Shit Is Hard With a Baby

Well, we made it back to the States...but I am sure most of you know that already.  Things have been crazy since we touched down and I still don't feel like we've had a chance to relax.  And unfortunately, things don't look like they will be slowing down anytime soon.  Plus, shit is hard with a baby.  Having Alessia attached to me my boob makes typing impossible. 

Our flight home was great. The day before leaving we received an email saying our flight was overbooked, but if we were willing to take another flight with an additional leg, they would upgrade us to first class.  For us, the extra 45 minute flight and 1 hour layover was worth it to be able to sit in first class for our 9 hour flight.

Overall, Alessia was perfect on the flights with the exception of shitting herself three times.  One time was even before we made it to the airport.  She had shit up her front, back, and side.  Then on our second flight, right after we changed her, she shit up her back again.  We thought we would be okay for the last flight and had our fingers crossed since we were now out of clean clothes, but her wet fart turned into a disaster as we were boarding our last flight from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh.  Since we were out of clothes, we had to put our poor girl in dirty clothes that she had worn the day before.

It took me 31 years to fly first class.

We only had a few bags. Thank you to the baggage guy for photo-bombing our picture.

Since flying into Pittsburgh less than a month ago, we have had party after party  A party for Mother's Day, a Baby Shower, a Baptism, a Baptism party, a graduation party, and a birthday party.  Alessia has made her rounds and met a vast majority of her family in a short amount of time.  She also managed to pick up a cold from someone, but that is going to happen.

Celebrating Mother's Day, Alessia's first trip to Pittsburgh, and the birth of Briggs.  

Alessia's AMAZING baby shower...or "Sip and See"

Getting baptized was hard work.  

Alessia loves her cousins already.

I know I have been a HUGE slacker with the blogging, but I promise I will get better once things slow done.  And hopefully, that is sooner rather than later.  I have tons of topics to blog about and really hope to be able to tell people what our plans are for the next season (once we figure them ourselves).

Another Season Down

While most leagues in the United States are still playing, the 2012-2013 hockey season has officially come to an end for us (and most of Europe).  Kevin's team, the Broncos, played really well throughout the season, finishing at the top of the standings.  Unfortunately, they lost in the Finals so the season didn't exactly end the way we would have wanted. 

Most of our North American friends here have headed home already, with the last of them leaving tomorrow.  On one hand, I am jealous; on the other hand, I'm glad we still have another month here.  I'm definitely looking forward to getting home so everyone can meet Alessia.  I also cannot wait for my breast pump, a bouncer, a swing, and a car seat that actually passes safety standards.  Of course, I am looking forward to all the amazing American food...Chipotle, hot dogs on the grill, Marzetti Ranch Dressing, and hot wings.  And I'm counting down the days until I get to go to Target. 

We are excited to get home for an amazing baby shower that my cousin, Steph, has planned for us.  She's been working on it for months and I know it is going to be the best.thing.ever!  And what's more exciting than coming home to a new niece or nephew?  Kevin's sister, Melany, and her husband, Brett, are expecting their third child right around the time we get home.  Maybe our first stop will be the hospital to meet the new little peanut.   

I'm not looking forward to the flight home.  We are going to be "those people."  The people no one wants to sit next to because they have a newborn.  The people who have a million bags.  The people who take 30 minutes to get everything together so they can walk through security.  I'm having nightmares about our travel day already. 

Our living situation is also something I dread.  Like most hockey players and couples, we live with our parents in the summer.  While we are beyond thankful that our parents allow us to do this, it sucks to lose your privacy and space.  Plus, we are throwing a baby into the mix and that is definitely going to make things ten times harder.  Kevin and I are just getting to a place where we have a routine with Alessia and are used to the way the other does things.  I don't want to mess that up.  Our living situation is also going to require us to travel back and forth.  Nine hours in a car from Pittsburgh to Springfield will be a real treat.  Kevin and I have already made the executive decision that we will be driving overnight.

The end of the season also brings the off-season...the time where we must make tough decisions about where we will be and what we will be doing next season.  For me, the off-season is the hard part.  Traveling and living somewhere new and unknown is easy for me.  Deciding where that is going to be is tricky.  And, again, this is going to be a lot harder now that we have a little person to think about.  I know Kevin and I will make the decision that we feel is best for our family, but getting to that decision is always tough.  One thing is for certain, there is never an easy answer. 

Parents Of The Year

Babies are supposed to like music...right?  So Kevin and I downloaded Baby Einstein's Lullabies a few weeks ago.  Alessia seems to like the music and we usually put it on during bedtime, but I wouldn't go as far as saying it puts her to sleep. 

However, throw on some rap or R&B and the girl is out.  During the day, we usually put a music channel on the TV because most everything else is in German or Italian.  I think she heard so many of the songs when she was in my belly that they bring her comfort...I am serious.  She is a sucker for 50 Cent and Nicki Minaj.  Does it make us bad parents if we let her listen to this type of music?  Probably not, but we definitely aren't going to get the "Parents of the Year" award.  But if it lets us get an hour or so of time to ourselves or allows us to hop in the shower, then we will keep on playing it.

Here are a few of Alessia's favorites at the time...she told me.

Join Us For The Ride

When I decided to start blogging, I wanted to use it as a means to keep our family and friends posted on our lives over here in Italy.  It mainly revolved around traveling and new discoveries here in Italy.  Then this past year, it transitioned into a "baby blog."  I would say 90% of my posts this season (hockey season, that is) have had to do with something baby or pregnancy. 

Last night during one of Alessia's feedings, I was trying to think of blog topics I could write about that don't contain the word "baby" and I kept coming up blank.  I have nothing and I'm disappointed by that.  I know that this is partly due to the fact that, right now, I have a one track mind.  I eat, sleep, pee, and shower on Alessia's schedule.  Most of my day consists of me sitting on a couch in my pajamas feeding, changing, or entertaining a one month old.

Besides taking care of a baby, I'm still trying to hold things together here at the house.  Hockey is just wrapping up so things have been crazy.  Over the last seven days, Kevin has probably spent 80 hours at the ice rink between tournaments, practices, meetings, and games.  Then he comes home and relieves me so I can shower or nap. 

Things are about to change though.  Once hockey is over, the Reiter's are getting out of here.  Whether we're discover new things in Vipiteno, taking a day trip to a nearby town, or traveling for a few days, we are going to take advantage of our last month here in Italy.  And I promise to take everyone along for the ride. 

Olive Oil in the Bathroom

When I was in the hospital it seemed like no matter what question I had, the answer was always "olive oil."  Apparently, olive oil isn't just for cooking.  It's used for a plethora of baby things.

I knew we weren't going to use baby wipes from the beginning.  They are expensive and most contain way too many unnecessary ingredients.  We decided we would use water and a cotton ball, which is just as effective.  At the hospital, the nurses informed us that olive oil is also great to use to clean a baby's bum.  It takes poop off easily and moisturizes at the same time.

Everything I read prior to delivery said newborn babies should only be bathed a few times a week.  I asked a few friends what they used and most indicated they only used water for the first few months.  It's not like babies really get dirty.  During Alessia's first bath at the hospital, I thought the nurse was making soup when she started adding salt and olive oil to the water.  But our girl came out squeaky clean and smelling good enough to eat.  Kevin and I have kept up with this routine here at home and so far, everything is good.

Alessia enjoys a nice olive oil bath.

 And what do you put on baby's when they get out of the bath?  Olive oil, of course.  No lotions are going on our baby girl...at least not right now.  We rub her down with olive oil to moisturize and massage her skin.  Surprisingly, the skin absorbs most of the oil so she isn't a greasy mess.


Looks like Kevin and I will be keeping a bottle of olive oil in our bathroom from here on out. 

Alessia's Birth Story

I promised a birth story so I thought I better deliver.  The past two weeks have been crazy with my parents here and taking care of a newborn so I'm posting this a little later than I had intended.  Besides family and a few friends, not many people know all of the details of Alessia's arrival.  Throughout my entire pregnancy, Alessia proved she was going to do things her way and my labor and delivery were no exception. 

On the morning of March 4, Kevin and I went to the doctor for one last appointment to see if Alessia had turned.  I knew she hadn't and didn't need an ultrasound to confirm it.  But the doctor did it anyway and it just confirmed what I had told him.  Since I was almost 39 weeks and running out of room, he decided to have me schedule a csection.  Kevin and I decided we would go with March 5, the next day.

For the most part, we were all ready.  The only thing I wanted to do was to make Kevin some meals before I went to the hospital because I knew he would be busy between work and visiting us.  After going to the store, we had a big lunch (before I started my fast) and took a nap (because who knew when the next nap we would get would be).  Kevin left for work and I got to cooking.  In the midst of doing all of this, I was also sending out Facebook messages and emails to some family and friends informing them of the scheduled csection.  I had just sent out one, when I had to go to the restroom.  What started out as a regular pee, ended with my water breaking.  It wasn't a slow leak or a little bit either.  It was like some took a gallon of water and poured it into the toilet.  I couldn't help but laugh at the fact that my water just broke 12 hours before my scheduled csection.

Since Kevin was at work, I had to call him to come home, but he wasn't answering.  I called the other two coaches too, but still no one picked up.  Looking at his schedule, I knew all three of them were on the ice so I called the assistant coach's wife.  Guess what?  She wasn't answering either.  Finally, I called the youth coach, praying he would pick up, and he did.  At first he didn't know what I was saying (damn language barrier), but then it hit him and he went into panic mode.  He wanted to take me to the hospital right away, but I told him just to go get Kevin.  From Kevin's account, he made a very dramatic entrance by shouting over the boards that Kevin had to get home right now (ice skates on and everything) because I was in labor.  Kevin called though and I told him to take his time. 

Kevin made it home about 45 minutes after my water broke.  I was having mild contractions at that point and was leaking water like a faucet. In case you didn't know, when your water breaks, it just keeps on coming.  I had finished packing already and had taken the last bit of food out of the oven.  Kevin ate since we knew we were in for a long night and we headed to the hospital. 

We arrived at the hospital at 9:00pm and were greeting by an amazing midwife, Sara.  She immediately got me on a monitor so they could see how far apart my contractions were and she contacted my doctor.  At that point, she wasn't sure whether they would let me labor through the night or take me into surgery right away.  My doctor didn't want to wait and was there within 15 minutes.  Once he arrived, we all got ready.  I put on my hospital gown, Kevin got his scrubs, and Dr. Guiliani got prepped to rip me open and get this baby.

Holy water weight!  Look at that fat face!

The stethoscope was just a prop.  I have no idea where he got it. 

Once we made it to the OR, I met my anesthesiologist and nurse...both very nice and both spoke decent English.  Kevin had to wait outside while they got me prepped.  Everything went smoothly until the epidural.  They stuck that needle in my back and I'm pretty sure I jumped about 15 feet in the air.  Then it caused my blood pressure to drop, which made me vomit.  And it isn't easy to vomit with no feeling in most of your body, while your arms are strapped down, and you are laying on your back.  Thank goodness for a quick nurse with a bed pan.  Because my blood pressure stayed low, Kevin was not allowed in the room for the delivery.

Everything went really fast after the epidural.  There was a little pressure, which I was told was the nurses pushing the baby down and then the midwife said "you have a girl."  Before I got to see her, they took her out to Kevin.  He brought her in to me and got me my glasses so I could actually see her.  I think we were both in shock that she was a girl.  

Immediately, they put her on my chest and we started "bonding."  After I was stitched up, all three of us went to the recovery room where we started nursing.  We stayed there for about 2 hours and then were moved to what would be our home for the duration of our stay.  The nurses got me fixed up, which means I got the BIG pad and the ugly underwear.  Kevin went with Alessia to get weighed and measured.  When he brought her back I was shocked to see that she still had blood and vernix on her.  Apparently, it is good for the skin so they do not wipe it off.  The skin will absorb it.  Who knew?

That first night all three of us slept together.  Kevin's bed was pushed up against mine and we were told to keep her on one of our chests throughout the night.  And we did as told.  I'm pretty sure there wasn't a lot of sleeping though.

The next morning, I felt like I had been hit by a truck.  My abdomen hurt so bad and despite the fact that I hate taking medicine, I was begging for them to give me more after the first round did nothing.  A midwife came in and told me I had to get up and move and I thought someone was playing a sick joke on me...she wasn't joking though.  Luckily, she also told me she was going to remove my catheter and that made a HUGE difference because those things suck. Kevin was amazing and took diaper duty all day.  He made sure I was comfortable and took care of Alessia as much as he could.

One hurting mommy...

one proud poppy...

and one sweet baby. 

Overall, everything was great.  Alessia's entrance into the world was quick and definitely unexpected.  I have a feeling this little girl is going to keep us on our toes in the years to come and Kevin and I can't wait.  

Introducing Alessia Jane

Alessia Jane was born on March 4, 2013 at 10:19pm.  She weighed 6 lbs 14 oz and was 18.75 inches long.  The story of her arrival will be posted in the coming days.  For now, you can just stare at her sweet face. 

One of Alessia's first pictures.

How Rude!

Throughout my pregnancy, people have said some annoying and sometimes inappropriate things to me.  Most of the time, I brush them off.  There are a few phrases that I cannot stand though.  I know that I am easily annoyed while pregnant, but I'm not sure if I can blame my hormones for wanting to punch people in the face when they say these things.  But please make a note to never say these to me in my next pregnancy.

1. "You have to do what is best for the baby."  I know I talked about this in a previous post, but I've heard this at least a hundred times this pregnancy and I hate it.  It usually was in regards to Baby Reiter's breech position and what we were going to do about it.  People didn't understand why we would consider anything other than a csection because "I should do what is best for the baby."  Don't assume that you know what is best for our baby just because that is the way it is done in the US....thank you very much.

But regardless of what the doctors, Internet, books, or others say, why would you even use this phrase.  Do you think I'm going to carry a baby for 9 months and then make a decision that I don't think is best for the baby? 

2. "I really hope you have a boy" or "I really hope you have a girl."  Just so you know, we don't give a shit what you want us to have.  We didn't ask you and believe us, we wouldn't ask you.  The whole phrase is rude.   The fact that this is our first child and we are having the gender be a surprise makes the phrase ten times worse.

source

3. "I know the baby is a girl" or "I know the baby is a boy."  Umm...I'm pretty sure you don't know what I am carrying.  I don't care how I am carrying, what symptoms I have, or what the Chinese Pregnancy Calendar says, whatever you say is a guess.  We don't care when people say what they think I'm having.  Having people guess is half the fun in not finding out the gender.  When they change the word from "think" to "know" is when I have a problem. 

Looking back, maybe I should have done this post a long time ago.  But now people have it for future reference for not only me, but other pregnant women they come across.

There Will Be One More Picture!

As I sit here chugging a 2 liter bottle of water, I can (almost) confidently say that there will be a 38 week pregnancy picture. When the bell chimes midnight, which is in about 6 hours, I will be two weeks away from my due date. At that time, I will also be four days away from finding out whether or not they are going to make me have a scheduled c-section. And all signs were pointing to "yes" at my last appointment. 

Overall, I am feeling great. The past few days even Kevin has commented on how much energy I have. I haven't napped, I've been out and about walking, and besides the unavoidable aches and pains, my body is hanging in there. I'm hoping this is the calm before the storm and I go into labor here in the next couple days. That might be wishful thinking, but stranger things have happened.

Like most women do near the end of their pregnancy through their entire pregnancy, I'm thinking of things I can't wait to do, foods I can't wait to eat, and drinks I want to chug once I'm no longer pregnant. Do I want a glass of Italian red wine or a nice German beer first? What kind of lunchmeat am I going to order at the deli...and eat cold? How many over easy eggs can I request they put on my pizza (don't knock it until you try it)? 

Seriously...it is so good! 

The one thing I am looking most forward to is sleeping on my belly. I know with a c-section, this one is going to take time, but I can't wait. I am so sick of sleeping on my side and I've never been much of a back sleeper so I could care less about being able to do that again.

For now, I'll continue to dream, but I know these things are within reach. 

Full Term!

Now that the time has come for my pregnancy to be over, I'm starting to feel like it just began.  I remember when I first found out and how surreal it all felt.  Now, I know there will be a baby in this house in less than three weeks.  I couldn't wait for people to start noticing my belly and now there is no way to avoid it (and my massive belly button).

We met with the doctor this past week for my 37 week appointment and the baby is still breech.  While it took time, I came to terms with the fact that the baby will be delivered c-section.  NOTE: Please don't tell me that people do it all the time...I know that.  And if you tell me it is for the best, I will be inclined to quit talking to you.  That is one phrase that I never want to hear again after this pregnancy.  Imagine prepping for a new job for 9 months...you read all the manuals, watch the videos, and train your body.  Then you get in there the first day and they tell you that you won't be doing the job you prepared for.  Yes, you still get the same outcome (a new job and a salary), but you can't help but be disappointed.  That is how I feel.  Regardless, Kevin and I will be having a baby, but it just isn't the way that we pictured it.

There is a small chance that the baby can turn, but I am running out of room.  Also, factor in that I have a bicornuate uterus and the chances go down.  The baby has started to drop so instead of the head engaging (like in most cases), the feet are resting in my pelvis.  The great news is that the head is no longer right up against my ribcage, which is such a relief.  My heartburn has greatly decreased and I can breathe so much easier.

Unfortunately, I am still gaining weight.  And now it is water weight.  My ankles are cankles, my fingers and toes are little sausages, and I have even noticed my face is puffier.  I'm following everything they say to do to avoid edema, but it isn't working.  Just another glamorous symptom of pregnancy.

Everything in the apartment is ready.  We have the diapers stocked (we should be good for 3-4 weeks) and we have wipes (or cotton squares since we aren't using wipes).  The clothes are washed and the crib (pack and play) is set up.  I did some serious cleaning the other day and Kevin did all the laundry.  We'll still have to do some things here and there, but if the baby comes tomorrow, we are prepared.

We both got our hair cut and I managed to shave my legs this week (let me tell you, it isn't easy).  Kevin does need to paint my toenails because that is one task that I cannot do without pulling something and he is a good sport to help me out.  We've almost decided on names.  We have it narrowed down to two for a girl and two for a boy.  I think it might come down to deciding once the baby is born.

Since Operation Turn Baby Reiter was a bust, I have now moved on to Operation Get Baby Reiter Out.  I'm hoping to go into labor naturally and avoid a scheduled c-section.  I'm bouncing around on my birthing ball, eating fresh pineapple, taking my vitamins, and drinking my teas to help move things along.  Fingers crossed Baby Reiter makes an appearance before my next appointment on March 4.

Here are the last three weeks of my pregnancy pictures.  These could be the last ones.

Just got back from my hair appointment so Baby Reiter isn't embarrassed of his/her Mommy. 

Next year, Daddy will have two Valentines.

FULL TERM!  We are so close! 

It's the Final Countdown!

We are officially 40 days away from my due date.  Kevin and I have been putting some stuff off the last few months and weeks, but now it's time to get serious because Baby Reiter could makes his/her appearance any day now.  

Priority number one right now is getting a bed and carseat for Baby Reiter.   We are borrowing these two things so we just need to pick them up and get them set up.  Last week, I washed all the bottles and sterilized the nipples and pacifiers.  The baby now has his/her own space in the cabinets...right next to the wine glasses. 

The hospital bag is in the process of being packed.  We still need to pick up a few things and make a list of last-minute items that will need to be put in the bag, but it is coming along.  We have a big trip to Innsbruck planned for Tuesday so we are really hoping to get everything we need so we can mark the hospital bag off of our list of things to do. 

Since I don't want Baby Reiter looking back at pictures from when he/she was first born and think I looked like a train wreck, I scheduled a hair appointment for this week.  My girl from last year moved so this will be an experience, but apparently the lady speaks English so I have that going for me.  Kevin is also going to get his hair cut in the next week or two.  We have to get it done soon because they always cut it way too short so we'll need a few weeks to let it grow out.  

Baby Reiter is also still without a name.  We decide and then we change our mind.  We are torn between our original two names, which are totally American, or naming the baby something Italian or German since we are over here.  Luckily, one of Kevin's hockey players got us a book of 100,000 names so we have plenty of choices.  

Of course, our list seems endless right now, but we'll get it done.  There's nothing like scratching out something on a list once you've accomplished it.  One thing we have been great at is making sure to take our weekly pictures.  Here are the last four weeks.  

Baby Reiter loves to move, but is scared of the BIG flip. 

The doctor says our baby has great muscles like his Daddy.  And Mommy has the early morning bloat going on.  

I can't get enough peanut butter, which isn't a good thing since it is hard to come by here. 

My ankles are starting to look a lot like cantaloupes too. 

Operation Turn Baby Reiter

I decided in this third trimester that I may not be one of those women who love being pregnant.  This probably has to do with the fact that my first and second trimesters were a breeze and now I'm starting to suffer.  The heartburn, difficulty breathing, and constantly being uncomfortable are breaking me down.  I'm always hungry...I don't mind the eating, it's the gaining weight that I have a problem with.  And on top of all of this, I am stressing out because Baby Reiter will not turn.  He/she has been breech my entire pregnancy and I'm worried this will never change. 

At my 24 week appointment, the doctor discovered my uterus was mildly heart shaped.  I got put on a magnesium supplement in order to relax it.  At my 28 week appointment, a different doctor (you don't always see the same one) informed me that the baby was breech and this was the time for him/her to turn.  I started doing some exercises at home to hopefully turn the baby, but nothing worked.

Well, at my 32 week appointment (2 weeks ago), I had a sonogram and sure enough, the baby is still breech.  The head is under my right ribcage, one arm is punching me in the left side, and the feet are kicking at the bottom of my belly.  We asked the doctor if she thought the baby would turn and before she even answered, we could tell by the look on her face that the news wasn't going to be what we wanted.  While many babies do turn after 32 weeks, she isn't optimistic about Baby Reiter turning because of the shape of my uterus and my small stature.  We asked what we could do, but she said there is nothing.

My entire pregnancy, I have prepped myself for a natural labor and delivery.  I've read books and watched videos.  I knew I didn't want the drugs and ultimately decided on having a water birth.  In my mind, I knew the pain was going to be excruciating, but this is the experience that I decided I wanted.  A breech baby definitely changes that plan. 

I'm willing to try anything at this point (unless it requires the use of drugs) to turn the baby so I can go forward with my plan.  I've Googled for weeks now and have been busy with many of the exercises already.  I'm putting cold on the baby's head and heat on the feet.  I'm laying at an incline.  And now I'm into the serious exercises where you combine everything...heat, cold, incline.  A few days ago I read that peppermint oil can be used to turn a breech baby so now I'm searching for it.  Apparently, they don't like it so they try to turn away from it.  I'm going to slather it all over that baby's head and hope for the best.

Operation Turn Baby Reiter is in full effect, as of today.  I'll keep you all posted and maybe even treat you to a few pics of the inversion or breech baby tilt.  

Installment 3 of the Pregnancy Pictures

The countdown is now on...less than 10 weeks until Baby Reiter makes his/her debut.  I guess that is unless, he/she decides to stay in there a little longer (which I really hope doesn't happen).  My mom actually thinks Baby Reiter will be a February baby so we will see.  Of course, everyone is busy making their predictions on whether or not Baby Reiter is a boy or girl.  Let me just tell you...I've been carrying this child for 30 weeks now and I have no idea.

Go ahead and make your prediction.  You have a 50% chance of being right...or wrong!

Leggings,shirt, and a cardigan...my daily outfit.

I got swollen ankles for Christmas...thanks Santa!

We usually take the pictures after Kevin's games so that means I just got done devouring a HUGE pizza. 

Baby Reiter likes to wake me up at night with a left hook to the liver and a kick to the privates. 

2013...The Year of Change

Happy New Year!  While I am so super-excited that 2013 is here, I'm still left wondering where the hell 2012 went.  Is it just me or did last year fly by?  2012 was a great year for Kevin and me...we have no complaints.  But with the arrival of 2013, we also have the arrival of Baby Reiter.

Having Baby Reiter is going to change a lot...obviously.  No more sleeping until 10 am for me or napping when I want.  Kevin is going to have to get over his weak gag-reflex or at least learn how to deal with it.  Otherwise, diaper duty for the hubby will be real interesting. 

Besides diving into parenting, we have to make some serious decisions on where we will be living and working.  It was acceptable for Kevin and me to live apart in the summers when we were dating and it was tolerable when we were married (as long as we had frequent visits).  But bunking up with our respective parents in the summer (10 hours apart) with a baby in the mix isn't an option. 

Will 2013 mark the year we permanently check out of the hockey world?  Or will we just be checking back into the US hockey world?  Will I finally go back to teaching?  Or will I decide that teaching isn't in my future?  And what city, state, and country will we call home?  Stay tuned to find out.  Believe me, I'm as curious as you are.  

Pregnancy Update!

For starters, I am finally legal.  Kevin and I went and got my visa all sorted out last week and we triple-checked that the date was correct this time.  Today, I am 26 weeks, 4 days pregnant.  I'm definitely starting to get bigger and my normal daily tasks are starting to get harder and harder every day.  Who knew putting my shoes on could be such hard work?  And why do I breathe like I just finished a marathon when all I did was get dressed?  I'm not sure how much I've gained since my last appointment, but I am nervous to go to the doctor's next Monday.  I'm sure I've put on quite a bit considering all I want to do is eat...constantly.  And as much as I don't want to admit it, I think maternity clothes are in my near future.  At least it will give me some new outfits to wear. 

I've been keeping busy reading up on all things pregnancy and labor.  A friend suggested I read the book Ina May's Guide to Childbirth so that is what I am currently reading.  It's a little far out there, but a must read for anyone considering having a natural labor.  I still haven't been able to talk Kevin into watching any birthing videos though.  Maybe sometime in the near future...like before my water breaks. 

Here are my pictures Week 21-26.  Watch me grow! 

I've definitely been slacking when it comes to working out. 

My belly makes a good arm rest.

I never had heartburn before the pregnancy and I'm seriously hoping I never get it again.  

My belly button popped this week.  It's not completely an outie, but it is definitely out.  

I felt Baby Reiter's hiccups this week. 

This might be my last picture in regular jeans.  It should be noted that they are unbuttoned though. 

Funny Stuff

Being a new parent has consumed me and the kid isn't even here yet.  I'm trying to prepare myself by learning as much as I can about childbirth and parenting.  I've been trying to get Kevin on the bandwagon, but my husband's weak stomach has him cringing everytime we start taking about labor.  He turns a little white in the face, gets quiet, and I'm pretty sure he starts zoning out.  FYI-I'm about 90% sure he is going to hit the floor when I am in labor.  So much for having a tough hockey player as a husband.  

A girl can only read so much about natural childbirth, vaccinations, breastfeeding, and tummy time...I eventually start zoning out myself.  Since I'm sure you would rather not hear about these things either, I've decided to post some funny stuff about parenting instead.  Enjoy!

source

Treat yourself and check out some of Dave Engledow's pictures of him and his daughter, Alice Bee.  Here are two, but make sure to check out the links to see more.  They are hilarious!

 Dave Engledow's Fotoblur Gallery 

BuzzFeed

source

source

If you've ever been pregnant you know this to be true...

River City Rubber Works: Pee (clipped to polyvore.com)

Potty Mouth

Anyone who knows me knows I have a bit of a potty mouth.  But with the baby coming, I am really making an effort to cut back on my cussing and I like to think I've been doing an excellent job.  I really wanted Kevin to jump on the bandwagon, but it isn't working too well.  All those hours in the locker room with a bunch of hockey players are ruining my plans.  I'm thinking I might need to purchase this onesie.

source

Pregnancy Pictures

I knew from Day 1 of finding out we were pregnant I wanted to document my growing belly somehow.  Since Pinterest is everyone's best friend, I went there for inspiration.  There was the option of holding up a piece of fruit corresponding to the size of the baby, I could put a sticker on my shirt that indicated how many weeks I was, or I could wear the same shirt in every picture.  My favorite idea was the the "Chalkboard" idea that everyone had pinned.

There was a problem though...how the hell was I going to get a chalkboard over to Italy with me?  I needed to get creative and finally hit the jackpot at Hobby Lobby.  They had large black construction paper, which chalk would show up on AND it would travel well.  PERFECT!  Here are my pictures Week 12 through Week 20.

Yes, the sign is a little crooked .

I definitely needed to wear a tighter shirt.

Maybe a little bump???

Baby Reiter went to his/her first concert this night.

Baby and belly are growing!

I would say Week 17 is when I popped. 

On our way to see Daddy!

My first preggers picture in Italy. 

This baby is moving now!

My Life Summed Up in a Week (or Two)

It's been two weeks since I've arrived back in Vipiteno.  Slowly, but surely I'm getting back into the swing of things...eating dinner at 9:00, driving a stick, not knowing what anyone is saying, having shitty internet.  Along with getting used to all these things, this is what else I've been doing.  

1. I've caught up on all my episodes of Basketball Wives LA and Chrissy and Mr. Jones (I already know I have horrible taste when it comes to TV so feel free to judge me).  I like to save them all up and watch them back-to-back so I'm not left wanting more. 

2. All Baby Reiter's stuff is unpacked and put away.  I washed everything at home before I came so all I really needed to do was sort, fold, and find room for it once I got here.  Thanks to all my AMAZING family and friends at home, we have some great stuff to get us started. 

3. Things are starting to get real with this pregnancy.  I felt my first kick last Sunday.  At first it scared me (TMI-I thought maybe I was going to poop my pants or something), but then I realized what it was.  And in enough time that Kevin was able to feel it.  My belly button is on the verge of popping.  The top part is slowly making its way out.  I'm not looking forward to this and the only sick and twisted person that is excited about it is my cousin, Steph.  She will be the first person I call when it is fully out for the world to see.  And on a sad note...I went to get dressed on Friday night and my jeans wouldn't button.  I'm using the rubberband trick that my friend, Abbi, told me about for now.  I'm not putting on those maternity jeans until I have to.

4. I'm back to working out.  I took the summer off, which I know I shouldn't have done.  I like to use the excuse that I was pregnant and it was too hot to work out, but, in honesty, it was laziness (don't tell Kevin that I admitted to that).  Napping and watching Law and Order reruns just seemed like a better idea than working out.  But now I'm back in the gym.  My goal for this year is 4 days a week for at least 45 minutes a day.  I'm sticking strictly to riding the bike or walking on the treadmill (no running) for cardio and I'm only working on my arms and chest with weights.  Hopefully this will all help me during labor and when it's time to get my pre-baby body back.  Being back in the gym also gives me a chance to see all my friends and get weird stares from everyone.  

5. I'm actually making an effort to learn German this year.  I feel like I know so many words, but putting it all together is hard work.  I've actually used the Rosetta Stone more in the past two weeks than I did all of last year...so I'll give myself a pat on the back.