How To Prevent Baby Fever This Holiday Season

Christmas card photos are officially complete, and that means I've spent my evening editing and comparing photos from past years. How do I have two HUGE boys already?! It's not fair. No way, Jose.

While getting them ready for bed tonight, I dressed Wes in Luke's Christmas pajamas from last year. I remember putting them in the closet a few months ago thinking, There is no way he will fit into these by Christmas! Sure enough, he fits them—and fills them out. Like a tank.

Needless to say, the baby fever is STRONG tonight. (<<< All caps and italics. That's how bad it is, people.) Looks like I better take my own advice in this article I wrote for What to Expect. You hoping the baby fever will skip you this year? You struggling to stay immune? I've got you covered, girl. Grab your how-to guide here.

Good luck! Let me know how it goes for you! ;)

Baby Favorites Giveaway!

Wesley Rodriguez turns one tomorrow! ONE!! I cannot believe it has already been a whole 12 months since we met our incredible little guy.

In honor of his big day, I've put together a "Baby Favorites" giveaway of my ultimate, tried and true baby items that I love. Seriously, every mama and baby needs these goodies. I've teamed up with some awesome entrepreneur moms and fellow mommy bloggers so one of YOU awesome moms (or dads, or aunts, or anyone with a baby in their life) can have your own!

Before we get to that, remember the bump style series I did when I was pregnant with Wes? Well, Emily, Lynzy and I are back to show you a little then and now! Trips down memory lane are always a good thing, especially when it involves babies.

Emily easily makes one of the cutest pregnant mamas, but that Lydia on her hip is even sweeter! She is taking after her mama with that amazing red hair. (I am sure you know Emily by her insanely gorgeous mermaid hair!) Such an adorable family!


Here is one of Lynzy looking radiant and glowing in her maternity shoot back when she was pregnant with Olivia, and one from their recent family photos. Little Olivia is absolutely adorable and just turned one a few weeks ago! You have to check out the vintage first birthday party they threw for Livie! It was whimsical and lovely, and now I am trying to figure out how to get a little lady of my own because she is giving me some serious baby girl fever.


And last, but not least, we have Wesley! Isn't he the most handsome little fella? I am one of those weirdos who loves being pregnant (for the most part), and my pregnancy with Wes was wonderful. Since it was my second time around, I felt much more calm and aware. Although, I like him better on the outside. ;)

Now for the goodies! We are giving away $200 worth of must-have baby favorites! Here is a list of the package one of you lucky people will win:

• A Solly Baby wrap. This wrap is essential for the newborn days, especially having two kids. The colors are beautiful, and it has the right amount of stretch and hold. I have tried four different wraps and carriers now, and this is hands down my favorite. Also, Elle, the owner of Solly Baby, is one of the nicest people in the world. She and her darling family just got back from a five week trip around the world, and you have to check out all of their photos! Such an inspiration!
• A bottle of Tubby Todd baby soap. K, this stuff is what baby body product dreams are made of. I am sure you are like me in wanting only to put natural products on your baby's body, and they have created a 100% natural baby wash that smells like heaven AND actually lathers and gets clean! Truly, I will never buy another baby soap as long as I live.
• A Swankaroo backpack. These packs are mini-sized and perfect for stuffing all of the extra baby loot in. You can then have your older kids haul it around or put it on your little one once they are old enough to toddle around. The prints and colors are bright and hip, and I am still waiting for them to come out with backpacks in my size! (Although they recently just launch mommy tote bags!)
• A pair of Freshly Picked moccasins. These baby shoes are everywhere in the blog world, and it is because they are so cute! Wes rotates between these and his Converse, but almost every time he has his moccs on we receive a compliment. The leather is soft and they are one of the few things that will actually stay on baby feet!
• An art print from Wee Little Monsters. These watercolor prints are simple and sweet for a baby nursery. We have the bear print, and are going to be adding a few monsters and a surf wagon one soon! Also, Paige, the artist behind Wee Little Monsters, just started a blog that you will want to add to your list. She is gorgeous, has amazing taste and style, and their family is adorable!

Is your heart beating a million miles an hour after reading over this list? I know you at least have real life emoji heart eyes right now! I do too. I love quality products and ones that come from mommy entrepreneurs at that! Now all you need to do is enter in the Rafflecopter widget below. Remember, the more entries you complete, the more likely you are to win!

Here's to Wesley's birthday week, babies, and love! Cheers and good luck!

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6 Clothing Staples Every Breastfeeding Mom Needs

Madewell Perfect Chambray Shirt
LOFT Plaid Shirtdress
Nursing Micro Wire-Free Bra
Washable Nursing Pads
Anthropologie Essential Scoopneck
Topshop Fine Gauge Midi Cardigan

I am at that stage in life where all of my social media feeds are jammed with pregnancy announcements, bump photos, and all things baby — myself included! (Except for the whole bump/being prego thing.) Along with all of this babypalooza, there are lots and lots of breastfeeding things going on, too. In light of the fact that it is National Breastfeeding Month, and that there is a huge movement to stop censoring breastfeeding in the public eye and to quit villainizing we mamas who choose to do so, I thought I would share the six clothing staples every breastfeeding mom needs in her wardrobe!

1. The button-up shirt. This is a breastfeeding mom's best friend for quite obvious reasons. And I will forever and always be a sucker (see what I did there?) for a relaxed fitting chambray shirt. You just can't go wrong with it.

2. The button-up shirtdress. Clearly an extension of the aforementioned shirt, but in a dress! High fives all around!

3. A wireless nursing bra. Nursing bras are great. They are more than great. They are fantastic creations that make breastfeeding so much easier. Although, lately I have been slacking and doing the ole' pull up everything because I am small-chested and can do such a thing. However, I hear this doesn't work so well for the big-bosomed, so a supportive nursing bra makes all the difference. I for one am partial to wireless bras because they are ten million times more comfortable.

4. Washable nursing pads. As Shakira said, "lucky that my breasts are small and humble, so you don't confuse them with mountains." I like to think she was talking about me, because ain't nobody confusing my goods with mountains, however they do have quite a lot in common with waterfalls, because these feeding machines spout out milk like friggin' Niagra Falls. At least in the beginning. Nursing pads were my saving grace so I wasn't THAT mom going out in public with wet nipple spots on my shirt.

5. The slouchy tee. Ahhh, this is a good one. Nice and slouchy enough so that baby can fit comfortably under the shirt like a tent. I for one hate nursing covers, and my kids tend to sweat profusely when nursing, so this works as an alternative option.

6. A draping midi cardigan. This is a clothing essential for breastfeeding moms for two reasons. A) It makes for an easy cover up should you feel the need to cover up while nursing and B) the midi length covers the hips and extra postpartum lumps and bumps, and gives a more slimming look. I live in these cardigans during the fall, and I think every woman needs one, mom or not!

Breastfeeding is such a wonderful thing, and I am incredibly grateful my body has been able to produce and feed both of my babies. Although I have had my struggles with breastfeeding, I feel proud to be a woman, and continually astonished and amazed that my body possesses the ability to create human life and sustain it. I am not ashamed of it, and believe that we women should continue to stand up for our rights to feed our babies wherever and whenever we feel. The sexualization of breastfeeding simply needs to stop. It is one of the most beautiful and natural acts of motherhood in the world, so let's continue to proudly feed our babies and enjoy this month celebrating that very thing! Power to the boobies, and milk on, mamas!

Coming To Grips With Having A C-Section

This morning I woke up feeling okay with the way this pregnancy is looking to end. 

Today marks 37 weeks, which is "full term" if we are speaking technically. I cannot believe we are already at this pregnancy milestone! Where oh where did you go, time? It is coming to a close, and a close I was not anticipating, but one I have finally met with peace.

A few weeks ago, I talked about my concerns and fears about baby boy being breech, especially the frightening reality of a c-section that goes along with the breech presentation. Well, guess what? He is still as breech as they come, little head tucked squarely in between my ribs. I can just picture him straight as a board, feet rigid and maintaining his post. We've a mini soldier in this womb! Of course, this means a c-section is now planned. In 16 days to be exact.

My thoughts? 

I am completely and absolutely okay with it. All those fears and apprehensions have melted into an overflowing feeling of calmness and security. 

We had originally planned to do ECV, but that was actually the thing giving me the most anxiety. A mother's intuition -- you just gotta trust it in those questionable moments. I don't know, I suppose that tiny inward voice kept badgering me, saying, "Abbey, there is a reason he is breech -- don't mess around with this. Let him be." Once I accepted the reality of this urging, instead of the need to be in control to ensure the ideal birth experience, everything just felt right. Even if it didn't seem right according to my neatly, perfectly packaged birth plan. You know, the one that was supposed to be totally natural and unmedicated, complete with hypnobirthing and the ultimate expression of, "I am woman, hear me roar!" That whole bag of tricks. But you know what? All of that expectation and judgment in regard to childbirth needs to be thrown out the window. 

Honestly, I am tired of the pressure and preconceived notions of how people should bring their babies into the world. You like having your babies in a tub in the middle of your living room floor? You go for it! Epidurals are your best friend and you completely believe in them? More power to you! You actually prefer to have scheduled c-sections over vaginal deliveries? I don't see anything wrong with that either! Having your baby this way or that way doesn't and shouldn't make anyone more awe-inspiring, or conversely, make them feel inadequate. A good mother is one who trusts her instincts, knows her body and mental limitations, and does what is best for baby and family. The fact that a woman makes the sacrifice to be dubbed with the title of "mother" is the victory and beauty in all of it. 

So, yes. I have come to grips with having a c-section, instead of demonizing the mere thought of it and submitting myself to subconscious guilt from outward pressure and influence of the "natural" childbirth movement. It is how God is intending this boy to enter the world, and at the end of the day I just have to let go and remember who is really in charge. I am replacing my faith with fear, and that faith has finally set me free.

Bates Nut Farm

|| Abbey || Flannel: Target. Tee: Target. Pants: LOFT. Beanie: c/o Boden. Scarf: c/o Hearts. Boots: MIA. Nail Color: Essie, Sole Mate. || Luke || Shirt: Old Navy. Pants: Baby Gap. Beanie: c/o Mini Boden. Shoes: Converse.

Along with the rest of the world this last weekend, a-pumpkin patching we went to the famous Bates Nut Farm!

It was exceptionally more eventful this time around compared to our pumpkin patch trip last year (which are still some of my most very favorite pictures!). Luke personally greeted each of the large pumpkins with a nice, big slap and spent the majority of his time either a) attempting to climb on them or b) eat the remnants of the rotting ones. Boys... At least he let me sneak in some kisses. I just adore how he closes his eyes and puckers up. True to textbook fairy tale kissing form, because he is a little prince after all!

Later,  in-between nearly getting ourselves run over by the hay ride tractor because Luke is absolutely captivated by anything that roars and hums with an engine, we found ourselves the perfect pumpkin. Matt decided it was my spirit pumpkin, if you will -- "round in all the right places and a little quirky." Thanks, Matt! ;)

And to end the day off right, we all split a funnel cake slathered with the gooey good stuff. Can you believe it was the first funnel cake for all 3 of us? I know, it's seems practically impossible considering the absurd amount of sweets we consume on the daily. We give the funnel cake two enthusiastic thumbs up!

Thank You

Tunic: c/o NV Blue. Maternity Boyfriend Jeans: Kohl's. Booties: Kohl's. Purse: c/o PB&J Boutique. Sunglasses: Target. Watch: Fossil. Bracelets: H&M. Lipstick: NYX.

First off, I just want to extend a big, fat, loving THANK YOU to all of you lovely ladies that commented and sent me emails in regard to our little fellow being breech. Your advice and personal experiences have been extremely useful in helping us make the correct decision and feeling at peace with whatever path God has in store for us as we greet our baby boy. I am so lucky to have such a genuine, awesome group of readers and friends I've made in this blogging journey. You all are the reason I love this little space on the interwebs so much, so again, thank you. I just love ya' all to pieces and would give you a big ole' pregnant bear hug if I could! 

Second, this tunic from NV Blue is treating my baby bump right these last few weeks. I try to stay away from anything that doesn't hide my tushy, and this top does the job in making me feel classy, put together and slim (as much as a pregnant lady can feel slim... and FYI, I am 5'2" and got it in a size small to fit over my bump to give me some room, should you be wondering what size works for you). They also have the sweetest tunics for little girls! Definitely be sure to stop by and check out the shop. It's all designed and made in San Francisco, and I always give an enthusiastic high five to American-made small business!

Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend!

My Baby Is Breech

And I am feeling overwhelmingly defeated.

Today marks 35 weeks on the dot, and yesterday's checkup confirmed baby boy still hasn't budged. His darling little head is wedged up under my right rib, precisely where he was two weeks ago.  The panic is beginning to set in, because I only have one week left before our odds really plummet. Only 3-4% of babies are in breech presentation by 36 weeks, and after that point it is highly unlikely they will spontaneously turn on their own. I am trying to maintain a positive vibe, but inwardly I am completely and utterly flipping out (pun intended). 

As for techniques to flipping the little fellow, you name it, I've probably tried it. Acupuncture (moxibustion), chiropractic adjustment, downward dog, pelvic tilts, laying upside down, ice packs and heat pads, playing music low on my belly... Luke thinks I'm crazy with all of his wonky, side-eyed glances as I spend the good portion of our mornings in some sort of upside down position. Come on, gravity! I'm counting on you!

Let's talk about getting adjusted for a quick minute. My brother-in-law is a physical therapist and is trained in adjustments and all that lovely stuff that makes your back shiny and spiffy. While we were in Arizona last week, he helped a sista' out and cracked and popped everything back into place. And guess what? My right leg was 1 inch shorter than the left because my SI joint was so off balance. ONE INCH! That is enough to make a pelvic floor angry. But, apparently my newly realigned pelvis isn't tempting enough to get baby boy to drop his head down. Sigh.

Then there is the acupuncture and moxibustion (pictured above). I am an ecstatic fan of this approach, and crossing all fingers and toes that it does the trick. One of my best gal pals is in med school and has been feeding me article upon article about this technique and anything related to breech presentation, so I am feeling optimistic. If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen my picture of my moxa stick, which I think is the smelly equivalent to bong water. Hey, it's good to get a little pseudo-rebellious every once in awhile, right? ;)

The last and final attempt we will make to spin this bébé is ECV. Have you tried this before? Did it hurt? I am a teensy tad nervous, but would rather exhaust all my resources to get him flipped before we opt for a c-section, which leads me to my next question...

Who has had a c-section? What was your take away and experience with it? I was so amped to have an unmedicated, natural birth and am already feeling robbed of it with the likelihood a c-section may have to happen. And that's only the beginning of my worries. I am really great at inducing my own full-blown panic attacks in medical situations, and I've made the mistake of reading people's horror stories with c-sections gone wrong on those awful birthing forums. The whole sensation of not being able to tell if you are breathing from being numbed to your neck? Ummm, that's not going to set well with me. I can already guarantee that. Does it always feel like that? And what about those people that claimed they could feel the incision? Eeep! Please, please, please reassure me, mamas! I would like to hear your positive, successful stories.

So yeah. Keep Baby Número Dos in your prayers that he will impress us all with his acrobatic abilities and spin head down in the next week! And overall, I am truly overcome with gratitude that he is strong and healthy and that this is the only small issue I have to worry about. We are very blessed in that regard and can't wait to meet him in a few short weeks, no matter his choice of dramatic entrance into this grand world!

Color By Amber

 Bow Necklace: c/o Color by Amber. Maternity Denim: c/o Isabella Oliver. Sweater: LOFT. Boots: MIA. Lipstick: MAC Rebel.

Today I am thrilled to be teaming up with Color by Amber and 9 other bloggers to bring you a fabulous giveaway. Color by Amber is offering 1 winner $100 worth of jewelry! Color by Amber creates gorgeous and unique pieces from our natural world, which are encapsulated in 40% recycled ecoresin. Earth friendly? Why, I think I'll talk one of each, please! To sum it up perfectly, each piece of Amber is a beautiful expression of style, sustainability, and social responsibility.

Be sure to stop by to see how these awesome lassies styled their pieces, and then enter the giveaway in the widget below. Good luck!

 

 Gentri Lee | Kelsey Bang | Moiology

 Haircut & General Attitude | Along Abbey Road | Style With Shannon

Plane Pretty | GBO Fashion | Frills for Thrills

Jen Clyde Stylist (Color by Amber Head Stylist) | Color by Amber

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Pregnancy Essentials

Bellybuds c/o | Blanqi Support Tank c/o | Coconut Oil | Maternity Tunic c/o | Body Pillow c/o

Over the past few months, I've been thinking about my most-loved pregnancy essentials and I've narrowed it down to a "must-have" guide for the expectant mamas out there! The list is compiled of my tried and true items, along with some items I've been generously gifted for review that I was sincerely pining to try out, and now use daily because I absolutely love them. Although the list is not extensive, it goes to show that the biggest thing I've learned with staying comfortable and happy in pregnancy is keeping it simple.

1) First up! My trusty Bellybuds. However tempting it may be to hook up a microphone and blast baby boy with a Modern Family Gloria-esque rendition of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Lamb," I like to play soft music for him and recordings of family member's voices. Studies have found babies in the womb hear and make memories by 30 weeks, so we are preparing him to be a musical prodigy and to know all of his kin, both near and far! These little Bellybuds have become a bit of a lifesaver too, because the little man is breech (another story for another day) and I am able to stick them low on my belly to prompt him to turn head down toward the music and recordings. Turn baby, turn!

2) I probably have the worst swayback in the history of, oh, practically ever. Girls in junior high used to talk crap by saying I stuck my butt and chest out when I walked, but it really was just my back being its wonky self (hashtag swayback problems). This issue has continued to hassle me throughout life, especially being pregnant for the second time. Then one day something magical happened. I was introduced to Blanqi support tanks and my back has lovingly treated me with kindness since. It tightens up and supports the core, gives you a lift in all the right places and holds your pants in place. Blanqi support tanks for the win!

3) Coconut oil is the stuff pregnant lady dreams are made of. Can I get an amen on that? You can eat it and slather it up on every surface of your body. Doesn't get much better than that. Not only has it helped decrease the keratosis pilaris on my upper arms (those unsightly little red bumps) but it has kept my belly stretch mark free and smoo-oooth. I prefer to use Dr. Bronner's Coconut Oil (you can buy it at Sprout's) because it fair trade and all that good stuff. I just rub it on in the shower once a day and that seems to do the trick. Smelling like a cookie after lathering up in it isn't half bad either.

4) I'd be lying to you if I said I don't wear my Isabella Oliver top every other day. It literally adorns my body the better half of the week, stains often included because I can't part ways with it to give it a proper wash. Every pregnant woman needs a drapey tunic in their life and a place to score some maternity clothing that is actually flattering and on-trend. There is a reason maternity clothes get a bad rap -- it's because 95% of them are frumpy and make us feel even more like cows that we already do. Point blank, they suck. I was lucky enough, however, to discover the brand Isabella Oliver and every single piece in their maternity line is high quality, chic and fits a pregnant woman's body in a sleek and slimming way. I truly recommend snagging a few pieces from this brand. It's absolutely worth the money and investment and right now they are offering 25% off select Lookbook items using code LOOKBOOK25 at checkout. 

5) Last, but DEFINITELY not least, is the holy grail of pregnancy essentials... the Bump Nest pregnancy body pillow. There is a good chance I am actually in love with this tube of heavenly fluff. I am sure Matt envies the beauty since it gets all of my tender love and affection these days, but I've caught him sneakily sleeping with it too! I've tried two other body pillows in my time of being with child, and nothing compares to the Bump Nest. Allow me to lay it out for you: A) The U shape, materials and stuffing contour to your body like no other and are incredibly soft -- kind of what I imagine a Care Bear cloud to feel like (you know you've always wanted to snuggle up in one of those clouds, and now you pretty much can with this pillow). B) Both the cover and pillow are machine washable. Need I say more? C) The prints are whimsical, beautiful, and will actually complement your bedding instead of being this random lump of a pillow on the bed. And you can buy multiple covers if you feel like switching up colors. Bonus, the folks at Bump Nest make hats and blankets for babies in need using the scraps from their products. Basically, it's the best thing that ever happened to me. I would not be sleeping at night without it, and that's not an exaggeration. Now that you are convinced you need one (oh, but you do!) Bump Nest is offering you $10 off your order and free shipping using code ABBEYTEN at checkout.

A Random Thing Or Two-sday

Tunic: c/o Isabella Oliver (on sale today!). Leggings: F21. Boots: JCPenney (similar). Beanie: Target. Sunglasses: Free People (similar). Bag: Sprightly So (similar). Bracelets: H&M (similar).

1) My accessories are indicative of the confused weather here in Southern California. Cool enough to wear a beanie, yet still too bright and sunny to ditch the sunglasses.

2) Fact: If you take your age and multiple it by 7, then multiply it by 1,443, the product repeats your age 3 times (source).

3) Nashville starts tomorrow night... yeeessssss. The love story between Rayna and Deacon gives me butterflies and makes my heart want to explode out of my chest. There is just something about a first and forever love that cannot be extinguished, you know?  That's why The Notebook is so heart-wrenchingly wonderful (and this kiss).

4) On Sunday at church, Luke decided he would turn to the people across the aisle from us at the most dead silent time -- I'm talking hear a pin drop dead silent -- and tell them "NO, NO, NO" as he wagged his head and finger in shame at them. At a very loud volume. It was kind of funny, kind of embarrassing and made me reevaluate how often I tell him no, because apparently he thinks it's just what you say to people in public. Parenting is tricky, I tell ya.

5) Would you rather turn into an owl when the sun went down or a horse whenever you touched grass?

Cross-Nursing: Would You Breastfeed Your Friend's Baby?

 || A throwback of our breastfeeding days on Luke's 4 month birthday ||

If that title didn't scare you away, I am proud of you for making it this far. 

Quite a few moons ago, my friend... let's name her Jane for the sake of anonymity... and I were talking about the subject of cross-nursing, AKA breastfeeding other people's babies. It was moreso in the context of nursing friend's babies -- boob swapping, if you will, so your babies could be milk siblings and all that jazz. Jane's friend had approached her and suggested that they cross-nurse their brand new babies. My immediate reaction to her story was one of horror and disbelief...

"Wait! Whhhaaaat?! That's a thing? She was being completely serious?"

Jane replied with partially raised eyebrows and a simple,

"Yeah."

Mystified. I was absolutely mystified. It's like I had been living under a rock in the world of motherhood. There were so many avenues and corners of breastfeeding I never even knew about! Cross-nursing being the biggest of them all. 

So, was this cross-nursing thing a big trend? Was it actually as strange and bizarre as it made me feel inside? I understood the notion of wet-nursing in a situation or culture where it was necessary for the baby to simply be fed, but for the elective thrill of it? I needed to know more. And I needed to know if Jane was actually going to go through with the insane suggestion.

Turns out she slammed her friend's dreams of a cross-nursing kinship as soon as it was mentioned, but it left me realizing that there were mothers out there doing it. 

Thanks to my trustiest of friends, Google, the La Leche League gave me the lowdown on the cross-nursing situation. And I guess my astonished mother's intuition kicked in for good reason. As common sense would tell, it is not recommended mostly for the fact that each mama's milk supply contains vital antibodies and nutrients specific to their baby, and the risk for transmitting disease is high. Other crazy facts include that it can decrease the amount and quality of your own milk supply, and it can cause psychological repercussions since each mother's body nurses differently (let-down time, milk flow, etc... we all know how those babies like routine!).

Let's not forget the argument for cross-nursing, though. What about those mamas that so desperately want their babies to be breastfed but just don't produce enough milk? Is foreign breast milk still better than formula? You know what they say... breast is best, people. Then I got to thinking about sibling cross-nursing. Are the implications the same? Technically you have similar genetic makeup (and the very same if you're a twin!) and would inherently have a closer bond with the babies. Hmmm.

So, what say ye? Would you, could you, do you cross-nurse?

Layers

Jacket: LOFT (similar). Shirt: UO (similar). Pants: LOFT (similar). Boots: Kohl's. Beanie: H&M (similar). Bracelets: H&M (similar).

My wardrobe is slowly transitioning back to it's muted colors and layering pieces. The neon hues and bold floral prints are safely tucked away on the upper shelves of my closet, and I am happily welcoming the greys, olive greens, mustard yellows, browns, blacks, and deep purples and reds back into my life. 

Want to know a good maternity styling tip? Make good use of the baggy, flowy tee trend -- they are comfortable and fit well over a baby bump! Layer a jacket over the top to give it some dimension, pair it with your favorite cropped pants and ankle booties, and you have yourself a pregnant-friendly outfit that is totally doable, comfortable, and on trend for fall!

This Second Time Around

Body pillow: c/o Bump Nest

Pregnancy this second time around is incredibly different than the first. And in a beautiful way.

Sometimes I feel guilty because I am not writing down each and every experience like I did with Luke, nor am I reading 10 books and receiving 5 baby growth emails per day in an effort to understand every single change my body and baby endure. But, I think there is peace in that. Instead of letting pregnancy paranoia take over in every single thing that happens making me feel the need to read 20 articles about it, I am just letting my body grow and feel and experience.

The time seems to slip away faster and faster every day with this baby. Chasing Luke around and being a mama definitely helps that time fly by in a flurry. This bambino will be greeting us in just 2 short months! When did that happen? Matt and I were talking about it last night and he put it into perspective. In the time it has been from the 4th of July to now, we will have a baby. I feel like that holiday happened 2 weeks ago (I guess I better start packing my hospital bag!). Time is such a funny, fickle thing. And oh so precious.

Again, because of keeping busy with a toddler, I don't feel as tired or have time to whine and complain about every ache and pain that comes with a bulging center. Don't get me wrong, I love a good pity party (especially because they often lead to a glorious foot massage), but they are few and far between compared to the first pregnancy, much to Matt's pleasure I'm sure.

The round ligament pains, Braxton Hicks, and growing belly all have made their appearances earlier. I love that my body knows what to expect, and am banking on that for the labor and delivery to be smooth and seamless.

Most of all, I am anticipating baby boy's birth with joy and calmness. I know what to expect this second time around and feel amply prepared and empowered. The role of bringing a soul into this earth is sacred. This child in my womb is in a place between heaven and earth. I am grateful to be blessed with the title of mother. It's the most noble and magnificent thing I will ever do.

Hypnobirthing

The day Luke was born. I was a puffy, bedraggled mess, and it hurt like the dickens!

If there is one thing I learned from bringing Luke into this world, it's the necessity to stay calm and tranquil.

Which I most definitely was not.

You can read the whole birth story here, since I am not going to rehash every detail of it, but honestly? Luke's birth challenged me, and I didn't 100% love it or find it to be one of those cosmic, serene, beautiful life experiences that childbirth is chalked up to be. And it kind of pangs my heart with guilt since it wasn't all that and a bag of chips. Because of other past health issues in my life, I've spent a sweet chunk of time in hospitals and have developed a subconscious anxiety in association with being hooked to machines and hearing the methodical "beep-beep-beep" of heart monitors. That's not a good combination when going through a very long and intense labor. 

Would I do it again? Umm, yeah... obviously. All of the panic attacks and hurling and epidurals going all wonky are absolutely worth the joy of holding that precious bundle straight from heaven in your arms. But, now that I somewhat know what to expect, I've finally realized this next delivery doesn't have to be that way. And gosh darnit! I am ready to take it on this time around.

Enter hypnobirthing.

Being the over-analyzer that I am (especially when pregnant), any words resembling that of "hypnosis" and the like generally freak me out. Turning my brain over to my subconscious psyche? Probably not the best idea for this crazy ole' bird. 

Or so I thought.

For 2 months now, I've been listening to the Rainbow Relaxation HypnoBirthing tracks. I like to listen to them during my daily nap (if I'm lucky enough to get one) or at night as I drift off to sleep. And you know what? They actually work (by George, I think she's got it! . . . name that movie)! I am now to the point where I can recite the affirmations and words in my mind along with the narrator, and my body instantly kicks into a mode of deep relaxation and focus. So much so that I usually fall asleep in the first 10 minutes, although I highly doubt that will happen the day my uterus says howdy-hey and intensely contracts and dilates. Has that ever even happened? A woman sleeping through the birth of her own child, unmedicated?

Anyway, I still have a little under 3 months to go, but I feel 100 times more confident and comfortable with my body's ability to bring this baby boy into the world using the hypnobirthing approach I've learned so far. 

I know I haven't talked a lot about Baby Numero Dos on the blog a lot, but we are beyond thrilled to meet him. I can feel the uniqueness of his character and spirit as he grows under my heart, and I've  a strong impression this one's gonna be a good egg as well. How I got so lucky, I don't know, but I sure do count my blessings for his life that God is entrusting me with. We love you, little man!

So, how about you mamas? Anyone gone down the hypnobirthing route? What are your tried and true birthing and relaxation techniques that I should know about? Share the love! I'd love to read up and try out some more!

Skirt That Bump

 Skirt: Sprightly So. Chambray Shirt: Sprightly So. Sandals: Payless. Belt: LOFT. Glasses: Vintage.

Maxi skirts might as well be my best friend during pregnancy. Let's think about this. They are stretchy. They generously cover my legs (translation: I don't have to shave). Oh, and they double as a midi length dress! 

I was getting sick of the usual style of this maxi skirt, so I decided to pull it up and transform it a little. By adding a belt, it accentuated my bump and gave it a whole new look! It's a wonderful way to rework your maternity wardrobe. I highly recommend it.

Also, I would like to take this opportunity once again to plug the fact that everything in my shop is 50% off! I am wearing a size small in the skirt and a large in the chambray top. I opted for the biggest size in the shirt because I can tie it up like I did above and it just gives it a more relaxed look, especially with a growing belly. Take note that there are very limited sizes left, but a lot of the items have stretch or a slouchy fit anyway, so going up a size will still work!

Looks like a lot of us are sporting our favorite maxi skirts and dresses this week! What can I say? They just make sense once that belly starts popping itself wayyyy out there. 

Make sure you check out how Lynzy, Emily, Laura, and Tiffany styled their bumps! This is our last round of Style That Bump, so I hope you found this helpful and inspiring in maintaining effortless style during your pregnancy!