Dreaming in Denim

I did something dumb yesterday. I knew I wasn't ready but thought I would try anyways...

I tried to fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans

FAIL.

Let me start by saying that I gained 30 pounds in pregnancy and as of today have lost all 30 pounds. However, my body is just different which is to be expected I also realize I just had a baby six weeks ago (six weeks?! How did that happen so fast?)

With the holidays coming up I need to really keep an eye on what I consume. Because let me tell ya, if those incredibly cute Rag & Bone destroyed skinny jeans I bought last fall don't fit this fall...mama is gonna be mad! (However if they were to become too large, I wouldn't mind that). Here are some denims I am lusting after - disclaimer: they are all expensive.

Le Color Rip

Hudson 'Beth' Jeans

Paige 'Hidden Hills' Jeans

 

AG 'Prima' Jeans

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Mendocino Lovin'

David had a great idea to blow off some steam and head up to the coast for a couple of days. Although I was a bit nervous at first to do not one but two overnights with a newborn not in the comfort of our home I decided why not?! Presley for the most part was a pretty good travel companion. We did hit a major snag on the way home when we discovered a freeway was closed for roadwork - this made our three hour travel turn into six. Let's just say Pres was PISSED.

So after a great couple of days in beautiful Mendocino we were pretty happy to return home. However right about now I am missing these views from our room!

 

Little lady was spoiled! Who needs the mamaroo when you can hear the waves crash during your nap?

 

Our first family selfie!

Being completely unimpressed with her first ocean visit.

I also want to congratulate Diana on winning the Mini Boden giveaway! I hope you enjoy your gift set!

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Mad About Plaid

Lace-Up Shoulder Plaid Shirt

Old Navy Plaid Shirt

Rails Hunter Shirt

Ralph Lauren Plaid Work Shirt

Mosaic Wool Scarf

Agh! I just love fall and all the warm colors and prints! What plaid items are you coveting this Fall?

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Nursing Essentials

lanolin // shield // tanks // nursing pads // camelbak // nightlight

Lanolin: This stuff might as well be gold to new mamas. Those first two weeks of nursing are...umm..brutal? That's being kind honestly. Applying lanolin before and after every nursing session eventually got my ladies to toughen up. Maybe nursing will be a breeze for you - either way keep this on hand. It's better to have it then run out to buy it after baby has arrived.

Medela Nipple Shield: This is an item I had heard about and wish I had bought "just in case". As I said in my postpartum post my nipples ran the gamut as far as pain goes. Cracking, bleeding, losing layers of skin...on day two at home I had David (bless his heart) run to Target and get me a shield. The first time I used it - it filled with blood. To which my lactation consultant said "that's okay" Yikes! But then the next day my milk came in. I still use this even though I probably shouldn't but it's made nursing pain free and so much easier for both me and Presley.

Nightlight: When I first started doing the late night feedings I would turn on a light in Presley's room. Not a bright one, but bright enough that it would cause those little doll eyes to open right up. I learned that if I only have the nightlight on it helps her know it is still nighttime. It also helps my blind as a bat self navigate the house without my contacts in.

Nursing Pads: You can get these in disposable or washable it's all up to you. I prefer the disposable ones because I don't want to be washing my pads all the time (which if you buy more than two sets you can avoid that problem entirely). I often pump a bottle in the morning for Presley's night feeding. It seems to fill her up more and allows David to interact with her and mama to get to bed a little earlier! I find that because I usually skip that big night feeding these pads are a must for the next morning!

iPhone/Cell phone/Charger: Whenever I sit down to nurse and realize I don't have my iPhone on me I panic. You're going to be sitting for awhile so make sure you have everything you need. I use this time to catch up on social media, read my favorite blogs (I am reading! Just not commenting as much due to needy newborn!) and watch Netflix. My sister and I started Scandal while she was in town and I was able to kill seasons one and two within two weeks. #noshame

Nursing Tanks: I live in these most days and they are my favorite for sleeping in. In fact I just went and purchased five more - I might as well make the investment since I am hoping to nurse until Presley is one. These run in price from $25 to $45. I have some of each and think they all work just fine. The ones that I am not crazy about are the Target ones - the clasps just are not as well made. I also think my chest size is not made for them.

Camelbak: There is something about hearing your baby slurping down milk that makes you incredibly thirsty. Like parched, in the desert, need water now. I always try and fill up my water bottle and leave it where I know I will be nursing. Trust me on this one!

Another invaluable thing to a new nursing mom is support. I can't tell you how many of you awesome ladies, my mom, my siblings, facebook La Leche groups helped so much. It's always nice to know you are not alone in your struggles - and it's awesome to have some cheerleaders along the way. 

Also don't forget to enter my Mini Boden giveaway for your chance to win a Baby Boden Gift Set. Winner will be announced on Monday morning!

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Newborn Essentials

shampoo // boppy // sleepsack // swaddles // mamaroo // pacifiers // lawn // boppy changing pad liners 

Honest Company Shampoo: We have for the most part purchased/received all things Honest Co. for P. It makes me feel better when I am lathering her up with shampoo or lotion and she decides to eat her hand. Honest Company uses all non toxic materials so it's perfectly safe for baby!

Aden & Anais Bamboo Swaddles: I have a lot of swaddle blankets but the bamboo ones are the ones I find myself consistently using over others. They are so soft and just the perfect lightweight blanket for those late night feedings.

Mamaroo Swing: Ahh this swing has been a lifesaver. We were originally gifted the 4moms swing which is similar to this one but with only one setting. Little Pres did not like that one at all. Thank goodness for an awesome return policy to Buy Buy Baby and a 20% off coupon to swap it for the mamaroo was only an additional $20. With five settings like "car ride" and "rock a bye" it's a big hit (and big relief!) in our house.

Halo Sleepsacks: With all the worrying you already have to do about SIDS and every other frightening thing you can read on the internet blankets are a big no no. These sleepsacks help me know that Presley is warm at night while she sleeps next to our bed and yet can't suffocate on a blanket.

Boppy: I know not everyone is on the bandwagon of the boppy but I love it. It makes feedings so much easier and I find that because I am naturally large chested I don't even need to hold Presley up for feedings. Anything to make those nighttime wake up calls a little easier.

Mam Pacifiers: Another pick that is total preference but my little lady likes to suck and I can't be feeding her and her pacifier or she would never be off my breast! We bought a couple of pacifiers until we found the ones she seems to like best. These are a favorite because they glow in the dark - easy to find yet again for those...late night feedings. You see a trend here)?

Boon Lawn: With all the pumping and bottle feedings we are constantly hand washing everything and the little drying rack is awesome. Quick access and cute on the counter top, can't complain!

Boppy Changing Pad Liners: Saved the best for last. These are a time saver! I can't tell you how many times Presley has peed and pooped on the changing pad. This saves so much time when you don't want to change the cover. I started with three of these and quickly went out and purchased more!

Anything I forgot? What are your essentials?

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Life Lately

Life Lately is all about baby - which I promise to talk less of (in a couple of years) :)

 

We attended our first birthday party for our friend Scarlett.

 

I attempted my own newborn photos - and then quickly hired a photographer after six photographs.

 

David managed to get legit baby smiles out of Presley.

 

I had to learn the art of breastfeeding in a public place. I was stressed as baby was crying and I was without my handy nipple shield. One glass of pinot grigio later and both mama and baby were much happier.

 

I managed to screenshot this while FaceTiming with my mom - too cute!

My friend Alyce made this sweet banner for little miss and we love it. So talented!

Come back tomorrow for an awesome giveaway with Baby Boden!

You could win one of three adorable gift sets!

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You Know You're a Mom When...

You realize it is totally legitimate to cry over spilled milk.

You have mastered falling asleep upright.

Your phone runs out of storage often due to snapping way too many photos of the baby.

Loving the K'Tan wrap!

When someone asks you to drink with them and then pump and dump...you seriously weigh out the options. Dump my liquid gold?!

You thought you wouldn't know how to do anything but you both are starting to figure one another out. Strange that you really can decode those cries!

Shopping for baby is way more fun than shopping for yourself.

Those awesome commercials they make in other countries really do bring you to tears.

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Loving Lately

Now that my body is no longer stretched to the max it's time to talk clothing...specifically fall clothing. I am terrified to step foot into a dressing room but clothing possibilities have me excited again - aside from that whole "Can I nurse in this?" dilemma. Here are some things I am lovin' lately!

Reusable Shopping Tote

 Free People Tunic

Belted French Terry

Nordstrom Exclusive Aden + Anais Bamboo Swaddles - Once I saw these they couldn't have been in my hands any faster!

Needle Punch Lace Sweater

Citizens of Humanity Jeans

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Postpartum Reality

Alright it's time to get real here on this blog and talk about what no one else does...postpartum. I mean I was prepared to have my world rocked but holy nipples...there are a lot of things I wasn't prepared for. Let's talk...

1. NIPPLES

I was told by my sister to "rough up my nipples in the shower with a washcloth" prior to the little ones arrival. What I wasn't really prepared for was that she was dead serious. I would have needed to take a sandblaster to them to prepare me for the days following birth. Breastfeeding is no joke. In the beginning it's painful (I am talking toe curling, body racking sobs) my nipples cracked, bled, I lost the top layer of skin (twice). I went to the store to buy soothies, washable pads anything that would help. Sadly the only thing that helps is TIME. You will get there I promise but days 1-14 are trying.

2. Down Nether

If you read my labor story you saw that I had a relatively easy go at labor. Which is 100% due to the epidural, however when you have an epidural you also lose feeling when it comes to push time. So I did have some minor stitches along with some other inconveniences. Now this wasn't too awful (thank you ibuprofen and Norco) however once you arrive home it sure is. So on top of your nipples bleeding and you wanting to cry every time you see your child is hungry...well you also have to deal with pain where the sun don't shine. The good news is that (for me at least) it was the first thing to feel better and relatively quickly. (Padsicles and numbing spray are two great things to have at home).

3. Emotions/Hormones

Well I have always been a pretty emotive person but now that I am post birth the water works come on a lot easier and quicker. I have cried over some ridiculous stuff and in the moment I know I am being ridiculous but at the same time I just have to let it out. Your husband may Google things about you...take that with a grain of salt.

4. Sleep Deprivation

Babies have their time backwards - as in sleep all day, party all night. This has you running on about four hours of sleep (if you're lucky). One day when P was about 8 days old I thought I was ready to head out of the house with her. She had been up every single hour the night before but my sister was in town and I wanted to push around my fancy stroller. So my parents came to my house and from there we walked to the outdoor mall. Once we were inside Macy's I felt like a zombie, like I was floating next to my body watching someone else's life. It was actually kind of scary as I was beginning to feel very light headed and faint. We sat down at a Starbucks for about 45 minutes and then I decided it was time to head back home. When I got home I pumped as much as I could for David and then proceeded to fall asleep from 3pm to 11pm. I woke up with rock hard boobs, but well rested. I learned that day not to overdo it.

5. Your body

I don't have too many complaints in this department but I also haven't tried to wear any of my normal shorts or pants. I'll get back to you when I am brave enough to discover I don't fit into anything.

This seems like a downer post but I am just trying to keep it real with other mama's. After the baby comes it is a tough adjustment. Neither one of you quite know what you're doing yet and that paired with pain doesn't make things any easier.

I don't know what I would have done without my fellow mamas. To my girls at home and my blogging ladies you have helped me so much with encouraging advice. My sisters acting like lactation coaches and Google. My goodness what would I do without Google? But most of all my most incredible help has been David. What a world of difference it makes having a husband who tells you everyday you're doing a great job - even if you feel clueless at times.

And now 19 days in to this whole parenting thing I can say this. Everyday gets easier, everyday gets better and everyday I am so happy that I was chosen to be P's mama.

*Postpartum will obviously be different for everyone but this is my experience with it. If you find yourself having unsafe thoughts or baby blues that last longer than two weeks please reach out to your doctor for advice*

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Presley's Birth Story

Ahh it feels so nice to be back behind this white space and communicating with the outside world! Presley and I are finally getting in some sort of a groove over here and for that I am so grateful - I will have a whole other post on post partum soon. Let's just say...it's no joke!

On Monday, August 18th around 9pm David and I headed to the hospital because I was having contractions about 2-3 minutes apart. They weren't particularly painful but they were coming regularly so I decided to call into my doctor who told me to head to the hospital. When we checked in I was at 2.5 centimeters which really didn't mean much as I had been at 2.5 for 2 weeks. They decided to keep me for 45 minutes while they monitored me. After 45 minutes the contractions were still close together so thy had me walk around to try and get labor actively started.

After being at the hospital until midnight with no further dilation they decided to let me go home. At first I was worried that I wouldn't be able to fall asleep but surprisingly when I got home I slept like a baby (which is an ironic figure of speech)! Turns out that was for the best as it would be my last night of good sleep for some time.

When we got discharged the nurse said sometimes false labor is brought on by dehydration so we chalked it up to that and made sure I was well hydrated the next day. I also had a doctor's appointment the next morning and they said if I was dilated more at the appointment they would admit me. Well at 10am I was still at 2.5 and all day the next day I had maybe a total of four contractions all day long so I figured it wasn't going to happen anytime soon.

That evening I climbed into bed and was just browsing on my phone when I heard and felt a rather large "pop". I immediately stood up thinking that my water had broke but there was nothing. I decided to head over to the bathroom. It was here that I discovered the pop was me losing my mucus plug and almost as soon as I realized that the contractions hit me like a ton of bricks.

Not wanting another false alarm David was convinced I was still under hydrated. So he drew me a bath and filled my camelback. I couldn't stay in the bath for long as my contractions were getting stronger and stronger. After sitting on the bathroom floor for over an hour David tried to get me to lay down in bed so he could rub my back. So reluctantly I left the safety of the bathroom and attempted to lay down. As soon as I was in bed I began to feel sick and ran to the bathroom. Which is where all the contents of my camelback came roaring out of me. It was also at this point that my water decided to break!

So it was decided we were headed to the hospital again. Luckily we only live about two miles from it! When we got to the parking lot I could barely exit the car, I was doubling over from the pain from the contractions; which in comparison to the previous nights contractions were a joke! Riding up the elevator seemed like it was taking forever and when we finally arrived on the labor and delivery floor I could hardly step out of the elevator.

We checked in at 1:30 and the nurse asked me to disrobe, which I couldn't do, the pain was blinding. I also proceeded to get sick again in a barf bag - lovely.

When they came to check me I was told I was at a 3. She asked me my level of pain and I said "10! I want the epidural NOW!" Smart decision making on my part :)

Once the anesthesiologist administered the most perfect epidural. (I could feel my legs and toes but no contractions) I was able to go to sleep and when the nurse came in again at 4am I was already at a 5. Awesome - back to sleep I went. When they came back in at 6am I was surprisingly at 10!

We were so shocked at how quickly I accelerated we hadn't even called David's parents yet who had a two hour drive ahead of them! She said at 8am we are going to begin pushing, so I started making the call to my parents to let them know Presley was well on her way!

Turns out little miss was more than ready to have a birthday party. We began pushing at 8:22 and Presley came into this world at 8:57am!

A perfectly happy and healthy baby and just like that our little family of three became a family of four.

 Savannah Guthrie I am not...

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