Milo, the first Baby Sposa

This is our Japanese Chin, Milo.
He can only lick from the left side of his cheek - doctor says it must neurological. He is 2 years old and he was born 5 days before we were married in 2005.

The word 'chin' in Japanese means 'cat-like'. Basically, he is like a cat. He bathes himself like a cat. Sleeps for long hours like a cat (he has been know to sleep while getting a bath, getting his hair blown dry, getting his nails clipped, in the car, on a plane - you name it). Oh yes, and we can count on our two hands the number of times we have actually heard him bark.

Milo has a wonderful sense of humor and loves to be the center of attention but also knows how to play by himself. HE taught Jason that he knows how to fetch and enjoys giving kisses (especially on the eyes).

He is my pride + joy...our first baby (literally, it took me a month of sleepless nights to potty train/feed him on schedule).
I know he will be a little confused and maybe even jealous when Olivia arrives; however, I have already devised plans on how to keep his spirits up with daily trips to the dog park (then Olive + I get fresh air, too) as well as some time alone before we go pick up Olive from daycare once I return to work.

In this picture he was sleeping but Jason HAD to get his picture with his tongue hanging out past his chin. He knew I would enjoy seeing these since I was at work while it happened and would have hated knowing that I had missed this. He is so thoughtful like that...

Weekend Plans: another step closer to reality...

This Saturday Jason and I will be taking an all day Lamaze class. It will be held from 10 AM to 4 PM with lunch provided; however, I hope they let me snack/graze throughout the day - HA!

I know it may seem a little early; however, I think it would be best to cover our bases now - then before I am immobile and in case of emergencies. Besides, they also offer a 'refreshment/crash course' for those wanting to feel extra-sure closer to the due date.

Nonetheless, so many people tell me that they either didn't take the course or else forgot everything they learned during labor. I think it will be best just to learn various techniques of relaxation and breathing that we can practice while I continue to experience Braxton-Hicks contractions (ie, false contractions that some women feel - it's basically your uterus preparing itself for labor). I also feel it will be knowledgeable for both Jason and myself to learn a little more about the labor and birth experience.

Anyway, should be jolly good fun - or else just a funny experience for us to share on our journey!

Have a great weekend!

Happy Birthday, Papa!

Today is Jason's GLORIOUS 28th birthday!

I hope he enjoys the presents the 'kids' and I picked up for him. By request, in lieu of a birthday dinner this evening, he asked for a cookie cake (which he has never had before) and we are going to pick up a gallon of skim milk and eat ourselves into a diabetic coma. Tomorrow, dear Milo has a dental/vet appointment so we will tend to him in the morning and see a movie as well as grab a romantique lunch out together.

He is so cute. The other day he asked me how 28 was...all I could say was it was 'ok'. We got a great tax break, we conceived our dear Olivia, and the two of us became closer than I could ever imagine.

I wish him the best of years as he takes the brave step into fatherhood and hope he continues to embrace the essence of his child/'geek'hood that I so fell in love with.

Here's to many, many more years together, my darling baby daddy!

xoxo
melanie, olivia, milo + buddy

Yummy!

Holla!

My lady, Gwen Stefani, in the preggers seat avec moi!
*Swoon*

Word.

xoxo

Music Survey

Above, in no particular order, are albums that Miss Olivia has been particularly drawn to (outside of anything by Rilo Kiley). She either calms down and quits quicking Mom or else begins dancing when I am checking on her movements!

I want to be sedated....

Jason got me this tee from Unbuttoned Maternity for the holidays. I'm finally getting around to wearing it since it's winter time and at the time I tried it on I was feeling a bit big...um, hello, I said to myself this morning....it's meant to hug my curve!

I love it...need to pick up one or two more!

Woooooo!

...and now for a word from our sponsor.

For the holidays this year our family gave many members of our extended families webcams so that throughout the course of the years and from miles away communication can be maintained as our little Olivia grows inside + outside of womb.

I initially got the idea from my good friend whose family + friends are also scattered all over the country + world.

Anyhow, we use skype.
Basically, as long as you and your contacts/friends/family members have a Skype account you can call (either like telephone call or video call - with a webcam, mic, and speakers) for FREE (!).

So, if anyone is interested in keeping in touch - holla at me via email, blogger, myspace, or facebook (or any other facet you are familiar with contacting me/us through) and we will hook you up with our skype information and arrange a play[date] call!

xo
m.

Furniture Delivery!

Hey Folks!

Tomorrow Melanie and I will receive Olivia's' furniture! We are both really REALLY excited to finally start fixing up her room. This Sunday was spent sorting through a bunch of old boxes and souvenirs from yesteryear stored in the nursery until the arrival of her furniture.

When it was all finished we both stood in the corner of her little empty room. Quiet and clean. Her little red night light was on and the sun was going down in Hoboken.

Standing in the corner. We both talked for a little, shed some tears, and hugged it out.

We are going to be great parents. Not for the way Olivia will be raised, or for the traditions that will be past down, but because we have each other. It's a really great feeling.

Pictures of her nursery will be posted soon.

xo
jason.

Melanie + Olivia

A new drawing Papa did of la maman et bebe.

Check out his other illustrations + goodies at: http://www.underneathmytree.com

Exciting dates this month...

January 15 - monthly OB/GYN appointment
January 19 - going to Philly to see some of our nearest + dearest (PENDING)
January 22 - delivery of Olivia's nursery furniture
January 31 - Jason's 28th Birthday!!!

February 1 - Milo's first dentist appointment
February 2 - Lamaze class
February 9 - painting/completion of nursery with the Makers
February 13 - 4D Ultrasound (more details on that as the date approaches)
Februar 14 - Valentine's Day
February 15-18 President's Day OFF / my parents are visiting
February 22-24 Richmond, VA to drop off some tchotchkes in storage at Mom's
February 26 Newborn Care class
February 28 - my 29th Birthday!!!

These are exciting days ahead of us and we look forward to the third trimester knowing that we accomplished so much and I can finally get off my feet and relax as I get bigger with a healthier, happier, lovelier Olive.

Welcome, Ms. Kidman...

People.com has released that after several miscarriages with Tom and two adoptions, Nicole Kidman is pregnant with her first biological child. The baby daddy is Keith Urban, a country singer, who she has been wed to almost a year.

Congratulations and welcome to the circle, Nikki!

Baby Olive's Nursery

The holidays have come and gone - which also included a wonderful baby shower thrown by my family down South. Our darling Olivia inherited quite a stash from friends and loved ones. Jason and I had our last 'hoorah' holiday where we just went nuts - knowing that next year we would want to spoil our little girl moreso than each other (we shall see - thinks la maman - who loves to spoil her baby daddy - heehee). Anyway, Jason got his presents divided into 'man'-gifts, 'daddy'-gifts, and 'because-I-love-my-geeky-keepin-it-real-husband' gifts (namely, studio headphones, ebay/amazon cash, office mac, quicken, and other private items). Myself received an electric toothbrush, iPod touch, prenatal massage, movies, music, a preggers Ramone tee and other lovelies.

In the meantime - following the aftermath, Jason and I have been slowly accumulating Miss Olivia's goodies for her nursery.

COLOUR SCHEME: white-moulding, whisper/sky blue - walls, furniture - white

ACCENT COLOURS: kelly green, bright red
SECONDARY COLOURS: yellows, oranges, pinks,

We don't generally enjoy the gender specific pinks and purples for a girl and will allow her to make that decision when the time comes. In the meantime, she has her white moulding for the clouds in the skyblue sky for her future Barbie castle or Hello Kitty theme!

Jason and I would prefer for her to develop her social and creativity/imagination skills so prefer to not have television be around her until she is about 2 1/2 years old. In lieu, she will enjoy Melissa + Doug wooden toys and other vintage (remade) favourites by Fisher-Price.

Anyway, enough talking....here's a few of the pieces we picked up!

Feedback, comments and questions are always welcome!.....

Maternity Support (not just the moral kind)

These two items deserve a post by themselves.

I picked up the crazy looking pillow (aka: SNOOGLE) last night from Babies R Us and slept like Olivia must be sleeping. The bugger changes all different positions to suit your activity whether it be feeding the baby or just sleeping as shown (which I am in love with). Somehow, as pictured, you are able to support your back, tummy (gravity makes the baby fall to the side, ie - making it hard for you to move or rest well), and your spine (between the legs part). Luckily for me, I am short enough for the thing to surround me in a complete 'O' formation...however, let me set the record straight that this does not in any way compare to the husband cuddles I already miss.

The second item is a shout-out to the petite pregnant women out there who find that as the little one pulls you forward and down it's somehow directly connected to the bottom of your spine. Well, this doozy I picked up today and am already thoroughly enjoying myself. I do not feel like I have to put my hand under her to cradle her because she's either killing my back or I am so tired that I am afraid of my lack of control of my center of gravity.

Nonetheless, I must admit that I was a bit hesitant in both items when I first discovered I was pregnant; however, I am truly a convert and am willing to try any new contraption once if it means a better night sleep and a more well supported back (ie, day).


PS.
This week the TODAY SHOW reported that the more sleep a woman gets in her last few weeks of pregnancy [statistics have shown] contributes to 11 hours LESS of labor + delivery.

Like I said...I'll try anything!

xo

Seriously....

Up until the holidays I was able to joyfully report that I could still fit in size Medium (I normally wore Small) in Forever 21. To my grumpy dismay I had to purchase 'warm weather' clothes for our trip down south to visit my parents - basically it meant spending more money on clothes I knew I wouldn't fit in but for this small window. Anyway, I found myself in a large in Forever 21.

....however....

....this was not the last of the growing. Apparently, Olivia, decided to, within a week's time (of which we took 2 weeks holiday)grow significantly; thus, causing me to have to purchase new cold weather clothes, too!

This is correct folks. I can no longer wear my regular Mavi's with a tummy band. I am now in (*sigh*) maternity wear...

and yet - call it pure luck or another plus to living in the most fashionable city in the world but I have discovered the mecca of maternity wear.
Ladies and gentlemen~
I give you, DESTINATION MATERNITY.

We have two locations close to us. The 'store' offers clothing from A Pea in the Pod, Motherhood Maternity, Mimi Maternity, Edamame Spa, a juice bar, a relaxation area, + a children's play area!
The clothes range from $40 Motherhood Maternity jeans to $200 True Religion or Willam Rast jeans.
They also every class under the sun - from childbirth classes to prenatal bellydancing, to your pet and the newborn...even Daddy classes!

Amazing...
on top of it all. I was the only one with a loving husband to accompany me, carry my clothes, and tell me how beautiful I looked in everything I tried on!
Call me one LUCKY GIRL!

xoxo