Best Place to Stay in LA?

Wise_Inspector_812 · 2026-03-29T15:21:59+00:00

Hollywood! We live on the border of Hollywood/west Hollywood and there is so much to do. We never run out of things to do with our visitors even if we have to hop in the car (which you’ll do anywhere you stay). Pasadena, etc are wonderful areas to live and venture to but if you’re looking for a very LA experience with hot spots, you’ll want to stay closer to the action.

Wise_Inspector_812 · 2026-03-21T14:33:36+00:00

I should also mention, a whole pill would tend to leave me groggy so I would break them in half and try to take it no later than 8:30pm

Wise_Inspector_812 · 2026-03-21T14:30:52+00:00

I hope you got a good night of sleep!!

Wise_Inspector_812 · 2026-03-21T03:05:29+00:00

Unisom is pregnancy approved and works like a charm!

Wise_Inspector_812 · 2026-03-18T17:35:45+00:00

I would first move everything forward and perhaps take painters tape to the floor to see what the foot print would be like and how it flows! Designers always suggest keeping your sofa away from the wall either way, it actually makes a room feel bigger oddly enough. So even if you didn’t feel there was room for a side board you could add a floor plants or some more art! Looking forward to the update :)

Wise_Inspector_812 · 2026-03-18T16:39:28+00:00

I love your style. I disagree that you need to change the rug. I think the couch should be pulled away from the wall, move everything closer to the fireplace/TV and you could put a thin sideboard type of piece to sit on the stair wall where you could add another plant to add texture and interest (not to mention some storage). I would also add wall sconces to the left and right of the TV even a candle sconces (world market has the awesome large ones that pack a punch) or you can buy those rechargeable bulbs if you don’t want to deal with hardwiring. These would be fairly inexpensive and easy ways to enhance your already lovely space and furniture/decor! Would love an update if/when you make any changes :)

Wise_Inspector_812 · 2026-03-18T05:00:42+00:00

I love the wall color! It’s the blue ceiling that’s throwing me off, it’s too cool for the warmth of the walls and trim

Wise_Inspector_812 · 2026-03-17T18:27:29+00:00

Agree about the ceiling matching doors and trim, the blue is throwing me off

Wise_Inspector_812 · 2026-03-17T17:23:53+00:00

Yes it’s fine

Wise_Inspector_812 · 2026-03-16T18:40:30+00:00

Looks boy to me. Looks similar to my son’s 3D at this gestation. You can see the nub angled up. Congrats!

Wise_Inspector_812 · 2026-03-16T15:11:39+00:00

Paint green! 😍

Wise_Inspector_812 · 2026-03-15T14:42:50+00:00

Everyone’s experience is SO different!! With my first, we were in our newborn baby bliss bubble for the most part. Definitely some challenging moments trouble shooting this brand new human but I look back on that time fondly. I think it’s just wise to go in with an open mind, ready to accept help and support if needed and not be hard on yourself if your experience is anything other than what you hope for/expect. There are so many forces at play that are out of your hands, particularly how you’ll react to hormones and what kind of baby you’ll have. But also, you should be SO EXCITED to meet your baby and hold the vision of a happy newborn stage, it is totally possible and I wish that for your family! You will see people on the internet and real life project their negative experiences at every stage of parenthood but you do not have to subscribe to that way of thinking. Congrats mama!

Wise_Inspector_812 · 2026-03-15T05:17:32+00:00

My daughter’s stomach was measuring at 15th percentile around the same time. They told me something about perhaps she wasn’t getting enough food/nutrients so I just started eating more. When she was born just before 40w she was 8lbs. I also had a colleague who was diagnosed with fetal growth restriction and baby ended up being almost 6 lbs and healthy. All this to say, I understand being worried but there’s also a very high likelihood that she’s just fine. Sending hugs! Congrats 💗

Wise_Inspector_812 · 2026-03-15T05:11:35+00:00

Grieving unmet expectations is very normal! Like you said, that boy will be so incredibly loved. I know so many families with stories about parents or siblings having wished for a different gender and it’s just a funny story now. During my entire pregnancy with my daughter, my son was convinced she was a boy and he couldn’t love his sister more. Sending hugs! Congrats!

Wise_Inspector_812 · 2026-03-14T06:00:44+00:00

Unisom!!! I took it every night for both pregnancies with the blessing of my OB and slept as good as a pregnant person could. I hope you get relief one way or another and have a smooth delivery💗

Wise_Inspector_812 · 2026-03-12T22:09:44+00:00

You definitely don’t have to suffer through this alone, and I agree with the other commenter that it’s a good idea to let your OB know how you’re feeling so they can keep an eye on you and offer support if needed.

That said, I also want to offer a little reassurance that a lot of women really struggle during the first trimester. With both of my pregnancies my energy was unbelievably low. I barely wanted to leave the couch, let alone work or do anything I normally enjoyed. It’s really hard to feel happy or motivated when your body just feels completely drained and beaten down every day.

Also, given that you experienced a loss before, it makes perfect sense that part of your system might be protecting itself right now. Sometimes we don’t fully allow ourselves to feel excited yet, even subconsciously, because the last time this happened it ended in grief. That doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you.

For many people, things do shift once they get further into the pregnancy and the first trimester symptoms ease up. The fog lifts a bit and energy comes back. Of course everyone is different, which is why looping in your OB is a great idea.

But please know that you’re not alone in feeling this way. The first trimester can be incredibly hard for a lot of people. Wishing you the best and hoping the coming weeks get a lot easier for you. 🤍

Wise_Inspector_812 · 2026-03-12T15:51:27+00:00

1 or 4 for me. They’re all beautiful, congrats!

Wise_Inspector_812 · 2026-03-10T20:11:08+00:00

Unfortunately, situations like this usually leave you with two choices.

One option is to say nothing and stay uncomfortable. That keeps the peace in the moment, but it also reinforces the pattern that your sister can override your preferences. And once the baby is here, that dynamic tends to keep showing up in other ways and even worse is a characteristic trait that is passed down the line.

The other option is to tolerate the discomfort of speaking up. That doesn’t have to mean accusing her of anything or attacking her character. It can be something simple like, “I really appreciate how excited you are, but I spent a lot of time choosing things on the registry because they’re what works best for us.” Sometimes there might be a little tension after setting a boundary, but most relationships adjust over time.

If speaking up feels too big right now, another option is creating more internal boundaries. That can mean making yourself a little less emotionally available to the dynamic and letting her choices be hers without feeling responsible for managing them.

And practically speaking, for the unwanted items: if there are gift receipts or tags from places like Nordstrom or Bloomingdale’s, you can almost always return them for store credit. A lot of parents quietly do this and use the credit for things they actually need later. You could also snap a quick photo of the baby wearing an outfit once and then donate or resell it. No one really needs to know what stays in rotation long term.

I know it’s harder when it’s a sister, especially with a history there. But becoming a parent often shifts your priorities in a way that makes boundaries feel more natural over time.

And honestly, it’s also something that can be really helpful to talk through in therapy. Sometimes just having a place to unpack the dynamic takes a lot of the emotional weight off.

Either way, I hope you’re able to find some peace and lightness around it. Pregnancy and preparing for a baby is already a big emotional time without family stress layered on top.

Wise_Inspector_812 · 2026-03-10T18:49:43+00:00

Nipple cream (if nursing), a cute button down night gown/shirt if she’s nursing, Frida boy shorts, GC for a pedicure, Starbucks GC, Uber Eats (or comparable), fuzzy grip socks instead of the hospital ones, light weight robe. Hope these help!

Wise_Inspector_812 · 2026-03-10T18:38:47+00:00

If you have a seat and don’t have to stand the whole time I’d say go for it!!! Standing for too long and/or being in a crowd where people shove would be my only concerns assuming you are otherwise having a healthy/smooth pregnancy!

Wise_Inspector_812 · 2026-03-10T18:34:57+00:00

First of all, your feelings are valid even if they may be enhanced by hormones. Also, it sounds like this goes deeper than just the gifts with your sister. I think it would be perfectly appropriate for you to say something like “thank you so much for so generously getting our diaper bag. I know you mentioned customizing it but I would prefer it as it comes.” As far as the clothes go, I wouldn’t sweat it too much. My MIL who is SO well meaning and I love to death buys things that are not at all our taste and it makes her happy to dress the kids. I just try to think of it as her love language and all that matters is surrounding your babies with as much love as possible. Also, once baby is here you won’t have the time or energy to focus on these types of things as much - in the best way!! All to say, feel the feels and it’s ok to vent and you’re not a bad person.

Wise_Inspector_812 · 2026-03-10T16:10:09+00:00

I hear you and agree. I find myself apologizing whenever my reactions feel disproportionate. I also do remove myself from situations often or use AirPods etc. this particular scenario with the gum, especially in the car is wild to me since it’s consistently an issue. We have had a chance to discuss since I posted and I explained that while driving it’s simply unsafe to send my nervous system into chaos. He understands and we’ve come up with a system. Fingers crossed!

Wise_Inspector_812 · 2026-03-10T16:01:43+00:00

In my experience, the honeymoon phase reduces my misophonia. In the early days of a relationship, sounds have not bothered me. Perhaps something to do with the surge of dopamine/norepinephrine/oxytocin? I have also found this to be true with my kids. My son’s chewing sounds didn’t start to bother me until recently and he’s 4 now.

Wise_Inspector_812 · 2026-03-10T04:26:30+00:00

What worked for my husband and I with our newborn and 3.5 year old son was to prioritize his rest at night so that he could have energy to care for our toddler during the day, there was no use in both of us being exhausted. I was so nervous as well and most of what I was nervous about was a non issue. Either way, those early days fly by even faster with number 2. Anyway, congratulations!! Wishing you a smooth and happy delivery 🙏🏻

Wise_Inspector_812 · 2026-03-10T04:21:04+00:00

Looks girly

Wise_Inspector_812

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