FOOD

When you're pregnant there are lots of foods that we're told we should avoid because of bacteria risks, etc. Since I'm so close to the end now, lately I've been thinking about the foods that I can't wait to eat. It's interesting though because before I was pregnant my diet was even more restricted--I was a pretty strict Vegan for about 3 years or so. Pregnancy didn't change this part of my diet (I stopped being Vegan a few months before I got pregnant) but it definitely made it more difficult. Following a Vegan diet during my first-trimester when I had very severe food-aversions, was just plain silly for me.

So there are some foods that I haven't had in years! I consider myself more of a Pescetarian now--mainly a Vegetarian but I'll eat fish on occasion too. And yes, there were those few times during this pregnancy where *gasp* I ate a cheeseburger, turkey on Thanksgiving, and I think that's it for my meat-eating.

I can't wait to eat:
1. A bagel with cream cheese and lox. Refrigerated/smoked fishes are on the "no" list during pregnancy.
2. A bagel with cream cheese and white fish spread. There seems to be a Jewish food theme, huh?
3. Runny eggs! My favorite way to eat an egg is sunny-side up or over-easy. An over-hard egg is just gross in my opinion.
4. Raw-milk cheeses; specifically a stinky camembert, gorgonzola, and other unpasteurized cheeses. Many cheeses are pasteurized so therefore considered safe, but still some of those really yummy ones are not.
5. Raw oysters!
6. Sushi, the non-vegetarian kind.

Then of course there's the drinks that we're not supposed to have as well. I know there's lots of mixed opinions about drinking wine/beer now and then and just avoiding it all together. I chose the latter except for that occasional sip of Ethan's beer I've had. Who knew, that just a sip could be so delicious! Anyway, I can't want to a have a glass of champagne/prosecco to celebrate the birth of our son. Then of course to just enjoy a glass of wine or beer or a cocktail, just something on occasion!

Here's hoping that I'll enjoy these things soon ;)

DUE DATE-2/14/11

The day is here and no baby. I guess it was just wishful thinking that I was going to have the baby early. It can still happen today though but I'm starting to feel a bit discouraged. I think he's way too cozy and warm.

Anyway, it is Valentine's Day, and what a lovely day that is. I woke up to beautiful sweet gifts from Ethan. It was a wonderful surprise and a great way to start the day. Then, I treated myself to an almond croissant from 40 green street, which are the most delicious things I've ever eaten!

Even though Valentine's Day like most holidays are overly commercialized, I have to admit that I'm a fan. I mean really, what's so bad about a day based on celebrating the people you love in your life?! Ethan and I didn't make any plans and he's working all day. I guess we just thought maybe the baby would arrive and give us the best gift ever.

Whether the baby comes today or not, this year this holiday, means even more to me. I have spent the past 40 weeks growing this baby inside me and waiting to meet him. Through all of the ups and downs this has been the biggest joy in my life. I love Ethan more than I can express with words. I feel so thankful for the love he gives me and the life we're building together. He comforts me, makes me laugh, gives me strength, and makes every day brighter.

I feel so ready to share this love with our little guy and provide a happy life for him together.

Happy Valentine's Day to my sweetheart.


pic by my dear friend, jodi

3 DAYS AWAY

Today is my last day of work before I start maternity leave. It's kind of an emotional day for me because of what this signifies. Ethan has been wonderful and cooked me up a big batch of berry & walnut filled pancakes to start my day. There's still no real sign of the baby but realizing he is the reason I'm leaving is intense. Every day/night I think a little cramp or ache is the beginning of his arrival. But no such luck. Maybe it is the very beginning of labor but this being my first time, I really don't know. I am definitely getting very regular braxton hicks contractions which aren't uncomfortable really at all. They mainly just feel like a slight tightening feeling and make my belly feel super hard.

I've felt so ready to have this baby for awhile now. But I have to admit now that it's so close to the end, I think I'm going to miss him being a part of me. I really do love feeling him move around and experiencing life as a part of me. I love knowing that he's cozy, warm, and safe in there. I love sharing every feeling and moment with him. I love knowing that everything I eat makes him healthier and stronger and ready to be in this world. It's just an amazing feeling carrying around a growing baby and how this is the only life he knows right now.

But saying all of that, I can't wait to meet him. I can't wait to start this new journey of being a mom and becoming a joint-parent with Ethan. I can't wait to see his face, hold him in my arms, hear and feel his breath, feel his heart beat, and hold his little hands and feet. I can't wait to see his personality unravel. I wonder if he really will be a combination of me and Ethan or more of one of us.

I'm not a religious person as most people that know me are aware of. I didn't grow up with roots in a certain religion and feeling any connection to a God. But, I'm starting to understand more why some people are. It's a bit of an anxious time having no idea what my labor will be like. I have this strong feeling of just needing to trust and have faith that our baby will be healthy and strong and I will be able to get through labor. I feel so lucky to feel supported by so many friends and family members who I know will help push me through. So I can only hope for the best at this point and know that there are so many people who love us.

xo

THE NURSERY

I think the room is done. Or as done as it is going to be for now. I'm really happy with it and really love just going in here. It makes me so excited knowing this is all for our little boy that we'll be meeting soon!

We went with an olive green color wall which I really like. It also doesn't scream baby or atleast I don't think so. Hopefully it'll stay this color for quite some time.

I found the crib on craigslist for a pretty good deal. It also converts to a toddler bed...super handy, huh? Then the mural on the back wall is from blik.com and I LOVE it. This seriously was one of the best purchases I ever made. Once this was up, the whole room really came together. It's done by the artist, Amy Ruppel, who I've liked for some time now.





Ethan found the dresser for free on the side of the road and gave it a quick sand, refinish and new handles. We're using it as our changing table as well. Then I framed some postcards from Yoshitomo Nara, another artist I love. I also framed some old calendar prints from creative thursday, which seem to work perfectly in a nursery.



The best part in here is the lighting solution Ethan created! He found a big branch outside and hung it from the ceiling wrapped in white lights. The amount of light it gives off is so perfect. We had no light source before other than the one small window which doesn't give off much. Plus it looks so cool, I love it.



Anyone that has a baby or is having one soon, I'm sure has seen Sophie the Giraffe Teether all over the internet. She has gotten excellent reviews from what I read so hopefully will make our baby happy as well.



Then here are more detail shots...



New pals!









I can't wait to see how he responds to some of these books.





We have such wonderful friends and family. So many of these things were from them and I love looking at everything and knowing who gave it to us. It makes me feel so happy and supported.

Now all we need is the baby...