Wednesday, October 5, 2011

New happenings

It's 3am. Reverting back to my old ways, I guess first trimester feelings and symptoms are coming back. Baby girl seems to be sleeping peacefully at the moment. But mommy is very much awake. I am going on 35 weeks! I know, I've done a horrible job at updating my belly photos...and blog. So much has transpired in the last 4 weeks, I don't know where to begin. Lists. I'm really good at making lists, so here is one....

"Last four weeks of my life"

  • Brad got a promotion at FedEx Ground- PT service manager. My man, I'm so proud. After working his tail off for the last year and a half, he's finally gotten noticed and beat several guys for the position, some that had been there for six years or more.
  • I got a full time position...my second shot at another chiropractor's office in town.
  • I'm having a hard time adjusting to a new style of running an office compared to the one I worked at in Georgia.  
  • This job has been kicking my butt from 9-6 plus a few hours on Sat.
  •  I'm running what should be a "two-girl" show at the front desk. But doing my best as a 34 wk pregnant girl....who, according to my pregnancy books...has an absent-minded pregnancy brain...have you ever heard of your brain actually shrinking during this time?...that's what I've read and would like to blame it on that.
  • I've gained over 30 lbs.
  • I crave cereal, cheese, peanut butter and honey sandwiches.
  • I've discovered pinterest. I heart.
  • Starting this weekend...3 baby showers for the next 3 Saturdays.
  • I got offered my job back from the first chiro office that fired me after the news of my pregnancy. I got the Department of Fair Employment involved several weeks ago to help me with this case...and indeed, they have helped me!
  • I told them I have a new job now....the next step was to request my back pay, from the time of lay off up until the start of my current job. They excepted my offer. Holy cow I was shocked and amazed that they did. 
  • Waiting to receive that check....this week.
  • My little business with "Earth Blossom" has been put on hold...temporarily. But still livng it...the simple and natural way. 
  • Brad and I....now searching for a little rental. Woohoo!
  • We found a Doula! Her name is Emily. We really adore her. Thrilled that she will be assisting us in the hospital for the birth of our first baby girl.
  • What else, what else?
  • Oh yeah we started our birthing class. It's awesome. Taught by a lady named Sharon who teaches the Bradley method way.
  • Hehehe, Brad and I went to the Kern County Fair with our friends Jonathon, Mishael and baby Jordon. After six years of missing out on the fun, we thought we had to go. The worst thing ever. But the highlight was definitely the cinnamon rolls and watching five year olds do a sheep rodeo...I forget the official name of this.
  • We have decided on a name. But it's a secret :D

I think that's a good enough list for the moment. Pictures next time!! Now that Brad's alarm is about to go off for work, I'll try to lay it down again. Geese Louise!

Friday, September 9, 2011

Promotion


This is Mahli and I so HAPPY, the hubb got the promotion at FedEx Ground and we are more than excited!!! Mahli was smiling too but got camera shy right before I snapped the picture, like she always does.




We went out to dinner with friends the day Brad had his interview~ a pre-celebration, I just had a feeling he would get the job! But here was his fortune cookie from that night.




Tom and Desiree's baby Joel. Snapshot from dinner that night.  Isn't he a cute little bundle of joy? Des calls him her "bundle". Those cheeks and darling red hair, irresistable. What about his eyebrows, Des I think you've been grooming them, they are too perfect like yours always are ;)




I think he likes me. Or he knows that his little girlfriend is growing in my belly! Des claims that they will get married someday. We'll see if he can make it past Brad when he gets into protective daddy mode someday!




I know it, we totally splurged on this one! This is what Brad and I consider our "vacation meal". You've gotta enjoy life and that includes treating yourself to a five layer chocolate cake with raspberry sauce from PF Changs.



Thursday, August 11, 2011

Family love

Three generations - Mom, Grandma, Me (the fourth still cooking!)


It's soooo hard to believe! Brad and I have been here in California for three months already. What's even more difficult to believe - three more months and our baby girl will be making her arrival! She's going to be so welcomed by all our family and friends here.  And that's what I have to keep on remembering...some days I honestly get down in the pits about this crazy move across the country. Things aren't happening as quickly as I imagined they would. Letting go of expectations has always been a hard one for me. We're not settled into our own little home yet, I haven't found a full-time job in my field, Brad is sooo close to getting a promotion at FedEx but still waiting (we should be finding out news by next week!). I never thought I would miss Georgia so much. The list is unending.

Lots of days I ask God to just show me a little glimpse and remind me again why we moved to Bakersfield. And then I find myself sitting across the table from my parents talking and laughing about all kinds of things...moments that I've been longing for, for the last six years that we were back in Georgia. Now we're back home again with them and it feels awesome to be able to see them more frequently than just once or twice a year. My parents and in-laws are all so giddy about getting to see their new grandchild. Seeing them hold our first little newborn for the first time...it will all be worth the move. 

Mom and I enjoying family and Cheesecake on the coast!


Dinner with Mom and Dad, Matt and Brad


In-laws Ruthie, Rachel, John - and friends from church


Joe and I - little bro


Matt and Mahli on our way to LAX

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

baby girl !!!



It's a little GIRL!!!!


Here's her sweet face looking at us!



Love her SO much!





Mahli is a proud big sis!


Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Dancing and Smoothies


I love to dance! Especially when I have the house to myself. I find a station on Pandora...anything from Black Eyed Peas to Kim Walker Jesus Culture....and I dance it up in the living room. I'll grab some weights and pretty much make up my own dance moves and aerobic routines...I know, are you imagining this crazy girl being silly shakin' it up...especially now that I'm pregnant. I can't do the same moves like I used to with my little bulging belly, but it's still a blast and I can get my heart rate going and even work up a little sweat. This is one of my favorte ways to keep in shape and build a little muscle. I combine stuff that I've learned over the years like yoga, pilates, max T3, ballet, and other stretches and just do what feels natural. It's totally fun and freeing! So far, my doggie Mahli has been the lucky one to admire my crazy dance moves. I think it's entertaining for her too. Sometimes she'll even join me and roll around and do her doggie stretches next to me! Although, she's not looking too thrilled in this photo. "Here she goes again", and "mommy sure is getting a belly"- she's probably thinking :D

What I think is so awesome about "dancng in the living room" is that my mom used to do this too, starting when she was a little girl. I think she made up dance routines to a lot of Broadway tunes. I didn't know this till recently! Like mother, like daughter!

After my dance and stretch session this morning, the only thing that sounded heavenly for breakfast was a smoothie. Guess what I had waiting for me in the fridge- a nice mango!! Here is my recipe for a healthy mango smoothie, something like this....I don't really measure much when making them....eventually you won't have to either, the more you make them, I promise :)


  • 5-7 ice cubes
  • handful of blueberries
  • abut half banana (slice and freeze your banana's right before they get over-ripe, perfect for smoothie goodness
  • peel and slice up your mango. Save some for later or snack on while your making your smoothie!
  • almost 1 cup of almond milk, rice milk, water, or coconut milk
  • sprinkle of cinnamon
  • scoop of maca
  • scoop of protien powder or green powder ( I actually didn't have this today but it would be delicious)
  • you can also add a spoonful of plain greek yogurt if you have it for extra creaminess!
  • I almost forgot-- handful of spinach! If you can get past the color of your smoothie, you will fall in love too! And it will fill you up! 

Monday, July 11, 2011

Baby boutique


I recently located a sweet little baby boutique called Ellie Jaye's, in our very own Downtown Arts District here in Bakersfeld. Since I've moved back to town, I've been delighted to discover that "Downtown Bakersfield" is starting to slowly move up in the world...by offering some trendy boutiques and cool places to chill. Ellie Jaye's is geared toward the modern baby...Yay for modern in B-town. They offer lots of unique and modern nursery furniture and accessories, as well as baby clothing and funky, ultra chic "diaper" bags for mommies.

One of my favorite furniture lines that I discovered that day : Oeuf ...love :D

(pronounced UH-F, means egg in French)

Here is a peek....


One of the sturdiest and safest cribs available, made from wood panels on a solid wood base...clean and contemporary.


Very sturdy construction and easy-to-reach height.
Transform your crib into a stylish toddler bed with low overall height for easy access.


What I love and appreciate about this furniture line:
  • sustainably produced in Europe in an FSC ceritified facility
  • finishes are non toxic & free of VOC health hazards
  • made under European environmental standard
  • made of solid birch and eco-MDF
  • packaging made of recycled cardbard
  • conversion kits for toddler beds
  • easy to assemble!
Everything that Oeuf is about, is right up the alley of Earth Blossom's mission. Their motto is to "be good". Be good as designers, people, and good to the planet :)

"Simple, clean, intuitive products that are easy and safe to use; made with quality craftsmanship that will last from generation to generation; designed with a European sensibility that is fun and stylish reflecting the needs and lifestyle of today’s families"

"Use natural, renewable, recyclable materials that emphasize conservation and lead to environmentally sound products. Employ eco-conscious manufacturing processes that promote sustainability"

Stop by ELLIE JAYE'S boutique to check out Oeuf on display. Touch and feel and admire for yourself :)

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Baby G at 20 weeks

                                                         Baby Gage at 20 weeks

What we know at his point : Baby bun is healthy! We went in for my 20 week fetal survey and thought we would find out the gender. Our little one was pretty comfortable and wouldn't get in a good enough position to "confirm". All we know is that it has a very healthy heart, brain, spine and other functioning organs. Brad and I were just overjoyed to see its little body moving all around. We could clearly see its hands and feet, the little one is quite flexible! It was sucking on its little fingers at one point and even turned to look at us :)

Monday, June 20, 2011

Healthy Child Healthy World


This is my favorite place to go to right now on the web!

http://www.healthychild.org/

Here is an amazing clip that says it all!  This is exactly my wish--to share with parents how we can make this a  healthier and beautiful place for our little ones.

http://vimeo.com/9071036

Please share with others!

Saturday, June 18, 2011

19 Weeks

                                                        "Little bun's" mommy and daddy

Today the babe is going on 19 weeks!  I have yet to feel a strong kick from the little one, but sometimes I feel some swirling around and just the tinniest of movements, especially when laying down at night. This coming Tuesday is the big day...ultrasound with the doctor and possibly get to find out if it's a boy or girl :D  It's very exciting! My mother-in-law and sis-in-law have been knitting a few things already and have a slight guess that it could be a girl. Most of my friends and family all say they just know it's a girl and sometimes slipping and calling it a "she". One friend said she can't imagine anything else but a "little Lisa" running around. It's pretty cute. I do have a girl name picked out, and the Hub and I are still working on a boy name idea. At first all I could think of was having a little girl like most new first time moms, but a lot of my girlfriends actually have boys and I think it would be totally fun with a boy too...a little scary--knowing how crazy my husband is and stories of his "little-boy" rambunctious ways--but great. It's really just a miracle and I'm just so thrilled to finally have our first baby and start our family. Having our "Mahli-woof" has been good practice for the last 9 years, but it's time for the real deal baby ;)

This morning, I'm hoping to make some homemade pancakes. I'm in love with my book "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution cookbook" I can tell how excited he is, to prepare food, just by reading his recipes. So far, I've been able to make nothing but AMAZING yummy food. I even made a "Beef Wellington" entre the other night, which I believe is an English dish...it was so fun and unique. So we'll see if they'll let me back in the kitchen this morning!! I've been kinda taking over a bit. Last night I had my mom and dad over for some fajita tacos. I LOVED hanging out with them more than anything. And the fajitas were also another hit...from Jamie's book.


                                                Showing off my mad tomato choppng skills

After breakfast, I'm heading off to a local farmer's market to see what I can get into!!! I really want my growing baby to experience tons of fresh, local, organic and just different varieties of fruits and veggies.  I've read how even now, their little taste buds are developing and enjoying whatever mommy is eating...so it has to be the best quality...as much as possible, especially after it's born. Oh yeah, this baby is going to love eating kale and spinach and all kinds of exotic fruits and veggies.  

Thursday, June 16, 2011

"Earth Blossom" begins



I was just hired and fired in less then a week. Let go-because I am pregnant. Are you serious people? Not to worry now though. I'll pursue these guys, but I'm on a mission now. While I still am planning to seek out another job, I'm now more focused on getting my own little business moving!
 EARTH BLOSSOM is the beginning of something beautiful. I'm determined to be a Designer. A designer that considers the health and safety of little ones like this little guy....Desi-lu's baby Joel!  Earth Blossom will be a blend of fresh, clean and modern spaces with design elements that are safe for children and babes and good for the Earth! Since I have a little babe growing in the tum, this is close to my heart more than ever now.
 I just created a facebook fan page for Earth Blossom...so "like" away!! Here is what I put so far as a description of the business...

.....

"Do you have young children, a baby, or a little "bun in the oven"?


It's an ideal time to create safe, healthy, and breathable spaces for them because their little developing bodies or more vulnerable to environmental toxins.


This task of "greening" your children's spaces can seem overwhelming and discouraging...but I can help guide you to a more practical and pleasant approach to creating simple and beautiful rooms that preserve the health and safety of your kiddos, while preserving our environment in the process!


I would love to walk you through the process of selecting flooring, wall treatments, furniture, light fixtures, bedding, mattresses, and toys. So many of these conventional products and materials can contain harmful toxic compounds like.... lead, formaldehyde, PVC (the most toxic plastic), phthalates, pesticides, and VOC's.


We'll work together to select products that are made to last, contain recycled content, are salvaged, locally manufactured, conserve natural resources and that avoid toxic emissions.


I also specialize in giving "Total Green Home Makeovers"


I would love to hear from you! Contact me through email and we'll set up a consultation and go from there!"

Soooo, what do you think so far???

Love you all,
Lis :D

Sunday, June 5, 2011

It's 3am and I must be...


Pregnancy. I love it. I love when Brad talks to my tummy. I love waking up and admiring how much the little bun is growing. I love being able to eat watermelon all day. I love how I feel right now, especially after making it past the first trimester! I hate complaining about anything, but here is just one thing...it's stinky waking up at 2 or 3, having to go pee...making my mad dash to the bathroom and then stumble back into bed and...nothing. Laying there wide-eyed and completely awake, with no hope of falling back into dreamland. 2 hours will pass before I can get tired again. I'm finding though, that this seems to be when my mind is most creative! So that's cool. I can come up with cool names for my dream business, my babies middle name, floorplans for the baby room, and maternity clothing that I want to design someday. This morning, unlike the last few mornings, I never was able to go back to sleep. I felt a little mad honestly. I knew that I would be a "boob" today if I didn't get my sleep. I feel silly now though, because I should probably get used to this. As soon as baby is here, I won't get the beauty sleep that I'm used to. I need to get over it and use this time "wisely". Maybe I could do some baking! Or try to sew something...

 Here is Mahli before Brad and I walked out the door for church this morning



  The room was STACKED with sheet music. She found one little spot in the center and made it hers!

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Home again


We're home!!! Well it's been almost a month now that Brad and I (and baby bun) have finally arrived. We made the drive from Georgia to California in about four days. Now that we're here and finally getting settled in, I'll be posting our stories of our crazy journey! I'm sixteen weeks now! The hub and I just had our 9 year anniversary this week too! Lot's of sweet times. I'm going to do my best now to keep this blog up to date with what's going on with baby and how our lives are going here in CA. We have lots of friends in Georgia now that are wanting to hear some news on everything....so here we go!
Love you,
XO
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...