Sugar and Spice

Announcing Hazel Mae

2012-02-01T07:09:00.000-08:00

Hi Lovelies, Happy February.

I wanted to share Hazel Mae's official announcement:

Photos by Amanda at Blueberry Photography.

Announcement by Paper Culture.

LOVED both. Paper Culture is eco-friendly- recycled paper and they plant a tree for every order. Plus, they will address and mail all your announcements for free!! They are a bit more expensive, but I used a 30% off coupon from Giggle. So great.

Oh My, Back to Blogging??

2012-01-31T10:52:00.000-08:00

Hi Lovelies, I so want to get back to blogging. I have no idea where to start or what to talk about. Baby Girl is 6.5 weeks old and she's gone from 6lbs 9oz. to a whopping 10lbs!!! I guess this breastfeeding thing is working.

Right now we are working on getting her to sleep for more than 4 hours at a time at night. I am knee deep in looking at sleep books (looking not really reading). I think I have four and have read a collective of four pages each.

Before I share our pictures from our shoot with Amanda at Blueberry Photography. Here's she is week 4, 5 and 6:

I said it last time. This parenthood thing is tough, but man is she so freaking cute. I just eat her up.

More next time. Promise.

Mom Monday: First Day On My Own

2012-01-09T12:19:00.000-08:00

Hi Lovelies, the little bundle of joy is taking up every ounce of time and energy. Honestly, motherhood is overwhelming- especially this whole exclusively breast feeding thing.

But our little girl- she's perfect and awesome.

Between being overwhelmed and enjoying her amazingness, I am trying to wrap my head around this blog and how it fits the big picture. Honestly, I think about posting, but other than my Mom journey so far- I don't have much to say. I hope to write her birth story some day, but I am still wrapping my head around it. To get to the punch line- after 13 hours of labor- I ended up with an emergency c-section, which really shaped my last few weeks.

So, until I get my Mom legs under me, things will continue to be quiet over here for a quite a bit longer.

That said, today is my first official day with Mr. Spice back at work full time. That means it's just me and the little lady for the next five months!!! Again, being honest, the whole idea of being a SAHM for the next five months is overwhelming. I really want to get into some sort of routine.

In an effort to enjoy my time, I want to create a list of rules for the day. First rule, get out of the house every day. Yes, every day. More so because I have to walk Huck in the morning. Although, I would like to get out for things other than walking the dog. On Wednesday, I hope to venture out to my first Mom's group for newborns!!

Other rules that I am not sure about- no TV past 10 am (gotta watch the Today show) and before 4pm. I write this as the TV is playing in the back ground.

So here's my question for you- what 'rules' would you create for yourself if you were home by yourself for an extended period of time?? If you have been a SAHM - did you set rules for yourself??

And because I am obsessed, here's another pic of the little lady at over 7.5 lbs at Week 3:

Happy New Year

2011-12-30T19:06:00.001-08:00

Hi Lovelies,

Mr. Spice and I are knee deep in Baby Berry. We love her beyond belief. When we aren't overwhelmed and exhausted, we just stare at her in awe.

I keep meaning to post, but really, I don't know where to start.

So I am going to start by sharing some super duper cute photos of her. Basically, I am now that person who can only really focus on her new baby.

Hazel at 7 days:

Hazel on her first Christmas:

Her First Bath with Mr. Spice:

At some point I hope to get out of this Hazel induced haze and write something of substance.

Until I can wrap my head around her birth and the last two weeks-- Happy New Years to you and yours. Here's to a great year ahead.

I hope 2012 is the best year yet for everyone!!

Introducing..

2011-12-20T13:38:00.000-08:00

Hi Lovelies,

So happy to introduce Miss Hazel Mae. She was born on December 15th at 6 lbs, 9 oz and 19 inches long. We are so in love I can't even begin to describe it.

May you be having a great holiday season.

And because one picture isn't enough, here she is wishing you all a Happy Hanukkah!!

I'll be checking in over the next few weeks, but I have to go give my baby girl more kisses.

Week 38 & 39: Done

2011-12-12T17:49:00.000-08:00

Hi Lovelies,

Since last Wednesday, I've been on and off my ass with a cold. Since I am so pregnant, my Doctor thinks that I won't be able to really fight this cold until I have the baby. URG.

I've done all I can to get this baby out. I started off with yoga; I went to acupuncture on Friday; there was a full moon on Sat; and I went to spicy food on Sunday! I might have had a few contractions after the spicy food- but I am guessing it was really just indigestion. URG.

For most of last week, I was able to actually get stuff done and rest. As of Sunday morning, I've been on my ass. Pretty much useless. At night, I am up every hour on the hour- either to go the bathroom or switch sides because my arm has fallen asleep. This pregnancy has been pretty decent BUT this cold is killing me.

I am done. So ready to meet this little lady.

And honestly, I have no hope of her coming any day soon. I am 75% sure she'll be late and I'll be induced. My Doctor won't induce until between 41 and 42 weeks- sooo most likely right around Christmas. I know that she'll come when she comes, but with Christmas and Hanukkah I would REALLY like her to come before the holidays. Not to mention, Mama Sugar comes into town on Thursday- to celebrate her birthday, and Mama Spice comes into town on the 20th.

I cringe at the thought of everyone sitting around just waiting for this baby to arrive.

Can you tell I am frustrated? The only good thing today was my two hour nap after taking benadryl.

Alright, enough complaining. You've seen my 38 week belly shot:

Here I am on Saturday night before a holiday party with the best smile I could muster:

So all this to say, if your still reading, keep your fingers crossed and send labor dust my way!!

BINGO! Baby MANIA

2011-12-06T07:16:00.001-08:00

Hi Lovelies, today is a bit of November Bingo Mania in December. I finally want to show you what we've done to get ready for Baby in our bedroom, and it hits a bunch of the Bingo Check List!!

In August, Miriam over at the FLOR design blog talked about adding a 'Second Layer' to her house. And I think adding space for Baby has done just that. It's a second, more lived in layer.

Just as a reminder, here's our Baby inspiration- minus the use of bumpers.

Here's Kitty hard at work sewing up Baby Goodness:

In order to incorporate baby we essentially gave her the North and South Walls of the bedroom, and the East and West are still for us.

What used to be 'empty space' on the North wall:

Is now Baby Berry's corner of the room. We framed the ABSea Poster, hung our first anniversary present, stuffed the Ikea dresser with the Anthro knobs full of baby goodness, and the super popular BabySmart Cooshee Changer.

An up close Baby Vignette with flowers. The Pink Converse were a gift from me to Mr. Spice. Mama Sugar made the box for my Baby shower- the cover is a collage of all the cards that were given to my Mom when I was born- so they are over 30 years old! And the Cup with the engraved W (our last name): it was my Grandmother's or Baby Berry's Great Grandma's Silver Baby Cup. I tell ya this is one loved little Berry.

As for where this little lady is going to sleep. On the South wall here's her Argington Bam Bam Bassinet all ready to go. The decal is from Etsy- so cute right? And the blanket and crib skirt are homemade. The bird on the right is for all of her barrettes and hair clips when she gets older.

Here's a side view of the bassinet with bow. The best part of this bassinet and crib combo- we can wheel it any where in our little tiny apartment:

As for the West side of the bedroom, we finally added that second layer and framed our Wedding Ketubah on my side of the bed:

And reframed some Art Work of Mr. Spice's from his early years. We also bought a new ipod alarm clock. I plan to play white noise from my itouch and download baby apps to keep track of Baby Berry:

And just a reminder of the east wall, our picture collage, which is almost the same two years later:

Finally, here's where our bedroom started two years ago:

And here it is with the second layer, and a bit of up lighting if I do say so:

If you are playing BINGO, I think that covers: flowers, a vignette, space for a little one, art, and up lighting!

What do you think?? Did we make a bedroom/baby room combo work??

Babymoon in Mendocino

2011-12-05T15:22:00.001-08:00

Hi Lovelies, Since I am on maternity leave, I am finding it harder and harder to blog. I am either sleeping, going to the doctor, or trying to do last minute activities, or sleeping.

But this last weekend- we took a chance and thanks to some awesome friends- took advantage of a free weekend up in Mendocino. Mendocino is about three hours Northwest of SF, and just happens to be right by our favorite wine country area- Anderson Valley. If the pictures look familiar- we took almost the same trip two years ago. And yes, we did get the Doctor's approval before going!!

While I didn't get to drink the wine (well, a few sips here and there), we did stock up for after the baby is born. AND even more importantly, we bought an awesome bottle of bubbly for NYE (which I really really really hope to have at least one good sized glass) from Roederer Estate.

The weather was cold and crisp, but BLUE BLUE skies the whole weekend.

Here's a slew of pictures.

We started off at Van Damn Beach just around the corner from our Inn:

Then we spent Saturday in Anderson Valley. A must stop: The Apple Farm:

While Mr. Spice tasted wine, I snuck out and took lots of pictures. So beautiful.

Lazy Creek:

Roederer Estate:

Saturday night we were told that we HAD to check out the Festival of Lights at the Fort Bragg Botanical Garden. It was wholesome fun, and Mr. Spice took a gazillion photos testing out our new camera. And you can bet your bottom dollar that we drank hot cocoa.

The cactus area:

The tunnel of lights:

We spent Sunday morning walking around Mendocino (which only took about an hour). Mr. Spice LOVED the 'We are 99% Lego Village,' which was 'too mini to fail!!'

On our way to Elk. Another super small coastal town:

Handley State Park in Anderson Valley. It was closed for the season, but looked like an awesome place to camp in the summer:

Huck liked it:

And because I know you care. Here I am Week 38!

I'll admit I was a bit hesitant going away so close to my due date, but the weekend was so fantastic. Our VERY last weekend away just the two of us (well, plus Huck).

Are you planning a romantic weekend this holiday season??

Week 36 & 37: Fun Pregnancy Times

2011-12-01T11:00:00.000-08:00

Hi Lovelies, as of last Wednesday- I have officially been on maternity leave!! I have had such a long to do list- that I really feel like I am on a stacation to clean my house. And as of last Friday- I am full term!!

Instead of recapping the last two weeks, I want to give you non-mom's a glimpse into pregnancy. This is just a little list that I came up with while trying to shave my legs in the shower this morning, and by no means captures all the joys of pregnancy. AKA this is me not holding back. If you want to know what it's like to feel almost 38 weeks pregnant here's what you should do:

1. Start by being super romantic with your partner in bed. Fun, right? All things start off so fun.

2. Stop drinking water and eating fiber, and eat a lot of salt. Wait two days. Are your hands the sizes of sausages?? How's the bloat feeling? Extra bonus points if you have cankles.

3. Get two pairs of the chicken cutlet boob things and put them in your bra. Now, get a blow up beach ball. Figure out how to put in at lease 15lbs of sand into said ball and finish blowing it up. Strap it to your waist. Now try to find something in your closet that fits and looks cute. Extra points if your chicken cutlets start to leak.

4. Stand up for 8 hours. How does your back feel now?

5. Write a to do list. Now tear the bottom half off and throw it away. Make sure that one thing on the list that you threw away was financial and one thing that your husband really wanted done. That's pregnancy brain.

6. Take something perishable from your fridge, now leave it out on the counter. For three days. Smell that. That's pregnancy nose.

7. Run a half marathon. Then try to take off and put on your pants and shoes.

8. After doing all of the above, go to work for 8 hours and come home and make dinner.

9. Drink a gallon of water then with the cutlets and beach ball in place, climb into bed with your partner. Tell your partner that you forgot to do said thing on your to do list.

10. Think about being romantic.

If you aren't laughing in your partners face or up all night going the bathroom, repeat steps 2-9.

Honestly, I realized I am blessed with a healthy pregnancy, but sometimes I just have to find humor in the details.

Here I am at 37 weeks, 5 days. I am FULL TERM!! She could come any day. She's measuring right on size- so she's most likely over 6lbs and over 19 inches long!! I am officially swollen and checking my rings daily to see if they still fit.

So, would you be willing to try steps 1-9??

BTW, I was featured on the SpearmintBaby earlier this week- check me out.

BINGO! His and Her Bathroom

2011-11-30T11:01:00.000-08:00

B.I.N.G.O. For the month of November, I am doing His Birdie's Next Interior Design Bingo!!

Hi Lovelies, I haven't forgoten about you, but I have been 'busy' on maternity leave. Busy meaning- away from the computer. I have some fun stuff to share with you this week- like the final touches to our updated bedroom.

Since I am so behind in BINGO, I am going to keep it up in December so I can get the ultimate BINGO.

We have a 3-foot by 3-foot bathroom. I have no idea what it would be like to actually have your own sink?? I have to be honest, Mr. Spice is pretty clean in the bathroom. In fact, he actually cleans the bathroom. Even with the smallest bathroom imaginable, I feel pretty lucky that I have a bathroom cleaner.

Zuster via Desire to Inspire.

So who cleans the bathroom in your house?

Holiday Shopping Gone Small

2011-11-23T07:15:00.000-08:00

Hi Lovelies,

It's a big day for me, not only is T-day less than one day away (a pregnant women's favorite holiday), but also, as of Noon PST, I am officially on maternity leave. Whoot Whoot.

After I have gobbled up all the food in sight- both Thursday at Thanksgiving and Friday at Friendsgiving- I plan on going shopping!!

But I've decided that I am going small this year.

Shopping Small and Local that is...

Some times I wonder how as a consumer I can make a difference, and for the first time in a long time, I feel like my shopping habits on the biggest shopping weekend of the year might actually mean something.

So I ask you, join me in shopping small this weekend.

I have to admit, one reason the ad caught my attention. It featured one of Mr. Spice's favorite shops in Austin- Stag.

Here are a few things from local shops that I have my eye on:

A favorite gift in the past, a sea otter adoption and snugly stuff animal to support The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA. I've given this gift to both Mr. Spice and my Niece, and they've both loved it.

These charming earrings are from a local SF shop, Covet. They only carry SF Jewelry designers. This would be perfect for my best friend, sister, SILs or even Mr. Spice's step sisters:

Check out their Karma Collection; choose your favorite charity to support and get an awesome pair of earings!! It's genius.

For Mom and Dad and the hard to shop for in-laws, I want to check out our local Museum Gift Shop. The SF MOMA shop is more than fantastic, and they even have a holiday catalog:

My Dad, Brother and FIL would love a shatterproof wine set, $13 for 4:

Or Whiskey Stones, 9 for $20:

I personally, LOVE this SF platter, $90. Would my Mom or MIL like it as much??

And of course, I couldn't forget my favorite handmade website: Etsy. Check out their holiday guide or you can even Shop Local on Etsy.

Baby Berry has gotten in on the Etsy action. While I am still waiting for Baby Berry's newborn hat; I did order a little whale decal from Etsy to help liven up our bedroom:

Can't wait to get it on the wall and show it off.

Or the PERFECT stocking stuffer made right here in SF, BACON Lip Balm. Bacon makes everything better!!

And instead of jumping on amazon.com or diapers.com to purchase last minute Baby Berry goods, I am going to our local baby/maternity shop, Day One.

If you still need some ideas for shopping local in SF- Check out the 7x7 Small Business Guide.

So, I ask you, are you shopping small on Saturday??

Where are you planning on going?

In case I don't see you here tomorrow- have a Happy Happy Thanksgiving!!

BINGO! Family.

2011-11-22T07:25:00.000-08:00

B.I.N.G.O. For the month of November, I am doing His Birdie's Next Interior Design Bingo!!

Well, This time of year is an awesome time to be with Family and with a Baby Girl on her way, I am feeling even more nostalgic for my family and my family-to-be.

Unfortunately, I currently can not travel to see family. Fortunately, we saw a bunch of my Family last month, and fingers crossed- we'll see LOTS and LOTS of family the next couple months. AND my Sister and her family live super close- so we get to see them lots.

In the mean time, here's something so traditional, but some how it hits home and makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

Emphasis Added via Paris Dice.

Are you hanging out with family this month?

BINGO! Chandelier

2011-11-21T10:22:00.000-08:00

B.I.N.G.O. For the month of November, I am doing His Birdie's Next Interior Design Bingo!!

What kind of Chandelier person are you??

Bold and Colorful??

Fluffy??

Modern??

Or Traditional with a Twist?

Personally, I can't decide. All these pics are from the inspiration files at CA Home + Design.

Week 35: Who am I kidding??

2011-11-18T12:03:00.000-08:00

Hi Lovelies, this post is written in two sections... and two VERY different states of mind. Basically, this whole pregnancy is turning into a daily adventure....
___________________________
Who am I kidding any more?

I am exhausted. My maternity clothes barely fit any more. I am starving all the time.

Baby Berry is kicking and hiccuping a storm, and I officially feel overwhelmed with everything that I have left to do- both at work and at home before baby comes.

As of today (Tuesday), I am 80% sure that Baby is Transverse (sideways) and not head down, and it's freaking me out. I find out for sure on Thursday at my Doctors appointment. While my Doctor wouldn't tell me what position she's in until now- I am worried that now it is too late and transverse most likely means a C-section.

And when I really think about it- I REALLY don't want a c- section. So if the news is bad on Thursday- expect a complete break down.

I am also in complete nesting mode and while I have no energy left after work and life, the amount of dust in our apartment is driving me completely insane!!

____________________

Well, it's Friday, and a break down has been avoided.

I am pretty sure that Baby Berry listened to her Mama and on Wednesday she switched positions. How do I know?? Well, the location of her hiccups changes. Instead of my left hip- they felt like they were coming from down below (if ya know what I mean).

And after a short and grainy ultrasound yesterday it was confirmed- she's head down!! Whoot whoot. As far as the bulge on my right side near my ribs- those are her feet. Folks- we have a kicker. I think she's has a future in swimming!!

We also found out that my body has not started to dilate; I am still shut tight. I will say that I can feel some pain you know where- like ligaments stretching and bones moving out of the way and getting ready.

You heard it here first folks- I think she's going to be a Christmas baby!! AKA a week late. Mr. Spice is officially routing for a solstice baby- Dec 21st.

As for how I am feeling today, much better. I ate my way through Tuesday, and as I today I've gained 23 lbs. A totally normal amount that reflects all the sweets that I have been eating! But if I am honest, more than I hoped for.

I am still in nesting mode, but I am trying to keep my nerves in check through Thanksgiving weekend, which marks the start of my maternity leave!! I am also holding out for some black Friday and cyber Monday deals.

All in all, I am just hanging on to this emotional and physical roller coaster that is pregnancy and gearing myself up for 5 more weeks of this!!

Now if only someone could get this baby to stop hiccuping through the night- she's so aggressive that she's waking me up!! She is the size of Honeydew and well over 5lbs!!

Here I am a couple days ago after a Work Happy Hour/Baby Shower that was so sweet.

I have to be honest, these are the only pregnancy pictures that I actually love. And the first pictures that I've actually posted to Facebook.

BINGO! Green with Envy

2011-11-17T10:10:00.000-08:00

B.I.N.G.O. For the month of November, I am doing His Birdie's Next Interior Design Bingo!!

It's dark and moody. Perfect for Fall and Winter. Love this green inspiration.

Mikael Beckman via Desire to Inspire.

Have a lovely Thursday.

BINGO! Mid Century Modern Rocker

2011-11-16T10:43:00.000-08:00

With baby due in just a month, I have been on an emotional roller coaster all week. I feel like there is so much 'stuff' that we 'need.'

When we first talked City Baby, I was pretty certain that a nursing chair/ rocker wasn't going to fit in our little A.P.T.

Plan A: To finally get the gray chair on the left professionally recovered. It has good bones, and it's comfortable.

You can't tell from this picture last year, but that BIG menace of a cat has done a good number on scratching the hell out of both of those chairs:

Kitty Menace!!

Well, in July, Mr. Spice's Godmother offered to buy us a rocker. Such a nice and unexpected surprise!!

Enter Plan B: We quickly had our sights set on this baby from Nurseryworks:

It's cute, modern and microsuede!! A fabric we knew kitty menace wouldn't mess with. Plus, it wasn't out of the ball park expensive at $650 (rockers are expensive, yo).

But here's the gig. We haven't had a shower in LA, nor have we really chatted with Mr. Spice's Godmother since. It's not like we can call her up and say- here's our registry, buy us our rocker. Nor do I want to. BUT we will be inviting her to a sip-n-see in LA in March, so we could wait until then.

So for a brief moment, I looked back into Plan A: recovering the chair. Mind you I only emailed one place from yelp. My quote- over $600 plus fabric. YIKES. I'd rather just get a new chair for that price.

Enter Shopping.

Plan C: I quickly found this cute number at West Elm. The Ryder Rocking Chair:

Again, it is modern and microfiber. And it comes in at $599. It could easily go into a living room or bedroom.

Or I realized I could replace BOTH chairs (remember both are scratched to pieces) with these Mid-century numbers from Urban Outfitters.

Plan D: TWO new chairs:

The rocker is on sale for $199. And the Board and Batten Chair is only $179.

I know that both would add an awesome Mid-century vibe to our APT and it would eliminate all the fabric that Kitty Menace likes to mangle. But I also know that UO isn't know for life long quality.

And finally, we have Plan E: Not buy anything. Since we are planning to move in a few months, we could just wait and figure out our needs for our new space. BUT that would mean no rocker or nursing chair for the time being.

As I said up top, my emotional state is lacking. So Lovelies, what Plan would you go with??

BINGO! A Big Technology Purchase

2011-11-15T06:47:00.000-08:00

Hello Lovelies,

I hope that some of you hopped on over to Geek in Heels last week to hear about the BIG Camera Debate that was happening at Casa Sugar & Spice.

Well, after two trips, 1.5 hours of discussion in the store, and lots of quarters for parking, we bought a new camera!!

We finally decided on the Panasonic Lumix G3 in White.

So far, we've taken about 20 pictures of Huck and Ferris on it, and so far we love it.

Why did we go with the G3??

At the store we realized that we both had different wants and needs for our new camera.

Me: I wanted ease of use, decent built in video capability, and a built in flash.

Him: As a former photojournalism major (picture Mr. Spice in his early 20s), he wanted some options that he could play with, a camera with the latest technology, and (for some reason) a view finder.

Yes, it came down to a view finder.

I will be honest, I really liked playing around with the Nikon J1. I found it simple, easy to use and small. But Mr. Spice wanted the upgraded version the Nikon V1 because it has a view finder (sense a theme here) and 'extras.' Yet, we had both heard only OK reviews on the new Nikon and the V1 would have been an extra $250+ over the J1.

The J1:

As for the Sony (sorry I can't remember what exact model we looked at), the Camera Guy (aka the super knowledgeable and super patient guy helping us), has an earlier version of the Sony and really loves it. Yet, Mr. Spice had pretty much ruled it out before we even set foot in the store due to a reported clicking noise while taking video. Of course this didn't stop us from spending 20 minutes checking out the Sony and all the features.

The last cameras that we looked at were the Olympus Micro 4/3s. For some reason, I found the Olympus cameras to be the least intuitive. And in an effort to narrow down our choices, Mr. Spice threw those out of the running fairly early on.

The PEN E-PL2 or E-P2 or 3:

So that left us checking out the Panasonic Lumix GF2, the price was pretty good and for an extra $200 we could add a view finder. This lead to a discussion about lenses- did we need a pancake lens??

My response: what the hell is a pancake lens??

At this point in our discussion, I just threw down the bottom line: I wanted a camera that would take great pictures of the baby.

So then the Camera Guy brought out the G3.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3:

The flash and view finder were built in. AND it has the bonus feature of a moveable screen, which will allow me to crouch down and take pictures of the baby (in low light if need be) and at an angle. Yes, the G3 is bigger than the other options out there, but it just felt like the perfect fit for us.

And honestly, this might sound strange, but I like that it is just slightly bigger. I feel like it will be a good reminder to me that this camera is important and expensive and I just can't throw it in my purse willy nilly.

I am just so excited that we finally have a fancy camera for our fancy baby-to-be.

Now a question for you technologically advanced readers- any one have suggestions on camera cases?? Something that I can safely throw into my purse or diaper bag??

BINGO! Repurposed Items

2011-11-14T09:36:00.000-08:00

B.I.N.G.O. For the month of November, I am doing His Birdie's Next Interior Design Bingo!!

While I am a City Girl, some times I think a little bit of country starts peaking out.

I ADORE this repurposed log. I am just not sure that I will ever be Country enough to do this in my own home. Maybe if I was ever fancy enough to have a Country house with a back stair case- ohhhhhhh, a girl can wish!

Via Apartment Therapy.

Are you a Country or City Girl??

Week 33 & 34: The Lighter Side

2011-11-11T11:04:00.001-08:00

Hi Lovelies, Technically, I am on Week 35 as of today, but I wanted to recap the last two weeks before I dive into the final FIVE weeks.

I have been thinking about my pregnancy and this post a lot. They say that half the battle is attitude, so I have been trying to bring the humor to carrying around a large cantaloupe in my belly. I mean aren't you sick of hearing me moan and groan?

First, I have to brag. In the last two weeks, not only did we make it out to a Halloween party, I made it trick-o-treating with my Niece and Nephew, I attended two Birthday Happy Hours, and a girls dinner. I am still walking Huck daily to the park, doing a weekly grocery shopping AND carrying the groceries home two blocks- AFTER a full day at work. I pretty much think that gives me rock star pregnancy status!! I'll admit that at all other times I am on the couch or in bed, but whateve.

Second, as you can tell from above, my energy levels are actually a lot higher than they have been almost all pregnancy. In fact, so far, the first 17 weeks of pregnancy were the WORST.

Third, it's amazing how often I have to answer the question, 'how are you doing?' Pretty much anything beyond, 'I am doing pretty good,' would be TMI. You don't really want to know anything about all the normal crazy-ass pregnancy things that are happening. Just in case you didn't know, almost anything beyond bleeding and cramping that happens to your body during pregnancy is normal. Each time I have a new symptom, I look it up, and surprise surprise, it's normal.

Like waking up with your arm asleep, normal. At this point in pregnancy your circulation is compromised. A nightly bloody nose, normal. I AM carrying around 50% more blood in my body. And those are just the symptoms that I feel comfortable posting.

As for my favorite new activity, SWIMMING! I have a month pass to the gym next door, and if I could, I would spend all day doing laps in the pool. I can almost forget that I am pregnant while I am swimming! I highly recommend it.

As for the Baby Berry, she's already giving me a run for my money. I've grown to find her daily hiccups comforting. Pretty much each day they come from a different direction in my belly, so I know she likes variety. Based on her hiccups, I also know that there is no chance that she is in the right position. She's also figured out how to get up under my ribs. It's usually during a meeting at work- her timing is perfection.

During the last two weeks Baby Berry and Mr. Spice have developed a new game that they like to play. Mr. Spice (gently-ish) shakes my belly and yells EARTHQUAKE!! Two minutes later Baby Berry starts kickin up a storm. I am completely convinced that it is all a conspiracy against me, and I can already tell that this little girl and her Daddy are going to get in a lot of trouble together!!

As for sleep, I am actually doing pretty well. I will say that there is no such thing as tossing and turning when you are pregnant. It's too hard to turn over.

And when I do wake up and turn over, 99% of the time it puts just that added pressure on my bladder so I have to pee. The crazy part- when I get up, I realize that Baby Berry is cuddled up on the side I was sleeping on and is sticking out a good 1 to 2-inches farther on that side. It is wild to see my big belly bulge in a different direction every night. If I wasn't in such a fog at 2am, I'd take a picture for you.

Finally, in the last few days she's experienced a HUGE growth spurt. I can tell she wants more room and I am always hungry! On the good side, it means that she's growing and kicking and doing all the crazy things she's supposed to be doing. I am also well on my way to developing kanckles and sausage fingers. I've had to put my engagement ring away- boo.

So on keeping it light, let's cross our fingers that I can make it another five weeks!! I only have 8 more working days until maternity leave, which is just crazy pants.

Apparently I deleted all my pictures from Week 33 and Halloween- I'll admit I wasn't looking too cute in those pics. Here I am last night:

Hello BELLY!!!

Ok, enough, I have to go eat.

Guest Post on R & T

2011-11-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hey Lovelies, you get two posts today from me!! And two guest posts this week!!

Today I am over on She Likes Ruffles, He Likes Truffles.

It's my first ever FASHION post. On my Keys to Maternity Wear.

Go over and check it out. If you don't already follow R&T, well, you should. She has mad fashion and bargain shopping sense!!

Enjoy!

BINGO! Wall Paper.

2011-11-10T07:09:00.000-08:00

B.I.N.G.O. For the month of November, I am doing His Birdie's Next Interior Design Bingo!!

The best part about participating in this BINGO Challenge. I honestly love everything I am posting. As a lover of all things ocean, this Abigail Edwards Wallpaper had me with one image (or is this considered two?):

Posted on Black, White, Yellow. via Design Sponge.

Now if only I had some walls that I could hang it on!!

Do you have wallpaper in your home?

BINGO! Complimentary or Contrasting?

2011-11-09T11:39:00.000-08:00

B.I.N.G.O. For the month of November, I am doing His Birdie's Next Interior Design Bingo!!

Just like Up Lighting, I might get this one wrong. Are white and black contrasting or complimentary colors?

I am pretty sure that the Rustic Modern look of this photo is contrasting.

I love this picture because we own the chair on the right, and I think black (while a basic) is a bold color/design choice.

From 79 Ideas.

Complimentary or Contrasting colors and style. It doesn't matter. I love it.

Do you think of black as a bold design choice, or is it just me?

Guest Posting Today: Geek in Heels

2011-11-08T08:08:00.000-08:00

Hi Lovelies!

Today I am guest posting over on Geek in Heels!! If you know Jenny, you know that she just had her second baby girl!!! I love following her adventures in everything geeky and mommyhood.

Go on, click over and check out my post. I discuss one of the major disagreements that Mr. Spice and I constantly have.

And get excited, we FINALLY made a decision. Reveal coming soon.

Happy Tuesday,

BINGO! Shabby Chic

2011-11-07T10:04:00.000-08:00

B.I.N.G.O. For the month of November, I am doing His Birdie's Next Interior Design Bingo!!

So I have to be honest, Mr. Spice pretty much hates anything Shabby Chic, so out of necessity, I've kinda cut that style out of my life. That said, I have a feeling that I could get him on board with this Shabby Chic-esque Laundry Room.

I would LOVE to do laundry here.

Posted on: Live Creating Yourself via Urban Grace.

I meant, who wouldn't?? Marble. A Farmhouse Sink!! For me, it's the soft colors that make it Shabby Chic-esque. Anyway you slice it, it's gorgeous.

As for real shabby chic style. Check out this ultra awesome Shappy Chic Trailer that the Farm Girl brought back to life:

Are you kidding me? It's the perfect Girly Shabby Chic Retreat!

Have you changed your design style for someone you love?

BINGO! Up Lighting.

2011-11-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

So I may get this His Birdie's Next Interior Design Bingo Challenge one wrong. Not sure if this is considered Up Lighting, but one thing I can tell you for sure- Mr. Spice and I LOVE Sky Lights (light from up above), color and I am addicted to lots and lots of light in a main room!

To me, this room is just to die for:

Source: Desire to Inspire.

BTW, this house was for Sale in London. Someone VERY VERY lucky is going to get it.