Is it seriously my birthday today? The day might come and go without this sinking in - at - all. There is so much going on around here. Not only are we adjusting to the back-to-school schedule (yesterday, between us, Isaac and I made 6 trips total to and from the kids' schools -- 30-45 mins each trip!), but Elijah chipped a major chunk off his front tooth Wednesday night (emergency dental appointment), all of my licensing partners are asking for new artwork by the end of the month, and I still haven't figured out where we are going to put this baby -- who could come at any time -- but will be here by the end of the month no matter what.
We have two kids' rooms, one office, one open office, a loft, a turret-like play room... a closet. Do you bunk a newborn boy up with his 14-year-old brother who sleeps like a log, or with his 6-year old sister who doesn't? Neither is the obvious choice. Or do you turn the teensy turret into an adorable nursery -- that may only fit a crib and a nightstand. Nevermind the room is right over the front door (doorbell, barking dogs), it's insanely bright in there, and there's no sound barrier (such as a door). Or do you move the teenager into the office and the baby into the teenager's room? Isaac is convinced no teenage boy should have a downstairs room by himself -- much more a reflection of Isaac's teenage years than a concern over Elijah as a mischief-maker. Besides, we kind of need the office.
I don't know. I've been telling myself that we'll just set up a bunk for the baby in our room for a while till we know what he's like and see how he does with sleeping & such. This is still 'the plan.' But, what I realize now is that his STUFF still needs a place. So, where do we put the clothes, the diapers, the blankets, the toys? My room, C's room, E's room, the loft, the office -- same contenders.
These are things a mother should probably address in the 2nd trimester before her energy is thoroughly drained. Alas, I spent all of my nesting energy on meeting deadlines and getting my business obligations squared away so I could focus on the baby when he gets here. Not a bad plan, really. But his baby stuff? I have to wash things and put them away -- well, somewhere.
So, here I am. Tick, tick, tick, tick... the timer is about to chime. He's coming out of the oven.
I should probably forget all of this for one more day and just go do something fun, huh? Antique-shopping would fit the bill.
Before I do, I have a birthday obligation to meet -- my annual birthday giveaway! I have four new Pocket Posh books out with Andrews McMeel Publishing that - are - stinking - fabulous. I've got two prizes for the guy or gal who can cheer me up / calm me down / get me jazzed / sooth my swollen legs with a funny birth or baby story, a great joke, amazing advice, etc.** Your call.
Each winner can have his or her pick of one of my new travel mugs and one of our new Pocket Posh books. (Which I have learned are the PERFECT things to keep in the car for school-pick-up-line boredom. PERFECT.) They don't just have clinical definitions and such -- they have history, and interesting facts, and smart stuff. They're really cool.
• 120 Words To Make You Sound Intelligent
• 120 Words You Should Know
• 120 Words That are Fun to Say
• 120 Job Interview Words You Should Know
** I reserve the right to be completely befuddled by all of your fabulous comments and to resort to the Random Number Generator for help if picking a winner is too stressful for my rotund self.
And, before I forget, can I say it is FAR easier to shave swollen ankles!? This fascinates me.
Happy Happy Birthday!! and thanks for sharing it with us random folks by being super generous. Love the mugs and books!
Posted by: katie r | August 12, 2011 at 06:23 PM
OHH Happy birthday - your to do list sounds insane - more insane than mine I'm relieved lol
Thanks for the chance
Tamar x
Posted by: Tamar | August 12, 2011 at 06:26 PM
Happy Happy Birthday!
My baby girl (2nd kid) was born June 8... and well I'm a give me drugs kinda girl. I started having contractions and decided I could handle it at home for a little while. Got to the hospital and she was out 45 minutes later! No drugs for me LOL.
Posted by: Melanie | August 12, 2011 at 06:28 PM
These are so fun! And the happiest of birthdays to you! Everything will be sorted out in time for your bundle of joy, I'm sure. Best of luck and blessings with it all!
Bailey Jean
Posted by: Bailey Jean | August 12, 2011 at 06:31 PM
The actual baby doesn't need much space, it's all the stuff.
If it works, I think you should separate the two. Park the baby's crib somewhere that can be made quiet and dark (your room perhaps) and fit out another space with the stuff - change table and clothing etc. in the turret perhaps?
Our first baby slept in the study (which was more like half a room, and a through-way to another bedroom) at night, which was right next to our room. We parked her in our room during the day if we needed the study.
Good Luck working out a solution.
Posted by: Claire - Matching Pegs | August 12, 2011 at 06:31 PM
Happy Birthday! Good luck with finding room for the baby's "stuff". We're expecting #5 and I'm amazed at how quickly a house can fill up with things.
Posted by: elaine | August 12, 2011 at 06:32 PM
oh, with all the trouble of prepping for the new baby, remember that there's nothing like the joy of seeing his face for the very first time, and inhaling that warm-newborn-fuzzy-head-smell and seeing those long fingers clutching at the air...
(wow, i seriously have baby fever, don't i!?)
Posted by: laurel | August 12, 2011 at 06:34 PM
Third baby's the hardest to fit in. Carve out a little space in the teenager's room cuz that kid will leave home first and then you won't have to readjust the new kid to a new room later when it comes available. Then work like crazy on all the deadlines and if that baby is good, he'll come as soon as the last one wraps up. Wishing you an easy adjustment! And a happy birthday.
Posted by: Roseann | August 12, 2011 at 06:35 PM
Happy birthday! Mine is tomorrow so I know what it's like to be a fiery Leo... ; }
xoxo
-Sonia
Posted by: Sonia | August 12, 2011 at 06:36 PM
Best advice: never pass up the opportunity to take extra napkins! It has sever us well through 3 kids.
Posted by: Kelli | August 12, 2011 at 06:39 PM
I agree about teenager's in the basement... too many possibilities for trouble!!! We just welcomed our 3rd baby boy into our two bedroom house. Right now he sleeps in our bed, not sure where we're going to put him yet, LOL.
Happy birthday, by the way. Hope it's a great one!
Posted by: Jennyroo | August 12, 2011 at 06:40 PM
k, kid stuff, grab some totes, tell your other darlings that they each get to keep one in their room, so no one is upset by not having the baby in their room. Label each one... toys, clothes, diapers etc.
Now for the actual bundle of sweetness... got a small bassinette, wheel it into your room, so you can look at that gift of cuteness 24/7, cause don't tell us you won't be looking at him/her all day and all nite long=)
Posted by: Jackie | August 12, 2011 at 06:40 PM
Happy Birthday!! I feel for you on the kid quandary, that's rough! Bigger house? At this point in your pregnancy-your husband would be responsible for the whole move...right? :-P
Posted by: Joanna | August 12, 2011 at 06:41 PM
We keep our little boy's clothes in our closet and he shares a room with his sister. We have 3 girls and 1 boy in a 3 bedroom house, so this is the only option besides keeping him in our room. At 20 months old, I don't think I could handle that! I think sharing a room with his older brother is a great idea- crying in the night won't wake him up since he sleeps like a log.
Posted by: Laura | August 12, 2011 at 06:42 PM
I'm thinking you need to rent a POD. Put all the "stuff" in the POD. Keep the baby close at hand in something mobile...you know a Moses Basket to start. If the teenager is awful..put him in the POD. If the 6 year flings a fit, put her in the POD. If nothing else works, take the Moses Basket with the babe and some soothing music and you and he go in the POD. Solution Found. No more worries!
Posted by: Crppn48 | August 12, 2011 at 06:46 PM
Happy Birthday! I love the Posh Pocket Books. I think they are the perfect gift for just about anybody... if I can stand to give them away. Having them in your designs will make the latter much more difficult!
Posted by: LeeAnn | August 12, 2011 at 06:48 PM
Happy birthday! I don't know if you should keep your newborn with another older child. I think it's time for a bigger house! :)
Posted by: Trace Matsuo | August 12, 2011 at 06:51 PM
Happy Birthday Heather! Here are my thoughts about baby real estate...turret room, round crib (awesome cute right?) thick rug and pad on floor, trundle under round crib hidden under cute skirt and containing clothes for one week. Rest stashed somewhere else. Or maybe a round/curved storage banquett/window seat in turret to store baby gear out of site. Windows can be an asset! Whatever you choose to do, relax, this baby nor your other children are going to remember stuff like "mom put jr's clothes in X" they are going to remember "mom gave us a rocking new sibling woohoo!" OK, ,the teenager may not think that so much:)
Posted by: Heather Williams-McKenzie | August 12, 2011 at 06:52 PM
Happy Birthday. I had mine last Friday and my dad turns to BIG 60 on Monday. I always welcome more leos into the world. Well, I don't have children so I can't help you with that but I do understand the space issue. Although I'm an adult I still technically consider my parents' house home and after my sister went to university my mom took over her room and moved my sister and her stuff in with me. Even though she no longer lives at home there is still stuff of hers and stuff that I've accumulated over the last 26 years. All I can suggest is closet organizers, books shelves and under bed organizers, find space anywhere you can.
Posted by: Stephanie | August 12, 2011 at 06:53 PM
These are fabulous! Have a wonderful birthday!
Posted by: Raven | August 12, 2011 at 06:56 PM
Happy Birthday, Heather!!!
I have a funny birthing day story for you. After I had my little girl I was bleeding more than normal so they gave me a shot of some kind of medicine to help. Don't remember what it's called but I have my own name for it now. :) Anyway a few hours later I felt the need to go to the bathroom, number 2. I get out of bed and start heading to the bathroom and I didn't make it. Not good. So I had to call a nurse in to help me. It was an older lady and she was so nice. She helped me to the bathroom and helped clean me up then she started on the floor. (it was all over because I kept trying to run to the bathroom) I kept telling her I would do it myself but she refused. My husband had gone to get some food for himself and when he started walking in the door I stopped him and just told him to wait a minute. That's when the nurse blurts out, "no, you can come in. She just has a case of the skoots." I was mortified and of course my husband just burst out laughing. Now anytime I get any sort of medicine I ask if explosive diarrhea is a side effect.
I can't believe I just told you that. Lol. Oh and don't worry about a room right away. You'll figure it all out and being in your room for a while will be great for bonding with the new little man. :)
Posted by: Becky W | August 12, 2011 at 06:57 PM
Happy Birthday! I have a soon to be 26 year old son and a 10 year old daughter (yes, same husband - funny, that's the first question people ask me). I figure that makes me somewhat of an expert, so here's my amazing advise: GO WITH THE F-L-O-W!
Posted by: Marsha | August 12, 2011 at 07:02 PM
Make a nice little spot by the barking dogs and the anguishing doorbell in an antique chest of drawers, the clothes don't mind the noise and you might need the jolt to get back to the screaming baby in the crib that loves you all so much that he won't mind if you just bring yourself back to him! Kisses and Hugs, ice cream and cake.....O happy day! Pamie G.
Posted by: Pamela Graham | August 12, 2011 at 07:03 PM
My best advice would be to breathe and sleep. Kind of what any mother needs actually…
Posted by: Jill S. | August 12, 2011 at 07:12 PM
Birthday greetings!
I'd put the babe in the closet. Only the accessories take up a lot of space. The babe itself is kind of on the small side for a while. In fact, I wonder if you could keep him in there until he's four and just give the oldest the boot at 18- room transition voila!
(Don't worry about lil' ol' me for the giveaway... In fact, I elect Becky W and her explosive diarrhea story to win.)
Posted by: lori | August 12, 2011 at 07:14 PM
Well i'll give it a shot. lie at the head of the bead with your feet up on the headboard (or where it would be. I once read that 20 minutes like that was the best was to "look refreshed" for a night on the town. It is relazing and works. you can try the cold cucumbers on your eyes at the same time - if nothing else it'll keep the light out if the kids or dogs don't eat them. good luck, - i'll try again on the next one.
Posted by: Scarlette | August 12, 2011 at 07:31 PM
Happy birthday to the both of us!
Our second daughter slept in our walk-in closet since she woke up multiple times a night for 15 months due to some (thankfully resolved!) health issues. I kept most of her "stuff" in the room she eventually shared with her sister.
P.S. LOVE the new items!
Posted by: Susan | August 12, 2011 at 07:32 PM
Happy birthday!
Posted by: Melissa | August 12, 2011 at 07:36 PM
I'm thinking the changing table probably has enough space under it for the clothes, wipes and diapers for the first 4-5 months. Baby is room in a small crib or bassinet. My number one advice would be not too worry about being quiet. The 3rd child will sleep thru anything and get use to a busy household.
Happy Birthday and I wish you a easy delivery and a lovely baby.
Smiles, Andra
Posted by: Andra | August 12, 2011 at 07:37 PM
I personally am considering using those self fitted earplugs around the house. it will dround out all the loud music and dog barking and guinie clicking and rooster crowing AND i can just pretend i am hard of hearing so i can ignore what i don't want to hear. that should be refreshing. i tried doing it naked but that had no effect so i put a tshirt on. it has been really hot here. good luck - most importantly have your box of brownie mix ready because when you want those brownies - YOU MUST HAVE THEM - and the baby will come the next day - worked for me - double batch of brownies. (much better than the castor oil my mother tood)
Posted by: Scarlette Hobbs | August 12, 2011 at 07:37 PM
Happy Birthday! In the long run I don't think where the baby goes as long as he's loved...and I know he will be. Wishing you all the best.
Posted by: Rosie | August 12, 2011 at 07:42 PM
Had my 3rd baby two months ago. I have a storage container under the crib for the current crop of clothes. She sleeps through a lot more noise then I remember the first two doing. New babies are so tiny I just used one end of the crib as a changing station. Enjoy the newness and take a couple naps - the first couple weeks went by fast.
Posted by: Rachel | August 12, 2011 at 07:49 PM
Gosh, I am seriously trying to think of something really funny/inspiring to say, but all I can think about is that moment sometime after the birth when you realise that you can hold on SO much longer before needing the toilet. And realising your husband thinks you are absolutely completely nuts when you say "OMG that was the longest wee I've had in ages". Or that could just be me...
Posted by: Bronbeazley | August 12, 2011 at 07:51 PM
Happy birthday! Remember all is well, you are loved.
Posted by: Kathryn | August 12, 2011 at 07:51 PM
Best of luck to you! I have stories from my mom on how I slept in a drawer pulled out from a dresser padded with blankets for a while till they could make more room for me when I was born! Wishing you much happiness on your birthday!
Posted by: Meg | August 12, 2011 at 07:51 PM
Happy, happy birthday!! I have a 6 month old baby girl. She sleeps in a crib in my room and her clothes hang in my closet. At the rate I'm getting her baby clothes my clothes are in danger of being relocated!! But they are all so cute it's hard to resist! :-) The good news for you - and all of us mom's out there - is that it will all miraculously work out. Many blessings on you and your family!! P.S.: The notebooks and mugs are fabulous and I would be tickled pink to have either!!!! What a treat!!!
Posted by: Jennifer Carroll | August 12, 2011 at 07:52 PM
Happy Birthday! And early congratulations! You are such a busy lady! I would just bunk the baby in with you, and decide later where to have him live. Put up a little bassinet with wheels on it, and plop him in the hallway next to your bedroom at night :)--that's what we did until ours decided to take over our office, princess tent, play kitchen, and all! Changing table could be the bed for now, lol!
Posted by: Julie H. | August 12, 2011 at 07:54 PM
The sunny turret sounds like it might make a nice little office or displace at least part of it so the baby can be in the current office space. Or what about the office moving to the nice basement? Something from the office like a computer that gets used alot could always be kept seperatly in a nice stand in say the family room if you are wanting to be closer to the rest of everyone then perhaps the turret or basement is. Or are you calling your really nice craft room your office?
Posted by: Kimberly | August 12, 2011 at 07:55 PM
Happy birthday!
Posted by: Jennifer | August 12, 2011 at 08:00 PM
You poor dear! My brother and SIL are going through this very thing. They had a Surprise! baby girl in April and their eldest graduated from high school in May! Right now, she's in their bedroom. Who knows where she'll end up, with two older brothers still in the house, and another one off to college this weekend.
Happy birthday! I'm always happy to see another August birthday. Mine is in a few weeks, the big 3-0. I'm going to attempt to get through it without cringing all day. May your days be filled with relaxation!
Posted by: Sarah Jones | August 12, 2011 at 08:02 PM
Happy Birthday! Here's a little something I hope makes you laugh...
A man and his wife were making their first doctor visit prior to the birth of their first child. After everything checked out, the doctor took a small stamp and stamped the wife's stomach with indelible ink.
The couple was curious about what the stamp was for, so when they got home, the husband dug out his magnifying glass to try to see what it was. In very tiny letters, the stamp said, "When you can read this, come back and see me."
Posted by: Rayia | August 12, 2011 at 08:07 PM
Happy Birthday! I just recieved an order of all of those fabric's I ordered from your store and have been going crazy making adorable baby dresses with them! LOVE!! Your fabrics are my absolute favorite! Don't stress out about where the baby will go.. enjoy the time you'll have with him bunking in your room for a little while ;)
Posted by: teryn | August 12, 2011 at 08:14 PM
Have a beautiful birthday, don't worry. Things will sort themselves out.
Posted by: Marlena | August 12, 2011 at 08:18 PM
personally, if my ankles were swollen, I would use that as an excuse to NOT shave, but that's just me.
Put the baby in with you, store the clothes/diapers in a few crates that fit under the crib/bassinet and call it good until you start getting sleep.
Hang in there... can't wait to see the cute little bundle! Sending cool (since its so hot), healthy, relaxing thoughts your way.
Posted by: heather from arizona | August 12, 2011 at 08:38 PM
Happy birthday you amazing lady, you! I'm debating the same "where to put baby" questions right now. But I definitely agree on waiting to see what kind of a sleeper he'll be - plus when they're super little, they'll sleep anywhere! Do you have an empty dresser drawer? :)
Posted by: Emmmylizzzy | August 12, 2011 at 08:41 PM
When we had our 3rd, we lived in a 900 sq ft, 2 bedroom house. I nurse my babies, so I needed her in my room, but there was NO WAY a crib would fit in there. We used a borrowed bassinet until she was strong enough to push herself up and look over the side at us, and then we squeezed in a pack-n-play and that was her bed for almost 2 years. I never had a changing table (didn't know where I'd put it if I did have one!), so we had diapers, wipes and changing pads stashed in a basket by the sofa, and in a basket on my dresser, and I just sat on either the sofa or the bed to change her. We had a little bookshelf that we reclaimed from the neighbors trash that I repainted and bought baskets for (it fit 4 small baskets!), and that was her "dresser". I bought a cheap, small bookshelf and put it in my closet to hold blankets, extra diapers, sheets, burp cloths, etc.
I'm 2 weeks away from being due with #4 (and possibly #5, too, if my midwife is right about what she hears/feels!), and am still doing the pack-n-play next to my bed even though we've moved and have at least 3x more space than we had when #3 came along!
And you're right - puffy ankles ARE so much easier to shave than the bony ones...but I sure like the bony ones better! I wish you speedy delivery and lots of rest between now and then (at least, as much as you can snag!). :)
Posted by: Shannon | August 12, 2011 at 08:48 PM
Happy Birthday!!!!
Funny story from when my kids were young (I'm a grandma now)
When my children were young and came home from elementary school each day, the first thing out of my son's mouth was, "What's for dinner?" No amount of prompting from me seemed to help.
Emily: Hi Mom!
Chris: What's for dinner
Mom: Hi, Mom!
Chris: Hi Mom, what's for dinner?
This went on until one day when I hit on the perfect solution
Emily: Hi Mom
Chris: What's for dinner
Mom: Camel snot
Emily (without missing a beat): What? Again???
Chris (mortified and still standing at the door) - speechless
In time he started to say Hi Mom 1st but would still ask what was for dinner. Mostly to hear what screwy idea I had next - Fried Fish lips, Creamed Turtle Toes, etc.
Needless to say, I became famous in the neighborhood for my 'unique cuisine'. LOL
Posted by: Barbara G | August 12, 2011 at 08:49 PM
Happy Birthday! I pray your year is amazingly blessed! I have a little "trying to do too much before baby comes" humor for ya:) My daugther was due the same week as my son's 2nd birthday and I was adamant that we celebrate his birthday early so he could have HIS day with no baby interruption. We scheduled his 10 am bouncy house party 5 days before his actual bday. I slaved getting his party ready for 30 guests and the morning of the party I woke up in labour! I called my doula and she said it could take all day so do whatever I felt like (she was coming to the party as well) and so I determined that we would have the party no matter what and took off to set up. You should of seen my guests faces when they asked "So how are you feeling? Ready to pop?" and I replied "Actually I'm in labour right now" and had to breathe through a contraction! We had a great party, every 7-15 minutes I'd lean on a counter or table and breathe through a contraction and then we'd continue. I had my daughter that night and left my son in the care of my younger brother overnight. He called in the morning to let me know that they had woken up at 6am but then my brother fell asleep and forgot to feed my son breakfast but not to worry because he had managed to find a chicken nugget from his supper last night and the remainder of cupcake icing to eat before my brother woke up! I was furious! We immediately checked out of the hospital and went home to rescue our son... when I changed his diaper I found that my brother had somehow put it on backwards! There's the craziness that surrounded my daughters birth :) All the best in these last days and weeks!
Posted by: Monique Willms | August 12, 2011 at 08:57 PM
I have a funny birthing story! So I was at a four and starting to have wicked contractions. They had that thing around my tummy to hear the baby's heart beat and he was acting funny so they had it turned all the way up so his heartbeat and every move I made was really loud. I had my room full of nurses and my mom and husband. Well when you have contractions and you have to tute it's just gonna fly out. So I tute and it is echoing over this monitor. Then I start laughing cuz it was just so loud, and with every giggle came a tute echoing so loud!!! For a few minutes straight! Everybody was dying of laughter! Hope that gave you a giggle. Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Amanda | August 12, 2011 at 09:06 PM
I will never forget the first time my brand new perfect little girl shot orange poop 5 feet across her perfect little room, staining the carpet, wall, and cloth basket in the process. Priceless! Where ever you ultimately decide to put this babys stuff will be the right decision. You will make it work and if it doesn't work the worst that can happen is you will just try a different spot. No harm done. Enjoy the new bundle!
Posted by: Maria Hoekstra | August 12, 2011 at 09:20 PM