Five Minutes With a Five-Week-Old: A Photo Story

In which I present our Saturday morning wake-up...

...Hello there!

What's this? You want to take my picture?

 Mom, please. I just woke up. I need to put my face on.

Back the eff up. I'm not playing around.

Seriously? I will fight you.

 Okay fineeeee. I'll give you a shot.

Oh alright, here's another one.

I guess I can smile. Wait for it.

Aha! There it is.

Yeah, I know I'm cute. Get that close-up.

Workin' it.

Oh this is too much fun! Here's my funny face.

Make sure you get a natural one. Wouldn't want anyone to think I'm trying too hard.

What's that? Daddy's finger!

I like fingers. I'll show you my trick.

 I grabbed it! So pleased with myself.

You're leaving now?

Not before Daddy comes back in for a nose tickle and almost drops the iPad on my head.

We finished now? Good. Back to sleep.

The end.

//

Post Script
(two hours later):

No I absolutely do not want to sit here. I want more milk. Now! Why aren't you listening to me!?

Over and out. This time snuggled in my favorite spot...Mom's arms.

The end. (For real).

Baby Toes + Links

Happy weekend! I'm currently kissing these tiny toes while binge-watching HGTV reruns. Bliss, I tell ya.

It's funny: being home with a newborn in the winter months means a lot of time spent indoors. If you have any recommendations for an awesome tv series to get sucked into for all of these hours spent nursing, I'm all ears. To give you an idea of what I enjoy, I've seen and love: Homeland, The Affair, House of Cards, Criminal Minds, Law & Order: SVU, Dexter, etc. So, basically, anything crime-related or full of intrigue and mystery. Would truly appreciate suggestions, so throw 'em at me!

For your pleasure: a few recently-bookmarked links below.  Here's to a relaxing weekend filled with slowness & sweetness.

52 Places to Visit in 2016. Hello, wanderlust.

Interview with a Toddler. This clip is pure GOLD.

Lessons Learned from the Decluttering Bible. My own goal this winter? Do this to every closet and cabinet in our apartment.

I'm a longtime admirer of Lovechild Photo. Rumor has it, they're holding a pop-up session in Brooklyn this year. Can't wait to sign Felicity up!

Speaking of Felicity, I couldn't resist this adorable outfit for Valentine's Day.

Real, Cringe-Worthy Stories from Upper East Side Nannies. I know this world all too well, and find these both hilarious and appalling.

I have yet to purchase a 2016 wall calendar, and oh man, this one is SO pretty.

Equally beautiful as it is heartbreaking. Hug your loved ones tight.

And last, something light. Because, we all need this reminder sometimes, yes?

Rejoice Evermore

My little family up there; the reason 2015 was so wonderful. If 2016 brings even half as much joy as the past twelve months did, then life is looking mighty fine.

In brief:

"You mustn't wish for another life. You mustn't want to be somebody else. 
What you must do is this:

Rejoice evermore. 
Pray without ceasing.
In everything give thanks.

I am not all the way capable of so much, but those are the right instructions."

-Wendell Berry

//

Sending the warmest wishes your way for a peaceful New Year.

P.S. Lots more Felicity snapshots on instagram!

Felicity Claire

Our daughter, Felicity Claire, entered the world on Monday, December 14th at 7:12 PM (two weeks past her due date!).

7 lbs and 19 inches of perfection.

We've spent the past several days soaking up moment after precious moment with our sweet girl. We're totally and completely enamored with her and the indescribable joy she brings us this Christmas season.

Can't wait to share more soon! Happiest holidays to you and yours.

[Photos © Emma Reisman taken in the hospital when she was 36 hours old]. 

Building A Children's Library: Christmas Books

It's officially December and we're anxiously awaiting the now-belated arrival of our daughter! In my head, she was always a November baby, so this is certainly a nice lesson in patience. Since I have plenty of time on my hands while I wait for my body and baby to do their thing, I put together this children's book wish list for the upcoming holiday season.

Our children's literature collection is fairly extensive (I'm a collector!), but I realized recently that I own almost zero holiday-related books. One of my favorite memories from childhood is curling up near the fireplace with my parents and sister to read Christmas stories. The books on this list include some childhood favorites as a well as a few I've discovered as an adult in my time teaching preschoolers. With a baby on the way, I figure this is the perfect year to start building the collection for all of the Christmases to come. Please don't hesitate to share your own favorites below: I'd love to hear.

Normally, I'd indicate why I included a title, but I think part of the beauty of children's literature is discovering that magic for yourself. These are all books I whole-heartedly endorse and plan to add to my daughter's shelves over the years. Happy reading!

The Polar Express / The Nutcracker / Dream Snow / The Little Fir Tree / Santa Mouse / The Christmas Magic / How the Grinch Stole Christmas / The Snowy Day* / The Mitten* / Snowballs* / The Gingerbread Man* / Papa, Please Get the Moon For Me* / The Night Before Christmas / The Christmas Wish

*Books with an asterisk are not specifically about Christmas, but still favorable for welcoming the winter holiday season.

Let's Get Cozy

When Tiho asked me what I wanted for Christmas this year, I immediately answered "something cozy." That wasn't entirely helpful to him, so I ended up sending along a few links to specify my desires, including the pompom hat and sherpa blanket up there.

What can I say? I figure that the majority of my time this winter will involve snuggling a newborn, so why not indulge those creature comforts?

Dip-Dyed Ornament Set | Sherpa Blanket | Hot Cider Candle | Winter Hat

Grow, Baby, Grow: 39 Weeks

How Far Along: Thirty-nine weeks. We're counting days now...

Size of Baby: A watermelon! Ha. She's anywhere from 5.5-9 lbs (although we're pretty sure she falls on the lower end of that range).

Cravings: Clementines &  fruit loops. 

Weight Gain: 17 lbs. Exactly what my mom gained carrying me, which is interesting.

Maternity Clothes: Yes, especially anything soft, cozy & stretchy. The Gap Body collection has been my favorite maternity brand for everyday basics.

Physical Symptoms: Not that many, oddly. She dropped, which took a lot of pressure off my lungs, so breathing is easier. My bladder feels like the size of a raspberry because of her low head position: I'm basically peeing on demand every 30 minutes. Under the recommendation of our midwives, I had a "physical therapy for labor" session earlier this week, which felt incredible. It loosened all those muscles and released tension in my lower back and hips. Fingers crossed it pays off during her delivery.

Sleep: I sleep so much. It's fan-freaking-tastic. I know this will end VERY soon, so I'm really indulging my blissful 9-10 hours every night. 

Fears: I'm feeling especially calm and at peace. I don't know if that's because we're almost at the end, but I don't have any real fears (at least for today). I view birth as a natural process that will unfold as it is meant to. Moreover, both Tiho and I have the utmost faith in my care providers to guide the birth and any necessary decision-making.

Baby's Developmental Milestones: She's ready to go! We're simply waiting for her to figure that out. :)

General Mood & Emotions: Giddy with excitement. I mean, hello: we're about to meet our daughter, a tiny human being who's been growing inside of me for the past nine months. Will she have a head full of hair? A tiny button nose? Scrunchy eyebrows? What will her temperament be? Will she be a November baby (oh gosh, please) or take her own sweet time and arrive in December? So much anticipation. I'd be remiss if I failed to mention how bittersweet all of this feels, though. I truly love being pregnant and know that I'm going to miss this season of life.

Things I'm Looking Forward To: Looking into her eyes for the first time. Holding in her my arms. Seeing Tiho hold her in his arms. Snuggling up together under a cozy sherpa blanket as a family of three.

Coolest Thing So Far: She instantly calms and relaxes when I put my hands on my belly during her movement routine. Also, hiccups! Too cute. 

"A baby is like the beginning of all things--wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities." 

-Eda J. Le Shan

Shop Small: Baby's First Christmas

When I picture December this year, I imagine newborn toes peeking out from underneath a cozy knit blanket in a room filled with sparkling white twinkle lights, pine & spiced cranberry-scented candles, hot cocoa, and Bing Crosby crooning the classics. The holidays are always magical for me and I can only imagine how much more so this season will be be with a brand new little person to celebrate.

For the last several years, I've tried to "shop small" for the majority of my holiday gift-giving. One of my favorite December traditions in New York is strolling through the various holiday pop-up markets around the city searching for the perfect gifts for all of the special people in my life. This year, with baby's due date on Thanksgiving, I'm not sure whether I'll make it out to the markets or not, so I turned to the next best place to find handmade goodies: Etsy, of course. I've bookmarked so many cute shops and products and couldn't help but round up a few personal favorites in celebration of baby's first Christmas (hint, hint to inquiring family members!).

Product & shop sources from top to bottom, left to right:

Personalized family stockings! I'm thinking this is the perfect year to invest in a coordinating set we'll use for years. For our little family of three, I'm loving the "peppermint pink," "pistachio green" and "sky blue" colors.

Little Highbury makes the sweetest knotted baby headbands and hats. I love the navy stripe, pictured.

I've already ordered a few items from NomiLu (a beaded pacifier clip and gorgeous scalloped swaddle blanket) so I had to include her shop here because everything is just so well-made.

I've linked to Ajolar baby shoes a couple of times before, but I love them that much. The gold & cream version shown above would make the cutest first Christmas accessory.

How beautiful are these sweetheart teething/nursing necklaces from Freja Toys? A non-toxic and eco-friendly gift that both mama and baby can enjoy.

I have imagined our baby wearing a little pixie hat throughout this entire pregnancy. There are so many great options out there, but I especially adore this festive red knit bonnet from Sweet KM.

I feel like it's a huge rite of passage to hang baby's first ornament on the tree. This personalized twisted gold wire carriage is delicate and lovely.

Every little one needs a classic wooden car to push around. Bannor Toys can do no wrong in my book with their collection of organic wooden toys and rattles.

This "good morning" linen bib from Yoriko New York is both practical AND adorable.

//

Have any can't-miss Etsy shops to share? I love discovering new sources for awesome handmade gifts.

Packing a Hospital Bag

I was not someone who planned to bring a whole lot of "gear" with me to the hospital. I am totally fine wearing the hospital gowns for the duration of my stay (why create more laundry?!) and therefore, figured my hospital bag contents would be fairly minimal.

Ha! I couldn't help but make a list to keep myself organized: I've included it below, and it sure doesn't seem minimal to me now. Any advice for additional items to include or for things to leave behind? I made my packing list based on advice garnered from others, as well as my own preferences. But obviously, I've never done this before, so I'm very open to hearing from anyone with seasoned insight. My doula will bring along a few extra labor-assist items such as an exercise ball and massage tools.

Clothing for Mama:
Nursing Bras (2)
Cozy socks (2-3)
Lightweight Bathrobe (1)
Slippers
Pack of black cotton undies in large size
Outfit to wear home (maternity leggings, t-shirt, loose cardigan sweatshirt)
Flip-flops for shower

Toiletries:
Toiletries (shampoo/conditioner, face wash, soap, lotion, toothbrush/paste, deodorant, lip balm, etc.)
Makeup bag
Hairbrush/Comb + extra hair ties
Disposable Nursing Pads
Recovery Items (nipple cream, soothing bottom spray, arnica oil, maxi pads, vitamins, belly bandit)

Nourishment:
Reusable water bottle + a few bottles of gatorade
Granola Bars, Fruit Snacks, Trail Mix

Paperwork:
Hospital Registration Form
Pediatrician Contact Info
Midwife +  Doula Contact Info
Copies of insurance cards + driver's license
Folder for baby's paperwork (birth certificate info, forms, etc.)
Notebook + Pen

Electronics:
Fully charged camera with formatted SD cards
Laptop/iPad + charger
Phone + charger
Friends & Family email contact list to send the initial "she's here!" announcement

For Baby:
Blanket
Going Home Outfit (Onesie, leggings, booties, hat, sweater, extra footie pajamas)
Car Seat

For Tiho:
Toiletries Kit
Boxers + Socks (2-3)
Sweatpants (1)
T-shirts (2-3)
Hoodie (1)
Slippers
Flip-Flops for shower

Miscellaneous:
Plastic bag for dirty laundry
Quarters for vending machine
Baby Book (for foot/hand prints)
Nurse Gifts (Edibles?)
Breath Mints

//

Whew! Go ahead and make fun of me now. It's cool.

*There are additional common items that several packing lists recommend which I personally don't find necessary, such as diapers/wipes/pacifiers/swaddle blankets (will use hospital-provided ones) and my own pillow/towel (why the hassle?).

**Top photo shows baby girl's items. They're definitely the prettiest of the bunch!

Dear Baby, Volume 3

Dear Baby,

I was whimpering in bed the other night because I couldn't get comfortable. You were moving around a lot and it felt like my insides were being pushed to their limits. I was really tired and feeling momentarily sorry for myself before realizing that we only have a few weeks left together with you nestled inside of me. While I dream about the moment I finally get to see your little face for the first time, I am going to be honest right now, and tell you how much I will miss having you in my belly. I have loved being pregnant more than I ever imagined. I know the experience is different for every woman, and I feel so lucky that this pregnancy--this special time carrying you--has been relatively easy. Sometimes it feels like it's taking forever and other times it feels like time is flying by at lightening speed. Even as I write this, I cannot believe that we've nearly reached the end! You are almost ready to come out and meet us. And then? Well, then, it's the beginning. Oh how I love beginnings.

I read the following passage recently: it made me cry. This is for you, my sweet child:

"We promise to love you with a transforming love, 

a love that accepts you as you are unconditionally. 

We promise to comfort you in your pain and vulnerability 

and to celebrate you in your joy and discovery. 

We promise to teach you what we believe it means to be strong and humane, 

and to seek peace in our family and in our world. 

We respect the person you are forever becoming 

and promise to learn from you all you have to teach us. 

We promise to play with you, to work side-by-side with you, 

to cry you with you and to laugh with you.

And, as we learn to parent and love you, we dedicate ourselves to learning, more fully, 

what it means to parent and to love ourselves and each other."

-Shea Darian, from Seven Times the Sun

//

Keep growing, baby. I can't wait to meet you and hold you and snuggle you and kiss you and comfort you and admire you and continue to love you to the ends of the universe and back again, because truth be told: I've loved you from the very start.

Always,
Mama