Dear Baby C: My Hopes For You

Hello Baby!

As your due date quickly approaches...

(ready or not, FEBRUARY 1st, here we come!)

I've been thinking a lot about my hopes and dreams for you. 

Little thoughts that I've had while I'm at a red light, or laying in bed, whenever...

From Here.

In no particular order...

I hope that you will:

1. be smart and have your Daddy's work ethic 

2. be curious and creative like me

3. have a kind and forgiving heart

4. be stead fast and strong in what you believe in, no regrets

5. find a wife and have a (big!) family someday that loves you as much as I do

6. have a hilarious and contagious sense of humor

7. learn to appreciate the little things

8. find and do something that makes you genuinely happy

9. love adventure, being outside, seeing new places, and trying new things

10. be understanding and empathetic to others who deserve it; regardless of gender, race, or background

11. appreciate and love animals, especially dogs, especially corgis

12. do something positive to change the world, no matter how big or small

13. be healthy and take care of your body. you only have one.

14. spend time with your family, including extended family, whenever you can

15. be a good and patient listener

16. give me and Mr. C lots of hugs, even when you're all grown up

17. learn to 2 step like your Daddy

18. be amazed by the ocean and feel small when you look at the stars

19. never forget where you came from

20. open your heart to find and accept God

Can't wait for the whole world to meet you Baby C. 

XOXO- LC

What's In a Name?

These are the top 3 questions people ask when you are pregnant:

1. "How are you feeling?"

2. "Is it a Boy or Girl?"

3. "What are you going to name it?"

Immediately after you find out question #2, question #3 happens. Like immediately. 

Obviously people ask these things because they care and are being sweet, 

but man, have I been exhausted lately trying to answer #3...

Picking a name has probably been one of the hardest tasks to check off our "to-do" list to date. 

Mr. C and I have this new game. We start throwing out legit boy names...

and then, about 10 minutes later we start naming things we see simply around us. 

"How about Chair, Grass, Car, wait...I got one! What about Lamp?!"

We are silly. Our maturity level is about a 2 on a scale from 1-10. 

(Seriously, who is going to let us leave the hospital with Baby C?!)

Side bar- if you google "baby name websites",

literally 59,600,000 results pop up. BAM! Have fun with that.

The name "Cloud" is an actual option on one of these websites people. 

So that's where the celebrities have been going...

Wish us luck. We have our work cut out for us. 

It might be a game day decision...

XOXO-LC

C is for Clothes: Hatch Collection Favorites

Apparently if you're pregnant these days

and haven't heard of Hatch Collection, you're living way out in outer space.

Let's be honest, there aren't many stylish maternity clothes out there, some are down right scary.

but get ready...because whether your pregnant or not, you might become obsessed with this line!

All these looks can go from 1st trimester to 4th trimester- aka "after baby".

Although the initial investment is a little pricier than most, 

these pieces are modern in the sense of timeless, not overly trendy.

Plus, aren't these models just the cutest?! 

(I would be that happy too in a pair of the Night Out Leggings!)

Here's some of my favorite looks:

The Long Sleeve T $98

The Sweatshirt Dress $238

The Slouch Dress Short $248

The Night Out Legging $148 (hello Christmas list!)

The Cape $378

The Soiree Dress $348

Hello Baby Bump!

XOXO- LC

P is for Pregnancy: 21 Week Sonogram Pics

Today has been a crazy day...pretty much like every day lately it seems.

(I'm sure you all know what that feels like!)

Well to make a crazy day even better, I thought to myself...

"what fun would it be to work on my (overdue) expense reports?!"
So I start cleaning out my receipts from my purse and low and behold...

Hello Baby! I find our sonogram pictures I had stashed to show a friend recently.

It never gets old looking at our little nugget!

Mr. C and I are going on a date night tonight (also long overdue!)
It's important to make time for each other every so often.
We're going to eat left over stuffed shells (recipe soon!) & see a movie, Taken 2.
And I'm going to eat lots of popcorn- so make some room in there Baby C!

XOXO-LC

C is for Clothes: Pink Ribbon Luncheon 2012

For the past few years, I've helped out with the ZTA Pink Ribbon Luncheon.

The proceeds benefit our scholarship program and go towards breast cancer research.

Today was our 18th Annual Luncheon and it went off beautifully!

The main theme was to remind yourself that it's the little things in life that become the big things.

So enjoy every single second!

Here's what I wore:

(25 weeks & 4 days!)

Dress: Jenny Han (purchased @ Dirty Laudry) : Necklace & Earrings: Stella and Dot

Shoes: Dolce Vita via GILT

Oh, and little Dukeroon decided he wanted in the photo shoot:

GO ZTA and THINK PINK!

XOXO-LC

D is for Design: Baby C Nursery Concept

As an interior designer, I have no problem selecting pieces for others;

however, I've been going back and forth for MONTHS

trying to determine Mr. Baby C's nursery design.

And I think I finally have it all figured out!

My inspiration:

From Here.

Nurseryworks Empire Rocker : Bertoia Side Chair : Custom Crib with Herringbone Wood Inlay

Aden & Anais Crib Sheets : Cable Knit Rug

Dresser : Petrified Wood Knobs : Burlap Striped Sheers

Lucite/Acrylic Drapery Hardware : Wood Stump Side Table : Lamp

Texas String Art : Wicker Baskets : Ikat Pillows

Love Pillows : Graphic Print : Antler Print

Can't wait to welcome him HOME!

XOXO-LC

F is for Food: My Favorite Pasta

Here is another one of my favorite "go-to" dinner recipes.

And manly Mr. C, who always wants meat, actually requests this!

It's a snap to make, healthy (enough!), and has Parmesan cheese...
So tell me, what more could you want?!



Ingredients:

(makes 3-4 servings)

• 1/2 box of whole wheat spaghetti
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, whole or cut in half
• 4-5 asparagus spears, cut on a diagonal, about 1" length
• 1 medium shallot, minced
• 1-2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 3-4 tbsp good extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 c. good Parmesan cheese
• 1 c. cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 1/2 c. toasted walnuts
• 1/2 c. low sodium chicken stock
• 1-2 tsp. red pepper flakes
• salt and pepper to taste
• Optional:
• 1/2 c. white wine (substituted for chicken stock)
• 2 Rotisserie chicken breasts, chopped or shredded



Directions:

Cook pasta to al dente. Meanwhile, melt butter and a couple tbsp. EVOO in medium heat pan. Mince garlic clove & shallot, saute for 1-2 minutes. Add cherry tomatoes- salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes. Saute for 3-4 minutes. Throw in asparagus- salt and pepper to taste. Add chicken stock (or wine) to help cook the asparagus through. Let reduce slightly, 3-4 minutes. (You'll want some left for a light sauce) Here is when you'd add the chicken. Once pasta is cooked (don't drain the water just yet), add pasta directly to pan w/ veggies. Mix together. If too dry, add a little pasta water. Serve with Parmesan cheese and top with walnuts.

Now, we EAT! Enjoy!

XOXO-LC

How To: Baby C's Gender Reveal Announcements

So instead of doing one of those (adorable!) gender reveal parties...

you know, the hot trend where couples throw a party to find out their baby's gender

either by cutting open a blue or pink cake, opening a box of balloons, etc...

I convinced Mr. C to keep Baby C's gender on the down low

for a few extra days after the ultrasound. (which was near impossible)

In the meantime, before the actual appointment, I had started working on these announcements.

Since friends and family are all over, I thought this would be a special way to include most everyone.

They were so fun and a breeze to make. It was more fun when the news was officially out!

Envelopes, Chevron Liner, Flat Cards: Paper Presentation

Gold Stripe Washi Tape: Paper Presentation

Teddy Bear Confetti: GFetti

Lettering Stamps & Ink: Hobby Lobby

(Ok, DON'T go grab a pen and paper b/c this is literally the easiest thing ever)

What you'll need: Clear shipping tape, stamp, permanent/smudgeproof ink, liquid dish soap, acrylic paint, paint brush, paper

How To: Homemade Scratch Off

1. Stamp your paper, using a permanent ink

2. Cut a piece of clear shipping tape, just enough to cover the stamp

3. Mix 1 part liquid dish soap with 2 parts acrylic paint (color of your choice)

4. Paint over using paint/soap mix (I did 4-6 coats, let dry in between)

IT'S A BOY!!!

XOXO-LC

L is for Love: Made in NYC

Hello Baby,

Sometimes work days aren't much fun,

But you know what is?!

This cute little onsie from your Auntie Lisa and Uncle Cannon.

Gosh you are going to be so rotten!

This will explain why this is so stinkin cute!

XOXO-Mom

M is for Memories: Words from the Past

Hello Baby,

First off, happy happy 24 Weeks and 3 days old to you! 

This past weekend Mr. C and I went to visit my Mommy, Daddy, and your Uncle Kellan in Katy.

And you got to meet one of my very special friends, Auntie Alex, too.

She wants you to come visit her in Lafayette next year. We will go do boy things like fish and look for crabs.

isn't she pretty?!

Mom and I shopped a little for your nursery and looked through all my old books in the attic.

How cool is it that my Mom kept so many? So many of my favorites that I can now share with you.

(We filled 4 whole shopping bags!)

Some of the bindings and covers are torn and worn. And some are inscribed by loved ones.

There is something about the way the pages smell- like my childhood.

Here's some of my favorites I can't wait to read to you:

This was your Great Grandmother's, Judith Weisend. My Mom's Mom. She was a wonderful teacher.

She passed away from cancer. And I miss her everyday.

This reads: "To Judy, Like the grandmother in this book, you make geography fun for all of us! I'm sure you will teach your grandson geography like teaching your students and fellow teachers-with excitement and joy for learning. Fondly, Pat"

This was given to my by your Great Grammy B.

She wrote: "To Lauren, With Love from Grammy B-Remember when we read this together-so many times when you lived in Boston? I Love You :)"

A very cute book. With an original illustration from the artist, Jose Aruego.

This reads: "Sometimes good friends can't be together. But Lauren, you make sure that you, Mommy, and Daddy keep close to me! Happy Birthday! xxoo Jeff '89"



So very true about good friends and distance...

Another from Grammy B: "1991. Dear Lauren, I send this book to you to introduce you to an author that I hope you will grow to love-as does your Daddy-I'm sure Mommy, Daddy will read this to you many times and when I next come to Houston, I will read to you from these pages also. And someday you will be able to read all of Thoreau all by yourself. Hugs, Grammy B"

They just don't make books like this anymore. Lucky you.

XOXO- Mom

D is for Design: Corgi Mobile

Y'all. I hope you're sitting down.

Because I just found THE coolest baby mobile in the history of baby mobiles.

And it has to do with corgis. Yes, corgis.

Even the Queen thinks they are pretty cool...

(Royal Corgis)

Our corgis, Duke and Pip, are tied for second when it comes to loves of my life.

Obviously Mr. C comes first.

Basically, I can't remember what life was like before them.

Well, there was my hampster, Harold, but that was a bad break up. I'll leave it at that.

So you might imagine my complete and utter spaz moment

when I stumbled across this baby mobile on Etsy.

There won't be any buyers remorse on this one.

It is completely justified as to why Baby C has to have this.

XOXO-LC

M is for Manners: "No, I'm not having twins..."

So far, I've avoided most awkward social conversations and interactions regarding my pregnancy.

Welp. Yesterday the inevitable caught up with me.

Let's be honest, everyone has an occasional non-malicious verbal slip up every once in a while.

Regardless of raging hormones or not, it's important to remember that and forgive.

(from an all time favorite: Pregnant Chicken)

Here's how it played out:

Baby C was kicking a lot during my Monday meetings. (I know little guy, I hate Mundays too)

So in between conversations, I mentioned to everyone how cool it was that he was kicking.

"Person A" (who shall remain nameless) then asked casually when I was due.

"Feburary 1st. I can't wait!" I reminded her.

"Oh, having twins I see!" she replied.

(oh no she didn't!)

"Person A", who I work with daily, has known for weeks that

a) I'm having one child and b) seen all the sonograms.

What prompted her to word vomit while surrounded by our friends and collegues is beyond me.

She is a sarcastic person, but also a mother herself so um...no excuses.

I just smiled at her, ignored the comment, and then turned to continue listening to the presentation.

Later, while we were meeting one on one, she started to (kind of) apologize...

Saying, "Hey, I hope you didn't take offense to my comment earlier."

I looked at her and firmly said, "Well it wasn't exactly the nicest thing to say."

(shocking. I usually would have avoided conflict and shut my mouth)

Cue her to then start to profusely apologize. Which was (all in all) a really sweet apology.

I told her it was ok, but I really appreciated her saying that.

Lesson being:

a) People are crazy and will say/do ridiculous things while your pregnant.

(Like grab and shake your belly. Scrambled baby, wonderful...)

b) Don't take it all personally, BUT when justified, stick up for yourself in a calm, mature way.

c) Take a minute alone afterwards to re-group, forgive them, and move on with your day.

           You're having a sweet sweet baby who will love you, after all!

Although, next time, I wish I had more "you know whats" to say

something hilarious like this, and this, and this...

XOXO-LC

How To: Baby Registry 101

Last week I decided to tackle the baby registry.

I don't use "tackle" lightly because, to be honest, I was completely overwhelmed...

and I've done some serious homework.

It was like showing up for a pop quiz, having studied, and then having no idea where to start. Bah!

Regardless of the fact that this whole "having a baby" thing is totally new to me,

so are all of the million ba-jillion products that I "have to" have/will need

to keep my baby from being physically and emotionally deprived. Please.

Thank goodness Mr. C's sweet mom, Jeanie, was there to save the day!

(it was nothing a little practical motherly advice and a trip to Sonic couldn't handle)

Here's one of the better registry "Must Haves" lists that I referenced along the way.

And here's how the day ended up:

Stop 1: Babies on the Boulevard

I'm so lucky. My super stylish friend, Auntie Lauren, runs this ADORABLE speciality baby boutique.

(check out her amazing personal blog here)

Her place was the exception because this was the most fun I had while registering!

You go around the store like you have a free hall pass and grab all the cute little baby things

and there they go, right into your own personal registry basket. Literally.

This makes it so easy for your friends to then just grab an item or two

out of your basket and head straight to the register;

instead of going on a wild goose chase (and wasting several hours) just to find a pair of booties.

Definitely the "go-to" for registry fun and the perfect gifts!

Plus, she has hilarious pee pee teepees:

Stop 2: Buy Buy Baby

I choose BBB over all the other "big box" baby stores, like Babies R Us and Target

because their customer service and product range seemed to the best.

Although they do their best to make it simple, like providing a 20 pg handbook guide (forget it!),

we found that going crazy with the registry scanner was the most fun and practical use of our time.

Some favorites:

Stop 3: Baby List Online Registry

Ok, this makes my top 5 coolest baby stuff list.

This website is basically the Pintrest for baby registering.

I can try to explain it, but it's so simple that it's best if you just check it out for yourself.

Here's mine.

XOXO-LC

P is for Pregnancy: Week 23

Hello Baby,

Today you are 23 weeks old, exactly! 

I think you and I deserve a cupcake...or two...or twenty-three.

Week 23 Milestones:

• I now officially have a serious bump! (belly button still an "innie") I find myself rubbing my belly and talking to you all the time. I'm having to get more creative with my wardrobe...(see exhibit A below)
• Like clock work, I'm consistently getting up around 4am to use the facilities. (funny how your body starts preparing you for the lack of sleep!)
• You've been kicking and moving around a lot lately. Also at night. Thank you very much for that.
• The concept and design of your nursery is finally coming together. (Details soon!)
• Pizza Bagel Bites, White Cheddar popcorn, Bananas, and very cold grapes are all stocked in the kitchen.
• Your gender reveal announcements have finally been received and Mr. C has been flexing his muscles more than ever. It's really cute! (Details on the announcement DIY soon!)
• I have more energy and am truly happier than I've ever been!

(exhibit A)

Skinny Jeans: Old Navy Maternity; White Tank: Target; Tunic: Nordstrom (old); Gold Belt: White House/ Black Market (old); Heart and Arrow Necklaces: Stella and Dot in Gold

XOXO-Mom

D is for Design: One Kings Lane Baby Favorites

My sweet friend, Auntie Lisa, is always lookin out for me!

She texted me right on time tonight for me to take a peek at the

adorable baby/kid sale over at One Kings Lane thru this Sunday.

Here are some of my top picks:

(keep in mind, I have baby BOY on the brain!)

Virginia 4 Drawer Storage Unit $259

(wouldn't this be cute for clothes OR toys?)

Color Block Basket $45-85

Donald Chair, Clear Seat $79

(knock off Herman Miller)

"My Sunshine" Pillow, Yellow $49

Pom Pom Throw $39

Custom Sandwich Making Set $15

(because this is just too hilarious and cute!)

Plush Rocking Horse $69

(Mr. C would prefer a real horse, but this will have to do)

Architectural Elements Block Set $19

(because blocks were one of my favorite toys)

Robot March Sleep Sack $39

(These are apparently awesome)

Blue Alligator Newborn Gown $18

(Forget those annoying snaps while changing diapers. Genius)

What are you still doing here?! Hurry over to One Kings Lane!

XOXO-LC

F is for Food: Greek Pita Pockets

Surprisingly, aside from my occasional Flammin Hot Cheetos cravings,

(don't judge me!)

I very often crave a healthy meal!

In fact, lately, I've been wanting fruit and veggies like crazy.

Below is one of my stand by (and super easy!) lunch recipes.

(and afterwards, I don't feel like I have a food baby too!)

Ingredients:

(makes about 2-3 pita pocket halves)

• 1) Whole Wheat Pita Pocket, cut in half
• 1/4 c. Fat Free Feta Cheese Crumbles
• 1/2 of a Green Pepper, chopped
• 1/2 of a Large Hothouse Cucumber, seeded
• 3 Green Onions, chopped
• 2-3 tbsp. Brianna's Real French Vinaigrette Dressing
• 1 c. cherry tomatoes, cut in half

Directions:

Cut cherry tomatoes in half. Chop green pepper and scallions. Use half of cucumber. Then cut that in half again. Use a spoon to core out the seeds. Chop the cucumber. Throw everything into a bowl. Add feta cheese and dressing to taste. Warm pita pocket halves in 350 degree oven. Once slightly cool, fill pockets with veggie mix.

Little Baby C loves this one- you will too!

Enjoy!

XOXO-LC

We can't wait to meet you!

Hello Baby,

A couple weeks ago we went in for our 20 week doctor appointment.

aka the MOST important visit yet!

Because not only did we find out if you're healthy and happy in there,

but if you're a BOY or GIRL!

(eeeeek!)

It was like freaking Christmas Eve the night before...but even better! Yes that's possible. 

We couldn't sleep we were so excited to see and hear your little heart beat again,

especially since the last time you were only 9 weeks old!

So in honor of the big reveal, Mr. C wore a pink and blue striped tie that morning.

BUT, once we knew after the ultrasound, he planned on switching it out

for the appropriate solid color tie:

Here's me in the waiting room right before the sonogram:

My cheeks hurt I was so happy/excited/freaked out/anxious.

(I know, I'm a cheese ball)

So after taking a million pictures just like this of me in the waiting room,

we finally got to go back and start the ultrasound.

And it was SO COOL!

We could see you moving around and sucking your thumb.

After we made sure you're healthy and growing on schedule, we went to check your gender.

I'm pretty sure I was squeezing Mr. C's hand so hard.

Based on my symptoms all the weeks prior, we both thought you you'd be a GIRL.

Boy oh Boy were we....WRONG!!!

(cue happy happy tears)

Here's Mr. C right after the appointment, on the way back to the office:

Little man, we can't wait to meet you!

XOXO-Mom