Saturday, June 30, 2012

#2: The Glow

The Glow is a glimpse into the world of inspiring and fashionable moms.Here you’ll find their styling ideas, go-to gear, multitasking secrets, and enviable decor.

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Source:http://www.theglow.com/cynthia-rowley/?i#13
Source: http://www.theglow.com/zoe-buckman/?i#6
Source: http://www.theglow.com/jeanne-yang/?i#1

Friday, June 29, 2012

#3: Why Women Still Can’t Have It All

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/07/why-women-still-can-8217-t-have-it-all/9020/

"Women of my generation have clung to the feminist credo we were raised with, even as our ranks have been steadily thinned by unresolvable tensions between family and career, because we are determined not to drop the flag for the next generation. But when many members of the younger generation have stopped listening, on the grounds that glibly repeating “you can have it all” is simply airbrushing reality, it is time to talk."-Anne-Marie Slaughter


I feel rather strongly about this topic for obvious reasons; I am continuously thinking about this and wondering if its already to late to "have it all"; before having a child no one talked about this to me and there is still a vast vacuum that exists surrounding this topic that needs to be addressed in this country if women are supposed to continue to develop themselves and compete on the global stage within their professions while having (...leading.) a family. So I have really struggled myself over the last four years since becoming a mother and trying to work for money, for satisfaction, to remain creative, for stability whatever, I have gone from elation to depression, to failure, to shame to pure pride, to everything one can think of but at the same time feeling myself losing myself, was I a parent, professional, professor, practitioner, wife mother, chef...) as I compared myself to my childless female colleagues and my husband (who has an almost identical educational training as mine!), I felt lost, like I had wasted many years of time and energy (tuition..even) and only to be become a mother?  Even as recently as a few months ago, I will admit, seriously doubting the decision to have another child because of this feeling of failing at what I have worked so hard to do, to become and what people find impressive about me..I suppose.


It's always fascinating when people ask me what I do and I say with pride "I'm an architect"..their brows furrow, they might as well have a ticker running along their foreheads and you can see the skepticism in their minds and I love it.. but if I were to say "I'm a mother.."..I would probably get a blank stare or the "thats so cute" pityful response. Its also kind of an intersting time for me to talk about this because I also struggled with wanting to hide the physical change of the body, because being  pregnant has made me feel even less confident, more aloof if you will,  in a profession where women don't don't express femininity for fear of being taken less serious than the male counterparts. As you may know the architects uniform is black on black on black fitted, slightly Avant Garde pieces that make you look slightly crazy yet intriguing...I digress. 









































Mainly, I felt the article was quite poignant and was struck to hear the honesty about her struggles with the work-life balance and the various conversations that have emerged around this topic. It is still controversial but cannot remain on the backburner, it needs to be talked about, discussed at many levels and requires a dramatic effort to be addressed otherwise we risk compromising the abilities of a large population of overly qualified women who also feel strongly about their roles as parents.

Don't get me wrong, there are many things to consider here but as she says, she addresses the topic from the standpoint of her own self, right, so a well educated, well of, caucasian woman, but this is not to say this only exist there. There are very different challenges for women at various levels in the spectrum of careers and parenting but I believe even within these huge gaps there are just as many commonalties in which we all share the concern. I am quite a bit younger than her, graduated top of my Master class from an Ivy league university at 23, practice in an office for a few years and have been a professor since I was 25, I am also now technically considered 'African American" but I have faced similar challenges as a young professor and some of it from my own female colleagues. The fact that I had a baby at 31 really had an irreversible impact on my career which I am still trying to sort out almost 4 years later, I took a enormous blow for needing to very rigorous about my schedule and could not afford to do things on a whim because I had a babysitter waiting on me (whereas I had been very flexible for many years..), I commuted 4 hours a day just so I could be home every night rather than stay in a hotel, I could not be one of the guys and go out for drinks afterwards which was where a lot of networking took place, I was tired, depressed and had somehow changed in the eyes of my colleagues and it wasn't positive. Being one of three female faculty members  from a total of approximately 30-40),was tough as well, I had no role models to have this conversation with, one of my female colleagues had waited until she was 40 to have a child and regretted not trying earlier while the other hadn't even considered having a child, it was a choice and they chose 'work'.

The sad part of this all, is once I left this full time position, I thought I would take on an adjunct position at a school (with a lower ranking) but closer to my home and then try to ease into a full time position there, I am still waiting on that to happen, I am still being passed over for whatever reason ( I was shortlisted last year for a tenure track position which was ultimately given to a caucasian man) and do surely regret leaving my previous position because what I realize is that its not only at one institution, or one type of job,  this is pervasive, its impossible. So, even though we are not living on PBJ's, we can still afford nice clothing, my daughter goes to a great preschool, we have a nice house, two cars, taken vacations every year, we still eat out and I spend a tremendous amount of time with my daughter,  I miss the feeling of being respected for my mind, I miss being part of a community I worked so hard to join and now am on the outside because I had a child. 

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Week 40: T-4 days


So...4 days to go and I am carrying a watermelon that may or may not weigh 9lbs and YES she's still on the inside..living it up. I am fortunately not flipping out yet partially because I'm not quite 'due' with a capital 'D' yet and I keep looking back at the really amazing image of her at 31 weeks and am just reminded that it's real (the situation that is) and I can wait. I am however slightly uncomfortable with the carpal tunnel in my hands and my swollen ankles which makes it hard to sleep or stand sometimes.

Today, I have felt pretty good, I am a bit nauseous which is strange but otherwise I am feeling better emotionally but I think a good meal, a brisk walk and a visit to your stylist can work wonders for anyone! So we've been walking every night after dinner for about a mile in hopes that she will be encouraged to move south..and on out.

So, I've been using these apps as fodder for pregnancy progression and these apps certainly do not lie and now that I'm down to single digits, I don't even want to look at them, its all so final..its like its over before the show has even begun.  (By the way, check out June 29th on the babycenter app (on left)..who's getting a tattoo at 40 weeks pregnant?)..I don't know...I'm just saying! Also fun to see, todays forecast shows my due date and a few days after if she's late which won't be funny since its fourth of July weekend and people take their vacations pretty seriously!


But, quite frankly, its really the mental part thats to toughest, I am a planner by nature, maybe at times a bit obsessed with planning and control so its extremely hard to sit and wait for something so enormous with no idea when and how it will go down, its both frustrating and probably the most exciting time while pregnant besides going in to find out the babies gender.



#4: All About Heidi

I love theses little shoes for babies..they are fun and stylish but very functional for little feet.





all about HEIDI
Soft Leather Shoes for Babies and Toddlers
Bringing fun and joy to the first adventurous steps of young children.

Monday, June 25, 2012

#7: Vacations


I need one..enough said.
Nuervo Vallarta- July 2010



Week 40: T-7 days

Source: Similac.com
With one week to go (until the due date), I am uncertain, slightly terrified, very tired, have serious back pains, sort of nesting (even though I detest that word) and in a state of suspended reality. Hmm.sounds complicated but its really not right..theres a human being in my body right now that is no longer this 'concept'..she's fully grown, fully functioning and in control of my life at the moment more than she has ever been. How is she in control..well, she is really heavy, it feels like she's tearing my insides as she burrows her way down south which terrifies me because I am barely prepared to deliver an average sized baby right now let alone a baby over 9lbs (Arie was 8lbs 3oz.)! I say I'm uncertain simply because each time I have seen the docs recently, they feel around and say something like "she's LOW.." and then look at me like I should have some sort of reaction or explanation for this..(I'm thinking..OK? go on) then they ask if I have been having contractions and I say "yes for over a month" (I'm thinking...so what?) They aren't into internal checks so I have no idea what could be going on down there..then we end by her saying "ok see you in a week if not before" with a smirk. Its rather annoying! I am also "slightly terrified"..for the same reason, "very tired"..for the same reasons, "backpains".. I am hoping this has something to do with her coming out soon since today the pain feels completely different than any other I have had, it feels like a combination of a belly ache and back ache if thats possible to imagine but then again this could be from the Taco's last night or from overdoing it tis weekend ( Long drive to Adventureland.. and all the cleaning..) 

At the moment things are tense here at the house, anxiety, nervousness and anger..yes..anger..who knew this could be the case at a time when we are about to be welcoming a new member to the family but everyone is kind of on edge and the tension feels like a pinched nerve (sciatica..anyone!). Anyway, one good thing that came out of all the dragged out tension this weekend was a pretty clean first floor of the house (kitchen, family room, breakfast room, formal dining room and living room) and thats a good amount of the house so at least most of the house has been "nested".. I helped a bit but I could barely move by evening time and then we went grocery shopping and stocked up on a good amount of food for the week. I just can't bring myself to do the freezer stocking thing..I have no idea what to cook and freeze..its a bit much for my brain right now..I also hate frozen then defrosted food and eating the same thing for several days..yuck.

Anyway, I really just wanted to record how I was feeling today for myself to remember because I don't remember feeling anything but frustration last time while waiting for my overdue baby. I found a note today in an old baby book that the husband had written the night I went into labor with my daughter which said I had been -2 station, 80% effaced and 3cm dilated at about 8pm at the hospital when we got in last time and that was after having pretty strong contractions (or so I thought at the time) from 7am that morning, my daughter wasn't born until 11:49am the following morning..ouch!

The best part of the day is how close the 'before' and 'after' are right now, I sit and can feel her pronounced little part prominently through my skin, she is aware of us, she can hear us, she can feel me poking her, she can hear Arie saying "come out"..its quite surreal that she's just on the inside of me and will decide in a few hours or days that she wants to come on out. This has certainly been a crazy experience comparable to none.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

#8: Pool on a hot day


Nothing beats a 98 degree day spent in the pool with friends, snacks, music and a cool breeze. It was nice to discover this pool by my sis house for the kids to play in so we spent hours there watching them have a blast. Looking forward to many more summer days sitting out there.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Week 39



Its almost surreal to even be writing week 39 down, I have one week left (technically..) I can't believe I'm at this point, I must say that a lot but its really crazy to think I could have a newborn any minute (I am exaggerating, since theres no sign of the baby really coming any time soon)! We are beyond prepared, except for giving the house a good cleaning and sterilizing bottle and pump parts but I still feel strange. I am caught between the anxiety of the unknown and just being so, so extremely exhausted. I really do want to meet the littlest one on the outside and cuddle her delicate and new little body, but I know its not going to be a cake walk and that every experience is different. I also realize that the due date signifies that I will be having a baby but also that I need to get that baby out and that is not something I have prepared for, in fact I think I am denial as to how the baby will actually get here.
I have taken no classes and my plan is to try to work within the moment, from the moment it hits. I don't even know what the docs protocol is, I could try calling the office and not get anyone..I don't know. With my first baby, it started in the morning, so the office was open, my husband was home and I didn't have a toddler that needed to be tended to but this time, I have been getting contractions at night (like at this moment..), they say its faster the second time and we will have to get the little one to my moms or sisters house. I just really hope it all goes smoothly..I like the idea of action..but not too much, I don't want to overwhelm my little girl, she's very sensitive to things and is already quite nervous about me being away, so much so I am thinking of letting her stay in the hospital with me after the birth or going home early if they'll let it.

As far as my physical state, I am quite uncomfortable at night, the carpel tunnel is now in both arms, my hip gets sore and certainly moving or flipping in bed is a chore. I have been having some Braxton hicks which are pretty strong when they hit, its a wonder I haven't jumped the gun a few times and called the doctor. If this were my first baby, I'd have been a real pain in the 'you know what' because the BH contractions feel real but I don't know if they are doing anything. Walking is a challenge but I think thats good because at least it could mean that the baby is no longer floating and may be locked into position for good (no more breech flips)!

I have no other real signs of labor..it would be nice to go slightly early (or on time) but thats just not my luck, I'm aiming for July 1st at the earliest which is fine (in one week) but if I go past that date then I may just have to consider alternative techniques to get her out before 4th of July, I wish I just weren't so uncomfortable because quite honestly, I was content with being pregnant until last week or so when the pain just really became unbearable. I actually feel the nesting urge..I want to clean up the house but the thought of spending even a couple of hours dusting, mopping etc makes me tired; I want to walk several miles everyday but I don't have the energy, I want to play with my little girl but I'm exhausted. I don't remember being this tired the first time around. I wonder who these women are that work until their due dates..or until they are ready to go into labor, what do they do for a living? I could not imagine having to catch the train right now and walking a few blocks to work..I would need a nap as soon as I got in. Onto week 40..hope its good!



#9: Macarons (not to be confused with macaroons)

Cakes: Sweet Bloom Cakes
What can I say, these macarons look absolutely delicious..and I know that I'll only have these cravings for a few more days after which I hope to return to my normal, paranoid, calorie counting..not pregnant 'self' who does not have an appreciation for sweets at all. I would love to have these delivered to the hospital for the nurses (and myself of course) as a token of my appreciation assuming all goes well...or as a bribe depending on the situation. We had to practically bribe the nurses at Phelps with tons of coffee grounds and doughnuts when Arie was born because we were so tired that we wanted her to stay in the nursery for the night but they wanted her in the room with us, we could hardly change her diaper, swaddle her, she would not stop crying..it was a tough learning curve but I love every moment when I look at her now..

Excerpt from http://www.seriouseats.com/2007/10/introduction-to-french-macarons.html:

The macaron's origin isn't clear, but it may have been brought to France from Italy as early as 1533 by Catherine di Medici and her pastry chefs. Macarons gained fame in 1792 when two Carmelite nuns seeking asylum in Nancy during the French Revolution baked and sold macarons in order to support themselves, thus becoming known as "the macaron sisters." The macarons they made were a simple combination of ground almonds, egg whites, and sugar. No special flavors. No filling. Just 100% cookie.
It wasn't until the 1900s that Pierre Desfontaines of Parisian pastry shop and café Ladurée decided to take two cookies and fill them with ganache. Today Ladurée continues to be one of the first stops for macaron-crazed fans in Paris. No longer a humble almond cookie, the macaron turned into a versatilely flavored treat with a thin, light crust briefly giving way to a layer of moist almond meringue following by a center of silky smooth filling.

The basic equation for a macaron reads like so:

1 part cookie [ground almonds + egg white + sugar] +
1 part filling [buttercream, ganache, jam] +
1 part cookie [ground almonds + egg white + sugar] =
1 complete macaron [happiness]


Friday, June 22, 2012

#10: Who is Braxton Hicks anyway?


John Braxton Hicks
(23 February 1823 – 28 August 1897)
was a 19th century English doctor who
specialised in obstetrics.
Last night at about 11:00pm I got a contraction, I didn't think much of it because I get these 'false contractions' quite a bit and they don't really mean much. After about 20 minutes, I got another but I thought it was just a coincidence, maybe my body was tired from the day, I had been outside in 98 degree weather all day but once I got another one 20 miuntes later, it got my attention. Since I was up watching a show I liked I thought I would casually watch the clock and time them until the show ended. I did continue to get a few more at about 15-20 minute intervals then they stopped!..WHAT..what happened? well turns out, the only explanation for this comes from this sly man below..Braxton Hicks!

Braxton P. Hartnabrig
In honor of my current state, I decided to find out more about the quaint fellow who coined the term "Braxton Hicks" contractions. It no surprise that his name is John "Braxton Hicks" but funny because the only other Braxton I know is from the Jamie Fox show.."break yourself fool"..! I digress. Anyway, apparently this guy Hicks was the first physician to describe the bipolar and other methods of the versions of a fetus. In 1872, he described the uterine contractions not resulting in childbirth now known as Braxton Hicks contractions

Why would he name this after himself? They are basically the most frustrating things ever, they can feel like real contraction but they do nothing except get a woman's hopes up and then fade. Some suggest that they actual prepare your body for whats to come but I don't think so. luckily, I am not one of those women who is on the edge of the cliff (at least not yet)..ready to end this process. I still feel relatively good, I feel like I look horrible but thats another topic. My doctors also do not seem to subscribe to style of obstetrics which encourage constantly checking a woman to see her "progress" weeks before her due date, so I haven't been checked at all, that combined with my knowledge of my previous experience (she was an entire week late) I'm pretty sure I'm in for a long ride. 

Thursday, June 21, 2012

#11: Summer Solistice

Source: http://photoblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/06/21/6909897-tranquility-in-the-city-times-square-yoga-fest-honors-solstice?lite
Today is the first day of summer..and in NYC its almost 100 degrees...this was the scene in Times Square! Only in NY right..thousands of Yoga enthusiasts practice...pretty awesome, if I hadn't been in week 39 I would have joined them..ok maybe not but my alter ego feel like she would have.

#12: Lilies


I knew I was getting to be a bit unsettled last week, I felt the immediate tension in my body when anyone asked me anything. I got angry at a guy in Target, I got frustrated with people driving in front of me, I got aggravated with my little girl and of course my husband as well. Its no excuse but the last few weeks of being with child present a strange challenge with ones self control and it was a bit unexpected. I especially didn't feel like I was being irrational but I was a bit down I guess and I don't know why. Anyway, yesterday when we got home, he was already home getting dinner together, after giving the little one a bath, we came down and I entered our living room to find a nice bouquet of lillies. I thought to myself, if I were to go into labor tonight it would be really great. They really have lifted my spirits, its nice to get flowers just because..

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

#13: Handmade baby toys


Koukku teethers are a great simple design, utilizing Oko-tex cotton thread crocheted over unfinished maple wood rings to provide both soft and hard surfaces for baby to gnaw on.

Source: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Koukku

This collection of handmade toys are both unique and inspiring, without the need for batteries, these beautiful little artifacts serve as a new breed of toys which are safe for babies and will motivate any toddlers imagination. Ranging from rattles, rings and dolls, each product pays attention to detail, is highly crafted from durable, non-toxic and ecologically friendly materials but also utilize bold forms, bright eye-catching colors and whimsical concepts. These can certainly be appreciated by parents and kids and are beautiful enough to be collectibles and passed on to future generations. 

Noli Noli has an eye for kid’s toys, these handmade objects are exquisitely detailed and whimsical. Find everything from rattles to dolls, toy cars and boats all crafted from solid wood and finished with beeswax and shea butter polish.
Source: http://www.yellowlabeltoys.com/

Tickle your baby with these adorable owl rattles, knitted from organic bamboo yarn, these fun and colorful toys are great first toys to help baby learn to grasp objects but also double as soft teethers when their first teeth begin to appear.


#14: BLAH

Sometimes it's okay to be blah!..especially while growing exponentially in one direction for 267 days...I've now got 13 days to go (more or less). I don't feel anxious to get the baby out, I'm actually in a weird lull, maybe nervous, maybe terrified but more so eager to no longer be uncomfortable anymore. Maybe just a vacation from being pregnant and then resume being pregnant afterwards. I keep having dreams of being on a beach in the Amalfi Coast but wake up feeling like I gained 10 pounds in my sleep..so BLAH!


http://www.gogelmogel.lt/projects/blah-blah-blah-book-/

Sunday, June 17, 2012

#15: Fathers


I have never really pondered how I would define a father, I know what mine was like but had really never imagined what I expected of the father to my children. I guess I had expected that being a father is something that you should 'just know how to do' but I realize as I watch the relationship between you and the little one emerge, it's clear to see that it is like any other relationship in life, it requires quite a bit of effort. She adores you beyond words and I know you do adore her as well, you will always be her favorite. As she becomes more independent and opinionated, you must continue to be her "dada", her cuddle buddy, her protector and a mentor. The latter is the toughest I think, its a challenge and I know no one is perfect all the time but as long as you (we) continue to strive towards being a good example for our kids, thats all that matters.

Just as I lament over the responsibilities of raising two girls, I'm sure you to have fears which you don't show to us but you must remember, you have two girls (almost three) who love and admire you and will always be there for you and look up to you. Happy Fathers day. ( I still hate fishing..by the way.!)


Saturday, June 16, 2012

Week 38. Turn baby turn

Monday- Thursday
I feel like I should be "nesting" right now (even though that word bothers me some..) but I'm not I 'm at my stopping point until theres some indication of when this will actually happen, I'm not packing, cleaning or organizing anything else, I just don't feel like it. Its unfortunate that I lost the excitement I had just a few weeks ago to something beyond my control apparently, lest I say stochastic. The statistics are rather impressive, that a full term baby can turn from a vertex (low lying) position to breech and then turn back (unassisted) within one week. Also, the statistics for a successful ECV are also impressive but not as much as the former, ECV has about a 58 percent success rate in turning breech babies and a 90 percent success rate if the baby is in a transverse lie, so for me especially, the silver lining is that apparently baby E has chosen (as of last week) the transverse lie not a full/frank breech. My only focus right now is getting this baby to turn back to a vertex position and stop messing around so I guess technically thats nesting, I'm now relegated to re-organizing my insides to prepare for the appropriate exit route. 
I have tried the "breech tilt" for about 15 minutes and got a pretty bad headache from that, it looks easy but not with all the extra stuff going on inside, I have iced my belly every night since Thursday which resulted in slight protest kicks but no large swings of shifts. I even tried the downward dog position for about 20 minutes but I gave up on that, unfortunately, I am not encouraged that she'll turn again and I don't think any of this actually could work. I have been pocking and prodding her for days now trying to figure out which bump is a head, shoulder or rump. I have researched every possible thing about turning the baby but still staying away from reading up on C-sections yet. 

(side bar: my fingers are so swollen and tingly, its taking the pleasure out of even typing right now)

On sunday night, I felt horrible, I thought I was going in for a minute, I had serious pains emanating for my lower back and felt dizzy and nauseous. After laying down for most of the night everything subsided. I have once again been sleeping like a sleep deprived architecture student after final crits for the last few days, I may just be trying to sleep the week away or maybe I'm really tired, who knows. On Tuesday night/early morning I was awakened by some pretty vigorous kicks and shifts which lasted about an hour but don't seem to have resulted in a new position. Anyway, tommorow I have set myself up for good and bad news, at 9am we have a consult with a pediatrician I am told is pretty great  (for this area),  then the U/s at 12:15pm to check the new position of this baby and schedule the ECV. It will be nice to have some kind of answer and plan because my obssesive bones have not handled the 'waiting game' (waiting for baby E to turn on her own) very well this week. You know things are out of hand when your 3 year old wants to shine her Dora flashlight up your dress so the "..baby isn't..bweech (breech) anymore"!

Friday
SHE TURNED! She really made her way back to the right position..I hope she stays this way!

#16: Baby moves

http://www.fitpregnancy.com
After worrying all week about having an ECV, C-section and any other thing that could go awry, my little E turned herself back around to a vertex (head-down) position and moved south..way south! So bravo for the little ones ability to intuitively figure out that she was facing the wrong way (hear my threats) and hooray for my body still having enough room for her to unflip herself. I had a feeling she did on Wednesday night after some strange movements lasting about an hour but refused to let myself get excited until the doc herself confirmed it. So now I return to waiting for the moment she realizes its time to exit the space. I never imagined I could be so thrilled to be given the oppourtunity to experience the most painful process a woman can go through. 

Friday, June 15, 2012

#17: Banana Walnut bread


Its great to recycle, reuse and not waste things right! Yes, I am not so great at this but I try not to be wasteful. We do waste food in our house simply because we buy things with the intention of cooking dinners at home and then forget and things just go bad sitting in the refrigerator. The idea of using very ripe bananas to make a treat is alright with me especially if you have everything you need already in the house. I just happened to have 3 ripe bananas that I knew neither Arie nor I would eat because they were mushy, so we decided to turn them into a bread. We used the recipe from the Food Network and it turned out to be rather delicious..

Thursday, June 14, 2012

#18: Swinging

Taken at Pier 6-Arie and Coco swinging.

The childish excitement and adrenaline rush I forgot you get from a simple thing such as swinging, not to mention the fact that it may help Little E re-turn to her previous position. I actually spent about 30 mins just swinging with my eyes closed (partially) today and it really helped my mood.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

#19: Sunlight


Sunlight can have an amazing effect on ones emotional state. After an extremely trying day I was coaxed into taking a walk around the pond in town with my daughter riding her bike and even though it was a bit tough to walk the 1.5 miles, I did feel a lot better both physically and emotionally. 

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

#20: Diaper bags.

Does having a girl always have to be associated with pink and having a boy, blue? Do "moms" have to look a certain way? So mini skirts might need to be a little less mini, and high heels may need to be a little less high but being a mommy of one, two..three or however many kids should not take away our ability to be stylish, keep up with trends, even when it comes to baby bags! It's bad enough that we carry around every possible item one might need to battle minor or major meltdowns, explosions and more, so why must we do so in a container plastered with Dora, Thomas, Micky, Mini and friends...? I don't know! So many moms have broken from this pattern and have set out to find well designed baby bags and so have I.

A few years ago, when I was having my first baby, I bought two diaper bags, one that the dude could carry and one that I could carry (Mia Bossi Maria Diaper Bag in Tangerine Orange). Although they have both been great, I have become tired of mine because its actually really big and hard to carry around with one kid a so I expect it to be even harder with a baby and a toddler (plus stroller and whatever else). So as I invest in another bag which I will carry around daily for at least two years, I am considering size, durability, design and of course aesthetic; these come with a price tag ranging from $150 to $1000.
  1. Kate Diaper bag by Storksak - $210.00
  2. Sophia Diaper Bag by Storksak in Tan Leather-$398.00
  3. Burberry Carolina Extra Large Baby Bag - $1036.00
  4. Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Pretty Nylon Eliz-A-Baby' Diaper Bag - $298.00
  5. Timi & Leslie Designer Diaper Bag Charlie in Pewter - $159