Author Archives: Stesha

Pregnancy Must Haves

Mornin’ All,

Between the Tony Awards and the Apple Keynote Address things have been borderline hectic around these parts. I know, the excitement knows no boundaries…

We still have four (or less!) weeks to go and I’ve turned into a total watched tea kettle. I’m never going to boil at this rate.

So since we have a little extra time before the blog becomes one giant baby face picture after another let’s talk about some of the more practical items that have helped me survive the last nine months…

1. Starbucks Cold Cups - If pregnant women had a security blanket it would look a whole lot like a Starbucks Cold Cup. We have six of these, three in the 24 oz size and they’re on constant rotation. I don’t know what it is about drinking through a straw, but it makes that gallon of water (what to the what?!) I’m supposed to be drinking each day more bearable.

2. Body Butter, Oil, Lotion, Crisco – For the sake of your skin, now is the time to lather up. I have no idea if it really helps avoid stretch marks (we’ve reached three on the SM count over here, ugh) but I can tell you it helps prevent the nasty dry skin itch. I’ve gone through many, MANY jars of body moisturizer in the past few months and this one from The Body Shop is a fast favorite. I received it as a gift and the first day I used it Ryan asked what that AMAZING smell was. What’s that? Did my husband just ask his nine month pregnant wife if she smelled delicious. Don’t judge, when you reach nine months you’ll take any compliment you can get. Plus it is affordable enough that you can coat every limb and not feel guilty at all.

3. Hipster Undies – Yes, we’re going to talk about my underwear. Why? Because I don’t know what I would have done without these gems. These stretchy, non fading, generous coverage briefs hold all your growing assets (ahem) and are absolutely comfy enough to wear all day, and night, and the next day… depending on your showering schedule.

4. Toms or other Slip Ons – Forget anything that has to be tied, you’re not going to want to make the effort. Heels? Sure, maybe for fifteen minutes… then those beauties are definitely getting left behind. I’ve found that Toms are a perfect fit for the pregnant foot. They slip on easy, have a bit of padding in the bottom and are soft enough that when you come home and crash on the couch you can totally fall asleep without reaching down to pull them off. I’ve been making the most of my snow leopard pair from winter, but how AMAZING are these Giraffe ones?

5. Body Pillow, Extra Pillow, More Pillows – After five months you’re going to want to feel like you fell into a jar of cotton balls when you go to bed. Trust me, the more pillows the better – between your legs, under your stomach, behind your back, everywhere. I have a whole new appreciation for our king sized bed too, it allows both of us and my army of pillows to fit. Feeling fancy? Try this fun body pillow cover!

6. Pocket Tissue – Say what? Just trust me, you’re going to want some tissues. Usually, when you least expect it. I don’t know which of the 500 pregnancy hormones affects your nose, but one of them does and not in a good way. One minute it’s dry, the next minute running like crazy, you wake up and it’s bleeding. Seriously, this has got to be worse than having a nose job. Plus things in your nose start to drive you nuts. Maybe it is preparation for when you’re going to have to worry about someone else’s snot? Either way – pack some tissues.

So there you have it – six goodies that have aided in keeping me (and Ryan) sane over the last nine months. What would be on your list? Any “must haves” for postpartum?

I’m all ears,

34 Weeks

I’m a few days late sharing our 34 Week image… things are moving a lot faster around these parts now and I can’t keep up. Or maybe I’m just moving a lot slower? Either way, the combination is brutal. I’m lucky if I can run a few errands and still fit in a nap before dinner time. Where does the day go?

So before I blink and there is a new baby taking up all 24 hours, let’s get on with the update:

Only a few more weeks until baby watch begins!

A Shower for Sprout!

No we’re not bathing babies yet… although that isn’t too far away now.

Yesterday was the best kind of shower imaginable – all kinds of cake and not a bar soap in sight (although we did receive some delicious baby bath products!). Our family and friends were nothing short of amazing and at the end of the day I was just in awe of their overwhelming generosity and love for this little person who they haven’t even met yet.

As I recovered (I had my first, “I’m so tired I’m just going to sit here and cry while I eat my dinner if that’s okay with you” pregnancy moment last night – poor Ryan) all I could think was how lucky we are and how lucky this little man is all ready.

So the BIGGEST of THANK YOUS goes out to our family and friends both here and away that sent well wishes and/or attended the festivities yesterday.

And to Ally, our lovely host, for opening up your home and crafting this spectacular shower we love you!

We are so, SO fortunate and SO grateful!

 

 

FRESHLY BREWED PHOTOS: Stesha

We’re slowly settling into a whole new routine full of resting, homemade dinners, and library books. While Maternity Leave has been pretty awesome thus far, I definitely underestimated how much there would be to do around the house – no joke – it’s amazing what you notice when there isn’t other things taking up your time.

So as I tick, “Cleaning out the Downstairs Closet” off today’s list let’s catch up with some photo fun…

1. Addie isn’t sure how to react to all this extra play time. 2. A little sister-in-law Love by the pool. 3. Ryan has gone into full assembly mode, I’m not sure who is having more fun with our baby goodies. 4. My amazingly clever husband also managed to find me a perfect Mother’s Day present. I love my new toy! 5. Some “Real California Ice Cream” in Nevada. 6. Addie’s daily, “There is a Baby in There” lesson. 7. Friends and Fiestas 8. Did you know it is a Summer of Shakes at Sonic?! Um hello half priced shakes after 8:00pm.

So you see, very exciting stuff here… It may not be too lively, but I think it is just what I needed.

32 Weeks

Holy crap, we’re eight weeks or less from having a baby.

Even the sandwich man at Whole Foods noticed I must be getting close. Thank you for pointing that out sandwich maker man.

On the up side, we’re eight weeks or less from having a baby. Yeah, it’s equally scary and amazing.

What’s not amazing? My GINORMOUS belly. Getting up from the couch is a whole new challenge these days. Thankfully Maternity Leave has officially begun… dun dun dun and today I’ve made it priority number one to take a nap. A real, cell phone off, no sound, after lunch, kind of nap. That might be the most glorious plan I’ve had in a long time.

Before curling up in a ball, how about an update?

I told you it was ginormous!

If you need me I’ll be on the couch,

 

 

30 Weeks

Well friends… we’re thirty weeks (and a few days, since I’m a slacker) down and only tenish weeks to go! Holy Bananas! That’s one week away from single digits. We’ve officially started a ten week countdown on the kitchen chalkboard and things are quickly kicking into overdrive (oh right, baby classes, diaper collection, bed linens – those would probably be good to have!)

In the meantime I just keep getting larger and larger… oh toes, how I miss you!

Pretty soon it’s going to be time for baby watch 2013!

FRESHLY BREWED PHOTOS: Stesha

Happy Friday All!

It’s photo time. Woop Woop!

1. Brunching, what we do best. 2. Can’t beat it. 3. Some new artwork for the loft. 4. Hamburgers! Hello Protein. 5. Ohmygosh delicious shaved ice! 6. Waiting for aforementioned ohmygosh delicious shaved ice. 7. Drinks – yes, that is my scrumptious looking club soda in the front….wha wha wha.. 8. Surprise flowers, the best kind.

Here’s hoping your weekend is filled with sunshine and shaved ice!

Pie Angel

I have a Pie Angel – her name is Chai and she was definitely my Hero of the Week.

Admittedly, I wasn’t trying to rant about my intense cravings for Key Lime Pie in the 28 Week “Bump Update” although looking back it totally appears that way. I mean, talk about a crazy pregnant girl. But my Pie Angel clearly spotted the desperation in my text. On Thursday last week I opened my door, somewhat unexpectedly to the UPS man and a medium sized box. Had I forgotten about something I ordered? Wouldn’t be the first time…

And let’s face it, when your life is as exciting as mine these days (Ahem…) receiving packages is easily the highlight of the day. So I tore into the cardboard with gusto and you should have seen the surprise when I discovered a PIE! A PIE! A real, cold, perfectly wrapped Key Lime Pie. I honestly couldn’t believe it.

As you can see the pie came with strict instructions. I’m definitely not one to bend the rules, and because you never know when you might need some heavy whipped cream I just happened to have the ingredients for homemade whipped cream on hand. Oh don’t you look at the screen that way – doesn’t everyone stock heavy whipping cream in their fridge these days “Just in Case”?

So I got to whipping…

And eating… and yes, it was magical.

We’re not going to discuss how much pie is or is not left, let’s just say it was throughly enjoyed. Every. Last. Bite.

What about you? Do you have a “Pie” Angel? Did someone purchase your coffee at Starbucks? Hold the door open when your hands were full? Surprise you with exactly what you were craving? Share the good juju! Lord knows we could all use a pick me up.

 

28 WEEKS

We made it to the Third Trimester!! THANK THE SWEET LORD!

Reality is starting to set in and yesterday in order to really prepare for our upcoming delivery the dear husband and I took a “Maternity Ward” tour at our local hospital. I made it about one third of the way through the tour before passing out. I kid you not.

Pregnancy 101, Stesha 0

Thankfully I learned just how kind the nurses were firsthand and now we’re very curious to hear the results from my glucose test this past week. Until then, how about a little picture so you can see the GINORMOUS bump growing on the front of my body.

The Good Dr. says I’m measuring right on… but seriously, that bump is huge

… and it’s only getting bigger.

A Spring Table

It’s hard to stay indoors this time of year. I’m sure our friends on the East Coast are grumbling at me as I type, but over here things are a balmy seventy something with a cool breeze. Yeah, spring is amazing in the desert – the whole two weeks that it lasts.

So you can’t blame me for wanting to do a little al fresco dining while I have the chance. This project would work just as well for some inside decor though. Maybe bring in a little long awaited sunshine to your kitchen table or a pot shelf?

Succulents are always in season!

Step One: Grab some old soup cans, veggie cans or my favorite tomato cans (look at that gorgeous inside) and get your paint on. Any color works – maybe a nice mint for April or sunshine yellow? Heck – toss in some washi tape and you’re practically Picasso.

Step Two: Plant your favorite succulent friends and give a gentle misting (remember, these guys don’t need a ton of water). We like to include a few stones/rocks/Etc. in the bottom of each can for good drainage.

Step Three: Enjoy! Not only will your table scape last all season (and long beyond with good care) – you can also rearrange your little gems depending on the guest count, table or situation. I can see cans stacked on books, blocks or any other “found” item to create some height. Or if you’re like us, keeping them low to encourage conversation. This is definitely a project you can make your own!

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to peel myself away from the world of pretty things to assemble our tax documents for the year. Oh yeah – we’ve got a fun Saturday in store for us.

Best wishes for a warm weekend!