our beautiful blossom was born.

tuesday,
september 21, 2010 at 6:49am

we welcomed our beautiful daughter,

chloe elizabeth locklin 

into the world.

weighing 6lbs. 12oz.
19 inches long

before this moment we could only imagined how much we would love her.  the true magnitude can't be put into words.  she is pure joy.

the perfect support

well, i don't wanna sound like a bragger but i have to say, i feel so lucky to have kevin by my side throughout (life) and this pregnancy.  no matter how many times i've started to feel down or unsure about my ability or strength to be a mother he has supported me through every wavering emotion and given me a huge boost of confidence in the meantime.  i'm sure this can only be a great sign of what to expect as we learn how to be parents together. 

today, was not unlike what i mentioned above.  we both have had a rough couple of weeks and nights sleeping.  kevin's chemotherapy treatments and hydration leave him feeling tired and keep him running to the bathroom almost as often as his pregnant wife.  so you can only imagine how bed time is at our place.  a series of trips back and fourth throughout the whole night.  both of us being extra concerned for eachother's welfare so we are always checking to be sure the other is alright. 

and my 41 week and 3 day pregnant body is getting a little more tired by the day...in several ways.  though i feel ridiculous even mentioning that i'm tired or ready for this part of the pregnancy to be over when i think of all kevin and my mom have been through this year.  my discomfort seems so petty.  especially when i think of all the joy i've also experienced in the meantime.  well, for whatever it's worth i am ready to welcome this baby to my arms see her beautiful face.  i've been so confident in my ability to give birth to her naturally but as the last couple days have gone by i have found myself getting nervous about the unknown and about motherhood.  i don't doubt that this is normal but it's kind of a bummer.

so today, as i broke down and told kevin how ready i was for this part to be over and how it feels like a million years have gone by these last 10 days.  he held me and nearly instantly helped me remember how capable i am and how proud his of me and my strength throughout this year.  he already makes me feel like a good mom...which is so helpful when you are a novice.  i just have to say...he really is the perfect support.  

seaside baby shower

kevin's aunt and uncle recently hosted a beautiful seaside baby shower for us at their place in newport coast.  we love visiting them and their home...let's just say it could grace the covers of architectural digest.  the afternoon was truly lovely...gorgeous ocean views, fun games, a delicious taco bar, sprinkles cupcakes and local friends and family.  thank you so much sheryl and phil...we feel so loved!  so does chloe.

check out some pictures from the afternoon...

seaside baby shower

project nursery

check out chloe's nursery at:
http://gallery.projectnursery.com/projects/510-Chloe-s-Nursery

surprise guest

yesterday was my 41 week appointment, the one we were hoping we wouldn't need to go to.  well, it came and passed.  the good news is that the non-stress test and exam, baby and i are doing well.  her heart rate, movements, size are all healthy and my amniotic fluid levels are high.  so she's pretty comfortable  or she's already learned the term, fashionably late.

i started some homeopathic herbs to help get things moving and i'm wearing a belly binder that is to encourage her to head south.  we have an appointment for monday morning to begin a natural induction, if she doesn't arrive before then.  cross your fingers!  and toes.

after my appointment we met up with our doula becky and her family for milkshakes.  her husband ryan is so nice and their kids, let's just say adorable doesn't even touch it!  they are too cute and sweet.  it was nice to relax and talk about the appointment and what's next.  did anyone know that they have milkshake happy hour at ruby's diner?  well they do!  half off shakes.

little did i know but kevin and my dear friend roxana had been talking all week about her surprising me with a visit after my appointment.  so, when we arrived home...there she was with a purple orchid in hand with her beautiful, bubbly smile.  and of course, extra spoiling for chloe with little leggings and a madonna onesie.  she is extraordinarily thoughtful and is truly one of my dearest friends.  we ordered pizza, and stayed up late talking and giggling.  kevin even joined in.  it was the perfect surprise and pick me up!  those two know me so well. 

me & my lump after breakfast at cafe encante.

the sneaky surprisers, you two know me so well.

the goods

well we've gotta be getting close to baby time, tomorrow is 41 weeks and i read that the average wait for first time moms is 41 weeks and 3 days.  so i'm pretty sure i can hang in there at least 4 more days.  maybe i'll finish replanting the planters on our patio?  the luscious garden i created was seriously neglected while kevin was in treatment.  i'm saddened to say, everything bit the dust but the rosemary.  however, kevin was taken good care of.  that's more important.

oh, the other couple from our hypnobabies class had their baby yesterday.  baby dorian is so handsome!  congrats to yadira and anthony!  i bet they are on cloud 9 about now.  we'll have to plan a reunion soon.  did i mention, i was the first one in due in our class?  now both the other couple's babies have arrived...well, life's funny like that.  you can't make too many plans. 

the exciting news of the day(so far)...we got our moby wrap and pump!  our childbirth instructor, kim brought it by this morning.  she is so awesome!  we were looking for a pump that was high quality but that could be used again...this one is completely cleanable, so it can be used for your second (or third) children.  when you are done with it then can be donated back to the company, they sterilize it and pass it on to mother's in need.  we loved that green and caring idea.  yay for hygiea!  also, this one is professional grade, is supported by le lecche league and is as good a medela and comes in a super cute bag...uber important too!   

http://www.hygeiababy.com/
http://www.mobywrap.com/

we got the moby wrap in black so kevin can use it too.  i might "need" the pink too.

chocolate brown tote with turquoise accents, bottle cooler too. pretty cool & green.

confetti-inspired

created a few years ago for the 50th venice biennial art exhibition by gerda steiner and jorg lenzlinger.  i just found this online the other day and have been swooning ever since.  man, i wish i could have been there to see this...traveling to venice wouldn't be so bad either.  the exhibit is called falling garden, naturally.  isn't it spectacular?