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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.
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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…
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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.
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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.”
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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
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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!
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Monday, May 31st, 2010
Welcome to the Ten Commandments of Pregnancy Style! Today, I write poolside on Memorial Day. So first, a special thank you to all who have served and sacrifced for our Country. And, a big welcome to the summer of 2010.
This is the fourth of a ten part series in which I will share my tricks of the trade for building a better maternity wardrobe.
So far we’ve covered:
1. Choose Carefully
2. Infuse Trend Wisely
3. Flatter yourself
And Now:
4. Layer in Color and Texture
Hiding out in basic black is no way to celebrate your Forty Weeks of style.All of that great anticipation and excitement needs to show. Color and texture are not only an easy and affordable short cut to keeping your maternity look fun and true to your fashion form, they also bring out your most sunning features including that incredible pregnancy glow. In honor of Pickles & Ice Cream opening their beautiful new Charlotte Store – I took a little virtual spree to find the color and texture to help you welcome the season(and plan for your labor day) in style!
Maternal America Monet Print Sheared Drape Dress $120
Michael Stars Maternity Shine Sleeveless Dress in Deap Sea $76
Nuka Claire Maxi Dress in Grape $104
Tangelo Pleated Kaftan Top $59
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Thursday, May 27th, 2010
Welcome to the Ten Commandments of Pregnancy Style! This is the second of a ten part series in which I will share my tricks of the trade for building a better maternity wardrobe. Today, a look at my second commandment -
2. Infuse Trend Wisely
We’ve already established that there is no need to check your signature look at the door of this amazing Forty Week journey. Now, we need to see how you are going to ” pop up” the wardrobe you are carefully building. The goal - build a wardrobe of well chosen pieces that work with you and your lifestyle. Combine a realistic assessment of your needs (and wants) with high fabric quality, and in particular memory (these clothes will need to grow with you). Focus on clothes you will love to wear and wear them often. Add to that enough trend, seasonality and personality so that you feel like a glowing version of yourself.
When I think trend – I think of Due Maternity. They’ve got a great selection of all that will thrill you and Due is the perfect destination for your “trend spend”. All of these add a fresh, fun and fashion-forward element to your wardrobe, yet none will break the bank. Take a look:
Ava Firecracker Tank by Nuka $38
Off Shoulder Dress by See you in Miami $78
Poppy Tunic by Juliet Dream $72
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Tuesday, May 25th, 2010
They say that I always have bumps and baby on the brain! Sure, I am known for my uncanny sense ability to spot trends and make sense of what is happening in the world of pregnancy and parenthood, from Melrose and Madison Avenues to Main Street. But you are thinking, hey, what about me??? Good question! I will answer by sharing my inside line of the best secrets for belly and beyond. As always, let me know what you think!
Welcome to the Ten Commandments of Pregnancy Style! This is the first of a ten part series in which I will share my tricks of the trade for building a better maternity wardrobe.
First consider your non-pregnancy style. There is no need to check your signature look at the door of this amazing Forty Week journey. Instead, look to build a wardrobe of well chosen pieces that work with you and your lifestyle. Combine a realistic assessment of your needs (and wants) with high fabric quality, and in particular memory (these clothes will need to grow with you). Focus on clothes you will love to wear and wear them often.
The value in a maternity wardrobe comes from choosing carefully. And the fun comes in the confidence of knowing that you both look and feel fantastic!
1. CHOOSE CAREFULLY
Buy things that both appeal and go the distance. Remember you get what you pay for – poorly constructed garments will gap rather than hug your super feminine figure – a mistake any way you look at it. I took a little tour of Belly Dance Maternity and found these flattering, well made and fun pieces to ease your way from Spring into Summer, enjoy!
Maternal America Seesucker Dress $107
NOM Grey Heater Tee by Belly Dance Maternity $44
Ingrid & Isabel Maternity Ruched Tank $48
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Monday, May 24th, 2010
Free time has been elusive these days. In fact, my greatest luxury – reading the New York Times in bed with a big latte has been well out of my grasp for a few weeks now. I did manage to sneak in my Sunday Styles – and glad I did. I was rapt by Jane Margolis’ Styles cover “The Gift of Sperm Donor 8282”. I am not sure how long it will take for me read Three Wishes: A True Story of Good Friends, Crushing Heartbreak, and Astonishing Luck on Our Way to Love and Motherhood , the book at the center of the article (though it is now on my list), let’s just say my reading list is long and my bedside table is full!
The article brought to mind a recent conversation – or a series of conversations to be exact. I find myself in the position of being friends with a parent (father) and child (daughter) both independently and differently. The father is a central mentor, advisor and sage advice giver to me – he is a key figure in my life. The daughter is a bundle of fresh energy, she keeps me connected the 20-something who still lives on inside of me, keeps me entertained with her tales of a single womanhood and is about as good as a cheese guide as you could ask for. On occasion she works for me. And on occasion, I will consult on a project for him. It works! He at 61 and she at 29 are both my friends.
As such, I have been brought smack in the middle of the most amazing debate – the daughter’s reproductive life. What is the debate? Well – it is a question really – “where are my grandchildren? ”. You can imagine the scene, I am sure! This wonderful girl (and really she is just that) has not met the right guy. They (the father and the mother) wish she would hurry up and meet a man and have babies. I play a bit role in the chorus on both sides reminding both parties that getting stuck with the wrong guy is really a life sentence. And then I usually go on to my dance of examples and exemptions. Recently I added to my very predictable repertoire. The daughter, you see is having a birthday in July. I suggested to the father that he freeze some eggs as a gift. I suggested he contact Extend Fertility in Boston and get her set up, get he and his wife shut up and allow her the freedom to find (or not find) a life partner at her own speed. So far, nothing…
You can bet I sent him Jane Margolis’ article, and will suggest Three Wishes as well…because the truth about the happily ever after lies in the power of parenting not in partnering. And I wish her just that.
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