Gift for Ollie

The other day Chris and I took a walk to Hugo's, a restaurant that uses all organic ingredients, and walking distance from the house. We stopped at Aaron Brother's on our way home after a nice meal. And we ended up picking up some acrylic paint and small canvases so I can do some painting to pass time.

I had found this artist in a baby store that I really liked the images, but not the color palette. So instead of paying over $100 for them, I made versions of my own with colors that goes with Ollie's room.




I set up my work space in the patio and started working on them. It happened to be quite breezy that day and made it very relaxing to enjoy the sunshine while working on the painting.




I think they turned out quite nice!

Still waiting

So the July 10th due date came and went, and Chris and I are still waiting for little Oliver's arrival. It's definitely harder to deal with the anticipation now. Although our last doctor's appointment showed that Ollie is still doing well (now at 6 lb. 7 oz) he is still measuring small for being full term. So just to be safe, the doctor has scheduled us for an induction on July 15th.

Chris and I spent the last few days leading up to the due date taking long walks and paying close attention to any new sensations. I have noticed that the Braxton Hicks contractions have been getting more intense and more uncomfortable. And instead of only happening in late evenings, I'm starting to get them throughout the day. I've also shown other symptoms of labor progressing. From talking to our doctor and doula, they both seem to think that the labor will start on its own before our induction appointment. It is also very encouraging to know that I was already at least 3 cm dilated about 5 days ago. And other than slight cramps, I really haven't had much pain. I think we can credit that to the regimen our doula put me on starting 36-weeks by taking a homeopathic pills and taking warm baths each day to get the body ready. I was surprised to find out that some women get so much pain just to get to 3 cm. So I feel very lucky that so far the only discomfort I have is not able to move around as easily.

Tomorrow we'll be getting a foot reflexology that is supposed to get labor going withing 48 hours. We are also planning on going for a walk up this hill near Sunset Blvd. that's supposed to do the same. Hopefully Oliver will get the hint and work his way out on his own before our hospital induction appointment. Even then, with how things are progressing, we probably only need a little push to get labor started.

So at the lasted we only have a wait a few more days to meet the little guy. In the meantime, we'll do our best to be patient.

Big Surprise!

So I was watching TV the other day and this commercial came on for a product called Juvéderm. I couldn't take my eyes off of the TV because I recognize the spokeswoman in the commercial! It's Brenda, one of the doula clients who has the same doctor as me and due only a few days before my due date!

Then yesterday we got an email from Octavia (doula) the Brenda was in labor. I was really excited for her because the last time we saw each other at the doctor's office, she mentioned she might need to be induced because the size of the baby.

Today we received the email that Brenda and her husband Tom had a baby boy (they waited to find out) on July 5th. She was in labor for a little over 6 hours, pushed for less than 45 minutes with her FIRST baby! Baby Hudson Julian entered the world weighing in at 9 lbs and 6 oz - and being 21 1/2 inches tall! Wow!

Congratulations to the new mom and dad! I hope I'll have a short labor like that! OMG...I'm next!

Happy Birthday Kayleigh!

Happy Birthday to Kayleigh May Fukumoto!!! The little cutie was born on June 17th, 2008 at 4:48 am. She was 7 lbs 6.5 oz, and was 20 inches long.

I've know her mom Nancy since the 7th grade. We were best friends for years, and were each other's maid of honor! Then we were extremely surprised and happy when we found out we were both pregnant and only a few weeks apart. Soon Kayleigh will have a new friend Oliver to play with. : )



The proud parents Nancy and Michael



Shhh....She needs her beauty rest.

New Belly Moves!

I thought before the little one comes out I shoot another little movie of him moving. He's been moving slower now that there's less space to stretch, but looks like he's also grown in strength.


BABY DOOLEY 38-Week Belly Moves from Chris Dooley on Vimeo.

First Week away from work

The first week of my maternity leave was not all about bed rest. I needed to run errands to get some stuff done before the baby comes. And maybe it's because I couldn't move as quickly as I used to, everything seemed to take twice as long. I know I'm supposed to take it easy, but taking care of business was the only way to calm my mind. My list of things to do seemed almost longer than usual.

On June 19th, my friend Craig who I've known since Jr. High was visiting California from Colorado with his girlfriend. She had never been to Southern California so we arranged for a mini-reunion with my other friend Lenny (known him since 5th grade). Craig and his sister and friends had arrived that morning and their first stop was Santa Monica beach. Lenny and his wife Carrie had made plans to meet them there before coming over to our house, but then I decided to have them pick me up so I can get some air and relaxation also. We didn't get to the beach until about 4 pm. By then Craig was ready to leave the beach to grab some dinner. So Lenny, Carrie and I decided to walk around the pier so we don't waste driving all the way out there.




Carrie and I on the beach


Almost the whole gang (Danny, Craig, Robin, Lenny, April, Sean)

After leaving Santa Monica, we met Chris at the Ford's Filling Station for dinner in Culver City.


The Jacksons likes to take more expressive photos.


I think I've got something growing out of my head.


My attempt to look angry.


Our $12 piece of cheese...it was well worth it.



Although Craig was a little disappointed that the restaurant I called "a burger place" only had one burger on their menu, we all still had a great time chatting about what's new in our lives and getting to know his girlfriend Robin.

It was a really great evening and I'm glad I had the time off to catch up with old friends.