Just as I was navigating my way through sleepless nights, tiring days, and endless clothing changes (myself and baby), along came a disaster to shake things up. Baby is home safely now, but there is nothing like 4 days in the pediatric ICU to give you a new perspective on things.

Dashing into the office intermittently (requiring some semblance of 'work' outfits within reach), sleeping in a chair at night, and spending hours comforting a baby (who cries less than than me) in a windowless room certainly teach one how to par down to the necessities of wardrobing and surviving.

The trusty Juicy sweatsuit, a staple since college finals, was once again called upon to come out strong. Hopefully the next time I pull it from the closet it will be for a happier occasion, a snow day this winter perhaps.

Shaken or Stirred

Despite finally being able to drink alcohol again, I have yet to really enjoy a glass of anything since arriving home from the hospital 2 weeks ago. The heat makes me long for a strong margarita in a plastic cup at the Murray Hill roof top favorite, Rio Grande, across the street from the old apartment. (Whats amazing in that one year and one week ago, we still lived in that Murray Hill studio. My how things change!) Perhaps its better off that I can't find a moment for a glass of wine, as on 3 hours of sleep a night, I'm not sure it would take very well.

Enjoy the abundant pre-summer festivities, whether you like yours in a plastic cup or with a side of Prada.

Not pregnant and not in Heels

Baby Tucker arrived on May 15th (weighing 8 pounds 9 ounces, after 36 hours of labor beginning on Friday the 13th) and for the first time in 14 days, I dried my hair, ironed it, and put on a madras skirt with matching tank for the Memorial Day weekend(the unofficial start to summer). The offers of help I once scoffed at have all been phoned in, and frantic calls to find a part time baby nurse have ensued.

Those cute seersucker onesies I was all too excited about have been sitting untouched in the baby dresser, instead the little man is donning the footed one piece pajama, 24 hours a day (and wetting through at least 3 of them in a given morning through night period). They shouldn't make such cute short sleeve, bare-leg outfits in size 0 months, because apparently, babies have to be in layers even in 75 degree weather for their first month of life. Of course people like me will drop $30 for a teeny tiny collard short sleeved polo suit that the baby will outgrow by time he has enough self temperature regulation to actually wear. So all the footed pj's I turned my nose up at have become our life staples, and my fears that my baby will be a couch potato sitting in his sweat pants all day will have to be shelved until he can at least sit up on his own.

The lack of time between 10 minute baby naps and appetite has made my maternity wardrobe a thing of the past, but I've yet to break out any of the new finds I have for the season. In due time I hope!

Jeans Scene

My love for denim is no secret. In this month's Harper's I was thrilled to see a glimpse of Ralph Lauren's new line of sturdy American staples (and enjoyed reading about his son's impending nuptials to the fashionable Lauren Bush, begging the question of surnames- to alliterate, or keep one's own famous maiden name?)

Granted the only denim I've donned since mid fall has had an elastic waist band and faux-fly, but it feels like only yesterday I was sliding my favorite straight cuts over my hips. Before I indulge my delights and purchase a new pair for fall 2011, I'm going to try my best to wait until a few weeks after baby, just in case i need to add a number to my former size (doctor assures me that wont be the case but I'll believe it when I'm zipping up my old jeans).

Though Ralph's collection is called 'high end', suggesting price tags with more digits than my last Visa bill, a pair of hand-washed novelties may be in the cards this summer (available at Ralph Lauren boutiques and online only). Counting the days (18 if we are to believe we will be one of the 5% of lucky couples who actual deliver on our due date....)

April Showers

I have discovered something I enjoy even more than shopping for spring clothes for myself: Shopping for baby clothes. Most people probably think little ruffles and jumpers that go along with having a girl are the most desirable for such shopping. But I have enjoyed so thoroughly putting together outfits for a preppy, classic infant boy that I can't even imagine purchasing pink.

Since, at 9 months pregnant, much of the day is spent consumed by discomfort (a stress fracture on my left rib from the baby not helping matters), special shower gifts like a sweater vest and coordinating seersucker pants from Hartstrings (sold at Saks) considerably brighten the day. Brooks Brothers Fleece (which conveniently opened 8 minutes from our home) is now as irresistible on quick trips to Starbucks as Loft on 42nd and Lex used to be on the walk home from the Subway each night.

Until he's old enough to exercise volition in clothing choices, building the wardrobe of a soon-to-be baby is thrilling (and reminiscent of taking my Husband shopping back in the early days before his very first day of his very first job. Since then, he has become an enormous clothes horse who actually suggested he may need to share some space in my walk in closet. Cute.)

Wedge Woods

Standing online behind 4 other people all waiting to pay gives one time to assess the pending purchases. I loved the cognac, braided leather, 3 inch heeled sandals in my hand, and at 30% off full price, I loved them even more. But in a sea of wedges, I was holding the only actual heel and it gave me pause. Heels are fabulous, but not so much for walking on grass or cobble stones, carrying children, or walking fast to keep up with a boss who likes to walk and talk (all of which lay ahead for me this summer). So reluctantly, (even perhaps a little shamefully?) I stepped out of the line and returned the box to a near by couch with an apologetic smile in the direction of the salesgirl.

Satisfied to have averted a wasteful purchase, I redirected my focus to a new pair of wedges, much more practical for my upcoming season. If price is of no concern, Chloe does 70's wedge better than most. Since I will be spending more on diapers than on duds this summer, I need to steer clear of Saks. J.Crew's collection of Italian leather wedges is hard to pass up, most prices south of $200 lessen the blow as well. I love the Marguerite and the Sevigne, both modest in height (and both flattering on the leg, if I'm to believe the well accessorised salesgirl in Walt Whitman). For a less severe look, with slightly more refinement, Loft's Frankie Wedge is a must have (especially at $79.50). No matter how many pedicures I get during the summer, my sandals seem to be gross by the seasons end and I have a hard time squeezing out an encore. While this is usually a nice excuse to shop, I am having pains parting with a particularly perfect black and tan pair from Ann purchased in spring 2010. The search goes on.

Never Say Never...

At the risk of outing myself as a fashion hypocrite, I must admit to the facts of my day. I woke up at 7:00, when I had to be at work at 7:35 for meeting. While I usually lay all elements of my outfits out the night before (including under garments), lately this has still resulted in last minute changes to the chosen attire (the silk non-maternity tops Ive been clinging to for the past 32 weeks have officially been relegated to the unwearable section of the closet, along with many other items that pull at my heart each day. And mind you at 8 months pregnant I've gained exactly 19 pounds, which I hear is fairly standard and does not qualify me for the whale category yet, but tell that to my shirts).

So this morning, when the pre-selected gray silk tank pulled angrily at my stomach after being inched down over my shoulders, I ripped it off and frantically began digging through the cotton-spandex blended maternity tops from Pea in the Pod. With an acceptable top finally pulled comfortably over my bump, I needed a different pair of pants. Trusty demi-panel black pants were finally in the laundry, green cords worn the day before, and khakis saved for the spring like day predicted Friday. I eyed the top shelf, reserved for 'around the house' apparel, and slowly eased down a pair of black ankle length leggings with two fingers. With the tunic length top and ballet flats, they had to work for the day which now began in 10 minutes.

I wont lie, I felt comfortable all day, was able to sit and stand with zero textile resistance, and didn't rush to change when I got home this afternoon at the civilized hour of 4:30. I can't say I'm choosing function over fashion everyday, but today, the leggings saved me.