Drop and Give me 20

Because let's be real, 20 pushups (lady-like style) is all I can do without stopping and crying.  So in an effort to get into shape this year I had to really commit.  And not make excuses, which with a kid, you can come up with a reason to not do anything, especially work out.  But I have a wedding this summer where I'll see a lot of people I haven't seen in a while and I'd like to look nice.

So I committed. And I made my husband commit too, if he was still soundly sleeping while I'm working out I'd come up with a reason to join him.  We started waking up early and easing into this workout thing with Pilates.  I love 10 Minute Pilates.  There are 5 workouts and depending on how much time you have you can do 1 or 5 sets.  It's awesome.  Especially the stretching.

After a few weeks we bumped up the routine to Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred.  This is a great 20 minute workout.  There are 3 levels depening on how fit you are, you get strength, cardio and ab work.  You're sore for days. That's how I typically measure good workouts.

"If you want a good workout, why don't you just use Beach Body?"  Yes, I know about Beach Body.  I'm very familiar.  I've done P90x, 21 Day Fix, Shakeology but quite frankly, I got burnt out.  It was a big committment and I wasn't there yet.  I hope to get there but I need to work my way into it.

What about you? What's your go-to workout?

I'm back. I'm back.

I've had this grand plan to relaunch my blog for months and months and days but life kept happening.  But finally, I'm up and running.

Here's what you missed over the past few months...

We now live in Michigan.

My daughter Mo is almost 2.

I'm still working.

We're raising a toddler which is exhausting but amazing.
I learned how to ski.

Saw Garth Brooks in concert, twice.

We've visited many cute towns in Michigan.

Still working.
Visited my favorite place in the US, Mackinac Island.

Had a reunion with my college best friends.

And worked some more.

More to come.

Guess who's back? Back again

Channeling my inner "Eminem" as I'm now living in Michigan just a stones throw away from Detroit.

Here's what you missed.  I had a baby 10 months ago and it's been about 9 months since my last post. I guess you could say I had a baby and fell off the face of social earth.

My daughter, Molly, we'll call her Mo, is the single greatest thing ever. Except around 3 AM when she becomes the worst.  Seriously though, she's such a happy baby.  And we think she's super smart.  Her doc said "as advanced as an 18 month old" at her 9 month appointment.  Whoo!  I must have done something right...  Which was to move home, where my mom can help take care of and educate Mo.

             

So we moved. to Michigan. in December, to be a part of the most pleasant time of year. Thankfully it hasn't been too snowy but it's freezing.  I was not cut out for winters.  Currently my dad, mom, sister, husband and daughter are all living under one roof.  It's cozy.  And really not bad, it's actually kind of great.  I love that my family gets to spend so much time with Mo, and Mo with them.

Why did we move, you ask.  More for later.  

Post Baby Must Haves

Molly is my first baby so I had no idea what to expect during pregnancy, birth and the dreaded first few weeks after.  I say "dreaded" because everything I read made those first few weeks after baby sound terrifying.  I actually wasn't very nervous about pushing out a baby, I was petrified about what was to come after.

Turns out, not that bad.  And I'd like to think it's partially because I spent a lot of time researching (Pinterest, let's me real) different things that will make my life better post-baby.  So here is a list of life savers.  These are things I actually used and why I love them.  Hope they help you, too!

Belmama aka The Shower Hug

Not everyone tells you how extremely painful breastfeeding can be.  Your poor boobs take a beating and this wrap is heaven for those boobies.  Don't believe me? Try taking a shower one day after breastfeeding.  I bet you surrender good hygiene because it's so painful.

Well this wrap is so soft against your sensitive skin and the Velcro allows you to make this as tight or loose as you want.  Seriously, it's amazing so just buy it.

Prescription Nipple Meds

In keeping with breastfeeding pain, ask your doctor about prescription medicine.  There are a couple different kinds out there so just ask you doctor (if they don't just write you a prescription).  When we took Molly for her first appointment I told her doctor I had no idea how painful breastfeeding was.  She looked at me like I'm such a rookie and then wrote me a prescription.  She's another angel.  Thank you, Dr. Stearns.

Bravado Nursing Bra

You can find nursing bras everywhere: Target, Macy's, Maternity stores and I've bought them everywhere in the search for a comfortable, sturdy bra that lifts.  Well those stores don't have it.

Bravado is amazingly comfortable, has thick back support, doesn't come unsnapped easily. It's worth every penny. (PS - I bought this on Amazon)

Bellefit Postpartum Girdle

I am by no means back to sexy pre-pregnancy me ; ) but I'm pretty close.  Actually, I'm back to pre-pregnancy weight but I also lost weight my first trimester so I'd like to get back there, which means I have just a few lbs to go.  I did not work out much during my pregnancy (but I did do Tracy Anderson's pregnancy DVD.  It's awesome because she's pregnant too) and did not start working out post-baby until my 6 week you're-good-to-go appointment.  

This is not at all comfortable a few days after, duh.  And you may be broken hearted to find it's very difficult to put on right away but you just built a person.  It's ok.  Seriously, it is amazing!  This is another one where I believe you should just buy it.  (I also bought this on Amazon)

Always Radiant Pads

So this isn't the most glamorous product but it's a necessity.  Sorry ladies, you'll have to wear pads so you might as well be comfortable.  These were perfect.  They seem a little thick but they're weightless.  Never felt like I was wearing a pad, thank goodness!

Sleep Number Bed

Ok, so this one is super expensive and not at all necessary but you will be amazed at how incredible this bed is.  Think about it.  What determines whether you have a good or bad day (more or less) - how you sleep.

You don't sleep much when pregnant and you sleep even less once you have the baby so don't you want those few hours you are sleeping to be amazing? My husband knew I wasn't sleeping well while pregnant so we went to look at Sleep Number beds, just to check it out.  Well, we fell in love and now we sleep like champs.  I seriously have never slept so well.  Usually, I would love staying at hotels and getting a "good nights sleep" but now I can't wait to get home.  I know it's expensive and quite a monetary commitment but this bed has saved my sleep.

Hey husband's - have you ever heard of a push present?  This is a great option : )

Molly's Birth Story

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I won't share the dirty details so don't worry, you won't read about that here!  To be quite honest though, there really aren't any dirty details (minus the obvious), it was a surprising pleasant experience.  So here goes...

It was Thursday May 22nd.  I was scheduled to show up at the hospital at 8 PM for my induction Friday morning.  I was trying my best to keep myself occupied.  PT was working on a DIY Bar project (details coming soon) so he was running to and from Home Depot.  And my mom was on her way down to Virginia to help with the dog while we were in the hospital and help me once we were home.

My mom showed up around 5:30 PM.  Our plan was to go to dinner, get our stuff all ready and then head to the hospital.  Well right before we left for dinner, around 6 PM, I started having contractions.  I was timing them at 4 minutes apart and they were rough.  We decided to order in and after two bites of my sandwich, I knew it was time to go.  The contractions came fast but they were not messing around.  PT wanted to wait a bit longer but as soon as my mom heard me yell, "I'm never doing this again!" she told PT it was probably time to go.

We get to the hospital (about a 2 minute drive) and while checking in, the doctor from our practice is leaving...  He doesn't feel well so he's headed home but he said we'll be taken care of - add that to the already long list of things I have no idea what to expect!  As soon as we get all set up in L&D (including 4 attempts to get the IV in)  the nurse checks me out and I'm 4 cm dilated, pretty good.  Contractions were progressing to 3 minutes apart and were really intense.  I needed that epidural.  Thankfully, I didn't have to wait too long.  I think I had the epidural by 10 PM.  And let me tell you, as soon as I get that epidural, I'm set.  I'm a very happy camper.

My left leg has gone numb from the epidural so the nurse helps me readjust.  This is where things start getting a little scary for me.  Laying on my right side, Molly's heart rate decreases dramatically.  They quickly put an oxygen mask on me and position me back on my left side and we're back to normal, except my left leg.

Hours passed, we continued to progress and around 12:30 AM I started pushing.  We finally met the doctor who I'm certain was an angel.  According to our nurse, the doctor who left when we were checking in and doctor we would have had if I had been induced both push c-sections.  I was willing to have a c-section if that's what needed to happen for safety sake but not just to free up a bed.  The doctor who ended up delivering Molly was 60+.  She was amazing!  She took care of Molly and I very well and not once was c-section brought up.  She was our angel.

And then Molly joined the world at 1:40 AM.  I didn't even know she was out because my epidural was so strong which I'm very thankful for because had I known Molly was out and not crying I may have lost it.  Her cord was wrapped around her neck twice hence the no screaming.  PT said the doctor quickly moved the cord and Molly was fine.  She had meconium right before she came out so the NICU nurse was standing by.  After a quick check up, she was all mine.

Helllp

Well you've guessed it.  I'm still pregnant.  I know I really shouldn't complain because I'm only 3 days over my due date and if you ask PT my "real" due date is May 21st which is tomorrow so there's that (Why you is tomorrow my "real" due date when this whole time I've been saying it's May 17th?  Well when we first found out I was pregnant they gave us the due date of May 17th.  Then when we had the 20 week sono they told me the due date is May 21st.  Sorry, but after 16 weeks of thinking my due date was May 17th, I wasn't mentally changing that date).

Anyways like I said, I'm still pregnant.  But worst case scenario, I'll only be pregnant for 3 more days!  I know I should just enjoy this time before things get crazy but I'm sore and tired and can't easily move.  My fingers are numb, I'm swollen, I can't sleep.  This won't change when Molly joins us but at least I'll get to hang out with my daughter.

To avoid being induced, I'm trying as many methods of natural induction as possible.  Last night I had a big glass of ginger beer under the direction of PT because he knows how to have kids.  Again, I'm still pregnant but was graced with 2+ hours of strong contractions starting at 2 AM.  7 minutes 30 seconds apart for 2 hours and then nothing.  Just like that.  So I need your help - what worked for you?  What should I try?

In the words of Mrs. MacAllister, "I'm desperate.  From a mother to a mother, please."

So here's the deal...

In case you're interested to know the status of this baby, well, join the club.  We seem to be making no progress together so that's great.  But really, here's the deal, I'm due on Saturday and I'd like to try the new Mango-Rita.

I've had a good number of contractions but so far they've just been practice.  I think one of the hardest parts for me is the unknown.  What's going to happen first? How bad will the pain be? Will I be at work, home, out and about? How long will everything last? Will everything go smoothly? It's kind of terrifying but I have no control (ughhh, which PT loves).  All I can do is pray for strength and a healthy baby.

In case she decides to take after her father and be late to the show, we now have an end date in sight!  We scheduled the induction for May 23rd.  We're almost there but please pray she comes sooner than that.  Really, please start praying now because as you can see below at 39 weeks we're running outta room.

I've had many people guess I'll have this baby Wednesday or Thursday this week but what about you? When do you think Molly will show up?

Post Baby Outfits

I've already purchased 3 post-pregnancy outfits.  No pressure to get back to pre-baby weight...

I CANNOT wait to wear "normal" clothes again.  I'm so over my 4 maternity outfits that barely fit.  I'm so excited for all the adorable outfits this spring and summer will bring.

All complete with the Jack Rogers Monogram sandals I just treated myself to.

Post Baby Outfits by natcmooney featuring green tops

Long sleeve dress
$58 - inlovewithfashion.com

J Crew j crew dress
$380 - theoutnet.com

Alice You green top
dorothyperkins.com

Wallis polyester shirt
$51 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Dorothy Perkins blazer
dorothyperkins.com

J Crew j crew skirt
jcrew.com

Boohoo scalloped shorts
boohoo.com

Jack Rogers sandals
jackrogersusa.com

Kate Spade post earrings
saksfifthavenue.com

Miss Selfridge necklace
missselfridge.com

Bead necklace
pinkmascara.com

Pieces chain bracelet
$56 - pieces.com

7 For All Mankind belt
7forallmankind.com

ASOS belt
asos.com

Letters to Molly

I've decided to put together a little segment called "Letters to Molly".  Not really meant for her to read, well maybe one day, but just little notes and thoughts to/for/about Ms. Molly.

Dear Molly,

You're not due for 10 more days which means you probably won't show up for at least 15 but I've decided it's time to do this.  Since I'm your mother, I'd appreciate it if you'd listen to me and come on out.  I know if your dad told you to come meet us you'd listen because you already listen to him.  When he asks you to calm down, you do.  I can be crying from the pain and uncomfortable-ness, begging and pleading for you to stop moving so much so I can sleep, but no.  You don't stop.  Until your dad asks.  You're already a daddy's girl and I'm already left out.  But I just want to let you know, so far my contribution to this pregnancy outweighs his.  No need to say thank you, but you're welcome.

Love,
Your mom

P.S. I've been a pretty great sport the past few weekends, staying up super late so I can by the DD for your dad these last few weeks.  He owes me.

Style the Bump

 As I near the end of this pregnancy (thank goodness!) I've made one decision I'll carry with me through all my future pregnacies - where to buy maternity clothes.  When you're pregnant you may feel awful/fat/tired/etc, I mean we're growning a HUMAN inside of you.  But what makes that even worse is looking the way you feel - you don't want that.  For me, the worse I felt, the better I wanted to look.

I've purchased maternity clothes from many stores with many price ranges - mainly Motherhood Maternity, Pea in the Pod, Target, ASOS and Old Navy.  I put together a little list on each store and I hope it helps any future mamas!

5. Motherhood Maternity

• Pros: Lots of options - dresses, tank tops, shirts, pants, jeans, shorts, bras.  Basically anything you'd need, they have it.  There are actual store-fronts so you can try on the clothes which is nice because you won't really know what size you are, ever.  They have sales ALL THE TIME.  And there are even some outlet store options.
• Cons: Not the cutest clothes.  Not the most comfortable clothes.  Not the most well made clothes.  You get what you pay for...

4. Pea in the Pod

• Pros: This is the nicer version of Motherhood Maternity.  The clothes are designer (think 7 for all mankind, bcbg, hudson, etc.) so it's more stylish and well made.
• Cons: Again, you get what you pay for.  I bought one pair of jeans from here, that's all I could afford...

3. Target

• Pros: Easily accessible, there are Target's everywhere.  Target's maternity line is limited but it includes the basics - tank tops, t-shirts, jeans and some dresses.  The best thing you can buy at Target is their basic (non-maternity) tank tops.  They are THE BEST just get a size bigger or two or three : )  They are super cheap, come in tons of colors and can be worn with anything.
• Cons: I love me some Target but I never really found anything there that flattered my growing belly.

2. ASOS

• Pros: Not many women know about ASOS let alone the fact that they have a maternity line.  Well, they do and it's awesome.  This site is where you'll find cute clothes, more "one-of-a-kind" type of maternity clothes.  And the cost is pretty affordable.
• Cons: Online only.  This is just hard because you can't try on anything.  I will say though, returns are easy, just keep your receipt.

1. Old Navy - Saved the best for last!

• Pros: I've never been a huge Old Navy fan but let me tell you - for all my future pregnancies this is the main place I'll shop.  Sales, sales, sales all the time.  I don't love the idea of spending lots of money on maternity clothes because you don't wear them for very long.  ON clothes are so comfortable. They have tons of options.  I haven't disliked one thing I ordered from ON. 
• Cons: No store-front.  The maternity shop is online only but you can return things to the store, so it's really not that bad.

Week 35 is full of Insight

I've been very lucky not having too many people give me unwarranted advice, rub my tummy, all the cliche awkward moments.  But I just wanted to give some advice to anyone who's willing to listen...

This past weekend I got to spend some time with one of my best friends and her sweet adorable daughter.  She's also a first time mom and helped me put a few things into perspective (in addition to solving some of the reasons I've been so cranky the past few weeks).

Ok so as you probably figured out, I'm a first time mom.  I really have no idea what I've gotten myself into.  Literally a week ago, I watched a YouTube video on how to change a diaper because truth be told, I wasn't sure I knew how.  What Kaitlyn helped me realize is everyone has their own way of doing things, in their own time, it'll all get figured out.  I'll figure it out.

I'll figure out what works best for me.  And Molly.  And our family.  I'll figure out how to change a diaper, how to give a bath, how to do it all but I'll do it in my way and in my time.  I've been inundated lately with people telling me, "you'll be able to do that", "you should be able to come to that", "if you haven't had your baby yet you'll be fine coming to this event an hour away the day after you're due".  You're right.  Maybe I should be able to do this or that or come to an event an hour away the day after I'm due, but the thing is, I may not feel comfortable doing any of that.  I may not be ready and guess what - that's ok.  I can't allow myself to feel pressured.

I'm a new mom.  This whole thing is scary for me.  I'm going to over-analyze, I'm going to be overcautious and that's ok.  I'll figure it out.

Thank you, Kait for helping me feel better!

30 something weeks

I give up.  I've lost count.  But for the 2 of you who really want to know, according to my "What to Expect" app, I've been pregnant for 34 weeks and 5 days.  Yes, almost there but still weeks away.  And those weeks sound like an eternity.

This pregnancy thing has been fun but I'm over it. The past few weeks have gotten tough. The 8 month mark came accompanied by a bad memory and worse attitude.  Short term, long term, doesn't really matter - I'm not guaranteed to remember anything.  And people have never driven me more crazy, seriously is this world full of idiots?  I guess is a good thing they came together though because if at any point I decided I dislike you, I quickly forgot that's how I feel.  And no need to worry about PT, he hasn't been harmed at the making of my bitch-mode.  He's actually been an amazing support - letting me vent, get out my crazy and then letting me know it's all worth it.  And now I'm tearing up.  What a train wreck!

Here's why these last few weeks have been difficult...

• I'm getting big, this baby won't be the 5 pounder I was.  Which makes moving, sitting, laying down, basically every movement more difficult and less comfortable.
• I'm working a lot.  Which is good.  I like my job and being busy means I don't just sit and think about being pregnant all the time.  Thank you, Job, for keeping me occupied.
• Our calendar is booked, with a mix of fun and not fun things but booked none-the-less.  Again, great to keep my mind off of being pregnant but a lot of the things going on are baby related - doctor appointments, child birth classes, pediatrician open houses, etc. Yay!

I know I sound like I hate my life and right now, it's really not that bad.  I'm very blessed to have had an easy and healthy pregnancy so far so ignore my negativity : )

Week 32

This little baby has quite the personality, let me tell ya.  PT says she's clearly my kid because she's already a piece of work.  Rude. but true.  Thanks, babe.

Week 31

We're down to single digits!  Only 9 weeks letf!!!

Yesterday we had our second baby shower and it was incredible!

Thank you to my amazing sister Jackie (and Molly's godmother) for planning the whole thing. Thank you to my family who drove all the way down from Michigan.  Thank you to all our friends who took time out of their Saturday to join us and thank you to Rappahannock Cellars for letting us use their beautiful space! (If you're looking for a nice space to host any event or just looking for a nice winery to enjoy some great wine, RH is a great choice!)

P.S. - I've had a couple people ask where my dress is from so here ya go - Asos Maternity.  It's amazing!  Very cute clothes and reasonable prices.

Week 30

This past weekend we had our first baby shower and it was awesome!  This kid now has clothes for days, literally the clothes do not all fit into her dresser (she's clearly my kid). 

Thank you to my in-laws for hosting the shower!

My family and a few great friends are coming to town this weekend for shower #2 and I CANNOT wait to see everyone!

Week 28

Nothing big, except me...

Babymoon pictures

Oh ya, we fancy

 I'm pretty sure PT was imagining this as his "man-cave".

Sorry babe, not getting this set-up in a tiny 2 bedroom apartment

I have a few baby showers coming up so if there are any "must-have-it" items I should add to my registry - please let me know!

Week 27

Sorry I've been slacking, I don't even have an excuse.  Oh well, here's another update!

We're now 13 weeks till the due date but my mom delivered me early so I'm mentally preparing myself to be early (just in case).

I've been really good this pregnancy with reading very little - I figure, the less I know, the less crazy and scared I'll be.  Well - insert Pinterest here.  I LOVE Pinterest.  It's close to my favorite leisure activity - just laying on the couch, watching a chick flick, pinning away.  Until I read one article, "Things know one tells you".  It should have been called, "Read this only if you plan on never having children".  It detailed the few weeks after you've given birth.  Oh. My. NO!  I'm no longer scared about the birth and all the pain I hear comes with it - I'm scared about the after.

Thank God I have a wonderful husband who will love me through it all.  Right, babe : )

25 Weeks down...

Which is crazy and before I know it this baby will be here.

I'm a bit of a planner and I know we have things coming up so I put together a list of weekends before my due date and I basically have 6 weekends open.  I plan on filling those weekends with no plans.  While I still can...

I also finally finished the dresser/changing table and LOOOVEE the way it turned out.  I actually ended up returning the baskets to Pottery Barn since they had NO structure but found these at "Old Faithful" (also know as Target).

Do you love!?

Week 24 and some DIYing

Week 24 update - it's crazy (not really).

The "Nursery"

I say "nursery" with quotations because Molly won't really have a nursery - we don't have room for one.  We'll have her crib in our room and everything else in the guest bedroom which is set up for a guest.  So sorry Molls.

This is my first REAL DIY so we'll see how it goes.  PT's parents were gracious enough to pass down a very nice dresser (for free).  I kind of felt bad about updating it since it was such a nice dresser but the other option would be to not take the dresser, make them get rid of it, and go buy one from Salvation Army to re-do.  Ya, not the best option so thank you again, in-laws!

Before I knew what we were having I was planning on going with a navy and white combo so once we found out it was a girl, I just added in a bit of girl.  I'm not a big pink fan, and neither is PT, so I decided to go with coral - not super pink but a greal color.  I also knew that I wanted the dresser to double as a changing table so it had to be big enough for that.  Here's my inspiration (thank you Pinterest):

I considered going with a white dresser but I've registered for a white crib and if the whites don't match, it will probably drive me crazy.  So I got a couple coral samples from Home Depot and decided on "Youthful Coral" by Behr.  I followed this tutorial from LiveLoveDIY since I have no idea what I'm doing.
*Note - I sanded a lot (not a little like she said).  After one coat, I needed at least 2 more (not 1 maybe 2 like she said)...

Here's the dresser before. Simple and easy but I wanted to jazz it up a bit.

I also decided to take off the doors and I'll fill those spaces with baskets - to fill with toys and/or shoes or blankets, I'll figure it out.  It was VERY difficult to find baskets that fit.  The space is 16x16x16 so it's a decent size and I didn't want a small basket where you could see everything that's in it.  Well, leave it to Pottery Barn to rock my world.  I found the basket measuring 16x16 and in the light color I wanted and ON SALE! I was pretty thrilled.  I also ordered a few drawer handles from Etsy shop, Firstfinds, to create a shabby chic look (I ordered the distressed white):

Stay tuned for the reveal...