Jumpsuit: Free People | Earrings: old, similar | Necklace: Kendra Scott | Haddie Dress: Target
Read moreCHRISTMAS BUMP
Sweater: ASOS (sold out, but very similar here) | Joggers: Gap (non-maternity!) | Heels: Sam Edelman | Handbag: TJ Maxx | Earrings: H&M ($9.99!) | Lipstick: MAC Red Rock
Although I am super pumped about my Stuart Weitzman over the knee boots for Christmas, (found these for less that are such a beautiful suede color too!), my BIGGEST and best Christmas gift is going to be holding this little bumps face soon in my arms! I cannot wait to hold my little guy, and as much as I am looking forward to a lot of my clothes, I am truly going to miss seeing that big round bump in the mirror soon! So thankful to be pregnant in this season and blessed by all the Lord has given me! What are you most thankful for this season!??
xo, Ash
PREGNANCY Q&A
Dress: Kendall & Kylie
Dress: Nordstrom (non-maternity) | Hat: J Crew | Sunglasses: Ray Ban | Handbag: Kate Spade
Skirt: Old Navy | Sweater: ASOS (sold out already, but super similar HERE!) | Booties: Anthropologie (similar here & here) | Handbag: TJ Maxx (similar here) | Earrings: Nordstrom | Watch: Michael Kors | Lipstick: YSL Rogue Pur Couture #31 Rose Fusain
Dress: Nordstrom (non-maternity but totally works with the bump!) | Jacket: BlankNYC | Booties: Anthropologie (old, but LOVE THESE & also these) | Handbag: TJ Maxx | Sunglasses: Prada | Lipstick: MAC Up The Amp
One of my favorite things about this blog is getting to document different parts of my life and getting to look back on them, like the bump! Today I'm sharing with you my answers to some questions about my pregnancy so hope you enjoy reading!
Did you crave anything crazy during pregnancy?
No! I am actually a pretty picky eater. My husband says I stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup… also translated: pizza, chicken, tacos, and spaghetti... oh and ice cream. Lol I have really just craved what I normally eat on a daily basis.
What’s your favorite part about being pregnant?
Feeling the baby kick! I thought Haddie kicked a lot… no no no! Baby boy kicks 24/7 and moves ALL. DAY. LONG. My stomach is in constant motion and while it has made me a little nauseous again this last trimester, I am really going to miss watching my stomach move and pop out unexpectedly! It’s such an amazing miracle to watch and feel!
What’s your least favorite part about being pregnant?
Not being able to wear my clothes!!! Oh how I miss my wardrobe!! While I still get to wear whatever shoes, I am such a skirt/jeans/dress girl and I REALLY miss all my options. I tried not to buy a lot of things for maternity but I am so ready to get back into fitted clothing as I gravitate to it a lot more than a looser or baggier sweater! All my clothes that won’t work with the bump right now are in tubs in my closet just STARING at me! lol
Do you like being pregnant?
Yes. I actually really enjoy being pregnant (other than not being able to wear whatever I want to wear) but I have also had really wonderful pregnancies. Both of my pregnancies have been super similar to each other, which is another reason I thought I was having another girl. The first trimester, with both babies, I felt nauseous in the mornings and would have to snack ALL morning on crackers, grapes, apples… anything. But after that passes, I really only remember I’m pregnant when I’m getting dressed in the morning or when I try to squeeze between certain objects and I can’t. lol Although pregnancy comes with so many changes to our body, it’s such a short season in the midst of our lives that I really try to enjoy everyday!
Any favorite pregnancy products that you love?
For moisturizer, I am actually a terrible resource, as I don’t love lotions. I do put on Jergens original scent lotion after showers and that’s about it. I don’t worry too much about stretch marks as whatever changes happen to my body will be a reminder of my babies.
For all my SPARK drinkers- yes I drink a Spark everyday still. Some like to split it up and have 1/2 in the morning and 1/2 in the afternoon. Somedays if I don't feel like I need it, I will only drink 1/2. Other days, I know I want a Starbucks Peppermint Latte and so I won't drink one or I'll only have a 1/2 in the morning but I have still loved caffeine. (around the equivalent of 1 cup of coffee per day!).
What are you most nervous about for two kids/ most excited about?
I am most excited about seeing Haddie’s reaction and over time watching her be a big sister. She is such a caretaker already to her babies and her animals, and so observant and organized. I think once she realizes that she has to SHARE me, she will be such an amazing help! I’m most nervous about just adapting to another stage of life and being super present to Haddie as well as the baby. Everything changes so quickly and happens so fast once the baby comes, but I guess thats the beauty of it!
Are you nervous for labor? Do you have a labor plan?
I’m not nervous for labor, as long as I get to the hospital quick enough to have an epidural!! I can honestly say I felt almost no pain when I had Haddie. She was a very easy labor and came very quickly, so I am just hoping that once I think he’s coming, I am able to get to the hospital quick! And no.. I have no labor plan! I am way too laid back for that and would rather just enjoy it how it happens!
Is Haddie excited to be a big sister?
Haddie doesn’t quite understand yet as she’s only 19 months but she does point to my stomach and kiss my stomach when I ask her “Where’s baby brother?” But on the flip side whenever I ask her if she is going to help rock, kiss, or feed baby brother she says, “No.” ha So we will see! Again, I think she will be wonderful once she gets the hang of him being around all day with us, but at first she is going to have a really hard time not having my full attention, as she has had me to herself 24/7!
What’s your eating/exercise routine looked like pregnant?
Ugh the dreaded question.. I will be honest. I have not worked out once since my 2nd trimester or honestly eaten that healthy. I have stuck to my normal routine, which is eating a piece of toast in the morning, whatever Haddie and I fix for lunch (usually dinner leftovers, PB&J, or Chick fil A) and then dinner (spaghetti, soup, chicken, pizza, fish, or pasta). My snacks throughout the day are usually healthy with fruit and then at night I always eat some sort of sweet (ice cream, cookie, popcorn). I have eaten what I have wanted but I also don’t eat to where I am stuffed. I just eat enough until I’m satisfied and my portions are small.
Although I haven’t attended any workout classes, been jogging, or done any home workout videos, Haddie and I do stay pretty active throughout the day. I try not to let her watch much TV and we like to get out of the house every morning and afternoon, whether we go to the grocery store, the mall, Wal-Mart, or the park. We love to walk and be at the park (as you can tell from Insta!).
My advice would be to stay active and not use “pregnancy” as an excuse to eat a whole box of Cheezits, row of cookies, or tub of ice cream. Eat a normal portion of your meals and don’t use the excuse of “eating for two!”
When do you start showing off the bump? The awkward in-between “I just look bloated” stage makes me want to wear a badge that says, “I’m pregnant!”
This is hard and is different for every person. I first started showing off my bump more when I was in workout gear because the tighter tank tops made me feel like it was actually showing, but when I would get dressed up, I would still wear just a denim shirt or casual tank and my jeans. I think I first showed off the bump in this dress because of how form fitting it was and I felt confident and didn't care if people thought I had looked like I ate too much or knew I was pregnant! It's really whenever you feel confident enough to not care what people think and to choose to just rock it!
xo, Ash
BRIGHT
Coat: Calvin Klein (also here) | Turtleneck: J Crew (love this style too in yellow!) | Denim: Joes (non-maternity version) | Booties: Michael Kors (old, super similar here on sale!) | Beanie: CC (love this for under $5!) | Sunglasses: Prada | Handbag: TJ Maxx
I keep wondering as I post if this is the "last pregnancy post" lol but they keep on coming as baby boy is hanging in there! I was glad I had this wrap coat this weekend as it actually fit over the bump with a tie knot and it got cold out!
Taking this week day by day!
xo, Ash
Top: J Crew (similar here) | Skirt: Self Portrait (super similar here!) | Heels: Sam Edelman | Earrings: J Crew | Sunglasses: Prada | Handbag: TJ Maxx (similar) | Lipstick: Stila Perla
Happy Monday everyone!
You can bet you are going to be seeing.....