I thought third time was the charm!! It was. I love my youngest boy. In fact, my heart breaks a little knowing he won't be my "baby" for much longer. I'm hugging him a bit longer and a bit tighter these days. I love all my boys, and we have a lot of fun. So much so, that #4 decided she wanted in on the action!! Even though we were well into the next chapter of our lives, I decided to embrace every aspect of this "unplanned" miracle and rock it out. I have to admit, that shopping for #4 has been FUN!!!
Here's what I'm learning. Some things don't change. People still act as a though a pregnant woman is fair game to touch, express opinions to, and "suggest" she may want to eat/drink something else. That has not changed.
What has changed are all the maternity clothes, toys and gadgets!!! These items have seriously improved over the last 13 years when I was pregnant with my first, and even in the last 5 years, since I was pregnant with my last!
Let's chat clothes. Originally, it was Old Navy, Motherhood Maternity, and then the UBER high end Pea in the Pod for your maternity wear. Luckily, at that point in my life, I lived near an outlet mall, and stocked up at the local Motherhood Maternity store. I still did not like the clothes. I remember getting what I thought was a cute red matching shirt/cardigan set. I was so excited to put it on...until...I put it on. I looked like a TOMATO. So ever since then, I've attempted to steer clear of brightly colored maternity wear.
A few years later, Target and Nordstrom started to up their maternity wear game. "Meh" was about all I had to say about that. Honestly. "Meh."
This time around, however, I've discovered a few brands that I'm DIGGING!!
1. Asos Maternity has really impressed me!!! I found numerous dresses and basics that I find I'm reaching for time and time again!! I love my white and black dress that I wore on a cocktail cruise on Lake Michigan in Chicago, and a three-quarter length sleeve, olive green jersey dress that I can throw on and feel instantly put together!!! Make sure you are ordering in US sizes. Pre-pregnancy size as well. I went up a "pre-pregnancy" size and things fit perfectly (i.e. Asos maternity runs small). The price point is GREAT!!! Maybe a wee bit more expensive than Old Navy or Target, but the quality is 1000 times better!!! us.asos.com/maternity
2. Stitch Fix. Go figure!! You sign up, fill out a fashion profile and then they send you a box of clothes, jewelry and accessories. You keep what you want, and return the rest in a pre-paid shipping bag!! TRUST me. I was skeptical. I figured they'd get my size wrong. They have been SPOT ON!!! Plus, since they ship once a month (or as often as you'd like), they send you pieces that work TRANSITIONALLY!!!! My favorites so far have been the wrap dresses they have sent. Every time I put on the dresses, my husband and boys compliment me!!! You can pin looks you love on your Stitch Fix pin on Pinterest to assist your fashion styler!! PLUS...if you refer a friend to the site, you get a $25 referral credit when they order!!! So sharing the love pays!! Check it out (they also do NON-maternity wear too!! I simply adore this service). https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3932174
3. Nordstrom. The basic bundle from the Tarte line has been another go-to. Definitely on the expensive side, but the fabric on the black basics is like BUTTER against my skin. Tank, skirt, leggings and dress. They are soft, and do not irritate my already itchy skin. nordstrom.com
4. Zulily. I love how they offer "deals of the day." You get to try different brands and products at reduced zulily prices! I have found a couple of GREAT brands on Zulily, that I most likely would not have purchased otherwise because of the higher price point. www.seraphine.com/us has some very nice special occasion pieces. I checked there for a formal gown for my company's awards night (I ultimately wound up wearing a Motherhood maternity dress...but check here for weddings etc.). I also found Momo Maternity! This website has several winter coats that I bought!! These coats are CUTE!! I got a red coat with black fur trim, and a pink coat with brown fur (yes, I'm all about the pink since #4 is a girl!!). These coats, which normally run over $100, were a STEAL on Zulily!!! You can find the entire line at: luxurylane.com/momo/maternity. I have also stocked up on nursing basics, and basics for #4 on Zulily! You never know what you'll find. I even found a collapsable University of Washington Husky highchair!!! It's my one-stop-shopping site for the entire family!! (The boys don't know it, but I found some great Dr. Who items for Christmas at Zulily!).
In addition to the clothes, the GADGETS are getting amazingly cool. UBER cool. Babies come with a lot of stuff (or crap, as I normally say). Lots and lots of crap. Some of the new gadgets are simply extra "crap" that you won't really need or use, but, if you are a first time parent, which of course, I am not, you will likely buy. BAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! You will LEARN!! Bottle warmers, have now graduated to Keurig formula filling bottles. amazon.com (Search Baby Brezza). Looks great, but let's be honest. I want -- no---NEED my coffee maker on the counter!! Plus, if it takes as long as my Keurig to brew a cup of coffee...you will go nuts waiting.
BUT...there are some new inventions that I will be purchasing. Here's what I'm eying (I still have a couple months to decide, and October is when the new baby gear gets announced, so I may be revising this portion of my blog!).
1. Doona car seat/stroller. Yes. A car seat with a base, that with the press of a button, releases stroller legs!! Check this video out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQPf9nWzA0k. I'm thinking this looks GREAT!!! Yes, it is expensive, and I may have to buy another car seat system at a later date, but honestly? The first 6+ months this could be a game-changing life saver!!! I live in the Midwest and it's COLD. I do not like having to run out of the car to grab the stroller base, pull the baby out of the car and assemble on the go. It's COLD. Having the option for the car seat to move into a stroller will come in handing around the house too!!! Will I have to be careful? Yes. If I'm strolling through the mud or wet snow, I will want to cover my leather car seat. I will want a cloth handy to wipe down the wheels before putting into the car. Small price to pay for convenience. I'll give my full review on this Doona Car Seat/Stroller after I've actually used it. As for aesthetics, despite the fact that they are coming out with a PINK color this October, I'm leaning towards the grey color. There are a variety of great travel systems, in varying price points. I used the Graco Travel system with my past three boys, so if the Doona turns out to be a bust, I'll most likely revert back to the tried and true. *I have found that if one is very active, once baby can hold his/her head up, you will want a good jogger stroller for long walks/runs. I will research those options and report back at a later date!!!
2. Tega bike-to-stroller option. Similar to the Doona car seat/stroller option, Tega, a Swedish company, has revolutionized stroller/new mom fitness and convenience. www.tegabikes.com. Oh yeah!!! I can just IMAGINE myself riding my Tega bike through the neighborhood, up to our local ice cream parlor, then shifting with ease into my "stroller" option. But in all honesty, with my boys being older, and the Rock Island Trail being so close to our home, having the easy and convenient way to ride bikes with my boys and #4 is appealing!! Is it $1495 convenient? I do not know! Given the fact that I highly doubt I'll be riding my bike -- Tega or not-- for the first few months of #4's life...I'll see where I wind up budget-wise in buying baby gadgets. Super cool gadget though.
3. PUJ tub. My friend/hairdresser informed me about this gem. Babies are slippery little suckers!!! It's nerve wracking trying to bath your little bundle of joy when you are afraid of them slipping and getting hurt. The Puj tub fits nicely into your sink, and helps grip your baby and prevent slipping, so you can bathe your little beauty with less stress!! $35-44 is on the pricier side, but, if you cut out other junk you don't need, I believe this is a wise investment.
4. Other Miscellaneous items. In my research, I've seen some fan favorites. Some I've tried, like the Aden + Anais swaddle blankets. I love the muslim swaddle blankets and am looking forward to trying their new infant clothes line!!! You can find this at target.com or amazon.com. Other products, that have received great reviews are the Vulli Sophie Giraffe and the WabbaNub pacifiers. While none of my boys ever took to a pacifier, given the cute kittens, elephants and other plush toys attached to the pacifier, I may be inclined to try one this round. Stay tuned.
5. New Moms. Seriously. You must take care of you. Essentials in my hospital bag will be Soma's cool night pajamas. You will want them. You will sweat. Your hormones will be a hot mess. Trust me. Get some good, cool pajamas. soma.com.
Nursing camisole. You will want a camisole -- not just a bra. Why? You won't want your stomach showing. Regardless of whether you look like a Victoria Secret Model after you deliver, having coverage over your stomach when you nurse is nice. Sometimes those middle of the night feedings can be drafty. I love the nursing camisoles.
Makeup/skincare! Don't neglect yourself!! A little mascara and lip stain go a LONG way in helping you feel like YOU again. The lip stain is perfect, as it stays put and won't come off on baby while you kiss her little toes and chubby cheeks all day long. The 3D+ mascara will also not only help you look MORE rested than you will be, but it is also water-resistant, so when you have a hormonal breakdown (which you will), it will not wind up all over your face!!! The naturally based products are safe for YOU and baby, so there's one less thing to feel guilty about!! Trust me. Get the mascara and lip stain and put it in your hospital bag: www.lesliesluxelashes.com. I recommend shy or sappy for a very light natural look. Sleek or Sultry for those nights when you have a sitter!!! The rosewater spray is also very refreshing to spritz on your face (or might I even suggest on your chest area) for a quick pick me up and toning of the skin!!
With #4 I have found I'm willing to try new things. Not necessarily more "stuff" but I'm willing to experiment more with my "beliefs" on child rearing. My life has changed since I had my first, my second and even my third. I'm willing to forgo the "diaper" pail and haul those dirty diapers to the trash can to avoid the smell. I'm willing to try to nurse longer, to avoid the cost and sheer messiness of bottles and formula. Honestly, those bottles and formula can pile up!!! **I make NO judgment here on breast vs. bottle. I've been on both sides of this issue, so it's really up to the mom and the point in her life. I just have found that one of the things I despise the MOST about baby clutter, is all the bottles and formula piling up around the house.
I'm eying products that will enhance my life and help make it easier. My goal is to not trip over the piles of toys and gadgets in my home. I want to streamline. Luckily, I may not need some of the bouncers etc. this time around to help me get a quick 5 minute shower. I have three boys, whom, I'm hoping can entertain their little sister so I can pop into the shower, make dinner, or grab the phone.
All in all, I'm excited with the new products, and excited for the little blessing that will arrive this December! I'd love to hear YOUR favorite things!!
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