A Baby Story

Hello, hello!  For those of you interested in hearing how sweet little Adelaide Helene came into this world, I will tell you.  This is a good baby story for anyone squeamish about childbirth.  I feel kind of bad saying this but labor was one of the easiest parts of my very easy pregnancy!  Please do not send me hate mail for that comment it is just the truth.  Get ready for the details, none of them are gruesome.

My due date was Wednesday, October 5 and I just happened to have my final doctors appointment that very day.  Full disclosure, my mucus plug (such a horrible name) came out on Tuesday night which had me convinced that I would be so dilated by my appointment that they would immediately check me into the hospital.  Not the case.  I was neither dilated or effaced.  Bumsies.  We trotted back home and prayed that this baby would come on her own before my induction date, October 12.  

Around 2:30 AM on Thursday I started having tiny contractions.  They didn't hurt but did wake me up and continued to wake me up erratically throughout the night.  By 6:00 AM I started to time them and they were pretty well between 9 and 12 minutes apart, but still not very painful and pretty short in duration.  We felt pretty certain that we would be heading to the hospital that morning so Hubs and I both showered (I shaved, washed my hair and put on makeup) and got ready in case we needed to go in a hurry.  Of course, after we did all of that they contractions started spacing way out to 20 minutes and sometimes more.  We called the soon-to-be grandparents in San Antonio and Dallas and told them to hold their horses as there might not be a new baby today.  

To entertain ourselves Hubs and I went to IHOP for a late breakfast, made a stop at Big Lots for some more frozen food storage and then hustled to the grocery store so my fabulous husband could make us some of his famous chicken soup.  By the time we were checking out at the grocery store around 3:00 my contractions were coming a bit more regularly and slightly more intensely.  I camped out on the couch for the remainder of the day while Hubs cooked and timed my contractions.  After coming around 9 minutes apart they jumped back to 14 minutes and I called the doctor to see if they could at least check and see if I was dilated.  They said not to even bother coming their way until my contractions were 5 minutes apart for an hour. 

That never happened!  Around 10 PM the contractions became super painful but weren't regular; they would be 6 minutes and then 8 then 10, always annoying.  They became so painful that we decided to go ahead and take our chances at the hospital.  While walking back to the bedroom to get our bags I had three contractions.  Then another one that knocked me to my knees - they were now coming every two minutes and we picked up the pace to make the 5 minute drive to the hospital.

We arrived at 11:45 PM and the nurses were none too impressed with how far along I might be (we didn't even bother to bring the bags in because we figured it was false labor and that we would soon be sent back home).  So they weighed me in (yikes) and had me change into a gown while I gave them a urine sample.  The nurse took a while to check me which made me flash back to the previous day when the doc delivered the news that nothing was happening anytime soon.  When she was finished she said that we would not believe how dilated I was...8 cm!  She left the room and Hubs heard her give the "Code Blue" call.  

The nurse said she hoped there was time for me to get the epidural that I desparately wanted and time to get the doctor on call to the hospital.  She assured me that she had delivered babies before and could do so for me if necessary.  At this point I lost my composure for a couple of minutes.  I had expected to be in labor for hours and get to wear my cute little labor/delivery gown that I bought to stylishly wander the halls while trying to dilate.  Having the baby so soon was not what I had anticipated in the made for TV movie playing in my head.

Get ready for a barrage of photos...

Lucky for me and for Hubs the anesthesiologist made it in time to give me a full dose in my epidural and I was feeling fabulous by 12:30 AM.  Note that even at this point, 9.5 cm dilated my water had not broken.  The doctor made it, broke my water and told me to sit tight while I finished dilating to 10 cm (too much info?).

A few minutes later my nurse was back and said I was ready to push if I wanted to try.  I like new things, so why not?  One thing that they don't tell you in birth class is that when you have an epidural you can not feel yourself pushing.  The only thing that I felt like I was doing was scrunching up my face and pulling on my legs.  I didn't break a sweat and had to ask after every push if I had actually done anything.  It is a very odd feeling, not feeling anything.

Six pushes and 15 minutes later, Adelaide arrived!  I could not believe that it was over.  It was the strangest sensation because it seemed all too easy.  Nothing hurt, no stitches, no sweat, no toots (most of the time I was trying not to laugh because Hubs was using his "A" material) and she came out perfectly. 

Adelaide arrived at 2:50 AM weighing in at 6 lbs 11 oz and measuring 19.5" long.  She was wide-eyed and beautiful.  No jaundice, no scratches or marks just gorgeous baby girl.  After that we spent some time getting to know one another and then she went off to the nursery for washing, poking and prodding.  I headed to postpartum and continued to feel great.  Since giving birth I have taken one pain pill that they gave me and am totally healed after two weeks.  Only problem now is that I'm cleared to workout, no excuses.  Except trying to leave these two... 

 

Please pardon my lapse in posting.  I have been a little preoccupied...

I promise to share the story and fun happenings soon!

Jason Wu for Target

Mark your calendars, kids. Jason Wu is the latest designer to announce a collaboration with Target. Announced on the heels of a possible publicity stunt visit to a Virginia Target last week by First Lady Michelle Obama, the thought is Target is hoping to recreate the quick sell-out of last month's Missoni collection. February 5, 2012 is the date set to introduce the selective line by Wu in stores.


'It was very interesting for me to translate my signature touches into a more affordable collection without compromising quality, design and sophistication,' said Wu to U.K.'s Mail Online.



The Taiwanese-American designer was made a household name after dressing the First Lady for the Inaugural Ball. Let's see what he comes up with for the favorite all-encompassing home store!





-- Post From My iPhone

Missoni Maddness

  
Target and Missoni did a great job promoting their pairing that launched in-store and online on September 13th.  They did such a great job that most Target stores were completely cleared of all of their Missoni for Target merchandise within a few hours.  

While I have had the Missoni for Target launch in my calendar for almost two months I had to work Tuesday morning and didn't make it to the store until a little after 12:00 pm.  By that time all of the clothing was out of there with the exception of two styles of less than stellar blouses.  I quickly skipped over those and headed to the cosmetic bags that I had gone intentionally to purchase.  After snagging a couple I toured the store to see what else was left to pillage. 

Here is what I scored:

There was one pair of chevron flats left in what was close-enough to my size, an adorable knit baby romper, some file folders and a few cute bins.  They still had the candles but while the designs were cute they didn't smell all that great and for $12.99 each I figured they were worth passing up. 

I was so flabbergasted (but not shocked) with the apparent Missoni collectors turnout that I had to call my mom in Dallas to find out what the response was there.  Same.  She was able to squeak out of there with a couple of cute melamine bowls, seen below.

 

What tickles me so much about this phenomenon is that while each item has a "Missoni" label, albeit a "Missoni for Target" label, it is still Target quality merchandise.  Don't misunderstand me, I have quite a few Target labels in my closet and home, but the fact remains that the cute little flats I picked up do not feel like any better quality than the Merona or Mossimo brands that you can purchase any day of the week (without fighting another chick for).  They are kind of flimsy and feel a bit like felt, however they are cute.  When I checked out the cashier told me that a woman had even had her cart of Missoni goods stolen in the store by a Missoni-crazed broad and that there was a line of women waiting for the doors to open at 8:00 am.  Bizarre!

With all of this publicity and success of another major designer pairing with Target (my favorite up until now was Calypso) I'm hoping that you will see more designers create affordable lines for the classic go-to store.  I'm thinking that Kate Spade would be the next perfect candidate.  What do y'all think?  Did you haul your cookies to Target to find a designer deal?  What designer would you like to see make the reasonably priced jump next?

Caught on Film

After years (literally) of complaining I finally bit the bullet and bought a new camera.  Poor Hubs, complaining is such an unattractive habit of mine.  At least the camera-related whining can no cease and desist!  After quite a bit of research I settled on the Canon PowerShot Elph 300HS and am very pleased with it thus far.

It is super light weight, 12.1 megapixels, 2.7" LCD screen and HD video.  All in all it is all you could ever want in a point-and-shoot.  One day I would like to also have a nice Nikon SLR but I figure starting small is a good way to go.  Not to mention the fact that a SLR is a bit pricey for this little pony.  Check out how well it took photos in the hospital two weeks ago when my two sweet friends had their babies less than 48 hours apart!  Hospital light can be tricky.

 

Pretty new mama, Lisa!                      Sweet baby Vivianne (Alison's bean)

 

        Mr. Noah, Lisa's pride and joy.

Okay, so this post might have been just an excuse to share adorable baby photos.  Stay tuned for pics of my little bundle...whenever she decides to make her grand entrance that is.  

Fall in Line Part 1

Alright kiddos, it is officially fall!  It doesn't feel like it in West Texas today - this 95 degree temp isn't exactly agreeing with my 39 week pregnant self.  Once you are this pregnant the weather should never be over double the weeks you are along.  Agreed?  Agreed- I have to agree with myself on this one.

Photo courtesy of http://www.crystalkiss.com/fall-into-the-autumn-journey-with-mother-nature-with-these-beautiful-photography/

Back to fall.  I know that some of you have been dreading it but it is time to edit and purge again!  Those strapless summer dresses and linen pants will need to be packed away soon or moved to the less accessible areas of the closet to make room for all of those fabulous skinny cords, sweaters and boots.  I heart fall fashion to the point of silliness, as I know many of you do too.  Here are some tips for those feeling a bit overwhelmed as where to start...


1. To thine own self be true- go through those summer duds and pull out anything and everything that you did not wear this summer.  If you didn't wear it this season chances are that you won't wear it next summer either.  I know what happens (everyone does this!) you hold stuff over from the previous year(s) because you used to love it, paid a fortune for it, got it for a steal or it is that size that you know you will one day wear again.  Don't let that tube top take up anymore space in your life or your house!  Donate it and be done with it.  You will want to shop at the beginning of the season next year anyway so make room for the future pieces that you will actually wear.

2. Get it out - I'm a firm believer in editing ones wardrobe at the beginning AND the end of every season.  If that is too much for you stick with one or the other but don't cheat yourself by not editing at all.  *Tip* If you are going to consign your rejects you will want to edit at the beginning of the season.  Most consignment shops only take the current season's clothes.*  

Now take out everything that is out of season and if you can, try it on!  Wash or dry clean what needs it and fold it up for storage.  If you have the luxury of having another closet where you store "out of season" clothes than make sure that clothes are on proper hangers and are in appropriate garment bags.  I personally keep my out of season clothes in Space Bags nestled inside of under bed containers.  

 Fold those sweaters! You don't want the Lady Ga Ga look of pointy shoulders from your hangers.  Natural cotton garment bags like the ones above are great for storing leather, wool and other natural fibers as they allow the fabrics to breathe.  You can even find under the bed storage options in cotton, like the one below from Rubbermaid.

Rubbermaid Under-the-Bed Storage

Cedar planks are another great thing to put in under bed boxes and garment bags.  I love these from The Container Store. 

3. Welcome the new season - as you are pulling out this season's wears edit as you go.  Try on those clothes before you put them back in your closet.  If they don't fit or need to be tailored get on it!  Don't waste time hanging it up and risk not wearing it again.  Put those items in a bin to be taken to the dry cleaner or tailor and if it doesn't happen in 2-4 weeks donate it.  If you aren't willing to take the time to get it fixed you probably weren't all that excited about wearing it in the first place.  Also, items can get musty and wrinkled after months of storage - wash, steam or iron it now so it is ready to wear.    

4. Get your kicks - on Route 66...or not.  Fall isn't just about denim and sweaters it's about boots and cute flats!  Time to retire the flip-flops and sandals for a while and fish out that fall footwear.  Boots do take up considerable room in a closet; far more than flip flops.  In order to prevent what I call the "ankle break" in your tall boots and to keep them in order I like to use a couple of different boot shapers.  These are all great for keeping your boots looking their best and to save you time by not having to search for mates. 

• Our Boot Box from The Container Store

•  Boot Stand from The Container Store

•  Boot Holder from The Container Store

 

That should be enough to get you started for now, I will be giving you some more tips in the week to come.  You can de-clutter and give yourself the closet you have always wanted.  If you need a hand to hold or a trained eye, just contact me and I can help.  Happy fall! 

This blog is in no way sponsored or endorsed by The Container Store