April 14, 2008

Great Expectations

Spring 2008 Maternity Guide

Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you have to give up everything. On the contrary, take time for yourself.

And a whole lot more.

Announce
Once the baby is born, you’re as likely to handcraft your own sweet birth announcements as you are to sleep late. Avoid the stress and preorder a set from Black Pearl Press (617-922-1051). Beautifully designed and printed on letterpresses from the early 1900s, each is unique.

Breathe
The twice-weekly Bliss Baby Prenatal Yoga class at Blissful Monkey (663 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain; 617-522-4411), teaches physical postures, meditation, and breath work to help you relax and adjust to your pregnant body.

Say Cheese
Let Katsoulis Photography (617-216-0398) capture your bulging self in a maternity portrait. Photographer Gregory Katsoulis will pay a house call, or you can go to his Cambridge studio for a session. You’ll finally see what everyone is talking about when they say you glow.

Dress Up
Thai label Gatie (Chulamama, 320 Derby Street, Salem; 888-424-8526) has the right attitude toward maternity wear, with designs for day one through delivery day (and beyond). Thanks to the stretchy viscose/spandex material, you’d swear each piece was made just for you.

Escape
Who knows when you’ll have another chance for a weekend getaway sans sproglet. Book the two-night Countdown to Baby package at Cape Codder Resort & Spa (1225 Iyannough Road, Hyannis; 508-771-3000), which includes couples’ massage, facials, a pedicure, nonalcoholic sparkling wine, and chocolates.

DISCOVER
The Beeman
What: Learn about the secret life of bees with the shop’s latest book, a real-life beekeeper, and honey treats.
Why: It’s the bee’s knees.
When: Sat., 11 a.m.-noon.
Where: Barefoot Books, 1771 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge (617-349-1610).

SEE
Honk
What: Musical story reveals how an ugly duckling finds happiness.
Why: Beauty is not skin deep.
When: Fri.-Apr. 27.
Where: Riverside Theatre Works, 45 Fairmont Ave., Hyde Park. Tickets at 617-361-5269 or online at ticketguys.com.

GO
Spitballs, Paper Dolls & Cut-Ups
What: Free drop-in workshop teaches kids how to make mosaic murals from recycled paper and furniture from cardboard.
Why: Follow the paper trail.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Worcester Center for Crafts, 25 Sagamore Rd., Worcester (508-753-8183).