We Grow in Brooklyn

Merry ChristKwanzukah and a Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T15:33:00.001-05:00

Sanibonani Lovely People,

Merry ChristKwanzukah and a Happy New Year! We hope that you had a beautiful holiday season filled with good lovin', good eats and good times. We Cs enjoyed a fun-filled December. In a nutshell:

1. We had our 6th annual "Holiday Lovefest and While Elephant Throwdown" where we emptied our homes of items that we no longer wanted, wrapped them up in lovely paper and, as New Englanders call it, "yankee swapped" the $h^t out of them. N got himself not one, not two, but three puppy dog calendars and I ended up with the dope-ass little liquors.

Our little elf.

2. And Auntie Katie came to visit!

3. Auntie Stacy came to visit, bestowing upon Mr. S his beautiful Santa suit, which was a big hit at Rock Center Cafe. He drew many an eye and smile with his Santa digs...or was it the fact that he sent the bread plate diving to the floor in a sort of slow-mo fashion ("Noooooo!," cried Mama L in a slow Andre-the-Giant voice), ending with a resounding "SMASH!!" cacophony?

4. Nana Peg came to visit. We took Mr. S to meet Santa for the first time at Santaland in Macy's, which may I add is an incredibly well-oiled machine of Santa-seeing goodness. Though the line looked like we'd be there for 8 hours, it took a mere 30 minutes to get to Old Saint Nick. Along the way, we rode in a train, walked around his village and sang songs with a singing tree. Jolly good fun.

Storytime is awfully special with Nana...

5. Mr. S' first Christmas. We had the joy of having N home - we know that this may not happen for a long time so we cherished every moment.

6. Grandma Ginny and Papa Jensen came to visit. So good to have downtime with them.

7. New Year: N had to work, but Auntie Melissa and I rang in the New Year with cheesy movies (we realized by movie #2 that all of them starred or had a cameo of Emma Stone, interestingly enough), cheesecake, Thai food and plentiful Malbec.

Dear loved ones, we are so thankful for each of you. Many blessings to you in 2012!

Love,
L

First Eats

2011-11-19T21:46:00.000-05:00

11/7/11 - Mr. S tries solid food for the first time:

homemade brown rice cereal

UVM Reunion on a Snowy October (Whaaa?) Weekend

2011-11-18T21:24:00.001-05:00

Kaixo People,

The UVM crew planned a reunion in Easthampton, MA the last weekend of October...and of course it had to snow 15 inches. Of course we lost power, got cold and had a tree branch fall on our roof. In October, of course.

But no matter. It was a splendid time.

Flashback: Khaki Voltron in their final moment at UVM

Khaki Voltron, all grown up...

And introducing Scarf Voltron, which enjoyed a fabulous brunch together before the snow set in...

Scarf Voltron Member unhappy with October snow

The extreme cold dashed our hopes of running a corn maze and apple picking. However, we did enjoy our one shining moment of potato-gunning...

And the snow...the frickin' snow...in OCTOBER. Who says that global warming isn't real? Fool.

Khaki Voltron, the Next Generation...

By the way, Mr. S - who was a pediatrician for Halloween - loves his Auntie Kate...

Khaki and Scarf Voltrons, we must do this every year. From now on, we'll bring candles, just in case.

Love,

2nd Annual Indoor Camping

2011-10-16T21:51:00.001-04:00

Life got in the way of camping last year, so we indoor camped. It was super fun. This year, life got in the way again, so we indoor camped again. It was super fun, again.

Mr. S chillin' with his buddies in the tent

I recommend this for anyone who enjoyed making tents out of bed sheets when they were ten years old. Pitch a tent in the biggest room in your place, complete with sleeping bags. Don't use electricity (except for anything related to baby/child, if you have them, like bathing). Instead, light candles and use lanterns and flashlights. Replace the camp fire with the stove for cooking and smore-making purposes only. We even break out the camp chairs (two of the best wedding gifts we ever got) and use the coffee table. No television. If you're hard core, no phones (but we use ours...must...have...Words With Friends). We have portable speakers, but we use the stereo (we use enough batteries in the lanterns).

Super fun.

But next year, damn it, we're going camping!

East Meets West

2011-10-16T21:24:00.004-04:00

Sawa Dee-kah Lovely People,

Recently, 3-month old Mr. S and I braved the cross-country airplane flight together to visit my now (in)famous labor-inducing tactics sister, awesome brother-in-law, superb nephew, stupendous nieces and fabulous parents.

By the way, not only did Mr. S and I survive the flight, but we kicked ASS! Thanks so much to Jetblue's awesome Flight 90 crew members, Kevin and Latisha. Some time after the beverages were served, Kevin stopped by my seat and asked how I was doing. I told him "fine although Mr. S decided that staying up was way more fun (not fun for Mama) than sleeping." Kevin then took the burp rag, swept Mr. S into his arms and told me, "Don't you need to use the restroom or something?" I did, actually. He and Latisha hung out with Mr. S for roughly 20 minutes, giving me time to reorganize myself and the diaper bag. What service!

And what a wonderful visit...Mr. S got a whole lotta love coast-to-coast.

6:30 a.m. - Mr. S meets his cousins for the first time.
All smiles, laughter, hugs and kisses.

Nana S

Grandpa S

Auntie Meg and Uncle Sabin

Uncle Oisin and Aunt Sue

Auntie Nicole

Auntie Natalie and Sean FINALLY together

Talk about pampering...I got a chance to shower every day. Wow-to-the-zers! Finally got my Cousin Itt hair cut off at Bellezza Cristalis. Deeee-lightful! Natalie treated me to waxed eyebrows and painted toes at Bollinger Nail Salon. Yee-haw! Natalie's hilarious friend and gifted massage therapist, Barbara, gave me a relaxation massage that sent me to heaven, a.k.a. snoring on her massage table even with my milk boobs. Amen! (Thank you, Barbara, for your tolerance and thank God for burp rags.)

Auntie Nicole and I broke bread at a pleasant spot called The Little Pear in Danville. She had their Smoked Chicken Salad Sandwich, I had their Danville Chicken Sandwich, and of course we tried their Garlic Fries, paired with Syrah. I gotta say, it was all lovely, especially the company.

Yes, of course I got my In-N-Out ON. Double double animal style, as usual. Twice. Still remains one of my favorite burgers of all time.

And to top it off, Mr. S slept for the majority of the red eye flight home. What a little guy!

A short visit, but a great one. Thank you Natalie and Linsey, Mama and Papa S, dear cousins, Auntie Nicole, Uncle Oisin and Aunt Sue, Auntie Meg and Uncle Sabin. Sadly, N couldn't come with us and we didn't have the chance to see all our Bay Area family. However, we expect to be back some time in January. Hope to see you all then!

Love,
L

The Evolution of Identity

2011-09-27T10:51:00.000-04:00

Kumusta ka, People?

As new parents do, we get a lot of "So, how is it, being a Mommy? What's it like, Daddy?" And though the intention is good, this really means, "Tell me about Baby." The conversation starts off with Mommy and Daddy telling them that it's good, he's a good baby and then...it's all about Baby. Is he sleeping through the night? What is his "new thing" these days? He's big, how old is he? He must eat well, he's got some awesome chunka-chunka cheeks!

But the psychotherapist in me thinks often about that question that lays low in the corner like a dust bunny: How is it, being a PARENT?

For me, the title and meaning of "Parent" are working their fibers into my identity one strand at a time. Sometimes painfully. Sometimes easily. At times frustrating. Often rewarding. Sleep deprivation: painful. Mr. S's morning smiles: rewarding. Diaper change: easy. Ability to calm Mr. S down: frustrating and rewarding. Division of Labor with N: can be painful but easy when functioning.

In turn, my identity as a strong, independent female has been rocked - a total metamorphosis that is still in progress. I realized that it's not just about becoming a mother. That would make it too easy...or perhaps the "easiest" things are the most complicated to feel, experience and process? Who knows.

All I know is that I lived in my body and had a certain lifestyle for 34 years. I would self-describe as strong, educated, proud, aware, successful. I think my loved ones might add stubborn, gassy, at times crass, silly, nerdbomber.

Then I lost control over my body. I got pregnant. Physically my body tired and belly grew. Emotionally I went on a roller coaster ride of anxiety, excitement, fear and hope. Mentally I became so aware: mindful of each step on the subway stairs, careful to eat/drink or not eat/drink certain things, imagining how my past would parent my child, etc. Spiritually dependent, praying to God that everything would be okay, all the time.

Then I lost control over my birthing experience. The gateway to parenthood was medically induced followed by cesarean section. I didn't realize how traumatic it was until recently, when I posed an innocent question in a workshop that ended in me keeping my cool externally while feeling choked up, on the verge of tears, internally. I lost faith in my body, as it wasn't able to birth baby naturally as I wanted and it lost control over its function due to surgery.

Then I had to both take on the new role of Mommy and recuperate from major surgery. Taking care of a tiny being AND in desperate need of being taken care of. By virtue of biology, I lost my freedom to do whatever I wanted or needed, whenever I wanted or needed to, in order to care for a little baby. Furthermore, because I was home and N worked, we were kicked into the traditional roles of female-as-homemaker and spouse-as-breadwinner.

Not that there is anything wrong with this...it's just not what I was used to, and especially not what I was prepared for. Where was the strong, proud, independent woman? She felt stored away somewhere inside while the Cow, or the Giant Boob, was alive and well - only really good for feeding.

So, where are we now, three months later?

It's not always perfect, but I have come up with the following: I am a strong, proud and independent woman-mother-wife-daughter-sister-friend-homemaker-professional-milky boob that wears a lot of hats (and is still gassy, stubborn and probably needs to cool it on the curse words soon enough). I am learning to be strong enough to be dependent when necessary, which is very hard for me but family and friends make the lesson possible (thank you all so much). My body is sacred and healing. I like to thank her for being such an amazing house for my soul - a house that was loving, generous and persistent enough to make room for Mr. S to grow for over 9 months.

"Productivity" once meant working, running errands, meeting friends for drinks, etc. Now productivity means taking care of my family and myself - letting myself heal, taking a nap when possible, going outside at least once a day, working out the division of labor with N, building community, communicating needs and making efforts to understand and help one another.

More "simple" by NYC standards, but actually intensely complicated for the self-centered, go-goer in me.

As for N? Dads rarely, if ever, get the limelight with regards to pregnancy, birthing and being a parent. His story is amazing, touching and powerful - ask him some time.

Love,
L

Mr. S is a friendly NYer that loves bow ties and brunch with friendly people

2011-09-27T09:03:00.000-04:00

Making a new friend on his first subway ride

Auntie Melissa and Mr. S share in a fit of laughter together

Mr. S - 3 months, 2 weeks

"Just A Couple"

2011-09-24T20:34:00.000-04:00

Shalom Lovely People,

We had our first date night here in NYC thanks to babysitter Jenn, and it was really fun.

In 4 hours (including traveling time between northern Brooklyn and lower Manhattan), we:

Tenement Museum
Image from ahistoryofnewyork.com

1. went on the one-hour "Getting By" tour at the Tenement Museum in the Lower East Side. It was fantastic. I think I speak for N as well when I say that everyone should go to the Tenement Museum and be reminded of our history - that "America" and the "American Dream" are born out of the hardworking, hustling heart and soul of immigrants from all over the world.

2. had happy hour drinks at some new foo-fee-lahlah bar that I can't remember the name of, but I can remember that our bartender was a pretty, blondish lady that I wanted to force-feed a burger to. Yes, I'm talking cow meat.

Verlaine
Image from: nymag.com/listings/ bar/verlaine/

3. enjoyed the dope-ass happy hour with tasty eats at Verlaine on Rivington (cross: Essex). Verlaine has a special place in my heart. Back in the day, when most, if not all, the CUSSW girls lived in NYC, we used to meet on Fridays after work for happy hour at Verlaine. They have delicious lychee martinis and sangria for I think $5 a pop during happy hour. And their happy hour happens EVERY DAY. Isn't that lovely?

4. spent the final 15 minutes of our 4-hour baby sitting coverage sitting on the curb in front of our home.

People aren't joking when they advise new parents to make time for and actually GO on a date once-in-a-while. N and I got to be "just a couple" for a few hours. It was truly delightful. Since Boston (the last time we were able to go on a date), we got caught up in parenthood and had forgotten what it was like to be "us-without-baby." It was like a light turned on in our melons...Oh hey, that's right! We LIKE going out for a drink and hanging out! Gosh, we used to hang out until the wee hours all that time. We have so many things to talk about other than diapers and burp rags! Hey, you look good. No, YOU look good. Hell, don't WE look good?! Yeah, son!

And when we got back, so content from a wonderful evening, the first thing we wanted to do was give Mr. S hugs and kisses...and so we did.

We are now inspired to try to remember to be "just a couple" daily, and encourage all our parent-people (new and veteran) to do the same. Hope that we all can make time to be "just a couple," whether that means for 15 minutes at the end of the day, a date night, or days away from the kids. We deserve it!

In solidarity,
L

Wicked Good Times in Bawston

2011-09-01T22:08:00.000-04:00

Namaskar Loved People,

We introduced Mr. S to his New England clan and boy-oh-boy, did they love him! There are way too many photos, so here's a little taste...

Uncle John and Auntie Kate - hurry up and have babies!

Aunt Pat

Aunt Rose, Nicole, Nana Peg and Dan

Auntie Tree

Auntie Katie

Grandma Ginny and Papa J

N and I also had the chance to go out not once but TWICE while Mr. S hung out happily with Nana Peg, Aunt Rose, Aunt Pat, Godnana Joan and Godpapa Pete.

Because of N's birthday being in a great baseball month of August, I usually treat him to a game. For the last few years, the Red Sox and Yankees played on N's actual birth day. This year was no different, but tickets were excruciatingly expensive. So, we went for moderate ticket-pain and saw the Sox-Cleveland game instead.

Oh, dear Fenway, how beautiful art thee! Magical, cozy, soulful, alive. T'was a perfect day for baseball - cool and dry. We arrived early, watching the Indians' batting practice while Tito signed autographs, and just moseying around, taking in the sights and sounds, and sharing stories.

No, I didn't engorge myself from yummy baseball game treats this time. The most famous, or disgusting, example of my Fenway gluttony was 2007 (vs. the Twins - the game that secured their playoff spot and later, their World Series win!), when I had the following: a hot dog with mustard and relish, nachos, peanuts, Cracker Jack, clam chowder, a lemon icy dessert thing and at least 5 beers. Yes, by myself.

I know...clam chowder at Fenway? It was even from the dude walking the stairs yelling "Chowdah!" with his little clam chowder vendor box. No silly, he didn't throw it at me like peanuts. People were nice enough to hand it to me, sheesh. And I ate it. And it was pretty good.

It was our second time seeing Wakefield pitch and sadly, he didn't get his 200th win that night. However, in bottom of the 9th the Sox got the win thanks to an amazing walk-off homer by Ellsbury...and N nearly missed the whole thing because he was cleaning the inside of the mini-helmet that 20 seconds before held delicious vanilla ice cream!

Sidenote for you breastfeeders: Yes, I did pump-and-dump sometime in the 2nd or 3rd inning. I used the Medela manual pump in the ladies' bathroom. Yes, I like the pump; it's quiet, easy to use and portable. Yes, it felt weird to pump in Fenway, during a game. The bag-checker lady at the entry gate gave me a sympathetic look. While pumping, I kept thinking about how I missed a homer by beloved Mike Lowell thanks to waiting in the long-ass ladies' bathroom line (same Twins game where I gained 20 lbs because I'm gross and eat too much), and thus, squeezed my boob like a lemon in hopes of speeding up the pumping process. Don't do that. I don't think it made much of a difference in time and it hurt.

Other things that we did during our vacay: visited John, Kate and their kitty - DavidOrtiz, one word - at their adorable home, celebrated Katie's birthday, relaxed at Ginny and Papa J's awesome house and neighborhood, saw a movie (very exciting - the last Harry Potter movie. Thanks Nana Peg, Aunt Rose and Aunt Pat, again!), broke bread with wonderful people, celebrated N's birthday with family and friends at Johnny's lovely home. We had a great time!

Thank you John and Kate for having us and feeding our bellies. Thank you DavidOrtiz for tolerating a small human being in your territory. Thank you Ginny and Papa J for your hospitality. Thank you Johnny for your support and hosting N's birthday. Thank you Nana Peg, Aunt Rose, Aunt Pat, Godnana Joan, Godpapa Pete, Tosones, Fabriciuses, Hurlburts and Doody.

Congratulations, Nicole and Dan, on your engagement!

For those that we didn't get to see, we hope to be back soon...will keep you posted.

Love,
L

Breastfeeding

2011-08-17T16:14:00.000-04:00

Holla Peeps,

Several of you fine people have asked me how breastfeeding has been going. My answer, in a nutshell:

My Breastfeeding Timeline:

Baby's birth day: Whaaa? How? Ew, that tickles, and not in a good way. Weird.

Day 2-14: Holy S%^&! For F*$# SAKE. REALLY? Yee-OUCH OUCH OUCH!

Day 15-30: OWee OWee Owee

Day 31-45: Hmm...I no longer want to cut my boobs off. It's actually not so bad.

Day 46-present: Nipples of steel. What a wonderful bonding experience!

It's understandable why many people give up on breastfeeding so quickly. There are multiple reasons as to why a mother has to give it up, but pain is the most common. It's absolute bull$%!^ when the "experts" say that breastfeeding "shouldn't hurt if you have a good latch." What they should say is, "Eventually breastfeeding will not hurt, once you and baby are used to each other. But in the beginning, it's gonna suck ASS to the 10th exponent. SUCK...ASS."

I mean, think about it - why wouldn't breastfeeding suck ass in the beginning? A good latch isn't going to change the fact that at the beginning your nipples are going to turn raw thanks to some 98.6 degree Fahrenheit mini-human being sucking your nipples/areolae every day, multiple times a day for roughly 15-20 minutes per feeding.

I don't know about you, but I turn into a prune sitting in a warm bath tub for 15 minutes. So, poor boobies! Poor mamas that wince in pain every time Baby chomps down for another feed!

Ladies, you are NOT alone. Seek the help that you need. Ask your OB and/or pediatrician for advice, join a breastfeeding support group, talk to other mothers, and/or call a lactation consultant for help.

Here are some helpful links for breastfeeding support:

Babycenter.com - www.babycenter.com/breastfeeding

Breastfeeding.com - www.breastfeeding.com

Kellymom - www.kellymom.com/bf/index.html

La Leche League - www.lalecheleague.org

NY Lactation Consultant Association - www.nylca.org

Tribeca Pediatrics - www.tribecapediatrics.com

I took a general breastfeeding class at St. Luke's-Roosevelt once before I delivered, but it mainly focused on latching. In the end, it was my sister, Natalie, and a postpartum nurse at St. Luke's-Roosevelt that really gave me the assistance, knowledge and support that I needed to get breastfeeding going. The rest was collaboration with Baby S and waiting until my nipples grew tougher skin. It takes time...hang in there.

And hey, if breastfeeding just doesn't seem to be working out, you are still a fabulous mother if you move baby on to formula. Healthy babies, happy parents! Happy parents, happy babies!

In solidarity,
L

Goodnight, Sweet Lloyd

2011-08-08T23:30:00.000-04:00

Since the day we brought him home, we thought that Lloyd was going to die. He always had that rough, God's-waiting-room sort of look. Every so often, we'd find him laying over the top of a fake plant, half his body in the water, half out, with labored breathing.

Just when we thought we would need the tissues, Lloyd would suddenly come to life with a sparkle in his eye, as if to say, "Go f%^& yourself, I ain't goin' nowhere, son."

Well folks, dear Lloyd ("Andrew Lloyd Webber" in a firm tone when he got into trouble) entered the clear waters of ocean heaven last week.

He was a good fish. A cuddle-bug with a spit-fire attitude. Can you imagine that? A fish that actually let us pet him.

Goodnight, Lloyd. We love you.

R.I.P. Lloyd (2009-2011)

Quiet, please. Mr. S has something to say...

2011-08-08T22:41:00.000-04:00

8/5/11 - 7 weeks old

Mr. S's Morning Smiles

2011-07-23T18:41:00.000-04:00

7/18/11 - 7:18 A.M.

Mr. S is trying to do better. Honest.

2011-07-23T18:39:00.000-04:00

He's a big fan of Kristen Wiig.

Mr. S Has Guests

2011-07-03T17:32:00.000-04:00

Auntie Melissa

Auntie Jenn

Auntie Cyn

Aunt Mary Ann

Uncle Sean

Auntie Kim

Nana Peg

Nana S

Auntie Em, Auntie Tami and Baby Kaya

Uncle Dan and Auntie Kristine

Dr. Moritz - he wasn't S's house guest, but he was our awesome OB

Auntie Elham

Uncle John

Auntie Julie and Maya

Auntie Joanie

Auntie Melissa

Auntie Wendy and Uncle Bill

Auntie Russatta

Auntie Dr. Chao

Auntie Khiet

Uncle Mikey

Auntie Jennifah

From Induction to Week 3

2011-07-03T16:33:00.000-04:00

Ahnyoung Hasayoh People,

How's it going? Apologies for the silence. We've had a a mound on our plate, but don't fret. We are alive and kickin' as a family of 3!

The highlights will speak for themselves...enjoy!

Auntie Natalie with her dope ass enchiladas

Auntie Natalie changed her flight and stayed for 10 total days in hopes of being quarterback for L during labor and delivery. Sadly, S decided to bake 9 days over his due date, so Auntie Natalie had no choice but to go home without seeing him. Time with her was wonderful though. Great laughs, solid downtime, a clean home and a stocked fridge. Thank you for everything, Natalie.

View from L&D, 12th floor

6/14/11: Induction Day at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital

After waiting for 7 hours, they finally took me into Labor & Delivery and started the induction process.

Special shout out to Melissa Bowman for waiting with me for at least 6 hours in the God forsaken triage room, and to Jennifer Press for being our secondary quarterback, staying with us through the night for 2 long nights. You both were incredibly supportive and soothing. Thank you very much, ladies.

6/15/11: so far, so good...

Look at this ridonkulousness. The road to C-Section: first Cervidil, then stripped membranes, then punctured amniotic sac, then Pitocin, then the epidural...

Stupid epidural got me 15 hours of no labor progression and landed me in to the surgery room. But, this little guy showed up and all was right as rain...

Mr. S - 7 lbs, 5 oz. Thursday, 6/16/11 at 4:08 AM

Daddy and his son

Fittingly, we returned home on Father's Day. S did his "Happy-to-Go-Home" jig...

Since then, we've been having a blast getting to know each other.

Scouting report: 5-tool righty with strong instincts. Good locker room guy, average temperament, prone to outbursts if struggling. Only has one pitch currently, the 4-seam palmball, this is expected to improve with further development.

Daddy and S watching the Red Sox game. Proper Red Sox Nation training begins early.

With best friend, Toddy

1st family outing: Der Schwarze Kolner biergarten

1st Bath!

S has great doses of Nana Love. He had a great time with Nana Peg!

And now Nana S is here! What a blessed little man.

S shows increasing alertness as well as a spirit for activism...

Fun with Nana S

Fight the power

There you have it. This kid is awesome.

Can't wait for you all to meet him.

As for us, the padres, I am healing just fine, getting better every day. Boobfeeding is going well and I'm really enjoying mamahood. N is a superb husband and dad. He says this about being a daddy, "It's great."

Love you peoples,

Labor Inducing Tactics by Natalie

2011-06-05T12:13:00.000-04:00

Goddag People,

My beautiful and hilarious sister Natalie (a.k.a the Inducer) has been here since last Wednesday, helping me with everything, including trying to push Baby S out via her inducing tactics. She's amazing. It's funny to watch a woman that is used to working full time as a night shift postpartum nursing supervisor while caring for a husband and three children. She can't sit still to save her life. She's like some kind of hot X-Men mutant lady. Blink your eye and she's moved from the kitchen, cooking delicious spaghetti, to the bathroom, cleaning the sink - all the while with one hand on the vacuum and her other hand on her iPhone.

You could probably sterilize your gastrointestinal system just by licking the floor of our bath tub, that's how clean she made it.

For those that are friends with her on FB, you've been able to follow the events here easily, as she records and comments on EVERYTHING. For those that aren't, here are some highlights...

Labor Inducing Tactic #1: SPICY Virgin Bloody Mary at Mullane's

Labor Inducing Tactic #2: Acupressure, walking and yoga ball bouncing


Labor Inducing Tactic #3: Prego Pizza - pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, olives, extra garlic, extra onions, mushrooms, ground beef, Parmesan cheese, smoked Chipotle Tabasco sauce and Utica Dinosaur Hot Sauce (from the Arcuris). Prego pizza seemed to work better on N's belly. This Baby S is a tough kid!

Labor Inducing Tactic #4: Prenatal massage with pressure point focusing at Melt. Just wonderful. I highly recommend Alexis! She's trained in all kinds of therapeutic massage but I've been seeing her for prenatal massages throughout my pregnancy. She's just marvelous - personable and kind. If you're in the Fort Greene, Brooklyn area, check out Melt services at: http://www.meltmassagenyc.com/index.html

Labor Inducing Tactic #5: More walking, more acupressure, more yoga ball bouncing...then gave up and went to the movies. We saw "Bridesmaids."

Labor Inducing Tactic #6: Taking a break from labor inducing tactics.


And still prego...sigh

Natalie only has a day left then she's back to her organized chaotic life in Nor Cal. Even if Baby S doesn't arrive before she leaves, we've been having so much fun! We haven't spent time together like this since we lived in Texas, over a decade ago. I cherish this time completely.

Natalie...thank you for your love and friendship. You are indeed the best sister in the universe. I love you dearly.

Thanks to all for your waiting-game suggestions and support!

A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to Natalie's coworkers and friends that have made it possible for her to come here and take care of us. N and I can't thank you enough. It's the first time that we've been taken care of like this during this pregnancy...my swelling has gone down, I'm more relaxed and can sleep better because she's here. N doesn't worry so much about me while he's working so he too is more relaxed. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm tearing up...aigoo hormones and touching moments.

Love yous all,
L

Waiting for D-Day, Part II: bored bored bored bored bored bored

2011-05-30T13:50:00.000-04:00

Goeie More People,

Don't get all excited. No baby yet.

I finished work at the Gouv last Friday. *sigh* It's a mixed blessing. On one hand, at 40 weeks of pregnancy I physically can't deal with a lot of walking and traveling. On the other hand, I'd rather be bored at work and around friends than bored at home and largely alone. So, I'm at home, restless...

Could you lovely people help me think of things to do while I wait to go into labor?

This is what I've been doing or have done so far (some of which was with the help of N and Mama S - THANK YOU!):

1. major cleaning of apartment (N's Mother's Day gift: cleaned the whole apartment!): DONE (just maintenance now)
2. cooked and froze food: DONE
3. washed, folded and organized baby's clothes: DONE
4. baby's room: DONE
5. thank you cards: DONE
6. pedicure: DONE
7. stock fridge with post-delivery beer: DONE - HOORAY!
8. work: DONE :(
9. put baby items together and install car seat: DONE
10. go for a walk
11. bounce on a yoga ball
12. watch movies, baseball games, etc.
13. talk to, chat or Skype with loved ones
14. graze
15. read up on anything that's even remotely interesting, i.e. there are so many things you can do with a comb!
16. lie down and rest/snooze
17. try to enjoy nothingness...though this can drive me nuts
18. meditate, pray
19. pack hospital bag: DONE
20. attend to plants
21. hang out with Lloyd
22. research parent and/or mom groups in area
23. research classes: breastfeeding, child CPR, etc.
24. research options for my own future
25. enjoy time with friends

People keep saying, "Enjoy it now!" because once the kid comes I'll have no time to myself. Probably. I know they're right. But the truth of the matter is that I'm not used to it. I can't switch my head to enjoying nothingness just because I'm 40 weeks prego when I'm used to being active most of the time. Especially in this beautiful sunny weather. What torture!

So sages, what wise words and ideas are conjured? Do share...

Thanks for your help.
Love,
L

While we wait for D-day...

2011-05-13T23:58:00.000-04:00

Mabuhay People,

Now that the Lakers (and Celtics, for N) are out of the playoffs, who cares? To the question, "Who will you root for now?" I say, "The Dodgers and Red Sox." This year, I somehow have no interest in the rest of the teams in the playoffs. Who gives two sh%^s if LeBron finally gets his ring? Yawn.

You know what I miss? The passing game. I mean, the real passing game. I have dreams of the '80s Lakers - Kareem, Magic, Worthy, Green, Rambis, Cooper, Thompson, Scott - and their passing game. Chick Hearn calling the play-by-play. That was some beautiful basketball, I tell you. Heavenly.

By the way, anyone else notice the over use of the phrase "pick and roll" this playoffs season? I mean, for crying out loud, we get it already.

Many of you fine folks have asked us, "Will S be a Lakers or Celtics man? Will he be a Dodgers or Red Sox man?" The answer: S will have to decide on his own in the future. But, if he's a Knicks or Mets fan, we will be disgusted with him. If he's a Yankees fan, we will straight-up disown him. No joke. If he comes home and says that he wants an A-Rod jersey for his birthday, I will look into his adorable eyes and say, "Pack your bags, Little Orphan Annie." Puke.

What have we been up to as we wait for the arrival of Mr. S?

1. Opening gifts and getting things ready for his arrival. Cyn's psychic gift revealed that S will be a professional bowler.

2. We celebrated our 4th anniversary on Cinco de Mayo. Traditionally, the 4th anniversary gifts are flowers and fruit. So, N took me to the BK Botanical Gardens for the Sakura Festival and I made him baked pears with ice cream and strawberries.

3. The Gouv family threw us a lovely surprise baby shower, chuck-full of amazing homemade goods (i.e. Lina's lime cupcakes - my favorite cupcakes of all time, Monica's delicious chocolate covered strawberries and Julie's fabulous flourless chocolate cake) and incredibly generous gifts. Thank you all!

4. N went golfing in Queens on a beautiful day off from the grind.

5. Who hasn't suffered from the evil embrace of allergies? Kleenex carnage during the morning walk around the bed.

6. Fun fact that's probably super T.M.I. - With the expansion of my belly, I learned that there is a mole at the center of my belly button, just like there is a black hole at the center of the Milky Way. Enjoy that one...you're welcome!

7. We had good reasons to believe that Lloyd would die at any second for at least the last 8 months. But, he keeps living and thus, surprises us every day. He's so awesome.

Unless something really bad ass happens, the next time we'll update will be the delivery of Mr. Ss. We're on the threshold of becoming parents, people! Holy S%^T!

Love,
L

Cloth Diapers

2011-04-14T23:22:00.000-04:00

"Car washing/waxing" really drives the "Multi-Purpose" emphasis home.

Busy April

2011-04-13T01:04:00.001-04:00

Buen Dia Gente,

N and I have had a very busy, super fun start to April thanks to our family and friends. Mama S, my gorgeous sister Natalie, bro-in-law Lins, Ry, Hannah and Caroline graciously came to visit us for a week.

Sassy and lovely, just like her

My skin still feels as soft as a baby's booty thanks to a day at Spa Castle (a.k.a. mini-heaven located in Queens - http://nyspacastle.com/eng/main/main.php) with Mama S. And my adorable hairstylist, Kevin, gave her a New-York-do for a mere $34. Kevin is located at Cutting Edge Salon between Mott and Mulberry.

It was the kids' first time to the Big Apple and they had a smashing time.

Lovely ladies visiting Lady Liberty

Sisters at the Natural History Museum

Auntie Nicole Sudduth surprised the crap out of us (in a good way) on Thursday morning when her beautiful face showed up from Oakland. Then Mama Peg, Aunt Pat, Godfather Pete and Godmother Joan made us cry tears of joy when they surprisingly showed up at the baby shower, which took place on Sunday, 4/3. We had the honor of having so many loved ones from the different facets of our life - the New Englanders, the NYers, the West Side Contingency, the Gouv crew, the NYPD peeps - all together in the same place. To those that couldn't make it, we missed you indeed.

Cyn worked with Jelly Belly to create these fun favors

A special shout out to Natalie, Cyn and Nico for their amazing party planning; to Lo for her mind blowing desserts; to Jenn and Auntie Nicole S for helping the party planners; to Auntie KK, Auntie Tree, Uncle John, Noelle, Jack, Nathan, Nicole, Dan, Auntie Pat and Uncle Theo for coming all the way from Massachusettes; and to Uncle Mike for coming all the way from L.A.!

S update: the little man is about 4 lbs-and-some-change as of 4/8. It was awesome that Mama S could come with me to my last check up with Doc Moritz. I realized that for the majority of our loved ones, the last time they saw me I had my regular body. The next time I see them, I'll have a baby. What a mind fart! So, it was extra special to see our family and share this pregnancy experience with them.

Baby S face, about 33 weeks - 3D ultrasound

Now...Can I tell you about the 2 delectable treats at the baby shower?

From yelp.com

Delectable Treat #1: Rockin' taco and quesadilla eats from Oaxaca Taqueria in Park Slope.

From yelp.com - and the real deal is even more beautiful

Marinated with love and sparkles are the steak, chicken, pork and vegetarian tacos with an assortment of delicious red chili, green and avocado sauces to boost happiness. Let's not forget to mention their pickled onions and queso crumble - ooo, yum.

Um, take a wild guess which tacos are my favorite.

Oaxaca Taqueria has a few locations in NYC. David, the owner, is a nice guy. Check them out at: www.oaxacatacos.com

Delectable Treat #2: Lorraine's magic desserts that made our taste buds dance for joy and our tummies fill with essence of utopia. Desserts that are moist and bouncy on the inside, firm yet delicate on the outside. We're talking cake pops (so good that I didn't even get a chance to try one because they were all gone within the first 20 minutes!), layered dark chocolate chip cookies (my 2nd Lolo favorite), red velvet mini cupcakes (my 3rd Lolo favorite) and my #1 Lolo favorite, lemon cookies. She even made me my own stash of bacon sprinkled red velvet cupcakes that melted in my mouth.

Lolo Lemon Heaven Cookie - the last one we have. It's supposed to be N's but if he doesn't eat it soon, I can't promise that the cookie monster within will control herself.

If you love desserts and need them for a special occasion, I'll introduce you to Lorraine. She is truly a baking goddess, pouring TLC into every batch.

By the way, the baby shower took place at Pacific Standard - our CA-in-BK bar that we go to when we're in need for good beers and a bit of Cali-love (the owners are Cal alums. Of course I say, "Go Bruins" and 8-clap upon entry. But I'll take any CA-bar in NYC).


Bar area - from yelp.com

Back room where shower took place - from yelp.com

They were good to us. Stop by and tip your bartender - www.pacificstandardbrooklyn.com

So, thank you all for your love and support! We are truly blessed. Baby S is very lucky to have so many aunties and uncles to hug, kiss and learn from.

Love,
L

A Referral: Figtree Childbirth Services - Sarah Moore

2011-03-21T21:16:00.000-04:00

For any one interested in childbirth classes, I highly recommend Sarah Moore of Fig Tree Childbirth Services in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. Last weekend, N and I attended her Weekend Intensive Childbirth Class. It was our kind of class: short (2 days, 4 hours per day), sweet (only 7 couples) and chuck-full of helpful information in digestible doses.

The result: I am scared sh**less of labor, delivery and the postpartum body (i.e. cauliflower butt), but at least N and I are knowledgeable and ready to prepare for it all as much as possible (knowing that the real deal may be completely opposite of what we hope for)!

Sarah is fabulous and offers doula, education and postpartum services. For more information, please check out: http://www.figtreechildbirth.com/home.html

I closed my eyes for the first time in years...

2011-03-19T10:53:00.000-04:00

Dear World,

Cyn, Jenn, N and I had been planning a family dinner for 3 months to celebrate a myriad of fabulous events: Cyn's acceptance into her fellowship program, N's graduation, Jenn's new job, Christmas, S's life, etc.

I admit it. I fell in love last night and I'm not talking about N.

His name is Porterhouse and he lives at Peter Luger's in Williamsburg.

Porterhouse - Image from foodgps.com

And let's not forget Mr. Bacon, who I developed a raging crush on...

Bacon - Image from gracenotesnyc.com

It cannot get sexier than this.

Those that know me know that I love cow and bacon. Those that know me well know that when cow and bacon heaven hits my taste buds, I instinctively close my eyes. The Id completely takes over and I am in full pleasure principle mode.

My last eye-closing experience was my first Shake Shack burger, about 2 years ago. And it happened again last night.

Peter Luger uses its own practices for aging, prepping and cooking meat. They've been doing it for over 100 years and you can taste the expertise. Crisp, browned exterior. Soft, juicy interior. Perfectly seasoned. Fat melts in your mouth.

I close my eyes just thinking about it.

For dessert, a chocolate sundae with oodles of homemade schlag (whipped cream) that tickled your happy taste buds:

T'was an enchanting night. Can't wait to go back again...and again....and again, 4-evah.

Hope you all have the chance to fall in love at Peter Luger's, too. Feel free to read up on Peter Luger here: www.peterluger.com

Ahh, yum.
L

Erin Go Bragh!

2011-03-19T09:59:00.000-04:00

Dia dhuit Peoples,

We Collinses honored the Irish tír dhúchais last Thursday. N marched in the parade with the NYPD, looking sharp in his dress blues, before feasting on eats and treats with the beloved Emerald Society at Pier 90. He met POs from all over the country and Ireland.

After work and my weekly session of getting my head screwed back on, I joined N at a local pub in Times Square, where we savored an Irish breakfast and fish and chips then danced to the beats of a lovely Irish band. We enjoyed the company of the gentle fellows and lassies of N's squad (whom, by the way, are 10 years his JUNIOR! 10 years. I give it up to them. I hated anything that reeked "discipline" at 22, 23 years old and they have the most disciplined life next to the military). They were awfully nice and told me they see N as a big brother in the house.

Side note: "Appropriate" - a 7-month pregnant woman in a pub on St. Patrick's Day.

Side-side note: For you "People-in-Uniform Lovers," come on down to NYC for St. Patrick's. Your eyes will pop out in gluttonous exhaustion. I noticed that a uniform can take a person with an average face, say a 5 on a 10-point scale, and turn him/her into a 9, easily. I found myself drooling over a dude with a 1 inch gap in between his front two teeth because he looked so hot in that Marines uniform.

And yes, drunk people galore! One girl, all primped up in her clubbing outfit, smoky eyes and high heels, ralphed under the entrance awning of the pub. Tammy-Faye-Baker-post-crying-eyes-hot-mess. Another dude was sitting down, passed out and propped against a fake planter of a rather fancy restaurant with puke all over his shirt. Hot, hot messes everywhere. It was hilarious.

Just before we made our way home, we stopped by N's precinct, or "house" as they say. It was my first time there. If you've worked for a city agency, you'll know what I mean when I say it had that city agency ambiance and feel. So simple and humble with an air of hard work and attitude, juxtaposed with the glitz and lights of the area they serve and protect - Times Square and its environs.

Cheers,
L

"Babymoon" in the Poconos

2011-02-19T13:13:00.000-05:00

Damas y Caballeros,

On an average day, I wouldn't even bother with writing about our little getaway to the Poconos this past week, but the experience was so f^&*ing hilarious and awesome that I can't help myself.

I don't know who came up with the term "babymoon" but this mini-trip was essentially just that. During our research of where to go, we ended up on a cheesy website with soft-porn photos for Cove Haven - "an intimate couples resort" in the Poconos. We chuckled so much at the website that we canned the coziness and fine dining of the romantic B&B that we usually opted for, and went with the bubble bath in the heart-shaped tub.

Think Brady Bunch meets Larry Flynt. Overnight camp douched in cheap cologne and chest chair. One night, we went to a bar where they made couples play games during the house band's break. We played musical chairs (we lost) prior to watching other couples play "hot potato" with a purple dildo. G'nite everyone - that was our cue to go to the room to watch the Westminster Dog Show.

Mural - "Oh my. Well, hello there, Naked One. I like apples."

Wondrous details


The dining area. And yes, if you're really into the champagne thing, you can bubble bathe in a champagne flute hot tub in the Cleopatra Room.

Our own little pool

We stayed in the "Garden of Eden Apple" room, located in circular buildings that resembled the World's Fair. Red carpet, no windows, white stucco walls, lots of arches and a circular bed. Without windows, it was difficult to tell what time it was. (I sometimes felt like I was in some Twilight Zone episode, being studied by ape-like behavioral psychologists. Only sometimes though. No harm, no foul.)

Tub with the jets that made the best bubble bath ever

To answer your questions:

No. The bed did not vibrate.
No. There were no mirrors on the ceiling.
Yes. It was very clean despite the fact that you know some nasty-ass-s$%* has happened there in the past. Ugh, I cringe at the thought.

N was like Tiger Woods sans infidelity, scoring -5

Frankly, we had a blast. The food was shockingly good - and you know how important food is to us. We played mini-golf, shuffleboard and tried indoor archery for the first time. We had an insane session of ping pong (literally, people, literally...you're so dirty) that made us think we could give the Chinese Olympic team a run for their money.

Shuffleboard magic

Swimming felt like being at the Brady Bunch's house because of the rock walls, skylights, '70s style patio furniture and impressive use of strategically placed fake ficus trees and spider plants.

And to top it off, we were greeted by a group of white tailed doe and their fawns every day outside of our room.

It was great. We came home relaxed and lighter. Would we go back? Perhaps. Of course we'd rather go to Morocco, Thailand or the likes, but if we're ever in the silly mood for super-cheesy-soft-porn-old-skool-lovers-paradise again, we know where to go.

Hope you all can make a trip out to Cove Haven someday!

Love,
L

Nope, I don't LOVE it. But, it's still worth it.

2011-02-11T23:05:00.000-05:00

Dear Lovies,

Hope this finds you all happy and healthy.

I've been asked a number of times how I'm feeling, if I LOVE being pregnant and, my personal favorite from my girlfriend Khiet, "Do you feel beautiful?" So far, I feel just fine. But left to my own devices I will have to say, no, I don't LOVE being pregnant and I don't particularly feel beautiful. Let me explain with last week's experience:

N comes home from work and gets into bed around 5:30 a.m. I hear him chuckling, his jolly cackle breaking the quiet of the early morning. I ask, "What's so funny?" N says, "Oh, nothing." N gently cackles again, "Tee hee hee hee." I ask, "What is it?" N says, "Oh honey, it's not important right now. You need your rest. Go to sleep. I'll tell you tomorrow." I nod and fall back to sleep.

The next day, during our usual midday phone call, the following dialogue occurs:

N: "Wanna know why I was laughing this morning?"
L: "Yeah, sure."
N: (pauses for a moment then starts to chuckle)
L: "Yes?"
N: (chuckling with an intensity that increases as he says the next line) "Because...hahaha...when I came into the room this morning...tee hee hee...it smelled like farts. You hotbox-ed the room with your farts! HAHAHAHA!"

This is pregnancy for me.

My boobs look like giant cartoon dinosaur eggs. Like, if Susie the Pink Dinosaur laid two enormous blue veined eggs, those would be my boobs. And since I'm only slightly taller than a hobbit, you can just imagine what proportions look like right now.

I have uncontrollable burps and farts. A couple of weeks ago at work, I was talking with my friend, Joan, when I farted. I said, "Yo, suck it. I'm sorry, it's uncontrollable." She laughed. God bless her.

I wake myself up sometimes because I've snorted. I read that hormones soften everything inside, like your sinus cavity, so snorting is quite common. Awesome.

I am starting to experience moments of shallow breath thanks to an expanding baby that is gradually squishing my diaphragm and lungs. It makes me feel closer to what I think Jabba the Hut must feel like. Of course he's not pregnant, but he seems like he's always struggling for oxygen. Maybe that's why he's such an a$$*ole. Wouldn't you be if you couldn't catch your breath, all the time? People, I actually have empathy for Jabba the Hut.

So, no. I don't LOVE being pregnant or feel particularly beautiful.

But, I'll tell you what...

1. I LOVE feeling Baby S move and kick. Knowing he's in there, getting his karate on, makes me smile.

2. I am in awe of the female. I know I'm not selling pregnancy well, but I do feel empowered by my own body. The fact that we females can carry and develop life inside our bodies is just amazing.

3. I know that N loves me more than I love myself. The man sleeps in a fart-laden room made by me and still calls me "Beautiful" in the morning. I mean, hello. I might be the luckiest woman in the universe.

4. I feel so blessed by you all, our family and friends. Your love and support are felt all the time, even if we're separated by a whole country.

Thank you for making pregnancy worth it.

Love,
L

N in the Daily News

2011-01-23T16:05:00.001-05:00

The Jets-ridden front and back covers of the Daily News might make many people sick, so to avoid Jets-induced nausea, here's the online version:
Click here to see N's story

Enjoy!

Jumping on the Blog Bandwagon

2011-01-22T11:41:00.001-05:00

Hi Peoples,

We are getting our blog on so that you, our worldwide loved ones, can join in on all the fun and dysFUNction. Haha. Special shout out to Fred, who is solely responsible for our use of ONE space in between sentences. Gracias, Fred!

We are venturing into the world of parenthood both peeing our pants with that fear of "what if we f%^# up this innocent creature?" (among other things) and with guns -a-blazin' excitement, at the same time. Well, maybe I'm projecting my own feelings on to N. You'll have to ask him how he's doing with the thought of becoming a papa bear.

We found out yesterday that Baby is a boy. And, he shall be called, "Mr. S." And, Mr. S was good.

One of our closest pals is named S. He knows that we're naming our kid "S" too. Even same spelling. I wonder if that freaks him out, as though we expect him to take on the responsibility of being the Namesake. Does it freak you out, S? Honestly, we just like your name...and we like you...and we expect you to show our son what it means to be a man named "S" in this world. Don't screw up. We're watching you.


Baby S face at 20 weeks in L's belly

Some have asked for belly photos. Here's my take on that: not everyone is interested in seeing my ass get bigger. I'm not even interested in my ass getting bigger. So, if you're interested, let me know and I will email that to you separately. Besides, the last one that was taken was at 18 weeks and still wasn't very impressive. Week 20's belly is definitely popping so I'm sure that week 22's belly will be a photo that you belly watchers will enjoy.

How are you all doing?

Love,
L