Farewell 2013

Boy, this year had been a crazy, amazing, jam packed year filled with lots of ups and some downs. As I reflect back on this past year, I remember how grateful I am for all of my blessings. My health, my husband, my son, and we can't forget about Tank. Living far from our family and friends is sometimes hard especially around the holidays, however we could not be happier with our life together.

This year by far has been the most eventful for me in a longtime. I was laid off  and rehired by my company in the span of a month, we spent weekends in Vegas, brought Tank into our lives, found out I was pregnant, and welcomed our son Easton. I still cannot believe all that has happened and I cannot wait for what's in store in 2014. I will definitely be making 2014 count. 

Hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year's and I will see you all in 2014.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!
Hope everyone is enjoying their time with family and loved ones. We went down to Laguna Beach to watch the sunset after such a wonderful day. So today was not only Easton's first Christmas but also his first time at the beach (even though he was sleeping the whole time). And what made it even more special was that where we were was the same spot where we took my maternity photos. I am so grateful for my beautiful family. Xo

Merry Christmas Eve!

Hope everyone is enjoying time with their loved ones and getting ready for Santa to come!

We took Easton to meet Santa for the first time, it was so precious. We first went to The Grove but it was a FIVE HOUR wait to see Santa (No way in hell were we waiting!), so we went to another mall closer to home today. I can't wait until he is old enough to be excited about going to see Santa.

My mother-in-law has been an angel this past week and letting me and my husband catch up on sleep, and boy did I need it. Plus, she's been doing all the cooking, I am going to be so spoiled by time she leaves that I'm going to beg her to stay.

There are so many gifts under the tree for our little Easton from our family. We are all so blessed.

Easton's Birth Story

Today was Easton's due date if he didn't end up coming a month early, so I thought today was a good day to share Easton's birth story.

The morning of Saturday, November 23rd seemed just like any other day during the last trimester of my pregnancy. I had been waking up more frequently to go to the bathroom (he definitely was down on my bladder) and at around 8:30am that morning I jumped out of bed because I had the sudden urge to pee and... bam! (did I just pee myself?) I ran into the bathroom sat down and it seemed like I did. My heart skips a beat.. my water did not just break?! it's not even December yet!? I panicked. I was scared to wake up my husband and I was scared to go back to bed. I didn't believe it until I started having contractions right there in the bathroom. (I also called my mom freaking out) I woke up my husband and told him not to freak out but that my water broke and it's time.

The night before we went out to dinner since it was my first official week of maternity leave at work (last day was on Tuesday) and we talked about how we planned on getting everything ready for baby on Saturday including packing hospital bags (that's right NOTHING was ready yet) So while we were waiting for my doctor to call us back I franticly ran around pulling out clothes and stuff that I thought we would need right away at the hostipal and put other stuff aside for my husband to grab later.

We got to the hospital and checked in. Yes, in fact my water broke and it was time. "I'm not ready" is all I kept saying to my husband and we laughed how that day was supposed to be the day we set up everything for baby. Well, it seemed like the baby had other plans.

Since my water broke on it's own, I was more prone to infection so they had to give me antibiotics and speed up my contractions and get me dilated faster. My body must have been ready because my body took over the medicine they gave me and my contractions started coming really fast and intense. I received an epidural and I could not have been happier about that decision. I understand some woman want to give birth naturally with no drugs, and I give them credit. (If you are able to and have the option, I highly recommend having the epidural done.) Once I had the epidural, I was finally calm. I jumped from being 1cm at 10am to 4cm at 1pm to 6cm at 4pm  to 10cm at 7pm. It had happened so quickly, I was going to be meeting my son soon! The nurses had me wait an hour before I started pushing, so that the baby's head would come down even lower and make it easier to push him out. When it came time to push I started freaking out because I was able to feel my left leg again and I DID NOT want to feel any pain. Luckily, my leg was the only body part from the waist down that I felt. I pushed for 50 mins and at 8:51 pm, (after 12 hrs and 21 mins of labor) I welcomed my first child Easton James at 6lbs 11oz and 20.5 inches long. He was perfect. 

My husband and I were filled with a mix of emotions. I just couldn't believe he was finally here. The first time he was on my chest I instantly fell in love. 

Easton's birth was the most incredible experience in my life, I will never forget the first moments with him.

Mommy & Me Cozy Holiday Style

Mommies are always excited when they find out that they are having a girl that they can dress up and match with. Well, why can't mommy to that with her little man? I've noticed that baby boy fashion is almost none existent and you really need to search for adorable outfits and/or make it up on your own. This of course is my first holiday with Easton so I couldn't help but look around to find outfits for us both.

Since this Christmas we aren't seeing any family and just staying home (besides my mother-in-law coming to town), I didn't see the need to get fancy outfits for us to wear. Also, I have been so exhausted these past 3 weeks, I can't even think about wearing something other than sweats. I may talk myself into wearing jeans and look somewhat presentable for some pictures. I have just been so overwhelmed and in love with my son that I haven't even thought about what we would be wearing for our Christmas outfits. I think that staying comfortable and relaxed is how it's going to be this year. (Secretly hoping that I just stay in my PJ's all day) I thought that these outfits are perfect for getting some of the festive colors of the holiday in, but staying relaxed and not too dressed up (we will wait until next year to get all fancy).

With 10 days left until Christmas, I am just excited to finish wrapping little man's gifts and getting our apartment ready for my mother-in-law. I will be spending the next week listening to Christmas music and making some festive treats!

Easton's Christmas List

All though Easton is only going to be a month old by time Christmas rolls around (two weeks to be exact), we still wanted him to have presents to open under the tree for his first Christmas. It's hard to shop for a newborn when you want to buy toys when you know he will have no use for them right now. Who cares!? I still want to create these memories for him. So I thought of things that we still wanted to get him that we didn't receive as gifts from our registry.

1. Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether, even though baby won't be teething for a couple months, I still think that this teether is a great value. It helps baby's senses and gives stimulation as a toy but also helps with soothing baby's gums while teething. I have searched around and read reviews and I've only heard good things about it. 

2. Fisher-Price Rainforest Melodies & Lights Deluxe Gym, I cannot wait until I can get little man on this play mat and get his mind going. This gym mat is great for tummy time and for him to get all of his senses active, learning from all the toys and sounds. He is a very alert baby to begin with and I think that every baby should start having play time as early as you can. I do already have a "tummy time" play mat but I think this gym makes your baby more stimulated and active.

3. Fisher-Price Nemo's Soothing Seas Soother, I've noticed that since I don't have a mobile or music for the baby to go to bed at night, it seems hard to get him to stay asleep. I know that he is only two weeks old, however I want to start getting him on a sleep schedule as soon as I can. I've noticed from the swing we have for him that the "ocean" sounds sooth him, and I love Finding Nemo, so of course I found this music soother that would be perfect for bedtime.

4. The World of Eric Carle Activity Caterpillar Toy, We received some play toys at my baby shower but I want him to have a range of toys both educational and plush. This toy is both for a young baby, again another toy for mind stimulation.

5. Lambs & Ivy Bow Wow Mobile, Our little man's crib would not be complete without a sports mobile. I've noticed as the days go by that he loves looking around especially while laying down before it's time to sleep. I know that newborns can't see that far away yet, I think it's only 8-12 inches that he can see right now as his eyes develop, so I want to give him as much eye stimulation as possible to aid in his development.

6. LeapFrog My Puppy Pal, This plush toy is probably not going to be used until he is 5-6 months old, but I think it can be a great investment toy wise. He will be able to interact with this toy on a personal level. You can plug in this toy to the computer to customize it to know your baby's name and favorite things. You can teach your child first words, about numbers, as well as play music and sounds the baby likes.

We of course will probably also get him some stocking stuffers and adorable clothes (I can't stop surfing the web for deals) but these are some of the "big" gifts that we would like to get for him. I am of course a last minute shopper (or should I say Santa is a last minute shopper..hehe)

Merry December!

I am so excited that the holiday season is finally here! Even though I am a little bummed that Easton came early and wasn't born in my favorite month, but it just means less stress about going into labor on Christmas. Now it's time to get in the holiday spirit!

I of course have been watching ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas already and feel like a kid again! Here is the link to the schedule of shows/movies. I can't wait until Easton is old enough to start watching all the movies that I grew up with.
We put up our tree and decorations around the apartment today and  I'm so excited for us to start our family traditions. There is something about this time of year that is just so heart warming to me (and it could also be my hormones out of whack since giving birth).

I cannot wait for Christmas this year since it is Easton's first! It is upsetting that we can't be in New York with the rest of our family but at least we have each other, and that's all that matters right now.

One Week Old

Today is Easton's one week birthday! I cannot believe that it has already been a week since I went into labor. He is just everything to me and my husband and I cannot wait to watch him grow (secretly wishing he can stay little)

He already has such a little personality and when he is awake is so active. Towards the end of this week he kept his eyes opened longer and was smiling (and laughing once). It is just amazing to finally have him in my arms. Not going to lie, this week has been pretty rough. Everyone (including Tank) has been adjusting to new sleep schedules (or lack there of), eating when we have the chance, waiting until the baby is asleep to do ANYTHING, and (trying) to not worry about the mess. It definitely is all worth it.

Happy Thanksgiving

Today was extra special because it was Easton's first holiday and first Thanksgiving! Being only 5 days old, he already has such a personality. Since we were not prepared for him to arrive so early, I wasn't ready with any holiday gear for him. My sister and mom sent us this onesie once they found out I was in labor and it was adorable. My husband cooked us a very nice turkey dinner and I was occupied by little man. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving with your family and friends. I'm going to go back to cuddling with my boys. Now bring on Black Friday!

SURPRISE!!!! He's Here!

I can't to put up a 37 week update since our baby boy decided he couldn't wait any longer to meet us and decided to come 4 weeks early! Looks like he's a Thanksgiving baby instead.

Easton James Brey arrived on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 8:51 pm. He weighed 6lbs & 11oz and was 20.5 inches long. We are so in love with our baby boy and still in shock that he is already here!

36 Weeks

How far along? 36 weeks

Gender: BOY

Maternity clothes: I think that I will be purchasing some more (maternity) leggings NOTHING I wear is comfortable and everything is starting to feel tighter (even my maternity clothes)

Stretch marks? looks like I have a tiny stretch mark near my belly button ring hole

Sleep: seems like I get none at all during the night, I think its between my nerves and having to pee every 5 seconds

Best moment of the week: seeing all my coworkers' faces light up watching my stomach move while little man was moving around AND on my last day of work they threw me a surprise baby shower, it just made me feel so loved 

Worst moment of the week: throwing my back out and not being able to move (it was horrible) and peeing my pants when I sneezed (yes ladies, it actually happens)

Miss Anything? feeling comfortable

Movement: TONSSS, he's getting big and has less room to move around

Food Cravings: brownies and peppermint ANYTHING

Symptoms: exhausted, swollen fingers and feet (feet are normally swollen just at the end of the day if I was walking around or standing for awhile)

Belly button in or out? I don't think it can make up it's mind

Wedding rings on or off?  off

Happy or Moody most of the time: I've been very moody lately and I wish I knew why (getting angry very easily (thank you hormones) I apologize to the husband multiple times...

Looking forward to: relaxing at home as much as I can before baby gets here. THANKSGIVING next week and all the yummy food, getting all our Christmas decorations out, and packing up the hostipal bags!! It's almost time!!

Holidays are Coming..

<<free printable coming soon>>

Thanksgiving is just a week and I could not be more excited. My husband and I aren't going to be doing anything special, we may even just celebrate just the two of us at home (I don't know how much I'm actually going to want to do) since this pregnancy is starting to really slow me down and I am just tired all the time. It feels like we try so hard to power through Thanksgiving and just go straight to Christmas (I saw Christmas items out before Halloween this year). Don't get me wrong Christmas is my FAVORITE holiday and time of year which makes me so excited to be having a "Christmas" baby but I also think Thanksgiving is just a special a time. It's a time to cherish our families and remember what we should be thankful to have in life.

This year I am VERY thankful to be starting a family and to be pregnant with my son. This pregnancy has gone by so quickly, and I just cannot believe that it's coming so close to the end and finally meeting my little man.

I normally decorate for both Halloween and Thanksgiving but this year I just didn't have the energy. I do have some fall decor in the living room just so I don't feel so bad. My mom sent me a care package with some Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations which made me eve more excited for the Holidays, but the best part of the box was baby boy's "first Christmas" pj's!!!!! I am hoping that he doesn't come late, I would hate to be stuck in the hospital on Christmas and him not being able to wear these adorable outfits (guess I'll need to pack these in my hospital bag also, just in case).

I just love this time of year! Here are links to my Fall/Thanksgivng and Christmas boards on Pinterest with all ideas from decorating to food! I will be sure to share once all our Christmas decorations are up!!

Baby Shower of Happiness

Yesterday was my last day of work before Maternity leave started (yay!) and besides making sure all my work was in order before I left, my boss and coworkers threw me a little surprise (football themed) baby shower to send me off. I was not expecting any gifts but my design team bought baby boy his chevron bedding and one of the designers hand made the tassels to match the bedding so I can hang it up in the "nursery". The merchandising team bought us the Moby Wrap baby carrier my husband had his eyes on and our Tommee Tippee bottle starter kit. I also loved my adorable football themed diaper cake that they made, and the Oreo cake (yum!!!), it was prefect! I was so grateful for all of their thoughtfulness and love. It was a great day! I'm not going to know what to do with myself not being in the office for over 3 months, but I am just so excited that the reason I'm not working is because I will be welcoming my first child!

Weekend in Photos

I haven't posted much lately on what we've been up to on the weekends and that's probably because I've been super exhausted and just wanting to stay home for the chance of getting energy to clean around the apartment. It's feeling a lot more like fall in LA and I just cannot wait for the holidays. Everywhere I'm going is showing their Christmas spirit a lot earlier than what I remember and I secretly LOVE it! I am trying to be good and waiting until the day AFTER Thanksgiving to put up all our Christmas decor, so I have some fall decor to hold me over. I have also been trying to just focus on getting baby stuff ready first.
My weekend started off horrible when I threw my back out on Friday morning and wasn't able to really get around anywhere until today. It was the worst! I'm still a little stiff and sore but at least I can walk without holding onto something.
Sunday has been a cheat day, I made french toast and had a peppermint white mocha (yum) and I picked up some peppermint brownie cake pops (which I may have to make myself for the holidays if I have time before baby boy gets here).

Here come the Holidays!!! I cannot wait since I have more to celebrate this year!! Hope everyone has a great week! xo

34 Weeks

I canNOT believe that it is ALREADY 34 weeks! I am almost full-term! Little man is coming so soon! I have been super busy with my husband being sick and work being crazy since I am leaving in a week and a half and want to make sure everything is in order before I go. I feel so guilty that I haven't been posting more on the blog. (I will be redesigning and blogging a lot more during my maternity leave and when little man is here!)

How far along? 34 weeks

Gender: boy

Maternity clothes: haven't purchased anything recently

Stretch marks? nope

Sleep: slept is getting harder and I'm getting more uncomfortable

Best moment of the week: feeling my little man moving around so much more 

Miss Anything? sleeping through the night

Movement: TONSSS, he is sooooo active and I couldn't be happier

Food Cravings: mint chocolate chip ice cream

Symptoms: just feeling very huge and the extra weight is finally getting to me

Belly button in or out? slowly making it's way out but is still "in"

Wedding rings on or off?  off =( 

Happy or Moody most of the time: good moods besides the lack of sleep

Looking forward to: my last week of work and then just being able to be at home getting ready for little man's arrival!!!!! 

32 Weeks

This past week has been completely crazy between my husband AND dog both getting sick (ughhhh) I didn't do a chalkboard pic this week (oops) but I did have my maternity photo shoot this past weekend and it was so much fun, besides getting ice cold ocean water all over me. (post to follow) I am 8 months pregnant now! yay! =)

Hive & Honey Maxi dress

How far along? 32 weeks

Gender: boy

Maternity clothes: long sleeve tops from Old Navy

Stretch marks? no

Sleep: slept pretty good besides waking up to go to the bathroom, which feels like every 5 minutes

Best moment of the week: our maternity session down at Laguna Beach, it made me sooo excited about being pregnant and celebrating it, oh and the fact that little man was kicking the whole time too (I think he was excited also)

Miss Anything? everything that I shouldn't have. I just want a HUGE cup of coffee =(

Movement: After our ultrasound, it's confirmed he has turned getting ready to come out, this also means I have constant kicking in my rib cage ughhhh. But I love feeling him move

Food Cravings: ice pops and asian chicken salad

Symptoms: hip aches and heaviness in my chest

Belly button in or out? it's starting to pop out

Wedding rings on or off?  off =( fingers are swollen

Happy or Moody most of the time: pretty happy the whole week

Looking forward to:  Halloween =) and setting up an appointment for a 3d ultrasound. I NEED to see my little man again before he finally arrives.

30 Weeks

It's been awhile since I did a weekly post with the bump. I've been so crazy been work, baby, and my trip last week to New York that I lost track of time. Before I knew it, I was 2 weeks into my third trimester. We are in the home stretch now!

How far along? 30 weeks

Gender: boy

Maternity clothes: purchasing a couple of long sleeve tops

Stretch marks? no

Sleep: sleepless nights :(

Best moment of the week: purchasing more things for little man and organizing all of his stuff, making this feel so much more real that he will be here soon

Miss Anything? junk food and sweets (I'm trying so hard to stay away) and espresso drinks

Movement: he is a lot more active than before and the kicks are a lot harder. I think he may have already turned since I feel kicking close to my ribs

Food Cravings: mexican food and ice cream

Symptoms: Back aches & hip aches still, just uncomfortable over all

Belly button in or out? blending flat with my stomach but not out yet

Wedding rings on or off? wedding band doesn't fit, just engagement ring

Happy or Moody most of the time: weird moods, I'll be happy and than want to ripe someone's head off

Looking forward to:  our 31 week appointment and my ultrasound coming up, since I get to see my little man again! I'm also excited for my maternity shoot coming up at the end of the month

My Baby Shower

It is always a great feeling to be able to go back home to New York and seeing my family. It is just crazy to me that only a year ago we were home for our wedding and exactly a year and a weekend later I was home to celebrate my first child at my baby shower. I think I was more overwhelmed about all the gifts I knew I was about to open and have to return since it would have costed a small fortune to ship than I was about the fact that I wanted to make sure my mom set up everything the way I wanted. (yes, I'm a control freak) Even though we were all stressed out the night before everything turned out amazing!

If you didn't guess it we had a "Little Prince" theme for the party. We thought it was appropriate for my child since I was always treated as a princess. (Now I am the queen of course) Everyone loved the cute table settings and have the little popcorn containers for them to take home all the great goodies on the dessert table. I absolutely LOVED the cake, it came out perfectly (besides the fact that the bakery "lost" our cake for a half hour). It looked amazing and the favor was out of this world. I also think I haven't had cake in so long that it tasted even better. I loved have the small gathering of my family and friends to celebrate. I could not have asked for more. I am so thankful for the party my mom threw for me (everything was a DIY project that she found on Pinterest) and all the help my dad did that day. It was the best day.

I was especially proud of our homemade blue velvet cupcakes with home made cream cheese frosting made by yours truly. They were sooo good but made your mouth turn blue. haha, I think my mom might have put a little too much food dye in the mixture.

However, these cupcakes, the chocolate covered pretzels, and the rock candy were definitely a hit.

My sister passed a diaper out to every guest and they all wrote special messages to me and my husband for those late night diaper changes. I can't wait to laugh my ass off when I'm losing my mind with no sleep trying to change a dirty diaper.

The diaper cake that my mom made was adorable. I of course loved the Sponge Bob baby bottle. I can still be such a child at heart. I will also do a registry and favorite gifts post soon :)