My Registry Picks With The Baby Cubby

When I was pregnant with Felicity, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the superpower that is the baby gear industry. There is so much "stuff" everyone tells you to buy and knowing what products and brands to choose can feel daunting.

The truth of the matter? You really don't need much.  I'm a big believer in quality over quantity and that's why I'm excited to partner with The Baby Cubby to share some of my personal favorite new baby picks with you.

But first, a little bit about The Baby Cubby and what makes them different from the other big box baby stores: The Baby Cubby is for every parent out there who has ever felt overwhelmed or discouraged. Their team is made up of parents who have been there and know what it’s like: they are passionate about encouraging, inspiring, and reminding parents how amazing they are and how important their role is.  

How do they accomplish this? The source the absolute best and safest baby gear so parents can shop confidently. Their team spends hundreds of hours researching so we don't have to. Everything in the store is top-of-the-line. Moreover, they always price-match (even Amazon!), so you know you're getting a great deal. Additional perks? Free shipping nationwide and active engagement with parents via social media and the cubby community blog to discuss a variety of topics on parenting. You can read more about their mission right here.

Below, I've rounded up a selection of my favorite products offered on their site. I have personally used (and loved!) each and every one of these products/brands with Felicity, so yeah, consider me super impressed that they've already done the dirty work and sourced all of these awesome finds. 

1). Maxi Cosi Car Seat. We just purchased this convertible carseat for Felicity now that she's nearing the height limit for her infant seat (we used and loved the Nuna Pipa for the first eight months, also stocked at The Baby Cubby).

2). Petit Pehr Nursery Decor. Crib sheets, mobiles, storage bins...Petit Pehr makes the most adorably understated designs. We use one of the pompom baskets to store Felicity's blocks on the floor so she can easily access them.

3). Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair. Easy to clean, durable, modern and grows with baby through childhood. Every mom I know who owns one agrees that it's a stellar product.

4). Comotomo Bottles. Felicity is mostly breastfed but I need her to take bottles of pumped milk when I work or travel for photo sessions. We introduced this bottle when she was three weeks old and she guzzled it without a single problem! In my opinion, it's the best on the market for smooth transitions between bottle and breast.

5). Little Unicorn Swaddle Blankets. Cutest, softest swaddle blankets we own and now my go-to baby gift. They get softer and more snuggly with each wash. We just added a gorgeous deluxe muslin quilt to our collection thanks to The Baby Cubby. 

6). Ju Ju Be Diaper Bag. I own this in black and it's so convenient to have the option to wear it as a shoulder bag or backpack depending on what I'm doing. It easily wipes clean and has plenty of pockets for storage.

7). Plan Wooden Toys. I'm talked about this before, but I'm admittedly picky about what types of toys come into our home and Plan Toys does it right. They are developmentally appropriate, sustainably produced and pleasing to the eye.

8). Ergo Baby 360 Carrier. Tiho and I both love wearing Felicity and this is the carrier we use now that she's bigger. She likes facing forward and I like that this provides the ergonomic support for her to do so.

9). KicKee Pants Sleeper. I wish I realized this earlier, but for the first three months with a newborn, the only thing you'll want to dress them in is one-piece pajamas. KicKee pants brand is lightweight and SO soft.

10). Briar Handmade Bonnet. Because nothing is cuter than a tiny baby in a tiny bonnet. We own two and they are heirloom pieces I plan to tuck away for safe-keeping to pass down to my grandchildren.

11). Honest Diapers. The only brand we use. I love the fun prints and eco-friendly factor. Felicity has also never had a diaper rash.

12). Luna Lullaby Nursing Pillow. Originally given to me by a friend, this pillow is luxuriously soft and comfortable. I also used it as a body pillow during pregnancy and as a tummy time support for Felicity before she could sit up on her own.

13). Medela Pump-In-Style Breast Pump. I stocked our freezer with plenty of milk before a four-day trip away from Felicity when she was five months old. I love this pump, and highly recommend it for any pumping mamas.

//

I hope this was helpful for anyone feeling clueless or overwhelmed with where to begin with purchases for a new baby.  I know that my own most trusted source for baby recommendations is other moms. This list is by no means exhaustive, but I thought it was a good starting point. 

Thank you again to The Baby Cubby for partnering with me on this post! They have generously offered the following discount code good for 10% off your order valid from Tuesday August 16th - Tuesday August 23rd. Use code "exquisitebanana10" at checkout.

(Felicity enjoying her new deluxe muslin quilt from Little Unicorn! Thanks, Baby Cubby!)

Spring Inspired: Gift Ideas For Your Little One

Spring is my season. I couldn't resist putting together this roundup of gift ideas for Easter. We're not doing a traditional Easter basket for Felicity this year because she's too young to appreciate it. However, you can bet she'll don an adorable outfit next weekend, because babies in bonnets and tiny dresses are totally my jam.

Anyway, if you have a little one in your life, here are a few non-traditional gift ideas that celebrate the onset of spring. I like the idea of selecting one or two special items to include in a gift basket in addition to the chocolate bunnies and trinket-filled plastic eggs that accumulate.

From top to bottom, left to right:

Tree blocks for sparking imaginative play;
Pajamas in the springiest of pastel colors;
A bunny for cuddling (we own this and love it);
A pretty robin's egg blue hair bow;
Natural fruit-shaped teethers;
An irresistible bunny ear hat ;
Seeds to plant and water together;
The complete Beatrix Potter collection (hooray for Peter Rabbit!);
A wooden flower plate for making mealtime fun;
A yellow striped romper to show off that delicious soft chub;
Bloomers for the warm days ahead when they just want to be naked;
A gardening tool set for little hands to dig in the dirt with.

A Capsule Layette

In building a wardrobe for Felicity, I'm realizing how much I appreciate well-designed, non-cheesy clothing for little ones. Don't get me wrong, I love color and pattern, but most of the baby clothing available on the mass market translates as...cartoony.

I'm well-aware that this might officially place me in the "crazy mom" category, but I've decided to create somewhat of a capsule collection for her spring/summer wardrobe. I'm choosing pieces that will easily mix and match to make an assortment of cute outfits. So far, Felicity's layette contains items in soft neutrals and patterns such as chambray and classic stripes with fun florals thrown in for a girlie touch. For variety, I figure we can layer sweaters, leggings and onesies, of which we have several.

I'm pretty much dressing her exactly how I dress. Eventually, she'll develop her own style and voice strong opinions on the matter, so for now, I'm having fun!

The above are some pieces I've had my eye on for my little miss. And in case you were wondering, yes, a miniature pair of aviators are essential.

Lace Bodysuit from Sapling Child / Denim Pants from H&M / French Terry Flutter Sleeve Dress from Oshkosh / Striped Tank Jumper from June & January / Floral Dress from Tea Collection / Moto Jacket from Ralph Lauren / Polka Dot Chambray Romper from Carters / The Snuggle is Real T-shirt from Cheerily / Striped Empire Waist Dress from Old Navy / Noelle Bow from Free Babes / Baby Aviators from Amazon

The picture below includes a few pieces already tucked away into her dresser drawers. I can hardly contain my excitement for park picnics this summer!

P.S. While drafting this post, Under the Boardwalk by the Drifters was playing on Pandora:

"Under the boardwalk, down by the sea, yeah
On a blanket with my baby is where I'll be."

Sounds about right. :)

Felicity Claire

Our daughter, Felicity Claire, entered the world on Monday, December 14th at 7:12 PM (two weeks past her due date!).

7 lbs and 19 inches of perfection.

We've spent the past several days soaking up moment after precious moment with our sweet girl. We're totally and completely enamored with her and the indescribable joy she brings us this Christmas season.

Can't wait to share more soon! Happiest holidays to you and yours.

[Photos © Emma Reisman taken in the hospital when she was 36 hours old]. 

Grow, Baby, Grow: 39 Weeks

How Far Along: Thirty-nine weeks. We're counting days now...

Size of Baby: A watermelon! Ha. She's anywhere from 5.5-9 lbs (although we're pretty sure she falls on the lower end of that range).

Cravings: Clementines &  fruit loops. 

Weight Gain: 17 lbs. Exactly what my mom gained carrying me, which is interesting.

Maternity Clothes: Yes, especially anything soft, cozy & stretchy. The Gap Body collection has been my favorite maternity brand for everyday basics.

Physical Symptoms: Not that many, oddly. She dropped, which took a lot of pressure off my lungs, so breathing is easier. My bladder feels like the size of a raspberry because of her low head position: I'm basically peeing on demand every 30 minutes. Under the recommendation of our midwives, I had a "physical therapy for labor" session earlier this week, which felt incredible. It loosened all those muscles and released tension in my lower back and hips. Fingers crossed it pays off during her delivery.

Sleep: I sleep so much. It's fan-freaking-tastic. I know this will end VERY soon, so I'm really indulging my blissful 9-10 hours every night. 

Fears: I'm feeling especially calm and at peace. I don't know if that's because we're almost at the end, but I don't have any real fears (at least for today). I view birth as a natural process that will unfold as it is meant to. Moreover, both Tiho and I have the utmost faith in my care providers to guide the birth and any necessary decision-making.

Baby's Developmental Milestones: She's ready to go! We're simply waiting for her to figure that out. :)

General Mood & Emotions: Giddy with excitement. I mean, hello: we're about to meet our daughter, a tiny human being who's been growing inside of me for the past nine months. Will she have a head full of hair? A tiny button nose? Scrunchy eyebrows? What will her temperament be? Will she be a November baby (oh gosh, please) or take her own sweet time and arrive in December? So much anticipation. I'd be remiss if I failed to mention how bittersweet all of this feels, though. I truly love being pregnant and know that I'm going to miss this season of life.

Things I'm Looking Forward To: Looking into her eyes for the first time. Holding in her my arms. Seeing Tiho hold her in his arms. Snuggling up together under a cozy sherpa blanket as a family of three.

Coolest Thing So Far: She instantly calms and relaxes when I put my hands on my belly during her movement routine. Also, hiccups! Too cute. 

"A baby is like the beginning of all things--wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities." 

-Eda J. Le Shan

Shop Small: Baby's First Christmas

When I picture December this year, I imagine newborn toes peeking out from underneath a cozy knit blanket in a room filled with sparkling white twinkle lights, pine & spiced cranberry-scented candles, hot cocoa, and Bing Crosby crooning the classics. The holidays are always magical for me and I can only imagine how much more so this season will be be with a brand new little person to celebrate.

For the last several years, I've tried to "shop small" for the majority of my holiday gift-giving. One of my favorite December traditions in New York is strolling through the various holiday pop-up markets around the city searching for the perfect gifts for all of the special people in my life. This year, with baby's due date on Thanksgiving, I'm not sure whether I'll make it out to the markets or not, so I turned to the next best place to find handmade goodies: Etsy, of course. I've bookmarked so many cute shops and products and couldn't help but round up a few personal favorites in celebration of baby's first Christmas (hint, hint to inquiring family members!).

Product & shop sources from top to bottom, left to right:

Personalized family stockings! I'm thinking this is the perfect year to invest in a coordinating set we'll use for years. For our little family of three, I'm loving the "peppermint pink," "pistachio green" and "sky blue" colors.

Little Highbury makes the sweetest knotted baby headbands and hats. I love the navy stripe, pictured.

I've already ordered a few items from NomiLu (a beaded pacifier clip and gorgeous scalloped swaddle blanket) so I had to include her shop here because everything is just so well-made.

I've linked to Ajolar baby shoes a couple of times before, but I love them that much. The gold & cream version shown above would make the cutest first Christmas accessory.

How beautiful are these sweetheart teething/nursing necklaces from Freja Toys? A non-toxic and eco-friendly gift that both mama and baby can enjoy.

I have imagined our baby wearing a little pixie hat throughout this entire pregnancy. There are so many great options out there, but I especially adore this festive red knit bonnet from Sweet KM.

I feel like it's a huge rite of passage to hang baby's first ornament on the tree. This personalized twisted gold wire carriage is delicate and lovely.

Every little one needs a classic wooden car to push around. Bannor Toys can do no wrong in my book with their collection of organic wooden toys and rattles.

This "good morning" linen bib from Yoriko New York is both practical AND adorable.

//

Have any can't-miss Etsy shops to share? I love discovering new sources for awesome handmade gifts.

Packing a Hospital Bag

I was not someone who planned to bring a whole lot of "gear" with me to the hospital. I am totally fine wearing the hospital gowns for the duration of my stay (why create more laundry?!) and therefore, figured my hospital bag contents would be fairly minimal.

Ha! I couldn't help but make a list to keep myself organized: I've included it below, and it sure doesn't seem minimal to me now. Any advice for additional items to include or for things to leave behind? I made my packing list based on advice garnered from others, as well as my own preferences. But obviously, I've never done this before, so I'm very open to hearing from anyone with seasoned insight. My doula will bring along a few extra labor-assist items such as an exercise ball and massage tools.

Clothing for Mama:
Nursing Bras (2)
Cozy socks (2-3)
Lightweight Bathrobe (1)
Slippers
Pack of black cotton undies in large size
Outfit to wear home (maternity leggings, t-shirt, loose cardigan sweatshirt)
Flip-flops for shower

Toiletries:
Toiletries (shampoo/conditioner, face wash, soap, lotion, toothbrush/paste, deodorant, lip balm, etc.)
Makeup bag
Hairbrush/Comb + extra hair ties
Disposable Nursing Pads
Recovery Items (nipple cream, soothing bottom spray, arnica oil, maxi pads, vitamins, belly bandit)

Nourishment:
Reusable water bottle + a few bottles of gatorade
Granola Bars, Fruit Snacks, Trail Mix

Paperwork:
Hospital Registration Form
Pediatrician Contact Info
Midwife +  Doula Contact Info
Copies of insurance cards + driver's license
Folder for baby's paperwork (birth certificate info, forms, etc.)
Notebook + Pen

Electronics:
Fully charged camera with formatted SD cards
Laptop/iPad + charger
Phone + charger
Friends & Family email contact list to send the initial "she's here!" announcement

For Baby:
Blanket
Going Home Outfit (Onesie, leggings, booties, hat, sweater, extra footie pajamas)
Car Seat

For Tiho:
Toiletries Kit
Boxers + Socks (2-3)
Sweatpants (1)
T-shirts (2-3)
Hoodie (1)
Slippers
Flip-Flops for shower

Miscellaneous:
Plastic bag for dirty laundry
Quarters for vending machine
Baby Book (for foot/hand prints)
Nurse Gifts (Edibles?)
Breath Mints

//

Whew! Go ahead and make fun of me now. It's cool.

*There are additional common items that several packing lists recommend which I personally don't find necessary, such as diapers/wipes/pacifiers/swaddle blankets (will use hospital-provided ones) and my own pillow/towel (why the hassle?).

**Top photo shows baby girl's items. They're definitely the prettiest of the bunch!

Dear Baby, Volume 3

Dear Baby,

I was whimpering in bed the other night because I couldn't get comfortable. You were moving around a lot and it felt like my insides were being pushed to their limits. I was really tired and feeling momentarily sorry for myself before realizing that we only have a few weeks left together with you nestled inside of me. While I dream about the moment I finally get to see your little face for the first time, I am going to be honest right now, and tell you how much I will miss having you in my belly. I have loved being pregnant more than I ever imagined. I know the experience is different for every woman, and I feel so lucky that this pregnancy--this special time carrying you--has been relatively easy. Sometimes it feels like it's taking forever and other times it feels like time is flying by at lightening speed. Even as I write this, I cannot believe that we've nearly reached the end! You are almost ready to come out and meet us. And then? Well, then, it's the beginning. Oh how I love beginnings.

I read the following passage recently: it made me cry. This is for you, my sweet child:

"We promise to love you with a transforming love, 

a love that accepts you as you are unconditionally. 

We promise to comfort you in your pain and vulnerability 

and to celebrate you in your joy and discovery. 

We promise to teach you what we believe it means to be strong and humane, 

and to seek peace in our family and in our world. 

We respect the person you are forever becoming 

and promise to learn from you all you have to teach us. 

We promise to play with you, to work side-by-side with you, 

to cry you with you and to laugh with you.

And, as we learn to parent and love you, we dedicate ourselves to learning, more fully, 

what it means to parent and to love ourselves and each other."

-Shea Darian, from Seven Times the Sun

//

Keep growing, baby. I can't wait to meet you and hold you and snuggle you and kiss you and comfort you and admire you and continue to love you to the ends of the universe and back again, because truth be told: I've loved you from the very start.

Always,
Mama

Grow, Baby, Grow: 34 Weeks

How Far Along: Thirty-four weeks. My due date was adjusted slightly (moved up three days), so counting weeks is a bit off. Hopefully less than six to go.

Size of Baby: A honeydew melon. She's about 18 inches from head to toe and weighs approximately 4.75 lbs.

Cravings: Seasonal anything (pumpkin, hot soup, caramel apple spice from Starbucks, etc.). Lots of water. Can't seem to drink enough!

Weight Gain: 16 lbs (ish). I'll  know for sure after my appointment later this week (my scale always reads differently than theirs).

Maternity Clothes: Of course. The temperatures dropped drastically this past week, so coats, scarves and ankle boots have joined the regular rotation.

Physical Symptoms: Lower back pain if I sit in a desk chair for too long. A good old-fashioned hot water bottle helps tremendously. Also, shortness of breath! She's taking up all my lung-space at this point. The strangest development in the past two weeks has been weak hand control. I've been getting random finger spasms and sometimes need to shake my hands to get circulation flowing (I am told this is normal). I can definitely feel myself slowing down. I'm officially taking maternity leave from the photo business after November 8th, but between now and then, it's basically crazy-time. Really attempting to listen to my body and rest whenever possible so as not to overdo it. 

Sleep: Fine, except for the falling asleep part. I toss and turn trying to get comfortable for at least the first hour every night. She's usually SUPER active during this time, so part of the problem is me becoming distracted by her jabs and acrobatics.  

Fears: This is a silly one, but I really want the house to be spotless before I go into labor. Since we obviously can't predict when that will be, I imagine I'll be a psycho person those last couple of weeks trying to tidy up, dust and run the dishwasher on the regular. Obviously, I know we have zero control over this, but I at least want to come home to clean sheets and an empty kitchen sink. She's due Thanksgiving Day, so we're in the process of trying to plan the logistics of that holiday with family. All I know is that we won't be hosting. 

Baby's Developmental Milestones: She's peeing up to a pint per day now. Bring on those teeny newborn diapers! She's nearly ready to meet the outside world: in roughly two weeks, she's considered full-term.

General Mood & Emotions: Exhilarated with a twinge of anxiety. Still need to choose a pediatrician, pack a hospital bag and fax our pre-registration forms to the hospital, which I'm planning to check off the to-do list this week. We toured the birth center and maternity ward a couple of weeks back, which brought on a weird mix of emotions for me. It's hard to explain, but I felt anxious when I saw the space and realized how the timing of everything is truly out of my hands. I'm a planner by nature, so surrendering to this realization feels significant to me. I trust that whatever is meant to be, will be. But you know, since I'm putting this out there, in an ideal world, I'll go into labor at night, have time to shower and shave while contractions aren't yet intense, drive to the hospital early the next morning where she'll come within a few hours without complication. Then, we'll order Greek food and indulge visitors for two days before returning home in time for cranberry sauce and stuffing. Ya hear me, universe!? :)

Things I'm Looking Forward To:  Finishing up the decorating of her space. We have just about everything we need, so now it's time for the last few loads of laundry and organizing. My grandpa passed away peacefully over the weekend, so while this might sound weird, I'm also looking forward to traveling to Boston this weekend for his funeral/celebration of life and to see my family. If it happened any later, we might not have been able to make the trip, so I'm grateful for that.

Coolest Thing So Far: Taking those photos up there? Spelling out her name with alphabet blocks? Folding tiny socks and hats? Tiho resting his head on my belly and trying to guess which body part is kicking him? Feeling the most beautiful I ever have in my life? Every bit of this? Because...yes.

"What is done in love is done well." -Vincent Van Gogh

Mid-October, As It Stands

Making : Serious side-eye at Donald Trump.
Cooking : Dinner every night. Weekly meal-planning is a sanity-saver.
Drinking : Glass after glass of water. Always thirsty! Also, grape juice. 
Reading: Great With Child: Letters to a Young Mother by Beth Ann Fennelly.
Wanting: This on-the-go handwash, this book and this footstool pouf.
Looking: At my silhouette reflection in everything (including shiny office building facades. No shame).
Playing: With blocks. Specifically these and these.
Wasting: Wipes? They're especially convenient for cleaning grotty tv remotes.
Wishing: For this little babe to enter the world safely and swiftly.
Enjoying: All of the festive Halloween decorations around the neighborhood.
Waiting: For dusty shelves to figure out to clean themselves. Wouldn't that be amazing?

Liking: Sweater weather.
Wondering: What babies think about inside the womb.
Loving: Our plush new rug in the living room.
Hoping: That my grandfather passes on peacefully.
Marveling: At the fact that there is real person inside of me. Wild.
Needing: A hot water bottle on my lower back after spending any sort of time in a desk chair.
Smelling: Apple cider and eucalyptus. 
Wearing: My husband's t-shirts to bed every night.
Trusting: That my body knows what to do.

Noticing: How strangers see my belly and then smile or comment.
Knowing: Not a whole lot about taking care of a newborn. 
Thinking: About how I loved my bridesmaid hairstyle at my best friend's wedding (pictured).
Bookmarking: Hospital bag packing checklists and easy freezer meals.
Opening: Packages containing assorted tiny things such as snot suckers, teethers and stuffed toys.
Feeling: Joyful.

//

Oh what a difference a year makes! See previous list here.

P.S. For your reading/viewing pleasure:

Barbie hater? You might love their new ad.
Forget the new baby gift. Do this instead.
Identify your Style Profile in one easy step. For the record, I'm an "E."
The Power of Play. So much yes to this.

Ten simple things to make you happier at home. I especially agree with #'s 2, 3 & 10.

Well, this is adorable. And so is this (oh my heart!). 
And last, Imposter Mom.

Zara Baby

It's been a funny experience purchasing items, particularly clothing, for our baby. I've noticed a definitive style preference develop on my part and find myself feeling far more picky about her little layette than I ever thought I would be.

That being said, in my obviously subjective opinion, Zara Baby absolutely nails it. If I had to shop at only one store for baby, this would be it. I love every single item in their collection, which contains simple, classic & timeless pieces perfectly balanced with a touch of kid-appropriate whimsy. Moreover, I think their prices for baby/kid stuff is quite reasonable compared to other brands I gravitate towards style-wise (I'm looking at you, $100 newborn sweater and $80 leggings that will fit for 2 months. I mean, seriously?!). For reference, this adorable green heart top from Zara retails for $16.

I've browsed the store several times in person and can attest that the quality appears to be first-rate. I suppose I'll reassess after witnessing actual wear and tear in the next few months, but so far, I'm pleased with the handful of items I've already washed, dried and tucked neatly in the dresser drawers.

Now the fun part: getting her dressed. Ah!

Dear Baby, Volume 2

Dear Baby,

Currently thirty-one weeks (+ a few days) along. You are the size of a pineapple (yum), which I find both amazing and alarming. How are you fitting in there? Moreover, how will you continue to fit for another two months? Pregnancy is such a trip sometimes. You move a lot, which makes me smile. At a recent check-up, the midwife felt my belly and said you were "head down," which is exactly how you should be. Keep punching those tiny feet and fists as much as you want, but please, listen to your mama and stay in that position!

It's officially fall now, which is your season. Fall is full of cranberries and nutmeg and knit sweaters and gold and copper on the trees. I'm wondering if you'll be here--on the outside--for Thanksgiving. I love the togetherness of Thanksgiving. If you feel like arriving just a few days early, you'll be able to smell the stuffing--my favorite.

October is full for your daddy and I. He is turning 30 and we'll be traveling to an out-of-town wedding for a long weekend. I have some work commitments in the city a few mornings per week for the whole month, along with lots and lots of photo-taking of little people just like you before I put the camera and my business away for awhile when you arrive. That's actually a lie. I won't put the camera away for you. You'll be my favorite subject of all.

Recently, I'm so unbelievably tired, I can barely keep my eyes open. I know that's because you are having a growth spurt and my body is adjusting. When I am able to do so, I take a nice long pause in the afternoon with a cup of tea. We sit together and relax (sometimes I nap), which usually helps me feel a bit more like myself. I imagine we'll have a similar routine once you're born.

We had a party in your honor a couple of weekends ago. Our friends came to celebrate you and bring you the sweetest gifts. All of your clothes and blankets are washed and folded in your dresser. Your beautiful bassinet is assembled in our bedroom and I'm having way too much fun organizing your toys, books and other little belongings. Your carseat was delivered this week, and admittedly, both your daddy and I had some trouble unclasping the safety belt. It took us a few tries before we were able to get the hang of it.

I imagine that's what parenting will be like. We won't always have all of the answers or figure the tricky stuff out right away, but we'll get there. And we'll get there together, with each other, and with you.

I can't wait.

All my love,
Mama

A New Mama Style Wishlist

Fall time always strikes me as a rebirth of sorts, and no matter where my life or career takes me, I doubt I'll ever be able to mentally move beyond the school calendar as an annual marker for the passage of time.

Growing up, the turn of season--and specifically, back to school--often signified a few special new additions to my wardrobe. This is the first year in forever where I haven't done much (if any) shopping for myself, mostly because it doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense with a seven-month pregnant belly and the uncertainty of what shape or size my postpartum body will become.

That being said, I've started to think a bit about what my own personal style will morph into once this baby is on the outside! Anything I purchase in the weeks and months ahead will need to meet specific criteria:

1). Be nursing friendly.
2). Be comfortable & forgiving.

Below, a few essentials I'd love to incorporate into my "New Mama" wardrobe. The older I get, the closer I pay attention to the quality of my purchases: I would much rather spend more on a few select investment pieces that I know I'll return to again and again:

Easy-access button down shirts. I would love to add this silk version in a pretty color to my rotation for days I venture out of the house.

A nursing bra that makes me feel feminine and sexy. I have three no-nonsense ones from Target that I'm sure will do the trick just fine, but I'd love to own one slightly fancier bra to make me feel great about leaky boobs.

A new pair of high-quality (i.e. non-see through) leggings. Paired with the button down and some cute shoes, dare I say I'll look stylish?

A diaper bag that doesn't scream diaper bag. I've been advised by many fellow moms to go the backpack route. This one is pricey as far as these things go, but I love the understated style and the fact that it can be carried as both a shoulder bag and backpack.

A casual shirtdress in the season's coziest pattern to pair with leggings and ankle boots.

Simple gold jewelry. Tiho gave me this much-coveted ring with our daughter's first initial for my birthday earlier this month: I haven't removed it from my right hand since receiving it.

A robe that doesn't scream "grandma." For some reason, I've always associated bathrobes with elderly ladies who watch afternoon soap operas, and thus, I've never really been into wearing one. Lately though, I love the thought of throwing on a delicate, lightweight robe while snuggling up with baby (probably over this nursing nightgown, of which I'll likely order a few).

A new gold(!) water bottle to stay hydrated while breast-feeding. I own and love the Klean Kanteen and appreciate how it keeps my beverages cold for 12+ hours. This one claims to do the same and is just so damn pleasing to the eye. I'm not sure I can resist.

High quality slip-on shoes that will help me feel pulled-together in jeans and a tee. I've got my eye on these classic leather loafers from Everlane.

//

Anything I'm forgetting? Here's to the goal of maintaining personal style post-pregnancy.

My Baby Shower At The Love Shack

Last weekend, my mom threw us a baby shower at The Love Shack in Brooklyn. About twenty-five of our New York-based friends and loved ones gathered  to celebrate baby girl and our venture into new parenthood. It was important to me that I had a  coed "Jack & Jill" shower since so many of our close friends are couples. Moreover, I wanted it to feel more like a laid-back cocktail party where everyone could mingle rather than a traditional, ladies-only luncheon shower.

Isn't the space awesome? My mom found it earlier this summer and I immediately gave an enthusiastic thumbs up of approval. Quirky, funky, fun (and barely any additional decor needed!). Britta and Alexander Love, the owners, were wonderful,  and I would highly recommend their services and space.

Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to take any pictures of all of the food and vignettes before guests started arriving, but essentially, that white table was filled with platters containing all of my pregnancy cravings. My mom catered in assorted grilled cheese sandwiches, potato wedges, fruit kebabs, pigs in a blanket, spanakopita, cookies, brownies, etc., along with a crudite platter, green salad, chips, candy and sparkling beverages. We also had a champagne toast to welcome and thank everyone for coming before opening gifts at the end. Party favors took on a "sugar & spice" theme with assorted rock candy and lavender oatmeal spice soap (shared here).

Upon arriving, I had no idea what was planned in terms of games, but my mom knocked it out of the park with a couple of simple interactive activities for guests to enjoy, including a hilarious toilet paper diaper derby (see pics below), a "name the nursery rhyme" competition and onesies with fabric markers for guests to write notes to the baby. My sister also gave a speech in the form of a letter to our daughter which left almost every single guest crying. (I was a mess!).

Tiho and I thoroughly enjoyed celebrating together and feel overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone's love, support and generosity.

Below,  a few iPhone shots stolen from various guests. From top to bottom, left to right:

Cousins drinking (root) beer; a special gift from my mama in the form of hand-painted chair for our little girl; me in my toilet paper diaper; us lucky ones who were diapered; baby's overflowing toy basket; my family; good friends, present-opening; and candy display.

Can hardly believe we're in the two-month countdown now: we can't wait to meet this little babe!