These Hidden Gems

Let's talk nursing covers today. Today I want to share an amazing Canadian small shop that I am currently loving!

SHOP

Rachel is the owner of this lovely shop and not only are her nursing covers great, but she also splits 20% of the proceeds between 2 organizations near and dear to her heart! Just a little more incentive to buy from her shop, knowing you are also helping organizations in need! 

Rachel is a Mom herself and knows the needs of a busy mom. Having used a cover in the past that only covered the front of me, was no longer an option with a busy toddler.

I went with the winter floral, a pattern I was soo nervous to order, as I didn't know the gender of our baby at the time, but decided the cover was for me, and if I did indeed have a boy, then it's me wearing the cover, not him. Well lucky for me, we had a girl and it has given me even more use than I could imagine. 

This cover has come in handy for myself so many times. I typically leave it on the car seat as a cover, that way I always have it when out and about. But what I can tell you is that I have used it several times  as a nursing cover, it's been a swaddle blanket, it's been a car seat cover, a poncho for me - when someone spit up on my shirt - luckily I dress in layers and had a tank top on, so I just wore this on top and no one even knew. I can see myself using it in the future when dining at restaurants as a seat cover, covering the shopping cart handles, the swing at the park, etc. It is such a multi-use product that I couldn't be more grateful for.

This cover has made nursing in public soo much easier. Yes, I was able to walk around and nurse Emilya while trying to shop at IKEA after our basement flooded. Something I wouldn't have done with my son, but with this cover, it gave me the confidence I needed to be able to move freely without feeling exposed. Not to mention when you have a toddler running around, you need to be able to move freely.  

Nursing to me is a special bond between me and my babies, it's not a public affair for me. I have no problem with those who do nurse without covers, but I like the privacy of that bond. I like the protection that cover gives not only me, but my baby as well. 

I have received soo many compliments on the cover, and the pattern is just my favorite. Unfortunately the winter floral fabric is not available right now, but you bet she has some other amazing fabrics:

Thank you soo much Rachel, for helping simplify this crazy journey in motherhood!!

Be sure to check out These Hidden Gems on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM for product updates, sales and give aways!! Like right now you can get free shipping: 

Happy shopping!! 

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38 Weeks with Baby V2

How Far Along: 

38 Weeks - officially the furthest along I have ever made it pregnant!! Welcome uncharted territory!! 

Size Of Baby?

Maternity Clothes?

Yes, but if I'm not going out, you bet I'm in pj pants! 

Stretch Marks?

Nope, trying to remember to put oil on at least once a week or more now because I'm nervous they might come this time since I'm soo much bigger! 

Gender?

We will find out in 1 week!! How crazy is that.. Just one week away! 

Name?

We will share in 1 week!! Our names are pretty much set, I did add in one more girl name that M is in love with, but I'm on the fence! 

Sleep?

Not great. Getting up often to pee and rolling over is definitely a process that requires waking up for! 

Cravings/Aversions?
Canned peaches! I also made cherry cheesecake this past weekend and I'm not complaining 

Movement?

Baby's movement is less crazy, a little slower, more like a baby now. Lots of rolling, hiccups and somersaults, but still breach!! Baby also dropped a bit this week, so the head is no longer up in my ribs, but I have elbowed it on my side a few times, as s/he seems to like lying across me now! 

Weight Gain:

33 pounds! Still under my total gain with Noah, yet soo much bigger!! 

Feeling?

Anxious to meet this little one! Heartburn is still kicking around, but a bit better since baby has dropped a bit. I actually feel a little smaller now that the baby has dropped a bit as well! 

What I Miss?

Sleeping comfortably.

Items Bought for Baby:

Feels soo weird not needing anything really for this baby and having gender neutral stuff already. I will say I bought more girls stuff this pregnancy and will be taking a boy and girl outfit to the hospital this time. 

The replacement diaper pail came in the mail and we bought the baby a scale to weigh the baby at home, since the service is no longer offered in our area. It was something we really enjoyed with Noah, so we justified it! 

What the doctor had to say? 

Blood pressure was high at my appointment, I didn't feel great, so my OB ended up sending me down to triage for monitoring and blood work. I ended up with a small amount of protein in my urine, but baby did well with the non-stress test and my blood work came back fine. My OB said my wheels are wobbling on my wagon, and that I need to take it easy!

Highlights:

Celebrating Easter with our families. 

Enjoying family time just the 3 of us, as much as possible lately. I'm sad my days with just Noah and I are coming to end, but soo excited to add in this baby as well. It's a big change for us all and I am excited to experience it, but I will miss my days with Noah! 

Belly Button?

In, but part of it pops out when I laugh. Soo creepy! 

Bump Pic:

Looking Forward to: 

Meeting this baby!! Finding out the sex!! 

37 Weeks with Baby V2

How Far Along: 

37 Weeks - officially the furthest along I have ever made it pregnant!! Welcome uncharted territory!! 

Size Of Baby?

Maternity Clothes?

Yes, but if I'm not going out, you bet I'm in pj pants! 

Stretch Marks?

Nope, trying to remember to put oil on at least once a week or more now because I'm nervous they might come this time since I'm soo much bigger! 

Gender?

We will find out in 2 weeks!! 

Name?

We will share in 2 weeks! Our names are pretty much set, I did add in one more girl name that M is in love with, but I'm on the fence! 

Sleep?

Not great. Naps are when I have them though. Baby is still sitting super high, so it is hard to get comfortable at bedtime. Bathroom breaks are also at an all time high now as well!! 

Cravings/Aversions?

Two-bite brownies over and over please, oh and skim milk too! 

Movement?

Baby's movement is less crazy, a little slower, more like a baby now. Lots of rolling, hiccups and somersaults, but still breach!! 

Weight Gain:

31 pounds! Still under my total gain with Noah, yet soo much bigger!! 

Feeling?

So incredibly tired still, but feeling soo happy to have made it this far along!! Baby is still up in my ribs, but feeling a lot of pelvic pressure, likely from the excess fluid I'm carrying! I'm starting to get nervous about my csection!! 

What I Miss?

Sleeping comfortably.

Items Bought for Baby:

A new drying rack for bottles and pump parts! We went with the boon grass one because it's smaller than our old one! 

What the doctor had to say? 

Meds are controlling my blood pressure so far! We got our csection date, so we are anxiously awaiting that. Baby is still breach. I ended up waiting over an hour for thus appointment, caught a cold in the waiting room, so clearly I wasn't impressed. 

Highlights:

The to-do list is just about completed! I started packing our bags, we discussed our plan for Noah with Mikes parents, so that eases my mind. Just have my pump and parts to sterilize and finish packing my bags! I'd like to get the freezer cookie dough done too, but just haven't got around to it! 

To celebrate making this far, here is the big old bare belly!! Soo large!!

Belly Button?

In, but part of it pops out when I laugh. Soo creepy! 

Bump Pic:

Looking Forward to: 

Celebrating Easter with our families! 

This mini cold leaving our house! Our essential oils have really helped!! 

34 Weeks with Baby V2

How Far Along: 

34 Weeks 

Size Of Baby?

Maternity Clothes?

Yes, along with comfy clothes and pjs!! Any chance I can stay in my pjs I'm on it! 

Monday:

Friday:

Needless to say there was a bit of a growth spurt this week! 

Stretch Marks?

Nope, trying to remember to put oil on at least once a week.

Gender?

We will find out in April!! If you ask Noah, he insists and will argue that it is a girl! 

Name?

We will share in April, our names are pretty much set, I did add in one more girl name that M is in love with, but I'm on the fence! 

Sleep?

Isn't great. It's like the first trimester all over with sleepless nights, but mainly I'm just uncomfortable. This second pregnancy has been soo much harder on my body as far as aches and pains go. Granted I'm healthier, so it's either the baby's position or second pregnancy I'm blaming. 

Cravings/Aversions?

I really just want a salad! Granted I will feel sick after eating it, but I really want one! Nausea is back, so I'm eating small meals. 

Movement?

Baby has slowed down with movement, soo happy to have my Doppler to check in on the baby as I please. Baby still likes straight up the middle. I downloaded a kick counter and have started tracking to make myself feel better and baby does meet the criteria, so all is well. I think I was just used to a crazy mover! Baby picked up activity by the end of the week.

Weight Gain:

30 pounds! I'm thinking that stand still I mentioned last week is no longer the case. I feel larger for sure now! 

Feeling?

Tired, achey and sore, but I couldn't be happier all at the same time! I'm soo grateful to be able to experience another pregnancy, I will take the unglamorous parts that come with it! Nausea is back, so that sucks feeling like I'm going to throw up at any given point. Add in the reflux and heartburn and I am a hot mess! I also slipped this week at the park and pulled a lower abdominal muscle, which wasn't very fun! 

What I Miss?

Sleeping comfortably.

Items Bought for Baby:

My pump parts came in the mail, along with a pair of baby leggings! 

What the doctor had to say? 

 Baby is measuring 2 weeks ahead again, my amniotic fluid is "generous", which explains the crampy pains I have been feeling and why I'm feeling so large. The doctor isn't overly concerned at this point! I was shocked to see that the baby is no longer head down!! We didn't end up with a photo this time from my ultrasound, but we did get the sweetest glimpses of this baby of ours!! Noah enjoyed seeing the baby as well and insisted that it was a girl and if anyone asked him at the hospital he was sure to tell them it is a girl. He will be quite surprised if it is a boy. Blood pressure is still borderline, so we are just creeping on by while we can! C-section is looking to be the very beginning of April, but we will get a date soon enough! Crazy to think how soon that really is!! 

Highlights:

Seeing sweet baby V2 again. I can't wait to meet this baby! 

Belly Button?

In, but I will say it is getting shallower!

Bump Pic:

And just for comparison's sake:

Looking Forward to: 

Maternity photos next week. 

33 Weeks with Baby V2

How Far Along: 

33 Weeks 

Size Of Baby?

Maternity Clothes?

Yes, but any chance I could to stay in my pjs this week, I took advantage of! 

Stretch Marks?

Nope, trying to remember to put oil on at least once a week.

Gender?

We will find out in April!! 

Name?

We will share in April, our names are pretty much set, I did add in one more girl name that M is in love with, but I'm on the fence! 

Sleep?

Isn't great. When I wake up my body doesn't feel rested. I think I'm just at the general uncomfortable pregnant stage. I tried the snoogle pregnancy pillow - glad I didn't pay full price because I hate it! I got tangled up in it soo easily, which only ended up waking me up. I've been napping when I can as well, but I am still just tired. I did manage to stay up until 1:30 AM for the firefighter wing night, but I can tell I'm going to regret that for days! Soo tired! 

Cravings/Aversions?

Swiss Chalet for Noah's birthday dinner was soo incredibly yummy!! Skim milk is a must lately and obviously this week has lots of cake in store for Noah's birthday celebrations! No complaints from my sweet tooth! Water is also an instant goto. Heart burn is hitting around the same time each day. 

Movement?

Yes and just when I think I haven't felt a kick in a while and pay attention for them, the baby is sure to kick to give me reassurance 

Weight Gain:

25 pounds! Granted I do feel like I'm at a stand still as far as belly growth goes for the last few 
weeks! I did start the Beach Body in Demand Pregnancy work outs this week. My goal is 3x a week, although I feel I could do more, the doctor didn't reccomend it. 

Feeling?

Pretty good overall. Every night around 7/8 PM I get heartburn or something like that, along with some reflux, so tums are my friend, which I also take one before bed too. I am still tired and going to bed early most nights, luckily Noah is back on his normal schedule, so early mornings aren't a concern now. Nose bleeds and dry nose have started, but likely from the house being dry despite having the humidifier on! 

What I Miss?

Warm weather!! 

Items Bought for Baby:

I've been behaving, but we also don't need much for this baby, but I did order some leggings! 

What the doctor had to say? 

 We don't see him this week, but will have an ultrasound next week and hopefully set our c-section date. 

Highlights:

Celebrating our little boy this week - can't believe he is two. 

I got some work done in the nursery! We actually ended up changing the furniture around, which made the nursery feel "new" for this baby! I sorted through some gender specific clothes (hand-me-downs) and sorted through the gender nuetral. Now I just need to get them washed up! We will need to change around the wall decore big time. I'm thinking gallery wall over the dresser, name eventually over the crib and maybe some wall decals for above the change station, as we learned picture frames aren't overly practical haha. 

Belly Button?

In, but I will say it is getting shallower!

Bump Pic:

This is totally one of those shirts that will be retired until after baby!! 

Check out that exhaustion written all over my face! 

Looking Forward to: 

Working more in the nursery! Maternity photos are just a few short weeks away! 

32 Weeks with Baby V2

How Far Along: 

Size Of Baby?

Maternity Clothes?

Oh ya...

 Shirt (new) - Old Navy    Black Jeans - Gap

Yay for new shirts that are long enough! A lot of my shirts from my last pregnancy are not long enough now. I lucked out with buying a few new maternity shirts while in Florida. I also bough some non-maternity shirts that will work for now and post baby!! 

Stretch Marks?

Nope, trying to remember to put oil on at least once a week.

Gender?

We will find out in April!! 

Name?

We will share in April, our names are pretty much set, I did add in one more girl name that M is in love with, but I'm on the fence! 

Sleep?

Much better now that we are hone in our own bed, but I am just really tired! 

Cravings/Aversions?

Skim milk, water and rolo ice cream!! 

Movement?

Yes. I think I felt the baby doing crunches in my pelvis...

Weight Gain:

22 pounds! Wasn't as bad as I thought! 

Feeling?

Pretty good overall. Swelling is no longer an issue, so my rings are back on! Reflux has started :( I am also getting a dry mouth often. I'm tired despite sleeping well now that we are home, but getting up early I'm sure is to blame despite going to bed early!! 

What I Miss?

Warm weather!! 

Items Bought for Baby:

What the doctor had to say? 

Check up went well. I was in an out! Blood pressure is still borderline. He reccomended cutting my workouts down to just 3x a week to help with swelling. My bump is only measuring 1 week ahead now instead of 2 and weight gain was just a few pounds over the last month! I go back in two weeks and will have an ultrasound to check on growth and we will also be getting our c-section date!! I joked with the doctor how easy this pregnancy is compared to my last and he agreed. 

Highlights:

Coming home and getting back to our routine!! 

Belly Button?

In, but I will say it is getting shallower!

Bump Pic:

Nothing like a good old outtake from taking these photos... Lol

Looking Forward to: 

Working in the nursery!!! 

30 Weeks with Baby V2

How Far Along: 

30 weeks

Size Of Baby?

Maternity Clothes?

Yes. We are back to trying on clothes for vacation next week and well.. That is not fun! 

Stretch Marks?

Nope, trying to remember to put oil on at least once a week! 

Gender?

We will find out in April!! 

Name?

We will share in April, our names are pretty much set, I did add in one more girl name that M is in love with, but I'm on the fence! 

Sleep?

  Hasn't been great and not for one reason or another, just generally not great. Baby is kicking up a storm throughout the night as I am awake. 

Cravings/Aversions?

Homemade chicken quesadillas win the vote this week!! I really want homemade chocolate chip cookies!! 

Movement?

Yes, happy to report baby is back to moving and grooving strongly again! 

Weight Gain:

20 pounds.

Feeling?

Large and I know I am only going to get bigger during this trimester. Nose is runny again at night. Lack of motivation as far as work outs go this week, but pushing through towards the end of the week after my OB agreed I could start back up post dental surgery. 

What I Miss?

Bending over without feeling like I'm about to vomit. 

Items Bought for Baby:

Nothing exciting this week! 

What the doctor had to say? 

Blood pressure is borderline, but stable if that makes any sense? Basically it's sitting right below 140/90, if it goes above then we are talking meds, but he's fine with just coasting as long as it stays at this level. My appointments are every 2 weeks now, my c-section will be scheduled for 39 weeks-ish which we will hopefully get a date around the 35 week mark (beginning of March) at which point I will have another ultrasound to check on the baby! 

I just passed my glucose test, which gives me some relief. Baby is measuring 2 weeks ahead, but no weight gain over the last 2 weeks. Position is still head down. 

He cleared me to travel for 1 week! 

Highlights:

Happy to be coasting by with no blood pressure meds and I'm ever hopeful to make it as far as I can without. This feels like such a big deal to me, because I know if I do end up on meds that it also means rest and no work outs like last time. 

Our vacation is booked and aside from packing I'm ready for a getaway - Florida here we come! 

Belly Button?

In, but I will say it is getting shallower!

Bump Pic:

Looking Forward to: 

Florida!!! Our last family vacation as 3!!

29 Weeks with Baby V2

 How Far Along: 

29 weeks

Size Of Baby?

Maternity Clothes?

Can I just say that trying on clothes - formal and swimsuits to be exact is really no fun at this stage in pregnancy and is very miserating. I managed to sneak in a few non-maternity items this week for date nights:

Stretch Marks?

Nope, trying to remember to put oil on at least once a week! 

Gender?

We will find out in April!! 

Name?

We will share in April, our names are pretty much set, I did add in one more girl name that M is in love with, but I'm on the fence! 

Sleep?

That damn wisdom tooth couldn't come out sooner!! Two nights this week with migraine headaches was not fun! We had a busy week that did not include many naps! Since my surgery though, sleep hasn't been too bad, aside from a sick snoring husband keeping me up every hour - but he slept like a baby. 

Cravings/Aversions?

Still loving chocolate milk shakes and cauliflower. I would really like some homemade chocolate chip cookies! I am not loving the post dental surgery soft food diet - it is really not filling and I am not a soup fan! 

Movement?

Seems slower this week, but I think that is because I have had soo much on the go and distracted with my mouth. 

Weight Gain:

20 pounds.

Feeling?

Where do I start? Feeling good pregnancy wise. My tooth came out Thursday, which was a horror show in the making... The dentist ended up hitting my gag reflex with her needle, while I had a jaw block in and I ended up vomiting all over. It was bad. Like really bad. After that subsided, she did manage to get my tooth out, however I could feel a lot of it, but really couldn't handle another another needle or risk vomiting again. But now that it is out, I do feel much better, just praying I don't end up with a dry socket. 

What I Miss?

Um... It was a rough week and a glass of wine would have been nice, or pain meds that would help with the migraines. But that is all done and over with now! 

Items Bought for Baby:

Another pair of baby shoes came in the mail this week from Parker and Posie. Love her little flash sales she has been doing!! 

What the doctor had to say? 

I see him next week. Aside from that I just saw the dentist, who did warn me that I am at a higher risk for developing the dry socket because of my pregnancy hormones and location of the wisdom tooth. I definitely don't seen much of a blood clot on the tooth, so I am a bit concerned, but it doesn't hurt so far!

Highlights:

A few date nights with hubby, as well as some fun family time.

Swimming with Noah.

Staycation.

Having my wisdom tooth pulled 

Belly Button?

In, but I will say it is getting shallower!

Bump Pic:

Selfie style - all dressed up! 

(Excuse the make-up free pic, as I was still in recovery mode from my wisdom tooth removal)

Looking Forward to: 

Vacation. It is booked! Now I just have to try on clothes, which is not going to be fun as mentioned above.