Wenatchee

Ken and I took a fantastical journey to the center of our fine state. It was a welcome car trip, especially as we passed the top of Snoqualmie Pass and the area en route to Wenatchee called Hidden Valley. So picturesque and wide open. I do miss that--how the land opens up before you with no obstacles and the sky & clouds seem bigger than normal. In the hustle bustle of the big city, views like that can seem so foreign.

Our weekend getaway was spent with my elementary school chum Heather, her musical husband Daric and their 2-year-old, Ethan. I visited them down in Phoenix last Mother's Day and they have since relocated to Wenatchee, WA. We are so excited to have them so near. The temps were in the upper 80's/low 90's so this delicate, pregnant flower was wilting a little. But it's almost prime time cherry season and I was hoping to snag some of my favorite fruit from the source. I did come back with some Bings but will have to wait a few more weeks for the Rainiers.



Ken had only met Heather & Daric at our wedding (4 years ago) and of course it was a whirlwind so not much quality time. But on this visit, Daric and Ken got to jam on their guitars, Ken gave a Theremin demonstration, we played and read to their son Ethan who danced, sang & says the most earnest "no" I've ever seen and we got to see Daric play songs from his new CD at a local eatery. Heather & Daric also told us stories about parenthood which we intently absorbed.

Ken and I stayed at a very cute B&B called Huckleberry Haven. It is the most darling place and the hosts provide excellent hospitality and meals. True to it's name, huckleberries are featured in many of the breakfast dishes and beverages served. The huckleberry bread was our favorite and she gave me the recipe. Of course, I have a thing about 99.99999999999999999999% of the beds in this world: they are not mine and therefore I cannot have very restful sleep because I am so spoiled and unadaptable in my old age. But the private 2-person jacuzzi tub, sitting room and beautifully decorated suite were fabulous and the second night was an improvement.

We look forward to seeing them in Wenatchee again--probably post-wetus delivery.

Media NOT Recommended for Pregnancy

Then there's the stuff one should stay away from during pregnancy--and I'm not talking sushi, coffee, lunch meat or blue cheese.

Here are some major offenders:

Book

Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy

Probably the worst book I've encountered regarding pregnancy. Tone is snarky and shallow. I guess the woman who wrote this is a former Playboy Playmate--which may explain the unshakable fixation on appearance and how pregnancy/childbirth affects a swinging gal's mojo. There are a lot of humor books on the topic of pregnancy and a few are listed in my former post. This is in no way "humorous"; it vacillates simultaneously between annoying and sad.

TV/Movies

The Fly 2 (first 10 minutes especially)

One of our friends said not just pregnant women but everyone should be warned against this movie. I thought this was a descent movie but the first scene is very horrific if you are pregnant or ever thinking about becoming so.

Battlestar Galactica Episode "The Farm"

From my favorite TV show comes a disturbing episode that showcases the cylons desire to cross-breed with humans and their mechanisms to accomplish that. Makes you think twice about what we do to animals/livestock in the name of science.

Any of the "Alien" movies

One of the best sci-fi story lines ever but does not mix well with pregnancy. Technically this doesn't have anything to do with pregnancy, but NOW the idea of a creature bursting out of your chest/abdomen area--yeah not so cool.

Star Trek 2009 (just the first 10 minutes)

I'm a big ole nerd & I love me some Trek. Wasn't totally on board with Sylar, I mean New Spock but grew to accept it. However, the very first scene involving Kirk's parents and the evacuation of his mom whilst in-labor to an escape pod while his dad stayed on the bridge to detonate the ship manually--I was inconsolably bawling. Surprised the hell out of me too. Hello hormones.

Supernatural, pilot episode

This is probably one of the most frightening TV episodes I've ever seen, ranking right up there with "Home" from the X-files (back when it was good). The flashback scene in the first 15 minutes is so surprising and bloody, describing it doesn't do it justice. There are summaries of the episode online and I was going to link to one but when you see it written out, it doesn't seem that bad. But trust me, don't watch this if you're pregnant or just had a baby.

Overall, I find myself becoming really sensitive to violence in movies and TV now. I don't have the immunity to it that I once did. Also I find myself sort of weepy at the oddest things: pictures of puppies, sentimental music and don't even get me started on the movie UP. Be warned.

Media and Resources for Pregnancy

Parenthood is one of those endeavors that sometimes doesn't get the preparation it deserves. I can't understand why people might think that the physiological changes and responsibility of nurturing a forming human being would require little to no study because it's what "we're meant to do." I guess the assumption is made that the example of one's parents serve as the template and will teach you most of what you need to know. But while I think my parents did a fine job and I will emulate some of what they did, I also believe that learning and applying the skills, tools and knowledge that it takes to be a successful parent (not just getting by) takes discipline and focus. After all, I went to college for 4 years just to form the baseline of my professional aptitude and this seems to fall into a headier endeavor than learning how to produce the news or make a video documentary.

While there are so many great resources out there for pregnancy and childbirth preparation, it can be overwhelming. Personally, though I can't get enough of it. If one were to come to our house right now, they'd find all sorts of media regarding pregnancy & parenting scattered about. Because I love lists, I thought it might be helpful to compile all the books, podcasts, videos and websites that we are looking at.

Books:

Your Week by Week Pregnancy

This is my favorite resource for what changes are going on for me, the growth of the baby and ideas for exercise.

Baby Bargains

Already mentioned how helpful this is in sorting through establishing the registry and figuring out what baby gear you may need.

Everything Baby Names Book

We're still working on names but this helped. The book also includes Polynesian and First Nation names if you are seeking them.

Afterbirth

This is a collection of stories that showcase the not so pretty but still poignant side of parenthood. It's a good grounding reference.

What to Expect When You're Expecting

This is supposedly the quintessential book that almost all expectant parents have. I am not fond of the monthly format (I prefer weekly or even daily) and it seems like this book contains all the bad things that can happen. It's a helpful book to have but not the only one you should read.

Happiest Baby on the Block

Our doula told us that there are only 5 things you need to know from this book and she could tell us these things in 15 minutes. We still have the book for reference though.

The Miraculous World of Your Unborn Baby

This book was given to us by Sue and has lots of pictures/photos of the developing fetus and what mom is going through. It's older but still something cool to track progress with.

Hatched

A humorous look at pregnancy and childbirth through still photos of posed, plastic chicks.

The Baby Book

A comprehensive guide to "attachment parenting" from birth and beyond.

Safe Baby Handling Tips

A humorous guide to good and bad ways of dealing with the baby's daily needs plus a "responsibility spinner" to help mom & dad decide who's going to change the next diaper.

The Expectant Father

A "dry & picture-less" guide to things that Ken says he already knows. But still probably a good reference for most dads to take a look at.

The Pregnancy Journal (Day to Day Guide)

If you're fascinated by all the changes you and baby are going through on a daily basis and you want to keep a journal, this is a book for you.

Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child

Honestly, we haven't cracked this one yet. Have no idea if it's good or not.

Magazine:
Parenting

While it has some great idea cards you can rip out and take with you to entertain antsy children, this is mostly a collection of ads sprinkled with moderately interesting articles about parenthood.

DVDs:

In the Womb

We've watched this twice now. Fascinating chronicle of an English couple's pregnancy with 2-D, 3-D & 4-D images of their baby plus some graphical representations based on those images to show what babies do in the womb. Done by National Geographic. It's awesome.

Laugh and Learn about Childbirth

This came highly recommended by our neighbors and we will watch this soon.

The Gift of Motherhood (Book & DVD)

This came from my medical insurance company and we will watch this soon.

Podcasts (both available on iTunes):
Pea In the Podcast

Great weekly podcast to give you some in-depth discussion on a topic that is relevant to the stage of development you are in. Guest hosted with an OBGYN.

Baby Time

A Massachusetts couple logs their personal journey into parenthood with stories, advice and feedback from listeners.

Websites:
www.thebump.com
www.babycenter.com
www.americanpregnancy.org

Any other suggestions?

Pregnant celeb buddies

This is totally irrelevant and ridiculous but hey, what the heck? Ellen Pompeo (age 39), known as Meredith Grey on Grey's Anatomy,

and Sarah Michelle Gellar (age 32), famous for her role on Buffy the Vampire Slayer,

are both due with their first babies around the same time I am. Yay!

(Sarah also has excellent taste in Camelbak water bottles.)