Do you speak "Pregnancy"? We do.
Tuesday, August 31st, 2010
Want to know another way in which you can find Julia? Foursquare is your best bet. Our very own Julia was featured in an article in the latest issue of Bethesda Magazine, all because of an ongoing mayorship battle of a local coffee shop. Check it out! Just don’t try to steal her mayorship…. -Liz
Sunday, August 15th, 2010
There is truly no place like home - even Casa Loco. And today – mine is filled with all four kids (and don’t get me started on Matthew leaving for college on Friday and how this looms – one part excitement, one part disbelief and one part pure sadness) Rosie the Dog and Bob (until he got up and out to make hay or some such thing). So yes, home – as the the Talking Heads said (in one of my sister Susan Beck Zaslow’s favorite songs from when we were young and her hair was as cool and asymmetrical as it could be):
Home – is where I want to be
But I guess I’m already there
I come home – she lifted up her wings
Guess that this must be the place
I can’t tell one from another
Did I find you, or you find me?
There was a time Before we were born
If someone asks, this is where I’ll be . . . where I’ll be
And so it is true – even the hardest moments grow us, mold us, and in the case of our family: blend us. This year was bumpy. The word neuro (as in neuorlogical evaluation, neuropsych testing and neurological condition) came up way to often. This year was also remarkable in terms of milestones (graduations, leading roles, award-winning prose, etc.) Some victories, some defeats but really so much love. If the measure of our success as a family is laughter we have it and then some – enough to spare and to send each one of us with a sack full of it each and every day.
On Shabbat - I caught Matthew registering that this was his last Friday evening at home. And so, with my hand on his shoulder (and my eyes full of tears) I told him this was his to take with him. Then, (because I am really annoying) I asked each member of the family to share a pearl of wisdom with Matthew – something for him to take on his way. Mine was that he not pretend or assume to know the answers but rather remain open to learning as he goes. I am sure this one will not get unpacked for a few years to come. But he has it.
And here I am – in the nerve center of Casa Loco – sipping my coffee and making sense of some things. My house is full this Sunday morning though it will not be this way again. Matthew will be coming home – sure but not living here. And our blending dynamic will change once again.
I don’t know if I will ever really understand the way things work. Our bumpy journeys or our high moments. Our victories or losses or where the two intersect. I do know that this is a lucky life — and clearly, this must be the place.
Rebecca, Matthew, Samuel and Lila - Dec 2009
Thursday, August 5th, 2010
Hey all, it’s Liz Again. Lots of baby announcements here this week at Forty Weeks.
You may remember Jenni Hogan as the super cute and pregnant Aussie from Kiro TV that Julia helped style. Well, baby Siena has arrived!
While Julia cannot take any credit for the gorgeous baby, we would like to formally introduce you to her.
Welcome to the world Siena Hogan!
Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
While Julia is escaping the heat waves, power outages, thunder storms and earthquakes of the east coast to sip champagne and sample various cheeses in France with the adorable Bob; Jules, Gina and I (Liz the Intern) will be holding up the fort and updating the blog.
If you’re thinking of going on your own vacation, you should definitely pack the ridiculously cute (and sexy) Bravado Boy Shorts that were featured in July’s issues of Pregnancy & Newborn.
www.BravadoDesigns.com
Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Hey All, Liz Here. Julia is making her way from Paris to Provence while Jules labors away (literally) and I am left here to share the news of day!
Baby Boy Galpin is here! Jules sent me some photos this morning, so check them out. Mother and baby are doing well. More details to come soon.
Not only did we welcome Baby Boy Galpin this morning, but the Washington Post featured an article about the spike of baby’s expected to be born in the next month or two, exactly 9 months after the December and February blizzards. I guess it really is a Blizzard of Babies this August.
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…
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 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.
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…
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.”
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
Due Maternity is offering 20% off all essentials this weekend.
Code: es2
Our Pick:
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
Belly Dance maternity has got a clearance section filled to the brim with major finds
Our Pick:
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
Isabella Oliver is hosting their End of the Season Sale
Savings up to 60% off
Our Pick:
Isabella Oliver Helena Dress $105
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
One of the perks of working for Forty Weeks during your Forty Weeks is that we really know how to celebrate pregnancy. And how! This week Jules and I hit New York with just enough time to spare for Jules’ Babymoon. Here’s how we spent our day:
SHOPPING SPREE– we snuck into A New View for their exclusive sample sale – there Jules enjoyed a private shopping experience with some of the best in the business as her guide. Armanda had a great selection including Noppies, Duet, Ripe, NOM and Olian. Jules had her pick – and we had a blast dressing her up to take on the hot summer ahead. Not to mention, the deals were fantastic. (sample sale runs through June, call Armanda for details and use my name 212 643 9547).
Jules makes some choices (lots to look at!)
Jules' Sample Sale Victory!
SUITE LIFE – Jules and I took residence in the E –WOW suite at the W, Union Square! The room a spacious and welcoming – filled with Bliss Beauty products not to mention a plate of the most delicious pastries! We had a little snack before we headed back out and over to the west side.
The E-Wow suite at the W Hotel, Union Square
BEAUTY AT BLOW – big, beautiful blow outs and mains were next on our agenda. The ever-fantastic Liz Gumbinner was there getting her tresses tamed as well. We all enjoyed the pampering respite at Forty Weeks’ favorite destination, Blow.
MOCKTAILS– while Liz and I enjoyed a little vino, Jules sipped on a spritzer and enjoyed our window seat the The Otherroom on Perry Street.
CRAVINGS- Jules was in the mood for Italian. And since we were in the heart of the West Village there was no better place to dine then at I Sodi. Jules and I enjoyed a n order of the crustini of the day, a peppery arugula salad, the duck tageliatelle (Jules was in love with this rich, comforting dish) and (my favorite) Branzino with spinach. We finished the meal with a few bites of a cool vanilla pana cotta with berries.
Jules has a few months to go (she is due in late August) – with luck this is just the pregnant pause she needed to make it through!