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September 30, 2010

Baby Bump - 38 Weeks



I'm 38 weeks today with only 2 more to go!  Time is flying by and neither Andrew or I can believe that we will bringing Olive home so soon.  I'm still feeling great, just waiting and trying to relax as much as I can.


We went to the doctor for our weekly visit yesterday and it seems I've lost a pound or so. I'm weighing in around 148/149, so I haven't quite hit the 25lb marker yet! Thankfully the doctors measured Olive and all is well. Unfortunately Mommy didn't do as well as she did - I almost passed out on the table during the ultrasound.  It was the strangest thing, my ears started ringing and my heart started beating really fast.  Thankfully the feeling went away after I layed on my left side, had some water, and took a few deep breaths.


Here is a close up of the bump!  This week the baby is still the size of a watermelon, measuring between 19-22 inches long and weighing up to 7lbs.

September 29, 2010

ultrasound??!??!?

hello team -

now that kim's inching ever closer to d-day, we have to go to the doctor once a week.  last week they were a little concerned that kim was too small, so this week they wanted to do an ultrasound to check things out. kim and i were both pretty excited because it would be the last time we would see her before the first time we would see her.  i was expecting some super awesome hd quality stills to post.  since she's nearly hatched, i figured it would essentially be the same as seeing her, but computerized.

well, in reality it was nothing like that.  as it turns out, the earlier ultrasounds are easier to see because a) the baby is smaller so she fits easily in the screen, and b) there is a lot more amniotic fluid that shows up as black on the scan, giving better contrast to see the baby.  now that jr is basically jammed in there as tight as can be, all the ultrasound looked like to me was a mess of squiggles and lines and shades of gray.  i was staring the screen the whole time and couldn't really make out a good still.

so, in conclusion, we're all just gonna have to wait 2 more weeks for her first close-up.

ps - jr is just fine, they estimated she's 6.8 lbs.  although everyone says that estimate is wildly inaccurate.

September 28, 2010

The Ducky Lies



It has been unbearably hot for the last 2 days with weather over 100 degrees.  I've been trying to stay cool and decided to jump in our new pool this afternoon!  It has been over a month since we had it re-plastered and it was so nice to finally be able to get in.  Granted it was a little chilly at first, even though our duck thermometer says 82.


Look at that bump!  Only 2 weeks and 2 days to go!!  If, of course, she decides to come on time.

(Note: I made Andrew take me to Target the other day because I haven't been able to fit into my favorite black and white bikini top and needed to get another bathing suit.  As luck would have it they had the exact same top in a bigger size.  Go figure.)

September 27, 2010

TCOB



It's been a few days since I've last blogged so I thought I would put a little update since I have no pictures to post!

This weekend Andrew and I took care of some major business.  Our house is spotless, our deck is washed, and our sprinkler system is up and running.  We even got some last minute things for the hospital so we wouldn't have to worry about it right before the baby comes!  I'm feeling like both of us are in nesting mode and am hoping that in the last week I can just relax and prepare myself for what is yet to come.

This week we still have new toilets to install, sod to be laid down, and leaks to be fixed before our "Last Hurrah" party on Sunday.  I promise to post some pictures of everything - including the party!!


September 23, 2010

New Look for the Blog!


As you may have all noticed the blog layout has changed a little bit! I can now add EXTRA LARGE pictures, text, and video!!!  Get ready to see more of me, Andrew, and little Olive in high definition!

Baby Bump - 37 Weeks





I'm 37 weeks today with only 3 more to go.   Apparently, the baby could come at any time.  Needless to say, I'm not sure Andrew and I are ready quite yet!  We just made our appointment with the highway patrol to make sure that our car seat is installed properly.


I'm starting to feel a lot bigger, although the doctor said I was measuring on the small side at our appointment yesterday. Next week she wants us to have an ultrasound to check on the baby and make sure all is well. I think Olive is just on the petite side. I've almost hit the 25 pound mark so it isn't like I'm not eating enough!


Here is a close up of the bump. This week the baby is still the size of a watermelon, measuring 19-22inches long and weighing up to 6.5 pounds. Today the baby is considered full term!!

September 22, 2010

Last Nights Out 2010 Tour


Last night we had dinner with Lotus and my friend David at The Gorbals. I have been dying to try it since the owner/chef was the winner of Season 2 Top Chef, Ilan Hall. The food was yummy but I have to say my favorite thing was the dessert. I'm not normally a dessert person so I'm a little worried that Olive is going to have a major sweet tooth.

Here we all are at the end of the night. We even convinced Ilan to get in the picture with us. I think he was so sweet because his girlfriend is pregnant too!


infamous roots


my sister has been researching the vast and storied cahn/clayton family tree. turns out that there already was an olive in the family. and a infamous one at that. olive oatman was minding her crops or feeding her pigs, or whatever those plains people did, when she was abducted. not by some ragtag group of rabble-rousers, but some honest to goodness indians. they tattooed her and kept her hostage for some time. even better - when she was freed they named a town after her in arizona.

try and beat that one oliveira.





September 20, 2010

Last Nights Out 2010 Tour


Last night Andrew and I took Todd and his new girlfriend out to dinner in Culver City. I hadn't seen my baby brother in ages so it was about time! He claims he won't change Olive's diapers once she arrives, but we will just have to see about that!


Taking Care of Business

Andrew has recently coined the phrase TCB which means "taking care of business". We try to take care of as much business as we can over the weekends and with my ever expanding belly. This weekend was no exception. We went to Ikea in order to get organizers for our kitchen and a few other household items. My goal in the next couple of weeks is to organize the house so I don't have to worry about it once the baby arrives.

As you all know my mom sent us the Rufer family cradle so that the baby can sleep in our room for the first month or two. The mattress and pad had seen better days (It was at least 60 years old), so I had one custom made. It arrived in the mail so I set it up in our room with new sheets, etc. It's hard to believe that in 3 weeks the baby will be sleeping in it!

I also hung up the artwork I bought Andrew for our anniversary this year. It only took me a few months but it is finally done. There is a homeless woman on Crescent Heights and Wilshire that sells her artwork for money and we love it! She draws old timers like Paul Newman (Andrews favorite), Liz Taylor, Frank Sinatra, etc. as you can see in the picture.

Andrew set up the infant car seat in my car. We had a slight mishap when I was trying to get the car seat out of the stroller and into the car but I'm hoping I get a little better at it.


Last but not least, we are trying to get our old baby pictures together to do a wall collage for the hallway. One for Andrew, one for me, and one for little Olive once she gets here. Andrew, of course, has a zillion pictures to chose from whereas I have only a few. I'm not sure why my parents didn't take any good photos of me!


September 19, 2010

this is gonna take some practice

since the bun is nearly cooked in the oven, today was the day to put the car seat in the car. ours is one of the hybrid types that uses a base in the car so you can attach it into a stroller as well. i video'd kim's first attempt at removing the seat from the stroller.

all i can say is at least she has a few weeks to practice.


Happy Birthday Grandma Carolyn


Last night we went to Camarillo to celebrate Grandma Carolyn's birthday. Its been tougher than normal to pick out presents while pregnant. I normally can shop for hours and have more than one good idea. Nowadays I get tired after 20 minutes! It's good for our bank account since I haven't shopped for myself in months. Thankfully Grandma looooooved the light brown cashmere sweater we picked out. It looks great on her as you can see from the picture above. Looks like I haven't lost my touch quite yet!


September 18, 2010

Baby's First Adventure


My friend Shawn whisked the baby and I away for a night in Palm Springs on Thursday. We lounged by the pool and drank strawberry daiquiris all day. Don't worry, mine were virgin. It was nice to get away from Los Angeles for 24 hours. I was even able to read an entire book! Thanks Shawn for all the pampering!

September 16, 2010

Baby Bump - 36 Weeks


I'm 36 weeks pregnant with only 4 more to go. It is hard to believe that in a month we will be bringing little Olive home! Time is flying by.

I am still feeling great and sleeping through the night. Although around 4:30/5am every morning, Olive likes to wake mommy up. Thankfully I'm able to go back to sleep after she settles down.

Here is a close up of the bump! It is getting so much bigger. Although I know I'm not enormous......I feel it! This week the baby is the size of a watermelon - measuring between 19-22 inches and weighing 6.5 pounds. Sounds pretty huge to me! Since I'm going into my 37th week, I'm considered full term - which means I can safely go into labor any day now. Hopefully she waits a little while longer though since we haven't even packed our hospital bag yet!



Auntie Christine's 29th!


Last night we went to La Buca to celebrate Auntie Christine's Birthday! Instead of the usual spaghetti pomodoro, I opted for the osso buco risotto and it was absolutely amazing. I need to remember to branch out sometimes.

It was a great night and I think Christine loved all of her gifts. I even stayed out until midnight! Nine months pregnant and still partying it up!

September 15, 2010

Girls Night Out

Last night Lotus, Poppie, and I went to Culina at the Four Seasons Hotel. The food was delicious especially the sweet corn ravioli and the farro salad. The only miss was the dessert the general manager recommended. Thankfully we ordered the Tiramisu in exchange and it was amazing. This is the beginning of my "last nights out 2010 tour". I'm trying to see everyone in the next couple weeks so that I have the last week or 2 to relax and do nothing. That is the plan anyway.



September 14, 2010

Imelda Marcos Jr.


I feel a little guilty admitting this, but Olive has 19 pairs of shoes. And that isn't even counting all her ballet slipper socks! I was admiring her closet today and had to post the ones that Auntie Lindsay got her. They are seriously the cutest things I have EVER seen. Lets just hope she isn't as bad as Imelda Marcos. Daddy and I just couldn't afford it!

September 12, 2010

I'm a Kept Woman

Friday was my last day working at JumpLA. I don't have any other jobs lined up so I plan on taking it easy for the last 4 weeks of pregnancy. Not that I wouldn't accept a few days of work if it came up - it's nice having some extra cash. Especially since we are in the process of putting grass in the front yard! In any case, it was nice working for 2 weeks and everyone at Jump was amazing! I wish I had started freelancing a loooooong time ago.

September 10, 2010

The Pregnant "20"

It's finally happened. The scale has tipped over the 20 pound marker! I have gained a total of 21.6 pounds as of this morning. I've got 5 more weeks to go....I wonder how much more I'll gain?


September 9, 2010

Baby Bump - 35 Weeks

I'm 35 weeks today with only 5 left to go! All of a sudden time seems to be flying by. I still feel great although I am getting more and more tired these days. Andrew even has to help me off the couch sometimes.....

The crazy thing is that I haven't had to buy very many maternity clothes at all! Andrew always said I wore preggo dresses pre-baby. I guess I have to agree since they are probably going to last me up until the final days!

Here is a close up of the bump! This week, the baby is still the size of a large cantaloupe measuring up to 22 inches and weighing around 6 pounds. I still think she is a little more petite in there since I'm not HUGE. But then again -she could come out weighing over 8 pounds! Growth is supposed to slow down a bit in these last few weeks.

September 8, 2010

The Construction Never Ends: Part 2


The saga continues......

(pool before)

For the last 2 weeks we have been dealing with our untimely pool situation. We made the spur of the moment decision to re-plaster it since we had to empty all the water out. I have to admit it looks 10 times better!

(emptying the water - see all the weird marks?)

(old plaster off)
(new blue tile)

(filling the pool back up)

The blue tile that I picked out looks great up against the clear blue water. And it is nice not to see a bunch of weird marks and cracks on the bottom of the pool! I just wish the weather was warmer and we could swim in it! We still have about a week or so to go until we can actually get in.

(pool after)

Unfortunately I wish our luck was a little better finding a great pool service!

RIP Toes


It's finally happened - I can no longer see my toes.

Now you see them (with the help of me leaning back).....

And now you don't.

September 7, 2010

a married man must worry about landscaping


i never really thought i'd spend more than 5 minutes worrying about landscaping. who cares about plants? certainly not me. i guess my age is catching up with me, because i seem to be spending more and more of my days worrying about stupid shrubs.

our latest problem involves the neighbors who hate us and our home owner's association. you see you are only allowed to have a certain height of plants leading up to the street. why? i honestly have no idea. the previous owner planted a bunch of stuff that was clearly too tall and never had any problems. our neighbor, however, loves to call the hoa and complain. and complain. and complain. we finally got our gardener to remove all the plants, and wouldn't you know, but our neighbor complained about removing them. you can't win sometimes.

we've worked out a new design that uses grass in place of the rocks. it's gonna be awesome. here's a before and after of the plant mayhem. the new plantings should take a few weeks, and hopefully we can finally get some peace from our never pleased neighbor.

-andrew

click on the picture to see it in all its majesty.


Impromptu Date Night



I have to admit - I've been a little stress bunny this weekend. I've been worried about the pool, landscaping, and how much money we have been spending lately. Last night Andrew decided to take me to the new Wolfgang Puck restaurant WP24 in order to make me feel better. It was nice to get away from the house for the evening AND they had non alcoholic beer.

The food was delicious although not exactly filling. We had pork and chicken dumplings, green beans, and a few orders of the pork belly boa. Lets just say I had to have a bowl of cereal when we got home!

September 6, 2010

Daddy Gets to Work - Part 2


I know that we probably won't get a lot of use out of this until Olive is a little older - but I had to post a picture. I love love love love it! It totally matches our Danish furniture - which is amazing. I can only hope it is comfy too. Crissy and everyone at Number Six got this for us. Thanks guys - you are the best!

Baby Room - Final Phase


Over the Labor Day holiday, Andrew and I finally put the finishing touches on Olive's room. The only things left to do were hanging the art above her changing table and the bird mobile that Grandma Carolyn made above the crib. It looks even better in person.

I made the statement months ago that there would be very little pink in her room. As you can see, there is pink everywhere! Grandma Rufer bought another bedding set that has pink, green, blue, etc. It is on back order but hopefully it will arrive soon.

Her bookshelf is slowly filling! We just need to find cute bookends to hold all the books in place. I'm using toys for the time being.


It is hard to believe but Olive's entire closet is filled. I have clothes ranging from newborn to 2 years old. We got a few hand me downs from my sister-in-law Ida and a friend at work. I also got a ton of adorable outfits at my 2 baby showers. I even had to go to Target to buy more hangers!

(note: these photos were taken with our brand new Nikon digital camera....pretty snazzy!)

September 5, 2010

are dudes required at a breast-feeding class?

wednesday night kim scheduled a 3 hour breastfeeding class for us. if you're anything like me you're probably asking yourself - 'should men really go to a beast-feeding class? well, as it turns out, it was actually pretty interesting. below is a photo of me doing a little simulated breast-feeding. the smile on my face is a common side effect during feeding. all the hormones flowing give you a blissed out expression. totally normal, nothing to worry about.