Pre-Christmas at Chez Yesawich

As a "countdown to Rome" DH and I wanted to make dinner for my family. Everyone except Samchon and Soomo came which included Yo, EJ, Mom, Dad, K, Emo (sans Emoboo)and of course the little chitters (always present).

We made a mixed green salad with persian cucumbers, white button mushrooms, carrots, radish, califlower, red onion, romaine and frisee. We served that with balsamic vinagrette.

JP made chicken parmesan--Giada's recipe but it wasn't that impressive so, we'll try another one next time.

I made a shrimp pasta in a red wine sauce and red pepper flakes. (a big hit)

JP made fresh meatballs which were a big big hit!

Finally I tried a Mario Batali recipe for large scallops served with mixed crimini and other mushrooms over frisee. It was delectable. We tossed it with some aged balsamic vinegar. Lovely. Just lovely.

For dessert K brought an awesome fresh fruit cake from wholefoods. Excellent.

The only think missing was our whistling fool Junipa. We miss you Junipa. Lopey bo misses you.

SNOOGLE

What is a snoogle? It's a body pillow for pregnant women! I thought who needs another pillow but the mami's from my group highly recommended it and I am having severe back issues so, I bought one. Last night John washed the cover and I had the best night of sleep in weeks! Something about the snuggly pillow covering my back and through the legs and the head makes your whole body aligned. It's the best thing ever!

Leachco Original Snoogle Total Body Pillow
What do pregnant moms need for themselves more than anything? How about a nice pregnancy pillow? The Leacho Original Snoogle Total Body Pillow gives expecting and newborn mothers a perfect nights rest every single time. The Leachco body pillow provides a unique design which follows the natural shape and movement of the body. The maternity pillow keeps everything in line from head to toe, and will keep mom sleeping peacefully throughout the night.

Pregnancy Pillows from Leachco are perfect for more than sleeping. They are great for watching television and are great for nursing. The maternity body pillow helps elevate baby to the perfect height. If pregnant, the Snoogle body pillow provides back and tummy support and that is where the comfort lies. Pregnant moms often toss and turn and get an awful nights rest. The Leachco body pillow helps mom wake up refreshed and invigorated.

The pillow runs about $50 and can be bought online as well as babies r us and other stores.

20 pregnancy sanity-savers

I got this from babycenter.com. I think it's quite helpful. I've bolded the ones I think really work. Of course trying to smile helps.

By the editorial staff
Approved by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board
Pregnancy's a time of intense physical and emotional changes, and it's full of unknowns: Will I have morning sickness? How tired will I get, and how big? Plus, the rest of the world doesn't stop when you're expecting. There's work to show up for, meals to cook, and errands to do, as well as a new baby to prepare for.

The following tips, gathered from moms and moms-to-be, are designed to make your life easier during pregnancy. We hope they'll reduce stress, save you time and money, and help you stay in touch with the joy of being pregnant.


Staying rested
Fight fatigue
"Taking showers in the evening and sleeping an extra 45 minutes in the morning has helped a lot. You wouldn't think this would make much of a difference, but I really feel like I get enough sleep this way." -- Amber

"I work full time and do a lot of errands at lunch before I get too tired. When I get home I have less to do and can relax or spend time with my toddler." -- Jodean

"A little bit of exercise increases my energy more than any nap I've ever taken." -- Jennifer


Work smarter
"I check in often with my manager. I work on my feet, and as the months pass, I've slowed down a lot. Taking small breaks helps a lot. She understands this, and doesn't seem to mind." -- Jennie

"I used lunch breaks at work to cat nap. Fortunately my office had a quiet lounge with a couch where I would curl up and snooze -- even 20 minutes worked wonders. Co-workers didn't mind leaving me alone. In fact, it became the pregnancy couch for a string of pregnant women." -- Kaitlin

"It helps to know your rights. I had horrible, debilitating morning sickness with both my pregnancies and was so relieved to learn I could take disability leave for the worst stretches and return to work for the last trimester." -- Zizi


Comfort and pamper
"Pamper yourself with fresh nail polish, lovely bath oils, or even a professional facial. These can go a long way in nurturing your spirit." -- Sara this one definitely. Get a pick-me-up ---that might be a massage, facial or mani/pedi.

"Rub natural massage oil on your tummy every day after your shower. It might be an old wives' tale that this prevents stretch marks, but it sure feels nice and luxurious." -- Bobbie

"I slept much better in the last trimester after I bought a body pillow. I could curl up on my side, letting the pillow support my back. It also helped to have a stack of pillows for propping myself up when I got night heartburn." -- Midge


Feathering your nest
Get help with the nursery
"We invited friends over to help us set up the nursery. We got pizza and beer (and soda for me) and made a party out of it. They helped paint and assemble furniture -- and even had a good time doing it!" -- Mary


Keep track of baby clothes
"I've washed a lot of baby clothes preparing for our little one. Using mesh garment bags to wash little socks keeps them together and saves time in searching for and mating matching socks." -- Angela


Maternity wear
Borrow, don't buy
"Swallow your pride and take all the used pregnancy clothes friends offer. It's silly to spend a ton of money on clothes you won't wear for long. Sharing clothes is a nice introduction to the camaraderie of motherhood." -- Greta


Easy meals, before and after delivery
Cook in bulk
"In the six to eight weeks prior to my due date, I cooked double batches of freezer-friendly meals so I wouldn't have to cook in the weeks after my baby was born." -- Catherine


Make cleanup easy
"At the beginning of my third trimester, I started stocking up on paper plates, cups, and disposable cutlery. On days when I'm wiped out, we have 'picnics' at the dining room table. This saves time and energy that would normally be spent at the sink or emptying the dishwasher. This will be useful when the baby comes, too." -- Angela

"Frozen entrees and food from the deli department at your local supermarket are wonderful. You can have a quick, relatively healthy meal with minimal clean up. Pre-made salads and roasted chickens are especially convenient." -- Heidi


Get ready for takeout
"When I was pregnant some of my girlfriends went around my neighborhood picking up every takeout and delivery menu they could find. They presented them to me in a folder with a gift certificate for one of the restaurants. We ordered from that folder nearly every night for the first two weeks that my daughter was home." -- Linda


Emotional rescue
Share the ups and downs
"Get together with other expectant moms or people with young kids -- it's incredible how sharing the ups and downs of pregnancy and new parenthood can keep your sanity intact." -- Allison sharing with my new mommie group has been a dream. I don't feel alone anymore.

"Don't be afraid to show the wacky side of pregnancy emotions. A good cry or belly laugh does the soul good." -- Marla


Take notes
"During my first pregnancy, I felt like the biggest idiot on earth due to what I called 'pregnancy dementia.' I learned to carry a note pad with me at all times to write down even the smallest things. It really did help." -- Paige


Plan for labor and delivery
"My first pregnancy and labor were quite difficult, and my daughter has developmental problems. I was very nervous with my second child, but my obstetrician and I worked out a labor and delivery plan that basically said I was to have a c-section at the very first sign of problems. It was kept in my chart, since we didn't know who would be on duty when I went into labor. This was such a stress reliever. I did end up having a c-section, and my son is fine." -- Maggie

Doggies only love John

So it's been another rough night of not getting much sleep. I was tossing and turning and finally got out of bed at around 2 a.m. and worked on a project on snapfish (last day for 30% off calendars and pre-Christmas delivery) and then tried to go back to bed at 4:30 a.m. John kept complaining about how cold my body was but I couldn't tell because I was hot!

I'm going to try to purchase a snoogle today (the mommies in my new group rave about it) and hopefully, that will solve some of my sleeping problems. It does make me an incredible grouch!

I'm feeling really crazy

Well, I guess the hormones have finally hit because I'm feeling really crazy. Basically, I'm crabby most of the time but at work I put on a happy face and "get it done." My boss is out with pneumonia so, I'm off to her meetings in addition to trying to get the newsletter out.

I'm thinking that the name Pomegranate Y sounds okay. Is that weird? Is that bad? I don't know. In anycase, we are still stuck on the whole naming thing. I guess that's okay. That seems to be the least of our worries. We have a den to clear, a new storage unit to rent, a crib to buy and various other tasks and exersaucers to look into. I just joined a "Meetup" groups for first time moms-to-be. What people don't tell you is no matter how "natural" they say having babies are---it's just not that normal. There's nothing "normal" about it. Basically, there is another human being inside you kicking and pushing for a while and then they come out of your body. And we think that aliens are weird? Really?

I'm listening to R. Spektor and my DH is standing behind me waiting to go to dinner so, I'll write more about the "crazy feelings" I'm having later. CRAZY---pronounced Kra zhee.

"I hear in my mind all these voices, I hear in my mind all this music and it breaks my heart...."

Top 10 Things I Can't Live Without during my pregnancy...

This is a list of my current favorite items as a mama-to-be, not in any particular order:

1.) bellaband---this is something you can wear over your pre-prego pants if you haven't grown too too much. It holds everything in place and keeps your belly feeling protected. I love it! They sell it everywhere. I think the cheapest spot if Target.com.

2.) Japanese Weekend--This is a new brand to me that I've discovered and it's great! The clothes have cute patterns, they are comfortable and though it's not the cheapest it wears well overtime unlike some stuff from Target, Gap, Old Navy etc...
Check out japaneseweekend.com.

3.) Horizons Organic Milk--as a non-drinker of milk in general I've really have to go out of my way to drink milk. I've found that this brand is really quite tasty and I look forward to drinking it. Not to mention it does not have any additives, hormones etc... You can buy this at any local grocery store.

4.) Husband--JP has been a great support in my current emotionally fragile state. He is supportive, loving and tries to keep me from completely falling off my rocker. Great husbands are hard to come by so if you don't already have one, ask God.

5.) Ugg Boots--From a great tip from cousin E, I got these Ugg boots (brooke model) and they are fantastic. Not only do they have a low heel, they are shearling lined inside and can be worn barefoot. With leggings they look great with a sweater and I've even worn them to work. Try nordstrom.com.

6.) Chapstick--my lips seem to be more chapped than usual so, I'm carrying around a load of different things in my purse---chapstick, kiehl's baby balm, clinique gloss...Whatever works for you but a quick dab of lipstick/chapstick will keep you smiling. Can be purchased at any local drugstore or department store.

7.) Medela Maternity Underwear--I've found that medela brand maternity underwear is not "granny" huge and still provides the coverage that you want. Gap.com.

8.) Camisoles--I have a variety of camisoles that are easily layered with pre-pregnancy shirts for work. Camisoles are soft and cover up the belly with the aid of the bellaband. Try online and department stores.

9.) Lotion--I use many brands of lotion but with my stretching skin I'm really slathering it on. I think the non-smelly stuff is best: Aveeno, Nivea, Kiehl's, mamamio belly lotion. It's best to have it handy everywhere---car, bathroom, nightstand. Try any drugstore to find the one that works for you.

10.)Large jewelry--I've found that wearing a few large pieces of jewelry makes my plain work outfits stronger as well as brings attention up instead of to my growing belly. A few strong pieces will do the trick. Don't spend a lot it's best to find on sale at local department stores.

Breakdowns

Us on John's 30th bday

Well, it's that time again. Sunday evening. Not everything on my list got accomplished over the weekend. JP has packed up all the books and thrown away our rickety bookcase. Not that there is any way to truly prepare for a baby but I feel incredibly far behind! Everytime I think about it I start hyperventilating and my thought and feet turn to going to the mall to blow off steam. (it works but it's not the solution.)

I have about 100 days left and I've only been to Buy Buy Baby once. It's so overwhelming all the stuff. It's not like registering for pots/pans and blenders. It's a baby and it's going to need a bunch of stuff that I really have no idea about.

Within the last 2 weeks I've had two sobbing breakdowns that are triggered by being sad about something that's related to my general feeling about being unprepared for this major life change. I've found out about myself that I'm not that great with change though I've always thought I've loved living where the winds will take me I take a great comfort in stability and routine (see JP for the best example).

In anycase, I'm 25 weeks and little baby Y is kicking and swimming around. I missed yoga again but I got to hang out with the Halms over the weekend. She is so much fun and has so many funny things to say. One thing she really does have is a great sense of humor. We have jjajang myun and jjam bbong at Lunchtime with sister K. I decorated her door and hopes she wins the apartment decorating contest.

Kicking kicking kicking!

The baby is kick kick kicking quite a bit! It's an amazing feeling. At around 11 p.m. last night she was really moving around. JP put his hand on my belly and she was really pushing his hand and kicking quite hard on the belly as well as on my back a bit.

Things are getting pretty exciting but there are so many things to do to prepare for this little babar that I can't even keep up with myself.

ARGH!

Happy Weekend.

Kicking like a champ!

Hello!
It's been a busy busy couple of weeks. We've checked out carseats, strollers and nursery furniture. There is so much stuff to compare!

Well, baby Yesawich is kicking up a storm. She seems to like sweets, any juices or fruits really get her going. Most of the kicking is first thing in the morning and then in the afternoon if I'm sitting very still at my desk she likes to kick.

My lower back is really beginning to hurt so, I need keep stretching and looking into a pre-natal massage.

We've started the clearing process of the den and the conversion into a baby room. The process seems daunting but I know we'll get it done.

Now it's time to start baking cookies and enjoying December!

Japanese Weekend

This is my new favorite brand for maternity clothes. I got my first dress and it's fashionable (can wear it to work), comfortable and machine washable. I have found that the cheaper clothes from Target, gap and old navy lose their shape quickly and fade a lot faster.

I think it's best to buy a few good pieces and then wear them throughout the pregnancy. They fit better, and feel better overall.

JK is back!

Well, it was a weekend of eating. Of course that's what happens when JK gets home! We ate a feast on Friday night at my house---my mom provided mandoo sok and we made about 150 dumplings. We boiled some dumplings we fried some dumplings. It turned out great but more importantly DH ate about 75 dumplings total. Whoa. Mom also sent over some dukbokki (Korean rice cake mixed with hot red bean paste), kimchee sok and some galbi for DH. We had a feast and then the sisters went to the mall to check things out.

Saturday--we went to see Halms and JK did her hair in rollers. It was quite hillarious! Saturday afternoon we stopped by mom's and had more mandoo and oxtail soup and then Costco for errands. Saturday evening another Korean feast at mom's house. She made these delightful wraps with chicken and then tied off with spring onion. DH loved those! Very surprising. We ate dukkguk.

Finally, Sunday after church the sisters met at Harry's for brunch. It was talk about old times and it was truly hillarious---the hair styles we used to have, the matching clothes in different colors, Jenn and the BK incident and so many other things. I love having my sisters. They are the ppoktang!

Sunday evening, Kath and I went into crazy cooking mode while princess JK slept on the couch. We made: stuffing, mashed potatoes, baked ham, string beans, brussel sprouts, white corn and mom brought the cranberry relish. It was a feast! Even DH ate a second helping. Loved the early Thanksgiving dinner. Hope it lasts for you JK!

Sleeping with your baby

Excerpted from the NYTimes 11/7/07.

Despite the debate, the report clearly showed that adult beds have structural risks that should be changed or removed once a baby enters the house. Here’s the way to safety proof an adult bed:
Remove puffy comforters, duvets and pillows, which pose a suffocation risk to infants. (Bedding also should be removed from cribs.) If it’s cold, put the baby in pajamas, but don’t let the child overheat. Parents should use only lightweight blankets if they have a baby in the bed. Sleep in a bed with a firm mattress that fits tight against the bed frame. Never put a baby on a water bed — 79 of the deaths in the C.P.S.C. report occurred on water beds. Don’t sleep with your baby on sofas or overstuffed chairs. All soft surfaces where a baby can sink in pose a suffocation risk. Remove headboards and footboards. Not only can slats and elaborate designs pose a risk, but babies can get stuck between the mattress and board. Push the bed away from the wall and bed stands. Make sure the bed is far from curtains, blinds, draperies and cords. The goal is to eliminate places where a baby can get wedged in. The majority of deaths reported in the C.P.S.C. study were due to entrapment in bed structures, entanglement in cords and suffocation on water beds. Babies should never sleep alone on an adult bed, even one that has been safety proofed. And babies shouldn’t sleep with siblings. Toddlers and older children can kick, knock, push or lay on top of the baby. If you want to sleep with your baby but already have a toddler in your bed, be sure to position yourself or another parent between the child and baby. Another solution is to purchase a co-sleeper that attaches to the bed.
Parents who smoke or drink or use drugs should take extra precautions so they don’t fall asleep with baby. This includes parents who have taken over-the-counter medications that might make them drowsy. Studies clearly show that kids who sleep with smokers are at higher risk than solitary sleepers, as are kids who sleep with parents who have used alcohol or drugs.
And no matter where a baby sleeps, he or she should always be put down on his back. Babies who sleep on their backs are at lower risk for sudden infant death syndrome than babies who sleep on their tummies.

NYC

They say that NYC is the best city in the world and I have to agree that it is certainly the best city for eating. Well, Saturday started out with lunch at kang suh heh gwan -- a very local, yokal joint on 32nd and ave of the americas then my first foray to Pinkberry. It's everything that I thought it was going to be--delicious. Their yogurt is a bit tart and I think that really adds to the flavor. They are known for their jigeh's and their pajun is pretty good. Saturday evening we went to Bouley which was just amazing! Sunday we went to the Golden Unicorn per Dan Chen's suggestion and it was the best dim sum I think I've ever had! We had all our usual favorites---steamed shrimp dumplings, salt and pepper shrimp, clams in black bean sauce, tofu-wrapped chopped meat, chive dumplings, congee, and soft tofu in ginger sauce. OMIGOSH. It was delicious. The place is really clean and all the food is served piping hot which of course is a requirement. We ate so much food we didn't eat again until Gam mee oak (als in K-town). Gam Mee Oak is pretty much a lot of soups with rice served with kimchee and moo. It used to be pretty good but now it's a bit watered down and the kimchee was tasteless. Monday was checking out Room & Board, Giggle, Hogan and a few other stores in Soho. We had our final meal at Kelly Ping's. It used to be good but their use of MSG is a really big problem.

All in all...very yummy!

Over, Under...

Well, I have learned in my recent foray into maternity wear that I'm an "over" not an "under" person as far as my comfort level with pants, skirts and other bottoms go. I didn't realize this until recently so, some of my first purchases are a bit uncomfortable.

Case in point, the Lucky brand jeans I got which do not show the large elastic band and go under I find uncomfortable because I have to keep hiking them up. I'm going to try wearing them with a bella band or a longer camisole and see if that helps. Retail: $140

My favorite pair of jeans right now are a Liz Lange pair from Target. They are comfortable and has a visible elastic band which is a demi-band which does not cover the whole belly but comes up to the belly button.
Retail: $20 (They were on sale)

My current full coverage "comes up to my boobs" practically are a pair of cords by Mimi maternity. Since they cover my whole belly, I feel comfortable. The cut is contemporary boot cut and the band is comfy. I'm wearing a maternity turtleneck over it and because the maternity tops run longer it covers the elastic part.
Retail: $24 (not on sale)

So, ladies, if you're beginning to buy maternity wear, try to figure out if you're an over or under earlier in the process as not to get things that are uncomfortable and won't see you through the pregnancy.

Great Beginnings

This is my current favorite the Pliko 3 by Peg Perrego. It runs about $300 retail.

I went to a huge baby store, Great Beginnings in Gaithersburg http://www.childrensfurniture.com/ and checked out the Stokee and Quinny Buzz that have been my favorite strollers thus far and found out that they are really impractical. To use the words of the salesguy,"Ma'am, these are the sports cars of strollers, nice to look at but very impractical and heavy." And boy are the quinny and stokke heavy!!! Not to mention the bugagoo which I still liked is also cumbersome, heavy and a lot of pieces.

In comparison, the Pliko 3 made by peg perrego (sp?) is a lot lighter and doesn't have detachable parts to it. The car seat locks right into and and you're ready to go. If you are traipsing around on your own, the cheaper strollers make a lot more sense. i.e. baby in the car seat then you have to take the stroller out on your own, mind you that you're just getting over having gave birth and recovering from that.

Also, it's hard to decide right now without the baby so, it might be a better bet to just buy a decent car seat and for us 2 bases (one for each car) and then a really basic snap-in base of a stroller ($60) and then figure out what kind of stroller you want going forward. Talking to mothers, there is no "one" stroller for all occasions so it looks like you get one for the mall and easy walking and then an umbrella stroller for travel or shorter jaunts. I seriously saw at least 100 strollers on display.

STILL SICK

Well, this year's cold is a nasty one so if you can avoid it at all. Do it! DH and I have had it for the last two weeks. On Monday it will be a full two weeks. Now in the second week it's waking up to lots of fun body-racking coughs and I'm not taking any medications at all. I don't think I could feel the baby moving if it was kicking hard! I hope that we both get better soon.

Decision Guide: Naming your baby

Decision Guide: Naming your baby

For many couples, settling on a name for their baby is one of the most fun parts of pregnancy. For others, it's a tortuous process of negotiation. Either way it's an important decision that will likely last a lifetime (unless your little one decides to rename himself along the way). Here are some important factors to consider when you're deciding on a name:

• Sound and compatibility. How your baby's name sounds when it's said aloud is one of the most essential things to think about. Is it melodious? Harsh? Does it go well with your last name? One thing to avoid: Choosing a first name that ends in the same sound as the beginning of your last name. Bradley Yardley and Sierra Adams don't exactly roll off the tongue.

• Uniqueness. An unusual name has the advantage of making your child stand out from the crowd. On the other hand, a name no one has heard of and few can pronounce can bring attention your child might rather avoid. Spelling variations can help make a name unique, but choosing a name with numerous spellings can sow confusion in your child's life for years to come.

• Relatives and friends. Many parents choose to name their babies after a grandparent, other relative, or close friend. Don't want too many Johns in your house? Look way back in your family tree for hidden treasures. And if you're worried about hurt feelings, consider a first name from one side of the family and a middle name from the other. According to a BabyCenter survey, middle names are a must for most parents; 98 percent give their child a middle name, with 7 percent of those parents giving their child two or more middle names.

• Ancestry and heritage. Your child's heritage is an essential part of who he is, and you may want his name to reflect that. Read history books focusing on your family's country of origin to find appropriate possibilities.

• Meaning. No one is likely to treat your daughter Ingrid differently because her name means "hero's daughter," but the derivation of your baby's name is something you may want to think about. Use BabyCenter's Baby Name tool to learn the meaning of over 5,000 names.

• Initials and nicknames. People, especially kids, can be cruel when it comes to nicknames, so try to anticipate any potentially embarrassing ones. Consider your child's initials as well, so you don't inadvertently saddle him with a doozy like Z.I.T. or P.E.E.

Our initials would be:
JHY
MEY
LHY

One of the best tests for a baby name is to yell it out loud, preferably at a playground. If you feel uncomfortable saying the name in that setting, it might not be the best choice.


• Many folks going through pregnancy like to refer to their growing baby by name — or nickname. What about you?

We call him/her Leon, Leona, Babar, Little Y, Baby Yesawich, Zygote to name a few

I think I felt the first little kicks today. While I was laying in bed this morning I felt these little taps on the inside of my lower abdomen. It's not a sensation I have felt before and it I think it was the first kicks.

Full Body

Here's a picture of me with the baby inside!

We've both been really sick with a cold for the past week. We both missed work on Monday then DH ---tues, wed me---thurs, friday. We were each out 3 days. ARGH. DH is much better now after lots of antibiotics. Since I can't take any I've taken a benadryl for the last 2 days (2 pills, one each day) and 1 sudafed the night before that. We've both drank loads of tea and tons of soup. I'm ready to feel better!

Really cute nursery decorating ideas

http://funkylittledarlings.co.uk/index.html

This is from a UK wallpaper studio that can design wallpaper for the nursery and include a picture of your child.

Funky Little Darlings™ can offer you the ultimate service - commissioning a designer wallpaper mural especially for your kids. A wallpaper mural that includes all your children's favourite things, keeping them (and you) entertained for years to come.

The experienced design team will work closely with you from initial discussions through to the final wallpaper hanging. A design service for canvases and wall panels is also available. Please contact us for further details and estimated cost.

Picture!

Well, the profile is here. Baby Y was moving around a lot. Apparently they get a lot of exercise while they have the room to do it in the womb. It's strange, I still don't feel anything yet but I know the baby is in there and moving around. You can definitely see the arms, legs and body. I was hoping to find out the sex but the umbilical cord was blocking the view. The doctor says 51% girl but that's not a promise so, we have to wait a few more weeks.

18 weeks...

So, I'm 18 weeks. I've gained 9.5lbs---whew! The baby was moving around vigorously. I still can't feel anything but he/she is moving up a storm. The heartbeat is at a steady 154 beats per minute and the Dr. got a great profile shot. Huge head but, I understand that's pretty normal.

DH is very sick and is at home. I made him some ginger and apple tea and cut up some more fruit. I hope he gets better soon,(pauvre bebe) and I hope that I don't get it.

We went to babies r us for the first time and they didn't seem to have the things that I am looking for so, we'll have to start hitting Great Beginnings in G'burg and some more online stores.

Great Websites for pregnancy

http://www.pregnancy.org/login.php

http://babynamewizard.com/namevoyager/lnv0105.html

http://babycenter.com



shopping:

http://www.onestepahead.com/home.jsp

http://www.toysrus.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=2255957

https://www.greatbeginningsonline.com (store in Gaithersburg)

http://www.buybuybaby.com/ (store in Rockville, NYC)

http://www.luckywang.com/ (NYC)

http://www.babystyle.com/

http://egiggle.com/ (NYC)

17 weeks!!!! eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

from babycenter.com
This Week's Activity:
Start a baby name list. Make a list of ten names you like. Have your partner do the same. Trade lists and each cross out one name on the other's list that you dislike. Keep taking turns until you have a set of names you can both live with.

Talk about why you like and dislike certain names. Many couples even create ground rules, such as no names of former girlfriends or boyfriends and no names that have ever been used for family pets.

So, our kid's name could be Feather or Prince? ahahhaa
The latest has been:
GIRL'S NAMES
Madeleine Elizabeth Yesawich
Elizabeth ______ Yesawich
Lucinda Yesawich
Penelope Yesawich
BOYS NAMES
Theodore Kakdoogi Yesawich (kakdoogi is a pickled Korean radish kimchee)
Luke Henry Yesawich
Luke Dengjang Yesawich (dengjang is an aromatic Korean bean paste)
**John came up with the Korean middle names
Johan Yesawich
James Henry Yesawich
James Harwood Yesawich
Luke Harwood Dengjang Yesawich ***John's current choiceTheodore Harwood Yesawich
Harwood Spaulding Yesawich (Fish's choice)

Doggies

So, it's time to start re-training the puppies to stay off the furniture and off the bed. We need to get ready for the bambino and really need to concentrate on having separate human space and separate doggie space.

It was a good exercise this weekend at the in-laws because the dogs are already not allowed on the furniture. They got the message loud and clear so, they spent a lot of time on the ground laying near us. I am going to get a nice cushion for them so that they have their own space in the living room. Mr. H is very confused but Mr. W already spends a lot of time in the foyer or underneath the kitchen table so, I think he's okay.

Pauvre chiens!

PPOKI!

For some reason, I'm thinking about this brown sugar candy that you can buy in the street in Korea for about 500w which is about 55cents US.

This is a Korean candy, from back in the day when Korea was beginning to westernize. It's very simple and normally when you buy it, the vendor will stamp different shapes into it although the candy will always taste the same. Ahh... the simple pleasure in life!


I found this recipe online so, I'm not sure that it will work but there's a chance that it might work.

2 tblspn sugar
tiny pinch of baking soda (if you use too much, it will make this very bitter.)

Use a giant metal spoon that has a long handle.
1.)Put all the sugar and baking soda into the spoon and place it directly above the burner on your stove.
2.)Let it melt while stiring with a butter knife or metal chopstick.
3.)Once the mixture turns into a yellow/brown blob, spill it onto an aluminum foil to cool down. If you cook it too long, it will burn.
4.)Use the butter knife to spread it into a thin layer. If you have a cookie cutter, use it while the mixture is still hot.
5.)Let it cool and harden. Then eat!

I'm going to try to make this. I think it'll be tasty.

LV Bag vs. Gucci bag

Review of the LV from a shopping blog.

There are so many posh diaper bags: it seems that every designer has jumped on Diaper Bag bandwagon. We like this Louis Vuitton Diaper Bag, which retails for $1,240.00 at Eluxury.com.

The dimensions are: 12" L x 10" H x 4" W, which is a good size. We also like the shape and the fact that the shoulder strap is wide enough to be comfortable. It has two compartments, and includes a removable embroidered diaper mat. The fabric is polyamide textile canvas with cowhide trim. Inside one section are three pockets with elastic straps to hold bottles (or a water bottle for you). The other side has a zipped compartment with several inside and outside pockets.

It's a good design and is durable, like all Louis Vuitton products. And when you don't need a diaper bag anymore, it makes a great travel bag.

Gucci Bag

• Diaper bag in black (shown) or beige-ebony (see below) GG fabric with leather trim.
• 11 2/5"H x 15"W x 7 1/2"D.
• Made in Italy.
• Made in Italy.
This bag is more stylized than the LV and it has the bottle holders on each side. The wide strap makes it easy to carry around as well as attach it to your stroller. The bag comes pre-scotch guarded but after use you can have it cleaned by Gucci. The comments I've heard from other moms is that it is functional, practical but the changing pad is too small.

More on the Quinny Buzz

Quinny Strollers Arrive in the U.S.
http://www.buzz.quinny.com/video.html
Quinny brand strollers are quite popular in Europe and are finally going to be available in the U.S. Quinny released a statement about the launch:
The Quinny Buzz, $499.99, is available in select specialty stores now. Chic, colorful and convenient, the Buzz is a modular travel system, accommodating not only a reversible, reclining stroller seat, but compatible with the Quinny Dreami bassinet and Maxi-Cosi Mico Infant Car Seat (both sold separately). On-the-go parents will love the Buzz's hydraulic technology that unfolds the stroller at just a touch - no hands required. A height-adjustable handle ensures mom and dad's comfort, while the stroller's unique three-wheel design and suspension system allow easy maneuvering.

The Buzz's cousin, the Quinny Zapp, $199.99, will be available in select specialty stores beginning August 1. A perfect travel stroller, the full-size Zapp features an ultra-compact fold - 12" x 27" - and comes with its own travel bag. Like the Buzz, it is compatible with the Maxi-Cosi Mico Infant Car Seat (sold separately). In case there are spills while on the road, the Zapp's durable nylon fabric is stain resistant.

"We're extremely excited to bring such a successful European brand to the American market. The Quinny brand embodies the combination of trendsetting fashion with innovative precision engineering. It's for parents who want stressless, reliable transportation for their children with designs that complement their individual sense of style," said Lisa Abdinoor, Dorel Juvenile Group's director of marketing for the Quinny and Maxi-Cosi brands.

The Quinny Buzz and Zapp will be available at select specialty stores such as Albee Baby Carriage, Babystyle.com, Buy Buy Baby, Giggle, Right Start and other select retailers nationwide.
The U.S. version of the website is still under construction (it launches June 15th) , but U.S. readers can click on the UK version to see a video of how the Quinny Buzz stroller automatically unfolds, which is pretty interesting. Anyone who has struggled with folding/unfolding portable baby strollers will appreciate this high-tech way to get baby around in comfort. As an added bonus, daddy won't need a Valium because he had to spent thirty minutes in a hot parking lot unfolding/locking/assembling a portable stroller.

Review on strollers

So far my favorite stroller is the Quinny Buzz. It opens and closes with a touch of button and the height is easily adjustable with another button that easily suits me or JP depending on who's pushing baby Yesawich.

I love the look of the chameleon bugagoo but it's very large and a bit cumbersome.

I initially love the Stokke but I saw it in person and it's way too large.

and my best guess is...

(harry and winnie in their halloween costumes---Harry the hotdog and Winston the pumpkin)

Your pregnancy: 15 weeks (courtesy babycenter.com)
At around 4 inches long, crown to rump, your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 ounces. He's busy inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid, which will help develop the air sacs in his lungs. His legs are growing longer than his arms now, and he can move all his joints and limbs. That means his hands are more functional, too. Sweat glands are appearing, and although his eyelids are fused shut, he can sense light.

If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, he's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but his taste buds are beginning to form. And if you have an ultrasound, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or girl! (Don't be disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down the sex depends somewhat on how clear the picture is and the position of your baby during the ultrasound; he may be curled or turned in such a way as to keep you in suspense.)

I'm very very very excited to find out the sex of the baby. At this point my best guess is that it's a boy because I would like to have a little girl but at the end of the day the only thing I really care about is that the baby is healthy.

mind-good, a bit tired from the conference but ready to get through next week---finishing up Atonement
body-I'm feeling a lot better and have a lot more energy. I'd like to start a workout program
spirit-I'm very calm and happy

Feeling Great!!

I'm finally feelng back to my normal self. Every day I'm feeling better and better. My nausea is totally gone and my appetite is almost back to normal.

I just told a friend at work that I'm pregnant and she told me that she is too! Yeah!!! I have a friend at work too.

So far it's me-15 weeks
Ellen-18 weeks
Mimi-19 weeks
Amanda-19 weeks
Julie-6 weeks
Jane-13 weeks
S-8 weeks

I can't believe everyone around me!

I'm in Tampa this week for a conference and it's hot!!!!!

sonograms...

Are there any risks or side effects from having a sonogram?
Numerous large studies done over the last 35 years have found no evidence that ultrasounds harm developing babies, or that there's a cumulative effect from having multiple scans. And reports from some small studies suggesting the procedure increases the chance of low birth weight, speech and hearing problems, and left-handedness haven't been borne out by more rigorous research. credit: babycenter.com

14 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

My mom made a feast for JK before she left for Cairo. Some of the wonderful things we had were---fresh pepper pancakes, ribs in hot sauce, watercress salad, potato mandoline, peppers steamed and many many other tasty treats.

We had a feast.

On a non-food note, I am feeling exponentially better as I'm not through my first trimester and I'm back to eating the good stuff---yogurt, veges, fruit, fish and other superfoods. I was getting worried that my McD's kick would never ever end. Now I can't even stomach the thought of fastfood so, it must be the good time. I have gained about 7 lbs total which I understand is fairly normal. I'm feeling great. I have a lot more energy and do not feel sick at all. I got a few pair of maternity pants---so far: Liz Lange-Target capri jeans seem to be doing the trick. They are comfy, they do not fall down and look sporty for under $20. The lucky jeans are camoflauge in that they do not show the elastic band. They are comfortable but need to be hemmed. Finally, the Gap Jeans are snug and press against my bladder so, I think these are the worst.

I'll get pictures up later.

In the last sonogram you can clearly see little Leon's head, hand, butt and foot (I think). In the beginning of November we'll go to Arlington Hospital Center for the full-measurements and find out whether it's a he or a she.

smart

Halmeh's birthday celebration

can't wait...

Look at this darling bassinet. I can't hardly wait to have a little tiny babar in it.

DH went to check out the daycare facility at his workplace. He said that it smelled like baby diapers and he thought he was going to puke.

I told him to get used to the smell. Apparently, according to some books I've read your own baby's smell and what comes out of it all smells like roses. We'll have to see about that.

We're on the waiting list.

matzoh ball soup and beyond...

So, I've had a hankering for matzoh ball soup and my DH came through with flying colors. He made a perfect stock filled with carrots and celery and then matzoh balls the size of ostrich eggs. That was my dinner last night as well as lunch today.

Thanks DH!

I'm not taking the pre-natal vitamins anymore and that makes me feel a whole lot better. I am still eating a lot of fruit and some vegetables. I try to eat at least 3 pieces of fruit a day. It's working out.

My latest obsession is the haagen daaz almond chocolate dipped bar. There's only 3 in a package so, we'd better get some more.

Contents of freezer: dove mini dipped bars, pudding pops, ben&jerrys s'mores ice cream, ben&jerry's pistachio ice cream.

My next appointment is in a week and I'm afraid to know if I've gained any weight. I'm sure that I have...

Thanksgiving in September?

Well, it's not Thanksgiving yet but I had a huge craving for a Thanksgiving feast so, that's what I ate for dinner. I had---stuffing, turkey gravy, roast turkey slices, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and biscuits. Yes, I ate them with whipped butter. And yes, I did have a second helping of the stuffing.

Well, the upside to this meal is that it wasn't Mcky'D's. Then again, I did have two Mcky'D's cheeseburgers, with fries and a Dr. Pepper for lunch. Yummmy. Problematic.

Finally, I had 5 spoonfuls of Ben & Jerry's S'mores crunch ice cream. The great thing about Ben & Jerry's is that they really don't skimp at all.

According to the pregnancy books and my doctors I should be eating "normal" again soon in about two weeks or so and I'm looking forward to being a bit healthier than I'm eating right now.

11 weeks!

Well, it was the weekend of noodle-eating extravaganza! It all began with Ellen and baby Natalie's arrival. Her one main request for the weekend was to eat a lot of jajang myun (Chinese style Korean noodles with black bean sauce) and jampong(Korean spicy seafood soup with noodles). Saturday started with a lunch for my cousins-the menu was turkey and ham sandwiches on little dinner rolls, a lovely orzo salad with lemon juice, lemon zest, chips, a fruit salad and of course my MIL's fantastic chocolate chip cookies for dessert. It was a smash.

Then everyone left and Ellen requested ramen noodles which we then cooked up 3 packs of neogori and ate them all. That's what you get when you put two pregnant women in the same room.

Saturday evening was Lilly and John's post-wedding shindig at Sorak Garden. The food was pretty good and we had noodles again---japchae (at least this version has vegetables in it).

Sunday we decided to go to Lunchtime a speciality restaurant that specializes in Jajangmyun and Jampong. It wasn't open so we went the lesser Chong Hwa Won. I had samsung kahn jajang myun. It had a bit of seafood, black bean sauce and of course...noodles. John had the deep fried coated beef in tangy sauce (Tang Soo Yuk).

Sunday evening was Halmeh's event---more Korean food. I had a generous helping of the radish that you wrap yourself in Chinese cabbage. So tasty!

Monday, we hit Lunchtime for dinner and ate bahn/bahn (half and half) jajang myun and jampong. It was a hideous display of glutinous behavior---we had fried dumplings to start and then the noodles. Noodles galore.

The whole evening was topped off with a gigantic sundae from Dolce. This pat bin soo (Korean ice cream concoction) had green tea ice cream, coffee ice cream, strawberry ice cream, papaya, banana, kiwi, pineapple and shaved ice. Not to mention the sugared red beans. Oh my. Natty loved it.

I'm back on the Vitofol today and feel very queasy. Ick!

cheeseburgers...

John pointed out to me today that since I've been pregnant the only thing that makes my nausea go away is ...drum roll please.... mcdonald's cheeseburgers. I'm always craving them as a snack or a meal but it's the only thing that makes my stomach feel better.

It's strange because I am not in the mood for a steak, chicken or any seafood but if you offer me a hot-off-the-grill cheeseburger... I'll eat it! I've been known to eat 2. This is awful I know but I'm able to keep down the pre-natal vitamins and I eat healthier throughout the day--peaches, plums, yogurt, granola bars.

Oh well. This too shall pass.

My newest thing---insomnia.

11 Weeks!!!!!

Your fig-sized fetus now measures 1 1/2 inches from head to bottom and weighs in at a quarter-ounce. He finally looks like a baby, with tiny but fully formed fingers and toes. As his body grows and becomes more developed and functional, he'll start twisting and turning like an acrobat, cushioned and protected by your amniotic fluid. You, on the other hand, are probably feeling less like a gymnast every day.

Heartburn (caused by pregnancy hormones that relax the valve separating your esophagus from your stomach) and indigestion may be annoying you during the day and keeping you up at night. Just remember, all this suffering is for a good cause - you're having a baby!

He's a little tiny fig! I love him. I'm so excited. I went to look at some maternity clothes and they are all very very unattractive.

9 weeks and 2 days

Well, according to Dr. Lawson, I am officially 9 weeks and 2 days. Wow! I'm still really not eating any protein ....meat or chicken. DH made me a lovely grilled cheese sandwich and some Campbell's tomato soup. Yummy. I topped it all off with a pudding pop (only 80 calories).

On the pre-natal vitamin front---I'm still trying to decide between Duet and Vitofol. I really can't take them during the day because they make me gag so, I'm taking them before I go to sleep.

No major cravings except for the fact that I really want RAMEN!!! Temari cafe....here we come.

feeling good!

MIL threw a great party for DH and we had a feast of flank steak, pesto pasta and a lovely green bean salad. MIL makes the best food.

We all feasted and then had cake to top it off. Wow.

I'm feeling pretty good right now. I have a huge craving for sweets. I just want sweets all the time--cake, ice cream, pudding pops... I want to limit it though. I'm not trying to gain 50+ lbs.

Right now I have an aversion to chicken, beef and seafood. I think grilled cheese is on the menu for tonight.

Nursery

I love this set!!!!

Feeling a little bit...

8 weeks - The unborn child, called a fetus at this stage, is about half an inch long. The tiny person is protected by the amnionic sac, filled with fluid. Inside, the child swims and moves gracefully. The arms and legs have lengthened, and fingers can be seen. The toes will develop in the next few days. Brain waves can be measured.

http://www.epigee.org/fetal1.html

There's a little bitty brain in there! Wow.

I'm feeling pukey. Ewww. Today I had a bowl of cheerios with skim milk, peach yogurt and then La Madeleine with Francine. I had a small french dip and tomato basil soup. Yummy!

I'm drinking at least 10 glasses of water at work. I am so unbelievably thirsty all the time. I'm already not fitting into my regular clothes so, I'm wearing a lot of empire-waisted things and lots of flip-flops or ballerina flats.

I miss my heels!

strollers...

Please scroll down after reading the delicious descriptions...

Stokke 5137XX - Xplory Stroller Part of the Stokke Xplory collection (View full Stokke Xplory collection)
The award-winning Xplory stroller is the only stroller or push chair that elevates your child closer to you. A closeness that allows you to keep contact and interact in a way that other strollers and push chairs are unable to imitate. A closeness that strengthens your child's feeling of well-being, making them feel happy, safe, and assured.
Xplory is the proud winner of the Red Dot Product Design Award 2004 with the coveted red dot trophy, symbolizing the international seal of quality for outstanding design.
Features:
Available Red, Turquoise, Beige, Black and Green
Set comes standard with Chassis with Seat, Baby Bag, Seat Textile, Baby Bag Textile, Seat Padding, Padded Baby Insert, Canopy, Harness with Padded Shoulder Straps, Raincover, Mosquito Net and stylish Shopping Bag
Seat depth can be adjusted with padded insert allowing even the smallest children to reach the footrest
The handle height and angle can be easily adjusted to suit your own height
Two-way sitting: 3 rear-facing positions and 2 forward-facing positions
Two wheel brake
Adjustable footrest
Adjustable seat height
Made of aluminium and premium grade plastic components
Specifications:
Xplory seat should be used with babies from 0-3 months (max 15 kg/ 33 lbs)
Xplory baby bag should be used with babies from 0-6 months (max 9 kg/ 20 lbs)
27.34 lbs. with baby bag
23.15 lbs. with seat
Unfolded Dimensions: 33.6" - 46" H x 36.5" - 49.2" W x 22.8" D
Collapsed Dimensions: 16.8" H x 39.6" W x 22.8" D Xplory Features:
Bassinet: The bassinet is perfect for newborns and babies up to six months old. Within the bassinet, your baby can stretch out and rest comfortably and safely. The bassinet attaches facing you, so that you will always be able to see what is going on with your baby. With the bassinet raised to the highest position the stroller allows, your newborn will always be within arms reach.

Seat Facing You: This is the seating postion to use after your child has outgrown the bassinet. Perfect for the "in-between" age between infant and toddler when your child wants to start seeing the world, but isn't quite ready to sit all the way up on their own. With the seat facing you, you will always be in visual contact with your baby, helping strengthen the bond between parent and child. You will also always be able to see what he or she is doing, so if hungry, you can give a bottle, or be able to wipe the little mouth without having to stop and walk around the stroller. With the seat halfway up the stroller, your child will still be in reach during this tender age.
Seat Facing the World: Sure to be your child's favorite function of the stroller. Sitting up nice and high, and facing out into the world, your child will be able to take in everything that comes their way. With a view much higher than the average stroller,your baby will be able to see what you see, instead of what every other baby is seeing. Your baby will feel as if the everyday trip to the market is an adventure!

Rain Cover: Keep your precious bundle warm and dry with this specially designed rain cover. Intended to fit snugly over the bassinet or child seat, the clear plastic rain cover won't inhibit your child's ability to take in the rainy day.

Mosquito Net: Protect your child from pesky and harmful insects during those wonderful early evening summertime strolls. Designed to fit snugly over the bassinet or child seat, the mosquito net attaches and un-attaches quickly and easily.

Stroller Bag: Think there is no storage space on the Xplory? Think again, because with the wonderful stroller bag, you will be able to store everything you need for the day. Not only that, but as opposed to a conventional basket, nobody will be able to see the contents of the bag, helping to keep your belongings safe and secure.

I love this stroller it has all the components of a perfect stroller but better. What will they come up with next?

Still eating...

I'm hungry about every 5 minutes or so. Yesterday I ate:

bowl of cheerios and milk
apple
dannon lowfat raspberry yogurt
Mcdonald's cheeseburger/fries/sprite
The Colonel's chicken/coleslaw/one bite of a biscuit
10 peanut m&m's
2 non-alcoholic Becks
1 bite of a cheeseburger
few nachos
1 small chocolate almond cone
1 bite of cookies and cream ice cream

I think that's it. wow.

I'm pregnant!!!!

We're pregnant! It's the beginning of the 8th week and I feel great. We've had 2 sonograms and we've already seen the babar grow. Right now I crave sweets--ice cream mostly. Things I don't want to eat are fish or beef. I can't eat that much at a time so I snack throughout the day on apples, yogurt, pbj's, cheese, nuts and granola bars.

John has been great at being supportive and making the best banana milkshakes on the planet.

Currently, when I can't eat anything else I have a McDonald's cheeseburger. It's the perfect size and fulfills my protein quotient. Terrible huh?
http://www.babycenter.com/mybabycenter/108.html?sssdmh=dm10.100108&scid=babycom_article