maira penelope hughes

She's here at last! Our daughter, Maira Penelope Hughes, arrived last week, and we've been smiling ever since. Maira was born July 20 at 8:13am. She weighed 7 lbs 15 oz and measured 21 inches, and you can bet that I've spent the past week trying to memorize every single ounce and inch of her.

Her papa Rama, big brother Henry, and I are already so in love with the newest member of our family. Please excuse my silence while I revel in the beauty and wonder of my sweet little girl.

summer in a sandwich

one sky

I was mesmerized by the gorgeous cotton candy clouds today, and it turns out I wasn't the only one. Some friends and friends of friends took a moment to look up and admire the sky. I love that we all found it so inspiring, but I love even more how we each saw it so differently.

Photo credit (clockwise from top left): Poketo, yours truly, Michelle Romo and Elizabeth Antonia. All were taken using Instagram.

nesting

So, it's safe to say that I am nesting. Big time. Most nights, you can find me surrounded by piles and piles of adorable baby girl clothes, unfolding, examining, sighing, sometimes tearing up, then refolding again. I just cannot stop thinking about this ltitle girl who will be entering our lives next month.

I'm busy wrapping up some work, along with setting up the house. (Henry and the little miss will be sharing a bedroom and a separate playroom—we'll see how that goes!) Now that school's out, I also plan on enjoying some lazy summer days with my two favorite boys. So, you know, if I'm quiet the next several weeks, you know why.

Above is a sampling of Little Miss's layette: Striped onesie from Osh Kosh B'Gosh, Ruffle-bottomed pants from Carters, Daisy sandals from Pediped, Birdie bib from BabyBuggy for Target (no longer available) and Matroyshka side-snap tee from Kumquat Baby (no longer available)

tea party

Some dear friends, my mom and I celebrated my little miss's upcoming arrival (in just one month) with the sweetest little tea party. The party was so relaxing and intimate, which is just what I needed in these last few weeks of my pregnancy. The details were so sweet and the treats so scrumptious that I had to share some snapshots of it.

The dessert table, created by my friends at Love 'Em Sweet, took my breath away. There were fresh berry tarts, rugelach, cranberry-pecan biscotti and mini chocolate cupcakes, and yes, I ate one of each. Would you expect anything less? At the center of everything was this gorgeous lemon and raspberry cake. It was—dare I say it?—cute as a button.

The table was set with blushing pink floral arrangements, and each seat was met with a lovely snickerdoodle-and-tea favor.

The party was held at Tranquil Tea Lounge in charming downtown Fullerton. The food was fresh and delicious, and the tea was a hit with all the ladies. After thumbing through the 5 or 6 pages of teas, I chose the sweet almond green tea, which was a perfect complement to my egg salad sandwich and soup lunch and the desserts afterward.

Did I mention that the cake was as good as it looked? I could go for another piece of it right now!

Big hugs to my mom who helped round up some of my dearest girl friends, Love 'Em Sweet who fed me and my baby girl to our hearts' content, and to my dear friend Erlina for putting everything together so beautifully.