Black on Black {Polka Dots}

The more pregnant I get, the more black I want to wear.  Maybe because my wardrobe options are starting to diminish even more now that I'm close to the finish line.  I love having this bump as an accessory, but gosh, I am so ready to fit in regular clothes again.

I wore this outfit to work today!  The classic black pumps add a more dressy, professional look, although they only lasted through my first morning meeting and then the flats came on! Usually, my number one rule for maternity dressing is good fitted clothes - basically showcase the bump! Otherwise, you'll just look extra round and frumpy.  But seriously, being 8 months preggo in this crazy SoCal heat, anything goes. This black cotton poka dot Zara top is not quite so fitted (even though its non-maternity), but its super comfy!  It is still flowy around my bump which is amazing.

What I'm wearing:
Zara top (Old) // Zara Leggings // YSL Cabas Chyc (Old) // Alice + Olivia Suede Pumps // Ray Ban Mirrored Aviator sunglasses // Forever 21 Necklace (Old)

Have a great Thursday!  Its almost the weekend...

Maternity Stripes & 32 Weeks Babybump Update

Hello friends.  Happy Monday!  I spent most of my weekend doing what else...prepping the home for baby!  Also, I caught glimpses of NYFW updates all over Instagram and Pinterest.  Wish I was there!

I had hoped to post weekly pregnancy updates in my Third trimester, but with such a busy summer, it was definitely hard to pull off.  So here is the latest: 32 weeks, and wearing stripes to showcase my massively growing bump.  I've noticed that maternity basics comes in either black, grey or stripes. Nothing else.  You would think the bigger you get, the more you stay away from unflattering horizontal stripes.  But stripes pretty much goes with everything so its hard to avoid.  Stripes is the new black!

Old Nay Maternity dress {now on sale} // Halogen Booties {now on sale} // Chanel Classic Flap bag // F21 Necklace {old}

Speaking of getting bigger, I've been meaning to talk about pregnancy weight gain.

People often tell me I'm so still so small, even though at times I feel so big looking in the mirror.  I get questions about how I've kept my weight gain in check, and honestly, I think it’s important to talk about so people don't think I'm starving myself or over-exercising to stay slim.  My main rule for eating is pretty much the same pregnant or not: I try to indulge in moderation, I listen to my body and really try not to focus on it as long as I feel good and not overdoing it in either extremes.  This means that if I want a burger and cupcake or two, I eat them.  It means that when all I wanted was fried foods because literally EVERYTHING else sounded disgusting, I eat it. I love food so having an excuse to eat more is like a dream come true. But I know nutrition is the most important thing now since I have to think beyond my own needs.

Of course, I don’t eat junk food all the time.  I make sure to eat tons of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other healthy foods — overall, I think I'm much healthier now than pre-pregnancy, especially with the complete elimination of booze.  On top of that, I've been really good about maintaining a good workout regimen.

At the end of my first trimester, I was a little nervous about my weight gain.  I wasn't gaining any substantial weight even though I was eating so much more.  My Dr. said it was fine and was still "within healthy range" but still...it makes you wonder {and worry} if everything you're doing is sufficient for the baby.  I tried not to worry about it because your body is pretty amazing and it just does what it needs to do.  I guess my body didn't really need extra weight in the beginning; in fact, I probably could have afforded to lose a few lbs. pre-pregnacy.  Anyway, when I needed it, my weight gain sped up quite a bit towards the end of the my 2nd trimester.  Now, I'm on track to gain the total recommended of 25-30 pounds.

More so than any other point in your life, you have little control over your body during pregnancy. Your body is going to do what it needs to for you and the baby, and that is something you can’t and shouldn't control or micromanage.  So my advice: Just enjoy the journey while it lasts!  Focus on your body and reward it for the amazing work that it’s doing every day.  You'll be in your pre-pregnancy clothes soon enough!

{Scroll down for my 32 Weeks Update}

How far along? 32 Weeks

Baby Size: Squash!  He's about 17 inches long and weighs approximately 3 to 3 3/4 pounds!! He's getting ready now for the big day, in the head-down position now. And probably feeling even more cramped day by day!

Total weight gain/loss: 22 pounds

Maternity clothes? Still a few dresses and comfortable tees.  I've resorted to buying a bigger size in regular clothes in hopes I can still use it post-baby.  

Stretch marks? Nope. 

Symptoms:  Swollen feet and hands.  I've been lucky to have had no other bad symptoms thus far.

Sleep: Enjoying 7-8 hours of sleep. I could sleep for days!

Best moment this week: More progress on the nursery!  And other non-baby related news, I got to host a bridal shower for one of my good friends in Malibu.  It was beautiful and fun.  I love parties!

Worst moment of the week:  Super busy days at work!

Have you told family and friends: Yes!

Miss Anything? Cooler temperatures. Its been so hot which doesn't go well with pregnancy.

Movement: YES, tons!

Food cravings: Same story - ice cream, ice cream, ice cream!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!

Have you started to show yet:  Definitely!

Labor Signs: Nope

Belly Button in or out? In betweenie.  I don't think that thing will ever completely pop out.  

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy.  I seriously can't think of anything to complain about.  God is good!

Looking forward to: Baby shower #1 in a couple weeks!


xoxo,
Lydia

30 Weeks Baby Bump!

My outfit details: Ray Ban sunglasses // H&M Blazer // Nordstrom Rack Tank //J Brand Maternity Jeans // Francesca Collections Necklace // J.Crew Clutch //Charles David Shoes

Its all starting to sink in now.  In about 10 weeks or so, I will be responsible for my very own human. Some days I feel like I can barely get my own life together much less mine PLUS someone else's, not to mention the child that I already have, AKA the hubbs. :) It's crazy to think how much life will change - my body, all my relationships, my mentality, my daily habits and overall focus.  Its getting all too real.

What am I most anxious for...

• Epidural or not to epidural...that is the question?
• Adjusting to changes in my routine. I am a creature of habit.  How will I adjust to my new family, a new sleep schedule and new everyyy-thing!

What am I most excited for...

• Finally meeting this creature that has taken over my body
• Seeing if Baby W looks anything like me!
• And of course, getting to fit in my real clothes again

Speaking of clothes -- I finally had to break down and buy some maternity clothes.  Squezzing in to my regular pants and tunics was becoming too uncomfortable.  With only a couple months left, I dreaded spending hundreds of dollars on a temporary wardrobe, but I refuse to look frumpy and unpolished. Thank the the heavens for stores like Old Navy, Gap and Asos.  They have best be selection of affordable and stylish maternity clothes.  I filled up my closet guilt-free!  Although the one thing I feel like I had to invest in was designer denim.  These J Brand jeans I'm wearing are so comfortable.  My other fave is Paige jeans!

Scroll down for my 30 week baby bump update!

How far along? 30 Weeks

Baby Size: Cucumber!  He's about 16 inches long and weighs approximately 2 ½ to 3 pounds!! His skin is getting smoother, but his brain is getting wrinklier – to make way for all that essential brain tissue.

Total weight gain/loss: 16 pounds

Maternity clothes? A small selection of dresses and comfortable tees.

Stretch marks? Nope.

Symptoms:  Swollen feet and a ferocious appetite!

Sleep: Started to get up during the night to use the bathroom, but still getting on average of 7 hours per night since I go to bed so early.

Best moment this week: Nothing in particular. But we have started getting registry gifts in the mail.  It’s feels like Christmas!

Worst moment of the week:  Again, nothing too terrible to note; however, exhaustions is starting to creep up on me again.  Trying to regain energy through walks and pilates 4-5 times a week!

Have you told family and friends: Yes!

Miss Anything? Still…Eating salami and prosciutto.  Cured meats are really the only think I had to cut out of my diet.  I didn’t really like raw sushi or rare steaks pre-pregnancy anyway so my eating choices did not have to change much.

Movement: YES, tons!

Food cravings: My sweet tooth is not anything new, but now I feel like I can indulge with a little less calorie guilt.  Boba drinks have been a weekly staple as of late. So good!  I’m going to have to start weaning myself off this Asian delight or I’ll never loose the baby weight post pregnancy!!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!

Have you started to show yet:  Definitely!

Labor Signs: Nope

Belly Button in or out? Peeking of out for sure!

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy.  The countdown is in the single digits.

Looking forward to: Starting maternity leave at 36 weeks!!


xx,
Lydia

Mommy community {guest post} By Suzanne Solomon

When Suzanne and Lydia first asked me to guest blog about my pregnancy I was a little nervous and wasn’t quit sure what I would write about. As you have read in my prior Q & A I have had a very uneventful and healthy pregnancy (yay!! currently 32 weeks) with no real issues except the occasional doughnut cravings.

Needless to say, at week 29 I received routine blood work results that diagnosed me with gestational diabetes. I was shocked! I felt great, maintained a healthy diet and was exercising regularly, and hadn’t put on much weight. I was so confused.

Scared and nervous, what had I done to cause this? Once I gained my composure and started educating myself on the disease; I soon realized it was nothing I did, per say, yet how my body was/is reacting to and breaking down of carbohydrates and sugars.

I met with my doctor to review a list of foods to eliminate from my diet. Juice, soda, fried food, sweets and FRUIT. Yes, fruit. My pregnancy had turned into a fruit maniac, eating about five to six servings a day. I thought we were supposed to eat 5 servings of fruits and veggies everyday. I was surprised to learn that fruits should be kept to a minimum, or thought of as a "treat” due to the high natural sugar content.  Who eat fruits as a “treat” unless its over ice cream?!  The conclusion is I was over indulging, I had to give up my daily banana, apple and pineapple, all which are the highest in natural sugars.

Overall, I haven't had to make too many changes in my diet. Due to an autoimmune disease triggered by food allergies, I already abstain from dairy, wheat, soy and artificial sweeteners. So, cutting out complex carbohydrates wasn’t too difficult.

I do have to test my blood four times a day and maintain a low carb, high protein, NO sugar diet. If I eat fruit it must consist of berries like blueberries or raspberries, which contain the least amount of sugar.  I am required to walk for at least 10 minutes after each meal with an additional 30 minutes of cardio a day. 

In all honesty, it has not been too bad. GD is not a death sentence; rather an opportunity to learn portion control and focus on eating super healthy. And its true, the less sugar you eat, the less you crave it.  Knowing I am doing this for my little man who is due October 8th has made the transition and process that much easier. And I plan on continuing this way of eating post birth.

baby on board 

My husband and I have been together for three years, health and fitness has always been a priority to us, and at times an obsession. I was very informed about the do’s and don’ts of pregnancy, but what I have learned the most in these 32 weeks is to go with the flow and listen to your body.  You may have your mindset and planned to do something one way but your little guy/or girl has something totally different planned out for you.  Pretty much the way life will be from now on.

30 week Q & A with Suzanne Solomon

We know how much everyone loves a good baby story.  We were so happy when our good friend Suzanne said she would contribute to our baby series updates.  She also agreed to write up a brief summary about her past 32 weeks, hope you enjoy it as much as we did. 

Active as ever throwing the football 

How far along? 30 weeks (7.5 months)

Baby Size: 16" from head to heel. 

Total weight gain/loss: 14lbs

Maternity clothes? Not a big fan. Since I'm not working right now, I'm sporting Pilate’s clothes and sundresses.

Stretch marks? Not yet, hopefully never. 

Symptoms:  The typical…

Sleep: Baby likes to sleep on my bladder, which causes frequent trips to the bathroom throughout the night. Naps are keeping me alive. 

Best moment this week:  Boxes and boxes of hand me downs.  

Worst moment of the week:  Restless legs syndrome during the night. 

Have you told family and friends:  I told family and friends right when I found out, I chose not to wait the full 12 weeks.  I had suffered a miscarriage a month before and could use all the prayers and support (of family and close friends) early on.  

Miss Anything?  Sushi, crown royal, allergy medicine and most of all RUNNING!!!  

Movement: Lots, love his kicks and turns. 

Food cravings: Anything with Vinegar, but I've always had a love for it. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really. 

Have you started to show yet: Yes

Labor Signs: Not yet

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, on a constant endorphin high. 

Looking forward to: A glass of champagne and a full platter of sushi finished off with a sprinkle donut. 

Summer Reds + Baby Bump Update {26 Weeks}

Where did July go?!  I missed my last update {24 weeks} because I was somewhere between Croatia, German and Portugal.  So here we are - already at 26 weeks!  I feel like I say this every post…but seriously you guys, it’s going by so fast. 

The bump went through a little growth spurt since 22 weeks.  I went from people barely noticing I was preggers to people asking if it’s a boy or girl in a matter of days!  Luckily the rest of me stayed pretty much the same size and I’m still able to fit into cute non-maternity dresses, of course with a little stretch.

I wore this dress to dinner one night in Portugal.  Drop waist dresses don’t usually look great on me, but with this belly, somehow it works!  Unfortunately, I totally forgot the accessories I had already paired with this dress. The red goes so well with golds and turquoise accents bracelets and earrings.  It also gives it a more beachy, vacation feel.  

{ Dress: Here & Here // Shoes: Old Zara }

Scroll down for my 26 weeks baby bump update!

How far along? 26 Weeks

Baby Size: A Eggplant!  He's about 14 inches long and weighs approximately 2 pound!!  His eyes are forming, and will soon start to open. He's getting her immune system ready for life on the outside by soaking up my antibodies.

Total weight gain/loss: 12 pounds {Not much weight gain in the last month…must be all that walking in Europe)

Maternity clothes? Just jeans.  Still squeezing into my normal tops and dresses.

Stretch marks? Nope.  

Symptoms:  Occasional leg cramps at night and extra full & thick hair {it’s amazing!}

Sleep: Still pretty good.

Best moment this week: Finally finishing my registry!

Worst moment of the week: None.

Have you told family and friends: Yes!

Miss Anything? Wearing super high heels.  Naturally, the first thing I reach for is flats or flip flops these days.

Movement: YES, tons!

Food cravings: Lots of fruit!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!

Have you started to show yet:  Yes!

Labor Signs: Nope

Belly Button in or out? In…although its definitely on its way out!

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy.  There’s really nothing to complain about…I’ve been super blessed in this whole experience.

Looking forward to: Upcoming baby showers!