Feathering the crib, part one

I realize now that when I was first pregnant, I was overly ambitious. It's somewhat relative to the amount I have ignored the reality that labor will happen. When I look at my list of all the items I intended to make a few months ago I shake my head. As in, what was I thinking? And this was before things got even busier with some other changes we're making in the house category.

Nonetheless, all the supplies and fabric have been purchased so my sewing area will need to be a part-time sweat shop in the coming two months. Last week I decided to take on what I felt would be the hardest, the crib comforter. In many ways, it was really simple, it was just the covered cording (below), that was intimidating me. The end result though, I love. Of course, I see all of my, thankfully small, mistakes but it turned out just right for what we need. Rob and I are both thinking I will need to make one for us sometime, in the least, a throw for the couch. I used bamboo batting for the fill, and it's so incredibly soft and cozy. Plus it was much more economically feasible than the crib sets I liked. The beauty of sewing is that you can knock off what you like to a degree, which is exactly what I did.

Part deux of feathering the crib will be the bumper and hopefully a mattress, and then on to a few more, okay several more, projects.

More pictures of this project and others are up (and will be) on our Flickr photo stream (see to the right) along with our day trip to Whidbey Island and Fairhaven (home of the best French toast, ever).

Really? Already?

So far, I feel like pregnancy has pretty much cruised for me. Yeah, the first trimester was rough but the second one was, well, it was fun and very comfortable overall.

It appears that the third trimester really wants to put me in my place though, and quickly. Just in the last week, I am experiencing the not-so-glamorous side effects of being pregnant. (The 90 degree weather last weekend didn't help any.) I am not going to post pictures of these but let's just have a collective moment of silence/finger crossing for a cankle-free summer. Not to mention other symptoms.

Here's to two and a half more months of seeing just what my body will do to me. I still think I am pretty fortunate, and know it could be worse. It's just pretty amazing how suddenly you can be reminded that it's time to slow down, go easy and remember that your body knows what it's doing, whether you like it or not.

More pictures of baby projects coming soon and some other updates too, I hope.

Poll

A recent addition to the blog is the poll on the right-hand side navigation. We're looking to see if our family and friends will match the predictions we've received from strangers. While no official betting pool is in place, please vote if you like. That way, in less than three months you can go, "I told you so." There are few things in life you have a 50% chance of being right.

And, a bonus for me and baby Faw, we don't have to be man-handled in the process:).

p.s. all votes are anonymous

Last getaway?

After many talks of visiting friends in LA, we finally scheduled the trip for this past weekend. During what may be our last major trip before the baby comes, Rob and I had a fantastic time with dear friends. Both Chris, along with his wonderful girlfriend Nickie, and Greg were excellent hosts and made us feel at home.

The weather was rather stubborn as Rob and I took in the sights near where Chris lives in Santa Monica and Venice on Friday but we had a great time walking, people-watching and window shopping before dinner at a beach club (thanks to Nickie) right on the water in Santa Monica.

Saturday, we ventured to a few shops (with help from the very patient Rob and Chris) before heading to the Getty Center, which was pretty spectacular. We couldn't have asked for better weather, views, or architecture, both structural and landscape. It's just sad how quickly Rob and my pale, northwest skin turned pink once exposed to direct sunlight. Saturday night we headed to a great little wine bar in Pasadena with everyone before hanging out on Sunday and getting the tour of the beautiful homes and neighborhoods near Greg's place.

Here are some pictures from the weekend - and yes, bump shots are included.

Browsing in Santa Monica and the views from Palisades Park


Rob and Chris; Chris and Nickie; Rob and me at the Getty Center


Rob and Greg; Rob and me in Pasadena...waiting without reservations for breakfast on Mother's Day. Yes, sometimes we're not very bright.

Six months and counting

It's hard to believe that we're already at the six month mark...going on 25 weeks, pregnancy-ease. For the most part, it seems quick but for the other parts it seems slow. Like most things, I want to have the end result and just meet little Faw, but no, nature requires this slow act called gestation:).

The six month visit to the doctor went well... I am hoping that we have some excuse for another ultrasound soon since there was some shadowing in the last one that didn't let them get an overall view of important organs, like the heart.

For those of us who aren't on the up and up of baby development, here's a little snapshot from babycenter on what's going on this week. Please note that they use the pronoun "she" and not us. I don't want to get anyone excited.

"The baby is almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), that makes for a pretty lean figure, but her body's filling out proportionally. Your baby's brain is growing rapidly, and her taste buds may be working now. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" and cells that produce surfactant, a substance that helps the air sacs inflate easily. Your baby can hear more now, and you may even notice her startle at loud, sudden noises. But she's probably getting used to the regular noises she hears around the house, such as your dog barking or the roar of a vacuum cleaner."

Based on the above regarding the ability to hear, I think baby Faw is on track...Rob and I have been trying to read to the baby a couple of times a week and during a loud and rambunctious reading of one particular book last week, the baby was going crazy with movement. It could have been the Thai food but I like to think he or she was just enjoying the show. We certainly did.

The only not so great news is that I found out our wonderful doctor is leaving to start his own practice (not in obstetrics) and can't finish out with his current patients. We've been referred to someone I hope is equally as good. I guess we were just getting spoiled.

We may post some gratuitous belly shots soon since many have asked. Hopefully this weekend on our trip to warmer territory (LA) we'll have some pictures to share. We're looking forward to seeing friends and the sun, as well as what might be our last trip pre-baby.