{indeed...}

While searching Etsy for some nursery wall art, Evan & I came across this beautiful print. I'm in love...

{via vol25}

{28 weeks}

How your baby's growing:

By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

How far along? 28 weeks, 4 days

Total weight gain/loss: We'll find out on Friday!

Sleep: Last night was a rough night- Evan couldn't sleep and I woke up with terrible cramping in my belly. Baby must be growing.

Best moment this week: V's Easy Rider bike arrived. It's so.freaking.cute.

Movement: So much.

Food cravings: Froyo.

Gender: Girl :)

Labor Signs: Not yet, thank goodness.

Belly Button in or out? Still in.

What I miss: Getting out of bed with ease. It's becoming a complicated process.

What I am looking forward to: Baby laughter.

Weekly Wisdom: Time flies!

Milestones: Seven months pregnant... 80 days left. Wow.

{remember this: cute party favor idea}

I love me some Prudent Baby. They have the best craft tutorials and the cutest ideas for the kiddos.

It will be over a year before I start planning any munchkin birthday parties, so I'm bookmarking this fun party favor idea for future reference. Check it out- DIY flower pots.




Cute, right?!

{right now}

Outside my window... it's a June Gloom kind of day.
The time is... 11:21am.
Today I feel... hungry.
I am thinking... that we will have a new couch tonight. Exciting!
At the moment, I am thankful... that Evan is recovering quickly from his bike crash.
I am going... to a cloth diaper sale tonight.
I am wearing... jeans & an Anthro tank with a cardigan.
I wish... I could take a siesta.
I am reading... nothing in particular.
I am working on... the piles of work on my desk.
I am hoping... to sell the things we have on Craigslist ASAP.
I am hearing... hiccups. I have them constantly.
I bet you didn't know... that I really do like meat, I just don't eat it.
One of my favorite... condiments is mustard. Mmm.

{xo, danielle}

{i heart maptote onesies}

I have had these Maptote onesies bookmarked for at least a month now- they pretty much had me at "hello." I'm convinced it is fate that they are for sale on Gilt right now. Aren't they just adorable?

Maptote Onesies, on sale for $15 {reg. $25}

If you're not already a member of Gilt, click here for immediate shopping access.

Which worldly onesies did you grab for your little one?

{27 weeks}

How your baby's growing:

This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

How far along? 27 weeks, 6 days

Total weight gain/loss: Not sure, but I've lost some weight from a bad colitis flare :(

Sleep: Evan crashed his bike BAD on Tuesday night, so we haven't been sleeping much.

Best moment this week: Hmm, it's been a rough week. Very glad Violet is still bouncing around in there.

Movement: Lots.

Food cravings: KFC mashed potatoes. Mmm.

Gender: Girl :)

Labor Signs: Not yet, thank goodness.

Belly Button in or out? Still in.

What I miss: Pretty much all food... been on the BRAT diet ever since my colitis flared up.

What I am looking forward to: Being healthy again, and Evan feeling better ASAP.

Weekly Wisdom: Mean it when you say "in sickness and in health," because there are no guarantees that sickness won't come along a lot earlier than you think.

Milestones: Evan and I saw a body part move under my belly skin this Monday. So crazy.

{diy blocks}

Want a super easy tutorial on how to make these fantastical blocks? Click here.

{via my freakin awesome blog}

Considering all of the card stock options available @ craft stores these days, my mind is racing with possibilities. I'm thinking this could be one of the best "Welcome, baby" gifts ever.

{two weeks in a row}

I'm such a bad mom! It just dawned on me that Evan & I have forgotten to take belly pics TWO WEEKS in a row. Oops. Other than "pregnancy brain," I'd like to plead "bad colitis flare-up," and "severe exhaustion." Not sure what Evan's excuse is. Wink, wink.

Luckily, I snapped a cute picture of the belly on the first day of my third trimester- 26 weeks, 6 days. Enjoy!

{kimono courtesy of the tokyo hilton, hehe}

{speaking of adorable baby shoes}

Gilt.com strikes again! I couldn't resist these precious Elephantito Shoes, $17 each. Aww, baby's first pairs of shoes. ♥

Fresa Leather Ballerina Flats

Lilac Leather Mary Janes

If you aren't already a member of the insanely addictive gilt.com {considered yourself warned,} feel free to use my invite link for immediate access to this site. Gilt has the most amazing maternity jeans, diaper bags, clothing, strollers, etc. for seriously deep discounts. Enjoy!

{diy: handmade baby gladiators}

While browsing my most favorite artsy blog, A Beautiful Mess, I stumbled upon a tutorial for the most precious do-it-yourself baby gladiator sandals. My hearts melts just imagining little V running around our front yard in these. ♥

{via janae @ a beautiful mess}

{sign language blocks}

Did you know that babies as young as three to four months old are capable of learning sign language? If you know me well, then you won't be surprised to hear that I will sign with our little one from the very beginning. Of course, she may not understand "more," "milk," "tired," "finished," or "I love you," for a couple months, or be capable of responding for several more. Eventually, a little light will go off, and she'll get it. That will be a day to remember. :o)


Imagine my excitement when I stumbled upon these Uncle Goose Braille Alphabet Blocks with American Sign Language. Each of the 28 beautiful, embossed ABC wooden blocks features letters, numerals, raised Braille dot, and American Sign Language illustrations. Baby needs these!!

{via amazon.com, $32.30}

If you're interested in learning basic words to sign with your children, check out ASL Pro. Their website has free videos of how to sign every word imaginable, from "milk," to "please," to "dog." Enjoy!

{ola & olek}

Have you heard of Ola & Olek? Not only do they have loads of precious kids clothes, but I'm pretty sure that they have discovered the cutest little girl EVER.

{via ola & olek}

Am I right? Her vibrant hair, that porcelain skin... Too cute!

{ps, baby}

Your dad and I have decided to save one of our old digital cameras for you. As soon as you're big enough to start pressing that button, you can document the world as you see it.

We are so excited to collect your photography, and to look back at it as you get older. Fun, right? :o)

{dear little one}

A really neat thing happened last night- something worth jotting down. :o)

For the first time, you seemed to recognized the book "Oh Baby, The Places You'll Go." You were kicking like crazy last night when I read it to you, and you even acted a bit peeved when a phone call briefly interrupted our story time. I've been reading it to you for months now, but last night was the first time you got noticeably excited about it. I wonder if you'll recognize the books wee read to you once you become an outside baby? I can't wait to find out!


Also, you seem to enjoy the belly poking game I've been playing with you. A couple times a day, I will poke my belly once on one side, then twice on the other. Immediately after, you will punch/kick back three times. I hope you don't mind all the poking, because I sure do enjoy our interactions. :o)

Can you believe that today is the start of our third trimester? I can't. We're 2/3rds of the way there, baby! Your dad informed me that you are currently the size of a pot roast, which I think is a hilarious mental image. Our little pot roast!

Well, I'm off to get a pretty little lamp for your nursery today. Maybe a rug too. Your room is almost done, which is very exciting! All that's left is a few random decorative accents. Well, that and a crib mattress! Minor detail. You'll probably sleep in our room for the first couple months, so that's not a huge priority yet. :P

Alright precious, mama's got to go blow dry her hair. As much as I dislike such tasks, I'm trying to enjoy them as much as possible. Who knows if I'll even have time to do my hair once you get here! I sure hope so, because this girl's hair is a hot mess if it doesn't get flat ironed at least twice a week. Ahh, someday you'll understand.

Your dad and I love you bunches!

{xo, mom}

{bake it pretty}

Note to self: Must get these edible icing violets from Bake It Pretty! How adorable would these be on some yummy vanilla bean cupcakes? Baby, I hope you like sweets, because motherhood is going to turn me into a baking machine.

{via bake it pretty, $2.50/12}

{i heart red velvet cake froyo}

Outside my window... it's very dark.
The time is... 9:23pm.
Today I feel... tirrrred.
I am thinking... that Evan is nesting, which I think is very cute.
At the moment, I am thankful... that my husband is so sweet, loving, and amazing.
I am going... to bed soon, I hope.
I am wearing... yoga pants, a RVCA t-shirt, and a fuzzy blanket.
I wish... I could see what our baby is doing in there.
I am reading... hmm. I need to get an infant manual of some sort, STAT.
I am working on... our baby registry.
I am hoping... for a great third trimester.
I am hearing... Ryan Seacrest on American Idol.
I bet you didn't know... that our cat goes on walks with the dog {off leash!} He brightens even my worst days.
One of my favorite... treats is red velvet cake frozen yogurt from Yogurtland. Sooo delicious.

{nursery gliders}

You learn something new every day. Apparently, I was so active at night as a fetus that my mom had to rock me to sleep even before I was born. This discovery makes me think that we should order our glider sooner rather than later.

Since the baby's glider will be in our bedroom, we need to find a piece of furniture that doesn't look too "baby-ish."

Here are a few of my faves:

Rex Glider by Serena & Lily, $949

{via rosenberry rooms}

Rock-A-Bye Chenelle Glider, $359

{via babies r us}

Swivel Glider & Ottoman, $749 + 249:

{via land of nod}

Who knew gliders were so dang expensive? Grr. If you have any suggestions, please share. Evan is in our bedroom painting as we speak, so we'll be ready to buy the perfect glider as early as this weekend. How exciting!

{bogo jamba}

Mmm, yummy. Buy one Jamba, get one free between now and the 25th. Two orange dream machines & a double shot of wheat grass, please!

{26 weeks}

{via baby center}

How your baby's growing:
The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. She may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. She's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of her lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when she's born and takes that first gulp of air. And she's continuing to put on baby fat. She now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches {an English hothouse cucumber} from head to heel.

How far along? 26 weeks, 3 days

Total weight gain/loss: Let's just say that I'm definitely showing... finally!

Sleep: Sky cried all night last night. It's like she's trying to prep us for baby. Grr.

Best moment this week: Single digits on the countdown... 95 days left til our due date.

Movement: She's rocking and rolling in there. My whole belly shakes when she has the hiccups.

Food cravings: Red velvet frozen yogurt.

Gender: Girl :)

Labor Signs: Nope, but I think I've felt some practice surges.

Belly Button in or out? Still in.

What I miss: Eggs over medium.

What I am looking forward to: Drinking a glass of the saké Ev & I brought home from Japan.

Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy every moment.

Milestones: Single digits, baby's eyes are open, and my third trimester starts on Thursday. Crazy!

{sock monkey hat}

Cutest little baby hat EVER? Possibly! Thank goodness for Amazon.com's Universal Registry Button. :o)

{via sweet love creates, $22}

{bru fill-a-bag sale}

Attention mommies & mommies-to-be: Babies R Us has a pretty awesome coupon out right now- fill one of their reusable tote bags with as much clothing as you can fit, then get 25% off everything! And get this- the bags free, too. Not bad, not bad! Guess that's where I'll be headed after prenatal yoga. Enjoy. :o)

{happy anniversary to us}

Thought I'd share a little highlight reel from our wedding in Ireland, for all of you who weren't there to share in our joy. It was an incredible day, and an even better first year of marriage. I am one extraordinarily lucky woman. ♥

Danielle & Evan Highlights, Waterford Castle April 09 from Leon Costello on Vimeo.

{25ish weeks}

Just realized that I'm a bit behind on my weekly updates. Oops!

How far along? 25ish weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Grr. No comment.

Sleep: Our trip threw my sleep cycles off a bit. I'm sleeping, just at the wrong times. :P

Best moment this week: Our first wedding anniversary! Time sure does fly. ♥

Movement: Lots.

Food cravings: Frozen yogurt. Mmm.

Gender: Girl :)

Labor Signs: Nope.

Belly Button in or out? Still in.

What I miss: Running.

What I am looking forward to: Passing my glucose test. I will, I will, I will.

Weekly Wisdom: All you need is love.

Milestones: This is the last week of my second trimester. Wow...

{dear little one}

Dear little one,

Your dad said the cutest thing last night. While he was rubbing my belly "good night," he called me a "good little incubator." Pretty adorable. I figured someday that might make you laugh.

I heard your heart beat again today at my 26 week check-up. It's nice and strong at about 140 beats/minute. Hope you're having a good time in there, precious.

Only 98 more days until our due date! See you soon. ♥

Love you,
Mom

{cute maternity clothes}

Imagine my surprise when I found some cute maternity clothes while on Pickles & Ice Cream today. Score!

Love this Olian Maternity Dolly Dress, $89:


Really like this Nina Garden Print Top, $62:


These cropped Nylon Denier Maternity Leggings, $29, are pretty cute too:


Anyone have any other great maternity sites they'd like to share? I'm in the market for a cute shower dress and have no clue where to look!

{dear little one}

Baby, it's official- you kicked your mama in the ribs for the very first time today! Are you really that big already? Two nights ago, you kicked your dad right in the face while he was laying on my belly. You should have seen the look on his face. It was priceless. Ooh, and last night I'm pretty sure I felt your elbow poking through while you danced around after dinner. I hope you're having fun in there!

Your dad and I can't believe we only have 101 days left until your due date. These last few months have completely flown by. It's fun to think that we've already taken you so many places- from San Francisco to visit your Grandma Debra & Grandpa Chris, to Sacramento for Jake & Disa's wedding, to Idaho to visit your Grandma Cindy & Grandpa Cliff, to Japan for our first wedding anniversary. You are one well traveled fetus!

Don't worry, we'll take you lots of neat places once you get here, too. Our first big trip is already in the works. Your Grandma Cindy wants to celebrate your first birthday in Vancouver, British Columbia, which is such a beautiful place. I better start researching how to get you your first passport. What a fun thought.


Well, sweet thing, we're out here loving you and counting the days until you make your big entrance into the world. ♥

{my 10 preggo travel tips}

For all of you taking trips, babymoons, etc. during your pregnancy, I present you with this list of tips I wish I knew before flying almost 12,000 miles to Japan and back.

1. Pre-board if you feel you need the extra time/space. I didn't, but I can see why some pregnant woman would. Nothing more annoying then someone pushing you from behind while you waddle {gorgeously,} down those tiny aisles.
   
2. Compression stockings. They can be pricey, and they are by no means cute, but they will keep your ankles/feet/calves from swelling to 3x their normal size. Worth every penny.
3. Wear or bring a pair of slippers/flip flops to change into during the flight. Your feet will thank you.
   
4. Bring at least one big bottle of water on the plane with you. It will run you $5 at the Starbucks by your gate, but at least you won't get the stink eye from your flight attendant when you ask for a tiny plastic cup of water every 15 minutes.
   
5. Find the handicapped lavatory. Use it. The extra room is a godsend.
   
6. Stand up, walk, stretch, etc. as often as you can. It helps pass the time and minimizes aches and pains.
   
7. Bring snacks- protein bars, nuts, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches- whatever non-perishables you can stuff into your carry-on. Being pregnant & hungry at 30,000 ft. is terrible.
   
8. If you're on a really long flight, bring some cream for the belly. It's dry as heck up there, and an itchy belly will drive just about anyone insane.
   
9. Gum. Helps with pressure changes, nausea, etc.
   
10. If you're on a really long flight, don't forget to bring your prenatals!

Hope this helps, and happy travels. :o)

{so cute}

Itsy bitsy yellow polka dot bikini from Old Navy...

{yay, we're home!}

Helloooo! We're finally back from Japan, and can I just say that there is no place like home?

Luckily, my pregnancy didn't interfere with our sightseeing at all. It definitely interfered with my sake-drinking, but that's ok! I walked my preggo butt all over that country, from Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo to the mountain shrines of Nikko. Surprisingly, I felt better over there {aka less "pregnant," if that makes sense.} Note to self: walk more!

I'll be sure to post some pics as soon as we get around to uploading them. We took some really precious belly shots in front of the shoji screens in our two different hotel rooms, and the cherry blossoms? I was in heaven.