32 Weeks. Already?

Bending is a challenge.  My feet started to swell today.  I'm "nesting" compulsively.  Refined carbs and sugary foods are an impossible temptation.  I get extremely tired.   It's official.  I feel pregnant.

I also look pregnant.  Very.  

These are only the 2nd bump pictures I've taken.  The first was 21 weeks (when we found out we were expecting) and now 11 weeks later.  I wish I could blame someone else.  

Poor little guy.  This'll probably be the story of his life. 

I was looking through Stella's bump pictures and realized that this is my pregnancy uniform.  I enjoy fashion but not as much as I enjoy being comfortable.  So Lululemons and stretchy t-shirts it is.  

Most often it's a black / gray combo. 

On the upside if I'm wearing this and I go for a walk, I consider it actual exercise.

Car Seat = Recliner

We first mentioned needing a "big girl" car seat in October.  Stella is tall and the guilt of cramming her in the infant carrier with her feet dangling out finally got to us.  Four months later.  Jason did his usual amount of consumer reasearch, made a late night run and came home with this gem.  

It's in the living room while we (and by we, obviously, I mean Jason) adjust(s) the straps.

 

  And look who loves it.  This was the first time in Stella's life that she sat and watched t.v. Yo Gabba Gabba to be precise.  Not necessarily an activity we hope to encourage but it did made cooking dinner easier.  

We think she's pretty cute just relaxin' in her seat.

There's No Place Like...

We moved.  Well, we're in the process of moving and I am obsessed with making it feel like home. It must be nesting.  Right?  Brother's eviction date is tentatively set for 4/11/11.  SIX WEEKS!  It's still surreal.  Occasionally I am taken aback when I open the right side of the closet and find baby boy clothes hanging there.  I better be as ready as possible.

I have unfairly mentioned at least 1,000,000 times that forward motion has been stalled by lack of furniture (Jason needs to rent a van and get the rest from storage.  aka: my mother's basement).  It has also been stalled by Stella's presence.  By doctor's appointments.  And by a DIY project from hell.  It really did look simple but it's taking an extraordinary amount of time... and we still have another window to do.  We had to add a step (lining).  It also seems that I measured wrong and now have to unpick the panels we finished and add a fabric extension to correct the 2 inch gap at the bottom.  Can't wait to cross this project off the our do list.

Here's what Stella has been up to while we clean, unpack and arrange.  That is when she isn't pulling on my legs...

-talking to her best friend

 -"taking a knee"  to examine the wisks 

 -reading

-learning to clap

Cuter every day!

Yesterday I dropped Erica and Stella off at the airport for a little get away to Florida. I am missing them like crazy. Fortunately Erica has been sending me updates of Stella's first beach experience.

Win-Win Situation

Who doesn't love a win-win?

My sister is coming: I win!

You can stay at their place in London: You win!

Available April 2-22 

(About $100 USD per night.  That's right USD not POUNDS)

 

1 queen bed, 1 queen air mattress.  Separate, fully-stocked kitchen, living room and dining area for 8. 

In safe and enchanting Notting Hill neighborhood with delicious places to eat, adorable shops only half a mile from Hyde Park and 2 minutes from Portobello Market - conveniently located on the Central Line, with easy access to all London sites. 

You can email her [noelle.nicolai@gmail.com] with questions.  

These pictures are of their neighborhood.  Cute, right?  She told me Portobello Market is only this busy on Saturdays.  Maybe you should see for yourself. 

And We're Off

We're moving. Tonight (they're forecasting rain tomorrow). That leaves lots to do...call utility companies, try to find a subletter, sign new lease/pick up keys, oh and pack. It doesn't leave much time to think about how much we've loved this apartment--the views, the dark wood floors, the neighborhood, the dishwasher! Unfortunately one of Stella's favorite activities is unpacking. Fortunately she takes longs naps.

 

She's fallen into two boxes and over the past three days figured out how to unsnap the side of storage containers to get inside, slide our sliding doors open to get through, and rip tape off boxes. 

She's spending today with Grammy.

This sounds so good right now...

it's normal to think about lunch at 10:00, right?  

my lunch will actually be grilled chicken and salad...

because we're clearing out our fridge before the move. 

Have You Heard? It's Been Snowing In NY.

 Stella gets to watch it fall, go for walks, eat it and sit in it.

Poor Jason has to shovel the car out of it.