Five Months Old!

I cannot believe my little peanut is 5 months old!  I must have done the math wrong.  I was never very good at math.

He did not think that a photo shoot was an interesting or fun activity - so despite my best efforts (which included, but were not limited to a rendition of "Baby Got Back" - it worked for Ross & Rachel!), we ended the session smile-less.  Maybe next month, buddy ;).  Luckily, I got some pretty adorable shots regardless.

Stitch Fix Review #2: February 2015

For more information about Stitch Fix, click here!  If you're interested in trying it out yourself, please consider using my referral link.  I will obviously love you forever :).

My 2nd Stitch Fix box arrived early! Yay! I can't even explain how excited I get over receiving my box each month & this month was even better than the last!  I felt like my stylist really "got" me this time & I could tell she had checked out my Pinterest board. This time around, I requested dark wash jeans (skinny or bootcut), tops for both work & the weekend, & a jacket (I think). Next month, I'm going to save a copy of my note to my stylist so I can remember exactly what I said. So here we go...

Market & Spruce Corinna Striped Dolman Top ($48)

This was pinned on my Pinterest page & I was very excited to see it included. I really liked this top in person & the material was so soft. I also really liked the length & the color, which was a darker gray, so it didn't wash me out. HOWEVER, the material was very thin & seemed as if it could get caught on something very easily - which doesn't work for me with my 2 dogs who are famous for their destruction :). Also, it did hug my middle a bit, which I didn't love. I seriously thought about keeping it, but in the end, decided I would never actually end up reaching for it. Verdict: SENT BACK

Mavi Gold Aiden Ankle Length Skinny Jean ($138)

I loved the dark wash & style of these jeans. However, I felt it was too much to spend on jeans while I'm still losing baby weight & unhappy with my body. I would have preferred a higher rise also - I felt the waistband hit me at an odd place. I'm still without comfortable skinny jeans, though, so I've been questioning whether I should have just kept them. Verdict: SENT BACK

Kut from the Kloth Cinda Faux Leather Moto Jacket ($98)

This fit a little snug, but there was no way I was letting it go. It was love at first sight! I love how soft the faux leather feels, the color, the style, & the adorable lining. I can't wait to wear it once it warms up a little around here. Verdict: KEPT!!!

Market & Spruce Elissa French Terry Striped Moto Jacket ($74)

I was surprised at how much I loved this jacket! I really like the darker gray & the asymmetrical zip. I also love how it can be worn as a blazer. It was a little snug & the zipper seems flimsy, but I couldn't let this go. Verdict: KEPT

Rune Porter Legging ($38)

I didn't even take a picture of these. They are your basic black leggings. I did try them on, but I have other leggings I like better & it was too much to spend on leggings that I didn't love. They were also a little snug in the waist. I actually updated my profile after this stating that I'd prefer not to receive leggings in the future. Verdict: SENT BACK

Overall, I LOVED this fix.  Everything was totally my style & I felt Michelle really understood what I was looking for.  The sizing was my fault - I'm just at such a weird, in-between place so sizing issues are going to happen with me. I did request the same stylist for next time.

3.21 Carry: Down's syndrome & Babywearing

Please check out the link below & support an amazing cause.  Babywearing is something that is so beneficial, especially to NICU babies, where my little peanut graduated from. Buy a $20 t-shirt to help fund the purchase of babywearing wraps, etc. for babies & kids with Down's syndrome.

3.21 Carry: Extra Chromosome, Extra Awesome

4 Month Pedi Appt & Early Intervention

We met with Early Intervention this past Wednesday to evaluate Rhys' development & form a plan for the future. The Developmental Therapist & Physical Therapist both felt that he is currently 0% delayed for his corrected age & is actually ahead in some areas.  Good job, Rhys! However, we are still going to take advantage of Early Intervention & we will meeting with a Physical Therapist twice a month, moving forward. My little wiggle worm needs to work on developing the correct muscles for more focused movement.

He then had his 4-month pediatrician appt. yesterday morning.  My peanut is 8 lbs. now!  He's still not really registering on any of the growth charts (except for head circumference!), but his growth is steadily moving upwards in a pattern that the doctor was happy with. He also had to get some shots - poor guy!  He's such a trooper, but has been feeling crummy ever since.  Here's hoping today is a better day for you, buddy.

So Many Appointments...

This kid knows more doctors in 3 months than I've ever met with in my entire life. I'm grateful for them & I appreciate what they do for him, but keeping it all straight is wearing. Last week he had a follow-up eye appointment to make sure he still hasn't developed ROP from being on oxygen after his premature birth. This week we are meeting with Early Intervention (2 different therapists are coming to evaluate him & make a plan) & he also has his 4-month check-up. Next week we meet with the geneticist & also attend the Down's syndrome follow-up clinic (where we will see a dietitian, speech therapist, occupational therapist, etc. all in 1 day).  It's a lot to keep track of.

I know it's not going to get any easier & I've gotten really good at keeping it all straight - but I admit, I'm still terrified that I'm going to screw up one day & he's going to miss an important appointment. I know we can always reschedule, but as a working mom & 1-car family (for now), this is easier said than done. So far so good - fingers crossed it continues.

Stitch Fix Review #1: Jan 2015

My first package from Stitch Fix arrived & I swear, I woke up feeling like it was Rex Manning day. I was SO PUMPED to receive my first package from Stitch Fix! I had no idea what to expect! If you haven't heard of Stitch Fix, click here for a description of the service & reasons why I felt it would be worth it to sign-up. If you're interested in signing-up, please consider using my Referral Link.

Okay, here we go!  Please forgive my first attempt at mirror selfies.  I do not think it's my forte, so I will see if I can bribe my husband into taking pictures for me next time. However, this time, only my dogs will be assisting.

Octavia Bobbie Stripe Color Block Scarf ($34)

The first thing I pulled out was this scarf. I thought $34 for a scarf seemed a bit high, but I loved how versatile and soft it was. I thought at first that it was gray, but it's actually a soft green. Verdict: Kept

RD Style Keira Crew Neck Split Back Knit Top ($48)
Liverpool Anita Skinny Pant ($78)

I'll start with the top. This was wonderful. I would NEVER pick this up for myself & would probably even assume that it wouldn't work on me. I loved it on!  I love the gray/black pattern - neutral, but still interesting. I loved how it fit me - it actually slims me, even in the back (you can see the back in my awkward backward selfie pic above - you're welcome!). This was my favorite thing in my fix & a fantastic addition to my postpartum wardrobe that still makes me feel stylish & sexy. The price is great, but honestly, I would have paid more for it! I am willing to pay for things that I really love & fit me well. Update: Wore this top to work already & got several compliments! Verdict: Kept!

I like these pants a lot. They are just a LITTLE tight in the waist, but since they are stretchy, this is not really an issue. I'm finding I do like the more high-waisted stuff right now because of my postpartum belly. They are a little long on me, which is why I ALMOST didn't keep them, but I prefer them to my black leggings (but they are just as comfortable), so I decided to keep them. Update: They easily stretched & fit more than fine in the waist now. However, although I've worn them since & will continue to, I think they'll be too big in a month at most. Not 100% sure they were worth the money since I'm still in the process of losing the baby weight. Verdict: Kept

Andrew Marc Kinley Anorak Jacket ($148)

I actually really loved this jacket. However, I decided not to keep it for a few reasons. It was just a touch too big on me - which would be okay, except I'm in the process of losing weight & I'm afraid it would hang on me too much by the time I am able to wear it (Spring). Which brings us to reason #2 - it's the middle of Winter in Chicago!  Therefore, I thought it was a strange choice for right now.  Also, again, I live in Chicago (where it's always slushy & gray) & having a coat in white (no matter how easy it is to clean) is pretty risky. I know I'd get it dirty the very first time I tried to wear it out. I did like the style, however. Despite the high price for an unlined jacked, I MIGHT have kept it if it fit a touch smaller & was in a different color (maybe navy or olive). Maybe we can try again in the Spring? Verdict: Returned

Collective Concepts Lydia Floral Print Key-Hole Blouse ($68)

This is a really pretty blouse, although I'm not usually a huge floral fan. But I do love the blue. However, it just looked odd on me. I think maybe I'm too short-waisted, busty, & curvy so it doesn't hang quite right. Verdict: Returned

Overall, I totally loved this experience. I think my stylist did a great job. I would have liked to see more earth tones, a winter jacket, or maybe a pair of jeans, but I think it was a great mix of stuff for a 1st fix. Hopefully my feedback will help my stylist nail down my style more, while still pushing me out of my comfort zone.

My next fix is scheduled to arrive 2/20/2015!

What is Stitch Fix?

*This is not a sponsored post. Stitch Fix does not know who I am, besides being signed-up for their service.  This post does contain a referral link.

Stitch Fix is a personal styling service. You start by filling out your online style profile, answering questions relating to color preferences, sizing, overall style, etc. A stylist will then evaluate your answers & select five pieces to send to you to try out. There is an initial $20 styling fee, which will be put towards the cost of the items you choose to buy. If you choose to purchase none of the items, then you're only out $20. You have 3 days to try everything on & decide what you'd like to keep. You then return the items you do not want to keep in a prepaid package, included in  your shipment. If you keep everything, you get 25% off the whole purchase! Easy, right?

I found out about this service through my sister, who bought me a gift card for my recent birthday. I had never previously heard of it.  She thought it would be good for me & here's why she was 100% right...

1.  I don't really enjoy shopping. I get very overwhelmed & end up wandering around aimlessly for hours, but not buying anything.  Or, I will buy something I don't even really like to make myself feel like I didn't just waste 3 hours of my life in a mall.

2. I am terrible at picking out clothes for myself. I am the person who has 600 navy sweaters in my closet & nothing else.  I also tend to overestimate my sizes.

3. I don't know how to dress myself. Accessorizing in my life is the equivalent of me putting on a necklace. Even if I already have some cute pieces, I don't know how to utilize them to their full potential!

4. I get bored at work & shop online. I realize that Stitch Fix does seem expensive.  However, in the long run, it actually saves me money. I love the excitement of letting someone else pick out the clothes & so far, it's prevented me from even wanting to peruse other clothing websites. I may spend a bit more per item, but I end up with less stuff that I love more.

5. It's making me reevaluate my current wardrobe & donate stuff that I really shouldn't be hanging on to.  This is important for a clothes hoarder.

These are my reasons for feeling that this service is perfect for me.  If you're interested in trying it, I hope you will consider using my Referral Link.  I will get a $25 credit. Once you sign-up, you will get your own referral link!  If you are on the fence, I would recommend checking out other bloggers' reviews - I find them very helpful, especially because if I see a piece I really like, then I can request it in my next fix.