A bit of news.

For those of you who may not have heard the news yesterday over on my Instagram account, we're finally ready to spill the beans: we're expecting baby #2!

I'm 14 weeks along, and our little bundle of awesome will be joining us sometime in the beginning of September. Dan and I are very excited. Oswin seems thus far unimpressed. 

This time around has definitely been different so far: with Oswin I felt like death from weeks 6-18.5, not even trusting myself to walk down the street by myself for fear of dizzyness and fainting. I've had my first trimester moments this time for sure, and by 4 PM I'm pretty much useless due to fatigue, but I've been able to stay a lot more active earlier on and for that I am very thankful. 

Pregnancy and blogging are a funny thing. I find it difficult to blog when I have a big secret to keep, because my mind becomes consumed by said secret, and writing about anything else feels like I'm just taking up virtual space WHEN ALL I WANT TO DO IS TALK ABOUT BABIES. 

That's not entirely true, but mostly. I hate keeping secrets from people and feel that I fail a bit as a friend when I have one to keep. But now I feel like this huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders and I can talk about babies and travel and food and expat life with a clear and honest mind. 

(Sidenote: this does not mean that future blogging breaks should be taken as me being knocked up. Don't forget that I sometimes get lazy. But in this case, yeah, je suis enceinte fo' sure.)

Spring is upon us, as is the "golden period of pregnancy," so let's hope this good weather and fortune continue. I'm excited for this second round of pregnancy, welcoming a new bundle, and transitioning to a family of four. Thanks for following along!

A la prochaine friends...

Honey

Our first week with Oswin.



It's amazing to me that our little girl is now a week and 3 days old, especially since her due date was supposed to be today. I'm glad nobody told her that, because I can't imagine her not being here with us right now.

On Sunday night, October 6th, we were settling in to watch some football, when I realized that things were progressing forward. Doc was on the phone downstairs with one of his sisters while I watched the Eagles/Giants game, and I began to suspect that my water had broken...or at least started to break. I had no contractions leading up to this moment (at least none to lead me to believe that I was going into labor), and I wasn't even sure that my water had broken. Hollywood has led me to believe that when your water breaks it's a big ole waterfall, when in reality for me, it was just a trickle. It literally took me about 15 minutes of google searches to let myself believe that things were moving forward whether I was ready or not.

We headed over to the hospital and checked in, and I was told that I was only about 1 cm dilated. The contractions started shortly thereafter. After 6 hours of what were constant contractions with peaks every 2-3 minutes, I was still only 1 cm dilated. By the 11 hour mark I had been induced and was finally about halfway, at 5 cm. The delivery room had big gorgeous windows overlooking CERN, the Globe, and the Jura Mountains that I love so much, and as the sun began to rise I began to feel as if this baby was never going to get here.

And then, about 40 minutes later, much to our surprise and that of the midwife's, I was at 10 cm dilated. Twenty minutes later I was holding my little girl, but not for long. During the pediatrician's examination immediately following her birth, it was determined that she had wet lung (from ingesting some fluid during the delivery), and had a metabolic acidosis. She was rushed away to be put on a CPAP machine due to the respiratory distress that followed, as well as to treat the acidosis.  

{The first time Doc was able to hold Oswin, about 9 hours after she was born.}

After a few hours on oxygen, we were able to go see her and hold her. In fact, this was the first time that Doc was even given the chance to hold her.

{I can't get enough of these little feet in little footie pyjamas!}

The doctors weren't able to determine any reason for why she was acidotic, but were able to clear up the problem somewhat quickly. She was also off oxygen within a few hours. The staff said that she recovered faster than they'd ever seen a baby recover from this ailment at this particular hospital. We were very lucky, especially since they informed us that babies born with this condition often spend a week hooked up to a machine to help them breathe.

Hopital de la Tour has a rooming in policy, but to be safe and keep an eye on her condition, Oswin spent the first night in the hospital's special care unit. Due to her progress however, we were able to have her in our room come the next morning, and we couldn't have been happier.

{Breakfast Hopital de la Tour style}

We had a few other bumps in the road following Oswin's arrival, such as my getting horribly ill on our third day (I'm talking "Exorcist" movie vomit people) and also having a reaction to something they gave me for a low grade fever, but having five days in the hospital meant that we were able to take care of any concerns we had for my health and for Oswin's. I really can't imagine what we would have done had we been made to go home after just a day or so. I felt that with five days (the average hospital stay in Switzerland for a natural birth sans complications is 4-5 days, and 8-9 days for those who have a C-section) I was able to recover physically, ask the questions that needed to be asked in order to make sure all of Oswin's needs were met, and regain a lot of my strength. The difference for me from Day 4 to Day 5 was unbelievable, and it saddens me how quickly my friends back home in the United States are forced out of the hospital. I think this amazing experience has me completely ruined for any future children we may have that are not born in SwitzerFrance. 

In addition to the thorough care we received, we were made to feel unbelievably welcome and comfortable. There's a reason why people here call this hospital "Hotel La Tour." But that in itself deserves it's own post...

{The view from my hospital room}

We brought Oswin home on Saturday afternoon. It was surreal to dress her in the clothes I had bought for her, as I've looked at them so many times, but never on a little baby body.

One thing I'll say, for those of you who read my "what's in my hospital bag" post, you may notice that this is a different outfit than I featured. Well, as it turns out, we listened far too well when people told us not to worry about buying newborn clothes as they'll grow out of them before they get to wear them, because it turns out that the majority of things we had planned on Oswin wearing from birth are WAY too big for her littleness. She wasn't a small baby (7 lbs. and 10.5 ounces, 19.5 inches long), but she was just swimming in what I had brought for her. Luckily as we were getting ready to leave for the hospital I had a minor freakout and started throwing extra things for me and Homekid in my bag, and luckily I had thrown in a few of the smaller things I had bought for her. Sidenote: I plan on doing a follow-up post to let you guys know what I did use, what I wish I had packed, and what was of no use in that hospital bag.

We got Oswin home just before the cold rains began, and I've got to say, things couldn't feel more perfect. It was cold, grey and was really truly fall, and we were able to spend the rest of the weekend snuggling with our baby girl as it poured down rain.

And what can beat when these little eyes are staring up at you?

A la prochaine friends...

Honey 

The last of the bump shots.

{38 weeks and 2 days}

 

If you remember last weekend I was promised nachos, and wouldn't you know that the bump formerly known as Homekid obliged in waiting to appear so that mama could enjoy them.

 

{Cat eye glasses: flea market find, Shirt: Hard Tail (non-maternity), Leggings: ASOS Soft Touch Maternity, Scarf: Stephen Sprouse for Louis Vuitton (old), Shoes: Nike (old)}

 

 

On Saturday we headed out for what would unknowingly be our last week of bump shot pictures...

 

{Our neighbor's hoof collection...is just as creepy as it sounds and looks...}

 

 

...and some thrifting. I'm so glad we were able to get out to the second hand store before Oswin's arrival, because we scored an amazing teal velvet and wooden ottoman to compliment our Eames rocker in the nursery, a kitschy-folksy mountain painting for the nursery, and an armoire for Doc, all for under 50 euros (with delivery).   

 

 

We also spent a little time walking around Centre Thoiry...

 

 

...and checking out the World War I monument. It was my favorite weather: cool and grey, with Dracula clouds over the Jura. I was so tired from being on my feet all day, but I just didn't want to go home.

But home we went, because there were nachos to be had and college football to be watched. Come Sunday we had no idea that we'd be heading to the hospital that night, 10 days before our due date. I wasn't even positive that my water had broken while we were driving over to the hospital, but apparently not everyone is a "gusher." At least Oswin let me get to halftime of the Eagles/Giants game, I appreciate that little one.   

 

Next up, our first week with Oswin.

 

A la prochaine friends...

 

Honey



It's a...

Well, as some of you may have guessed from last week's silence, we had an early visitor! Oswin Jade Duggan was born on October 7, 2013, in Meyrin, Switzerland at 9:19 AM. She weighed in at 7 lbs. and 10.5 ounces and 50 cm/19.5 inches long. We came home from the hospital on Saturday afternoon and are settling back into life in France with our new little buddy. Lots of stories and pictures to come! 

A la prochaine friends...

Honey 

Philly Baby: Swag Wish List

 

One of the things I've liked most about being pregnant has been shopping for baby things - specifically clothes and accessories. To those of you that follow me on pinterest you know that my "Homekid" board is ridiculously full of pictures of adorable clothes, and I love reading blogs where mamas find a happy medium of styling their little ones fashionably, while still letting them be little. Friends have often scoffed at the things I've bought for Homekid, saying "they're only going to grow out of it in a week...." or "they're just going to get spit-up all over it..." but to them I stick my tongue out and make a raspberry noise. Yes, I realize that our kid is gonna grow faster than a weed. Yes, I realize they will get bodily fluids all over everything we buy them. But ya know what? That's what washing machines (and grey dye) are for. I'd much rather, in my exhausted new mama state, get to look forward to dressing Homekid in uber cute clothes every morning, then be depressed by dressing him/her in something I wouldn't wear myself (because let's be serious, I'd totally rock some footie pyjamas in my size). I think that how you dress your children, at least up until the age when they begin to have an opinion on it, is an extension and reflection of your sense of style, and something that we as new mamas and papas should get to have a little fun with.

 

That being said, I've also been reading a lot of articles and blog posts out in the blogosphere about what happens to one's identity when they become an expat. After almost 4 years of living abroad, I can attest to the fact that you do change, greatly. This is a topic best left for another post, but what I will say is that you learn quickly that you will never truly become a part of that new culture, but the longer you remain, the more traits and characteristics you begin to adopt. In the same vein the opposite occurs for some of the traits and characteristics that you took with you from your homeland. I will never, ever, truly become French, but I'll always have some things about me that are French. I'll also never quite be the same Philadelphian I was back in 2010 when we hopped on a plane to move abroad, but certain Philadelphian-traits will never, ever leave me. I hope that these traits can be passed onto Homekid, in some way, shape, or form. (Sidenote: I can't wait for our child to start saying "wood-er," much to Doc's chagrin. The passing on of that trait will definitely happen.) 

 

So how does this relate to expat baby style? It means you naturally become a hybrid. You really begin to notice the things you don't want to lose, and hold on to them dearly. I'm also very picky about baby clothes, and I've been searching for a way to showcase the French influence that living where we live will have on Homekid (and has had on us), while at the same time keeping in mind his/her mama's Philly roots. Most recently I've been on the hunt for baby swag that reminds me of home, and have been pleasantly surprised by my finds. So, without further ado, an expat's Philly Baby Swag Wish list!

 

To wear:

 

 

Hipster Vintage Levi's Jean Jacket, via Etsy shop gwenevere24

 

 

Hipster Vintage Lee Buffalo Plaid Button Down, via Etsy shop gwenevere24

 

 

"I'm Not Angry, I'm from Philly" onesie, via cafepress

 

 

...because every Philly baby needs a pair of Chucks...

 

Black Chuck Taylor High Tops, via zappos.com

 

 

The perfect city-kid hoodie: Infant Flex Fleece Zip Hoodie, via American Apparel

 

 

Two awesome things in one: Star Wars AT-ST Walker takes on Philly, via Etsy shop TypsyGypsyTees

 

 

Infant Poly-Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Raglan, via American Apparel

 

 

We take our food seriously in Philly - pretzels, cheesesteaks, water ice, hoagies, donuts, coffee...you can't go wrong.

 

I Pretzel Philly One Piece, via We Heart Philly

 

 

Adidas Originals Kids Court Attitude (Infant/Toodler), via zappos.com

 

To accessorize:

 

 

Not only is Philly becoming renowned for it's coffee scene, but our donuts aren't too shabby either. These adorable little hipster turbans make me miss the fancies and hot donuts at Federal Donuts.

 

Coffee and Donut Turban Set, via Etsy shop Giddy Up and Grow

 

(These are currently sold out, but word on the interwebs is that they are being restocked, so keep an eye out for them in the Giddy Up and Grow Etsy shop!)

 

 

Navy Blue Anchor Bow Tie for Newborn-Toddler, via Etsy shop dreamcatcherbaby

 

 

I grew up in red suspenders. There was no doubt we were purchasing these...

 

Red baby suspenders, via Etsy shop LittleBoySwag

 

 

I love that this scarf doubles as a cool bib...

 

Modern black and white check bib, via Etsy shop Scabib

 

 

I can't get enough of sweet little turbans. In case you were wondering, this little shop also has some super cute leggings for the babes.

 

Mint Organic Cotton Head Wrap, via Etsy shop SweetKiddoCo

 

 

Another example that bibs don't have to be boring. And it's reversible - double the fun and cuteness!

 

Triangle Bicycle Reversible Bandana Scarf (which can also be made as a bib, convo shop owner for details), via Etsy shop ChickenandCharlie

 

 

I haven't bought this yet, as I promised Doc I'd wait until we find out if we're having a girl or boy, but the wait is kind of killing me. A glittery gold pretzel hair clip?! How perfect for a little Philly girl...

 

Glitter Pretzel Hair clip, via Etsy shop Giddy Up and Grow

 

To snuggle and play with:

 

 

Donut Rattle Trio, via HumbleHouse Handmade

 

 

Get'em 'grammin early with this little wooden toy.

 

Wooden Camera Inspired by Instagram, via Etsy shop twigcreative

 

 

Natural Pennsylvania State Teething Toy, via Etsy shop littlesaplingtoys  Oh, and this Etsy shop not only makes cool teethers and wooden toys, but they also plant a tree through Trees for the Future for every item purchased from their shop. How awesome is that?!

 

 

Pretzel with Mustard to snuggle with, via Etsy shop SteffBomb

 

 

Despite being a big city, Philly is known for its gardens, co-ops and farmer's markets. These washcloth veggies would make for fun at bath time.

 

Washcloth Garden Veggies Set of 4, via Etsy shop PrincessandthePbaby 

 

To read:

 

 

"Goodnight Philadelphia" via We Heart Philly

 

 

"1 2 3 Philadelphia" via We Heart Philly

 

To decorate the nursery:

 

 

Show your baby's city pride with this great pennant from Eastern Standard Co. What is cool about this company? They also make pennant's for specific Philly neighborhoods, and choose their new pennant subject's based on customer voting. I've been voting as much as possible for Wash West, but not sure that'll happen.

 

 

Show your love for Benjamin Franklin by hanging this print of him rockin' out, boom box style, via Etsy shop embiscuitpics

 

 

Being the vintage map nerd that I am, I'd hope Homekid wouldn't mind having this little gem hanging up over the changing table. Philadelphia Map 1802 (digital reproduction), via Etsy shop alternatehistories

 

 

Or hang up this color print of the prettiest skyline ever. Philly Skyline Art Print, via Etsy shop artPause

 

 

...because I do. Right now. And I think that anyone who comes into the nursery should know that.

 

I Need A Hoagie Philadelphia Embroidery Hoop Art, via Etsy shop whatnomints

 

A la prochaine friends...

 

Honey  

P.S. This is not a sponsored post, I just really dig all of these finds. All pictures of products are from their shop websites.