I am not going to get my pre-baby weight overnight. In fact, even with the work I am planning to put in, I anticipate it taking me months to even be close again. Thus, I am going to need a interim wardrobe as I slim back down.
Obviously, my pre-pregnancy clothes don't fit me yet. I still have a belly and about 25 extra pounds from that original date. My maternity clothes feel a bit bulky, frumpy and somewhat depressing, actually at this point. So I want to find a few things that I can wear when heading out for something special- Perhaps 2 pair of nice jeans, some black, comfy tops, a wrap dress (that falls just below my newly endowed breasts! Haha!) and a few bras with a bit more support. I also need some new exercise clothes and sneakers as well. Thankfully, I live very close to outlet shopping now, and come the first non-rainy day, baby boy and I might just have to take a trip...with daddy's credit card. Hehe.
Plus, I need to use some gift cards and coupons on Zavier at some of the stores there. Next week I will be shopping...and I can't wait! LOL!
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Monday, April 28, 2014
"Just Between Friends" -- local consignment events
I just found out about Just Between Friends, a child consignment faire that takes place around the Philadelphia vicinity. There are HUNDREDS of gently used items for sale for children at this flea market which occurs a few times per year.
The fortunate part is that I did indeed discover the sale...and that I can sign up to sell items! I just wish that I would have found out about this sooner. The sale is quickly approaching in my area and I just donated tons of my son's barely used and brand new, never worn items (still with tags!) This year Zavier has all he needs to get him through. But The next time this sale rolls around my neck of the woods I WILL be ready, to both buy and sell! ;-)
If you live in the tri-state area and are looking for items for your children, check out the JBF page for more info and events.
Logo extracted directly from the JBF page. I own no rights.
The fortunate part is that I did indeed discover the sale...and that I can sign up to sell items! I just wish that I would have found out about this sooner. The sale is quickly approaching in my area and I just donated tons of my son's barely used and brand new, never worn items (still with tags!) This year Zavier has all he needs to get him through. But The next time this sale rolls around my neck of the woods I WILL be ready, to both buy and sell! ;-)If you live in the tri-state area and are looking for items for your children, check out the JBF page for more info and events.
Logo extracted directly from the JBF page. I own no rights.
Getting in Step
Last night I had a bit of a "breakdown." Those tend to happen when I am tired, and sitting taking in how much my life has changed over the past year, and how "out-of-my-element" I feel having just had the baby. My breakdowns usually consist of intense crying, sobbing about the "old days." They are normal though, and after sleeping a bit (Thanks to my boyfriend for helping out with the baby last night), I am able to recoup and regroup.
Besides a long day with the in-laws and a new baby as a part yesterday, my breakdown had to do with doing the things that I both need and want to do, and finding a balance between them. I have spent the last few days calling to schedule doctor's appointments at new practices in my area for current issues (another breast ultrasound being one of them, and a chafing issue from pregnancy that just won't go away!). It has been time invasive to say the least, and trial and error has played the biggest role in the process. Also, I have been attempting to find out how to get a replacement piece for the baby's new crib since one piece arrived broken. Another "process," coupled with trying to open a new bank account, moving and unpacking here at the house and of course taking care of an infant. But these are "challenges" that come with the territory, and I am thankful to be taking them in stride.
My boyfriend will be on paternity leave from work for the next 2 weeks. This means scheduling some "me time" between those medical appointments. That consists of hitting the gym, happy hours with a friend and an overdue mani/pedi with this warmer weather in the midst. And I have a suspicion that I will also be getting a Mother's Day spa treatment as well...Hmm. I'm ready. It's time to get back in step! ;-)
Besides a long day with the in-laws and a new baby as a part yesterday, my breakdown had to do with doing the things that I both need and want to do, and finding a balance between them. I have spent the last few days calling to schedule doctor's appointments at new practices in my area for current issues (another breast ultrasound being one of them, and a chafing issue from pregnancy that just won't go away!). It has been time invasive to say the least, and trial and error has played the biggest role in the process. Also, I have been attempting to find out how to get a replacement piece for the baby's new crib since one piece arrived broken. Another "process," coupled with trying to open a new bank account, moving and unpacking here at the house and of course taking care of an infant. But these are "challenges" that come with the territory, and I am thankful to be taking them in stride.
My boyfriend will be on paternity leave from work for the next 2 weeks. This means scheduling some "me time" between those medical appointments. That consists of hitting the gym, happy hours with a friend and an overdue mani/pedi with this warmer weather in the midst. And I have a suspicion that I will also be getting a Mother's Day spa treatment as well...Hmm. I'm ready. It's time to get back in step! ;-)
Friday, April 25, 2014
New-s to Me!
Yesterday was my 6 week post partum checkup, and before baby boy and I even left the house, I was feeling pretty spunky. The day before I had gone out to buy some new sunglasses, the large round frames:After watching talk show clip about how to spruce up your look as a new mom, I paired my look with a bright red lipstick and matching blush.
I was so happy when my boyfriend complemented me over dinner with a "You look nice, babe." I guess it had been a while since I'd put in the effort, understandably.
Now I'm ready to keep it going. I've gotten some new skin care products- feeling pretty dry and still attempting to reduce these stretch marks- and some new lip colors. Now I just need to find a hair stylist in the area; My boyfriend also helped me start removing these braids and I will undoubtedly need a fresh wash, blow, flat iron and trim, but in my new hood. I was also cleared by the doctor to begin my exercise routine. The boyfriend is also going on his two week paternity leave starting next week, so I think it's the perfect time to start feeling like me again with fresh workouts, colorful lips and a girl's night at our local beer distributor's restaurant, since I have yet to try any of their 100+ flavors thanks to pregnancy. Haha!
No, really. Here's to feeling like new...here's to me!
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Balancing Act
My boyfriend has been doing a great job as a new dad. he's been working 8 hours a day, and sleeping less at night now that he is back on his regular work shift. He even takes Zavier for me quite a bit when he gets home so that I can rest a bit. It's nice to have his help.
He is also still participating in his former extracurricular activities- trips to concerts and Vegas, baseball games, outings with friends, etc. This is a luxury that dads have, not feeling or even needing to have that "maternal pulling/requirement" to be with baby pretty much all of the time. He does assert that I, too, can still participate in my recreational activities when he is not working, but for some reason it just doesn't seem right. I feel guilty leaving my little guy for an extended amount of time. I feel bad asking for help. I am a mom now. Yet, I am also still a woman, a human being. And I have people in my life that really WANT to help. So I should really relinquish some of the control and maladaptive feelings that I have about living a balanced life as a mom. After all, the gym, nail salon and happy hour bar are all calling. ;-)
He is also still participating in his former extracurricular activities- trips to concerts and Vegas, baseball games, outings with friends, etc. This is a luxury that dads have, not feeling or even needing to have that "maternal pulling/requirement" to be with baby pretty much all of the time. He does assert that I, too, can still participate in my recreational activities when he is not working, but for some reason it just doesn't seem right. I feel guilty leaving my little guy for an extended amount of time. I feel bad asking for help. I am a mom now. Yet, I am also still a woman, a human being. And I have people in my life that really WANT to help. So I should really relinquish some of the control and maladaptive feelings that I have about living a balanced life as a mom. After all, the gym, nail salon and happy hour bar are all calling. ;-)
Monday, April 14, 2014
Little things that bring big smiles
It seems that Gerber does not really offer many samples for their formula in the way that Enfamil and Similac do. Thus, I have begun seeking ways to get the biggest bang for my buck when buying the product. So far it seems that Babies r Us offers the best price: (2) 23 oz. tubs for $40.99. I will be using Ebates to purchase raise.com gift cards and then purchasing the formula online through Ebates's Babies r Us site. That will get us a 2% discount at least on top of the $2-$5 discount over other stores.
Zavier has also grown out of his newborn diapers. Thankfully, his cousin brought over some diapers that were too small for another of his relatives. Perfect timing! The size 1 & 2 diapers were mostly Huggies- our least favorite in quality- but we will receive them and put them on our boy during the day. There were also some Luvs and another un-named brand, those of which Zavier is wearing now and doing just fine in.
Lastly, we've been taking inventory of the things that we are not using in the nursery and returning them accordingly. Most recently was a changing pad (we do not have a changing table) and now some diapers. I've had to research online to find out which stores sell the items as most did not come with gift receipts, which has been successful. Tomorrow I plan on Zavier and I heading out to run our errands and make our returns. :-)
Zavier has also grown out of his newborn diapers. Thankfully, his cousin brought over some diapers that were too small for another of his relatives. Perfect timing! The size 1 & 2 diapers were mostly Huggies- our least favorite in quality- but we will receive them and put them on our boy during the day. There were also some Luvs and another un-named brand, those of which Zavier is wearing now and doing just fine in.
Lastly, we've been taking inventory of the things that we are not using in the nursery and returning them accordingly. Most recently was a changing pad (we do not have a changing table) and now some diapers. I've had to research online to find out which stores sell the items as most did not come with gift receipts, which has been successful. Tomorrow I plan on Zavier and I heading out to run our errands and make our returns. :-)
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Love with Ease
Me and my boys had a ton of help this weekend. Between my friend going to appointments with me on Thursday and staying until Friday, to my bro & sis-in-law and their four children, Zavier surely received tons of love and attention! I am so thankful to have people that love all of us in our lives. It really makes this process a lot easier. :-)
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