Smile And Wave

The Dress Must Be Able to Twirl

This little tomboy princess splits her days between making mud pies in the backyard (note the dirty feet) and pretending to be a kitty that needs adopting. When she's not lost in play or sassing her big brother she's asking me to help her put on a pretty dress and since she spent the better part of her third year boycotting dresses I am usually happy to help. 

She's still particular about what dresses she likes and doesn't like. I've learned to give her two or three mama approved choices to pick from to make sure we cut down on the clothing battles and I've started to understand what she usually lands on. It doesn't always have to be pink but it's never orange and rarely green. Pockets and bows are always exciting. It needs to be comfortable in the waist and arms or it's coming right off. 

The most important thing is it must be able to twirl.

Ruby was lucky enough to get to choose a special piece from the new Sea Me Twirl collection by Taylor Joelle Designs and officially approves of it's twirling abilities. This dress and a few other pieces are all making their debut May 7th and will be on sale for 30% off through May 14th in case you happen to have a tomboy princess that likes twirly dresses, too.

I love that she's got her own specific taste in clothing and that most of the time we can agree on what goes in her closet and what stays on the rack. No lie, she spilled watermelon juice on a new favorite shirt yesterday and wanted to wear it again so badly today that she went and started a load of whites herself!

Too bad for her I now know she can do laundry.

-Rachel

Motherhood Matters and a Lisa Leonard Giveaway

The other day I was nursing Smith after a morning spent trying to provide him some comfort despite his gassy belly. As I sat there unable to move on the couch, Ruby looked me straight in the eye and asked, "Mama, do you still have enough room in your heart for me now that Smiff is here?"

It was one of those moments where I became painfully aware of my limitations and my heart swelled with compassion wondering how I could reassure her. I patted the couch next to me and felt her lean in as I put my arm around her and told her she'd always be my best girl.

She brought me a book and I read it to her while Smith nursed and I silently hoped she'd always know of her special place in my heart-carved out with long eyelashes and her slightly gap-toothed grin. She's now sandwiched between my two boys who are equally precious in that one made me a mother and one gave me the opportunity to enjoy these early, challenging days in ways I was too tired and overwhelmed to with the first two. 

Lisa Leonard has been creating special jewelry (and more) for as long as I've been a mama. I remember first learning about her work shortly after Sebastian was born. One of the very first necklaces I received from her featured a single tag with his name on it. Those early days of pushing the stroller to the park just to get out of the house and interact with anyone else between the hours of 8 am to 5 pm felt so long. 

There were always cheerios underfoot, towels pulled out of drawers, and Elmo's voice always ringing in my ears. I had no way of seeing beyond the end of the week much less the time when I'd miss him while he was at school all day. Fast forward seven years and two more tags and I'm almost looking forward to a little more Elmo again. 

My Fresh Cut Birthstone Necklace is a beautiful reminder of how special and unique each of the little hearts in our family are and how there's enough room in mine for all of them. 

Lisa Leonard Designs has so many lovely pieces that would make a thoughtful Mother's Day gift and you can take 25% off your order right now with the code 'momlove' at checkout. Or maybe send the father of your children a subtle link to your favorite necklace with the appropriate monogram or gemstones attached? I vote yes.

THE GOOD NEWS is that Lisa is offering a giveaway to one lucky Smile and Wave reader! Leave a comment below sharing which necklace you'd love if you were to win and I'll randomly pick a winner by Sunday, April 27th.

NOTE: Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you if you don't have a link or active e-mail address attached to your link. 

Have a lovely weekend!

-Rachel

Ladies Who Lounge

When PJ Salvage asked if I'd be interested in reviewing a few pieces from one of their recent lounge wear collections I thought about how most of their items wouldn't fit my third trimester belly or waistline. Then I remembered I'd probably be spending a lot of time in the near future (mid-March and beyond) at home with a wardrobe that still didn't fit and having little motivation to get dolled up on three hours sleep a night.

In the past I've turned to my trusty yoga pants and husband's sweatshirts like many moms with newborns and while there's no shame in being as comfortable as you can during one of life's major transitions, there's no reason why we can't get a little more excited about what we're wearing while we're up to our elbows in diapers, right?

I picked out a few things that felt like they'd help distract from the undereye circles and still feel cute mixed with various boyfriend tees and the occasional yoga pant since laundry will probably get a little backed up from time to time. The Love sweater they sent over is so soft and cozy and will work well over a nursing cami or tank as it will soon fit like an oversized sweater instead. The pants are light and soft and will surely be forgiving as I regain some territory over what I like to call 'The Expansion'. 

Here are a few items from their spring collections that have just released that I'm a fan of as well: Shine On Sweater, Shine On Sweatshirt in Citron, Shine On Cropped Sweat Pant, and this Everyday Robe.

What did you do to fight off the temptations to go all frumpy all the time right after welcoming a new baby (or two or three) and working through the transition from having a darling pregnant belly to a much less darling ring around your rosie? 

-Rachel

Nursing Covers That Do Double Duty

I had the privilege of having Rachel of Busy Spinning Thread as a sponsor recently and after looking through her Etsy shop I was sold on the idea of using a nursing cover that looks more like a roomy scarf when not in use. She offered to send me some to welcome this new baby and I quickly sent her my favorite patterns. 

They came in the mail this week on one of the coldest days we've had this winter so I wrapped myself up in the striped cover, tied the two corners together to turn it into an infinity scarf and kept myself cozy for the rest of the day!

In the past I've used swaddle blankets or the kind of nursing cover that ties around your neck and looks like a huge bib but got tired of always keeping up with them on outings. The bibs would get pulled aside by curious hands and the blankets would usually get shoved into the top of the diaper bag and eventually fall out. What I love about this nursing cover above is how soft and light it is so that baby will be able to breathe easily and that when it's untied it is like a large poncho so that it can't be raised up by busy little hands and feet without a lot of work. Plus, I know have another really fantastic scarf to add to my wardrobe both now and post-baby when I may want to distract from my shrinking mid-section!

Rachel and Molly's brand offers a variety of lovely things for mamas and kids alike such as swaddling blankets, infinity and fringe scarves, nursing necklaces, teething rings, pocket tanks, etc. using on trend prints and soft jersey fabrics. I

After doing this baby thing twice already it's become more apparent to me what's going to be useful and what's going to sit on a shelf.  I can't wait for this baby to get here so I can put these pieces to work!

-Rachel

Gender Neutral Baby Picks: Part Two

More baby things! Some of these shared above are items we've either already purchased or been gifted by sweet friends such as 2,5,7, and 8. Others are things we're hoping to get down the road (the crib when it's time to switch into that) or are just on my wish list for baby's wardrobe. How darling are those knit pants (#13)! 

Again these are all gender neutral items that could easily lean towards the boy side but could also be really darling on a sweet girl when paired with darling headbands and a few more touches of plum, peach or chartreuse. 

1. Organic Baby Blanket by Jumping Birds

2. Moccasins by Freshly Picked

3. Quilted Coat from Zara

4. Crewneck Pullover from Gap

5. Similar pants from Little Four

6. The Cozy Romper in Mint by Little Hip Squeaks

7. Milk Drunk Onesie by Little Boogaweezin

8. Moses Basket and Rocking Basket Stand similar to these on Amazon

9. Organic Cotton Striped Sheets by Giggle

10. Gulliver Crib from Ikea

11. Compass Cardigan by Camp and Company

12. Organic Cactus Pillow by Juniper Wilde

13. Kedge Trousers by Camp and Company

Check out my first round of gender neutral baby picks here. I've got some lovely friends that make and sell baby items that I'll be sharing in the next round so stay tuned! 

Do you have a favorite baby trend right now? Do tell.

-Rachel

What's In My Bag and a JoTotes Giveaway

Mama's got a brand new bag! The lovely ladies over at JoTotes recently sponsored Smile and Wave and were so generous to let me choose one of their bags to review. I've long been a fan of the fact that they were one of the first companies to cater to photographers that didn't want to just tote around a big black padded box to hold all of their equipment. I also knew that anything I chose from their line would not only help me tote around my own DSLR without fear but would probably boast as much room as any diaper bag out there. I'm a practical girl so finding a pretty bag that would take care of all of my needs was an easy sell.

I chose the Betsy in mustard mostly because I love this color and the shape got me. Outer pockets for keys or pacifiers, check. Inner compartments so your wallet and glasses aren't floating around in a bottomless pit, check. Sturdy enough that it won't lose it's shape no matter how heavy it's loaded, check. I've been carrying it around as my regular purse this last month and love it! 

What's In My Bag: Green sunglasses, gifted and from Madewell. Wood veneer sunglasses c/o Tumbleweeds. Wallet and nail polish, Target. Lip gloss, Walgreens. I've also been collecting granola bars, hair ties, and random mittens since this photo was taken! 

Our bags provide a fashionable and easy way for women to safely carry their camera bodies and lenses, along with regular purse items, every day. The main compartment of each of our bags is lined with padding to protect equipment. Movable interior pads are also included to allow for configuration around a variety of camera bodies and lenses. We carry several sizes, styles, and colors so you can select the bag that works best for your lifestyle. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT JOTOTES IS OFFERING ONE LUCKY READER A $125 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO THEIR SHOP! 

TO ENTER TO WIN:

* LIKE JoTotes on FB for one chance and comment here.

* PIN your favorite JoTotes bag on Pinterest and tag it with #JOTOTESSMILE

 

The giveaway will be open until November 30th and then the winner will be announced shortly after. IMPORTANT: PLEASE leave a way to be in touch with you if you've won. Many of the last few giveaway winners have not responded and forfeited their winnings! DON'T BE AN ABSENTEE WINNER! 

Good luck, everyone!

-Rachel 

What I Wore: 23 Weeks Pregnant

This week marks my 23rd week of pregnancy. My belly is getting a lot more attention from strangers lately in the form of lingering looks, excited smiles from passing strangers, and my first well-meaning but still rude comment about carrying twins or triplets. Brett mentions every day how much he loves seeing me pregnant though, so he gets a gold star. 

I have a history of big bellies. My kids were both born around 9 lbs and I usually start getting comments around this mark. With Sebastian it was a twenty-something male working at Subway that mentioned I looked like I was going to pop any day. I was six months along. With Ruby it was the older man working the flea market register. I brought two vintage globes to the counter and he asked me if I was hiding another one under my dress. I was five-and-a-half months along that time. 

It's actually funny that while we were taking these photos in our alley way before I ran up to get Sebastian from school our neighbor's nurse asked me if I wasn't sure if I was having twins or triplets. I smiled graciously and she asked again like she really wanted to know if I had considered how big I was. I may have been more offended but we'd actually ordered a diagnostic ultrasound a few days prior to check for twins.

My midwife measured me at the beginning of 22 weeks and I was 7 weeks larger than I should've been. She briefly mentioned she'd had a surprise set of twins this past summer and the mom measured that big but they'd never seen the second on her ultrasound or heard a second heartbeat. Her second baby was hiding in there. The same day I measured big my friend called to tell me another gal she knew just found out that same day she was having twins. The funny thing is she is due in seven weeks! Her midwife hadn't seen the second baby or heard that second heartbeat, either, and nothing else had given her the idea she might have two in there. It was enough to get Brett and I talking about the possibility. If not twins, then there was also the possibility of too much fluid which could also be a concern. Either way we needed to know what was going on to put our minds at ease.

Our diagnostic ultrasound was pretty thorough and confirmed there was indeed just one occupant but that said occupant had a large head-within normal range but still larger in proportion to the rest of it's measurements. Sebastian had a big head, too. At one point the stenographer needed to see where the cord was and told us not to look since she knew we weren't wanting to find out the gender until birth but Brett and I both peeked! Unfortunately, she was so quick and the baby was so fidgety that neither of us could tell. It was all I could do not to stay back as my family walked back to the waiting room and beg her to tell me if it was a boy or girl!

So, no lady in the alley, I'm not having twins or triplets. I'm having one large-headed, healthy baby and this belly will only be getting bigger in the weeks to come. Any future comments about the size of my belly will be met with my own polite retort. Don't mess with mama bear. This isn't my first rodeo.

-Rachel

Outfit Details: Black shirt and vest, Target. Maxi skirt c/o Gypsy Threads. Moto boots c/o Gypsy Threads. Crystal necklace c/o Moorea Seal. Bag c/o Jo Totes.

 

Leather Pouch DIY for ABM

I made some leather pouches for the kids and shared how easy they are to customize on A Beautiful Mess. Head over for the details!

-Rachel

 

Almost Halfway: 19.5 Weeks Along

So, I still haven't tried the camera remote I ordered knowing my photographer would be out of country. This is why my first official belly shot is being documented almost halfway through. Thanks to a long awaited girls' weekend with some of my besties from Springfield, MO and one from way up there in Canada, I was able to borrow a set of steady hands. 

At nineteen-and-a-half weeks I'm feeling a lot of low movement from this little baby. The nausea is long gone, the constant fatigue has turned into more of an end-of-the-day-single-parenting-is-tiring feeling, and other than not being able to sleep for more than three hours at a time without needing to use the restroom, this second trimester stuff has been pretty easy (knock on wood). 

One of my favorite pieces of clothing has been this jersey dress I made using a tutorial I found on Pinterest from The Crum Life. It was a pretty quick project and I have plans to make at least one more to layer with knee socks and a heavier sweater as the weather gets colder. I love how flattering and easy it is, especially on days when I don't have clean maternity pants!

Here are a few other maternity tutorials from A Beautiful Mess that look both easy and versatile enough to move through a few months of a growing belly. 

Outfit Details: Dress, handmade. Cardigan and belt, Target. Necklace, Anthropologie.

My regular photographer should be back next month. I can't wait for him to see this growing bump!

-Rachel

p.s. Photos by Katie.

What They Wore: Indie Nook

After more sick days than any of us were counting on we decided to layer up and find some sunshine. We missed out on an Aspen drive last fall with Brett being away at training and not wanting to get stuck in the mountains somewhere. This year it looks like that may happen again but we knew we could still find some beautiful yellow trees in town. A few of our favorite regular spots are still closed due to storm damage but Colorado Springs isn't exactly lacking in natural beauty. 

Sebastian was feeling well enough to get out but I could tell even a little bit of running around wore him down so we didn't stay long. Pretty soon the park across the street from our house will be full of gorgeous yellow leaves and I am determined to get the kids out to run around and document the leaf pile jumping.

Outfit Details: Sebastian's pants, shoes, and sweatshirt are from Target. Juice shirt c/o Indie Nook. Hat, thrifted. Ruby's shoes and pants are from Target. Right Meow shirt c/o Indie Nook. Sweater, thrifted. Mama's scarf, Barracuda Bizarre. Hair clip c/o ModCloth.

We haven't had the energy and motivation to get out and do much in the last few months with Brett gone and the yuckiness of the first trimester but we're getting there. We only have a couple of weekends left before we get Brett back so we're hanging in there and trying to finish strong! 

-Rachel