Earth Mama Angel Baby {review}

When it comes to your baby (and you!), there are so many different products to choose from these days... and so many of them that have harsh chemicals added.  It's hard for me to think about putting those things on such delicate baby skin.

I was gifted with the Big Push Birth & Baby Kit by Earth Mama Angel Baby, and was so excited to be able to try everything out!  Their products are 100% organic, cruelty-free, and vegan.  I had no doubt in my mind that they were just the right products for my little babe and I.  Here's what is included in this particular kit (they also have a kit for all you c-section mama's, too)..

New Mama Bottom Spray & Mama Bottom Balm
-- Both of these items are fabulous for that first week (especially those first few days) after giving birth.  They're both naturally cooling and work well together to soothe soreness and discomfort.

Organic Monthly Comfort Tea
-- This caffeine-free tea is supposed to be great to soothe those cramps you have the first couple days after childbirth.  I haven't tried it yet, but I plan to use it monthly for cramps once I need to!  *Not safe during pregnancy, but safe to use while breastfeeding.

Natural Nipple Butter

-- This is my FAVORITE.  It's lanolin free and non-GMO.. it's so smooth and doesn't create a sticky mess!  I would buy this over and over again.. I only wish I had known about this when I had Clara.  If you've ever breastfed, you know how terribly sore, dry, cracked, and irritated you can get.  It's so aggravating to me.. kind of makes you want to cry a little every time you need to nurse.  But this butter is heaven-sent.  Most importantly, it's safe.  There's no need to wipe it off before feedings.. in fact, I've used it on my baby for chapped lips once or twice!

Postpartum Bath Herbs

-- Childbirth is a bit harsh on your lady parts.. nature of the beast.  After childbirth you can use these herbal pads iced for any achey bits.. and then you can use them again later in a bath for more soothing.  This particular blend of herbs helps to heal and soothe any soreness, tears, or bruising.  I haven't used these either, but when I'm able to take a bath - I will!

Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash

-- Ok, this stuff smells amazing.  It's naturally scented with vanilla and sweet orange essential oils.  It's gentle and hasn't dried out my little guy's delicate skin.  Again, it has no chemical additives.. however, this is not a 'no-tear' formula.  Just use a little extra caution when using it on your littles!  :)

Angel Baby Oil
-- Natural baby oil for your sweet babes - we used quite a bit of baby oil when Clara was an infant.  It's great for cradle cap and to really moisturize their delicate skin.  Also great to use to give them a little massage.. I find that helps calm my babies down a lot.  :)

Angel Baby Lotion
-- This also smells yummy.. again with the vanilla orange scent.  Clara loves to help rub her baby brother down with this stuff.  Who doesn't love a yummy smelling baby?

Angel Baby Bottom Balm
-- This is another one I haven't had the chance to use yet.  His little newborn bottom hasn't gotten a rash yet.  However, once I do have to use it, I have no doubt that I'll love it.  Their website states that it's also "soothing to thrush, itchy bug bites, scrapes, chicken pox, minor rashes, and burns."  And it's made with a blend of antibacterial and antifungal herbs.  Sounds like a pot of gold to me!

All in all, I loved these products.  I would absolutely recommend them to any expecting mama, and wouldn't use anything else again.  Like I said before, I'm sad I didn't have this when Clara was born! 

Earth Mama Angel Baby provided me with the Big Push Birth & Baby Kit in exchange for a review.  All opinions are 100% my own.

Welcome to the World

This past Sunday.. at 40 weeks and 3 days.. our sweet Samuel decided to finally make his appearance.  I was so anxious for him to arrive, but the week I was due Clara came down with the flu - so I'm thankful he decided to wait a little longer.  :)  I'm happy to report that he is a happy and healthy baby - and that everyone in our house is now healthy too.. except I still have a little cold (has anyone had to go through labor and delivery with a super bad stuffy nose and cough?  it's awful.).

We are absolutely head over heels for this little guy.  Clara loves smothering him with smooches.. how could you not?  We're all still learning how to be a family of 4.. it's quite the adjustment.. but we're all so smitten with our latest addition.  We make cute babies.

So if I'm MIA for a little bit - you know my reason.  And it's the sweetest reason I could have.

33 Week Update {pregnancy}

The end is in sight... almost.  Just 7 weeks left until my due date.. hopefully 5 weeks left until we meet this little man (which is when Clara made her appearance, at 38 weeks) for the sake of my always-in-pain body.  That and I'm just completely anxious to see his sweet face..

What will he look like?  Will I get a kid that has dark hair like me?  Or will he look more like Clara?  I still find it kind of hard to believe I'm having a boy.. it hasn't quite 'hit me' yet.

And although my body feels ready, I'm totally unprepared.  This second time around I've been a slacker.  We were totally ready for Clara by this time.. but no where near it with little guy.  The nursery is still very much 'under construction'.. I need to find a good bassinet that fits on my side of the bed.. I need to find a good car seat (recommendations, anyone?).. I must admit, I've been procrastinating.. and now I'm a bit overwhelmed.  But it'll get there.  But the biggest thing is - he has no name!  We only have a couple names on a list that are kind of just... eh... to us right now.  But maybe once we meet him, one of them will pop out to us.  We've hardly thought about it, because it's been very frustrating for me.  Picking a good name is a big deal, I think. 

I've gained 25 pounds so far, and although that's not much.. I'm feeling pretty frumpy these days with this big ol' belly.  Some of my maternity clothes don't even fit right anymore and I'm to the point where I just plan on wearing what I've got until this guy decides to come out.  No more maternity clothes for this gal - I want to save my money for a new wardrobe after baby.  So if you see me wearing the same shirt a couple times a week.. that's why.. and I'm ok with that.

Clara is starting to become a little impatient, I think (me too, kid).. she keeps wondering when baby brother will be here.  And although I keep saying.. just another month or so.. she doesn't quite get it.  But soon enough it'll be like Crazy Town USA around here, and I'm really praying she will adjust well.

24 Week Update... Boy or Girl? {pregnancy}

 

Oh, week 24...  I feel like the past month has just been a big blur, and then I wake up on week 24 and.. oh, hey there.. it's my belly.  If I look at a photo of myself, I still feel like I look pretty small for how big I feel.  Does that make sense?  I'm totally feeling all the aches and pains though.  Sitting on the couch makes it hard to breathe, so I'm getting a lot of use out of my husband recliner.  I'm finding it harder and harder to get comfortable, and I swear I'm catching every cold that passes me by.. already being uncomfortable + trying to sleep with some major congestion.. is awful.  But I've been feeling baby boy a ton more lately.  He's pretty active in mid-afternoon as soon as I get home from work.  And as far as eating.. Still no aversions, however I'm definitely not as hungry as I was.  Right in the middle of 2nd tri, I swear I was just eating constantly!!

And I realize I haven't even "revealed" on the blog if we are having a boy or a girl!  Well I'm absolutely thrilled to tell you...

...we will be having darling baby BOY.  And the very first piece of clothing he received was this sweet sleeper with cute little puppy dog feet, thanks to Nana.  :)  Having a boy will certainly change the dynamic in our household.. I'm anxious, excited, and nervous!  Clara was not thrilled with the news at first, as she was so sure she was getting a sister.. but she's getting used to the idea now and occasionally gets excited about it.  Though I'm pretty sure she has no idea what's in store!

We've been doing a lot of things around the house to try to get ready.  We have a little over 3 months left before his arrival, and with all the holidays I just know that it will go by so fast.  We've started clearing out the spare room which used to serve as a guest bedroom/craft room.  We got rid of the bed and moved my desk to the "dog room" (which is a bonus room.. more like an oversized closet).. and then I started cleaning out the closet in baby boys new room.. which ended up making the room look worse than when I started clearing it.

So there you have it.  The work in progress.. in all it's glory.  And that sweet little bear is baby's first stuffed animal, that I had picked up at Marshall's the other day.. it's this pretty burnt orange color, and super soft.. I couldn't resist.  But I have lots of plans for this nursery and I'm pretty excited to show you how it comes along!

18 Week Update {pregnancy}

So now I'm into week 18.. nothing major has gone on between now and the first trimester recap.  I still feel pretty good, all things considering.  ;)  Of course always tired, but I don't expect that to change.. for a long time.  Excuse how horribly exhausted I look in the photo.  But that's real life.

My bump has gotten a little bigger, and a tad more rounded out.  I have a few maternity shirts that I'm wearing.. but otherwise I'm still in my regular clothes.  I'm determined to stay in my normal jeans as long as I can with the use of a belly band.  And as soon as I get home for the day it's yoga pants or pajama pants (not that that's any different from when I'm not pregnant, ha). 

Still no aversions, no sickness.. though lately I've been getting some incredibly strong headaches that start in the afternoon and make me useless for almost the remainder of the day.  The past week I've been going to bed at 730/8.. which is super early for me.  But my body must need it.  Today I decided to wear my glasses instead of my contacts, hoping that will help my headache problem - and it seemed to be a little better today.

I still have a sweet tooth, and will eat all the ice cream I can.  ;)

My favorite thing lately is vanilla ice cream with my homemade chocolate sauce, and a spoonful of mini m&ms.  Yep, that's my jam.  And I've only gained 6 lbs since being pregnant.. I call that a win.

I've been able to feel the baby squirm around here and there, but no full-on kicks or anything yet.  But they are getting stronger now, and they're definitely a bit more than just flutters at this point.  I'm anxious to be able to feel/see them on the outside, so Clara will be able to feel - I cannot wait to see her reaction!

First Trimester Recap

Since I didn't announce this pregnancy until I was well into the 11th week... and as of today, I am 13 weeks and welcoming the second trimester.. I thought it would be fun to do a little recap of the first trimester.

This pregnancy, so far, has been completely opposite from when I was pregnancy with Clara.  I really have nothing to complain about so far.  I have not once gotten sick (where with Clara I threw up about 3x per day in 1st tri).. the only time I feel a little nauseous is when I'm hungry, and as long as I eat right away I'm good to go.  I've been a little sluggish lately, which is to be expected when you're growing a baby and chasing a toddler - though I haven't been overly exhausted.  Going to bed a little earlier than normal helps usually.

I haven't really had any food aversions yet, but what sounds good to me majorly depends on my mood which makes my meal planning very hard.  I normally have a big sweet tooth.. and still have one.. though I can't seem to handle as much sweets as I used to (probably a good thing, ha!).  And the one thing that I love the absolute most... ice cream... seems to be not agreeing with me, although it's gotten a little better the past week.  Almost like I've been lactose intolerant or something! 

Other than that, I've been feeling pretty awesome - and I'm very thankful for that!  Clara seems to be excited about having a baby in the house.  Every now and again she'll stop and say, "Mama, you have a baby in your belly!" and she will touch my stomach.  So sweet, she will be such a good big sissy!

As for other baby related things... no one will know the name until after baby is born.. which is how we did it with Clara also.  :)  I'm not 100% positive if we are going to find out the sex yet or not - my husband really wants to and a big part of me wants to also.  However, there are only so many things in life that are really a surprise, and I just think it would be amazing to be surprised like that!

A Happy Announcement

We have a little something to share with you all...

That's right, Clara is going to be a big sister!  I've been waiting for our second ultrasound to let our little secret out, however Clara has been telling people left and right.. so for some, they knew far before I was ready to let it spill!  I guess she was just too darn excited.  ;)

We found out around the second week in June... and was able to get into my first appointment at 7 weeks, and we first saw our sweet baby then.  But I was feeling cautious, although happy, and was trying not to get too excited.  My miscarriage last year (which was my second miscarriage)... happened after our first ultrasound.. where we saw a perfectly fine baby.  So I was nervous, and hesitant.. but prayed every day for this baby.  We had the second ultrasound at 11 weeks.  I was so nervous, I felt sick.  I didn't even look at the ultrasound, until he said everything had looked good... and I looked and saw a growing baby.. a strong heartbeat.. a cute little noggin, and teensy arms and legs.  I shed a happy tear or two.. or three.  I still continue to pray for this baby, that he/she continues to grow to be strong and healthy.

And now, I feel excited.

And obviously Clara will just be the best big sister in the world.  She has such a big heart, and a sweet soul.. and I am excited to see how she will interact with a new brother or sister.  And according to her, she's getting one of each... hate to break it to you, girlfriend... there's only one baby in there!!

Nesting Day II

We've decided that we're leaving for Seoul on Sunday afternoon because my husband has work duty tonight, so today I finished the rest of my 'nesting list' while my hubby finished up his 'honey-do' list! 

• Scrub out garbage can
  
• Sweep & mop all floors
• Vacuum living rooms, bedrooms, couches, all crevices in kitchen, etc
• Dust off all ceiling fans (hubby)
• Dust everything else 
• Check & wash filter in air purifier (hubby)
• Clean, vacuum, & wash car (hubby)
• Clean off & sweep porch (hubby)
• Clean off desk & sort through important papers
• Wash our bedding
• Laundry
• Pack diaper bag & my hospital bag
• Pick up any clutter around house
• Go thru & redo family household binder
• Print off birth plan

And I must say, after all this cleaning.. the Mr. Clean magic eraser is my best friend!  That thing will seriously clean anything.  Packing baby girl's diaper bag was fun -- we picked out a few outfits, probably too many, but I like to have choices!  Her 'coming home' outfit is important, ya know!  ;)

 38+ weeks.

It's crazy to think that this is out last night at home as 'just us'... when I come back home in a couple of weeks (praying for less!), we will have a precious baby girl with us!  This 9 months has gone by SO fast.  I'm already a little bit sad just thinking about not having her in my belly anymore..

Nesting Day ;)

The past couple of days, I've kicked it into high gear... or as high of a gear I can get to waddling around at 38 weeks.  There has been some intense nesting going on.  As of right now, I'm heading up to Seoul on Saturday to hang out until baby girl comes.  I was thinking about waiting until Sunday night, but we'll see.  So I've only got a couple of days to get everything that I want to get done -- which is more than likely going to be impossible.  But hey, I can try.

Today I've been working my tush off to get things clean... I've gotten a lot done, but there's a lot I still want to get done..

• Organize & clean all kitchen cabinets
• Scrub out fridge & freezer
• Clean oven, microwave, toaster, coffee pot
• Take out all recycling & trash (hubby)
• Scrub out garbage can
  
• Sweep & mop all floors
• Vacuum living rooms, bedrooms, couches, all crevices in kitchen, etc
• Clean out/Organize linen closet
• Dust off ceiling fans (hubby)
• Dust everything else
• Check & wash filter in air purifier (hubby)
• Clean, vacuum, & wash car (hubby)
• Clean off & sweep porch (hubby)
• Shred extra papers & empty out shredder
• Wash our bedding
• Laundry
• Scrub toilet & shower/tub
• Clean out/organize cabinets & drawers in bathroom
• Pack diaper bag & my hospital bag
• Dust/organize shelves & cabinets in laundry room
• Clean & organize entryway closet
• Pick up any clutter around house
• Go thru & redo family household binder
• Print off birth plan
• Talk to guy at the passport office

The things that didn't get done will get done tomorrow.  And last but not least...

• Give myself a manicure
• Have a bowl of ice cream
• Take a nap

Hey, I deserved that.. right?  I did A LOT today!  Her nursery is finished & cleaned, so at least I don't have to worry about that.  ;)  I'm sure a lot of things weren't super necessary to get done before she gets here, but if it makes me feel better then that's all that matters.. ha ha!

It's almost 10pm now... and I'm wide awake (of course -- I haven't been able to sleep much the past week or so).  Time to work on my crocheting (I'm making a sunhat for baby girl now) and watch some Conan!  :)

Sunshine & Picnics!

Today was a beautiful day here in Korea.  And what better day to spend it than relaxing out in the sunshine with my husband?  We packed up a small lunch and some snacks, and headed to a little grassy area tucked away next to a pond.  It sure felt good to get some fresh air and let a little Vitamin D soak into my skin.  We caught up on some of our baby books, laughed, and thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon!  My hubby also carved a sweet little message into a stick for me.. ;)

 

  

 

 

I can't wait to have another picnic.. and next time, instead of just the two of us.. it will be the three of us!  :)

The Nursery.. Practically Done!

This post will probably be a bit photo heavy.  Everything is ready for baby girl to be here.. the only thing I have left to do in the nursery is dust and vacuum.  Oh, and I do need to get a bumper for the crib.. but she will be sleeping in our room for a while, so I'm not worried about that quite yet.  I'm also waiting for prints I ordered from our maternity shoot so I can put a few up in her room with the rest of the frames on the wall.  :)  Here are some pictures of the room that's awaiting her arrival...

The lamp we had made here in Korea for her:)

Those books were some of my favorites when I was little.. :)  I think the nursery has come along well... especially since it looked like this not too long ago....

That's it!  Of course, I'll probably be adding a few things here and there after she arrives just because I'm always seeing things that I want to make or add on!  ;)  Especially more frames on the wall above her crib - I feel it needs more, for sure.  If I end up adding more things, I'll be sure to post them.

OVERWHELMED.

That word perfectly describes my day (and probably the rest of my week).  Two weeks until I pack up and head up to Seoul to wait for this precious baby girl to arrive.  And yet there's SO much I want to get done before then.  Note how I said want and not need.. most of them are just things that would be nice to accomplish before baby comes, and just a few things that need to be done.  But my list seems to be growing by the day.  I swear my head is going to spin out of control.  People ask me all the time, "Are you all ready?" and I never know how to answer that.  Because I am, but I'm not.  I am in the sense that we have everything we need for her to be here, but I still don't feel ready.  I just don't think it's possible to be fully 'ready' and 'prepared' for such a life-changing thing, especially because I'm a first time momma.  I'll tell you what I am ready for, though... my regular clothes, ankles that don't hurt and swell, sleeping on my stomach and my back again, and being able to put on my shoes without sitting down... and seeing that precious little one in my arms;)

I got a lot of things accomplished today, though.  So all is not lost.  :)  Hubby rearranged our bedroom and set up the bassinet, so sleeping arrangements are ready for her arrival!  I ran a few errands today, put away winter clothes and got out the summer clothes so I don't have do that after I get back from the hospital, and got all the laundry and cleaning done so I don't have to worry about it for the rest of the week.  And today was also my last day of work (yay)!  Because man is this week a busy one.  I have Bible study, my 36 week check-up, and we also have a labor class and hospital tour to go to up in Seoul this week -- exciting!  We also have to make a few other appointments, such as talking with someone about paperwork for baby girl's passport and visa, etc.  And I need to make a list of things I need to take with me when I leave for Seoul, as well as pack the diaper bag for baby girl.  AND all the cute blankies, headbands, booties, and beanies I need to crochet up for her!  Haha, ok so I might not get to do all of those before she's here.  Also, pictures of her nursery will go up in the next few days, hopefully. 

So tonight my hubby is working... and I think I'm going to end this day by taking a nice bubble bath, making some ice cream sammies, and then browsing my new obsession, Pinterest, for some more ideas on things to create for our beautiful princess.  Oh, and then I'll probably be doing some of this...

Laying on the couch, enjoying baby girls kicks:)

Thanks to my husband for taking this a few days ago... I'm pretty sure I was sleeping here, ha ha.

Picture update for you -- 35 weeks 2 days.  It was a lazy (and HOT) Sunday, hence the tank and shorts.  Housing has yet to turn the A/C on -- ugh!  My dad says it looks like I swallowed a basketball, ha ha!  I think it's crazy how much weight I've gained, yet it's all in the belly... love it.

Sunday Grill-Out & Pregnancy Update!

I love Sundays.  And I love spring time!  And today was a perfect spring Sunday.  Sunshine, naps, running errands and driving with the windows down, spending time with my loving husband, and grilling out!  Today we went out and picked up a few things for the nursery, like some more picture frames and a few wicker baskets.. and my husband couldn't resist picking up (another) very cute Korean stuffed animal.  :)  And tonight we grilled out.. mmm, some of my favorite meals are ones made on the grill.

My husband grilled some pork ribs and we also had some fresh green beans, grilled pineapple (my FAVORITE), and potato salad. My mouth is watering just thinking about it all again.  And we just had to pick up some IBC Root Beer and Black Cherry..

And OF COURSE we had dessert.. because nothing is complete without it!

Strawberry & Chocolate Cream Cheese Napoleon.  The strawberries were on sale today, so we snagged a bunch of'em!  This was a perfect dessert.  Light, airy, and delicious.  It's made with puff pastry, cream cheese mixed with some cocoa and a few other ingredients, and strawberries.  Top it with a little powdered sugar, and YUM, a perfectly easy spring time dessert.

As for other updates.. I absolutely CANNOT believe that it's May already.  Next month we will have our precious baby in our arms.  Last week we had our maternity photos taken by a very talented photographer.  I have only seen about 10 or so sneak peeks.. but so far I am loving what I see.  I just couldn't be happier about them and can't wait to see the rest.  :)

At our 32 week check up, heartbeat is the same as it has been in the 150s, but my doctor said my belly was measuring a little small.  So she sent me down for an ultrasound to make sure baby girl is growing the way she is suppose to be.  And she is!  I think she's just going to be a small baby!  She was measuring exactly at 32 weeks (actually, a couple days ahead... praying for her to come a little early!), and it was SO good seeing her again.  She has gotten so big since our last ultrasound at 20 weeks.  Doctor said she's head down and ready to roll - this mama is ready too!  Especially because my belly seems to get bigger by the day, and I had to order more maternity clothes the other day because I seem to have grown out of my other maternity tops, haha.



The nursery is getting very close to being completely finished - just need to add a few finishing touches.  I will be revealing the big 'nursery tour' soon... just 6 short weeks until I have to go stay up at the Army Post in Seoul, so I gotta get my butt in gear and get a TON of things done!