Miss Amalia Hope walking into Sunday school🥹💖!!!

I remember a few years ago before the teaching began, the pastor instructed the kiddos to head to their Sunday school classrooms. My mom leaned over and said, “one day that will be yours!” 

Fast forward, here we are💖

One confident, happy and kind hearted baby girl running around the classroom without a care.

Grateful is an understatement. 

(I cried whenever I was left alone 😂 so I am very thankful she did not get that from me 😂🙏🏼)

Follow my shop @alexaschopfer on the @shop.LTK app to shop my fall loafers. #ltkunder100 
https://liketk.it/3P3w8
🍁🍂💛 We never sit still, but how can you w 🍁🍂💛
We never sit still, but how can you when there is something new to see in every day.

The beauty I’m learning, in toddlerhood is they find the joy in almost anything.

A leaf? Won the lottery
Grocery shopping? A social event 
Walking out back? A chance to marvel at all the trees. 

Every parent knows it, but you really get a new chance to re live again when you have kids. A chance to see life for the beauty, simplicity, and pureness that it is. 

Grateful for the new vision parenthood continues to give me. 

Follow my shop @alexaschopfer on the @shop.LTK app to shop our outfits
https://liketk.it/3OR5b
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,
,
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#affordable #affordablestyle 
#canadianfamily #familiesofinstagram #momsofinsta #momlife #falloutfitideas #falloutfitinspo #toddlerfallfashion #toddlermomlife #honestmom #rewardstyle #styleyoucantrust #basicoutfit #howtostyle #loafer #toddlermom #girlmomlife #girlmomma #pinterestmom #fallstyle #momstylelife #wiwtd
Labour day weekend fun 💛🤍 Hope you had a sa Labour day weekend fun 💛🤍

Hope you had a safe and beautiful long weekend! 

My cottagecore dress is adorable (and affordable). I’d recommend sizing down for a fitted look, as it has a nice stretch to it. I’m in an xs 💖

Follow my shop @alexaschopfer on the @shop.LTK app to shop my outfits 
https://liketk.it/3OIkp
Easy like Sunday morning ✨💖 (➡️Peep Osca Easy like Sunday morning ✨💖

(➡️Peep Oscar and Amalia, 15 years from now 😂💛)

Follow my shop @alexaschopfer on the @shop.LTK app to shop my dress. Fits true to size 🤍
https://liketk.it/3OxIC
.
.
#styleyoucantrust #momstyle #churchfamily #churchdresses
When we first brought Amalia home from the hospita When we first brought Amalia home from the hospital, we didn’t even think about sensitivities but we quickly noticed her skin was indeed sensitive, like mine and  Andrew’s 😢

We walked the aisles at Shoppers Drug Mart for a while,
browsing all the different baby wipes and it was actually a pharmacist who saw us and recommended the Huggies Natural Care Sensitive Baby Wipes. 

I’m grateful because a year later, these are still the only wipes we use, and she loves them 💛

To celebrate 60 years of caring for Canadians, Shoppers Drug Mart has curated a lineup of Top Picks: 60th Anniversary Edition – a collection of products in skin, body, hair, oral care, and even snacks, there’s something for everyone.

My Top 60 picks:
💛Huggies Natural Care Sensitive Baby Wipes
💛Listerine Total Care
💛Dove Intensive Repair Conditioner
💛John Frieda® Violet Crush Intense Purple Shampoo
💛Veet Pure Face Wax Strips
💛OLLY® Women's Multivitamin Blissful Berry

Congratulations on 60 years, @shoppersdrugmart. Here’s to 60 more!✨💛

PS- can you spot Zeus’s nose sniffin’ around?😂 he is a pro counter surfer 

#Shoppers60 #ShoppersTopPicks
#sponsored #gifted @shoppersdrugmart

Follow my shop @alexaschopfer on the @shop.LTK app to shop this dress 
https://liketk.it/3OivF #rewardstylebloggers #rewardstyle #styleyoucantrust
I’ve seen the trending reels with the audio enco I’ve seen the trending reels with the audio encouraging moms to find themselves, 
“You gotta find you again. Not mom you or wife you, just you, sis” 
I love the trend- but what that audio doesn’t mention, is to find “you” you have to embrace that “mom you” is a new you. 

There is a term for the concept behind this new you. 
It’s called Matrescence.

Similar to how adolescence is a teenager's transition into adulthood, 
matrescence is a woman's transition into motherhood (welcoming all the physical, psychological and hormonal change that come with it.)

A name besides motherhood makes me feel as though mothers are being seen. 
We’re being seen for all that encompasses the journey of matrescence. 

So while finding “you”. 
Seek comfort in the knowledge that the you you find, isn’t going to be the old you. 
It may take time to get used to. 

You didn’t “bounce back”. How could you bounce back from all that you’ve been through?

Instead you’ve bounced up, 
and entered an entirely new, incredible, messy, overly stimulated, loving and rewarding new chapter. 

Welcome, you’re in matrescence ✨ 

Follow my shop @alexaschopfer on the @shop.LTK app to shop our outfits
https://liketk.it/3O8ZD
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

#canadianfamily #familiesofinstagram #momsofinsta #summertime #momlife #familiesofinsta #momsofig #momtruth #momsofinstagram #toddlermomlife #honestmom #motherhoodintheraw #mommandaughter #matrescence #momtalk #toddlermom #honestmotherhood #teammotherly #rewardstylebloggers #rewardstyleblogger #ltkfamily #ltkbaby #styleyoucantrust #basicoutfit #howtostyle
Sunday morning self care, with a few of my favouri Sunday morning self care,
with a few of my favourite things that help me feel refreshed. 💝

From diapers and wipes to skincare and makeup, to seeking pharmacy advice, Shoppers Drug Mart is my one stop shop for all my self care needs, for both me and my family. 

What’s your favourite self care items? 

To celebrate 60 years of caring for Canadians, Shoppers Drug Mart has curated a lineup of Top Picks: 60th Anniversary Edition – a collection of products in skin, body, hair, oral care, and even snacks, there’s something for everyone.

Some of the Top 60 products used:
💛Listerine Total Care
💛Huggies Natural Care Sensitive Baby Wipes
💛Dove Intensive Repair Conditioner
💛John Frieda® Violet Crush Intense Purple Shampoo
💛Veet Pure Face Wax Strips
💛OLLY® Women's Multivitamin Blissful Berry

#Shoppers60 #ShoppersTopPicks
#sponsored #gifted @shoppersdrugmart
My💖💖 In a world that seemingly has it all. My💖💖

In a world that seemingly has it all. There is one thing we lack.  And that’s self kindness.

If I could give my daughter (and nephew) one thing. It would be the gift of being kind to yourself. 
💛🧡💝💙
What’s one gift you’d give your kids? 

Follow my shop @alexaschopfer on the @shop.LTK app to shop my dress
https://liketk.it/3O1eA
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
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#canadianfamily #familiesofinstagram #couplesofinstagram #couplesofinsta #momsofinsta #dadsofinsta #parentsofinstagram #summertime #momlife #familiesofinsta #momsofig #rewardstylebloggers #rewardstyle #momstyle #momtruth #momsofinstagram #toddlermomlife #honestmom #motherhoodintheraw #mommandaughter #toddlermom #honestmotherhood
From sipping bone broth to browsing the different From sipping bone broth to browsing the different collagen powders at @shoppersdrugmart- I’ll try it all for some extra collagen. 
But did you know to look for specific numbers when looking at collagen powders?

 NeoCell® Super CollagenTM is made up of hydrolyzed collagen peptides type 1 & 3. The types that make up 90% of the body’s total collagen supply. 

The body’s natural collagen production typically slows with age - lucky us😢😂 
With the help of Super CollagenTM it provides us with some of the amino acids our body needs to support the healthy synthesis of the collagen proteins in our hair, skin and nails. 

And the Lysol ® Disinfecting Wipes help to keep my counters clean, furniture sticky free, and quick wipe downs wherever we go- killing 99.9% of viruses and bacteria. 
The same Lysol protection is now fully biodegradable in home and municipal compost.(check  locally as appropriate municipal composting, facilities may not exist in your area)
 
Don’t forget from August 13th - September 9th Shoppers Drug Mart is hosting the Celebrating 60 Contest. 
The contest gives Canadians a chance to win larger-than-life prizes!
To enter, scan your PC OptimumTM App or Shoppers Drug Mart® App at the time of purchase of your item(s) at any participating Shoppers Drug Mart store location.

 Have you tried the collagen powders from @shoppersdrugmart? What’s your favourite one?

#sponsored #Shoppers60Partner #Shoppers60 #ShoppersTopPicks
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Alexa Schopfer

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Home » Blog » What To Expect in Pregnancy – What No One Tells You

What To Expect in Pregnancy – What No One Tells You

Today marks 1 week and 6 days away from my official due date!

These past 9 months have flown by, but I also know I’ve cherished every moment.
Being pregnant during a pandemic allowed me the opportunity to soak in each moment. To take the days slow and cherish each second that passed.

I missed out on the in person birthing classes and the opportunity to meet new moms (face to face) in my area. However, it provided me with the chance to have the utmost one on one time with Andrew, to truly reflect and be fully present and mindful.

Let’s Chat

If you’re a first time Mama – congratulations!
I am SO excited for you to be on this incredible journey. I sincerely mean it when I say, take it at your own pace.

Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s, I can’t say that strongly enough. Each pregnancy is a miracle and all miracles differ from one person to the next, so keep your eyes on your own lane.

With that said – while in your own lane you may be having some interesting things happening to you.

The morning sickness is widely talked about as so many women are affected by it. However, there are so many other common things that happen to us pregnant Mama’s that aren’t shared. SO let’s dive on in!

My Pregnancy Journey

What no one told me – was “Morning Sickness” is BS. It is all day, all night sickness.
If your midwife or OB have told you to keep crackers by the bed, they’re not kidding- it works!
From week 7 to week 12 I was incredibly nauseous. I lost weight during this time, and was throwing up probably 4 times a day. From food aversions to the sight of a banana – I was hurling left right and centre. But it doesn’t last long, so if you’re feeling sick well into your second trimester – definitely talk to your healthcare provider as there are medications you can take to help with the nausea.

We need to normalize that not every Mama enjoys the pregnancy phase. And if that’s you – please don’t beat yourself up over it. Your body is going through SO many changes. Take it day by day.


Pregnancy is such a different experience for each body, from the sounds of it, it can even differ from pregnancy to pregnancy within the same body! I have had a really amazing pregnancy. I have enjoyed every moment of it but I want to share if you’re not enjoying it – that is completely normal. We need to normalize that not every mama enjoys the journey of pregnancy, and if that is you – please don’t beat yourself up over it. Your body is going through SO many changes. Take it day by day.

Confide In Someone

The beginning stages of pregnancy offer a range of emotions, uncertainty, overwhelming symptoms and new experiences. It’s a lot all at once!
I found it really beneficial to open up to those closest to me so they knew what was going on and could be there to support me during the changes. By talking to your loved ones or writing, it can be an amazing outlet of support and guidance.
I’m always here to chat too! xx

Rest

This one is for you, Mama!

This isn’t an acronym for something – it is the truest advice, REST!
Every body handles pregnancy very differently.
For me, the first trimester was tiring in the sense that my abdominal muscles and throat were tired from all my puking – but I was sleeping well, felt well rested and still able to do gentle workouts.

Second Trimester

In my second trimester, I felt the best.
My nausea finally subsided, had what felt like all my energy back, worked out daily and felt great. My body was slowly expanding with my growing babe but I felt everything was growing at a pace I could keep up with.

Third Trimester

In my third trimester, I hit a wall of lethargy. The first week of my third trimester I felt extremely tired, when I opened my eyes they burned just from being opened.

I also developed an incredibly dry patch of skin on my cheeks, to the point where my nasal labial folds were so prominent I thought I had aged overnight!
It turns out I had low iron!

While pregnant, it’s so important to voice any changes to your healthcare provider as they may know certain cues and have the ability to act on them before it’s too late. I was able to get a blood test the day I noticed my intense dryness & start iron pills the following day.

The most important thing you can do is listen to your body. If you feel more accountable by writing your days out, write out in a journal how you’re feeling each day so you can compare and notice anything that may be a trigger or off.

Bloating and Constipation

I went there.

Pregnancy changes your gut health, and this was something I realized early on. I’ve suffered from IBS since I was 15, so bloating and constipation isn’t new to me, however pregnancy edition is a pain I’ve felt like no other.

Once the nausea had dissipated, I met with my dear friend constipation and bloating.
My midwifes recommended I start a probiotic as well as a powdered magnesium. My midwife told me that the powdered magnesium is like epsom salts for your insides, it helps to calm everything down.

Once I began taking a daily probiotic in the morning, my prenatal at night and a warm magnesium before bed my constipation and bloating became much more bearable.

Again – with all things in pregnancy, I’m learning it’s a person by person preference. So try this out and see if it works, but also get recommendations from your Dr or Midwife as they may have other solutions that suit you better!

Entering My Third Trimester

The saga of my swollen feet

In my third trimester I began to notice the incredible body changes.
Not only do I mean my growing belly, but my growing feet!

Swelling
My feet have swelled so much, I can’t even believe they’re attached to my body. At around 8 months I really began to notice my swelling feet and hands. Edema (swelling) is common in pregnancy, however it can be a sign of other complications – so always make sure to discuss changes with your healthcare provider. Thankfully I have had a low risk and easy pregnancy, so the swelling isn’t an indication of anything, other than water retention.

My swollen feet are incredibly noticeable, I had to purchase velcro flip flops so I could adjust the width of them! But my hands have also experienced swelling from carpel tunnel and they are incredibly painful.

Solution:
Daily swims, epsom salts baths, hand braces and RMT massages have been making the swelling bearable, but as each day progresses, my feet and hands look and feel more and more swollen.
Specifically for my feet:
Compression socks and legs on the wall have been my best friend. (However, you will need someone to help you put on your compression socks!) If you are near a body of water, have a pool or bath – use it to your advantage! Soaking in the pool feels so amazing on my swollen feet and hands.

With all this said – I think my swelling is a final sign that my body is ready for baby’s arrival!

pregnancy announcement, baby girl baby shower, baby shower for little girl, first time mom, first baby, what to expect while pregnant, the unexpected.


What were some pregnancy changes you endured? Love to read it in the comments below.

XX,
Lex



You’ll Also Love

My Postpartum Journey So Far
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Pregnancy Symptoms and My Journey So Far

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Miss Amalia Hope walking into Sunday school🥹💖!!!

I remember a few years ago before the teaching began, the pastor instructed the kiddos to head to their Sunday school classrooms. My mom leaned over and said, “one day that will be yours!” 

Fast forward, here we are💖

One confident, happy and kind hearted baby girl running around the classroom without a care.

Grateful is an understatement. 

(I cried whenever I was left alone 😂 so I am very thankful she did not get that from me 😂🙏🏼)

Follow my shop @alexaschopfer on the @shop.LTK app to shop my fall loafers. #ltkunder100 
https://liketk.it/3P3w8
🍁🍂💛 We never sit still, but how can you w 🍁🍂💛
We never sit still, but how can you when there is something new to see in every day.

The beauty I’m learning, in toddlerhood is they find the joy in almost anything.

A leaf? Won the lottery
Grocery shopping? A social event 
Walking out back? A chance to marvel at all the trees. 

Every parent knows it, but you really get a new chance to re live again when you have kids. A chance to see life for the beauty, simplicity, and pureness that it is. 

Grateful for the new vision parenthood continues to give me. 

Follow my shop @alexaschopfer on the @shop.LTK app to shop our outfits
https://liketk.it/3OR5b
.
.
.
.
,
,
.
.
.
#affordable #affordablestyle 
#canadianfamily #familiesofinstagram #momsofinsta #momlife #falloutfitideas #falloutfitinspo #toddlerfallfashion #toddlermomlife #honestmom #rewardstyle #styleyoucantrust #basicoutfit #howtostyle #loafer #toddlermom #girlmomlife #girlmomma #pinterestmom #fallstyle #momstylelife #wiwtd
Labour day weekend fun 💛🤍 Hope you had a sa Labour day weekend fun 💛🤍

Hope you had a safe and beautiful long weekend! 

My cottagecore dress is adorable (and affordable). I’d recommend sizing down for a fitted look, as it has a nice stretch to it. I’m in an xs 💖

Follow my shop @alexaschopfer on the @shop.LTK app to shop my outfits 
https://liketk.it/3OIkp
Easy like Sunday morning ✨💖 (➡️Peep Osca Easy like Sunday morning ✨💖

(➡️Peep Oscar and Amalia, 15 years from now 😂💛)

Follow my shop @alexaschopfer on the @shop.LTK app to shop my dress. Fits true to size 🤍
https://liketk.it/3OxIC
.
.
#styleyoucantrust #momstyle #churchfamily #churchdresses
When we first brought Amalia home from the hospita When we first brought Amalia home from the hospital, we didn’t even think about sensitivities but we quickly noticed her skin was indeed sensitive, like mine and  Andrew’s 😢

We walked the aisles at Shoppers Drug Mart for a while,
browsing all the different baby wipes and it was actually a pharmacist who saw us and recommended the Huggies Natural Care Sensitive Baby Wipes. 

I’m grateful because a year later, these are still the only wipes we use, and she loves them 💛

To celebrate 60 years of caring for Canadians, Shoppers Drug Mart has curated a lineup of Top Picks: 60th Anniversary Edition – a collection of products in skin, body, hair, oral care, and even snacks, there’s something for everyone.

My Top 60 picks:
💛Huggies Natural Care Sensitive Baby Wipes
💛Listerine Total Care
💛Dove Intensive Repair Conditioner
💛John Frieda® Violet Crush Intense Purple Shampoo
💛Veet Pure Face Wax Strips
💛OLLY® Women's Multivitamin Blissful Berry

Congratulations on 60 years, @shoppersdrugmart. Here’s to 60 more!✨💛

PS- can you spot Zeus’s nose sniffin’ around?😂 he is a pro counter surfer 

#Shoppers60 #ShoppersTopPicks
#sponsored #gifted @shoppersdrugmart

Follow my shop @alexaschopfer on the @shop.LTK app to shop this dress 
https://liketk.it/3OivF #rewardstylebloggers #rewardstyle #styleyoucantrust
I’ve seen the trending reels with the audio enco I’ve seen the trending reels with the audio encouraging moms to find themselves, 
“You gotta find you again. Not mom you or wife you, just you, sis” 
I love the trend- but what that audio doesn’t mention, is to find “you” you have to embrace that “mom you” is a new you. 

There is a term for the concept behind this new you. 
It’s called Matrescence.

Similar to how adolescence is a teenager's transition into adulthood, 
matrescence is a woman's transition into motherhood (welcoming all the physical, psychological and hormonal change that come with it.)

A name besides motherhood makes me feel as though mothers are being seen. 
We’re being seen for all that encompasses the journey of matrescence. 

So while finding “you”. 
Seek comfort in the knowledge that the you you find, isn’t going to be the old you. 
It may take time to get used to. 

You didn’t “bounce back”. How could you bounce back from all that you’ve been through?

Instead you’ve bounced up, 
and entered an entirely new, incredible, messy, overly stimulated, loving and rewarding new chapter. 

Welcome, you’re in matrescence ✨ 

Follow my shop @alexaschopfer on the @shop.LTK app to shop our outfits
https://liketk.it/3O8ZD
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

#canadianfamily #familiesofinstagram #momsofinsta #summertime #momlife #familiesofinsta #momsofig #momtruth #momsofinstagram #toddlermomlife #honestmom #motherhoodintheraw #mommandaughter #matrescence #momtalk #toddlermom #honestmotherhood #teammotherly #rewardstylebloggers #rewardstyleblogger #ltkfamily #ltkbaby #styleyoucantrust #basicoutfit #howtostyle
Sunday morning self care, with a few of my favouri Sunday morning self care,
with a few of my favourite things that help me feel refreshed. 💝

From diapers and wipes to skincare and makeup, to seeking pharmacy advice, Shoppers Drug Mart is my one stop shop for all my self care needs, for both me and my family. 

What’s your favourite self care items? 

To celebrate 60 years of caring for Canadians, Shoppers Drug Mart has curated a lineup of Top Picks: 60th Anniversary Edition – a collection of products in skin, body, hair, oral care, and even snacks, there’s something for everyone.

Some of the Top 60 products used:
💛Listerine Total Care
💛Huggies Natural Care Sensitive Baby Wipes
💛Dove Intensive Repair Conditioner
💛John Frieda® Violet Crush Intense Purple Shampoo
💛Veet Pure Face Wax Strips
💛OLLY® Women's Multivitamin Blissful Berry

#Shoppers60 #ShoppersTopPicks
#sponsored #gifted @shoppersdrugmart
My💖💖 In a world that seemingly has it all. My💖💖

In a world that seemingly has it all. There is one thing we lack.  And that’s self kindness.

If I could give my daughter (and nephew) one thing. It would be the gift of being kind to yourself. 
💛🧡💝💙
What’s one gift you’d give your kids? 

Follow my shop @alexaschopfer on the @shop.LTK app to shop my dress
https://liketk.it/3O1eA
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#canadianfamily #familiesofinstagram #couplesofinstagram #couplesofinsta #momsofinsta #dadsofinsta #parentsofinstagram #summertime #momlife #familiesofinsta #momsofig #rewardstylebloggers #rewardstyle #momstyle #momtruth #momsofinstagram #toddlermomlife #honestmom #motherhoodintheraw #mommandaughter #toddlermom #honestmotherhood
From sipping bone broth to browsing the different From sipping bone broth to browsing the different collagen powders at @shoppersdrugmart- I’ll try it all for some extra collagen. 
But did you know to look for specific numbers when looking at collagen powders?

 NeoCell® Super CollagenTM is made up of hydrolyzed collagen peptides type 1 & 3. The types that make up 90% of the body’s total collagen supply. 

The body’s natural collagen production typically slows with age - lucky us😢😂 
With the help of Super CollagenTM it provides us with some of the amino acids our body needs to support the healthy synthesis of the collagen proteins in our hair, skin and nails. 

And the Lysol ® Disinfecting Wipes help to keep my counters clean, furniture sticky free, and quick wipe downs wherever we go- killing 99.9% of viruses and bacteria. 
The same Lysol protection is now fully biodegradable in home and municipal compost.(check  locally as appropriate municipal composting, facilities may not exist in your area)
 
Don’t forget from August 13th - September 9th Shoppers Drug Mart is hosting the Celebrating 60 Contest. 
The contest gives Canadians a chance to win larger-than-life prizes!
To enter, scan your PC OptimumTM App or Shoppers Drug Mart® App at the time of purchase of your item(s) at any participating Shoppers Drug Mart store location.

 Have you tried the collagen powders from @shoppersdrugmart? What’s your favourite one?

#sponsored #Shoppers60Partner #Shoppers60 #ShoppersTopPicks
Spent the weekend fighting off a nasty cold. It’ Spent the weekend fighting off a nasty cold.
It’s as if my body knew the only way I’d rest is if it gave me no other option. 
We have to remember to rest - but when?😂
Feels good to feel good again.
Enjoy this rainy Monday ✨💖

Follow my shop @alexaschopfer on the @shop.LTK app to shop this outfit!
https://liketk.it/3NpqN 

#momsofinstagram #momsofinsta #ootd #wiwtd #momstyle #amazonfinds #styleyoucantrust #ltkfashion #millennialmom

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