Pregnant with a clothing obsession

When I was pregnant with Crew I was in a constant state of frustration when it came to maternity shopping!  It took me several months and of course by the time he arrived, I had a handle on “the goods” and where to find the best items.  Since then, I have been asked numerous times where I shopped, even made lists for friends, so today I decided to share with everyone!

Isabella Oliver (online and magazine)  pricey but wonderful for one piece wonders…i.e. the perfect dress, jacket, etc.  Their catalog has great outfits ideas as well. 

one of my favorite looks!

ASOS Maternity (online) a UK department store with great prices and fast shipping.  I actually discovered ASOS a few years back when looking for a oversized clutch.  The style hadn’t hit the states yet and ASOS had tons.  For maternity, its great…has various styles, many options and its high fashion.  Work and play!  Advice…order a size or two bigger!

Eeek!!  ...a maternity puffer!

High fashion, high waisted for the belly!

Pea in the Pod (website and can be found at Nordstrom’s, Destination Maternity and some Motherhood Maternity stores) Love this brand!  Carries tons of basics, nicely made and washes well.

Gap Maternity (online and in select stores) My maternity “work” clothes haven!  Was able to stock up on nice work pants, etc.  Not my favorite for tops though.  Usually has good sales.

love that you can still wear colored cords while sporting the belly!

JCrew  You might be in disbelief but I found TONS of things to wear from Jcrew when I was pregnant.  In fact, I got two cocktail dresses from there.  Many of their tops are long (long enough to fit over the belly) and come in figure flattering patterns.  Also, many of their dresses are empire waisted which was perfect for the belly!!

Best advice…dress to fit!  I found the tighter, more fitting, clothing items always looked the best.  Even though you feel HUGE while pregnant, dressing “oversized” just makes you look…well oversized.  Accessorize with the latest season trends…scarfs, handbags, jewelry, etc.  Embrace this time in your life…dress up, take photos, go all out. There are some women who never get to experience it…so enjoy it!  I remember seeing cutest pregnant lady last fall…Hair curled, make up on, tight black legging and high heels!!!  I honestly believe there’s nothing more beautiful! 

New season and new wish list!

With every changing season, I find myself wanting new everything...clothes and accessories I mean!!  Since it's friday, i'm off work, and finding it hard not to online shop, I decided to share some of my favorite fall/winter must haves!!

I'm calling this one...the new feminine puffer!  Got. to. have. (Jcrew)

Love this...just got it in the mail!!  Perfect light weight, festive sweater.  (stellamae.com)

If my budget allows...I will have these Frye (Dorado) boots!

One of my favorite fall scarfs.  Found on Pinterest..*found some similar on Esty too!!

Leather skinnies!!!  Oh my...have to have these too.  (Pinterest)

The latest Marcie bag by Chloe in coral.  Asking Santa for this and if my husband reads this, he will roll his eyes:)

You can always use a new pea coat right??  (Jcrew)

sweet, snowy gloves.  (anthropologie)

Of course I have must have for Crew too!!  Hopefully these will be his first walking shoes:)

Typie, Google Fingers

As my dependence on Google grows daily, I’m left thinking “What will I tell my children when they ask a question I am unable to answer?” Will I tell them to Google it??…because if I’m being honest, that’s exactly what I do when I don’t know something. I’ve been perusing this idea this for a while now. Or, will I tell them “Mommy is thinking really hard” and then sneak off and Goggle it myself??

I am not embarrassed to say that I Google everything. Hell, I have every bit of knowledge at my finger tips. I don’t feel stupid; I am much smarter because of it. If I am stumped at work with a Photoshop/Indesign problem, I google it and I find the answer. If I can’t remember the words to a children’s song I am trying to teach my son Crew, I google and find the answer. When my best friend’s car broke down, I googled what was going on, we figured out the problem and was able to fix it! Anything I want to know can be found.

I’ve actually become addicted to googling… especially since I’ve had a child and the million things I had no clue about! It’s amazing what you can find. Just last week, my husband Jarret and I, were watching 19 Kids and Counting. Every time I watch the show I wonder if Michelle, the mom, breastfeeds her children since there’s no topic discussion on it ever. I’m thinking…there’s no way she could…no way she could and have children that close together. Well, I googled it. She does, and has with every child for at least a couple of months. Funny, it was eating at me that much, but how neat that I was able to just type in a few pertaining words in Google and find my answer! I’m sure I’m preaching to a choir that does this…but when you really think about it…its pretty freaking cool.

My dependence on all the Google products is growing…my life would be totally turned upside down without gmail, google maps, google analytics, blogger; I could go on and on. 

I figured I would share my latest obsession:)

Giggle.com

Unfortunately I discovered Giggle. A FABULOUS, modern, everything I would want for a baby/growing child, website. I say unfortunately, because it's pricey and there are now TONS of things I think I "have" to have. Why didn't I know about this before?? Why didn't anyone share the goods?? The whole baby store has been a touchy situation with me since I was pregnant with Crew. I refused to register after having a horrible experience at my first baby store outing. I later found BuyBuyBaby which offered more of the styles I wanted. My biggest peeve with all the baby items was that so many, if not all of them, were either pale pink or light blue…gender extreme, or gross bulky plastic contraptions that I fretted having all over my little, organized house.  Although I did stick my foot in my mouth with some when Crew arrived, the pleasantly aesthetics of some things vs. the "stop crying" qualities of others won the battle.
Giggle is much like the other baby everything hot spots like Babies R Us and BuyBuyBaby but it's the latest, most streamline items I've seen. Diaper pals that are painted metal, clothing with little to no verbiage, organic linens, wooden and cloth toys, neutral colors, the list goes on. Note...you can even register there!! 
There is also a special section (blog) entitled Giggle Gab with TONS of “in the know” info for parents. Keeping a healthy home, raising a child in the city (which definitely does not apply to me but was fun to read), baby style, nursing know how’s, etc.. I could go through all the fun finds, or the "must haves" that are now on my wish list but I'll let you discover this for yourself. I actually squealed when I found it! B.E.W.A.R.E. My husband is in trouble, Crew, my bank account...and the new baby too:)

10 months of total attachment…literally!

I have almost made it to the 1 year mark breastfeeding my son.  I have successfully managed to make it this far ONLY with patience and real willpower.  From the moment I found out I was pregnant until now, I have been bound and determined to nurse Crew for at least a year.  It definitely hasn’t been the smoothest or straightest road or a road without potholes.  BUT, it has been and will continue to be one of the most rewarding experiences I have had as a new mother and one I have seriously become attached to. Looking down at my sweet baby, nursing him, is a memory that I will hold close to my heart forever. 

Over the past year I have loved sharing my stories and hearing stories from other moms about their experience with breastfeeding.  Not only does it help get through the rough spots; it’s a common bond you now have with that person.   Saying that…I thought I would share some of mine. 

Breastfeeding:  It’s a journey…ever changing….ever growing.  The first few weeks were rough; engorgement being my number #1 thorn. And then after I accepted that my life revolved around two hour increments; I got the hang of things.  By month two, breastfeeding was a breeze.  I could nurse on demand anywhere I was.  I could pop my cover over my head and feed or pacify my crying baby (#2 reason you should breastfeed..it always stops the crying!).   You might laugh or relate to this…I sometimes giggled at myself..but I nursed everywhere.  Ball games, restaurants, in the car, shopping, while taking a walk, the list goes on.   By month six, breastfeeding was once again hard.  Trying to feed a curious, wiggle worm in public (still under a cover) is almost impossible.  Let’s just say that a handful of people got a peek!  Also by this time, Crew had 4 teeth and definitely knew how to use them:(  By month 9, breastfeeding became a true challenge. To get a successful nursing session out of Crew the following scenario must take place: low/dim lit room, no noise, no talking, no texting, no googling…you get my point.  I now try to pack in most of Crew’s feedings late night, early morning and this has been the trick!

Pumping:  One of the funnier activities I have done in my life (if you think about it..it is funny…and funny looking) and as with breastfeeding, I have pumped everywhere!  Bathrooms, friend’s house, in my car…in my car while driving, alone, with company, and even on the beach!!  I might have been embarrassed in the beginning but as time wore on I began to view it as my second job.  Whether to relieve engorgement or supply Crew with milk for daycare, it was just something I had to do.   Ten months in, I am not “over” breastfeeding but I can now say I am “over” pumping. 

Pregnant and Nursing:  I figured I would throw this one in here since I’ve already had tons of comments…and a few critics.  I am still nursing and will still nurse until I can’t anymore.  According to my doctor there is no reason why I can’t continue.  My milk supply has gone down but not enough to affect Crew’s recommended intake.  Although it has become uncomfortable, with a growing belly and sore boobs, the negatives do not out way the positives. 

There are many rough patches.  It’s a personal choice, not for everyone.  It is one that I am lucky to have experienced.  You might finish reading this and think, man, that’s hard work or there’s no way it is worth it.  I say… there’s no other way I would do it!

What's in a name?

For years now, I have prided myself on keeping it (it = life) together. Yet, in almost every situation there is one thing dragging, missing, or muddled. That one thing doesn’t make or break it…just keeps me (annoyed) striving for perfection. It also makes me…me; who I am and who I’ve become. My friends and family know me as the girl who never stops, is always into some new project, and is always on the go. From the outside it looks as if everything is in line perfectly; everything has its place. I’m here to tell the truth…its not! And that’s just life. I am blessed in so MANY ways; I think its ok to let the small things slide. I have been this way for as long as I remember, so there wasn’t a better name or title to give my blog. It describes my life, my thoughts and daily happenings. Here are just a few examples…

1. My house is impeccably clean. You could eat off floor. But if you look out the back door you will notice my yard hasn't been mowed in weeks.

2. Every work day, I'm dressed to impress, hair poofed in perfection, multiple bags stocked with every item Crew would need for the day, my breakfast and lunch in tow...and yet every day, I'm 5 minutes late and there is some type of baby fluid on me...spit up/snot, etc.

3. On my days off, I typically eat lunch at McDonald's where my FAVORITE FOOD in the entire world is made, double cheeseburgers. I sit and eat, drinking a coke and using an unlimited amount of ketchup packets. I’m eating some of the worst food you can put in your body. I do this while feeding Crew organic baby food, organic juice and organic puffs. (at least I'm trying to do right with him:))

4. At work I'm known for my multitasking skills and "never forget anything" mind. In my personal life, I continually to forget family and friends birthdays.

5. I love to write. Its one of my favorite pastimes as well as part of my profession. I spend hours of expressing myself through words; putting my whole self in….and almost every time, there is one typo.

6. My knowledge of football and player trivia would make anyone proud. Although, I had no clue Giant Fans called them G Men.

I’m an owning this…..I am a fresh mess!!

News of #2

With much excitement, I share with the world....I get to be a mommy of two!!! Jarret, my husband, and I are both just tickled pink...or blue...we don't know yet!  Soon after the birth of my first, Crew, I knew what I was put on this earth to do.  I realized the joy of babies, the precious sight of baby feet, hands (well baby everything), all the blessings that come with having one of your own.  Never being around children, never baby sitting, I was completely blindsided with caring for a baby but I learned quick...and then quickly learned what the baby "buzz", baby "hype" was all about.  It's the COOLEST thing I have EVER experienced.

Which is why....I was ready to have number two!  I'm sure it will be hard with them being so close together...I'm sure there will be days I will want to pull my hair out...but this will all be worth it.  With each smile, touch, milestone, I am constantly reminded that the best job in world is being a mommy!

We decided to let Crew help spread the news too!!  Baby #2 is due in April 2013.  

 

I love, loved so hard.

My heart has never been this heavy…this broken. I lost my most favorite thing in the world, my chocolate lab. Riley was my first personal experience with unconditional love, 100% responsibility, and true reflection of self. From the moment I picked her out when she was only 6 weeks old until yesterday, she has been by my side. We have moved together, traveled together, swam, jumped off cliffs, tailgated, walked, shared every kind of food there is, jumped on a trampoline, cried, healed, fallen in love, gotten married, and shared the love of my first “human” child. The last nine years of my life have been so special…much of that due to the joy Riley brought. Unless you share the love of animals as I do, its hard to understand the emotions and heartbreak that comes with losing a pet. Riley was my pet but more so the love of my life…the only thing that was ONLY mine, all mine. I will cry for years but I will cherish every memory I have of her. When I was pregnant with my son Crew, I prayed almost every day that Riley would live long enough for him to know her. Know the love I shared with her. At nine months old, Crew will not remember her, but I will show him to many photos of them together as he grows up. I will love Riley until the day I die.
A few weeks ago, Riley began having trouble breathing as I always do, I panicked, and rushed her to the emergency vet. An x-ray and blood worked showed her had cancer, very progressed, and was given 24 hrs to live. Devastated, I decided to bring her home with me and spend the next few hours holding her in my arms and in the comfort of her home. The next week and a half she had good days and bad days….but never stopped eating the “good” food…i.e. double cheeseburgers, pepperoni, cheese, etc….wagging her tail or following me wherever I went. The night before last her breathing worsened. We knew it was time. Riley passed on the way to the vet….just closed her eyes and feel asleep. God’s blessing that she went peaceful.

hello today!

A handful of years ago, I began keeping a timeline/diary of my more memorable experiences hoping one day I would find the time to collect and share.  Going back to my freshman year at Western to my now, my ever changing life as a momma, I have and will have many events, stories and observations to contribute....here goes!!

Today's moment...Finding craft supplies in Franklin, NC (well anywhere west of Asheville) is like herding cats, it's impossible.  If I only had a Michael's/Hobby Lobby, my favorite time of the year's decorating projects would be complete by now.  Nothing is close by, the only stores in town - Walmart, Kmart - do not carry what I need, I have been forced to use my modern easy botton of "Amazon".  So, once shipped and arrived...fall can begin, Halloween music will be heard and my mums will bloom of purple and gold:)

It's hard for me to imagine that I ended up in Franklin, NC.  The many, many flaws of a small town...far way for anything...I do find myself enjoying the rural mountains.  I love that I never get stuck in bumper to bumper traffic, I know every one of my neighbors and their pets by name, Western - my first home away from home - is just 25 min. away, I feel safe, the list goes on.  Saying this...I miss my mom, I long to hop in the car and drive to 15 min. to Target and to NEVER EVER drive a 20+ mile winding, curvy road out of town again.  Loving your life comes in parts, sections and soon to be's....I love my life...what it is, what it will be.