Breastfeeding Essentials

Since giving birth my life has been an endless loop of feeding, cleaning, soothing, and cuddling my baby. And surprisingly, I have really loved it. Yes, it has been challenging and the learning curve steep, but the payoff has been greater than I ever imagined.

One reason why I think this phase has been kinder to me (so far) than I expected is that I researched and prepared as much as possible for a first time mom. And there are a few key things that have made this transition to caregiver a bit easier. Here are a few things that I highly recommend for breastfeeding parents to try.

Silverettes - I picked these up during Black Friday after hearing far too many horror stories about chapped nips and painful feeding. The silver has natural healing properties which I am assuming work because I haven’t had any serious issues so far. I took these in my hospital bag and have used them from the beginning, but not I only pop them on if I am feeling a little sore and usually that resolves in a few hours.

Reusable Wool Nursing Pads - and lanolin soap to clean them. These pads are amazing. Not only are the sustainable, but you can use them for up to a week or so and you won’t have any cleanliness issues! The wool also has lanolin which has natural healing properties. I started with one pair and love them so much that I got another to use when the other is drying after a wash. PS- I have found the Medium Softlines are perfect for me.

Nursing Sleep Bras - a comfortable bra (or 10) is essential. I have always been a minimalist with bras, but nursing is messy and I have found I need a stockpile despite doing laundry multiple times a week. The simple sleep nursing bras are all I have needed day to day thus far and they are definitely the most comfortable. I have also tried the Medela brand version but they pilled terribly in the first wash, and a target brand version that just isn’t quite as comfortable or supportive as these.

Haakaa with lid - I under estimated just how much letdown milk I could collect while feeding Sami on the other side. This little suction pump has grabbed up to 4 ounces in a session for me! It particularly useful at night when I might be a bit engorged not willing to do a full electric pump session. You can also get one without the lid, but I don’t trust myself not to knock it over before making it to the fridge!

Nursing Pillow - I love my Snuggle Me organic nursing pillow because it’s super soft, cute, and can be easily used as a tummy time pillow for baby boy. I have the slate blue color, but there are so many gorgeous ones to choose from.

Nursing Chair - we invested in the Sigi recliner from Babyletto because it ticked all the functional boxes (high back, charging outlets, rock & recline), while also looking beautiful. I love having a dedicated spot to feed, soothe, and relax with my baby. And I even thoroughly enjoyed it in my last months of pregnancy when every other chair in our house suddenly became unbearable! And for an extra savings we added it to our baby registry and used our completion discount.

Bed Pillow - by my second week of breastfeeding I realized I also needed better support when feeding in bed. I really didn’t want to buy yet another pillow but this one was absolutely worth getting. It is filled with memory foam and is heavier than it looks so it offers excellent back support for the middle of the night and early morning feeds. I also use it when contact napping in bed sitting up with baby Sami on my chest.

Our Birth Story

I don’t know exactly how to go about writing baby Sami’s birth story, there is a lot I am still processing. But I know I want to record it for my future self before more time slips by and I forget the details. So here goes.

For some context, this pregnancy was hard on me physically and I was so ready to pop Sami out by week 38. I began doing every trick you’ll find on the internet to induce labor from walking in the rain to getting chemical burns on my tongue from too spicy Thai food! Despite my relentless efforts my due date, January 5th, came an went. At my last doctors appointment I wasn’t dilated and my OBGYN was unable to give me a membrane sweep (which I was desperately looking forward to).

I had an induction on the books for 41 weeks (Thursday, January 12) if baby didn’t come sooner so at least I knew the end was near. On the afternoon of Tuesday the 10th I noticed baby boy had been particularly sluggish and the prior night he didn’t have his usual kick fest so my gut told me to call labor and delivery (L&D) about decreased fetal movement. He would wiggle here and there but he just didn’t seem like his usual self. The nurses told me it doesn’t hurt to go in and get monitored. After a little hemming and hawing and with the encouragement of my husband we went in to be safe around 3pm.

The nurses set me up in triage and after about 20 minutes of heartbeat perfection from baby boy they were preparing to send me home. Just before the doctor was to come in I had a contraction. I had been having contractions for weeks and they were very long, 5-10 minutes, and infrequent. Previously I had called L&D about these prolonged contractions and the nurse I spoke with was skeptical they were that long assuming I was timing them incorrectly. We’ll there it was in the monitor, a 8 minute contraction and something else I didn’t expect.

During this contraction a nurse came in asking if I have moved the monitors. I told her no, not knowing why she had asked, but I quickly told her I was experiencing a contraction in case that could be affecting her readings. Without explanation she immediately started trying to reposition me, baby boy’s heart rate had decelerated and wasn’t coming back up in its own as the contraction persisted. Before I knew it she called a code because his heart rate wasn’t coming back up with the repositioning.

As she continued to flip me and turn me I began to quietly sob, I think because I had no idea what was going on and suddenly the room was filled with people in scrubs trying to get baby’s heart rate up. They mentioned a drug to stop my contractions, they tried trendelenburg, and everyone seemed to be taking across me hectically. Finally my contraction subsides, it was at least 7 minutes, and baby’s heart rate went back to normal.

Shortly after the crisis was averted, another nurse came in and informed me we were getting admitted. I was in shock from everything and couldn’t quite process how quickly things escalated. Fast forward I was out of triage and in the room where they would induce me, we went over our birth plan and they put me on a clear fluids diet. By the time I ordered some broth and jello I had another prolonged contraction and again a code was called for baby boy. This time it was longer and harder to get him back but they did with a shot to stop my contractions plus a cervical exam and massage of his head. I was only 1.5-2cm dialated at this point. That’s when they started talking about “fetal intolerance to labor” and the possibility of a C-section. Within the hour my husband and I weighed the options and risks of moving forward with the induction given how baby was reacting to contractions. We opted for the cesarean to hopefully prevent any potential harm, or prolonged stress to baby. It was such a hard decision because I never imagined his birth to go this way and to be very honest I have a fear of surgery, anesthesia, and needles. I felt we were entering my worse case scenario but I also felt a wave of courage to just get through it for Sami.

Pretty quickly after we decided the ball was moving. We opted for a spinal over general anesthesia despite me having eaten recently so that my husband could be in the room with me during surgery. I was in the operating room maybe 3 hours after showing up to triage that afternoon. Everything just happened so fast and I’m still processing it. Overall the C-section went well despite my fears. The only minor complication was that the first spinal anesthesia didn’t work properly and the CNRA spent a lot of time poking me with a needle to confirm until the anesthesiologist finally administered another while I was laying on my side shivering from the IVs. Once my husband was allowed in the room everything was much better. The operation felt fast, it’s a surreal experience feeling the pushing and tugging, hearing them operate but not feeling any pain. 

As for his birth, I was told to expect a pressure on my chest and shortly after our baby was out at 8:43pm. After a what felt like a long pause I finally heard him cry. I cry just remembering this. The NICU team took him first and then let my husband see him and cut his cord. He was wailing and I was waiting for updates. Eventually they brought him to me as I was getting sewn up and put his head beside mine. As soon as I spoke to him he stopped crying, my baby recognized my voice.

Fast forward we spent 2 days in the hospital both baby and I are healthy, and I am recovering slowly. The whole experience still feels surreal and if it wasn’t for this beautiful baby boy lying here in my lap I wouldn’t believe it actually happened. Overall I am just grateful for that I trusted my gut, grateful for the amazing medical professionals who took such good care of us, and grateful for my incredible husband who has been an endless source of strength and courage.

PS- Sami was born a healthy 8lbs 9oz and 21” long.

Third Trimester Must Haves

As I began preparing this third trimester favorites post I realized I enjoyed a few specific categories of things, versus just items themselves. The third trimester Was uncomfortable for me, so anything that could add some physical comfort I was all about. Then the looming arrival of baby created an urge to consume as much information I could to prepare for his first days at home, cue the books and blogs! Lastly, I wanted to savor the last weeks of just being a twosome with my husband. I got into film photography and tried to journal (or blog) as much as possible.

Here are some things that I particularly loved:

Water tumbler with a straw - really you should just get one of these as soon as you find out your pregnant. I thought my old canteens would do, but having a straw and well insulated water adds just a little extra ease that you need when everything feels hard. Spoiler, this will also come in super handy when you’re trapped under your newborn in the first few months!

Birkenstocks - whether your feet have grown out of your shoes or everything is simply uncomfortable, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Birks.

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask - this is my all time favorite skincare product and fortunately one of the few pregnancy friendly, mildly scented products I could tolerate. It adds lots of hydration and served as an end of day reminder that I was one day closer to meeting little one.

Essential Oil Diffuser - any small diffuser is such a game changer for when anxiety strikes. My preference was to add a tiny bit of eucalyptus oil and just before bed. This will also come in handy if you plan to try hypnobirthing.

A journal - or anywhere to write down and process your thoughts. My favorite notebooks are the Midori dotted, or lined ones. They are beautiful, high quality and lie flat.

Sézane New Additions

Sézane continues to have a special place in my heart and wardrobe. These are the new pieces I’ve added to my collection over the past few months!

From left to right:

• Clément Sweater - I have long had a thing for stripes, and a classic navy and white Breton stripe is my favorite. This sweater caught my eye because of it’s versatility pre- and post- pregnancy. Plus the beautiful buttons up the side seams are both a unique and functional design feature.

• Large Alfred Card Holder - I’ve been gravitating to carrying more kid-sized bags and with that I felt I needed to add a card holder to my collection to save on space. The Alfred car holder is small but highly functional with 3 card slots, a zipper pocket, and slit pocket. The leather is stunning and will patina beautifully over time and I was thrilled to get my name embossed on it!

• Mederick Coat - I have wanted to add a stunning double face wool coat like this one to my wardrobe for years. I always thought I’d add a camel color, and Sezane carries one, but then I fell in love with this olive color. I wear a lot of neutrals but always love a pop of green where I can add it.

• Cleopatra Scarf - I have a small collection of silk scarves that I love, but have never found a floral that I truly love, until now. The colors and print of this scarf feels classic while still interesting and not too basic. I can’t wait to style it throughout the spring months too!

• Seraphine Scarf - This classic houndstooth is softened in this camel and white colorway. I think this classic pattern in a high quality wool will serve me well for many many years to come.

• Canvas Tote Bag - I saw this tote bag and just loved the materials and proportions. I immediately thought it would make a great and inconspicuous diaper bag with its generous size and tactical pockets.

Month 9 Diary

We are so ready for you little boy. We still haven’t settled on your name, I think we need to meet you first before making that decision.

After all these months of tracking your development, I can’t believe there is a fully grown baby inside of me. I can’t believe it on one hand, but on the other my physical discomfort tells another story. Fortunately, I have started my maternity leave and truly it is needed. The exhaustion and pain are depleting my mental faculties. Most of my thoughts a consumed with the little tasks I want to accomplish before you arrive like organizing closets and hemming curtains I should have hemmed months ago.

It helps that we are playing the waiting game during the holidays, but it would be nicer if you were here with us… next year will be so much fun doing all the holiday activities with you. I hope you love baking with me. And crafts too.

Polène Paris Umi Bag

I recently shared in my Mansur Gavriel bucket bag review that I have been refining my bag collection (especially since my wardrobe has been pretty drab all year throughout my pregnancy). One brand I recently discovered is Polène Paris and after falling down a YouTube rabbit hole I really wanted to own one of their bags.

I ended up falling for the Umi Bag, mostly because I wanted a medium sized shoulder bag and the clever strap design won me over. I love the rich camel color (although the clay was hard to pass up), and opted to pre-order it since it was not available in October/November when I went to purchase.

Unfortunately for several reasons that I share below and in my unboxing video I ended up returning this bag (and replacing it with something I absolutely LOVE and have been getting ample wear out of!).

Pros

• Versatile with the two srap options and very clever strap design

• Lovely hardware that isn’t a typical buckle

• Minimal branding and an elegant logo

• Beautiful pebbled leather that will likely wear well

Cons

• The interior feels unfinished with the construction of the bag being so clearly visible

• The zipper is stiff and not effortless to open

• The bag opening is a bit tight to get things in and out

• Adjusting the strap was difficult and the leather loop meant to hold the excess strap was a bit too small and rubbed harshly on the glazing. Overall it felt like an afterthought and not the best design

• The customer service is pretty abysmal. I didn’t receive a shipment notification for my pre-order and after inquiring it took nearly a week to hear back from Polène who blamed it on DHL for not sending. Returns are also not free which sucks for a brand you can’t see in person, but that is stated on the website and understandable.

Month 8 Diary

Oh boy, we are getting to the final stretch. Belly is bigger than ever and the house has been coming together in preparation for you, our new roomie. We had our baby shower a couple of weeks ago and it was small, lovely, and just the way I wanted to celebrate you. Unfortunately, promptly after we caught covid (I won’t tell you which of your loving aunts blessed us with that gift!), but fortunately we are much better now and back in preparation mode.

I only have 2 weeks until my maternity leave starts, which has been stressful. It will be a reality check to let go of work and accept a new routine, but I am excited for the challenge and mostly excited to be 100% present with you. It will also be nice for dad and I to celebrate our last holiday season as a duo. And even better for me to be able to lounge around the house, as I am experience more and more discomfort and pain by the day. Our 9th anniversary is just days before your due date so who knows what that will look like, regardless we are incredibly eager to meet you and wouldn’t mind in the least if you came early to celebrate with us. Just a month or so to go little one, see you very soon!

2023 Intentions

I’ve been thinking of what I want more of in 2023, and also what I want less of. Here’s whats been on my heart.

More:

Candid photos

Leisurely naps

Asking for help

Reading on the beach

Cooking delicious meals

Searching for the silver lining

Letting go of what’s not serving me

Doing things just for the fun of it

Unplanned, quality time with loved ones

Less:

Self-judgement

Overfilling my plate

Acting out of “obligation”

Feeling guilty about silly things

Trying to control the uncontrollable

2022 Reflections

2021 was a year of deep grief and growth for me. 2022 was my year of budding and patience. 2023 will be a true test of how much of that growth I can apply to my day to day.

This year has had a lot of “down time” while I was sick or just limited by pregnancy. This time allowed me to reflect on what matters most and the limitations showed my what is actually a “requirement” in my life and what is non-essential.

Recently, I happened upon “Kolb Learning Styles” which a theory that there is a 4 stage process to truly learning something: experience, reflection, learning, experimentation (and then back to experience). The experimentation, or as I like to think of it implementation, piece is the part I think I can miss out on at times. But it is the critical part where you take what you learned and apply it to your life. For instance last year I learned that I try to control so much of my life to create stability due to my unstable upbringing. And that often works for me, but at times I try to control what is uncontrollable and that can lead to suffering for me. So in 2022 I have been trying to identify what is worth trying to control and accepting what isn’t.

Along those lines, next year I truly want to implement the practice of putting in effort and then letting go when I have done all I can and trusting that my effort was enough. My 2023 word of the year is Release. I know that parenthood is going to come with some many things outside of my control. I am going to be working with a little human and partner with their own ways of doing things and I anticipate acceptance of that might be tough for me initially. But I am making it my goal to release the stranglehold I try to have on life and take things as they come. I want to summon the wisdom to know when I need to step in and when I can let others step in (or maybe even not). There might be a lot of “letting go” in 2023 and I am excited to see how that changes me.

My hope is that this year I will release the tension in my jaw, my expectations, the tight hold grip I have on my life and embrace all the unknown that is to come. I’m want this next chapter to feel like an exciting adventure. Much like when I started my business, I think becoming a parent will be this new exciting challenge I am totally unprepared for but eager to figure out. Only unlike with my business the goal will be to enjoy each day and try not to look to far down the line at specific end goals.

Month 7 Diary

We’re seven months in and you’ve become the cutest little wiggle worm ever. At 29 weeks we did a 3D ultrasound to see a sneak peek of you and you somehow were on your very best behavior! You slept through the entire scan, only slightly waking here and there when the techs probe disturbed you. We watched you yawn, and snooze on your right arm, bent back just the way I sleep. We were all charmed by you and are even more eager to meet you in person.

I can tell you are growing faster than ever because I am constantly hungry and I can feel you stretch in attempt to make more room for yourself. I feel bad that you are only going to get more cramped from here on, but I promise we’ll make up to you with all the little luxuries we’ve been preparing.

Second Trimester Must Haves

Woo! The first trimester is over (thank goodness) but now there is a whole new phase of pregnancy to face. Here are a few items that made my 2nd trimester a lot more tolerable.

Balance Ball - Buy one early, I’ll say the same for the belly band in a moment. While early on you may not see a big change to your body and belly, rest assured changes are taking place and a balance/yoga ball will be one of the most comfortable places to sit. It will also come in handy as the baby grows and you prepare for labor. I even would sit on the ball when the baby would get into awkward positions and somehow it helped to reposition him.

Belly Band - I experienced a lot of round ligament pain and the only thing that kept me mobile from early on was my belly band. Even bore I was showing much it significantly helped, get one sooner than later, I promise it will help with the random aches and pains.

Babyletto Sigi glider - If you’re planning to get a comfy nursing chair you may as well get it now. I love mine and am so happy we splurged on something comfy and high quality because I’ve been using it for months now and sometimes it’s the only chair that eases my back aches and pains.

Cushionaire Slippers - I experienced a lot of foot pain as my body changed and these slippers came in to save the day. They are cute and I’d only wear them around the house, but it was exactly what I needed to relieve the pain. I think they may also be good if you experience foot swelling as well.

Handheld fan - I also experienced a lot of hot flashes (it didn’t help that I went through my second trimester in the summer), and just ran very hot throughout this pregnancy. Instead of freezing out my husband and blasting the AC I just kept a cute rechargeable electric fan by my side and it did the trick. Mine even has a mister but I never needed to use it.

What's In My Bag | Mansur Gavriel Mini Mini Bucket Bag

This year I haven’t added much to my wardrobe. Given the current flux my body is experiencing with pregnancy, clothing hasn’t been something on my mind. I like to add pieces I know I will love for years to come, and since I have no idea what my body will look like week to week, much less postpartum, I have skipped garments and instead thought more about the accessories that jazz up my pretty basic outfits.

A new addition to my slowly developing bag collection is a beautiful smooth leather bucket bag in a neutral taupe-tan color. The Mansur Gavriel bucket bags have been on my wishlist for many years, initially I envisioned adding a black one to my collection but instead I added the Jenni Kayne bucket bag in black a few years ago. I absolutely love my JK bucket bag but one thing I have realized is that a large sized bucket bag is not my favorite. I love the look but I am not disciplined enough to not overstuff it and weigh down my shoulder. I also find manuevering a large, structured bucket tote a little cumbersome throughout the day.

All that said, this is why I started looking at the smaller Mansur Gavriel bucket bags. I had been eyeing one for summer but when this one popped up on sale for Black Friday in my preferred color, I had to pull the trigger.

Mansur Gavriel Mini Mini Bucket Bag on sale at ShopBop. Shop all the colors here.

Month 6 Diary

I cannot believe we are here. We are just about to leave the 2nd trimester and enter the last stretch of sharing this body of mine. You are growing so quickly, I am hungrier everyday (hungry as I type!) and the bump you call home is getting harder to hide. I love my little bump and all the activity you produce inside. Your kicks, wiggles, and punches are getting stronger by the day. We play a game now where I put my hand on my stomach and you seem to find it giving me a little thump to each place I move it. You’ve also stopped being so bashful when your dad touches the belly and you kick him just as hard as me. You used to go still at his touch every time and I wondered if you were trolling him or just hesitant to kick and unfamiliar person (how polite indeed).

The crib went up this week, your dad put it together eagerly as soon as it arrived. It brings us so much joy seeing it in our room, imagining you sleeping sweetly in it so soon.

I’ve also told folks at my job now and you have been getting so many well wishes already. The world is waiting for you, no one more eagerly than dad and I though.

Holiday Gift Ideas for the Ladies

Back with another holiday gift guide and essentially it is all things I have been coveting or have recently purchased for myself 😅. In case you are still searching for the perfect gift for your sister, mother, bff, or partner here is what I recommend!

Linen Pajama Set - I recently got myself two sets of these for postpartum and I can’t recommend them enough. After washing the linen was just the perfect amount of rumpled and the set is put together enough to make you feel cute while lounging around at home.

One line a day journal - this is the perfect gift for the sentimental friend who wants to start journaling without it needing to be too much of a burden to maintain.

Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan - if you follow me on Instagram you already know that I am obsessed with this cardigan and own it in several colors. I highly recommended this if you’re looking for a luxe yet thoughtful gift and am personally planning on giving it a couple special women this year.

Sézane’s Signature Scent - this perfume is so widely lived I think you could gift it to anyone and they would be ecstatic. And if they already have this beautiful perfume, they may also love Chanel’s Gabrielle.

Candles - my all time favorite candles are those of LAIT which are hand poured here in Los Angeles, but if your looking for more of a stocking stuffer these cuties from H&M would also do the trick. I also love their reusable votives.

Bucket Bag - I love a beautiful bag and I find this Mansur Gavriel one to be simpler timeless. In black or a tan you cannot go wrong and they have 3 sizes to choose from. Personally I love the mini mini, but the mini is another option for ladies who like a little more room in their bags!

Classic Jewels - you can never go wrong with a piece of jewelry. I personally love AUrate’s classic hoops and have had my eye on this necklace for a while now (hint hint to my hubby if he’s reading this!).

Noise Canceling Headphones - in such a busy and often loud world I find headphones to be a thoughtful gift of a little silence. These Sony over the ear ones are beautiful and super effective.

Oak Essentials Skincare - if you’ve seen my past reviews you know I love this minimal skincare line. The routine kit is the perfect way to gift someone you love a little self are in a beautiful package.

Month 5 Diary

My energy is significantly better and yours is off the charts. You love to wiggle and thump, and your kicks have gotten strong enough that we can see the skin of my belly protrude out as you explore your boundaries. I had a scare a this month when you were stiller than usual for two consecutive days. I missed your early morning dance wake up call and your evening dance session. Fortunately you were back to normal and feeling heavier than ever after those days passed. Maybe you were tired from a little growth spurt?

You seem to like when I sing along to songs in the car, or maybe you’re trying to tell me to knock it off. Either way it’s funny to feel you activate as I am driving to work or serenading your dad. Some days I look down at my belly and can’t believe you are in there. It is still surreal to me that you are having your own independent experience of life, right there tied to mine yet completely different. I asked your dad recently what could you be thinking. My theory is that you’re in the womb, present in a way that will be lost after some time earthside. Just experiencing each moment, not lost in the past or pondering the future. It’s comforting for me to believe.

This month you also went on your first road trip! Your auntie and uncle, Alissa and Saleh, came to visit and we have a fantastic time. They love you so much already. Although it seemed that anytime anyone other than me touches my belly you like to stop moving! Trolling us maybe? Eventually Alissa did catch your thumps after about a week of trying. It’s like whale watching, patience patience. All in all it was a wonderful vacation. We can’t wait for you to meet all of your family and to take you on road-trips when you’re here.

Glimpses of Our Baby Shower

In early November we had our hybrid (virtual/in person) baby shower to celebrate baby and it was better than I could have expected. I was initially on the fence about celebrating given the holidays and covid, but in the end my sister and cousin convinced me and I am so glad they did! Here are a few shots from the set-up and you can find a some more on my Instagram.

Month 4 Diary

What a big month for us all. We made it through the first trimester together, a feat I truly wasn’t sure of at times. This month I started gaining my weight back, all in the belly. I finally began to look pregnant although my little bump has been easy to hide. I take each day as it comes, many are good but some are tough, and this new found pregnancy insomnia has appeared out of nowhere. Regardless, I feel more like my self and incredibly grateful to have most of my first trimester symptoms lessening.

Around 17 weeks I was pretty sure I felt you moving around down there. You felt like little bubbles popping and eventually tiny little thumps. Our doctor confirmed that I have a posterior placenta so I was indeed feeling you moving around (and not just hallucinating your quickening!).

This month (well really week 19) we had our second trimester genetic screening and anatomy scan. And you are doing amazing, we are so relieved and even more proud. I never thought the parental pride could kick in so soon, but I am swelling with it. During the 7am scan you were so active, my fault for scheduling it during one of your most active periods. And I am sure the orange juice I drank that morning didn’t help. But the tech was still able to get pictures of every part of you. We did realize that the placenta is a little too low, so we are watching that, but I am optimistic it will resolve itself.

Holiday Gift Ideas For the Fellas

I don’t know about you, but shopping for the men in my life is always the hardest. I don’t know if it’s because they all tend to buy what they want and need when they want, or if the men I love just have very niche interests! Regardless, here are a few super practical gifts I have either recently gifted or plan to give this holiday season.

Hypervolt Pro 2 Massage Gun - This massage gun is at the very top of my list if you a planning to spend a couple hundred on a gift this season. We have had a Hypervolt in our household for about a year and it is used nearly every single day. We opted for this one instead of the Theragun or other brands because the reviews are just excellent and geared toward athletes.

Apple Air Tags - Air tags! I don’t know about you, but my husband is such a gadget guy and has been talking about air tagging luggage and some other random bags we use on the move. I am planning to surprise him with a set this holiday season!

Nike Backpack - A good gym bag or backpack is so key to building healthy habits and looking forward to getting to the gym, at least in our household. I really love the simplicity and functionality of this one and this one from Nike.

Stylish Tumbler - Uber practical, but also chic, this Kinto tumbler is perfect for the colder weather to keep warm bevvies hot longer while looking aesthetically pleasing.

Cashmere Beanie - I think cashmere is the perfect thing to gift as many people tend not to splurge and treat themselves to it regularly. A cashmere beanie is the perfect entryway into luxurious accessory that is bount to get lots of use.

Luxe Bathrobe - Another luxury item I don’t think most men are willing to splurge on is a bathrobe. Ever since I got my husband his first robe, which he insisted he didn’t need, he has worn it daily and loves it.

Cozy Slippers - Slippers are along this same line as a robe, who doesn’t love a cozy pair of slippers?!

Shoe Cleaning Kit - If you’re looking for something a little unique maybe some care items to help you loved one maintain things he already owns. This shoe cleaning kit caught my eye and can help them develop a new ritual for years to come.

Leaf Reusable Razor - Finally, I am looking to get my partner this reusable, plant-friendly razor this year. I am hoping this performs better than the disposable ones and helps our household reduce waste in the long run.

Month 3 Diary

This month has been another tough one. But the biggest highlight has been getting our NIPT test and NT scan results back! You are looking healthy and we found out your gender, you’re a boy! I like to joke that you’ll be just like your daddy, another Capricorn man will be living in our home and I am not mad about it. Hopefully you’ll grow to be an amazing person just like him.

As for me, I am still suffering from nausea, vomiting, aversions, fatigue, and weight loss. It’s tough, but knowing that you are well and thriving keeps me going.

The Perfect Cashmere Turtleneck

Sweater season is upon us and bundling up in one is something I look forward to as soon as temps drop below 70. This year I have found myself reaching for what I am now calling the perfect turtleneck sweater. Just the fact I am writing a review about it speaks volumes as I don’t typically review a single clothing item unless it is truly something to write home about.

Last year I picked up my first in ivory and no fail, everyone I wore it I received an unsolicited compliment. It’s such a luxe and chic sweater that immediately makes me feel like I should be a character on Big Little Lies. This year I grabbed a neutral sandy brown version in a size up (Medium) to accommodate my bump and surprisingly it is the perfect sweater to go a little incognito pregnancy wise. I wear it over dresses and leggings and under my favorite outerwear for extra warmth.

I think the cut combined with the ribbing, generous neck, and perfect length lend to this sweater being a timeless investment piece. I particularly love that The cashmere feels substantial and I have not had to depill or wash either yet! All in all a sweater worth of a little extra praise.