{preview: maternity pics}

And now, without further adieu... a couple of our maternity pics! There are more, but they are a bit too... revealing... to share online. Hehe.

Thanks to Karen from The Legacy Boutique  in Los Angeles for making me feel so beautiful and both of us so comfortable.

Enjoy!

{kisses at the santa monica pier}

{dear little one}

V,

I just realized that we only have 15 days left until your due date, V. Wow! <3 While your dad and I still have some minor things to do in preparation for your arrival, I'd say we are totally ready for you to come whenever you are.

Throughout the day, your dad asks me, "Are you going to have a baby today?" Ahh, how nice it would be to know the answer to that question! I've been having lots of practice surges, but nothing timeable. Not yet at least! We're all so excited to meet you this month. Yesss, it's finally July- your birth month. We still can't believe it.

It's such a gorgeous day today. Early this morning, your dad and I met with our doula, the amazing Dawn Thompson.  Afterward, Dad ran to work, I made lunch, and then I took the dog, Sky, for a walk through the neighborhood. Now, as I type this letter to you, your cloth diapers are in the washing machine. I finally started prepping them today, which involves washing & drying them five times in hot water. Why five times, you ask? Each cycle increases their absorbency. Muy importante! You are going to look soooo cute in all of your fluffy little purple, green, pink, and orange diapers.

Wellll, I've got about 30 minutes before the laundry needs rotating, so I think I'm going to lay down in the hammock for a little nap. It's one of those warm, summery, nap-in-a-hammock kind of days. Who am I to argue with Mother Nature? ;)

See you soon, precious...
Mom

PS: One of our family traditions is taking photos in the photo booths at the Del Mar Fair every year. You {ok- more like the belly,} made your first appearance in our annual photo booth picture on Tuesday. Pretty cute, right? :P

{oh yeah, japan pics!}

How sad is it that we've been back from Japan for over a month and I'm just now looking at our pictures?!  Shutterfly sent us a "50% off any photobook" coupon code a couple days ago, so I'll be creating a cute little "First Anniversary in Japan" memory book tonight. Finally, hehe! :o) 

One of my favs so far... 

{my first ever mother's day gift}

Evan surprised me with the most incredible early Mother's Day gift last night... these matching momma and daughter cupcake aprons from Paper Source. I am in LOVE! Aren't they precious? ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥



Apparently Charlotte and her daughter Lily can be seen wearing them while baking dozens of cupcakes in the new Sex in the City 2 movie, which makes me love them even MORE. I always knew I was a little bit Carrie and a little bit Charlotte {with a tiny bit of Miranda in there somewhere.}

Thanks for the best first Mother's Day gift ever, Ev! I love you to pieces.

{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.

{heart macaroons}

I can't believe it's already March! In April, Evan and I will celebrate our first wedding anniversary. So crazy to think we've already been married for a year. It seems like just yesterday that I was stressing out over dress fittings and writing the perfect vows. Where does the time go?

In memory of eating way too many delicious macaroons whilst honeymooning in Paris, I will be ordering these precious heart-shaped macaroons from Two Heart Bakery in San Francisco. Don't you think they'll make the perfect anniversary treat? Mmm. ♥

{via william's sonoma}