What's in a Baby Shower?

I have spent the last two weekends celebrating Baby Boy Jennings, first in Dallas, then in Atlanta, with many of my nearest and dearest family and friends. Thank you to my wonderful hostesses for throwing two fabulous parties, and to everyone who was able to join me in the festivities. In Dallas, we indulged in petit fours topped with blue booties and in Atlanta, in Gigi’s Cupcakes. Surpise takeaway? My favorite childhood book, The Giving Tree, signed by all shower guests with sweet notes for Baby Boy Jennings and his mommy-to-be. Most popular gift? Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether. And remember Pure Barre Dallas client Claire Christensen's advice on registering and returning? She was absolutely right! Don't be afraid to return or exchange. All three of our registries are almost complete. Baby Boy Jennings is one lucky boy! 

Dallas Hostesses  

Atlanta Hostesses

"Mommy Wars"

Being an expectant mother can be a little bit overwhelming at times. It’s easy to get caught up in the debate over the latest parenting style, recommended sleep training method, or appropriate age to register (or preregister!) your child for preschool. I recently came across a blog post that helped put things in perspective. When it comes to my hopes for Baby Boy Jennings, I couldn’t agree more. 

"Am I Mom Enough? A Motherhood Wish List"

25 weeks down, 15 to go!

What I’ve learned so far: 

Indulge (in moderation). If you never give in to cravings, you’re bound to overindulge at some point. I passed Society Bakery on my way home from my 24-week appointment last Thursday and just had to have a frosted, sugar cookie. I’ve tried to approach pregnancy from the Weight Watchers perspective. If you want a cookie, have it. Just limit yourself to one and remember that’s your dessert for the day. 

(Flower sugar cookie, courtesy of Society Bakery, makes for a very happy Thursday!) 

Exercise. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists recommends 30 minutes of exercise a day on most days of the week, if not all. I swear by Pure Barre. It’s kept my mind calm, my body flexible, and my arms, core, and legs strong, even as my belly has continued to expand.

Pregnancy brain is a real thing. No joke. I find that I am increasingly more forgetful and careless with each passing day. When it happens, apologize. Most people are understanding. 

People will begin to offer you assistance. The checkout woman at PetSmart may offer to carry the dog food to the car for you. A stranger may offer to give up their seat for you. Now is not the time to be entirely selfless. Say yes and thank you. You have the rest of motherhood to do for others.

Trust the advice of other new mothers. New moms are eager to share their experiences, so don’t be afraid to ask. Very quickly you will learn that few things are too personal or off limits. 

Be creative with non-alcoholic drinks. Sparkling water with cranberry juice or ginger ale in a tumbler looks an awful lot like a cocktail. Want something tasty? Virgin daiquiris taste like smoothies, and I’d forgotten how yummy a Shirley Temple actually is. 

Having a baby is a life changer. Hearing his heartbeat and feeling those first faint kicks took my breath away. Through this journey, I have fallen more in love with Luke than I thought possible. And come September, I am absolutely certain that we will be ready for the ride of a lifetime. 

Highlights of a BabyMoon, Curtain Bluff, Antigua

Last week, Luke and I “babymooned” at Curtain Bluff in Antigua. We swam, soaked up the sun, and ate much too much. My philosophy? What I can’t drink in calories, I can certainly consume in chocolate croissants! The most memorable part of our vacation: truly feeling Baby Boy Jennings kick. What started as faint flutters, quickly became strong, little punches and kicks. Luke was even able to feel and see the tiny movements. Officially 24 weeks pregnant, feeling him move is one of the greatest highlights of pregnancy. Here are a few pictures from our vacation...