One Month Down, and Infinity to Go

I can not begin to describe the amazingness (yes, I'm using "amazingness" which is obviously not a real word) of this last month. My daughter, London, is now a month old and the changes that happen each and every day are beautiful, emotional, and have been eagerly anticipating the changes to come.

You may remember that London was born with some mild trauma including a little bent nose which I can happily say is completely normal thank you very much. She gets a little more hair each week and is, quite frankly, looking more and more stunning every day. But I may be slightly biased as I am her extremely proud mommy.

Mommy. I'm still getting used to this new role. Well, maybe not the role itself but the word "mommy". I had this conversation with my own Mom yesterday about the adjustment period of a new title. She's still adjusting to being Nana as I'm adjusting to being Mama. It's like the transition from calling Brandon my boyfriend, to my fiance, and now my husband. It was an adjustment period each time and I kept catching myself calling him by the wrong title. And again when I became his wife as Mrs. Nissen. But now saying my maiden name sounds silly. And I imagine I'll have the same reaction soon about being London's Mom. It will sound silly to think of myself of anyone else. I was not a Mom for 25 years but I will be for the rest of my life.

And I'm hoping to get back to posting at least once a week - I know my husband would like that. He's the reason I'm posting today. He's been bugging me about getting a new blog up and this one will be live just in time for him to read it before his check ride. He's back in Dallas finishing up his training to be a Captain for American Eagle Airlines. To say I'm proud of him is an understatement. I know being away from London is hard for him especially so soon in her life when each day is something new - well, it's new to us!

That's the great thing about our world of technology. I can send Brandon pictures and videos, we can video chat through Skype, and he can be as involved as possible. As a military brat, I wish we had the technology readily available when my own Dad was deployed overseas for up to a year at a time. That chat once a month for less than 10 minutes was all we got and we were beyond grateful for it. Now, London's daddy doesn't have to go more than a few hours without seeing her. It really is an amazing thing to have him away from home but so connected.

So, I'm grateful for the technology we have available, for the time and patience and helpfulness of my Mom staying with me while Brandon is away, for our friends who have come over to meet Little London and dote on her, and, finally, grateful for the continued love and support from all of our friends and family. Thank you for everything from the little text messages just to "check-up" on us to spending weeks out of your life to help me keep my sanity.

Here's hoping that the next installment isn't far away!

Braxton Hicks, Nervous Ticks, and Preparing for Baby's Arrival

We've entered into Week 39 of my first pregnancy and each day is still bringing in something new or something painful - most of the time both! While I want my little girl to hold out at least another week and hopefully a few days after that even so her father can finish his work training for his promotion, I am also getting very antsy and anxious to meet her. I feel like I've been waiting on her forever! But I'm sure every pregnant mommy-to-be feels the same.

Little London's room is ready for her arrival and so am I!

So, while I power through these Braxton Hicks contractions how am I supposed to keep myself entertained? Thankfully I've got my Mom and Dad staying with me so I'm not completely alone inside my own head. My Mom's even been helping with the housework and cooking so I can really take it easy. (I know I'm going to miss all the help when my little girl is here!) Thanks Mom!

I am realizing that as I set out to write this post I really didn't have a plan as far as tips, tricks, or information to pass on. This one was really just to write as I find that relaxing (and my husband has asked me for a new post to read! Hi Buby!). Sometimes a blog post is just a blog post and it's for no one else other than the writer. I do promise to have plenty of information and observations that I'll pass on as I continue on down the Mommy Blogger road.

Right now, the only information I have is to make sure you have done all your pre-hospital stay preparations done. Those things include:

1. Install the Infant Car Seat - And remember that most, if not all, hospitals won't let you leave with your little one unless you have one!
2. Pack Your Hospital Bag - There's no way to really know what you'll need at the hospital and frankly most will be provided to you including diapers and the like. But a simple Google search will give you hundreds of "fool-proof" lists to follow for what you could need. My husband and I have a small duffle (I realize I have no idea how to spell that and spell check doesn't seem to know what I mean.) bag packed with some toiletry items, a coming-home outfit for my little girl, and a change of clothes for the both of us. 
3. Map Out Your Route - Most likely you won't be the one taking yourself to the hospital, and if you're like me my husband won't be the one taking me either. So, making sure you have the map printed out or at least the address written down so you can plug it into your phone's GPS is a no-brainer. My parents and I actually drove the route last weekend so it wouldn't be completely unfamiliar with the inevitable rush to the hospital panic ensued. 
4. REST! - I can not put the emphasis on resting enough. Sleep as often as you can, take naps, stay off your feet and just take it easy. I've heard it a hundred times and I'm sure you have to - once that baby comes it's not about you anymore and you will be on the move pretty consistently. I am more than grateful to have my family and friends around me to support me in every way that they can. It takes a huge weight off my shoulders and helps me focus on all the exciting and tiring things to come!

Got any major things that I should add to the list? You can find pretty extensive lists with a little searching but for me, this is the bare essentials list before your little one makes their grand debut! Who knows? My next post may be about the exciting process itself of bringing home baby London! We'll see....

Anticipating My Own Royal Baby

Blogging has always been on my short list. I've started and stopped so many times and I finally have the urge (and hopefully the drive) to give this another go. Consistency is my goal, so let's get started.

If you couldn't tell by the title of this post, I am eagerly awaiting a little one of my own. My daughter is due on September 4th and my husband and I could not be more excited. I have some serious anxiety but at 36, almost 37, weeks pregnant I figure that's normal. I've hit my nesting phase and every day wake up with the incessant need to empty out the dishwasher, organize my kitchen cabinets, and clean something that I haven't touched in the nearly 4 years I've lived in this apartment. My husband is definitely enjoying the extra cleanliness going around.

A little background on me - My name is Stephanie, I'm 25 years young, raised as a military brat, divorced parents who both remarried to find their soul mates, oldest of 5 children, and firmly and completely in love with my husband of 3 years, Brandon. If you're wondering about the blog name, "Stephactive" is the username I've had on an extensive number of social networks. I took the "active" from the term "Radio:Active" which was the album title on one of my favorite CD's by the band McFLY. Since it was released I've always used "Stephactive" as a username. As for the "Babble" part, you can take that as a warning. I'm going to babble, ramble, and post about a plethora of topics. You get the pleasure of reading about me becoming a first-time Mommy, my favorite recipes, tips and tricks I've found that I think everyone needs to know, social media, being a wife, and all the things in between.

So, now you know about me. I have something I need from you now. If you like the content, comment or share it. If you are looking for something else or have suggestions, please comment. As far as my comment policy - being respectful is all I ask. You can always reach me via Twitter @Stephactive.

Thanks for reading and here's to my first babble!