Stitch Fix #7 (Postpartum Edition)

My latest Stitch Fix arrived just a couple weeks after Calvin. This was on purpose.

If you haven't heard of Stitch Fix, read more about it here.

Part of me was nervous to be trying on clothes mere days after giving birth, but I made sure to request items that would fit this current lifestyle of mine, which is one of my top tips when it comes to Stitch Fix because it's worked so well for myself through several fixes.

I knew bottoms were going to be trouble and needed items that would transition well for feeding, so in the notes section I made sure to request open cardigans, button down shirts, and loose fitting tops and this fix delivered all three!

Besides being clear with what you want to receive, another tip I'd suggest when scheduling your next Stitch Fix is to continue to update your Pinterest style board.  In some cases, I've even heard of the stylists sending our exact items, if at all possible.  Since someone is attempting to style you without being able to talk to you in person, it's best to be as clear as you can be if you're looking for something specific. (i.e. dresses for a wedding this summer, work appropriate clothing, etc.)

I know that Stitch Fix isn't for everyone, but if you're like me and don't enjoy going to the mall and trying on clothes, then I'd suggest trying it out.  In almost every fix I've received (& kept!) items that I would have otherwise looked over in a store and yet, the items still work together with the rest of my closet.  A win-win in my book and something I'm willing to invest in.

Have you tried Stitch Fix?  If so, what did you think?


I was not compensated for this post, but have linked to my referral page throughout this post.

Dear Calvin // One Month

Dear Calvin,

Hooray! We have survived our first month together!

It feels silly to type that out, but honestly this feels like a big accomplishment. Six months ago, I wasn't sure if we would even be able to celebrate this milestone with you, but here we are!

Just a few weeks ago, you came into this world inquisitive & pretty quiet and we've watched as you've taken in this big world with your beautiful steel blue eyes. Watching you discover and take in everything for the first time might be one of my favorite things about having a child!

With this month being your first, it's fitting that it was full of so many firsts. First day out of the womb. First time meeting family + friends. First pediatrician appointment. First (of many) photo shoots. First outing with just mama, which deserves it's own blog post. It's easy to get caught up in the firsts, but I'm also looking forward to finding a regular routine soon.

Cal, you have stolen our hearts! This month hasn't been easy, but you are an answer to our prayers. Even though we're a little sleep deprived and still working on figuring out your cries, but I hope you know that we will always love you, sweet baby boy!

love,
mama

A Different Mother's Day

Photo by Megan Love Photography

This Mother's Day already feels different than my first two...

Two years ago, we had just found out we were pregnant with Charlotte and actually shared the news with Sam's extended family on Mother's Day that year.

And last year, five months after we said good-bye to our Charlotte, I struggled with letting anyone recognize me as a mother since we were childless and was so very sad & angry that I didn't have my baby girl to hold in my arms.

This year, I find myself both happy & sad when I think about the two lives who have made me a mom... obviously so thankful to have Calvin here in our arms, but still missing Charlotte every single day!

So today, as you spend this holiday celebrating the mothers in your lives, I ask that you remember those who may not look like a mother because they don't have a child physically in their arms.

Celebrate them.
Love on them.
It's okay that you don't have to have the "right things" to say, just honor them too!


Happy Mother's Day!

Introducing: Calvin Philip

After our previous experience with pregnancy + birth, I guess it could be expected that we went into this one with some trepidation. And when our scheduled c-section date finally arrived, I was a big ball of emotions.


Wednesday, April 16 began bright and early (4am early!) for us. Sam's sister & brother-in-law were staying at our house for the week and made it a point to get up before we headed to the hospital so they could pray over us and the baby we would be meeting in just a couple hours, which was a very special time after all we'd been through.


Once at the hospital, we went through the prep and waited for surgery as we had done sixteen months earlier. Most of the pre-op + surgery resembled Charlotte's in many ways, but had some differences as well. Different hospital and doctor + team. But the main difference was what happened AFTER the doctors pulled the baby out.


See, with Charlotte, as soon as she was born, she was whisked away by the NICU team and I didn't get to see her for several hours, which we accepted because she needed the immediate help & attention. But this time, with Calvin, he was brought straight to us! And like most of the other milestones we crossed through this pregnancy, I finally felt like I could breathe once he was placed on my chest.


Everything following Calvin's first cry seems like blur. A happy, blissful blur. From operating room to recovery to our final room, the morning flew by as we got to know one another, just the three of us (at least for a couple hours while we waited for our first guests to arrive).

Calvin Philip Grable

Born April 16 at 8:06am

8lbs 7oz, 21.75" long

Welcome to the world, sweet boy!

May Goals

It's probably no surprise that April felt like a total blur...

Thankfully the goals I set were simple because bringing a baby into this world was a lot of work! And May is already all about surviving, so don't be surprised when you see my goals below.  But first, let's look back on April.

April Recap:

1. Finish "The Meaning of Marriage" by Tim Keller. Check! Our church finished it's series going through this book and I really enjoyed it. This is one I think I'll recommend to friends who are married & single because there is something for everyone!

2. Continue my shopping freeze for Lent. Done. It wasn't easy, but I did it. When I found myself wanting to shop, I tried to turn those thoughts on to something more productive.

3. Spend some quality time with Sam before Calvin arrives... So-so. The two weeks prior to meeting Calvin were filled with preparations and before we knew it, we were meeting our baby boy. I do recall some special times with Sam, dreaming of what life would soon look like, sharing our hopes & dreams with each other, so I'm counting that as quality time.

May Goals:

1. Take a close look at our spending and start looking for ways to cut costs where we can.

2. Speak life into my husband.

3. Continue to learn Calvin's cues AND remember to give myself grace throughout these first few months.

Again, another simple month as far as the number of goals, but they are fairly complex, at least for this new mom.


Linking up with Hayley of The Tiny Twig.