Healthy Chicks

I can’t believe it’s almost been 3 months since we welcomed our beautiful little girl into this world. Suddenly the 48+ hours of painful contractions and early all-nighter feeding frenzies are a daze, and I now understand how people have more than one kid!

While much of my experience is hazy, one thing I know is certain: my experience wouldn’t have been nearly as sweet without my angel of a doula, Emma O’Brien of Lavandoula.

Not only did she answer all of my crazy pregnancy questions (Um, is that normal?! How will I know when it’s really go-time?), but she stayed with us throughout my lengthy labor. She even spent the night on our couch to console me during my painful back labor and helped me advocate for myself when the doctor wanted to induce me early due to a high blood pressure false alarm.

Seriously, she’s a superhero in my eyes! Not to mention, we bonded over our love affair with bone broth and essential oils.

When I told people I hired a doula, I received a mix of excitement and skepticism. A do-what? So I decided to interview my doula Emma to chat about the day … Read More!

Welcome to the world, sweet Isabella Rose. From the moment we saw you squirming around on your first ultrasound as a tiny sesame seed, we were completely in love. Then on Sunday, August 26th at 7:43pm just as the full moon was rising, you came into our lives and took that love to a whole new level. You are absolutely perfect and worth every minute of the crazy, long beautiful (and yes painful) labor process as well as the rocky journey to pregnancy. Mommy and daddy love you to pieces, you are so worth the wait.

xoxo,

Mommy 

Two weeks ago, we welcomed our beautiful Isabella Rose into the world three days before her due date, and today on the blog I wanted to share my birth story. Before I continue, I want you to know this is my story, and everyone’s story is different. I 100% respect every woman’s choice in how they go about labor and delivery, and I also know that sometimes it’s out of our control and you just have to ride the waves.

As I mentioned before, pregnancy was hard, labor was no joke and motherhood is next level, but I wouldn’t trade it … Read More!

Good morning, beauties! I’m currently in my 34th week of pregnancy, and things are getting real. My family threw a beautiful baby shower for me last week, and all I have to say is baby girl is already so loved (and going to be so well dressed).

When people ask when I’m due and I say “End of August,” the reactions are pretty much the same every time. They cringe and then say, “Oh, it’s going to be hot!” or “Summer babies are the worst!” Trust me, I get it: summer is hot and my bump isn’t getting any smaller. But instead of complaining, I’m choosing to enjoy this precious bump, baby kicks and time with my hubby during my favorite season.

I’ve also been craving lots of alone time, as I know once baby comes she’ll pretty much be attached to me for the first few months. After all, self-care is super important to me, especially during pregnancy. Here are 6 self-care essentials that are helping me get through these last few weeks of pregnancy!

Mama Natural Affirmations

As you know by now, affirmation cards are a huge part of my life. Heck, I even created my … Read More!

Oh BABY, things are getting real now that I’m 30+ weeks pregnant! In fact, yesterday the nurse told me I was in the “final stretch” which really put things into perspective. I’ve been loving my third trimester thus far, especially feeling baby girl squirm and watching my bump grow by the week (while comparing the baby’s size to the latest fruit and veggie).

Today on the blog, I’m sharing an inside look at the third trimester thus far — including weight gain, food cravings and everything in between! You can read my first and second trimester recap here.

FOOD CRAVINGS & AVERSIONS

I don’t really have any intense cravings anymore, but I do have some “go to” foods I can’t live without. This includes cold seasonal fruit like berries, watermelon and peaches, gluten free bagels, arugula salads, peanut butter, Lara bars and anything with potatoes — from French fries to baked potatoes.

I’ve also been loving DIY chocolate protein shakes (made with GO PRO Protein Blend, banana, spinach and ice) and my favorite Mint Chip smoothie from Juice on Main.

“MORNING SICKNESS”

While I got hit with morning sickness hard during my first trimester, it pretty much subsided … Read More!