I’ve already liked them:) I’ve started napping when the twins do…they’re 2 now but I am just now listening to the “sleep when they do” advice. It’s helped, better than running face first into walls.

I like Shabby Apple on facebook and I would love the Matinee dress. So crisp for the summer.

Well, that was fun – you look great and I want that dress! You can keep the exhaustion though. It’s so hard to be sleep deprived. Wish I could offer words of encouragement, but as you said, these days are fleeting. Mabry already looks so much older. So glad you didn’t suffer damage from the storm but what an unreasonably hot summer you are having. You’d think you were living here in Texas. OK, off to facebook now to like Shabby Apple and as for what is my favorite Shabby Apple item, I’m going to say, this dress. It is just my style.

Oh I am SO in your shoes. We just had our third (another boy) in February. I to am breast feeding and even though I have lost the weight, all I seem to get in these days is running shorts….that I never run or even get to walk in..ha ha and tank tops. I am just getting by day to day and like you trying to remember that one day I WILL miss these times. Love your blog!!!

I just “liked” them. And I think I like the dress you are wearing! When my youngest was 6 weeks old (my older one was nearly 3) I had MAJOR surgery. It sucked, and I can now understand the true meaning of exhaustion. The best thing for me was to hand the wee peanut off to the husband and take a nap. Even 30 minutes was awesome. More than half the time, my older one would come curl up in bed with me and watch cartoons. I almost miss those days.

Your hair looks great! And I would definitely get the dress you have on here! So flattering.

Oh, my hair! It needs trimmed badly. Mabrey has started getting her fingers tangled in it and it’s HOT – in a sweaty, gross way.

I actually pref my hair long in the summer so I can put it in a high bun or ponny and it will all be off my neck without small pieces falling out all the time.

Love the dress you’re wearing. I am 37 weeks, and hope to look as good as you postpartum.You look amazing! I push thru exhaustion by drinking lots of water & taking a potassium pill.

I love shabby apple’s dresses. I already have two, great fit and nice quality. You look great. One day at a time, i guess….

I already like them on Facebook. And as for exhaustion… Ugh I have no advice! We had our second in February and honestly I have no idea how you’ve evens managed to blog with three and one so little!! And we’re having the same issue here – little Miss won’t take a bottle at all. So anyway, point is I feel your pain and I’d love to win the gift card!
Best, Lizzie

I love the ‘Baciami’ dress…they have so many cute clothes! As for the exhaustion issue, with two very active boys who both decided to not nap after age 2, I guess I’ve just learned to deal with it. Exercise definitely helps, caffeine is sometimes needed, and when it gets to be too much, my wonderful husband goes in to work late and lets me sleep in while he gets up with the boys. ;)

I love the Pina Colada dress! It’s my current favorite…but I get lost on the Shabby Apple website and regularly come up with new favorites.

I have a 3 year old, a 1 year old, and I’m due any day now with my third. I’m pretty sure that I’ve just acclimated to being without sleep. Caffeine doesn’t help much, but when I’m really exhausted I drink ice cold water and try to do “sit down” activities with the kids…things like reading books and watching a movie. I’m pretty much napping anytime they nap right now. I should be more ambitious and actually get something done while they nap…but it just doesn’t happen!

Really like Shabby Apple! Sorry about the exhaustion. I have three also and I know it isn’t easy but it’s so worth it. Enjoy your little girl!

You look amazing in that dress! I went and liked them, and I have to say I’m in love with the Andes Skirt. The pattern is lovely!

Love the Dessert Blossom – color, cut and those ruffles on the sleeves are all just perfect!

I’ve been a fan and “liked” them for quite some time now!

You look beautiful, and the exhaustion is not showing, trust me!

I get less than 2 hours of sleep per night (on average), and my only way of coping is to exercise first thing out of bed and fueling myself with a super-powered morning smoothie with spinach, chia seeds, Greek yogurt, wild blueberries, and a mix of other berries. I’m somewhat functional after that. ;)

My fourth (and last) baby is almost one and I am glad for the advice of taking pictures together. Especially dressed up! I am getting pretty good sleep now and have been for a while. Hang in there. You are only a few months away!

I love the dress you are wearing and the wrap dresses! You look so pretty!
Kelly B

Just stumbled upon your blog… You and your baby are so beautiful!! I really like that second picture of you two. :)

I’m just a big sister (to five:), which can be exhausting sometimes…though I’m sure I never get as exhausted as a momma would.

I like Shabby Apple on Facebook and love the I’m Late! I’m Late! dress.

mybeagleboo{at}gmail{dot}com

I liked Shabby Apple
Thanks!

That dress is just perfect! I browsed the Shabby Apple website and fell in love with two dresses: Gray Fox & Puca Pucara. LOVE! As for fighting fatigue, I’ve never had a baby so I can’t even imagine. Mabrey is just precious!

liked!
I’ve been pining after the Andes skirt for a long time!! Though I also LOVE the Study Break dress and the Off Campus dress (go figure… I’m a student!)
I just finished a nightmarish semester – to get through I took a lot of naps and drank a LOT of Starbucks Americanos!!

Your Mabrey is so adorable. You look fabulous too, but it’s hard to compete with babies. :) I’ve been checking out that Shabby Apple dress for awhile now – it’s just gorgeous. (Also, I ‘liked’ them on fb.)

I love the blog! The best thing for the exhaustion may be to hire someone or ask/bribe family/grandparents to watch your kiddos while you take a nap a couple times a week. Don’t let yourself get sucked into dishes (your help will probably do them for you). Since you are the only one feeding Mabrey you need to keep your strength up. I have been the helper through 3 kids now and their mom really appreciates the rest. She says she able to spend better time with her kids and her hubby when she is semi-rested and her kids like hanging out with someone different.

Liked! I love the dress you have on, looks so comfy! Thanks for the great giveaway! As far as exhaustion goes, give it time. When my little one was born it took months before I had energy again. It sucks being so tired but eventually it will pass as baby becomes less high maintenance.

I have liked them on fb – like forever :) Favorite dress in Nothin like a dame!!! So lovely!

Hire a housekeeper if possible :) Trader Joes dark coffee 4.99 per container!!! So good!!!

You look beautiful. Being 11 weeks postpartum myself, I’d love a little something special. For my exhaustion it’s been coffee. Although, I camt complain. This baby sleeps through the night. If only #1 would sleep past 5:45am :/

Hi Dana: Happy 4th of July! I have been reading your blog for a few months now and am really enjoying it. I can’t believe how much you do! I had a baby girl on Jan. 9th (I also have a 2.9 year old girl). I feel your pain! My second daughter has been much pickier than the first EVER was. I have heard from all kinds of mothers that this is a survival tactic on the baby’s part, maintaining attention with other siblings around. It works! Anyway, I nursed my now 6 month old for 5.5 months. She refused a bottle and a binky and loved to cry ALL THE TIME. Finally, over Memorial Day weekend we randomly tried to see if she would take a bottle with formula (we had tried several times before with no luck) and she did! Then we tried the binky and she finally took that too. I think they just have to go at their own pace and your daughter will accept the bottle when she is ready. I would definitely recommend sleeping while she naps, especially with your boys being a little bit older, they can entertain themselves somewhat, or just watch a movie while you rest. (I’m a huge believer in “quiet time”, allowing one nice break for everyone during the day, even if the boys don’t want to nap, they can settle down and chill while you rest for a liitle bit.). Don’t push yourself too much or you will completely burn out, and that doesn’t help anyone. Slow and steady is my recommendation, and keep trying the bottle every once in a while. Your daughter will likely surprise you one day. At around 4 months, babies can transition to a schedule (staying awake for 2 hours, then napping 3 times a day, eating every 4 hours, and sleeping longer stretches at night). This also helps. Before you know it, she’ll be asking for her own cell phone :). Take care. You have a beautiful home, blog, and family.

OMG I love their dresses, have never heard of them before so this is great!!!! I find it soooooo hard to get dresses that suit me. I love all the “Pear” shaped dresses, but my favourite is “Heart of Me”. Happy 4th July :)

I liked them on Facebook and love the “tow the line” dress! SO CUTE

I love the Beauty Mark dress – so pretty! When my little ones were newborns, I always looked for any chance to nap that I could get. And I was religious about going to bed early. I don’t function on too little sleep!

I have liked them on FB already – I love all of their things & am really loving the one you have on (desert modern), though in honor of it being the 4th, I also love the Overboard dress!

I liked Shabby Apple and I like the gray fox dress!

I love the Jabberwocky skirt and liked Shabby Apple on FB. Your photos are lovely–you and I are the same height and almost same weight! I’m pregnant with #2 right now so I weigh a bit more than my typical 115 pounds–sometimes it feels like it is all in my boobs :)

Im 12 weeks out from #2, so I’m loving your dress!!! Going to fb now:)

i liked shabby apple and my favorite dress is the raquet club one. i’m a sucker for stripes!

you look amazing. i’m four years out from having twins and still struggling with my new shape. i am finally getting sleep though. hang in there!!

I love the Serenade, it looks so comfortable but I also love the Pina colada. =)

I have four kids, 10, 6, 4, 2, so I am always exhausted. Caffeine is my friend. I also love to cuddle on the couch for movie time about once a week with the kids. It gives us all some much needed down time.

Just liked Shabby Apple on facebook. I’m loving the Cape Cod Skirt, although it makes me long to be at the Cape instead of at school!

I liked Shabby Apple on Facebook. Their clothes are all so beautiful….I had a tough time choosing just one favorite. I love The Mama Mia dress (expecting #4)!

oh my . i’d love to win this. i have no wise words for the exhaustion, just alot of envy for your beautiful postpartum figure.

I LOVE the Serenade dress! Luckily I haven’t had to deal with that kind of exhaustion too often, but I would just take a catnap that would revive me for a bit! Unfortunately with 3 kids that’s not possible!

Liked them!

I adore all of their dresses, they are beautiful. As far as exhaustion goes, I don’t have any good advice for you. But you look amazing!

I just liked them on Facebook. Love the dress you are wearing and the jabberwocky skirt. This is a great blog and you and your daughter are gorgeous. I hope you get some rest soon!

I love all of their stuff, but I really like the Jitterbug dress. I am also really liking their swimsuits!!! When I get exhausted the last thing I do is sit on the couch or I am done. I try to gain more energy by doing house work or going to the gym to exercise!!!

Liked!!! Beauty mark or Andes…so hard to choose just one!!

I liked Shabby Apple on Facebook and checked out their site. They have so many beautiful things to choose from! I really like the Gray Fox dress—the combination of the dark blue and ruffles is so feminine and chic.

I don’t have any good tips for exhaustion, unfortunately. I tend to just sit in front of the computer and zone out when I would probably be better served by taking a quick nap and then getting back to work. I hope you’re able to get some rest soon!

I liked shabby apple on facebook- I love the Maciami dress! Maybe it’s because today is july 4- but I think the red/white stripes would be perfect for work in late summer/early fall.

In terms of exaustion- have you tried the Sleep Cycle app for iphones? It tracks how you sleep and then sets your alarm to wake you up when you’re closest to awake during your cycle- so that you dont feel as groggy as you would if you were waking up from a deep sleep. Worth a try!

Sorry- Baciami, not Maciami! Clearly I woke up from the wrong end of my sleep cycle today!

I love so the Shabby Apple swim line and also their skirts are adorable. The “Above Deck” skirt caught my eye. Best of luck getting sleep these days. Maybe in a month Mabrey will take to a sippy and you’ll get a break that way.

A Preppy Lady shoe is my favorite item from Shabby Apple! I also love the dress you have on, but I don’ think it would be as cute on me!!!

Just liked Shabby Apple on facebook. Would love a new dress!

My second, a little girl, was much the same. Now at one year we are finally settling into a routine. I wish I had wise words, but survival has been my mantra for the past year.

Liked, and after browsing their site, I think I’m head over heals for the one you are wearing; you look better in it than the model on the site!

I try really hard not to allow myself to get too tired when I cannot allow myself some sleep, because I suffer from migraines that can get 10x worse if I haven’t gotten my sleep. So, when I’m totally exhausted, I usually get one and then the only thing I can do is sleep.

You look great! I have not heard of Shabby Apple, but I am sure I would love a dress like this!

I liked Shabby Apple on fb. I love the El Dorado dress, I’m a sucker for bright colors!

My baby girl didn’t take a bottle either… I did go back to work on an officially-approved-but-not-well-tolerated-by-my-supervisor flex schedule for 6 weeks before I quit. I wasn’t thriving, my baby girl cried from hunger for an hour or more a day. Ugh. For the exhaustion, I found that if I had a healthy, filling meal I was able to function better. My go-to energy meal was some spinach sauteed with garlic & olive oil, add lentils (pre-cooked from Trader Joes) to the pan until they get warm, then sprinkle some goat cheese on top. Lots of healthy stuff for a nursing mama and about as simple as it gets to prepare.

Also, just some encouragement – this too will pass. My girl is 1 now and I can hardly remember those days, clearly we survived and thrived! Although I was exhausted at the time, I look at pictures of your little peanut and wish I could snuggle an infant again!

I’m in love with the Race Point skirt. I’m obsessed with stripes, and it’s such a great length too!

I liked them on FB. Their Admiral dress is super cute, as are all the retro- style Pie dresses.

When I am super tired and need to relax, sometimes playing video games can be incredibly relaxing. I can just get lost in a world and let all my muscles take a nap.

It’s so hard to pick just one! I would have to say either the I’m late! I’m late! or the Trade Winds dress is my favorite! :)

i ‘liked’! and the bookworm dress has my heart! and my sympathies on you sleep deprivation. i’m 61 and i never get more than 2 to 3 hours of sleep a night. and it’s been this way since menopause at age 45….hang in there!

I like Apple on Facebook and my favorite dress now is the one you are wearing in this post. Seeing on someone real makes me love it! And truth be told, my excuse for a wardrobe has been an array of v-neck tees an jeans for the last year, I could use the style update, but long to feel comfy. I battle with the daily baby tired, of course it seems to be when she is awake – I feel like I need to get all my chores done when she is asleep! Luckily my little one sleeps through the night now and I am trying to bank those sleep hours.

shelleygajus (at) gmail (dot) com

My favorite right now is l’Ete.

My grad student studies have me keeping all sorts of strange hours. So like a good student, I use caffeine. But when I have plenty of time to rest, I don’t drink caffeine, so that I don’t build up a tolerance. I also find 20 minute yoga sessions to be a good wake up.

Only 2-3 hours of sleep daily for the past 15+ years?! I shouldn’t be complaining.

I try to convince myself that by the age of eight my kiddos will be on a regular sleeping schedule. For some reason thinking that makes me feel a bit of relief and rest… although my kids are only 2 and 4! Ha!

I love The Highlands Light dress. Seems like something I could wear with kiddos in tow.

I liked Shabby Apple on Facebook.

I am so in love with The Red Queen dress from the Mad Hatter collection!

I think you look fantastic, sleep deprivation and all.

You are looking great! I agree that your hair looks beautiful. I had my second baby just a few weeks after you had Mabrey and mine seems to always look a mess, gets in baby’s way and it falls out everywhere :P How do you keep it out of your eyes? Any secret hair products? Mine falls straight down in my face.

I was surprised to see that you’re 5’3″, closer to my height. You look so tall in your pictures that I though you were around 5’8″. I’m inspired. :)

I like Bernini and Serenade!

Just liked them on FB…. and I really liked their Jabberwocky skirt (if I had to choose just one). They have some quirky styles!! So cute!!

This dress is divine. Congrats on your baby girl!

love the humboldt skirt. hang in there, lady. i know for me, whenever that level of pure exhaustion sets in i just have to sleep it off but i know that’s not always an option depending on the time of day or what you have going on. thanks for the giveaway!

I Like Shabby Apple on Facebook.
I love their Beachcomber dress!

You look so happy in the photo shoot! I liked shabby apple and I am enamored by the Blue Eyes dress.

I liked Shabby Apple.

I never used a bottle with any of my girls and I have three! Mostly because I don’t like the idea of pumping. I mean, I already feel like a… I don’t know what and if I were to add pumping… well it just puts me in mind of a cow being milked. I’m a WI girl so I can thoroughly sympathize with the cows!

As for keeping the energy up… well, lots and lots and LOTS of coffee, naps are a definite must, and, well, IF you have the “energy”, exercise is good. I’m usually too tired. I keep trying to tell myself, well, I’ll feel better after I exercise, but it’s the getting there that gets me!!!

Hang in there, girl. You look fabulous and the energy will return eventually. It might take 3 or 4 more months, but you’ll get there.

Oh and PS Eat a lot of Greek Yogurt (Greek Gods Greek Yogurt Brand) and granola. I don’t know if it’ll help with the energy, but it’s my new comfort food. Much healthier than ice cream!!!

I’m loving greek yogurt! It’s my go-to easy breakfast with pineapple + granola.

Just liked Shabby Apple on FB! I really like your dress! I think it looks super flattering on you. We are about the same height/weight so I may have to try that one for myself. :)

Please forgive if some of this has been repeated. When I had my second, I was new to being a stay at home mom and decided to wait to introduce a bottle. Well, then I ended up being the sole food source for him until I weaned him at 12 months. HARD, but now I realize it was only 12 months. As for the weight I am 5’5″ and I think after him at one point I was down to 105. Then after #3 I THOUGHT I would not make the same mistake, but alas he never took a bottle as well AND was a horrible sleeper. I remember a friend, who also had three kids telling me it would get easier. Even though it seems as if there is not a light at the end of the tunnel, there is. I promise. It does get easier and you realize that time was super short. My youngest is now 4 and I honestly did not think we were going to survive, but we did and it gets better EVERY single day! And, I did gain weight back and now don’t have people telling me to put weight on. :-) You look gorgeous!

Love the garden isle dress!

I already like Shabby Apple on FB … I really like the Pizarro Skirt!

Would LOVE to have that same dress!

Love the l’opera dress!

I liked them on FB! I would love the LUCK BE A LADY dress. darling!

Liked! I’m in LOVE with this necklace: http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-1492-deep-sea-colors.aspx You will get through this time!

I don’t have kids yet, so I guess I don’t know true exhaustion thus far, but I handle tiredness with naps :) LOTS of naps. I take a nap pretty much everyday because I stay up WAY too late… shame on me! On a really exhaustive day, I whip out some Dr. Pepper to help me out a bit.

I would get that black and white striped dress with the pockets!

I’m a fan of Shabby Apple on Facebook and absolutely love the Overboard dress!!!!

I too am in love with the Desert Modern! Looks amazing on you and Mabrey is beautiful!

I liked shabby apple on fb:) I love the white queen top!

LOVE the red top, blue striped skirt – so pretty. Yum!
Haven’t three kids myself I am no stranger to tired. I drink too much coffee – that’s the magic. Now that my kids are getting older – it isn’t so bad. Hang in there – this time IS fleeting. Happy 4th!

I liked them on fb and I love the dress that they sent you! You look great!!

I liked shabby apple on fb! Really like the lighthouse dress!

i take a 3 hour nap every sunday afternoon….on the couch….it’s the best sleep i get all week! but i’m not running around with little ones and my husband is sorta, almost, kinda trained so if stuff doesn’t get done it doesn’t make me twitter!

I love all of their dresses, especially the Beauty Mark one!

I’ve liked them on FB for a while! :) I like their overboard dress!

http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-536-brass-round-filigree-earrings.aspx

I have coveted the brass round filigree earrings for months, but haven’t felt entitled to buy them. Winning this giveaway would be just the thing!

I liked Shabby Apple on Facebook! I’m a sucker for polka dots and love the dress Blue Eyes.

Forgot to add that when my now 4 year old was refusing a bottle for the first 12 weeks of his life, the only thing that kept my energy up was Swiss Cake Rolls and Coke. Not kidding. SOOO not healthy, but since Benjamin was sucking all the fat off me through breastfeeding, I somehow felt like it was ok. Lol!

I already like Shabby Apple on facebook. I just love all of their dresses! I’m only 4 weeks postpartum with my third baby and exclusively breastfeeding like i did with my other two. But I don’t lose the weight like everyone else does. It’s not fair! lol

Since it’s a thousand degrees here in Texas, I’m all for the breezy ballerina dress.

Exhaustion? I’ll take a nap every time.

http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-1620-beachcomber.aspx

Tazo Green Tea picks me up everytime!!

I liked Shabby Apple on Facebook! I love the Bette D. dress. I prefer to nap, but when that’s not possible I love a good cup of coffee (iced in the summer).

I really don’t know how you do it. You look gorgeous…so tiny and slim! Maybe a sitter a couple times a week so you can just nap? I LOVE the dress you are wearing…that would be my choice. I’ve already liked Shabby Apple on FB.

Best wishes to you! The photos are simply beautiful.

I love all the striped dresses from the Shabby Apple, I’m a stripes kinda gal.

As for exhaustion, caffeine all the way!

I liked them on facebook!
My favorite dress is their Serenade dress but I can’t decide if I like the green or blue better!

Love the Bianca

Oops – I can’t like Shabby Apple on facebook because it’s blocked at work, but I’ll do it later. I love the dress you have on in the post – I’m very self conscious of my legs but live in SoCal so I live in maxi dresses on the weekends.

I like Shabby Apple on fb and I really adore the Lima dress (although the dress you are wearing is really flattering!!)

demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com

Liked!

That Desert Modern is stunning on you! New favorite!

I’m a fan of their maxi skirts – they’re all lovely. For exhaustion, I try to get a little sunshine and drink tea.

Love Shabby Apple! I have my eye on the Beachcomber dress.

As for exhaustion…my youngest is almost 3 and I am JUST now realizing how important it is to nap when/if he naps. Even a 15-minute power nap does wonders. But I have a hard time making myself do that when so much else could be done. Also, exercise does help….but again, finding the time?

I already like Shabby Apple on FB!

Tips on exhaustion…hmmm Exercise helps me, but I have to do it in the morning before my kids are up. I woke up early while nursing all 3 of my kiddos and I look back and have no idea how I did it, but I did and I survived! Do you have someone to come and give you a reprieve? I would say give up your “I need to do it all” and have a family member or friend come allow you “you” time :) :)

And I love the maxi skirts!

How many pounds did you gain with the pregnancy? You look so skinny, not bad at all, but seems that you never have been expecting a baby! What a body!

Are you kidding me?! I LOVE Shabby Apple! It’s almost like this give-away was meant just for me. Being that it was my birthday and all yesterday. You sure you don’t want to rig the drawing just this once?? Anyway, I have a 6 month old who is barely learning to sleep through the night and who just tolerates bottles. We’ve started a pretty strict bedtime schedule with him and he’s in bed by 7:00. That gives me time with our four year old and I can go to bed by 8:30 if I want to. But I totally hear you about being exhausted when the baby just wants you. Sobbing uncontrollably is how I’ve handled it. There must be a better way.

Here’s my fave: http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-756-forbidden-city.aspx
For those of you who’d prefer to skip the link, it’s a classy black knee-length shift, with cap sleeves, POCKETS, and a tie around the waist. I love the exposed zipper in the back. This dress would really work for me at work–I teach 3rd grade and like rocking a professional look with frocks like this one.

And let me tell you, I know nothing of the exhaustion of bearing and raising three young ones of my own, but when my teaching responsibilities wear me out, I make a list. I prioritize all my responsibilities, do the easy ones first to build momentum, and let some things go by the wayside. I opt to do less things well over doing many things poorly. That’s how I cope, anyway! Let me know if you find “THE Answer.”

(BTW, as other readers have mentioned, you totally do look 5’8″ or taller! My 5’3″ frame is inspired. Way to know what to wear! …as opposed to what NOT to wear)

Shabby Apple – I just love so many of their dresses! The classics down to the quirky – too many to pick just one fav’!

Bon Voyage is definitely one of my faves! You look so beautiful with your little one. Absolutely adorable. When mine was little, I remember working on my computer, that artificial light always gave me an extra burst.

Liked on FB. Love the dress you’re wearing. I was exhausted after #3 was born, my other two were 4 and 16 months at the time. I tried to nap when they napped but it was difficult to get them all on the same schedule. I guess they never got the memo :) I started going to bed early – because sometimes your body just needs the sleep and there’s no other way around it. My wonderful hubby helped out more with household chores but really we were just in survival mode.

What a great giveaway! I had never heard of Shabby Apple before and now I am excited to explore their collections. It is hard to pick one fav thing but I really love all of the very classic styles and how they are grouped in collections.
As for beating exhaustion, as a fellow mom who tends to take on too projects, I am trying to force myself to set roject timelines. Like: this week I will work on all the thank you cards from the party so that next week I can build planter boxes in the garden. Try to take little bites out of your to-dos each day and get as much sleep as you can with a little one!

I like Shabby Apple on fb

and I love the Beauty Mark

Have you tried giving M fresh pumped milk, instead of frozen? I ask because for some “lucky” women, freezing breast milk can drastically affect the taste. I found this out when I was in tears, again, because I had to go back to work in a few days and still couldn’t get my baby (who is now 15!) to take a bottle. The milk tasted like soap! It was disgusting–no wonder she wouldn’t drink it. I had followed all of the instructions for freezing and thawing to a “t,” had attended nursing education classes, read every pregnancy and baby book cover-to-cover, etc., and NO ONE had mentioned this. I found the problem only by tasting it and then googling “frozen breast milk tastes soapy.” I stopped freezing, went to refrigerating only, and voila, problem solved, and just in the nick of time. Anyway, probably not M’s issue, but I always throw this out there because at the time, I felt like it was nursing’s dirty little secret.

I love Shabby Apple, I’m surprised that I hadn’t liked them on facebook already! I’ve been eyeing the “Overboard” dress for a while – I love gingham, and shirt dresses. I’ve always found that eating a cold piece of fruit helps wake me up – the cold is refreshing and the sugar in the fruit gives it a little zing.

When I am exhausted, a cold shower will help me wake up. I find that naps end up making me more exhausted and groggy afterwards. But I do try to take advantage of it once in a while when my son naps.

Shady apple had adorable dresses. I really like the rhapsody one and desert modern.

When I’m exhausted I usually either shower or drink a red bull or coffee. Napping only makes me more tired.

like sa fb Julie Scott Laws
like the bacaami dress
thanks

I liked them on Facebook – so hard to pick a favorite though! Although, Coco Bean is right up at the top!

I love the “Toe the Line” dress – it looks like a perfect work dress or saturday run errands dress.

and when I get completely exhausted, I have to put a timer on everything I do. If not, then I end up taking a lot longer to do something than it really requires – I zone out when I’m pooped. The timer helps me feel productive and helps me work in 5 min to rest my eyes :)

I know it might sound weird but sometimes taking a walk when I’m tired helps me deal especially if I know that I can’t take a nap. I spent many afternoons with my little one in the stroller because I couldn’t nap and needed one and just felt miserable. At least getting up and out moving helped me.

I liked Shabby Apple on FB, and they have some super cute stuff. I was trying to look at the website on my phone and I kept getting lost, so I will say my favorite is your dress. I like that it is sized by numbers rather than XS, S etc.
As for the exhaustion, I don’t know what to tell you. We just moved away from all of our friends and family for my husband’s job, and we have a three year old and nearly one year old. I drink way too much coffee. When I know water is what would really make be feel better.

Elizabeth Islands is beautiful!

Drink lots of water – when I get exhausted I get headaches, and staying well (well!) hydrated seems to help

I’m on a dress kick right now- I love the Puca Pucara for a casual party, but the Desert Modern just looks so comfy for day to day!

I’m kind of digging that “Overboard” checkered shirtdress!

I love their shirt dresses!! Really any of their dresses I would take haha

Sorry, i don’t do facebook, But I wanted to tell you that you look fabulous. And we’re the same size so now I know I’d have to take in a few inches off the bottom of the SA dresses as well (or at least that one). Regarding exhaustion, I work A Lot. What helps me is down time with family and down time by myself.

My daughter refused the bottle as well, so I remember feeling the way you do. Don’t worry though, because pretty soon she’ll start with solids and you’ll start getting a little bit of a break. The time will fly. Adding some extra protein to your diet might help give you an energy boost too. Of course, it’s easy for me to say this since it’s been 8 years since I experienced those feelings!

What a beautiful baby, and what a gift! I wanted a second, but it hasn’t been in the cards for us, so I envy people who have happy surprises like your beautiful Mabrey.

I love the JubJub Bird Skirt!

You look amazing – can’t tell you’re exhausted at all!

Looking great, Dana! I’m pregnant with my another little baby that will be our third, so I’m loving the Shabby Apple maternity and maternity friendly lines. Our second little boy was the same way as your Mabrey. He only wanted his milk straight from the source. It was hard when I went back to work, but I was lucky and could come home for lunch to nurse him. He would starve himself rather than take a bottle, but always made up for it with night nursing. Good luck!

Fantastic give away. You look great! The only thing I find that helps with exhaustion, to a point is downing LOTS of water. But that’s only good if you’re shy like an hour or so of sleep. If you’re really truly sleep deprived, it’s no good. I was SO tired during maternity leave, I’d fall asleep nursing my baby. Now I”m back at work I can fall asleep pumping in the pump room. Multitasking: Napping & Pumping.

I’ve liked Shabby Apple on FB for awhile, and I’ve had my eye on the Sorrento swimsuit. As for fighting fatigue, exercise always works best, but I’m more likely to just drink a latte.

Liked on fb! I’ve had my eye on some of their stuff but i’m still losing baby weight! :) so i’m not sure what would fit!

Liked Shabby Apple on FB, and really liked the red and white striped skirt.

I do drink a ton of coffee, which won’t really work for the breastfeeding mom, but as a mom of 5, I recommend quiet family time every afternoon while the baby sleeps. Even my older kids knew that every summer afternoon when the little ones were babies, they had to find a book or 2, or something quiet to play with on their bed or on their floor, until the timer on the kitchen stove went off. I got to rest, and the kids got a little down time. I’m a huge advocate of breast feeding, but I don’t think it should come at the expense of mom’s health. Maybe just one bottle a day, to give you a little break? I realize that she may not like them, but if she’s hungry enough, she will eventually. Good luck.

Wow, you look amazing! I love the dress you are wearing and I love the tool where you can input your body type & they show you dresses for your figure!

You look incredible, and Mabrey is gorgeous! <3
To keep energized, i drink a lot of water, attempt to get a good amount of sleep, and if all else fails…coffee it is! :)

I like the Vineyard Sound dress

So hard to choose!! A nap is always a good choice!

Just liked them. I covet their Study Break and After Class dresses. Such cute styles!

I love the Race Point skirt! Love the new photos of baby too!

I liked them on Facebook – and after seeing you in that dress I have to say it’s my favorite. Honestly, you look better in it than their model does!
I’ve always found a 20-30 minute nap helps Seems like when I’m feeling run down, it lasts for a few days so I will take one in my car at work. Unless a blazing hot summer day foils that plan!

Liked on Facebook! I’m loving the Ondina swimsuit. But they have a lot of fun stuff!

You look fabulous, by the way!

I already like Shabby Apple on Facebook. I have so many favorites! I own the Red Queen Dress and I love the Jabberwocky Skirt. I tend to buy their dresses when I am looking for something new to wear to a concert.
As for being exhausted, I know that enough sleep would do wonders, but of course Miss Mabry is not quite old enough for that yet. Whenever I am extra tired from my two little ones, I try to drink more water and take a walk. Sometimes that exercise can give me a little burst of energy that is as good as a nap.

I love that dress! So flattering. I don’t like using caffine to battle exhaustion because I think it leads to a vicious cycle. I like to make a fruit smoothie and get a boost from some natural sugars!

Stripes, stripes, stripes! I can’t get enough of them right now. I think they dress up any outfit so when you are too tired from the kids to, lets say shower, you at least look a bit put together. The striped red skirt…love!

Oh Oh…pick me! I love their wrap dresses. That style is so flattering on any body type. Glad they have lots of options to choose from. Love the dress you are wearing too!

I love their overboard dress!

I like the Martha’s vineyard dress and I’ve been ogling some of their swimwear as well.

I liked Shabby Apple on Facebook and I like most of their clothes, so it would be hard to pick just one! I also really like the dress you are wearing, so perfect for summer!

Adorable dress & baby! :) My 4th (now 11 weeks old) also refuses a bottle of Any. Kind. Never had this prob before either! I think I’ve read every “googled” article I can find. And other than the “cry it out” method that I refuse to try…I’m out of options! If you figure out the solution, please post! ;)

I liked them on Facebook. I really like their Elizabeth Islands dress. So pretty. Btw, you look beautiful, keep up the good work mama.

I like Shabby Apple on FB. My favorite item is the Blue Eyes Blue Chiffon dress!

tea, tea and loads of it. Love beauty mark.

I “liked” Shabby Apple. I’ve been searching for a maxi dress and I love the Serenade dress in blue. As for being exhausted, that’s where I find myself at times during the school year since I’m an elementary school teacher (usually kinder – 2nd grade) trying to keep 20 some young minds engaged and happy! I make a nonfat mocha every morning and try to run or take a 1 hr. class at the gym at night.

Shabby Apple has so many pretty things. To pick just one is really hard! Nouvelle Mode #15 is fantastic!

Love your giveaways – thanks so much for the chance – I love the Polly Hill and Vineyard sound among many. These look comfy and easy to wear

I liked them on FB. I love the race point skirt.
Honestly i never felt fully rested until my kids were over a year old. Both of them refused the bottle and had a hard time sleeping thru the night.

I love the “Highland Light” dress – so cute for summer!

When I’m super exhausted, sometimes I give myself the OK to let my husband take over the bedtime routine and I go to bed early. It doesn’t happen very often, but when it does, I wake up in the morning feeling so much better! Of course, I don’t have an infant in the house, so it’s not quite so difficult for me to ask for this when I need it …

I like everything! Can’t decide a favorite.

I use caffeine to combat exhaustion. Doesn’t always do the job though

I liked Shabby Apple. What is there to not like about Shabby Apple. The wrap dresses, black dresses, white dresses – too many to choose from. Love them!

You are such an inspiration with your 3 kids and house adventures. Keep up the fantastic blog!

Just liked it on fb, such cute dresses….I love the toe the line dress it is exactly the shirt dress style I was looking for. So right there with you in the sleep depreviation, my son just turned a year and he has taken to the bottle or a pacificer and right now he just spits the regular milk out and it kills me because I am so ready to wean him. He still wakes up three times a night, has yet to sleep through the night!! For energy I make almond milk, almond butter, banana and coco shake…always help. I try to go to sleep at night right after he does and that always helps. I have a tablet so i read up on all my favorite blogs while feeding him, such a nice relaxing release.

I already like Shabby Apple on FB. And the dress you’re wearing is the one I’d pick. In fact I pinned it awhile back thinking it would be a great maternity and after-baby dress. It looks so comfy. You look great in the dress!
Naps have been my go-to lately when I can sneak them in. I’m expecting baby #3 in September.

I “liked” Shabby Apple!! I’m 10 weeks post-partum I would love that dress!! It looks so comfy and maybe no one will notice I haven’t washed my hair in 3 days when I wear it! Haha

I do that too…fall asleep while nursing. I’ll wake up and have no idea how long I’ve been sitting there and afraid I’ve dropped the baby. Ha!

Yeah, we’ve tried giving her fresh breastmilk {not frozen} in a bottle and it’s a no-go. I think I just need to suck it up for a while longer. She’s happy and content as long as we don’t offer her a bottle. Otherwise, she gets really mad then totally shuts down…although it’s a good method for getting her to nap. Ha!

Liked shabby apple!

I love the blue rhapsody dress!
I’m dealing with baby exhaustion too, and what I’m I doing for it? Letting my house be dirty…

I gained the most during my pregnancy with Mabrey than with my previous pregnancies. Probably because I was on restricted bed rest for the last several weeks. I gained 30 lbs.

My dad and stepmom help out once a week or once every other week but that usually requires me driving the boys over to their house {35 minutes away}. They care for another infant grandbaby 5 days a week so I feel bad asking them to do more. HH’s parents are ~1 hour away and they care for other grandchildren too, so, again, I feel bad asking them to do more when they have spare free time.

Love Shabby Apple! And have already liked their page.

I love the dress that you’re wearing!

I like them on fb and I love the beverly hills dress.

Thanks for introducing me to Shabby Apple! I “liked” them and after spending the last hour combing through their site, I really like them. I would probably buy a dress for an upcoming wedding. I really like the Cally! Calhoo! dress. But oy, I cannot choose just one…so. many. cute. dresses!

Re: exhaustion. I learned a few years back that I do not deal with stress and exhaustion well at all. My health takes a steep nosedive. So, now if I feel exhausted, I take a nap, or go to bed early. But mostly, I just try not to get to that point. I have had to adjust my life to minimize anything that will overwhelm/drain me. (I feel that I should point out that do not have kids. I dunno how you mamas do it but my hat’s off to you!)

liked them on fb! i LOVE the race point blue & white striped jersey skirt…among many other items!

liked them on facebook and i love the bernini dress! :)

Facebook, check! Fave dress…Has to be the Serenede love the teal color!

I’m a huge fan of naps!
I liked on facebook and I’m a huge fan of the “Heart of Me” dress.

You look great, and the dress looks beautiful on you!

Naps are always good if you can fit them in, but it sounds like you are going with the flow, which is what most of us should remember to do more often:)

Dana you look great. My sister is the same way, gained about 40lbs with my nephew and lost it ALL in no time back to 110, and she’s about 5’5″. I swear she has a six-pack and can eat 3 doughnuts in one sitting. Breastfeeding will do that.

Anyway Shabby Apple is fantastic! I like the Black Oak dress a lot, among many others, but sadly they only have an XXS left.

I love the Beachcomber dress! So fun for summer. And we just moved to TX so I need more cool fun dresses to wear in the heat.

The Desert Modern is so super delicious. And so is the Rhapsody.

I’m loving the Pina Colada shirt dress.

Having power back is doing wonders for my level of exhaustion. We were without for 6 full days!

Loooove the dress you’re wearing! Very flattering :) Lucky for me, I’m queen of the power nap! :)

I’m loving all of their nautical themed apparel! Especially the Overboard dress.

Caffeine….always caffeine. I make a big pitcher of cold brewed iced coffee every Sunday and it carries me through the week.

Wanted to share that my 12 week old daughter drank from a bottle for the first time just yesterday. It took me going back to work this week for her to realize that she had to give in! I am able to go home at lunch but going 4.5 hours in the morning and afternoon without eating made for a very unhappy baby. I do wish that I was able to be home with her all day like you though :)

Not entering the contest – just leaving a comment on how I am shocked (SHOCKED!) to found out that you are 5’3″. I am the same height and I look short, but you look really tall in your pictures!

Love the Phi Beta Kappa … I’ve been looking for a little black dress for far too long and that one is perfect.
I go to bed early and my chores wait til the next day. That or caffeine.

I looove Shabby Apple! I don’t think i could pick just one favorite! “The Block” Collection is my favorite for sure.

When I get tired I usually have some caffeine then work out. something about dragging my self off the sofa and getting in some good cardio really perks me up!

I love the Cider dress. Not sure i could pull off that color, but its beautiful!

If I’m really exhausted, a nap on the couch followed by going to bed early. Sleeping in never does it for me, getting in bed by 9pm usually does.

I like Shabby Apple already too. I live in AZ and I would get the dress you have…. flowing and cool for the summer…. My baby is now 2 but I remember those exhausted days/nights, but what I would give to be up nursing a baby when the house is quiet.

Im gonna go with the Frabjous Day dress-so pretty!! i could just spend hours on that site

liked them on FB. and hooray for nursing!

I love the Trapeze dress!!

First, I thought the first picture was a model from their site. You look fabulous! My little guy refused to breast feed. Many many lactation consultants and no dice. Then he developed an allergy to my milk so we had to quit altogether. Bummer, I really wanted to but he’sa happy healthy guy and that’s all that matters.

I think extreme fatigue comes hand in hand with having children. I’ve been exhausted for eighteen months and I don’t see it slowing down any time soon. I just take “me” time a few times per month and that helps a ton.

I liked them on facebook. I like so many of their dresses it’s hard to be specific. I find that the only thing that helps with exhaustion is taking a nap. Even if it’s only for 30 minutes it makes me feel so much better

I would love a cute new dress to wear with boots in the fall.

Love all of them!!

Napping is my exhaustion cure

I liked them! My fave dress was the Happy Face…I love the big yellow flowers.

Like! I love many but especially the Elizabeth Island.
Fighting fatigue? No clue. Naps. Whenever I can; I just had my first baby two weeks ago…still figuring it out! :)

Thank you so much. I love love the Serenade dress. No sure way to fight the fatigue, just grab a nap when you can! None of my kiddos ever took a bottle. Little stinkers would have starved without me for sure! Mine are 7,13, and 15 now. They sure are worth it all aren’t they? Good luck.

I liked Shabby Apple on FB. . . no idea which is my favorite dress. They are all too cute!

I LOVE that dress! I’m so glad you modeled it – I’m 5’2″ and wouldn’t have bought it otherwise, thinking it wouldn’t work on us short girls!

I “liked” Shabby Apple on FB and love the red queen lace dress.

I liked Shappy Apple on FB and my favorite item would have to be either the Cecily or Tess skirts. I loooove pencil skirts.

As far as trying to regain my composure after exhaustion, I’m definitely a nap and movie kind of person. And yes, at the same time =)

I really like the red queen dress. With an 11 week old, I’m struggling with exhaustion too. Went to bed before 9pm tonight (when he went to sleep), hopefully it will help me be functional for the weekend :)

The race point skirt is super cute…

Exhaustion takes time… With 4 children 19 to 6, I’ve learned to be okay that everything isn’t always perfect.

I like Shabby Apple on facebook. My favorite dress of theirs is the Red Fox. I’m right there with you on the sleep exhaustion. My baby is 3 months old too. My husband works in a pharmacy and had odd hours, so when he is working later on in the day I’ll sleep in until about 10:30 while he gets up with our other two kids. It’s nice because I rarely take naps. If I do then I have a hard time sleeping at night. I feel for you with the no bottles. It’s hard when you feed the baby every two hours because then you have to time everything around that, and you rarely get time to just be by yourself.

PS- This giveaway is perfect for me. I told my husband that I needed some motivation for losing all of my baby weight and he agreed to let me buy a Shabby Apple dress once I’m back down to my pre-baby weight. This giftcard would be great because then we wouldn’t have to pay for it! :)

Ah, pictures can be quite deceiving.

Ahh exhaustion…I fight mine by going for a walk around our park…usually gets my brain and body going.

I “liked” Shabby Apple on Facebook.

I like the BON VOYAGE dress!

I have two young kiddos and rely on exercise in order to boost my energy.

I liked them on facebook. I like the dress you are pictured in as well as “Vineyard Sound.” Both look very comfortable.

Liked them on facebook and I actually really like the dress you are wearing :) I’m 7 weeks post-partum and I wish I would look like you ;-) For some reason breastfeeding doesn’t make my weight melt off!

I love shabby apple but have never made a purchase. I love the A+ dress for work, but the Rhapsody and Off Campus are calling my name too.

Sleep deprivation is awful. I drank lots of coffee and napped when my husband got home from work. Once I was getting 5 hours of sleep a night I felt like a normal person again. Hang in there, it’s worth it!

I am 6′ tall and think the Elizabeth Islands long grey knit dress would be just the thing for an upcoming vacation.

Like everyone else has said, you look great! Also, I really love the MING dress from Shabby Apple, although the dress you have is great as well. :) Good luck getting rest. People have told me to just keep drinking lots of water, and exercise!

the Aristocrat…love!

I love that dress – and you look fabulous! I just had my 2nd daughter 8 weeks ago, you have given me inspiration to get my butt in gear :)

ug. you look gorgeous.

“awake is the new asleep”

??? lol NO. Just NO :)

Unfortunately for me, I tend to snack when I’m tired. Yeah. I haven’t seen my size 0/2 since having babies.

You look gorgeous in that dress! Baby looks adorable as always!