I’ve never really been a fan of Sundays until recently. Throughout my life, Sundays have indicated the impending doom of Monday… Back to school or worse, work.

Since I’ve been a stay-at-home mother and wife to a student, the weekends have blurred. I’m grateful that Justin is around most weekends, but generally he spends a good deal of time studying those days anyway. Realizing that this was a pattern that wouldn’t change any time soon, I decided to make Sundays our family days. I try to cook a big meal for dinner, and the kids both know that the final day of the calendar week means Family Movie Night. Sundays have become the day of the week that I most look forward to.

It occurred to me one night when I was up late nursing Beau that I haven’t taken my camera out to record a day out in the city with my kids in a really long time. So, I picked a Sunday and we hit the streets with our scooters and my SLR to explore and visit our favorite shops.

This is an example of My Favorite Sunday in New York City. Just me and the kids.

These guys are so well behaved out in the city (or I wouldn’t feel comfortable navigating around the traffic with them). It’s still nerve wracking, but so cool to watch them absorb the city on their scooters, even taking a break to get their groove on by a street vendor and his boom box. Sundays are particularly quiet in Manhattan, so they make for great adventure days.

This was one of Beau’s first trips outside in the stroller. I love wearing him in the Moby Wrap, but watching his big dark grey eyes peer out of the blankets at the wonder of the city was so sweet. His bright gaze reminds me of the way we all looked at the city when we first landed here.

We made it just in time for story time and then lunch at our favorite book store, Books of Wonder.

Afterwards, we went across the street to City Bakery for their famous hot chocolate, homemade marshmallows and pretzel croissants. This is a huge treat, to be sure. The hot chocolate tastes like warm, melted chocolate bars.

Needless to say, they definitely had energy to ride to the park and then home afterwards.

We get excited about fire stations.

This is my favorite block in our neighborhood.

Our days here in Manhattan are numbered. These moments listening to stories, sharing hot chocolates, dancing all over town and swinging at our favorite playground are sealed forever into my memory as some of the very best of my life. How do you hold on to a time that you know you’ll always want to come back to? It’s not just the city that I’ll miss… It’s the city right now. Right now, when my children still have the dimples on their knuckles and stars in their eyes.

I could probably count how many Sundays we have left before we move somewhere else-most likely back to the Bay Area. Justin is graduating from Dental School in just about a year and a half and my feelings are mixed about it. There are days-mostly the cold days when we’re stuck in the apartment-that I look forward to moving back. We miss our family and friends like crazy, and they are the only things tugging at my heart strings from all the way in California.

Living my days in a series of “lasts” is a great way to appreciate every single thing about the present-something I discovered when we decided to move to NYC two and a half years ago. I have to remember that life is about change, and uprooting is a great facilitator for learning and growing around circumstance.

The birth of our third child raised a common question with us: Whether or not we would cloth diaper or stick with our trusty disposables. Both my husband and I are very eco-friendly minded and try to make many-if not all-of our consumer decisions based on their ability to be kind to the planet. We flip-flopped between the two diaper options with each child, considering all things: waste, resource depletion, cost, and of course ease. Each time we have landed with disposable through trial and error, but haven’t been completely happy with what we ended up with, all things considered. We haven’t pulled the trigger on a cloth diaper service, and the disposables we use are easy, but they aren’t eco-friendly-to our disappointment.

On Tuesday night, Beau and I attended the launch of The Honest Company, a non-toxic, eco-friendly baby products line founded by Jessica Alba and Christopher Gavigan that are delivered automatically with a simple monthly subscription.

Jessica Alba meeting Beau and I

The event, hosted by Nicole Feliciano of MomTrends, took place at the super swank ABC Kitchen and was attended by a small selection of New York City bloggers.

Christopher Gavigan, Nicole Feliciano and Jessica Alba

I was honored to receive an invitation, and enjoyed learning all about the product line and inspiration behind it. Jessica was candid, genuine and completely adorable. “When I became a mom, I finally became the person I am, that I always should have been,” she says. “It’s the most satisfying job in the world. But, it can also be overwhelming and confusing. I created The Honest Company to help moms and to give all children a better, safer start.”

It pains me to post this photo, but this is Jessica, me, and Christopher Gavigan

Nicole Feliciano and I

I took the products home and immediately put them to the test. I am happy to report that of the baby products I tested, I really liked-especially the disposable diapers. They are super cute while being eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, non- toxic, chlorine-free, sustainable, and made with plant-based materials.

Once you sign up for an Honest Company account, you are instructed to add your children and build your nursery. To begin with, everyone is offered a free trial while only being charged for a minimal shipping fee-a feature that I can appreciate, because this is something you want to LOVE before signing up for a monthly delivery. Also, for a limited time they are offering Honest Wipes to be delivered for free for the length of your membership.

There are two options for orders: The Diaper Bundle, customized to your preferences for $79.95 a month (the number of diapers sent monthly depends on the size of the diaper). The Family Essentials Bundle is $35.95 and is also tailored to your needs. It comes with Shampoo & Body Wash, Face & Body Lotion, Healing Balm, Laundry Detergent and Hand Soap. After the first month, subscribers can personalize and choose from nine other Honest products in the suite.

The Diaper Bundle

The Family Essentials Bundle

Each of the products boasts an “Honestly Free Guarantee”, that the products will be free of the following toxins: phthalates, PVC, benzene, TEA, MEA, parabens, petroleum distillates, phosphates, chlorine, chlorinated or brominated solvents, synthetic fragrances, polyethylene glycol (PEG), propylene glycol, quaternium 15, GMOs, nanoparticles, triclosan, DMDM hydantoin, organophosphate pesticides, 1-4 dioxane, sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates, optical brighteners, bisphenol-A (BPA), heavy metals, alkyl phenol /nonyl phenol, formaldehyde-based preserving agents, artificial fillers, dimethicone, and more.

I’m personally looking forward to having an eco-friendly diapering option that I can count on showing up at my apartment without me having to remember to order them. I’m struggling to remember to shower and eat these days, not to mention walking to the drug store in the freezing temps for diapers is not fun (trust me). Also? The fashion forward side of me is very excited about the super cute, logo free designs. It’s about time that cute diapers came out that aren’t “designer” and high priced, don’t you think? I’m relieved to finally have an eco-friendly diapering option.

It was a treat to meet Jessica and Chris, too. They are lovely people that have honestly gotten behind their product and poured their hearts into it. Beau slept through his introduction to Jessica, which I’m pretty sure he’ll live to regret.

I was not compensated for this post. I did receive a small sample of products at the event for review purposes.

The last five weeks since Beau was born have been filled with love, laughter, exploration, frustration, exasperation and many, many lessons.

Jack and Zoe have been troopers as we grow and mold our lives to accommodate this new little being into our family. We’ve done everything we can to keep their lives as “normal” and uninterrupted as possible. They are creatures of habit, so every day begins and ends exactly the same way in terms of routine… right down to the order in which they drink their milk and water before bed. It’s a science that only a fool would dare tinker with.

In an effort to promote their individuality and give them something that is their own, we signed them up for a couple of special activities that they chose for themselves: Tae Kwon Do and Ballet (this gender divide is REAL and completely organic, I am here to tell you).

They know exactly which day is theirs and love every minute of their chosen sport, though I’m not sure if I’m the one that loves it the most in the end.

My greatest concern about having more than one child was if I would be able to give each one enough of our attention. We’re finding ways to make this happen on an individualized basis, but it’s a work in progress.

I generally put Beau in a baby carrier (I’d be lost without the Moby Wrap) and walk with Jack or Zoe to their programs, hand in hand. He is young enough still that he sleeps for hours in the wrap, so while it isn’t exactly individual time with the older kids it’s still really special. We walk through the city talking and sipping hot chocolate, and somehow the chaos of the city dissipates outside of our little bubble. Floating along amongst the honking cars, hustling pedestrians talking on cell phones, delivery guys whizzing by on bikes and impatient cabbies is far less deafening than the screams of the dirty dishes and unwashed laundry in the confines of my apartment.

I leave my home most days just for a morsel of peace. Outside in the city with my children is when I can really focus on them without the impatient nagging of endless, meaningless chores and tasks waiting to be done at home.

(I love this city like crazy.)

Once the bigs are down for the night, I’m able to fawn over and coddle sweet little Beau. He takes a bath nearly every night to calm him before his first big sleep stretch.

It is one of my favorite parts of each day.

Even though this is my third baby, all of these things feel so new again- and I love them even more. Probably because I know first hand how fleeting this baby stage is, I’m cherishing each and every single moment with Beau-even the less-than-pleasant ones.

I’m completely addicted to this baby.

Life as I know it has changed drastically and while it is extraordinarily beautiful in many, many ways, I’m struggling to reclaim even a shred of the corner I had carved out just for myself. It’s like I’ve been crawling around blindfolded trying to find it and while I know it’s there, I can’t feel it or touch it or BE in it for even a moment.

This is life with a new baby, life with three children, life as a full time mother and wife. I love my life. I just miss being able to do the things that make me feel productive and fulfill the creative part of me that I’ve discovered in the last two years.

There are many fantastic things on the horizon for us as a family and for Momma’s Gone City (my creative side). I can’t wait to share them with you. Until then I will be delved deep in my role as mother and wife, learning lessons and living and savoring each moment with all of my babies before they go and grow up too fast.

This holiday weekend was full of firsts… And lasts.

We’ve never celebrated Thanksgiving without having members of our extended family in our company (although, we did do Easter alone last April!). It was a big deal last year, and it was an even bigger deal this year. We celebrated our first and last Thanksgiving as a family of four, and it was perfect.

I started to cook on Monday making the cranberry sauce, Tuesday came the mashed potatoes, and on Wednesday I made the dough for rolls and baked a few pies. Thursday was entirely spent in the kitchen, and while I loved every moment-my body is still paying the price. Cooking a large dinner in a miniature sized kitchen with a tiny oven should be an Olympic sport… One that those who are nine months pregnant probably shouldn’t partake in. However, this was our holiday and I was determined to make it memorable for my husband and children.

Aside from a few burns, an accidentally dumped bowl of apple & Italian sausage stuffing and a soupy apple pie, dinner was peaceful and delicious. The memories of celebrating together will last with me for ages-we won’t have this time together ever again.

That morning after I put the turkey in the oven, we walked over to Midtown to peek at the Macy’s Day Parade. It certainly wasn’t anything like last year, but it was pretty awesome in it’s own way. We picked up hot chocolates and scones and stood in the crowded streets, craning our necks to peek at the balloons.

The next morning, after sleeping really well with overly stuffed bellies (mine absolutely included, even considering I was full after eating three bites of mashed potatoes), we geared up to decorate the apartment in anticipation of Christmas. Music flooded though all 780 square feet of this space while we dug out the tree from under our bed and carefully placed each ornament. I don’t think I could love this time a year more-and living here in Manhattan feels like a dream every time I step outside. It really is magical.

Our third child is due in almost exactly 2 weeks. I’ve actually really enjoyed this last trimester, and even dressing up my belly, which in the past as been more of a frustration than anything. I’m hormonal, cranky, super duper emotional and still craving foods like they’re going out of style. I’m also blissed out with excitement about having a brand new little baby in our life.

Jack has seemed to mellow out since his episodes prompted me to write about them in exasperation. Your responses, emails and support has helped me more than you can imagine. Sometimes parenting is petrifying. This community and all of my friends have gotten me through one of the toughest obstacles I’ve encountered as a parent thus far. I have a hunch that he has some anxiety about the new baby, but it could be anything. Time will tell.

Until this little guy decides to make his grand entrance, I’m trying to spend as much time with these two as I possibly can. That is, in between the craze of daily life, preparing for the holidays, gearing up for our newest addition and just being grateful. Period.

Every year before the holidays kick off, Ocean Spray brings a gigantic cranberry bog to the middle of Manhattan-smack in the middle of Rockefeller Center. In the realm of crazy and amazing things to behold in New York City, a 1,500-square-foot bog filled with 2,000 lbs. of floating cranberries will definitely not go unnoticed.

This year, Ocean Spray debuted an open-air pop-up restaurant inside the “Big Apple Bog” and invited Ming Tsai-owner and executive chef of Blue Ginger restaurant to host the “Cranberry Mix & MINGle.”

Along with 30 other guests, I was able to attend the event-I even got INTO the bog in waders at 8 months pregnant-I wasn’t about to pass that opportunity up. We met the Ocean Spray growers, learned all about cranberry harvesting and ate the delectable creations of Chef Ming. It was a pretty neat night.

Have you ever heard of a cranberry bog? Apparently three quarters of Americans have never heard of one-I was one of them last year before this same event took place. The harvesting of cranberries is a really cool process, actually. When they are ready, the beds they are grown in are actually flooded so that the cranberries float to the top and are easy to corral with reel harvesters. They are then conveyed and taken to a facility for cleaning and packaging.

I personally will be making my own cranberry sauce tomorrow, using the incredible Jennifer Perillo’s Spiced Scented Cranberry Sauce recipe. Making home made cranberry sauce is actually really easy-so easy that it’s hard to believe that 75% of Americans buy canned cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving. I challenge you to try to make it on your own this year!

These are the kinds of adventures that I feel lucky to be apart of and will remember as a part of our New York City life long after we leave. I’m already nostalgic.

For recipes all-things-cranberry and information from Ocean Spray, head over to their Ocean Spray Kitchen site.

I was not compensated in any way for this post.

October is usually my second favorite month of the year. I love the changing of the seasons, the introduction of all things pumpkin to every menu, dressing up in costumes and watching my kids enjoying the excitement of Halloween.

We spent time at the Union Square Greenmarket a couple of weeks ago, gathering our gourd and vegetable bounty and playing at Evelyn’s playground. Just me and them.

These times are dwindling when it is just the three of us, yet I can’t seem to grasp on to each one long enough.

We’ve been busier than ever before. Our lives are so full with Dental School, preschool and my various projects that the days are flying by rapidly. At night, after the kids and Justin have gone to bed and it’s just me and the glow of my laptop, is when I can really just sit and bond with this new little soul we’re going to meet soon.

I’m already getting emotional about the precious time spent with my two little sidekicks before our world changes and we are no longer a party of 4, but a family of 5.

We are all really excited to meet the new baby. Zoe still carries on regular conversations with my belly and Jack thinks of something new every day that he wants to teach his little brother. The nursery is nearly finished, his crib is built and there’s a perfectly cleaned bassinet waiting to rock his sweet little self to sleep right next to my side of the bed.

While this is our third child and we feel as though we’ve prepared as best as we know how (and honestly better than the first two), our eldest seems as though he isn’t handling the impending changes very well, and is showing it behavior that we haven’t seen from him before.

Jack recently tested for and ultimately qualified to receive speech and “play” therapy sessions four times a week. We were concerned that his confidence was being affected by his awareness surrounding his delay. While we weren’t entirely sure how the play therapy would help-he’s perfectly fine in social situations-we agreed and someone has been coming to our apartment twice a week to play games with him one-on-one.

Since the beginning of the sessions, Jack’s behavior at home has gotten almost completely unmanageable. He’s frustrated and struggling for attention and power in nearly every single situation, and it’s left his father and I at a complete loss as to how to help him.

These days have left me feeling like every day I’m up in front of the class facing the chalkboard, chalk in hand, waiting for the right answer to come to me. Every ounce of me is begging for a revelation so that I’m not left standing there in front of everyone waiting for me to come up with the right answer. Yet it never comes.

Just when I think I’ve got this parenting gig all figured out, out comes a curve ball from left field to remind me that this life is about constant education. I am incredibly blessed to have a very bright, very sensitive and aware little boy that needs me desperately to help him find comfort and confidence within himself. I wish with everything I am that I knew how to help him, and that giant void is wreaking havoc on my mental state. It feels like the elements are combining into one giant force, like the rise of a silent tsunami.

I do believe that this is a phase. The water will recede and I know that we’ll make it out on the other side unscathed and proud that we landed yet another hurdle of growing pains. However, trying to prepare for a new child on top of this is a bit more overwhelming that I was emotionally prepared for.

Amidst all of the chaos, I’ve tried to focus on the still and beauty within the spinning carousal. And of that there is much.

Pretty soon, there will be an entirely new reason to stop and focus on the preciousness of the immediate… Our little baby blessing arriving in a little more than a month.

My husband is very supportive of my life as a blogger. He sees what it does for me, how I’m able to use my voice in a very unique way and the adult version of my life that I get to explore all on my own. I’ve written much about how this outlet has improved and changed my life in incredible ways.

Every once in a while, an event comes along that is right up his alley and I can bring him into my blogging world a bit. Being the basketball buff that he is, when I received the invitation to attend a launch event that New York Knicks NBA superstar Amar’e Stoudemire was hosting, I immediately suggested that he take Jack to meet Amar’e and cover the event for me.

It just so happened that the event was for the launch of a video game called Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure, which was written by Academy Award-nominated Toy Story feature film writers, Joel Cohen and Alec Sokolow- who were also at the event and willing to spend a few minutes chatting with Justin and high-fiving Jack. Talk about the perfect combination for my guys!

Where did you get the inspiration to create stories like this for children?

Alec Sokolow: “Tequila! No, really, I have a 14 year old daughter and a 12 year old son, and Joel has a 14 year old daughter as well. To be honest with you, I’ve always loved movies. I wanted to jump onto the screen as a kid, it’s something that is larger than life for me. So, when I had the chance, my parents were supportive enough of me to start living that crazy ambition with me. I got to live in movies and I still do- it’s far more interesting than the real world.”

How was the transition to video games? It’s much different than movies.

Joel Cohen: “It is different, yet at the same time it’s still storytelling. The link for us is character creation, and that is something we’ve always loved doing. Here was an opportunity to create 30 new characters, which was really interesting for us- it’s certainly not work. ”

The event itself was very exciting. The Boys and Girls Club was on hand to celebrate the festivities clad in Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure pajamas, snacking on mini burger and playing their hearts out with the new game. I know Jack was intrigued- especially as we haven’t introduced him to real video games yet.

Amar’e himself is very involved in the youth of America. I was interested to learn that he spends a great deal of time in the communities with children, and is even writing a series of children’s books published by Scholastic called Stat: Standing Tall and Talented.

What are you doing for the kids in the community?

“What I do is a lot of educational points for the kids, so I travel around a lot teaching them what it takes to be successful, and that is my goal.”

What about basketball? Do you get out and play with them?

“I do, but I don’t want them to just look at it as being an athlete. There’s so much more to being an athlete. I’m trying to break beyond that barrier to get them to realize that education is far more important. “

I’m a dental student. Do you brush your teeth twice a day?

“Yeah yeah!”

Tell me about your children’s book.

“My book is being released through Scholastic, it’s called Home Court: Standing Tall and Talented. It’s a great book man, it’s for the youth. It’s motivational, getting them to overcome bullying and how to succeed in school. It also gives a small snippet into my own life-my personal friends and stories.”

The boys had a great night out on the town together, and I was pretty impressed with Justin’s interviewing skills! I personally would have drilled Amar’e about his fashion collaboration with Rachel Roy called RACHEL, but this video is pretty fun to watch whether or not you’re a fashion or basketball buff.

It’s so neat for me to watch my family exploring my world and enjoying the many fun things that I am lucky enough to be a part of. These are memories that will last us a lifetime.

I was not compensated in any way for this post.

As the kids have gotten older, we’ve gotten more mobile around the city via public transportation. Where we used to walk for blocks and blocks, two kids tucked in the stroller and myself armed with a latte, we now pack light and simply walk to the nearest bus or subway station. Being that Zoe is still young enough that her little legs just can’t carry her around the city without getting tuckered out, we tend to bring a stroller out with us, anyway. This means that the particular stroller must be light enough to carry up and down steps and compact to fit onto trains and busses.

Enter the Maclaren Volo. Closing in at 9 pounds including the shopping basket and hood, this stroller is nearly the perfect travel companion. My favorite feature of the Volo is the attached strap that allows for the stroller to be carried in the folded position, slung over my shoulder along with my purse and shopping bags.

The Maclaren Volo allows me to go anywhere and everywhere, and that is a bit of freedom that is very rare when traveling with strollers & children. I don’t have to worry about the space that it takes up at tiny restaurants or boutiques, or being able to get into and out of taxi cabs in a hurry. As a parent, anything that lends ease and adaptability is welcomed 100% into my life. Not to mention, with a brand like Maclaren, you know they stand behind their product and make excellent strollers.

Specifics:

Basic Weight
4.0kg/ 8.8lb
(without hood, shopping basket or raincover)
Carrying Capacity
up to 15kg/ 55lb (US)
Appropriate From
Six months
Recline
One position
Wheel Size
11.4cm/ 4.5in

The only issue that I had with the Volo is the absence of a recline position. Given the lightweight aspect of the stroller, I understand how that is a compromised feature but for us it’s a pretty big one. Once we are out and about, usually we are gone for hours and typically Zoe needs a nap. Even still, she doesn’t seem to mind-it doesn’t affect her ability to fall asleep!

Win It!

I’m so thrilled that I can pass along one of these awesome strollers to one of my readers! Loving is sharing, right?

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment telling me what aspect you appreciate the very most in a stroller.

One comment per person, please.

EXTRA ENTRIES

*Follow Maclaren on Facebook, and leave a comment letting me know you did (or already are).

*Follow Momma’s Gone City on Facebook and/OR subscribe to Momma’s Gone City and leave a comment letting me know you did (or already do!).

*Tweet about the contest using the following:” I’ve entered to win a Maclaren Volo from @MommasGoneCity and @MaclarenNA here: http://t.co/ucXwsOWO ”

Leave one comment with link to let me know you tweeted about the contest (one per person).

Contest runs from today, September 28th until midnight PST Friday, October 7th. Good luck and happy traveling!

UPDATE: Winner Announced!

Our winner, chosen by And The Winner Is, is Lisa Danielle Grice! Thank you to everyone who entered! Congratulations, Lisa!
I was not compensated for this post, however I was provided with a Maclaren Volo Stroller for purposes of this review. All opinions are my own.

My four-year-old daughter and I went first to McDonald’s in the Chelsea section of Manhattan for the launch of the new Happy Meal, an event hosted with Moms and the City. I remember Happy Meals from my childhood. Oh, do I remember them well. Growing up in the suburbs lent itself to drive-thru cuisine. It is less that case in the city. I don’t think my three children have been to a McDonald’s other than during a road trip the Cape Cod. While my husband is a life-long McDonald’s fan, I gave up fast food (except when I’m pregnant, for some reason), and I would rather my kids not develop a taste for it–historically, the fried, the fatty, the super sized. Still, I went to the event open minded because as parents, we really have to be aware of available choices. And hungry. I went there very hungry.

I was more than a little curious–and, did I mention, hungry?–about the new Happy Meal, which has always comprised a Hamburger, Cheeseburger or Chicken McNuggets, standard fries and drink, along with a toy. I learned from the senior director of nutrition for McDonald’s, Cindy Goody, that in developing a balanced Happy Meal, McDonald’s is responding to to parents’ concerns and requests for healthier food choices and portion sizes.

The newest version of the happy meal is basically this: included are a smaller sized fries, which total 100 calories, and Apple Dippers (apple slices with sauce) with every Happy Meal. The choice of entree is still available, and there are low-fat milks to choose from. And of course, there is a toy. The new Happy Meal is being rolled out first in the tri-state area.

One thing I found pretty cool and interesting was the Plan and Learn activity board at the event, showing different meal variables with the calorie counts. Kids are encouraged to put a meal together for less than 600 calories. I was a little disappointed that this wasn’t available as a take-away. I think kids would like playing with the pictures, while learning what a “meal” looks like. (I did mention this, so maybe soon?) A different version of this is available on the web site, complete with calorie counts for all McDonald’s products.

McDonald’s acknowledges its huge responsibility as a brand that we rely on regularly to feed our hungry, growing, busy families. My concern is always that not all American families have the same options and opportunities when it comes to even basic needs. So it does make me happy that McDonald’s is taking steps toward helping parents provide easy, economical and better food choices.

Am I now a converted fan of McDonald’s? Not necessarily, but I did feel better having Molly eat her new Happy Meal on the way home; and I gained a fair understanding of the company’s goals regarding their consumers’ health, and more comfort with the food choices. I will bring my children to McDonald’s on occasion to enjoy the kid-friendly atmosphere of the restaurants and to try the popular Happy Meals as well . Gee… I wonder if they’ll like them!

Wendy lives in New York City with toddler twins plus a preschooler. She credits her productivity to coffee, and her best friendships, to wine. Find Wendy making errors in grammar and judgment at mamaonetothree.com, @mamaonetothree on Twitter, and on Facebook.

I was not compensated for this post, however we did receive a Happy Meal to test drive for purposes of this review. All opinions are, as always, authentic.

This year’s kickoff to New York Fashion Week was just a teensy bit different than how I celebrated last year. As it turns out, being nearly 7 months pregnant will make you stick out like a sore thumb on a night that is filled with lanky models and super chic fashionistas. One thing I have made sure of is that I don’t lose my sense of style (much) during this pregnancy. I even made a pact with myself that I would go as long as possible without purchasing a single item of maternity wear, and I’m happy to report that I lasted almost 7 months.

Anthropologie has come to my rescue many, many times over during this pregnancy and my last one.

Last week during Fashion’s Night Out, I headed over to Destination Maternity’s flagship store to celebrate the launch of “Celebrities 4 Maternity Denim,” an online auction to support the March of Dimes. Destination Maternity provided celebrity moms Laila Ali, Heidi Klum, Naomi Watts, Jewel, Nicole Sullivan, Diane Farr, Camila Alves, Busy Philipps, and Kaitlin Olson each with a pair of its exclusive designer maternity jeans to embellish. These one-of-a kind denim jeans can be viewed and bid on from August 25 to September 22 at www.biddingforgood.com/celebs4maternitydenim a

The auction is an initiative between Destination Maternity and the March of Dimes to raise awareness about the importance of preventing preterm birth so more babies can get a healthy start in life. Bidding began at $300 per pair of jeans. All proceeds will support the March of Dimes.

I was able to meet and chat with the super gorgeous mama, Laila Ali…

…and I even picked up some new clothes at A Pea in the Pod: JBrand Jeans, a Splendid tank and even a pair of preggo Spanx. Let’s just say I’m very, very happy with my decision to give in to my pride and buy some big girl clothes. They are very comfortable, and I was even able to get a decent deal.

I must say how nice it is to feel good in maternity clothing. I have always detested wearing-and buying-maternity clothing, but the comfort and style options make all the difference in the way that I feel (and afterwards, it’s pretty easy to sell these pieces on EBay so that the investment is minimal).

It was great to be a part of New York Fashion Week that also supports the March of Dimes. I couldn’t have asked for a better event!

I was not compensated for this post in any way.