Wear-a-blanket

My baby girl is growing up so quickly. I feel like I blinked and she’s no longer a newborn. Just yesterday this girl was just content sleeping, eating and laying in my arms. Now this little angel is just soaking up her surroundings. She loves going on walks. Her eyes are so wide as she’s looking all around observing and taking it all in. She’s grasping my hands and her toys and she’s exploring my face whenever I get close.

Once of the big milestones Carlota has recently achieved is rolling over. She moved from back to side quite early and recently she’s been doing the full back to tummy, and tummy to back. It seems like whenever I put her on her back and walk away for a second, she’s in full tummy time mode when I return. With this new milestone Carlota can no longer be swaddled to sleep. To make this transition easier we are using the Just Born Wear-a-blanket. It’s perfect because her arms are free but her legs at still semi-swaddled. The first couple of naps were an adjustment for her but after just a week she is back to her regular sleeping schedule.

The Sleep sack is a safer alternative to loose blankets in the crib. This model has air vents on the side for temperature control, a comforting tummy wrap and a zipper that makes late-night changes a snap.

Sleep Sack: Just Born //

Onesie: Old Navy //

Shabby Apple

Being a new mom, I rarely get to dress up. Lately wearing anything other than leggings is a good day. Having occasional days where I can feel feminine and sexy are important. I’m trying to find the balance of taking care of baby girl but also of myself and the hubs. This is one of my favorite looks of the year because it was an opportunity for me to go glam.

Like every other 20 or 30 something year old I’ve always been a huge fan of Sex in the City. I admired Carrie Bradshaw and her sense of style. I always craved to be as adventurous as her in regards to her fashion choices. (And who wouldn’t want her shoe collection!) As soon as I came across Shabby Apple and their tulle skirts I knew this was my chance to have my Carrie Bradshaw moment.

I love the femininity of the midi length and the delicate nature of the tulle layers. If I could wear it daily…I would. Initially I was going to pair the skirt with a lace or crop top, and keep the look very elegant. The more I thought about it I realized I needed to put my twist on the skirt. I decided to pair it with an edgier top to give the look some contrast. As a new mom, I’m all about wearing a simple tee. Adding pumps and my Classic flap bag kept a sofistication to the look, and it was perfect for a night on the town.

Skirt: Shabby Apple //

Shirt: Forever 21 (Similar here, and here) //

Shoes: Jimmy Choo (Similar here, here) //

Months 3 and 4 with Carlota

How is Carlota already 4 months old? Time needs to slow down..this girl is going to be headed to school in a blink of an eye.

Month 3

Carlota is constantly moving around and exploring the use of her limbs. She doesn’t understand the concept of sitting still. She started daycare 3 days a week and has adapted very well. She made her first painting for us, and gets along well with her classmates and teachers. She loves being swaddled for her naps and looking at herself in the mirror. She is starting to learn how to roll over. When she’s on her back she likes to roll onto her side, especially when there is a toy in her vicinity. She is finally starting to take notice of her toys and Pinxo (our Boston Terrier).

We took Carlota to get her ears pierced. She did so great! There were a couple of tears but as soon as she was comforted she calmed down and was back to her smiley self. Carlota also had her first swimming lessons or introduction to the water. This requires its own blog post since it was so magical and special for us. She loved the water and floated with me just holding her head above the water, She has also started loving bath time and post bath baby massage.

Sleeper: Little Citizens

Month 4

You can definitely tell that Carlota is undergoing her 4 month leap/growth spurt. She is becoming more of a little girl and less of a newborn. As much as I’m loving watching her grow and conquer all these milestones it makes me sentimental to think my baby won’t be my little baby forever.

Carlota has finally perfected the roll over and likes to do it all the time. She won’t stay laying on her back for long, and quickly moves to her favorite tummy time position. She is much more able to amuse herself on her play mat and with her toys. This also means that she has graduated from sleeping all swaddled up to using her sleep sack. She is still working on mastering this transition.

She loves chewing on our fingers and toys. She is in full teething mode already. Carlota is starting to be interested in what we are eating and drinking. She loves to talk to us and complain and make bubbles. She still hates the car and car seat, but has started to like the stroller.

Thankfully Carlota is still a mama’s girl….I’m hoping to keep that up forever!!

Romper: Old Navy

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)

Breast Friend tea

All throughout my pregnancy the one thing I was most stressed about was breastfeeding. I did know, however, that I wanted to breastfeed Carlota for as long as I could. I knew of the many health benefits that it provides for the baby and for myself and I knew this was something I wanted to do. But, I was worried about baby girl not latching properly, about the pain, about not being able to stick to it, and the list goes on. The hubby and I went to a breastfeeding class which was very helpful and informative, so I felt like I was better prepared and less anxious.

Initially Colostrum is produced. It functions to protect the newborn from infection by coating the baby’s intestinal tract and acting as a barrier against harmful bacteria. It protects your baby from illness and also provides important nutrients. After a few days when the milk comes in, it still provides the baby with antibodies from the mother. Breast milk can help minimize chances of allergies and helps prevent many childhood illnesses.

Unfortunately I had to go back to work after only 2 months home with my baby. That’s when the stress started. Having to pump while at work is not easy. For some reason, when I pump, very little milk gets released. I knew I needed to try something. I read about milk production teas and was excited to try Breast Friend Tea from Your Tea. Breast Friend Tea is made from ingredients that increase the quality of breast milk, energy levels, and support digestion. It contains Chinese Angelica; a well known herb that is included for its very powerful ability to nourish blood. Nourishing the blood directly supplements the quality and quantity of breast milk.

I have been using the tea daily and haven’t looked back. So far I have been able to maintain exclusively breastfeeding Carlota even though I’m back to work. I’m constantly worried about loosing my milk supply and am drinking tea and trying to up my water intake. So far so good. I don’t know how long I will breastfeed for, but right now it seems like the right thing for the both of us.

Tuxedo Royal

Its been 3 months since the birth of my little angel and I’m excited that I’m slowly starting to fit into some of my pre-pregnancy clothes. My favorite go-to look has always been a button down shirt and jeans. I’m obsessed with this style top. I love that you can just throw them on and still look put together. Since I did not fit in any of them during my third trimester, I’m happy to have them back in full wardrobe rotation!

The tuxedo panel gives this classic shirt a little twist. With the summer weather already here, I decided to pair it with white jeans and my favorite sandals. Lately, white has been my favorite color, and white denim is a definite must have for the summer season.

I used to be quite self-conscious in light jeans. I am currently still above my pre-pregnancy weight and I’m wearing white pants constantly. The trick is to get the pants in the most flattering cut for your figure and to make sure they aren’t too tight. I think the rips in the knees take the focus and remove the unwanted attention to my thighs.

Shirt: J Crew old (Similar here)

Jeans: Motherhood Maternity (Non-Maternity here, and here)

Sandals: Celine

Sunglasses: Ray Ban

Lalabu baby soothe shirt – Giveaway!!

From the very beginning Carlota has constantly wanted to be in our arms. This definitely melts my heart and I wouldn’t want it any other way, but it also makes it very challenging to get anything done. Whether it’s at home or on walks, she doesn’t last very long in her rocker or stroller. When I discovered the soothe shirt I knew this was a must for Carlota and I.

The Lalabu soothe shirt is a nursing tank top with a kangaroo pouch to hold your baby close to your heart. How genius is this!! I can walk around keeping Carlota close to me and have my hands free to run errands, eat, do chores etc.. It is so simple, a part of your outfit without having to mess around with wraps and slings. You can also nurse your baby while they are in the pouch. This is the perfect gift for any expecting mama.

The soothe shirt was inspired by Lalabu, a mother in Africa, and 2% of all proceeds are donated to moms in Africa. I love supporting growing companies especially when they are from mommy entrepreneurs. I have teamed up with Keri, the founder of Lalabu baby, to give one of my readers a lalabu soothe shirt of their own.

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

1) Comment below and let me know how old your little one is or when you are due.

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 @lalabubaby on Instagram and follow the instructions posted there.

Your chance to enter starts today June 29th and will close Friday July 3rd at midnight PST.

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE

**The winner was randomly selected and is @kyrsteen_web from an instagram entry**

Summer white

My closet has always consisted of a lot of black and neutrals. Lately I have been veering towards white. I love wearing this light and breezy color in the summer. Something about an all white look makes you feel put together and polished without having the harshness of all black.

This shirt dress has been a staple in my wardrobe for years. It never goes out of style. I love investing in simple classic pieces that can be used for years. These kind of pieces are great wardrobe must haves because you can constantly change your look by pairing them with different accessories and shoes. The best part is that I have worn this dress pre-pregnancy, during and now postpartum. It works perfectly with my weight gain and loss.

I chose to keep this look neutral for a day in Palm Springs with my gladiators and fedora. Gladiators are this summers IT sandals and you can find them everywhere and in every color. I love these Rebecca Minkoff’s. They are similar to the Valentino Rockstuds but with a more reasonable price tag.

Dress: Old (Similar here and here)

Sandals: Rebecca Minkoff

Hat: Revolve (Similar here)

Sunglasses: Ray-ban

Glasses:

Cover me Poncho Giveaway

I knew from the beginning that I wanted to breastfeed Carlota. Throughout my pregnancy I kept hearing how much of a challenge it can be, especially for first time moms. I read about problems getting the baby to latch correctly, not enough milk supply, nipple pain etc.. I even took a class in my third trimester to get myself prepared. When I started nursing Carlota we quickly fell into our rhythm and routine, until we started venturing out into the real world. No one mentions the challenges of feeding when you are out of the confines of your home. Newborns feed ALL THE TIME!! In my classes they mentioned nursing your baby 6-8 times daily….that was an understatement for us. Carlota feeds every 1.5-2 hrs. I needed to get comfortable nursing in public and quickly. Initially this was something that would stress me out or make me feel nervous. I am so thankful for products such as Cover me Ponchos which have helped make breastfeeding in public simple and convenient.

I keep my poncho with me at all times. This way I don’t have to worry if my outfit of the day is breastfeeding friendly. I just plop on my poncho and I’m always good to go. The best part about it, is that it’s very versatile. It can be worn as a maternity/postpartum cover, scarf, used as a blanket for the baby and my other favorite use is as a car seat cover.

Most of the time when Carlota’s in the stroller, she’s in her car seat. The poncho acts like the perfect cover. I prefer it to a blanket or swaddle because it doesn’t fly off when you hit a gust of wind, and with the opening on the top, you have easy access to keep an eye on your little one.

I am so excited to announce that I have teamed up with Mariah from Cover me Ponchos to give one lucky reader a poncho of their choice. For those of you that don’t win we will give you 10% off your purchase with code: Andrea