18 weeks to go...

Well here we are at 22 weeks. I can't wait for this baby bird to hatch.

Counting Sheep

This pregnancy diet is not easy for me. Constantly hungry, but not able to eat my regular portions. I'm nibbling all day long. This is an example of one of my 12 plates throughout the day that I can handle without feeling like I'm going to burst:

~1 measly clementine

~5 strands of cheetos, (Trader Joe's Baked cheese crunchies) so that makes it healthier, right?

~2 spoonfuls of cottage cheese

~2 grapes

~8 kidney beans

~1/2 an avocado 

Grazing among the avocado hills, 

are two sheep dressed up in cottage cheese frills.

While standing on their hearty limbs of kidney beans,

the clementine sun with cheetos rays light up the scene.

Having my #1 pregnancy craving of red grapes as a head,

I'm looking forward to counting these before I go to bed.

1, 2..... zzzz

Goodnight!

Our California turned Tennessee kitties

These girls have been to more states than most humans get to see in a lifetime, and to think that it all started under a house in Marina Del Rey... 

Back in 2009, on hallows eve my husband rescued these sweet little angels. He heard a crying from under the neighbors house. The moma was locked under the house for days. Michael slid through the crawl space to discovered that the sweet little alley kitty that we have been feeding canned tuna to everyday, had been pregnant. Her three little girls were nearly dead. We nursed them back to health by feeling them with a bottle, and they now live in Nashville area. Their mother was too feral to take in, but I wonder what she would think of their adventurous life. She would be proud.

Disconnect and Unplug after you take one picture:-)

Hey everyone! For those of you who have already purchased the #NaturehoodBook ~ Thanks again for all of your ongoing support:-) If you haven't had a chance to read it, now is the time to get on over to www.SticksandStripes.com and grab a copy. By posting a picture of Naturehood in nature, you could win a custom #Reincarnature portrait.  

Simply post your picture on the social media feed and hashtag #NaturehoodBook 

Much Love,

Brit Cardarelli

The acorn Store in Santa Monica

Deisel Bookstore in Brentwwood CA

Pink and Brown- Alexandria, VA

Mabuhay in San Fran

When you walk into this cheerfully decorated children's shop, it puts a smile on your face. It's an art gallery for the younger heart, featuring both local and globally designed clothing, art and toys.

So happy that Naturehood could join the clan :-)

http://www.mabuhaykids.com

Cassis in downtown Boise ID

This little gem has the best selection of boutique baby clothing, toys gifts and books a child could ask for. If you are looking for the coveted "going home outfit", this is your place for tiny luxurious softness, and books for the growing mind. Naturehood is beyond content here:-)

Forgot to snap a shot while I was there, so here is a good old Google map image for ya.

Polliwog- Portland,OR

Polliwog is my favorite children's store in all of Portlandia. This family owned business offers one-of-a-kind products~ clothes that have style rather than logos, natural materials, organic fibers and toys without batteries and books with valuable lessons.
Naturehood is happy in this new neighborhood!

http://www.polliwogportland.com 

Ballerinas and Bruisers

This store has the best eclectic blend a child could ask for. The store owner, Steve really has a good eye and offers a hand-picked selection of quality clothing toys and gifts for youngsters. Check it out the next time you're in Zionsville, or check out the site here:

http://ballerinasandbruisers.com

21 weeks- the third eye is open

While outside catching some rays and sketching new character development concepts... I look down at my once before innie belly button and couldn't resist doodling on it. The heat must be getting to me, it's time to go inside I thought... or maybe there is meaning to this random doodle of an eye?

When I doodle, I let go... I sort of leave my body, if that makes sense?
In other words, it is never thought out. I let the pen move on its own, if you will.
Detached from the outcome, and letting my consciousness take the wheel.

I would have to say that within the last few weeks, my third eye has opened far wider than ever before. Perhaps it is because of the broadening space of consciousness, the inner world that I'm carrying. A little universe in my belly, its own unique planet, star, moon or sun.

I am feeling intensely connected to the high spirit who supports and fosters this embryo.
I feel like a different person.
My body now has 2 hearts.
Maybe it's because I know that the world within me is extremely sensitive to my thoughts and emotions. Every thought and feeling influences him.
Who knows the answer....
After all, transitioning from Maiden to Mother is immense!

Fat Brain Toys

So happy that Naturehood is among all of the other products within Fat Brain! This is not your typical toy store. "Made in China" is not printed on everything, and quality is key. Fat Brain carries more than just entertaining toys, games, gifts and books... but education comes along with their products, and the fun part is that children don't even notice they're learning because they're focused on the fun part. It's a win/win!

This community also agrees with our philosophy to, "Get your children off the computer screen and roam outside the backdoor screen!"

https://www.fatbraintoys.com

The Bookworm

So please to have been a part of the Screen Free Week Event in Omaha.

Had a wonderful time sharing Naturehood with you guys!

Get your copy of Naturehood today!

http://www.bookwormomaha.com

Naturehood Book is planted at the Spiritual Garden

Please check it out this mystical shop if you're in the area:

https://www.facebook.com/thespiritualgardenbymichellefultz?rf=216445631715117

Breaking out my bag of tricks, Veggies in Disguise

Since this little fella has been renting my stomach studio, greens have been a challenge for me (and to the people that know me on a personal level, I have always loved greens). So as a daily ritual, I brake out my fruit and veggie bag of tricks... he doesn't even know there are hand loads of spinach in my freshly pressed juice. The ginger, apple, lemon and peach hide any trace of greenery flavor. Good thing his eyes are closed:-) 

My favorite blend at the moment:

3 granny smith apples

1 peach

1 lemon

2 handfuls of spinach

2 in. snip of ginger root

Naturehood Book Interview

Forgot to share this interview from a couple of months back... so here you go! Enjoy

Sticktivities Workshop

Some of my favorite faces that the kids came up with:-) Children really are amazing creatures with magical minds.

New bed and belly-- 20 weeks

After putting our new bed together, I took a glimpse in the mirror, this pregnancy is getting real.

I never understood why pregnant women posted bare belly pics... and now I'm doing it, such a hypocrite at times:-)  The connection that I'm starting to feel with this little lad is growing with every kick. I've decided to start documenting this bond for him to read years down the road~

My favorite time of day is nesting time. Every time I lie down, you go crazy. The kicks started last week (19 weeks), and only a week later they seem to be getting stronger and more consistent. 

Every kick and punch makes up for the sickness, fatigue and shortness of breath.

So punch away.

To my baby wearing a bonnet of blue,

my favorite place is lying in bed with you,

for it is there that you practice your Kung-fu.

I'm looking forward to your earthbound debut.

We have a baby on board!

I made this from the center of an orchid plant... all in one piece, funny how it turned out looking like a baby once the top bonnet flower was placed on top. But where are the blue flowers when you need them :-)?

Inside my stomach is a sprout… halfway ready to bloom,

A little lad renting this dark space in my stomach room.

In 20 weeks you will slide down the water flume,

as an angel dressed in a baby boy costume.

Mya and Hassan in DC and NYC

Hassan, Michael's little Brother, has always wanted to go to DC... and since I've known Mya, her dream destination has been NYC. This summer it all came true, their first time out of Cali.

Exploring the Gems and Minerals at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial was absolutely stunning!

Zooming through Georgetown

Roaming the streets of my favorite neighborhood in Alexandria.

White House

Times Square

Soho Fashionista

 China Town

Followed by the best Cannoli in Little Italy

Ellis Island

En route to the Statue of Liberty

After all, Mya's birthday is July 4th, we had to captured this moment of Liberty:-)

Central Park Strolling

...and biking

I just love NYC in the summer...

 

They had a personal tour on a firetruck at the airport and zoomed around the runways right next to planes taking off.... Pretty loud and amazing! Quite the Grand Finale to end their trip before flying home to LA :-)

Your work is to discover your world, and then with all your heart, give yourself to it.~ Buddha

Cherish your visions and dreams, as they are the Children of your soul~ Napoleon Hill

Happy Independence Day!!

Lifeline

On my morning walk today, I couldn't help but notice the stages of life on the ground. 

Time and gravity never takes a day off. 

If you run out of the real deal, improvise.

Veggies in disguise.

Carrot Cone,

Hummus Syrup,

Cauliflower Cream,

with a Cherry Tomato on top.

Last weeks Father's Day Sticktivities

The circle of life~ Music and Fathers give soul to the universe, wings to the mind and flight to the imagination.