You know what's stupid?

The fact that I haven't written a post in about a YEAR! Life has been too good to me this year off on maternity leave with my baby I can't even begin to describe the fun we've had.  Its going to be over all too soon which is really depressing me.

In other news, I helped my husband start up his wedding Photography company...Blush Photography + Film.

Helped build/design the website... see here: http://blushphotoandfilm.com/

I designed our logo...see here:

And of course, taking care of my baby girl (whose picture I can`t upload because blogger is having issues).

What can I say, its been a fantastic year over all!

Be back soon...and as always...

Pink and Sparkles,
Alessandra

Finally!!!!

I finally got my pictures back up on Blogger so I'm ready to post again.  Since my last post in October, I had a beautiful baby girl...and Im totally in full mommy mode! Elizabeth Michaela Pompeo was born on October 17th weighing 6lbs 4oz!

Needless to say, I've been so busy with mom-ing that I haven't had time for much else. It took me a full two months to get into the swing of things and sorta used to travelling and being with my new human every day.  I have learned a few things along the way:

• A birth may never go the way you planned or want and you may have to make decisions you never thought you had to...whatever is good for the baby and yourself.
• Its OK to say no to visitors until YOU are ready.  Take the time to get to know your baby and recuperate before you "entertain" guests. 
• Its OK to cry for a couple of weeks, even if its every day! Hormones are funny, funny things and they will fluxuate quite a bit once your baby has arrived. If your sadness extends past two weeks...seek help from a doctor, midwife, family member or friend. 
• Asking for help from someone else does not mean you are a bad mom. Especially if its your first one, you may not be able to do everything on your own.

• Its cool to take advice from family members and friends but noone knows your baby the way you do and as you get to know her better, you will realize that your gut instincts are the best ones! Always listen to your mother's intuition....it will never lead you astray
• Its OK to be overprotective of your baby - especially when there are a lot of people around....you don't want them hurt (especially under three months when the skeletal system is still pretty fragile).
• Studies show that little ones (especially under two months) need to be introduced to the world SLOWLY.  Its totally cool if you stay around your house for the first month and take your baby out to be socialized a little later on.
• Its OK to want a break! Don't feel bad if you just want your baby to sleep so you can watch TV or take a shower...or ask someone else to help you out.

• Breastfeeding isn't easy at first, especially if its your first time. But the proper guidance and persistence (and a bit of pain tolerance) will get you and baby breastfeeding like a pro.  My Doula and Midwife were excellent in getting me going. If you can't get professional help, La Leche League International can always help.
• Stress will ALWAYS reduce your breast milk.  This is personal experience. If something is bugging you and you can't resolve it....let it go! Its not worth it for you or your baby to loose milk. Keep feeding and take the tips on La Leche's website above to help.
• Talk to other moms...experience truly is the best and you won't feel so "alone".  
• Its OK to make mistakes, you learn as you go....noone is perfect. 

I have so many other pointers that I'll get to as I go on....feels so good to be back. 

As always......

Pink and Sparkles,

Alessandra

xoxo

P.S all pics of my baby by Picture Perfect Designs ;)

Fall Splendour

I can't tell you how much I love this time of year! Maybe it has something (a little something) to do with my birthday but I think its mostly the crispness in the air and the changing of fall colours.  Most of all, I love the availability of mulled hot apple cider, pumpkins and everything harvest-like!



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Till next time...

Pink and Sparkles,
Alessandra
xoxo

Nest-a-holic!

Just an update as to what I've been up to....nesting! Here's what I found out about it on Pregnancy Weekly:


"Females of the animal kingdom are all equipped with this same need. It is a primal instinct. Just as you see birds making their nests, mothers-to-be do exactly the same thing. The act of nesting puts you in control and gives a sense of accomplishment toward birth. You may become a homebody and want to retreat into the comfort of home and familiar company, like a brooding hen. The nesting urge can also be seen as a sign of the onset of labor when it occurs close to 40 weeks of pregnancy." 





I swear, we're all just animals to the core! Here are some things I've been swooning over: 


My child's furniture:



This is not a picture of the room ... that will come soon! But I am so excited about the furniture I'm taking my time thinking about how to dress it up :) 



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So girly, I know, but who could resist??



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Of course we need a bassinet :)

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Obsessed with sterilization!



Yes, I hired a cleaning lady...I can't do it all on my own because I can't even walk some days :)



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Doing what I can...I have been organizing like crazy!




That's all for now!  Talk soon.


Pink and Sparkles,
Alessandra 
xoxo

I'm Back....with a bump!

I have been the most horrible blogger lately, so horrible that its safe to say I took a bit of a hiatus. Sure, I'm preggo and I won't bore my readers with all the preggo-related reasons as to why I just haven't felt like blogging ... so I'll just continue with another post and hope we can make amends, my loves!

I wanted to give you an update as to how I've been doing, size-wise!  So here are a few pictures of my progression from as early as possible to the most recent!

 10 weeks

 15 weeks

 19 weeks

 21 weeks

23 weeks

 26 weeks

 28 weeks

30 weeks

So far so good....right now I'm 32 weeks today so about 8 more weeks to go!!!!

Pink and Sparkles,

Alessandra
xoxo

Backyard Retreat

We have quite a large backyard now but might, might, might be moving within the next year so the thought of another major investment (beyond the entire house reno) is out of the question.  I do, however, have high hopes for a harmonious outdoor retreat at my next house.

Outdoor fireplace(s) are a must with an outdoor pizza oven for my husband the pizza fanatic (ok, me too).

Who need to go to a resort to have swim-up bars?

I also want a pool house like this.

 
Outdoor rooms are a MUST.

And maybe a space for gardens....

Ok, I got a little carried away...this is more like it.

Can't wait to show you pictures from my dream backyard one day.

Pink and Sparkles,
Alessandra
xoxo

And its a....

So, we found out what we're having...in case that's too convoluted, its a girl!!  My readers will know that this was probably inevitable for me...at least for my first. I know this is a cliche, but I really wouldn't have cared either way (something about overalls on a boy makes my heart melt).  Nonetheless, I believe God gives you what God gives you for a reason and I graciously accept!  I hope she loves ballet as much as I do.Here's looking to frilly, girly, pink and sparkly things everywhere :)

Pink and Sparkles,
Alessandra
xoxo