MY BREAST FRIEND

In less than two weeks I am packing my bags and heading west for one last trip to spend time with family friends pre-baby.  I could not be more excited.  My mom's friends are throwing me a shower while I am in California and since the invitations went out we have arrived home from work each day to packages on our doorstep. Everyone has been so generous in making sure our little bell pepper will have the things she needs to welcome her to the world.   Nathan and I are both amazed at all the gear they make for babies these days to make life easier on mom and dad and more comfortable for the baby.  Below is one such item, My Breast Friend.  This crazy pillow contraption recommended to me by one of my favorite mommies, Dion, straps around my waist to support the baby while nursing.  Very clever.  As you can see Nathan found this item quite humurous and has already found an alternate use for it.  Thanks, Grandma Jean!

SPRING TIME DIGS

This past weekend was particularly beautiful for New York in mid-March. The sun was shining, the sky was bright blue and the daffodils were just beginning to bloom. Spring was definitely in the air and you could feel the energy in all the people walking around the streets. With unheard of temps in the high 60’s/low 70s, we knew it would get cold again because that’s the way New York is, but we embraced the sunshine while we could. Not a winter coat could be seen and all of the ladies were brunching in their latest sundresses despite their pale white skin. Feeling inspired by the brunching ladies, I popped into Anthropologie to see the latest. Of course, Anthropologie never disappoints – racks of beautiful spring-time things in beautiful prints perfect for warmer days. Though I am currently not in the market for new digs given my morphing figure, here are some of my faves…

THE LATEST

Here is the most recent pic of our little Bell Pepper. As you can see, she didn’t want to give us a full shot of her tiny face and was covering it with her arm. She may be a little on the shy side. She did wave hello, though, with all five of her little fingers.  We had our highly anticipated screening yesterday to see if there has been any progression with the placenta previa. There has been some progression, however, not enough at this point for them to confirm I can have a natural delivery. The placenta has moved 1.2 cm from the cervix, however it needs to be at least 3 cm – so we are a little less than half way there. My diagnosis is now a “marginal previa” rather than a “complete previa”. We go back in 4 weeks for what we hope will be the final screening. The results should determine whether I will have to have a C-Section or not. Hopefully the placenta will get a move on fast.

In other news, our girl’s measurements seem to be right on track. The technician noted that our baby’s leg bones are quite long – taking after my dad’s side of the family. If I could have sat in that screening room all day to watch her on the monitor, I would. Since that was not an option, I will make do with feeling her stretch those long legs with small kicks to my tummy.

WHEN PREGNANT YOU GET FREE DESSERT

No joke! Last night my friend, Nicole and I headed down to Soho for dinner at one of our favorite little spots, Bread. We decided to sit at the bar and when we saddled up the extremely flamboyant, model-esque bartender greeted us with a huge smile. When I removed my coat to reveal my bulging belly he got very excited as if I was the first pregnant woman he had ever seen. We had a fabulous dinner and just when we were about to ask for the check, he slid this delish chocolate mousse dessert our way. “For the baby,” he said. “She likes chocolate.” Even if she doesn’t, her mommy does. The perks of being prego.

28 WEEKS

Tomorrow officially marks my 7th month of pregnancy. According to the books our girl is as big as a Chinese cabbage. Since I had no idea what a Chinese cabbage looks like I included a picture for reference. She is about 15 inches from the top of her head to her heals and she can now blink her eyes that are adorned with eye lashes. She continues to move around and it is really cool to see my tummy actually move with her. Particularly in the evenings when I am sitting still, Nate and I get a kick out of seeing my middle make little bumps, shakes and wave motions.

I am still feeling good though everyday my body looks more and more foreign to me. I no longer have a waist though I can still fit in most my pants provided I use a rubber band to secure them closed at the top. I must say, though, maternity pants definitely are a more comfortable option. The number one question peeps ask me after is it a “boy or a girl”, and “have you picked a name”, is “have you had any cravings?” I have abandoned my first trimester peanut butter craving, but still crave cereal on a daily basis. I also have a new found love for fruit, particularly melon, though I have yet to buy it and cut it up myself.

We go for another ultrasound at the screening facility on Wednesday to see if the previa (that Nate now refers to as “the mini van” after the Toyota Previa) has progressed away from the cervix. We are keeping our fingers crossed. More later…

PRETTY / EASY

I came across this photo on 100 Layer Cake last week and I keep thinking about it.   Love how something so simple can be so festive.  This would be perfect for a backyard birthday party...someday when I have a backyard.

Photo c/o Oh Joy!

PUERTO RICO - LAND OF ENCHANTMENT

After 3 canceled flights we finally were able to hop a plane during a break in the storm.  Jet Blue delivered us safely on the Northwest coast of Puerto Rico early last Saturday morning giving us 5 full days of sun and surf.  Nate and I were both pleasantly surprised with PR.  We chose our destination based on the close vicinity to NY and had fairly low expectations going in.  What we found was a little paradise of pristine beaches for me to relax on, a handful of wave breaks for Nate to surf, and delicious fresh fish to grub.  Given the quick flight and the warmth of the sun, I can definitely see us returning next year for a quick getaway con bambina.  Here are some pics from our trip. 

CANKLES

Cankles: An aesthetically unfortunate physiological condition which leaves its victims with no discernible narrowing of the ankle between the calf and the foot.

Yup.  I've got 'em - I'll spare you a photo.  Last night after a nice dinner out, I rushed to the couch to remove my cowboy boots for the first time all day.  I had chosen to wear little ankle socks with my boots and was shocked to see my "ankle" spilling over the rim of the ankle sock giving me a mean pair of cankles.  Gross.  I heard I may experience swelling with pregnancy but these cankles are another story.  Nate and I had a good laugh about it, and then out of pitty I scored a nice foot massage.  After a good night sleep vertical, things appear to have returned to normal, but I anticipate the cankles will return.  I am going to add this to the list of things peeps don't tell you about being pregnant.

In other news, we went to the doctor on Thursday and our little bell pepper is growing rapidly.  The doctor said she was surprised my belly didn't look bigger, but not to worry because our baby is actually quite big.  She is a week ahead in growth and already weighs 2.2 lbs!  I am still feeling really good, for which I am grateful.  Week 27 marks my last week in the 2nd trimester.  We're heading into the home stretch.