miró on breastfeeding

Maternity, Joan Miró, 1924

Oil on canvas, 920 x 730 mm

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh

bump news, week 39

At 39 weeks I've shifted into a new gear. Things feel so bittersweet and precious now, not knowing how much time we have left as a family of just four. I am cherishing sweet snuggles and little conversations more than I usually do.

Over the course of this pregnancy both of my kiddos have weaned, so for the last few months I've felt a little more free and autonomous (ironic, considering that I've been hugely pregnant at the same time!) and I know that any day now I'm going to re-start that amazing breastfeeding relationship with a new person who will be totally dependent on me and my boobs for perhaps years to come. Its an exciting and overwhelming feeling, all at once.

We finished our Birth Mix this past weekend, and I love listening to it all the time. I don't even know if it will be used or useful during the birth (it will depend on how I feel in the moment) but meanwhile it's helping to set the vibe for welcoming a new baby into the world. I am sure it'll serve as the soundtrack to our new life for a while.

I wore this Butter By Nadia dress a few nights ago when Taro and I had the opportunity to go out on the town. I think it's the only thing that fits me now besides giant maternity leggings and t-shirts ;) The jacket is vintage Ann Klein, the shoes are Betsey Johnson, and my Whiting and Davis clutch belonged to my grandmother.

Will there be a 40 week post? Stay tuned to find out...

In case you've missed any installments of the bump chronicles: Weeks 21, 23, 31, 35, and 38.

birth story of the week: born in the back seat of a cab

So, this is not so much a birth story as an amazing video of the events that unfolded immediately following the birth of little Mila Amie Economopoulos Jones in the back seat of a NYC taxi last week. What I love the most about this is seeing the mother's supremely composed, in-charge, and instinctively smart handling of what unfolded after her baby was born. As you'll see, a bevy of paramedics descended on the scene to help and usher the family to the hospital, and in the midst of all the hubbub mama is just cool as a cucumber, insisting on skin-to-skin-contact and popping a boob out for the baby like it ain't no thang. "We delivered the baby ourselves," she says at one point, rather matter-of-factly. She's fabulous.

sweet weekend

I hope you're enjoying your weekend.

May you have lots of fun and sweet snuggles.

XOXO

Leigh

Photo via The heART of Midwifery

a family-friendly workplace: european parliament

I love that Licia Ronzulli has been taking her daughter, Victoria, to sessions of the European Parliament since she was just one month old:

Way to multitask, mama. Now if more employers could just see the benefits of creating a mother/baby/family-friendly work atmosphere. We'd all be better for it.

On a similar theme, this amazing essay about fighting an uphill battle to pump at work really struck a chord with me. I am as infuriated by the anti-mother climate it describes as I am inspired by author Lynn Messina's story of asserting her right to pump at work.

Have you ever struggled to balance motherhood and career? Have you felt the deck stacked against you because of a lack of support in the workplace? Have your career choices been limited or affected by your desire to get pregnant or breastfeed? What are your dreams, wishes, or desires for more mother/baby friendly policies?

Photos via The Daily Mail.

just now

He wanted so badly for me to make the cookies.

He waited patiently while I mixed, measured, spooned, baked.

He watched expectantly while I put the first sheet out to cool.

I gave him a cookie.

Yum, mom! he said.

I turned to take the next sheet out of the oven.

I was thinking regretfully about how the sugar

would have him all hopped-up before bed.

Oh well, I thought. It's a treat.

I needn't have worried.

When I turned back around he was asleep

and snoring, amidst the crumbs.

Good night.

saura on breastfeeding

Maternidad

Antonio Saura (1930-1998)

crayon, brush and black ink and collage on paper

235/8 x 195/8in. (60 x 50cm.)

3 keepers

I love finding recipes that are so good I want to repeat them over and over again. Recently, these three have become staples at our house. They are all seriously sooooo yummy and easy. Had to share!

Top:

Easy Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers with Avocado,

via Healthy. Happy. Life.

Middle:

Kale and Quinoa Salad with Cranberries and Feta,

via Dinner With Julie.

Bottom:

Cold Noodles with Peanut or Sesame Sauce,

via Mark Bittman.

Also, check out my recipe board on Pinterest, where I collect all my "keepers" as well as recipes I want to try soon ;)

tuesday giveaway

I have a really sweet giveaway for you today, courtesy of Marvelous Kiddo Sponsor, Minikin.

Minikin offers fashion-forward, yet timeless pieces that are fun and easy to wear for children from 18 months - 8 years in addition to well-designed accessories for all ages. Their featured brands come from all over the world, many of which are being introduced for the first time in the U.S. exclusively through Minikin. Each brand is selected for its high quality and craftsmanship, and Minikin handpicks every piece to curate a beautiful collection.

Today, Minikin is offering MK readers the chance to win an utterly charming Monsieur Cushion no. 1, by French company La Camille. Aren't they just delightful and whimsical and oh-so-comfy-looking?

To enter to win, please like Minikin on FB, follow them on Twitter, and visit their website. Then leave a comment on this post letting me know your favorite Minikin item. The deadline for entries will be Thursday, February 23rd at 11:59 pm, and I will announce a winner the following day. Good luck!

UPDATE: Thanks for all the entries! The winner is The Paper Plume. Congratulations!

rubysmith photography

Over the last five years some of our biggest moments as a family have been captured by my dear friend, Liz Rubincam, an amazingly talented artist and the founder of Rubysmith Photography. I have missed her and her sweet family sorely since their move from NYC to Victoria, BC last year, so I was beside myself with happiness when Liz told me that she would be flying back to the East Coast to hopefully be present at the birth of our baby! I am due on March 5th and Liz is scheduled to arrive on March 3rd. Needless to say, I am planning to hold out on going into labor until once Liz is here ;)

If you are interested in hiring Liz for family/baby/pregnancy portrait sessions while she is in the NYC area this March, just drop her an email. You could not have a better, more soulful documentarian of your life.

bump news, week 38

Well, here we are at full-term, folks! I hit 38 weeks yesterday and I am feeling large and in charge, lemme tell you: I'm at that fun point in pregnancy where gravity takes on a whole new kind of power -- I struggle a bit to get out of a chair, and I feel all of my internal organs kind of lurching downward while I walk (ok, let's not kid ourselves, waddle). Every morning, when I get out of bed, it feels (and looks) like the bump has dropped a bit, and all non-belly parts of me have taken on a distinct puffiness. My shoes feel too tight. My wedding band will not budge from my ring finger. I vaguely remember having cheekbones, once.

All in all, I feel pretty great though. As you know if you follow me on Twitter, I finally took some time last week to pamper myself a bit, getting my nails done and taking a trip to see my friend Paul at Mudhoney Salon on Kenmare Street for a long-overdue haircut (it had been six months since my last!) and a very fun step into the world of hair color, in the form of ombre highlights, which I've been obsessing over for a while.

My first two babies were born after their estimated due dates, so I'm not really anticipating that this one will come any sooner than 40 weeks, but I definitely feel ready any time. I'm having tons of Braxton Hicks contractions, and I'm totally paying attention to every little twinge I experience, wondering if this will be "it". I am growing more and more excited to give birth and meet this new person, and at the same time I'm savoring the last days of being the mom of just two. I take every chance I can get to snuggle and kiss and be present with my kiddos.

In these pics I'm wearing a dress courtesy of Vanessa Knox, which I absolutely love, Target leggings, and my trusty old Zara boots.

See what I looked like at 38 weeks pregnant last time around, as well how this particular bump has been shaping up over the last several months.

sponsor marvelous kiddo!

Spring feels like it's right around the corner, can you believe it?

Ad slots are already filling up for March, April, and May, so

email me now for more information and rates.

Marvelous Kiddo's audience continues to grow -- there were over 125,000 page views in January, alone. If you want to share your amazing product, shop, blog, or service with my lovely readers, please let me know. I look forward to working with you!

Thanks,

Leigh

thought for your thursday

“Birth is not an emergency.

It is simply an emergence.”

- Jeannine Parvati Baker

Image:

Раждане с оргазъм (Birth by orgasm) by Helen Knowles
Screen grab from this YouTube video
Four-colour screen-print on Fabriano paper 101 x 147 cm 2011
Edition of 3

The first exhibition of this work will be in February of 2012 for the Digital Romantics show at the Dean Clough Gallery, in the UK. More info here. Via Birth Rites Collection.

marion cotillard babywearing on the streets of nyc

I loved seeing these photos of the amazing Marion Cotillard wearing her son Marcel in a woven wrap carrier while out and about in NYC last weekend! How sweet are they? More photos here. Thanks to Jaclyn for the tip :)

chagall on breastfeeding

Maternidad by Marc Chagall, 1914

for your valentine's day

What a beautiful, moving, inspiring, honest little film. I hope you'll watch it and take this Valentine's day to reflect on loving and appreciating yourself and your body in all of its imperfect perfection.

happy monday

Here's hoping your week is off to a sweet start

and your day is filled with love!

Photo by Krista Baugham, via Pintrest.

kiku kimonos at asos

I've been searching around for a new robe for nursing and lounging when the baby arrives. I think I found the perfect combination of pretty, comfortable, stylish, and affordable with these Kiku Kimonos at Asos. Family run label Kiku uses traditional methods and cuts, with each kimono adorned with delicate Japanese prints. Aren't they lovely? Plus, Asos offers free shipping (both ways) with no minimum order -- love that!

cassatt on breastfeeding

Young Mother Nursing Her Child, Mary Cassatt, 1906.

Oil on canvas

99.1 x 80.3 cm (39 x 31 5/8 in.)

Collection of The Art Institute of Chicago.

Other works depicting breastfeeding by this artist, here.

pina

My sister shared this phenomenal trailer with me yesterday and I was blown away. Now I can't wait to check out this film! Doesn't it look so unusual and amazing? Have you seen it yet, and if so, what did you think?

BTW, Pina was directed by Wim Wenders, who I will love always for having created one of the most unforgettable movies I've ever seen, Wings of Desire.

stuck in my head, mini edition

This photo

These blocks

This baby cowl

This gorgeous co-sleeping arrangement

These looks for little girls

quote for your tuesday

Photo found here.

Quote found here.

weekendy links

It's been a while since I've done one of these and the tabs are piling up on my browser (SO MANY TABS!!!) so without further ado, things I've been digging on...

Roald Dahl postage stamps!

Don't these seem like the perfect flats?

My favorite iteration of the Gosling meme yet: Homebirth Ryan Gosling.

Ok, Go on Sesame Street -- woot!

I love this post, Who Lived In Your House?

Sh*t Crunchy Mamas Say. Nailed it!

I finally started pinning.

The best Downtown Abbey recaps on the interwebs.

What a great (maternity-friendly) dress!

Word.

Happy weekend, ya'll.

XOXO,

Leigh

Photo of Ingrid Bergman with twin daughters Isabella and Isotta Rossellini, 1952.

Via We Never Sleep.

we live young

I have fallen head over heels for the blog, We Live Young, which has recently documented the pregnancy, home birth, and first few days of parenthood in the lives of photographers Nirrimi Hakanson and Matt Caplin. The images are so breathtaking that I can't stop combing through the archives.

Thanks for the tip, Erin!

lange on breastfeeding

Migrant agricultural worker's family. Seven hungry children.

Mother aged thirty-two. Father is native Californian.

Nipomo, California.

1936.

Dorothea Lange, photographer.

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, DC.