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Baby May 22, 2014

In My Hospital Bag

I have read no less than 20 lists of what to bring in one’s hospital bag – some are extensive, others are more minimal. I tend to overpack, so I’m probably in the former category (especially with all of Isla’s outfits – whoops). Whenever I travel, I pack outfits into gallon size Ziploc bags – helps keep me organized! So naturally, Isla has 12 outfits organized in baggies.

Ready to go!

It’s hard as a first-time mom to know what to pack, so it’s helpful to read others’ suggestions on what to pack when heading into delivery!

Some of my favorite lists:

Hook Thread and Tinker, Simply Sadie Jane, and Workman Family

So, what’s in my bag? And Isla’s? And Sasha’s? Well, some things are still ‘to-be-packed-when-contractions-start,’ but the lists are as follows:

My Hospital Bag

1 old throw-away robe

2 pairs of pajamas (one Target nightie and one cute pair from Anthro, which I will likely regret?)

6 pairs of Hanes full-coverage underwear

2 Bravado nursing bras

1 pair of Lululemon Still Pants (per Mara’s suggestion!)

1 Motherhood nursing tank

1 pair of Old Navy yoga shorts

1 pair of Gap maternity leggings

1 Pickwick and Weller t-shirt (so comfy)

1 Loft maternity t-shirt

3 pairs of old socks

Slippers

Rainbow flip flops (from college! Still love them)

Belly Bandit (judge me if you wish!) – will be wearing this Wink one after a few weeks!

Travel Size Toiletries (Toothbrush, Soap, Deodorant, Toothpaste, Shampoo, Conditioner, etc.)

Hair Brush, Hair Dryer, Curling Iron, Headbands

Makeup (including Eos Lip Balm)

Aveeno Lotion

Lansinoh Soothies Gel Pads, Lanolin and Nursing Pads

Kotex Maxi Pads

Boppy Pillow and this cover

Non-white pillow cover and comfy pillow

Isla’s Hospital Bag*

Honest Co. Diaper Wipes

Honest Co. Newborn and Size 1 Diapers

Mittens (these J. Crew ones in different sizes and colors and plain white ones)

Heart J.Crew onesie and Stripe J. Crew onesie (Newborn and 0-3 Months)

Assortment of Gap Baby onesies

2 pink caps

Infant nail file

Newborn Aspirator

2 Aiden + Anais swaddle blankets

1 Summer Infant SwaddleMe

*Packed in my Kate Spade Stevie Diaper Bag

Sasha’s Hospital Bag

Blanket (in case hospital is cold!)

Pajamas

Toothbrush

2 iPads

iPad, iPhone, Camera chargers

Camera

Snacks (Sugarfree candy, gum, crackers, water, etc.) and change for vending machines

Any experienced mothers out there with suggestions on things to remove or add? I have two weeks left (convinced it’ll be more like three), so plenty of time to order additional items or repack! It is helpful to bring your own pump to the hospital with you? Any and all advice is welcome.

Fashion May 20, 2014

Casual Summer Days and Nights

With my due date only 15 days away, I’m doing something I haven’t done in 265 days… looking at regular clothing! No more maternity shopping for me (hallelujah, seriously!). I spent far too long the other day browsing through every single item at J. Crew – their summer collection is so dreamy. I am in love with this chambray tunic and these eyelet shorts. With Memorial Day weekend coming up, I thought I’d put together two outfits – one for brunching outdoors with friends and one for eating on the patio at night. I am so anxious to get back into my old clothes – can you tell? I want to wear both these outfits tomorrow! Is your wardrobe ready for summer? One serious staple item to add to your cart are these shorts!

Casual Days

J. Crew Chambray Tunic // J. Crew Chino Shorts // Tory Burch Miller Sandals // Tory Burch Thea Cross Body Bag // Kendra Scott Stone Nest Link Bracelet // Kendra Scott Elisa Necklace

Casual Nights

J. Crew Silk Cami // J. Crew Eyelet Short // Tory Burch Adonis Wedges // J. Crew Flower Fan Necklace // Kate Spade Saturday Envelope Clutch // Kendra Scott Stone Nest Cocktail Ring

Stationery May 16, 2014

Sasha’s MBA Graduation Announcements

Today, my husband graduates from The University of Texas at Austin – McCombs School of Business with a Master of Business Administration. It feels like yesterday that I posted this acceptance post (June 28, 2012 – “my boyfriend”!). He has spent so much time and effort after work studying, doing homework, having late night study groups calls, etc. and then spending every second weekend (sometimes back-to-back) in class. Needless to say, it has not been a fun process for him, but he has learned a lot and says it’s definitely worth it.

The plan since day 1 has been that I would attend his graduation, but this week has been rather tough – my back hurts, legs hurt, etc. and my doctor advised me not go to Austin with only 2.5 weeks until our due date. It took lots of convincing from Sasha, my mom, and friends, but we decided the best thing for me to do is stay put and cheer from afar (and FaceTime!). I am obviously very upset to miss this milestone occasion, but understand the reason. I did faint in the car two weeks ago on the drive back from Austin!

For Sasha’s graduation, I designed letterpress announcements that I had printed by Czar Press. They were so great to work with. I did the calligraphy on all 50 envelopes (which took much longer than expected!) using Crane envelopes from Paperworks. We included a small square picture of Sasha and Belle, and I secretly snuck in a ‘Congratulate Sasha’ card with a pre-stamped return envelope (addressed to my parents – bought at Paper Source). I gave him all of his presents last night, including the notes we got back. He was very surprised, and we had a great time reading them – laughs and tears.

Congratulations, Sasha, I am so proud of you! I wish more than anything I could be there with a foghorn! Hook ’em!

Baby May 15, 2014

The Golden Nursery: Ready for Isla

Less than three weeks away from our due date now, and I am so anxious to meet little miss Isla. We had an ultrasound on Monday, and she is measuring 6 pounds 7 ounces – right on track (44th percentile). As we get nearer to June 4, we’re finalizing all baby details – making sure we have enough diapers, swaddle blankets, bottles, etc. for her arrival. The hospital bags (hers, mine) are packed and in the car – just in case! I’ll do a post on what’s inside soon. I have definitely overpacked her clothing – she has about 10 outfit choices… because I’m indecisive. This J. Crew onesie may be the winner, but we’ll see. The room is 99% complete. The only thing I’m still on the fence about is wall color/paper… Rifle Paper Co. will launch their wallpaper collection with Hygge and West next Monday. If something fits the room, I’ll be sold.

Favorite Etsy Shops

I love Etsy – not for all of the fru-fru bow or homemade DIY stores, but the amazing selection of custom stationery, stamps, prints, and decor. I recently browsed my order history (which is rather large) and realized how many gems I’ve found on this website. I decided to roundup my favorite stores so that you can hopefully feast your eyes (and wallets) on some of these gorgeous treats. Are you a frequent Etsy shopper? If so, which are your favorite shops?

Mavora

Whitney English

Em Dash Paper Co

Angelique Ink

Quill and Fox

Paloma’s Nest

Gnome Sweet Gnome

Sycamore Street Press