Baby Lesh: 36 Weeks

How i'm feeling: Feelin' well.  Just soaking in all of the time I have left with her in my belly.  I know I will be thrilled when she is out, but I will miss feeling her move, hiccup, and kick.

How far along: 36 weeks 1 day

Size of the baby: 18.66 inches long, 5.78 pounds estimated.

Total Weight Gain: Not sure - going to doctor today.  Last check, about 15 pounds.

Maternity Clothes:  some maternity, some regular.  Whatever is comfortable!

Gender: a GIRL... Andie! #andielesh

Movement: yes, she is very active.  Her movements have changed since she has gotten bigger.

Sleep: depends on the night - I was up for 4 hours in the middle of the night and woke up at 4:30am today.  I think my body is trying to get a lil prepared.

What I miss: we're in the home stretch, so not too much - but with the warm weather we've been having - a glass of white wine or chilly beer does sound appetizing :)

Cravings: frozen yogurt... it's the best thing ever!

Symptoms: I get a little uncomfortable after a big meal, and in the evenings.  But truly, nothing major!  I have been having contractions for a few weeks now.

Best moments this week (past couple weeks):

+finishing her nursery!!  It's complete and ready for her to come home to whenever she is.  I will post pictures very soon.

+hitting the 36 week mark... can't believe we are this close!

+getting the diaper bag (thanks MIL), and lots of new clothes from both of her grandmas.

Looking forward to:

+every week.  I know she is getting really big in there, so I am just trying to enjoy feeling her move (even though it hurts sometimes) and remember it, because I know I will miss it when she is out.

+spending a few more date nights alone with TL.  I know I said that last time... but I am soaking it all in.  Our girl will be here soon :)

36 weeks... wow!

I hope your week is off to a great start!

{Almost} Summer Styles

Summer Wear by tracyzlesh featuring ray ban optical

Baby Summer by tracyzlesh on Polyvore

Truth:

{via pinterest}

Since mother nature decided to skip spring a few days this week (we've had temperatures close to 90 here in Nor Cal) my mind started wandering to this summer and staying cool.  Hopefully I don't lose all sense of fashion this year. :)

Not only do I have myself to dress, but Andie will need to get spruced up this summer too!  We have gotten so many cute little summer outfits - TL and I are both looking forward to dressing her up.

Hope you have a beautiful weekend!

Napa Getaway

My MIL's Birthday is just a few days after Christmas and a couple years ago as a combined Christmas & Birthday present we took her to Napa.  We had a lot of fun... and decided to do it again this year!

TL, his two brothers, his mom, brother's girlfriend Sam and I all made the trek to Napa.  We stayed at the Westin Napa, which was actually priced pretty decently and a wonderful hotel.  It was in a good location, about 20 minutes from a bulk of the wineries (I was the designated driver) and within walking distance to the restaurants in downtown Napa (& Oxbow Market, which is adorable!)

Napa is gorgeous, and every time we visit, I am reminded of how lucky we are to live less than an hour away from there.  My cousin, Lauren, works in Napa at Duckhorn Winery, and it was a lot of fun to visit her.  She also came back to our hotel and came to dinner with us after she was off :)

 Dinner at Auberge Du Soleil - expensive, but delicious and the views are incredible!  TL and I ate here after he proposed and this was our first time back.

 Just engaged last time we were at Auberge... and now, 4.5 years later about to pop with our baby girl!

 Enjoying our tasting at Duckhorn Winery with our wine educator (and cousin) Lauren.

 Duckhorn is a beautiful winery... if you go, sit on their patio!

 Lauren and me - love this girl!

 Frog's Leap Winery

 Another beautiful place to taste

 Inside Frog's Leap...

 

 Tasting on the patio at Frog's Leap

 The winery dog, Abby, at Frog's Leap.  She was so cute!

 Plump Jack Winery

 It was nice that we all fit into one car.  I didn't mind being the DD to these cuties.

Oxbow Market... which is ADORABLE.  It's right next to Gott's and Model Bakery in Napa.

This place is a must visit if you stay near downtown Napa.

Gott's has great breakfast, and Model Bakery has the best English Muffins.

It was a great trip to Napa and hopefully this is something we can do on a yearly basis with his family.  It was also a reminder that TL and I can and need to make day trips there... it's gorgeous!

Packing Our Hospital Bag

I started realizing we needed to pack a hospital bag for Andie's arrival at 29 weeks.

I looked a little online for ideas, and even had a few people ask me what I had packed in mine... but didn't have a clue on what should be in there.  So, I consulted my sister - who has had two babies - and for my Birthday, she put together a basket of goodies to pack, as well as a list of items that are a good idea to have.

1. flip flops for the shower

2. hair ties

3. antibacterial wipes / sanitizer

4. n*pple cream, if you plan on breastfeeding

5. toothbrush/toothpaste

6. make up (if you'd like it)

7. chapstick

8. snacks for dad

9. hair brush

10. travel size shampoo & conditioner

11. Q Tips

12. make up remover wipes

13. small notebook (for jotting down notes/memories/keeping list of visitors)

14. gum/mints

15. deoderant

16. camera

17. phone & camera chargers

18. insurance cards

19. socks

20. nursing shirt

21. travel sized body wash

22. nail clippers

and of course,

23. an outfit for baby to wear home

24. an outfit for mama to wear home

My sister had a special hospital gown from a friend for both of her boys... and she passed it off to me to wear for Andie's arrival as well.  Sure beats the typical hospital gown and makes a great gift for a friend!

Am I forgetting anything?

How do you see yourself?

My brother in law and his girlfriend were talking about this video they saw online - about the perception many people have of themselves, women in particular.  I just took a few minutes to watch it and I was blown away by the difference in the sketches.

I love the message: you are more beautiful than you think.  We are definitely our own worst critics, so don't forget to take a moment to recognize the many things about you that are beautiful.  I think this video is all about self esteem and the idea that when we feel good about ourselves, we are more confident and shine a little more than when we feel bad.  My mom has told me since I was a little girl that true beauty is within, and I still agree with that more than anything.  Often times, I think our inner beauty reflects how people see us once they get to know us - and depending on how we are, we can either be more beautiful, or less beautiful based on their conclusions.  But overall, I love the idea that people often see us in a brighter light than we see ourselves.

Hope you have a wonderful Saturday!

Our Baby Shower

My sisters are the absolute best.  Truly.  They're more than my sisters... we have a special bond and I am extremely lucky to have them both in my life.  I love them dearly.

They were extremely thoughtful and sweet and thought about every detail of planning a shower for Andie and I.  They wanted it to be perfect and worked closely with our family friend, Buffy, to try and make it as creative as possible.  My mom was also a big part of making it happen, she loves being a part of all of it. It was one of the sweetest things ever... every little detail - the colors, signs, candy, diaper cakes, ribbon, flowers... they put so much time and thought into it all, and I was extremely overwhelmed  by all of it.  I felt so special - Andie is a lucky girl to have these two as her aunties.

The invitations were adorable, my sister, Kel, ordered them off of Tiny Prints and I was obsessed with them.  It was so exciting to open it up in the mail.  I looked forward to this shower for months... not because of the presents, but because of the people.  All of the ladies who were there have been so supportive of me and shown so much genuine love since hearing about Andie coming into our lives.  Some of them drove 2 hours to be there, and it really meant a lot to me.  It was amazing to be surrounded by so many amazing people.  I am abundantly blessed.  It's definitely a day I will never forget, and one I will be sure to tell Andie all about!!

 At almost 33 weeks preggo, I had the hardest time trying to figure out what to wear... found this dress on sale at Victoria's Secret.

My gorgeous sisters... Kelly & Julie!

 The adorable candy station... if you know me, you know I loveeee candy!

 My favorite flower centerpieces - and the weenie dog diaper cake.  They honored our first babies, Max & Zeus!

Desserts - homemade cupcakes and cake balls - both funfetti and both delicious!!!

The tables looked adorable!

 The 6 layer diaper cake... adorable!  And all the food - so much good food!

 TL, my MIL Cindy, and my beautiful mama.

The goody bags for the candy station... I love the chevron!

 Mason jars and punch.

 The adorable invite from Tiny Prints... it was so sweet!

Andie and I were spoiled with so many amazing gifts... it was so much fun opening them all!

Me and TL.

It was such a wonderful day and it was very heartwarming for me.  Definitely a day I will never forget, thanks to my amazing sisters!

My new little hair dryer

My hair is finally starting to grow out from the short bob I had for about a year.  It's still kind of in that awkward stage, but I felt I should grow it out with Andie on the way.  Little babies and hair that doesn't go up in a pony tail don't always mix well ;)

I have had a little conair hair dryer for about a year.  It worked fine - but my hair is so sensitive that I only blow dry it about once a week if I can - I will just let it air dry otherwise.  My old one took a while to get my hair dry because it wasn't very efficient.

I got a new one called the Hana Air hair dryer - and it works really well.  It's blows out a lot of air a lot quicker, so my hair dries faster, and it gets hot quickly and stays hot.  I love that it has several settings for heat and level.  The lower level on this thing is about the same as the high level on my old dryer.

I've been using it for about 2 months now and I love it - hopefully it lasts forever... I hate getting new hair irons and dryers!  

Now I am looking to get a new curling iron... do you have any that you LOVE??

{full disclosure: Brian from Misikko Hana Air sent this to me to try it out... it came in a beautiful box and he told me to use it for a while to make sure I like it, and I do.  Definitely recommended.}

Baby Lesh: 34 Weeks

33weeks 1day

It's been a while since I have done one of these posts... needed to do it again today because I want to have this to look back on!

How i'm feeling: Pretty good - this girl is gettin' big, so I do get a little uncomfortable as the day goes on, but I really can't complain.  We are so excited for her!

How far along: 34 weeks

Size of the baby: estimated at 17.8 inches and 4.75 pounds!  Wowza.

Total Weight Gain: not sure - probably around 15 pounds. It's been up and down. 

Maternity Clothes:  some maternity, some regular.  Whatever is comfortable!

Gender: a GIRL... Andie! #andielesh

Movement: lots of it.  Girlfriend loves my ribs.  And the hiccups!

Sleep: it's okay... a little hit and miss.

What I miss: we're in the home stretch, so not too much - I see an end in sight.

Cravings: frozen yogurt and orange juice

Symptoms: just some slight discomfort in the mornings and evenings.  But truly, nothing major!

Best moments this week (past couple weeks):

+getting all the adorable goodies put away from our shower (which was overwhelmingly sweet)

+getting shelves hung in her room... we're getting so close to finishing it, just waiting on a few more things in the mail

+TL and I celebrated my Birthday by shopping for some needed items for her... I really enjoyed spending the day with him and focusing on her!

Looking forward to:

+every little milestone week.  I know she is getting really big in there, so I am just trying to enjoy feeling her move (even though it hurts sometimes) and remember it, because I know I will miss it when she is out.

+spending a few more date nights alone with TL.  Our plan is to go to a movie together... we know that will be a rare thing after her arrival.

+finishing up her nursery... feels like it's never going to get done.  Hopefully just another week or two!

34 weeks feels great... it's so exciting to be this far along.

I hope your week is off to a great start!

What's in a Name? Andie

I always thought naming a baby would be really difficult.  It was, but after finding out out she was a girl... it was a little easier than I thought.

TL and I both loved the name "Andie".  We don't know anyone closely with the name and we both like that it's kind of feminine, kind of masculine.  Plus, I love Andie Anderson in "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days".  When we tell people that's her name, most people tell us they think it is cute {but what are they supposed to say?} - and a lot of people ask us if it is short for something.  It's not.  

It's just Andie.  Andie Jean :)

A few weeks after making the decision on her name, my mom did a little research and sent me some of the meanings behind her name.

"1. Total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. She has the whole world under her spell, and she can influence almost everyone she knows.

2. Wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. She's always up to something. She has a ton of energy, and most people can't handle her. She's very intense.  {yikes... does this mean we have our hands full??}

3. Very open. She communicates well, and she connects with other people easily.
She is a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from her mind.

God, is that Andie? Where did she get that energy?

a. The most beautiful Goddess to ever walk the earth,

b. To be very kindhearted, Thoughtful, and Nice

c. Short for Andrea,

Dang she was so nice, such an Andie.

The most amazing, beautiful, gorgeous, perfect girl ever. Any guy would love to be with her. She has a great personality, wonderful smile, amazing eyes, adorable laugh, and is just perfection. She is also amazingly fun to be around."

I like that last part... we are so excited to meet our girl!  If she is anything like her parents... she won't often be short on energy and will likely be a lil crazy.

So excited to share lots of stuff coming up - including our big family baby shower & her nursery reveal (just waiting on a few more items to get here)!

I hope you're having a wonderful week.

Life Lately

It's April.  The month of March usually seems to drag on for me... but this year, it didn't.

I had started the year crossing off monthly to-do lists.  Last month, I had working out, taking pups on 5 walks, trying a new recipe, eating fruits and veggies everyday and cleaning out our guest closet.

Although the eating fruits and veggies was reached... I can't say anything else on that list was.  I started off on a good foot - walking 3-4 miles everyday while we were on our babymoon.  It's crazy how quickly things can change, but I am willing to do anything to keep this girl healthy, even if it means taking it easy and staying off my feet... which the doctors are makin' me do.  We are thrilled to be 32 weeks along... hoping to keep her cookin' for another 8!  I have found out in the last few weeks {even more} how blessed I am to have my family and close friends who constantly are checking in and so good to me.  My husband is a rockstar - that guy means the world to me and I am not sure how I would survive with out him.  Love that man!

My goals for April...

+ hanging the shelves in Andie's nursery & decorating

+ washing and organizing the teenie tiny clothes

+ organizing her closet

+ writing thank you cards

+ posting a nursery reveal (when it's done!)

We've had a little trip to Napa planned to celebrate my MIL's Birthday with the family since December and I am really hoping to tag along for the night.  The itinerary is just hanging at the hotel and eating some good food, so hopefully I get the "all clear" to go.

We've had some beautiful weather in Northern California - had some rain over the weekend, and forecasted later this week - but other than that, lots of sunshine and 70s.  I have been sitting outside our house and by the pool at the gym trying to maintain this little color I have from Hawaii.  (Badly need it for the dress I am wearing this weekend to our baby shower)  :)  I really LOVE spring.  It's a gorgeous time of the year.

Our Easter was very relaxed - we spend it every year at my Aunt Karen's house.   TL had to work, so it was just me with my parents and sisters.  The kids were so adorable in their Easter attire!  It is always nice to catch up with family.

Here's a quick family picture we were able to get (not an easy task with 8 little ones under 5!)  Unfortunately, we are missing about half of the fam here, but you get the idea :)

 3 of the kids aren't in this pic... but cute cousins for sure!  Thanks, Nell, for the pics!

Source: Pinterest

I love that quote... feel like it can be substituted for any area of our lives.

Have a beautiful week!