Yummy

Oh my goodness - work needs to calm down. I can't wait to go on leave and catch my breath! But, here are some of my favorites for this week that I wanted to share. Samoas are my favorite Girl Scout cookies, so imagine my delight when I found they are made into an ice cream! Oh my goodness, it is fantastic! Fortunately, our freezer is small (and right now filled with other Girl Scout cookies and frozen soup) otherwise I would have filled it up with this! I'm on a mission to get our freezer really organized before Baby Icing arrives, and mostly stocked with healthy dinners/lunches, but I think there might be room for some emergency cartons of this stuff!

I also wanted to share a delicious recipe from Real Simple that I finally tested out yesterday! I'm a big fan of the magazine - I love their aesthetic, the cleaning tips, and especially their recipes. So, yesterday afternoon, when I realized that I had two big bags of frozen corn in the freezer, I thought what could be better than corn chowder?

Corn Chowder (From Real Simple, February 2008)

8 oz bacon (chopped into small pieces)

1 large sweet onion, minced (I added in a minced carrot and a couple ribs of celery for added flavor)

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (I added more, because I wanted more heat)

2 10 oz packages frozen corn (I used 2 16 oz packages because I had them and I like thicker soups)

3 cups low sodium chicken stock (I mixed it up and added a half cup of white wine in there)

1 cup half and half

4 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced (I added chopped parsley because I didn't have these)

1. Cook the bacon in large saucepan over medium heat until crisp. (They take the bacon out and use it as a garnish at the end, but I left it in the soup for more flavor). Whatever you do, when the bacon is crisp, add the onion and stir occasionally until soft (5-7 minutes).
2. Add garlic, paprika and red pepper, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring. Stir in the corn, broth and half and half and bring soup to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Puree half the soup in blender until smooth. Add back to the pot and make sure all soup proper temperature. Garnish with parsley or scallions.
4. YUMMY!

Misc Projects

I had the most wonderful coconut pancakes at brunch today, and a nice visit with one of my friends who is expecting a baby in September. I'm glad to know some other mums, and am glad that Baby Icing will have some friends!

Yesterday I did basically nothing - other than see "I Love You Man" which was really funny. I may take myself to see "Duplicity" next week for a matinee, or go with N next weekend - we're trying to see all the movies we can now. I think I redeemed myself today - I finally got out the work baby shower thank yous, and am doing laundry - all of Baby Icing's little snapsuits and onesies will be nice and clean for her! I wanted to share a couple pictures of the things that I've gotten done (and look for a later post with corn chowder - depending on how it turns out)!

This little bubble is so sweet - it's one of mine and I think it looks good for being 30 years old! I can't wait to dress Baby Icing up - it's going to be a hot summer here, so I want to make sure she stays cool and comfy. Bubbles are nice and light, but they are still a little bit dressier than snapsuits.


Here's the crib with the bedding - TA DA! I'm thrilled with the quality and with how it all looks together...we just need a baby in there (hopefully one who sleeps!)

Here's the stroller that I built- and per MMM's review over on her blog, she has really liked it so far, so I'm thinking that we made the right choice. It has certainly been fun to practice driving it around the condo! (Much to the consternation of my cats).

Speaking of cats, there is fortunately nothing terribly wrong with my little girl cat - she has to go in for some further tests, but it sounds like she may just need to switch diets to avoid getting another bladder problem! Thank goodness. We've been spoiling her with lamb baby food (which is DISGUSTING, but she loves).

Definitely...Maybe

I have had a legitimately crazy week at the office. Ai yi yi. I'm sitting in on a depo taken by our outside counsel on Monday, and then on Wednesday observing the potential start of a trial. Can anyone say - that's a little much for someone right around 37 weeks pregnant?

The good news is that Baby Icing is taking it all in stride. Thank goodness I'm not actually litigating anymore - budgets and strategy are stressful enough! She is definitely a girl, and looks pretty darn adorable (and in the right position) on our ultrasound. My doctor estimates that she is perfectly and completely average - somewhere between 5-6 pounds.

So, in that vein, I'm enjoying some March madness while N and the cats nap on the couch. My poor baby girl cat has been a little under the weather (and not doing her business where it should be done.) Please keep your fingers crossed that the vet tests will reveal nothing is really wrong with her - she's so cute snuggled up right now!

Happy Weekend!

Dinner in Paris

Do you ever feel like chicken breasts are boring? I do! But, they are so healthy and cook so quickly. This recipe is my secret weapon for making them fancy enough for company, and delicious enough for lazy me to make them for myself even when I start cooking at 8:00 p.m.

The recipe was in Gourmet Magazine's Paris special last year, and I can't urge you enough to try it!

Roasted Chicken with Dijon Sauce

1 package chicken breasts (3-4)
1 TBS vegetable oil
2 small shallots thinly sliced (I go heavy on the shallots)
3/4 c. dry white wine (California Chardonnay)
3/4 c. reduced sodium chicken broth (sometimes I leave this out if I don't have it in the house)
1/4 c. heavy cream (whipping cream works too)
2 TBS Dijon mustard
1 TBS finely chopped chives (you can substitute parsely too)

1. Preheat oven to 450 with rack in the middle.
2. Pat chicken dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a 12" cast iron (or other oven safe) skillet over medium high heat. Brown the chicken in batches (if chicken has skin, brown skin side down first) for about 2.5 minutes per side.
3. Return all chicken to skillet and put in oven until cooked through - 15 to 20 minutes. If you cook more chicken, let it cook longer than if there are fewer pieces.
4. When the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet to a platter. Add the wine and shallots and broth to the skillet and boil for 2 minutes, or until reduced by half.
5. Add cream and boil until slightly thickened, about 1 minute.
6. Strain sauce through a sieve - I always skip this step!
7. Whisk in mustard and chives. Return chicken to skillet and toss with sauce. Enjoy!
   

Things Pregnant People Like When They Are Pretending They Are No Longer Pregnant

Welcome to week 36. Baby Icing is kicking up a storm, and is clearly getting ready for her big debut at some point in the next month or so. I am pretending that it is late May, and I'm taking Baby out for some air and cupcakes in her adorable stroller. And, what better for kicking around the neighborhood than these beautiful earrings from Turq? (Here's the link: http://turqjewelry.com/sl4.html).

Because I'll be looking for more machine washable clothing than my current business casual wardrobe, isn't this dress from J. Crew darling? It's nice and light cotton for those hot days on the westside of L.A.

Throw in a pair of flipflops or Loeffler Randall peep toes, and there's my fantasy baby care outfit. Spitup not included. A girl can dream, right? I think the reality is more Lululemon pants and tanks...

Also, on a more philosopical note- why are most prenatal yoga classes during the weekday during normal business hours? I realize this is the West Side, but come on, doesn't anyone else work? Doesn't that seem a little silly?

Spring is Here?

Monday is over. I found this lovely image of a sunny day on this adorable website - http://www.pugslife.org/ which showcases adorable little pugs.

It was a perfect early spring day here - very windy, but clear and right around 70 degrees. I'm a total slug at work mentally, so I was happy to leave early to go meet with a pediatrician. Hope I don't get in trouble, but I told everyone where I was going - and I feel like at almost 36 weeks I should get kudos for still thinking and showing up in the morning! She was great. Not only is the office walking distance from our place, but they have really nice hours and a great on call policy. The only downer is that she doesn't have privileges at the hospital I'm delivering at, so Baby Icing will be making an early trip out of the house for a visit!

That's one thing down off the list of prenatal projects - hopefully I can get cracking on the remaining ones this week. I can't believe how close we are getting to anticipated arrival - and I surely do hope that Baby Icing is prompt! We have our final ultrasound and 36 week appointment this Friday, and I'm hoping everything looks good.

I'm starting to plan some fun projects/activities for my time off - it starts next week! The first day I'm having lunch with a friend and then going to a lecture about anesthesia (that won't be so fun, but I think it will make me feel better to learn more about pain relief). Then, I've got to get a haircut and color, and maybe a facial - I probably won't have time to do any spa days for the next 18 years! But, I want to make sure that there's lots of time for puttering around the house and general relaxation. What would you do if you had three weeks at home relaxing? Any projects? Any books/DVDs that you would finally watch?

Weekend Update/ Baby Reviews

Last week was CRAZY busy. Work was nuts! One of the projects I'm managing just kicked into high gear, perfect timing for my maternity leave. So, I was jumping around trying to put out various fires, and not have my blood pressure go through the roof! I just keep reminding myself that there is a much bigger picture, and that my biggest concern is not stressing out little Miss Icing.

On Wednesday, we had a nursing class. I have to say, it was a very big disappointment. I went in expecting to learn about how to feed a baby, and how to approach different breastfeeding challenges. Instead, N and I were forced to sit through about an hour and a half of the benefits of breastfeeding (we are in the class, clearly we believe in the benefits) and lots of anecdotes. I can understand the place for those things, but what I really wanted was to learn how it works. I also wanted to know what to do if you need a cesarean, if you have a sick baby, etc - all the things that would make breastfeeding tricky. No such luck. I hope the class is sort of useful, and I guess I can always call in a lactation consultant or hit up one of the Pump Station support groups after Baby arrives.

The good news - after we snuck out of the class early, is that one of our good college friends was in town visiting with his girlfriend. So, we had a lovely, but late, night eating some delicious take out Thai food and wondering how we all got so grown up all of a sudden!

Thursday, I had a lovely dinner with girlfriends at Gulfstream - try it out - it's in the Century City Mall, and it is delicious - I had Brazilian Cioppino and a few bites of their ice cream sundae! (I may need to do a post on making hot fudge sauce shortly.)

Unfortunately, Friday morning I woke up with a fever and chills. I had to be in court to watch a hearing, so I dragged myself into the office and to the hearing, only to find out that the decisive issues won't be decided until a couple weeks from now! I went home, called my doctor, and found out that I can take anything in the Tylenol family. I took a four hour nap, and then just did a little work.

N has been sick all weekend too. Yesterday, I managed to drag myself out for a walk, and to my eyebrow appointment, before we lay on the couch all day watching basketball. I did make Irish Bread and laundry, but other than that, I was unproductive.

We're feeling a little better today, though sad that USC is out of the tournament. Oh well, maybe next year? Now I'm settling in for the evening, and writing thank you notes for my work shower.

Oh, and I read the book pictured above. I can't recommend it enough. It is a very fair look at all sorts of pain relief measures during labor - from what do do when you're just a little uncomfortable, to what to do when you need serious relief. It really gave me a good understanding of my choices and options. I'm going to recommend it to anyone who wants to understand modern choices - all of them. I'm so glad that I read it. It also has a really nice section describing pain relief choices for cesarean recovery too!

Only 30 days to go...and 8 days left of work!

Irish Eyes Are Smiling

I know it's a little bit late for St. Patrick's Day, but it was cold and windy here in LA this weekend, and I wanted to curl up with tea and Irish bread. My mum didn't bring her recipe to Florida, so I'm making do with this one from the Boston Globe. It has the delicious surprise of whole wheat - definitely not traditional in my family, but really delicious and a welcome addition. I was out of white flour and had to use cake flour for the white, so this is a little different than the original, but delicious nonetheless. Also, kudos to Lauren for recommending the Lurpak butter - go out and try it - it is so delicious! This was the perfect food for a weekend spent recuperating from some sort of 24 hour bug and doing lots of laundry!


Irish Bread (also known as "Soda Bread) from the Boston Globe

2 cups whole wheat flour (I find King Arthur brand is available at regular supermarkets)
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour (I won't be using cake flour again hopefully)
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda (hence "Soda Bread")
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups buttermilk (I increased the liquid from 1 1/3 cups and the butter because whole wheat can be dry)
1/3 cup canola oil (I used 1/2 cup of melted butter and loved it - I am not sure about oil in Irish Bread!)
2 cups golden raisins (I opt out of raisins on principle, but I realize I'm in the minority!)

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, mix all the dry ingredients until well blended.

2. In mixer, beat the eggs. Melt the butter in the microwave, and add it to the eggs, along with the buttermilk. Slowly add in the dry ingredients to the liquid until it becomes a dough.

3. Turn the dough on a lightly floured counter and knead gently a few times until smooth. (Since you are using a mixer, you don't really need to do this as much - but I wouldn't skip it if I were mixing by hand). Turn the dough into two equal balls, and mark a cross in the top of each. I forgot this step - but it is definitely traditional - my Nana used to say it brought good luck.

4. Bake the breads for 25-30 minutes or until they are puffed and browned and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

5. Cool on a wire rack. Cut in thick slices (it will crumble if sliced too thinly). Serve with hot tea, butter and jam as a snack, or alongside a main course - it's particularly good with Easter if you do a leg of lamb!

4.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

I hope yours was filled with good beer and green cheer. I don't have any green maternity clothing, so I am celebrating in spirit! I did make sure to bake some potatoes with my roast chicken for dinner, but despite my Irish roots, I cannot stand corned beef and cabbage. Right now I'm craving Irish bread, and I'll share if I can get my mum's recipe (it's actually from my godmother originally and it is delicious!).

I was browsing on the Idaho potato website, and thought this recipe for Irish nachos looked delicious - and a good way to celebrate for those of us in the west! http://www.idahopotato.com/recipes/id-709

In other news, we have our big learn how to feed the baby class tomorrow night, and are having house guests. I'm definitely getting the fatigue at the end of pregnancy - I'm ready for a nap by the time I get to the office in the morning!

Sweets to the Sweet

What do you bake when you want something really delicious that can be whipped up easily, is portable, and is loved by all? The answer would be blondies/chocolate chip pan cookies/congo bars (which is what my family calls them).

We had dinner at my brother in law's last night, and his girlfriend made delicious short ribs in the slow cooker. (I'm totally buying one, and will practice on it when I'm on leave waiting for Baby Icing). She asked me to bring dessert, and I wanted to share this recipe - not only does it make really pretty toffee colored cookies, but it couldn't be simpler!
It is from the back of the Guittard brand of chocolate chips (but I think it would work well with any brand).

Congo Bars

2/1/4 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 c. butter (I like to use unsalted butter, but I think you could use salted as well - maybe then no added salt?)
3/4 c. granulated sugar
3/4 c. dark brown sugar (packed firmly)
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups (one bag) chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts - I generally leave these out because I never keep them around.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together butter and sugars until light. Add in vanilla and eggs.
2. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter mixture.
3. Add the chocolate chips. Spread into pre greased 9" x 13" pan (the original recipe calls for a 10" x 15", but I don't have one and this worked out well)
4. Bake for 25 minutes (again, 20-25 if you're using the larger pan). You may need to give these a couple of extra minutes, but they do continue cooking as they sit on the cooling rack.

I'm making them again tonight, because I want to bring them to my office as a thank you for the really adorable shower they threw me today! I got tiny and cute outfits for Baby Icing, and a gift card to Babies R Us that I'm sure is going to come in handy for those last minute necessities!

In other news, we had an absolutely lovely, but tiring weekend. I managed to drag myself out for exercise both days, but my three mile walks are starting to seem like 10 miles. I'm taking it easy, and carry water and a cell phone with me, but I have a really hard time sleeping if I don't get any exercise during the day.

Saturday night, we had dinner at Mastro's - if you go - get the warm spinach salad and the lobster mashed potatoes. We had a lovely time celebrating our friend's birthday, and are so excited to hear that his wife will be having a baby in late September! Honestly, being pregnant has been a bit lonely, because I really only have one friend who has a baby! I'm thrilled, and can't wait to meet their little one, who I am sure will be a very good friend to Baby Icing.

I also managed to make some red lentil soup and some more blueberry muffins for the freezer. Tonight I made another batch of regular lentil soup - I'll post this recipe soon. I'm working on having a decent amount of soups and nutritious meals frozen so that we don't have to eat takeout all the time.

We have friends from college stopping by on Wednesday night which should be fun, and I'm hoping that work stays calm this week because I'm about wiped out by 3:00 p.m. every day! I'm still mulling over potential baby announcements. Only 5 weeks to go starting tomorrow!

Weekend Thank Goodness

I'm tired! So, after hitting up Ralph's for the groceries, I'm sitting on the couch with a cup of tea and a scone (see the recipe from this past weekend's post). Baby Icing is doing well per my latest appointment, and we have an ultrasound scheduled for my next check up to see her one last time. My doctor doesn't do lots of ultrasounds unless there is a need, so we haven't seen her in about 16 weeks! I can't imagine what she looks like, and I'm so curious to see if she has lots of hair (we all have black hair in my family)!

Here's my original little girl - isn't she sweet? She is the most gentle little cat ever. She doesn't play bite or scratch, and she is so clever at hiding that I have thought we've lost her several times. She likes strong foods, like hummus, yogurt and salmon, and weirdest of all, duck grease poured over her cat food. She also likes peanut butter, but I only give her a tiny bit because I'm pretty sure it's not good for cats. She likes to sleep in the pregnancy pillow during the day, and loves to snuggle on the couch. She is also half the size of our big kitty - but she's just as cute!


Since I had a little time to kill before my doctor's appointment (and I parked at the Beverly Center), I toddled down to Bloomingdales to pick up some pretty spring lipgloss - check out Bobbi Brown's "Tangerine." It is the perfect pinky peach - just right for spring and summer when you have a little bit of a tan. (BTW, I say "toddle", because I am starting to feel like a weeble - like I could just roll over at any time from the weight of this ginormous tummy!).

This weekend I'm cleaning, washing Baby's bedding in Dreft, and hopefully starting to work on stocking the freezer with some nice pasta sauce and soups to reheat after Baby Icing arrives. I can't believe she'll be here in around 6 weeks!

Going Private - The First Notice

Hi all. I want to use this as our platform to share all the Baby Icing photos after she arrives (safely, God willing), so I'm going to be turning private in mid April. If you are interested in reading, please send your email so that I can send invitations. I'll do a couple more reminders too!

Odds and Ends

Happy almost weekend everyone! I think Baby Icing is ready for the weekend too - she's been staying up pretty late at night, so I think she wants to sleep in!

How delicious does this brownie sundae look? It's one of my favorite features in the LA Times; their food section does a recipe on request from a local restaurant. I'm going to try to make these brownies...I may just buy the coffee ice cream and fudge sauce though! http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-sos11-2009mar11,0,6537428.story That's the link for you to check them out yourself. BLD is a great restaurant (and a really fun place for brunch) if you're ever in LA!

I picked up this pretty cherry blossom photo on Etsy. Here's the link to the seller: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5246696 I think it will be pretty in Baby Icing's room!

This weekend we'll be keeping it pretty low key. I have a long meeting tomorrow morning/mid afternoon, and then a doctor's appointment (I get so nervous for all of them that I'm wiped out afterwards). I'm thinking of picking up some duck breasts and good cheese/bread/salad for dinner, and then whipping up the brownie sundaes for dessert. Saturday, we're going to Mastro's for a birthday party. I've never been, so I'm excited to try it, but I'm also nervous - I hope I can still squeeze into my party dress one last time!

Other than that, it will be organizing Baby Icing's room, and working on gathering the little essentials that we need for her. Let's hope tomorrow goes by quickly!

To Do List Progress

I've made some headway:

1. Scheduled meeting with pediatrician within walking distance of our place for two weeks from now.

2. Cleared a lot of junk out of Baby Icing's room.

3. Scheduled a breastfeeding seminar at UCLA Santa Monica (apparently it is NOT easy to learn at all!).

4. Ordered the first batch of nursery essentials from Diapers.com - check out MMM's blog for a review and discount!

5. Taken my pretty Bold and Noble poster for an expensive but very attractive framing! I can't wait to see it hung up!

6. Confirmed that the remaining parts of the Pottery Barn Kids order are still coming - I was getting nervous, but it looks like delivery should be coming around this week or next!

7. Provided my certification to my office confirming my last day of work is April 1. I can't believe it!

Pregnant People Like - Books

Today starts week 34. So, I have somewhere between 6-7 weeks left before Baby Icing makes her debut, and my memory is going. Since I hope to have more than one happy and healthy little baby (God willing), I want to remember all the resources and tips that were useful this time around. When I found out that I was actually pregnant (because I'm paranoid, I couldn't believe it until the blood work came back at 6 weeks), the first thing I did was to buy a couple of good reference books.

I think books are pretty personal, so what I liked might not work for you. That said, I think the Mayo Clinic book is very good and very neutral. It covers pre-conception tips and nutrition, genetic counselling and testing for disorders, as well as what changes your body and your baby go through over the 40 weeks. I thought the discussion of labor/c section and pain relief was really informative and non-biased. It also has handy little decision charts for different questions and concerns as you go through your pregnancy, and when you NEED to contact your doctor.

This is what I'm reading these days, and I've just started it. It's written by a pediatrician who does a really good job of looking at sleep from the perspective of a little baby. I'll review further when I complete it, but it is a nice sympathetic way of examining how babies sleep, and clarifying that they are quite different from grownups!

Vicki Iovine makes me laugh so much. I got this right at the start, and I think it's the perfect combination with the Mayo Clinic book - sage medical advice in the one, and light-hearted humor in the second. At a time when you are feeling deadly serious (and more than a little nervous), it's reassuring to read about people who have been there done that and survived! She is so funny about the ills of pregnancy (including the little indignities that NO ONE told me about). Granted, I think if you are very committed to a natural/home birth experience, or are not a fan of conventional medicine, you probably wouldn't find this very supportive, but it is HILARIOUS. I'll be giving this one to people when they tell me they are pregnant!

I just ordered Dr. Camann's book today, and am eagerly looking forward to it. Since this is my first baby, I want to be educated about all my options. It's written by an anesthesiologist about all sorts of various pain relief methods. My hospital offers a seminar by an anesthesiologist on pain relief choices as well, so I'm taking that too. Hopefully, this will help me understand how the epidural works, so I can be a little less nervous about it!

So, these are the books that I've found helpful so far. I will clearly need to do a post about baby care books too - right now I'm reading the back section of my Mayo Clinic group for baby care. What books have you found helpful?

Things Pregnant People LOVE

Tums Smoothies. Extra strength! Highly recommended! I'm starting to work on reviews of my favorite pregnancy essentials - so when I do this again, I'll remember! Do you have any random little things that work?

Delicious Weekend

This was a wonderful weekend! It really felt like spring here, perfect for my slow "exercise" walks around the neighborhood. I had a lovely brunch at Comme Ca with my dear friend R, and a fabulous pedicure yesterday. Today we completed "Prepared Birth" (Lord help us), and saw Ben Affleck at the drugstore! I cleared out more extra stuff from Baby Icing's room, and now we're enjoying Flight of the Conchords waiting for bolognese sauce to heat up.

Spring weather puts me in the mood for tea and scones. I know most people like scones in the winter, but there's something about sunny, cool spring days that has me thinking of afternoon tea with hot scones, jam and butter. Here is my favorite afternoon tea - delicious!


And, here are my mother's scones. This is the easiest recipe ever, and you can do so many variations. They are tossed together in 15 minutes, baked in 20 - so if you ever visit my mum and give an hour's notice, you will most likely get some of these!

Teatime Scones (I think these were originally published in the Boston Globe)

1 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup plain yogurt and 1/2 cup milk)

1 egg

3 1/2 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/1 cup melted butter (I don't think it will work as well with margarine)

2 TBS sugar (this is optional, but I like it)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees

2. Beat together buttermilk, egg, and sugar. Sift the flour and baking powder, soda and salt together in a bowl.

3. Mix 2/3 of the flour mixture into the buttermilk and stir well. Gradually add melted butter to the mix, then add the rest of the flour.

4. Knead dough ( or just use the dough hook on the Kitchen Aide) by hand for about 5 minutes (I think it's about 2 minutes in the Kitchen Aide). Divide into 3 equal parts (4" to 5" in diameter). Pat these parts into circles, and score the top of each circle with a cross (see picture above).

5. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is lightly browned.

(These are really delicious hot out of the oven, but they also freeze and reheat well). With jam and butter, they are so good - and easy.

Little Happies

Ok. My grumpiness is out of proportion to the reality of the situation - as neither the stroller nor the request for info is a huge problem. So, here are some little things that make me VERY happy!

Peach roses - my all time favorite color rose!
This darling little Beatrix Potter baby book my mother sent me - it's the updated version of the one my mother in law used with my husband 30 years ago! (For some reason, the update now includes a space for mum to record her pregnancy weight gain - will not be happening in my baby's book!)

Pretty photos of cherry blossoms - Etsy is aflutter with them now, and I think I'm going to get one framed for Baby Icing's room - they are so lovely!

Chocolate! I'm still savoring my delicious box of Valentine's chocolates!

My upcoming pedicure this weekend! Badly needed - I can't really reach my toes these days!

Fail

Today was one of those days. I'm getting the negative all out here -

Somehow the stroller place sent me another identical stroller - now I have to send it back!

In its infinite wisdom, the IRS has contacted me with questions about our 2006 taxes. For the love of God - that is a long time ago!

A woman turned to me in the elevator and said "My goodness, you must be due very soon!" She was a complete and utter stranger. I smiled and said "Yes."

Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday!

Status Report - Operation Baby

I built a stroller this weekend. I'm pretty pleased - the Bugaboo turned out to be pretty easy to assemble, and it wheels like a dream. For those of you considering it, if I can put it together, you can too!

Our crib bedding arrived and is adorable! I'm still waiting on my mattress before I assemble it, but I checked with Pottery Barn, and it looks like it should arrive soon!

I've put in my request for short term disability, and need to confirm with the doctor's office on the forms. I also need my doctor's office to refill a prescription for prenatals - why doesn't it last for 40 weeks - that would be the logical time you'd need it - yes?

I'm working on my leave memo at the office explaining all my projects.

And, here's where you come in - I'm starting to think about packing my hospital bags. I won't do it until the last minute (I don't want to jinx Baby Icing arriving sooner rather than later), but I want to start gathering the essentials. My childbirth instructor recommended packing a small bag with things for labor (she really emphasized chapstick, so I'm assuming it is a big deal?), and then a separate bag with things for you, partner/husband and baby for after delivery. So, here are my lists so far; do you have any suggestions?

Labor:

1. My own delivery gown (I'm kind of modest, and really hate hospital gowns. My hospital services a lot of Orthodox women as well, so they recommend this as an option and don't appear to be surprised by this.
2. CHAPSTICK. I'm thinking multiple flavors?
3. Socks (that can be thrown away)
4. Pillow and pillow case (that clearly don't look like hospital issue)
5. Ipod and speakers
6. Snacks for N, and something for me to eat after Baby is born and the doctor approves - I'm thinking something healthy like dried fruit and a granola bar, maybe a pear too?
7. Money for the vending machines (and the Starbucks afterwards).
8 Cell phones and chargers
9. Camera and charger
10. Portable DVD player and movie - assuming the epidural works and we have some down time!
11. After delivery makeup kit - brush, face wipes, concealer, lipgloss, mascara and tinted moisturizer. (I know this sounds a little silly, but I want to look nice in the photos...and if Baby Icing arrives in the wee smalls, I'll need help!)

Hospital Bag
1. Robe
2. Socks
3. Flipflops for shower
4. Tiny shampoo/conditioner/toothbrush/dryer
5. More money for snacks
6. Nursing bra/pillow
7. Maternity outfit to go home in (sounds like if you need a c-section, you want a dress or something else that doesn't put pressure on your incision?)
8. Baby outfit - tiny and cute
9. Baby book - for footprints
10. Pen/pencil/small notebook - I probably won't remember ANYTHING
11. Car seat (although this can stay in the car).
12. Sanitary products? (I think they give you some there too, but I may want some of my own!)

Ok, what am I missing? Is there anything else you like/think was useful? I'm delivering right across from one of the biggest malls in So Cal, so N can always trot over to Sephora for cosmetics or Bloomies for clothing.

Thanks!

Things Pregnant People Like - Warm Weather Edition

This weekend I had a brief taste of being quite pregnant when it is warm out. Honestly, I'm not a huge fan. It was only about 75 here on the west side, but that's warm enough for me - when I am carrying around what looks like a watermelon!

I did manage to get out and go for a walk yesterday - and am pleased to report back on a super high powered sunscreen for us vampires who are paranoid about sun damage. I know that hats are the best protection, but sometimes you don't feel like one, and this Neutrogena sunscreen goes on with a dry touch, and gives great protection. I highly recommend. I'll need to throw some in the car for this summer!
I had brunch with two very dear friends here - Literati at the corner of Wilshire and Bundy. May I suggest the chocolate chip pancakes? They are enormous and delicious. I was healthy and chose the oatmeal - also because I didn't have Tums with me, but when I go back next time...chocolate chip pancakes all the way! They also make a mean breakfast burrito - again, when the heartburn goes away, I can't wait to go back. It's also a short walk from my house - so good eats!

How cute are these dresses for Mum and baby? They are Lilly (natch)! Since I'm very superstitious, my big shower by my friends will be held after she arrives (safely, God willing). I don't know if I'll be in shape to wear something like this, but Baby could certainly pull off the little number, don't you agree? Also, how cute would these be for a mum/grandmum/baby photo shoot on the beach this summer? I'm still looking for a good LA baby photog - suggestions greatly appreciated.

I want to pass along the recipe below. It's for red lentil soup with lemon from the New York Times. It is beyond fantastic and incredibly easy. Please give it a shot- nutritious, easy and delicious!

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/09/dining/091arex.html

In baby news, our prenatal class took a tour of the labor and delivery ward, as well as the postpartum recovery and the nursery. It really eases your mind just knowing where to go...not to mention we got to see some cute little ones in the nursery (they look like little burritos when they are all bundled up!)

Look for a post on potential shower hostess gifts coming soon - I've got to start working on those!