Stitch Fix #10- Review

Oops- I missed Fix #9 which was so good! I wanted some pieces that I could wear halfway through my pregnancy, but also throughout the summer after having Bauer.  They picked two great shirts that were long enough to cover my belly (well until the last month or so!) and they weren't maternity so I can still wear them now!

After a successful Fix #9, I waited until Bauer was born & also for some referral credits!! so that I could get my next shipment.  There is nothing more awkward than post-baby clothing style & fit... you hate to buy something that will be too big even after a few weeks, but nothing fits just right! I updated my profile and left a message for my stylist with some details.  She sent the sweetest note & styling ideas in Fix #10 ...

I loved these Toms espadrille flats and I still am sad I sent them back :) The color was great & super comfy, just out of my prize range!

This next one was a thin sweater that was super long and had a hood.  It is really comfortable!  I kept this one because it provided good coverage for awkward fitting clothing post-pregnancy.  It will be perfect for traveling and thin enough for summer evenings.

 This next top was black and dark grey- the softest fabric ever!  I didn't love the fit but the back detailing was cute.

The top above was a great fit- I just didn't like the snakeskin pattern :)
The other top I chose was this pretty emerald one...

It is a cool lightweight fabric for summer, nursing-friendly and one of my favorite colors to wear!

Thanks Stitch Fix for another great shipment of clothes & for the great discount after referral credit! I'm ready to try out some summer sandals or a maxi dress in my next Fix!

Introducing baby Bauer!

 Bauer Stone Garcia

March 24, 2016 at 2:34am

7lbs 6oz     21.5 in.

Welcomed by very proud siblings- John Ryman and Vera :)

Baby Essentials (Part 2- Pretty Things for Mama)

1- Blanc Micro Leather Mat from Gathre for diaper changes or wipe-able placemat
2- Striped Backpack from Target - I'm using this as my diaper bag
3- Coin Purse from K.Slade for gathering all the little things in a big diaper bag
4- Bunny in small from JellyCat for something soft and cuddly that still fits in a diaper bag
5- Infinity Scarf from Everyday Pitter Patter for quick accessorizing and nursing cover
... and my favorite Franco Sarto sunglasses from TJMaxx of course ;)

Stitch Fix #8: My First Maternity Box Review

 I was so excited for this Stitch Fix box to arrive!  This is my third pregnancy, so my belly is growing a little faster than the last two times :) I never purchased many nice "brand name" maternity clothes in the past and each time I say I want to spend more on a good pair of jeans! So that was my main hope for this box.  The majority of my maternity clothes are either from Target clearance or awesome hand-me-downs from my sweet sisters-in-law, but I did not have one pair of pants that fit!  I went to Target to see their options and they only had one style of maternity jeans in a light denim flare that were high waters on me - YIKES! So, with that being said...here are the 5 items I received in my box.  The styling fee is $20, but the $20 goes towards your purchase so you are only out that money if you do not keep at least one item.  I've never had that issue!

 Super cute statement necklace- I have a similar one, so I returned this one.

The jeans! I love that they have the belly band.  Some people prefer a low waist band, but as my belly grows I like having a little extra coverage ;) These jeans have lots of stretch and are extremely comfortable!  They are the perfect length for me, which is hard for me to find in maternity sizing. If I were keeping them for regular wear I might have sized down one size, but since I will be only getting bigger I didn't want to risk them getting too small.  And after washing they tighten back up a little bit.  I definitely kept these and have worn them every day since I received my box!  I was thankful to have lots of maternity shirts already from Patrick's sisters and now I can actually wear them with comfortable jeans.  The dark wash also makes them easy to dress up if needed.  These jeans were $78, double the price of the Target jeans, but no comparison in how they fit and feel!

 The other 3 items were the softest shirts I've ever felt! They were long-waisted with ruching on the sides to allow for growth all the way until my due date.  I didn't keep these three because I splurged on the jeans and I have enough maternity shirts right now.  I really wanted to keep the mustard and navy one though! 

I think my favorite thing about Stitch Fix during pregnancy- other than not trying on clothes in a dressing room!!- is that they provide style tips and ideas for each piece they send you.  (see the first photo in this post) So even though I didn't keep the three shirts below, my stylist gave me 6 outfit ideas and styling tips in her notes.  I definitely feel like I get stuck wearing the same comfy outfits every day, then add pregnancy and exhaustion... I'm even more that way! 

 And this is what happens when you try to take a photo of your new jeans and your 3 year old insists on being the photographer :)

 Have you tried Stitch Fix yet?  Any maternity clothes styling tips?  I'm still on the lookout for a great pair of leggings, so I don't have to wear my new jeans every day.  Any ideas?

Garcia... Family of 5!

We have an exciting announcement!!!

New little pumpkin coming April 12th!

 Praising the Lord for this sweet life of 12 weeks and a healthy heartbeat this morning :)

waiting for Vera

On June 27th, Patrick and I woke up early and arrived at the hospital a little before 7 a.m.  My sweet mother-in-law had arrived the night before so that she could be at the house with John Ryman that morning.  We checked in and were placed in the triage area because the L&D rooms were all full.  It was a small room, but totally comfortable and even a nice lazy boy for Patrick to rest in!  I tested positive a week before for Strep B. pretty common I just needed antibiotics at least 4 hours before delivery.  Normally that would be just fine, but because I was already almost 5 cm dilated and my labor wasn't too long with JR, my doctor was concerned that I would deliver too quickly and not hit the 4 hour mark for the antibiotics.  (I think Vera would have been sent to NICU to receive the meds instead of me getting them)  Since I was already so far progressed and ready to have Vera, we decided it would be best to be induced, giving time for a dose or two of the antibiotics.  After settling into our room, the nurse gave me the medicine and we waited 4 hours before starting the induction process.  Kinda boring, but we got some rest and Patrick worked on a little grad school homework.  We even had a few visitors who were on their way to see John Ryman...

 
I actually felt a couple contractions while waiting in the triage room which just confirmed that Vera was just fine coming a week early :)  Thankfully before the induction began, some rooms opened up and we were able to get settled in the L&D room!  They were really nice and had tons of room!

 

 We waited a little longer and Patrick was having a good ole time :)  At least he didn't sing any Adele this time during my labor! 

Because I was in active labor with JR for longer, I never really had an appetite the whole day, but this time I was pretty hungry!  Thank goodness for tasty ice chips!!! Seriously, why are they so good?

My mom, Patrick's mom, my sister Sadie, dear friend Macie all came up to the hospital with John Ryman after he woke up from his nap.  We had fun making bows for Vera and trying to keep JR from pressing every button on the IV monitor :)

My sweet doctor came in around 2:00 to start the Pitocin and break my water.  I started feeling contractions pretty quick!  Around 3:00 I received my epidural!  Praise the Lord for epidurals!  My contractions were bearable at this time, but I was so worried I was going to miss my opportunity for the epidural because of a quick labor, that I asked for it a little sooner than necessary.  So glad I did! 

Next post... Delivery!!!



A time to RELAX

So this past week was wonderful.  Patrick had a retreat planned with Bob Russell and several other preachers at Country Lake Retreat and I had planned to drive with him to Louisville for the week.  Well, my doctor said I'm already progressing and advised against the trip just in case I went into labor or my water broke.  I didn't want to spend the week worried so I decided not to go.  My sweet mom still wanted time with John Ryman so she had Patrick bring him when he drove in on Sunday and she brought JR back to me on Wednesday afternoon.  Yes, that meant that I had 4 days alone to clean, decorate, organize, paint, relax, relax relax relax!  I am so thankful for the refreshing time I had alone to spend preparing our home & myself for Vera's arrival, lunch time with new & old friends, and tons of errands that I had been putting off because it takes so much longer to bring JR in and out with me.  I cleaned the house Sunday night and guess what? It stayed clean until Wednesday!!  I painted my nails and actually had time to let them dry in between coats.  Patrick was so sweet and scheduled a pregnancy massage for me- my hips and back are still feeling great days later!  As sad as I was at the decision to not go into Louisville, the week ended up being just what I needed.  Huge thanks to the best Nana spoiling JR for a few days.  He played with so many other kids and went on lots of adventures- I'm sure he did not want to come home!   Here are some pictures of my mom, sister, cousin Sarah & our sweet friend Issi.  They all made the drive to bring the little man home on Wednesday and stayed to play for the afternoon... Wish I could hire Sarah & Issi full time :)

 My plan for the summer with an 18mo & a newborn is to sit in the shade and give JR the hose and a cup.  He will spend an hour walking around the yard watering flowers, Vali and himself.  Then he will spend the next hour taking tiny cups of water from the baby pool across the yard to pour on Vali.  He thinks it is hilarious, but by the time he reaches her most of the water has spilled :)  She sure puts up with a lot! 

 JR loved to throw the ball hard into the water so it would splash the girls :)

 Sarah and Issi were so sweet with John Ryman.

  He sure was spoiled having them laugh at his every move!

 Wow!  Getting large... just over 3 weeks til due date!!