It's a Girl!!!

It's official, we'll be welcoming Dixie Mae Werner to the world on Dec 11, 2009, which is also our 5 year anniversary!

To anyone who Really knows me... you know that I am a type A planner extraordinaire. To some this is extremely annoying, and to others it is helpful. The point is, that when we got married we planned to wait 5 yrs to have a baby-- so it looks like we are right on Schedule. Now to cook up the next 5 yr plan :)

Oh, and I have to get tested for gestational diabetes as I've gained 23 lbs so far, and I should have only gained 16 pounds, leaving me 7lbs overweight and my Dr. is concerned. Looks like I'll have to cut out all of my extra curricular desserts (see previous post).

Otherwise all is well!

XOXO
Eve

Quit your Complaining

For a girl who is constantly complaining about "pregnancy" weight- you're really not helping the matter by consuming delicious desserts EVERY day.

par example

sunday- homemade brownies & icecream from sandra
Monday- dairy milk minis from boss' trip to the UK
Tues- left over brownies & icecream from Sunday dinner
Wed lunch- flourless chocolate torte @ work cafe

its only wednesday people! There is no way my baby will have an allergy to chocolate. She is busy building plenty of antibodies in her prenatal life. And I say "she"... bc if it was a HE... im sure i wouldnt be possessed to consume quite as much chocolate.

PAYNE FAMILY REUNION 2009 in Disneyland!

Sean and I just returned from our family reunion in Disneyland. Besides our car breaking down in the middle of nowhere on the way down thus spending that night at the seediest hotel EVER, we had the best time ever! Here are a few photo highlights....

The Kiddies! (minus eden & abby who were too cool for this photo)

Sun bathing beauties

Ivy the pirate!

Laying out at the pool with the girls! We gave private lessons to Eden on how to properly sun yourself. This included a Q&A session. Eden asked "so do you ever go in the water" to which her aunties told her "Only if its really hot, but Never get your hair wet".

Mom after the grizzley ride in California Land! She was soaked head to toe!


The Boys!






The Girls!





WE LOVE DISNEYLAND!!

The Oakster-

Our #1 favorite nephew!! He's cuddly, energetic, adorably cute, and such a boy.

He shared all of his treats with us. He gave my tummy lots of kisses, and told me that it was

a boy cousin for sure, and he did lots of cannonballs in the hot tub at the hotel. Plus he wants to be a pirate when he grows up. Whats not to love about this boy?? We love you Oakley!!

Sean & Oakley playing in the hotel room

Lots of juicy kisses from the Oakster for auntie nunu

Oakley's main souce of transportation around Disney

Oakley & Sean, cuddling at the pool. Just look at that sweet face!

DISNEYLAND!

Whoop de Whoo!!! Disneyland for 3 days 4 nights with Mom, Dad, betina, Kenneth, Eden, Oakley, Ivy, Georgia, Serinda, Keith, Abby, Mina, Me, Sean, Patience & Nunu!!! Staying onsight in California Adventure Land with immediate access to the park and Downtown Disney. Oh, and a rooftop pool to cool off in the hot SO-CAL afternoons!

Does it get any better??? well, only if Anders, Celeste and Dan could make it too.

Party On Payne Family Reunion Summer 2009!!!
Pictures to come.

Best News EVER!!!

I just got this email from my dad, and It makes me jump for joy!!!! Note, this is an inside thing, so unless you've lived with Iron saturated Well water , you'll probably not be as excited as I am. But i KNOW that all my sibiligs are estatic Too!!

XOXO
Eve


From: Daniel Payne
Sent: Mon 8/10/09 1:44 PM
To: eve payne

10 AUG 09

EVE

we have town water NOW!!!!!!!!!!!

iiii

-----

Taste Buds??

So according to several pregnancy websites, my baby is now 10.5 inches long! No wonder my stomach all of a sudden "popped" out. And its supposed to grow to be 20 inches, which means Im only half as big now as I will be in December. This is crazy.. iIcan barely bend over to tie my shoes anymore. "Baby rolls" are much different that regular old "fat rolls", bc at least fat rolls squish up, allowing one to bend over to tie shoes, pick things up ect. I can barely touch my toes anymore!

Anyways, on to the taste buds- the baby is now swallowing aminiotic fluid and the baby websites say that the babies favorite tastes will be the foods that I am now eating, its very first flavor experiences. So basically my baby will be addicted to sweets (like unto his/her mom and dad), ketchup (mom), and carbs in general. I really really should be eating more leafy greens right now. Meh...i just cant seem to get it right. Oh, and I just had a pack of M&M's for lunch... healthy, i know:, but I tried to balance it out a little with a half hour walk around the hospital next to my work.

So anyways, Sean and I have determined that BOTH of our mom's were totatly eating desserts and sweets all the time in week 21 of our prenatal lives... as we both love our desserts. I plan on passing this same trait onto all of our babies, you know, for the sake of tradition.

XOXO
Eve

Bunny Art

You might be wondering why i am blogging so often as of late. It's because I've turned into an insomniac. I seriously CANNOT sleep!! I used to fall asleep in 10 mintues, and I could sleep for 8-9 hrs at a time... not anymore my friends. Same thing happened to Betina when she was with child- I hope it goes away soon. But in the meantime, I may as well do something useful like Blogging.

So, this is my first purchase for my baby room. I use the term "room" loosely, as its actually a baby corner. A corner carved out of my living room dedicated to future baby. Lucky kid, eh, imagine, and entire corner!

This is a set a prints that I bought off of my most talented baby sister Celeste (aka bunny). Shes in Art School in Nova Scotia Canada, and she is very talented. I dont like hanging up store bought prints on my walls. I like Art to be meaningful, and mass producted IKEA prints just dont cut it.

Instead of paying up the wazooo for custom frames (as they are not standard picture sizes), I just bought some frames with Large matting from target for $60, and cut the matts myself. Granted its far from a professional job, but i think it still looks pretty good. Im super excited to hang these babies up, thanks bunny! (on a side note bunny dearest, i'd REally LOVE a series of your faries in pastels, pretty please!!)

In case you're ever trying to matt a picture yourself... the trick is to use a really good and sharp exacto knife. My first try (ABOVE) was with the standard one out of our tool kit.. it was ok, but i had to re-cut several times- you can see the wobbly line on the RHS above. My second try I pulled out "the shark" that Sean got for christmas from my mom.. its AMAZING. I highly recommend the SHARK for all matting needs. Just dont let the kiddies get at it! (i used the SHARK for the following 2 matts, which turned out much better).

So, what do you think of my sister's artwork???? Shes a starving art student, so if you wanna buy anything from her i can hook you up with her info :) Plug Plug.

Aishia's Wedding in LA 7.25.09- the most beautiful Indian Bride ever!!

There are only a few times in one's life when you get to meet someone you truely connect with. One of mine is Ms. Aishia Premji (now werber). We met at our very first "real" job at PwC San Jose in 2003. In an area as huge as "the bay area", it was pretty amazing that we only lived 5 minutes away from eachother. We spent most evenings & weekends together roadtrippin to LA, shopping, cooking, watching SATC on sunday nights (yes, she had cable!) & hanging out in SF. She taught me to play the "game" and lure my seany-sean into my girlsh traps, and together we co-miserated our jobs. She moved only one short year after we'd met, back to LA (for a boy of course- why else would anyone leave their friends, job & northern cali??). I was heartbroken. Oh my dear aishia, how I will always love and miss you! Luckily we've stayed in touch over the last 5 yrs, and last weekend I went to her wedding. It was the most beautiful wedding ever. Seriously, perfection! I love you AIshia!! Aaron is a VERY lucky man indeed.

The reception was at this beautiful country club. This is the view!

The Bride walking down the Aisle. So pretty!

Me, kissing my most favorite man.


Deepy, Aishia & Eve- we all met working at PwC in 2003!

My long lost Love- Ashia.

**** editors note for future reference...I am 5 months pregnant in these pictures, so please excuse the plumpness, and bad dress. Its really the ONLY dress in the store that fit me. Who wears Khaki to a wedding anyways?? Maternity sections are way to small. *****

Roadside Chatter...

Senerio: Sean is surfing craigs list for furniture deals even though we are in the process of clearing out our ONE bedroom apartment to make room for baby stuff, (namely making space to put a crib and rocker in the living room) while He SHOULD be looking for a crib...

Sean: Eve, its such a great deal... check it out, a pottery barn couch for only $200- and its really nice!!
Eve: SEAN- We dont Need another Couch!
Sean: But its just such a great deal... we'd find a place to put it
Eve: Ok, where are we going to put it?
Sean: In our living room (note, we already have one large couch, 1 recliner and end tables)
Eve: Ok, where are we going to put the baby?
Sean: The Baby can Find its Own Place!
Eve- laughing histarically


Seriously??? This boy has ALOT of learning to do!

Here are my ultrasound pictures from yesterday July 27, 2009

Patience….

So Sean and I have had our very first lesson in patience from our unborn child. Today was a highly anticipated day, and has been marked on our calendar for many weeks (9 to be exact). Today was the day we were to find out the sex of said child. Today was the day we could begin looking for baby bargins on craigslist. Today was the day we could finally refer to the child by name instead of by “it”. Unfortunately, today was also the day that said unborn child decided to have its legs crossed for the entire ½ hr ultrasound. So today my friends, is the day that Sean and I have had our first lesson in patience. I’m sure there will be many more, as I’m sure said child will not be quite as fast and efficient as we’d like “it” to be.

Sorry folks!

Bedtime Stories

So Sean and I are talking the other night, and this is how the conversation went:

Eve: So, what if i go into labor and you're working?

Sean: Oh, I can just leave work right away, its called Emergency Medical Leave

Eve: Oh good

Sean: Yeah, and I'll have a head start from Sunnyvale, so i can just meet you at the hospital

Eve: What!?! How am I going to get to the hospital??? I cant DRIVE MYSELF, I'll be having contractions!!

Sean: Oh yeah......

Sometimes boys are such idiots!


XOXO
Eve

Orange be Gone

Hallelujah, my hair color is finally back to normal! In fact, it’s even better than normal, as I am blonder than ever before! This last year has been a very bad hair year for me. This was a year of transition from Bright Red/Violet back to cool Blonde. It was a hard journey… one that I don’t recommend to anyone.


BEFORE


AFTER

Timeline-

March 2008: I first colored my Hair Bright Violet Red while attending Hairschool. I THOUGHT it was a good idea at the time. It looked super fierce… but I had to refresh it every 3 weeks to keep it bright red, as it faded fast. But my plan was to go work in a Salon upon graduation, and I wanted to look the part for job interviews.

Aug 2008: My last time coloring my hair bright Red. I decided to go back to work in accounting- (that’s right, I sold my soul to corporate America). This would be my last Red Color Job, as it just doesn’t fit in with the corporate setting like it does in a salon.

Nov 2008: I have noticeably blonde roots w/ dull Red hair. I chop about 6 inches of red off. I also book an appointment with the master colorist for color correction, but I find out it’s going to be like $400, so I immediately cancel and weight my options.

Feb 2009: I can no longer handle the dull red w/Blonde roots- I go to a less expensive salon in SF for “color correction”. My hair ends up Orange. I was going to go immediately back to get it re- done, but my hair was in such a fragile state that I decided to live with it and let it grow out for a month or so before attempting color again.

April 2009: I really really want to go back to the salon, but I am in my first trimester, so I opt to wait it out until 2nd trimester, when the pregnancy is not such a fragile state. This baby had better be worth the wait!

July 2009: I am DYING to get my hair done immediately, so I go to a spa in San Jose where I normally just get waxed, and I am randomly assigned to an open stylist. I was nervous going to someone new without a recommendation, but like I said, I am DYING! The girl (Kate) ends up doing a fantastic job. I haven’t been this happy with my hair in ages, and I finally feel like me again. ( I never felt like myself as a redhead-it was just too edgy for me). I immediately rebook with her for a cut in Aug. Yippeee, I’ve found a new stylist that does not charge me a fortune!

Moral of the story: Don’t ever color your hair bright red if you are a natural blonde. Just don’t. It’s so not worth it. You can do some peak-a-boos of red if you must, but steer clear of the all-over red. It will save you 12 months of heartache and pain in the transition phase. Blondes have way more fun anyways!

My Dad's Response to my Last Blog Entry (hes an MD)


17 JUL 09

eve

cream to prevent stretches does NOT work

do not waste your money

neither does cream after the fact work to make them go away

another lie by cream manufacturers



iiii


.... But the sales girl at A PEA IN A POD was so convincing! Too bad you didnt come shopping with me :)

** This is a coupon code for the gap online***

Maternity Clothes-

So I've been slowly buying maternity clothes over the past few months. I started at 10 weeks, and although I wasnt showing then, my regular Express Editors that I wear for work virtually every day (i have several pairs) no longer buttoned up. Rather than buy a larger "normal" size, I decided to just jump straight to maternity, as they would fit me the rest of the pregnancy, an not just for another month. I started at Valley fair mall and went to Motherhood Maternity, A Pea in a Pod, Old Navy and the Gap.

Motherhood Maternity Sucked. Everything was cheaply made, had WAY to many patterns, and just looked like dowdy "mom" clothes. Plus when i put them on, i truely looked pregnant...and Im trying to disguise people. I only spend about 1/2 in there and left empty handed. C-

The Gap in store had a very small selection. The stuff they had there was ok, but there just wasnt enough to choose from, so again, i left empty handed. B-

A Pea in A Pod had a ton of cute stuff. Designer maternity jeans, awesome tops, wraps, belly creams you name it- they have it. It was all high quality- but very very expensive. As this was my only success of the day, i spent a little more than i should have, but it made me feel good so whatever. I got a pair of jeans, a pair of black work pants (that i've been wearing everyday since), 2 shirts and belly cream that is supposed to prevent stretch marks (we'll see about that in coming months). Overall, great success, nice stuff, but expensive. A-

Old Navy in store had a larger selection than the Gap... however, as Im really not an Old Navy fan in the first place, I didnt find anything I liked. They cut their clothes really large, and nothing fits properly. That said, i did buy a few regular sized Large T-shirts, and they are pretty awesome. I love Old Navy T's, but the maternity clothes are so-so at best. B

Target- Target's selection really sucks. I was sadly dissappointed bc I am a big fan of Target's young adult women's section (mossimo & Xileration). I always get several tops, bathing suits, and tanks from Target- so i expected more from the maternity section. They have like 2 racks of clothes and its all pretty dowdy. C

Nordstroms in store- Doesnt even have a maternity section so dont try. How can such a huge department store that caters to the rich palo alto moms that lunch not have a maternity section?? D-

Since visiting the mall stores, I've jumped on-line- and have had much more success, as the selection is far superiour to the mall stores.

Old Navy Online- Huge selection of stuff at great prices. Again, Im weary of buying anything Old Navy, bc it never fits my shoulders right, but i did get a cute Maternity tankini Top for like $12 that is really cute. There is absolutely ZERO breast support though, and i find this funny bc hello people, maternity boobs are like 4 times the size of normal boobs. but i guess that is what you get for 12 bucks. B

Nordstroms Online- Huge selection of stuff, but nothing is on sale, thus you are forced to pay full price, which at norstroms is usually too much. But if you're looking for a nice dress for a wedding or something like that, this is the place to go. Lots of designer brands, nothing looks like "mom clothes", its all pretty chic. I havent actually ordered anything from them, as I just cant pay that much for clothes that will only last me another 4 months. B

The Gap OnLine- Ok so I've saved the best for last. I absolutely LOVE GAP ONLINE MATERNITY. They have a huge selection, there is a ton of stuff on sale, the prices are reasonable, and I can order with confidence bc the sizing is the same as your pre-pregnancy gap size, and the quality is decent. I've ordered several tops that are all cute, more black work pants and a pair of maternity jeans. One caveat on the jeans- I've never really been a fan of Gap jeans as there is not enough "wear" in the pants- ie fading ect. But they were cheap, they fit well, and I guess i can take some sand paper to them to give them the worn in look that expensive designer jeans already have. I've definatly had the most success at GAP online, and Since i dont have to try them on at the store, i dont feel all big and fat in their oversized mirrors. A+.


If you need any maternity clothes shopping advice- just ask me. I've done my research and I feel like an expert. Oh and in case you're wondering, Nike, Speedo & TYR DONT make a "Sport Maternity Racing Suit". Speedo has a couple of "casual wear" maternity suits--- but why would you pay $80 for a casual wear suit?? So if you're looking for a maternity racing swimsuit... just buy a size 40- its working out pretty well for me thus far.


XOXOo
Eve

Mom’s SF Visit

This weekend my most favorite mummy came to Cali for a visit! Here’s the breakdown:
1- Bucca De Peppa family style Italian dining- yummy

2- Sprinkles gourmet cupcakes for dessert- because who doesn’t want a $5 cupcake?

3- Girls Spa Day! Facials, Massage, Mani & Pedi complete with nice robes and a spa lunch- We were in absolute heaven. Such a great way to spend a day! If you live around here, I recommend Plum Spa in San Jose.

4- Movie Date to see “My Sisters Keeper”- a perfect chick flick to see with your mom. Complete with popcorn & diet coke- Because a movie just isn’t the same without it.

5- Wal-Mart * 2- because the states have so many more As Seen on TV items for sale than Canada
a. Items purchased: Slap Chop & Debbie Meyer’s Bread Bags
b. Items I convinced my mom she didn’t need: The bump it and these bra strap holders that keep your straps in place.

6- Target- lots of clothes were purchased by both parties. 2 new sports bras for me, and 2 cute skirts for my mom.

7- In & Out- Classic California Take out. Kicks McDicks ass any day of the week!

8- Pool Day- One of the perks about being an apartment dweller- Lounging by the Pool Reading trashy mags & drinking diet cokes with Lots of Ice. We pretended we were in Mexico.

9- Sweet Home Alabama- Enjoyed a nice Sunday afternoon nap/movie after the pool

10- Pizza- For Sunday dinner we ordered Pizza and chatted the night away

11- Caltrain- Mom took Caltrain by herself up to SF for a city tour. I gave her maps and directions and I really hope she makes it back in one piece! I told her not to look any one in the eye and keep her hand on her purse at ALL times.

Coming up

12- Last dinner at Fresh Choice- I figure we should probably throw in something healthy to eat

13- Fire Station Tour- Tonight we’re visiting Sean at the fire station for an official tour complete with photographs with my sexy fireman.

Thanks for coming mom!! I always love your visits and our chats.

Photos to come…


XOXO
Eve

Vancouver Trip

So- I visted my BFF Iris in Vancouver over July 4th long weekend and we had a blast.

I still havent found my camera, thus there are no pictures. So Sad, bc it was sooo beautiful. If you ever make it to Whistler BC, i Highly recommend the Peak-to-Peak Gondola. So pretty (and high). But skip the 1/2hr line for the one with the glass bottom... the other one is just as great.

Vancouver has great food. I had the best Margerita pizza ever! Authentic Itilian, Lots of sauce, chewy crust, and just a little mozza (the real kind). Plus it was only $13- a steal!

Skip Victoria Island- the best part about it is the ferry ride to and from, which is insanely beautiful, but the actual city is like RedDeer Alberta. Just a regular city with a bunch of chain restaurants... in fact, i think that the BYU campus is far prettier and more lush than Victoria, and its in the desert people.

Next trip is to LA to see Aishia get married! I love Indian weddings- so colorful, great food, and lots of people.

Then Disney with the family for 4 days, yippeeee-- i love summer!

XOXO
Eve

Here is a picture of me and my sisters that ran the Seattle Rock n Roll Half.

Yes, this picture is borrowed from Serinda's blog

and yes, that is my big belly :)

My Rockstar Moment

So this weekend was one of my most fantastic weekends ever! I met up with all 5 of my sisters (Betina, Serinda, Patience, Nawana & Celeste) in the beautiful, clean city of Seattle. We all travelled there from different places to run the First Ever Seattle Rock n Roll Half Marathon. After becoming pregnant 4 months ago my ability to run has been greatly hampered by several factors namely exhausting, nausea and cramps. So I decided about a month ago that I was just going to Cheer them on, but not to race. In fact, in the last 2 months I have been on one 5 mile run, and that is it. Running had just become far to tiresome and uncomfortable. Besides that I have been swimming a couple of times, and to spin class a couple of times, but in all honestly, I’ve been a complete lazy ass.

So, in packing for Seattle I brought my gym clothes including shoes, shorts & sports bra, but not my running specific items (sunglasses, hat, fuel belt), as I was only planning on going to the gym. But Im not going to lie… in my heart of hearts, I really did want to run the race.

We got to the expo on Friday to pick up our race packets…. and I got a little caught up in the race excitement and I too picked up my number and purchased a new fuel belt and visor just in case I changed my mind about racing on Friday morning. From that point, my fate was sealed…. I was running that damn race, like it or lump it! My sisters also encouraged me to do it, and I was a little jelly that I wasn’t going to run with Poo and Nunu for their first ever race!

Saturday morning came along and I was ready. I was running the race! We all started out running together, and then Poo, the rockstar jetted out ahead of us at about mile 5. I was not going fast. I was taking it easy as I didn’t want to get any cramps, and I knew that I was pregnant and ill prepared for the race. I ran a nice easy jog pace, adding ½ hr onto my last half marathon time. We finished at 2 hrs 26 minutes-- And it was super super fun. I ran with nunu and betina the whole time, and we all crossed the finish line together! There was a point when betina and nawana were ahead of me, but I was so lonely behind them that I pulled out my old running legs and caught up to them just in time to finish the last mile together.

Even though this is the slowest I’ve ever run, it is the most proud finish I’ve ever had! Come one people, I am 4 months pregnant and have not been running! So… that’s my rockstar moment. Crossing the finish line and running the race with my sisters.

And a special thanks to Serinda and Celeste for being the best cheerleaders ever and taking care of baby Georgia while we ran. Go Team! Way to go Girls! I love you!


XOXO
Eve