Stroller Crush

I admit to being one of those mothers-to-be who prefers decorating the nursery and buyng clothing and books for her child rather than to spend her time figuring out which stroller to purchase. In fact, when I think of strollers and car seats, I instantly get a headache. There are so many of these four wheel vehicles on the market that I sometimes feel like I'm buying a car. I tried to put this purchase off as much as I could until Babes and I happened upon the sleek Beinz of strollers. I tried to ignore these strollers but they are just so light, attractive, and well-designed. I don't like the cartoon character overly kiddy designed strollers. Why should I? I'm a grown woman. I passed that stage of my life already. Also, I get tired when I see parents with really bulky strollers that you have to break a sweat to push or to fold. So, Babes and I have developed a crush for these Bugaboos. I really like the Pram, with its classic design and multi-use bassinet. Perhaps the crush may turn out to be a reality or maybe it's just best to like it from a distance. We shall see.

Quiet Christmas With The One You Love

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season. My Christmas was exactly what I needed, it was quiet and relaxing and best of all I was able to spend it with my best friend. Thanks for a beautiful Christmas, Babes.

Alternative to Mainstream Diapers

Here are three alternatives to traditional diapers. My biggest objective to mainstream diapers is the chlorine it contains that can be harmful to babies. I don't think I'm ready to go with the "nappies" my mother used on me, but these diapers can provide convenience and safety.

The Seventh Generation chlorine-free diapers are the closest you can get to traditional diapers minus the health risk and environmental dangers. They can also be found at Babies R' Us and Whole Foods. Check out www.seventhgeneration.com for more information.

G Diapers (www.gdiapers.com)come in a variety of colors and the inserts are flushable. The downfall with these is that you have to break down the inserts prior to flushing it down the toilet.

Bum Genius Diapers (www.comfybummy.com) have a cloth overlay and a flushable insert. However, the cloth overlay has enough elasticity to ensure a comfortable fit.

Organic Baby

Organic has become a buzz term, as of late. I'm just waiting to see organic bottled water. But with all of the fright concerning the lead paint on toys, one can't help but be concerned with what children are playing with in their playpens. When looking for toys it is best to go with organic cotton and natural hardwoods. I like the veggies with the pencil box. This can be found at www.underthenile.com. For newborns the frog rattle is adorable and encourages the baby to move his head to the direction of the sound. The rattle could be found at www.oompa.com for $27.49.

Another site to refer to when purchasing environmentally safe toys is www.moolka.com. The stacking blocks is made of beech wood and is for $54.

Great Holiday Gift For A Young Girl

I bought this book for my niece, many moons ago. She still has it on her bookshelf to this day. The poetry has a gentle voice and speaks of everyday as a child.

Two of My Fave Books

These are two books that I read during my first trimester. I read Diary of an Honest Mum within the first two weeks of finding out I was pregnant and Jools Oliver became my friend in my mind. She was very frank about her desire to have children and the challenges involved with raising them. I also could relate to the beginning of the book when she kept wondering if everyone knew she was pregnant, although her stomach was completely flat. For the first four months, I kept asking Babes if I was showing to which he simply said no.

I felt like I was at a pregnancy social each time I read The Mocha Manual to a Fabulous Pregnancy. Kimberly Allers included so many excerpts of various women and their experience of being pregnant, along with health tips from Dr. Andrea Price-Rutty. I didn't want the book to end.

Baby Doll & Empire Dresses

I've always liked baby doll and empire dresses, but I have more of a reason to wear them now that I have a preggie bump. In fact I'm nearly seven months pregnant and these comprise most of my wardrobe, especially after realizing that belted outfits had a way of making me look like a round ball with a belt. Just kidding.

But pregnancy is no time to sacrifice style, it goes by so quickly you might as well look jazzy while your at it. This season empire and baby doll dresses are everywhere and can be yours. You can get the blue dress at Anthropology for $238 or the black cocktail dress could be yours at Forever 21 for the low price of $22.80. The brown dress is only for $24 and can be worn with skinny pants and riding boots or with brown textured tights.

By the way, I find dress codes to be a little more forgiving for us to preggies. When everyone is donning their suits, we can get away with a dress and a cardigan/blazer. Happy styling!

I Wish I Was Here

Here in the northeast we're having one of those snow storms that makes you wish that you were anywhere but here. I'm a tropical/sunshine person in my mind, but somehow I always end up somewhere cold. For all of you preggies out there, your second trimester is usually the best time to go on a babymoon. Check out the Westin Hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona for their package that comes with prenatal massages, 24 hour "Cravings Chef", sparkling cider and strawberry covered chocolates, and more. Their website is www.kierlandresort.com.

Or you can opt to go somewhere that may not have specialized service, but is just serene enough for you to relax like the Island Outpost Goldeneye Resort in Oracabessa, Jamaica (picture above). Their website is http://www.goldeneyehotel.com/.

I'm Dreaming of a Quiet Christmas

I never thought I'll say this, but I'm really looking forward to staying home for the holidays. Of course, my first choice would have been to visit my family down south, but nowadays the quieter the better. I'm getting excited about setting a nice table with garland and cream candles with me and Babes favorite dishes and then watching movies I don't get a chance to see anymore. One of the movies on the list is definitely, Lady Sings the Blues. Why was this my favorite movie in the third grade? I guess I've always been sort of weird. Next on the list has to be Spike Lee's Mo'Better Blues and followed by Love Jones. Of course, we won't be able to watch all of the movies, but I figured we can spread it out in increments. You see, I quote movies all of the time and many times Babes doesn't know what I'm talking about. After this mini marathon when I say something like, "You want my hand to fall off." He'll be right there.

I'm really looking forward to decorating my little girl's nursery. At first I was all about the modern sleek nursery, but now that I know she's a girl I want it to by syruppy sweet. I keep imagining an off white furniture set, shades of pink on the walls, floral and stripe bedding sets, and plush toys. I will definitely get ideas from the Shabby Chic line. Target has some good bargains, so that I can have the look for a fraction of the price.

Mixed Emotions

Hooray! I made it to my 25th week, but as I write this I feel a little sad knowing that in a little over three months my pregnancy journey will be over. No more kicks in my stomach. No more feeling like I'm never alone. No more excitement of what to expect today. Now I understad why some women enjoy being pregnant, it's a very intimate and fascinating process with a lot of unexpected twists and turns.

But, I'm really excited about seeing this new person and I always wonder what kind of personality will she have and what would she look like. I guess the loss of her not being in my womb will be replaced with the joy of her being in my arms.

What To Wear When You Have A Bump

Okay, Babes and I have a wedding to go to this month and of course I don't have a thing to wear. A Pea in the Pod has some really cute dresses, but I can't bring myself to spend anywhere from $395 to $425 on the cute black or pink dress.

But, there is still hope to look fly without breaking the bank. The brown cocktail dress is only $39.98 at Motherhood Maternity.