Babymoon Part 1

I have traveled to Eastern Europe, had numerous trips to the Middle East and lived in Northern California... Can you believe in all that I have never once walked on an American beach!? Yes, it's a true story. I don't know how that escaped my repertoire of experiences but it did. I've climbed waterfalls in the mountain barefooted and hiked up ancient fortresses in the middle of the Israeli desert-but have not tanned on the beach listening to the sound of the waves. Go figure. Ha!

That fact changed this weekend.

Sunday morning, Sam and I loaded ourselves in the car and headed for the beach in Wilmington, NC ! We had planned this weekend trip as a short "babymoon" for some awesome adventure/relaxation time alone before little dude arrives.

It was a 3 1/2 hour drive, which wasn't bad at all. We talked, listened to radio theater and laughed the whole way down. We checked into our quaint little hotel room that had an AMAZING view of the river and an old navy battle ship!

After unloading our bags we changed into our swimming garb and headed to a typical, touristy beach shop to get towels, a shovel and bucket for making sand castles and an umbrella!

Leaving there, we found a place to park and I entered the addicting world of beach/ocean lovers. I'm ruined. Samuel laughed as I squealed, "oooh-ed" and "aaah-ed" at the sight of all that water and the magical sounds! Then, we GOT IN the water! Ah! Beyond fantastic! It took me a minute to get used to the rhythm of things but once I did there was no turning back!

"The Belly Hole"

I dug a whole in the sand so I could once again experience the intoxicating feeling of laying on my stomach!

One funny thing that happened as I lay there, falling asleep as Sam was building me a little sand kingdom-it being later in the afternoon the tide started to slowly creep up. We thought we were fine, we were pretty far away from the water. But, NO-as I lie there drifting into wonderland, being lulled by the waves, one decides to rush in a demolish our little camp site. Yes, my serene rest was quickly changed into a mad dash for our camera/iPhone bag and a mourning over all the amazing shells I had collected seeing that they had been swept back to sea/buried in sand.

Sam stood aghast as he looked at his once towering creation in progress ruined. Haha! I almost cried. (Yes, truly Jess, you are pregnant.)

We walked the beach together and soaked in the sounds, smells and beauty of it all. I collected lots of little treasures to turn into some fabulous creations I will show you later this week.

Sam laughed later on that night as he twittered,

"Jess had an epiphany last night. At about 2am she rolls over and asks

in a very concerned voice, "Baby... Do people pee in the ocean?" :)

The day decided to go so sleep. Sam and I headed back to our hotel to shower and change for a wonderful evening on the river walk and a magical dinner at a sea food restaurant called "Elijah's."

Sam ordered a mixed grill from the chef of all sorts of goodies and I got good ol'fish and chips with a salad.

Of course we had a wickedly wonderful dessert called "Death By Chocolate."

Sam assured me he wasn't hungry and told me to order just one. Well, once it was placed in front of us with 2 spoons...he changed his mind. ;)

Our time was so wonderful and perfect! We walked about a mile back down the river walk talking about nothing and everything. It felt like a second honey moon. Just us, enjoying each other together.

As we snuggled in bed that night, our little man moving and wiggling like crazy, a smile was gently painted on my face as I thought about all the laughs and new experiences I had had. I realized again, there's so many more of these days/nights to be discovered- it's just started. Next time we go on a seashore adventure, we'll have a new little love and new little friend with us.

I love life.

Part 2 is coming tomorrow!

5:30am Leftovers

So, I tossed and turned all night. Nothing really unusual about that but last night, or what I should say was "this morning," I was wide awake at 5:30 am. I hadn't gone til' past 1 am so I really needed sleep! Especially since we were going to get up early and head to the east coast for a couple of days.

I lay there, turned over-stuffed more pillows in between my knees...turned over again, finally throwing the pillows on the ground and headed to the kitchen for some water. What I found in there fridge was my glorious Chicken Lo Mein leftovers from our fav Chinese restaurant "Golden China" calling my name. So, in the dimmed light of my kitchen and a few birds waking up and tweeting me an oh, so early good morning-I stood there scarfing down the wonder and delight of the Lo Mein. I got myself a glass of apple juice, which actually didn't taste too well with what I had just partook of, then a glass of water and headed back to bed. Once in bed, I still couldn't go to sleep and it's pushing 6 am-ish! I leaned over to my nightstand, got my iPhone and played a few rounds of boggle, the word game then finally tried to go back to sleep.

I must have actually accomplished my goal of falling asleep because a couple of hours later the alarm went off and I woke up. Now, we are headed to the east coast!

I'm so excited!

Beach Ball

Can you believe I've never been to an American beach. Nope, never. I know, I know!

"How, Jess, " you might ask, "did you live in California and NOT go to the beach??!!" I'm still asking myself that bizarre question.

Sam is taking me tomorrow for a couple of days to the North Carolina coast to enjoy the ocean, sand and sights before little bug comes along in a few weeks. I'm super excited and will post pics as they come! :)

A little sun, some waves the warm sand and cobblestone streets of the downtown area are calling my name!

I'll try and get some relaxation reading in. My list includes:

"The Vital Touch" and

"Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering"

I'm so stoked about this trip and have been for months! Yippeeee!!!

Goodies In the Mail!

So, I got some goodies in the mail this week! Two packages-one from Mod Cloth and the other from Etsy! My tree decals finally came in! Now, I just have to get that wall painted then we'll put up the trees!

I ordered a really cool, comfy top that I thought would cover my big 36 week preggerz belly-which it does! I usually don't do stripes because they can tend and add width where you don't really desire width...;) But, I liked this one so much I thought I would give it a try. :)

I discovered something random. I was looking for a strapless bra to where with this and mine is too small now. So, I grabbed my belly band, (you know the stretchy band you use in order to still where you pre-prego jeans etc.?) and put it on like a tube top then doubled it over. Works perfectly. Oh the joy of trying strange things.

A grey tank top, black leggings and my new blue striped shirt-ready to go baby.

Keeper of the Burp Cloths

This little guy is a vintage find I ordered off of a "boho vintage found" store on etsy!

He is going to be hung on the wall by our boy's changing table and being assigned the duty of "Keeper of the Burp Cloths."

I'm going to use him like you would use a dish towel holder in the kitchen but, for the baby room. I'm very excited and waiting for him to arrive in the mail.

Check out Mina's Blog and Etsy site, they are one of my Favs!

Bohohemian Vintage Blog

Bohemian Vintage Antiques Etsy Shop

Birth In Style? Will I Even Care?

So, I've been thinking...about what to wear when I go into labor. When you're in the hospital they give you a gown that looks like a bed sheet and exposes your whole derriere to the world. I've had to wear them before and don't like them at all.

As far as home birth garb, I've seen everything from fabric wrapped around the bod, sports bra and skirt, to being butt naked. I've considered all of these and I totally understand the purpose of a hospital gown and understand that you really don't care what in the world you're wearing if anything when those contractions come around. But there has to be an alternative? Maybe?

Most likely, I won't care either. So, the very fact I'm even having this conversation is probably more entertaining than anything.

I'm planning on having my labor here at home and the birth up at the Birthing Center less than 3 miles up the road. So, I will be getting in a car, out of a car-humans will be around and I want something comfortable.

I was thinking when it comes down to the knitty-gritty a sports bra/tube top of some sort and wrap skirt dilly/work out shorts-then when push comes to push the top will suffice. haha!

Then I got to thinkin' something like this might be kinda nice for the early/mid part of the labor when I'm walking around outside and around people helping me during the countdown.

These are made by a girl I know out in California. All her fabric is organic and she dyes them herself! Her company is called "One Love Creations" and you can find her on etsy HERE.

I also thought of up-cyling some old t-shirts into a pattern like this.

Zulily: A Must

Being a first time mommy and completely new to this world of baby clothes, high chairs and couture cloth diapers I have navigated my way through to some very sweet places online.

One of them being, "Zulily." A place where you can find chic, hip and wonderfully organic baby items up to 70% off! From designers such as Kate Quinn Organics, Twirls and Twigs and tons more! :) So, you should sign up and enjoy amazing discounts every day! :)

Here are a couple of things I've gotten off Zulily!

Kate Quinn Organics "Basil Ribbed Crew Shirt"

Original Price: $28

Zulily Price: $16

Kate Quinn's Organic "Port Rollover Pants"

Original Prie: $34

Zulily: $20

Kate Quinn Organics "Pomegranate & Midnight Sacque"

Original Price: $30

Zulily Price: $18

Look at these awesome deals that were on Zulily today! Dang, if you have a little girl, mmmmm.... Also great gifts for your girlfriends who have little princesses.

Twirls and Twigs Tank Top and Skirt

Original Price: $64

Zulily: $18.99

Twirls and Twigs, Red, White and Blue Dress with Leggings Infant/Girls

Original Price: $50

Zulily Price: $19.99

Kate Quinn Organics "Midnight and Vanilla Peter Pan Dress"

Original Price: $42

Zulily Price: $24.99

L'Amour Shoes, Orange Mary Janes

Original Price:$30

Zulily Price:$19

10 miles

Today Sam and I had a prenatal appointment with Damaris our midwife up at the birthing center AND we confirmed that our little guy is NOT breached! YAY! He had been breech the last two times we saw her. I have been praying like crazy that he would turn, and he did!

My usual routine during my checkups is a trip to the bathroom, weigh, pee in a cup which then is followed by the ritual of putting a plastic stick in the cup to see the protein, sugar and other levels in my body.

The weighing aspect has been fine up until last check up. I had a 10 lb. jump in my weight in 2 weeks! Eek! I was like, "WHAT?!" My midwife told me I was fine, but come on, 10 lbs.? Ugh.

I was expecting some more depressing news when I stepped on the scale, only 2 lb. baby! Wooohoo! I ran out of the bathroom and was dancing around. The ladies at the birthing center getting a big kick out of my exuberance. :)

I've gained about 45 pounds since the crown of mommy-hood was placed on my head. I first thought that was CRAZY seeing that all the sites on the Internet say 15-25 lbs.is the norm for girls of my size. (How depressing.) My midwife, when I told her of my concern said no biggie, my weight gain was just fine seeing that I was eating great and exercising regularly and almost 6 ft. plus I have a lot of muscle mass. (Yeah, baby!) She thinks my baby is a really tall little dude on top of all that. Does it sound like I'm trying to convince myself? Maybe a little. Ha!

Speaking of exercising, I finished a trek of 10 miles on the bike today and a full all over body weight training time at the Y! Mmmmm, feels good! :)

Tonight, we have our first Birthing Class up at the birthing center and I'm mega excited!

Mommy Where Are the Markers?

I don't even remember where I found these photos, but when I did, my heart was very happy! I SO want to have a piece of furniture in my house that is used for this purpose. :) Yes, I know there could and probably would be consequences, haha but, I still want to! :)

I'm starting to get even more and more excited about the craziness my little boy and I will do and see and adventure together.

Days where we go around with our faces painted just because we can. Or times when we're so wrapped up in a story we continue the theme throughout the entire week.

Soon, I'm going to be able to say "My boys and I are going to be...." That one little phrase makes my heart smile so big.

Today, I'm going to finish sorting through all his cute little clothes and organize them by size, put the big ones we've collected away and perhaps sew some more pillows and the like for his room. The room I know we won't actually use for several months since we are going to co-sleep. HA! But, still, it's a project that reminds me he's really coming.

I THINK my Etsy decals came yesterday. But, seeing that we were at Birthing Class Fed Ex left a note and will be delivering the package today! I SO hope it's the boy's trees for his Forest room. :) We shall see!

Wonders of Watermelon

So, you're pregnant in the summer time eh? It's freaking hot outside and every pinch of salt is the daunting fear of having your body swell, legs cramp and not to mention the dehydration that the heat brings on which in turn causes belly cramps and nausea.

One easy wonderment of a solution? Watermelon, the fruit of 4th of July, and pool parties and happiness and crisp watering wonder!

DID YOU KNOW that WATERMELON:

1. Eases heartburn. (Hallelujah! Can I get the choir singing!?)

2. Reduces swelling.

3. Reduces morning sickness due to it's high water content and fruit sugars.

4. Helps reduce 3rd trimester muscle cramps because of it's mineral content.

5. Helps prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease

6. Boosts the body's immune system

7. Can also reduce the risk of preeclampsia by 50%!

8. Packed with vitamins, A, C, B6 as well as potassium and magnesium (which help develop your baby's brain, vision, immune systems and much more!!!!

Check out this awesome article by Fit Pregnancy on Watermelon for more cool facts and yummy recipes!

Mean while, I'm going to enjoy this bowl of watermelon my husband just cut up and brought me!