Pregnancy Update {13 Weeks}

We are officially over the 12 weeks and I'm excited to get the first trimester behind me. This pregnancy is very similar to my first one but more exhausting. I do not have morning sickness (thank you Lord) but I do have daily fatigue. I'm extremely tired all of the time. While I try to rest and take a nap during the day, my body seems to being drained by a tiny baby who's taking every bit of my energy. I'm hoping it will pass soon. 

Jonathan is a very active toddler and to keep up with him takes a lot of energy. He constantly wants me to play with him, read to him and share in every kind of activity. He does play by himself when I need to get something done, but most of the time he's by my side. Between early wake up calls and day-to-day chores, I'm definitely more busy and active.

My day looks something like this.

Wake up

Eat breakfast/blog

Pass out on the couch.

Do chores.

Eat lunch.

Pass out again.

Do chores/start dinner

Eat dinner

Pass out for the Nth time

Put Jonathan to sleep

Enjoy alone time

Bed time (promise myself to go to bed earlier the next day - never happens)

Cravings: Grapefruit, smoked salmon, Russian foods like braised red cabbage and this herring dish

Fatigue: severe tiredness every day with small burst of energy which usually end with me passing out on the couch. I literally can fall asleep standing. 

Weight gain: I actually lost 5 pounds somehow - I guess all that eating and laying around does wonders for ya. Just kidding. I have been very conscious and careful of what I eat, limiting the carb intake and increasing protein as well as fruit and veggie. Of course, I still have my favorite foods but in very limited quantities.

Exercise: although I've been feeling terribly tired, exercise is still my priority. I've been hitting the treadmill couple times a week and jogging for 2 miles. Every bit helps.

Brother-bear: Jonathan doesn't realize that change is coming and still climes into my lap to drink his milk before nap. He loves when hubby or I spend alone time with him and cannot live without his daddy putting him to sleep. I love that we still have this time together but wonder how is he going to take it when the baby arrives. He's pretty possessive when it comes to his mama and I must say I have a few worries. If I mention a baby, he says 'I'm baby' so obviously, we are not ready for a baby of any kind to replace him yet. I hope when the belly starts growing and I will show more, that we will be able to prepare him for the new baby.  

Must-Haves: water, healthy snack, body oil.

Thank you for stopping by!

xo, Anna

Monochromatic

dress: Talbots (similar) also love  this one
booties: Liz Clairborne (similar)
belt: Gap
clutch: DIY (similar)
watch: Fossil

I love simple black dresses because a) they are easy to style b) they go with everything. I love this wool stretchy version because after five years in  my closet I still wear it multiple times every winter. It's soft, warm and feels like you are wearing a cozy blanket while looking polished. I wore this outfit to church and decided to play around with my hair. This new rope braid seems easy at first but the secret is to keep all the hair super tight while braiding.  I loved this video tutorial but probably need to practice a bit more to make it look more polished and less messy. Today I love the messy braid look and hope you do too.

xo, Anna

My Pregnancy Essentials

For comfort: I loved sleeping on my body nest pillow the last trimester. It's a MUST for all expecting mothers but there is no room for cuddling with hubs. It allowed me to get some sleep (between going to tinkle and trying to get comfortable there goes the night)

For skin care: I cannot live without this oil. I slather it on after every shower and even during the day when my hand feel dry. It goes on smoothly, doesn't have any smell that would get annoying after a while and is very thin in consistency. I also bought coconut oil but didn't use it as much as this. I go through 3 bottles during my pregnancy and swear it helps with getting rid of stretchmarks afterwards.

For health: it's so important to keep up on vitamins to have a healthy pregnancy. These vitamins are natural, food-based with no additives or colors. My husband did quite a bit of research before buying them for me. They are gentle on stomach and awesome for the baby.

For clothes: I bought myself maternity jeans/ that fit me like a glove. I love the new J.Crew line and bought myself a pair of shorts on sale for summer. We shall see how they work out but the Pea In The Pod maternity jeans worked great for me.  I know they might seem expensive at first but if it's your only pair you will wear them all the time. 

For shape: Whenever I start feeling like everything is just out of proportion and too big, SPANX are there to save my butt. Honestly, they support the belly, shape your body and allow you wear those pretty dresses and such. It's the dirty little secret no one talks about. 

For snack: When craving chocolate or something sweet, I eat a handful of these snacks. They are delicious, nutty and healthy, plus not too sweet. I love them and could eat the whole bag in one sitting but carry in  my purse for desperate times. 

Thank you for stopping by!

xo, Anna

Casual Done Right

tee: Corilynn
jeans: Target (similar)
jacket: Target
bag: Ralph Lauren
booties: Old Navy (similar)
scarf: similar
watch: Fossil

When it comes to outfit pictures, I started this blog very self consciousness. I didn't feel very confident and still didn't know who I am in many different ways. I wanted to be like this or that blogger, simply because I liked their style. Over the years, I have discovered more of myself and became confident in my own skin. It's really fun to do photo shoots now-a-days and although people  are still gawking, I really don't care anymore. They usually don't ask, but even if, I just tell the truth. Most of my family still doesn't understand why and what exactly I do but it's fun. And I like it. I'm also so very grateful for my faithful photographers who constantly oblige with my demands. This blog would not exist without the people behind the lens. 

Thanks for stopping by!

xo, Anna

Pretty In White

coat: LOFT (sold out) similar
dress: Target (option1, option2)
crossbody: TJMaxx (similar)
boots: Ann Taylor (similar)
necklace: J.Crew

We are experiencing frigid temperatures. It's -7F outside my window and the 32F that we had yesterday seems like summer. We had the most beautiful snow day and I loved taking advantage of the scenery for this shoot. It's was gorgeous outside. Now it's just freezing because really no one cares for pretty white blanket of snow when the moment you stick your nose outside you turn into icicle. Hope you are staying warm and having a great week!

xo, Anna

Pinspiration: Maternity Style

pink peonies

along abbey road

the daybook

ivory lane

cara loren

one little momma

hello fashion

barefoot blonde

Maternity style is a tricky thing. You want to look stylish but effortless, while accentuating your bump. When everything hurts and it's hot outside, or you're stuck inside during winter months, heels and pretty dresses are not an option. But dressing pretty and maintaining your sexy during pregnancy is so important to your self esteem. Here's some preggo inspiration for the upcoming months. I'm looking forward to the easy breezy dressing during summer but I'm not looking forward to the heat. Jeans and shorts with a tee along with dresses is going to be my go-to. Although I like to dress up, being comfortable is my priority especially since I will be toting a toddler around. 

What's your favorite pregnancy style? 

Thank you for stopping by.

xo, Anna

Blues

dress: H&M (save, splurge)
heels: Payless (save, splurge)
bag: Ralph Lauren
vest: vintage (similar on sale!!!)
belt: GAP

The temperatures have dropped below reasonable for outfit pictures outside. So I had  to resort to inside photo shoot to make sure everyone's limbs stay in tact. The Christmas decor is put away and only the cold remains with not a ray of sunshine on most days. I want to take Jonathan out and let him experience the winter wonderland but when it's 3F outside, even the bravest mom gives up. It is supposed to 'warm up' (a.k.a. stay above 25 this week) which means opportunity for sledding and some fun. Most days we survive the cold with naps and hot tea. Stay warm my friends! 

xo, Anna

Pregnancy Tips - What I Learned Last Time

This is the nicest picture from my last pregnancy, the rest, I must say are quite horrible. My style has evolved in last two years and I hope this pregnancy is going to be different from the last. I've learned a few things and gained a few wisdom pounds. I want to share with you some hard learned lessons and things people don't want to talk about. Maybe you have read them somewhere or never heard of such things, but these are the things I've learned. Every woman's pregnancy is different and if you are to experience anything which gives you worry, seek medical advice. Otherwise, learn from my mistakes and enjoy your preggo time.

1. Watch Your Weight. 

Paying attention to your weight should not be just a thing you do before you get pregnant but during pregnancy also. First, it's easier on your entire body to not carry extra pounds, and second you will have much easier time getting back in shape once you deliver. The American culture promotes 'eat for two' mantra for pregnant women and even supports unhealthy weight gain (up to 35lb). Whereas, in most European country the top number is 25 pounds after which the doctor will warn you that you are gaining too much weight. I've been there. I know how easy it is to let yourself go and just give the 'i'm pregnant' excuse. In the end no one will suffer but you. So do yourself a favor - eat a healthy, balanced diet full of protein, leafy greens and fruit. It's OK to treat yourself once in a while but don't make it a regular part of your diet.

2. Keep Hydrated. 

During pregnancy it's very important to keep well hydrated with water, not with sugar drinks or soda. The baby is swimming in amniotic fluid the entire time which can be up to 1000ml and you will need more water than usual to keep up with the demands of your changing body. Drinking about 10-12 glasses of water a day plus adding 2 glasses for every hour of light exercise. Juices can count as part of fluid intake but remember they have lots of extra calories and sugar which can make you more thirsty. Dehydration can cause edema, dizziness, nausea, headache and cramps.

3. Exercise Regularly. 

Being active during pregnancy helps with a lot of things. Not only will it help you stay active and keep your weight gain to a minimum, it will help with backaches, fatigue and even constipation. After the baby is born you will find it easier to spring back into exercise routine if you kept it up during pregnancy, Also it's a good way to relax, relieve stress and get out of the house. Staying active doesn't mean a grueling work out at the gym. Walking, hiking, and swimming are all great options to keep active. 

4. Invest in Shape Wear. 

Dressing like a woman is very important during pregnancy. Wearing the right shape wear can make or break an outfit. It really is a life-saver especially during the last trimester. Don't be fooled - all the celebrities, bloggers and other ladies who seem to have the perfect bump wear it. It's the little secret no one talks about. The right shape wear can help support your growing belly, hide the extra pounds and help you feel and look your best. Find what works for you and because you will be wearing it day in and day out, go for the best. 

5. Have (more) Sex. 

During the last trimester it becomes increasingly difficult to have intimacy because of the bulging belly in the way. While you may be puking your guts out the first trimester, take advantage of the time you have together. After the baby arrives it will be several weeks or even months before you body goes back to normal and you will actually care for anything except sleep. Having a baby is a life-changing experience so enjoy the pleasures of life while you still can. Your hubby will love the new found enthusiasm and you will ease the aches of pregnancy with a little bit of pleasure. 

6. Be Aware of Emotions. 

It's a well know fact that pregnant women are a little bit more emotional than usual. They get upset easily, cry at the sight of a cute kitten and get angry at the dishwasher (personal experience). Being aware that changes are happening in your body and staying in tune with your emotions can help you spare other people's feelings. Again, only because you are pregnant it doesn't mean you can run over other people and say whatever you want. Also, it will help you with recognizing emotional eating and fatigue. It's a stressful time so taking extra care of yourself, resting whenever possible. Sharing how you feel will help you avoid unnecessary confrontations and hurt feelings. 

7. Trust Your Gut. 

A lot of times pregnant women are accused of overreacting and panicking for no reason. Other times that gut feeling saves lives. My first pregnancy I had a gut feeling to switch hospitals and go to a more holistic place with natural birth in mind. I didn't listen to myself and paid for it with a c-section. Of course, there were other factors which contributed to my c-section but over all I think it could have been avoided. If you are feeling restless, it's better be safe than sorry. We are talking about another human being here so trust your motherly instinct!

I hope these things help you in some way!

xo, Anna