Memorial Day Weekend - Poolside

Since we had such a busy weekend we decided to lay low for the last day of our 3 day weekend. We had breakfast/lunch with Lotus at the Grove before heading home to lay be the pool for the rest of the afternoon. Andrew had turned the pool heater on high so the pool was a warm 85 degrees by 3pm! Christine, Garett, Molly, Tim, Byron, and Becky all came over to chill by the pool. I plan on doing this exact same thing for most of the summer.

Memorial Day Weekend - Sex and the City

After brunch I decided it was too gorgeous outside to sit in the house. I threw on my polka dot bikini and made the most of the sunshine. The baby bump is getting bigger and my bikinis are getting smaller!

After a few hours of sunbathing Crissy, Ayslinn, Christine, Molly, and I put on our stilettos and went to see Sex and the City 2 at the Arclight. It was such a fun girly movie with the BEST fashion. I mean, some of the outfits were terrible, but some were simply amazing. I think the baby liked it too because she was kicking up a storm.

After the movie we all had dinner at Bulan Thai. The food is sooo yummy and surprisingly cheap. The only problem: No Booze! Thankfully it isn't a problem for me anymore.

Memorial Day Weekend - Cahn Breakfast

Andrew and I decided to have his parents and sister over for Sunday brunch. I have to admit, I wasn't much help. Andrew made the cornmeal pancakes, scrambled eggs, tater tots, turkey bacon, and banana bread. My only contribution was the fruit salad! Everything was soooo delicious since Andrew is such a great cook!

Grandma & Grandpa Cahn even offered to buy the Bugaboo Bee stroller for our little baby girl!!

Memorial Day Weekend - Bay Island

On Saturday morning, Andrew and I drove down to Bay Island to see my mom and stepdad. It was gorgeous weather and after looking out at the view from their house, we decided that the back lawn would be the site of the baby shower in August!

There was a BBQ planned on the island that we all went to later in the afternoon. Unfortunately Andrew and I didn't know anyone and spent most of the time on a couch talking to each other.

After dinner we drove across the island and walked to get some frozen yogurt. The baby has definitely been craving it since I have had it 3 days in a row. Peanut Butter, Mint, and Coffee seem to be the favorites.

20 week ultrasound

even after the structural ultrasound and the amnio, yet another ultrasound was scheduled for this week. i guess they had to check kim's cervix? i don't know, and i don't understand, but apparently kim has a very nice cervix. i guess that's one more thing to brag about.

once again kim refused to let me use her original audio from the ultrasound. even though she was trying to control it, she kept asking if the baby was ok and if the heart was still beating. i chose the replacement music.

Amnio Results Back!

This afternoon Andrew and I got some great news! Dr. Justis called with our amnio results. Our little baby is perfectly healthy and 100% a GIRL! Now there is one less thing for me to worry about.

Baby Bump - 20 Weeks

It is hard to believe that I am halfway there with only 20 more weeks to go! I still am not feeling like I've popped yet and the doctor confirmed today that I haven't gained enough weight. I've only put on 7 lbs so it gives me a good excuse to stuff my face a little more!

Here is a close up of the baby bump. I swear it seems much bigger by the end of the day! This week the baby measures about 7 inches in length and weighs almost 11 ounces. She is definitely getting bigger- even if I'm not! I feel her almost every day which is a nice reminder that there is still a little person in my belly.

Daddy Gets a New Toy

Yesterday Andrew and I went to Sammy's Camera in search of polaroid film and ended up buying a camera! We had been talking about getting a digital SLR for capturing all our new baby moments. I love Canons so I was all for the T2i whereas Andrew was in favor of the Nikon D90. After talking to a photo expert it was obvious that Andrew wanted the Nikon. Since I'm hoping he will be the one taking most of the pictures - I told him to go for it. We walked out a lot poorer, but a lot happier.

After returning home and doubting my husbands decision - I went online to compare the 2 cameras. Sure enough - the Nikon was far superior than the Canon.

Baby Room - Part 2

Now that we are done with the amnio and the baby seems perfectly healthy (fingers crossed) - its time to start focusing on her room! At first we wanted to go with the blue & brown rug from Avalisa , but now that it is a girl we have to decide between these two! Pink?

Or Purple?

Both are super cute and girly - but I think I'm leaning towards the pink since it seems to have a little red in it as well. Once we decide we will have to thank Grandma Rufer for providing a beautiful rug for our little babies feet! Thanks mom!

Next is the artwork for the walls. I am really loving these 2 canvases from the same place. The pink wildflowers are abstract and super cute and would match either rug!

And who can resist this lowercase alphabet. I'm not sure daddy will love it - but I think it is cute!

Who's Afraid of Needles?

Yesterday was our structural ultrasound and amnio with Dr. Justis. I'm not afraid of needles and can even watch when they take my blood at the prenatal visits. However, even I have to admit that I was more than a little apprehensive about the needle going into my belly and into out babies resting place. I worried about it for days, no doubt driving Andrew crazy. Thankfully we were in good hands and the doctor was amazing. The above photo is of our little girls heart. The little black hole in the center is her stomach.

This is our babies brain - hopefully she is as smart as her daddy. But not as much of a "know it all".

On more than one occasion Dr. Justis said our little girl was perfectly formed - from her little mouth and nose, to her heart, spine, brain, hands and feet. Of course hearing that made me a very proud parent. But who was he kidding? Of course she was perfect - look at her mommy and daddy. The needle was another story. I closed my eyes for the beginning part because I just couldn't watch. I was surprised - it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be! The worst part was the 20 minutes during the ultrasound when we weren't sure if it was a boy or a girl!!

Here is a picture of me post amnio. Andrew set me up on the couch with movies, food, and fluid so I could rest for the remainder of the day. He really is the best.

quote of the day

'i just really hate worrying about anyone else but myself.'

andrea jr was andrew jr for about 20 minutes

today was kim's amnio. it was a very stressful procedure for us, but luckily the doctor was a pro and it went off without a hitch. the doctor was amazed with the attached picture. he said it was kind of rare and awesome to have the two feet positioned together like this. i dunno, seems normal-ish to me.

the drama of the day was that while he was performing the ultrasound, the doctor was convinced that andrea jr was actually andrew jr. kim was pretending that she wasn't that bummed, but i know she secretly was. after the ultrasound the dr checked again and the baby was in a better postion, and sure enough, it's a girl.

Baby Bump - 19 Weeks

I'm 19 weeks today and can't believe that I am one week away from being at the half way point! I still feel like I'm not getting that much bigger - but I guess its better than feeling like a huge whale.

Here is a close up of the baby bump! The baby is as big as a mango - measuring about 6 inches and weighing in at 1/2 lb.

Baby's First Cradle

It is a Rufer family tradition to have all new babies sleep in this cradle. Chris and all his brothers slept in it as well as Karrie and Todd. Even Ross' babies Alison and Emma slept in it. Now it's Andrew Jr's turn! Grandma Rufer had some friends drive the crib down to Los Angeles so we could use it. We plan on putting it in our bedroom while the baby is newly hatched. I love how vintage looking it is and thankfully it matches our modern wooden decor!

The cute little bunny in the crib was handmade by Grandma Cahn. It is soooo cute and soft - I know the baby will love it.

Baby Wants Chocolate

I've never really had a sweet tooth. When something bad happens I don't drown my sorrows in ice cream or candy bars. Being pregnant is another story. For some reason this baby LOVES sweets. I can't wait for dessert these days. Mint chocolate chip ice cream - Yeeees please! Rice Krispie treat - Yuuuum!! I can't go by the candy jar at work without grabbing a few Kit Kats or Peanut Butter cups. And yes - I did eat all of those candies. Don't worry - they are minature size. I'm not THAT into sweets.

Sacramento Baby Shower

I couldn't resist posting the adorable invite for my baby shower in Sacramento. Everyone mark your calendars! Don't worry - the actual invites will be in the mail soon.

Baby Bump - 18 Weeks

I'm 18 weeks today and I am finally feeling pregnant. My clothes are all tight and I swear every day I feel our little baby moving inside of me! This week Andrew Jr. is the size of a sweet potato - about 5.5 inches and weighs 5 oz. In the next few weeks we can find out if Andrew Jr. really is a Kim Jr.

Here is a close up of the bump.

Happy Birthday to Me Part 3

After a great day at work I went home to tart it up for my birthday dinner. Granted I wore the exact same thing I wore to work - just threw on a little extra glitter. Andrew made reservations at Boa because I was craving the spaghetti with kobe meatballs. Since the Soho House is in the same complex we met Lotus there for a non alcoholic drink beforehand. I had a blackberry mojito that was out of this world. Unfortunately the photo booth section was closed for a private party! They don't allow pictures inside, hence the valet photo with Lotus.

After the Soho House we went to Boa for our dinner and it was delicious. I had another blackberry mojito - and I think I've found my new drink of choice. By 9:45pm I was ready to go home and get into bed. For the first time ever, all the birthday excitement wore me out!

Happy Birthday to Me Part 2

Everyone knows that my favorite day of the year is my birthday. So of course after only working there a month, the staff at Number Six Edit knew the way to my heart. Mike, one of the assistants made me a homemade angel food cake with strawberries. No joke - it was one of the most amazing cakes I've had for my birthday. Except, of course, for the cake Christine made me!!

I mean look at that. How could I resist a second piece?

Happy Birthday To Me!

Daddy really outdid himself for Mommies birthday. Not only did he have all my closest friends over for a surprise birthday party, but he bought me the black diamond rings I have been obsessing over for weeks! Granted he was adamently against me opening the present early. Secretly I am happy that he didn't let me - It was so nice waking up on May 11th knowing that I could FINALLY open my present from him. And like every year, I was not disappointed!

Artichokes and Iron Man 2

I have been craving artichokes like crazy for a few weeks. We tried to get into Houstons awhile ago, but the wait was over an hour. At work we tried R & D (sister restaurant to Houstons) and they didn't have the famous artichoke on the menu!

Last night after my amazing surprise party Andrew took Todd, Karrie, and me to Houstons. I finally got the artichoke I had been craving.... and it was just as good as I remembered.

After dinner we went and saw Iron Man 2. Thankfully Andrew bought tickets far in advance and we had great seats.

Karrie even paid for all the snacks! Yes - the popcorn, red vines, reeses pieces, AND soda are all mine. I can't help it if the baby was craving sweets.

P.S. Everyone loved the movie except for Andrew.

Surprise Birthday Party Bonanza!

After my girl's Saturday with Lotus I came home to find that my awesome husband had planned a surprise 35th Birthday for me! All of our friends were there including my little brother and sister! I had no clue which made the surprise even sweeter.

I think Andrew knew that I had been secretly (not that secretly) pining for a party and he definitely outdid himself. There was booze, food, presents, and a warm pool just waiting to be jumped into! What else could a girl want?

I couldn't believe that my sister Karrie flew down from San Francisco! I hadn't seen her since finding out about our baby - so it was extra nice to have her here.

I quickly got into my swimsuit since the pool was 80 degrees. Even though the thermometer said 80 it felt more like 76. I can't wait until it is summer and the pool is even warmer.

Andrew bought a cool underwater camera so Karrie and I decided to test it out. Karrie doesn't quite understand that our pool is salt water. Thus - you can open your eyes without feeling the sting of chlorine!

Here I am opening my presents, which as everyone knows, is my favorite thing to do! Thank you to all of my wonderful friends, and especially my husband, who made my birthday sooooo special.

Safety First

Who said safety can't be cute? A few weeks ago Andrew and I went to look at strollers and infant car seats. Some of these things are truly hideous. Of course safety comes first - so who cares about looks, right? WRONG. If anyone knows me, they know I'm a sucker for the cutest item - not matter what the cost. Thankfully all of the infant car seats are roughly about the same amount! The minute I saw this Maxi-Cosi infant car seat, I fell in love. The colors were so cute and the fabric was super soft. Daddy wanted to go with the Chicco - but I put my foot down. Not only was it lighter to carry (hopefully Andrew will be doing most of that) AND it fits in the Bugaboo Bee stroller.

Now the only question is which color?

Baby Bump - 17 Weeks

I am 17 weeks today, with only 23 weeks left to go. It doesn't seem like I'm very far along - but I definitely am having a hard time fitting into my skinny jeans. A few days ago I swore I felt something in my tummy. And sure enough, the next day I felt the same thing! It seems our little girl is very active. I can't wait until I get even bigger and daddy can feel her kicking.

Here is another picture of the baby bump up close. Still not huge - but I'm getting there! And please excuse the PJ's and rough looking hair. I just rolled out of bed to take these pictures.

The Worlds Perfect Stroller

Andrew and I went to Kidsland over the weekend to look at strollers and car seats. I had my heart set on the Bugaboo Bee from the pictures alone. But Andrew, being the sensible daddy to be, thought it would be best to test out all the strollers before making any decisions. And wouldn't you know it - the Bee won out. Most of the strollers are too high tech looking or have huge wheels for hiking. Me....hike? Come on. Best of all - it fits the baby car seat I liked best AND it is easy to open and close. SOLD.