39 weeks + graduation thoughts

Well, we made it to 39 weeks. I think everyone is a little shocked, including me. Yes, I know all too well that it's most common for first-time moms to go right around their due date or a little late, but with all the cramping early on and stress that I was under courtesy of medical school, no one thought that I would go late. And I know that I'm not late yet...but baby M is not showing any signs of coming any time soon. So what have I tried? Well, raspberry leaf tea, evening primrose oil, pineapple, a pedicure, a prenatal massage, long walks, tons of squats (I've been doing either prenatal pilates or Summer Sanders just about every day), and a few other things. All of which has only served to reaffirm that a) there's a reason that these strategies aren't scientifically proven (at least to my knowledge) and b) baby M will come when he very well wants to.

All in all, 39 weeks isn't that bad. Regardless of how I may look, I don't feel that huge (for the first time in my life, I'm so thankful for my uber long torso) and the fact that the baby dropped way down two weeks ago has taken away a lot of my pregnancy symptoms (hardly any more acid reflux! yay!). I will admit to continued crazy mood swings (so sorry Stephen...and everyone else that I've been around). The main reason that I'm so anxious though to have this baby is not preggo symptoms but the fact that we need to move in the next few weeks so that I can start residency orientation June 16. If this baby decides to wait past 40 weeks, we will be in quite the situation (also complicated by the fact that Stephen's brother is getting married the weekend before I start orientation, it is no where near my residency location, and we are both in the wedding). It's all in God's hands though, right?

This past weekend was a little tough. I decided not to go to my medical school graduation - chances were just too high that I would go into labor and deliver 7 hours away from home...and if not that, I was afraid that the car ride (14 hours total) would be miserable. I guess I didn't realize that it would feel so bittersweet. It was sad not to see my classmates and say goodbye before we go our respective ways, and it also kind of felt like the end of medical school was anti-climactic. I know that part of my feelings were from pride too. I was one of three people in my class to graduate as a member of both medical school honor societies, and I guess the human part of us always secretly wants to be recognized. The end of the story though, is that this new baby and our family are so much more important than any of that. I feel some regret right now about not going (easy to say now that I did not go into labor this weekend) but I know that it will be the very last thing on my mind after this little guy arrives.

Dress: Gap

Cardi: J. Crew (my favorite!)

Sandals: Birkenstocks

Necklace: Express (old)

Prayers for baby McMahon are much appreciated! And a very happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there! Sweet Stephen brought me these in honor of my first Mother's Day (even though baby has yet to arrive ha):

Linking it up with FL&P.

Spring shopping + some birth stories

I figured that since I've been getting so much use out of my maxi skirts, I should try a maxi dress. I picked this one up for 40% off at Gap thinking that it would be postpartum and breastfeeding friendly (I did order one size up to accommodate for both). I like that I can dress it down with a jean jacket and sandals or dress it up with heels and a cardi (I'm thinking rehearsal dinner dress for the weddings that I'm in this summer?)

And a couple other spring shopping purchases were this denim jacket from J. Crew Factory and these awesome Old Navy sandals that I blogged about last week (they are suprisingly comfortable). I bought the J. Crew Nolita denim jacket a couple years ago on final sale, but I ended up giving it to my mom who is a few inches shorter than me with a shorter torso. It never quite fit me right (too cropped for my frame) and I'm way happier with the cut of the J. Crew Factory version.

Maxi dress: Gap

Denim jacket: J. Crew Factory

Shoes: Old Navy 

Necklace: Madewell (old)

The sun is finally out and *most* of the snow is melted (still a few piles here and there) so I'm thinking it's a good time for baby M to make his appearance? I've been taking my evening primrose oil, drinking some rasberry leaf tea, and continuing the many, many squats I've been doing these last  couple of months but I don't think any of it is really doing much. If anything, I have less cramping that I had between 33 and 36 weeks ha. And baby is only getting bigger...and bigger. I'm thinking about trying this Hypnobaby "Come OUT baby" track, suggested by my sister-in-law, but Stephen is definitely against it.

And for Five Favs this week, here's a round-up of some natural birth stories that I've been reading:

1. Anne's birth story was really encouraging to me, since she makes a natural birth seem totally feasible (not easy, but feasible)

2. I can't believe that Martha was 10 cm when they first checked her at the hospital - that is awesome.

3.  Sarah's birth story is another great natural birth story.

4. And so is Katrina's.

5. Lastly, for the craziest of them all (and then some), is Indiana's.

Let's hope mine isn't nearly as crazy. Linking up with Five Favorites and What I Wore Wednesday.

White denim + 38 weeks, baby

Another Sunday, another week closer to baby, another maxi skirt (see exhibits A and B). My recipe for 9+ months preggo style is either loose yogas or a maxi skirt (obviously more church appropriate, hence today's outfit), one of my H&M Mama jersey tees, compression tights (see yesterday's post) and maybe a jacket, scarf, and/or fun earrings if I'm feeling especially motivated.

And we are, quite obviously, 38+ weeks. I'm still not really sure how I got to this point, and still a little bit in denial that this little guy is making his appearance any day now. My belly button is probably as close to being an outee that I will ever come, and painfully obvious through shirts (see above). I guess it's just a waiting game now...I have no idea when our little guy will show face. Since the cramping and nausea that kept me awake on Friday night, I haven't really had much of anything to speak of so your guess is as good as mine (and probably much better if you're not a first-time pregnant mom). Right now I'm voting for Mother's Day, which would be so sweet and happens to be 5 days before his due date.

Jacket: J. Crew via Twice ($10 referral credit link), current version here

Fav pregnancy tee: H&M

Maxi skirt: J. Crew Factory

Scarf: thrifted

I wasn't so sure on the white denim jacket thing, but then I found this J. Crew one when I was browsing Twice (link to $10 referral credit link here) and it looked just like this one which is approximately $100 more than the one I purchased on Twice. When I got it in the mail, I kind of loved it (and if I didn't, Twice has free returns which are the best - I don't shop on Thredup for that reason). Anyways, I think it'll look great with jeans and a grey tee (or black, or navy, or pretty much any color) and I also like the white-on-white thing. I asked Stephen whether I should wear my regular denim jacket with this outfit or the white one; he voted 100% white.

And a little close up of the jacket and the 38.3 week bump:

Happy Sunday! Hope it's a lovely one.

Linking up with WIWS and Sunday Style

Pink Blush giveaway + what I wore Weds

I wore this outfit out to dinner with Stephen the other night and he approved. 

I'm discovering that it isn't exactly easy to find things to wear these last weeks of pregnancy; a lot of my former favorite shirts don't quite reach over the belly anymore. But this tunic is perfect: I love the length, it fits without looking like a tent, and it's my favorite shade of burgundy. It's also wonderfully versatile (with a scarf, cardi, vest, jeans, leggings, etc.) which is a must for maternity wear since the same few pieces end up on repeat. I had a hard time deciding on this tunic though, because Pink Blush has so much great maternity wear (their maternity clothing is both trendy and reasonably priced!). Some of my favorite maternity clothes on their site: this top and this one, this dress (which I reaaaallly want but is probably not practically with only a few weeks left to go) and this skirt. They're graciously giving away a $25 gift card to a reader, and you can enter below...

And 5 favorites this week (clearly last rotation of med school = lots of time on Pinterest):

1. This quote (a beautiful life philosophy)

2. Pink peonies (so gorgeous and spring-y)

3. Such a pretty dress, courtesy of Boden

4. A lovely, simple outfit (and another one)

5. And lastly, this video on real beauty that I saw on the Today Show this morning (made me cry - thank you pregnancy hormones).

Top: Pink Blush, c/o

Vest: J. Crew Factory

Jeans: J. Brand Maternity

Booties: Sam Edelman (thrifted)

Linking up with Pleated Poppy and Hallie

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WIWS + a mini babymoon

Dress: Isabella Oliver via Ebay

Scarf: Forever XXI

Boots: Frye

The snow is finally melting and all that I can think about is this song. And the fact that I will be taking a walk every evening this week if it truly stays in the 40s and 50s. I'm now banned from the elliptical (which makes me very, very sad) but I guess it's ok if I can drag Stephen around the block with me like I did tonight. It was a shocking revelation though that my legs felt like lead - not sure if it is the fact that my activity has been restricted this week, our 3 hour car trip today, or the extra 20+ pounds I'm carrying around with me...

We're on the homestretch, 34 weeks + 2 days. I had to show Stephen this picture to confirm that my bump really is this big and the picture isn't just emphasizing it, but he assures me that this picture is true to life and he thinks the bump is awesome (while simultaneously claiming that it's not that big - liar). This week the little babe grew more than I've ever noticed before - I literally woke up one morning and noticed that my belly button was tight and pulled down into this funny shape due to the rapid expansion of my uterus. Pregnancy is truly amazing.

And we went on a babymoon of sorts this weekend. We originally really wanted to go to Florida, but no matter how hard I tried we just couldn't make it work because of the expensive flights and my limited time off. It's a good thing that we didn't plan anything major, because I started having a lot of cramping this week. I'm still too inexperienced to know if they are contractions or not, but they certainly aren't painless and I've had some signs of cervical change so we are being really careful. My doctor had me home resting for part of the week and we cautiously went away for a night to a nice hotel with a jacuzzi tub in the room (all I really wanted - at a pregnancy-safe temperature of course). The hotel was near Marian shrine that Stephen and I have visited a few times, so we went to mass there today and lit a candle for our little baby.

Happy Sunday! I hope it was lovely.

Linking up with WIWS and Sunday Style.

What I Wore Sunday + 33 weeks

Scarf: Etsy

Shirt: Target maternity

Skirt: J. Crew

I just realized that today's outfit is reeeallly similar to this one. Oh well...my continuously dwindling wardrobe definitely makes it easier to decide what to wear. 

The priest at mass tonight (who I just love...he always gives the baby a blessing when I go up for communion) encouraged us to think back on our lives to moments where we really felt God's presence, look back on these moments with gratitude, and keep them in mind as times of light when we feel like we are facing darkness. I thought that was really beautiful, and I guess I have some soul-searching to do. A couple times that immediately came to my mind were the missions to Ecuador that I did at Franciscan and our wedding day.

I can't believe that we are 33+ weeks. It still seems surreal that we'll meet our little guy in just a few more weeks. I feel like his little personality shows more and more...he is incredibly active (he contorts my stomach into some crazy shapes) and he always moves around more when there is music (he's actually been doing this since 24-ish weeks)...he hates when I cross my arms over my belly (tries to kick them off) or lean my stomach against pretty much anything. Despite how excited we are to meet him, I think I'll miss him in my belly a little...but I won't miss the awful leg cramps, heartburn, or anxiety (although I hear it only gets worse when they are out in the real world).

Linking up with Fine Linen and Purple.

Wearing lately + 5 favs

What I'm wearing these week: maternity jeans (finally found two pairs that I love, just wish that I would have found them before I purchased the three other pairs I haven't really worn), booties, scarves, and a couple maternity tops mixed in with my non-maternity cardis and blazers.

Cardi: Splendid via 6pm.com

Striped top: Gap maternity

Jeans: H&M

Boots: Sam Edelman (thrifted)

According to Ivanka Trump's advice on maternity wear, “the blazer is key—a great blazer in white or black does a great job in terms of creating a better silhouette than a ‘boxy dress’ designed for pregnant women.” Agree.

 Blazer: J. Crew

Scarf: J. Crew Factory

Top: Motherhood Maternity

Jeans: J. Brand

Booties: Old Navy

Some favorites this week:

1. H&M Mama maternity jeans: I'm wearing these in the first outfit, and they.are.awesome. Nice and dark and skinny, and the price is right too. I started wearing these at the end of the second trimester, which is when I started liking full panels (hated them before). I would suggest ordering one size up from normal, H&M maternity jeans run pretty small.

2. J Brand Mama J jeans: Wearing these in outfit numero dos (thanks for helping me find them, Britt!). I've already posted about these before, so I'll spare you a long review. I love the wash on these and the comfortable/flattering fit. They sit below the belly and amazingly worked well through all of the second trimester and continue to fit like a charm. I have a feeling I may wear them post-partum for a bit as well (hopefully not for too long).

3. What's really in your bag: this might as well have been my purse since I have everything except the cat ID tag floating around in mine.

4. The best maternity shopping for spring: love these suggestions, although I am done maternity shopping and starting to look forward to my normal clothes (obviously premature). Anyways, totally agree about the J. Crew pants and Isabella Oliver dress.

5. All the comments on my post from Monday. I haven't been able to respond yet (I'm the worst blogger ever when it comes to responding to comments...sorry :/), but I loved hearing the perspective of others about changing their last name, and also loved the affirmation on keeping my maiden name as a middle name. So, thanks!

Linking up with Hallie and the Pleated Poppy.

Sunday adventures + an outfit

Stephen and I spent today exploring ice caves an hour's drive away. It was a cold but beautiful hike in, and when we arrived to the caves it was absolutely breathtaking:

We've loved all the little adventures that we've gotten to do together, and this was special because it is most likely our last one before the babe arrives. I was all up for the hike, but if I'm honest it was a little harder than I anticipated...the bump I'm carrying around made for some never-before-experienced aches and pains on the hike back. But it was worth every step.

And what I wore to mass (linking up with Fine Linen and Purple and Plane Pretty):

Cardi: J. Crew//Dress: Isabella Oliver//Boots: Hunter

Loving this new dress from Isabella Oliver. It'll be on constant rotation through the rest of the pregnancy.

And a side view (although both Stephen and I agree that the bump looks bigger in real life than it does in this picture):

One dress, six ways

All I really think I needed in my maternity wardrobe was this Gap dress (ok and maybe some leggings, long jersey tops, and a good pair of maternity jeans). But seriously, I probably could remix this 60 ways with things that I already have in my closet. Also, I would totally wear this not pregnant - I've already gotten multiple queries from non-pregos on where I got this dress.

Six ways I've been wearing it:

1. With a blazer (old, J. Crew)//Hunter's.

2. With a scarf (J. Crew, old)//Boots (Frye)

3. With a cardi (J. Crew)//necklace (J. Crew Factory, old)//wedges (Target, old)

4. With some great accessories - leopard clutch (Madewell)//belt (old, J. Crew)

5. With a blazer (J. Crew)//scarf (old, H&M)

6. With a jean jacket (J. Crew, old)

Linking up with Pleated Poppy/Agi

WIWS and thoughts on blogging...

Blazer: J. Crew Factory (this year's version, but the same I think as the older one that I'm wearing)

Lace top: Motherhood (last seen here, when the bump was much smaller!)

Minnie pants: J. Crew

Wedges: Target (old, similar)

We went to mass tonight, so I'm posting my Sunday outfit now...also so I can continue to keep up with Jen's 7 posts/7 days challenge. I'm so glad that I linked up with her challenge (which seemed a nearly impossible feat one week ago) because it's been good for me. I've had lots of posts that I've thought about or rough-drafted and never felt like were good enough to share, but I've realized that I've probably missed out on a lot of semi-decent posts that way. I've also realized that I really want to write more personal posts, like Wednesday's, and more spur-of-the-moment posts, like Thursday's. So even though I can't see myself blogging 7 days in a row again anytime soon, Jen definitely inspired me to post more often and more freely.

Our priest asked how many weeks I have left after mass...which is, um, 10 (or I could be optimistic and say 8, since we'll be full-term then and please baby come a little early). I took it as a sure sign that I'm looking biiiig, or at least much bigger. I've also had a few people come up to me lately and see "Oh, you are expecting!" as opposed to getting fat I guess...it's just funny since I've been thinking everything could tell I was pregnant for months :)

Like I mentioned on Wednesday, I'm getting a little disenchanted with my maternity wardrobe so I'm going to try to mix in more non-maternity pieces. I found this blazer (which I got a couple years ago but apparently is still available from J. Crew Factory here) when I was going through some boxes of clothes and deciding what to donate/sell. I forgot how much I love it...Also a disclaimer that I did not actually wear the wedges outside in our mountains of snow (too cold and too hazardous for the off-balance prego). Instead I wore my Sorel's of course.

29+ weeks and counting!

Happy Saturday night!

Five Favs

Joining Hallie for Five Favorites and Pleated Poppy for WIWS.

1. This outfit was definitely something that I would wear pre-pregnancy and is really comfy now...win/win.

Top: H&M/Scarf: H&M (old)/Skirt: Noppies via Amazon/Booties: Old Navy
Can't believe that we're in the third trimester already!!

2. This jersey top, which I'm wearing in black above (and also wore here in white), is a total pregnancy wardrobe saver...definitely the most flattering and comfortable option that I have in my closet currently ($12.95 each; I own it in four colors ha).

3. Tan booties are everywhere right now (and go with everything)...I'm so, so happy with these ones.

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4. I got this body wash on super sale when I was ordering something else from beautybrands.com and I love it...I'm not sure that the sea salt really 'draws out impurities' but it smells amazing (minty and beachy all at the same time).

5. I wish with all my heart that I had read Hallie's post on what's truly important on your wedding day before my wedding (and you can see my chock-full wedding Pinterest board here).

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