Trend Spin Linkup- Leggings

Pinkblush denim tunic (sold out) // Old Navy tank // White Plum Leggings // Tory Burch Flats // Kendra Scott Earrings // JCREW belt (similar) // Michele watch

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog! Today I am co-hosting the Trend Spin Linkup with Laura from Walking in Memphis in High Heels and Erin from The Fashion Canvas. The trend this week is leggings. I can't tell you how many pairs of leggings I own. Pregnant or not, leggings just rock. Bottom line. They are comfortable and it's fun to pick statement leggings to jazz up an outfit. White Plum has the best leggings if you are looking for statement leggings. So make sure you head over to their website and check them out. And because White Plum is so amazing, they have offered 25% off to my readers today! Use code 25OFFLINKUP until 12/19. Make sure you take advantage! Either for Christmas gifts or for yourself. Every girl needs to splurge occasionally!

Come link up with us and show off your favorite leggings!

An InLinkz Link-up

8

Trend Spin Linkup - Boots & Booties

Target maternity dress (similar) // Target vest // Bourbon and Boots scarf // Tory Burch purse (similar) // Nordstrom BP boots // Rocksbox bracelet and earrings

I am linking up with Walking in Memphis in High Heels and The Fashion Canvas for Trendspin Link Up. This week is boots and booties and I'm loving this look for the fall. I picked up my boots from Nordstrom and the price tag wasn't bad either!

Make sure you stop by next Tuesday and I will be hosting Trendspin Linkup with the girls. The style is leggings and I can't wait to share my favorite Christmas leggings with you!

6

Coping and Hoping During the Holidays

The holiday season brings a mixed bag of emotions for couples having difficulty getting pregnant: there’s the joy and hope that comes naturally with the season, but so is the fear and dread of having to answer that awfully nosy question at family gatherings: “So, when are you going to have kids?” Add into that mix the rush of office holiday parties, surprise pregnancy announcements, and child-centric holiday traditions everywhere, the holidays can be a truly tough time when you’re experiencing infertility or loss.

Here are four ways to both cope and hope during this holiday season. 

1. Focus on the gifts you share with your partner. 

Trying to conceive can be a trying time indeed, especially so if you’ve been diagnosed with fertility issues and are currently seeking treatment. It can be a draining process: physically, emotionally, spiritually. Make some quality one-on-one time with your partner this holiday season. Instead of focusing on all the stress of your journey so far, just focus on and celebrate each other. Remember and indulge in why you started this journey together in the first place. 

2. Be kind to yourself. 

You might be giving plenty of gifts to others, but give yourself the gift of self-care this holiday season. If showing up to holiday parties is a must, you’ll be using plenty of emotional reserves to get through them, so refuel your heart and mind with something that makes you feel awesome: spa day, mani-pedi, or even just curling up on the couch watching your favorite movie, uninterrupted. This holiday season, put yourself at the top of your gift list. 

3. Politely decline those holiday invitations. 

RSVPs don’t always mean you have to show up; there’s a reason “regretfully decline” is always an option. Sometimes you just don’t have the emotional energy to deal with colleagues, coworkers, or even family. Think of declining those invites as just another way of being kind to yourself as an act of self-preservation. And if you’ve already said yes but realize it’s too much, remember: no one questions a stomach bug. 

4. Celebrate and honor your journey. 

The holiday season marks another turn of the year – a season of endings and beginnings. Make peace with the close of this year and everything you’ve experienced – and then focus on your goals for the New Year.

This holiday season, Aspire Fertility wants to grant the ultimate holiday wish for five hopeful parents with their #AspireToHope IVF Raffle: up to FIVE lucky winners will receive a 50% discounted IVF cycle at Aspire Fertility’s Houston, TX clinic, opening in January 2016!

To enter, simply visit http://www.aspirefertility.com.

Entries will be open through December 31, 2015. 

Learn more and connect with Aspire Fertility on Facebook and Twitter. 

8

Rocksbox {1 month free giveaway!}

Have you heard of Rocksbox?

I hadn't either, but I am so glad I know about them now because I am hooked!

Rocksbox gives you unlimited access to rent from an ever-rotating closet of designer jewelry that you don't have to buy.

You sign up, add pieces to your wish list, get 3 pieces of jewelry on loan in the mail, then return the pieces to get 3 new pieces. Shipping is free both ways!

If you decide that you like one of the pieces, you can purchase them! Each month you have $10 in Shine Spend to apply towards a purchase AND they give you discounted price.

Here are the pieces I was sent this month. And let's just say, my stylist gets me COMPLETELY. I love all 3 pieces.

Sophie Harper

Layered Disc Necklace

Price $65 || Insider Price $52

Kendra Scott

Sophee Drop Earrings in Gold

Price $50 || Insider's Price $40

Margaret Elizabeth

Teardrop Bangle in Chrysoprase

Price $88 || Insider Price $66

Here's the great news! Rocksbox has offered my readers 1 FREE month to try them out! 

Use the code asandersonxoxo to receive 1 free month!

If you love it, you can continue receiving jewelry for $19/month.

If you aren't impressed even though I know you will be, you can easily cancel your membership and then you got free jewelry for a month!

What are you waiting for? Click here to sign up. I promise you'll thank me later.

1

Body Image + Pregnancy

Body image is something I think all women deal with. And when you are pregnant I think it gets worse.

I wrote a very similar post to this one back in February 2014, but it is ringing true again now so I thought I would repost it.

I can tell you when I was my most fit. It was in 2011. I had just ran my first half marathon and was consistently running and working out. I loved how I looked. These pictures are some of my favorite, but they also are tough to look at because I don't look like that anymore.

I think in my mind I still picture myself this way, but then I see pictures of myself now and realize that things have changed.

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't change any of the past 4 years. Those years may have been trying, but they brought us Raegan and Hudson. Even though I am grateful for both of my babies, it doesn't mean I don't struggle.

I am not complaining of gaining weight. As someone who has struggled with conceiving, I will never complain about anything associated with pregnancy. I know I need to to keep my baby healthy, but it doesn't mean I don't struggle with it every time I look in the mirror.

Then I realized that I was worshipping myself and my body. God created me and my body in his most perfect image. And I am stomping all over that.

I have become obsessed with how I look, what people think of me, and how much weight I'm gaining.

I would sit and look at my bump update pictures and touch up my double chin and try to figure out how to position my face for the next week's picture to eliminate that double chin! The maddness must stop!

It has to stop. The self destructive talk of how fat my face looks or the fact that my bum and boobs are literally doubled in size has to stop.

So to counter act the negative feelings, I have made a list of things I plan on putting into action ASAP.

1. Be thankful.

I am pregnant. God has blessed Kyle and I with a second baby that we have been praying for for a very long time. And I never want to seem ungrateful for this amazing gift.

2. Get up and move!

For the past 3 weeks I have been getting myself back into baby boot camp (3 times a week) and making myself work out. I may not feel like it, but I know that it's important for me and for my baby. If the gym is too much for you, then just get active! A walk around the block once a day is enough!

3. Be kind.

I need to start telling myself I'm beautiful and believing it. God has made me the way that I am and He does not make mistakes. I need to remind myself of this when those thoughts creep into my mind. And when Kyle tells me I'm beautiful, I need to believe it!

4. Spoil myself.

My body is changing constantly and I've decided that once a month I am going to purchase an outfit that fits me at that point in my pregnancy. We need to feel pretty at every stage of our pregnancy and having clothes that fit right and look right is so important! I hate sitting in my closet wanting to cry because nothing fits!

5. Give myself more grace.

My body is changing! It's supposed to! Things are supposed to get bigger and ya know what? It's ok! I am beautiful and you better believe I'm going to rock this bump and my gigantic tatas! :)

6. Pray.

I need to give my insecurities to the Lord. He is the only one who can make me feel better about myself and who make me see how beautiful I really am!

Will you join me in this plan? Even if you are not pregnant, but are dealing with body image. Every woman deals with her body image at some point in her life and we need to rally together and remind each other of how beautiful we are no matter our size!

9

Oh hey, Friday! {24 week bump update}

And another week has come to a close.

Hallelujah!

Linking up with the farmer's wife and September Farm for today's post!

1

First up, Halloween! It had been raining the whole week before and we worried about even getting to go trick-or-treating, but the rain held off for us. Thank goodness!

Raegan was a Cabbage Patch Doll.

Just try and take my candy. I dare ya!

 I whip my hair back and forth, I whip my hair back and forth!

 Couldn't have been any cuter!

2

Monday was the anniversary of our first IVF. One of the best and scariest times of my life. Waiting to find out if we were going to be parents was excruciating, but in the end, we have blessed beyond measure by this little one and we can't wait to welcome her baby brother in February.

3

Hudson's nursery is in full swing decoration mode! We are going with a vintage baseball theme. I've been working on some prints to hang and I'm completely in LOVE!

4

I have decided to get behind the camera and do a fun Christmas photo shoot with Raegan. I am using this picture from Pinterest for inspiration.

My dad is a truck buff and is a part of a truck club in the area. He found a member who had a red truck that we can use. I can't wait to post the pictures and share all the fun outfits!

5

24 weeks. Holy moly. I can't believe we are moving right along to the 3rd trimester!

How far along? 24 weeks

Raegan's 24 week bump update

Total weight gain: 20 pounds. Can you see it in my face? Ugh. Was hoping to keep at least my face from blowing up.

Maternity clothes? you betcha.

Stretch marks? nothing yet.

Sleep: I'm sleeping well lately except for getting up to pee.

Best moment this week: Nothing too special this week.

Miss anything? sushi. End of story.

Food cravings: Everything? I want food ALL.THE.TIME! Guess the 20 pound gain shouldn't be so shocking.

Anything making you queasy or sick? not really anymore.

Gender: Sweet baby boy! Our sweet Hudson.

Labor signs: Braxton hicks have began in my lower belly. Not bad, but definitely can feel them. And heart burn has begun. Maybe he will have a lot of hair?

Symptoms: Lots of stretching, peeing all the time, heartburn occasionally, and braxton hicks.

Belly button in or out? In! But it's starting to pop a little.

Wedding rings on or off: On.

Happy or moody most of the time: I'm feeling moody lately. I know I'm growing a baby, but I'm struggling with my weight gain. I'm working out and trying to eat better. I guess I'm just one of the gals who puts on a lot during pregnancy.

Looking forward to: the holidays for sure!

How's Dad doing? He's doing good! We started decorating Hudson's nursery so the financial side of that may be stressing him out a bit ;)

5

Baby Registry Must Haves Series {Bath}

Raegan loves bath time. Ever since she was little. Splashes around and doesn't mind having water poured over her head one bit. I'm glad bath time is a non stress time. She looks forward to it every day!

1. Blooming Bath- This insert fits right in the sink and gives a little cushion for baby to sit on. We started using it once Raegan could sit up. The only downside is that it holds onto a lot of water! So make sure you wring it out real well and throw it in the dryer after every use!

2. Summer Infant Bath Sling- We didn't have this for Raegan, but will be great for Hudson. It's small enough to put in the bath tub with Raegan so I can bathe them at one time.
3. Summer Infant Tub- We were very lucky to have one of these tubs sent home with us from the hospital. The sling part is meant for newborns then it can be removed when baby gets bigger. We bathed Raegan in this for the first 4 months of her life. Then she started splashing like crazy and it was time to transition to the sink with the Blooming Bath. We probably won't use this as much with Hudson since I plan to bathe both the babes together and this is a little big for the bathtub. But it is perfect for someone who is just bathing 1 babe.
4. Just Born Washclothes- Love these wash clothes. Small enough to use all over the house too. We use them when she has a cold too. Perfect for wiping noses.
5. Aden and Anais Bath Towel- These towels are warm and absorbent. They are perfect for newborn size babies.
6. Nuby Bath Tub Toys- Raegan loves these guys! She loves sticking them on the wall and chewing on them. Great for teething!

I hope my "Baby Registry Must Haves" series has been helpful! Be on the look out for "Hospital Bag Must Haves" in the next couple weeks!

3

Baby Registry Must Haves Series {Play}

Glad to have you back today for the 4th installment of the "Baby Registry Must Haves" Series. Today we are focusing on play. Now when baby is little, they don't really "play" much, but these items allowed baby to engage either with the item or allowed baby to just chill.

Mamaroo- This little guy is the best! We loved having it to help us get Raegan to sleep when she was little. She would take multiple hour naps in it and it also includes white noise and an iphone dock to play music from your iphone.
Fisher Price Deluxe Bouncer- So here is why I love this piece. It's small and travel size. It's a great little bouncer to take places like the grandparents or friends houses when you need something for baby to sleep in or hang out in.
Skip Hop Playmat- Raegan loved laying on her mat and swatting at the animals hanging over her. Love it!
Baby Einstein Activity Jumper- This item was the best when Raegan started sitting up. It gave me a place to allow her to jump her energy out while I made dinner, did my make up, or took a shower. Once she learned how to walk though, the appeal of this piece was gone. Girlfriend wanted to be mobile!
Bumbo- This was a great little piece to have around to help Raegan practice sitting up and we used it as a high chair when we started trying solids.
Chewbeads- When Raegan was teething these necklaces were the best! I could wear them around my neck and she would go to town. Chewing and drooling.
Sophie- Raegan didn't have one of these, but I've heard great things, so I'd love to try it with Hudson.

Join me tomorrow for the "bath" portion of the series!

7

Baby Registry Must Haves Series {Sleep}

Sleep is a toughy and I swear I've used pretty much every item recommended to me to help Raegan sleep. Since she had sleep apnea we did have to do a few extra things for her because it wasn't good for her to sleep on her back. Swaddling was a life saver for us which is why I have more than 1 type on this list. I know I'm set for when Hudson arrives because we have tried everything with Raegan!

1. Graco Pack 'n Play- This is a necessity. Well at least in our house it was. It has this amazing bassinet that can be removed and placed anywhere in the house. Kitchen, bathroom, living room, or anywhere else you need baby to be. And the attached changing table makes it just perfect to put in your bedroom before baby moves to their nursery.

2. Fisher Price Rock 'n Play- Raegan quickly grew out of her bassinet in her pack 'n play and the rock n' play was the next step. She slept in it until she was 4 months old. For awhile next to our bed then around 3 months we moved her into her nursery. Then transitioned to her crib around 4 months.

3. Halo Bassinest- I've heard this guy is the bomb! It sits right next to your bed and has a side that bends down so you can easily bring baby into bed to nurse, then back into the bassinest. AND the dockatot (the next item) fits in in perfectly!

4. DockATot- This guy is NEW NEW NEW! And I want one! Must have, I don't know. But for me, I want it! I like the idea of the bassinest, but I know baby would need to feel snuggled and comfy, which is where the dockatot comes in. Keeps baby nice and snug and can be moved to their crib when they are ready too! 

EDITED: Now that Hudson has been born, I can't say enough good things about it. You can move it anywhere so baby can sleep anywhere. Including when we aren't at home. He can easily sleep anywhere. It's kind of like his lovey. I am actually getting the next size up next week. It is a little pricey, but worth it and can be used over again for future babies.

5. Summer Infants Monitor- For me a monitor is a top must have. I like being able to look at Raegan whenever I need and I can link multiple cameras to the video monitor so all we have to do is buy another camera for Hudson's room.

6. Angel Care- Raegan had severe sleep apnea when she was little and worried about not breathing throughout the night. With her sleeping in the rock 'n play she was elevated which helped her breathe, but when she moved to the crib and chose to sleep on her tummy, I was a wreck, until Angel Care. It goes under the mattress and detects if baby stops breathing. An alarm goes off so you can attend to baby right away. I'm sure we will use it with Hudson too when we move him to his crib.

7. Aden and Anais Swaddles- I loved wrapping Raegan in these. Now girlfriend was way too good at breaking free, so we didn't use these to sleep in, but we used these for naps and in the carseat. She was a summer baby and these were thin enough that she didn't get too hot.

8. SwaddleMe Swaddles- These were the best! They velcro and baby is nice and snug!

9. The Miracle Blanket- Once Raegan started breaking out of her swaddle we moved to the miracle blanket. If you have a houdini who can get out of any swaddle, this is the answer to your prayer. It's like a double swaddle. Baby's arms are swaddled down next to them then swaddled around them. It does take some practice to get it right, but once you do, it's all worth!

10. Boppy Lounger- This is a great little pillow for baby to hang out on and take cat naps on. Especially when they are a new born.

11. HoMedics Sound Spa- Raegan is 15 months and still sleeps with this one. She loves it and it helps drown out any extra noise around the house. For Hudson, poor guy, it'll be drowning out Raegan's screams more than likely.

12. Wubanub- This paci is the best! I loved the little stuffed animal on the end because when she was first born, I could swaddle it into her swaddle and it would keep the paci in her mouth. Then it kind became her thing, her wubi as we called it. She was never found without it.

13. The Ollie Wrap- This is not an item we've used yet, but I've heard great things, so I'd love to try it with Hudson.

Make sure you stop by tomorrow for the "play" Must Haves Series!

11

Freshly Picked Giveaway

If you've been following me for any length of time, you know I love Freshly Picked Moccasins. I was hesitant at first to purchase a pair for Raegan though. They have a pretty price tag, but I promise you they are WORTH it!

The quality is top notch and Raegan loves to wear them. When she was learning to walk they were perfect because the sole moved with her as she learned. And now that she's running everywhere they still are amazing. They don't fall apart and the only reason I move onto another pair is because she grows out of them.

Most of the time I've stuck to neutral colors like Platinum or Birch for Raegan because it goes with everything.

bows// Sweet t Shoppe

sunshine onesie// Paperdoll Clothing Co.

bloomers// Little Maggie Moo

grey t-shirt// Tink & Key

bow// Sweet T Shoppe

shirt// Target

Bloomers// Kennedy's Collection

This time I decided to be a little adventurous with the neon pink. I'm glad I did because they are beautiful!

The next question I always get is, how can you afford to continue buying them over and over as baby's feet grow so fast?

Insert the most amazing Freshly Picked group ever!

I found them on Facebook and they are fab! In this group members can list moccasins that their kids have grown out of and sell to other moms who's kiddo is in that size. I've bought multiple pairs this way and have sold some too! So pretty much you're just selling to buy the next size up. Click on the picture and join the group. I promise you'll thank me later.

Hudson's first pair (weathered brown) were purchase from this group. Freshly Picked just recently started offering crib moccs that are teeny tiny and are oh so cute and necessary for a baby boy's first pair of shoes.

For those who still aren't sure about these amazing moccs, you are in luck!

I am GIVING AWAY 1 pair right here! Get entered and a winner will be announced here on this post in 1 week on October 31. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

49

22 week bump update

How far along? 22 weeks

Raegan's 22 week bump update

Total weight gain: 20 pounds. Holy moly. My only guess is it's going to by belly and chest. Goodness gracious.

Maternity clothes? you betcha.

Stretch marks? The two that showed up have gone away. I use bio oil and it's a lifesaver.

Sleep: I'm up multiple times a night having to pee so I've been feeling very tired lately.

Best moment this week: Hudson gave out a little kick for Kyle!

Miss anything? sushi. End of story.

Food cravings: Everything? I want food ALL.THE.TIME! Guess the 20 pound gain shouldn't be so shocking.

Anything making you queasy or sick? not really anymore.

Gender: Sweet baby boy! Our sweet Hudson.

Labor signs: Braxton hicks have began in my lower belly. Not bad, but definitely can feel them.

Symptoms: Lots of stretching, peeing all the time, heartburn occasionally, and braxton hicks.

Belly button in or out? In! And I don't think it will ever pop. It's the deepest inney ever!

Wedding rings on or off: On.

Happy or moody most of the time: Feeling a little down with how much weight I've gained, but all I can do is eat better and continue working out. We will see how it goes.

Looking forward to: Halloween! I can't wait to share what Raegan's going to be dressed up as. Any guesses?

Also, I'll be having a giveaway on the blog for a pair of Freshly Picked moccasins. You don't want to miss it!

How's Dad doing? He's so excited he felt baby Hudson kick!

103

Baby Registry Must Haves Series {Feeding}

So glad to have you back for my "Baby Registry Must Have Series". Yesterday we talked about my must haves for travel. Today I am talking about must haves for feeding.

This list is for the breastfeeding mama and the bottle feeding mama. Most of the items I used with Raegan, and some items I'm hoping to use with Hudson like the My Breast Friend pillow and the Milk Snob nursing cover.

1. Boppy- This pillow is great for nursing or bottle feeding. It can also be used for tummy time when baby is practicing holding its head up.

2. My Breast Friend Pillow- Since I didn't get to breastfeed with Raegan I'm putting this on here in hopes it'll be great for breastfeeding Hudson. I've heard great reviews.

3. The Windi- Get this. You'll thank me later. This was a lifesaver for us when Raegan was tiny and had tummy problems. It's a little catheter that goes in baby's bottom to help release air or umm the other stuff. And watch out. Because when it's the other stuff, you don't want to be in the line of fire. Lesson learned.

4. Gas Relief Drops- We liked the gas drops more than the gripe water. The amount she had to take was less and you could it up to like 10-12 times a day, which we never got close to, but it was nice to know we couldn't OD on it.

5. Countertop Drying Rack- Since Raegan was exclusively bottom fed we needed somewhere for the bottles to dry. Instead of putting it on the counter, Kyle drilled holes in the bottom tray, and we placed it in our side sink. It fit perfectly and wasn't an eye sore in the kitchen.

6. Milk Snob Nursing Cover- Remember seeing this guy on the travel section as a car seat cover? Well you did! And guess what? It can double as nursing cover. Sold.

7.  Dr. Brown's Bottle Warmer- LOVE this wamer! We had the Cuisenart warmer and quickly switched to this one because it has a water reservoir that you fill up on the side. That way you don't have to fill it up with water each time you need it.

8. Dr. Brown's Bottles- There are tons of bottles to choose from and each baby is different. Raegan was on a special bottle until after her cleft palate surgery then we used these. I'm hoping Hudson likes them too. If not, like I said, there are tons of bottle options out there.

9. Green Sprouts Drip Drop Bibs- These bibs are the bomb dot com! They have a collar around them that helps with the milk dribble. Raegan would get a red ring around her neck from milk getting caught ahd it was almost impossible to get rid of until we got these amazing bibs. Cleared it up right away.

I know that was a lot, but I couldn't leave any of them off because they were all so helpful! 

I'm taking a break tomorrow since it's bump update day. Head back on Monday to hear my must haves for sleep.

6

Baby Registry Must Haves Series {Travel}

As I'm now more than half way through this pregnancy it's time to start thinking about everything we need for this sweet baby. Lots of what we got for Raegan we can reuse, but there are a few things I want to add to our home for baby #2.

All of the items I'm listing are items we have in our house and they proved to be must haves. Then a few items I'm wanting to try out for Hudson.

I will say if you're reading this and you are pregnant with your first, you can read all of the "baby registry" posts you can get your hands on, but once baby is here is when you will really realize what works for you.

Yes, having these posts to read were a life saver for me, which is what I hope this post is for you, but just know, you won't get everything you need before baby comes.

I can't tell you how many times Kyle and I went to our local Buy Buy Baby store in search of the next item we needed that we hadn't thought about before she arrived.

I'm hoping this time around I can use what I learned with Raegan and skip the many many trips to the store.

When I started complying everything I loved I realized I needed to break up these posts. I don't want them to be overwhelming at all so I've decided to do a "Baby Registry Must Have Series" and will post all of my must haves for travel, feeding, sleep, play, and bath separately.

Also, keep in mind that every baby is different. What works for 1 baby may not work for another. So don't worry if you have to try a few different types of items before finding the one your baby loves. These are just what have worked for us.

So first up in the series are my must have for travel.

1. Britax Car Seat- When we registered for a car seat with Raegan we didn't really have a preference, but once she was here I was glad we got this one. Some of the infant car seats are too plush and when baby gets bigger, they get really cramped. So this was a nice middle ground between the two.

2. Britax Car Seat Insert- While Raegan was tiny we used this insert to help secure her a little better and keep her head from falling over. Once she didn't need it, we took it out and put the Britax insert that came with the carseat back in.

3. Brica Backseat Mirror- I love being able to look in my rearview mirror and see my baby. This mirror goes on the back of the headrest on the seat that baby's carseat is installed in. Now that Raegan is older she can see my reflection in the mirror too and it helps 

4. City Select Baby Jogger- what I love about this stroller is that it's a single stroller when you need it to me and then when you're ready to turn it into a double stroller, all you need are the attachments and another chair. AND you can also get attachments for it to hold your infant car seat. Or if you want the bassinet attachment you can use that too, when baby is really little. Yes, the price tag is high, BUT you never have to buy another stroller again! It was well worth it in my opinion.

5. Solly Wrap- This wrap is the best when the baby is itty bitty. It does take a little practice to get the hang of tying it, but once you do, baby will be a happy camper. When Raegan was little she was take her naps in it or when she was super cranky and I needed to get stuff done she'd just hang out on my chest, happy as can be!

6. Ergo 360 Baby Carrier- We have the regular Ergo carrier from when I had Raegan, but I love this one, because baby can face forward or towards you. Raegan loves looking out so I wish they had had this one when I had her because she wasn't a fan of the Ergo we have now.

7. Milk Snob Car Seat cover- This thing is so cool! It just stretches right over the carseat and voila! Baby is protected from the wind and maybe any wandering hands that want to touch baby.

8. HoMedics Sound Spa On the Go- This little guy was so nice to have when Raegan was itty bitty and we were in a noisy place. I'd turn on the white noise and she'd be good to go. No outside sound bothered her at all.

I hope this post was helpful as you plan for your little one. Join me tomorrow for the feeding must haves of the series.

4

21 week bump update

How far along? 21 weeks

Raegan's 21 week bump update (we were on our cruise, no update)

Total weight gain: 12 pounds so far. I have an appointment next Thursday so we will see how much more I've gained.

Maternity clothes? you betcha.

Stretch marks? The two that showed up have gone away. I use bio oil and it's a lifesaver.

Sleep: Sleep is great!

Best moment this week: Hudson has been very active and my mom was the first to feel him kick! He's the most active from 9-10pm and he's like a baby ninja!

Miss anything? sushi. End of story.

Food cravings: Everything? I want food ALL.THE.TIME!

Anything making you queasy or sick? not really anymore.

Gender: Sweet baby boy! Our sweet Hudson.

Labor signs: better not be!

Symptoms: Stretching of the muscles on the top of my stomach on the right are seriously terrible. They seriously take me to the ground. Happens mostly when I'm picking up and putting Raegan down. Can't really avoid doing that so I just try to do it carefully.

Belly button in or out? In! And I don't think it will ever pop. It's the deepest inney ever!

Wedding rings on or off: On.

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy. I've loved feeling baby every day now. Helps ease my worries. Having had a loss before and dealt with infertility, I don't think I will ever stop worrying until that baby is in my arms.

Looking forward to: Halloween! I can't wait to share what Raegan's going to be dressed up as. Any guesses?

Also, I'll be having a giveaway on the blog for a pair of Freshly Picked moccasins. You don't want to miss it!

How's Dad doing? He's ready to feel his little guy kick!

5

The Rainbow After the Storm

October is pregnancy/infant loss awareness month and today (October 15) is the day we honor all of those babies who were gone to soon by lighting a candle at 7pm in remembrance of them and leaving it lit for an hour. We will be lighting a candle for our sweet Petri tonight. Petri is the nickname Kyle gave our first baby. So instead of naming him/her after the loss, we kept Petri.

Even through the heartache of losing our first pregnancy, I can't help but thank God for his amazing plan when I look at our sweet Raegan. Our rainbow baby. Even through the heartache, there were blessing along the way. And she was definitely one of them.

What is a rainbow baby you ask? Rainbow babies are born after the loss of a previous child.

The heartache we endured from hearing we may never be parents, to getting pregnant on our own, to losing that baby, is something I never wish on anyone.

But it was during that time that God was working in me. I will admit I was angry. Very angry. How could God take away the 1 thing Kyle and I had been praying for for so long?

It was the Infertility bible study I took in the fall of 2013 that really started opening my eyes to God's love for me. He hurt with me. He mourned with me and not once did He leave my side. He had a plan and a reason for all of it.

I realized that God was using our story to help encourage others and bring glory to Him. This little blog of mine has become such a sweet place for me. Telling my story and sharing our ups and downs along the way. In hopes that it would bring others hope and that they would find comfort and peace in knowing that the Lord has His hand in all of it.

Yes, now being on the other side it is easier, but the feelings of being right in the middle of it all are still so fresh and I don't think I will ever forget them.

I read a quote recently that has stuck with me.

It is understood that the beauty of a rainbow does not negate the ravages of any storm. When a rainbow appears, it does not mean that the storm never happened or that we are not still dealing with it’s aftermath. It means that something beautiful and full of light has appeared in the midst of the darkness and clouds. Storm clouds may still hover, but the rainbow provides a counterbalance of color, energy and hope.

I pray for anyone who is still waiting on their rainbow baby. That they would feel the peace and comfort from God that only He can give. I understand your anger and frustration. So does He.

If you ever need someone to talk to or need prayer, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

3

20 week bump update

How far along? 20 weeks

Raegan's 20 week bump update

Total weight gain: 12 pounds. I gained 6 pounds in 4 weeks. My midwife says it's fine, but I'm freaking out a bit. HALF of my total weight gain was in 4 weeks! Probably because I wasn't throwing up anymore. Oh well. It is what it is.

Maternity clothes? you betcha.

Stretch marks? The two that showed up have gone away. I use bio oil and it's a lifesaver.

Sleep: Sleep is great!

Best moment this week: Nothing too special this week. I have started having more round ligament pain. So this week instead of best moment this week, we will do worst moment.

Miss anything? sushi. End of story.

Food cravings: Crap food. Unfortunately. I just want something easy which is always fast food. Could explain my weight jump. Trying to be better on giving into my cravings.

Anything making you queasy or sick? the smell of BBQ chicken still makes me sick. Bleh.

Gender: Sweet baby boy! Our sweet Hudson.

Labor signs: better not be!

Symptoms: Started having shooting, burning pains on top of my stomach. Something I didn't have with Raegan. It was always round ligament pain under my belly not on top. It'll stop be dead in my tracks and I have to breathe through it till it's over. My midwife says it's just muscles stretching.

Belly button in or out? In! And I don't think it will ever pop. It's the deepest inney ever!

Wedding rings on or off: On.

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy! We are half way there!

Looking forward to: We are taking Raegan to the fair this weekend!

How's Dad doing? He's ready to feel his little guy kick!

22

Tink & Key

Shopping small is my cup of tea.

Not only are you getting amazing quality items, but you are getting the love and dedication that these shop owners put into all of their work!

Insert Tink & Key.

This was one of my first shops I started shopping for Raegan from. Their signature shirt is the "Miracle Baby" shirt.

Raegan owns this shirt in multiple sizes.

But once I got 1 shirt, I just couldn't stop.

Heart and Soul tee.

They even carry women's tees.

And mommy and me sets.

But I think my favorite part of the small shops is the relationships I've built with the owners. Stephanie is the sweetest woman you will ever meet. Her heart is in her brand and you can tell that as soon as you talk to her.

And to show that she is the sweetest on the planet, she is giving my readers 25% off her site. Use code SUMMERBLOG15.

10