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.
Kelly Hughes
Thank you for sharing your life with us! Im so excited for you and your family. All the very best to the three of you! Sam, love your recipes and you are my go to. I trust your recipes! Thank you for all the effort you put in each one.
Prayers for you and your sweet family. You dont need advice. But an open mind will be your best friend on your labor day. You can have a plan, but this is one day you have never lived before so just be flexible. Give yourself permission to change your mind about things. You will do great and we are here cheering you on and praying for you!
Sam
Thank you so much for the kind words, Kelly, it means a lot to me! I appreciate the prayers and will definitely try to keep an open mind for when I go into labor, definitely starting to feel pretty nervous about that! Thank you again for commenting, I appreciate it <3
BB
Hi!
I’m so excited for you too! Don’t stretch yourself too thin. We understand and will patiently wait for posts when you are ready. Have a wonderful holiday season and maternity leave!
Sam
Thank you so much for the kind words, I really appreciate it! <3
Kaye
Best wishes to you and hubby! Hope you have a safe and short delivery! Can’t wait to see pics of the sugar baby.
Sam
Thank you so much, Kaye! we are so excited to meet him! 😀
Megan
Awww!! Thanks for the update and sharing part of your life. Super excited for you and hubby and wishing you all the best! It’s a little weird in a way that it feels as though I know you just by looking up and using some awesome baking recipes. I think that’s why I favor this blog so much…you do an incredible job of making it personal and sometimes I get so caught up in reading the little story before the recipe that I’m almost surprised it gets to the recipe because I almost forgot that was the whole purpose lol. Definitely look forward to future updates after your little guy gets here and once again congratulations and best wishes!!
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you much, Megan! I am so happy that you enjoy my blog and my recipes. I am so thankful to have such wonderful supporters like you. Thank you for your kind words and best wishes. I am excited to introduce our little man to the world soon. Stay tuned… 🙂
Michelle
Thank for sharing a tid bit of your personal life, the room is adorable! Best wishes!
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much, Michelle! 🙂
Deborah T Norling
I was so very happy to see your “report on conditions” re : your third trimester.
You and Zach are so adorable!
I simply cannot believe how organized you are with all your planning and prepping ahead.
Love the theme and the gorgeous blue in Baby’s room!
This little guy is very lucky to be coming home to a Mommy and Daddy with so much love to give him.
Please don’t hesitate to keep us posted during this exciting new chapter in your life, although, we absolutely understand if you choose to use your precious spare moments to take a cat nap or two !
Keeping all of you in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Deborah Norling
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much, Deborah! I really appreciate it. 🙂
Barbara
Blessings to you and your family during this special time. Kudos to you for being so organized. Nursery is adorable! If you get a minute, would you link to the yoga pants from Target? I hate to shop, but if I know exactly what I am looking for I can dash in and out quickly (well except for the dressing room bit).
Sam
Thank you so much, Barbara! I appreciate the kind words <3 These are the Yoga pants I’ve been living in and LOVE. They also have a non-“curvy” version.
Anne Staples
Trust your instincts and you will be fine…oh and just resign yourself to, what feels like, no sleep. It is so worth it to be there for every first!
Sugar Spun Run
Thanks so much, Anne! I appreciate it! 🙂
Judith McCartan
Best wishes to you and your family on this exciting adventure. I enjoy your recipes and am impressed that you are so organized. Can’t wait for pictures. Nursery looks wonderful. Enjoy the ride and get as much sleep as you can now.
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much, Judith! I have been doing my best to catch up on sleep now, I hear that the first few months are hard. Thanks for your comment, I appreciate your kind words. 🙂
RickiHM
If you can, you sleep when the baby sleeps! YOU need the energy to keep up with HIS schedule! Especially if he is going to nurse every 2 hours, you’ll need to nap at least every 4 hours. (your body will let you know so listen!) You seem to be a “doer” , but now you have to learn how to “let it lie”. It WILL get done, you WILL find a “rhythm” that works for you and baby boy, then he WILL change the schedule! The only “counter measures” is to establish a clear, low light, quiet-time, “WE sleep at night” routine. (Mine developed a 3 am “romp” at 7 mos.)I cried every day until we fixed it. (2 mos) We are all here for you and him and him. Thank you for sharing and for the great recipes and techniques! Do what you can when you can AND Enjoy the Journey!
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much for your advice and I appreciate your kind words. 🙂
patty watson
Congrats…… by far this will be the Best time of your like. How God gives us this little bundle of joy is so amazing. Just hold him tight but soft and look into his face to see a lifetime of love.
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much, Patty! I appreciate it! 🙂
Michelle
I’m excited for you! Since I found your blog I have been your follower👍 Take good care Samantha😊
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you for your kind words, Michelle! I appreciate your support. 🙂
Joanne
Very happy for you and your family! I look forward to seeing photo’s of your baby boy.
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much, Joanne! Yes, there will be many pictures to come! 🙂
Amy F Souza
I am so excited for you. This journey is not easy but is worth it. Get a rocking chair in his room and read and read read and cuddle with your son. Your posts are wonderful but also give your time to your son. These days are precious and you don’t want to waste them.
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you, Amy! Yes, I hear that the time goes quickly, I will be sure to enjoy it. 🙂
Ammar.747
Nursery looks awesome! You make it easy to forget that you’re nearly due with your updated posts and quick IG replies so big thanks for that! Really happy for you and your husband 🙂We’ll continue cooking your awesome recipes and best wishes 😊
Sugar Spun Run
You are too kind. Thank you for your kind words, Ammar! I look forward to seeing what you make next. 🙂
Maxine
Soooooo excited for you, you look fabulous ! I love the room, looks like a picture from a book. Enjoy every minute. As they say, the days are long, but the years are short. Time goes by so quickly. Wishing you all the best and will look forward to the posts you have prepped.
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much, Maxine! People have been telling me that it goes by quickly and to enjoy it. Thanks again, I really appreciate it. 🙂