Five Things

I've realized that if I post a picture a day of this precious face, I will have enough cuteness until the end of times. I mean, look at that angel!

So everyone is tagging everyone on Instargam with five random things about the individual. Whoever came up with it, hit the spot and it's like a plague going around Web now. Natalie brought it into blogosphere and I think it's here to stay. I've been tagged  too (well, sorta), so here is my five things.

//1// When I was around fiver or six years old, I wanted to be a judge when I grew up (at least that's what my mom tells me I told everyone). Then I saw the cost of tuition for law school.

//2// When I first met my future husband, I disliked him. I mean, we were butting heads for a while, as we hung out in the same youth group. Once on a sledding trip we were playing around and I accidentally knocked glasses off his face. We found the glasses. I did say sorry. To this day, hubby swears I did it on purpose.

//3// Besides my secondary education, I went to music school for seven years and art school for five starting 6 years old. I did not have a moment of free time until my last two years of high school.

//4// I'm a clean freak except I hate doing dishes. I will scrub my house from top to bottom and vacuum and wash everything, only I may leave dishes for hubby to finish (if at all possible).

//5// When I was twelve years old, I spent entire summer in  Norway's country side. Our parents were working on strawberry farm and my sister and I were having a blast. Talk about spoiled.

Therefore to keep the ball rolling, I tag Shelby, Kaylee, Danielle, Abbey and Jessica

February {Budgeting Series}

I can not believe that another month has come and gone.
 Baby Jonthan is 2 weeks old today and I'm finally starting to feel like a human being again. 

So when I said I'm going to do a monthly budget and try to stick with it, I did not, let me say it again, I DID NOT anticipate how hard it was going to be. So many times I would have be on the way somewhere and just wanted to 'stop by' Old Navy or Loft to see what they have on sale but had to resist. Did you know there is always a sale? Always.

Only now I realize how much shopping I was actually doing. It didn't seem like much every time because I never had major shopping sprees but thirty bucks here and a fifty bucks there would add up to be a substantial amount at the end of a month. Therefore February's $100 budget was a huge cut to my spending habit. But somehow (having a baby and being stuck at home for the last two weeks helped) I managed to not go over the limit too much.

Considering, all of these things were necessities (well except shoes. must.have.shoes) and there was no room left for the 'wants'. 

So do you budget? Or is it just too hard? Or maybe you are swimming in cash? I would love to hear from you and your experiences in the comments!  

Breastfeeding Tank (3) 19.99
These are a must for any nursing mom. I'm loving and currently living in them. 

Basic Tank(2) 12.99 each
I LOVE how soft these are. Even if you aren't preggo, go get yourself a couple. 
You will thank me later.

Pajama Top (2) $12.48
One thing you have to consider when buying PJs for nursing mom is an easy access to the merchandise. I bought a few sets of when I was still pregnant but that aspect somehow escaped my mind.

Striped Flat  $19.99
Shopping with hubby is an adventure when he finds the cutest pair of striped flats. Always looking out for me and then complaining that I have too many shoes. He is the best.

TOTAL: $130.90

                 -100.00

                                               over the budget---->$30.90

P.S. Can you tell I love shopping at Target? 

The Birth Story

This picture was taken right before we headed out to the hospital. 

I mean, how much bigger can you get when he kid is getting over-baked?

Not much more. 

I have been laying sleepless through couple nights thinking if I wanted to share this part of my life. I am a private person (with a personal life style blog, I know), and want to keep some of the very intimate and private details of this to myself  But I do want to share the incredible experience that brought my son into this world. (I still can't believe I'm saying the words 'my son')

As you may know I was overdue. I mean seven days isn't that long but it felt like an eternity to me. 

My last sonogram showed that he was 8lb and 13oz which isn't always accurate and usually +/- a pound. It's the plus side I was afraid off. There are many risks to waiting up to two weeks past due date but we know that babies don't go by our time. They just have a mind of their own. 

I was struggling between waiting him out couple more days and taking all those risks, or going for induction and taking more risks. Either way, it wasn't going to be an easy decision. 

Hubby was leaving the decision in my hands but after talking it through and praying, we decided to get the show on the road. 

On the way to the hospital my heart was racing and I had butterflies in my stomach.

So there was checking in and settling in, getting all the important info down and checked by the doctor. My cervix wasn't ripe enough, so that was the first step at 4pm. The medication was supposed to take about 12 hours to work and the next morning I would be ready for Pitocin ( I was not ready for it).

But my body decided otherwise. By 9pm my water broke and contractions were 2-3min apart by 11 pm. I was dilating very fast, so there was no time like the present to ask for epidural. 

Yes, I'm a big chicken. Hubby says I yelled pretty loud when contractions hit. The pain of the needle in your back is nothing compared to those awful contractions. 

So I got the epidural just in time because by 3am I was fully dilated and effaced, ready to push. 

That's when the trouble came.

Our baby didn't want to come out. He was fighting me with all his might, because his heart rate dropped half of what it was supposed to be only after three pushes. Doctor thought maybe it would jump up once I wasn't pushing but it was taking him long time to recover. 

          More of the same and she said that I will have to push for a while and he isn't tolerating the labor. 

But he had to come out. 

I cried. We cried. I begged to let me wait him out a little and maybe he will decide to show up. She did.

Forty five minutes later, the same story. 

So basically, there was no choice - push and risk him having brain damage or C-Section. 

I cried more, while they were rolling me into OR.

By 4:43 am he was born - healthy, happy and very alert. 

By 5-ish I was holding him in my arms and nursing my little man. Still in shock of what has happened, exhausted but happy.

More tears, more joy, more happiness.

Still happening to this day.

Mama Hurts, So You Don't Have To

We are home now. We are trying to nurse. As in, Jonathan is doing well - eating a lot, pooping even more but it's mama who's in pain. Let me just lay it out there. Breastfeeding hurts. A LOT. Supposedly, it doesn't when you get the latch right, but how do you make a newborn open his mouth as wide as his face? It's not a pleasant feeling - so far lots of pain and biting my lips so I wouldn't cry.But it's getting better. Slooowly.

I've always believed that nursing is a natural and most beautiful thing but it sure doesn't feel that way yet.
It takes a lot of practice and right now we are not very good at it.

Let's be honest, your boobs (there I said it) weren't sucked on, tugged and pulled at ever before and now they have to stand that abuse every 2-3 hours. Whoah! 

I want only the best for my little boy and willing to suffer through this but at 3 am when I'm clenching my teeth and trying not to take the precious food source out of his mouth (which he utterly enjoys, judging by the suckling sounds he makes), I feel like quitting.
But then I look at his precious little face and remember that only I can give him the best start in life. Only I can provide the precious nutrition, love and care and no one else.
It's hard but it's ohhh so worth it.

Motherhood is tough and there is nothing in the world that's so difficult and rewarding at the same time.

My Little Valentine

The sweetest Valentine's Day gift I have ever gotten

I'm back... and I can't believe how much my life has changed in these last couple of days. 

My mind keeps thinking, 'can you believe it'? 

You are a mommy now. 

The AMAZING feeling that knocks the socks off your feet and makes your head spin while you body is reminding you of the earth-shattering, mind-blowing, most painful experience of your entire life. There are no words to describe the pain, the back ache, the fear of unknown and the unpredictable. But you were made for this. For this role as a mom. 

It's unbelievable how much I love this little guy of mine. Right now, I'm an emotional mess, so every little crooked smile, every raised eyebrow, every dirty diaper and little wink makes my heart sink. 

I can't believe he is mine. Still. It's so surreal. 

Between the all-nightly feedings and burps, diaper changes and swaddling - time flies so fast. It seems like life just took on a pair of wings and determined to take me to his college graduation in one single breath. So I'm enjoying it. Every minute of it. This perfect, little, most adorable Valentine that stole my heart. 

Finding Motherhood Along Abbey Road {Guest Post}

Once the pregnancy is over and you have done all those things to make sure your baby is healthy, and actually gone through all the trials and tribulations of labor, you get to hold your bundle of joy. It's an emotional, confusing, exciting, scary and joyous time.
Here is Abbey from Along Abbey Road blog and her first motherhood experience. 

Hello, there! I am Abbey from Along Abbey Road. I am so happy to be here while Anna is loving on that precious little babe of hers!

Babies are miraculous, complex beings. Babies are also tiring and testing beings. I remember that first moment I sat on the couch with Luke, just the two of us. Both Matt's mom and my own had made their rounds teaching us their best-practiced mothering skills and Matt reluctantly went back to work, tired, worn, and learning to adjust to this new world (bless that ole' chap's heart).

There sat this helpless, wrinkly, perfect human in my arms. I was terrified and thrilled all in the same moment. I already knew him from the kicks, flutters, and rolls we shared those last 10 months, but now he was really there. Tears flooded my eyes that we had been blessed to rear and direct this amazing soul.

I will never forget the feel of Luke's silky almost translucent skin. The smell of his tiny body curled up under my chin. The softly pleading and adorable cry. The way he reached up his tiny, 1-inch hand to mine while he fed, reassuring me that I was his favorite and most-needed person in the world.

Those are the moments that we mothers live for.
Congratulations, Anna! So excited for you to create your own loving memories with your beautiful baby boy!

The Waiting Game

Still not here...
I love that so many people are excited to meet our little guy but I'm also a little annoyed. The preggo hormones are raging over here /if you can't tell/, and I'm anxious to get the show on the road. I have a million /well, maybe not that many/ text messages a day asking me if he is here yet. I understand that people have only the best intentions but all I want to do is yell at the phone, and it didn't do anything, poor thing. Here is what's happening now.

I'm tired all the time but can't sleep more then two hours at a time. Tossing and turning, getting up to tinkle like five hundred times a night, then about 6am I'm starving and getting up to get breakfast. By 8am I'm tired again and sleepy - clime back into bed (while hubby has no problems sleeping through it all) and snoozing for a little bit. Brunch, maybe a shower later and some blogging, so by 1pm I want to take a nap again. So I snooze in the chair in the nursery. Feeling a little better by now, and want to get out of the house. Taking a walk or going to the mall just to get out and do something. 

This waiting period is exhausting, so I while I try to keep myself occupied with baking some pastries and online shopping for the house, have yourself a great weekend.


P.S. The Pink Peonies Blog brought to you another giveaway from Florence Adams. A $50 worth of stuff from the shop, so check it out.

Bump Evolution

The 9 months journey

You gonna get pregnant... 

well too late now...

What just happened? Run to the drug store and get a dozen of pregnancy tests.
Pee on all of them. Try to breathe.  Yep, preggers.

Have first sono - it's becoming real. 

Little poochie is starting to show up. 

Loving cute little belly. Still wearing normal clothes and heels.

Baby kicking and moving a lot, little maniac.

Starting to think about names and fully transitioned into maternity clothes

So you had an easy pregnancy so far? Yeah, now where the party begins.

Come out, NOW, baby boy!
"but why mom?" - because I said so...

It's kind of obvious what I'm trying to say here. Starting in May, freaking out when we found out and getting excited about the news, then gaining way too much weight while picking up all of the third trimester side effects, we have arrived. 

Today is my due date. 

The name is Jonathan Fedor (finally decided)

Everything from now on is going to be 'overdue' but technically you can go two weeks late and still have a normal delivery with a healthy child. Although at this point, waiting even another day seems like forever. I do not want to take any chance and probably only going a week past my due date.

I say he will be here on the 7th, 8lbs 4oz and 21in long.
What's your guess?
Let's vote.
If you guess it right (or very close), I will mention you in a post with a link to your blog.

Ready or Not, Here He Comes

dress:Target, cardigan: Loft, shoes: Aldo

I saw his face. It was kind of surreal and weird at the same time. We had (hopefully) last sono and appointment yesterday. The technician was able to get a  snapshot of his face. It's kind of a freaky adorable picture. Almost alien-like but at the same time, so cute, with some major cheeks.
Seeing a real person who has a face was little shocking. Yes, I know I'm 40 weeks pregnant and this was coming for a while now but it's different. Thinking of the baby as something in the distance or seeing him in person (well almost) was amazing. As much as I'm uncomfortable, heavy and just plain tired of being pregnant, I don't know if I'm ready for all of it.
First it's the painful contractions, the fear of medicated birth or need of c-section, the unknown and the embarrassing and the thought that something can go wrong with our baby.
Then the sore nipples, the swollen breasts, the unbearable pain of breastfeeding, the sleepless nights, the colicky tummy, the leaking (all over), the crying that you can't stop, the postpartum depression and whole bunch of other things I still don't know about.
It's frightening.
I am ready for this pregnancy to be over but the amazing and the awful that comes after?
I don't know.
I've read the books, I've listened to all the (wanted and unwanted) advice and I've watched many YouTube videos. Yet it doesn't not prepare you for the life that's ahead.
Until you've gone through it all yourself, until your name is sealed on the 'Done It All Mothers' hall of fame, you just don't know.
Ready or not, he is coming soon.

Accountability

I have a lifestyle blog. I love fashion. I love (gasp!) shopping. 

I'm not really crazy obsessed with the whole idea of shopping, I just like having new things and being inspired (read: jealous) by other bloggers, doesn't help. My hubby has been rolling his eyes at my habit but mostly very tolerant.

Side note: sometimes I think if I were the main breadwinner in the household (say I was the husband) and the wife was spending money left and right, we would have some major problems. Thank God, for a patient hubby of mine. He is really good. The best kind of good. 

Moving on to my inability to pass a good sale.

As I said, I've been bad about shopping. 

I think, I have a hard time identifying what I really need (mostly nothing) and what I want (mostly everything). If you really think about it, clothes are there to keep us warm in the winter and somewhat decent during summer. It's not there to define who we are.

I decided that I needed a little more accountability in this area, being that we have a baby on the way and a new house (read: added expenses which do not include my closet). So I think telling the whole world (you guys are the entire world of Internet users right?) how much I spend each month and what I buy, will help me and also hopefully inspire some of you (other shopaholics) to curb my cravings. 

Main things to keep in mind. (Don't listen to the lady in the poster above, that's for sure)

Realize the difference between a want and a need. Do I want that pair of BCBG leopard pumps? Yes, I sure do! Do  I need them? nope... 

Have a set-in-stone budget. Make sure there is no way of getting around it, be that $1000 or $10, stick to it no matter what. 

Be accountable for your spending. Find a person, start a blog or do something to make sure that you are sticking to it. And don't reward yourself for sticking to it one month by doubling your spending the next.

Ditch the credit cards. Only spend money (even if you are putting it on your credit card because you get 30% off) when you have the the same amount in your account.

Have a goal in mind. Identify the things you actually need (new winter coat for next season?) and shop the sales. 

Subscribe to couple email alerts letting you know when the things you are looking for are on sale. DO NOT subscribe to all the stores, high end designer boutiques and any other shops that will lead you down the path of temptation. 

Therefore, starting this months, I'm going to be doing a feature describing my purchases and having a grand total at the end of every month. I mean, it's probably going to help having a newborn and not being able to get out of the house much, but I can manage to spend as much (if not more) money online.
I don't want to be overly optimistic, so let's start with a budget of $100 for the month of February.
Here I go!
Wish me luck!

Egg-in-a-Whole {recipe}

When I say I don't like eggs, I mean, I really don't like them. If I have to eat scrambled eggs, I nearly drown them in ketchup. But being that it has lean protein and an essential to a good breakfast, and blah blah blah (especially for preggos), I've been forced to eat them. Hence, I've been looking for recipes to creatively disguise the eggs and load up on veggies. First of all, I'm the queen of easy when it comes to breakfast. Sometimes I get all crazy and make super fancy Eggs Benedict, otherwise, I like to stick to pancakes. Well, here is the first way I've tried eating my egg(s). And I must say, I liked it.

Ingredients:

1 slice of your favorite bread

1/2 tbsp butter 

1 egg

salt and pepper to taste

1/4 avocado

3 grape tomatoes 

With a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass, press a hole in the center of the slice of bread.


Next, heat a skillet over medium-low heat and melt the butter in it. When the butter is all spread out, place 
the piece of bread in the skillet and crack the egg straight into the center of hole.



Cook for at least 30 seconds or so before attempting to move the bread or things could get messy. Sprinkle the egg with salt and pepper to taste. After about a minute, flip it over with a spatula and salt and pepper the other side.



Now move the whole piece of toast around the skillet, soaking up all of the glorious butter. Let it cook until the yolk feels, to the touch, still soft without feeling over-jiggly. Here’s the key: golden brown toast, white (not brown/burned) whites, soft unbroken yolk. Load it with your favorite veggies and and enjoy! 

Baby Boy Nursery

Ever since I found out that I'm pregnant, I've been working on ideas for the nursery. Sometimes, I would lay sleepless during the night and think what I would like to do. I've been gathering materials ever since we got married - those sheep that I bought almost 5 years ago, Russian cartoon characters my mom brought from motherland and books that I read when I was a little girl. 

My first thought was to make it navy blue and green. I wanted an accent wall and was looking for wall paper. So when I found this striped teal number, I absolutely loved it and changed my mind about the colors. 

Teal walls and bedding with brown furniture seemed a little boring. So I added a pop of color with subtle orange accents. 

I LOVE the end product and very often go sit in my favorite chair (it reclines, rocks and swivels! I received it as a Christmas present from hubby) while reading. 

He really is so amazing, kind and the best kind of good. 

Did I mention it's the warmest room in the house? Yep, nice and cozy!

Crib: Pottery Barn Kendal Fixed Gate Crib
Dresser: Ikea MALM 4 Drawer Chest
Bedding: Pottery Barn Harper Bedding
Standing Lamp: Walmart DIY (Spray painted colored that I wanted)
Mommy's Chair: Natuzzi Liri Leather Recliner
Clock: Target (sold out)
Table Lamp: Target
Bassinet: Gift (Target)
Changing Table: passed down from my sister
Mobile: DIY
"I Love You" Prints: La Posh Design (custom made)
Frames: Hobby Lobby
Rocking Horse: Vintage (handmade present from our neighbor)

Awards and Other Unmentionables

I'm so excited to tell you that I've been featured on another blog. Anna over at Fash Boulvard featured me and few other bloggers in her post with mustard/golden colored pieces. Check it out!

I was also nominated for the Liebster Blog Award. For any of you who don't know what that is, the Liebster Blog Award was created to discover new blogs with less than 1000 followers. I was nominated by Haley Valerie. Thank you so much!

The rules for this award vary, but these are the ones that I am following:

• List 11 random facts about yourself
• Answer the 11 questions which are given to you by your nominator
• Ask 11 new questions for all the Bloggers that you nominate to win the award
• Nominate 9 bloggers with less than 1000 followers for the award
• Go to each of the blogger's pages to let them now about their nominations
• Thank the blogger who nominated you by mentioning them and link it back to their blog on your post
• 
  

11 Random Facts:
- I play piano and a lead pianist at my church
- I speak two languages - Russian and English
- I love shopping with my husband 
- I'm a clean freak 
- I wanted to be a judge when I was little
- I have very low pain tolerance (and I'm due in <2 weeks. Good luck girlfriend!)
- I've never been in the hospital- no surgeries, no broken bones, no ER visits and no serious illnesses.
- I'm an Evangelical Christian
- I always wanted a large family with 4-5 children but this pregnancy is making me reconsider it. 
- I did not like my husband when I met him. We were hanging out in the same youth group for a while but I did not ever think that I  fall this guy. I fell  hard and never regretted it since! 
- My two favorite women in the world are my mom and my sister. I also have the most adorable niece.


My  Questions:

• Why did you start a blog?
• Cats or dogs?
• If you could meet one famous person, who would it be? 
• Do you have siblings?
• Who's your favorite blogger? (link up)
• Are you an early bird or a night owl?
• If the world would end tomorrow, what would you be doing today?
• What is your favorite food?
• If you could travel the world, what is one place you would definitely visit? 
• What is your biggest pet peeve?
• What is your favorite TV show?

Questions from Haley Valerie:

1. What is your middle name?
Alexandria

2. What is your favorite movie?
The Notebook - I know it's cheesy and such a chick-flick but I cannot help myself and cry every time

3. How long have you been blogging?
Almost a year - I'm a newbie

4. What is your favorite beauty product?
Bare Minerals foundation. I love how light it is

5. Coffee or Tea?
Always tea with honey and lemon.

6. If you could have one wish granted what would it be?
Being able to see the future. I'm a perfectionist and want to avoid mistakes

7. Who is your favorite celebrity?
I don't think I have one. Not really into Hollywood

8. What is your favorite book?
Gone with the Wind. I must have read it about 10 times and it never gets old

9. What is your dream job?
Teaching College Mathematics 

10. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Clean bathroom

11. What inspired you to create a blog? 
I started following fashion blogs and one really stood out. The very first blog I started following was by Jessica Quirck at What I Wore. She started very small and was persistent enough to make it a success. It inspired me to start my own blog and follow through with it.

I nominate 

The Double Take Girls
God Bless Our Nest

Butler Party of 2

Mama Style

Creamy
Here and Now
Lam in Louboutins
Brandon and Shelby
Racing Towards Joy
Something Devine

No Rush

This black maxi is the only thing that fits my big belly at this point.
Miss my regular clohes

It's been all about birth, baby and other pregnancy related things here but that's my life. And since this blog is about my life - there is no way of getting around it all.
After reading this post by an awesome fellow blogger, I have been thinking.
I've decided to consciously enjoy every single moment of every day until our baby boy arrives.

 People keep asking me how long I have left and that unintentionally reminds me that it's
getting VERY close but he's still not here.

 It seems like we rush through a lot of things in life but this time is not going to ever come back. 

I'm not going to be just wife, sister, daughter and friend. I'm going to be a mother. 

You can't rush through motherhood.
You can't rush through life. 
God is giving me this time to reflect and learn to trust Him to give us our boy at a perfect time.

So while I wait... 

Spending lots of quality time with hubby, sleeping in when possible, shopping, watching movies and  just enjoying time together. Ohhhh yes, still debating on the name.
Spending time with friends and family, hanging out with my mom and sister.
Reading a few baby books and one just for pure pleasure of reading.
Trying different recipes - cooking and baking deliciousness.
So take your time baby boy (reasonable amount), get strong and big (not too big) to face this currently-below-zero-temperatures world.

Hearty Potato Soup {recipe}

recipe courtesy of The Pioneer Woman

 Lately, I have been making lots of food.
What else is there to do when the temperatures drop into negative zone Fahrenheit?
Brrrrr. But-freezing cold. 

I mean, I am hungry pregnant lady after all.

Staying at home, and baking and cooking up a storm, makes my husband the happy beneficiary of the happenings. I don't know why and what's happening here but nesting is definitely getting to me. 

I think I'm reading more food blogs than fashion anything right now. Washing floors at least twice a week, scouting for pillows for my new couches and just organizing the house like crazy.

Well, at least the house is clean and there is always food. Delicious food. 

I got this recipe from The Pioneer Woman and it's perfect. It's so hearty, thick yet perfectly creamy. 

Try it for yourself.

Ingredients

6 slices Thin Bacon, Cut Into 1-inch Pieces

1 whole Medium Onion, Diced

2 whole Carrots, Scrubbed Clean And Diced

3 stalks Celery, Diced

6 whole Small Russet Potatoes, Peeled And Diced

6 cups Low Sodium Chicken Or Vegetable Broth

3 Tablespoons All-purpose Flour

1 cup Milk

1/2 cup Heavy Cream

1/2 teaspoon Salt, More To Taste

Black Pepper To Taste

1/2 teaspoon Cajun Spice Mix

1 teaspoon Minced Fresh Parsley

1 cup Grated Cheese Of Your Choice

Preparation Instructions

Add bacon pieces to a soup pot over medium heat and cook bacon until crisp and fat is rendered. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside. Pour off most of the grease, but do not clean the pot.

Return the hot to medium-high heat and add the onions, carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for 2 minutes or so, then add the diced potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Cajun spice.

Pour in the broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are starting to get tender. Whisk together the flour and the milk, then pour into the soup and allow the soup to cook for another 5 minutes.

Remove half to 2/3 the soup and blend in a blender/food process until completely smooth. Pour it back into the soup pot and stir to combine. Let it heat back up as you taste for seasonings, adding more of what it needs. Stir in cream, then stir in parsley, reserving a little for garnish.

Serve in bowls garnished with parsley, grated cheese and crisp bacon pieces. 

*** I love to eat it with black yeast dough Russian bread. It reminds me of home.