tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84729637086021907812024-03-19T22:31:05.512-07:00The Dorito ChroniclesMariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472963708602190781.post-49866128077040782062010-11-12T05:49:00.000-08:002010-11-12T06:09:23.718-08:00Lulu: 18 MonthsLulu, <div><div><br /><div>I feel a little bad that I haven't kept up with these letters, or this blog. But I have a good reason, it's because I've been too busy having fun with you. I think it's probably time to admit this blog is over, time to print out the pages and set them aside for when, maybe, you are one day pregnant and wondering what it was like for old mom.</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538663584967714370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Z665WZ8bRXXnjHJX_l2nYeEF-DKVrgn6SGHDd_jfHjuFSWDgkfyicBVY4jOU3yHdkUaJmIy7TW-sqiAqXkZa6u1WRlTlgqFYZNkHNg5SH9riZ1v8NTmtCIh5QcLn0SqUNzcXljKkVRNi/s320/18mo.JPG" border="0" />Your 18-month-old self is so much FUN. You don't walk, you run. You don't giggle, you guffaw. You have so many hugs and kisses to give, it's overwhelming. My poor heart. I love you so.<br /><br /><div>At 1.5 years of age, you are still really into Elmo and Sesame Street in general. No other TV show really gets your attention. Your favorite books are Olivia and Madeline. You say Olivia "Oliliya" and Madeline "Mamamamine". You would happily listen to me read them several times a day, and I usually do.</div><br /><div>Your favorite foods are unpredictable. You still adore cheese with every fiber of your tiny being. It was one of your first words, cheese. You love fruit and like to hold the whole banana and take huge bites. You like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches cut into strips, which you eat daintily like they are small cobs of corn.</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538663680720091650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT70x2FtmkkKy_9odZgb6nd5_RN4gzUqVRO-wMWLD5lZU6H7BP_yqU4r-RBA9tnvRJAYmAdiqfxCnbVzIO64ubdpEIcJBFn2BEbJgVUSfnSZPWQgkRZPx9TRjJav6AvQLin9uzj9TXI-4U/s320/fall.JPG" border="0" />You are just cutting your 16th tooth, meaning you cut 12 teeth in the 6 months since your first birthday. This has been rough but you've been a good sport. Your teeth are tiny and straight and perfect. You love having them and being able to eat crunchy things like tortilla chips.<br /><br /><div>You love to close doors and then knock on them, saying "knock knock knock!" When you say mama it's with a sweet smile and always "ma ma ma". Your current favorite activity is to collect rocks and then drop them in the lake, one by one. When I throw a big rock out in to the water, you clap for me every time.</div><br /><div>My favorite word to hear you say is "more." You always say it like it's a question and I'm determined to record it. You said it the most when we're at the park and you want to go down the slide again. More? More? More? Then you figured out how to climb up there on your own. One more time you don't need me to do something for you. I need to get used to that.</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538663785336849842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehmKKZvjz-Kddg7nVzJRky4IDvupEIRVnuQ_jvZAgYipmxhDpSk6NDO-tL-bMEsorQudPOAFMW5WJDVsBk4wchyphenhyphenBkha0e0aPPC7Rsm-rdrwOkeG-yrdmyVBLLn7X3CgDPmK2wYxq575fl/s320/pigtails.JPG" border="0" />You're gorgeous. I know everyone thinks their child is secretly the prettiest, but come on. I love you so much and I wonder if this heart swelling, catching of breath feeling that I've had in my chest since the second you were born will ever go away. I hope not.</div><div> </div><div>love,</div><div> </div><div>Mamama</div></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472963708602190781.post-88287627682350392322009-11-02T06:21:00.001-08:002009-11-02T06:46:18.934-08:00Fall.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3bznNgaI7d0/SuyeGXU9wPI/AAAAAAAAG-Q/gsveIwWN-TE/s912/DSC_0013.JPG"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 449px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 351px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3bznNgaI7d0/SuyeGXU9wPI/AAAAAAAAG-Q/gsveIwWN-TE/s912/DSC_0013.JPG" border="0" /></a> My darling, darling girl. It's November now, the month you turn 6-months-old. How we could possibly be in November already is unfathomable to me. I swear we just brought you home from the hospital, so tiny but so mighty. Those first few days, when I could only go 45 minutes between feeding you and quite honestly went out of my brain with exhaustion, seem both miles away and like they were just yesterday.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_3bznNgaI7d0/SuyeE_LQigI/AAAAAAAAG-A/LUu6w4r7p0o/s912/DSC_0009.JPG"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 430px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 303px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_3bznNgaI7d0/SuyeE_LQigI/AAAAAAAAG-A/LUu6w4r7p0o/s912/DSC_0009.JPG" border="0" /></a> You are such a big girl now. Still petite but so strong and fun and seriously a joy. Every day your dad and I marvel at what a delight you are. You rarely cry, you laugh all the time, and your personality is just infectious. I can't get enough of you and I miss you so much while I'm at work every day.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3bznNgaI7d0/SuyeI_XPZII/AAAAAAAAG-0/61qcPk6hd8Y/s576/DSC_0022.JPG"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 383px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 576px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3bznNgaI7d0/SuyeI_XPZII/AAAAAAAAG-0/61qcPk6hd8Y/s576/DSC_0022.JPG" border="0" /></a> I regret not writing more during these first six months, but honestly any free time I could devote to writing is time I could be spending with you. It's been really hard on me, being away from you every day. Even though you are in such good hands with your dad and your grandmother, I hate not being there. The good news is, when I come get you at Meno and ChuChu's house every day I am greeted with the most amazing, huge smile and you reaching your little arms out to me. You cling to me like a little monkey and nustle your head into my neck, breathing me in. My whole body relaxes and I could just eat you up, I love you so.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_3bznNgaI7d0/Suyeeke_7CI/AAAAAAAAHBk/IEX_ZkgfeWo/s576/DSC_0064.JPG"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 383px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 576px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_3bznNgaI7d0/Suyeeke_7CI/AAAAAAAAHBk/IEX_ZkgfeWo/s576/DSC_0064.JPG" border="0" /></a> Speaking of monkey, you were a sock monkey for your first Halloween. You didn't really get it but as usual you were a great sport during yet another photo session. We already have so many photos of you that I'm glad we have a second hard drive. You are just such a gorgeous thing that I can't help but take a million pictures of you! Sometimes I catch myself sitting at my desk looking at all of them again.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_3bznNgaI7d0/SuyeP7aimjI/AAAAAAAAG_4/znCOM1WqCX8/s912/DSC_0039.JPG"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 511px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 312px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_3bznNgaI7d0/SuyeP7aimjI/AAAAAAAAG_4/znCOM1WqCX8/s912/DSC_0039.JPG" border="0" /></a> Right now you are really into grabbing any and everything with your hands and shoving it into your mouth. You sit in your exersaucer and stretch your little neck so you can taste all of the different toys. Your sweet mouth and little tongue kill me.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_3bznNgaI7d0/SuyeK8_q31I/AAAAAAAAG_I/0_R13lCtb-I/s912/DSC_0027.JPG"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 531px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 325px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_3bznNgaI7d0/SuyeK8_q31I/AAAAAAAAG_I/0_R13lCtb-I/s912/DSC_0027.JPG" border="0" /></a> You also really love things that crackle and crunch, like the cellophane pages in your favorite cloth book. However, you did NOT like being put into a leaf pile. Maybe next year.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3bznNgaI7d0/SuyeKZ8FRII/AAAAAAAAG_E/qE7Yson9AFk/s912/DSC_0026.JPG"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 512px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 360px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3bznNgaI7d0/SuyeKZ8FRII/AAAAAAAAG_E/qE7Yson9AFk/s912/DSC_0026.JPG" border="0" /></a> At night we get into bed together and you scootch yourself over against me and start cooing and chirping your little song. We read Goodnight Moon and you nurse and you pat my chest while you eat. As you drift off to sleep you get all sweaty and rosey and I don't want to be anywhere else in the world. I love you, little girl. I hope you know that by now.<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472963708602190781.post-29579901488458075492009-05-28T16:38:00.001-07:002009-05-28T16:42:55.753-07:00Two weeks and change.You are so delicious.<br /><br />Your mouth is just like mine and I can't stop looking at you. You make the best faces, asleep or awake.<br /><br />You make tiny piglet grunty noises when you are hungry. You try to latch onto my cheek and I die from cuteness.<br /><br />All of your newborn clothes are too big on you with the exception of some expensive designer baby clothes that were gifts. I feel like this justifies expensive designer baby clothes all of the sudden.<br /><br />You are just so tiny, such miniature perfection.<br /><br />I knew, having a daughter, that I would one day face the fact that I am now old and that you are much prettier than I am. Silly me thought that day was in the future but you are so <span style="font-style: italic;">pretty</span>. Your skin and your perfect rosebud face and everything about you already puts me to shame. I can't begin to compete and I really don't care to.<br /><br />I'm just so amazed that I even get to take credit for you.Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472963708602190781.post-27667415617086308522009-05-20T06:32:00.000-07:002009-05-20T06:43:33.722-07:00My labor story.Monday found me going to my 38 week OB appointment as planned. I was scheduled to get another ultrasound to make sure that the baby was growing properly, since she was measuring on the small side at 36 weeks. I literally didn't think that having the baby any time soon was an option--everyone loved to tell me about how late they went with their first baby.<br /><br />Ha. Haha.<br /><br />Well, not only was the baby still a bit smaller than they would like, my amniotic fluid was low, earning me a first class ticket to the labor and delivery ward. My OB kindly gave us an hour to go home and make some arrangements.<br /><br />After coming home to pack our bags and eat a quick lunch of burritos, we head to the labor and delivery ward. I had already filled out my admission paperwork, so we were checked in within minutes. We're directed to our room where we just kind of hang out for a half hour or so. It feels strangely like a hotel. Eventually, the nurse comes in, gives me a gown, and gets me strapped in to the monitors and hooked up to the saline IV that I'll be getting overnight. My doctor stops in to tell me that she has another option for me--originally my options were get fluids overnight and IF my amniotic levels go up, go on bed rest for two days to wait for natural labor, then get induced, OR get induced in the morning if the levels are the same. She said I could try Cervadil, a string that they put up in there that is infused with prostaglandin, the hormone that ripens your cervix. In most women it has a 20% chance of starting labor, but because I was already dilated to 2cm and 80% effaced she said that she would put my chances at 50-60%. I was all for this as it's a much less invasive way to get things going, so they put in the Cervadil. It stays in for 12 hours. Chris runs out to feed Buster and pick up soup from Panera, since I won't be allowed to eat after midnight. He also gets the DVD player and we watch episodes of The Office for a while.<br /> <br />That night I had an awful time sleeping because Lulu was moving a lot and the monitors kept losing her, setting off an alarm. Plus, the bed was just uncomfortable and I was pretty anxious. Around 2am I started noticing mild contractions, like menstrual cramps. The nurse gave me Ambien to try and get me to sleep, which helped a little. I still barely slept, which became a factor the next day.<br /> <br />The next morning, I had dilated to 3 and was having more regular contractions. My doctor told me that she was 98% sure that if she broke my water I would go into more serious labor. So, she broke my water, which didn't amount to much because my levels were still low in spite of the saline (saline I lugged around for days but seem to have lost now, thank you very much). Within an hour my contractions got more intense, but were still bearable. I kind of let them wash over me and breathed through them. Because I was trying to go natural as long as possible, they agreed to let me off the monitors for 45 minutes out of every hour. I paced around and ate popsicles and huffed and puffed. This whole stage of labor tastes like grape popsicles to me. They offered me a birthing ball and sitting on that for 45 minutes made me dilate two more cm. At this point I'm at 6cm and it's getting really fucking intense. Because I am so tired I'm having trouble controlling my breathing and I keep hyperventilating. There is a period when every time a contraction ends I say "it just feels so good when they stop". The contractions are not peaks and valleys but are long plateaus, the longest ones lasting well over 3 minutes, with just seconds in between. When I reach 8cm my hands went numb and I cried uncle and said bring on the fucking epidural. <br /> <br />Getting the epidural sucked because my contractions were still nonstop but I had to be really still. Once it kicked in, though, I felt like a million bucks. In retrospect, I likely would not have made it through pushing if I had stayed natural because I was just so exhausted. I felt so good now that I was just chatting about recipes and stuff. My OB came in to check me and said I seemed to be just about ready. While she was doing the cervical exam, she had me do a practice push and the baby moved forward the last three inches all in one go. Suddenly it was Time To Have The Baby and the room sprung into action.<br /><br />The only real negative thing about the epidural is not really knowing how to push. I just kind of squeezed and concentrated my effort the best I could. I had a nurse on one leg, Chris on the other, and my mom supporting my shoulders. Even though it didn't hurt at all pushing was REALLY fucking hard work for me. I was still so exhausted from the night before and the day's labor. Regardless, after only 45 minutes of pushing, she was Right There and I just needed a couple of really strong pushes to get her out. Here is where I did something I never thought I'd do, I asked for the mirror. My OB told me if I could just see how close she was I would find the strength to push that much longer. So in comes the mirror and I can see a good three inches of the top of her head and her wavy hair. At this point I thought her head was abnormally small and actually thought "I will love her in spite of her pinhead". My mom thought the same thing. Once the mirror was in the room I only pushed two more times and she was here! It was actually really neat to watch, and I was so distracted by the baby that I didn't see the placenta being delivered. My mom did, though, and really wishes she didn't. I will say that I wish they had removed the mirror while they cleaned/stitched me up, but it was easy to ignore because hello, baby.<br /><br />My doctor worked really hard to keep me from tearing, massaging literally a whole bottle of astroglide around my perineum during labor. Because of this I only had a small tear that didn't go into the muscle and required one stitch. I am SO thankful that she is anti-episiotomy and all about preserving the integrity of my vagina. TMI once again, but it's so true. Because of her patience I didn't have any bruising and I'm feeling pretty good by now.<br /><br />I'm so happy that I still got a mostly natural labor and didn't have to get the Pitocin. So happy. Even though the situation was not my complete ideal I don't think it could have gone better. Plus, in the end I got to take home an awesome, good-smelling, incredibly sweet and adorable baby.Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472963708602190781.post-30772470585066423282009-05-20T06:29:00.000-07:002009-05-20T06:32:31.784-07:00She's here!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicmsYJ1JKBkd9iMIXcUEUmjDHCO4vsZebWasFousl-GZz3TlJS2LYH2Nq0gx5DlMRgC8THUpMnTsOGp_Wigh7uOwmEyr6-B0lmqi8gSYWsz6N7L7YzKhzP0tt-YxSzhZq4frHmRXlnfaV/s1600-h/DSC_0421.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicmsYJ1JKBkd9iMIXcUEUmjDHCO4vsZebWasFousl-GZz3TlJS2LYH2Nq0gx5DlMRgC8THUpMnTsOGp_Wigh7uOwmEyr6-B0lmqi8gSYWsz6N7L7YzKhzP0tt-YxSzhZq4frHmRXlnfaV/s400/DSC_0421.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337898345211525682" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><br /></span>Lucille "Lulu" Marie Canada. 5 lb. 9 oz. of awesome.Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472963708602190781.post-63396656489172141912009-05-05T12:15:00.000-07:002009-05-05T12:16:53.511-07:00The Little Peanut.This is what my OB has taken to calling you. You're a wee thing, but oh so fiesty. And you are moving right on down and getting settled in my pelvic area. It's taken the pressure off my poor stomach and lungs but OH MY GOD. My poor bladder!Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472963708602190781.post-20901057076966896332009-04-30T12:01:00.000-07:002009-04-30T12:08:35.986-07:0036.5 weeks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0x2SYTaKByQz5xvNJ4UUhGEF-78bIfkzNBdk3nlHDP6rzffgSfxOHu_j5lM7b0KkQGc_FoF2hdqyYx50eldKo17v_tNm_OE5gEOBs_Yq82s1wCSx4eAe5Vi4b4qxoSofimOo3ZPW0oM53/s1600-h/DSC_0297.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330561783383599794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0x2SYTaKByQz5xvNJ4UUhGEF-78bIfkzNBdk3nlHDP6rzffgSfxOHu_j5lM7b0KkQGc_FoF2hdqyYx50eldKo17v_tNm_OE5gEOBs_Yq82s1wCSx4eAe5Vi4b4qxoSofimOo3ZPW0oM53/s400/DSC_0297.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Oof, would you take a look at that belly. Here we are, just a day from being considered full term. I can't believe it. While I know that most likely I am still going to be pregnant for another 3-4 weeks, it's still thrilling to know that you're basically in the clear to come along any time now. <br /><br />We had our 36 week ultrasound at the beginning of this week and it was so cool to see how much you've grown. To see your fat little hands and your long, strong leg bones and your heart beating away. You got the hiccups and if I was more tech-savvy I would insert the video here, because it's pretty damn cute. You're also pretty damn tiny. You are on the petite side, but your father and I were both pretty small babies so it's not entirely surprising. As long as you keep growing, you're in good shape. And apparently your powerful kicks and endless hiccups are good signs that you are in fact petite, and not malnourished or something. I am such a perfectionistic hostess, I couldn't bear it if you weren't having a good time in there.<br /><br />You are still kicking and twisting and moving as much as ever. You are head down and in the right position and I'm just so PLEASED with you right now! Yes, I'm tired. I'm so tired that it makes me a little weepy, and also our air conditioner is broken and that's an unpleasant adult thing to have to deal with. But regardless, no matter that being pregnant is starting to lose it's charm, I just can't wait to meet you. I never thought I would enjoy being pregnant so much and I have to owe some of that to you. You've been a charming little partner in crime and I just can't wait to see your face and those fat little hands in person.Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472963708602190781.post-57108927841193270362009-04-21T06:26:00.000-07:002009-04-21T06:28:09.088-07:00Maternity fashion, week 36.<div><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/21-09/set?.mid=embed&id=8172181"><img width="400" alt="4-21-09" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFnFBVmRWbmN1M2hHNS1nRHVTNlQ4WVEAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="4-21-09" height="400" border="0" /></a><br/><small><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.polyvore.com/21-09/set?.mid=embed&id=8172181">4-21-09</a> by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.mid=embed&id=309814">mariannecanada</a> on <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/">Polyvore.com</a></small></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472963708602190781.post-18241295263670788532009-04-14T05:58:00.000-07:002009-04-14T06:41:15.156-07:00Tiny clothes, tiny diapers.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PsT3_4knlv03sniC6zFDtuOs3wAW-Y7E0beYqMV6CtGIbxBIxq1z8GnWv0B6j32lZVAPDZUh7ey066t0Eaft8L4eeWjuy1S2L3KoE3fLBnfrDhFBO5F5kNOxcf-BEgdZJ0eqLUNxSH5Z/s1600-h/DSC03855.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324534343087536130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PsT3_4knlv03sniC6zFDtuOs3wAW-Y7E0beYqMV6CtGIbxBIxq1z8GnWv0B6j32lZVAPDZUh7ey066t0Eaft8L4eeWjuy1S2L3KoE3fLBnfrDhFBO5F5kNOxcf-BEgdZJ0eqLUNxSH5Z/s400/DSC03855.JPG" border="0" /></a> Dude, your room! How cute is your room? This will likely be a pretty boring entry but I really want to document some sources before I forget where I got things or what I did here. First of all, that adorable rug is from Ikea and was a complete steal. Buster loves it most of all. The Eames-knockoff rocker is from eBay and is really uncomfortable. I'll probably sell it on Craigslist but for now it looks great with an Ikea sheepskin on it.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihm0c9vA7Fvv47O9vhp9WCOS5p07Ugmxh5Eqarnf-AtFWTA1rGaa8oW_TLTV3UrqdwHDgmXji09T0LNSSXJ9jOG6OCnDlPLbgyfU8QLuYtRQHjEDxTmjq8UyjjLkDMGgymmjSPjxUd5w_d/s1600-h/DSC03854.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324534304541373634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihm0c9vA7Fvv47O9vhp9WCOS5p07Ugmxh5Eqarnf-AtFWTA1rGaa8oW_TLTV3UrqdwHDgmXji09T0LNSSXJ9jOG6OCnDlPLbgyfU8QLuYtRQHjEDxTmjq8UyjjLkDMGgymmjSPjxUd5w_d/s400/DSC03854.JPG" border="0" /></a> The crib is another Ikea bargain ($99!), and I love the simplicity of it, and that it isn't a massive hunk of furniture. The artwork comes from your talented aunt Helen, who also helped me make the mobile. More on the mobile in a second. The hippo joins us from Ikea and I think I'll name her Penelope.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBuF6mtjc5t0P0tR9s5L-rQejZIYqhMfI4oy4Nf5hXjynHDMQj4gXI7tmpcCLpV5tAYNeYCyUsz-SjWO_UFtCJzupDLMd-dIxNEXRs3miyE3KNSKTByNUm-1y8Obf7pKLkowq0_D2kuWl/s1600-h/DSC03856.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324534247867645874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBuF6mtjc5t0P0tR9s5L-rQejZIYqhMfI4oy4Nf5hXjynHDMQj4gXI7tmpcCLpV5tAYNeYCyUsz-SjWO_UFtCJzupDLMd-dIxNEXRs3miyE3KNSKTByNUm-1y8Obf7pKLkowq0_D2kuWl/s400/DSC03856.JPG" border="0" /></a> Dwell Target bird sheets, a family heirloom quilt (in grey, purple, and pink--how on trend are these colors on a really old quilt? very nice!), a super soft receiving blanket, and a felted "lovey" blanket.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0vWP5k6jAoCB_T4EOMCG6tt7adFtfAOt_m310v94rCBrT2ILfmoZ3iS7r5c4CRLQ3QBrcku-qM2ySchigVUq5TP5cx3LrJGFi9L4-s3-8jCjB2mU_Dn3peruS9eV0OnipSe-HXeg3HCw/s1600-h/DSC03857.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324534146643141570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0vWP5k6jAoCB_T4EOMCG6tt7adFtfAOt_m310v94rCBrT2ILfmoZ3iS7r5c4CRLQ3QBrcku-qM2ySchigVUq5TP5cx3LrJGFi9L4-s3-8jCjB2mU_Dn3peruS9eV0OnipSe-HXeg3HCw/s400/DSC03857.JPG" border="0" /></a> Helen and I made the mobile--she made tons and tons of these paper flowers for an art installation. We strung the small ones on fishing wire with a bead and hung them from embroidery hoops. I love how this turned out, especially since some of the paper mobiles I was admiring were over $80! <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-m2DHoY4f-kQV5IfgMNNygur1SmAjNauZMXGY744OhapRECyNPQwPy1GoNTCfdV1-OFaGBlAXocWHeRx7T9X47Jo-sWkDdh_fDdfKndcc6YHslF_WqZphT5JkrLyP8com_00CjCvk0hM/s1600-h/DSC03858.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324534100220725170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-m2DHoY4f-kQV5IfgMNNygur1SmAjNauZMXGY744OhapRECyNPQwPy1GoNTCfdV1-OFaGBlAXocWHeRx7T9X47Jo-sWkDdh_fDdfKndcc6YHslF_WqZphT5JkrLyP8com_00CjCvk0hM/s400/DSC03858.JPG" border="0" /></a> Now I think Helen and I should go into business with these babies.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJjxGOq2t1pioSPtRVINAag52YfYdVxkwl0h4Qitr0k1QYMFS6mD9QWcEn2y1CzlVu0yuIiErN4mqCMyqVCpaZC3FHv6ctgTCtWPaQkS0OQXEZprKeWsahf2jIh9uS1dP4TOST3TobpEg/s1600-h/DSC03859.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324534054319114610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJjxGOq2t1pioSPtRVINAag52YfYdVxkwl0h4Qitr0k1QYMFS6mD9QWcEn2y1CzlVu0yuIiErN4mqCMyqVCpaZC3FHv6ctgTCtWPaQkS0OQXEZprKeWsahf2jIh9uS1dP4TOST3TobpEg/s400/DSC03859.JPG" border="0" /></a> You don't have a lot of toys yet, but I have to say the stuff you have is incredible nice. Here we have a Steiff teddy bear that my dad gave me years and years ago, a knit BlahBlah doll from your great-great-Aunt Angie, and an organic cotton peapod toy. The yellow bin I already had and the toy chest is from, where else? Ikea.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMkNjT86Gp6ghZFveotN8cUC1JjzhjAKPAgGxe7fyqmRr5XIvVMKm8k7fD9WWoqx77bsU4mgSUb4eGXBxCGEIKjglJPEnqAJsLsyrRvBSPa9P2WjjKDNvBsdW2GQdjbMomhYhYOc5gxiN/s1600-h/DSC03860.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324534005171776626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMkNjT86Gp6ghZFveotN8cUC1JjzhjAKPAgGxe7fyqmRr5XIvVMKm8k7fD9WWoqx77bsU4mgSUb4eGXBxCGEIKjglJPEnqAJsLsyrRvBSPa9P2WjjKDNvBsdW2GQdjbMomhYhYOc5gxiN/s400/DSC03860.JPG" border="0" /></a> Strawberry print from the ever-talented Helen.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_28ewsdiIqobB8bNV3Q40KLO-HH3LW8CuXqz6rslhASjPoVqFzl-_Q4UxpqfipztEcrsdF175LpZ6q3bZl9dcu3Zhhjbs3NtSktHVarxlKuQk-hiCtnkbSeWCUEiIwRFTGiNht1k2t0f/s1600-h/DSC03861.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324533958486676482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_28ewsdiIqobB8bNV3Q40KLO-HH3LW8CuXqz6rslhASjPoVqFzl-_Q4UxpqfipztEcrsdF175LpZ6q3bZl9dcu3Zhhjbs3NtSktHVarxlKuQk-hiCtnkbSeWCUEiIwRFTGiNht1k2t0f/s400/DSC03861.JPG" border="0" /></a> Dwell Target glider purchased to replace uncomfortable, but very stylish, Eames shell rocker. This glider is great and seems to be really well made. Thrifted Russian table, thrifted lamp and Ikea lampshade. The quilt was a shower gift from my grandmother.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2CqxfZ9aayUaRj_5JYj_upn-qKWqwV9Hqub_1W9lwp5NpZ9zEbC9KOt3eIgkF9O-X55aKgVPw8wRuuESKAnqLVwE-8QeVSk8HmbHZZSfa4CV5ba40xvwyr1FMcKrU4fJcVtoV4PhjHfz/s1600-h/DSC03864.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324533866564042130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2CqxfZ9aayUaRj_5JYj_upn-qKWqwV9Hqub_1W9lwp5NpZ9zEbC9KOt3eIgkF9O-X55aKgVPw8wRuuESKAnqLVwE-8QeVSk8HmbHZZSfa4CV5ba40xvwyr1FMcKrU4fJcVtoV4PhjHfz/s400/DSC03864.JPG" border="0" /></a> If you have to deal with poop, it might as well be a cute set-up, right? Ikea changing table. Vintage flour sack changing pad cover (I know this will get dirty immediately, I have a whole stack of them in various patterns). Diaper pail (read: trashcan) from Target with Whammies waterproof pail liner from Cutie Tooties. Baskets from Target; diapers, wipes, and other supplies from Cutie Tooties. Large pink print from Helen.</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydDEmB0xp4hr4LqB-S_pRGYXaSP7j834oPALHYiYfl-w4onZoOLvE_24mP5HE_mvPHVX519oJAZ9ocnufeZe21ieUWs-13gNgxAkc9B4cKx0TVgsKH6iRyBYaZbzIyz6PkTWyGcvhEs3q/s1600-h/DSC03866.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324533787976637218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydDEmB0xp4hr4LqB-S_pRGYXaSP7j834oPALHYiYfl-w4onZoOLvE_24mP5HE_mvPHVX519oJAZ9ocnufeZe21ieUWs-13gNgxAkc9B4cKx0TVgsKH6iRyBYaZbzIyz6PkTWyGcvhEs3q/s400/DSC03866.JPG" border="0" /></a> I love this collection of teeny art! "Spring" tin sign from anthropologie, Ichabod and Susannah paintings and Hawaiian "sisters" chalk drawing collected over the years. Mini woodblock art from my other talented sister Sara Kate.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobKnXjgIl46OerrSVbUbACYQxOUPM7fOA-jM1eQGLTZ1ZUIVhGEyUutzulFpwceyyTKBw-JX3Q2TAdifwSYVAf933nSonUFrHp5wEFfOFLGq1WdOuXmYPiskMjYZQobTqRUEiNZdPkUov/s1600-h/DSC03865.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324533740565649938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobKnXjgIl46OerrSVbUbACYQxOUPM7fOA-jM1eQGLTZ1ZUIVhGEyUutzulFpwceyyTKBw-JX3Q2TAdifwSYVAf933nSonUFrHp5wEFfOFLGq1WdOuXmYPiskMjYZQobTqRUEiNZdPkUov/s400/DSC03865.JPG" border="0" /></a> Turn your nose up at cloth diapering if you must, but they are really cute.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTrd_GkBqbXPc2CSNbgLqU5IdBOHMqI3MzzW6W8EYjZZLrWo9hPbsoZXCDfZ6G5HfCPB6OFrn78Vg832XvbQck_fqYv-htCcNDCXmPKA8Opu6_FQ_G9Hp4I49Ar5B7Lx_j7vGCGjq3G0n/s1600-h/DSC03868.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324533566122767554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTrd_GkBqbXPc2CSNbgLqU5IdBOHMqI3MzzW6W8EYjZZLrWo9hPbsoZXCDfZ6G5HfCPB6OFrn78Vg832XvbQck_fqYv-htCcNDCXmPKA8Opu6_FQ_G9Hp4I49Ar5B7Lx_j7vGCGjq3G0n/s400/DSC03868.JPG" border="0" /></a>Speaking of cute, teeny clothes! Everything for 0-3 months is organized, washed and folded. </div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBwpsehh4P3XjNfsKTT_gJS9Gae-WjMQQLjcBlE09Mu0PJDQ3O4W0JRuVpyWbmCpxjAfCf1crGffu_LdaZpYghBzrnUmrUdO5uVQfuG2pwQwnI-53uvviv3o3vhMYNHvpZpfxFltHiMaK/s1600-h/DSC03867.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324533479752078770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBwpsehh4P3XjNfsKTT_gJS9Gae-WjMQQLjcBlE09Mu0PJDQ3O4W0JRuVpyWbmCpxjAfCf1crGffu_LdaZpYghBzrnUmrUdO5uVQfuG2pwQwnI-53uvviv3o3vhMYNHvpZpfxFltHiMaK/s400/DSC03867.JPG" border="0" /></a> It's satisfying to see all of this tiny cuteness in one place.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqRSsPE_L1_pc_g1Fjqo8rW5-EB88-kX3eF0NUQvuOAHjZmZVpgGDYC-p6rbo6L-lG4C0Ioma2_en1ymygt4t7ro68GFnBxhnIavflO20svwbsti3p7UQsyfxnvA0l2uSnnUAcTj0x9Cw/s1600-h/DSC03847.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324533360766991810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqRSsPE_L1_pc_g1Fjqo8rW5-EB88-kX3eF0NUQvuOAHjZmZVpgGDYC-p6rbo6L-lG4C0Ioma2_en1ymygt4t7ro68GFnBxhnIavflO20svwbsti3p7UQsyfxnvA0l2uSnnUAcTj0x9Cw/s400/DSC03847.JPG" border="0" /></a> My mom brought over some clothes she save from when I was little, and this vintage hanger was in the bag. This picture isn't the best, but it has bunnies on it.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqaBTO2HCl43RSkF25wUH6_7Z38weJzEkjHuyA6GaIksO6kjCaIdia4GtbrchOWImH8tpc7l43pldjNHCwo0G_3TjAMR2T9yzfkSs09_FdzyrgCMjUOAazsyBH0yEV0pQ0sm6EQrAB1qe/s1600-h/DSC03848.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324533302283983938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqaBTO2HCl43RSkF25wUH6_7Z38weJzEkjHuyA6GaIksO6kjCaIdia4GtbrchOWImH8tpc7l43pldjNHCwo0G_3TjAMR2T9yzfkSs09_FdzyrgCMjUOAazsyBH0yEV0pQ0sm6EQrAB1qe/s400/DSC03848.JPG" border="0" /></a> So, I decided to use one of your frocks to decorate your closet. This is from Boden by way of eBay.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0ZMP4jMS24HPFHQm9FJ1jKykLVmsD3ZjtSYp9_g0RsJRefEZTPk5uXdIMWmNuXUTe3W5icaHFV-a9w3ZfMLZkPglGYBQq9_F16Ab9JH8m8NJ6N1pqGfhSFMl_FW7QmCex86uzTw-UR9q/s1600-h/DSC03849.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324533238647634354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0ZMP4jMS24HPFHQm9FJ1jKykLVmsD3ZjtSYp9_g0RsJRefEZTPk5uXdIMWmNuXUTe3W5icaHFV-a9w3ZfMLZkPglGYBQq9_F16Ab9JH8m8NJ6N1pqGfhSFMl_FW7QmCex86uzTw-UR9q/s400/DSC03849.JPG" border="0" /></a>AH! Someone is having a girl. </div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZzhBy5GqE-mqMLct23j_hKmH76dNpQpKaqknKJznnAyd-AiqBHHQU70GsYfo-dwYX50Xf5TJN-ph_zmVkEkwzZBGZoyah0VdBki0nQoVx2WPqIL43IJcX5GHeitSO1Q4sXJR5l3thxD2/s1600-h/DSC03850.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324532777242850194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZzhBy5GqE-mqMLct23j_hKmH76dNpQpKaqknKJznnAyd-AiqBHHQU70GsYfo-dwYX50Xf5TJN-ph_zmVkEkwzZBGZoyah0VdBki0nQoVx2WPqIL43IJcX5GHeitSO1Q4sXJR5l3thxD2/s400/DSC03850.JPG" border="0" /></a> I love the way this bookshelf area turned out. Vintage bookshelves I've had forever.</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_mMcaVPOR_3n0bMWyX4JA7bICGiyDh9ZDhgwi7RSaaJYKNMotwg7BrMN2-6ltgN7uRzg6_AYhlB6WEr17_jIPFZo2pum3V9lnSWMKWUSzwLmHkfLRl7kwqXMUTAmP7d1X0j7QFSZYk2U/s1600-h/DSC03852.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324532742691109202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_mMcaVPOR_3n0bMWyX4JA7bICGiyDh9ZDhgwi7RSaaJYKNMotwg7BrMN2-6ltgN7uRzg6_AYhlB6WEr17_jIPFZo2pum3V9lnSWMKWUSzwLmHkfLRl7kwqXMUTAmP7d1X0j7QFSZYk2U/s400/DSC03852.JPG" border="0" /></a> I picked up some great Charley Harper stuff from Old Navy last year--board books, a coloring book, and some games. We've also been given some classics.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcyzlnPJmLuvlTadmfiskavNzW47WldH_TXJ7Te8-Q93MNd1eY6cLyrAMd5Pteoe4JYNHDxUxI39uZDcirOhDNzr28HdZFKzdAK8pbX6rC5JEbDUJuQoIeq5TIgNLgJEXpaOtp1MJ_VcS/s1600-h/DSC03851.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324532691832415090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcyzlnPJmLuvlTadmfiskavNzW47WldH_TXJ7Te8-Q93MNd1eY6cLyrAMd5Pteoe4JYNHDxUxI39uZDcirOhDNzr28HdZFKzdAK8pbX6rC5JEbDUJuQoIeq5TIgNLgJEXpaOtp1MJ_VcS/s400/DSC03851.JPG" border="0" /></a> One of Chris' students gave us the teensy Vans, they kill me. The giraffe teether is from France (via Cutie Tooties), and the letter "L" from eBay.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpn6KWRJ9MhghaTYwe7rkbmS1-PaXFgDl5W10b1NWbU9Qg5AqHTAbi58vykG5LZ3ruVIcqllxWM_Y6ns25dpumiUZ5-CSiX3o7QWXHNxL_iCI2VhK9T4tumNqjbirsulIP49J3ifvbw57I/s1600-h/DSC03846.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324532432089528450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpn6KWRJ9MhghaTYwe7rkbmS1-PaXFgDl5W10b1NWbU9Qg5AqHTAbi58vykG5LZ3ruVIcqllxWM_Y6ns25dpumiUZ5-CSiX3o7QWXHNxL_iCI2VhK9T4tumNqjbirsulIP49J3ifvbw57I/s400/DSC03846.JPG" border="0" /></a> Paper cut-out from Etsy.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zpMh3L6krVOg_DMl36djTAYBhGGBI7ZSL-dYnu4zgdR7G-1PR7wWcb5SlH2En0hxk5fXSOOrVh-ijVEHMsjGr7gWlNo-jfmuMBrdtcCIkbPm5XmGJwMebBOUnMjLHU_J0MSBM03BfMhU/s1600-h/DSC03844.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324532306732129394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zpMh3L6krVOg_DMl36djTAYBhGGBI7ZSL-dYnu4zgdR7G-1PR7wWcb5SlH2En0hxk5fXSOOrVh-ijVEHMsjGr7gWlNo-jfmuMBrdtcCIkbPm5XmGJwMebBOUnMjLHU_J0MSBM03BfMhU/s400/DSC03844.JPG" border="0" /></a> Nashville Puppet Festival print from my friend Emily. I guess that's pretty much everything! We are waiting on the frames for two more prints to hang over the dresser, so I haven't shown that side of the room yet. But otherwise, everything is ready, we just need to add a baby! <div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472963708602190781.post-7898244323949638632009-04-13T09:27:00.000-07:002009-04-13T09:34:48.867-07:0034 weeksFirst of all, this:<br /><br /><div><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 480px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 640px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3bznNgaI7d0/SeH3GD4h7cI/AAAAAAAAE3Y/GDnXzBT4GUw/s640/DSC03841.JPG" border="0" /><br />Most of the nasty things people have been promising these last few weeks would bring seem to be true. The heartburn that makes me (try to) sleep sitting up, having to pee more than EVER, tiredness that stems from either the lack of sleep or increasingly unweildy body, UGH. And you show no sign of calming down, or sleeping more often, or having movements that are more gentle and rolling since you're running out of room. No, you seem hellbent on damaging my internal organs 24 hours a day.<br /></p><p>In cuter news, I can see your feet when you stretch out across my abdomen. You can feel me when I press on these little feet, you jerk them away and then kick back out again. It's cute, even though it hurts.</p><br /><p>Also cute? Your nursery. Oh man, this room is cute. I think it's my favorite room in the house.<br /></p><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 480px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 640px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_3bznNgaI7d0/SeH3LCfbDlI/AAAAAAAAE44/zuExM4nP-70/s640/DSC03854.JPG" border="0" /> </p><p>I'll have to do a more complete nursery post soon, because it's seriously ridiculous in there. So bright and cheerful and fun. <br /></p><div></div></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472963708602190781.post-77273146022875351362009-03-27T10:11:00.000-07:002009-03-27T10:16:04.489-07:0032 weeksYou made my OB laugh yesterday. She pressed lightly on one side of my belly and you immediately kicked back--hard. She chuckled and tried the other side with the same results. Then you kicked the fetal doppler once, twice, three times. You are not a child that likes your space infringed upon, it seems.<br /><br />Like I didn't know this. Like you don't kick me--hard--if I lean over, or wear pants that are too tight, or lay on a side you find unacceptable. Like you don't love to press against my poor ribcage until it literally feels bruised!<br /><br />I complain, but I really love that you are so strong. That you impress even my doctor, who pressed on pregnant bellies all day. That you are growing ridiculously, measuring over 33 weeks this week. I know most first time mothers go past their due date but you just seem to be so anxious to get out and stretch those long Farmer legs, it makes me wonder. <br /><br />Just please, stop trying to get out via my belly button. Not only does it feel so weird that it wakes me up in the night, gasping, it's just not medically advised.<br /><br />Updated belly pictures to come...Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472963708602190781.post-26080574744098693082009-03-19T07:18:00.000-07:002009-03-19T07:37:06.586-07:00Baby shower #1My mother, sisters, and sister-in-law threw me a lovely baby shower and invited all of the wonderful ladies in my family. It was such a wonderful afternoon and I'm so touched by the thoughtful gifts!<br /><br />These are the hostess gifts I brought:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPTS4XBHIwYuTKmIfg2qAPtXs3Nex-jv28LmF2tuJURxs9VrQ_YxOTWxOalr2m8YEypWsLx4SGiKxmVbeFixAa8qVVdxVA1hZsxOhbirkEpHqQRKOqysKr3Ln2kMFHOLWG2nX95SOUc70/s1600-h/hostess.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314906977860870066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPTS4XBHIwYuTKmIfg2qAPtXs3Nex-jv28LmF2tuJURxs9VrQ_YxOTWxOalr2m8YEypWsLx4SGiKxmVbeFixAa8qVVdxVA1hZsxOhbirkEpHqQRKOqysKr3Ln2kMFHOLWG2nX95SOUc70/s400/hostess.JPG" border="0" /></a>I wanted to keep one for myself but I'm really trying to be less selfish. It's hard.<br /><br />The decorations were just too cute, featuring mounds of paper roses that my sister Helen made (and later we fashioned into a fantastic mobile, more on that to come): <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiaUcHtzgSugttiT5Qe-NV7QyygCUHG1M95WtQH9pWXBx_IlFVdWc8ChNulPXuRrzceR5nhw8KxzHVsB88CSzN9ejBCzkrBLH8J1EBIt-XKCyFqv9up6S3IFwYQmoftxT6dg-KbLh7GVs/s1600-h/bed+of+roses.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314906855110533010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiaUcHtzgSugttiT5Qe-NV7QyygCUHG1M95WtQH9pWXBx_IlFVdWc8ChNulPXuRrzceR5nhw8KxzHVsB88CSzN9ejBCzkrBLH8J1EBIt-XKCyFqv9up6S3IFwYQmoftxT6dg-KbLh7GVs/s400/bed+of+roses.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmTWv-jXziWcUQfHmSMTyZrTaaY1pJ3Aj_XbDFFyQW8PBJBo-2e9-KGyKOL_kNkdej1NVAK-BaEX33ZLyO4PoI5Udh6ZDXdVDTw1zFcd9DevzY2OkFVktvCwtMvvINrzzwaqB9nyrsi0D/s1600-h/roses.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314906804697575026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmTWv-jXziWcUQfHmSMTyZrTaaY1pJ3Aj_XbDFFyQW8PBJBo-2e9-KGyKOL_kNkdej1NVAK-BaEX33ZLyO4PoI5Udh6ZDXdVDTw1zFcd9DevzY2OkFVktvCwtMvvINrzzwaqB9nyrsi0D/s400/roses.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNc3WU4RPos9-KXTFAQV2tE2ox_gR2PECyX4UHWPi7dzobmvwXFHkXoKWnoBKUyWIa6sRZB4hwstoxY-fjNKaVVuUM6h_ZPhwAE0rQ7Yu1ru5-nb2301hvT-I9ljvwpiprcMFAohQwrADA/s1600-h/favors.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314906726008791490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNc3WU4RPos9-KXTFAQV2tE2ox_gR2PECyX4UHWPi7dzobmvwXFHkXoKWnoBKUyWIa6sRZB4hwstoxY-fjNKaVVuUM6h_ZPhwAE0rQ7Yu1ru5-nb2301hvT-I9ljvwpiprcMFAohQwrADA/s400/favors.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucAV7Z4qzkG6Z0uB4S1w62h5OwHWfOzMnLBraISJJXSsUJFuARcIkaqrDaDXRfmL99OWHpv11r4ctCVJfZwKBEf4klzTcZZMtzJ9nLq6gSJ33xaH7XMAaDj_7mIQgHp09Jqa0zKubRLKr/s1600-h/decor.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314906657537147554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucAV7Z4qzkG6Z0uB4S1w62h5OwHWfOzMnLBraISJJXSsUJFuARcIkaqrDaDXRfmL99OWHpv11r4ctCVJfZwKBEf4klzTcZZMtzJ9nLq6gSJ33xaH7XMAaDj_7mIQgHp09Jqa0zKubRLKr/s400/decor.JPG" border="0" /></a> We had a great crowd to enjoy delicious food and drinks:<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NtI3GM6UR4Zrz0SLS3j-hmxHsmEX3pFANNAP5QhTmIREshWCok7AeWBzY-rCiimvSqMyB3aTo5-7b-hA3_p5z2SRBfhR7wsIzc7KvUWId9PMMHINIuJVhlJ30kTbPfGi8TzZNKJ4XO3w/s1600-h/shower.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314906524992436178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NtI3GM6UR4Zrz0SLS3j-hmxHsmEX3pFANNAP5QhTmIREshWCok7AeWBzY-rCiimvSqMyB3aTo5-7b-hA3_p5z2SRBfhR7wsIzc7KvUWId9PMMHINIuJVhlJ30kTbPfGi8TzZNKJ4XO3w/s400/shower.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKzv-z7p2FyLLA30wHZN-3NAWKJexTCqsgKMS6uneyTy1AkiUTrdtAxU9Aor41oc4Slun2ZNH8VLzIJgTMyE23BOJEktQNXQFqghe95fcf5gzLAsUEk59Ow_V0NsJvUJc-KsgfDGA4P7m/s1600-h/drinks2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314906430331150658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKzv-z7p2FyLLA30wHZN-3NAWKJexTCqsgKMS6uneyTy1AkiUTrdtAxU9Aor41oc4Slun2ZNH8VLzIJgTMyE23BOJEktQNXQFqghe95fcf5gzLAsUEk59Ow_V0NsJvUJc-KsgfDGA4P7m/s400/drinks2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzrnBHMOE1M8Q27EQRF5xh4WGrt_51fXRfim53YLyQVrq5p6hBuLHnYu6i6Slc6n5OY2wt4fk_U5M0l3S6doVdr6FqoInGJLDT1iVhw8LL28dtrJjKRy8p2-mtdIePO37ukgjEcAupDNX/s1600-h/cupcakes.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314906364535841186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzrnBHMOE1M8Q27EQRF5xh4WGrt_51fXRfim53YLyQVrq5p6hBuLHnYu6i6Slc6n5OY2wt4fk_U5M0l3S6doVdr6FqoInGJLDT1iVhw8LL28dtrJjKRy8p2-mtdIePO37ukgjEcAupDNX/s400/cupcakes.JPG" border="0" /></a> And really, I got such lovely gifts!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpb5EfNY10gmUiYqd6QO6odDOrlgOeQ2Xd1j-O76me9GmxuKEcQ-mGJR8mgTDS-9OyETmix0lE5yZxB5T0nNIuKg88DFQ7gtIz-vbxVI41MRG6WZpUvckGq9rLr0waSpf9aLdXCArujF-/s1600-h/loot.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314906133393346578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpb5EfNY10gmUiYqd6QO6odDOrlgOeQ2Xd1j-O76me9GmxuKEcQ-mGJR8mgTDS-9OyETmix0lE5yZxB5T0nNIuKg88DFQ7gtIz-vbxVI41MRG6WZpUvckGq9rLr0waSpf9aLdXCArujF-/s400/loot.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkBOByPaNZM5BvEyTiNPJpuZ25QCpKzqGYbJ_lkFpeZqnEC-YTFYRPNFzGCJbR0WW_NyR87GE7TSUFKxDdI8nsbgnZp_VoRUDEY7_vfam3TG6VkunamYYEQgB20N_boF2OPtWcF2zOqjF/s1600-h/hippo.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314906049951988130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkBOByPaNZM5BvEyTiNPJpuZ25QCpKzqGYbJ_lkFpeZqnEC-YTFYRPNFzGCJbR0WW_NyR87GE7TSUFKxDdI8nsbgnZp_VoRUDEY7_vfam3TG6VkunamYYEQgB20N_boF2OPtWcF2zOqjF/s400/hippo.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXlByW2kSsShwPSeCj3Yf0MZbCW-96iD8Dwp4HA8fVUy5K1OSXB9KiscKQxemvi8AtRP_YExm3DEi-6SasGZ0os9ImaTIxqI25aN-zomUV28Gd2QqVbewktASenna-MgyQyJtIL89JWcK/s1600-h/hippo2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314905999192676242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXlByW2kSsShwPSeCj3Yf0MZbCW-96iD8Dwp4HA8fVUy5K1OSXB9KiscKQxemvi8AtRP_YExm3DEi-6SasGZ0os9ImaTIxqI25aN-zomUV28Gd2QqVbewktASenna-MgyQyJtIL89JWcK/s400/hippo2.JPG" border="0" /></a> Overall, a delightful afternoon and I'm just so touched by everyones support and love. What a wonderful family I have.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjK1WmlRNIz71s6GmhfraRYsuLFPrUlQ_3eHXwug30BAUvXIVW81572KIZU9NYc7_HtzbwzJw-rgjuawGeE6VsnRvUSi474LgWK0Yfpcc2Kn7Lx1yzrq6mb-Ih0o0Re7Eam8OoSf_T1D5/s1600-h/angieclairemarianne.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314905877029049666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjK1WmlRNIz71s6GmhfraRYsuLFPrUlQ_3eHXwug30BAUvXIVW81572KIZU9NYc7_HtzbwzJw-rgjuawGeE6VsnRvUSi474LgWK0Yfpcc2Kn7Lx1yzrq6mb-Ih0o0Re7Eam8OoSf_T1D5/s400/angieclairemarianne.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSFcyQaeglJJ8Ylnzlu8PQ6_B_pwXYXDU3Wer4zBBJUXZrIjDmf2Wbt2TfmoInvenPhGZUHzQJPmPLkbjMY-Nr5YG9GIDynb42bAtWy0rd6jHA46iHF0qNqK4jBODjJuCeoxHwDqtuCh1/s1600-h/dad.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314905763616366658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSFcyQaeglJJ8Ylnzlu8PQ6_B_pwXYXDU3Wer4zBBJUXZrIjDmf2Wbt2TfmoInvenPhGZUHzQJPmPLkbjMY-Nr5YG9GIDynb42bAtWy0rd6jHA46iHF0qNqK4jBODjJuCeoxHwDqtuCh1/s400/dad.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472963708602190781.post-46472473711470158712009-03-17T13:10:00.000-07:002009-03-17T13:16:34.549-07:00So now we've got that out of the way.I've been wondering if I would have my very own trip-to-labor-and-delivery-for-no-reason story, and now the wait is over. Little one, last week...last week was not good. I am not sleeping, still, and my 30-weeks pregnant body is now pumping 45% more blood than before. 45%! That is really quite a lot of extra blood, my goodness.<br /><br />So anyway, this extra blood has my heart working extra hard and has apparently brought to the forefront a very, extremely mild <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">arrhythmia</span>. My heart just kind of skips a beat occasionally and then POUNDS for a little while afterwards. This is also, not surprisingly, aggravated by getting NO FREAKING SLEEP. Ahem.<br /><br />So last Thursday, the pounding was really getting to me, and it took even less than usual for me to feel completely short of breath. By Friday morning I figured I might as well give my OB a call, just because I've had it drilled into my head that it is ALWAYS better to call. Imagine my shock when my normally laid-back OB does not tell me to just go home, get some rest, lay on my side, and drink water, which was what I was expecting. No, she calmly but firmly tells me to drive myself straight to Labor & Delivery where they will be waiting to hook me up to monitors and give me an EKG.<br /><br />Honestly, it took me aback.<br /><br />So I did as I was told (making a 5 minute detour to pick up Chris) and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lickedy</span> spilt found myself in a gown and bed in L&D triage. Everyone was SO nice and the hospital was really quiet because no one was scheduling things on Friday the 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span>. As expected, there was nothing seriously wrong, just the little blip on the EKG but nothing that can hurt me or the baby. I was sent home and finally told to get some rest and stay off my feet for the day. Happy to oblige.Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472963708602190781.post-12952759028125417572009-03-12T05:45:00.000-07:002009-03-12T05:49:21.994-07:00Maternity fashion, week 30.My favorite outfit this week:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/10-09/set?.mid=embed&id=7137859"><img width="400" alt="3-10-09" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFnFwR01Ja29PM2hHaUd3U00tcnRIUGcAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="3-10-09" height="400" border="0" /></a><br/><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/10-09/set?.mid=embed&id=7137859">3-10-09</a> - by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.mid=embed&id=309814">mariannecanada</a> on <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/">Polyvore.com</a></small><br /><br />The rest of the week has been a blur of ill-fitting sweaters and schlubby t-shirt and hoodie combinations. I am not sleeping and so uncomfortable and really it's a wonder that I made it in to work at all.Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472963708602190781.post-24922123944966578042009-03-11T07:40:00.000-07:002009-03-11T07:56:13.650-07:00Kick CountSo, these days I am supposed to take some time and count your kicks. To make sure you're moving enough and all that. I find this adorable--I picture a glowing pregnant lady, hands gently clutching her protruding stomach, as she goes, "Ooh! There's one! I think that's another one..." counting these sporadic movements.<br /><br />Sporadic. Ha.<br /><br />I would do better to count when you aren't moving. The handful of times a day you are not finding new ways to make me aware of my anatomy. Currently I am sore from your new game of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">wodging</span> yourself on my right side, using your toes (I think) to gain purchase under my ribs and banging your...head? Shoulders? Against my hip bone. When I lie on my side, as is dictated by every resource out there, you press so hard against the side of my stomach that the skin feels impossibly thin against my mattress. When I read at night I can't perch my book on top of my stomach because you are too busy practicing for your debut on Dancing With The Stars. I think you're doing the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Rumba</span>.<br /><br />I am comforted by your movement, even though I swear sometimes I'm harboring some kind of weasel rather than a baby girl. Even when I wake up 11 TIMES IN ONE NIGHT to pee a dribble of urine, because you are doing something impossible to my bladder. It seems to me that from the day I started feeling you move you've been dissatisfied with your <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">accommodations</span> and you want to get out. I understand. Just sit tight for 8-10 more weeks and then this whole great big world? It's all yours, kid.Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472963708602190781.post-25690631982735248872009-03-09T06:13:00.000-07:002009-03-09T07:20:54.551-07:00Nursery progress.I made an epic journey to Ikea with my mom and sisters and got all sorts of goodies. So in the past few weeks the work on the nursery has begun in earnest. We are painting the room a very vivid green with bright white trim:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiFgIyzyAf27tg414Mh4KOW8MR-KoQX_BCx10Ohj9W5iEyjxaV_41pSYFMVwvMquB8KUsXpyyjyrimKTFfmWOgvkJ4uGgx9ukwK1Qg5eQxZtjzno3Hf8V6ELc98VUPVV16y-GsvluViCt/s1600-h/paint"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311192657823086130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiFgIyzyAf27tg414Mh4KOW8MR-KoQX_BCx10Ohj9W5iEyjxaV_41pSYFMVwvMquB8KUsXpyyjyrimKTFfmWOgvkJ4uGgx9ukwK1Qg5eQxZtjzno3Hf8V6ELc98VUPVV16y-GsvluViCt/s400/paint" border="0" /></a> Your aunt Helen has provided some of her amazing and fun artwork (it is fuzzy with flocking and glitter!):<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7BKkhcKGl6tvbOEQYcNRUBLbF2lEDbuZtIwZisI51YqyATKD-IAgHK8hTbrNKt1hG5RwUHW3khJDxHY1cdDAgVwPa_Bgx_ob7R3uYO81b3bD4lmzEG6AjY0ZxSD78id9U5v3XN35kNoD/s1600-h/bunny"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311192576463998290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7BKkhcKGl6tvbOEQYcNRUBLbF2lEDbuZtIwZisI51YqyATKD-IAgHK8hTbrNKt1hG5RwUHW3khJDxHY1cdDAgVwPa_Bgx_ob7R3uYO81b3bD4lmzEG6AjY0ZxSD78id9U5v3XN35kNoD/s400/bunny" border="0" /></a> And Buster is in love with the new rug:<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBNWA6ylQ3g5PnrZkBCH8ZJEXYhxluzl3yg0pC_WFqBeNDtyPeXfd0EC1epeTOxpQ0F22myFN0DUSyojwu1s3ElhSEPVJ2wvZLWogGwlvTuQNVpwlM_cELRRAGcsEaKO7wc0wGpMlVj-6/s1600-h/rug"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311192503175992146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBNWA6ylQ3g5PnrZkBCH8ZJEXYhxluzl3yg0pC_WFqBeNDtyPeXfd0EC1epeTOxpQ0F22myFN0DUSyojwu1s3ElhSEPVJ2wvZLWogGwlvTuQNVpwlM_cELRRAGcsEaKO7wc0wGpMlVj-6/s400/rug" border="0" /></a> <div><div><div>There is so much more to come--a new glider, a crib, more art, a homemade mobile, and wait until you see the goodies from the first baby shower! </div></div></div></div></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472963708602190781.post-71771644221183849552009-03-06T06:30:00.001-08:002009-03-06T06:33:30.149-08:0029 weeksYou had QUITE the growth spurt, missy. In fact, my belly grew 5 inches since last month's appointment, even though I didn't grow (in pounds) at all. Look at you!<br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_3bznNgaI7d0/SbBeQRjKPLI/AAAAAAAAENU/Y54R0SzkIOE/s640/DSC_0011.JPG"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 426px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 640px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_3bznNgaI7d0/SbBeQRjKPLI/AAAAAAAAENU/Y54R0SzkIOE/s640/DSC_0011.JPG" border="0" /></a>This month's appointment also featured the oh-so-fun blood glucose test. Sucking down a sticky sweet orange drink on an empty stomach, then giving three big vials of blood--fun! I felt like hot garbage afterwards so your dad took me to Cracker Barrel for fortification. I still didn't feel quite right for the rest of the day.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_3bznNgaI7d0/SbBePWxnxaI/AAAAAAAAENE/89vNVo0FDME/s640/DSC_0009.JPG"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 426px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 640px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_3bznNgaI7d0/SbBePWxnxaI/AAAAAAAAENE/89vNVo0FDME/s640/DSC_0009.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472963708602190781.post-82316852788814914502009-03-02T09:15:00.003-08:002009-03-02T09:16:18.224-08:00COOKIE.<a href="http://www.bfeedme.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/girl-scout-cookie-season-1-19-07.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 420px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 177px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.bfeedme.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/girl-scout-cookie-season-1-19-07.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Today is Girl Scout Cookie day. I can't tell for sure, but I think you're excited. Me? I'm just glad I am getting these BEFORE my glucose screening test on Thursday. Ha.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472963708602190781.post-75080630947577822822009-02-23T06:53:00.000-08:002009-02-23T06:58:15.215-08:00Third what?Third trimester? What? How? How can I simultaneously feel as though I have been pregnant forever (seriously, am I an elephant?), yet at the same time feel bewildered that we're this far along in the game?<br /><br />27 weeks. Your due date is exactly 3 months from today. Holy crap, I need to go organize something. Much to your father's chagrin, the nesting phase has already hit and he is having to do the brunt of the work. We're painting, moving furniture, assembling things. Notice I said "we". Isn't that adorable?<br /><br />In my defense, I was quite productive this weekend. I decided that our chest freezer needed filling in preparation for the final days of massive pregnancy that await. And so, I put away 3 chicken and rice dishes, 2 lasagnas, and 2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ziplocs</span> of beef stew this weekend. I find it calming, having a freezer full of food. I hope to have a couple more of these marathon cooking weekends in the coming weeks. It's hard to decide what to make because it's hard to predict what I'll find suitable to eat, but I must persevere.Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472963708602190781.post-85738823384961771142009-02-19T09:28:00.000-08:002009-02-19T09:32:30.381-08:00Misery and a lesson.This is turning out to be a Bad Week. Bad, bad, bad. Rife with a sinus infection (for which I was finally prescribed blessed antibiotics), random and shocking joint pain, insomnia, appetite issues. It's just such an altogether bad week that I don't think it will even do me any good to elaborate.<br /><br />But here is a quick life lesson from old m-o-m. February, in East Tennessee, is still winter. WINTER. In winter, we do not wear flip flops, shorts, tiny sheer sundresses (maybe we never wear these, ever). Even when the temperature soars into the relatively balmy 50's and 60's, we stick to our lighter weight but still seasonally appropriate clothing. March is right around the corner, and with it the beginning of spring for real. Getting caught in 37 degree weather wearing sandals, short sleeves, and capri pants just makes you look foolish.<br /><br />I'll be back this weekend with tales of assembling Ikea furniture and hopefully a return to good cheer and health.Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472963708602190781.post-69268104705246068652009-02-15T09:35:00.000-08:002009-02-15T09:35:44.611-08:00Your first Valentine.<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center">Your dad is a BIG softy.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUJBNY6p-AmJnemuyQJrN-phLv3K33HOfz6iDx_xP6Xq_D2C7Jf8u7B4LtzBFb0eYNnRCSIb18PPK10ZFznLxDFaIDHxDZJWzjVLqKitL7mf1PGq1DvSVoRKNkhKkJZFF_IK6ATSQrXaN/s1600-h/DSC_0027.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUJBNY6p-AmJnemuyQJrN-phLv3K33HOfz6iDx_xP6Xq_D2C7Jf8u7B4LtzBFb0eYNnRCSIb18PPK10ZFznLxDFaIDHxDZJWzjVLqKitL7mf1PGq1DvSVoRKNkhKkJZFF_IK6ATSQrXaN/s400/DSC_0027.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7cLp0V3GSGEsGn2vPmDXy6YZkfrka9akgpRYIggL4RP-XAeJsQ9sG9Yw3seSjXbZSVeHLolczw5whr0A8wE7I9QskkWLzCIi8jU2yh2bQPR3TMv38kiZ9-b5wjtjx34xCuX7Me4Eud2M/s1600-h/DSC_0028.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7cLp0V3GSGEsGn2vPmDXy6YZkfrka9akgpRYIggL4RP-XAeJsQ9sG9Yw3seSjXbZSVeHLolczw5whr0A8wE7I9QskkWLzCIi8jU2yh2bQPR3TMv38kiZ9-b5wjtjx34xCuX7Me4Eud2M/s400/DSC_0028.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472963708602190781.post-32388519150952133312009-02-05T06:27:00.000-08:002009-02-16T08:24:56.857-08:0024 weeks.A semi-artistic belly shot, courtesy of your father:<br /><br /><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 340px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 512px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_3bznNgaI7d0/SYolg4KmNUI/AAAAAAAAEHg/62v_1Of5p20/s512/DSC_0027.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Note the bit of snow on the ground outside. It's been frigid here for the past few days, cold enough that the snow we got has not melted yet. This never really happens and people here are just not able to deal with this cold weather. This must be how people that live in the extreme north feel in the midst of a heat wave. While I used to be able to tolerate the cold when I lived in New York, I've totally lost my chops and find myself without even a really warm coat or a pair of decent gloves this winter.</p><p>Anyway, I had my 24-week appointment yesterday and everything went perfectly. I'm measuring 24 inches at 24 weeks, you clever thing, and in spite of continued slow weight gain (3 pounds this time for an overall total of 7 pounds for the entire pregnancy), you are growing like a champ. And moving ever more. This was a pretty breezy appointment, pee in a cup, get weighed, listen to your rockin' heartbeat, and the measuring. Next month I get to do the oh-so-fun glucose test for gestational diabetes. Exciting.</p><p>In actual exciting news, I'm headed down to the Atlanta/Athens area this weekend with my mom (your grandmother Meno) and sister (Aunt Sara Kate), to hit up Ikea and see where my baby sister (Aunt Helen) is living. We'll be getting all sorts of goodies for you, most importantly your crib. I'm already planning to take Monday off to help put things together and I'm so excited. Nothing but the finest inexpensive Swedish prefabricated furniture for you, my love.<br /></p>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472963708602190781.post-26488967446500816502009-02-02T08:34:00.000-08:002009-02-03T08:36:31.727-08:00Status updates.Belly: Getting bigger every day, I fear. No stretch marks or dark line yet.<br />Hands/feet: No swelling at all yet, rings and shoes still fitting.<br />Hips: Achy but still able to get into regular jeans (I didn't say I could zip them more than halfway, though).<br />Knees: Achy and cracking/popping alarmingly.<br />Boobs: Wowser. Getting bigger and some light stretch marks. They feel very heavy. Down to two bras that fit comfortably.<br />Digestion: I can suddenly eat salad again without gastric distress, so that's nice. I'm not overdoing it, though. I've had two really unpleasant boughts of heartburn in the past week that Tums didn't touch.<br />Sleep: Difficult. I'm restless and can't get comfortable.<br />Bladder: The size of a large walnut. Peeing every half an hour, I swear.<br />Mood: Generally really good.<br />Skin: I hesitate to even tempt fate by mentioning this, but my skin is not as putrid as it was for the first, oh, five months of pregnancy. I'm down to maybe one or two new small pimples a week, versus a new painful deep zit every freaking DAY. I've switched from the million dollar Dr. Hauschka Normalizing Day Oil to the BILLION dollar Light Rose Day Cream and Toner and I think it's helping. Fingers crossed.<br /><br />24 week appointment this week, and a new belly picture to come, plus nursery updates!Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472963708602190781.post-80688020204634567272009-01-22T06:42:00.001-08:002009-01-22T06:49:42.227-08:00Strong.These are not the kicks I imagined. The lazy, languid nudges from a baby simply stretching out within the roomy (for now) confines of my womb. Oh no. You, my dear, are strong. You kick and punch and elbow with a force that surprises me. Everything I'm reading says you are just about one pound and the size of a doll but you have such STRENGTH.<br /><br />Last night I laid in bed and felt you travel from one side to the other. Again and again. You seemed bored, even restless. I know that it's silly to attribute such complex emotions to you but I can't help but feel I've got one willfull little girl in there. With curly hair and her father's green eyes and an unusual capacity for mischief. Only time will tell but I can tell you this--it's only going to get more crowded in there until it's time for you to come out. And oh my, I can't wait to see you stretch your legs out in the world.Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472963708602190781.post-90695229542073433582009-01-21T06:36:00.000-08:002009-01-21T06:37:32.982-08:00What?This morning, in celebration of the dawning of a new political regime in the US, I threw up in the sink while brushing my teeth. Twice. Then the car door was frozen shut, and really it's remarkable that I made it to work at all, much less 10 minutes late.<br /><br />Hmph.Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733104020381620860noreply@blogger.com0