Start of Something: Months 1-3

A NEW LIFE!

This is my "Start of Something" Pregnancy Journal and it will be pretty personal.  These 9 months and beyond are so uniquely miraculous for each one of us that go through it.  As an artist of many mediums, it only makes sense for me to share the most creative endeavor of my life.  So, please accept my open invitation to my journey over the next months if you'd like and if not, I accept that too!   I can promise that my entries will not be too long or too frequent, since finding the time to do it is the biggest challenge!

1ST TRIMESTER ALREADY!

To start with the present, I am now 12 weeks along.  At 6 weeks, I decided to start a photo journal of my blossoming tummy, same position same day each week.  It would be awesome to make a flip book when we're done!  So far I haven't much to show, but I have gained about 5 pounds already.  I share that now… we'll see if I'm as open about it later in the game!

I naturally tend to focus on the sunny side, but I don't want to pretend that I don't have fears and worries.  9 months is a looong time to go without really knowing what the outcome is going to be.  I pray for a healthy, happy baby and do my best to be healthy and happy myself… I think prenatal clinics can be a but overboard in their testing and rather than comforting parents, it can fill you with fears of, "What if my baby has down syndrome?  What if she has some strange chromosomal disorder that I've never heard of?"  I had to travel to Long Island to do genetic testing last week, which was a 6 hour trip for a little sonogram and blood draw!  Grrrr.  But on the positive side, the LIRR train trip was really pretty and made me want to move out of the boroughs and into that beautiful area!  My worries are much less this second time around too.  I was SO paranoid with Jackrabbit about food, the way I laid at night, lifting things, you name it… now I have to carry my huge lunk of a son to get him to nap in the afternoon and fall asleep at night!  (At least he sleeps, guys!  It's been our biggest challenge!)  

Anyway, all the ultrasounds have been very promising and I feel confident that the little one is flourishing nicely, and whatever happens, I know we are blessed!  The ultrasound pix are so crazy and weird to see...

6 weeks

8 weeks

11 Weeks, 3D and very alien - Whoa!

I think it's a girl, but sure can't tell from the ultrasounds yet!  I had a very vivid dream that I gave birth to a girl and it was soooo easy.  Wishful dreaming.  And of course, if it's a boy, we won't throw him out with the baht water.  All we ask for is a healthy happy baby ...  and a natural v birth.

                                        MYSTERY SOLVED... OMG!  I'M PREGNANT!

I found out that I was pregnant while on a trip visiting family in San Diego in January.  I had a hunch, but my hunch kept coming and going, and by the twentieth negative pregnancy test, I fell for it.  "Ok, I'm not pregnant.  Carry on…"  But the next morning, Tuesday, Jan 14th to be exact, I took one more test just because I was leaving San Diego and had one left so what the hell.  It was positive!  It took 3 more positives to convince me, but sure enough it was true!

Since I have never really been "regular", it was a great mystery to me how far along I was.  Jackrabbit was now 19 months and had just weened from nursing that week, which had been a gradual process from Thanksgiving to mid-Jan.  I hadn't had the return of my cycle until Thanksgiving day (yes, actually the day of, thankfully - haha), and then hadn't had it again… so with the rumor that you can't get prego while nursing, the fact that I'd only had one period in 2+ years, and the rare occasion that J and I would be in close enough proximity for a special hug - I think it's fair to consider this "immaculate conception", right!?!?

Another twist to the miracle of timing, we had moved to NYC and had to apply and reapply for health insurance from September to January - something about Obama Care, you may have heard.  It was a scary limbo to be in, not having health insurance especially for little Jackrabbit for 5 months and thank heavens we were all healthy!  A the universe must have planned, we received insurance on Feb 1st!  I had a torturous wait of 2 weeks, but since I wanted - no, needed - to know how far along I was so desperately, I went to the emergency room at our local hospital.  It took them 5 hours to tell me the results of one simple blood hormone test to tell me that I was about 5 weeks.  The due date is September 22nd, 2014.  Phew!  So glad to have that question answered. 

Now other mysteries were coming clear, like why I loved those chocolate donuts from Peterson's in Escondido so much and why I couldn't stomach the kale salad I always liked from Trader Joe's, or why when I saw photos of myself that week I was like, "Whoa!  I have a tummy!"  Now I know you're not supposed to really show this early, but I was like 90 pounds before Thanksgiving, so with my uterus doubling in size in the first few weeks, there was nowhere for it to hide.  My skinny jeans were already making me feel not so skinny!  

J and I have never been able to keep quiet about nothin'.  When we found out, J spilled the beans immediately to his mom.  Her sixth sense had already informed her anyway.  We agreed to keep quiet until I forget how long, because it didn't happen.  I told my parents, who starting leaking it slowly but surely.  Basically I say, "Don't tell anyone, but if you can't help it, it's ok."  Example, the second person I told was a random lady in line at the airport, because the conversation just led to it.  I couldn't help it!  I told the ladies at the YMCA that week, cuz somehow the conversation just forced it out!  I had to tell my grandpa one day, because he had been hospitalized for fluid collecting in his heart, and I wanted to lift his spirits.  He went home and is feeling well - due to more factors than the happy baby news most assuredly.  

J composed a song called "Start of Something" earlier in the semester from the perspective of a baby in the womb realizing that soon will be the start of something more than what she's ever known.  I sang this song for his NYU-Tisch Musical Theater program (something I have the honor of doing quite frequently) and we recorded it.  J has a gift of expressing through lyrics and music these universal themes that are beautiful and relatable.  I'll have to find a way to share a recording of this song with you...

TRUE FEELINGS

This pregnancy, like withJackrabbit, is no fun - I will not lie.  I am SO nauseous and it is constant 24/7, the worst in the morning and always right when I want to go to bed.  Rather than indulging in guiltless eating, I am constantly trying to pick the right foods that aren't going to make me sick.  So far it's Thai curry and Indian food.  But no one, not even a crazy pregnant person, can eat that rich intense food every day.  So, I hate food but have to eat all the time to keep the nausea at bay.  And I'm always tired.  The one respite I have is Jackrabbit's nap time, when I usually cuddle up with him and get an hour snooze too.  But I have to much on my TO DO list, so I really try to push through.  

Plus, my emotions really do get the best of me often.  I cry at everything.  I was on the subway and this trio of black spiritual singers came along singing so beautifully, I burst into uncontrollable tears!  I cried when I read someone's blog that said by now in your pregnancy, your clothes may feel like a sausage casing around your body.  How sad but true!  I cry at real things too.  The doctor said it's normal but to tell her if I'm crying every day.  Well, I didn't tell her, but I had definitely been crying every day.  LOL.  Ever since I opened up about it, the tears have subsided a bit and for reasons that seem less "real" than before.  So I'm not worrying or crying about it.  :) 

Singing always helps me feel better and singing when you're pregnant is the best!  I'm thrilled to have opportunities for performing both at NYU with Jonathan and fun La Boheme gigs with Matt.  Plus, La Boheme is planning a new album and we have most of the songs already.  I'll include these stories here as they come along.  I've been playing more piano again, which feels great!  Jackrabbit and I sing and dance our way through the day and that's a very very wonderful thing...

I'm so excited about this journey!  I'd love to connect with other moms and babies to be and anyone who like sharing thoughts, stories, songs…  

Countdown to this Holiday Season's Events

Hi All!  It's been a while since I blogged what with the move to NY and really understanding why they say being a mom is a full-time job, I am finally now having a moment to tell you what the holidays have in store!  

As usual, there's a taste of art and a spattering of music along with the joy that goes along with my favorite time of year.

After the feasting and merriment of Thanksgiving, Matt and I will be appearing as La Boheme for a musical evening at 
THE STEAMING CUP 
Saturday, Nov 30th from 7-9pm
340 W Main St, Downtown Waukesha

We will be performing music from our CD "Foolish Heart" which is now on sale on CD Baby and iTunes, as well as some favorite standards and even some brand new songs.  I might even convince Matt to do a couple holiday songs - yes, I love them.

Come visit out new Facebook page and like us a lot!

www.facebook.com/labohemetheband

The following evening ...

After the incredible experience Palmyra-Eagle Community Band shared as the guest musicians for our nation's HONOR FLIGHT for Wisconsin on September 27th, 2013, it'll be wonderful to join them, Ed Pierce and my dad, Bob to make more music.  In preperation, here's a very serious rehearsal video of Jackrabbit and I. 

I will be singing with Palmyra-Eagle Community Band  on their fabulous Holiday concert.  This concert is an annual tradition, held once again at the Palmyra United Methodist Church

122 N 5th St  Palmyra, WI

Sunday, Dec 1st 7pm

FREE!

  Please join us!

The next weekend, I will switch gears and join my mom Charlotte Fung Miller in Chicago for a highly anticipated fine arts festival:

CHICAGO ONE OF A KIND

DEC 5-8

The Merchandise Mart

I've heard it's a jubilee of shopping with tons of original gift options.  Along with our paintings, we are now creating some really cute, elegant, artsy, fun items like glass cutting boards and dragon coasters...

You can always find me on Facebook or at www.kimbirdlee.net.  Feel free to contact me if you want more info or anything!

Lotsa love ~

kimbirdlee

Homeward Bound

"Sunset on a Country Road" by Matt Miller

What started out as a last-minute "hey, wanna sing with us" kinda thing with the East Troy Community Band (conducted by Jay Huenink) and Choir (directed by Rodger Trader) last Sunday turned out to be something pretty darn special!  The groups do a yearly concert at the world famous Alpine Valley here in East Troy that is whipped together in a week of rehearsals.  My dad is a regular in both of these groups, so of course I was down for joining them!  I had the honor to sing the solo in "Homeward Bound" and my dad sang the male part in a duet too.  Yay!  The whole arrangement with full band and chorus is downright stirring to the soul!  My brother, Matt, videotaped it but for whatever reason the picture was blurry so I had the idea to set some of his oil paintings of Wisconsin scenes to the music. When I saw/heard how beautifully they went together, I have to admit I was choked up... ok I actually cried!

Here it is if you'd like to see/hear for yourself:

http://youtu.be/m1FpjFjQ9y4

HOMEWARD BOUND

Words and Music by Marta Keen

arranged by Jay Althouse and Brant Karrick

In the quiet misty morning, when the moon has gone to bed,

When the sparrows stop their singing and the sky is clear and red,

When the summer's ceased its gleaming, when the corn is past its prime,

When adventure's lost its meaning, I'll be homeward bound in time.

Bind me not to the pasture. Chain me not to the plow.

Set me free to find my calling and I'll return to you somehow.

If you find it's me you're missing, if you're hoping I'll return,

To your thought I'll soon be list'ning; in the road I'll stop and turn.

Then the wind will set me racing as my journey nears its end,

And the path I'll be retracing when I'm homeward bound again.

Bind me not to the pasture. Chain me not to the plow.

Set me free to find my calling and I'll return to you somehow.

In the quiet misty morning when the moon has gone to bed,

When the sparrows stop their singing, I'll be homeward bound again.

p.s. the baby you hear in the beginning is a cameo by the notorious Jackrabbit!

For another chance to hear this piece being performed along with a whole program of great tunes, come join us in the East Troy Town Square this Thursday, August 1st at 7:30pm!  

for more details:

www.etband.com/

Ice Cream Social Concert in the Park

After moving out of our house in Oakland, stopping over in Wisconsin before a whirlwind house-hunting trip to NYC, then back to California for a couple singing gigs, and finally landing back here to Eagle Springs Lake, WI ...  At last, Jackrabbit and I are enjoying our precious time in Wisconsin while our poor Johnny-boy slaves away at theater camp in Mill Valley, CA.  That brings us up to date!

The 4th of July weekend here on the lake is a wild and exciting time!  It started with the kiddy parade at Eagleville Elementary and an impromptu singing of "God Bless America" by Jackrabbit and I on the 1920's fire engine.

After a slew of BBQs, swimming, rehearsing, and Fireworks, we made it to Sunday, the day of the
ICE CREAM SOCIAL!!!  Ed Pierce graciously invited me to sing again with Palmyra-Eagle Community Band and the Kettle Moraine Blues Band this year and to all our delight, I was able to sing at their largest gathering.  We planned the challenging program over email from Wisco to Cali and selected some of my favorite songs of all time!  The warmth and support I feel from this group and from the audience in Eagle is tremendous, almost over-whelming.  I wish I could bottle it up and take it to NYC.  Maybe I can find a friendly Mr. Ed director out there who wants me to sing to my heart's content with his amazing band and everyone is happy ever after!!!

Here is the poster from the concert:

And now for the live footage from the event!  Click on the links to see the video:

CLICK HERE: Ice Cream Social Concert: Act I

CLICK HERE TOO: Ice Cream Social Concert: Act II

AND CLICK HERE: Finale

My bio:

Kimberly Fadner "Kimbirdlee" is a performing and visual artist who grew up in Hales Corners,WI and lived in Oakland, CA with her husband and 1 yr old son, "Jackrabbit" up until this summer.

"The 40s: A Sentimental Journey" and her ongoing collaboration with PECM marks a special time for Kimbirdlee and her family as they spread their wings and make NYC their home in Fall, 2013.

Kimbirdlee's natural gift as a singer was discovered as a young girl and she was in musicals with local Milwaukee-area theaters at an early age. Her first big roles were Amahl in "Amahl and the Night Visitors" and Marta in "Sound of Music" when she was only 7 years old. She was soon dubbed the singer of the family and sang for many special events, often with her father singing and playing along on guitar.  Kimberly majored in Vocal Performance & Dance at Mills College in Oakland, CA and acting at the American Conservatory of Theater-SF. She appeared in West Coast productions including "It's a Grand Night for Singers" at Jarvis Conservatory in Napa, "Forever Broadway" at Herbst Theater, "Working: The Musical" at ACT-SF, Marin Shakespeare Company's "The Tempest", Berkeley Playhouse's "Cinderella:Enchanted", "Narnia", "Born and Raised" & "Seussical The Musical".  She worked with the Berkeley Playhouse, and 142 Throckmorton as an actress, aerialist, director and teacher for several years. Her performance in "Seussical" earned her a Bay Area Theater Critics Circle Award nomination in 2012 and a guest performance at the Palace of Fine Arts in SF. Kimberly performs and records with her husband Jonathan Fadner and brother Matt Miller in The Kimbirdlee Fadner Trio & La Boheme.  She is a soloist for various churches, as well. Here's to spreading joy and inspiration through music and the arts.

Some extra video fun - Pre-show at Jack's Place!

Thank you so much for visiting Kimbird-Land today and come back often.  I will do my best to make you smile!!!

:D

CLICK HERE: Ice Cream Social Concert: Act I

CLICK HERE TOO: Ice Cream Social Concert: Act II

AND CLICK HERE: Finale

Adventures in Kimbird-Land!

At last!  I have the chance to give you the latest updates from The Adventures in Kimbird-Land!



Last I checked in, I was heading to the Dragon Fest and Not-so-Silent Auction for Garfield Elementary.  It was quite the event!  Located on the border of Chinatown and North Beach, swarming with children and their families', and full of energetic buzz.

My painting of the "Yin and Yang Dragon" went home with a community member named Kitty Kao - amazing name - who wanted to check out the Fund Raiser because she saw the Dragon poster that I designed hanging up at her local laundromat.  Love it!



I had a good feeling that night, thinking about how my mom grew up in Chinatown and pondering the full-circle we have come.  It was there that she learned Chinese Brush Painting, never knowing where it would eventually lead us!  And trust me, I never knew I'd become a professional artist either.

Jonathan and I also taught music for a kids musical theater workshop held at Shotgun Theater in Berkeley on Saturday, April 20th.  We got to revisit the music of "Seussical the Musical" and see some brilliant little actors do their thing.

The last couple weeks have been swamped with Art Shows, first in Walnut Creek, then Mountain View (both through Pacific Fine Arts).  Those shows were fun in the sun.  Lots of people to talk to and share my passion about Chinese Symbolism, the Zodiac and the Elements.  Somehow dragons seem to be relevant in everything!

Last Saturday was a special little surprise - The Glenview Cottage Industry Exhibition - put on by our local neighborhood association and Judith Garland (another amazing name!).  It happened to be right across the street from our house at the Park Blvd Presbyterian Church.

Jackrabbit doing his bit - holding up the tent with all his mighty strength!

It was delightful being out there in my own neighborhood, meeting people, connecting... Only slightly ironic that we are moving now that things are livening up around Glenview.  I never believe in saying goodbye though, and will always have a home here in Oakland!  It's cool to walk through the neighborhood and catch a glimpse of a dragon hanging on someone's wall!!!  :D

This Saturday is yet another festival - the Asian Heritage Street Celebration outside by the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco.  It's from 11am-6pm and full of fantastic performances, the World Market (where I will be) and tasty asian delectables!

Come join me in Kimbird-Land and have an adventure!!!

Dragon Fest and Not-so-Silent Auction

Taking place at Garfield Elementary SF ... 

I'm honored to be the featured artist for this awesome and mighty fundraiser for the "Mighty Dragons" at Garfield Elementary on Friday, April 19th from 6 pm to 9 pm for the...

Dragon Fest and Not-so-Silent Auction!

The festivities will take place at 

Telegraph Hill Neighborhood Center Gym, 555 Chestnut Street.

This poster design is a collaboration between myself and my dear friend Bridget O'Keeffe.  

She designed the poster with my painting, which now holds a special place in Bridget's home.  :)

Her two boys attend this exciting, bilingual school.   And her baby girl is best friends with our little Jackrabbit.  Love it!

I'll follow this invitation up with pix and stories after tomorrow night!
The Fadner Fam is having a night out in the citaaayyyyy!!!

Little Doll, Little Doll was a poem I wrote when I was 4yrs old...

My poem was published in the local newspaper and I was given a 2-dollar bill that my parents framed with the poem.  If I would've known then that I'd become a doll and sing for a full house in such a beautiful theater with red velvet curtains, I'd have cried with joy!

I had the honor to sing for "It's a Grand Night for Singers" for the second time this year at Jarvis Conservatory in Downtown Napa last Saturday, April 6th.  I sang "The Doll Aria" from Tales of Hoffman (Jacques Offenbach) and the jazz rendition of Gilbert & Sullivan's "The Sun & I" from Hot Mikado.  I was joined by 6 other talented singers.  We were accompanied by the fabulous Richard B. Evans, the pianist, maestro and MC of the night.  

Jarvis was also incredibly kind to have me exhibit my art in their gorgeous lobby.  Being able to share that part of me along with the music was especially magical.  I've searched for ways to merge my two worlds of music and art and am so grateful for this opportunity!

It was also the first revealing of my pearl necklace designed after Elizabeth Taylor's "La Peregrina" - which sold for $11.8 million dollars -  made by Cory Dawson of Wisconsin as a trade for a painting.   I wouldn't put a price on my version, but I LOOOOVE it!  

Teresa Delgado Bozikis of Touch Salon in Montclair Village got me all "dolled-up" before the big night.  We always have a blast.  It was one more thing to make it such a special night, perhaps my last time there for a while since we will be heading to New York this summer!

"It's a Grand Night for Singers" is a precious jewel of an event - I can only pray that I can find something so inspiring and fun out in New York...

Video coming soon (courtesy of Jesse Patrick), so stay tuned, my lovies!!!

Also new - available for purchase - 

"The 40's:A Sentimental Journey" CD

@ cdbaby.com