Hey mamas!
It is no surprise that being a mom can zap you of energy. There are many reasons why I tend to run low on energy throughout the day; kids wake up early and demand your constant time and attention plus all of that running around and activeness to play and keep up! As moms, we hardly get a moment to sit and relax.
To increase my energy levels when my first son was born, I initially switched over from tea and started drinking espresso. After adding our second son to the mix, I needed something stronger. Soon after, I added coffee to my daily regime and it totally did the trick, but I often found myself reaching for an extra cup midday as a pick-me-up. As a mama who is conscious of what she is putting into her body while breastfeeding, I started to feel weary of the extra coffee I was consuming. I also felt that coffee was simply a temporary bandaid to a more deeply rooted problem. Was there anything else to help sustain my energy throughout the day that wasn't such a stimulant?
Yes, I have found a solution! Cate + Ila have teamed up with the Global Healing Center to try some of their supplements, the first of which is a vegan B-12 supplement called VeganSafe B-12. The thing I love about these particular supplements from the Global Healing Center is that the company is founded based on holistic methods and natural healing of the body. The founder, Dr. Group, has studied natural healing methods for over twenty years. Not only that, but this particular B-12 formulation that is the VeganSafe B-12 is the closest supplemental form that you can get to consuming B-12 through food. 
As always, we want to point out that it is imperative that you check with your doctor before consuming any type of supplement, ESPECIALLY if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Here are a few facts, from their website, to give more information on the product....

• It’s the Best B-12 Available!Methylcobalamin, or methylated B-12 is the most pure, active, bioavailable coenzyme form of B-12 and when paired with adenosylcobalamin, the other coenzyme form of B-12, forms the most potent B-12 combination available.
• Encourages Normal Energy LevelsVitamin B-12 promotes energy production in multiple ways. It supports the adrenal glands, red blood cell formation, and helps convert carbohydrates to glucose -- the fuel your body uses for energy.
• Ultra Absorbable Formula Helps Fight B-12 DeficiencyB-12 deficiency is a serious problem that can cause anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, weight loss, depression, poor memory, asthma, vision problems, and low sperm count.
• Supports Your Body’s Major ProcessesAs a defense against homocysteine, B-12 is nutritional support for your cardiovascular and nervous systems. 
• Natural Sleep SupportSome research has linked methylcobalamin to positive effects on sleep due to its influence on melatonin secretion and light sensitivity; it also helps normalize a person's 24-hour clock.

Additionally, there are even more benefits to B-12:

• Nutritionally supports cardiovascular function.
• Promotes nervous system health.
• Fights homocysteine, a cardiovascular stressor.
• Supports adrenal function and energy production.
• Essential for cell growth and replication and DNA production.
• May support a healthy sleep-wake cycle.

And more reasons to be aware of B-12:

• As many as 30% of adults over 50 are unable to absorb B-12 in food, making supplementation the best source.
• Research conducted at the University of Oxford study found that vitamin B-12 deficiency may lead to brain shrinkage.
• B-12 supplementation is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease but preliminary reports suggest a link between vitamin B-12 deficiency and Alzheimer's disease.
• Vitamin B-12 deficiency leads to megaloblastic anemia, a fatigue ridden condition where red blood cells don't develop properly and can't carry oxygen efficiently.

Kelly Mom, one of my favorite breastfeeding websites, goes into detail about the importance of B-12 while breastfeeding. While she mentions that if you are eating adequate sources of meat, B-12 is likely not an issue, but if you are a vegetarian or vegan, you may be deficient in vitamin B-12 and thus should consider taking a supplement. If you're interested in reading more, click here.

All in all, I have noticed a difference in my energy levels throughout the day by taking this B-12 supplement. Instead of feeling jittery from coffee or other stimulants, I feel more even-keeled with a constant stream of energy throughout the day. As a busy mama, I highly highly recommend this product.

Lastly, the Global Healing Center has additional information and products specifically designed for families. This is the next round of products that I will be including in our family regime, especially after finding out that Lincoln is deficient in iron. Click here to find out more information, including why our fruits and vegetables today have less nutritional value than they did thirty years ago. 

Keep it up mamas!​

xx,
ILA


This is content sponsored by the Global Healing Center, however, it expresses my personal experience and opinion. Global Healing Center does not expense medical advice, prescribe or diagnose illness. Information and statements made are for educational purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor. 

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In our video Q+A, here, Erica Ziel, an expert on postpartum core rehabilitation and advisory board member to "Fit Pregnancy" reveals why our core strength is important during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Through her in-depth study of kinesiology, Erica's belief is that core strength is the basis for fitness and health, especially that which we experience postpartum. She also believes that in order to partake in postpartum fitness, we must first start with repairing our core strength, and through our core strength we will be able to avoid those "downfalls" of pregnancy and the postpartum aftermath. 
If you want to hear Erica's secrets, check out our Q+A sesh HERE. We touch on several topics that'll help you to strengthen your body before, during and after pregnancy. The following is a breakdown of the topics including their respective times in the interview:

• Why should we avoid crunches during and after pregnancy? (00:45 min)
• How can we strengthen our core without crunches and why this is important. (1:40 min)
• What is facia and why this is important to understand. (2:40 min)
• What is diastasis? (3:30 min)
• Why to avoid drawing your belly to your spine EVEN OUTSIDE of pregnancy. (5:20 min)
• How to do a proper flection (a proper "crunch") during pregnancy. (5:30 min)
• The correct way to strengthen your pelvic floor and engage your core. (7:50 min)
• What is your pelvic floor and why is a strong pelvic floor important during pregnancy? (8:48 min)
• How often should you be engaging your pelvic floor during pregnancy? (11:15 min)
• Keyword: "lengthening" and why this is important. (12:05 min)
• Why it is important to know how to move your body throughout the day. (13:00 min)
• Top 3 Exercises to do postpartum (14:40 min)
• How to prevent your butt from disappearing! (15:50 min)
• How to make your other workouts more effective by strengthening your core. (19:20 min)
• What is the correct way to pick up your baby? (19:49 min)
• How to get up and down from the ground. (12:00 min)
• Can working to strengthen your core during (and after pregnancy) help with the aesthetic of your abs? (22:05 min)
• Should the Core Rehab Program be your focus more than other workouts/exercises? (24:24 min)
• Should we wait 6 weeks to start working out? (28:30 min)
• The issue of prolapse. (30:00 min)
• The issue of incontinence. (32:15 min)
• The Core Rehab Program - what is it? (33:10 min)
• If you are breastfeeding (or are simply postpartum), should you wait to cut calories and what is proper diet and nutrition during those first couple of months? (39:04 min)
• Why improving digestion and eating foods good for your digestive system is important. (42:15 min)
• Why getting enough fat in your diet is important. (43:25 min)
• Why fat (coconut oil, DHA supplements, etc.) is good for brain function/mommy fog. (44:35 min)
• What types of supplements does Erica recommend? (45:20 min)
• How baby is stripping nutrients from your body and why nutrition is so important for mamas. (48:15 min)

Hello lovely ladies!
So this week I have a lot to share, including where I am at health-wise, baby-wise and family-wise. To say that the last two months have been a whirlwind would be an understatement. I CANNOT even believe V is going to be 8 weeks and that Lincoln is turning TWO. Whhhhhaaatt. I am so very much enjoying this stage of MY life, my babies' lives and me and my hubby's lives together that it is hard to see the days passing by so quickly. Now I understand what my parents meant when they said that time starts to fly by the older you get, *especially* when you throw kids into the mix.
Anyways, enough about me being depressed about time lol. Let's get talking about my health.

Exercise: So I went to my OB at 6 weeks as I had shared in my prior post and she had cleared me to start working out. Awesome, I thought, but I hoped that I really could start working out. I say this because with my first, Lincoln, it literally took me until a year postpartum to really start feeling healthy to workout. Ah. I don't say this to scare you, but to share my experience with my first, that was seriously night and day from my experience with my second. With Lincoln (my first), I gained 60 lbs and had an easy, yet tough delivery. My delivery was easy because for a "first delivery", my labor was only about 10 hours (from the time my water broke to delivering Linc). However, labor and delivery was difficult because 1. I tore A LOT, and 2. my body was not used to labor being that it was my first child. Therefore, it took me a lot longer to recover. I bled more, I couldn't walk for weeks after delivery due to stitches healing and joints or whatever just being completely all out of whack. So yes, with my first baby, it took me close to a year for it to feel "right" to workout (despite the 6 week checkup mark that OB's give - more on this later).
Fast forward to my second pregnancy, which was completely different. I only gained 30 lbs, ate healthy and worked out regularly. Add in the fact that this wasn't my first rodeo; my body knew how to handle pregnancy (not only that, but I knew what to expect), and my body also knew how to handle labor and delivery. I can't reiterate enough that the second delivery (for me) was so so so so much easier. From start to finish my L+D was about 4 to 5 hours (I forget), I was way less anxious and my body recovered at lightening speed. I was able to walk out of the hospital, which I wasn't able to with my first, and days later, I was able to walk comfortably without feeling nauseous. 
Anyways, because my second delivery was so much easier than my first, I thought, hey, I can probably start working out earlier. Thus, around 4 weeks, I went for a light jog to see how it would go and to progress my postpartum weight loss journey. Bad idea. I felt super top heavy, super bottom heavy, basically like I didn't have a core to support my body, which is key during running. After my light ten minute (if that) jog, my body felt achey, especially in my pelvic region. Did I ever stop to think, hey, maybe I don't have a core because I just birthed a 9 pound baby less than month ago and my abs are separated? Nope. Stubborn ol' me, it wasn't until I talked to Erica Ziel, founder of Knocked Up Fitness in this Q+A here, that I realized that running this soon postpartum without working to repair and strengthen my core that I had lost during pregnancy was a big no-no postpartum and could set me up for long-term problems. 
If you have any interest in working out quickly postpartum or maybe you feel like your body has a LONG way to go before recovery and/or working out, I highly highly suggest that you watch our Q+A. In this video recorded interview, Erica takes me through the reasons why you MUST strengthen and repair your core postpartum before jumping into a high intensity workout routine. She told me that yes, OB's clear you for working out after your 6 week appointment, but after extensive interviews with OB's, she said that this "clearance" has nothing to do with the repairing of your core, which if you know anything about working out is KEY in almost ALL workouts that we do. Think about running, think about yoga, think about pilates, think about spinning - pretty much every exercise stems from holding and having a strong core. Being postpartum, unless we work to repair that core, it may not come back the way it is supposed to - which is probably why in my case it took over a year with my first baby to start feeling okay to work out again - in spite of the "6 week" mark.
In conclusion, I am postponing my favorite workouts - running and high intensity cardio - and am really motivated to start and finish her online classes to rebuild and strengthen my core FIRST. The membership includes a checklist of easy-to-follow exercises in 6 different phases that help to rebuild our cores as postpartum mamas.  Until then, I will continue to get out with kids and walk walk walk, to watch my diet and to hydrate - which brings me to....

Water: Okay, Erica talked to me about hydration too. So did Cate! Erica said that hydration is important for obvious reasons - especially while breastfeeding - but above anything else and when you are interested in weight loss, it is important to keep yourself hydrated so that you stay "regular", if you know what I mean. She said that if you aren't going at least once a day, then you aren't going enough and you need to reassess and start by drinking more water! Cate also told me that her nutritionist recommended that she drink water after every breastfeeding session - this will serve as a good reminder to drink water!
After reading a little bit on Kelly Mom, the best breastfeeding website might I add, it is noted that there is no "one level" of water intake that all moms need to follow while breastfeeding. She writes, “Given the extreme variability in water needs that are not solely based on differences in metabolism, but also in environmental conditions and activity, there is not a single level of water intake that would ensure adequate hydration and optimal health for half of all apparently healthy persons in all environmental conditions… the AI [Adequate Intake] does not represent a requirement; it is an amount that should meet the needs of almost everyone in the specific life stage group under the conditions described.” She continues to say that, thus, there is no prescribed level that a mom must follow when intaking fluids (water) and that you should not force fluid intake, but rather you should attend to the natural needs of your body. However, breastfeeding moms tended to consume 13 cups of water as opposed to 9 cups of water for non-pregnant/non-lactating women. Based on this, I try to carry around a full water bottle at all times and drink when I am thirsty, reminding myself after each nursing session. You can check more out on diet and fluid intake from Kelly Mom here.

Supplements: I talked about fish oil. Erica said that there is really no limit to taking fish oil - well not really - but basically, she pointed out that you can take a ton of fish oil and it really isn't bad for you - even more than the prescribed amount on the back of the bottle (please don't take my word for it and check with your doctor beforehand). I had also worked with a nutritionist RD, who had told me the same thing. She had encouraged me to take two fish oil capsules after each meal, thus, that is what I have been following since I spoke with Erica. In addition to fish oil, I am still taking my prenatal vitamins and vitamin D. I JUST started taking a vegan B12 supplement that I received from the Global Healing Center. My first morning taking it was today - so I will let you know how that impacts my energy levels and such. Again, talk with a doctor before practicing anything new, and please do NOT take my word for medical advice - this is simply what I do and what works for me.

Weight: So it is really hard to weigh myself every morning simply because I cannot get an accurate reading. This is also when my boobs are the most full of milk. I have often noticed that I ironically weigh less in the evenings than I do in the mornings for this reason. All in all, the scale has proven to be a disappoint (duh), but mostly because I cannot get an accurate reading. Some days it says I have 13 pounds to lose and other days it says I have 16 pounds to lose. I believe that I probably have somewhere close to 13 pounds to lose and I am more than happy that I am at this point already. This is where I was at over 8 months postpartum with my first, so that is more than an accomplishment in and of itself. I am trying hard not to beat myself up over my weight loss at this point, but I will honestly say that no matter how much weight you have to lose it is still a struggle. It is hard not being able to wear the majority of clothes that are hanging nicely in my closet. Since I have been pregnant and postpartum with two babies now for almost three years, it feels like forever since I have had my body back. With Lincoln, my first, I had just gotten back to my normal weight when I found out that I was pregnant with our second. I got to enjoy my body for about a month or two before the morning sickness starting kicking in. I then started gaining weight slowly with my second pregnancy. My point is that it is kind of hard not having your figure for three years. Yes, it is all for the love and as a result of two beautiful children, but I won't be bashful in saying that I hope and yearn to have my body back soon! That said, I won't go to extreme measures or cut calories while breastfeeding at the expense of my baby to lose weight. I believe that the weight will come off when it is supposed to and if I do hold on to that extra ten pounds while breastfeeding (hormones will win every time), then that is just the way the cookie crumbles :)

Little man is doing awesome. He is nursing and sleeping like a champ. He has been eating around the clock initially, but has since started to stabilize. I nurse on demand, so maybe that is why it seemed like it was 24/7. That said, he rarely cries. I think he has cried maybe 5 times since birth - knock on wood - once because we were in the car and he was overly tired, a few other times after I failed to rescue him from waking up from a nap and once or twice when I yelled to Linc (it hurt his poor little ears). All in all, he is a GREAT baby. I think it REALLY helps that I am a second time mom.. more on this later. My biggest advice to new mamas is when in doubt, nurse your baby, which I believe is why he never cries - that and the fact that I follow the 90 Minute Baby Sleep Program (more on this later) - so he is never overly tired or crying from fatigue. Simply, my opinion!
In terms of sleep, V has been sleeping about 7 to 8 hours straight through the night and has since about 5 to 6 weeks or so. I attribute this to him being a big baby, one week late, nursing on demand, and allowing him ample sleep during the day (and following the 90 Minute Baby Sleep Program). I will say that I have spoiled myself (kind of but not) in letting him go to bed at around 7:30pm, which means he wakes up once during the night to feed. Last night, I put him to bed at 9pm since that was what our schedule and his body naturally did and he slept all the way until 5am. Let me tell you, I felt like a new woman. My mom and others had encouraged me to put him down later at night as to let me get a full night's rest, but I had resisted because I found it so nice to have those quiet hours past 7:30pm of me-time in the evening (with no babies and just me and the hubs). I don't know which is better - the "me" time in the later evenings or getting to sleep through the entire night - probably the latter at this point. We will likely try putting V down at 9pm again tonight.
V's disposition is so sweet. He really is a happy boy - he will have a sweet personality like his older brother, but may not be as gregarious and outgoing. I don't think this is a bad thing at all! In fact, I say this in a good way - because two Type A little boys might be tough ;) He seems a little more laid back than Linc :) oh yes, a second child for sure. Not only is he a sweet smiley boy, but he is so darn cute. His eyes are mesmerizing - I can't wait to see how he grows into himself with his looks and more importantly, into his heart and personality.

My little sweet, energized, full of life, gregarious, outgoing little boy. He is SO much fun at this stage - really stepping into his own. I love getting to witness and experience new parts of his personality, including his ability to fit in with other groups of kids and his ability to enjoy life. He is SO outgoing; he often walks up to other children and says, "Hey kiddos, how's it going? Good?" Seriously, melts my heart. His vocabulary and communication skills are off the hook, the little parrot! I will say as a proud parent that I believe he is ahead in this department.
Aside from the wonders and joys of having a two-year old, we have indefinitely reached the "terrible" two's department over here, although I hate using the term. I believe every stage of your child's development is both fun and a learning experience all the same. Linc has simply gotten to an age in which he needs to put forth his opinion about things, namely the things he isn't happy about and more specifically, pouting about not getting his way. But can you blame the little guy? Why can't he play with daddy's autographed baseballs? He can play with all of the OTHER baseballs. Why can't he have a cookie? He could have a cookie the other night and why not for breakfast? Oh, the joys of teaching your child the ways of the world through such innocent eyes. I hate breaking his heart, and I strive to find the balance between discipline, frustration, love and enjoyment. Oh, such a process.
I love getting to see him interact with V. He is so sweet (most of the time), and doesn't seem to show much jealousy. He loves giving V kisses, he loves helping mama with V's diapers and even combing his hair at night. I often hear Linc asking if V is sleeping and if we can wake him up, or if mama can read V a book too. He really is a courteous older brother and I think they will have an amazing relationship.


All in all, V, Linc, mama and daddy are doing great! Having two children is seriously the best. Ryan and I feel beyond BLESSED (hate overusing that word but it is what it is!). Yes, there are some more planning logistics involved and sometimes it is a little harder to get out of the house. Further, I admit that giving both kids equal attention without hurting someone's feelings or leaving someone out does cross my mind frequently....
BUT even more than that is the pure pure pure joy that comes along with having two kids. I get to see my boys in a NEW light that I didn't see before. It makes my heart swell when I see the two of them interacting; I hear that this only intensifies as they grow. I have also gotten to enjoy the newborn phase so so much more because I am know a second time mama. The littles things that used to bring me so much anxiety with Lincoln, I now get to enjoy with Vance because I know that they will pass and/or that everything is going to be okay. On the flip side, having Vance has also allowed me to enjoy Linc more than I ever could have. I appreciate him in a new light and our relationship has grown from him being my baby to him being my oldest, and mommy's little helper at that. I have seen him mature (not diminish back to a baby-like state, which some people warned me about). In fact, everything that "people" warned me about having two kids has been the opposite, quite frankly. Instead, I have been able to experience a new rhythm of life that feels so right.
Anyways, I encourage all you mamas out there to hug and embrace the stage that you are at with your kiddos because God only knows how quickly the months fly by before our little ones are outgrowing us. Find the joy in the present moment and give yourself a pat on the back! I mean, look what you created? God's little miracles!

xx,
ILA

Hello friends!

Last week on Tuesday May 2 I had another appointment FOR MY 26 WEEKS-28 WEEKS. Based off my due date at that time, I was measuring 27 weeks and 6 days pregnant.

​I have been experiencing some very minor Braxton Hicks the last couple weeks. For those of you who aren't sure what these are they are "a bit like a dress rehearsal: Your uterine muscles are flexing in preparation for the big job they'll have to do in the near future. Keep in mind that while they can be hard to distinguish from real labor, they're not efficient enough to push your baby out just yet." They have not been intense but more of a tightening if I walk a far distance, stand for too long (sometimes), and am dehydrated which is more difficult to gauge.

I was advised to monitor my Braxton Hicks (again, this is normal) and also was advised/reminded to find a pediatrician who who has privileges at our hospital so he can come and check in on us after we have Baby B and possibly do the circumcision, which we are still discussing of the timing we want this done. Also, I drank the glucose drink and gave blood. This is standard testing for gestational diabetes. I didn't ask any questions about it. Other than that, I'm supposed to come back in two weeks. We're on the fast track now baby! 

CURRENT WEIGHT: 147 LBS
STARTING WEIGHT/8 WEEKS 5 DAYS PREGNANT: 124.6 LBS
BABY #2 PREGNANCY WEIGHT GAIN (THUS FAR): 23 LBS

Sleep...I can sleep when I'm dead.
I would absolutely love to get a FULL night sleep, as in sleep all the way thru without waking up in the middle of the night 1-2 times to pee. HOWEVER, this is NOT the case. LOL. But I do use a Bamboo body pillow, which my husband is jealous of (Father's Day gift perhaps?), and it is AMAZING! It helps my hips stay level so I don't get aches and pains. The recent mornings I've also felt super groggy. It seems like my REM or deepest sleep is in the morning. I'm usually OUT LIKE A LIGHT!

Take a seat...
This past week was the first time I experienced a pretty significant shortness of breath when I was standing at a worship service on the National Day of Prayer. I actually had to take my seat and then walk out and get a drink of water. I've been so thirsty lately! I'm making a conscious effort to drink loads of water and stay hydrated as well as eat my iron rich foods.

Foot, arm. err... some body part in my ribs
I'm just now starting to feel those jabs or kicks under my ribs. It doesn't hurt but it definitely makes me adjust my position!

"UNDER PRESSURE...pushing down on me..."
Yup. The pressure is on as of this past week! I have felt quite a lot of uncomfortable pressure in the nether region. I must say, it's not the most comfortable feeling I've ever experienced! Some of those movements were borderline painful. I've got a force inside me. Oh boy! THAT IS FOR DANG SURE! This babe moves like crazy, and the word "strength" keeps coming to me. I am choosing to believe that Baby B's strength will be a force of good and not of difficulty. haha! We shall see. : )

Baby B had hiccups!
This is the first time I've felt him have the hiccups. It was adorable! It's happened about three times and is totally normal! I had Duke put his hand on my tummy so he could feel and his face lit up. : ) I have just LOVED seeing my husband connect more and more as we get closer and closer. I know it's not real to him yet, but it's slowly sinking in. : )

Pumping iron
Despite the added pressure and physical changes, I have a lot of energy and am maintaining my cardio boxing and kickboxing classes 3-4  per week plus factoring in extra time for stretching and small workouts at home occasionally. I'm also incorporating some pilates from Knocked Up Fitness. Check it out HERE FOR HER AMAZING PRENATAL SCULPT WORKOUTS- it's life changing!
​I am looking forward to staying strong for the remainder of this pregnancy and having a quick delivery. Woo hoo!

I thought of some questions to ask Duke and here are his answers:

QUESTION #1: What is your biggest fear at this point in my pregnancy?
DUKE: "Losing the both of you during the birth"
ME: Thinking to myself...That won't happen...but that's really sweet! : )

QUESTION #2: What are the first two words that come to mind when you feel the baby move inside my tummy?
DUKE: "Holy crap"
ME: "HAHAHAHAHAHAH"

QUESTION #3: What are you most excited about?
​DUKE: "For you to not be pregnant"
ME: "Thanks, babe! That's horrible! hahahahha"

QUESTION #4: What has been the most challenging thing throughout this pregnancy?
​DUKE: "You"
ME: Not too sure how I feel about this. (LOL) Touche...touche.

QUESTION #5: How do you feel when you talk to the baby out loud (while he's still in the womb)?
​DUKE: Like I'm not talking to anything... Like I'm talking to your stomach.
ME: Dads, this is PROOF (for most) that YOU'RE NOT THE ONLY ONE! : )

QUESTION #6: Since this is the first time you're going thru pregnancy with me and having your own son, besides meeting Kai when he was 2.5-years-old and raising him, what most excites you about being a dad?
DUKE: "To meet a mini me. I'm excited to see the little nugget."

I hope you all got a kick out of these responses. I sure did! This is REAL LIFE and it's not all rainbows and ice cream. Clearly, there is some fear, uncertainty, and humor in all of this! We are taking this in strides and I'm doing my best to support him, as he supports me. Being that this is Duke's first rodeo with walking through the journey of pregnancy and having and raising an infant, there are a lot of questions arising. Well, at least there are in his head. Like, how are we going to support another child, how am I going to function off little sleep, and what if something happens to the baby, etc. All I know is God is protecting our little one inside my womb and has good and pleasing plans for him and for us. Amen!

We just started going thru a book together called "The Expectant Father- The Ultimate Guide For Dads-To-Be". I HIGHLY recommend this in the start of your pregnancy journey. It has some good info in it! I'm sure there are all kinds of other books on the market; however, this was given to him by his best friend and has been sitting on our book shelf until NOW!

Because I am still slightly anemic, I have to make a conscious effort to incorporate as many of these foods as I can with each meal. It is no easy task! As I previously mentioned in a prior post, my nutritionist and naturopath recommend I eat chicken or beef liver once a week. I tried it twice and just can't stomach it. I am still going to try to make a pate to see if it is more manageable. Yuck! SO, for now, I'm focusing on doubling my iron rich food intake as MUCH AS POSSIBLE- thus to avoid chicken liver and having to take a prescription iron supplement. (I already take a Thorne "Iron Bisglycinate" vitamin and a Shaklee "Vita Lea" multivitamin WITH iron. Praying I don't need the prescription!

At my appointment this past week, I did not receive an ultrasound and only saw the nurse who listened to Baby B's heart beat (all is great) and then gave me this paper and told me to write down his fetal kick movements, which is standard at this stage of the pregnancy. I haven't done it yet, and honestly, I probably won't use this chart only because I know for a fact this baby moves all throughout the day and night and is definitely healthy based off how much I feel him.

Happy (almost) Mother's Day mamas!! <3
We certainly know how much mothers deserve a little pampering on this special day... That is why Cate + Ila have decided to team up with our fave brands to compile a Mom's Day Giveaway. Simply sign up via email on this post or tag your friends (the more tags the more chances of winning) in our Mom's Day Giveaway Instagram posts to be entered in the contest. Check out what is included below...

One lucky winner will be selected on Mother's Day to win the following:

1. ​$100 to DockATot
2. Tiff Marie Nursing/Maternity Poncho
3. Mina Kay Caryall Leather Backpack - Burgundy
4. Binxy Baby Shopping Cart Hammock
5. $34.99 for a Covered Goods Nursing Cover
6. lük beautifood Cherry Plum Lipstick
7. Ever Littles Organic Teether and Paci Clip
8. 31 Bits Dreamer Necklace

As a new mama coming home from the hospital, one of the most frightening things for me (with both kids) was putting my little newborns down to sleep at night. As a parent, you want to do everything you can to keep your little one safe as they sleep. As a refresher, the American Pediatric Association, suggests the following for a safe sleep environment:

• Place the baby on his or her back on a firm sleep surface such as a crib or bassinet with a tight-fitting sheet,
• Avoid use of soft bedding, including crib bumpers, blankets, pillows and soft toys. The crib should be bare,
• Share a bedroom with parents, but not the same sleeping surface, preferably until the baby turns 1 but at least for the first six months. Room-sharing decreases the risk of SIDS by as much as 50 percent, and
• Avoid baby's exposure to smoke, alcohol and illicit drugs.

Even after following ALL of the aforementioned guidelines, I still had major anxiety when putting my little guys down to sleep at night. What if something happened and I wasn't aware? God forbid, what if my little guy stopped breathing in the middle of the night and I had no clue? Yes, morbid but honest thoughts that I seemed to have nightly. All in all, newborn babies and sleep can fill a new parent with major anxiety, which can cause even more restless nights for an already sleep-deprived parent, as it certainly did for me... that is, until I was introduced to the Owlet Smart Sock. It helps give me much-needed peace of mind.

For me, the Owlet Smart Sock was a God send, helping to alleviate the anxiety and pain of those initial sleepless nights. So, what is the Owlet Smart Sock? The Owlet Smart Sock is exactly that - a sock - that baby wears each night is designed to notify you - via a base station - if your baby's heart rate or oxygen levels fall outside of the preset zones. Sleep anxiety BE GONE! As you can see in the below image - the sock (left) and the base station (right). 

There is a photo of me reading through the directions above, but to tell you the truth, the Owlet Baby Care app walks you through almost the entire process in a cinch. For someone like me, who is not prone to reading directions, the app makes setting up the sock and base station fool proof.
​After you download the Owlet Baby Care app, it basically takes you through setting up the sock and base station from start to finish with easy-to-follow steps and images, which includes everything from wifi setup, to registering the product, to a how-to video guide, to testing the sock. You will quickly see upon setup and after minimal use, that the technology is truly amazing.

Not only is the technology amazing, but Owlet Care as a company has recently updated the smart sock to an even more sophisticated level after listening to parent feedback. A few additional features included in the Smart Sock 2 is as follows:

• Improved bluetooth range, up to a 12x increase (now up to 100 feet), between the Smart Sock and Base Station
• Innovative new sock design, offering a more secure fit
• Easier, more intuitive sock placement, meaning fewer false notifications due to more accurate sensor placement
• Advancements in firmware and hardware to reduce false notifications
• Updated fabric sock can be worn on both feet, allowing parents to alternate as needed, as well as breathable toes through all sock sizes
• Owlet Smart Sock 2 is $299.99 and available to purchase at OwletCare.com

Yes, it may seem like one more baby gadget to get amongst tons of recommended baby gear, but TRUST me when I tell you that the Owlet Smart Sock is worth it! If you have any ounce of anxiety when putting your little one down to sleep at night, you will find peace of mind in using the Owlet Smart Sock nightly. In fact, 83% of Owlet parents report better sleep while using the Smart Sock. As new mamas, who doesn't want a better night's sleep during those first few months - am I right?

That's all for now! Hooty hoo :)

xx,
​ILA

*Owlet is intended to provide peace of mind. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure, or prevent any disease or condition.
​*This post is sponsored by Owlet Baby Care.