Bump Update wearing the most comfy dress EVER!

dress c/o swimoutlet  *  sandals are old navy last season  *  georgia's outfit snagged via zulilly

I haven't done a pregnancy update at all this time and I thought it would be fun to do one this week!  I am 32 weeks and baby boy is low and wiggly :).  I find myself wearing workout clothes and pajamas mostly because that is all that fits and I am over maternity clothes.  Luckily I found the adorable dress above on Swim Outlet recently so my husband can stop asking me if I need clothes (because I wear the same thing every day!).  I love that this dress grows with my bump but is not maternity so I can comfortably wear it all summer long.  They have the cutest dresses y'all!  And suits of course.  Check em out!  But OK - back to baby boy bump update:

How far along:  32 weeks!

Size of baby: about the size of a squash!

Maternity Clothes: I'm kinda tired of them as mentioned above, so it's comfy dresses and stretch pajamas most days.

Stretch Marks and Sleep:  None of the former yet thankfully.  This pregnancy I used my BioOil for a few weeks until it ran out and now I've been using Beauty Counter Body Oil.  I love it and it smells DIVINE.  I have Rosemary + Citrus blend.  So good.  Sometimes I'll layer Burt's Bees Tummy Butter before bed if my belly has been itchy that day.

Best Moment Lately:  We recently took Gigi to the doctor with us to hear her brother's heartbeat and that was so sweet.  I also love when she lays on my belly and he kicks or wiggles around and it startles her.  She sweetly says, "Matthew moving!"

Movement:  Tons!  He's a wiggle worm just like his sister and nighttime seems to be his prime time.

Cravings:  Ice cream and cereal that's really bad for you.

Gender: Baby boy :)

Wedding Ring on or off: On!

Any sickness/nausea:  Luckily that has ended for the most part for me!  The first half of this pregnancy was rough compared my pregnancy with G. Lots of puking :)  Thankful that seems to be behind me.

Belly Button In or Out:  In!

What I miss:  Red wine mostly.  And stinky cheeses.  Lots of red wine and stinky cheeses are in my August future.

What I am looking forward to:  So much!  Holding my precious baby boy.  Being a mama to a baby boy!  Watching our family grow.  Seeing Georgia turn into a big sister.  Lots of cuddles and kisses.

Labor Signs:  None!  Let's keep it that way mister :)  Although I have a hunch I may be early this time.  but who knows!  I'll probably be 10 days late since I said that...

Nursery:  Not.  Even.  Started.  And I kinda feel bad about that.  He's already feeling the brunt of the 2nd child syndrome.  Poor thing.  But it'll get finished.  And that sweet boy is sleeping in my room for a few months at first anyway :)

Emotions:  Happy!  Nervous.  Excited.  Overwhelmed at time.  Blessed and thankful.

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pregnancy face blunders

pregnancy breakouts by deniselopatka featuring Ylang Ylang

This pregnancy has thrown my face for a loop.  Georgia didn't cause a lot of hormonal breakouts and crazy face time, but baby boy?!  It's in full swing.  I have had to switch up my regime a bit (partly because you can't use salicylic acid during pregnancy) but also my face has just needed a more gentle routine lately.  So below is what I have found that actually works!  All is safe for pregnancy (and after pregnancy and for life because the ingredients are GOOD!  not scary!).  Hope this helps!

Cleanse - Essential Cleanser

I cleanse morning and night with this gentle cleanser.  This is not a change from pre-pregnancy.  This has been my go to cleanser for awhile now.  It's gentle but so effective.

Tone - Treatment Pads & Apple Cider Vinegar

I still love my Enlightening Treatment Pads and I was using them morning and night.  Since pregnancy I have switched to using them just in the morning.  They're great because they help exfoliate a bit (which helps makeup go on smooth) while also working on evening out my skin tone.  At night I have switched to good 'ole Apple Cider Vinegar.  I mix equal parts ACV and water in a jar and use a cotton ball all over my face after I cleanse.  The smell goes away when the toner dries and it has really calmed my face down.  I will stick with this after baby for sure!

Treat - Tea Tree Oil & Belli Spot Treatment

I've always been a fan of Tea Tree to treat my acne and I still use it pregnant.  But I also got a snazzy little bottle of this Belli Spot Treatment and love it too!  I use it if I notice a big under the skin something coming up and tea tree if its just maintenance.

Nourish - Oil

I used the oil before pregnancy too and it is the only one that doesn't cause me to breakout!  It has chamomile which calms my skin and allows me to wake-up with a dewy complexion instead of a red one.  Good stuff.

Deep Clean - Face Mask

I use this mask 2-3 times a week.  I love the ingredients and it helps to keep my breakouts at bay.  It helps exfoliate as well!

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1st Trimester Must-Have's / 2nd Time Around!

1st trimester must haves by deniselopatka featuring a short pajama set

Lemon anything + Ginger Ale!  I was super nauseous and vomited a lot during this 1st trimester which was no fun.  But one thing that made it better?  Lemons!  I also had a lot of food aversions but anything with lemon in it tasted yummy.  And I could have icy cold water with lemon?  Well that'd be even better!  If water wasn't an option or I was sick of it then, like most nauseous preggies, I turned to my dear old friend Ginger Ale.

Beauty Counter Gentle Exfoliator + Nourishing Cleansing Balm. I use this stuff pregnant or not, but since becoming pregnant my face has. freaked. out.  Breakout after breakout coupled with super dry skin.  It was awful.  Well it was so bad I decided to venture away and try some stronger, but still pregnancy safe, acne medicine.  It made it worse!  So. Much. Worse.  I switched back to my Beauty Counter products and within a week, my face had calmed down, breakouts were better, dry patches were gone and redness was gone.  Y'all, I know I talk about these products a lot but it's because they are the holy grail in skin care.  They have saved my skin time and time again and after reading this article, I want to stay away from nasty, harmful chemicals as much as possible.  It is just not worth the risks!  And these products do just that.  So once again, Beauty Counter to the rescue!  I wash with the Exfoliator 3 times a week at night and use the Nourishing Cleaning Balm as a cleanser most nights, and 1-2 times a week I will put it on a clean face and leave it overnight as a moisture mask.  When I wake up, I have plump, dewy skin and no breakouts!  I've also been using their make-up for the past 3 months and their tint skin + concealer combo has me looking fresh faced and awake (even when I'm so sleepy!).  A life savor for 1st trimester.... and for my life in general.

Leggings + Comfy PJ's.  I was exhausted, like most, during my 1st trimester.  Like couldn't hold my eyes open after noon.  I napped most days and just listened to my body as best as I knew how.  So these PJ's and these leggings were basically my uniform for about 8 weeks.  Ok fine, they still are!  Get yo self some comfy PJ's mamas or non-mamas.  They are worth it!!  And these cute Target ones are on sale!

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Guest Post: Nicole's Must-have's

Happy Monday sweet friends!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  Mine was busy busy busy but oh so sweet.  Matt and I left G for the first extended amount of time and drove to a wedding on Saturday night.  It was about an hour and half a way and we drove home that night but we were away from our girl for about 7.5 whole hours!  I only cried a little... but it was so good to see my sweet friend Margaret Ann marry the boy of her dreams.  Oh Happy Day!  Then Sunday G and I, along with two other mamas and babies, hosted a shower for her friend that is due in October!  Mason we love you and can't wait to meet you!

Now I would like to introduce you to Nicole.  She's here today talking about all of her pregnancy must-haves.  You see, she just had a wee little babe not too long ago either and we have become fast blog friends - emailing constantly about life as a new mama.  I love her so and I know you will too.  So go ahead!  Enjoy!

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Hi! I'm Nicole, and this is my handsome husband, Ben. I blog over at The Shea's. Would you like to meet our boy? His name is Jack. He'll melt your heart.

I told you! Isn't he the sweetest?!

I started my blog as a way to keep my family updated on my life in Okinawa while Ben was stationed there with the Marine Corps. Since then, it has become my space to write about our lives, lessons I've learned as a new mom, and share the occasional recipe/healthy eating tip/any other random thing that I feel like blogging about, such as grocery store mayhem. Oh, and Ben does an occasional post too! 

I'm very excited to be sharing my top 10 pregnancy must have's with all of you today!   

1. A Plan

We read Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way and it really helped prepare us. I mean, a lot. I learned relaxation techniques and visualization tips that I used during labor. Ben also learned a lot of ways to help me during labor since it is the 'husband coached' approach. I am not sure I would have been able to deliver naturally if we didn't have some kind of plan/preparation going in.   

2. Coconut Oil

I tried to remember to put coconut oil on my baby bump most nights and I didn't get any stretch marks!   

3. Yoga Ball

I used this the most during the third trimester to help alleviate lower back pain while sitting. I also rocked on it side-to-side during the early stages of labor to help ease the pain of contractions.  

4. Belly Band

  I bought mine from target and can still remember the relief I felt when I finally was able to unbotton my jeans and put this over them. I had a really hard time giving up my jeans and switching to maternity pants, so with the help of the belly band, I was able to stay in my regular jeans well into my second trimester!   

5. Body Pillow

I loooooved the 'snoogle' pillow that I bought from Amazon--can't say that Ben loved it though!   

6. Prenatal Vitamins

A good prenatal vitamin is really important--I checked the ingredients of the ones they gave me at the hospital on base and it had artificial colors and other weird ingredients! The guarantee for these vitamins is: "With Vitamin Code RAW Prenatal, you can rest assured that our vitamins are uncooked, untreated and unadulterated, with no binders or fillers and always dairy-free and gluten-free."   

7. Waterproof Mattress Protector

My water didn't break at home, but it's always good to be prepared!

8. Raspberry Leaf Tea

I drank about 2 cups of this tea a day during my third trimester. It helps strengthen your uterine muscles and get things ready for birth!

9. Good Size Water Bottle           

It's SO important to drink plenty of water during pregnancy! Having a large waterbottle to take with you makes it much easier to make sure you are getting those precious ounces!

and finally...

10. Food That Won't Make You Sick

This was Ben's grocery shopping list during my first trimester. Seriously. He's weird all the time sometimes.

If you are having a hard time keeping food down, find one or two things that you know you can handle and stock up!! For me, if I tried a bite of dinner and started feeling sick, I knew I could fall back on a tortilla with some tomato sauce and cheese on it. Not the most nutritious meal, but hey, sometimes you just need something in your belly!

Thanks for reading! Denise-thanks for letting me guest post!!

Were any of my 'must haves' really helpful for you? What were some of your other ones?

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july 30, 2013

This is as close to a birth story as I will come on here.  However if you are an expecting mama and want details on my experience please email me.  My sweet blog friend Nicole sent me an email with lots of detail after the birth of her son Jake and honestly, it made me feel so much better going into my own labor.  

Thank you Nicole for sharing your story with me, it meant more than you know :)

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Now for bits and pieces of the best day of my life....

Matt and I headed to the doctor on my due date, Monday, July 29.  

No regular contractions yet....

Fast forward a few hours and things changed drastically.  Matt and I left for the hospital around 11:00 pm that very same day.  My contractions were close and they were hurting.... BAD!!  I was admitted at 11:55 pm and on the road to have my baby!  I continued to labor through the night as my parents and in-laws came to join the part circa 1 am.  It was a long night, but looking back, it was so much fun.  Yes, I was in pain, and yes I was scared.  But it was such a special time for Matt and I and boy oh boy, he was my rock.  Throughout it all he was calm and in control and so so sweet and supportive.  I am thankful for that time.  

with nanny and nana around 1:30 am

g-daddy and pop pop ready to meet their girl!

 Around 7:30 I was reaching 10 cm dilated and about ready to push!  I "labored down" (aka waited and waited through contractions) for an hour because my nurse recommended that it would make pushing a lot easier.  I was determined to make it an hour but it was not easy.  That was probably the hardest hour of my life.  Again, I couldn't have done it without Matt.  But I am convinced that is what made my push time under an hour.

daddy cutting the umbilical cord

Then it was push time and my sweet daughter came into this world at 9:53 am.  I will not share too many photos of me at this time on here because well, I was in hardcore ugly-cry-mode.  I can't put into words what I felt the moment they laid my little girl on my chest.  But it was surreal.  The best.  Ever.

proud daddy

nana, daddy and nanny

g-daddy

with nanny

best friends and my baby

more sweet friends and Georgia's BFFs

ready to go home with daddy!

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Georgia's Due Date

July 29.  A day that has been marked on my calendar for what seems like forever.  A day that I have anticipated with so much excitement, joy and a little fear.  Georgia’s “due date.”  Due dates are funny you know.  I mean you go to the doctor to find out you are expecting a little miracle in 9 months and they give you this date.  This date that, in your mind, means you get to meet your prince or princess at least by then, if not before.  This date that sort of neatly boxes in your birth plan and baby plan.  Your family watches and waits.  They change their plans so they aren’t traveling or doing anything at all really around that date.  Your friends send encouraging texts and emails or call to check on you.  “Is she coming?” they ask.  “Any signs?”  My sweet dad even asked me the other night, “So when do they think she’s coming?”  “They,” I guess being the smarty pants doctors who labeled me with this date.  And all the while all I have been able to say is, “I have no idea.”  “Still no real labor signs but my waddle is quite impressive.”

The doctors had warned me about this.  Reminded me over and over that my due date is just an estimate.  That she’ll come when she’s ready.  I’ve had so many friends have little bundles lately and they too have been able to offer the same words of advice.  One of my closest friends from college watched her due date come and go, and didn’t get to meet her little nugget until over a week after.  I prayed for her hard that week – just presuming that it must have been agony waiting on her little one.  But then he came.  This perfect little gift from above.  And suddenly the calendar year became quite irrelevant.  All that mattered was that he was here.

    

40 weeks

So while I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t tried every trick in the book to get her here today, Georgia’s not here yet.  And as my due date comes and goes today with little signs of labor, (keep in mind its 5 am over here and I simply can’t sleep, so who know what the later part of today will bring, maybe a baby?) I am hopeful and I am grateful.  Hopeful that the day is near when I get to hold my baby girl.  And grateful for the time I get to carry her and protect her in a way I will never get to once she comes into this world.  I am so glad I don’t make big, important decisions about the world because God has proven time and again He is much better at that.  So, God just let me know when You are ready.  And when she is ready.  I’ll be waiting.  As patiently as I humanly can (with a lot of help from you obviously). 

And now I will try and lay down for another hour of sleep while I still can.

Happy Monday sweet friends.

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