Ava's Birth Story

So I believe the last time I posted while I was pregnant, I mentioned that at 38 weeks and 3 days I was barely dilated at all. I thought for sure that I would go to my due date like I did with baby #3 or that I would go past due. The next day (Friday) after my OB appointment I decided to take the girls to the library last minute. I knew the weekend was upon us so I wanted to check out some books and a movie for them. The library nearby has a nature trail and since the day was so nice, afterwards I thought it would be nice to take a little walk. I hardly exercised at all this pregnancy but I had been on my feet most of the day with the girls and I really don't think I've worked harder in my life in regards to my family and business. So we took our little stroll and then headed home. The rest of the night was uneventful, but I did have trouble sleeping. From 5 am on, I kept having to use the restroom. In retrospect I see it was because the baby must have dropped further and was putting more pressure on my bladder.

I got up for the day around 8 am and noticed that I was having a lot of braxton hicks contractions. Around 8:30 am H left to go bike riding and I started timing them. I was getting them every 2-5 minutes but they were painless. Something was definitely up. I texted my mom around 9:30 to tell her what I was feeling and joked that I hoped this wasn't false labor. By 10:30 they started to calm down but I was still getting them here and there. Some I had to breathe through but that was nothing new for me. I've had that feeling for weeks with some of them.

We went about our business and went to go see a house with a friend of ours and his toddler, and then went to the park. There weren't happening too much at the park so I was definitely thinking the baby was not going to come on that day. After the park we all went to go have pizza and I noticed the contractions were getting stronger. We ate, stopped at the grocery store while I waited in the car and by then it was 3:00 pm. I told DH that we should get home already. By the time we got home contractions were coming closer and stronger. I was still able to finish packing my bag, take a shower and blow dry my hair, but I would stop and breathe through my contractions. Once I finished everything they were still coming but not yet 5 minutes apart. I waited it out on the couch and called my OB. She told me to wait till they are about 5 minutes apart or I could come in and do a labor check but if I was only 1 or 2 cm dilated they would just send me home. I waited 15 more minutes and by then they were less than 5 minutes apart and very painful. We headed to the hospital around 5:00 pm. By the time I got up to labor and delivery and checked I was 5 cm dilated! Yep I was going to be admitted and it was baby time. I requested the epidural. I was in so much pain by the time we got to the hospital that I was literally shaking. My teeth were chattering and I was in agony. I couldn't get the epidural right away though. They needed to get a bag of IV fluid in me first. Around 6:30 pm I had the worst contraction of all and I felt my water break. Around 7pm I got the epidural and sweet relief finally kicked in 30 minutes later. Usually it happens fast but not this time. Once I went numb I was able to rest, talk and post on Facebook. Relief never felt so good.

Around 10:00 pm the nurse and doctor came in and it was go time. I was at a 10. The doctor suited up but everybody in the room pretty much had to postition me and hold my legs. I was completely numb that I couldn't feel my legs. Still I pushed and I was able to get her out in 3 big pushes. Right away they put her on my chest and I was able to hold her for about 12 minutes before they weighed and cleaned her. After they got her clean H and I noticed she looked so much like our second daughter--only she had a lot more hair! Ava is gorgeous with the most beautiful golden brown hair. Her sisters got to see her the next day and naturally fell in love with her as well. We had a great hospital stay and were discharged 2 days later. H and I are definitely feeling very blessed.

Have a great weekend!

Sewing for baby round 3

I've sewn a variety of things over the years, but I've never done a baby romper. I can make something just from looking at a picture and I normally don't use a pattern except for my products in the shop. With this romper I did draft a pattern for the top and then just winged it on the bottom and did my best to follow this sunsuit tutorial. I had some difficulty with the shirring--since I've never shirred before, but it got done and I can't wait for baby to wear it!

Speaking of which, I'm 38 weeks and 3 days today and had an OB appointment today. It looks like she is just super comfy in there. I am barely a fingertip dilated. Apparently all the braxton  hicks contractions I've been having for weeks that I actually have to breathe through have meant nothing. Looks like we are in it for the long haul. I don't mind really, I'm just surprised that despite that and being on my feet all day and carrying Mariam that I haven't progressed much. Well she'll be here when she'll be here.

Have a great weekend!

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!

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!

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!

Our weekend

This weekend was nice. Relaxing and tiring all at the same time. Saturday I spent some time sewing for the home. I made throw pillows for the master bedroom and cloth napkins. Originally the cloth napkins fabric was going to be made for baby bibs, but I just wasn't feeling the print for that after all. I love the way the pillows came out but I wish I would have made them a little bit bigger. I'm currently revamping the master bedroom even though we are in this condo temporarily. I'll be sure to post pictures once I'm done with it. 

Later that day we all went grocery shopping, had dinner and then homemade banana split sundaes. So good! Much better than store bought. 

Sunday I thought the weather was going to be cooler because it had been raining the past few days and the temperature said 85 degrees, so I thought it would be a good idea to check out the Miami zoo. Boy was I wrong about the weather. I'm pretty sure yesterday was the hottest day of the year! We were sweating like crazy. Nevertheless we explored for about 4 hours but didn't get to see everything. After a while we couldn't take the heat anymore and the girls were getting restless. I had been getting a ton of braxton hicks contractions throughout the day, but they calmed down later. My oldest isn't picture because she was spending the weekend with family. We plan on going back to see the rest of the zoo with her once it's fall and the weather is cooler.

Staying stylish and comfortable with Kushyfoot

I don't know about you, but I always have to be wearing something on my feet. I hardly ever walk around the house barefoot because I hate feeling any crumbs on my feet. I also like to keep my feet feeling cozy. With three girls to look after, I spend a lot of time on my feet!

Occasionally I'll just wear socks but most of the time it's cute slippers. I go through a lot of slippers--just goes to show you I wear them down from being on my feet so much. I ripped my last pair and it was impeccable timing that I was asked by a company called Kushyfoot if I wanted to try out a few footwear products around the same time. I was sent several items and my favorite are the flats to go. They are super light and the padded sole offers built in comfort. I love wearing them around the house daily.

I plan on taking these to the hospital when baby number 4 makes her arrival. Another one of the items I plan on using a lot are the sport foot covers. While breastfeeding will make the pounds come off, I'll still need to exercise to tone everything back up.

They have so many different products to offer and sent me a few more items that I can't wait to wear once I start wearing heels again.

 If you are looking to add some comfort and style to your feet, check them out here!

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

26 Weeks Pregnant!

Total weight gain: I haven't weighed myself in about a week so I'm not sure, but I'm pretty sure my bad M&M habit has me up at least 11 pounds by now. 

Maternity clothes? Yes but not exclusively. I wear some maternity tops. The bottoms are getting pretty tight. 

Stretch marks? No new ones that I can tell. I have a few little ones leftover from my last pregnancy.

Sleep: As usual, at least one of the girls is still climbing into our bed in the middle of the night so yes I'm always tired, and I am getting up at least once to use the restroom.

Best moment this week: She is a busy baby and it's nice to see little limbs poking out and feel them when she leaves them pushing out for a few moments.

Movement: She moves a ton!

Food cravings: Cold M&M's.

Food aversions: Nothing. I had food aversions in the first trimester and part of the second, but once the nausea was gone for good, I was ok.

Labor Signs: Nope! 

Symptoms: I've been more tired than usual these past two weeks, but that's partly stress from the girls giving me a hard time and all the work I've been doing for FHJ. 

Have a great Tuesday!

Birthday Dress

Monday June 1st was my birthday but I got to celebrate the day before as well. I actually spent most of that Sunday working (my request) while H played with the kids, but for dinner H made dinner and had bought a cake so the girls could share in the birthday festivities. On Monday we went out to eat just him and I and it was so nice to get away for a little date! Since moving to Florida away from our families, it's rare we get a date night. I always welcome a day where I get to get dolled up as well. 

Originally I wanted to do a smoky eye look to go with the dress, but I just can't seem to get it right and nixed it instead for a bronzy look. It seems like whenever I try to change up my makeup I feel like I still end up looking the same haha! Does anyone else feel like that?