Tag Archives: maiki

midnight in paris

maiki and I went on a long walk to Solano Ave. today and I was so glad to see that Midnight in Paris was still playing at the Albany Twin. It is a wonderful little theatre where I have watched some of my favorite films: Coco Avant Chanel and The King’s Speech. We decided to make a date of it and had dinner before the movie. We of course loved the film—its so magical. Glad to get out do something fun while we wait for this little (overdue) baby to make her appearance. Now I shall go and dream of beautiful cities and parties with fancy clothes, witty company and alcoholic drinks. ^_^

39 weeks

Still pregnant and enjoying maternity leave while I patiently wait. Have experienced some contractions (both Braxton Hicks and real ones) and anticipate going to the hospital at any time.

Lately I have been…

reading Haruki Murakami books: South of the Border, West of the Sun and Sputnik Sweetheart.

playing sudoku (and finishing the whole book of puzzles).

drinking gen mai cha and eating red bean buns at the Imperial Tea Court.

buying rainboots and walking around in the light rains that we’ve had.

eating delicious fruit and cheese plates made my maiki.

making almost every meal at home, including baking these muffins (now dubbed labor muffins!).

watching favorite movies: Garden State and Sense & Sensibility.

lighting candles and staying warm in our cozy cottage.

 

 

a busy and unexpected week

This week has been packed with unexpected events and many trips (some planned) to the hospital (I am just 34 weeks along so no baby just yet!). I came down with a stomach flu and had to go to the hospital Tuesday night because I was very dehydrated. It was a much longer visit than we had anticipated but felt like it was overall a positive visit. The nurses were awesome and caring and we learned a tremendous amount about what being in Triage and Labor/Delivery is like. I had external monitoring of baby and I, many bags of IV fluid being pumped into me and lots of blood drawn. I had started having contractions so I even got a taste of what that feels like. They actually had to inject me with a drug to make the contractions stop. Through the whole process maiki was there by my side and so helpful. By Wednesday evening we were home again and relieved that baby Emma was fine and we could enjoy the comforts of our little cottage again.

Thursday evening we were back at the hospital for our first class and then again all day Saturday (today) for another day long class. I have got to say that I feel really prepared now and on track for Emma’s arrival. I have learned so, so much and maiki has been a great partner. There are a few anxieties with the unpredictability of birth but I feel good. I no longer am filled with fear by just walking through the hospital doors and know that it is a place filled with trained professionals that will take wonderful care of my family. I am also learning that Labor/Delivery is my hospital’s specialty.

I have about seven days of work left and then I will start my maternity leave. Its all going by so quickly! I have plans to attend as many prenatal yoga classes as I can fit in before Emma’s arrival. We need to go to Ikea one last time, and I need to set up the cloth diaper service. Other than that we are ready. I just finished washing all of her little clothes and organizing her things and I am sure much more nesting will occur in the coming weeks! ^_^

pregnancy is made better by these things

It goes without saying that maiki is first on this list. He is the most wonderful and caring partner that I could hope for. Thanks dood!

The other things that have also been very nice to have:

1. Lucky brand maternity jeans. I bought them at the thrift store for seven dollars when I was four months pregnant. I did a victory dance in the dressing room when I put them on and they were the perfect size. They are super comfortable and I wear them A LOT. Also a plus, they have clovers on the insides of the pockets so I think they was meant to be. ^_^

2. Linen tank top. Also from the thrift store and purchased around the same time as jeans. It is not a maternity top but is lovely and flattering and comfortable. It is my new favorite article of clothing. Along with wrap sweaters and loose tanks it has been a workhorse in my wardrobe.

3. Kiehl’s Creme de Corps lotion. This stuff is so thick and moisturizing. It is fairly priced and I slather my tummy with it daily. In the beginning I had purchased some Dr. Hauschka products for my growing body but was disappointed in them for several reasons and went and bought a big bottle of the Creme de Corps. The scent is minimal and that was a big plus when everything I smelled turned my stomach.

4. Epsom salt. Baths are wonderful and the epsom salt takes my aches and pains away. I am a busy teacher of young children and am on my feet all day long. After a soak I feel a million times better. Also I add some mild scented body wash/liquid soap to make it smell nice.

5. Body pillow. Still on the fence about the one that I bought but it works. I wanted something that would be functional past pregnancy but I am not happy enough with the one that I picked to recommend it specifically. Women rave about the wonders of body pillows and I believe that they make a big difference. I wish mine was more like a cloud.

6. Pretty necklaces. They help to elevate the way that I feel by just adding a little something. I love my felt Homako necklace and wearing it with my hand me down maternity clothes really helps to pull my outfits together.

sweet saturday

Today I ventured up to College Avenue to go to Tail of the Yak. It was a fun store full of gorgeous paper, textiles and objects. The surprise balls were even more amazing in person. I bought a wood block stamp and metal circles with the letters of Emma’s name.

Also visited Nabolom Bakery, a co-operative bakery that makes yummy things. I am a big fan of morning buns and they did not disappoint. I bought Emma her first toy at a nearby toy store and then met maiki downtown for Froyo.