Category Archives: pregnancy

Oh, Bebe! The junk you will need.

My dear friends are having a baby girl so I thought I could put together a mini guide for the parents-to-be.

https://sphotos-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/66943_10151847847739474_2094663284_n.jpg
Congrats Story & Chris!!

Bebe Essentials:


Maternity Clothes
Most ladies can skirt through their pregnancy without having to purchase actual maternity clothes, stretchy waist pants, skirts along with maxi dresses made with a jersery fabric are great.

These pieces were comfy but not maternity

I loved Gap Maternity and Target. I tried to buy stuff I could wear after bebe and I still wear a lot of those dresses today. Nordstrom carries Bella Bands which are crucial for preggers ladies who want to stay in their jeans. Medela made the best nursing bras from my experience. My boobs were enormous the first few weeks so it was essential to have a nursing bra that fit well and I could wear 24/7 and feel comfortable.

Crib/Bassinet

We went high end with our bassinet, but luckily we were able to sell it once she outgrew it.You want a piece that is easy to move to whatever room you will be in. It doesn’t have to rock, I don’t remember rocking Liv that often in ours. I like this folding crib for space saving. Liv slept with us more than in her crib for the first year, so this is a great temporary crib until you choose a long term bed.


Crib Bedding/Blankets

Olivia was fortunate enough to receive a lovely crib bedding set from our bebe shower. So before you shell out a lot of money on bedding, add it to your registry first.

We purchased this set for her crib and really, that’s all she has ever needed. We rotate back and forth between the two sets when it’s time for laundry. Lately, she loves pink so we haven’t used the orange set as often. Most important is buying a few waterproof sheets. They will protect your mattress and they last for a long time. I love this crib set and this one if you are anti-bumper.

*We used a bumper, gasp, and had no trouble at all but it’s something to consider.

Aden + Anais make the best swaddling blankets hands down. They are lightweight but long enough to swaddle the wiggliest of bebes. I used this set and loved it.

Dresser/Changing Table

A changing table isn’t necessarily an essential. Folks use couches, beds and mostly the floor which is the easiest location for a squirmy bebe. We lucked out when we bought our crib and got a bargain for the changing table and dresser/hutch for a deal.

Oeuf furniture has held up exceptionally well for the past 4 years. The dresser has just enough storage to house her vast wardrobe but I do have to stay on top of donating her clothes that she outgrows *although I’ve been keeping so many pieces for sentimental reasons, HOARDER!*

A peek into Liv’s drawers

Car Seat

You really need a car seat that comes with a separate base, and buy an extra base if you have two cars. You want one that is easy to move in and out *cause your gonna be doing this often*. I suggest a canopy to keep the sun out of bebe’s face. I hope Story & Chris are fortunate enough to have a bebe who loves car rides. Liv has always loved riding in the car so we still take her for a night drive if we can’t get her to sleep. Choose a car seat that is comfy for bebe, and a material that won’t make your bebe too warm.

Graco Snugride Click Connect 35 LX Car Seat-Coco
My Mom gifted us a Peg Perego

A boppy. Even if you don’t breastfeed *you better!* they are a must-have. I used that boppy every single day for two years. They prop bebe up and are a total lifesaver for feedings. Register for two covers so you have a back up when one is dirty.

Bottles/Nursing

Speaking of feeding, we used Medela bottles and I used a manual breast pump. I never had the chance to freeze my breastmilk, so I’d suggest sticking with Medela if you go that route.

Stroller

I am sticking with our Bugaboo bee. We loved the features of our bee but I also like the Chameleon. Liv grew well with it and it was easy to use. The bee functions well, you can use it facing forward and rear, it tilts so bebe can nap comfortably using the cocoon. We never needed a jogging stroller since the handling on the bee is smooth. Liv is a super tall kid, so we stopped using it a little after her second birthday which coincided with her desire to either walk everywhere or have her daddy carry her *which he still does even though she’s almost 40lbs!*

One week old!

Two years old


Baby Carrier

I used our baby carrier ten times more often than our stroller. When bebe is new, you want as much skin to skin bonding as possible. Since I wanted a carrier that would be comfortable for my large *giant* frame and wanted something Antz could use too, I decided against a sling carrier. I didn’t want anything with metal so the Baby Hawk was our best option. Let me tell you, it took tons of convincing Antz it was safe. He was sure the knots would loosen and Liv would fall out. After the first time I put it on him, he was a believer. I ordered ours with extra long straps since we are so tall so it gave us room to tie our knots triple times for that extra reassurance.

I loved the BabyHawk, still have it!
Liv’s first trip to the beach

These are some essentials that I couldn’t live without. There are other options but these worked best for me. Here’s a full list of items to register for.

A & D Ointment!! I am a huge advocate for this miracle in a tube for diaper rash prevention. Liv stayed rash free by dabbing a bit of ointment in every diaper. It kept her bum smooth and comfy.

Diaper Dekor – Holds tons of dirty diapers and kept the odors in control.

Wipes Warmer – Cause noone likes a cold wipe on the bum.

Grooming Kit – Has most of what you need like nail clippers, thermometer, comb, brush and nasal aspirator. This one is great for clogged noses, it gets bonus points for being called the Snotsucker.

Bathtub – We didn’t use this guy as much as I would have liked but filling up the tub and then moving it to the kitchen for room to bathe Liv was cumbersome *this was in our shitty plumbing days* However, we received this as a gift so we would splurge now and then and use this bath in her early days. She still takes showers with me most of the time.

Hooded bathtowel – Keep bebe warm, Liv’s lamb is soft and adorable.

Soap, Shampoo & Lotion – I found Mustela to smell the best and work well for Liv’s skin. This may vary for every bebe’s skin type. We used Baby Neutrogena for sunscreen. Now that she’s older I typically use Baby Aveeno for soap and shampoo.

Pacifier – The best one you will use will come from the hospital. Don’t forget to bring home all the freebies from the hospital *I still use a burp cloth and waterproof pad we got from Huntington* Liv didn’t use a pacifier for long but when she was teething we used this guy.

Sophie the giraffe – No, she’s not a dog chew toy. Every happy bebe has one, she’s the best! Register for two cause you’ll lose one or it will get dirty from bebe dropping her.

Bebe clothes – We bought just about everything *on sale* from Baby Gap.

Activity mat – We bought ours from Giggle but it’s sold out. Liv used it everyday for tummy time. She liked the mirror and we added toys that would rattle. We sold most of her bebe stuff but I am keeping this guy until I no longer have room for it. Call me crazy…

Swing/Bouncer

We received this swing at our bebe shower so I never had the chance to research swings or bouncers. This one played classical music and had different speeds. It was a Godsend! I would put Liv in there and could actually go to the bathroom or eat food without holding her. She would always fall asleep in there.

When she was old enough to hold her head up, her Godmommy got her this jumper. It’s excellent for strengthening their legs and allowed her to use hand-eye coordination. You can only keep them in there for a few minutes at a time but she loved that jumper.


How rad are her orange Adidas?

Don’t forget to request a bebe greeting from the White House. It’s a lovely keepsake for those of you who are fond of our current president.

Hope this is helpful. You can also check out my previous bebe guides here and here.

Hooray for my friend’s sweet bebe girl! I am super excited to meet her.

Better Late than never

This video is ridiculously late but enjoy the birth of Olivia Lily. Don’t worry, I spared everyone the gruesome details of the actual birth *which Liv loves to watch and say she looked gwross in Mommy’s tummy* but this is a great depiction of the 24 hours before she was born.

Liv’s Birth June 2, 2010 from sunkissis on Vimeo.

The song is Sawdust & Diamonds by the lovely harpist, Joanna Newsom. Have a great Monday!

Hello Summer 2010!!

Today is June 1st and to me, that means one thing…*actually 2* summer has began and I am ONE day from my due date!! My pregnancy is quickly coming to an end and I think I am ready for the next step. I slept through the night but it was horrible. I have been having these catastrophic dreams and I was tossing and turning most of the night. Antz went to work today because there is nothing happening around here. In a while I need to go to Target and stock up and get lunch. I thought I would hang out with Story today, she took the day off but she and Chris went to Lowes. She may come by later for a visit which would be cool. My Mommy came back to LA this morning. So back to my excitement about summer. Albeit we need a vacation asap but with Olivia on her way, not sure how feasible that may be. I would even take a weekend in Palm Springs at this point.

Things I would love to do/see/eat this Summer

1. Take Olivia to at least one summer *outdoor* concert
2. Learn the lyrics to an entire April March song
3. Buy an inflatable pool and play with Liv in it
4. Eat outdoors every Friday
5. Become a regular at the Montrose Farmers Market
6. Buy fresh strawberries *#5* Make a strawberry pie
7. Take Olivia to Keith & Tina’s for her first swimming lesson
8. Take Olivia to my Mom’s house in Apple Valley
9. Sleep in the hammock
10. Make s’mores over our firepit
11. Have a friend’s dog party at our house
12. Take one road trip up the Pacific Coast Highway *maybe go to the Hearst Castle or seal santuary*
13. Take 1,000 pictures of Olivia
14. Take Olivia to a petting zoo 

I love these, I am so excited!! I bought a welcome home banner from Etsy

I am super excited because I got an email from one of the editor’s at OhDeeDoh and it seems like Olivia’s nursery will be featured tonight. I am so happy. I wanted to be featured on that site since I first found it a year ago!! I am so elated. Olivia is kicking/moving like crazy. Antz thinks she’s trying to kick her way out but I need her to stay put until after our appt. with Dr. Holly Wang tomorrow.
I went to Target and I was pleasantly surprised to find the Boon drying rack there.

I still need to get a bottle cleaner and I should be all finished *for the moment*

Now that I’m on the final days of my pregnancy, let’s have a look back in the past weeks.

Remodeling, Redecorating & Repairs

I feel like we did such an amazing job on Olivia’s nursery and making our house look presentable for the shower that I can now take on the daunting tasks of the bathroom and kitchen *the money rooms*. Although I won’t have a budget to do anything until next year, it doesn’t hurt to start planning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Antz wants to paint the kitchen a light blue *similar to the one the wall decal is on* but I’m not sure yet. My concept is to take off the cabinet doors *which means we would need new, pretty dishes and organize our shelves better*, paint the cabinets white and replace the knobs with the Villa Capri knobs. Have the floor professionally refinished, replace the awful ceiling fan with a pendant lamp. Paint the walls, trim and crown molding. Repair/replace the plumbing and install white *or another color* subway tiles backsplash and new countertop. I would eventually like to put in a dishwasher but there really isn’t any room and the plumbing would be expensive. When Olivia is old enough we want to put in her mini kitchen to play with but again, space is an issue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s take a look a how my pregnancy has progressed!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A whole lot of nothing

I am seriously suffering the boreds! Yesterday I went to see Babies *again* with my Mommy and Antz. They both liked it but it sucked that it wasn’t playing at the Arclight and we had to go to this crummy theater in Alhambra. When we got home Antz grilled chicken and made the most amazing cobb salad and deviled eggs I’ve had! I wish I took a pic of the dish because he really used his chef skills. I took more week 39 pics because I only had one I liked that I took at acupuncture on Monday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My last week as a pregnant lady! I was so miserable last night. I didn’t use my laptop all night, I didn’t turn on the TV *until 1am* and Antz and I sat in the living room and lit the candles in the fireplace and just cuddled. It’s much more impressive in person.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He was trying his best to keep me entertained but the only thing I showed interest in doing was eating. I gave in and watched some dumb movie at 1am and ended going to bed around 3:30 *after a late, late night grilled cheese sandwich*. I woke up around 10:30 this morning and Antz was working on his computer for an art project. I still have no agenda for today. Tomorrow we are going to Antz Mom’s for his sister’s BBQ birthday party. I really want to go swimming! Our friend Keith is the only person we know with a pool but he is having his kitchen remodeled so it will be at least until July before he has us over. I would love to go to a hotel to lounge by the pool but in my current state, I’m sure noone wants to see me preggers in a bathing suit *or even non preggers*!

Antz and I put together her swing which was a little more work than we anticipated. It’s pretty awesome but the swing makes a noise that I am finding annoying, the music is cute some classical, some nursery rhymes and some nature sounds but all very synthesized.

39 weeks, 50% effaced and 1 cm dilated!!

Holy Balls! Dr. Teng checked me this morning and surprisingly I am 1 cm dilated and she felt Olivia’s head!! She thinks I’ll make it to my due date so that makes me happy.

At the doc office. I felt a little better about her checking my cervix this time. I am trying to allow myself to relax *which is totally hard*. We brought the shower scrapbook to show the nurses and they loved it. They kept saying we are going to spoil Olivia and what is going to happen when we have our second. I was like NO WAY, no second, only one!! Today David is coming by to pick up his final check. I am so happy the garage is done, we have all the proper permits and this weekend Antz is going to clean it out and make it all organized and garage-y. This Friday is his sister Clinnie’s birthday, we are going to his Mom’s house this Sunday for a BBQ. I should be fine by then. Story wants to do something this Tuesday because she’s off so I’ll have something to distract me. I am super excited because my hunt for diaper covers has been called off. I saw some adorable ones on my BBC group and she told me she got them from eBay…duh why didn’t I look there?? So the diaper covers are monogrammed and only $10.99!!

I want to buy like 20 of them, hah.  They also have personalized bibs and burp clothes so I’m getting them too. Unfortunately, the seller isn’t available until May 30th so I’ll wait to order them then. I still am on my clean streak. I need to figure out how to set up the bedroom with the bassinet next to our bed, where my laptop will go and how I will be able to get in and out of bed without stubbing my toe on the bassinet everytime *which I have*. Well I just got hit with the sleepies. I’ll post later skaters!
My nap was short lived, David came by to get his check. I then decided to go to Giggle and buy the breast pump and bottle set.

While I was in Pasadena I decided to swing by Urban Outfitters to get that fedora I liked.

This guy felt a little too Indiana Jonesish, I felt too jazzy in the straw color and I love the color of this one

I totally didn’t intend to match with my cardigan but I love the blue color. A steal for $24! I look a total mess without makeup lately!! I then started craving broccoli cheese soup so I went to Panera Bread in Glendale. I called Antz to see if his car was ready to pick up but he was stuck in meetings. I went by Honda and paid for his car and picked up his keys. Since he didn’t get out of meetings till 5:30, I went back home and pigged out on soup. Then I went back to pick up Antz and take him to get his car. I am spent. Everyone keeps giving me the crazy eyes when I tell them I’m due in a week. I’m not handicapped and I have just as much energy as I always do so why stay couped up in the house.

Happy Friday *Fridays always rule*

Antz and I had our doula meeting with Gilli this afternoon. She gave us lots of tips and positions to use during labor. I am freaked out but Antz is going to help me. I am so glad I have the birth ball to help with back pain. Afterwards, I went to Vons and bought some snacks to take to the hospital *hopefully I won’t eat them before*. Then I grabbed lunch. When I got home, Mr. UPS delivered our car seat base and Liv’s stroller. I was so nervous that it may be the wrong one but I opened the box and it looks like the right model. I am so excited because now she has everything she needs. Last night when Antz got home he had the eurotub that Nic & Ale got us. I can’t think of any other necessities we may need except this breast pump and some bottles *as a backup*

Gilli convinced me we will need a pump in case I get engorged and she thinks Antz should be able to feed Olivia too. I would have to give her a bottle by 8 weeks anyway. Tomorrow we are taking Antz truck in for service and get his alarm fixed. Then we are taking Max to the vet for his annual checkup and meds. Then we are going to Giggle to buy the pump and bottles. Then to the Santa Anita mall to get her bibs and her christening bonnet embroidered and shop for clothes for Antz. We’ll probably go to Target to look at the bedding sets while we are out too. We have a pretty full day. Tonight we are going for a walk in Atwater and we are putting together the stroller and putting the car seat in my car.

I now have a serious case of the boreds!

Now that the fantastic Cirque du Bebe is over, I am majorly bored. I would love to be excited about the birth of our daughter but the fact is that I am the one who has experience all the pain and grossness does not make it sound like an enjoyable time. I want to keep her in as long as possible. Gilli said I should go walk to induce labor but I want to have her in June *I’m weird I know*. I still have a bunch of stuff to get Liv before I’m due. I want to buy her stroller from Amazon so I can get free shipping and no tax but, the company that is selling it seems a bit shady and I worry that they may send me the wrong stroller or if I have future problems with it, how would I get in touch with them. It’s called Pampered Tot and they only have an Amazon store not their own website. They do have 100% ratings but Antz thinks they are fake ratings. If I buy it from Giggle, I’ll have to pay shipping and taxes and that takes me over-budget. I also need to buy her christening blanket and some much needed books.

This Little Giraffe blanket is the softest thing on Earth

I sent an email to BabyHawk asking where the hell is mine and they said another couple of days.

Today our plumber Malcolm is coming over to fix our cloggy shower. I need to do tons of laundry but I have to wait until Malcolm finishes. My pelvis has been paining me for that last week. It’s like all the morning sickness one would have during a pregnancy has gathered together to reek havoc on my pelvis bone. Maybe I’m just at the stage of miserable pregnant lady but I serious don’t want to stop being preggers. I LOVE not having a period, I LOVE feeling Liv moving around, I LOVE that I can eat whatever I want and not get the side eye from people. I LOVE how my clothes fit because I don’t have to squeeze into skinny clothes and I can let my belly hang out without looking like a gross hippo. I haven’t worn jeans in almost a year 🙂

Tomorrow we have a prenatal appt. and Dr Teng will start checking my cervix. David hasn’t called us to let us know when he’ll be back to finish up the roof. He still has to dig the side of the railing and create a reservoir for rainwater to drain through. He also has our garage door opener and our outdoor broom. I am happy with the garage but it did rain for a bit yesterday and pools of water collected near the edge of the railing so that does concern me.

Oh speaking of things that concern me, now our bathtub is backing up so our plumber Malcolm just snaked our main drain. I know it’s from the party 🙁 He is a permanent fixture in our home, every year he has to snake the drain. I am mortified of how dirty and disgusting it looks under our toilet *gag*

I tell Malcolm everytime I want him to rechaulk the seal around the toilet *after I bleach it and perform an exorcism* but he is so fast he never does it 🙁

I want to retile the floor in there sooo bad! The linoleum is gross and starting to peel. I’m sure we can do it but Antz is so burned out from the shower he doesn’t want to start any projects now. I am patting myself on the back because I sent out all the thank you cards today, yay!

Miss Etiquette!

Hello panic mode!

Did I really let an entire day go by without cleaning this house? I mean, I did some laundry, dusted and swept our bedroom but I need to clean/line our linen closet with paper, put the pillowcases on my hospital pillows and mop these floors. I have so much time during the day but I only seem to want to do stuff when Antz gets home. He was supposed to wash Max but by the time he gets home it’s almost dark and he looks so tired, I hate for him to have to do it. Well, tomorrow is the deadline to get all that done and in the morning *well about 4 1/2 hours* we have our prenatal appt and we are meeting our pediatrician. He is looking for a used Bugaboo Bee but of course the only ones he can find are the old model. Someone is selling a blue 2009 one in good condition for $450 in Los Feliz but I want the 2010 model. I spaced out and forgot to order an additional chair at Pico Party Rents and I forgot to schedule my appt for my pedicure. I need to clean out my car tomorrow and have Antz put in the car seat. The good news is as slow as I am moving, the crew is working on getting the garage finished by Thursday.

It’s looking like our old roof/deck again. They have had to use 3 coats of paint because the wood is very absorbent. They finished stucco-ing our wall and the fire wall so they need to paint that the same blue as our house. Luckily we had some in the garage. They still have to come back next week to finish the job but at least the house will look presentable for the shower.

On a more productive note, we did manage *I say we but that was me handing Antz feathers as he did all the work* to finish the feather centerpieces!! We worked on them while watching Idol and they came out lovely. I am super excited about them but one thing bums me out, I am concerned they will block people’s faces at the tables. They seem the exact height as ours on our table but Antz is like whatever, they are done!

We have 5 total and 4 tables, so we need to figure out where the 5th will go. Antz scored a small frame that almost looks like the menu board. He ran out of pink spray paint so he used black. He printed out the scrapbook instructions and framed it. I really hope people get some good photos and don’t waste the film. I have 100 shots but I don’t want to use them all up for this party. Friday is going to be sooo nerve-racking. I really hope I get my ass in gear and clean this house tomorrow *actually today*. I am hoping Dr. Teng gives us an ultrasound and tells us how much Olivia weighs. I feel like I have been eating like a cow the past 2 weeks.

What a wonderful world!!

How is it that yesterday was supposed to be a free day for us and we both feel exhausted? I am going to be in the hospital by Friday at the rate I’m going. We cleaned the kitchen like it’s never been cleaned before, from top to bottom. I may have over-exerted myself because by the time I collasped into bed, I was in major pain in my back and ligaments. I feel worst for Antz because at least I get to recuperate in bed all day but he is up at 7am painting the window sills and the backdoor. Then he trudges off to work for 9 hours and comes home to work until 1am. He keeps telling me I can’t wait for the shower to be over but I can because as much as I want to have Olivia here, I am not looking forward to labor. Gilli is meeting with us next Friday to go over our birth plan and coach Antz as my stand-in doula. Today should be less to do. I finally got an email from Gail and she did rsvp *nice, 5 days before the shower* so that means I need to call Pico Party Rents and add another chair to our order. I also forgot to pick up the flatware and chopsticks yesterday at PF Changs so I’ll have to pick them up today. When Antz gets home he’s going to wash Max *yay* and we will assemble the feather centerpieces. Aimee may come over today, she wants me to go with her to Giggle to pick out my gift *which totally defeats our registry* but that’s fine, at least I’ll get something I’ve had my eye on for some time.

I’ve been peaking at my registry and boy is it disappointing. So far only 6 things have been purchased so far. I am going to have to buy everything else we need after the shower, BOO!