until close to 2 a.m. that night because he was running a slight fever. But thankfully, that subsided pretty quickly. He didn't cry getting his shots or even when he got his circumcision. Such a good baby.

Postpartum.

That night was really hard. I attempted to walk to the bathroom at around 2 a.m. and started to feel really nauseous. My nurse was with me and called for another nurse to get the backward wheelchair thingy (I don’t know) to help me get back to my bed. As I was about to step to the chair, everything went black and I actually said, “I’m blacking out.” I collapsed and felt all of these arms catching me then holding me up. It’s amazing how quickly there were four nurses there to help. This was the second time I thought I was going to die. It was scary. When they got me back to my bed I immediately started bawling, I never imagined it childbirth would be this hard. Tyler was out of the room helping to give Harrison his first bath. Just one of the many things I missed on his first night. I wasn’t able to get out of bed—except to pee in the portable-chair-toilet—for over 24 hours. It was hell. My hemoglobin count was extremely low and I had to keep the IV in until my last night in the hospital. Pain meds helped a little but I felt very helpless during my stay. Tyler was an absolute saint, he got up every time Harrison cried, changed every diaper, and took care of me the best he could. The nurses were HEAVEN SENT. I couldn’t imagine having to do their job but they did it with humor and a smile on their face, which I appreciated so much.

Recovery.

I’m slowly starting to feel like my old self. I’m healing well and even got out of the house to go to Target on Harrison’s 12^thday. I’m not going to lie, this whole experience was terrifying and I doubt I will want to go through it again anytime soon (if ever) but I am so in love with our boy. He’s perfect. So I guess all of the clichés are true in that I’d do it all over again just for him.

Going home :)

Harrison Gordon

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 15:19:00 +0000

He's here! Harrison Gordon Garner was born February 9, 2012 at 7:34 p.m. 8 lbs, 7 oz. 21 inches long. It was a long, hard labor {20 hours long to be exact} but he was so worth it. Birth story coming soon! :)

40 Weeks :: DUE DATE

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:08:00 +0000

So, uh, I made it. 40 weeks of pregnancy. Wow. Now, ironically, all I can think to write is GET THIS BABY OUT OF ME.

I had an appointment this morning where he checked the fluid around baby, did a non-stress test and checked my cervix. I'm still only dilated 1-2 cm and my cervix is waaay up there. Which is discouraging. I go back on Monday for another non-stress test {hopefully I don't make it} and we scheduled the induction for Thursday, February 9th at 6 a.m. {hopefully we definitely don't make it to that}. But it's nice to have an end date.

How far along? 40 weeks! Fully cooked!
Size of baby: About 7.5 pounds.
Total weight gain/loss: +27. That's enough.
Stretch marks? No. How the hell did I escape without one? I guess I still have a chance.
Sleep: Shitttttttyyyy.
Best moment this week: Walks with Tyler and the pups. I have so enjoyed the awesome weather that's allowed me to walk a lot.
Worst moment this week: Finding out I suck at being dilated. LET'S GO, HARRISON.
Movement: Still a mover.
Food cravings: Milkshakes. Nom.
Sex: All male.
Labor Signs: Contractions but nothing super painful. Dilated 1-2 cm. Aaaaand 40 WEEKS!
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: See every other pregnancy post. They all apply at this point.
What I am looking forward to: This hopefully being my last pregnancy post? HA. Meeting him. Finally.
Weekly Wisdom: Getting your cervix check freaking hurts. Not sure if I mentioned that before, but holy shit. Ow.
Milestones: 40 WEEKS!!!

Currently.

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

loving my little family and the fact that it's about to grow by one very, very soon.

reading Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. it's incredibly good and extremely heartbreaking.

anticipating the birth of our little squishy. I JUST WANT TO MEET HIM ALREADY.

missing my body {not that I was in great shape before pregnancy}, I just want to be able to move again.

trying to relax and take little moments for myself throughout the day.

creating a human. my toughest creation yet. ;)

enjoying afternoon walks with the dogs. this fabulous weather. waiting for baby boy. so many things.

annoyed with uber-religious rants, just because I don't agree with you doesn't make me less than you.

wondering if I will sleep tonight. if the past three nights are any indicator, the answer is a big fat no.

I wish I could sum up all of my feelings currently in just a few sentences. Truth is I am such a big ball of emotions, I find myself so excited one second and completely terrified the next. I'm sure Tyler is getting so tired of hearing, "TYLER. WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A CHILD SOON." I say it at least a dozen times a day. But it's true, we will go from non-parents to parents so quickly {fingers crossed that it's quickly} and our lives will be redefined forever.

Quickly. Redefined. Forever. Big words, lots of meaning. I've spent my days soaking this all in.

Spending the majority of my days alone lately has allowed for so much reflection. And thinking, a lot of thinking. The thought of going through labor is still extremely scary. I honestly doubt that I'm strong enough. I guess we'll find out soon enough. Everyone tells me I'll forget about the pain the minute he's put in to my arms...I'll believe that when it happens. Everyone says our lives are going to change completely...this I believe and I don't know if I'm ready. Everyone says things will be better than they ever were before...this I believe wholeheartedly.

I find myself going in to the nursery, realizing there's nothing left to add except the little bean so I just sit and stare. That's probably the hardest part, everything I can possibly do is done...it's out of my hands now. This is certainly a lesson in patience and learning to let go for me.

Regardless, this thing is about to go down and whether it's beautiful or scary I know that I will love Harrison with more than I have ever known I was capable of loving. And that is the feeling I'm looking forward to the most.

39 Weeks :: Getting down to the wire

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:03:00 +0000

Everyone keeps telling me I've dropped. I feel it, but I don't see it. We had an ultrasound on Monday after I had been measuring small. Our doctor just wanted to make sure the little man was growing ok. We were definitely freaked out but it turns out his head is just waaay down there and he's estimated at a healthy 7.4 pounds. What a relief. :) It was cool to see the 3D image of him...we saw his lips and little nose but the cord was skewing the rest of his face. So incredible.

I'm 1 cm dilated but my cervix is still facing slightly down. Apparently contractions are supposed to put it in to position but I haven't had many so the doctor thinks I'm going over my due date. Lame.

How far along? 39 weeks!!!!
Size of baby: About 7.4 pounds...but that could mean a pound in either direction I guess. We shall see. Soon-ish. Hopefully. Ha.
Total weight gain/loss: +26
Stretch marks? Still no and I can't believe it.
Sleep: Baaaah. Not great. Up to pee A LOT and super uncomfortable. Plus my body pillow is getting flatter, which doesn't help.
Best moment this week: Seeing him on the ultrasound. :)
Worst moment this week: Just the all around uncomfortable feeling, having to change positions constantly. I just keep thinking that in less than 2 weeks he'll be here.
Movement: Lots of rolling around.
Food cravings: Finally got my Thai fill...the spiciness did nothing to send me in to labor.
Sex: Boy!
Labor Signs: A few contractions but nothing consistent or super painful.
Belly Button in or out? The top is poking out a bit. So awkward.
What I miss: Moving around freely!
What I am looking forward to: Meeting him of course.
Weekly Wisdom: Hang strong...almost there...
Milestones: A WEEK FROM MY MOTHER FREAKING DUE DATE. I honestly have been feeling like I'm going to be pregnant forever.

Harrison's Nursery :: Stuff & Organization

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Wow! Thank you all for the love on Harrison's nursery reveal. We had so much fun putting it together. And I forgot but a BIG THANK YOU to Tyler who did a FABULOUS job not only painting the amazing horizontal stripes but staying patient when I changed my mind 48539 times. :)

I wanted to answer a few questions that came up about our where we got things and our organization, as we attempt to fit all of his baby things in our tiny room.

STUFF

Crib - K-Mart
Crib sheet - Target
Crib skirt - Etsy (Mellissa's Boutique and fun fact: she designed Tori Spellings most recent nursery bedding, cool huh?)
Prints - Me :)
'H' - Etsy (Say It With Letters)
Diaper Bag - Target (gift)
Blanket - Etsy (Baby Beulah)

Dresser - Yard sale way back in the day, painted
Frames - K-Mart, painted
Chuck T's: - Gift
Polka Dot Storage - Etsy (BaffinBags)

Glider and Ottoman - JC Penney (gift)
Diaper Dekor Plus - Buy Buy Baby (gift)
Boppy breastfeeding pillow - Target (gift)
Side table - Ikea, painted
Frames - K-Mart, painted
Poms - Etsy (Pretty With Sprinkles)

Wiener decal - Etsy (paintlessdecoimpress)
Bumbo - Target (gift)
Stroller - Target (gift)

ORGANIZATION
Like I said before, we had to be smart with our small space. So we stocked up on bins and made sure we had built in storage where we could--with the crib, dresser and utilizing the most out of the half of the closet we were using. (The other side is filled with the pack and play, car seat, and other random things like my wedding dress--haha).

THE CLOSET: I organized his clothes by size. I just made these organizers out of card stock and made them sort of boy-ish with the wiener dog and mustaches.

The closet filled up quickly. I used my old shoe organizer (after cleaning it thoroughly) for receiving blankets and regular blankets. Then I used these wire cubes that I've had since I lived in the dorms for his shoes and bumbo, Moby Wrap and car seat cover. I also think it will be handy to have easy access to the stroller right next to it.

THE DRESSER: For all of his other clothes, I organized each dresser drawer by size. I have no idea if this is the best way, it just made the most sense to me. Then I'll just rotate out and up as time goes on and he grows out of things.

THE CRIB: I LOVE our crib for many reasons but mostly because it has an attached changing table and TONS of storage. Not only the three drawers in the front but the back side has shelves that are great for hiding breastfeeding supplies and such.

Who knows if all of this is the best way to set up the nursery, I'm no expert. It just makes the most sense to me now. We'll see how much of it gets changed around. :)

Harrison's Nursery Reveal

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:47:00 +0000

Well it's been a long time coming but I finally have pictures of Harrison's yellow, blue and gray wiener dog nursery! There are still a few missing details (the wiener dog lamp that I've been coveting and a diy chalkboard that isn't quite finished) but it's definitely ready for his arrival!

We had a small space to work with so we had to make sure we had a lot of storage. This crib was perfect for us and Tyler found it on sale so we got a great deal...yep, this is the on he bought when I was 6 weeks pregnant. Ha!

Until baby boy arrives and we have pictures of him to fill our frames, I decided to display our baby shower invites. :)

I am so in love with our glider, it is literally the most comfortable thing. I can envision many-a-night I'll be sitting in that thing nursing Harrison...with all of my supplies within arm's reach.

That's it! Harrison's room. Can't wait until he gets here!

38 Weeks :: Maternity leave and finishing the nursery

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:35:00 +0000

Today is my last day of week before maternity leave. Besides running around like a crazy person making sure everything is ready for the temp, I'm ready to just focus on baby and my body and making sure everything is in order at home. Things are about to get crazy up in here. In a good way, of course. :)

How far along? 38 weeks!
Size of baby:A WATERMELON. I'M GOING TO BIRTH A WATERMELON. How's that for a visual?
Total weight gain/loss: +25ish. Have to get on that scale at the doctor's tomorrow.
Stretch marks? Still no and I couldn't be more thrilled.
Sleep: Ehhhhhhh... could be worse I suppose.
Best moment this week: Last day of work :) Nursery is 99% finished.
Worst moment this week: A few backaches from overdoing it.
Movement: Still a mover. He definitely favors the right side, making it hard to get comfortable on my end sometimes.
Food cravings: Just thai food but waiting to have something super spicy and hopefully induce labor in about a week. Yeah, we'll see.
Sex: Boy!
Labor Signs: A few BH contractions. Crossing my fingers that I'm a little dilated tomorrow!
Belly Button in or out? In. Barely. My belly button has never been cleaner.
What I miss: SUSHI AND WINE. Which is all I've asked for for my birthday on the 16th.
What I am looking forward to: Meeting the little guy.
Weekly Wisdom: I'm all out of wisdom. At this point you pretty much feel like a pro, right? HA.
Milestones: One week closer. :)

Nursery reveal is coming next week! I'm so excited to share! :)

What I've been reading

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:04:00 +0000

2012 reading has started off with a bang. So far I've read 4 books and I'm about halfway through with my 5th. I can attribute most of this to spending the majority of my downtime on my ass, but I've really made it a point to read at least some every single day, too.

When She Woke by Hillary Jordan
Date finished: January 1, 2012
Rating: 4 stars
From Goodreads:
I am red now. It was her first thought of the day, every day, surfacing after a few seconds of fogged, blessed ignorance and sweeping through her like a wave, breaking in her breast with a soundless roar. Hard on its heels came the second wave, crashing into the wreckage left by the first: he is gone.

My review:
Absolutely loved this book. I'm kind of a dystopian/utopian fiction junkie as it is and this book did not disappoint. It's a little bit of everything touching on issues such as a woman's right to choose, the justice system, religion and it's even a love story too--albeit a dysfunctional one.

Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry
Date finished: January 4, 2012
Rating: 2 stars
From Goodreads:
In her strongest work to date, Lois Lowry once again creates a mysterious but plausible future world. It is a society ruled by savagery and deceit that shuns and discards the weak. Left orphaned and physically flawed, young Kira faces a frightening, uncertain future. Blessed with an almost magical talent that keeps her alive, she struggles with ever broadening responsibilities in her quest for truth, discovering things that will change her life forever.

My review:
I loved The Giver when I first read it in 5th grade, so much so that I've re-read it at least 3 times. I have no idea how I just learned that The Giver was part of a series! I think this book had potential but I had a hard time connecting with the main character, Kira. I'm not sure what the problem was. I think I was expecting more of a tie-in to the first book but it has absolutely nothing to do with The Giver.

Messenger by Lois Lowry
Date finished: January 9, 2012
Rating: 3 stars
From Goodreads:
For the past six years, Matty has lived in Village and flourished under the guidance of Seer, a blind man, known for his special sight. Village was a place that welcomed newcomers, but something sinister has seeped into Village and the people have voted to close it to outsiders. Matty has been invaluable as a messenger. Now he must make one last journey through the treacherous forest with his only weapon, a power he unexpectedly discovers within himself.

My review:
Loved and connected with the main character, Matty so much more than Kira in Gathering Blue. I was also really excited to learn the role of Jonas, from The Giver, in Messenger. No spoilers, but I actually really liked the ending of this book-unexpected and not cliche.

Feed by Mira Grant
Date finished: January 11, 2012
Rating: 4 stars
From Goodreads:
In 2014, two experimental viruses—a genetically engineered flu strain designed by Dr. Alexander Kellis, intended to act as a cure for the common cold, and a cancer-killing strain of Marburg, known as "Marburg Amberlee"—escaped the lab and combined to form a single airborne pathogen that swept around the world in a matter of days. It cured cancer. It stopped a thousand cold and flu viruses in their tracks.

It raised the dead.

Millions died in the chaos that followed. The summer of 2014 was dubbed "The Rising," and only the lessons learned from a thousand zombie movies allowed mankind to survive. Even then, the world was changed forever. The mainstream media fell, Internet news acquired an undeniable new legitimacy, and the CDC rose to a new level of power.

Set twenty years after the Rising, the Newsflesh trilogy follows a team of bloggers, led by Georgia and Shaun Mason, as they search for the brutal truths behind the infection. Danger, deceit, and betrayal lurk around every corner, as does the hardest question of them all:

When will you rise?

My review:
Disclaimer: I am terrified of zombies. But I still loved this book.

In all actuality this book has little to do with zombies. It has elements of political satire, conspiracy, comedy and horror. The characters are extremely likeable, smart and witty. I especially enjoyed the world that Mira Grant created--from the explanation of the outbreak, the rising and the way the world responded. Very interesting. And, I'm not ashamed to admit, I teared up more than once during this book--how's that for a zombie book?!

37 Weeks :: FULL TERM, YO

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:43:00 +0000

So here I am, a grown baby that could survive and thrive on the outside {whoa, hello poet}hanging out in my uterus. It's been a fun ride but I'm ready to meet the little dude.

How far along? 37 weeks!!!
Size of baby: A freaking watermelon.
Total weight gain/loss: +24.
Stretch marks? No. Feeling incredibly lucky.
Sleep: Terrible. Just so uncomfortable but I guess I'd be doing it wrong at this point if I wasn't.
Best moment this week: Well, I'm down to just 3 days of work left. So that's exciting.
Worst moment this week: Not dilated at all according to my appointment Monday. Also, getting your cervix checked freaking hurts.
Movement: Still a mobile little boy. But he's still head down so I don't think he's able to maneuver too much.
Food cravings: Thai. But I'm holding out until next week to have some spicy Pad Se Ew...ya know, to try and naturally induce. ;)
Sex: Oh, boy!
Labor Signs: Just some BH contractions.
Belly Button in or out? Still in and holding strong! We just might make it! Haha
What I miss: At this point, I just want my body back. Ha.
What I am looking forward to: Meeting Harrison. I am getting so anxious.
Weekly Wisdom: Just keep swimming.
Milestones: FULL TERM! Crazy.

36 Weeks :: Feeling like a whale

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:29:00 +0000

Whoaaa momma. We're in the final stretch. Besides feeling like a beached whale most of the time, I'm feeling pretty ok. Obviously, there's the typical sore hips, karate chops to the bladder and the usual things but I think knowing that those things will all be going away soon are making them tolerable.

How far along? 36 weeks!
Size of baby: Still the damn honeydew. I'm not putting a picture of it this time. We all get it. But Harrison could actually be weighing close to 6 pounds! Holy guacamole.
Total weight gain/loss: +20
Stretch marks? I had a panic attack Tuesday morning when I saw one on my stomach. But when I checked it again a few hours later it was gone. Sleep marks, for the win!
Sleep: Hit or miss. It's just physically impossible to get comfortable...and when I do, that's when I have to pee.
Best moment this week: The nursery is pretty much done!!!!! Pictures coming very soon after a few last little things. Also, my boss told me I don't even look pregnant from the back and that just made my day.
Worst moment this week: Oh, just a minor breakdown about how I've been too stressed and crying too much over the course of my pregnancy...so Harrison is definitely going to come out stressed out and crying 24/7. I can't wait to have my grip on reality back.
Movement: It's changed. It's more rolling movements that are really strong as opposed to jabs and kicks. I prefer these but the way he makes my belly look kind of freaks Tyler out.
Food cravings: Nothing in particular (except cereal...yes STILL). I could go for some Thai right now though.
Sex: Boy!
Labor Signs: Nope. Good. Let's let him cook a bit longer.
Belly Button in or out? In. Much to my surprise.
What I miss: My regular clothes. Sleep. Not having to heave myself off the couch.
What I am looking forward to: Meeting the little guy. :)
Weekly Wisdom: Just keep swimming.
Milestones: Being able to tell people I'm due on "the 2nd" instead of saying February 2nd. CRAZY.

2011, in retrospect

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:00:00 +0000

What a crazy, unpredictable, eventful year it has been. I can't believe 2011 is over and we're about to embark on what is sure to be one of the most challenging and rewarding years of our lives.

JANUARY
I began the year not being able to believe it was 2011. The years seem to fly by faster as I get older. We were still newlyweds and just spent our time enjoying each other. We posed with the world series trophy and had (what would be my last for awhile) drunk fest at Candlestick Park for the 49ers game. I aired my social pet peeves. I learned a lot about myself...like my inability to follow through. But I also learned that sometimes I accidentally succeed...sort of.

FEBRUARY
I really started to focus on my business. Brittany Garner Design really started to take off as I was finally able to devote more time to PR and marketing. And the other thing? I really, really enjoy it. This work seriously makes me so happy and I feel lucky I have the time and support to do it. Plus, it makes me feel like my degree isn't a complete waste of money. :) I revealed the whole truth about how Tyler and I met. We celebrated our sixth Valentine's Day together. I turned 24 this month. A quarter-life crisis ensued.

MARCH
I blogged about our mini-moon, just five months later. We started looking in to buying a home but never pulled the trigger and were so glad we didn't when we got some big news 'round about the beginning of June. :) Adult sprint break in Reno was a blast. I settled the Twilight vs. Hunger Games debate. I shared my top 5 places I'm still dying to visit.

APRIL
Instagram came in to my life this month and you all were suddenly subjected to more photos of my life on the regular. Sorry? ;) If Lucy were able to read, she would be embarrassed by this video I posted. We feasted on sushi as a late birthday dinner with my closest friends. We enjoyed springtime in the 530. Seriously the most beautiful weather with a ton of outdoor activities. Why did I ever want to move? Another trip to Reno to celebrate a 21st birthday.

MAY
I reflected on blogging and still stand by every single word. Tyler and I attended the annual Margarita Mix-off and had SO MUCH FUN. The name of the blog changed...it's been a long road.

JUNE
THIS WAS A HUGE MONTH. I took that little pregnancy test on June 1st and we found out we were going to be parents. Of course, I couldn't share it on the blog right away but I still wrote about it then back-posted when we did announce. :) Pregnancy posts: 5 weeks, 6 weeks, 7 weeks, 9 weeks. I condemned jorts this month as well, it needed to be done.

JULY
I was still keeping hush hush about the pregnancy and since that was the only thing on my mind, I really didn't have anything else to write about. Plus, I pretty much because a recluse because I was sleeping all the time. Pregnancy posts: 10 weeks, 11 weeks, 12 weeks, 13 weeks. But! We finally did let the cat out of the bag and I felt oh so relieved. I hate keeping secrets! Tyler celebrated his 25th birthday!

AUGUST
We moved this month...up out the ghetto as I describe to people. Pregnancy posts: 14 weeks, 15 weeks, 16 weeks, 17 weeks. I started to get serious about something really serious...nursery design. HA! No, but I had so much fun narrowing down ideas for the nursery...and this was before we knew the sex of baby Garner.

SEPTEMBER
Pregnancy is still (and will stay) the number one thing in my life. I mean, how could it not? Pregnancy posts: 18 weeks, 19 weeks, 20 weeks, 21 weeks, 22 weeks. We found out the sex of baby Garner and even decided on a name. The fact that we are going to be parents really started to sink in...along with the panic/excitement. At some point during the month we registered for baby things and holy-waste-of-time. I ended up changing/adjusting everything online afterward anyway. Also, nursery planning started to get serious.

OCTOBER
I found it incredibly psychotic that a year ago (as in October 2010) was the beginning of our wedding month filled with a bachelorette party in Vegas, our amazing wedding and a lovely mini-moon that I will remember forever. But October 2011? A whole lot more low key, to say the least. But I did finally recap the wedding! Only one year later...gimme a break. Pregnancy posts: 23 weeks, 24 weeks, 25 weeks, 26 weeks. We celebrated our one year wedding anniversary, well...sorta. Also, if you don't want to be a douchebag driver, read this.

NOVEMBER
Work on the nursery continued...and the to do list expanded. Pregnancy posts: 27 weeks, 28 weeks, 29 weeks, 30 weeks. We celebrated baby Harrison twice with two baby showers this month. I felt so incredibly loved and I know the little one is already loved as well. I am so thankful for my wonderful family and friends who made both days so special. This was the biggest month in Brittany Garner Design history, made me so excited!

DECEMBER
I started to slow down a lot this month. Although the nursery is almost finished and all we had left to do was wait for baby H. Pregnancy posts: 31 weeks, 32 weeks, 33 weeks, 34 weeks, 35 weeks. We had a wonderful Christmas with my family.

It was quite a year! It only makes me super excited for what 2012 has in store for us. Adios, 2011!

35 Weeks :: The head is down and we're going broke from cereal purchases

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:23:00 +0000

How far along? 35 weeks!
Size of baby: Still a melon, albeit a large melon.
Total weight gain/loss: +20. TWENTY. Good god.
Stretch marks? Still no.
Sleep: It's a bitch getting comfortable but once I'm asleep I'm able to stay asleep and that's all I want.
Best moment this week: Baby HG is head down! And I'm not dilated at all, so that's good news. He needs to cook a little longer.
Worst moment this week: I guess just the fatigue and the sore hips. I just feel tired all the freaking time.
Movement: Still doing karate in there. :)
Food cravings: A lot of Cracklin' Oat Bran cereal and hopefully this craving doesn't last too much longer, do you know how expensive this stuff is? Plus it's a little bitty box. But it's soooo good.
Sex: Boy boy boy.
Labor Signs: Nope. But my doctor said if I went in to labor at this point, he wouldn't try to stop it. So...holy shit.
Belly Button in or out? Holding strong, in.
What I miss: Having energy.
What I am looking forward to: Meeting him :) I just want him to be here.
Weekly Wisdom: Getting checked for dilation hurts.
Milestones: Hitting that point where he could be here anytime but it's so frustrating not knowing exactly when. Also, I kind of just want this baby out of me.

2011 Reads

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Total books read in 2011: 26
I started out the year on a roll with my reading but toward the end, I slowed way down. Just got busy with life and wasn't in the mood to read in general. But I think I will be a reading machine in 2012 as I have 5 months of maternity leave to look forward to. :)

She's Having A Baby - and I'm Having a Breakdown by James Douglas Barron

I got this book for Tyler not long after we found out we were expecting and I read it before him. Ha. Really good information and an easy read.

From the Hips by Rebecca Odes, Ceridwen Morris

Lots of information but I like the way the book is set up and it's pleasant to look at.

What to Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff, Sharon Mazel
Pretty much the scariest book I've ever read. So much information and SO MUCH SCARY INFORMATION. But, it is informative.

Bossypants by Tina Fey
For some reason, it took me a long time to get through this one but not because I didn't like it. I laughed out loud a lot. Plus, this book has my vote for the best book cover of 2011.

The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes by Diane Chamberlain
This was ok. A little far fetched and reaching for my taste but it obviously kept my interest long enough to finish.

Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris
These are all out of order but I did read them in order. I love True Blood and loved the books equally as much. They are a fun, trashy, easy read.

All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris

Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris

Dead As A Doornail by Charlaine Harris

Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris

Divergent by Veronica Roth
Loved this book. I was having a bit of a Hunger Games hangover after I finished that series and Divergent is almost as good! I can't wait until the next book in the series comes out.

Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy
This was the first pregnancy book I read all the way through. HILARIOUS. Super easy read.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Re-read this bad boy right before the movie came out. Needed a refresher. :)

Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender
Pretty dumb. Don't waste your time.

Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning
These are also out of order but I, surprisingly, really enjoyed the Fever Series. This is so not my style of book but I couldn't put these down.

Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning

Faefever by Karen Marie Moning

Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning

Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
OBSESSED.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
LOVED.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
What can I say that hasn't been said? These books are thrilling, heart-racing and kept me interested from the very first page. I read all three books in a weekend, SO GOOD.

Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen
This was the first book I read on my Kindle. :) Loved this story and the characters.

Club Dead by Charlaine Harris
More Sookie.

Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

Goal for books read in 2012: 40

Suggestions for books I should read in 2012? Leave them in the comments! :)

Merry Christmas to all!

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:00:00 +0000

34 Weeks :: I have an awkward belly button

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

How far along? 34 wiggity weeks.
Size of baby: He's a big boy. Honestly, I don't know that. I'm just judging by the way he plays kickball with my internal organs.
Total weight gain/loss: +18
Stretch marks? Still holding strong. Keep it up, skin!
Sleep: Good as soon as I can get comfortable. It can take me as long as an hour to settle in and find a good spot but then I pretty much sleep through the night (sans the minimum 2 potty breaks that I sleepwalk through).
Best moment this week: We had our childbirth class over the weekend. It was very informative (read: scary) and we learned a lot (read: we're overwhelmed) but I think we are ready to breathe and make our way through this impending labor. Well, Tyler is. The jury is still out on me.
Worst moment this week: We had our childbirth class over the weekend. One girl in it made me realize that there is a whole group of people in the world (who I have so far been able to avoid) who are going to annoy the living shit out of me. That group? Know-it-all-moms...just shut up already. Also? I've been getting extremely overheated these past few days. No likey.
Movement: A lot still. But I think he is definitely head down because that pressure on my bladder is getting more and more intense. But good news is, he's head down!
Food cravings: Same ol' things.
Sex: Little man.
Labor Signs: Negative.

Belly Button in or out? Still in, but awkwardly misshapen.
What I miss: I really, really, really just want some sushi.
What I am looking forward to: Getting the nursery completely finished. Christmas. Family time off. 11 days off of work that started today. :)
Weekly Wisdom: As overwhelming as the childbirth class was, it really was beneficial.
Milestones: Baby head down! Woo!