Whimsey

Take a few moments to smile at the whimsical photos this

Mommy snaps of her little doll each day as she naps. 

Little Mila must be a wonderful napper!  

Mila's Daydreams

Pink Pants

 Last weekend I finally found a few moments to spend with my neglected sewing machine.  I so love to make miniature items for Stella to enjoy!  She seemed pleased with her sassy new pants. 

Every girl needs a pair of pink gauze harem pants for summer!

Maternity Forever

Forever 21 is now officially throwing their hat into the maternity ring.  It is about time they focus their efforts on mamas.  I have bought some of my absolute favorite maternity staples from their regular clothing lines. 

Babydoll dresses ($10)  Long tanks ($4) Lightweight cardigans ($17)

Maternity Offerings

"Maternity" dress

Other fun items

Besitos (Little Kisses)

My friend Delilah of Besitos Photography is an absolute wonder behind the lens.  Her specialties are babies and children; she has a knack for capturing the perfect shot!  The pictures she has taken of Stella are some of the best gifts I've ever received.  I've also spun them into marvelous grandparent gifts thanks to Shutterfly and their vast array of picture projects (canvases, calendars, photo books).  I can't wait to see our new arrival through Delilah's magical lens! 

Even if you don't live in the Dallas area and cannot have Delilah take pictures of your little one, I encourage you to have professional shots taken.  You will cherish them forever!

Work Style

I am now wearing nearly all dresses to work.  Even my trusty maternity jeans and pants no longer fit.  The underside of my projectile-shaped belly is nearly perpendicular to the rest of my body rendering waistbands out of the question. 

I am making the most of my free flowing dresses and creatively layering to make them work-appropriate.  One of the MVP's in my closet lately have been my small but versatile collection of vests.  Layered over a comfy babydoll dress they make a sweet and professional ensemble. 

Here's an example:

Gap Dress

+

Forever 21 Vest

+

Dolce Vita Sandal

=

Perfect summer work outfit!

Doula Delivery

I planned my first birth at a birthing center in Dallas.  It was a charming victorian house with a large, well appointed birthing suite and I so wanted to have my baby there!  Instead, after 12 hours of labor, I was transferred to a nearby hospital due to complications and delivered my sweet girl in the OR.  What I learned from this experience is that you can't really plan your birth experience.  It is very important to go in knowing what you want (induce? epidural?) but you also have to go with the flow. 

Since I have to deliver in the hospital this time, I am considering a doula.  They are essentially a "birth buddy" who will be there with you and your partner the entire time helping out and making sure your needs are met.  Births where a doula is present often result in fewer complications and medical interventions.  While your doctor and nurses will be in and out during delivery, your doula will be with you the entire time offering solutions for pain relief and helping you progress in labor through natural means.  She'll also help take the heat off your husband!

Here is a link to the American Pregnancy Association site and their doula page. 

There are MANY wonderful doulas in the Dallas area.  I recommend at least looking into it.  Insurance generally covers the $300 - $1,000 fee, which is much cheaper than an epidural!

Just can't get enough...

I have always loved fresh cherries, but at this point I would call it more of a craving.  Maybe I'll take some with me for my delivery...they are natures little pain relievers!

"Anthocyanins found in cherries also block inflammatory enzymes, reducing pain. In fact, 20 cherries are 10 times as potent as aspirin and have positive effects on gout and arthritis pain."

Beachy Birthday

Select scenes from Stella's 2nd.

Buy some Clu

Deliciously comfy, Clu pairs contemporary styles with jersey construction.  The result is wildly wearable modern art.  Here are a few looks that would flatter a bump or work well for a busy mommy.  Clu is on sale at Gilt today...enjoy!

Clu $79 - $109

bla bla bla

These adorable little creatures are complete kid magnets.  Stella does not go anywhere without her "Coo Coo" (he's the racoon pictured center).  They have an appeal that is at once old fashioned and modern.  These sweet companions are knitted in Peru using super soft yarns; which explains the extremely high cuddle factor!  Stella's Aunt Alli found Coo Coo at Nordstrom, they can be found online and at many boutique baby stores as well. 

blabla site

My Feet Hurt

It's begun.  It may be the heat, it may be the salty pizza I ate for lunch, but my feet are swelling.  Before I am forced to wear my Reefs to work, I am going to add to my chic flat sandal collection.  My shopping list: metallic, white and brown should cover all the bases!

These are "inspired" by a gorgeous YSL sandal from this season. 

Forever 21 $7.50

The studs say "I may be a mama, but I'm still a badass"

Frye Margot $78

A classic interpretation of the gladiator, these will go with everything!

Belle Sigerson Morrison $147