Sunday, February 24, 2013
Helping Daddy Sand
Our neighbors put this shelving unit in the hallway for a few days, and the more I thought about it, the more I thought we could use it for baby brudder's clothes. So I asked and she gladly carried it down. Pete and Lucia sanded it today and it will be painted Tuesday. Awesome!
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Clothes: check!!
We have more than enough clothes for baby boy. I mean, more than enough. It's crazy in a good way.
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| Long and short sleeve onesies and T-shirts |
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| Mr. Man's Coming Home Outfit |
Sweet Moments
For a long time, if Baby Brudder was kicking, I'd ask Lucia if she wanted to put her hands on my tummy to feel, and she often said no. I didn't push it. Lately though, she's been really excited to connect with him. This morning she climbed into bed with me for a quick snuggle before we got up. As I held her close, Baby Brudder was crazily kicking away, and Lucia said, I feel baby brudder!! I said, yep, he's saying Good morning Big Sister! Can't wait to meet you! Not much longer!
So sweet. I'm so glad she's starting to come around. From what I hear from other friends, she'll mostly like have a tough time once the novelty of new baby wears off and might ask us to take him back. But that's Ok. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, it was a super sweet moment.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Baby Stuff, Take 2
We learned a few really good lessons with baby gear/stuff for Lucia. Gearing up for Baby Boy has been a different experience. For starters, I don't have to have everything new. In fact, I comb Craigslist or borrow as much as possible. Like clothes for example: people have asked me multiple times if I mind used baby clothes. In fact I do not, please send them along! Here's the rundown of what we're doing this time. Some changes, some things will stay the same.
This time: Aw hell no. Those things leak like crazy. We'll be using Pampers at least for the first 6 months. Maybe when he's on solids we'll switch to another brand. Maybe.
Baby Bag:
Last time: the baby bag must coordinate with the nursery decor and must be the best!diaper!bag!ever.
This time: well, it helps I have a fancy diaper bag, bought from a friend who's friend was selling them wholesale for $40. It doesn't match the stroller but who cares. It's rad. But heavy, holds everything, can serve as a purse for me, etc. We also have a Diaper Dude for Pete to carry, since I won't be able to carry much in the first few weeks. I also learned the first time around that I don't want to carry a bag all the time. We registered for an organizer to add to the Bugaboo so we can just throw a few things in the stroller and go. Awesome.
Tracking Baby's Everything
Last time: we were obsessed with the book. OBSESSED. So much so that Pete made hard copy spreadsheets after we ran out of pages. Having Lucia come home from the NICU on a schedule was uh, really helpful (the only positive thing about having her in the NICU). I've read up on some ways to get baby on a schedule and I know tracking things will help us get there.
This time: I'm torn between exploring various apps that will enable both of us (or even a third person, i.e. my mom) to access it, or just buying another one of those books. The book sounds easier, I gotta say.
Not much longer now! Less than 6 weeks!
Stroller:
Last time: despite me being completely neurotic and possibly unreasonable about only buying ONE really great stroller, I have since learned that there are in fact, other strollers on the market that are really great. Like the Bob Revolution, for example, which we rented in Disney World. Really, really love that stroller. Was ready to sell our Bugaboo, but then reconsidered because it allows baby to face you. Not just when they're in the car seat attachment thingy, but all da time. I loved loved loved this feature with Lucia because I could yammer on all day to her and maintain eye contact. It makes me look past the other not-so-great features of the Bugaboo, which includes assembly (why two pieces whyyyyyyyy). Let's just say we'll be adding WD-40 to that sucker to make it easier and making sure the tires are full of air.
This time: So we've got the stroller, but we're OK with getting a Bob eventually, especially if we stay in this neighborhood, which is super hilly and once baby is in the regular seat the Bugaboo is a bit unstable on the hills. Yikes.
Car seat:
Last time: Remember this? I refused all efforts to convince me of the necessity of the infant seat. We would carry Lucia in our arms to and from the car each time. Sometimes waking her up, sometimes not. We didn't have to switch car seats when she was 1; she stayed in her original seat from newborn all the way until she was 2.5, which was awesome. Also? Someone told me that babies are better sleepers when they're jostled a bit while sleeping, i.e. the way we did it was great and may have created a good sleepin' kid. I don't know about that for sure, but it was nice to hear anyway.
This time: We borrowed an awesome infant car seat. I had nightmare scenarios play out in my head of me trying to carry baby in my arms and let's say Lucia decides to play hide and seek in the parking garage. Uh no. This way I will have at least one hand free if I need it. I still maintain that babies shouldn't be in the carseat for extended periods of time a day, so I will be using the Bugaboo bassinet for walks. But I did get the connector for the Bugaboo on Craigslist for $20 (instead of new for $45) so when we're out and about those first few weeks running errands, going to the doc, etc. we can use that.
Bassinet:
Last time: Borrowed an awesome fancy bassinet.
This time: Borrowed an awesome fancy bassinet, with a deeper bed area so we may be able to contain little dude for longer than three months old.
Swing/Bouncy seat:
Last time: Bought both on Craigslist. Lucia hated the bouncy seat and absolutely loved the swing, which we sold when she was 7 months old for $5 more than we had paid. High five!
This time: I saw the Mamaroo thing when I first got pregnant, then watched Craigslist closely and noticed there were tons of them on there, which made me wonder how useful they were if peeps were selling them. I talked with my other friends, and they thought it didn't move aggressively enough for a baby, i.e. a swing would be a better bet. But with our space limitations, and after I read the recommendation from this amazing blogger who writes this list of must-have baby stuff (that I trust, it's not all YOU HAVE TO HAVE THIS BECAUSE IT'S NEW), and after assessing our space constraints, we chose to get a Mamaroo on Craigslist for $90 (the cost of the swing and bouncy seat combined last time) and figured we can re-sell it and try other options if Baby hates it.
Diapers:
Last time: We'll be using Seventh Generation diapers, thankyouverymuch, because we care about the environment and are conscientious of our environmental footprint. This time: Aw hell no. Those things leak like crazy. We'll be using Pampers at least for the first 6 months. Maybe when he's on solids we'll switch to another brand. Maybe.
Baby Bag:
Last time: the baby bag must coordinate with the nursery decor and must be the best!diaper!bag!ever.
This time: well, it helps I have a fancy diaper bag, bought from a friend who's friend was selling them wholesale for $40. It doesn't match the stroller but who cares. It's rad. But heavy, holds everything, can serve as a purse for me, etc. We also have a Diaper Dude for Pete to carry, since I won't be able to carry much in the first few weeks. I also learned the first time around that I don't want to carry a bag all the time. We registered for an organizer to add to the Bugaboo so we can just throw a few things in the stroller and go. Awesome.
Tracking Baby's Everything
Last time: we were obsessed with the book. OBSESSED. So much so that Pete made hard copy spreadsheets after we ran out of pages. Having Lucia come home from the NICU on a schedule was uh, really helpful (the only positive thing about having her in the NICU). I've read up on some ways to get baby on a schedule and I know tracking things will help us get there.
This time: I'm torn between exploring various apps that will enable both of us (or even a third person, i.e. my mom) to access it, or just buying another one of those books. The book sounds easier, I gotta say.
Not much longer now! Less than 6 weeks!
Monday, February 18, 2013
Soaking Up the Love
Along this journey to get us to a baby, as you know there were many bumps in the road. I found myself leaning on good friends and establishing lifelong friendships as I struggled to reconcile the grief of the miscarriages, the diagnosis of Asherman's and resulting record-setting hysteroscopies, to the trials of trying to conceive and the frustration that can come with that.
These women? Are amazing. Each one of them I relied on in various ways to support me, and they did. Wonderfully. When Lauren asked me what I wanted to do for a baby shower, I knew I didn't want a huge co-ed party with tons of co-workers, friends of friends, etc. I just wanted an intimate group and to be able to bask in their love and somehow say thank you for walking with me this whole way.
Saturday was that day. Lauren, Gina, Annie and Dianna, my inner circle, had organized a fancy luncheon at my favorite restaurant in Redwood City (which used to be in walking distance, sobbbbbb). We had sparkling water, delicious salads and most importantly, sorbetto with flourless chocolate cakes made by Lauren.
The special touches were all there; each woman filled out a card with wishes for Baby Boy that said I hope you learn _____, I hope you get ______. And they went around the room and read them. It was sheer bliss. I got teary thanking them; for I truly don't know how I would have made it these past 2.5 years without their hands to hold. Some old friends, some newer but all united in their love for me and support in bringing this new life into the world. The presents were wonderfully thoughtful, but most of all, I just cherish these friendships. I'm a very, very lucky girl.
Photos by the amazingly talented Annie.
Photos by the amazingly talented Annie.
Scary Night
So I wrote this other post last night, to detail mostly Lucia's crappy behavior and a scary afternoon for us, thinking that was that.
But my contractions weren't letting up, and I didn't feel right. I tried to relax with a shower, but I just felt lots of pressure in my abdomen and it wasn't letting up. I googled pre-term labor and noticed I had several symptoms: cramping, abdominal pressure and back pain. So I called the Labor and Delivery nurses here at Kaiser Oakland to ask their opinion. They said come right in. We had put Lucia to bed at 6:30 after she refused to eat her dinner and then "accidentally" dropped it on the ground (that kid is so headstrong, she'll get her way one way or the other -- sigh), so Pete woke her up and off we went. Since I was already anxious, I figured it was just my nerves but also figured it didn't hurt to get checked out. I wasn't feeling right.
We got in there, and once they had me hooked up to the monitors, the nurse said, oh I am definitely seeing a pattern of contractions. Gulp. Ok? They wanted to determine if the contractions were putting me into labor, or were just contractions. The nurse checked me, and yes, it seemed like the contractions were causing my cervix to dilate. Oh no. Oh no oh no. They called the doc, as the contractions were increasing in frequency and intensity (upside of all those painful hysteroscopies? These contractions were nothing in comparison. They were uncomfortable yes, and getting even more so, but not anywhere near a hysteroscopy. Just sayin.). The doc came down and checked me, nope, everything looked fine. Phew. Then she said wait, let's do an ultrasound of your cervix. Oh wait, it looks like it IS opening. Bad. Ok, let's do this other exam, and we can tell for sure. The other exam showed NOPE everything is fine and closed. Phew and double phew.
But my urine tests came back showing dehydration, uh, like bad dehydration. So the nurse got me a pitcher of water and I downed that. Then another. Then we talked about what I ate yesterday, and I didn't have enough carbohydrates. [Its a delicate balance with the history of gestational diabetes; I've watched my carbs pretty carefully this pregnancy] The doctor later told me that it was more likely the lack of water than carbs for the day. They re-tested my urine and it was better, but still showing ketones. So I had a third pitcher of water, two small juice boxes and an apple to try to get out of ketosis. The doc came back and told me to drink drink drink drink drink more, even if I felt like I was drinking enough consistently, and go home.
We got home around 12 and fell into bed. We are so thankful to have had Lauren and Justin drive all the way over to get Lucia and take her to their house for a sleepover. She was beyond excited and told me not to worry, Eddie would take care of her if she was scared. Hilarious.
I know I'm relieved (but up in the middle of the night now to drink more water, as I felt the contractions coming back and I was hungry). It was terrifying thinking about baby boy making his arrival way too early; I cried when the nurse told me that I might have to get a shot to help his lungs develop prior to a C-section. I had flashbacks of the horrendous NICU experience and said to the nurse, I just wanted a different experience this time. :( It was sad. I'm so thankful he's OK and staying put. From here on out, I'll be drinking tons of water and working on a more balanced diet.
But my contractions weren't letting up, and I didn't feel right. I tried to relax with a shower, but I just felt lots of pressure in my abdomen and it wasn't letting up. I googled pre-term labor and noticed I had several symptoms: cramping, abdominal pressure and back pain. So I called the Labor and Delivery nurses here at Kaiser Oakland to ask their opinion. They said come right in. We had put Lucia to bed at 6:30 after she refused to eat her dinner and then "accidentally" dropped it on the ground (that kid is so headstrong, she'll get her way one way or the other -- sigh), so Pete woke her up and off we went. Since I was already anxious, I figured it was just my nerves but also figured it didn't hurt to get checked out. I wasn't feeling right.
We got in there, and once they had me hooked up to the monitors, the nurse said, oh I am definitely seeing a pattern of contractions. Gulp. Ok? They wanted to determine if the contractions were putting me into labor, or were just contractions. The nurse checked me, and yes, it seemed like the contractions were causing my cervix to dilate. Oh no. Oh no oh no. They called the doc, as the contractions were increasing in frequency and intensity (upside of all those painful hysteroscopies? These contractions were nothing in comparison. They were uncomfortable yes, and getting even more so, but not anywhere near a hysteroscopy. Just sayin.). The doc came down and checked me, nope, everything looked fine. Phew. Then she said wait, let's do an ultrasound of your cervix. Oh wait, it looks like it IS opening. Bad. Ok, let's do this other exam, and we can tell for sure. The other exam showed NOPE everything is fine and closed. Phew and double phew.
But my urine tests came back showing dehydration, uh, like bad dehydration. So the nurse got me a pitcher of water and I downed that. Then another. Then we talked about what I ate yesterday, and I didn't have enough carbohydrates. [Its a delicate balance with the history of gestational diabetes; I've watched my carbs pretty carefully this pregnancy] The doctor later told me that it was more likely the lack of water than carbs for the day. They re-tested my urine and it was better, but still showing ketones. So I had a third pitcher of water, two small juice boxes and an apple to try to get out of ketosis. The doc came back and told me to drink drink drink drink drink more, even if I felt like I was drinking enough consistently, and go home.
We got home around 12 and fell into bed. We are so thankful to have had Lauren and Justin drive all the way over to get Lucia and take her to their house for a sleepover. She was beyond excited and told me not to worry, Eddie would take care of her if she was scared. Hilarious.
I know I'm relieved (but up in the middle of the night now to drink more water, as I felt the contractions coming back and I was hungry). It was terrifying thinking about baby boy making his arrival way too early; I cried when the nurse told me that I might have to get a shot to help his lungs develop prior to a C-section. I had flashbacks of the horrendous NICU experience and said to the nurse, I just wanted a different experience this time. :( It was sad. I'm so thankful he's OK and staying put. From here on out, I'll be drinking tons of water and working on a more balanced diet.
Not Making The List of Suggested Activities
Ever since the surgical scheduler called me to schedule my C-section, I've been hanging from the rafters riddled with anxiety. It didn't help that we went to the doctor on Thursday and, when talking about the day, she quipped, "if he makes it that long." This wasn't based on my size or positioning or cervix dilation or anything, it was just an off-handed comment. Some women, in their second pregnancy, have their babies earlier. When the scheduler called last week to offer a range of dates, my doctor was only available for one of them, which was unfortunate, as it landed on a day that isn't particularly celebratory in Norwegian culture. But Pete and I agreed it was more important for my doctor to be doing the cutting. But it's very late in the pregnancy; according to my first due date it's 39w6d, my second due date would make it 40w4d. It's late. I have a sneaking suspicion that he'll come early.
So after Thursday's appointment, my anxiety has been heightened from hanging from the rafters to well, way worse. What if I went into labor before then? Do I drive myself 40 miles to Redwood City to deliver there? Do I just go to Oakland Kaiser hospital? Can Pete get to me in time if I go to Oakland? What if it's rush hour? Terrifying to think about, since we don't want my labor to progress prior to the C-section. What if he's too early? There's no NICU in Redwood City but there's one in Oakland. Gahhhhhhh.
To quiet my mind today, I decided to take a walk. I put on my maternity workout pants and shirt, suited up and started on my previously routine hill walk. I took it really slow. I started having contractions. I figured they were just Braxton-Hicks but as I walked, they weren't easing up and they were feeling more like cramps than just hey my uterus is doing that weird fist clench thing. I stopped and waited for them to stop. They did. I started walking again. They started again. Dammit. I texted Pete, who offered to come get me. I sat down and waited. They stopped. I started walking again, wondering if maybe all the pressure I was feeling and cramps was just having to go to the bathroom. I walked as slow as I could to Starbucks, used the men's restroom (Momma can't wait, yo), and waited for Pete. He pulled up and I got in, and suggested we take Lucia to the playground for a little activity. He wanted to go to Trader Joe's just a few blocks away, so I offered to sit and watch her while he did that. My contractions were subsiding the more I sat, but I was still feeling uncomfortable.
All was fine and good and I took this picture
and laughed at her hilariously bright outfit, until it was time to go. Lucia said, no, I don't want to go. Then she tore off on the other end of the playground as I yelled Lucia STOP. STOP IT. COME HERE RIGHT NOW.
She somehow thought this was hilarious. She leapt over the playground boundary and started running across the field, which hello, has no fence and is towards a major street. She knows not to run in the street, but the point was she wasn't stopping. LUCIA STOP. STOP STOP STOP RIGHT NOW.
No stopping.
I started crying. LUCIA STOP, I yelled between sobs. What was I supposed to do? Start running? While having contractions?
She stopped. She turned around and stopped. I came towards her and said while crying, Don't ever do that again. Look at my face, I'm not joking. I'm very sad that you couldn't stop. You've really upset me. She held her hand for me to take, and we walked towards the opposite end of the field where Pete would be picking us up. I continued to sob; and she apologized over and over. It was probably the most terrifying time I've had with her, and even more terrifying because here I am 32/33 weeks pregnant, terrified of delivering early, and sad that I can't even go for a walk anymore, and I'm feeling like I have to make a choice; protect my first child or try to protect myself and unborn baby. It felt like an impossible choice.
It's funny, as I took the picture above tonight I thought, I can put taking her to the playground on the list of suggested activities for my parents to do with her while they're in town when we have the baby. On second thought, I don't think we'll be adding that to the list after all. God forbid she take off running from them. Horrifying.
So after Thursday's appointment, my anxiety has been heightened from hanging from the rafters to well, way worse. What if I went into labor before then? Do I drive myself 40 miles to Redwood City to deliver there? Do I just go to Oakland Kaiser hospital? Can Pete get to me in time if I go to Oakland? What if it's rush hour? Terrifying to think about, since we don't want my labor to progress prior to the C-section. What if he's too early? There's no NICU in Redwood City but there's one in Oakland. Gahhhhhhh.
To quiet my mind today, I decided to take a walk. I put on my maternity workout pants and shirt, suited up and started on my previously routine hill walk. I took it really slow. I started having contractions. I figured they were just Braxton-Hicks but as I walked, they weren't easing up and they were feeling more like cramps than just hey my uterus is doing that weird fist clench thing. I stopped and waited for them to stop. They did. I started walking again. They started again. Dammit. I texted Pete, who offered to come get me. I sat down and waited. They stopped. I started walking again, wondering if maybe all the pressure I was feeling and cramps was just having to go to the bathroom. I walked as slow as I could to Starbucks, used the men's restroom (Momma can't wait, yo), and waited for Pete. He pulled up and I got in, and suggested we take Lucia to the playground for a little activity. He wanted to go to Trader Joe's just a few blocks away, so I offered to sit and watch her while he did that. My contractions were subsiding the more I sat, but I was still feeling uncomfortable.
All was fine and good and I took this picture
She somehow thought this was hilarious. She leapt over the playground boundary and started running across the field, which hello, has no fence and is towards a major street. She knows not to run in the street, but the point was she wasn't stopping. LUCIA STOP. STOP STOP STOP RIGHT NOW.
No stopping.
I started crying. LUCIA STOP, I yelled between sobs. What was I supposed to do? Start running? While having contractions?
She stopped. She turned around and stopped. I came towards her and said while crying, Don't ever do that again. Look at my face, I'm not joking. I'm very sad that you couldn't stop. You've really upset me. She held her hand for me to take, and we walked towards the opposite end of the field where Pete would be picking us up. I continued to sob; and she apologized over and over. It was probably the most terrifying time I've had with her, and even more terrifying because here I am 32/33 weeks pregnant, terrified of delivering early, and sad that I can't even go for a walk anymore, and I'm feeling like I have to make a choice; protect my first child or try to protect myself and unborn baby. It felt like an impossible choice.
It's funny, as I took the picture above tonight I thought, I can put taking her to the playground on the list of suggested activities for my parents to do with her while they're in town when we have the baby. On second thought, I don't think we'll be adding that to the list after all. God forbid she take off running from them. Horrifying.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Getting there: Bathroom Ooomph
Our bathroom has long been an unfinished spot in our place. It's not particularly big, but it's enough space for us. We've debated adding shelving or some type of storage above the toilet but have instead determined that when it gets too cluttery in there it's time to purge. But as we've moved from room to room trying to make it better, this room was a blank canvas to me.
We thought about adding some great pics of Pete's from the Monterey aquarium, a gorgeous shower curtain from IKEA and a new rug, but I didn't love that look. It was fine, but it didn't really feel like a good mix of special and beautiful.
Then I found this.
And it was all over. We could incorporate black and white photos of our wedding(s), and when it arrived, I was thrilled to see that it incorporated red and orange, two dominant colors in our decor. Plus the tan picks up the towels and rug color. Hello. It's also especially special because we were married at Crissy Field, the beach below the Golden Gate Bridge. When I moved to San Francisco, the view of the Golden Gate made my heart leap (and honestly, it still does that).
It arrived yesterday, and I took a few before and after shots as the room is coming along. I had the idea to incorporate a gorgeous vase from Ninny and Farfar into the bathroom; I hope to pick up some taller sticks or something to stick out of it this weekend. We'll also be ordering a larger print and picking up a frame for above the toilet. But it's coming together and I think has so much more personality.
We thought about adding some great pics of Pete's from the Monterey aquarium, a gorgeous shower curtain from IKEA and a new rug, but I didn't love that look. It was fine, but it didn't really feel like a good mix of special and beautiful.
Then I found this.
And it was all over. We could incorporate black and white photos of our wedding(s), and when it arrived, I was thrilled to see that it incorporated red and orange, two dominant colors in our decor. Plus the tan picks up the towels and rug color. Hello. It's also especially special because we were married at Crissy Field, the beach below the Golden Gate Bridge. When I moved to San Francisco, the view of the Golden Gate made my heart leap (and honestly, it still does that).
It arrived yesterday, and I took a few before and after shots as the room is coming along. I had the idea to incorporate a gorgeous vase from Ninny and Farfar into the bathroom; I hope to pick up some taller sticks or something to stick out of it this weekend. We'll also be ordering a larger print and picking up a frame for above the toilet. But it's coming together and I think has so much more personality.
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| Before. So boring. |
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| Getting there! |
Valentimes Day
We stepped up our game for V-day this year: Lucia and I made cards for her teachers at school. Each one basically said the same thing: I love you so so much. Super sweet. She decorated each one differently using our new art supply kit which included Pom-poms, Popsicle sticks and most importantly, glitter glue. We took them in today and she told me tonight her teachers loved them. She also came home with a valentine for us. Peter and I are thankful our anniversary is so close to V-day so we generally acknowledge today with a hug or something. We thought about going to Whole Foods tonight to get a dessert or at least strawberries to dip in chocolate but we both ran out of steam. Maybe we can do that this weekend. Lucia on the other hand, was thrilled to have dark chocolate for dessert tonight.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Vacation Recap!
Welp, we're back. Tired, but back nonetheless.
Our last hurrah weekend was indeed fun. We started on Thursday afternoon and headed down to Pete's office to pick him up so we could get to the hotel while it was still daylight. We booked a room at an awesome hotel, and man, did it deliver. The valets, bell man, concierge. As soon as we got into our room, I promptly laid down on the bed and fell asleep. Pete took Lucia to explore the hotel, and when he came back he said something was going on, there was tons of security and secret service around. Lucia, naturally, had made friends with some CHP officers so she came back thrilled with her new stickers from them. We headed out for dinner at a quaint little Italian restaurant, and I got on Twitter to find out who was in town. Surprise! It was former Presidents Bush, Carter and CLINTON (faints). WHAT? All in Monterey for the Pebble Beach golf event and STAYING AT OUR HOTEL. Whaaaaaat. (link to picture of Clinton at the hotel)
So there was that. Thursday night we talked and thought it would be really special and memorable for Lucia if we ordered room service for breakfast. So we did and she was indeed absolutely thrilled. She kept saying, I get to eat my fruit ON THE BED?????? LIKE A PRINCESS??? Yep, kid, just like that. It was great. I have only ordered room service on other time in my life, and Pete had never ordered it. So it was memorable for all three of us.
Friday we headed out and on the epic Highway 1 to Hearst Castle. Being the planner bee that I am, I had bulleted out an itinerary in my head of how things would go down: leave the hotel at 10:30 a.m., arrive at Hearst Castle (90 miles away) by 12:30, depart by 2:30, arrive in Santa Barbara by 4-4:30.
Except I failed to realize that HWY 1 is very windy. And long. And Pete really loves going for drives, and thought I knew that anytime you take HWY 1 you basically double your travel time. Add construction to that, and we arrived at Hearst Castle at 2:20 and the next tour wasn't going up until 3, so we decided to bail. I just wasn't that invested in it. We drove to Santa Barbara and checked into our hotel, then went to dinner at a really awesome Mediterranean place (minus the snotty server). But unfortunately our hotel wasn't that great and wasn't cheap, so we complained the next morning when we checked out, and thankfully got some money back. We ate breakfast at a Danish place that was freeeeezing but OK, then checked out the view from the tower on the Santa Barbara courthouse (on the tip from our waiter).
FINALLY, we drove to Pasadena to see Mary and David, which as always, was blissful. Like visiting family. So fun. Their new house is amazing, and had plenty of space for all of us. I took a long nap and the rest of the gang walked to the playground for some fun times. We went out to dinner for David's birthday and were thankful to Mary's brother and his lady friend for watching the kids so we could actually have an adult conversation without 1,000 interruptions. Yesterday morning we gnawed on leftovers and a mish-mash of things for breakfast and just sat and talked, like we always do. So fun. So great.
We hit the road around 2 and made it home in 6 hours flat, which included about 40 minutes total stopping time. Perhaps a new record for getting home from SoCal.
It was a great trip. More pictures to come.
Our last hurrah weekend was indeed fun. We started on Thursday afternoon and headed down to Pete's office to pick him up so we could get to the hotel while it was still daylight. We booked a room at an awesome hotel, and man, did it deliver. The valets, bell man, concierge. As soon as we got into our room, I promptly laid down on the bed and fell asleep. Pete took Lucia to explore the hotel, and when he came back he said something was going on, there was tons of security and secret service around. Lucia, naturally, had made friends with some CHP officers so she came back thrilled with her new stickers from them. We headed out for dinner at a quaint little Italian restaurant, and I got on Twitter to find out who was in town. Surprise! It was former Presidents Bush, Carter and CLINTON (faints). WHAT? All in Monterey for the Pebble Beach golf event and STAYING AT OUR HOTEL. Whaaaaaat. (link to picture of Clinton at the hotel)
So there was that. Thursday night we talked and thought it would be really special and memorable for Lucia if we ordered room service for breakfast. So we did and she was indeed absolutely thrilled. She kept saying, I get to eat my fruit ON THE BED?????? LIKE A PRINCESS??? Yep, kid, just like that. It was great. I have only ordered room service on other time in my life, and Pete had never ordered it. So it was memorable for all three of us.
Friday we headed out and on the epic Highway 1 to Hearst Castle. Being the planner bee that I am, I had bulleted out an itinerary in my head of how things would go down: leave the hotel at 10:30 a.m., arrive at Hearst Castle (90 miles away) by 12:30, depart by 2:30, arrive in Santa Barbara by 4-4:30.
Except I failed to realize that HWY 1 is very windy. And long. And Pete really loves going for drives, and thought I knew that anytime you take HWY 1 you basically double your travel time. Add construction to that, and we arrived at Hearst Castle at 2:20 and the next tour wasn't going up until 3, so we decided to bail. I just wasn't that invested in it. We drove to Santa Barbara and checked into our hotel, then went to dinner at a really awesome Mediterranean place (minus the snotty server). But unfortunately our hotel wasn't that great and wasn't cheap, so we complained the next morning when we checked out, and thankfully got some money back. We ate breakfast at a Danish place that was freeeeezing but OK, then checked out the view from the tower on the Santa Barbara courthouse (on the tip from our waiter).
FINALLY, we drove to Pasadena to see Mary and David, which as always, was blissful. Like visiting family. So fun. Their new house is amazing, and had plenty of space for all of us. I took a long nap and the rest of the gang walked to the playground for some fun times. We went out to dinner for David's birthday and were thankful to Mary's brother and his lady friend for watching the kids so we could actually have an adult conversation without 1,000 interruptions. Yesterday morning we gnawed on leftovers and a mish-mash of things for breakfast and just sat and talked, like we always do. So fun. So great.
We hit the road around 2 and made it home in 6 hours flat, which included about 40 minutes total stopping time. Perhaps a new record for getting home from SoCal.
It was a great trip. More pictures to come.
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| View from the lobby at the Monterey Hotel. |
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| So tired. |
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| View from the Santa Barbara courthouse |
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| Right around the corner from our hotel in Santa Barbara |
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Today's lesson
At each of our many errands over the weekend, when we'd be paying for stuff, Lucia would enthusiastically announce to the clerk that they were opening a "market" at her school in her classroom. And sure enough, when we arrived yesterday it was the opening of the market. The parents had loaned a cash register, shopping carts, play fruits and vegetables, etc. to create a market. Super cute.
Until Lucia came home last night and excitedly said, "Guess what I have in my pocket, Mommy?" And she proceeded to tell me she took all of the pretend coins out of the market's cash register.
Um. You did what, kiddo?
So I explained that taking things that weren't hers was not OK. We put the coins by the door last night so we couldn't forget them this morning, and when we arrived I told her teacher that Lucia had something to return to the classroom and to tell her.
The three of us sat and talked about how taking things that weren't hers was not OK. What if everyone took things home from the classroom and the market? She nodded and gave her teacher a big hug afterwards. Then her teacher had her apologize to the kid who owned the cash register.
I tried to tell her I did the same thing when I was 5 or 6, and got in big trouble. Stealing is not OK. I think that experience when I was so young really stuck with me; the other day I bought and ate a larabar at Whole Foods while shopping and shoved the wrapper in my coat. As I was walking to my car with my groceries, I reached in my pocket and discovered I hadn't paid for it. I went back in and paid for it. Hopefully Lucia learned a lesson today that will stick with her as long.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Pre-Baby Bucket List
We decided a few months ago to come up with a loose bucket list of sorts of things we wanted to do before baby arrives, and we're excited to start ticking them off this weekend.
Lucia's only request was to go to Fenton's for ice cream. My list was more like, let's go out to dinner, let's travel, etc.
Superbowl Sunday is this weekend, and you'd think it would be super special for Pete and I, given we met at a Superbowl party and the teams are Baltimore vs. San Francisco. But nope, we don't plan on doing anything. If we can get our new TV, then we might watch it, but I have to be honest, I'd only be doing that for the commercials and Beyonce.
Tuesday we celebrate our anniversary; seven years since we met, six since we wed. We managed to somehow score reservations at the #2 restaurant in San Francisco, Boulevard, and by some miracle our babysitter is available. We're excited to have a night out, and I'm mostly excited to get dressed up and feel fancy for a night, as opposed to the walking egg in ill-fitting maternity clothes, as I do most days.
Next weekend we're headed to Monterey Thursday night (woo-hooooo!), then onto Hearst Castle and Santa Barbara Friday, then South Pasadena on Saturday to celebrate David's birthday with the Pants Department. It's a last-hurrah family roadtrip as a family of three, and we're so excited to go (and thankful to Pete's family for the Christmas gifts to fund it!).
In early March, we're having a last hurrah adults-only get-together, in the theme of a chocolate tasting. We're planning on having fancy meats, pates, cheeses, wine, and chocolates for the tasting and some other desserts for our non-chocolate loving friends (yes, we have one, and somehow manage to still like him). We haven't had any big gatherings at our place other than Thanksgiving, but we decided it would be nice to do (it also helps that we'll have a nesting/cleaning goal to work towards).
Later on in the month, we have a trip to go to Sonoma for the evening to stay at Beltane Ranch, and have dinner at the Girl and the Fig, as a last hurrah romantic getaway before Baby Boy makes his arrival.
Baby Boy will be here in about eight weeks; we can't wait, but we're excited about the activities we have planned in the coming weeks.
Lucia's only request was to go to Fenton's for ice cream. My list was more like, let's go out to dinner, let's travel, etc.
Superbowl Sunday is this weekend, and you'd think it would be super special for Pete and I, given we met at a Superbowl party and the teams are Baltimore vs. San Francisco. But nope, we don't plan on doing anything. If we can get our new TV, then we might watch it, but I have to be honest, I'd only be doing that for the commercials and Beyonce.
Tuesday we celebrate our anniversary; seven years since we met, six since we wed. We managed to somehow score reservations at the #2 restaurant in San Francisco, Boulevard, and by some miracle our babysitter is available. We're excited to have a night out, and I'm mostly excited to get dressed up and feel fancy for a night, as opposed to the walking egg in ill-fitting maternity clothes, as I do most days.
Next weekend we're headed to Monterey Thursday night (woo-hooooo!), then onto Hearst Castle and Santa Barbara Friday, then South Pasadena on Saturday to celebrate David's birthday with the Pants Department. It's a last-hurrah family roadtrip as a family of three, and we're so excited to go (and thankful to Pete's family for the Christmas gifts to fund it!).
In early March, we're having a last hurrah adults-only get-together, in the theme of a chocolate tasting. We're planning on having fancy meats, pates, cheeses, wine, and chocolates for the tasting and some other desserts for our non-chocolate loving friends (yes, we have one, and somehow manage to still like him). We haven't had any big gatherings at our place other than Thanksgiving, but we decided it would be nice to do (it also helps that we'll have a nesting/cleaning goal to work towards).
Later on in the month, we have a trip to go to Sonoma for the evening to stay at Beltane Ranch, and have dinner at the Girl and the Fig, as a last hurrah romantic getaway before Baby Boy makes his arrival.
Baby Boy will be here in about eight weeks; we can't wait, but we're excited about the activities we have planned in the coming weeks.
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