 At my shower – Justine Ungaro |
Thanks for welcoming our newest celebrity blogger, Marla Sokoloff!
Since audiences first got to know her at age 12 as Gia on Full House, Sokoloff has had many memorable TV roles — Jody on Party of Five, Lucy on The Practice, Claire on Desperate Housewives – as well as turns on the big screen in Whatever It Takes, Dude, Where’s My Car? and Sugar & Spice.
Sokoloff, 31, also sings and plays guitar and released an album, Grateful, in 2005.
She wed her husband, music composer Alec Puro, in November 2009 and the couple — plus pup Coco Puro — make their home in Los Angeles. They expect their first child this winter.
You can find Marla, who’s now 38 weeks pregnant, on Twitter.
Hello everyone!
Hope you all had a fantastic holiday season. My husband and I stayed in town and laid low. We watched movies, ate, slept, ate, spent quality time with friends and family … and then ate some more.
The official countdown is in full effect … I cannot believe that in two weeks time I will be a mommy!
In the grand scheme of things, these nine months went by pretty quickly. Yes, there were weeks that seemed endless and yes, I’m currently complaining about my feet swelling up like balloons and the general discomfort that comes with the end of pregnancy — but all in all the journey has been one that I will never forget. Dare I say … I’m even looking forward to doing it AGAIN?!
Everyone keeps telling me to enjoy these final moments of solitude, but I just want to jump to the part of pregnancy that comes with a baby already!
My four best friends threw me the most perfect baby shower a few weeks ago. It was a beautiful brunch and was so flawlessly planned I don’t think I could have done it better myself! I was so overwhelmed by the generosity of all who attended — we pretty much got everything we could possibly need for our little one, and then some.
I truly don’t think I could have made it through pregnancy without the help and advice of my mommy friends who had babies before me. Everything from baby gear to stretch mark cream — my friends were on it!
So, before I step into the baby bunker (don’t worry — I’ll be back to update you post-delivery), I decided to leave you with a list of my pregnancy must-haves. Please enjoy and feel free to pass along to other mamas!
Favorite Maternity Store: A Pea in the Pod
One stop shopping for all of your changing body needs. I purchased everything from underwear to my little(ish) black dress that I wore to my baby shower (see above photo).
Favorite Maternity Jean: J Brand — Mama J Skinny Jean
These jeans are by far the most comfortable and flattering jeans that I could find. They don’t have a panel on the belly (which I never found to be very comfortable) — instead they have side elastic panels that grow with you so you don’t need to buy multiple sizes.
Favorite Before, During and After Dress: Anything by Rachel Pally
Rachel Pally makes the most comfortable and flattering dresses for women no matter what size you are. I’m wearing one in the nursery photo below. Her gorgeous creations got me through three weddings during my pregnancy and I know I will wear them again post-baby and beyond.
Favorite Body Pillow: My Brest Friend 3-in-1 Body Pillow
This pillow has all the support you need, complete with a wedge for your growing belly. Trust me, this wedge will save your life as your bump gets bigger and heavier!
Favorite Pregnancy Memoir: Exploiting My Baby by Teresa Strasser
I personally LOVED this book. Informative yet beyond hilarious and didn’t scare me the way some of the other books did. You’ll want to be best friends with Teresa by the end of it!
Favorite Pregnancy Book: The Pregnancy Test by Dr. Emily Sikking and Melissa Heckscher
I mentioned this book in my first blog post, but I wanted to give it another shout out. I can’t even tell you how many times I referred to this pregnancy guide. Saved me a few phone calls to my doctor — who actually wrote this book. Great for expectant fathers too!
Favorite Stretch Mark Cream: Basq Advanced Stretch Mark Butter
Great for preventing stretch marks before and after pregnancy. My favorite thing about this cream is that it isn’t greasy and absorbs quickly so I can put my clothes on soon after using it. Smells yummy too!
Favorite Breast Cream: Novena Organic Beauty Breast Cream
Yea you heard me … I’m talking breast cream! Those little/big guys are susceptible to the same marks as your belly, so you can’t abandon them! This one is my favorite because it’s odorless and paraben-free.
Favorite ‘Faux Glow’ Makeup: Benefit Benetint
For those days when your “pregnancy glow” just isn’t happening. I put this rose-scented liquid on my lips and cheeks and instantly look and feel refreshed.
Favorite Hydration Buddy: Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle
This thing didn’t leave my side! It’s super important to stay hydrated when you’re pregnant and this bottle is the perfect portable size. I also love that it’s glass so there’s no icky plastic taste to my water. On days that I was feeling extra crazy, I would add lemon or mint to fancy it up.
 Coco Puro and me in baby’s nursery – Justine Ungaro |
I hope you find this list helpful — feel free to add to it and share in the comments section. Maybe my next list will be my favorite baby items?
Until then, you can follow me on Twitter @marlasok or catch me in The Chateau Meroux, which is out now on DVD.
Xo,
– Marla Sokoloff
Response to comments on 1/29: 1.) I got paid ZERO for the products I mentioned. I truly love them! 2.) I know bumpers are bad — left on for pix!
