Monthly Archives: May 2012

16 weeks

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cravings & such:  last week was pretty great because i was able to consume lots of salad and berries, which are currently my favorites.  yum.  and i continue to love all things spicy. plus, i got to eat a burger and fries yesterday so i am a happy girl.  no complaints here!

the bump:  it has made an appearance.  i think last week’s apple size really put things over the top.  i have been trying to show it off to ben and he agrees that there is something happening there.  so exciting!  pictures to come…

cool & cute things:  baby is growing.  big time.  in the next few weeks, s/he will double in weight and add inches in length.  looks like maternity wear is in the near future for this mama-to-be.  the baby is about 4.5 inches long and weighs in at 3.5 ounces.  baby’s legs are much more developed and the head is much more erect.  baby’s ears and eyes are close to their final position and the patterning of the scalp has begun.

new things:  a can feel little flutters of movement!  it is very cool.  baby has started growing toenails.  and the heart is pumping 25 quarts of blood each day!

meaningful moments:  doing some fun baby store browsing with my hubby.  we wandered and joked and laughed and ooh-ed and aah-ed.  it was so much fun to think about all the cute things in store for our little one.  baby stuff is just so tiny!  i love it.

the countdown:  168 days to go!

current size: an avocado

lord, beer me strength

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oh, the office.

such a great show.  and, it is the perfect quote for my life right now.  i am in the middle of a crazy work event that i have been planning for months.  this event is essentially where all of the “characters” from my office are mixing and mingling with many “characters” (our high-roller, strategic partners) from around the country.  we have flown them all in for a swanky stay in scottsdale with first-class touches and way too much wine-ing and dining.  i mean, the dining is superb…but these folks take wine-ing to new level.  wow.

i feel like i have had tunnel vision for the past few weeks and i am going to be so relieved when it is over [sigh of relief].  if i can get through this day then i will be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy a nice little time at the resort with my hubby.  a much-deserved, mini vacation.  almost there…

three things

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three things i am likin’ right now

chickens!!!  as soon as hubby and i settle into life after baby and know where our work will lead us, we are going to pick out a lovely little house and get us some chickens!  it sounds crazy [well, at least ben thinks i am crazy]  but i love the idea of fresh eggs. yum.

fabulous water bottle from lifefactory.  bpa-free, glass bottles with brightly-colored silicone sleeves.  a cute way to stay hydrated during the hot days of summer.

summertime flavors of lime and mint.  preferably with a sparkling liquid.

dear peanut

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hello bump!  you have finally decided to make yourself known.  your papa was getting worried.  he kept looking at apples and looking at my tummy…then wondering how that could fit in there without any little “pop”.  the bump isn’t really big, but i can tell and it is so much fun.  and guess what else?  i felt you move!  i have been trying to carve out some restful time where i can stay still and pay attention to you.  and, i felt you move!  it was pretty cool.  but i must say, you feel more like a bubble-blowing butterfly than a tiny person, but i will take it!  those little tummy flutters are amazing to me.

i am feeling pretty happy and healthy these days.  plenty of energy which couldn’t have come at a better time because i am busy-busy for the next few weeks as i tackle a big event at work and an outside project that i took on for the fun of it.  i promise to get plenty of sleep and to stay hydrated.  and, of course, to eat enough food to keep us both happy.  speaking of food, you have really been into giant plates of salad these days.  and, bowls and bowls of berries.  way to want healthy food, peanut!

i have been fighting some “placenta brain”.  i think my affectionate moniker for it will be “peanut brain”.  sometimes, it feels like words and thoughts just drop out of my head.  poof!  gone.  my only explanation is that you are currently working on forming your vocabulary and imagination, things that will serve you quite well later on in life.  however, little one, there is no need to take them from my brain, just ask and i will be happy to share.  as most people know, i have enough words and imagination to go around.

your papa and i are just itching to see you!  i am so happy that we get to enjoy that live-action window into your world [a.k.a. ultrasound] again soon.  that was so much fun last time and i know that you have only grown since then.  just a few more weeks!  and a just a few more months until we get to see you in person.  we are just so excited!

 

all our love to you, little peanut.

love, your mama + your papa

hip, hip, hurray for mothers day!

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this was a big one, folks.  we gathered all of the assorted family members together at one house for a big-time celebration.  it was so much fun!  the planning was fun, the preparing was fun, the cooking was fun, the eating was fun.  it was an all-around great day.  the kids took care of all the details, from the table to the flowers all the way to the dessert.  then, we all gathered together and enjoyed the day.  it was relaxing and celebratory.  just how any family gathering should be.  i hope our mothers were honored and blessed.  we sure are honored to be their kids and blessed by them.

::  the mocktails  ::

in honor of mothers day, my hubby, the mixologist du jour, created a fabulous menu of refreshing and festive beverages.  with the help of his mixologist’s apprentice, faith, creative drinks were stirred and muddled for serving.  the clear crowd favorites were “the derby” [a mild-mannered mint julep] and “the faux-jito” [a rum-less version of the cuban classic].  although, “the berry happy mothers day” might win in the appearance category for its vibrant purple hue and muddled berries.

::  happy conversation + mixing and mingling + relaxation  ::

everyone kicked back with their beverage of choice while the meal was being prepared.  the families shared stories and chatted with giggling and sipping.  the guys even got to watch some golf.  the kitchen was the center of the excitement as the aromas of potatoes and mushrooms and onions and bacon and eggs wafted into the livingroom.

::  a delicious brunch spread and table  ::

::  dessert  ::

we ordered the super special mothers day collection from jeni’s ice cream.  so, we had a tasty little tasting of unique ice cream flavors like hummingbird cake, white house cherry, sake plum, and icelandic happy marriage cake.  plus, rachel claire made a yummy berry crumble.  a little something warm with a little something cold.  the perfect way to end a meal.

::  the kids  ::

::  the moms and the kids  ::

snaps & snippets & blurbs

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whew!  the weekend flew by!  we were on the go and having way too much fun.  from dinner date nights to gelato to hair appointments to baby showers to mothers day…it was a packed couple of days.  here are some selected snaps from my time with my sweet hubby.

happy faces + heaping salads + my handsome man enjoying his spumoni + enjoying some of the richest, creamiest, most incredible gelato ever! + wandering around old town scottsdale + artistic desert sculptures + perusing the baby duds at a sweet little kids store + a collection of vintage-inspired onesies + a baseball lover onesie for little girls [in case we do have a girl, she will need something fabulous to wear while watching the yankees play] + my incredible husband’s homemade caesar salad.  he is too good to me.  i am blessed.

you may notice a complete lack of all snaps “mothers day”…don’t fret, they get their very own post tomorrow. 

the day was just too big to fit into this s&s&b weekend recap post.

a day for mamas

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::  happy happy happy mothers day  ::

to my mother.

to my mother in law.

to my grandmothers.

to my friends who are mothers.

to those who want to be mothers.

to those about to be mothers.

to the new mothers.

to those who have been like a mother.

you are loved and valued and appreciated.  for your prayers, wisdom, protection, comfort, help, guidance, example, strength, and love.

may we all set aside this day to hug and shower blessings on all the mothers in our lives.

…

o sovereign Lord, thou art the creator-father of all men, for thou hast made and dost support them; thou art the special father of those who know, love and honour thee, who find thy yoke easy, and thy burden light, thy work honourable, thy commandments glorious.  help me to hate and forsake every false way, to be attentive to my condition and character, to bridle my tongue, to keep my heart with all diligence, to watch and pray against temptation, to mortify sin, to be concerned for the salvation of others. o God, i cannot endure to see the destruction of my kindred. let those that are united to me in tender ties be precious in thy sight and devoted to thy glory. sanctify and prosper my domestic devotion, instruction, discipline, example, that my house may be a nursery for heaven, my church the garden of the Lord, enriched with trees of righteousness of thy planting, for thy glory; let not those of my family who are amiable, moral, attractive, fall short of heaven at last; grant that the promising appearances of a tender conscience, soft heart, the alarms and delights of thy word, be not finally blotted out, but bring forth judgment unto victory in all whom i love.

the valley of vision

 

15 weeks

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cravings & such:  bread.  and still sushi.  and mexican food.  and berries. and gigantic salads.  and fries.  and burgers.  the usual.  ben and i did make that in-n-out run last weekend.  it was pretty fabulous.  but, it wasn’t exactly 1am and i didn’t consume five double-doubles and animal fries.  we split and burger and fries.  pretty weak, i know.  right now, i can’t consume a ton of food [or even a regular serving] in one sitting without feeling pretty icky and full [probably because there is an apple-sized baby in there taking up extra space].  so, i have to stick to the six or so mini-meals.  i am pretty excited because we are going to enjoy some yummy brunch food for mothers day AND a dinner at bourbon steak to celebrate the end of my big work event next week. hurray for burgers and perfectly crispy fries [its called duck fat, people].

the bump:  a new trimester.  still no “official” bump. but i feel it, any day now…

cool & cute things:  baby is busy swimming around and practicing breathing and digesting .  s/he is moving amniotic fluid through the nose and upper respiratory tract which helps the air sacs in the lungs begin to develop.  baby’s legs are growing longer than the arms now and s/he can move all those tiny little joints and limbs.from crown to rump, s/he measures about 4 inches long and weighs 2.5 ounces.  baby gained a whole ounce in a week!  big jump.

new things:  although baby’s eyelids are still fused shut, s/he can now sense light.  if i were to shine a flashlight at my belly, our little peanut would move away from the beam.

meaningful moments:  hearing the heartbeat again.  that whooshing sound makes me smile every time.  sometimes i can’t believe that there is a tiny person in there!  the strong and rhythmic pounding of peanut’s heart is such an incredible reminder of the miracle that is taking place.  how remarkable and staggering that God is doing prodigious things in very intricate and delicate ways…inside of little ol’ me.  what an honor.  it really puts things into perspective…

the countdown:  175 days to go!

current size: an apple

contemplations of mr. charles

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good-day gals and gents,

today i would like to contemplate the idea of sharing.  i don’t like to share.  especially when papa gives me one of his socks to enjoy.  how i love socks!  i love to ball them up in my mouth and prance around the room as i proudly display my prize.  i even have a little prance-dance that i like to do.  it involves a waggily tail and squiggly behind.  i puff up my chest and stroll about with a wide stance.  once i have thoroughly strutted, i like to bring my soggy sock to papa and delicately place it at his feet.  i don’t give it up willingly, of course.  he has to risk my fierce nibbles in order to snatch the sock away.  but, once he has it in his possession…the game begins.  he will teasingly whip it back and forth, trying to throw me off my game.  but, i’m no fool.  i keep my gaze fixed on that sock.  never wavering.  until, the release!  then, it is run and pounce time.  it is also about this time when coco says “heeeyyy!  how come i don’t get to play?” in the whiniest of voices [mama and papa just hear her little raspy bark, but i know what is really being said].  she stands back and barks while shooting a desperate glance or so to papa.  meanwhile, papa and i keep at our play.  i usually maintain this activity for about 4 minutes.  after which, i will retire with my sock for a little nibble time on the floor.  at this point, coco tries to get in on the fun.  it usually starts with her facing me and trying to stare me down.  when that doesn’t work, she will try to lick my eyeball which i can only imagine is just her feeble attempt to distract me.  weird.  then, she strategically bites the end of he sock and tries to paw at my face to get me to release.  foolish girl.  then, she will go at it from another angle to try to pull it from my mouth.  nope.  finally, she nibbles and nibbles to see if she can get close enough to my mouth for me to let the sock go.  no cigar.  this repeats for about 3 or so minutes until she relents or until i start up the fetching again.

mama thinks that i should “be sweet to my sister” and give her some of the sock.  i disagree.  when it comes to socks.  you have to fight.  you have to rip that sucker away from me.  barking to mama won’t work.  licking my eyeball will not work.  i will not be manipulated or trifled with.  i will admit that if i cannot be overtaken by fighting, all you really need to do is outlast me.  this seems to work for coco.  at some point, i become tired of the sock and decide that it is nap on the lap time.  this is when coco can swoop in and take the sock.  and, she does.  of course, unlike me, coco likes to share.  so she usually brings it over to me and tries to get some playtime started.  she must like me or something.  hmmm…

that coco.  she is just too nice.

eating humble pie

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ben and i are pretty good at sticking to our menu and routine during the week.  we like a schedule, i suppose.  but, there are days when you just need to toss all of that planning aside and do something spontaneous.  people need a dash of spontaneity.

i have been entrenched in the planning of a major upcoming work event that rests on my shoulders.  there is much to do.  it is a lot of moving parts.  and has to be PERFECT.  now, while i love planning and organizing [any excuse to make spreadsheets and checklists and folders!], it can be exhausting and start to take its toll.  after weeks of being in the thick of it, i needed to come up for air.  plus, i have been ferociously fighting “placenta brain”.  please, dear sweet peanut, will you allow me just a few more weeks of clear thinking before you suck all of the blood flow from my brain? now is not exactly the time for me to be fuzzy and have thoughts just drop out of my head.

so, after some seriously intense days at work, hubby and i kinda threw our hands in the air and said, “enough!  we need some pizza!”  and so, we took a trip to our go-to pizza place, humble pie.

just what we needed in every way.  chopped salad.  pizza with crispy, chewy crust.  and even a pizza cookie for dessert!  we really lived it up.  and somewhere between our appetizer and the last bite of ooey-gooey cookie goodness…our minds and spirits were renewed.  while the pizza is close to magical, i don’t think that’s what did the trick.  i am thinking that our al fresco conversation is what refreshed us.  we talked about our interactions with people, our work, our witness.  and very quickly, my attitude of “poor me…i work so hard…does anybody notice…do i matter…i do the work of three people…if i want it done right, i have to do it myself, other people just wreck stuff…yada, yada, yada…” shifted.  my outlook changed.  my heartset was altered.  we started talking about humility.  about doing all we do for the glory of God.  about working as unto God and not man.  about being the least of these that God may exalt me in due time.  about serving others.  about pouring into others.  about reflecting the love of Christ in EVERYTHING.  and soon, that humble pie that i was eating was really making a difference.  it was that renewal that i needed – that i need constantly. the Christian life is a lifelong pursuit of holiness.  a journey.  a walk.  a pattern of exhibiting more and more of Christ and less and less of me.  humility. 

i guess that sometimes God’s rich lessons are served in a pizza box.