Well, hello there world! Again, it’s been ages since I’ve blogged. I’ve tried to identify what causes my lapses in blogging. It certainly isn’t a lack of time or things to say, but I can’t really put my finger on what it is exactly. I enjoy the writing. I enjoy the research. I’m still out there reading other blogs and making comments. I think a lot of it has to do with pattern/structure. I typically had a very structured schedule, rigid deadlines, rigorous travel, work that couldn’t possibly be ignored (assuming I wanted to keep my job). And then, bam, I’m not working full time. It became hard for me to set a schedule for a hobby when I didn’t quite have a schedule for things that actually NEEDED to get done. Also, due to my life style at the moment, not all of my outfits are really exciting enough to photograph and I don’t like the idea of dressing up, taking pictures and then heading the the grocery store or laundry mat like I’m headed to the office or a holiday party. And so I think over the next few weeks, I’d like to work on fine-tuning a schedule for the blog, regular posts with a theme, regular times, etc. It may take me a little time to get that together and to put together what exactly my vision is for this blog, but I’m excited to get back at it. 

And so, without further adieu, I’ll jump right in. On Wednesday’s I’ll post some Baby Love. Where I’m at in this pregnancy journey, how I feel, what I’m thinking about and most likely some really cute things I’ve found along the way. Because seriously, I find a lot of cute baby things. Not all of them seem a “necessity” but all of them certainly seem too cute for words!

Today puts me at week 31. CRAZY!!! I only have 9 more weeks to go. I can’t believe it. The time is flying by and I’ve just been so lucky.

I have seriously loved being pregnant and this is why:

• I have felt great. For the most part I’ve had plenty of energy, very limited nausea, a nice glow and a general feeling of happiness.


• I love to feel the baby move, and boy does she ever! It started out with little swooshes and waves of movement in my belly, turned into quick kicks and punches and now I can typically feel her little bottom wherever she plants it. She responds to the sound of our voice and her movements give me a sense of security that she is doing well and getting bigger. Plus, I feel so close to her when she moves around inside of me. 


• I love preparing for the babies arrival. I have enjoyed learning about each stage of pregnancy, how my body is changing and am in awe of what our bodies can do. It’s a rather impressive process and I feel blessed to be experiencing it. 


• Thus far everything has been picture perfect. My body is doing just as it should, baby is growing just as she should and we seem to be in great health. We are so grateful for this. It is scary in it of its self, but it would be really scary if there were health issues to worry about as well. 


• Oh, and I have always thought pregnant gals were cute. A glowing face, a growing belly and a big necklace always make me smile!

The one thing I have not loved is the heartburn. It’s been intense. From the beginning and getting worse. As the baby moves right up under my ribs it gets pretty unbearable. The good news is that typically if I pop a few Tums I can eliminate it. The bad news is it is caused by everything I eat or drink (water, OJ, bland food, spicy food, it does not discriminate) and so it can be constant and I don’t really think eating Tums all day long is a great idea. And so I save my relief for nighttime. But other than that, it’s been perfect!  

And, as for the baby products that I’m LOVING, well they are just too many to list. But here is today’s top 5.

• Smocked Dresses for baby girls.
  Here is a Viva La Fete dress. Retails for $68 though I have found the ones I have on Zulily for much less. If you haven’t yet checked out Zulily and have kids, definitely check it out. It’s great. Now, about this dress, come on, it’s too cute, don’t you agree? They have them for every holiday or theme imaginable. It’s too early for me to realistically purchase a Christmas dress for next year (though don’t think I haven’t seriously considered it every time these dresses are on sale at Zulily) but I can say with confidence that I think our baby will be decked in something similar on most days next December!

• Knits for babies - Like knit hats, knit cocoons, all things knit for a little one are just too cute. I love this Etsy shop called Oops I Knit it Again (and isn’t that a funny name?). Here are my favorite pieces from the shop. 

A Mitten Cocoon for $44. Such a sweet baby pic!

The Let It Snow Beanie for $24. So sweet!!!

And, the Lavendar Lilac Ribbon hat for $18. I’ll have to keep the babies head covered when we head out in February, won’t this be the cutest way to do that?

• Ruffled and embroidered butts. Oh, how I love ruffles and embroidery on the butts of a baby girl. February might be a little cold for this look, but come summer time I think it will fit right into her spring/summer look!!

Here is a Pink Polka Dot version from Lullabye Bird’s Etsy for $18.50. Oh, with a onesie….so dang cute!!

Or these Sissy Britches for $23.95 from Honey & Child’s Etsy shop. Oh, my!!

Or, what about these Personalized Bloomers via Sew Bizzy Stitchin’s Etsy shop for only $14. They would also look very sweet on the baby girl! Decisions, decisions!!

• Baby Shoes - I love shoes. I love baby shoes. I think our baby girl will look so cute in her ever growing shoe collection. Here are some cute ones I found on line. They are actually from a little shop in my neighborhood that I’m always peeking into called Pink Olive (if you live it Park Slope, it’s worth checking out).

Pink Mary Janes- $36

Gold Moccasin’s for $28 by Trumpette.

Lady Bug Mary Janes for $32

• LuLu’s Then & Now in Park Slope. This is a new second hand shop in Park Slope and I’m totally smitten with it. There were a few things left on my registry that I needed to pick up and I thought, maybe I should check here first. I did and boy am I glad! I was able to score several of the items we needed at 50% of the cost AND all of the items I purchased happened to be brand new in the box! The baby clothes are often new or very gently worn because it’s hard to know how much to buy in the beginning, everyone gets a lot of gifts and babies grow fast! So, purchasing some second hand items has been a perfect way to add the pieces we need without breaking the bank. In Brooklyn? This is a MUST see place!! Decorated beautifully, the staff is friendly and helpful and the merchandise is in great condition. I love stopping by each week to see what is new!

And, there you have it. My latest thoughts, cute finds, etc!

It feels good to be back.

XoXo

M

P.S. As the Holiday’s Approach I may do an overwhelming amount of gift lists. Things I’d like to give or receive. Low end. High end. You name it, I’m listing it. I don’t have many presents to buy this year, so I’ll definitely be doing the research for all of you :-)