Growing baby Nora: Pregnancy recap (a couple months late)

One of the best things about taking weekly preggo picks as you grow, and grow, and groooooow, is looking back at all those pictures together.  It's pretty mind blowing to see that bump in all it's glory in one place.  If you follow me on Facebook, you might have seen some of these pics and can see the whole album with links to the blog posts I did each week under each photo.  
You can see Liam's baby bump pictures here.  This time I chose to do a more consistent photo each week in front of our chalkboard wall (which we didn't have when I was pregnant with little man).  We also decided to carry on the use of the chalkboard wall to document Nora's growth, which will be more fun when she can sit and stand in front of it.

It's hard to believe Nora is already 11 weeks (today)! So when will she start sleeping better at night...?  Any tips there? I'm all ears!

Follow along here: BlogLovin, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

Guest Post: Taking your baby bump to the party!

Winter is upon us; for some, this evokes images of snowstorms, hot coco, and bundling up in layers of quilts. However, a lot of people think of it as party season! After all, this is when there’s the office Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve parties, winter galas and perhaps even a wedding or two.  Getting ready for these exciting events can become much more challenging when your baby bump is seemingly growing by the day. No, there’s no more Fairy Godmother to sprinkle magical dust and instantaneously turn you into a princess, but take a look at our suggestions and see if you don’t get inspired!

There’s never been a better time to be expecting. Fashion is flexible and open to interpretation, and this is particularly evident with pregnancy style. Lately, the universe stepped up to the plate, producing a bumper crop of pregnant, celebrity role models to inspire us. From the royals of Europe to the royals of the red carpet, we had England’s’ Duchess of Cambridge, Rock n’ Roll’s Gwen Stefani and Hollywood’s’ Halle Berry to show us just how dazzling pregnancy could be. 

And it’s a great time of year to be dressing the baby bump – All the styles that flatter and fit a curvy, voluptuous figure are well-suited for the colder seasons. The graceful, flowing lines of a full length maxi-dress will suit you as never before. You can do drama, you can do classic, and you can embrace longer or shorter. Think edgy – dark wash skinny maternity jeans with a deeply theatrical creamy shirt. Add slouchy boots and some eye-catching jewelry for a charmingly boho look. Not dressy enough? Lose the boots and add some heels and, if provided height give you the wobblies, then slip on a pair of trendy flats in their place!

Keeping in mind that dark colors are slimming, black maternity skinnies with a black T and an evening blazer left unbuttoned are a sophisticated start. Opt to wear longer, flower shirts that can effortlessly conceal your pants’ elastic or the presence of a baby belly band that will help keep your unbuckled jeans held up.  Remember that the goal of accessories is to lengthen your form, so choose necklaces, scarves and earrings that stretch vertically. Choose attention-grabbing jewelry that will draw attention up to your cleavage and face and away from the baby bump, and steer clear of small, dainty jewelry that would get visually overlooked and make you appear bigger. Do you fancy fitted? Empire waistlines emphasize your décolletage by hugging the bust while gently flaring over your curves. Or would you rather channel a Grecian goddess? Most knit fabrics including jersey fold and drape superbly, enhancing curves while cascading gracefully over those parts you’d rather hide.

The A-line dress ending just above the knee is a dressy classic. The coat-dress is a similar British tradition continued by the Duchess of Cambridge. And don’t forget the legendary wrap dress; the most forgiving of styles, easy to wear and accessorize. A wrap dress hugs your curves accentuating your bust, creating a flirty, sexy look. Check out A Pea in the Pod for inspiration!

Colors like dark blue, charcoal and black will instantly make you appear slimmer, but what about if you have to wear white and you find yourself floating down the aisle with your full, pregnant belly leading the way? Find a bridal gown that will flair out higher on your torso, much like an empire waist, and gently flows vertically down; forego a full skirt that billows outward, as this will add unnecessary volume. Additionally, opt for a dress with short sleeves or straps, as expecting women are more inclined to become warm and a removal shawl or coat is a much better way to keep toasty during a winter ceremony than permanent sleeves.  Don’t bemoan that there won’t be options out there for you, as retailers like David’sBridal have specific sections dedicated to maternity wedding dress.

Who says your feet have to be uncomfortable to be cute? The last thing a pregnant momma needs is frumpy! More and more manufacturers are marrying cool style, and designs with technology for trouble-free feet. There are alternatives to Birkenstocks! Some lucky mommas can rock a pair of sky-high heels – think Victoria Beckham! Expecting moms often benefit from increased arch support, so equip your footwear with comfortable insoles or purchase flats that provide orthotic structure.

Draw attention to features you like best. Would your bust put a swimsuit model to shame? Rock that cleavage with scooped neck tops. Have your nails and skin got that special glow? Treat yourself to a salon manicure. Have your makeup reflect your sparkle. Pregnancy doesn’t have to stop you from fashionably stealing the spotlight at the next party you attend this winter; a little bit of strategic dressing, a touch of confidence and that beautiful pregnancy glow will undoubtedly look and feel beautifully sexy.

Follow along here: BlogLovin, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

Getting dressed after pregnancy

I wore this outfit 6 days after giving birth (is it still called that when it was more like she was removed from me via c-section?).  We took Nora to the doctor for a weight check, our first outing since the hospital - exciting stuff, but regardless, meant I needed to get dressed...in actual clothes (vs. leggings and nursing tanks I've been living in around the house)! Thankfully this time around I'm a bit more prepared for the after-baby body than I was after I had Liam.  Things are still pretty swollen, stretched out and now, mushy... I sort of felt about 6 months pregnant here, but every day gets a little better, and then once the 6-week all clear happens, there will be some hard work needed to help tighten things up some.  For now, getting dressed in something nursing-friendly with clothes I already own (and am anxious to get back to wearing) at this in-between body transition stage can be challenging (and depressing)!  In an effort to not be so hard on myself and still like what I'm wearing (when I do get dressed), I'm sticking to a few key pieces.  Looser-fitting button down shirts (easy to unbutton to nurse), cardigans, jackets, leggings, soft pants (now is a great time to try out that athletic-sweat-pant trend) and even skirts.  Some pieces I recommend are at the bottom of this post! {My Outfit Details: Shirt - Old Navy; Sweater - old from Old Navy (similar); Jacket - way old from Gap (great toggle coat here); Pants - pull on from Old Navy (similar); Boots; Bag - Phillip Lim for Target (similar)}

Nursing and postpartum friendly pieces:

Any other nursing/postpartum mama's out there with tips on how to dress in this transition?

Follow along here: BlogLovin, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

Tips for preparing for a c-section recovery!

  With my first baby, I labored for over 18 hours, dilated at a 9 to 9.5 for over 4 hours with the baby never dropping down far enough to get that last bit of dilation or begin pushing before I was moved into surgery for a c-section.  This experience started on Monday, went through the night and finally our baby boy was born Tuesday morning.  It was a rough way to discover that my pelvic bone is tilted and while wide enough, not round enough to pass a little babe.  The good news is that we knew all that going into delivering our second child, which was a scheduled c-section with no laboring beforehand. So, in preparing for baby #2, I'm was also prepping for another c-section (something I didn't get to plan for before).  C-sections definitely come with a harder recovery, and will be especially more challenging this round with an almost-two year old I won't be able to pick up.  But going into one, planned and avoiding the labor before hand has been a much easier recovery so far. Obviously, this is not something everyone gets to plan for, but in case you find yourself needing a c-section or end up with one, here are a few ways you can prepare for recovery at home post-surgery:
1. Bring things in closer to you.  You'll be doing a lot of laying down and siting as you recover, plus snuggling up with a new little baby.  I found that it's harder to lean forward and reach for things, so bring those items (drinks, laptop, baby bottles, etc) closer to you with the help of a c-table (my fav I've already been using a ton) and tray.
2. Tummy and back support.  With any abdominal surgery, you'll need some extra support so you don't end up throwing out your back.  Last time I tried this belly wrap and I hated it and pretty much never wore it.  It was too stiff, hard to relax or sit in and like a corset - just not very practical.  This time I'm excited to try this Bumped tank that allows for nursing while wearing.  It's a softer form of support that also helps smooth your midsection and hold up unbuttoned pants (until they can button again).
3. Find comfort when sitting with pillows!  Try this backrest pillow to keep you upright.  One of the great things about the hospital is the bed you can control, at home you most likely don't have a bed that can be adjusted at the touch of a button. I've been using a big wedge in bed to nurse.
4.  Walk it off. Though you might not feel like it, doctors recommend trying to get up and walking (even just a little) in the first 12-24 hours to get things (i.e. your bowls) moving again.  Try to do a little walking every day in the days following, too and more as you feel better and better.
5. Stock up on meals prior to surgery (you might want to do this whether having a c-section or not).  We start doubling our recipes when cooking dinner so we can freeze some for easy dinners post-baby.  Nothing hurts more than bending over a counter post-surgery, nor will you have the energy to do so with a new baby in tow, too!  Try this easy soup that is great to freeze and get yourself some reliable freezer containers.
6. Stool softeners... ya, not the sexiest thing ever, but this will make going to the bathroom way more comfortable.  I remember having the worst pain ever after coming home in this area, bringing me to tears!  
7. If you have a toddler at home... stock up on some seated activities that you can do with him/her.  Thankfully Liam has really taken to drawing lately.  So we'll be doing a lot of coloring at the table.  Reading books, playing with blocks or Legos, gently rolling a ball back and forth, etc.
8. Stock a diaper caddy that you can keep on every different level of your home as to not have to climb stairs too often for the many, many diaper changes newborns require!  We used ours especially at night, sat next to the bed for easy midnight diaper changes and feeding sessions without having to get up.
Any other c-section tips out there?  I'd love to hear the things you did (or didn't do) to a speedy recovery?

Follow along here: BlogLovin, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

Favorite Wears: Red for the Holidays

I don't own a lot of red for some reason... but there is something about the holidays that has me digging  through my closet for any red pieces I do have.  And after months of searching for the perfect red bag, I was so excited when Fossil contacted me about some of their new products, including this amazingly beautiful, buttery soft, leather red purse!  Perfect to add a bright pop to the increasingly dreary backgrounds that the end of fall has left us.  As for buffalo check, I could wear this jacket or some version of this print everyday. I'm obsessed.  Such a perfect winter and holiday time pattern.
It feels good to be getting to wear some of my regular clothes now post-pregnancy, but being only one week postpartum in these photos, I still have a belly!  Every day my belly seems to shrink a little bit and my swelling (from surgery and getting pumped with extra fluids) in my feet, legs and face goes down more.  There is nothing like having the baby, but still looking pregnant... all worth it though.
{Outfit Details: Buffalo Check Jacket; Plaid Shirt; Flats; Bag - c/o Fossil; Sunglasses; Watch - c/o Fossil; Necklace - J.Crew inspired via Ebay (similar)}

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Fossil.

Follow along here: BlogLovin, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook