mothering the mother

I have to admit that at the beginning of this pregnancy, I didn't know a damn thing about what to do, where to go, who to see or what to prepare for.

The first doctor I went to see was absolutely terrible, so I did a little bit of research online and found a practice that wasn't bad, but it definitely wasn't the place that was going to help me have the experience I wanted. When I was just under 6 months along, Guav and I interviewed Julie to be our doula. We loved her instantly. She really listened to us and gave us recommendations for books, child birth classes, hospitals and a midwife that we've been very pleased with so far. A lot of the confidence I have right now is due to Julie's guidance through the process. I don't think I would be in one piece without her. And now, with Brixton's birthday being so close, I wanted to make sure I had a present to thank her for everything she's done and for the contributions I know she'll put forth on our big day.

So today I wrapped up the necklace I made for her. I hope she loves it. I also put together a little present for my sister which will go in the mail tomorrow.

[love it & covet]

Recession plus baby on the way means a need for self control, and self control means not buying everything that makes my eyes widen or my heart race. Maybe posting about them will help the retail lust subside.1. holly gonightly sleep mask / 2. sweet deer planter / 3. russian doll plates / 4. oliver / 5. hemline stationary set / 6. USB tulip hub / 7. playthings pushcart / 8. b&w wall hook

booze vs. baker's twine.

Every year at around this time, there's normally just one thing that occupies my mind -- The Virgo Bash.

My friend Jack and I started it some years ago when we realized that we, along with so many of our close friends, were virgos. In fact, each day in the entire last week of August and the first week of September is a birthday of someone we know. When I lived in Texas, the festivities were simple and usually consisted of an in-town celebration of bar hopping or concert-going. Eventually Jack and I both left Texas and brought our tradition with us. We had a bash in Florida, a couple in New York and one in San Francisco. It's always a good time, and I look forward to it every year.

This year is a big one, because not only is it Jackie's 30th birthday... It's also her golden birthday. The plan was to go to Jamaica, but with D-day falling right at the end of August, this year's bash was just going to have to happen without me. I have to say at first, I was really bummed about not being able to make it. Luckily, eight months and a big ripe belly was just enough to help me realize that I'm okay with it. I'm sure Jack can hold it down without me-- I've got someone else's birthday on the brain this year.

But just because birthday booze gets bumped, I think I'm still entitled to a wishlist of sorts, right? Considering last year's consisted of lots of Chanel and a chaise lounge for my hot pink closet, I think this year's list has my feet a little closer to the ground.
Just For You by Pablo Correa found via graphicexchange

Handmade Home via soulemama because nesting is now my new favorite pastime.
Letter press recipe cards by 1canoe2 because very soon I will have a small little family to make delicious meals for, and I will need a way to keep track of my favorite recipes.

Olivetti Typewriter from UO because for some reason, I actually think having a functional typewriter around would inspire me to write beautiful notes to send via snail mail to my dearest friends.

And a Gocco to take my crafting to a whole new level! I totally admit I wouldn't know what to do with the thing but stumbling across mintdesignblog makes me want to learn, wrap presents all pretty and make thank you cards all day.

And if I had to, I could probably show you some shoes I've been wanting or some of the Fall outfits I hope I'll fit into before the season's over. I haven't completely forgotten about Fashion, but swollen feet and an unpredictable waistline pretty much just puts it in the backseat for now.

perfect iloveyouversary.

let's go have a crepe.
via Oh, hey there by icanread

I've been turning our place upside down the last hour looking for a little gift box I thought I had kept. When I do this and make a mess of the place, Guav calls it "tornadoing", and he hates it. The place is still in once piece (no worries, baby), but I'd really like to wrap the thank you gifts I made last night for our midwife and doula. I guess I will just have to stop by the craft store later!

Lovely photo of the day that I didn't take but thought I would share because it rules:
This photo of Zooey Deschanel makes me want to do one of two things:

1. Eat a nice juicy watermelon sprinkled with salt.
and/or 2. Eat kettle corn from a perfectly precious package.
Either way, I think I'm hungry. I will have to have a snack before I leave the house. That means I should stop. typing. now.

a little welcome wagon of aminals.

Both Guav and I are designers, and I'd say one of the most important things to us is to make sure we expose Brixton to a creative environment that he can grow from and be inspired by. Fortunately, I think we're on top of that thanks to all the artistic people that have already begun to surround him with lovely, handmade gifts.

Our friend Chloe made us this little guy we named Grob. That's Guav's name through the filter of my adorable Grandmother's accent.

This here is the top shelf of the bookcase in Brix's nursery.
On the far left next to the clock, the little orange furry dude was made by friend Danielle. In front of him is another Chloe masterpiece, the sad little blood cell. I'm not sure why he's so sad. He is surrounded with good company like the octopus, created with love by our friend Jen. Next to him is the soft little cuddly sheep Guav's mom crocheted for him. She also made him a couple of great blankets you'll see when I post more pictures of his room soon!