Parenting in Overzealous World

top: TJMaxx, cardigan: Gap, pants: Loft, shoes: Aldo, bag: Kate Spade NY
I'm obviously in love with my polka dot burgundy pants (while they still fit:-) 

Preparing for arrival of our little man, my hubby and I got very responsible. Not that we aren't responsible college educated adults with jobs, but knowing that we are going to be responsible for another life... I mean, that's a whole another ball game. 

I have been reading parenting books and must say, nothing makes you feel like an inadequate adult than reading one of them. There are millions of different perspectives on whether to have a feeding schedule or just go with on-demand feedings. Different authors swear by their methods of getting an infant to sleep through the night by three months old. Then there are the gender differences between raising boys and girls. 

My head is spinning already. 

I love getting educated and being an expert on subject matter but the truth is, you cannot fully prepare for parenthood until it happens. You can read all the books in the world but until you hold that precious little baby in your hands, you don't know how you are going to feel, react and discipline that child. 

With that being said, I'm not against books - just think that sometimes, going with your gut and common sense is more important than what Dr. Whatever-His-Name said.

Here is what I'm reading now... 

Bringing Up a Bebe - one the of the best, funny and interesting books I've read. It's not a book of methods or how-tos, just a summary of life abroad. 

Strong Willed Child - Dr. Dobson is my favorite writer on family and children, I respect him immensely, so this book was a no-brainer

Parent Babble - have we had too much psychology and 'expert' advice? It seems that our grandparents did a fine job bringing up the most successful generation of adults in history of our country, why not do what they did? Just started it and love it already

Heads Up for J.Crew Sale offering extra 30% off... time to stock up on those sweaters...

Possibilities

dress: Loft (old). blazer: Target, shoes: Tahari, scarf: TJMaxx, bag: Kate Spade NY

It's getting chilly outside. Obviously. It's October outside and yet every year when it gets cold, I'm all 'what's happening to this world'. Naturally, my circulation is very low and although pregnancy was supposed to fix that, I'm still as cold as ever. But what's nice about this weather is being all wrapped up in my cozy PJs with hot cup of tea in my hands.

Also it's layering and mixing of my wardrobe that I absolutely love. I mean, if I was wearing just dress with heels it still would look nice, but adding scarf, tights and blazer makes for a more complete combo. So as much as I complain about the cold and do not like to get up in the morning, picking out an outfit now-a-days is impossible because there are many possibilities. Maybe that's why I can never get out of the house on time.

Think Again

We enjoyed the beautiful fall colors and gorgeous view while out for a walk.
Isn't this absolutely magnificent? 

People just don't know that being pregnant makes you that much more sensitive to the remarks they make.

First of all, yes, I know I'm showing. You do not need to reiterate that with "Wow! you are getting big". Seriously, you don't think I know that my narrow waist is gone and I can do nothing about it? You don't think I check myself in the mirror? Well, think again.

Next, do not predict the size of my child by looking at me. Do not tell me that I'm going to get huge with the way things are going. Again, think.

Do not tell me that my stomach is squishy and soft, if I let you touch it. Thanks a lot. I know that I'm a big blob of gushy mess. Just don't say it.

Lastly, the only thing you can say to a pregnant woman is that she is glowing. 

Tell her that she is carrying very well and that her child is going to be so lucky to have her as a mom.

So next time you want to say something less than absolutely one hundred percent positive and reassuring to  to a pregnant woman, think again.

It's Only the Beginning

Hair Tutorial Inspiration

top: Banana Republic similar, sweater: J.Crew similar, pants: Loft similar, heels: Tahari

I know I have been talking a lot about this whole pregnancy thing. Well, this whole experience is very new to me. I am happy to be bringing a child into this world, into our loving home but what I'm not happy about is what that precious child is doing to my body.

First of all, super dry skin. I am slathering ridiculous amounts of almond oil all over myself every morning.

Then the vitamins and the very needed Calcium that's giving me a little bit of the unmentionable.

After that it's the food. Technically, I don't have any crazy cravings but a lot of times I don't know what I want to eat. I know that I need to have nutritious meals, I must have breakfast but a lot of times I just don't want to eat at all. Guilty pleasure of this week - fried chicken sandwich. A quest for the perfect crispy chicken through different places, ended up exceeding my quota for bad food for the entire month.

Lastly, the weight gain. As of last Friday I have gained eight pounds and the baby is weighing 15.5 oz. This is a pretty good number according to my physician but I don't feel that way. 

The thing is, this is only the beginning. Two more weeks and I will start my last trimester which means all of the above multiplied by like ten. So bare with me as I try to navigate through this confusing but most exciting time. And tell you all about it if you are willing to listen.

Fall Colors

top: Ann Taylor, skirt: Loft, blazer: Talbots, shoes: Aldo, necklace: Calvin Klein

I love the fall colors. The gorgeous tree colors and the warm sun. 

So why not take those colors into my closet? I have couple orange and bordeaux pieces that are going to regulars here... I love that I can layer pieces and come with so many different outfits, even being preggo having half of my closet not fit me anymore. 

One amazing thing about carrying the baby is constantly feeling that little one inside you. I guess being a dad is awesome too but I feel like women get to be a mom so much earlier. It's amazing how active this little boy is. And although I haven't met him yet, I love him so very much. It's wonderful feeling of connection. 

My hubby calls him 'our son' which makes him so real and present all the time. Now if we could just agree on a name, everything would be just perfect.