tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17442259024261480132024-02-07T17:07:30.650-08:00stethoscopes, style, & graceErikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.comBlogger249125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1744225902426148013.post-70774508602335210832015-05-12T11:46:00.001-07:002015-05-12T11:46:51.940-07:00On being a mom...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalCjzPI0DETayJDHAibDTH5Jst2i8wYdYpgERMbsvSo2J2QkFOZceIrwfM8wt5RR9m5Idqb_3FVcIJsZdMU4yCR04naUuzxnsVN-wOHOYJcosn5s2_1lvBB6HN616Q1R_-E9RRWa6AhaQ/s1600/2014_12_14+Erika+Edited-0042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalCjzPI0DETayJDHAibDTH5Jst2i8wYdYpgERMbsvSo2J2QkFOZceIrwfM8wt5RR9m5Idqb_3FVcIJsZdMU4yCR04naUuzxnsVN-wOHOYJcosn5s2_1lvBB6HN616Q1R_-E9RRWa6AhaQ/s640/2014_12_14+Erika+Edited-0042.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I spent my first
Mother’s Day at the hospital taking care of other people’s babies, but spent
some time today reflecting on being a mother and what it feels like navigating this new world of motherhood...<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s been less than a year but I can hardly remember what he
looked like when we brought him home from the hospital, what it felt like to
hold him when he was only a little over 6 pounds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first days/weeks/months of motherhood were a blur. Part
of it was the stress of moving two weeks after he was born, starting
orientation when he was three weeks old, spending a few weeks home with him and
then starting intern year….but part of me knows that no matter what the
circumstances, the first moments of motherhood are a blur.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s different than I expected. There is guilt like I knew
there’d be, but I thought that it would be about leaving him, about being at
work while he was at home. It’s actually more about the feeling that I can’t
give him 100% when I’m at home because of the inevitable physical and mental
exhaustion that residency brings. And then there was the almost tangible pain
that I felt for the first time when Stephen texted me to tell me that he was
sick while I was working, and the tug that I felt when he cried for the first
time when I was leaving for a shift.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But it’s really less about all those moments and more about
the deep joy that I didn’t know existed before he was born. His little hands
wrapped around my neck……the excitement of
each milestone that he reaches…the newness of each stage…his deep giggle at the smallest things...the joy of watching
him discover the world…the sweetness of the little curls around his ears…the
heavenly baby smell…the comfort of holding and nursing him…the peacefulness of
cuddling him while he sleeps…the new and different love that I have for his dad
when I watch them together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Motherhood is a beautiful, incredible gift...I'm grateful and humbled to be his mom.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1744225902426148013.post-3626530814193978162015-04-11T08:26:00.000-07:002015-04-11T08:26:00.529-07:00Resurrecting the blog....I can't believe that it's been months since my last post! There are multiple reasons why I haven't written...intern year has a way of making you feel like you're drowning at times, and I'd say that's the number one reason. I've also felt a little afraid of putting my life out there...sometimes it's easier to just be anonymous and as tiny as my blog is in the wide open expanse of the blogging world, the world of resident physician bloggers is relatively small. Lastly, I don't have much time to read blogs anymore, but when I do it's easy to feel inept when looking at the professional photography and graphic design of other bigger and better blogs out there.<br />
<br />
But I've really missed blogging! I love to write and I'm so grateful for the connections I've made in the blogging world. So here I am again, although there's no telling if my next post will be next week or next year. Residency has a way of wrapping you up so tightly in each day that the length and intensity of every shift feels like running a marathon while at the same time making the days fly past so quickly that I sometimes don't even know what season it is...<br />
<br />
Case in point, this picture. It feels like yesterday but in actuality was taken in early December, back when Stephen Gabriel was a mere 6 months old and pre-crawling/waving/curly hair/belly-laughing at things to the point where his little eyes well up with tears. Such a difference a few months makes...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_QZflYFlaH6bGGT2_OWIpybCMpUaxTOdV3CoWzLIRIaQXZAOSDiZhjp7lew_0bXAjPQ7CabO06zGSPV-K_SpkqN21ummhAwujLezm4TYaSSVrzKTFefy_ziVVH0CV8qJX6PrJS3bfnbR/s1600/2014_12_14+Erika+Edited-0035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_QZflYFlaH6bGGT2_OWIpybCMpUaxTOdV3CoWzLIRIaQXZAOSDiZhjp7lew_0bXAjPQ7CabO06zGSPV-K_SpkqN21ummhAwujLezm4TYaSSVrzKTFefy_ziVVH0CV8qJX6PrJS3bfnbR/s1600/2014_12_14+Erika+Edited-0035.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Photo by A-B Photography</i></div>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1744225902426148013.post-64314915419719345772014-11-07T05:22:00.002-08:002014-11-14T09:30:25.887-08:00On this crazy life...In recent days, I've been uncertain about the direction that I should take with this blog. My time is limited, and I don't want anything to take away from becoming the best doctor that I can be...and much more importantly, the best mother that I can be. But at the same time, this blog has given me an outlet in some of the most challenging times of my life. I've received so much support, encouragement, and kindness from all of you - and for that, I'm truly grateful.<br />
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This isn't by any means a goodbye letter just yet. I mentioned to Stephen the other day that I was wondering if I should continue blogging, partly because of time and partly because I didn't really think about the potential consequences of people reading the blog, personally and professionally (it was always intended as a fun hobby). Stephen looked at me incredulously and said "<i>Why</i> would you stop doing something that you really enjoy doing?" And that was all the encouragement I needed. I still plan on sharing snippets of our life, our struggles and dreams (and an occasional outfit or two). This next month is my last month of semi-normalcy before I start 6 months of intense, busy residency rotations so expect a few posts now and then potentially sporadic ones later...and thanks for being here either way :)<br />
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Sharing seven photos from my life outside of residency lately (and linking up with <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2014/11/7-quick-takes-about-co-hosting-with-lino-rulli-cool-book-covers.html" target="_blank">Jen</a>):<br />
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1. The little man's first Halloween (lion costume was an awesome hand-me-down from one of the attendings here)! Also, my favorite new sweater (a birthday gift).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmsAvpN6RgmDNiq6JrcyEoGQHjyH27zSTvAbYwbv1ktH4PFykV7UVhCECTaK1T1CzMVmtdyt2sasZ685CCsjIM1UFdYW956uqVyYE930KdkV8GF4-rP7IRYwxtMqGLsqE1psenim2XDHz/s1600/IMG_4929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmsAvpN6RgmDNiq6JrcyEoGQHjyH27zSTvAbYwbv1ktH4PFykV7UVhCECTaK1T1CzMVmtdyt2sasZ685CCsjIM1UFdYW956uqVyYE930KdkV8GF4-rP7IRYwxtMqGLsqE1psenim2XDHz/s1600/IMG_4929.jpg" height="640" width="564" /></a></div>
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<i>Sweater: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=457515004&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">Similar</a></i></div>
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<i>Jeans: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=377565806&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">J. Brand</a> (found on Nordstrom Rack)</i></div>
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<i>Boots: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=377565806&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">Frye</a> (purchased 40% off after Christmas last year)</i></div>
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2. My blue-eyed boy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczwh7NkO2W13hGdxrQ3Fdx6n2etCBifhDaoG3eSt88AFfYqqq5qYCQgsivpiP42Si1-VS7GUh_Eqxo2q_txdi1LT6-IFIi_2yutCJcGqzDpw1d4Ng5z8mY3fz6sLtnpiUtcRTztzrs20q/s1600/IMG_4924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczwh7NkO2W13hGdxrQ3Fdx6n2etCBifhDaoG3eSt88AFfYqqq5qYCQgsivpiP42Si1-VS7GUh_Eqxo2q_txdi1LT6-IFIi_2yutCJcGqzDpw1d4Ng5z8mY3fz6sLtnpiUtcRTztzrs20q/s1600/IMG_4924.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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3. Nothing says fall like a pumpkin patch (and <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=454151377&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>this vest</b></a>).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBuYH3xKxfm6zvM2xM7EZgU6l_4PoKyMtUglSSZg9dd-BziuQ5lbQftls6ExYgeBFfinQJl_wHkS4SFDdoMb3A5btvJH1-A6bJmcurOsCyAIXpPr3sIbY79oTIaMDM8ArTlYBRWxsV7VA/s1600/IMG_4844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBuYH3xKxfm6zvM2xM7EZgU6l_4PoKyMtUglSSZg9dd-BziuQ5lbQftls6ExYgeBFfinQJl_wHkS4SFDdoMb3A5btvJH1-A6bJmcurOsCyAIXpPr3sIbY79oTIaMDM8ArTlYBRWxsV7VA/s1600/IMG_4844.JPG" height="640" width="550" /></a></div>
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<i>Vest: Thrifted J. Crew, same at <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=454151377&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">J. Crew Factory</a> </i></div>
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<i>Jeans: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=457362158&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">J. Brand</a></i></div>
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<i>Boots: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=377565806&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">Frye</a></i></div>
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4. An impromptu trip to my hometown in northern Michigan (and five months postpartum, <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=451464483&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>these</b></a> are still my favorite pants).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiF6D415hjo8EKsFD8w00FmnGDvcUcjMF3EQAKQXBGJYPGB3ycvjqg5ihlQwEAtcbRFwMZz1b1MVehnqxAQFP9IzxdJplXmYtZ5CErKtfN-qOKDeDc71bpk3wnLrqpPORoAJwSb96KzXi3/s1600/IMG_4764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiF6D415hjo8EKsFD8w00FmnGDvcUcjMF3EQAKQXBGJYPGB3ycvjqg5ihlQwEAtcbRFwMZz1b1MVehnqxAQFP9IzxdJplXmYtZ5CErKtfN-qOKDeDc71bpk3wnLrqpPORoAJwSb96KzXi3/s1600/IMG_4764.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Pants: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=451464483&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">J. Crew</a> (on sale)</i></div>
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5. I still maintain that I'm from the most beautiful place in the world...<br />
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6. Indian summer = kayaking trip at one of our favorite places.<br />
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7. Look, mom, I can fly!<br />
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<br />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1744225902426148013.post-59387950919791011182014-11-05T07:20:00.001-08:002014-11-05T09:49:00.950-08:00Five Favorites: Twice edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: start;">A couple months ago, Twice contacted me and asked if I would share some outfits and an interview for their Top Twicer feature (you can read it <a href="http://blog.liketwice.com/post/101698804133/top-twicer-erika-h" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>). I discovered <b><a href="https://liketwice.com/Tvxao" target="_blank">Twice</a> </b>(link for $10 referral credit) a few years ago and since then have found some really great pieces from my favorite brands. For those of you who haven't heard of it, Twice sells gently used clothing from brands including J. Crew (!), Anthropologie, Gap, Banana Republic, and Nordstrom.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Here are five of my favorite Twice finds (and be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for a chance to win a Twice gift card courtesy of Twice!). </span></div>
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1. I found this Anthropologie dress in one of the new arrivals emails that Twice sent me (they send emails with picks customized by your size and favorite brands). It's different than anything I had in my closet, and a great mustard color. I also love that it has the ease of a dress while giving the illusion of a skirt with a fun printed blouse.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4yY9oPT-T-h17unVs1ZucHevcYaVt5XO2NBttWhaffY184IV-rRV-fB1utPJcV8Si3xf0iB8TJCDtjFWx0pVRHAkkUm46HndsqTCinE9OPwKfpOnbior6kU3Fw0Mxr9Cw-aj2tWquzDH/s1600/IMG_4345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4yY9oPT-T-h17unVs1ZucHevcYaVt5XO2NBttWhaffY184IV-rRV-fB1utPJcV8Si3xf0iB8TJCDtjFWx0pVRHAkkUm46HndsqTCinE9OPwKfpOnbior6kU3Fw0Mxr9Cw-aj2tWquzDH/s1600/IMG_4345.jpg" height="640" width="438" /></a></div>
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2. I was pretty stoked to find this J. Crew white denim jacket in brand new condition. I found these green skinny cargos at Twice too, also J. Crew. Sidenote that Twice was a great place to find a couple pairs of pants and tops for transitioning back to my regular wardrobe in the postpartum period.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzr60d8RSyty7EZW2t_qRvMR_kvHGMZHR77jqD95_ZelE8lWrhenX_c5uOtwGRc-gaGbsSvcRXPc_Y-B1SnkVrKkTXI00NygRsdboSUkI8G4cYYOQHMqY8KiYzHtoBEpdGYgcFh1D-6r6C/s1600/IMG_4354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzr60d8RSyty7EZW2t_qRvMR_kvHGMZHR77jqD95_ZelE8lWrhenX_c5uOtwGRc-gaGbsSvcRXPc_Y-B1SnkVrKkTXI00NygRsdboSUkI8G4cYYOQHMqY8KiYzHtoBEpdGYgcFh1D-6r6C/s1600/IMG_4354.jpg" height="640" width="434" /></a></div>
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3. This Splendid cardi is so me, and the Anthropologie top underneath was another fun find at a great price.<br />
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4. Another great Splendid cardi in one of my favorite colors.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh03rHfDDiJJvPmD4ZJwgsFVkuXZwyKpRmH9MLeDS0KpkHDCxgqFiab7uqRVNSZK2ZDXyOpeR4mbuj1wh16dsW0yEr7nxPl37f7H65MBP0mkUblagZM7vaoclWSjXyaSPq1NKHBkOCcBIO/s1600/IMG_4412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh03rHfDDiJJvPmD4ZJwgsFVkuXZwyKpRmH9MLeDS0KpkHDCxgqFiab7uqRVNSZK2ZDXyOpeR4mbuj1wh16dsW0yEr7nxPl37f7H65MBP0mkUblagZM7vaoclWSjXyaSPq1NKHBkOCcBIO/s1600/IMG_4412.jpg" height="640" width="448" /></a></div>
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5. I found this Gap blazer brand new with tags from Twice! I had literally seen it only weeks before in the store so I was thrilled. Thrown over a basic dress, it makes a great work outfit. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDze0ow_476AxbXMBrcD_QeXo-PJE7a9287zvlunn41-_UGJQoYShU0uvhRgQJEYiMLAjKR0F8NqddGooGWeuOehVBJXmIiPkoV2v1pkjBpvCPmZwFWQeMOmus0FPUW4vfBlayoeP7M2c/s1600/IMG_4362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDze0ow_476AxbXMBrcD_QeXo-PJE7a9287zvlunn41-_UGJQoYShU0uvhRgQJEYiMLAjKR0F8NqddGooGWeuOehVBJXmIiPkoV2v1pkjBpvCPmZwFWQeMOmus0FPUW4vfBlayoeP7M2c/s1600/IMG_4362.jpg" height="640" width="414" /></a></div>
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<i>Linking up with <a href="http://callherhappy.com/5faves-albums-memories/" target="_blank">Jenna</a> and <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2014/11/what-i-wore-64/" target="_blank">The Pleated Poppy</a>.</i></div>
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Want to try Twice for yourself? Already a loyal Twice shopper and want some store credit? Twice is generously offering a $25 gift card to a reader and you can enter below. And even if you don't win, you can get $10 off by using my referral link <a href="https://liketwice.com/Tvxao" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a> (thanks in advance!)<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0b0d116f4/" id="rc-0b0d116f4" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1744225902426148013.post-62266208587756339932014-10-10T05:24:00.002-07:002014-10-10T05:29:48.398-07:00Truths...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsAPSdjO8IZLS5_lJKH7PJYnuJZ8jEdS2WQvPFHEg5Ap89iSep8OoM_IlQ22wpZFqrY__hkez3NMHgHdf5KjsuXMw_v5DgYU1c0lF935zvIx599V1kFIXcuZflavrYVPo1EYRNwwDIagy/s1600/10-9+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsAPSdjO8IZLS5_lJKH7PJYnuJZ8jEdS2WQvPFHEg5Ap89iSep8OoM_IlQ22wpZFqrY__hkez3NMHgHdf5KjsuXMw_v5DgYU1c0lF935zvIx599V1kFIXcuZflavrYVPo1EYRNwwDIagy/s1600/10-9+1.jpg" height="640" width="462" /></a></div>
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<i>Top: <a href="https://www.goldentote.com/points/invitation/new/from/NDEyNTQ,/" target="_blank">Golden Tote</a></i></div>
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<i>Pants: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=433887204&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">J. Crew</a></i></div>
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<i>Boots: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=377565806&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">Frye</a></i></div>
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Some truths about this outfit...</div>
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...I wore it last weekend, since the majority of my time now is spent in scrubs (I sense a blog/ebay sale coming soon - I just can't justify all the nice clothes still in boxes since we moved)</div>
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...The pants are <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=433887204&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">these ones</a> </b>- yes, they're maternity pants. Not the over-belly third trimester kind but the end-of-first beginning-of-second trimester side panel kind. I'm back to my pre-pregnancy weight but have a residual tummy pooch that will probably require a lot more crunches/less carbs and these pants are the epitomy of comfy. Unfortunately they're also saggy, and a mid-rise would be much more flattering since these are designed to sit below the bump. I requested a pair of black skinny pants in my next <a href="http://stitchfix.com/referral/3058561" target="_blank"><b>Stitch Fix</b></a> so we shall see.</div>
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...The babe spit up on the pants...and I just wiped it off and still wore them. Gross, I know, but part of reality with a four month old. Another reason to have a blog sale, since I own a ridiculous number of dry-clean-only J. Crew tops that I will probably never dare to wear again.</div>
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...<a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=377565806&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>These boots</b></a> are by far the most expensive wardrobe purchase I've ever made. They were almost 40% off on Amazon when I bought them last year, but still sooo expensive and I have a twinge of guilt every time that I wear them. But they're perfect.</div>
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...I'm still wearing my hair in a top knot every.day despite the hairstylist's advice at my last appointment to <i>not </i>wear my hair up so much to try to stilt my dreaded postpartum hair loss...and also despite Stephen informing me after two years of marriage and two more years of dating (a.k.a. 4 years of top knot-wearing) that he prefers my hair down.</div>
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...My style has done almost a 180 since having the babe...I'm all about long, drapey tops with fun patterns and stretchy, skinny pants...and no dry-clean only (I'm embarrassed to say that I never evah checked the care tags before now). </div>
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...Do these qualify to link up with <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2014/10/7-quick-takes-friday-or-not.html" target="_blank">Jen</a>? I think so. <i>Also linking up with <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2014/10/what-i-wore-65/" target="_blank">the Pleated Poppy</a> and <a href="http://pennilesssocialite.blogspot.com/2014/10/favorite-fashion-friday-66-now-with.html" target="_blank">Tara</a>.</i></div>
<br />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1744225902426148013.post-87763469611579178212014-10-08T18:21:00.000-07:002014-10-08T18:21:50.881-07:00The blog is not dead...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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...it's just called intern year. It's hard to explain the implications of those two words to those not in the medical profession. Intern year a.k.a. the first year of residency is at times draining, exhausting, defeating...one of the hardest things I've ever done (I won't say <i>the </i>hardest since that's reserved for childbirth and the time I spent working in Haiti after the earthquake). Other times, it's glorious and affirming... like last week when my patient's wife hugged me with tears in her eyes and told me how grateful she was, or today when I got all 6 of my intubations. More often though, it's the former. There are days that I come home and feel like I have nothing left, I'm drained to the last ounce.<br />
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Part of the reason why intern year is so tough is because you work incredibly hard to get into medical school...and then even harder to make it through medical school...and then when it seems like there should be some sort of reward, you're an intern. A lowly first year resident...feeling like you know nothing most of the time... at the bottom of the totem pole among all of the residents and physicians. You have the worst schedule, and the most to learn. You still don't feel deserving when people call you "doctor."<br />
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The toughest days for me are when I'm away all day or all night and come home on one of the 'drained-to-the-last-ounce' days. I spend so many hours feeling like I'm missing a piece of myself at home..and then when I get home, I feel like I have so little left to give him. But I'm trying, and I know that his daddy is giving him what I can't (although it's hard to accept this sometimes). I also know that he loves me unconditionally...that he'll smile and giggle when I come home and wrap his little arms around my neck no matter how tired I am or how long I've been gone. And I take comfort in that.Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1744225902426148013.post-11640556821767641762014-09-24T05:16:00.002-07:002014-09-24T05:16:09.216-07:00Changes...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdSloOlN_sgAoJ6EuIx2jei_0rBnx9R2Ki_xcVZ6DRxMr7K2-Ce17mqjvreDv0X_CPPO1KLY6ar47qN_6a-ZApSdQIq3PbHNTJSx6NNFEG58j1yZJ1-LPkEz4IiasNJF9uar6vZ5sBiwb/s1600/9-22+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdSloOlN_sgAoJ6EuIx2jei_0rBnx9R2Ki_xcVZ6DRxMr7K2-Ce17mqjvreDv0X_CPPO1KLY6ar47qN_6a-ZApSdQIq3PbHNTJSx6NNFEG58j1yZJ1-LPkEz4IiasNJF9uar6vZ5sBiwb/s1600/9-22+4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Top: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=458895506&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">Loft</a> // Skirt: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=455836201&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">Loft</a> // Boots: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=450210284&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">Steve Madden</a> (via Amazon warehouse last year) // </i></div>
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<i>Necklace: <a href="http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/Gold-Tiny-Twig-Necklace-P1410.aspx" target="_blank">Lisa Leonard</a> (Stephen asked why I was wearing a tree branch around my neck)</i></div>
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There have been so many changes lately; Stephen Gabriel seems like a new baby every day with how much he's learning and growing...fall is just beginning...Stephen is adjusting to being a stay-at-home dad...I'm coming to the end of my ultrasound/EMS rotation and about to start a new one in anesthesia/psych. Sometimes I feel like I'm grasping onto the very few threads of normalcy in our lives right now...but it's exciting. Learning how to be a doctor, learning how to be a mother, learning how to be a family...we're blessed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-k_WYlrqcHrBPRJLzr3GespkEVPOwU9xgWYkgmM7-_GKzdMdROwXhUhJrglf9pZssL0ywBH4hyphenhyphenxxJWDVgP7F9NqDB9piJXtVkIpb-AyQMuIQNFzqIyp1fkQ_VD_wPxKvZDv5-9P0nG5A/s1600/9-22+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-k_WYlrqcHrBPRJLzr3GespkEVPOwU9xgWYkgmM7-_GKzdMdROwXhUhJrglf9pZssL0ywBH4hyphenhyphenxxJWDVgP7F9NqDB9piJXtVkIpb-AyQMuIQNFzqIyp1fkQ_VD_wPxKvZDv5-9P0nG5A/s1600/9-22+6.jpg" height="640" width="466" /></a></div>
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Linking up with the <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2014/09/what-i-wore-62/" target="_blank">Pleated Poppy</a>.Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1744225902426148013.post-76186391453801559912014-09-13T11:27:00.000-07:002014-09-17T04:18:55.799-07:00It's fall again...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVfg4mfe7sKt5FzfD47ZFDLGZopOt1giO786T27AB37WzyGsJ6EAFB_TKbpiFoYFk_t8mV1MDPbQW7bmnjMKP1s6Dba84z4HmPLt8E0XCE8cZ0WzVWLCKCiFqfIGvQIGV8Eo6o59puy5K/s1600/photo+2(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVfg4mfe7sKt5FzfD47ZFDLGZopOt1giO786T27AB37WzyGsJ6EAFB_TKbpiFoYFk_t8mV1MDPbQW7bmnjMKP1s6Dba84z4HmPLt8E0XCE8cZ0WzVWLCKCiFqfIGvQIGV8Eo6o59puy5K/s1600/photo+2(4).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitWG94LiSc1hDjlu0TUavujziwUVUY0-dIX8Xk9slRfAcCjVvcW9hfihJZhUKUMbz-ivbJR6AgkuqkxirkJYykphmW77conq6fjyzfv3XebbEsGeNQ6EnlluF8WJwm8hXuZF_dEJSLI7Ab/s1600/photo+1(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitWG94LiSc1hDjlu0TUavujziwUVUY0-dIX8Xk9slRfAcCjVvcW9hfihJZhUKUMbz-ivbJR6AgkuqkxirkJYykphmW77conq6fjyzfv3XebbEsGeNQ6EnlluF8WJwm8hXuZF_dEJSLI7Ab/s1600/photo+1(4).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Top: Corinna heathered dolman top from <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3058561" target="_blank"><b>Stitch Fix</b></a></i></div>
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<i>Jeans: <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=402042774&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">J. Crew Factory</a></b></i></div>
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<i>Boots: <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=264937268&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">Steve Madden</a></b> via Amazon Warehouse</i></div>
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1. I recently saw this quote on Pinterest:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-dB_vdTCgThnYZoSRUSrjqHfgZ32TLHcRuCQWQ-CxaSlFpmD4VUCjBPJPbuC03mEaD8ZqEkumPuyoCcLTa75fdBBycNMVjb_4m280W2B2mVnHTAie13RDy63ZnamjnXhA8Ee8YKBN8qx/s1600/d657bfc8f55d983cc6a51de1bb23dc47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-dB_vdTCgThnYZoSRUSrjqHfgZ32TLHcRuCQWQ-CxaSlFpmD4VUCjBPJPbuC03mEaD8ZqEkumPuyoCcLTa75fdBBycNMVjb_4m280W2B2mVnHTAie13RDy63ZnamjnXhA8Ee8YKBN8qx/s1600/d657bfc8f55d983cc6a51de1bb23dc47.jpg" height="316" width="320" /></a></div>
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It made me think about how much I love fall, but it also made me reflect on the excitement and anticipation that I felt at this time last year in early pregnancy. Life has changed very much for the better since then (harder, but better!), and I'm so grateful for all of it.<br />
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2. It's been hard lately to find time to keep this little space on the internet going. I have several half-written posts in my drafts about intern year, motherhood, medicine that I can't seem to finish. I'm having a hard time expressing my thoughts completely on it (and maybe even grasping how I really feel about it) so I guess I'll finish them in due time...or maybe not, and that's ok.<br />
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3. In the meantime here's a shot of what I've been doing at work lately on my EMS month:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSGzeqsZg2cb2HWYADT0GbnbbUFA1QcuheszeaVPV5glQHRNhfAX51LggEar0Ll5FdUsNLaA_t8hJwBtVY2kGBX4uw_BNb8536sdQew8COI0xGKW4y4NusqAUdDj7ESkczhfrb4GVFw5e/s1600/photo+3(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSGzeqsZg2cb2HWYADT0GbnbbUFA1QcuheszeaVPV5glQHRNhfAX51LggEar0Ll5FdUsNLaA_t8hJwBtVY2kGBX4uw_BNb8536sdQew8COI0xGKW4y4NusqAUdDj7ESkczhfrb4GVFw5e/s1600/photo+3(3).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Emergency medicine has it's perks.<br />
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4. I totally missed out on the opportunity to do a sappy, sweet anniversary post when we celebrated two years on August 31. My mom gave us the best gift ever and flew in for the weekend so she could help us around the house and watch the little man for some dates. We went out to dinner twice (!) and also went for a hike, which was totally therapeutic and some time that we really needed together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivk4CR4blsYfJkW3EOcU69GE7ZEm5J_ecDWRcEruwBjAs7AcHi0P3zRZKkAerF-IUU3p05O6rvNhCaJLGJP8eGVFcyCTNImvA1pl_glGKzhPNuDZ2LWiaaXRURlP5Olfi2qAwzZ7riKLMC/s1600/photo+1(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivk4CR4blsYfJkW3EOcU69GE7ZEm5J_ecDWRcEruwBjAs7AcHi0P3zRZKkAerF-IUU3p05O6rvNhCaJLGJP8eGVFcyCTNImvA1pl_glGKzhPNuDZ2LWiaaXRURlP5Olfi2qAwzZ7riKLMC/s1600/photo+1(5).JPG" height="400" width="300" /> </a></div>
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5. Continuing on the fall note, it's my favorite time of year for outfits. I recently picked up a few things using a credit that I had from my Loft (everything is currently 40% off with the code <i>fallstyle</i>!) I definitely did not need another pencil skirt, but the mustard pattern was too good to pass up. The blouse is breastfeeding-friendly and both the skirt and the blouse will be great pieces for an emergency medicine conference that I have in Chicago next month. The cardi and top are great basics.<br />
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Links: <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=455836201&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">Skirt</a> </b>// <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=458677965&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">Cardi</a> </b>// <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=458895506&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">Long-sleeve top</a></b> // <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=458895302&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">Printed blouse</a></b> </div>
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6. And another outfit that I planned to share last Sunday but didn't have time to post:</div>
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<i>Skirt: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=444970514&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">J. Crew</a></i></div>
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<i>Vest: J. Crew Factory, super similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=433619412&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">here</a> or <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=438121914&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">here</a></i></div>
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The <b><a href="http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2014/04/pink-blush-giveaway-what-i-wore-weds.html" target="_blank">last time</a></b> that I wore that utility vest was actually when I was very pregnant so it was nice to be able to zip it this time ha. I'm not sure that I love it how I wore it with the maxi skirt/tee but I think it'll look great over a striped top and skinny jeans/boots for fall.<br />
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7. You probably noticed from the pictures how big our little guy is getting...I feel like I can barely remember bringing him home as a teeny newborn on the cusp of being small for gestational age...now I'm guessing he's 60th percentile? We shall see at his 4 month (!) check up in a little over a week. We love him so very much and he is worth the sleepless nights a thousand times over (I can't imagine what it's like to have a baby that sleeps through the night but someday it'll come). He is getting to be more and more interactive and it's such a joy...<br />
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Linking up with <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2014/09/7-quick-takes-about-my-first-radio-show-punk-rock-dads-and-a-desperate-plea-for-birthday-party-ideas.html" target="_blank">Jen</a> // <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2014/09/what-i-wore-60/" target="_blank">The Pleated Poppy</a><br />
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<br />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1744225902426148013.post-3787043612219555552014-08-29T12:30:00.002-07:002014-08-29T12:30:19.905-07:00On this outfit...and glorious weekends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Cardi: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=453755040&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">Loft</a></i></div>
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<i>Top: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=454857223&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">Collective Concepts</a></i></div>
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<i>Jeans: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=457815885&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">J Brand</a></i></div>
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<i>Booties: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=429775049&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">Sam Edelman</a> (thrifted last year)</i></div>
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1. This outfit fits my postpartum criteria for long drapey tops, and also goes back to my girly roots (oh how I love pink...and a great drapey cardigan). The <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=453755040&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>cardi</b></a> also doubles as a nursing cover, and it's only $15 on sale right now at Loft. I saw the <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=454857223&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>floral top</b></a> originally on someone's Stitch Fix review and then found it on clearance at Off Saks (it's 40% off this weekend!).<br />
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2. My <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=457815885&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>jeans</b></a> (wearing them above...and in just about every other postpartum photo on my blog where I'm wearing jeans) are still on sale and I so wish that I could justify another pair, since I go into half-crisis mode whenever the little man spits on them (and I wash them way less than I really should).<br />
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3. My <b>f<a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=451464483&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">avorite pants</a> </b>of all time are 40% off sale price again this weekend (reviewed them <a href="http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2014/07/wearing-lately-my-favorite-pants.html" target="_blank">here</a>).<br />
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4. I have another <b><a href="http://stitchfix.com/sign_up?referrer_id=3058561" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a> </b>scheduled for next week and I'm pretty darn excited to see what the pretty little box brings this month. I'll be sure to share some reviews soon (in the meantime you can read last month's review <a href="http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2014/08/five-favs-stitch-fix-edition.html" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>). I've been wearing the embroidered tank and the grey striped top they sent last month over and over again.<br />
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5. Due to some scheduling glitch (and the grace of God) I ended up with a three day weekend this month. Part of me wants to go somewhere and take advantage of what will be one of my very few long weekends over the next three years...but most of me just wants to stay at home and cuddle Stephen Gabriel.<br />
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6. I shared my birth story this past week (part one <a href="http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2014/08/stephen-gabriels-birth-story-part-one.html" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>, part two <a href="http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2014/08/stephen-gabriels-birth-story-part-two.html" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>) and I think it may have come off a little strong based on some of the comments...but at least I can say that it was honest? I wrote it a few weeks after his birth and when I re-read it before I posted it, it was almost like re-living it again. I feel like I understand the meaning of suffering in a much deeper way since his birth...both in the sense that it was unlike any suffering I've ever experienced before and because the gift that came of it in little Stephen was so much greater than anything I could have ever imagined.<br />
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7. Stephen and I are celebrating our second anniversary this weekend...any last minute anniversary gift ideas for him? Just call me uber prepared ha.<br />
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Have a glorious weekend. Linking with <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2014/08/7-quick-takes-about-back-to-school-veggie-choppers.html" target="_blank">Jen</a>.Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1744225902426148013.post-59094720090437845702014-08-25T05:00:00.000-07:002014-08-25T10:30:46.717-07:00Stephen Gabriel's birth story (part two)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i style="text-align: center;">You can read part one <a href="http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2014/08/stephen-gabriels-birth-story-part-one.html" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>.</i><br />
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Between 5 am and 7 am was kind of a blur, but I remember doing a lot of the "dancing" pose that we had learned in our childbirth class. I would stand up and grab on to Stephen's neck during contractions, bury my head in his shoulder, and sway back and forth. Stephen was such a great labor coach, comforting me and encouraging me. I'll never forget at one point during a particularly painful contraction Stephen whispering into my ear "You're the best thing that ever happened to me." I also vaguely remember my mom praying out loud during some of the contractions. I got back in the tub for a short period of time, but that was when some particularly painful contractions hit and I started vomiting again. Then I started wondering if I was going to make it. The night shift nurse traded out for the dayshift nurse sometime around then, and she told me when she came back on later that night that she was worried about me when she left because she saw "panic" in my eyes (panic was a good word for it). After a particularly bad contraction and more vomiting, I sent my mom to get the nurse. Stephen came in the bathroom then with some cheerios and I started yelling at him to "Get those out of here NOW" (I don't think I've ever seen him run so fast). The new nurse came in, who had worked in Haiti (she and my mom tried to distract me by talking about my time in Haiti but I was beyond the point of distraction) and I asked her to check me. In my head I was thinking that unless I were really, really close to the end I couldn't stand the contraction pain much longer.<br />
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I was 4-5 cm. Sigh. I remember sitting on the edge of the bed and "dancing" with Stephen through the next couple of contractions until a really painful one hit. Stephen says it went something like this: Hard contraction. Me: "I need Staydol!" Next hard contraction. "Nope, epidural, <i>epidural!</i>" (emphasizing that I did NOT yell but I did convey a strong sense of urgency in my voice). At that point my mom (who went through 8 natural labors) said "Ok, Ok honey!! Let me get the nurse and tell her!" and Stephen proceeded to ask me three times "Are you sure you want the epidural?" He knew how much research I'd done, all my opinions on epidurals, all my talk of not wanting one. I looked him and my mom straight in the eye and said defeatedly, "I'm sorry, but I want it. I know I do." The sweet nurse told me that I didn't did to apologize to anyone and I remember thinking vaguely that it would be <i>slightly </i>embarrassing to get the epidural after my soapbox against them but pride was definitely not enough to stop me, ha. I guess I could take this moment to say that labor pain was nothing like I imagined it. I have fairly painful periods and never really feared contractions, mostly I feared the pushing and the potential tearing. But the contractions were horrific. At times it felt like my body was ripping in two...(annnnd I'm so sorry for any pregnant ladies reading this...every labor is different).<br />
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The nurse had to call the doctor to see if I could still get the epidural and when the on-call doctor came in, I was laying in a ball on my right side. I was hoping she could check me just like that because the pain of the contractions felt like too much to move at all. She couldn't, and laying on my back was the.<i>worst</i>. She checked me...8 cm. Well, I knew what that meant. I still had to ask if it was too late for the epidural...which it was. She agreed to give me a small dose of Staydol though.<br />
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The next chunk of time was a blur of pain. I remember having a couple contractions in the bed and crying out. Stephen said that at one point I yelled "Please God, help me!" (I don't remember that) and he said it was just awful being in the room and feeling so powerless to help. I wouldn't look at anyone in between contractions, keeping my eyes closed most of the time, and continuing to say Memorares silently and desperately. I got a small dose of Staydol at 9:30 a.m. (which didn't seem to affect the pain but did help me to rest/relax between contractions) and at 9:50 I was complete and ready to start pushing (sidenote that I dilated from 3 cm to 10 cm in only a little over three hours, which I'm sure contributed to the pain).<br />
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If the contractions were nothing like what I expected, neither was the pushing. My contractions suddenly spaced apart, which meant that they had to start Pitocin. I had expected (from Ina May, among others) that pushing would feel right and almost good in a way, but instead I felt like I didn't know when to push or how to push...so I just pushed and cried and pushed and cried with every contraction. I had tried to be stoic at first and internalize the contractions, and I remember the nurse giving me 'permission' to yell - afterward I was slightly embarrassed about whatever doctors/medical students/nurses heard me carrying on, although Stephen insists I wasn't that loud and even if I was, it was labor! People always reference the "ring of fire" when the baby's head comes out, which was my greatest fear going into labor, and it honestly felt like a "ring of fire" with just about every single push. In between pushes, I was almost able to sleep (maybe the Staydol or maybe not) and then I would feel another contraction coming on and push, push with all my might through the pain.<br />
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I wasn't really aware of much during the pushing, but I do remember saying that I didn't think I could do it...and asking again and again if he was almost out (no he wasn't). The on-call doctor (mine unfortunately didn't make it back in time from the clinic because of how fast I progressed) had a perfectly calm polker face but the baby was firmly wedged and occiput posterior (sunny side up) in my pelvis. She told me later that she was getting ready to get out the vacuum and had Stephen Jr. not been so tiny, she thinks I would have needed a C section (I'm so very glad I was spared that end to my hours of labor).<br />
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After a little over an hour of pushing, it became clear that sweet little Stephen wasn't coming out on without some sort of intervention. It's funny because I was worried about the fear of knowing too much as a physician and being in labor, but the searing pain and exhaustion had caused me to retreat to a place inside myself where I don't think I could feel that fear. I was vulnerable, and as traumatic as I felt like the labor/delivery experience was, I did feel secure in the hands of my doctor, my mom, and Stephen. Even when I heard a faint slow beeping that I knew in my mind was the baby having a deceleration, it didn't cause me to fear. At that point though, I heard (or at least I thought I heard) the doctor get out the scissors...an episiotomy was on my list of "please God no" things for my delivery, but I knew that something had to be done and I really, really wanted him to come out. I couldn't keep pushing through so much intense pain. She cut the episiotomy (a second degree) and two pushes later, he arrived.<br />
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This is the part that I still have to reconcile in my mind, because in Ina May's book and a lot of the birth stories I've read, the baby arrives and a powerful rush of endorphins happens, taking away a lot of the residual pain and causing a strong and immediate bond with the baby. I didn't feel much of anything though at first. I was exhausted and I felt sort of stunned from all the pain, and it still wasn't comfortable with the episiotomy and the placenta still inside (it didn't feel anywhere nearly as painful as before, but just like a lot of pressure). I remember looking down at little Stephen Gabriel...he came out screaming and squirmy and healthy looking, despite his cone head...and then looking over at Stephen and seeing his chin quivering and his eyes tearing up and his whole face just full of so much love for his son. And that's when I looked down at our baby and knew in my heart of hearts how much I loved him and how blessed we were.<br />
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We were able to do skin to skin right after birth, which I'm so happy we were able to do even if I don't remember much about it now. Also, I just have to mention that probably my favorite part of the afterbirth was them bringing in the birth certificate and Stephen looking my straight in the eye and saying "After that, you can name him <i>whatever </i>you want" despite our many months of deliberating over the baby's name. We stuck with Stephen Gabriel (although now I wish that I would have said Juan Pablo just to see his reaction).<br />
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So that is the long and drawn out saga of Stephen Gabriel's birth. So different from what I thought, such an experience, and so gloriously worth it.<br />
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<br />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1744225902426148013.post-71834388051221755452014-08-22T10:27:00.002-07:002014-08-22T10:47:17.339-07:00On white jeans, and intern year...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Headband: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=441642085&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">Urban Outfitters</a></i></div>
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<i>Chambray: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=283088121&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">J. Crew</a></i></div>
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<i>Jeans: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=457451700&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">J. Crew</a></i></div>
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<i>Sandals: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=448065769&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">Sam Edelman</a></i></div>
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1. Yesterday was Stephen Gabriel's (a.k.a. Junior's) 3 month birthday. Of course every mom says this, but I just can't get over how adorable and sweet he is...he's brought an incredible amount of joy into our lives during his very short existence. It's been harder than I ever anticipated being away from him, but on the bright side it makes me cherish all the time that I get to spend with him while I'm at home. It also makes me want to do a better job at work - if I have to be away from him, I want to be the very best doctor that I can be while I'm gone.<br />
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2. Intern year as a resident is incredibly difficult. The first week was so powerfully overwhelming that it's hard to put it into words. It's an immense responsibility, making decisions that affect other people's lives. And the entire first week was also an internal struggle for me, being away from the baby and quite honestly wondering at times why I ever decided to go to medical school. The last couple weeks have been an uphill climb though...I'm learning a lot and feel grateful that I've been able to take care of some patients that really needed it and also that Stephen Sr. is doing such a good job at home.<br />
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3. Next a disclaimer that tucked under my shirt in these pictures is a holter monitor. I've had problems with heart palpitations in the past (although not until I started medical school and took board exams ha) and they've returned with a vengeance. I'm almost 100% certain that it's from fatigue (emergency medicine residency may be better than some, but we're constantly switching shifts and working all kinds of weird hours) and stress, but after Stephen felt my wildly irregular pulse for the upteenth time he convinced me to go see a doctor. They take palpitations seriously after pregnancy, so holter monitor and echo it is.<br />
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4. <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=457451700&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>These jeans</b></a>. I credit them to <a href="http://www.gigisgoneshopping.com/" target="_blank"><b>Gigi</b></a>, because she shared that there was some kind of crazy pricing going on at J. Crew and they were marked down to $15 (now sadly back to $115). I own one other pair of white jeans that now happily button but unfortunately have no stretch and are pretty low rise...and stretch plus a higher rise are the keys to comfortable jeans postpartum I've discovered. <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=440278899&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>These</b></a> are the other jeans I've been living in (I'm probably wearing them in any recent pictures on the blog where I have jeans on)...I found them on sale at Nordstrom Rack while I was still pregnant and they've been a lifesaver.<br />
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5. I've discovered that postpartum hair loss is really a thing. I thought that I was exempt because my hair did just fine for the first couple months postpartum, but it turns out that the three month mark is about where it starts. Hence <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=441642085&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>the headband</b></a> which is covering up an embarrassingly thin area near the front of my head...and since this headband actually stays on my rather large head and my hair is probably not growing back any time soon, I'm about to order two more.<br />
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6. I feel like my style has gone through a major change since I had little Stephen. I'm not as attracted to the recent arrivals at J. Crew (also partially due to the fact that my closet already has an overabundance of J. Crew/J. Crew factory) and instead have been gravitating towards drapey tops with fun prints like the ones I got recently from <a href="http://stitchfix.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=f1619cbdecdbc01ba15e89ea5&id=f732873aa7&e=6ed48a3817" target="_blank"><b>Stitch Fix</b></a> (post <a href="http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2014/08/five-favs-stitch-fix-edition.html" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>) and also more boho pieces like <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=456920704&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>this kimono</b></a> from Anthro (if it would only go on sale....way on sale).<br />
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7. Last but not least, I shared the first part of little Stephen's birth story <a href="http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2014/08/stephen-gabriels-birth-story-part-one.html" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>, and part two will be up on Monday.<br />
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Happy weekend! I'll be working all weekend, but this week marks the end of my first month of intern year, which is pretty darn satisfying. Linking with <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2014/08/7-quick-takes-about-vintage-dresses-hiphop-wedding.html" target="_blank"><b>Jen</b></a>.<br />
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<br />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1744225902426148013.post-62241852416552882122014-08-20T08:31:00.000-07:002014-08-20T08:31:42.209-07:00Stephen Gabriel's Birth Story (part one)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: start;"><i>I love reading birth stories....loved them before I was pregnant, or even thinking about being pregnant. After being present in a lot of deliveries during both my medical mission work and medical school (and delivering 12 babies myself) I didn't have a lot of expectations for my own little guy's birth story. Each labor and delivery that I saw was so unique...and to be honest I didn't want to think too much about my own labor as sort of a coping mechanism, which is just fine because little Stephen's birth story was a lot different than what I expected...</i></span></div>
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It started on Tuesday, May 20. I was four days overdue and dilated to a whopping 0 cm at my 40 week appointment, and I was <i>frustrated</i> (just read <b><a href="http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2014/05/this-post-wasnt-supposed-to-happen.html" target="_blank">this post</a></b> if you don't believe me). We had originally planned to move 8 hours and two states away, where I would be starting my residency, on June 4 but it became clear that it wasn't going to happen. I was a wreck...the tears were flowing daily (poor Stephen Sr.) and I told Stephen that I couldn't take it much longer with moving and residency oreintation looming over my head: I moved my 41 week appointment up to the following day (Wednesday) and planned on asking for an induction that Friday.<br />
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Stephen was off work that week and so we went to noon mass. Afterwards, Stephen asked if I wanted to go to Applebees for lunch, and I remember sitting down in the booth and the tears started to flow again. I told Stephen that I felt guilty about being so selfish and wanting the baby to come on my own timing, and that I felt like I had ruined our last days together just the two of us. I remember that Stephen said something comforting and I felt more at peace with everything after we left.<br />
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That night Stephen had a work party at the Italian restaurant in town. My mom (who delivered 8 children au natural) warned me against the heavy pasta and garlic bread "just in case" I were to go into labor, but I hadn't had any more cramping than what I had been having over the past few weeks (mild period-like cramping that never lasted more than 10 minutes and usually only happened once or twice a day) so I figured I was safe. We finished around 9 p.m. with no hint of any increased cramping and since I had been begging Stephen to go for a walk all day, we drove to one of my favorite spots near the lake. I had a cramp or two on the car ride there, but again no different from what I had been having so I didn't think anything of it.<br />
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We parked near the beach and when I stepped out of the car, I felt a weird leaking sensation. Stephen and I laughed it off as "probably just urine" (oh the joys of pregnancy) and walked over to the beach. I realized when we got there that we were at the exact spot where Stephen had proposed...I remember looking out at the surreal view of the ice still floating on the lake and feeling like there was something special about that night...almost a foreshadowing of what was to come.<br />
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Stephen and I started our walk then, and I felt a cramp that was just a tad stronger than normal...enough to mention it to Stephen (I hadn't been telling him when I would feel them because they always seemed to stop after 10 minutes and I didn't want to get his hopes up). Then I felt a sensation of more leaking. Stephen and I were both still a bit skeptical (after all, I was 5 days late and the baby was <i>never</i> coming), and I wanted to keep walking so we did (fools). Pretty soon, I had another cramp, about 7 minutes later according to Stephen. That was when I felt the sensation of <i>more </i>leaking and looked down at my yoga pants to realize they were soaked. Stephen and I looked at each other in disbelief: this was finally it (yaaay!)<br />
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After realizing that my water really had broken (or if you want the more technical term, my membranes had finally ruptured), we decided that we really better turn around. We had at least a 25 minute jaunt back to the car, which was not the best with my now sopping wet pants (sorry) but I was too excited to care. Stephen kept timing the contractions, which were coming anywhere from every 5 minutes to every 12 minutes, so I knew that I had a ways to go. My doctor recommends that her patients go to the hospital after their water breaks because of the risk of infection if labor continues past the 24 hour mark, so I was a little disappointed that I wouldn't be able to labor at home. I was in no rush, however, to get to the hospital. When we got home, I realized that the amniotic fluid was a pinkish color and noticed, for the first time, a little bloody show in the toilet. I called for Stephen to bring me my doppler so I could check the baby's heartbeat (in case of cord prolapse) like a good almost-doctor and when I determined that it was strong and a normal rate, I decided to get into the shower (I also kept feeling/seeing him move, so I wasn't worried). I stood in the hot water for a good 45 minutes and then we called my mom, who I had asked to be my pseudo-doula, and the labor and delivery unit. I told my mom to not rush to the hospital since it could be a very long night, and that we would call her after we were checked in and the doctor had checked my cervix. I took my time adding a few things to my hospital bag, grabbing pillows, picking up things around the house (I told Stephen I was going to clean the bathroom before we left...he looked at me like I was a crazy person and that did it himself without saying anything), and then we headed to the hospital.<br />
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By the time that we arrived to the hospital, about two hours after my water had broken, I was having contractions about every 4-7 minutes. They were still fairly mild for the most part though, like a moderate period cramp, except for one when we pulled up to the hospital...I remember looking at Stephen saying "<i>Ouuuch" (</i>we both kind of laughed so obviously it really wasn't that bad yet). On the way into the hospital, Stephen and I tried to guess what my cervix would be when they checked it (Stephen said 4 cm, but I said 2 cm since I knew that realistically I had probably started at 0 cm based on my most recent prenatal visit).<br />
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They brought us straight to a room when we got to labor and delivery (probably a combo of them not messing around with a post-termer and them knowing from my rotations that I was a [new] doctor). When the nurse was checking me in, she asked me about pain meds and I told her that I really didn't want an epidural although I wasn't 100% opposed to it, and that I was open to getting Staydol if I felt I absolutely needed it (ha - I was so naive). Although no one seemed to doubt that my membranes had ruptured, they still needed to confirm it and so they called my doctor who agreed to come in to do the speculum exam herself (I was so happy because I knew both of the male residents covering OB and them doing the sterile spec would have been all kinds of awkward). In the meantime, the nurse told me not to eat or drink anything, but I was dying of thirst and proceeded to down a bottle of water as soon as she left the room to Stephen's disapproval (doctors and nurses really make the best patients). They had strapped me to a fetal monitor as soon as I arrived to my room and I kept watching it anxiously to see if it was reactive, not because I was worried about Stephen Jr. (I was convinced by all his moving and grooving that he was just fine) but because I really, really wanted to get up and walk - contractions lying in bed are torture. Finally they let me get up, and Stephen and I walked the halls leisurely back and forth, stopping every few minutes for contractions (which still felt like moderate period cramps and totally manageable).<br />
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My doctor arrived just before 2 a.m. and verified that yes, my membranes had indeed ruptured aaaand the bad news? I was only dilated to "a fingertip." Yikes. She told me that the good news was that I was 100% effaced, but that it would still probably be a long night/day. She knew that I wanted to try for a natural birth and told the nurse that I could eat, drink, and walk around monitor-free (thank God). After she left, Stephen decided it would be a good time for a snooze and approximately 30 seconds later was sound asleep in the hard-as-rocks recliner next to my bed (he really can sleep anywhere). Up until that point, I had told my mom to wait to come to the unit since I didn't know how far dilated I was....of course 5 seconds after Stephen was out like a light, I proceeded to have a painful contraction and so I texted her "Hurry!! These hurt." She was there in about 10 minutes (I didn't wake Stephen up, mostly just so I could bug him about it later...just kidding). After my mom arrived, I spent the next two hours walking the halls and sitting in the jacuzzi tub. The contractions were getting more painful and pretty consistently every 3-4 minutes. The jacuzzi tub was amazing at first; the sound of the jets and feeling of the water rushing over me really helped me to deal with the pain. I would close my eyes when the contractions would come and in between would chat with my mom, who kept assuring me of how well I was doing. The contractions started to feel like severe period cramps and when they begin to lengthen, my mom told me to start saying the Memorare, one of my favorite prayers...which really, really helped initially.<br />
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After a while in the tub, I had an excruciatingly painful contraction that sent me flying out of the tub. I could feel it through my whole body, a tearing type of pain that seemed like it lasted forever, and after the peak of it I started to violently throw up (I'm still convinced it was from the pain, since the four times that I vomited during labor were all at the end of the worst contractions). My mom ran to wake Stephen up (I had started to get disgruntled right before the painful contraction that he was still sleeping). He helped me out of the tub and I remember wrapping my arms around his neck and burying my head in his shoulder for the next couple of contractions....they were really starting to hurt.<br />
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My doctor came back around 6:30 a.m. to recheck my cervix and when she came into the room, I was sitting on the birthing ball with my head buried in the bed. I remember thinking that I had no idea how I was going to get back into bed for her to check me and the nurse to put me on the monitor to recheck the baby; laying in bed during natural labor is the absolute worst. They also started an IV then and started to give me fluids because of the vomiting. When my doctor checked me, she told me that I was three cm...and I felt defeated. All that hard work and pain for a measly 3 cm? Maybe I was more of a wuss than I thought (my doctor informed me later that my cervix was so thin that some residents would have checked me and thought I was complete even though I was only 3 cm). Since my doctor had to leave the hospital and go to the clinic, she told me that the on-call doctor for family medicine would be watching me. I knew the on-call doc, she was older and more experienced than my doctor but I begged my doctor to come back soon (I saw the same family doctor through the whole pregnancy and so there was a comfort and security that came with that). And that's when the real craziness began...<br />
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to be continued...<br />
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<br />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1744225902426148013.post-43630407740286283002014-08-13T17:50:00.000-07:002014-08-28T09:27:05.136-07:00Five favs: Stitch Fix edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I first heard of <b><a href="http://stitchfix.com/sign_up?referrer_id=3058561" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a></b> last year via a couple of different style blogs. In case you aren't familiar with it, basically you fill out a style profile that includes information on your body type, size, style preferences (preppy vs. boho vs. romantic, etc.), lifestyle (whether you mostly wear business casual, jeans and tees, etc...), price point, and the type of clothes/accessories you're interested in getting in your 'fix.' Then you pay a $20 styling fee and a personal stylist chooses and mails 5 items to you. The $20 styling fee goes toward anything you keep, and if you keep everything you save 25%.<br />
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To be honest, I wasn't at all interested in Stitch Fix when I first heard of it. I like picking out my own clothes and I felt like it was marketed for people that either didn't like shopping (unfortunately not the case with me ha) or felt like they needed help putting outfits together. Fast forward a year and one baby later, and I reconsidered. First off, I needed some new tops flattering for a postpartum/breastfeeding body. I have a long torso, and tops that flatter me normally hit just below the natural waist so now that I'm breastfeeding, almost all my tops are too short. I also can't wear most of my button-ups right now (a large percentage of my shirts) because the buttons gap. Secondly, I started to realize that I was stuck in a J. Crew rut...not necessarily a bad thing, but I felt like adding a few unique pieces that were a little out of my comfort zone would breathe new life into my closet. And thirdly, being a resident and new mom leaves little time for shopping....another population that <b><a href="http://stitchfix.com/sign_up?referrer_id=3058561" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a> </b>is marketed for.<br />
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I finally took the plunge and signed up for my first fix after seeing a super cute, super flattering striped top on my cousin (it's the same top I got in my fix below!). She had a baby two months before me and told me that <b><a href="http://stitchfix.com/sign_up?referrer_id=3058561" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a></b> had worked really well for her postpartum. I also started a new Pinterest board <b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/erikamariemc/wear/" target="_blank">here</a> </b>for my personal stylist (you can link to your board in your style profile and I highly recommend doing this to help the stylist find pieces you like). So without further ado, here's what I got in my first fix:<br />
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<b>1. Mauna Mixed Print Sheer Open Cardigan</b><br />
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I felt like the stylist read my mind because I've been wanting to try a kimono, and this one has a really fun print. This was definitely different than anything I have in my closet and was also a good price point for a trendy piece. Sadly this was a size larger than I normal wear and way too big. </div>
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<b>2. Kut from the Kloth Kate distressed boyfriend jeans</b></div>
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I'm wearing these in all the pictures and actually really liked them. The denim had lots of stretch, which is a must while I'm still returning to my pre-baby body, and I liked the wash and little bit of distressing on them. I also thought the back pocket placement was really flattering (sounds weird, but I'm really picky about this on jeans). Unfortunately they sent me a size up from my normal and while they looked ok on, the waist was too loose without a belt and they felt like they would stretch out too much throughout the day. I was surprised how much I liked these though and would love to try this brand in my normal size.</div>
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<b>3. Kahlo embroidered solid tank</b></div>
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This was one of the items that I pinned on my Pinterest board (you can pin actual Stitch Fix pieces and specifically request them) and tied with the striped top below for my favorite items in the box. I don't own a lot of navy, and the mint embroidered detail is so pretty and unique. I should have taken a picture of the back since it's longer in the back and has a neat drapey crossover below the shoulders. This tank is supposed to be a "trapeze" style and it's perfect postpartum since it falls nicely without being too baggy. </div>
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<b>3. Corrinna striped heathered dolman top</b> </div>
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This is the top that my cousin was wearing and I loved, so I requested it and it definitely didn't disappoint. The fabric is softer and more substantial than a typical knit top, and the length is great (so hard to find for me lately!) I do own a lot of striped tops, but no grey ones and none with a dolman sleeve.<br />
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<b>4. Moni geo print blouse with camisole</b><br />
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I had a couple of these Moni blouses pinned on my Pinterest board but
the print was a surprise. It's a gorgeous color and pattern, and I
typically hate studs but somehow they work on this blouse. It doesn't really go with the boyfriend jeans I'm wearing in the picture, but I tried it on later with a pencil skirt and liked it even more. I kept going
back and forth about keeping this, and I actually had it all ready to return but decided to enlist Stephen's opinion. He's always honest when I ask for his opinion on clothes whether he loves something or hates it (he actually told me my top looked like a grandpa sweater last week ha). Anyways, he really, really liked this top so I changed my mind about keeping it, which is good because I think I would have regretted sending it back. </div>
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Your fix also comes with a note from your 'stylist' and suggestions of how to wear the items (fun).<br />
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I loved everything that was in my box and would have kept it all for the 25% discount if everything had fit (the stylist asked for feedback on sizing so I think that would work better next time). I liked the surprise of not knowing what was in the box and also liked that the pieces they sent weren't too far out of my comfort zone but were different than anything I already have in my closet. All in all, I would definitely recommend <b><a href="http://stitchfix.com/sign_up?referrer_id=3058561" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a></b> and can't wait to try it again!<br />
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Happy Wednesday! Linking up with the <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2014/08/what-i-wore-56/" target="_blank">Pleated Poppy</a>//<a href="http://www.mamaknowshoneychild.com/2014/08/five-favorites-lil-bit-of-everything/" target="_blank">Heather</a>.Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1744225902426148013.post-49049252860857663882014-08-10T13:26:00.001-07:002014-08-10T20:32:13.037-07:00Sunday musings...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Top: Piperlime clearance, dress version <a href="http://bit.ly/VdAlW0" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>//3/4 sleeve version <a href="http://bit.ly/1ozIBeV" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a></i></div>
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<i>Skirt: J. Crew (old), current version <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=455785553&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>//similar <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=455713042&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">here</a></b></i></div>
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<i>Shoes: <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=448065769&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">Sam Edelman</a></b></i></div>
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<i>Lips: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=421630318&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>Nars</b></a></i></div>
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I spent the whole summer looking for a white peasant top with blue embroidery and finally find one just as the summer is lagging to a halt. I originally loved <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=450494961&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>this one</b></a> but it was too pricey and waaay too short when I tried it on...so I was pretty excited when I found <a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=168552012" target="_blank"><b>this one</b></a> on popback at Piperlime (I used a 40% off coupon). The length is perfect and it's nice and light for summertime.</div>
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If I look tired in this picture, it's because I worked until 4:30 a.m. The pediatric ER was crawling this weekend which didn't lend itself to getting home on time (side note that I had some really interesting cases...including my first case of Kawasaki). And on the plus side, having a baby is probably the best way to train yourself to function on very little sleep.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobY_ohA5B6uM0YSO4eCnm9COVJzQ5_STOUGotTBX4DGGtppvNarRHHrBh_1zGNC9vRxzI-X2cxMzLz-p1CITDHFrXXbL4UfRix0pHoPaJtGEsV-IJwc9rkWcXe17rIKsBu4sYAzjB6Bhp/s1600/photo-25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobY_ohA5B6uM0YSO4eCnm9COVJzQ5_STOUGotTBX4DGGtppvNarRHHrBh_1zGNC9vRxzI-X2cxMzLz-p1CITDHFrXXbL4UfRix0pHoPaJtGEsV-IJwc9rkWcXe17rIKsBu4sYAzjB6Bhp/s1600/photo-25.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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We walked to mass this morning and when the priest saw Stephen Gabriel, he said "That's a new one!", which is funny because he seems so big to us now. I'll be spending the day with my little guy before I go back to work tomorrow. Have a lovely Sunday (linking up with <a href="http://www.finelinenandpurple.com/2014/08/10/what-i-wore-sunday-volume-95/" target="_blank">FL&P</a>).Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1744225902426148013.post-22532336506194616522014-08-08T12:25:00.000-07:002014-08-08T14:35:45.965-07:00We're doing fine...1. In case anyone has been wondering, we're doing just fine. I survived my first week as a real (resident) doctor, so did the boys, and so did my patients. The Stephens have had some serious bonding time in my absence:<br />
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And Stephen Jr. has apparently learned to watch baseball with his dad, ha.<br />
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2. In all seriousness though, it's been hard. There have been tears on more occasion than one, and I miss him desperately. Fortunately ER shifts are so incredibly busy and it's so powerfully overwhelming to all of the sudden carry the responsibility of a physician (even a baby one) that I haven't had much time to think about it. But when I leave to go pump breastmilk for him or I'm nearing the end of my shift and faced with staying late or I see a baby on my pediatric shifts, I miss him...really miss him.</div>
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3. But then I get to come home to this, and lots of baby snuggles, and the world is ok again.<br />
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4. I'm finally finished with his birth story (I think? No matter how much I tweak it, it doesn't feel like I'm doing justice to the momentous story of a new human coming into the world) and I'll hopefully be (over) sharing it on the blog...so if you're a fan of birth stories in all their glory (not ashamed to share the details) check back in the next week or so.</div>
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5. My brother got married two weeks ago and I fully intended to recap it on the blog...but one half-written draft post later, it's prob not gonna happen. I did share some pics over on the <a href="http://instagram.com/erikamarieh" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">'gram</a>, and I can't help but share what Stephen Gabriel wore (full disclosure that this outfit that I was ridiculously excited about lasted all of 15 minutes and the rest of the night he was in the backup sleeper I packed). Anyways, at least we got some good pictures.</div>
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What Stephen and I wore (and what Stephen Gabriel really wore):</div>
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6. On another note, I tried <b><a href="http://stitchfix.com/referral/3058561" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a> </b><i>(that's my referral link...if you sign up, I get a small credit toward my next Stitch Fix if I decide to do it again, and you get your own referral link that you can pass on)</i> for the first time. If you've never heard of it, it basically involves filling out a style profile after you <a href="http://stitchfix.com/referral/3058561" target="_blank">sign up</a> and then paying a $20 styling fee to have 5 items shipped to you. I wasn't crazy about the fee, but it goes toward anything you end up keeping. I bit the bullet and signed up after talking to my cousin, who had a baby two months before me and said that it really helped her to find a few things that work for her during this crazy postpartum/breastfeeding time. Here's a sneak peak of the loveliness that was in my 'fix' and I'll share some reviews soon...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCyCd8kcmvbbfa0Dqms5KvIARitQkaGX9MNjFFFptzBCwkYyk_1DTWQ09rmSFqgQGwZgCb_Quu5heVZjVk_C8adznli5gbn8qYGwPFgzThrnvL0oT5H1KZJ-faH65kaUxtbEsBDVBI6Qi/s1600/blogger-image--1852959248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCyCd8kcmvbbfa0Dqms5KvIARitQkaGX9MNjFFFptzBCwkYyk_1DTWQ09rmSFqgQGwZgCb_Quu5heVZjVk_C8adznli5gbn8qYGwPFgzThrnvL0oT5H1KZJ-faH65kaUxtbEsBDVBI6Qi/s1600/blogger-image--1852959248.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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7. Last but not least, <a href="http://freshlypicked.com/" target="_blank">Freshly Picked</a> so graciously sent the sweetest pair of baby moccasins for Stephen Gabriel aaaand they're giving away a pair of your choice to one lucky reader. You can find the review/givaway <a href="http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2014/08/freshly-picked-giveaway.html" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1uK-31Hig4XC9PZZlHyFRJZ_i2QdQL2aziYzUlE9enVdWbHMNcZwFGIt9ts2BNYDR3O0JVtMgD63qgcTlG7gr3gRfvlsIF8kx46h15cAVu2vBwh3Co5IKOP9HcLVG25jJa0-S4uOKSrc/s1600/IMG_4212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1uK-31Hig4XC9PZZlHyFRJZ_i2QdQL2aziYzUlE9enVdWbHMNcZwFGIt9ts2BNYDR3O0JVtMgD63qgcTlG7gr3gRfvlsIF8kx46h15cAVu2vBwh3Co5IKOP9HcLVG25jJa0-S4uOKSrc/s1600/IMG_4212.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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My shift tonight will round out close to 80 hrs in the emergency department this week, but this is my weekend off (we get one off per month) and I can't.wait. to spend it with my boys. Linking up with <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2014/08/7-quick-takes-about-hiking-fails-questions-about-dc-the-smells-of-the-bible-and-the-best-baby-photobomb-ever.html" target="_blank">Jen</a>.</div>
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Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1744225902426148013.post-66766401552994403582014-08-04T05:00:00.000-07:002014-08-04T05:00:03.790-07:00Freshly Picked {giveaway}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Stephen and I recently became obsessed with watching Shark Tank, and last month we saw an episode about <a href="http://freshlypicked.com/collections/all-items/moccasins" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">these moccasins</a>. We were intrigued, since little Stephen will <i>not </i>keep anything on his feet and I was getting tired of the (maybe real, probably imagined) disapproving glances of his naked feet every time we took him anywhere. We are also facing a very real Minnesota winter, so bare feet won't be an option much longer.</div>
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We absolutely love these moccasins...they are just so sweet, made of real leather, aaaand stay on baby feet (even Stephen Gabriel's kicking-like-crazy baby feet). I ordered the size 2 for our little man which are a bit big now but happily will last him through many chilly months to come. And I'm thrilled with the opportunity to collaborate with <b><a href="http://freshlypicked.com/collections/all-items/moccasins" target="_blank">Freshly Picked</a> </b>and offer a pair of moccasins to a lucky reader. Scroll to the bottom of the post to enter...</div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0b0d116f3/" id="rc-0b0d116f3" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1744225902426148013.post-39850367048900824662014-07-30T20:13:00.003-07:002014-07-31T10:20:06.065-07:00Embroidered pom pom tank...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnOcIQL_lslV8oi2u3aVwCk7OoFnSBcuClasZRsFTgb2mb0Lx-1MbjynrllHCAdxQTiTZzQQ70OUnCJeNqVamRja60BkSkoVbQFI4V8OaernitSDON0kpENAfGC35QMOE9rDDZ6cg_Jbq/s1600/IMG_4115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnOcIQL_lslV8oi2u3aVwCk7OoFnSBcuClasZRsFTgb2mb0Lx-1MbjynrllHCAdxQTiTZzQQ70OUnCJeNqVamRja60BkSkoVbQFI4V8OaernitSDON0kpENAfGC35QMOE9rDDZ6cg_Jbq/s1600/IMG_4115.JPG" height="640" width="442" /></a></div>
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<i>Top: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=453302159&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">J. Crew</a></i></div>
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<i>Pants: J. Crew last year (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=436001393&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">Factory version</a>)</i></div>
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<i>Shoes: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=376870459&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">Birkenstocks</a></i></div>
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When I find a good thing lately, I wear and rewear and wear it some more. It's been that way with my <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=451464483&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">skinny zipper pants</a>, and also with <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=453302159&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">this embroidered top</a>. It's <i>hard </i>to find things that work on the postpartum/breastfeeding body, and so I've tried to carefully purchase a few things that will tide me over for the time being. This beauty easily transitions from work (layer it under a blazer) to a dinner date with Stephen (it's perfect over skinny jeans or <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=436001393&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">these grey skinnies</a>) to church (denim skirt/cardi) and our recent pre and post wedding festivities (my brother got married this past weekend). It's also currently on sale + 40% off here.</div>
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<i>Top: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=453302159&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">J. Crew</a></i></div>
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<i>Cardi: Gap (old), <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=402041936&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">similar</a></i></div>
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<i>Skirt: J. Crew (old), similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=455713042&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">here</a> or <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=455785553&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">here</a></i></div>
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Since we're on the subject of my postpartum wardrobe (yet again - sorry), here are the five pieces on constant rotation in my closet:</div>
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1. <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=449663078&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>J. Crew Factory Swing Tunic</b></a>: I'm wearing it <a href="http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2014/07/newborn-pics-5-favs-baby-edition.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and I loved it from my first day out of the hospital.</div>
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2. <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=444071163&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>J. Crew Campbell Capri</b></a>: Stretchy is the secret to pants fitting postpartum. These literally saved me during orientation at three weeks post-birth - I wore them every.day. and since they are my pre-pregnancy size, I'll be wearing them for a long, long time.</div>
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3. <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=453302159&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>J. Crew Embroidered Pom Pom Tank</b></a>: Gorgeous embroidery and just loose enough without being sloppy.</div>
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4. <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=451464483&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>J. Crew Skinny Zipper Pant</b></a>: Wore them <a href="http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2014/07/wearing-lately-my-favorite-pants.html" target="_blank">here</a> and every day lately they are pretty much either on my person or in the wash (white + baby).</div>
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5. <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=451059373&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>J. Crew Factory Embroidered Peasant Top</b></a>: Wore it <a href="http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2014/07/savoring-it.html" target="_blank">here</a>...summer perfection.</div>
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Linking up with <a href="http://www.mamaknowshoneychild.com/2014/07/five-favorites-better-late-than-never/" target="_blank">Heather</a> // <a href="http://vodkainfusedlemonade.com/2014/07/31/top-knots-tres-chic-fashion-thursday-link/" target="_blank">Agi</a> // <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2014/07/what-i-wore-54/" target="_blank">the Pleated Poppy.</a></div>
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<br />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1744225902426148013.post-66692046766032247362014-07-27T04:58:00.000-07:002014-07-27T19:38:31.094-07:00Sunday blues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgUwGwF3jOQgzx4vQVNDcFGbN3NyEDHs8P_Ca-BTXx9LH77_lrJglCC2eMgvYsgrGCn0ZhEUlJsEAm8s0_2JDT0qeN7sc8Ck_C1B4aYdY1QrtGBc5Q8Prt1RX6gkT3A-wuPgpVOvAAS2U/s1600/photo+2-9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgUwGwF3jOQgzx4vQVNDcFGbN3NyEDHs8P_Ca-BTXx9LH77_lrJglCC2eMgvYsgrGCn0ZhEUlJsEAm8s0_2JDT0qeN7sc8Ck_C1B4aYdY1QrtGBc5Q8Prt1RX6gkT3A-wuPgpVOvAAS2U/s1600/photo+2-9.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Dress: <b><a href="http://www.eshakti.com/Product/CL0031431/Knot-front-jersey-knit-dress" target="_blank">EShakti </a></b>c/o</i></div>
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<i>Shoes: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=453759805&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>Sole Society</b></a></i></div>
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<i>Earrings: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=446623422&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>Stella and Dot</b></a></i></div>
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You guys, this dress! It's comfy, A-line (hello flattering - even two months post-baby), the brightest/prettiest shade of blue, aaaaand it has pockets! Could a girl ask for anything more?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiE-d4Pi2GKww9t2v_HnFVfhYkDXPuVBelv5NNu9TuKojgewSvfe10YwLnA9uQ0qUArw5-GzWiXPbgPH1UwKi0KJjpvACDugIvSVEEctFQ5ZmD0Nd5Ya_BM2N-13SesO67e8RuLXfY2_TV/s1600/photo+4-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiE-d4Pi2GKww9t2v_HnFVfhYkDXPuVBelv5NNu9TuKojgewSvfe10YwLnA9uQ0qUArw5-GzWiXPbgPH1UwKi0KJjpvACDugIvSVEEctFQ5ZmD0Nd5Ya_BM2N-13SesO67e8RuLXfY2_TV/s1600/photo+4-2.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.eshakti.com/default.aspx" target="_blank">EShakti</a> </b>contacted me when I was pushing 9 months preggo and asked if I would review one of their dresses. After confirming that they really did want me to review a dress in my soon-to-be postpartum state (ha), I happily obliged. I picked <a href="http://www.eshakti.com/Product/CL0031431/Knot-front-jersey-knit-dress" target="_blank"><b>this dress</b></a> because of the color, post-baby friendly cut, and because it looked breastfeeding compatible (it is!) which is excruciatingly hard to find. But there are so many lovely options like <a href="http://www.eshakti.com/Product/CL0032102/Cotton-knit-fit-and-flare-dress" target="_blank"><b>this one</b></a>, <a href="http://www.eshakti.com/Product/CL0032188/Olivia-dress" target="_blank"><b>this one</b></a>, and <a href="http://www.eshakti.com/Product/CL0032190/Floral-scallop-hem-poplin-dress" target="_blank"><b>this one</b></a>. The best part? <b><a href="http://www.eshakti.com/default.aspx" target="_blank">EShakti</a> </b>will customize a dress for your measurements. This is gold for a girl whose chest is consistently several sizes bigger than her dress size (and when you add in breastfeeding - almost impossible to find any dress that fits properly). You can also customize the sleeves, length, or neckline if that's your thing. </div>
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This is the perfect Sunday dress and I'm linking it <a href="http://www.finelinenandpurple.com/2014/07/27/what-i-wore-sunday-volume-93/" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>.Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1744225902426148013.post-17366593433448838642014-07-23T05:53:00.004-07:002014-07-23T05:53:40.639-07:00Newborn pics + 5 favs (baby edition)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm so glad that in the haywire that ensued after Stephen Gabriel's birth we somehow made time for newborn pictures. It's such a fleeting time and I feel like I missed some of it with the afterbirth, move, and orientation so I'm glad we have these photos to capture some of the indescribable sweetness that comes with the newborn phase (the sleepless nights are worth it). Little Stephen has gone from 6 pounds, 3 ounces when we brought him home from the hospital (down from his original birthweight of 6 pounds, 11 ounces) to his current two month weight of (drumroll) 12 pounds, 2 ounces! So all those late night feedings are doing something :) I can't get over his growth chart (proud docta momma) which shows a steady incline from the 9th percentile, to the 27th, to the 54th. And if you make it through these gazillion pictures (it was so hard to choose just a few!), I shared my five favorites for the newborn phase at the end of this post. Also, if you are wondering about my sweater (drapey but not sloppy = a postpartum lifesaver) it's <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=449663078&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">this one</a></b>.</div>
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<i>All photos by Vafa-Coffman</i></div>
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So after my vast experience of two months (ha), I can now share my 'wisdom' on my five favorite things for the newborn period. The truth is, they really don't need much and there are definitely things that we got that were totally unnecessary (although that doesn't include the notorious wipe warmer, which I still love contrary to popular belief). These five essentials though I would 100% buy or register for over (and over) again.</div>
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1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002USE0Q0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002USE0Q0&linkCode=as2&tag=stestygra-20&linkId=U5AM64HZNRABYJCN"><b>Aden By aden + anais Muslin Swaddle Blanket 4 Pack, Safari Friends</b></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=stestygra-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002USE0Q0" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />: There's nothing I can say that truly sums up how wonderful these are. Yes they're pricey, but the gazillions of moms who love these can't be wrong. They are perfect swaddlers (those silly flannel receiving blankets never cut it for our little houdini), burp cloths, breastfeeding covers, sun protectors/insect repellers when draped over a car seat, etc. etc. They also come in the very cutest patterns and get softer with washes.<br />
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2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007XL658K/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007XL658K&linkCode=as2&tag=stestygra-20&linkId=MBLYMPXTBMYENP7K">Summer Infant SwaddleMe Adjustable Infant Wrap, 2-Pack, Woodland Friends</a><b><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=stestygra-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007XL658K" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b>: My sister-in-law recommended these and my mom gave them to me as a Christmas gift after we found out we were pregnant. Somehow I forgot about them in the craziness after he was born and just starting using them a few weeks ago... and they are gold. I first was using the Halo sleep sacks at night but they were waaay too hot, then I was using the muslin swaddle blankets but the extra steps to swaddle started driving me crazy when the little man went through a wake-up-every-hour phase at night. These swaddle sacks are perfectly lightweight for summer, so soft, and super easy to use.<br />
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3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GIOPH4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001GIOPH4&linkCode=as2&tag=stestygra-20&linkId=LBFW5STN2MOLDP3D"><b>Boppy Pillow with Slipcover, Lots O Dots</b></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=stestygra-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001GIOPH4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />: This kind of goes without saying since almost everyone loves the Boppy. We used this from Stephen Gabriel's very first days of life and we love it both for breastfeeding and for holding the little guy. My mom birthed eight kids without a Boppy and after she saw me using it proclaimed that she had no idea how she did it.<br />
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4. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C2KW3II/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00C2KW3II&linkCode=as2&tag=stestygra-20&linkId=YDU54G5Y4P5OP4OC"><b>Fisher-Price Deluxe Newborn Vibrating Rock n' Play Sleeper, My Little Snugabunny</b></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=stestygra-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00C2KW3II" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />: those of you who read <a href="http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2014/07/polka-dot-skirts-and-sleepless-nights.html" target="_blank">this post</a> know about my love/hate relationship with the Rock n' Play. I question whether it meets safe sleep standards (although absolutely no judgement on anyone who uses this as a sleeper - we did for almost a month and I have tons of friends who do so I'm probably just being paranoid) and little Stephen also had some sleep problems that I don't think were helped by this. All this being said, this sleeper is gold still for daytime naps, occasional playtime (or to put him in while I'm showering, etc.), and I think helpful for his mild reflux. It also folds up which is really nice for the traveling we've done.<br />
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5. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006SIEN6U/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006SIEN6U&linkCode=as2&tag=stestygra-20&linkId=MSVN6VGGRN27MOVA"><b>Graco Duo 2-in-1 Swing and Bouncer - Sweet Pea from the Sprout 'n Grow Collection</b></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=stestygra-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B006SIEN6U" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />: I saved the best for last. This was actually something that I didn't register for, but one of the residents in my class loaned me hers after insisting that it was an essential. Stephen Gabriel loves.it. I so wish that we had registered for this in place of our bouncer, which he hates, not to mention that this doubles as a bouncer in case he ever has a conversion. After we discovered this awesome swing, Stephen and I could actually sit down and eat dinner together again. He occasionally naps in it too.<br />
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Those are my five, although I'm sure that some of these are baby specific and there are probably other items that more experienced moms swear by for the newborn phase. Linking up with <a href="http://www.mamaknowshoneychild.com/2014/07/five-favorites-before-i-collapse/" target="_blank">Heather</a> for Five Favs.Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1744225902426148013.post-11921415376834355182014-07-18T08:31:00.000-07:002014-07-18T08:56:17.660-07:00Savoring it...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We packed Jr., as Stephen as started affectionally calling him despite my protests that it just <i>might </i>stick and I really prefer Stephen Gabriel, in the car last week for a spontaneous trip to visit my family in the town where I grew up, the place that I'm convinced is the best place in the world during summertime. Sadly it was a little cold but that didn't stop us from reveling in the green grass and fresh air and crystal clear lake views. We also were able to go out alone a couple times while my mom watched the baby, always briefly of course but I'm convinced that a little time with just the two of us is important before I go back to work.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">It didn't really make sense to make the trip since we'll be going back next week for my brother's wedding, but little Stephen is more than used to long car trips by now (move to Minnesota at 2 weeks, wedding in Detroit at 3 weeks, and now two more trips to northern Michigan at 8 and 9 weeks) and he doesn't seem to mind (as long as we have his tunes). </span></div>
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I'm really trying to ignore the fact that each day that passes brings me closer to the inevitable day in August that I go back to work (officially, since I've already been back for quite a few days of orientation and training) and instead savor each day that I get to spend with the little guy. It's hard though, because each moment seems so fleeting and every day he grows and changes...I just hate the thought of missing any of it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIiS_qYFZCiDjOA-y-bsgfQIGSqc9NYf17i4JgyNuFyYN6EdHNoZKl4CvCBoU9XwcLjHWSyN5vJ3n_bpDqkrx-xAgaj1tVzUOQtfMch3L9bOxJ_3U27B9hR28GWUmxt51-s4yPFRzZUWL/s1600/photo+1-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIiS_qYFZCiDjOA-y-bsgfQIGSqc9NYf17i4JgyNuFyYN6EdHNoZKl4CvCBoU9XwcLjHWSyN5vJ3n_bpDqkrx-xAgaj1tVzUOQtfMch3L9bOxJ_3U27B9hR28GWUmxt51-s4yPFRzZUWL/s1600/photo+1-7.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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One of the things that makes me feel the saddest is thinking of him waking up at night without me there. As an ER physician, I'll be doing lots and lots of late evening and night shifts (next month is a lighter month and 16 of my shifts are late evenings or nights). Last night when he woke up at 3 a.m. I snuggled him close, his head fitting perfectly in the crook of my neck, and tried not to think about the nights at 3 a.m. when I won't be home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ux-iOG0fNlcLu-dSKUiJ3MLhSrUoh6NckGEK5HMbQzFgMYUfF8R5UfBl_b0L6_M_st3mzQotVDt3z5Mod3pUVdfm44ftJ9I-D4IF3yqNg4QVBEr5M9vqEHJTLeHcIGlCdNHDR3foaR7w/s1600/photo-23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ux-iOG0fNlcLu-dSKUiJ3MLhSrUoh6NckGEK5HMbQzFgMYUfF8R5UfBl_b0L6_M_st3mzQotVDt3z5Mod3pUVdfm44ftJ9I-D4IF3yqNg4QVBEr5M9vqEHJTLeHcIGlCdNHDR3foaR7w/s1600/photo-23.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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And he 'turned' two months this week! We go for his check up today and I'm waiting anxiously to here how much he's grown...he's definitely come a long, long way from the fragile 6 pound, 3 ouncer that we brought home (I'm pretty sure that he's jumped at least three curves on the growth chart). He's so interactive lately, looks right into our eyes and smiles, and I'm loving every bit of it.</div>
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I promised myself that I would never do posts on "mom" style (it just sounds so old) but the truth is, lots of things do change...one of which is gravitating toward more practical shoes that aren't too 'mom-ish' ha. <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=445103020&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">These</a></b> have been quintessential to my summer uniform.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7i05JXpzOsurid2qXENoPrRUkaOqXCTv-DALXOmIV8MpL6kZ3hzicgLLoR8FAJRzLrzRoTMgIb257uxVmXVEnyYKk5mzV2gvUtvzcqhsVgDdxkaPvkcIaWqrkJBh3FNTjgD8EokyI5wA/s1600/photo+2-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7i05JXpzOsurid2qXENoPrRUkaOqXCTv-DALXOmIV8MpL6kZ3hzicgLLoR8FAJRzLrzRoTMgIb257uxVmXVEnyYKk5mzV2gvUtvzcqhsVgDdxkaPvkcIaWqrkJBh3FNTjgD8EokyI5wA/s1600/photo+2-7.JPG" height="287" width="320" /></a></div>
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And the top I'm wearing in this post is from J. Crew Factory, another great postpartum one. It's currently on clearance <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=451059373&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YG__q1mznx4LACEJD0gs1GpElXVKlkOww1JnU6xv0M07qfIgRot5dYVWY3sP_Dl8-xDkx0GT4Oqo_2MMx13acxYPXhFBNrNjA8YDDSc68MpjsCt6X_e2Jp4_Lw6ov6eOENk8-CK8NXqH/s1600/photo+2-8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YG__q1mznx4LACEJD0gs1GpElXVKlkOww1JnU6xv0M07qfIgRot5dYVWY3sP_Dl8-xDkx0GT4Oqo_2MMx13acxYPXhFBNrNjA8YDDSc68MpjsCt6X_e2Jp4_Lw6ov6eOENk8-CK8NXqH/s1600/photo+2-8.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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That makes seven, so I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2014/07/7-quick-takes-that-involve-book-nerdery-visions-of-nightmarish-travel-conference-jitters-and-the-video-that-made-me-sob-for-an-hour.html" target="_blank"><b>Jen</b></a>.Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1744225902426148013.post-6384204496636560972014-07-15T06:24:00.001-07:002014-07-15T07:08:08.415-07:005 Favs: J. Crew edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Yt7sx2-qfVHx-sG341cGuy8SHbNT_PVWZI6yqjuDPGXEg5rfhVJXt5NCftV-jMiGzCNOMKuwbhlA0JgegtnCMbGLM5alEcTENKZ5n6ZYTdM4w9NTdmlRwqm7-ZFqJiof2FbxkJNxqOfD/s1600/photo-18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Yt7sx2-qfVHx-sG341cGuy8SHbNT_PVWZI6yqjuDPGXEg5rfhVJXt5NCftV-jMiGzCNOMKuwbhlA0JgegtnCMbGLM5alEcTENKZ5n6ZYTdM4w9NTdmlRwqm7-ZFqJiof2FbxkJNxqOfD/s1600/photo-18.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=77837723&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">1</a> </b>/ <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=102287258&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>2</b></a> / <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=450589997&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>3</b></a> / <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=451464483&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>4</b></a> / <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=451464585&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">5</a></b></div>
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J. Crew is still running a huge sale (40% off all final sale items and 40% off select summer items) and five of my favorite things are on super sale:</div>
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1. <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=77837723&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">Downtown Field Jacket</a></b> (worn <a href="http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2013/07/getaway.html" target="_blank">here</a>): This jacket is timeless and uber flattering...I love the navy and gold buttons (this is one of my sister's favorite things to borrow out of my closet).<br />
2. <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=102287258&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>Boyfriend Fatigue Jacket</b></a> (worn <a href="http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2013/10/fall-uniform.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2013/11/an-outfit-five-favorites.html" target="_blank">here</a>): You can't go wrong with a pretty and structured military jacket in a classic shade of green.<br />
3. <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=450589997&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>Linen Baseball Tee</b></a> (worn <a href="http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2014/07/wearing-lately-my-favorite-pants.html" target="_blank">here</a>): J. Crew's linen tees are light and airy for summer, and I love the pale pink/grey color scheme.<br />
4. <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=451464483&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>Skinny Zipper Pants</b></a> (worn <a href="http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2014/07/wearing-lately-my-favorite-pants.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2014/07/on-being-parents-what-i-wore-sunday.html" target="_blank">here</a>): I already wrote all about my love for them in my post <a href="http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2014/07/wearing-lately-my-favorite-pants.html" target="_blank">here</a>. It's tough to find flattering and comfortable pants postpartum, but these work thanks to the stretch and the mid-rise. They can be dressed up or down and the 'pearl' color pretty much goes with everything.<br />
5. <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=451464585&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>Linen Lace-trim Tank</b></a> (worn <a href="http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2014/07/on-being-parents-what-i-wore-sunday.html" target="_blank">here</a>): Another pretty and comfy top (I have the heather grey/champagne)...and it will transition easily to fall with a cardigan or jacket.<br />
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I also realized that my favorite cardigan (ever) is part of the sale...the <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=160873005&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>mixed tape cardigan</b></a> is a closet staple in a great length (hits just past the hip on me) and fit (the arms are nice and snug...I hate cardigans with baggy arms!). I own it in black and ivory, and wore it <a href="http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2014/05/39-weeks-graduation-thoughts.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2014/07/on-being-parents-what-i-wore-sunday.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Linking up with <a href="http://www.mamaknowshoneychild.com/" target="_blank">Heather</a> for Five Favorites.Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1744225902426148013.post-31390520946090286722014-07-13T19:07:00.000-07:002014-07-14T14:51:25.926-07:00On being parents (+ what I wore Sunday)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's so funny how Stephen and I used to go on dates all.the.time before the babe was born and we totally took it for granted. That along with watching movies, free time (reading blogs for me, playing computer games for him ha), and sleeping. Our lives are changed forever, harder but completely for the better of course. It makes the time together seem sweeter (although the two times we've been out alone since he's been born I've constantly texted my mom to make sure he's ok...maybe that'll change eventually?) Also, coming home to this face is the best:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQ7JpwMiqwLEic6Hf1MFeVz4gryUYEl5paoxT5mYgBoaKG-2XQxPhXBAfrFzJHFh1gdRg79hy5rDkM4_HKcpTpd5JLBxu687kW3Voul-p_7iIL6sR3pqjzq9rhs6PqOlvPyUXQv-BBX1c/s1600/photo-15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQ7JpwMiqwLEic6Hf1MFeVz4gryUYEl5paoxT5mYgBoaKG-2XQxPhXBAfrFzJHFh1gdRg79hy5rDkM4_HKcpTpd5JLBxu687kW3Voul-p_7iIL6sR3pqjzq9rhs6PqOlvPyUXQv-BBX1c/s1600/photo-15.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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It's crazy how much being parents has enriched our relationship. Little Stephen Gabriel has made us laugh harder than we've ever laughed (although there have been tears too, at least on my part) in his short life and we just love our little guy to pieces. And seeing Stephen as a dad has made me love him in a way that I didn't know was possible.</div>
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And for <a href="http://www.finelinenandpurple.com/2014/07/13/what-i-wore-sunday-volume-91/" target="_blank"><b>what I wore Sunday</b></a>:</div>
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<i>Linen lace tank: <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=451464585&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">J. Crew</a> </b>(on super sale!)</i></div>
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<i>Pants: <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=451464483&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">J. Crew</a> </b>(on super sale!)</i></div>
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<i>Cardi: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=160873005&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>J. Crew</b></a></i></div>
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<i>Sandals: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=448065769&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>Sam Edelman</b></a></i></div>
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Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1744225902426148013.post-73717857857777069672014-07-11T06:14:00.000-07:002014-07-15T07:05:26.776-07:00Working out post-baby {guest post by Regina}<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <i>Regina blogs over at <b><a href="http://goodonegod.me/" target="_blank">Good One God</a></b> and she has a gift for writing hilarious pieces about motherhood, as well as great posts on style and exercise. She is currently my hero as I delve back into exercising after baby...I mean, the girl ran a triathlon while she was breastfeeding!!:</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The first
post-partum workout is as frightening as the first time I attempt to
wear my normal jeans. No matter how hard I try, my backside and stomach
won't allow it. Yet, when both pivotal moments are approached with
patience and proper technique a normal sense of self and a fully
buttoned pant can and will be reclaimed and better than ever. As a mom
of three with another on the way, the following are my tips and tricks
to not just get back to the level of fitness that existed pre-pregnancy,
but continue to grow with a stronger mind, body, and spirit while our
newest bundles watch from their bouncy chair. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It's mostly mental</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">One of my
least favorite pop-culture paparazzi questions thrown at the rich and
famous, and thus, imprinted on the body images of the normal is "How do
you plan to lose your baby weight approximately 10 minutes after
birthing that baby?" Offensive on so very many levels, the concentration
on the physical appearance of moms, new and old, reduces all the
incredible things of which our feminine figure is capable and makes it
much more about who can get back in shape fastest and with the best new
nursing boobs. For me, post baby workouts, and all workouts for that
matter, should be about function and strength so as to fulfill the
duties of our lives with confidence, comfort, ease, and fun. Flat abs
are a just a bonus. The way I see it, maintaining a healthy mindset that
concentrates on health and strength, rather than looks and one day
buttoning our pants, is a much more efficient way to actually get to the
point of buttoning our pants and then running in them. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Practice during Pregnancy</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Muscles have
memory, and do want to "get back" to their natural state. One way to
ensure that they get their faster is by maintaining a comfortable level
of fitness during pregnancy. My favorite, and most joint friendly
recommendation is swimming. My particular masters team is coached by the
"Killer Whales." Little did they know just how literal my current shape
would take its name. Keep an eye on rapid heart beat, rapid breathing,
too much exercise induced sweating and waddle along to your favorite
tunes. Abs are not off limits! Try sit-ups or burpees, squats, walking,
jogging, yoga, pilates, zumba, or whatever your two little heartbeats
desire. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Goals </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">One of my
favorite parts about being a mom is how much motherhood has inspired me
to make new fitness goals, and grow in gratitude for the ability, albeit
amateur and horribly uncoordinated, to do them. Take an opportunity
away from me during pregnancy (skiing, comfortable running, hot yoga,
etc. X 8 million) and I'll finally realize all the fun things that I do
want to try. While at certain points in my post baby recovery, adherence
to goals has left me much too tired and even injured, choosing
reasonable goals to aspire towards has also been helpful and fruitful.
For instance, while still pregnant, I might sign up for a race months
and months away, pick a particular time goal for a 5k, or decide that
I'd like to complete a new exercise or difficult movement by a certain
date to keep me grateful for all the fun things that even a very short
and uncoordinated mom can do. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A Serious Six Weeks</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If we
consider labor to be what it is which is the equivalent of at least one
but potentially 8-10 marathons, the thought of taking off several weeks
in a row might sit better and help us do the same. Carrying and
delivering a baby takes a serious toll on ligaments, joints, and
internal muscles whose presence may have otherwise gone unnoticed until
motherhood unleashed their beast and made it nearly impossible to sneeze
without crying out in anguish. While each woman will heal at a
different pace and might even get the doctor go ahead to resume normal
activity, the postpartum body tends to communicate its needs and desires
much more clearly than we might want. In my experience, if bleeding
continues activity should not. If it hurts, it isn't healed, and working
out with a body not totally healed only leads to injury and more pain.
As well, if more children are desired, keep in mind that recovering well
after the first and second can aid in a happier, more stable pregnancy
and recovery for the children to follow. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Baby Steps for the Baby Mama</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">After
delivering my second baby I was so over eager to work out that I drove
to the track 10 minutes after my doctor gave me the go ahead to <i>begin</i>
normal activity. I told myself I would run 3 miles at my pre pregnant
pace. After one successful lap, I left crying, hurting, and TMI!!!
bleeding again. Start slow and stay there!!!! Pelvic exercises like
kegels, light pilates, and lots and lots of stretching will allow the
uterus and abdominal muscles to prepare themselves for normal activity.
Shocking them only makes them mad! </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Strength Train with a Guide</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If possible, work out with someone that knows how to to ensure gaining strength instead of sore muscles. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Anticipate Work out Interruptions and/or Cancellations</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A crying
baby, messed up nap, bad feeding, 18 loads of laundry, meals that need
to be made, other kids, baby up all night, bad mood, colic, clothes that
are too tight, messy house, accidental flood, crayon on the walls, nap
protests, thrown pasta, breast milk ruining a sports bra are all valid
and probable reasons why you might cancel your workout. Its ok. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Stay at Home or Join a Gym with Childcare</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There are
tons of floor workouts to be done in 10 minutes that will get a heart
rate up while the kids play (or destroy something- it can happen quick). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There are also great babysitting places at gyms! Find what works and have a blast doing it. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Have Fun</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The
responsibility of bringing a new life into this crazy world is
inherently stressful. Allowing fitness goals to be a source of stress is
a great way to go completely crazy, and hate every minute of getting in
shape. Finding things that are fun FOR YOU will relieve stress,
increase endorphins and allow for mental rest. For some of us though,
fitness will never be fun. It can, however, be a source of spiritual
edification and personal growth. By reaching goals and feeling good
about ourselves, we moms will be better, stronger, faster, and all that
other stuff printed largely on athletic Tshirts. </span></div>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1744225902426148013.post-78472205741844178322014-07-10T13:29:00.001-07:002014-07-10T13:46:00.468-07:00Wearing lately {+ my favorite pants}Getting dressed postpartum is <i>hard.</i> I made the mistake of trying on a pair of pre-pregnancy jeans a week after giving birth (don't do it). Four weeks out, I had dropped 20 of the 28ish pounds that I put on while pregnant but my loose jeans pre-pregnancy still wouldn't cut it. And now, 6 weeks later, I can get them on and button them (barely) but they just don't fit like they did before. I started exercising again last week: so far I've tried zumba, hip hop aerobics, and cardio-boxing along with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cindy-Crawford-New-Dimension/dp/B0000X61V4" target="_blank"><b>this dvd</b></a> a couple times a week (funny story that this is the same dvd that I did with my mom after she gave birth to the youngest two of my 7 siblings). Still though, it's going to be awhile before my clothes fit like they used to, and that's ok.<br />
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So I decided to pick up a couple pairs of pants and tops that fit well now. It's good for my psyche and body image in this somewhat rocky time ha... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexVlAiwYHnB7wLyRfN0jPJ-8nW_Ft_i6ymkYQiOZ5eKK67seaayDqKDlD4npmCRDObDQhOECebkkg-A-1dIJcybsK0tGXITkJX0ciG9rnuf9Oci7BC-by5OPzyd99kNYC7gm2bvsP3K8R/s1600/photo+2%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexVlAiwYHnB7wLyRfN0jPJ-8nW_Ft_i6ymkYQiOZ5eKK67seaayDqKDlD4npmCRDObDQhOECebkkg-A-1dIJcybsK0tGXITkJX0ciG9rnuf9Oci7BC-by5OPzyd99kNYC7gm2bvsP3K8R/s1600/photo+2%25282%2529.JPG" height="640" width="480" /> </a></div>
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Pants: <b><a href="http://bit.ly/VQdzEy" target="_blank">J. Crew</a> </b></div>
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Top: <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=450589997&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">J. Crew</a> </b></div>
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These are the <b><a href="http://bit.ly/VQdzEy" target="_blank">J. Crew skinny zipper pants</a></b>, which are on sale today for $25 (gasp). I first saw them in this picture:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNd8y5tIx9IsVUqrzyH8gEFgJjmR1wLFA4zSof2poL5EPeegZDvSebV9tFHN7yY1b6kPrzv64Q3fOvEa1ueC3UBgUbA6IfCkH96VdcIQquftI7Ll6M1dxAk70ekJWl_gwD0kzXg9qf6EVI/s1600/777232c75a94112bbd76fccba908bc93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNd8y5tIx9IsVUqrzyH8gEFgJjmR1wLFA4zSof2poL5EPeegZDvSebV9tFHN7yY1b6kPrzv64Q3fOvEa1ueC3UBgUbA6IfCkH96VdcIQquftI7Ll6M1dxAk70ekJWl_gwD0kzXg9qf6EVI/s1600/777232c75a94112bbd76fccba908bc93.jpg" height="640" width="508" /> </a></div>
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<i>Shirt: <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=451463671&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">J. Crew bell floral tunic </a></b></i></div>
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<i>Pants: <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=451464483&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">J. Crew skinny zipper pant</a></b></i></div>
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I kind of fell in love with the whole ensemble, the <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=451463671&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">gorgeous blue tunic</a></b> (also on super sale today) and the <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=451464483&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">perfect pants</a></b>. I didn't think that they'd work for me now, but I ordered them in the larger of my two J. Crew pant sizes and hoped for the best. I was shocked when they arrived: they fit beautifully (I mean, as beautifully as pants can 6 weeks postpartum) with (almost) no muffin top, just enough stretch, flattering back pockets...aaaand I may have picked up another pair today (but seriously, $25!) <br />
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<b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=437732834&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">These Splendid tunics</a></b> are part of the very few shirts that I owned pre-pregnancy that are flattering right now, and I've been wearing them nonstop:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqdj9HImZ8-Io1CijYTW644m91HYYmeOB-YlIC27ZxpcOrsW_VYU38-APvJSpQXjGxeMWmkCsQV7_EAob4bV60ORvKz_SqOPTBKUcoQoL1e9z4rQaubLaXfLjtf2WZj_K7TCzsttUSbNG/s1600/photo+3%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqdj9HImZ8-Io1CijYTW644m91HYYmeOB-YlIC27ZxpcOrsW_VYU38-APvJSpQXjGxeMWmkCsQV7_EAob4bV60ORvKz_SqOPTBKUcoQoL1e9z4rQaubLaXfLjtf2WZj_K7TCzsttUSbNG/s1600/photo+3%25281%2529.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>On left:</i></div>
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<i>Tunic: <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=437732834&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">Splendid</a></b></i></div>
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<i>Jeans: old, current version from <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=402042774&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">J. Crew Factory</a></b> </i></div>
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<i>Sandals: <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=376870459&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">Birkenstocks</a></b></i></div>
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<i>On right: </i></div>
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<i>Tunic: <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=418806427&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">Splendid</a></b></i></div>
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<i>Sandals: <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=448065769&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">Sam Edelman</a></b></i></div>
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These tunics definitely fit me differently than they did before I was pregnant, but they are drapey, which is always good post-partum, and they are long enough which has been an ongoing problem for me since I started breastfeeding. They're on sale right now <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=437732834&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">here</a></b> in lots of colors but they're still kinda pricey (I found mine on sale at <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=418806427&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">6pm.com</a></b> and on Ebay).<br />
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I know it's been said before, but I'm trying to appreciate my body for the incredible feat that it's accomplished: birthing a human being (sans epidural, no less - although whether that was a good idea I'm still wrestling with in my mind ha). So I will forgive my stretch marks, soft belly, and "extra curves" and marvel in what my body has done. In the meantime, I'm trying to eat healthy, exercise and dress in a way that is flattering now. And at the end of the day, what really matters right now isn't worrying about my clothes or counting calories, it's reveling in this sweet little guy and relishing every moment with him...it's amazing how much joy a person so tiny can bring.<br />
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<i>Last week, in our 4th of July best!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmejvuYKULnGL9eMH-4IXyj67OSmxIW341KKGCXGp3JCCCMcDhWBQGstb0HnNRt2ZL__FlyvfaD6h919SGlYDV9vMNt87sjKY9vQAmHbOoZ-r_4LnznzFTTyzBPQAX2MYYSIkbukqjocay/s1600/photo+1%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmejvuYKULnGL9eMH-4IXyj67OSmxIW341KKGCXGp3JCCCMcDhWBQGstb0HnNRt2ZL__FlyvfaD6h919SGlYDV9vMNt87sjKY9vQAmHbOoZ-r_4LnznzFTTyzBPQAX2MYYSIkbukqjocay/s1600/photo+1%25282%2529.JPG" height="640" width="480" /> </a></div>
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<i>Linking up with the <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2014/07/what-i-wore-51/" target="_blank">Pleated Poppy</a> and <a href="http://vodkainfusedlemonade.com/2014/07/10/story-mk-bag-tres-chic-fashion-thursday-link/" target="_blank">Agi</a>.</i>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1744225902426148013.post-44388183123071442142014-07-07T07:03:00.001-07:002014-07-07T07:03:35.431-07:00Polka dot skirts and sleepless nights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMnW2Q_MBKT-sXGIBoBQYqiMmJw9D28xRTRXqNjMqtSFypHQZYXUfVsZ5aTHEvWXwbXf8kBWpj4PSeBijqCg9BV-Pv2w4DdX8UWwilKWzNJ94RV2lEBQ7JIDRHO_PZdYkl-XnwT5kYC6D/s1600/photo+1-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMnW2Q_MBKT-sXGIBoBQYqiMmJw9D28xRTRXqNjMqtSFypHQZYXUfVsZ5aTHEvWXwbXf8kBWpj4PSeBijqCg9BV-Pv2w4DdX8UWwilKWzNJ94RV2lEBQ7JIDRHO_PZdYkl-XnwT5kYC6D/s1600/photo+1-5.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Tee: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=443491366&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>Loft</b></a></div>
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Skirt: J. Crew clearance last year; same available <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=451059382&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a> from J. Crew Factory</div>
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Sandals: <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=448065769&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>Sam Edelman</b></a></div>
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Being a mom means that you start to stop caring (or noticing) that your scarf is on lopsided, there's spit-up on your shirt, and that your hair hasn't been washed for 2+ days (thank God for dry shampoo). So if my outfit pictures seem different, that's why...and it's all worth it. Yesterday's mass outfit (linking up <a href="http://www.finelinenandpurple.com/2014/07/06/what-i-wore-sunday-volume-90/" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>) consisted of a <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=451059382&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank">postpartum friendly skirt</a> </b>(on wicked sale right now), one of my favorite <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=443491366&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>tees</b></a> (I had to buy a couple in a size bigger to accommodate the inevitable expansion from breastfeeding), and <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=448065769&pid=uid5025-13332495-89" target="_blank"><b>these sandals</b></a> that were a postpartum pick-me-up (see <a href="http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2014/06/shoes-postpartum-pick-me-up-guest-post.html" target="_blank"><b>Kayla's post</b></a> for more).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuE0SCLDUSpWQt6-wpxMnA_JImlE_izJRXuv4qimJnNWJXbE4jaI1qnKyzfWyE6-SyRzm-ZY0-3O1qRcMtwTrbK9TPRA9o0p52ucKYPbvfPPBP16hrwZnfi-CynA5sfhoAqfmBxBw71JdW/s1600/photo+2-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuE0SCLDUSpWQt6-wpxMnA_JImlE_izJRXuv4qimJnNWJXbE4jaI1qnKyzfWyE6-SyRzm-ZY0-3O1qRcMtwTrbK9TPRA9o0p52ucKYPbvfPPBP16hrwZnfi-CynA5sfhoAqfmBxBw71JdW/s1600/photo+2-5.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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There are so many things to figure out as a new parent and it often feels overwhelming. I'm the oldest of eight kids and a medical school graduate, but the fact that I really don't feel any more knowledgeable or prepared than the average new parent becomes more glaringly obvious each day. Our latest hurdle is sleeping. The only books that I read pre/early pregnancy were Ina May's birth book and the La Leche league breastfeeding book, so maybe I'm missing something glaringly obvious since I never read any books on new babies...but the last few nights have been rough. The funny thing is that it all started with his best night of sleep ever a few nights ago: two glorious 4 hour chunks with one feeding in between. Since the little guy has come a long ways from the fragile 6 pound 3 ounce that came home with us (I'm pretty sure he's pushing 10 pounds now, if not bigger) I thought maybe that night was the start of a new 'thing' but I was dead wrong.</div>
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I think I'm partially to blame for the sleep problems though...when we were packing our house to move, we noticed that little Stephen slept for much longer chunks during the day in his Rock n' Play sleeper than he did at night in his cosleeper. Fast forward to coming home from my brother-in-law's wedding when we got home late and decided to forego the cosleeper for a night...and it just never went up again since our little man seemed to love sleeping in his soft and comfy Rock n' Play. I had a nagging feeling though that it didn't really meet the standards that it should for safe sleep, and after a little googling last weekend found numerous pediatricians advice to NOT use it for overnight sleeping. So thus started the transition back to the cosleeper...and mostly sleepless nights.</div>
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So I'm off to the hospital now to do some mandatory prep before our central line certification tomorrow (being an intern on maternity leave means that I still have plenty of training and workshops to complete on my month off). I'm thankful today for strong coffee, and the little smiles that make the sleepless nights all worth it.</div>
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Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11117654425837209140noreply@blogger.com10