It's a.......

Apologies for not writing more, but Thanksgiving and last week were crazy. Between family visits, doctor's appointments and other assorted sundries (hello job), I'm back.

And, in case you are wondering, it looks like I'm having a baby girl in late April! She is so cute on the ultrasounds with her tiny little feet kicking, and even sucking her thumb! So, I promise to be better this week...look for posts on Christmas cards, holiday baking and maternity fashion, as I review the fruits of serious shopping while my mum was out with me in LA.

Speaking of strange coincidences, my mum arrived a couple days before the ultrasound. She brought with her a pair of tiny pink ceramic baby booties that my grandmother had received filled with flowers when my mother was born. My grandmother gave them to my mother when I was born. My mum brought them out to me to keep regardless, but now we can keep the tradition going...because it's a girl! More importantly, she appears to be very healthy, and I pray that she remains so!

Cribs

We're a week away from finding out if the muffin is a boy or a girl. So, I should really start working on some cribs. I'm going to get around to posting pictures of the bedroom/nursery, but the thing I'm most interested in is the crib.

There are so many different options out there. Different finishes, different shapes, and different styles. Some evolve from a bassinette to a crib to a toddler bed, some are just cribs. And the range in prices is astonishing. So far, here are some that I like - posted above because I can't figure out how to post photos within the post!

TMI

I was waiting in line at the pharmacy to pick up a prescription...where I could not avoid overhearing a conversation a few people ahead. A man proceeded to have a detailed discussion with two women regarding his deviated septum surgery, procedures, recovery, and difficulty in blowing his nose.

When he finally reached the counter (the line was MAMMOTH) he proceeded to monopolize the pharmacist for about 10 minutes while discussing his sensitivity to Tylenol and whether taking two pills every 8 hours was really different than taking 1 pill every 4 hours. I did my best to remind myself that could be me a year from now trying to decipher how to administer meds to a sick baby. However, I feel like he really could have dealt with the matter more efficiently, or if he had to take so long, to at least use his inside voice so we all didn't have to hear him.

Two More Days

I have to be up and out of the house for an 8:00 a.m. meeting tomorrow. That is so disgustingly early. Not to mention, it's supposed to rain tonight (and since people in LA can't drive in the rain, it's slow going).

So, I think I'm going to be naughty and run a couple errands between the meeting and heading into the office. I'm going to get my maternity jeans hemmed to wear with flats, and possibly stop at the good bagel store.

And, before children's services catches me, I'm going to visit the wine store once more and pick up wines for Thanksgiving dinner. (Edited to say that I WILL not be drinking it, but we will be bringing it with us:)

Wishful Thinking - Holiday Edition

If it were my perfect holiday, the muffin would have arrived already, so we could all snuggle by the fire and drink hot chocolate. (And, mummy could enjoy a few adult beverages). As it is, adult beverages all smell vinegary and totally unappetizing, and we have a few months to go before the muffin arrives (safely, God willing). So, for the first time in a while, selecting a winter party dress is more of a strategic than whimsical choice.

I own the bottom choice - it's Milly and I think it's a great choice for people in the beginning to middle of pregnancy. It's empire waist, you can wear a bra with it, and the underskirt could be easily switched out to a looser/stretchier fabric by a tailor as you grow. Plus, I think the shape is pretty flattering for new mums...I have a few events coming up in early summer (hello 5 year law school reunion!) and I think it can see me through quite a few. Except for day events, because I think black at summer outside events in LA is a little gloomy.

The other two are pretty and colorful - wishful thinking for next holiday season. Or, if I had a reader who isn't pregnant, maybe they could wear one and write to me? I think the blue of the Catherine Malandrino is to die for - and it looks snuggly and warm - it's cashmere!

Those tricky in-between outfits

I know it is scientifically impossible to BE a little bit pregnant. But, you sure can LOOK it. Example - weeks 13-18 for me. I have a small tummy, but with the Bella Band, I can wear my regular pants, but my snugger shirts and sweaters are not fitting as well. Unfortunately, maternity stuff isn't quite fitting yet...I just look fatter. So, what's a girl to do? Tunic tops have been working for me. I posted about my Tibi top on Friday, and I've posted another beauty from Nanette Lepore with enough drape to go over the belly. I also have my standby Mint top from last year, which looks pretty and festive enough for the holidays with plenty of room for baby underneath!

And, a big thank you to Diane Von Furstenberg. The wrap dresses still fit, and I bought a plain black one a size up that I think I can wear for a few more weeks at least. Because really, I'm kind of angry at maternity stores. I about died when I was in A Pea in the Pod a month ago. I couldn't believe how expensive everything was - for stuff you wear for less than a year at a time. And, their sales are not impressing me one bit. I know I need a maternity suit and SOON, but right now, I'm working on some super cute options from GAP thanks to Mrs. Preppy and will post reviews on arrival.

Sunday Dinner

The temperature has finally dropped around here, and the forecast is rain for the holiday. To heat up the condo, and to have something delicious to freeze and defrost for the busy month to come, you can't beat bolognese sauce. I know it takes a long time to make. I know there is a lot of chopping(or using your food processer). But, you will love it, your husband will love it, and if you spend Sundays lazing about the house like I do, there's really only about an hour of initial effort, followed by periodic stirring and tasting. Totally manageable while you pay bills, chat on the phone, do laundry or whatever. Plus, it really warms up your house!

So, from O Magazine's February 2007 edition (and I love how they always include a story with the recipe) here is Celia Barbour's recipe with a couple twists and notes:

Bolognese Sauce
1 medium onion, minced
1 large or two small carrots, minced
2-3 sticks of celery, minced
1 oz. bacon/pancetta (I'm too lazy to find pancetta and I think bacon works well here)
1 pound ground beef (the recipe says "not lean" and I've been using 20% fat)
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper (I am way generous on this and think it's closer to a tsp. in my version)
pinch allspice (I am also generous on this as well)
1 c. whole milk
1 c. dry white wine (California Chardonnay of varying prices is what I use)
1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes in juice1 lb. pasta of your preference (I like penne rigate or other short, ridged pasta)
1. Chop the carrots, celery and onion very fine (I use the cuisinart and pulse about 20 seconds). In a heavy sauce pan, add minced bacon and over very low heat, let it cook until the fat is rendered and the bacon is just turning brown. Then, add chopped vegetables and raise heat to medium, stirring until onion is translucent (about 10 minutes).
2. Add ground beef, allspice, about 1/2 tsp. salt and the pepper. Chop up the beef with a spoon and cook until brown.
3. Add milk. The mixture will start to simmer. When it does that, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook until the milk has evaporated (about 40 minutes). Stir occasionally. Then, add the white wine and cook over low heat until wine has evaporated (another 40 minutes). Then, add the tomatoes and their juice, and cover. Cook over low heat for 2-3 hours (I have eaten it after 1.5 hours of cooking and it is still delicious).
4. Enjoy with vast amounts of pasta and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
5. It makes about 4 cups, and I highly recommend freezing a couple of small portions for those nights during the week when you need a special dinner but don't have five hours to spare.