A year later- Isla's birth story

(photo by the incredible Jon Carmichael: our family just before Isla Josephine made her appearance)

It's 9:14pm on 11/1/2016. Exactly one year ago today I was at Kaiser San Leandro hospital with my doula, Diana, and my husband. I'd been admitted less than an hour before (or thereabouts). The Kansas City Royals had just won the World Series. And my labor had only started that afternoon. After a 40 hour labor for my son James' birth three years prior, I was expecting the worst and hoping for the best for my second go at this whole birthing thing. I think I got the best. Isla was ready to meet us. She waited a day past her due date. Unlike her brother, who came three weeks early- helping explain why my body wasn't quite "open" to letting him out during the labor process.

So 9:14pm on 11/1/2015. This second time around a lot of things differed from my birth story with James. This time, I had a doula. Thank the Lord! I called her around 4pm or so- explaining that I think this is it. At first, I had started to feel some contractions in the late afternoon while James and Zac were both napping. I took a shower and they didn't go away, like they had been doing in the weeks prior when I'd had some braxton hicks. So I woke Zac up from his nap and told him I thought the moment was actually here! I timed some contractions as to not jump the gun, then I called my mom.  :)

Some people recommend having a "labor project" to help pass the time in early labor. I'm not that creative, so I decided my labor project would be making dinner. And at 40 weeks pregnant, in fact, making dinner can be quite an ordeal! I asked Zac to take James to the park while I cooked, and kind of "got in the zone". I still think it's interesting how I wanted that alone time to kind of get calm and gather my strength. I remember chanting my 'oms' through those increasingly intense contractions in the kitchen, I had learned the chants in my beloved pre-natal yoga.

So when the boys got home from the park, I offered them some fettucine, and Zac called his parents to let them know we'd need their help watching James while we got ready to meet our "little nugget" as we affectionately called Isla before knowing if she was a girl or boy. It was getting real! (I also remember Diana, our doula, telling me not to have any of the fettucine alfredo sauce because it would most likely make me nauseous during active labor.. let's just say she was right!)

By the time Zac's parents arrived, my contractions were getting intense. Everything happened kind of "just in time". I remember my best friend Kim asking me to take of picture of myself while I was in this early-ish stage of labor, and to date I think it's one of my funniest selfies- with a sort of "are you kidding me?" look on my face:

Diana arrived maybe just before 8PM. We left for the hospital what seemed almost immediately for labor, maybe 15 minutes after she arrived. For some reason, Zac asked me to "navigate" while he drove us. I proceeded to put the wrong hospital into the iphone (because I was in labor!!). After we realized we got off at the wrong freeway exit, I had a slight 'moment', and we arrived at the hospital shortly after.

While I was walking the halls to the labor and delivery area- I started referring to the baby in the feminine pronoun for the first time in my pregnancy- which I'm still impressed by how us mommas just 'know' somehow, even subconsciously.

The hospital memories are somewhat short since she came quickly, but they are still vivid. I remember we had a great nurse, but she didn't have to do much. A midwife delivered Isla- and I feel like I barely even interacted with her! I give so much credit to Diana, our doula. She was right there with me, through the entirety of the hardest moments of my labor. I gave birth on all fours, like a straight up Amazon woman, and somehow was able to do it without an epidural like I had for James. Well not somehow, I was able to avoid an epidural and possibly a longer labor because of Diana. While I was yelling our code word for "give me the damn epidural", Zac was strategically trying to stay out of it, and Diana looked at me and, after avoiding my demands for long enough, explained that I could either get the epidural or get ready to meet my baby. So I moved to the hospital bed and remember grunting/ yelling at the top of my lungs to push our little girl out. Zac says he had to check twice because he's the one who got to proudly announce that we had a girl. We were both in shock. Except, as I was pushing, I had another trippy moment where I kept calling the baby Gwenyth with each push. I told Zac I thought it was a sign that we had to name her Gwen (which was a top name on our baby name list)... but Zac sweetly, and almost with a pout said, "but I really liked the name Isla Josephine"- and so it was. And just like that, our family became four (and a half... we can't forget Brewster, our protective doggie! :)

Meeting Isla Josephine for the first time (and her first EVER picture:)

with nose picker and all at Thanksgiving a few weeks later

and a slightly more festive look at our first ever family photo shoot (Isla's fussiest day to date- she cried the whole time)..

And now.. a year later..

swoon! (photo by Jen J photography)

It only took a year, but I hope the long awaited blog post was worth your time! Now, Isla is an engaging, walking, curious, determined, silly, almost toddler with 6 teeth and the thickest, most perfect thighs you could ever imagine. Time really does fly when you have kids. <3

An homeage to five years.

I know it's annoying to brag sometimes, but I figure if there's a time to do it, it'd be now. Five years ago today, I started the day with my best friends, probably getting ready to take some fun photos before Zac and I would be married in Pacific Palisades...

Actually strike that, the fun photos started way before the wedding day (above, for example, genius posing during a post-bridal shower hang out session) 

These, however, were from that morning getting ready for the big day. Lots of laughs for an early morning!

Before the big ceremony, Zac and I met with the Rabbi for a sweet moment where we signed the marriage licenses (with our witnesses/ men of honor). Rabbi Barclay was much more eloquent than my memory serves, but he basically explained how by us holding on to the napkin after he let go, we were showing that we didn't have any misgivings about the leap we were about to make... I think holding on symbolized our commitment, maybe? Like I said, he was more eloquent than myself..

Then, we took a few photos..

My favorite shot. It so captured the moment. 

A perfect candid of us waiting for our grand entrance to James Brown's "I Feel Good" 

As you can see, the day was filled with lots of love. But what I really wanted to write about is how fortunate I've been during the five years since that day. This last week I was sick with strep throat, and 35 weeks pregnant might I add. I was misdiagnosed, and had to wait a week for the anti-biotics that my body really needed. It was miserable. And Zac was such a trooper. He took great care of me. In sickness and in health-- just like he promised.

And then, today, I got to listen as Zac held James on his shoulders to help put up the gift he got me for our anniversary. It's pretty funny for a couple reasons. First of all, I'm not so sure how I feel about cliches sayings like this- but it's the thought that counts, so I love it. Secondly, tradition actually says to get a wood gift for a five year present, and you know Zac didn't do that on purpose. So he got lucky on that one!

I guess all I wanted to say is that I am grateful. Some marriages don't last five years, but we're going strong. We were supposed to go whale watching today, but at the last minute read: "no pregnant ladies" (or something  exclusionary like that!) Of course I was disappointed, but we didn't let it ruin our day. We still went on a date that turned out to be wonderful. And best yet, we get to sleep in tomorrow thanks to James being at Gramma and Gramps' house. So amen to that. And amen for Zac agreeing to love me forever those five years ago. I'm sure happy he did. 

:)

What did you want to be when you grew up?

At one point, when I was a kid,  I wanted to be an astronomer. I remember my mom saying that I'd have to work at night if I chose to study the stars. Isn't that silly! I totally believed her. Ha. 

Now, I think I'd settle for a telescope. Once we buy a house, (whenever that is) I hope to invest in one that we can keep in the backyard. I'd love to admire, learn, and explore the stars with it. Plus, I think it's a better fit for me to do it for fun instead of for a job. Space is so breathtaking and incomprehensible, isn't it? What did you want to be when you were little? 

Off The Grid

Say hello to my little friend.

So, funny story. The other night, I was half asleep when I set my alarm on my old iphone... and instead of setting the phone back on the nightstand, I (accidentally) placed it in my mug of WATER. I didn't even realize it until two hours later, when I went to take a sip of water, and my phone literally hit me in the face. Let's just say it was too late to be salvaged. At least I had it a while..

So I proceeded through the next few days "off the grid" without my cell phone. I guess I wasn't really.. I had my work cell phone, and of course the computer at home. To be honest, I even had our home phone! But I have to say, without facebook to fall back on as a mode of communication to mass groups of people (since I deactivated my account in January), I really felt disconnected. Since our phones are holders of so much information now, I felt a little lost with out it. I felt so unreachable. Hardly anyone knows my home phone number, and so many of us text now, I imagined people texting me and thinking I just wasn't responding. Obviously, I'm not that popular, and I'm sure that didn't even happen, but I thought it was an interesting reflection. 

Anyway, the next order of business: finding a suitable new case to fit the my new phone: 

So far, I'm digging this gold on gold! What do you think? 

How would you do without your personal  phone for 3 or 4 days?

This is brilliant.

I love this post so much. The Secret Problems of Other Couples gives a crucial perspective to what is considered a "good enough" relationship. The article points out that our idea of a good enough relationship is unfairly biased, and I can relate. Since I think the video and article does this topic more justice than I can put into words, I'll just encourage you to read it.

(Imagine: Will and Kate probably struggle too!)

Holiday Cheer

There isn't anything terrible about this two year old. Check out our first pro family picture session we did with Megan Small, a local Alamedan photographer:

Megan was so sweet, and her mom was the best assistant (luring James to smile with funny duck impressions, bubbles, and COOKIES!)

Best of all, the Oakland Redwoods where we took these photos were beautiful. It reminded me so much of Temescal Canyon, where we got married. It was a fun outing and I look forward to going back with James and Zac for a hike someday soon!

Music

You know that music that just brings you back? The Wallflowers, Vertical Horizon, Matchbox 20, Alanis Morrisette, Third Eye Blind. Those do it for me.

I was just listening to the 90s Pop station on Pandora, and after quickly giving a "thumbs down" to the Spice Girls and Backstreet Boys, I was able to mold this type of 90s alternative theme music that defined much of my adolescence. And let me add, there were so many one.hit.wonders (although very credible one hits!). But it's amazing how listening to a music album could be like looking at a picture album, you know? Music can bring back so many memories and feelings, like those decades ago aren't actually that far away.

What music does that for you?

Cut a rug!

We bought a rug!

The Snow Peak Wool Rug from West Elm to be exact.

It took (literally) months of deliberation, planning, justifying, receiving donations, and being neurotic, but it's official- it's on it's way now!

I know it seems ridiculous. I mean at least to me. Seriously, how much thought can go into one.freaking.thing. I like white, but what sane mother of a two year old buys a white rug? I like shag, but Zac says shag will be too hard to clean. I even got a free design consultation from West Elm. (did you know that exists!? Kind of overrated, I have to admit). Although, it did help steer me in the right direction. I can't wait to show you an "after" picture of it in our living room once it arrives.

Next up is a coffee table! Any suggestions? At this rate, we'll buy one by 2015! ;)

What I do without cable:

I buy more books than I probably should:

In this case, polar opposite type books. I used to have a goal of reading all the classics (i.e., Invisible Man) that I never read growing up. Although I was always a good student, I was never much of a reader as a kid, so I had lots of catching up to do. So, in college I read things like The Fountainhead (loved it) and Anna Karenina (never finished it) for "fun".

But in recent years, I've been more into fiction and books that require less thinking. I suppose this genre change has been partially in response to all of the stressors I deal with in my life as a social worker. When I'm reading fiction now, I often want to wind down, not get stirred up. So when I bought Invisible Man yesterday, I figured I should temper it with something that might make me laugh a bit. And so far, Mindy Kaling does not disappoint. I recommend it already!

What are you reading lately? I also bought James this book since it features a little boy named Sam who likes to dance.. just like his dancing Uncle Sam! ;)

Before He Turns Two (in a month!)

The many faces of James: 

Imitating (what I think looks like) a tourist with that cap:

Making funny faces at ourselves to the camera:

Being his sweet self at the bagel shop: 

I wanted to use this space to help me log James' growth and help me remember some of his milestones. At this point, he's talking up a storm (as my mom would say:). Today, he started saying "open/ close" when playing with his legs and opening and closing them (which I consider impressive, unprompted correlations-- but you know, I'm biased). He says "chocolate milk "A LOT. haha. This morning, when I opened the door at 6:15 in response to his "MA MA" calls, he greeted me with "Morning!" just like I usually greet him. It's pretty amazing, and I can actually feel my heart warm and my lips turn into a smile as I write this and reflect on all the loveliness that is watching a human being grow up. It's very easy (for me, and I'm sure many of us) to focus on the challenges of the every day.. and there are challenges every day don't get me wrong, but it makes taking the time to stop and reflect on all the glorious goodness that is also in that every day that much more important.

I hope you're all doing well. I know I haven't been in a blog writing mood lately. I think in response to coping with the many changes that have recently gone on in my little family's lives (moving to the bay area, finding an apartment, a job, child care, turning 30 (!), missing my friends and family, and adjusting to all of that..), lately all I want to do is either straighten up our house (challenging with a 1.75 year old), or veg out and watch Felicity after a long day (I'm on Season 4!). As the summer nears its final stage though, I see myself doing more yoga and hopefully writing a bit more.

So here's to lofty goals! :)

Because Fridays Are For Dancing

Oh man. Things have been busy. I swear before having James I had no idea what I would do all day with him. But now I understand, and it can be exhausting! And wonderful of course. :) But between finding an apartment, moving in, finding a job, finding a child care, hanging out with my little man, going to beautiful weddings, and seeing wonderful friends and family, so far this summer has been jam packed. And that's okay. I just don't want to forget to stop and smell the roses. You know? So here's to a fun and laid back weekend. Do you have any plans?

(image found via JCrew on Pinterest)

Green Lemonade

Do you have a juicer? I FINALLY used mine since moving in to our new place, and made this green lemonade that I read about in Raw Detox Diet. It's delicious, and pretty simple:

- 1 head romaine or celery
- 5 or 6 stalks kale (any type)
- 1 to 2 apples (as needed for sweetness- the author recommends organic Fuji)
- 1 whole organic lemon
- 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh ginger (optional)

I didn't have celery/ romaine, so I used spinach instead. And I plan to stock up on ginger for next time. But the apples make it sweet and the lemon makes it tart, so it's a great way to get all the nutrients from the kale and spinach if you don't otherwise get enough greens (like me).

Will you try it? I know I plan to make it all the time!

What's your interior decorating style?

Do you even have one? I'm not sure I do. But since we got the apartment we were soo hoping for (yay!), I have a week to brainstorm how to arrange and update our furniture to make it as beautiful as some of the pins I see on Pinterest ;) (or at least attempt!).

I've found that I'm drawn to mid-century modern. There's something about the old mixed with the new that I love. Comfort of course is an important factor in any home, so I also like cozy, rustic looks as well. I wish I was better at this whole interior design thing! As for now, I'm just browsing through apartment therapy articles to try and get some easy tips on how to make the new place shine. Please let me know if you have any advice!

(photos all found via pinterest)

Oh, Alameda

I think I love you.

Zac and I applied for an apartment in Alameda this weekend, and we cannot wait to hear if we get to call this place home! It came about kind of unexpectedly, after looking at places all throughout the bay area, when this semi- affordable (for bay area standards) place came up in the little island east of SF, we figured we'd check it out. We were mildly familiar with the area because Zac's brother, Brett, had lived there a few years back. It's close to the city, where Zac is currently commuting 3 days a week, and I keep seeing job opportunities for myself in Oakland (just next door), so we figured it had some good potential.

Well, we ended up falling in love with a little 2 bedroom triplex just a few blocks off of Park St, the town's main drag. The area is filled with antique shops, young families like us, and last Saturday, apparently, a vegetable festival. And random fun fact: Alameda has one of the nation's best flea markets! I'm trying not to get my hopes up, but please, cross your fingers, and your toes, that we get this place. We really want it.

Sending lots of love to you on this Monday night.

(pictures above all found via Pinterest)

My Gym

James joined My Gym yesterday, which sounds so funny because don't you just imagine him around a bunch of free weights and treadmills? :) It's actually a gymnastics sort of toddler "gym" similar to Gymboree, but better in my opinion. I met a nice mommy at Santana Row the other day and she told me about it. Being the "out and about mommy" that I am (I'll explain later), we thought we'd check it out. He wasn't too into circle time, but he'll get there. He loved the trampolines and the mini basketball hoops though (that's my boy!)

All of the photos I took at the gym ended up blurry (of course), so I'll leave you with this little gem from the other day:

Anyway, I've missed you! Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying spring time wherever you are. xoxo

What I'm Reading:

A Fighting Chance by Elizabeth Warren.

Being unemployed has it's perks and it's stressors. One perk is that I get to check out quaint little bookstores with James when we're scoping out potential neighborhoods to live in. Yesterday, while doing this, I picked up Warren's book. I was looking for Ralph Nader's new book after hearing him on NPR, but I guess it wasn't out yet. Anyway, who knew I was so into political books,? But I so am. And listening to Nader on the radio was inspiring as well, he's a very intriguing speaker and I can't wait to read his book next. But first, I'm super interested in learning more about Warren's insights and life as well- I've only read the first few pages and can already feel the social worker in me getting fired up!

Anyway, I know I've been gone a while, are you reading anything new?

For fun

I haven't even seen Footloose, or even a full Jimmy Fallon episode. But this video made me smile:

Makes me kind of want to watch the movie just for the cheesy 80s vibes. Plus it would be fun to celebrate turning 30 the same year as Footloose!

Changes

In case you didn't know.. I'm moving from Los Angeles, from where I've called home for the last 9 years of my life since my dad died and my mom moved here, and I officially didn't go "home" to Las Vegas anymore. I've grown up here. Not in the adolescent way, but in that twenty something way. It's where I met my husband, got married, had my first baby, lived in the same apartment for more than five years, it's where I met some of my best friends and was still able to stay connected with friends far away.

And, I'm okay with leaving. Maybe it's what's left of the wanderlust in me, but I welcome the change. I don't want to live in the same apartment building for thirty years like my dad did. Although I love that he did. He was living his dream, acting in LA. And now I'm living mine. I'm going to have a "big" family, live in the 'burbs, but close enough to the city, and hopefully buy a house and save up enough money to travel the world bit by bit. That sounds like a pretty good life to me. But I'll still miss my first true city love, Los Angeles.

Place has always held a lot of importance for me. And this goodbye is going to be hard. I've got a lot going on, but I hope in the crazy mix of all the responsibilities associated with moving your life to a new place, I get to take a minute to think about how this old place has shaped me. And I think to properly say goodbye to it, I need to reflect a bit on where I've been and where I am now. Who I am now. That's a tall order. Thanks for letting me do it with you.

What's going on with you lately? Any changes?

Do you like a girl in glasses?

As you may know, I wear glasses. Everyday. I think it's been about two years now. So last week, after forgetting what my face looks like because I always have my Paul Smith's on, I got contacts. And this weekend I spent nearly two and a half hours trying to get the darn things in and out of my eyes. Although I think I'm getting the hang of it, I don't know how much more patience I have in me. Maybe I should just get these new glasses instead?:

(I'm thinking tortoise shell full frames or retro semi-rims)

At first, (as I was about to pull my hair out in frustration with the contacts),  Zac was like: "oh honey, you'll get it, don't worry". And after two hours, it turned into: "maybe contacts just aren't for you". Well, I'm not one for quitting, but I also don't like to torture myself. I'll let you know what happens.

(top photo found on pinterest, bottom photo/ frames from warby parker)

Where to Eat Wednesdays: Connie and Ted's

Connie and Ted's is a fairly new place that my friends recently introduced me to after seeing The Book of Mormon at the Pantages (!). The food is seriously legit. I ordered the lobster roll sandwich with coleslaw (Zac contributed the fries).  AND I got to start with a few oysters, my fav! You should try it.