May 14, 2010

Stroller Selection Complete – Foray!

My husband and I have finally decided on a stroller. We really like the Maxi Cosi Foray.

We were originally thinking about purchasing the Quinny Buzz. We had liked this make and model because it’s light weight, easy to fold and also modern and stylish. We both agreed, however, that the Quinny is a bit out of our price range. It’s no Bugaboo or UppaBaby (both can run from $1000 up) but it’s still quite pricey for what we can afford right now.

Luckily, we didn’t have to settle for something just because of price. The Graco Quattro Tour, for example, is cost effective but we’re anything but impressed. The model seems quite bulky and, at 39 pounds, is very heavy! I also wasn’t impressed with the fact that the baby seat clips in on top of the seat. In my opinion, this just adds to the bulk.

Thankfully, we came across the Maxi Cosi Foray which is quite similar to the Quinny Buzz, yet is, in my opinion, better! There isn’t a huge price difference (the Quinny Buzz is about $100 more), but the Foray:

• Includes a larger under basket
• includes a one touch step and lock system
• is lighter to carry
• folds back all the way for baby’s comfort
• comes with a weather shield and canopy

It does require a few steps to fold it up, including removing the seat, but it’s quite simple, very light weight and easy to store in both the car and our small living space. I also should mention that I like how the main seat must be removed to make room for the car seat. The only drawback in my opinion is that there is only one option for the car seat. We must purchase the Maxi-Cosi Mico. Thankfully, the seat has had great ratings and reviews for safety and ease of use.

It’s funny to think that just a year ago, the last thing from our minds were strollers. We knew nothing about them but here we are today researching and picking out the perfect one for the arrival of our baby son. Only 10 weeks to go before we see how if he approves of our choice!

May 12, 2010

I’m Red Hot (And Not in a Good Way)

Lately, I’ve been looking like a walking tomato.

Not only am I round all over and feel extremely warm when the rest of the world seems to be comfortable, but I also blush at the slightest of things. People must think I’m consistently nervous or embarrassed and men I talk to must think I have a crush on them!

I’ll confess, I’ve been a blusher my entire life – to an extent. Normally, I do turn red out of embarrassment, anger or excitement. Other than that, my skin remains pale unless I manage to get a burn or a tan. But now whenever I strike up a conversation with someone I can feel my face turning different shades of red. I feel myself getting hot and, realizing I’m starting to blush, I blush more out of embarrassment! It’s become a never ending battle.

This became a “red hot” issue during my second trimester so I naturally feel my blushing has to do with my pregnancy. But do other women feel the same way? I would love to know who else feels the heat while pregnant. I just hope this is yet another symptom that will go away once the baby is born.

May 10, 2010

Another Symptom to Add to the List

This odd burning sensation underneath the skin at the base of my ribs has been driving me nuts lately. My skin feels numb yet itches and burns at the same time. It actually feels as though I’m being poked with a needle from the inside. Some days it’s so unbearable I can’t concentrate on anything else.

I went online to research what this might be and came across a variety of posts by women who are experiencing the same thing. Some people think it’s due to a pulled muscle while others believe it’s due to a pinched nerve. I now see my doctor every two weeks so thankfully I didn’t have to wait long to ask her professional opinion. According to my doctor, the itchy uncomfortable feeling is actually the muscle and skin getting stretched as the uterus continues to grow. She says I should get feeling back once my body gets used to my growing uterus (it hasn’t already?) and the uncomfortable itchiness and burning will completely go away after the baby’s born.

Hopefully this isn’t the only symptom that goes away then!

On a side note, I was told at my appointment today that everything is moving along quite nicely in terms of mine and the baby’s health. Baby’s head is turned down already and his heart rate is going at a very healthy 130 beats per minute. Now I feel as though I can finally sit back and enjoy the last part of what has been quite a roller coaster ride!

Blog Archive