Gigi is totally ready to be a big sister. We got her this wonderful book called, I'm a Big Sister (there's a version for big brothers too) and G has been reading it to her baby doll a lot. It was actually surprisingly hard to find a completely thoughtful, positive book about becoming a big sister. A lot of them portrayted the big sibling as getting spoiled and bribed, and frankly, being awfully bratty! So, if you're looking for a sweet one, this is it. It mentions ways she can be helpful, what she can do, and points out how very special she is.

The other day she asked to get in the baby's crib with her doll, tucked her in and proceeded to read the book to her. It was heart-melting. My favorite is when she reads, "Look at me! I'm your big sister!" She's going to be such an amazing sis. We also have a few little presents tucked away for her from her baby sister. One thing she can use to "play" with her sis (an old school Fisher-Price doctor kit), and something just for her (a Melissa & Doug sticker book), and something silly (a bright purple calculator since she loves "doing calculations with my Dad")!

She's been cuddling my belly, and is more and more interested in feeling the baby move. And at our doctor appointment this morning they let her find the heartbeat all on her own, her eyes lit up and she was so excited and said, "That's a silly baby!" She plays "midwife" all the time at home. Using a measuring tape to measure my belly, listening, and she even gets a little towel wipe the imaginary gel off my tummy... and today she put on her (imaginary) gloves and said, "Okay, Mama, I need to check your 'gina!" Maybe she's come with me to one too many appointments...

As ready as we are to welcome this little one, I'm also enjoying all of these moments.

Good morning everyone! I'm so thrilled to be guest posting for my sweet friend, Cassandra, over at her blog coco+kelley! We actually grew up together, attended the same high school, and have reconnected through this fantastic blogging community of ours. I'm over at her blog today sharing my simple ideas for a spring baby shower...

...head over to coco+kelley to see the rest of my simple party ideas!

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know that I have used, and loved, the Tracy Anderson Method for a few years. So, naturally when I got pregnant, I found myself wishing that there was a Tracy Anderson pregnancy workout DVD or series. The next week I discovered that Tracy was releasing the Tracy Anderson Pregnancy Project!

There is a different DVD for every month of your pregnancy and Tracy's belly grows right along with yours which, believe me, helps you feel motivated that you can do the workouts too. The DVDs weren't released until I was almost in the second trimester, so I didn't get to do the first couple of discs, but I have stuck to the DVDs and loved them. The workouts are challenging but doable, and it's easy to take breaks and make modifications when you need to. Apart from a couple of weeks of here and there, and two weeks off after my pre-term labor scare, I've done my pregnancy workouts about 3 or 4 times each week. The workouts are pretty short, about 30-40 minutes, so they feel accomplishable. I feel so much better when I do them! When I skip them my hips get really tight, and my chest and shoulders get tight which gives me headaches. I find that when I do the pregnancy workouts, I feel more energizes, my muscles feel better and get more circulation, I sleep better, feel healthier and stronger. The whole set of 9 DVDs is only $20 on Amazon, so even if you only find yourself doing it a handful of times it's still worth the investment! I'm just starting my month 9 DVD and I've loved all of them.

*After my last pregnancy I used the Tracy Anderson Post-Pregnancy Workout, which I loved and plan to use again this time. Once I got my core back in reasonable shape I also used the Tracy Anderson Dance Cardio and Mat Workout DVDs.

This past week was depleting and hard, and I had to repeat to myself more than once the wise words my Grandma always said to me, "This too shall pass." Kyle is studying and working around the clock and I'm supposed to be taking it easy... which is much easier said than done when I'm on my own from 8-5 every day with Gigi. Even though we're in the thick of it right now, I am doing my best to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Kyle will have his exam, this stressful part of pregnancy will be over soon (but hopefully not too soon), and we will have a wonderful summer. Being on my own day in and day out has been pretty isolating. Going to the grocery store is dicey, I'm not getting any fresh air or much exercise (unless you count dressing a toddler exercise, which I do), and I'm not sleeping well...

But this week, right when I thought I might lose it, I got a sweet little care package from my friend Liz, my Dad stopped by with a latte, Kyle's parents purchased everything we really, really needed from our registry, my girlfriend had her baby (which served as a reminder that there is something wonderful in the works), and our neighbors took Gigi for the whole morning today. I'm so grateful for every gesture of love and support. We need it these days.

A few great things I've realized during this challenging experience are, when someone asks for help it means they really need it... and even if they don't ask, they probably really need it. I can definitely be a better friend to someone having been in the trenches myself. I've also learned that when times are hard is when Kyle and I work the best as a team together. We both work hard to show each other extra love, and even though we're both drained and exhausted, we always find a little extra energy and tenderness for one another. Finally, I've learned that I have an extraordinarily sweet daughter. Yesterday I burst into tears and she came over and said, "You frustrate, Mama? You sad?" I told her, "I feel a little sad.", and she propped herself up next to me and said to me, "Whas goin' on?", which made me laugh. She gave me a big hug and I told her I felt all better, which I did.

It's because of the love from my family and a handful of great friends, that I go to bed feeling full of gratitude, and certain that tomorrow will be a better day.

 

*The image above is a photograph I had printed for the baby's room. I took the flower photo when we were at Rosendals Kafé in Stockholm, Sweden this summer.

This week I've been thinking a lot... about childbirth, about pregnancy, about miscarriages, about raising a toddler, about post-partum depression, about welcoming a daughter into our lives. When I got pregnant with Gigi, I had experienced none of these things. But as I near the end of this pregnancy, I realize that I've experienced them all. Every single one of these experiences has been life-changing in one way or another. I feel like I'm such a different person than I was when I took that pregnancy test three years ago.

Some of the experiences I've shared here, others I haven't. At the time, I didn't share that I had a miscarriage because it was quite early on in the pregnancy, at six weeks, and I didn't really know how I felt about it. I know that many people are devastated by miscarriages, no matter how early in their pregnancy... but in a strange way, I felt grateful. I felt grateful that my body recognized that something wasn't right and knew what to do. Then, the very next month I began my journey with this pregnancy. It all felt like it happened really fast and then my focus was on this pregnancy. In fact, this pregnancy feels like it's gone so fast.

With my first pregnancy I was reading books, getting weekly emails, making a birth plan, watching documentaries... all my focus was on the pregnancy. This experience has been so different. I haven't read a single book, my birth plan 10 times shorter (and I just made it yesterday). Raising a toddler is all encompassing, I've hardly had time to focus on being pregnant, and now here we are, just a handful of weeks from welcoming this baby into our lives. I'm treasuring these last weeks of it being just me and G, and at the same time, I'm looking forward having our family grow. It's a little bittersweet.

Then there's childbirth. On the one hand I feel more prepared having experienced it before. But, on the other hand I feel nervous about experiencing it all again. It's so intense and overwhelming, physically and emotionally. I had a totally ideal, natural birth with Gigi. No medical intervention at all, in fact we practically had a home-birth. I know that this birth is going to be it's own experience. After being in labor/having intense contractions for 8 hours a couple weekends ago, I feel nervous about the pain. I hadn't completely forgotten it, but I suppose I had forgotten exactly what it felt like. It's strange to feel at once empowered, and completely humbled, by an experience.

One thing I felt nervous about before getting pregnant this time, and still feel nervous about is post-partum depression and anxiety. I only wrote about it once here, because it was a very difficult experience. As I get closer to having a newborn again, I'm finding my mind revisiting some of what that experience was like... and hoping that this time is different. The saving grace is that this time I know what it felt like, and I won't be ashamed or afraid to ask for help if I need it. With Gigi, I didn't know, and it was a while before I was able to ask for help, which I desperately needed. In fact, it wasn't until G was almost one year old that I really recognized what I had experienced.

Apart from all of these nerves, I feel intensely excited. I've been preparing the little nursery space, washing swaddles, sewing burp rags, packing the hospital bag... it is all starting to feel real. We are going to have another baby, another daughter, here in our home, in our arms, so soon. Gigi will be a big sister. I will be a mother of two. My husband will be surrounded by girls. We will be a family of four. I'm so excited to meet this little girl, I wonder what she'll look like, what her personality will be. I will be breastfeeding again. I will be deliriously tired and happy.

Last month, when my sister came to visit, she took these maternity photos for me. I'm pretty lucky to have such a talented photographer for a sister...

I especially love the photos of me with G. There is something so special about sharing this pregnancy with her. A few days ago she yelled, "Mommy! I found baby _______!!!" (she used the baby's name for the first time) Then she pulled me to see the ultrasound photo on the fridge and I melted. Since it was my sister shooting the photos, she was able to capture some really intimate moments. I will treasure these photographs.

*dress by Isabella Oliver

Our cooking video will be up later this week!

Last month the lovely folks at Isabella Oliver offered to send me a maternity dress! After browsing their site, I fell in love with the Betty Stripe Maternity Dress. A few days later it arrived on my doorstep! I've worn in several times already... to celebrate my 30th birthday, for a date in Portland with girlfriends, and for maternity photos. It is so comfortable and so chic. The quality is great and I feel really pretty in my new dress. I love that it's form fitting and shows off my growing bump. The maternity clothes on their website are fantastic because they are simple and flattering, and the best part is that many of their clothing items are designed to be worn during and after pregnancy! How great is that? I usually cringe when I buy maternity clothes because I think, "I'll only wear this for a few months!" The fact that the fantastic collection from Isabella Oliver is so flexible for during and post pregnancy wear makes it a great investment. I highly recommend their beautiful clothing!

Photos by MKM Photography

Photo by MKM Photography

This is how I spent the majority of my weekend. Kyle headed out of town for a long weekend with his Dad and Uncle in California, and my sis and nephew came down to visit. By late on the first day it was clear that both kiddos were teething and/or coming down with something. Somehow we made it through long three long nights with two very sick babies... just barely. As rough as it was at times, I still managed to have a wonderful time with my sister who is my very best friend. I drank a few too many half decaf lattes and probably didn't eat enough.

Gigi is still really sick this morning so we're heading to the doctor in an hour and we are planning in staying in our sweatpants/foot pajamas all day long eating popsicles and watching Peter Pan for the 1,000th time this week. I may even buy a box or two of Annie's Mac and Cheese for dinner tonight. Even with sick kid, a husband out of town, no sleep, and a growing belly... I don't really feel like complaining. I feel so fortunate, even on the hard days.

It's beautiful out today and it seems like we might be turning the corner into spring! Last night when I was making dinner the sun was starting to set and the warmth from the sun was coming through the window in the kitchen and I could feel it on my back. It felt so, so good. By the time we shake this cold and these molars come through the daffodils will be starting to bloom!

Finally, I'm adding my Maternity Series letter in with this blog post today...

Last night as we were getting Gigi ready for bed, the baby started kicking and squiming so I pulled G over to me and had her put her hands on my belly. She hasn't shown much interest in feeling the baby move but this time she waited for a moment with both hands on my tummy, staring intently at my belly button and was rewarded with a few big strong kicks right on her palms! Her eyes got really wide and she looked up at me and started laughing. Then she gave my belly a little kiss and said, "I love you Sister!" and my heart completely melted. It was the best moment. Gigi flipped onto her back and put her hands on her own tummy and sucked it in and out, making it move like mine had been. Then, just like that, the moment was over but it's something I'll remember forever. These precious toddler moments seem to come and go so quickly. I feel like, more than ever, I have to be present with her as often as possible or I'll miss them. We are about to head out for my 26 week appointment and she'll get to hear her little sis's heartbeat which she loves. When I ask her what a baby says, she replies, "shhh shhh shhh shhh", making the swishing sound of a heartbeat. These wonderful moments make the fact that it's getting hard to put my shoes on, let alone hers, worth it!

We are so excited! I loved seeing all your guesses (27 for boy, 14 for girl). I'm insanely excited to have another girl. We've had such a blast with Gigi, and the idea of her having a little sister to play with is just too much. I'm so close to my sister that I just love that G will get to have one too. We're all just giddy over here.

 

After months of debating whether or not to find out the gender of our little one, we finally had our big ultrasounds appointment on Wednesday! I'm so happy we decided to find out the gender... I'm just thrilled. Our little one looks healthy and was squirming around the whole time. I could watch that all day long.

I promise I'll tell you all next week if we're having a tiny gent or a little lady but I have a few more close family members to get a hold of before then! In the meantime... I'm curious if you think it's a boy or a girl?

When I was 20 weeks pregnant with Gigi I started a maternity series, I wrote her weekly letters and took a photo of my growing belly. I was inspired by James and other moms around the internet doing the same thing. I loved following their pregnancy journeys and I loved making my own. Last month I finally got all the photos printed and sat down during some of Gigi's naps to put together an album with the letters and photos. In all they cover the second half of my pregnancy, Gigi's birth, and the first week of her life.

I'm so happy with the result and it has completely re-inspired me to do another maternity series during this pregnancy. I'm 20 weeks tomorrow (how crazy is that?) so I'll have the first in the series up later this week. In the meantime here's a look at the finished album...

I am so happy that I took the time to record my pregnancy in this way for my daughter. It's one crazy/wonderful/bizarre/challenging/life-changing journey. I can't wait to get started with my new pregnancy series!

I get asked all the time by girlfriends what are the baby/toddler essentials they need to get through the first two years with a new addition. I put together a comprehensive list of the basic baby things you need to get started for putting together a registry or shopping for your baby. I hope this list and my opinions on these items help you get prepared for welcoming a baby into your homes!

Bathing and Toiletries...

Tub: We loved the TummyTub. It definitely takes some practice and four adult hands to feel secure in the beginning but it uses very little water, keeps babies warm and in the fetal position so they feel safe. I know lots of moms who use and love the Puj Tub but I haven't tried it. We also had this tub from IKEA which was great when Gigi outgrew the TummyTub but wasn't ready for the big bath. It's only $8 and it now makes a great summer outdoor water station.

Towels: We use the Aden+Anais towels and washcloths for post-bath drying. They're thick and well made and last forever!

Baby Wash & Lotion: We use California Baby shampoo and body wash and other products. They're a little expensive but so worth it. I use almond oil, Spectrum Organic coconut oil, or this homemade body oil after baths to keep skin soft and moisturized.

Sunscreen: I prefer to use Badger Baby Sunscreen. It's expensive but it doesn't have all the bad stuff in it. (Pediatricians only recommend sunscreen after 6 months).

Safety: Once Gigi was in the big bath we got this Skip Hop faucet cover. Inexpensive and cute. Also, the design makes is hard for her to pull up the tab and start the shower (she is a bit mischievous).

Tiny Colds: When Gigi gets sick we rely on the brilliant NoseFrida. It is totally disgusting but it works to clear congestion in a way those little bulb snot-suckers don't. Kyle (and lots of other Dads I know) won't go anywhere near it but mom's everywhere love it. We also rely on this Vick's humidifier.

Tiny Fevers: We invested in the Braun Thermometer and love it. It's fast and easy and accurate and it's great for sneaking in for middle of the night fever reading.

Potty Training: We recently discovered and love this NextStep Toilet Seat. It fits discretely onto your toilet and the kid seat magnetically connects to the larger lid so it's easy for everyone to use without having a bulky or awkward separate seat. We will keep our Baby Bjorn Toilet Trainer Seat in the car for long road trips and visiting friend's houses. Gigi is tiny and can't sit on an adult size potty on her own.

Diapering Needs...

Newborns: I swear by the Pamper's Newborn Swaddlers. They fit tiny babes and have a yellow line that turns green when they are wet so you know when you need to change them. They are great in the first few weeks. I'm also hoping to try out the BumGenius newborn cloth diapers this next time.

Cloth Diapers: We tried a few but stuck with the BumGenius 4.0 Diapers. We love them. I did a big post here on cloth diapering.

Disposable Diapers: I always have current size disposable diapers on hand. I use Pampers or Huggies. I also really like the Seventh Generation diapers but they're a little expensive for us. We gave up trying to use the cloth diapers while on trips out of town, and even sometimes in town it's easier to not have to lug around a wet/dirty cloth diaper.

Wipes: We use the Kirkland Premium Baby Wipes (the Costco Brand) and love them. They're soft, inexpensive and unscented. We never used a baby wipe warmer but a lot of moms love them. This Munchkin wipe warmer with a little light on it looks great.

Diaper Cream: We use Bourdreaux's Butt Paste for diaper rash. Be sure to use it with disposable diapers only. It will create a water barrier on your cloth diapers and make them less absorbent.

Changing Table: We didn't have a changing table! I found over the ten years that I nannied diaper aged babes I very rarely used one. Most of the time kids were changed on a mat or blanket on the floor. You never have to worry about the baby falling... although changing on the floor does allow for a faster escape once they're mobile! We did get this simple contoured changing pad (and these covers or these ones) for floor and bed changes. You may also consider picking up some of these hilarious but functional Pee-Pee Teepees if you have a baby boy.

Sleeping...

A few thoughts on sleeping... we decided before Gigi was born that we wanted her to have a little space which meant we weren't comfortable with her sleeping in bed with us. Of course, she and I both fell asleep often for hours at a time while nursing so she spent some time in the bed with us but not much. We also decided only to use soothing methods that we could take with us when traveling. So we avoided the swing or any big devices. We opted for small things (listed below) and I'm happy we did that. We'll see how that works with the baby!

Swaddles: We love the Aden+Anais brand for swaddles. They are easy to use and hold tight. We used them until Gigi was 8 months old along with the Swaddlekeeper which held her tight and cozy and kept the swaddles on snug.

Blankies: Gigi fell in love with the Aden+Anais Issie Security Blankets. She sleeps with them every nap and every night... we have 12!

Co-Sleeper: For the first 6 months, Gigi slept with us in our room. We had her in the Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper on my side of the bed and that worked really well. We don't have the co-sleeper anymore since it was loaned to us. The co-sleeper we used was pretty big and bulky so this time we are planning to use our Pack'n'Play with the bed part elevated at the higher setting. Since they are light and easy to move and great for travel I think it will be a better option for us than the large, fixed co-sleeper. We also have a Pack'n'Play mattress, mattress pad, and sheets since the pad that comes with it isn't very comfortable... not that I've tried it, but it looks uncomfortable.

Crib: Gigi's crib is the IKEA Gulliver crib. We got it in white but they have it in natural wood too. It's inexpensive and simple. It transitions into a toddler bed as well so it works for a really long time.

Crib Mattress, etc: We got this Sealy Foam-Core mattress because it's lightweight which makes it easy to change the bedding. We couldn't afford the nice organic mattresses but this one has great reviews and we've loved it. We have this Organic Waterproof mattress pad cover and love it. It's soft and cozy and easy to wash and dry. I originally bought cheap sheets from Target and we're still using them but I don't like them. I will be replacing them with these inexpensive Carter's Jersey Cotton soft sheets.

Noise Machine: I can't say enough about the Sleep Sheep. We loved it. Gigi loved it. It bought us lots of sleep! It works in two settings 23 minutes and 45 minutes. It takes babes 20 minutes to fall truly asleep so the 23 min setting was great for soothing her into sleep, it's designed to shut off just after they've fallen asleep so it doesn't disturb them or shock them out of slumber by shutting off too early or too late. Babies sleep in 45 minute cycles so the 45 minute setting worked great for buying us extra sleep cycles early in the morning. We listened to a lot of waves and rain those first six months (not so much the heartbeat or the whales)! We never really used the sheep itself but took the sound box out of the back and took it everywhere we went! This time I will be purchasing the On the Go Sleep Sheep which is smaller and straps onto the car seat or stroller.

Baby Monitor: We had a hand-me-down monitor that worked fine but wasn't great. I've heard good things about the Phillips Advent Basic Monitor and will be upgrading this time. I'm not a huge fan of the video monitors, although there were a few times when I wished I had one!

Movement Monitor: We did not have a movement monitor last time but I kind of wish we had. I was pretty nervous and anxious and checked on Gigi about 5,000 times a night/a nap in those first months (I wish I was exaggerating). The Snuza Halo Baby Movement Monitor snaps onto the diaper and is designed to vibrate if the baby hasn't moved (a.k.a taken a breath) in 15 seconds, a audible alarm sounds after 20 seconds. It sounds a bit over top but $120 for a bit of peace of mind would have been worth it to me in those early weeks and months.

On the Go...

Infant Car Seat: When Gigi was little we had the Peg Perego Primo Viaggo SIP 30/30. This car seat is designed for babies to use it up to 30lb/30in. Since we are both tall we figured (correctly) that we might have a tall baby. This car seat was also one of the top rated for safety on consumer reports. I felt that is was safe and secure therefore I have no complaints! Some people don't like that it's really heavy, but that's part of what makes it so safe.

Car Seat: Once your baby reaches the height/weight limit you'll need a bigger car seat. Again I went with the top rated on consumer reports for safety. We have the Britax Boulevard 70-G3 Convertible Car Seat. It's designed for rear-facing up to 40lbs and forward facing from 40-70. Gigi is now 2 weighs 25lb and is 35in tall and seems to be way too tall for the seat. I have been researching my options for Extended Rear Facing since Gigi is so light and I'd love to keep her rear-facing longer. The Graco My Ride 65 Convertible Car Seat is the currently the only ERF car seat approved for use in the US. It's only $125 so it's really reasonably priced. It also rates high on consumer reports.

*If buying or registering online through Amazon I highly recommend choosing a car seat that's "shipped and sold" by Amazon. Our infant car seat was sold from a smaller company via Amazon and when we had an issue with it, it was impossible to deal with! Had it been purchased directly from Amazon they would have been able to replace it/work with us directly. All three car seats i linked to above are shipped and sold by Amazon.

Seat Protector: We got this inexpensive Munchkin Auto Seat Protector that goes between the seat and the car seat.

Bundle Me: The Bundle Me was recommended and purchased for us. I thought it was kind of silly until I used it. It kept Gigi so cozy and warm and helped her fit perfectly in her car seat. We've even purchased the toddler size one which fits in the stroller.

Stroller: We have and love the Bugaboo Frog stroller. It's lightweight, easy to use, relatively compact. But... it's not longer sold! You could most likely find a used one on your local Craigslist. I would love to get a Bugaboo Donkey which is designed to be a double or single stroller but it's insanely expensive so that probably won't be happening. Instead we will most likely be using the Bugaboo Wheel Board for Gigi and the stroller part for the baby. I know a lot of people (most of whom are runners) who love the Bob Revolution stroller too. I would love to get a lightweight umberella stroller for keeping in the car for smaller outings. The Mia Moda stroller umberella stroller is top-rated as a "best buy" on consumer reports.

Baby Carriers: We have the Ergo Baby Carrier and love it. It's comfortable and can be used for a long time. I wore Gigi in this all over Europe this summer and it was perfect even for long days with an 18 month old. For the early months we also had the Moby Wrap. It was comfortable and easy to use for around the house and walks. However, it was too big to fit in my diaper bag and hard to get on in a parking lot/restaurant. This time around I'm excited about getting a Solly Baby wrap. They are like the Moby only lighter weight and easier to use.

Diaper Bag: I mostly use my great Tano purse that has lots of pockets as a diaper bag but for bigger outings and when Gigi was really tiny we also used the Skip Hop Duo Diaper Bag. It was inexpensive and it wasn't ugly. That's saying something when it comes to diaper bags!

Emergency Kit: After 10 years as a nanny and 2 as a mom, I'm a big believer in the "emergency kit". It's amazing how many times I've been saved by having a bin in the car with extra diapers/wipes, a change of clothes, a few squeezy packs of food, a small container of formula, an extra bottle, a blankie, pajamas, a binki, a board book...  The trick is to remember to replenish it when you deplete it.

Nursing/Breastfeeding and Eating...

Breast Pads: Lansinoh Nursing Pads are the way to go. I know some moms who have used little silicone reusable ones but I only ever used the Lansinoh ones. By far they are the best disposable breast pads.

Lanolin: I loved the Medela Tender Care Lanolin but it's hard to find. They gave it to me at the hospital and I preferred it to the Lansinoh brand lanolin because it was thinner and easier to apply. I know a lot of moms who prefer the latter. I also had a few of these Lansinoh Soothies. If you put them in the fridge for a few minutes before putting them on sore or cracked nipples it will help you get through the first few weeks of breastfeeding! Another thing that works great is taking cold green cabbage leaves, rolling over them with a rolling pin and then tucking the cold leaves into your bra... green cabbage has antibiotic and anti-irritant qualities and reduces swelling and engorgement. Also, you look really glamorous with cabbage in your bra.

Breastfeeding Pillows: I loved my Boppy Breastfeeding Pillow. In the early weeks I propped it up with an extra pillow to get Gigi up to the right height. I know some moms prefer the My Brest Friend Pillow but it looks a little cumbersome to me.

Cover: I used and love the Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover... at least at long as Gigi left it in place. By the time she was 5 months old I was flashing everybody.

Pump: The Madela Breast Pump In Style is the best breast pump around. It's expensive but if you are having more than one baby it's worth it! I had a hand-me-down one last time but this time my sister and I have co-invested in a new style pump. The rhythm pump system is fantastic. This time I will be ordering this ridiculous looking Simple Wishes Hands-Free breast-pumping bra so I can read or work while I pump. The ultimate tool for multitasking. I will be getting a Madela Manual Hand Pump this time too. There were a few times where I would have killed for one when we were stuck on the road and I couldn't get Gigi to nurse.
*A friend just informed me that breast pumps are now considered preventative and are now covered 100% by all insurance (mandatory), and are not subject to deductable. Thank you to the new healthcare reform! Check with your insurance company!

Bottles: I'm a fan of the Born Free Bottles. We have both the glass and the BPA Free plastic ones in both the 5 and 9oz sizes . They are easy to use and Gigi never seemed to have any issues with air bubbles from bottles. They are wide-necked so the nipple is wider which Gigi also preferred.

Highchair: In place of a highchair we opted for the more discrete Stokke Handysitt which also allowed Gigi to sit at the table with us rather than separately. I have to admit there were times I wished we had a highchair but in retrospect I'm really glad we stuck with the Handysitt. We have the Handysitt in her closet now (it folds up flat) for when tiny friends visit. If you're looking for a proper high chair, I'm a big fan of the Boon Flair Pedestal high chair. It's smaller than the old standard bulky ones and it's easy to clean!

Baby Food: I bought about 50% of Gigi's baby food and made about 50% of it. I made it in large batches using our Cuisinart which worked perfectly. However, Gigi was a slightly picky little eater and flat out rejected many of the combos I made which left me feeling exhausted and frustrated with a lot of wasted food/time. I love the idea of using a small system like the Beaba Babycook Baby Food Maker because you can make smaller batches, defrost frozen food and you only have one small thing to clean instead of several large things. After reading French Kids Eat Everything I'm determined to introduce Baby #2 to a variety of foods early on and this will make that easy and doable without all the waste and all the dishes. Also, as our baby grows we can quickly blend up what we're eating for dinner for them to eat!

Miscellaneous Things I LOVE...

These DRONA boxes from IKEA are tucked in corners and under tables all over our house. They store toys, puzzles, diapers... everything. They keep all the clutter under control. They are really inexpensive and come in a few fun colors. We have 12 total!

Sophie the Giraffe Teether toy. Gigi loved it. It's cute. It's French. It worked on her little gums.

Gigi wore, and still wears, her BabyLeg Legwarmers all the time! They kept her little legs warm and cozy when she was little and now they work great while we're potty training because they allow easy access to her big girl panties and they're easy to wash and change when they get wet. We have a million pairs and I love them!

We loved our Baby Bjorn Bouncer! I am not a fan of the big bouncers with lots of bells and whistles. This one was simple and compact. It held Gigi comfortably for a long time. It was given as a gift and it was one of the things we used the most. We also had extra covers for it and they were great for keeping it clean and dry and using it when we first started feeding Gigi solids but she couldn't sit up on her own.

A friend of mine who's baby had reflux highly recommends this Fisher-Price Snuggabunny Rock 'n' Play Bassinet. It's at incline so it's great for babies who have reflux. (For safetly you may consider removing the fluffy cushions.)

We had a salt rock lamp in our room when Gigi was sleeping with us. The light was soft and peaceful and made it easy to see her, change diapers, feed her, etc. but it didn't interrupt her sleep or ours. I normally need it to be really dark for sleep but this soft light never bothered me. We never used a nightlight and Gigi doesn't have on in her room now. It would be wonderful to have a dimmer switch in her room/in the nursery for late night visits/diaper changes/etc.

We made these simple tag blankies which Gigi loved. Making them was a fun, simple project.

Books...

Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child which was very informative regarding how much sleep kids need.

Secrets of the Baby Whisperer and The Baby Whisperer Solves All Your Problems which have great methods, ideas, routines and advice. The Baby Whisperer books were my favorite and I still use the Solves All Your Problems book now.

French Kids Eat Everything. This book completely changed the way I am going to approach baby food introduction and has completely changed the way we feed Gigi now. I've just done a big blog post on it here.

Brining Up Bébé was a fun book to read and gave me some perspective on the French parenting style which I am really drawn to. French parenting seems to be a bit more in sync with my instincts than some of the more American based options like Free Range or Attachment Parenting. I didn't always love the author's attitude but I appreciated the main points about parenting.

Well, there you have it! Feel free to chime in with your thoughts and opinions in the comments below! This list is bookmarked along the left hand side of the blog so you can easily refer back to it.

*Finally, I should note that I registered via Amazon when I was pregnant with Gigi and am so happy I did. It was easy and I loved their universal registration option which allowed me to add items from outside sites. Again, I recommend registering/purchasing the big items that are shipped and sold directly from Amazon as it's much easier to deal with them directly if you have an issue. I found when big items (like car seats) were sold by Amazon from outside companies it was really difficult to deal with warranties and issues.

Last night I felt the first little kicks from our baby. It is the best feeling in the world. First a tiny flutter and then a nice strong kick. At first I thought I was imagining it. Yesterday marked 16 weeks and I am looking forward to my 4 week appointment later today.

*The bottoms of Gwyneth's tiny feet at 14 weeks!

I'm holding my baby girl tight and appreciating every new kick this weekend.

I'm so thrilled to share our Christmas card with all of you! We sent it out to our family and close friends this weekend.

We are overjoyed and feel so blessed.

I am 15 weeks now and feeling pretty darn good. This pregnancy has been exactly like my first. I felt queasy and tired in the first trimester, which wasn't helped by the fact that we spent most of the fall combating cold after cold! I cut back on my work, watched every available season of Parenthood, hardly took off my cozy pants, and so we made it through those first 12 weeks just fine. I'm happy to be a few weeks into the second trimester and feeling good.

By far the most wonderful thing I've experienced in the past few months is Gigi's joy at her "tiny baby"! She has been to all my doctor appointments with me and she loves to see and hear the baby. She spends time snuggling with my little growing belly and anytime my tummy grumbles she says, "Tiny baby! I hear it! Do you hear it?" Melts my heart. She's going to be such a fabulous big sister! *If she doesn't look incredibly thrilled in photo it's because the poor sweetie came down with a high fever last night and is still burning up this morning. Pajamas and movies are in order all day today.

 

This weekend my sister, Meghan came down for a visit. She and her husband Rob are expecting a baby boy in early June. I haven't gotten to see my sis in a couple of months and was so excited to see her growing belly. She looks just beautiful and I cannot wait for her to become a mom. She and Rob are going to be such amazing, loving parents. My sister also happens to be a very talented photographer, so while they were visiting we took some time to take family portraits for each other...

... I'm so lucky to have a big sister like her.

First I took a few of Meghan and Rob...



Then she snapped a few of us...

I was so sad they had to head home early today, I wish we lived next door to each other. Gwyneth and I will be heading up for a week soon to spend helping her get food in the freezer and the house all ready for their baby to arrive. I can't wait to meet him!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend too.

 

 

 

Okay!  I've had it!  I am in need of a makeover of Gary Marshall proportions! (See below):

 

 

Not that I think I look like a prostitute... you get the idea.  Financially speaking, I think the best place to start is a hair makeover. (I'm doing wedding photography in trade for hair-doing)! I haven't gotten my hair cut for 5 months!  I am loving the length I have now... 

 

It feels like it took years to grow it out from this...

I have no interest in doing a drastic cut.  So... if I'm not going to chop it all off, how about a different color?  I've never colored my hair before and am a little nervous but, as a good friend said to me yesterday via email, "It is one of the most fun things in life to color your hair." (Thanks for the advice.)  To be honest, I'm a little afraid about dying my hair. I've been feeling the itch to do something a little fun and fearless!  I've always been blonde...

My mom used to call me her "little toilet brush" because I was skinny and my white hair stuck straight up.

Maybe it's time for something new...

A nice light auburn/strawberry blonde?

 

Golden brown?

 

 

Rich red?

Super blonde?

 

Deep brown?

I'm headed to the salon tomorrow morning!  I'd love your thoughts and suggestions!!!

 

 

A friend of ours does these progression photos during pregnancy.  She recently completed and handed it over to me.  It's astonishing to look at the process.  We took one every 4-6 weeks starting around the fourth month.  Our bodies are pretty amazing.  I mean, I grew a human being in 39 weeks.  That's mind boggling!  Sometimes I find myself staring at Gigi thinking, I made you!  I can hardly remember what it felt like to be pregnant, so it's a wonderful thing to get to look back at the journey all in one little picture! 

Photo by Silvia Flores

Another view of the progression...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

www.MKMphoto.com

 

Hmmm.... all of this is makin' me wanna have another baby!

 

 

My goal was to start going for nice long walks again (2-4 miles) and to do my Tracy Anderson Post-Pregnancy Mat Workout 3-5 times each week.

Well, here's the sorry truth...I have only done my workout about a dozen times and I've only gone for a couple of walks!  Between the varying weather, doing my best to stick to my new schedule, working on a routine for Gigi and work and homework and auditions, the days sometimes pass me by without a window for exercise!  I'm trying to amp up the workouts to at least 3 times a week and I definitely need to get out and get some walking done!  Thank goodness the sun is finally coming out!  This week I should be approved for aerobic exercise and am looking forward to sweatin' a little bit and doing my Tracy Anderson Dance Cardio workout.  I'm sooo out of shape it's going to be rough!

It's really important that I get stay committed to exercise because, unlike most women, my back actually felt better during pregnancy!  Now that the lovely muscle relaxing hormones are leaving my body my back is starting to hurt again.  I'm working hard to rebuild my core and strengthen the stabalizing muscles in my back so that I can hopefully have a pain free back in the not-to-distant future.  This is a major aspect of my motivation for exercise.  

 

 

Here are the updates stats:

I haven't lost any more baby weight.  Still at 131.  Damn all that fried food in Mexico (and my self control)! Hee hee.

Last measurements:

38-31-38

Current measurements:

37-28-37 I have a feeling this has more to do with the natural progression of things that my workouts!

This weekend Kyle and I are going to come up with a fitness/healthy eating plan for the month of April.  We are both feeling the need for a major jump start on the exercise and a little detox on the diet front.  I'll let you know what we come up with!  

 

 

So, it's been 20 days since Gigi was born and I've had my check up with the docs and I am free and clear to begin "low impact mat workouts".  I'm really excited to start exercising again.  Throughout my pregnancy, or at least up until 29 weeks when I was restricted to mostly resting, I was walking 2-4 miles a day and doing some simple conditioning and stretching from my Tracy Anderson Mat Workout DVD 4-5 times each week and I was also doing Pregnancy Yoga.  Pregnancy is such an incredible physical journey and, while there were many things I enjoyed about being pregnant, I have to admit that I didn't always enjoy watching my body morph and change and I really didn't enjoy having my wardrobe whittled slowly down to 2 pairs of jeans and a handful of tops and one pair of shoes (I only had one pair I could put on and take off easily on my own).  Anyway... now that our little one is here, I am looking forward to getting my wardrobe (a blog on that soon) and my body back in working order.

 

I thought I'd give you a glimpse at what I look like right now:

Don't mind the dark circles under my eyes and the breast milk on my bra! 

Here's the stats...

Pre-pregnancy weight: 124 lbs

Weight at end of pregnancy: 153 lbs (gained 29 lbs)

Current weight: 131 lbs

The goal: 120-125 lbs (this is the weight range I feel the best at)

Pre-pregnancy measurements: 36-27-37

Belly measurement at end of pregnancy: 39

Current measurement: 38-31-38

The goal: I don't really have a goal here!  I have no idea what's realistic.  Of course, I would love to have my 27 inch waist back but... As longs as I can fit in my pre-pregancy clothes comfortably then that will be perfect.

 

Here are the photos of the (99%) finished baby nursery!  I just love the way it all turned out!  I really wanted the room to be girly and sweet without being too "baby-ish" and I think we accomplished that!  It is simple and sophisticated and with few final touches it will be perfect!  I think it will be a joy to spend lots of time in here.  So many of the things in the room were made for our baby or handed down through our families.  It really makes the room special.  The inspirations were Paris, photography, ballet and Sofia Copolla's Marie Antoinette...  

 

 

My Stepmom (Nance) is a fabulous interior designer/colorist (she works in Oregon and Washington so let me know if you want her contact info) and my sister came over to help us me pick our colors.  They didn't photograph totally accurately but here are the swatches from the Benjamin Moore website... which also aren't that accurate!  Ah well, you get the idea...

 

 

I never would have thought I'd have a pink room in my house.  It was so great to have Nance help us pick "adult" pink colors.  

The "flowers" were made by Amy and Poppy for the baby shower and they take the place of a mobile.  I read that you actually want the space around your baby's crib to be a bit "boring", that is, non-stimulating.  You want them to sleep, not stare at stuff!

The crib and Kyle's chair from when he was little (made by his Grandpa).

 

The crib with the bumper made by Erika and the gorgeous blanket knitted by Kyle's Nana with yarn she was saving for "something special" that she had brought over with her from New Zealand a long time ago.

 

 

 

 

The pillow is made from the pink raw silk from my wedding dress and a bit of tulle from my veil (both were made by Erika).

 

 

Two monkeys from Aunt Meghan.

 

The dresser was Kyle's when he was little.  It will be painted super glossy white, get new handles and maybe get a little stencil treatment like this one from Anthropologie.

Newborn pajamas!

 

This vintage scale was a gift and is holding all of our beautiful Aden + Anais swaddles and blankies which were baby shower gifts.  The teddy bear painting was given to us by a friend in Paris, I took the photo on the left for Kyle when we were just out of high school and I found that four leaf clover years ago!

 

The feeding zone.  Comfy chair and blanket (also knitted by Kyle's Nana).  Amy found that table cloth at an antique store and thought it was tres Marie Antoinette.  It's hiding a box below with breast feeding paraphernalia and a book and book light for me.  The lamp is a salt rock lamp and will serve as a mellow reading light/night light.

The bookshelf/toy zone.  We just bought this shelf unit and the little pink bins from Ikea for about $35 total.

 

Lisa Kaser Print titled Tuesdays Were Reserved for Sharing Recipes.  We bought it at an art fair right after I found out I was pregnant.  It is quirky and cute.  It reminded us of our many picnics in Paris.  Plus the title is so us!

 

This porcelain doll was a gift from my cousin Carol.  She has collected these gorgeous dolls for years and selected this one for our girl.

 

Old photos of my two grandmothers, Mary Jo (left) and Rosellen (on right).  We are going to get two photos of Kyle's grandmothers too.  

 

This is a series of photographs I took in Paris.  I love the colors and the way they are all behind glass.  Ballet slippers in a studio window, gorgeous tutu's in the window display at the Repetto store and the skirt of Degas' Little Dancer statue in a glass case.

 

I made this collage of photos from Kyle and my first trip to Paris together when we were barely twenty.

 

The closet with all the newborn clothes ready for action!

 

My Stepmom had given me this vintage tutu a few years ago along with some others that sat in a box in the garage that Kyle had labeled "Fuckin' Tutus" because he couldn't understand why I was holding onto them.  Ha!  I used one!  Erika took it home and gently applied it to a wreath ring.  We'll either put it on the wall or pin it to the door of the room.  

I would also like to make a photo collage heart out of black and white photographs to give our little one something to gaze at.  

I would also love to find a chandelier (maybe something vintage) to replace the main light in the room.

So, there you have it!  Our baby's nursery is all set and ready for her arrival.  Our due date is only ten days away!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dress: Stuart + Brown

Leggings: LA Made

Shoes: Converse

 

 

There comes a point in pregnancy when you are feeling pretty...

chubby...

grumpy...

frustrated...

a little batty...

delusionally tired...

and a little emotional.

It's hard to remember what you used to look like.

All you wanna do is overindulge...

 

and wave your white flag.

 

But, then... you're family comes to town and gives you a good reason to laugh.

Meghan, Rob (and Kyle) at the local bakery.

Now... as I've mentioned before, my belly button (while not inside out) has spent the last month looking suspiciously like a cat's behind.  I'm sure someday it will return to normal, but in the meantime it's a lesson at learning to laugh at yourself even when you feel "all done".   Meghan and Rob came over with my Dad and Stepmom for dinner and we "forced" my Dad to put his artistic skills to work in order to provide us some much needed laughter...  

Heee heee heeee.

Sometimes (even after eight years), Kyle is forced to question the family he married into.  We like to keep him on his toes.

 

 

Your sweater!  

A snowy walk downtown....

 

 

 

Brrrr!

Hat: Pistil

Top: Icebreaker

Jacket: North Face

Jeans: Gap Maternity

Boots: North Face

 

 

So, it's 5 am and I'm wide awake.  I've been awake since 3:30 after jolting back to life following a particularly bizarre pregnancy dream involving a wedding (not mine), people I haven't seen since high school, capers (yes, the food), a shoot out and a coffee maker.  Don't ask me how all these elements came together... Anyway, after a couple hours of tossing and turning, trying to ignore the fact that I was starving and getting batted by the frisky cat (who, ever since we moved, has been acting like a cracked out kitten again), I just got up.  It snowed a few inches last night and it's still coming down so it's very quiet and still and dark out this morning.

 

The baby is squirming and kicking a bit.  I'm sure going to miss our private little snuggle sessions when she is born.  I am also going to miss the little bump, bump of her hiccups and so many other wonderful things about being pregnant.  There are, of course, many other things that I won't miss so much!  I had a complete mini-meltdown the other night after a particularly uncomfortable day.  I cried and declared to Kyle that I was "all done being pregnant"!  Of course, I quickly pulled it together and he encouraged me, kissed me and tucked me into bed where I got a good night's sleep, which helped immensely.

 

Yesterday I made more food for the freezer (chicken noodle soup (recipe coming soon) and two key lime pies) and I made a boppy (breastfeeding pillow)!  Now I'm going to put on a favorite movie and make up six more weeks worth of menus/grocery lists.  The more I do and create and plan, the more content I feel.  Don't get me wrong, I wish I was sleeping right now but, since I'm not, I might as well be productive!

 

Today we have big plans which include (but aren't limited to) IKEA (scary), Costco (even scarier), Aaron Brothers, Trader Joe's, Target (even scarier than Costco), a cookie delivery to a friend who just had surgery and possibly a movie matinee (I can't wait to see Black Swan and it doesn't appear that they'll have it here at our theater).  We just realized that it is the weekend before Christmas and we must be completely insane to be running all these errands today, but at this point in the pregnancy, it's now or never (or at least not for a few months).  So... here's to a productive Saturday!  Of course, if the snow keeps falling, we may be in for a quite and cozy weekend in spite of our ambitions.

 

I hope you all have a wonderful day today.

 

Love,

Kacie

 

 

As we inch closer and closer to our due date (January 7th) I am beginning to feel really excited about welcoming our baby girl into the world.  But, I'm also feeling a little nervous.  I have an overwhelming desire to get things done like: finish the nursery, put together an "emergency kit" for the car with spare diapers, wipes and a change of warm clothes for the baby, make lots of healthy food to have stashed in the freezer, make more menu plans, figure out our finances, finish unpacking...  I feel like we've accomplished so much but I still feel that there is a lot that can be done.  I've been waking up at 5 or 6 in the morning and sneaking out of bed to do things (like make lasagna) while Kyle sleeps.  We've moved on from reading the birthing books to reading the "baby manual" books.  Kyle has started The Baby Whisperer and I have started reading Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Baby.  I'm really wanting to have plans in place for ways to soothe a fussy baby, a minimal plan for getting things done (like exercise and grocery shopping and showering), and also having a conscious way of keeping our marriage running smoothly and making sure we enough time for each other and all of our my neurosis. =)  Although I know Kyle and I have a strong, healthy, loving, communicative relationship, I am hoping to find even better ways of communicating with one another thoughtfully and respectfully when we're feeling stressed, exhausted or irritable.  So, as these grey days creep by, I will continue to prepare, read, ponder and enjoy the last moments of this pregnancy.  I'm open to any advice, thoughts or encouragement you all may have. 

 

Top: Saint Grace

Jeans: Gap Maternity

Boots: J Crew

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shirt: Gap

Jeans: Gap Maternity

Poppy's Dress: Tea

 

Jen enjoying a pomegranate martini.

 

Damon, Amy and Poppy.

 

 

 

 

Poppy decorating a onesie.

 

Awesome craft idea.

 

Amy and her assistant sewing the fabric pieces onto the onesies.

 

Nance and Danelle making onesies.

 

 

 

 

Your Nona is a little uh... creative and decided to wrap this tree on their property with fabric swatches!

 

 

 

This is a pet dinosaur that my Uncle Matt made.  Get ready for LOTS of creativity with this family.

Scarf: Cashmink

Sweater: Shae

Jeans: GAP Maternity

Boots: Frye

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jacket: Prairie Underground

Scarf: Cashmink

Dress: Gap

Leggings: LA Made

Boots: Frye

 

 

After our last hospital visit and a second brief one last week, (just had to get checked... they sent me home right away) I figured it was due time (no pun intended) to put together our overnight bag for the hospital!  I did lots of research online as well as in our birthing book, Birthing from Within, and came up with a list of items to use at home and to bring along with us.  I want to stay home as long as possible before heading to the hospital.  We live less than two miles from the birthing center/hospital so hopefully we can stay home until the last couple of hours.  We'll have a doula on hand to help us know when it's time to go! Obviously, if we have a pre-term baby all of this will go out the window and we'll be headed into Portland to an unknown hospital with unknown doctors and we'll have to just go with the flow.  We'll have a few changes of clothes/pajamas, a bathrobe for me, some of Kyle's t-shirts for me to wear (I'm not feeling the hospital gown program) and our own pillows along with the following items...

The TENS Unit.  I got this for my back pain... it uses electric currents to stimulate nerves so you don't feel as much pain.  It's used a lot in pain management for natural birth.  Most insurance companies will rent/buy one for you.

 

Eye covers and ear plugs.  I wish we'd had these the last time!

 

Heat pillow and lavender oil (for relaxation) and coconut oil for back rubs.

 

It's really important to stay hydrated and replace electrolytes.  I want to avoid an IV unless I really need one and staying hydrated is the first step!

Everything I read suggested that you bring music along with you but, as Kyle put it, movies are my music.  The Audrey Hepburn Collection contains many of my faves: Breakfast at Tiffany's, Sabrina, Roman Holiday, Funny Face and Paris When It Sizzles.  Hopefully these will prove to be pleasant distractions.

Call me crazy but smells have bothered me SO much during my pregnancy that I've stocked up on toothbrushes and mouthwash for people to use when the come to visit.  Actually, the birthing book recommended this too so I'm not the only crazy mom-to-be.

 

The birthing book also recommended bringing your own washcloths since the hospital ones are less than luxe.  I also have a little bit of makeup (concealer and blush), dental floss (I'm obsessed with dental hygiene), hair rubber bands and chapstick. 

 

Simple (yet important) toiletries: shampoo and conditioner, face wash and lotion, soap and deodorant. 

 

THE birthing book, our birth plan ideals and a scrapbook page for footprints! 

 

A few newborn diapers, wipes and breast pads and the outfit I came home from the hospital in.

Thanks to my Aunt Carla we have a car seat now and with this stuff all packed up and ready to go we are feeling pretty ready.  Of course we are hoping for a full term babe, but if she does decided to make an early appearance we'll at least be prepared for her arrival!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweater: Liz Lange Maternity

Camisole: Odd Molly

Jeans: Gap Maternity

Boots: Frye

 

 

As the plans for our new home move slowly but surely forward, I have begun to get really excited about the prospect of having a baby room (as opposed to just a baby zone/corner)!  I was completely unsure where to begin... then, on Oct. 16th I curled up on the couch to watch Sofia Coppola's film Marie Antoinette in honor of the anniversary of the day that Marie Antoinette was beheaded.  Lovely, I know.  I found that I couldn't take my eyes off the screen.  The color pallete of the film was totally mesmerizing me!  I have been adament about "no pink" since the beginning, but all of the sudden I found myself loving the pinks (and the greens, yellows and blues) in the film!  I immediately knew the direction I want to go with the baby room.  Maybe not quite as decadent as these images but using the color palaette in an organic and simplified way will be perfect!

The sets, costumes, makeup and overall style are so lovely!

The macaroons are so inspirational!

The shoes are the perfect colors!

The Vogue magazine spread shot by Annie Leibovitz!

My mother-in-law (Erika) and I set out to the fabric store to see if we could find some ideas that drew from the color palette of the above images.  We found nearly perfect matches!  A silvery, grey blue... a bright, sorbet pink... a pale, antique-y yellow...

I bought piping in each color to jazz up the corners of white washcloths, burp cloths, bath towels and use it to keep things in a simple and consistent color scheme.  I like things to match! 

Then we happened across this fabric in the sale pile and bought it all!  The color didn't scan up perfectly, but it just matches up with the color palette perfectly.  Erika is whipping up a baby bumper from it right now! 

 

 

 

 

Very happy that you stayed put.

(Hospital gown (St. Vincent's Hospital... price upon request))

 

 

 

 

 

(Sweater (Free People), jeans (GAP Maternity), boots (Frye))

 

 

After lots of thought and consideration (and editing) we have completed our baby registry.  Everyone was so helpful and had wonderful recommendations!  I hope that a glance through the registry will give parents-to-be some good ideas and save them some time looking at the multitude of options available for any given item!  Although it took a lot of research and work to put it all together, I am really excited about our choices.  I think we were able to keep things to a minimum and only register for items that we felt really strongly about and the thing we did register for are space efficient and really fit our lifestyle.  

We decided to do the whole registry through Amazon.com because they have just about everything at great prices and they offer what's called Universal Registry which allowed us to register for items on other sites (like IKEA) and have it all show up on the one registry.  It also provides a secure way for people to make purchases and customer service is great (we used them for our wedding registry too).  It's nice to have it all in one place!

To view more info on the items you can visit my Fantastic Baby Things! post from a couple of weeks back.  

I'd love to post more today but, frankly, I'm exhausted!  We are in the process of purchasing our first home!!!!  It's exhilarating, exciting, wonderful and completely exhausting (and a little scary).  Hey, we might as well buy our first car, first house and have our first baby all in 2010!  Needless to say it's been a whirlwind last few days!  The house simple and low maintenance but it's cute and it has 3 bedrooms and a small backyard.  I'll keep you updated on it as soon as we know it's a sure thing!   But now... I'm going to drag my bum off this chair and go for a walk and do my Tracy Anderson workout before I collapse onto the couch (or into a warm bath) to relax.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uncle Ryan feeling you move!

 

 

 

 

 

Goofing around in the studio. (Sweater (Gap), tunic (Splendid), leggings (LA Made), boots (Frye))

 

 

Sunday morning photos from Daddy's point of view.  (My favorite pajamas from Victoria's Secret.)

Sunday morning photos from my point of view of your Dad listening to your heartbeat.

 

I am having a bit of an epiphany about myself so I thought I might share the process I'm going through with you... as the arrival of our daughter approaches, I can't help but desire more simplicity in my life.  This past week was a good example of my average week and it went something like this:

 

 

At Mike's Ice Cream with a Baby Baby scoop of Mint Oreo ice cream.

Three little ducklings getting ice cream.

(Dress (Gap Maternity))

Daddy giving you a kiss on the steps where we got married.

 

 

 

(Hat (from a street vendor in Paris), shirt (Kyle's shirt from Ted Baker), leggings (LA Made), boots (Frye))

 

 

I have been trying to find the time (and the WIFI) to do a San Francisco Weekend post, but since that didn't happen... (turns out they don't have WIFI at campgrounds) here is a big ol' post encompassing the whole second week of our Babymoon!

Day 6: San Francisco, CA

We spent our first day in San Francisco wandering around The Haight district.  We stopped at Trader Joe's and grabbed a few items for a quick picnic in a park before hitting the streets and exploring the shops.  We happened across the Magnolia Pub and Brewery so we stopped in so Kyle could try out their beers.  Our server, Sal, gave us his recommendations for his favorite places to eat in San Francisco which was great because we love to try out the local's favorites.  

The Magnolia Pub and Brewery

 

Day 7: San Francisco, CA

Cafe Delucchi

From North Beach the trail heads down through Telegraph Hill to the waterfront.  We walked through part of this historic waterfront but it was really crowded and touristy so we found a bus back to the starting point and decided to head "home".  The walk was a really fun way to see and learn about San Francisco.  

For dinner we decided to grab In-N-Out for old time's sake.  I haven't had fast food in years and years and images and facts from Food, Inc. etc. kept popping up in my mind and I was feeling really guilty.  But, against my better judgement I ordered a cheeseburger (animal style) and french fries.  It was fun, but not very good... it tasted like fast food!  Aw, well.  We spent our evening watching the Food Network and relaxing.

Day 8: San Francisco, CA

For our third day in San Fransisco we went to visit our friends Chris and Casey at their fantastic apartment right near Golden Gate Park to watch the Seahawks play the 49ers.  By the time the game ended it was time to head for, what else, more food!  Once again we took Sal's recommendation and headed to Zazie, a french cafe-style restaurant in Cole Valley.

Kyle had the Grilled Hanger Steak with heirloom tomato, Vidalia onion, gorgonzola gratin and portobello cream sauce and I had the Crispy Duck Leg with haricot verts and warm fingerling potatoe salad with mustard and pancetta.  The food was rich and delicious and I was starting to worry a bit about what our scale might say when we got home... but that didn't stop us from ordering...

...insanely good Crème brûlée and one regular and one decaf espresso for dessert!

A view from the hill on the drive home.  The strip without lights is Golden Gate Park.  

Day 9: San Francisco, CA

For our final day in San Francisco, we decided to spend the day exploring the California Acadmey of Sciences.  It's part science center, part aquarium, part zoo and part rainforest.  The admission was pretty pricey but it was a fun way to spend most of the day.  I wasn't as thrilled with it as I was hoping to be for the amount of money it cost, but it was still fun.  

Being silly.

We were starving by the time we left Academy and stopped at Papalote (another of Sal's recommendations).  The food was fresh and the salsa was fantastic.  

After our late lunch we headed out to find the Toronado Pub which is a famous beer bar so Kyle could scope it out and have a couple of pints.  

Kyle in paradise looking at the beer menu.

Since it was our last night in the city, we spent it having dinner with family.

A few other places that Sal and my friend John recommended but we didn't have time to try were....

Nopa

Abacus

Le Fringale

Tadich Grill 

Yank Sing

Day 10: Driving from San Francisco, CA to Gardnerville, NV via Yosemite National Park

Bright and early not as early as we had planned, we headed out of San Francisco to drive to Gardnerville, NV where my Aunt Carla and Uncle Matt live.  We took the long route so that we could drive through Yosemite National Park.  

Aidan blowing out the candles matches on his cake pie.

Day 11: Driving from Gardnerville, NV to Goose Lake, CA/OR

The drive from Garnerville to Goose Lake State Park was gorgeous!  Once we got through Reno it was all so picturesque.  The campground was clean and pretty and it was the perfect time to stop.  It lies right on the border between California and Oregon (although it's technically in Oregon).  For dinner we roasted chicken sausages on the fire and made a salad before we threw down a few more rounds of Yahtzee!

Day 12: Driving from Goose Lake, OR to Pendleton, OR

We packed up in the morning and set out for Pendleton, OR.  The drive was, again, picturesque and gorgeous along 395.

Day 13: Pendleton, OR

In the morning it was time to "Let 'er Buck!" as they say.  We headed to the Rainbow Cafe to meet up with my sister (Meghan) and her husband, Rob.  The Rainbow is always packed during the Roundup and serves trucker-style diner breakfasts that take forever to get...it's all about the experience.

 

 

The whole family.

Ryan and Dad.

Meghan and Rob.

A future cowboy named Oregon.

Then, we headed downtown to check out the scene.

Outside the Rainbow.

Inside the Rainbow.

Ryan.

Dad and the ladies.

Day 14: Pendleton, OR

After a busy day on Friday at the Roundup with lots of photos, I opted to leave my camera at home for the finals day.  Luckily, my sister's husband had his iPhone and with the help of some binoculars he was able to snap some really cool shots of the rodeo.  We also bought a cute onsie for the baby!

Me and the Pops.

 

 

The finals day of the rodeo was great!  We headed back to Uncle Grey's around 9 and Kyle and I proceeded to kick some major butt at hearts (turns out playing cards sober is really effective to winning).  

Day 15: Driving from Pendleton, OR to our home!

We got up early, packed up and headed home!  It was pouring rain for most of the drive but by noon we were home.  The fridge is reloaded, the laundry is in progress, there is a chicken roasting in the oven, the cozy pants are on and we're watching Sunday Night Football.  We had a wonderful trip, but it's always nice to come home.  Calypso is thrilled that we're back.

 

 

 

 

It's been such a great first week of our Babymoon and we still have a full week left!  Here's a look at our trip so far...

Day 1: Ellensburg, WA

We started off our trip in Ellensburg to celebrate Alfonso and Nina's birthdays with friends, beer hot chocolate and a pig roast.  The wind was icy cold and whipping through Ellensburg so we were all bundled up but that didn't stop the music and fun!  

Kyle testing out the impromptu driving range.

Jake turning the pig.

The "Rotisserie" Crew

Maria and her pup.

Pilot.

Adrian playing the drums.

My best friend Marion (on the right) and her sister, Crystal.

Marion's Dad carving the pig with a machete.

Bundled up.

Kyle about to dig in.

Day 2:  Astoria, OR

Early in the morning we packed up out of Ellensburg and headed toward the coast.  It was a long day of driving but we were ready to relax.  We put Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix into the CD player and I knitted away at a hat (which I finished before we got to Astoria).  We arrived at our destination around 4 o'cock and set up camp at Fort Steven's State Park.   We made turkey burritos for dinner with yummy, organic ingredients we had packed up before we left.  We built a campfire and settled in with hot chocolate for several rounds of Yahtzee!

Eating dinner while wearing my newly knitted hat.

Our neighboors flamingo.

 

Yummy buttermilk pancakes (from Trader Joe's mix) for breakfast.

The Druid's Delight... espresso, milk, vanilla, caramel and chocolate whip cream!  Perfect for a cold, wet drive!

The sun came out!!!

The view from The Burning Plain location.

Gorgeous sunset from the location while shooting.

Newport:

Funny seals.

Local Oceans.

Grilled fish and chips with fennel slaw.

Coconut prawns.

Curry mussels. 

Day 3: Driving and camping in the Redwoods, CA.

We woke up in Newport and hit the road right away because we had a long drive ahead of us through the Redwoods.  It was grey and wet again and stayed that way through most of the Northern Redwoods.  The trees are so dense and beautiful!  It's impossible to describe their size!  We got to where we were going to camp but it was still very cold and rainy so we opted to keep driving South and inland along our route in the hopes that the weather would warm up a little bit.  Luckily, it did and we set up camp in the Southern part of the Redwoods, made a quick dinner with our burrito leftovers and had hot chocolate and a few more rounds of Yahtzee!

Some very damp plants along the coast.

Day 4: Driving from the Redwoods, CA to Santa Rosa, CA.

Since we'd driven a little extra the previous day we had a fairly short drive into Santa Rosa.  We stayed with Kyle's Uncle Craig and after quickly settling in and taking two much needed showers we went out to dinner with Craig and his two wonderful daughters Kellie and Katie at one of Kyle's favorite breweries, Russian River.  

Katie, Kellie, Craig and Kyle at Russian River.

Day 5: Driving through Napa, CA and into San Francisco, CA.

We had headed to bed early and, after plenty of sleep, we got up and packed up, ready to head through Napa and into San Francisco.  We got coffee with an old friend and met her new baby girl before hitting the road.  The drive through Napa was gorgeous although it was a bit torturous as I couldn't have the wine!  A friend had recommended the Rutherford Grill for lunch so we stopped for a great chicken salad (for me) and prime rib a jus sandwich (for Kyle).  Then we headed to the Coppola Vineyard right across the steet (which the same friend had recommended) to check it out.  The winery was absolutely gorgeous!  It felt like being at a French villa.  The wine tasting was about $50 so we opted not to partake, but the stop was worth it just to check out the vineyard and museum-like winery.  We arrived in San Francisco and got settled in at Kyle's Aunt Lynsie's house in Foster City (a suburb just South of the city) and then headed over to Kyle's cousins Derek and Brandon and Brandon's wife Anifisa's house for dinner.  Anifsa is pregnant and due just a week after me, so we had lots to talk about!  Dinner was great although we spent most of the night glued to the window (watching the fire) and the television (watching the news) because the San Bruno explosion/fire was just minutes away from their house.

The Coppola winery.

Arriving in San Francisco on the Golden Gate Bridge.

Still to come... Our weekend in San Francisco (I'm too sleepy to post all about it now... speaking of which, I apologize if there are any misspellings in my post!), our drive through Yosemite (after careful consideration, we've opted not to stay in Yosemite due to the fact that it sounds like it may be too physically demanding since I'm quickly heading towards the six month pregnancy mark), a stay with my Aunt Carla, a bit more camping and the Pendelton Roundup!

 

 

 

At the Coppola Vineyards in Napa, CA.

(Hat (from a street vender in Paris), dress (Jean Paul Gaultier for Target), leggings (LA Made))

 

On Saturday we are heading out for our Babymoon Vacation!   We've got our tent (and Aerobed) ready, Newman's Ginger-O's packed, Harry Potter books on CD set to go and a new knitting project to begin! 

Here's our plan:

We'll spend the first night in Ellensburg, WA celebrating our good friends' joint birthday party Puerto Rican style, including mucho rum, a roasted pig and wonderful friends.

The Birthday Boy Alfonso "Why is the rum gone?" Gonzalez

The Birthday Girl, Nina "I don't want to snuggle" Gonzalez

From there we are heading straight to the Oregon coast!  

Oregon Coast (Photo by Kyle)

We'll spend the night camping in Astoria and then make our way leisurely to Newport.  After that, it's off to the Redwoods!  I am so excited to see this magnificent area of California.  I can't believe I've never been to the Redwoods.

From the Redwoods we'll head into Santa Rosa to visit Uncle Craig...although I don't think Kyle's let him know we're coming yet...hmmm.  Then, we're considering a stop in Napa although I'm afraid that being close to all that amazing wine might be tortorous...water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink.  Then we'll be in San Francisco for four days staying with Kyle's Aunt.  I'm so excited to explore this culturally rich, artistic city and to eat amazing food!

For the second half of our trip we'll head into Yosemite National Park for a couple of nights of camping and relaxing since the next couple of days will be spent working our way back up to Pendelton, OR for the Round Up!  For those of you who don't know about the Round Up...how do I explain this event...the Round Up is a fantistically fun, crazy, let 'er buck rodeo that we attend nearly every year.  As it happens, this year happens to be the Centenial celebration for this rodeo so it should be extra fun.  We always stay with Uncle Grey (not really our Uncle, he's Marion's Uncle) and Tina.  We relax with my best friend Marion and her family (the previously mentioned Birthday Boy and Girl).

 

Action at the Roundup.

Dad doing his photography.

Uncle Grey and his dogs.

Uncle Grey sitting in his "thoughful spot" as Whinnie the Pooh would say.

Party central.

At the Roundup with my Dad and Stepmom a few years back.

Dad with Dean Clark a member of the fence crew and all around great man.

Poor Daddy getting run over by a bull last year.  For the record, although he does appear to walk straight into the bull's path for no reason...he actually got clipped by the bull earlier and was disoriented.

Poor Daddy icing his injuries after the rodeo ended for the day.

Enjoying the Roundup last Summer.

Then, at last, we will be returning home to our disgruntled cat... 

 

 

We're so excited to head out on the road and explore the coast.  We'd love any recommendations you have from places to check out, stops to make, great restaurants to eat at, your favorite things in San Francisco and anything else!  Most of these places are new to us so we'd love any advice you've got for us!  I'll try and post a few blogs along the way, but it may end up just being one long post when we get back!

 

 

(Hoodie (Prairie Underground), dress (Banana Republic), boots (Frye))

 

GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!  We just went to the doc this morning and got to see our little one again and it's definitely a girl!  I am so freakin' excited!  That felt like a really long wait and I'm thrilled that we're going to have a daughter.  Let the shopping begin!  I'm so excited to start really planning and picking names and preparing for her.  It seems so much more tangible now.   Grandma told everyone she was positive it was a girl so it's really special that she was right!   

Here are a few ultrasound images.  They're not really clear, more blob-like but they're still fun.  I'd write more but I'm too excited to sit still!!!

As the doctor labeled it, "Girlie Parts".

This is the arm and part of the face.  She had her hand covering half her face the whole time so this is the best portrait we could get!

Profile picture.

This photo is of her hand in the middle and her ribs are down below.

 

 

I can't believe I'm halfway through the pregnancy already!   This last week was really challenging, but now we're home again and rebooting.  The baby's kicks are already strong enough for other people to feel, it's hard to believe just 20 days ago I felt the first flutter!  Needless to say, there's been a massive increase in snuggling in our house.  These days we spend most of our downtime reading Harry Potter out loud to one another (and the baby), I'm knitting a lot and starting to make more concrete plans for our little one.  I'm really excited/nervous to find out the sex this week and then it'll be on to major nesting.  I'm working on a baby budget and asking friends and families to tell me what items they loved for their little ones (post a comment if you have advice)!  Inspired by this blog, I decided to start doing weekly photos and letters to our baby.  Now that I'm finally showing I promise to post lots of photos of the burgeoning baby bump.  These next few weeks promise to be really busy as we're headed up to Whidbey Island for a wedding and then working on a Babymoon (road trip) plan.  

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profile.  You can see the brain and the jaw bones beginning to form.

Another profile.

This is the ?cute? baby face.  All the bones aren't formed yet so it looks a bit like a mexican wrestler.

The arm.

The whole baby.

My personal favorite.  The bottoms of the tiny feet.