Archive for 2010

Wordless and Way Back…

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

Samuel reminded me he did not get much birthday love on the blog.  For you Sam,  I will go the wordless route one more time…

Baby Boy Samuel (with Mommy and Lila)  - July 2002

A Push Present for Jules

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

I know you know the name “push present” does not sit well with me. And still, watching Jules work like a champ through this blistering hot summer while raising the three-year old terror (which he will not always be, but as of now- Jules and her husband Eddie are declining all dinner invitations that include young Matthew) and taking such super good care of me leaves me in awe. Jules remains sunny, focused and frankly as beautiful as can be. As such — I believe something sparkly is in order. I found just the thing – Dana Rebecca Anna Beth earrings in peridot (the birthstone of August, when baby boy Galpin is due to make his arrival), behold:

Anna Beth peridot earings by Dana Rebecca $1,485

Anna Beth peridot earings by Dana Rebecca $1,485

Monday, July 12th, 2010

Today is an absolute R Baby day — working with goddesses Vera Sweeney and Audrey McClelland as they plan their BlogHer support of RBF and the Foundation’s amazing work to improve pediatric emergency care. It is Philanthropic Moms like Very and Audrey that make the world a better place!

A Very Personal Response to “Preservation IVF” – Guest Blog by Kara Matuszewski

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

The following very personal and passionate response to the Washington Post’s Article  on Preservation IVF  (thier term) was written by friend of Forty Weeks,  Kara Matuszewski.  Kara’s point of view comes from a most personal and frustrating place, it is at once honest and painful. Her outrage is justified and shared by many.  Thank you Kara for your candor and your eloquence. Most of all, thank you for sharing your journey with us!

Kara Matuszewski

Kara Matuszewski

Kara Matuszewski is a New England journalist. She and her husband just celebrated their seventh anniversary, and though they have no human children, they consider their black lab Cabo good training. You can follow Kara is on Twitter @karamat; on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/karamat) and on Facebook (facebook.com/karamat).

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After reading about a woman who chose, at the age of 30, to freeze her embryos for “a later date” when “she’s ready,” I wanted to scream. She calls it Preservation IVF.

What does she call traditional IVF? Desperation IVF.  Because, to her, there are no other options.

My husband and I have been trying to conceive for a year. So far, no baby. It’s difficult. Each month you hope it will be “the month.” But then you get your period.

You seem to notice every, single pregnant woman or baby.

And because of my age (32 — just a year older than the woman in the WaPo article), lots of my friends are having babies. I’m very excited for each of them, but as you can imagine it’s tough some days.

The worst part about my situation is the doctors don’t know why we’re no conceiving. All the tests come back “normal.” Normal, in this sense, is not good. It means that there’s no pill to take, no test to choose, or anything else.

I’ve been diagnosed with Abnormal Infertility. Yes, it has an actual diagnosis.

But we have not given up hope. We have a wonderful doctor on our side who is compassionate and thoughtful. She sat with me as I cried through an appointment where we agreed that I probably had been pregnant and miscarried. She laughed with me when I told her my period is always “spot on.” And she advocates for me.

We are not to IVF yet, and at no point have I felt desperate.

In fact, I have felt fully confident in our decisions.

I once said that we wanted to wait, too. But we got married at 25, and I didn’t think I was mature enough to care for a child. I have grown immensely in seven years. I am now in one couple’s will to be their children’s guardian.  And I know I will be a good parent to the child we will have.

I can understand that people want to wait, but to label it Preservation — and the other Desperation? That woman needs a dose of reality.

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

We are crazy from the heat here and wow is it busy! Calls with LA, Toronto, NY and London just to name a few today!

Fierce

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

I don’t often go wordless – but this week  I shall…

Check out my warrior:

Lila shoots the first bulls eye of camp this season!

Lila shoots the first bulls eye of camp this season!

Gag Me….oh no wait, I am already SICK

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

This is like so cool – now, when I am 16 and pregnant I can rock my bump with Forever 21. And they even have a way hot leatherette diaper bag -  I will so be wearing it  for back to school with baby…

maternity_main_image

And now seriously, thank you so much to the fine people who come up with these thoughtless marketing ploys for reminding me that there is a scary epidemic of teen pregnancy in this country. Your bullshit glamorization of teen pregnancy only fuels this lunacy. There is nothing cool about being a 16 year old parent. Shame on you….

UPDATE – 7/13:

According to a scoop from TheGoss.com, Forever 21’s maternity line is sold exclusively in cities across California, Texas, Alaska, Arizona, and Utah — the states with the highest teen pregnancy rates. Coincidence? We think not. We suppose we shouldn’t be surprised. This is, after all, the same establishment that considers anything larger than a size 10 “plus-sized.”

What’s news in Bethesda – land of bumps and babies!

Sunday, July 4th, 2010

Heather Moore in Bethesda

Heather Moore in Bethesda

Here’s what’s new and exciting in Bethesda’s Belly-land –Heather Moore  has come to town.

The front case at Amethyst, Bethesda Avenue

The front case at Amethyst, Bethesda Avenue

We first met Heather when she called from Ohio to say “hello” and introduce herself. Well, we liked her moxy and we really loved her design sensibility. In fact, we are fans for life. Her collection continues to grow and evolve – and much like Heather – keeps us smiling.  So now Heather has landed in Bethesda – what wonderful news!

Welcome to my hometown Heather! We wish you the best of luck at Amethyst!

Chill out and Save a Bit!

Sunday, July 4th, 2010

There is nothing fun about being pregnant during a heat wave. I remember well the summer of 1998 – when Lila showed up at the very end of August after endless days of crazy, Washington, DC heat and humidity. One thing that might have helped would have been some equally hot fashion and some sizzling prices (both of which were few and far between back in the day).

I did a quick look around and found some outstanding savings on very easy, breezy summer essentials to get you through the hot season.  And what’s more – all of these great picks are on sale. And the best part – of this shopping can be done from the cool comfort of your couch! Some of the sales end today – so be sure to hop on line and get your goodies. And find us on FaceBook   – we’d love to see your holiday weekend haul!

 

Happy Bump Shopping!

 THIS JUST ADDED:

Nuka Maternity has got a site-wide 30% off sale in progress

Code: July 4

Our Pick:

Nuka Ava Firecracker tank (had to for the 4th!!!) $38

Nuka Ava Firecracker tank (had to for the 4th!!!) $38

 

Due Maternity  is offering 20% off all essentials this weekend.

Code: es2

Our Pick:

Michael Stars Sleeveless Ruched Tunic (avialable in  5 colors) $49

Michael Stars Sleeveless Ruched Tunic (avialable in 5 colors) $49

 

 

 

Pickles & Ice Cream has got a 30% off sale in progress

Code: Save30

Our Pick:

 

Maternal America Maternity Magenta One-Shoulder Dress $129

Maternal America Maternity Magenta One-Shoulder Dress $129

 

Belly Dance maternity has got a clearance section filled to the brim with major finds

Our Pick:

 

NOM Coal Swing Dress $30

NOM Coal Swing Dress $30

A Pea in the Pod is offering savings up to 75% off

Our Pick:

Lavish by Heidi Klum Sleeveless Scoop Neck Mock Layer Tank Top $49.99

Lavish by Heidi Klum Sleeveless Scoop Neck Mock Layer Tank Top $49.99

 

 

Isabella Oliver is hosting their End of the Season Sale

Savings up to 60% off

Our Pick:

Isabella Oliver Helena Dress $105

Isabella Oliver Helena Dress $105

My Girl Rocks

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

she's got the beat too...

she's got the beat too...

Seriously, she does… take a look at Ms. Lila getting her groove on at camp! Yes I miss my girls — and really how great is seeing this?

Lila rocks her guitar at camp

Lila rocks her guitar at camp