The Panda Report: 4 Months

At 4 months, Abigail is sporting one extremely sharp tooth, she's "talking" and laughing up a storm, she's sleeping through the night consistently, and she's drinking out of adult glasses...

 

Well, the last part is just a joke but let's just say our little newborn is growing up and enriching our lives like we never thought possible.  

Here are a few pictures from her 4 Month photo shoot.

And this little one had quite the day...she attended her very first Giants game (well, unless the ones she attended in my belly count).  The game went into extra innings (ended in the bottom of the 11th), the Giants won, Abby was awake for almost the entire event, and we're pretty sure she had a great time with Mommy and Daddy...

 

I'm sure it'll be a day she will always remember (well, I actually doubt it, but at least we have pictures to remind her!).

 

Take a look back at previous Panda Reports:

The Panda Report: 3 Months

The Panda Report: 2 Months

The Panda Report: 1 Month

Abby (the Panda) on ETSY!

The Panda Report: 3 Weeks

The Panda Report: 1 Week

The Panda Report: Birthday

The Panda Report

Bye Bye, Blogger!

Borrowing a few famous words from Mr. LeBron James himself, I wanted you all to know that I will be "taking my talents" to WordPress...

Blogger has disappointed me time and time again.  

From going down regularly enough for it to be annoying, to losing a few of my posts, to making it difficult for my friends, family and followers to comment...I've officially had it!

As I make the transition, please be patient with me...I'm not totally sure how long it will take (especially considering the fact that I have about 2 hours in an entire day of 'Mommy Time'), but I'm hoping the transition will be completed before Abigail can crawl...

How's that for a deadline? Wish me luck!

MAQs: Where Did You Buy Maternity Clothes?

Last week, I tackled a soon-to-be/new-Mommy question {Read HERE}.

This week I'm going to tackle a question frequently asked by pregnant friends.  It's a question I think all newly pregnant women ask their  previously pregnant friends, so I'm hoping my answer will be at least somewhat helpful!  

MAQ

Where did you buy maternity clothes?

7x7xMommy

Ohhhh, maternity clothes...I feel like women are either super excited about shopping for them or they're absolutely dreading the experience.  For me personally, I was excited (I wouldn't say super, but I was definitely not dreading it)...I just saw it as an opportunity to expand my relatively pathetic wardrobe.  

Let me put it this way...to this day, Travis still tells me my maternity wardrobe was better than my "normal" wardrobe (think: black yoga pants and a black North Face 90% of the time).  

That being said, I must have done something right when I purchased my maternity clothes.  

Here are my thoughts on the experience:

1. WAIT

Yes, even those of you who fall into the category of "super excited."  I highly recommend waiting to go shopping for maternity clothes until you're at least 5 months along...either that, or wait until you're showing (which for some could be before or after the 5 month mark).  You won't really know how your body will change until it actually changes...avoid the return line by being patient...and while you're working on your patience, invest in some Belly Bands...which brings me to my next tip...

2. Buy a Belly Band

What's a Belly Band?  Well, it's a life (and a money) saver. 

Back when I was about 27 weeks along, I wrote my Top 10 Tips for Pregnancy & (Impending) Parenthood and #1 on my list was a Belly Band.  I said it before and I'll say it again, You’ll never know how amazing an elastic tube around your belly feels until you’ve purchased a Belly Band.  I’d buy one or two of these right away because you never know when that magical day will arrive…that magical day being the one where you can no longer button your pants (or zip your zipper for that matter).

I found my Belly Band at Target, but I've seen them pretty much anywhere you can purchase Maternity clothes.

3. Plan Ahead

When the magical day I mentioned above actually arrives, I think it's about time to find some maternity clothes.  And before you head out, I recommend taking some time to evaluate your day-to-day life.  What will you really need?  What's your dress code at work?  What can you "make work" in your current wardrobe?  

The reason I think this step is so crucial is because you're only pregnant for 40 weeks (give or take a few)...in the grand scheme of things, that's not a long time.  You don't want to go spending a ton of money on items you're not going to use regularly (unless you have an unlimited budget, of course...but something tells me the majority of new moms don't have unlimited budgets!).

Another good question to ask yourself is: Are we planning on having more than one baby?  I know not everyone knows the answer to this question, but for me personally, knowing that we plan on  having more than one baby means my maternity clothes will resurface someday (they're currently in a bag in my closet waiting patiently for bump #2).  Knowing that, I was able to justify purchasing a few "nicer" items for special occasions.

Planning ahead allowed me to go shopping without feeling overwhelmed and without making ridiculous purchases.

4. Save on Staples

Two stores where I found some essential wardrobe staples were Motherhood Maternity and Gap (mainly online for the latter).  Motherhood Maternity was the first place I went shopping and it's where I purchased the majority of my layering tops, my skinny jeans (Heidi Klum's brand), my black leggings (comfiest things EVER when you're pregnant), and a few other staples.  Their prices were right, their clothes fit me well, and they lasted throughout my entire pregnancy (oh, and I still wear them from time to time even though I no longer have a bump).  

One of my Motherhood Maternity Outfits

In my opinion, if you're looking to buy a variety of items without spending a lot, these are two great places to check out!

5. Spend on Special Occasions

Every once in a while, it's nice to treat yourself to something special.

Toward the end of my pregnancy, I got a little antsy...I was ready for Abigail to arrive, I was sick of wearing the same outfits over and over again, and I knew we had a Maternity Photo Shoot coming up.  I HAD to find something new...

When I finally reached my breaking point (which you know isn't hard to do when you're pregnant), Travis basically forced me to go to Mom's The Word in San Francisco and I'm SO glad he did.  We had the best experience...the sales associates were super nice and helpful, the clothes were comfy and fashionable, and we walked out of there with a few new outfits and an amazing dress for our photo shoot.  The result?

And while the clothes at Mom's the Word were definitely more expensive than at the other stores, they were worth every single penny.  They're high quality, they're classics, and they'll be ready to come out and play next time!

Bottom Line

When it's time to go shopping for maternity clothes, try to make it an enjoyable and memorable experience...it's definitely not your average shopping trip.  

Find items that make you feel sexy, comfortable, and confident because that's how pregnant women should feel.  Take your best friend, your Mom, your Husband, or just your bump...but be sure to take your patience because clothes will be fitting you in a way that they never have before.  :)  Happy shopping!!!

What Else?!?

Friends, Family & Followers...where did you find your favorite maternity clothes?  Any tips or tricks you'd like to add or share?

7x7xMommy

Read more MAQs {HERE}

Take Your Daughter to Work Day

OK, so she may be a little young for an official Take Your Daughter to Work Day, but Abigail and I ventured downtown last Friday to visit Daddy at work.

Not only did we get to meet and hang out with some of Daddy's awesome co-workers, but Abigail got to see her Daddy's new office and see the world through his eyes...

I so clearly remember visiting my Dad at work when I was a little girl...I attended the official Take Your Daughter to Work Day a few years in a row, but my absolute favorite visits were the casual ones.  The ones where I'd run around the halls and (probably) drive people crazy...well, the people who were actually trying to get work done.  

I was my Daddy's little buddy...sometimes I'd go in for an ENTIRE DAY and help him file papers (I wonder if that's when my intense organizational skills developed).  Sometimes I'd go in for an entire day and draw pictures on his giant white board (which was the absolute best part about his office...I think he had upwards of ten dry erase pen color options).  Sometimes I'd go in and say I'd help with filing but I'd really spend half the day at the vending machine (a novelty for an 8 year old who'd never seen such a thing in an enclosed building...my house didn't have one...school surely didn't either).  

All I know is that I thought my Dad's office was the coolest place to visit.  It was always an adventure and I thought my Dad was the most amazingly powerful dude around (and some things never change). It was a unique bonding experience that we shared and I know it helped make our relationship even stronger...here's a special picture of the two of us from back in the day.

I think it's safe to say that Abby and I will be making many more visits to Daddy's office over the years...it's an experience I hope she will enjoy just as much as I did.  

And while she may not remember this particular visit at only 2 months old, I have this sneaking suspicion that visiting Daddy during the day will soon become one of her favorite activities.  

Something tells me Daddy might be a fan those special days as well...

Those Are Some WHITE Legs!!!

Is this some kind of April Fools joke? 

No fog for multiple days in a row?

I'll take it because we're going on day three of the most amazing weather we've had in San Francisco since last year's "Indian Summer."  There's no rain. No fog. And not much wind (thank goodness). 

There's just a whole lot of heat, sunshine and really pale legs.

I mean, seriously...it's so nice out that I wore shorts yesterday and probably blinded everyone with my pasty legs.  I'm happy to report, however, that I'm obviously not the only sun deprived San Franciscan.

Believe it or not, it's even nice enough for people to head out to the beach! 

And while you may think that's a "normal" statement, it's anything but.  On a typical day, the beach is empty (something about 50 degree, foggy weather that seems to keep people away from the shore).  But yesterday, Abby and I went on our usual walk and as we approached Fisherman's Wharf we heard a new sound...kids laughing...

(side note, but it's kinda sad that the sound of kids laughing is not something I hear very often...that needs to change)

But there were kids laughing!!!  And when I looked to my right, the typically sparse beach was FULL of people!!!  It's been that nice in San Francisco.

So nice that my Mom, Abigail, Belle and I took advantage of a trail near their new place in the City...here's a look at our little adventure (and don't worry, I covered my pale legs...no sunglasses needed to view these pictures).

If you're in the City, get out there and take advantage of this amazing weather...I know Abby and I will!  We're heading downtown to have lunch with Daddy today...yay!

Maybe I should work on my tan while I'm at it...

A Sexy New Dress, a Hot Date, and a Breast Pump

For those of you who are curious, these are the ingredients that make up the perfect one year Wedding anniversary.

Well, I take that back.

It may not be the perfect combination for most people's one year Wedding anniversary, but it surely worked well for us.

Did I ever imagine I'd be packing a breast pump on this special occasion?  Heck no. But I did (and let me tell you...nothing makes you feel sexier before a special night out than using a breast pump!). 

Did I ever expect we'd be dropping our baby off for a slumber party at her grandparents house?  Not necessarily. But fun was had by all (as evidenced in this photo).

And did I ever think we'd be missing our 2 month old daughter while enjoying a delicious 5 course meal at Gary Danko?  Honestly, no.  But we wouldn't have it any other way.  Here's a little photo recap of our amazing night.

Happy Anniversary to my best friend and the most amazing Husband...and now Father...on Earth.  I love you!

An Improved San Francisco

I can't even tell you how excited I am to make the following announcement...

My parents are moving to San Francisco!!!  

The big items were moved into their new place yesterday, but now they're in the middle of unpacking, getting situated, and trying not to get too overwhelmed (because we all know how stressful moving can be).

Abigail and I stopped by yesterday to help out a little and she found a comfy place to lay down...Belle followed her lead...

Now we're going to do our best to help them get 100% settled in.

Welcome to San Francisco, Mom and Dad...we're so excited you're here!!!

Mommy Challenge #3: Finding Time...for ANYTHING

Including finding time to blog.

More than ever, prioritizing is so incredibly important.  Now when I have 10 minutes of hands-free time, opening up my computer has quickly made its way to the very bottom of the list.

Somehow, straightening the apartment even trumps computer time...that may sound a little off for most people, but if I'm going to spend most of my day in my apartment, I'd like it to be tidy (which will last until Abby starts playing with toys!).

To be honest, most things trump computer time these days...I never thought I'd say that, but it's true.

I'd rather...

1. Spend time with Family:  that's what I've been doing for the past 5 straight days (hence the reason I've been MIA) - nothing is more important to me in the entire world than my family and we were lucky enough to have my brother and sister-in-law visit from Atlanta this week...what a treat!  Then to top things off, my cousin (and writer of Twinfinite Fun) came to visit with her twin girls yesterday...we had such a great time!
2. Work out:  whether that be lifting my dinky 5 lb. weights at home or going for a long walk with Abigail, being active is my favorite "down time" activity - simply put, it makes me feel HUMAN
3. Clean:  either myself or the apartment...sometimes the apartment trumps my own cleanliness because I know I'll get spit up on within the hour so there's really no need to be squeaky clean when I'm just hanging with Abby

The fourth item on this list would most definitely be "Blog," but with a ticking time bomb (aka - Abigail) in the room, I have to prioritize.  And because of that, the number of times I make it to #4 have been few and far between.

That being said, I promise to rearrange my priorities from time to time...instead of cleaning first, I will blog first.  Instead of working out first, I will blog first.  The only activity I won't move to the bottom of the list is spending time with family.

This may seem like a bit of a strange blog post, but I've had a few people reach out to my Hubs recently who have been concerned and curious about Abby...I'm usually so good about posting updates (probably to the point of being annoying for some), but I've most definitely been slacking in this department over the past couple weeks. 

Bottom line is that I'm so unbelievably flattered that people are keeping up with my blog and with Abigail (THANK YOU for that!!!) and I know that writing is a wonderful outlet for me...sooooooooooo, I think it's safe to say that I NEED to make blogging more of a priority.

And in Abby news, she is doing SO well.  Last week was a rough one - she cried (more like yelled at me) what seemed like ALL DAY LONG - I honestly felt like my ear drums were going to shatter.  Luckily, she's turned a corner (it must have been all the family time this weekend) and this week has been better.  

She's growing like a weed, taking the world in through her amazingly beautiful blue eyes, and she's SO close to smiling at us...that will be an indescribably rewarding day. 

Thanks again to those of you who want to keep up with Abby...here are a few of her recent activities...and once again, I promise to post updates more often!

Bath time!  Where's Abby?

There she is!!!

Lauren & Cory came to visit!

Abigail found her thumb...now she just needs to learn how to close the rest of her fingers

Hanging with Auntie Mindy and Uncle Toph

Trying to make out with Belle

She may not know it now, but these two will be great friends in no time!

Family!

Cousins!  (Doesn't Abby look thrilled?  haha)

Relaxing with Mommy

(UPDATE) Newborn Photo Shoot with Brooke Bryand Photography

We officially have the digital copies from Abigail's Newborn Photo Shoot...I thought I'd take this opportunity to share a few more of our favorites.  Enjoy and happy Thursday!