Much to my excitement, I recently received a package in the mail full of all things baby. The gift was given by a dear friend of mine (thanks Amy!). She had e-mailed me to let me know she was sending me a care package. I thought it was because my husband and I just moved to Germany with our two labs. I had no idea the package would be full of gifts for my unborn baby! I am only in my first trimester, so I was not expecting anything for the baby so soon. (more…)
About deanna
Website: http://www.theschweitzers.com
deanna has written 91 articles so far, you can find them below.
First Gifts for Baby
Having a Baby in Germany
Throughout our 11 1/2 years of marriage, I would have never imagined that we would be having our first baby here in Germany, but here we are! As we move toward our delivery date, I am overwhelmed with a menagerie of emotions. I am, of course, excited to be having my first child and to be here in a new country (we arrived just 2 months ago from the U.S.). I am also nervous about the differences in prenatal care and the delivery. In addition, I am anxious to learn all I can so that my husband and I are prepared for the entire process and relaxed enough to enjoy it. You can follow my journey here as I reveal the in’s and out’s of having a baby in Germany!
First Ultrasound in Germany
Today, I had my first sonogram with my new doctor here in Germany. The procedure was somewhat different, I am told, than in the States. The main difference was the lack of privacy that is typically offered by American doctors. Here is the breakdown of my visit… (more…)
It’s Official…
Now that I know I am officially pregnant, I am left wondering what to do now. I feel the need to educate myself on the changes that are to come, but I don’t want to run out and buy every pregnancy book on the market. So where does a newly pregnant woman begin? I have started compiling a list of questions that are most urgent to me:
What changes do I need to make now that I am pregnant?
How do I need to nourish myself and my growing baby?
Is moderate exercise okay during pregnancy?
How will my body change in the first trimester?
When will my due date be?
How can I avoid getting morning sickness?
Is there one highly recommended book that will serve me throughout my pregnancy?
A Positive Home Pregnancy Test
Today I took a pregnancy test and it was positive. I am in complete shock at the moment. Shock, because I just visited my doctor for an annual check-up a month and half ago. It was then that I had mentioned that Brad and I were thinking of starting our family. She told me, “Don’t be surprised if it doesn’t happen right away. It could take up to a year.” Needless to say, I was expecting the “trying” part to take much longer. I was hoping to at least be out of hotel living and settled here in Germany before I became pregnant. God obviously has other plans for me. For now, I need to trust that His timing is perfect and that I am ready be a mommy.
Kid Birthday Party Planning
As a teacher, I know the most important thing to remember when organizing a stress-free kids event is to stay organized with a well-developed plan. No matter how simple or how elaborate you want your kids birthday party to be, you can implement a fun-filled party by taking advantage of a few birthday party planning ideas:
- Plan ahead. Being prepared will significantly reduce your stress level the days leading up to the party. Begin planning at least 6 weeks before the birthday party.
- Make a list, check it twice. Write down your ideas for the party and keep a party planning checklist of the things you will need to implement the party. Make multiple copies of your list and keep them in spots that are handy. You will be more likely to refer to the list and check things off frequently rather than rushing to get everything done right before the party.
- Don’t spend a lot. Money alone can be a source of stress. Don’t feel like you have to spend a fortune to give your child the best party. Most times, kids aren’t even going to remember all the fancy details. Instead, go green. Make use of household items for decorations, games, and party favors. Invitations can be personally made by your child on recycled paper.
- Consider the time of day. If you are not a morning person, then a kids birthday party scheduled for mid-morning is probably not a good idea. Other reasons for scheduling an afternoon party are to allow yourself extra time for the little details, allowing time for family and friends to arrive from out of town, and to have more control over when the party ends.
- Enlist some help. When it comes to party planning, kids can offer the most enthusiastic help of all. By having them help with decorations and game set-up, it teaches them responsibility and adds their personal touch to their own party. If that option does seem too stressful, don’t be shy to ask friends, family, and neighbors to lend a hand.
Kids Birthday Party Planner
Planning a kids birthday party? Keep it stress-free by keeping track of your to-do’s with a handy birthday party planner. This Birthday Party Planner Checklist will help you organize all the party details so can enjoy the reason for the celebration-your little one!
Free Pregnancy Calendar and MUCH More
I recently came across a neat little site for new moms, expecting moms and those who are trying to conceive (I am now one of those women!). Baby Zone offers a free pregnancy calendar, a due date calendar, a week by week pregnancy guide, information on fetal development, fertility, and trimesters, as well as a host of other valuable advice. I registered for the free “Ovulation Tracker”. This pregnancy ovulation calendar was created and personalized for me so I know exactly when my body is ready to receive, you know, the baby batter. Check out babyzone.com for some great information on all things baby.
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