Reading and More Reading...

So, here are the books we are trying to read...during all the chaos of moving cross country... !!

1. Happiest Baby on The Block- 

I had several Moms tell me this is a must! We also go the DVD...

2. Dude, You're Gonna Be a Dad!

I got this for Mr. Southbay of course..It is an easy read and really funny yet it has a ton of valuable info for the Dad to be! I'd definitely add this to your list! My goal is for Mr. Southbay to read a little each week... With his new job (he is doing a TON of reading at work) its so hard for me to say.. "can you read more tonight?" Especially when he comes home around 8:30!

3. What to Expect When You're Expecting

This was a last minute purchase...just because it seemed liked EVERYONE had it..It is also very informative! I need to read through it a bit more.

4. Complete Organic Pregnancy

I have learned a lot from this book! Especially with foods, cleaning products etc... A friend of mine had this book and had nothing but good things to say! She was right!

5. Pregnancy, From Preconception to Birth

This was one of my first books we snatch up! It breaks down each week and what to expect, whats normal... How your baby is progressing. Kinda like your weekly updates from thebump.com...

If you are interested in any of these book in further detail..let me know! 

Last day of January!!! Time is flying by!

Darling's 30th Week Update

Bump Pic

Taken in our new bathroom! :)

Little Darling's Size: He is the size of a cucumber! His brain is getting wrinklier -- to make way for all that essential brain tissue.

 

Countdown: 70 days to go!!  

Clothing: Anything comfy! So funny to see people STARE at your belly!

 
What I Miss: Feeling sexy!

Cravings: Again- nothing specific...

 
Exercising:  Unpacking has been my exercise! Its exhausting!

 
Symptoms:Shortness of breath.. Need to pace myself! Gas pains, ugh!

Total Weight Gain: 16 Pounds as of last week...I go this Friday to my new OB.. we will see!

 

Gender: ITS A LITTLE MAN!!!! We decided to keep his name a secret till the day of his birth!

Sleep: up and down, since we have been super busy lately..soon as my head hits the pillow I am out!

Movement:  He reminds me he is there...

On a Positive Note: We are moved in! WOW! we didn't realize how much stuff we had! My parents came down this past weekend and helped out tremendously!   There is still a LOT more to do but nothing immediate! I can't wait to share pictures of our new place!  We put our crib together and OMG its soo weird to see a crib in our place!

A Message To Our Darling- I can finally start putting your room together. Not sure what direction I am going in.. but your crib bedding looks very nice in your NEW crib that your Popi put together! I even started to hang up your clothes, it looks soo cute!

Here is a pic of the crib being assembled!!!

End of Week Ramblings..

Where do I begin? Going through the transitioning period...

Sunday- My car was delivered!! It is soo weird to be driving my car around back here on the East Coast! I think she (my car) is still going through a mild shock from this COLD weather! :) She is the one on the bottom..Mr. Southbay is there to greet her! Soo dirty!!!!! 

Our crib bedding arrived!!  Here is a little picture of everything! Thank you Land of Nod!

We bought a crib!! Wow, that was stressful! :) Just too many choices..and to stay within budget! We went with "chocolate mist," which is a darker stain... It is a convertible crib! So, he better like it! :) It is by Westwood Design.  Also- since we are picking up the crib ourselves we received an additional 5% off each item..so if you are able to go this route just ask if you get a discount. Never hurts to ask!

Crib mattress... OMG, I had no idea where to start! I read some reviews..and what to look for etc.. Again, we also had to stay within budget. The mattresses ranged from 89-300..from what I was looking at. We ended up getting a Colgate dual side coil mattress. Firmer for infant and then a bit softer when transitioning to toddler bed. I just couldn't justifying spending money on another mattress once he grows out of the crib. Glad those decisions are made and we received 5% off the crib mattress too!

Our Little Darling is doing a lot of moving around...in fact he makes my stomach look really funny at times! Sooo happy my belly button hasn't popped! (Knock on wood)

We started our birthing class on Wednesday! Oh gosh, you should have seen Mr. Southbay's face during some of the videos! It was hilarious! Some of it was scary...I will admit it had my heart racing a bit! I want to say most of those Ladies did not receive an epidural.. I'm excited for next weeks class. Plus, we are getting to meet more people in the area.

Oh, I hate the transitioning period.. New town, new Doctors, new grocery stores, new weather, new people, new roads to learn! 

We move into our townhouse tomorrow! The movers arrive at 8am! 

National Moment of Chill

Today is National Moment of Chill! 

Seriously!

 

 

 

 Do something for YOURSELF today!

My favorite...

Calm & Happy Commute

(We spend tons of hours in our cars!)

Place a few drops of grapefruit, sweet orange & lime on your car's floor mats or plug in an Aura Cacia car diffuser to transform your commute from blah to blissful.

 

 OR

 

I could really go for a relaxing massage to work out these pregnancy aches!

 

Darling's 29th Week Update

Bump Pic

Taken in the hotel room :)

 Oh, 3rd Trimester, you are testing me already!

Little Darling's Size: He's getting a little cramped in there, since he's growing so fast. But I  already realized that, since you're giving me all those jabs and kicks. Measures about 15.2 to 16.7 inches long.

 

Countdown: 77 days to go!!  

Clothing: On the hunt for the perfect outfit for our maternity shoot! Feb 11!!!

What I Miss: Umm, my body!!! After this week, I'm ready to get the show on the road! I still have a ways to go though....

Cravings: Nothing! Food doesn't really interest me right now..

Exercising:  Per Doctor, Im to "take it easy."  She even said.. "No shopping!" haha..

 
Symptoms: OHH where do I start? LOTS of kicks, my tummy is super sensitive (due to stretching), back/leg/pelvic pain! My doctor sent me to the hospital last Thursday due to all the pain/cramping. I am having small contractions! yikes! but the baby is safe, which is the most important! Now, due to all of this, you can imagine the amount of sleep I have been getting.  Plus, with the increase of pain, I do have some anxiety.. So, yeah... FUN! Thank you Dad for dropping everything and taking me!!

Total Weight Gain: At my appointment last Tuesday, I weighed in at 140! WHAT? I have gained a total of 16 pounds.

 

Gender: ITS A LITTLE MAN!!!! We decided to keep his name a secret till the day of his birth!

Sleep: umm, we already discussed this!

Movement:  ALL THE TIME! JABS & KICKS GALORE! makes me jump half the time...

On a Positive Note: Our crib bedding arrived!!!! woo hoo! I went a completely different route with my original idea, hmm does that surprise you? I've had my eye on this bedding over at Land Of Nod. They are having a "Winter Sale" and I was able to get 15% off each piece, (sheet, blanket, bumper...) Saved me a bundle! Oh, thats right, we still need to order a crib!

We start our baby classes this Wednesday down in Maryland! We are ready to get this going! So, for 5 weeks... we will meet for two hours to learn!!! Just hoping my Doctor says its okay, to do the drive! Fingers crossed!

My glucose test came back negative, super low score!! which is good!

A Message To Our Darling- You caused me such a scare the other day! I was able to see you again 3D! You are looking so cute! I so wished your Daddy could have been there to see you again.. Just try to be kind to your Mother :)

My Birthday Trip!

So, very last minute I headed back to LA for a quick visit!! I was sooo freaking happy!!! Especially since it was my birthday weekend!

First line of business...FOOD! Oh, how I missed all the food that LA has to offer! My favorite cafe/restaurant in Manhattan Beach is probably Le Pain Quotidien!

For breakfast...Organic Whole Wheat french toast with sliced strawberries with agave syrup.

Lunch, Organic Grilled Chicken & Smoked Mozzarella with arugula and basil pesto! Yes, they threw in some pickles just for moi!

I spent tons of time with my friend Natalie... ever meet someone and just hit it off? She is it! I wish I could bring her back with me!!!! I will miss her dearly.. Here is a pic of us at our other favorite spot, Mediterraneo in Hermosa Beach. I think we were there for over 2 hours..just chatting away!

Like I mentioned before, Mr. Southbay took me to a Lakers game on Friday night... It was a TON.OF.FUN! It was also something much needed for the both of us.. Our life's lately have been hectic with packing, moving, house hunting, flying, long distance, new job, packing and preparing for our Little Darling. We definitely enjoyed ourselves at the game .... tons of laughing and snuggling was also included! I just remember laying down that night....with a big smile on my face feeling so happy....and blessed. Besides the game, my other favorite part was shopping for our Little Darling..!! We snatched up some bibs and booties!

It wasn't easy leaving again...especially without Mr. Southbay..he stayed another day for the movers to come and whisk away our belongings...with that said I am however looking forward to moving into our new place! We are renting for now and snatched up an end unit townhouse. Its brand new! Not sure if we ever lived in anything so nice before.. Especially living in LA...nothing is new unless you have a million dollars :)  I will share pictures soon as we move in! February 1st!!!!

Ha, me at LAX with a ton of luggage! Starbucks in hand...  :)

Always bittersweet! And...another chapter begins!

Darling's 28th Week Update

Bump Pic

Little Darling's Size: Putting on layers of fat, he now weighs in around 1.5 to 2.5 pounds and measures about 13.6 to 14.8 inches.

 

Countdown: 83 Days to GO!  wow!

Clothing: Able to wear some non maternity dresses.. but my winter jackets are getting snugged!

What I Miss: While I was back in LA this past week.. we headed off to a club real quick to see a few people.. it was so embarrassing when the door man said... "When are you due?" My brain took me back to the movie Knocked Up... I just laughed and shook my head... REALLY?!! i had a black long jacket on with a scarf... !!  Its not like I was broadcasting!  Click HERE to see that scene from the movie!!!

Cravings: Nothing specific...I'm kinda boring right now in that department!

Exercising:  Did a couple LONG pier to pier walks...wow, my legs were sore!

 
Symptoms: Ridiculous back pain... ugh! I can't be on my feet too long or sitting...

Total Weight Gain:Oh, my we will find out Wednesday!!  11'lbs so far!

 

Gender: ITS A LITTLE MAN!!!! We decided to keep his name a secret till the day of his birth!

Sleep: I can't complain..just bathroom trips!

Movement:  Oh, he reminds me he is there :)

On a Positive Note:  Mr. Southbay surprised me with Lakers tickets last Friday night! OMG, 8 rows back from the players!!! It was SO MUCH FUN!!!! We felt like kids :)  Oh, we didn't want the night to end! Kobe, taking a shot!

 

A Message To Our Darling- Well, you were officially at your first Lakers game!! I could tell you heard all the loud noises...cause you were moving!!!!  We got you the most adorable Laker booties and bibs!!!  Your Daddy and I already decided that one of your first photo shoots will be in Laker gear!!!!!!   

Highchair Galore!

Where do I begin? Why must there be so many choices in highchairs? I have come across a couple that I have been drawn  to..but looking at the true functionality of it... well, I have no clue! 

Qualifications

1. Slender, not bulky

2. Easy to clean, less fabric the better

3. Simple fold and easy to transport

Finalists

EvenFlo Modern Highchair

Pros: Sleek, wheels, easy to clean, simple design, removable tray and can bring to meet table top.

Con: Few reviews posted since it just came on the market, not easy to fold transport & too plasticy (per reviewers) 

Joovy Nook

Pros: Easy to fold/transport, easy to clean (even the white), tons of reviews!

Cons: you can't push the tray up close to your baby is a real disadvantage, hence tons of food fall

The pros and cons listed, were the comments I read over and over again in the reviews....

I have come across tons of highchairs that look great but then I glance at the price tag! I'd like to find a chair under $150 if possible... Or should I invest more?

Do you recommend anything or currently use either of these chairs..suggestions welcomed! I am new at this!

Darling's 27th Week Update

Bump Pic

Nobody home..had to do one myself! :)
I'm getting big huh!

Little Darling's Size: At 13.6 to 14.8 inches and 1.5 to 2.5 pounds, he's not just getting bigger, he's getting smarter. We have brain activity! After this week we are officially in the 3rd trimester!

 

Countdown: 91 days to go!! 

Clothing: Loving my Juicy Couture outfits....with maternity tank tops!

What I Miss: Getting all dressed up and heading out to the clubs!!!!!

Cravings: Coffee...odd right?!

Exercising:  Oh, I'm heading back out to LA! Last minute packing... I can't believe we scored a frequent flyer ticket....so I will be hitting the strand for some good power walking!

 
Symptoms: leg cramps better...been really hydrating myself..maybe that is what is helping?

Total Weight Gain: 11lbs so far..will find out next appointment which is in one week!

 

Gender: ITS A LITTLE MAN!!!! We decided to keep his name a secret till the day of his birth!

Sleep: Lots of bathroom trips! Toss'n  & Turn'in

Movement: ALL THE TIME, MOVEMENT!!! His movement is getting higher, closer to my ribs...also, my bladder is really feeling it again..

On a Positive Note:  Like I said...sneaking off to LA..one more time!!!!!! AND, its my birthday next weekend..so its definitely the best.gift.ever!

A Message To Our Darling- I bought you the cutest PUMA gym suit today!!!! Now we can be twins!  xoxoxoxoxo

I completed my glucose testing earlier this week! I went early!!! I chugged it down..sat an hour and then they took  my blood.. {ouch}  But, I haven't heard back...is that normal till your next appointment? I hear different things... nonetheless...no news is good news? The drink wasn't too bad..but about two hours after drinking it I had the worst stomach cramps... lasted about two hours...but then I was all good!

Nursery Print

I came across this adorable yet simple print tonight... I think this may find its way in our Little Darling's nursery! Tambo Creations is the creator!

You want one too? Click here! 

I'm getting antzy, waiting patiently till we move into our new digs! February 1st is our move in date!!! Then I can start putting together a crib..throw on the sheets and start decorating!

I am going to try my hardest to not stress out and just have FUN with the decorating process!

Cali Baby Shower!

Since we literally were given two weeks notice about our move to the East Coast... A couple of our friends put together a baby shower/ going away party for Mr. Southbay and me :)  It was so nice to see so many people at once before we took off for the East Coast!

Here are a few pictures!

Of course we must start off with the invites!

Made by Anna

The desserts were made by Anna's sister! Everything was very yummy!!

I love tissue pom poms!

They set up a little photobooth too!

Here are two serious pics!

I made sure Mr. Southbay was close by during gift time! I wanted him to be apart of it! I mean, he is the Daddy!! We felt so blessed to have received such thoughtful gifts!

These two pictures below are of us watching the sweet and hilarious video my Parents sent to us!

A cyber group pic with the Parents!

A super big thanks for Anna to host the party! 

Darling's 26th Week Update

Bump Pic

Yeah, I'm getting bigger!

Little Darling's Size: An eggplant in size...He is taking breaths. They're full of amniotic fluid, not air, but it's still good practice.

 

Countdown: We are officially under the 100 day marker!!  97 Days to go!  Due Easter :)

Clothing: Just realized today, I never have to worry if my fly is down :)

What I Miss: being able to snuggle easily with Mr. Southbay...

Cravings: Coffee...odd right?!

Exercising:  ha..we are back east..we will see what happens...

 
Symptoms: Leg Cramps..major! only in the middle of the night!

Total Weight Gain: 11lbs so far..will find out next appointment which is in two weeks!

 

Gender: ITS A LITTLE MAN!!!! We decided to keep his name a secret till the day of his birth!

Sleep: Lots of bathroom trips!

Movement: ALL THE TIME, MOVEMENT!!! His movement is getting higher, closer to my ribs...

On a Positive Note:  We found a place to live...after 16 pages of filling out a rental application (yes, ridiculous) we hopefully find out this week if we got it! Its a brand new townhouse on the end.. We have never lived in such a nice place before :)

A Message To Our Darling- We started crib shopping the other day! So many choices...so many prices..I can't wait to finally purchase and put together everything!! We also ordered and already received a stroller for you little one! Its put together and already a test drive has been completed, take a look ! :)

My Father sat him in ....and he just stayed...we drove him around and he was so content.. hilarious! Oh Kingston..we love you! Wondering what kind of stroller it is? Britax B-Ready.. we are still deciding if we like it.. more to come on that!