New Year Hopes

Hair inspo!

Hi loves! It has been such a long time since I blogged and I have missed it! Being a new mommy I promised myself I would find time to blog – but truthfully it just hasn’t happened. I have so much to be thankful for this past year. I became a first time mommy to the best little one, I got married to my best friend, and I found out more about the person I am. Looking ahead to the New Year I really want to stay focused on my goals this time around. It seems like every year I am promising to do things and I just don’t get around to it (total procrastinator over here!)

So here are just some of the things I’d like to get done this year…

1.  Get fit again.

I was really getting into great shape before I found out I was pregnant. The entire year before I was I went to barre classes every single morning, even on weekends. I was super motivated and saw my results fairly quickly. Sadly, I haven’t been to the gym since baby. During my pregnancy I went to the gym up until the last two months but when Cam came I was so run down from surgery and finding my groove as a new mommy that I got lazy. I lost all the baby weight by clean eating and going low carb/high protein but I still feel blobish in some areas that could use some toning! I miss those abs I worked so hard on before! ;)

2. Blog more!

I have written so many draft posts and never finished them but I really want to take some dedicated time to work on the blog. If I need to just give up a few hours on the weekend to get it done I will! I have so many fun posts planned. I'd love to hear from you all on what you'd like to see on the blog! I am going to start posting a recipe a week as well.

3. Spend more time for myself.

I literally do my hair and makeup about once or twice a week – that’s pathetic. On weekends it seems like I live in my favorite sweatpants but I really need to start taking the time to pamper myself a little more. I want to be kind to my skin and take better care of my nails. It really is the little things that make all the difference in the world.

3. Let the past be the past.

We all have those people or family members in our lives that make us angry or do something to stir up trouble and we let it consume us. I take everything personally and I want to stop doing that this year. I would really like to let certain things roll off my back and just focus on being the best for my family. If I’ve done all that I can do as a person then I tried and move on towards the future – even if that means it doesn’t always work out!

4. Learn and try new hairstyles.

I always see Pinterest pictures of cute hair ideas and I save them but I never try them out. This year I am going to try a new hairstyle once a week (and blog it!)

5. Get photos framed.

I have so many beautiful photos from our shoots that I want to get framed but again I procrastinate. I am definitely going to get them all done this time around. It would be so nice to look at them around the house.

What are some of your New Years resolutions? I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday!

Breakfast in Bed Maternity Shoot

I am obsessed with our maternity shoot that we did a few weeks back. We cut it so close with these photos because he was born the very next weekend. My dear friend Kaity (http://www.kaitybrawley.com) came over to our house and took these beautiful photos - she is amazing. It's hard to believe that he's already here, these feel like we just took them yesterday and were talking about him being due in September. Life is full of little surprises. Hope you enjoy!

Camden Noah Miller + Birth Story

Happy Monday lovelies! I've been away for a hot minute because I had my sweet lil' boo early! Please meet Camden Noah who was born on August 29th at 7:10pm and weighed a 6 pound 11 ounces. He decided that he couldn't wait until 40 weeks and wanted to meet his mama and daddy right away. Much to our surprise, he was born at 37 weeks exactly! The first week home has been a complete whirlwind. We are getting just barely a few hours of sleep, I'm living in nursing tanks, and feeling like total zombies - but we are loving every moment with him. Our families have been such an amazing help and we couldn't have gotten through the first week without them - especially my mom who has been his nanny and been over every day to help out and take us to our appointments. 

On Friday, August 28th we decided to have a relaxing evening at my parents house after my last day of work before maternity leave. I had been feeling kinda funny all day but I was really busy playing catch up so I just brushed it off. When we got to my parents house I noticed my Braxton hicks had not calmed down and were becoming more prominent. I felt a few whooshes of water when I was laying down on the couch and thought to myself "there is no wayyy that was my water breaking." - lol! I started to panic a bit because I knew it was early and cried to my mom. I had this feeling I needed to go to the hospital even if it was a false alarm and just get checked - worst case scenario, they would just send us home. We went right down the street to the hospital (thank heavens they live super close!) We checked in and the nurse examined me. We were shocked when she said "you're having a baby tonight, this is the real deal." I was only 1cm dilated at that point! I was excited and terrified all at the same time because I thought I had a few more weeks! They sped up my contractions with medication and the real labor started to set in. The contractions were AWFUL and I could not wait to have the epidural - but I had to wait to 3cm (I was only 1cm when we got there.) After the epidural I was in heaven, those things are NO joke. I labored for a whole 20 hours and unfortunately I stopped progressing at 8cm. My doctor held off as long as he could but made the call to do a c-section since little Camden seemed to be stuck. I was heartbroken but I trusted my doctor and knew he held off as long as he could and made the right call for the safety of us. The nurses and staff were incredible and I'm really glad I delivered at the hospital we chose. 

Little guy arrived at 7:10pm via c-section and it was the scariest but best moment of my life. Hearing him cry for the first time plus seeing my fiance's face as he first held him was nothing short of incredible. I had the hardest recovery from the c-section (they also removed a large cyst while they took him out) and I'm still trying to get back to myself but I'm slowly starting to feel normal again. Breastfeeding has been a bit hard for me since he is small and we haven't really found our groove yet. I was putting a ton and stress and pressure on myself to get it right away but everything takes time. For now I am exclusively pumping and I am so happy he's getting what he needs from me another way - even though I feel married to my pump ha ha! 

Well, off to try and catch up on some rest. Hope you all have a wonderful day! 

Seraphine Maternity

Happy Monday already loves! I can't believe this lil boo is set to arrive in just a few short weeks. I will kind of miss this belly of mine (but let's be real - I'm over being pregnant!) Speaking of bellies, these dresses from Seraphine are simply amazing for all stages of pregnancy and even after. It has been getting pretty difficult to find things that look flattering and fit during these last couple months but their clothes are soooo comfortable and stylish. Their leggings are also amazzzing. They are ultra stretchy and super soft - I will be living in them before and after this babe is here! If you're lucky enough to be living in NYC, they have two locations in SoHo and Madison Avenue so definitely check them out! 

Blueberry bagels are my weakness. 

The Oxford Trunk

Happy Sunday loves! Weekends seem to flash before my eyes as I am counting down the days until we meet our baby boy. I am 35 weeks this week already and my hospital bag is just now getting packed! I am so ready for this little peanut to be here and lets face it, I am down to just a few outfits that fit at this point. Ben and I are getting married this December and found the perfect spot for the wedding this weekend. It consisted of a lot of walking and  I literally could only make it in this Florida heat for about 15 minutes until we had to get going (oh pregnancy!) I just got this dress and a few others from The Oxford Trunk and I have received so many compliments on it - it's breezy and perfect for the summer heat. Hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend! 

dress | hat | sunglasses (similar here) | shoes sold out (similar here)

Creamy Banana Steel Cut Oats

Morning loves! Another weekend is flying by, but has been full of rest - thank goodness. I'm already 33 weeks pregnant (still can't believe it), and I am definitely feeling the fatigue hit hard! Something I've been loving to make this entire pregnancy has been this clean eating steel oats to get my energy levels back up. I'm obsessed with the McCann's brand oats because they are high in fiber and low in sodium - a pregnant girls two best friends! This is my go to recipe when I am too lazy too cook a lengthy breakfast. I will even make it as a midnight snack when cravings hit to fill me up and it keeps me full for hours! Hope you all enjoy and have a happy rest of the weekend!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup prepared McCann's steel cut oats (or any quick steel cut oats)
• 1/3 cup Van's blueberry walnut granola
• 1/2 banana or other fresh fruit
• 1 tbsp organic light agave
• 1 tsp cinnamon 
• splash of organic half & half or milk

Assembly:

1. Make oats according to package directions (or make overnight to save time see below!)
2. Cook on medium heat for package directed amount of time 
3. Top with additional fresh fruit + granola + agave and enjoy!

One of the easiest ways to make this is to prepare the night before - thanks to McCann's website, here is how I have mine all ready to go for the morning.

Quick Soak Method

One of the quickest and easiest ways to prepare McCann's Steel Cut Irish Oats is to soak the oats overnight. Before going to bed, boil 4 cups of water in a pot. Then add one cup of oats and simmer for 1 minute. Cover the pot, cool, and store overnight in the refrigerator. The next morning reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Nordstorm Favorite Picks - What I Got

Good morning ladies! It's that time of year again for the amazing Nordstrom anniversary sale! I tried to limit myself to things I HAD to have, but found myself walking away with a little more ;) Here's what I picked up this time around.

Even though I live in South Florida - I am obsessed with the trench, it's the perfect color for fall. Believe it or not, it does get a bit chilly down here come November! I just ordered the Sultra hair barrel and I'm so excited to use it when it comes. I've been using my GHD straightener to create loose beach waves but I've heard amazing things about the barrel. Lastly, I cannot get enough of fringe lately and the little bootie and heels were both too cute to pass up. Have a wonderful week! 

Baby Must Haves

Hello ladies! With just two months left until my lil man is here, nesting is in full effect. The nursery isn't quite finished yet, but it's definitely coming along! I have already started to receive some adorable gifts from my family that I can't wait to use when he is here. Shopping for baby as a first time momma has been overwhelming to say the least. Since there are so many options out there it's hard to narrow it down sometimes. In the beginning I didn't realize there is so much research that goes into buying things for baby! It's really helped to read other mama's blogs I follow and get the opinions of friends. I know every baby is different so trial and error is always going to happen. I think it's all about trying what works best for your baby. Here are just some picks that I can't wait to try. 

1. sophie teether | 2. aden & anais swaddlers | 3. medela pump in style electric breastpump | 4. pacifier tommee tippee | 5. halo bassinest | 6. wooden teether | 7. bob single fitness stroller | 8. little onesie | 9. honest co gift set | 10. ubbi diaper pail

Sleep: The Halo Bassinet came a few weeks ago and it is amazing! It took Ben just 10 minutes to set it up. Not only does it have a white noise maker already built in (there's even one that sounds like the womb with a heartbeat, too cute!), but it has a breast feeding timer which I think will really come in handy during those late nights. 

Products: The Honest Co products were a gift and they smell so good! I've already been using the little hand sanitizer that comes with the set. I do really like that they use no harmful chemicals in their products. 

Stroller: There were so many great strollers to choose from I didn't even know where to begin. I know everyone loves the UPPA baby stroller which I was going to go with originally, but I fell in love with the BOB Jogger at Target. It was much cheaper and got the same rave reviews. I was wheelin' it down the aisles and I loved the way it moved! I also got the car seat infant attachment that it comes with here. It's something that my lil peanut can grow into along the way. 

Breastfeeding: How awesome is the Medela Pump System. I like the compact travel system that is easy to take along on the go. Everyone raves about this product so I am most excited to try this one - plus this new mama definitely wants a glass of wine (or two!) from time to time. ;)

I'd love to hear from you guys! What have been some of your favorite baby products?

First post + Bumpdate 29 Weeks

Hello loves! I am thrilled to finally get this blog up and running. Time has been flying and I am in the third trimester already! The girls over at Somewhere, Lately had the cutest bump updates and I thought it was great idea to look back on something to remember how you felt during pregnancy. It’s still hard to believe that in just 10 weeks we will be holding our little man! Finding out I was pregnant back in January was a big surprise. I knew I felt a little off after New Years, but just thought I had overdone it on the holiday celebrating. I decided to take a test not thinking I would be and surrrrre enough, I was already 4 weeks pregnant :) Ben and I were both in utter shock in the beginning since we weren't planning it, but we couldn’t be happier for our little miracle. The first half of my pregnancy I had an intuition that he was a boy. At 16 weeks it was confirmed he was in fact a boy! Needless to say, I cried my eyes out right there in the ultrasound reveal. It was such a special moment for both Ben and I.

Maxi T-Shirt Dress (sold out similar here)

How far along: 29 weeks

Gender: Baby boy!

Maternity clothes: I got a few key pieces from ASOS and Target tanks but other than that I’ve just been living in little striped dresses like this one. It’s getting to the point that it’s hard to pull off certain things though! After work, I pretty much live in this and these.

Baby movement: He really loves to move at night! It’s like he knows when Ben and I get home from work and the minute I kick up my feet and relax he starts kicking away. I love watching him move around in there, I seriously could sit there and watch him forever.

Cravings: Lemonade, especially the one from Panera! I liked lemonade okay before becoming pregnant but ever since I got pregnant I’ve had such a craving for it. Believe it or not, I've also craved big kale salads with avocado this whole pregnancy, steel cut oats with fruit, and decaf iced coffee. Hopefully this little man likes some healthy things like his mama!

Organic granola grains bowl with Greek yogurt.

Addicted to chai tea lattes.

Symptoms: Braxton hicks have been pretty annoying ever since I hit 27 weeks. I think I am just one of the lucky ones that get them several times a day. Running to the bathroom every 20 minutes has been fun too. Ugh.

Missing anything: WINE (oh my goodness!), sushi, rompers, and pretty much fitting into my clothes period!

Sleep: After a few minutes of getting my parade of pillows in order (I steal all the pillows, sorry Ben!) I fall asleep easily. 3rd trimester fatigue is no joke. Staying asleep throughout the night can be difficult because I have to pee every hour. I’m trying to stock up on all the sleep I can get now!

Exercise: I had been exercising about three days a week throughout my whole pregnancy but ever since I hit this last trimester I’ve been taking it easy. I was doing elliptical and light weights. As long as I continue to feel like my body can still do light workouts I will until the last few weeks.

Weight gain: About 18 pounds. This basketball belly is getting serious!

Body changes: Holy boobs. I was just an A cup before pregnancy, but that ship has set sail for a bit!

Mood: I get emotional off and on but I’m thinking that’s pretty standard at this stage in the game. We had a wasp nest growing outside our front door that Ben had to take care of and I made the mistake and watched from inside the window. Well, Ben came back inside and I was tearing up because I felt bad that we had killed their babies. He thought I was crazy. Pregnancy does weird things people.

Best moment: Relaxing with our close friends over the weekend in Sarasota. It was a quick trip but it was nice to be away for the weekend and catch up.

Looking forward to: My mom is planning a little baby shower soon so I'm definitely looking forward to it. Also, 8 more weeks and I will be officially on maternity leave. Whoo!

Real talk: I am getting to the point where I am becoming more anxious as the weeks start to fly by. I finished washing all his clothes and getting his nursery in order which makes me feel better, buttttt I am definitely getting nervous about the labor part! I am a really big baby when it comes to pain so I’m hoping I can just buck up and handle it when the real deal happens. I don’t even like getting my blood taken! Google is not your friend at this point. Actually, when is google ever your friend when it comes to looking up symptoms and labor stories? I am scared out of my mind, but I just can’t wait to see our little peanut.