While I was in California, my mom threw me a baby shower and spoiled this little babe. We had a yummy spread of cheese and bread, delicious sandwiches, and cupcakes. The ocean view made for the perfect backdrop at 
The Gum Tree in Hermosa Beach. Friends and family came from all over to celebrate this new little boy and have one final get-together before his arrival. They filled a book of sweet love notes to our little family (which later brought tears to my eyes), dispensed advice, and brought an endless supply of laughter.

It was an all girls affair, and every single woman there is a mother, sister, or friend who I admire and cherish. It's easy to get caught up with every day troubles and forget how many beautiful and inspiring women I really do have in my life. Old school friends, childhood neighbors, a few Ribbonettes, and special family members all shared this special afternoon.

I'ma lucky girl.. and my baby boy to be is already so loved and spoiled by all these special ladies!

I'm so grateful for all these ladies and especially for my Mom, who is going to be an awesome Grandma! 

Don't you love a beautifully wrapped gift? I sure do. Nothing like a gorgeous ribbon to really make a present pop!
And this one takes the cake! Isn't it pretty?!
Our little family is so lucky to have great people all around us. Baby Boy is already getting spoiled and we have the presents to prove it.
The great folks in Albin's business school sent us a gift from the Class of 2013, and we were surprised and delighted!

The gift inside is just as sweet and lovely as the wrapping! This little guy is so soft and snuggly I almost want to keep him for myself.. but he is waiting to be a cuddly companion in Little Man's nursery. As if that wasn't enough, they included a gift certificate to a favorite baby store, PoshTots!  They have some seriously awesome stuff and I can't wait to redeem it.

A BIG thank you to all the MBA students for sending this sweet gift our way, and an EXTRA special thank you to Lauren for organizing this. She's a class act!

One of the greatest gifts my mother gave me is my love of books. I can remember being very small and going to the old Redondo Beach Library, (now a historical site and event venue) and picking out 10 books about once a week. It smelled so good in there, old books, the pacific ocean, and a breathtaking view of Redondo Pier and Palos Verdes on the water. We read 3 books a night, and I still have cherished copies of many of these books.
One of the great joys of parenthood is that now I get to relive the magic in these books, and share them with our boy- starting now. We are already reading books to him, or maybe it's just a fun excuse to read them again myself. But I know he can hear us, and I can't wait to share the illustrations and the fun stories with him as he grows. Here are some of my favorites....

Wow! We are just cruising right along. 22 weeks in, and I am really feelin' good. This is a nice and comfortable phase of pregnancy. I’ve just returned from my trip to California, and I am EXHAUSTED. I spent time with family, learned a recipe from Albin’s mom, shopped, beached, biked, and attended a shower my mom hosted for
me.  The shower was just amazing. Dear friends and family came from all over to celebrate this new life in the
making. We dined on sandwiches and cupcakes and shared a ton of laughs. The boy and I were spoiled with lots of good gifts too! Throughout the trip, Baby Boy was right along for the ride; he kicked the most during eating sessions at In-n-Out (ahem, California Boy), Becker's Bakery, my many bike rides, and of course at bed time. I so enjoy feeling his little movements. It’s a lovely reminder that he is there, alive and well, and getting very big.

This is where he’s at this week….
Baby Boy is about the size of a papaya and almost a pound! He is getting into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12- 14 hours a day.. and he makes it known when he is awake! I’m able to eat and exercise again, which is great. I was able to indulge in my favorite past-time, bike riding on the strand.. soundtrack courtesy of Tom Petty! There is something about the wind and salt air in your face. It's just magic. Does a body good. And I am sleeping like a rock at the end of every day. Last night, Albin and I read the boy a children’s book, Petite Rouge- courtesy of my friend Emily (we loved the book, a spin on Little Red Riding Hood, with a Cajun twist.. AWESOME), and then tried to watch a movie. I was out cold by nine.. might have even drooled on my sweet husband’s shoulder. Hey! I just got back from California…those airports and plane rides are tiring for anyone.
More photos of the shower to follow. But here I am at Breakwall, winded from a bike ride with my Mom, and feeling huge as ever!

Sometimes, I forget I look pregnant, and I think I just look chubby.. but then I see a photo like this. No mistaking this round tummy! Growing into a big boy! He's the size of a cantaloupe people! FINALLY starting to feel little flutters and movements too! Happy Day!

I LOVE designer jeans, pregnant or not..and I even went out and purchased some super cool J Brand maternity jeans. I will say they are the most comfortable jeans I've ever owned, they are long enough, and with the hidden stretch, you really can't even tell they are maternity. Despite the hefty price tag, they are a win.
But this isn't a post about splurging on designer jeans.. you may not need to.
Did you know Forever21 has a maternity line? Yes! They do! The bad part is, only a couple items are available online. It's sold in stores in select markets where teenage pregnancy is at a high.. I know, sad but true.
I check it often because online product availabilty varies. One day, to my good fortune I found these. Yes, dark wash, skinny jeans for FIVE DOLLARS AND NINETY NINE CENTS! Impossible! What's wrong with these things?!But at that price, they were worth a try. I debated for a bit, then made the purchase and waited for their arrival. Yesterday, after a particularly unpleasant work day, I arrived home to find them waiting. They were wrapped in tissue and sealed with a Love Forever 21 sticker.. would they fit??? I immediately tried them on, and they fit PERFECTLY! They are tight and sexy, but still comfortable. They go to the ankle, a little short. Though perfect for tennies or boots, or any lady of regular height. (I'm a leggy one.) Today I'm wearing them cuffed with deck shoes. I no longer feel frumpy!!! So proud of this purchase, may order another pair. Hey pregnant ladies, buy these! The website doesn't do them justice.

Or so I've been told. We reached a huge milestone this week! We've arrived at 20 weeks, the halfway point of my pregnancy. On one hand it seems to drag on and on, especially the whole sickness phase... but on the other hand, it is just FLYING by! Now that we know we are having a son, it makes me even more excited to meet this little man. I spend most of my time day dreaming and talking about this little guy! Albin and I toss names around and fantasize about walking him in the park and kissing chubby cheeks and tiny toes.
I'm arriving at that nice, comfortable phase of pregnancy everyone was talking about. Happy, comfortable, not too big to move around or snag a good nights' sleep... lucky lady!
Had an appointment this morning and heard his sweet heartbeat... All is well with the world.
This is what I look like now!

The little Mister is coming along just fine!
Now we can work on the nursery, and name this little Prince!
Watch out ladies...
Here comes my little stud!
I have proof he's a boy in another picture, but we'll keep this blog modest.
Just trust us!

Albin and I are so thrilled to announce.. that little baby Soares is a little MISTER!
IT'S A BOY!!!!!
We just found out this morning.. no mistaking what we saw!
Soon, we'll post our boy's first photos.
Everything is looking healthy and he's measuring big for his age.. better slow down!