Pregnant and Fabulous

365 Days

2012-04-23T01:00:00.001-04:00

Over the past year I have watched Evan blossom in to this amazing, bubbly, strong willed, gorgeous person, who's insisted on leaping over milestones and showing no weakness. Looking at him now, I sometimes forget how hard of a start he really had, but over the past couple of weeks while planning his first birthday party, emotions of the last 12 months have to started to overflow, starting from the very beginning.

Being he was our second, I had prepared from what I had learned from the first, I was hydrated, stretched and knew all about breathing through contractions. I knew what to expect, or so I thought, he was 10 days late, I was clearly in no hurry, things just weren't 100% ready, and it didn't occur to me that the extra 'cooking' time calls for extra growing.

Which led to complications during the birth (due to the recklessness of my midwife), he got stuck and remained that way for 23 minutes, without oxygen to the brain. He was lifeless and had to be resuscitated, which he later was en-route to the hospital. Shortly after arriving he experienced a seizure, and was intubated and sedated.

His best option was to be bay flighted to All Children's Hospital in St. Pete for a cooling treatment to stop whatever brain damage that had occurred. They cooled him for 72 hours, which meant he was sedated and couldn't be touched, for the risk of 'warming' him up for 3 days, 3 looooong days. Finally the days had passed he was slowly brought back to normal temperature, as well as easing up on the sedation, he finally opened his eyes for the first time and looked right at me, it made my life just to see those little brown eyes, I worried for 4 days that I might never get to, but I did.

The next day they extubated him, and we finally got to hold him, I just wouldn't put him back, I slept in that hospital chair just holding him for hours. He was still on oxygen, and being fed through an IV, but we were going to start a bottle soon, I was relieved.

We tried the bottle, and feeding was difficult, he was still on anti seizure medication and he made him sleepy, so he wasn't able to stay awake long enough to feed, it was trying and emotional, I had expected him to be a natural like his brother, but it was proving to be difficult. I was discouraged.

After my husband and I spoke to the doctors about easing up on the medication so he could be more alert, they did, and man was there a difference, night and day, it was amazing, he took the bottle like a champ, nursing was a more difficult situation, but I was determined.

Finally after a week or so of trying he figured nursing out, and we finally clicked, he got his MRI after day 14 in the NICU, and it showed up clean and he was able to go home the next day. I finally was able to take my baby home and finally have him to myself, no nurses, doctors, just my little family and me. A week later he was off all medication, and was already pushing himself to such accomplish achievements. His strength throughout this whole ordeal has proven to be inspirational, and I look up to him everyday.

The neurologist told us, that we'll really wont know how Evan will be until his brain stops developing at 25, so at every appointment I hold my breath, just waiting to be in the clear. So far he's jumped leaps and bounds over every milestone and has amazed not only his doctor's but his family as well, developing as any other child, perhaps a little better ;).

I still look back to that day, especially today, because it's his birthday and I feel rushes of emotion, anger to the midwife who so carelessly put my son's and my life in danger, only for her selfish reasons. I'm still not sure I'll ever fully forgive her, after 365 days she has not once said she was sorry and has only gloated to her peers (which I know) about how she 'saved' him, which she did not, It was the incredible paramedics that came to his rescue and brought him to life, it was the doctors and nurses that helped him and were there for us every step of the way, right along side our family.

It's been an emotional year, but I look back and can't help but feel more humble, and grounded in my life, our little family was somehow blessed, and I am so grateful to be a healthy family of four.

Happy Birthday Ev.

Lack Of Updates...

2011-11-03T23:32:00.004-04:00

You may have noticed I haven't updated in quite awhile,

that's because I'm back to work full time at...

The Frugalista Diaries, with updates every now and then with the kiddos!

Update

2011-04-12T12:26:00.000-04:00

It looks like keeping up with two blogs and a two year isn't the easiest feat during pregnancy, therefore explaining my lack of updating Pregnant and Fabulous since eck, February? Sorry..

As it turns out my due date has come and gone (ok, it was yesterday so slack will be cut)...But I will say that I'm feeling kind of patient and could easily do the the whole 'pregnant and fabulous' routine for another couple of weeks, I'm probably exaggerating...

But here's what I've been wearing in the many weeks I haven't updated...Xo

I will you keep you updated if things change....

Terra Cotta Sun

2011-02-24T21:30:00.000-05:00

Seriously how perfect are these colors together?

banana republic dress, old navy cardigan, nine west shoes, vintage belt, my creation necklace

Keeping Up...

2011-02-23T20:47:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the lack of fashionable posts, here's what I've been wearing...

Nordstrom Rack Top, Old Navy Maternity Jeans, Vince Camuto Heels, Old Navy Jacket, Ray Ban Aviators

Dress (?), Jacket Juicy Couture, Shoes c/o GoJane, Belt Vintage

Dress Ben Sherman Via Rue La La, Blazer Target, Bag Old Navy, Shoes Vince Camuto

Dress c/o Isabella Oliver, Tights c/o Sculptz, Necklace Vintage

Jacket Juicy Couture, Jeans and Sweater Old Navy, Shirt Marshall's, Boots Nine West

Dress I-N-C, Jacket Old Navy, Boots Baker's, Clutch Chanel (wallet)

Dress Meet Me In Miami, Sweater BCBG Max Azria, Boots Nine West, Bag Old Navy (2006)

Jacket and Dress I-N-C, Booties Steve Madden, Clutch Chanel

Jacket My Creation, Shirt To The Max, Jeans Old Navy Maternity, Shoes SM New York, Clutch Vintage

Dress TjMaxx, Sweater Old Navy, Shoes Bakers

Trench Burberry, Jeans Old Navy Maternity, Shoes Michael Kors, Bag Old Navy

7 Weeks and Counting!

When all you can do is laugh...

2011-02-23T20:34:00.001-05:00

It seems I've been slacking on Pregnant and Fabulous, and it's not because I want to. Apparently nesting with no nest is quite the impossible task especially with all your stuff boxed up infront of you, while you wait to potentially move up the coast. But it's getting close to 'go time' and I'm starting to think this whole move isn't happening. And It's all fine and dandy, minus the fact that well we uprooted ourselves out of our place in Orlando and trekked down to Sarasota for what was supposed to be a 2 week vacation for Christmas and are now living in my Grandmother's empty home with 90% of our stuff packed away in boxes in the garage. Super fun time, and to top off the chaos my toddler broke my laptop screen the other morning by dropping it on his head. And right now all that I can do to keep my cool is laugh, and I'll be laughing the whole way to the computer store to fork over $400+ to get my macbook fixed. But until then I get rock with half of a working screen (and the other half where my son's head planted as a reminder of how toddlers should never be allowed expensive equipment).

Pregnancy, making everything easier ;)

Glamour Bump

2011-02-13T19:03:00.000-05:00

Adding color to my seemingly mostly black wardrobe not only gives me a little more 'sunshine' but it also can be a lot prettier. I couldn't believe how pretty this dress (see full review here) was when I first got it, and paired with the sweater gave it an unusual casual glamour that could be worn for brunch, work, a date or even a shopping excursion.

Dress Everly Grey c/o Stella Maternity, Sweater Old Navy, Bag Old Navy, Shoes Vince Camuto via Swirl

PS - Enter our CHULAMAMA $50 Gift Card Giveaway!

Delivery Gowns - Fabulous or Faux Pas

2011-02-07T09:26:00.006-05:00

I'll be the first to admit that those drab hospital delivery gowns they give you are the worst, they're itchy and not to mention ugly. Ok ugly is an understatement, so much so that I refused to wear one and went au natural (TMI) for my first birth. My midwife kept asking if I wanted to put one on and I was like I'm good, but I also had my son in a 'birthing center' not a hospital so they were a little more easy going about the whole nudity thing.

However, I've been noticing more and more on maternity boutique sites that they're offering more stylish and comfortable delivery gowns, most for a pretty penny. And who wants to shell out $100+ for something that let's face it gets ruined after one wear, not me. I mean it's great in theory but in practicality not so much, well unless you like wearing things once then, net gain.

Nonetheless, I did happen to stumble upon some fabulous delivery gowns at Stella Maternity that we're extremely reasonable not to mention pretty fierce looking. This might even make me re-think my whole au natural situation ( I wonder if it'd be appropriate to wear heels with them, kidding)...

Pretty Pushers Delivery Gown - I Dream of Sushi, $24.95

Pretty Pushers Delivery Gown - I Dream Of Coffee, $24.95

Pretty Pushers Delivery Gown - I Dream of Mai Tais, $24.95

Pretty Pushers Organic Delivery Gown, $45.95 (for you 'green' ladies)

What do you think?

Beach Day

2011-02-05T09:09:00.001-05:00

Apparently Me and the Little Mister are taking another beach day, since the weather is absolutely gorgeous!

Just Peachy

2011-02-04T10:29:00.001-05:00

Happy Weekend!

Jeeze, this week has been draining and I'm going to need a little r&r this weekend maybe including some waffles or donuts. What are you ladies craving now?

-M

Yes I had to tuck my bra strap in, mainly because my nude strapless bra is 1. packed away in the box some where, 2. If you're pregnant you know how hard it is for a strapless bra to stay up because 'expecting' boobs are heavy, like back problems heavy, well in my case. I haven't done a detailed study just yet, stay tuned. Kidding.

top c/o chulamama, jeans old navy maternity, necklace vintage, shoes nine west

Maternity Sale at Old Navy

2011-02-04T10:25:00.000-05:00

Don't miss out on this sale at OldNavy.com!

Nap Time

2011-02-03T12:32:00.000-05:00

I think I might take Aiden's lead and take a cat nap, who's with me?

Where Have I Been?

2011-02-03T12:13:00.000-05:00

It seems I've been slacking on Pregnant and Fabulous over the last week, turns out attempting to move to New York City over the last month has been an epic fail ( maybe a little harsh). It seems renting remotely isn't the easiest thing to do now-a-days (it was easy years ago when I moved up there in the first place, now not so much), apparently landlords, management companies and realtors all want to meet you in person which is fine but it's tricky flying up, lugging a toddler around and seeing apartments that may or may not fit the bill. So my husband and I have been attempting it with our current realtor, who has done an "ok" job, minus the whole renting an apt we had a deposit down on right out from under us, yeah super awesome. But he's still looking and we've decided that we're making the leap next weekend, whether theres a place or not, since my husband was supposed to start work 2 weeks ago. So note to all you readers, don't move out of state when you're pregnant or close to the end of your pregnancy. It's all too stressful, especially when that 2 week vacation at your parents for the holidays turns into 5 weeks and not a vacation anymore. So fingers crossed, that a fabulous apartment (with good closet space) comes up this week.

As far as fashion goes, here's what I've been wearing!

Let's hope I can keep up, PS we're having a giveaway coming up! Stay Tuned!

Feeling Red White and Blue

2011-01-24T12:15:00.000-05:00

It seems I'm a little on the patriotic side this morning, which was completely unplanned, of course.

The weather had been quite fickle lately going from 50 degree weather one day and 75 degree weather the next, I wish I could plan better with the weather man for better posts ;).

Slip Worn as Dress c/o Due Maternity, Scarf and Accessories Vintage, Jacket Target Go International, Boots Nine West, Sunglasses Old Navy

Enter the DueMaternity Giveaway Here!

Recipe Simple Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Ganache

2011-01-24T12:09:00.000-05:00

In honor of my Dad's birthday yesterday I made him a little treat to celebrate all 56 years!

My dad is the King of sweet tooth's out there making it hard to top each dessert I make him, so this time around I opted for a Simple Vanilla Cake with a delicious Chocolate Ganache I stumbled across on In Her Kitchen (The Looks for Less's other fabulous blog). Adding strawberries to the ganache filling for a little added flavor. Mmm.

Recipe(s):

Simple Vanilla Cake

2 C Sugar

4 Eggs

2-1/2 C All Purpose Flour

1 C Milk

3/4 C Vegetable Oil

1 Tsp Vanilla

*Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees, Line two 9-in round cake pans or one 9x13-in rectangular baking pan with parchment paper. Grease the paper and the sides of the pan well.

*In a large mixing bowl, with an electric mixer, beat the sugar and eggs together until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Add flour, milk, oil, baking powder, and vanilla and beat for another minute, just until the batter is smooth and creamy. DO NOT over beat.

*Pour batter in greased/lined pans

*Bake in pre-heated over for 30-40 mins or until tops are golden and toothpick poked into the center comes out clean (remember if you use a 9x13, it may take slightly longer to bake).

*Loosen the sides of the cake from the pan with thin, then turn out onto rack and remove paper.

*Let cool completely before covering with frosting.

Chocolate Ganache With Fresh Strawberries

1 1/2 C Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips

1/3 C Heavy Whipping Cream

1/2 C Sliced Fresh Strawberries

White Chocolate Drizzle

1/4 C White Chocolate Chips

1 tsp vegetable or canola oil

*While cakes are cooling, make two double boilers by having two pots 1/4 full of water barely simmering with a glass bowl on top of each pot. Do Not allow bowls to touch the water or your chocolate will burn!

*To one of the glass bowls, add the semisweet chocolate and heavy cream to make the ganache. Continually stir the chocolate and cream until only a few lumps remain and remove from heat. Continue to stir and the residual heat will keep melting the rest of the chocolate and it will keep getting smoother.

*In the other double boiler add the white chocolate and oil and continue to stir until only about halfway melted.

*White chocolate is much more fickle and will burn easier, so only melt it halfway before removing it from the heat. Keep stirring until smooth.

*Put cake on serving dish and add ganache, follow with fresh strawberry slices. Add second layer and add ganache to top layer.

*Swirl the white chocolate on top of the ganache before cool, then with a toothpick swirl the white chocolate until it looks how you want.

*Add fanned strawberry as garnish and ENJOY!

Polka Plaid

2011-01-20T20:33:00.000-05:00

Dress Betsey Johnson, Boots Bakers, Clutch Revlon (makeup bag), Vintage Accessories

How I Wore It : Isabella Oliver's Ruched Midi Dress

2011-01-19T07:54:00.000-05:00

Isabella Oliver is known for their luxurious maternity clothing seen on stars like Angelina Jolie, Marcia Cross, Gwen Stefani and Ali Larter ( in this dress, seen here in a "Look For Less"). I believe that during every pregnancy a women should splurge one item that can be worn before, during and after pregnancy, I mean we all want to feel good and look good while expecting. And of course a little black dress is the ideal candidate because you can't take those designer maternity jeans too far after baby is born.

Hence why I chose the Ruched Midi Dress when I was asked to pick an item from Isabella Oliver, it's the perfect little black dress that can be easily dressed up for a night on the town or a cocktail party and easily made casual with a knit sweater or jacket and boots. I fell in love with it when I put it on, immediately feeling feminine and dare I say sexy. And though it carries a price tag of $166, it has the potential to be worn many times making the cost per wear under $10, especially if worn after pregnancy while you flaunt your new mom curves.

Dress c/o Isabella Oliver, Sweater Nordstrom Rack, Shoes Steve Madden, Necklace Vintage, Bangle and Clutch H&M.

Wrap It Up, Cobalt

2011-01-18T11:45:00.000-05:00

FashionJunkee.com sent me with fabulous dress, and I couldn't wait to put it on. Turns out it's perfect for us pregnant ladies, and before and after! Check Out my full review here.

Dress c/o Fashion Junkee, Necklace My Creation, Shoes Baker's, Jacket Silence and Noise

Chiffon and Bows

2011-01-17T11:31:00.001-05:00

Happy Monday! Did any of you check out the Globes last night? Who was your favorite and least, my least was probably Natalie Portman's less than flattering dress and my favorite was between Anne Hathaway's golden ensemble and Claire Danes' pink gown. On another note, we have a giveaway coming up so stay tuned later this week for details!

Jacket BCBG, Tunic To The Max, Jeggings Eco Yoga, Boots Nine West, Bag Old Navy, Belt Vintage

Fall Colors

2011-01-14T11:59:00.001-05:00

When it comes to my hair 90% (ok more like 95%) of the time I let it go it's unruly wavy way (seen here), either because I'm kind of lazy or because my husband loves it and considers it my 'trademark'. Never the less, I love when I have time to actually blow dry my hair and amaze myself that I feel a little more put together on these rare occasions. Ah the little things.

Dress (?), Cardigan Old Navy, Boots Nine West, Accessories Vintage, Bag Old Navy

Happy Friday!

Miss Magenta

2011-01-13T11:46:00.000-05:00

We all need a little color for our lips every now and then, whether it's this seasons must have 'bright pink' or a classic red, you're bound to make a statement. Go ahead try it, you can always take it off ;).

Sweater BCBG, Scarf TJMaxx, Shoes Bakers, Skirt Miss Sixty (originally a dress), Bag Old Navy

Bubbly Boucle

2011-01-12T15:09:00.000-05:00

Sweater Victoria's Secret, Jacket Gianni Bini, Leggings Marshalls, Boots Bakers, Bag Old Navy

You Tu-Tu

2011-01-11T13:40:00.000-05:00

It's not everyday that you see a pregnant women in a tu-tu...

Forever21 Skirt, Old Navy Sweater and Bag, Target Jacket, Calvin Klein Shoes

Dotty Spotty

2011-01-10T11:26:00.000-05:00

I'd have to say that black and white prints are on of my favorites, they're classic and seem to go with everything, even another print like a subtle plaid. Add some tights and a pile of necklaces and voila!

INC Dress, My Creation Vest, Forever21 and Express Necklaces, Bakers Shoes

With A Little Lace

2011-01-07T13:49:00.000-05:00

Have A Fantastic Weekend!

Jacket Gianni Bini, Skirt Target ($4), Boots Bakers, Scarf Vintage, Shirt Express