Dream

I'm seriously so lucky to have so many photographer friends! Whenever I'm in a pickle and can't figure out settings on my camera, my lighting, aperture, bokeh or whatever..they're taking me step by step over the phone. LOL These pictures do NOT reflect the quality of their photography as I took these on my own lol but I tried! I really want to get better at my indoor pictures but baby steps. Lord knows I'm no professional but I thought these were hella' cute! 

"Little girls with dreams become women with vision"

Dream Outfit & Tutu - Zoodles McAllen 

First Trimester Must-Haves

I am well into my second trimester and I thought I would give you a little insight as to how I spent my first trimester. Like most women, you don't realize you're pregnant right away and I am no exception as my husband and I were getting our party on in Vegas (OOPS) while I was a month pregnant! One of the main reasons I had no idea or would possibly think I could be pregnant was because we were told we could never naturally have children (read up on our IVF experience). With that being said, the only thing that triggers my mind as to having any "suspicions" would be that we were chowing down at Holsteins (an amazing burger place in Vegas) and after I devoured a HUGE burger I told my husband, "is it weird that I could totally eat another half burger"?! He said I was crazy and we left. But my appetite was through the roof! Long story short, I was indeed pregnant and it's as though your body reacts instantly and let the morning sickness, headaches and all that jazz begin! Here are a few things that got me through the first trimester. 

I was SO dehydrated the first trimester and even the thought of drinking that clear liquid we like to call H20 made me SICK! Yay for these yummy Honest Kids organic juice drinks! They weren't too sweet which was great and totally quenched my thirst. Thankfully I am back to loving my water. 

Annie's Cheddar Bunnies, my ultimate go-to morning sickness snack. I swear I went through a few boxes of these in ONE month, my sickness lasted about a month and a half. I had this box on my night stand and would fill little Ziploc bags with these bad boys!

I was so blessed and thankful that I did not get any stretch marks on my belly during or after my first pregnancy and I'd like to thank this cream for that! I know alot of other products have come out on the market but I went with the OG Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula and didn't think twice to purchase it again this time around. (I linked the organic one)

If I could point out one of the MOST ANNOYING parts of my pregnancy that I have experienced (during both) it would be itchy skin. My goodness on some areas it looks like I got into a straight up fight with an alley cat due to my massive scratching! I ITCH like crazy and have even developed rashes on my legs and arms. Once again, Palmer's Itchy Skin oil to the rescue. I know itchy skin is very common but this is on another level. I would not recommend using this if you have a slippery bath tub unless you have a slip proof mat because it is crazy slippery (I feel it works best when applied to damp skin), thankfully I have a tile shower and I have yet to have any slippery mishaps (knocking on wood). My doctor also said to avoid super hot showers, scented lotions and soaps. 

I have yet to purchase another pair this go-round because I totally stocked up on these Be Maternity Seamless Leggings from Target during my last pregnancy! They are SO SO comfortable I can't even explain it. One thing I would say is you MUST get your size or they may slouch in the crotchy area. Did I just type crotch? LOL such a weird word...anyways. These will run you $25 which is a steal since you will probably never take them off! I also purchased some from Motherhood that are great but thicker. 

Last pregnancy I used prenatal gummies and half way through the bottle I couldn't stomach them anymore so I switched to these Nature Made Prenatal Multi +DHA which helps support fetal brain & development. They don't have a weird flavor or any odd side effects that I've noticed. 

Pregnant or not this is just me throwing in my fave beauty product but definitely helps enhance that pregnancy glow. I love my Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer and it doesn't leave you oily and helps even out tone and texture. 

The first month and a half I was pretty much in fetal position rolling around on my bed "dying" of morning sickness aka my ALL day HANGOVER, I had never felt this before except when ::cough:: I was actually hungover but man ALL MONTH LONG!? C'mon it was ridiculous. Last pregnancy if you're familiar with IVF, you're a tad shy of a month by the time they insert the embryos so I pretty much skipped this torturous part of pregnancy but ANYWAYS, my point is I didn't have time to sit around and blow dry my hair much less roll my hair and try to look glamorous so I picked up this little lifesaver in the form of a donut! This is the bun shaper and I found it at Nordstrom for only $6! Messy hair totally didn't care when all I had to do was wrap my hair around this...waaa laaa a FAB bun! Must get for those lazy days. 

Last but never least the good 'ol Tylenol for my month and a half hangover, 'nuff said. It helped. 

My Mini-Me

I think I went through a Barbie phase for a very short period of time when I was little. Having an older brother, Barbies usually ended up driving army tanks and in war with figurine soldiers. Whatever the case may have been, I now officially have my own little doll that I can play with and dress up forever! Yay! There's something about leopard that is forever classic and I just can't get enough!

Sunnies: Oliver Peoples

Peter Pan Collar Top: Zara (old)

Boyfriend jeans: Gap

Heels: Sam Edelman Similar Here

Watch: Michael Kors Men's Watch

Bracelets: Stella Dot Christina Link

Stella Dot Renegade Cluster

Stella Dot Eden Bangle

Baby Mia's Get Up

Mia's Beatles Onesie: Similar Here

Leopard Tights: Children's Place

Headband: By Me :)

Beach Baby

I have quite a bit of a shopping problem and it didn't get any better after I had my little girl, Mia! If you're anything like me, you can't hit up a store without dropping in and buying something for your little one! Here are a few items I have picked up for Mia for this summer and if you have a little boy, check these cute little outfits out! 

Look #1.) Gingham Sun Hat - Baby Gap, $16.95

Green Tile Print Swimsuit - Janie and Jack, on sale $24.49

Sunnies - Janie and Jack, on sale $10.99

Bow Jelly Sandals - Baby Gap, on sale $12.99

(I LOVE mixing prints)

Look #2.) Stripe Sunnies - Janie and Jack, on sale $8.99

Ruffle Striped Bikini - The Children's Place, on sale $8.47

Swiss Dot Bow Sun Hat - Baby Gap, $16.95

Neon Thong Sandals - Baby Gap, on sale $12.99

Look #3.)  Entire Outfit - Baby Gap

Look #4.)  Entire Outfit - Janie and Jack

Happy Shopping Friends

Mi India Bonita

My Aunt went to a gorgeous wedding in India a few months back and brought Mia back the most amazing little outfit! We waited till she could fit into it to have a photo sess. and she had a blast with all the accessories! Isn't it amazing how you can start to see her personality through pictures!? Ugh, she melts my heart. Here are a few pics.

Summer of '69

 Yesterday I kept telling my husband that I'm pretty sure I was meant to be born in the late 60's/70's. So here are a few pictures of me channeling my inner flower child with my love child, Mia. 

Dress: F21
Platform Sandals: Rachel Zoe Neiman Marcus
Mama's Head Gear - H&M
Baby Mia' Head Gear - Zara 
Sunnies - Michael Kors

A few of our favorite things...3-6 months

It's hard to believe that my little love bug is already 7 months! Take a look at a few of the things that got us through the past few months!

1.) Angelcare Sensor Monitor with Sound Movement - The MINUTE I saw Mia flipping on her tummy, the first thing that came to my mind was SIDS. I would lose sleep just STARING at her and checking on her constantly. It's true when they say that a mother sleeps with one eye open. At the time I was working so it was necessary that I get some shut-eye so I ran to Babies 'R Us and purchased this. You place this right under the crib mattress and it detects your child's breathing, movement and sound. HEAVEN SENT! When your child is not detected, it sounds off extremely loud. I wouldn't call them false alarms, but it was so accurate that Mia moved away from the sensor pad and it went bazurk! A MUST buy if you want to sleep in peace!

2.) Motorola Color Video Monitor - This monitor has amazing sound, color and range! A few cool features is when your little one is fussy, you can push a button and talk to them. It also reads room temperature and you can pan the camera around the room to see what's going on!

3.) Fisher Price Rock n' Play Sleeper - OMGeezy, this thing is SUCH a life saver. We travel often and we take this sucker everywhere! After she got use to sleeping on her tummy I felt bad when we went on a trip and put her in this to sleep (thinking she'd be uncomfy). This little munchkin slept FABULOUS in it, her usual 8 hours of sleep! (yes she's awesome like that)

4.) Orbit Baby Stroller - This has to be one of the best strollers on the market! With Hollywood and its baby boom, you've probably seen this stroller gracing the pages of every mag on the shelves. It's easy on the eye with the modern sleek look, you can rotate your baby 360 degrees and it has one hand handed stroller fold. So easy to use! I got the travel collection which includes the infant car seat and the infant to toddler stroller seat. It has a hefty price tag, but SO worth it!

5.) BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Active - I will admit that I am slacking on taking walks with her but when I did and I used this bad boy, she loved it! It sat in her closet for months and I couldn't use it cause she looked so tiny and odd in it and I finally got to whip it out! She enjoyed the walk and staring up at the sky and touching the flowers as we passed by and of course jammed to some Pandora on my cell. Note to self: must take a walk tomorrow*

6.) Baby Einstein Musical Motion Activity Jumper - This thingy is AWESOME! The picture really doesn't do much justice but it looks like a crazy spaceship of some sort. Everytime someone walks in they have to go and push a button or comment on it. It was a baby shower gift and Mia LOVES it! It plays music, teaches your little one basic colors and oh yeah...in English, Spanish and French..RAD!

7.) Over size plastic bib by Trumpette - Mia had her first rice cereal when she turned 5 months and gobbled it down! I wasn't prepared for how messy it was going to get (thinking: I have the spoon and I will put it straight in her mouth). I ordered this HUGE clear bib by Trumpette and its freakin cool and so easy to clean. She has several plastic bibs cause they're so convenient! Invest in a few. 

8.) Chicco Polly Magic Highchair in Rattania - Right when I saw this high chair I KNEW it was the one! Does that sound dramatic? LoL! We have a rustic/eclectic/mediterranean style home with dark wood floors and my dining room table is dark wood with beautiful beige seating and it looks SO cute parked next to them. Matches SO perfect! Oh..and it's easy to clean and easy to move around! (the important stuff ;)

9.) Marc Jacobs Diaper Bag - I have a couple of diaper bags and this one just seems to be my go-to. It's black, goes with everything, comes with a changing pad, lots of pockets...what else do ya need!? I would also suggest buying a large tote/handbag that you love and just carrying that as well. Just tell your husband that it's "transitional" HEHE

10.) Summer Infant Super Activity Seat - When Mia was too little to play in her Einstein jumper, this is what she would use. She still sits in when i'm in the kitchen, working or getting ready in my closet. I just prop her in there and she's happy as can be! It's also great for travel!

Happy Shopping Friends

Hugs Hugs

*G*

Mine & Mias Faves

For all you  mommy's to be, it's understood that everything pretty much takes a backseat once baby is here! Sure enough, my blog is one of them. It's hard to believe the last post was of my baby shower and now Princess Mia will be 4 months on the 23rd! I'm trying not to blink cause she's growing SO fast, it's borderline ridiculous & insane! She flipped over a few days ago in her sleep and scared the day lights out of me, so needless to say my first post back after baby will be my fave products that I used during her first 3 months of her beautiful life ;)

Snuggle Nest - You hear mixed reviews on sleeping with your newborn, but for me it was a must. She was so tiny and looked even smaller laying in her crib, there was no way I was going to leave her there by her lonesome. Snuggle Nest to the rescue. I wasn't sure if my husband would remember that she was sleeping there or not, cause afterall we do have that "mother's instinct" so I put the "Nest" on my side while sleeping and it was a GEM. So convenient for breastfeeding mother's and night time feedings and just for staring at her while she slept like an angel at night was heaven on my bed. 

Born Free Glass Bottles - I am a breastfeeding mother but at times would have to pump and noticed that the nipple to the bottles that would attach to my breastpump would collapse if she would suck hard which led to her sucking in air. I then switched to these glass bottles (BPA free) and they have this awesome unique active flow venting technology that helps babies in controlling the flow of milk just like in breastfeeding, minimizing nipple confusion. They also help in reducing colic and spit ups. They will run you about $10 a bottle but worth it!

Fisher Price Snugabunny Swing - All I can say is, "can I have this one in an adult size please". Mia giggles, laughs and squeals in this swing as she stares at herself in the mirror above or talks to the rotating birdies above. After a few minutes on the swing, she's out like a light bulb..zZzZzz...

Wubbanub Pacifiers - My goodness gracious...Mia does NOT let go of her Wubbanubs. She holds on to her "Freddie the Frog" for dear life and she is now become friends with "Duckie". I introduce her to new friends slowly lol. She is quite active now that she's going on 4 months and has now gone from sucking the paci, to eating "frog legs" and "duck" and even talks to them and the cutest is the way she holds onto them under her arm like she's carrying a football!  

Bright Starts Pretty in Pink Play Place Deluxe - This is Mia's favorite spot for tummy-time. This is an extra-large activity mat that adapts to the needs of your growing little one. There's a music box that attaches to the mat and fits most cribs with "not so baby" sounds which is refreshing (you know those baby sounds start putting you to sleep too) , lots of toys to dangle from loops attached to the mat, and the best part is that it has adjustable walls! When they're itty bitty you can put the walls up to make em feel cozy and as they get into the crawling and sitting up stage the walls can be taken down by velcro!

American Red Cross Rapid Underarm Thermometer - I did away with a very expensive ear thermoscan when I couldn't get it to work, the temperature was coming out whack and just went back to the basics! Sometimes simple is just better. I got such an accurate read in 8 seconds! This thingy rocks!

Aden Anais Muslin Swaddles - A dear friend of mine said these were amazing and that I must get several, sure enough I have about 20 some of these adorable breathable blankies. Mia wasn't the biggest fan of being swaddled from the get-go! My little Miss Indpendent did not like being confined, this Houdini would escape THE most tight swaddles! However, I use them for everything! I put them over her stroller, I use them as a nursing shield, change table cover, portable crib sheets, burp cloth...just to name a few! They also have an organic and a bamboo collection and the designs are adorbs!  

If you decide to use any of these products, I hope you enjoy them as much as we do! 

Happy Shopping Friends

Hugs Hugs

*G*

Think Pink! My Baby Shower

Words can't express how blessed I am to have such loving, caring, beautiful women in my life. My sister in laws, nieces and a couple of best friends threw me the most incredible baby shower I could have ever asked for! They say when you marry someone, you marry the entire family...although I have heard horror stories, but mine is more like a fairy tale. This is just a little insight as to how close I am with my brother and sister in laws. When we were deciding on where to go for our Honeymoon, they jokingly said "sounds like a plan to us, we'll book our flights" and we all thought it was a joke and I thought to myself..."why not"...and said "go for it"....the next day I got emails of everyone's itinerary and we were off to St. Lucia! They joined us on our Honeymoon (allowed us a couple of days to ourselves before they arrived, how sweet LOL) and every year we decided it would be a fabulous idea to renew our vows so on our one year anniversary, there we all go to California..to sum up life...IT IS BEAUTIFUL! Back to the shower ( i'm a rambling queen)... *90* guests, yes 90...arrived to my sister in laws gorgeous home and were welcomed by valet who drove their cars away as they were handed a glass of wine or pink champagne, it looked so YUMMY! I had never seen a gift table outside, but that was a beautiful sight to see as the guests walked to the front door. My beautiful niece Victoria greeted everyone inside her home and showed them inside (it was still a tad too hot to head outdoors). H'orderves were served around by waiters as we waited to be seated outside, I had yet to see any of the decorations because of course, everything was SUPER TOP SECRET. All I kept hearing was that it looked like a wedding, sure enough, that's what it looked like. Tables were draped in baby pink with huge black vases and flower balls on top, tables were set up outside on her cabana and over looking the pool. For those who don't know my SIL, she is an AMAZING cook and asked my husband what my favorite type of food was, he of course said, I know she likes Mexican but lately all she wants to eat is carbs and italian food! So my sister in law got on it and came up with the most amazing recipe and made ALL THE FOOD...lasagna..OMG...I ate leftovers for 3 days LOL! It would have been so easy to get it catered with as many guests as we had, but she wanted her touch and it to be extra special. Everyone said it was a true testament as to how the family took a liking to me, and I'd have to say...the love I have for their brother is what they see shining through! Salad was served on the side and one of the main "WOWZERS" was my niece Victoria's Pink Lemonade Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Chocolate frosting and nutella inside, OMGOODNESS again, hahaha they were TO DIE FOR! everyone had one as dessert and got to walk away with one in these cute little "Thank You" boxes!  We played traditional baby shower games in between and one of my favorites had to be when they blind folded me, my mother in law and my mama and made us change a dirty "nutella" induced baby bottom, HILARIOUS, let's just say I need LOTS'A practice!!! The shower ended about 10pm, but there were so many gifts to open that we stayed til about 1am and didn't FINISH! I had to come back the next morning and pick up and finish opening them, she still to this day is getting gifts in the mail, it was quite overwhelming...she will one day know how blessed she was to have so many women gather to celebrate her arrival!!!!!! I can NOT wait for our SIP & SEE so everyone can share in the arrival of our precious princess! Off to dinner, but I will keep you updated on BabyShower #2 thrown by my Mama, Brother's wife, and Aunties this Saturday! INSANE! XOXO *G*

    Dress: Aidan Mattox Shoes: Charles David Makeup: By MAC Hair: De Sanchez Spa