I think we've got some movement!

Last night around 9:00 Joe and I were sitting on the couch watching a movie. I had my hands on my belly and told him that I felt something strange. So he put his hands on my tummy and didn't feel a thing. A little while later it happened again. He put his hand on my tummy again, but this time he felt it, too. It was a soft little "bubble" feeling. Not really a bubble, but that's the best way I can explain it. One time it even felt like a slight little poke. I think it may be the Pod!!!! WOO HOO!!!

Phthalate Free

Check out the web by doing phthalate free product searches - all natural wooden toys, glass baby bottles unless the plastic ones indicate they are phthalate free, no plastic teethers unless they say phthalate free / PVC free / polycarbonate free, buy only fragrance free skin care products as the manufactures don't have to list out the product contains phthalate. It will be listed as fragrance. Also the soft, flexible plastic containers contain phthalates that leak into the product. So make sure the container itself is phthalate free. Many — but not all — "natural" body care manufacturers are conscientious about this, but you'll need to find out specifically from the company.

Here's a list of the more common phthalates:
• DBP (dibutyl phthalate)• DNOP (di-n-octyl phthalate)• DiNP (diisononyl phthalate)• DEP (diethyl phthalate)• BBzP (benzyl butyl phthalate)• DEHP (di 2-ethylhexl phthalate)• DiDP (diisodecyl phthalate)• DnHP (di-n-hexyl phthalate)• DMP (dimethyl phthalate)• DnOP (di-n-octylphthalate)• Bisphenol A (BPA) is another plasticizer.

I found a list on the internet of cosmetic companies that vow to use phthalate free: http://www.safecosmetics.org/docUploads/Compact%20Signers%20-%20April%2015.pdf

I didn't find Johnson & Johnson or Aveeno on the safe list. Burt's Bees is on the safe list.

Phthalate Free Products Only

The hospital where I will be delivering has a warning/newsletter up on their website addressing harmful phthalates. In looking at the information, it appears phthalates are found in many products, but is especially harmful to babies. Lotion, shampoo, powder, etc. all is absorbed into the baby's skin. Phtalates can enter the baby through these and plastic toys he or she chews on. One thing it also talks about is carpeting - thank goodness we have genuine wood floors!

Anyway, just keep your eye out for this nasty chemical.