It's the day we waste doing all the stuff we couldn't do during the week.
It's been a busy week. I don't think I made it home before 8:30 or 9pm on any night. Monday we went to the worlds worst baby class, breast feeding. It started with a discussion of how the breast produces milk (helpful), why breast feeding is so beneficial to a child's development (good to know), the various positions and techniques for optimal results (very useful). Then we progressed (or digressed) into video of slobbering babies and lactating nipples (disgusting). I'll never look at a breast the same way again. I'm pretty sure my favorite part of the night was when the instructor projected a picture of what a messy diaper should look like when a baby is breast feeding properly. If it wasn't enough to have a six foot poop-filled diaper glowing in the screen at center stage, she left it up there for what felt like ten minutes. I'm beginning to wonder if some of the instructors for these baby classes are looking for fewer hours, and so are trying to discourage reproduction.
The rest of the week went as follows- Tuesday was a work dinner, Wednesday night church stuff, Thursday I flew to Vegas for two days of meetings, arriving home about 8:30 on Friday. So like most weeks for most people, Saturday becomes nothing more than a day to catch up on all the stuff that couldn't be done during the week. I'm not complaining, I still love Saturdays. It's still the one day where a person can in theory blow off anything that "needs" to be done and just do what one wants.
We started our day by going to the beach so I could run and Ally could get a walk in. This is still one of my favorite parts about living in LA. The ocean is so refreshing in the morning, and none of the rif-raff has yet arrived for a day at the beach. And we always end our workouts with a stop at the farmers market for a fresh squeezed orange juice and a freshly made croissant. Maybe the traffic is worth it...
I spent most of the rest of the day working on a dresser I'm restoring for the baby's room. We found it at a thrift store and thought it was cool, so I figured I'd take a shot at freshening it up. It's more beat up than I would like ideally, but hopefully it will turn out. I'll post some before-and-after photos when I'm done.
Looking forward to this baby. Three weeks to go.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Moving Faster Now...
Time that is. The baby was 33 weeks last Monday and it feels like the weeks just keep passing faster and faster. I wouldn't mind as much if we were a little more prepared. We don't have a crib yet (though we've ordered one which will hopefully be here in the next week or two) or a bed for our doula (Ally's mom) once the baby comes. We still need a dresser for baby's room as well, but I'm less concerned about that in the near term. We do have a car seat, stroller, onesies, and diapers, so worst case I think we could bring a baby home and get by.
We went in for our regular check-up today with Dr. Aliabadi. Situation normal, not much to report. Baby seems happy and healthy. Baby moves a lot now which is fun, at least for me... it makes me feel a little more involved. Ally and I spend our time reading books in preparation for the arrival. We also just finished a four week birthing class at Cedars Sinai last week. I feel like I have a better understanding of what may happen, but still feel woefully unprepared and remain a little scared to take care of a baby. Oh well, baby is coming either way.
Soooo much fun to have a little one on the way. I know a rude awakening awaits when baby is external mothers belly, but for now we can't wait to meet our baby.
We went in for our regular check-up today with Dr. Aliabadi. Situation normal, not much to report. Baby seems happy and healthy. Baby moves a lot now which is fun, at least for me... it makes me feel a little more involved. Ally and I spend our time reading books in preparation for the arrival. We also just finished a four week birthing class at Cedars Sinai last week. I feel like I have a better understanding of what may happen, but still feel woefully unprepared and remain a little scared to take care of a baby. Oh well, baby is coming either way.
Soooo much fun to have a little one on the way. I know a rude awakening awaits when baby is external mothers belly, but for now we can't wait to meet our baby.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Baby Shower and Almost 29 weeks,
Last Monday was our 28 week mark and we had an appointment to see Dr. Aliabadi for our regular check-up. The check-up was very normal- 45 min in the waiting room and 10 min with the doctor. Everything was very routine so nothing really to report from that encounter.
We can really feel the little person wiggle a lot now as well as see Ally's belly move. It's a little like whale watching though, meaning once you are looking at it or feeling for it, it stops moving. Ally will feel it, tell me to look/feel, and then nothing will happen until I look away/move my hand. I'm beginning to think our little bundle of joy doesn't like me.
We are in Saratoga Springs this weekend staying with Ally's sister and her family. I came in for some work meetings earlier in the week and Ally joined me late Thursday night. The real reason for the trip is that Ally's sister threw her a baby shower at her home. I think it was a success, though I didn't hang around for the festivities. I left with Jacob and his boys, as well as Adam (Ally's brother-in-law) and his kids to eat and then swim at the hot springs in Saratoga. We had a good time and it appeared the ladies did as well.
I was able to spend a few minutes with some of the family I don't see too often which was cool, and it looks like we made off with some cool swag. Bottles, lotion, blankets, gift cards, clothing. Melissa (Ally's sister) bought a bunch of plain white onesies and clothing markers so that anyone who attended the shower could create an original design for baby Thompson. We ended up with some very cool couture baby clothing that I'm sure will be all the rage this summer. Thanks again to all who came and were so generous. We hope to see you all again soon.
We can really feel the little person wiggle a lot now as well as see Ally's belly move. It's a little like whale watching though, meaning once you are looking at it or feeling for it, it stops moving. Ally will feel it, tell me to look/feel, and then nothing will happen until I look away/move my hand. I'm beginning to think our little bundle of joy doesn't like me.
We are in Saratoga Springs this weekend staying with Ally's sister and her family. I came in for some work meetings earlier in the week and Ally joined me late Thursday night. The real reason for the trip is that Ally's sister threw her a baby shower at her home. I think it was a success, though I didn't hang around for the festivities. I left with Jacob and his boys, as well as Adam (Ally's brother-in-law) and his kids to eat and then swim at the hot springs in Saratoga. We had a good time and it appeared the ladies did as well.
I was able to spend a few minutes with some of the family I don't see too often which was cool, and it looks like we made off with some cool swag. Bottles, lotion, blankets, gift cards, clothing. Melissa (Ally's sister) bought a bunch of plain white onesies and clothing markers so that anyone who attended the shower could create an original design for baby Thompson. We ended up with some very cool couture baby clothing that I'm sure will be all the rage this summer. Thanks again to all who came and were so generous. We hope to see you all again soon.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Growing...
The baby will be 26 weeks on Monday and it feels like things are picking up. Fourteen weeks suddenly doesn't feel like all that long, but that's what we have left.
Ally continues to feel well, which is great. We had a doctors appointment last Monday for a regular check up. We heard the baby's heartbeat which is always cool and Ally had her blood taken to check for gestational diabetes (everything normal). (A quick word about hearing baby's heartbeats. Is there anything cooler than hearing that sound? I know I'm not the first one to have this thought, but the first time I heard the sound of our baby's heart, mine melt. Of course I still like to hear it from time to time as it provides that reassurance that everything is OK.)
Fun story. Ally has a baby shower coming up so we went into Baby's R Us to register for the event. They handed us a little scanner and set us loose to pick out the items we needed. IT WAS AWFUL!! It turns out that if you've never had a child, you have know idea what is necessary to care for one. On the surface is seem easy, right? A crib, a stroller, some bottles and diapers, and perhaps a swing or bouncer. What I didn't realize is that there are 1000000000 types of each item, and when you've never had to think about baby gear, you have no idea what brands/design/etc are best. We scanned one item, Ally cried, and we left...like I said, awful. We've been busy doing research since, and will be better prepared next time.
Ally continues to feel well, which is great. We had a doctors appointment last Monday for a regular check up. We heard the baby's heartbeat which is always cool and Ally had her blood taken to check for gestational diabetes (everything normal). (A quick word about hearing baby's heartbeats. Is there anything cooler than hearing that sound? I know I'm not the first one to have this thought, but the first time I heard the sound of our baby's heart, mine melt. Of course I still like to hear it from time to time as it provides that reassurance that everything is OK.)
Fun story. Ally has a baby shower coming up so we went into Baby's R Us to register for the event. They handed us a little scanner and set us loose to pick out the items we needed. IT WAS AWFUL!! It turns out that if you've never had a child, you have know idea what is necessary to care for one. On the surface is seem easy, right? A crib, a stroller, some bottles and diapers, and perhaps a swing or bouncer. What I didn't realize is that there are 1000000000 types of each item, and when you've never had to think about baby gear, you have no idea what brands/design/etc are best. We scanned one item, Ally cried, and we left...like I said, awful. We've been busy doing research since, and will be better prepared next time.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Baby Update
I guess I have forgotten the purpose of a blog...to post relevant updates in Ally's and my life. Usually I wouldn't think there is much worth reporting, however, it turns out I have a baby on the way. If only for the benefit of my future child, I should probably be a little more diligent.
23 Weeks- Things are progressing nicely. Ally hasn't been sick at all through the pregnancy, which I think both of us have appreciated. The downside is that it's made it that much more unreal for me since it has been more or less business as usual for me...at least until our 20 week ultrasound. I was much more into that ten or so minutes that I thought I would be. Very cool. Seeing the little head, complete with both hemispheres of the brain. The heart with the four chambers. Hands, feet, kidneys, pelvis, femur- it was all so very exiting. For those who don't know, we aren't finding out the gender until birth, so that was not part of the show, however, it didn't detract from the event at all.
The process of childbirth is truely amazing. It's the most scary thing I have ever been excited for. Can't wait until July.
Enjoy some pics for the U.S.
23 Weeks- Things are progressing nicely. Ally hasn't been sick at all through the pregnancy, which I think both of us have appreciated. The downside is that it's made it that much more unreal for me since it has been more or less business as usual for me...at least until our 20 week ultrasound. I was much more into that ten or so minutes that I thought I would be. Very cool. Seeing the little head, complete with both hemispheres of the brain. The heart with the four chambers. Hands, feet, kidneys, pelvis, femur- it was all so very exiting. For those who don't know, we aren't finding out the gender until birth, so that was not part of the show, however, it didn't detract from the event at all.
The process of childbirth is truely amazing. It's the most scary thing I have ever been excited for. Can't wait until July.
Enjoy some pics for the U.S.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Vacation Tsunami
Well, we arrived home from our vacation in Maui last night (early this morning really). We had an incredible week, just lounging by the pool and on the beach, exploring the island, taking long drives (Road to Hana), and whale watching. Yesterday was to be our last day on the island, and our plan was to wake early, go for a long walk on the beach, do a little snorkeling, and perhaps lay by the pool for a few minutes before heading to the airport. Of that list, the only thing we accomplished was to wake up early...
We arose to the sound of warning sirens at 6am, followed by our hotel announcing over the loud speaker that the state of Hawaii had issued an official Tsunami warning as a result of the earthquake in Chile. Parts of the island were under mandatory evacuation, with all coastal areas considered dangerous (in the zone) with evacuation recommended. Our resort was about 50 yards from the beach and in one of the high risk areas but not under mandatory evacuation.
We turned on the news to find the island on high alert with all occupants being recommended they get food and water for 5-7 days. It was at this moment that Ally and I realized we were in a bit of a situation. Since this was our last day any supplies we bought would have to be left behind in the event flights were able to leave Maui. However, if we didn't get any supplies and giant waves flooded the island, we would be stuck without any food or water. I decided to get up and at least acquire a supply of water and some high protein, easily packable foods, as well as fill the car with gas and hit the ATM in case we lost power on the island.
By the time I arrived at the store at 6:30am, it was already crawling with people and most of the water was gone. I was able to purchased enough water for about 3 days for Ally and myself (I figured there were worse things than leaving $5 or $6 worth of water behind in the event our flight did leave that day) as well as some protein bars and apples. Next, I headed for the gas station, prepared to wait in the long lines like those the news was showing in Honolulu, only to be pleasantly surprised that I only needed to wait for a car or two. (I am glad we were on Maui as it is fairly lightly populated compared to Oahu)
By the time I arrived back at the resort, Ally had the room packed and ready to go. We decided that while our hotel was not being evacuated we should still get on the road and make our way to Kahului (town with the airport), which proved to be a good idea as they planned to close the only road in and out at 10am that morning. We arrived at the airport around 9am and decided we would check our large bag, but keep a smaller carry-on with a change of clothes and some toiletries in case we were forced to stay. Then we headed for higher ground. We drove inland and upward a few miles to find the roads lined with the cars of others who where either evacuated or taking precautions, so we pulled off and joined them. There was a lovely view of both the northern and southern coastlines, so we decided to make camp and enjoy the potential show.
As you know by now, it all turned out to be much ado about nothing. We sat for about 2 hours on the side of the road -about an hour previous to the time the waves were supposed to arrive, and about an hour afterward. The waves were scheduled to hit around 11:25am in Maui. We watched and listened to the radio as the time approached, arrived, and passed without event (some locals called in and joked that the waves were on Hawaii time). About an hour after the alleged arrival time we decided the real danger had passed and headed back to town only to find that the road to the airport was closed and entry blocked by police. The airport however, was NOT closed, only access to the airport, meaning that flights were still leaving as planned. The road remained blocked until about 2pm, and since our flight was at 1:45, we missed our plane (along with everyone else). We ended up waiting in a nearby store parking lot with a whole bunch of other tourists until the road reopened and we all made a mad dash to get in line to rebook flights. It was like trying to leave a Dodgers game.
No more boring details. We finally got a flight and made it back to LA around 12:30am this morning. We survived the tsunami of 2010!!
Below are some pictures of the more fun parts of the week.
First night on Maui
Molokini- partially submerged crater about 2.5mi off the coast. We took a boat out to snorkel inside the crater. Very cool.
Black sand beach- on the road to Hana
Luau
Our last sunset on Maui
We arose to the sound of warning sirens at 6am, followed by our hotel announcing over the loud speaker that the state of Hawaii had issued an official Tsunami warning as a result of the earthquake in Chile. Parts of the island were under mandatory evacuation, with all coastal areas considered dangerous (in the zone) with evacuation recommended. Our resort was about 50 yards from the beach and in one of the high risk areas but not under mandatory evacuation.
We turned on the news to find the island on high alert with all occupants being recommended they get food and water for 5-7 days. It was at this moment that Ally and I realized we were in a bit of a situation. Since this was our last day any supplies we bought would have to be left behind in the event flights were able to leave Maui. However, if we didn't get any supplies and giant waves flooded the island, we would be stuck without any food or water. I decided to get up and at least acquire a supply of water and some high protein, easily packable foods, as well as fill the car with gas and hit the ATM in case we lost power on the island.
By the time I arrived at the store at 6:30am, it was already crawling with people and most of the water was gone. I was able to purchased enough water for about 3 days for Ally and myself (I figured there were worse things than leaving $5 or $6 worth of water behind in the event our flight did leave that day) as well as some protein bars and apples. Next, I headed for the gas station, prepared to wait in the long lines like those the news was showing in Honolulu, only to be pleasantly surprised that I only needed to wait for a car or two. (I am glad we were on Maui as it is fairly lightly populated compared to Oahu)
By the time I arrived back at the resort, Ally had the room packed and ready to go. We decided that while our hotel was not being evacuated we should still get on the road and make our way to Kahului (town with the airport), which proved to be a good idea as they planned to close the only road in and out at 10am that morning. We arrived at the airport around 9am and decided we would check our large bag, but keep a smaller carry-on with a change of clothes and some toiletries in case we were forced to stay. Then we headed for higher ground. We drove inland and upward a few miles to find the roads lined with the cars of others who where either evacuated or taking precautions, so we pulled off and joined them. There was a lovely view of both the northern and southern coastlines, so we decided to make camp and enjoy the potential show.
As you know by now, it all turned out to be much ado about nothing. We sat for about 2 hours on the side of the road -about an hour previous to the time the waves were supposed to arrive, and about an hour afterward. The waves were scheduled to hit around 11:25am in Maui. We watched and listened to the radio as the time approached, arrived, and passed without event (some locals called in and joked that the waves were on Hawaii time). About an hour after the alleged arrival time we decided the real danger had passed and headed back to town only to find that the road to the airport was closed and entry blocked by police. The airport however, was NOT closed, only access to the airport, meaning that flights were still leaving as planned. The road remained blocked until about 2pm, and since our flight was at 1:45, we missed our plane (along with everyone else). We ended up waiting in a nearby store parking lot with a whole bunch of other tourists until the road reopened and we all made a mad dash to get in line to rebook flights. It was like trying to leave a Dodgers game.
No more boring details. We finally got a flight and made it back to LA around 12:30am this morning. We survived the tsunami of 2010!!
Below are some pictures of the more fun parts of the week.
First night on Maui
Molokini- partially submerged crater about 2.5mi off the coast. We took a boat out to snorkel inside the crater. Very cool.
Black sand beach- on the road to Hana
Luau
Our last sunset on Maui
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Baking Update
So I've decided it's time to follow up on my December 19th post regarding my baking resolution.
I'm on pace...pretty much. I think I am one week behind, meaning there is only one week in 2010 where I haven't put forth a baked good. I started with some easier recipes, things I felt I had a reasonable chance of completing correctly. For example-
Cinnamon Swirl Raisin Bread
Zucchini Walnut Bread
Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownies
as well as some cupcakes that didn't turn out so well, and so will not be receiving any airtime.
This week I decided it was time to up my game (disastrous chocolate cupcakes aside), and ended up taking on a much larger project than I had planned. Valentines Day Croissants.
For those who have never considered what goes into making such things (I hadn't), it starts with just a basic bread dough, no big deal...or so I thought. Once the dough is made, the real work begins. The dough is rolled flat into a 10in by 16in rectangle, into the middle of which is placed 3 cubes of butter, which must be shaped into an 5in by 8in rectangle. The dough is then folded into thirds (like a letter) over the butter and the whole thing is then rolled into a 10in by 15in rectangle, which is folded back into thirds and put into the fridge to chill for an hour. You then repeat the process of rolling the dough out into a 10 by 15 rectangle and folding it into thirds three more times, chilling an hour between each. Following the final folding, the dough is placed into the fridge to chill for at least eight hours.
I realize the above makes no sense, I mean, I wrote it, and recently made the recipe, and I still can't make any sense out of it. Don't worry, the details aren't important. All one really needs to know is that it takes a ruler and about 14 hours before the dough is ready to be rolled out, cut, and rolled into little croissants. But I digress. They turned out great, and we even made eight or so chocolate. Below are some pictures-before and after baking.
The burrito looking ones at the bottom are the pain au chocolat
I'm on pace...pretty much. I think I am one week behind, meaning there is only one week in 2010 where I haven't put forth a baked good. I started with some easier recipes, things I felt I had a reasonable chance of completing correctly. For example-
Cinnamon Swirl Raisin Bread
Zucchini Walnut Bread
Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownies
as well as some cupcakes that didn't turn out so well, and so will not be receiving any airtime.
This week I decided it was time to up my game (disastrous chocolate cupcakes aside), and ended up taking on a much larger project than I had planned. Valentines Day Croissants.
For those who have never considered what goes into making such things (I hadn't), it starts with just a basic bread dough, no big deal...or so I thought. Once the dough is made, the real work begins. The dough is rolled flat into a 10in by 16in rectangle, into the middle of which is placed 3 cubes of butter, which must be shaped into an 5in by 8in rectangle. The dough is then folded into thirds (like a letter) over the butter and the whole thing is then rolled into a 10in by 15in rectangle, which is folded back into thirds and put into the fridge to chill for an hour. You then repeat the process of rolling the dough out into a 10 by 15 rectangle and folding it into thirds three more times, chilling an hour between each. Following the final folding, the dough is placed into the fridge to chill for at least eight hours.
I realize the above makes no sense, I mean, I wrote it, and recently made the recipe, and I still can't make any sense out of it. Don't worry, the details aren't important. All one really needs to know is that it takes a ruler and about 14 hours before the dough is ready to be rolled out, cut, and rolled into little croissants. But I digress. They turned out great, and we even made eight or so chocolate. Below are some pictures-before and after baking.
The burrito looking ones at the bottom are the pain au chocolat
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