Giveaways and engagement

I honestly have no idea if I will still be pregnant or not, so I’m probably not buying a new dress for that day specifically at this point, but I have enjoyed looking at all the pretty new arrivals that are out right now. I’m definitely eyeing several of these Easter and spring dress finds to wear in the upcoming season thought. Pastels, gingham prints, and midi style dresses are definitely my jam right now and very much on my radar. I’m just so into gingham prints right now.

I’ve always thought nurses were special people but, over the past year, I’ve had a whole new appreciation for the work they do and care they provide no matter what their speciality is in. For the inside of each bag, I included a chapstick (hospital air always feels so drying), eye-masks (these are amazing for puffs and dark circles), a hand sanitizer (I love this clean brand), and three ponytail holders (a clear coil, blue coil, and leopard print stretchy). All of these little bags will be in this bin from Target and then I’m filling the front with some grab-n-go snacks (granola bars, cheez-it packs, fruit snacks, etc.). Of course, any of these items (raffia, tags, hair ties, etc. would be super easy to change out for pink or another color if you’re having a girl or it’s a surprise).

A lot of the time, I just have a centerpiece on the table on top of a runner and we move our placemats over when it’s time to eat. However, usually around a holiday or certain times of the year, I like to play around a bit with linens, dishes, and fun place settings. After receiving some gorgeous pieces from the new French Perle Scallop collection by Lenox (huge thanks to the Lenox team for sending these my way), I couldn’t help but to create a fun, colorful spring tablescape that works for Easter and beyond. : I think the prices of a lot of these items will surprise you in a good way… $5 placemats, $20 bamboo flatware for a set of 4, $12 table runner, etc.

After what feels like a whirlwind of the past two weeks, our home renovations are finally finishing up today and we will be able to get back settled in our updated space to enjoy our last few weeks as a family of three before baby boy arrives in 4 weeks or less. I’ve mentioned before that we already have a lot of the “essential” newborn baby items/gear since this is our second go-around, but I have ordered some other items and cutesy things for our newest little guy. Since we won’t have a Fresh 48 session due to Covid, this will help me feel like we have some extra cutesy pictures of our little love while in the hospital. Again, with having some of the bigger more essential gear already on hand from Bodie, a lot of these purchases have been more “cute” and “frivolous,” but purchases I’m still so excited about nonetheless.

On the more frivolous side, I just love all of the spring blooms, pastel colors, cute bunny things, egg hunts, and making a fun basket for Bodie. In case you’re already thinking about what to fill a basket with for your baby or tot or are on the hunt for some cute, seasonal jammies, I’m here to share a few Easter ideas for little ones. My due date for baby boy is April 11, exactly one week after Easter, so I’m going to make a small basket for Bodie to give to baby brother when he arrives (which could be in time for Easter or a little late… only the Lord knows). Our plans are kind of up in the air as it’s right around the time our family will be growing, but I’m envisioning worshipping our Savior with our church family (probably via zoom again this year given the timing/circumstances), lunch on a pretty tablescape that I hopefully have energy to pull off, and some time playing in the yard enjoying a pretty day (fingers crossed).

we’re having some home renovations done over these next few weeks (kitchen and downstairs flooring), and I’m getting real close to having baby boy in early April. This seagrass basket would be a great coffee table update for the new season and I’ve been living under this $30 blanket (which is a total dupe for Barefoot Dreams, btw). While you’re poking around on Amazon, make sure to snag this jeweled headband which is a great LeLe Sadoughi lookalike and these heart sunnies (I have in black and white, but am loving the tortoise as well). All of the TB shoes I’ve ever had have held up for years and years (I still have my very first pair which is about ten years old now) and worth the investment if you love flats.

However, I’m especially aware of ingredients when I am pregnant and try and be extra conscious of what I’m putting in my body during those nine months. When it comes to bump and body care, my three favorite products are this scrub, this butter, and this oil (PS: I’ve got an entire post reviewing my thoughts on The Spoiled Mama products (find that here)). Turn on your JavaScript to view content For my face, I pretty much eliminate using peels and masks (with the exception of the Pipette) and keep things fairly simple and use mostly Beautycounter products on my face. I finish my night routine with this Codex Beauty Bia Eye Gel Cream (it’s so soothing and lightweight) and the Countermatch Adapative Moisture Lotion.

Shades of blue and gray mixed in with neutrals and natural wood tones will set the canvas, and I’ll add in pops of color with these truck art prints, these bins, and a few toys. We may actually still start him in the regular crib stage (he still doesn’t try to climb out and the mischief he will get into when he can get in and out of his own bed is terrifying), but it won’t be too long until we will transition him into the toddler daybed style. This mirror is a great price for the size (also available in black) and I think this lamp will tie in nicely. My best friend has one for her little boy and, when I saw it on Facetime the other day, I about died and knew Bug would love it.

I had two different tote diaper bags when Bodie when Bodie was a baby, one of them being the Momkindness Carry-All Tote Trio (find my thoughts on that bag here). While I loved my totes and they definitely work, I feel like, especially when adding another little one into the mix, a backpack style diaper bag is the way to go. There are pockets on pockets, there’s room to fit an additional organizer of your choosing (find their organizer here), and the zipper opens down far enough so you can actually see what’s inside. and I love this because, stemming from that thought process, is the separate pocket on the bag of the bag for mama’s laptop, planner, a book, or whatever else you can need to store.

Granted, there are a lot of things we already have since it’s not our first, but still… I’ve got a lot of ground to cover over the next ten weeks (or potentially less). Keeping with my updates, today I’m sharing my Second Trimester Recap for baby number two. Changes I Made to Daily Life and Purchases for Me: I’ve mentioned before, but I use almost all clean skin products on my body and face. I’m planning to purchase this travel baby dome, this carrier, this bather, this double monitor (I think), and another Hatch ASAP though to add to our “new baby arsenal.” Sleepers (the softest fabric and built in mitts)