TUMMY-TIME, CATE WORKS OUT

Cate is now approaching the six-week mark!

So, she needs more time on her tummy to, well, let me quote Olivia NJ (if you don't know this song, sorry)...get physical.

Cate...sweats it out (not really, of course).

She's doing just fine, but the best part is that she is responding to her daddy's sock doll (which Gaz bought for him on Rodeo Drive when he wasn't much older than, Cate).

NEW-AGE NURSERY RHYMES ARE MAJOR

Thanksgiving is over and Beach-Baby-Cate looked divine in her designer frock. Yes, we do dress for dinner (meaning we like to glam it up).  Oh, fashion...we love you!

Our new task is to determine the perfect couture for the rest of the holiday season, and it is a heavy burden. We do adore fashion in

Now, we are sitting in a random Monday, but it isn't dull because Cate, already has the best friends in the world.

Take today.

A rather large brown envelope arrived at our door with a small book from Neiman-Marcus tucked inside.

Well, books are always welcomed with open-arms in the Barker domicile, so this made us happy.

Actually, we were pleased for two reasons.

The first being that the book had been sent by a dear-dear friend in Texas, Martin Major. We lovingly call him, Big Daddy, even though he younger than Gaz and I. Much.

Big Daddy is much more than a friend, he is chosen family (hope you kids are fortunate to have a chosen family).

But, back to the book.

 

The title is, This Little Piggy Went To Prada, by Amy Allen, a graduate of Oxford and first time author and mother (should I have reversed the order of those?).

This book is quite clever and suits us, perfectly!

Why?

If you really need more explanation after reading the title, I sort of give up on you, but I will tell you why.

Amy has taken classic nursery rhymes and given them a clever re-boot and fashion spin.

Cate is already smitten and so are we.

Thank you, Big Daddy...we are also smitten with you!

WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSE, CATE

Please say hello to Beach Baby Barker...born at St. Mary's Hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida. Oh, not to name drop (yes, I am), but Celine (you know the one) had her twins at the same hospital. Just a bit of trivia.

Welcome...

Catherine Alia (Ah-lee-a) Barker
October 22, 2012
7 pounds
19 1/2 inches

Happy and healthy.

 

There is much to write. However, at this particular juncture, there are many more important things to do.

 

ICE, ICE, ICE CREAM, BABY

And on the evening of the NINTH day before due-date, Brittany indulges in a bowl of Neapolitan ice cream.

Well, she deserved it.

The ninth-day saw Britt undergo an unexpected test. Had to do with her, suddenly, rather swollen foot.

All is well, but a reward of ice cream is the perfect end to the day.

CATE'S CRAZY CLOSET

Eleven days until Cate's due date.

ELEVEN days and there are still things we haven't done.

Most of the major stuff? Yes.

Loving and caring family and friends have given and given beautiful and useful gifts. The baby registry at Babies 'r Us and Target is mostly fulfilled. Cate is so loved and she doesn't even know it. Yet.

Now, I admit we are lagging behind, just a bit,  with the minor stuff.

Cate's closet still needs a little work (meaning there are some computer items lingering that need a new closet to hide in). We plan to remedy that situation this weekend.

Buying clothing and shoes for Cate is bordering on obsession and I am now having to be stern with myself while out shopping. NO MORE is my mantra!

She has over one-hundred outfits ranging in size from 0-Whatever.

We are utterly aware this is excessive, but we make no excuses. Besides, when she outgrows them, we will do the right thing and donate (not sell) to a worthy charity.

Crazy? Maybe.

But, come ON, girls just wanna have clothes, right?

GIGI AM I

Yesterday, we took Week 37 photos.

You know at this point Beach Baby is considered full-term. She's still movin' and groovin' with Brittany, but all organs are developed, etc. In other words, she's just soaking up the calories at this juncture.

So, guess what?

Think I have settled on my G-Mommy name and it is Gigi.

Here is Cate's, Gigi taking Week-37 photos of her Mama and Daddy.

Poor Cate. With a Gigi like me...well, I don't know exactly...I'm new to this.

Oh, if Cate isn't all that eager to call me, Gigi...it's up to her to  come up with a moniker that suits her. I'm totally good and not a bit picky about the entire siutation. She can call me Pamme, if she wants.

SHOWERING FOR BEACH BABY

Septmeber 30, 2012, and it was showering in Palm Beach Gardens. Baby Shower time for Brittany and Brandon. This photo is one of 150 snapped by Gaz.

I willl post more so BBB will have them in this journal...which is just for her.

Beach Baby Barker doesn't know it yet, but she received a 'flood' of gifts.

So very loved by so many!

DON'T KNOCK THE AROMA IF YOU HAVEN'T TRIED IT

Brittany is nearing Week 36 of her pregnancy. At Week 37, a baby is considered full-term and even though Britt's due-date is October 29, you never know (well, Gaz kids Britt that the baby will arrive at Thanksgiving.)

I thought now an excellent time to jot down (via this blog post) some random thoughts about Brittany and her pregnancy.

She has been strong and confident with a wonderful sense of humor during these past months. She has worked hard at her job and even earned a promotion. She has cared for the baby in every possible way...diet, rest, exercise, vitamins and just being a lovely and radiant pregnant woman.

During these last few weeks, she has been very attentive to the approaching labor and delivery. Therefore, she has been practicing natural things such as breathing, yoga ball stretches, aromatherapy and overall meditation and relaxation exercises.

She is not planning a natural delivery, just wants to be prepared for the first phase of labor.

Here's another observation of mine. It seems many other women are quick to toss out words of fear instead of words of encouragement. Why is that? Why not words of support?

Brittany fully understands that labor is hard and there will be pain. She also has a level of trust in her health-care providers and the facility she will check into. She also knows knowledge is power and by arming herself with information, she will not enter into labor with undue fear and trepidation.  She has taken advantage of vast amounts of information shared by intelligent women who have given birth.

A recently posted photo of her (not by her) on Facebook was met with an odd assortment of comments, by women. With almost 100% being less than supportive of her meditation and relaxation exercises. Some seemed to be almost scoffing and I wondered why that to be the case. Maybe folks who have (and many who have not) experienced labor and delivery feel entitled to jump in and have a say (even a sort of negative one) about giving birth.

Labor and giving birth? Yep, it can be long. Yep, it is painful. Yep, Brittany can do it!!!

Oh, all those who doubt the positive effects of effective breathing exercises, focusing and aromatherapy? They should try it. It could make them feel much more serene...even when they aren't  pregnant.

Doubters will doubt (can't stop 'em anyway). Keep going with the Yoga ball relaxation, breathing, meditation and the effective aromas for your first phase of labor (they can't give drugs during that time, just in case people have forgotton), Britt.

We didn't invent it, but I am sure grateful that someone did.

BRANDON IS TIED

September is edging toward October and I thought Beach Baby, someday, could have an interest in this snap of her father, looking quite dapper the month before her expected arrival.

Brandon, after a LONG day of lawyering in West Palm Beach, appeared and didn't look any the worse-for-wear (always thought that a peculiar expression).

That is a lawyerly-smile if ever I saw one!! But, he's probably thinking how much fun (and lost sleep) he is going to have when Beach Baby makes her appearance.

A HAND FULL OF MATTRESS

Beach Baby should know her Daddy is a brand-new attorney.

She should also know what that means.

Work. Long hours of work.

However, here he is after a long day of doing lawyer-duty...lugging her brand new LA Baby mattress up the stairs to the nursery.

The nursery is almost complete and Daddy-To-Be, Brandon, does his part!

LESS THAN 50 DAYS TO GO, PREGGERS IN PALM BEACH GARDENS

September has arrived and Brittany looks very beautiful.  These were taken a couple of weeks ago, as Britt and I had a few days of shopping for the nursery.

She is a serene and beautifull (discounting the times she is in her stretchy pajamas) pregnant woman.

Less than 50 days to go.

HIGH CHAIRS AND STEP STOOLS

We know the best people, in the world. We appreciate them, not just because they send Beach Baby great and useful things like this fab high chair. Sent from our dear Minnesota friend, Gretchen, a high chair that transitions as the baby grows.

It is amazing how handy Gaz is transforming a tons of items from a box into a useful and beautiful item.

You gotta have a little step-stool to really pull a room together.  Here is one we used as we worked on the nursery!

AUNTIE AND EINSTEIN

Brandon has a wonderful Aunt. She has ALWAYS been there for him all during his life. Actually, she's been there for me MY whole life. During my pregnancy with Brandon, she was right there, all the way.

When Brandon was born she bought his bassinet and she wanted to something meaningful for, Beach Baby.

So, naturally she peeked into Britt's Baby Registry at Babies 'r Us and look what appeared at the door.

Baby Einstein Jumper! Oh, it does take Einstein, almost, to put it together.

 

No, it was fun!!

 

Thank you, Auntie Barbara! We love you!

GAZ AND THE NURSERY BOOKCASE

The nursery is shaping into a lovely mixture. It is classic. Filled with new items, antique pieces and items from both Brittany and Brandon's childhood. It is a vision of lovliness.

However, it takes time and much effort to create a vision and on Saturday, Gaz pulled bits and pieces from a box and in no time at all a lovely white bookcase was in place and filled with an assortment of items.

He even whistles while he works.

 

Of course, this project probably went by faster for me than for Gaz as I received a text from Brandon (who was hard at work at the law firm) making a special request.

 

Seems Brittany (who had eaten pizza with hot pepper flakes the evening before) was in dire need of Tums for the tummy as she toiled away at Chase Bank.

 

Grandfather-to-Be, Gaz, did a great job and here is the finished product!

 

Gaz, you are the best. The very best!

STROLLING WITH SABRINA AND TRAPPER

Much to our surprise, a baby gift arrived a few weeks ago from our Texas friends, Sabrina and Trapper.

A fabulous stroller!

We can't thank them enough. We have the best and most generous friends in the world and we appreciate them more than they may know!

The nursery is still, very much, a work in progress.

The Pack-n-Play was secured via Craig's List. Brand new from a nice young lady in Palm Beach. Her little one didn't need it, so we made a deal for it.

Oh, Pack-n-Play?

I had to educate myself, but it is pretty much a playpen combo type situation that is capable of folding into a duffel bag. A very handy idea, but I'm not certain about stuffing it into a bag too frequently.

The bed and changing table, Jenny Lind, were also secured via Craig's List. Gaz and I had to make a trip to Boca Baton (that's RaTONE) to make the pick-up. Britt is still perusing potential crib mattress options, but she'll make a decision before too long.

All the bedding and window treatments were found on eBay. I just adore bidding on stuff, don't you?

Photos to come later.

BEACH AND HAT BABY-BRITT

According to Baby Center, Beach Baby should be twirling and kicking at this point in Britt's pregnancy. And, according to Britt, that is exactly what she is doing.

We try to imagine what she will look like and if she will have this or that feature. Will she have dark hair, light hair or any hair at all? Will she have Brandon's nose and Britt's smile? Time will tell, and we have fun trying to imagine.

In the evening it is amazing to put fingers and palms on Britt's baby-bump and feel Cate kicking and shifting. Is that a foot or hand we feel? Britt thought Beach Baby had the hiccups yesterday. Just such an amazing process.

But, as Britt continues to work at Chase, work on her Babies 'r Us registry, expand her baby-bump and knit on that ever-expanding baby blanket (or potholders), I wanted to drop in a few snaps of young Britt.

Sweet girl, expecting a sweet baby girl.

THREE POUNDS AND COUNTING

Britt had a doctor appointment this past Tuesday and apparently Beach Baby weighs approximately three pounds.

Look at that little nose!

There was no ultrasound this visit, but here are the last ones taken.

ROCKIN' PAST THE WEEK 30 MARK

Britt has been resistering for things at Babies 'r Us while Cate continues to kick and wiggle.

Britt by the pool. She looks fab in the warmth and humidity of South Florida.

Britt and Gaz, dinner time!

Angelic!

She's so smoothe. German pancakes and smoothies for Sunday Brunch!

BABY LOVE, IT ISN'T ROCKET SCIENCE

August has dropped heat and humidity all over the Palm Beaches and Beach Baby Barker, Cate, is tumbling and turning inside Britt's, Third-Trimester, baby-bump.

As the bump grows, I reflect on many things. Not the least of which is, WWIBC (What Will I Be Called).

Another being the miracle that is the creation and birth of human life.

This miracle brings forth such an outpouring of love (and, I feel sad for those who bring children into this world without tons and tons of affection and joy), that it is overwhelming.

Loving  a child.

So easy.

This little sign I picked up (can't give credit because it seems to be anonymous) from the internet sort of spells it out for us, just in case we need a little reminder.

It recommeds that you plan to build a rocket ship. But, I've never been good at science, so Cate will have to find someone else to assist with that project.

I am also skeptical about the suggestion of wearing your pajamas to the movies. Well, unless it is your own bedroom or livingroom. I mean I don't want to get Cate tossed into the pokey just for seeing a movie in crappy attire, you know?

How to love a child?

It isn't about material things!

BRANDON TAKES HEAT, BRITT IS A YORK

Beach Baby should know her father is a sports fan. He has a few favorite teams and some teams are, well, less than favorite.

Take the Miami Heat for example. Take LeBron James.

Although Brandon is a graduate of the University of Miami, he is NOT a fan of the, Heat.

Why?

Well, that is something he can discuss with Beach Baby at some point in the future.

Co-workers at the law firm where B hangs his shingle, had some fun and adorned his car with Heat scribble. King LBJ? Oh, yeah.

It rained on it, but I still managed to get a quick snap. I mean, that stuff is a keeper.

Heat, heat, baby!

##

York patties.


I love 'em.

Brittany?

Not so much.

This has worked out just GREAT. I buy a large bag of York peppermint patties and have them almost all to myself. Gerry will eat them, but not that many.

Guess what Brittany is enjoying now that she is in Week Twenty-Something?

Yes. York peppermint patties!

She SAYS it is all for Beach Baby.

That is her story and she seems to be sticking to it.

Yeah, we gonna need a BIGGER bag.

Crave on, Britt!

UPDATE: POTHOLDERS OR A BLANKET FOR THE BABY

Surfer Girl has a very creative and artist mother. Britt is a dancer (went to the Performing Arts High School in Dallas), painter and now she is a crochet-goddess. Well, she's crocheting.

What is this that she is working on so diligently?

Well, let us get back to how Britt bought all the ingredients to crochet a baby item. And, it is either going to be a pink and white lanet, OR potholders.

Yeah, it all depends on how it goes.

Britt is making squares (she needs like forty-leven-dozen or something) and, at some point, they will need to be sewn together to complete the blanket. Don't look at me.

Of course, I have complete faith in HER ability. Listen, I can't knit, crochet or any of that as I have previously stated, so I'm not judging (little bit).

No matter, I love how they look. Besides, if these don't magically transform into a coverlet, there is the possibility of setting up a little booth in the Publix parking lot (before they have us arrested) to sell these squares as potholders. Crochet yawn is heat-resistant, right?

Stay tuned.

SURFER GIRL NEEDS SOLES

Yes, I am already buying shoes for Beach-Baby Surfer-Girl!

And, I think I have done a pretty nice job of covering all the baby-shoe bases with just these two selections. Metallic for when Beach-Baby wants to feel more elegant (what, you think babies can't feel the need to be fancy?), and then the ever popular and Florida staple, straps-n-foam, flip-flop.

Oh, I truly appreciate how very clever these young designers are. Creating the illusion of shoes, RIGHT on the tiny socks virtaully eliminates the need for shoes.

Well, that won't fly because nothing takes the place of the real deal.

Slipping tiny toes and soles into tiny metallic shoes or flip-flops seems ever so appropriate for a stylish infant.

Buying shoes...one of my favorite things.

HAIR COLOR, NAIL COLOR, NO COLOR

Tomorrow ushers in Week 23, and Britt is looking very natural and very colorless.

Now, hold on. I'm not being rude about the sweetest girl, ever and she is adding flash and flair to all things baby-bump via wardrobe.

No, it's just that Beach-Baby Surfer-Girl needs to understand the sacrifices, Brittany is making. Happily and whole-heartedly.

She wants things to be as natural as possible, hence her two-toned hair in the photo above, taken on, June 23. That is not her typical look.

Same goes for her nails. No color. Just nails. Natural and bare, the way they were intended.

Of course, my nails haven't been bare since, well...that's not the point.

I am wondering How soon CAN you paint a baby's nails?

I'm KIDDING.

But, DO they have baby nail polish?

KIDDING!!