Frothy Cup o’ Love

Today my friend Camila (who is in her first trimester with her second child) and I went to get pedicures at our favorite spot in the Inner Sunset. We figured it was a good preggo activity and possibly the last chance I’d have before giving birth. We ordered decaf coffees and my cappuccino came with possibly the most perfect heart I’d ever seen. Usually the baristas try for the heart or a leaf but end up with a smeared milky dollop. I couldn’t help but be reminded of the little Valentine growing inside me, wondering when she would choose to enter the world.

Over the past couple weeks, I’ve been seen at UCSF for fetal monitoring. They strap a belt around my belly and listen to Isla’s heart rate and measure her movements. So far, everything is looking okay, but they are a little concerned about the low level of amniotic fluid. Everyone seems to be saying that it would be good if I could go into labor sooner rather than later. I said, well, I’ll try, but ultimately it’s up to her!

At the nail salon, a woman asked when I was due. I said “any day now” since I’m convinved she won’t come on the 23rd and with any luck, might very well come early. We got to chatting and it turns out she had a home birth with Nancy Myrick too! Her first two children were born in hospitals, but for her third she opted for the home and couldn’t express enough how much better the experience had been. I didn’t need any convincing about Nancy’s expert care, but it was still nice to hear. She also said that she had gotten a pedicure late in her pregnancy and the next day she gave birth. Guess we’ll see if it works for me!

Heart-Shaped Worry Stone

Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve kept this heart-shaped worry stone in this valentine garden box. It has been residing in my home town of Coronado, CA in a cedar chest that Auntie Chic (Harriet Chieko Tanaka) gave to me upon her passing several years ago. It occurred to me suddenly one day that I wanted to feel the smooth oval thumb print once more, and I couldn’t help but find the shape of the stone and design of the box uncannily fitting. Luckily, my mother was making a trip up to SF for the baby shower, so she found them and brought them to me. Perhaps they will make an appearance during Isla’s birth. Or, at the very least, a token in some future jewelry box of memories and mementos.

Little i

My friend Camila found these. Neither of us are sure what the “i” is supposed to stand for, but we both like the connotations of OUR “Little I”–especially with the valentine motif!

Isla Valentine’s Shower

Camila, a good friend, and Karin, Alika’s Mom, helped plan Isla Valentine’s baby shower, which took place at the Cocomoon on Saturday, March 28, 2009, 12:30pm.

Baby “Valentine” sweet hearts were presented with cute baby sayings like “peek-a-boo,” “baby talk,” “cutie pie,” etc.

Baby shoe candles were displayed along with others in the shapes of bottles and buggies.

I liked the valentines in this “It’s a Girl” baby mobile.

Camila’s homemade strawberry cupcakes were a big hit.

The spread was tasty on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

Bo, Nicole, Mason, and Camila arrived, among others.

Mason with a “poopy” chocolate diaper. We each had to guess which candy bar was in which diaper. Alika was close, but Nicole took home the prize–a spring flower pot. Bo won the prize for getting the most correct baby animal names, and Netta won for the closest guess as to Alika’s waistline. Camila won the drawing!

Many beautiful gifts were received. Pictured, is one of Netta’s famous bows.

One of the gifts was a soft, fleece blanket made by Gramma-to-be, Karin.

Mom can’t wait to welcome in the little one!

Look at all this loot! What generous friends and family we have! Thank you, everyone!

Is this what our future child will look like?

Valentine Belly