POST PREGNANCY BODY

This is a topic that I've been wanting to talk about for a while now, but I just haven't gotten around to writing (partly because I've been putting it off, and I've been enjoying cuddling Calvin more than blogging) To start, the transition into motherhood has been so incredible. Calvin is a dream, Alex is super supportive, my recovery has been awesome and I am happy. The only struggle that I have been facing has been how I see my post pregnancy body. A few years ago I lost quite a lot of weight (around 50 pounds), and one of my biggest fears about pregnancy was that I would gain it all back. During our first year of marriage I gained 10 pounds, and over the course of my pregnancy I gained another 40, which means I am back to the same weight I was before I lost the weight 4 years ago.

A couple nights ago I completely unloaded to Alex about how I was feeling. I said things that I have never said about myself before. Things like: "I don't feel pretty." and "I don't like looking in a mirror" or "I was so much prettier when we were first married". Luckily I am not at all uncomfortable around Alex, and surprisingly my naked body doesn't horrify me. For some reason in my mind as soon as I put on clothing I look terrible. It's weird, and I don't understand it. 

I hate how I feel, so I'm doing something about it. Instead of focusing on the numbers on the scale, or clothing I buy, I want to do one thing everyday that makes me feel beautiful. At the end of the day this body created the cutest baby boy I have ever seen. I should be proud of what I have done, not ashamed of how I look.

DOWN BY THE RIVER

One of my favourite things about our neighbourhood, is being so close to the Ottawa River. I grew up living about a 20 minute walk to the river, so it was a huge bonus when we found out that our apartment was about the same distance. I must admit that the first couple years of us living here, we haven't really taken advantage of it, since our work schedules were a little all over the place. But now that the weather is getting nicer, and I no longer work, we are definitely going to be taking more walks along the river.

The weather was absolutely beautiful yesterday so we thought we would take Calvin down. We were out for a good 2 hours. It was nice to loose track of time and spend some time together as a family in the fresh air.

BABY PRODUCT MUST HAVES

Today I thought I would share with you all a few of my favourite products that we have been using non stop with Calvin.

1// Jolly Jumper Moses Basket: This thing is seriously the greatest!!! We can easily move him room to room. It's been a lifesaver for me when it comes to getting ready in the morning. I bring the basket into bathroom and lay it on the ground when shower and he just babbles away to himself. We also bought the rocker stand for it so the top of the basket can be the same height as our mattress. We feel like we've "hacked" co-sleeping since he is right beside my side of the bed, and he is also at the same height as us.

2// Britax B-Agile Travel System: We adore this stroller and car seats! It's easy to maneuver, and folds up to practically nothing which is perfect for storage!

3// Nursing Pillow: Can't enough good things about nursing pillows! Especially during nighttime feedings when I am a little dopey, the pillow keeps him supported.

4// Angelcare Bath Support: Since we are still in our apartment, storage space is pretty limited. Luckily this bath has a hook so it hangs in the shower. It's also super easy to clean which is an added bonus.

5// Mustela Hydra-Bebe Baby Lotion: Now this stuff is pricey, but Alex and I received a few sample sizes, and after using it I definitely am willing to spend a little extra for this stuff! It smells delicious, a lot goes a long way, and it is all natural.

6// Carter's Swaddle Blankets: These blankets are perfect! Super light weight and stretchy so they are perfect for swaddling him.

7// Carter's Scratch Mittens: For the first 2 weeks Calvin wore these every single day. Some people say scratch mittens are a waste of money, but they weren't for us!

8// Swaddle Me by Summer Infant: This is definitely my favourite product! Calvin really loves being swaddled, but can sometimes weasel his way out of being swaddled. With this swaddle he's going nowhere! Wrap him up in this thing and he is out for the night!

What are some of your favourite baby products?

CALVIN'S NURSERY

I thought it was about time for me to finally share with you all Calvin's nursery. I absolutely loved getting this bedroom ready. It pretty much took me my entire pregnancy, but I enjoyed doing it bit by bit. I wanted to buy pieces that were gender neutral so if we ever have a girl we can easily transition it into a girl's nursery. Pretty much every single piece of furniture is from Ikea, can't get enough of that place!

Crib: Ikea
Curtains + Pillow: Ikea
Wall Shelves: Ikea
Mirror: Ikea
Rocking chair: Eames Eiffel rocking chair
Stripped basket: Amazon
Mobile: diy
Alphabet poster: Ikea
Clock: Target
Yarn Wall Hanging: diy

PALMYRA IN THE SPRING

Palmyra in the springtime will always have a special place in my heart. 2 years ago in April I received my endowments in the Palmyra temple. I can't believe it has already been 2 years, it feels like yesterday! I loved walking around the sacred grove with Calvin. Without the events that took place there, I wouldn't have this family of mine. And for that I am forever grateful.

CALVIN: 1 MONTH

My bumpdates were my favourite blog posts to write. So naturally I can not wait to get started on Calvin's monthly updates. I still can't believe that he has already been with us for a month! (give or take a couple days) He has such a sweet personality, and completes our family. 

Age: 1 month

Sleep: Calvin has been such an incredible sleeper since day one. For the first 2 weeks he would sleep 3-4 hour stretches at night, and now he goes 6-8 which has been such a blessing for Alex and I!

Feeding: For the first 2 weeks, breastfeeding was a nightmare. It hurt, he wasn't latching on properly, and all in all I was not enjoying it. Luckily we have both gotten the hang of it now, and become super comfortable with it.

Clothing: 3 month clothing fits him perfectly, along with size 1 diapers (newborns lasted for about a week on him before he outgrew them). He'll probably last another couple weeks in them before going up in a size.

Movement (baby development): Believe it or not, on April 25th he rolled from his tummy to his back.  My mother in law and I were only ones who were there to see it and we were completely speechless. Since he is a pretty big boy, it isn't difficult for him to hold his head up for long periods of time and just look around.

Likes: Tummy time, sucking on pinkies, baths, car rides, being swaddled

Dislikes: (1) Soothers. He loves to suck, but still gets pretty frustrated when he tries to latch on to a soother. Luckily he doesn't need to be sucking on something in order to fall asleep, so he really doesn't need a soother for the time being. (2) Baby wraps/carriers. Calvin loves movement, so he prefers to be in a stroller. He doesn't mind being in a carrier, as long as we are constantly moving or he is asleep.

Other: We went on our first little trip to Palmyra this past weekend and Calvin was such a gem! Slept during the car rides, and let mommy do some shopping while daddy carried him around in a wrap.