Little Boy Blue

Charlie is almost SEVEN months old.  I know.  Where has this time gone?  Really wanna know?

We've been decorating with giant Babar posters...

Playing with our favorite toys:
(1) daddy's old baby toy, "multi colored, gingham elephant," (2) organic rhino from giggle, (3) "C" train, (4) "anne-claire petit" elephant from ABC Carpet/Home & (5) "Happy Horse" Monkey from giggle {pictured from left to right}

And bouncing off the sides of his crib...he does about five 360s between the time I tuck him in and 10 minutes later when I have to peel him off the bumper.

All in all, we're having an incredible time.  He's babbling all kinds of crazy stuff, "blah, blah, blah...da da da."  Loving mostly everything I feed him: pears, apples, apricots, peas, carrots and most especially, sweet potatoes.  He's really into his blocks {eating them}, his stacking toys {eating them, also} and his drum {hitting it...hard!}  We're going to take a music class with some friends on Fridays and that might be his favorite thing.  Except, of course, grabbing onto mommy and daddy's faces and exploring the wonders of our eyes, noses and mouths.  Daddy's glasses have also made their way into Charlie's tight, little grip {along with the skin on my hand, neck and armpit, trust me, this hurts}.  I've also noticed that we have an abundance of blue things: clothing, toys, pacifiers, basically everything.  And my neighbor told me recently that he is unmistakably BOY, maybe it's all the blue.  If you have any questions for Charlie, direct them my way.  While his days are filled with lots of exciting things, he promises to get back to you as quickly as possible :  )

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Look up, buttercup!

It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life.

And we're feeling good...

{bump, bah-dump, bah-dump, bah-dump}

-Nina Simone

pic via the changing table: Charlie at 4 months

6 weeks...

 I can't believe 6 weeks have already gone by.

They've been the most incredible weeks of my life.

He's smiling and laughing and I swear, he sometimes sounds like he's chirping.

His favorite album: Kenny Loggins, Return to Pooh Corner

His favorite toy: Ellie the elephant

His favorite outfits: "Brannan's favorites" from baby Gap

It's taken me awhile to get used to the sleeping schedule, but I've learned to nap a bit during the day.  I've lost 35 pounds already, thank you breast feeding, and have about 17 left.  We love to bundle up, take walks around the neighborhood with the dog and gaze quietly up at the bright leaves on the trees.  We're starting mommy + me yoga soon and are considering a music class.

I think it's amazing what happens once you have a child of your own.  You finally start to appreciate everything your parents did for you and if you're really lucky, what they continue to do for you and your son.  We have an incredibly loving family and I am so thankful for that.

Wishing you a very happy weekend.

xoxo,

us

Checking In...

Just wanted to check in :  )

Mama and baby are doing well, we actually slept last night!

Number of days old: 16

Number of times pooped on daddy: 3

Number of times peed on mommy: 3

Number of hours slept at night max: 6, actually, that's a lie...it's really 4

Number of failed swaddle attempts: too many

Number of laundry cycles completed: 100+

One day, when I have more time, I'll give some more details of the birth itself.  For now, we're just eating, sleeping and pooping the days away.  I try to keep our feedings interesting by playing the 80s music channel on tv & singing Modest Mouse to my little guy.  I also find myself staring into his eyes for long periods of time and planting kisses all over his soft face.  One of my best friends visited us the other day and she told me that he sounds like a baby dinosaur when he makes noises.  I adore that.
My little baby dinosaur...rrrrraarrrrrr!

bottom pic via le love

He's HERE!!

In case you've been wondering about my absence this past week...

Charlie

born September 8th, 2010

7lbs, 2.5oz.
20 inches

scrumptious. delicious. amazing.
my heart within my heart.

i'm gonna be taking some time off from blogging, but i have some guest bloggers submitting posts to cover for me. if you're interested in guest blogging, just send me an email, i'd love to have you!

xo,

us

Nursery Bedding Vote!

soooooo, i'm enlisting your help to make my life EASIER!

as fabulous bloggers, I know you have opinions on everything.

so why not for crib bedding?

easy as #1 or #2.

please proceed with a critical {read "judgmental"} eye...

Contender #1: Serena & Lily "Henry" bedding set

My thoughts: classy, sleek, easy

or

Contender #2: Pottery Barn "Jungle Friends" bedding set

My thoughts: fun, whimsical, has jungle animals

vote.vote.vote.vote.

keep in mind, the furniture is an espresso wood color & we have a minty green rocking chair/ottoman.

exercise your right to impact my son's nursery design!

have a fantastic weekend you stylish, lovely readers...

Little Marc Jacobs

I'm in love with Little Marc Jacobs.

Seriously, have you ever seen such an adorable collection for kid's clothes?

She's wearing a version of the LV stole that I adore...I can't.

The prices, of course, are kind of crazy, but when there's a sallllllleeee.....

{store in Paris}

"Marc Who?" tee shirt

Pretend you don't know who...

Little Coco Rocha in the making...

Pink & red polka dot dress...

Doesn't everyone want one?

"Kissing Mice" striped belt {love}

Infant's metallic mouse booties {what a fabulous baby gift!!}

Leather + faux fur

Sweatsuit!

Yes!

Let the spoiling begin!!!

images via West Village Kids, Saks

Week 33 Update + Giveaway Winner!

I am absolutely amazed at how quickly this pregnancy has gone by! Has my pregnancy gone quickly for you, too? Haha...this is me at week 33, next to a list of quite possibly the most delicious ice creams I've ever tasted {caramel swirl was mind numbingly good}. We spent this past weekend with the family visiting Boston. While I didn't have the stamina to conquer all the shops along Newbury Street, I did try out some yummy restaurants like Picco {seen above}, where we feasted on delicious pizza + ice cream.

We also had our last ultrasound yesterday and we found out that our little munchkin is about 5 pounds, 3 ounces & approximately 17 inches long. He's got feet that measure 2.5 inches long and is comfortably situated in a head down position, getting ready for his descent! We tried to catch a last glimpse of his profile, but my persistent little boy held his arm over his face as if to say, "leave me alone for at least another 6 weeks." And we shall...

Onto other exciting news...the winner of the CROW watches giveaway is none other than:

Taylor of Anticipation!

Congrats lady! Be sure to send me your mailing info {thebeautyfile@gmail.com}

Thanks to everyone for playing!

ABC Kitchen: An Absolute Must!

 On Monday, I went to visit one of my friends at work.  She's a manager at ABC Carpet Home, the most magical store in NYC. We worked up a fierce appetite browsing the baby section for organic goodies and then headed downstairs to ABC Kitchen, Jean-Georges Vongerichten's latest creation. We feasted on many delightful dishes including: a roasted carrot & avocado salad, a whole wheat tomato & buffalo mozzarella pizza and a grilled portabello mushroom sandwich served with house cut fries. Yum, yum and YUM! Obviously we had dessert: peach ice cream and market strawberries with mini meringues. The food's organic and sustainable while the atmosphere's airy and inviting. As far as I'm concerned, it's an A+.

Open kitchen & a display of fresh vegetables and herbs

The pizza with black trumpet mushrooms & a farm egg...on my list for next time.

The fresh juice bar just outside the restaurant will add a lil' stride to your step.

How about a 24 Karat?: carrot, apple, beet, aloe, ginger and blue-green algae.

Thought I'd multitask and include my most recent belly shot...post lunch...

Who takes pictures in the bathroom??

Um, me, the 31 week pregnant blogger. Damn straight.

photos via NY Times, T Magazine, me

Meet My Baby.....{Bag}

Purchased: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Pretty Eliz-a-Baby Bag
Includes ador-a-ble changing pad : )

Sold at Nordstrom & Piperlime

I got it in black, but it looks cute in plaid or patterns, too! 

I totally love it!
It's stylish, yet understated, provides easy access to bottles on the side, blankies in front!

Just because I'll be a sleep deprived, diaper slinging mess, I shouldn't look like it!

Agree?

Pregnant & Chic: Miroslava Duma

The next time I think I can't dress around my growing baby bump, I'll reference Miroslava. Rumored to be due in October, this lady is one hell of a fierce pregnant fashionista. Who thinks the bump will be the next must-have accessory for fall? Ummm, me...You guys better get working on it...haha!

photos via TFS, because i'm addicted

Baby Bag Delight

I was perusing the bag section in Bloomingdales & came across this heavenly baby bag.  It's LeSportsac's Ryan Baby Bag, in "Zoo in Love" print, retails at $128.
More info here.

Ummmm, hello...I'M the one in LOVE!!!

It's sold out online, but mark my words...this will be mine!!

Interview w/ a Vampire...

Hi all!

Thought I'd check in and spotlight my....BUMP!

I typically blog about fashion, beauty & the like, but here are some personal gems from my pregnancy to brighten up your mornings.

Enjoy and feel free to send along any/all questions!

Almost forgot...this interview will be conducted by "Olivia"

{from The City}:

O: I'm here with one of my favorite and least known bloggers, Lisi, of The Beauty File. Say hi for Elle.com!

L: Hi?

O: Sooooo, what's up with that major, I mean MAJOR stomach of yours? Is fat in?

L: Um, I'm 27 weeks pregnant.

O: Oh.  So, wow, you look great!  What on earth have you been eating to gain that much weight?

L: Uh, thanks?  A whole lotta dairy!  This winter, my love for pasta + cheese became more like an obsession and I skulked around the hot bar at Whole Foods at least three times a week for their amazing mac-n-cheese.  Really, you should try it.

O: That's so gross. And creepy. Anyway, what have you been craving lately?  Lard?

L: Well, funny you should ask.  I am still on dairy, but have switched to chocolate milkshakes.  Not like, everyday or anything, but they're pretty high up on my list.

O: I've never had one. So, I'd pretty much never call you, "fashionable," but what kinds of designers are you wearing these days...if any?

L: Um, well, I'm ADORING gap maternity, especially THIS tank top.  Every pregnant woman should buy at least three of them for the hot summer months.  I also love this brand, Ripe Maternity (from Australia), they have some amazing pants for summer.  I like Target's Liz Lange & Moody Mamas lines as well.

O: Ewe.  Ok, enough.  I see Jane Aldridge and need to get her on camera before Joe gives me another lecture.  Nice meet...I mean, tata!

{disclaimer, my responses "L" are completely legit, "O" is a fictitious character based on the real one...duh.}

ppppopped! aka "bump watch, 2010"

Tummy shot, 4/20/10

Ummmm, tummy shots, 5/1/10
He's growwwwwing!

Any Questions??

Wearing my Maison Martin Margiela hooded dress/top + Mimi maternity leggings with uber expandable waist band

She's Having a Baby!

Oh yes, yes, she is!

My dear blog readers:

I've been SO appreciative of all you've shared with me over the past year,

I needed you to know one teeny, tiny thing.

Baby Beauty File

Due: September 16th, 2010

Watch for updates in the coming months :  )

I'm not promising belly shots, but I won't rule them out either!  

Also, we find out the sex on April 19th.

Until then...

pictured above: My mommy & me, circa 1983 and a profound devotion to cookies!