HALO Bassinest/ Owlet Smart Sock/ Saranoni Blanket/ Stroller/Countertop Drying Rack/ Diaper PailChanging Pad/ Baby Monitor/Changing Pad Cover/ Car Seat/ White Noise Sound Machine/ Burp Cloths/ Lawn Drying Rack Accessory
No one ever told me that life with a newborn was going to be so much fun! Our little babe will be three weeks old tomorrow?! We were blessed beyoooond belief as people showered us with gifts as we prepped for life as a family of three. Since she is still so little, there have been some items that we haven’t used just quite yet and there are others that I use every single day. We registered at Amazon and Target and loved both! People could shop in the store or online and we were pleasantly surprised when we saw that most people chose Amazon. (I mean, I totally get it). 😉 I compiled a list of essentials that in these first 3 weeks have been SO helpful in one way or another. I’ll do an updated list of favorites once she’s a little older and uses more things. 🙂 In the meantime, shop around! I’ll also add this to my shop page so it’s easier to find at all times! Happy Friday! xo
Three summers ago, we were in Punta Cana for our honeymoon, relaxing and soaking up every moment. Two summers ago we were in Colorado exploring as much as we could possibly take in. Last summer we were in Italy in all our glory as we visited Capri (great name, right?! ;)),Tuscany, and Florence.
This post is more focused on asking your advice on prepping for a vacation we plan on taking next summer. With a newborn, we aren’t going any long distances in the next few months but next summer Eric and I plan on going to Napa Valley, CA. If you have been or live nearby, what are some must-see places?!
Capri Mae Spring made her way into the world with a fight on May 26th.
7 pounds 15 oz., and 20 inches long of pure sweetness…and we could not be more thankful! You can follow along here for some more pictures of our babe! 🙂
Hi, friends of Stephanie!!! My name is Brittany from Life of Charmings, and I am so excited to be sharing here while Steph soaks up all the sweetest baby snuggles!! My own first baby was born almost 6 years ago, now, and my second almost 3. My babes have added so so so much pure joy and meaning to my life, and I am unbelievably grateful for every single day that I get to look at their little angel faces!! And I still have soooo much ahead of me as far as motherhood goes, but I’ve maybe learned a thing or two so far!
1. Trust your own gut. Take all the advice you can, of course! But truly, only you can know what’s right for you and your baby!! I started out following all the “rules” with my firstborn, but quickly threw the rulebook out the window. And though I was still terrified of anyone telling me how I “should” be doing things, I let my intuition take the lead and I’m SO glad. Every baby is different… every family is different! That’s how it’s supposed to be! Listen to your instincts and your sweet baby, because you were made for each other. 🙂
2. Keep the big picture in mind. It really does go so fast! The the days are long, the years are short. Wasn’t my baby just a baby?! Every late night feeding, every diaper blowout… they’re distant memories at this point. But knowing it would one day be gone helped me get through those long days and nights! It’s bittersweet, of course, but I love where we are now. I have loved every step of our journey, and I really love watching my babies grow and seeing their own little hearts and minds flourish!
3. Let them teach you. One of the best gifts about being a parent, I think, is getting to see the world through a child’s eyes again! I love getting to experience life through a much softer lens. It’s beautiful and refreshing. Their spirits and minds are still so pure, and you quickly realize how rough and hardened the outside world can be. Those sweet little hearts are everything!!
Thanks for having me, Steph!!!! I’m so so thrilled for you and your precious little one!!!
Hey y’all! I’m excited to be hanging out with you today at Stephanie Spring while she is on maternity leave! Stephanie and I met a few years ago and have worked together a few times and I’m thrilled to be sharing these fun poolside summer reads with you while she is snuggling that adorable baby!Post contains affiliate links
From the moment you enter into the life of Grace in the first few pages of this book, you will not be able to put it down. This thrilling page-turner is a super easy read but will keep you on your toes for the entire book! Be aware though, as it took me a couple of chapters to put it together, that it does flip flop from the past to the present, and eventually the two time periods catch up with each other.
Jen Hatmaker is my spirit animal, so naturally this book is one of my all-time favorite reads, ever. Within the first few paragraphs, she had already revealed that she had written the book especially for me (and I suspect you’ll feel the same way). She covers everything from church drama to grocery shopping, to football fanatics, all in her endearing, everday wine-drinking, mom on a mission voice. It will make you feel more like yourself, trust me!
Okay, truth be told this book won’t just make you cry, because who wants to cry at the pool? But it will run you through ALL OF THE EMOTIONS. I had never heard of this woman, but all my favorite authors were talking about her all over social media, so I jumped right in. This is another one of those books that reminds you after every chapter, whatever you’re going through and whatever is happening in your life is normal, you’re not the first and nor will you be the last person to experience it. It was a breath of fresh air!
I’m so ready for pool weather to officially arrive so I can spend my afternoons with a book in my hand! What has been your all time favorite poolside read?
I would love it if you came by and said hi! I blog at skyemclain.com about personal finance, lifestyle, and a little fashion here and there! My family I and recently paid off over $57K in debt and we have made it our mission to help others experience the same financial freedom we have! You can also find me on Instagram at @skyenmclain. Thanks so much for having me Stephanie!
Three summers ago, we were in Punta Cana for our honeymoon, relaxing and soaking up every moment. Two summers ago we were in 
Capri Mae Spring made her way into the world with a fight on May 26th.
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