I am so happy to announce to you all that our little bundle is finally here!
Jadyn Sky made her debut at 3:17 a.m. on January 2, 2018.
Labor and delivery story to come at a later date.
xoxo,
Leigh
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Officially 40 Weeks Pregnant
As of today I am 40 weeks pregnant. And so far…nothing. Our little girl is cozy in there and doesn’t seem to want to leave, while I am getting more and more uncomfortable. We are so ready and excited to meet her. I want to really see who she looks like: does she have my nose or lips? What about Max’s eyes? We are so curious and so ready.
Today is also a very bittersweet day. Today marks 10 years since my father’s passing and it feels like it just happened yesterday. Here’s what I posted on my personal Facebook account that sums things up perfectly (along with two of my favorite photos of us):
“Today is always a hard day. I cannot believe it has been 10 years since this great man left this earth. This year has been a joyous one and I know it’s because of him. He has been watching over me ever since he departed and made sure, especially these last 9 months, that his little girl will have one of her own very soon.
Today is also my official due date. Crazy how the circle of life happens, right? We want to meet you Baby W, so please arrive soon!
Miss you every day, dad. I wish you were physically here to witness this magical time, but I know you are watching from above. I love you. 
“
If my dad were still physically here on this earth I know he’d be so ecstatic to meet his granddaughter and be cheering me on to get her out. This time of year is always tough, but with Baby W making her debut literally at any time, this time of year will truly be joyous.
If I don’t write again before 2018, I wish you all a safe, fabulous and Happy New Year!
Pregnancy Update: 39 Weeks
And so it begins… I am currently 39 weeks and 2 days and let me tell you, the aches and pains of pregnancy are absolutely real at this point. I have been really lucky during this pregnancy overall, though. I hadn’t really started feeling horrible until about 38 weeks. The back pain increased, walking turned into waddling and pregnancy insomnia is now in full effect. You know it’s bad when I’m writing this blog post while currently bouncing on a birthing ball.
Here’s what’s been happening since I gave a true pregnancy update or written a pregnancy post:
- Baby W’s nursery is done. I am currently waiting for this custom bow holder from Magnolia Sweet Things (I love Etsy) and this rug I ordered from Overstock.com as the final thing to go under my rocking chair so it stops sliding when I sit in it. I kept her nursery somewhat neutral, going for greys, whites, blush pinks and golds. I have butterfly decals on the wall where her crib is and a grey rocker custom selected for me by Curated Nest (check out my sponsored post with them here).
- We took all our classes. Per my healthcare provider’s instruction, we completed the three classes they strongly recommend we take prior to our little one’s arrival. Those are: breastfeeding, newborn care and preparing for childbirth. The most informative and bearable was the preparing for childbirth class. We even met another couple who is due a few weeks after me, so our little one with already have a playmate around the same age!
- Hospital bags are ready. Baby W’s bag was ready at 36 weeks and I finally finished packing mine last weekend. I know, I know… it’s just hard to truly pack when I’m still using things on a daily basis (brushes, deodorants, etc), but I bought some travel sized items to take with me and everything is packed.
- Car seat is installed. We officially installed the car seat in my car. Thanks to my father-in-law, we got our Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System that comes with a car seat base for easy (and safe!) install. We’re surely ready to bring our little one home from the hospital once she decides she wants to make her debut.
- Labor playlist is ready. If you didn’t read yesterday’s post, I shared my labor and delivery playlist with you! Music has always played a big part in my life, so I can’t imagine going through something so monumental without music. Here’s the post if you’d like to check it out.
- Trying to kick-start labor. I know I really shouldn’t be trying my hardest to get this little one out, but I am just so uncomfortable at this point. I’ve been googling ways to kick-start labor and they range from nipple stimulation and lots of sex to castor oil and drinking raspberry leaf tea. At the time this post was written, lots of raspberry tea has been consumed. We’ll see which of these options helps!
How did you feel this close to delivery? I’d love to know in the comments!
Music: Your Labor & Delivery BFF
Music has been a big part of my life ever since I can remember. I have vivid memories of my dad turning up the radio in the car just to hear some oldies on the Bay Area’s KFRC station. This year marks 10 years since my dad’s passing (I am actually due on the same day he passed away), so I feel as though I need to pay homage to him and feel as though he’s with me during labor. What better way to do that than through music?
When it comes to genres, I love anything from Motown to Rock to modern day Pop and Hip Hop. Let’s just say my “Baby Time” Spotify playlist features a variety of genres to get me through any stage of labor that I’m in. I obviously didn’t want an entire playlist of just fist pumping, high intensity music, so I was sure to include a mixture of both.
At 39-weeks, our baby girl can arrive at any time, so I need to make sure this playlist is somewhat solid… I’m really feeling that new Imagine Dragons/Khalid mash-up of Young, Dumb & Broke and Thunder right now. >>>
Check out my playlist below to see what I’ll be listening to during labor. Note: it’s still evolving as I haven’t picked all my songs yet!
Did you play music while you were in labor? I’d love to know what your go-to songs were! Leave a note in the comments.
Classes During Pregnancy
One of the great things about my healthcare provider is that they encourage taking certain classes during pregnancy.
Last month, the hubby and I took a breastfeeding class, which was a little on the formal side, but super informative. It was nice to learn tips and tricks on latching and know that you can ask for help and the lactation consultants won’t make you feel silly for asking any question. The most informative, interesting and hands-on class we’ve taken so far is our preparing for childbirth class.
We took this class this past Friday night and yesterday and, while it was definitely overwhelming, the things we learned have stuck with us and we decided to implement some of what we learned into the labor and birthing process. Since my due date is only three weeks away, we were one of two couples who were delivering in December (I do have to say that I was slightly embarrassed because I kept thinking other couples thought we were procrastinators!!).
The Friday night portion of the class was only three hours and in those hours, we learned different techniques and positions that can help with the laboring process. There were different stations and my favorite was the massage station – especially having Max learn the double hip squeeze. The amount of pressure it relieves off the hips and lower back is AMAZING. We also learned different positions such as dancing, squatting and other methods using gravity that will help ease some of the pain during labor.
Saturday’s class was more traditional in the sense that we watched movies about the different stages of labor, what the 4-1-1 rule is, when to go to the hospital, how long you can potentially be at the hospital depending on what type of birthing process you have (natural, cesarean, induction) and even had a mock labor situation. We focused a bit more on the textbook (which is like a Cliffs Notes of What to Expect When You’re Expecting), but I’m glad we did because I’ll be taking it with me to the hospital just in case!
The preparing for childbirth class was the most beneficial class we’ve taken so far and I think the most interesting for Max. As a partner, sometimes these classes can be a little nonsensical as they can think “do I need to be here?” but in reality, yes… at least for me. It’s been super helpful having Max attend these classes with me since he retains so much information and recall it almost instantly and will be a great source when I forget something I learned once we’re actually going through the motions and baby girl decides to arrive.
Next class will be newborn care which I’m actually really excited about and hoping to get some hands-on experience (of course on a doll!).
Did you take any classes while you were pregnant? I’d love to know which were most beneficial to you. Leave a note in the comments section.
Let the Countdown Begin!
It’s so crazy to think that almost nine months ago I found out I was pregnant. From working my full-time job at Red Tricycle to traveling over the summer to spending as much time with friends and family on weekends as possible, this pregnancy feels like it has flown by. I can’t even believe our baby shower was two weeks ago!
I am exactly one month away from my due date!
At my 36-week appointment on Monday, it was learned that our baby girl is head down – not “I’m ready to come out now” head down, but she’s starting to adjust herself into the right position. My next appointment will be at 38 weeks if I haven’t gone into labor already.
Things are now coming together. On the 18th we had our beautiful co-ed baby shower hosted by my mom and pseudo-sister at her place (check out my photo slideshow) and it was such a fantastic afternoon celebrating baby girl. My husband’s friends drove up from Santa Cruz to spend time with us and it was just a really joyful day. Check out the slideshow below for some behind-the-scenes look at the shower.
Now things are starting to really get real: we just started receiving all our nursery furniture that we ordered, so this weekend will consist of our hospital tour, followed by putting together the crib, dresser, bedside bassinet and changing table. I can’t wait till the nursery is completely put together! We only have her blush pink curtains hanging up there and a sign that says “Spread the Sparkle.” Check out my post about Curated Nest if you’re in the market for nursery interior design ideas!
We are getting so excited to meet our little nugget! We cannot believe she will be here in just a month (or sooner!).
Do you have any labor and delivery tips and tricks? I’d love to know! Leave a comment below.
Nursery Inspo: Kick Start Designing Your Nursery with Curated Nest
This post is sponsored by and in partnership with Curated Nest
At 34-weeks pregnant you would think that my little girl’s nursery would be completely set up and ready to go for when she arrives this December. Guess again. While my nesting instinct has kicked in in terms of getting the house cleaned up and organized for her winter arrival, my little one’s nursery is still very, very bare. The only thing I have in there right now is a full length mirror that has a frame I need to repaint, a desk lamp and and canvas art that reads “Spread the Sparkle.” With working full-time and being really tired at night, finding the time to actually sit down and order my nursery decor is surprisingly difficult for this soon-to-be millennial mama.
Enter Curated Nest. When interior designers – and recent first-time moms – Erin Coren and Lina Galvao were designing nurseries for the bundles of joy, they realized that new parents needed an easier way to shop and design their own nurseries. They needed a one-stop-shop. So Erin and Lina took their interior design talents and started Curated Nest, a website where soon-to-be and new parents can go to browse their creative nursery styles, purchase all the furniture and décor they need, or use their online interior design services for something truly custom.
Perfect for millennial parents who love to do everything online, Curated Nest’s online interior design service is an option not to miss if you’re waiting until closer to delivery to design your nursery. You can purchase the Petite Nest ($149) or the Dream Nest ($349) where you can have your nursery, toddler room or playroom custom designed for you by Lina and Erin.
The Petite Nest option is more of a kick start to designing your nursery. If you’re the creative type who just needs some guidance, this is probably the option for you. Here’s what you’ll get:
- Complete a brief questionnaire and send back to Curated Nest so they can gauge your style.
- Send Lina and Erin links to your Pinterest or Houzz boards, as well as any registries you have open as well as any photos of the room you can provide.
- One week after you send them the questionnaire, links and photos, Curated Nest will send you a custom nursery style board with products tailored for your lifestyle and design.
- You can purchase anything you like straight from your personalized link on their website.
- While there are no revisions at the Petite Nest level, you can upgrade to the full online interior design service, Dream Nest, to reap those benefits, a complete personalized experience.
As for the Dream Nest, you can choose to design your nursery (toddler room or play room) and you’ll get everything in the Petite Nest package plus:
- Revisions
- Access to Curated Nest’s secret designer vendors
- Floorplan showing exactly where every item will go
- Personal shopping and checkout page
- Detailed designer’s style notes and setup guide
- Registry concierge where Curated Nest will help you share your custom design on your registry, build your registry and offer a 10% discount (Baby Nest option)
I had the fantastic opportunity to try out Curated Nest’s
After completing my questionnaire and sending links to my Pinterest board, Amazon and Babies ‘R’ Us registries, Erin and Lina scheduled a 30-minute call with me a few days later. We were able to get to know each other a little more (which is SO important) and they were able to gauge my style a bit better while I was able to see how well our personalities would mesh and how well they understood my vision for my little girl’s room.
One-week after that phone call, I received my style board. I have to say that Lina and Erin nailed it on the head with my style. I consider myself a classy-chic-subtle glam type and have a vision of greys, pinks, golds and whites for my baby’s nursery. My style board from Curated Nest was spot on. Here is my style board:
So in love with what they suggested, I ended up purchasing a few things right away: the rocking chair (the beige wasn’t calling my name, but the chair in grey was) and a fitted crib sheet they recommended with a floral, watercolor pattern. I’m considering buying a few more items as well, including the cat pillow, which they selected in honor on my original baby, my black and white cat! Perk: Lina and Erin only suggest products they’d buy for their own kids. That is a definite plus!
My overall experience working with Curated Nest was fantastic. Erin and Lina really listened to what I had to say during our phone call and I could tell they referenced my questionnaire, links and photos while creating my style board as it features products I would have picked myself. As a soon-to-be millennial mom, this is a service I highly recommend. I didn’t have to leave my house or get changed out of my comfy sweats and it keeps things simple and easy.
Check out the slideshow below for a close up of some of the products in my style board.
Have you tried Curated Nest’s online interior design services before? I’d love to know in the comments below!
ABC Kids Expo 2017
One of the perks of working for a company like Red Tricycle is that I get to attend really cool conferences and last week I went to the 2017 ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas. I went with Red Tricycle’s editorial director and bump + baby account director and we met with some great companies. It was also a fabulous experience seeing so many baby and kid companies displaying their 2018 gear for everyone to test out and learn more information about.
I do have to admit that there was a bit of sensory overload since I’m an expecting mom, but it was all worth it in the end. Walking around 5 miles per day and talking with all these amazing vendors was a great experience.
There are so many products coming down the line in 2018 for companies and I just have to share some of my favorites that I saw.
What’s New
Three companies that caught my eye by either being new or offering new products this year were Bink Modern Safety, HNY Baby (pronounced honey baby) and Lulujo Baby.
Bink Modern Safety has the most stylish baby and kid proofing products I have seen in a long time. Their chic pastel-colored dot outlet covers will fit any room’s decor and are muted enough not to attract little ones to it. What’s new for the company this year and in 2018 is their magnetic blind cord. This keeps blind cords up and away from children (and animals!). Learn more >>
Along with their new products, Bink was showcasing their edge and corner covers called Bumpy. Bumpy is the first furniture bumper to be made from baby-friendly rubber instead of the normal foam or PVC. You can purchase in black or white, and like the dot outlet covers, they blend in well and wont attract your little one. Learn more >>
bink DOTS outlet child protectors
Bink Up & Away magnetic blind cord holder (upper right hand corner is the actual product)
The other new exhibitor at the ABC Kids Expo this year that caught my eye was HNY Baby. Based in Canada, HNY Baby sells their own brand of bandana bibs, multi-use nursing covers, sippy cup clips, pacifier clips and much more. Made from organic cotton, the bandana bibs will grow with your child from their newborn stage all the way into their toddlerhood. What drew me to their collection was the versatility of the products and the bright colors! How can you not love bright colors when you’re expecting a bundle of joy? I can’t wait to try out their products when our little girl finally arrives.
While walking around and admiring the displays, one that caught my eye for creativity and overall design was Lulujo Baby. Offering a vast array of baby swaddles, blankets, bath products, stroller clips and more, Lulujo Baby’s latest product is the “Baby’s First Year” blanket and card set. Each blanket is made from muslin and features a cute saying and wonderful design. Perk: they come with cards to capture your little one’s latest age! The one that stuck out to me the most is the “Isn’t She Lovely” blanket – obviously because I’m having a girl! Here are some pics of Lulujo’s fab display.
Other Favorite Finds
Like I said earlier, walking around was definitely sensory overload, but I’m excited I went. There are so many new products launching in 2018 including the Minu stroller from Uppababy, new macron color line for the Béaba Babycook (OBSESSED with the Rose Gold), a new pram from Silver Cross, new pacifier animals and Lovey’s from Wubbanub, new products from Graco, Nuk and Babyjogger and much more. I am so excited to see what’s in store for the baby-sphere in 2018 and I hope I get my hands on some of these products to fully review for all of you!
Browse the slideshow below for more of my photos from this year’s ABC Kids Expo.
Lucy Belly Designs Etsy Store Launch!
I am so excited to share the fantastic news that one of my closest friends, Nina, has launched her Etsy store Lucy Belly Designs!!
Nina designs luxury leather bows for all ages and those who just want to rock a bow or bowtie! A little background about Nina straight from her Etsy page:
I started this shop to give me the creative outlet I crave while still having the flexibility needed to be a full time mom to my baby girl Lucy.
My background is in corporate retail, specifically home decor buying and product development. I started working with leather in 2013, and trained under Beatrice Amblard, who hails from The house of Hermès, for two years. At Amblard Leather Atelier I learned all of the skills needed to create works of art with leather. While I may not be creating handbags (as originally planned), I still utilize these skills when creating my bows. From pattern making to, cutting, gluing, sewing, and finishing; everything is done by hand and with the techniques I learned at Amblard. I use a variety of tools from both the U.S. and France. The luxury leathers I use are also sourced from the U.S., France, and Italy.
Now that you all know we’re having a baby girl, I cannot wait to get my hands on these bows! My little princess will definitely have a better hair accessories collection than I do.
What I like about Lucy Belly Designs is that Nina will craft bows for any age, so you’re not just limited to babies and toddlers. Her designs are reasonably priced, amazing quality and are great gifts!
Bow ties for the little man in your life will be launching in the store soon!
Check out the photos below to see some of the designs and her adorable daughter Lucy modeling the bows!
I hope that you check out Lucy Belly Designs and get your hands on some of these bows!
– all photos courtesy of Nina
What to Expect Part 3
In this third installment of What to Expect, I want to talk about how a majority of your prenatal appointments will go moving forward in your pregnancy.
At 28 weeks, I am happy to announce that all ultrasounds will now be done ON your belly. Doctors appointments have been dialed down to about 15-20 minutes and blood tests are few and far between. The constant all around is the having to pee in a cup and getting blood pressure checks.
We’ve had to sign up for our birthing, breastfeeding and newborn care classes and we also scheduled our hospital tour. Most of these classes will happen next month, but we wanted to make sure to get registered well ahead of time.
The most exciting part of my second trimester was the anatomy scan! This 1-hour scan happens at 19-weeks and the tech scans for all the important organs in your baby: brain, kidneys, lungs, spine, heart, liver, etc. It was so cool to see our little one moving around! I actually had to go back the next day to finish my scan because the baby was moving around too much!
At this scan you can also find out the gender of your baby. Drum roll please…
We’re having a girl!
I obviously have known for the last 11 weeks that we’re having a girl, but I’ve just been so busy that I haven’t had a chance to tell my readers! Buying clothes has gone a little crazy and we’re now gearing up for all that’s to come.
I think this might be the end of my What to Expect series for a while. I probably won’t go into all the detail about labor and delivery until well after baby girl is here!