bonbonmini

The night Max wore his wolf suit...

[...and she showed her terrible claws!]

As you can see I had trouble editing these photos down. I mean, wouldn't you? Where The Wild Things Are was quite possibly my favorite story growing up (Goodnight Moon a close second) so ever since Max was a babe in arms I've been planning this costume. It helps that he is clearly king of all wild things (at home at least). And little miss plays the part well these days too...

So on a more serious note, this week has been a roller coaster of happy times (halloween festivities and meeting up with lovely new friends Cerys & Kai). As well as sad ones. The news of the nearby Krim family tragedy was simply heartbreaking. And then there was Sandy. Being in one of the highest points in manhattan we weathered the storm just fine but the damage has been extensive and widespread.

So just a few more to put a smile on your face...

Max: Oeuf tail, booties, hat & mitts Sweven leggings, Sweven top
Alexandria: Oeuf accessories, American Apparel top & leggings

Soccer Mom...

If you ever wondered what a NY soccer mom looked like, here she is! Not much different than any other bjorn-wearing, sophie-the-giraffe-clutching, sticky-hand-holding mama. Max began his first class (of any kind ever) a few weeks ago, making him officially a big kid and me officially a soccer mom. I don't think I ever expected to be a soccer mom per se, but what can I say...the kid is really into soccer!

(I told the mister this was just a test shot...psych!)

So once again the mums have made their appearance at the corner grocers and the crickets and ice cream trucks have seemingly disappeared overnight. Fall is officially here, bringing me back to where it all on began on October 1st 2006 when I got off the plane with 2 suitcases, a credit card and a dream. No seriously that's all I had! Thankfully now I have a lot more so each October I'm full of gratitude and reaffirmation that, yes, that one way ticket was a good idea after all.

Mama: J Crew Men's flannel, BDG jeans, J Crew flats
Max: Sweven jeans, Adidas shoes 
Alexandria: Zara dress & tights, Baby Gap sweater and booties
Papa: All J Crew (Converse shoes)

Miniluu photoshoot...

[Little Lief top, Little Lief pants, Zara vest, Jess Brown doll, Washi Paper balloon]

These shots are from a recent shoot for Miniluu. Working on the store has taught me more about photography in one year than my whole life combined. From staging perfect shadows, to getting those gosh darn white backgrounds on around 700 photos (white products are the bane of my existence because they are hands down the hardest to retouch). Then there is the art of photographing toddlers. There's no way around it...it's just really hard. You have about 4 minutes to get the shot you want before the situation disintegrates beyond repair. You always think there's no way you got it, but once you go through the shoot you find tons of moments full of that genuineness and candidness that comes so naturally to little people.

34 weeks [loving the belly]...

Max has a new phrase he says about 10 times a day and it's certainly one of my most favorite ever. He says "I love the belly. I love the belly, mama!" If I'm lying on the couch with a blanket over me he insists I take it off so that my belly is visible while he plays nearby. And when you listen closely you hear him muttering to himself "I love the belly. Baby in the belly. Max in the belly. Max born. Baby born!"

Week: 34 (according to babycenter we can a bit breath easier now since the baby can breathe easier)

Baby: Baby is still head down (a good thing) and way down in my pelvis although luckily this is causing no discomfort or penguin waddling. I just wonder if he/she feels squished down there, so I try to lay slightly inverted for a few minutes each day to relieve the pressure.

Boy or girl: Still don't know, but I am this close to turning my old magenta cashmere sweater into a pair of baby leggings.

Currently craving: Cow's milk. Much to the mister's dismay since between Max and I he feels like all he does now is run out to buy milk.

Weight: 145 lbs (I've lost 2 lbs in the last 2 weeks but my doctor is happy with the 28 lbs overall gain)

Symptoms: None (again, except for the lingering morning sickness that's nothing a little water and toast can't fix)

Birthing Preparation: I'm still doing this Hypnobirthing program 1-2 times daily and each time I get further into a deep state of relaxation. It's funny how you actually start to crave that time of meditation if you skip a day. I've also learned that using a rough bristle brush in the shower and then giving my legs a deep tissue massage using pure coconut oil, helps relieve the restlessness that was preventing me from lying totally still in the beginning (more on this in another post).

What I miss: I miss being able to really play play with Max. We have 101 Montessori baskets and trays patiently waiting and he enjoys them thoroughly, but what toddlers truly love and need is physical play. I miss getting down on the floor with him, crawling, chasing, tickling and playing ball. I'm looking forward to being that mom again.

Sleep grade: A- Still great except for the occasional nonsense dream (see below).

Weird Pregnancy Dream Nightmare: This one is hard to write down because it was so disturbing, but they say writing it out helps you process, right? I dreamt that the baby was born (a girl) and didn't look anything like either of us and we felt she wasn't really ours. Worse still the baby bonded with a caregiver (which we don't have btw) and I felt no bond with my baby when I held her and looked at her. If I had to think of a stereotypical 3rd trimester dream, that would be it, but it was still pretty unfun to wake up to.

[Bonbon Mini / Kristin Lloyd]

grapefruits and water [33 weeks]...

There's nothing like a patient man, a loving toddler, a bunch of colorful leggings and of course a grapefruit and about 12 glasses of water a day to beat the bedrest blues. Some days are really tough. Really tough. But we're getting through it somehow. My doctor says that around 36 weeks I can get off the couch and resume most normal activities. I try to keep my spirits up by plotting all of the organizing and (gentle) exercise I will pack in to those glorious 21 days, assuming baby does not debut early.

Week: 33

Baby: Baby is extremely strong and active and seems to get more aware of our activities by the day. We've finally decided on both a boy and a girl name. I think.

Boy or girl: Still don't know and won't until D-day. The mister says boy and I say girl but sometimes I do find myself thinking boy?

Currently craving: Still craving grapefruits and now water like there's no tomorrow. I easily drink 12 glasses a day. I've developed a strong aversion to meat, which includes the smell of it cooking, so we are temporary vegetarians again.

Weight: 146 lbs (that's 30lbs and I'm hoping for at least 5 more) 

Birthing Preparation: I've begun this Hypnobirthing Home Study program as well as 2 other mediation series (including one that I used for Max's birth). I do them right before bed and sometimes when Max is napping. The trick seems to be not just visualizing and relaxing, but truly learning to release your muscles from head to toe and detach from all of your fear-based thoughts and emotions. Easier said than done!

Sleep grade: A- Really no complaints there except for the occasional difficulty falling asleep. This comes from thinking too much but luckily the meditations I do at bedtime are helping that.

Symptoms: None except for some lingering morning sickness, but compared to the 1st trimester it's nothing to complain about.

Wardrobe situation: Still wearing all non-maternity clothes. Leggings, tunic tanks, the mister's shirts and oversized sweaters. When I go out to Dr appointments I wear an a-line coat with uggs or wellies depending on the weather. 

my fly is unzipped [28 weeks]...

[ Kristin Lloyd / Bonbon Mini ]

...and who can blame it. I've gained a whopping 23 pounds so far which is great since I started out underweight. Even though I started this pregnancy 10lbs lighter than in my Max pregnancy, it looks like my end weight will be identical. My body has me in awe in it's ability to know just what the baby needs. I love to watch the "milk fat" getting ready (those handy extra layers the body will use for milk in a few more months!) It is amazing what female bodies do and continue to do eon after eon.

Most days I play "pregnant lady in pajamas on the couch". But now that we're past the scary early 20's weeks of the pregnancy and my cervix has held steady for 7 weeks (yay!), it feels okay to put on a little lip tint, walk out to the roof, and play my inner "healthy happy pregnant lady" once a week or so.

So here are The Stats:

Week: Almost 28

Baby: The vibe I get from the baby is kind hearted and strong. Baby is super active and always starts jumping when I drink a big glass of water.

Boy or girl: We don't know and won't until D-day.

Currently craving: Grapefruit & Oranges

Weight: 139 lbs

Belly button status: It's half-way "popped"

Sleep grade: C - I lay there and think forever about the present and the future. Plus it's hard to get comfy after spending the whole day lying down. My legs are screaming to jump and stretch.

Recent wacky dream: I dreamt I was doing a ridiculously challenging obstacle course. For some reason it was a matter of life or death, but the whole time I kept saying I shouldn't be doing this! I'm on bedrest!

Evidence of pregnancy brain: Even though I had it all planned the day before, I completely forgot to celebrate winter solstice on the 21st. We like to celebrate by lighting a million tea lights and making a special dinner.