Welcome baby Shay & post pregnancy update

Wow, how is it July already? How can my sweet baby Shay be 7 weeks old, and summer is flying by? Oh yes, I know, I have two babies under two, I run a small business, and a household! I would say life is amazing but, chaotic! These are a few of the reasons it's been almost 2 months since I have last blogged. I have been wanting to write this post for weeks now, but there are just not enough hours in the day to get all the things done on my "to-do" list. But with that being said, we truly feel so blessed to have Shay in our family and it has been fun transitioning to a family of four, and for me to have a daughter to play dress up with. My son loves kissing his baby sister, and check on where she is, all the time. It has been so sweet to see him loving her! 

My Birth Story

Shay decided to come a week early, to our surprise. My son was over a week late and I had to be induced. So, I figured that would be the same for our daughters birth. The morning she was born I had no idea I was even in labor. I didn't really have contractions, just lots of pressure and Braxton Hicks contractions. Then within a half an hour I started having very painful, consistent contractions every few minutes. I asked my husband if we should call our Doula and friends to watch our son for us, not wanting to jump to conclusions. I figured I had a few hours to let my labor progress before we had to get to the hospital. My very wise husband told me to call them, and it's a good thing I did! Things started to progress VERY quickly after that. Within an hour I was having contractions every 1 to 2 minutes and could barely talk through the pain. So we rushed to the hospital, and 45 minutes later Shay was born. 

Everything went very smoothly with my labor. My Dr., nurses, and Doula were all so amazing, helping me achieve the natural birth I was hoping to have! My husband even said afterwards " wow I didn't even break a sweat this time". My first labor was about 7 hours long and my husband was pressing on my back the whole time, trying to help allievate the pain due to severe back labor! But this time was just so fast, and a whirlwind, I didn't have much time to think about the pain I was in. He did an amazing job though, staying calm, getting us to the hospital safely and quickly, and holding my hand through each contraction. I must say the second time around I felt so much more confidant because I somewhat knew what to expect! 

One of our first sweet moments together! 

Recovery

My recovery this time was much quicker then the last time, which was awesome! I think because my labor was so fast, and I stayed in better shape during this pregnancy, I was able to bounce back quicker! 

This is 1 day post-pardom. I am so amazed at how God created our bodies to heal and what we are able to endure as women!

1 week post-pardom 

I was pretty much able to be up and walking around immediately after labor. I was tired and sore of course, but was able to do pretty much everything I could do before labor, within a few days. It's very hard for me to sit still for long and rest. Especially when I have an 18 month old to take care of. But we had amazing help from family, so I was able to get plenty of rest that first week and focus on taking care of and breastfeeding Shay. It was a really sweet time for her and I to bond! I loved looking down at her, kissing her little head and smelling her. Newborns smell so wonderful!( I know I'm not the only one who feels this way). 

We managed to make it to church when she was 5 days old

(It took a lot of time to get everyone ready and to be on time!)

A few pics from her newborn photoshoot at 8 days old

Fitness

I wanted to start off slow with getting back into my fitness routine. I started walking and pushing the double stroller 2 weeks post-pardom and then was able to go on my first jog a week later. I ran a few days a week until I was 36 weeks pregnant, so it was easier for me this time around to get back to running, since it hadn't been too long since I last ran. But, again I took it slowly. Jogging 3 days a week, only 1 mile or 2 at a time. Always listening to my body and making sure I wasn't hindering my recovery.I love to run. It is what helps me get my day going, my quite time with myself and with God.  Time to think and pray and reflect.  I am a better mom and wife when I make that time a priority a few days a week! I plan on running and training for a half marathon in October. 

We are a double BOB family now! 

Blume Boutique

The online boutique my sister-in-law and I started in April, has been picking up and we are having fun owning a family business. It is a great outlet for me to be a mom, yet still be in the fashion world. I love doing the buying and outfitting for our business and the partnership and friendship I have with my sister-in-law is such a blessing to me. Despite living 1,000 miles apart! We do a lot of talking and texting each day! Check out our website: www.shopblume.com. I look forward to what God wants to do with our business and how he will lead us into the future. 

Owning a small business definitely has its challenges. We do everything ourselves...designed a website, social media marketing, modeling our clothes, buying, shipping, invoicing...the list goes on. I'm exhausted just thinking about the amount of time we have spent over the past several months getting the business up and running. But, this is what we both felt God called us to do. To use our gifts and skills to encourage and support other women, and moms, just like us, and for Meilssa and I to grow closer in the process! This business is truly a labor of love. 

I love the season we are in! I'm calling it beautiful chaos! Raising children, learning/growing closer to my husband in our marriage, running a small business, and living for the Lord, I'd say I have my hands full but, I wouldn't want it any other way! We are very blessed!! 

Thanks for following me through this awesome and challenging journey of motherhood. 

I hope and pray this blog is an encouragement, and will continue keeping me humble by being transparent with all of you!!

Blessings,

Sarah

38 Week Pregnancy Update

My due date is rapidly approaching...I am currently 38.5 weeks pregnant with baby girl Kelly (her first name is a secret) and can hardly wait to hold her in my arms!! This pregnancy has flown by and I feel blessed with how relatively easy it has been. I have felt great, been able to keep up with most of my workouts, had no major aches or pains, and have remained healthy, even through flu season. I think I could do this a few more times :)

Total Weight Gain: 26 lbs. Which I think has definitely helped make this pregnancy feel a lot easier then my first. My first pregnancy (which was 18 months ago) I gained a total of 43 lbs with my son. I was active, and exercised regularly, but I pretty much ate whatever I wanted. So by 38 weeks I felt pretty huge and uncomfortable. Where as with this pregnancy I don't feel as heavy, achy, and uncomfortable. I also have slept better this time around, and had less lower back pain (with the help of frequent trips to the Chiropractor) and no digestion or heartburn issues. I have learned a lot this second time around as far as what to eat and how much to eat. You only need an extra 300-400 calories in the second and third trimesters to help nourish baby. 300-400 calories is basically one extra snack a day, that is it! I just simply listened to by body, when I was hungry I ate and when I was pleasantly full I stopped, ate lots of smoothies, veggies and tried to eat protein at every meal.

What's in my Hospital Bag: I will be delivering at the same hospital again. We had a great first expereince there and hope to have a similar one a second time. I will be doing a natural delivery (Lord willing) again without pain meds or intervention. We will have our same amazing Doula, who will be there to assist my husband and help make this labor and delivery as comfortable and smooth as possible!

Here are a few things I have packed in my bag:
-Essential oils (lavendar, balance, wild orange) plus my diffuser. I use many of these on a daily basis!
-2 Nursing Tanks (from Target) I lived in these last time for the first month
-Cute new pj bottoms (Target) I like to treat myself to new pj bottoms since I will be wearing them for the first few weeks!
-Black yoga pants 

-open black cardigan (hospitals are cold!)
-warm socks (my feet get cold easily)
-Flip flops
-Makeup bag (with a few cosmetics..tinted moisturizer, concealer, mascara)
-personal care items: lotion, face wash, tooth brush, comb, hair tie, deodorant, organic nipple balm (start applying right away!! Ouch) 

-EOS lip balm 

-black granny underwear (comfy and won't show blood stains!)

-My "Jesus Calling" devotional book, I need encouragement in the midst of hard labor!!

-phone charger (can't forget this one for all the pictures & videos we will take!)

-swaddle blanket for baby girl

-going home outfit for baby girl 

The hospital has lots of stuff for baby like diapers, wipes, swaddles, you really don't need much for them! Take and use all the free stuff you can...

Soaking up the sweet moments with my firstborn...

Some of my favorite Maternity Looks

It has been fun for me to find new ways to wear non-maternity clothes as my bump has been growing. 

We are so excited to meet our sweet baby gir soon and reveal her name to the world! It's been hard keeping it a secret, but I can't wait to announce it to the world on her Birthday...which ever day she decides she is ready to come :) 

We are truly greatful for Gods's great blessings on our family and that he has made me a mom for a second time! The gift of motherhood is such an amazing and challenging thing, I am so honored I get to be their mama. I know there will be some hard days ahead, but I wouldn't want to be doing anything else...

Thanks for following me on this awesome  journey!! 

Blessings,

Sarah

A Dream Realized

I am so excited to announce that a dream I have had for over 10 years has been realized! It has been on my heart for many years to open up my own apparel boutique. I studied Fashion Merchandising in college, and always dreamed of owning my own business in the fashion industry. But, it never seemed to be the right time. Moving across the country to Denver, jobs, switching careers, getting married, losing my Mom, and starting a family. All these circumstances, and of course God's hand and perfect timing have lead me to where I am today. 

This season just felt like the right time to open my personal styling boutique, Blume. Crazy, I now! I am currently 37 weeks pregnant with my second child, I have an 18 month old son, I'm a wife and homemaker...how will I find the time to run this business and manage to have a life?  Yet, with all these different roles, I still have total peace about this new adventure of being an entrepreneur!! We will make sure to take everything one day at a time, and listen to God as he leads us through every decision. 

My sister-in-law, Melissa is my partner we have had so much fun planning, buying, and learning to build this business from scratch. I am so thankful for her skills and friendship! It has been a lot of hard work, time spent on the computer, endless phone calls, late nights and early mornings, but we are really excited and encouraged to see what God wants to do with this business!

The idea behind our name Blume, came from the hope to reach out to other busy mom's and women who need help finding their own personal style, and the convenience of shopping online. We want to help them Blossom into the woman God created them to be. By looking and feeling your best, we feel like it is easier to be the best wife, mom, sister, friend, and daughter! We want to be an encouragement to other women, by being authentic, and transparent. We don't have it all together, nor will we ever! We are just mom's who love fashion, helping others, and want to own a family business. We hope this is made apparent in the way to conduct ourselves and run our business!

Melissa and I after my baby shower..

So here we go...Blume is up and running.  

Shop our clothing at: Blume  

Follow us on Facebook
Instagram & Pinterest

I will be frequently posting style tips on www.shopblume.com, under the blog tab, as well as continuing to do my lifestyle blog, www.hautehomemaking.blogspot.com! 

Thank you for your love and support on this journey!! 

Blessings,

Sarah

Pregnancy Update: 33 weeks

We are nearing the home stretch of this 

pregnancy! I am 33 weeks along and feeling good. Baby girl was estimated to weight 4.2 pounds at my 32 week ultrasound last week. It was fun to see her sweet face and moving all around. 

Total weight gain: 24lbs

Fitness: I am still able to run (with the help of my Fit belly band). I use the word "run" loosly though. It's more like a slow jog. But I'm not trying to win any races or break personal records at this point in my pregnancy. I am just happy it still feels good to get out there and hit the pavement a few days a week. Some days are harder then others. Some times my legs feel heavy, I have Braxton hicks contractions frequently throughout my runs, and somedays it is harder get motivated to get out the door, but I always feel better after I am done with my run! I definity sleep more soundly on the days that I active. 

I was also fitted for new running shoes. These were much needed, I ran my old ones to the ground! My new running shoes have more support, which is very important since I am putting more pressure and weight on my feet and joints as I get bigger. It's always fun and motivating when I get new gear. I will continue to jog a few days a week as long as it still feels good. But, I am fully expecting to have to cut back on miles and start walking at some point.

Cravings: fresh friut, smoothies, pop corn, and homemade almond butter on toast. I am continuing to try as eat as healthy as I can and  packing in the most beneficial nutrients in each meal! I want our baby to be getting all that she needs and not fill up on empty calories and junk. 

Big Brother...

Drake is going to be such an awesome big brother to his little sister! He loves to kiss my belly very sweetly and tenderly and lay his head on my bump and snuggle! I am not sure he is fully aware of what is going on but, he is very curious, yet very gentle!! 

I realize that my time of having an only child is numbered, so spending quality mommy time with my son before baby comes has been a priority. I am trying to enjoy each day with him and appreciate this special time together before the new baby arrives! I love him so much and cherish our special mother-son relationship!! 

We love to go for evening walks now that the weather is warmer and its light out longer! Drake loves to explore everything and wants to be outside all day long. As soon as he wakes up, he reaches for his shoes and heads for the door, reaching for the handle and saying "sunshine". He is such a big boy!! Our little mountain man...ready for his next adventure :)

Dating my Husabnd:

Putting my marriage first, above all else has been something I am constantly working on and striving to do better at! We are better parents for our son if we are making our marriage relationship a priority. Drake needs to see us loving each other well!

 This can be challenging though, with busy schedules, having a toddler, and being very pregnant. But, taking the time and effort to connect often and having alone time needs to happen frequently. For us that is after our son goes to bed, or the occasional date time we get a few times a month. A time when we are not talking about our son or work, or the new baby, but just catching up with each other and asking "how am I doing as a wife/husband lately?" This is so crucial to the health of our marriage! 

Our relationship is a work in progress, but we are definitely making it a priority to put each other's needs first. Also, just having fun and enjoying each other in the midst of this busy (about to become busier) season we are in!

I am a truly blessed woman, with such a loving husband, a healthy, growing son and another one on the way. Thank you Lord for these amazing gifts you have given to me!!

Blessings,

Sarah 

Homemade Almond Butter

We love peanut butter in our house! It's a daily essential protein in each of our diets, including my 17 month old son. But, it's important to me that we eat the most natural kind of nut butters, with minimal ingredients and processing! My sister recently introduced me to the idea of making my own butter. So, she suggested making almond butter. Almonds are also an excellent form of protein, and are a tree nut, so good alternative for people and kids with peanut allergies. 

Here are the very simple steps to making your own almond butter!

-I bought a pound of almonds (they were on sale at Sprouts that week)

-place them on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

-let them cool (the smell of roasted almonds is heavenly)

-using a food processor or vitamix, ( we have a vitamix) add 1 cup of baked almonds at a time and mix until you get a smooth, creamy texture. It takes about a minute or so on high to get that consistency. 

-add a pinch of salt to the your mixture for taste. If you like your butter sweeter you can also add a little Stevia to your mixture. I just use salt (I like the  taste of plain, natural almonds)

-And Voila, homemade almond butter! How easy is is that?! Amazingly, the oils from the almonds are released when they are baked, so that is how you get the smooth creamy texture. I was facinated by that!! 

Instead of buying expensive, organic, raw, almond butter at Whole a Foods or Sprouts, you can make it yourself for a fraction of the price! Plus, you know exactly what's in your butter and it is not processed. So, give it a try!! 

Blessings,

Sarah

White maternity jeans and stripes

Outfit details:

White jeans: Gap maternity 

Grey tank: Gap maternity

Stripe top: Target

Sneakers: New Balance

Diaper Bag: Timi and Leslie

Spring is here and I am so happy about that fact! It's a great time of year becuase I can wear light layers and not be too hot or cold. I love these distressed, white maternity jeans I bought from Gap last fall. They were super cheap ($5) becuase it was the end of the season and they just happened to be my size! Don't you love it when that happens?!

 This is an easy outfit to throw on and still feel put together. You could also wear white jeans with a military jacket, moto-jacket or trench coat. Just have fun playing with different looks! But, if all else fails, wear a denim jacket. It's classic and goes with everything. 

Having a few pairs of comfy, cute, maternity jeans that you feel good in are important wardrobe staples to invest in. If you find a fit you like, buy them in another color. You will definity get your money's worth from each pair throughout your pregnancy. The better I feel in my maternity jeans the more

I will wear them! Plus, I will wear them in future pregnancies. But, you can always consign your maternity jeans if your done using them!

So, my beautiful, fellow pregnant mama's out there; you can still feel chic and put together in your clothes at 32 weeks! Cause let's face it when your bump is that big, you can't touch or see your toes anymore, and getting up from a seated position is no longer a simple task, you don't always feel super attractive in what little wardrobe you have at that point. But, investing in a few interchangeable maternity pieces that you love, will help make you feel more confidant with your ever-changing body! Just remember that God has created you as a prefect, amazing, unique, woman :) What a beautiful, freeing truth!!

Blessings,

Sarah

Our family vacation highlights

We had an awesome opportunity to go down to Florida to visit family for our spring break this year! It's was much needed time away for us as a family to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy each other! It was so fun for us to watch our son explore the beach, play in the pool and just run around outside in the warm temperatures. He LOVED it down there! 

Here are a few of the highlights of our trip:

Drake enjoyed digging in the sand (took him a bit to get use to the sand, but then loved it, especially throwing it in his own hair)

Father and Son having fun in the sand

Drake loved exploring everything!! This boy has no fear!!

30 weeks pregnant!! Baring my bump on the beach. Baby girl liked the warm sun :)

He was fascinated by the water

Sunset family walks. We did a lot of walking which felt great to me getting lots of exercise! 

Mommy and Daddy had some alone time  at the pool! Brian and I had a few opportunity's for "just us" time during naps and a date night, when Papa watched our little man. It was so nice!!

Celebrated my 32nd birthday with a beautiful view and yummy, fresh, seafood! It was a wonderful way to spend my birthday. 

Reflecting back in our vacation week I am so thankful for the opportunity to travel, especially for our son! It is good for him to see new places (although he has been there before, but can't remember since he was only  3 months old at the time). It is so important to my husband and I that we expose our kids to new experiences, even when it takes little more effort getting there. Traveing with a toddler is no easy task, but the reward far out weights the challenge! Drake loves to fly and it's because we have traveled  several times since he has been born. 

The time away for us as a family is so crucial. It's important for us to relax, away from the streasors of work, and just have some fun together. Life is to short not to!! It is a time to really enjoy each other and make memories! We make it a priority to have family vacation time at least once or twice a year.

God has blessed our family immensely this year and we are so thankful for all that has been given to us!! Thanks for following along on this journey with us :)

Blessings,

Sarah

Leather and Lace maternity look

Outfit details:

Leather (faux) leggings: Anthroplogie

Lace top: Clothed in Grace 

Jacket: Banana Republic 

Leopard flats: Norstrom Rack

I love pairing unexpected things together in an outfit. Leather and lace are a nice contrast and can go well with each other! A lace top off-sets the edgy, tough, vibe of leather leggings. Don't be afraid to mix textures and patterns!  It helps bring interest and fun to an ensemble. 

Leather (or faux leather) is a trend I have loved the past several years! They are fun and unexpected. They certainly are not your typical "mom jeans"! I found these leggings recently at Anthroplogie and LOVE them!! They fit great and were a surprising find for maternity pants. Yes, you can still rock cute, edgy pants even when your almost 8 months pregnant...all you mama's out there!! If I have to wear leggings in pregnancy, I figured they should be fun and still feel stylish :)

Blessings,

Sarah

Ikat print and lace

How cute is this Ikat print top? It's from my friend Stephanie's online boutique,  The Goldfish Boutique. I love the lace detail on the sleeves and how perfectly it fits over the baby bump at 29 weeks! It's a fun pop of color and print for spring. 

 Here is a little blurb from Stephanie about The Goldfish Boutique:

"Welcome to The Goldfish Clothing Boutique. We are working diligently to be your personal stylists and to provide you with fun, trendy, fashionable clothing at affordable prices!

The Goldfish differs from other online boutiques in our commitment to expanding the fishbowls of others – your purchases help to give back to the wider community! Every month 10% of our total proceeds will go to one of four charities on an alternating basis."

Checkout: http://www.goldfishboutique.com/

 for the cute clothing Stephanie has sold, and be sure to "Like" the Facebook page to get notifications of her weekly postings of items for sale!

Also follow her boutique on Instagram:
http://instagram.com/thegoldfishboutique

I love to support small businesses of women and mom's! 

Blessings,

Sarah