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:
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.
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).
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.
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. 💕
Sandy
Girl , I just made Yur funnel cake , it’s the best . !!!! I make a lot of Yur recipes. GOD BLESS YOU and YUR FAMILY. Keep Up The Good Cooking and Baking.
Mary Gardiner
Congratulations to you and Zach on Ella Grace. She is beautiful and so is her name. Best of luck!
Sam
Thank you so much! 🙂
Carol Tedesco
Congratulations on your new addition to the family, you all must be tickled pink! She is so beautiful as are your 2 little handsome men! May God continue to bless your family🙏🏼
Janet Shibly
Another sweet addition to the family! How wonderful! Congratulations!
Sandy Matza
GOD BLESS HER SAM. A SWEET ADDITION ♥️🫶🙋♀️👼.
Irine Martin
name her heart because i love her- made me cry instantly
congratulations sam
Bruce
NOT ENOUGH PICTURES OF ELLA!
Sam
🤣🤣🤣
Angela Guynn
Sam congrats! she is beautiful. My daughter’s name is Anabella Rose. we call her bella. I love all your recipes. I use them daily. I really appreciate that u put all the notes and measurements in the recipe so I don’t have to keep scrolling back! I would love if u could create more healthier recipes like muffins. I’m obsessed w banana peanut butter blueberries and apples. I love to use honey and Greek yogurt. I would love more recipes w limited sugar and more honey and whole wheat w no butter. I love to bake fresh but healthy. Thank u and God Bless!
Michelle
Oh my goodness!!!!! Yay ❤️congratulations!!! So sweet!!
Elizabeth Blake
Congratulations for your beautiful baby girl!
JoAnn
oh my goodness, Congratulations to you all. How sweet she is, may God bless her today and always ❤️ all my best wishes love ya Jo.
Sam H
Congratulations! I’d be super curious to know what some of your favourite recipes for baby/toddler treats are, if you feel like sharing them
Sam
Thank you, Sam! Check out my friend Amy’s website, she shares tons of toddler recipes that are fun and easy!
Sam H
Great recommendation so far. Thanks!
Zulay
Hi Sam I just want to congratulate you and your family on your new bundle of joy!👶🏻
Sabrina
What a total sweetie! So happy for your family.
renee
Beautiful baby.
Children are the best treasures.
Betty Isbell
Congratulation, she is a beautiful little girl. How lucky your are!
Connie
Such a beautiful little girl!
Congratulations!
Linda Green
I loved seeing your sweet little angels. God bless your family! By the way, thank you for all the wonderful recipes with your helpful hints.
SHERRY
CONGRATS, BEAUTIFUL FAMILY.
Maria Ferrer
OMG she’s so sweet and adorable God bless her your boys to, they look so cute together.
Jennifer
Beautiful baby girl!! Would you share where you got the blanket in the first picture?
Sam
Thank you so much, Jennifer! I found this particular blanket at “Bums & Roses” 🙂
Jennifet
Thank you so much!