Brian heard baby's heartbeat for the first time last night... it was amazing. My eyes are welling up just thinking about that little life that's growing inside of me... a palm-sized Laci/Brian hybrid. Little eyes, little nose, little mouth. Soon, we will be able to hold this little person we've created. We'll be charged with taking care of him or her an making sure that life is as beautiful and safe and sweet as it can be.
I can't wait, and I want to put it off as long as I can.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Strollin' Down the Street
After much perusing and finally some hardcore comparison shopping the past two days, I think we've found "the one." Introducing Baby LeBlanc's pimpin' ride... the Graco Alano Flip-It Travel System in Pagoda.
Graco is tried and true and recommended by friends and family. (A special thanks to all my Facebook helpers.) The Flip-It design allows baby to face either way, and it's a slightly more compact approach than most travel systems. It also stands upright when you fold it, making storage and set up that much easier. The price point has left me in disbelief, since I was expecting to spend way more. AND I love that the colors are what we are thinking about for the nursery: teal, yellow, gray. Bottom line, it has great reviews and just seems to fit.
Phew! That was tough. At least I know the diapers will be easier, thanks to that Treehugger blog post so many years ago. ;)
<3
Graco is tried and true and recommended by friends and family. (A special thanks to all my Facebook helpers.) The Flip-It design allows baby to face either way, and it's a slightly more compact approach than most travel systems. It also stands upright when you fold it, making storage and set up that much easier. The price point has left me in disbelief, since I was expecting to spend way more. AND I love that the colors are what we are thinking about for the nursery: teal, yellow, gray. Bottom line, it has great reviews and just seems to fit.
Phew! That was tough. At least I know the diapers will be easier, thanks to that Treehugger blog post so many years ago. ;)
<3
Time to Get Busy
Planning, that is. I had a nice chat with mom the other day, in which we talked a little about mine and Brian's desires to raise baby in true "LeeBlank style." Brian and I are many things, separately and individually. And naturally, our loves, our beliefs and our views on this crazy world we live in will be presented to our child, whom we will do our best to raise with an open mind and heart. But as we plan for baby and are bombarded with pack 'n' plays and diaper genies and wipe warmers and plastic-y toys with lights and sirens, one LeeBlank lifestyle choice stands out more than the others: we are "do-ers," not "have-ers."
There is a reason we blissfully fork over our hard-earned money for rent every month, we only own one TV and we can fit all our seldom-used belongings in a couple of plastic bins. Our American dream is different than most people's. It involves a vintage travel trailer and pit stops across the country. We love to adventure and explore and experience and make memories. And most of our belongings reflect that, from my old records and Granny's homemade foot stool to Brian's fossils and coffee table books on space to bags of worthless, but beautiful, self-mined gemstones and mounds of photographs documenting the first two and a half decades of our lives. We want to surround our baby with the same types of things. Things that will make little LeBlanc happy. Things that are nature-friendly and fit our adventurous lifestyle. Things that will facilitate learning and creativity and exploring.
So, wish us luck as we venture on to diapers and car seats and strollers and the like... and if you have any ideas... please don't hesitate to send them our way!
<3 The Three of Us
There is a reason we blissfully fork over our hard-earned money for rent every month, we only own one TV and we can fit all our seldom-used belongings in a couple of plastic bins. Our American dream is different than most people's. It involves a vintage travel trailer and pit stops across the country. We love to adventure and explore and experience and make memories. And most of our belongings reflect that, from my old records and Granny's homemade foot stool to Brian's fossils and coffee table books on space to bags of worthless, but beautiful, self-mined gemstones and mounds of photographs documenting the first two and a half decades of our lives. We want to surround our baby with the same types of things. Things that will make little LeBlanc happy. Things that are nature-friendly and fit our adventurous lifestyle. Things that will facilitate learning and creativity and exploring.
So, wish us luck as we venture on to diapers and car seats and strollers and the like... and if you have any ideas... please don't hesitate to send them our way!
<3 The Three of Us
Friday, March 5, 2010
15 Down, Only [gulp] 25 to Go...
I have astonished myself with my own blog post title today. While neither catchy nor cute, I can't change it now. It's the source of an epiphany of sorts. 15 weeks in, and only 25 weeks to go... and we are nowhere closer to prepared to be parental units than we were a year ago. Or at least it feels that way.
I feel like a lazy bum, to be honest. And an unfashionable one at that. I have basically nothing to wear, and maternity style is not exactly what I had hoped it would be. I pictured cute dresses and cardigans and leggings and jeans and fitted t-shirts to show off a cute belly (which must still be hiding under this flabby excuse for a baby bump!) So far no clothes look as good as I thought they might. I keep saying to myself, "Once summer gets here, and I can get out and play and swim, I'll look and feel better." And perhaps that's true... but the 85 degree heat and sun of last February that blessed us with its presence on arrive-in-houston-and-move-in-to-a-third-floor-apartment-without-the-help-of-the-broken-elevator day is nowhere to be found. So I teeter between nausea and headache and constipation on the couch, doing laundry, rearranging closets and looking online... instead of out in the open where I should be exercising, fishing and just enjoying God's green earth. Stir crazy much?
So, I have decided that this weekend, I am going to leave the apartment for more than just grocery shopping, no matter what. It's supposed to be gorgeous and 70ish all weekend, so I am hoping to walk over to the park, feed the ducks and take a nice, long walk. Saturday, I am going to go down to the Heights and make a day of getting to know this as-of-yet unresearched section of our city. It will probably be my favorite place in Houston thus far (as the fishing all takes place in Galveston, technically.) I am ashamed I haven't checked it out yet. Then Sunday, I am going to get serious about the state of our future mini roomie's digs. Task numero uno is to find a place for everything else that is currently in the room. This means organizing the garage. Luckily, we don't have any real storage in there yet, so it's just a matter of convincing husband to help me move some heavy stuff downstairs and arranging it in a way that is conducive to my OCD organizing demons.
I can do this. I know I can. It's time for energy to return and the outdoors and I to reconnect. Before I go freaking insane.
I feel like a lazy bum, to be honest. And an unfashionable one at that. I have basically nothing to wear, and maternity style is not exactly what I had hoped it would be. I pictured cute dresses and cardigans and leggings and jeans and fitted t-shirts to show off a cute belly (which must still be hiding under this flabby excuse for a baby bump!) So far no clothes look as good as I thought they might. I keep saying to myself, "Once summer gets here, and I can get out and play and swim, I'll look and feel better." And perhaps that's true... but the 85 degree heat and sun of last February that blessed us with its presence on arrive-in-houston-and-move-in-to-a-third-floor-apartment-without-the-help-of-the-broken-elevator day is nowhere to be found. So I teeter between nausea and headache and constipation on the couch, doing laundry, rearranging closets and looking online... instead of out in the open where I should be exercising, fishing and just enjoying God's green earth. Stir crazy much?
So, I have decided that this weekend, I am going to leave the apartment for more than just grocery shopping, no matter what. It's supposed to be gorgeous and 70ish all weekend, so I am hoping to walk over to the park, feed the ducks and take a nice, long walk. Saturday, I am going to go down to the Heights and make a day of getting to know this as-of-yet unresearched section of our city. It will probably be my favorite place in Houston thus far (as the fishing all takes place in Galveston, technically.) I am ashamed I haven't checked it out yet. Then Sunday, I am going to get serious about the state of our future mini roomie's digs. Task numero uno is to find a place for everything else that is currently in the room. This means organizing the garage. Luckily, we don't have any real storage in there yet, so it's just a matter of convincing husband to help me move some heavy stuff downstairs and arranging it in a way that is conducive to my OCD organizing demons.
I can do this. I know I can. It's time for energy to return and the outdoors and I to reconnect. Before I go freaking insane.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
14 Weeks and Counting
First of all, let me apologize for abandoning the ol' blog yet again. It's been many weeks since the last post, I am well aware, but pregnancy is no piece of cake!
Today is the 14 week mark, and we are getting more and more excited about little LeBlanc joining us. Apparently, he or she is the size of a lemon now. I, on the other hand, feel like I am the size of a whale.
In reality, my lower belly is expanding only slightly. I have gained about 6 or 7 pounds at this point. I am pretty much condemned to only my elasticized maternity jeans, even though they are a little big. Thank you, Motherhood Maternity, for making one cute pair of fatty jeans, even if you don't make them in long lengths. I went for the pair with only the stretchy, jean-material waistband, instead of that giant piece of fabric that covers your belly. At $40 a pair, this bargain shopper had a mini panic attack at the check out counter. Luckily, my summer wardrobe consists mainly of dresses, even when not pregnant, so two pairs should cover me.
At least they size them based on pre-pregnancy sizing,
so I got to walk out with a medium.
Small victories, people. Small victories.
The nausea and vomiting are mostly gone. (Unfortunately, when the two do make an appearance, it is a violent experience, reminiscent of an exorcism.) Heartburn arrived yesterday afternoon, which I am not excited about, and I'm still really tired after a long day's work at the office and at home. I think the worst of it are the digestive issues, which I already experienced pre-pregnancy. Who knew they could get so much worse? And the award for "Most Annoying Pregnancy Symptom" goes to difficulty sleeping, so far. (You know how I love my sleep.) But, overall I feel great compared to the first 11 weeks, and I cannot thank the Lord enough for that.
Maybe now we can really get into the groove of preparing for a new, miniature roommate. Save one bib and a halfway clean spare room, Brian and I have been at a loss as to where to begin. Thankfully, our family and friends have been sending us adorable gifts for baby, so his or her room isn't completely empty...
A "Welcome Baby" Plaque from Nana Barbara and Papaw Billy...
not exactly like the one above, but close. Prettier, actually, with more colors.
A duck layette set from Auntie Lindsay... doesn't that sound weird?
I think I am most excited about the booties!
And this one is for me, I suppose... You - Having a Baby by Dr. Oz (and friend.)
Nana M and Papaw Don sent me this one, and so far it's a good read.
We also received a beautiful ornament from Betty, which I will take a picture of and post if I can remember.
We are so thankful for our family and friends and all their love and support. This whole experience, as I'm sure any mother will tell you, is wonderful... and a little overwhelming. I can't wait to thank you all in person for your gifts, tangible and otherwise.
Speaking of which, I booked my flight home this week. I will arrive late Thursday, March 18 and head out Monday, March 22. I know that isn't much time, but I am going to do my best to see everyone... pencil me in!
Brian won't be able to join me this trip, but for good reason. He has recently been promoted at work (again!) and is now learning how to spray herbicides and pesticides, a task that no one has ever done at PGMS with the exception of the owner. GO HUSBAND! He also got a company laptop, business cards, his own set of clients and another raise. Unfortunately, this means he will be working even more than he already does, but the extra money will surely help with our new addition. And his boss is a family man himself and has expressed his excitement for Brian and me as we prepare for baby. Brian is cleared to go to every doctor's appointment and has been "ordered" to plan on taking at least a week off once baby arrives. What a relief in an industry where compassion is not the most prominent of features, right?
I love this picture. SO Brian.
I guess that's all for now. Look for another update sooner than the last... promise.
<3 Laci, Brian and Baby
Today is the 14 week mark, and we are getting more and more excited about little LeBlanc joining us. Apparently, he or she is the size of a lemon now. I, on the other hand, feel like I am the size of a whale.
In reality, my lower belly is expanding only slightly. I have gained about 6 or 7 pounds at this point. I am pretty much condemned to only my elasticized maternity jeans, even though they are a little big. Thank you, Motherhood Maternity, for making one cute pair of fatty jeans, even if you don't make them in long lengths. I went for the pair with only the stretchy, jean-material waistband, instead of that giant piece of fabric that covers your belly. At $40 a pair, this bargain shopper had a mini panic attack at the check out counter. Luckily, my summer wardrobe consists mainly of dresses, even when not pregnant, so two pairs should cover me.
At least they size them based on pre-pregnancy sizing,so I got to walk out with a medium.
Small victories, people. Small victories.
The nausea and vomiting are mostly gone. (Unfortunately, when the two do make an appearance, it is a violent experience, reminiscent of an exorcism.) Heartburn arrived yesterday afternoon, which I am not excited about, and I'm still really tired after a long day's work at the office and at home. I think the worst of it are the digestive issues, which I already experienced pre-pregnancy. Who knew they could get so much worse? And the award for "Most Annoying Pregnancy Symptom" goes to difficulty sleeping, so far. (You know how I love my sleep.) But, overall I feel great compared to the first 11 weeks, and I cannot thank the Lord enough for that.
Maybe now we can really get into the groove of preparing for a new, miniature roommate. Save one bib and a halfway clean spare room, Brian and I have been at a loss as to where to begin. Thankfully, our family and friends have been sending us adorable gifts for baby, so his or her room isn't completely empty...
A "Welcome Baby" Plaque from Nana Barbara and Papaw Billy...not exactly like the one above, but close. Prettier, actually, with more colors.
A duck layette set from Auntie Lindsay... doesn't that sound weird?I think I am most excited about the booties!
And this one is for me, I suppose... You - Having a Baby by Dr. Oz (and friend.)Nana M and Papaw Don sent me this one, and so far it's a good read.
We also received a beautiful ornament from Betty, which I will take a picture of and post if I can remember.
We are so thankful for our family and friends and all their love and support. This whole experience, as I'm sure any mother will tell you, is wonderful... and a little overwhelming. I can't wait to thank you all in person for your gifts, tangible and otherwise.
Speaking of which, I booked my flight home this week. I will arrive late Thursday, March 18 and head out Monday, March 22. I know that isn't much time, but I am going to do my best to see everyone... pencil me in!
Brian won't be able to join me this trip, but for good reason. He has recently been promoted at work (again!) and is now learning how to spray herbicides and pesticides, a task that no one has ever done at PGMS with the exception of the owner. GO HUSBAND! He also got a company laptop, business cards, his own set of clients and another raise. Unfortunately, this means he will be working even more than he already does, but the extra money will surely help with our new addition. And his boss is a family man himself and has expressed his excitement for Brian and me as we prepare for baby. Brian is cleared to go to every doctor's appointment and has been "ordered" to plan on taking at least a week off once baby arrives. What a relief in an industry where compassion is not the most prominent of features, right?
I love this picture. SO Brian.I guess that's all for now. Look for another update sooner than the last... promise.
<3 Laci, Brian and Baby
Friday, January 29, 2010
A Thirty-One Baby
Contrary to my high expectations for myself, I haven't really gotten into this Thirty-One thing full throttle yet. That's not ideal for several reasons, including the fact that if I don't sell $200 worth of product every three months, I get put on "inactive" status. HOWEVER, with a baby on the way, having to make up the difference of a less-than-$200 order becomes a pleasurable endeavor!
I decided that I would use my less-than-stellar sales to get started on a basic diaper bag. I started with the adult backpack in classy Bubble Quilt. It's probably not big enough for an all-day outing, but it will be perfect for a trip to the grocery store or a morning at church. (Disclaimer: This is all an absolute guess, as I have no idea what I'm getting into with a baby.) I also ordered the matching zip-around pouch. I figured it would be a good place to put ointment and stuff, right?
Thirty-One also has super-cute kid stuff: changing pads, bibs, etc. Since we don't know the sex of the baby yet, I decided to go with the unisex Green Giraffe motif. I ordered the paci keeper, zipper pouch and changing pad. (Mom also ordered me the organizer tote in this pattern... added bonus! Thanks, momma!)
So, what do you think? Good choices? It's funny how these little opportunities to buy baby things have come up. I really wasn't planning on starting quite so early. In addition to paying for doctor's visits and my 10% of what is sure to be a massive delivery bill, I also have a lot of learning and growing to do before I transform the spare bedroom into a nursery. In fact, I had a mini panic attack when I saw a post about "tummy time" earlier. I get the point, but when do you start doing that? How often? For how long? OH GEES.
I also realized that one of the best ways to learn is to peruse the internet, which also exposes you to a bunch of "stuff." Hell, I have known what type of diapers I am going to use since long before we got pregnant simply because my favorite blog, Treehugger, posted about g diapers years ago. (Perhaps I'll blog about those next?)
So, I anticipate I will posting a lot about both the process and the stuff. Hope you're ready for the onslaught of commentary... and in some cases, cries for help, I'm sure.
I decided that I would use my less-than-stellar sales to get started on a basic diaper bag. I started with the adult backpack in classy Bubble Quilt. It's probably not big enough for an all-day outing, but it will be perfect for a trip to the grocery store or a morning at church. (Disclaimer: This is all an absolute guess, as I have no idea what I'm getting into with a baby.) I also ordered the matching zip-around pouch. I figured it would be a good place to put ointment and stuff, right?
Thirty-One also has super-cute kid stuff: changing pads, bibs, etc. Since we don't know the sex of the baby yet, I decided to go with the unisex Green Giraffe motif. I ordered the paci keeper, zipper pouch and changing pad. (Mom also ordered me the organizer tote in this pattern... added bonus! Thanks, momma!)
So, what do you think? Good choices? It's funny how these little opportunities to buy baby things have come up. I really wasn't planning on starting quite so early. In addition to paying for doctor's visits and my 10% of what is sure to be a massive delivery bill, I also have a lot of learning and growing to do before I transform the spare bedroom into a nursery. In fact, I had a mini panic attack when I saw a post about "tummy time" earlier. I get the point, but when do you start doing that? How often? For how long? OH GEES.
I also realized that one of the best ways to learn is to peruse the internet, which also exposes you to a bunch of "stuff." Hell, I have known what type of diapers I am going to use since long before we got pregnant simply because my favorite blog, Treehugger, posted about g diapers years ago. (Perhaps I'll blog about those next?)
So, I anticipate I will posting a lot about both the process and the stuff. Hope you're ready for the onslaught of commentary... and in some cases, cries for help, I'm sure.
Just call me a cow...
... cause I got Udder Covers! Mommy-hood comes with some killer discount emails, so I scored one for $5. How cool is that? It was actually a gift set, so it came with a nursing bracelet and some breast pads.
Sure, it may not have been the first thing on my list to buy... or maybe I didn't even know these things existed, if I'm being honest. But it seems like a FANTASTIC idea to me, and you can't beat that price. All I had to do was enter the code "expecting" and pay shipping and handling.
Now, no one will be able to see my "udders" while I nurse. :)
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Uncle Cory & Aunt Ashley
Baby LeBlanc got his or her first present in the mail yesterday from Uncle Cory and Aunt Ashley! Doesn't it just SCREAM "I'm Brian and Laci's kid!" They also sent a matching little toboggan with a peace sign on it (that I couldn't find a picture of) and a sweet card.
Thank you both, for thinking of us and baby. Love you, miss you and hope to see you VERY soon. All we need is a plane ticket, right? ;)
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Oooh Baby Baby, Oooh Baby Baby!
Well, I have successfully abandoned this blog, I guess. But for VERY good reason. In addition to the hustle and bustle of our glorious trip home for the holidays, I have been exhausted, sick and just plain uninterested in getting on the computer after a long day's work.... making a baby, that is!
Yep, you heard me right! After a looooong trip home full of extra stops for me to throw up, we knew something was up. And.... TADA! Brian and I are proud to announce that Baby LeBlanc is currently hanging out in my belly, set to join us outside the womb at the end of August!
Can you make out the head on the right and the little legs on the left? How bout the tail between the legs? (No, it's not a pee-pee.) The ultrasound was taken last Thursday at 9 weeks, and the little one measures perfectly. While we couldn't hear the heartbeat quite yet, we did SEE his little heart beating on the screen. When they measured it, it was right on track, too, at 153 beats per minute.
Now, at 10 weeks, he or she is about the size of prune and growing every single day. All the while, this soon-to-be mommy is feeling every last bit of the rapid development of the first trimester. Nausea - check. Vomiting - check. Even more fatigued than usual - check. Potty breaks even more often than usual - check. But every symptom is a good sign that things are working just like they are supposed to, so I am trying to remember it's a good thing!
I wanna send a quick shout-out to my husband, who has been so wonderful so far. In addition to taking wonderful care of me, even after a long, tiresome day's work, he has also taken on everything I have had to abandon, i.e. dirty dishes. He lets me fall asleep at 7. He makes me lemonade from scratch so I don't have to drink more plain water. He makes dinner when I feel crappy. He is the best husband ever, and he is going to be such a great dad!
For now, we are trying to wrap our minds around this beautiful, scary, exciting event, not sure of the details or what comes next. (Thank goodness for the internet!) But we do know that we have the love, support and prayers of all our family and friends. And we know that God will provide for us as we take on the physical, relational and financial challenges to come.
Thanks for sharing in our joy!
<3 Laci, Brian and Baby LeBlanc
Yep, you heard me right! After a looooong trip home full of extra stops for me to throw up, we knew something was up. And.... TADA! Brian and I are proud to announce that Baby LeBlanc is currently hanging out in my belly, set to join us outside the womb at the end of August!
Can you make out the head on the right and the little legs on the left? How bout the tail between the legs? (No, it's not a pee-pee.) The ultrasound was taken last Thursday at 9 weeks, and the little one measures perfectly. While we couldn't hear the heartbeat quite yet, we did SEE his little heart beating on the screen. When they measured it, it was right on track, too, at 153 beats per minute.
Now, at 10 weeks, he or she is about the size of prune and growing every single day. All the while, this soon-to-be mommy is feeling every last bit of the rapid development of the first trimester. Nausea - check. Vomiting - check. Even more fatigued than usual - check. Potty breaks even more often than usual - check. But every symptom is a good sign that things are working just like they are supposed to, so I am trying to remember it's a good thing!
I wanna send a quick shout-out to my husband, who has been so wonderful so far. In addition to taking wonderful care of me, even after a long, tiresome day's work, he has also taken on everything I have had to abandon, i.e. dirty dishes. He lets me fall asleep at 7. He makes me lemonade from scratch so I don't have to drink more plain water. He makes dinner when I feel crappy. He is the best husband ever, and he is going to be such a great dad!
For now, we are trying to wrap our minds around this beautiful, scary, exciting event, not sure of the details or what comes next. (Thank goodness for the internet!) But we do know that we have the love, support and prayers of all our family and friends. And we know that God will provide for us as we take on the physical, relational and financial challenges to come.
Thanks for sharing in our joy!
<3 Laci, Brian and Baby LeBlanc
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Let It Snow!
Yes, that's right... I said SNOW. They are calling for that beautifully frozen precipitation here tomorrow, and I can't wait to see how Houston reacts (and drives!) Honestly, I'd prefer 70 degrees and sunny.
This was just a quick update to let you know that I have another review up HERE, at Stereo Subversion. I'm super busy with work and freelancing, but I'll be sure to post about Mom and Nana's Thanksgiving visit soon.
<3
This was just a quick update to let you know that I have another review up HERE, at Stereo Subversion. I'm super busy with work and freelancing, but I'll be sure to post about Mom and Nana's Thanksgiving visit soon.
<3
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