Showing posts with label the bump. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the bump. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Pregnancy Story and The Stork OTC

When my husband and I first started trying for a baby, we didn't know how long the process would actually take.  We tried for a few years off and on and tried to plan around our already booked family vacations, and had no luck. Month after month I took ovulation tests and pregnancy tests and all were showing negative. I was still getting my normal periods, and when they were late by 1-2 days, I'd get excited, take a test, and then start my period the very next day. It was exhausting. I remember crying wondering if I was even capable of getting pregnant. It's a very scary and lonely feeling. Not knowing whether or not getting pregnant would ever happen for us.  Not to mention, thinking of what our next option might be and if we could afford it. All these years trying to prevent it from happening and when we are finally ready to start a family it doesn't happen as soon as we thought it would--like they teach you in high school and make you think the first time you have sex that you'll get pregnant--

I started purchasing tests that helped determine whether or not sperm count was high or low as well as tests that showed whether or not I was ovulating.  More than 90% of male infertility cases are due to low sperm counts or poor sperm quality. And the most common causes of female infertility includes problems with ovulation, damage to fallopian tubes or uterus, or problems with the cervix.

Test after test, day after day.

None of my ovulation tests were showing positive and I started thinking it may be my fault. I started wondering if stress was a factor since all the tests and hoping for positive results was starting to really stress me out. 

I decided it was time to back off for a little while and let nature take it's course, and we'd discuss other options if it came down to that.  

Luckily, January 18, 2017, on the day I was supposed to start my period, I chose to take a pregnancy test that came back positive. (You can read more about that in this post here.)
I cried for days because I was so excited. I almost didn't even believe it.  I had already started researching other alternative options and what our next step would be if we found out we were unable to have children. When researching, I was actually surprised there isn't much out there other than ovulation tests for those of us who are trying to conceive.  That's when I came across a less invasive at home option called the Stork OTC. Not only is it available without a prescription, but it is affordable as well. (Compared to the extensive fertility treatments from a Dr.) My medical insurance did not cover fertility treatments, so I knew that it was going to be an expensive journey if we had to take that route.

  
Stork OTC is an FDA cleared medical device that you can use in the comfort of your own home that helps aid in conceiving. No need for a Dr. here! They are located in the contraceptive aisle near the pregnancy tests and sanitary pads.


When researching, Stork OTC had the best ratings, a 20% success rate along with an affordable price. (Those fertility treatments from the Dr. are super expensive not to mention time consuming as you have to go back multiple times! Stork OTC is now available for only $59.99 at Target and CVS! As well as online.)  No prescription is required to purchase. So you can feel comfortable purchasing at your convenience.

The best part? You can do it in the comfort of your own home. No awkward Dr. appointments or painful use of needles and testing. With Stork OTC, there's just a few simple steps and you are on your way to getting better results that are painless. You can read more about how it works here. 


  1. Stork OTC is Now available for $59.99 at most retailers--available at Target, CVS and also available online at www.storkotc.com


Benefits of The Stork OTC:
  • Proven: Physician technique now available for use in the privacy of your own
    home 
  • Safe: FDA Approved. 
  • Natural: Drug-free product. No pills needed.
  • Non-invasive: No injections or surgery. 
  • Easy–to-Use: Condom-like in collection, tampon-like in delivery 
  • Cost-effective: Compared to fertility treatment options


I know a lot of moms have a hard time getting pregnant with their second child, so I will definitely be using Stork OTC if we have a hard time trying to conceive next time around.

If you are interested, Stork OTC is having a Twitter party coming up on October 19th at 8pm EST. We would LOVE for you to participate and use the hashtag  #TTCwithStorkOTC - You can learn more about it and ask any questions or concerns you may have.









This is a sponsored conversation from Mums the Word Network and The Stork OTC. All opinions (and the story) are my own.



Monday, October 2, 2017

Maternity Photos

At first, I wasn't sure I wanted to take maternity photos.  I guess I always thought I wouldn't want to document how huge I got. I also figured I could save the money and use it towards other purchases for the baby.  It wasn't until one of my good friends told me she regretted not getting photos taken. After all this is my FIRST pregnancy, I didn't want to have regrets, and I really wanted to be able to look back and relive those days. 

So I found a photographer who is local and inexpensive, and shoots beautiful photos! I am so glad I ended up getting them!

Here they are!








































Photography: Kristyn Dodge (Southern California) 

Friday, August 11, 2017

Baby Shower Themed Gift Ideas

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With my Baby Shower right around the corner (This Saturday!) Baby shower gifts have been on my mind. And I'm not talking gifts for myself. I've gotten so many ideas on what I'd love to gift my friends whenever it's their turn to have a baby.

What I normally do is check out their registries and tie in pieces I think would look cute with their registry picks! I try to make "themes" out of the gifts I choose.


For my friends Baby shower a few months ago, I chose a "bath theme" where I purchased the bathtub she wanted on her registry,  and paired it with items like rubber duckies, washcloths, a hooded towel, and some Baby Shampoo, Body Wash and Lotions and a Book related to bath time.

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Bathtub | Bath Rinser | Rubber Duckies | Washcloths | Hooded Towel | Baby Wash Set |


Some other great ideas for themed gifts would be:

Laundry Themed- You can get some clothespins and string and hang the onesies and socks on the string and put them in the laundry basket. So as they pull them out they will be attached on the string by the clothespins. 
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Laundry Baskets | Laundry Detergent |  Onesies | Socks | 

Fill a Diaper Bag- Get a diaper bag and fill it with baby bottles,  Baby Wipes (even a cute wipe case) , Some plain onesies just in case an accident happens when on the go and you need a quick change, Snacks.

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Diaper Bag |  Baby Bottles | Baby Wipes | Wipe Case |  Plain Onesies


Sun Theme- Perfect for a Summer Baby, or a family who travels often. Keep baby protected with sunscreen, sunglasses and hat, and complete the set with some fun items like a fun towel,  beach toys and a beach chair.
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Baby sunscreen| beach towel | baby beach chair | splash mat |sunglasses | hat.

Some other ideas:

Sleepy Theme-Humidifier, Nightlight, Calming Essential Oils, Snuggly Stuffed animals, and Calming Sounds.

Bed Theme- Similar to the Sleepy Theme, but some alternatives like you could get some bed sheets,  A cute lamp, and a musical mobile.

Safety Theme- First Aid Baby kit,  Owlet baby monitor, Baby video or sound monitors,

Have you ever gifted someone a "themed" baby shower gift? I'd love to hear what you did!
Do you have any other ideas for themes?


Monday, July 17, 2017

Another PinkBlush Find

I just booked a maternity session with a local photographer and was on the hunt for the perfect dress. We get two outfit changes, so I know I will be in need of another dress so any suggestions are greatly appreciated!  I knew I wanted at least one of my dresses to be long and flowy. I love the style of this dress from PinkBlush. (Can you tell I am obsessed with them?) They just have too many dresses that are so cute! It's hard to just pick one!

I found this colorful number and knew I had to have it! (It can also be worn after baby- which was a huge selling point for me.) Also, I will be able to breastfeed in this dress too! Another win-win! I loved the bright and fun colors, and since baby girl is due in October, I wanted something with longer sleeves to keep warm in the cooler months, yet still be cute!

Navy Abstract Floral Dress 
One thing I was worried about and usually am when ordering long dresses, is the length. Because I am 5"4 and on the shorter side, it's hard to find dresses that fit perfectly in the length. This dress was not even an issue! I can wear flats (as you can see) and the dress doesn't drag on the ground. I can even switch it up ad add some wedges or heels and it will still be the perfect length! I just love everything about this dress.






They are also having some awesome Summer Blowout sales right now! 
You can get 20% off Sitewide using code: SUMMERSTYLE or 25% off ALL dresses going on now! Code: GETDRESSEDUP (valid for 2 more days)

I'm not even an affiliate for PinkBlush, I just LOVE everything they have! 
Have you purchased anything from them before? I'd love to hear what you got!