Maternity

Palms and stripes

I always love a striped shirt. Seems like I can’t get enough. I’m such a fan of this tank from Shop Pink blush. I’m obsessed with longer shirts lately. It must be my new mommy style or something that stuck with me from my maternity days. This tank has it all. It can be worn as a maternity shirt, nursing shirt, or as just a tank. I love the lightweight material, the color and striped pattern. The best part is that it’s currently on sale at Shop Pink Blush.

I kept todays look simple as usual and paired the tank with skinny jeans and a white clutch. Lately I’ve been living in flats. I don’t dare try to mess around with heels when I’m out with my babe. She still needs to be in my arms so much, that I know it could be a potential disaster in heels.

Tank: Shop Pink Blush //

Sunglasses: Ray Bans //

Clutch: Clare V //

Shop Pink Blush

Lately I have been all about finding new online boutiques. Maybe it’s because I don’t have as much time to go shopping now with the little one, or because I love finding chic items that are not readily available at every corner. Whatever the reason, it has been my current obsession. Instagram and Pintrest are great places to find these boutiques.

My eyes were opened during my pregnancy. It was difficult to find maternity clothes in stores, and online shopping became my go to. I came across Pinkblush Maternity/ Shop Pinkblush and was so excited. Its an online company that has regular clothing, maternity clothing, and nursing friendly items.

I love this dress because it can be used for all the above. Its loose enough to fit a growing belly, easy to use while nursing and does not look like a maternity dress. This dress is perfect for a day out shopping with the girls or a beach day with the family. I think it will be on repeat a lot this summer.

Dress: PinkBlush Maternity (Similar here, and here)

California Cool!!

Bitter sweet feelings right now posting one of my last maternity looks on the blog. It’s so crazy for me to look at these photos with baby girl in my belly as she is currently in my arms gazing into my eyes. It’s been 3 wonderful and crazy weeks. I’m sorry I’ve been a little MIA on the blog as I’m trying to embrace all the time I have with my baby girl while she is still this tiny little thing. There are moments I want to pull my hair out, and then there are others I want to bottle up and cherish forever. Motherhood is such an amazing experience and I’m trying to soak up every second I have. Thankfully I still had some pregnancy photos to post, since most days I’m wearing nursing tanks and leggings. I try to get out of the house for a walk or running errands, but with Carlota feeding what seems to be every 30 minutes I need to be dressed appropriately.

I think this is one of my favorite maternity looks. All pieces are non-maternity and were found in the back of my closet. I wore a classic little black dress but made it daytime appropriate by adding this Zara shirt. Accessorizing with oversized shades, a hat, and ankle boots make this look perfect for a stroll around the streets of Silverlake.

Dress: Alice and Olivia old (Similar here and here) //

Shirt: Zara old //

Hat: Lack of Colors //

Boots: Anine Bing //

Fairyland Maternity Photoshoot

The past two weeks have been full of sleepless nights, crying temper tantrums, diaper changes and lots and lots of feedings. This morning baby Carlota was in her monster phase…which means she is finally fast asleep for a couple of hours and I have a few minutes to finally get a blog post in. I wouldn’t change it for the world!! We have so much love for our little munchkin and its all worth it.

These amazing magical fairy-esque photos are from my Maternity photoshoot with Shawna at Bleudog Fotography. For weeks prior to the shoot, I was debating whether to take maternity photos. I was looking online for photographers in the area and I think I contacted over 20 photographers/studios before finding this gem. Many had photo libraries of shoots that were not the vision I had in mind. The ones that had photos I liked cost a fortune, or weren’t located close to me. I started to get discouraged and thought about possibly not taking maternity photos. I was already feeling huge and not very glamorous. Did I really want to pay for photos that I’m just going to be disappointed with? Looking back at these pictures I am so happy I did them. Finding a photographer that has a similar vision or style is key to a successful photoshoot. Pregnancy is such a magical time in your life and I’m so thrilled Shawna was able to capture it so well for me. I will forever cherish my time having baby girl so close to my heart, feeling her kick and hiccup.

Dress: Asos on sale (Similar here, here and here) //

Family Portrait

Baby girl has finally graced us with her presence this Thursday March 26th at 10:48pm, weighing 7 lbs and 1 ounce and 20 1/4 inches long. Carlota Pi-Henderson. I am so overjoyed with emotions and lack of sleep!! hehe We have so much love for her already and she’s only 3 days old. I can’t imagine my life without her and I’m already sad that time is going by so quickly. I want to keep my little princess as this little tiny bundle of joy but I’m also excited to share all of her life experiences with her. So many mixed emotions….I guess that could also be due to all the changing hormones. I can’t wait to share photos and my birth story with you in an upcoming blog post.

Here are a few more of my maternity shoot photos from Bleudog photography. Shawna is amazing and I’m so happy I found her to get photos of this special time. I’m thrilled I can finally hold my baby girl, but a part of me still misses feeling her little kicks inside my belly. I miss having her so close to me 24/7.

I love this photo of my first child Pinxo. Shows the love we have for each other. He has been so good with little Charlie and I couldn’t have asked for anything more. I think he’s still a little confused of what’s happening in our house and who this new addition is, but he’s so gentle with her. He is her little body guard. He needs to be close to her, but doesn’t get too close. He also occasionally likes to smell and kiss her. I think he’s a little jealous now that our attention is shared between the two of them. He was an only child for 7 years so that’s totally understandable!!

Dress: Felicity and Coco non-maternity I just went up a size //

Love me!!

Today I am a little over 39 weeks pregnant!! WHAT?? How did the time fly so quickly? How is it that baby girl is going to be here in less than a week? I don’t think I’ve wrapped my mind around that completely!! She is due March 28th, but really she’ll come whenever she decides she’s ready to make her appearance into the world.

I’m starting to find that dressing is more of a challenge. These photos were taken a couple weeks ago and I don’t think that this shirt would fit over my current bump situation. Lately wearing a maternity t-shirt and jeans or a dress are my go-to-looks. Note to all my pregnant readers: Invest in maternity T-shirts from the beginning. I bought a couple of them when I first went maternity shopping. At that point I really didn’t need them but still wore them. They have been my savior these past few weeks. Many other shirts are just not long enough to cover the bump, or wearing really large loose things makes me feel huge with all the swelling and weight gain. Its nice to have something that accentuates your curves while providing proper coverage. I will link the ones I have at the end of my post.

Pregnant or not, boyfriend jeans are always a good idea. So comfortable and chic. I added a white button down shirt and sweater to dress them up a little. Since I have stuck with simple versatile pregnancy items, I transform my look with my accessories. I added some cobalt blue for a pop of color.

Shirt: Rosie pope maternity //

Cardigan: Aritzia (Similar longer version here) //

Jeans: Motherhood Maternity //

Glasses: Ray-ban //

Necklace: Aqua Bloomingdales old (Similar here and here) //

Maternity T-Shirts: A pea in the pod similar here and here //

Spring is in the air!!

I’m in my last month of pregnancy and it’s starting to really hit home that baby girl could be here any day now!! I have such mixed feelings. I’m so excited for her arrival and to finally meet our little angel. I’m eager to finally start getting back to my pre-pregnancy figure and wear regular clothes. I’m thrilled that our life will be full of love and excitement, but also scared of all the changes. A part of me will be sad to no longer have my baby bump and my little girl so close to my heart. I am one of those people that is petrified of change!!

In less than a few short weeks it will no longer be just my husband and I. It’s been just the two of us (and Pinxo, our Boston Terrier) for 7 years. We have our routine, and it’s about to be shaken-up. I don’t know what to expect, but I do know it will be one of the greatest changes of my life. I know that as soon as I hold our baby girl in my arms, all my fears will go out the window.

These photos were a part of my Maternity photo shoot. I can’t wait to finally start sharing all those photos with you. Throughout my pregnancy I have been such an advocate of maternity jeans as a wardrobe staple. They are so comfortable and let you feel “normal” when all you want to wear are sweats or leggings. This is especially true in your 3rd Trimester. Having a pair of colored jeans, especially in the spring and summer is my favorite. Its a great way to spruce up a look. These mint Jeans from Motherhood Maternity have been a great piece in my maternity wardrobe. I love the color, fit and not to mention they are super comfortable!

Shirt: Wendy Bellissimo (Non-maternity here and here) //

Denim: Motherhood Maternity (Non-maternity here and here) //

Espadrilles: Chanel (Similar here and here ) //

Bag: Celine //

Isabella Oliver Maternity

My bump style has evolved over the past nine months of pregnancy. Starting out as a jeans and button down kinda girl, I’m moving towards favoring dresses especially now that I’m approaching the end of my third trimester. There is nothing like a figure hugging dress while pregnant. I must say that I feel my sexiest when I’m wearing one.

In the past, when I was having a “fat” day I would avoid horizontal stripes and tight clothing like the plague. It almost seems like a contradiction…wearing a tight dress when you’re at your largest. When you’re pregnant all those rules go out the window. This is a time when a woman should embrace her curves because its such a beautiful time in her life.

This Isabella Oliver dress is perfect. It fits in all the the right places and has the perfect length. I find that when I am trying to squeeze into some of my non-maternity dresses they start to ride up and become a little too risqué. What used to be an appropriate length is now a mini skirt that may not be suitable for a mama-to-be running errands. The best part is that this dress can totally be worn postpartum as well. How perfect is that.

I love the neutral colors and simple striped pattern of the dress. I kept the look chic and casual by adding a hat and Converse and keeping my jewelry minimal. Lately I have been living in my sneakers since my feet and ankles have decided to swell like crazy!! One of those pregnancy side effects that has come to haunt me.

You can see my swollen ankles pretty clearly here!! hehe Not my most flattering photo. What has been your worst pregnancy side effect?

Dress: Isabella Oliver //

Hat: Revolve //

Shoes: Converse //

4 Moms RockaRoo Giveaway!!!

I can’t believe I’m already 37.5 weeks along with my pregnancy. This means I have less than 3 weeks until baby girl arrives. So much to do and so little time. Not to mention who knows when she will decide to make her debut. She could decide to come early or stay warm and cozy in her little nest for a few days past her due date.

As much as I’m excited to meet her, I still want her to bake a little longer in my belly. I still need to get the final touches done with the nursery, make sure to pack that perfect hospital bag and get the house completely organized and clean. Not to mention I have patients to tend to and get all stable before I’m on maternity leave for 2 months. Thinking about all of this makes me exhausted.

Thankfully I have all the necessities needed to care for my little angel when she decides to arrive. One of which is the rockaRoo by 4 moms. I know the first month after baby girl arrives will be very challenging and exhausting. I have heard that it is very helpful to have a swing or rocker to help sooth your baby. The rockaRoo is just that. It moves with a gliding motion at 5 speeds with 1/3 the size of traditional swings. Not to mention its super light so you can take it with you wherever you are around the house. Your newborn never has to leave your side. I know this will be perfect for me when my family and guests leave and I’m home alone with baby girl.

This product had been on my registry from the very beginning and I am so happy to finally have one and to have the opportunity to give one away to one of you as well.

To enter into this giveaway all you need to do is :

1) Comment below and let me know why you would like to win.

2) For an additional entry you can follow my blog by email or on bloglovin etc.. let me know in your comment that you have done that

3) For a 3rd entry follow me @withloveandrea and @4moms_hq on instagram and follow the instructions posted there.

Your chance to enter starts today March 11th and will close Saturday March 14th at midnight PST.

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!

Baby Shower for the little princess!!

My past few weekends have been so frantic getting all the final touches ready for the arrival of baby girl, that I’ve been very behind with my blog posts. I think after baby girl arrives I will still have a bunch of maternity pictures to post.

I am so excited to share with you the pictures from my gorgeous baby shower. I am very thankful that I have such wonderful people in my life, who care so much about me and helped me put together such a beautiful day. I’m the type of person that is always keeping busy. Most days I am so busy that I almost forget I live so far away from my family and many of my best friends. When life moments happen, such as having your first child, it really hits you hard. Many important people in your life are not there to share each step along the way. These moments also make me realize the new family and friends I have made here in LA and how thankful I am to have them. My sister-in-law Raquel and bff Nora stepped right in to take charge and throw me the most magical baby shower. I couldn’t have asked for anything better.

The party was filled with friends and loved ones who came for mimosas and brunch. We had a make your own mimosa bar and a virgin cocktail bar for those of us not drinking or expecting. There was a desert table filled with chocolates, doughnuts, cupcakes and a beautiful strawberry cake.

Two of the pregnant ladies in front of the desert table….how fitting!!!

The table setting was perfect. It made me think of Alice in Wonderland meets rustic glam. I loved that we all sat together on the long table. My sister-in-law Raquel made these wonderful Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrubs for all the guests as party favors for attending the shower. All natural ingredients and they smell amazing!!

Games and activities are a must during a baby shower. One of the games was to wear one of the pink necklaces below and try to collect them from the other guests. Whenever anyone mentioned the word “baby” they had to give away their necklace to the guest that caught them in the act. The lady with the most at the end of the shower won a prize.

The ladies competed in changing a diaper blindfolded game. This is much harder than it sounds. Veteran mom Jen was obviously the expert at this and blew everyone else under the water.

My favorite activity was having everyone decorate a onesie for baby girl. How cool is this idea! Now we have many onesies that are made with love specifically for her.

I wore this beautiful dress that I received from my BUMPstyle box!! You can read all about them in one of my previous blog posts!! It is such a great asset for pregnant women because you get a personal stylist that selects maternity pieces specifically for you. Dressing the bump is not an easy task, and there are limited options. This takes away all the hard work and frustration. You just have to decide if you like the pieces selected for you or if you want to return them and wait for your next box.