mom-mode post # 30 - on sleeping on a bed

A few weeks ago we purchased a bed at Ikea. After a five hour drive back home, and many hours of my husband's hard work putting it together, we realized we had the wrong-size bed.
We don't have a car here, so it is not as easy as hop on the car and go exchange it. We had to take a train. Hubby took the bed apart and carefully put it back in the boxes, just the way it came. I love his OCDness (most of the time!). A friend helped him load the heavy boxes onto the train. I watched.:)
Five hours later, we arrive at the big city, boxes in tow. Another friend comes to pick us up and takes us straight to Ikea. But what do you know, thye don't have what we need! Hop in the van and drive to the other side of town, to the other Ikea. We get what we need, drive back, get stuck in traffic and just barely make it to the 5:30 train. We got home close to 11 o'clock and exhausted. The next morning more-than-I-ever-asked-for-hubby gets to work and puts the bed together. It's perfect!
Needless to say, I appreciate the comforts of this bed and cannot take it for granted. My pregnant back was struggling after a month or so of sleeping on a mattress.
Our bedroom is slowly coming together. We're still missing a few things on the wall and maybe a big wardrobe ( they don't have closets here). But the blue walls make it feel so peaceful and the bed, so comfy.

mom-mode post #29 - on decorating for Christmas and my 27 weeks belly

So there it is folks, my rounder-than-ever face and belly!
Outfit courtesy of my sweet friends who are letting me borrow their maternity clothes. I came back home from Thanksgiving break with a suitcase full of cute outfits. So no worries, the world will not have to see me in maternity overalls. Unless I get too big for all the cute stuff I got.
While in the big city, I also picked out materials for my baby's curtains. You know, everything here starts with the curtains. So I figured I'd be cultural and do the same. I have no other piece of furniture. But I'm excited to finally get started in his room.

A little bit homesick today. But it shall pass.



~ 27 weeks ~

mom-post # 28 - on how he's gonna look like his daddy

Sorry for the lack of belly pics lately. I've been busy being pregnant and adjusting to a new country, you know. But life is good and baby boy is doing awesome ( at least that's what the doctor said). We got to see him last week, all happy and fat -- I really think he was smiling at us! It was too sweet.

We are also certain he is going to have his daddy's nose and lips. It was very clear on the ultrasound. I know he's going to be just as handsome as his daddy. That makes me happy.

It is also fun to imagine if he's going to be pasty white or if he's going have olive skin like mine. If he's hair is going to be dark brown or light brown... I can't wait to meet him! (and maybe by then we'll give him a name).

I'm 27 weeks today, which means next week I'll start my third trimester. Where has time gone?

No belly pics today -- I'm having a fat day.:)

Instead is a shot of my friend's table, where we spent Thanksgiving. We had such a great time.

mom-mode post #27 - on carrying my very own pumpkin.

My pumpkin and me!
In our still rather empty living room. We are waiting on our couches to be delievered. They said two weeks. We are hoping they meant it.:)
This is my favorite maternity dress. And about the only thing in my closet that fits me at the moment.
I need to go shopping. Wish me luck. The only maternity store I've seen around here had a mannequim sporting maternity overalls. If I can't find another store, looks like I'll be trying to bring the overall look back. Yikes.

~ 25 weeks ~

Mom-mode post # 26 - on how I carry happiness in my belly

I was walking down the city center the other day. Taking in the sights and trying to catch a word or two that I could understand. I suddenly caught a glimpse of my image reflected on one of the shop windows, bringing me out of my cross-cultural daze.
My bump was clearly poking out, showing itself to the world. I sighed deeply, taking in that sweet moment, realizing that I'm carrying happiness in my belly.
But before I get too corny here and lose my "cool" reputation (and shed a tear or two), here's a picture of the realization of my craving for Chinese food. I think I devoured that carton in less than 5 minutes!
Please note the backdrop: my pink, cream and black kitchen. Despite its color scheme, it is the best kitchen I could have possibly asked for! I love cooking in there. But even the perfect kitchen needs a day (or two) off sometimes. So yay for chinese take-out.

mom-mode post #25 - on picking out a baby book

So baby boy doesn't have a name yet. But you know, hubby and I have been otherwise engaged with some urgent matters lately. Like picking out his baby book.

I'm a lover of pretty papers and all things stationary, so I want to pick out something really stylish and classy, yet at the same time affordable.

I have searched endlessly online and I'm having a hard time finding something that I dub suitable for my baby boy. After all, I want to teach him early on about good design, clean lines and no "fru-fru-ness". It seems all I can find for a baby boy is something in powder blue with Winnie the Pooh on it. (no offense to Pooh, I like him, I just don't want my baby stuff to have Pooh (or Tiger) all over it!).

Not only the outside look is important, as well as the inside pages. They must have plenty of space to write and put pictures on it, plus they also must have a smart beautiful design. No little angels or baby bottles, please.

Mothers everywhere (and non-mothers alike), any suggestions? I would fully appreciate your help in this very important matter.:)