MY HOSPITAL BAG

07.09.2015

We’re in the home stretch and I truly can’t believe it. It’s funny how the pregnant mind works because in the last week my energy levels have shifted from 0 to 100 and I have officially entered the nesting zone. Cleaning every nook, making lists, crossing things off, making new lists, and packing. We have four weeks left but quite a few mamas have been telling me the second baby sometimes likes to make an early appearance and well, its better to be prepared than scrambling to throw things in a bag at the last minute. Right? Right.

One of my main priorities (after having a safe birth and delivering my healthy baby of course) is having appropriate nursing gear and comfortable clothing options that still make me feel put together as visitors and family come to see the baby and I. I’m so in love with this nursing bra from Destination Maternity – I adore the color and the fit is perfect and insanely comfortable. It’s pretty enough that I don’t mind having it show under a robe (like this one shown above! also, the dark color will hide any stains.) as well as keeping it on through the night. I also love this nursing bra for when we leave the hospital. It’s a bit more structured and I feel more dressed when wearing it.

I will also be packing these black leggings, comfy white tees (preferably with a deep v-neck – I’m using my hubby’s), and a light sweater/kimono for walking the halls.

A few other essentials:

+ My bag!

+ Honest nipple balm for soothing the boobies. I’m hoping for a quick latch and a little baby girl who loves her mamas milk!

+ Witch hazel (for my lady bits..). Applying this was such a relief after my labor and recovery with Lucas. You can also get astringent pads and chill them in the fridge.

+ Bag of toiletries: body wash (I’ve been using this one and love it), toothbrush, toothpaste, unscented lotion, face wash, dry shampoo, hair brush, bobby pins, a few hair ties, and deodorant.

+ Speaking of lady bits – undies. I am purchasing a pack (these are so comfy) that I don’t mind tossing.

+ This beautiful delivery gown from James Fox Co.

+ A small make-up bag with just the essentials in case I have the energy to spruce up for visitors and photos. I’m packing powder, blush, concealer, and chap-stick. Just the basics.

+ Rubber flip flops/2 pairs of socks.

+ Camera and camera charger.

+ Cell phone charger.

I’ll be leaving the bag ready to go in our bedroom along with a written list for my hubby or my mama – depending on when baby girl decides it’s show time. I hope this list is helpful and if you think I’m missing anything please let me know! Good luck to all my expecting mamas!

LEÓN WEARS

07.07.2015

Classic pieces that are timeless will always have my heart. Does it get any better than beautiful knits lovingly made in Spain? I think not. La Coqeuta has become one of my very favorite brands and they have such an amazing selection for both Lucas and my little princess on the way.

You can see more photos of my handsome dude and outfit details over on Babiekins.

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07.06.2015

“A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2015.”

Lucas: Yesterday you stuck a blanket up your shirt and announced that your baby sister was in your belly and she was kicking and tumbling. You also said you were very comfortable which led me to believe you really know nothing about pregnancy ;).

Bebe: I checked my pregnancy app today and kind of almost lost it when I read “4 weeks, 4 days left”. Time is flying and everyone is anxious, excited, and so ready to meet you baby girl.

TO MY BOY

07.02.2015

mama necklace c/o brooklyn thread

Dear my Lucas León,

You are almost a big brother! Until then I have been trying to savor every moment with you. Just you. It’s hard to find beauty in the every day when my patience is running thin, my belly is growing at a rapid pace, and I can barely get off the couch without losing my balance. Somehow you still manage to make me smile each and every day. You my little love are truly the light of my life. You say the funniest things and are the wittiest person I know. I love the way you run with such gumption, your exuberance for life and how happy you are just to hang out with me.

You still come running out of the bathroom after each bath, sopping wet and your towel falling off, giggling and shouting “naked baby hugs!” to either your dad or I. It’s kind of the best. You had your first real yoga class last week and you gave it a solid 15 minutes before you decided running around with your friends would be more fun. I gave you an A for effort and I was seriously impressed you lasted more than 10 minutes to be honest.

I love your kisses and your hugs. The way you say I love you right at the best moments as if you can sense I need a pick me up. I love the way you turn to me and say “you know who I miss? Nana.” You have such an incredible bond with your grandmother and it’s a relationship I hope you always cherish. I love that your favorite room in the house is yours and how you take pride in all your possessions – no matter how tiny or insignificant they may seem to me (like your teeny tiny turtle weapons that are almost impossible to find when lost..).

I am the luckiest mama on Earth. You are mine and I am yours and just knowing that lets me go to sleep each night with a full and happy heart. I love you to to the moon, the stars, and all of planets. My little lion – you are truly the best!

Mama

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07.01.2015

“A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2015.”

Lucas: You are officially registered for pre-k! I’m so excited for this new adventure and I just know you are going to thrive – we got to visit your classroom and your beautiful eyes lit up. It’s all so bitter sweet, amazing, and nerve wrecking at once. That’s motherhood for you.

Bebe: Oh my little love. At our last check up the DR informed me that you are head down, in position, ready to go! SO SOON!

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC PT III – BEACH DAYS & PONY RIDES

06.26.2015

I’m so excited to finally share some of our favorite parts of our trip to the Dominican Republic!

BABY LAUNDRY!

06.24.2015

Everything is happening so fast now. Prepping and getting ready for baby girl to arrive. I remember Ivan and I washing Lucas’s first load of laundry and how emotional and giddy we both were. Cooing over how teeny tiny all the clothes were and carefully folding them into his new dresser.

This week it was our little girls turn. I clipped tags and loaded up the laundry bag and Ivan got elevator duty, lugging everything up and down. I set up the racks and soon we were both hanging everything to dry. Pastels and whites, florals and sweet hearts hung from the bars. It just made everything feel so real!

I had the opportunity to work with The Laundress and try out their baby detergent and fabric conditioner. I’ve tried a few different detergents with Lucas’s clothes and we are lucky in that he has never experienced a skin reaction. At this point we use our regular detergent for his clothes but for the first two years we made sure to use detergents made especially for babies. In all honesty, I’ve never smelled a detergent as good as The Laundress. Our living room was instantly transformed into a calming little haven. Her clothes gave off the faintest, most delicate baby smell (it’s a mix of vanilla, lily of the valley, sandalwood, and lavender) and once they were dry I nuzzled into each item while folding. Both the conditioner and detergent are allergen free and perfect for all your baby related items – bedding, stuffed animals, and clothes of course.

Hey baby girl, we are almost ready for you!

baby bird tee c/o the bee and the fox

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06.23.2015

“A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2015.”

Lucas: My threenager – you still have tender, baby moments that I cherish. You still drink your morning and night milk from a bottle and although I know it’s time to take it away I can’t help but get all emotional. It feels as though it’s one of the last “babyish” things left about you. We registered you for pre-k last week and you are truly becoming such a big boy.

Bebe: You’re as big as a honeydew melon and we have 6 weeks left to go. Apparently you’re going to be packing on the pounds. Take it easy on your mama sweet girl!

dress c/o a pea in the pod

HATCH PAGES

06.22.2015

I’m so honored to have been asked to style a few pieces for HATCHland – HATCH’S amazing blog full of inspo! I can’t believe I’ve been dressing this bump for 33 weeks already. I’ve been wearing these pieces almost daily and they are going to be just perfect for when the baby arrives..flowy, comfy, nursing-friendly, and beautiful.