Tessa's a Mama!

The newest Falk has arrived ...

Tessa's offical announcement:

"After 3 years of trying, 9 months of "baking," 8 hours of pitocin-induced labor and 20 minutes (give or take a few) on the operating table, Cooper Michael is here and we're home!!

Our little guy (literally, he was born at 37 weeks) made his big debut Friday, May 18 at 4:08pm. He weighed in at a whopping 6lbs, 0oz and is 19 1/2 inches long."

And, her unofficial update to the "boss lady" (her nickname for me, which only she can get away with):

"Things here are fantabulous - I'm an official "dork" mom. =) I check the "poop chart" to see how the baby is progressing, get completely antsy when someone holds him too long, check to make sure he's breathing every 5 minutes and applauded myself this morning when I pumped enough colostrum (oops on spelling!?!) to fill a bottle nipple full.

You'll be happy to know that I worked with TWO lactation consultants and EVERY SINGLE ONE of the hospital's baby nurses to get this whole breastfeeding thing down (even Chris took notes, ta-he-he). We're still struggling a bit, but we're doing much better. Just waiting for the milk fairies to fill the jugs up, lol."

Can't you just hear the joy in her words? I got the chance to visit the family in the hospital. I am always in such awe when a woman becomes a mom (even though I've seen it many times with friends and have 3 children myself). It's such a miraculous feeling that first time you see someone after they have given birth ... the big tummy is gone and suddenly there is this little person bundled up in a blanket. Tessa looked great and her hubby was busy doting on her and the baby. They had that precious mixture of exhilaration and shock and complete love in their expressions. Like when the mind cannot keep up with the heart.

I miss her already, but am so proud to witness her blossom into a mother. Please leave a comment if you want to send her well wishes! --shelley

Man Behind the Magazine...

The June issue is all about dads (seeing as it IS Father’s Day this month). Along the lines of “dads,” look for a special joint tribute (and dedication) to the dad who helped make the dream of this magazine come true. He was there from the start 21 years ago, and we wish he could’ve seen it through 21+ more years…

Just a Reminder...

There are still almost two weeks left to take part in Play Golf America’s annual Free Lesson Month, and according to Golf Digest, you can learn a lot about golf from a 10-minute lesson. Like what? Well, “how to control the face of your wedge as it goes through the sand," for starters. No idea what that means? No worries; you’re a perfect candidate for a lesson.

Visit playgolfamerica.com to find a facility near you (there are plenty to choose from), and sign your family up. The weather’s still good, and you could pick up a new passion. --liz

Look into my Cristobal

Well, speaking of last chances, there are also only a few more weeks to catch the exhibit Balenciaga and His Legacy at SMU’s Meadows Museum, through June 17. I’m talking about reclusive Spanish designer Cristobal Balenciaga, who was most prolific during the 1950s and 1960s and who was massively influential in the fashion industry.

Post World War II, the fashion world was re-energized and modernized, and Balenciaga was at the forefront of this amazing time in fashion. In fact, he and his two most important protégés, Oscar de la Renta and Hubert de Givenchy, dressed the most stylish women of this century (Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, of course).

The exhibit features about 50 garments and exquisite fashion photography from the archives of Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue and L’Officiel.

Most of the garments once belonged to Balenciaga’s two major Texan clients: Claudia Heard de Osborne, an oil heiress and socialite, and Bert de Winter, a buyer for Neiman Marcus during the same period. Both women bequeathed the contents of their closets so that we can enjoy them for years to come.

I stopped by the Meadows last night (admission is free on Thursdays, by the way), and the best part has to be reading the placards next to each garment. Each one tells a brief story from the dress’s owner about where she wore it and how much fun she had wearing it. Don’t we all have outfits like that! --liz

Last Chance Charlies

If you aren't one of the more than 350,000 people in Dallas who have already seen it (or, maybe you are, but want to see it again - you're like that), next weekend is the LAST CHANCE to take in Gunther von Hagens’ BODY WORLDS: The Anatomical Exhibition of Real Human Bodies at Museum of Nature & Science at Fair Park.

Here's the cool thing, the exhibit will open at 8 a.m. and close at midnight next Friday, Saturday and Sunday (May 25-27). That means you can kick off summer and Memorial Day with late nights (if your kids like that sort of thing). Café Max will serve munchies until close, and the museum will offer free parking and additional showings of The Human Body IMAX film.

BODY WORLDS tickets are dated and timed with entry at 15 minute intervals. A limited number of walk-up tickets may be available for sale in the box office, but given that this is the final weekend, advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended. Visitors may purchase their tickets online. --shelley

Guess Who's Back...

It’s Monday, but that’s never too soon to start making weekend plans. Next weekend, it’s all about Shrek the Third. The great, green ogre returns to theaters this Friday, and apparently he’s settled down with a wife and three little ogrelings in this installment.

I had the opportunity to participate in a conference-call interview with Shrek’s sidekick, Puss’N’Boots, aka, Antonio Banderas, a few weeks ago. You won’t find this Q&A in the magazine, but I thought I’d share an excerpt with you, in honor of the film’s upcoming debut.

DallasChild: As a father, how important is it for Hollywood and stars to keep making family friendly movies like this?

Antonio Banderas: I think it’s very important, and especially, as you said, having kids, you know the importance of it, especially in our days.

Movies like Shrek comes to be very important, not only just for kids, but for adults, too, you know?

But everything that we are watching on television every day, it becomes—you know, the comedies and humor is one of the most serious things that actually you can do nowadays.

DC: What would you say are some of the lessons or morals in this third Shrek movie?

AB: Pretty much the same ones that are in the first and in the second one. Basically, there is an ode to friendship, and that is what the movie is all about.

It may have more social issues in this one, in a very, very slight way—in a mild, beautiful way.

So, there you have it. Enjoy the movie.

-liz

Last Ditch Effort

Mother’s Day is T-minus 2 days, and if your husband or kids are anything like me – they’re procrastinating. It’s not that they don’t want to get you something, but truth be told – you’re probably the hardest person they know to buy for (whether you think so or not)!

Make it easy on them: S-P-E-L-L I-T O-U-T. I promise, both you and they will be happier you make blatant suggestions, rather than subtle “hints.” You’ll get what you actually want (not another perfume that you grin-and-wear), and they’ll be relieved to actually get you something that’s lights up your face.

My favorite tactic: rip out a page from a LOCAL store’s catalog (too late to ship now), and write on it “I WANT THIS.” Or you could even print off a page from the internet, and do the same, but keep it local.

Just in case you’re still not sure yourself what you want, one last thought: patent skimmers (write your shoe size on the torn out page - they won't remember it). It covers two of spring’s trends – patent and flats. I know that as a mom, you run yourself ragged between all the kids’ events, so run yourself ragged in style.

L’Autre Chose
Flat Patent Skimmer
$295
Barneys New York

Happy Mother’s Day!

Lauren

Shout Out

In our May issue (on stands now), we profile five amazing moms in celebration of Mother’s Day. Yesterday morning, one of the inspirational ladies profiled, WFAA News 8 Daybreak anchor, Jackie Hyland, mentioned our piece on the air. In case you missed the wonderful shout out, click here to view the spot online.

-Tessa

Tread Lightly, Friend

OK, so Shelley blogged about my uterus yesterday (um, yeah, note of thanks to her, lol), but can you blame a girl for being excited about her first bundle of joy? Come on ladies, you know you’ve probably bored more than one unsuspecting friend with loads of pregnancy details (me included!).

But here’s the thing, I think my hubby is just as bad as I am in the details department (he’s not chatting incessantly, but more task-oriented). In the last nine months, Chris (the aforementioned hubby) has found a daycare for “Peanut” (interviewed the staff , checked references, etc.), scoured the Internet for baby gear like he was on a quest for gold, researched and investigated every baby/pregnancy topic imaginable (when I was having cramping one day he checked Web MD and “diagnosed” my condition) and now he has secured an interview with a possible pediatrician.

But, as much as I love this doting hubby of mine, he just broke the daddy-to-be credo that says “Thou shalt not push, anger or irritate my pregnant wife.”

Earlier today we had a conversation that went a little something like this:

Chris: “We have an appointment next week with Dr. D to discuss the possibility of him being ‘Peanut’s’ pediatrician.”
Me: “Awesome, honey, thank you for taking care of that.”
Chris: “He has privileges at our hospital, he’ll check ‘Peanut’ each day we’re in the hospital and he’ll schedule a follow-up visit for us in his office for three days after discharge.”
Me: “Wow, you’re on the ball. Thank you.”
Chris: “So, um, yeah. Besides having this baby, what is it exactly that you’re, doing?”

WHAT? HUH? IS THIS MAN CRAZY?

He IS laughing when he says this, but let’s just say that this little hubby of mine better sleep with one eye open. (lol?)

~Tessa

TMI

Sorry we haven't been blogging much this week ... we are busy beavers trying to get ahead. In fact, we're already thinking about back to school issues and our kids are still IN school. (I have to keep reminding myself that even though I'm in fall mode for the magazine, I still have to survive summer at home ... btw, we'll have great tips to do just that in the June issue.)

Just thought I'd share a little Tessa story with you. So, I'm minding my own business, drilling down through folders on our work server, when all of a sudden a random image of Tessa's uterus pops up! She's had about 100 ultrasounds during her pregnancy and must be scattering images of her baby-to-be in utero so we don't forget about her when she takes off on maternity leave. Tessa, Tessa, Tessa!

If you're a mom-to-be, you should check out our Spring/Summer issue of babydallas, which hit the newsstands recently. Not only will you find some humorous essays penned by the very pregnant, yet very svelte, Tessa (SO not fair), we've got lots of up-to-the-minute health and development info you won't want to miss (including why you should think about hypnobirthing and baby signing). -- shelley

Project Graduation...

It’s final exam time, and in the design world, that means portfolios and runway shows.

If you want to see the next generation’s Dolce & Gabbana, (and pick up a few cutting-edge style tips), check out the Texas Woman’s University’s annual spring fashion show this Friday. The seniors in the Fashion & Textiles program will show their work in a full-scale, 100% student-produced runway event—like a collegiate version of Bravo’s Project Runway (except without Michael, Heidi and Tim.).

These ladies have bright futures in fashion, so go check out their collections, and maybe your support will help launch a few careers. Tickets are only $10 at the door, and the show takes place in the Margo Jones Performance Hall on the TWU campus at 8:15.

As Runway's Tim Gunn would say…”Make it work!”

-liz

It's Raining, It's Pouring!

I LOVE it when it rains, because that means one thing…rainboots!!! I heart my Pucci rainboots that I got two years ago, and apparently so does everyone else. Every time I wear them, I get comments (and many looks) from both men and women. A man in a hospital elevator even told me that where he was from, those were called “pig sloppin’ boots,” but mine were “pretty fancy galoshes!” I’ll take that as a complement.

Whatever people call them, they’re not only pretty, but practical. On top of keeping my feet dry (and my good shoes unharmed), they are the most comfortable shoes I own. Whether it’s for you or your “mini-me,” you’ll never be more satisfied with a pair of shoes.

A few to check out:
• Pucci Rain Boots (they're a little scarce, so grab them if you find them)
• Burberry Rain Boots
• Marc Jacobs Rain Boots

Lauren

Sweet Scents of Summer

If you’re looking for a new summer signature scent….Tom Ford (the uber designer formerly of Gucci and YSL) has the answer…twelve of them. Available at Neiman Marcus, Tom Ford Private Blend has twelve different scents sure to please even the pickiest fragrance afficianados.

The scents: Amber Absolute, Noir de Noir, Velvet Gardenia, Black Violet, Tobacco Vanille, Oud Wood, Purple Patchouli, Bois Rouge, Moss Breches, Tuscan Leather, Neroli Portofino and Japan Noir.

Maybe you can drop a hint or two for Mother's Day...

Lauren

Mark Your Calendars!

This weekend, Dallas-based clinical psychologist, and mother of two, Dr. Ann Dunnewold will be out and about signing copies of her latest parenting must-have: Even June Cleaver Would Forget the Juice Box.

I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Dr. Dunnewold for our April feature, “What It Takes to Raise a Child Big D Style,” and she has a wonderfully unique parenting perspective you won’t want to miss.

Jot down these details and make it a point to meet the mom who offers ways to cut yourself some slack and still raise great kids in the age of extreme parenting!

SATURDAY, MAY 5th at 11:00AM
Talk/Q&A/Book Signing
Barnes & Noble
Stonebriar Centre
2601 Preston Road, Frisco
972-668-2820

SUNDAY, MAY 6th at 2:00PM
Talk/Q&A/Book Signing
Barnes & Noble
Firewheel Town Center
190 Cedar Sage Dr., Garland

-Tessa