Time to Vote!

Seriously, sorry that this will be quick. I had my appointment today and then we were to schedule our Ultrasound appt. didn't realize we'd get there so quickly, but apparently we will find out on Friday afternoon. Still deciding whether to take M or not. Hmm. It will be during her naptime so that makes it a little bit of a tough decision.

Here's the low down on hunches. I think it's a boy, Hubs thinks it's a girl, M thinks a girl, mom thought it was a boy, but today she changed her mind. The midwife originally said she leaned towards boy, but today after heartbeat and extreme movement in there she said that I may have an active little girl on my hands...so who even knows! And who really cares?! I just want a healthy human. That'd be great! So cast your vote in the side bar and I'll give you the results over the weekend!

The Rest of the Photo Shoot

These pics were taken on 12/14/07. Love them. I linked to Jana's blog so you could see some of them. Here are the rest of M and Cuz. Enjoy!

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Winter Wonderland

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Snow Day!

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200th Post!

This is my 200th post! AND...it's snowing!

I sort of hope that there is actually snow on the ground in the morning so that M can experience it. I mean she's never experienced snow. All children should and she's at the age that it will be really fun to watch her discover it! Just wish I had a fireplace to warm her up with after it's all over. I also sort of hope that there will be ice on the roads so that I can have an excuse to keep hubs at home since he's been out of town and we've missed him. Not to mention that he is worn out from all the manual labor he did on this business trip.

Grocery Shopping:

We started to talk about this just a smidge in Mom to Mom today and I thought I ought to post about some of the basics. I do not pretend to be an expert, but lets just say that I tend to have a nack for it.

1. If you're going to do coupons, really do them. Now I know that couponing is hard. It takes organization, time, and effort. But if you are not an organizer, then do a basic organization of alphabetizing, or collect them into like categories (cleaning supplies, packaged goods, cereals, etc.) But it pays to collect alot. Get several sunday papers...you can get them at a discount at walmart or dollar stores and I think walgreens. It's better if you get them from people who don't care about coupons.

2. It really does pay to have more than one coupon of the same kind (especially if you use that product alot). Here is why. When you have a coupon, the most savings can be had when you use your coupon with the product in its smallest size or quantity. So if you need more diapers than the 30 pack, it really pays to have $1.50 coupon for a 30 pack and then another $1.50 coupon for another 30 pack. That way you've saved $3.00 on 60 as opposed to buying the 60 pack and only using the one coupon and only saving $1.50. Do you see you just saved twice as much.

3. Lots of supermarkets double coupons (look out 2-4 times a year some triple coupons). So, coupons do pay...sometimes double. usually up to .50 or .60 cents. Check and double check. One of my fave stores I thought doubled coupons, does not. It was disappointing.

4. If you want to get the best deal, then you can't be brand selective. Let me clarify. I always thought that this meant I had to get the generic, but keep in mind you don't have coupons for generic. Sometimes the brand name when on sale and combined with a coupon are way better deal then just buying the generic.

5. Buy One Get One combined with 2 coupons (yes this is legit cause you are buying 2 items, so you can use 2 coupons) is almost always the best deal! Try it and do the math. I'm serious. 2 coupons and bogo!

6. When It's at it's Lowest Price, Buy Extra! I can not express this enough. A few weeks ago I found Sirloin Steaks for 2.99 a pound, that was $4 off. We never have steak cause it's expensive, but at that price I got two packs. One we ate that week, and the other pack is in the freezer for another week. This way we can have steak twice and not have to pay the full price either time. Same with things like paper towels. I do have my favorites...paper towels are Viva and if I can get them on sale I'll buy those. I just got them almost half off in a pack of 6, or I could buy them for almost 2 times that if I just bought them one at a time as I neede them. No way. This way I have my fave paper towels for a good 6 weeks and they were half price!

7. Don't forget the coupons on the back of your receipt! That's how we get out hair cut around here for under $7!

8. If you are not a couponer and probably never will be or maybe you have fallen out of the habit (like me) shop at ALDI. If you don't have an ALDI, do the Wal-Mart thing. If you like to get all your shopping done in one place, then these are generally your best bet. You could also just shop sales (look through the adds and go to the various stores for the various deals). Only don't forget that gas is expensive and time is precious.

9. Make things from scratch. This is almost always cheaper than pre boxed/packaged things.

Hope this is helpful to those who frequently ask how I do it.

*Just as a note of encouragement, even if you fell of the coupon wagon and feel drawn to a particular grocery store (like I am to Bloom right now), you too can save a good $25 every visit. Last time I saved $25 and only spent $25 (don't think I used coupons that time, just shopped the sales only). Today's visit I spent my usual $50.00 and saved $25.00. Using one coupon for diapers and a nice, fat coupon for the entire purchase. The store sends these to me the more I shop ($10 off $35). I got 4 of these for the month--hallelujah.

Almost 17 weeks

So, I can't remember alot of things...in general. And I don't remember in great detail things about my first pregnancy, so I haven't any idea how to gauge or compare this one to that one.

I am "showing" if you will. I have a friend who isn't always up on social graces who lets me know that I don't really look pregnant. Thank goodness I love and understand her in the way that I do or I would want to smack her for basically reminding me that I look more plump than bump if you know what I mean. Still, truth be told. If you don't know me, then you might thing that I have simply put on a hefty bit of holiday poundage. And yet at my last visit to the birthing center I had actually lost a pound since the day I found out that I was expecting (at about 4 1/2 wks)! I was sort of surprised since I felt like I was hungry and eating all the time...and I was never really throw up sick. Now granted I was unsettled and I was a million other kinds of sick, but I think it way have to do with the weird cravings that I have had. I eat healthier now than I ever did before, and not cause I'm trying to be such a good mom. Now really I'm totally selfish and I just want what I crave which is generally fruits and veggies in their raw form. I know! It's great, but really odd!

Only thing is that I am very uninterested in meat in general, so I'm curious about my blood work, although they said they'd call if they were concerned and they didn't call. Still, my iron tends to be low anyway. I was also concerned about my energy levels cause I was extremely tired even in the 14th and 15th weeks, but Amy (my midwife) felt sure that the up and up was coming in the 16th week. And...she was right. I'm finally feeling significantly better! Hallelujah!

So, I guess I'm to be expected to get some real things done now that I'm feeling better. My ribs finally healed from the awful strains of all that coughing, so that pain is gone (which was immense btw). Now mom and I are up to sewing and creating! I sould be fund, but boy do I have alot to learn! And I'm still a little curious how in the world we are going to make this 2 bedroom, 1 bath mill house work for our growing family. especially since I had such a hard time sleeping with a child in my room. Should be interesting. Well, my next appt. is scheduled at the very end of the month (about 2 weeks) and then we will be scheduling the U/S. So not long now till the sex and general health of the baby is determined.

And that's the update.

See Cousin Pics

Check these out! Isn't Jana a great photographer?!

This is a Review!

Seriously, I never do this, but I just have to say that I love this product. Yesterday I went to Sears to get two "tummy sleeve"s. My Aunt Martha told me about them when we visited them over the holidays and she had heard it from her dental hygenist. How odd is all that by the way.

Does anyone remember the old "Units" idea from the early 90's? Well this is only slightly similar and yet I am constantly reminded of it. It is basically a moderately thick, spandex "band" that is not too tight (cause its all elasticy), that holds up your pants and can cover your entire pregnant belly at the same time.

Now this is really good for early pregnancy when you are in between clothes and such. You put this on and you can leave your pants entirely unbuttoned and/or unzipped, and this covers it up, smooths out the lines, and holds your pants up as well. And it just looks like the bottom of a longer t-shirt. You can even get them in different colors with or without lace as a trim.

In this cold weather, I'm loving that it is another warm layer on my belly that also keeps the wind from getting in, since its fitted. And I love being able to wear some of my favorite pants still! It also saves me from having to spend a bundle on so many maternity clothes of varying sizes.

Here is an example of some really funky ones. Mine are simple one white, one black...And Sears had them for slightly less than $17!

Holy Day!

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T'was the Night Before Christmas...

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Been Tagged Awhile

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends. Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!! Just copy this entire post and paste it into your own post. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then tag someone else!

I tag Nico, Michelle, and anyone else that actually reads me and hasn't been tagged yet!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both, but those bags are oh so easy!

2. Real or artificial tree? With the whole pre-lit thing going on I have to say artificial, plus it pains me when I think of all the trees that we cut down every year to sell and then dispose of. Just doesn't seem right to me.

3. When do you put up the tree? weekend after thanksgiving. Like to start the season of Christmas as soon as possible

4. When do you take the tree down? I'd keep it up through the season of epiphany if hubs would let me, but it usually comes down a weekend around the first of the year.

5. Do you like eggnog? I used to LOVE it, but this year I'm pregnant and it just sounds repulsive.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? I have trouble remembering my favorite (this should tell us about something about what we are stressing ourselves out to buy for our kids). I honestly remember just loving the festivities surrounding Christmas! But I do remember to particular gifts. I got a Cabbage patch premie, and mine was of a different ethnicity I think cause maybe that's all they had left, but I thought that made it even more special...even more mine. And I remember the year I discovered that santa wasn't real I got a purple scooter. Saw the box in the parents room and then remember hearing them trying to put it together Christmas eve at my grandmother's house while we were supposed to be sleeping. (none of us were).

7. Do you have a nativity scene? 2 actually, thanks to my SIL! we have a ceramic one that we bought years ago (at least two heads have been glued back on), and now Shelby gave us an adorable small one made of wood that M loves and we will most likely put it on Jesus' b-day cake this year. P.S. when I was in college I had one entirely out of paper (just like paper dolls with the little stands and everything) that I got at the Dollar Tree for $1. That thing was awesome!

8. Hardest person to buy for? In-laws on all parts. We don't really do lists so we know that in general gift cards are the way to go, but we have a tight budget, so I always feel like it's not enough. I can make an actual gift seem more valuable in many ways cause of the time and effort put into them, can't do that with a gift card.

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? generally any type of underwear would have fallen into this category, only now that I'm older, I will buy underwear with my Christmas gift cards.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, if I actually send any. I rarely find time to do this.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I have snuggled up and watched two recently. My utmost fave, "The Family Man" with Nicholas Cage and Tea Leoni! What a movie! Makes you remember the things that really matter.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? All year! seriously, but I didn't do enough of it this year cause I was still scroungin this last week even.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? heck yeah! Especially if it's a really good one that you happen to have two of.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Mom's dressing and chocolate pie

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear/white

17. Favorite Christmas song? Love Christmas Songs! Carols are Silent Night and Away in a Manger. Still cry when I hear O Holy Night on the radio! What a worshipful song about Jesus' birth! Then I love any Christmas songs in New Orleans Style something about it. Love Harry Connick Jr's Frosty and Lois Armstrong's Christmas Time in New Orleans.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? used to travel alot. Now we try to stay home and enjoy it as our own family.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen, AND Rudolph

20. What's on the tree top? A rusty star that has lights in it.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? One on Christmas Eve. The rest on Christmas morning AFTER we sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and blow out the candles on the cake (and while we are eating cake for breakfast of course)

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? I have a list: People refusing to be jolly about Christmas-- It is the best time of year ever; TRAFFIC and trying to shop; People being rude

23. Do you decorate your tree in any specific theme or color? No, though eventually I'd love to have more than one tree so some could have themes. We pick up similar ornaments whenever we travel to different places. We have lots of those on our tree.

24. What do/did you leave for Santa? Cookies and milk.

25. What were any traditions you had growing up? Any that you do as an adult now? I always loved the Carols by Candlelight service growing up, but it was tricky to work any family time in at Christmas as Dad was usually involved with the music. So, Mom started the tradition of fondue. And that is Christmas eve dinner! It is fun and takes awhile, so it forced us all to interact for more than 30 min. at a time. I love that tradition so much I have carried it on. This is the first year we have done it. J, M, and I all sat down to fondue tonight. Steak, Chicken, bread and apples for the cheese fondue, fresh strawberries and pineapples, graham crackers, apples, and marshmallows for the chocolate fondue. My intention was to also serve baked potatoes, but completely forgot those in the prep of all that and the Birthday Cake for Jesus. Oh well. It was great. M didn't enjoy it like J and I did, but then she is an impatient 2 year old. Still she had a great time.





The only other is to actually through a birthday party for Jesus on Christmas morning and have cake with breakfast. Wait till you see it! It was at least as fun making it as it's going to be eating it tomorrow. We were going to do streamers everywhere, but I'm too tired at this point. Oh well. Maybe before we do the blowing out the candles on the cake and singing we'll read the Christmas story! Yep. I think so.

A Wise Quote

This is a quote I borrow from a gal who also borrowed it...AND YET I find it stunningly appropriate for life right now. I am not battling terminal cancer like my friend, but none the less am battling something else (aren't we all). I would have liked to remind myself of this quote almost daily during Katrina, but I never knew. Now, at a time when I watch my family go through what I can only describe as a far more painful, "man-made", personally inflicted by people that were supposed to love, disaster...I find these words comforting. In this season of joy and celebration, please remember to see those around you. Not everyone is in a season of celebration in their lives. Some people may need more than a $4 gift wrapped in a bag with sparkles and tissue paper. If nothing else give Christ this year. Be the reminder yourself. Be Christ for others.

Octavius Winslow… “During the process that God is providentially dealing with His people, there is often much that seems to ruffle the surface of the soul, disturbing its repose with a wave here, a billow there, a swelling yonder. His providential dealings are sometimes so inexplicable, painful, and dark, that for a moment the child of God is, as it were, unbalanced. He begins to think that all these circumstances and events are about to militate against his best interests, while that is transpiring, the feeling of perfect satisfaction. But let him calmly wait and trustfully hope until God Himself interprets…gives him light on what is now so shaded, perfects the thing concerning him, and then,…he will say, ‘Lord, it is enough; I am perfectly satisfied with all your dealings with me. I thought the stroke severe, I felt that burden crushing; I trembled as I entered into that cloud; my unbelieving heart murmured; but now, my God, my Father, in clearer light I…exclaim, ‘It is enough; I shall be satisfied when I awake in thy likeness.’ The full, the perfect satisfaction is reserved when we enter glory, and look back on all the past and see how wise, how loving, how holy, was the whole arrangement of God’s gracious and providential dealings with us.”

6 years!

Happy Anniversary Baby...I got you on my mind! Well, it hasn't been the most enchanting anniversary ever, but I'm more glad than ever to be married to my man! It's hard to believe when I look at these pictures how long it seems that we've been married and yet in the scheme of life it's been no time at all. I hope it is sooooo much longer. I can't imagine life with out him. I love living it with him and I'm thankful to God for placing us together for this journey.

Savvy Surprise!

Today was girls day out. Me, Mom, and M are out and about and have no agenda. We think we might like to stop by lots of the Goodwill's in the area and we know we have to stop by a Wal-mart. When we come to the first Goodwill, M doesn't want to go in, till she discovers she will most likely get something out of the deal. And what is the first thing she went for might you ask? A lovely pair of pink and colorful rainboots in her size! Stride Rite no less! A mere $2 (which Nani foot the bill for). I ventured to the maternity section cause if you are avid readers you'll remember that in our last yard sale my hubs mistakenly sold the entire tub of maternity clothes that I had set aside for a friend. And he only sold the whole tub for $2! Not 2 weeks later we heard the surprising news that we were pregnant again and unexpected!

A very giving friend over at itsamomthing let me borrow two tubs full of maternity clothes which will be fantastic come summer! A good bit of them are for summer time and they are in XL which will be a while till I can wear them. I'm still wearing my regular clothes sort of. Truthfully, I may have gained 2-3 pounds at the most (even though I'm starving and eat all the time), but most of the pants I still wear are low rise and that help. However, I noticed that the waist on at least one or two pair are seeming a little more restraining these days and thus I realize it won't be long now till I'll need another option.

My fave thing last pregnancy was my fave jeans and this red shirt. I went to Goodwill looking for a fave pair of jeans. Lo and behold I found 2 pair and a khaki pair in L which will be perfect as I get even bigger! I also found several shirts that I really liked and they were longsleeves. I'm picky about styles, so I was thrilled to find quality and style. Thank you lovely post preggers lady who gave your clothes to Goodwill! On top of that many of them were 1/2 price today!

Then...we tried the Goodwill on Haywood down by Laurens Rd. As we rounded the corner we saw that the sign said Goodwill Clearance Center! This should be good I say to my mom. Then we open the doors and our eyes got as big as the bins that were filled with items all over the store for the one price of 99 cents a pound! Mom and I only looked in the toys and books bins! And we were there for 2 hours AND M was perfectly happy! There were toys coming out of her ears to keep her thoroughly entertained! I found up to day NICE brand name toys of all kinds. Leap Start, Vtech, Li'l people, Fisher Price...So many NICE toys, but I couldn't take them all! Still.

Here is a pic and list of what I did come away with: Many will be gifts for others. Some are toys we've wanted for a while, but refuse to pay even close to full price for. Some are for potty training rewards. AND all of them cost $14 total. (That was the pounds remember). Except books. Books are 10 cents per pound, which I spent 20 cents.

6--Children's books (one dora, peter rabbit, The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton, Pat the Bunny...)

1 Dipsy Teletubbie (he talks when you squeeze him- 6 different things)
1 La-La Teletubbie fingerpuppet still in package (stocking stuffer)
2 sand scrapers (realized I didn't have any this week as it was 80 degrees)
3 pink mega blocks (M always asks for the pink ones)
6 1/2 cups of play doh (a new fave of M's)
1 parents magazine ball pounder and hammer
1 Playskool Airtivity Ball popper w/2 balls
2 small and 1 lg play doh molder thing(s)
1 blue/white push on nite lite
1 blue/white light up wand
pedicure set (flip flops, brush, cuticle press, file)
electric nail dryer
silver sparkles nail polish (gift)
crystal drop necklace
dress up purple tiara
dress up aqua irridescent purse
dress up perfume sprayer
dress up necklace
dress up compact (magical sounds)
dress up mirror
Little People's Eddie (and Freddie)
1 Sprinkler sprayer for summer fun
1 old school Care Bear (even if this doesn't come out well after washing...it only cost like 10 cents)
1 American Idol noise maker clapper
6 Ponies
1 My Li'l Pony lunch box
1 Talking Dora swimming pool and Dora figurine
1 leather coin purse
1 Homer Simpson doll (which I actually had a dream about last night that I bought one at Sears for J's stocking stuffer!)

Ever Feel Like This!

M has been like this in recent days past...Thankfully we are at least temporarily out of this stage! Couldn't help but pass it along for those who are there.

Decorations Complete!

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We're Back

Been gone a long time...or so it seems. It was one of those vacations where you end up needing a vacation from your vacation. Too many hours in the car over too many days having slept in too many beds. seriously, there is nothing like your own bed! I slept last night like I haven't slept in a long time! I'm pregnant right...but I don't even think I woke to go to the bathroom. Ahhh!

Still, it was good to see family and relatives we haven't seen in a long time. In Jackson, we saw some cousins that have never seen M. I think M had a good time, but I sensed she was long past ready to come home too. Funny how important that sense of home is. That place to come back to that is yours. That is quiet and peaceful and safe. Makes me wonder how many people search for that "home" their whole lives.

Our tree is up. Our house is still a general disaster (all the unpacking just make that worse). I'm still sick, though a good bit better. Actually ended up with an ear infection and the worst cold ever. Been having headaches just about daily which can't be good. And God has been good in the midst of all the struggles my family has been through this year. Even today He is showing himself present and at work.

I'll post pics soon. Hopefully this week, though my priority list has that near the bottom (and is quite full I might add). I'm thinking maid service for a year would be a terrific Christmas present! Ha! Till Later...

Things are Looking Up

I've been feeling significantly better! Hallelujah! Seriously, I was still not feeling well. I discovered that my prenatals were the culprit. So I've been doing the flinstone vitamin thing for the last 3 days and feel 10 times better! I'm still feeling pregnant. A little "ookie" when morning comes or my stomach is getting too empty. I feel tired alot and am not at all interested in cooking or cleaning.

I hugged a friends neck today. That was nice.

I got some good news about this baby and money today. That was great!

I'm at witt's end with M's poo issues, but I think we've decided to cut out dairy entirely...maybe try goat or soy milk. she already can't do cheese. Something's gotta give on this issue. Seriously doing a number on our family time.

My house is a disaster and I told my hubs that I have lost all handle on this household and he laughed as did I, and said that he hasn't said anything cause he's been of absolutely no help! Ha. Funny moment but great communication. So maybe we'll do some cleaning before we skip out of town for thanksgiving extravaganza.

AND I think we're putting up the tree today! M can hardly wait and neither can her mother!

On birthing center...I went to my appt. at blessed births and loved it. It was a good fit, so for now I suppose that is the route I'm taking.

Been Sick

I've been out sick. Not pregnant sick (though that is a small portion of it), managed to get the stomach virus extended version. I started feeling bad last saturday and didn't feel significantly better till Thursday. Wore myself out Friday trying to make up for all the lost days. Went to bed at 9pm. last night.

Today was a good deal better. Still feeling pregnant...nothing sounds good, slight headache, lots of exhaustion, but significantly better. Would've helped if I had gotten out of the house today. M and I did have a dance party on the porch while hubs took our stuff to Goodwill. It was fun...M clearly thought so also. I had a mediocre night with M seeing as it was traumatic poop day! Had to do the suppository thing tonight after reading 5 stories to her while she sat on the potty. She hates the "posi" but what do you do when you kid won't poo. It all kicked in eventually and she ended up going on the potty about 3 days worth! She ought to feel significantly better! AND she did it on the potty so she got a special prize. I think in the end she was proud of herself. Now if I can just keep that all going somehow...

Spent an hour on the phone chatting with a friend. It's nice to have someone I can do that with. Us ladies need eachother. That was like a blessed break for us both! I'm looking into making some pj's for m and her cuz for their Christmas picture. We'll see... Off to bed.

Never Shop for Groceries when Pregnant

So, here is my post. I'M PREGNANT! I've been waiting to post about this till all my family knew. No, I wasn't expecting this, but I'm trying to get used to it. I think it might actually be setting in today. I've been exploring birthing options.

I took M with me to grocery shop. Now my avid readers know that I'm very careful and stick to my strict budget of $50 a week. Well, I found that shopping while pregnant is a different story. I didn't go in there buying up all the twinkies and ding dongs I could find. In fact, the chips to go with the salsa was about the worst of it...except maybe the bag of frozen curly fries (which was truly more for my hubs). Still, I got more variety than usual. more fruit, more meat, more dairy...AND when my cart was so full (which it never is) I ended up only going $10 over budget! Now, I was disappointed that I went over at all, but I was thrilled that it was only $10 considering all that I took home. We may actually be good for the entire month on just about half the budget.

On pregnancy...I've been irritable and moody and tired. DUH. I don't like feeling this way but it's hard to shake. Well, today was a better day for my mood. I felt productive and not as tired as usual and that really helped. Now I don't really get sick...I don't feel what I would describe as nauseous, but I do feel not hungry or anti a particular food...or any food. Then there's the acne! I did not have this issue with M, which is pushing everyone to say that this one must be a boy. Either way I don't care, but I hate the acne issues! so annoying. don't want to take any pics! This too shall pass.

BIRTHING ALTERNATIVES
So what do we think about water births? birthing centers? home birth? I'm just curious. In fact I've always been curious. When I had M my birthing experience was not that great. I loved one of my nurses and my dr. at least during delivery, but my relationship with doc left something to be desired throughout. AND I couldn't stand all the hook-ups and the nurses coming in and out every 30 minutes all through the night. The facility was extremely disappointing. My hubs couldn't sleep at all and the shower head wouldn't stay in it's place (not to mention no water pressure at all), making showering very difficult. I'm currently researching alternatives. I'm not just going to go with whatever is suggested unless I feel equally comfortable with it. I'm doing more research this time. AND I'm paying much more attention to cost since this birth is unexpected and only 2500 dollars of it will be covered by our insurance! This will be interesting and hopefully very fun!