We are officially just over 2 weeks away from Baby Boy’s due date (Nov 24th!) so I thought I’d take a moment to touch base with a more personal post.
Life here has been hectic and time has been flying. I’ve been working more than ever trying to get posts prepared and ready so that when he arrives I’ll be able to take something of a “maternity leave”… not sure yet exactly what that is going to look like!
I have posts scheduled out through the end of this month and December but hope to be able to hop in and touch base/share some life updates along the way. It has been a little strange making recipes so far in advance and I’m even a little sad that (for all blog-related purposes) I’m actually already finished with my Christmas baking!
I’ve also filmed all of my videos through January for YouTube, so if it seems that I’m still getting bigger and bigger in my videos even after the baby is born, well, that’s why! 😂
I’ve been doing pretty well. Feeling huge, for sure. Waddling everywhere I go and always keeping an eye out for the nearest bathroom. I’ve been living in Target yoga pants and anything I drop these days (which feels like everything) I just have to write off as a gone from my life for good. Acid reflux is my newest nemesis (thank goodness for Tums) and putting on shoes is essentially impossible.
But Baby is healthy and a “good size” (5 lbs 15 oz!) as per his last ultrasound and that’s the important thing and I’m trying to remember to be grateful (because I am so, so grateful) even when I’m uncomfortable and tired and taking 20 minutes to get my socks on. I’m enjoying his kicks and movements and so excited to see what he looks like.
Pregnancy Must-Haves
I don’t really have a long list of must-haves, though a few of you have asked, but there are a few things that have made my life a little easier.
Even though I’m not sleeping well I am so glad I bought a pregnancy pillow early on. I didn’t think it made that much of a difference until I tried sleeping without it one night.
Also, while I wouldn’t exactly say this has been a “game changer” I’m also glad I bought the Blanqi belly support band. It totally does roll up if you move a lot from standing to sitting but I notice a clear difference in my back pain on days when I wear it vs. days when I don’t and it’s worth the annoyance of having to pull it down every so often.
Since I’m thirsty all the time, a big water bottle that actually keeps my water cold has been essential. I had a few metal ones that I just didn’t like drinking out of once I got pregnant and ended up switching to a 24 oz Tervis tumbler (and yes that goldfish design is the one I have 😂). It’s huge and keeps my drink cold longer than a regular glass, doesn’t leave condensation and has a lid for traveling so it’s become my constant companion.
As I mentioned: Target yoga pants. Champion is the name of the brand, I think. Soooo comfy. I bought maternity jeans and a pricey pair of maternity leggings that got rave reviews but I never wear them, I’m not comfortable in anything except these yoga pants. They are not maternity-style, but they’re so comfy. I just wish they made them with pockets!
Any suggestions for must-haves after the baby arrives are very welcome!
The Nursery!
Zach and I finally finished organizing and setting up the nursery last weekend. Realistically the baby won’t be sleeping in here until he’s a bit older (I have a bassinet in the bedroom), but it was so important to me to have it done before he arrived.
We ended up with a Lion King theme for the nursery (my favorite movie ever as a child), even though my original intention was just generic jungle.
I completely love it, even though Zach was left scratching his head about how we ended up here. I think he would’ve preferred a theme somewhere along the lines of hockey, cars, or baseball, but here we are. I’ll leave some links at the end of the post for most of the items we bought/received. Just about everything came from Amazon!
So that’s life lately! Big changes are coming up any day now and I am excited and honestly a bit nervous!
While I’m a little naive still about what life with a newborn is going to look like, I do plan on getting back to the kitchen as soon as possible and I hope you love all of the recipes that I have planned for you over the holidays.
Thank you so much for reading, it means a lot to me 💜
Links for Nursery Items.
Some of these links are affiliate links.
- Babyletto White Crib — “Scoot”
- This is the rug we went with (an 8’6″ square in Beige). I was super skeptical about buying a rug off of Amazon but after looking everywhere else and not finding anything we liked (or in our budget) this one had great reviews so we went for it. Zach and I keep commenting on how plush it is and how much we love it, ha!
- Graco Changing Table
- Little white bookshelf — this is really a pretty flimsy little bookshelf and I anticipate we’ll be exchanging it for something sturdier when he gets bigger, or maybe we’ll end up moving the rocker into this spot. It works for now, though!
- Elephant Ottoman
- Lion King Bedding Set
- Graco Glider Swing
- Most of the artwork is from Etsy with the exception of this canvas hanging over the changing table.
Carla
A beautiful nursery for a STUNNING Mama. You look so lovely. I’m a grandmother now… but I remember those days of a new baby. They were wonderful. Only thing I see missing in the nursery is a big ole comfy chair. You must have that somewhere in your home. If not, you might one want. One advice, for a while…. sleep when the baby sleeps. Hope all goes well.
Sugar Spun Run
You are too kind. Thank you so much, Carla! I appreciate it! 🙂
Beth Roberts
Your nursery is awesome!!! Your nesting instinct took over and you just had to get it done, been there done that 8 times. I would suggest having an extra strength pain reliever on hand after you bring your little miracle home. Whether you breast feed or not, you will need it for other aches and pains that can make your life miserable (just think pushing something the size of a watermelon out into the world.) I would recommend Advil or Motrin because the amount transferred to baby is very low. Try taking it with enough time before a feeding so it can start to work. The longer you nurse the tougher your nipples will get then you wont need any pain reliever. Taking the paid reliever can be the difference between a successful nursing experience and quiting. And if you dont breastfeed, those breasts will fill with milk anyway and that can be quite painful. For sore nipples I used a warm tea bad in my bra. Yes, it stains the bra but who cares, baby sure doesnt. I trained as a doula and delivered 8 of my own.. I wish you a successful and satisfying birthing experience and all the luck in the world with your little man.
Sam
8 times! That’s a lot! My mom had 6 of us and I have trouble wrapping my head around that. Thank you for all of the advice, I’m going to make sure I have some extra strength pain reliever on hand (and I do intend to breastfeed, which I’ve heard can be difficult in the beginning, so I really appreciate the advice!). Thank you so much, Beth!
Daniela
Good luck with everything, Sam! I am sure everything will be just great after the birth. You are so driven in your work, I absolutely admire you. Make sure you also relax because you need it 😊
Sam
You are so sweet, Daniela! Thank you for the kind words <3
Camillia Bell
I’m soo excited for you!!! Thanks for sharing your joy with us and take as much time as you need as you have already given us sooo many delicious recipes!!! Also love the nursery!!❤️❤️
Sam
Thank you so much, Camillia! <3
Martha
Very beautiful nursery 😍 Congratulations and best wishes for you and your family! Enjoy your little one and it is OK to be anxious, such an exciting time for you!
Sam
Thank you, Martha! We are so excited about him <3
Kathleen
Samantha. You look amazing. So glad you sent the pictures of baby’s nursery. What a lucky little guy 😊 I love the ottoman. Wishing you and Zach great memories with that precious baby boy. Enjoy every moment they are wonderful. Rest while baby is sleeping. Dishes can wait 😋. Hugs ❤️
Sam
Thank you, Kathleen! I certainly don’t feel too amazing at this point, haha! Thanks so much for the kind words, and fortunately Zach takes care of all the dishes these days and I expect that to continue after baby is here 😉 <3
Nicole
I’m so excited for you and I’ll be praying labor/delivery/recovery all go well! Your life will NEVER be the same again!! 😊 Congratulations!
Sam
Thank you so much, Nicole!! <3
Betty
Enjoy every moment with your little one. They grow up SO fast.
Sam
That’s what I keep hearing, time is going to fly once he’s here! Thank you, Betty!
M.Y.
What a lovely post!!!!! I love sweets, cakes, and babies, too.
I tried some of your recipes and enjoyed them. Thank you for sharing them with us.
Enjoy every bit of happiness this baby is going to bring you and I’m sure you’re going to make a wonderful mom!
Sam
Thank you so much for the kind words, I really appreciate it and am so glad you have been enjoying the recipes <3
mary gardiner
so excited for you, have an easy delivery! our grandson , born 28th of Oct was 4 days early , and had a full head of wavy hair. and my dtr had BAD heart burn every day, so the old wives tales is true. Happy days ahead!
Sam
Thank you, Mary! I’ve heard that about the heartburn and hair, I’m wondering if it’s the same with acid reflux, I guess we’ll find out soon! Congratulations on the birth of your grandson and thank you for the kind words!
Kathryn Cordero
Best wishes on your arrival of baby boy!!!! You look beautiful and can’t wait to get updates once he comes. Love from Delaware
Sam
Thank you so much, Kathryn! I appreciate the kind words! <3
Susan G
My dad always said even with the discomforts that baby is less trouble now than it ever will be again! And he was so right!
Sam
Haha! That’s something to think about 😂
Susan
Hi, your nursery is so cute you can see a lot of love was put in the planning. Happy Blessings to your new addition to your family.
Sam
Thank you so much, Susan <3
Miriam Rose Blanar
If you’re planning to nurse the baby, a boppy or nursing pillow is a must have!
Sam
Ooh I got one of those at my shower so that is good to know it will come in handy! Thanks Miriam!
Tarre B Smith
So excited to meet the baby! I have a feeling we may get a few recipes in the future for healthy, make it yourself baby food, LOL
Missing you already. Please be sure to keep us updated.
Sam
Haha we will see!! I will definitely keep everyone updated, and the recipes will still be coming so I”ll be here 🙂 Thanks, Tarre <3