rambling jewell

Sayonara

2011-01-18T23:15:00.000-08:00

Thanks for checking in! I just wanted to let everyone that I will no longer be posting here on Rambling Jewell. I have decided to put all of my efforts into making A Little Place in Japan the best blog it can be! Plus, we are posting regularly over at Hazel & Lavender. So, while it was short it was sweet and thank you for taking the time to read about my life and interests!

See you soon. over at Hazel & Lavender and A Little Place in Japan.

for dad [good feeling music]

2010-11-28T00:47:00.000-08:00

This song ALWAYS makes me think of Brando. We move around so much, that home really is where ever he is.

inspiration [holidy decor]

2010-11-27T10:00:00.000-08:00

This year we will be moving, the day after Christmas in fact. We will wake up to boxes (I am thinking about stacking them in the shape of a tree) for Ella's first Christmas. It's slightly sad if you think about it. So we won't. Instead here is some decor for our imaginations.

1. Jewel Ornament Table Runner, $39.95.

2. Garland, $18.

3. Tree Stand, unknown.

4. Party Bunting, $17.

5. Red Paper Lantern, $10.

6. Bronze Paper Lanterns, $10; $12.

7. Downy Mini Tree, $18.

8. Gold Glitter Candles, $8-$15.

9. Deer Kitchen Towel, $18

10. Triple Berry Wreath, $75.95

three shots of Ella

2010-11-26T22:20:00.000-08:00

Play time!

made at home [diaper cakes]

2010-11-25T23:53:00.000-08:00

Anyone else love making diaper cakes? I do! I do! I made this one recently for my friend's rubber duckie themed baby shower. I put some real elbow grease into these babies, but I must say that this one felt extra special. It was nice to be able to give back to a mom-friend so recently after having Ella!

thanksgiving

2010-11-25T23:47:00.000-08:00

Ella's first Thanksgiving on earth and in Japan was amazing!

[Thanksgiving story]

happy place

2010-11-23T05:50:00.000-08:00

. . .just thinking about Hawaii. I drift there sometimes. We all have a happy place, right?

adorable sequin's

2010-11-18T04:57:00.000-08:00

Wow this dress is adorable. Way to go GAPKids, way to go.

[tulle sequin dress]

cupcake toppers

2010-11-16T04:43:00.001-08:00

I can't get over these adorable cupcake toppers that my friend Dyan found on Etsy! I mean, seriously? These have Ella's first birthday written all over them. I am more of a cupcake fan anyway. They're just enough.

[cupcake topper's from Two Sugar Babies via Etsy]

diary [birth story]

2010-11-16T01:31:00.000-08:00

The only bad thing I did while I was pregnant was drink 3 soy lattes a week. I exercised until I was so big I made the people around me nervous. I walked an average of 2 miles until the day she was born. I ate as organically as possible and turned down every piece of processed meat. I got plenty of sleep and read a few books. I even politely accepted all the un-solicited advice. So, as I laid in recovery from my emergency c-section I couldn't help but curse the pregnancy God's for screwing with my plan. The reality was, Ella knew it wasn't going to work out and there for decided for herself it was best to stay put - until we made her come.

At 8:45PM on October 11th we hailed a cab from our apartment to our birthing clinic. It was a sight I'm sure. A 10 day over due pregnant lady, a suitcase, a nervous dad and two excited grandparents all cramming in to one red taxi cab. Wouldn't you laugh a little bit? When we arrived at the birthing clinic a sweet old Japanese lady(all the old ladies work the night shifts) helped me into my Minnie Mouse inspired gown and gave me a nice little pep talk - well, technically I am not sure what she said but I like to think it was a pep talk.

Later that night I took the first of many steps to being induced. In Japan they do everything they can to avoid giving drugs to a pregnant or nursing woman for the sake of the baby. This means you don't just get a shot of Petocin. First, the doctor inserted a balloon to, let's just say, get things to start stretching out. There wasn't much sleep that night due to awkward pain and anxiety. We were so excited that Ella's arrival was immanent at this point. In a few short hours we would be holding our baby girl! Then at 7am on October 12th I started a series of pills to jump start my contractions. Which was a success. I went from zero to squeezing the heck out of Brandon's hand in no time. Later that morning I received a new (and bigger) balloon. After the doctor's check up at 3:00PM he gave me the okay to start pushing when the contractions came. There was a great deal of excitement again at this point, especially from my coach Brandon. If you want to know how much your husband loves you wait and see how he treats you during labor. Brandon never left my side for anything, except once, but we will get to that later.

5:00PM rolled around and it was go time. As I sat in this big scary chair, gripping the big scary handles I tried will all my might to zone out and think of Ella's face. The idea of picturing her little nose and mouth made the painful things seem so far away. In fact I was so zoned out that I didn't realize things weren't materializing. My body was ready for her to come, everything about my body was working it's hardest but for some reason she wouldn't give more then the top of her head. At some point I realized that my head was in the lap of one of the nurses who was pushing down on my stomach. I thought this part was a dream until I saw the bruises a few days later. I zoned in enough to hear my doctor telling Brandon we would push one more time and then he was going to prep me for a c-section. Ella's umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck and most likely prohibiting her from making her natural debut.

Soon I was walking to the operating room. You read right, I got my body up with all it's 13 hours of labor and walked to the next room where I was prepped for the c-section. Now, you should know that we chose our doctor because of his quick decision making skills and the fact that he is trained and prepared to preform an emergency operation if needed. We just didn't think we would actually have to receive those services. My doctor: just for a moment I would like to talk about this amazingly gentle, English speaking man. He is so well renowned that he has to turn people away and some of those people take several hours of trains just to get to his clinic. He lives on the top floor of the clinic with his family - including his 86 year old father who started the practice. This 86 year old "father-doctor" also served as my doctor's assistant for the surgery. He literally works 8 days a week delivering babies around the clock and still has time to learn Spanish(his teacher is from San Antonio!). Literally, he delivers 1.2 babies per day. Basically this guy makes us all look like lazy good-for-nothings.

Next thing I knew the father-son doctor duo were peering into me trying to get our baby out. In the meantime I was shaking like crazy and ridiculously nauseous from the anesthesia. The only thing I remember was asking for my mother in-law instead of Brandon because he tends to throw up at the sight of blood. Not realizing that he was already sitting next to me and had already seen a ton of blood from the earlier birth moments. He was still standing strong, holding my hand like a pro - I guess he only passes out at the sight of his blood. Lucky me. The last thing I remember before I passed out was the sight of Ella being pulled from my body. She was all purple and gooey and there it was, the cord was hanging around her neck but she was beautiful and squirmy so I knew she was going to be okay. This was the first (and close to only) time that Brandon left my side. He was quickly whisked away to be by Ella's side as they checked her and gave her her first bath. How I would have loved to have that moment every mother dreams about. The one where they plop your naked, screaming baby into your arms to kick start the ultimate bond. I would have loved to have the skin to skin connection and feed her for the first time. However, there was work to be done and my time would have to wait, after all I was in no condition to be holding a newborn baby. The doctor's began to sew me up and it wouldn't be until the next day that we would meet.

I woke up cursing the pregnancy God's not only for messing with my perfect plan, but also because I was in an impossible amount of pain. Again with the no medication issue. How ironic is it that both of my in-laws are pharmacists and there I was lying in bed with a giant, painful wound and no pain medication to be seen for miles. I proceeded to begin my recovery, just me and nature, makin' it happen. Healing from the inside out. I stayed alone that night pressing my feet against the bed every 5 minutes to relieve the pain I was in. Wondering all the while what Ella looked like and what she sounded like. Still imagining these things all these hours later to avoid the pain.

The next day Brandon came to me with Ella. We finally had our moment. Our first moment as a family, our first moment with each other. Just holding each other. I couldn't believe how perfect she was. Every bit of her was more perfect then I could have imagined during all of those moments of pain. It's amazing how quick mama-hood turns on, with in minutes I was completely devoted to her.

So there we were, a family at last. I'll be it a messy and confusing adventure that left me wounded to say the least. In the end, it really didn't matter because Ella was healthy and happy with all 10 fingers and all 10 toes. Now, let the fun begin.

[our first moment together.]

finger puppets

2010-11-12T02:51:00.001-08:00

I have read several places that finger puppets are very thrilling for a baby. So, since we are constantly trying to entertain her intensely interested mind - and adorable big eyes - I decided to order a few for us to try out! I picked up these fun "pet" finger puppets by With Hugs and Kisses.

I can't wait for them to arrive! Until then, I'll just have to think of more creative ways to entertain this little lady. She is so curious!

p.s. Happy ONE Month Birthday to our Ella Bean!

wooden toys

2010-11-04T03:37:00.000-07:00

Ella has been loving her hand-me-down wooden thingy-ma-jig. Which, has made me start searching for more fun wooden toys. I found these fun choices from Little Alouette via ohdeedoh.

[wooden baby teether] [hippo rattle]

Natural. Organic. Made in the U S of A.

inspiration [mixing with tradition]

2010-11-04T03:26:00.000-07:00

I am not exactly the most traditional of decorators, as you've probably gathered. I however love how this room successfully strays from tradition with out forgetting it's importance. Tradition: symmetry, ornate crown moulding, luscious fabrics, hardwood floors, and beautifully draped curtains. An then comes the funky color, over sized floral arrangement, modern photography, and finally those worldly accent pieces. I love it, I want to make this my living room.

inspiration [play room]

2010-11-02T22:42:00.001-07:00

Two girls can dream. . .

1. Gigi Night Stand, Urban Outfitters
2. Zinnia Mobile, Dwell
3. Life-size Lion Cut-out, Supermarket Sarah
4. Dots Petal Rug in large, Dwell
5. Offi Chalkboard Table, Modern Seed
6. Offi Classic Baltic Rocking Hourse, Modern Seed
7. Elephant Bookshelf in lemon, Dwell
8. Antoinette Fainting Sofa in Kiwi, Urban Outfitters
9. Puck Bowler Glass Back, vintage found item, Three Potato Four
10. Ecotots Surfer Easel, Modern Seed

memories

2010-10-31T05:27:00.000-07:00

Just looking back through some photos of the last year. . .

best friends

2010-10-31T02:35:00.001-07:00

This is "Heppy" the singing giraffe. He was a gift from friends and they are becoming the best of friends.

love this [flower markets]

2010-10-30T20:38:00.000-07:00

While my mom was visiting from Texas before Ella was born (yes, she missed the birth since Ella was so late, very sad) I took her to a few of my favorite local flower markets. In the states, every town has a flower shop or market and it's no different here. Except that in Japan neighborhood's are called "cho's", which actually means town. So, since every neighborhood is considered a different town it just means there are tiny flower markets scattered everywhere.

I don't really see anything wrong with that, do you?

moving notice

2010-10-29T03:45:00.001-07:00

Moving a stones throw away from Tokyo in January and couldn't be more excited.

love this [autumn]

2010-10-26T01:02:00.000-07:00

I am so thrilled that Ella has an October birthday. I love Autumn, it's my favorite! Here is why. . .

1. Sweater Weather 2. Thanksgiving 3. Nut Cracking 4. Warm Table Linens 5. Cool Nights by the Fire with Friends 6. Sweet & Savory Desserts 7. Luscious Flowers 8. Coats & Scarves

Ella [at home]

2010-10-22T23:52:00.000-07:00

Oh Ella, I love how you smile in your sleep and your cute, squeaky, triple sneeze! What a learning experience this first week at home has been.

introducing miss. ella

2010-10-19T05:08:00.000-07:00

Well, this is a blog about me becoming a Mom after all! So, with out further ado - here she is! Miss Ella. Born October 12th at 6:32 PM, which is now the greatest day in the world.

Days are spent eating(wow, she's a good eater!), sleeping, and staring through her big blue eyes. Once in a while she will let Mommy slip her in to a cute new shirt, but for the most part we just hang out in white onesie's. Oh, and her and Daddy are the best of friends already.

diary [waiting around]

2010-10-06T05:31:00.000-07:00

Just sitting here, patiently (for the most part) awaiting the arrival of our bean sprout.

[photo via allmyloving]

love this [savory deserts]

2010-10-03T03:35:00.000-07:00

One of the many reasons why I love Autum - sweet and savory deserts!

[homemade apple sauce] [pumpkin oatmeal cookies] [spiced carmel apple cupcakes]
via tastespotting.com

baby's first pants

2010-10-01T01:43:00.000-07:00

1. The New Jeans

2. Pattern Leggings

3.The Striped Crawler

4. Grey Legging Jeans

nursery

2010-09-30T22:58:00.000-07:00

winter kate collection

2010-09-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, I shamelessly I stalked Nicole Ricci's pregnancy style. She is a great example of how to rock a summer baby bump. Now, I might just have to stalk some of her designs for the post-baby bod as well!

[winter kate collection]

diary [one week]

2010-09-23T04:31:00.000-07:00

Well,

I can only sleep propped up at a 45 degree angle. I get restless leg syndrome at about 8pm every night and can't sit still. I have started to eat like crap for the first time in 9 months. I keep touching things in the bean's room and folding all of her little shirts. I want to punch everyone who asks why I'm still at work. People keep running into my belly. My pants hang really low, dangerously low. I am anxious to meet our amazing child. I can't believe I have 7 lbs of human in me. She has long legs like her dad. Her dad is very excited and has all of her things packed in his Diaper Dude Bag. I keep making lists. I have a handful of thank yous still to write. I clean one different thing a night. Our hospital bag is finally half packed. The weather is amazing now so I am ready for her to come. We haven't boiled her pacifiers or bottles yet. I didn't get to take a child birthing class, so every time I think about labor my feelings are, "well, here goes nothing." And lastly, I'll walk if I want to!!!

belly shot: 36

2010-09-06T00:49:00.000-07:00

We went to the doctor today. The bean is officially 6lbs and it looks like this all might be happening as soon as September 26th. What? One week early? Just like her dad. . .always early. Unlike her mom who is habitually late. I will just have to hope she will even us out and come on time!

nursery [crib]

2010-09-04T21:18:00.000-07:00

Our crib is in place! I must say that it's as perfect as I wanted it to be.

[bloom alma urban crib purchased via amazon]

inspiration [nursery]

2010-09-03T04:48:00.000-07:00

[ancient design*sponge]

[sadly, I lost this one's link]

[ohdeedoh]

Some inspiration for working on the little lady's room tomorrow.

exfoliant

2010-09-03T04:38:00.000-07:00

When I went for my visit in the states my mom treated me to a Sisley Facial. I was so over-whelmed by all of the products that I couldn't really choose just one to take home. Luckily my mom has become a Sisley pro (lucky lady, right?) and she chose for me. Well, the sweet ladies at the counter decided to send me packing with what seemed like a years worth of samples. While I still have several left (I am new to this whole sample using thing) there is one in particular that I wish I could go back in time and pick. I have one more packet of the Exfoliant Moussant Energisant (or Energizing Foaming Exfoliant - it sounds so much better in French). It feels amazing whenever I rub it all over my belly in the evenings before bed and the lavender and rosemary are more than relaxing for my pregnant muscles.

diary [under pressure]

2010-08-31T04:59:00.000-07:00

You know Queen? Well, no matter what is happening in my life I feel like they have a theme song for my most current situation. Recently: Under Pressure.

Geeeeez, this little lady is weighing me down these days. It's so weird how one day you wake up and things are completely different then how they have been. Just like how one day I woke up and wasn't sick anymore, last week I woke up and felt like a barbell was just resting in my pelvis. My walk has officially become a waddle, my legs are constantly restless and I run to the restroom every 10 minutes or so. Not to mention I feel the need to wash my hands upward of 40 times a day. I have finally become a stereotype.

The one positive thing that I can take away from this is that all of this means she is close. Her arrival is immanent. I am so excited to meet our bean. I don't know about anyone else out there, but I constantly day dream about what she is going to be like and how we will be together. These thoughts make the looming pain of birth an after thought. . .so at least I've got that going for me.

Belly Story

2010-08-27T03:56:00.001-07:00

Fun video. Cute song. Awesome style.

Magic- A Belly Grows from The Panic Room Videos on Vimeo.

belly shot: 33

2010-08-23T03:09:00.001-07:00

[week 33]

It's just to insane to think about how our bean will be here in 6 weeks or so. By the way, this is best maternity shirt ever. It's from Old Navy, super cheap and very comfy. . .sadly it's sold out. Go figure.

love this [guacamole]

2010-08-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

[home-made guacamole]

If I could have one thing to be cocky about, it would have to be my guacamole. Of which I owe my expertise to my Mom and Aunt Patricia. They make a good one. Guacamole is a big deal in our family.

paper boxes

2010-08-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

I have a penchant for stashing the randomness in my life away in little boxes or little decorative bowls around the house. Which I then strategically place amongst book shelves and tables. Brando is slowly discovering which boxes and baskets hold which things, after two years of marriage, and it makes me so happy that he has begun to convert himself from his manly ways of throwing everything in one big drawer. Not to say that we don't have that drawer. . .

[paper boxes]

belly shot: 31

2010-08-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

31 weeks.

Wondering about my shirt? It's called "Three Andy's" and was designed by The Veritas Artist Collective. An amazing company with a goal to help all of the children in the world and spread hope through art. I've had the shirt for sometime now but the organic cotton feels more then amazing on my growing belly.

nursery [the W]

2010-08-14T01:38:00.000-07:00

My original goal was to design letters that would spell Ella's whole name. However, when I was in the USA a few months back we didn't yet know that Ella was in fact - a girl. So, I just bought one lonesome W. I mean, no matter what the last name would be Willett, right? I spent last weekend working on that W and it doesn't look so lonesome anymore! I can't wait to hang it somewhere in her room!

belly shot: 30

2010-08-14T01:35:00.001-07:00

30 weeks.

nursery [putting it all together]

2010-08-08T15:04:00.001-07:00

Putting together a nursery is such a mind-blowing experience. You wouldn't think about how much fun you and your spouse can have just unfolding little clothes and deciding which way to turn which rug. We had such a great time doing this that we actually skipped our town's Seaside Fireworks show that we had been planning all day to attend. Also, just another note. One thing I love about Japan is that when they say something will be delivered between 9am & 11am, they actually show up right at 9am. Or even better - they call the day before and say (or what we think they said because our Japanese is not quite up to par) they are in the room and would like to drop the furniture off now. Um, yes please! Such a great service.

diary [movement]

2010-07-31T02:46:00.000-07:00

This baby likes to move. We are not all that surprised though, being she is bread by a former dancer and a musician. My belly is no longer symmetrical is any sense of the word either! She picks the funniest positions to sleep in after all her moving around. My co-worker's have even noticed how different my belly looks from hour to hour as she makes her way around her current home. It's pretty funny having something wiggle around in-side you all day, it makes one feel like a creature from an alien planet. Either that or a freak show that walks around with a moving belly.

[photo: mike baird]

stroller blanket

2010-07-31T02:43:00.001-07:00

It's as if I dreamed this textile and it came to life in the form of this blanket. I just can resist it.

[stroller blanket]

nursery [ella the elephant]

2010-07-29T02:42:00.000-07:00

We've started to call Ella "Ella the Elephant".

puj tub

2010-07-26T04:14:00.000-07:00

I noticed we have an amazing gift coming our way from my best friends mom! She got us our Puj Tub!

This thing is going to be amazing. It's soft and cushy, it has a handle on top so you can slip it in and out of place while holding the baby, you can hang it up to dry and store (a HUGE plus when you live in super humid Japan with very limited space), and most important of all: Ella is going to look super cute inside!

[Puj Tub]

I love Amazon's Baby Registry!

love this [japanese entry way]

2010-07-17T23:11:00.000-07:00

Like I mentioned [here], I picked up Ella's first pair of shoes yesterday. I am sure she will need a few days of growing before she will actually fit into them, but they are ready and waiting for her when she is!

for dad [happy birthday]

2010-07-17T01:12:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful dinner celebration for Brando's birthday. Being pregnant you can feel like you put a damper on big celebrations but we had a fantastic time! By the way, the cake turned out great!

baby booties

2010-07-17T00:40:00.000-07:00

I have been working on Ella bean's baby shoe collection, which currently consists of a pink pair of Converse.

[baby moccasins]

[canvas baby shoes]

[mary janes]

Are these not the most adorable hand-made shoes you have ever seen?

nursery [curtains]

2010-07-11T00:45:00.000-07:00

We have another item in Ella beans nursery! We finally purchased some curtains. I have to admit, her nursery is turning into something a little bit different then what I planned. However, I am liking this new direction much better. It's almost turning into a baby Anthropologie vibe. It's eclectic but antiquey at the same time. I am very happy with it.

home inspiration [kitchen dreams]

2010-07-05T01:50:00.000-07:00

We can't wait to have a functional kitchen. It's definitely the thing we will search out most when we transfer life back to the States. Well, that and closet space. We have for-gone the luxury of a comfortable, useful space since we got married in 2008 in order to chase our dreams of travel and education. We are only now learning that when you are both raised with wonderfully home-cooked meals it makes not having a kitchen equal to not having hot water.

*unfortunately i do not have the source of these photos, please note they are not my own work.

happy independence day

2010-07-04T05:05:00.000-07:00

diary [cravings]

2010-07-01T06:56:00.000-07:00

I am actually having a pregnancy craving for something that is 7,000 miles out of reach. I just can't get lemon bars out of my mind and they just don't exist from what I have seen(and searched for) here in Japan!

[lemon bars]

Really wishing I was back home right now. . .I have two favorite lemon bar spots.

belly shot:26

2010-06-28T01:29:00.000-07:00

[26 weeks]

nursery

2010-06-27T08:00:00.001-07:00

We've got the first piece set up in the nursery! The light! We found this awesome vintage and used furniture store in our new neighborhood with a ceiling full of fun lighting! Wouldn't you know it? We found just the perfect one for Ella's nursery.

One item down, just about 100 more to go!

diary [dreams]

2010-06-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

One of the first things my friend Andie told me was that I should prepare for some wacky, vivid dreams while I am pregnant. At first these dreams were scary, depicting some of my greatest fears like falling out of an airplane, being chased in the dark, being left alone treading water in a giant lake. Now they center around the baby. They aren't always peachy-perfect dreams but they are more often then not about me and the baby or me saving the baby.

Brandon's birthday is approaching and I am trying to figure out how to get him a decent cake with no cooking function except a crock pot to our name. (It turns out there is a lady in town that makes gourmet cakes, which probably means she has an oven, so I am hoping to utilize her in my efforts.) Japanese cakes can be a bit under-whelming to a person like Brando that loves a decedent piece of chocolate cake. Come to think of it, I haven't seen a single chocolate cake in any pastry shop I have entered since moving to Japan. Think fruit tarts and angle food cake, that's the Japanese way. Personally, it's heaven for me since I have never been too big of a cake fan but the husband - he loves his cake.

So, I had this crazy vivid dream of us sitting around an outdoor table with some of our closest friends. Party decorations and lanterns hung in the trees and we were having a great time. Then out of the kitchen comes a little blond girl with a giant toddler-iced chocolate cake. It was so vivid that I could even make out that the cake plate was one we received for a wedding gift, which sits sadly in storage. My dream cut to earlier in the day when my daughter and I were making the cake in our kitchen and her face and hands were covered with icing. It was all very bright and sun-shiny, the best kind of dream. The kind you don't want to wake up from.

Now, the weird thing? I had this dream the week before we actually found out we were having a girl! Andie was right, crazy things are happening.

[Chocolate Cake]

I'll let you know how the cake situation turns out!

the vintage pearl

2010-06-26T18:40:00.000-07:00

I have never been too big on word jewelry. That being said I do love a great charm on a rugged silver chain. I discovered The Vintage Pearl shop and I have to admit I love the look of her engraved necklaces. Maybe having a child makes this more appealing to me? I would love to get this necklace with Ella's name on one ring and I love Brandon on the other. Cheese ball - I know, but I am so very excited to be starting a family and all the cheesiness that comes along with it.

Layered Mother of Pearl [necklace].

j. crew dress

2010-06-26T18:32:00.000-07:00

Just another awesome J.Crew dress I can't wait to dress Ella in.

Girl's Cotton Jumper [dress].

love this [flower decor]

2010-06-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

I like tables full of glassware and flowers. I also really like banana's right now.

Work Mornings

2010-06-23T01:55:00.000-07:00

Time to put my big girl pants on and join the rest of the workin' [soon-to-be] mom's out there!

diary [3D Sonogram]

2010-06-22T19:13:00.000-07:00

Here in Japan we get a picture of our bean every month - including the 3D image. I know that just about everything comes in 3D these days but it's so nice to see her at every stage of growth through this journey. Especially since we can never catch a great shot of our active little lady. She is always moving and dancing and hiding her face when we are at the doctor. It makes Dr. H laugh, which is nice since sometimes it's hard to crack a smile on his oh, so professional face. The good news? We have been able to keep up with her through these 3D images and I can't tell you enough how much she is growing. Last time she looked like a skeleton! This time, you can see her features starting to develop and maybe even some of that cute baby fat we will soon be squeezing.

Now, I do realize that this looks like one of those crazy puzzles from the 80's in which you must stare for 30 minutes to see the big picture. So, here is a cheat sheet.

I think she looks like Brando...especially her cute nose.

diary [wiggles]

2010-06-19T21:09:00.001-07:00

Every once in awhile I will realize that the bean hasn't moved in few hours so I will get a little anxious. I always put my hands on my bump and say a little something and with out fail I get a little punch or wiggle within a few moments, you know like, "Hey Mom, I'm doin' okay!"

Such awesomeness.

for dad [father's day]

2010-06-19T05:37:00.001-07:00

art cards

2010-06-18T05:26:00.000-07:00

Baby Flash [Cards]

I spent a whole day playing with my friend Andie and her darling daughter when I was back in Texas for my quick trip. One of the things I fell in love with (yes there was something there other than a cute baby that I managed to fall in love with) were these awesome art cards. They are such a stimulant for the baby! We successfully entertained ourselves: her with the flip- flopping of the cards and me with her laughs, and I must admit I was a little taken back by the cards too.

diary [oranges and m&m's]

2010-06-18T04:47:00.000-07:00

As every girl hears growing up I was so prepared to get all of these weird cravings during pregnancy. Well, I don't know if it's just me but I don't seem to be getting any wacky get up in the middle of the night cravings. I even bought a jar of pickles at week 20 in anticipation of said wacky cravings but alas, they have yet to surface - and the jar of pickles remains in the back of the fridge. Yep, I am hoarding pickles.

There are however some things that I eat A LOT of. "That's a craving," you may say. . .but I believe it's something different. These are things I consumed in mass before I was pregnant and now that I have this bean in me I fully believe they taste even better. What are they you ask? Oranges and Dark Chocolate M&M's. Yup, they are my pregnancy vices but, I assure you I haven't eaten them together, although dark chocolate and oranges go quite nicely together. Hmmm.

diaper bag

2010-06-17T05:16:00.000-07:00

Timi & Leslie Charlie Diaper [bag].

I mean, seriously? This diaper bag is insane. I was dreading the diaper bag hunt and determined not to end up with one of those laminated plastic duffel bags...gross. I found a great one [here] but now I am in love with this one, and since the first pick is more day time maybe I will obtain this one for more sophisticated times. Skeptical? It is made of PVC for easy cleaning and inside you will find: a changing pad and bottle tote along with removable shoulder and stroller straps, waterproof lining, pockets, a wristlet, and an easy access key fob(whatever that is-but give me easy and give me keys!).

diary [nesting]

2010-06-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

I don't know if it's because I am nesting or just because of a little boredom, but I have been getting back what makes me happy, and that being creative. With the new apartment pretty much organized, there isn't all that much to "nest', so after I do my daily cleaning(which is a very new thing for me and I surely hope I can keep it up when Ella arrives) I have been getting into some different things. There is a general missing of gathering inspiration on the intraweb, so that brings me to this -a blog that I have started and deleted and started and deleted many times over. There is the general lack of method so I have started to collect for and draw rooms again - this came after I had to dig out an old senior portfolio project for a job interview. Finally, I am making Ella's baby book, which pretty much rounds everything out and definitely distracts me from the in-ability to "nest" anything.

So that is where this blog comes from. If I am stuck with out a profession or other outside demand to create something I will just make one up for myself. Plus, there is this weird "I'm going to be a Mom and I want to keep track of all the insanity that crosses my path" desire as well.

Picture from an old school project.

Hey Buddy

2010-06-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

introducing my [new] best friend.

toy storage

2010-06-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

Paper Dolls Storage Bin [Dwell Studios]

love this [snow cones]

2010-06-16T07:07:00.000-07:00

I will stop at any road side sno-cone stand. Trust me. I have yet to find a favorite though. Any takers?