Indestructible

The above book is part of an "indestructibles" series, and since Ezzy has had it for almost a week now, and it is indeed still intact, I thought I should give it a little review. I had never heard of these books before, but they promise that they can't be torn, ripped, or punctured. Obviously I was a little skeptical. Ezzy is pretty persistent about chewing anything he can get his hands on. He also likes ripping and throwing things. And this book seems like it's made out of paper, so I was thinking at best it would last a few hours, which is still a feat in and of itself. Most paper books (which I don't give him) wouldn't survive ten minutes with this guy. He'll also chew threw the cardboard books, if given the chance. But as you can see in the picture below, he's still working on this indestructible book, and aside from being a little wrinkled, there are absolutely no rips and tears. And he loves it. I think it's the challenge of trying to destroy it and failing that keeps him entertained for so long. The book also promises to be safe, non-toxic, and machine washable. So in other words, it's absolutely perfect and what every baby book should strive to be. Also, the illustrations are beautiful. You can check out the whole indestructible series here. 

Enjoying his Valentine gift from grandma.

Baby Shower #3 (Last One, I Promise!)

 

In case you missed my other baby shower post, Baby Shower #1 was a surprise from work, and Baby Shower #2 was in Modesto with my mom's side of the family and some of my dearest, oldest childhood friends. Baby shower #3 was co-ed and held at our house for all of the So Cal friends and family. The theme was balloons/hot air balloons, and I wish I had some better pictures of the cute hot air balloons Jessica got for the event. However, they'll make an appearance in Ezra's nursery, so you'll see some pics shortly.

Hot Air Balloon Cookies

For food we had a delicious giant smorgasboard. Millie took care of all the meat eaters with some fried chicken, potato salad, and sandwiches, as well as the adorable cake above. Grandma Kathleen brought her delicious homemade mac & cheese. And we had tons of cupcakes, chips, dips, fruits, veggies, and candy. For party favors, I made hot air balloon cookies using my mom's sugar cookie recipe. Yummy!

Guests wrote Ezra messages on this adorable handmade guest sign-in. The giraffe was cut out from a gift bag from the 99 Cent Store. The sun and clouds stickers were also from the 99 Cent Store. And Millie diligently cut out all the balloons from construction paper. I LOVE the end result, and you'll also see its reappearance in Ezra's nursery.

Jessica came up with the great idea for a 2013 time capsule. She got the vintage-looking map-themed suitcase from Michaels and we asked guests to bring something iconic from 2013 when we sent out the invitations. We haven't quite decided when he will open it. I'm thinking that by 2023, when he's ten, he should be old enough to appreciate the time capsule. Some of the contents include: baseball stats, the 2013 Farmer's Almanac, several issues of prominent magazines, a deck of Kardashian playing cards (wonder if they'll still be famous in a decade!), and some Star Wars toys to represent Ezra's due date: May the 4th (aka - Star Wars Day). I love it all, and many thanks for your originality to everyone who participated!

One of my other favorite aspects of the shower was the "Photo Booth" we had set up. For a backdrop we used the homemade balloon Ezra decorations that Jen made and gifted to me at my Modesto baby shower. We also set up my camera on self-timer, and set up a small white board and some pens and encouraged guests to write a message for Ezra. I can't wait to print them out and include them in his baby book (another maternity leave project I plan on getting around to in the coming days). Check out the cute decorations and thoughtful/funny messages below:

Grandma Kathleen

Jessica - Party Planner Extraordinaire!

Great Aunt Linda

Cousins Luana & Logan

  

Millie - My Other Expert Party Planner!

Uncle Nev

Rhoda, Ricardo, & Co.

 

The Serna Family

The Parents-to-be!

Again, I'm amazed by the craftiness and generosity of our friends and family. Ezra received some beautiful handmade quilts and blankets, and a customized onesie. He also received tons of cute toys and books, and practically an entire wardrobe for the next year. I also got a boppy nursing pillow which I'm really excited about; everyone who has had one raves about them. Check out how spoiled that lil guy is, and he hasn't even made an appearance yet!

What A Typical Date Night Looks Like When You're 8+ Months Pregnant..

Yup, that's me browsing at Target on our weekly date night. The last time I posted any type of date activity was in early March, when we went hiking. I thought my fitness levels were at an all-time low when I was barely able to make it a mile up the mountain that day, but now that I can barely make it through the baby aisles at Target before my back starts aching I realize I was doing pretty well for a 7 months pregnant lady on that hike.

Beginning in March, all of our date nights have centered around baby care and birthing classes, or moving, packing, unpacking, and assembling furniture. The typical exciting soon-to-be new parents kind of stuff you'd expect.

Now that we're only 15 days away from Ezzy's due date I'm officially in my nesting phase. During last night's "date" we bought the last few remaining things on our registry, as well as some clothes and toys that I just couldn't resist. In case you were wondering what $500 worth of baby stuff from Target looks like, here you go:

It's surprisingly not that much stuff. The bulk of the budget went toward the Graco Fastaction Fold Classic Connect Travel System. Earlier this week I spent the better part of a day researching online to make sure the car seat and stroller I had originally registered for were compatible with each other. Turns out my stroller was compatible with click connect Graco car seats, but not with the classic connect model I'd gotten. Whoops. That led to more internet research, and I was drawn to the Graco Fastaction for its promise of folding up with one hand in one second. I'll let you know once it's put together if it's as easy as it promises.

After working up an appetite at Target, we tried out Max's Mexican Cuisine across the street:

Gooey, Cheesy Yumminess

And then we went home and played Family Feud. At least we won't be missing out on the wild and crazy nightlife that we never had once Ezzy gets here ;)

And because I'm sure you've been wondering what Mr. James Bond has been up to, here you go: