FROM: STELLA

TO: LAURA

1. One year ago this past Wednesday, I found out that I was pregnant with Colby! It’s been an incredible year filled with sleepless nights and more love than I could ever imagine. So grateful for my amazing husband whose been on this roller coaster with me and for all the tips, advice and hand-me-downs from Laura!

   

2. It’s been about 9 months since I was on a plane. I think that’s the longest I’ve gone since pre-college. I desperately miss it and can’t wait to take Colby on his first trip. I’ve been saving up my points to hopefully book a business class trip for when we go international with him and drooling over this gorgeous new dreamliner.
3. I just invested in a new baby carrier and I love it so much! It is way easier to take this one on and off by myself than the other ones that I have tried. Plus, I got it for a steal by buying it second hand off Poshmark.
4. Each year I try to do at least one cleanse and usually opt for something similar to the paleo diet. I’m a bit late in starting mine this year (FYI – babies take up a lot of your free time!). But I am finally getting rid of the last bit of pregnancy weight with a week-long clean eating spree. I love these paleo biscuits from Jessie B, seriously it was hard to not eat the whole batch in one sitting!
5. Feeling totally inspired by this UCLA gymnast. One of my favorite books last year was Coach Val’s Life is Short, Don’t Wait to Dance! I highly recommend to everyone, not just gymnastics fans. It’s a great story of positive coaching leading to huge success. It’s a feel good story that is much needed after hearing the dark side.

FROM: LAURA

TO: STELLA

1. Felt very seen by this Zapier blog post about “what working parents need.” I’ve been struggling a bit lately with feeling ok about all the time I’m spending away from my kid, and reading this put a lot of words to my jumbled thoughts.

   

2. Laughed (and cried!) along with Kristen Bell on this week’s episode of the Motherly podcast. I feel like she is one of those celebrities that I’ve grown up alongside and it was lovely hearing about her perspective on parenting.
3. Podcast-heavy week for me: I was so enthralled with Reply All this week! The episode mixes one part internet hoax, one part mystery, and a few dashes of science, music, and jokes. I might listen to it all over again, I liked it that much.
4. I binged a lot of Olympic Marathon Trials content this week. I haven’t gotten back into running since having a baby, but all the news coming out of last weekend might be the inspirational kick to get me back to it. Especially adored this piece on two pregnant women who ran as well as Ali’s recap on her weekend spectating.