I came by this poem on the internet and adjusted it to fit the twins. I hope you all enjoy reading it for the first time as much as I did! Pregnancy is such a special time and sometimes it can be hard to put it into words… this poem helped put into words some of my feelings.
Mamas, how did express some of your feelings about pregnancy? I would love to hear!
Time is moving slowly,
The day is almost here.
The anxiety and joy is building up,
For my baby boys will soon appear.
I can’t wait to see your smiling faces,
And hold your little hands.
Just then I’ll know deep inside
that you’re my little men.
I have so much to share with you
day after day.
And to you my sons I will give my love
in each and every way.
https://thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_6448.jpg29992002Abby Ochsehttps://thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/TCM_Home_Logo.pngAbby Ochse2018-01-26 02:14:222018-01-26 02:15:13A poem for my sons
I keep getting questions from followers asking how I am managing my “high risk” pregnancy. So I thought I would share whats been happening in the last 29 weeks. I am considered “high risk” because I am carrying two babies, and when you are pregnant with multiples you have a higher risk of developing complications. Usually the most common risk is a premature delivery. This is why you have more doctors appointments, and must be monitored more closely. I seriously feel like I live at the doctor’s office and I am there every single week!
We talked at length about nutrition and a healthy, steady weight gain throughout my pregnancy. This was to ensure that the babies and I were healthy but also to help reduce any risk of gestational diabetes, increased blood pressure or aches and pains due to increased weight gain. As I have mentioned before, I gained 75 pounds with Willow and have severe back problems. So this time around I met with a nutritionist, Kevin Libby and we created a food plan in which I eat every two hours. This has been a major game changer for me, I feel full and have great energy. Thus far I have gained about 36 pounds so far.
I noticed in the last two weeks that I was starting to feel a tightness and pressure in my belly, multiple times an hour. I really thought this was the babies turning over for the longest time. It wasn’t until I saw my accupuncturist that she told me I was having Braxton Hicks contractions. Braxton Hicks contractions are your bodies way of preparing for the real thing, and usually are called “false labor”. I was starting to have them more and more, usually they correlated with me standing and working for long periods of time. Around this time I also started experiencing increased ligament pain that was unrelieved with laying down or a supportive belly belt. So my doctor made the decision to put me on maternity leave and gave me a serious talking-to about taking it easy or I would end up on bed rest.
I will do anything to avoid bed rest at this point, so I obliged and gave up working at the office. Now that I am in my third trimester I have been drastically more hungry and more tired. I really found that I must pay attention to my body to ensure I stay healthy for these two little boys!! After all I want them to stay put for as long as they can! Have you experienced a high risk pregnancy?? Let me know how you dealt with any restrictions in the comments below!
https://thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_6439.jpg26133919Abby Ochsehttps://thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/TCM_Home_Logo.pngAbby Ochse2018-01-25 00:58:272018-01-25 04:06:10#AskAbby: How To Manage Your High Risk Pregnancy
When I was pregnant with Willow I vividly remember packing everything plus the kitchen sink in her hospital bag. I’m not even joking, I packed nail clippers for my newborn baby! Since this is my second time around I am packing smarter! I want to bring what I will really need for the boys and that’s it! One pearl I really took home from Willow’s birth is that hospitals provide more supplies than you think. I went on hospital tours before she was born and only asked questions regarding her birth. A good tip for new Moms is to ask what supplies your hospital provides for baby before you pack your hospital bag.
When I delivered Willow the hospital provided onesies, hats, diapers, pacifiers, hand sanitizer, burp cloths and receiving blankets. Here is what I am packing for the twins in my Paper Clip Diaper Bag:
Two premie onesies, just in case they are born with a lower birth weight. I’m hoping they are chunky and full of baby rolls so they can fit into those newborn hospital onesies.
Swaddles that velcro or zip. These are so easy to use compared to wrapping a your new baby in the hospital blanket.I have these on my registry!
Eco-friendly diapers. Like I said before the hospital will provide their own diapers, but they usually are to eco-friendly or organic. I love the Honest Company and Aden & Anaisbrands.
Water wipes. I found these after Willow was born and really love them. Made with 99.9% water, they are natural and easy on a newborn’s skin. Find themHERE.
Going Home Outfit. This was my favorite part for Willow! I can’t wait to pick out the boys outfits!! I’m still on the look out for the perfect outfits for them.
Going Home Blanket for the car seats! Love these two blankets! See them HERE and HERE.
Let me know what you pack in your hospital bag for baby!! I always love getting advice from you guys!
https://thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_6423.jpg20481367Abby Ochsehttps://thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/TCM_Home_Logo.pngAbby Ochse2018-01-24 01:34:362018-01-24 01:58:23What I Packed In My Hospital Bag For The Twins
There are so many do’s and don’ts once you find out you are pregnant. No more alcohol, sushi, deli meat and you have to limit your caffeine intake. Obvisouly these sudden exclusions deal with what we eat and drink, but did you know your skin care routine may need some adjusting as well. Your OB is your main resource for what you can and can’t use while pregnant. I had a long discussion with mine about what was safe to use while pregnant.
You know that amazing ingredient called Retinol, that is the anti-aging fountain of youth in most skin care products? Well, once with child you can no longer use this beauty product. However you can try Kojic or Glycolic acid and Vitamin C to brighten skin and cause cellular turnover.
Ask your doctor about salicylic acid during your pregnancy. Although the medication has been clinically found to be unsafe in the oral form for pregnant women, there isn’t much evidence to show how much the topical form would affect an unborn baby. None the less, many doctors advise women to steer clear of products containing salicylic acid.
Bye Bye Botox. I know some of my followers may not even use botox, but for those that do, it is now out of the question during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Skin care treatments like lasers are also prohibited. Mostly due to the fact that there is no clinical data to prove what lasers would do to an unborn baby during pregnancy. Lasers use heat and energy to help break up the molecular bonds of targeted skin cells. So these are best to do after your baby has been born.
Now for the fun part, finding actual skin care products that you can use during your pregnancy! I found that with this pregnancy I really started to get bad acne, pregnancy plaques and melasma. Here are some products that I am currently using that have are very gentle, natural and help with all of my skin problems.
I love this recipe since it’s a super healthy snack that packs a lot of nutrition in but is also SO EASY to make! Willow also loves it! Chia seed pudding is a great way to sneak fiber into a kid’s diet. Also, it’s surprisingly filling for a pregnant mama who needs to eat often! Plus, you can always add in granola or other fruit to make it a heartier meal for breakfast/lunch.
I have always been drawn to the idea of extensions that give you thick, luxurious hair. The more I researched extensions I saw so many people complaining of hair breakage, and inhibited hair growth. Plus, I am honestly the worst at hair maintenance so you know I would probably end up bald with any tape-in, sewn-in or glued-in set. I found Luxy Hair clip-in extensions through my girlfriend and fellow blogger, Ravayna Coe. I like to call her the mermaid, beauty queen, unicorn of hair. I actually never knew her hair was clip-in style extensions! She had me sold when she said, “they are so easy, it takes me 5 minutes to clip them in each morning”.
So of course I had to get my own and try them! I have to tell you this is not sponsored, but just an amazing life-hack I wanted to share with you all! Here are reasons why I love these Luxy Hair clip-in extensions:
After having Ravayna show me how to clip them in, they are really so easy to use. Quick and easy!
They add instant volume and length!
NO damage! You can clip them in and out whenever you would like.
Luxy Hair is cheaper than most hair extensions with little, to no maintenance.
You an easily brush them out and wash them ever so often.
Once clipped in you can style them with any hair tool, just like you would normal hair.
I got the Dirty Blonde, ( 220g) seamless set. What I also like about the clip-in extensions is that they come with a tiny piece that allows you to try on the extension and ensure it is the match to your own hair. This way you can easily return them and try a new set if you need too!
Let me know if you have tried them. I have worn mine many times and feel like you really get your money’s worth without damaging your hair.
Invest in at some staple pieces, like jeans and a black maternity dress. I have one pair of blue maternity jeans and one pair of black maternity jeans I purchased from Target.My other investment pieces were two black dresses. A tank top dress and a long sleeved dress that are comfortable for my growing belly. I like the following brands for black dresses. Some are maternity and some you can easily size up as long as they have the side ruching. These basic pieces are the foundation for the rest of my wardrobe and can easily be used when building looks.
2. Make sure you’re comfortable in whatever you buy. Don’t fall into dressing to keep up with the latest trends. Comfort is key, and when you aren’t comfortable you won’t wear that piece more than once! Buy to be comfortable and to get your money’s worth!
3. Find the appropriate undergarments to grow with you during your pregnancy. This could also fit under being comfortable in what you are wearing. Buying maternity underwear and bras was a whole new level of happiness for me! Also look into Bellabands , this will help you continue to wear your favorite non-maternity jeans for much longer.
https://thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2018.01.02_AbbyOchse_FINAL-1814.jpg26403960Abby Ochsehttps://thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/TCM_Home_Logo.pngAbby Ochse2018-01-16 23:45:062018-01-16 23:45:06How To Shop During Your Pregnancy
AJ and I have been together for almost 8 years!! After we had dated for quite some time, and decided to move in together our home decor was a mash up of furniture from both of our past apartments. Needless to say it could use some updating and it was time to freshen up our Master bedroom. We were so excited to partner with Apt2bto give our favorite living space a much needed makeover. They have many modern and affordable pieces to choose from with a wide range of furniture and home decor perfect for your entire house!
Here is what our bedroom looked like before we started this little renovation. Our bed, side tables and tv stand were all a dark black-brown color. Our bed lacked dimension and texture in my opinion as well. I mean we didn’t even have a dresser, and I’m ashamed to admit we even put some clothes in our TV stand drawers. I mean we needed help!
With the help of Apt2b, we were able to collaborate on a whole new room! We chose a new bed, nightstands, bedside lamps, bench, rug, and dresser. I wanted to brighten up the room and make it super stylish, yet functional for our family.
I loved working with Apt2b so much, that I recently started remodeling my office with pieces from their line as well. I can’t wait to show you that space once it is finished!
https://thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/BuckleyFamily-4990.jpg20022999Abby Ochsehttps://thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/TCM_Home_Logo.pngAbby Ochse2018-01-16 01:37:082018-01-16 01:37:08Our Master Bedroom Makeover With Apt2b
Stretch marks. Some Mamas wear them proud, even tattooing them like a badge of honor and some Mamas want to act like they never happened. Even though your baby may not even be here yet, they are leaving their mark on your belly, and maybe even your chest, hips, thighs or buttocks. When I was pregnancy with Willow, I got them on my chest in a nice purple color! Now, I know what you are thinking, will I get these lines of love and how do I prevent them???
Well here is the 411 on stretch marks… 50%-90% of women develop them during pregnancy. You are also more likely to get them if your mom, dad, or grandparents have them. So in terms of avoiding these linear beauties, genetics definitely trumps prevention. Now don’t go running to give your entire family a full body check just yet, there is some more information you need!
Stretch marks come from tiny tears to the underlying layers of tissue under your skin. There are many other factors besides genetics that determine if you or when you will get stretch marks. Such as weight gain during your pregnancy. Those that can maintain a steady weight gain throughout their 40 weeks have a less chance of developing stretch marks.
Age, this is my favorite factor in terms of stretch marks! It is the one time that it pays to be a little older! Studies show that women in their 30’s and 40’s actually have only a 30% chance of developing stretch marks, where as teens and women in their 20’s have a 90% risk. As a Mom in her 30’s this was music to my ears!
Finally, abdominal girth, and baby related factors like twin pregnancies and high birth weights may also contribute to those little linear lines. When babies begin to grow and your belly stretches to accommodate the little one it creates excessive tension on skin’s dermis.
Now that we know the factors and risks of developing stretch marks, let’s get on to the fun information…how can we prevent them???
Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to prevent your skin from stretching during your pregnancy, it is just a fact of life. However, there are some tips and tricks we can do to help our skin throughout our pregnancies.
Maintaining a healthy weight gain throughout your pregnancy is a great place to start in the prevention of stretch marks.
Hydrating your body will help your outer most layers of your skin maintain moisture. I cannot reach the deep underlying layers where stretch marks start, but it will help you feel less itchy as your body stretches to accommodate stretching. I have used Shea butter, coconut oil, and bio oil.
Nourishing and hydrating your body from the inside out is a must! I drink at least 4 Liters of water a day to help me stay hydrated. Also vitamins C, D, E, and zinc have been shown to help form collagen which can help prevent dermal tearing.
So you may say stretch marks are inevitable, but know that they do fade with time and can become less noticeable with each day. Let me know your experience with stretch marks and what you have found to help them!
https://thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2017.11.28_AbbyOchse_FINAL-9512.jpg38042536Abby Ochsehttps://thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/TCM_Home_Logo.pngAbby Ochse2018-01-12 18:44:232018-01-12 18:44:23The Skinny On Stretch Marks
We’ve all heard “new year, new me” before and though it’s nice to make new year resolutions, I’ve found it’s not the best way for me to enact positive change in my life. Resolutions can feel constricting and rarely last past January.
Intentions, on the other hand, have been a driving force for my happiness, fulfillment, and overall sense of well being. I came into 2018 armed with some new intentions that have provided me with focus and motivation for who I want to be and what I want to accomplish this year.
What’s the difference?
Resolutions attach us to a specific outcome so instead of being at peace with a new goal, we’re in fear of not completing it and the shame that may bring. Intentions free us from this pressure! You can put aside the challenge of a resolution. A new beginning shouldn’t be a challenge anyway!
Instead, intentions can help you invite these new positive things into your life. Intentions only ask us to be mindful, present, and aware of what we want. Setting intentions helps realign your energy and capacity.
How are intentions set?
Setting intentions for me involves starting my morning with a quiet moment of awareness where I consciously state to myself and the universe what I am inviting into my life. I try to remind myself of my intentions every chance I get so every possible action and moment is in the right direction.
Gratitude is also an important part of setting intentions. I conclude my day with a quiet moment to reflect on the ways my intentions helped manifest small positive change in my daily life.
This cycle of inviting and thanking has led to BIG positive changes over time and has never failed in uplifting me. It only takes quiet moments, awareness, and gratitude!
SO, what are my 2018 intentions?
Good health
Quality time with family
As you all may know by now, I’m pregnant with twins. Since twin pregnancies can be considered high risk and are more challenging to carry to due dates, I want to do everything in my power to help them stay put until April! Setting this intention of good health has helped me make healthier choices with excitement and happiness and not out of restriction. I’m also making my intention to soak up every moment we get as a family of three and preparing to do the same when we become a family of five!
What are your 2018 intentions?
https://thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2018.01.02_AbbyOchse_FINAL-1782.jpg24743711Abby Ochsehttps://thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/TCM_Home_Logo.pngAbby Ochse2018-01-10 01:08:332018-01-19 02:32:01Intentions vs. Resolutions
AJ and I have been together for almost 8 years!! After we had dated for quite some time, and decided to move in together our home decor was a mash up of furniture from both of our past apartments. Needless to say it could use some updating and it was time to freshen up our Master bedroom. We were so excited to partner with 
