What’s in my hospital bag - Second time around

Hello lovelies,

This post is a little overdue, as I just recently delivered my babies!!! My boy/girl twins were born at 37 weeks on February 23rd and they are doing amazing! Both are healthy and we couldn’t be happier.

Packing a hospital can be daunting when you have never been through a pregnancy before, as you don’t want to over pack, nor under pack. I definitely am a slight over packer, because having twins I wanted to be prepared for an extra stay if I ended up needing a c-section or if my babies needed time in the NICU. Neither happened, however it is better to be over prepared then under.

The bag I choose to use is the Weekender bag from Poppy & Peonies. It is a great sized bag with so many pockets and the print is super cute for Spring. The bag has two handle straps, as well as a shoulder strap, making it great for a diaper bag, or a weekend away bag. It also has mesh pockets on the inside and two water bottle pockets on the outside. I highly recommend this bag for anyone wanting a bag to use as a carry on, diaper bag, or a hospital bag!

This time around I tried not to pack too much, as the first time I packed way too much - mind you I was in and out of the hospital a lot with my first. I wanted to narrow down on the essentials I knew I would need, but also over pack just slightly in case I needed a c-section and ended up staying longer.

Everything that I packed in my bag:
- Nursing bras: The ballet and The original nursing bra both from Bravado. I wanted soft bras, as you never know how quickly your milk will come in and how swollen you will be. The original nursing bra is my absolute favourite at the moment, as it has clips for easy access and it is made of cotton making it super comfortable.
- Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, deodorant. Trust me when I say you will need it all, as you will for sure want to take a shower after birth!
- Nasal spray, as my nose gets stuffy very easily and hospital rooms are always really dry.
- Tissue for both my nose and eyes!
- Lip balm
- Hand sanitizer
- Slippers and fuzzy grip socks
- Nipple fix nipple cream from Matraea: in case babies have a hard time latching and I get any scabs while nursing
- Nursing Tea from Matraea and an infuser to have right after delivery
- Super Maxi pads. Although the hospital does provide pads, the nurse I had with my first was very stingy and I wanted to ensure that I had enough just in case.
- Breast Pump - With my first I wasn’t able to nurse right away because my daughter needed time in the NICU and I wasn’t prepared when the nurses told me to start pumping. I highly recommend a double pump, as it saves so much time and helps to increase your milk supply faster than a single or a hand pump. The double pump from Lansinoh is amazing and super easy to use. I love that it has a timer and you can adjust both the suction and cycles.
- Going home outfit: Long nursing tee from Ripe Maternity, button up flannel from Old Navy, loose joggers from Lolë and a button up sweater from Lolë  as well.
- Two shirts for my fiancé for if he wants to change in the middle of the night or if his shirt gets dirty while helping me care for our babies.

I hope that this post helps anyone who is unsure of what to pack in their bag or is just starting to getting ready to pack their hospital bag.

For other experienced mamas, what did you include in your hospital bag?

As always thank you for your reading and be sure to follow me on Instagram for more frequent updates on both me and my littles, as well as a sneak peak into my everyday life!!!

xoxo
annpaige

Supporting a New Mom

Hello lovelies,

First and foremost, I would like to introduce our newest bundles of joy to the world, Adaliina & Antonio. Both babies were born perfectly healthy and have been home with us for just over a week now.

If requested I can do a separate blog post about my delivery story. I will also have my hospital bag post coming up next, so stay tuned for that very soon!

Now on to the post.

As a second (and third) time mom now, there are many things from my first experience that helped me out a lot and there are others that I was either to shy to ask for, or I thought I was alone in my thoughts for wanting them. With that said, I recently wrote a post for work on How to Support the New Mom in your life and I wanted to share it on here as well, hoping to help other new moms and parents, or those who know someone who is expecting or has just recently had a new baby. It’s okay to feel excited and eager to want to see the new baby, but don’t just show up empty handed (physically and/or metaphorically).

If you are going to be visiting a new mom or new parents, here are 10 things that you can do to show your support and help make their life easier, while they are caring for their newborn.

• Bring food - Being a new parent does not allow for a lot of cooking time. With feedings every 2-3 hours, constant diaper changes, and trying to stay sane, a full meal is one of the last things on a new mom’s mind. Bringing a hot meal or even a frozen meal that can be reheated is a great way to ensure mom and dad still eat. 

• Offer to help clean - Taking care of a new baby can be a pretty messy job and the house isn't going to clean itself. Offering to lend an hour or two of your time to help wash dishes, put in a load of laundry or even vacuum, gives a new mum a well deserved break. 

• Be mindful - When visiting a newborn baby, be mindful by washing your hands before you touch the baby and if you are a smoker, not smoking before you visit the baby. 

• Offer to run errands - Does she need diapers or wipes? Does she need to pick up any prescriptions at the drugstore? Offer to pick them up for her. Also, if you are in the neighborhood, a quick text to see if she needs anything is always appreciated.

• Respect her choices - Finding a balance between all of the advice that a new mom has received can be challenging. If mom has decided to exclusively breastfeed, don't get upset that you cannot bottle feed the baby. Also, never mention babies sleeping habits. It takes time for mom and dad to find their groove and also to understand their new baby. Mom does not need to hear what the latest sleep pattern technique is, or that the baby needs a bottle so they don't get too attached. Let them figure it out and only give advice when asked.

• Watch the baby - Offering to watch the baby for even 30 minutes is heaven to a new mom. She can use this time to feel like a human again by taking a quick shower and freshening up.   Or she might want to spend the time with an older sibling, who might appreciate a little special mom time of their own. 

• Call first - Visits are always welcome and appreciated, but call first. Mom may have other visitors, or may not be up to seeing anyone at the moment, so always be sure to call before arriving unannounced.

• Bring something for mom (or dad) - Late night feedings can get pretty boring at times and a new magazine/book or movie are great little gifts to give to new parents to help them pass some time.

• Don't stay too long - If you are visiting, don’t expect to stay all day.  Everyone is eager to visit mom and baby, but remember that mom also needs some alone time with her husband and her new baby. Figuring out this whole parenting thing and new family dynamic is hard enough as it is, but throw in constant visitors and it gives mom and dad very little time to figure it out on their own.  Mom may also need time to pump or she may want to take a nap with baby. Look for cues that the visit is winding down. She really doesn’t want to have to ask you to leave. 

• Take the big kids off her hands - If mom and dad have older kids, offer to babysit or take them out of the house for an hour or two to give mom and dad some alone time with their new little bundle. Siblings need to be reassured that they are loved and special, and going out somewhere fun proves that there are benefits to being older, mobile and verbal.

Is there anything that helped you out or that you wish you had help with after having your baby? 

Comment below and let me know!!

xoxo
annpaige

Maternity Style

Hello Lovelies!

Maintaining my style during pregnancy is something that has always been important to me. During my first pregnancy I was unable to wear maternity clothes and this time around, I wanted to find clothing that fits my growing bump without sacrificing my own fashion sense.

Below are some of my favourite outfits that I have worn through out my pregnancy, with links on where you can find the same or similar items. I hope you enjoy them and find them resourceful if you yourself are pregnant!

Wrap dresses are great for everyday wear from early on in pregnancy and after to use for nursing, so of course I had to show one of them!

Dress: Carry Maternity

Overcoat: Vince

I LOVE wearing high-waisted skirts during pregnancy. This one from Mendocino is a skirt that I have had since before pregnancy, but works perfectly as an over the bump skirt for during.

Top: Gebe (sold out find similar here)

Skirt: Room Service from M for Mendocino (similar)

Shoes: Justfab

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I have always loved my jeans and especially early on in my pregnancy, I would wear them as much as possible (knowing that they would only fit for so long). This top from Jules & Jim is a soft stretch knit, that I am still able to wear now, while I am huge and it has continued to keep it's shape.

Top: Jules & Jim (similar)

Jeans: Old Navy (similar)

Cardigan: Lole

Shoes: Lole (similar)

When the time came, I went straight for maternity jeans. Having maternity jeans during pregnancy makes you feel like you again. Paige jeans are made with a blend of rayon that make them comfortable and super stretchy and they also sit under the bump, which is my personal preference.

Top: Ripe Maternity

Cardigan: John + Jenn

Jeans: Paige (Maternity)

I love this outfit! When I wear this outfit, I feel fashionable, comfortable and the top has ruching on the sides, so it fits my growing bump perfectly. And, let's talk about this vest! I got this vest from Dynamite last year and I had been waiting forever for Fall to start so I could wear it.

Faux fur vest: Dynamite (similar)

Top: Jules & Jim (similar)

Leggings: Dynamite

Boots: Justfab (similar)

My everyday go to staples even before pregnancy have always been jeans and a boyfriend blazer. Not giving up my style during my pregnancy was what I said was very important to me, so finding the right styles that work with my new shape, was super important to me.

Jeans: J Brand

Sweater: Similar

Blazer: Similar

If you are pregnant or just love Fall fashion, comment below and let me know which looks were your favourite. Also let me know if there are any other pregnancy related posts that you would like to see me do. 

If you are not yet be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook for all of my latest blog updates, as well as a sneak peak into my everyday life!!! You can also subscribe to my post updates on the right hand side of this post, so you never miss a new post!

As always thank you for reading and...

xoxo

annpaige

How to Survive the First Trimester of Pregnancy

Hello lovelies,

The news is out!! If you do not follow me on social media, then you may not yet know that.....I am pregnant! This is my second pregnancy and this time around we are expecting twins!!! We both feel so blessed and we are overjoyed to grow our little family. And, of course our little girl is totally stoked to be a big sister!

Finding out that you are pregnant can leave you with a whirlwind of emotions, add pregnancy symptoms and not fitting into your clothes on top of that and it can be quite a challenge to manage. Having been through this once before, I am grateful for the tips and tricks that I had learned and been able to implement into my everyday life this time around. With that said, I am here to share with you all of my tips on how to survive the first trimester of pregnancy. Because, we never receive enough advice while pregnant, right?

Tip #1 

Sharing the news

This is a sensitive and tricky one to manage, as it can be so hard not to want to tell everyone. If you tell people, are they accidentally going to slip and tell others? Are you going to slip and tell people? Also, how long is that teeny tiny bump going to stay teeny tiny?

Having a careful conversation with your partner on who and when to tell is a definite must, as soon as possible. You may both have different ideas on who should be the first to know, however having that initial conversation will make it so much easier to respect each others wishes.

Tip #2

Dealing with Nausea 

Every woman and every pregnancy is different. With my first, all I really experienced was motion sickness vs. full blown nausea. I had a few days that I took my prenatal vitamins on an empty stomach and quickly learned my lesson not to do that ever again. However, with this pregnancy it has not been the same. Yes, a multiple pregnancy is accompanied by the symptoms of double the hormones, but no one ever knows what that really means. To combat nausea, I keep water on my night stand and ensure that I eat within a half hour of waking up; crackers are a perfect small snack to devour before breakfast and in between meals. 

Mints!! I have mints in my purse and sitting on my counter at home, as they always help when either motion sickness kicks in, or for just nausea in general. Anytime I feel a little motion sickness on transit or in the car, I always pop a mint or two to help it pass for a little while. They are also great for getting rid of pesky after tastes that can bring up nausea after a meal.

Tip #3

Fitting an ever changing waistline

Depending on your body frame you may show quickly, or if you have a longer torso or are carrying further in your back, you may not show as early. Either way, a tighter waistline is inevitable. Do not, I repeat DO NOT think that you have to live in leggings, because there are so many options available now to help you look and feel great. With my first everyone recommended I get a Bella Band and it totally does the trick for helping you fit into your favourite jeans without having to zip them up! Comfy pants also work wonders, especially loose joggers. 

For tops, I typically stick to longer tanks and looser fitting tops, especially if you haven't shared your joyful news yet.

Tip #4

Skincare

Face First

Restless nights and all day nausea got me looking like a Walking Dead extra, but no one needs to know how I really look! ;)

A good BB cream, concealer and luminizer = my trick to glowing skin!

I mix my favourite concealer and luminizer together for a luminescent glow and top it off with a moisturizing BB cream to give my skin life and hydration, so no one has to know that I did not "wake up like this".

My EOS lip blam, Batiste dry shampoo and of course  prenatal vitamins are all essentials that I cannot live without while pregnant and recommend that all pregnant women have!!

Stretch Marks? No, thank you!

To prevent stretch marks (hopefully) and also alleviate itchy, dry skin, I use a combination of Vaseline Radiance coco butter moisturizer and Shoosha Stretch Mark Oil. I start by putting the moisturizer all over my upper half, including my butt and hips (because yes, your skin will also stretch there too) and then I layer on my oil.

Using both seriously and truly eliminates the mid day tummy itch and keeps my skin feeling supple all day long. I do this routine twice a day; once in the morning after I wake up and then in the evening before bed. I used this same routine with my first pregnancy and thankfully never got a single stretch mark (here's hoping this round will end in the same results ;)) 

Tip #5

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated during pregnancy helps your body on so many levels. Getting enough fluids, helps your skin retain moisture (keeping stretch mark prevention on top of mind), and helps to flush out everyday toxins. Sometimes feeling lightheaded and nauseous can also mean that you are not getting enough fluids. I always have a water bottle with me and I usually end up refilling it about 4-5 times a day while I am at work. 

Tip #6
Write it Down

Get a pregnancy journal! I had one with my first and I bought one for this pregnancy as well. Having a pregnancy journal is a great way to keep memories because we all know how forgetful we can be (especially while pregnant). Being able to jot down important notes along the way, like when you first felt your baby kick or when you feeling your first bay hiccups. All are amazing memories and they are great to share with your little one when they are older. A pregnancy journal is also an excellent way to stay organized, as they typically include appointment reminders, baby shower guest lists and how to organize your thank your cards. A definite must have and the one I use is What to Expect When You're Expecting organizer and you can get it at online or in-store at Chapters/Indigo.

I hope that this post has been helpful, as I wish I had come across similar advice while pregnant with my first. If you have some of your own favourite tips that have helped you along your journey, share them below! And, if you too are expecting comment below and let's share in our joy together :)!

Stay tuned for my next post which will include some of my favourite Fall maternity looks, that I will be strutting this season! Let me know your favourite trends for the season and I will try to include them.

As always thank you for reading and until next time...

xoxo

annpaige

Big Announcement

Hello lovelies!!!!

I have not posted anything in the past almost 2 months for two reasons.

One: I got a new job in the beginning of October, which gives me sparatic days off.

Two: Because of the way I have been feeling most days. Some days I am just so tired that all I want to do is sleep. Others I just feel so ugh and sluggish, which ultimately results in me wanting to sleep. Naps have been a huge part of my off days lately.

By the title of this post I can only assume that you are wondering what this big announcement that I have is.

If you are close family and friends, then you may already know but, you want to see and read more.

My announcement is that.....

I AM PREGNANT!!!!

As of yesterday November 28th, 2013 I am officially 12 weeks pregnant!!!! And I am over the moon!!

My boyfriend and I have been together for a long, long... while and we are so happy. We weren't necessarily trying to have a baby but, we weren't exactly preventing it either. It was more of yes we want to one day and we shall just see what happens down the road. And, now the road is here. 

I suspected in September that I may be pregnant but, was not yet sure. We took a test at home and it turned out to be negative. A week later still pretty sure that I was pregnant, we decided I should go to the doctors to get a blood test. I went to the doctors on Thursday October 3rd and got an hcg blood test taken. The next day, Friday October 4th, while on my break at work, I called my doctors office for my results, not sure what to expect. Low and behold I got the amazing news that my test came back positive!!!!

I then hung up the phone and called my boyfriend right away (this is something that you cannot wait to tell your partner, at least I couldn't) to tell him the results. The smile that leaped upon my face while attempting to tell him the news was so engorged that I could barely speak a word. At first he did not believe me but, very quickly came around with excitement of his own. We then continued on to tell our parents and siblings within the next week.

We are both so very excited to be parents and keeping this a secret for the past 12 weeks, has been one of the hardest things that I have ever done. Every time I have seen a pregnant woman I want to jump for joy and share our experiences thus far together but, I had to contain myself. 

The reason that we decided to wait until our 12th week to announce the big news was simply because this is our first and my first pregnancy and we wanted to ensure that baby was growing strong and healthy before we told everyone. The chance of (God forbid) a miscarriage after 12 weeks of pregnancy is less than 1% and that makes us ecstatic parents to be!!

Now that the news is finally out there I am so relieved! We finally bought something for baby yesterday and I cannot wait until we move and get our new place (most likely in late April or early May) and I can decorate little cupcake's room. Also, finding out the gender will be huge, because then we can buy gender and colour specific items. No more gender neutral stuff YAY!!!

As well, so you all know my EDD is June 12th, but many people say that your first usually comes earlier, especially if you are of a small frame. I am somewhat tall at 5'8" and pretty slender, which can also be another sign for an earlier delivery. I personally do not mind if baby were to come around 36 or 37 weeks instead, as long as it is because cupcake is ready to greet the world. I just want to see my baby he...he..

Well, I don't want to turn this post into a chapter of a novel, so I shall bid a due to all of you!!! 

Please post any questions or comments below so I can answer/read everything that you all have to say. I will be doing a post every week or two to update you all on my journey and you can also check out my new tab "My Pregnancy Journey"  for quick picture updates of baby's ultrasounds and my baby bump!!!

I will also be getting back into my regular fashion and beauty posts very soon. I have several different posts that I want to share with you all soon!!

Thank you so much to everyone reading this post, it means the world to me that you are following along on my journey with me!!!!

xoxo

annpaige.