PinkBlush Black Floral Off Shoulder Maxi Dress

Ever look in your closet full of clothes and say, "I have nothing to wear"? Even as a fashion stylist for many years, I struggle with this, especially when pregnant! Luckily, I have found some great maternity pieces that I love, and more importantly, feel confident in, thanks to PinkBlush.

I first discovered PinkBlush when I was pregnant with Adam. I purchased a couple of dresses and a robe that had me falling in love with their shop. When they recently reached out to me to become a brand ambassador I was thrilled! They gifted me a few maternity items to incorporate into my wardrobe, which has made dressing my bump easy and fun!

Today, on the blog, I am featuring this gorgeous and oh so comfortable floral maxi dress. I couldn't resist picking one of the many feminine floral dresses from their website. I love the long sleeves, off the shoulder detail, and super soft fabric. The quality and price point are fantastic, and what I love even more is that a lot of their maternity tops and dresses can be worn after pregnancy too! Whether you are looking for good neutral basics or fun trends, they have a lot to shop from!

20 weeks pregnant with Baby #2!

How far along?

5 months!

Total weight gain/loss?

15 pounds so far this pregnancy. I am definitely gaining weight faster this time, and I feel it more in my butt and thighs.

Maternity clothes?

Maternity pants are a must and have been since about 12 weeks! Dresses are the most comfortable thing to wear right now.

Sleep? 
Pretty good. I seem to favour sleeping on my right side this whole pregnancy. 

Best moment this week?

-Seeing our sweet baby move around in my belly during my anatomy scan. Baby is looking healthy and growing on track. My husband has a congenital heart defect, so I am going for a fetal echocardiogram in a few weeks to get a closer look at baby's heart to make sure everything is good! 
-Feeling and seeing baby kick! My husband was able to feel kicks from 18.5 weeks, and I started feeling flutters during week 16. I have an anterior placenta this time, which can delay the feeling of movement, so I was surprised to feel the baby so soon!

Symptoms?
-Back pain! My sciatic pain has been awful! 
-Lots of round ligament pain, more than with my first pregnancy, and more cramps too! Overall, my body has felt like it's in the third trimester since the beginning. 
-I am no longer dealing with nausea-woohoo!! I had nausea and vomiting from 5.5 weeks to 17 weeks. It did start to settle significantly around 15 weeks, but didn't fully go away until recently. 
-I have more energy, which is a nice change from the zombie state I was in for my whole first trimester.
-Heartburn. This was actually one of my symptoms before I found out I was pregnant.
-Headaches! I was getting awful headaches (to the point of throwing up from the pain at times) almost everyday until about 16 weeks. They have reduced significantly. I will get a few here and there.
-Breakouts. Not fun to deal with!
-I am also super burpy. I NEVER burp, and this was another symptom I had before finding out I was pregnant. I just thought it was my diet changes at the time, but nope, it's this baby causing me to be gassy!

Food cravings?

Lots of fruit! Mostly peaches right now. 

Food aversions?

Lentils! I can't even look at them without feeling nauseated!

Gender?

Don't know! We have decided to wait until birth to find out!

Labour signs?

None

Belly button in or out?

Half popped out. It started to pop early this time!

What I miss?

Finding an outfit so effortlessly. Most days, I don't even want to put on clothes.

What I am looking forward to?

Seeing my sweet baby again in a few weeks, and feeling movement more consistently.

Milestones?

We are half way through this pregnancy! I still can't believe it. Putting most of my energy towards my toddler during the day, doesn't leave me much time to soak in that I am actually pregnant, and will be meeting this little person in 4ish months. This baby only has a few things of it's own, thanks to my parents who brought back some gifts from their trip to Europe. I haven't bought anything for this baby, and probably won't until i'm in my third trimester. We will be moving end of summer/early fall, so there really isn't any need for me to purchase stuff before the move. 

Bump?

I love the bump during this stage of pregnancy. It's cute, and noticeable. I can still move around easily, and it doesn't get in the way just yet. My bump grew very quickly this time! It was almost immediately after I got a positive pregnancy test!

39 weeks

How far along?

39 weeks!

How big is the peanut? 
The size of a pumpkin! Baby has most likely reached his birth weight now.  

Total weight gain/loss?

I gained 1.8 lbs this week (mostly in cupcakes), bringing my weight to 159.4. Officially gained more than 30 lbs! 

Maternity clothes?

I have been wearing my maternity leggings a lot this week, and loose dresses!

Sleep? 
Still waking up through out the night. My hips are starting to hurt, so I can't sleep on one side for too long. 

Best moment this week?

My mother in law got married on Saturday! A lot of my husbands family lives out of town, so it was nice to see everyone, and spend some time with family before the baby comes.

Symptoms?
-Lower back pain
-My feet are a bit swollen, and I wake up in the night with my hands swollen too. My wedding rings still fit in the morning, so the swelling isn't too bad.
-Still getting some nausea.
-Tired! Bring on the naps!

Food cravings?

Gnocchi! My favourite Italian dish.

Food aversions?

Nothing

Gender?

Baby boy :)

Labour signs?

None! I had my OB appointment last Friday, and when he checked my cervix, I was still 0 cm dilated. I am hoping I will have started to dilate when he checks me at my next appointment on Tuesday!

Belly button in or out?

As popped out as it is going to get.

What I miss?

Red wine, especially with all the pasta cravings I have been having!

What I am looking forward to?
My hubby gets 8 weeks off work when the baby comes, and with Fall being our favourite season, we are excited to spend this time together as a family of 4 (have to include our fur baby, Bear). We are excited for trips to the farmers market, going for walks in the crisp Fall air, and starting new traditions with our little guy.

Milestones?

We only have 1 week left! This pregnancy has flown by, and I can't believe we get to meet him so soon! Our lives are about to change forever! Baby boy is fully developed and ready to come any day now!

Bump?

Still getting bigger!

38 weeks

How far along?

38 weeks!

How big is the peanut? 
The size of a Swiss Chard. Baby weighs about 7 lbs now and is 20" long (give or take) 

Total weight gain/loss?

I gained 1.2 lbs this week, bringing my weight to 157.6. So far I have gained 29 lbs this pregnancy!

Maternity clothes?

If I could just not wear clothes, that would be great!

Sleep? 
I am waking up a lot more through out the night.

Best moment this week?

I had my last day of work on Saturday. When I got in that morning, there was a mini surprise going away party for me! I was in shock! Everyone was there, and said something sweet to me! I felt so appreciated and loved! It was a great way to end my last day of work.

Symptoms?
-Lower back pain
-Nausea!!!
-Still getting mild menstrual cramps here and there

Food cravings?

Pizza, and Fruit (peaches and strawberries)

Food aversions?

Nothing

Gender?

Baby boy :)

Labour signs?

None yet. He seems pretty cozy in there!

Belly button in or out?

As popped out as it is going to get.

What I miss?

Red wine

What I am looking forward to?
Meeting this baby boy! I am pretty much ready now! Hospital bag is packed, house has been completely decluttered and organized, and the freezer is stocked (thanks to my mom)! Now I am just resting and waiting! Too bad you can't bank sleep hours!

Milestones?

2 weeks until my due date! This is such a great feeling, and knowing that in a few weeks we get to meet this little guy!

Bump?

I think this baby has dropped, because my bump feels low! 

Nursery Reveal

As soon as I found out we were having a little boy, I knew exactly what I wanted to do for the nursery! If you know me, then you know I love grey, cream, white, more grey and did I say grey? My husband calls our home 50 shades of grey for a reason, so it will be no surprise that I kept things pretty neutral in baby boy's nursery. 

I built the room around a piece we have wanted to incorporate into our baby's room for a long time! Our friends we met on our honeymoon have a company called Near & Deer, and since we started following their growing business, Anders and I talked about how we would love to put one of their deer heads in our baby's room someday! I love the look of the simple white deer head with gold antlers, so from there I started to mix in the subtle elements of woodland creatures, pops of gold and soft textiles to create a cozy environment for our little one.

The hubby and I worked on some DIY details that really pulled this space together. I have always wanted a cream crib, and I couldn't find one that I loved with out paying a fortune for it. I decided to get crafty, buy a gently used crib from Kijiji, some Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (I used "Old White"), Dark Wax for antiquing, and I refinished the crib myself. Would I do this again? Probably not! Painting a crib takes a lot of time and patience, but I absolutely LOVE the way it turned out. It was definitely worth it, and it only cost us $320 in the end (time not included)! My husband built a shelf with a bar for me to hang some of baby's knit sweaters on, and he also made a growth chart ruler for the wall.

His nursery has become my favourite room in our home. It is so nice to see my vision come to life and pretty soon, our little guy is going to be able to enjoy this room with me. I am so happy it is finally finished, and I can share it with you all!

Sources:

Wall Colour | Benjamin Moore Rockport Gray

Dresser, Change Pad & Cover | West Coast Kids

Glider | Wayfair

Round Mirror | Homesense 

Deer Head | Near & Deer 

Table Lamp | Homesense

 Side Table | Homesense

 Wooden Frames above crib | Homesense

 Toy box & Stool | Homesense

Knit Ottoman | Homesense

Rug | Homesense

Cable Knit & Striped Blankets | Babies R Us

Deer Blanket | Homesense

Woodland Animal Prints | Etsy The Crown Prints

Scripture Print | Etsy Aenon Art Work

Crib Sheet and Skirt | Pottery Barn Kids

Curtains | Homesense

Laundry Bin & Bear Book Basket | Homesense

36 weeks

How far along?

36 weeks! Officially 9 months pregnant!

How big is the peanut? 
He is the size of a head of Romaine Lettuce. He can be about 20" long and weighs just under 6 lbs.

Total weight gain/loss?

I gained 0.8 lbs this week, bringing my weight to 155.6 lbs.

Maternity clothes?

Yes, and anything with stretch. Dresses are the best these days! I need breathable pieces to get me through the heat. 

Sleep? 
Still sleeping pretty good. 

Best moment this week?

I started doing baby laundry, and have organized his dresser! All his clothes look so cute folded in there. 

Symptoms?
My toes were swollen for quite a few days. The swelling has gone down a bit now, as I am doing my best to keep my feet up when I can, and eat less salt. I haven't had any swelling this entire pregnancy, so I am hoping this is the extent of it! My wedding rings are still loose on my ring finger, so luckily I haven't had any swelling in my hands.
I have also been getting some mild menstrual-like cramps for a few days. I usually feel them in the morning and then in the evening. I am thinking these are Braxton Hicks contractions. 

Food cravings?

Peanut butter cookies!!

Food aversions?

Nothing

Gender?

Baby boy :)

Labour signs?

None

Belly button in or out?

Still half popped out. You can definitely see it through all my clothes now. 

What I miss?

Being able to roll over in bed so effortlessly. It takes everything in me just to move positions at night. I will also be happy to have my giant pregnancy pillow out of the bed. It takes up so much space and is a big divider between the hubby and I, but for now, it is the only thing that keeps me from rolling onto my back.

What I am looking forward to?

Finishing my nursery reveal blog post! It should be up within the next few days! :) 

Milestones?

It is officially baby boy's due date month!! I can't believe it is August already! Realistically he could be a September baby, as my due date is Aug 31st, but he could also make his grand entrance this month! We are so ready and excited!

Bump?

I almost forget what it feels like not to have this bump!

35 weeks

How far along?

35 weeks! Only 5 weeks left!

How big is the peanut? 

The size of a Canary Melon. He is still around 19" long and can weigh up to 5.8 lbs. 

Total weight gain/loss?

I actually lost 0.2 lbs this week, bringing my weight down to 154.8 lbs.

Maternity clothes?

Yup!

Sleep? 
Nothing much has changed here. Still sleeping well.

Best moment this week?

I checked some more things off my to-do list! My mom and I went baby shopping on Monday. I have been really enjoying running baby errands with her. She is so excited to be a grandma, and I love having her there to pick things out with me.

Symptoms?
I have been so irritated lately. The littlest thing will have me irrationally upset! These hormones have taken my feelings to the next level! I am quite proud with how well I have been able to control myself though!

Food cravings?

Peanut butter banana toast! 

Food aversions?

Nothing

Gender?

Baby boy :)

Labour signs?

None

Belly button in or out?

Still half popped out. I have a pretty deep scar in my belly button from my salpingectomy surgery, so I don't think that part of my belly button is going to come out. Just the area around it seems to be popping out. 

What I miss?

My non maternity wardrobe. It will be nice to have more outfit options again.

What I am looking forward to?

I have two weeks left of work. I am excited for some time off before the baby gets here, to relax, sleep and start mentally preparing myself for the big changes that are coming in hot!

Milestones?

Baby boy's hearing is now fully developed and he responds best to high-pitched noises! He is also putting on some fat and pounds over the next 5 weeks!

Bump?

The bump life is very real these days. I am actually surprised my bump isn't bigger. I always imagined myself being HUGE at 8-9 months pregnant, although I did have someone say to me "you must be carrying triplets!" Like really?! My bump is no where near triplet status. It's funny how people think they can say whatever they want to a pregnant person. Not cool!

My hearts desire

    

Our sweet boy...our miracle baby. If you read my "We're Pregnant" story then you know why I call this baby my miracle. Waiting 16 months for our rainbow baby was a true test of patience. The one thing I wanted most, wasn't happening, and there was nothing I could do (and you bet I tried!). I had to learn to live in the moment and not dwell on things that would have been. God is the only one in control, and I had to have complete faith in Him, that one day, whether it be naturally or not, He would gift us the deepest desire of my heart. 

Looking at these photos brings tears to my eyes as I see the overwhelming joy and gratitude I feel. This baby bump represents so much for me! It is something I waited, prayed, and hoped for. Being pregnant is a very surreal feeling, and this whole journey has been an incredible experience. Feeling all the jabs, kicks, hiccups, and big movements makes all the morning sickness, fatigue, aches and heartburn all worth it! Pregnancy is such a beautiful thing, although challenging at times, each week we pass, and each milestone we reach, is a reminder of how astounding our God is, and how amazing our bodies really are! I mean, I am growing a tiny human, how incredible is that? I feel so blessed to have this opportunity, and I can't believe I get to be his Mama!

In a few short weeks, we get to meet this baby boy. We can't wait to experience things in this world all over again through him. My love for our son is nothing I have ever felt before, and the love I have for my husband is growing deeper and stronger each day! 

Thanks Christy Swanberg for capturing these beautiful images. These are photos I will cherish forever.

"I knew you before I formed you in your mothers womb. Before you were born I set you apart" Jeremiah 1:5