I can’t believe it. We’re halfway there. ♥
In some ways it feels like it’s been a long time. And in others it feels like it’s only just beginning. Save for a cyst they found on my ovary {which is gone now and everything is fine!}, my time so far with this baby has been the easiest thing and I’m so thankful for that. There is so much I am excited about and so much I’m scared for too. Mostly, I want time to slow down. I’m so grateful I get to experience this little life growing and want to pay attention for every moment that it lasts.
//
a few bits and pieces, big and small…
I think we have a name picked out and I know I’m totally biased but I honestly think it’s the most beautiful thing. We’re open to changing it, but so far can’t seem to find anything we like better. It was the first name with thought of even before she was real and now that she’s coming it just sounds like it’s supposed to be hers.
I started to feel the baby flutter a few weeks ago and it is the most magical feeling. And so strange! I love it.
A random tidbit, but one I want to remember is how much I am craving whole milk. Ha! Nothing else, really. Just drinking a few glasses of ice cold whole milk each and every day. Cheers!
My favorite book so far has been a beautiful memoir by Beth Ann Fennelly, Great With Child. It’s written in a series of letters to her young pregnant friend and I finish every chapter with the warmest feeling. I have also ordered Night Lights by Phyllis Theroux, as I was told that it’s also a soul warmer, which are the best kind of books in my opinion.
Now that I’m starting to show a little I am getting excited to start wearing some of the maternity clothes I’ve picked up here and there over the last few weeks. I’m really going to try to embrace the bump! I’ve gotten some cute pieces at Target, Destination Maternity, and Old Navy and also found this awesome sweater at Madewell that I think will last me through until the end! I’m trying to be thoughtful about what I buy and know also that since I’ve always tended to like looser shirts and sweaters many of my current clothes will do just fine, which is lucky!
I have started following some of the most wonderful small shops on instagram for children’s clothing and accessories. They are handmade, so definitely on the pricier side, but I know they are so well made and can be used again or handed down, which I think makes them worth it.
// I would love to collect some blankets and swaddles from Willaby Clothier. So lovely! I want them all!
// The prettiest clothing from Soor Ploom | Mama Owl | Misha and Puff
// And she needs one of these dolls from Brazen Wildflower, of course.
I have been adding to my c u t i e p a t o o t i e Pinterest board for a few years now, and it’s fun to look back on it and see how many little girl photos I have pinned. Maybe that means it was meant to be. :) I’m getting really ready to start dreaming up the nursery too. Eee!
Also, I am having fun playing around with Baby List to keep track of things we need/want. I love that you can add stuff from anywhere, even Etsy! I added this onesie from The Jones Market right way, because she NEEDS IT, naturally. I mean, can you even?? Any recommendations for me? I feel like I know some essentials from being a nanny for so many years, but I still feel clueless in a lot of ways. I don’t want to go crazy and I don’t want too much stuff! What is one thing you couldn’t live without? I would love to hear anything and everything that you think we need!
//
I am going to try really hard to take pictures of my bump from here on out. I know this time is fleeting and I want don’t want to miss any of it. On Tuesday we are having our 20 week ultrasound and I am really excited (a little nervous, too!). Praying everything is growing just right and I can’t wait to see a picture of her again. I wrote on instagram last week that I get worked up thinking of how grateful I am to get to take this journey. So much to be happy about. I thank heaven every single day. ♥
I love reading this. love getting to share this journey with you, in more ways than one.
you know about the keekaroo…I also love this baby book (http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lucy-darling-babys-first-year-memory-book/4049860?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=PINK). It’s so pretty and has fun additions besides just the months, I have loved keeping it up to date for Maeve. It also has a letter that the parents write before the baby is born…looking back on what we wrote makes me cry. I think when she’s an old woman and we’re long gone she will cherish this book. Other than that…there are so many products out there that it comes down to what your taste is. But those two I just think everyone should have.
Another etsy shop – EverIrisDesigns for bows. And the online shop Notes and Knots, also for bows.
I can’t wait to hear more about your pregnancy, and for Maeve and your little girl to meet. I think about you lots…you make me want to dust off my blog again :)
So excited for you! We used Babylist too and LOVED it :)
A few of our favorite things:
Covered Goods nursing cover- the best! I want 10 more. And it doubles as a carseat/stroller cover.
Madeline’s Box pacifier clips and head wraps- super cute
Modern Piggy bows- free shipping :)
Best wishes for the second half! <3
A baby swing and swaddled are getting us through at 6 weeks right now! The sleep sacks with the Velcro swaddle part from halo are extra amazing! So happy for you and Zan can’t wait for Rose to hang with your little one :)
This is just wonderful!! I`m really excited for you Anna! It`s such an amazing time…
xx Caroline
https://carolinespassion.wordpress.com
You are the sweetest! This baby girl is going to come to the happiest family. Fran did a list a little while back with some good things – breast pads and nipple cream aren’t as fun to think about, but necessary to have on hand if you plan to try breastfeeding. Also, some babies move through newborn diapers quickly, so make sure you have some size 1s on hand for when you need them. Swaddles are amazing; I know people love the muslin ones, but the Velcro ones work so well also. We’ve loved having our baby tub (just a cheap one we picked up at Target), and I’ve heard great things about a big foam sponge that goes inside to keep baby in place and warm. I’ll find a link for you. :) This is too much for one comment! Best wishes for you guys on this exciting journey. Babies are the best.
I am SO excited for you, Anna! It is such a wild ride — Serena is one TODAY, and I can’t believe how quickly the year has gone while at the same time it seems she has always been here. What a magical thing to grow a person, fall in love with them, and watch them grow. Glad you are feeling well and having fun on pinterest and dreaming of those sweet baby snuggles! :) Wishing you the best… Laura
hi anna! i follow you on instagram and visit your blog. i recently welcomed twin girls in june. i was looking at your registry because i love baby gear these days. just wanted to mention a few things we learned. not sure what insurance you have but many cover a breast pump! i was able to get the medela pump in style for free (with blue cross but check yours! if you haven’t already.) i also recommend spare parts for your pump. beats easing them all the time. and dr. bronner’s liquid castile soap works great for washing. also, if you sign up with honest co., they will send you email offers to get you to order. i got a great offer for a 50% off a diaper bundle, it was an amazing deal compared to even amazons prices. our babies weee small so we were in newborn diapers for awhile but after your showers, see what sizes you need. stock up during sales! lastly, my friend gave us the book “someday” by allison… i can’t remember her last name but it’s a darling children’s book for a daughter. the illustrator owns the blue bunny bookstore in dedham and he signed ours! we know it’s going to be a favorite. best of luck – savor pregnancy because it truly is a remarkable time.
Hi Anna! I have twin boys who are now four and things I found very helpful when they were little were a swing, muslin swaddling blankets, a white noise sound machine, bibs with snaps instead of velcro (I remember the velcro sticking to all of the laundry!) and Halo fleece sleep sacks in the winter. Also, Target diapers are great for the day time and about half the price of a lot of the other diapers. :)
I am sure there are other things but this is what came to mind first. Congratulations to you!!!
PS- I was pregnant in the summer and loved GAP body maternity tanks. If you need any tanks for layering they are so soft.