Pregnancy Month by Month

Like every good first-time mama/Pinterest user I decided to take regular photos of my baby bump as it grew. And grew and grew. 

God bless my husband for being so patient and taking so many for me!
We took weekly and monthly photos.
We took them in the baby room so that we could watch the room progress, and I took them in the same dress so that I could watch my belly grow.
And now, with my daughter at a whopping 10 weeks old, I'm finally sharing them :)

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My Doula Experience

I figured I should write down a few of my thoughts from my experience hiring a birthing doula before I forget everything. Ellie was only born three weeks ago but I already feel like the labour and delivery are a distant memory.

An even more distant memory is the internal debate I had about whether or not to hire a doula (you can read my thoughts on that in this blog post). Obviously we decided we would hire one, and if we can afford it, we probably will again for future babies. 

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Maternity Photos

When I realized that I was going to be super pregnant in the middle of the winter, I was excited.
Warm maternity clothes, internal furnace [baby] through the coldest months of the year, and the possibility of winter maternity photos!
I love a nice sunny winter day in Grande Prairie.
Snow-covered floors, hoarfrost on all the tree branches, peaks of sunlight.
 I'm usually reaching for warm tea instead of standing outside in the frosty cold weather without a coat, but what better setting could you ask for!
This is as good as winter maternity photos get :) 

My lovely friend Ashley, who blogs over at Delightfully Domestic, agreed to take some photos for us. and we lucky picked the perfect day in December!

Here are a few of our favourites (too many to choose from!):

Now I just have to narrow down my favourites for the scrapbook and the nursery!

{xoxo}

Waiting...

I feel like I'm waiting in line for a really awesome roller coaster. 

You know the one? Everybody wants to go on it which means you have to stand in line for hours. 

Just waiting. And waiting. 

And every once in a while you look back and think "whoa, we've come a long way - almost there now", but then you wait some more.
I'm sure that once I reach the roller coaster, all this waiting will have been worth it... but it's taking a really, really long time! 

I haven't even reached my due date yet but I feel overdue. 

Heaven help me if I go 10 days late! 

I'm keeping myself as busy as possible, and I've had a few visitors, but there's only so much an almost 9 month pregnant lady can do before she gets tired and worn out.
Sitting around the house is starting to get boring. 

At least when I'm at home with the baby I'll have something amazing to look at!

Here's a glimpse into how I've been spending my time... while waiting...

 I've already cooked my fair share of frozen meals, so I decided to bake some treats. Apparently it's nice to have snacks at 3am when the baby is feeding and I'm wide awake :)

Sitting in front of the fireplace. Reading. Knitting. Reading again.

 Finding random little things that need to get done. This pillow clearly needed to be sewed up! The floor needed sweeping and vaccuuming. The pantry needed to be cleared out.. .hmmm... what else?!

 I've gotten a bit of scrapbooking done. Early thank you cards and baby scrapbook pages are on the to-do list. Lack of brain power due to lack of sleep is causing somewhat of a barrier to this activity however...

So there you have it. 

I've also been walking the dogs daily and doing all the errands I can (e.g. groceries, printing photos, etc.). Maybe all the walking will help! 

I'm sure that the roller coaster will be worth it. So for now, I'll just keep waiting... 

{xoxo}

[Last] Mama Update

Photo Credit: http://delightfullydomestic.typepad.com/

For those of you looking for an update: baby hasn't come yet. 

Overall, I've been feeling really good these days! 

I'm visiting my OB once a week now, getting checked on frequently. She reports that everything is good and healthy :) And that the baby has started to drop!

Still have no idea what sex it is, although the majority is definitely guessing boy for me! 

All of those lovely symptoms people complain about at the end of pregnancy... well I'm now experiencing those joys. Swelling a bit in my fingers and feet, Tired all the time. Can't sit up comfortably. Can't sleep at night due to EVERY position being uncomfortable, lol. Can't reach my feet to put on my own socks or boots. Lower back pain if I stand or walk too much.

These things are definitely taking away my pregnant glow!

I was getting use to feeling the baby all day long - now those movements have dulled because there's no longer any room for the baby to move. That also means that the husband can't feel the movements as much. I'll miss the stages where you could see my belly move from across the room!

Basically, I'm starting to feel like it's time for this baby to come out!

The house is spick and span, everything is washed and assembled, the crib is almost done...

I just have a few projects of my own that I would like to get done if I can before the baby gets here - a couple things to knit and clean :) But if the baby comes tomorrow, I'm ready!

Praise God the baby waited until January to make it's appearance!

Can't wait to meet you soon little one :)

{xoxo}

The Ultimate Pregnancy Winter Coat

I found it. 

The best winter coat for pregnant mamas. 

It's called "The M Coat".

Ok...  it may not be the best winter coat, but it is a really good one!
The reason I praise it so highly is because I've never seen anything else like it, AND it's made in Canada!

I works like this:
There is an insert that you can zip up into the middle of the coat so that the coat expands at the bottom while you are pregnant, then you flip the insert and you can walk with the baby all tucked into your coat. And finally, when you are all done, you can remove the insert and wear the coat yourself. Genius!

source

I've been wearing this coat all winter, and so far I LOVE it.
It's a bit expensive compared to other maternity coats, but you can keep wearing this one when you aren't pregnant anymore! Plus it's WARM!! It is obvious that the person who invented this down-filled coat has lived in cold Canadian winters!
Some friends of mine had said, "Oh its ok, you can just wear your normal winter coat with the zipper open all winter". Those friends clearly don't experience -40C weather.
This was a much better solution :)

Best. Pregnancy. Winter. Coat.

 {xoxo}

Belly Touching Etiquette

So I'm over 34 weeks now and sporting a very noticeable baby bump. 

I'm waaay past the stage where you look at someone and wonder "Are they pregnant, or just a bit fatter?". 

Clearly pregnant. 

Apparently, along with a bulging baby belly comes an invitation reading, "Everyone feel here!!". 

{I'm picturing a sign with lights and arrows... )

Where did this come from??

Why do people consider a baby belly an open invitation??

I had an experience this week in which two people -acquaintances really- came up to me, hands spread wide, and began rubbing my belly. Not touching. Rubbing. 

I'm speaking for myself, but also somewhat on behalf of the pregnant women who have shared this experience with me!
Surprise belly rubs are unwanted!
(please correct me if you feel otherwise - we're all different!)
I have yet to meet someone who says, "I just loved when random strangers came up and rubbed my belly!"
Smiles at our bellies - we like those!
Compliments on our pregnant glow - we like those!
Surprise touches and rubs just don't feel as nice... 

To avoid any awkwardness in the future, let's just make some ground rules shall we: 

1. Ask first. Don't assume mama wants you to rub her belly.I truly don't mind if you ask!

2. The closer you are to the mama, the more acceptable it is to ask. Family? close friends? Sure, ask and see. Strangers? Grocery store cashiers? Random grandma? Think before you ask... (most people are too polite to say no, even if it makes them uncomfortable!).

3. There is a difference between a touch and a rub. Personally, I'm comfortable with almost anyone touching my belly (after they ask of course), just not the rub... But some women aren't comfortable with a touch either, and well... it's their belly so we have to respect that.

I am certainly not saying that everyone does this. Far from really!

AND obviously there are some exceptions that are allowed free reign on my belly:
1) My husband - because well, he helped make it
2) My mom - because well, she made me, and
3) A few select best friends (they know who they are) - because I will do it to them too :)

Let's all develop some belly touching etiquette and be gracious to our pregnant mama friends! 

{xoxo}

Hey Big Haircut!

This mama got a haircut! 

And I'm documenting it, cause it'll never look this good again.
Hope you like it! 

[Plus a sneak peak at the nursery! More (better) pics to come later this week!]

{xoxo}

To Doula or Not to Doula

... that is the question... 

Source

28 weeks.

I'm starting to panic realize that there are only a couple months left of this pregnancy.
Only a couple months to think about births. Complications. Breastfeeding. Family. Support.
 Am I ready? I don't feel ready! I don't feel prepared at all!
I'm ok with the motherhood part, but as a first time mother, the birthing part remains a huge mystery.
Then I went to a Mommy themed trade show in Grande Prairie and found out that there are doula's that practice in Alberta, and better yet in Grande Prairie!
I knew of many women who used Doulas when I lived in Ontario, and raved about the results, but I was under the impression that they didn't exist here. Although I was correct in assuming that there are no Midwives here (AB is faaaar behind Ontario!), I was wrong about the doulas.
Thinking that this may calm my nerves, I contacted the Doula Collective in Grande Prairie and I'm on my way to meeting a few Doulas and learning if the process is right for me or not.

Why a Doula?
For me it comes down to two main reasons: 1) Knowledge and 2) Support.
Firstly, maybe it's just because I'm a first time mama, but I feel a bit lost. Am I thinking about everything? Researching the right things? Finding the right sources? Am I an informed mama? Do I know my birthing options? Choices? Do I even know what all these things mean?!?
From what I'm heard...  Doulas can and will equip you with this type of information - yay!
Secondly, I start to freak out a bit when I think about the fact that my mama doesn't live here, and my best friends don't live here, and people that I want to call and ask questions to have real lives that don't revolve around me... who do I have to support me when this baby is coming?
Enter doula. Apparently these ladies can help provide the support that I'm looking for. They support you before, during, and after birth. Comfort me the way a close friend would. Give my husband a break. Ease my anxiety by explaining new concepts, etc. to me.

So far it all sounds great!
We are still on the fence though... there is a cost involved, and the cheap/stubborn side of me thinks "Lots of other ladies did this on their own - I should be able to do it too!"

So this is where I'm stuck: to doula or not to doula.
Hopefully my meetings and my husband will point me in the right direction :)

{xoxo}

Mama Update

This mama-to-be is now a whopping 28 weeks pregnant. 

Where has that time gone?! I feel like it's FLOWN by! 

The nursery is starting to take shape, and soon will be ready for my favourite part - decorating!

I can't wait to arrange furniture, and design picture frames, and make crafts, and rearrange furniture.

As the days go on, my discomfort is definitely starting to increase. I still haven't experienced any nausea or sickness, but this baby belly is starting to get inconvenient, lol. 

Walking for half an hour (which I do almost daily!) is becoming more effortful - my lungs may actually be getting smaller.... Bending down to put on shoes or dog leashes is less easy.... Going to the washroom every 30 minutes is definitely not convenient (especially if you're mid-walk!)... and the twinge of heartburn here and there is not enjoyable either (I've only had it a couple of times, but that was enough for me to have many sympathies for those that have it their whole pregnancy!) I feel like I can't win. If I sit too long, stand too long, walk to long, etc. I'm starting to feel the effects on my body. Those effects are mostly limited to feeling like I need to stretch out my lower back somehow (insert baby-friendly cat and cow yoga moves!), but I anticipate more changes in the next couple months.

It's not all bad though!

My belly is big enough now that people for sure know that I am pregnant (not just gaining weight...), and I love the comments about my "cute" baby belly :)

And little baby V is moving Every. Single. Day. All day long. It's unbelievable every time I feel the baby move. Mr. A has been able to feel movements for a couple of weeks now too, making it more real for him. I think he may be getting annoyed by me constantly asking him to put his hand on my belly, lol. But these experiences will only last for a couple more months, and I don't want him to ever say he doesn't remember feeling the kicks - it's so unbelievable! 

Doctor says my baby is growing well. Perfect belly size. Good weight gain. Good blood pressure. No gestational diabetes (although I still had to endure that glucose test.. ugh.).
I am happily enjoying this pregnant period of my life :)

{love}

Staying Active During Pregnancy

I'm trying to be a good pregnant mama. 

Trying to choose the right foods and avoid the wrong ones (although some junk foods definitely slip in!)

Attempting to get the right amount of sleep, although often unsuccessful. 

Doing my best to stay active. 

This is hard though.

I can't run anymore, mostly because I just don't feel comfortable. I know people say you can run if you're in a routine (which I was), but I just felt like every time I struggled for breath, that it was affecting the baby. I'm sure the baby was fine, but for my own piece of mine, I cut out running. I can't push myself too hard like I did in bootcamp last summer. I can't lift too much. Or work too hard. Or get too tired. 

What else is left to do??

I'm still trying to be purposeful about some outdoor activities, such as gardening, but as the summer winds down, I know my time outdoors will take a hit as well. 

So I found three activities that I can keep doing throughout the year and feel comfortable with.

Walking. Swimming. Yoga. 

This is my new fitness routine. 

When life isn't overtaken by holidays, I'm walking every day, swimming once or twice a week, and taking prenatal yoga classes once or twice a week. 

Walking is just a part of life for me with two dogs at home. No big change here. Just continuing to walk whenever I get the chance. Hopefully this continues in our -20 or -30 degree winters too!

 I have always liked swimming, but now it's become purposeful. It feels great to have my growing belly feel weightless again in the water. Plus I feel like I'm getting real exercise doing laps - like if I wasn't in the water, I'd be sweating. But I don't feel like I'm overdoing it or out of breath like I did when I was running.
It's great exercise! 

I'm new to this whole yoga world, but so far it's fantastic. Prenatal yoga takes out all of the "dangerous" moves and keeps it simple. On top of that, my yoga instructor gives tips all the time such as "This is great if you have swollen feet", "This is a great way to relax during contractions", and "This is a great position for stretching out your lower back". I love it! It's also super relaxing. I honestly do feel like it takes away my weekly stressors when I do yoga. This activity will continue for as long as my body allows!

Hopefully this good exercise will continue as my belly continues to grow! 

{xoxo}

Early Nursery Ideas

For all of your viewing pleasure, here is my gender neutral nursery room inspiration board:

There are a few themes running through the board:

1. Navy, yellow and grey. I hummed and hawed about these colours, but when I see them together I'm very happy.It's actually fairly easy to find products in these colours because they're popular right now, and I like the idea of having just pops of yellow throughout the room.


2. Patterns. I love the lively patterns in these pictures. From the trellis printed rug to the chevron printed pillows. I really would love some patterns to pop out in this nursery and liven the room.


3. Crafty touches. My baby room will not be complete until I have completed a few projects for it! The Owl mobile is ADORABLE (or maybe thats just me and my love of owls, lol). I don't know if I can create something as intricate, but I can try! And the letter frame is something that I will 100% be copying with scrapbook paper :) Many more projects in my mind that aren't on this board though.


4. Functionality. Although I want everything to flow and look great, it also all needs to be functional. After all, babies will be crawling around on these floors! I definitely will need something ultra fluffy and/or comfy for the baby to rest on on the floor (a flat rug probably won't do the trick!). Any chair will have to be in the form of a rocker or glider - just a necessity. And storage! It can look pretty, but it better store all the clothes, books, and cloth diapers well! 


5. Neutral. Last but not least... it has to be appropriate for a boy or a girl. Since we've decided not to find out what we're having, I have to rein in the decorating and keep it neutral until the baby comes. Once he or she is here I can add pink dolls or red firetrucks, but until then, it stays clean and neutral :)

Thoughts?? Other suggestions are welcome, but you better be quick cause I'm gonna start shopping soon. Only four more months to get ready!!

{love}

Half Way There

I can't believe we are over half way there already. 

21 weeks and counting. 

Not long now until our little family of four [including the puppies obvi] becomes a family of five!

My belly is growing bigger every day. No exaggeration. 

[Seriously, my belly is going to grow even bigger?!]

My Doctor tells me that everything is progressing perfectly. 

Good size. Good blood pressure. Good test results. 

Everyday I get more and more excited about the prospect of adding a baby to our family. 

Although, I'm also soaking up the time that God has blessed me with right now - enjoying my wonderful husband, and playing with our puppies. 

Soon these guys won't be my #1 priority anymore so I'm enjoying the time we have. 

So far I'm also very much enjoying being pregnant. 

I'm pretty sure that the "glow" they talk about, is something I have. 

No nausea, or sickness, or food aversions.

Just happily growing. 

Plus... I finally felt the baby move! 

I was sitting on the couch, reading various other favourite blogs when I felt it. 

For sure, definitely felt movement. 

It's unlike anything else, and impossible to describe [unless talking to another mama].

I try to explain what it feels like to Mr. A all the time, but I know I'm not doing the feeling justice. 

I also put his hand on my tummy, thinking "how can you not feel this", but I know that he can't yet. 

These are the joys of being pregnant and getting to feel your baby move and grow. 

I'm enjoying this bond that's growing between my baby and me. 

I'm enjoying every minute.

Enjoying the last warm days of summer & enjoying time with my family of four :) 

{xoxo}

Maternity Fashion

Well... I tried to hide my growing belly for a few months, but it wasn't long before I had outgrown even my baggier wardrobe. 

I tried using a belly band for a bit and actually it was great for the time being!

I used it in the summer at the beginning of my pregnancy so that I could keep wearing my pants, shorts, capris, etc. I knew I wouldn't be pregnant for much of the summer so I didn't want to spend money on summer maternity clothes. 

 But that phase is over. 

Now my belly is growing, and since I have no problems shopping for new things, I'm buying new maternity clothes for the fall and winter. 

There are a few needs: black and white tank tops, leggings, bras that fit my growing bust.

And then there are wants (*hehe*).

Here are some pics from my maternity wish list: 

(ps - it's not really the colours, more the styles I want)

1. Fitted Maternity Cardigan - something to show off the belly nicely :)

2. Denim Jeans - this really is an essential, but since I can't wear jeans to work, it qualifies as a want, not a need for me. Preferably skinny jeans :) 

3. Horizontal Stripes - this is the only time in my life where I can wear horizontal stripes and it looks good because I'm suppose to accentuate the size of my belly!

4. A skirt - something work friendly that fits easy so I can wear it with leggings and be ultra comfortable :)

5. A Fun/Formal Dress - something versatile so I can wear it to work, but also to a wedding. I can't be buying 5 different dresses while I'm in maternity clothes! Its fun to find a good dress that accents the growing belly.

6. A Sweater Dress -  Comfort, warmth, and style are all important here! I showed two pics because I like both styles :)

 

7. A Stylish Belt -  accessories definitely fall under the want list! And I may already have one that will work. But a cute belt above or below the belly can really accent the shape. I think it looks super cute when it's done correctly :)

See my "{pregnancy} fashion" Pinterest board for more fashions I like :)

{xoxo}