36 & 37 Week Bumpdate!

Today I'm officially 37 weeks!

Total weight gain: I'm currently up 24 pounds. It looks like I'm on track to be heavier than I was with my third, but less than my second. It's funny how each pregnancy is different. This is the weight gain with my other girls and what they weighed at birth:

Serena: I gained 12 pounds and she was 6 lbs 3 oz at 39 weeks. 

Layla: I gained 35 pounds and she was 6 lbs 13 oz at 39 weeks (induced because of low fluid)

Mariam: I gained 25 pounds and she was 6 lbs 10 oz at 40 weeks.

Maternity clothes? Yes! My wardrobe is so limited right now it's sad, but with only 3 weeks to go really what's the point of buying anything right now?

Stretch marks? Just some old ones from Mariam. My belly was so pointy with her that I suppose it was inevitable. Thankfully there are only a few and they stayed white. 

Sleep: Thankfully it doesn't take me as long to fall asleep as it used to before, but I am waking up around 3 or 4 am to use the restroom. Mariam is still coming into our room between the hours of 12-3 so there are a lot of interruptions. One day I'll get to sleep through the night right?

Best moment this week: Found a few cute things for the baby. I packed my hospital bag and washed all the baby's clothes so I think we are set! Oh wait....still need to get a new bassinet and baby bathtub. I've been holding out for a cute barely used on Craigslist since babies only spend such a short time in there before they outgrow it. If I don't find anything I'll just have H buy a new one when the time comes. 

Movement: A busy little bee like usual. I feel her poking everywhere.

Food cravings: The last few weeks I've been having oreos and a glass of milk every night before bed. My chocolate craving is going strong as usual. 

Labor Signs: The braxton hicks contractions feel like they've been getting stronger and it turns out at 35 weeks I was 1cm dilated, but that doesn't mean much. Plenty of women dilate early or are at least 3 cm for a while and still end up going to their due date or past. 

Symptoms: The middle part of my back still hurts a lot and there's been a lot of sharp pains in my cervix that literally make me double over. I'm happy to report my mood has been much better though. I haven't been feeling weepy and emotional as much anymore. 

XOXO

What's in my hospital/diaper bag

Betsey Johnson Tote

With my last baby, H gifted me with a Ralph Lauren tote which I loved to use as a diaper bag, but the thin straps ended up getting frayed towards the top. Over the past year I've been using various canvas or nylon bags. Just something I could throw a change of clothes in and diapers and wipes. Now with a new baby coming and more gear to carry, it was time to get a new durable bag. I love scallops and bows so I did a search online for a scalloped bag and found this gorgeous Betsey Johnson purse at Nordstrom Rack for half off. It's very roomy, has sturdy straps and also has a bag within it. It's sold out online at Nordstrom Rack but there are various sites online where you can find it. 

This week I started packing my things for delivery. I can't believe we're 3-4 weeks away from meeting our sweet new baby! I definitely have mixed emotions this time. I'm anxious to meet her and also a little sad that her time in the womb where I feel her little movements is coming to an end.

I haven't included everything in the bag yet that I plan on bringing but this is what I have so far:

Cotton muslin swaddle: Little Unicorn

Toiletry bag: Forever21

Ivory lace sleeper: Nordstrom

Bow hospital hat: Unique Kidz c/o

Ruffled onesie & burp cloth: Made by me

Ruffled trim terry robe: Nordstrom

The other things I plan on bringing that aren't packed yet are a few snacks, my camera, baby socks, phone charger, makeup, trial size toiletries, undergarments and something for me to wear home.

Have a great weekend!

Second Rocksbox Set

I received my second Rocksbox set a few weeks ago and I'm finally getting around to sharing some pictures. If you want to read my first review, you can read it here.

In this set I received a Kristine Lily black quartz ring, a Sharp 9 crystal collar necklace, and Kendra Scott Francie earrings. Let's start with the earrings. I loved them and was thrilled to finally be able to try a pair of Kendra Scott earrings. They felt durable and classy and while I didn't have the opportunity to wear them that often this past month, they were my favorite jewelry item in the set. The crystal collar necklace is a stunning piece to look at, but I must confess I didn't wear it at all. It's not really my style and didn't see where I could incorporate it in my current wardrobe. The Kristine Lily ring was cute but felt very lightweight and wasn't used that often as well.

I'm looking forward to seeing what's in my third Rocksbox set and I'll be sure to share what was included.

Want to try Rocksbox for FREE?

Use this code: fhjbabyxoxo

Get your first month absolutely free!

https://www.rocksbox.com/

XOXO

Sewing for baby round 2

Over the past two weeks I've made some time to sew some more adorable things for the baby. It's so fun being able to make things for the new baby. I can't wait till she can use them! Also, 3 products in this assortment will be hitting the shop within the next 2 months.

Have a great weekend!

School Days

I can't believe my second baby started school! Her first day of Pre-K was yesterday and she had a great day. She's seriously been looking forward to it since we took her on a tour of the place in Spring earlier this year. I wanted to drop her off in the morning but I knew that Mariam would make a scene about not being able to stay, so I thought it would be best if H just dropped her off and I would pick her up. The school has a car rider line so when it was my turn to pull up I totally cried when I saw her and she waved excitedly at me. I love her so much! Since Serena started 7th grade on Monday, yesterday was also the first day that it was just Mariam and I at home. The time went by really quickly since Layla is only at school for 3 hours. 

I completely forgot to have her pose with her little chalkboard sign, but I was able to do something special for her by sewing her skirt. 

Have a great Wednesday!

35 Weeks Pregnant!

Total weight gain: Since my last bump update I've only put on another half a pound so I'm up 20.5 pounds now. 

Maternity clothes? Yes. I can hardly find anything to wear these days. Even with some of my maternity tops my belly is starting to peek underneath. I'm also living in my black maternity pants. I swear I wear those all the time if I'm not in a dress. At this point I refuse to buy anymore maternity bottoms.

Stretch marks? No new ones that I can tell.

Sleep: Meh. Same as always. Stinks! It's not even the pregnancy though, it's my 2 and a half year old Mariam who still climbs into our bed at night. I'm also up at least 3 times between falling asleep and 6 am to use the restroom. 

Best moment this week: Hmm. I'd say getting some more baby things in order and sewing more things. It's also been exciting getting everything ready for Serena to start 7th grade and Layla who is starting pre-K tomorrow!

Movement: She's always been a busy bee. I'm starting to get convinced that she hasn't turned head down yet. I just really can't explain why I feel her poking out from everywhere, very much in my ribs, or why a lot of her movements actually hurt. It wasn't like this with the other girls. I have an OB appt this Friday so I'll be finding out where she is.

Food cravings: Tazo passion fruit tea. I've been having a cup just about every day for the past week. I've hardly had cravings other than sweets but last weekend I just had to have some of this tea so I bought a box from the grocery store. 

Labor Signs: The braxton hicks contractions have been minimal. I get a few a day and some are uncomfortable, but nothing I haven't experienced for the past few weeks. 

Symptoms: The middle part of my back still hurts a lot and I've been extra anxious and weepy this past week. Just a lot going on with everything and these hormones are kicking.

Have a great Monday!

Lindi Skin Care Review

When it comes to trying new face products I'm usually for it. I've been lucky in that I don't have acne  or complicated skin. Most nights I don't even wash my makeup off at night and have never had a facial. Two issues that I do have with my face is dryness after washing, some redness on my cheeks, and dry lips. Perhaps I haven't found the right moisturizing face wash, but I've been through a few and still, I always have to immediately put on lotion a few times before my foundation. 

I had recently run out of eye cream when I was asked if I would like to try a few skincare products from Lindi Skin care, so of course I said yes and hoped one of the products was going to be a eye cream. Much to my delight one was included in the package and that same night I tried all the products after washing off my makeup. 

The first product I tried was the Lindi face wash. It's a gentle alternative to soap and washes without stripping and works to achieve optimal pH balance. I enjoy alternating this face wash with the regular one I use. It is very mild.

Right after using the face wash, I towel off my face and apply the face serum. The serum is formulated with botanicals, antioxidants and vitamins. It provides beneficial moisture and ultimate comfort to compromised skin on the face, neck and chest. I love the citrus smell! I actually feel like it helps wake me up in the morning. It's very light weight and glides on smoothly. It's my favorite out of all the products.

After the serum I apply a little bit of face cream and then the eye hydrator. The hydrator is a moisturizing gel formulated to improve skin tone. It also helps reduce puffiness and improves skin tone. So far I'm liking it, but I'll have to try it a few more times to give a good verdict on it. I do suffer from puffiness due to lack of sleep so I'm looking forward to continuing to use this product.

The last step I do before makeup is apply the lip balm. It's supposed to help soothe and hydrate dry lips and cuticles. I've been using it often and I really like it so far. It glides on smoothly and I feel it's been helping with my dry lips.

About Lindi Skincare

The Lindi Skin brand was created in 2003 as the first complete skincare line designed specifically for the unique needs of people undergoing cancer treatment. Its safe, gentle clinically-proven line of skincare is perfect for anyone with compromised skin. General consumers select the products because of their gentle nature and reliability. Lindi Skin uses the most healing botanicals and antioxidants to deliver ultra-hydration resulting in healthy and protected skin. Lindi skin can be purchased on the brand's website or in select drug and cosmetic stores as well as medical centers. 

If you'd like to try Lindi skin. Use the code: BLOG25 (for use at lindiskin.com) and enjoy 25% off all products and free shipping! This promotion is good through September 30th and the company will also make a donation to the American Cancer Society's "Look Good, Feel Better" program for every purchase through this date.

I was sent these products to review but I was not compensated for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Mariam's first day

Mariam started her first day at daycare today. It's really just a Mother's Day out program at a local church. I'm so happy I finally took a step towards gaining some sanity with all these girls and trying to juggle everything. This summer has been a bit rough. It's hot, I'm pregnant and Layla and Mariam have spent a lot of time fighting over toys and screaming over everything. It doesn't help that every day I'm sleep deprived because Mariam still won't sleep through the night. She used to when she was a baby, but that changed when she turned 2. I really don't know what it is and I'm at my wits end. She claims she's scared, but she shares a room with Layla. I don't even want to know what kind of sleep schedule I'm going to be looking at once the baby arrives next month. 

Something that will be nice though is that Serena is back at school next week and Layla starts for the first time. Layla will only be going to pre-K for 3 hours M-F and the Mother's Day out program for Mariam is also 3 hours. Mariam won't be going every day though. Most likely 3 times a week. It's not going to be easy dropping off and picking up the girls who will all be in 3 different areas--especially when the baby is here, but I'm looking forward to fitting in more work during the day while they are gone.

The weekend {Sewing & Kids}

After a hellacious week with the girls, Saturday was a Godsend. My husband had a playdate scheduled with Layla and Mariam and a new friend of his that has two kids, so he took them around 10:00 am. I thought they'd be back within 2 hours but they just stopped by to pick up their swimsuits and headed back out. I literally got like the whole day to myself and it was heaven. I did some work and I sewed a maternity top for myself. I felt like making a ruffled maternity tube top out of knit fabric I had and I think it turned out pretty good for my first time. I didn't sew the bottom yet but just tucked it in for the pictures. I'll finish it this week.

Sunday, I took Layla and Serena to the library and then we did some grocery shopping. Afterwards I made lunch at home and then I decided to head back out with H and the girls to pick up something from Home Depot for his guitar. Late afternoon the girls had fun playing with their dollhouse (that we are fixing up) and we had family movie night. 

It was a good weekend and I'm hoping this week is better than last week. This is the last week before Serena starts school and Layla starts Pre-K. I'm also looking to put Mariam in a Mother's Day out program for a few hours a week. I think a change of pace might be good for her--and for all of us.

Have a great Monday.

Dressing room files

The girls and I headed into the mall today after my OB appt and I couldn't resist popping into Nordstrom to try on a dress I had seen on Instagram a few weeks back. I've been on the hunt for a stretchy casual dress that fits the bump and I found it in this Leith body-con dress.

(Sorry for the grainy phone pics, they always look blurry when I send them to my email to upload)

{Dress: Nordstrom}

I also tried on two other dresses. They didn't make the cut, but they are really cute. The black ruched dress was really comfortable but the ivory boho dress made me look huge in person.

{Ruched dress}

{Tassel trim dress}

Another item I bought was this Betsey Johnson terry robe. It's super soft and I was in desperate need of a new robe. 

{Ruffle trim robe}

Have a great Wednesday!