Something Sweet (Third Edition)

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If you follow along on YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook, you likely already knew this news was coming. If you don’t, I’d like to apologize that, somehow, the past 9 months just got away from me.

Somehow I never quite found the time to mention on the blog that we had a very important new addition arriving. Sorry about that! Today I’d I’d like you to meet someone very special:

Sleeping baby with pink floral blanket

I’d like to introduce Ella Grace Merritt 💕

My third child (and first girl!), arrived on June 13th. She’s the perfect, sweetest new addition to our family and we truly couldn’t be happier.

While we’re not even a full month in yet, so far it’s proven true what everyone’s told me and baby #3 has been the easiest. We’re all sleeping better than I could’ve hoped, she’s fit perfectly into the family, and I’m feeling great.

Her brothers are obsessed; Luke wants to hold her all the time and Rhett is always saying “I love the baby sister!!”. Luke is disappointed that we didn’t name her his suggested name (“Name her ‘Heart’, because I love her”) but he is dealing with it well 🥹.

My heart is just so full.

Ella being held/watched by her two brothers

Recipes and videos will continue pretty much as normal as I did what I could to plan ahead for a mini maternity leave. I have already found my way back into the kitchen (with the help of my sister) and have been dabbling with some new recipes, but quite casually.

The boys and I have also been enjoying this time “off” baking together just for fun, making lots of baked goods like sourdough brownies and chocolate granola (in which they mostly just eat the raw ingredients).

Luke and Rhett making granola in the kitchen

A Few of my Favorite Baby Things

This time around I had a better idea of things that I do and don’t need for a newborn. I wanted to share a few of my favorites for anyone who might also be due sometime soon.

  • This baby carrier. I’ve tried a lot of carriers, including wraps in the past. I discovered this one after I had Rhett and fell in love. It’s so much easier than a classic wrap and he basically lived in this thing for his first year. I had a heavier cotton one for Rhett, but since Ella is a summer baby and I like walking outside with her, I went with this lighter version. This is my favorite baby item, it’s so nice to tuck her into it and carry her with me but still have my hands free!
  • Burp cloths. I like these muslin ones and these Burt’s Bees ones. I keep a lot on hand because we go through so many every day. So. Many.
  • Stanley tumbler. OK, I never understood the hype with these but Zach packed one in my hospital bag and I get it now. Holds so much icy cold water (which I needed during delivery and the hospital stay and now with nursing) and keeps it cold. It’s been my constant companion.
  • Baby seat. I have a few of these strategically placed around the house (like in the bathroom!). Sometimes you just need to be able to set baby down, so having a few places where I can easily, safely set her down to have my hands free for a second has been great. Worth noting, these aren’t for sleep.
  • Knotted gowns. So easy for nighttime diaper changes. Ella sleeps in a onesie (I love the Honest brand onesies) and knotted gown every night.
  • This little light. Perfect for nighttime feedings. There’s no fumbling for switches, just flip it over and it turns on, flip it again and it turns off.
Baby girl sleeping in moses basket

This time around has so far been the smoothest adjustment and I’m hoping it stays that way. I’ll be fully back into the swing of things soon, but right now I’m just soaking up all the newborn snuggles that I can.

Thanks for letting me share our sweet new addition with you, and stay tuned for more new recipes coming soon. 💕

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294 Comments

  1. Nicole Curnow says:

    She’s absolutely precious! Enjoy every moment x

  2. Yoselin says:

    eeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! SO CUTE!!!!! Congratulations!!! 3rd time’s the charm 😂 love baby Ella’s pics.💕

  3. Martha says:

    Many blessings for you and your sweet family ♥️Enjoy it to the max.

  4. Valerie says:

    Congratulations!!! She is so precious!!! My eldest child and only sweet girl sends her congratulations, too!

  5. Cynthia says:

    she’s absolutely adorable 🤩

  6. Kimberly Brumfield says:

    Absolutely precious! all 3 of them so happy for the family on this new addition! Lord bless you💝

  7. Linda Chaplain says:

    Wow!She is absolutely beautiful. I have followed you for a long time now and I’m so happy for you.They grow up so fast.My eldest got married recently and I made a three tier wedding cake from all of your cakes including all the fillings.The cake went down a treat but going back to children they grow up so fast so cakes can wait and enjoy the time with your lovely family.Congratulations xx

  8. Nicole Steffler says:

    congratulations 🎉 so happy for you and your family!

  9. Heather Lewis says:

    Absolutely gorgeous. Thank you so much for sharing your precious little one! May the Lord keep you in his grace, mercies, and protection. ❤️

    1. Passion Clemons says:

      AWW She is so cute You never told me you were pregnant could’ve made a post But that’s okay at least we know now. No wonder why you haven’t been posting videos I understand completely You were going on your Maternity leave and that was the reason. Love the blanket I bet your husband is really happy about the baby So am I. I’m glad that the kids are enjoying their new baby sister, Ella Grace is a 100% a great name for her I’m so proud of you.

    2. Chris says:

      Congratulations!! I had 2 boys, then a girl, then another boy. I was glad I had that 1 girl but I’ve got to say boys are a lot of fun!!

    3. Luanda T Reiffer says:

      OMG, Sam, she’s beautiful you finally got your little girl you are complete now I wish you all the best. A little girl love hit a little differently congratulations Sam and I’m happy that you and your baby made it through safely

    4. Denise says:

      Congratulations! Ella is beautiful. I love the photo of Ella and her brothers. It is priceless.

    5. Tracey Stewart says:

      I wholeheartedly agree with Heather Lewis’ prayer and good will wishes for you and your precious family. Kids grow up so fast. Enjoy every single moment while you can. Thank you for sharing photos of your beautiful family!

  10. Denise says:

    Congratulations! Ella Grace is a beautiful little gift. Keep cherishing every moment.

    Thanks for sharing your favorite baby items. With a baby shower coming up soon that I need to purchase a gift for, this is very helpful!

  11. Betty G says:

    Sam, Ella is a beautiful baby girl. Also, we share the same birthday.

    1. Cheng says:

      Congratulations. What a beautiful bundle of joy. ❤️

  12. Cindy Helmer says:

    She’s absolutely beautiful. Congratulations to you and your family. ❤️

    1. Kandi says:

      Ok, I have to say it. Many children have 2 middle names. I would NOT have been able to deny that sweet child the “Heart” thing. I can promise you her name would have been Ella Grace Heart Merritt and wouldn’t care who didn’t like or understand it! lol I’d have given that sweet child his way just for saying that! And what a story she’d have when asked! She’s beautiful! 😍 Congrats!

    2. Leslie says:

      Congratulations! What sweet little thing. Be sure to take your time and just enjoy being a Mama.
      God bless you and your family.🙏

    3. Sandy Matza says:

      GOD Bless Her She’s Beautiful. Congratulations. She’s Precious , So We Have A New Little Baker In The Family. Her Brothers Will Make Sure Dhes Very Well Protected With 2 Big Brothers. 🙏🙋‍♀️👼🫶🙌.

  13. Carol says:

    Thank you for sharing. what a beautiful baby girl. You have the cutest children.

    1. Susan Polchinski says:

      May God continue to bless you all ! Welcome Ella!
      💜😘

    2. Dallas says:

      Congratulations! Welcome to baby Ella:D I hope you and your family are doing well and I’m wishing you all the best!

    3. Judy Corbutt says:

      omg she’s precious and i love her name. Your 2 boys are so sweet. Many blessings to you and your family and thank you for sharing this wonderful part of your life

      1. Luz says:

        Congratulations to all of you at home for a beautiful and blessed new member ❤️ love your recipes!!

  14. Beth L Van Prooyen says:

    She is beautiful! God is so good and it is so nice seeing how much your boys love her! the boys in school won’t have a chance getting close to her without her brothers stepping in!
    Enjoy your precious little gift!

    1. Sam says:

      Thank you, Beth! God is so good and we are so grateful <3

      1. R says:

        She’s so beautiful! Thanks for sharing with us ❤️❤️❤️

      2. Brigitte Couture says:

        OMG you’re Superwoman personified!!! Congratulations!!!

  15. Gladys says:

    So happy for you!!!
    I wanted to thank you so much for all your delicious recipes! I’m a huge fan.
    Thx
    Gladys

    1. Sam says:

      Thank you so much for the kind words, Gladys!! 🥰

      1. Dixie says:

        Congratulations on your sweet baby girl. Beautiful pics! I am a fairly new subscriber but I have made several of your recipes and I am a bit obsessed:) Enjoy your time with your family.
        God bless,
        Dixie

      2. Pat says:

        Congratulations! Your daughter is beautiful 🥰. Isn’t she lucky to have two older brothers to love and protect her🥰

    2. Amanda K Menard says:

      How precious and perfect!!! Congratulations and thank you for all the wonderful recipes and sharing your beautiful blessings!!!!