Loving yourself through pregnancy

Originally, while writing this piece I wanted to take a comical approach to the whole situation. Personally it has been such a struggle watching my body's transformation throughout these past 9 months. Yes, it's beautiful! Yes, it's amazing but that's not to say it isn't scary as hell (excuse my French)!!! There is nothing comical about sitting at the doorway sobbing because you can't get your shoes on, ok my husband still gets a kick out of that story but that is probably the most emotional I've EVER felt about shoes. I just never expected pregnancy to challenge my body in that ways that it has, from fitting into clothing to not being able to walking long distances this last trimester has really lived up to its hype. Documenting my journey via my blog and social media has really helped me through some of the more trying times. I've felt extra support from my family, friends and "followers" during pregnancy. On those days where I'm feeling extra down about my last pair of yoga pants not fitting I know I can always turn around and find kind words from mommies all over. I guess the biggest thing I've learned is I'm not alone on this journey so many women has faced the same issues and its normal to feel really crappy some days. Our bodies are creating a new life & though it might be overwhelming at times it is well worth it. Love those bump ladies, I've been told we're going to miss it! 

Maternity Photos

My Handsome Baby Boy,

My oh my, how the time flies only 5 weeks till you arrive!! Lets be very honest, mommy is so very nervous about this whole process but I know you are worth it. These last couple of weeks have been a little tiring, I'm getting bigger and bigger and slower and slower. I haven't slept much at all these past weeks and I'm thinking it's your way of getting me used to being up with you. We can definitely be night owls together as long and I get to hold your tiny body next to mine. Your motions in my tummy have become tidal waves, you are constantly rolling. Daddy loves to talk to you and asks you to come out on a daily basis, I guess I'm not the only one anxious to meet you. We're feeling pretty overwhelmed (in a good way)  knowing that we have so much kindness and love surrounding us. We are so lucky to have such an amazing tribe behind us, helping us get ready for you to come into this world. Auntie Randi and Uncle Adrian drove 8 hours to come and take pictures of you in my belly! Grandpa, Grandma, Auntie Cristiane, Uncle Michael and your cousins are driving down for Christmas. Uncle Chuy & Aunt Nikki call almost everyday to check in and are so excited to meet you. Grandma and Papa Waffles are literally counting down the days till you arrive. We are so blessed baby Asher, don't you ever forget that.

We Love you so much,
Mommy & Daddy

Pink Blush Fabulous Giveaway & Holiday Glam !

First off I want to start off by saying how AMAZING it has been working with Pink Blush Maternity, it has definitely given me a new perspective on the necessity of Comfy & Affordable Maternity wear
Secondly,  I received this beautiful Black Solid Maxi and I fell in love. I can honestly say that EVERY pregnant woman needs to own one of these, the versatility is endless and it flatters every bump, pun intended.  I was able to style this dress three different ways and honestly as I pulled out accessories from my closet I realized I could pretty much style this dress anyway I wanted.
LOOK #1

This was totally my Holiday look , a simple red lip paired with the perfect cinching belt and heels...TA-DA!! This can be worn to a Christmas Party or a Fancy gathering. Honestly, I just wanted to feel sexy and good. Carrying an extra 20 some pounds doesn't really leave room for feeling great about yourself but this dress definitely did the trick.

LOOK #2

I'm such a SO-CAL girl, as soon as I saw this dress I wanted to throw on some sandals and big hat and stroll through downtown San Clemente Shops. The great thing about this look is you can pretty much wear this anywhere & still feel like a million bucks. This Black Maxi Dress leaves room to dress up or down.

LOOK #3

This will probably be my Thanksgiving look, it's right in between dressy and casual. I paired it with the perfect low booties and popping necklace to give it that extra boom. Hello, extra plate of turkey we've got room for you. You don't have to worry about loosening any buttons or being uncomfortable in this breathable yet warm material is just what you need for those Holiday Feasts.

Now about that GIVEAWAY I wanted to make it a little fun and make sure you were checking out everything before entering so make sure you 1) add Pink Blush Maternity and I on Insta , 2) Like the Last Post 3) tag a friend in the comment section on Last Giveaway Picture on Instagram 4) Each additional friend tagged in a separate comment is an extra entry chance to win 5) for ONE bonus comment with your favorite Holiday food  Last Giveaway Picture on Instagram for a  $75 towards Pink Blush.  Winner will be picked 11/26/15 midnight and announced 11/27/15. Good Luck Ladies!

Pink Blush Part 1

Good Afternoon everyone! I wanted to start by thanking Pink Blush Maternity for sending me these beautiful outfits! Honestly, I haven't had the easiest time finding maternity clothes that fit well. I'm on the tiny side so sometimes even smalls are huge on me. Pink Blush made the online purchasing experience simple and I was 100% satisfied with their quality and selections.

So first up I instantly fell in love with their Navy Blue Rose Delivery/Nursing Robe which you could purchase here.The material is so light weight and it sits perfectly right at my knee. I had been on the search for a robe and I wanted it to be picture friendly. I know it's ridiculous but I want to have great pictures after Asher is born and not in the typical hospital gown, WISH granted. Pink blush has so many other prints and at great price! If you're on the hunt for the perfect Delivery gown visit http://www.pinkblushmaternity.com

Next up is this beautiful number, at 31 weeks very rarely have I felt pretty... this gown though made me feel gorgeous instantly. The material on this gown is stretchy so it flatters every curve and it's so light weight! I wish I would have had this dress for my baby shower, so comfy and a great fit! I wanted this gown to be styled very minimally, the pattern has a lot going on so I knew the simple crown would do wonders! This dress can be worn with flats, heels, sandals, you name it.I can definitely see myself wearing this dress even after Asher is born it's just that great. You can find the Jade Vibrant Floral Draped maxi Here. Pink Blush has a ton of dresses similar to this one on their website. Make sure you swing by and check them out.

As promised I have one more Holiday Outfit to unveil, stay tuned to see how I styled their Solid Maxi Dress. Also, stop by next week so you can get more info about our $75 giveaway for Black Friday!!!  I'm going to leave some more pictures, please comment with any questions and make sure you follow us on Instagram @karolynloveschai and @pinkblushmaternity !

 

Dear Asher, (24 week letter to baby)

Asher,
It's so strange, we've finally decided on a name, it was daddy's choice and it took me a while to say yes but I really loved the meaning it means Happiness/Blessing and that is truly what you are. Our next task is to find a middle name we have so many choices and honestly choosing your name is a daunting task, there's so much to consider but we hope you love your name as much as we do and forgive us if your middle name gives you terrible initials, we are trying! Today officially marks the 24th week that you have been in my belly! Your movements are so much stronger and I feel like you are constantly trying to communicate with us via Morse code. You love to nestle right by mommy's rib cage and love our afternoons with daddy (that's when I feel you the most). Not only have you been growing like a wild flower I have been growing too and I'm loving every second of it. We just got done with your two beautiful baby shower's and Oh boy are you loved! We are truly blessed with the most wonderful people around. I've been wondering a lot about your temperament and trying to imagine all of the great lessons we have ahead. I have also been planning the fun stuff but I have a feeling daddy will be in charge of that. Can I just tell you that you have already impacted our lives so much, our future looks so bright and shiny. I feel so bonded and connected with your dad and it's so so amazing to be in such sync with the person that you love (I hope you can find a love like this one day). He's been working really hard ( I hope you can learn that from him) and he talks to you everyday, he especially likes to wake you up. I've been reading to you every night from the books that our family and friends have given to us, you and Lola seem to be enjoying the bedtime stories. In 16 short weeks you will be here & we will be ready. We love you so much already.

Love,
Mommy

Hello 20 Weeks!

My Oh my, how time flies! I can't believe it's been 20 weeks that our baby boy has been inside my tummy. I'm finally showing enough to get comments from strangers (Fun?). I'm feeling strong kicks daily & daddy finally got to feel his first kick the other night. Baby loves to hear grandmas voice and gives a strong kick every time shes on speaker phone. As far as symptoms go they haven't been too bad. I'm amazed at how quickly my body is changing and I'm really feeling like mom already! Our baby shower is this weekend and I can't wait to see everyone from back home. I've always felt like I'd still be in Phoenix when I had my first child so it's strange to think that I'm half way through and everyone is JUST going to see my tummy. I can't WAIT! I have a feeling these next 20 weeks are going to go by so quickly.
I've been feeling extremely emotional and every time I see a mom with her baby I do the happy dance inside.  I can't wait to just hold him and kiss him. I'm not looking forward to the sleepless nights but I have a feeling it's all going to be worth it. I have been dreaming up what he is going to look like and be like, just wondering what adventures await us. The anticipation to meet him is building up and driving me crazy but I also want to savor these last few months with just my husband and I. We've been living a pretty quite life so far, I think it's going to be quite the change for us.
Here are some photos from the past couple of weeks  I wanted to share. Thanks as always for reading & for those of you who didn't know I opened up an etsy shop selling some of my paintings
so check it out when you have a chance. Vast and Brilliant Shop

More Puppy love for Daddy

Hawaiian Ice (Nom NOM)

OMG! My new favorite

20 weeks!

Baby S at his 20 week scan

Lola loving on daddy

Trying on baby shower dresses

Finding out our baby's GENDER!

 Is it even possible to be SO in love with someone you haven't met? I feel like a crazy woman because day in and day out all I can think about is our baby!! I'm a little bit obsessed and now even more so (if that's possible)! Last week Chris and I decided to go to a 3D ultrasound place and finally find out our baby's gender...We're

I feel like we can finally put a face to our little bundle of joy and we can officially start our registry and shopping. We really cannot believe how BLESSED we are and new mommies if you have the chance to see your baby in 4D -3D DO IT!!! It was the most amazing experience to watch him on a big screen moving about and being a little sleepy head, it also made it seem so REAL. Now our name hunt begins and so far it seems like it's going to be a while before Chris and I can agree on a name. A little more about the picture above, my sister in law & cousin came down last weekend and good lord spoiled our little man ! They so kindly found these amazing little Van's and knew Chris would die once he saw them. I'm just so thankful for all of our family & friends and how much love and support they have been showing from our cousin Rachel planning an amazing baby shower to our parents daily baby check up phone calls and just everyone's love... my heart is really overwhelmed. Our baby is already one lucky guy and I am so grateful we have a loving environment to bring him into. In case you're wondering about that awesome onesie.... I made it! It took me a whole hour & a half but I  saw a tutorial online and was convinced I could do it. Hopefully, I can post a tutorial if I decide to make another one. It was made out of one of my band t-shirts and should be pretty easy if you like to use a ruler and pins, which I don't!!! Can't wait to hear from all of you, XOXO!