Happy Birthday, Johnny!

Today is my Johnny's 31st birthday and I am so happy to be married to him. He's a gentle soul, kind, generous, and loving and I'm so lucky that he's mine! He is extremely bright and so talented and I am amazed at all the things he is capable of doing well! I admire his work ethic and good attitude- he's always helping me, or his family, or his friends. He's been a great friend and spouse and I'm so excited to see him as a dad because I know he will be great!

39 weeks

-Every time I call someone, I feel bad that I'm not in labor because I know that I just got their hopes up.

-So far the not wearing shoes and pants thing is going awesome! I am wearing some stretched out yoga pants from Old Navy and rotating through my collection of slippers. I consider it "dressing up" when I put on my slightly less stretched out yoga pants and flip flops.

-Even my maternity shirts are getting a little tight and short.

-Last night as I was trying to fall asleep, I had this moment of panic realizing that the Cub will be here so soon and I should be relishing my last moments of not being SOMEONE'S MOTHER. But what to do? There's not much I can accomplish in the next seven days to make my pre-mother life more enriched, so I have been settling for sleeping in, taking naps and generally enjoying being by myself.

Baby cooker

37.5 weeks pregnant

My last day of work was on Thursday- the Legislature adjourned for the year late Thursday night (and for the first time in a decade, a half an hour early!) After running around like crazy all day, I was having a ton of Braxton Hicks contractions and I was DONE. I spent most of the weekend relaxing and sleeping. It felt INCREDIBLE.

We have a little over a week until the Cub is "due", although really at this point, it's anyone's guess when he will actually come. I've been soaking up my free time- I have a good balance going of working on baby projects and taking it easy. The best part about not working anymore? I would have to say it's a three way tie between not having to wear pants, sleeping in, and not having to put my shoes on. (Seriously, it just about kills me to put my shoes on.) It's pretty awesome here at my house- just call before you come over so I can put some pants on.

Every day brings me closer to the Cub and I am getting really excited. The goal is to accomplish a few things off of my to-do list every day and just let this little guy cook until he decides he's done!

Why Mormons Build Temples

With all the recent attention LDS temples are receiving, the LDS church has put out this video explaining what the big deal is. Check it out.

Time for a contest!!

Hello there interpeeps... it is time for a little guess-the-baby's-birthday contest. I am feeling ambitious here and am thinking that I will be able to send the winner a little something fairly soon after the baby comes (let's see how crazy that turns out to be!)

Here's the info:
-The baby is "due" Friday, March 27th.
-At my last ultrasound (at 36 weeks) he was measuring right on age-wise.
-This is my first baby.
-I am not planning on being induced.
-(TMI alert) I have not started dilating yet (well, I'm a one, but that's practically nothing).

Your job is to guess the vital stats of the Cub. Whomever guesses closest on the most items will win (there may be a combination of winners). Include your guesses for his:
-date
-time
-weight
-height

Leave your guesses in the comments!!

PS- You can also leave your vote for the name in the poll to the right. And for extra fun, guess which of those names will end up being the Cub's!

I'm one of them Mormons

I saw the most incredible video today on C Jane Enjoy It. Rachel Esplin, an Eastern Studies/Religion student at Harvard university, was part of a panel on religion at Harvard as the LDS representative (aka "Mormon"). I am very impressed with how wonderfully eloquent she is- she has composure and poise well beyond her 20 years. She gives comprehensive and doctrinally sound answers. I encourage you all to watch this great video- if you are familiar with the LDS church, it will serve as a tool to use in explaining the faith to others; if you aren't familiar with the LDS church, it may answer a lot of your questions. (My favorite part comes around the 12-13 minute region when she talks about Joseph Smith).



Day of Faith: Personal Quests for a Purpose - 3. Rachel Esplin from Harvard Hillel on Vimeo.

Siftables

Check out this amazing new technology! Siftables are small blocks that have mini-computers inside! The toy and learning applications are incredible!



Seen on Milk Breath and Margaritas

Shuffle playlist

Lovely and fun songs that iTunes shuffle brought to me today:

Paint Me in Your Sunshine-Marie Digby
Your Song- Kate Walsh
Vegetable Car- Joshua Radin
When You Become King of My Heart- Alana Davis
Get to Me- Train
The Captain- Guster
Listen to the Music- Doobie Brothers
Death and All His Friends- Coldplay
Revolution- Grandaddy
Charlie- Ingrid Michaelson
Spit on a Stranger- Nickel Creek
Take What You Want- Mesa Drive
Sucker- John Mayer
Where Does the Good Go- Tegan and Sara
Hello- Tristan Prettyman
One Fine Wire- Colbie Caillat
Bruises- Chairlift
Tongue-Tied- Aqualung
Traffic in the Sky- Jack Johnson
Addicted- Kelly Clarkson
Momma's Boy- Chromeo

Fictionist

My JohnnyT (my most favorite musician ever) subbing in on the bass with Stu last year

One of life's most joyful things is seeing people I care about succeeding. That's how I feel about my childhood pal, Stuart Maxfield, and his band, Fictionist. As long as I have known Stu (since Kindergarten, yo), he has been a bit of a musical prodigy. He funneled his musical talents into many venues, but the one that seemed to be the most fulfilling for him is that of indie rock musician. He's had several incarnations of bands (System, StuManFu, Good Morning Maxfield) but his latest project really shines. Their sound is unique and full and satisfying to the ear. The Salt Lake Tribune highlighted them here today. They have a concert in Provo tonight at Velour with another of my most favorite local bands, Paul Jacobsen and the Madison Arm. Unfortunately, because I am great with child and all I want to do at night is lie down, I won't be there, but I encourage all of you locals to get there!

Breech Baby No More!

Last week (36 weeks pregnant) I had my first internal exam. My doctor wasn't sure that the baby was head down, so she sent me in for an ultrasound to double check. I was so confidant that he was head down and I was kind of irritated to have to take work off again for another appointment. (Getting away from the Capitol during the Legislative session is a big deal.) Imagine my disappointment when the ultrasound tech found the Cub's head up, not down! Oooh, that baby was on time-out! I was super frustrated but I tried not to let it get me too down.

John and I fasted (well, John fasted) and prayed that he would turn on his own, I had a priesthood blessing, I did specific yoga positions, I talked to the baby, and even made acupuncture and chiropractic appointments. I wanted to make sure that I did everything I could to help the baby turn. Still, nothing seemed to work. I could still feel the baby's hard, round little head up by my ribs.

My doctor called me on Tuesday and we talked over my options- a scheduled C-section or an external version followed immediately by an induction. Both options didn't sound appealing, especially since she was recommending the induction at 38 weeks. (I had to go tell my boss that I would probably be having a baby during the last week of the session- not ideal.) Luckily, Dr. Eborn called another doctor who has more expertise in the external version technique and he recommended that we try it THIS week and then if it was successful, let me go into labor on my own! Yay!

So yesterday, I took the day off of work and John and I checked into LDS hospital. After getting some medication to relax my uterus, Dr. Voss came in and pushed on my belly, using his hands to scoop the baby up out of my pelvis, turn him around, then let him slide into my pelvis head down. It was pretty uncomfortable (aka painful) but it only lasted about 45 seconds. (I'm lucky, sometimes the doctor breaks a sweat from exerting so much force for several minutes trying to get a baby to turn).

It was a success- the baby is now pointed the proper way and there's only a 5% chance that he will turn again! Yay! I am pretty bruised today (I feel "knocked up" in a whole different way) but it was so worth it!! Now I'm back on track for a normal delivery- no induction, no C-section!!

Little Lovelies

Beautiful things to enjoy today...

-this article at Segullah called 100% about being pure-hearted

-reading about NieNie's lovely dreams: No Request is Too Extreme

-OnePrettyThing.com

-Baby Anna's nursery

-The Legislature's tribute to Utah's fallen soldiers

Happy Birthday, Baby Sam!

v

It's this little boy's birthday on Saturday... the time has flown. John and I were contemplating whether we can still call our little buddy, "Baby Sam" after he's turned FIVE! I just love hanging out with my nephew and he never ceases to entertain me. He's so sweet and tender and has always been a little cuddly, lovey boy. He loves to run and play and ride his scooter. His favorite thing to do at my house is to play the Wii- he is very good at Lego Star Wars in particular, and will always tell you how to play better. He's smart and fun and I know he will be a great cousin to the Cub!

Exhibit A

Johnny is going to be such a great dad. I love looking through these pictures of him with the kids in our lives- they all adore him and he is so patient and sweet with them.

Uncle Johnny and Sam

Uncle Johnny with Lily

Johnny playing and reading with Sophie, Thomas and Lily (whenever Sophie sees me, she asks, "Johnny?" and usually I reply, "He's at work." To which Sophie says, "Okay. Johnny work. Johnny coming?"


Johnny and the "Moosh" (whenever she sees me, she asks me, "Where's your boy?")


Johnny with baby Lily, only one day old

Etsy favorites: Nursery art edition

What did I do before Etsy existed? I love browsing for ideas and inspiration and I love buying affordable (for the most part), unique, handmade items from small business sellers. I'm having a blast dreaming about decorating the nursery. I'm loving the idea of investing in pieces that can grow with the Cub or become a permanent part of the nursery and adapt for each baby. Here are some of the little beauties I've found recently.

Linda Solovic

Fall Down Tree

Le Papier Designs

Art and Philanthropy


Penny People


Persimmon and Pink


Winborg Design


Modern Pop Designs

Giveaway!

I am getting my life organized before this bambino comes along and so I want to send all my handmade gifties soon! These are the lovely ladies who commented first!

Cara
Jane
Lindsey
Courtney
S
Cat (I don't need your address, I'll see you soon!)

If you haven't already, please email your mailing address to getupandplayblog@gmail.com.

Living Planet Aquarium

We had a fun time at the Living Planet Aquarium with Steve, Kerry, Sam, Lily, Marty and Peggy. We saw a live animal show (super cheesy, but the animals were cool) with tropical birds, snakes, a tarantula and a scorpion! I pet a manta ray, we saw the coolest jelly fish and all manner of ocean animals. I don't remember actually having ever been to an aquarium before and I really enjoyed it.

We're totally BFFs now

C Jane wrote a great account of her "Blogger's Day Out" on Capitol hill. She even calls me "beautiful Barbara" and gives the Cub internet belly rubs. Check it out.

C Barb Geek Out

Guess who I met today? The one and only Courtney, of C Jane Enjoy It. She and her sister, Lucy, joined their dad, aka Representative Stephen Clark, at the House of Representatives today. He said the prayer. They said the Pledge. (Yes, we say the Pledge of Allegiance every day up here. It's kind of like Kindergarten. But of all the possible places to regularly say the Pledge, the State Capitol makes the most sense, wouldn't you say?) Anyway, I got to meet the Councilwoman and The Chief, too, both regulars on C Jane. The Chief sure is a cutie- he clapped along with the applause on the House floor and waved hello to me and the Tribune photographer next to me (who took this picture, thanks, Scott!) I tried to play it cool, but I revealed myself as an utter fan. Courtney was beyond gracious and lovely and supremely down to earth, just as she seems on her blog.

Tag with a Twist

I saw this idea on Holly (and Paul and Leo)'s blog and I thought it was such a fun idea! I don't know if I'm one of the first commenters over there, but I thought I'd do it anyway.

Here's the deal: the first five people to respond to this post will get something handmade by yours truly. And I reserve the right to choose what it is when I see who comments! The only catch is that you must re-post this on your own blog and offer the same giveaway to 5 of your own lucky blog readers. (And it'd be fun if you posted a picture of what you got, too!)

Here's some examples of things I have made this year that could be yours!

Photos:



Tutus:



Cupcakes:




Comment away!!

Can we just strap some roller skates on the car seat?

Hello, friends. I am calling on your collective wisdom and experience to help me decide on a very important decision: which stroller should we buy? I know the world will not end if we don't choose the right one, but between my nesting instinct and my pregnancy hormones, it seriously feels like it will. I think we have narrowed it down to three options. Let it be known that John has his mind made up on which one he likes, but I am still undecided. And since I am the one who will most likely be using the stroller most often, I really have to make a decision that I feel good about. (And I have to make it soon, this is the group gift that we are receiving at one of our showers on the 28th).

First option: The B.O.B. jogger stroller.




Pros: It can be converted to a bike trailer, it can convert to accommodate a car seat, it's sturdy, the wheels pivot, it has shocks and real tires, and it looks cool.

Cons: We'd have to buy a separate car seat plus the adapter pieces, the tires can go flat, not a lot of storage space.


Second option: Graco Quattro Tour Deluxe


Pros: *Affordable-includes car seat in price, can close with one hand, lightweight, wheels won't ever get flat, has independent brakes, lots of storage, it's John's favorite.

Cons: I don't like the look of it, it seems big to me, hard to open with one hand, may eventually need/want a jogger in addition.

Third option: Chicco Cortina Travel System Explorer



Pros: Can buy it as a complete travel system, compact, cleaner lines than the Graco, can close with one hand.

Cons: As far as I can tell, the weight limit is lower than the others, may eventually need a jogger.

I'd be very interested to hear your experience with any of the above strollers, what you love/hate about your stroller, what you wish you had known, etc. in the comments. Or to be more straightforward, I've also added a quiz so you can vote for the one you like the best! Don't be biased by the fabric/color choices because there are more options than the ones pictured.

*We are lucky enough to be receiving our stroller as a group gift from one of our showers, so price difference between these three is not much of a hindrance.

It's a small world and isn't it great?

I had a great conversation today with Representative Stephen Clark, who is one of the legislators I work for. He also happens to be the father of two famous bloggers, NieNie and C Jane. I asked how Stephanie's recovery is going and he admitted it was difficult, but his attitude was positive and gracious. He expressed how wonderful the outpouring of support has been from their loved ones and from the blogging community. It really has been amazing and I am so inspired by this community. With all of the horrible things the internet can be used for, the love and monetary donations that have poured in for the Nielsens really serve as a great reminder of the great tool for goodness it can be, too. I'm glad I had the chance to share that moment with Representative Clark!

Utes are #1 in our book

Yesterday, the U of U football team was honored by the House and Senate. You can read about it in the Deseret News and the Salt Lake Tribune. The legislators wore their Utah gear, posed for pictures and most importantly, passed a resolution urging President Obama to encourage an overhaul of the current playoff system. Even the Speaker of the House, a former BYU football player, wore a Utah shirt to honor the undefeated team.


Representative Hendrickson



The Utah players in the House chamber



The team being honored in the Senate



Speaker Clark

Not your average intern

Read about the "world's oldest intern" in today's Daily Herald. Roland Wright is a retired schoolteacher interning at the Capitol this year strictly on a volunteer basis just for the love of the process.

33 weeks (8 months)

I missed taking a picture right at 32 weeks, but here I am at 33 weeks.

Cutest baby contest

Click HERE to vote for my friend's adorable baby!

Recycling Tips

The Deseret News had a few great articles yesterday about recycling in Utah.

According to the newspaper, "Nationwide, in 2007, the United States recycled 24.8 percent of the 254 million tons of trash we threw away. In Utah, we recycled just 2.7 percent of our 2.4 million tons of trash."

But in a poll conducted by the paper, 66 percent of Utahns want more access to recycling!

I found the list of helpful hints for recycling in Utah particularly interesting- I noticed a few things from that list that I am doing improperly. I hate to think that any of my recyclables are going to the landfill because I am ignorant!!(Note: You may want to check your local area's regulations for recycling.)

-Don't bag recycling in trash bags. Sorters assume bags are full of misplaced trash and throw them out.

-Clean pizza boxes can be recycled if the top and bottom are torn apart. Otherwise they will be thrown out. All other cardboard should also be cut or flattened.

-Stickers on recyclable items such as milk jugs can be recycled with the plastic.

-It's best to take the lids off soda bottles because lids and bottles can be made of different kinds of plastic.

-It takes about six weeks for recycled aluminum cans to make it back to the shelves. The average can is made of about 40 percent recycled material.

-Recycle plastic grocery bags by filling one bag with all the others and tying the handles of the outer bag together. Sending the bags one-at-a-time disrupts the recycling machines. Better yet, try reusable grocery bags.

-When trying to buy recycled products, look for brown and gray cardboard rather than white cardboard.

-All paper with ink, crayon or pencil is not considered contaminated and can be processed for recycling. However, any napkins, tissues or paper and cardboard with food on it can't be recycled.

-The only junk mail that cannot be recycled are the false plastic credit cards. Everything else, including envelopes with windows, are acceptable.

-Wire coat hangers can be recycled if they are bundled together.