First Comes Love...

Miss Abigail, I'm happy to report: this month did not fly by. While being pregnant and having time pass quickly is a good thing, being the Mom of a toddler and feeling like time is slipping away is not so fun.  So this month I enjoyed soaking it in, day by day. In college I worked as a preschool teacher (12-18 month olds), but the Waddlers (2's) we're always my favorite kids.  I'm seeing so many of those traits in you this past month and it makes me excited for the year ahead.   Two year olds are my favorite people: sassy, clever, bossy, and oh-so-cute! We're starting to talk about Baby a little more this month.  It's hard letting you sit directly on my lap and lean back, so I often nest you by my side and tell you that we have to be careful with the baby in Mommy's tummy.   I can't wait to see you as a big sister, and I hope you feel that your role as a sibling is of equal importance to my role as Mommy.  I want us to feel like ...

Girlfriend got a new ride! She thinks it's the coolest thing ever.  She loves riding around the neighborhood, waving to fellow bikers (rider club style), and strolling the park. To further style her ride, we purchased a bell and Kevin wants to add tassels.  Next thing I know we'll be in the market for rims and an exhaust... But hey, she loves it and it's become the perfect substitute to a boring stroller. Enjoy the weekend, it's suppose to be in the high 70's!

I know you're still a baby, but I found this letter and wanted to share it with you. I hope my love reflects the joy you bring. The Primal Parent "We are sitting at lunch one day when my daughter casually mentions that she and her husband are thinking of "starting a family." "We're taking a survey," she says half-joking. "Do you think I should have a baby?" "It will change your life," I say, carefully keeping my tone neutral. "I know," she says, "no more sleeping in on weekends, no more spontaneous vacations." But that is not what I meant at all. I look at my daughter, trying to decide what to tell her. I want her to know what she will never learn in childbirth classes. I want to tell her that the physical wounds of child bearing will heal, but becoming a mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw that she will forever be vulnerable. I consider warning her that she will never again read a news...

Hi Baby! Today marks 20 weeks (where has the time gone??) While Dad and I hold strong to not finding out your gender, we're looking forward to seeing you at your anatomy ultrasound on May 3rd! Here are some fun things you've been up to the past few weeks: We felt you kick while lying in bed last Friday night (4/19).  Unlike your sister, you didn't shy away from Dad's touch Yesterday I saw your first little kick from the outside.  You're an active one! Abigail enjoys resting her head on my tummy.  We haven't started talking about Big Sister duties yet, but I think she knows you're coming. My wacky cravings are gone, but I'm newly obsessed with coconut ice cream.  Just because  :) You were kicking like crazy on the flight back from San Francisco.  A future pilot? You favorite dance party times are early in the morning (while I'm still asleep), and at night before bed. We started water aerobics last week.  You seem indifferent, ...

If you're raising a toddler in the digital era, you know what a challenge taking pictures can be. Cell phones are not only your phone, camera, computer, and basic lifeline, it's also your toddler's all-time, can't-live-without, must-have-it-now, favorite toy.   While in San Francisco I got a case of Abigail-sickness, so I asked Kevin to send some pictures.  Here are the slew he sent, entitled "The Reach"  ANGRY EYES All at once, these pictures reminded me why I miss her and why I needed this vacation so badly. (in semi-related news, I get another chance to miss her this weekend; Kristin and I are off to Hermosa Beach for Annie's baby shower on Thursday morning!) Have a great rest of the week.

Early last Saturday morning, after jotting  a few notes  to Kevin, my Mom and I took off for our annual girls weekend in San Francisco! The weather was perfect and the shopping was ( as always! ) spectacular. Every year we do pretty much the same thing: walk all around town, ride the cable cars to and from the wharf, shop, eat, and fall asleep to pay-per-view movies each night. We have some favorite traditions (like lunch at The Rotunda , seafood at the Wharf, and Ghirardelli's for a sundae), but every year we also try some new things (this year we went all-out-tourist mode and rode a double-decker bus around the city!) Here are some pictures from our trip this year: Lunch at Neiman Marcus (next year we'll get reservations for a Saturday afternoon...) A beautiful afternoon in the Square Maternity wear galore at Old Navy! Saturday night at Tadich Grill Sunday morning we had breakfast at the Terminal Pier, then walked along t...

A few friends have been pregnant since I gave birth to Abigail, and when asked about early symptoms, I found I was unable to remember the details, so I decided to write them down this time. (lucky you!) Here is a recap of what I like to call "The First Trimester Hangover" , in all it's pregnant glory: While I didn't actually find out until January 9th, two events gave me a strong feeling that I was indeed pregnant: A friend walked in from having a smoke and I could smell it from two rooms away.  Literally.  They walked through the front door and I was down in our bedroom.  This was also the first indication I had with Abigail.   I cried when Cece died on Gossip Girl.   Cece!  I mean really, who does that?!  (I'm referring to the crying, not my more-than-slight obsession with Gossip Girl.) Herbal tea and bananas were all I could stomach for the first few weeks.  I eventually graduated to smoothies, and am now back in full breakfast /...