NEW MOMMA HERE

Holy smokes it's been a long time. I wasn't sure if and when I was going to update my blog, but my dad of all people mention it sometimes that I haven't posted anything since July. July...seems so long ago, but at the same time feels like yesterday.

I didn't have the easiest pregnancy from day one, so naturally my blog fell off the radar. I just didn't have the energy after 12 hour days to think of something witty and unnatural to say so I decided not to force it. I would have been the same thing everyday anyways, I'm tired and I feel fat. Hmph

(37 weeks)

I'm a new mom now! My son, Landon, was born on October 27, 2013 via emergency C-Section. He was 5 days early and came into my world with a bang! I can't tell you how much I read on the internets and in books all about pregnancy and labour. Sometimes reading the same thing over and over again just incase I missed something. I wanted to be prepared for the most trying, physically and emotional time in my life. My biggest mistake was skipping over the C-Section information. I never ever thought I would have to go through one. Oh that will never happen to me...next.

How I wish I hadn't. Here's my story:

My water broke at 4:15 pm on Sunday. I felt and heard a snap then what I know now was my first contraction, then the water then the blood then the frantic call to my sister who told me to call my midwife. Jeannie, my on call midwife, told me to meet her at the hospital at 5:15 and she'd check me out. I thought I'd be sent home like I've read and heard about most people having to do, false labour, let's start your labour at home, you're not ready etc, so I grabbed my hospital bag which I meant to check that day to see that I had everything, just in case. 

Four contractions later my husband and I arrived at the hospital, before the midwife. Waiting for her to arrive, my contractions started coming on stronger and stronger and more frequent. She finally arrived and when she checked me I was 4 cm. You won't be going home. Your baby will be here in hours. OMG. I was so freaked out and unprepared. 

I think no matter how much you try to prepare yourself for the birth of your baby you will never be that prepared. Contractions are no joke. Especially when you don't have hours and hours to gradually work them up. I had a few hours to go from 0 to 9 cm. I didn't have time to think about drugs. At 7 pm I was in the final stage of labour, pushing. I pushed and pushed for three and half hours. I kept saying to my midwife is he almost here? Can you see him? She kept reassuring me, but judging by my husbands face I knew I wasn't getting anywhere. The last straw was when my son's heart rate dropped. She never told me that, my husband told me after and that's when she decided to call in the OBGYN. After what seemed like an hour he finally arrived. He confirmed this baby wasn't  coming out without a little help. He called in the anesthesiologist. When she arrived I was already outside the OR room and in so much pain. She passed me this form and asked me to read it over and sign in 2 spots. Umm ok. That didn't happen haha. I'm not sure how they thought I'd be able to do it, but I understand the legality of it. My signature was a squiggle. 

They gave me a spinal tap. Try doing that while pushing ha! 

I ended up having a C-Section. Forcepts or a vacuum wasn't going to work for this little guy. He had turned OP - Occiput Posterior. He was sunny side up with his head turned to the side while trying to wiggle his way out. 

Landon was born at 11:25 pm. My sweet angel. Forever our lives will be changed.

I hope to post the after the birth update soon :) Thanks for hanging in there! 

xo

27 weeks and 3rd trimester

 Dress: Liz Lange (Target $35) LOVE LOVE her line. I have a few of her dresses. So comfortable and I  can easily where them when I'm not pregnant. I think I'll pick up a few more now that I see they're on clearance!

 Baby boys crib. White, Soft grey, and light blue are the decor colours. Classy and simple.  I also have 5 Aden and Anais muslin blankets. I might have a small obsession. I just love how light they are as well as the simple prints they come in.

My first load of baby's laundry. Loved doing it. I'm more into the simple kind of clothing. Nothing to flashy that screams baby or kid. 

Holy smokes where the heck has the time gone! I cannot believe I am in my 3rd trimester already! To be honest, the last 6 3/4 months have been extremely tough. Sick and tired about sums it up! The growing belly has also taken some getting used to and the growing body. As someone who suffered through anorezia in my teen years this aspect of pregnancy has been tough. I keep telling myself it's all fine and that this needs to happen. I will get right back to the gym as soon as I can to get this baby weight off! 
Coming to terms with I'm going to be a mom soon has also been a mind twister. I'm so excited and I know that all I am going through now is going to be so worth it in the end and I can't wait. 

Here's a little breakdown of my last couple months:

If you've passed by my instagram  page you'll already know that we're having a BOY! B is over the moon about this of course. Of course I am excited too. I envision a lot of suspenders, bow ties, cardigans and Converse. This little boy has already been so fun to shop for. It's funny how I am not as interested in shopping for myself lately. It's all about finding the cutest things for my little prince!

I decided when I found out I was pregnant that I was going to do cloth diapers. My sister in law does it and it doesn't seem like that big of a deal. Not only is it good for the environment, but in the long run it's cheaper and it'll be less stinky for us as our garbage is only picked up once every two weeks. So it's kind of a no brainer. PLUS, have you seen the designs you can get? SO CUTE. If you're wondering I'm mostly getting Tender Tushies. I'm sure I'll try other brands too.

Boy this baby moves a lot. I heard of these stories of woman who are pregnant and you can see there whole stomach move in like waves. Well that's me all the time. I have to cover my tummy up sometimes. I'm not sure if I've felt hiccups yet. Maybe I have, but I have no idea what they feel like. Everything feels like he's doing aerobics in there.

These restless legs and legs cramps are out of control. They happen in the middle of the night. So sleep for me hasn't been good at all.  I'm getting about 2 leg cramps a week (up this past week from 1) and a few days afterwards I'm limping around when I walk. They're pretty intense. And when I don't have them my restless legs feel like they always need a big stretch only stretching never makes them feel better. My feet are swelling hence the flip flops I'm wearing. They are so sore by the time I get home from work. And the lower back pain! I'll be stomping into my office in the next few days with a pillow to put behind me on my chair. I still have another 3 months to go and more weight to gain!

I don't keep a scale at home, but at my last midwives appointment (last week) I was up 17 pounds. My skin has been horrible. Lots of breakouts. My hair isn't too bad. It's growing pretty fast - a little dry. 

My belly button is kinda half out and I can still put my wedding rings on.

That's about it! Sorry I have been away for so long and I don't think posting will be a regular occurrence, but I will when I can. I update photos on my instagram often if you'd like to keep track there.
Oh and PROPS to all you preggers and mama's out there. This pregnancy thing really tests the lengths of your mind and body! This ain't easy!

xo,

Carrie

All preggers hail the maxi

Pregs: 19 weeks 3 days

Jacket: F21

Dress: F21

Shoes: Aldo

Belt: Ardene

Yay for maxi's! I don't think one pregnant lady would disagree. I'll take one in every colour please! My current clothing selection is diminishing each week...sad face. I'm going to miss a lot of my things!

Have a great weekend!

My first kick!

Cardi: Old Navy
Dress: Walmart
Shoes: Ardene
Purse: Aldo
Yesterday, at 18 weeks and and 5 days I felt and SAW my baby angel kick for the first time. It was like a 10 minute stretch full of kicks!. Husband was able to run upstairs and see it himself! It was such a cool thing to experience and to be able to see it for the first time with my husband! At first I wasn't sure what it was because I was just lying down holding my tummy, but when I actually looked I saw it poke out! I really thought that I would be creeped out feeling and seeing it for the first time. Surprisingly, I wasn't at all! It was the cutest little thing ever!
Gosh so sorry for all this baby talk! But I got baby brain! Haha

Hi

 Pregs: 18 weeks

Top: Garage (Old)
Leggings: F21
Shoes: Random
Purse: Ardene

At a loss for words today! Had a great weekend! Especially at my Cousin's baby shower! Being there got me really excited to find out what I'm having in just over 2 weeks! I can't wait to start planning...and shopping!

"Track Pants"

Pregs: 17 weeks, 1 day

Top: F21 

 Pants: F21 (similar)

Shoes: Ardene

Sunnies: Rayban

My husband hates these pants. He says I need to put some socks and runners on and get on the track. Hmph. Next to my leggings, I find these those most comfortable pants I own and I like them.  So they will stay and not end up at the garage sale I am participating in this weekend where he wants them to be. 

Flaunt it!

 16 weeks, 2 days

Skirt and Shoes: F21, 
Top: Garage
Sunnies: Rayban

That's what I am going to do! This is my second day wearing a tighter skirt that really accentuates my baby bump. I thought to myself for about half a second today, I wonder if people are going to judge me for wearing tighter clothes while I'm pregnant.  Half a second I thought about this. Then I thought, screw that, while I don't feel like a big blimp I'm going to flaunt this baby bump!

Little C update

Top and leggings: F21

Shoes: Ardene

Because I really don't like maternity clothes I decided to go to Forever21 to look for some flowy, oversized pieces instead. I feel in love with this top for the lace cuffs and detail on the back. Loove it and it'll be perfect until I get super huge.

I find most maternity clothes super boring. Since I'll be growing throughout the summer time, I'm going to stick to maxis and flowy tops and dresses.

*Baby update*

I'm 15 weeks today. I had my second midwives appointment earlier in the day. Baby is doing great! Heard that magical sound, the heart beat. Makes me love little C that much more.

Weight gain: 4 pounds

My appetite is slowly coming back. Thank goodness. As much as I don't want to snack snack snack I know it's what the baby needs. I'm really trying to push myself to eat more throughout the day, but I'm not going to lie, it's hard! Espeically on weekends. I find weekends are the most difficult for me to not skip breakfast and to snack throughout the day.

Sleeping has sucked. Besides it being hot I just can't get comfortable. Boobies hurt, back hurts, the usual.

A wild three months, baby

Jacket: Abercrombie (Ebay-Old), Dress:  ASOS, Leggings: Ardene, Shoes: Random Store, Belt: Thrifted

Oh hi there! Boy (or girl-hehe) that was a long break!

To cut to the point, I'M PREGNANT! I'm 13 weeks along now and in my second trimester.

I didn't think I was going to take such a long break, but as it turned out my little nugget, now a little lemon, wasn't making it an easy first trimester for me. It was awful. I could barely dress myself each day. Due this October!

So lets break it down:

First trimester

Morning sickness. For me, it was not morning sickness. It was all day sickness. Some mornings and evenings I would break down and cry because I couldn't take it any longer. Usually when I am sick I can just power through it without letting it get me down. But this has been near impossible. I did as best as I could and only ended up missing one day of work. Looking back, I probably should have taken more time off and taken care of myself because going to work was torture.  Car sickness crept up on me. This is the worst 'cause I can't just stop wherever I want on a busy highway. So we keep a container in the car just in case. I know there are medications you can take to help with your nausea, but I decided I wanted to try not using them and instead use Sea Bands which thank god my cousin's wife recommended. These things definitely take the edge off.  I forgot them the other day and actually barfed in the car. Yes sorry TMI.

Recently, I am doing better. I don't have nausea all day, just TIRED with the occasional sickness as well as the constant motion sickness in the car.

Eating: Not everyone is the same, but I have not started eating for 2. I heard that's a myth anyways. I actually think I might be eating a little less now than when I wasn't pregnant. It probably has something to do with the nausea and being so darn tired all the time. Either way, if my babes is healthy I'll be happy not to pack on the extra weight like some others do. My mid-wife told me a healthy weight gain for me and my body type would be 25-30lbs, so I'll try and keep it in that range. I do not want the stress over having to lose so much extra weight after I have the baby.  I've also cut down on my caffeine intake. Funny enough though, I'm totally turned off regular coffee and tea. Yuck. Makes my tummy turn even thinking about it. I used to LOVE coffee and couldn't live without it. Now I have a French Vanilla from Tim Hortons every other day. Oh and Lays Dill Pickle Chips.I crave those sometimes. Speaking of cravings, I've had them, but I don't go crazy over getting them. One of them being Jamocha Almond Fudge Ice Cream from Baskin Robbins. I haven't caved in yet.  I probably will soon though.

Aversions:  The smell of cigarette smoke sends me over the edge -barf. and Car exhaust -barf.

Exercise: Because my husband and I both drive in to work Downtown together we park near his work and I walk instead of taking the bus the rest of the way to my work. It's about a 25 to 30 min walk. So I use that as my exercise. Because half of it is up hill, it is starting to take me a bit longer, I'm out of breath! Sometimes I feel like I just ran a marathon! When the weather gets nicer, I'll hopefully add in a swims a couple times a week.

All in all I'm hoping that everyone is right when saying the second trimester is a breeze. I'm still waiting on this breeze part, but so far it's better than the first.

Thanks for sticking with me on my break.  I'm pretty excited to paste on some maternity clothing soon! Thank god maxi dresses and skirts are so in right now!

Heart tops

Sweater: Target 

Dress: F21 (old)

Shoes: F21 (sold out)

Tights: H&M
Glasses: Zenni

This sweater reminds me of when I was in grade 8 in 1996. I used to love tops with a big ol' heart in the middle.When I saw this it was an immediate awwww 1996 is back.

Anyways, I might take a couple weeks off of blogging. As you can tell I haven't been blogging as much as I used to. I'm finding it difficult to get any inspiration for cute outfits let alone words to go along with them. Blogging is a lot of work and I know you all know this already.
I'll still be hanging around and creepin' other blogs, I'm just going to take some time for myself.
Thanks so much for all your continued support!
See you all next month!
xoxo

Baby got back

Top: F21 (similar)

Skirt: Wet Seal

Shoes: F21
That's what came to mind when I saw these photos haha!
Happy Hump Day!

Saturday's outfit

Cardi: Thrifted

Tank : (Dynamite)(Old)

Leggings: Ardene

Shoes: F21 (sold out)

Clutch: Marc Jacobs

Hello! How was your weekend?

Mine was super busy! This outfit was acutally worn on my night out on Saturday. We had a box at the Abbotsford Heat hockey game so I wanted to be a little dressy, but comfy at the same time. We went to The Keg for dinner first so I wanted to wear something that allowed me to enjoy a little too much bread and my dinner. The Keg bread is so darn good!
Thanks for reading!

Quick hello!

Blazer and Top: H&M, Leggings: Ardene, Shoes: Walmart

Wide awake at 4 am leaves me with a dead brain!

Happy Monday!

Brandy Melville

 Top/Dress: Brandy Melville, Cardi: Thrifted,  Leggings: H&M,  Shoes: F21,  Jewelry: Micheal Hill/Aldo

Why on earth did it take me so long to really look in this store? I knew in the back of my mind that it was always on Granville, but I'd always skip it and go into Urban Outfitters which is right next door. However, a couple weeks ago my sister said she wanted to go so I went with her (it's right down the street from my work) and I also started to follow them on Instagram. I'm so glad I did. I'm in love with this store and the cute outfits they put together. A little on the pricey side for really basic items, but you can find some good stuff at reasonable prices. Like this "Jade Dress" which I scored for $32. It's so cute. You can't see it, but it's got an open back which I will love in the summer time when it's all hot and sticky and I'll pair it with some cute white shorts or something.
(Side note, I found a big hole in the dress today, I quickly ran over to the store to see if they'd do an exchange for me without my receipt, and they did!) 

Oh hi there, Monday

Jacket: F21,  Dress: F21 (old),  Cardi: Thrifted, Tights: H&M,  Sneakers: Topshop
Who decided that a weekend was going to be Saturday and Sunday? And who decided that it would only be 2 days? 

 By the time I got all my errands done on Saturday it was the evening time and that much closer to Sunday. I don't really think Sunday counts as a day off because I kinda stress that's its almost that dreaded Monday. Sunday I have to finish all the errands that I didn't get done on Saturday (like grocery shopping), tidy the house, go to bed early, blah blah blah. Sunday = no Funday. 2 days is just not enough.

Last "long" weekend was a 3 day weekend and it was the best. 3 days is just enough. I got everything done that I needed to get done, visited with almost all my family members and by Monday evening I felt totally refreshed. 

Countdown is on until the next "long" weekend. End of March Ugh

Thirfting gold and Giveaway Winner

Coat: Thrifted (Talula Babaton),  Dress: c/o Sugarlips,  Shoes: Forever 21,  Tights: H&M

So my sister always goes thrifting right down the street from her house and she always comes back with the most amazing finds! I decided the next time I was out there I'd go with her. 

When I finally did, I found this coat. I'm sure all you fashionistas know the store Aritzia. Well I scored this Talula Babaton jacket for 20 bucks. 20 bucks! And there's nothing wrong with it. I tried to find a similar coat to link up, but there isn't any as it's end of season. You can have a look at their website here.

And the winner of the INPINK bracelet is:

@Sweet Melissa - http://sweetstylesbymelissa.blogspot.com
LOVE your outfit! The colors are fab! Oh and those shoes!
Awesome givaway! I am following via Bloglovin and GFC.
Loving the black bracelet!
GOOD LUCK TO ME!

Congrats Love!  I'll send you an email for your info shortly!

Thanks to everyone who entered!

Happy Valentine's Day <3>

Would love me some LA

Cardigan: Chicwish, Top: Old Navy, Jeggings: Garage, Boots: Hunter

Boy, imma lookin a little white! Gosh it's hard living in Canada sometimes! I'm definitely craving some LA sun!